The County Ethics Law was passed in 2008. It holds that county employees and officials, including legislators “ shall not use his/her official position or office or take or fail to take any action in a matter which he/she knows or has reason to know may provide a personal financial benefit or secure unwarranted privileges or exemptions. ”
Now, as I was viewing the dash cam video from Legislator Berky's traffic stop, I distinctly heard her say, "you're not going to let me go even though I'm a county legislator".
Hmmmmm. Try to use her position as a county legislator?
Hmmmmm.
Friday, November 3, 2017
Saturday, October 21, 2017
The Voters Have a Right to Know
The Ulster Town Board is holding a special meeting this Tuesday to decide whether to grant FOIL requests to release a police dash cam video of a traffic stop of Legislator Jennifer Schwartz Berky.
Allegedly, during this stop, Berky treated the officer in a nasty and disrespectful tone. She also played the old "don't you know who I am" routine, dropping various names such as the Sheriff.
Her behavior was so outrageous that media outlets want to hear and see the video.
Berky has hired a lawyer who is asking the Board to wait until after the election before releasing it.
Sorry, Ms. Berky, but the people have a right to know how their legislator behaves and treats others in public. You obviously feel that you are better than the average person because you have won an election and thus should not be subject to speeding laws like everyone else.
Hubris, arrogance, and condescension.
Allegedly, during this stop, Berky treated the officer in a nasty and disrespectful tone. She also played the old "don't you know who I am" routine, dropping various names such as the Sheriff.
Her behavior was so outrageous that media outlets want to hear and see the video.
Berky has hired a lawyer who is asking the Board to wait until after the election before releasing it.
Sorry, Ms. Berky, but the people have a right to know how their legislator behaves and treats others in public. You obviously feel that you are better than the average person because you have won an election and thus should not be subject to speeding laws like everyone else.
Hubris, arrogance, and condescension.
Sunday, September 24, 2017
Signing in Flemington, New Jersey
I will be appearing on November 11th at 2:00 p.m. for a book signing at Act 2 Books in Flemington, New Jersey, one of New Jersey's most famous used book shops. The store is located at 20 Turntable Junction, Flemington, New Jersey.
Flemington, New Jersey is the location of the the Trial of the Century. On February 13, 1935, Bruno Richard Hauptmann was convicted of the murder of Charles Lindbergh, Jr. The kidnapping and murder of the Lindbergh Baby was one of the biggest media sensations the world has ever known.
I am very pleased to receive such an invitation over 3 1/2 years after my book's publication. I am very much looking forward to the event.
Flemington, New Jersey is the location of the the Trial of the Century. On February 13, 1935, Bruno Richard Hauptmann was convicted of the murder of Charles Lindbergh, Jr. The kidnapping and murder of the Lindbergh Baby was one of the biggest media sensations the world has ever known.
I am very pleased to receive such an invitation over 3 1/2 years after my book's publication. I am very much looking forward to the event.
Monday, June 5, 2017
A Shameful Attempt to Bully
If you drive through the seventh ward and parts of the sixth ward, you will see sign after sign after sign in opposition to the Rupco proposal for the Kingston Poorhouse a/k/a Almshouse. The people in the neighborhood have made it clear that they do not want this project, and the opposition is growing.
As the Alderwoman of the Seventh Ward, Maryann Mills has led the opposition to this proposal, along with Alderwoman Brown, and others.
Apparently, Rupco is feeling the heat. Recently, a letter was sent by Rupco's attorney. Dated 5/31/17, this letter states:
"Political Influence. It is my opinion that Councilman Mills has pre-judged my clients Zoning Petition and has attempted to utilize her position as a Common Council Member to wield political influence on behalf of and in league with project opponents based upon the affordable housing aspects of the Landmark Place Project. This pandering to those working at variance with a lawful affordable housing project is wholly inappropriate and could expose the City of Kingston to substantial monetary liability, Landmaster Montgomery, LLC v. Town of Montgomery, Index Number 8125/04, Sup. Ct., Orange County (September 18, 2006), Owen, J., cross app. dismd, 54 AD3d 407 (2008), aff'd, 54 AD3d 408, app. dismd, 11 NY3d 864 (2008). Continental Building Company v. Town of North Salem, 625 NYS2d 700 (1995).
