GALLO WINS!

The votes have been cast and counted. Shayne Gallo and Jim Noble win the race for Mayor and Alderman-at-large in the City of Kingston. In the short month plus, he must assemble a fresh cabinet and prepare a strategy to lead this city in a prosperous new direction. 
 
Ron Polacco did a damn good job as the opposition candidate. I give him credit considering he had little help from his party. The fact that he kept it clean earns him the respect of the Gallo campaign. 

Facing a contentious primary while earning a living was daunting but Shayne still eked out a narrow win in September. I was not so lucky.
   
While the team doubled down for the General, I all but abandoned my campaign for the Legislature. That is until this past Friday when I put up my lawn signs. I figured, hey, why not? With no literature and avoiding doors throughout the district, I still got 400+ votes. For those who did so, I sincerely thank you for your faith in me.
 
While Gallo and company are set to advance our city starting January, I expect to get back to what I do best; Building homes in Ulster County. As someone who lost his seat on the County Legislature, I somehow feel free. Free from all that comes with county government and the malarkey that goes on at the 6th floor. Will we settle the fate of Golden Hill before my exodus, I dont know. To think we are trying to save it from the Death Panels that Sarah Palin warned us about is ironic since the Tea Party is now pushing to privatize it. 

 
I will continue this Blog long after I am out of office so that I may bring you info and internal insight that the local press may miss, or the far out articles that catch my interest. I'm not going away.

DINOSOURS OF LEGISLATURE PAST

Can any of you remember way back in the mid 90's when a small group of entrepreneurs re-opened that nightclub at the old Tropical in Port Ewen?  Yeah, those were fun times.
 
They had plenty of obstacles thrown in the way during the process. The Esopus town board, the local minister, and building inspector all leading the charge against. Well The place did open and run without much incident for about four years before business dropped off.
 
The fiscal drain on the partners at the onset made success a struggle. Eventually, a church bought the property, thus eliminating a much needed source of property taxes. That's a big chunk of commercial property too!
 
I bring this up in these last days before we head to the voting booth once more, because one of the lowest points in our County Legislature's history was also about this time.

Remember 1993? Yeah, It was only two years earlier when gay residents petitioned for a bill outlawing discrimination in employment and housing and the Ulster County Legislature refused even to debate it. One legislator, Attilio Contini, told his colleagues that homosexuality was "an illness and handicap." He added, "We don't pass laws giving special privileges to people who are retarded, criminally insane or demented." 
It's not really that long ago folks.

This Contini is running for the same position once again. His views on equality are no different today than they were back in those "Good ol Days". Ironically, he is running in District 19 (consisting of Rosendale and part of Marbletown) against incumbent Robert Parete, one of the Legislature's hardest working Democrats.

Let me say, in the short time I've been on the sixth floor, Rob has impressed me the most. As issues come up for review in committee, successful programs and past reforms have Rob's fingerprints all over them. The more I research, the more I appreciate the amount of work he and a select few accomplished in the 4 short years the Democrats held the majority.

The idea that someone like his opponent, who still harbours such regressive ideals, would feel his place is back on the Legislature is somewhat surprizing. However, after watching those GOP debates in recent months, maybe not.

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!

HEALTH OF GOLDEN HILL COMMITTEE

Anyone who passed the Ulster County office Building on Fair Street Tuesday evening, would have seen quite the gathering of people along the sidewalk. Those people were the tireless supporters of Golden Hill Nursing Home and advocates of keeping the facility county operated.

 

Numbers reaching up to 150 according to authorities, they held signs and banners while chanting the expected "Save Our Nursing Home" and "Seniors Are Not For Sale" slogans. Everyone was smiling and the sun was holding back the chill on that not-so-spring day.

Inside however, Ulster County legislators assembled for the committee meeting scheduled for just this issue. Its no secret that many legislators are beginning to line up in favor of "Build New-Keep It County" for the nursing home. 
 
As noted in the Freeman: Mary Sheeley (D-Ellenville) said "The county has “a moral obligation to take care of those who can no longer care for themselves.” Followed by Frank Fellicello (R-Marlboro) who said: “I firmly believe we should own (a) facility, and we should make it better than what exists now." I couldn't have said it better myself. 

