NEWBORN SAVINGS ACCOUNTS

Having a baby? If Sen. Chuck Schumer gets his way, the Federal Government will create a savings account at a local bank under your child's name. How much? How-bout a $500 initial deposit for each newborn U.S. citizen?

Schumer unveiled his plan this week to help children save money starting the day they are born. The American Saving for Personal Investment Act is one of the few initiatives that Schumer and Gingrich agree on. Newt had suggested something similar many years back.

According to the AP: The Fed will deposit $500 annually, but additional deposits can be made as well. Up to $2,000/year.

There are programs in our schools and now through television programs encouraging our kids to save money with the intent to teach them early. Having an account started when they are born should boost that effort tremendously.

As the proposal advances, it will be determined if it will be part of a larger Soc Sec Reform bill or introduced on it's own. Either way, we should watch this one.

ANOTHER 11TH HOUR BOND VOTE

We were all made aware that the issue of bonding was going to be on this month's Council Agenda. The amount was $325K and was intended for the implementation of a city wide study to rectify our continued overflow of raw sewage when torrential rains hit our region.

The DEC has been on the city to act on the issue for almost a decade. Now there's the threat of fines if we don't show signs that we are at least moving toward the remedy.

As of the Caucus meeting, We were poised to push through the initiative, with the intent to hire a pre-selected firm to do the job. After some time and a good night sleep to think about it, a majority of us decided to vote for the bonding contingent that our city engineer whip up an RFP and send it out for the proper three month process period. Charlie, who offered the amendment, kinda stole Ron's thunder on this one.

The city is in a fiscal pickle, if we don't look for any avenue to cut costs on any of the mandatory expenses then we aren't doing justice to the people we serve.

William Janeway (pictured above) is the regional director of the Department of Environmental Conservation. He told us that the state would work with the city on getting the plan accomplished. But he also pressed that time was running out for accomplishing the study if we waited because of the seasonal limitations.

I know that the actual cost of fixing the system will cost the taxpayers millions, but the study must be done. If only to show good faith to the DEC that we are finally acting on their request. This project has always been a huge financial monster that has haunted City Hall for 20 years. Now it's time to act.

In both instances, I was the deciding vote on both the amendment and the actual bond to make this a reality. I hope I did the public good. Keep in mind, a bond for such an amount doesn't mean we spend that amount. It's merely a permission slip for the project.

As noted in the Freeman, the study will take about 15 months. Maybe.

KINGSTON'S INDEPENDENCE DAY PARTY A SUCCESS

Once again, I am impressed that some plans in Kingston can come together. The Rondout came alive this past Sunday reaching "standing room only" status moments before the fireworks began.

With most of the financial credit going to Mainetti, Mainetti & O'Connor, they and the other donors provided Kingstonians with a celebration worth documenting.

With food service limited to just local restaurants, the merchants benefited from the event as well. The crowd was less likely to experience digestive problems the next day.

Below are some shots I took above the crowd and of the display.
Enjoy! And when it's all over...the streets are empty and the trash crews prepare for the Monday morning clean-up.


Were you there?

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that ALL men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness."

Probably the most memorable words in the English language. The Declaration of Independence is still the most important document in American history. It wasn't really the central focus of our being until the days of Lincoln, but it couldn't be more relevant than today.

Declaring our right to govern ourselves and sever the ties of King George III, these brave men signed this document knowing full well, It may cost them their lives. Today, our representatives vote on massive spending bills without reading them. What happened?

Lets take this time to celebrate the 233rd birthday of our country and reflect on a time when our leaders took on the challenge of building a new world governed by the people, for the people.

Happy Independence Day!

FRANKEN GETS HIS SEAT

After six long months, It's official. Al Franken is the new Senator from Minnesota.
Welcome to the circus Mr Franken.

I understand Al is expected to take a seat on the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee. That should be interesting. He has a long history of supporting the unions and has advocated for serious Health Care reform.

What I am pleased about is his support for the Employee Free Choice Act. This issue has strengthened the movement to allow workplace representation to organize. His delayed seating at the U S Senate finally brings us closer to securing 60 Senate votes to make this happen.

Ask anyone you know who has a blue collar job, in manufacturing, nursing, bus drivers and even our municipal workforce...Where would you be without a strong unified support base that represents your needs as an employee?

From what I've read, the comedian days of Al Franken are in the distant past and the serious business of fixing this country's problems are a sobering and daunting task that he and the rest of our elected should be focused on.

Lets hope that the embarrassing actions in the NY Senate never rub off on any other governing body and that the U S Senate achieves something substantial. I know we enjoy the fact that New York State leads the way in so many proud initiatives, but this is one issue we wish no-one was watching.

To add your name to the growing grass roots movement to support the
EFCA, just Write your representative and senators today.

I know that not everyone of my readership is thrilled about making any changes to our national healthcare system and the increase in workforce representation, but these are the fundamentals that provide security for a great many citizens here in America. Lets get to work people.

ULSTER COUNTY FLEET MANAGER

I think its safe to assume many of you have heard about the new position being created here in Ulster County. It's the recurring story in the local paper and it prompted me to post this today.

Several months ago the Legislature voted to create this position to get a better handle on the 300+ fleet owned by the County. The details about what the departments use is in print, but I wanted to follow up with some questions.

If needed, why didn't the Legislature jump on this ten years ago under the past leadership? We had approximately the same number of vehicles then as we do now. Is it the stronger attempt to cut spending?

At $50K/year, couldn't this position have been morphed into another position we already have? Perhaps someone who already handles a similar task? Assuming it is permitted contractually.
(I'm sure a commenter will answer that)

When the position is filled, and I expect it will, will the unruly expenditures be cut enough to surpass the salary of the employee? I had asked these questions of the Code Enforcement position here in Kingston and found the answer to be YES. That position was eliminated anyway.

I expect Jeanette and the rest of the Services Committee had plenty of research to digest before sending the request to the full chamber. Those of us who attend these committees in the name of our constituents are expected to act according to what we learn there. Unless the public attends these meetings, we may not understand. So we have to place our faith in the committee process and hope the actions of the newly appointed employee save the taxpayers money in the long run.

I want this to be successful. I have to agree with the sentiments of Provenzano when she says: "This individual is going to be eyes and ears of legislators, it will be one person, rather than each department head, making the final decision about how the vehicles are used and putting in requests for new vehicles.”

I really like the idea of keeping track of all vehicles that are taken home by employees. If we are going to have this position, lets include the GPS to each vehicle, so that we know their activity at night. Also, with the disaster in the US auto industry, shouldn't we take advantage of lower prices and modify our prolonged contracts?

To Executive Hein, We all agree that you have an impressive staff. Please appoint someone of the same calibre. For the taxpayers sake.

HINCHEY SPEAKS: SMALL BUSINESS STIMULUS

I had just got notice that our Congressman Maurice Hinchey will be hosting a public forum this Monday at SUNY New Paltz. The focus of the forum is the funding that's available to small-business owners from the federal stimulus package.

The event will be held from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the university’s Lecture Center Room 102 at 1 Hawk Drive. Because of the summer class levels, parking should be less of an issue, but get there early anyway.

I always find it odd that such events aimed at helping small business are scheduled for the middle of a work day rather than an evening schedule. Just an observation.