"Letter to the editor" Letter to the editor Misha Harnick

On October 16th, I have attended a debate on the New York State Constitutional Convention (BACK SIDE of November 7th ballot). It was hosted by SUNY New Paltz and the debaters were Gerald Benjamin, director of the The Benjamin Center for Public Policy Initiatives at SUNY New Paltz, and Fred Kowal, statewide president of the United University Professions (UUP).

Both speakers were very well prepared and the format was highly professional. After their presentation, for almost an hour they took questions from the audience. I can sympathize with Prof. Benjamin’s pushing for the Convention. But I am VERY MUCH concerned about the process and the potential results.

ONE -- if we vote “yes” on November 7th, over 200 delegates will have to be selected and voted on in the 2018 election. This would be a year long haul. A friend said that if he knew that only people who care about OTHER people’s interests and not just their own, MAYBE the convention could bring positive results. But it is likely that many state legislators (those NOT up for reelection in 2018) would run, and considering that they do not necessarily have our interests at heart NOW, would unlikely have during the Convention.

TWO -- the delegates’ campaigns would be costly, whether they themselves foot the bill or collect donations from us, the voters.

THREE -- once delegates are selected, WE ALL start paying: each delegate gets a “stipend” of some $80,000 @ year; and the Convention could drag on and on!!

FOUR – if “dark money” pushes for a “YES” vote, and if the backers’ delegates are appointed, we could see slashing of many protections, embedded in the Constitution now. The issues we need to preserve, such as environmental conservation, rights to unionize, dependence on state pensions; and issues that would benefit from improvements, such as some of our voting laws, could be rescinded and curtailed.

FIVE – there is no way to tell whether at the end of the Convention we, the voters, would be presented with individual articles or -- beware! – a total package.

I will vote “NO” on November 7th and encourage you to do likewise.



Misha Harnick
Publishing History: Poughkeepsie Journal 10/31/2017

"CON/CON is just a big political con" Letter to the editor Cynthia Kraman

CON/CON is just a big political con

New Yorkers get to vote this Nov.7 on whether or not to have a Constitutional Convention, or CON/CON as it’s now known. This comes up every 20 years. We’ve said no to it since 1967. There are good reasons to keep saying no and also, to say yes. But for me there’s one big problem: it will cost too much. In fact some people feel it’s the biggest swindle since our Vice President spent a quarter of a million dollars to fake-attend a football game.

Here’s the set-up: delegates get paid. A lot: $80,000. Since many delegates will also be legislators this gives them a 100 percent bonus---$160,000 for doing two part-time jobs. Pretty sweet. And our tax dollars will pay for it. (State legislators are set to soon vote themselves pay hikes, which will fatten their pensions.)

But that’s not the worst part. Apparently once the convention starts, it’s open ended. It can go on for a year or forever. The longer it lasts, the fatter the paychecks and pensions. We’ll also pay for hotels, travel, parties, meals, halls---millions of dollars to do what can already be done well by legal, democratic instruments already in place.

So, this is not CON/CON, it’s a plain CON. A boondoggle at your expense. Just vote NO! (It's on the back of the ballot that’s where they stuck it.)

Cynthia Kraman
New Paltz

Publishing history

Poughkeepsie Journal, October 27, 2017

"To the Editor" Letter to the editor" Susan Denton

To the Editor

Laura Petit is running for the Ulster County Legislature in District 8/Esopus.   A 35-year resident of Esopus, Laura is well known in her community for her service in a food recovery program for local churches and agencies and for her advocacy for humane treatment of animals.  The list of her other service positions in Esopus includes the library board and the Advisory, Zoning, and Environmental boards.  Service is not just a campaign slogan for her; she walks the talk. 

Laura is familiar to her neighbors in New Paltz as the friendly and efficient coordinator of the New Paltz recycling center.  In that capacity she wrote several grants that were funded in excess of one million dollars.  Other communities should be as fortunate to have an official who can bring outside funding to their projects that promote economic development, infrastructure¸ environmental protection, and the social safety net.  She has initiated an Esopus Repair Café that utilizes the volunteer skills of community members to reduce waste and enhance sustainability. 

            Previously elected to two terms in the legislature, Laura knows how county government can work effectively to improve the lives of people and communities.  She has the knowledge, experience, and skill to be a leader in the legislature, and she has the heart to put people first.  Laura Petit deserves the enthusiastic support of Esopus voters. 

Susan Denton

"To the editor ("Daily Freeman")" Letter to the Editor Andi Weiss Bartczak

To the editor ("Daily Freeman") Andi Weiss Bartczak

On Election Day, we will be deciding whether to start a NYS Constitutional Convention process.  As a progressive, I would love to update our state constitution to improve protection of rights not recognized in our present state constitution.  How about an environmental bill of rights?  How about the right to change party registration up to a month before a primary?  Early voting?  Sure we have too many levels of courts, insufficient home rule.  Why doesn’t New York City have the power to govern itself?     

