Schwerd has been budget watchdog
On Election Day, the voters in Otsego County District 10 (Burlington, Edmeston, Exeter and Plainfield townships) have an opportunity to re-elect Betty Anne Schwerd to the board of representatives. I call it an opportunity because for the past four years she has represented the voters in this district as a watchdog on the board.
A true fiscal conservative, she has watched where your tax dollars are being spent and has no reservations when it comes to voicing her objections to the wasting of your tax dollars. With dwindling sales tax revenues and state budget cuts it is now, more than ever, time that our representative on the board has the experience and qualifications to continue the work at hand and take a stance on the issues.
It is not time to learn on the job, it is a time to keep experience on the job. She has served us well and I urge you to cast your vote to return Betty Anne Schwerd, District 10, Representative, to the Otsego County board.
Gordon R. Terry
Edmeston
Young is dedicated public servant
This letter is to encourage all registered voters in the town of Franklin to vote for the incumbent town clerk, Mrs. Connie Young. She has been a faithful and dedicated public servant and deserves everyone's support.
There has recently been mounted a well-financed campaign for a write-in candidate for this local position, which I feel is the direct result of Mrs. Young carrying out her duties according to existing law when she disallowed a poorly and incorrectly written petition pertaining to the sale of alcohol to be placed on the ballot.
At a recent town of Franklin meeting, the people responsible for the disallowed petition resorted to personal attacks on Mrs. Young, who was only carrying out her duties as outlined in existing regulations pertaining to submission of petitions. Now, suddenly, there is a concerted effort backing a write-in candidate for this position. Why am I not surprised?
Therefore, I urge all voters to vote for the one name on the ballot, Mrs. Connie Young, and to ignore what appears to be a personal vendetta regarding the clerkship.
David Bailey
Franklin
Bernier has shown fairness to all
This is the first time I have taken a public political position since I left the Otsego County judgeship in August 2000. I have known Lucy Bernier and Mike Getman for well over 20 years. Both are incredible parents and are dedicated to their families.
However, with respect to the City of Oneonta judgeship, I am compelled to endorse Lucy Bernier because of her experience as judge and her demonstrated sense of fairness to all.
Nettie Jean Scarzafava
Oneonta
Experience is key in mayor's race
I believe that there are few substantive differences among the serious candidates for the position of Oneonta's next mayor.
My independence and my approach to the idea of collaboration is consistent and expresses what I believe: there are no real partisan issues at the local level.
The decision for voters in the mayoral election is not about issues, but experience. With due respect to the other contenders, after working in various capacities in a variety of circumstances, private business, public higher education, private higher education, state government and a myriad of volunteer activities, there is little that I have not encountered.
Whether it is budget balancing, labor negotiations, planning, fundraising, lobbying or standing tall in the face of emergencies, I have been there. My successes outweigh my failures, and I have learned from both.
I also know that a leader or manager is only as good as the people that he can assemble around him or her, motivate, encourage, and enable them to work together for the common good. That style of leadership has served me well for more than 40 years.
I relish the opportunity to put that to work for the benefit of the people of Oneonta. I owe this community, and the people who have made it what it is, a big debt.
The opportunity of serving as mayor would provide me a small form of repayment. I hope that you will vote for me on Nov. 3.
Dick Miller
Oneonta
With Crowell, no manager needed
The long history of problems between the Otsego County Board of Representatives and the office of county treasurer have led to the call for a trained professional to help manage our county budget and the treasurer's office.
I believe that we definitely need help and a return to confidence in our elected county treasurer, and as a longtime supporter of professional management for Otsego County government, I continue to support the position of county manager. However, I am suggesting that it may not be necessary to hire or support the position of budget officer.
I believe that idea of a budget officer may be a specific response to an individual issue that may no longer be a concern after the November election.
This year, Otsego County is fortunate to have Dan Crowell running for the position of county treasurer. Dan is a member of our community and a graduate of Cooperstown Central School. He is a firefighter and local volunteer. Dan Crowell is a published author on community development issues, who has experience working with the same kind of software that Otsego County currently uses.
