It's Official: Sottile Calls It Quits!!!!!

“I, Mayor James Sottile, will not be seeking re-election to another term of office next year,” he wrote. “I want to thank the citizens of Kingston for placing their trust in me as their leader. It has been a pleasure serving them and an experience that I will never forget.”

-Mayor James Sottile

I broke the story in JULY that Mayor Jim Sottile would not seek reelection and today he sent out a press release confirming his desire to get out of public life. I do hear that he WILL finish his term and not take a job with senate Republicans as expected but we will see, I hear he is not spending a lot of time at city hall these days. It's really early for him to announce his departure but I guess its a way to get people off his back and to have a quiet last year in office and his only hope to improve his dismal popularity and leave office on a high note. It's a smart move on his part.

July Story click here---

Now the race for Mayor begins, it's the first open seat for Mayor in my lifetime and it's going to be a very interesting race.

Democratic candidates rumored to have been considering a run:

Shayne Gallo - brother of the late T.R. Gallo, says he is in if Noble does not run

Jim Noble- says he is running for Alderman at large but I say he will for the top spot, he's been waiting for the last 4 yrs

David Donaldson- He is going to run but come on now...

Hayes Clement- He is playing coy in the paper but he is def in

Bill Reynolds---looking at his options

Nick Woerner- looking at his options

Mike Madsen-- rumored to be thinking it over

Republicans:

Rich Cahill - Running

Ron Polocco- Running

Andi Turco Levin-- good chance she is too!

WAY TO END 2010 WITH A BANG!

Ulster County 2011 Predictions

From the magic Crystal ball that has all the secrets in Ulster Politics, here is what 2011 will bring......


Kingston Mayor Jim Sottile will not run for reelection or finish his full term in office.

Kingston will see primaries on both the Democratic and Republican sides for the office of mayor.

The winner of the Kingston Mayor's race will be a Kingston native and established politico, although considered some what of an underdog in the primary, his huge primary win gives him great momentum and an easy win in November..a few Aldermen may be tapped to serve in the administration, leaving some open seats and special elections in key areas of Kingston.

Kingston's Ward 6 will continue to have solid representation and the Ball will start moving forward bringing Kingston on the right track, another former candidate will make some noise about running but HE will quickly and swiftly be shut down

The common council will remain solidly Democratic..two former Aldermen will make a run for the council again...one will be successful, one will not.

Kingston will elect it's first female Alderman at Large; in fact the election in 2011 will guarantee that a female holds the post
-----------------------------------------------

A bright charismatic former prosecutor and Kingston trial lawyer will be elected Ulster County District Attorney. The new Democratic D.A. will quickly transform the Ulster D.A.'s office in similar ways Spitzer transformed the NYS AG's office and will eventually go on to hold statewide office.

A Democrat will run on the Republican, Conservative and Independence lines for County Executive; Mike Hein fighting on the Democratic and working families lines will be reelected by an Andrew Cuomo type margin.

Incumbent legislators that will not be returning to the county legislature after 2011 : T.J. Briggs, Donald Gregorius, Richard Parete, Mike Sweeney, Robert Aeillo, Fred Wadnola, Jim Maloney, Jeanettee Provanzano, Al Lomita, Jack Hayes, Frank Fellicello, Sue Zimet, David Donaldson, Marybeth Maio
(note only two of these incumbents will lose their reelection bids, the rest may chose to retire with the redistricting, others (3) may run for higher offices.)

Two ulster co. legislators will be investigated and their reputations "trashed" for unethical relationships with a county agency

A high ranking county political appointment will be "encouraged" to take early retirement rather than face termination

Bright, New, Democratic candidates will emerge to take on old war horses like Bob Senor

With the Democratic ranks swelling, and the Republicans shrinking, Julian Schrieman will be challenged from within the party to act more like the Majority Chairman and less like a casual observer

A new local, middle of the road political party will be talked about to take advantage of the huge number of non enrolled voters

Reapportionment will be the battle of the year in the County Legislature. The Republicans will not accept fair districts and force court action....again.

In the end it does not matter, Mike Hein's coattails and a Cahill returning to the legislature (and we don't mean Kevin, Mr. Malloney) bring Democrats back to the majority party, although it will be close.

There you have 2011 at a glance and remember where you heard it first!



Feel free to put your own predictions in the comment section.

Preparing for the Cuomo Swearing In!!!!!!!

Let me tell you Andrew Cuomo is gunna be a great Governor! I have two tix to the Cuomo swearing in cerimony, email me if your intrested becasue I can't make it. I went to Eliot Spitzer's and it is a cerimony that you don't want to miss.

(Photo courtesy of the Hon. Marcus Molinaro, Assemblyman 103)

Quote of the Week

“I will fight tooth and nail to be able to protect our business communities so that people have jobs while simultaneously going nose to nose, whether it is Albany or Washington to make sure that unfunded mandates don’t overly burden our local taxpayers.”

- County Executive Mike Hein

Ulster Legislator Laura Petit Leaves GOP

Ulster County Legislator Laura Petit has left the Republican party and joined the Independence party. This is really no surprise, Legislator Petit is a very moderate and I dare say progressive legislator who does a great job. Ulster Republicans were only holding her back, although I do wish the distinguished legislator from Esopus would have joined the Working Families party. Democrats would be wise to endorse her candidacy next year.

Shameless Self Promo

Check out the Hugh Reynolds Christmas List. A classic list that comes out every year, it's pretty good this year and I'm not just saying that because I made the top of the list ;~)

Click here....HUGH REYNOLDS COLUMN..Click here

Make sure to stay tuned for the Blaber News 2011 predictions coming right after Christmas.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.

Here and There

Assemblyman Frank Skartados should know whether or not he will be sitting in Albany for another two years by the end of the week...and I thought the Auerbach recount (which lasted till Thanksgiving, in 08) was long! A judge will decide which of the remaining absentee ballots will be counted and I think that will happen this afternoon. The race is out of Frank's hands and lets hope all the ballots are allowed to be counted and Frank Skartados is reelected. Although Tom Kirwin has gotta be feeling pretty good that his slim 165 vote lead will hold up. With less than 500 votes in dispute, most likely former Assemblyman Tom Kirwin will be elected back to the assembly.

Town of Ulster Police Chief Taggard and the Kingston Daily Freeman both made huge blunders in reporting the name and address of a local man that attempted suicide the other day. The man was stopped by an officer while he was attempting to jump off a bridge. The officer who saved this mans life is to be commended. The releasing of his name to the paper was awful, the guy obviously has enough problems and shame on the Daily Freeman for including the name in their story.

