Just When You Thought is Was Safe to Come Out!!

It was our intention to refrain from New Postings until the Induction Ceremonies January 1st, 2010 but Nick has proven to be the 'gift that just keeps giving'!

Can You Believe the nerve of soon to be former Supervisor Woerner? Is it possible he is hiding something or is it as simple as he didn't get picked for the team so he's taking his toys and going home? 

Either way he is confirming the intelligence of the voters this past November as they chose to put 'Nicky Boy' in the history books.

As stated in earlier Posts this blogger mentioned that Woerner's immaturity would prevent him from conducting a smooth transition and that Jim Quigley would have his work cut out for him.

Let's just hope that the issue with Ms. Mitchell, Town Bookkeeper of some 40 years, is just Nick's way of acting out and not a bigger problem, (see Sunday Freeman & the Daily Freeman of Dec 26th). Let's also hope that the Court Order now drafted will prevent Nick from destroying any pertinent files regarding Town of Ulster finances.

Is it Divine Providence that JQ is a CPA?

Jim has the experience and knowledge necessary to make sense out of the current finances of the town. His abilities as a CPA alone justify his election, however I'm confident that once all the questions regarding the last administration are answered and the skeletons are out of the closet our town will once again realize prosperity.

1/1/10 can't come soon enough!

What Might Be, Could Be, Will Be!

January is on the horizon and a new day will dawn for the Town of Ulster. The residents and their concerns will no longer take a back seat to the 'Friends of Woerner'. The priorities of the Quigley Administration place the residents first, and although a monumental task, putting the finances of the town in order will be tackled from day one!

After reading the 'Freeman's' report on the intricacies of the new budget, one line item sticks out, 'Debt Service' $164,288 an increase of 35.66%. This increase is not the whole story, one must look at the past 4 years to understand how unacceptable this number really is. The main topic used to define the failure of the Woerner policies was the near disappearance of the fund balance, ($1.3 mil in 05 to $14,000 in 09), over the same period the Town Bonded for $1.3 mil. Most of the spending and added expenses were created during 2006 & 2007, years of an economic boom where revenues were also the highest in the last 20 years, making the need for this added funding further proof of the failures of Woerner's economic policies.

This is just one of the issues which will confront Supervisor Elect Jim Quigley. Fortunately, with his experience and credentials he is equipped to address the town's financial problems, eliminate bad practices and control spending in the current economic landscape.

He will need the support of all residents and his 'Open Door' policy welcomes all to Town Hall for both input and criticism.

A small town begs its citizens be involved, good government should represent the interests of all residents, with the doors of Town hall finally opened to all this will soon be a reality!

Woerner Won't Go Quietly Into That Good Night!

Just a few minutes into Thursdays Town Board Meeting was all one needed to see this is going to be a rough transition for Supervisor Elect Jim Quigley. Nick Woerner is already attempting to 'have it his way', behind closed doors, like most of his tenure as Supervisor. Fortunately Mr. Quigley intends on living up to his campaign promise of 'Transparency' and quickly put Mr. Woerner in his place.

Woerner's decision to have Councilman Joel Brink assist in the transition can only make the process more complicated than instructions for a backyard 'Jungle Gym' as Joel knows little of what's what, where it is and what it's for! Apparently Nick is reinforcing the voter's decision to replace him by acting as pompous and detached from the needs of the town as he was while in office.

Furthermore, Mr. Woerne's inviting former Town Attorney Andy Zweben to assist Mr. Quigley's transition team on a pro bono basis makes about as much sense as his voting 'NO' for his own budget proposal! It begs to question does he really think people are that naive?

I'm sure issues will arise, and with Mr. Zweben not being under oath, one must wonder if there will be more questions after his responses than before!

In any event, Mr. Woerner should look at the outcome of the election, (almost 2:1 against), and reflect on his actions as supervisor, he can choose to remain arrogant and angry or accept and learn from his mistakes. The latter would make a successful return to local politics more possible than the attitude he has adopted and the behavior he is determined to display.

After congratulations are conveyed and accepted it is clear the real winners are the residents of the town of Ulster.

