Letter to the editor Amy Kletter

I am writing in support of Dave Clegg for Ulster County District Attorney. Besides being a man of integrity; he is smart, well-spoken and a person who really cares about people. His life experience combined with these traits make him an excellent candidate for a position that can make such an impact on so many lives. We all know that our prison system isn't working on so many levels. We have too many people in prison and we're spending too much money on incarceration, when we could be helping most of the minor offenders and their victims. This is called Restorative Justice, and Dave is a strong proponent of this method of dealing with many more minor crimes that actually can be dealt with in a healing, healthy manner instead of just throwing someone in jail and leaving the victim without closure. This method not only provides space for the criminal to rehabilitate to become a productive citizen (including making amends with the victim), it also saves the taxpayer a great deal of money. 

It's past time for our society to start looking at a different way of dealing with crime, a way that will both protect society from serious offenders but will offer lesser offenders a helping hand and a chance to change their life's path.  Please find out more about Dave, check out his website, go hear him speak. He's the real deal.

"NY state on right path in fight against climate change" Letter to the editor Ted Millar

Last month, as a heatwave was beginning to bear down on the Northeast and Midwest, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed into law the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA), hailed as promoting the most aggressive climate goals of any state in the nation. He also awarded two offshore wind development contracts, the largest in the country.

The CLCPA requires an 85 percent reduction in carbon dioxide emissions from 1990 levels by 2050, a carbon-free electric system by 2040, and a 40 percent emissions reduction to 1990 levels by 2030. Also by 2030, we must reduce fossil fuel dependence by 70 percent.

There is a great deal of fossil fuel industry-led disinformation about the impacts revolutionizing our infrastructure to meet climate change's increasing threats will have on jobs.

Contrary to what some claim, the transition away from fossil fuels will not "kill jobs." In fact, the offshore wind contracts are enormous victories for labor because unions are projected to play a key role in offshore wind development and construction. Specifically, they will be used to build port facilities in Brooklyn, Staten Island and Port Jefferson. They also are expected to partner with the SUNY system and the Long Island Federation of Labor to provide job training, including a program with Brentwood Community College in a low-income area on Long Island.

In addition, the CLCPA does not end construction of new power plants. All new fossil fuel projects must meet a rigorous process to justify their necessity

This legislation is the product of years of grassroots environmental activism and lobbying. New York sets an example for other states, and we should all be proud and thankful.

Publishing history

Daily Freeman 8/4/19

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