Gov. Christie to Keynote GOP Convention

 

Gov. Chris Christie will keynote this year's GOP convention. While I am supporting Barack Obama and hope very much so he is reelected in November, I encourage everyone to really listen to this guy talk. Gov. Christie is the real deal, the best I have ever seen. No question 2016 he will be standing on that same stage as the GOP nominee and probably our next President.



“I’ll try to tell some very direct and hard truths to people in the country about the trouble that we’re in and the fact that fixing those problems is not going to be easy for any of them,” Christie told USA Today in an interview announcing his assignment. He said he will describe his experiences in New Jersey as evidence that “the American people are ready to confront those problems head-on and endure some sacrifice.”

Hoffay and his Court Jesters Trying to Stop Police Station in Midtown

Everyone agrees that crime is an issue in midtown, both Mayor Gallo and Hayes Clement ran on cleaning up midtown as part of their campaigns. Mayor Gallo in his first six months has delivered! The King's Inn site has been knocked down and it looks great over there, a decade old eye sore is now gone.

Bank of America is willing to donate their building on Broadway and Mayor Gallo and many business leaders and the community support relocating the Kingston police department there. Makes sense, why not have a police presence in an area that really needs it. Seems like a no brainier. Going after quality of life and stepping up a police presence has worked in major cities like Rochester and did wonders in NYC under Mayor Guilani but Hoffay and his jesters once again are against it.


If Hayes Clement had come up with this idea, Hoffay would have already ordered the ribbon and would have been praising his efforts.


We understand your bitter and we understand it's tough to lose an election. We also understand that there is give and take in politics but there is also certain things that you don't play politics with and that is public safety.


I have to ask how far is Hoffay and his jesters willing to go with this and at what cost?

Hoffay Blocks Economic Development in City

Hoffay who is willing to do anything to see the Gallo administration fail is now trying to block taking 1,500 from contingency for equipment that would make the city more competitive in terms of economic development. Put simply this 1,500 purchase would pay for itself and then some but Hoffay is blocking it with his court jesters because he does not want economic development in Kingston.  Hoffay does not want anything that will make Mayor Gallo look good. Sad state of affairs.

Majority Leader Hoffay and Court Jester Dunn Block Gallo Admin at every step

Alderman Matt Dunn, taking orders from Majority Leader Hoffay

Lets talk ethics, the ethically challenged  Majority Leader, Tom Hoffay has proposed with his court jester Matt Dunn an ethics proposal that is not only unconstitutional but unethical.

First things first this ethics bill is designed to prevent what happened last year ( Gallo winning the Mayor's race) from ever happening again.

Hoffay wants to bar the Mayor from being able to serve on the City of Kingston Democratic committee, even though he is the top Democrat in the city.

The legislation would bar certain officials from running for office or being involved in committee politics if they hold certain positions in city government.  To put it another way, if this ethics bill had been in pace last year, Shayne Gallo would not have even been allowed to run for the office the people elected him to. It would make the office of Mayor only able to be held by the super elite.

Furthermore, what Hoffay and Jester Dunn are trying to accomplish is to go back to the days when a few party insiders behind closed doors picked who would run for office. This city ethics legislation (which would effect how the Mayor can raise funds as well) is designed to make the office of Mayor beholden to their party not the people. It's designed to give the local political committees  more power by tying the hands of public servants and it infringes upon their constitutional rights.


However, there are a group of electeds that are exempt from all of this under the Hoffay/Dunn ethics bill....who you may ask? City Aldermen.

So let me get this straight Dunn and Hoffay want to pass an ethics bill for the city but they want to be exempt themselves?? Hmmmm, sounds very ethical!!!!!

Here and There

 Mayor Gallo turned 52 this week, look at that great head of hair, does not look a day over 30!!! :~)

Hey all,  it's been a while but now that elections are heating up, this blog will be updated more frequently.

