Gallo Fundraiser Draws Crowd of More Than 200

Congratulations to Mayor Jason West

Mayor West and campaign guru Dan Torres

VOTE JASON WEST NEW PALTZ MAYOR

Vote Jason West for New Paltz Mayor! Elect Arianna Basco and Sandy Rhodes Village Board

voting is from 12-9pm at the Village Fire House

Gotcha!

DEAD

Justice has been served. Congratulations to President Barack Obama and our U.S. Troops

Mixed Bag

Guy Kempe, Shayne Gallo and Jen Fuentes at WFP Fundraiser at Little Italy

On Tuesday I went to the Ulster County legislature meeting, it was good to catch up with people I had not seen in a while.

A few observations:

Butch Dener's presentation on the importance of becoming an organ donor was touching. His story of survival was moving and I encourage everyone to become a donor.

Paul Hansut: maybe not all that bad of a guy, I like him. Frank Fellicello: always happy to see him, he and Rich Gerentine are great.  Rich Parete :one of my close friends and I am glad that he is now running for reelection. Susan Zimet, I am once again a fan of Legislator Zimet's and  enjoy her stories that are usually about how great she is :) Marybeth Mao: had an opportunity to bond with her a bit and she is really funny and personable.

Saw Under Sheriff Frank Falutico as well and he has got to be one of the funniest people I know, the guy is hysterical! Also got to see MariAnn DeGroodt this week (his sister) who has an absolute heart of gold.

Speaking of Falutico, Frank Falutico usually goes to all legislative meetings, it's good we have an Under Sheriff that is so involved. Deputy Election Commissioner Jay Mahler also was there, another hard working county employee that goes above and beyond her job duties. The BOE is well served under Vic Work and Jay Mahler, no question.

Prior to the Ulster County Legislature meeting I went to a protest in front of the county building that was really well attended. Terry Gilbert, Shayne Gallo, and dozens of others protested in front of the county building in favor of keeping Golden Hill county run. It was a really great event.

Mike Hein had his kick off fundraiser on Thursday, I was unable to make it but I hear that close to 400 people were in attendance and it went really well. Mike Hein is such a great guy, I had a conversation with him Friday night and he is just so impressive and can tell by listening to him that he is really passionate, his passion for Ulster County is contagious.

On Friday, I had a great night at the Working Families Party's annual mid Hudson Valley Fundraiser. This is the third one I have went to and it gets better every year. Jen Fuentes and Guy Kempe did a really great job as always. There was a lot of work and time put it in to this and the band: The Will Smith Trio was awesome! Can I also say Jen Fuentes not running for relection is a loss to Kingston.

I had a good time chatting with Jonathan Sennett, Shayne Gallo, Hayes Clement, Tom Hoffay, Sue Zimet, and a lot of other great people that night. Assemblyman Kevin Cahill and his fiance Nancy were in attendance. The Assemblyman who recently got engaged to his long time girlfriend, looked in good spirits and very happy. I wish them both the best :)

There is an election for New Paltz Mayor on Tuesday. I will devote my entire blog to Jason West on Tuesday but I want to also remind people to vote for Ariana Basco and Sally Rhodes for Village Board as well.

Clean Up Pix Redux

 Gallo and Legislator Madsen cleaning the tracks

 Clement helping clear the tracks

Gallo Hauling a huge Tree as he helps clear the tracks

Gallo Taking Part in City Wide Clean up

Shayne Gallo

Dozens of volunteers including Corporation Counsel Shayne Gallo, Alderman Hayes Clement, and Legislator Mike Madsen took part in an effort to make Kingston a cleaner place to live. Good stuff.

Hayes Clement

Hein Gets Bipartisan Support from Town Supervisors

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


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


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


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

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


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

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


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

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


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

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

Detective Matthews

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

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

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

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

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

District Attorney's Race: Sennett v. Carnright

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

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

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

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

Hein's Indy Endorsement...Why It Matters

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

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

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

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

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

Former Alderman Lenny Walker to Run for County Legislator as Democrat

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

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

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

Gallo Standing Up for Our Seniors

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

Why the Bernardo Endorsement Ends The Executive Race of 2011

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


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

Bernardo and Ulster Independence Party Endorses Hein for Executive

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

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

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

Hein

A Strong Record of Accomplishment

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

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

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

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

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

Minority Leader Jeanette Provenzano Hospitalized

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

Whitlock vs. Hoffay

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Happy Birthday Mayor.

