TO THE EDITOR: I have known Brent Davison and have been proud to call him a friend for more than 12 years.
Throughout that time, I have found Brent to be an honest, straightforward individual who is deeply committed to God, family, country, and community.
I watched Brent move through he ranks of the New York State Police, serving as a BCI Lieutenant and ultimately retiring as Major and Commander of Troop B. During his career, he also completed the demanding four-and-a-half-year formation process to become a deacon in the Catholic Church. To me, that speaks volumes about his dedication, perseverance, and commitment to serving others.
As a retired NYS corrections lieutenant with 25 years of service, I understand that correctional facilities face difficult and complicated challenges. Problems will occur. What matters is how leadership responds — whether concerns are taken seriously, properly investigated, addressed, and followed through to completion.
That is why I have become deeply concerned about the problems that have been publicly documented at the Clinton County Jail in recent years. Multiple former employees brought sexual-harassment and discrimination lawsuits that resulted in settlements.
The New York Attorney General’s Office conducted an investigation that resulted in an agreement requiring significant reforms and independent monitoring. A separate state review also concluded that the death of an incarcerated individual was preventable.
These are serious matters, and in my opinion they raise legitimate questions about leadership, accountability, workplace culture, and oversight.
I do not know Sheriff Favro personally, and my support for Brent is not based on a personal judgment of Mr. Favro. It is based on my own experience in corrections and my belief that the Sheriff’s Office would benefit from a change in leadership and direction.
I believe Brent Davison has the experience, integrity, dedication, and leadership necessary to move the Clinton County Sheriff’s Department forward.
RANDALL SMITH
Plattsburgh
TO THE EDITOR: I believe that the creation of AI can be redone, because the ones who created it can plan it to make a virus into science with the help of the ones who created AI.
It’s like Amazon Alexa and other technologies that help us humans out.
DOLLY JEANNE DROWN
Plattsburgh
TO THE EDITOR: As a lifelong resident of Wilmington, I have watched this town change in many ways over the years.
Through it all, what has made Wilmington special has remained the same: we are a small town built on community, grit, hard work, and neighbors who take care of one another.
That is why I will be voting for Cliff Holzer for Wilmington town supervisor this November.
I have known Cliff and the Holzer family for many years. To me, leadership isn’t about who can talk the loudest during an election. It’s about what you have done when nobody was campaigning or keeping score.
I have watched Cliff build businesses, create jobs, serve our community, support local causes, and help people without needing recognition. More importantly, many of us know Cliff as the person you call when you’re in a pickle, need advice, or simply need a hand.
I have been disappointed by criticism suggesting the Holzer family’s success was simply handed to them or that this election is about gaining power. That is not the family I have known. I have seen generations of hardworking Wilmington residents invest in this town, employ local people, build businesses, improve properties, and contribute to their community.
I also believe responsible growth means creating places for people to live and work while protecting Wilmington’s small-town character.
I want a supervisor who knows Wilmington, understands business, has demonstrated leadership, answers the phone when there is a problem, and genuinely cares about the people who live here.
I’ve lived here long enough to know good leadership isn’t about making the biggest promises.
It’s about showing up.
Cliff Holzer has been showing up for Wilmington for years.
That’s why I’ll be voting for him this November.
CHARLIE TERRY
Wilmington
TO THE EDITOR: Firefighter who goes around setting fires only to be involved in putting them out, is not a firefighter, that person is an arsonist.
According to the IRS 990T form filed by the Kennedy Center in 2024, the current occupant of the White House, inherited an organization that had a $40-million surplus.
After replacing the board and installing himself as board president, it now has a deficit and is danger of collapse. Where did all that money go? Trump is so toxic, that artists and programs cancelled when he took over, literally in his name.
This administration replaced treaties with wars saying it was done to protect us, but It’s looking more like he was trying to game a Peace Prize for himself.