 
Let me say that I have seen a different side of some of my colleagues as this issue has developed. To see members who I suspected in opposition come forward and advocate for the continued stellar service the County provides at Golden Hill actually alters the broad strokes we create when painting the political opposition. I think it's a good thing. 
It reminds us that we all come from our life experiences through different paths and the labels we share are merely generalities. Each issue that comes our way, brings a new window to how each of us thinks. 

At the meeting, the voices joining the chorus for "Keeping it County" were not only Sheeley & Fellicello, but Provenzano, Parete, Harris, Maloney, Wadnola, Belfiglio and Briggs. Both Ronk and Mayo were present. Neither indicated any similar support that I heard. Gregorius stated he felt rushed and didn't feel satisfied with the process or the limited amount of information we've been offered. I think Hayes feels the same way.  
 

As noted: The Health and Human Services Committee, which will make a final recommendation to the full Legislature about the future of the 280-bed nursing home, is giving other lawmakers until April 15 to weigh in on the issue. I will be lending my support to "Keep It County" as well. 
Building new could offer the option of splitting the facility into two locations to better serve the county. Rob Parete's outline to include rehab enhancing services within any future campus is genious. 
 
The committee expects to vote on its final recommendation by its July meeting.
Building a new facility would cost about $71 million and take about two years to complete. With a restructured state reimbursement, added revenues on-site and possibly shedding other vacated buildings, a new Golden Hill just might operate in the black. Either way, it still befuddles me that the Legislature of the past was more than willing to spend what they did on criminals and now we hesitate to do even less for the elderly. 

Note: There will be a Tea Party rally at the same location April 4th at 4:30 in favor of selling the Licence to a private firm.

ABDICATION OF POLITICAL RESPONSIBILITY

So, Let's talk about the Freeman Editorial regarding the RRA Board. The press is suggesting County Executive Michael Hein has exhausted his patience with the Legislature over this RRA Board appointment process and thinks it would be in better hands if it were under the purview of the Executive. 
 

Editorial staff suggests the Legislative leadership is unfit to handle the appointment process and have mismanaged the RRA since it's inception. I am not about to argue with that.

The last Board of the RRA did their job as they saw fit pertaining to the Bemis case. Members closest to the agency chose this time to replace those members who voted for his dismissal. Leaving the two who didnt remaining. Sweet! So what do we do?

Rather than bring in the State Attorney General, as some suggested, the leadership brings in our local District Attorney. Believe it or not, that report isn't due for a few more weeks. Good thing we kept it "in house", right? Ughh, I wish we weren't so incompetent.

The staff continued: The recent replacing of the very agency board members responsible for firing Bemis sent a very odd message to the community, especially given the entanglements of Legislature Chairman Fred Wadnola, R-Ulster, and Kevin Roberts, R-Wallkill. Former board members, Wadnola and Roberts claim to have neither seen nor heard of evil while Bemis was executive director.

I'll say it's odd to see an Editorial Board basically mimic the recent suggestions offered by a select few members of the Legislature who happened to submit such a resolution. The sharing of the power to appoint works so well in so many other areas, that it shocks me to hear any resistance to the idea.

The Bernardo-Zimet Resolution offers a shared appointment structure with a staggered service period. Those nominated by the Executive would then be approved by the Legislature. Sound familiar?
Without any surprises, this remains one of the big three issues facing the County in 2011: The RRA, Golden Hill and the district re-apportionment process. If we let this debacle define us as a governing body, we have no-one but ourselves for the lousy public perception of the County Government.

CONGRATS CHAIRMAN FRED WADNOLA

 Let me first say, Congratulations Fred Wadnola on his re-election to the position of Ulster county Legislature Chair. It was a hard fought battle, but you came out on top. Well done.
 
So, having gotten that out of the way, let me say that the Tuesday evening session of the Legislature was very tense. I got to the sixth floor with a sense that anything could happen since Terry Bernardo's name was in everyone's mind as a potential candidate for Chair.

The real thrill was watching the Republicans heading for the elevator after Finance, to have their special caucus on the third floor. They seemed dishevelled as if no-one knew what they were heading for. One of my colleagues jokingly said to me "They're heading to another floor because there are fewer eyes and ears down there."

When asked in the Democratic caucus if there were opinions regarding the Chairman's race, not much was said except that it was nice that the Republicans were fighting like they were downstairs. Then we decided to leave the voting until session.  
 
