Radio Chatskill

As voters head to the polls Tuesday, some may be thinking beyond the names printed on their ballots. Write-in candidates — those whose names must be physically written in by voters — have influenced close races before and could do so again this year.

“Even though they are not printed on the ballot, they’re going to contest the office anyway,” said Jacob Neiheisel, associate professor of political science at the University at Buffalo and an expert on political communication and elections.

Neiheisel said many voters use write-ins symbolically.

“We think of them sometimes as protest votes,” he said. “Somebody doesn’t like their options, and in most places there’s no ‘none of the above’ option. So they just write in a friend, a neighbor — Mickey Mouse isn’t all that unusual.”

But sometimes, write-ins are part of serious, well-funded campaigns. “It’s rare, but write-ins do win,” he said.

When Write-ins Can Compete

Neiheisel pointed to a recent example in Buffalo. Then-Mayor Byron Brown lost a primary but campaigned as a write-in — and won.

“He had a lot of money, a lot of airtime,” Neiheisel said. “Couple that with the fact that he’d already served four terms as mayor — name recognition and resources really helped him out.”

Successful write-in candidates are usually established figures who have held office before and can run competitive campaigns even without ballot placement, he said.

The Communication Hurdle

Getting voters to remember and correctly write a name is a major challenge.

“It’s really, really hard,” Neiheisel said. “You have to come up with clever slogans.”

In Brown’s case, his campaign encouraged voters to “write down Byron Brown” — a phrase that “just rolls off the tongue,” he said.

New York also allows voters to use rubber stamps in the booth to enter a candidate’s name — though stickers are banned because they can jam voting machines.

“There was a challenge to it here, but it was ultimately allowed,” Neiheisel said.

Strengthening Democracy — or Risking Confusion?

Neiheisel said the option can empower voters who want to register dissatisfaction — but it comes with risks.

“There almost certainly will be people whose votes are not counted because they were confused about the process,” he said.

In New York, voters must fill in the write-in bubble and write the name legibly.

“If you misspell the name, if you write outside the lines, you risk your vote not being counted,” he said.

Still, he noted that unlike Nevada — which has a “none of the above” option — most voters nationwide lack a formal protest mechanism. Write-ins are “the closest we can get to participating, but also showcasing that we don’t like the options in front of us.”

Could Rules Change?

Major parties generally don’t see write-ins as a threat, Neiheisel said — at least not yet.

“In most cases it’s a few scattered votes here and there,” he said. “If it got to be something where independent candidates were continually contesting as write-ins and having even more success, that’s something they could look at curbing.”

Some states already restrict candidates who lose primaries from running again as independents — so-called “sore loser” laws. New York does not have one.

“But if write-ins became a bigger deal, that’s certainly something the parties would look into,” Neiheisel said.

Eyes on New York City

Neiheisel said the mayoral race in New York City — where a Democrat who lost the primary is now running as an independent — underscores why those laws exist.

“The party doesn’t like challenges to its ability to be the gatekeeper,” he said. “It dilutes the brand and makes things more confusing and difficult for voters.”

There are seven Supreme Court justices in Pennsylvania. Three of those justices are on the ballots this November for retention: Justices David Wecht, Christine Donohue, and Kevin Dougherty.

Radio Catskill’s Kimberly Izar spoke with Kadida Kenner, founding Chief Executive Officer of the voting rights organization New Pennsylvania Project, about why courts matter and what’s at stake.

Damascus Volunteer Ambulance Corps has reported a 14 percent increase in emergency calls this year so far. But as its volunteer numbers dwindle and expected Medicaid cuts, EMS operators are worried about how the mostly volunteer-led organization will continue to serve residents in the coming years.

Radio Catskill’s Kimberly Izar spoke with John Tucci and Mike Bruce of the Damascus Township Volunteer Ambulance Corps to learn what challenges lie ahead.

Middletown Mayor Joseph DeStefano opened applications on Wednesday for an emergency food relief program for people receiving SNAP benefits as the federal government enters its fifth week of its shutdown.

