Quackenbush will serve county well

Town of Oneonta voters have the opportunity to elect an energetic new county representative this year who will get things done during her first term in office.

I had the privilege of serving on the town board for eight years with Janet Quackenbush, where she handled a broad range of responsibilities, including technology, parks and personnel management. She didn't just talk _ she delivered on updated technology, parks improvements and even ethics changes to the town personnel manual. Janet helped produce final town budgets with tax decreases, and her consistent priority has been property-tax relief.

Janet Quackenbush will take her battle for property-tax relief to the county, and she will work for county budget reforms that will assure taxpayers of an on-time county budget each year, every year.

In addition to her town board service, Janet Quackenbush is a working mom and the co-owner with her husband, Mark, of a successful small business. As a business owner, she has been delivering on promises to her customers for years. She'll do the same as our next county representative.

I've served on the town board with both candidates for county representative, and I urge Oneonta town voters to join me in voting for Janet Quackenbush on Nov. 3.

Duncan S. Davie

Oneonta

Candidates care about OPT

A few months back there were a lot of problems at Oneonta Public Transit. When everything was brought to light, both Erik Miller and Jason Corrigan took the time to sit down and talk to us. They were concerned with this issue and wanted to see it resolved.

Dick Miller was invited to attend a Common Council meeting. In the same e-mail I mentioned that I would be willing to talk to him about this issue. I never once heard back from him.

As a registered voter in the City of Oneonta, I am still unsure who I will be casting my vote for. I do know that it will not be for Dick Miller! I also hope that others involved in the transit issue who are going to vote remember who was on our side and who wasn't.

Christina DiMiceli

Oneonta

DiMiceli is a full-time driver for OPT.

Crowell has broad range of skills

The Otsego County Treasurer needs more skills than simple knowledge of government accounting. Because the treasurer must advise the Board of Representatives on budget, taxation, long-range financial planning, investment of public funds, insurance investment planning and many other financial activities, we must elect a person who is well-versed in economics and financial planning as well as highly qualified in government accounting.

Because the treasurer also serves as the personnel manager for the treasurer's office, and because the treasurer must interface daily with the county board, the county clerk's office, all other county department heads, vendors to the county, the town clerks and supervisors throughout Otsego County, and, most importantly, the taxpayers of Otsego County, it is important that the treasurer we elect has excellent management and interpersonal skills beyond the professional skills required of the office.

Dan Crowell is the only candidate for the office of Otsego County treasurer who has these qualifications. Not only is he experienced in government accounting, he is experienced with the accounting software package used in our county treasurer's office. Mr. Crowell has extensive training and practical experience in public financial planning, economic analysis, and sustainable business development. In addition, Dan is experienced and published in matters of community development through public and private partnership.

We need an innovative leader in our treasurer's office to undo the damage of the last administration. We need a savvy economist to help our county board plan for the future as it tackles today's financial tasks. We need a person of integrity who will raise the demeanor of the treasurer's office so that it operates efficiently, impartially and to the benefit of all county residents. We need Dan Crowell. Please support Dan Crowell for Otsego County treasurer.

Nancy Iversen

Cooperstown

Bernier has an outstanding record

I am writing to urge Oneonta voters to elect Judge Lucy Bernier as Oneonta City Court Judge on election day, Tuesday, Nov. 3.

I have known Judge Bernier since she was a child attending Oneonta's schools. I knew her as an outstanding student at the State University College at Oneonta. I have known her as a practicing attorney in private practice with her mother, Patricia Pantaleoni, and in her public capacities as assistant district attorney, Oneonta city prosecutor, and for the past five years as Oneonta City Court judge. I have also known her in several of her other important roles as wife, mother and active citizen.

Judge Bernier has earned my highest respect in all of the many roles she has performed, but also for her firm commitment as City Court Judge to justice, fairness, and equality. She exemplifies what a judge should be and is clearly the most experienced candidate and the most qualified.

Paul Scheele

Oneonta

{"headlinelight18"/}Dick Miller excelled at LWV forum

The recent League of Women Voters mayoral debate provided each candidate the opportunity to demonstrate his leadership attributes and express his opinions of the issues facing our city.