Speaking of the Freeman, why does the Daily Freeman continue to allow reporter Bill Kimble to cover stories on Congressman Maurice Hinchey? Kimble clearly has a bias toward the Congressman and it shows in his work, he does not have the ability to be impartial. We all know the history between the two, why not just have someone else cover the stories?

Kingston Mayor Jim Sottile signed the 2010 budget that calls for a 3.1 percent tax hike, the original tax hike Sottile had proposed would of raised taxes MORE than 6 percent. The increase Sottile had proposed was ridiculous and the Kingston common council did a good job lowering the burden as much as possiable.

Kudos to Senator Kirstin Gillibrand for being instrumental in repealing Don't ask don't tell, this historic repeal that will allow gay men and women serve openly in the military will be signed by President Obama today.





Speaking of bills in the U.S. Senate and Kirstin Gillibrand, it's really important that the Zagroda bill is passed. It is long overdue and so important! Again we are lucky Senator Gillibrand is fighting for us in Washington.


Congratulations to Vic Work who was nominated last week to replace Kathy Mihm as Ulster's Dem election commissioner. I hate the way this went down and that people really were not given an adequate time to think about running for the spot. It really should have been handled differently. However, politics is about always being on your game and Vic clearly was right on top of this. I wish him good luck.

And, finally, Alderman Tom Hoffay is home from the hospital and in good spirits I hear! I hope the Alderman of the great Second Ward, will take things slow and give himself time to get to his 100 percent. Glad that you are back Alderman, we missed you.

Turco Levin Wants Term Limits

Alderwoman Turco-Levin, a Republican who represents Kingston's first ward has brought forth legislation that would limit aldermen from serving more than four (2 yr)terms; and the mayor and Alderman large from serving 2 (4 yr) terms.

I don't support this on principal, I am not a fan of term limits. I feel term limits come place at election day, if the people don't want you in they have the ability to throw you out.

Alderman Bill Reynolds, who is the council's majority leader said he first proposed the idea a decade ago..lol...classic!

Here is the quote and wording unedited from the Freeman's story on the proposal today:

Alderman Bill Reynolds, D-Ward 7, the council’s majority leader, said he pitched a plan for term limits almost a decade ago, but nothing came of it.

Reynolds, who is serving his ninth term, said he wanted the mayor and alderman-at-large to be limited to three four-year terms. City lawmaker positions would be limited to six two-year terms under his proposal.

Majority Leader Reynolds is a good example of why term limits are unnecessary, Alderman Reynolds is a good friend, got me started in politics, and he was for a long time my Alderman. Reynolds loves Kingston, knows the people in his ward and is excellent at constituent services, which is why he is always reelected.

If I want him representing me for another 10 years and he wants to do the job..why not??

There are more important issues the city should be focusing on than term limits.

Hein Elected First Vice President of County Executive Association

Ulster County Executive Michael Hein has been elected first vice president of the New York State County Executives Association. Hein was elected by his fellow county executives at the fall meeting of the New York State Association of Counties, which was held in Albany. He will serve a one-year term.

“As first vice president of the County Executives Association, I will continue to fight aggressively for mandate reform and property tax relief,” Hein said in a prepared statement on Tuesday. “I am privileged to serve in this capacity.”

New York State Association of Counties Executive Director Stephen J. Acquario said in a prepared statement:

“County Executive Hein’s leadership has been a tremendous asset to the County Executives Association. I look forward to working hand in hand with County Executive Hein in 2011 as we fight for all New York counties for the reform of the nine mandates that consume 90 percent of the county property tax levy.”

Hein, a Democrat, has been Ulster County executive since January 2009

A Tribute To Terry Myers

Here is a video from after the funeral, I think it was a fitting that after the funeral everyone went back to the deli for coffee and laughs. I also like this becasue it's shot from Terry's perspective, behind the counter.

A very special thanks to Alderwoman Jen Fuentes who closed last nights common council meeting in Terry's honor. I wish I could of been there.

Chief Jerry Keller

memorial outside the deli



Bill Berardi and Dr. Habbeb

Dan Cantor Named Number 6, On NY Observers' Top Ten Biggest Players in NY Politics

http://www.observer.com/2010/slideshow/ten-biggest-players

WFP party boss Dan Cantor made the NY Observer's top ten biggest players list. Number 5: Senator Kirstin Gilibrand and number 6: Congressman Anthony Wiener.

THE NYS BOE ISSUED IT'S FINAL NUMBERS HERE ARE SOME INTRESTING POINTS:

1. The WFP received 154,847 votes for Andrew Cuomo on its line, 8,201 more than the Independence Party, moving it up the ballot from line "E" to line "D." (The Conservative Party will occupy line "C.")

2. Both in terms of raw vote totals and percentage of the overall vote, the WFP received more votes on its line for statewide candidates than in any previous election. WFP voters accounted for more than 4% of total turnout for the first time in the party's 12-year history.

3. 183,707 New Yorkers voted for Charles Schumer on the Working Families Party line, more than have voted WFP for any other candidate since the party's creation. (158,891 voted WFP for Obama in ’08; 155,184 voted WFP for Spitzer in ’06; and 51, 325 voted for Peter Vallone in the party’s 1998 inaugural election.)

4. WFP voters also turned out strongly for Comptroller Tom DiNapoli (182,983 WFP votes), Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (182,648), and Attorney General-elect Eric Schneiderman (178,850), each of whom also received more than 4% of all votes cast in their races from the WFP line.

5. In New York City, the Working Families Party was the third largest vote-getter of any party, receiving nearly half as many votes as the Republican Party, and more than double the vote of any other minor party. (The WFP vote total in NYC, 76,953, was 42% of the Republican vote in the city.)

6. The WFP received 50% of its votes from Upstate New York and the suburbs of New York City, and 50% from NYC. Especially strong growth in WFP turnout occurred in Suffolk County and the Hudson Valley.

7. The WFP achieved these impressive results on a shoestring budget, spending just 1/8 of what the party spent in the 2006 election to contact and mobilize voters. WFP Executive Director Dan Cantor was not all smiles, however.

“Another 16,293 votes and Matt Damon would’ve put on that Yankees cap for us, and that would have been sweet.” Cantor was referring to the video challenge made by actor/activist Matt Damon about his willingness - even though a lifelong Red Sox fan - to wear a Yankees cap should the WFP crack the 200,000 vote barrier in this election.

