Sager For Change
By Mike Harkavy
David Sager, Sullivan County Legislator from District 1 is the Democratic Party nominee for NY State Senate in the 42nd District. David is a chiropractor in private practice, living in Jeffersonville with his wife Michelle and young sons Owen and Dylan.
Cleaning Up Albany
It is no secret that the New York State Senate has been described as dysfunctional and has fallen far short in its service to the citizens and businesses of New York State. For months the Senate stood grid locked as incumbents battled to gain the majority. Not one incumbent, including our own, had the courage to step forward, cross the aisle, and end the impasse. In addition, leaders from both political parties have disgraced their offices and have been removed either by the voters or through legal action by the courts.
David Sager will provide the energy and courage to bring honor back to the Senate. He pledges to co-sponsor and vote to enact the Ethics in Government Act of 2006 that was proposed by The Brennan Center for Justice at New York University’s School of Law. Common Cause, the NY League of Women Voters and the New York Public Interest Research Group, all advocates for transparent, ethical government, have endorsed this act. You can get the particular reforms by going to http://sagerforsenate2010.com/.
Water, Water, Everywhere, But Not a Drop To Drink
High volume horizontal hydraulic fracturing (“Fracking”) is a drilling technique for natural gas. The safety of this procedure is currently under hot debate in New York State since gas companies are looking to secure drilling permits along the Marcellus Shale formation that extends into the southern tier of New York State. David has been a leader on this issue since 2008 since many of the farms surrounding his home may be venues for drilling. He fully recognizes the economic possibilities of gas drilling and the financial distress of landowners that makes leasing of their lands attractive. However he has stressed that careful solid science must be in place to insure that drilling is viable and safe for New Yorkers.
His approach to the issue of fracking stands in sharp contrast to his opponent Senator John Bonacic: Pre- election pressure by citizens pushed the New York State Senate to pass a yearlong moratorium on drilling. David applauds this vote, but notes that if signed into law the moratorium provides no assurances to our residents. It does not demand any comprehensive studies or scientific research. It is a first step, a time out, but not the end all. Sager would extend the moratorium for 120 days beyond any investigative reports from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
David supports the passage of the Frac Act in Congress. This act, sponsored by Congressman Maurice Hinchey, requires the energy industry to disclose the chemicals it pumps underground during the fracturing process, information that has largely been protected as a trade secret. This legislation would insure the protection of our water supplies. Without this law in place, it would be very difficult to legally prove that fracking caused the pollution of a well. Bonacic has not indicated his support for this legislation
David wants no drilling until the EPA signs off on the process rather then depending solely on the investigative work of the New York State Department of Conservation (DEC). It is estimated that the DEC will lose 83 positions this year on top of 411 staff lost over the past two years. The DEC has lost 700 positions over the past 20 years (http://www.eany.org/). The agency is in no position to monitor water pollution sufficiently with these staff reductions. A reminder, it is the EPA that has oversight responsibility for the removal of PCB’s from the Hudson. Bonacic does not favor oversight from the EPA.
David has proven that he will not cut corners that might endanger our precious water supply while we evaluate the process of fracking within New York State.
David Sager is not a “one issue candidate”. You can get information on his positions on property tax reform, education, flood mitigation, agriculture and equality for all of our citizens by going to http://www.sagerforsenate2010.com/.
The next meeting of the Saugerties Democratic Committee will be on Monday, October 4th, 7pm at the Senior Center, please join us.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Sunday, September 19, 2010
QUALIFICATIONS MATTER!
QUALIFICATIONS MATTER!
By Mike Harkavy
These are unsettling times for voters who are going through a very tough economic period. Many are fearful and some are justifiably angry. Stirred up by the right-wing media, we see Republican primary voters in many parts of the country including New York State nominating candidates who in our opinion are not ready for “prime time”. These candidates stoke up the fires with heated speeches but are short on plans of action for the problems we face. This is no time for unqualified candidates with long learning curves.