Dan Crowell, a Fulbright Scholar, has extensive training and practical experience in both public and private financial planning, economic analysis and business development. To learn more about Dan Crowell or to contact him, you can go to his website, www.crowell4treasurer.com.
I believe that the Otsego County board should delay any discussion or decision to hire more help for the county treasurer or budget until after the election. If we are fortunate enough to elect a person with Dan Crowell's impressive credentials, experience and background we may not need that professional position. We will have just voted for it.
Henry J. Nicols
Cooperstown
Candidates are more than signs
The other day I was driving on state Route 28 in Fly Creek and noticed a town of Otsego candidate sign in a yard proclaiming, "Limited government." Also in the same yard was another sign, "Stop abortion." I saw the name on the property was the candidate's. These two positions are polar opposites.
It was obvious to me that there is much more to know about this and every other candidate who I do not know personally before I vote. Each of us has the responsibility to know more about each candidate than two words on a political sign and what we think it means.
Look at all the "signs" to truly know your candidates before supporting them with your vote.
Barbara Lyon
Fly Creek
Hosley will keep scales balanced
An engaged listener with a warm sense of humor. Reliable, trustworthy, one who has gone many a second mile, literally and figuratively.
Deeply compassionate, clear-headed and knowledgeable in the larger social issues of our world, the ones that impact our sense of justice and well-being in our hometown every day.
A critical thinker, one who consistently demonstrates ethical integrity in sorting through the presented "facts."
Deep words to describe one who decided to run for political office ... a critical office where I want my community to have this kind of person on the bench, keeping the legal scales balanced in difficult and delicate cases.
Vote for Phil Hosley, our new town justice.
Phil Young
Oneonta
Town deserves fiscal leadership
With the general election fast approaching, I would like to use The Daily Star to ask residents of the town of Otsego for their vote. I want to serve them during a second term on the town board.
My most important message to them is that I will continue to work for a board that is fiscally conservative. Overall, town income has increased over the last four years, largely from sales and mortgage taxes. That has raised available funds without the supervisor raising individuals' taxes. In fact, he lowered them somewhat. But the influx of money has put us into temptation: we have too large a cash reserve.
When a government has too much cash on hand, it can easily spend without sufficient thought. In this downturn, I would sooner see some money returned to appropriate people, maintaining a reasonable reserve. Then the board can arrive at estimates for special projects (e.g., bringing our salt shed into compliance), and set aside reserve accounts for those special purchases. Without this kind of care, a board can make big decisions with proper public knowledge and input.
I have had many citizens tell me their concerns _ financial worries, alarm about traffic speed and signs, new unease about gas drilling and wind turbines, energy efficiency, and more. I am always ready to hear from our constituents and, no matter what their views, I will work hard to represent them.
On Tuesday, Nov. 3, I hope town of Otsego citizens will vote for my continued service of them on our board.
Anne Geddes-Atwell
Fly Creek
Bernier has integrity, smarts
I am writing to urge Oneonta's voters to join me in voting for Judge Lucy Bernier on Election Day.
I met Lucy when I moved to Oneonta in 1983, and believe as much as ever that Lucy is one of the most intelligent people, and holds the highest integrity, of anyone I have ever known. Anyone who has had the fortune to meet her recognizes Lucy's thoughtfulness in conversation, and her natural lack of bias in considering issues before her.
As mayor, I gained an inside view on the most serious crime cases that ended up in city court, along with city code violations that diminish our quality of life.
As city prosecutor and since 2004 as judge, sharing a dedication to doing all she could to make Oneonta a community that is safe for all of its citizens, Lucy adjudicated these crime cases in a tough, fair manner, to make sure that the punishment fit the crime.
Being a judge is a difficult job that requires great intelligence, patience, compassion, and a commitment to a high ethical standard to assure that decisions are made based on facts and evidence, not on opinion and prejudice. Lucy understands how the law applies in different situations and evaluates the evidence presented in her courtroom so she can make good decisions.