Robin Yess attacks me on her blog with these crazy pictures that are either Photoshopped or used from when I was much heavier, than she attacks me for hinting that dems shouldn't trust her on my blog. Robin than calls me phoney becasue personally we have a good relationship but in reality, it's her that is phoney and disingenuous. Robin will claim that her blog partner is responsible for the pictures that appear on her blog and not her. However, if you do the blog with him, you have to be responsible for it's content, you can't have it both ways.

For the record I did not attack Robin first, she did with her blog pictures and by overstating my relationship with the Bernardo's.  Keep in mind, I have been supportive of Robin, I am always friendly to her and when she ran for GOP county chair, I wrote a long post on this blog supporting her, I thought it would be good for a strong woman to lead the GOP, I like Robin.  Democrats have never had a woman leader and that's disappointing. Now, I can go into an entire blog post attacking Robin Yess and that nut in Rochester but I am not going to. First, they are irrelevant figures in county politics, and that is a fact, it's not meant to be a shot but their opinion just does not carry any weight. Secondly, I want people to like me, I no longer feel the need to attack people even if it's just dealing with politics, I have changed my life and am a happy person. Robin and her crew can have a field day fighting with themselves.


Julian Schreibman is looking at a 60% margin of victory next Tuesday, I have to be honest, I was more than a little bit skeptical about his candidacy but his team are really great people with a lot of energy and he is running a great campaign. I think he has a decent shot against Gibson in November!!!

I ran into former Kingston Mayor Jim Sottile and he is just so much happier and relaxed and enjoying his retirement, what a great guy!!!

Kingston Mayor Shayne Gallo turns 52 today, picture above of him cutting his birthday cake, I wish the Mayor another 52!!

Speaking of changing my life, I have to thank NJ Governor Chris Christie, I know it sounds crazy but I watch his youtube videos daily and he has completely changed my life. I am more focused, confident and an all around changed person because of him. Christie inspires me in such a profound way, I don't even know know how to explain it. The guy is real, he speaks fro his heart and has made me a better person. I am happier, I feel better, I handle things directly, the guy changed my life. Ironically because I am so much more disciplined because of him, I have lost a ton of weight as well.

Coming soon

We will have a new post tonight and an update on a few  local stories

Parete decides not to run for new senate seat,  still a three way Democratic primary for new 46th and Assemblyman Amadore keeps racking up support and money; looking like he will be the next Senator of the district by a big margin. We hear a former Kingston Mayor's son is leading up the Amadore campaign. Republican will a big check book, cross over support and a Democratic party that can't rally behind one candidate all but assures an Amadore victory.


Does the low turn out at the Ulster Dem convention indicate a dissatisfaction amongst Ulster Democrats with the leadership of the County committee? Or are  Dems not that enthused about the races in general? How will that effect local candidates?

Robin Yess still hates Terry Bernardo and the Republican committee that she lead not even a year ago... yawn..more details on that later and her cozy new relationship with Democrats..Dems beware!!!

Blaber and Rich Cahill top bloggers in County? According to Ulster Supervisor Jim Quigley, yes. Link to Kingston Times story soon.

Speaking of Rich Cahill, Ulster Republicans nominated him as a place holder to run against our local powerhouse Assemblyman Kevin Cahill. If he remains on the ballot we could see Cahill vs. Cahill which would be fun but mostly very confusing. Come on, no Peter Rooney this year?! I hear  Rooney  is going to make an explosive announcement regarding his potential candidacy around the fourth of July.

Elliott and I at convention 2008 Below, 2012 last night

Parete for Senate?

If you pick up Hugh Reynolds' column this week there is a piece in there about the lack of a real Democratic candidate running in the newly created 46th Senate district, or at least a candidate from Ulster County which covers 25% of the district. In essence Reynolds said he was surprised and hinted at the possibility of a big name candidate announcing at the Democratic convention in a few weeks.

Some Dem leaders have written off the race already because the likely Republican nominee, George Amadore, who is a good guy, will spend a ton of money to win the seat. No question that is true, I worked on Susan Savage's senate race two years ago in Schenectady county, Amadore was running for reelection to the Assembly in a race that he was definitely going to win and still Amadore dumped about 500,000 in his race. The guy has money.

