A New Year Ahead!

Merry Christmas & A Happy New Year from UIYTT!

BAck in January 2012 with New Posts!

KCSD, Budget Gaps, Business as Usual!

Why is it that like day follows night Kingston School Budget Gaps and Budget Crises follow the Superintendent's contract and pay raise.

SEE RELATED FREEMAN ARTICLE Kingston school district faces $12.5M budget gap

$12.5 million dollars is an awful lot of money for even the most ardent public servant to fill!

• Does anyone truly believe that the School Board had no idea of how big the budget gap would be?
• Does any taxpayer, especially one who lost his/her job in the 'economic downturn', really believe that it's too little taxes, and not enough spending that is the problem?

Not to mention the waste, fraud and abuse!

• Does anyone in his/her right mind believe that scaling back on administration and teachers and yes even the closing of a school or two is a reasonable solution especially as the student enrollment is decreasing?
• Does anyone still think that throwing more money at the problem is the solution?

It's time KCSD caught up with the times, bigger classrooms, longer hours and merit based pay raises are a better answer, especially since everything they have tried has failed.

It's time administration expenses and positions are reduced and everyone realizes that for every teacher, every secretary, every principal, every principal's assistant, and every assistant's assistant we are paying the pensions, (pretty big ones by the way), of 1 1/2 to 2 teachers etc., in retirement.

Maybe we need some 'charter schools' in the district. Maybe we need to elect a board that understands that money is not an endless resource and that every $1 spent needs to return 100% value, no waste.

It may not be exclusive to the Kingston School District, but it is a product of mismanagement by government at all levels.

It's time for taxpayers to turn off the spigot and for our Politicians, Board Members and School Administrators to act responsibly!

RIP Officer Travis Nissen, UPD

The Town of Ulster lost a fine young man last night when Officer Travis Nissen was killed in an automobile accident on Rte 28 in the Town of Olive.

Officer Nissen will surely be missed by family and friends but there is more to his story. As his official duty encompassed the security and safety of our children as the School Resource Officer at the M. Clifford Miller Middle School in Lake Katrine, Officer Nissen, as he was known at the school, was a mentor and friend to many of the students, past and present. Officer Nissen touched many young lives in our town, he always had a smile, a word of encouragement and all the time in the world for each and every student.

The halls of Miller Middle School will never seem the same without his presence. The Town of Ulster Police Department has lost one of it's finest.

Congratulations Joe Sinagra!

As per the Freeman's article in todays issue, former Town of Ulster Deputy Chief of Police, Joe Sinagra is moving on. He will become Deputy Chief of Police in Saugerties.

We would like to congratulate Joe and thank him for his many, many years of service to the Town of Ulster and wish him Good Luck & God Speed.

Saugerties will be a safer town with Joe watching over it!

Thanks Joe!

Happy Thanksgiving!

When it comes to celebrating the holidays, 'there is no place like home'! A warm fire, the intermingling of aromas filling the house with mouth watering anticipation. Family and friends literally talking 'turkey' around the dinner table.

Fathers and sons gearing up for opening day rituals of hunting season. Mothers and daughters milling around the kitchen putting the last minute touches on table settings and pumpkin pies.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving and a great Holiday Season!

There's Got To Be A Morning After!

Results are in, was there any doubt?
Unchallenged, undaunted and undeniable, Town of Ulster leadership received a vote of confidence judging by the results of the 2011 elections.

Supervisor: James E Quigley III
Town Clerk: Jason Cosenza
Town Justice: Marsha Weiss
Town Council: Joel Brink
Town Council: Eric Kitchen

Voter turnout was light but expected.

County Results:
District 4 Legislator: Jim Maloney
County District Attorney: Holley Carnright
County Executive: Mike Hein

Other county race results can be found at http://election.ulstercountyny.gov/index.html

Considering the continued economic malaise, challenges remain at both Town and County levels.

We wish Jim Quigley congratulations and continued success.

We congratulate all 2011 Town and County winners and look forward to their ensuing terms of office as a fulfillment of campaign promises made/campaign promises kept.

THERE'S GOT TO BE A MORNING AFTER!

Results are in, was there any doubt?
Unchallenged, undaunted and undeniable, Town of Ulster leadership received a vote of confidence judging by the results of the 2011 elections.