Lucy is fair, tough, smart, and honest _ she holds deep the best qualities that we want in our judge. Lucy doesn't jump to hasty conclusions; she considers all facts of the case presented to her, and renders judgments based upon those facts.
It's for all of the reasons written that I appointed Lucy as Oneonta City Court Judge in 2004 and it's why I ask you to join me on Tuesday, Nov. 3, in voting for Judge Lucy Bernier.
Kim Muller
Oneonta
Getman shows strong character
On Nov. 3, I am voting for Mike Getman. I have known Mike for many years, recently working with him as volunteers to complete a playground project at our local elementary school. How a person interacts with his community, friends, and family is a direct reflection of that person's character.
I feel confident of Mike's ability, commitment, and enthusiasm to serve as our next judge. As city prosecutor, Mike Getman has demonstrated a clear understanding of how the city court system works. He has prosecuted cases that impact our community and our lives every day. Mike understands the rights of victims as well as defendants, and will apply the law as written, not by interpretation.
Mike Getman is concerned about the safety of our city as well as the fair and impartial treatment of all. Please join me and vote for Mike Getman on Nov. 3.
David Shearer
Oneonta
Crowell is local boy made good
Dan Crowell, candidate for Otsego County Treasurer, is a stellar example of the local boy who excelled on the big world stage of high finance.
Receiving a master's degree from the London School of Economics, he became a social venture capitalist with the World Bank's Grassroots Business Initiative, which invests capital and expertise in enterprises that promote sustainable economic growth in developing countries.
Mr. Crowell is an economist and financial and accounting software executive, fully proficient with the same software the county treasurer's offices use to manage its accounting and budgeting. He is committed to working closely with department heads and the county board in order to restore confidence and trust to the annual budgeting process, as well as establishing periodic reporting that looks at 10-year historical trends as well as two-to-five-year projections of where the county could be fiscally.
Not only will Mr. Crowell bring an enormous depth of accounting and financial acumen to the position, but his experience and connections in the field of venture capital make him uniquely qualified to bring economic development to the county.
An example of his ability to do so was mentioned in a recent Daily Star article (Monday, Oct. 12). Andela Tool and Machine Inc., Richfield Springs, produced a wide range of pulverized glass, used in myriad applications. In order to secure a reliable, high-volume source of raw materials, Andela is planning to build a glass-recyling plant in New Jersey. Mr. Crowell played an instrumental role in helping to secure $5 million in funding to make these plans a reality in spring 2010.
Please, when voting on Nov. 3, give Dan Crowell the chance to put Otsego County on a sound financial footing and to help bring economic prosperity to its towns. Vote for Dan Crowell!
Rudy Laguna
Oneonta
Voters, think of the future
Kortright Democratic candidates have talked about supporting businesses and farms. Any economy needs a good transportation system, which needs to be viewed as a long-term investment.
Highway Superintendent John McMullen understands this. He builds roads with a good base and layers so they last more than a couple of years and works to stay within budget. His great labor management skill has solved internal problems with workers. His innovative management style of working with Supervisor George Haynes and town council highway committee members Eric Haynes and John Every has kept the board well-informed of the highway department.
Supervisor Haynes is a financial genius. Keeping his eye on the books and rapid analysis have maintained the town in better financial shape than many small municipalities. He's always thinking ahead and is in town, readily available for any problem that may arise.
George also invested heavily in property in town. His businesses employ nearly 40 people. He has accomplished more in business than most people do in a lifetime.
John Every has served the board well as its senior member and as a former highway worker. John is also a Korean War veteran.
Margaret "Peg" Kenyon brings a fresh face as council member. We need someone who's a farmer and large landowner on that board.
It's interesting the Democratic candidates talked about supporting grants. With the state budget in such dire straits, this money is no longer available. Money promised is being held back such as the $15,000 grant that has been awarded to the South Kortright Fire Department. Kortright did have a grant writer on the board and the Democrats helped to get that council member voted out.
This year, we all vote in the town hall in Bloomville. Remember, elections are about making the best choice for the future.
