Friday, March 30, 2007

Alderman Brown may reconsider and run for another term


Alderman Clinton Brown may reconsider and run for another term as Alderman of the fourth ward, I sure hope so. I read with great disappointment a few weeks ago when Alderman Brown decided not to run for another term. During his tenure as Alderman a lot of important things have been accomplished and I feel his work in the ward is not yet completed. I urged him to reconsider and run another term and finish the important works he has started including crime fighting, with the opening of a police precinct in Mid Town, the fight for quality and affordable housing amoung other accomplishments. Alderman Brown also worked with the D.A. and Sheriff Van Blarcum to create URGENT, which is a task force, made up of several police departments that will effectively decrease crime throughout Ulster County. I am pleased to report, I have it on the best sources Alderman Brown may very well reconsider and run for another term.

Please tell us your opinion...



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Council President James Noble joins Late Night this Monday


Alderman-at- Large James Noble joins Late Night w/ Jeremy Blaber this Monday at 10pm. The Council president will be on to talk about city issues and discuss some of the legislation the Common Council is currently working on. We also will discuss President Noble's plans for re-electing and a possible run for mayor, if Mayor Sottile decides not to run.

Thursday, March 29, 2007

Some real Horse races are gearing up in Ulster County


Assemblyman Marc Molinaro once said " the best way to run for public office is unopposed" and as a candidate for School board I have a new found respect for that statement. However, it is good to see some competition and I am happy this year we will get some competition in two particular offices that have been uncontested for nearly a decade.


Ulster County D.A.- Three candidates are seeking the Democratic nomination to run for the office of DA and at this point it looks like whoever wins the nomination will win the seat the Republican party will put up a paper candidate so the ticket is not left blank. The candidates in the race now are Jonathan Sennett a highly qualified attorney who was a former ADA in Bronx county, a Kingston native with highly popular name recognition, and a current ADA in Ulster County. All are very qualified and it will be interesting to see how it all pans out.


Kingston City Judge- Again 3 candidates are looking to seek the nomination this time on the GOP side. Rich Cahill, Jr., Mike Bruyn, Jr., and now current Ulster County District Attorney Don Williams....the only difference between this race and the race for DA is that this race will not be over after a primary. A very powerful Judge with a proven record of results by the name of James Gilpatric stands in there way. Give em' hell, Jimmy!

On a side note : Our new City Court Judge James Gilpatric and our new special City Court Judge Larry Ball will be sworn in at 11:30 am, Saturday at the council chambers all are welcome to attend.

Wednesday, March 28, 2007

Phones are back up...Thanks for your cooperation (for the most part)


After about a month of the phones being off the air, they are back up and running. Someone had stole a piece of the internet phone that caused the interruption. Thanks to a generous donor the piece was replaced. For the most part producers and members of KPA were very cooperative with the situation and even came up with an alternative way to take calls by using their cell phone. Clark Richter's a/k/a "an investigative journalist" took a much different approach...he attacked me and went overboard by saying I stole the piece myself. I hope he did a detailed investigation before throwing around such a batty accusation, this simpleton is as much an investigative journalist as I am a fitness instructor. Thank you to Robb Kinnin who was down at the studio with me till 10:30pm setting the new phone service up.

Tuesday, March 27, 2007

Pictures of the " future" temporary court at the old county jail

Kingston Attorney Larry Ball to be named special city court judge

Kingston Attorney Larry Ball will be named Kingston special city court judge on April 1st by Mayor James Sottile, to fill the vacancy left by Judge James Gilpatric who will become Kingston's full time judge. More details as they develop.

Sottile goes the extra mile


Mayor Sottile continues to go the extra mile to help Kingston residents...his latest random act of kindness involves a young boy named Isaiha, and his single mother Salina. Isaiha's mother works full time and was unable to get her son to the bus stop after the stop was moved from in front of the child's day care provider, due to sewer work being done in the area.

Salina was forced to temporarily take Isaiha out of the head start program and paid an extra 100 dollars a week to keep him in day care all day, a cost she simply could not afford.

