Published: October 28, 2009 08:38 am      

Letters to the Editor: October 28, 2009

Treasurer can help the community

Running for Otsego County Treasurer presents a great opportunity to have a direct, positive impact on our community. We have a budget of more than $110 million and growing, and have had recent issues in financial management. In the face of this, I'm excited at the prospect of bringing my abilities to the service of the community where I grew up, seeing direct improvement in the lives of my family, friends and neighbors.

Some are asking whether, given my background, this is a stepping-stone to "higher" office. Let me put this clearly on record: I am not seeking to rise through the ranks. I want to raise the level of debate in our county. I don't want to go to Washington or Albany. I don't want the contribution I can make to my community diluted by national or state politics. I want to serve in a position driven by ability, not ideology. That's what the office of county treasurer offers.

Others have asked why I'm sacrificing a successful private career for an office with a troubled history. I envision a future for this office that's a significant improvement on its history. I'm proud of my accomplishments as a private citizen, but it's time to carry the lessons I've learned along the way to a new arena. I'm motivated by a desire for job satisfaction and the esteem of my community, not financial reward.

If someone tells you I should be disqualified because I'm overqualified, please tell them you don't subscribe to negative politics and low expectations. We should expect more from our public servants and you have my word _ in writing _ that I'm committed to serving in this office for four years and more to achieve our non-partisan goals for a better future for Otsego County.

Dan Crowell

Roseboom

Rusty Striesse has needed experience

It is with great pleasure that we write a letter of support for Frederick "Rusty" Striesse for the position of highway superintendent for the town of Hartwick.

Four years ago, Dwayne Croft, whose family has been lifelong residents of Hartwick, and I built our home and now reside on Manley Road in Hartwick.

Having recently become a member of the Croft and Hartwick families, I have a fresh perspective on this current campaign. Rusty has been our contractor and excavator not only for Dwayne and me, but for my mother-in-law, for many years. Rusty's positive, honest, work ethic, reflected by his prompt attention to solving problems that arise, and the care with which he deals with his clients, has continually strengthened our respect for his abilities and our support for his candidacy.

Rusty is a lifetime native of our fine community and has demonstrated his commitment and support for our town through his many contributions with his 36 years of experience. Rusty's resume lists extensive experience in construction, excavation, a combination of 10 years as an employee of the highway department of Hartwick, and currently serves as deputy highway superintendent. Not only does his extensive experience parallel what you are seeking in a candidate for this position, but he has also served our country in the United States military, an endeavor that shows a deep commitment to community.

Rusty is a great choice among the candidates for this coming election. He will maintain a fair and balanced approach when working to determine the best direction for our community.

With full respect for the integrity of this search, we invite you to review Rusty's many years of service to Hartwick and we ask you to join us in supporting Rusty in the upcoming election.

Thank you for your consideration.

Loli Croft

Hartwick

Bernier is fair and reasonable as judge

I am writing this letter as an endorsement for City Court Judge Lucy Bernier. My wife and I have been represented by the Pantaleoni law firm for the last 20 years or so. Judge Bernier and her mother have always been fair, reasonable and have acted with the utmost integrity.

While on the bench, time and time again, Judge Bernier has exhibited these qualities. She listens to both sides: the defendant and the city prosecutor. The evidence must indicate beyond a reasonable doubt that a person is guilty.

This "innocent until proven guilty" premise is the backbone of our legal system. Judge Bernier, in her campaign literature, totally endorses this premise. If I were going to city court to face a bogus charge, I would hope the sitting judge would be so oriented.

We are lucky to have a judge of Lucy Bernier's integrity. Her belief in our legal system is beyond reproach!

Paul Robinson

Oneonta

Robinson is Second Ward alderman for the city of Oneonta.

GOP slate will work hard for local area

A recent letter to the editor writer stated that Ed Keator, candidate for county treasurer, will "hit the ground running." This is absolutely true.

Ed is the only candidate who has, in fact, used the financial system installed in Otsego County. While his opponent may claim to be familiar with Microsoft Dynamics, this particular application has been customized to meet Otsego County's specific accounting needs. Ed worked with consultants, the county's IT department and department heads to configure the current system. There is a big difference between selling computer software and actually using the software.

In addition to his hands-on knowledge of Dynamics in the municipal accounting environment, Ed Keator is the only candidate trained as a professional accountant. He has nearly 30 years experience in the field working with businesses, governments and nonprofit organizations.

Equally important, Ed has already formed excellent working relationships with both county department heads and our county representatives. He will work cooperatively with them in the best interest of the taxpayers.

I will be voting for Ed Keator as he has the experience we need for a county treasurer.

I would hope that you will vote for Erik Miller for mayor of the City of Oneonta and Mike Getman for Oneonta city judge.

For county representative, cast your vote for Craig Gelbsman in District 12, Scott Harrington in District 13, Janet Hurley-Quackenbush, District 14, Betty Ann Schwerd, District 10 and Donald Lindberg, District 6. These people will all work hard for the people they will represent.

Also, make sure to vote for all your Republican town candidates.

Sheila M. Ross

Fly Creek

Ross is Otsego County Republican Chairwoman.

Judge Anderson on job performance

This letter to the editor is an endorsement is for highway superintendent in the town of Laurens.

Qualifications for this job should be based on job performance. I invite anyone to go to Field Cross Road in Mount Vision and witness first-hand Mr. Bob Anderson's job performance. That is why I am voting for Mr. James J. Crawford for highway superintendent on Nov. 3. Thank you.

Ronald Bouton

Mount Vision