Blog and Discussion

Take The Pledge

2011-12-05T19:27:00.001-05:00

Supervisor-Elect Kelly Myers should "take thepledge" and promise not to budgetany raises for any elected officials during her term of office. To do otherwisewould be a slap in the face to our residents and businesses who are strugglingthrough hard economic times.

Mike Harkavy

Saugerties Dems Holiday Gathering

2011-12-05T19:21:00.001-05:00

Terry Valk urges his supporters to vote for Michael Harkavy

2011-10-28T09:50:00.001-04:00

Saugerties District One Legislative Candidate Terrance Valk, a Republican, has publicly given his support to Michael Harkavy who is the Democratic and Working Families Party Candidate.

Valk, who is running on the Independence Party line, said, "I want to thank everyone who came out to support me. With one win, the Independence Party line, with 243 voters it will be hard to beat the Republican, Conservative and Democrat in November 8th elections so with that I will be supporting Mike Harkavy for Ulster County Legislature in District 1."

Harkavy, called Valk's support, "gracious", adding that "there is no greater compliment than having an opposing candidate endorse you. I want to take this opportunity to thank Terry for the confidence he has shown in me. I believe in non-partisan government and Terry's endorsement reaffirms my intention to work for all the residents of Ulster County regardless of party affiliation.

Harkavy also has been endorsed by many of the area's largest unions whose leaders have noted his strong working families and pro-worker position.

WHY?

2011-10-28T09:14:00.000-04:00

Seth Turner, the Superintendent of Schools, has made it clear that neither he nor anyone in his administration knows whether the proposed Glasco housing project will result in increased costs to the schools or, if so, how much those costs would be. In his letter to Supervisor Helsmoortel that was read publically a few weeks ago at an informational meeting, Mr. Turner wrote:

“It would be a difficult task to quantify the costs related to any new students, as there are a myriad of factors which would need to be considered… I caution people not to draw conclusions without an in depth study of the specifics of this matter."

Why are Republicans telling you that your property taxes will increase $500,000
per year? They know that’s a bogus claim.

We all understand now that the Supervisor and Town Board have no legal authority to approve or reject this or any other development project. Their only role in the Glasco housing project was to negotiate a PILOT agreement that guarantees taxpayers MORE MONEY, not less.

Why are Republicans trying to drive you into a frenzy over this PILOT?
They’ve fought for PILOTS in the past.

Their candidate for Supervisor, Kelly Myers, recently voted for a PILOT as a Village Trustee that gave a housing development 50% less than what the town negotiated for the Glasco project. She did not call for a public hearing on the PILOT. She did not reach out to school officials to discuss the impacts of reduced school taxes. She did none of the things for which she and her fellow Republicans are lambasting Supervisor Helsmoortel, Fred Costello, and Leeanne Thornton.

So, why are the Republicans doing this?

They want to get you angry enough, frustrated enough and scared enough to buy what they’re selling. And what they’re selling are their candidates.

DON’T FALL FOR IT.

Town Tax is NOT the Problem

2011-10-28T09:00:00.001-04:00

LWV Candidates Forums Broadcast

2011-10-27T13:47:00.000-04:00

FYI

Here are the Time Warner Channel 23 air times and dates for the LWV Candidates Forums that occurred last week: Please pass on to anyone you think might be interested.

Thanks,
Sally

Town Candidates Recorded on Oct. 17th (2hours 32 minutes)
Sunday, October 23, 1pm and 6:30pm
Thursday, October 27, 2pm and 8pm
Sunday, October 30, 1pm and 9pm
Tuesday, November 1, 6:30pm
Saturday, November 5, 3pm

Legislative/DA Candidates Recorded on October 20th (2 hours) Monday, October 24, 2pm and 9pm
Friday, October 28, 3pm and 5pm
Sunday, October 30, 11am and 7pm
Tuesday, November 1, 9pm
Saturday, November 5, 9pm

Music for Mike, October 9

2011-09-27T20:25:00.002-04:00

Chowder, Chili & Cornbread with Fred and Leanne, October 16

2011-09-25T15:17:00.001-04:00

Join Jon Sennett on Sept 30th

2011-09-23T08:44:00.003-04:00

Re-elect Town Supervisor Greg Helsmoortel!, October 4

2011-09-23T08:21:00.000-04:00

Meet the Saugerties Team 2011

2011-09-05T12:25:00.001-04:00

Meet the Saugerties 2011 Team
Click Here for a Printable Flyer

Pine Grove Lodge, 173 Stoll Road, Saugerties
Tuesday, September 13 6-8pm
Greg Helsmoortel - Town Supervisor
Leeanne Thornton - Town Council
‘Meet the Team’
Please join us.....
Fred Costello - Town Council
Mike Harkavy - Ulster County Legislature
Darren Chuld - Superintendent of Highways
Light refreshments will be served

Independence Party Primary,Sept 13

2011-09-05T12:09:00.004-04:00

The Independence Party Primary is September 13 and we need your support. If you are a member of the Independence Party or know someone who is, please click here to download a printable flyer and find out how you can help Saugerties.

Sept 11 - Neighbor to Neighbor with Mike Harkavy

2011-08-12T09:08:00.002-04:00

A Couple Photos from Saugerties Fourth of July Parade

2011-07-08T12:11:00.002-04:00

Highway Supervisor Candidate Darren Chlud's Float and Supporters

Ulster County Executive Mike Hein and Candidate for Ulster County District Attorney Jon Sennett with the Saugerties Democrats

Article from the Freeman

2011-07-06T19:17:00.001-04:00

Check this out from the Daily Freeman!

http://www.dailyfreeman.com/articles/2011/07/05/news/doc4e123b8041260521796581.txt

BIG NIGHT FOR SAUGERTIES DEMOCRATS

2011-07-01T11:59:00.001-04:00

Fred, Leeanne, & Greg

Supervisor Greg Helsmoortel

The Senior Center on Market Street was packed on Tuesday, June 28th, as Saugerties Democrats convened their caucus to officially nominate their slate of town candidates for the November 8th election. To enthusiastic applause, rank and file Democrats unanimously nominated Greg Helsmoortel for a 7th term as Town Supervisor, Fred Costello and Leeanne Thornton for their 3rd terms as Town Board members, and first-time candidate Darren Chlud for Highway Superintendent.

Fred Costello

Leeanne Thornton

Speaker after speaker expressed overwhelming approval of the teamwork, collaboration, respect and solid track record of accomplishments that have characterized Greg’s, Fred’s and Leeanne’s successful approach to governing the town. In nominating Chlud, John Brown and Ron Doyne both spoke of Darren’s strong work ethic, twenty-year background in construction and road maintenance, and his knowledge about how to budget jobs and get the work done on schedule.

Darren Chlud

Helsmoortel, a lifelong resident of Saugerties, is widely respected for his decency, nonpartisanship, long-standing commitment to the community, and for keeping the promises he and his team made to the people of Saugerties. As a tenacious watchdog over the town’s finances, Greg has made it a priority to keep town taxes low and to obtain millions of dollars in grant money. He was the driving force behind the police consolidation, shared highway services agreement with the County, energy efficient upgrades for the town’s municipal buildings that have resulted in substantial cost savings, and the Kings Highway water and sewer project that has produced the longest “shovel ready” business corridor in Ulster County at zero cost to town taxpayers.

