Meet Ulster County's Next District Attorney; Jonathan Sennett

Mariner's in Highland -- Saturday evening, 5:30-8:30 -- watch the sunset on the Hudson and support all local democrats! ($40 per person)

Sunday Brunch and Mums Festival in Saugerties -- Brunch starts at 10:00 am, the Festival starts at 1:00, come on up to beautiful Saugerties!!!

Monday at the Rosendale Theatre -- HUGE HUGE HUGE Rummage Sale, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm, come on out and bring your neighbors, face painting for the kids, great buys!! Jon will be on hand to discuss issues with one and all!

More Info on all these events and more at: http://www.sennettforda.com/

Sennett Signs Out Today!

The first day to put out signs is today, feel free to put your signs out and show your support for your candidate. Those of you who still need lawn signs please e-mail me at : jeremyblaber@yahoo.com

This is a very important election and there is so much at stake here. We can stick with politics as usual, or elect a reformer Spitzer type candidate...let's not blow this unique opportunity.

Two for One Vote?

When we elected President Bill Clinton in 1993 we got Al Gore as our Vice President, when we elected Governor Elliot Spitzer we got Senate Minority Leader David Paterson as our Lt. Governor. But do we get two people when we vote for City Court Judge? Well if you ask the friends of special court Judge Larry Ball they'll tell you that's the case and I must say I agree. By law if Judge Gilpatric were to lose the November election to J. Michael Bruhn Jr., Gilpatric would automatically go back to the special Judge spot he was appointed to before Feeney's retirement. And, of course, this would mean Larry Ball would no longer be a Judge. This has prompted the Friends of Larry Ball to put out bumper stickers that read... Let's keep the Ball in our Court, Vote Gilpatric.... Very catchy and I think it'll be effective. Besides the fact that Jimmy Gilpatric is the most qualified candidate and has the most experience, Larry Ball is also a good judge and comes from a very good family. So, why not kill two birds with one stone this Novemeber? Elect Gilpatric and keep Larry Ball.

Woerner's Tax Hike Under 2%

Supervisor Nick Woerner's budget keeps taxes in check with a mere 1.87 percent hike, which is in large due to things out of the control of the board, i.e. employee benefits and attorney costs for the town. Last years budget called for a decrease by about two percent. With fiscally responsible budgets like these Woerner is going to cruise to victory in November, as he should, Woerner has been a breath of fresh air since taking office two short years ago. A little off subject but, one must wonder if Woerner didn't have to waste time campaigning so soon, maybe taxes could of been lowered even more? In addition to granting Woerner reelection voters should increase the term of town Supervisor to four years. If you ask any former mayor in the city of Kingston that had to run every two years they will tell you how essential it is to have a full four year term.

* Employee benefits at $3.13 million, an increase of $255,310, or 8.88 percent.
* Police department expenses at $2.18 million, an increase of $33,898, or 1.58 percent.
* Insurance costs at $247,948, a decrease of $82,189, or 24.9 percent.
* Transfer station expenses at $213,712, a decrease of $1,288, or 0.6 percent.
* Town Hall expenses at $126,000, a decrease of $16,500, or 11.58 percent.
* Building inspections at $116,765, a decrease of $623, or 0.53 percent.
* Attorney fees at $80,000, an increase of $20,000, or 33.33 percent.
* Zoning costs at $76,290, an increase of $3,140, or 4.29 percent.
* Planning costs at $58,800, an increase of $4,000, or 7.3 percent.

U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer Endorses Sennett for D.A.

Senator Chuck Schumer, New York's Senior Senator, today endorsed Jonathan Sennett for Ulster County District Attorney.

SENNETT PICKS UP BIG ENDORSEMENT

"Jonathan Sennett is a tenacious and proactive prosecutor who will be a first-rate District Attorney for the citizens of Ulster County and its law enforcement professionals, said Senator Schumer. He understands that to fight crime effectively, you must attack its root causes. As an assistant district attorney in the Bronx for five years, Sennett learned that tough prosecution must go hand-in-hand with prevention efforts. I have complete faith that he will develop effective strategies for the law enforcement issues facing a changing Ulster County", said Schumer.

During his 20 years in Congress, Senator Schumer was the leading sponsor ofthe Crime Bill that added tens of thousands of cops to communities across America. Schumer sits on the Senate Judiciary Committee and is a member ofthe Administrative Oversight and Courts Committee.

