Record set straight on foundation pay

I wish we could believe that only the truth is spoken by our elected officials. While it is certainly understandable that our representatives make errors from time to time, when an elected official deliberately makes statements that are false, we have good reason to question his/her integrity.

Case in point: Council Member Shelly Schratz has repeatedly stated at Town Board meetings that I am being paid $12,000 annually by the Amherst Senior Citizens Foundation for the work I do on behalf of the foundation. Despite being told by several knowledgeable people, including members of the Foundation Board, that she is in error, Ms. Schratz insists upon repeating these untruths.

Once and for all: I am employed by the Amherst Senior Citizens Foundation as a public relations/development coordinator. My educational background qualifies me for such a position. My salary as a private citizen is no one's business, least of all Ms. Schratz's. However, she is incorrect about my salary, which does not approach $12,000. Furthermore, I am not being paid with taxpayer dollars but rather with private donations to the foundation.

I am proud of the work I do for the foundation and am most pleased that I can continue to serve the seniors of our community in this capacity. Jane S. Woodward

Wellington Court

Williamsville

Re-elected official thanks voters

I am writing to thank the citizens and taxpayers of the Town of Amherst for their strong vote of confidence in my winning campaign for re-election to the New York State Assembly.

It was a pleasure to have the opportunity to personally visit so many voters during my door-to-door campaign. Without exception, I was received with kindness at every home I visited and I especially enjoyed meeting so many families at community events throughout our great Town.

Special thanks go out to the hundreds of campaign volunteers who helped me circulate petitions, stuff envelopes, raise funds, make phone calls and put up lawn signs. I will always be grateful for the grass-roots support these volunteers provided.

It was very gratifying for me to achieve 63 percent of the vote in what proved to be a strong turnout of Amherst voters in a gubernatorial election year. I am especially proud of the fact that this margin of victory was the largest of my Assembly career.

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve as your representative in the State Assembly. I will continue to work hard to merit the trust and confidence you have placed in me.

Jim Hayes

Assemblyman

Amherst

Expression of gratitude

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to all who helped us during our time of need. On October 16, 2006. Adam Sunday, our father and dear friend, had a heart attack. Neighbors Dean Davis and Jim Foye quickly responded. With no phone or electricity thankfully we were able to reach 911 by cell. There was an immediate response from Snyder First Aid Team. They worked diligently until they could transport Adam to Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital. They were an out standing team.

The hospital emergency room and the ICU unit and all the doctors and nurses who attended went far beyond their calling to give us support and understanding at this very emotional time. Adam passed away on Oct. 20, 2006. It is difficult to express our sincere thanks and gratitude for all of their help. Susan and Brent Sunday, and Ellie Honeck Hurst

Tee Court Williamsville