Happy New Year

Would like to take this time and wish everyone a very happy new year. In 2008 we
saw and created change, for the first time, in a long time I feel very hopeful for our
nation and our world. 2009 will be a local election year as most of you know, in my
view Ulster County and Kingston Democrats will be united and increase the margins
of the past few years. The taxpayer's are smart, they will look at the record and will
not want to go back to the past. On the county level I hope the Democrats will not make a
cross endorsement for the County Clerk Race, as I feel there are at least three Dems
looking at the race that would be excellent and serve the people well. Would also like
the thank Alderman Mike Madsen for plugging my blog. Again, I hope everyone has a wonderful
year. Be safe out there.

Happy Christmas [War Is Over] If You Want It

At this time I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Festive Chanukah.
And may God Bless our New President. Let's keep our heads up........ And move forward.


Peace

My Advise For Caroline Kennedy

I like Caroline Kennedy.

As my loyal readers may remember I have endorsed Kristin Gillibrand for the open US Senate
Seat, and I stand by that endorsement.

But, New Yorkers have always liked the the bright and the famous to represent them in the
Senate, and one cannot be more famous then a Kennedy.

A week ago, I would have said this is a done deal for Caroline, with the money, name and a new
friend in 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. But, this is New York as anyone who has ever followed NYS
Politics.... It's tough. And, It is hands on, and the worse thing that can happen to Caroline is that
she is compared with Sarah Palin, which in my view is just silly.

OK.... Caroline..... You said you want this? This is what I think you need to do. #1 Say you are in this for the long hall, If Paterson does not appoint you that is fine, but you need to take this to a Democratic Primary in 2010 no matter who the Governor Appoints. If between now and September of that year if you have to attend the Yates County Democratic Pig Roast this summer.. So be it.

#2 Call all 52 Democratic County Chairs and ask for support. While you are at it I would advise her to contact all 250 State Democratic Committee People. It also would not hurt if Caroline was
to contact every Democratic City Chair..... Like Buffalo, Rome, Syracuse, well you get my drift.

As I am 0-1 I am not going to call this one. But, this will get interesting. That is my advise Caroline and it was on the house!

The Return Of Liz?

It was a bit surprising to me to pick up the newspaper the other day to find out that Former
US Rep Liz Holtzman contacted Governor Paterson and requested she would like to be considered for the soon to be open US Senate Seat. In a way, I was glad that she would like to serve again. It seemed only like a few years ago I remember injecting 'Holtzman for Senate'
flyer's into the local papers when I had a route......Boy, That was 1980! At the time, Liz was running in the Democratic Primary against Former N.Y.C. Mayor John Lindsay, Former Miss
America Bess Meyerson and Queens DA Robert Santucci. At that time I remember all four came
to Woodstock to take part in a debate on a small radio station with the call letter's WDST. By
September Holtzman was able to win the primary. Then it was on to a three way race where
she faced Incumbent Senator Jacob Javitz who lost the Republican Primary to a little known
Supervisor from Long Island named Al D'Amato. The only problem for Liz was that Javitz still
had the Liberal Party Endorsement, put that together with the fact that Carter-Mondale lost
NYS to Reagan-Bush..... But, If my ageing memory banks serve me well, Liz ran ahead of the
ticket. To this day I am still mad at my parents voted for Jake Javitz.

Most likely, Governor Paterson will not appoint Liz Holtzman to the seat. But, if I was in Dave's
shoes, I would keep the phone line open.

John Lennon 1940-1980

Monday, I will be going to Central Park to a small garden off Central Park West and 72 St to
a place called Strawberry Field's to remember a musician, poet, activist named John Lennon who
was also the founding member of the most popular rock band of all time.

Why would I go to Central Park on a cold day in December?

Because he told to 'give peace a chance' and did what he could to end a war in
far away Southeast Asia.

Told us that love is better then hate.

Then some deranged person killed him outside his apartment as he was going home to see his son. On December 8th 1980.

Can we all agree how stupid violence is?

Jim's Veto

Well, I cannot say I am shocked at Mayor Sottile taking his veto pen [or stamp] and refusing to endorse the budget that he was sent. It was a tough call and his honor stood his ground. Now,
there are arguments to be made on both sides. The Mayor believes going into the fund balance was wrong. It is something I agree with. But, The Democrats on the Council were able to reduce the tax increase by several points to a modest tax increase, something most people can be grateful for and for that there was not another choice but to tap the reserve. As I have said before these are tough times and under a even week economy I would have advised my alderman not to break out the bank book, But, under the circumstance when people's jobs are on the line the Democrats on the Council did the right thing.


Do the right thing one more time.