However, the district leans Democratic and this is a presidential election year, and whether people love Obama or not, I have a feeling he is going to do pretty well in NY. I also think Democratic candidates will benefit from him being on the ballot. Again, 25% of the district, which is a considerable amount is in Ulster County.

Getting back to Reynolds' theory that a big name candidate may announce brings me to the name I keep hearing: Ulster Legislator Robert Parete.  Parete would be a great candidate, actually the ideal candidate for the race and to run against the likely Republican nominee. Parete is a six term county lawmaker, in that time he has lead committees such as the health and human services committee and gotten a lot done. He's a very likeable, smart individual that is passionate about public service, it sorta in his blood.  Legislator Parete is currently the Minority whip of the county legislature.

Rob also has a background not just as a county lawmaker but he also worked in the state legislature under Assemblyman Kevin Cahill. As for the money, I think that Rob will be able to raise a significant amount, he's a good campaigner, his father has gotten a lot of Democrats elected in this county and you get to know a lot of people. I really believe Rob Parete would be our new Senator in the 46th if he decided to run. It really is important to sit and ask yourself, do we want a Senator from Ulster County that knows the issues of our county and how to address them, or do we want a Senator from somewhere like Schenectady County that isn't necessarily familiar with our county? Under Parete we would have a Senator that represents our interests.

New Blog: Ulster Crusader

I got a link to this new blog out there :  www.ulstercountycrusader.blogspot.com

The blog looks like it was made to counter some of the nonsense going on with the Liberty whatever blog and the Cloak room. There are only two or three posts but it looks like it will be pretty entertaining. Before you ask, no it's not me and I do not know who it is. I barley have time to keep this blog updated much less do other blogs. However with campaign season around the corner and politicos not being so fair and balanced, I will do my best to keep this blog updated from now on.

I think the first two pics, explain it all....

Bernardo Attacks Out of Line

The recent attacks on Chairwoman Bernardo are so ridiculous that you have to wonder what peoples real motives are. First things first, I had to laugh when I read comments from Legislator Bob Aileo, this guy may be a senior legislator but he does not put in nearly the hours that Terry Bernardo puts in or his opponent Walter Frey used to put in when he was a legislator, Aileo proves elections sometimes can be popularity contests. And  no offense, Bob Ailio does not have the credibility to attack anyone let alone Chairwoman Bernardo; there are members of the public that have been to more legislative meetings than sitting Legislator Bob Ailio.

Putting all that aside, the firing of a legislative clerk and the hiring of a payroll director, all can be justified and fingers can be pointed about how previous administrations have done the same thing but it's bigger than that. Terry Bernardo is a real business person and unlike many politicos, she has a real set of core values and principals that she believes in. I say that with all sincerity, I know her well and I'm speaking from my heart, she is one the nicest, most competent and dedicated person I have ever met in local politics.

 Dave Donaldson is also a friend and fellow Democrat but he is another one whose comments I took acceptation with, here is an excerpt from the Freeman:

During his tenures Chairman Donaldson said, he fired only one county employee, Fawn Tantillo, a former county lawmaker who had resigned from the Legislature and was almost immediately appointed by then-Chairman Richard Gerentine, a Republican, to a position in county government. Tantillo is now Bernardo’s confidential secretary.

Donaldson said hiring and firing in the legislative offices was then a function of either the full Legislature or the Legislature’s clerk. 

That may be technically true but lets not kid ourselves that's not what happened, Dave Donaldson was calling the shots when he was the Chairman and so were all the previous Chairs before him (Don't forget when Donaldson was Chair, he was the CE0 of Ulster County, this was before the Executive form of government took place. ) Donaldson's comments are unfair and not an example of leadership.


When in your in a leadership position, especially the Chair of the legislature, you can never please everyone, there are 22 other members from all over the county, each that have different issues and constituent needs that need to be addressed. Disagreements come with the territory; You earn political capital, in order to spend it, to achieve big things. 

