Ten weeks ago, in the heat of early July, the new Ellenville Journal came into being, a product of three exuberant but somewhat naïve individuals who had only just met. The spontaneity and rashness of the decision to start a newspaper seemed appropriate for a lazy summer day, and the weather has held long enough for the new endeavor to sprout, take root and unfold a leaf or two. Now the days are noticeably shorter, the rain a little colder and we sense the approach of a longer, more difficult season. The arrival of September always feels serious. With this month comes school, a big tax bill, impending elections, and often a killing frost. A few days into this austere month, summer seems far, far away.

Despite the deteriorating weather conditions, we are excited by the challenges ahead and intrigued by how we as a newspaper will approach some issues that will soon confront us. An election is two months away, with statewide and local races on the ballot. How will this newspaper cover these races? Will we endorse candidates, accept political advertising, perhaps sponsor some sort of debate? What do you, our esteemed reader, want to see? We welcome your input.

Last week most households in the area received their school tax bill for the year, and many are still in shock. Will there be serious property tax reform in the county (and state) as some have proposed? Will the Town of Wawarsing have a revaluation? Will the connection be made, finally, between how the Federal government spends income tax dollars and how high local taxes have become?

School is back in session, and all the controversial issues surrounding public education are now relevant again. School tax vouchers, "No Child Left Behind", Intelligent Design and the fat content of cafeteria pizza are all once again on our minds. Will any of these so-called "national" issues arise here in Ellenville? Do they have any direct, or even residual, effect on how children here are educated?

The Ellenville Journal has had a pleasant and fruitful summer, covering art exhibits, theatre openings and a contentious board meeting or two, and we thank our community for the genuine support they have given us. With the Fall now upon us, the work has only just begun.

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