REICH DEBUNKS AGAIN

Robert Reich never skips the chance to debunk the brainwashing talking points from the GOP.  He doesn't mince words.

WEEDING OUT THE SMOKERS

Yes, we've all seen them. Those curious little groups that huddle in bunches of 3-6 people with two things in common: their addiction to nicotine and their victim-hood in being forced outside to indulge in their addiction.

We don't need a refresher on how over the last 20 years or so, smokers have been pushed steadily out of the workplace. Those of you who smoke dread the oven-temps of summer and the bone-chilling winds of winter. And yet the rest of us drive by or look out the window with mixed emotions of pity that you're forced outside and a sense of justice that the rest of us aren't exposed to what you're offering.
  

What prompts me to write about this today is news that a small outfit, the Massachusetts Hospital Association, announced last month that it will no-longer hire people who smoke. As their workforce rotates, they wont have to deal with the higher rate of health issues and higher cost of health insurance for those employees. Not to mention all the cigarette breaks.

Before posting this, I looked for other examples of firms with similar hiring practices. The Cleveland Clinic, Alaska Airlines and Union Pacific are just three that came up immediately. None of which are small operations. What seemed natural was the policy change in health related organizations. 

Let me say that frankly, I'm puzzled by the number of doctors and nurses that accumulate outside of the Kingston & Benedictine hospitals as well as the health clinics around the county. Astonishing is the daily collective on the sidewalk outside of the Reuner Cancer Support House on Mary's Avenue. All should know better.

Supporters of the 'hire-no-smokers' policy say it will provide smoke-free work environments and help employers control their health-care costs. But critics argue it's a form of discrimination that intrudes into the private lifestyle choices of prospective employees.

There is a group that keeps track of the anti-smoking shift in the American workplace. They are called Action on Smoking and Health (ASH). Executive Director of ASH, John Banzhaf was quoted in the Medical Journal at Wash University: "Smoking is the biggest factor in controllable health-care costs.

Banning the hiring of smokers appears to be spreading rapidly through the entire private sector especially as health-care costs continue to soar." 

That source points out that the average smoker costs companies more than $12,000 a year in health and disability related costs on top of the four 15-minute breaks a day which also affects productivity.

When I mentioned this policy shift to a nurse friend of mine, she said, who's next? Overweight people? She was referring to the "Slippery Slope" concept. For the record, there is an awareness campaign going on right now focused on nutrition and exercise, but I don't see that influencing hiring practices anymore than it already does. Don't kid yourself, employers are already factoring your appearance into the equation at the interview.

No surprize: The American Civil Liberties Union characterizes a refusal to hire smokers as "lifestyle discrimination." There are issues that can and cant be changed that make up who we are. Smoking, like bathing, swearing and beating your kids, can be altered. Besides, this wouldn't be the first time I disagreed with the ACLU.

There are a number of smoker's rights websources out there to argue the opposite point. Some even tout the findings of the US Chamber of Commerce that says there is no connection between smoking and absenteeism. Of course we have recent evidence that tons of money comes to the Chamber from big business. Business like R.J.Reynolds and Phillip Morris. So I'm supposed to trust their findings?

If you think it's just allot of threatening chatter, I pulled this paragraph from the ABC Report that came out last month: The Cleveland Clinic, which has some 40,000 employees, stopped hiring smokers in 2007. Since then, it has turned over 30 percent of its workforce, and none of those new workers are believed to be smokers.
All new hires are tested for tobacco use, and if they test positive the job offer is rescinded. So far, 250 people have lost out on jobs there because of tobacco use.

 With such a trend, you could actually accelerate the drop in smoking starts by exposing fewer youth to the addiction. If you need more incentive to quit, let me remind you my friend Mary just died of Lung Cancer and my buddy Tom Hoffay is in an Albany Hospital right now because of a heart valve problem complicated by his decades of smoking. 
Now, I'm not saying we should ban the sale of tobacco, matter-of-fact, I advocate the legalization and taxation of Marijuana, but employers should have the right to weed out their smoking workforce if they want to.

CONCERNED ABOUT U.S. JOBS?

BUY AMERICAN

You may remember way back in May, four Democratic senators called on the Obama administration to halt spending on a renewable energy program in the economic stimulus package until rules were in place to assure that the projects use predominantly American labor and materials.

