BERNARDO TAKES THE CHAIR

Ulster County is making serious changes again. Where the Charter Reform of 2005 provided separate branches of government and last year's election gave us 23 districts, we now have our first female Chairperson.
 

With a near unanimous vote, Terry Bernardo leads the 23rd Legislature with an agenda: to get the policy making branch of county government back to business. "We are here to provide excellent service to the public." she said. 
  

Her inaugural address was anything but boring. There were so many serious points to be made as she set the agenda for the Legislature during this first year. Many issues that went unresolved or ignored during our time together on this body may actually be addressed in 2012. I'm excited.

 
As an indicator, Chairwoman Bernardo said “I’d like to say a few words about our body’s partners in government and the Charter.  The Charter set up a balance of power between this body, the executive and the comptroller, the vast overhaul proposed by some to make this legislature less effective is not welcomed from this chair today.” 
   

Terry and I worked together in the Government Efficiency Committee where we began an aggressive mission to better distinguish the blurred policy and operations rolls in the new Charter. We suspect we were getting too close to issues that others thought should remain in darkness. That committee was dissolved in 2011. Terry now has the ability to give strength to that same cause heading into the new year.
 
As with all governing bodies with new leadership, Ulster County will be watched by neighboring counties, state officials and all the residents within her borders. The press will do their best to keep officials honest and us bloggers will have our fun as well. Best of luck to everyone on this historic journey.

VISIT ULSTER COUNTY

UC DOMESTIC ANIMAL ABUSE

The Ulster County Legislature had a public hearing on the Animal Abuse Registry this Tuesday evening. People convicted of animal abuse through the court process would be required to register with the Sheriffs department just as if they were on the sexual predator list.
  
Through decades of study, several organizations have found that there is a strong link between people who abuse animals and those who would do the same to other people. Usually leading to unspeakable crimes. This only moved members of the Legislature to act with more determination.
 

Anyone on such a list would be restricted from buying or even adopting domestic animals from dealers, shops, breeders or even through the shelters. Those who would be caught selling domestic animals without the proper background check could be fined up to $2,500 for each occurrence.

There is one note of resistance. PETCO is concerned with their staff being persecuted for selling feeder mice, gold fish and crickets because of this law and is asking that it be struck down. 
For a company that has no intention of ever coming to Ulster County, they are simply worried that if this passes, other counties will follow suit and their staff will have to actually know how to run a computer when selling one of their mill puppies.
 
I want to thank the team: Supervisor Carl Chipman, Legislators Kevin Roberts and Terry Bernardo for making this happen. I appreciate the passionate support from the public speakers and I'm thrilled that the Legislature is ready to make this a reality.

PRIMARY DAY 2011

So what are the chances that today's primary elections will be close enough to require the nerve-racking week long count of absentee ballots? Anyone have a guess?
I think enough time and effort has been spent this year in Kingston and towns across Ulster County that voters will come out in higher numbers than previously expected. Is that good or bad for any of the candidates, myself included, or does it just simply mean more people are coming out to vote?

Either way, this city, surrounding towns and the county will continue to function 
(or disfunction) as it has before. 
Below is a picture of all of us running for office today. 
Make the best choice.  

ULSTER COUNTY STOP DWI

Last month, the Programs & Education Committee had the opportunity to ask the “Stop DWI” program coordinator, John Miller, about the current status of their operation. We got a pretty detailed snapshot of how things work.

First, the program is controlled by an Advisory Board which is responsible for the allocation of funds. The funds are limited, so the success of each task are measured against the greater good of the whole program. When we say success, it doesn't apply just to how many people are caught driving impaired but also how many people did we reach through the deterrent portion of the program.

One program outside of road patrols, would be the installation and monitoring of the Interlock Ignition System. Stop DWI and Probation share the effort to keep track of those who have been released and permitted to drive after a court directed enrolment. The “client” is responsible for the cost of both the apparatus and the installation, but in some cases, when they cant afford it, the county does invest. There are several vendors who supply the device and until recently, only a few had the camera. Now they all do.

When considering the budget of Stop DWI, you should know that most of the funds required come from fines. The breathalyzers are actually supplied by the Federal government, so now you know some of your tax dollars are being used on the street.

On the management end, the Stop DWI program used to be funded solely through the county. The formation of the commission allows the funnelling of the money from fines to be rerouted back into the system. Statistics for 2010 show that the Task Force logged in more than 2800 hours of patrol including sobriety checkpoints. Most of the arrests were made in the southern third of the county. Is that because more officers were assigned in that area or do people use the highways & Midhudson Bridge more when consuming alcohol?