Supervisor: James E Quigley III
Town Clerk: Jason Cosenza
Town Justice: Marsha Weiss
Town Council: Joel Brink
Town Council: Eric Kitchen

Highway Superintendent: Frank Petramale

Voter turnout was light but expected.

County Results:
District 4 Legislator: Jim Maloney
County District Attorney: Holley Carnright
County Executive: Mike Hein

Other county race results can be found at http://election.ulstercountyny.gov/index.html

Considering the continued economic malaise, challenges remain at both Town and County levels.

We wish Jim Quigley congratulations and continued success.

We congratulate all 2011 Town and County winners and look forward to their ensuing terms of office as a fulfillment of campaign promises made/campaign promises kept.

Golden Hill

After reading some of the comments in the local blogs, there seems to be some questions arising regarding the LDC lined up for the purchase Golden Hill. Exec Hein should be required to disclose this information to the full Legislature, it would help them reach a more informed decision and allow the electorate to express their sentiment in a more valid manner.
One name mentioned is Steve Aaron. Whether or not it is Mr. Aaron, we believe the people of the Town and County of Ulster have a right to know.
Any information which can be documented, ie: FOIL or URL etc. adds credibility to some seemingly outlandish comments circulating the blogisphere.
The facts 'ma'am, just the facts'?
In any event, the question is as follows: Does the potential purchasor of Golden Hill need to be experienced in the Nursing Home Industry? and Is there any Quid Pro Quo involved in the process?
Golden Hill has been part of the fabric of the County's community, it means more to residents on a personal level and if it's sale is predestined, the community should have some input.

UN-Opposed...................?

The Democrat Party of the Town of Ulster will likely let local elections November 8^th, come and go without a contest. As much a testament to the successes of Town of Ulster Supervisor James Quigley, III, it is probably a continuing rebuke of the actions of former Supervisor Nick Woerner, (who recently lost in his primary bid for City of Kingston Alderman, Ward 5).

Town of Ulster Democratic Party Chairman, Michael Berardi, a former Ulster County Assemblyman and successful local politician and businessman, no doubt has his hands full in rebuilding the party.

Regardless of party affiliation, a robust political contest, including all the discourse and debate, can be the best thing for town residents. It brings to the forefront their issues and concerns. It forces contestants to layout their vision and in general keeps their feet to the fire. Conversely, it means virtually one half of the electorate have lost their voice in their community.

Win, Lose or draw, competition in politics is just as important as competition in the marketplace. In the marketplace, it gives consumers a choice and keeps prices low, in politics, it keeps our elected officials on their toes and addresses the concerns of the electorate.

Without discrediting the current Administration, for a stronger future, lets hope Mr. Berardi enjoys much success in rebuilding the Town of Ulster Democrat Party.

2011 Town of Ulster 911 Memorial

(click post title above for related video)

In remembering our past we insure our future.

On a rather gloomy Sunday morning friends and neighbors came together to honor and give our thanks to the heroic men and women who paid the ultimate price to save the lives of others whom they could not know. They did so, some many times over, knowing full well the odds of their death grew greater with every attempt at rescue.

These fearless men and women are a testament to the character that has made America great. On this day, which lives on in the hearts of all of us who refuse to let time dull that memory, we give you thanks. We must also thank those who, with God’s Grace lived on to tell us these stories of heroism on behalf of those no longer among us.

The tales of heroism are far too numerous, the loss of life still far too great as September 11th, 2001 stands out as Americas greatest tragedy.

As young American men and women in uniform continue to sacrifice their lives to ensure such a tragedy is never repeated, we must remain vigilant.

It would be a far greater tragedy if such an event were ever to happen again.

Bureaucracy at it's Best, …..........It's Pretty Damn Bad!

After reading and re-reading, (I couldn't believe if what I thought I read was what I was actually reading), the Freeman's front page article Wednesday, Sept. 7^th, “Lowering of Reservoir to get look”, even the most uninformed, 'big government' proponents had to have said: “Wuh the @#*%@”?

Lets see if I got this right: US Senator Chuck Schumer, (D-NY) tells DEC. (Dept of Conservation), the DEC tells County Executive Michael Hein, (D-Ulster), and Michael Hein asks the DEP, (Dept of Environmental Protection), the DEP refers back to the DEC which refers back to Hein who refers back to the DEP, DEC, back to Hein and so on and so forth, (good old Chucky Schumer is long gone by now).

