An unsigned story in the Register-Star says Hudson Mayor Rick Scalera endorses Republican Mayoral nominee William Hallenbeck to replace him in next month’s election. “Why? Well if there is one thing I have learned as the most important duty of a mayor, it is to respect people of all walks of life,” Scalera wrote in a press release. “Bill just didn’t arrive on the scene…. As a lifelong resident I have watched him work and retire from law enforcement in Hudson and the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office and he has always treated people fairly. He has worked in the [Hudson City] School District for some time now working closely with our kids.” Scalera has been Mayor of Hudson off-and-on since the 1990s. Hallenbeck is current Third Ward Supervisor in Hudson. Scalera is running unopposed for Fifth Ward Supervisor. Another former Hudson Mayor, Dick Tracy, also endorsed Hallenbeck, the report says. Nick Haddad is Hallenbeck’s Democrat opponent. Read the full story in the Register-Star.
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Tags: elections, Rick Scalera, William Hallenbeck
The Windham-Ashland-Jewett school district has posted this public notice, announcing a Nov. 22 special election:
The Windham-Ashland-Jewett School building, maintenance buildings, athletic fields and site sustained substantial damage as a result of Hurricane/Tropical Storm Irene;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE WINDHAM-ASHLAND-JEWETT CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT (the “District”) that a special meeting of the qualified voters of the District be and the same is hereby called to be held in the Cafetorium of the Windham-Ashland-Jewett School, Main Street, Windham, New York on Tuesday, November 22, 2011 from 1:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. prevailing time for the purpose of voting on the following proposition:
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education is hereby authorized to (1) reconstruct various District buildings, perform site work thereat (including reconstruction of athletic fields) and acquire original furnishings, equipment, machinery or apparatus required for the purpose for which such reconstructed buildings and athletic fields are to be used (the “Project”), at a maximum cost of $4,000,000, (2) expend such sum for such purpose, (3) transfer $120,000 from the Bus Purchase Capital Reserve Fund to the 2004 Capital Reserve Fund, (4) expend $129,133 from the Capital Reserve Fund for the classroom reconstruction portion of the Project, (5) levy the necessary tax therefor taking into account state and federal aid and insurance proceeds received and the amount expended from the 2004 Capital Reserve Fund, to be levied and collected in annual installments in such years and in such amounts as may be determined by the Board of Education, and (6) in anticipation of the collection of such tax, issue bonds and notes of the District at one time or from time to time in the principal amount not to exceed $3,870,867, and levy a tax to pay the interest on said obligations when due.
The vote upon such proposition shall be by machine or absentee ballot. The hours during which the polls shall be kept open shall be from 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. prevailing time or for as long thereafter as necessary to enable qualified voters who are in the polling place at 9:00 p.m. to cast their ballots.
Personal registration of voters is required, and no person shall vote whose name does not appear on the register of the District. Any person registered to vote under the provisions of Article 5 of the Election Law is entitled to vote and their names shall be placed upon the register of the District. If a voter has heretofore registered pursuant to Section 2014 of the Education Law and has voted at an annual or special district meeting within the last four (4) calendar years, he or she is eligible to vote at this meeting. All other persons who wish to vote must register.
The Board of Registration shall meet in The District Office on November 15, 2011 from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m . to prepare the register of voters of the District. Any person shall be entitled to have his or her name placed on the register provided that at such meeting of the Board of Registration, he or she is known or proven to the satisfaction of the Board of Registration to be then or thereafter entitled to vote at the school meeting for which such register is prepared.
The register prepared by the Board of Registration shall be filed in the office of the District Clerk and will be open for inspection by any qualified voter of the District from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. prevailing time on each of the five days prior to the vote, except Sunday, November 20, 2011.
Absentee ballots may be applied for at the office of the District Clerk. Applications for absentee ballots must be received by the District Clerk at least seven days prior to the vote if the ballot is to be mailed to the voter, or on or prior to November 21, 2011, if the ballot is to be delivered personally to the voter. Absentee ballots must be received by the District Clerk not later than 5:00 p.m. on November 22, 2011. A list of all persons to whom absentee ballots shall have been issued will be available in the office of the District Clerk during regular office hours until the day of the vote. Any qualified voter may, upon examination of such list, file a written challenge of the qualifications as a voter of any person whose name appears on such list, stating the reasons for the challenge.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the District Clerk is hereby authorized and directed to publish a notice of such meeting in two newspapers of general circulation within the District, four (4) times within the seven (7) weeks next preceding such School District meeting, the first publication to be at least forty-five (45) days prior to the date of the meeting.