They were made aware that 1.5 billion of the stimulus package, slated for wind-energy projects had gone to foreign companies. Their reason? It undercut the whole purpose of the stimulus program.

The senators introduced legislation that would require that stimulus funds go only to clean-energy projects that rely on materials manufactured in the United States and create a majority of jobs here.

Fast forward to today. The stimulus package, like it or not, was passed. Some say too much, others, not enough. But the question comes to mind almost every holiday season, what are we doing to help our own economy? Do our actions have an impact on the job situation here in America? I say YES, they do.

We are so programed to buy the cheapest crap available to satiate our shallow means regardless of where it came from and who slaved over the manufacturing process. Like the recent expose' on how our iPhones are made. Sad really.

I harp on this issue annually. Pointing out that the big box stores are not America's friends. When 98% of what's inside is from overseas with toxic materials and government subsidized tariffs we do an injustice to ourselves, our workers and our national pride.

This shopping season remember these simple points I found on another site, if you want to help the job situation: 

1. Purchase locally. Buy from a store in your neighborhood or downtown. You will know the owner or manager. Easy enough to ask. Most will be glad to help. 

The products you need may not be 100% made in the states, and these days, few are. But America's promotion of Free Trade has worked too well. American made products are often higher in cost because our companies carry an unfair burden of taxes compared to many other nations. Still, the store is American. At the very least buy your foreign products from an American business.

2. Buy from Americans in your state. States have carried heavy losses in losing business to "free trade". When a national business moves, the offices and plant are often spread around several areas. Pockets of unemployment are left behind. Jobs are needed. 

States have major businesses still hard at work. One is agricultural. Farmers and ranchers do not move easily. Produce or meat is American-made. The local grocery will have the products. 

3. Buy national.  Shopping around may be necessary to find what is "Made in the U.S.A." Unfortunately national products may be expensive. Do what some cities are doing and exercise a preference. Buy American unless it is a certain percentage over the foreign product. Buy American but do not collapse your pocketbook. 

4. Use the Internet. Search for American products and services. A simple search will produce many pages. Search for "Made in the U.S.A." 

I only visit this issue once a year because it's painful to repeat. I've taken trips to the big stores to read labels and have come home depressed that 5% [at the most] was "Made in USA". 
Walmart, Target, BedBath&Beyond and others offer little choice in American made merchandise. 

If you want to know what you can do to help...read the labels and think about what you're buying. You have only to look at yourself and what's on the shelf to understand where the jobs went.

DIAMOND MILLS

So it's up to the Ulster IDA to decide if the Partition Street Project will get their PILOT agreement with the town of Saugerties. This will of course have a delayed affect on school and county taxes in the district, but to what amount? What are they getting from the property today?


This is the exact thing so many people ask of our elected officials when they ask us to create incentives for business to start or move to the region. Tax incentives for new construction is the starting point. (original plan below) 

Saugerties is poised to see yet another resurgence in economy stimulation on the local level rather than on the federal level. Some see it as a good thing, others, not so much.

The Freeman article penned by Ariel Girard, explains that the taxes on the property would remain unchanged for the first three years after the multimillion dollar hotel and conference center is built. Then increase over a ten to twenty year plan. Those details are in the paper. (another plan below)

I'm reading that the Town Board modified the standard PILOT for the project to better suit their needs. If that is what the board feels is necessary, then by all means, have at it. Thats why we hire them in the first place. 
The quote in the paper by Mayor Murphy went: “It’s more money up front for the taxing entities. The village felt it needed to see revenue from the project from the first year it was built."

As a representative of Kingston, I'd prefer tax base development happening here, but as a Legislator, I welcome anything that helps the economy within our county. My desire of the IDA...Give your approval on the 18th and lets see something happen in Ulster County.

HINCHEY TOUTS TECHCITY JOBS

PRIDE OF ULSTER COUNTY AWARD

During my short tenure on the Ulster County Legislature, there have been several instances where the body recognizes great contributions to the betterment of Ulster County and the towns within, both in awareness and economically.

This Tuesday evening will be the next time we engage in such a prize offering. This time it goes to the Producers and Directors responsible for choosing our region to make their film; Peace, Love & Misunderstanding. Staring Jane Fonda, Chace Crawford, Catherine Keener & Rosanna Arquette.