Dick Miller came away as the candidate most qualified to be our next mayor. Dick has the best grasp of what challenges need to be confronted by our city government. His response to the questions presented were direct and informative.

Dick's executive experiences were apparent in his ability to explain his knowledge and research of various topics along with this approach to decision making processes that our next mayor will encounter.

Oneonta is fortunate that a person with Dick Miller's abilities and drive is seeking to be our mayor. Please support Dick with your vote on Election Day.

Tim Catella

Oneonta

Erik Miller is strong advocate

Erik Miller has the ability, vision, experience, energy, and temperament needed to become an outstanding Oneonta mayor. He is a strong advocate for fiscal responsibility and environmental protection. Erik earned his bachelor's degree at the State University College at Oneonta, concentrating in urban and regional planning and in Geographic Information Systems. He has successively held increasingly more-responsible planning positions at the county and state levels: first for the Otsego County Planning Department, then the New York State Department of State, and currently as Executive Director for the Otsego County Conservation Association.

Erik has comprehensive understanding of the environment, land-use law, government operations, the necessity for fiscal responsibility, and when to be proactive rather than reactive. With his knowledge and expertise he will make an excellent mayor.

For a better Oneonta, please seriously consider voting for Erik Miller.

Alfred Lubell

Oneonta

Vote Flint for town clerk

I am asking the people of the town of Cherry Valley for their vote on Tuesday, Nov. 3, for the office of town clerk. It has been my pleasure to serve as town clerk for the past four years. I have gained much experience and I feel very comfortable with the duties to execute effectively the office of town clerk.

I look forward to serving for another term.

I urge you to vote on Election Day.

Mary Beth Flint

Cherry Valley

Natalini has served town well

There is an old adage from World War I, "Who would you want next to you in a foxhole?" I believe this is a valid question in this year's election. Tony Natalini is the person who has watched and guarded over town of Oneonta residents for 14 years. He has been there when you needed him. He has protected your homes, your families and property. Tony has traveled all the roads in the town over the years. This knowledge is invaluable. He understands the importance of working as a team with the town board and will work closely with the town highway committee and highway superintendent.

Tony has seen the changes in our town. Public safety issues have been a challenge this past year. Tony's experience working with the police departments in the city, town and county is a definite advantage. His knowledge of what police protection our town needs now will prepare us in the coming years.

Tony studied business administration in college and works daily with a large corporation. He understands the budget process and can make the difficult decisions necessary and carefully without depleting the town's reserve fund.

Let me state once more of the importance of your vote. Think carefully about a man who has placed himself there for you for 14 years. He has been there for floods and fires and has answered your calls with sensitivity and care. His dedication as a constable is proven. He will be an excellent supervisor for the town of Oneonta.

Brian Goodspeed

Oneonta

Young deserves to be re-elected

The recent entry of a write-in candidate for the office of clerk of the town of Franklin has come to my attention. The incumbent, Mrs. Connie Young, has served the electorate well and is deserving of re-election.

Write-in candidacy is a valid and important part of our electoral system which can provide access not dictated by party affiliation. However, it can also present certain hazards in a venue with a long-standing single-party domination, which encourages non-participation of voters, particularly in an off-year election. In such instances, a well-organized and vocal minority which enters the process at a late date may displace an incumbent on the basis of a personal vendetta.

Demographic changes have taken place in the town of Franklin over a number of years. This particular candidacy may be a test of whether long-held local principles continue to be dominant in the community.

It is imperative that all registered voters participate fully in this election.

William L. Butts

Franklin

Dick Miller is best man for job

I have lived in Oneonta for 90 years and served at one time as its mayor. I have always believed that at the local level, good citizenship requires that we vote for the best person for mayor, regardless of political party.

I have known all the mayors for the last 70 years. In my opinion, Dick Miller is one of the best candidates in the history of our city. His track record exemplifies all the best qualities required for the mayor of the city I love.

On election, I will be voting for Dick Miller, not because he is my friend, but because he is the best man for the job.

