Dryden GOP - (Republican Committee)

©2005 Dryden Republican Committee
Tom Hatfield - Chairman
Jack Bush - Vice Chairman
Bambi Hollenbeck - Secretary
Sue Gilbert - Treasurer

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Editorials

Dear Town of Dryden residents:

Your friends, neighbors and community leaders have voiced an opinion on the upcoming election. Please take a minute to read these letters of support, understand the serious issues they address and the positive solution you can make happen by voting for Steve Trumbull, Steve Stelick, Dan Tier, Dave Restey & Mike Hattery on November 8th, 2005. Select a specific name from the list below or scroll through them all. This page is being updated, and many of these are only relevant to the past election in 2003. You can also see only the 2003 election editorials.

Editor

The voters of the town of Dryden have a unique opportunity to support three candidates who have the experience to help their community meet the challenges of managing a municipality in today's environment: Steve Trumbull for town supervisor and Mike Hattery and Marty Christofferson for town board.

I am confident that with their experience and dedication to the community, Steve, Mike and Marty would serve the people well. I certainly would look forward to working with them to benefit our mutual constituents in the town of Dryden. Let me encourage Dryden voters to support Steve Trumbull, Mike Hattery and Marty Christofferson on November 4th.

JAMES L. SEWARD
State Senator

Editor

This year's Town of Dryden election is about leadership.To lead, one needs to be able to communicate effectively. Listening, gathering input, reaching consensus in an environment that is conducive to constructive efforts benefits all participants. This process is embraced by Steve Trumbull, a man I have known for many years. His ever present smile, helping hand and steady mind are always ready to find a constructive way to set and achieve goals, whether in the class room or coaching or building his own home.

Marty Christofferson and Mike Hattery add strength and knowledge to the team seeking our support. Both are family men committed to our youth and are already leaders in many areas. Starting a youth lacrosse program from scratch or serving as a village trustee for more than a decade are just a small part of the many activities they incorporate into their lives.

What a team they will make. Especially important, when you consider the shoes they will fill. We cannot afford to lose the leadership provided by those who owned and worked the farmland for many generations. Steve Trumbull's family has cared for the Dryden farmland he now owns for 3 generations. His environmental concerns were taught to our children as he taught them to care about the environment they live in.

Support this team of tested volunteers and you help ensure Dryden's future and secure its traditions by voting for Steve Trumbull for Supervisor and Marty Christofferson and Mike Hattery for Town Council on November 4^th.

Bill Deming
Former Dryden School Superintendent.

Dear Voters:

I am writing to request your support of the TRUMBULL, CHRISTOFFERSON, HATTERY ticket in the Town of Dryden elections on Tuesday November 4, 2003. These people are committed to leadership, fiscal responsibility and the promotion of TRUST, COOPERATION and COMMUNICATION in the Dryden community. They will encourage cooperation among the local communities, public service providers and other municipalities. They recognize the merits of the rich diversities of the local communities they will be serving in Bethel Grove, Ellis Hollow, Etna, Varna, North Dryden and the Villages of Dryden & Freeville; and they are committed to helping the local residents maintain their distinctive communities.

These candidates also realize the importance of the VOLUNTEER SPIRIT in the Dryden communities. They pledge to continue to support and nourish this volunteer spirit. They support planning, economic development and environmental protection to ensure a positive future for the Town of Dryden.

I have personally worked with Mike Hattery for several years on the Dryden Village Board and can attest to his ability as a financial planner, his willingness to work with the Police and Fire Departments and other municipal organizations. His strong background in local government, 20 years as a full time staff member of the Cornell University Local Government Program are a major plus to all his constituents.

Steve Trumbull who is running for Town Supervisor, is a lifelong resident of Dryden. Currently serving on the Town of Dryden Zoning Board of Appeals he is familiar with many of the issues facing the Town Board. As a retired Dryden Central School teacher he has the time necessary to devote himself to the issues of the Dryden community.

Marty Christofferson is the Director of Information Technology and an instructor at TC3. He has 21 years of fiscal and administrative experience, and serves on the Town of Dryden Planning Board.