This comes at the same time as my former colleagues have reconsidered the deterring fee toward film crews who use space within the city. For this, I am thankful. I had made inquiries in the past about local merchants in Kingston having sufficient notice of the closing of streets and interrupting their trade, having heard complaints about the disruption. (look for that bus in the film)

However, the shift in attitude both locally and from officials in and around the county, the economic impact is positive in many forms. Not to mention the delight in seeing our area as a backdrop for a major motion picture.

For Mayor James Sottile to have “second thoughts” about adopting of a flat fee on all filmmakers who choose Kingston is good to hear. I know theres hypothetical talk about getting production people to patron the local establishments, but much of what this industry relies on is through contracted services. Anything outside of that, these folks use local sources. (above scene in Fleishers)

For example; while shooting at the farm house in Accord, the catering truck was all there was on sight. While shooting on Wall St in Kingston, the truck handled lunch, but the feast at wrap-up was provided by Riverside Pizza on Abeel Street. I know, because it was my mobile that made the order. (picture of equipment infront of former Woolworth's)

Still, the Mayor was quoted: “If they bring in their catering and they are not going to support (the restaurants) they should have to pay a modest fee ... or they can go someplace else. If they support the local merchants, I would be willing to waive the fee.”

The Freeman article points out the millions in expenses incurred by "Rocksteady" while they did their work here in Kingston. Including the Seven21 studio work. In addition; I also served as a bar patron extra in a film shot at Snappers last year. That crew hit the diners, pizza delivery from Plaza Pizza and got supplies at Herzogs.

My good buddy Bill Reynolds said he is reluctant to support even a flat fee on film companies. He said the Hudson Valley Film Commission “makes a compelling case. I have to agree.

It will be an honor to present the Pride of Ulster Award to Bruce Beresford and the rest of those who chose our home to film in. I would also like to thank Terry Bernardo for inducing this presentation from the Legislature.

LARK: THE FERRY COMES TO RONDOUT

Something that has been dreamed about since TR Gallo took office, was the chance to take a ferry to Rhinecliff from Kingston, starting from our very own Rondout Harbor. Well, it looks like that dream has finally been realized.

The unveiling of just such a ferry happened only days ago and was featured on YNN this past weekend. It's a small boat that can hold about 40 people owned by Sandy Henne called the Lark.
Sandy and her staff have been working on this venture for years. Having a successful business on the Rondout in the way of Hudson River Cruises, she knew that the effort was worth it, and thus, we now have a ferry available to take residents from the Kingston area to the Amtrak Station in Rhinecliff.

In the news feature, we get a quick statement from our regional Chamber President Ward Todd saying: "You know, there's this perception in some people's minds that the Hudson River is like the Atlantic Ocean. And it's not! These two areas, the Rondout in Kingston, Rhinebeck and Rhinecliff are so close."
If you ask many of the locals if crossing the river is some kind of barrier, odds are you'd hear YES from most of them. For those who commute to NYC every weekday, the problem is crossing the bridge and finding parking in that small hamlet in an atmosphere of 'first come first serve" and the spaces are limited. Now we have an option.

To create a new dock space on the other side, I understand Town of Rhinebeck provided about 30K in materials while employees of the City of Kingston provided the labor. Our own Alderman from the Eighth Ward, Bob Senor, got a cameo in the piece saying this is a good example of intermunicipal cooperation and shared services. He's right. Because, not only does this provide a better transport experience for the commuter, but both commercial areas should see additional foot traffic as a result.

Although, the Lark is limited to weekend trips now, that will expand very shortly to accommodate the daily use by many downstate employees. Sandy noted that the cost would be $10 round trip. Hell, I'll pay that just for the visit to the new Rhinecliff Hotel for lunch.

HUDSON LANDING

"City planners paved the way Monday night for a developer of a large-scale housing project to begin the first significant construction work at the waterfront site."

That's the first line in the Freeman article in today's edition. Did you have to read it twice to comprehend the news? I did. My Council colleagues and I were engaged with the project the whole time I served on the council. We signed off on the final plan only months before I left. To read that the planning board has given AVR the go-ahead to start grading the land for access is such a thrill.

