Blog and Discussion

Saugerties Democratic Committee News

2009-07-17T14:59:00.002-04:00

By Mike Harkavy

Helsmoortel, Leighton and Tucker endorsed by the Independence Party

Supervisor Greg Helsmoortel, Town Board member Bruce Leighton, and Ulster County Legislature candidate Nicole Tucker have all received the endorsement of the Ulster County Independence Party.
“I’m delighted by these endorsements. This is proof positive that the Independence Party recognizes the great work done by Greg Helsmoortel and Bruce Leighton in guiding Saugerties towards continued economic growth and low taxes. Both Greg and Bruce are excited to join with town board candidate Jamie Fine to insure that the momentum of ‘Team Saugerties’ continues to move forward”, said Democratic chair, Mike Harkavy. Continuing, Harkavy said, “Nicole Tucker is a rising star and along with Marcy Goulart and Alverta Jones, she will add her passion for good government to the experienced leadership of incumbent Gary Bischoff, to insure that the Democratic Party maintains its majority in the Ulster County Legislature”.
The Working Families Party has previously endorsed all of our Democratic Party candidates for town and legislature positions.

Republicans whine and attack, while our Town Board works

While the Republican Party leadership repeats the same tired letters and columns, over and over and over again, and their town candidates remain silent on the sidelines, the current Town Board continues to work for Saugerties. Here are some examples:

The Town Board is establishing intermunicipal agreements that will increase efficiency and lower costs to our taxpayers. Our highway department is working with Ulster County and the towns of Ulster, Woodstock and Tannersville. The police department is cooperating with Ulster County, SWAT and URGENT and our animal shelter and transfer station are also entering into cooperative agreements with other townships.
We just enjoyed a very successful Stone House Tour sponsored by the town’s Historic Preservation Commission.
The feasibility study for the development of the Winston Farm is under way at no cost to the taxpayer.
The Town Board in cooperation with the village is actively working on a plan for the merger of the village and town police that will benefit all residents and businesses.
The improvement of Tissal Road is underway. It will insure a safe crossing for vehicles leaving and entering Solite
With a new fee structure, over 200 children will enjoy the Saugerties Day Camp at no cost to the taxpayer.
The town Economic Development Committee has produced a village shopper survey for village businesses. They are working on a second survey that will go to village and town businesses seeking their feedback as to their needs and suggested improvements.
Supervisor Greg Helsmoortel continues to find ways to streamline the budget and trim fat while the town remains solidly in the black.

Space prohibits telling you more, stay tuned.

The next meeting of the Saugerties Democratic Committee will be on Monday, July 20th at 7p.m. at the Inquiring Mind Bookstore & Cafe (Main & Partitions Streets).

Annual Barn Dance, August 1st

2009-07-10T09:35:00.003-04:00

Here are the details for the annual barn dance. Scroll down to see the (plain text) info below the flyer.

BARN DANCE!
At AVALLONE’S FARM
Saturday, August 1
7 p.m. ‘til….
The cows come home!
FOOD!
Live music by "TOO MUCH FUN"
Where: Donn & Maryann Avallone’s
269 Wilhelm Road, Saugerties
Cost: Whatever you’d like to contribute!
Bring a finger food snack or dessert to share
Dress: Barn Casual
Come dance…
by the light of the moon!
RSVP: Patti Kelly 246-2497 or email:
Ckelly513@hvc.rr.com

DIRECTIONS TO AVALLONE FARM:
At intersection of Rt. 212 & 32 North, take 32 North approximately 1 ½ miles and bear right on
to County Rt. 34 (Old Kings Hwy.) to the Stop sign. Continue straight on Old Kings Hwy. until you reach Schoolhouse Road on your left. Turn left on to Schoolhouse Road, which becomes Wilhelm Road. Drive to the end of the paved road, where you’ll see a big red barn, on the left. Balloons will mark the way.

CAN’T COME BUT WOULD LIKE TO CONTRIBUTE to the Saugerties Democratic Committee?
Make checks out to the Saugerties Democratic Committee and mail to

Harriet Tomasko, Treasurer,
1198 Glasco Turnpike, Saugerties, NY 12477

Please join the Saugerties Democratic Committee for an evening of fellowship, good will, and fun to help us celebrate our slate of incredible Democratic candidates!

July 4th Pics

2009-07-06T08:45:00.008-04:00

Here are some photo's from July 4th!

Congressman Maurice Hinchey

County Clerk Candidate Gilda Riccardi (with Uncle Sam)

County Clerk Candidate Gilda Riccardi with
County Executive Mike Hein

County Legislature Candidate Alverta Jones

County Clerk Candidate Gilda Riccardi with the Magerellis (of Woodstock)

County Clerk Candidate Gilda Riccardi and
County Judge Candidate Deborah Schneer
with Congressman Maurice Hinchey

County Clerk Candidate Gilda Riccardi meets
Saugertiesians on the Parade Route

County Clerk Candidate Gilda Riccardi with
Saugerties Village Mayor Bob Yerick

County Clerk Candidate Gilda Riccardi meets
Saugertiesians

County Clerk Candidate Gilda Riccardi meets
Saugertiesians

County Comptroller Elliott Auerbach
with County Executive Mike Hein

County Comptroller Elliott Auerbach
with County Executive Mike Hein

Letter from the next County Clerk, Gilda Riccardi

2009-06-29T09:03:00.001-04:00

Dear Town Chairs, Committeepersons, and Democratic Party members,

I wish to thank you all for your nomination and unanimous support at the Democratic Convention earlier this month. As I said in my acceptance speech, I am proud to be your candidate for County Clerk and, with your help, we will win. We launched my website today, which will offer county residents the opportunity to learn more about me and how my legal/management education and experience is commensurate with what we should expect in our new county executive form of government. The site also contains links to press releases, instructs how to contribute to my campaign, and provides updates on fundraisers and events. The site is www.gildaforcountyclerk.com.