Who could ask for a better package ? LEADERSHIP, EXPERIENCE, FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY, AND YOUR BEST INTEREST AT HEART. I encourage you to VOTE for this great package on Tuesday, November 4, 2003.

Sincerely

Reba L. Taylor, Mayor
Village of Dryden

Editor

As one observes the continuing controversies in the Town of Dryden, one has to wonder what is the real issue?

This is not a matter of Democrats vs. Republicans; it is a matter of leadership.

There are battles with the fire departments, people at odds with the highway department, and difficulties with village and county government. I have read about and seen the finger pointing at the highway superintendent, the administrators of the fire departments, and other government officials. Through it all sits the current Dryden town supervisor either doing nothing to help address the matter or making comments that add to the problem.

A leader needs to know when to step in to help guide difficult issues to mutually agreeable solution, recognize that a path taken may be in the wrong direction and join together with other government entities to make a stronger partnerships. Dryden currently lacks that leadership. The damage caused by this lack of leadership will be expensive in the loss of volunteers, legal costs to the taxpayers and "go it alone" government expenses. Support our town and vote Steve Trumbull for Town Supervisor, Marty Christofferson and Mike Hattery for Town Board.

Dan Tier
Town of Dryden

Time for a change in Dryden leadership

The Dryden Democrats seek election claiming to favor "open government."Last month, Mark Varvayanis, Town Supervisor and Deb Grantham, Deputy Town Supervisor directed the Town Attorney to draft a resolution authorizing a referendum to appoint the Highway Superintendent instead of letting the voters elect our Highway Superintendent. Ironic isn't it, they managed to inform a few loyal political supporters about their plan but failed to include it on the published agenda or to present it in advance of the meeting to the other three members of the Town Board who learned of their intent upon arriving at the meeting. Open government or NOT, you decide. Because of their attempt to railroad this issue it was voted down. They amazed me further by telling me how I had voted on this same issue 5 years ago. What they don't understand is that 5 years ago this issue was discussed for several months before the Board unanimously agreed to present this issue to the voters.

In the many years I've served on the Town Board, its only been during the last 4 years that so many people have been unhappy, confused, and downright disgusted in the Town Board leadership provided by Mark Varvayanis and Deb Grantham.

If the voters want to regain, trust, accountability, cooperation and above all communications and get the Town on the right track then GET OUT TO VOTE ON NOVEMBER 4^th and support Steve Trumbull, Supervisor, Marty Christofferson and Mike Hattery Town Board.

Charlie Hatfield
Member Dryden Town Board

A TEAM WITH PROVEN EXPERIENCE AND LEADERSHIP ABILITY

After this election Dryden voters can look forward to being served by Steve Trumbull as Town Supervisor, and Board candidates Mike Hattery and Marty Christofferson, each with deep and long-term experience in the kinds of tasks needed of our Town Board in the years ahead.

Steve Trumbull has spent 33 years teaching in the Dryden Schools -- an occupation which, we all know, reveals interpersonal skills and leadership ability to a large cross section of parents and students over the years. Several generations in Dryden know Steve can lead our Town to the cooperation and consensus we so clearly need these days. Lifelong knowledge of the Town and its residents coupled with service on the Zoning Board add further to Steve Trumbull's practical experience.

Mike Hattery, a candidate for Town Councilman, is literally an expert in small local government operations. His thirteen years of leadership and group decision-making on the Dryden Village Board combines with his lifelong career training and advising local officials throughout New York State. Mike has shown his ability over the years to work with the fire company, community groups, elected officials and taxpayers... at current as well as future needs... bringing about good government and good services for the lowest possible tax levy.

Finally, Marty Christofferson has shown effective teambuilding and leadership in several valuable settings. Marty has been active for years on many local boards and committees and has years of professional experience carrying fiscal and administrative responsibilities.

Vote for proven, capable leadership on Election Day.