We believe that qualifications matter and when the dust settles the electorate will look for candidates who can guide us through these troubled waters. We hope to introduce you to our experienced candidates throughout this election season and ask for your support on Election Day, Nov. 2nd.
Re-Elect Wendy Ricks Town Justice
Wendy has been honoured to serve as the Saugerties Town Justice since 2007. In this capacity, she handles a busy criminal, civil and traffic calendar. She believes in equal justice for all who come before the Court
Wendy graduated from Saugerties High School in 1981, graduated with honors from the State University of New York at Brockport with a Bachelor of Science in Social Work in 1984, and with honors from the University of Buffalo Law School in 1990. She was admitted to the New York State Bar in 1990. She has been practicing law in Ulster County for twenty years and in 2007, opened her own private practice on Main Street in the Village of Saugerties.
Wendy served as an Assistant District Attorney under former District Attorney Michael Kavanagh and prosecuted criminal cases in justice courts throughout Ulster County. She also served as an Assistant County Attorney in Ulster County and was responsible for the prosecution of Juvenile Delinquency and PINS (Person in Need of Supervision) petitions in Ulster County Family Court. In 1998, She was appointed to the Third Judicial District’s Committee on Character and Fitness, which has the responsibility of determining the fitness of applicants to practice law in New York State. She has served on the Board of Directors of the Ulster County Bar Association, including one term as President.
Wendy is a trained mediator. Her experience in this field has provided her with the knowledge and awareness of how mental health issues, addiction and family dysfunction can be a contributing factor in many criminal offenses that come before the Court.
In addition to her legal responsibilities, Wendy has served as the chair of SAGE (Saugerties is about Growth Experience), has volunteered with the Saugerties Girls Scouts and is a “soccer mom” volunteering as a soccer coach.
We are proud of Wendy’s lifelong contributions to Saugerties, a town she truly loves, as well as the professionalism and judicial temperament she has brought to the office of Saugerties Town Justice. We encourage you to support her re-election on Nov. 2nd.
Ulster County Democratic Committee Fall Reception
Your are invited to the UCDC Fall reception at Hillside Manor, Kingston, on Sunday, October 3, 2010 beginning at 4:30pm. There will be a cocktail hour followed by dinner at a cost of $50. Call 914-388-7800 or email kmarkisenis@hvc.rr.com for reservations.
By Mike Harkavy
These are unsettling times for voters who are going through a very tough economic period. Many are fearful and some are justifiably angry. Stirred up by the right-wing media, we see Republican primary voters in many parts of the country including New York State nominating candidates who in our opinion are not ready for “prime time”. These candidates stoke up the fires with heated speeches but are short on plans of action for the problems we face. This is no time for unqualified candidates with long learning curves.
We believe that qualifications matter and when the dust settles the electorate will look for candidates who can guide us through these troubled waters. We hope to introduce you to our experienced candidates throughout this election season and ask for your support on Election Day, Nov. 2nd.
Re-Elect Wendy Ricks Town Justice
Wendy has been honoured to serve as the Saugerties Town Justice since 2007. In this capacity, she handles a busy criminal, civil and traffic calendar. She believes in equal justice for all who come before the Court
Wendy graduated from Saugerties High School in 1981, graduated with honors from the State University of New York at Brockport with a Bachelor of Science in Social Work in 1984, and with honors from the University of Buffalo Law School in 1990. She was admitted to the New York State Bar in 1990. She has been practicing law in Ulster County for twenty years and in 2007, opened her own private practice on Main Street in the Village of Saugerties.
Wendy served as an Assistant District Attorney under former District Attorney Michael Kavanagh and prosecuted criminal cases in justice courts throughout Ulster County. She also served as an Assistant County Attorney in Ulster County and was responsible for the prosecution of Juvenile Delinquency and PINS (Person in Need of Supervision) petitions in Ulster County Family Court. In 1998, She was appointed to the Third Judicial District’s Committee on Character and Fitness, which has the responsibility of determining the fitness of applicants to practice law in New York State. She has served on the Board of Directors of the Ulster County Bar Association, including one term as President.