Unconstitutional Exclusionary Zoning. Based upon the foregoing, it appears that Councilwoman Mills may be attempting to utilize her own predilections against the project to interfere with the substantive requirements of the City of Kingston Zoning Law, New York State Statutes and Federal Law, in order to invidiously exclude affordable housing.
In this regard, it is critical to remember that under New York State Law, the City of Kingston is required to provide a properly balanced and well-ordered housing plan for the entire community, while considering regional housing needs and requirements. Berenson v. Town of New Castle, 38 NY2d 102 (1975), Kurzlus v. Incorporated Village of Upper Brookville, 51 NY2d 338 (1980), United States of America ex rel. AntiDiscrimination Center of Metro New York, Inc. v. Westchester County, New York, Stipulation and Order of Settlement and Dismissal, Case No. 06Civ.2860-DLC, Cole, J (2009). "
So, what does this letter mean? Well, there is one line that makes it crystal clear. Rupco's attorney wrote, "This pandering to those working at variance with a lawful affordable housing project is wholly inappropriate and could expose the City of Kingston to substantial monetary liability ..."
That, ladies and gentlemen, is a threat. This means that the City of Kingston Common Council and Mayor are being told that if they do not approve Rupco's application and do exactly what they want, a lawsuit could be filed. That is the only way Kingston could suffer "substantial monetary liability."
I served on the Kingston Common Council. I debated many issues with former Mayor Sottile and former Majority Leader Reynolds. At no time did either man ever threaten me. We disagreed, but did so the proper way.
I feel very confident that Mayor Sottile would NEVER have tolerated any agency or organization making a threat like this. I know damn well that former Mayor Shayne Gallo and certainly former Mayor TR Gallo would not have tolerated this.
As a city taxpayer, I am angered, offended, and outraged that Rupco is trying to bully the Kingston Common Council and the Mayor into backing this proposal. Alderwoman Mills is doing her job and supporting her constituents' wishes in opposing the project. The Common Council has a fiduciary responsibility to review all proposals. The Aldermen also have a responsibility to represent their constituents.
I conclude my remarks by saying that Rupco is obviously getting desperate. The public is significantly against this project. The Almshouse proposal will be a huge issue in the November elections. Rupco is now resorting to threats and bullying to try to force their proposal through the required legal reviews. Any Alderman or Alderwoman who tolerates this may find out that taxpayers will vote them out of office.
As the Alderwoman of the Seventh Ward, Maryann Mills has led the opposition to this proposal, along with Alderwoman Brown, and others.
Apparently, Rupco is feeling the heat. Recently, a letter was sent by Rupco's attorney. Dated 5/31/17, this letter states:
"Political Influence. It is my opinion that Councilman Mills has pre-judged my clients Zoning Petition and has attempted to utilize her position as a Common Council Member to wield political influence on behalf of and in league with project opponents based upon the affordable housing aspects of the Landmark Place Project. This pandering to those working at variance with a lawful affordable housing project is wholly inappropriate and could expose the City of Kingston to substantial monetary liability, Landmaster Montgomery, LLC v. Town of Montgomery, Index Number 8125/04, Sup. Ct., Orange County (September 18, 2006), Owen, J., cross app. dismd, 54 AD3d 407 (2008), aff'd, 54 AD3d 408, app. dismd, 11 NY3d 864 (2008). Continental Building Company v. Town of North Salem, 625 NYS2d 700 (1995).
Unconstitutional Exclusionary Zoning. Based upon the foregoing, it appears that Councilwoman Mills may be attempting to utilize her own predilections against the project to interfere with the substantive requirements of the City of Kingston Zoning Law, New York State Statutes and Federal Law, in order to invidiously exclude affordable housing.