If it weren't so tragic for local residents it might actually be funny, where are Abbot & Costello when you need them............Who's on First?.

We all remember the turbidity which turned the Esopus Creek into a scene from Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory! Hein complained, the DEC deflected to the DEP the DEP told Hein it was a DEC concern...What? “ No, no, What's on second!”....... so on and so forth. The result at the time was devastating to all the residents living along the Esopus, many of whom are still waiting for some form of remediation, and all who must now confront additional flooding, loss of power, some even the loss of their homes, the destruction of property and endless bureaucratic red tape sure to follow, All while Hein refers back to the DEP which defers to the DEC which refers to the now infamous 'verbal agreement', which if it had a voice of it's own would probably ask why 'Uncle Chucky left so soon. “I don't know.........Third Base”!

Just as tragic is Michael Hein's procrastination, Let's see, the media begins discussing potential damage from Irene on or about August 21^st, the Ashokan is already at flood stage but it takes Mr. Hein till August 25^th to begin a process that will surely take weeks to resolve. Uh Oh! August 27 arrives and so does Irene! “I don't Know”............Because...Oh, he's our Center Fielder!”

Meanwhile, down on the farm...........sorry, there is no more farm! Just ask John Gill owner of Gills Corn Farm of Hurley Mt Rd. who lost 380+ acres of corn to Hurricane Irene.

(see the flooding of Mt Tremper, Boiceville and Rte 28 see attached video via url below)

www.youtube.com/watch?v=FdfEXzMLGdc&feature=email

If you have trouble with the above link...cut & paste into your browser

Thank you local volunteers, EMS, Fire and Police Depts. THEY SAVED LIVES!

Did you see the photo's of the Mt Tremper Flood Control Project built by the Army Corp of Engineers now "controlled" by the DEC off Rte 28? There is a well planned project for you.

Ok, so maybe this was a 100 year event.......... why must it take just as long for the bureaucracies to sort out the wrinkles and actually do the right thing?

As of the writing of this article, we are in the middle of the second 100 year event is as many hours, three days and counting, local schools closed, power outages, flooding, property damage, Oh, and the Ashokan issue, remains unresloved. Look out Ulster, Nate is just around the corner.

But not to worry, Chucky is here, I'm sure he'll just wave his hand and part the Esopus, dry up the Schoharie Reservoir and hold up the Shandaken Tunnel..............all of course with some government stimulus and the President's new Infrastructure investment bank, all because if things weren't shovel ready in 09', they are certainly 'SHOVEL READY” now! “Heck, we've been knee deep in that stuff they've been shoveling for years”!.

Mike, don't ya just wish Hinchey would retire right about now, it's a good time to get outta' Dodge! Why.....I don't know.....he's on third and I don't give a damn...........that's our Short Stop!

Thanks, Bud & Lou, we all could use a little laughter these days!

Town Quiet......The County........??????

With all quiet in the Town of Ulster, this election may not bring many new names to the forefront of local politics.

Town Supervisor, Jim Quigley will most likely put on his walking shoes and visit residents in their homes reminding them of the job that still lays ahead.

"We've accomplished a lot, but there is still much to do. We've got to replenish the General Fund Balance and aggressively explore economic development", insists Mr Quigley.

Both daunting challenges in bad economic times, and both a necessity if the town is to remain on sound financial footing.

The real challenge for next year will most likely be County. The latest reality check, a $25 million gap between Tax revenue and expenses, (a result of the Governors 2% Property Tax Cap), in fiscal 2012 will be hard to fill without major layoffs. To increase the 2% cap it would take more than a 60% approval by the Legislature, (unlikely at best), after a 'public hearing'.

Whether it is shortsightedness on the part of County Exec Hein or just bad management, expending the $14- $16 million Fund Balance to deliver a 0% tax increase to residents in his pre-election year budget is proving to be his biggest blunder. Granted Hein had expected to sell Golden Hill in 2012 to fill that gap although he is meeting stronger resistance than he had anticipated. These issues usually arise when politicians manipulate resources to enhance their political positions, sometimes it backfires.

Challenges from the Legislature aside, we've got a big problem on our hands, one that might make the Golden Hill issue problematic.

All things being equal, cutting $25 million in expenses represents a lot of jobs even when the average county salary & benefit package exceeds $90k per job, it's still a lot of jobs.

