The UDC is not an IDA

I had the opportunity to watch the recent Upper Delaware Council [UDC] meeting [6/13/23] regarding the Camp FIMFO application and the National Park Service’s reaction to their plans along the Upper Delaware River in the town of Highland.

Members of the UDC should remind themselves that their mission is not to be an Industrial Development Agency but, and I quote from the UDC website:

“The mission of the Upper Delaware Council is to conserve, enhance and promote the Delaware River’s corridor’s natural and cultural resources and social and economic vitality, by fostering cooperation among public and private partners, to implement the River Management Plan.”

Anthony Ritter
Guide—Licensed NPS/NYS/PA
Narrowsburg, NY

Support Jim Akt for Town of Highland Highway Superintendent

The primary election is coming up on June 27. In the Town of Highland, there are two individuals seeking to get on the November ballot to become our highway superintendent. 

I wish to share an experience I had some years ago when we were creating Heroes Park in Eldred. The park’s creation was a true community effort, with 253 individuals donating time or money to honor first responders and veterans. 

One logistical problem we faced was getting the massive bluestone components from the quarry and into position to receive our 9-11 monument, which featured an I-beam from the Twin Towers. I asked Jim Akt if he would assist. 

He not only transported the heavy-cut bluestone but also put everything in place—a huge undertaking. 

I asked Jim Akt for a bill for all his time, equipment and labor. Jim’s reply was “It’s for the COMMUNITY, no charge. I’m happy to help out!”

I’ve never forgotten Jim Akt’s generosity in helping to create Heroes Park. When you vote on primary day, I hope you too will remember Jim Akt. In my view, he is a “Class Akt”!

Andy Boyar
Eldred, NY

Supporting Brian Conaty for DA

I have only known Sullivan County’s Acting District Attorney Brian Conaty for a little more than one year. In that relatively short period of time, Brian has earned my trust, my respect and my support. 

Brian Conaty possesses the family values, moral character and law-and-order qualities we should expect from our district attorney.

Brian is an extremely bright attorney whose experience working in the DA’s office has shown us that he has the qualifications to be a great prosecutor, while his relatively young age will better enable him to withstand the rigorous demands of the office.

I have heard the argument that Brian Conaty may be too young to be a good DA. I don’t believe that, nor do I agree. This country overwhelmingly elected John F. Kennedy to the office of the presidency at the age of 43. JFK became one of the greatest, most liked and widely respected leaders of the most powerful country in the world at a relatively young age.

Brian Conaty is qualified and prepared to be Sullivan County’s District Attorney no matter his age.

Please consider joining me in supporting Acting District Attorney Brian Conaty in the Republican Primary Election on Tuesday, June 27. The early voting period begins June 17 and continues through June 25.

Thomas R. Bose
Chairman
Town of Callicoon Republican Committee
Jeffersonville, NY

Biden doesn’t deserve your support

Since Biden took over and canceled all the successful policies of the previous administration, this country is going down the tubes fast. 

He turned his back on the moderates and gave in to the radical left.

Where is the great uniter that he was touted to be? Gas prices are up about a dollar a gallon since he took over; our borders are not secure; the withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan was a disaster, losing American lives and leaving millions of dollars in military equipment for the Taliban to use.

Biden is a nasty, spiteful, delusional, lying plagiarist. His State of the Union address looked like a scene from the Kremlin.

It’s time for a change, and I don’t care if it’s a Democrat, just not Biden. He is an embarrassment; his age has not treated him kindly. He should step aside. Those who support him blindly without thinking for themselves are fools.

Bob Henderson 
Narrowsburg, NY

Five Sullivan students honored

Nearly 1,000 Alfred State College students have earned dean’s list honors for their academic success during the spring 2023 semester.

Five students from Sullivan County were named to the 2023 spring dean’s list.

Breckin Cheh, from Liberty High School

Alexandra Cossack, from Tri-Valley Central School

Kelsey Kellam, from Liberty High School

Arly Marin-Leon, from Sullivan West High School

Jesse Ouimet, from Livingston Manor Central School

It is always great to celebrate the academic success of our students. Congratulations to these students, and I encourage all our students to continue to work hard in our classrooms and labs.

Craig Clark, Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs
Alfred, NY