Tuesday, November 28, 2006

Reynolds and Council keep budget in check.. Increase under 2 percent


Alderman Bill Reynolds and the Kingston Common Council have lowered the budget to about a 1.8 % increase. A big relief for the taxpayers who originally were looking at a proposed budget that called for a 5.9 % increase. The cost of living lies around 3.3%. This is a positive thing said Blaber, the council has developed a budget that works for both the City and it's taxpaying residents.


Some of the major changes that caused such a decrease in the city budget was a savings of more then 200k in medical insurance for city employees. Also having the department heads work directly with the council on the budget of their respected departments gave a lot of insight to what is going on and what can be changed or added. The city also is discontinuing free trash service to tax exempt properties. This will save taxpayers around 75k.


Sunday, November 26, 2006

Thank You


A sincere Thank You and Congratulations to my brother Barry and his wife Bridget. I went up to Maryland to there new house on the water for thanksgiving and we had a great time. While I was up their I had the opportunity to view their public access channels, as you of you know I serve on the KPA Board as the Vice- Chairman to the commission. I found a lot of interesting concepts on both channels, yes they have two. I will present some of the ideas I found from there channels to the commission. To see if we can incorporate some to ours to better the station. I also caught some of their government meetings on there station and jokingly told my brother next time I am down their I am going to convince him to run for there county legislature.

Saturday, November 25, 2006

Blaber News Person of the Week: Ulster County Chairman David Donaldson


This weeks person of the week is Chairman of the Ulster County Legislator David Donaldson. Chairman Donaldson has done wonders for Ulster County, whether it be as a Kingston Alderman or the Ulster County legislator. In both of those bodies he served as minority leader and witnessed both of them come part of the Majority under his leadership. In 2005 after the democrats took back the legislator after 26 years of being in the Minority Mr. Donaldson was elected chair of that body, rightfully so.


He has served Ulster County well this year. Under his leadership with the close work of the legislator a budget was passed that is right in line with the cost of living for Ulster County residents. Also under his leadership a more important thing happened, a milestone, the passing of the Ulster County charter. This important task that will transform Ulster County to the next level and bring accountability to Ulster County was put on the ballot to be voted on. Their were great obstacles to try and prevent this including a powerful financial machine that poured thousands into seeing the charter fail. In the end that did not happen because of Chairman Donaldson and the Ulster County legislators tireless efforts the charter was successful and passed in both Kingston and Ulster County respectively.

Link of your Ulster County Legislators and contact information:

http://www.co.ulster.ny.us/legislature.html

Tuesday, November 21, 2006

A message of hope this Holiday Season




Happy Thanksgiving




I
would like to wish all Kingstonians a happy thanksgiving this holiday season.

I think we need Thanksgiving this year! We need time to slow down, reflect and count our blessings. We need time to distance ourselves and to catch our breath after all the happenings of the past year.

There is much to be grateful for this November. Each of you in, your own setting, is aware of the gifts and blessings you have in family and friends, neighbors and co-workers.

We are thankful for this country, with its beauty and bounty, which allows us so many opportunities and protections. Yet, we are aware of the intractable war in Iraq and the pain and disruption this war causes many of our families and friends; aware, too, that national security is ever fragile. We also acknowledge the instability in the Middle East, the suffering in Darfur, and the plight of the world’s refugees. Closer to home, we have to adjust to a new alignment of congressional power, as well as deal with a temperamental economy.

So we pray that our political, church, and corporate leadership be endowed with wisdom and wise counsel in the decisions before them. In these fragile times we pray for peace, stability, and goodwill among peoples.

As George Washington wrote in his first Presidential Proclamation of Thanksgiving:

“It is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor.”

Let that be our prayer – as individual and as community – this Thanksgiving season.

You, your family and friends are in my prayers and thoughts during this annual celebration of gratitude.



Monday, November 20, 2006

If I had a clue: A Richard Cahill exclusive



Alderman Richard Cahill will host a tell all story on Kingston Public Access television tonight at 9pm titled '' If I had a clue." In it Mr.Cahill will talk in depth about various local Kingston issues. He will provide graphic hypothetical detail of what he would do differently if he had a clue about what he was talking about.

Don't miss this exclusive event Monday at 9pm ch.23







Friday, November 17, 2006

Late Night w/ Jeremy Blaber off this week for Cuomo event



Late Night w/ Jeremy Blaber will not air this week at it's usual time Monday at 10pm. This week Jeremy Blaber has been invited to a special event in New York City hosted by Attorney General elect Andrew Cuomo. Jeremy will conduct a brief interview with AG Cuomo that will air the following week.

Thursday, November 16, 2006

Clinton clear choice for 08 by NYers



New college poll finds Hillary to win nomination in 08 as well as beat both leading candidates for the gop nod in the general election.


