Auerbach Website Launched

Elliott Auerbach, the Democratic and Working Families candidate for County Comptroller has launched his campaign website. Make sure to visit often for constant updates throughout the campaign.


WWW.AUERBACHFORCOMPTROLLER.COM

You can also access the website anytime by clicking the Auerbach for Comptroller button on the side of the blog.

UC Minority Leader Glenn Noonan hands me a Len Bernardo balloon at the UC Fair. While I was nice and took one, I could not get Glenn to take a Hein or Auerbach balloon. I'm still hoping he'll come around.


I attended the UC Fair today and helped out at the UC Dem booth with Mike Hein, Elliott Auerbach, Joannne Chamberlian, Jody Edinger and Jon and MariAnn Sennett. It was a great time... people were extremely responsive to Mike and Elliott as well as OBAMA!!!

The fair is running all week and both Hein and Auerbach will be there each day. Come and meet the candidates and get info on their campaigns. Also pins, bumper and lapel stickers are available to show your support.



Photo courtesy of Clark Richters

Blaber New's Pinheads and Patriots

Bill O'Reilly has a regular feature on his show called pinheads and patriots, on the show Bill features people that are helping America, patriots and people that are hurting America Pinheads.

Here at Blaber News, we will be doing a weekly spin off of that segment. I will feature people that are helping Ulster County become a better place, Patriots as well as people that are hurting Ulster County, Pinheads.

I also will take your suggestions for both categories. If you have a nomination please e-mail me the suggestion with a pithy description of why this person should be nominated to : blabernews@gmail.com All submissions will remain anonymous but please do not be truculent when writing to us.

Diane Reeder of the Queen's Galley, a local soup kitchen, attended a recent heating summit in Ulster county and expressed concerns that she is having with the increase of volume she is seeing in her organization. "We are seeing an increase of working families coming in and if we can't afford the heating bill we may have to close." Mrs. Reeder's soup kitchen serves over 7000 people each month and provides quality education on nutrition to people in need. Her service to this community is priceless and for that she is a Patriot.


On the Pinhead front Len Bernardo, the GOP candidate for County Exec, attended the same heating summit and suggested that one thing that could happen to address the concerns of a potential heating crisis is to open up his business Skate Time 209 as a "place for people to get warm." Mr. Bernardo fails to realize that the problem is not getting people warm but finding a way of preventing them from being in that situation in the first place. More importantly, Bernardo's comments prove his arrogance and shows his complete lack of understanding of how to lead Ulster County. Mr. Bernardo is indeed a Pinhead.

KINGSTON DPW BOSS SUSPENDED

It appears that DPW Superintendent Steve Gorsline has been suspended according to an e-mail sent out by Kingston Majority Leader Bill Reynolds. The e-mail according to the Freeman,was sent by Reynolds to fellow members of the common council stating that Steve Gorsline had been suspended relative to the ongoing matters going on at DPW. The freeman did not report on the length of time or of any other employees that would be suspended.

While there are conflicting reports over whether or not Alderman Reynolds' email is accurate, I tend to believe it is. Reynolds would never send this sort of memo out if he was not 110% sure. I also knew last Friday that Gorsline and another employee, who I will not mention, where going to be suspended for a period of 30 days without pay. So this is no surprise.

I agree with Hiz Honor's position to some extent that he should not comment on personal matters, especially on a matter that is the subject of a lawsuit.

I also believe Bill Reynolds had a duty an obligation to inform his caucus of what was going on with Mr. Gorsline. As elected officials they are entitled to know everything that is going on in their departments, the council as a whole is equal to the Mayor's office.

However, one of the Alderman leaked Reynolds' e-mail to the press and violated the trust that is bestowed upon them and may have even jeopardized the integrity of an on going investigation.

That is unacceptable.

The Mayor, now more than ever needs to be able to rely on his seven Democratic Alderman to have his back and be in his corner at all times. And not have to worry about someone leaking info to the newspaper or anywhere else behind his back.

With that being said I agree with Alderman Hoffay when he says:

"What a shame it is that all the great accomplishments of this administration are being swallowed up by this lawsuit."

Something has got to give, there has to be full transparency in this matter. A guarantee by the administration that a report will be made public after the completion of this investigation. Including a report by the Mayor's office and the Kingston Common Council of recommendations to ensure ways to prevent that this situation does not repeat itself.

THE 100 DAY WAR

Count'em down, 100 days left till November 4th. The final stretch of the County's most historic race has begun.

Expect to see Democrat Mike Hein and Republican Len Bernardo's campaigns go into full gear in the next month or so. Voters will be bombarded with debates, radio, print and tv ads.

HERE AND THERE

Nina the Democratic County Clerk?

Some one pointed out to me the other day when discussing the County Clerk's race that takes place next year, that Nina Postupack, a registered Republican who was crossed endorsed by Dem's in 05, received more votes on the Democratic line than by her own party.

Sure enough Nina received 22, 384 on the Democratic line and 17,881 on the GOP line in 2005, replacing long serving County Clerk Al Spada, who retired a year prior.