So they marched in, sat amongst us Democrats and proceeded with the nomination of Fred. Nominated by Jim Maloney (R-Ulster) who said Fred Wadnola is the most honest and transparent of the members of the Legislature and urged all of us to join in unanimously to make him Chair. 
He was Second by Peter Loughran (D-Kingston) who echoed what Jim said but added that his friendship went way back and that he respected his honesty and willingness to work bi-partisan manor as Chairman.

The quiet few seconds when Temp-Chair Rich Gerentine asked if there were any other nominations seemed like an eternity. Finally the nominations were closed and Fred was escorted up to his coveted chair.

What was said among the Republican majority members during the last few days must have been unnerving because it put a few people on notice that things aren't as Hunky Dory as they may have thought. Our caucus could have really made a mess of this had there been another nominee. I think they knew it.

  I wrote about the cancellation of all January meetings for the Legislature in a prior post. Some of the Committee chairs came in and let their desire to keep their scheduled meetings be known to the Chairman where he said "Fine. Whatever. Have at it!" Walter Frey (R-Saug) didn't show up, so what happens to the Health Committee this month is anyone's guess.
Your tax dollars at work.

MEMORIALIZING RESOLUTIONS: WASTE OF TIME

As most of you know already, The Ulster County Legislature passed a memorializing resolution to support the latest version of the Belleayre Resort plans in Shandaken. Key word: memorializing.
The Resolution passed with three Nayes and one abstention, but not until the toothless legislation was argued about for 65 minutes.

Another memorializing Resolution that made it to the floor, was the opposition to the State mandating fair wages to temporary farm workers. Back and forth, back and forth.

That wasn't all. We closed with one more. This one was odd. It was a memorializing resolution to oppose the implementation of a penny-per-ounce tax on sugary drinks in New York State. What was interesting, was that the legislation was worded improperly. Sponsored by Laura Petit, and offered by the Services & Ed Committee, the opposition is to a tax on all carbonated drinks. Carbonated! Who proof reads these things?

From an ABC report: Paterson, with the support of both houses and notably Mayor Bloomburg has pushed for this new tax to help with the State budget, but sites the report, presented Friday at the American Heart Association's 50th Annual Conference on Cardiovascular Disease Epidemiology and Prevention, which offers a picture of just how horrifying the damage done by excess consumption of sugary drinks can be.

Using a computer model and data from the Framingham Heart Study, the Nurses Health Study and the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, researchers estimated that the escalating consumption between 1990 and 2000 of soda and sugar-sweetened beverages, which they abbreviated as "SSBs," led to 75,000 new cases of diabetes and 14,000 new cases of coronary heart disease.

What's more, the burden of the diseases translated into $300 million to $550 million increase in health care costs between 2000 and 2010.

Like Rich Parete, I bring these examples to your attention, because we seem to take more time with memorializing resolutions with little meaning, than with the nuts-n-bolts that affect this county. And to think; I thought the Legislature would be different than the Common Council.

ULSTER LEGISLATURE HAS MEETING

Ulster Legislature has a meeting! That is news in itself! With all the crazy show storms we've had in the last few weeks, the Legislature finally got around to having February's meeting March 1st. Nice.

Starting the evening we were introduced to the three Sheriff Deputies Polacco, Richards and Hughs. They volunteered in Haiti on our behalf. With an opening statement from Sheriff Van Blarcum, they each received a commendation for their efforts from Legislator Jack Hayes. Thunderous applause ensued.

Legislative Chairman Fred Wadnola addressed the body with his state of the County speech and hit on all the expected points as we followed along at our desks. Laying out the plans and duties of the legislature as we head into year two of the new charter. Much of what was brought up was the structure of the committees and the two generations of leadership that helped the process come to fruition.

We had the pleasure of a large audience made up primarily of CSEA members who work in the County DPW division. Their speakers emphasized how important the quality of life in the county is connected to how well the county is managed on the sixth floor as well as on the streets. They did an outstanding job clearing the roads throughout the county.

As far as legislation goes: we filled a number of appointments, gave our blessing to the Tourism department, set a bond request of over $1million to repair some bridges and set the rules of the Legislature into place.

What was interesting, was the muted objection to the $170K requested to borrow for the Sheriff Department car/bus request. I expected a fuss over the additional spending after such a punchy budget debate last December. After all, it is the Executive's requested budget that we are working with here. You would think he had the purchase of cars spelled out properly in his 2010 budget when he offered it. Guess it's up to the Legislature to clean everything up.