In this regard, it is critical to remember that under New York State Law, the City of Kingston is required to provide a properly balanced and well-ordered housing plan for the entire community, while considering regional housing needs and requirements. Berenson v. Town of New Castle, 38 NY2d 102 (1975), Kurzlus v. Incorporated Village of Upper Brookville, 51 NY2d 338 (1980), United States of America ex rel. AntiDiscrimination Center of Metro New York, Inc. v. Westchester County, New York, Stipulation and Order of Settlement and Dismissal, Case No. 06Civ.2860-DLC, Cole, J (2009). "
So, what does this letter mean? Well, there is one line that makes it crystal clear. Rupco's attorney wrote, "This pandering to those working at variance with a lawful affordable housing project is wholly inappropriate and could expose the City of Kingston to substantial monetary liability ..."
That, ladies and gentlemen, is a threat. This means that the City of Kingston Common Council and Mayor are being told that if they do not approve Rupco's application and do exactly what they want, a lawsuit could be filed. That is the only way Kingston could suffer "substantial monetary liability."
I served on the Kingston Common Council. I debated many issues with former Mayor Sottile and former Majority Leader Reynolds. At no time did either man ever threaten me. We disagreed, but did so the proper way.
I feel very confident that Mayor Sottile would NEVER have tolerated any agency or organization making a threat like this. I know damn well that former Mayor Shayne Gallo and certainly former Mayor TR Gallo would not have tolerated this.
As a city taxpayer, I am angered, offended, and outraged that Rupco is trying to bully the Kingston Common Council and the Mayor into backing this proposal. Alderwoman Mills is doing her job and supporting her constituents' wishes in opposing the project. The Common Council has a fiduciary responsibility to review all proposals. The Aldermen also have a responsibility to represent their constituents.
I conclude my remarks by saying that Rupco is obviously getting desperate. The public is significantly against this project. The Almshouse proposal will be a huge issue in the November elections. Rupco is now resorting to threats and bullying to try to force their proposal through the required legal reviews. Any Alderman or Alderwoman who tolerates this may find out that taxpayers will vote them out of office.
Monday, May 29, 2017
Tune in to WKNY
Sundays at 2pm, tune in to WKNY radio at 1490 am on the dial.
The new show Rick & Ryan has hit the airwaves.
Listen as Don Ryan and I interview guests and talk about issues affecting the city, county, State, country, and maybe even the world.
Listen to Rick & Ryan rant on WKNY, Sundays at 2pm.
The new show Rick & Ryan has hit the airwaves.
Listen as Don Ryan and I interview guests and talk about issues affecting the city, county, State, country, and maybe even the world.
Listen to Rick & Ryan rant on WKNY, Sundays at 2pm.
Friday, March 17, 2017
Just a Thought
We are all still digging out from that monster storm.
Many people are upset about the plowing in the city.
What does the Mayor talk about during his radio broadcast?
He talks about putting in bike paths in the city!!
Uuuuuggggghhh!!
This administration needs to stop worrying about federal immigration issues, bike paths, and so forth. Between those two things and attempts to raise parking fees and charging for municipal lots, businesses are going to be forced out.
The focus needs to be the nuts and bolts of the city. Strengthen DPW, give fire and police departments the tools they need to keep our city safe. Our infrastructure needs repair.
Stop worrying about bike paths and Donald Trump. Be the mayor of Kingston and put Kingston at the top of the agenda.
I know neither the Mayor nor Council majority will listen, but at least I can rant and feel a little better for a few minutes.
Many people are upset about the plowing in the city.
What does the Mayor talk about during his radio broadcast?
He talks about putting in bike paths in the city!!
Uuuuuggggghhh!!
This administration needs to stop worrying about federal immigration issues, bike paths, and so forth. Between those two things and attempts to raise parking fees and charging for municipal lots, businesses are going to be forced out.
The focus needs to be the nuts and bolts of the city. Strengthen DPW, give fire and police departments the tools they need to keep our city safe. Our infrastructure needs repair.
