Debate Watch Party for Hillary this Thursday!!!

Ulster County Legislators:

Susan Zimet, Jeanette Provenzano, Mary Sheeley

Kingston Adlermen

Ann Marie DiBella, Jen Ringwood, Shirley Whitlock

Town Councilmembers

Deborah Silvestro, Terrie Rosenblum, Lynn Archer

UC Dem Vice Chair :
Karen Markisenis

Cordially invite you to join them and many other supporters of Senator Hillary Clinton for a Debate Party for Hillary.

When: Thursday, Jan 31, 7:30 to 10:00 pm

Where: Portobello Restaurant (across the street from Democratic Headquarters)

free admission/free food/cash bar

The January 31 debate on CNN is the last debate before the Feb 5 Super Tuesday Primaries

Crime in Kingston Continues to Drop

" We are focused like a laser beam on crime"

- Council Majority Leader Bill Reynolds

Crime in Kingston continues to plummet under the leadership of Mayor Jim Sottile, URGENT and the Kingston Police Department. The number of serious crimes reported in 2007 totaled 766, or 10.3 percent less than the previous year. In 2006, there were 854 serious crimes reported.

The number of reported burglaries went from 138 to 122 from 2006 to 2007, while the number of reported rapes went from 11 to 5.

Robbery reports dipped from 45 in 2006 to 38 in 2007; assault reports were down from 27 to 23; larceny reports declined from 608 to 551; and reports of motor vehicle slipped up from 24 to 26.

Blaber Picks Up Two Key Endorsements

Ulster Supervisor Nick Woerner and Ulster County Legislator Jeanette Provenzano have endorsed my bid for a seat on the Kingston School Board. Legislator Provanzano represents most of the City of Kingston in the County Legislature; Supervisor Woerner is the head of the Town of Ulster, which is the second biggest town in Kingston's Consolidated School District. I'm honored and humbled that they both put their faith in me and my candidacy.

In our ever changing communities we need to elect leaders who will work for our best interest. From local government to the White House, we need leaders who know the issues and have comprehensive solutions to the problems we face. This is even true of our local school board. Our board makes decision each day which affect the current and future leaders of our communities. That is why I stand side by side with my friend and support Jeremy Blaber for School Board. Jeremy’s ability to comprehend the complex issues that we face, make him an ideal choice to serve as a member of the School Board. I stand committed to working hard for the people of the Town of Ulster and I know Jeremy shares my same vision of our shared constituency. Please join me in electing true and compassionate leadership for our children. Please elect Jeremy Blaber for Kingston School Board.

Nick Woerner, Town of Ulster Supervisor

I think Jeremy is a good choice for School board. He has the energy and can relate and will listen to the students in the Kingston consolidated school district. He also understands the burden high property tax puts on our Seniors. I supported Jeremy the first time and will do so again.

- Jeanette Provenzano, Ulster County Legislator

Mayor Giuliani Drops Bid for White House

Tonight New York Mayor dropped his bid for the White House after a very disappointing finish in Florida. Giuliani ignored the early States and invested major resources in Florida where he once held a large 25 point lead.

Let's face it, Giuliani has no one to blame but himself, when he entered the race he was the front runner and had a ton of support. Giuliani ran an extremely awful campaign, the more people he met the more support he lost. Giuliani was very arrogant to think that he could run the campaign that he ran and still win the GOP nomination.

I don't think we have ever seen a Presidential campaign go down hill so fast for no real reason. America's Mayor is expected to endorse Senator John McCain tomorrow in California.

The Flordia Primary

A huge win tonight on the Democratic side for Senator Clinton who stomped her nearest rival Barack Obama by about 20 percentage points. The Obama people are quick to point out that there is no delegates attached to Clinton's victory. Earlier this year the DNC punished the State for moving up it's primary by taking away Florida's delegates.

However, the reason Clinton's victory is significant, it shows that Hillary is the most electable candidate and has the strongest base of support. Over 800,000 people came out and made their voices heard by voting for Senator Clinton through grassroots campaigning. Senator Clinton took in more votes than any Republican candidate, even though the GOP candidates spent months of campaigning in Florida. Make no mistake about it, Hillary Clinton will not only be the Democratic nominee but the next President of the United States.

On the Republican side John McCain pulled out a close win against Governor Mitt Romney wining with about 36% of the vote. This makes Senator McCain the clear front runner to be his party's nominee in November. There still is a small chance that Romney can pull out some States from Conservative voters that hate the idea of a McCain presidency. With ultra Conservative candidate Mike Hucabee vowing tonight to stay in this race, Romney's chances are very slim.

Blaber for School Board

I have decided to once again explore the possibility of running for a seat on the Kingston School Board. Last year, I learned a lot about the district and had the opportunity to meet a lot of great people involved. Now more then ever I am committed to serving on the board and doing the best job that I can for the students in the Kingston School District.

There are a lot of important issues that face the Kingston School District, I look forward to meeting with Superintendent Gretzinger and all of you to discuss these issues over the next few months.


