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November 4, 2009

Ads, calls draw voter ire

Observers say they'll be glad when election's over

By ALVIN REINER and MICHELLE BESAW

PLATTSBURGH — Voter turnout was lower this year, especially without a presidential race and with many unopposed positions locally.

Election inspectors at the Clinton County Government Center in the City of Plattsburgh said it was slow Tuesday.

"We're seeing about a 10-percent turnout," Pat Evans said. "Ten percent is horrible."

Parker Cashman, another poll worker, agreed.

"We had a line at this time last year."

They noticed very few young voters coming out this year.

The Press-Republican randomly asked voters to share their views on the election season and the issues that brought them to the polls.

Jan Garrett, Plattsburgh: "What really struck me was the TV advertising. I was really disappointed with (Douglas) Hoffman and his ads. I felt they were full of false information. ... I don't think he really knows what's going on here or cares about local issues."

Sandra Marland, Plattsburgh: "For me, it (the issue) was less government involvement. We tend to be very conservative in our views about spending."

Her husband, Roger, agreed, saying: "We're heading down a slippery slope."

Brad Else, Elizabethtown: "I don't think the (congressional) advertisements were representative of what the people of this district need. I was pleased with the discussion (William) Owens had about farming.

"I was very concerned that much of the congressional campaign was financed from outside the district.

"Locally, I was concerned about the tenor of the district attorney race. It got out of hand. It was not representative of the people in the district, as we do get along with one another."

Kathy Hall, New Russia: "I hated the robo calls. They should be kept out, the same as the telemarketers. There were also far too many TV ads."

Mark Pivetta, Plattsburgh: "My thoughts on this election season are pretty much the same as every election season: The candidates try to give their views on the issues, but then they go on TV and it's like a mudslinging session. ... All this mudslinging turns people off."

Tim Blatchley, Plattsburgh: "The economy is the big issue, (and) whether or not we're going to keep going forward with the stimulus package."

The Rev. Peter Riani, Elizabethtown: "I think it was a great example of our sloppy democracy. It is very much a part of the human process. I'm very glad it is over. It must be difficult for the candidates."

Joann Gowett, Plattsburgh: "We need change, and we need to secure the future for our children. I felt there was too much negative campaigning. Just tell the truth, and the voters will figure it out (for themselves)."

Michael Downs, Westport: "I was very annoyed with the phone calls. I had eight or nine on my answering machine. I didn't approve of the mudslinging during the election campaigns. All in all, this is the American process."

Jaimie Trautman, Plattsburgh: "Marriage rights, religious extremism, abortion rights, extremist politics and anti-bipartisan activities (were the issues)."

Steve Tahy, Plattsburgh: "Government is spending too much money."

Shelley Fracalossi, Plattsburgh: "I've had at least three people come to my door asking for my vote. I've had at least six to eight phone calls soliciting my vote. A lot more effort could have been made creating a better platform."

Melissa LaMotte, Westport: "I'm just glad it's over. For us in Westport, it was a difficult decision. There were a lot of good people running. You open the paper, and all you have is political ads. There was a lot of back-biting. All of the phone calls were very annoying. They (phone calls) came in all day."

Carl Resek, Westport: "First of all, there were too many signs defacing the Town of Westport. I don't see the point of having all of them.

"The campaign season has been fierce and unpleasant. There has been a lot of anger. There has been far too much electioneering, especially on TV."

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