The day care provider suggested Selina call Mayor Sottile and see what could be done...not expecting much she did. Much to her surprise Sottile offered to walk the boy to the bus stop himself, "If I have to take a half-hour out of my day to get him on and off the bus, that is what I am going to do," said the mayor, who lives on Linderman Avenue. "The kid needs to be in school. The city has caused this and he can't get to his program. I figured it was just easy enough for me to come and do it."

Salina expressed her extreme gratitude to the Mayor : "There are all these black eyes when it comes to politicians and this just goes to show that some do some good," Merrihew said. "For me, Mayor Sottile has gone beyond his duties. He doesn't really have to do this."

Ishima is happy with his new friend as well, He's pretty nice," the boy said.

Monday, March 26, 2007

Sottile does it again..............


Another brilliant idea has come from the City's Chief Executive James Sottile, the mayor is going to work with the Sheriff's Department to have inmates convicted of non-violent crimes pick up leaves for senior citizens who can't do it themselves. This idea comes after Alderman Cahill had concerns for seniors over a law that would make leaf-bagging mandatory. Unlike Sottile's critics he did not pout and complain over Cahill's criticism but instead came up with a solution, a good solution I might add.

"Taxpayers are paying their room and board, why not put them to work?" Sottile said. I could not agree more. Cahill is in the paper saying he would not be opposed as long as it does not take away city jobs..... WOW.... Mr.Conservative really knows how to play both sides to his advantage, it's sickening. Union President Bart Robbins seems to be buying into this nonsence. Bart...listen very carefully...... Mandatory Leaf-Bagging will not cut jobs! It will free up worker's and put them in areas were they are needed.

Sunday, March 25, 2007

Ulster County Young Dem's to host a Debate watch Party April 26th...All are welcome!


When : April 26th 7pm- 830pm

Where: Cozy Tavern, Confirmation pending

What: First major debate of 2008 Democratic Presidential Candidates watch party, put on by The New York State Young Democrats, Ulster County Chapter.


All are welcome and encouraged to attend, you do not have to be in any specific age group or even be a Democrat... there will be a lot of special guests including Mayor James Sottile, Ulster Supervisor Nick Woerner and Bob Gillon...confirmation pending. More details as they become available

Saturday, March 24, 2007

Ulster County Legislator Rich Parete joins Late Night w/Jeremy Blaber this Monday!


Ulster County Legislator Richard Parete joins Late Night w/ Jeremy Blaber this Monday, the 26th at 10pm. Legislator Parete represents district 3 in the county legislature, which covers the Town of Hurley, Marbletown, and Olive. Legislator Parete serves on the Criminal Justice and Safety Committee, the Environmental committee, and the Human Development Committee.

Friday, March 23, 2007

Cahill upset at Tony


Rich Cahill is apparently upset at Tony Kingstonian, the author of The Kingst'Onion, a widely popular progressive blog, that tends to make pithy comments about the outspoken Minority Leader on a regular basis. Cahill proclaimed on his low-rated KPA program that he in fact knows who is behind the Kingst'Onion. He went further to say he would confront the author if they did not step up and admit their identity on there own. That's funny is Alderman Cahill not the poster boy of free-speech...is he not the one that cries that the big mean Democrats want to take his show off the air? But yet he wants to strong arm a blogger that if nothing else provides people with daily amusement. Cahill claims the author has a public access show and is friends with many Democratic pol's, but he himself is not a public official...sound familiar? The simple-minded alderman is alluding to the fact that I am behind the website. I wish I could take credit for the website but it is NOT me. If Cahill, an attorney, would of done one ounce of research he would of noticed Tony and myself seem to be supporting a different candidate for the Ulster County Distict Attorney's race.

So if Cahill tries to tell you that I am behind The Kingst'Onion, just do what you do every other time Cahill speaks: Nod, shake your head and look for the nearest exit.

Thursday, March 22, 2007

Mayor Jason West to appear on Late Night w/ Jeremy Blaber


Mayor Jason West of New Paltz, will be a guest on Late Night w/ Jeremy Blaber within the next few weeks. We are talking and looking at a time that fits both of our schedules said Blaber, I would imagine he (West) will be on within the next few weeks. Mr.West has done great things for New Paltz, and I look forward to talking with him about some of his accomplishments. We will also talk about the current campaign and discuss why Jason is the most qualified candidate to be the chief executive of the Village of New Paltz.