Unfortunately the way delegates will be chosen pretty much insures that state legislators and their pals would be deciding what kind of a constitution would be offered for our vote in a future election.  Opening the Adirondacks to developers?  No free public schools?  And those delegates get the same salary as our state legislators, over $70,000 per year.

 The alternative is that we improve our constitution piece by piece, starting with electing sufficient progressives.  There are two constitutional amendments on the ballot this November, so we do change the constitution.

  So please vote no on the question of a constitutional convention this November.

Andi Weiss Bartczak

Gardiner, NY

"To the Editor" Letter to the Editor Amy Kletter

To the editor:

This Nov. 7 you can vote for state supreme court judge, Ulster County comptroller, legislators, supervisors, town board members, 2 constitutional amendments and whether we should hold a state constitutional convention. Every 20 years we choose whether to open the constitution for changes. Some say this is an opportunity to examine and update many aspects of state government. I encourage you to vote NO. 

If we vote yes, we would need to elect 219 delegates. It is not  easy to become a delegate-lobbyists, politicians and special interest groups get most of the positions. They have their own agenda which will be to their benefit, and not ours. Our rights are at risk. And, each would get a salary of almost $80,000. (total cost is estimated at  about $300 million) Guess who pays?

We could take our resources to try to get over 100 good delegates elected, but I think the best way forward is to take our energy and money to work on getting people into our state senate and congress who will truly work for us.

Please, stay informed and go to the polls on Nov. 7^th!!

Yours truly,

AmyKletter

Publishing history

New Paltz News

Kingston Freeman

"Faso, Firearms and Funding" Letter to the Editor Diana Staats

Faso, Firearms and Funding

John Faso boasts (on johnfaso.com) that as a congressman he will defend your right to have  guns. He also brags about an “A” rating from the NRA which , naturally, contributed $6,000 towards his congressional campaign. Our 19^th district  Congressman has pledged to:

• ·         Oppose legislation that allows the federal government to prohibit the sales of firearms.
• ·         Oppose a return of the assault weapons ban.
• ·         Oppose restrictions on magazine capacities.
• ·         Oppose a national registry of gun owners.
• ·         Support (and has voted to approve) a concealed carry law. This allows out of state residents to carry a concealed weapon in NY State.

Like many other lawmakers, Mr. Faso recently sent out a condolence message of “thoughts and prayers” to the victims and families of the Las Vegas shooting. Unfortunately thoughts and prayers were not enough to  prevent the massacre in Las Vegas. Stronger gun control laws however might have made a difference. A ban on bump stock devices   and a limit on the number of firearms licensed to an individual  (the Las Vegas shooter has 23 legally registered guns, including an AK-47 type rifle  in his hotel room) might have lessened the carnage in Las Vegas.

After the Las Vegas shooting the Republicans in Congress quickly removed ,temporarily, a bill (ironically named the Hearing Protection Act) to make it easier to buy a gun silencer and to lessen the restrictions on armor piercing bullets. This is the second time this bill has been delayed due to a mass shooting. The first time was in June- after members of Congress were targeted during baseball practice for a charity game.   Mr. Faso has not publicly stated his views on this bill but since his NRA financing and NRA “A” rating will be jeopardized if he votes against this- my bet is that he will be an avid supporter. If these facts  concern you, make your views known by calling Mr Faso’s office: (  202-225-5614 or 845-514-2322)  .                 

-          Diana Staats, Highland   
       
       Publishing history

e      New Paltz News 10-19-17 

"To the editor" Letter to the Editor Susan Denton

To the Editor:

  Don’t cruise through the election on November 7th thinking it isn’t very important, saving yourself for a bigger impact in 2018.  Know this: whether to have a New York State Constitutional Convention is a decision we will all materially live with for  the next 20 years. I am against it. I hope I can persuade you that we must vote “NO”.

   The Constitutional Convention would be an” Open Agenda”. That means the delegates could go through the whole constitution and change any pesky elements it pleases, like collective bargaining rights or previously agreed to union pensions. Lest you think I am a recipient of such things, I am not, always having worked in the profoundly non-profit sector.

  If a Constitutional Convention is convened what will it cost and who will pay for it? You will. Lower estimates put it at approximately $300 million. Delegates will be selected from all over the state and receive a stipend of $80,000 a year for their trouble.  It is expected to take at least three years.  There is, as far as I can tell, there’s no estimate of the cost of having a staff, or travel or paper clips, yet.  

   We already have a process in place by which we can change any of the elements that need changing in the NYS constitution. It is called the NYS Legislature, through the amendment process. Not perfect but, they would have a harder time taking your pension. So don’t skip this election;wouldn’t be prudent.