If funding were to be cut, the preventative portion of the program is the first to go. Efforts to visit and engage students in school, the after-prom courses and possibly the elimination of the designated assistant DA. Sure, some grants come in to help with the costs derived from Stop DWI, but maintaining the program is imperative.

If you combine the Task Force and the State Police records, 2010 yielded:

• 117 DWAI
• 22 Zero Tolerance
• 234 Aggravated DWI
• 1035 DWI
• 176 DWI/Drugs
• 18 Refusals
• 413 Aggravated Unlicensed

I don't have to remind anyone that this is just a small sample of those who got caught driving impaired or illegally through this program. I hesitate to estimate just how many people are on the streets and highway driving like this that don't get caught. I will estimate that just about every family out there has been affected by a drunk driving incident where someone either got hurt, or lost a loved one because someone got behind the wheel after a “good time” with friends.

As for the the future of the Stop DWI program, the subject of recent veterans and the advent of higher occurrence of DWI type violations came up. Legislator Hayes informed the committee that there are discussions between VA representatives, the UCCC program directors and some of the area judges to create a “Veteran's Court” which would dive deeper into the causes of alcohol/drug use. How much of a factor PTSD is in the use of alcohol and other drugs is a matter that may require different services. If something comes from these discussions, Miller and Hayes would both revisit and address the committee.

ULSTER COUNTY MEALS-ON-WHEELS: STATUS

So what is going on with the Ulster County Meals-On-Wheels program? Well, a few weeks ago, the Programs Education & Services Committee met and we reviewed the status of the contract bid process. The Meals-On-Wheels subcommittee, chaired by Cathy Terrizzi, offered the continuing report showing that the bid process for potential food service companies is expected to go out mid-August.

To what level the Legislature can influence the requirements in the contract bid is a continual debate not just in this instance, but just about any time a contract is offered for a service through the county. This was one of the complex issues we faced in the former Operations & Efficiency Committee last year.

As the weeks pass, the time to deliberate on our ability to shape the proposal is wasted and the window to offer and collect bids diminished. Terrizzi echoes the rest of us when she says we want to see what is in the contract and don’t want to be left out of the loop but thought we should let the process begin and at least review the contract before it goes out.

My buddy Dave Donaldson said the obvious in that we, as a legislature, direct policy and it is up to the departments to carry out that policy. So he joins the rest of the 32 of us in that statement. A number of us acknowledge that this is a stumbling block and always has been and as pointed out by Don Gregorius, we should review the contract before it is signed because we have had problems with other contracts in the past, this way everyone is on the same page and we don’t have to start the process all over again. As you can tell, the Opps & Efficiency Committee really had it's hands full.

At this point, the Meals Sub-Committee is scheduled to meet once again and have asked Deputy Sudlow to join us so that we can better evaluate the amount of input that the Legislature can have on this bid. We understand there are limitations for both policy and operations when it comes to this program because there is Federal money injected into the process but, I would agree that we need to flesh out what the county desires when it comes to delivering hot meals to our home-bound seniors.

When it comes to Ulster County using vendors of any kind, it is preferable to engage local companies. Hopefully within our county. To help smaller outfits compete with some of the larger conglomerates, the issue of localized credits was discussed. One avenue was to modify our purchasing laws through resolution where the Legislature can actually do some good within the county. Terrizzi closed the conversation by verbalizing what we all agree on in that the Legislature would have to come together on this and inject it into county policy.

So will the bid include the option for frozen meals? Will it allow diminished home visits by the delivery service?  Will seniors be once again, be the way out of a financial crisis? This is what we want to discuss at that next meeting. Keep in mind; this is one way in which the county reaches out through personal contact with many of the seniors. They aren't just clients.

Chairman Harris said they have been delivering meals five days a week and there should be some kind of compromise. That will be one of the opinions at the July 12^th Meals Sub-Committee meeting. It is with great hope that Mr Sudlow is able to attend to help us through this process.

STICK A FORK IN HER

Robin Yess is done. She has announced her resignation as the Chair of the Ulster County Republican Party. Through a series of heated emails this past Friday evening, she and her predecessor Mario Catalano covered plenty of contentious points and took turns pointing fingers at who are to blame for the recent history of the Republican Party.
 
Accusing other committee members of working to oust her from the leadership position, she laid out her case against what she called: (GOB) or Good-Ol-Boys club within ranks of the party.
 