“Tonight was just amazing,” said Helsmoortel. “It’s an honor to serve as Supervisor, and I’m really humbled that so many people come out to express their trust and support for our team.” Costello, who has served as Deputy Supervisor since 2004 and is highly regarded for his collegiality and ability to work collaboratively, agreed, saying “There was such warmth, and good will and positive energy here tonight. That’s what Saugerties is all about.” Thornton, who is applauded for her talent to involve volunteers in the workings of town government, noted “When I looked out at the crowd, I saw so many people who contribute so much of their time and energy to our community through volunteer activities. The fact that they came out to support us is something we’ll never forget.” In accepting his nomination, Chlud thanked caucus voters for the great opportunity they’ve given him, saying “I’ll work as hard as I can to keep the Highway Department’s tradition of service and safe roads going strong.”

At the close of the caucus, Democratic chairman Mike Harkavy said, “To the terrific candidates we nominated tonight, we thank you for your service to our town. You have our confidence, our support and our unfaltering commitment to help you succeed. Now, let’s all get out there and work hard to ensure that all our town and legislative candidates get elected and that the hard-working people of Saugerties continue to get the type of local government they deserve.”

For more information about the Democratic candidates, please go to http://www.saugertiesdems.org/

BARN PARTY! At AVALLONE’S FARM, Saturday, July 16th

2011-05-29T11:15:00.002-04:00

FOOD! MUSIC! FUN!
A “kid-friendly” party!
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 party… by the light of a full 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
Join the Saugerties Democratic Committee for an evening of
good will and fun to help us celebrate our slate of incredible
Democratic candidates. All are welcome!

Democratic Party Nominating Convention, Wednesday, Jun 1st at 7 pm.

2011-05-29T11:09:00.000-04:00

Don't miss this year's Democratic Party Nominating Convention at the Hillside Manor on Wednesday, Jun 1st at 7 pm.

We will be nominating candidates for Ulster County Executive, Ulster County District Attorney, Ulster County legislators in the newly created 23 single member districts, and fill vacancies in the Ulster County Democratic Committee from the Towns and the City of Kingston.

Light refreshments will be served.

Remember, this is not a binding convention, and the weighted vote will be based on enrollment in the election districts that are being drawn up by the Ulster County Board of Elections to conform to the newly created twenty three (23) UC Legislative Districts. All election districts will be within their Town and will conform to the new Legislative District lines if they cross towns or villages or City Wards.

Be patient with the Board of Elections - they are working as hard as possible to have this done as soon as possible.

Saugerties Democrats Welcome Jon Sennett May 19th

2011-05-10T19:53:00.002-04:00

Please join us on May 19th to celebrate and support the candidacy of Jon Sennett for District Attorney!

Fracking Video

2011-04-17T20:14:00.000-04:00

The Saugerties Democratic Committee is a strong advocate for a clean and healthy environment. The link below gives a clear and concise summary of why hydrofracturing("fracking") is a serious threat to our drinking water and atmosphere. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/42627764/ns/us_news-environment/

Saugerties Dems back Jon Sennett for District Attorney

2011-04-10T18:57:00.004-04:00

Jonathan Sennett has our enthusiastic support because he is the most qualified for the job of District Attorney.

With his belief in equal justice under the law, he will not only prosecute the variety of criminal cases that cross his desk, but will upgrade the office to allow for the vigorous, apolitical, prosecution of public officials who have betrayed the people’s trust.

For more info about the Sennett campaign, visit his website at:

http://sennettforda.com/

Candidates Sought

2011-03-24T16:31:00.001-04:00

The Saugerties Democratic Committee will be scheduling interviews for residents interested in running for town and county offices. Candidates are being sought for the positions of Town Supervisor, Town Board, Highway Superintendent, and the Ulster County Legislature. Interested parties can contact committee chairman Mike Harkavy at 246-7493, by May 1, 2011.

Saugerties to the DEP: Stop Polluting the Esopus

2011-01-29T09:26:00.002-05:00

If you follow the news you'll know Ulster County and especially Saugerties are being very negatively impacted by the release of "turbid" water. That's just double talk for "Dirty Water".

Credits to Patrick Landewe of the Village Board who drafted the letter, and a special thanks to Nancy Schaef who edited it.

================================

Saugerties Democratic Committee
c/o Mr. Michael Harkavy
302 Old Route 32
Saugerties, NY 12477-4222

January 27, 2011

Eric T. Schneiderman, Esq.
NYS Office of the Attorney General
Environmental Protection BureauThe CapitolAlbany, NY 12224-0341

Re: Turbid releases by NYC DEP into the Lower Esopus Creek in Ulster County

Dear Attorney General Schneiderman:

The Saugerties Democratic Committee of Ulster County wishes to express its deep concern about the impact of turbid water releases from the Ashokan Reservoir into the Lower Esopus Creek in Ulster County. The New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is showing a blatant disregard for the Clean Water Act and the welfare of downstream municipalities in Upstate New York. DEP has been dumping 450-580 million gallons per day for over 110 days since opening a waste channel in the Ashokan Dam in early October.

The DEP failed to do proper environmental review before opening the waste channel. Now, the people and businesses of Ulster County are seeing downstream impacts on agricultural irrigation, waterfront recreation, stream-bank stability, and fishing. Moreover, the prolonged turbidity is devastating to the health of the aquatic ecosystem. The Lower Esopus Creek includes state designated Trout Waters. The tidal Esopus Estuary is designated as Significant Fish and Wildlife Habitat. A substantial increase in turbidity could destroy or significantly impair these unique habitats.

The condition of the Lower Esopus Creek is vital to the economies and quality-of-life of seven municipalities in Ulster County: Town of Marbletown, Town of Olive, Town of Hurley, Town of Ulster, City of Kingston, Town of Saugerties, and Village of Saugerties. The Creek flows by farms, waterfront parks, nature preserves, public swimming beaches, private docks, historic districts, and commercial marinas. All of these are adversely affected by any prolonged, unnatural turbidity in the creek, which detracts from the use and scenic values of the water.

We respectfully ask that you enforce water quality standards to put a stop to the New York City DEP's turbid releases and reinstate the environmental quality review process for DEP's operation of the Ashokan waste channel. Furthermore, we ask that you enforce New York State Reservoir Release Regulations. Previously, the Ashokan Reservoir had an exemption from these regulations so long as they lacked a proper reservoir release works. Now, the Ashokan Reservoir obviously has the necessary release mechanisms to fulfill the requirements of the regulations and should no longer be exempt. These regulations require monitoring of downstream impacts, which DEP has failed to do thus far and needs to do in the aftermath of this unprecedented release of turbid water.

We support the efforts of our County Executive Michael Hein to negotiate with New York City officials regarding this matter and agree with him that litigation is not a preferable course of action. However, as citizens of Ulster County seriously affected by New York City’s negligence to the well-being of our community, we support any litigation efforts by our County Officials against the City if necessary. It is our hope that New York City DEP will recognize the seriousness of this issue prior to any legal action by the County.

Thank you for your attention to this urgent issue.

Sincerely,
Saugerties Democratic Committee
Mike Harkavy, Chair
mharkavy@hvc.rr.com

cc: John Bonacic, NY State Senator; Peter Lopez, NY State Assemblyman; Maurice Hinchey, U.S. Congressman; Michael Hein, County Executive; Amanda LaValle, Director, UC Dept of the Environment; Brian Shapiro, Chair UC Legislative Committee of Government Operations and Environmental Services; Frederick Wadnola, Chair UC Legislature
===========================

Also see this release from the Ulster County Executive Mike Hein:

Fracking Trucks

2011-01-27T09:24:00.001-05:00

Saugerties Democratic Committee News

An excellent powerpoint on the detrimental effect of trucking during the fracking process.