Sennett is committed to maintaining and improving the quality of life that makes Ulster County a great place to live, work and raise a family,continued Schumer. Make no mistake about it, serious crime requires serious prosecution. And Jonathan Sennett knows we must be both tough and smart when it comes to crime -- balancing prevention with first-rate law enforcement and prosecution

Cahill Again, Owes Mayor Sottile and Alderman Senor an Apology

Regarding the corruption charges Rich Cahill posted on his blog ( The Cahill Posting), Cahill accuses Sottile of being corrupt and Alderman Senor of getting special favors for his girlfriend in exchange for his loyalty to the chief executive. After further looking into this matter, neither are true and Alderman Cahill owes Mayor Sottile and Alderman Senor an apology.

First of all, the tow charges in question were paid from the police budget and not from the sewer fund. The code for the police budget is 3120 and the sewer fund code is 8120 so I guess it's easy to see how uninformed and sloppy people like Rich Cahill or his buddy Chris could get this confused.

Second of all, the reason the tow bill in question was paid by the City of Kingston is because the KPD hired Tim's Automotive. Sometimes when the KPD tickets an illegally parked vehicle it's necessary for the public safety to have the vehicle towed. That's why the KPD maintains a rotating list of tow companies to do this work.

Once the KPD has a car towed away the city is obligated to pay the tow truck company. Then in addition to the parking violation fine the owner of the vehicle(in this case, Alderman Senor's girlfriend) must pay the tow charges. In this case both the fine and the tow bill were paid.

I really have a hard time believing that after two years as a member of the Common Council that Rich Cahill doesn't know about this very common procedure. Furthermore, how reckless is he to publicly make a charge like this without even bothering to check the facts of the matter first?

Lawn Signs Go Out October 6th

D.A. candidate Jon Sennett w/ Governor Elliot Spitzer

Lawn Signs can go out on October 6th (my birthday), so if you want to do something for my birthday think about putting out a Sennett or Gilpatric sign on your lawn. In all seriousness, anyone who needs a sign for Sennett or Gilpatric, please e-mail me with your address to jeremyblaber@yahoo.com and I'll get one to you. The D.A. race is county-wide so most people that view this site can put a sign out for our next D.A.

Supreme Court Justices Cahill, Teresi and Ceresia Cross-Endorsed

All three Democratic Justices, Cahill, Teresi, and Ceresia were cross-endorsed by the Republican Judicial delegates on Friday at it nominating convention in Albany. All are now ensured a 14 year term starting in January. All three are good honorable public servants and I wish them a congratulations. Even though they're all unopposed it's essential that we all support them with our vote this November.

Justice Cahill was appointed by Gov. Elliot Spitzer to fill a vacancy left by the late Justice Bradley who died earlier this year. Prior to his appointment, Justice Cahill served as Bradley's Principal law clerk. His responsibilities included keeping abreast of current law and advising Justice Bradley on a full range of legal issues as they arise at trials, conferences and hearings; researching and drafting all motion and non- jury trial decisions; presiding at settlement, discovery and scheduling conferences; training and supervising legal interns; and monitoring all rules, regulations and statutes affecting the operation of Supreme Court for compliance and advising Justice Bradley and staff of same. Justice Cahill's website

Justice Teresi was first elected in November 1993, as a Supreme Court Justice for the Third Judicial District, and took office on January 1, 1994. Judge Teresi presides over civil and criminal cases primarily in Albany County, but has served in a number of other counties throughout the state as well, including New York, Essex, Saratoga, Westchester and Warren counties.

Interesting Fact : Justice Teresi was the trial Judge for the Amadou Diallo case

Justice Teresi's Website

Justice Ceresia Jr. was first elected to the Supreme Court of the State of New York in 1993. Judge Ceresia is one of 15 Supreme Court Justices currently serving in the Third Judicial District, which encompasses Albany, Columbia, Greene, Rensselaer, Schoharie, Sullivan and Ulster counties. Justice Ceresia's website

Football Picks with Blaber and Parete

A new weekly feature on the blog, Blaber and Legislator Parete's football picks, will feature Rich and my weekly football picks. We'll keep track every week and see who does the best. Please feel free to use the comment area to post your own.