Throwing accusations about back room deals and third party bullying, Robin went on to say as a civilian, she can now focus on her real job 125%. When pressed by Mario for at least one name of someone she knows working to take her out, she offered David O'Halloran. She's not making any friends on her way out.

I hold no ill feelings toward Robin. I think about the condition of the GOP here in Ulster County and have to fight the urge to ask my Republican colleagues to give her another year to prove herself. But then why would they want to hear from me?

UC LEGISLATIVE MAP #8 PASSES

So the Re-apportionment Commission has had their final meeting this Monday night. The 23 possible Legislative districts have been hashed out over the course of multiple meetings. 
For those interested in the results of the City of Kingston, the city was chopped into three districts using Ward boundaries as guides.

Wards 1,2 & 4 will be District 5; Wards 3,5 & 9 will be District 6 and Wards 6,7 & 8 will be District 7. 
In case you are wondering how it affects the incumbents; Peter is in Ward 4; Dave is in Ward 5; Jeanette is in Ward 8 and I am in Ward 9. This puts Dave and I in the same LD.
 

I would like to thank the Commission on all their hard work during the last few months. Not everyone is happy, but that was expected. Now, Map #8 goes to the Legislature for a vote. Watch the fireworks begin!

UC LEGISLATIVE DISTRICTS

Another week has passed and the Ulster County Reapportionment Commission has pushed for yet another meeting this Monday to continue the dialogue on the Legislative districts. 
The public should know just how difficult this process is. The second you shift a few census blocks to make one hamlet whole, the ripple effect throws two or more out of compliance. They chase the numbers around the county like a dog chasing it's tail.
 

This doesnt mean they are doing anything wrong. This is merely the sausage making process of redistricting exposed in real time, and it's not pretty or quick. Introduce political influence and you make matters worse. One district in Plattekill/Marlborough looks like the NYS Senate drew the lines, it's that bad.
 

Personalities and politics aside, the new lines must be presented to the public and then the Legislature during a special session. Time is not on their side.
My thanks to those who volunteered for this duty. I don't envy you.

MERGING HEALTH DEPARTMENTS

There are times when I feel so lucky to be running on the same ticket as County Executive Mike Hein. With the announcement that he wants to pursue a merger of the County Health Department and Mental Health, I fight the urge to start a parade in his honor. Yes, I may seem a little jubilant over this, but I am thrilled that this opportunity arises while I'm serving on the Legislature.

 

Mike's press release indicates that he is prepared to explore the consolidation, which would further streamline government while bolstering the county's efforts to provide health services to our citizens. This was obviously prompted by the announcement of the current Mental Health Director's intent to retire. For his years of service, we say thank you Edward Brown for years of quality service as we wish you well. 

Health Director La Mar Hasbrouck, will be managing both duties separately as the administration and Legislature work out the possible merger of the two departments. 
The release said: The Executives appointment provides for a unique opportunity to evaluate the coordination of multiple health service delivery systems. I think we'd all have to agree there.
As New York State government attempts to address its $10 billion budget gap, counties throughout the state are facing the potential for significant reductions in state aid and Medicaid reimbursements.  

Executive Mike Hein said: “State and county governments are in a period of great transition and must continue to proactively identify efficiencies.  In addition to improving service coordination, this action is expected to provide Ulster County taxpayers with estimated annualized savings of over $57,000 immediately.  We look forward to working with the departments’ boards, the Health and Human Services Committee, the entire Legislature and all stakeholders to ensure that the highest quality service continues to be delivered”. 

Walter Frey (R Saugerties) Chair of the Health Committee got a quote in the release stating that the Legislature is looking forward to working with the Executive exploring the merger. He added: “This demonstrates our commitment to streamlining and ensuring accountability to the taxpayers of Ulster County." Walter is right and I think I join my colleagues on the sixth floor when I say this sounds like a brilliant idea.

CHAMBER BREAKFAST: MOLINARO & LOPEZ

The Ulster County Chamber Breakfast was packed. For an institution that often features speakers in the majority or executive leadership, it was nice to hear from intelligent voices from the minority to get the other perspective.
Mark Molinaro and Pete Lopez spoke on the issues that face the state and the hopes that our new Governor holds fast to his intent to change the way Albany does business. 

 It was a light review of the way the Assembly works considering noone in the audience needed much review, but I have to say some of the questions prompted spirited debate. Questions about "School Funding" and "Mandate Relief" were touched as was the ridiculous cost of replacing even a small bridge over Broadway in Kingston. 