Hinchey on Colbert

In case you missed it.

Assemblyman Molinaro starts " Weekly Highlights"


Assemblyman Marc Molinaro started a weekly highlight feature on his personal website, (marcmolinaro.com) this feature will allow residents of the 103rd district to keep tabs on what their state representative is doing for them. This is open government at it's best said Blaber, Assemblyman Molinaro continues to lead by example in the state legislature.

For more information check out his website at : www.marcmolinaro.com

Week of March 12th

ACTIVITIES:

Met with representatives of the NYS Medical Society and Hudson River Healthcare. Attended assemblysession and voted on budget bills. Offered a budget amendment to extend the Empire State Child Tax Credit to parents of all children (currently only parents of children 4 to 17 qualify). Represented at a meeting with Family Practice Center of Hyde Park. Met with Pleasan Valley Councilman Bruce Donegan and other area veterans at the American Legion State Conference breakfast. As ranking member of the Assembly Committee on Libraries, attended and met with representatives at the NY Library Association breakfast. Metwith NYS Commissioner of Education Mills. Met with local representatives from the Catholic Conference.
Discussed issues with Dutchess County Tourism Promotion Agency Director Mary Kaye Vrba and Millertonbusiness owners. Represented at meeting with NYS Farm Bureau, Mid Hudson Library Association and United University Professionals. Met with members of NYS Organization for Management / Confidential Employees. Honored by the Hudson River Valley Greenway Boards at their monthly meeting in Albany. Hosted Assembly television and radio. Met with representatives from Dutchess and Columbia Mental Health Associates. Hosted the Hudson Middle School After-school program in the Assembly Chambers. Met with representative from Hudson Valley Fresh. Attended highway superintendents’ lunch at Dover Town Hall. Joined Red Hook County Legislator Dave Seymour at a reception for Republican County Legislators. Attended opening session of the Hudson Valley Agriculture Partnership at Columbia Greene Community College. Attended information session regarding affordable senior housing at the Red Hook Firehouse. Attended the NYS PTA Legislative Luncheon in Poughkeepsie. Attended Brian Shikarides’ Eagle Scout Ceremony at Taconic Hills High School. Attended Sen. Vinnie Leibell’s St. Patrick’s Celebration.

BILLS INTRODUCED:

A06367 Provides an itemized deduction for expenses for course-mandated supplies
for eligible college students.

Wednesday, March 21, 2007

Hinchey is going to be on The Colbert Report at 11:30pm


For those of you who are fans of the show and can stay up late enough....Maurice will be appearing on the Colbert Report tonight, 11:30 on Comedy Central, Ch25. Should be interesting.

The Bond Referendum Passes 6:1


Thank you to all who voted! The referendum passed overwhelmingly and now necessary repairs can take place. Now let's work to get the budget passed.


YES 2,710

NO 457

Tuesday, March 20, 2007

VOTE TODAY! Tuesday, March 20th, 7:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m


Vote today on the Capital Project proposition, this is a very important vote...if you need transportation to the polls call me at: 532-1503... If you need information about were your polling station is call the District Clerk at 845-943-3009. Thank you in advance.

The Kingston City School District's community is in a
unique position to leverage funding for approximately
$21 million of qualifying capital project work in each
of the District's schools.

Although the construction costs are covered by State
Aid sources, the District STILL NEEDS VOTER APPROVAL
to spend the money.

For more information, please visit the District's
website at www.kingstoncityschools.org

Sunday, March 18, 2007

I'm Sorry

Dear Reader:


I have been doing this website for over a year and have done my television show for almost 2 years. In that time I have given out a lot of information to this community, I dare say I have provided a valuable service. However, some will say that this website is nothing more then a political site designed to tout the Democratic line, well maybe their is some truth to that. I believe strongly in what I say and write but maybe sometimes I go too far.

How can I claim I am impartial when I have had Mayor Sottile my person of the week 15 times? He is a good mayor and I have a tremendous amount of respect for him but 15 times......geez! Surly I could of found other local community leaders that deserve recognition. Like Diane Reeder, who runs a great program that provides education and food to families that need it. Or Clark Richters who puts on the Kingston Common Council meeting every week on KPA for people who do not have the transportation to come to meetings themselves. Then their is Terry Myers at the Foxhall Deli that would do anything for anyone, not to mention he is the only deli owner in Ulster County that still knows every single one of his customers, their name, as well as their order.