What struck me was the last minute distribution of info describing the bond in better detail only reached the Democratic caucus, leaving the Republicans with the original document to discuss from. This left Terry Bernardo unaware of the details as she expressed her issues with the bond. We had several hesitant members in the Democratic caucus before that memo arrived ourselves. Those concerns were satisfied during caucus. The bond passed with only two negatives, but we are still trying to find out how the communication line failed in the last hour. Not good.

This is starting to sound more like a report, so I'll stop there. I'll end with the good news that no-one was dragged out by an officers for disregarding protocol or attempting assault this month. I guess the public flogging that occurred in January scared off the Tea Crazies in the area.

STATE OF THE COUNTY

Truth be told, Ulster County is indeed better with the separation of powers provided by the new Charter. The restructured government is just over a year old and with Michael P Hein serving as the first County Executive, he has accomplished just about what any County Exec would under these circumstances.

After a one week delay in the address due to snow, his report on the State of the County felt a bit pressured, like it was a hurdle that needed jumping. What needed jumping was the economic optimism that an annual speech like this is supposed to inspire. But times are tough. People in leadership positions like us Legislators and the folks in executive positions across New York State are feeling the financial mis-steps of our State Senate and the heavy tax burden passed on to our counties.

Executive Hein declared a spending freeze for whatever departments he controls; a good start. He also hit on subjects like the Golden Hill Healthcare Facility and the new blood in the county Health Department as continuing progress points. But I wanted to hear more.
But I'm a realist. It's not so much who was giving the speech as much as what the limited options are in 2010, and the task is huge. Hein and my fellow Legislators know that we need to provide life support to Ulster County in-spite of what the state throws at us in unfunded mandates, increasing health costs, anaemic sales tax revenue and unrelenting tax increases.

Holding off on expenses is a good start, but Michael, we need details as to what you visualize as achievable goals before the budget cycle of 2011 comes around. I'd like to hear about better public transportation, tourism investments and promoting our art and military history better. Sure, I like that the road maintenance issue has started the conversation about shared services, but it cant stop there.

At one point, I felt the mantra of "The Buck Stops Here" was replaced with "Step Up Legislators", like some of Mike's bounce was diminished. That could be attributed to the change in leadership, but again, I have faith in the system and that Executive Hein and the Legislature will make the best of what comes at us this year together.

Politicos of every stripe need current and future leaders to be successful in our goals to make Ulster County a thriving bustling place to live, work and visit. So, you can fully expect me and my colleagues to be working together to do just that. Executive Hein can count on it.

I believe other Blogs have the address in video form for viewing and the transcript is available on the county website. For me, it's still a bit surreal that I was actually sitting in the middle of the room during session as a Legislator.

UC Jobs Update from Lance Matteson:
http://bit.ly/dBJasa

16th UC LEGISLATURE: CLASS OF 2010

With the coming of a new year, comes a list of promises from the governing bodies throughout the country. Ulster County was no different. This past Wednesday night, January 6th, the ceremonies that welcomed the 16th induction of the Ulster County Legislature took place. Yours truly was right in the middle of it all.

Transparency and bipartisanship were the themes we heard throughout the evening. Small steps were made in that effort during the last two sessions, but apparently, not enough. Mind you, the Democrats took control in 2006 just as the Charter Revision was taking place, combined with the fact that they hadn't held control of the Legislature for decades before then. Now, during the last class of "Fiddlers 33" the Republicans get to steer the last bloated ship to dock.

As you see above, Chairman Wadnola was chosen unanimously and the audience got to hear some humorous banter during our first organizational session. Parting wishes were offered to those leaving the body as well as Congrats to those joining.

During one odd exchange, the Democratic caucus took the initiative to reinstate the original language describing the Mission Statement of the Committee Chaired by Terry Bernardo. Racing through the agenda, we fully expected to hear someone from the majority motion to amend the watered down version on the floor, but there was silence. So, Legislators Provenzano, Zimet, Parete and Donaldson had a one party conversation with the new chairman regarding protocol with the result of unanimous vote to reinstate the original language. Congrats Terry!

Chairman Wadnola called on lawmakers from both sides of the political aisle to put aside their partisan differences and work together “in a real bipartisan effort” to do what must be done for the county’s residents. I think the Democrats made that impression on day one.

Now, as a County Legislator, I join the chorus of members who claim the Legislature must assert itself as a separate but equal branch of a government. Many of my colleagues have been in office long enough to still feel the former duties in their routine. I, having just come from the Common Council, join them knowing the separation of the two branches quite well. Lets see where this takes me and the 16th Legislature as we head into 2010.