Tags: education, elections, schools, Windham-Ashland-Jewett School District
Nearly 1,000 state layoffs land in Albany County
Jimmy Vielkind reports in Capitol Confidential that Gov. Andrew Cuomo has targeted 3,496 government jobs for elimination, though only eight are in Greene or Columbia counties. Cuomo began the layoffs last week when the Public Employees Federation voted down a tentative contract agreement. The total layoffs per area counties:
• Greene County, 5 jobs
• Columbia County, 3
• Albany County, 998
• Rensselaer County, 49
• Delaware County, 7
• Dutchess County, 115
• Ulster County, 5
Read the full story in Capitol Confidential.
High-impact hydraulic fracturing hearing Thursday
While the Department of Environmental Conservation’s public hearings about high-impact hydraulic fracturing will be held farther south away from our area, the New York State Assembly holds a hearing Thursday closer, in Albany. The Assembly’s Committee on Environmental Conservation holds a hearing Thur. Oct. 6 at 9:30 a.m. at Hamilton Hearing Room B, 2nd Floor of the Legislative Office Building in the State Capitol. To testify, one needs to fill out a form.
Greene Dems elect new leader
Greene County Democrats changed leaders Monday, Oct. 3, electing Doreen Davis chair, and Terry McSorley vice-chair, and Marie Metzler at Gallagher’s in Cairo. Davis has been the town of Catskill’s Democratic Committee chairwoman and treasurer for the county party. Previously, Tom Poelker was chairman, Brud Miller was vice chair, and Metzler was secretary.
Occupy Albany meets
WGXC’s Jack Ross-Pilkington attended the Occupy Albany meeting Sunday, where organizers of the offshoot protest movement from Occupy Wall Street, planned similar actions. Ross-Pilkington writes: “When I first got there, there were about 20 people, but the number rose to about 150 by the time I left. There was no apparent leader, and took much pride in that. There were lots of proposals (15) such as providing transportation to NYC, creating a video expressing solidarity with Wall St protesters, and researching possible places for an Albany occupation. They have more videos and information at their website, occupyalbany.org.” Wednesday, union organizers are joining the Occupy Wall Street protest, and there a planned student walkout and protest at SUNY Albany at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 5.
Tags: Andrew Cuomo, Doreen Davis, elections, government jobs, high-impact hydraulic fracturing, layoffs, Marie Metzler, Occupy Albany, Occupy Wall Street, Terry McSorley, Tom Poelker
WGXC members elected Pamela Badila and Kieran Riley to the WGXC Radio Council, the station’s governing body, and the staff have added Shannekia McIntosh as Assistant Program Director. Members will annually elect two members to one-year terms on the Radio Council, which begin in January and last the calendar year. The vote was held Sept. 10 at Crossroads Brewery in Athens. The winners:
• Pamela Badila, from Hudson, who received 25 votes.
• Kieran Riley, from Harlemville, who received 20 votes.
• In addition, Shannekia McIntosh joins WGXC’s staff as Assistant Program Director, on a volunteer basis.
If you’re interested in the full Election Results, don’t hesitate to contact us at info@wgxc.org or 518-697-7400.
Carline Murphy hosting "Li Le, Li Tan" on WGXC.
Tags: Carline Murphy, elections, Hosneara Kader, Kieran Riley, Membership Election, Pamela Badila, Radio Council, Shannekia McIntosh, WGXC
Hazardous waste drop-offs
The drop-off locations for household hazardous waste established since Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee wreaked havoc on our area, at will remain open until Saturday, September 24. Residents whose homes have been flooded should be aware of potential chemical hazards that may now exist in their home. Flood waters may have displaced or damaged containers of everyday items such as household cleaners, fertilizers, and pesticides. People can be exposed to dangerous chemicals when cleaning flooded homes and disposing of these flood-damaged household items. Residents may bring household cleaners, paints, automotive fluids, batteries, lawn care products, propane tanks, alcohol based beauty products, mercury containing items, CFL and fluorescent light bulbs, along with other items containing hazardous chemicals to the following locations:
Catskill: Transfer station on Rt. 385
Days and hours of operation: M, Tu, Th, F, Sat: 7:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Hunter: Transfer station at 68 Hylan Rd.
Days and hours of operation: M, Tu, Th, F, Sat: 7:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Sun: 8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Windham: Transfer station at 100 Rt. 21
Days and hours of operation: M, Tu, Th, F, Sat: 7:30AM – 3:30PM
Sun: 8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Household hazardous waste is also being accepted at the Prattsville Sewer Treatment Plant located at 102 Rt. 7. The Prattsville location will remain open 7 days a week, from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. until further notice.