Stop worrying about bike paths and Donald Trump. Be the mayor of Kingston and put Kingston at the top of the agenda.
I know neither the Mayor nor Council majority will listen, but at least I can rant and feel a little better for a few minutes.
Tuesday, March 7, 2017
A Ridiculous Letter From Democrats
Alderman Scott-Childress wrote a letter to the editor and got a bunch of Democrat committeemen to sign it. (Of course he lacked the courage to sign it himself).
In this letter, he claimed that Alderwoman Brown and Mills are "sabotaging" the budget by voting no.
First of all, 2 Alderman alone do not have that power. Seven Aldermen and the Mayor working together cannot be overruled. As such, his assertion is asinine.
What is the real point of the letter then? Well, the Democrats tried last city election to primary Alderwoman Mills, but lost. Obviously, they intend to try again.
Mills is a moderate to conservative Democrat. This is something the Democrat Committee will not tolerate. They expect their members to vote left wing only. The so-called party of tolerance allows no contrary opinion.
The second reason for the letter is to create a scapegoat. City voters ate extremely unhappy with the Council majority.
So, clearly Democrats intend to try to blame Mills and Brown by falsely claiming they were blocked from their goals.
Think about how ridiculous such an assertion is. How can 2 Alderman block anything? Legally, they can block nothing.
This is just another political stunt from intolerant far left wingers who have accomplished nothing and who are hurting our city.
In this letter, he claimed that Alderwoman Brown and Mills are "sabotaging" the budget by voting no.
First of all, 2 Alderman alone do not have that power. Seven Aldermen and the Mayor working together cannot be overruled. As such, his assertion is asinine.
What is the real point of the letter then? Well, the Democrats tried last city election to primary Alderwoman Mills, but lost. Obviously, they intend to try again.
Mills is a moderate to conservative Democrat. This is something the Democrat Committee will not tolerate. They expect their members to vote left wing only. The so-called party of tolerance allows no contrary opinion.
The second reason for the letter is to create a scapegoat. City voters ate extremely unhappy with the Council majority.
So, clearly Democrats intend to try to blame Mills and Brown by falsely claiming they were blocked from their goals.
Think about how ridiculous such an assertion is. How can 2 Alderman block anything? Legally, they can block nothing.
This is just another political stunt from intolerant far left wingers who have accomplished nothing and who are hurting our city.
Saturday, February 18, 2017
Once Again, Council Will Ignore Their Own Rules
Alderwoman Mills is learning that rules mean nothing to the Council majority.
Mills pointed out that once legislation is defeated at a Council meeting, only someone who voted on the prevailing side may make a motion to reconsider.
I can tell you Noble has enforced this rule in the past. However, since he wants the legislation to pass, he is now ruling the other way saying that as long as a majority of the Council wants to pass it, it is permitted.
Now, the Corporation Council has issued a ruling backing this nonsense. He has no choice because if he does not, the Mayor can replace him.
So, now the Council will pass the kiosk legislation even though Council rules do not permit it. No vote to change the rules. The rules just get ignored.
This has happened before. Rules state no debate on a motion to table. Noble enforced that rule against me when I was on the Council. However, when democrats recently wanted to do so, he allowed it.
I can list 5 or 6 other examples including one time where a majority wanted to pass something, but Noble did not like it, so he just took it off the calendar announcing he would not allow the Council to pass it.
I am not angry about all of this. I actually laughed out loud when I read the article about it. I have known for sometime that liberals do not give a whit about rules, elections, or even fair play. They just want to advance their agenda no matter what.
This is how government works in Kingston and has for a long time.
Mills pointed out that once legislation is defeated at a Council meeting, only someone who voted on the prevailing side may make a motion to reconsider.
I can tell you Noble has enforced this rule in the past. However, since he wants the legislation to pass, he is now ruling the other way saying that as long as a majority of the Council wants to pass it, it is permitted.
