I want to thank Mayor Gallo for appointing me to the Kingston Fire Commission. The fact that the Mayor appointed me despite the fact that I actually ran against him in the past election speaks to his character.
I took notice of Frank Dart saying that my appointment was a "slap in the face" and profess myself disappointed and confused. I was unaware that Mr. Dart possessed such a low opinion of me. I guess part of his reaction must be sour grapes because he was not reappointed.
I must also point out that Mr. Dart's contention that he was not reappointed because he supported Hayes Clement in the Democrat primary seems flat since I was appointed in his stead and I actually ran against Mayor Gallo. Certainly, if Shayne Gallo was being politically vindictive, he would not have appointed me. My so-called political offense was much greater than Mr. Dart's. He supported an opponent whereas I was an opponent.
Nevertheless, I thank the Mayor for the faith he has shown me and for his kind words in the paper. I will try to honor his choice by doing the best job I can.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
9 comments:
,
rich, I beleive Mr. Dart is only a part time resident of Kingston he shares his time between Datona Fl. and here. we nneed full time residents to serve the city not disgruntled losers.
Good luck rich. go Shayne.A slap in face of the good old boys.And Dart is part of that.
Mr. Cahill,
Congratulations on your appointment to the Board. I know you will do an honest and thorough job, just as you have with your public service to this point. This is another example of Mayor Gallo's determination; get the best people available to advance the City of Kingston, regardless of which box they've checked on their Voter Registration Card.
The following is my reaction to the flap raised by Mr. Dart as published on the Daily Freeman's website today.
"Mayor Gallo is doing the job as he sees it. He was elected to change what may not be working for the City of Kingston. This is, as the Mayor apparently sees things, a chance to do what is needed to improve the City. Thank goodness he is does not test party affiliation to fill paid or volunteer positions.
If Mr. Dart believes his base argument, though, he should not be surprised or upset with the result. The fact is that Mr. Dart did not support Mr. Gallo in the primary. Moreover, he gave a rather eloquent speech at the City Nominating Convention, calling for party unity and asking all committee members to support Mr. Clement. Why then, should he act the part of Captain Renault and be "shocked, shocked I say" to find that he no longer has Mayor Gallo's support.
I believe, though, the issues here are much larger than petty retaliation for a year-an-a-half old sleight. The Mayor's duty, and the Fire Board's duty, is to the people of the City of Kingston and the Firefighters bound to protect them. It is not to a union, a management team, or to their self-interests. If I were Mayor, and I found, as is alleged, double dipping, misappropriation, and failure to keep up with the equipment needs of the firefighters, I would not only terminate the parties involved, but want to know why the control board was not on top of at least the equipment problems. I would at least want the board members to try solving shortfalls before suggesting lawsuits.
This position on the Fire Board does not belong to any one man, to any profession, or to any party. Members serve fixed terms at the appointment of the Mayor. Mr. Cahill was selected because he will bring his talents and his work to the job, not his party's membership card. His appointment is warranted, and is no insult to Mr. Dart or any Democratic party member.
Frank Dart served the City of Kingston and Ulster County, honorably, for many years. The last I spoke with my friend, he had retired to Daytona, Florida. He said he was happy there, and that being out of local politics was a burden off his shoulders. Perhaps it is time to step aside, and let the next generation take over the duties of this post. It must be difficult to fulfill this particular responsibility from so far away."
Congratulations, and good luck.
-Andrew Champ-Doran
kingstonbarn.wordpress.com
hope you enjoyed your visit! ...
It's time for Aldermen Senor to come foward and be honest to his ward and the city of Kingston. Mr Senor is only a resident by address he has made the Town of Ulster his home for some time now. Let's not have another Chris Burns situation.
COngrats to you Rich. You will be a welcome addition to the board of commissioners. I know you are always steadfast in your beliefs and stick to your principals. One may disagree in how you present your thought & ideas but in the end you do have the best of intentions for the City of Kingston. Kudos to Gallo for recognizing that fact. Sour grapes to Dart. He has stayed too long at the fair. New administration, new ideas.
4:11,
Not sure what you mean. My visit where??
4:11, Frank Dart. I'm leaving on a jet plane, I don't know when I'll be back again...
December 20, 2012 9:58 AM
Sottile moved Burns. Gallo should do the same to Sensor.
Post a Comment