Wendy is a trained mediator. Her experience in this field has provided her with the knowledge and awareness of how mental health issues, addiction and family dysfunction can be a contributing factor in many criminal offenses that come before the Court.
In addition to her legal responsibilities, Wendy has served as the chair of SAGE (Saugerties is about Growth Experience), has volunteered with the Saugerties Girls Scouts and is a “soccer mom” volunteering as a soccer coach.
We are proud of Wendy’s lifelong contributions to Saugerties, a town she truly loves, as well as the professionalism and judicial temperament she has brought to the office of Saugerties Town Justice. We encourage you to support her re-election on Nov. 2nd.
Ulster County Democratic Committee Fall Reception
Your are invited to the UCDC Fall reception at Hillside Manor, Kingston, on Sunday, October 3, 2010 beginning at 4:30pm. There will be a cocktail hour followed by dinner at a cost of $50. Call 914-388-7800 or email kmarkisenis@hvc.rr.com for reservations.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Wendy Wins!
Saugerties Democratic Committee News
Congratulations to Saugerties Town Justice Wendy Ricks, who secured the Independence Party nomination by a vote of 35-13.
Kudos to Patti Kelly who worked behind the scenes to insure the victory.
Voter anger is rampant with the Republican nomination of Carl Paladino for Governor as well as other Tea Party supported candidates successes throughout the country. It is essential that we buckle down and insure that our GOTV campaign is well organized and all our Democratic candidates are successful on November 2nd.
Our next meeting will be on Monday, October 4th, 7pm at the Senior Center(small room).
Regards,
Congratulations to Saugerties Town Justice Wendy Ricks, who secured the Independence Party nomination by a vote of 35-13.
Kudos to Patti Kelly who worked behind the scenes to insure the victory.
Voter anger is rampant with the Republican nomination of Carl Paladino for Governor as well as other Tea Party supported candidates successes throughout the country. It is essential that we buckle down and insure that our GOTV campaign is well organized and all our Democratic candidates are successful on November 2nd.
Our next meeting will be on Monday, October 4th, 7pm at the Senior Center(small room).
Regards,
Saturday, September 11, 2010
October 10th Brunch for Town Justice Wendy Ricks
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
As most of you know, four years ago Wendy Ricks was elected as the first woman Town Justice in Saugerties’ history. She has been doing a tremendous job in service to our community, and all of us in the Ricks family are understandably very proud of her.
We thought it would be fun to support Wendy’s re-election campaign by hosting a casual brunch on her behalf. I hope you will join us!
WHERE: Centerville Fire House on Rt. 212
WHEN: Sunday, October 10th from 11-1 p.m.
CONTRIBUTION: A contribution of any amount would be appreciated. Most important, we’d just love to see you! And, of course, children are welcomed.
There’s plenty of parking, so feel free to bring your family and friends. Everyone is most welcome! Let’s give Wendy our support and keep her as our Town Justice.
Hope to see you on October 10th!
Warm regards,
Helen Ricks and Amy Ricks Feinberg
Please RSVP to Patti Kelly at 246-2497 or ckelly513@hvc.rr.com.
If you are unable to attend & would like to make a contribution in support of Wendy, please make checks out to Committee to Re-Elect Wendy Ricks and mail to Ken Goldberg, Treasurer, 1066 Churchland Lane, Saugerties, NY 12477. Thank you!
As most of you know, four years ago Wendy Ricks was elected as the first woman Town Justice in Saugerties’ history. She has been doing a tremendous job in service to our community, and all of us in the Ricks family are understandably very proud of her.
We thought it would be fun to support Wendy’s re-election campaign by hosting a casual brunch on her behalf. I hope you will join us!
WHERE: Centerville Fire House on Rt. 212
WHEN: Sunday, October 10th from 11-1 p.m.
CONTRIBUTION: A contribution of any amount would be appreciated. Most important, we’d just love to see you! And, of course, children are welcomed.