“There’s always next year,” said the downtrodden Mr. Cantor.Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/dailypolitics/2010/12/todays-ballot-news-is-brought.html#ixzz187u7Dvxg

Deep Breath Alderman Landi, Deep Breath

Alderman Charlie Landi looked pretty foolish at a recent meeting, as he yelled at Alderwoman Shirley Whitlock as she tried (successfully) to save the jobs of three police officers. " I can't in good conscience support a measure to cut out police said Whitlock who lives in Kingston's 4th ward.

Typical Landi lost his cool...what don't you get we're broke said Landi, what don't you get about safety shot back a feisty Whitlock. One thing thing about Shirley she does not back down and is not someone to cross. Than Landi just goes off the deep end.. You gotta watch the below video.



To the credit of both Alderman Landi, Alderwoman Whitlock and the entire Democraitc caucus under the leadership of Majoirty Leader Bill Reynolds, it looks like the council has gotten the tax levy down to 3.1 percent, which is siggnifigantly less than the whopping 6.2 that Mayor Sottile had proposed.

Rest in Peace Terry Myers

Terry Myers, owner of the Foxhall Deli passed away last night after a battle with cancer. Terry was a good friend and a great guy. Kingston won't be the same without him. Bellow is obituary information and I highlighted a part below that just made me laugh because it is so true.

I will miss the "morning meetings", I think over the years Terry kicked me out of his deli a dozen or so times lol, over silly political disputes and than I would go to Dietz stadium were we walked with Dr. Habeeb and convince him to let me back in.

We all had great times, Terry had a great sense of humor and knew the pulse of Kingston, if you wanted to know something you would go to Foxhall Deli and talk to Terry. I'm going to miss Terry a lot.

Obituary Information:

Terry's family will receive friends at the Joseph V. Leahy Funeral Home, Inc., 27 Smith Avenue on Friday from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.. The funeral will be held Saturday 11:00am at the funeral home, with the Reverend Dr. David Brechter officiating. Burial will take place in Wiltwyck Cemetery.


Terry S. Myers, 50, of Morgan Hill Road, West Hurley died Wednesday morning , December 8, 2010 at the Benedictine Hospital. Terry was born in Kingston on December 25, 1959, a son of Mary (Ryndak) Myers of Kingston, and the late Spencer E. Myers.

A graduate of Kingston High School class of 1978, he was well known as a "Simple Man". Since 1985, Terry was the owner of the Foxhall Deli in Kingston. He served as moderator to the morning meeting, where the subject matter ranged from politics to current affairs. Terry told it like it was. In addition to his mother, he is survived by two sisters Sharon VanKleeck and her husband Kyle of Poughquag, and Susan Hoyt and her husband Alan of Hurley, a nephew Tanner VanKleeck also of Poughquag. His golden retriever, "Daisy" also survives. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in the form of contributions to Grrowls - New York, P.O. Box 6634 Syracuse, New York 13217.

Who Will Replace Kathy Mihm?

Democratic Elections Commissioner Kathy Mihm is taking the early retirement incentive and will be retiring.

Who will replace her? What is everybody hearing? Only name out right now from what I understand is Vic Work.

Here and There

The very talented and bright Liz Benjamin, a New Paltz native and host of YNN's Capitol Tonight received a letter the other day from former candidate for Governor Carl Paladino. You have to read this letter, it's crazy and completely unnecessary. Ms. Benjamin appropriately said on her facebook this morning that she feels it's safe to say she is off Carl Paladino's Christmas list.

At least she is not alone, I think I am also off a wealthy Republican's Christmas list too :~)

Read Palidino's letter by clicking here


I spoke to Alderman Hoffay today who is in good spirits and wanting to get back to work as soon as possible. He is having his biggest operation on Monday and I told him I would keep him in my thoughts and prayers and I hope you all will too. I also informed Tom that he has my 100%support for Ulster County Election's Commissioner, so he better be back in Kingston by next week! :) In all seriousness I wish Tom a speedy recovery and hope he takes it easy.

I would like to wish Kathy Mihm a great retirement, there are so many times I had to call her on different election matters and she always took my call no mater how ridiculous the question and her departure is a loss to Ulster County.

Much speculation as to who may replace her, the inside favorite is Vic Work, who seemed to be the only one not shocked by the announcement of Mihm's retirement. Not saying this was planned but one thing about Democrats is we don't want a candidate shoved down our throats. My personal opinion this is a job for an experienced former elected official or current elected that will be cut out during the redistricting process. This is a serious and an important job, not one to be given as a reward.

If Vic Work is serious about his desire, he should be talking to the committee people that will be electing the next commissioner, not the people he thinks will put him in office. I have nothing against Vic Work but the whole thing is a little suspect. A week is not a lot of time for someone to think about running and to make their case to the committee, especially if there is a guy with an inside track that has been preparing for this transition for months before anyone else knew.

The Golden Hill report was released on Friday with nine recommendations, It's important this facility stay county owned and operated. Walter Frey deserves a lot of credit for the hard work and hours he spent on this report. I had a conversation at length with Legislator Frey last week and this is a guy that really cares and I thank him for his service.

Senator Vincent Leibell who won the Putnam county executive's race in November, seems to be headed off to jail, expected to plead guilty to federal corruption charges. While Senator elect Greg Ball is taking the high road, it should be pointed out that Leibell played really dirty and did everything he could to keep fellow Republican Greg Ball out of the senate, Leibell supported Mary Beth Mao very heavily in the GOP primary. Senator Ball is a not a good ol' boy and has ruffled a lot of feathers down in Putnam and he's clearly doing the right thing.

With absentee ballots being counted throughout New York, it is safe to say with certainty that the Working Families party will move up to row D. That's huge for a fairly young party.

With the state senate going Republican today one can only imagine how upset Senator Craig Johnson of Long Island must feel. Senator Johnson got elected in the past with strong help from the WFP, he chose this year not to take the line for whatever reason and now he is no longer a state senator. Had Craig Johnson taken the line he easily would of been reelected and with Lt. Gov. Duffy's vote, Democrats would still control the chamber! Still think the WFP line does not matter, it seems like the line or lack thereof just decided the fate of the NYS Senate!!????

Happy Holidays!

How do you not love this guy??? My favorite Republican Judge Don Williams with Frosty at Hudson Coffee Trader's in Uptown Kingston.