Use the following link to view the presentation:
http://my.brainshark.com/Fracking-Truck-Convoys-by-Chip-Northrup-and-Jeff-Reynolds-934651680

Message from Incoming BoE Commissioner Vic Work

2010-12-17T17:00:00.000-05:00

Thank you all very much for your support - I especially want to thank Paul Van Blarcum, Annette Laskowsky and Beth Murphy for their nomination and seconding speeches and my Congressman and Friend Maurice Hinchey for his letter of support.

I will work very hard in this job and do the best job possible. Kathy Mihm is a hard act to follow as she has done a wonderful job as Democratic Commissioner of Elections, Deputy Commissioner and Chief Legislative Clerk. I wish her the best in her retirement and lots of wonderful times with her grandchildren.

Tuesday Night the Ulster County Legislature will consider a resolution confirming the election. I will be at work on Monday January 3rd if confirmed. I want to assure all of you that my office is always open to all of you as well as the rest of the public.

Have a very happy holiday season and enjoy the New Year. Please pass this email onto your committees and thank you again for your support last Wednesday evening.

Sincerely,

Vic Work

Thanks!

2010-12-16T15:34:00.002-05:00

Dear Committee Members:

Our Holiday Celebration was a memorable evening. I have always remarked that we are not a committee, but rather a community.Visits from Mike Hein, Paul Van Blarcum, D.A. candidate Jon Sennett, newly elected Board of Elections Democratic Commissioner Vic Work and of course Greg Helsmoortel and our great town board members showed the influence that the SDC has in shaping the direction of Saugerties and the County. At these levels of government I personally feel that Democratic Party core values can be expressed and manifested in good, open, transparent government.

To me, and perhaps some of you, there remains frustration at the level of gridlock and partisanship on the state and federal levels. I’m sure all of us would rejoice could all the ideals expressed by Maurice Hinchey throughout the years and by Bernie Sanders in his recent “filibuster” be actualized today. As they say in poker, you play the cards you’ve been dealt. President Obama certainly had a lousy hand and in some cases, he may not have played it perfectly, but I remain confident that in his heart of hearts he wants the best for the American people.

Anger and cynicism are deceitful gods and I would rather use your interests and talents to raise the consciousness of the voters to the importance of democratic and Democratic principles by incorporating special programs of interest within our meetings and through other events. For instance, some have expressed an interest in fracking, gay rights and DADT, education surrounding the first amendment, the influence of media, financing of elections to name a few. To that end please express your interests in an email reply to me, and we’ll prioritize them at our next meeting tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, January 25th. It is my hope to finally form an Issues Committee to facilitate programs to inform the public, while expanding our own relationship to each other as members of the SDC.

Until then, I wish you and your families the best of holiday seasons.

In friendship,

Mike

The Library, A Study in Chocolate

2010-12-15T23:46:00.000-05:00

Join us for the Dec 14 holiday party

2010-11-25T08:33:00.001-05:00

Election Night Whereabouts

2010-11-01T21:00:00.000-04:00

Saugerties Democrats will be gathering at Sue’s Restaurant on Rt. 9W on Election Night, Tuesday, Nov. 2nd, starting at 9 p.m. to await the vote count. The pizzas and sodas are on us and there will be a cash bar.

Press Release from the Ulster County Democrats

2010-11-01T20:58:00.000-04:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: CONTACT:
October 29, 2010 Ashley Dittus (845)-594-4512
Ulster County Democratic Committee
ucdemchair@gmail.com

Republicans Drop Their Masks; Resort to
Gutter Politics in Final Days of Campaign

Comparing himself to a piece of candy in a recent Halloween-themed attack mailing, John Bonacic expects voters to give him credit for supporting the achievements of Democratic office-holders, while trashing his own Democratic opponent. But voters should not swallow anything Republicans are offering this year. Rather than taking credit for Democrats’ work, if John Bonacic really supports the work of Andrew Cuomo, Eric Schneiderman and Maurice Hinchey, he should do what thousands of Ulster County citizens will do next week: vote for them. And while he’s at it, he should cast a vote for David Sager. After decades of useless self-promotion in Albany, Bonacic should pass the torch to a public servant who is ready to roll up his sleeves and get to work for this region.
On the other side of the County, the Republican Assembly candidates are also celebrating Halloween by trying to scare voters. On the north end, Peter Rooney, who wears his cowboy costume year-round, has trotted out the traditional “Democrats coddle criminals” attack piece. Of course, it not only lacks originality, it lacks truth. And on the south side, Tom Kirwan is disguising himself as an outsider while attacking the real reformer who replaced him in 2008. Kirwan hopes the voters forget that he spent 14 years in the State Legislature – making only the vaguest allusion to his years in Albany on his website.
These last minute Republican attacks don’t say anything of substance, but they do tell voters something truthful about the Republican candidates: they don’t care about the issues that matter to the citizens of Ulster County, issues like rebuilding our economy; tax reform; smart growth; and cleaning up dysfunctional state government.
In difficult times, requiring real solutions, (it is sad that the) Republican candidates need to be reminded that you can’t just dress up as a public servant, you have to do the hard work of actually serving the public. The latest round of attacks shows us that these candidates simply aren’t committed to working for the people on the key issues facing our communities.
-- Thank you for your interest in the Ulster County Democratic Committee.Please visit our website at http://ulstercountydemocrats.com/ Our official calendar is located at:http://ulstercountydemocrats.com/UCDC/calendar.asp You can support us by donating online at our secure location:https://secure.actblue.com/contribute/page/ulster You received this message because you are subscribed to the GoogleGroups "Ulster County Democratic Commitee" group.To unsubscribe from this group, send email toUlsterCountyDemocrats+unsubscribe@googlegroups.comFor more options, visit this group athttp://groups.google.com/group/UlsterCountyDemocrats?hl=en

Phillips Is No Profile In Courage

2010-10-16T15:38:00.000-04:00

The Republican Party has always claimed to be the party of family values. That was the bedrock of their platform but you would never know it this year. Based on Carl Paladino’s past actions it was an eye-opener when Republican Congressional candidate George Phillips hitched his wagon to Paladino, who heads the Republican ticket.

It is common knowledge that Paladino has disseminated racist emails that demeaned Barack and Michelle Obama as well as pornographic emails that defy description while saying, “ We must stop pandering to the pornographers and perverts who seek to target our children and destroy their lives”. He has questioned Andrew Coumo’s parenting skills in the face of his own parental indiscretions. He was forced to flip-flop after slurring the gay community. The public gets it, and polls show that they find this behavior unacceptable for anyone seeking public office.

When questioned on his support for Paladino on YNN’s Capital Tonight, Phillips without hesitation said, “I do support Carl Paladino for Governor”. When questioned about Paladino’s controversial comments he said “I’m not going to comment on them”.

Mr. Phillip’s reluctance to take an independent stance and repudiate this behavior shows that he accepts the whole Paladino package. This was certainly not a profile in courage.

I support Congressman Maurice Hinchey who never ducked a hard question or feared to go against the conventional thinking of his own party when he disagreed. He deserves your vote on November 2nd.

