I have thus far made proposals to cut city spending, cut property taxes, reorganize city departments and make them more efficient, boost our local economy to create jobs, and fight crime. In fact, I have made numerous proposals on the crime issue.
As the Republican voters look to September 13th to make their decision, I ask them to consider the proposals offered by my Republican voters.
Andi Turco-Levin has made 3 proposals dealing with sidewalks, cigarettes, and term limits. Many people like term limits, but can anyone honestly say that cigarettes and sidewalks are the big issues of the day? She has offered nothing on taxes, spending, governmental efficiency, the local economy, jobs, or crime. In fact, she told one of the Democratic candidates that she will not offer anything on crime because it is of no concern to her.
Jean Jacobs has offered one proposal that I am aware of, i.e. the return of the Guardian Angels. I do not have a problem with the idea, but it is not enough on its own to fight crime. To Jean's credit, however, she has supported most of the ideas I have offered and has not rejected them merely because of who proposed it.
Ron Polacco has offered zero proposals -- absolutely nothing.
I respectfully submit that I am the only Republican candidate who has offered anything of substance on the issues that really matter to the voters. As I campaign door to door, the voters tell me that taxes, spending, the local economy and jobs, and crime are their most important issues. I have submitted multiple proposals on all.
This primary election should be about which candidate has the best ideas and the best plan for the City of Kingston. Using this comparison, it is no contest. I have been in the game for years offering proposals to improve our city. My opponents are yet to even pick up a bat. If you rate the candidates by the ideas put forward, I am first with Andi a distant second, Jean Jacobs third, and Ron Polacco trailing the field.
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11 comments:
Rich, I like and respect you, but you are wrong about Andi. She has been a very good representative thus far as an alderwoman. During budget process she called for legitimate and much needed changes to save money in this past budget, she asked that one of the Environmental educators be cut since you dont need two, even if they're last name is Noble. She called for a serious look at and cuts to the massive bogus overtime being put in at the waste water treatment plant and she asked that the consultant Camo industries be cut loose since we dont need them. I know you happened to agree with those cuts and created a "budget" respectively, yourself calling for the same items, but lets face it, she is a lawmaker consequently in place to make changes, and you are not at this time. I know you are trying to win the primary, fair enough. But you need to fight fair, she has done some good Rich, and that cannot be denied. i urge you to continue to try and win, but you will get more support by conducting yourself graciously, my friend. Good luck to both of you.
11:23,
Allow me to set forth the truth.
I met with Andi and Ron at a Republican meeting last summer and suggested we submit a joint proposal on the budget. I even mentioned a few ideas I had to cut the budget.
Two days later, Andi submitted her budget plan containing MY ideas. When I asked her about this, she denied ever having the conversation with Ron and I.
Thus, the ideas you are giving her credit for were MY ideas that she presented as her own. The only proposals she ever came up with on her own were sidewalks, cigarettes, and term limits.
Rich, Andi also pushed to stay on dispatch merger and has held bi-monthly ward meetings keeping constiuents informed and asked what needs were. Excellent alderwoman in my opinion.
Cahill is the only valid Republican mayoral candidate.The others simply lack the intelligence,leadership and managerial skills to be mayor ;save for that they are qualified.Turco-Levin and Pollaco seem to simply follow Cahill's lead.Sinagra is simply the pied piper without a following.Superficiality,lack of thought and absurdity seem to characterize the trio.Cahill is light years above the rest.The democrats should thank Sinagra for this divided and unqualified slew of candidates.Save Cahill they have no shot.
Holding monthly meetings is nothing special. I held numerous meetings when I was an Alderman. It does not by itself make her qualified to be Mayor.
In time, she could become qualified to be Mayor. She is not ready. She is a good Alderman, but not ready to be Mayor. In another 4 to 8 years, she will be ready. Not yet.
The difference is clear. Just look at the level and detail of my proposals compared to hers.
Polacco is a good Alderman with a solid voting record. He is not ready to be Mayor either.
As far as I am concerned, there are only 2 candidates ready to be Mayor on day one. Shayne Gallo and myself. The others need substantial on the job training. Kingston needs help right away. There is no time for on the job training.
Think ahead to when "the buck stops here". Imagine each of these candidates actually in the position of mayor of the City of Kingston. Who is going to be able to cope with the both the daily grind and important negotiations and decisions the Mayor must make. The office of mayor is not a photo opt, an ego stroker, a step up the ladder, or a chance to pick up some extra spending money. It is a job that needs to be taken on only by a bright individual with forward-thinking ideas. Cahill has consistently shown he can handle the office of mayor. The city needs him at the helm.
8:20,
Thank you for the kind words.
It is nice to get a pat on the back once in a while in lieu of a kick in the pants.
Rich how will you get any of your ideas pass the democratic, veto proof Council.
2:59,
You raise a valid question. Right now, the odds are that the Democrats will retain the Council. They already have won 2 seats. Of the remaining 6, at least 5 are competitive. We will need to see the primary results before we have a clear picture though, especially in wards 5 and 9.
If, however, the Democrats end up with a 6 member or better majority, they would be veto proof. However, there are certain powers reserved only for the Mayor. It could create a tough situation.
The way I would handle it would be to have regularly scheduled meetings with the Majority Leader (and any other Aldermen wishing to attend). I would have to to negotiate with him or her, and likely concessions would have to be made on both sides.
I do not think either side wants gridlock for 2 years. Moreover, while certain things would be tough to resolve, others would work out more easily.
As an attorney, I have had tougher negotiations and been able to resolve matters. It just takes patience and a lot of work.
Jean is a dreamer and should marry Phil Cosme and move to Port Ewen
No one takes her serious, and we are tired of hearing from her
Please dont waste your time entertainer her, maybe she will go away
11:10 am,
Like her nor not, Jean is a candidate in the Republican primary. When she offers a proposal, I as a candidate owe it to the voters to respond to the proposal.
I have also responded to the 1 or 2 proposals from Andi. If Ron chooses to offer anything, I will respond to that too.
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