 Terry has every right to run her office in the best way she sees possible for the people of Ulster County, because at the end of the day, she is the one that is accountable if she does not achieve the ambitious legislative agenda that she has set forth. Terry accepts that responsibility, she deserves a chance to do her job. Not to be taken out for a walk every single week by her colleagues in the newspaper to score cheap political points.

My advise to Chairwoman Bernardo:  fight back.  You're Chair of the freaking legislature, take advantage of it, use your position as a bully pulpit, embarrass these legislators into doing the right thing, point out their hypocrisy..do not let them take advantage of you.   Also work with the County Executive Mike Hein, he too is top notch and believes in doing the best thing for the people of this county.

Respectfully Disagree

The Freeman put out an editorial today that I respectfully have a difference of opinion on. The editorial pretty much says that Mayor Gallo was unfairly picking on Hoffay's  speech for illegitimate reasons. Their point is this, why would the Mayor attack a speech that as Alderman Senor put it "something safe, that you can't get in trouble for".  After all Hoffay is talking about ethics, and open communication, but what he is not talking about is anything of substance which is what I think aggravated Hiz Honor.

We have seen the first four months of Gallo's administration, what we have is a Mayor that is passionate about making change in government and not afraid to ruffle some feathers to get things done. The public is behind Gallo, there is no question about that, just go on the streets and ask. They welcome change, they welcome results. What they don't welcome is more of the same. They don't want more committees and studies and great speeches that are all fluff, they want what Mayor Gallo is giving them: RESULTS.

Mayor Gallo is also correct to question the voodoo economics of using 1 million dollars of the fund balance money to balance the budget last year while the current council was up for reelection. That is something you can't do every year,  and it leaves Mayor Gallo with a one million dollar hole this budget cycle. Mayor Gallo will have to be the adult and make tough decisions. In short, the previous council had a party and Mayor Gallo is stuck with the hangover. Look in New Jersey, where Gov. Corzine used 1 billion dollars in stimulus money to put off raising Jersey transit, well, he was in an election used the entire stimulus in one year, even after being advised by President Obama not to, and now the new Governor has a huge mess to deal with...

Mayor Gallo has a right to be passionate and a right to be inpatient,  his mood represents the mood of most Kingstonians that have been patient for far too long and have sat year after year listening to city leaders give them speeches and make promises that they can't or wont deliver on. It's Enough! 

FREEMAN EDITORIAL-----Click Here

Happy Passover

My Two Cents: Christie for GOP Veep

Now that Mitt Romney has wrapped up the Republican nomination for President the question is who will he choose for Vice President? Rick Santurum and Gingrich have no shot, actually Ron Paul has the best chance of being picked of the candidates remaining, which is great for Democrats.


If Mitt Romney wants to win, he needs to use his persuade Gov. Christie to join the ticket. The NJ Gov. is highly electable and has a high level of credibility and likeability that Romney lacks...

I'm voting for Obama no matter what but Gov. Christie on ticket would present a competitive race.

Over 100 Arrested in Kingston Drug Sweep

Mayor Shayne Gallo holds a broom at a press conference w Cheif Tinti; members of State police; Sheriff Van Blarcum, Under Sheriff Frank Falutico, and DA Carnright

Schriebman Gets Endorsements in Ulster, Dutchess, Columbia and Green Dems

JULIAN: GROW BACK THE BEARD

With two weeks left before petitions are due for Congress, Julian appears he will be the Democratic nominee for Congress against Republican Chris Gibson. First he will have to push back a challenge from Dutchess County Legisltor Joel Tyner which should be a walk in the park.

Chris Gibson's district which has been Democratic before (Gillibrand over Sweeney, Murphy over Tedisco) has a big farming community and is extremely diverse...it's my free political advice to Congressional candidate Schriebman to grow back his beard...It will do him well in the district for both primary and general.

Dem Convention

Julian Schreibman Accepts Dem nod for Congress  photo by Dan Torres

 packed house..