I unfortunately have also used this website to advance my own political agenda, sometimes even attacking good people simply because we have different views on certain issues. For that I am truly sorry. I can't do anything about the past but I can focus on the future..... This site will still have my usual commentary and cover different local events but will do so in a manner that is fair and balanced.

Thank you to all that take the time out of your day to come here and listen to my opinions and thoughts.

- JKB

Incumbent line up----- who's in and who's out Should they run?


Mayor James Sottile --- Undecided, has done a good job and should run for another term. Mayor Sottile's record speaks for itself and it is one he should be proud of.

Council President Jim Noble-- Running, will have no trouble being re-elected. Like Sottile, his record speaks for itself.

Alderman Teetsel--- Running, was helpful during budget time and has been fair, he has worked hard to get were he is and I say let's keep him.

Alderman Ringwood----- Running, her first term should be used as a model of what an alderman should be.... no brainier she should be re-elected.

Alderman Walker---Not running, I think it's time for Lenny to move on.

Alderman Brown--- Not running, has done good things for a troubled ward...he should reconsider and run for another term.

Alderman DiBella---Running, DiBella, the Dem's rising star....need I say more.

Alderman Cahill---Running, NO COMMENT

Alderman Reynolds--- Running, is in an office that he has outgrown....should be a State Senator by now, the council is lucky to have someone of his skills.

Alderman Senor---Running, has been a breath of fresh air and should defiantly seek re-election.....has my full support.

Alderman Madsen--Running, works harder then anyone else..whether it be changing municipal trash cans or picking spots to place parking meters..Madsen works hard and is under appreciated. The city is lucky to have him.

Saturday, March 17, 2007

Happy St. Patrick's Day

SNOWED IN!

KINGSTON TAKEN BY STORM


Kingston has been hit with well over a foot of snow and roads are very bad, if you do not have to go out then don't. DPW crews have been out working hard all day and I commend their efforts.

We have all emergency staff in and expect we'll have crews on all night (Friday) and all day Saturday," Kingston Mayor James Sottile said. "We aim to get the snow cleared curb-to-curb, and I just want to remind people that the snow emergency means that all cars have to be off the street. We will be ticketing and towing. This is a pretty severe storm, and we'll do whatever we need to do on a 48-hour basis to get the city back to normal."

Sottile also stated that he has a strong ironclad alibi in case Alderman Cahill or Alderman Walker try to blame him for the weather conditions.

Friday, March 16, 2007

Cahill rules out Judge race and decides to seek re-election for alderman


I guess this is the big week for GOP officials backing out, sources close to Alderman Cahill tell me the outspoken Alderman of the sixth ward is going to announce this week he will run another term as Alderman....No surprise here. Cahill milked the free press for all it was worth but in the end he did what we all knew he would do: run for what he thinks he can win, sixth ward alderman. Not if Bob Gillon has anything to say about it.

Rich Cahill called me today and stated he has not made a decision on what he is running for...he stated he has not yet ruled out running for judge yet. I still trust my source but have no reason to doubt Mr.Cahill. One thing for sure, the alderman is apparently a regular reader of jeremyblaber.com

Wednesday, March 14, 2007

GOP county chair Pete Savago retires...ahhh too bad.


Pete Savago , GOP county chairman, has put out a letter to all his county GOP committeeman saying that he will not seek another term as GOP chairman....ahhh too bad under his leadership we took back the county legislature, the sheriff's office, and under his leadership this November the Dem's will also take back the D.A.'s office. What will the Dem's ever do without him? Maybe the GOP county's newest Republican Alderman Walker can take over as chair?

THE KINGSTONION IS BACK!

Please check out THE KINGSTONION, a new progressive blog that is back and better then ever. Find out all the latest news on what is going on around Kingston and Ulster County. Tony Kingstonion puts his usual clever spin on things, a must read.

