The Press-Republican has received a number of Speakouts both insulting and praising the candidates for Essex County district attorney. We won't be using any of those.
People who want to endorse or criticize political candidates are welcome to write a signed letter to the editor of no more than 300 words and send it to: letters@pressrepublican.com
Also, we have received many Speakouts for weeks now debating whether people should tip wait staff and how much. We will use all the Speakouts we have received so far but then will be cutting off the topic for a time since all the pertinent points have been made.
Anyone else who wants to comment on that subject is welcome to send a signed letter to: letters@pressrepublican.com
DELAYS
Haven't seen your Speakout? There are a few possible reasons.
We won't publish Speakouts that are longer than 100 words or that we consider libelous or inappropriate, including personal attacks, merchant complaints that we can't verify and court matters.
Also, once a topic seems to have run its course, we will cut it. Writers are always welcome to send a signed Letter to the Editor of no more than 300 words for publication on the Editorial page.
Lastly, Speakout is hugely popular, so we usually have many backed up, waiting to get in.
If you have any questions, call News Editor Lois Clermont at 565-4131.
Highlight
I would like to thank the contributors to Speakout. I recently moved back here from being in Atlanta for 10 years. It is the highlight of my day to read some of these Speakout comments as I can't believe most people complain about such ignorant things. Obviously, there isn't any real news in Clinton County to "Speakout" about.
Glasses
My husband and I attended a 3D movie at Cumberland 12 and expected to pay the additional $3 per person for the glasses. We kept the glasses so we could use them at another 3D movie. When returning to the theater to watch the movie again with my sister, I was told we had to purchase the glasses again. Why can't we reuse the glasses we already bought? So for every 3D movie at Cumberland 12 you pay $3 additional. It is a disappointment that in this recession a "family friendly" business decided to stick it to the locals.
Water
I would like to know why the town of Schuyler Falls and town of Plattsburgh are having a hard time to put town water on the Sand Road in Morrisonville. Since all the wells on that road are messed up, do you think it's politics or who's not going to make money? Do you think the landfill has something to do with this also? I think so.
Rooftop
City delays vote on rooftop highway. What does this have in any way anything to do with the City of Plattsburgh? The article and the comments of the council persons plainly shows again why this locality suffers from lack of expansion and job creation. Any person who has to drive 190 or Route 11 for a living would welcome a highway. Those that do not have to and live off the county payroll don't see the need. We're getting tired of it.
Combustion
If you think that urine, feces and plastic are prime candidates for natural combustion, then I am assuming you do not make a living as a fire marshal. The odds of this being natural combustion are next to nothing. Perhaps it was a meteor, or maybe a squirrel with a piece of flint. Either of those are just as likely as it being natural. While I am not one to defend our mayor, I do think that he is a bit more on the ball than yourself in this case.
Wind
I find it interesting when people are against the wind turbines, they never live in the communities the wind turbines are in. I often wonder if they've ever visited the areas the turbines are in? Yes, California has the redwoods, and they are beautiful. But wake up — Altona, Ellenburg and Chateaugay weren't much to look at in the means of natural beauty before the turbines went up. I think the turbines add an interesting beauty to the landscape. And let's consider what they've done for those local economies.
School
Peru School District causes me to scratch my head more and more every day. While crying poverty, the primary classes are still in session for several more half days while the rest of the classes are done, with the exception of testing. Rather than bus the kids in for two full days, they will bus the children in for four to five days for two ot three hours a crack. Very efficient use of my tax money.
Dress code
I am excited about the changes that I hear are in store for next year's Peru High School. While visiting for games and being in and out of the school, I am ashamed to see what passes for reasonable dress for our youth. Shame on you parents for allowing your sons and daughters to leave home like this! I have told my wife that the girls look like the advertisements for "Girls Gone Wild" commercials. I am told that this coming year one definite item is that the dress code will be enforced without exception. Kudos.
Recital
At a recent dance recital, one of the youngest dancers exited the stage crying during her first performance. She mustered up enough bravery to perform her second dance. I, being her mother, was very proud of her accomplishment. Imagine my dismay when I watched the playback of the video my husband taped and could hear people behind us laughing and joking about our daughter. Shame on you! The next time you would like joke and laugh about a performer or athlete — a child, no less — take into consideration that their family may be in the row in front of you.
Wheelchair
Glad the wheelchair event went so well. So many people did so much to help. Music, two bands, drawings, prizes, food, and people who just walked in off the street donating. It was a wonderful event. Thanks to everyone who helped out in so many different ways; they made enough money for a new wheelchair. It was really, really needed. The community and businesses really came together for it. The North Country is truly a wonderful place.
BOCES
To the parent who wrote in about the BOCES start dates, maybe you should wait until you receive the actual school calendar and see that students actually begin classes after Labor Day, around Sept. 8. The staff at BOCES work hard for our children and always put students and families first. In the future, make sure you have your facts correct before making accusations.
Garden
In regards to the person who thinks that the garden area in the park is stupid, no garden is ever stupid since it provides food for people and enjoyment from nature.
Seating
It's quite comical and yet stupid at the same time to see how a downtown restaurant has outdoor seating. Why on earth would somebody, anybody want to smell the fumes from the traffic going by, the sand and debris that follows and then have ugly concrete terrorist barriers taking up parking spaces. There isn't enough parking now; this is stupid. These areas are not foot traffic people, to where it would make sense. Get a clue already.
School start
I have to say that I am very upset at the fact that I will not be able to see my son off to his first day of kindergarten and see him get off the bus at the end of his first day because I will have to be at work. I arranged my time off to be the week of Labor Day.
Now Saranac Central School decides to have children start school before Labor Day. Now it's too late to change my time off. Why the earlier start to school?
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