 Legislators in attendance were Fred Wadnola, Terry Bernardo and myself. 

 To the Chamber leadership and staff, congrats on another successful event!

MEALS ON WHEELS

A few weeks ago, the sub-committee for Meals On Wheels met to discuss the future of the program and assess the long term operations pertaining to the preparation of the meals.

Chaired by Cathy Terrizzi, with Carl Belfiglio and myself as members, we were introduced to department heads who have the jurisdiction over the programs. Office for Aging Director Anne Cardinale, Dianne Stewart of Geriatric Services and Pat Konopka from Senior Adult Care were joined by Robert Sudlow from the Executive's office to give us an update.

Mr Sudlow started the meeting off right away declaring the issue of delivering meals to seniors throughout the county was in the operational purview of the Executive's office. That kinda set the tone for the meeting.

Chair Terrizzi established that the committee was established to get a better understanding of the threats to the program and determine the long range outlook. Basically to see if our homebound seniors needs are being met.

Anne Cardinale gave us the rundown on the previous conversations regarding the "frozen vs hot" meal delivery and the financial constraints that prompted that conversation. We do know that the contract the county has had with Prestige Foods 2009-2010 has been extended through 2011. So hot meal delivery is safe atleast until the end of this year.

Over 10K hot meals are delivered monthly at the cost of $7.42 each. The cost estimate for the service through 2011 stands at just under 1M if you include the Blizzard Boxes that go out before a forecast storm. Understand that the county doesn't fund the whole program. The cost is diced up so the Fed pays 35%, State 26% and the county 39%. Some of our share is offset by those receiving meals making anonymous donations ranging in the 60K - 70K during the year.

The Meals program currently serves about 460 clients. That number is down a bit from previous years past, but fiscal constraints have cut our ability to serve. What is most interesting is that Suffolk County has a waiting list of 800 and Orange: 500. Ulster is looking at 20. Is this a reflection of better management or more stable older constituency? Either way, Prestige Foods has the option to renew the contract for 2012. Whether they are still at the TechCity location is questionable.

You may ask why all the counties are promoting the Home Meal deliveries in this manor. The number of seniors who decide to stay home rather than move to nursing homes has increased dramatically. The diminished cost to the individual is significant and the impact to counties and their senior housing providers is well worth the program expense. The comfort to our seniors is invaluable.

Legislator Walter Frey, a guest at the meeting, offered a recent report from the Planning Department showing the aging population bubble in Ulster. This will have a serious affect on the program in the not so distant future. Mr Sudlow echoed the concern and noted that the tidal wave of seniors is a subject that we should address early, like this committee is attempting to do now.

Carl asked why there was a $136K increase in the expense line heading into 2011. Turns out it was the result of several years of rollover cost overruns that were not refundable by the Fed. After three years, they are now being allotted for in the budget. This was from exceeding the contracted meal allotment which is allowed, but must be accounted for. One factor is the Medicaid Adult clients which were a result of the "Older American's Act" and it's mandate of service.

There are situations where persons meeting the requirements for the Meals program are either unable or unaware of the program. Even with the small waiting list for the service, I asked what measures were taken to find seniors in our community that we suspect aren't getting the minimal nutritional needs they should. P-I was told persons in all of the services throughout the county are asked to look out for potential clients when offering other services everyday. They are then referred to the OFA where staff will inquire whether that person needs assistance. I then asked if there was a list of seniors in the county that the 33 of us Legislators could access to contact those in our community who we suspect might be in need. Trained staff would have to handle the detailed forms.

End report from the committee should reflect a sense of hot meal delivery security through the year. Since we are in the darkest days of the economic crisis and federal funding is scarce, the positive upturn in the economy may relieve the threat of diminished service, but nothing is certain when the number of clients is expected to explode. The subcommittee will convene again throughout the year.

THE GOOD WORD AT UCCC: RISE

A few weeks ago, I attended the Programs & Education Committee. Chairman Wayne Harris and the rest of us got to hear about the status of UCCC. The Dean of Admin, Mark Komdat, gave us a pretty detailed report on the programs, finances and enrolment status. It seemed on course for the 95% expected projection.

Dean Komdat said that as of December, the projections were heading for 78% but already reached 88% by the mid January meeting. While I type this, Its probably at the desired amount heading into this semester. We discussed the possible reasons for the sluggish enrolment numbers, attributing issues such as changes in healthcare coverage for students under 26 as well as the economic stress in the Hudson Valley.

