Dogs
If I remember correctly, wasn't Clinton County going to do some sort of census on the dog population to verify that dogs were appropriately licensed? I hope that this was done because I know that some pet owners in the Town of Plattsburgh are neglectful and just don't care about the welfare of their pets. If one were to just drive through the local neighborhoods they would see dogs tied up outside 24/7 or violating local leash laws.

Dangerous
I recently encountered what I feel is a very dangerous situation on North Catherine Street. During times of heavy traffic, there should not be cars parked on the side of the street. There is no side lane. Cars coming into Plattsburgh have to weave around all these cars parked in the road. This is a main entry street into the city and very busy in the morning. There should be no parking on that street between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Insulted
So the mayor and Bernie Bassett are insulted by the "Saturday Night Live" portrayal of Plattsburgh? Blame WPTZ. Every time they interview for any story, they always choose someone in sweatpants, a too-tight NASCAR T-shirt, minus a tooth or two and with a limited vocabulary, of which "ain't" is repeated at least twice! If you don't laugh about it, you'll cry.

Vermont
As a Canadian, I love Vermont. Are you for sale? I think my government could fit you in. Just think "¦ the 11th province or 4th territory. You'd never have to worry about another medical bill again. Better yet, the firearms get pulled off the street "¦ Love ya Vermont.

Violations
I have never in my life seen as many traffic infractions on a daily basis as I do in the City of Plattsburgh. There is a blatant disregard for the rules and safety of other motorists and pedestrians. Do you know it's illegal to cross a double yellow line and two lanes of traffic to turn into the Middle School? The illegal left-hand turn on George Angell Drive is another spot. You will cause an accident one day and/or injure someone, all in the name of saving time. It's no wonder why teenagers have a disproportionate number of accidents. They're emulating your bad habits.

Workers
It's great that the mayor and Common Council find it appropriate to keep on laying off service workers of the City of Plattsburgh. The Town of Plattsburgh is grateful. Would the last one out of the city please turn out the lights.

Stocks
Could someone explain this to me? The U.S. economy is sinking and continues to sink; however the stock market increases. Layoffs in the thousands. If we cannot afford to purchase products because we're out of work, then, what happens to companies and stocks? You can keep trying to prop up a rotten falling-down house, but, in the end it's still going to fall down. Hang on folks it's going to get a lot worse before it gets better.

Service
I would just like to let everyone know that the managers at the "bull's-eye" store in Plattsburgh know the true meaning of customer service. We had an issue on returning an item, and they went above and beyond to help us. They truly know the meaning of customer service, and they will forever have our business. Thanks all of you great managers for your time and effort. We just want you to know that you are very much appreciated.

Buildings
Would Plattsburgh State be constructing two new buildings if the public could vote on their college budget, like we do for our local school budgets and building plans? The local school districts have seen building plans rejected again and again. That's because voters know these new buildings all cost taxpayers dollars, which we just don't have. Whether it's local money or from NYS, we just can't afford it now. The college should think about how it looks to be putting up new buildings and laying off people at the same time.

Parking
In response to "Parking," obviously you don't attend or work at PSU or you would know that a parking garage would afford us much-needed parking. But my intent of this is to correctly inform you that 1, if you attend or work at the college and want to park on campus you must pay for a parking pass and even then there's specified parking lots; and 2, public transport in this area is not advanced enough to utilize on a daily basis. First bus run on my route begins at 9 a.m. My shift begins at 8.

Girls
Girls' sports again given second-class treatment. Not only do the sectional schedulers put them early, making a hardship on their family and friends, but now your paper gives them third-page coverage while boys get front page of sports section. Absolutely unforgivable!

NACS
To the author who wrote an article about the NAC improvements on 3/3/10, are you for real? You state there is no difference. What negative gossip are you listening to? There is almost an $8 million reduction! Read the literature sent to you and every resident, I have. I will say this, the pictures in the last report do not fully show the condition of our school; it's worse. I am voting yes on both items, and everyone else should do the same.

Jobs
To the person who thinks that there is nothing wrong with getting food stamps and Medicaid and has a car, cable and a life is totally out of touch. There are jobs out there. Americans are just plain lazy and want handouts like spoiled kids. You people are the whiners and complainers and won't do this job or that job and can think of a million excuses not to work. The progressives in this country encourage and continue to hand out more and more program entitlements that are not deserving. Social Security Disability is another big jump on the bandwagon.

Altona
Wake up people of Altona: How come it is that the Indians of Altona can ride our tax-paying roads with no plates, registration or insurance on their vehicles and not get into trouble? The police are told by their bosses to leave them alone; personally I think they're scared of them. Does this mean because we pay taxes we can do the same? Maybe we should refuse to pay taxes and get to keep our land, too, just like them. How much more are they going to be allowed to get away with?

Motorcycles
Last night two motorcyclists peeled away drag-race style from the stop sign at Oak Street Elementary School. It was loud, disruptive and dangerous. I was beyond thrilled to see the lights and sirens tear after these irresponsible drivers. I don't know how it ended, but considering I could still hear the revving engines, I can only assume some sort of chase ensued. I know cops don't like to force bikers into high-speed chases for everyone's safety, but I hope they caught them. It's a scary thing to raise children near this corner, and we appreciate such diligence.

