Mailbag

To The Editor:
 The hostility of certain elements of the community, exhibited by a widely circulated Heritage Alliance letter to Governor Patterson, never ceases to amaze.  Readers need to ponder the following facts: Taxes are rising, municipal costs are rising, business failures are rising, tax and bank foreclosures are rising and the economies of Delaware and Western Ulster counties are in deep trouble.

To The Editor:
The front-page article in the November 19 issue of the Catskill Mountain News was eye opening in that it highlighted the disingenuous position of Crossroads.
When the organization expects the tax payers of our state to fork over $60 million to enrich the investors who do not even, in most cases, identify themselves, when we are on notice that the state may well have to cut spending on health and education, when the Catskill Heritage Alliance points out that this gift of tax payers money is unwise, Crossroads answers, “their request is untrue, short sighted and self-serving in the extreme.” Can any one believe their eyes when they see something like this in print? It brings to mind the old adage of “the pot calling the kettle black”.

To The Editor:
Yes, giving is contagious and my hopes are that it will continue to infect all of us, not only throughout this holiday season, but year round.
It all started last week when MARK staff member and Mountain Laurel Gardens Housing Manager, Christine DuBois began planning a Thanksgiving feast for the seniors at Mountain Laurel Gardens.  Before the day was out, MARK staff members Barbara Moses and Iris Mead had volunteered to bake the pies, and help with the fixin’s and Margaretville Telephone Company’s Glen Faulkner hand delivered a check to totally cover the costs of the entire meal.

To The Editor:
Belleayre Mountain Ski Center is a wonderful economic asset to our community and deserves expanded support from Albany. The proposed “Belleayre Resort” is a whole different animal.

To The Editor:
Statements by Joan Lawrence-Bauer and Joe Kelly (‘CHA asks Gov,’ November 25) to the effect that the proposed Belleayre mega-resort means jobs and a growth stimulus for our region would be wrong in good economic times; in the present crisis, they are so dangerously wrong as to constitute a cruel hoax.

To The Editor:
 I’d like to point out that a very important word was missing from the headline of the Nov. 19 article concerning Catskill Heritage Alliance (CHA) and New York State funding. That word was “Resorts.”
In order to be truthful and accurate, the headline should have read:  “CHA asks Gov. to take away Belleayre Resorts funds.”  I do realize that it might have been difficult to fit that headline on the front page, as it was apparent that the article was squeezed in next to the picture of a hunter with his dead deer.

To The Editor:
 The suggestion that we refuse the money Albany has earmarked for the development of Belleayre Ski Center and the Belleayre Resort is totally wacky. Many anti-development voices do so with very selfish personal agendas. 
It sounds like the Catskill Heritage Alliance (CHA) is trying to use the present economic climate to support their position that no progress takes place here.

To The Editor:
I would like to thank the people who drive on Dry Brook Road and have slowed down. The positive feedback I have received is very much appreciated. I heard that there used to not be a speed limit on Dry Brook Road and the change is somewhat recent. It is only normal to continue driving/doing things as you always have. My intent was not to point fingers but to remind people of the change and an ongoing problem.

To The Editor:
A new era is upon us. As such, I wish to inform interested readers about recent changes of use in New York City lands managed by the Department of Environment Protection (DEP). These changes demand greater vigilance in protecting private property and pets.

To The Editor:
Each year, our Community Christmas Project reaches out to brighten Christmas for many area residents. Last year, food baskets were delivered to 128 families, affecting 454 of your friends, relatives and neighbors. Poinsettias were delivered to 46 people who were recently bereaved. Margar-etville Central School elementary children made cards that were mailed with gift certificates to 70 area residents who live alone. Ski lessons and equipment were provided for needy area children. Toys, mittens, clothing and other gifts were wrapped and given to 215 children.