Pam Anderson..Lobbyist

Well, With everything that has gone on in the last few weeks, the terrorist attack in India,
The Stock Market Problems, Only to name a few, it is quite relieving to know that Pamela
Lee Anderson has taken time out to write to President-Elect Obama and Advocate for the
Legalization of Marijuana. Pam stated in the letter that Pot is good for the environment
and some people. Now, I must admit I am a fan of Pam's but I have to disagree with her on both issues. In my view, weed is bad. It kills a heck of a lot of brain cells. The only reason I would ever
be in favor of the use is for medical reason's.....Under the direction of a Doctor. But, I give Pam
a lot of credit for using the power of the pen and making her beliefs known to Obama. There is no word if Pam will hit the airwaves to promote her views. The only rumor that I heard is that
Jeremy Blaber has offered to have Pam on his public access TV show. No word from Ms. Anderson if she accepted.

Pass The Salt..........Please?

Well, I like my crow well done.


The race for Ulster County Comptroller has been called and the good Dr. was off base. In a
come from behind win Eliot Auerbach beat Quigley the 3rd. Auerbach, was less then 100 votes
in the lead as of last week was able to find enough Democratic Votes in the Town of Shawangunk.
In searching my aging memory bank, I do not remember a county race going down to the wire,
and into December to be decided. As a loyal Democrat, I am glad that Auerbach was able to pull out a win. In looking at the returns, it would appear that the race was won with the heavy
votes total's in Woodstock and New Paltz that went Auerbach's way. This was a hard fought
race like I have not seen in a long, long time. Auerbach kept his cool, drive, and his sense of humor in a long, expensive race. It looks like the Ulster County Republican Committee has a
awful lot of soul searching to do. The Democrats look to be in real good shape going into the
'09 season. Stay tuned, The County Clerks Race may not be a yawn after all.

The Shawangunk Blues

Who would have ever though the Town Of Shawangunk would be the Florida for the U.C.
Comptroller Race?

Well, It has come down to 5 Dist's. within the town.

I have to be honest here. At this time next week, I hope I am eating crow.

Shawangunk is one of the most Republican Town's in all of Ulster County. When you go to
Wallkill it is kind of going back to 1965. One of the bedrocks of the community is the Dutch
Reformed Church right in the center of town. Lots of old world German's and Dutch... And they
tend to vote the party line.

The McCain-Palin Ticket won the town 2-1. And Tom Kirwin [who was right next to Auerbach
on the ballot] also had a easy win here. The machine vote had Jim Quigley the 3rd with a 6,000
vote lead on election night.

One would assume where I am going here. If it comes out the way I think, I am sure Jim the 3rd
will buy a heck of a lot of tickets for the church dinner next fall.

But, It ain't over till it's over.

Would Someone Please Primary Carl?

What do John F. Kennedy, Hubert Humphrey, Jimmy Carter, Ed Koch and Mario Cuomo all have in common? They were all once in the living room of a fellow by the
name of Meade Esposito. Who is Meade Esposito you ask? Esposito, was the long time Chairman
of the Kings County Democratic Party. If one wanted to win a primary in NYS you would have to carry Brooklyn by a large margin, as Brooklyn to this day has the largest amount of Democrats then any place in the U.S.A. Meade, would be rolling around in his grave if he saw what was going on in his county. It looks like one NYS Senator really gets along with Republicans so much
he is the only Democrat to have a chairmanship under Joe Bruno. He got more ear mark's
then any other Democrat. And now, he is one of the 'Gang of Three' in Albany who may deny
Sen. Malcom Smith and the rest of the Democrats from being able to return to the majority for the first time since 1965. Who is this Senator? It is none other then Carl Kruger of Brooklyn.
Why would Sen. Kruger who is a long time Democrat do this you ask? Well, it would appear that
he wants the chairmanship of the powerful Housing Committee, the only problem is that he is not the ranking member. Also, Kruger has taken 1.7 million from anti -regulation, pro landlord
groups that have funded the GOP. There is another problem. The NYS Working Families Party
has said there will be 'hell to pay' If the Democrats cave to Carl. The WFP did provide the winning total to a least two Democratic State Senator's in Western N.Y. So what to do? If Kruger
does not get what he wants he may support a GOP majority leader, which would lead to a Republican housing committee. In my view, this is wrong, wrong, wrong. How could anyone hold
up a process, a party that has done so much for you? Well, you know the answer. My advise
to Vito Lopez, the Current Democratic Chair of Brooklyn? Start looking for a primary opponent
for Carl for 2010. It's Brooklyn.... He should not have to much trouble in finding a good Democrat
it's Brooklyn for heaven's sake.

The Overtime Blues

First, I would like to offer kudos to Third Ward Alderman Charlie Landi. Landi, a long time
vet of many common council budgets, has suggested cutting some of the city overtime by about 20%. This, would drop the tax percent increase by 1 percentage point. And, as the Democrats
on the council have figured out, will save the taxpayers pain. The Kingston Police [who are the
best] do run up a lot of overtime. If, I am correct one detective collected thousands of dollars
in OT, from what I heard it was in the 50 K area [I might be wrong on that, if I am please correct me]. But, again Landi is doing a good job. It is easy to yell at council meeting, go on
public access and put Sottile down, have a protest in front of city hall. Anyone, has that right.
But actions is what matters. Again, where is the GOP budget? The voters want to know.