Now, the Corporation Council has issued a ruling backing this nonsense. He has no choice because if he does not, the Mayor can replace him.
So, now the Council will pass the kiosk legislation even though Council rules do not permit it. No vote to change the rules. The rules just get ignored.
This has happened before. Rules state no debate on a motion to table. Noble enforced that rule against me when I was on the Council. However, when democrats recently wanted to do so, he allowed it.
I can list 5 or 6 other examples including one time where a majority wanted to pass something, but Noble did not like it, so he just took it off the calendar announcing he would not allow the Council to pass it.
I am not angry about all of this. I actually laughed out loud when I read the article about it. I have known for sometime that liberals do not give a whit about rules, elections, or even fair play. They just want to advance their agenda no matter what.
This is how government works in Kingston and has for a long time.
Tuesday, January 10, 2017
Remember in November
The Common Council approved the sanctuary city resolution by a wide margin.
The crowd contained large numbers of people brought in from outside the city who cheered at the slightest sound in favor of the resolution.
I am certain that many passed Kingstonians are flipping in their graves as we speak.
If Kingston has any real future other than being an extension of New Paltz and New York City, we must replace these Aldermen who did not oppose this legislation.
It is either that or we surrender Kingston as we have known it.
The crowd contained large numbers of people brought in from outside the city who cheered at the slightest sound in favor of the resolution.
I am certain that many passed Kingstonians are flipping in their graves as we speak.
If Kingston has any real future other than being an extension of New Paltz and New York City, we must replace these Aldermen who did not oppose this legislation.
It is either that or we surrender Kingston as we have known it.
Wednesday, January 4, 2017
Guess I Haven't Lost My Touch
I publish an article criticizing the Freeman for not publishing the Sheriff's press release from some time ago expressing his opposition to the sanctuary city.
What happens? Within 48 hours, they publish it, though they make it seem like the Sheriff approves. You have to read 3/4 of the article before it becomes clear that he opposes it.
Glad I still have an effect with my blog, though the Freeman will of course deny it. We all know better though.
What happens? Within 48 hours, they publish it, though they make it seem like the Sheriff approves. You have to read 3/4 of the article before it becomes clear that he opposes it.
Glad I still have an effect with my blog, though the Freeman will of course deny it. We all know better though.
Monday, January 2, 2017
Daily Freeman -- Your Bias is Showing
Perhaps I'm old fashioned, but I expect my local paper to be print both sides of a debate and allow the readers to decide for themselves. Unfortunately, it appears the Daily Freeman does not support this idea.
Just before Christmas, the Freeman posted a story about how Kingston Police Chief Tinti supports the Sanctuary City resolution. However, they have refused to print the story picked up by the Middletown Record announcing that the chief law enforcement officer in Ulster County, our Sheriff, has come out strongly against the proposal.
Why would you post the Police Chief being in favor, but ignore the Sheriff being against it? The left wing bias of the Daily Freeman is showing badly.
Just before Christmas, the Freeman posted a story about how Kingston Police Chief Tinti supports the Sanctuary City resolution. However, they have refused to print the story picked up by the Middletown Record announcing that the chief law enforcement officer in Ulster County, our Sheriff, has come out strongly against the proposal.
Why would you post the Police Chief being in favor, but ignore the Sheriff being against it? The left wing bias of the Daily Freeman is showing badly.
Monday, December 26, 2016
Sanctuary?? A Call to Arms
I have not posted in quite some time. However, recent events make it necessary to post again.
Recently, Mayor Noble announced his intention to make Kingston a sanctuary city. A sanctuary city, for those who do not know, is a city that announces publicly that illegal immigrants will not be arrested or detained for violating federal immigration law.
On January 10th at 7 p.m., there will be a Common Council Meeting where the Mayor's resolution will be discussed and likely voted open. The public will be allowed to speak on the matter as well.
A few thoughts. First, the Aldermen and the Mayor took an oath to faithfully defend and protect the laws and Constitution of the United States and State of New York, as well as the laws and Charter of the City of Kingston. To vote for this resolution is a direct violation of that oath.