Parete's Picks :

Minnesota over Green Bay L
Dallas over St. Louis W
Bills over Jets W
Chicago over Detroit L
Miami over Oakland L
Atlanta over Houston W
Baltimore over Cleveland L
Carolina over Tampa Bay L
San Fran over Seattle L
Pittsburgh over Arizona L
San Diego over KC L
Denver over Indianapolis L
Philadelphia over Giants L
Cincinnati over New England-- Monday L

Blaber's Picks :

Miami over Oakland L
Atlanta over Houston W
Cleavland over Baltimore W
Chicago over Detroit L
Green Bay over Minnesota W
Dallas over St. Louis W
NY Jets over Buffalo L
Carolina over Tampa Bay L
Seattle over San Fran W
Pittsburgh over Arizona L

Kansas City over San Diego W
Indianapolis over Denver W
NY Giants over Philadelphia W

Cincinnati over New England --Monday L

Blaber --8 Parete--3

Gov. Spitzer's License Program Gains Support from AFL-CIO

Gov. Eliot Spitzer finally picked up a friend in the increasingly bitter debate over his move to allow illegal immigrants to obtain drivers licenses. New York State AFL-CIO President Denis Hughes called it “strictly a matter of fairness” and said Spitzer “should be applauded for taking a pro-active approach on this issue, while the federal government has done little to address immigration reform.”

“Governor Spitzer’s actions will shine a light on those who are willing to become productive members of our society and workforce. As such, greater scrutiny will reduce the opportunities for those who would otherwise take advantage of individuals willing to work and provide for their families. The ability to protect a workers’ livelihood is essential, regardless of immigration status.

“As a progressive, enlightened society it is our responsibility to ensure a level playing field for all who want to work in this country. This policy change is a step toward eliminating exploitation.”

New Comptroller named in Kingston

John Tuey of Lake Katrine has been named the new Comptroller for the city of Kingston. Tuey is expected to be confirmed by the council this month for a contract that will last six years with an approximate 90k annual salary. The sad part is that out of a state wide search not one single applicant was from Kingston. Don't get me wrong, Mr. Tuey, from what I understand is extremely qualified for the position....more details to follow.

Could the Dysfunction Amoungst Dems Throw the GOP into Power?

In--Out--and Back In--- County Auditor Lisa Cutten has announced she is back in the race for mayor as a write in candidate. Now, first, for the record, I like Lisa Cutten, she's bright, articulate and has done wonders as our county auditor. But one has to wonder what is she thinking? Under the new charter form of government adopted by voters last year, we will be electing a county comptroller and Lisa Cutten seemed like the obvious choice for the Democratic nomination and the odds on favorite for the job. I think running against the mayor of Kingston in an election she has no shot at winning, will unfortunately, hurt her chances next year for Comptroller.

Lisa Cutten may want to take a lesson from play it safe Hein, Mike Hein, is in a similar predicament as Cutten. Hein who serves as county administrator is widely speculated to be running for County Executive next year and has been very careful to keep very low key, in what is a politically charged election season.

What does Cutten's announcement mean for incumbent Mayor James Sottile? Absolutely nothing. Mayor Sottile has a well oiled machine behind him and will easily win reelection in November by at least a 2:1 margin. And rightfully so, whether you like the sometimes stubborn chief executive or dislike him, one thing is certain, he loves Kingston and is a terrific Mayor. The type of guy that would do anything for you or his city. I've never met a more caring compassionate person in public service.

However, the perception of a prominent Democrat like Cutten running against Sottile doesn't help Sottile or the unity of the Democratic party. It's my honest belief that this is being allowed to happen because of Vincent Bradley Jr., who is like a nightmare you can't wake up from for Sottile and every Democrat in Ulster County, who feel they owe the younger Bradley's father, the late and well respected Vincent Bradley Sr., his due. Kingston Dem Chair Robert Golnick should of put a stop to this write in campaign the first time she announced by telling Cutten to sit on her hands and be loyal to her party and the leader of our party (Mayor Sottile), but how could he with Bradley's name engraved on Sottile/Noble headquarters? It's time for the Democratic party to become united and for Bradley to take the silver spoon out of his mouth and start thinking about someone else for a change.

Jail Report Released

The jail report was released today and I picked up a copy and went into an informational meeting on the findings this evening. I'm in the process of looking through the documents and I'll report more on it later this week. I think we have to really applaud Tracey Bartels, Robert T. Aiello, Richard Parete , and Frank Felicello who spent tireless hours on this report and did so in a bipartisan manner.