So, essentially, Mrs. Postupack is our Democratic County Clerk. It will be interesting to see what happens next year, smart money says that Postupack may again get a free ride. She's a good County Clerk and well respected by both sides of the aisle.

Off in the distance is Democratic and Working Families candidate for Comptroller Elliott Auerbach and I, in front of Blaber Manor, on his was to the Immaculate Conception bazaar earlier in the month.


Reynolds Back In Action

Hugh Reynolds made his debut Thursday, in the Kingston Times, same City Beat column, different venue. It's good the have Hugh back, the races this year would not have been the same without him. There is also a good interview in the Times with Kevin Cahill.

I can imagine how the call from Reynolds went with Cahill:

Reynolds: Hey, Kevin, it's Hugh, I'm doing a Story on your new position with the Energy committee.

Cahill: I don't talk to the Freeman. Click

(Cahill ponders, didn't the Freeman fire him?)

A few minutes later:

Reynolds: Hey, Kevin, I'm doing the story with Kingston Times.

Cahill: Oh, how have you been?

Reynolds: Good, you?

Cahill : Good and your kids.......

While, I'm clearly being sarcastic, I think Reynolds will get that reaction a lot.. the Freeman has such a negative reputation and I'm glad he is away from it. I think he'll be happier and in more control in his new position.

Mike Hein at the U.C. Heating Summit

Auerbach Endorsed By Working Families party

Elliott Auerbach, the Democratic candidate for County Comptroller, has announced that he has been endorsed by the Working Families party. Which gives his campaign a huge boost and a second line on the ballot this November.


“The Working Families Party fights every day to make sure that hard working, middle class men and women are being looked out for by our government and that is right in line with what my mission will be as Ulster County Comptroller,” said Auerbach.

Rich Cahill : At Long Last, Have You Left No Sense Of Decency?

Rich Cahill's hatred for Sottile is completely out of control, he will stop at nothing to attack and make the Sottile administration look bad, including trying to capitalize on the misfortune of others. It is utterly disgusting.

Mr. Cahill writes on his blog details and personal attacks on Steve Gorsline and Tim Williams made by a money hungry lawyer in a federal lawsuit filled yesterday.

Now, let me say for full disclosure, I am friends with Steve Gorsline and Tim Williams and absolutely stand behind them. They also have more credibility in their fingers than Alderman Cahill has in his entire body.

With that being said, the lawsuit was filed and it will be played out in court, the Freeman has reported on the subject as a news story and that's appropriate. I'm confident that Mr. Williams and Mr. Gorline will be vindicated.

What's not appropriate is what Mr. Cahill has done. Cahill has used this story for his own political gain and dragged the names of Mr. Gorsline, Mr. Williams and others through the mud for the sole purpose of attacking Mayor Sottile.

These men have families, Mr. Cahill and what you are doing is despicable. Just as Joesph Welch said to McCarthy during the The Army-McCarthy Hearings of 1954, I ask Mr. Cahill:

"Have you no sense of decency, sir? At long last, have you left no sense of decency?"

The answer is very clear, Mr. Cahill does not.

Hein at the Ways and Means Meeting

Hein, left, gesturing, explains the cuts. Among those listening,
Lomita, center, Noonan, right foreground.

Blaber's News Person of the Week: County Administrator Mike Hein

It was unveiled yesterday by Mike Hein that close to 900,000 in cuts could be made in seven county departments. Hein made these recommendations to the Ways and Means committee, which will look and examine further Hein's findings.

These cuts are in response to among other things, out of control and unexpected fuel costs and a 2% reduction in state aid to all counties.

On an election year these cuts are not going to be popular, these are real cuts and tough decisions have to be made. Instead of pushing this under the rug, Hein is very direct about this, he has proven that he is a true leader, something this county desperately needs.

This is nothing new, Mike Hein has been making these tough decisions since becoming our County Administrator back in 2006, inheriting an absolute mess. Through his leadership the county is back on the right track and continues to move forward.

Which is why Hudson Valley Business magazine accurately reported that Mike Hein has delivered more reform in two years than the previous 26 years combined.

The leadership of Hein and his administration is a breath of fresh air and for that he is our person of the week.

WGHQ SHAKES UP MONDAY MORNINGS

Walter Maxwell changed up the morning the Monday morning schedule this past week replacing Mike Sweeney, Glen Noonan and Rich Parete with Dr. Hanovice and County Legislator Gary Bischoff.

One, I respect Mr. Maxwell's decision but I disagree with it. I am happy that Gary Bischoff is on KCR, he's a good guy and offers a lot to the program and I think he will be a great asset. Gary is a friend and I enjoy the program that he and Art Richter do on WKNY.

I do have a small issue with the placement that Gary was given, taking off Mike Sweeney, Glenn Noonan, and Rich Parete. Mike Sweeney is a great guy and while I disagree with him on almost everything, he is someone that has invited my on his show several times and I always felt that was the premier show. Mike also has volunteered for many years and I respect that.