This is about a week old.... Julian Schreibman was nominated as our next Congressman by Ulster Democrats. Julian has also now received the endorsements of the Dutchess, Greene, and Columbia County Democrats. I hear Ahouse and Zimet are both out. The DCCC is actively looking for another candidate but it looks like Julian has a good shot, both for the nomination and the general. Schreibman has my support, the party has endorsed him and I think he will do well.

Frank Cardinale was elected Chairman. Cardinale's failure as Chairman is inevitable, he has no clue, no drive and is fueled by divisiveness. I hope someone can run in September and defeat him for the sake of the Ulster County Democratic Committee.

Woerner for Chairman

The race for Ulster County Democratic Chairman is between two candidates tonight at 7pm at the Hillside Manor, City Chairman Frank Cardinale, and former Ulster Supervisor Nick Woerner. The choice is clear: Vote Woerner.


Nick has the knowledge to the job, he know how to win in a Republican town, which he has done twice, he knows how to orginize and raise money for candidates, which he has done for a geographically deserve amount of candidates around the county including Tony McGinty, Debra Schneer, Gary Bischoff ect.


Cardinale is Kingston centered insider, he readily admits he took a 20 yr plus break from politics and his return three years ago has left a lot to be desired, just look at what happened during the Kingston Mayor's race.

Nick also has taken the race more seriously, which is indicative of how he will be as Chairman, he has made the rounds to the committees, phone calls have been made and personal visits...Frank Cardinale comes back from Flordia today..Enough Said...too much is at stake, give Woerner a 3 month chance to fill Schreibman's term and lets get moving with what will be a very important 2012 election season.

Here and There

 Mike Hein not running...Hein sent shock waves through Ulster County this week when he announced that he would not be a candidate for Congress this year. Hein has been mentioned as a possible successor to Congressman Hinchey since he took office as Executive in 2009. Matter of fact Hein spent thousands of dollars in advertising during his reelection campaign despite having no opponent. Which fueled rumors he was gearing up for a run when Hinchey retired.

Speaking of Hein's reelection campaign; I heard a joke on the street this week that was kinda funny:  

Why did Hein have billboards up all over Ulster County if he was running unopposed?


No mirrors on the way to work! ;)

Seriously, Mike was astute to let the public know he was running and and to get his record out to the people of Ulster County. Despite what some may say, you don't get a free pass as the County Executive because the opposing party thinks you are doing a bad job or more importantly because they think they can beat you. Micheal Hein did not have an opponent last year because they could not beat Hein.

Hein getting his name out on a year the legislature was up and other offices, helps Dems across the county. I kid the county Executive on his superficial public presence sometimes but the fact remains Micheal Hein is a great Executive with the people's interests at heart. Julian, Susan and everyone else can all take a breath now, there chances of being elected to Congress got a whole lot better with Hein's exit from the race.

Now What? Well Julian Schreibman is campaigning pretty hard and is gaining some momentum (www.julianforny.com), we hear New Paltz Supervisor Susan Zimet also is looking to run, Sue has a strong following is savvy and will raise a ton of money...in her 2006 Senate race she raised over 300k easily. Last year Zimet had a huge political comeback getting back her old job as New Paltz Town Supervisor. Sue also has her enemies..she's a mixed bag of powerful friends, powerful enemies and a tireless drive to fight for what she thinks is right, she's a very creditable candidate.

Game Changer Candidates: Dan Ahouse (announcement could be coming any day now) and what if Hinchey changed his mind Monday night at the Ulster County Democratic Convention and announced his intentions to challenge Gibson...a lot of people were talking about how good and energized our Congressman was on St. Patrick's Day. Will Danny Boy in the halls of Congress for two more years??!! I know it seems like a crazy long shot, but hey, crazier things have happened.... 

Tortuous and the Hare: Buzz is Monday's Democratic Convention could be a Woerner comeback..Woerner is doing well at committees I hear. Frank Cardinale is reportedly on vacation until late Sunday night..convention date was moved to Monday to accommodate Mr.Cardinale. Should be interesting to see how it all goes down on Monday.