Good Luck, Mr. Quigley, Mr. Morrow, Ms Baldeli-Hendrick & Judge Kesick.

As for Mr. Woerner, a Mortician's License is in order, you've shown a real aptitude for burying things, a political career for starters and sadly the Town of Ulster and the people who entrusted it in your care.

Congratulations are In Order!!

Jim Quigley, Supervisor, Town of Ulster
John Morrow, Councilman, Town of Ulster

Chris Hendrick, Councilwoman, Town of Ulster

& of Course Our Finest Town Justice, Sue Kesick!!
Congratulations to all! Hard work, honesty and determination are qualities shared by the entire Quigley Team and the Town of Ulster can raise up once again and claim it's rightful place as the Center Piece & Jewel in the Crown that is the Hudon Valley!

Ulster County Legislature Races:Congratulations to the Republican Party a Majority Once Again!
District 5 winners, Fred Wadnola & Jim Maloney,
District 4 winners, Walter Frey, Mike Sweeny, Bob Aiello & Dean Fabiano
District 8 winners, Jack Hayes Jr, Cathy Terrizzi & Ken Ronk
District 1 Terry Bernardo
District 7 Carl Belfiglio & Laura Petit
and any one we might have missed

A Special Congratulations to 'Judge' Don Williams, we couldn't have asked for a finer individual!
Congratulations to 'County Clerk' Nina Postupack, One of the hardest working officials Ulster County h"as ever had.
Above all Congratulations to all the hard working residents without who's efforts none of these victories would have been possible. After all is said and done, It is all aout YOU the 'VOTING PUBLIC', they are your representatives and your public servants.

PS On aspecial Note, Congratulations Mario Catalano, the best effort ever by a Republican Chairman in Ulster County, We at Ulster is Your Town Too applaud your effort!

Since the Gloves are OFF!

We reference our own post just prior to this, "More Facts Your Just Can't Make Up"

It was a difficult decision to make public Mr. Artist's Personal Trouble. The decision was not easy,  however after reading disparaging comments made by  Mr. Woerner & Mr Secreto in both the Kingston Times & The Freeman regarding the personal difficulties of Ms Hendrick, a pending foreclosure, (this information was given to 'Ulsterisyourtowntoo' in a personal interview at a much earlier date and held back with consideration of her family), we felt they have made anything 'fair game'!

We were proud to report earlier that all opponents had conducted themselves with civility, we are just as disappointed that Mr. Woerner & Mr. Secreto have chosen to place personal gain above decency at the expense of a resident who is obviously facing difficult challenges outside of the 'Public Arena'. 

We'd really like to know how you feel, all comments will be posted.

More Facts You Just Can't Make Up!

After reviewing the latest campaign Finance filings of the Candidates for Town of Ulster Supervisor one contribution sticks out like a 'sore thumb'!

On Nick Woerners latest filing there for all to see is a major contribution of $2, 500 by none other than his Deputy Supervisor, Craig Artist. 

This contribution in and of itself is not unusual, what is unusual however is that fact that according to 'Public Records' Craig Artist is "a deadbeat dad". Apparently Mr. Artist has foregone his child support payments, designated by the courts, to further his and Mr. Woerner's political futures. 

We'd Love your thought's!

It’s Exactly the Reason:

The following letter appeared in Friday’s Freeman ‘Letters to the Editor’ section under the title: ‘Mismanaging Ulster’.

We think is sums up the Election in the Town of Ulster as well as any!

                                                                                                   

Dear Editor,

When this young man, (Nick Woerner), was first elected supervisor of the Town of Ulster, many residents were hopeful that he would do a great job.

He appeared to be a young man who had expressed a desire to be a good communicator and to work with the people of our town for a better government. Little did we know that he would spend down almost all of the Town's reserves to the point last year where he raised taxes by 21% in an attempt to cover his losses.

As an example: in the 4 years he has been supervisor, he has used, (or misused), over $900,000 of the Highway Dept. Reserves and applied those funds to offset taxes, while at the same time refusing to allow the Highway Superintendent to purchase ‘Needed Equipment’.