However, what he actually delivered is greater world instability, higher energy and fertilizer prices with record increases in his own, and his family’s personal wealth. All the while farmers are going bankrupt due to the administrations tariffs and increases in diesel fuel, leading to higher food prices.
This pattern was no surprise to those who followed his track record in development, Trump left a trail of bankruptcies and contractors holding the bag, only this time the American taxpayer is holding the bag, and the safety of the nation has been placed in jeopardy.
Remember, this administration can only do this with a sycophantic Republican Congress that will not speak truth to power.
Remember this in November.
ANDREW SAJOR
Plattsburgh
TO THE EDITOR: I support Jaime Douthat for Clinton County Surrogate’s Court Judge.
I have practiced law for more than 25 years, with over 20 years in Clinton County. Jaime has served as a prosecutor with the Clinton County District Attorney’s Office for much of that time.
We have often stood on opposite sides of cases, both in the courtroom and on appeal. I was always glad to work with her, not because we always agreed, but because she did the work. She knew the evidence, understood the strengths and weaknesses of her case, and knew the law.
If I brought her case law that weakened her position, she would consider it. She could be tough when circumstances called for it, but she also knew when another result made sense.
I also worked with Jaime for years as a defense attorney on the Drug and Alcohol Treatment and Mental Health court teams. I saw her listen to treatment providers and other team members, consider each case, and recognize when another chance was warranted.
Surrogate’s Court handles estates and adoptions, as well as matters involving people who may need someone to make important decisions on their behalf. In Clinton County, the Surrogate’s Court Judge also handles many criminal cases.
Jaime’s years as a prosecutor give her substantial experience with criminal matters, but they have also given her years of experience working with victims, defendants, and families facing difficult circumstances. I have seen her listen, consider the circumstances, and understand that every case and every person is different. My years working with Jaime give me confidence in her ability to serve as Surrogate’s Court Judge.
That is why I am voting for Jaime Douthat, and I hope you will consider doing the same.
REBECCA FOX
Plattsburgh
TO THE EDITOR: I am writing in support of Blake Gendebien.
I Live in Saratoga Springs. I have deep connections to District 21. I joined Hudson Headwaters Health Network in 1979 following a P.A. preceptorship with Dr. John Rugge. I worked at HHHN for 41 years.
It grew from two health centers in Chestertown and Warrensburg to include 26 centers covering an area from the Saratoga County line to the Canadian border, serving over 100,000 patients annually. This was greatly facilitated by government grants. Had Mr. Constantino been NYS representative at the onset, he would likely fail to support the necessary government funding given the current position on healthcare.
The contrast between Gendebien and Constantino is stark. From what I found, his plan is essentially eat well, exercise, and hope you don’t suffer illness or accident. Insurance is an option if you can afford it.
Many individuals unable to get insurance will utilize emergency rooms that will be overburdened placing eight small hospital at risk of closing.
Gendebien supports bring back the ACT tax credits, support for small local hospitals facing closure, and support community health services including emergency medical service. There is much more to his plan which can be found online.
Vote for Blake Gendebien; he understands these challenges and is ready to advocate for affordable healthcare. Anthony Constantino doesn’t.
GARY RAGA
Healthcare professionals for Blake Saratoga Springs
TO THE EDITOR: I am writing to express my support for Jaime Douthat for Clinton County Surrogate’s Court Judge.
I believe Jaime has the exact combination of legal capability, experience, and integrity needed for this important 10-year term. Jaime’s extensive background shows that she understands the law and cares deeply about the people of Clinton County.
I had the privilege of meeting Jamie personally when she was going door to door. She was kind, compassionate, and took a moment to speak with my youngest daughter. My daughter enjoyed their interaction so much, she asked if Jamie was coming back to the house again.
I feel whole heartedly that she would be fair and make every family walking through those doors feel comfortable and heard. Jaime Douthat has what it takes to lead in this important roll.
I encourage residents of Clinton County to vote Jaime Douthat for Surrogate’s Court Judge this November.
CATHERINE NEYENHOUSE
Plattsburgh