Radio Catskill's Kimberly Izar spoke with DeStefano about who's eligible for the program and the impact potential SNAP delays will have on the community.

The League of Women Voters of New York State, joined by the Campaign Legal Center and the Brennan Center for Justice, has filed a motion to intervene in a lawsuit brought by the U.S. Department of Justice seeking access to New York’s full voter registration database.

The DOJ is requesting sensitive personal data, including driver’s license numbers and partial Social Security numbers—information voting rights advocates say the federal government has no legitimate reason to collect.

Erica Smitka, executive director of the League of Women Voters of NYS, told Radio Catskill the move is about protecting voters and trust in elections.

“The League has been working for 100 years to protect the rights of voters,” Smitka said. “When we register voters, we sometimes mention that their information is safe and secure under New York law. There’s really no justification for the federal government to demand this access.”

Smitka said misuse of the data could fuel false claims about election fraud, target political opponents, or pressure states to remove voters based on incomplete information. She also flagged privacy concerns tied to the DOJ’s collaboration with the Department of Homeland Security.

Voter data in New York is protected under state and federal law, including the Privacy Act. “Federal law authorizes states to control voter databases and does not require the release of sensitive personal information,” Smitka said.

The filing, made Oct. 24, follows a similar intervention in Maine. Smitka said the League is working closely with other voting rights organizations to ensure privacy protections remain strong.

“We are here, showing up in communities, running voter registration drives, and pursuing legal action to protect voters’ rights,” she said. “We won’t stop doing this work to keep our democracy strong.”

For more information on voter privacy and election resources, visit lwv.org
or vote411.org
.

For children and young adults with disabilities, routine dental care can be nearly impossible to access. Families often face long waits, providers who don’t accept their insurance, and a lack of dentists trained to meet sensory or behavioral needs.

This week, NYU College of Dentistry is changing that. Their pop-up clinic at the Center for Discovery in Sullivan County is bringing exams, X-rays, and preventive care directly to students — all at no cost to families.

“Many of our patients have been waiting months, if not years, to see a dentist,” said Eddie Rosenbaum, director of Global Outreach and International Engagements at NYU Dentistry. “We bring a trained team to the school, so students can get care where they are, without parents taking time off work.”

This marks the fifth visit by NYU Dentistry to the center. “Each trip, 50 to 75 students are seen over three days,” said Kerri Muzuruk, Chief of Education, Curriculum Design and Coordination at the Center for Discovery. “It’s an incredible opportunity for students — and for our own team to practice supporting them.”

The clinic uses sensory-friendly strategies to ease anxiety. Rosenbaum said the team customizes care based on each student’s preferences, using noise-canceling headphones, weighted vests, and fidget toys. Staff at the center also prepare students ahead of time, giving them repeated exposure to tools and procedures.

“Some students now hop right in the chair and even take X-rays — which would have been unimaginable two years ago,” Rosenbaum said.

Families have responded with gratitude. “Bringing care to the school, with trained and compassionate staff, reduces stress for families,” Muzuruk said. “It’s been wildly appreciated.”

The initiative also prepares the next generation of dentists. NYU has been training students to work with people with disabilities since the 1970s and has expanded this model to other communities in Maine, the Dominican Republic, and Chile.

For more information about the programs, visit NYU Dentistry Global Outreach or Center for Discovery.

Long before Halloween meant costumes and candy, the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain marked the end of harvest and the start of the darkening season. More than 2,000 years ago, Celts believed that during Samhain — pronounced “SAH-win” — the boundary between the physical world and the spirit realm thinned. Bonfires blazed, offerings were made and costumes were worn to protect against wandering spirits.

Writer, witch and podcast host Pam Grossman says that deep history still resonates.

“A lot of people will know this holiday as Halloween, and that holiday is certainly related to its more pagan roots,” she said. “It’s a time when folks believe they can make contact with the spirit world a little more easily and honor their ancestors — and that’s some of what we’re going to be doing that evening.”