Jim and Nancy Crawford
353 Main Street
Freeville, NY 13068
347-4393 (Days)

Dear Editor

I am voting for Steve Trumbull for Town of Dryden Supervisor; Mike Hattery and Marty Christofferson for Town Councilmen. They will be objective and see that the town projects are completed. They will see that the Dryden-Freeville walk path and the town hall projects are finished. These projects are just two examples of things that the current administration promised in the last two elections and has not produced. Money for these projects was appropriated before the current administration came into office, but the projects are stalled. This is due to a lack of leadership. Also they will treat our emergency services and fire departments fairly. The current administration has been stubborn and difficult. They have not readily negotiated the fire and ambulance contracts. I served a number of years on the Board of Directors of Neptune Hose Company No. 1 of Dryden, Inc. and on the Board of Directors of Dryden Ambulance, Inc. I was also treasurer of both organizations in the years when these organizations saw tremendous growth. Please believe me Dryden residents, we are extremely fortunate to have access to the high quality of emergency services in our township that our volunteer departments provide. We need all of our elected town officials to be as dedicated as the emergency services personnel are. Many of us believe that to continue these vital services you should vote as I will vote, for Trumbull, Christofferson and Hattery. Vote Nov. 4th. . Vote for fair government and see our town prosper like it used to years ago. We must stop the backward slide of the last two elections. Sign me a life resident,

Brad Perkins
4 Mill Street
Dryden, NY 13053-0162

To the Editor, Ithaca Journal (and Cortland Standard)

The Democratic candidates for the Dryden Town Board are redirecting attention from the real issues. Incumbents Varvyanis and Grantham cannot run on their record of divisiveness. Instead they are raising issues regarding the town Highway Superintendent who is not up for re-election, and who is independent of their governance.

Example: Varvyanis and Grantham recently proposed to change the Highway Superintendent's position from elected to appointed, knowing that Town of Dryden voters have overwhelming voted down this proposal twice in recent years. It was introduced at the last minute without time for full Board deliberation, knowing that the Republican majority on the Board would recognize the will of the people to keep an elected position by defeating it.

Example: In their campaign materials they take credit for the full Board's accomplishments including reducing tax rates. Quite simply, they have only been able to continue the excellent fiscal policies established by the previous Supervisor and Board.

The real issue: Most important, their arrogant attitude has left broken relationships and low morale that is jeopardizing our town's safety and the dedication of our volunteer fire fighters. No group does more for our community--the current situation is just plain wrong! Should this continue to deteriorate, we could see substantially increased taxes to support a paid fire department when there are no volunteers left to protect us.

Please vote for the future of Dryden, with a change in leadership — Steve Trumbull for Supervisor, and Marty Christofferson and Mike Hattery for Town Board.

Les Cleland
Dryden, NY

The Dryden Democrats are at it again!! Setting up a smoke screen and hoping people don't look further than that.

Take for instance the highway superintendent issue. What on earth did those people think would happen when they sued an elected official? That it was a direct avenue to get what they wanted? Why would the Town not be obliged to provide a defense at taxpayer expense? Remember the Town Highway Superintendent also has an obligation to protect the traveling public on its roads. That handful of people cost the rest of the taxpayers a considerable sum of money, and now they are whining about it.

What have the Democrats accomplished?

In their newsletter the current Supervisor says he is proud of the tax decreases during his administration.Remember, there has always been a Republican majority on that board. If not, the Town may well be looking at an increase such as the County currently is with their board comprised of a Democratic majority.

That same newsletter says that Mark Varvayanis and Deb Grantham support the Recreation Partnership. Well, so do the Republicans. And in fact one Republican town board member initiated the creation of a Recreation Coordinator to foster growth in the Town's recreation opportunities to serve all Town residents.

Relations are currently strained between the Town Supervisor and the Fire Departments within the Town. Who was sent to try and work that mess out? TwoRepublican town board members have been working diligently to mend that rift and maintain fiscal responsibility.

The Democrats act is if the new comprehensive plan is strictly their doing. In fact Republican Marty Christofferson has been involved for the past several years in the process.

Don't fall victim to the smoke screen. See through it and vote for Steve Trumbull, Marty Christofferson and Mike Hattery on November 4.

