Spend time in Monticello Editor:
As residents of Monticello, we commend and congratulate the Monticello Volunteer Fire Department and the Hudson Valley Volunteer Firemen's Association, along with the Mayor, Trustees, public employees, business people and local volunteers who made the recent parade and convention in this village a success.
It would be nice to see the Record give more balanced coverage to events in Monticello. There are new businesses opening and positive changes in the village that your out-of-county newspaper ignores, focusing instead on (or manufacturing) negative stories to malign our area and sell papers by generating controversy and slinging mud. Fortunately, stilted reportage doesn't make reality.
Monticello is a great place to live. It's too bad your writers and editors who cover this village seem to lack a thorough sense of the community. We invite you and your readers to spend more time here.
Start on the web at www.village.monticello.ny.us.
Sincerely,
THOMAS and CARMEN RUE
Monticello
The Times Herald-Record, Middletown, NY, 07-06-2000
Sommers and Rosenberg are worth keeping Editor:
In response to recent attacks written by candidates who claim to have something better to offer than Monticello's incumbent leaders -- Where is it?
During the time Mayor Gary Sommers and Trustee David Rosenberg have held office, the negativity which characterized village government in the past has largely vanished. But those now running have misrepresented the incumbents' positions on issues, and must be corrected.
Sommers and Rosenberg each have established records of public service in the Village of Monticello. What experience do their opponents have in elected office? None! As a taxpayer, I've regularly attended village board meetings since 1993. The only time I've seen the current challengers at village board meetings is when they've been campaigning for themselves.
Sommers and Rosenberg, on the other hand, have worked hard and long to improve economic conditions in Monticello, and to ensure equal opportunity and justice for all, with many successes. They have earned reputations for fairness, honesty, and for standing up for what's right.
Businessman Chris Schmidt, also, deserves a chance, as part of a winning team. Vote straight Republican on March 21st.
Retain the trust!
Sincerely,
CARMEN B. RUE
Monticello
The Sullivan County Democrat, Callicoon, NY, 02-25-2000
The Times Herald-Record, Middletown, NY, 02-__-2000
The River Reporter, Narrowsburg, NY, 03-02-2000
Bad seed comes to fruition Editor:
The seeds of the Electoral College were planted in 1787 to protect what we now view as twin relics of barbarism: slavery and patriarchy. Part of what was called a "great compromise", it placated slave states by including Blacks and women in a state's power base (based on population) without permitting these classes of people a voice at the polls. It is time for the USA to collectively admit the evil of a system which selects a chief executive by any means other than the simple collective voice of those who care enough to vote. Our ancestors' antiquated rules should be reformed. Members of the 2000 Electoral College will have a rare opportunity on Monday, December 18th to demonstrate wisdom and integrity by declaring that no parallel to the present election exists in history. Let recounts be conducted in every state if need be. Electors should then follow their consciences and vote with the majority will of American voters, as the Constitution and laws allow them.
Sincerely,
TOM RUE
Monticello
Written and e-mailed on 01-10-2000; published in
The Times Herald-Record, Middletown, NY, 11-25-2000
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