The vote was unanimous. Months from now you'll see excavators start moving some earth. Making way for other equipment. It shouldn't be long before they submit the plans for whatever they think they can build and sell during these rough economic times. I almost cant wait. I'm a firm believer that "If you build it..." simply because people trying to get out of New York City will always want to relocate within the 90 minute radius.

The paper repeated the plans we knew about the North Street and Rt 32 entrances as well as the number of units they expect to launch in Phase One. Each phase of the project will need site plan approval by the Planning Board.

I would have to agree with the Mayor when he says he'd like to get the first shovel in the ground. This project has been in the works for quite a long time. Not that there's anything wrong with the process. The current plan is so much better than the original and the input from the public and interest groups have played a significant part in the final plan, but it has been a long time and has cost Tom Perna and Company allot of money to get to this stage.

Expect to see pictures of the progress as its happening right here on the Blog.

www.hudsonlanding.com

BELLEAYRE INFO FORUM: YEAR 11

This past Tuesday evening, the Ulster County Legislature held an informational hearing on the current status of the Belleayre Resort proposal spearheaded by Dean Gitter.

Most of the members were in attendance and the public seating was at maximum capacity. After 11 years and 100 alterations to the project, you'd think the latest version would be a slam-dunk. Well not exactly.

It was good that the newest members of the body got to see the current models of the resort and to hear some of the background right from the source. With acknowledgement going to Jim Maloney for having this forum, the question period started with comments of support from a number of Legislators. One such coming from Frank Felicello where he prompted opinions from the long standing opposition members of the body.

Neither Legislator Gregorius nor Shapiro could help but retort to Frank's obstructionist innuendos. After some heated banter and an obvious loss of cool by Dean and several members, the 45 minute dissertation on the status of the proposal came to a close.

Senior members informed the public and us freshmen that the current plan is quite different from what was introduced 11 years ago and the process for which developers contend with provides a better product when all is said and done.


Anyone aware of the Hudson Landing project in Kingston knows that their final proposal is so much better due to the public and official engagement that pushed the developer to think outside the box. I'm glad to have been on the Council when we had the opportunity to vote in favor. Now it looks I may have the chance to repeat that performance, but on a larger scale.

Shapiro and Gregorius had the opportunity to address the Press after the hearing expressing resistance to the pre-emptive resolution of support that Gitter is seeking from the Legislature. (Support before seeking a final approval from the state) Don seems intent on getting more information before committing but I count on them both being the only two NO votes come March 16th. Mind you, this is a preliminary endorsement of the general project to help the process along as they finalize the DEIS.

Below are pictures of the two models for the Highmount addition, that were on display in chambers...

ROSENDALE THEATRE COLLECTIVE

A community group that has secured the right to purchase the Rosendale Theatre is holding an information and organizational meeting Thursday.

The Rosendale Theatre Collective has until mid-April to raise a total of $600,000. The community is invited to hear an update on the purchase and participate in talks about fundraisers and planning for the theater.

Originally a firehouse, The Cacchio family bought and renovated what was then a defunct casino and turned it into the theatre that stands today. Showing films and live performances since 1949.

Being one of the last single screen family run theaters in the country, I think this would be a good reason to get out Thursday night. The meeting is at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Rosendale Recreation Center on Route 32.

Once again; thank you to the Cacchio family for the decades of good Theatre for the community.

THE WALL STREET BONUS SWEEPS WEEK

Get ready for the slap in the face you've been expecting. I say that because we all know that the execs on Wall Street havent learned nor care to understand that the public bailed them out and dont want the practice of mega-bonuses going out to those who are most responsible.

Goldman Sachs top traders and bankers stand to earn at least $10 million each with a total payout of around $20 Billion. This is just one of the many firms WE made whole during the fiscal crisis of 2008 & 2009. With the damage done, and two Presidents to blame, the American taxpayer wants answers. We want answers!

I stumbled upon a Tweet from ABC News with a list of their top ten compensatory members. So I swiped the list:

TRAIDERS:

Pierre-Henri Flamand is a French-born 39-year-old who was rumored to have been paid $100 million a few years ago. Flamand is the London-based global head of Goldman's purely proprietary trading group, Sachs Principal Strategies.

Ashok Varadhan, one of Goldman's top fixed-income guns, (who made partner in 2002 at age 29), is the global head of foreign exchange trading in North America.

