Argotsinger a fine supervisor

To the editor:

Initially I had no compulsion to write in support of any candidate this year, but when, to my amusement, the letter-to-the-editor discourse unfolded surrounding the race for Supervisor of the Town of Mayfield, I had to take laptop in hand. I’m paraphrasing here, but when I read “business as usual cannot go on like it has in the Town of Mayfield”, I took notice.

Apparently, Supervisor Argotsinger has been irresponsible, and is all to blame for what is wrong in Mayfield. Am I missing something?

Business as usual. Sounds so very ominous.

If business as usual equates to the Mayfield tax rate of 46 cents, I think I’m good; Not looking for a change here, thank you. 46 cents; one of the lowest in New York. I think I’ll stick with that.

If business as usual is Rick Argotsingers’ 99% attendance record at both Town and County meetings, I’m OK with that too. I can’t say that is unique among supervisors, but it is certainly worthy of honorable mention. And I know Mr. Argotsinger to be an honorable man.

If business as usual means maintaining the level of service the Town provides its residents, well, there I go again, still content. Pretty happy in that regard. And given the revenue stream is drying up faster than a typical politician can speak, I think Rick Argotsinger is doing an admirable job.

I could go on, but I’d rather not confuse the most important subject matter above. They all have a direct impact on my wallet, and for that matter, yours; but you can write your own letter.

So I’m thinking, maybe its not what's wrong with the Town of Mayfield “business as usual”, but what is right with it. And if Rick Argotsinger is part of that dynamic, I’ll keep the status quo. Change is not always a good thing, especially if its working.

Bob Dugan, Mayfield

Re-elect Mayfield’s town clerk

To the editor:

Election Day is November 8th. Please don’t forget to vote.

I urge all registered voters in the Town of Mayfield to cast their ballots and re-elect life-long resident Dorothy Hart for Town Clerk.

Dorothy has been a dedicated Town employee for over 16 years. She has an open door policy in her office and is committed to serve the public. She is efficient, discrete and knowledgeable.

I have known Dorothy for 40 years as a friend and sister-in-law. Now I have the privilege of working with her at the Town of Mayfield office. She amazes me with her ability to recall information and remembering someone’s name.

Dorothy has been a 4-H leader for 20 years, past member of PTSO, a prior aide at Mayfield Elementary for over 10 years and a former member of the Mayfield Firemen’s Women Auxiliary.

Dorothy will continue to do an excellent job for us when re-elected as Town Clerk.

Please vote Dorothy Hart, Town Clerk on Tuesday, November 8th.

Melissa Mazzarelli,

Mayfield Town Assessor

Public should be aware of the effort

To the editor:

As the Town of Northampton Clerk for the last 14 years, I have seen many council members come and go. The public usually is not aware of everything that goes into the demanding and time consuming daily operations of the Town, frequently forming their opinions from negativity and personality conflicts aired through the media or local venues. Therefore, I feel it is important to make the public aware of the work, time and commitment that one council member, Guy Poulin, has given to the taxpayers of Northampton.

Guy Poulin works hard to do anything he can to save taxpayers money. His knowledge and expertise in many areas including carpentry, electrical, mechanical, repairs and general maintenance is a valuable asset to the town, not only for working on town buildings and projects but also for assisting with specs and quotes for projects and grant applications, saving the town the costs of labor and consulting fees.  When our grant funding was running short on the Justice Court renovations, Guy rolled up his sleeves and assisted the contractors, resulting in completing the project with many extras, at no cost to taxpayers.  

Guy is always willing to lend a hand with whatever project or research is being worked on. Guy actively participates on his assigned Town Committees, finding numerous fraudulent tax exemptions and assisting the assessor in getting them removed from the tax roles. He also uncovered, and helped stop, abuse of transfer station permits and people bringing trash and construction debris in from other areas outside of Northampton. Just these few examples of some of the work that Guy has done have saved the taxpayers thousands of dollars.

Guy has also frequently spoke out and participated at public forums on numerous issues that would have an impact on our own and neighboring communities.