My committee and I have an ambitious plan to get my name all over this county and I have already started to appear at county-wide functions. If you know of an event that you think I should attend, please let my committee know by contacting Mike Harkavy at mharkavy@hvc.rr.com or Donn Avallone at Kaatman@aol.com so that we may schedule accordingly. We would also appreciate the help of a "local" democrat at these events to introduce me to residents in your area. I am available to walk with those carrying petitions, and would welcome the opportunity. I understand the importance of personal contact.

Please feel free to offer any of your suggestions on how we can win this election. We also ask that you pass this email on to your party members who have internet access. We could save an enormous amount of money throughout the campaign by eliminating post office mailings as much as possible. We would also appreciate any email addresses you may have so that we may direct email.

I look forward to bringing a fresh eye and a fresh look to the office of the Ulster County Clerk for the first time in forty-two years, and to meeting and working with you all.

With my best regards,

Gilda Riccardi

Candidates we can be proud of.

2009-06-25T12:12:00.001-04:00

Making the Team
Dems nominate Leighton and Fine for Town Board

by David Gordon

Bruce Leighton, running on the Democrat ticket for his second term on the Saugerties Town Board, says he is proud of what the current board has accomplished over the past few years and is hoping to continue the job. His running mate, Jamie Fine, stresses her business background and her interest in town government.

Leighton is registered with the Independence Party; Fine is a registered Democrat.

JAMIE FINE

While she is running for office for the first time, Fine is no stranger to the public sphere. She chairs the town's Property Assessment Advisory Committee and has served on the Economic Development Committee and the Winston Farm Alliance, the citizen's group working to influence the course of development at the 850-acre site of Woodstock '94. She founded the Secret Gardens Tour and continues to coordinate it. She coordinates harvest dinners for the Saugerties Farmers Market.

The New Windsor native has lived in Saugerties for more than 17 years. She has been married for a year to her companion of 24 years. She does not have children.

Fine is retired and has a good deal of time to devote to town affairs, she said. Her career in administration involved budgeting, dealing with employees and management - all of which will come in handy managing town affairs. Her last position - director of human resources for the American Society of Mechanical Engineers - involved handling benefits for the 500 employees of the society, with a $6 million budget. Fine said she has held similar positions in other businesses and organizations.

Fine said she is running "to give something back to the community." When Democrats asked her to run for the County Legislature, she turned them down, because she wanted to concentrate on Saugerties. "This town has a really good feeling of community," she said. She lived in Woodstock for a short time, and "I didn't get the sense of connection that I get here."

Many of the town issues are new to her, Fine said, and she hopes to learn. She acknowledged that in replacing Nancy Campbell on the board, "I will have very big shoes to fill," but with her management background and organizational skills she will be able to do the job.

"I don't have a political agenda; I don't have any hidden agendas," Fine said. "I was assured that I would be free to vote my beliefs on the board."

BRUCE LEIGHTON

Bruce Leighton is finishing up his first term on the town board, and he's looking forward do another term. He said he is uniquely qualified to handle responsibility for the town's water and sewer services, with 25 years in the water supply business.

Leighton served four terms on the village board before running for his position on the town board.

Leighton, a lifelong Saugerties resident, is registered with the Independence Party. The Democrats have not asked him to change his registration, he said.

"I was living out west when my father died, and I came back to run the business," he said. The move cut short a promising career as a folk and country-western musician, he said. That was 25 years ago, and the business, Leighton's Water Treatment, has grown every year since, he said. Leighton acknowledged that the town's various water districts are competition of a sort, but he is happy to lend his expertise to the various water districts in town. While he knew little about the business when he first took over, Leighton said, he has developed his knowledge of water treatment and is now a certified water specialist level five, with six as the highest certification.

He studied economics and marketing at New York State University in Plattsburgh.

About 80 percent of his business is selling and installing water purification systems, Leighton said. He is also a distributor of Berkshire Springs spring water, which he sells under his own label.

Leighton's wife, Kate, works in the business. They have three sons, Mike, the oldest is finishing at SUNY Brockport and will begin teaching next year. Tommy is studying music and John is a senior at Saugerties High School. All his sons are interested in music - mainly classical, he said. "I was a professional musician, and they seem to be following that part of my interests. I won't be retiring any time soon," he said.

Leighton said he is proud of the Town Board's record, and he resents the sometimes snide disparagement of the Republicans in their newspaper column and their campaign, in which GOP chair Joe Roberti has dubbed Leighton a "bobble head," and implied his votes aren't well thought out.

