BLOOMBERG TO RUN IN 2010?

Governor Bloomberg. Doesn’t that have a nice ring to it?

I know, we’re not even the through campaign 2008, but the prospect of a Governors race is just two years from now; so why Mike? Term Limits.

Bloomberg can’t run for Mayor of NYC again. When Giuliani was forced out of office, we were thankful, this time around, I say too bad!

The man has done wonders for New York City and held the line on plenty of partisan spending projects.

He has impressed the media and because of his money, owes no-one.

There is a ground swell of support growing throughout the state in hopes to convince Mike to run. Polls are showing him with quite a lead among New Yorkers when offered along side Paterson, Cuomo, and Giuliani, three well known contenders.

Mike claims he won’t seek the Governors Mansion, but minds can change between now and 2010. I have to imagine that Paterson doesn’t really expect to run and win in two years so the Party bosses will be looking for a worthy candidate. The pressure will be on.

On the AP, I found this quote: “I am not and will not be a candidate for governor of the state of New York,” Bloomberg said this last Thursday in Washington.

Having been a Democrat, Republican and now an Independent, any number of party elites will be testing the waters around Bloomberg. I like the prospect of a no-nonsense Governor who doesn’t cave in to the lobbyists and special interests. Unlike the Presidential contenders, Mike is financially independent , thus, less persuaded by the usual cast of characters in Albany.

Senate Republicans continue to raise his name as a possible contender for governor, as do a number of Democrats, News stories report that Bloomberg supporters are privately polling the question.

I think I will start a poll question on this myself.

OBAMA OR McCAIN: NOTHING CHANGES

Is it still OK to feel less than thrilled about the two presidential candidates?

We are now forced to choose between the two nominees, the choice is clear; one will serve as our next President. So why don’t I see the potential for significant change?

As the media starts vetting Obama with the same fervor they do all other candidates, we discover more about what makes him tick. They have already made a fool of McCain, so now it’s Obama’s turn.

This VP search team he put together is the latest blunder; James Johnson turns out to be one of the very people the public would like to tar-n-feather now that we know more about his ties to Countrywide and FannyMae. Might not be such a big deal had the Obama campaign not gone after Mark Penn for his ties to Countrywide.

James Johnson, one of three people tapped by Mr. Obama recently to oversee the search for his running mate, took at least five real estate loans totaling more than $7 million from Countrywide Financial Corp. through an informal program for friends of the company's CEO, Angelo Mozilo.

The "Friends of Angelo" loans were at rates below market averages, three for the purchase of homes. One for $5 Million in Idaho, One for $1.3 Million in California and one in DC for $1 Million; All at rates around 3.8%.

On the campaign trail, Mr. Obama has criticized Countrywide's executives. Here is a quote from the AP: "These are the people who are responsible for infecting the economy and helping to create a home foreclosure crisis. Two million people may end up losing their homes," Mr. Obama said in March at a town hall meeting in Lancaster, Pa.

Here’s a shocker, a total of $19 million in bonuses was paid to Mr. Mozilo and the president of Countrywide, David Sambol. "They got a $19 million bonus while people are at risk of losing their homes. What's wrong with this picture?" Mr. Obama asked.

Also from the AP: From 1991 to 1998, Mr. Johnson served as CEO of the Federal National Mortgage Association, also known as Fannie Mae, which worked closely with Countrywide, one of the nation's leading lenders and loan servicing companies. In 1996, Mr. Johnson named Mr. Mozilo as chairman of Fannie Mae's national advisory council. A 1999 article in the American Banker said the two men had a "close friendship."

Countrywide and FannyMae were two of the four home mortgaging companies that Elliot Spitzer was about to pop for purposely loaning to ineligible applicants of Black and Hispanic origin in economically stressed regions. This was a quick way to wrap up unsecured loans “bundling” and reselling at discount rates to unsuspecting foreign investors, while insuring the economic demise of minority borrowers.

McCain isn’t off the hook, he’s got Phil Gramm from UBS on his staff and the Keating Savings & Loan scandal to reflect on.

These are powerful people and had the means to implement the sting that took Spitzer down before the bust. He gave them what they needed of course. But this swings around to the departure of Johnson from Camp Obama. This isn’t good.

