RUMORS FROM ORANGE COUNTY

Sources tell me that while at the Orange County holiday party the other night, the chatter for the evening was the big fight between Harley Doles and Tom Kemnitz.    
 
End result: Harley says a few foul words I cant print and quits the Democratic Committee. Truth? We wont know until this develops a little further. 
Doles is the recently defeated candidate for the 39th State Senate position here in NY.   


Extra note: Harley says he will run for the State Senate again in 2012.

DIDNT EXPECT MUCH DIFFERENT

So here it is, the day after the Democratic Convention. I expect everyone has read the news by now.

The City Committee, the half who showed up, chose to back one of my many opponents to run for Alderman with their blessing. I say good for them. This, as you know by now, is democracy in action. Everything political starts in committee and develops from there.

It is not the end of the process however. There is little that my friend Andy Zweben can do to stop me from mounting a primary campaign. Andy is backing Mark Halwick as you know.

So I have a long summer of campaigning ahead of me with just a small twist. Petitions will be circulated and the ballot offered in September. With support from the Independence Party, there will be either a two way or three way race in general election come November.

As for the rest of the slate...I say congratulations! Most of the democratic candidates are sure to keep or take seats this year. It will be interesting to see who, if anyone, steps into Ward Nine to help either of us before the primary. For the half of the remaining committee members who voted for me, a sincere thank you for your trust in me and I will put forth my best effort to secure the line.

As for the County Clerks race. Thank you Gilda Ricardi for running. You'll be the first Democratic Woman to hold a county wide position. You're going to do terrific!

Note: I tend to keep my own campaign stuff limited on the blog because there is so much out there bigger than the Common Council. So I will continue to mix it up as I have.

UC DEM ORGANIZATIONAL PARTY

Great news! Julian Schreibman has won the chairmanship of the Ulster County Democratic Committee.

With a last minute rival, Roy Hochburg of Hurley, we got to see a showdown between the ways of the old guard and the brave new direction of Democratic politics.

It seems the persistent drive toward open and ethical government once again forced the members to rally around a candidate who embodied change.

Rejecting the conventional ways of politics of yesteryear, the crowd of about 300 made the loud statement that they’ve had enough of the Good Ol Boys, by voting 3 to 1 in favor of the brash new face of leadership.

I have to say the evening offered me the glimpse of what’s to come nationally. With the distinct move toward change, the Committee is now poised to take more seats in the County Legislature in 2009.

This year’s races needed some chutzpah considering we are chartering new territory at the county level and the opposition isn’t playing games with this one.

Schreibman and the new County Treasurer Ian Brody of Saugerties, both did amazingly well with the final numbers. Julian truly won the hearts of the Democratic Committee with the weighted votes totaling 17,000 to 6,000 in his favor.

Ian did an outstanding job with 13,000 to 5,000 against his opponent, having campaigned for the position for about four days.

Kathy Mihm’s campaign was really a coronation in that with her qualifications, and 27 year history as the number 2, she was destined to play the role of Elections Commissioner. She got not only a unanimous vote, but a standing ovation.

In all, it was a good night for the Party. The jubilation at the thought of a clean break from what ailed us as a party, also gives us the bounce we needed to kick ass this November.

DRAFT KATHY MIHM ELECTIONS COMMISH

The races for leadership rolls within the County Democratic machine are starting to take shape as we head on into the final months of the campaign.

With Parete announcing his desire to vacate the office of Elections Commissioner in January, the field of contenders have a better notion of the odds of surviving a race internally within the party membership.

One race many people outside the political machinery don’t know about is the position of Elections Commissioner. It’s a coveted job within the two parties because if the tremendous impact on the methodology needed to get Democrats elected.

One gentleman who threw in his hat early, stepped up and said he would withdraw his bid for the position if Kathy Mihm were to seek the job. A very impressive gesture on Peter Laughran’s part.

Kathy has been the managing force in the County Elections office for enough years that her recent departure serving as the Clerk of the Legislature has left a vacuum. If I were to nominate anyone for this position, It would be Kathy Mihm.