Rumor has it : D.A. Williams not seeking re-election


Rumor has it Don Williams will not seek re-election to another term as district attorney. A source close to the D.A. said today that Mr.Williams would not run again but would not elaborate on why he is choosing to back out. Personally, I like Don Williams and if in fact this rumor is true, I thank him for his service to our community. However, with Don Williams out of the picture, Jon Sennett is now the front-runner to become the next District Attorney of Ulster County.
Note: This is just a rumor, Don Williams has not said publicly what he is doing. Up until this point, I was very confident Williams was running again for re-election.

CONFIRMED--- Don Williams is NOT SEEKING RE-ELECTION

Again, Don Williams, is a good guy and has served this county proudly. I have not always agreed with him but his heart was always in the right place. I thank him for his service to our great county.

Monday, March 12, 2007

Are you kidding me? Pharisaical alderman goes zany on Sottile


Alderman Richard Cahill talks about how we should all work together and not attack one another, he stated in his Minority speech that we should stop the in fighting and name calling. Yet today in The Daily Freeman who is playing politics and making baseless attacks on the opposition? You guessed it, Alderman Cahill! Their is a story about mold being in the city of Kingston court house, it is an unfortunate situation, and is going to cost the city a lot of money to repair. You would think Alderman Cahill (a.k.a. the saint) would try to find solutions to correct the problem, like Mayor Sottile has, no such luck. Instead he blasts the city's chief executive saying "Ultimately, Sottile should be held accountable. Just another example of why we need a change in leadership. The buck stops with him." Are you kidding me? Mayor Sottile is responsible for mold growth? I am simply in disbelief, how can anyone make such a harebrained comment. Come on, when does it stop? This just in : Mayor Sottile was responsible for it being so windy at the parade yesterday.

Sunday, March 11, 2007

Blaber News Person of the Week : Alderman and Community Leader Clint Brown


This weeks Blaber News Person of the week is 4th ward Alderman Clinton Brown, Alderman Brown is a community leader in every sense of the word and has done tremendous things to improve the quality of life of the people of his ward. Alderman Brown worked hard with police chief Jerry Keller and the DA's office to bring in a grant through operation impact that will open a Mobile police precinct in his ward. The precinct that will be staffed during the day, will address crime concerns in Midtown. Alderman Brown's efforts yesterday for the family that lost their home in a fire is also commendable, Mr.Brown was there most of the day with the victims, neighbors, and firefighters helping out.

There is a blog that has surfaced called Kingston Politics 101, a hate website that does nothing but trash the democratic party and myself, recently they have tried to lobby Alderman Cahill to change his mind and run for mayor( alderman Cahill ruled out a run for mayor earlier this month). I am going to make a similar request, Alderman Brown has said that he will not seek a second term for 4th ward Alderman, I ask that he reconsider, the ward needs Alderman Brown and I feel his work is not yet complete. Alderman Brown if your reading this please run for a third term and continue the great works you started almost 4 years ago. Another two years will not be that much for you and it will mean a lot for your constituents and the city as a whole.

- JKB

Saturday, March 10, 2007

Local Funeral home Jansen and Deegan catches fire


My heart goes out to the family who owned the local funeral home Jansen and Deegan. The fire ruined the entire building, luckily no one was hurt. While I will not name who the owner is because I want to respect the privacy of the family; I will say the owner is a good person and was even a public servant at one point, not to mention my 6th grade teacher. The family that owns the building also lived on the top floor, so not only have they lost their business but their home. I ask that you say a prayer for the family and keep them in your thoughts.

Friday, March 09, 2007

Jonathan Sennett will be at Kingston St. Patrick's Day Parade



Jonathan Sennett, candidate for Ulster County DA, will be at the Kingston St. Patrick's Day parade this Sunday. If you see him say hello and introduce yourself, I am sure he will be happy to meet you.


I also will be in the parade, I look forward to seeing you all there.

Wednesday, March 07, 2007

KHS Presents MAN OF LA MANCHA


Mark your calendar


K.H.S. Presents:


Man of La Mancha

Performances: 8pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, March 22,23,24 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 25

Call (845) 943- 3849 for tickets or information


School Update

School Alert!

The Kingston City School District is on a two-hour delayed opening schedule today, Wednesday, March 7, 2007.

