Your Voice
From Aaron Boise
As the Manager of this site I have been thinking about what to do with this portion of our site.
Here is what I am going to do.
I am going to keep the current posts as they are but from now on I am going to request that you e-mail your voice to voice@brookfieldny.com
NO ONE except my self will know the e-mail that was sent to me.
I will keep your identity to myself.
I have been accused of making this site for one person but as you can clearly see I am very fair and always have been. I do not play those games.
I want you to post your thought's and concerns on any topic and I will continue to post them even if I do not like them.
I WILL NOT TAKE THIS SECTION OF THE SITE DOWN! Let's make that clear right now.
I believe you should be able to voice without fear at all. Kind of like voting, you have the right not to share who you voted for.
When e-mailing simply sign your name as you want to. I will not use your e-mail for any reason..
Thanks
Aaron Boise
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SPEAK OUT!
Here is your place to speak out! You can comment on anything you would like.
While posting, please do not use foul language.
YOUR VOICE
Jan 27th
Agricultural Issues
Joel Salatin is a wonderful author and nationally known speaker on farming, farm related issues and proven methods for making a profit on small farms. All of his books are sold through Amazon.com at the best prices you will find anywhere. Go to http://www.amazon.com/ and type in his name. All his books will appear.
There is an article on the current issues/proposed legislation regarding farm labor in this article from a Batavia paper: http://thedailynewsonline.com/articles/2010/01/25/news/6409072.txt
Here is an easy way to write your legislators about the dairy crisis via Willie Nelson’s organization FarmAid: http://tinyurl.com/dzcn9g
I urge consumers and farmers alike to write to our state and federal elected officials about farm and food related issues. I am involved with several natural organizations representing farmers and consumers who periodically have letter writing campaigns to our federal elected officials. It is important to flood them with letters, faxes and phones calls. We succeeded in jamming the phone and fax lines to Congress 3 times last year because tens of thousands responded to our calls for help. Our most successful campaign was getting people to comment on the Federal Register regarding a proposed regulation – 144,000 people commented but unfortunately it takes far more than that to get the feds to listen. The USDA is largely beholden to the multinational Ag corporations and not the small farmer anymore.
What people need to remember is that federal as well as state legislation regarding farming and food affects EVERYONE because we all have to eat! To bring it down to Brookfield, farms provide a whole lot of jobs. Jobs that we cannot afford to lose.
One last thing – if you choose to write to Congress, do NOT send a regular letter. Letters sent via the postal service get bogged down for weeks to months because of the anthrax scare a few years ago.
Fax your letter or e-mail to said elected official via his/her website. I always do BOTH because 2 different legislative aides will then see it. Remember that legislative aides decide which letter gets “seen” and which does not. I learned long ago to keep letters short, sweet and to the point to increase the chance said legislator will actually see it.
Thanks again for your interest and thanks for this website that allows us a place to easily communicate such issues.
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12/15/09
Regarding an earlier posting about Joseph Koskowitz of 1945 Beaver Creek Road in Brookfield. The posted admonishment to be very, very careful in any dealings with this guy has been commented on by the Madison County Sheriff's Sex Offenders Office. Sgt. Sawyer of that office has advised that Mr. Koskowitz, because of the lack of restrictions placed upon him by the Sex Offenders law, can pretty much be anywhere in public that he wishes to be. He is not restricted from coming near the school, where he has been seen on more than one occasion, he can legitimately be at the Town Park observing girls soccer practices, where he has also been seen more than once and he can be almost anywhere.
He cannot be on private property if warned not to, he cannot refuse to leave private property if asked, both are considered to be trespass and he, like anyone else, would be subject to the pains and penalties of the law in this regard. He cannot, as he has been observed doing, look into peoples windows. He cannot enter anyone's vehicle to remove spare change, cigarettes or any of the other small items he has been suspected of, and observed, doing since his arrival here.