Other blogs such as Rich Cahill's blog and the Ulster Report have reported on Jim Quigley's exit from consideration in the new senate district that includes Kingston. Albany Republicans have made that district for Assemblyman George Amadore an up and coming Republican from Schenectady. Apparently in order to get GOP backing in Albany you have to write checks to Albany..not to the community you hope to represent. I see some Democratic Quigley supporters pulling down levers for the Democratic nominee...and from what I hear there are two Democratic legislators interested...one would be very strong!

Also thanks for the positive comments regarding work ect....please do not get offended if I didn't publish your comment on subject, I respectfully would like to keep the two separate. I read all comments moderated and unmoderated and I appreciate it the kind words..thanks so much again, I think I know who most of you are :)

Kingston GOP Chair Tony Sinagra Resigns

I give Mr. Sinagra credit for resigning and taking responsibility for his loss. Chairman Frank Cardinale on the other had bashes Mayor Gallo for an entire year and wants to be our Ulster County Democratic Chairman...go figure.

Whoever leads the GOP is of no interest to me but Robb Kinnin would do a good job for what it's worth. To be objective for a moment, he would do well and be fair.

Vice Chair Bruce McLean is now acting Chair, he would be a good choice too.

Peace Talks...What do Mike Hein and Terry Bernardo have in common?

They say the first step to two people resolving their differences is to find some common ground. Whether it be finding things they share a cause on; such as giving Bloomberg and the DEP a huge headache..ect..

Please use the comment section to leave similarities between Hein and Bernardo in an effort to find common ground and good government.

Back from Hiatus....

Sorry for the hiatus!

 How did I miss the honey moon between the Bernardo led legislature and the Ulster County Executive's office? You would think they would be natural allies, they both want to privatize Golden Hill so why the fighting over who sits on the LDC? Also if I am Terry Bernardo I am promoting Mike Hein and his agenda with full force... if Hein runs for Congress (which will happen) if he is elected it sets the stage for the first woman Chair of the legislature to run to become Ulster's first female Executive.


Of course I am known as a peace maker ;~) I offer to have lunch with Executive Hein and Chairwoman Bernardo and play peace maker in a similar way that was done by President Clinton in 93 between than Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and Palestinian President Yasser Arafat.  Minority Leader David Donaldson can buy.


 Congress:  Hein Watch Speaking of Mike Hein:  We are all waiting for the inevitable announcement from County Executive Micheal Hein that he will run for Congress. With Ulster County intact in the new Congressional distric, he would be foolish not to run. Julian Schreibman the former Chairman of the Ulster County Dem committee has a little bit of a head start and if Dan Ahouse runs it really could make things interesting. Congressman Hinchey will be at the Democratic county convention in two weeks... will he nominate his successor? If so he almost would have to back Ahouse who was his former Chief of Staff and trusted adviser.

However, with the 22nd a lot different as the current proposed district Ahouse loses a bit of his edge to Hein. Dan Ahouse has the 22nd playbook down..what he lacked in name recognition he made up for in knowledge of the district the players, fundraising ability ect., the new district proposed is much different than it currently is now. I have to give County Executive a slight advantage over the rest of the pack but both Hein and Ahouse should not sleep on Schreibman who is working hard.

Also keep in mind we are now in a district represented by freshman Congressman Gibson, Gibson took out Scott Murphy last year. Gibson's district was a swing district before redistricting (this is Senator Gillibrand's old seat) now it includes areas like Rensselaer and Ulster, making it even more Democratic. More Dems from outside of Ulster County will run for this seat, especially in a year that President Barack Obama is on the ballot in NY.


Ulster County Dem Chairman- The Convention for Ulster County Democratic Chairman is coming up, I am supporting and voting for Nick Woerner. I think Mr. Cardinale just would not be the best choice for Chair of the county. I say that as a City of Kingston Democratic Committeeman, I have seen first hand Frank in action and he leaves a lot to be desired.