Albert Sam Nader

Oneonta

Rothenberger is dedicated

Back in 1998, Otsego County Representative Cathy Rothenberger came to me with an idea to organize a race which would serve as a fundraiser for Students Against Destructive Decisions chapters at local schools. Honestly, I thought she was crazy. But Cathy was very persuasive and determined. In our first year, 1999, we had fewer than 100 participants and just a few schools involved.

Now, as we begin preparations for our 12th annual SADD "Strides For Safety" 5K Run/Walk and Health Fair (April 11, 2010), we are expecting another year with close to 500 runners and walkers and at least a dozen schools participating.

None of this would have been possible without the dedication of Cathy Rothenberger. Cathy has truly been an asset to our community as she continues to promote the idea of protecting the young people in our county from the harmful effects of making destructive decisions. Through her efforts, many thousands of dollars have been raised to help SADD chapters at schools like Oneonta, Unatego, Laurens, Gilbertsville-Mount Upton, Milford, Cherry Valley and many others. These proceeds have been used to provide substance-free after-prom parties and other programs and events meant to protect our kids from drunk driving, drug use and underage drinking.

As a county representative, Cathy has been a great role model for our young people. It is my hope that Cathy will continue to represent Otsego County as she seeks re-election on Nov. 3. I know that she will continue to look out for students in our local schools by working tediously to organize the SADD Run/Walk and Health Fair each year!

Cathy Lynch

Oneonta

Lynch is SADD adviser at Oneonta High School.

Murphy has served well

We are writing in support of Rich Murphy, who is running for re-election to the Otsego County Board of Representatives.

We have known Rich as a friend, neighbor and former co-worker for almost 30 years. We have shared many experiences with Rich and his family; soccer games, graduations, as well as other community and neighborhood events. Rich has been active in youth sports, as a coach, and a soccer booster. He is also an active member in his church. Throughout his career as a speech therapist in our local schools, Rich worked successfully with students, parents, teachers and administrators. During his time on the board of representatives he has served on several committees; Solid Waste/Environmental Concerns, Public Works, Negotiations and liaison to the Office for the Aging, to name a few.

Rich is a former Oneonta town councilman and has brought great insight and experience to his position on the county board.

He is a hardworking and highly respected individual who has thus far served our community very well. We encourage you to get out and vote on Election Day, and make it a vote to re-elect Rich Murphy to the Otsego County Board of Representatives.

Dave and Kathy Jones

Oneonta

Bernier is best choice for judge

Experience has shown that Judge Lucy Bernier is the best choice for city court judge. We have watched her grow from a young girl at Bugbee School to the seasoned lawyer and judge that she is today.

Her years of devotion to her family and community have given her the wisdom to preside over our city court.

Fairness, compassion and a deep devotion to ethical principles, these are the qualities Judge Bernier brings to city court. Be sure and vote for Lucy on Nov. 3.

Dorothy Bloom

Oneonta

Deane knows her job well

Because Pam Deane has been our town clerk in the town of Otsego for 20 years, she knows the job better than anyone, and she has served us well.

She has extended her office hours for individuals who could not make into the clerk's office during regular hours.

She taken forms and other materials to people at their homes, their places of work, their hospital rooms, and even to their jail cells because they could not come to her.

She has explained town law and town policy simply and accurately to people for two decades. She has been instrumental in keeping and upgrading the safe storage of important documents. Pam has saved the town's taxpayers countless dollars by being practical and sensible with spending related to the clerk's office. She has saved the boards she served under hours of time and frustration because she knows in finite detail the correct procedures for getting the town's business done at the state level.

Pam is known and respected through the county. Other town clerks use Pam as their primary source when they have questions concerning methods or points of law governing the actions or procedures of town clerks.

She has been a stabilizing force in our town as town boards have swung dramatically back and forth on several different issues.

Pam Deane is the role model of what a town clerk should be, and we should keep her in office as long as we can.