The bottom line is this fellow Brookfielders, no longer can Mr. Koskowitz be known as that guy who does these things. The Madison County Sheriff's Office, or the State Police, must be called and the incident reported. Mr. Koskowitz needs to be now known as the guy who was arrested for doing these things. Take photos, videos, use your deer scouting cameras but get something concrete so the actual prosecution this guy deserves will happen.
Concerned Citizen
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12/2/09
Earlier this fall the school district mailed a letter to the parents and guardians of all students and other interested entities within the school district. It was a notice that the State of New York had finally determined the risk level of Mr. Joseph Koskowitz. The State has designated Mr. Koskowitz aas a level 3 offender. The worst level they have. Also, the State of New York determined Mr. Koskowitz should also be classified as a "violent sex offender". Along with this notice from the State the School District sent a photo of Mr. Koskowitz. This was a photo from 1996. Subsequently, and in accordance with the Sex Offender Registry Statute, a new and updated photo of Mr. Koskowitz has been posted on the State's Sex Offender Registry website, www.criminaljustice.state.ny.us/nsor . Once at this website click on the "Search Level 2 and 3" link on the upper right hand section of the page and put Mr. Koskowitz' name into the search field.
I write this today because when the letter came out from the school many folks complained that this was not a recent photo and might find it hard to recognize Mr. Koskowitz. This is no longer the case and his photo has been up since November 18th.. As a parent of kids in the school I have not had another letter from the school with the new photo but I do feel everybody in this Town should take a look at this guy. And be very, very careful in any dealings with him.
Concerned Citizen
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11/30/09
SHELL GAMES IN WAMPSVILLE
On December 4, The Madison County Board of Supervisors is getting set to give themselves yet another raise from $12,600 to $20,000.(don't forget to add the additional salaries paid by the Town's on top of this $5,000+) oh, but they're giving back their fully paid health benefits that cost the county up $12,000 each per year. They claim this will be a $45,000 per year savings in the short term, but over the LONG TERM this modification will cost us taxpayers $100,000's.
Bottom line: this switch will allow them to take even more out of the public coffers through the INCREDIBLY GENEROUS New York State Retirement System: http://www.osc.state.ny.us
 they pay NO NYS TAXES on this Pension (and they complain about the Oneida Nation not paying their fair share of taxes!) ; receive Cost of Living Increases (not in most private plans); ability to spike final years earnings to increase their pension; $20,000 of pensions from their other Private Retirement Plans are also not taxable in NYS; ability to retire at 55 vest in 5 year (part timers included) It is precisely these pension benefits that are literally driving this state into bankruptcy. Here is a link to a recent article and footnote, explaining how these public employee benefits are worth up to 6 TIMES that of the private sector jobs as result of the NYSR system perks and benefits. http://www.nyfiscalwatch.com
These are PART TIME JOBS MOST of these Supervisors have full time jobs or spouses that have health care available. They take the county healthcare because it's 'Free' to them. Why is it that the Government 'Ruling Class' is getting better benefits than us TAXPAYERS' Because they make the rules. How many of us get to give ourselves a raise?
I urge our Supervisor, John Salka, to vote NO and take this message to the other Supervisors: this is no time for them to feather their nests while the rest of us make the sacrifices in this economy. These PART TIME jobs with SUPREME BENEFITS have got to stop. If they are there for the salary and benefits, then they are there for the wrong reasons. They need to do the RIGHT THING, forgo the $8,000 raise and pay for a fair portion of their health benefits.