This year the Highway Dept. reserves are once again being used to lower the Town property tax. The supervisor has bonded $1.3 million to replace aging highway equipment. He should have allowed the Highway Superintendent to purchase some of this equipment each year using the highway reserve fund balances. So we taxpayers will now have to pay for this ‘error’ over the next 30 years.

To add insult to injury, he is using money from the Landfill Closure Fund to offset taxes for 2010. This is against state law as per the State Attorney General and the Consolidation of Towns. This money can only be used for capital projects.

We have apparently made a huge error voting this young man into office. He has successfully spent almost all of the town reserve funds. He has placed the town at risk of going bankrupt.

This is just one example of his inability to manage, resulting in over $2.9 million in unnecessary bonding that taxpayers must now pay for.

As for being a good communicator, he has failed miserably. He never returns phone calls, not even to other government depts. I have spoken to many people who say the same thing.

These are just a few of the mistakes this young man had made and the list goes on. To protect our town, we must send him home and replace him with a true manager. 

Robert J. Crane 

After a few months of searching for information to relate to our friends and neighbors so that they might make a more informed decision on November 3^rd, facts have at times been difficult to find and even then harder to understand.

It is time for the people of the Town of Ulster to have their say, this seemed like as good a place to start as any!

Facts You Should Know!

Prior to October 2008 the assessed valuation on Chambers Phase 1, 72 units, was $1.799,000.00. The PILOT, (Payment in Lieu of Taxes), negotiated for Phase 1 was 9% of gross rental income or $35,000.00 in annual Tax Revenue. This PILOT was again re-negotiated down to $7,200.00 or $100.00 per rental unit. Costing our taxpayers $27,800.00 in lost tax revenue.

You Do the Math.

                          $35,000.00                              -$7200.00 

                     ($27,800.00)  

Furthermore

On October 2^nd 2008 a resolution was enacted to authorize Deputy Supervisor Craig Artist to negotiate the Chambers Property Value Assessment. The result was a reduction from $1.799 million to his suggested valuation of $156,000.00. This resolution was seconded by Councilman Rocco Secreto and reduced the Special District Taxation for Water, Sewer, Fire, Library & Lighting and decreased the Town's tax revenue by 92%. 

• If we compare the Assessed value of your home against the assessed value of 72 Units at $156,000.00, What’s Up????????????????????????
• The Senior Center located on Rte 9W in Saugerties NY, identical in design to Chambers of Lawrenceville is assessed for $1.2 Million and is only 60 Units????
• How is Craig Artist qualified to negotiate such a sensitive assessment??
• Mr. Artist, also owner of Lawn Doctor, is paid by Chambers properties for seasonal groundwork and landscaping, a clear conflict of interest.
• Why was our most competent Tax Assessor, James Maloney, excluded from the  negotiations in violation of the NYS Constitution??? 

These are just a few of the questions we feel should be answered when decisions severely impacting the Tax Revenues of the Town of Ulster are negotiated and settled.

"Telephone Poll's"--Are They a Little Early?

We have had the opportunity to respond to telephone polling for more than a few instances over the recent days. As a active political blogger, more questions come to mind, some are easily answered, others more complex.

As Election Day nears, (1 month and counting down), the only question of any importance follows. We hope that readers will take the time to answer it thoughtfully. Take the time to write your response in the comment section, add your reasons if you wish. It will give all townsfolk a better idea of how their neighbors are thinking and what is most important to them this Election Year.

One Simple Question:

Knowing what you know to date, how would you cast your Vote for :

• Supervisor of the Town of Ulster?
• Town Councilman (you get 2)
• Town Judge
• County Legislators for District #5.

The Future is YOURS!--Let the Voting Begin!

Facts Are Hard to Find!!

It is the intention of this blog to inform our residents of the 'Economic Practices and Polices' of the current Supervisor and Town Council. 

Unraveling the facts has been a problem as contradictory statements and cloudy bookkeeping practices have been difficult to disseminate.  