Sincerely,

Susan Denton

Publishing history

New Paltz News

"Trump Incapable of Magnanimity" Letter to the editor Tom Denton

Trump Incapable of Magnanimity

Recent commentary has noted Donald Trump’s all-too obvious lack of empathy—the capacity to imagine, understand, and share the feelings of others.  A much-cited example was his behavior during his visit to Puerto Rico, devastated by Hurricane Maria, where he most theatrically connected with beleaguered Puerto Ricans by throwing rolls of paper towels into a crowd.

But the focus on empathy obscures the more important flaw in Trump’s character.  More damaging to Trump’s conduct of his presidency is the void where his magnanimity should reside:  “loftiness of spirit enabling one to bear trouble calmly, to disdain meanness and pettiness, and to display a noble generosity”  (Merriam-Webster).  Americans are accustomed to their presidents rising above the criticisms, even insults, inevitably directed toward them.  The stronger ones would even join in the fun when satire was directed at them:  witness recent Presidents Clinton, Bush and Obama laughing at the gibes during the annual correspondents’ dinner.  In a more solemn time, Abraham Lincoln, variously portrayed as a drunk, baboon, or vampire, urged Americans at the end of the Civil War to forgive those who had been enemies, to reunite, and rebuild the nation.

Where Trump could rise above or at least ignore perceived slights, he instead attacks.  When San Juan Mayor Carmen Yulín Cruz begged for help for her constituents, criticizing the lagging relief efforts in Puerto Rico, Trump returned a string of insults via tweet.  He was incapable of keeping the focus on people in dire need.

We expect our presidents to be better than our worst selves.  Most Americans instinctively know that when a man, particularly one with great power, cannot be magnanimous, underneath lies a small, cramped spirit, deeply insecure at the core.  The nation is badly served and threatened by such a leader.

Tom Denton

Publishing history

Poughkeepsie Journal       10/18  online, 10/26 

NP Times       11/2

Voter Registration Deadline: October 13th Letter to the Editor Jane Schanberg

After decades as a take-no-sides journalist I’m coming out — politically. I call it my DIY Change plan. I’m tired of merely liking political posts on Facebook or yelling at the TV when neo-Nazis marched in Charlottesville. After many years in neutral, I’ve taken sides and rolled up my sleeves to create do-it-myself change right here in New Paltz. 

First, I updated my voter registration so I’d be eligible to vote in local elections. Then I took time to inform myself about village and town issues I consider to be important — like the cost of off-campus housing due to rising taxes, landlord issues, the town’s water problem and economic development controversy. We’re good on the environment and green spaces — no worries there.

And I was one of the 829 residents who showed up to vote in the Democratic primary on September 12 — although more than 5,200 registered citizens were eligible.

Local politicians lauded the primary turnout as large (The Oracle, Sept. 14) and perhaps by past standards it was. 

Yet this primary drew a mere 15 to 18 percent of eligible voters and only 150 or so SUNY New Paltz students among the thousands on campus. I view that turnout as tragically low — particularly among the student population. When participation in the community and on campus is so slight, too few people end up making laws and decisions that impact all our lives. It seems many people would complain about how things are rather than vote for how things could be. 

Many activist groups in the area are working hard to increase voter registration and participation. Since SUNY New Paltz contributes significantly to the towns’ population, students becoming active citizens who vote — instead of passive citizens who demur — would go a long way towards helping to improve the future of our community and our country.

To that end, here’s an important fact about New York State: registration to vote in the Nov. 7 election has a cut-off date — Oct. 13 — just a few weeks away. If you’ve moved since you last registered it’s essential to update your address with the Ulster County Board of Elections. (You may recall first-daughter Ivanka Trump’s embarrassment when she could not vote for her own dad in the 2016 New York primary because didn’t know about the voter registration cut off date).

The New York State Board of Elections has a website: https://www.elections.ny.gov. Their voting deadlines page explains how and where to register to vote. It gives the deadlines and qualifications. It also provides a download for the mail-in form both in English and Spanish.

Voting is the first step each of us can take towards the meaningful change we need. That starts Nov. 7 at the local and county level and includes four propositions on the ballot that require some reading. One, the proposed New York State Constitutional Convention, is especially controversial.

Next year we elect a Congressman to represent our district NY 19 in the House of Representatives in Washington, D.C. That’s another huge choice, as many know, because it impacts the future of health care, immigration, voting rights, minority rights, climate and the environment.

I live across the street and two doors down from campus. You guys are my neighbors. I know everyone is busy with classes. But I hope you’ll accept this neighborly reminder to register by Oct. 13 (if you haven’t already) and remember to set aside 20 minutes to vote on Tuesday, Nov. 7. In less than half an hour, coming out for DIY Change can make an impact on campus and beyond.

