Blaber's News makes endorsements for Mayor and Council races

Mayor - James M. Sottile- Honesty, Compassion, and Integrity. Those three words say it all, they have been the model of how Mayor Sottile has lead this great city. Mayor Sottile has addressed the every day concerns of Kingstonians that previous administration have chosen to ignore including our aging sewer system and the environmental concerns of our once industrious past including cleaning up junk yards along the Rondout Creek waterfront. Economic Development has increased with a new tenant in the business park that is expected early next year, the company, Armor Dynamics, will create 560 factory jobs when at full capacity. Also the Kirkland Hotel Renovation project is coming along nicely. The city is booming, financially under Sottile with an increased bond rating, showing that city is on the right track financially and allows the city to borrow money at a lower interest rate, which in the long run lowers taxes. Speaking of lowering taxes, the Mayor's 2007 budget brought forth it's lowest increase under his tenure in office, with a mere two percent increase, much lower then the projected cost of living. It is for these reasons I'm proud to support Mayor Sottile for another four years as our city's chief executive.

Alderman-at-Large- James Noble - Alderman-at- Large Noble is what every public servant should strive to be, he does what is best for the people not his political party. Mr. Noble serves as the council president and plays a very important role in Kingston politics. President Noble has made his ofice apolitical, if I did not know who Noble was, I would not be able to tell you what party he belonged to. He runs the council with the utmost integrity and it's honor to support him for another term as council president.

Ward 1- NONE write in-- Dan Gartenstien..... (Just kidding, Dan) as much as I want Mr.Gartenstien to run he has made his position very clear. Maybe someday we'll get him in there. The guy would be an asset in any public service type capacity.

Ward 2- Jennifer Ringwood umm...Mrs. Ringwood is running against a nut, need I say more? In all seriousness Mrs. Ringwood has been extremely proactive for the residents of Ward 2 and has tackled numerous quality of life concerns.

Ward 3- NONE

Ward 4- Shirley Whitlock- Mrs.Whitlock has made a commitment to the fourth ward and has vowed to do the best thing for the people and not grandstand like her opponent. Mrs. Whitlock was born and rasied in Kingston and is a reverend at a local church in the fourth ward.

Ward 5- Anne Marie DiBella - Kingston's rising star, I can't say enough good things about Alderman DiBella. Her commitment to the community and the residents of the fifth ward is to be applauded.

Ward 6- Robert Gillon - I had the privilege of serving on the cable commission with Mr.Gillon, he is someone who cares about Kingston and will do what is in the best interest of his constituents.

Ward 7- Bill Reynolds - Alderman Reynolds should be Senator Reynolds, the people of Kingston, in particular the 7th ward, are lucky to have someone of Alderman Reynolds' stature on the council.

Ward 8- Robert Senor- Alderman Senor has been a breath of fresh air since he won his seat back 2 short years ago. Just call him bipartisan Bob.

Ward 9- Mike Madsen - Kingston's hardest working Alderman. It's not unusual to see Alderman Madsen out changing municipal trash cans or picking up garbage on the city streets, he does this because he wants to make Kingston the best city it can possibly be.