Topics under investigation by this blogger are:

• The Recent Property Assessment signed by Craig Artist, Deputy Supervisor for Birchez/Chambers.
  
• The Use or Mis-use of the Surplus Fund Balance.
• The Recent Tax Agreement with Sam's Club and The Hudson Valley Mall.

If there are Topics you, the Residents of The Town of Ulster, wish to see addressed please use the comments section of this blog. We will do our best to investigate and report on all issues on the minds of voters in a timely fashion.

The Candidates

Sept. 2nd, 2009

It's nearing the time where lawns around town become a canvass of political placards of red, white and blue. Mail boxes will soon be filled with foldout flyers introducing you to your choices on Election Day. Saturday mornings and Sunday afternoons bring with it visits from the men and women fighting for your vote. 

The candidates this November:

• 'Your Town' Supervisor:
  

Incumbent, Nick Woerner, (D) is being challenged by James Quigley (R)

• 'Your Town' Council:

Seeking re-election, Rocky Secreto, and former councilmen, Craig Artist, (D's) are being challenged by John Morrow (R) & Chris Hendrick (C)

Are you satisfied with the status quo or is it time for new blood and a new direction?

Ulster is Your Town Too welcomes the comments of our friends and neighbors.

A Informed Voter=A Intelligent Vote!

Priority One—Fiscal Responsibility

August 24th, 2009

Whether you’re a Republican or a Democrat Fiscal Responsibility should be local government’s prime concern. This year more than other’s it is even more important as the economy lingers in a recession. Town officials should consider a timely budget so residents can make informed decisions this November.The following report depicts the fiscal activities of the Town of Ulster’s current administration. 

Town of Ulster Financials 2007-Present 

Fiscal 2007:

Forecasted Budget: $5,619,902.00

Actual Expenditures: $6,201,233.00/ Over Budget ($581,331.00)

This budget was approved by outgoing Supervisor Wadnola

Supervisor: Nick Woerner

Town Board members: Rocky Secreto, Craig Artist, Joel Brink & Dave Brink 

• Fiscal 2008:
  

Forecasted Budget: $5,973,433.00 

Actual Expenditures: $6,675,732.00/ Over Budget ($702,299.00) 

Supervisor: Nick Woerner

Town Board Members: Rocky Secreto, Joel Brink, Dave Brink & Craig Artist 

• Fiscal 2009:
  

Forecasted Budget:$6,196,660.00 

Actual Expenditures: $7,057,361.00/ Over Budget ($860,701.00) 

Supervisor: Nick Woerner

Town Board Members: Rocky Secreto, Joel Brink, Dave Brink & Eric Kitchen 

• Fiscal 2010: Yet to be submitted.
  

Supervisor: Nick Woerner

Town Board Members: Rocky Secreto, Joel Brink, Dave Brink & Eric Kitchen. 

Although the budget for 2009 has not been presented to date, it is expected to have risen approximately 10% and an anticipated property tax increase of upwards of 20%. The factors yet to be considered are last years budget overrun and the drop in the Towns portion of County Sales Tax revenue and Town Mortgage tax revenue, both considerable amounts. 

A further fact to be considered before election-day is the financial profile of the Town:

January 2006 Fund Balance $1,289,337 

December 2008 Fund Balance $14,825.00/ Expenditures: $1,714,502.00 

The town floated a BOND for $1.4 million, ($225,000 was for legal fees), in May 2009 and is considering another Bond for the completion of the Senior Recreation Center.

This would make raising funds for emergencies more difficult, and strain the Town’s credit rating in an already stressed economy. 

The US economy has been in a downward spiral since mid year 2008. Nationally, economists and leaders of the current administration have determined that this is possibly the worst recession since the late 1970’s-early 80’s. Local economic forecasts are no better. These trends should be considered while deciding on projects and budget overages in such dire economic times.

As residents of the Town of Ulster are being pressed harder and harder to meet their own budgets, Town Officials should be no less responsible. 

Expenses for energy and taxes are on the rise, the potential for inflation becomes more and more inevitable as these factors filter thru the economy. We urge local officials to consider these facts as the budget for 2010 is prepared. 