SHOCKER Senator Leibell In Hot Water

State Senator and Putnam County Executive elect Vincent Leibell will resign from office tomorrow and will not be assuming his new role as executive in January. Rumors of federal corruption charges are being thrown around but it's unknown yet.

ny dailynews update

Sources: Leibell to plead guilty to corruption »
By Ken Lovett

Longtime Sen. Vincent Leibell (R-Putnam County) has told friends he is preparing to plead guilty to end a federal investigation into him.

Sources told the DN's Ken Lovett and Glenn Blain that Leibell will plead guilty to felony bribery and money laundering charges relating to non-profit foundations he controls and land deals that were arranged through those foundations.

Among the land deals was construction of a large house for the eight-term senator.
The guilty plea will resolve a indictment that is about to be unsealed, the sources said..
Leibell, who was set to leave office at the end of the end of the year to become Putnam County executive, instead retired a month early from the Senate. His resignation takes effect tomorrow.
He also agreed not to take office as county executive in January. He already has informed the chairman of the Putnam County Legislature of his decision.

"He has some pretty major problems he's dealing with," said a longtime friend who was informed of the decision. "His position is going to be untenable to continue in pubilc life."
One source said he was told directly by Leibell that he would be pleading guilty to a crime. Another source said as part of the deal, he'll serve less than two years in prison.
It's been reported that the FBI had subpoenaed records pertaining to a large home Leibell had built.

The U.S. Attorney's Office had no comment this morning.

Leibell and his office did not return calls for comment.

It will be up to the Putnam County Legislature to choose an executive.

Important Notice from Ulster County

Although there are MANY smaller roads still affected by high water, it isimportant to note that State Route 28 in Mt Tremper is now open to one laneof traffic in alternating directions.

Arthur R. Snyder
Ulster County Emergency Communications/Emergency Management
238 Golden Hill Lane

Mayor Noble?

Alderman at Large Jim Noble won a recent Blaber News poll for Kingston Mayor. The poll was hotly contested with over 450 people participating. Hayes Clement came in a close second. The mayor race will take place next year.

Alderman Hoffay Hospitalized

Keep Alderman Tom Hoffay in your thoughts and prayers. The second ward Alderman was hospitalized on Friday and is going to have minor heart surgery in Albany. We wish Tom a speedy recovery, the great Second ward misses him.

The Poll

Despite what Alderman Cahill claims, I did not cheat on the mayor's poll. The former Alderman will tell you as he told me that there is no way to cheat. He knows as someone that uses blogger you can only vote once per computer, he was the one that informed me of that.

Clearly both Jim Noble supporters and Rich Cahill supporters sent mass e-mails having all their friends vote. Which is fine, the poll is for fun and is not scientific. Mr. Cahill obviously takes it a little too serious.

For the record, I like Jim Noble he is a friend and would easily support him for mayor but in this poll I voted once for Alderwoman Jen Fuentes (WF-5)

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving! Putting all the petty nonsense that is talked about on this blog day in and day out, I have been really blessed and have a lot to be thankful for! 2010 has been a really great year thus far. I would also like to express my thanks to all of my readers (all 4 of them). Thank you all and have a great thanksgiving.

Aaron, Roberti and Ulster's wfp numbers...

I ran into local developer Steve Aaron in Uptown Kingston today and he took some exception to a post I had done a month or so regarding a fundraiser for Governor-elect Andrew Cuomo he had held in Saugerties. The details of our conversation are between him and I but pretty much he felt the post was taken out of context. I respect Mr. Aaron for coming up to me and addressing it with me directly. I feel very strongly that if you are going to write about someone or their business you should be prepared to man up and give them your time and I did. I feel what I wrote was factually accurate, (although maybe some of the comments were not and I apologize I do not write the comments).


I bring this up because our Republican counterpart moJoe Roberti, who is the blog administrator of Ulster MoJoe, is a coward. I confronted him at the GOP convention awhile back about the crazy posts he has written and continues to write about Elliott Auerbach and Mike Hein and he ran away like a child.

moJOE Roberti has a post now that says Elliott Auerbach won because of " Andrew Cuomo's huge coattails." Let me give Roberti a little lesson about this election stuff, a win by five thousand votes in a county wide election in Ulster is not a coattail victory It's the people of Ulster County reelecting their comptroller. Roberti writes on his blog this detailed analysis like he's some political expert..he made predictions and analysis on eight races this year, he got two correct. (maybe three depending on the outcome of the Skartados race, which is looking good for Kirwin.) By contrast I predicted thirteen and missed two of them.

Fact of the matter is I have forgotten more about politics than Joe Roberti will ever know, he should leave the commentary to someone that knows what they are talking about and continue to sit home alone and make his photo shopped pictures of animals having sex in the background of one of Hein's press conferences, which is more suited for his intellect level.

Roberti also made some sny remarks about WFP, saying the party is "claiming they won Row D" as if they are making it up. I got news for you moJOE, wfp is not just claiming they have Row D, they are proudly screaming it from the rooftops!! As a matter of fact besides the wfp being the margin of victory in both the AG and Comptroller's races, they had a VERY strong showing in Ulster County! Look at the difference in the numbers from the 2006 governor's race and in 2010 in Ulster County :

2006

Independence 3401
Conservative 2393
Working Families 1881

2010

Conservative 3588
Working Families 3058
Independence 2363

That's a huge jump and we should all be proud! In upstate New York, wfp is strong but in nyc, they are unstoppable. If you get the WFP endorsement in nyc, nine times out of 10, you will get elected. Last year wfp candidates took the Democratic primaries( which in nyc is pretty much the election ) for NYC Comptroller, Public Advocate, and dozens of local council races...beating the establishment candidates. People are sick of politics as usual and know that the WFP line represents a way for them to vote their values and hold politicians accountable to their campaign promises.

RIP Harvey Sleight

RIP to Harvey Sleight who served with honor for many years as head of buildings and grounds for Ulster County.

Legislator Roberts Looking for Some Payback!

The Ulster County budget does not contain a tax increase..that's right none...ZERO! The consultants hired by the legislature to go over Hein's budget called it Conservative and fiscally sound. Even Chairman Wadnola said that overall he felt the budget was a good one.

Enter Kevin Roberts (some may know Kevin Roberts, he's the creeper on those tv commercials with the long hair and the teenage girls throwing money at him while he tries to convince people he is the guy you want in your home, working on your roof..) Robert's also brought us the mosque resolution and chairs the committee that oversees the scandal ridden Resource Recovery Agency.

As many know Comptroller Auerbach shined a light on the Resource Recovery Agency and pointed out this agency has major issues that need to be addressed. Elliott Auerbach was correct, the agency had to fire its director, records were destroyed and sexual harassment charges by employees are stacking up.