Happy Birthday to Kingston Mayor James Sottile.

Update

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

Woerner for Ward 5

U.C. Legislator Rich "No Holds Barred" Parete Comes Out of Retirement

Ulster County Legislator Rich Parete, a former wrestler, who coaches and is involved with wrestling leagues decided to come out of retirement after 20 years and enter a wrestling tournament. He did pretty good winning 2-3 contests, one going into triple overtime and Rich won by escape. His wife Colleen, said on facebook she was very proud.

Rumor is Rich will be facing off against fellow legislators Hansut, Ronk and Roberts in an upcoming County sponsored pay-per view event in a steel cage match....smart money on Parete.

I have pictures below (I think if you click the four squares below they should pop up..will work on fixing this when I figure it out.)

RIP Geraldine Ferraro

Geraldine Ferraro, the first woman to be on a major-party presidential ticket, has died at age 75 according to The New York Times.



Ferraro, a former congresswoman from New York City, was the Democratic candidate for vice president in 1984, running with presidential candidate Walter Mondale.

Some stories on the race for Kingston Mayor

Some stories this week on the Kingston Mayor Race, worth checking out :

Kingston Times Story

Kingston Times Editorial

Daily Freeman Redux

Daily Freeman

YNN Story

The Olivia Rose Belfiglio -- Memorial Scholarship

Friends and family of Olivia Rose Belfiglio, announce The Olivia Rose Belfiglio Memorial Scholarship for Kingston and Saugerties High School Seniors. Olivia was the Daughter of Ulster County Legislator Carl Belfiglio (R) Port Ewen and Dale Winchester of Saugerties.


Olivia lost her life June 4th 2010 while hiking in the Devils Kitchen area of Greene County. The Scholarship was organized by friends of Olivia, Amy Buono, Katie Ehmann and Grace Schneller and many more.

The 2011 Olivia Rose Belfiglio Memorial scholarship is the result of the proceeds and donations from the 2010 LIVI-LOVE 4K race in memory of Olivia Belfiglio. Friends and family with the support of the Onteora Runner’s Club offered this race in August 2010 to celebrate Olivia’s life. Thanks to nearly 400 participants, volunteers, and generous sponsors, significant scholarship money was raised in Olivia’s memory.

Up to six $700 scholarships will be offered to Kingston or Saugerties High School seniors planning to attend a two or four year college in the Fall of 2011. Applicants need to demonstrate interest and participation in athletics, the arts, community activities, and academics.


The Scholarship will have six awards of $ 700.00 each. To apply see the Saugerties and Kingston High School guidance offices for an application.


Deadline for submission is May 12th 2011.

Contact :

Mike Schneller at (845) 706-1381

Carl Belfiglio 845-331-4137

Turco Levin Announces for Mayor

Andi Turco Levin is announcing that she will be a candidate for Mayor in Kingston, seeking the Republican nomination. Rich Cahill, Jean Jacobs and Ron Polacco have all announced their intentions as well. So it looks like there could be a 4 way primary this September..wow!

Rich Cahill announced on his blog that the search committee unanimously recommended him to be the candidate this November. The full committee will have to vote. Cahill also seems to be a lock for the Conservative line.

Will be fun to watch the GOP fight it out.

Kingston Times

I encourage everyone to go out and buy a copy of this weeks Kingston Times, has some great stories on the race for Kingston Mayor in there.

Here is an excerpt on an editorial written by Dan Barton that gives an interesting prospective on the Gallo v. Clement race :


"Look at it another way, Clement, like your new friend, emphasizes the great things about you and focuses on where you’re going from here. Gallo, like the friend you’ve known all your life, acknowledges the great, but knows all about your buried bodies and has the moral authority to call you on your BS."

Read full editorial by clicking here

Mayor Sottile Restores 50k for Carnegie Project

Mayor Jim Sottile restored the 50k in funding to go toward the restoration of the Carnegie library. Mayor Sottile did the right thing, for more than 30 years this building has sat dormant. Thanks to Mayor Sottile, and members of the board of education, the buildings restoration is finally becoming a reality.

Shayne Gallo had more than 50 people tough it out in the rain to come and listen to his vision for Kingston. Above is one of his younger supporters.