He wants to set the record straight. First up: criticism over the increase in water rates over the past decade. Leighton acknowledged that the price of water has increased, but noted that the town buys water from the village, and when the village raises its prices, the town must follow suit. He would like to see the town charge just a little more to build up a reserve for repairs and maintenance of water purification and sewage treatment so large-scale repairs would not burden taxpayers with sudden increases when major work is needed.

Leighton noted that some of the increases occurred prior to his service on the board. An increase in 1999-2000 paid for new treatment facilities and the installation of a larger water tank, both projects undertaken by the village. Rates were not increased enough to cover the costs at the time. The result was that the capital fund was depleted, he said. In order to cover costs, the town had to borrow from the general fund. The result was another increase in water rates.

"When they (Republicans) criticize us for raising water rates, they show that they don't know how the system works," Leighton said.

Leighton said Republicans also distort the record when they talk about the town board's offer of four times the value of the carousel. The town put down a deposit on the carousel pending an appraisal. When it decided not to buy the carousel, the owners did not want to return the town's deposit. Eventually, the town negotiated the return of $8,000 of the $10,000 deposit.

Leighton's running mate, Jamie Fine, said the Town Board should get credit - not criticism - for trying to keep a wonderful amenity in town. The loss was unfortunate, she said.

On the Republican accusation that the board always votes as a block, Leighton noted that in most cases there's very little to disagree about, given the kinds of issues the town faces. However, he noted, the board has not always been unanimous, citing the vote on placing a historic designation on Winston Farm. That vote was 3-2 against.

Among the achievements of the current town board, Leighton listed effort to bring water and sewer services to Kings Highway, which are almost ready for construction. He cited the gateway law, which is designed to make the approaches to the main parts of Saugerties more attractive. Aquifer protection is another important achievement, he said.

Leighton cited his business experience - payroll, meeting expenses and deadlines, and budgeting - as well as specific water production experience as helpful to serving on the town board.

In addition to the two Town Board positions, the supervisor's position is also up for election this year. The Democrats have already nominated Greg Helsmoortel for a sixth term. So far, Republicans have yet to nominate a candidate.

The general election will be held November 3.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Governor taps Dem candidate to be new Ulster County judge

2009-06-18T10:17:00.000-04:00

From THe Daily Freeman:
By KYLE WIND
Freeman staff

KINGSTON — Deborah Schneer, a town of Rochester justice and the Democratic candidate in this fall’s election for Ulster County judge, has been appointed to the county bench by Gov. David Paterson.

Schneer is to succeed J. Michael Bruhn, who retired in April, and would be the first woman to serve as the county’s judge.

Her appointment could be held up, however, because it requires confirmation by the state Senate, which has not conducted any business since an attempted Republican takeover of the chamber last week and which now finds itself gridlocked with 31 members on each side of the political aisle.

Ulster County Democratic Chairman Julian Schreibman said he’s hoping for a quick confirmation of Schneer, but he conceded it’s “difficult to know for sure” how soon she will be able to preside over County Court proceedings.

Schneer, in a telephone interview on Wednesday, said she was “thrilled and honored to have received the appointment by the governor to the important post of county judge.”

Schneer was nominated by county Democrats on June 8 to run for the judgeship, which has a 10-year term and a current salary of $131,400 per year. She was chosen over New Paltz Town Justice Jonathan Katz and Shandaken Town Justice Michael Miranda.

The following day, Schreibman called the governor’s office to recommend Schneer be appointed to the judgeship for the remainder of 2009.

The winner of the November election — in which the Republican candidate is former Ulster County District Attorney Donald A. Williams — will begin serving on Jan. 1, 2010.

Williams was nominated by county Republicans on June 1 over town of Ulster Justice Marsha Weiss and attorney Michael Kavanagh Jr.

Schneer, 50, has been one of Rochester’s two town justices since 2006 and has had a law practice in Rosendale since 2003.

As county judge, she said, she would work to ensure all parties get a “level playing field” and “appropriate and fair experience” in the court system.

Schneer graduated from Tuft’s University in 1980 and New York University Law School in 1984, and she began her legal career with Prisoners’ Legal Services of New York. She spent a year with the state Department of Law in 1987, then returned to Prisoners’ Legal Services as a staff attorney and later managing attorney. She left that post in 1998 and began a part-time practice while also working part-time for the Neighborhood Defender Service of Harlem.

Ulster County Democrats have described Schneer as having “extensive experience as a civil rights lawyer and an advocate for the poorest and most vulnerable members of society.”

Schneer said she lives with her partner and 4-year-old son in High Falls.

URL: http://www.dailyfreeman.com/articles/2009/06/18/news/doc4a39b3f0c457e888978505.prt

UNITED DEMOCRATS NOMINATE THEIR TOWN CANDIDATES

2009-06-15T10:15:00.000-04:00

Saugerties Democrats convened their caucus at the Senior Center on Market Street on Monday night to officially nominate their slate of town candidates for the November 3rd election and to express overwhelming approval of the current board and the teamwork, collaboration and respect that have characterized its successful approach to governing. Greg Helsmoortel, who is not enrolled in any political party, was tapped for his 6th term as Supervisor. Jamie Fine, a Democrat, and Bruce Leighton, an Independence Party member, were selected for the two town board slots. All three were elected unanimously. All three have also received the endorsement of the Working Families Party.