Second, President-Elect Trump has announced his intention to deny federal funding to so-called sanctuary cities. As of January 20th, he will have the power to back that up. How, pray tell, will the Mayor and Council make up for the loss of federal funds? There are only 2 ways. Either they lay off firemen, policemen, and/or city employees; or, they raise property taxes. Either way, we citizens and taxpayers take it in the neck yet again.
Finally, if a person is not held on a federal immigration warrant because of the sanctuary city policy and he or she subsequently commits a crime, what will the Mayor and Council have to say to the victim or the victim's family? If God forbid, the person not arrested on said warrant commits a murder (it has happened before), how will the Mayor and Council get the victim's blood off their hands?
I know that the overwhelming number of illegal immigrants do not commit crimes and just are seeking a better life. The number who commit violent crimes are between 2% and 5% which seems like a small number. However, when you consider that there are supposedly 6 million illegal immigrants currently in the country, then a range of 2% to 5% is 120,000 to 300,000. That's just too damn many.
I urge Kingstonians to do 2 things. First, show up at the meeting and express your opposition. (Know that the Mayor will have numerous plants ready to speak in favor.)
Second, tell your Alderman that if he or she votes for this resolution, you will vote against him or her. Neither the Mayor nor ANY of the Aldermen ran on the idea of making Kingston a sanctuary city. This is a bad idea and it needs to be defeated. This is not Democrat versus Republican. (One Alderwoman from each party has announced opposition). This is about the future of Kingston.
Recently, Mayor Noble announced his intention to make Kingston a sanctuary city. A sanctuary city, for those who do not know, is a city that announces publicly that illegal immigrants will not be arrested or detained for violating federal immigration law.
On January 10th at 7 p.m., there will be a Common Council Meeting where the Mayor's resolution will be discussed and likely voted open. The public will be allowed to speak on the matter as well.
A few thoughts. First, the Aldermen and the Mayor took an oath to faithfully defend and protect the laws and Constitution of the United States and State of New York, as well as the laws and Charter of the City of Kingston. To vote for this resolution is a direct violation of that oath.
Second, President-Elect Trump has announced his intention to deny federal funding to so-called sanctuary cities. As of January 20th, he will have the power to back that up. How, pray tell, will the Mayor and Council make up for the loss of federal funds? There are only 2 ways. Either they lay off firemen, policemen, and/or city employees; or, they raise property taxes. Either way, we citizens and taxpayers take it in the neck yet again.
Finally, if a person is not held on a federal immigration warrant because of the sanctuary city policy and he or she subsequently commits a crime, what will the Mayor and Council have to say to the victim or the victim's family? If God forbid, the person not arrested on said warrant commits a murder (it has happened before), how will the Mayor and Council get the victim's blood off their hands?
I know that the overwhelming number of illegal immigrants do not commit crimes and just are seeking a better life. The number who commit violent crimes are between 2% and 5% which seems like a small number. However, when you consider that there are supposedly 6 million illegal immigrants currently in the country, then a range of 2% to 5% is 120,000 to 300,000. That's just too damn many.
I urge Kingstonians to do 2 things. First, show up at the meeting and express your opposition. (Know that the Mayor will have numerous plants ready to speak in favor.)
Second, tell your Alderman that if he or she votes for this resolution, you will vote against him or her. Neither the Mayor nor ANY of the Aldermen ran on the idea of making Kingston a sanctuary city. This is a bad idea and it needs to be defeated. This is not Democrat versus Republican. (One Alderwoman from each party has announced opposition). This is about the future of Kingston.
Wednesday, September 28, 2016
DiFalco Replaces Bernardo
Joe DiFalco is apparently the new Ulster County Independence Party Chairman reports Mid Hudson News.
This is major political news and could have major ramifications in next year's local elections.
Here is the article from Mid Hudson News.
"
This is major political news and could have major ramifications in next year's local elections.
