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Do not slight atrisk kids, says Burgh editor Stephen Bartlett.
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Coalition offers free tax help
WWW.THE-BURGH.COM
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2012
CLINTON COUNTY, NEW YORK
This Week ELIZABETHTOWN
A TAXING TIME
A VITAL SERVICE
Many individuals may qualify for Earned Income Tax Credit
Office for the Aging offers assistance for senior citizens. PAGE 3
By Stephen Bartlett
ABC AND R’S SHOWCASE
stephen@denpubs.com PLATTSBURGH — Heidi LaFontaine just retired from IBM and wanted to save as much money as she could. She heard about a free tax service through the Clinton County Office of the Aging. “This is my first time getting my taxes done here,” she said. “So far I am glad. I am treated nicely.” The Internal Revenue Service designated Jan. 27, 2012 as National Earned Income Tax Credit Awareness Day.
New business features the new and the old. PAGE 8 BRAIN STORMING
Bill Cowan and Rita FitzGerald participated in the public demonstration opposing Citizens United outside Congressman Bill Owens office on Jan. 20. Photo by Stephen Bartlett
CONTINUED ON PAGE 10
Bassett: Short term decisions with long term results Officials hope roundtable talks aid budget process.
Supervisor reflects on his long political career By Stephen Bartlett stephen@denpubs.com
Town of Plattsburgh Supervisor Bernie Bassett says making contacts is key to getting his constituents what they want. Photo by Stephen Bartlett
PLATTSBURGH — As the economic crisis wreaked havoc across the country, Bernie Bassett gathered his department heads. “I told them we were going through a storm and we’re going to have to trim and be conservative, but we were not going to stop and wait,” said the supervisor of the Town of Plattsburgh. “When all is said and done, we will be out ahead. I’m really proud of what we’ve done.” Jobs continue to be created within the Town of Plattsburgh, which works hard to provide services, Bas-
sett said. “We just spent a lot of money on paving roads.” Bassett spent a career in education, working as a teacher and retiring as a school administrator. When he retired in July of 2004, he began his campaign for the Assembly. “I really hadn’t made a decision to get into politics,” Bassett said. “I had friends help me to decide that was what I was going to do.” The thought of it actually made him slightly uncomfortable. “But I felt I could do it, though I didn’t know what I was getting into,” Bassett said. “But as of this CONTINUED ON PAGE 9
PAGE 9 SPORTS
Look inside for the week in sports. PAGE 11
Index
Need Some Extra CASH This Tax Season?* File your own tax return online for FREE! Plattsburgh Public Library • 19 Oak Street in Plattsburgh
Starting January 23rd, open 10am to 3pm daily Participants are responsible for filing their own tax return online at this location. Assistance is available for general filing questions.
APPOINTMENTS RECOMMENDED!
5139 North Catherine St. in Plattsburgh Call 518-335-8599 for information.
Essex County: Call 1-800-675-2668
Katie Duffy 518-536-7434 or Kelly Lathrop 518-536-7436
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Plattsburgh Public Library • 19 Oak Street • 518.536.7434 • 518.536.7436 Visit us on the web at www.ncworkforce.com Online
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