Very truly yours,
Honna Bowen
Brookfield, NY
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11/06/09
These are just a few thoughts on the letter written by Terry Karst, Chairman of the Independence Party here in Madison County. When Terry states that the competion couldn't do the job "half as well" as those endorsed by the IP, there is very little foundation to that statement since Rod Jennison, Sherry Kabana, and Don Brown did not seek and therefore were not interviewed for their endorsement. The IP knows nothing about these fine candidates who chose to run on only one line rather than stack the deck as did the competition for the Clerk and Highway Superintendent positions. Had Mr. and Mrs. O'Brien's fondest wish been realized, they would have had no competition at all. Evidence of this would be Mr. O'Brien's lame attempt to keep Jennison off the ballot. Is this what the Independence Party is all about? Fortunately, local voters who really do know the candidates made better decisions than outsiders who seek to promote and empower their own party without knowing all the candidates. Sincerely, the technologically challenged George Cowen ( I'll eventually catch on)
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11/06/09
I realize that the election is over, and i would like to congratulate Mr. Corbin for a valiant effort and a well run race. I am writing this letter to ask Terry Karst of the Independent party a question. I read your letter to the editor and it stated "I certainly don't believe that any other candidates could do the job 1/2 as well as these candidates" and "Please in the interests of what is best for your communities in Brookfield, vote for Salka". I am very curious as to how you base your information and how you feel that you know my best interests? I would really appreciate knowing what better values you see in Mr. Salka over Mr. Corbin? I do hope that you are right, time will tell. Thank You.
Very concerned Brookfield citizen
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11/03/09
Thanks for keeping us updated on the guestbook.
Best of luck to all
Mary
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11/03/09
Correction:
On the guestbook Tom stated that on this page I claimed to be the owner of this site.
I have removed that word Owner as I am not. I admit when I make mistakes.
The people of this township own this site The Township of Brookfield owns the domain name
Thanks to Tom and Steve for pointing that out. It really means a lot to me
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11/02/09
Removed
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11/02/09
Would all the people who start these negative rumors which is exactly what they are just knock it off. How about have the courage to actually put your first and last name after making an incendiary comment. Since when does spreading falsehoods and putting down a candidates wife win a small town election. Grow up and vote for the candidate who has always had the best intentions for Brookfield, Loren Corbin. A man who has the integrity, honesty, and experience to do the job. Mr. Corbin, I wish you nothing but the best tomorrow night and hope you will return to your post as Town Supervisor.
Brian Sobolewski
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10/31/09
The Madison County Independence Party often plays a critical role in local elections because these grass roots races are often very close with the IP being the deciding factor. The votes on the IP line often determines what candidate from the two major parties wins. This accountability is never taken lightly as the Party believes they truly stand for what is best for the people in general with no regard for political affiliation and/or party loyalties. When a registered Republican or Democrat runs for office, the Party they are registered with, nearly always, endorses the member of their own Party out of political party obligation and with little or no concern for the abilities of that candidate. The IP doesn't need to play that game and thus we can present to the voters the candidate who is really best for the job.
This is the case with the slate of candidates in Brookfield this year. After grueling interviews with the candidates answering the difficult questions about accountability, qualifications, character, ethics, issues and solutions, the IP Endorsement Board then investigates, discusses and debates the ACTUAL merits of the candidates and then chooses the best possible candidate for elected positions based on everything BUT their political party enrollment. If their qualifications are not exemplary, we sometimes won't endorse any candidate.
The Independence Party has endorsed candidates in Brookfield this year that stood far and above their competition. The candidates we found to be the most superb candidates are John Salka-Town Supervisor, Edward Dineen, Jr.-Justice, Margaret O'Brien-Town Clerk, and Dan O'Brien- Highway Superintendent. These candidates are the cream of the crop and if local voters want true and devoted representation we highly recommend these folks be elected. If voters are content with merely playing the political games of patronage, party building, and status quo business as usual, then the researched work of the IP is not so important and perhaps these positions don't really need to be filled at all.
I don't believe that at all and I certainly don't believe that any other candidates could do the job ½ as well as these candidates. Please, in the interests of what is best for your communities in Brookfield, vote for Salka, Dineen, and both O'Briens on November 3rd. You won't be disappointed.
