Bernardo Announces for County Executive

Len Bernardo owner of Skate Time on 209, announced today that he will be seeking the Republican nomination for County Executive. It seems as if Senator John Bonacic is behind Bernardo, tonight announcing him at his fundraiser, as the first County Executive of Ulster County.

So if the powerful Republican Senator is behind Bernardo that spells bad news for Noonan and Quigley who both are interested in running. Unlike the Democrats, the GOP does not have an open process, at least that has been the case historically.

Bernardo's candidacy is great news for Democrats, the GOP's only hope of staying competitive in this race was running Jim Quigley, a successful businessman, who could easily fund his own campaign.

Bernardo who is a registered member of the Independence party, also could be trouble for Susan Zimet who was counting on the Independence party's nomination as a lock.

Everything seems to be falling in line for Hein, I guess Hein sight really is 20/20.

OTHER NOTES : I hear Robin Yess and Mike Stock both attended Bonacic's fundrasier and both are still interested in challenging Kevin Cahill...both are wasting their time.. Stock, Yess, take some free advice, if you can't win a county legislative race, try for town board, not the State Assembly!

Also I hear from GOP insiders that there candidate for Comptroller will be announcing next week...more info as it becomes available.

Attacks on Steve Gorsline Over the Top

On Monday night on the Kingston Chronicles, a comment was made that DPW Boss Steve Gorsline is rumored to be involved with drugs. These comments are so disgusting and despicable that I will never watch that program again until an apology is issued to Superintendent Gorsline. It's one thing to attack a public official and hold them accountable, it is a whole other story to slander a man that has dedicated his life to the residents of the City of Kingston.

I have never agreed with the Cahill's but I always watch the show because it deals with local issues and I find it entertaining to listen to the commentary that is provided. I was really disgusted this morning when I listened to a tape of Mr. Cahill Sr., even suggesting without ANY facts at all that Gorsline was involved with illegal activity.

Mr. Cahill, the man has a wife and kids do they have to hear such outrageous lies on television? Give me a break.

What Dems Have to Look Forward To

North Carolina is already attacking Obama and he is not even the candidate yet. While this ad is awful, politics is a blood sport and this is what Dems have to look forward to in a general election if Barack is the candidate

Hillary Leads McCain By 9 Points

Senator Hillary Clinton now leads John McCain by 9 points according to a new poll issued by the AP. This really helps Hillary's case to the super delegates that she is the most electable candidate to beat John McCain. Republicans in North Carolina are already running nasty tv ads against Obama. (see above video) Giving us a glimpse of what they will use against Barack Obama in a general election.

Democrats can't afford to lose another election. Do I think Obama can win? Yes, and I would support him of he is the nominee. However, the most qualified and most electable candidate is clearly Hillary Clinton.

County Dem Brunch Sunday, May 4th

Ulster County Democrats

Annual Spring Brunch

Sunday, May 4, 2008

Noon to 2pm

Wiltwyck Golf Club

Kingston, NY

Tickets: $50

Please make reservations

by emailing SFraser0326@aol.com or calling 706-2996.

Reservations will be confirmed upon receipt of payment.

Make checks payable to Ulster County Democratic Committee and send to UCDC, 292C Fair St, Kingston, NY 12401 Attn: Brunch

--reservations a must—

(All Proceeds to benefit the Ulster County Democratic Committee)

FYI- Anyone with an announcement, Dem or Republican, send it to me by e-mail at jeremyblaber@yahoo.com and I will make sure that I put it up in a timely fashion.

The Great Carnegie Library

While I can't talk about school board issues on this blog I hope people will go to this link : Carnegie article, and read the story on the Carnegie Library. Thanks to the Kingston School Board under the leadership of Jim Shaughnessy and Robert Mann, the restoration of this great building is moving forward. I'm proud that Mr. Shaughnessy and Mr. McCoy and other board members that ran on the restoration of the Carnegie library are following through on their promises.

I attended the first meeting last year when Mr.Mann made his pitch to the Board of Ed. and it was considered a long shot, because of the dedication of this community to restore our historic buildings, that long shot is now becoming a reality.

The work of the Kingston School Board, Assemblyman Cahill, Mayor Sottile and Robert Mann to restore this great building really is a great example of how beneficial a public-private partnership can be.

U.C. Races Shaping Up

Last week Susan Zimet joined the race for Ulster County Executive, touting her experience as a County Legislator and a former Town Supervisor. While I support Mike Hein and feel he is head and shoulders above any announced candidate, I like Susan a lot and hope the race is run on the issues and in a fair manner.