Barack is looking less an instrument of CHANGE as the weeks go by.
With associates and staffers of this caliber, we may have the same nonsense in the White House after all. Regardless of the winner.

BLONDIE AT UPAC; SOLD OUT

BLONDIE rocked the house!

Thunderstorm and all, the theater was jammed full of the happiest fans I’ve seen in years.

We all know the classic hits from the selfish 80’s, you know…hits like Heart of Glass, Tide is High, Call Me and Rapture. I actually had long hair back then.

They played a bunch of newer tracks from PICTURE THIS, their latest. And the grooves are mature and worthy of a purchase for the collection.

Looking at the crowd, I was taken back by the generational mix and how everyone was "ONE" with the music. I sometimes forget what music can do to bring people together.

One glitch in the middle of their first attempt at Heart of Glass, a local power transformer blew and surged the sound system. Result? A 10 minute recess and a fresh do-over. The crowd went wild.

Another thing I noticed. No City employees or elected officials. Am I the only one with the ability to get out on a Tuesday night? You can’t use the excuse that we are too old; the place was consumed by 30-60 year olds.

Anyway, the show was a winner. The UPAC/Bardavon staff should be proud and their quick fix of the power problem was impressive. Well worth the time away from my computer!

DeLAROSE CHALLENGES LARKIN 39th

This is going to be fun.

There is a chance this year to unseat Sen Larkin from his long perch in the 39th district. He has had that position since 1990 and I figure, its time for him to retire.

Enter: Lawrence DeLarose of Blooming Grove in Orange County. He initially intended to take on Nancy Calhoun this year but stepped aside to allow a former challenger take her on again.
Larry, (pictured left with Susan Zimet) a financial and insurance consultant and father of two, has attempted to oust opponents through primaries in the past as a fellow Republican, only to be shut out by their conservative war machine.

Changing party affiliation several years ago, he now runs with the endorsement of the Democratic and Working Families Parties in both Orange and Ulster County.

I am expecting a tough fight. Larkin has been in this seat for 18 years as well as in the Assembly for 12 years prior, so he is a household name, but he is older than dirt. At 80 years old, he makes McCain look like a spring chicken and he remembers Lincoln’s administration personally.

In this year of “change” and a shifting demographic in the Hudson Valley, we may have a chance to take the 39th and shift the power away from Joe Bruno.

Wouldn’t that be sweet?

Delarose to Senate - New York - 39th Senate District - Platform

BURY ME GREEN

Everyone has a personal idea of our final destination after we die, But what about the carcass we leave behind? The lifeless body that used to be our friend or relative is buried or cremated. I certainly dont need mine at this point.

When I'm dead, I don't think I'm going to care what happens with my body. However, I realize my family might not feel the same, so perhaps the idea of being dissolved with lye as opposed to a more traditional burial or cremation, would be problematic for them.

If you're new to the idea of alkaline hydrolysis, here's how it works; A 300°F solution of a concentrated lye (sodium hydroxide), is sprayed on a body at 60 pounds of pressure per square inch in what looks sort of like a body-shaped stainless steel pressure cooker. Sound appetizing?

The base hydrolyzes the tissues, leaving a syrupy brown liquid and some bone residue.
We do this with animal carcasses today and the solution is washed down the drain.

Searching the AP, I found there are two medical centers using the equipment for research cadavers (University of Florida and the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN). They flush the remains, too. Although the solution has a strong odor, it is sterile and does not pose a threat to the water supply. The equipment is a little more expensive than what you need for cremation, but the process may be more environmental friendly than cremation, which releases carbon dioxide and mercury from dental amalgams.

Minnesota and New Hampshire are the only two states that have considered this process and when offered in the NY State legislature, it was called Hannibal Lecter’s Bill because NY State Senator Kemp Hannon’s (R-Nassau) similar name.

Kemp chairs the Senate Health Committee. (pictured left)

It’s too bad we don’t have this option, it’s the most GREEN friendly method of disposing of bodies, and for those of us who live every waking hour working to diminish our carbon footprint, we would want all options available, even in death.