David Heller joined Goldman in Asia in the late 1980s. He has risen within the firm, becoming the head of global equity a few years ago. Last year, he was named co-head of the Securities Division. Goldman's equities division delivered $2.8 billion in revenues in the third quarter alone.

Ed Eisler is head of interest rate trading, which is part of Goldman's most profitable division, Fixed Income Commodities and Currency. The FICC group contributed the lion's share of the firm's $24 billion in trading revenues recorded through the first nine months of the year.


MONEY MANAGERS:

Raanan Agus, 41-year-old manager of Goldman Sachs Investment Partners, a $7 billion hedge fund created at the start of 2008. Agus, a world-class chess enthusiast who is known to prefer Honda minivans to Hummers, runs the GSIP fund within Goldman's asset management division, which has nearly $1 trillion under management.

Marc Spilker, who helps run Goldman's entire massive investment management business. Spilker's area produces nearly $1 billion in revenues each quarter.

SALESPEOPLE:

Harvey Schwartz, Goldman's head of global sales and a co-head of the firm's securities division.

Isabelle Ealet, London-based global head of commodities and who runs the sales team for this hugely successful trading operation. She ranks No. 32 on Fortune magazine's list of the most powerful women in business.

BANKERS:

Gordon Dyal, global head of mergers and acquisitions. According to Deallogic, Goldman ranked No.1 in global M&A transactions through the first three-quarters of the year. Its investment banking division had produced $3.2 billion in net revenue. said one Wall Street headhunter.

Richard Friedman, 51-year-old head of Goldman's merchant banking division. A few years ago he helped pull off the historic initial public offering of the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China. Goldman has maintained a modest investment stake in ICBC, which continues to produce eye-popping returns -- ICBC shares yielded Goldman $1.1 billion worth of revenue through the first nine months of 2009.

In the next few days, you may catch some of the first public hearings of the Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission, You'll get the chance to hear CEO Lloyd Blankfein try to explain the current fiscal solvency of Goldman Sachs without really touching on the pending pay-outs WE are about to give these execs. I don't have to remind you that Blankfein, took the reins of the company after his predecessor Hank Paulson, became treasury secretary in the Bush administration.

You may ask why I type WE when I speak of those responsible for saving these institutions. Well that's because Goldman was among a slew of banks that took TARP funds in 2008. I know everyone has heard all the rumblings of criticism that Goldman made billions on the back of the American taxpayer. The reason to be angry is well founded, so don't feel you are alone when you read and hear these reports of mega-bonuses in weeks to come.

It gives a whole new reason to ask;
"WHAT'S IN YOUR WALLET?"

HONEY BROTHERS IN KINGSTON

It seems THR reporter Sandy Tomcho got the scoop that Adrian Grenier, of ENTOURAGE fame, has been spending a bit of time in Kingston with his bandmates recording some new tracks.
I was intrigued to know that he and a number of TV land performers have taken to the Indi-Rock scene. What didn't shock me was that they would use the facilities in Kingston & Woodstock to do their recording.

Grenier is also the drummer for new wave/folk band the Honey Brothers. The band is recording with Grammy-winning producer Malcolm Burn in his Kingston studio. Sandy went on to report that Grenier stopped in for some pizza Monday, Jan 4th at Sami's Pizzeria. The manager and some patrons recognized him and got some pictures.

The article also went on to say the band members have stayed at the Stone House Bed and Breakfast in Hurley. To see photos, visit:
www.stonehousebandb.blogspot.com and look for the posting under December 3rd.

The point of this Blog post? The entertainment and art world are well aware of the qualities of our area. The current is underground. They do their art, go about their business and move on. Our goal on the leadership end? Better advertise and inform the world that we are here, inexpensive, talented and ready to do business. Look at the post below and get involved.

EMPIRE STATE DEVELOPMENT: MID-HUDSON

According to AP reports: Empire State Development has hired Susan Jaffe to lead its economic development efforts in the mid-Hudson.

Jaffe was most recently vice president of the Sullivan County Partnership for Economic Development.

With ESD, she will serve as regional director for Orange, Ulster, Sullivan, Westchester, Rockland, Dutchess and Putnam counties. Empire State Development is New York’s chief economic development agency.

