As one of the original Preserve Ramapo activists, I'm proud that we've brought attention to the important issues and created a forum for excellent candidates to seek public office. Both of my runningmates for town council, James Hyer and Linwood Carter have been endorsed by this paper and like myself are strongly positioned for victory. This scenario would not have been possible without Preserve Ramapo.

Needless to say, there's no shortage of meaningful issues. We must repeal the Adult Student Housing Law, stop the downzoning, dedicate open space purchases as parkland and let residents decide for themselves via referendum on village formation and single-member town council districts.

The town board incumbents cite "experience." But what good is experience when it's trumped by the will of special interests? Is it "experience" that tells them to choose the demands of these groups over their constituents - and conscience?

Is it their "experience" that tells them to ignore construction that doesn't comply with fire, safety and environmental codes? Or is it their "experience" that tells them to position us as demanding evictions or demolitions, when all we want is to ensure adherence to the safety and fire codes they established.

I will bring integrity, passion and a true sense of fairness to town government. I will listen carefully and ensure that everyone has a say and a stake in our democratic process. I am confident that working together is the key to finding mutually agreeable solutions regardless of the challenge.

Michael Parietti
Suffern