Mike Harkavy

Saugerties Democratic Committee, Chair

Not sure if you're going out to vote?

2010-10-13T23:31:00.000-04:00

From Ralph Childers. Feel free to pass it on.

Hey Mike, ya wanna get folks to vote? Send them this.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3DRkUU-qhjk&feature=player_embedded

2010-10-12T15:34:00.000-04:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: CONTACT:

October 11, 2010 Ashley Dittus (845)-594-4512

Ulster County Democratic Committee

ucdemchair@gmail.com

Ulster County Republicans Embrace Paladino Following Hateful Statements

Two days after Republican gubernatorial candidate Carl Paladino distributed a speech condemning “dysfunctional homosexuals” and just a day after he doubled-down on his bigotry, saying that he did not regret his statements at all, Ulster County Republicans welcomed Paladino to New Paltz and Kingston. Paladino also stated that children should not be “brainwashed” into thinking that homosexuality is “an equally valid option” and criticized Andrew Cuomo as not “normal” for permitting his children attend a gay pride parade. (Paladino himself has a child from an extramarital affair). Paladino’s anti-gay tirade comes as suicides among gay youth and hate crimes against gays are on the rise, including a horrific gang assault just days ago in the Bronx. In the wake of the candidate’s hateful rhetoric even the State Chairman of the Republican Party has distanced himself from Paladino, stating that the candidate can “speak for himself” and formally condemning “any remarks that can be construed as homophobic.”

No such condemnation has been forthcoming, however, from the Ulster County Republican Party or its candidates. The Ulster County Republican Party was a strong early supporter of Paladino, formally endorsing him in the Republican primary in September.

Ulster County Democratic Chair Julian Schreibman called on the Republican leadership and candidates to take a stand against bigotry and repudiate Paladino’s divisive rhetoric. “It is bad enough that Chairwoman Yess, Fawn Tantillo, Peter Rooney and the other candidates have all been silent in the face of Paladino’s outrageous attacks, but now they are welcoming this spokesperson for hate to our community. If they embrace the messenger, voters must conclude that they embrace the message.”

--
Thank you for your interest in the Ulster County Democratic Committee.
Please visit our website at http://ulstercountydemocrats.com/

Our official calendar is located at:
http://ulstercountydemocrats.com/UCDC/calendar.asp

You can support us by donating online at our secure location:
https://secure.actblue.com/contribute/page/ulster

http://groups.google.com/group/UlsterCountyDemocrats?hl=en

Beth Murphy and Barry Kerr Host Sager & Auerbach October 20

2010-10-11T23:00:00.000-04:00

Sager For Change

2010-09-26T17:44:00.002-04:00

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.

QUALIFICATIONS MATTER!

2010-09-19T17:40:00.001-04:00

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.

Wendy Wins!

2010-09-15T19:40:00.001-04:00

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,

October 10th Brunch for Town Justice Wendy Ricks

2010-09-11T08:12:00.001-04:00

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!

Appeal from Ken Goldberg on behalf of the Committee to Re-elect Wendy Ricks

2010-09-04T10:03:00.001-04:00

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

Got Water Fact Sheet

2010-09-04T09:58:00.001-04:00

Please take a moment to review this terrific document about the issues surrounding hydrofracking

http://saugertiesdems.org/docs/GotWaterFactSheet.pdf

Saugerties Democratic Committee News

2010-08-17T10:05:00.002-04:00

Saugerties Democratic Committee News

David Sager has shown unequivocal leadership on the issue of fracking and needs your support.

Check out this editorial rom the Phoenicia Times:

EDITORIAL
________________________________

So we've hit mid-summer and so far, so good in the Catskill High Peaks. Well sure it's been hot and dry, more of both than most of us would like but it's not as if we actually get to choose. Dry weather though does bring lots of weekend visitors and sell plenty of cold drinks, good chunks of our regional economy need those things. So we'll stick with the hot and dry since it's all we got.
No crises are evident locally except for this week's discovery of the long-dreaded ash borer beetle, potentially a huge problem for an area once famous for its legendary ash baseball bats. Meanwhile Phoenicia is gearing up for a weekend of great performances by world class artists fresh from the Met and elsewhere, all thanks to our own local talent, both vocal and organizational, and a huge amount of homegrown support from every quarter. To judge from the energy it's garnered, the Phoenicia Festival of the Voice has been a success before its first note's even struck. We hope you'll all be there.
Shandaken, Olive, all the towns of the 28 corridor seem to be puttering along well enough despite our borderline bleak economy. In what's become a pleasantly normal, Ulster County government is running better than it has... probably ever. But beyond our sylvan valleys this summer things are a bit wiggier. State Senator Bonacic, long a major booster for regional gas exploitation, wisely did a quick 180 degree turn in favor of an 11-month moratorium on hydrofracking, sought by amongst others, his Democratic challenger this November David Sager, whose views are clearly in line with some of the strongest regional sentiment on any subject evidenced here in years.
So on this fracking issue which we've been covering for over two years, for now we'll say this: Our state DEC's pathetically obvious inability to manage this issue or regulate this industry might be funny if it were a joke, though unfortunately it isn't. Hopefully the Assembly will concur with the State Senate next month and vote to slow down DEC's permitting process long enough for the US EPA to complete its studies, issue its long-awaited report, and provide some direction on the subject that states and people can actually trust. The Russians who produce more natural gas than anyone in the world, are waiting for that US EPA report before deciding to invest another dime in their own infrastructure or drilling plans.
If you think our dysfunctional state government is better equipped to assess this without help than the smartest guys in Russia, you might want to think again.
Less local but even farther off the Wiggy Scale is serious talk emanating from the US Senate Republican leadership about repealing the 14th amendment to the Constitution, dating back to 1868 and guaranteeing Due Process and Equal Protection under the law and forbidding states from denying anyone's civil or political rights. Whatup with that you ask? Well it seems the entire Senate GOP braintrust - John McCain, Mitch McConnell, Lindsay Graham, and John Kyle - all want to dump the thing, because it also guarantees citizenship to anyone born in this country, something which annoys them no end. And since the odds of this being approved by 3/4 of the states and 2/3 of Congress are incalculably ridiculous, it's clear they're doing it as a blatant appeal to the same racist and anti-immigrant paranoia behind the recent Arizona law compelling racial profiling by police. Could be that's what wins elections in some states, and while we don't KNOW that these guys are drinking frack-water.. it sure smells to us like Benzene talking. BP

Wendy Ricks for Town Justice

2010-08-07T09:11:00.000-04:00

Dear fellow Democrats,

When Wendy Ricks broke through that infamous glass ceiling four years ago to become the first woman Town Justice in Saugerties’ history, she did so with tremendous bi-partisan support. People have enormous respect for Wendy’s intellect, experience, judgment and unquestioned integrity.

The days when our Town Court dealt mostly with traffic tickets are long gone. The court’s dockets now run the gamut from vehicular infractions to drugs, domestic violence and sexual assault, so the qualifications of our Town Justice candidates matter a great deal.

Wendy’s experience includes work in both the District Attorney’s office and the County Attorney’s office, service as past president of the Ulster County Bar Association, plus twenty years of legal experience in private practice. In addition, Wendy has a background as a trained mediator along with both knowledge and sensitivity of how mental health issues, addiction and family dysfunction can be contributing factors in many of the criminal offenses which come before the Court. Wendy, a life-long resident of Saugerties, lives in the Village with her husband Mark Colligan, a well-known local chiropractor who has owned and operated the Saugerties Chiropractic Center for over twenty years, and their two children Aidan and Meghan.