Kevin Roberts poo pooed Auerbachs's report at the time calling it election year “posturing” and a waste of Auerbach’s annual salary. HERE IS THE QUOTE I LIKE: Roberts described the Resource Recovery Agency as one of the “best-run departments in the county” and disputed contentions that it is supposed to be self-sufficient.

Anyway it should come as no surprise that Roberts who looks like a complete fool now wants some payback. Roberts is taking his frustrations out on Auerbach by leading the effort to cut the Deputy Comptroller's position from the budget. As well as reduce the amount of legal research the office has from 72k to 22k. Let me get this straight, the guy that thinks the RRA is one of the best run depts in Ulster county wants to cut legal research on preventing fraud and abuse..got it.
At the end of the day this is all about Roberts' political payback against Auerbach. In a budget the size of Ulster County cutting the deputy comptroller which is what 60 something thousand, is not going to do anything. The comptroller's office is run on a shoe string as it is, Auerbach has 8 staff members..no cuts were proposed from the clerks office or any other department that have a lot more staff.

I urge legislators both Democrat and Republican to fight against this. Shame on Kevin Roberts for using his position as a legislator to try and get his revenge on Elliott. Kinda pathetic Kevin and a waste of your annual salary as a legislator!

Dinallo and Aborn Appointed To Schneiderman Transition Team

Eric Dinallo will serve on the Schneiderman transition team, and is the only former candidate to be asked.

Pleased to see my friends Richard Aborn and Eric Dinallo were both appointed to Attorney General Eric Schneiderman's transition team!!

AG-elect Eric Schneiderman announced his transition team today, tapping a diverse group of legal minds – including one of his Democratic primary opponents, Eric Dinallo – to help guide him as he prepares to take over from departing AG/Governor-elect Andrew Cuomo.

Schneiderman picked three honorary co-chairs, including former AG Bob Abrams, who was a key surrogate for Schneiderman during the campaign on the abortion-rights issue (along with NARAL’s Kelli Conlin, who’s also serving on one of the transition committees).

Joining Abrams are Zachary Carter, former US attorney for the Eastern District (1993-1999), who is now in private practice at Dorsey and Whitney; and Westchester County DA Janet DiFiore, a Republican-turned-Democrat who has been mentioned herself as a potential statewide contender some day.

The committee will be chaired by Harlan Levy, a partner at Boies Schiller & Flexner who co-chaired the Special Victims Committee for Manhattan DA Cyrus Vance Jr.’s transition last year.

There are three transition team directors: Former US Attorney for the Northern District (1999-2001) Daniel French, Julissa Reynoso, deputy assistant secretary for Central America and the Caribbean, Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs at the Department of State; and Avi Schick, former deputy AG under Eliot Spitzer.

Some other names on various committees that stick out on the list, which appears in full after the jump:

John Cahill, former secretary to ex-GOP Gov. George Pataki; AFL-CIO President Denis Hughes (also serving on Cuomo’s transition team this year); George Bundy Smith, former Court of Appeals judge (a Mario Cuomo appointee); ESPA Executive Director Ross Levi (also doing double-duty on the Schneiderman and Cuomo transitions); Sean Patrick Maloney (2006 AG contender, aide to Govs. Spitzer and Paterson); Marty Mack (former Spitzer/Paterson aide); Jerry Goldfeder (election attorney and former Cuomo aide); Richard Aborn (’09 Manhattan DA contender).

Here and There: WFP to Row D, Dener in Post, DA Holly Go Lightly Still Confused..

ROW D!!!

"The Working Families Party, once derided as a rag-tag collection of Brooklyn progressives, is now the pre-eminent political force in New York City politics"

-NY Times

I was on the subway late Thursday night reading the Post and I came across a letter to the editor by New Paltz's GOP Chair Butch Dener. Seeing it in print made my night, good for you Butch. The letter was defending President Bush and taking a shot at Matt Lahuer over the way he interviewed Bush. Just so happens I caught that interview the other morning at 7am too! I actually remember thinking to myself how fair they were to Bush. So,I respectfully disagree with Mr. Dener on his analysis of the interview. ;)


Will someone tell George Phillips the race is over! Congressman Hinchey has won reelection. Do the right thing and concede.


LINE WAR: It looks like the NYS Conservative party will end up on row C, thanks to Carl Paladino's tea party supporters, the party has gained enough votes to surpass the Independence party. On a bigger note, it also is looking good that the WFP will move to Row D, becoming the 4th biggest party in NYS!! Working Families is ahead of the Independence party, which likely will drop to Row E. Ulster County pulled in a huge amount of votes on the WFP line!!! Thanks to everyone that voted WFP, you voted your values and made your voice count and it certainly has made a difference.


An independent consulting firm hired by the Republican controlled legislature to examine the budget has issued a report giving it the thumbs up! Democrat Mike Hein has got to feel good about that. Congrats Mr. Exec.

TURF WAR- Det. Tim Matthews takes issue with a press release issued by D.A. Carnright. Last week many of you know that a welfare scam was uncovered at the Sunocco on Broadway, three ringleaders were arrested and the people that participated are also now under investigation. However, there is some discrepancy on who started the investigation which lead to this scam being shutdown, the KPD and county both are taking credit. Social Services director (who has gotta know his days are numbered) Roberto Rodriguez claims it was his department that discovered the scam which DA Carnright seemed to confirm:

Carnright said in a press release on Tuesday that the “investigation was begun through information developed by the Ulster County Department of Social Services’ Special Investigations Unit and has been a joint effort between that department, the Kingston Police Department and the Ulster County District Attorney’s Office.”

Matthews said the claim that the county started the investigation “was absolutely, 100 percent not true, contrary to what anybody in county government says.”

Zing! Just another example of DA Carnright not with the program. No question in my mind that Detective Matthews is right on this and I challenge anyone to prove otherwise. The KPD detective and top cop to URGENT has no reason to lie nor would he.

Taking A Small Break For A Week

Taking a small break from the blog, spent a lot of time on elections and trying to provide the best info and commentary to the great people that come on this blog. Spending some time with some friends and relaxing. The blog will resume as of next Monday. Thanks guys!

Hooray!!!

Congratulations to all tonight's winners!!! Especially Andrew Cuomo, Eric Schneiderman, Tom DiNapoli (who I am confident will hang on), Maurice Hinchey, Kevin Cahill, Elliott Auerbach and Judge Larry Ball!