It's my understanding that the legislature is going to request that the D.A. launch a criminal investigation. Julian Schreibman, a senior investigator in the Ulster D.A.'s office, that was assigned to oversee the jail investigation, was at the informational meeting and was in regular contact with the legislature throughout this process....so stay tuned.

Scott Moone Passes Away

I first met Mr.Moone when that nut Hal Turner was planning to come to town, I forget who contacted who but I do remember what a nice guy he was. What many people may not know, Mr. Moone, who I only met a few times is responsible for the creation of this blog, giving me the idea when he was developing a website for a friend of mine. Not sure if Monday morning radio will be the same without the guy.

Photo Blog: Assemblyman Cahill's Event at the Park

Assemblyman Kevin Cahill's event at Hasbrouck park was a huge success drawing about 150 people for a day of fun with friends and supporters. The event really showed the strong support that Kevin Cahill and the Democratic party has in Kingston and Ulster County. Here are a few photos from the event.

Future D.A. Jon Sennett talks with Assemblyman Cahill

Majority Leader Reynolds with not a care in the world

Commissioner Landi with County Democratic Chairman John Parete

Alderwoman Jennifer Ringwood comes to show her support for Assemblyman Cahill

Former 5th Ward Alderman Jimmy Madden, we all miss him serving the 5th Ward. A much better Alderman then the current one.

Judge James P. Gilpatric working the crowd

U.C. Legislator Brian Cahill pauses for a photo

Future County Legislator John Martino pulls into the Cahill event in style

Judge Gilpatric applauds Assemblyman Cahill

Just a Reminder: Cahill's Fun Raiser will be held this Sunday

THE FRIENDS OF KEVIN CAHILL PRESENT THE 2007 FUNRAISER in the PARK
That’s right, folks -- its back!

Please join us for an afternoon of food, friends and fun!Sunday, September 23, 2007 12:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Hasbrouck Park, Delaware Avenue, Kingston Here’s the best news…the price hasn’t changed since 1985! Still $15 per person -- children under 12 are free!Music by Tuttle Soundlabs Enjoy our traditional burgers, hot dogs, (new this year -- veggie burgers!) homemade salads, desserts, beverages, children’s craft table and much, much more!

If you can come to this event please do. Assemblyman Cahill is a man that is always there for the people of the 101st District and a public servant in every sense of the word.

-JKB

SENOR WINS GOP LINE

Alderman Robert Senor did in fact defeat Todd Langon in a GOP primary this past Tuesday. The Board of Elections had made an error, originally declaring Langon the winner by a vote of 26-24. The actual vote was 24-16 in favor of Senor. Senor now holds both the Dem and GOP line, which means lights out for new comer Todd Langon who still holds the Conservative line.

Primary Shows Kingstonians Happy with Sottile and his Democrats

With the dust settling from Tuesday's primary one thing is clear Mayor James Sottile and his Democrats will coast to victory in November with all of Sottile's hand picked candidates winning big. I think a message was sent on Tuesday that the people in Kingston are happy with it's current leadership.

James Noble trounced Lenny Walker by more then 2:1, Landi, Whitlock and DiBella were all successful in their primaries. One shocker was Alderman Senor's loss to fringe candidate Todd Langon who pulled out a squeaker winning by two votes, I think we can chalk it up to an extremely low turn out in the eighth ward and people wanting a choice in November. In the end, Bob Senor will have no trouble winning reelection this November.

The City Judge race split with Judge Gilpatric winning the Independent line and J. Michael Bruhn Jr. winning the Conservative line...while Judge Gilpatric has a strong edge and in the end will emerge victorious this will be the only real competitive race city wide.

And, finally, Roscoe Pecora vowed to stay in the race for County Legislature after getting beaten handily in a Democratic Primary by Alen Lomita, Phil Terpening and Sal Silvestro. Pecora said he would stay in on the Conservative line and run as a spoiler. And you guessed it Pecora is a staunch supporter of Vincent Bradley Jr., surprise surprise!

Shirley Whitlock's Clean-Up a Success!

Rev. Shirley Whitlock poses for a picture at her community clean-up that drew the neighborhood together and worked to lift the moral in Ward 4. Shirley is making Ward 4 a place where people can be proud of and her efforts are to be applauded. It's my sincere belief that Rev. Whitlock is putting her words to action and will be successful as the next Alderwoman of Ward 4.

Opinion Poll : Kingston Mayor

Sottile Wins Opinion Poll by nearly 2:1!

Poll Resuls ---> Here