Being on the program and being able to hear Glenn Noonan and Rich Parete talk about County issues from both sides was beneficial and a public service. It was also humorous to watch Mike Sweeney try to referee the two.


Again, Maxwell is the boss and I respect his decision. I understand that Rich Parete is going to be filling in from time to time on other shows and maybe will even fill in on Monday's from time to time, and that's great. The same courtesy should be given to Mr. Sweeney and my good friend, the distinguished Minority Leader of the County Legislature, Glenn Noonan.

Glenn, I hope you appreciate the wording of that last sentence ...it was painful to write :)

ON A SIDE NOTE : Jonathan Sennett, will be taking over for Gary Bischoff on KNY. You can hear Radio Free Kingston every Sunday morning at 12:30pm. Congrats, Jon!

UPDATED: Quigley Stumbles

The Blaber News violin plays a tune for Jim Quigley

Comptroller candidate James Quigley sounded like he was whining today in the Freeman when it was reported that his opponent Democrat Elliott Auerbach has raised more money and had more contributors than he did for the latest campaign filing.

Quigley's direct quote in response to the Freeman was:


"My candidacy needed to get off the ground quickly and I have the wherewithal to do what I want."


Translation: Unlike, Mr. Auerbach who is running to do this job, I was put up by my party because they did not have a candidate. It does not matter if I lack the significant support that Auerbach has, I will throw my own money into this campaign..because I can.


Ulster County voters also got their first glimpse of a sharp and important contrast between the candidates running for County Comptroller.

First, Quigley's comments reek of arrogance and are glimpse of the dictatorship style way the Comptroller's office would be run under his tenure. I think Auerbach's vision of running the office recognizing that you the people are his only boss, is extremely refreshing.

So folks, it's simple, if you want a dictator that will do as he pleases, support Jim Quigley.

If you want a watch dog who will be an advocate for the people of Ulster County than you should vote for Elliott Auerbach.


I almost feel bad for Quigley who is smacked in the middle of a campaign that I feel he does not want to be in. Quigley is a good loyal Republican and running for this position because GOP leaders told him very clearly, the position he wanted to run for (County Exec) , was reserved for Independence member Len Bernardo.

The back room deals of the failed Ulster Republican party continues.

DEGNAN ATTACKS ASSEMBLYMAN BALL'S MILLITARY RECORD

This guy attacks Assemblyman Ball's honorable military record and gets booed. This former Brewster Mayor is a disgrace.

Join Molinaro For A Summer Party

For twelve years, as Mayor & County Legislator, he served our community with honesty, enthusiasm & dedication. As our State Assemblyman Marcus Molinaro has been fighting to make New York great again! Join us as we say thank you.

Town Supervisor Sue Crane & Mr. Bill Crane invite you to their home for a Summer Garden Party (62 W. Market Street Red Hook , NY 12571 ) Saturday, August 2nd, 2008 5 o’clock in the evening cocktails & hors d’oerves $40 per person / $75 per couple Complete the enclosed reply card to RSVP. For more information contact Ann Rush at (845) 594-8182 REPLY CARD APPEARS ON WWW.MARCMOLINARO.COM WEBSITE: http://www.marcmolinaro.com/PDFs/events/summergarden_invite.pdf

Barack Obama Afghanistan Kuwait Basketball Troops

Assemblyman Cahill Giving Back To The Kids

On Wednesday, KCR had Jacob Studt, 8, Declan Mance, 10, and Matthew Studt, 9, appeared on KCR to talk about Alex's Lemonade Stand they will host on Saturday, July 12, for Hurley Stone House Day. These young men will donate all proceeds to Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation for kids with cancer. Assemblyman Kevin Cahill gives the kids their first donation.

Child Shield, U.S.A. names Edinger as local agent

Jody Edinger has been recently named a registered agent for Child Shield, U.S.A.™, a national organization dedicated to the safety of America’s children. MR. EDINGER shares with Child Shield, U.S.A.™ its goal of helping to prevent and recover lost, missing, abducted, and runaway children throughout America. According to the United States Department of Justice, these situations befall about one and one-half million children each year.

This statistic is as frightening as it is true. Unfortunately, far too many American parents have an “It can’t happen to my kid” attitude. This very attitude may be one of the major contributors to this national crisis. According to the Vanished Children’s Alliance, every 40 seconds another child is missing or abducted. “We are not helping our children by pretending that these things don’t happen,” says Robin Raskob owner of Child Shield. U.S.A.™ “By not telling our children of these dangers, we are also keeping them vulnerable. To empower our children, you first must educate them,” she says.

The primary goal of Child Shield, U.S.A. ™ is to reduce the alarming numbers of lost, missing, abducted, and runaway children in America. To this end, their child safety kit provides an easy to follow educational program designed to empower parents and children with important knowledge that can help to prevent tragedy. In addition, the educational part of Child Shield U.S.A.™ service includes the unique Safety Seven poster and their Play it Safe coloring and activity book. These proactive materials provide ongoing reinforcement and help children to retain the important safety information they’ve learned. Child Shield, U.S.A.™ is the only organization in the country with a prevention program with over 10 years of statistics proving it works.