Unions endorse local Democrats
The Hudson Valley Area Labor Federation and the Upper Hudson Central Labor Council Columbia Chapter announced endorsements for Columbia County elections Monday, Sept. 19 inside the SEIU 1199 offices in Hudson, NY. Endorsements include local Democrats:
Copake Town Council: Susan Winchell-Sweeney
Copake – Town Clerk/Tax Collector: Rachel Collins Kelly
County Court Judge: Richard Koweek
County District Attorney: Eugene Keeler
County Treasurer: Peter Stoll
Hudson – Alderman – First Ward: Larissa Thomas, Dave Marston
Hudson – Common Council President: Donald A. Moore
Hudson – First Ward – Supervisor: Sarah Hoe Sterling
Hudson – Fourth Ward – Supervisor: William Hughes
Hudson – Mayor City: Nicholas Haddad
Hudson – Third Ward – Supervisor: Ellen Thurston
New Lebanon Supervisor, County Supervisor: Margaret Robertson
New Lebanon Town Justice: Darcy Poppey
Stockport – Town Council: Carl L. Roby
Stuyvesant Town Supervisor: Lee Jamison
Columbia County Democrats elect new officers
The Columbia County Democratic Committee elected officers at its re-organizational meeting, Thu. Sept. 15. Cyndy Hall of Claverack was elected Chair, Victor Mendolia of Hudson (a WGXC programmer) was elected 1st Vice Chair, Peter Bujanow of Kinderhhook was elected 2nd Vice-Chair. Carol Sacks was elected Treasurer, Kay Abraham of Germantown was elected Secretary of the Committee. Keith St. John of Kinderhook was appointed by the Executive Committee as Parlimentarian of the Columbia County Democratic Committee. Columbia County Democrats meet October 20 at SPACE 360 on Warren St., in Hudson at 7 p.m.
From Columbia County Democrtas, pictured (l-r) Outgoing Chair, Chris Nolan; Newly elected Chair, Cyndy Hall; Peter Bujanow, 2nd Vice-Chair, Keith St. John, Parlimentarian; Kaye Abraham, Secretary; Carol Sack, Treasurer. Not Pictured; Victor Mendolia.
Tags: elections, household hazardous waste, Hudson Valley Area Labor Federation, Upper Hudson Central Labor Council Columbia Chapter
All primary elections results are unofficial, and do not include absentee ballots, so close elections could easily change. Bold indicates candidate is leading the unofficial results. Columbia County results are from the Board of Elections. The Cairo results in Greene County are as reported in The Daily Freeman.
GREENE COUNTY
ATHENS
Republican Party
Republican Committee, Athens District 2: John P. Farrell Jr. 46; Marilyn Farrell 43; Anthony T. Paluch 38; Herbert M. Blasewitz 31; Fred W. Dedrick II 27
CAIRO
Independence Party
Highway Superintendent: Bob Hempstead 32; Lewis O’Connor 8
Conservative Party
Town Clerk: Tara Rumph 40; Monika Fabiano 14
From The Daily Freeman: “Rumph was denied the Republican nomination at the party’s caucus, but secured the Conservative line in an “opportunity to ballot” write-in contest in Tuesday’s primary. Rumph has held the clerk position for 12 years. Her husband, Steven, a Republican, is the current town highway superintendent but is not seeking re-election.”
Republican Party
Republican Committee, Cairo District 5: Margaret M. Lawrence 18; Carrie E. Bradshaw 14; Tara Rumph 14; Anthony P. Puorro, Jr. 14; David Clark 13; Barbara L Koerner Fox 8
COLUMBIA COUNTY
Republican Party
Judge: Beth Cozzolino 1462; Mark Portin 810
Independence Party
Judge: Beth Cozzolino 157; Richard Koweek 135
Koweek will be on the Democratic line in November against Cozzolino on the Republican and Independence lines.
COPAKE
Town Justice: John Spencer 11
GALLATIN
Republican Party
Town Committee: Thomas M. Garrick 30; Eric Mortenson 29; Louis E. Galin 21; Edward Hull 19
GREENPORT
Independence Party
Supervisor: Edward Nabonzny 16; John Porecca 16 (write-in); Peter Goldman 1
Highway Superintendent: Mark A. Gaylord 19; Peter Goldman 12
HUDSON
All races below in Democratic Party line.