Ed Hill
Dryden, NY

To the Editor

In my first-hand observations, the Dryden Town Board had gained great strides over the last two years in their ability to work as a unified team, not as Republican vs. Democrat. It was the full board that gave the green light for consultant George Frantz to update the Town's outdated comprehensive plan and it was a majority of the board that worked toward getting a swift resolution to Mr. Weinstein's situation. Recent comments like, "...retire Republicans who have been obstructing progress"; "...majority of the town board are non-responsive to citizens"; and "Only Grantham and Varvayanis were willing to defend my private property rights", are inaccurate and politically biased statements aimed at those who just happen to have the party affiliation of Republican. These attacks serve only to corrode strides made and erode mutual respect.

Unfortunately, the attempt by the two Democrat board members to introduce the local law to convert the town highway superintendent position from an elected to an appointed position appeared to be purely political. In what appeared to be a secret initiative lead by County Legislator Rep. Martha Robertson, the three Republican board members had no prior knowledge a motion of this magnitude would appear before them until the night it was introduced. It is my observation that this lack of advance knowledge, coupled with the personal attack toward the Highway Superintendent, (not the position), by members of the audience and Town Supervisor, prevented them from voting in the affirmative for a public hearing on this local law. These three should be applauded for not succumbing to this purely political issue being forced down their throats by vocal residents who had pressured the two Democrat board members to introduce this untimely topic. This secretive style government by Supervisor Varvayanis and Councilwoman Grantham removed the opportunity for all board members to research and discuss this issue months in advance, as they should have done. It also made it impossible for residents from all sides of town to be in the audience at the time the motion was presented.

Election Day is November 4th. I urge eligible residents of the Town of Dryden to cast your vote for Trumbull, Christofferson, and Hattery. These individuals are open-minded, have excellent listening and communication skills, and will work on behalf of everyone, regardless of political affiliation and location of residence. Their experiences on issues such as the environment, recreation, finances, employee relations, government, and technology will serve town residents well. They will be able to help heal the distrust and low morale between town-wide volunteers and Town Hall. They will tackle unresolved human resources issues and move forward with current government issues. They are honest, levelheaded, dedicated individuals, who will work on improving the current lack of communication between residents and government. They will also provide residents shrewd and intelligent leadership by taking the time to research and investigate all sides of issues and questions raised by residents.

Lisa Stelick,
Town of Dryden

On October 29th, Tom Seeley stated that the Dryden fire departments were attacking Supervisor Varvayanis because he demanded cost efficiency. It is not his concept of efficiency that is drawing fire, but his methods and the implications behind them.

The problem is illustrated by the concern over equipment that is duplicated in neighboring companies (Cl Michaels, Nov. 2002 meeting) or perhaps not needed at all Despite repeated efforts to educate the Town Board and Varvayanis about fire company needs, this concern has been echoed by Varvayanis in meetings with the fire companies and in his recent article calling fire company equipment incompatible. The fire service is one business where we buy tools and train for the event we hope never comes (like a car into a gorge). When it does, we need our tools at hand and we need to work together.We plan for that.

The audits demanded by the Town of Dryden are excessively intrusive and indicate a fundamental distrust of the fire departments to manage their finances or their business properly. A few weeks ago Tom Seeley said the firefighters were not being audited. I served Varna as Treasurer, then as Chief, but always as a firefighter.It IS the firefighters who do this administrative work and therefore they ARE being audited. We kept our books carefully and were ever mindful of our obligation to the taxpayers. To have our efforts now thrown up as examples of bad fiscal management leaves a sour taste that no amount of sweet talk or political rhetoric will remove.

At this point, Varvayanis and the Town Board have serious problems with credibility among the fire companies. Varvayanis flatly refused to present his explanation of quarterly contract payments in a public meeting (Nov. 2002). In my opinion, quarterly payments are punitive: to be able to withhold payments as leverage over the fire departments. Fortunately, withholding contract money did not work this past year. The town did not solve its problems, but firefighters still showed up, simply because it was the right thing to do. Show some trust. Vote for someone else.