Child Shield’s Founders spent more than three years researching and developing their child safety program before they began marketing it nationally through independent Registered Representative in March of 1993. With the growth of Child Shield, U.S.A.™ it’s hoped there will come a reduction in the number of abducted and missing children in America.

Call 845-656-0258 or visit online at : www.childshieldusa.com/hudsonvalley

CRIME DOWN 28% UNDER KELLER/SOTTILE

"We are cautiously optimistic that we can either continue this pattern or at least keep the serious crime near it's current level."

- Kingston Police Chief Keller

Crime continues to plummet in Kingston under the leadership of Kingston Mayor Jim Sottile and Kingston police chief Jerry Keller.

There were 264 reports of serious crimes in Kingston between Jan. 1 and June 30, 2008, a decrease of 28.8 percent from the same period in 2007, when there were 371 serious crimes reported.

Obviously, Chief Keller and everyone else would like the numbers to be lower, but a 28% decrease shows how serious the current administration and the Kingston Police Department are handling crime in Kingston.

I think Sheriff Paul Van Blarum, Lt. Tim Matthews and URGENT also deserve a good deal of credit for this, it's a team effort.

* There were no homicides in the first half of 2008 in Kingston, compared to one during the first half of 2007.

* There were three rape reports in the first half of each year.

* Reported burglaries fell from 63 in the first half of 2007 to 45 in the first half of this year.

* Robbery reports dropped from 23 to 15.

* Aggravated assault reports declined from 12 to six.

* Reported larcenies decreased from 254 in the first of 2007 to 183 in the same period this year.

* Reports of vehicle thefts fell from 15 to 12.

BERNARDO STRUGGLES FOR FINANCIAL FOOTING; LOANS CAMPAIGN 57K

The Bernardo campaign is in deep trouble according to initial financial reports that we are learning about today. Bernardo has according to his wife about 69,000 in contributions for this filing period which includes a $57,520 loan to the campaign. Bernado's wife says the campaign has spent about 12k already.


Let me get this straight, the Bernardo campaign has raised and spent 12 thousand dollars and are completely broke, so they had to loan their campaign 57 thousand dollars.


By comparison, Mike Hein has raised over 80k and has about 206 people that have contributed to his campaign.

Hein might as well start measuring the carpeting and picking out what color drapes he would like in his new office. The race is over, Mike will continue to gain support, continue to raise money and his opponent has not even come out of the gate yet.

It's not about the money, it's about taking this race seriously and people investing in your campaign and taking you seriously. The people of Ulster County need leadership not someone that by July has not got their act together.

Show Of The Money for Exec and Comptroller Races

BY THE NUMBERS


County Executive

Mike Hein:

Total Raised : 80, 805.00

This Quarter : 51, 580.00

Len Bernardo :

Has not filled a disclosure report. According to a Bernardo campaign official, this is a problem with the State and out of Bernardo's control. These things are not uncommon, and I give Bernardo the benefit of the doubt.

County Comptroller:

Elliott Auerbach:

Total Raised : 14, 220.00

This Quarter: 14,220.00

James Quigley:

Total Raised $0



We don't know how much Bernardo has raised at this point so it's hard to comment on the Executive race, although I'm willing to bet that Mike Hein has raised a significant amount more than Bernardo and will continue to RAISE more money than Bernardo throughout the campaign. I put the word "raise" in big letters because there is no question in my mind that Bernardo has a lot of money and will outspend Hein's campaign with his own money.

Which brings me to the Comptroller's race, first Elliott Auerbach just started his campaign and he will raise a lot of money by the next filling. Quigley on the other hand has been in this race for almost as long as Auerbach and has not raised a single dollar. Quigley has given his campaign 17,500 and there is plenty more where that came from.

However, there is a difference in having a candidate raise 100,000 and having a candidate spend 100,000 of their own money. Quigley can easily throw around his money on print ads and bury his opponent very quickly in print and tv media. But, that is not the same thing as a candidate that is able to convince people to invest in his/her campaign. If Bernardo and Quigley think they can buy this election with their own money they are sadly mistaken.

While it's early, specifically in the Comptroller's race, I'm willing to make a predication that Mike Hein and Elliott Auerbach will both be outspent but they will raise more money than their two opponents.

In the end though, the money raised and spent only goes so far, the public has to like you and trust that you will do the job they are electing you to. If money was the do all end all in elections, Costello would be our Sheriff, Nausbaum our family court Judge, and Bradley our DA.

Sinagra Named Deputy Chief of Ulster

On Wednesday, July 16th, Supervisor Nick Woerner and Chief Watzka announced the appointment of Lt. Joe Sinagra to the position of Deputy Police Chief for the town of Ulster. Lt. Sinagra will start the new post August 1st.

Deputy Chief Sinagra has been with the Town of Ulster since 1989. Sinagra began his career 19 years ago in the town of Montgomery as well as working in the Orange County d.a.'s office in 1987.