While GOP had a good night, here in Ulster County we got out the vote and kept good people in office!!!! I'm so proud of Kevin Cahill and Elliott Auerbach..really great night!

Coming Tonight My Endorsements for Tuesday's Election

Here are my endorsements, I need to get up at 5 am so I am just putting up the names. I will post detailed reasons why I feel these people are the best choices Monday night.

NYS Governor Andrew Cuomo (Row E, WFP line)

US Senate: Charles Schumer

US Senate : Kirstin Gilibrand

NYS Attorney General: Eric Schneiderman

NYS Comptroller : Tom DiNapoli

**NYS Assembly 101st (the most important race) Kevin Cahill please help reelect this great public servant****

NYS Assembly 103rd Marc Molinaro

Ulster County Comptroller : Elliott Auerbach

Ulster County Sheriff : Paul Van Blarcum

NYS Senate 40th Greg Ball

US Congress 22nd Maurice Hinchey

US Congress 20th Scott Murphy

US Congress 19th John Hall

Supervisor Quigley In His Own Words

warning this contains very explicit language

Last week Eric Kitchen attacked Ulster Democrats and former Supervisor Nick Woerner in what now has become t-shirt gate. I wrote a factual post defending former Supervor Woerner and attacking Republican councilman Eric Kitchen. I made a point to mention in that post that Kitchen should be more like Supervisor Quigley and keep partisan politics out of town board meetings. Matter of fact this blog has been very friendly to Jim Quigley, I have refused negative comments bashing the Supervisor and have done positive stories on his administration. While Quigley is a Republican, I have had in the past a close friendship with him.

However, I would say 10-15 minutes of me putting up the post about Kitchen, he called me and left a pretty harsh voicemail..to put it mildly. I took the down the post and attempted to call the Supervisor to explain my position. He wouldn't take my call. That's his choice, I wrestled with posting this voicemail but I think it's important. An elected official should NEVER try to stifle the free flow of information. The town of Ulster is not owned by Jim Quigley, he was elected by the people to run the town and when a Councilman makes controversial remarks and accusations at a public meeting you can bet people are going to talk about it.

The fact of the matter is Eric Kitchen was wrong and what he said in the newspaper was simply untrue and I called him out on it. It's regretful Supervisor Quigley feels that I do not have a right to comment on town politics.

From Chairman Parete

Editor & news staff

I am particularly upset and must call attention to Fawn Tantillos’ harsh
rhetoric in the recent Comptrollers debate. Calling Elliot Auerbach
an “incompetent lackey” is way over the top and unacceptable. Civility and good
manners are something Fawn is clearly lacking.

Coincidentally; I call your attention to a published quote that appeared in the
Daily Freeman (Ulster County Unveils Final Plan for Jail) on March 21,2002. "This
jail's been called a 'megajail' by some of its critics. Only someone who
has absolutely no understanding, or someone who is grandstanding, could possibly
call this a megajail," said county Legislator Fawn
Tantillo, R-New Paltz, who chairs the jail oversight committee.

http://www.dailyfreeman.com/articles/2002/03/21/top%20stories/3603743.txt

Fawn Tantillo was self appointed cheerleader for this 100 million dollar
fiasco.She clearly had no comprehension how deeply in over her head she was. She
has yet to own up to her responsibility for this taxpayers nightmare.
I would have thought by now she would have apologized to the citizens of Ulster
County.

We warned her that the MEGA-JAIL project would be a disaster, but she mocked us,
and said we were playing politics. In this regard, I must ask Fawn, in hind
sight, was she playing politics, or just simply incompetent?

Thank-you

John Parete
845-657-8500

Give Matt Damon His 40TH Birthday Wish Vote Working Families!!

Please join me in granting Matt Damon's birthday wish by voting on the Working Families Party line next Tuesday. WFP is located on Row E on the ballot. I encourage Democrats and Republicans to vote your values and make your vote count. It's especially important to vote Row E in the race for Governor.

Auerbach Recieves Strong Support From Labor

The Auerbach for Comptroller campaign today announced endorsements from the Hudson Valley Area Labor Federation, AFL-CIO; the CSEA Regional Political Action Committee, and the Kingston Professional Fire Fighters Association, Local 461.

“We welcome these endorsements as recognition for our focus on working men and women throughout Ulster County as we strive to safeguard their tax dollars from waste and inefficiency,” the Comptroller said.

Paul Ellis-Graham, President of the Labor Federation, thanked Auerbach for his “participation in (their) endorsement process,” and noted that the endorsement resulted from “careful consideration of (his) position on key labor issues that affect working families.”

The CSEA endorsement acknowledges Mr. Auerbach’s “interests in the issues affecting public workers and your commitment to addressing the needs of all hardworking men and women” throughout the County, according to Region President Billy Riccaldo.

The Fire Fighters Association resulted from Mr. Auerbach’s participation in a Candidate Night meeting and a vote from its members, according to Michael Schabot, Secretary, Local 461

Comptroller Auerbach and Sheriff Van Blarcum Endorsed by Daily Freeman

Comptroller Elliott Auerbach and Sheriff Paul Van Blarcum were both strongly endorsed by the Daily Freeman today.

Read the editorial here : Comptroller Auerbach Editorial

Poll Shows Hinchey Way Ahead!!!!!

Poll Shows Maurice Hinchey in Strong Shape

By CQ-Roll Call Staff October 22, 2010 6:17 PM Permalink Comments (0)
Democrats are circulating a new poll showing Rep. Maurice Hinchey (D-N.Y.) with a double-digit lead over his Republican opponent, George Phillips in upstate New York's 22nd congressional district.

Hinchey is ahead of Phillips by 51 to 34 percent, according to the survey by Abacus Associates for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.

The poll of 403 likely voters on Oct 20-21 found that Phillips' name recognition was only 39 percent. It also showed that of the undecided voters 28 percent were Republicans, 33 percent were Democrats, and 29 percent listed their party affiliation as blank.

"We are confident that most of these Democrats and some of the blanks will break for Congressman Hinchey," said the memo from David Scott of Abacus Associates. "In light of these results, while the congressman will see a decreased margin of victory compared with recent elections, he should still win comfortably."

In recent weeks Republicans have suggested that Hinchey may be vulnerable. The conservative group, American Crossroads, led by Karl Rove, has targeted Hinchey with over a quarter of a million dollars in television ads.
-- Bennett Roth

Watchdog Auerbach Looking Pretty Good!!!