Helsmoortel, a lifelong resident of Saugerties, is widely respected for his decency, nonpartisanship and long-standing commitment to the community, and he brings a solid track record of accomplishments to his candidacy for re-election. As a tenacious watchdog over the town’s finances, Greg has made it a priority to keep taxes low and to obtain millions of dollars in grant money. He has been the driving force behind the work with regional planners and county government to explore the possibility of green high tech economic development and open space preservation on the Winston Farm, an effort that has garnered tremendous support in Saugerties. He was also instrumental in providing a home for our town’s library during its construction phase by having the Town Hall warehouse remodeled into a beautiful energy-efficient space. This remodeling was paid for by the library, and the work was done by town employees-- yet another example of the spirit of community cooperation that is the hallmark of Greg and the board.

Leighton, also a lifelong resident of Saugerties, has a B.S. in Marketing & Economics. He is the owner of two successful businesses in town—Leighton’s Water Treatment and Hudson Valley Spring Water Company, and the town has benefited from his professional expertise and tremendous work ethic. Bruce served 4 terms on the Village board and was elected to the town board in 2005. In addition to his responsibilities with the Town’s Water & Waste Water Department, Bruce serves as the board’s liaison to Diaz Ambulance, the Boys & Girls Club, the Justice Court and the Assessment Review Committee. As a member of the Ulster County Chamber of Commerce and the Saugerties Area Chamber of Commerce, he is a strong proponent of promoting economic development while steadfastly preserving our town’s cultural, historic and environment heritage.

Fine has been a resident of Saugerties for nearly two decades and brings an impressive background in business management and communications to her first run for elected office. Jamie received her B.S. in Labor Studies from SUNY, Empire State College Center for Labor Studies and spent her professional career as an executive in Human Resources Management at major companies. As a community volunteer, Jamie is a dynamo, and she is respected for her integrity and tireless service to many Saugerties organizations. In 2004, she spearheaded the successful Secret Gardens of Saugerties tours and has served as its organizer and marketer ever since. Not only has this become a highly anticipated annual tourist attraction, but it has raised significant money for the Saugerties Historical Society and the Saugerties Boys & Girls Club.

In the spirit of bi-partisanship and in recognition of jobs well done, the Democratic caucus also cross-endorsed Republicans Lisa Stanley for Town Clerk, Dan Lamb for Town Justice, Peg Nau for Receiver of Taxes, and Bernie Ellsworth for Superintendent of Highways.

Before adjourning the caucus, Mike Harkavy, chair of the Saugerties Democratic Committee, gave a moving tribute to Nancy Campbell for her extraordinary work on the town board. Nancy, whose term expires at the end of the year, is not seeking reelection. She received a prolonged standing ovation, a bouquet of roses, and heartfelt appreciation for her service.

SAUGERTIES DEMS ARE OFF AND RUNNING

2009-04-27T16:09:00.000-04:00

At its April 20th meeting, the Saugerties Democratic Committee unanimously endorsed its search committee’s recommendations for Legislative and Town elections. Democratic chair Mike Harkavy said, “I credit this committee and the Saugerties Democratic Party for creating a climate where talented, community-minded people who want to work in the best interests of Saugerties are always welcomed. In nominating this slate of candidates, we are putting our principles front and center and making it clear that, for us, the goal of elections is open and inclusive government and good public policy.”

For the legislative race, the Democrats are again calling on the talent and experience of Gary Bischoff to lead the team. He is a consensus-builder who has earned countywide respect for his unfaltering leadership on tough issues. Joining Gary on the ticket are Nicole Tucker, Marcy Goulart, and Alverta Jones. “These candidates bring a wealth of expertise in economic development, business management, education, tourism and community volunteerism,” said Harkavy. Gary Bischoff added, “The search committee had a difficult job picking the best candidates. There were other people who wanted to run, and they also would have made excellent candidates. The candidates that were ultimately selected bring a great balance of youth, enthusiasm and experience that provides voters with an excellent slate they can support with confidence”.

For the town race, the Democrats tapped the highly regarded Greg Helsmoortel for a sixth term as Supervisor. Joining Greg on the Team Saugerties ticket are Bruce Leighton, who is seeking his second term, and Jamie Fine, who is making her first run at elected office. “Over the past several years, our town board has put together a tremendous record of achievement, and we look forward to a continuation of this collaborative and effective approach to governing. Greg, Bruce and Jamie have our confidence, our support and our unfaltering commitment to help them succeed,” said Harkavy.

The Democratic Committee also gave a hearty round of applause to Nancy Campbell who will be leaving the town board when her term expires in December. “Nancy told us from the get-go that she was only going to serve one term, and we owe her a debt of gratitude for the extraordinary work she’s done…and continues to do…on behalf of the residents of Saugerties. She will be sorely missed.”

Saugerties Democratic Committee News

2009-04-11T13:42:00.002-04:00

By Mike Harkavy

Town Board Accomplishments…continued
While we continue to wait, for the Saugerties Republican Party to propose positive programs that support economic development and job opportunities for the businesses and residents of Saugerties, we will continue to highlight the accomplishments of Supervisor Greg Helsmoortel and our town board. They have:

· Worked actively with the Chamber of Commerce and the Village promoting events like the October giant flea market and the December Holiday in the Village

· Created High Tech, Green Collar and You, the first forum of its kind in the region that brought business leaders, educators, and local, state and federal government officials to Saugerties High School to enlighten students, teachers and parents about opportunities in “green collar” industry.

