Hein Gets Bipartisan Support from Town Supervisors

Friends of Mike Hein announced today bi-partisan support of Mike Hein for a second term as Ulster County Executive. Republican and Democratic Town Supervisors cited an unprecedented level of communication and cooperation between Town and County government under Mike Hein’s leadership as a prime reason for their support.


The voters of Ulster County have made two positive decisions in recent years,” said Town of Hardenburgh Supervisor Jerry A. Fairbairn (R). “We voted to change how our County government operates, i.e. we now use a Charter form of administration. Secondly, we elected Mike Hein as our County Executive. Mike and his staff have made the transition to our Charter Government nearly seamless. Mike has voiced stern concern to NYC DEP regarding the Esopus turbidity debacle and has no trouble standing tall in Albany for the good of our County. Mike makes himself available to all County and Town officials. While Mike has a positive outlook, and works to that end, he has no reservations when he tells you that our County, State and Federal Government face tough decisions in these austere times. Mike has made tough decisions during his first term and I have no doubt that, when elected for a second term, he will continue to lead us to a better and stronger Ulster County.”


Gardiner Town Supervisor Joe Katz (D) said, “I heartily endorse Mike Hein for re-election as County Executive. It is comforting to know that Ulster County, under his leadership, is finally in contact and listening to the concerns of the Towns.”


Town of Marbletown Supervisor Brooke Pickering-Cole (D) said, “Mike Hein is doing a terrific job for all of us in Ulster County. His attention to keeping communication lines open between the County and local governments is of great value, and we are truly fortunate to have him at the helm.”

“As Supervisor of the Town of Marlborough, I have had the opportunity to work with Mike and members of his staff on many levels over the past 16 months,” said Town of Marlborough Supervisor Christopher Cerone (R). “Mike has proven to be a hands-on public servant who is continually looking at ways to cut spending, increase revenues and share services throughout the County. Mike is a dynamic thinker who continually thinks outside the box, and is one of those rare elected officials who get it. Mike has worked tirelessly to get the County’s financial house in order and has proven that he is not afraid to make the tough and usually unpopular decisions that need to be made to ensure that every resident of the County can continue to live, work and raise their families in Ulster County. Having Mike Hein as County Executive has been a tremendous help to the residents of the Town of Marlborough, and it is my absolute pleasure and honor to endorse my friend, Mike Hein, for another term as Ulster County Executive.”


Berndt J. Leifeld (D), Town of Olive Supervisor said, “As a long-term Supervisor, I can consent that the cooperation between county and small towns has never been better than it is now under Mike Hein’s tenure.”

“Whenever I have a problem on a County level, I know that I have an ally in Mike Hein,” said Town of Saugerties Supervisor Greg Helsmoortel (NOP). “There is no problem too big or too small that Mike will not offer his professional and sincere assistance with to serve the residents of Saugerties.


Woodstock Town Supervisor Jeff Moran (D) said, "Having had the opportunity to work with Mike Hein over the past few years, I am continually impressed by the dedication, intelligence, and good humor he brings to the challenging job of being Ulster's first County Executive. Mike has coupled his extensive knowledge of the workings of county government with innovative measures to reduce costs and increase efficiencies while maintaining the high level of services our taxpayers expect. He has my enthusiastic support in his campaign for a second term as our County Executive."

"As Rosendale Town Supervisor, I have had the good fortune to work closely with Mike Hein in several capacities,” said Town of Rosendale Supervisor Patrick McDonough (D). “He has established a clear record as a fine communicator and a true problem solver. Mike is always thinking forward and is dedicated to improving the quality of life in Ulster County. I am proud to support him for re-election as County Executive."


New Paltz Town Supervisor Toni Hokanson (D) said, "Despite the fact that I actively campaigned against passing the Charter for Ulster County four years ago, I could not be more pleased with Mike Hein as our first County Executive. I have the highest regard for Mike. I believe he has a vision for Ulster County that includes fiscal responsibility, economic growth and a high quality of life. I fully support his efforts to find ways to share services and reduce expenses. I have found him to be earnest, approachable and responsive. Mike has my vote in November."