Christopher Easton
Past Chief
Varna Volunteer Fire Company

Proceed and Vote with Caution!

Volunteering with Neptune Hose Company No. 1 is more that putting out fires. Volunteers of all ages have donated their talents and created a virtually debt free emergency service for Dryden.

Instead of being commended for their efficient operation, Mark Varvayanis' actions created rumors of financial wealth and inaccuracies about their operations. His manipulations with their contract and emergency service finances have created an aura of distrust with our volunteers.

Management of an essential emergency service requires an integrated approach. Basic courtesy has been ignored by Varvayanis and a confrontational approach is utilized. This creates an unhealthy environment in our town.

Over the past 8 months his actions have set the stage for an emergency in our town. Our volunteer firefighters and board members uphold the highest standards of training, response and stewardship for our community. If the volunteer services are eliminated, all Dryden citizens face a multi-million dollar tax increase in order to provide emergency services.

In times of low numbers of willing citizens to join the volunteer ranks, it is imperative that a town supervisor be elected which will have an integrated approach with our essential emergency services.

Steve Trumbull is the person who will work, support and have an integrated approach with our emergency services.

Frank Palmer
Dryden, NY

Date: 10/22/03

A vote for Mike is a vote for "good government"

I am writing in support of Mike Hattery for Dryden Town Board. I have known Mike Hattery for over twenty years. I worked with Mike on a school committee for several years. I have been a resident of Dryden for 21 years where Mike has been a Village Trustee for thirteen of those years. I also know him as a personal friend and family man.

In my experience with Mike Hattery, he has always displayed the highest degree of integrity, and sound judgement. In his duties as a Village Trustee he has represented the people well, taking his responsibilities seriously and striving for solutions to problems that serve the common good without violating the rights of he individuals involved. He has shown his willingness and ability to partner with other local governments and community organizations to achieve mutual goals.

Mike's career at Cornell University has him focused on the continual improvement of local governments, and his service to the Village of Dryden has given him hands-on experience. Mike will bring all this training, knowledge, and experience to the Town of Dryden. A vote for Mike Hattery is a vote for "Good Government".

Philip J Dovi
34 Greystone Dr
Dryden, N.Y. 13053

A Stone Wall or Stonewalling Again?

The stone wall on David Weinstein's property is in the Town of Dryden right of way with a Town drainage ditch behind the stone fence. Mr. Weinstein signed a hold harmless agreement with the Town in order to keep his stone fence. This means that if someone gets hurt or killed from hitting this stone fence Mr. Weinstein would be responsible not the Town.

There is a small group of people that are bad mouthing Jack Bush. Why? Because they couldn't force him to do inferior road work instead of following NYS DOT recommendations including cutting brush, cleaning ditches, installing culvert to drain the road base so pavement will last when applied. This special interest group filed a lawsuit to stop his work. When the Judge's decision arrived, Bush had done exactly what the Judge said was legal for him to do. When the Highway Department went to complete the shoulders one resident parked vehicles along the pavement to stop them. This same resident had previously asked the Town Board to return this road to gravel.

The current Highway Superintendent, Jack Bush, is doing the job he was elected to do, and doing it well too. His adoption of sound management practices for long-term road repairs benefits all the taxpayers. Its unfortunate that Dryden Democrats are so desperate to hide their record of confrontation that they are attacking a good public servant to distract voters. Vote Row A for Trumbull, Christofferson & Hattery for new leadership in Dryden.

Don and Sue Gilbert
Dryden NY

To the Editor:

By now many of you are aware that the majority of fire departments serving the Town of Dryden are not under contract to respond if called. The issues between the volunteers and town officials are too numerous to go into detail here. However, I believe there is a simple solution.

Since fire protection in Dryden is currently provided entirely by volunteers, and it's evident current Supervisor Varvayanis can't work well with these volunteers, I would suggest he consider hiring paid career firefighters.