The ESD continually partners with public and private organizations, consulting on the avenues to better develop the resources available to each region. The staff has worked collaboratively with personnel at many manufacturing and technology start-ups throughout New York State.

Most note worthy, this organization has helped fund numerous business expansion and retention projects through its various lending and grant programs. In recent years ESD has also contributed significantly to work force development through its training grant programs and the Industrial Effectiveness Program (IEP) and the Environmental Investment Program (EIP).

With Ms Jaffe being elevated from a similar position in Sullivan County to manage this region's job growth, we are expecting her to build on the success of her predecessors. I'm sure she will be making an appearance before Ulster County's 16th Legislature early in the new year.

ULSTER COUNTY POVERTY STATS

The poverty rate in Ulster County has jumped significantly in the last year, from just under 11% to well over 12%. In New York State, 13.6% of us earned less last year than the federal poverty level, currently defined as $10,830 for an individual, $14,570 for a couple and $22,050 for a family of four. Hard to fathom isn't it? I mean, you are earning enough to have Internet service, so you might not grasp what poverty is.

In neighboring counties such as Sullivan: the rate jumped from under 14% to over 17%. Orange County decreased the level from 10.5% to about 9%. [Lucky them] The financial collapse in Newburgh will probably send that right back up by next spring.

The formula that helps distinguish what we call poverty is based on the cost of living in each of the counties listed here. However it doesn't account for families collecting from Social Services and/or collecting unemployment and food stamps to offset their means.

Applications for such services continue to mount throughout the state. The Hudson Valley is no exception. The dependence on food pantries and HEAP stipends is gaining in demand while the working poor struggle in a state that is bleeding manufacturing jobs, quality schooling and affordable housing.

There are over 180,000 people in Ulster County. More than 20,000 are at or under the poverty rate. 6,000 of those are children. The estimated number of uninsured in Ulster County is 26,000. This is just one factor leading to the high rate of low birth-weight in the area. About 8.5%. It's also a key factor in why many firms will not consider our county for relocation.

What does all this mean?? It means the time to invest in the betterment of our community is now. Those who have the task of making spending decisions, such as myself, have to work with other municipalities and the County to decrease spending and focus on the assets we have in Ulster.

People don't want canned answers to these questions. I suggest being clear on our intent on the county level regarding just what we intend to do about it. Commuter rail and solar energy models may be great long term plans [I've supported them here numerous times] But the effort to keep the lower middle class from slipping into the "hard to escape" cycle of poverty should be the same level of concern as keeping the tax increases to a minimum.

On a closing note: I do hope the Governor reconsiders his drastic cuts to housing and higher education for the 2010 budget. Our climb away from these statistics and the resurgence of a strong business community in Kingston and beyond depends on it.

FEDERAL MINIMUM WAGE INCREASE KICKS IN

I'm sure it's been all over the news. The third and final stage in increasing the Federal minimum wage has kicked in. With 30 states already above the federal rate, only 20 states will feel the affect, but it has real significance when it comes to feeding a family on minimum wage.

For over a decade, the leadership in DC has blocked the federal increase, claiming the increase would adversely impact manufacturing and small business in the states with lower rates. Not so, according to most economic scholars.

Once the Democrats took control of Congress, they set in motion a three part program to increase the minimum. The first step went from $5.15 [frozen since 1997] to $5.85. Last year the rate went to $6.55 and now, finally, $7.25.

You realize that back in 2007, the Democrat controlled Congress had to attach this provision in the Iraq War spending package that President Bush desperately wanted. He also made it clear that he wouldn't accept it unless it had a massive tax break for the wealthiest 5% and big business. Congress trimmed his request down to a mere $5 Billion in tax breaks where he finally broke down and signed it.

According to the details I've found, this raise will put an extra $2,000 a year into the pay-checks of a full-time minimum wage worker. According to the Economic Policy Institute, that increase will generate over $5 billion in consumer spending over the next year. At least that's the plan. How many of these workers were already so far behind on their bills that this will seem like a stop-gap measure to keep them out of the homeless shelters?

This is not money that will be saved for a rainy day or spent on lavish vacations overseas. But it will bring a small percentage of those affected back to the poverty line that they had fallen below during the last five years or so.

Now that we have placed a minimum wage to keep those with jobs - working with dignity, how about creating new ones?