· Under Greg Helsmoortel’s leadership, worked with the Department of Transportation and our state and federal officials to relocate the Tissal Road railroad crossing insuring the safety of local residents and those entering and leaving Solite.

· Created the position of an in-house planner rather than depending on expensive outside consultants. This approach is being used as a model for other local townships.

· Adopted training regulations for planning and the zoning board of appeals prior to New York State Requirements

· Adopted zoning laws that combine environmental concerns with practical land use patterns

· Actively supported the Farmer’s Market

· Enhanced the TV 23 studio, providing free educational opportunities for community members who want to learn technical aspects of TV production.

· Continued to support the Hudson Valley Garlic Festival that brings tens of thousands of visitors to Saugerties each year.

The First 100 Days

You can read or listen to County Executive Mike Hein’s report on the first 100 days of his term as County Executive by going to www.ulstercountyny.gov.

Saugerties Democratic Committee News

2009-04-11T13:42:00.001-04:00

Republicans Bring Nothing To The Table

2009-04-02T16:48:00.001-04:00

Saugerties Democratic Committee News
By Mike Harkavy

Republicans Bring Nothing To The Table
The Republican Committee is rehashing, over and over again, the same tired talking points in their columns (Saugerties Times, March 26, 2009). They still complain about a unified town board as being a problem rather than an example of non-partisan government. What is most apparent is that they don’t offer any new ideas or programs to promote the growth of Saugerties and the welfare of its residents and businesses.

These are serious times, while the Republicans sit and complain, trapped in outdated political sniping; our current town board has a long list of accomplishments. Here are just a few:

• The Kings Highway Enterprise Corridor water/sewer project in on track and the Generic Environmental Impact Statement is near completion that will streamline the approval process for new businesses that want to locate in the corridor.
• They have partnered with the Saugerties Area Chamber of Commerce to produce the Discover Saugerties 2009 brochure funded jointly with the Town Economic Development Committee
• Supervisor Helsmoortel coordinated state, county and community groups, as well as the owners of the Winston Farm to market and develop a land management plan for the property.
• Revised the Ethics Law in 2007 and put an Ethics Board in place
• Passed the Right to Farm Law in recognition of farming as important to the tradition, character and well being of our community.
• Completed the Glasco riverfront mini-park with hundreds of thousands of dollars from the state and other agencies
• Supervisor Helsmoortel convened the Green Energy Task Force which has produced a cable access show “Go Green, Save Green” providing energy tips for the community. They held a forum for building contractors highlighting education and employment opportunities in the fields of alternative energy and conservation.
• Continued improvement and growing community usage of the Kiwanis Ice Arena and on and on.

I do have to take some time to respond to untrue accusations by the Republican Committee against the Saugerties Democratic Party.

“Greg Helsmoortel is one of the biggest contributors to the Saugerties Democratic Party”.
Untrue. Greg sent a check to the Saugerties Democratic Party to be passed through to “Team Saugerties”, the election committee representing Greg and the town board candidates. The Democratic Party did not get a dime from this transaction

“The Saugerties Democratic Party has a history of punishing those who stray from the party line. A few years ago, Saugerties Dems held a trial and kicked several people off of their committee”.
Wrong. The Ulster County Democratic Committee was petitioned and held a hearing because 11 elected Saugerties Committee members created another party line, “The Jobs First Party”. While maintaining their Democratic Party committee membership, they chose to support candidates from another political party against the nominated Democratic candidates. The hearing found them guilty of disloyalty and they left the committee.

“…The Saugerties Dems asked an “Independence Party” candidate they backed to give up the Conservative Party endorsement, he listened”.
Wrong again. All our candidates, running as a team, agreed in advance, because of differences in core values not to seek the Conservative Party endorsement. This candidate fully understood, but a proud family member put his name up and low and behold he won. He thanked the Conservative Party and declined the endorsement voluntarily.

The Saugerties Democratic Party will continue to support good government .We welcome an issue-oriented debate with the Republicans and are proud to support the record of accomplishment of our supervisor and town board members as well as our majority in the Ulster County Legislature.

April 3rd Healthcare Public Forum

2009-03-23T13:31:00.001-04:00

HEALTH CARE FOR ALL- HOW DO WE GET THERE!
Join us for a public forum and debate
Friday, April 3rd at 7 pm
at St. John's Episcopal Church
207 Albany Ave. Kingston (just north of Colonel Chandler Drive)
This is an extraordinary time. At last, the possibility of the US joining the rest of the industrialized world by making health care available to all is here!
Finally we have a President committed to health care for all Americans. However, the issue is complex and difficult and there are real differences about how we get there.
And the forces opposing universal health care are still strong.
In order to be the most effective force to support real health reform, we must be critical and informed. And so we invite you to join a debate between committed, good hearted, progressive forces on which way do we go.
In this corner is Jessica Wineski, Legislative Campaign Director for Citizen Action of New York, representing the perspective of Health Care for America Now, the champions of the Obama health plan and in the other corner is Len Rodberg, PhD from Physicians for National Health Plan, who advocate for a single payer universal system of health insurance. Let the Debate begin!