With 14 months until the first 2008 presidential contests take place, nearly half of New York Democrats support Senator Hillary Clinton for the Democratic nomination, according to a new Siena College Research Institute poll of registered voters released Wednesday. In potential general election head-to-head match-ups, Clinton beats former New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani and Arizona Senator John McCain. Giuliani and McCain both beat Illinois Senator Barak Obama. For the first time in two years of Siena New York polls, a majority of New York voters believe that New York State is on the right track.

In head-to-head general election match-ups, Clinton would beat Giuliani 53-39 percent. She would beat McCain 55-36 percent. Giuliani would beat Obama 47-41 percent. McCain and Obama are running neck and neck, with McCain leading 40-39 percent.

Tuesday, November 14, 2006

100 dollar reward to information leading to the arrest of vandals targeting mayor


Blaber News is offering a $100 reward to information that will lead to an arrest for the people responsible in placing a fire bomb in Mayor Sottile's mailbox. This is not a joke it is a serious offence that puts the mayor and his family at risk. Your anonymity is safe send an email to jeremyblaber@yahoo.com and if your information leads to an arrest there will be a 100 dollar cash reward. I also urge you to call the Kingston Police department at 331-1671


Here is the article from the daily freeman:


http://www.dailyfreeman.com/site/index.cfm?newsid=17461234&BRD=1769&PAG=461&dept_id=74969&rfi=8

Sunday, November 12, 2006

Realitychek?


Alderman Richard Cahill is going after business once again. He has came out against a local gas station (quickchek) that wants to take shop in Kingston's sixth ward. Not only would this store create much needed jobs but would make life easier and more convenient for people in his ward. It seems to me Rich Cahill does not care about people in his ward.

What bothers people is not just the fact that Alderman Cahill opposes this project but that he is such a hypocrite about the whole thing. He says one thing and does the other. He claims to be pro-union but then develops a plan for parking meters that leaves union workers hungry. He claims to be pro-business but is opposing new development in his own ward.

Give Alderman Cahill a much needed reality check and remind him that he is a public servant answerable to the people. Contact Alderman Cahill and tell him that we want business in the city of Kingston. Tell him not to use his position to bully companies around.

Hon. Richard Cahill Jr.
85 Manor Place
Kingston NY 12401

e-mail- rtcahilljr@aol.com

home 845-338-7982

Friday, November 10, 2006

Blaber calls for City Budget Cuts



Jeremy Blaber called for budget cuts in the proposed City of Kingston budget saying that 5 percent is simply unacceptable. Blaber would not play politics pointing fingers at who was to blame for the increase. Blaber stated things need to be cut. Mayor Sottile has done a diligent job developing this budget now it is the councils responsibility to get the budget in check.

People just can't afford a 5 percent increase we have seniors on fixed incomes that are property rich and income poor. They feel the pinch when it comes to the rise of property taxes. It is the city's responsibility to work to develop a budget that is affordable for taxpayers. While Blaber said no increase would be ideal he admitted it is not realistic. It's tough it gets to a point their is only so much you can cut. I think this council can get the budget down to 3 percent and still have a budget that can work for both the city and the taxpayers.

Wednesday, November 08, 2006

Blaber News person of the Month : Howard Dean


Blaber News person of the week our great chairman Howard Dean. Democrats have taken both the house and congress because of Dean's ideas and 50 state plan. He was right from the begining in calling this war a mistake and asking in a change of course. The Bush administration has a lot of good slogans... "Stay the course," "cut and run," how about STOP AND THINK. I am glad to have someone like Howard Dean that does just that.


A message from Howard Dean:

The American people sent a clear message for a new direction. Voting for hope and opportunity, they rejected the Republican culture of corruption and the politics of fear and smear. Democratic candidates ran strong campaigns, worked hard, and offered the American people a clear choice and a strong vision for a new direction based on the priorities of the American people. The American voters also sent a message to Democrats that if we show up, work hard and ask for their vote, we can win in any part of the country.

Dems win US Senate



Democrats wrested control of the Senate from Republicans Wednesday with an upset victory in Virginia, giving the party complete domination of Capitol Hill for the first time since 1994.

Jim Webb's win over incumbent Sen. George Allen gave Democrats their 51st seat in the Senate, an astonishing turnabout at the hands of voters unhappy with Republican scandal and unabated violence in Iraq.

Again congratulations to our US Senator Hillary Clinton who won with 70 percent of the vote.

Jeremy Blaber gets positive response in Letters section of the Daily Freeman

Thanks to Vince Perry who wrote a very nice letter about me in Wednesday's edition of the Daily Freeman. I know others called and also sent letters in showing there support after the recent attacks on my integrity. I thank you all and appreciate your support and guidance it means a lot and makes me a better individual.


" Kingston would be lucky to have 10 Jeremy Blabers. His commitment to the community and public service is second to no one."

-Vince Perry

Mayor Molinaro easily becomes Assemblyman elect Molinaro


Congratulations to Marc Molinaro who handedly beat his opponent Tuesday night to become the next Assemblyman of the 103rd district. This is really something the people in that district and in NYS can be proud of.

Marc is a great guy who has devoted his career to public service and will do a great job in the NYS Assembly for the people in his district, just as he has done on a village and county level.