Bob Iversen

Cooperstown

Don't vote to repeat history

In the Otsego County treasurer's race four years ago, we had a choice between Myrna Thayne and Russ Bachman. Thayne's platform was her multi-year experience working on the treasurer's staff. Russ Bachman was the former CEO of a publicly traded company with high-level experience in accounting and finance. Thayne won and the rest is history.

This year in the Otsego County treasurer's race, we have a choice between Ed Keator and Dan Crowell. Keator's platform is his experience working on the treasurer's staff for less than two years. Dan Crowell is the managing director of a company that builds and maintains the same kind of software that Otsego County uses as the backbone of its accounting and finance system.

Let's not repeat history. Don't just vote party.

When it comes to Dan Crowell, none could be better qualified. He knows what the job is, but also what it might be. He is honest, highly capable, and a great communicator. Check his literature: managing director of the Halden Group. Co-founder of Total Impact Accounting. Former economist for the International Finance Corp. Fulbright Scholar. Graduate of the London School of Economics. Volunteer firefighter. Husband and father.

Dan Crowell is a world-class person, who comes from here. He has the vision of one with both feet well planted in the larger world of business and economics. But his heart is with us, and he is very down-to-earth. He is from Cooperstown, and he really cares about the county's problems and about our potential.

With him, we would have a chief financial officer as treasurer, in addition to an expert in our accounting system. He could offer our county reps the perspective of real financial analysis as well as deep expertise in our accounting system.

Dan Crowell is THE right man for treasurer.

William Masters

Oneonta

Words don't match actions

On Sept. 3, the Republican Party held a "Meet the Candidates" event for all candidates running for office in the Town of Otsego.

Being a regular attendee of town board meetings, I was astounded to hear current board member Anne Atwell claim to be a "fiscal conservative." Over the last few years, I can't remember her voting against any increase in spending before the board. To substantiate my statement, voters need only check the minutes of the recent budget workshop meeting, where all four of the current councilmen, including Atwell, voted unanimously for spending increases totaling $242,000. Some of the items include a new building to house sand and salt (for spreading on roads), and elevator to put the sand/salt in the building, new computers and servers.

Not one of these items was requested by the people who would purportedly be helped by them, and, in fact, the superintendent of highways and the town clerk voiced opposition to them.

As a candidate for the town board, I hope the voters of the town of Otsego attended the "Meet the Candidate's Night" at the town hall in Fly Creek. I hope they asked Councilman Atwell to explain the discrepancy between what she claims and how she votes. I don't need any more convincing.

There are two seats up this election and I feel Anne Atwell does not deserve another term. Not only am I running, I am also supporting Rosemary Craig who is running on the Independent line. I can believe Rosemary Craig when she speaks of limited government. Anne Atwell has proven otherwise.

Carl F. Wenner

Fly Creek

Mirabito puts citizens first

Bill Mirabito has served as councilman for the town of Oneonta for two years. During this period, he has made a difference to the bottom line for taxpayers in the town.

Bill is an astute businessman. With Bill's assistance, the town this year saved $25,000 in health insurance. This was done without sacrificing quality coverage and care for our town employees. What an accomplishment for a public elected official!

Our town is centrally located and is a crossroad of commerce and residential homes. With our safety in mind, Bill has been a leader on the public safety committee, helping to make some difficult decisions. A new constable was hired this past year to increase the patrols in the town and ensure the safety of our residents. Bill gets results.

He has served our residents on the school district board of education, the board of directors of the State University College at Oneonta Foundation and Springbrook, and as president of the Oneonta YMCA.

The town of Oneonta needs Bill Mirabito. We need to continue the responsible representative in the town of Oneonta. Bill Mirabito has and will put your needs as his priority.

Please vote for Bill Mirabito for town councilman on Nov. 3.

Dennis Sherrill

West Oneonta

Hosley will make good judge

Philip Hosley would make a very good town justice.

Philip Hosley was a mailman for many years. I've always found him to be very courteous and to go beyond the absolute duty of the job. On several occasions, my mailbox was not shoveled out because the man I had to do it hadn't gotten to me yet. Mr. Hosley always delivered my mail, even if he had to lean out of his car to reach the mailbox. On several occasions, he even brought boxes to the house so they wouldn't get rained or snowed on.