for information call: Sue Rosenberg @ 246-3449 or Lanny Walter @ 246-4668

HCANNY Event Details

2009-03-23T13:22:00.000-04:00

Town Hall Event
Saturday, April 18th
3:00pm - 5:00pm
Join us to call for a solution to America’s
health care crisis that guarantees quality,
affordable health care we all can count on.
Representatives John Hall and Maurice Hinchey have been invited.
Enjoy performances by the SUNY New Paltz Drama Club and the
Beulah Gospel Choir.
Beulah Baptist Church
92 Catharine St
Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
VISIT WWW.HCANNY.ORG
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
CITIZEN ACTION OF THE HUDSON VALLEY
HUDSONVALLEY@CITIZENACTIONNY.ORG

Health Care Advocacy

2009-03-18T17:27:00.002-04:00

Monday (March 16th's) meeting featured an interesting presentation from Citizen Action of New York about a national coalition promoting "quality, affordable healthcare for all in 2009".

Their site is healthcareforamericanow.org

Our discussion there was lively and while I think everyone pretty much agreed with the general premise, i.e. "that the window of opportunity to pass a real health plan is now", clearly not everyone had the same ideas.

Share your ideas in the comments!

Valentine's Day Party Pictures

2009-02-25T08:34:00.004-05:00

Winston Farm Survey

2009-02-04T12:48:00.000-05:00

The Town of Saugerties is conducting a survey to determine if the community wants the Town to continue investigating the development potential for Winston Farm. I am writing you because is very important to have a broad cross section of our community respond to the survey. Please take one minute (really that’s all it takes) to answer the survey at:

http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/survey-intro.zgi?p=WEB228RPD4EKTA

Also, pass the survey along to your Saugerties friends and neighbors.

Gary and School Group at the Inuaguration

2009-01-26T09:40:00.001-05:00

the photo's are here
http://www.gary4ulster.com/images/inauguration/

Saugerties Democratic Committee News

2009-01-14T09:54:00.001-05:00

By Mike Harkavy

It’s not too early to think about the 2009 town and county elections
In 2009, Saugerties residents will be electing a Town Supervisor, two Town Board members, a Town Justice, a Highway Superintendent, Town Clerk/Registrar, Tax Collector, and four Ulster County legislators.

Over the past seven years the Saugerties Democratic Committee has introduced the community to a new way of recruiting candidates for town and county elected offices, and the results have been tremendous. We started with the core belief that winning elections just for the sake of “winning” and “getting control” of the town or county doesn’t serve any purpose if the people who get elected aren’t good at governing.

In addition to encouraging Saugerties Democrats, Independents and non-enrolled voters to get involved in campaigns, either as candidates or volunteers, we also established a search committee to meet with people who were considering running, to answer questions they might have about what it takes to mount a campaign and to outline the organizational and volunteer support we offer candidates who receive our Democratic endorsements.

I encourage any resident of Saugerties who is interested in running for any of the offices listed above to give me a call at 246-7493 or email me at mharkavy@hvc.rr.com.

Congratulations to March Gallagher
County Executive Mike Hein has appointed committee member March Gallagher as Deputy Director of Planning for Economic Development. She will be serving in a dual role reporting to both the Director of Planning Dennis Doyle and directly to the County Executive. March will be implementing several of the recommendations of the Economic Development Task Force convened by the County Executive as well as some of the strategy items identified in the Ulster Tomorrow Economic Development Strategy. Specifically with respect to Saugerties, March will be closely following and lending support of the County Executive’s office on the master planning for Winston Farm and on the completion of the shovel ready project on Kings Highway.

Valentine’s Day Party
The Saugerties Democratic Committee invites you to a relaxed, informal, fun-filled Valentine’s Day Party beginning at 8pm, on Saturday, February 14, 2009 at Total Tennis (1811 Old Kings Highway, Saugerties). There will be great live music by Too Much Fun (a great hit at the Rip Van Winkle boat ride supporting Barack Obama), dancing, raffles, desserts and beverages, along with a cash bar. The cost is a recession special $15.00 per person. Please RSVP to Harriet at 246-1138.

We’ve found a new home
The Saugerties Democratic Committee will be meeting on the third Monday of the month, at 7pm at the Muddy Cup/Inquiring Minds at the corner of Partition and Main Streets. Our next meeting is on January 19th.

New York's Next Senator

2008-12-24T14:09:00.000-05:00

Anyone have any thought on our next Senator?

Some folks have suggested that Gov. Paterson should appoint a woman, so we had both a male and female representative. So Ms. Kennedy, Ms. Lowey and Rep. Gillibrand have been suggested.

Some folks have suggested that New York should have a national figure, not just someone known in New York, so Ms. Kennedy stands out, but of course there are a lot of nationally known New Yorkers, Mr. Bloomberg could be one, AG Cuomo could be the choice.

Of course many have tried to determine what is best for New York, and want someone who will really represent the interests of New Yorkers, someone who really fights for us. New York generally gets a pretty bad return on our investment for our federal tax dollars, so someone in the mold of Sen. Schumer, a real New Yorker, might be a good choice. This avenue leads us to a number of non-obvious choices, including local hero Rep. Hinchey.