Duane Martin
South Kortright
Dick Miller did well in debate
I grew up in Oneonta and came home to visit my relatives and was able to catch the League of Women Voters-sponsored mayor's debate on TV.
This debate has allowed us to see the true colors of the three candidates running for mayor. It is very clear that Dick Miller is the candidate of substance and would make the best mayor for our city. His experience as a college president, businessman, community volunteer and family man will enable him to be a successful mayor.
Candidate for mayor Jason Corrigan continually quotes Robert Kennedy by saying, "Some men see things as they are and say why, I dream things that never were and say why not."
Unfortunately, Jason's actions and behavior do not match his philosophy since he sees things not as they are, and distorts the truth about things that never were.
Dick Miller's integrity, character and commitment toward our community will not allow him to treat this important race for mayor as a class project. Please vote Dick Miller on Nov. 3.
Kathy Curran
Fairfield, Conn.
Bernier has earned respect
I urge my fellow voters to cast their vote for Judge Lucy Bernier in the upcoming election for Oneonta City Court Judge. She has the judicial experience, the legal acumen, and has developed a sense of what justice demands for all who come before her court.
She has earned both our respect for her judicial performance and our trust as an individual who applies the law in an even-handed and just manner. By education, professional application and now as our sitting court judge, Lucy Bernier has demonstrated that she is ably qualified for election.
It was my pleasure to have worked with her on one of the many projects to which she has devoted her time and energy for the good of our community. On that team I came to admire her commitment to this city, to trust her judgment, and to rely without reservation on her good sense. Above all, her unfailing good humor as we moved through our decisions clearly demonstrated her capacity to see the big picture when we were getting lost in the details.
I believe she is the candidate who deserves our support.
Thomas A. Clemow
Oneonta
I care about the community
I am running for re-election to the town council of New Lisbon and I am asking for your vote. I am also writing to thank the people who put me in office four years ago.
My wife, Cindy, and I came to this area only eight years ago, but we fell in love with it and it has become our home. We built a small home on the property, found work and settled in. We cleared lots of land, bent lots of blades, found the berry bushes on our hillside; we raised chickens, bred heritage turkeys, grew a vegetable garden and, with the help of some great friends, built some small outbuildings. We made lots of mistakes, but in retrospect, they make for some good stories. We have made some irreplaceable friends and have shared with them many a church supper.
We got involved in the life of our community. I ran for tax collector in town and lost. I volunteered to be a "reading buddy" in Morris. I am serving on the Otsego County Republican Committee and, of course, am on the town board in New Lisbon.
I believe in limited government. I think that government, whether local, county, state or national, should be run as efficiently and as economically as possible. I believe in hard work and personal responsibility. I believe that we do live in a Christian nation founded on Christian principles. I believe in the Constitution of the United States of America and I believe that the bedrock is being eroded from under it.
I would like to continue contributing to the town of New Lisbon and ask for your vote on Nov. 3.
Dennis Kelleher
Mount Vision
Bernier believes in equal justice
Who gets your vote for Oneonta City Court Judge? Lucy Bernier or Mike Getman?
You've read their biographies. They're both lifelong city residents with impressive resumes in private practice, public service and community involvement. Which one will make the better judge?
I think it's Lucy Bernier. Lucy says that equal justice for all is at the heart of her candidacy. "Equal justice for all" may sound like just another boilerplate, judicial sound byte, but when you hear Lucy say it, you can tell that she truly believes it.
Lucy has been delivering equal justice as a part-time city judge for the last four years. Vote for full-time equal justice on Nov. 3. Vote for Lucy Bernier.
Steve Hiscox
Oneonta
Crowell can help county
Voters on Nov. 3 have the opportunity to elect an exceptional candidate, Daniel Crowell, to the office of treasurer for Otsego County. Dan will bring to the treasurer's office the knowledge to accurately analyze the finances of the county using his expertise with the financial software system being used in the treasurer's department.
His past experiences have given him the ability not only to be a capable accountant but also to be an economic adviser to the county board. Dan Crowell will create a positive atmosphere within the treasurer's office and have a forward-looking approach to help our county through these tough financial times.