Here is the article from Mid Hudson News.
"
| DiFalco to chair Ulster County Independence Party committee | ||
| KINGSTON – Third party politics in Ulster County will shift direction next week, when Independence Party member Joseph DiFalco assumes control of the interim county committee. A brief meeting has been scheduled for October 3, at Broadway Lights Diner, where DiFalco hopes to usurp the post from his longstanding rival. The official notices were served at the party’s state convention in mid-September. DiFalco said he plans a very brief meeting, no longer than 15 minutes, to take over the county chairmanship. “We’re not ordering any food, just a glass of water with lemon,” he said. The current interim chairman, Len Bernardo, wielded considerable influence during his tenure, facilitating the election of his wife Terry into the county legislature, then legislative chairwoman. After losing her bid for a second term on the legislature, Mrs. Bernardo ran unsuccessfully against Michael Hein for county executive in 2015. DiFalco, who leads the Independence Party within the City of Kingston, quietly assumed a position on the state committee this month, and used that opportunity to call a re-organizational meeting for the county committee. Bernardo, who lives in the Town of Rochester, also sits on the state committee, in a separate senatorial district. He is additionally a member-at-large of the executive committee. DiFalco, however, holds more weighted votes than Bernardo, and therefore decides local cross-endorsements. For the next two years, DiFalco will apparently be running the show. Under Independence Party rules, members of the state committee choose who serves as interim county chairman. Ulster County is divided into several state senatorial districts, votes are weighted according to the last gubernatorial vote. The Independence Party ballot line typically carries several hundred votes per municipality. Any election with a slim margin can be clinched by an Independence Party cross-endorsement. Until now, that coveted political power was firmly wielded by Len Bernardo – who strongly favored Republican candidates. DiFalco’s wife Ellen, currently a Democrat, previously served as confidential secretary to Kingston Mayor Shayne Gallo; and also was former clerk of the county legislature. Mr. DiFalco played a key role in unseating Third Ward Kingston Alderman Brad Will in an ethics scandal last year. DiFalco continues to pursue further ethics charges against the mayor and city attorney, while officials scramble to rewrite the law. A retired New York City Teamster, DiFalco frequents City Hall meetings wearing shorts and a fisherman hat, irking factional Democrats with his abrasive Archie Bunker mannerisms. Opponents expressed discontent at DiFalco’s ascension." |
Saturday, August 13, 2016
Walter Maxwell
Sad to hear of the passing of Walter Maxwell.
He was the driving force behind Kingston Community Radio.
A nice guy who will be missed.
He was the driving force behind Kingston Community Radio.
A nice guy who will be missed.
Thursday, July 14, 2016
Hypocrite
Teachout, after running a primary against Cuomo and telling anyone who would listen, how bad he is, has now apparently accepted Cuomo's endorsement!!
HYPOCRITE !!!!!!
HYPOCRITE !!!!!!
Trump Picks Pence
Trump has chosen Governor Pence to be his running mate.
I am not a big fan of Mr. Trump. I am a fan of Governor Pence though.
So, now I will hold my nose and vote for Trump. Then, if Hillary is defeated, I will pray for Impeachment to give us President Pence.
I am not a big fan of Mr. Trump. I am a fan of Governor Pence though.
So, now I will hold my nose and vote for Trump. Then, if Hillary is defeated, I will pray for Impeachment to give us President Pence.
Tuesday, July 12, 2016
Ginsburg Crosses an Ethical Line
Judges do not comment on politics. It is an axiom, a clear rule, and an ethical mandate.
Yet, Supreme Court Justice Ginsburg has violated this rule by publicly attacking Donald Trump. In so doing, she has crossed an ethical line.
This behavior is disgraceful. Judges are supposed to be neutral. What if the Trump vs Clinton race ends up before the Court? She must now recuse herself and the Court will be hampered.
Even liberals who despise Trump have criticized Ginsburg for her comments.
I have great respect for Judges (Yes, even the liberal ones). To see a Justice behave this way is truly disappointing.