I came up with a campaign slogan for County Executive Mike Hein in 2008, Hein Sight is 20/20, Mike's budgets as administrator and his ideas for a better Ulster County have consistently come to fruition and it's a catchy slogan. Actually, I'm only 80% sure I came up with it but if someone else did, I certainly coined it and went with it here on this blog. With that being said Ulster County Comptroller Elliott Auerbach seems to have a little "Hein Sight" of his own and the legislature and Fawn Tantillo seem to have a little egg on their face.

I'm sure you have all looked at the stories in the Daily Disappointment over the last couple weeks regarding the firing of the RRA Executive Director for alleged sexual harassment, and the over scrutiny over the complete mismanagement of the department. Lets face it the RRA is a HOT MESS right now!

Well a month before all this went down, it was Comptroller Elliott Auerbach that shined the light on the RRA and he was criticized pretty heavy for it. Now the legislature is changing their tune.

Lets reminisce and see what legislative leaders and Auerbach's GOP opponent had to say when Watchdog Auerbach warned us that the RRA might need to be looked at:

The following is a great post written by UlsterObserver, a new local blog:

08/31/2010-KINGSTON – The Ulster County Legislature is supposed to closely monitor the spending and operations of the Ulster County Resource Recovery Agency, but it hasn’t, costing county taxpayers almost $32 million over the last decade, County Comptroller Elliott Auerbach said Monday.

(THIS IS IN AUGUST!) Fast forward to October

10/14/2010-KINGSTON – The board of the Ulster County Resource Recovery Agency has fired director Michael Bemis amid allegations of sexual harassment and falsifying business records.Bemis’ termination comes weeks after County Comptroller Elliott Auerbach’s report that said the county legislature had not provided sufficient oversight over the agency.

What does Chairman Wadnola , Legislator Roberts and Fawn Tantillo have to say now?

Here is what they said when the report was first issued:

OUR ASTUTE LEGISLATIVE CHAIRMAN: In response to the Comptroller, I believe the Legislature has exercised oversight of the RRA This superficial piece of election year drivel offers no solution at all.

HERE YOU GO KEVIN:Legislator Kevin Roberts, R-Wallkill, who is chairman of the county Government Operations and Efficiency Committee, called the report election year “posturing” and a waste of Auerbach’s annual salary.Roberts described the Resource Recovery Agency as one of the “best-run departments in the county” and disputed contentions that it is supposed to be self-sufficient.

AND NOW YOU FAWN (You did chair the Jail Oversight Committee):Tantillo, a former member of the Legislature, said the report “could have been useful, but not when you hit the legislators over the head with it.” “I probably would have taken it to the Oversight Committee and presented it there, but you don’t get headlines if you do that,” she said.
Posted by O.U. at 5:00 PM 0 comments

Amazing, stuff! Let me remind you of another great phrase that I can't take credit for and is way better than Hein sight is 20/20, a phrase I hope we all remember before we pull that lever on November 2nd: It's not my back, it's not your back, IT'S AUERBACH

Rooney Bombs In Front Of POJO Editorial Board

Peter Rooney has been nicknamed by voters in the 101st Assembly district as "Coward Rooney", the GOP candidate for assembly earned that nickname for ducking a serious of debates and forums with his opponent Assemblyman Kevin Cahill, well today Peter confirmed what everyone suspected, the reason he is ducking our Assemblyman is because he does not have a clue. Rooney who has run an extremely negative and untruthful campaign, bombed at a recent appearance before the editorial board of the Poughkeepsie Journal. I have some funny quotes that I will post tomorrow but it's pretty bad. The guy has no basic understanding of the issues, none at all! He comes across as a fool and is just not ready for prime time...not by a long shot.

Below is the video, I think it behooves everyone to watch it. The sound quality is not great and it is a good 4o minutes but it's worth watching. Again, I will embed the video and take out some quotes tomorrow. I will note it's better and easier to watch this after a few drinks.

Cowboy Rooney Bombs at Pojo Video

Mike Hein to business leaders: No Tax Increase!

Ulster County Executive Mike Hein said today that he will veto any budget that calls for a tax increase. Mike Hein made these comments at an Ulster County chamber of commerce breakfast this morning. Hein presented a budget early this month that called for no increase in county taxes, it is now before the county legislature.

Turns out Hinchey is right, Freeman reporter full of baloney!

UPDATED FROM MIDDLETOWN RECORD:

Hinchey found some support for one of his denials at the Monday gathering from YNN reporter-videographer Doug Short, who witnessed Thursday's confrontation.
Short said that there was no question that Hinchey did not choke or try to choke Kemble, who has alleged on a website that the congressman "put his hands on my throat."
Short said the congressman "went right over to Kemble" after telling him to shut up and the two "got in each other's faces."

Short said he saw some "finger-wagging" on Hinchey's part, but could not be sure if the congressman ever touched or poked the reporter.

In the first video on YNN that has gotten so much attention, Maurice Hinchey asks Bill Kimble in response to a ridiculous question that the Congressman had answered many times previously: What are you talking about? Are you still as deceptive as you have always been? And then Hinchey tells Kimble that he's full of baloney.


Kimble's latest claim in the freeman today that Maurice Hinchey assaulted him before the debate, lol, I think we can say with full certainty that YES, Kimble is as deceptive as he has always been and he is indeed full of baloney on his version of what happened. We can also say that he should probably shut up and stop with his vendetta against our Congressman. Maybe Mr. Kimble's idol is that Blair guy from the NY Times, I just do not understand why he thinks he can make stuff up.



While everyone agrees there was a heated argument between the Congressman and Kimble, no one seemed to see Maurice assault Kimble. The YNN reporter and several other witnesses saw Hinchey and Kimble arguing but no one saw Hinchey put his hands on Kimble's neck, as Kimble claims.



Why? It didn't happen. No tv reporter would walk away from a confrontation that involves a Congresssman, it's just too juicy. The tv reporter watched and saw what happened and said point blank, Mr. Kimble's version of events are not what I witnessed.



Furthermore, the argument happened before the debate. Kimble covered the debate. So we are to believe that Kimble was assaulted and than went into the debate like nothing happened and covered the story?



Give me a break! Sounds to me like Bill Kimble is full of baloney!

Chipman's Uphill Battle

Carl Chipman who is throwing his name around as a possible candidate to challenge Mike Hein next year has a 53% Unfavorable opinion among people that voted in a recent Blaber News Poll. Another 20% of people had no idea who he even was...good luck Carl..it's gunna be an uphill battle.

NY's 22nd Turns Nasty, Congressman Hinchey Being Targeted

Congressman Maurice Hinchey is under attack in what are clearly desperate last minute attacks to try and unseat the 9 term congressman.