With all the State Senate races this year, maybe we could get a few candidates to opine on this issue.

Alkaline Hydrolysis - Cremation Alternative Clipmarks

Discovery News : Discovery Channel

St JAMES FIRE TACKLED WITHIN MINUTES

The peace in one midtown neighborhood was disturbed this Saturday night by the thunderous howl of Fire Truck sirens. Sometime around dusk, the Kingston Fire Dept got the call for 155 St James Street. The arrival once again was around 4 minutes. Amazing.

The property owned by Greg Soltanoff was occupied by Patricia McNabb who was not home at the time. I have no word on her two cats, but no-one was hurt by the blaze.

However, everything in the second floor apartment was lost. No clue at this time regarding the cause of the fire, but the charming two-family seemed well kept.

The tenent will be staying with family, but there will be a need to start over since nothing was spared the destructive flames.

This would be the time that a caring community like Kingston will step up and offer minimal necessities as Patricia tries to assess the economic and fiscal hurtles ahead.

Greg (pictured right with Cpt Dave) will endure, since insurance usually covers the damage.

Many thanks to the FireFighters who tackle these dangerous situations without hesitation.

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!

URGENT SWEEPS UP AFTER A FAILED SYSTEM

URGENT: The Ulster Regional Gang Enforcement Narcotics Team had another great sweep in the City of Kingston! Mind you, these were only street dealers, but the delivery boys will take notice and have to find fresh faces to distribute their goods.

The Daily Freeman notes that this round-up resulted from seven months of investigating leads and following the trouble traffic. These youngsters are actually in “gangs”…can you imagine? Ranging from 17 to 28 years old, you know who dropped the ball.

Your son steps out at 11pm to meet his friends and you’re too busy to know what they’re up to? Junior doesn’t have a job, but just flashed his new watch and grill. (bling teeth).

There’s something wrong with this picture. Who are their parents, why is dad missing? Why aren’t they in bed?

With generations living in stressed neighborhoods and families never building a work ethic, why would you expect better? Why? Because we have a social system that is supposed to catch those who fall between the cracks before it comes to this.

More than we would like, fall through those cracks and we see our kids working the streets, selling drugs, guns or themselves.

In the paper, Tim Matthews was quoted “We continue to go after these dealers because that is where a lot of violence and robberies stem from." For us tax payers, we feel better when the quality-of-life issues are attended to. But these would be the 11th and 12th grade students who show signs of needing help during the day, yet go out to rough-it-up after dark.

Did you ever think it might be time to put the absent parents in the cell with the kids?

STATE POISED TO OFFER LEAD REMOVAL GRANTS

The New York State Assembly passed a bill requiring the State Health Department to identify the 30 cities outside New York City with the worst lead-paint-poisoning problems. Additionally it dictates that the SHD then work with counties to develop plans to reduce the incidence of the problem once exposed.

Sponsored in the Assembly by David Gantt (D Rochester) it now moves to the State Senate and sponsored by Joe Robach (R Monroe County) where it has to get through the hands of Joe Bruno.

This no-brainer has been stalled in Albany for many years, not for lack of public support, but because NYC slumlords heavily lobbied against it because they might have to do upgrades in their units.

To get this passed through the two houses this time, NYC had to be cut out of the proposal. Thanks to Robach (pictured left) for delivering this to the Senate.

According to a recent article in the Poughkeepsie Journal, New York has the largest number of housing units that still have lead paint, both in absolute numbers and in percentage terms, of any state, and this is clearly stated in all the documents presented to members of the Assembly and Senate. Children who get too much lead in their systems - mostly through breathing air that includes dust from the paint - risk serious brain injuries and other developmental problems.

Small cities like Kingston, Poughkeepsie and Newburgh have pockets of older, economically stressed neighborhoods which lend themselves to layers of lead paint inside. A study back in 2005 had over 3,000 children diagnosed with elevated lead content in brain deposits. That would seem outrageous since lead paint has been outlawed in New York State since 1978.

In case you’re a landlord who has neglected your older properties or plan to rectify this problem, the state is offering tax credits to cover 50% of the cost of projects to remove lead paint.

The question is, will our local Senators step up and pass this legislation?