Other contenders who might seek this influential position should think twice. The City of Kingston Committee just voted to draft Kathy Mihm for the Commissioner’s position. I would think that most of those of us who have had the privilege to work with Kathy in the Elections Office, will support her as the nominee should there be any choices at the next convention.

Kathy, I wish you the best of luck and offer my support.

DAY THREE; CAN WE TAKE ANY MORE?

Here I am, writing once again about the Democratic Convention. I cannot begin to express the adoration I have for Bill Clinton. It doesn’t make sense. One thing is sure, I am not alone.

The delegates stood on their feet and roared for over 3 minutes when Clinton walked on stage. Bill basked in their affection for a while, but after several false starts, he finally ordered them to "Sit down!"

Bill Clinton always gives the audience the most bang for the buck and since leaving office in 2000, this was his most compelling speech. With a stadium full of his biggest fans, he had them in his hands, but also sent his message to the rest of the country.

He and Hillary didn’t pull any punches during the primaries this spring. Harping on Obama’s lack of experience, but Bill suggested that on such weighty issues such as the Middle East, Russia, and the threat of global terrorism, Obama would be leaning on his well seasoned vice president, Joe Biden.

Clinton said “With Joe Biden's experience and wisdom, supporting Barack Obama's proven understanding, insight and good instincts, America will have the national security leadership we need".

Clinton continued while Jabbing a finger at thousands of cheering delegates: "I want all of you who supported her to vote for Barack Obama in November." Thus; continuing the plea by Hillary the night before.

The night ended with the acceptance and speech by Joe Biden himself. His family to support him, a great narrative on his beginnings and the 1 – 2 punch by Bill and Joe gave the frenzied crowd the red meat they longed for.

I will hold my judgment on how this convention helps the campaign until after the Republicans are done this time next week. Obama has his work cut out for him as he takes the title of Democratic Presidential nominee.

There are still unanswered questions regarding Obama’s experience, judgment and policy initiatives. Bill’s endorsement and Bidin’s partnership only carry so much clout. Obama has to sell the message of change himself for the next few months.

Can he do it? There’s no way to tell…but it provides enough substance to sell hours of commercial time on the cable news channels. November cant come soon enough.

UC DEMOCRATIC ELECTIONS COMMISSIONER; Its that time again.

Monday night, UC Legislator Peter Laughran, D Kingston, formally asked the Kingston City Committee to consider endorsing him for Democratic Elections Commissioner.

The position opens after this fall and is currently held by UC Democratic Chairman, John Parete.

Members of the Committee say they have gotten mixed messages as to John's intentions this fall. Cosidering the rumored 5 or 6 others who may announce their candidacy for the same position, the Committee decided to wait to endorse anyone until Septembers meeting.

Peter made it clear that after a long introspective search, he is determined to run for the position regardlass of John's intentions. Peter has served on the Common Council as well as the Ulster County Legislature for decades, and has sought the DEC position over 20 years ago.

Best of luck Peter. You are qualified and respected, but the field of contenders will make any campaign tough, and there are so many town boards to convince.

Whether the seat is open or not may depend on the ethics ruling on the Legislature. Parete may have to chose which hat fits best.

BARN DANCE IN SAUGERTIES

Here are some pictures of the Saugerties Barn Dance Fundraiser.

The barn, owned by Mike Harkavy, is quite spectacular. The 70 to 80 guests this Saturday night contributed quite a bundle for the Saugerties Democratic party. A nice shot in the arm for the remaining political season ahead.

It was a privilage to DJ for the event and would do it again for any worthy causes that need funds in the future.

The spots on the picture of the dance floor are actually the hay dust particles that filled the air in the barn. The flash of the camera really gave the rare view of the dust particles since all the stomping on the dancefloor sure kicked up alot of it.

Im actually more concerned for my equipment than anything else.

More fun at the Soapbox Derby tomorrow.

CONSERVATIVE DEMOCRAT: OXYMORON

We are at a pivotal point in our country’s history where we can either succeed based on our core values, or by supplementing the views of others to secure a position.

Some of us on the local level have had no problem adopting philosophies of third parties just to cover political bases in a general election.

When the mission statement of such a party is in total contrast of your own, it is disingenuous at best, slimy at its worst.