Happy Birthday To Ulster County Comptroller Elliott Auerbach!

Happy Birthday Elliott, don't look a day over 25!

Julian's Candidacy

For three years I have wanted Julian to resign as Chairman of the Ulster County Democratic Committee so I certainly am not going to attack him for doing so now. Yes, it is crazy that Julian would resign and run for Congress without first waiting what Congressional district he will be in but so be it. To be honest, I have a new respect for Julian Schreibman let him run and follow his dream.

For Congress I could support : Cahill, Ahouse, and Hein.. anyone of those three would be great to represent us in Congress.

Julian resigns as dem chair to launch run for congress

Julian Schreibman resigned last week as Chair of the Ulster County Democratic Committee to launch is campaign for Congress. Karen Markasinis is now acting chair of the committee.  I don't really no what I could add to this...

End of an Era

Congressman Hinchey's announcement that he would not run for another term is no surprise, he told me he was retiring early in January so I knew it was coming but still when his office made it official, I could not help but get knots in my stomach, it's sad. Congressman Hinchey is someone that never was afraid to stand up and do the right thing regardless of how unpopular it was in the court of public opinion. Congressman Hinchey is a hero to many and a man that served his constituents proudly, he will be missed in Congress. I wish him the very best in the future and hope he is able to enjoy his golden years with his family and friends...he deserves it.

On a side note: Allison Lee Hinchey's treatment by the local media has been disgusting and despicable. How dare they treat her the way they have because of issues they have with our distinguished Congressman. Mrs. Hinchey is a woman of class and does not deserve to be treated in the manner in which she has. I'm not saying to hide things or push them under the rug but putting it on the front page of the paper  with a picture that is not flattering is very disrespectful. I wish Mrs. Hinchey the very best and hope people and the press will respect her privacy.

What now with the 22nd?

Well there are several different things that may happen. I think most people are waiting for the state legislature to go through the redistricting process to see what is going to happen. Two congressional districts will be lost and with Hinchey retiring it would be easy to chop up the distirct. Ulster County could end up being lumped into Congressman Gibson's district or Congresswoman Hayworth's district.


For arguments sake lets assume that the 22nd stays intact, if that is the case who are the top contenders for the seat?

Kevin Cahill: Assemblyman Cahill is arguable the most qualified and best candidate that Democrats can put up. Kevin is smart, charismatic and has the experience as a legislator in both Ulster county were he served as Minority Leader and as state legislator where he has been in positions of leadership. Cahill a former chair of the state Assembly's ethics committee currently heads the Assembly's very influential energy committee. Congressman Cahill is a good fit.


Mike Hein: County Executive Hein is a great guy and someone that is very likable, even when I disagree with him (which is very rare) you can't help but like him. Mike Hein is committed to making Ulster County the best place ever to live work and raise a family and has been a breath of fresh air leading our county government.  Hein is sharp, a great speaker and damn impressive. Hein would also be an excellent choice for Congress.


Dan Ahouse: As a long time Chief of staff to Congressman Hinchey, Ahouse has the connections needed to run a congressional campaign. Dan Ahouse knows that district and the players like no other candidate could. Ahouse has helped a lot of people and has a lot of friends. Whether or not he is interested is another story but Ahouse is a serious contender if he wanted to make the plunge.

Juilan Schreibman: We hear the Democratic county Chairman is indeed interested in a run for congress. 



Binghamton Mayor Matt Ryan also has been rumored as a possible candidate for Congress. Ryan a popular Democrat will do really well in a Democratic primary. I do not know enough about Mayor Ryan to give an accurate assessment but he's in the mix.

George Phillips: The two time loser did really well last time he ran. Phillips who took money from Karl Rove hit the district with his campaign full of lies and deception. The smear campaign almost was successful, he certainly is going to try and make a run at it.

There will be both Democratic and Republican primaries for this race..it should be interesting and it's gonna swing into high gear pretty quickly.