Mark then explained that they are looking to boost summer enrolment by implementing a head start collegian program for recent high school graduates.

 

Kathleen Keyser was present to give us a brief overview of the history of the RISE Program and how it has existed for more than twenty years under different names. I was shocked at the number of students that had utilized the program. At that point I realized that if I wasn't fully aware with the program and didn't know what it does, then most of us are in the same position.

 

RISE has served more than five hundred students with children who are on temporary assistance and has enabled them to earn a degree, a certificate or a diploma in select areas and to become self-sufficient. Those that qualify, get into the program through referral. There are a number of incremental programs designed to build a learning student. Eventually DSS assigns the students in specific activities to assess their engagement. The "Participation Summary" requires a designated number of hours each month.
(Im' going to have to get a tour of the program)

Wayne Harris asked if the participants were all women. Kathleen said men had been referred in the past, but not often. Don Gregorius asked about the entry program. Kathleen said the "Essential Skills" classes start at the beginning of summer to prepare students for the fall.

 Marianne Collins, the Dean of Advancement, noted that those who graduated the many courses in the RISE program had a 98% success rate of stepping out of the assistance system and staying out. Considering the cost of subsidizing a family through the safetynet, the educational investment in the head of household is well worth it. 

 

There are under 20 referrals in any annual program. Of those participating, some achieve sufficient employment during the course and drop out. Certainly not a negative. I only wish we had the resources to offer to place more referrals in the program. Perhaps the 2012 budget.

GOV SERVICES COMMITTEE: RRA

With the unexpected shake-up of committees and participating members, I have found myself on the Governmental Services & Admin Committee. (GSA) Chaired by Kevin Roberts.

Monday evening was my first formal committee meeting for this year. The meeting was held at the UCRRA complex on Rt 32 in Ulster, NY. 
Kinda nice to meet outside of the County building considering the hours we spend there already. 

The renewed Board of RRA had just closed their meeting when I arrived, having finalized their Resolution proposal authorizing a joint commission to Study the Agency. That resolution was waiting for us when we got there. 

The agenda was short on paper. Four items. We addressed those resolutions after getting an update on the operations regarding the RRA. Leon Smith, the Chair of the Board and Tim Rose, Operations Director, stayed on to answer questions.

The Paterson Grinder that suffered damage from misuse is back and functional, but discussions revealed to us that the unit is too big for what RRA needs. Estimates from experts claim we could still sell off the Grinder for Hundreds of thousands of dollars and purchase a proper version for a third of the cost. 
Another large ticket was the lift. It turns out the truck lift that was sighted in the Comptrollers Report as broken is actually obsolete. Repair of the mechanism would be lost money. 

We did receive fines from the DEC  recently regarding the unregulated storage of fuel and antifreeze tanks on the compound. Remedies are in the works as plans for a cement base structure have been submitted and bids gone out for the work come spring. That should end that threat.

The scale in New Paltz has been repaired again with the intent to replace the whole unit in 2011. The estimate for the design of that scale is around 13K. I failed to ask how the weight of the trucks was handled during the times it didnt work, if they were in operation during that period. Perhaps a comment here will explain that.

We discussed the single stream revenue dilemma that faces the agency. The current procedure still keeps certain resources separate during the process. The raw materials are a higher grade while handled this way. Worth more to the buyer clean. Single stream puts glass, cans, plastic newspaper & cardboard together. The paper product is exposed to contaminants rendering the combined bulk product a lower grade. It may be worth less on the selling side but the manhours and fuel spent to collect and ship separately make the lesser product desirable. 

Its only a matter of time before the RRA falls into this form of operation. Speaking of time, Its not that far off that the past debt payments from "dump closings past" will come to an end. In just a few years to come, monies currently allotted for that service will cease to budget.

Resolution #1 asks the Legislature to appoint a Joint Committee made up of Legislators and appointed personnel to review, and implement solutions to help in oversight. A mirror of the resolution request of the Board.

Resolution #2 asks that the Rules of Order be changed to require a first & second reading of all resolutions affecting Labor agreements. Submitted by Ken Ronk, he asked that Rule 3 B be altered to include an additional paragraph B (1) indicating as such. The committee decided this should be reviewed yet another month and come back in March.