Grossman will lead a special Samhain celebration Saturday at Madame Fortuna in Narrowsburg. The event doubles as a launch for her new book, Magic Maker: The Enchanted Path to Creativity, and includes ritual, conversation and creative exploration.

Grossman hosts The Witch Wave podcast and is a prominent voice in the current renaissance of modern witchcraft. She said she never outgrew the spark of magic so many children feel.

“Most people grow out of their magic phase, and I just grew more deeply into mine as I got older,” she said. “As a kid I was always attracted to mythology and magic and ritual.”

As she pursued creative writing, Grossman said she saw how imagination and spiritual practice intertwine.

“When I was entering this sort of imaginary space of writing, it was very similar to the spiritual space I tried to enter when I’m doing any kind of magic,” she said. “A lot of creative folks throughout history had practices where their creative offering was actually considered spiritual.”

Her book highlights artists such as David Bowie and Sylvia Plath who turned to tarot, channeling or other mystical tools.

“That word ‘witch’ is a word that a lot of folks still are confused about,” she said. “In modern parlance, a witch is somebody who is generally a very positive person. It’s just someone who engages with the invisible world in intentional ways. And I would argue that artists do the exact same thing.”

Saturday’s celebration will include the building of a communal ancestor altar — a Samhain tradition. Attendees are encouraged to bring an object or photo of a loved one who has passed, or of a “creative ancestor,” someone who inspired their artistic life.

“If David Lynch really means something to you and you want to honor him, please bring a copy of Eraserhead and put it on the altar,” Grossman said.

For Grossman, this time of year brings personal reflection and memory. Her grandmother Antonia, who was an artist, has become a guiding figure in her magical and creative life.

“Her birthday was actually on Oct. 30,” she said. “I often light a candle for her and thank her for all the guidance and protection that I still believe she offers me.”

More information is available at pamgrossman.com/events.

Asked how to properly offer seasonal greetings, Grossman laughed and said, “You can say ‘Happy Samhain,’ ‘Blessed Samhain,’” she said. “It all works.”

Stewart’s Shops is a beloved gas station and convenience store with hundreds of locations across the Catskills, including Monticello, Ellenville, and Fallsburg. For many residents in rural communities, it’s a local staple and sometimes the only place open for those late-night ice cream cravings and lemonade.

A new viral music video for the song, "Take Me Down to Stewy’s," has captured the essence of what Stewart’s means for many upstate residents and now has more than 1.2 million views. Radio Catskill’s Kimberly Izar spoke with the artists, Jackson Simpson, azel and Grey Mizzy, behind the music video.

With election day just a week away, political tensions are heating up in Honesdale. Councilman and mayoral candidate Jim Hamill was stripped of all his committee assignments Monday night in a unanimous vote by the Honesdale Borough Council, following disputes over a Central Park playground and Hamill’s recent public statements.

Playground Sparks Political Fire

Central Park’s playground, long covered with tire mulch, has been under scrutiny after soil tests revealed zinc levels as high as 797 parts per million under the play area — far above the 50 parts per million found elsewhere. The elevated zinc likely contributed to the death of nearby trees.

Hamill’s Video Controversy

Hamill, chair of the Parks and Recreation Committee until last week, posted a video to the official borough account claiming the committee had just learned about the playground removal and that a full report was pending.

Liam Mayo of The River Reporter, who attended the council meeting,  explained why that claim was disputed: “The committee received a full verbal report on Oct. 7, including zinc levels and tree health concerns. Hamill’s video cast doubt on the borough’s actions, which other council members say undermined public trust.”

Council member James Cordaro told The River Reporter the decision was “a much broader problem,” while another council member added: “I think humility and an apology could go a really long way.”

Election Spotlight

The move comes as Hamill campaigns against incumbent Mayor Derrick Williams. Mayo noted that Hamill has often positioned himself as a critic of borough processes.

“Hamill has made the handling of the police department a major issue in this race, casting doubt on how it’s managed, while Mayor Williams maintains a broader vision of the office’s role,” Mayo said.

