To the Editor:

Election Time is upon us and it is time for each of us to exercise our right to vote. In the last few weeks, we have read and heard the negative rhetoric (same as last election) from Mayor

Skelly, Deputy Mayor John Rishe, and our City Manager concerning this election, and their opinions on the new candidates running for City Council.

Councilors Kennedy, Powers, and Skamperle bring leadership skills, honesty, and a working knowledge of issues to the table in dealing with difficult choices the residents of Ogdensburg face. They are your only voice to City Hall. They support transparency. They are their own person and are not controlled by the mayor (as the new candidates would be). They focus on uniting our city, and inspire broad participation in solving our problems (not happening with present majority). They respect the citizens in this community, while the majority disrespects you ... watch any past council meeting to see this firsthand. They ask questions that benefit the taxpayers, and will listen and share your concerns. like all wise people, it is apparent the they understand that communication is 90% listening, 10% talking. Ogdensburg needs people who will stand up to the special interests of Mayor Skelly and the majority who have their own private agendas for City Hall. We need Kennedy, Powers, and Skamperle

At a time when trust, truthfulness, transparency, and respect of taxpayers at City Hall is at an all-time low, these incumbent councilors have kept the public informed about all issues, listened to public input, and acted in the best interest of the City of Ogdensburg. They fight for what is right. They are aggressive in battling against those issues that adversely affect this city. They can take criticism where it is due, and use it to make necessary constructive change and improvement in this city.

Our city government will be well-served by their determination and hard-work. They understand the concerns of the people, and the problems of our city.

Vote Kennedy, Powers, Skamperle for leadership transparency and honesty. They listen to taxpayers, have the ability to stand up to the majority and will not be bullied.

Doug Loffler
Ogdensburg