Resolution #3 asks that the Legislature consider changing the appointment process for future Board members of the RRA. Requiring the nomination of members by the Executive and confirmation by the Legislature. The five member board would be installed with a staggered serving period initially but followed by only one appointment in following years. All starting in 2014, having little affect on the current board appointments. The Committee asked if the sponsors would postpone this request. No action.

Resolution #4 asked the Legislature & it's Chairman to consider splitting the current Government Operations and Environment committee into two. Thus bringing the Efficiency portion back into play and relieving the chair of the burden of Mandate review. The Committee asked if the sponsors would postpone this request. No action.

I had coffee and crackers while participating. It was cold out. My car ran properly and actually got me home.

EXECUTIVE APPOINTMENT for UCRRA?

Hank Gross of MidHudson News reports that Legislator Terry Bernardo has submitted a resolution to the Legislature asking for a change in how we appoint members to the RRA board. As it stands, the leadership of the Legislature decides who will serve on that board. 

Executive Hein touched on that subject for a few minutes during a meeting I attended the other night. 

I admit, giving his office the power to appoint agency members is titillating. When I heard of the proposal, I contacted his office to get a better feel for how he felt regarding Terry's resolution. I expect that return call Today.

According to the report printed in the Freeman, our esteemed Chairman Frederick Wadnola, said he was open to discussing the issue but the matter should wait until after the investigation. Fair enough. I think we'd all like to dive into that report.
 
I think it says plenty about Bernardo, that she would trust a first term Executive of the opposite party with the sole responsibility of placing the board members. Considering the banter leading up to the Leadership appointment process, I guess it lends itself to open trust on her part.

 
Hank got a quote from Terry: “The taxpayers have a man who is willing to lead. I’m really glad we have a full-time executive out there who has the time to dedicate to this sort of matter.” That is why we went to the current charter is it not?
 
In an additional twist, Legislator Susan Zimet (D-New Paltz) has signed on as co-sponsor of this resolution. Showing once again that whatever issues some members of the Legislature may have had with each other or the Executive branch can be put aside for the greater good of the county taxpayer. 

The article is right to point out that it needs Legislature approval before it can be sent to Albany. It would have to be carried by Senator Bonacic and one of the Assembly members representing any part of Ulster County to see any action by the state Legislature and the Governor.
 
On another note, when asked if the Environment and Efficiency Committee should be split into two, Brian Shapiro, the current Chair of that combined committee said he would review the resolution before signing on. More on that later.

NYC's TIMELINES & EMPTY PROMISES

So Mike Hein, our County Exec plans to contact AG Schneiderman's office asking them to investigate the turbid water release into the Esopus. I think this is a wise move on his part as we head toward another 30+ days of pollution in our precious waterways. 


Hein had a press conference last week to announce the first step his administration is taking to file a suit against the NYC DEP for the release. Flanked with bi-partisan support of the Legislature, his office put the issue out there and demonstrated just how serious we are about the long term damage to our waterways. Damage to our ecology, agriculture, tourism and community drinking source.

William Kemble has a great article in the Freeman with much of the details, however I'd like to than Exec Hein for taking such a firm stand on this issue. Ulster County is but a part of the overal NYC watershed, but we have rights as well. 


At a recent gathering, Michael spoke about the frustrating absence of action from DEC officials despite acknowledgement of the Esopus Creek damage. Almost 600 Million Gallons are being artificially sent down the creek from the Ashokan. This has been going on for over 100 days with no end in sight.

Hein also spoke of the impact that the contaminated water would have on our irrigated crops heading into the next growing season. This is pristine farmland with award winning produce. What farming that survives such a disaster will be faced with different sales avenues, such as providing feed for animals instead of at market. Not good.
 
Hein was quoted in the paper: “I want them to pay for an independent evaluation of the damage they’ve already caused by polluting our water for the past 100 days in a row and to delivery a legally binding commitment to never do it again. They are taking the easy way out." 

Hein continued: “New York City DEP had a history of dealing with turbidity by using alum and New York state DEC has precluded them from using alum. Instead of examining other options they took the easy way out to dump concentrated, polluted water down the waste channel into the lower Esopus.” 


On another point, using the AG's office for this isn't un-heard-of. The Legislature has toyed with the idea of contacting the office to help with the RRA issue. Depending on where our County Comptroller's Report on the agency goes, will determine if we seek help from Mr Schneiderman. 

In closing, I ask will the threat of lawsuit from Ulster County help or hinder our case against NYC? We have no way of knowing. We do know we will spend money making the case, but that's what the fund balance is for.