Yet, Supreme Court Justice Ginsburg has violated this rule by publicly attacking Donald Trump. In so doing, she has crossed an ethical line.
This behavior is disgraceful. Judges are supposed to be neutral. What if the Trump vs Clinton race ends up before the Court? She must now recuse herself and the Court will be hampered.
Even liberals who despise Trump have criticized Ginsburg for her comments.
I have great respect for Judges (Yes, even the liberal ones). To see a Justice behave this way is truly disappointing.
Monday, July 4, 2016
Tuesday, June 7, 2016
Conservative Convention Results
Earlier this evening, the Ulster County Conservative Committee met to decide on candidates.
At the very beginning, Kyle Barnett spoke and announced he was withdrawing from the race for Surrogate's Court and was supporting Mr. Matera. He expressed his desire to see Conservative judges and did not want to see a split ticket. He got a large ovation.
In accepting the endorsement, Mr. Matera thanked Barnett for his kind words and for running "an honorable campaign".
The Committee endorsed Jack Hayes, a retired Trooper and former County Legislator, to challenge Kevin Cahill for Assembly.
Senator Amedore was also endorsed.
However, by a large margin, the County Conservatives refused to endorse John Bonacic citing his less than conservative voting record and his support of a downstate Senator for Majority Leader over the Upstate candidate.
By an even larger margin, the County Committee refused to endorse Bill Larkin. The Committee also cited his betrayal of Upstate New York as well as his support for a left wing liberal Congressman in Orange County.
To be clear, since both districts are multi-county, it is likely that the State Committee will overrule the County and award the nominations to Bonacic and Larkin. However, the County Committee sent a strong message to both Senators.
The Committee also endorsed Senator Seward and newcomers Maria Kelso and Bill Benucci for Assembly seats.
At the very beginning, Kyle Barnett spoke and announced he was withdrawing from the race for Surrogate's Court and was supporting Mr. Matera. He expressed his desire to see Conservative judges and did not want to see a split ticket. He got a large ovation.
In accepting the endorsement, Mr. Matera thanked Barnett for his kind words and for running "an honorable campaign".
The Committee endorsed Jack Hayes, a retired Trooper and former County Legislator, to challenge Kevin Cahill for Assembly.
Senator Amedore was also endorsed.
However, by a large margin, the County Conservatives refused to endorse John Bonacic citing his less than conservative voting record and his support of a downstate Senator for Majority Leader over the Upstate candidate.
By an even larger margin, the County Committee refused to endorse Bill Larkin. The Committee also cited his betrayal of Upstate New York as well as his support for a left wing liberal Congressman in Orange County.
To be clear, since both districts are multi-county, it is likely that the State Committee will overrule the County and award the nominations to Bonacic and Larkin. However, the County Committee sent a strong message to both Senators.
The Committee also endorsed Senator Seward and newcomers Maria Kelso and Bill Benucci for Assembly seats.
Sunday, June 5, 2016
Conservative Convention on Tuesday
County Conservatives meet Tuesday night to decide on various races.
There could be fireworks over some State Senate endorsements. Amedore should be fine, but many Conservatives are furious with Larkin, Seward, and particularly Bonacic. If these 3 even show up, they can expect tough questions.
The most interesting fight will be for County Surtogate's Court. Matera and Graf were each expected to win their party's endorsement and did.
Kyle Barnett intends to primary. No word on McGinty yet.
Look for Matera and Barnett to battle it out with Matera going in to the convention with the advantage.
There could be fireworks over some State Senate endorsements. Amedore should be fine, but many Conservatives are furious with Larkin, Seward, and particularly Bonacic. If these 3 even show up, they can expect tough questions.
The most interesting fight will be for County Surtogate's Court. Matera and Graf were each expected to win their party's endorsement and did.
Kyle Barnett intends to primary. No word on McGinty yet.
Look for Matera and Barnett to battle it out with Matera going in to the convention with the advantage.
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