Letters to the editor

READER SAYS DONNERY'S TENACITY IS BIG ATTRIBUTE: Last Friday's edition of The Sentinel contained a letter to the editor maligning the integrity and independence of Roxanne Donnery, a candidate for the NY State Assembly's 96th District seat currently held by Nancy Calhoun. The letter accused Donnery of engaging in "gutter politics," putting forth "ugly political spin," "distortions," and "outright lies," while also falsely accusing Donnery of conducting a "mudslinging" campaign. Nancy Calhoun wrote the letter.

Incumbent Calhoun faces three "opponents" in her bid for re-election. First, she is running against Ms. Donnery, a rising political star whose reputation as a tenacious and effective County Legislator and advocate has grown far beyond her original base of voter support in Highland Falls. Donnery is recognized for her tireless efforts on behalf of the Highland Falls/Fort Montgomery school district. Residents there have endured unsustainable tax increases because the federal and state governments consistently err in providing appropriate funding to offset the large tract of tax-exempt land used by West Point. Donnery's unusual tactics advocating on behalf of her constituents serve to illustrate her fearless and independent spirit. Once, while in Washington, she spotted President Clinton in a restaurant. Donnery managed to maneuver around the Secret Service agents to approach the president and speak about the plight of the HF/FM school district. Mr. Clinton listened intently, took notes, and soon afterwards federal funding was delivered to the school district. Donnery also led a group of parents again and again to Albany, advocating for three years for a change in the state law that left those parents without legal recourse once their out-of-control children turned sixteen years of age. Because of Donnery's tenacity, PINS legislation (PINS = Persons in Need of Supervision) was passed and signed by former Governor Pataki, giving parents legal authority over their children until the age of eighteen, instead of sixteen.

Nancy Calhoun's second "opponent" is a strong anti-incumbency sentiment. Voters are tired of entrenched politicians who treat their legislative seats as a birthright bequeathed to them in perpetuity. Citizens are saying, "It's time for new political leadership!"

Calhoun's third "opponent" is her own record. Her comparatively slim and paltry list of sponsored and passed legislation may cause many to vote for Roxanne Donnery.

Nancy Calhoun's letter impugning the integrity of Roxanne Donnery is nothing more than a smokescreen. The handwriting on the wall shows that her days as an Assemblywoman may be coming to an end. - Gary Ciesla, Highland Falls

VOTERS IN THE 96TH DISTRICT SHOULD BE CONCERNED: On August 23, I attended Assemblywoman Nancy Calhoun's "Town Hall" meeting at the Town Hall in Blooming Grove. I expected to hear about her accomplishments for the past 20 years and what she is going to do for the 96th Assembly district. Unfortunately, that was not the case.

What should concern the voters of the 96th Assembly District is the lack of accomplishments in the past 20 years, and Ms. Calhoun's views regarding unemployment and school taxes.

Ms. Calhoun stated that unemployed workers are taking advantage of unemployment benefits and staying home to watch soap operas; and school taxes are high because the schools purchase expensive shoulder pads (for football) at $200 each; expensive T-shirts and renting expensive buses for trips.

It's time for the 96th Assembly District to have a community activist with a record of reform - not a politician. She will work to restore fiscal sanity and competence to state government. She has a proven track record of getting things done. You will have an opportunity to vote for such a person on November 2 - County Legislator Roxanne Donnery. - Sonia Ayala, Blooming Grove

LET US REMEMBER CONSTITUTION DAY: After the Flag Day ceremony this year at the Newburgh Town Hall, I had the pleasure of chatting with quite a few people, one of whom was former Supervisor and Assemblyman Larry Bennett.

Mr. Bennett made an interesting point to me. He asked why we don't have a special day to celebrate the Constitution. He felt a special day should be set aside much like we have Flag Day, and Veterans Day, and Independence Day. He then expressed many reasons why he felt the Constitution should have a special day of its own for celebration.

The more I thought about it, the more I agreed with Mr. Bennett. On September 17, 1787, the U.S. Constitution was signed by thirty-nine brave men who changed the course of history.

After doing some research, I found that Constitution Day (or Citizenship Day) is an American federal observance that recognizes the ratification of the United States Constitution and also all those who are citizens of our country. With the passage of an amendment by Senator Robert Byrd, the holiday was created in 2004 and it is observed on September 17 each year.

Before this law was enacted, the holiday was known as "Citizenship Day". In addition to renaming the holiday "Constitution Day and Citizenship Day," the act mandates that any school receiving federal funds of any kind must provide educational programming on the history of the American Constitution on that day.

The Constitution made possible all we have had, and all we will ever have, in this great Country of ours. It is time we all celebrate the Constitution of the United States of America. - Mike Anagnostakis, Newburgh

Orange County Legislator (Towns of Newburgh and Montgomery)