Sinagra, a life long resident of Ulster County and 1984 graduate of Coleman High School attended St. Bonaventure university and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy. Sinagra has risen through the ranks starting out an Ulster Patrolman, and has been promoted to Sargent, Lieutenant, and to his current position as deputy chief.


In addition to his duties as Deputy Chief, Sinagra is the President of the Meagher School PTA, Secretary of the UC Police Chief's Association and a former President of the East Kingston Fire Department.

I am please to have had the pleasure to work with Deputy Chief Sinagra for the last three years. He has proven to be a true professional that is dedicated to the town of Ulster Police and this community said Town Supervisor Nick Woerner.

On a personal note: I also would like to congratulate Mr. Sinagra, I have known him for the last two years or so and he is a great guy and a good friend. I wish him the best in his new post.

REYNOLDS' CITY BEAT TO RETURN TO ULSTER PUBLISHING

EXCLUSIVE: Hugh Reynolds' City Beat column will make a return July 21st to the pages of Ulster Publishing, which runs a variety of local publications such as the Kingston Times, New Paltz Times, Woodstock Times and a few others. Reynolds was the political editor of the Daily Freeman for over 25 years.


This is big news for Ulster Publishing, I'm sure they will see a jump in their subscriptions as a result of snatching up the Political Dean of the lower Hudson Valley. I called their circulation department today and I hope others will do the same.


It will be good to see Reynolds back in action! It was hard to imagine having an election, especially the historical one that we are now having in Ulster County, without his input and commentary.

In an e-mail Hugh Reynolds wrote:

I enjoyed my almost 25 years at the daily and and looking forward to working with some quality journalists on the weekly beat. The Times are excellent newspapers, topical and relevant. I hope to add to that well-deserved reputation.

We look forward to it. Congratulations, Hugh!

Kingston N.Y. 1960's

A ride through Mid Town and Uptown Kingston in the 1960's. It really shows Kingston's great beauty.

HELP MIKE HEIN BECOME ULSTER'S FIRST EXEC

Mike Hein needs you to think long and hard about the following questions:

Are you Willing to Say "Good-Bye to the Good Ole Boys" and their
Outrageous Tax Increases Once and for All?

Are You Willing to Do What it Takes to Make Sure that Progressive
and Fiscally Responsible Democratic Values Prevail in November?

Do You Believe that the Future of Ulster County (our future) Can't
be Left to Chance?


If You're Willing to Put Your Actions Where Your Values Are, this is what we
need you to do NOW:


Elections are expensive and we need 5,000 Democrats (1 out of 7
registered Democrats in Ulster County) to

Contribute $20. (1/25th of the price of one cup of coffee, per
day) to Elect Mike Hein as our first County Executive.

Your $20. contribution will ensure that Mike his able to get his
positive message out to tens of thousands of voters . . .

and it will allow him to focus on those voters - and the issues
that matter to all of us. Read more...

We need you to make a difference and Contribute Your $20. Right Now

and then....

WE NEED YOU TO FORWARD THIS MESSAGE TO 10 OF YOUR FRIENDS, FAMILY MEMBERS AND ASSOCIATES WHO SHARE OUR VISION FOR . . . .

A BETTER AND BRIGHTER FUTURE FOR ULSTER COUNTY!


We Can Do This..

Are You With Us?


Gratefully yours,

Vic Work

Congressman Hinchey Sheds Some Reality to Bush's Decision to Lift Drilling Moratorium

"President Bush's decision to lift the presidential moratorium on oil and gas drilling on parts of the Outer Continental Shelf is nothing more than a political game designed to confuse the facts and deny the American people real solutions to high gas prices. Opening up more of the Outer Continental Shelf for drilling would not yield a drop of new oil for 10 years and would certainly do nothing to lower the cost of gas at the pump tomorrow, or next year, or five years from now. While there are a variety of steps we can take right now, the Bush administration has chosen to stick with its same old pro-oil company routine that has gotten the American people nowhere. Since President Bush took office, the price of oil has increased from less than $30 per barrel to a recent record high of nearly $150, and the average price of gas across the country has risen from $1.47 per gallon to $4.09 per gallon.

"The current moratorium, which President Bush's father imposed, applies to just 20 percent of the known oil and gas resources located in our Outer Continental Shelf. While 80 percent of known oil and gas resources that are technologically recoverable in the Outer Continental Shelf are available for drilling right now, energy companies have chosen to not produce on those acres. Instead, the energy companies are letting those leases, which they own, sit idly until the price of oil soars to $200 or $300 per barrel so that they can drill on them later and generate even larger profits down the road.

"The facts are clear. Only 10.5 million of the 44 million leased acres in the Outer Continental Shelf are currently producing oil or gas. Combined with the number of leased acres of federal land not producing oil or gas onshore, there are 68 million acres of public land that energy companies currently control, but haven't drilled. There's no need for the energy companies to receive any additional federal land when they have 68 million acres just sitting there waiting to be drilled. I'll continue to work with my colleagues in the House to try to compel these energy companies to start producing on the public land they've already leased.