My Endorsement

First, Congratulations are in order for Sen. Hillary Clinton. Senator Clinton has served the
people of New York State since 2001 and left her mark. Mrs. Clinton made history in 2000
in terms of being the first female US Senator from NY. She will be missed.

Second, My Endorsement, It is rumoured that Gov. David Paterson has an assistant read 'Ulster
Progressive' to him, every morning.

My Endorsement to be the next US Senator from NY is Kirsten Gillibrand. Rep. Gillibrand
has served the residents of the 20th Congressional Dist. well. Gillibrand has fought for workers
rights, women's right, and has been accessible to the residents of her Dist.

In short, Gillibrand has the vision to lead in the spirit of Hillary Clinton.

Gov Paterson, Pick Gillibrand.

Am I Missing Something?

Boy, Times are bad, really bad. When a political party is in the minority, usually, they really
want to obtain the majority. Every day I pick up my newspapers, or check out local blogs.
I have seen suggestions from Mayor Sottile and the Democrats on how to reduce spending.
Yet, I would have assumed the Re publican's on the Council would have come up with a plan?
Would have called a news conference? Would have said 'we can do it a better way'. If the
GOP has solutions to this mess, tell the people. Stand in front of city hall and come up with
your plan. Gallo did it when he was in the minority. In my view it is REALLY sad when you
criticize but do not have a plan. That, is what the voter's need to know.

On A Positive Note.................

Today, is the late US Senator's Robert F. Kennedy Birthday. To honor Kennedy[D-L Long Island]. The Triborough Bridge in NYC is now the 'Robert F. Kennedy' Bridge. In my view,
it is a nice honor to someone who served our state. And, who I consider a hero.

The Budget Blame Game

This morning I read with much attention, the continuing saga of the Kingston Common Council
in a attempt to bring down the 15% tax hike. And, like Ringo Starr sang all those years ago
'It don't come easy'. It is my view , that the Majority Democrats are doing everything they can do
to bring down the numbers. With such council veterans on finance such as Reynolds and
Landi [a former chair of finance] they are dealing with a terrible National, State and Local
economy. But, cut they must. But where? Police, Fire, DPW? In my view, Mayor Sottile was right to make the cuts to parks and recreation. And, as a taxpayer I am concerned about the
deep cuts to Kingston Police and Kingston Fire. Some member's of the City GOP has come up
with suggestions. As, any citizen can. But, some of the cuts that are suggested I have to disagree
with. At this time, the police chief and the fire chief have city owned vehicles. As, does Mayor
Sottile. In my view, all three are on call 24 hours 7 days a week. So, why should Sottile the
highest ranking member of our city not have a vehicle? Also, what really shocked me was the
same member of the City GOP wants to cut the purchasing dept. The Republican, who ran city wide last year had the endorsement of the CSEA. The last time I checked the employees
of that dept. are members of CSEA. The budget needs to be cut but as Gov. Paterson said yesterday 'Let's do it and leave politics out of it'.

Showdown In Ulster?

One thing you have to give Nick Woerner credit for, in the tough economic times that we are
all going though, he has a public hearing, and goes over the budget line by line and defends the
budget that he crafted. Yet, In the next election cycle, with the big race being the County
Clerk [Yawn] a real exciting supervisors contest may be brewing. The Town of Ulster GOP
looks like they would like the flex there once mighty muscle. Word around town is that two
member's of the Town Republican Party may be thinking about entering the race. The two
names I hear being circulated are businessman John Morrow and Frm. State Assemblyman
John Guerin. Both men are well known within the town. In checking my ageing memory banks,
I do not believe Mr. Morrow ever ran for public office, but Guerin, who first broke on the scene
in 1994 has been though three tough races. To be honest I though John was just a GOP'er in 94
who rode the Pataki wave in that year. Yet, when he ran for reelection he ran against Jeanette
Provenzano, one of the toughest campaigners I have ever seen with my two eyes was
able to pull out a win. Woerner, the grandson of the legendary Former City of Kingston Chairman
Larry Woerner, is tough on the trail. No one can say Nick has not earned his battle scars. If any
one of the three lock horns next November this may be the one to watch. For one thing,
I know this one is going to be expensive.

Dave At 65%

The one nice thing about Monday's is when I pick up the New York Post and I turn to page
15 or so, and read the latest state political news by Fred U. Dicker. Dicker reports today that
the latest statewide poll has Gov. David Paterson at a 65% approval rate. To be sure, Gov.
Paterson has his work cut out for him. With the state near a 2 billion dollar in the hole, he
has to be wondering how he can get out of this mess. So far, Paterson has been direct he is
proposing to the state legislature deep cuts in health care and education. It will be interesting
to see what happens when the State Senate and Assembly meet this week for a special session.
It's a tough time. He is going to need all the help he can get.

Welcome My New Home!

Thank you for stopping by! This is a new and improved web page, if you enjoyed
'The October SurpriseForKingston' you will love the Ulster Progressive done by
the same lovable Dr. Al. Stay tuned updated daily!