Of course many Democrats would like to make sure the person appointed has a good chance of being elected. And Paterson supporters want to make sure he picks someone who helps his chance at being elected governor. The problems in Illinois makes the likelihood of Paterson appointing himself almost nil, but who knows?

And still others would like to see political problems in New York be solved by the appointment. So soon to be NYS Senate Democratic leader Sen. Smith might help smooth things over in that chamber, but it isn't clear that Upstaters would be too pleased by this choice.

And finally, some want an appointment of a real thinker, in the mold of the late Sen. Moynihan. We in New York are blessed with a good number of intellectual giants.

What do you think? Comment away!

Photos from Saugerties Dems Holiday Party

2008-12-11T10:01:00.007-05:00

The Saugerties Committee For Peace and Social Justice

2008-11-25T07:07:00.001-05:00

From Sue Rosenberg:

Dear Friends

Last Wednesday evening about 10 of us met at the Muddy Cup/Inquiring Mind in Saugerties. We talked in part about our ongoing Saturday vigil and in part about what next as we usher in the new Obama administration.

Though some groups around the county have decided to suspend their vigils, after much talk, we all agreed that as long as the war continues to rage, as long as American and Iraqi people's lives are at risk, we will continue to be stand up for peace.

We are all more than thrilled that Barack Obama will be our new President, many worked in some way or another for his campaign. We understand that there are enormous pressures on the Obama Administration- the powers and interests which created the war, social injustice, environmental dangers, etc etc still remain strong. This is why we felt it more important than ever to be visible and vocal and to wrestle with the very complex issues which face the country. President Obama will need a strong force to support and encourage the progressive agenda which embodies that hope for change we yearn for.

So we will be meeting with anyone interested at the Muddy Cup/Inquiring Mind on Wed. Dec. 10th at 7 pm

The questions we will address are: What do we think should be the priorities for the new Administration, how can we tap the incredible energy and organizing which went into the Obama Campaign and how can we find ways to maintain the coalitions which developed during the long campaign and how can we be most effective.
(some of us are also asking, "How can we get to the Inaugural in Jan.??)

There are a lot of groups meeting to address these issues. Moveon.com is one which set up meetings around the country and has one plan to get people's voices to Washington.

We know that this is a season full of meetings, and parties and volunteer work, but we hope that you will be able to make it on Dec. 10th to help sort out what next steps we can take. Lets keep the energy going.

Thanks
Sue

UCDC Victory Party Photos

2008-11-12T15:03:00.002-05:00

http://gary4ulster.com/08election/index.html

A New Beginning, By Gary Bischoff

2008-11-12T15:01:00.000-05:00

A New Beginning
By Gary Bischoff, Ulster County Legislator

Election day is over. This was a historic election at both the national and local level. President Elect Barack Obama inspired millions of voters, many voting for the first time. There is a feeling that change is in the air. Americans have answered the question of whether they want a black man as president of our country with a resounding Yes. The election of Barack Obama is much more than an example of breaking through a racial barrier. It is a triumph of our ever-more-inclusive democracy. Mr. Obama benefited from an energized electorate that included a broad spectrum of America. Young voters went 2-to-1 in Mr. Obama’s favor on Tuesday. They were also an important part of the Democratic campaign ground game. I would like to see our inspired young voters and new voters stay involved as citizens. There are many opportunities to work with various civic organizations including the League of Women Voters, political party committees as well as more activist organizations like Citizen Action, Democracy Now, Code Pink, Women in Black, The Saugerties Committee for Peace and Social Justice and many others.

The presidential election was also a triumph over the politics that try to divide this country. There were comments by candidates and their surrogates about “real America” supporting the McCain-Palin ticket. I prefer to think of Saugerties and Ulster County as being part of “real America” even though we voted overwhelming for Obama-Biden. Note that the Obama-Biden ticket received 61% of the vote in Ulster County and 57% of the vote in Saugerties.

This election represents a chance for renewal. There is a great deal of optimism in America. From conversations and emails with relatives and friends in Ireland, Canada and Germany the election of Senator Obama has been greeted with an outpouring of good will and great expectations in other countries. On election night there were a lot of gatherings around the world of people celebrating, both spontaneously and organized. Locally, Ulster County Democrats gathered at the Holiday Inn in Kingston. There are photos of the event on my web site www.gary4ulster.com.

The challenges facing our new president are immense. The economy in this country, and worldwide is in dire need of repair. Millions of Americans don’t have health care coverage. Internationally, we need to bring the adventure in Iraq to an end, and extricate ourselves from a quagmire in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

I am hopeful that people will rally behind our new president in a bipartisan spirit of cooperation and help him succeed so that we all benefit. While many are optimistic, we need to realize that these problems will not be solved overnight.

We also made history here in Ulster County. By a large margin, voters elected Mike Hein as the first ever Ulster County Executive. Mr. Hein will take over on January 1 as Ulster County enters a new era with a new charter form of government, which was approved by voters in 2006. There will be two new elected positions, County Executive and Comptroller. At this time the race for Comptroller is still undecided. Mike Hein’s old position of County Administrator is eliminated in the new structure. The executive will appoint and remove department heads, supervise, direct and control the administration, structure and organization of all departments. The executive can reorganize, combine, separate or eliminate county departments and functions. The executive is responsible for the day-to-day operation of all county departments. In addition to being responsible for the entire county government, the executive will be the face and voice of Ulster County. The executive is the chief elected official and has a much larger role that we previously had with a Legislature Chairman, or state officials. Mike Hein will make an excellent County Executive. I have full confidence in Mike and I am looking forward to working with him.