Volunteers could apply for positions and get paid for what they enjoy doing. Furthermore, if you're gonna miss family activities, leave the dinner table unexpectedly, respond day & night in all kinds of weather, put your life or health at risk by crawling into a burning building or extricating someone from a serious car accident and spend countless hours on education, training, administration etc. you might as well get paid for it, right?

I'm sure the Town can raise taxes enough to pay the several million dollars of payroll, benefits, overtime, disability, workers comp, vacation, retirement, recruitment, accounting, management and administration necessary to accomplish this. This would simply be a several million dollar increase to the current $583,000 tax levy.

Town of Dryden residents & taxpayers ask yourselves this question...do you think a little respect, appreciation and effective communication could save taxpayers millions of dollars? It could, but Supervisor Varvayanis doesn't seem to think so.

Think about it on November 4^th and vote Steve Trumbull for Town of Dryden Supervisor. I believe he can repair the damage and improve relationships with the volunteers that serve you daily and by doing so save literally millions of dollars in taxes.

Bill Ackroyd
Dryden NY

THE OTHER SIDE OF THE ROAD

I have read with interest recent editorials attacking the Town of Dryden Highway Superintendent. Being an informed reader, and a former member of the Town of Dryden Town Board, the first thing I noticed is that since they were unsuccessful in getting the satisfaction they sought in a court of law the writers appear to be turning to the court of public opinion.

The facts as I know them are that Jack Bush, the current Highway Superintendent, has from day one, when he was appointed by the Dryden Town Board, operated the department following sound effective management practices especially when spending tax dollars completing long-term road repairs. When asked about this policy, I remember his response to me, "if you don't fix the ditches, culverts, shoulders and the road base (under-pavement) you are just throwing money at a hole in the road". This engineering policy together with his goals for fleet vehicle maintenance, employee management and DPW co-ordination have served our tax payers well. The highway budget consumes a major part of the Towns annual budget. Mr. Bush has reduced the cost to Dryden taxpayers while maintaining service by improving productivity, planning and overall good management. The Town budget annually appropriates monies requested by Mr. Bush. Current budgets appropriate over $200,000 less than the budget in 1998. More importantly in 1998 the amount the taxpayer was assessed for highway was 42.5% of the Town tax, in the proposed 2004 budget highway costs represent only 30% of the amount taxpayers will be assessed if the budget is adopted. Clearly, since 1999 the town has been well served as a result of his efforts.

Even more important than the money saved is that we continue to receive effective, timely services from the men and women working with Mr. Bush thus ensuring that the roads are maintained and that the snow is cleared enabling our children to be transported safely to school and us to commute to our jobs. Overall, road quality is improving as annual road projects add miles of improved roads throughout the town.

The fact that certain citizens who are active Democratic party members and live on Hurd Road or Hunt Hill Road have a different vision, political agenda, or both should not detract from the realization that we have an effective independent Town Highway Superintendent who serves all the citizens of Dryden — not just those who, in my opinion, prefer a "pot-hole filled" road as a poor substitute for traffic calming measures.We currently have a Town Highway Superintendent who is serving us well and who answers to the voters — not to a Town Board whose decisions can be swayed by temporary political pressure. Thank you Jack Bush.

Making the Highway Superintendent an issue when this position is not up for election this year appears to be an effort by the current Town Supervisor and Deputy Town Supervisor to avoid responsibility for other issues which have lead to discouraging and demoralizing every volunteer fire fighter in our Town. Hiding behind the Highway Superintendent to deflect public awareness of a leadership style that thrives on confrontation and negativity instead of encouraging a meaningful dialogue with the decision makers who actually serve the community will eventually lead to a far greater loss. A paid fire department would not only be expensive but it would change the tone of our community, where volunteers are actively involved in everything from recreation to community events to emergency services and civic organizations.

Fortunately Dryden voters can change this leadership on November 4^th, by electing the republican candidates for Town Supervisor, Steve Trumbull and Town Board, Marty Christofferson and Mike Hattery.

Tom Hatfield
Dryden, NY

Editor

Isn't open government also about honesty? The Dryden Democrats recently published an article by the current Dryden Town Supervisor stating that the town fire company's equipment is incompatible. It states that the administrative boards don't plan together, thus missing cost savings as a group.