HEIN: FIRST 100 DAYS

This past Tuesday, our new County Executive Mike Hein, laid out his accomplishments for the first 100 days. Unlike our President, Mike got to start work officially on January 1st.

Having missed the event due to the Common Council meeting I get to read the article in the Freeman and chat it up with Legislators who joined us at Ugly Gus after that evenings meeting.

I'd say most of us who are paying attention, about 20% of the electorate, are pleased with the handling of the newly formed office. Mike has done the job well and continues to impress many of us who manage the workings of municipalities at any level.

One of the many facets of the Executive position is hands-on contract negotiations. Mike claims to have saved the county taxpayers almost $900K through this capacity. I don't doubt it and applaud him for it. We chose this form of government for this purpose and it has already shown us our reward.

The subject of municipal shared services and diminished personnel costs were sighted as virtues of his leadership. Lets be cautiously optimistic that we can continue to find avenues to lower the cost of operations in the county. Mike has a dynamic staff that's second to no other county. But these economic times are testing us all.

Let me say that we are all in this together, looking for any means to lessen the burden on the taxpayer. In the City, County or State...everyone has their focus on "doing more with less". The Ulster County Legislature is no different than the City Council in this effort. I have to point out, this is one of the most fiscally conservative councils I've experienced so far.

Whether the Council and Mayor are embracing waterfront development or Hein and the Leggies are promoting the IBM complex and Solar Consortium...every township is doing their part. As for the first 100 days in office? [with that title anyway] Congratulations on a job well done!

A select few of us worked very hard to make this a reality. We like what we see.

GRAND VIEW TOPLESS COFFEE SHOP

I caught this cute article in the papers about a coffee shop in Maine that features a little extra skin while serving it's customers.

The Grand View Coffee Shop in Vassalboro, Maine has gone topless. Yep, that's their answer to the economic downturn. I understand their business has jumped.

The article itself had a great catch line: "Cup size has more than one meaning at a new central Maine coffeehouse". Good one right?

So the servers are topless at the Grand View, which opened its doors Monday on a busy road in Vassalboro. A sign outside says, "Over 18 only." Another says, "No cameras, no touching, cash only." Both male and female employees are topless. I expect they are all in terrific shape.

The patrons are as diverse as in any coffee shop, however they tend to linger a bit more. The source of the story says the Planning Board passed the business proposal and it meets the letter of the law.

Here's where the issue gets local. You may have noticed that Muddy Cup has shut down on Broadway in Kingston. What do you say we petition the "Grand View" owners to become a franchise and resume sales right here on Grand Street.

Sales tax is sales tax. Might even offer a bigger crowds for karaoke night.

SOTTILE'S RETIREMENT BUYOUT

For how long have city taxpayers been asking the Council to do something about the tremendous cost of running the Fire Department?
Sure there are minimum staffing requirements dictated by the State, but the perception on the street is that our paid fire-fighters are in abundance and an extreme cost to the city.

You'll notice that Mayor Sottile has revealed his offering to the press regarding retirement buyouts. We knew this was coming and knew it was a good idea, but had to be hashed out with our Departments. There are contract issues that had to be reviewed as well.

Sottile's proposal would allow city employees who are eligible for retirement to receive about $12,000 buyout. Doesn't sound bad on the surface right? That's because the money offered the retiring employee would be taken out of the proposed salary of that employee had they continued serving.
Point is, the position would not be filled after the employee left.

Jim quoted in the Freeman: “This is going to create more in the way of overtime, but there will be a larger savings in salaries and benefits.”

In these tough economic times, the temptation of a buyout might push a few employees to jump at retiring, but the reverse is true too. These trying times may cause eligible employees to work a few more years to build a bigger "nest egg". So these numbers could go either way.

I would be concerned if there were a rush to retire in the Police Department. It's pretty thin on the streets now and the officers are already above average on overtime. I would also note...crime isn't going to decrease anytime soon.

This isn't much different than what most of the larger private corporations have done in the past. However that was the past. In these times, those same companies are plainly chopping personnel without regard for the employees. The City of Kingston is more like a big family and would never do anything so rash. Sometimes to a fault.

Thank you Mr Mayor, we will be anxiously awaiting your proposal in committee and expect countless hours of reassurance that this is the course that's best for the city.