Contact Stephen M. Saland , Bill Larkin, John J. Bonacic, Joseph E. Robach, and

Joseph L. Bruno to show your support from the Hudson Valley.

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.

MILITARY RECRUITERS ENTER OCTAGON

The United States military has been looking for ways to increase recruitment numbers for a while. With unpopular occupations and diminished funding for safety equipment and an antiquated GI Bill waiting for them after they serve, the attraction wasn’t there. So, the military is embracing a combat sport commonly called Ultimate Fighting.

A rough and tumble bloody sport that a decade ago was called human cockfighting and largely outlawed.

Where this sport is still legal, major tournaments are held and the fan base of UFC, the Ultimate Fighting Championship, has grown. As the sport found its audience on channels aimed at young men, recruiters and drill sergeants started to pay attention.

It’s really a phenomenon, mixed martial arts and disciplines like jiu-jitsu, boxing and wrestling, It’s a blend of combat skills that, if confronted hand to hand, would seem a valuable asset. UFC has adopted safety measures lately that have satisfied most state regulators and is now soaring in popularity among young men.

Military officials have sought practical applications to help increase recruitment and retain troops. So, the army has a new field manual section focused specifically on mixed martial arts techniques for unarmed combat. Its It’s intent is to harness the competitive drive in young recruits since it is truly a powerful motivator.

(Sgt. Tim Kennedy pictured right)

The armed forces are using the sport not only as a way to build morale and aid in recruiting, but also as a training aid to enhance the skills of soldiers.

When I witnessed the KPAC boxing match at our Midtown Center last month, I imagined that some day, UFC or something like it could come here, but it is still not permitted in NY State.

Why the Midtown Center? Wasn’t it originally an armory? Combat at this level would seem natural in such a militarily historic building. Just a thought.

Army bases around the country now conduct mixed martial arts tournaments, sending the winners to championship fights at Fort Benning. The fourth annual championship, set for October, has been planned to incorporate rules indistinguishable from mixed martial arts.

The days of eye gouging and biting are long gone, and for good reason, so as UFC matures, the acceptance by mainstream sports aficionados will solidify. NY will eventually allow the sport here and when that happens, I suggest using this sport as another tool to help bolster our local economy.

HUDSON VALLEY PRIDE

Well, today is the big day down in New Paltz.

The Hudson Valley Gay Pride Celebration sponsored by the LGBTQ Center on Wall St in Kingston has their annual Pride Festival on the first Sunday of June every year.

Its a fun filled event that starts with a noon rally, parade down main street and a day long festival at Hasbrouck Park.

I took a turn on the Center's Board of Directors during it's formation years. Alot has been acomplished and I am proud of the work they have done and are prepared to do as the center programs develope. But today is about the smiles and community unity within Hudson Valley.

People mix it up at these events. You'll see us political figures marching before GLAAD. The Gay Youth for School Equality followed by Out Officers Union. You see our parents and our kids, the teachers and students, old and young, those who have seen and affected the the equality struggles of the past, and those who havent a clue because of our success.

The Festival will have live bands, comedians, a few speaches and of course a few drag queens mixed in for spice. But the big event? The AfterParty at JOE's.

JOE's is the grandaddy of the bar scene in New Paltz from way back. Through it's many forms, It has always survived. Every year we test it's dance floor for the AfterParty. And what a crowd.

This is the best part. I will once again DJ this monster event from 8 - 11 for the main floor.

Come on out to the party and feel the chest pounding base as you and your friends dance the Sunday night away at the year's most all-family friendly celebration.

Pictures to follow in a few days.

GLSEN Hudson Valley

The Hudson Valley LGBTQ Community Center

MUNICIPAL PRIORITIES 101

Most readers will think Im reading too much into this, but whywould I come home from work on a Friday evening, drive down Broadway and see the municipal garbage cans are overflowing with trash?

Initially, I thought,,,It's Friday, we had Monday off so the task shift affected the routine garbage collection. So I continued downtown. The cans were empty. Every municipal garbage can below Garraghan Drive was empty!

Tell me, do we have a priority issue here?