All Town of Dryden fire company equipment is compatible. Further, each fire company is also compatible with other town and county fire departments. This is done in two ways: 1. The fire companies meet and discuss operational and financial needs. 2. There is a standard from the National Fire Protection Association that addresses equipment specifications required on apparatus. Yes, it is a national standard followed by the fire service.

Officers of the four fire companies within the town invite the officers of the two fire districts outside the town that supply fire protection to a portion of the district to monthly meetings to discuss operational needs and changes. As part of the meetings, equipment needs are discussed and reviewed. Town-wide purchases have been investigated. Even with all the departments purchasing together, not enough volume is generated to get discounts.

It is time to change leadership. We need someone who is willing to have meaningful dialogue. It is time to restore communication, respect and honesty to the town board.

Join me in voting for Steve Trumbull for Supervisor and Marty Christofferson and Mike Hattery for town board.

Bill Harding
Town of Dryden

Proud but tired of fighting.

It's no secret that current Town of Dryden Supervisor Mark Varvayanis has harassed, antagonized and overall demoralized the volunteer firefighters that serve the Town of Dryden. These firefighters are tired of having to fight with the town leadership in order to volunteer their time and expertise.Both the firefighters and department administration are proud of their accomplishments including:

1. Sound fiscal management of taxpayer funds (only 2 % increase year to year — which is considerably better than most other tax rate increases)

2. Outstanding service to the community not only fighting fires but other non-firefighting Services such as storm cleanup, search & rescue of lost people, car accidents, hazard mitigation, open house, school fire prevention classes,community activities, memorials, parades etc.

These fine volunteers should not have to fight with the Town Supervisor in order to serve you!

These volunteers leave their families to help others at all hours of the day and night at personal risk to themselves, for what? The aggravation created by the current town supervisor. This community needs and deserves good fire service. I fear if the current town leadership is left in place we will lose many of the few volunteers we have now. This would be disastrous.

There have never been issues between the fire departments and local government until the current administration. Why ??

On November 4th please get out and vote for Steve Trumbull, Marty Christofferson & Mike Hattery before it's too late! They can make a positive difference in town government and they care about the environment and our community.

Jeff Kirkland
Dryden NY

Editor

In a time when polls show volunteerism at an all time low, we thought the public might be interested in the viewpoint of two people who commit considerable time to Neptune Hose Co., a volunteer organization.

We dedicate every 3^rd week as an on-call officer, do equipment readiness checks every Wednesday, attend monthly meetings and training, and contribute to the various committees we are on. All this before the fire siren even blows! This past week our fellow volunteers and we spent considerable time preparing and putting on our annual open house. There were many educational and informative displays along with demonstrations. We had record attendance with very positive feedback from the public.

We aren't looking for a pat on the back, however it would have been appreciated if our town supervisor, Mark Varvayanis, who lives 3 miles from the fire station, would extend the courtesy of attending our open house in order to learn some facts about our operation.

We were also upset to read the inaccuracies that were printed in the Democrat party newsletter, for example the statement that our equipment is not compatible or interchangeable with our neighboring fire departments. We, as firefighters, know how ridiculous that statement is but our concern is that the general public will take these fallacies to be true.

We urge you to support Steve Trumbull for Town Supervisor along with Marty Christofferson and Mike Hattery for councilmen who have pledged to work with the volunteer emergency services to provide the best possible service to our community.

Tom and Christy Warner
Dryden, NY

Community

A community it a place where among many other things people work, send their kids to school, shop, go to church, and participate in a multitude of activities from sporting events and parades to festivals and card games.

These same people come together in times of tragedy or disaster to support one another and make the community as a whole closer and stronger.

When evaluating a place to live many people evaluate the education system; the quality of the services provided (water, sewer, fire protection, ambulance service, police protection etc.) as well as the necessary services and stores an area has. People want to live in a community that provides these items in an exemplary fashion.

