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!