REPUBLICANS EMBRACE HEIN BUDGET

What I just witnessed should never have happened. In a valiant attempt by the Lame Duck Democratic majority of the current Legislature, the possible jobs, programs, and spare change for the taxpayer was offered against the Executive Budget presented by Michael Hein.

Executive Hein offered his version of the 2010 budget with dozens of county jobs cut, programs for Home Healthcare Nursing, The Evolve recovery program, Library funding, CCP and too many other neccessary functions of the County slashed from the general budget. The only chance to bolster the support needed was during this process.
Other than two NO votes from the present Democratic Majority, the amended budget failed along party lines. The single request from the Republican Minority was the elimination of one position in the Executive's branch. As a result, both parties stood their ground and the people of Ulster County got a 5.6% increase in taxes and diminished services.

Having just watched the unanimous vote in favor of all the Ways & Means amendments to the budget by the whole Legislature, this result took me by surprize. I know what options we had during our own budget negotiation here in the city, but we managed to save most of the programs. This is a whole different ball game.

Everywhere I looked, I saw faces filled with dismay. Trying to grasp what just happened. I wondered myself if this being their first budget experience under the new charter had something to do with it. I know the volley structure of the Legislature/Executive relationship. Some of them, I have to question.

I was thinking of one thought on a loop in my head, imagining one of the NO voters pointing their finger at me saying: "We'll fix Mike Hein by voting down the modified budget and end up with Mike Hein's budget!" Yeah, that was really smart.

As it sits, Mike and the NO votes own this budget and it's going to be up to the next governing body to clean up this mess. I hope my comrades are ready to roll up their sleeves and get dirty, because it's going to be tough goin in 2010.

ELECTION 2009

Well, Election time is here. You've had the whole summer to banter about who did what and who will win and why. I have to say, through all the challenges and the expense, it sure has been great to visit old friends and meet new ones throughout the district.

All of us who jump into a political campaign can identify with the thrill and exhaustion that comes after a full day of one-on-one door engagement. Past and current candidates know exactly what I'm talking about.

For those volunteers who work so hard within the party structure, you aren't commended enough for what you do. Regardless of your affiliation, you do what you can in relation to your ability and your passion for your candidate's cause. You deserve to be recognized.

As for the turn-out estimates for this off-year election...I'm hoping the experts are wrong. I want to see people motivated and willing to take part in the process.
This is the election cycle that matters at the local level and involves candidates that you've actually met. And lets face it...If a local candidate didn't make the effort to cast a shadow on your door...

This Tuesday, you'll have the opportunity to make a difference locally because every vote really does count. Ask anyone who's won or lost by a hand full of em and you'll get the verdict on that issue. Me, I'm hoping to work with Brian Cahill & Brian Shapiro (pictured left) as well as my running mate Jeanette Provenzano, who is going to be a wealth of knowledge as we work together for the betterment of District Six here in Kingston.

One disappointment is the missed opportunity to work with Phil Terpening.
(pictured with Susan Zimet).
What a tremendous loss for his family and Ulster County. As I mentioned in a past issue, he was one of the more approachable members of the Legislature and had a way of explaining issues clearly and calmly.

As for the summer of love that I've experienced, well, they say what doesnt kill you makes you stronger. This race has provided many of us with some lively conversation during what would be the wettest summer in recent history. To see the rallying suport from so many people with so many different backgrounds has given me a renewed appreciation for the very real sense of community that binds the citizens of Kingston together. For that, I am grateful.

Even with a win on Election Day, my collegues and I have to tackle the 2010 budget that threatens the quality of life in the City of Kingston. There is much work to do and little time to do it.

Thank you all for your support and continued readership here on Kingston Progressive.

PHIL TERPENING

Today we gather to pay our respects to a great man. A warm, giving and focused man who served the community he loved as only he could.

Phil Terpening is going to be missed. You've read it in several reports and will hear it from his closest friends. But I haven't had the long history that many who knew him so well had. But for the occasional moments I did engage Phil, I found him to be one of the most approachable members of the County Legislature.

He would take the time to listen to all who sought his advise or banter. He was a big man. I had hopes of serving with Phil for as he said, his last term on the Legislature. I wont have that chance.

