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Dear Editor:
So the pattern is, you write a letter where you
disagree with George Heidcamp, and then you are
bullied, and then Ralph Bogert calls you a "boat
person." Wow. That is one class act that is hard to
follow.
There is one thing I do want to make very clear
to both Mr. Heidcamp and Mr. Bogert, I write my own
letters. I have no ghostwriter. No one has asked me
to write these letters. Having had two books
published and under contract for two more, I resent
the insinuations that I need someone else to write
or think for me. Judging by the quality of the
items you both publish, I am under the impression
that you do your own writing and thinking for
yourselves.
I must admit, that the Heidcamp Report and
resulting letters are frankly, becoming a bore. I'm
even yawning while I write this. An unscientific
survey of people around town tells me that the
feeling is permeating. I see people sleeping in
their hammocks, with the Post Star covering their
faces, stuck on page 3. This must be a concern for
those who have bought advertising. On the other
hand, we now have an antidote for insomnia. This
could be a major growth industry for our little
town.
But as the debate saunters on, I do have some
questions that have weighed on my mind, and I would
like to share them with my fellow citizens. What
would be the reaction if disgusted citizens of the
town peppered the Saugerties Policeman's Benevolent
Association and the Conservative Party of
Saugerties with Freedom of Information Law (FOIL)
requests? What would the reaction be if people
asked for documentation relating to any
reimbursements given to George Heidcamp for
conventions or meetings attended in his official
capacities? What would be the reaction if people
asked for copies of mileage, dinner and lodging
reimbursements for these events? What would be the
reaction if the good people of Saugerties were
reminded that this reimbursement money came from
their donations, from their hard-earned money? What
would be the reaction if these findings were
printed in the local papers and on the Internet and
subjected to public scrutiny for alleged
improprieties? I am positive that the fireworks
that would ensue would be greater than anything
we've ever seen at Cantine Field on any 4th of
July.
But, who cares? What would it matter? Would
anything change? No! It would be a waste of time,
so please don't bother. It would be as useful as
the current weekly offerings. My uninvited advice
is, enjoy the summer, and enjoy our little town. I
know I enjoy walking to Cantine Field and watching
the kids play baseball. I enjoy using our library
and reading a good book. I enjoy seeing
out-of-towners looking at the antiques and admiring
the quaintness of our village/town that we take for
granted. On a personal level, I've enjoyed having
family visit to participate during my son's high
school graduation and Eagle Scout ceremony. These
are the things that truly matter, all else is
superfluous.
Sincerely;
James Harris Sr.
August 10, 2006
Saugerties Post Star
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