“Mr. Michael P Hein has done an excellent job as the Executive of Ulster County,” said Town of Wawarsing Supervisor Leonard M. Distel (D). “I proudly endorse Mike for County Executive."

Detective Matthews

I have to say with all due respect to the Daily Freeman, them putting out a timeline on the Tim Matthews story today is a bit much.

We get it, it's a big story. It's a big story because it's so unexpected, it's not the norm. Under Chief Keller's watch we have a great police department and his legacy is a SOLID one, the next Chief has huge shoes to fill.

I know, I will propably get attacked for taking an unpopular position but I gotta say I still have a lot of respect for Tim Matthews and  reserve judgement on the situation. Det. Matthews worked tirelessly to keep Kingston safe. The Knox case sticks out to me but there were hundreds of skells like Whitehurst that are off the streets because of Mr. Matthews. There is no question that Kingston is SAFER because of his service.

Whatever happened to innocent until proven guilty? No one has heard Matthews' side yet and we should remember this man has children and a family. We don't know if he is inocent or guilty but I know people make mistakes, as have I and everyone reading this blog right now. I guarantee you, Mr. Matthews innocent or guilty is suffering tremendously now, as is his family.

I am not saying that Det. Matthews should get a free pass or that the press should ignore the story. I was the first one to break the Matthews story, I get it,  it's news worthy. However, if there is no new news, digging it up for the sake of selling papers is not o.k.. in my humble opinion.

District Attorney's Race: Sennett v. Carnright

Coming tomorrow: An in-depth look at the race for District Attorney.

This will be a really competitive race that ultimately Jonathan Sennett will prevail as the winner. I just do not see Holly being able to keep up with Sennett, the guy is an animal and is everywhere. Sennett is hungry to be the D.A. and it shows. He also has A LOT of support.

On the other hand, Holly got a lot of traction with the recent murder case and as an incumbent he has a significant amount of advantages that he did not have four years ago. I like Holly, the little I know about him, he is a decent nice individual.

Tomorrow, (and I promise it will be up tomorrow!) we will look at the inside politics of both sides and do a little analysis.

Hein's Indy Endorsement...Why It Matters

Even I was surprised when I heard Len Bernardo and the Independence party were going to endorse Mike Hein for Ulster County Executive. Obviously we all know, Len and Mike ran a bitter race against one another in 2008 and have not been on the best of terms since.

The endorsement is very significant. Robin Yess and the Republican party can poo poo the endorsement as insignificant because there is no one running against Hein but that argument does not hold water. There is no one running against Hein because he is doing a good job and the GOP knows he is not going to be beaten.

Furthermore, Len Bernardo is kinda drawing a line in the sand with the GOP, last I knew Jim Quigley was still considering a run, as was another GOPer and in a county that has a 2:1 Democratic edge the Independence line is important to win. The Independence party made a decision to say very clearly, we think Hein is the guy for the job, Mr. Quigley save your money.

I expect Mike Hein WILL have an opponent at the end of the day, a paper candidate that will do a solid for the GOP and will get trounced.

The endorsement also speaks to Hein's ability to lead. Hein getting the endorsement of a party led by his former opponent shows the type of guy Hein is.  For Mike it's about doing the right thing and making Ulster County a great place to live and work. Hein gets it and the people of Ulster County get that he gets it and that is why Hein is so popular.

Former Alderman Lenny Walker to Run for County Legislator as Democrat

Former Alderman Lenny Walker will seek the Democratic nomination for County Legislature this November. I spoke with Lenny last week and he tells me he is defiantly running and confirmed his candidacy on Facebook over the weekend.

Lenny Walker will be tough to beat. As it stands right now with the redistricting, Lenny will be running in an open district. You can bet the Democratic establishment will work tirelessly to find big name to primary Lenny but he is a tireless campaigner.

I predict a Walker come back this year and Lenny on the campaign trail is always entertaining.

Gallo Standing Up for Our Seniors

To be fair and only because it's Good Friday, Hayes Clement was also in attendance as was my great Alderman, Tom Hoffay, Alderwoman Fuentes and lots of great people supporting a good cause. Happy Easter everyone and Save Golden Hill.