Thank You,
Terry Karst
Chairman-Madison County Independence Party
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10/27/09
I guess that attacking a mans child, spreading negativity and falsehoods, whining that the town will not have a Memorial Day parade now because he is no longer supervisor, and going behind the backs of the town board when “helping” the highway superintendent is real professional and has the town’s best interests at stake. I too am anxious for the results. Either we continue to go forward or we fall back to 17 years of me, me, me….
Signed, hopeful for Brookfield
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10/25/09
I just want to say that I can't wait for the results on election night. We all know that the person with the most relevant experience and the upmost professionalism and carries the concerns of the Town of Brookfield in his heart is the one for the job of Town Supervisor. Lets just say that we thought we needed a change two years ago, but WE DEFINATELY NEED A CHANGE NOW!
Signed,
Concerned Town of Brookfield Taxpayer
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09/24/09
Mr. Boise,
I have done some research and have found that this town web site is more than adequate for the amount of money the town has had to pay, tax payers really got a lot for their money. I appreciate the amount of work you have done and hope that you will continue to monitor the site to ensure the information gets to the residents. This site is a governmental site which means it can not have campaign propaganda on it. If the site has recent articles that is fine but nothing that would that could be construed as political campaigning.
I truly enjoyed looking over the site
Brookfield citizen
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09/24/09
Mr. Corbin
I have visited your site and see that you have links to many NY government sites. I hope sir you have permission from each government enitity to do so. Please refer to New York State Ethics Public Officers hand book and review section 73 and 74.
These domains do not belong to you, if you do not have permission to use them I would suggest you remove them. Under public officers law as a candidate you can not use government domain as a means of publicizing your election. As a candidate and if elected an officer you do not have permission to use government property for personal use, tax payer dollars!
The fine for this can be the cost of the site for the length of time you used it, also there could be a surcharge added to that. Theft of government property is not tolerated.
Please refer to the link below
Sincerely
Brookfield Citizen!
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09/17/09
I love this site. There is so much good information to read. Nice to see Brookfield has made out of the stone age. I can see why some people don't dare to put their name on the posts. I think locals are scared to post their full names when they discuss politics because when Loren Corbin was the town supervisor the town was very selective on who the codes enforcer targeted. Seems like it was a clique. Either you were in or you were out. The town used the codes enforcer to generate money rather than to ensure the safety of the building project. These actions have cost the tax payers wasted dollars and wasted time only to lose in court. This doesn't seem to fair, honest or that the town is in his best interest.
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09/16/09
Brookfielders,
I came across this page after talking with a friend and I love it! This is what you call accountability. I have read all of the comments in on your site and it seems Mr. Salka has the towns people in his heart. Seems he really has an interest inn Brookfield and how today's financial messes the Government has us in: is going to effect his people. Mr. Salka has gone to great lengths to protect Brookfield, he has the background to understand the political and economical mess we are in, I commend him for his strength and his knowledge. He has my vote
Tami
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09/11/09
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Subject Remember 9/11
Comments: Tank a moment today to remember 9/11
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August 20, 2009
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To Aaron Boise
From Loren Corbin
Please post
"As a candidate for town office (supervisor) and, more importantly, as a lifelong citizen of Brookfield, I would like to call the townspeople's attention to the existence of the"voices" page of the official town website. In contrast to the other pages within the website which contain factual information about town events, contact people, parks and other resources, etc., the "voices" page is a forum where visitors leave written opinions on any issue. This page has no restrictions other than "no foul language." It does not require posters to sign their names and it does not limit in any way the scope of issues to be discussed. This page has become a home for some townspeople to carry on anonymous personal attacks and rumor-mongering. This type of forum has no place on the website which is supposed to be the official face of the Town of Brookfield. It is rapidly becoming a town-sponsored free-for-all. I am unaware of any other municipal website which produces such unprofessional material by private citizens.
