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.