Letters to the Editor - The Millerton News - 10-20-22

Former MN editor Joseph thanks readers

As many of those reading this newspaper may know, I stepped down as editor of The Millerton News in September, after 20 years on the job.

In May I returned to my home state of Florida, and was well aware that my leaving the paper was the next logical step. After all, The Millerton News built its reputation as an award-winning local community newspaper due largely to its hard-working and dedicated staff — and it needs boots on the grounds to remain relevant and productive.

When my publisher learned of my plans to move, I was given a three-month grace period to remain editor. That stretched to six months, thanks to my capable and diligent staff and colleagues. I am extremely grateful to them all, and for that extra time. Making the decision to step away from my job and my life did not come easily, yet it was the best decision for me personally and, hopefully in the near future, professionally.

Please know how honored I was to helm such a lively paper, covering news that affected your — our — everyday lives. It was a privilege to get to know so many people in the community while reporting on important news and events. My goal was to also always write editorials that were respectful of all sides and of all people no matter my personal position. I hope I succeeded in that effort.

Thank you to all who read and supported The Millerton News during my editorship, for welcoming the newspaper into your lives and for sharing a bit of your world with us. To those with whom I chatted, interviewed, photographed and perhaps even grilled during my tenure, I so appreciate your time and your willingness to let me do so.

A special thanks to the local leaders and volunteers for their service, and for sharing their time and their expertise with me. That spirit of community and conviviality — threaded throughout the Harlem Valley and its environs — is why I loved being your editor. It is what makes Millerton, North East, Amenia, Pine Plains, Millbrook and Washington, plus all of our other communities, so special. It is what makes The Millerton News so special, too.

Best of luck to you all, and please continue to support this amazing little newspaper — and each other — as you move forward.

Whitney Joseph

Former editor,

The Millerton News

Tallahassee, Fla.

 

Vote for Hinchey for the NY Senate

Although Sue Serino paints herself as a woman who supports women, her voting record says the opposite.  Just this year, Serino voted against protecting doctors who perform abortions from criminal prosecution.  The Senate passed the bill anyway but if Serino had had her way, legal abortions in New York would be impossible.

Serino also voted against allowing childcare needs to be considered when someone is applying for unemployment benefits and against prohibiting those with domestic abuse convictions from buying guns.

Michelle Hinchey, by contrast, has a strong record of supporting reproductive rights for women.  She authored legislation to expand access to emergency contraception, and has the support of law enforcement and first responders who know that she’s the best advocate for keeping our communities safe.

Hinchey supported a number of pro-family measures.  She secured funding to pave the way for phasing in universal pre-K; authored a bill that would help lower utility bill costs for Hudson Valley families and has led the charge against corporate price gouging by utilities such as Central Hudson.  Serino opposed Hinchey’s efforts to take on Central Hudson, possibly because of the campaign donations she received from Central Hudson.

Please join me in supporting Senator Michelle Hinchey on Nov. 8.

Amy Rothstein

Pine Plains

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