There’s plenty of parking, so feel free to bring your family and friends. Everyone is most welcome! Let’s give Wendy our support and keep her as our Town Justice.
Hope to see you on October 10th!
Warm regards,
Helen Ricks and Amy Ricks Feinberg
Please RSVP to Patti Kelly at 246-2497 or ckelly513@hvc.rr.com.
If you are unable to attend & would like to make a contribution in support of Wendy, please make checks out to Committee to Re-Elect Wendy Ricks and mail to Ken Goldberg, Treasurer, 1066 Churchland Lane, Saugerties, NY 12477. Thank you!
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Appeal from Ken Goldberg on behalf of the Committee to Re-elect Wendy Ricks
Dear Friends and Fellow Democrats:
I am writing to you both as a fellow member of the Saugerties Democratic Committee and as Treasurer for Wendy Ricks' campaign for re-election as Saugerties Town Justice. Wendy's Republican opponent is George Hass, a former police officer. If any of you thought that this election would be a cakewalk for Wendy you need to think again because, as they've done in other elections, the Republicans are going to push hard on the law and order theme that Democrats are weak on crime and that their candidate, as a former police officer, is the only one who can reduce crime, make the streets safe, and make criminals pay.
We've all seen the Republicans play this law and order card in other campaigns and do it very successfully. They are also very good at bringing their party loyalists out to the voting booths as well as those who believe the lies they use against our candidates. In addition, Wendy is being contested on the Independence Party line and so her campaign expenses will be higher than anticipated in order to win that very important primary.
What I am trying to make clear is that it is more important than ever, if we don't want to lose this race, that we contribute to Wendy's campaign so that she has the money to pay for campaign brochures, campaign ads and all the other campaign necessities for both the primary fight and the election itself. This is not in any way an automatic win and if you think it is then you need to think again.
If you haven't already made a generous contribution to Wendy's campaign please do so as soon as possible since the primary is coming up fast. If you have already made a contribution, but can contribute more, please do so. We can't afford to lose this position that it took so long to win.
Send contributions made out to "Committee to Re-elect Wendy Ricks" to me at: Kenneth Goldberg, 1066 Churchland Lane, Saugerties, NY 12477. And thanks for anything you can contribute or add to your previous contribution.
Ken
I am writing to you both as a fellow member of the Saugerties Democratic Committee and as Treasurer for Wendy Ricks' campaign for re-election as Saugerties Town Justice. Wendy's Republican opponent is George Hass, a former police officer. If any of you thought that this election would be a cakewalk for Wendy you need to think again because, as they've done in other elections, the Republicans are going to push hard on the law and order theme that Democrats are weak on crime and that their candidate, as a former police officer, is the only one who can reduce crime, make the streets safe, and make criminals pay.
We've all seen the Republicans play this law and order card in other campaigns and do it very successfully. They are also very good at bringing their party loyalists out to the voting booths as well as those who believe the lies they use against our candidates. In addition, Wendy is being contested on the Independence Party line and so her campaign expenses will be higher than anticipated in order to win that very important primary.
What I am trying to make clear is that it is more important than ever, if we don't want to lose this race, that we contribute to Wendy's campaign so that she has the money to pay for campaign brochures, campaign ads and all the other campaign necessities for both the primary fight and the election itself. This is not in any way an automatic win and if you think it is then you need to think again.
If you haven't already made a generous contribution to Wendy's campaign please do so as soon as possible since the primary is coming up fast. If you have already made a contribution, but can contribute more, please do so. We can't afford to lose this position that it took so long to win.
Send contributions made out to "Committee to Re-elect Wendy Ricks" to me at: Kenneth Goldberg, 1066 Churchland Lane, Saugerties, NY 12477. And thanks for anything you can contribute or add to your previous contribution.
Ken
Got Water Fact Sheet
Please take a moment to review this terrific document about the issues surrounding hydrofracking
http://saugertiesdems.org/docs/GotWaterFactSheet.pdf
http://saugertiesdems.org/docs/GotWaterFactSheet.pdf
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