Finally, the County is done redistricting and the 23 seats remaining are sure to provide interesting races.

All in all the coming elections will contain the usual amount of drama, we can expect every political issue to be a crisis and every politician to have a solution.

It seems we've heard that song before!

Challenge Anyone.........Anyone?

Well August 2011 has arrived and there is surprisingly little noise from opposing parties considering mounting a challenge in the Town of Ulster's Supervisor race. More than likely a testament to the job done by current Supervisor Jim Quigley. No one entertaining a career in politics, local or otherwise, desires a difficult campaign, or to be labeled a loser his or her first time out. A more than likely possibility as sentiment toward Mr. Quigley's performance seems positive.

It is possible the only Democrat seriously considering a challenge for the Supervisor's position has moved out of town, Nick Woerner had continually threatened to regain his former position despite criticism regarding his tenure as Town Supervisor. His 2 terms lasted from January 2006 until he was unseated by current Supervisor Quigley in the election of 2009. Nick is now running for an Alderman seat in the City of Kingston, his latest residence. Ulster is Your Town Too wishes Mr. Woerner and the City of Kingston the 'Best of Luck'.

Although Jim Quigley's first term is considered a success by many residents, there will always be those loyal to party, for these disgruntled residents, no Republican will satisfy. For the majority of Town residents, the financial recovery initiated by Jim's Administration will be reason enough to re-elect him.

In the face of a dismal economy, the challenges of public office are daunting. The Town's Departments have struggled with budget reductions and staff shortages brought on by the reckless spending policies of the former administration. As seen in programs like the Summer Camp and Biddy Basketball League, and facilities such as the Senior Center, the town's Parks and the Transfer Station, all have learned to do more with less.

As the Town's financial position is strengthened, Mr. Quigley can better focus his energies on economic development. Again, the current economic landscape will be his toughest opponent should he decide to seek re-election.

The 2011 Political Season-It's On!

It’s Official! The 2011 Political Season has begun. Ulster County Democrats and Republicans have held their respective conventions and have endorsed candidates for County Wide and Legislative District elections to be held November 8, 2011. The Ulster County Democratic Committee has endorsed Michael Hein for re-election to the position of County Executive and Jonathan Sennat for Ulster County District Attorney. The Ulster County Republican Committee has endorsed “NO ONE“ for the position of County Executive, leaving many county residents without a choice in only the second election since the County Charter and the position of Executive have been on the ballot. D. Holley Carnright is up for re-election to the position of District Attorney.

For the County Legislature down to 23 Districts:

Of the two Legislative races effecting the Town of Ulster, Districts 3 & 4, Ulster County Democrats have endorsed newcomer Mark Trott and the Ulster County Republicans have endorsed James Maloney as the legislative candidates for newly drawn district 4 covering the Town of Kingston and a large portion of the Town of Ulster. In District 3, covering the remainder of the Town of Ulster and a portion of the Town of Saugerties, incumbent Republican legislator Dean Fabiano will run unopposed.

For the Town of Ulster:

All is relatively quite. No caucus by either the Town Democrats or Town Republicans have been announced. Up for grabs in November is the Supervisors position held by Jim Quigley (2 year term), Council seats held by Joel Brink and Eric Kitchen (4 year terms each), Town Clerk Jason Cosenza (4 year term), Town Justice Marsha Weiss (4 year term) and Highway Superintendent Frank Petramale (4 year term). Although it is still early for these local races, no challenges have been announced as of the writing of this Post.

If you are a registered voter enrolled as a member of any political party, expect a knock on the door from a loyal supporter of the above candidates or perhaps the candidate himself asking you to sign a nominating petition on his or her behalf to complete the process to appear as a candidate on the ballot on November 8, 2011.

Ulster is your Town Too will be posting more often as local election news breaks.