Being an elected official requires a commitment to the public and the taxpayer and someone who is willing to take the time to do their job, not to pursue personal agendas or to do little more than just show up at monthly meetings. Please remember this when you go to the polls on November 8th.

Elaine Mihalik,

Northampton

Town Clerk

Actions speak louder than words

To the editor:

As your town councilman for the last 5 years, I have been a very active representative for the best interest of the taxpayer.

Administered and worked with the contractor on the town court renovations, saving the town over $5,000.

Found that the Town had a grant for $20,000 for a generator for the town Hall that was never acted on. Fill out proper paperwork and will have that in place for an emergency shelter.

Discovered and helped remove 18 fraudulent exemptions from the tax roll, lowering the tax burden for all taxpayers.

Helped stop the HRBRRD from increasing permit fees by over 1000% and helped stop the DEC from classifying this land as Forest Preserve.

Helped apply for a second grant for the town court. Willing, and have pursued all grant opportunities for the Town.

Only Northville Central School Representative to speak before an Assembly Sub-Committee on ways to reduce the school tax burden

Spoke and urged the Fulton County Board of Supervisors to oppose the 51% tax increase last year.

Remember, Vote Nov 8th, Row 4, Column 9, for a continued fighter for the taxpayer.

Guy Poulin,

Northville

Golf tournament was a success

To the editor:

The 9th annual Broadalbin Youth Commission Golf Tournament, held at the Hales Mills Country Club was an absolute success. The funds raised are essential to maintain the quality of the year-round recreation and athletic programs that our community can provide and advance the development of the future Town Park and Recreation Facility.

The local businesses and individuals that support our youth with their contributions deserve our recognition and support. Our “Green & Tee” sponsors were:  Kennyetto Graphics; H & M Equipment; Fiber Conversion; Spinnaker Management and Realty Sales; Robert Lee Walsh Post #337, American Legion; NBT Bank; Brown’s Ford of Amsterdam, Inc.; Pizza Supreme; Mrs. Jeanne Wilkinson; Broadalbin Manufacturing; BTU Heating & Cooling; R J Hoy Insurance Agency; Midnight Oil, Inc.; Lanzi’s Partners J.T. Inc.; Makron Engineering; Robert M. Halgas Funeral Home; Sieverts Sporting Goods; Great Rentals; Sniezyk Painters, Inc.; Fitzgerald, Morris, Baker, Firth, PC; Kristel’s Lodge; RBC Wealth Management (by way of Mr. Gary Mazzarelli); Fuel N Food of Mayfield; Robert & Judith Munn; Quality Painters; Alpin Haus; Knights of Columbus Council #7629 of Broadalbin; Bedrock Construction; A-1 Auto Body; Ms Margaret Townsend; Steven J. Bruning, CPA and Quality Express Printing, Inc. The beverage cart was generously sponsored this year by both Ken Van Alstine of Innovative Wall and Patio and Lee Masonry of Simsbury, CT.

Additional support for our raffles by donations of gift certificates and merchandise was provided by: Holland Meadows Golf Course; Amsterdam Muni Pro Shop; Mangino Chevrolet sponsored the Chevy for a “Hole in One” contest; Dairy Frost; Charlie’s Restaurant; The Raindancer Restaurant; Doc’s Remedy Inn; The Broadalbin Hotel; Creekside Cafe; Embree’s Wine and Spirits; Fritz’s Pizza; Last Chance Salon; Pour Jim’s Restaurant; Tanner Lumber; Bona’s Discount Beverage; Korona’s Vegetable Stand; Hy Speed Touch Free Car Wash; Sievert’s Athletic Footwear and Clothing; Russo’s ADK Grill; MaryAnn’s Restaurant; Jackie’s Diner; the Mayfield Grill; Quill Office Supplies and the Four Corner Tire Company. We especially appreciated the assistance and hospitality of the Hollenbeck’s and their staff who contributed to the success of the tournament.

On behalf of the Tournament Committee, we thank all who made the event a success and hope that the goodwill and generosity of these businesses is rewarded by your patronage throughout the year.

George Pifko Jr.

Broadalbin Youth Commission Golf Tournament

Committee Secretary