Thanks,

Jeremy Blaber



Issues:




- Increasing security at Kingston High School; specifically looking at a way to limit the now more than 56 entrances and exits that currently exist.

- Working with the City of Kingston to finally restore the Carnegie Library that has sat vacant for so many years.



- Following through and working to implement the recommendations in the building facilities report that was conducted for the district.



- Taking a closer look at the Montessori plan that has been proposed for George Washington. I think we have to take a look at the cost to the taxpayers and getting input from parents, administrators as well as the teachers at George Washington School

- Working with Assemblyman Cahill and the State Legislature to end the way school taxes are funded in New York State through property taxes.

Obama Wins South Carolina (yawn)

As expected, Senator Barack Obama pulled off a victory today in South Carolina. Not to take anything away from Obama but even Jesse Jackson won South Carolina. This was a must win for Obama and he pulled it off. It's now time for Senator Clinton to move forward to Super Tuesday, were millions of Americans will be able to pick their candidate for President. I'm confident now more than ever that Hillary will be the Democratic nominee.

Ronnie Rondout

It seems that Alderman Al Teetsel called up Political Editor Hugh Reynolds to correct him on an error that was written in Reynolds' column. I guess Reynolds put in that Teetsel dressed up as

''Ronnie Rondout'' the clown for Roundout Savings bank when it was really for North Star Bank. Who cares! You think Teetsel would call Reynolds about something he has done in his Ward but I guess that is difficult when you do nothing.

Is it just me, or is anyone else not surprised that Teetsel dresses up as a clown? I guess that's the reason why he has behaved like a clown on the Council all these years, Teetsel was in character.

From now on Teetsel will always be know on this blog and everywhere else as Ronnie Rondout.

Audio Blog w/ Assemblyman Kevin Cahill

Check out my new audio blog with Assemblyman Kevin Cahill. Our Assemblyman talks about Gov. Spitzer's recent budget proposal and the upcoming Presidential Primary.

Mobile post sent by blabernews using Utterz.  Replies.  mp3

The NY Times Endorses Senator Hillary Clinton

Senator Hillary Clinton picked up a huge endorsement today from the NY Times in her bid for the Democratic Nomination for President. The editorial comes out tomorrow, below is an excerpt:

Hearing her talk about the presidency, her policies and answers for America's big problems, we are hugely impressed by the depth of her knowledge, by the force of her intellect and by the breadth of, yes, her experience," the newspaper said.

During her years in the Senate, Clinton has immersed herself in national security issues and has won the respect of world leaders and many in the American military, the newspaper said, adding that she would be a strong commander in chief.

Kucinich To Drop Bid for President

Dennis Kucinich is officially going to drop his bid for the White House tomorrow and focus on the current office that he already holds. Congressman Kucinich is facing four primaries for his seat on the House of Representatives and the latest challenge comes from very popular and well funded Cleveland Councilman Joe Cimperman.

Again, I thank Dennis Kucinich for his bid for the White House, he's a little nutty but he's a bright guy and I wish him all the best.

Marlborough Holds Pre Primary Democratic Candidates Night

Marlborough Democratic Candidates Night will feature Representatives for all of the three major Democratic candidates for Present. All Democrats are encouraged to attend.

Congressman Maurice Hinchey will be speaking on Senator Clinton's behalf.

When: Friday, January 25th at 7:30 PM

Where : Christ Episcopal Church, Rt. 9W, corner of Old Post Road. in Marlboro, NY

Empire Liquor Leaving Kingston; Sottile Did All He Could

Empire Liquors is leaving Kingston and taking with it over 200 jobs. I really wonder how this company went from expanding and creating an additional 100 jobs, to leaving completely. The owner is saying he is leaving for economic reasons and that seems to be the case.

A lot of people the next few weeks will be making this into a political story against certain politicians but one person who needs to be commended is Mayor Sottile. Mayor Sottile bent over backwards to keep this company here in Kingston. Whether it be working against the Unions for an IDA exemption, meeting with the school board about tax breaks or trying to work out a PILOT with the City.

Mayor Sottile really put himself out there and deserves credit for doing what he did. Are they leaving? Yes. However, we know and can sleep at night, knowing that our Mayor did everything in his power to try and keep these jobs here in Kingston.

541-431 Teetsel Loses To Himself

541 ---- THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE THAT WENT IN AND DID NOT VOTE FOR AL TEETSEL. 431 ---- THE NUMBER THAT DID.

541 Ward 1 residents went in that voting booth this past November and decided that they were not going to vote for their unopposed Alderman..which means Teetsel is indeed beatable. In comparison Alderman Bill Reynolds who also ran unopposed carried more than 63% of the vote.

No real story here, just pointing out the number of people that are unhappy with their Alderman. It's really sad to be a Minority office holder when you run unopposed...you would think you could muster just 50%.