OFFICER MOONLIGHTS ON DISABILITY

Does anyone out there think this is easy?

This is what we deal with when hiring employees for a municipality. It’s almost too much to bear.

Department heads try their best to weed out applicants who either can’t work as a team or be trusted on a job alone.


Here we have Brian Lyons of Saugerties, an UC Corrections Officer, who is out on disability moonlighting as a pizza delivery man.

That alone would be shameful and worthy of dismissal, but there’s more.

He managed to find the gas card of UC Public Works Commissioner David Sheeley who said he had misplaced his gasoline card. Now, what would you do?

(this is where the thinking comes in)

Computers track expenses from every card used for gas within the fleet. Did Brian think no-one would ever notice the spent $800? Astounding! It’s considered petty larceny.

Now, here is the ultimate kick. Lyons yearly salary is almost $50K. He is collecting 100% while out on disability. I don’t get it. I dont think he's starving! That’s more than the median income average for Ulster County, including mine.

Sheriff Van Blarcum is dealing with the courts now to fire him. Best of luck.

With the economic stress that plagues us all, It pains me to see this kind of abuse of the system.

Paul, you have your hands full.

BUSH LIED! Oh We Knew That Already.

"History appears poised to confirm what most Americans today have decided — that the decision to invade Iraq was a serious strategic blunder, No one, including me, can know with absolute certainty how the war will be viewed decades from now when we can more fully understand its impact." – Scott McClellan


Former White House press secretary Scott McClellen’s book What Happened hits the book stand on Monday, June 2nd. I haven’t seen a copy yet, but the media is eating it up. This would be the closest source and most candid perspective on the inner workings of the Bush administration to date.

Of course the passages concerning the Iraq war will be the most heavily debated, and the networks are going to sell a lot of commercial time during this one. I have always suspected the media purposely dumbed down the issues surrounding the Iraq invasion so the masses could still focus on their jobs, families and self indulgences so the bloody reality of war would still feel numb.

Bush, Cheney and the rest of the warlords tried to sell this war just like every other wartime President has. The only difference is that history has given them the time to justify their actions. This time out, there is no mercy. In this “instant-news” society, there is no downtime for anyone.

McClellen was in the most unique position to fully grasp what was happening in the White House. As press secretary, he was the publicist for the most powerful man in the world. Having lost his blind faith in the administration, he now finds himself an author at the center of the media storm we watch today.

For better explanations regarding his allegations in the book, Scott was with Wolf Blitzer on CNN Friday night. May 29th. And probably on YouTube everyday after that.

In Ex-Spokesman’s Book, Harsh Words for Bush - NYTimes.com

McClellan Responds to White House Criticism - NYTimes.com

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.

FIGHT BACK EXPRESS; ACS-CAN

After a three day holiday weekend, celebrating the memories of our servicemen, most of us begrudgingly go back to work Tuesday.

Most of us go through our days not knowing the struggles of life threatening illness.

Where we take for granted that our jobs are the only hurtle to make ends meet, some of us deal with cancer and the financial means to fight it.

I had the privilege of greeting the American Cancer Bus at the Holiday Inn this Tuesday morning where I rejoined the support membership and signed the petition that’s heading to Washington. Cancer Action Network is sponsoring a coast to coast cruise in the bus to promote awareness of the FDA bottle-neck procedures holding back new revolutionary drugs to help fight cancer.

Traveling across the country, the CAN bus is stopping in hundreds of communities to build the movement to make cancer issues a national priority. It will bring the stories of cancer patients, survivors and friends to the presidential candidates to make cancer a priority issue in their administration.

I have not heard much on the issue during debates or on the campaign trail, so as the primaries wind down and the two remaining candidates battle through the summer, I expect to hear more from both. I, like so many of you, have lost family members to cancer, and we all know several courageous survivors among us.

Notables in the crowd were my friends Shelly Zimbler, Ward Todd and Lew Kirschner.

With Tony Marmo directing this north east district concerning cancer awareness and serving as liason to local government officials, I’m sure we are in good hands.

The RELAY FOR LIFE will occur this weekend at Deitz Stadium in Kingston. Join a team and make strides for a cure.

American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network

ACS :: Relay For Life