It's Newt

Newt Gingrich destroys Romney to win South Carolina primary. If Rick Santorum gets out of the way, Newt Gingrich has a good shot to carry Florida and win the GOP nomination.

Bloomberg‎ - 7025 related articles

Results for South Carolina Republican Primary (U.S. Presidential Primary)

Jan 21, 2012 (100% of precincts reporting)

Newt Gingrich	243,153	40.4%
Mitt Romney	167,279	27.8%
Rick Santorum	102,055	17%
Ron Paul	77,993	13%
Rick Perry	2,494	0.4%
Other	8,192	1.4%

Watch Fendi at New World Stages

Please take a minute to watch this video. My friend the very talanted Fendi Munoz performed at New World Stages..someone like you. She's really a great singer who's extremely talented. Look for her to be a household name in a few years. :)

BREAKING NEWS CONGRESSMAN HINCHEY TO RETIRE

As first reported here on Blaber News last week: Congressman Hinchey will not seek another term for Congress..more later. This is a huge loss to the 22nd district.

Will we lose the district or will a long list of politicos now start running for his seat? Full details later.

2012 Predictions

Mayor Gallo Leads Kingston to become one of Money Magazine's 10 best places to live

The Kingston Common Council works with their new Mayor, reform of City government is easier than expected  when the new Alderman team up in a bipartisan manner and control the Majority.

Assembly and Senate Districts redistricting will yield new Ulster County players in state politics

Skartodos returns to Assembly


Kevin Cahill runs and is reelected in the new 101st

The legislature and Executive will be at odds on a scale we have not yet witnessed since the adoption of  the Charter form of government.

Congressman Hinchey retires-- a lot of local pols line up to replace..none anywhere near as good as Hinchey.

Dan Ahouse X Factor in that race, a bright guy with the connections and brains.

An elder party attorney will be elected Chair of the Ulster County Democratic Committee in a three way race.

Barack Obama is reelected President of the United States of America

Blaber becomes Chairman of City of Kingston Democratic Committee (I really hope this one is accurate!)

Congratulations to Chairman Bernardo; Terry first Woman to hold Top Post

  "The Charter set up a balance of power between this body, the executive and the comptroller, the vast overhaul proposed by some to make this legislature less effective is not welcomed from this chair today.”
                                         -Chairman Terry Bernardo,  Ulster County Legislature

Congratulations to Terry Bernardo who became the first woman to become Chairman of the Ulster County Legislature. Terry has been an unfair target by some of her political adversaries and she played it just right, she killed them with kindness and they underestimated her.

Terry Bernardo who holds a Master's degree from Drexel University will be a great Chair, in her first term as a legislator she fought hard for the residents of Warwarsing that have been suffering with flooding due to an unresponsive agency in NYC. If not for Terry Bernardo this issue would never of come to light. Bernardo is a go getter and will get results.


Personally, Terry and her husband Len are two of the nicest and caring people I have ever met and I love them both a great deal. I am not sure you can be proud of someone older than you are but I am very proud of Terry, this was well deserved.

Gallo Takes Charge

The Gallo Era Begins:

 His supporters are called Gallonista's according to Political Columnist Hugh Reynolds, and after more than a year of fighting the political establishment Shayne Gallo was able to break down their back door and  is now officially in charge; as Kingston's 33rd Mayor.

At the swearing in on New Year's day, well over 400 people packed City Hall to watch Shayne get sworn in. Most has to do with the tremendous outreach Gallo's team had during the election and a lot had to do with the hope that Kingstonians have in another Gallo being Mayor. You could just  feel that the people in that room and around the city have a restored sense of pride and hope that they had lost after death of T.R. Gallo. 
With insiders describing Shayne as T.R. on steroids, we are going to see a lot of positive changes in the next year. The closing of a boarding house on O'Reilly house was already a positive start by the new mayor.

Noticeably absent from Gallo's swearing in was Kingston Democratic Chairman Frank Cardinale, who has been at odds with Shayne. Cardinale who didn't support Gallo's bid for Mayor during the primary is showing that nothing much has really changed.