Sottile's Tough Choice

Alderwoman Ringwood's resignation is a big loss to Kingston and Sottile has a tough choice in picking her replacement. I have went through the Ward and have narrowed list down to four that most likely Sottile will pick from.

Kathy Mihm ---Not Interested in Position

Tom Hoffay

Jack Finch

Vince Bradley Jr.

All four are highly qualified for the position and would do a credible job and most importantly beat the Republican in November. That is really key, Sottile must pick a candidate that is willing to run this November. I have a favorite but will not opine, for risk of him/her not being picked. I also am a member of the Democratic committee so I will NOT be able to talk about who Sottile picks even if I find out. I would be willing to bet, one of the four mentioned will be the next Ward Alderman.

Obama's Sour Grapes

From time to time we have to use the Sour Grapes picture when a public offical dserves it, this time we use it on Senator Obama. The Obama campaign is now complaining to the Nevada Dems about Senator Clinton's 'unfair Campaign tactics' and the more than 300 complaints that were recieved on election day.

This is nothing more then sour grapes on Senator Obama's part. Did Hillary complain about the Iowa caucus? Give me a break Brack, you lost fair and square.

For the full story click here ---> Obama's Sour Grapes

Sour Grapes Hall of Fame, click name to see the corresponding story :

1. Richard Cahill Jr.

2. Vincent Bradley Jr.

3. Barack Obama

Breaking News : Alderwoman Ringwood Resigning From Council

Below is a letter that Alderwoman Ringwood wrote to Mayor James Sottile announcing her resignation effective May 1, 2008. Jen's departure will leave a huge gap in the Second Ward, she is someone that has done wonders for Kingston and someone that I deeply respect and admire. Jen has always been there to guide me while I learned the ropes of City Politics and I know at times she wanted to strangle me. I've learned a lot from Jen and consider her a political mentor and a great friend. I'm truly saddened to see her go but understand that family comes first.

Dear Mayor Sottile:

It is with sincere regret that I must officially resign my position as Alderman of the 2nd Ward for the City of Kingston effective May 1, 2008. My husband has been transferred to Syracuse, New York and as a result, our family will be relocating to Central New York.

Please know the great pleasure I took in serving the residents of the 2nd Ward. This announcement is not made with a light heart. I will miss working with you, Council President James Noble, Majority Leader Bill Reynolds and all the aldermen I have been honored to serve with on the Kingston Common Council.

My tenure on the Council will be something I look back on for years to come with fondness and satisfaction. I thank you and the voters in the 2nd Ward for giving me the opportunity to serve them and to leave a positive mark on our esteemed City. Over the next several months, I will continue to work hard to serve my constituency and this city.

I look forward to taking an active role on the committee to review plans for the site of the present Uptown Parking Garage and will continue to advocate for smoking bans in our parks and in front of municipal buildings. Now, as always, I will be available to residents of the 2nd Ward who have any questions or concerns. I also look forward to working with you to discuss a potential replacement for my position.

Again, I thank you for your leadership and your friendship. I shall miss you and Kingston. But, I know Kingston’s best is yet to come. Under your administration and the Council’s direction by President Noble and Majority Leader Reynolds, I am confident Kingston’s true potential will be realized.

Sincerely,

Jennifer Ringwood

CRUELLA AT IT AGAIN

Alderwoman Cruella DiBella is at it again, this time she wants to shut down the live call in shows on KPA. Cruella told one producer that he better enjoy the shows while he can because they're going.

Why is Cruella trying to muffle free speech? Not really Democratic if you ask me. Do I agree with Alderman Cahill or Alderman Walker when they go on and blast the Mayor and City Dems? Of course not. But free speech is an important thing, whether it be on a blog, in a newspaper, radio or on KPA.

When I had my show, I promoted local Dems, especially DiBella and now that I'm back I will continue to do so.

I think it behooves Cruella to attend a KPA commission meeting or start a show and actually get involved in the process..Lisa Alt, the Chair of the commission would take any help she can get. I agree with DiBella, changes need to be made. People who are not entitled to an hour show should not have one. I would even be in favor of the City Council looking into passing some sort of fairness doctrine if allowed by law, to make sure there is an even balance of political shows.



I urge people to e-mail Cruella at ward5@ci.kingston.ny.us and encourage her to take a second look at KPA before she tries to destroy live programing.

Dem Primary Comes to Boiling Point in South Carolina

The Democratic debate in South Carolina took a nasty turn, with a heated exchange between Clinton and Obama for most of the debate. Poor Senator Edwards barely got a word in the whole debate.

Senator Clinton made a good point in that Barack Obama refuses to accept responsibility for his record...he loves to play the victim...he will probably win South Carolina but after that his campaign will tap out

Here is a small bit of the debate exchange tonight :

Obama told the former first lady he was helping unemployed workers on the streets of Chicago when "you were a corporate lawyer sitting on the board at Wal-Mart."

Moments later, Clinton said that she was fighting against misguided Republican policies "when you were practicing law and representing your contributor ... in his slum landlord business in inner city Chicago".