Dryden is such a community. A wonderful place to live with quality services and outstanding community spirit. To protect this wonderful community spirit and support the future vitality of the Town of Dryden financially, environmentally, and economically it's vitally important that you vote for Steve Trumbull - Town Supervisor along with Marty Christofferson and Mike Hattery for Town Board on November 4^th.

George Wildridge
Dryden, NY

Letter to the Editor

It is time for a change in Dryden. Incumbents to the Dryden Town Board, Supervisor Varvayanis and Councilperson Grantham, have crusaded for the elimination of volunteer emergency services in this town under the guise of attempted fiscal responsibility. Two years ago these individuals voted essentially to discontinue contracting with Dryden Ambulance Inc. Had the vote gone their way Dryden Ambulance Inc. would have ceased to exist, the assets liquidated, and the town of Dryden would now be served by a commercial ambulance service from Ithaca. Not only would response time for the majority of the town have increased substantially, cost of the service would as well since there would no longer be any competition.

For the past year Varvayanis has refused to work with the town fire departments to assure that the fire protection needs of the community are met. His style has been to arbitrarily cut contract line items that he does not understand without any discussion with the departments. He is confrontational and short sighted, challenging the concept of building reserve funds for the replacement of expensive equipment. Apparently he prefers the avenue of many career politicians; buy now and let the future generations pay later.

For a number of reasons, volunteer emergency organizations are already having trouble recruiting and retaining members. Having to deal with politicians and their hidden agendas will only compound this situation and could lead to the dissolution of the volunteer fire service.

Please consider voting for Steve Trumbull for Dryden Town Supervisor, Marty Christofferson for Dryden Town Board, and Mike Hattery for Dryden Town Board. Vote for them because they will work with the volunteers through effective and professional communication, responsible planning for the future and they have the best interest of this community in mind. To learn more about these candidates visit DrydenGOP.org.

Daniel K. Hill
Town of Dryden

Trumbull, Christofferson, Hattery

As the current Town of Dryden elected Highway Superintendent I am proud of the accomplishments of the Highway Department. The Department has been successful addressing safety concerns for the traveling public, providing maintenance in a cost effective manner to extend the life of Town roads, addressing erosion concerns affecting our water quality, and more.

The 2003 Highway Budget I submitted was reduced by a double digit percentage and the level of service has continued. The tax rate decreased and allowed for positions such as the recreation coordinator and the environmental planner.This kind of success comes from a team effort consisting of hard working employees, dedicated department heads and staff, Town Board members, and the cooperation of Town of Dryden residents.

The Town Board Republican majority has continued to be a team player to provide the Town of Dryden taxpayers this kind of success. Please exercise your right to vote and elect Steve Trumbull, Marty Christofferson, and Mike Hattery on November 4th.

Jack Bush
Dryden, NY

Appeal to Democrats in the Town of Dryden

2003 will be a year that the members of the Varna Volunteer Fire Company will not easily forget. It began with an ice storm that alone was responsible for 44 emergency calls within the Varna district. VVFC members practically lived at the station, taking catnaps in wet turnout gear on sofas. For 30 hours the station was without power and heat.

2003 will also be remembered as the year that the leadership in the Town of Dryden chose to withdraw its trust in the VVFC by refusing to enter into contract negotiations and making the unprecedented move to quarterly contract payments. Over the years, the VVFC budget has increased at the annual rate of 2%. This is despite a 6% increase in the replacement cost of firefighting equipment and the burden of new, unfunded mandates handed down by the State to keep fire companies compliant with National Fire Protection Agency standards. Nevertheless, in 2003 the Dryden Board returned a contract in which the budget did not even have the 2% increase, but was cut by approximately 3% relative to the previous year.

2003 will also be the year that I break ranks with the community of democratic voters. Although I continue to subscribe to the principles advocated by democratic party candidates, this year I cannot support the democratic incumbents on the Town of Dryden Board. Their leadership has demoralized the Town’s volunteers and bred mistrust. I urge other democrats in the Town of Dryden to exercise their democratic right and vote republican. My votes go to Trumbull, Christofferson and Hattery.

Veit Elser
Town of Dryden

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