The response to my recent column on anti-Semitism and racism was remarkable. Everyone who contacted me strongly denounced the recent hate crimes against the Hassidic community.

Motivating was the response from the people involved with “Fallsburg Watch.” Disappointing was the silence from Sheriff Candidate Frank Armstrong.

First let me make it clear I was not accusing anyone from "Fallsburg Watch" as being in any way, shape, or form anti-Semitic. I wrote about an undertone and charges created by other people. I did not say they were in any way correct in their accusations.

I am so pleased that the response from “Fallsburg Watch” was immediate, denouncing innuendoes that they were discriminating against Hassidim.

The developers and residents who are accusing the grass roots organization as being anti-Semitic should be ashamed of themselves.

Asking for a moratorium on development in Fallsburg is justly needed to go over the town’s master plan and laws.

The majority of the people, who are developing in Fallsburg, happen to be Hassidic or Orthodox Jews. They are paying less in taxes, because they claim their homes are bungalows, and are not lived in fulltime. They are assessed at a third the normal rate.

Even though the “bungalows” are lived in for a few months out of the year, and the occupants pay fewer taxes – they are registered to vote in Sullivan County, and insure their vehicles here..

This voting block is regarded as being so significant - our candidates for county office visited them in Brooklyn asking for support and contributions.

Despite what his scathing radio attack ad against Mike Schiff might claim - even Frank Armstrong made the trip to Brooklyn seeking their votes and money. We should expect more from a sheriff’s candidate than gutter politics Mr. Armstrong.

And, get this - Ira Cohen who is running for treasurer attacked opponent Leni Binder for seeking the same votes. Cohen has sought such votes as well - he just did not make the trip to Brooklyn.

In fact, the homeowners they visited in the city do pay high property taxes, while requesting minimal town services.

Cohen is arguing that no one should go after votes from a group that receives tax exempt status on properties. He is misleading voters. Binder rightfully called him “a hypocrite."

The treasurer does not write tax exempt laws, the State legislature does. If Cohen wants to change the law, he should be running for the Assembly or State Senate instead.

Candidates should not just point fingers at the Hassidim when it comes to tax-exemption. Many groups such as the Ashram also receive this status. Despite what others might think, these people vote and their concerns must be heard.

Getting back to the sheriff’s race, regrettably, Frank Armstrong has chosen not to issue a detailed public statement on the incident of biased cartoons found on the police lockers in Monticello.

He has skirted around the issue when he has been confronted about it on the campaign trail.

Mr. Armstrong has a moral obligation to honestly tell the residents of Sullivan County about any involvement he had in the incident.

If it was only a joke in poor taste, which went sour, we need to know.

No one has ever claimed that Mr. Armstrong acted in a biased manner towards anyone as a police officer, elected official, or judge.

All Mr. Armstrong had to do was apologize if he was involved. People are forgiving for past blunders.

Unfortunately, politicians would rather hide behind smoke screens instead of confronting the truth outright. Does anyone wonder why voters become so disenfranchised with public officials?

Come on Mr. Armstrong, follow the lead of Fallsburg Watch, and speak openly and honestly about the charges levied against you. You have a distinguished career of public service. Silence is not always golden.

Even Michael Schiff speaks strongly about fighting hate crimes in his platform - so can you!

Let us all keep this great dialogue against hatred ongoing. Our next sheriff can play a major role towards unity.

Email Bill