THE ITHACA JOURNAL, Darts & Laurels (3/17/07)
"Town, village and college cooperate: TC3 extends thanks to Dryden government"
LAUREL: To the leadership of Dryden town and village government and their respective department heads. From Carl Haynes, president, Tompkins Cortland Community College. On behalf of the college community, I would like to extend our appreciation for the incredibly fine working relationship we have with the Dryden town and village leadership and their respective departments. Whether it is the police department, fire department, highway department or recreation department, they all in one way or another over the past several months have been enormously cooperative and collaborative in working with their respective counterparts at the college to not only help contribute to the quality of student life on campus, but to likewise facilitate our role in helping contribute to the quality of life in the Dryden community.
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THE ITHACA JOURNAL, Letter to the Editor (3/15/07)
"Dryden trustees a resource"
Dryden village residents face several issues that will have major impact over the next few years. Replacing the sewage treatment plant, continuing high level police protection, public works management, improving the water system and growth through annexation all will have significant influence on village budget and ultimately on property taxes.
As village residents we have a choice to make in this year's election of village trustees. That choice is between returning to the board incumbents with knowledge and experience in dealing with these issues or bringing onboard new trustees who have little or no background to draw on.
The lack of opposition for village mayor speaks for itself. Reba Taylor's leadership, dedication and perseverance for outside funding of essential projects has served us well. Bob Witty's management and financial experience as head of a local major financial institution are skills not readily available to most village boards. Randy Sterling's many years of law enforcement, both in the village and in Ithaca, are a resource that will be most valuable as the village moves forward with a unionized police force.
The opposing candidates, fine people as they are, have little to bring to the table on these important issues. The incumbents have the background, knowledge and experience to deal effectively with them. Let's not waste this resource! Please join me in supporting them March 20.
Les Cleland,
Dryden
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THE ITHACA JOURNAL, Letter to the Editor (3/15/07)
"Support Dryden incumbents"
The Village of Dryden is facing many complex, difficult issues. I believe the current village officials, including Mayor Reba Taylor, Trustee Bob Witty and Trustee Randy Sterling are doing a tremendous job addressing issues and charting future courses of action. They are seeking your support to continue their endeavors.
This is not the time for nationally oriented ideologies to govern local politics. This is not the time to vote along party lines just because the banter of one party sounds better than another. Rather, this is the time to understand that issues such as water and sewer require real decision making, not rhetoric. This is the time for voters to really look at past accomplishments and future goals.
My strong opinion is that Reba Taylor, Bob Witty and Randy Sterling are the most qualified candidates for addressing the needs of the village. I urge you to vote for them.
If you are a Republican, you can be proud of the slate of candidates your party has provided. They deserve your support. If you are an independent, a Democrat, a liberal or a member of any other party, don't hold party affiliation against three individuals who are truly committed to your well being.
Paul Simonet,
Dryden
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