Budgets are by no means written in stone, however when an administration presents a comprehensive spending plan, the residents should be able to rely that the administration will do it’s best to adhere to it.

Senior Recreation Center

August 19^th 2009

With all the noise lately about the Senior Center, it’s location and expected use, this weeks Town Board Meeting should prove very interesting.

Questions raised so far surround some very important issues.

• Have alternatives have been proposed & evaluated?
• How much of the cost will be absorbed by the taxpayers?
• Is it to be located in the ‘Flood Plain‘?
• Beyond the cost of the structure itself, how will it be outfitted, ie: furnishings, entertainment and recreation units?
• What are the expected costs for Heating, Air conditioning and general maintenance?
• How many people is this expenditure expected to benefit?

From previous disclosures, the original Government Grant is $300,000.00, From what we can see the expected cost is $600,000.00, (not including overruns, remember the UC Jail). A pretty hefty investment in tough economic times.

We at Ulster is Your Town Too believe our seniors deserve some recognition and respect. We wonder, however, if this project might not be overkill. We understand that time is running out for utilizing the Government Grant, we are not sure though if spending an additional $300,000.00 in this economy is justified.

Is this the best way to afford our seniors with a place to gather and recreate?

Of the issues bulleted, an important question yet unanswered is the location. It has been suggested that the development site is smack dab in the middle of a Flood plain. Our Supervisor was incapable of addressing this serious issue at previous Town Board meetings. We all know how residents have suffered in recent years with flood damage, and the cost of insurance, if it is available at all. Will this be one more edifice left to ruin because we rushed in with eyes closed?

We feel this issue must be addressed before any commitment to development is initiated.

In addressing the question of overkill, have any other alternatives been discussed. Might it be economically responsible to rent a location, after all commercial vacancies are at an all time high, we are confident that a facility can be secured that would serve our seniors and all residents to their satisfaction, and might not inflict any further damage to an already exhausted budget.

The key factor in this project as with all Town Projects is to be sure we get the most bang for our buck’. The Senior Recreation Center might just be the answer, all we ask is that our local representatives do their job to protect our residents:

• Investigate alternative solutions!
• Verify the facts!
• Fully disclose the projected cost!
• Disclose the expected costs to outfit and maintain the Center!

"Contractors License Law"

August 12, 2009

“Contractors Law”

Nick Woerner’s ‘Contractors License Law’, (see Town of Ulster Website townofulster.org/)
Since the public hearing of August 6th, the dust has settled regarding this proposed law, it is clear residents of the town and neighboring communities are totally against the ‘Contractors Law’. This is confirmed by the many legitimate shortfalls pointed out at the public hearing.

It should be noted this law was in fact proposed by Supervisor Woerner and drafted by Town Attorney Andy Zweban specifically for this public hearing. At the close of the August 6th hearing, Mr. Woerner stated “This law is proposed by the Town Board and comments will be taken under advisement before a decision is made”.

Let the record show that Councilman Eric Kitchen has stated, “I have not been involved in the creation of this law, nor do I support it”.

Furthermore, where was Councilman Secreto for this most important public hearing.

Questions & Concerns regarding the establishment of such legislation:

· Is this a license or a registration (this question put to Mr. Zweban was never addressed)?

· Will the Town be liable for licensed or registered contractors?

· Other than general liability & workmen’s compensation insurance, will there be ‘other qualifications’ to receive a license or be registered as a contractor?

· Who will determine whether or not an applicant is undesirable to be licensed or registered under the proposed town law?

Since this law will affect all residents, it is strongly advised that everyone review and understand the ‘Contractors License Law’ and the implications it will have on them if enacted!

“We Need a Little Less Legislation and a lot more Education!”

Welcome Friends & Neighbors!

Mission Statement:
This blog is dedicated to citizenship. A vibrant community requires that all members participate. It is the intention of this blog to inform our neighbors and friends of what is happening around the Town of Ulster and within the walls of Town Hall. A community informed and involved is an asset to itself!