This site was created to advance the entire town's interest and its public profile. In that regard, the pages with facts about local businesses, government, resources, etc. are entirely appropriate. However, for the town to support and encourage irresponsible and untruthful comments which are not policed in any way and which we have already seen turn into personal attacks, is a colossal waste of hard-earned taxpayer dollars, not to mention a dangerous conflict-of-interest. It is completely improper for a town-sanctioned outlet to be hosting partisan mudslinging in an election year. Furthermore, the intent of the website was to give Brookfield positive exposure, but the current setup does exactly the opposite, and instead of promoting the town as a small town with much to offer, simply portrays the people who live here as small-minded.
On a personal note, I see that some of the posts mention me and my family, directly and indirectly - anonymously, of course. As a former public servant and now a candidate for public office, I know and expect that voters may be critical of some of my positions. My way of handling this criticism is to talk with as many voters as I can about the issues and my record as I campaign - respectfully and face-to-face. I will not tolerate anyone posting damaging online comments on my behalf concerning the supervisor's race and I call on Mr. Salka to immediately make the same commitment.
I encourage other residents to contact the town representatives and demand that this wasteful and inappropriate page be taken down."
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----------------brookfieldny.com---------------
August 22, 2009
To: Aaron Boise
From: John Salka
Mr. Boise, could you please post the following on the town web site:
The town web site was designed to serve three basic purposes: to spread information about our town, and show what a great community we have. By utilizing a broad medium such as the internet, we hope to be able to reach a large number of people who may want to visit our town, and to possibly take up residence here some day. Although that may not be an attractive option to everyone in our town, the future of Brookfield may require well thought out growth with all sensitivity to those who have a stake in out town. Second, it was intended to give local businesses the opportunity to advertise their businesses for free, and to gain a competitive edge with businesses in the area and beyond. Thirdly, and possibly the most important, it was established so that our citizens can access information about their town, make comment on issues that they feel affect them, and to be a part of how their town is run.
I feel that we have achieved this and more. The website has received compliments from a number of people both from Brookfield and beyond. I have been proud to be a part of it. It truly has served its intended purposes.
Mr. Corbin, who is a candidate for town supervisor again has expressed some concerns that the comments posted on the site have been less than objective, and may even border on insulting. To this I must disagree. If you look at a majority of the comments, they simply are reflections on how people feel, what they want to know from those who may be running their town, and maybe some frustrations on what they have witnessed. By no means are they "small minded", they are just speaking their minds. Do I feel that those who comment should give their full identity, of course, and I urge that they do. Do I feel that comments on someones family are definitely off limits, absolutely. I know, I have felt that sting in the last election.
The voice is one small section of the entire web site. If you do not wish to read it, simply do not click on it. To suggest that we eliminate and/or place restrictions on this forum places an unneccesary limit on our citizens rights to free speech. I would hope that all feel comfortable to bring their opinions forward without any fear of retribution or intimidation. That is what America is all about.
Another point that has been frustrating to me is the insinuation that being a life long resident of the town gives you a better perspective on how it should be run. Of course I feel that this could not be more inaccurate. I have lived here for almost twenty years, paid my taxes, raised my children here, and have contributed much to my community. I suppose that spending two and a half years on the board of directors for the Madison County Community Action Partnership advocating for low income families in our town, seven years of hard work on the school board, and now as town supervisor, still does not qualify me for involvement in the leadership of my community. If the immigrants that came here to build our country in the past were not given the chance to do so simply because they were not born and brought up here, what a tragedy it would have been to the growth of this great country.
I hate mudslinging as much as anyone else, there is no place for it in any campaign, board meeting, or public forum, and those that are guilty of it will never be taken seriously by anyone. Negativity produces nothing more than more negativity. We have had enough of that in our town already. We need to look forward and stay positive for the sake of our community, our children and our future. I am willing to make a commitment, and that comittment will be to the the people of the Town of Brookfield. I will promise to always be fair, truthful, and honest and NEVER go negative, there is simply to much to do for our community.
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© 2009 Town of Brookfield