A Bit of a Twist

Events in town recently have been much like the past winter's snowfalls, 'few & far between', but like politics, less is often more. In the case of the Town of Ulster, less even better.
Supervisor Quigley seems to have managed the impossible. In playing by the rules and letting policy follow process Supervisor Quigley has managed to keep supporters content and detractors appeased, no small task in a small town. There will always be the odd extremest who claims to see the big picture but peers through at it through a microscope often extolling his or her own agenda as what's best for everyone. This elitist mentality, 'what's best for me is what's best for all', as if they have inside information from the great beyond, (they might, it is usually from where they hail), is what has destroyed many a community New York and around the country. The truth is the truth and only a balance between two extremes can benefit everyone in town. We need development, but.... we need smart development and when our elected officials let the process play out as in the case of Ulster Gardens, we can enjoy growth without sacrificing quality of life.
No one needs a history lesson to see the differences in the Town of Ulster today vs. the Town of Ulster just a few short years ago. No 'closed door' sessions, no questionable activities and no 'back room deals'. When you elect officials that lead and put process and policy before politics, the Town and it's residents benefit.

With the month of May just around the corner, the anticipation of summer is teasing parents and children alike, Ulster Little League will be holding Openning Cerimonies this Saturday, UISYTT would like to wish all little leaguers a fun filled and successful baseball season.
Whether or not you have a child participating, come down and watch a game or two this season, even more come down and lend a hand. We've seen the same faces year after year doing the grounds keeping, running the concession stand, coaching and keeping up appearences and we thank each and everyone for their contributions, a few more hands can only make things better.

Can't Take It Anymore!

I don't know if anyone is paying attention, afterall the UlsterReport is filled with such vitriol and inuendo that it is difficult to find any truth at all in it's 'reporting'! We know that the UlsterReport's
mission statement is to slander current TofU Supervisor Jim Quigley, it is troubling however that they will not post comments from anyone who thinks that the Town of Ulster is better off since Woerner was unseated and that Supervisor Quigley has done an admirable job in executing his responsibilities and keeping his promises.
With our current 2 party system of government the entire constiuency will never be fully satisfied with either party in control, it is unproductive however when lies and rhetoric take the place of truth and fact.
It is no differnet on a State or National level and if resident's, citizen's and voters are to get a fair and balanced portrail of their current and aspiring leaders.

Regarding 'The Ulster Report'

In an effort to dispel unfounded innuendo and attempt to answer questions posed by said blog:

The original post relating to Ulster Gardens was based on rumors being spread by a competing developer, we made an assumption that they were factual and found them not to be so. In an effort to correct misrepresentations we spoke directly to the developer and engineer and found the project to be far more positive than originally thought.

We also like the fact that competition among developers can only insure that the TOwn of Ulster gets the best the industry has to offer.

Mandelbaum and Warwick Properties have a stellar record regarding existing projects and as far as a EIS or FEIS, the property in question has been surveyed and resurveyed, the issues are the same today as they were when Ulster Manor was proposing development much more intrusive, (of a much larger scale and footprint), this developer unlike Ulster Manor has demonstrated a willingness to accomodate the concerns of local residents and to mitigate any issues of concern yet unresolved.

Because UIYTT has offered comments many times on the Ulster Report blog, NONE OF WHICH HAVE BEEN POSTED, you can find this comment in duplicate on UIYTT, BLABER NEWS & COMMENTARY, CAHILL FOR KINGSTON, Ira Fusfeld of the Daily Freeman, the Kingston Progressive and any other blog read by local residents.

UIYTT is transparent and unbiased, GOOD DEVELOPMENT IS GOOD DEVELOPMENT, except in the case when it causes unwanted competition for existing developers.

"It's A Wonderful Life"

“We have to pass the 'Bill' so that we can find out what's in it”! We all know where that is getting us.

When government sacrifices process for progress the cure becomes worse than the disease. It doesn't have to be healthcare and it doesn't have to be national. Development in the Town of Ulster has a process. The public, the developer and the town need to work together in an honest and transparent manner. When followed, the process insures that new development works to benefit everyone concerned.

When a project is designed the developer is required to research the impact it will have on the town, i.e.: the landscape, the residents, traffic and schools, in general the 'quality of life' of everyone and everything it will affect. Only when the town and its residents have had their concerns addressed or 'mitigated' and their questions answered can a project move forward.

In the past, elected officials of the town have given resident's good reason for skepticism. Closed door meetings and 'questionable' tax pilots and arrangements have benefited favored developers at the expense of the town residents. The results have been bad for the town and bad for its residents.

In direct contrast to supervisors of the past, James Quigley has opened the process to the public. Informational meetings at Town Hall regarding 'Ulster Garden's', the latest 'new project' being presented to Ulster resident’s offers insight and input to the proposed development.

Cloaked and hindered by prior administrations, such open meetings give residents the opportunity to meet the developer. It makes partners out of adversaries and insures any development will be beneficial to the town as well as profitable for the developer.

Mr. Quigley understands residents have been shut out of the process in the past. By attending the meetings residents were able to ask questions and present their concerns before the project is officially presented to the Town Planning Board for its recommendations.

Ulster Garden's, a 162 unit development consisting of 112 senior housing units and 52 affordable housing units presented by The Chazen Co. with the hope of Planning Board approval has begun to address the concerns of local residents. Questions of standing water and traffic are just two of the issues of concern addressed by Chazen’s director of civil engineering, Peter Romano, Jr..

Representing the developer, Jonah Mandelbaum, principle owner of Warwick Properties, Mr. Romano understands that the town will have to live with Ulster Garden's long after the developer is gone.

Additionally, Warwick Properties offers town residents an alternative to Steve Aaron's Birchez Associates and Chambers Properties. Something that recent issues between Aaron and the City of Kingston regarding his default of payment of taxes and his attempt to use it as a tool in getting a better tax deal serve to prove.

It is not uncommon for competing real estate developers to try and sabotage each other’s projects with allegations of wrong doing and lack of benefit to the community. With this in mind one has to ask who benefits if this project is not built?

Like Mr. Potter of the movie, 'It's a Wonderful Life', Mr. Aaron has been the only game in town for seniors hoping to find housing that is both desirable and affordable. Although Warwick Properties is no Harry Bailey, issues between Chambers and the Town of Ulster demonstrate the necessity for good alternatives. In short, we need more Bailey Parks and fewer Potter’s Fields.

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.