On the surface, the case of Dr. Michael Sheran (recently ordered to relinguish his position as Ulster County Medical Examiner) deserves a special investigation. The facts suggest that County Executive, Hein, acted in political haste in asking Sheran to resign.

We had an incident a couple years ago in which an Ulster County legislator was found to have been DWI. Did anyone, perhaps Legislative Chair, ask for his resignation? Apparently not. I, and likely, Ulster County legislators, have witnessed, repeatedly, a certain legislator (defeated in the recent election), on the job, intoxicated or ill, asleep, often snoring loudly. I haven't seen nor heard anyone, including the Chair, raise a hand in protest. If action was taken privately, I've noticed no change in the legislator's demeanor.

Granted, when he considers accepting a position as responsible as Medical Examiner, and as UNPREDICTABLY needed on-the-scene, it behooves the candidate to assess these circumstances before accepting the office. One question would be, "Will I be able to reach an alternate, designated-physician if I am 'in my cups' at the moment I get a call to the scene?" Because only God knows what time of day, the weather, day of the week and the Medical Examiner's faculties at any critical moment.

Is the presumption that Dr. Sheran was intoxicated sufficient legitimate cause for the County Executive to have summarily terminated his service, leaving his record besmirched, without the slightest investigation or further consideration of the circumstances and the doctor's record?

Has the doctor a history of difficulty handling alcohol? Have any of his cases been seriously questioned or silently ignored? Do we, society, not deserve to see an investigation, lest we, one of our family or friends, or a candidate some day, be in a similar position?

Ask YOURSELF what you would feel if you were in Dr. Sheran's position? Especially if you drink alcohol. What are his family and friends feeling right now? How will his patients and prospective patients behave? Will this destroy his practice?

Was Hein's apparent shooting-from-the-hip proper? I think not. From what the public knows, Hein judged too quickly. Nor is he qualified to "judge" at all, which he did. It does not seem he made a carefully-considered "executive decision." Is he withholding information?

Allan Wikman
Kingston

On October 30th, I was driving down Route 209 when I developed severe chest pain. I pulled into the Wawarsing Post Office and called 911 on my cell phone. At about 8:30PM, Arnold Ortiz, EMT with Ellenville Rescue Squad, was on his way to dinner with his wife when he heard the call. Within seconds of the call, Arnold had pulled into the Post Office and applied oxygen to me. State Trooper Gleason arrived right after Arnold.

Heather Hampel, a Paramedic with Ellenville Rescue Squad, arrived a few minutes later, followed by driver Bob Hunt and EMTs John Gavaris and Christine Alexander.

They put me on their EKG machine and it showed that my heart was hardly beating and that I was having a heart attack. Heather gave me aspirin, nitroglycerin and started an IV. At ten minutes to nine, they transported me to Ellenville Regional Hospital where Miguel Castillo, RN took care of me with Adrienne Perry, ER Tech. They connected me to their heart monitor. Gene Epstein, Nurse Practitoner determined that my heart attack was so severe, it was necessary to give me the clotbuster medication TNKase.

About � hour after receiving the medication, my heart rate returned to a more normal rate. Gene Epstein, NP had Alicia Perry, ER Unit Clerk make arrangements for my transport by ambulance to Vassar Bros.Hospital, where I had two cardiac stents placed. At one point, I overheard someone say that in another 30 minutes, I would have been dead!

I am now home, recovering and wanted everyone to know how grateful I am for the Ellenville Rescue Squad and your Hospital. I would not be here today if not for your excellent care.

Harlan Noles
Liberty

FYI, Wal-Mart reported that it is closing many of it's Sam's Clubs, due to poor financial results.

The American people have spoken through their purchasing power.

A Wal-Mart in Napanoch could, I assume, meet with the same fate, which would end all the arguments against it.

This country is by the people and for the people. My advise, let the people of the area decide, not outdated and immoral ideology.

Dennis51007
...from gunkjournal.com