THE REAL FACTS THAT THE BUSH ADMINISTRATION DOES NOT WANT YOU TO HEAR

Oil and gas companies hold leases to 68 million acres of federal land and waters that

currently are NOT producing oil or gas, according to the Minerals Management Service

(MMS) and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).

• 81% of estimated oil and gas resources on federal lands and the Outer Continental Shelf

(OCS) are available for development.

• These reserves are equal to 107 billion barrels of oil and 658 trillion cubic feet of natural

gas -- and are 10 times the amount of the economically recoverable oil that could be

produced from opening up the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR), and more than

14 years of current U.S. oil consumption (7.5 billion barrels per year).

INDUSTRY IS ONLY USING A FRACTION OF ITS OCS LEASES.

• There are 7,740 leases covering 44 million acres on the Outer Continental Shelf. Only

1,655 (covering 10.5 million acres) are in production.

COMPANIES HOLD NEARLY 10,000 PERMITS THAT ARE NOT IN PRODUCTION.

• 47.5 million acres of federal land is currently being leased on the continental United

States (lower 48).

• BLM has issued 28,776 permits to drill on public land since 2004, and 18,954 wells were

actually drilled. Companies have nearly 10,000 permits that are not in domestic

production.

DRILLING IN THE ARCTIC NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUSE IS AN ABSOLUTE

RED HERRING. IT WILL DO VIRTUALLY NOTHING TO REDUCE GAS PRICES.

• Drilling proponents say there are up to 16 billion barrels of oil under the Arctic refuge's

coastal plain (there is a 5% chance of that, and thus a 95% chance that there is far less oil

in ANWR ).

• It would take 10 years for any Arctic refuge oil to reach the market. And, even assuming

drilling proponents’ best case scenario, the refuge would produce only 300,000 to

600,000 barrels per day when production peaks – a small fraction of the 21 million

barrels of oil that America consumes each day..

• In 2025, the Energy Information Administration (EIA) estimates – under drilling

proponents’ best case scenario – gas prices would decrease by only 1.8 cents per gallon.

REFINING IS NOT AN ISSUE – REFINERIES ARE RUNNING BELOW CAPACITY.

• The 2005 energy bill allows states to request expedited permitting from EPA on behalf of

a refiner. No refiner has asked that those provisions be used.

• We have idle capacity now. According to the EIA, America has 328,000 barrels per day

of idle refining capacity. As of June 12, our refineries were running at 89.3% capacity,

much lower than historic refinery utilization at the same time in the previous 10 years.

NYS Independence Party Screws Assemlyman Cahill

"We have no control over this, our local committee backed Kevin Cahill. They
( NYS Ind.) don't care what we think."
- Ulster County Independence Party Official

Assemblyman Kevin Cahill was screwed out of the Independence line yesterday after the state committee ignored the Ulster County Independence party's endorsement of Assemblyman Kevin Cahill.

"We have completely no control over this, we backed Kevin Cahill" said a member of the County Independence party in a phone conversation with me this afternoon. The party official continued by saying that a recent change in the state bylaws makes local committees powerless. "We can make a recommendation but they can and have ignored us."

It's become increasingly apparent that the State Independence party is becoming an extended arm of the GOP as of late. Thanks to John Bonacic and Langdon Chapman, the GOP has invaded the Independence party especially in the Hudson Valley. They have done so by taking advantage of committee vacancies, and filling them with Bonacic cronies.

Perfectly legal, but extremely unethical. I guess for Senator Bonacic and his chief of Staff Langdon Chapman, the Independence party was becoming a little too independent for their taste.

How can anyone justify what they have done to Assemblyman Cahill. Kevin got the endorsement by the local committee and it was stolen for him by the state committee. If I were Robin Yess, I would reject their endorsement. it is tainted and the party now has no credibility at all.

The only fair way to resolve this is to issue a Wilson Pakula for Kevin Cahill and Robin Yess and let them battle it out. I'm willing to bet that Yess will never agree to this because she knows that she would be crushed by the powerful incumbent Assemblyman.

Don't rule out Cahill doing an opportunity to ballot, they are extremely hard to win but the rank and file Independence party members, like the local Independence committee, support Cahill.

Photos from Assemblyman Ball Fundraiser

Blaber with Assemblyman Ball

RIP Tony Snow

I'll have a more detailed post later. Very sad news, I was worried last year when he resigned as press secretary that he was taking a turn for the worst.

Kingston School Board's Slap in the Face to Chris Farrell

Chirs Farrell accepts an award with Trustee Maureen Bowers

I got to say that I am a little upset with the disrespect that Chris Farrell was shown by his fellow board members last week when they decided not to keep him on for another term as President of the Kingston School Board.

In my humble opinion there was no reason to change leadership. Chris Farrell is an extremely dedicated member of the school board and of this community. As a former candidate, I found Chris to be extremely helpful to me and all candidates running and very knowledgeable of the issues.