He always has given much more than just what the job required. That's the kind of worker we need in our town government. I'm voting for him Nov. 3.

Lena K. Hunt

Oneonta

Rothenberger's work not done

Catherine Rothenberger is the best candidate for a representative for Otsego County; she is an individual of integrity and a strong advocate for human services. She values respect, responsibility and sincerity. She is also fiercely loyal to protecting people, from children to the elderly. She is truly concerned that the people in Oneonta and Otsego County are healthy and happy; she listens and cares. Her record shows work in supporting the Department of Social Services, Mental and Public Health, Office for the Aging, and Planning and Economic Development.

Rothenberger is working on a plan for hiring a county manager, a position important to promote efficiency in the county government that will save tax dollars. She is also working on a plan to revitalize downtown Oneonta. This plan is crucial to the future of our community as it promotes growth via improved revenue for current businesses and favorable opportunities to help attract new businesses. A thriving downtown is one step to help stem increases in our property taxes. She is also very involved in programs that benefit health care and human services, for which she has been a dedicated champion. Catherine Rothenberger genuinely cares about people.

Vote to support Cathy Rothenberger. Her work is not done.

Beth Donovan Lunn

Oneonta

Young has shown dignity

I support Connie Young for Franklin town clerk. Connie has served in the position since January 2006. She has been an asset to town government and is genuinely sincere and diligent in her responsibilities.

For 14 years, she owned and operated a fabric store. The skills of operating a business and dealing with the needs of others have proved to be most beneficial in her capacity as town clerk and tax collector.

Recently, a petition was circulated proposing a vote to allow beer and wine to be served in eating establishments in Franklin. After a town resident legally challenged the proposition, the town clerk had to rule on it. Many inaccuracies were found, but most glaring of all was the wrong law number. The wrong law number would mean the residents would be voting for a law that does not exist. After conferring with the town's attorney, the proposition was denied by the town clerk.

This decision was supported by the town board. In spite of accusations of incompetence, Connie continued to treat everyone with dignity and respect. Differences of opinions in our ever-changing town are a certainty, but the town government has the responsibility to do what is correct and legal. Sometimes these decisions make others angry. Let us hope that we can accept our differences, and respect and treat each other in the manner that Connie Young has treated those who opposed her decision based on research and legal advisement.

The dignity and respect to others she has displayed in recent weeks exemplifies what I believe the people of Franklin appreciate and deserve. Connie Young has served the town well, but if for no other reason than the strong character attributes she has displayed, she deserves your vote on Nov. 3, for the office of town clerk.

Janice Smith

Franklin

County is lucky to have Crowell

Otsego County is fortunate to have Dan Crowell, not only as a resident, but also extremely lucky that he would like to serve us as county treasurer. His qualifications are spectacular and his personality is perfect for public service. I have seen Dan in action and he has proven to me that he is organized, thoughtful and an exceptionally competent leader. Under the tremendous pressure of coordinating complex tasks and dozens of people, he is relaxed and easy-going _ and everything gets done. It's a sign of a good leader when great things just keep happening without anyone feeling pressure.

Democrats, Republican, Independent and Green voters are supporting Dan because he is clearly the most outstanding candidate for this office the county has ever seen. The job is not partisan _ it's about appropriate stewardship of county funds. The job is not about who you know best _ it's about who knows best how to handle county funds. Did you know that Dan builds the same type of financial accounting software the county is using to handle these funds?

Please remember to vote on Nov. 3, and please vote for Dan Crowell for county treasurer. His credentials are impeccable, and he's exactly the kind of person Otsego County needs.

In these times, it is rare that young people who leave our rural area return to raise their families. Dan is an example of "reverse brain-drain." He could work just about anywhere in the world, but he's here and he wants to serve. We can hope that his leadership can help to start a new trend. A Fulbright Scholar who is a graduate of the London School of Economics wants to help Otsego County grow and prosper. How lucky is that?

Karen Anderson

Oneonta