Sincerely,

Joseph Previll
Assistant Superintendent

Congressman Hinchey comments on Libby verdict

Listen to Congressman Hinchey today at 9:30 AM on Air America, WKZE AM 1020 OR at www.airamerica.com





Washington, DC -- Congressman Maurice Hinchey (D-NY) today released the following statement in response to the guilty verdicts against Vice President Dick Cheney's former chief of staff I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby for obstructing justice, making false statements, and committing perjury regarding the outing of Valerie Wilson as a CIA agent. Hinchey has led the effort in Congress to have Special Counsel Patrick Fitzgerald expand his investigation in the CIA leak case to include the Bush's administration's falsification of intelligence to justify the invasion of Iraq.


"Justice was served today when Scooter Libby was found guilty and now other administration officials, starting with Vice President Cheney, must be held accountable for their role in this case. The truth behind why Scooter Libby lied must now be revealed. This is the first judicial evidence that the Bush administration was engaged in a plot to falsify information and cover-up those lies to justify its illegal invasion of Iraq. Mr. Libby deliberately misled investigators and lied to a grand jury about how he learned of Mrs. Wilson's identity and whether he told reporters about her job at the CIA. By doing so, he prevented Special Counsel Patrick Fitzgerald from fully uncovering the truth behind the leak and jeopardized the life and safety of Mrs. Wilson and other CIA operatives.


"This case doesn't end with Mr. Libby's conviction. Testimony in the Libby trial made it even more clear that Vice President Cheney played a major role in the outing of Mrs. Wilson's identity. It is time to remove the cloud hanging over Vice President Cheney and the White House that Special Counsel Fitzgerald so aptly described in his closing remarks and expose all of the lies that led to the outing of Mrs. Wilson's identity.


"The question which has always needed to be addressed is why Mrs. Wilson's CIA position was revealed to the press. The answer is that the administration was attempting to undermine and weaken the credibility of her husband, Ambassador Joe Wilson, who publicly disclosed his findings that Iraq never sought uranium from Niger for a nuclear weapon. Ambassador Wilson publicly proved that the administration's case for war -- that Iraq had an active weapons of mass destruction program -- was false. He demonstrated that multiple senior administration officials, including President Bush himself, deliberately made false and misleading statements to win congressional approval and public support for an invasion of Iraq.


"This administration is the most corrupt and incompetent administration in U.S. history. The security of the American people has been jeopardized by the falsification of intelligence that led to the invasion of Iraq as well as the outing of a CIA agent's identity. Justice must be served to all those who put our country at risk. Either Special Counsel Fitzgerald or another prosecutor must continue to pursue the truth. The American people deserve to have the cloud hanging over Vice President Cheney and other administration officials lifted once and for all so we can find out the truth."


Sunday, March 04, 2007

Blaber calls for Real Property Tax Reform


Today Jeremy Blaber called for Real Property Tax Reform in New York State; in a letter to Council President James Noble, Blaber asked the Common Council to request that the state Legislature look at alternatives to the funding of public education. Blaber stressed the need to change the way schools are funded through property taxes: "The City of Kingston, which has a high population of seniors, are property rich and income poor and are being taxed out of their homes; homes they have lived in their entire lives and homes in which they have raised their families." It starts on a local level said Blaber, this is perfect time to move forward with this legislation, especially now that Governor Spitzer is in office.

Here is the full letter that went out, as well as the proposed legislation:


Dear Council President Noble,

As you know property tax reform is desperately needed in New York; too many families in New York, particularly Kingston, simply can't afford the way schools are funded through property taxes. The City of Kingston, which has a high population of seniors, are property rich and income poor and are being taxed out of their homes; homes they have lived in their entire lives and homes in which they have raised their families.

I ask that the Kingston Common Council look at the following resolution asking that our state legislature look at alternatives to fund education. I thank you in advance for taking the time to look at this and address it and take a step closer to true property tax reform in New York.


- Jeremy Blaber





By action of the City of Kingston Common Council, adopted at its meeting on __________ 2007, it was
RESOLVED that the following recommendations be submitted to New York State Senator William Larkin and Joseph Bruno, New York State Assembly Representative Kevin Cahill and Sheldon Silver, and Governor Elliot Spitzer, with a letter on behalf of the citizens urging their immediate attention.

