Per Eagle Newspapers’ longstanding policy, we do not publish election letters in the print edition the week prior to the election, but we will share letters that did not make the print edition online.
Legg for town board
To the editor:
Are your property taxes fair? Do you believe your property is fairly assessed? If not, I’d strongly urge you to vote for Chris Legg for Town Board. There are many reasons to support Chris – he’s a Skaneateles native; he’s deeply committed to the Town and all of us; he’s thoughtful, hard-working, and a proven leader; and he’s not a lawyer.
Chris will bring a fresh perspective to the Board, one that is much needed. There is no better example than the need to fix our property tax problem.
Recently every member of the current Town Board voted to renew the current Assessor’s contract – for 6 years. This despite members of the Town’s Assessment Review Board expressing strong concerns about the re-appointment to the Town Board in person and in writing.
The Board’s unanimous decision reflects the problem inherent in a Board that clearly doesn’t grasp the gravity of the situation. We’ve seen almost-identical properties with widely different assessments, and very different properties assessed for the same amount. Changes in some assessments are driven not by a careful and thorough use of a standard approach, but by seemingly arbitrary and indefensible opinion unsupported by facts or data.
We need Chris Legg on the Board because he will be a clear voice of reason on issues like this. Chris won’t just go along with the rest. He’s independent, principled, and the kind of leader who will not be okay with decisions like this.
Joseph Paduda
Skaneateles
Support for Abbott-Kenan
To the editor:
I have known Julie Abbott-Kenan personally for more than twenty years. Together we have experienced some of the greatest joys and the most unimaginable sorrows. We got married around the same time and soon started our families. As young mothers we enjoyed time with our children and shared our hopes and goals for their futures.
As our children got older and our lives grew more complicated, we weren’t able to be together as often. However, if ever I have a concern or a question, or just need to talk to someone whose opinion I value, Julie is never too busy to take time to call me back and talk… often while we each have children clamoring for our attention. Sometimes the issues are small, sometimes they are significant. To Julie that doesn’t matter. She is always there to listen when I need her. Her devotion to her family, her friends and her community is undeniable.
Throughout the years, we have spent countless hours on and by our lake. Julie’s commitment to preserving this incredible resource has never wavered. My husband is a lifelong resident of Skaneateles and they often discuss the changes in the lake and the efforts to preserve it. She knows the best fishing spots on the lake and wants them to be there for our children and their children in the future. She is passionate about our environment and its role in our community.
As a teacher in the Skaneateles School District, I always felt that when Julie was a member of our school board she was willing to listen to my concerns and my ideas. Even if we didn’t necessarily agree, she would listen to my perspective and I always felt my thoughts were valued. She was a strong advocate for the students and teachers in this district and her contributions to our schools were immeasurable.
Julie is kind, funny, caring and compassionate. She is also committed and persistent. All of these qualities make her qualified to continue to serve as a representative for our district. I offer my strongest endorsement of Julie Abbott Kenan as the best candidate for Onondaga County Legislator.
Heather Buff
Skaneateles
Badami for town council
To the editor:
Please consider voting for our friend David Badami for Town Councilor. David moved here several years ago from Long Island and has fallen in love with our community. He is motivated to serve in this capacity as a way of giving back.
David’s legal background and his experience on the Village Zoning Board of Appeals and as a Town Councilor make him very qualified for the position.
Although he may not always agree, David is willing to listen and consider your point of view.
Nan And Larry Pardee
Skaneateles
Support for Alexander
To the editor:
I’m writing to express my support for one of my dearest friends Courtney Jones Alexander. I’ve known Courtney for over 30 years we’ve been through many stages of life together. I can’t think of a better choice for Town Councilor. Courtney is personable, and knowledgable about our community & our local government. Although we may not agree on every issue I know in my heart that Courtney will always listen with a fair, open minded, neutral attitude to all her constituents. She is an avid listener who will seek out facts and think things through so that she is well educated on the issues. She will always put her community first. Vote for Courtney Alexander on November 5th because she will get the job done.