Chris Farrell has spent hundreds of hours promoting the district. Whether it begoing on the radio, going to community groups and explaining the budget process or talking with constituents directly; in addition to his regular duties as board president. Let's not forget in 2006 Farrell was reelected to the board with a mandate, leading the ticket by almost a thousand votes.

Nothing against incoming Prez, Dr. Fletcher. David is a friend of mine and I think he will do a more than adequate job as president. Bottom line, Chris Farrell has a year left on his term and should have been able to have served his last year as president on his own terms.

The board's decision is disgraceful, selfish and short sighted to a man that has dedicated many years to the Kingston School District. I thank Mr. Farrell for his leadership as president of the board.

Assemblyman Molinaro Announces Mobile Office Hours

"In order for me to be a successful representative in the state Legislature, it is imperative that I hear from as many residents as possible. Only by working together can we make our communities the best possible places to live, work and raise a family."

- Assemblyman Marc Molinaro



State Assemblyman Marc Molinaro will host mobile office hours in municipalities in his district, which includes 21 towns across Dutchess and Columbia counties in addition to the city of Hudson.

During the mobile office hours, either Molinaro, R-Red Hook, or a staff member from his office will be available for constituents to speak with regarding state-related matters.

Informational brochures will be made available, including senior resource guides and home energy saving tips.

The mobile office dates and locations for July and August are as follows. All sessions are from

9-11 a.m.

Friday, July 11:

* Milan Town Hall, 20 Wilcox Circle.

* Union Vale Town Hall, 249 Duncan Road, LaGrangeville.

* East Fishkill Town Hall, 330 state Route 376, Hopewell Junction.

Friday, July 18:

* Dover Town Hall, 126 East Duncan Hill Road, Dover Plains.

* Millerton Village Hall, 21 Dutchess Ave.

Friday, July 25:

* Pine Plains Town Hall, 3284 state Route 82.

* Beekman Town Hall, 4 Main St., Poughquag.

Friday, Aug. 1:

* Stanford Town Hall 26 Town Hall Road, Stanfordville

Friday, Aug. 8:

* Tivoli Village Hall 1 Tivoli Commons.

* Millbrook Village Hall, 35 Merritt Ave., Millbrook.

Friday, Aug. 15:

* Amenia Town Hall, 36 Mechanic St.

Friday, Aug. 22:

* Pleasant Valley Town Hall, 1554 Main St.

Rich Parete Mounts Challenge Against the Schreibman's

County Legislator Rich Parete has launched an effort to take back the Marbletown Democratic committee after it was hijacked by the Schreibman's many months ago, by challenging the committee seats of 9 "appointed" members of that committee. I'm glad the rank and file Democrats of Marbletown will be able to decide who represents them on the committee.

The Schreibman's who have been involved in Democratic politics for about 10 minutes, joined the Marbletown committee and almost immediately Shannon Schreibman was elected Chair. Shortly after a lot of members resigned as a result of the way the committee was run under the leadership of the Schreibman's. The vacancies where filled with Schreibman cronies, and Rich Parete, Peter Kraft along with many others that disagreed with the Schreibman's were thrown off the committee.

Julian and Shannon also happened to put themselves in the district of Marbletown that has the highest weighted vote. Could that be because Julian is running for chairman of the County party??

Julian and Shannon Schreibman are trying to strong arm their way into the Democratic party with their Machiavellian style politics to further their own political ambitions. Julian's life long goal is to be District Attorney, he will use and step on anyone to achieve that goal including the entire county committee. We as a party can not let Julian use the Chairmanship as a stepping stone to higher office. Julian has never run a campaign or raised a single dollar...how can he run the County Committee?

The way the Schreibman's have run the Marbletown Democratic committee is only a glimpse of the failed leadership that the Democratic party would suffer under a Schreibman chairmanship.

It will be interesting to see how the Schreibman's do in a primary against Rich Parete and Jenna Knudsen, two well respected people with strong ties to Marbletown. If Schreibman can't win a committee seat in his own town, how can he expect to lead the County Party?

I strongly encourage all residents of Marbletown to support Rich Parete, Jenna Knudsen and their entire ticket. More info as it becomes available.

Tom Golisano on Control of NYS Senate

Golisano, a Republican, Pledges 5 Million To Help Dems Take Back State Senate

AUERBACH FUNDRAISER HUGE SUCCESS

Elliott Auerbach the Democratic candidate for Ulster County Comptroller, had a fundraiser last night at the Hillside Manor that was a huge success. Supporters crowded in to the Hillside Manor to support the next Comptroller of Ulster County.

Assemblyman Cahill, Lew Kirchner, and Mike Hein all praised Auerbach's unique qualifications and proven track record to lead and mold the office of Ulster County Comptroller.

Partisanship aside, you can feel the energy and the passion in that room last night. There is no doubt in my mind that Elliott is going to win and win big this November.

Spitzer The Family Man?

Here is some pics of Spitzer's daughter Elyssa and her date meeting with Dad last week, right before their senior prom. I can bet that kid felt a little awkward.

The pics were sent anonymously and I debated whether to post them. I don't want this blog to turn into a political version of TMZ.