* * *
Gary Bischoff
Ulster County Legislator
District 4
Representing Saugerties, Ulster and Town of Kingston

Letter from Michael Moore and Mike Harkavy's Response

2008-11-12T07:57:00.002-05:00

Friends,

Who among us is not at a loss for words? Tears pour out. Tears of joy. Tears of relief. A stunning, whopping landslide of hope in a time of deep despair.

In a nation that was founded on genocide and then built on the backs of slaves, it was an unexpected moment, shocking in its simplicity: Barack Obama, a good man, a black man, said he would bring change to Washington, and the majority of the country liked that idea. The racists were present throughout the campaign and in the voting booth. But they are no longer the majority, and we will see their flame of hate fizzle out in our lifetime.

There was another important "first" last night. Never before in our history has an avowed anti-war candidate been elected president during a time of war. I hope President-elect Obama remembers that as he considers expanding the war in Afghanistan. The faith we now have will be lost if he forgets the main issue on which he beat his fellow Dems in the primaries and then a great war hero in the general election: The people of America are tired of war. Sick and tired. And their voice was loud and clear yesterday.

It's been an inexcusable 44 years since a Democrat running for president has received even just 51% of the vote. That's because most Americans haven't really liked the Democrats. They see them as rarely having the guts to get the job done or stand up for the working people they say they support. Well, here's their chance. It has been handed to them, via the voting public, in the form of a man who is not a party hack, not a set-for-life Beltway bureaucrat. Will he now become one of them, or will he force them to be more like him? We pray for the latter.

But today we celebrate this triumph of decency over personal attack, of peace over war, of intelligence over a belief that Adam and Eve rode around on dinosaurs just 6,000 years ago. What will it be like to have a smart president? Science, banished for eight years, will return. Imagine supporting our country's greatest minds as they seek to cure illness, discover new forms of energy, and work to save the planet. I know, pinch me.

We may, just possibly, also see a time of refreshing openness, enlightenment and creativity. The arts and the artists will not be seen as the enemy. Perhaps art will be explored in order to discover the greater truths. When FDR was ushered in with his landslide in 1932, what followed was Frank Capra and Preston Sturgis, Woody Guthrie and John Steinbeck, Dorothea Lange and Orson Welles. All week long I have been inundated with media asking me, "gee, Mike, what will you do now that Bush is gone?" Are they kidding? What will it be like to work and create in an environment that nurtures and supports film and the arts, science and invention, and the freedom to be whatever you want to be? Watch a thousand flowers bloom! We've entered a new era, and if I could sum up our collective first thought of this new era, it is this: Anything Is Possible.

An African American has been elected President of the United States! Anything is possible! We can wrestle our economy out of the hands of the reckless rich and return it to the people. Anything is possible! Every citizen can be guaranteed health care. Anything is possible! We can stop melting the polar ice caps. Anything is possible! Those who have committed war crimes will be brought to justice. Anything is possible.

We really don't have much time. There is big work to do. But this is the week for all of us to revel in this great moment. Be humble about it. Do not treat the Republicans in your life the way they have treated you the past eight years. Show them the grace and goodness that Barack Obama exuded throughout the campaign. Though called every name in the book, he refused to lower himself to the gutter and sling the mud back. Can we follow his example? I know, it will be hard.

I want to thank everyone who gave of their time and resources to make this victory happen. It's been a long road, and huge damage has been done to this great country, not to mention to many of you who have lost your jobs, gone bankrupt from medical bills, or suffered through a loved one being shipped off to Iraq. We will now work to repair this damage, and it won't be easy.

But what a way to start! Barack Hussein Obama, the 44th President of the United States. Wow. Seriously, wow.

Yours,
Michael Moore
MichaelMoore.com
MMFlint@aol.com
------------------------------------

Michael,

I'm a big fan of yours, and like you, I'm overjoyed with the election of Barack Obama. However, I see disappointment in the future of liberal/progressive Democrats et al. whose projections and expectations of Barack are not based on reality. Barack is not, as you claim. an anti-war candidate. He has said he is not against war, he is against "dumb" wars. He has clearly indicated that he will redirect forces to Afghanistan to chase down Osama Bin Laden and Al Qaeda.

I think it is important to recognize that Obama is a centrist with "liberal tendencies". That is where he will govern from, and in my opinion, that is where the majority of American voters reside. If left leaning supporters push against him, combined with attacks from the radical right, he will be doomed to one term in the White House. The sooner we recognize that, the better for all of us.

With best regards,

Michael Harkavy

Get Out the Vote Campaign

2008-10-25T08:51:00.000-04:00

The next meeting of the Saugerties Democratic Committee will be on Tuesday, October 28th at 7pm at the Senior Center.

We will be organizing our Get Out The Vote Campaign and invite you to join us and take part in what promises to be an historic election for our country and Ulster County.

We will need volunteers to phone friendly Democrats as well as distribute campaign literature.

Regards,

Mike