Caruso offers thanks, warning

To the editor: I thank everyone who voted for me for Orange County legislator, representing Woodbury and Highlands. However, I was unsuccessful. The campaign trail was filled with important issues and good people. My record, positions, goals and experience was all based on fact, as is my devotion to a better Woodbury for 35 years, gauged by my past performance. The election this year in Woodbury was decided by only 42 percent of all registered voters. This year Woodbury voters were inundated with blatant lies and innuendo, including erroneous references about a mythical relationship both present and future I have or will have with Kiryas Joel and/or the Kiryas Joel Alliance (aka KJ dissidents). All of the personal attacks on my character and creditability were packaged into a barrage of fear-tactics propaganda. To the residents who did not vote for me, keep your eyes and ears open, and watch the issues that will effect both you and me. I will because I live here with you and are affected as you are by every quality of life issue. I remain a member of the Town of Woodbury Zoning Board of Appeals and in January 2006 my re-appointment as chairman of the Zoning Board of Appeals rests with the Woodbury Town Board members. Jeanette and I have lived in Woodbury for almost 36 years, grown our children here, have children and grandchildren living here, and have always worked to better our community’s quality of life, and have no plans to change. Thank you. Ralph Caruso Highland Mills