Dumbest Political Ad Ever

Who is advising the McCain Campaign?

All In A Days Work For Role Model Sheriff Paul Van Blarcum

When the news came that Ulster County Sheriff Paul Van Blarcum still works as a part-time Woodstock police officer it did sound unusual but not surprising for someone like Sheriff Van Blarcum. We are lucky to have a County Sheriff that is the most down to earth, hard working public servant Ulster County has ever witnessed.


When is the last time we have had a County Sheriff that is out on the street and not stuck up in his office. I will never forget the day I was driving in mid town Kingston and saw Sheriff Van Blarcum patrolling up and down on an ATV. That is just the type of guy he is.

That does not stop dud legislators like Glenn Noonan from taking their shots:

Republican Glenn Noonan, the minority leader of the County Legislature, disapproved of the moonlighting.

"Why would you run for sheriff if you are going to moonlight?" Noonan said. "I don't think it is appropriate when he is making $95,000. He should be devoting 24/7 toward the sheriff's department."

Van Blarcum responded in typical Van Blarcum fashion :

"It is not about the money," the sheriff said last week from his office in the county Law Enforcement Center in Kingston. It is not about retirement either, said the officer of 32 years. "They were there for me when I needed a part-time job and I am not letting them down now. " It is nothing that interferes with my day-to-day drills."

I'm proud to have a Sheriff like Paul Van Blarcum and people can take their political shots at him but there is no one in this County that can hold a candle to the work he and Under Sheriff Frank Faluotico have done since taking office in 2007.

THIS TUESDAY!!!!

LEW KIRSCHNER and MIKE HEIN

Ulster County Treasurer Ulster County Administrator

invite you to join them in supporting

ELLIOTT AUERBACH

Tuesday, July 8, 2008, from 6 to 8 pm

at the Hillside Manor

Rte 32, Kingston, NY

Suggested donation: $100

Wine, Beer, Hot Hors d’Oeuvres

Please make your reservations by answering this email or calling 706-2996. You may pay at the door.

If you are unable to attend and would like to make a contribution,

please send checks made out to Friends of Elliott Auerbach to POB 542 , Ellenville, NY 12428.

Kingston's Hometown Son Lands Job w/ AG's Office

Unsuccessful DA candidate Vincent Bradley Jr., starts his new job today as an assistant attorney general in charge of the ag's regional office in Poughkeepsie. Bradley will lead a staff of attorneys that handle a wide range of cases, from consumer rip-offs to insurance scams to contracting outrages and Medicaid fraud. Much of the work is civil; among other things, the attorney general brings petitions to court for civil confinement of sex offenders, under a law passed last year by the state Legislature.

Congratulations to Mr. Bradley on his new position. Not to rehash old wounds, but one can't help but point out that Vince Bradley, who will be making more money than the Ulster DA, could have taken this position after bowing out gracefully from the D.A.'s race last year. Everyone would have been happy and we would have a Democratic District Attorney right now.

One person this appointment spells trouble for is incumbent D.A. Holly Carnirght, I would be willing to bet that the attorney general's office would not hire Bradley as their regional director if they thought he would be leaving in two years to run for public office. Carnright who won as a result of a spoiler campaign, will have his work cut out for him in a one on one match up in 2011.

Give The People A Choice Mr. Mayor : Assemblyman Ball for 99th

It's rare I comment on a GOP primary but the circumstances surrounding the 99th Assembly district are rare and unusual. Incumbent Assemblyman Greg Ball lost his party's nomination for reelection to former Brewster Mayor John Degnan last month and is currently in a primary that if he loses, Degnan will walk into the seat, after receiving a cross endorsement by the Putnam Democratic committee.

Assemblyman Ball won his seat after crushing GOP incumbent Willis Stephans Jr., in an upset vote. Stephans' family held that Assembly seat for over 80 years.

Since taking office Assemblyman Ball has been a lightning rod in the State Assembly trying to bring reform to state government. Like any reformer he has come under fire by many people that reject anything less than politics as usual; including members of his own party.

There are not many issues that I agree with Greg Ball on but he is an Assemblyman that cares about his district and stands up for what is important to his constituency and deserves to be reelected.

Assemblyman Ball is hosting a fundraiser this Saturday:

A summertime 'must attend' event and coined 'the best party of the summer'! Set atop a hill in bucolic Putnam County this is a great party. Good food, tasty drinks, great company and lively music by local artists!

Date:	Saturday, July 12, 2008
Time:	12:00pm - 5:00pm
Location:	North Ridge Horse Farm
Street:	Route 311
City/Town:	Patterson, NY

Kingston Citizen's Dot Org

A new community website has formed, www.kingstoncitizens.org, the organization spearheaded by Rebbecca Martin, is described on their website as a citizen organization dedicated to helping residents connect directly to their alderman and nuturing community by bringing people together through projects, education, volunteering and fun.

The website is very informative and a good way to find out what's going on in your ward and local community. I know Rebecca Martin from the Ward 9 group she started a few years back and I support her activism and successful venture; to bring communications with our local representatives into the 21st century.