Molly Elliot
Skaneateles
Ford write in for legislator
To the editor:
Thank you to the ALCU, the editorial boards of the Auburn Citizen and the Syracuse Post, and all who supported me when Martin Hubbard illegally tried to have me arrested for being a pro-environment activist. Neither County Legislator candidate, neither Susan Scheuerman nor Julie Abbott-Kenan, spoke out against their constituents’ constitutional rights being violated. That’s why I’ve decided to run as a write-in candidate for County Legislator District 6, as a stopgap measure to keep government honest and responsible. There is a space on the ballot on November 5, in which you may write in whomever you choose for any election, and it’s part of our great nation’s system of checks and balances: if all the candidates in an election fail our democracy, you can write in another name. Let’s protect our freedoms and our rights. Thank you.
Zack Ford
Skaneateles
Diversity in our legislature
To the editor:
This Tuesday is an important election. Do not stay home. VOTE!
This local election is not about “the wall”, the 2nd amendment, reproductive rights, or foreign policy. It is about meeting the challenges of our every day lives right here in Onondaga County. We face a lack of strong leadership focusing on the needs of some of our most vulnerable citizens, focusing on the environment, algae blooms, justice system abuses, and yes, opioids. Susan Scheuerman, candidate for our county legislator, will bring decades of frontline experience in social services and knowledge of the workings of county government to bear to address these issues. Susan will forcefully advocate and work with the majority to advocate for housing for veterans, keeping Skaneateles lake clean, addressing the opioid crises right here in Onondaga, and cost-effective housing for growing families and retirees. Government works best with a diversity of political perspectives. I urge you to set aside your national pollical party preferences and vote for Susan to bring a strong, independent, reasoned and diverse tenor to our county legislature. Susan will do this and more. I strongly endorse her candidacy and encourage you to vote for Susan Scheuerman in this important local election.
HAMILTON C FISH
Skaneateles
Vote for Scheuerman
To the editor:
Syracuse has the distinction of having one of the worse poverty rate among US cities; 30.5% of the population falls below the poverty level. Onondaga County has been seeing a decrease in population, in part because of our present job market. We’re faced with climate change (algae blooms in our source of drinking water), Veteran homelessness, Opiod addiction, infrastructure decline and quality education. We have to ask ourselves, are Special Interests getting more attention in our County Legislature than these extremely important issues? Our County Legislature meets once a month. The October meeting lasted about 30min. (This doesn’t include sub committee meetings.) One of the topics discussed at the October meeting was extending the runway at the Skaneateles Airport to accommodate the larger planes of some of it’s residents ( this will be privately funded). Really? What concerns us and should concern all of us is the lack of balance with this Legislature, 12 Republicans to 5 Democrats; 11 Men to 6 Women. The Republicans have been in power for a long time now and we have to ask ourselves, are we moving in the right direction; fast enough?
The League of Women Voters attempted to sponsor a public forum at which Susan Scheuerman who is running for 6th district County Legislature and her Republican opponent could present their priorities and vision for Onondaga County. Although Susan was available and still is, her opponent was unavailable to participate on any of the five dates offered. The question is why?
We”re voting for Susan Scheuerman, our Democratic choice for 6th District County Legislature, representing Camillus, Marcellus, Otisco, Skaneateles and Spafford. She is competent, has career experience in mediation to reach across the aisle and the issues mentioned above, Susan will champion. Susan has served on two school boards, helped organize the January ’17 Woman’s March in Seneca Falls which brought thousands to the area, has her own small business and is presently President of the Board of Directors at the Auburn Public Theater; among other things you can find by visiting her website, susanforcounty.com. So Please Vote on Nov. 5th and join us in voting for Susan Scheuerman. Let’s balance our Legislature and solve the real problems we face.
Michael and Judith Timmins
Skaneateles
Waterman for mayor
To the editor:
It has been my pleasure serving as Mayor for the past eight years and previously seven years as Trustee for the Village of Camillus. After much thought and prayer I have made the decision to not seek re-election for another four year term.
Trustee Richard “Dick” Waterman is running unopposed for the position of Mayor. During his term on the Village Board he has proven to be an interested and active candidate for the position, as Mayor, and will do his best along with the support of the Trustees to serve our community.
Please support Dick Waterman for Mayor by electing him into office.
Patricia J. Butler-Rhoades, Mayor
Village of Camillus
