GOOD BYE---THANKS FOR READING

For personal and professional reasons I am shutting down this blog. It has been an absolute honor and privilege to have done the first political blog in Ulster County, which lasted for more than three years!

I enjoyed doing this blog and had a lot of fun with it. I hope that many of my loyal readers enjoyed it as well, even if you did not always agree with my views! I would like to thank Bill Reynolds, Hugh Reynolds, Rich Parete, Roger Rosenbaum, Josh Sommers, Elliott Auerbach, Jon and MariAnn Sennett, as well as everyone else that inspired this blog and encouraged it's existence as a place for current political news.

Maybe someday in the not so near future it will make a comeback in some fashion. Below are some of the campaigns that I covered and participated in that really made the blog worth it.


Thanks for reading!!!


-Jeremy Blaber




AUERBACH 2008

Eliott's victory is something I am very proud of. The guy put his heart and soul in that race and it was by no means a sure thing. Elliott had to fight for his life for the Dem nomination and than go up against the good ol' boys in the general election. At the end of the day Elliott was outspent like 7:1. Elliott ran a true grass roots campaign and never once went negative or jeopardized his integrity. His victory proves that the voters are not as stupid as we think... (credit my Uncle Alderman Crespino for famously coining that quote) and that all the money his opponent threw into the race could not buy Elliott's experience, qualifications or integrity.




The night Elliott won the Dem convention!!!!
The best campaign slogan ever!
Anything for a vote!
Elliott and Judy with dignitaries from Ireland

SENNETT 2007

This is another race that I am very proud of..while Jon was not successful this time he will be in 2011. The guy put in everything he had and without bringing up bad memories we all know why he is not DA. I went into that race thinking I knew all there was to know about Ulster County politics and finished realizing how little I did know. It was the best learning experience and by far the greatest campaign I ever participated in.
Harry Tuman said if you want a friend in politics get a dog, it's so true but Jon is def an exception to that saying, I met Jon at his first fundraiser in New Paltz and learned so much from him, not just about politics but about life. Jon became my best friend and role model, I love him and his family and I am so grateful for everything he has done for me and taught me.


After Jon won the convention



Sennett with Eliot Spitzer during better times for the former Gov
How can I forget putting in those stakes in the frozen ground with Madsen all over the county
Jon at the fair

Holley takes a rare moment to campaign last year

WILSON-PAKULA VOTE!~
2011 is only a few years away my friend!

SOTTILE 2007

Jim Sottile's campaign in 2007 was really a cake walk..I am glad he won.



Sottile takes the oath with our new full time Dem Judge Gilpatric!!!!


VAN BLARCUM 2006

Paul Van Blarcum's campaign was really what set the ground work for Dems to get elected county wide in Ulster. Paul ran a flawless campaign from start to finish and beat his opponent 2:1 despite being outspent by the same margin. Sheriff Van Blarcum has went on to become a great Sheriff and makes this county proud every day!



Our great Sheriff!
Van Blarcum with than Attorney General Eliot Spitzer, again during better times

A Few Quick Predictions For the Road

While I have been focusing heavily on county stuff the past year in a half, my heart has always remained in Kingston politics where I got my start. Here are a few predictions for the common council in 09


Ward 1 - For the first time in living memory, this ward will go Democratic. Alderman Teetsel has lost his way with the party and failed to be a voice for Ward 1. If Linda Provanzano runs it's over before it starts but either way this ward goes blue.

Ward 2- The GOP finally wise up and run a candidate other then Phil but it's not enough, Hoffay is strong and will coast to a second term

Ward 3- Landi in a landslide

Ward 4- Shirley Whitlock is untouchable

Ward 5- If DiBella runs she wins but we see this ward as up for grabs

Ward 6- Ron Pollocco has nothing to worry about, he will coast to a second term and then run for Mayor

Ward 7 Majority Leader Reynolds is the Teflon Alderman

Ward 8- Alderman Senor loses his bid for reelection :(

Ward 9- Alderman Madsen pulls out an easy victory

Common Council goes 6-3 Dems


I also see Jim Sottile recovering from the missteps of 2008, the guy has a lot of heart and has taken some unfair criticism from members of his own party. Those fences need to be mended, once that is done Hiz Honor will have no trouble in 2011.

Elliott Auerbach and Mike Hein Swearing In, Jan 1st

ON THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2009 BOTH MIKE HEIN AND I WILL BE TAKING OUR RESPECTIVE OATHS OF OFFICE AT 1:00 PM IN THE CEREMONIAL CHAMBERS OF THE ULSTER COUNTY COURT HOUSE ON 285 WALL STREET IN KINGSTON.

HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE.
--
Elliott Auerbach

Molinaro Stands Up for Greenway Community Council

State Assemblyman Marc Molinaro has told Governor David Paterson that he opposes a proposal to eliminate the Hudson River Valley Greenway Communities Council and Hudson River Valley Greenway Heritage Conservancy.

Under the governor’s budget proposal – in which he wants to eradicate the $15.4 billion state deficit – he called for the transfer of the two agencies’ liabilities, assets, and responsibilities to the Department of State.

“For more than a decade, as Village of Tivoli mayor and Dutchess County legislator, I saw firsthand the tremendous benefits these relationships have had on the residents of the entire Hudson Valley,” Molinaro said in a letter to the governor.

“The Greenway’s success in spurring inter-municipal cooperation and regional planning is a model for cost savings and consolidation at the local level,” Molinaro said.

“The bottom line,” said the Republican assemblyman, is that, “I do not believe that a savings of less than $100,000 (assuming the loss of federal revenues for the management of the National Heritage Area and re-assignment of Greenway staff) is sufficient reason for elimination of these highly functional and successful organizations shifting the responsibility to the Department of State.”

Blaber News Person of the Year : Assemblyman Kevin Cahill

2nd Year running, Kevin Cahill named Blaber News Person of the Year.

Full write up to follow

Blaber News' Third Annual and FINAL Person of the Year VOTE NOW

I am once again asking for your help in selecting Blaber News' third annual and final person of the year. Blaber News' person of the year must be an active member of the community that has made significant contributions to making Ulster County a better place to live work and raise a family.

Voting will go on for a week and the winner will receive the Blaber News Person of the Year plaque, and a full page write up on Jeremyblaber.com

Vote on the right side of the blog and feel free to use the comment section to write in a nominee that may not be on the list.

Full descriptions of the nominees will be done in the next day or so but for now here are the nominees and the specific reason to why they were nominated:

Mayor Jim Sottile- For his unwavering support of the long dormant Kirkland Hotel, even when it was an unpopular idea that hurt him with labor in his 2007 election. The Kirkland had it's grand opening April 11th of this year.

Comptroller elect Elliott Auerbach- Elliott Auerbach was elected Ulster County's first Comptroller in the closest election in Ulster County's history. Auerbach ran a true grass roots campaign being outspent by his opponent more than 5:1, despite this, Elliott never went negative or jeopardized his integrity or the integrity of the office that he was seeking. His election is truly historic.

Executive elect Mike Hein- Mike Hein was elected to be the first Executive of Ulster County in a landslide, running a well organized campaign and focusing on his great successes as county administrator. Hudson Valley Business magazine stated that " Mike Hein has delivered more reform in his two years as administrator than the previous 29 combined."

Assemblyman Kevin Cahill-- Kevin Cahill who was the 2007 Blaber News Person of the Year, was recently reelected to another term in the state assembly winning almost 70% of the vote. Cahill is a tireless advocate for Ulster County and is the new chair of the Assembly's energy committee.

HEIN AUERBACH ROAD TO VICTORY IN PICTURES

Comptroller Elect

Auerbach Wins Comptroller Race!!!!


The people of Ulster County have elected Elliott Auerbach to be their first County Comptroller. I can't tell you how happy I am, Elliott is going to be an excellent Comptroller and will make this county proud!

I also think that a tremendous amount of credit should be given to Jim Quigley, who ran a great campaign and is a true gentleman. We had our disagreements but I have the utmost respect for the guy.

Focus Media Nets Townsend As New C.O.O.

Jay Townsend

Conngrats to Josh Sommers on his new hire, it's disappointing to see that Josh will no longer be working on political campaigns. I had the opportunity to get to know and work with Josh and he is one of the best in the business here locally. I recommend Focus media to anyone or buisness looking to get their message out. Below is the story from the Record.

MONTICELLO — Focus Media, the public relations and marketing firm that has made a reputation with campaigns getting Democrats elected to office, has hired Republican strategist Jay Townsend.

Townsend will become the company's chief operating officer on Dec. 1, said Focus Media President and CEO Josh Sommers.

"He brings a world of experience to our firm, and he's going to be able to open a lot of doors," Sommers said.

For the past few years, Sommers has redirected his firm's focus away from politics and onto building a portfolio of corporate clients such as Real Estate Solutions, Walden Savings Bank and Monticello Gaming & Raceway.

Firm taking on national clients

Townsend, a Cornwall-on-Hudson resident who owns the political strategy firm The Townsend Group, helped engineer major campaign victories for Republicans. He's credited with helping Patrick Buchanan win the New Hampshire presidential primary.

Sommers said Townsend's political savvy will translate well as the firm takes on larger, national clients.

"There is a methodology to political work" that will translate well to corporate clients, Townsend said. "You start with a certain market share, and your job at the get-go is to secure your base and then invade the base and turf of the other candidate."

