MY FIRST FUNDRAISER

My first fundraiser is scheduled for Wednesday, May 4th at 7:00 p.m. at the Kozy Tavern. The cost will be $35.00 per person or $50.00 per couple. More information to follow . . .

Recommendation

Earlier this evening, the Candidates' Committee of the Kingston Republican Committee, after interviewing all of the candidates and questioning them extensively, announced their recommendation for Mayor. The committee recommended me for the nomination. While it is the entire committee that ultimately nominates the candidate at a convention, I am still extremely honored by their recommendation.

A Great Tribute to the Champ

Last night, I was honored to be the ring announcer for the evening of amateur boxing honoring "The Champ" Billy Costello. Also in attendance were boxing greats "Gentleman" Gerry Cooney and Renaldo Snipes.

The evening was a touching tribute to Costello who packed the Mid Town Neighborhood Center to the rafters for his three successful title defenses in Kingston. Billy was presented with numerous awards including a beautiful trophy shaped like a boxing glove given to him by the Chairwoman of the New York Boxing Association.

Once the boxing card started, the crowd was treated to a heck of a show. The Irish National Team was extremely impressive from top to bottom. Not to be outdone, our boxers put on a display of pugilism and actually won 2 of the 5 contests. There was not a bad bout the entire evening.

At the end of the show, Renaldo Snipes and Billy stuck around to meet fans and sign autographs. Gerry Cooney could not stay for the entire show, but he was in attendance early. He shook hands, signed countless autographs, and mingled with the crowd.

In short, this was an evening I will not forget. Like many, I was choked up during the standing ovation given to Kingston's champ. Billy spoke softly and briefly, but his emotion was obvious. It was a tribute truly worthy of "The Champ".

Board Votes To Close Meagher School

Without holding a significant public forum as promised, the School Board voted 6 to 3 to close Meagher School earlier this evening. It might interest the public to know that no Aldermen showed up at the meeting. Other than myself, none of the candidates for Mayor showed up. I find that disgraceful.

Where was Bill Reynolds? Meagher is in his ward. Where was Clement? Polacco? Gallo? Turco-Levin? None of them showed up to fight for Meagher School.

For those interested, the following people on the Board voted to close Meagher: Uhl, Coston, Childs, McCoy, Farrell, and Shaughnessy. There were 2 no votes and 1 abstention. Of all the members, the one who pushed to the hardest was Chris Farrell.

The two members who voted no and the abstention are up for election this May. The only one of the "yes" votes up for election is Reverend Childs. Obviously, I would like to see him defeated. When Farrell runs in 2012, I very much want to see him defeated.

Regardless, Meagher School is coming to an end. It will either sit and rot, or the Board will sell Crown Street and move its offices into the Meagher Building. It is a sad day in Kingston.

Attention Kingston Residents

On Wednesday, March 16th at 6:00 p.m. at Miller School, the Board of Education will formally receive the plan from the Master Plans Committee to close Meagher and Sophie Finn schools. I urge the people of Kingston to attend this meeting and speak out in opposition to this plan.

Meagher and Sophie Finn are important parts of 2 significant neighborhoods within Kingston. We cannot sit idly by and allow the Board to close TWO city schools. Why should the children of Kingston be sent by bus all over the county when so many are currently able to walk to a neighborhood school?

Let your voice be heard at this important meeting.

YNN Discusses Mayoral Campaign

YNN did a news story about the race for Mayor in Kingston. Click HERE to see the clip.

Report on School Board Meeting

Unfortunately, I arrived late to the meeting (had to take a family member to the hospital) and missed the first speaker. Nevertheless, the Board was just coming out of Executive Session when I arrived. The only politicos present were: Alderman Turco-Levin, Alderman Clement, and Alderman Fuentes.

During the public speaking forum, 4 speakers including myself and Alderman Clement addressed the Board. Three supported Meagher and Sophie Finn while the fourth was unclear. Alderman Clement said he was speaking for himself and Alderman Reynolds in support of keeping both schools.

Hours later, when the Board finally addressed the issue, they simply stated that the formal written report was not being delivered until the next meeting. No other discussion was had.

The next meeting of the Board will be March 16th at 6:00 p.m. at the Miller School. Hopefully, an even stronger attendance will help send a message to the Board.