Both candidates for Executive have vowed to support the party's nominee and not have a repeat of last years D.A. race. It's good to see both candidates start out in an honorable manner.


For Comptroller, it looks like on the Democratic side David Donaldson and Elliott Auerbach will be the only candidates that will be seeking the nomination.

No Republican candidate has announced yet for Exec or Comptroller.


NY Assembly's 101 district has one announced Republican candidate, Robin Yess, has ditched her candidacy for Exec and opted to run against Kevin Cahill. Mike Stock is also looking at a possible run.

Assemblyman Kevin Cahill is in a strong position for reelection, his recent appointment to the state's Energy committee will likely help boost his fundraising capabilities. His top notch constituent service and personality makes the guy virtually unbeatable.

Sottile Heads to Indiana to Stump for Clinton

Our great Mayor Jim Sottile is heading to Indiana to stump for Hillary in this critical Democratic primary that is coming up. Sottile who serves on Senator Clinton's national conference of Mayor's, will be talking about why Senator Clinton is the most qualified candidate to be our next President.

Make us proud, Mayor!

Back Home

Tomorrow, I will have an update on my trip to Arkansas. This conference really was great, I met a lot of great people and did training with top political consultants from across the Country. I also was fortunate enough to attend a lecture at the William Jefferson Clinton School of Public Service.

The reception at the Governor's mansion was also something that I will not soon forget. The one on one time that I had with Governor Bebe, A.G. McDaniel, the Speaker of the Arkansas House was great. Governor Bebe in particular was one of the most personable politicians that I have ever met, he is a regular person and made me feel at home. His Lt. Governor Bill Halter was the same way and will probably be President some day. We all had full access of the Governor's mansion and I had a good 20 minute conversation with the Governor.

Full update tomorrow.

Clinton Beats Obama in Pennsylvania

Hillary Clinton beat Barack Obama by 10 points! The race was not even close, when it comes to key states that Democrats need to win, Barack loses. Texas, California, Florida, Ohio, all states where Obama was defeated by large margins..

I think the super delegates will start to wake up to the fact that Barack Obama can not win a general election. And, as a party we can't afford a third Bush term under John McCain.

Blaber with NYS Assemblyman Karim Camara of the 43rd Assembly District.

Pics from Arkansas

Here are a few pics from the Clinton library and the Arkansas Governor's mansion. I'll have more updates later.




The Clinton Presidential Limo

Blaber at the podium at the Arkansas Governor's Mansion

Blaber in the Clinton Oval Office

Blaber in President Clinton's Chair in the War Room.

Arkansas Lt. Governor Bill Halter and Blaber

Blaber with Arkansas Governor Mike Bebe

Blaber with Arkansas Atorney General Dusty McDaniel ( who still is a Young Democrat for a few more months)

Blaber outside the Governor's Mansion

Radio Show/ Arkansas/ Short Break

I'm leaving on Monday night for a brief three day trip to Arkansas for a convention at the William Jefferson Clinton library. Hopefully, I'll fit in a little vacation time in as well. The blog will probably not be updated this weekend, I have a lot of things to do before I leave. I will however, update the blog, while I am away. I also will keep up on comment moderation via my blackberry.


Make sure to tune into Kingston Community Radio on Monday morning from 7am to 9am... I will be on with Rich Parete and Glenn Noonan.

Addabbo Key to Taking Back Senate says Malcom Smith

Queens Councilman Joe Addabbo kicked off his campaign for the NYS Senate's 15th district. The Dems' will be focusing on this seat after a virtual unknown came 800 votes short of taking out 10 term incumbent GOP Senator Serf Maltese, without any help from the Dem machine in 06.


This is the tipping point to winning the Senate. There is no race more important than this one. We should all eat, sleep and dream. Joe Addabbo, Jr."


- Minority Leader Malcom Smith

Berardi Drops Bid For Executive

Bill Berardi, today, dropped his short bid for Ulster County Executive. I like Bill and I think he could be a great asset to Ulster County but he is not a politician. And, that's a good thing. I hope Berardi will stay involved and take a look at Mr. Hein's candidacy and join a team that is ready to move Ulster forward. I think the two of them have a lot in common and at the end of the day the same goal : To make Ulster County the best place to live, work and to raise a family.

13 of 19 Democratic Lawmakers Endorse Hein for Executive

BREAKING NEWS : 13 County Lawmakers have endorsed Mike Hein today for Ulster County Executive. These are people that deal with Mike Hein on a day to day basis and recognize his leadership to move Ulster County forward.