Townsend said the economic downturn means corporate America will see "a tremendous period of upheaval," with many weaker companies not surviving. He added that companies that don't advertise to protect their market share might not survive the downturn.

Focus Media is opening an office in Goshen. Townsend will oversee business operations at that office and its existing office in Monticello. The firm employs eight people, up from three less than two years ago.

With the exception of one outstanding commitment, Focus Media will no longer accept political clients. Townsend said he will operate his strategy firm separately from Focus Media.

YES HE DID

MADAM SECRETARY

For the first time in almost 8 years, we are going to have a President and an administration that we can be proud of!!!!

Now the fight for Hillary's Senate seat begins...I'm pulling for Suozzi but it's a long shot. Smart money says Cuomo or Gillibrand.

Bob Porter Elected Dem Boss in Ulster

Former Kingston Alderman and Ulster resident Bob Porter was elected unanimously to serve as the new chair of the town of Ulster Democratic Committee. Mike Berardi, who was also nominated, declined to run saying that Bob Porter was a person that had the skills and ability to do the job effectively.

Mr. Porter's first order of business was to schedule a holiday party at the Reservoir Inn, to start fundraising for town board races that will take place next year.

Happy Thanksgiving

AUERBACH TAKES LEAD IN COMPTROLLER'S RACE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Elliott Auerbach has taken the lead in the race for Ulster County Comptroller. Elliott is leading Quigley by 74 votes with 5 districts left to be counted. Keep thinking positive my friends, the worm has turned!!

167

167 votes separate Elliott Auerbach from becoming Ulster County's first Comptroller. Good thoughts and optimism are desperately needed my friends!!

MONDAY 11.24.08

We started the day behind by 366

Today narrowed the gap as we continue to open up both absentee and affidavit ballots.

THE NUMBER IS NOW 167

Here is what helped us today:

Town of Rochester +62

Town of Rosendale +47

Town of Shandaken +48

Remainder of City of Kingston +33

First 4 Districts in Saugerties +8

Here is what we have left:

321 Shawangunk

394 Woodstock

500 Saugerties

200+ Set aside and objected to ballots

SUOZZI FOR US SENATE

First, I offer my early congrats on Hillary Clinton becoming our Secretary of State, it could not go to a better more qualified person. As you know I supported Hillary Clinton for President and I think she will be great as our top Diplomat.

Someone else I supported in early 2006 was a guy named Tom Suozzi who was running for Governor in a primary against Eliot Spitzer. I supported Tom early on and I switched to Spitzer because I met Governor Spitzer and he was clearly the guy for the job.

While I don't regret my support for the former Governor, I think NY would be in better shape in if in 06 we had elected Tom Suozzi, a guy that reformed Nassau County and has fought hard against corruption on every level and someone that has been a leader in fighting for property tax reform in this state.

We need a guy like Tom Suozzi fighting for us in the Senate, a voice that will not be silenced, a leader and someone that will be an advocate for NY, like Senator Clinton has been.

I hope that Governor Patterson sends Tom Suozzi to Washington, I don't think any of us will be disappointed.

Stevens Out, Quigley Next

Today Senator Ted Stevens lost his bid for reelection to his Democratic challenger after all the absentee ballots where counted.... One down, one to go.

Bruhn for GOP Boss

While we wait for the results of the Auerbach campaign, I guess we can deal with some local issues and one of them is the new leadership in the Kingston Republican Committee.

It seems that Mario Catalano has given the word that it is time for Jean Jacobs to go as Republican Chair and he has the votes to get rid of her when they reorganize next month. The question is who will take over the top spot? Tony Sinagra (yawn) and Rich Cahill (yawn) have been mentioned as possible people to take over.

I like Tony but his time has come and gone, if the Republicans want real leadership and a shot at taking back the council next year they must restore integrity to the committee, Micheal Bruhn Jr., is the guy that can do that.

Now as a Democrat I am hoping that Jacobs stays on as long as possible but as an independent observer, Mike Bruhn Jr., is the way to go if the GOP wants to start winning elections.

Paper Breaking For Auerbach

The absentee ballots are breaking steadily for Comptroller candidate Elliott Auerbach in his bid to become Ulster's first Comptroller.

While not much was accomplished on Friday due to the Skartados/Kirwin race, we should have a good idea on who won this election on Tuesday.

The good news is Auerbach is breaking ahead in areas like Marlboro and other Republican strong holds where he did not do particularly well on the machines.

I think this goes to the theory that these votes were cast before the Quigley media wave of lies and deception hit. If Auerbach does well in Kingston and holds on to New Paltz, Woodstock and Rosendale, the race will go his way.

More details as they become available.

Two Reasons Why Auerbach Should Win

BY THE NUMBERS

Elliott Auerbach is looking better everyday at becoming Ulster County's first Comptroller and I am cautiously optimistic that he will pull it off.