Mr. Molinaro certainly falls on the list of NY politicians to look out for in 10 years.. I think Assembly is just the tip of the iceberg for Molinaro especial when he will serve in the minority...Senator Molinaro?

Ulster County's Sheriff elect Paul Van Blarcum given clear mandate


Sheriff elect Paul Van Blarcum easily defeated his opponent by a near 2 to 1 margin, Tuesday night leading Costello 35,459 to 19,548. Both candidates lead a clean campaign that stuck to the issues and in the end the people of Ulster County choose some one who is the the most qualified to lead the U.C. sheriff dept. I wish Paul the best of luck in his new position...he earned it and will do a phenomenal job as our next Ulster County Sheriff.

http://www.co.ulster.ny.us/election2006/sheriff.html

Governor elect Elliot Sptizer leads dems to NY Victories



Big wins for Dems across the board as Dems take control of NYS Government. Elliot Spitzer lead the ticket for governor followed by Hillary Clinton who easily won re-election for US Senate with 70 percent, Attorney General elect Andrew Cuomo took 67 percent of the vote and Allen Hevesi won with 62 percent. This is a big win for NY and for the people of NY. With people in office like Spitzer and Cuomo and Clinton and Hevesi you know were in the right direction they all will bring leadership and results for NY.

Dems Win House


Democrats won control of the House early Wednesday after a dozen years of Republican rule in a resounding repudiation of a war, a president and a scandal-scarred Congress.

Dems said to pick up 30+ Seats

Congratulations locally to Congressman Maurice Hinchey, Congresswoman elect Kirsten Gillibrand and Congressman elect John Hall.

Sunday, November 05, 2006

Vote on Tuesday Nov. 7th


On Tuesday November 7th please remember to get out and vote. When we vote this year we need to support candidates that have the best interest of the people at heart. Candidates that will bring much needed reform to NYS Government. Please stand with me on Nov.7th in supporting the following candidates.




Governor : ELLIOT SPITZER

Attorney General: ANDREW CUOMO

Congress: 22nd District Maurice Hinchey
19th District John Hall
20th District Kirstin Gillibrand

U.S. Senate: Hillary Clinton

NYS comptroller: Allen Hevesi

NYS Assembly: 101st Kevin Cahill
107th Kelly Keck
127th Scott Trees
103rd Marc Molinaro

NYS Senate: 42nd SUSAN ZIMET
39th Chris Mc Bride

Ulster County Sheriff: Paul Van Blarcum

Proposition 1: YES

NYS Supreme Court 3rd judicial district: Karen Peters and Gus Devine

Blaber gives statement on Lenny Walker issue

I have gotten several calls and e-mails on the situation regarding Lenny Walker asking my opinion and I will say this and only this, I think this is a personal matter that is between Lenny and his family. Not something that should be handled in the paper or in a public setting. My thoughts are with the Walker family at this difficult time.

Friday, November 03, 2006

Town of Ulster Supervisor Nick Woerner and Kingston Majority Leader Bill Reynolds to appear on Late Night w/ Jeremy Blaber


Town of Ulster Supervisor Nick Woerner and Kingston Majority Leader Bill Reynolds will be on Late Night w/ Jeremy Blaber this Monday at 10pm. To discuss a variety of local issues going on in the City of Kingston and the Town of Ulster. We also will talk about the change in NYS government with a new administration that will be taking place in January.

Thursday, November 02, 2006

Woerner Praised by U.S.Senator Clinton


At a recent appearance in the town of Ulster, Senator Hillary Clinton praised Nick Woerner for his leadership and public service to the town.


"You start them young here, " she said, referring to the 22-year-old Woerner.
'' My goodness. I am pretty impressed."

Richard Cahill: Wrong for Kingston, Wrong for the 6th Ward


ABC : Anyone But Cahill.

In Mr.Cahill's short 10 month tenure as Alderman he has failed Kingston and failed the people of the sixth ward. The good thing is we probably only have 14 months left of Cahill's failed leadership. The bad thing we still have 14 months left of Cahill's failed leadership.

A record of UN-accomplishment


- Vowed to vote against wayside horns so that residents in his ward could have a descent nights rest

- Voted against an anti-graffiti bill that would require prompt removal of graffiti in the City of Kingston

- Voted against FREE City wide high speed internet access that would make it possible for all city residents to have free high speed internet including the people who can't afford it....Were not all lawyers, why does Mr. Cahill dislike the poor?

- Failed to bring in security cameras for Colonial Gardens after he promised residents he would do so.

- Called for Mayor James Sottile's resignation and accused him of breaking the law even though D.A. Williams said no law was broken.

- Stated on his self proclaimed Number 1 tv show that the number one goal was the defeat of Jim Sottile and the democrats, more important then his constituents.

- Claims to be a union supporter but when given an opportunity to chair the parking commission he opted to cut the union out and go after a privatized parking plan.....Flip Flop.

Richard Cahill Wrong for Kingston, Wrong for Ward 6