I hope you will join me in supporting Wendy’s re-election by making a contribution to her campaign. Quite simply, Saugerties is lucky to have someone of Wendy’s caliber serving our community.

Checks can be made out to the Committee to Re-Elect Wendy Ricks and mailed to Ken Goldberg, Treasurer, 1066 Churchland Lane, Saugerties, NY 12477.

Thanks so very much for your consideration!

Regards,

Patti Kelly

Elliot Auerbach fundraiser Aug 22

2010-07-26T09:01:00.000-04:00

Saugerties Democratic Committee News

A flyer for the Elliot Auerbach fundraiser is attached. Please circulate.Details:
Please join us for a fundraiser brunch for Elliot Auerbach, Ulster County Comptroller
August 22, 2010 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Cost is $25 per person.
At Lucky Star Restaurant, 152 West Bridge Street, Saugerties, NY
Hosted by Marge and Gary Bischoff
Please RSVP to Gary or Marge at 845-246-6858 or 845-901-9430
or eccxray@verizon.net

Jobless Benefits

2010-07-20T08:59:00.000-04:00

The following letter was sent to the local press and the NY Times.

Dear Editor

Losing your job is a very demoralizing experience. You can blame yourself, feeling like you did something wrong, when you had nothing to do with the economic circumstances surrounding the loss. The Republicans add insult to injury by insinuating that the jobless are slackers, responsible for their own circumstances. The Republicans continue their assault by denying the extension of unemployment benefits. We reject this characterization of American workers who have lost their jobs during this devastating recession. We support the continuation of unemployment benefits for our hard hit friends and neighbors who are going through hard times.

The Saugerties Democratic Executive Committee:
Mike Harkavy, Chair
Marcus Arthur, Vice Chair
Donn Avallone, Vice Chair
Beth Murphy, Secretary
Harriet Tomasko, Treasurer.

Speak Out Against Fracking

2010-07-19T09:18:00.000-04:00

Saugerties Democratic Committee News

The extraction of natural gas through the process of hydraulic fracturing ("fracking") is a major environmental issue now facing the Hudson Valley. It is essential that we urge the New York State Senate to pass a moratorium halting the advancement of this process in New York due to mishaps in other regions of the country, and the lack of information on the safety of the process.
Check out http://gaslandthemovie.com/.

Currently, incumbent NYS Senator John Bonacic opposes this moratorium while Democratic candidate David Sager favors one. Congressman Maurice Hinchey is sponsoring legislation on the federal level to restore regulatory oversight over fracking by the Environmental Protection Agency(EPA). This oversight responsibility was removed from the Clean Water Act by George W. Bush's 2005 energy policy spearheaded by VP Dick Cheney and Halliburton.

Please note the attached time sensitive alert(all it requires is one phone call).

Thanks,

Mike

Sager becomes ‘official’ Democratic candidate for Senate

2010-07-19T08:46:00.000-04:00

David Sager, Cindy Lockrow-Schimmerling and Steve Wilkinson relax after Wilson-Pakula signed

It’s official.

Last week, petitions were filed containing almost 4,000 signatures designating David Sager as the Democratic candidate to represent the 42nd District in the New York State Senate.
At the same time, the Democratic County Chairs — Cindy Lockrow-Schimmerling of Delaware, Steve Wilkinson of Sullivan, Julian Schreibman of Ulster and Jonathan Jacobson of Orange — gathered together to sign the paperwork (known as a ‘Wilson-Pakula’) allowing David to run as a Democrat.

All of that reduces to this: David Sager is now officially the candidate and the Sager-Bonacic race is on!

“I am so proud and excited to wholeheartedly endorse David Sager as our candidate,” said Lockrow, who chairs the Delaware County Democratic Committee. “The Democratic leadership today proudly signed our names to stand up against intimidation, to stand up for the democratic process, to stand up for transparent and effective leadership in this vast, diverse district.”
Now that the paperwork is taken care of, David will move into the next phase of his campaign. He will continue to move around the district, meeting with voters and letting them get to know him. So, be sure to check the calendar every week and, if you get the chance, come out and say hello!

Annual Barn Dance: Saturday, July 24

2010-06-27T11:01:00.006-04:00

BARN DANCE!
At AVALLONE’S FARM
Saturday, July 24
7 p.m. ‘til….
The cows come home!
FOOD!
Live music by “Thunder Ridge”
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

Download the flyer!

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!

SAUGERTIES DEMS TAP TOWN JUSTICE WENDY RICKS FOR SECOND TERM

2010-06-22T09:19:00.000-04:00

Atour caucus on Monday, June 21st, Saugerties Democrats unanimously and enthusiastically nominated Wendy Ricks for re-election to a second four-year term as Town Justice.

“When Wendy broke through that infamous glass ceiling four years ago to become the first woman Town Justice in Saugerties’ history, she did so with tremendous bi-partisan support,” said Mike Harkavy, chair of the Saugerties Democratic Committee. “People respect her intellect, experience, judgement and temperament, and our community has been well-served by those impressive attributes.”

Justice Ricks was nominated by Donn Avallone, who called her uniquely qualified for this position. “Her experience includes work in both the District Attorney’s office and the County Attorney’s office, service as past president of the Ulster County Bar Association, plus twenty years of legal experience in private practice,” said Avallone. “In addition, Wendy has a background as a certified mediator along with both knowledge and sensitivity of how mental health issues, addiction and family dysfunction can be contributing factors in many of the criminal offenses which come before the Court.”

“I’ve known Wendy Ricks both professionally and personally for many years, and she is highly respected in the legal community for her intelligence, experience and unquestioned integrity, said Liz Krisjanis who seconded the nomination. “We are lucky to have someone of her caliber serving our community.”

Wendy Ricks, a life-long resident of Saugerties, lives in the Village with her husband Mark Colligan, a well-known local chiropractor who has owned and operated the Saugerties Chiropractic Center for over twenty years, and their two children Aidan and Meghan.

“I am honored by your trust and confidence,” said Justice Ricks after accepting the nomination. “For me, serving as Town Justice is a way of giving back to a community that taught me the values of friendship, fairness, honesty and hard work. I firmly believe in equal justice for all who come before the court, and I will continue to do my all to ensure that people are treated fairly and with respect.”

The election for Town Justice, along with other County, State and Federal offices, will be held on Tuesday, November 2nd. Wendy has also received the Independence Party endorsement.

Contact: Mike Harkavy
246-7493

Saugerties Dems Caucus, June 21,

2010-06-08T07:50:00.000-04:00

Saugerties Democratic Committee News

To all registered Democrats:

Notice is hereby given that the Saugerties Democratic Party Caucus will be held at 7p.m. on Monday, June 21, 2010 at the Frank D. Greco Senior Center, Market Street. The caucus is held for the purpose of nominating Democratic candidates for Town Offices to be voted for at the November 2, 2010 General Election.

Saugerties Democratic Committee News

2010-05-20T13:00:00.001-04:00

Saugerties Democratic Committee News

A hearty welcome to Stanley Strath and Village Trustee Patrick Landewe, our newest committee members.