What’s Next for Central Park?

The old playground equipment has been removed and will be relocated to another park. Borough officials are planning a new ADA-accessible playground, though no final plan or funding amount has been set. Interim Borough Manager Kevin Kondracik hopes to have a new playground in place by spring.

The council has applied for a local share grant to help fund the new facility.

For ongoing updates on Honesdale politics and the Central Park playground, visit The River Reporter.

Garnet Health has signed a letter of intent to pursue an affiliation with Montefiore Health System, a move leaders say will help sustain and strengthen healthcare services in Sullivan and Orange counties amid financial pressures facing hospitals nationwide.

“If you look at what’s happened across the country, most smaller hospitals have already aligned with larger health systems,” said Garnet Health CEO Jerry Dunlevy. “The smaller health systems and the smaller hospitals standing alone are becoming less and less of a factor.”

Dunlevy said Garnet Health — despite a strong market share — faces the same economic pressures as many community hospitals, including rising labor and supply costs, inflation, and stagnant or declining reimbursements.

“You couple that with an increased supply cost — things like pharmaceuticals, energy, electricity or gas — and then general inflation was very, very challenging,” he said. “And then there’s the issue of reimbursement, where in some cases it’s been declining or stagnant.”

He said the aging population is also affecting hospitals’ bottom lines as more patients move from commercial insurance to Medicare, which reimburses at lower rates.

Shared Services and Clinical Strength

Dunlevy said affiliating with a larger health system will allow Garnet to benefit from “shared services” such as information technology, finance, human resources, and procurement — creating “economies of scale” and stronger negotiating power for contracts.

He also highlighted Montefiore’s clinical expertise as a major benefit. “Montefiore offers really tertiary clinical expertise that will help us further develop, grow, and expand our service lines,” Dunlevy said. “A great example of that would be in cardiology and our cardiac surgery program at the Middletown campus.”

He emphasized that this agreement is an affiliation, not a merger or acquisition. “There’s been no sale. There’s been no purchase of our organization or of our assets,” Dunlevy said. “Healthcare in New York State is very highly regulated, and some of that regulation protects our community.”

Focus on Local Care

Dunlevy stressed that the intent of the partnership is to keep care local — not to funnel patients downstate.

“This isn’t a model that’s designed to take patients from our community and send them to a hospital in the city,” he said. “The plan, which is mutually agreed upon by Montefiore and us, is that wherever we can, we want to provide care locally, have easy access to care and to follow-up.”

He added that Garnet’s board made clear during negotiations that rural health and key services such as behavioral health, obstetrics and gynecology, and cardiac care must remain available in the community.

“Our Harris campus and our Callicoon campus need to stay viable,” he said. “These were important services that we wanted assurances were going to continue in the community — and that is part of both the letter of intent and our final agreement.”

Dunlevy said the affiliation also strengthens Garnet’s long-term goal of building a new replacement hospital in Sullivan County and improving physician recruitment.

Medicaid Cuts and Federal Challenges

The partnership, Dunlevy said, won’t erase the impact of upcoming federal Medicaid cuts but could help Garnet better position itself to absorb losses.

“The affiliation doesn’t alleviate those concerns, but it does offer opportunity to improve operations in other areas that could help offset some of the loss,” he said. He added that Montefiore’s experience with safety-net transformation grants could make it a strong partner for future funding applications.

What’s Next

The next phase in the process is to finalize a definitive agreement, which Dunlevy expects to take about 45 days, followed by state and federal regulatory review that could take up to two years.

“The approval has to happen at two levels — the New York State Department of Health and the Federal Trade Commission,” he said. “We’re confident that we’re in a good position to get both state and federal approval.”

As the process moves forward, Dunlevy said Garnet Health will continue to be transparent.

“Our board and our leadership team are committed to open, honest, and transparent communication throughout this process,” he said. “We live here. We want great healthcare for our community and for our families. This is a big step in ensuring our ability to provide care both now and into the future.”