To the Editor:

This letter is to address the rash of disparaging letters, and the irresponsible and inaccurate statements that have appeared in Chuck Kelly’s column since Gavin Regan was appointed to serve out the term of St. Lawrence County Clerk.

First we’d like to thank Mary Lou Rupp for her service and dedication, both in her years as DMV Clerk and her two years as First Deputy Clerk. We have nothing but respect for Mary Lou, and wish her well.

I have been reading all the stories about cuts to school budgets. The only responses in the papers are about programs, teacher or teacher-aide cuts. What about the cuts to support staff? We are the people who bring your children to and from school safely, we are the people who make the school clean and safe for your children, we are the people who serve your children a healthy breakfast and lunch each day. Aren’t we just as important? At the same time, we are the lowest paid in the scheme of things.

In response to “Fix Canton Roads” (Sound Off, March 23-29): You haven’t crossed the railroad crossing on the Ames Road in Potsdam, have you? You have to drive over it at less than 5 mph unless you want damage done to your vehicle. I agree with your question though. When will they fix these tracks, and if they are not, where can I send my repair bills?

Regarding “Enough is Enough” (Sound Off, March 16-22) I agree with you. My family and I have been season ticket holders for many years now. It’s not enjoyable to watch Clarkson Hockey anymore. I believe it falls on the coaching staff. Every year, Clarkson seems to be getting worse and worse. They are not bringing in the caliber of recruits that they used to, they are amongst the leaders in penalty minutes in the nation, and they get walked all over on their home ice. Clarkson Hockey used to be considered one of the tops in college hockey, now that tradition is fading fast.

The fact that alcohol is legal and marijuana is not is not based on any science whatsoever. Alcohol is the number one cause of birth defects and is the cause of FASD or fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, which can include facial deformities and neurological deficits that are untreatable. Just because booze is in the Bible and has more lobbyists and money backing it is a shame. Prohibition did not work and only served to grow organized crime. Likewise the laws against pot result in the same market distortions.

It’s strange how fast people go from light to light. I have to drive even slower to anticipate accidents the speed demons might arouse. I usually pull up right along side you at the next light anyhow, and the one after that. Who used 10-20 times more gas and wear on their breaks to travel 30-40 mph for 200 feet? It’s you! Who might end up hitting a pedestrian, a child or bicyclist? You. More than once a day some speedster almost drives under a tractor trailer that needs two lanes to make a tight turn.

I recently read this article about a welfare reform (drug testing for welfare recipients) http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/01/18/lonnie-napier-welfare-drug-test... in Kentucky. I wonder what it would take to get something implemented in New York? I think it should be mandated across the entire U.S.

LOUISVILLE – State police arrested Regan L. Green, 30, Timothy J. Green, 28, and Amber R. Sanderson, 23, all of Canton, for various felony, misdemeanor and vehicle and traffic infractions stemming from a stop at a state police road check on Co. Rt. 40.

Sanderson, who was operating a 1996 Subaru Legacy with both Greens as passengers, was pulled over for a loud exhaust.

Subsequent investigation revealed that due to insurance not in effect as of January 1, 2010, Sanderson had a suspended license.

CANTON -- At TAUNY's next First Thursday for Kids workshop, April 7, from 3:45 to 5:15 p.m., Flip Filippi and Hannah Harvester will teach children about the tradition of decorating eggs for Easter and how to make beautiful, all-natural colored eggs.

All materials are provided, but children are encouraged to bring leaves and flowers they would like to use in their designs.

Pre-registration is required by contacting TAUNY Folklorist Hannah Harvester at 386-4289 or [email protected].