Since our meetings conflict with the Village Board meetings, I have requested and received permission, to have our meeting moved from the 3rd Monday of the month to the 2nd Monday of the month. Most town meetings as well as events at the Inquiring Mind seem to be Tuesday-Friday. This take effect on July 12th.

Our June 21st meeting will be at 7pm at the Senior Center. We will have a caucus to nominate Judge Wendy Ricks for re-election as town justice. This will be followed by a shortened regular committee meeting that will focus on data analysis, outreach and program ideas.

Please remember that the Ulster County Democratic Committee convention will be on Monday, May 24, 2010, 6:30pm at the Holiday Inn, Plaza Room, in Kingston.

Saugerties Dems to Sponsor Hors'n Around Saugerties again in 2010

2010-04-27T09:17:00.003-04:00

The Saugerties Democrats have decided to again sponsor a horse statuary as part of the 2010 Hors'n Around Saugerties. We have commissioned artist and former Town Board member Nancy Campbell, and below is an image of what the horse will look like:

Thank you to everyone who chipped into the effort, the eliminate any negative impact to our bank account, and thank you Nancy - we're looking forward to seeing it!

Specifics on the Healthcare Legislation

2010-03-27T09:56:00.002-04:00

YES WE DID!

Saving money to improve health outcomes is what this legislation is all about.

The United States Senate has a page with many specifics on the bill.

As you probably know, the legislation was enacted in two separate bills, largely as a result of complete disengagement by the Republicans in Congress.

Summary of the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act

Summary of Health Care and Revenue Provisions in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act

FInd out the facts about Gas Drilling in the Catskills

2010-02-27T08:57:00.003-05:00

From: Sue Rosenberg
Subject: Fwd: Forum on the Future of Gas Drilling in NY - Mon, 3/8 - SUNY New Paltz

--Dear Friends
Just as Mountaintop Removal Coal Mining in Appalachia and elsewhere is both devastating the land, water and community and has become one of the central struggles in the fight against climate change, natural gas drilling is a central issue in our backyard. I was excited to find our about this coming forum and think we should all make every effort to attend. The more we know, the better prepared we can be to have an impact on the future of our water and our land.
Maybe we can develop some smaller discussion groups out of this larger forum.
Hope to see you there. Maybe carpools can be arranged.
Sue

Village Democrats Campaign Flier

2010-02-18T13:00:00.002-05:00

Check out the campaign flier here for the Saugerties Village Dems:
Inside Cover
Outside cover

Saugerties Village Democratic Party Meet & Greet, Feb 20th

2010-02-15T09:42:00.001-05:00

Don't miss all the FUN!

All of Village of Saugerties; Neighbors, Friends and Family are invited to Saugerties Village Democratic Party’s
First Annual MEET and GREET
the Trustee Candidates Party
Casual Atmosphere of Music, Dance and FREE Refreshments at the INQUIRING MINDS/ MUDDY CUP Bookstore & Coffee House (Corner of Partition and Main Streets in the Village of Saugerties) this coming weekend: Saturday, February 20th, 7-10PM
For more information please call (845)246-2047.
Visit www.SaugertiesVillageDems.com for more details.

Help a Local Family - Dec 9th

2010-01-07T11:25:00.002-05:00

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT re: Dec 7th Celebration

2009-12-01T11:20:00.000-05:00

We are using this event to honor Erika Hinchey,Joan Keefe and Howie Wittenbecher for their years of service to the Saugerties Democratic Committee and the Saugerties community. We have other surprises in store for you. Please RSVP to Harriet ASAP, space is limited.

Celebrate with the Saugerties Dems December 7

2009-11-25T13:30:00.003-05:00

Please join with us on December 7th to celebrate the holidays! 6PM, 1811 Old Kings Highway.

$20 PP

RSVP to Harriet at bluebird1198@hvc.rr.com

Two Great Events

2009-10-26T09:58:00.000-04:00

Tuesday, October 27th, 7p.m. at the Woodstock Community Center. Rally For Gilpatric, Schneer and Riccardi. FREE, bring a finger food donation. Co-sponsored by the Saugerties and Woodstock Democratic Committees.

Wednesday, October 28th 6-9p.m. at the Saugerties Senior High School auditorium. Celebrate 90 years of Women's Suffrage. A wonderful program developed by Nicole Tucker and the Saugerties High School History Club.

Meet the District 4 Legislature Team!

2009-10-09T15:31:00.001-04:00

Photos from the October 6 "work" party,

2009-10-09T14:55:00.006-04:00

Here are some photos from the October 6th work party.

Thank you all for turning out. It was especially gratifying to see so many of the youth of Saugerties helping out!

Saugerties women honored by the Eleanor Roosevelt Legacy

2009-10-04T18:57:00.001-04:00

Congratulations

The mission of the Eleanor Roosevelt Legacy is inspired by the work of Eleanor Roosevelt who dedicated her life to expanding the role of women in political government. As she famously said, “Democracy is not about words, but action.”

In support of this goal, Eleanor’s Legacy takes action to increase women’s participation in Democratic politics. They raise funds to help elect women to state and local offices, as well as providing training and leadership development.

The Saugerties Democratic Committee is extremely proud that 5 of the 12 candidates from Ulster County endorsed by the Legacy committee came from Saugerties. They include town board candidate Jamie Fine, Ulster County Clerk candidate Gilda Riccardi and Ulster County Legislature candidates Marcy Goulart, Alverta Jones and Nicole Tucker. In addition, a sixth nominee, Ulster County Judge Deborah Schneer from the Town of Rochester also was endorsed.

We hope that you, the voters ,recognize the accomplishments of these exceptional women, as did the Legacy Committee and give them your support on Election Day, November 3, 2009.

Please Join Greg Helsmoortel on September 29th at the Land & Sea Grill

2009-09-22T15:04:00.002-04:00

Saugerties Democratic Committee News

You are all invited to a fundraiser for Supervisor Greg Helsmoortel. Come and support Team Saugerties '09.

Land & Sea Grille & Steakhouse
396 Rte. 212
Tuesday, September 29
6-9p.m.
Hors d'oeuvres & cash bar

A donation in the amount of your choice would be appreciated. Checks payable to:
Committee to Elect Greg Helsmoortel, c/o Carol Kerbert-Mooers
PO Box 88, Saugerties, NY 12477

TEAM SAUGERTIES IS OFF AND RUNNING

2009-09-02T16:11:00.005-04:00

TEAM SAUGERTIES IS OFF AND RUNNING
Grammy Award winning bassist Malcolm Cecil and saxophonist George DeLeon wowed the crowd at last Saturday’s Team Saugerties town campaign kick-off for Greg Helsmoortel, Bruce Leighton and Jamie Fine. Guitarist Paul Clarke, who performed an original song about Greg, Bruce and Jamie, joined Malcolm and George for a half-hour jam to the delight of the guests.

Bruce Leighton, George DeLeon, Jamie Fine, Malcolm Cecil and Greg Helsmoortel

Join Marcy Goulart for a Fundraiser on September 9th at Cafe Mezzaluna

2009-08-28T15:14:00.001-04:00

LABOR ENDORSES JAMIE FINE & BRUCE LEIGHTON FOR TOWN BOARD

2009-08-14T15:31:00.001-04:00

TEAM SAUGERTIES '09 TOWN CAMPAIGN
PRESS RELEASE
Contact: Patti Kelly 246-2497 or ckelly513@hvc.rr.com

LABOR ENDORSES JAMIE FINE & BRUCE LEIGHTON FOR TOWN BOARD

The Hudson Valley Area Labor Federation, AFL-CIO has endorsed Jamie Fine and Bruce Leighton for the Saugerties Town Board in the November election. In letters to both candidates, Paul Ellis-Graham, President of the Federation and John Nilsen, President of the Upper Hudson Central Labor Council, said “We are confident that your decisions as elected officials will reflect the values of working families throughout Ulster County.”