But there is a greater loss for his brother and daughter who will feel his absence a great deal more than we will. Our warm thoughts go out to them on this sad day.

PRIMARY DAY 2009

Well, Primary Day is upon us. Registered voters have the chance to pick whom they prefer to represent their party's values when we head into the General election this November.

I guess this would be my last time to express my desire to represent the Democratic Party for the U C Legislature.

My tenure on the Common Council has been a real crash course on how we should and shouldn't manage the affairs of the people. My eight years representing Ward Nine has been a challenge and very rewarding. Serving as the conduit for the people and their government has toughened me as well as made me intimately concerned with the good people in Kingston.

I have had nothing but positive feedback from all the people I've met during this process. Let me tell you that the weather has been a real issue. I'm sure the others will tell you that dodging the rain clouds has diminished our ability to hit every home in the district, but I have done my best.

The petition process, the mailers, the fundraisers; all of it exhausting, but exhilarating. I've built a small group of determined supporters who have been both fun to be around and a pain in the... I wouldn't have it any other way.

I have done my best to keep my race out of the posts I publish here on the Blog, hoping to keep the two separate. But this is the small exception. For those readers who live in the 6th District, I need your support. You know who you are. I know where you live!
Well, I have a list of registrants anyway.

For the rest of you, wish me well this Tuesday as this summer's hard work will come to fruition, one way or another. Is it the time for change? Or more of the same. The Democrats will have their say on Primary Day.

MADSEN FUNDRAISER

MADSEN FOR LEGISLATURE
FUNDRAISER EVENT


As many of you know, campaigns cost money.
The cost of printing, signage and postage aren't cheap.
Everything else is hard work, energy and time.

I've said many times, If you cant walk it, you shouldn't run it.
That goes for the Legislative Districts as well.
In weeks to come, you'll start to see all the
candidates out in the neighborhoods.
For some, it's the only time you'll see them.
I intend to continue my neighborhood visibility as I have.

I hope to bring a fresh voice to the Ulster County Legislature.
With your help, I will bring my eight years of experience on
the Common Council to Fair Street in hopes to help
our City and County navigate the tough times ahead.

Thank you to all the supporters who joined me Tuesday night.

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.

MADSEN RUNS FOR COUNTY LEGISLATURE

Since the early prospects of creating a new form of government, and the years it took to bring us the current charter, I have been interested in the County Legislature.

There was the promise of efficiency, singular responsibility and openness when we enacted the new charter that separated the powers of lawmaking and executive duties. Yet we hear some of the same old songs from the same representatives, engaged in the same old bickering. It's getting tired.

Every election term since, we've heard from several of the senior members that each of the following terms would be their last, that they would retire and make room for the next generation of public servants. That day never comes.

What we do know, is that change is sometimes difficult to embrace. After almost 20 years in the Legislature, it's expected that the old ways of doing business, as comfortable as it is, must come to an end. I also know that you cant blame the long term incumbents for continuing as they always have. It's what they know. But they are no longer the executive branch.

After 7 years, I too have gotten comfortable in my role as Alderman in the Ninth Ward. It wasn't until I was challenged for my party's nomination that I realized that this is an opportunity to refocus where I want to be and when.

To quote one person in the committee, “Primaries are good for the party, and you'll do just fine”. Well, I took her up on that and have since entered the race for Ulster County Legislator in the 6th District. She says she doesn't mind and that we all have the right to do so. Thank you Jeanette.

There will be three Democrats to chose from in September. Two have been there since the mid eighties, and me. Still in my 40's, I hope to bring some new perspective to economic development and tourism issues that plague our county in these tough times. The county's infrastructure has been an issue and the Real Estate collapse has added to the fiscal crunch that threatens our quality of life.

While on the Common Council, I helped to cut the budget annually, voted against a few that I felt weren't trimmed enough and have sought new ways to generate revenue in hopes to increase taxes less than expected. Not an easy task. This next city budget is going to hurt many more people. So get ready for some serious program and service cuts in 2010 as well as another tax increase.

I have no hard feelings toward my running mates, just as I had no hard feelings toward those who challenged me for Alderman. This is democracy in action and so long as it is a clean campaign and I provide a clear choice in 2009, then all is good and we will have a terrific go at it. If I didn't think I could build on the success of those before me, I wouldn't be running.

If the Democratic voters in the 6th District are looking for a change in the County Legislature or more of the same, the opportunity is theirs at September's primary.

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.