Ulster Little League

Ulster Litttle League Kick-off

Opening Day for Town of Ulster Little League was enjoyed by the players as well as their parents. The day was s little sunnier than expected and with the BBQ out of the way it was time for opening ceremonies.
After all the players paraded onto the field and recieted the Pledge of Alliegence, Coach Ron Kelder introduced the teams and their coaches. Supervisor Quigley thew out the 1st pitch in the style of a Yogi Berra rather than a Nolan Ryan, (it wasn't quite a strike, but he did reach the plate), and after a chuckle from the crowd a resounding 'Play Ball' was welcomed by all.
The First game, between the Yankees and Astros, was decided by a 2-1 score. Well played and well pitched, both teams looked like future major leaguers as they played hearts out. The result, the still undefeated Astro's took 1st Place by beating the Yankees, the only other undefeated team in the division. A rematch is scheduled for later in the season.
It was really nice to see so many friends and neighbors in attendence and even more pleasant as the politics of past administrations played no part in the festivities.
Once again, KUDOS to the Town of Ulster Recreation Department, Jeff, Chris and Eric did a fine job!
We are awaiting pictures from the league Photogropher and will be sure to add a photo link to th blog as soon as we get them.

Mike Hein: Yesterday's Hero-Tomorrows Villain!

February 2011, County Executive Mike Hein reported victory in his battle to curtail turbid water dumping into the Lower Esopus by NYC Dept of Environmental Protection. While the news is received as positive, (the water quality of the Lower Esopus's chocolate brown and full of sediment and impurities as a direct result of the dumping), the situation that now exists is more alarming. Ashokan Reservoir levels have been at 100% since the NYC DEP stopped releasing excess water, with the return of warm weather and spring thaw, the excess water run off into the Lower Esopus has and will continue to cause flooding along it's length. This weekend will tell the tale, heavy rain and snow combined with an above average spring thaw will certainly complicate an already serious situation. With no further water releases planned by the NYC DEP, water levels will surge above flood levels. Will residents think of Executive Hein as hero or villain?

Biddy Basketball Championship

Just in time for the beginning of the Ulster Little League Baseball, the Ulster Biddy Basketball season ended at Miller Middle School tonight. The final game (league championship), between Binnewater & Adam's Fairacre Farms went down to the wire. With less than a minute to play and Binnewater ahead by 2 points 60-58 and both teams in bonus 1 and 1's, it was enough for the hard playing Adam's team to force fouls shots. Binnewater, led by Tyler Robinson was up to the task as he made all but one of his free throws to widen the gap to 5 points by games end. Congratulations to Binnewater and Coach Robinson with but one loss on the season, (a loss to Adams). All the coaches and players are to be congratulated for a successful season.

Open Forum, Your Questions Answered..............

With the Local Election Cycle on the horizon, Ulster is Your Town Too is opening the comment section of this blog up for questions, suggestions and grievances town residents might have for our current Board members and Town Supervisor Jim Quigley.
While it is true that Supervisor Quigley has made himself available to residents at Town Hall during business hours as well as weekends and evenings at his office and at coffee clutches around town, there remain many residents who have not had the opportunity to discuss issues regarding Town policy.

Friends and Neighbors, for the next 28 days the floor is yours, we are confident your issues will be addressed, with one caveat, 'Please keep it clean'!

Recreation Dept...Another Town Success Story!

I realize that the Posts have been few and far between, that's a good thing. With not much going on locally..........politically speaking anyway, there is not much to report out of the ordinary.

The mining operation in Eddyville was handled by the administration efficiently and to the satifaction of town residents, the Open House Saturdays was so well utilized that Supervisor Quigley continues to make himself available for the convenience of the residents.

All in all, the Biddy Basketball league is winding down, playoffs begin March 22nd, Kudos to Jeff Hayner and Eric Kitchen, (all the coaches and kids included), they did a great job making the Recreation Department the success it has become. Saturday was the last sign up for T of U Little League, tryouts are this Wed. March 9th, good luck to all the boys and girls, I'm sure the season will produce a few future High School All Stars.

With the snow finally melting Spring 2011 can't be far behind, just a few short weeks and the planting season will be in full swing.

Open Door Policy

In an effort to accomodate the residents of the Town, Supervisor Quigley is making his office as well as himself more accessibe. Saturdays in January Town Hall and the Supervisor's office is open for business.
As well as being on hand to discuss issues with residents, the Town Clerks office will be open at the same time, 9 AM to Noon Jamuary 8th, 15th, 22nd and 29th, for anyone wishing to pay their taxes.
It may seem trivial to some but it was a major sticking point with residents during the Woerner Administration, Nick's unwillingness to return phone calls and keep appointments and answer questions as well as respond to the concerns of residents.

YNN at Town Hall