Why then, Do I see so many of my Democratic friends seek the Conservative Party endorsement? It’s disgusting! Has anyone read their Mission statement? Their social philosophies date beck to the “good ol days” of William F Buckley in the 50s as well as “separate but equal” and a “male only” military.

Let’s compare some low points;

-Women’s reproductive rights: Repeal em!
-Equalize pay scale ratio: Not if we can help it!
-School prayer: That would save our souls!
-Creationism as history: For the Bible tells me so!
-Abstinence only sex education: What a success story!
-Equality in marriage: Fragile hetero-marriages would collapse!
-Stem Cell research: Too late for Reagan, too late for you!
-Death with Dignity: Suffering a prolonged painful death builds character!
-Global warming: Ice caps are fresh water, we need fresh water right?
-Privatize Social Security: Place all your futures in OIL!
-Corporation bailouts: The market is our guide, but when the market fails…
-Mortgage crisis: Predatory loans didn’t affect the better people!
-WAR funding: That’s what credit cards are for!
-Veterans Health Care: What was good enough for the Confederacy…
-Unions: Who said you could speak?

I’m sure by now you see my point. With just a few examples you understand the term Conservative/Democrat is really an Oxymoron. If you focus on just the fiscal restraints that they espouse, look no further than Bush's conservative debt totals. Our grandkids will know the legacy of this administration all too well. So I ask all of you, where am I mistaken when I take my fellow Democrats to task for their spineless embrace of the Party of Randall Terry and Pat Robertson? For a few votes? Puh-Leez!

HEIN-AUERBACH TICKET POISED FOR VICTORY

Off and running! The two major political parties have finalized their selection for the local races and the contest looks like a stormer.

Familiar names abound, the Democrats have the numbers and national momentum but there is plenty of cash on hand for the Republican team.

Michael Hein will make the best first County Executive office holder, and with intimate knowledge of the workings of UC Government, make the most ethical, financial and progressive managerial choice for November.

Elliott Auerbach is to be our first Comptroller; tapped by the convention attendees to represent the Democratic ideals and strengths against a well financed machine. As Ellenville’s Manager, Elliott has got the drive and the fortitude to tackle this monster of an accounting giant.

Auerbach beat out our Kingston Legislator and County Chair Dave Donaldson for the nomination at the convention with a 12 to 10 ratio in weighted votes. With the Hillside Manor’s main chambers filled with about 300 participants, the voting took a while and the excitement mounted, but only one can be the victor.

Unlike the Presidential race, which seems like forever, I’m not expecting a primary for this position between Dave and Elliott and I strongly advise against it. I certainly have no desire to spend the summer working on that when the big issues that plague our County and State need focused attention.

Our new form of governing here in Ulster County is going to shake things up a bit. There is little need to reinvent the wheel because we have other counties to study, but old habits die hard. Even with the new leadership of the Democratic majority, It has been difficult to steer the county back to economic solvency because we spent our first few years cleaning up 28 years of shady deals and voodoo budget contracts.

You can taste the desire for change on the national level. This is going to be a very Democratic year. The advances we’ve made locally will be built upon like a firm foundation and the team Hein/Auerbach will have a lasting positive affect on the mechanics of these two new positions.

Make it work.

SENNETT GOES FOR LEADERSHIP

BREAKING NEWS:

Jon Sennett has announced he is seeking the position of Chairman for the Ulster County Democratic Committee. For those who follow the workings of local party politics, you know the significance of this challenge.

Jon, being the committee’s nominee for UC District Attorney in 2007, lost that race due to the split loyalties of Democratic Committeemen. Had there been strong leadership at the top during last year’s races, we would have Ulster County’s most competent lawyer as our DA today.

Today, that leadership is finally recognized as the failure it always was, in the challenge made by none other than Jon Sennett himself. With the image of “Good ‘Ol Boys” stripped from the public’s perception of party officers, the respect that the position deserves will once again be earned and deserved.

Wednesday night’s Executive meeting was the setting for this great news, and for many, it was a joy to behold, for others…not so good. It’s the end of an era. You can guarantee that a number of old school - party elders will not be happy, but I will support this regime change in any way I can.

Thank you Jon.