First, Jim Quigley spent $17 per vote compared to the .76 per vote that Auerbach spent, the fact that this race is close tells you something.

Right now Quigley leads with 550 votes (Auerbach gained 28 during the re canvas) and the more than 4200 absentee ballots will begin to be counted next Wednesday. With a strong Democratic trend, Elliott looks to be in good shape, as long as Dems voted down the line and not just for President.

No matter what it will be close but keep in mind a few things :

1.) Most of the people voted by absentee weeks ago, before the huge Quigley media wave hit

2.) 2:1 more Dems requested absentees than Republicans

3.) Democrats targeted all absentee voters early on

But, who knows anything is possible and Quigley could very well win.



FOR THE GOOD OF THE COUNTY AND PROCESS:

I ran into Mr.Quigley the morning after the election at a local establishment and I went to shake his hand and he said " stay the "f" away from me", Quigley just showed all the millions of dollars he has couldn't buy him class.

It's funny my relationship with Mr. Quigley had always been cordial up until that point and he even called me a few days before the election to tell me one of Elliott's big signs were knocked down and he gave me the location to fix it.

After I thanked him, I said to him, there are a lot of bad Dems and Republicans out there and people that get involved for the wrong reasons but whatever the result of this election I want you to know, Auerbach is one of the good ones. And, that's how it ended.

And, I meant that, the election has already been decided we will know the result soon enough but whatever the outcome Elliott Auerbach is a stand up guy that put his principals and integrity above everything else.

Elliott is the only candidate that ran countywide that never went negative, not once! Even when his opponent would put out a mailer full of lies and distortion, he would say, I'll let my Integrity guide me and I always respected that and it's something that Elliott taught me that stuck with me and I am proud of him for it.

Which is why I am confident that after every vote is counted the people of Ulster County will have spoken that they want a Comptroller with integrity and morals, and you can't walk into Ulster County and buy an election. After every vote is counted, my good friend Elliott Auerbach will be Ulster County's first Comptroller.

A message from Elliott Auerbach

How great was it to lick the nectar of victory off of our lips as we celebrated Democratic successes both nationally and locally. The efforts by each and every one of you were remarkable and the HUGE turnout reflected that.

Let me share with you a brief update as to where we are with the Comptroller’s race so that you can pass this along to all who have a stake in our successes.

At the end of the evening I was trailing by 585 “unofficial” votes. Here is how things broke down:
As a Democrat I beat him by 4180 votes (33047 to 28867)
He gained that back + 10 on the Independence line by getting 4190
He then took 3564 on the Conservative line
I took 2989 on the Working Families line

Yesterday the Board of Elections began reviewing the tally (let’s call it a recount for lack of better words) to ensure that the numbers that were reported match the actual tally.

Once that is done and confirmed we may have a slight deviation to the spread.

After that, the fun begins.

To date, there are 4430 absentee ballots that have yet to be counted out of 6165. Ballots can come in as late as November 12th so there should be even more.

41% of those absentee ballot requests are from Dems (2512 out of 6165)
28% from NO PARTY (1705 of 6165)
26% are from Republicans (1604 of 6165)
3% from Independence (206 of 6165)
1.5% from Conservative
The remainder from WFP (11) Green (30) Libertarian (2)

The BOE will begin counting the absentee ballots on November 14th

IN ADDITION there are a number of people who voted by affidavit. I don’t have a handle on the exact amount but it could be close to 700

Any or all of these votes will be scrutinized by legal teams representing both candidates. This will be a long and arduous process that could take three weeks…..STAY TUNED!

The good news is we are in the race!!!!!!


Thanks for everything.


Elliott

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 44TH PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES

President Barack Obama....never thought it would happen. What a great day to be a Democrat and an American.

Hein Wins, Comptroller Race too Close to Call

Full details and analysis later today. The blog will continue until the conclusion of the Ulster County Comptroller race...GO AUERBACH!!!!!

VOTE HEIN AUERBACH AND THE REST OF ROW A

It's very important that we all go out and exercise our right to vote this election cycle. It's an historic election both nationally and locally. I want to thank all the candidates that stuck their neck out and decided to run for public office, I think at the end of the day the benefits are greater than the bitter partisan fighting that takes place each year.

PRESIDENT: BARACK OBAMA

COUNTY EXECUTIVE : MIKE HEIN

COUNTY COMPTROLLER: ELLIOTT AUERBACH

NYS ASSEMBLY 101 : KEVIN CAHILL

NYS ASSEMBLY 103 : MARC MOLINARO

ALDERMAN WARD 2 : TOM HOFFAY

NEW PALTZ TOWN BOARD: BRITTANY TURNER

Quigley Called out on the LIES and Deception of HIS campaign

CLICK PICTURE TO READ.