Commenting on the endorsement, Jamie Fine said, “To have earned the confidence and trust of the hard-working men and women represented by the Federation is a tremendous honor.” Bruce Leighton added,” We have enormous respect for the work they do, and we’re deeply appreciative of their endorsement.” Fine and Leighton are the Democratic candidates for Town Board. Both have also been endorsed by the Working Families Party. In addition, Leighton has been endorsed by the Independence Party.

Reality Check

2009-08-12T16:00:00.000-04:00

Saugerties Democratic Committee News

As Democrats, we may have different opinions as to what is the best healthcare delivery system. There are two things that we can agree on. First we need affordable universal healthcare and second, the outrageous claims by the opposition as viewed at town hall meetings and throughout the media must be counteracted. While many have sincere concerns about the legislation winding its way through congress, the shrill, hysterical rantings of political operatives is proof of the desperation of those with a vested interest in the status quo.

We encourage you to go the www.whitehouse.gov/realitycheck/ where you can view videos and information papers that lay out the true facts concerning healthcare reform. There is nothing more powerful than an informed citizenry.

Picnic in the Park for the Ulster County District 4 Democrats

2009-08-11T10:22:00.003-04:00

Picnic in the Park

Celebrate the Campaign Kickoff for the Ulster County Legislature District 4 Candidates:
Gary Bischoff
Marcy Goulart
Alverta Jones
Nicole Tucker

When: Sunday Aug. 30, 2 to 6 p.m.

Where: Cantine Field – Large Pavilion
Market Street and Moser Drive, Saugerties

Suggested Donation, $20 or $35 per family.
Children are welcome

Please join us for good food, games, fellowship and an opportunity to meet the candidates in an informal setting.

Please RSVP to Nicole at 594-4600

If you can’t make it but would like to make a donation, please send a check made out to District 4 Democrats to:
Ken Goldberg, 1066 Churchland Road, Saugerties, NY 12477

For more information go to www.d4dems.com

Leighton Promotes the Hudson Valley

2009-08-08T08:32:00.002-04:00

PROMOTING THE HUDSON VALLEY
Town Board member Bruce Leighton represented Saugerties at an August 5th Scenic Hudson event marking the creation of a new park overlooking the Hudson River in the Town of Stockport in neighboring Columbia County. The park will be adjacent to 92 acres of open meadows donated to the state Department of Environmental Conservation by the environmental organization. "We applaud Scenic Hudson’s work to create a beautiful 6.5 acre park that will provide the public with incredible views of the river and the Catskill Mountains, access to trails, picnic areas, and information about the ecology and the history of the property," said Leighton.

"Our Saugerties town board has been working cooperatively with regional partners and public officials from all political parties to promote the Hudson Valley, the NYS Greenway, and the Quadricentennial, and we were proud to have been invited to participate in this event."
Other participants included Ned Sullivan, President of Scenic Hudson, Town of Stockport Supervisor Lou Pulcher, U.S. Rep. Scott Murphy, NYS Assemblyman Marc Molinaro, Hudson-Fulton-Champlain Quadricentennial Executive Director Tara Sullivan, NYS Senator Steve Saland, and a representative from New York's Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.

Bruce with Congressman Scott Murphy

August 29th Fundraiser for Town Candidates

2009-08-06T18:00:00.000-04:00

Saugerties Democratic Committee News

Dear fellow Democrats,

Below is an invitation to an August 29th fundraiser for our Town Board candidates. I know many of you contributed to the town campaign at the joint Jamie/Gilda fundraiser in July and even more of you contributed most generously to last week’s barn dance, the proceeds of which will benefit our town and legislative candidates by paying for their final newspaper ads. All of our candidates appreciate your support and generosity more than you can know.
We understand that there will be a lot of fundraisers for our town and county candidates, and you can’t attend them all. But our candidates want you to be informed of everything they are doing, including fundraisers, and ask that you send along invitations to friends and colleagues who might be interested in attending. And if you can attend more than one of each campaign’s events, that would be terrific!

For those of you who have not yet contributed to the town campaign, I hope you will attend this Aug. 29th fundraiser or one of the remaining two — a Sept. 20th brunch at Bruce and Kate Leighton’s home and Greg’s traditional Oct. fundraiser at Land and Sea. Or you can send a donation directly to Ken Goldberg, the campaign treasurer. Info is provided on the invitation.
On behalf of our Democratic town candidates — Greg, Bruce and Jamie — thank you very, very much.

Patti Kelly
Coordinator for the town campaign- Team Saugerties ‘09

-----------------------
You are cordially invited to join us in kicking off the
Team Saugerties ’09 town campaign
with a great party hosted by
JAMIE FINE ~ Candidate for Town Council

Where: Gisiano’s Restaurant, 174 Main St. in Glasco
When: Saturday, Aug. 29th from 6-9 p.m.
Cost: $25 per person
(includes heavy appetizers –more like supper & dessert) Cash Bar

Please RSVP to Patti Kelly at ckelly513@hvc.rr.com or 246-2497

LIVE MUSIC
Featuring Grammy Award Winner Malcolm Cecil

Let’s support Jamie and her running mates

GREG HELSMOORTEL for Town Supervisor
BRUCE LEIGHTON for Town Council

Support our Democratic Team & keep the momentum going!

If you are unable to attend & would like to make a contribution in support of Greg, Jamie and Bruce, please make checks out to Team Saugerties ’09 and mail to Ken Goldberg, treasurer, 1066 Churchland Lane, Saugerties, NY 12477. Thank you!

Stop the smear of Schneer

2009-08-04T09:31:00.000-04:00

From the Kingston Times 9/30/09
by Julian Schreibman

Less than 24 hours after Judge Deborah Schneer won confirmation as our next Ulster County Court judge, the Ulster County Republican Party predictably kicked off its mud-slinging with baseless attacks against this outstanding judge.

On the night of July 16, 2009, Judge Schneer was unanimously confirmed by the New York State Senate to serve as our County Court judge. Even Kingston's own Republican state senator, Bill Larkin, voted for her. Schneer had previously been nominated by Governor Paterson after a judicial screening committee in Albany found her to be "highly qualified."

Never one to let facts get in the way of an attack, the very next day, in the face of the overwhelming bi-partisan support for Judge Schneer, our local Republican County Chair Mario Catalano issued a statement calling her appointment a "mockery" of the Ulster County Court. He then carefully mischaracterized a 20-year-old case in which a prisoner appealed having to appear in front of a jury shackled hand and foot. (Schneer did not "sue the taxpayers of New York" as Catalano claimed.) By seeking to undermine the public's faith in our judiciary, Catalano has decided to launch his campaign from the bottom of the gutter. The public can only hope that the Republicans won't dig any lower.

