Letters to the editor: Feb. 28 edition

In Support of Tony Hanson for Trumansburg Village Trustee

As a resident of the Village of Trumansburg, I urge fellow community members to join me in supporting Tony Hanson for Village Trustee. I have known Tony for many years as a neighbor and friend. He is fair and honest. He actively listens to other opinions and encourages open dialogue and collaboration. His commitment to enhancing our quality of life is evident by his willingness to get involved in village discussions. Tony does his research to help educate his fellow citizens on critical issues.

Tony is dedicated to maintaining efficient and effective village services while also preserving our historic buildings, landmarks, and green spaces.Tony is personally committed to safe pedestrian and cycling access in the village.

Vote for Tony Hanson on Tuesday, March 19th at the Village Hall. Together, we can build a stronger and more vibrant Trumansburg.

Sincerely,

Christina Luglan

38 Washington Street

Trumansburg

In support of Linda Woodward 

To the Editor: The Village of Cayuga Heights faces an impactful mayoral election on March 19 between incumbent Linda Woodard and challenger Meloney McMurry. We encourage all residents to learn all they can about the clear-cut choice between these candidates. 

The Cayuga Heights mayor oversees two dozen full-time employees, an annual budget of just over $7.5 million, and seven major departments: the Village Clerk’s office, Village Treasurer, Village Engineer, Public Works Department, Cayuga Heights Police Department, Cayuga Heights Fire Department and the Cayuga Heights Wastewater Treatment Plant which also serves neighboring municipalities. All of the above departments and their managers report directly to the Mayor. 

Over her seven-plus years in office, Mayor Woodard has brought steady improvements in efficiency and professionalism to all Village operations, essentially moving us into the twenty-first century. She has expanded police and public works capabilities and secured funding for several large infrastructure projects – improving public safety and reducing both expenses and energy consumption – while keeping the tax rate essentially flat, even with post-COVID inflation. 

Notable recent improvements include major sewer plant upgrades; “right-sized” culverts for storm run-off management; police body cameras and an additional patrol officer; Village-wide installation of LED streetlights; and reduced employee health insurance costs. Such accomplishments testify to Linda’s leadership and administrative skills. She brings to the job professional expertise in data analysis, a tireless work ethic, and a temperament that invites dialogue and promotes consensus. 

The undersigned are all current members of the VCH Board of Trustees with long experience. We have close knowledge both of what it takes to be an effective mayor for the Village and how Linda has met this challenge. We are also familiar with her opponent in this election, who previously served as a Trustee. We feel strongly that Linda’s comprehensive understanding and the resources she has developed over her tenure are invaluable. 

The current Cayuga Heights Trustees, as individuals, unanimously support the re-election of Mayor Linda Woodard on March 19. Please be sure to vote! (For more information, visit woodard-for-mayor.com or attend the candidates’ forum, 7-9 PM on Monday March 4 at the Kendal Auditorium.) 

Jennifer Biloski 

Kristina Rennekamp 

Kent Hubbell 

Richard Robinson 

James Marshall 

Peter Salton

Why vapers should stop vaping 

Dear Editor, 

Vapers should not vape. You want to know why? First of all, vapers should stop vaping because it is super unhealthy. Second of all, vapes cost a lot of money, and it is made out of awful materials.

Vaping is unhealthy because it has so many chemicals. Also, it makes you have an addiction because of all of the chemicals. The chemicals are very strong substances, so if you vape once a day, that is still super bad for you. 

Next, vapes are in between $10 and $50, which is a lot of money for a tiny little thing that hurts your body and is made out of plastic. When vapers use it, vapers are basically wasting their money, and buying vapes are just not worth it. If someone smokes one Juul a day for the year, that equals $3,650 they are spending on a vape. 

Vapes are made out of awful materials such as formaldehyde, and Juul also has something called “vape juice” that is just horrible for your body. The vape makes you depressed. Do you know that formaldehyde is a colorless, strong-smelling, flammable chemical that is used in plywood, particle board and other pressed wood products? 

I want to suggest that you should not vape, but some people might still think that it is OK when it is really not OK. For example, when you use a vape, it helps calm you down, and that’s why some people think that it is safe, but really those are all of the chemicals going into your body. 

After considering all of these points you should never vape because it is unhealthy, has chemicals, and, lastly, costs lots of money. So overall STOP MAKING VAPES AND STOP CREATING THEM!

Sincerely,

Harper Russell

6th Grade Student 

Lansing Middle School