Dan Crowell will work with county department heads and the county board to establish an amiable and accurate budgetary process that will restore confidence in the treasurer.
Vote for Dan Crowell for Otsego County Treasurer on Nov. 3.
Sally A. Barlow
Oneonta
Harrington has kept promises
Over his first term, Scott Harrington has delivered on the various pledges he made during his first campaign, namely addressing MOSA and settling the dispute between the county and its workforce. Recently, a spotlight has been placed on MOSA and a tentative contract has been agreed upon for the first time in years: two giant steps in combating these sticky problems.
In addition to tackling some of the county's most persistent problems, Scott has worked tirelessly to lighten the tax load on Otsego's residents. Focusing on consolidating services, increasing grant applications, and increasing the tax base by attracting businesses to the county, Scott has worked to keep taxes down, culminating in a 2009 that saw no tax increase, even though the county is grappling with a severe economic downturn.
Scott Harrington has proven himself to be an effective legislator, who does not shy away from addressing the county's tough problems. Vote Scott Harrington on Election Day.
Jordan Shepardson
Oneonta
Crowell is well-qualified
We in Otsego County are fortunate to have bright, energetic, and capable young people willing to run for office and work on our behalf in the public sector. One such candidate is Dan Crowell, whose broad experience, background and education place him far above other candidates in qualification for county treasurer.
Dan is a former economist for the International Finance Corporation, a Fulbright Scholar and co-founder of Total Impact Accounting, a company that enables enterprises to track financial and environmental impacts of business operations. He has experience in the design and maintenance of software, of the same type used by Otsego County for accounting and budgeting.
Dan graduated from Cooperstown High School, before embarking on his European involvement with banking and finance.
In addition to owning his own business, he is now head of a young family right here and, in Dan's own words, is dedicated to helping "people to have the opportunity for a secure, successful and rewarding life, supported by cost-effective, accountable local government and low taxes."
I urge everyone to vote for Dan Crowell for Otsego County Treasurer.
Audrey Scotto
Schenevus
Erik Miller supports the arts
Erik Miller is a good man with integrity, whose call to service within local government is motivated by his love for our community and the desire to make a difference. As director of the Otsego County Conservation Association, most know Erik as a steward of the environment. We also know Erik to be truthful, hard-working and reliable but little has been said about his support for the arts and his commitment to education, until now.
Last spring, we contacted Erik seeking his assistance and advice on the development of our children's program at Glen Brook Farm Holdings LLC. Erik's positive attitude and willingness to help were refreshing and encouraging. Not only did he go out of his way to lend a hand, but he volunteered his time to teach a workshop titled "Ponds and Waterways."
In addition, as a supporter of the arts, Erik understands the value in using public art to promote education, community, and economic growth. In another project just now underway, Erik has expressed his support of a landmark mural being planned for downtown Oneonta.
We thank Erik for his dedication to our community, his professionalism and for his friendship. Erik has the courage and honesty to do what's right and continues to work to bring about a better future for us all.
Be sure to give Erik Miller your support on election day, and vote him in as the next mayor of Oneonta!
Cynthia and Robert
Kamerling
Oneonta
Crowell will be great treasurer
Events of the past few years have proven that the election of a highly qualified treasurer for Otsego County is important to every voter. Credibility needs to be restored to that office.
Fortunately, Otsego County voters have a highly qualified candidate that makes the decision easy: Dan Crowell. Dan is more than a number-cruncher, although he is definitely that _ we can have faith that the documents he prepares for the board will contain no errors. He is managing director of the Halden Group, which designs and maintains the same type of software that Otsego County uses for accounting and budgeting.
As an economist, he has worked with creating sustainable businesses around the world. He has the talent and experience to manage the treasurer's office, coupled with a collaborative style that will restore civility to the county budget process.
Raised in Cooperstown, Dan shows his commitment to our community by serving as a volunteer firefighter. This man will be an excellent county treasurer. I urge you to vote for Dan Crowell.
Janet Potter
Oneonta
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