WHEREAS the residents (members) of the City of Kingston have collectively considered the local issues of greatest concern to them and identified high property taxes as one of the highest priority among them; and

WHEREAS funding for local governmental services, including public education, is provided primarily through a tax on the estimated value of property; and

WHEREAS the welfare of Kingston homeowners is jeopardized by the rapid increase in the costs of public education and the inability of many homeowners to pay these increased costs; and

WHEREAS the increasing burden of public education on taxpayers also impacts on the ability to raise other taxes to provide services and to fund Town-specific and local initiatives important to the well-being of the community.

THEREFORE the City of Kingston appeals to New York State public officials to implement new measures for financing public education, including the following suggestions

1. Ensure equity in a formula for funding public education based on the taxpayers' ability to pay.

2. Decrease the revenue raised from tax sources based on the value of dwellings.

3. Refrain from imposing state mandated requirements upon school systems without corresponding state funding.

4. Adjust the formulas on revenues earmarked as aid to education from state lottery and other future gaming activities so that the annual percentage is substantially increased from current levels.

5. Regain lost tax revenue from the above actions through income tax.

Resolved and Executed at _________, New York, this ____ day of ______ 2007.

Alderman Cahill: build some confidence


Alderman Richard Cahill's dream has always been to become Kingston city court judge, and follow in the footsteps of his late grandfather. Mr. Cahill has been waiting for his chance to run for judge ever since he graduated from law school, and now when his chance has come it looks like he will roll over for Mike Bruhn Jr. (son of Ulster County Judge Mike Bruhn Sr.) Why? Simple, Rich Cahill lacks confidence and is overly concerned about the way the republican party's PR. Cahill who should have the nomination, after all he built the city republican party, will NEVER primary Bruhn, mark my words. He will do what he thinks is " best for the party" and throw away all his hard work.

My advise to Cahill is to run for judge...who knows he might become judge. Cahill must realize that if Bruhn is elected he will be in there at least 2 terms. Rich will be in his late 50's before he can run again. This is the perfect time for Rich to run. Hey I may vote for him, if Cahill is judge he will not be able to do that tv show of his anymore. If I can save the city from having to listen to his commentary for an hour a week it may be worth it. Having criminals listen to him for hours a day in court is also punishment enough for them, this may be a win win situation! Just think Rich if you become judge you can swear in James Sottile to another term as Mayor!

In the end, Rich will run for Alderman and cite some lame excuse as to why he has chosen not to run for judge. The real reason: He thinks he will not be able get the party's nomination for judge and he also believes running for alderman is probably his safest bet at staying elected at this point. Mr. Cahill is wrong on both counts.

Saturday, March 03, 2007

Senator Bill Clinton (D-NY) Why not?



Picture this scenario:

January 9th 2009, President Hillary R. Clinton is sworn in as our next president; leaving a vacancy in the U.S. Senate, Gov. Spitzer appoints former President Bill Clinton to his wife's seat. Sound farfetched? Well, no more than a sitting First Lady getting elected to the U.S. Senate.

A former President representing us in the senate could be a very good thing. Especially if it is Bill Clinton, who knows politics and government. Hey, he is already been the President from Arkansas, why not the Senator from NY.

At least we will know he will have the President's ear................

What a difference a year makes


I came across this picture and I thought this was a little ironic, being how the Governor is about to spend half a million dollars in tv ads against SEIU, to promote his plans to reduce health care spending. The picture was taken a year or so ago during Gov. Sptizer's campaign.

Friday, March 02, 2007

Alderman Cahill rules out running for mayor


Alderman Cahill has ruled out running for Kingston Mayor. Hooray!

The question is what will he do now?

Will he run for City Judge? Will he run for Alderman?

Take his poll at : Alderman Cahill's website

Do we really care? Rich Cahill will run for Alderman. The press was nice and he enjoyed every bit of it. We all say the headlines : What will he run for? The suspense was killing us all..right? Not me! Rich Cahill will announce in about two weeks that he is flattered the people want him to run for higher office, but that he feels their is more to be done in ward 6...or something along those lines.

MUCH TO DO ABOUT NOTHING!