Shoveling
My frustration is some businesses that don't shovel after a snow storm. I like to get my exercise in the winter, walking to places in the city. I cannot when I have businesses that don't shovel their sidewalk. Everyone is required "¦ yes businesses, I am talking to you. They may say that their sidewalk belongs to the city, but guess what, everyone's sidewalk belongs to the city, and if that is that, then the city can come and shovel everyone's sidewalk. Stop being lazy and do your job.

Tuition
In regards to new construction at SUNY Plattsburgh you have your facts incorrect, which is why you are anonymous. SUNY did not raise tuition, the state of New York did, and they also took upward of 80 percent of it to balance the state budget. Only a small portion of it stayed locally (which doesn't take into consideration the state aid that they cut from SUNY's budget, which resulted in a net loss of funds). I know I want my children going to a college that has modern classrooms and computer labs; I'm sorry if you don't.

Services
How upsetting the comments about saving money by cutting special-education services made by board member Mindy Warrick. It costs between $40,000-$100,000 to educate one student at CVES. One-on-one aides costs the district $24,000. Inclusion classrooms have two teachers costing about $100,000 per classroom, they service six to 10 students that would need to be serviced at CVES. The numbers show that cutting services at NAC would not benefit the taxpayer. What does Mrs. Warrick suggest we do with these students?

Cheerleaders
Congratulations to the Crown Point Central School cheerleaders. These young ladies held their heads high, smiled and responded respectfully when the trophy they earned was awarded to another school. Crown Point cannot be formally recognized because they are an MVAC squad competing at the CVAC level. How demoralizing to win and come home empty-handed again this year. Basketball teams can move between leagues for sectionals, but obviously cheerleaders are exempt from that rule. Keep smiling girls, because you deserve praise for your hours of dedication and commitment to your highly competitive sport.

Lots
The person who wrote in Wednesday's Speakout column about how those who use the Plattsburgh State lots should pay to use them doesn't know all the details regarding their usage. Students are not parking on campus at these lots for free. In fact, all students with more than six credit hours have to pay $78 per semester for the usage of the lots, and those with less have to pay a reduced rate. This fee is charged with tuition and must be paid before tags are handed out. Perhaps next time one will do research before commenting.

System
So we have to pay for your food, your telephone, your car, your cable, etc...You are part of the reason my family may not be able to enjoy our annual camping trip at our favorite state park this summer; also the reason my friend maybe losing his job at a local prison. And you don't think there is anything wrong with your system?!? Why do you have a luxury such as cable when you can't afford to feed yourself? (How much do you spend on lotto tickets and smokes?) McDonald's is hiring!

Parking
To the person who left the comment about the parking garage at Plattsburgh State, did you do any research before you wrote your comment? Everyone pays for the parking at PSUC. That's how everyone gets a parking tag. If you don't have a tag or you park in a spot that is not designated, you get a ticket. Most people who attend college there live too far away to use public transportation. Maybe they should put that money towards a new parking garage, because believe it or not, there is really not enough parking.

Spaces
"PSU students should pay for the parking garage"... I agree. I am a commuting student and I would not mind paying for it. The college already charges a mandatory $78 per semester to students who own cars, regardless if they plan to park off campus and walk all semester. I wouldn't mind paying more to park on campus if there were actually enough spaces. Paying extra is better than $150 in parking tickets every semester or showing up 45 minutes early to ensure that I get a spot. At least listen to us PSU, we are willing to negotiate!

Gases
The forward progress of our 'for the people, by the people' nation is obstructed by D.C. politicians where the well-being of our country is a distant third after infantile party politics and blind allegiance to corporate wallets. Each side of the aisle is as guilty as the other. It is enough to make a strong man weep listening to the beltway talking heads posturing and pontificating as they jockey for the moral high ground. Muting these blowhards would considerably reduce the production of harmful greenhouse gases.

Beliefs
I'm getting really tired of people not respecting others opinions. If you believe in God, wonderful...but don't attack those that don't. Stop forcing your beliefs on others. It's extremely belittling to be told what you think is completely wrong and someone else has the "right" way to think. I respect your right to pray, please respect my right not to.

Circumstances
If a Border patrol officer or a DOT officer or any LEO fires his weapon it is for a reason. They are trained professionals. Open your eyes, they are doing their job. Keeping us safe. You are just like the other close-minded people of the North Country. It is called totality of circumstances. Look it up!

Jurisdiction
University Police Officers publicly claim their management makes poor decisions and ignores the safety of the college community — why, then, did an officer chase three motorcycles north on Oak Street? Talk about poor decision making! Way outside the college jurisdiction, not even close to their mission of protecting the College, and all because someone wanted to rack up tickets! Talk about very poor decision making! They're getting paid well to protect the College, so they should stop whining, stay where they belong, and stop trying to do the City or State Police job. President Ettling should investigate them!

Medicaid
To the person who works in a doctor's office who signs medicaid vouchers. You should be fired for that comment. You don't know if people work. You don't know how they have cell phones. I have a cell phone and medicaid. Does that make me a loser? I also have food stamps and a car. I also have a roof over the heads of my children. I am a single parent. I need help. Do I work? You know everything after all you do work in a doctor's office.