First let me start out by saying Bill Kimble should be fired from the Freeman. There is a video of Maurice Hinchey and Bill Kimble arguing that I will post above. In the video Congressman Hinchey is annoyed by the set up style questions this reporter is asking him and Hinchey calls him out on it. Pretty much saying you have no credibility, you have ran untrue lies about me in the past and I want to talk to this other journalist that wants to conduct an actual interview. Bill Kimble persists to harass Congressman Hinchey and Hinchey tells him forcefully to shut up, kudos to Maurice.

Obviously that did not sit well with Mr. Kimble who wrote a very nasty hatchet piece on the Congressman's performance in the debate trying to depict him as if he was old, anyone that knows Maurice knows well that he is very competent and on the top of his game. Kimble is taking his vendetta a step further claiming there was a physical altercation between the two men prompted by the Congressman. This of course is untrue, Kimble continued to harass Hinchey even after the interview and there was a heated conversation. Congressman Hinchey took the high road and walked away from Kimble who was looking for a fight.

If what Kimble said were true, why would he omit that from the original story in the Freeman,?Hey that would be big news, no? A better question why would he feel that he could write an impartial story on the debate after all that? Bill Kimble betrayed and deceived the Freeman readership today to try and tarnish our Congressman and that is unacceptable.

George Phillips who is the Republican candidate for Congress is running ads now paid for a consulting firm owned by Karl Rove. This firm has dedicated over 300 thousand dollars to do it's best to smear Congressman Hinchey.

George Phillips also said in an interview with capital tonight that he fully supports Carl Paladino to be Governor of New York State.

Do we really want a Congressman like George Phillips who accepts money from Karl Rove and thinks Carl Paladino would be a great Governor???

One should be judged by the company he keeps. This is a no brainer Maurice Hinchey needs to be reelected in November. Hinchey is our Congressman and has always been there for us in Washington never afraid to back down from a tough issue. Broome County you can keep Mr.Phillips, Ulster County and the rest of the 22nd don't want him.

Facebook Wars

Controversy surrounding Carl Paladino's appearance in Ulster County yesterday has cost GOP county chairwoman, Robin Yess two Facebook friendships, so we know it's serious at this point. Robin Yess posted the following as her status on Facebook: Robin Vaccai Yess "Ah well...I hated to do it, but I had to delete Billiam and Guy. Too bad that they don't know that I am one of the most gay-friendly Republicans in Ulster County. Bad behavior and inappropriate comments against me and my family will not help their cause. That's for sure. GOP Chair WAS on their team."

Robin's comments are in response to a picture of Robin Yess that was tagged to her facebook page by activist Billiam Van Roestenberg, that contained this caption: Robin Yess the Ulster County republican Chair is horrible she thinks wack-job teabagger paladino is "great!" Robin and her husband Lou Yess have a terrible contracting company where they rip off Hudson Valley residents shoddy unfinished work they never finish they lie and shakedown people - nice republicans ha?

Billiam's comments are out of line. I like Billiam but give me a break, making baseless accusations about a persons business and family is just over the top. I'm not sure what Guy Kemp's involvement was but he gave me such a hard time during the primary for attorney general that we don't speak anymore.

Don't worry me and Chairwoman Yess are still facebook friends.

Fawn Tantillo, You Just Can't Trust Her

I wrote a post last night asking candidates supported by the Republican party, whether or not they stand by their nominee for Governor after the comments Paladino made the other day.

A reader posted this in regards to Fawn Tantillo who is running for county comptroller:

Anonymous said...
Tantillo already voiced her support for Cuomo...remember the uproar when she attended the rally in NP and then publicly declared her support? Maybe she knew something the republicans didn't.
12:44 PM

Maybe she did. It's funny but not surprising that Fawn Tantillo attended the rally for Carl Paladino today.

Forget for one second that her timing of switching from Cuomo to Paladino is disturbing. Maybe Tantillo agreed with Paladino's bigoted comments and went to show her support.

Whatever the reason of her switch, it raises eyebrows of a much bigger issue, Fawn is very erratic and can't be trusted.

Tantillo Time Line

(The very small condensed version, I could go on and on)

* When on the legislature she left to take a job as a department head, which brought us the Tantillo ethics law.

* A former Republican, she switched to the Independence party, poo pooing her old party saying it had lost it's way.

* She than slowly crawled back to the GOP, taking the line to try and fulfill her latest pipe dream of being the Ulster County Comptroller..

* Screws Kevin Cahill out of the Independence party by going behind the backs of the Ulster and Dutchess chairs urging the state committee to support Kevin's opponent and denying fellow indy's the right to a primary in the process.

* Comes to an event for Andrew Cuomo and claims she is supporting him as the Independence party nominee, Mario Catalano almost endorsed Auerbach right there.

* Today comes to a rally in support of Carl Paladino for Governor.

Lets face it Fawn Tantillo simply can't be trusted!!!

Paladino Redux: Makes Campaign Stops In New Paltz and Kingston

Carl Paladino arrives in New Paltz

Tim Hunter taunts the Paladino campaign with his guitar

Billiam Van Rostenberg, who was the first person ever to participate in a same sex marriage in NYS, greets Mr. Paladino in New Paltz, the same town he was married just a few years ago.


This is really a great picture and shows the very poor timing of Paladino's comments and reminds us the importance of not discriminating against another human being because they are different than you.

Carl Paladino's younger supporter

I will give Carl Paladino credit he has guts, I can't say that if I were him I would of went to New Paltz the day after a scandal broke involving remarks Paladino made that were viewed as bigoted toward the gay community.

But this morning Carl Paladino was in New Paltz, a very progressive town that was home to the first same sex marriages ever performed in New York state. No surprise, Paladino was greeted with protesters that from what I hear far out numbered supporters.

Carl Paladino tried to clarify his previous remarks:

“I am concerned with the future for all our citizens, gay, straight, Catholic, Protestant, Jewish and Muslim and Agnostic,” Paladino said.

“Although I am not perfect I do admit my mistakes. I will reach out to leaders of the gay community to educate me on how to better represent my support for the rights of all citizens.”
“If elected as your governor I will stand and fight for all gay New Yorkers rights. I ask you for forgiveness on my poorly chosen words and the publication by others not involved with our campaign of unredacted script that did not reflect my oral statement or match my personal feelings.”

Mr. Paladino also stopped in Kingston, taking a tour of the uptown business district.

Photos courtesy of Dan Torres.