Publishing history

New Paltz Oracle    10/4/2017

WHY We Should Be Registered with a Declared Party Affiliation Letter to the Editor Misha Harnick

Many people (me included) don’t think it is important to have a party affiliation, and we don’t really think much about the primary elections.   But having declared party affiliation and voting in the primaries IS important.   That’s why I submitted a new registration form, with a declared party.  True, this did not allow me to vote in the primaries last month, but after the November 7th national election, my enrollment will be changed, and I will be able to vote in the primaries in 2018 and ever after.

During the campaigns, we (hopefully) get to know enough about  our  party candidates, to help us decide which one we want to vote for in the primary election.    And we expect that person to be positioned against the opposing party’s candidate.    

When a weaker candidate loses the primary election, but had some good ideas and platforms, those may be adopted by the party's chosen presidential (or congressional) candidate.   Especially if we, voters, paid enough attention and force the chosen candidate to adopt and improve on the good ideas.

Some states have eliminated their presidential primary elections due various reasons.  New York State still holds primary elections and we all should do our best to participate in them.   New York State has “closed” primaries, allowing ONLY voters registered with the particular party to vote.

So, don’t hesitate and register , OR re-register, PRIOR TO the OCTOBER 13th deadline and  -- be sure to check a party affiliation on the form!  The form is easy to obtain: www.voteulster.com.   

Misha Harnick

New Paltz, NY

Publishing history
Poughkeepsie Journal online, Oct. 3, 2017
New Paltz Times, Oct. 5, 2017
Times Herald-Record online, Oct. 6, 2017
Kingston Daily Freeman, Oct. 6, 2017

"John Faso's Philosophical Conundrum" Letter to the Editor Tom Denton

With the collapse of the Graham/Cassidy bill, Congressman John Faso just dodged a bullet. He has long railed against the State of New York’s transfer of Medicaid obligations to localities, calling it Nelson Rockefeller’s “51-year-old mistake.”  In July the House AHCA bill passed with a special amendment (tailored to Faso’s request) that denied federal funds to New York if it didn’t rescind its requirement of a county share for Medicaid.

The National Association of Medicaid Directors, declaring its members “strong proponents of state innovation in the drive towards health care system transformation,” nevertheless asserted the following:  “the per-capita caps and the envisioned block grant [of the proposed Graham/Cassidy legislation] would constitute the largest intergovernmental transfer of financial risk from the federal government to the states in our country’s history.”  It concluded by urging Congress to “revisit comprehensive Medicaid reform” with more “careful consideration.”

Some Senate Republicans claim that in the future they will continue to push ACA repeal and replacement with the Graham/Cassidy concept of block grants to states.  If this GOP policy goal persists and the House initiates new legislation around state block grants, Rep. Faso will have to explain to his constituents whether what’s good for the goose is good for the gander.  Will he profess outrage about unfunded mandates and New York State’s Medicaid requirements for counties but find it acceptable for Uncle Sam to dump Medicaid in the lap of the 50 states with massively reduced funding?  Remember his vote on the AHCA bill and stay tuned.

Publishing history

Kingston Freeman      10/1

"Faso’s Philosophical Conundrum" Letter to the editor Tom denton

Faso’s Philosophical Conundrum

With the collapse of the Graham/Cassidy bill, Congressman John Faso just dodged a bullet. He has long railed against the State of New York’s transfer of Medicaid obligations to localities, calling it Nelson Rockefeller’s “51-year-old mistake.”  In July the House AHCA bill passed with a special amendment (tailored to Faso’s request) that denied federal funds to New York if it didn’t rescind its requirement of a county share for Medicaid.

The National Association of Medicaid Directors, declaring its members “strong proponents of state innovation in the drive towards health care system transformation,” nevertheless asserted the following:  “the per-capita caps and the envisioned block grant [of the proposed Graham/Cassidy legislation] would constitute the largest intergovernmental transfer of financial risk from the federal government to the states in our country’s history.”  It concluded by urging Congress to “revisit comprehensive Medicaid reform” with more “careful consideration.”

Some Senate Republicans claim that in the future they will continue to push ACA repeal and replacement with the Graham/Cassidy concept of block grants to states.  If this GOP policy goal persists and the House initiates new legislation around state block grants, Rep. Faso will have to explain to his constituents whether what’s good for the goose is good for the gander.  Will he profess outrage about New York State’s Medicaid requirements for counties but find it acceptable for Uncle Sam to dump Medicaid in the lap of the 50 states with massively reduced funding?  Remember his vote on the AHCA bill and stay tuned.

Tom Denton

Publishing history 

Daily Freeman                10/1

New Paltz Times              10/19