Not surprisingly, Catalano had not a single positive thing to say about his own candidate, Don Williams. This is telling. After all, just two years ago, the Republicans rejected Williams' bid for Kingston City Court judge. Now, they want to put him on the far more important County Court bench, despite his lack of judicial experience. Without a positive message, the Republican campaign apparently will consist of nothing but angry attacks. The citizens of this county should not elect as a judge the standard-bearer of angry partisans.

Deborah Schneer has 25 years of diverse legal experience throughout the Hudson Valley and beyond, giving her broad exposure to all facets of our legal system. Her opponent spent his whole career in one job. Deborah Schneer has years of judicial experience, balancing the interests of all parties who came before her and earning respect from both sides of the aisle. Her opponent has never been a judge - never presided over a single case in his life and has only been a court-room partisan.

Catalano's is only the first of what will surely be many Republican temper tantrums over imagined flaws. The public knows better. Deborah Schneer is the experienced judge we need in Ulster County's toughest court.

Julian D. Schreibman

Chair

Ulster County Democratic Committee

Photos from the Barn Dance

2009-08-03T09:11:00.002-04:00

Some pictures from the Barn Dance, for your future blackmailing needs.

Barn Dance Town People

The Demettes
More of the Demettes

The Demtones

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

The Election of a Lifetime

2008-10-13T10:51:00.002-04:00

From Ian Brody:

As you know, November 4 will likely be the most important election of our lifetimes, certainly the most important election since Franklin Delano Roosevelt ran for our nations highest office in 1932. As we all know, Roosevelt, aided by the greatest generation, forever changed America and the whole world for the better.

This year is just such another momentous time in our history. Those who have lost their home, a loved one, their job, their retirement savings, or their trust in our leaders during this immoral and unjust war certainly understand our situation. I worry about my eighteen-month daughter, who will still be paying for the mistakes of the Bush/McCain administration throughout her lifetime. But we must stop the bleeding now, and the prescription is electing Barack Obama President, Joe Biden his Vice-President and Maurice Hinchey his Congressional ally.

Did you also know it is also a momentous time for Ulster County? For the first time in our 325-year history, we will be electing a county Executive and Comptroller. For executive, Mike Hein is clearly qualified, having reigned-in out of control Republican spending. He has shown us a way to fiscal responsibility, social responsibility and economic growth. In comparison, his opponent has taken money from county coffers to create jobs that never materialized, and he doesn’t even have the decency to admit his failure and return the money. At this time, we don’t know if his actions are criminal, but we do know they are unethical.

In the comptroller race, Elliott Auerbach is dedicated to serving the people of Ulster County and making government work better. His opponent, after making the case that a county comptroller was unnecessary, actually has the nerve to run for the position. We can only speculate what he might do, since he doesn’t even understand the job description.

This is the year, this is the election. We need every vote.

Upcoming Obama Events

2008-09-29T11:31:00.000-04:00

VP Debate Watching Party at Gilded Otter, hosted by MariAnn & Jon Sennett
Sign-up: http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/gs72jj

Barack Barn Gala in Marbletown, Sat. Oct. 11
Let's raise some big bucks for the Obama campaign.
Sign-up: http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/4gwzw

More things--get plugged in to this campaign:

CAMPAIGNING & VOTER REGISTRATION DRIVES

Weekend Warriors/Day Trippers to Pennsylvania
Carpools every weekend through November 4th, Saturday Bus
Trips from Kingston, New Paltz, Rhinebeck & Poughkeepsie
Sign-up: http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/gpgwjq

Camp Obama New York
Relocate to a swing state as a Deputy Field Organizer
Trainings in NYC 9/27-28, NYC & Buffalo 10/4-5
Sign-up: http://my.barackobama.com/page/s/CampObamaNY

Ulster County Phone Banking
Mondays-Thursdays throughout Sept & Oct 6:00pm-8:30pm
Kingston, Rosendale & New Paltz Locations
Sign-up: http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/gs7w99

New Hampshire Weekend Canvass
Saturday, September 27th, leaving from Albany, NY
Sign-up: http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/gs7rvk

Poughkeepsie Open Office & Canvass
Saturday, September 27th, 12:00pm-6:00pm, Poughkeepsie, NY
Sign-up: http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/gs5k79

Vote for Change at Spirit of Beacon Festival
Sunday, September 28th, 12:00pm-6:00pm, Beacon, NY
Sign-up: http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/gpgvjk

Travel to Ohio for "Golden Week"
September 29th-October 6th, "Golden Week" of early voting
Sign-up: http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/gs5z4b

Kingston New Voter Registration Canvass
Sunday, October 5h, 2:30pm-5:30pm, Kingston, NY
Sign-up: http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/gs78xv

CAMPUS EVENTS

Education to Action Forum on Responsible Energy Policy
Thursday, October 2nd, 6:00pm-8:00pm, Multipurpose room, Bertelsmann
Campus Center, Bard College, Annandale on Hudson, NY
Followed by public screening of VP debate
Bard Center for Environmental Policy faculty members Gautam Sethi and
Kristin Scheible will lead a roundtable discussion of initiatives to reverse the
environmental crisis and chart a path toward green technology,
sustainability, and economic vitality.
Sign-up: http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/gpgvss

FUNDRAISING/NETWORKING EVENTS

We the Artists 08
Saturday, September 274h, 6:00pm-12:00am, Nyack, NY
Sign-up: http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/gpgy28

Yard Sale to benefit Obama campaign
Sunday, September 28th, 10:00am-5:00pm 20 Orchard Lane, Highland, NY
Sign-up: http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/gs7yq5

An Evening with Pete Seeger & Friends
Monday, September 29th, 7:00pm - 9:00pm, Chill, Main St, Beacon, NY
Sign-up: http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/gs75sm

VP Debate Watching Party
Thursday, October 2nd, 8:00pm-11:00pm, Gilded Otter, New Paltz NY
Sign-up: http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/gs72jj

Young Dems After Dark
Friday, October 3rd, 7:00pm-10:00m, Amici, Poughkeepsie, NY
Sign-up: http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/gs75k9

Barack Obama Barn Gala
Saturday, October 11th, 7:00pm-?, Marbletown, NY
Sign-up: http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/4gwzw

HVO CAMPAIGN OFFICE HOURS
Fridays, 5:00pm-8:00pm, 292 Main St, Rosendale, NY
Saturdays, 10:00am-3:00pm, 292C Fair St, Kingston, NY

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO RSVP, VISIT:
my.barackobama.com/page/group/HudsonValleyforObama
Contacts: Beth 687-9408 or Stephen 687-7374
MarbletownForObama@gmail.com

Ulster Democratic Committee Caucus Results

2008-09-29T11:26:00.002-04:00

Saugerties Democratic Committee News

Last night was a monumental victory for the Ulster County Democratic Party. In contested races Julian Schriebman won 17,000-6000 and Ian Brody won 13,000-5000. Our new Executive Board that includes Karen Markisensis as VP and Stuart Fraser as secretary represents a great balance of personalities and experience.

Additionally, Kathy Mihm was elected at the Democratic Elections Commissioner for Ulster County.

This has been a very difficult battle over the last year or two and Saugerties proudly has been right in the middle of it. We had a tremendous turnout of our committee last night, even with illness, and pre-planned trips, we had 96% of our committee present.

We have seen tremendous changes in our town government and county committee due to a strong grassroots effort towards open, progressive government by all of you. It is my hope that a belief in "bottom-up" government will take Barack into the White House.

Once again I can only thank you for your energy and support.

Mike