The Blaber App

I was at a coffee shop this morning, and a guy came up to me and showed me an app that he has on his iPhone for my blog. Have to say that person completely made my day..haha

Dozens of Local Businesses Show their Overwhelming Support for Gallo at Parade

Shayne at the parade, he has assured everyone this is the last time he wears the transition glasses outdoors ;~)

 The St. Patrick's Day parade this weekend and it was a blast. A lot of hometown pride, Brian Cahill said it best on his facebook, the AOH sure knows how to bring the community together.

I also saw a lot of support from local businesses along the parade route for Shayne Gallo, businesses starting from the Academy Green to the end of the route downtown, were displaying signs in their windows supporting Gallo's candidacy. I did see a few people wearing stickers for Cahill and Polacco but the support for Gallo was overwhelming.

Wadnola Defends $800 Dinner: "They Drank More Than They Ate" ??

Interesting Article in the Shawangunk Journal this week.


FROM SHAWANGUNK JOURNAL

ULSTER COUNTY DISPATCH

Chairman Defends Dinner

By Paula Sirc

KINGSTON – Of the receipts reflecting the thousands of dollars spent annually by former director of the Ulster County Resource Recovery Agency Mike Bemis on hotels, conferences and dinners, one bill, in particular, nags at Ulster County Chairman Fred Wadnola, R-Lake Katrine. The item in question is a receipt for an $800 agency staff dinner at his wife's restaurant, Fred's Place.

"I didn't even know about the party and she didn't remember it until they brought the receipt over," he said.

Memory refreshed, Wadnola said that the party was attended by all of the agency's staff, who "drank more than they ate," and was a celebration of the DEC permit that the agency had received. "That was in 2007, when I had nothing to do with the RRA," the county chairman said. "They keep crucifying Fred's Place, yet the agency had a Christmas party at another local place and spent over $900 and no one said a word."

The receipt for the dinner is dated Jan. 25, 2008, which, as reported in the Daily Freeman, was eleven days after the county's environmental committee floated the idea of Wadnola serving on the agency's board.

Nominated to the board by former Minority Leader, Glenn Noonan, Wadnola's appointment was confirmed in February 2008. It was during his tenure on the trash agency's board, he said, that they passed a resolution banning alcohol consumption.


The chairman also defended Legislator Kevin Roberts, R-Wallkill, who he appointed to chair the Government Services Committee that oversees the trash agency. The Freeman reported that in August 2009, while he was on the legislative board that oversees the agency, Roberts asked for and received a $14-per ton discount from the agency for 8.5 tons of debris from his contracting company.


Wadnola said that while he wouldn't have done what Roberts did, it was an innocent misstep and that the legislator was only "doing what contractors do — when they go to different landfills, they try to get the best price they can."

The chairman said that the focus on the RRA has been far too political and that attention should be drawn to the work that's being done right now to make the agency financially viable.

The UCRRA has been under financial scrutiny since August when Ulster County Comptroller Elliott Auerbach issued a report criticizing the lack of legislative oversight involved in the operations of the agency. The report examined some $32 million in fees, known as Net Service Fees, NSF, that the county has paid the trash agency since 1992, per an agreement between the county and the UCRRA.

The net service fee — the difference between RRA expenses and revenues — reduces the cost of services to taxpayers and keeps the agency competitive. A 1992 contract with the county requires taxpayers to pay the fee.

Wadnola believes that the agency would "wipe out" the net service fee entirely and begin to repay county taxpayers by siting a county landfill in one of the towns.

"We'd save anywhere from $4-7 million in fuel from trucking everything up to Syracuse," he said.

Noting the improvements in landfill technology since the UCRRA initially tried to site one in the early 1990's, including environmentally-friendly synthetic liners, Wadnola said, "I wouldn't have a problem with siting a landfill in the Town of Ulster — it would produce revenue for the town in terms of a community benefit and for the county and would save taxpayers millions of dollars."

Open Thread

What's going on out there, what are you hearing?

Slideshow of Shayne Gallo at Butch Guido's 30th Anniversary of Mariner's Harbor

Dutchess County Executive Molinaro? Sounds Good To Me.

I talked to the Assemblyman who sounds to me like he is running. Marc is a friend that I think would be a great County Executive and I wish him the best.

Chief Keller Retiring

Chief Jerry Keller announced on Saturday that he was retiring as Kingston Police Chief at the end of the year. I wish Chief Keller the best of luck and thank him for his service to Kingston, he's a great chief that served with integrity and kept Kingstonians safe.

I think you will see  a lot of department heads retiring at the end of the year, that's the way it goes when a new administration starts. The new Chief of police whomever it be will have big shoes to fill.