Why the Bernardo Endorsement Ends The Executive Race of 2011

Mike Hein has about a 99% chance of being reelected right now, we'll have a full recap of the Hein/Bernardo race of 2008 and why this county wide race is pretty much over...


 All eyes on Sennett v. Carnright..a tight race that could end up with a Democrat holding that seat but Holly will not go lightly..

Bernardo and Ulster Independence Party Endorses Hein for Executive

BREAKING NEWS: Ulster County Independence Party Chairman, Len Bernardo, announced today his party’s endorsement of Mike Hein for a second term as Ulster County Executive.

“My administration is committed to serving all 183,000 people of Ulster County and to working with all political parties as we move forward,” said Mike Hein. “My reform- minded administration is aligned with the principles of the Independence Party platform and I graciously accept their endorsement.”

“Mike Hein has demonstrated the leadership and work ethic that the residents of Ulster County deserve,” said Fawn Tantillo, Ulster County Independence Party Endorsement Coordinator and Deputy Party Chairman. “The Independence Party of Ulster County is an organization that believes in pro-business policies and fiscally sound government practices that foster economic prosperity for all. We believe that Mike Hein shares those values and that is why we are endorsing him for a second term as Ulster County Executive.”

Hein

A Strong Record of Accomplishment

Mike Hein's first three years as Ulster County Executive has been both historic and full of great accomplishments. It is no wonder why Republicans can't find a candidate to run against him and why some fellow Democrats are envious at his successes.

Before taking office Hein was the Ulster County administrator, developing budgets for the legislature that were fiscally responsible and gained him a reputation as a budget wizard.

As Executive it has really come full circle, not only has he continued to develop great budgets that have NOT increased taxes but he has been a leader in fighting for the environment, creating jobs, and promoting Ulster County as a tourism destination. Mike Hein has also made it a top priority to make Ulster County the healthiest county in New York State, his health director, Dr. LaMar Hasbrouck is top notch.

County Executive Hein has fought corruption and the good ol' boy politics that for too long have kept Ulster County at a stand still. Whether it was revamping the health department or replacing and holding accountable people that were taking advantage of Ulster County taxpayers, Hein has really stepped up to the plate making sure every decision is made in the best interest of his bosses, all 181,000 of them.

Another four years of Hein's leadership would be welcome in my opinion, Heinsight has proved indeed to be 20/20

Minority Leader Jeanette Provenzano Hospitalized

Ulster Legislator Jeanette Provanzano was hospitialized today at Albany Medical Ceneter. I hear conflicting reports as to why..but I have heard she is doing well and may be home as soon as tomorrow. Praying for a speedy recovery.

Whitlock vs. Hoffay

----------------------------------------GLOVES ARE OFF----------------------------------------

Alderwoman Shirley Whitlock takes on Alderman Hoffay after he gets involved with an issue in Kingston's 4th Ward.

Alderman Tom Hoffay suggested giving away a public building in Midtown Kingston to a non for profit saying, Kingston should get out of the business because it is not being maintained.

First, it's not any of Alderman Hoffay's buisness, he should butt out of an issue that is not in his Ward. Last time I checked Hoffay is still a pretty new Alderman and does not hold any leadership position on the common council.

Hoffay had a fit when than Alderwoamn DiBella (his new bff) got involved in a light v stop sign issue in Uptown Kingston a few years back.

It's not surprising though, whether it's the candidate Hoffay is supporting for Mayor or his strong focus on the Pike Plan. Alderman Hoffay is an elitist and does not care about midtown Kingston or what other people out of his circle think.

The Hodge center offers great programs and is a valuable asset in Midtown to suggest that the city give it away becasue it is not being maintained is short sidded and appauling.

Just like the services that are provided in down town and uptown, why not have the city make an investment in the Hodge Center and make it better?

Happy Birthday Mayor.

Happy Birthday to Kingston Mayor James Sottile.

Update

Not really running against Cardinale, just an April fools joke I was playing on our great chairman. I like and support Frank Cardinale 100% percent.