There are also over 230 confirmed guest for Hein's fundraiser tonight. Hein's support is growing and growing fast, while the other candidates are not even out of the gate.

Hein, a lifelong Ulster County resident, is seeking the Democratic Party nomination for County Executive in June. Under a new charter form of government starting next year, the Ulster County Executive will have the authority and power to create an executive budget; to set overall goals and priorities, to cut wasteful spending - and to hold all county departments, agencies and managers accountable for results.

Hein has 18 years of private sector financial management experience and a track record of delivering the first Ulster County Administrator’s budget to cut spending. “The legislators endorsing Hein know first hand that he is fully qualified to lead a $325 million operation with 2,000 employees.

Ulster County Ways and Means Committee Chairman Alan Lomita, D-W Rosendale, said Mr. Hein has that selecting the right person for the job of executive is critical. “He has shown to be uniquely qualified for this important position. There is a lot at stake here and Mike understands how (important) it is to address the property tax burden.

Brian Shapiro, D-I-W Woodstock, Chair of the Environmental Committee said: ”Mike Hein is demonstrated he that he will advance sustainable growth while protecting the environment.”

Praise for Hein continues around the county. “Mr. Hein sees how to promote assets and reduce liabilities. Southern Ulster County will benefit from his plan to make county government more efficient,” said Legislator Jon Decker, D-Highland.

Legislator Mary P. Sheeley, D-I Wawarsing, believes Hein knows how to balance fiscal responsibility with compassion. “He is the most capable and competent choice for this pivotal leadership position,” said Sheeley.

Earlier this week, it was announced that Sheriff Paul Van Blarcum had endorsed Hein. In 2006, Democrat Paul Van Blarcum swept a countywide election for sheriff and successfully operates a large countywide agency with a multimillion-dollar budget.

Hein already has the endorsement of Democratic Committees in Hurley and Esopus. He will address committees next week in Wawarsing, Kingston and Saugerties

Full list of Endorsements:

Legislator Alan Lomita D-Rosendale

Legislator Robert Parete, D-W Boiceville

Legislator Thomas J. Briggs D-I Wawarsing

Legislator Joseph P. Stoeckeler, Jr. D-I Wawarsing

Legislator Mary P. Sheeley D-I Wawarsing

Legislator Richard Parete, D-W Accord

Legislator Peter G. Kraft, Glenford D-W

Legislator Peter M. Loughren, Kingston D-C-I

Legislator Jeanette Provezano, D-C-I-W Kingston

Legislator Frank P. Dart, D-C-I-W Kingston

Legislator Philip C. Terpening, D-I-W Kingston.

Legislator Jon Decker, D-Highland

Legislator Brian Shapiro, D- Woodstock

For more information go to: www.heinforexec.com

Reynolds Tops Comptroller Straw Poll

Kingston Alderman Bill Reynolds, a person reportedly considering a run for Ulster County Comptroller came out as the candidate of choice in a Democratic straw poll which included the two already announced candidates for the job.

Bill Reynolds, an extremely well polished pol, would be considered as an automatic front runner for the job if he entered the race. Reynolds who has been active in public service for more than 16 years is well respected and liked on both sides of the aisle. Bill Reynolds' extensive work with the State Senate, NY State Comptrollers office and his own local elected office make him uniquely qualified to be the County's oversight watch dog.

We need someone that knows all aspects of government and the process, as well as someone that will be able to examine everything with a microscope. Someone that will be able to keep tabs on the Executive and the legislature. regardless of their party affiliation. I think Bill Reynolds would be that guy and I strongly encourage him to throw his hat in the race.

Editor's Note: This is not meant to take anything away from Elliot Auerbach or David Donaldson, I really have a tremendous amount of respect for both individuals and think either one would be an excellent Comptroller. There is also another candidate that is contemplating a run that I would certainly support. We are lucky as Democrats to have such a packed and talented field of candidates.

Blaber on KCR This Monday Morning

I will be filling in for Mike Sweeney this Monday on Kingston Community Radio from 7-9am. As many know Mike Sweeney and his choir will be preforming for the Pope during his visit to New York. Also Monday night, I will be leaving for a YEO convention in Arkansas for three days...more on that later today.

I will be on with my good friends Rich Parete and Glenn Noonan... I'm sure we will talk about the upcoming race for Executive and Comptroller. As well as whatever other issues are going on. I look forward to it.