Mayor, write-in only
First Ward: Nick Haddad 72; Linda Mussmann 24
Second Ward: Mussmann 55; Haddad 43; William Hallenbeck 4
Third Ward: Haddad 61; Mussmann 19; Hallenbeck 3; others 2
Fourth Ward: Haddad 32; Mussmann 23; Hallenbeck 2
Fifth Ward, First: Haddad 89; Mussmann 18; Hallenbeck 3; others 6
Fifth Ward, Second: Haddad 22; Mussmann 18; Hallenbeck 9
Totals: Nick Haddad 319; Mussmann 157; Hallenbeck 21
Haddad and Hallenbeck square off on the Democratic and Republican lines, respectively, in November.
Supervisor, First Ward: Sarah Sterling 74; John Musall 19
Supervisor, Third Ward: Ellen Thurston 94; Glenn W. Martin 16
(Disclosure: Ellen Thurston is a regular contributor to WGXC.)
Alderman, First Ward: David Marston 77; Larissa Thomas 76; Geeta Cheddie 27
KINDERHOOK
Conservative Party
Town Justice: James Carlucci 10; David Dellehunt 9
Independence Party
Town Justice: David Dellehunt, 29; James Carlucci 27
Tax Collector: Lillian Roginski 44; Gary Simpkins 17
NEW LEBANON
Independence Party
Town Supervisor: Margaret E. Robertson 9; Mike Benson 6
STOCKPORT
Independence Party
Supervisor: Jeff Seymour 17; unknown 6
Town Council: Wayne E. Kinney 14; Carl L Roby, Jr. 13; unknown 12
Town Council (unexpired): Daniel N. Marcus 15; unknown 5
STUYVESANT
Independence Party
Town Supervisor: Lee Jamison 12; Ron Knott 10
Knott is the incumbent and Jamison is the challenger that lost last time, and will face Knott again on the Democratic line in November.
Town Council: Fred Heron 11; Kelley Williams 11; Thomas S. Burrell 9; Beth Kiernan 6; Ed Kiernan 5
108TH DISTRICT JUDGE
Delegates: Walter Simonsmeier 59, Sharon Kelly 36; Anthony Cornell 29; Sean W. Egan 29; David O. Kelly 25
Alternates: Deborah Simonsmeier 57; Eileen M. Clyne 31; Julia L Crawley 31; Phillip Lajuenesse 25
Tags: election results, elections
Greene County schools open
After being delayed almost a week because of recent severe weather, Greene County schools open today, Tuesday, Sept. 13. Windham-Ashland-Jewett schools, however, remain closed through Mon. Sept. 19. From their website:
“Professional restoration teams are working on a 3-shift basis to remove the mud debris and moisture from the first floor of our main building and basement. The basement has been pumped and rinsed by environmental cleanup experts. They are currently working on all first floor classrooms and office spaces. It is very probable that first floor carpets, wood flooring, and some tile will need to be removed and replaced. Many cabinets, sheet-rock walls, paper supplies, and materials have been removed and will be replaced at a later date. The time requirements for ordering and manufacturing some of these products means that a few of the most significantly impacted rooms may not have all the final finishes when school reopens later this month. Regardless of the amount of water and mud cleaned from each room, which varied from a few centimeters to several inches, all rooms will be treated with environmentally-safe products that will prevent and or destroy any possible contaminates.”
ELECTION DAY
Greene County
From The Daily Freeman and The Daily Mail (the Greene County Board of Elections has no information about primaries on its website), here are a list of the contested elections in Greene County Tue., Sept. 13.
• ATHENS Five people are vying for four Republican Committee seats in District 2. On the ballot are Marilyn Farrell, John P. Farrell Jr., Herbert M. Blasewitz, Fred W. Dedrick II and Anthony T. Paluch.
• CAIRO Six people are vying for four Republican Committee seats in District 5. On the ballot are Carrie E. Anderson, Tara A. Rumph, David Clark, Barbara L. Koerner Fox, Anthony P. Puorro Jr. and Margaret M. Lawrence. Also, Lewis M. O’Connor and Robert F. Hempstead are seeking the Independence Party line in the race for town highway superintendent; and Monika C. Fabiano is seeking the Independence Party line in the race for town clerk. Voting at the Resurrection Lutheran Church between noon and 9 p.m.
• NEW BALTIMORE
Election District 1, Six candidates vying for four seats: Eleanore Alfeld; Jeffrey Schoenig; Kathleen Rundberg; Michael Meredith; Jeffrey Ruso; and Patrick Linger. Voting at the New Baltimore firehouse on Gill Road from noon to 9 p.m.
Election District 2, Five candidates vying for four seats: Barbara Finke; Eric Hoglund; Alma Flegel; Lauren Hallock; and Alan VanWormer. Voting at the New Baltimore Town Hall on County Route 51 from noon to 9 p.m.
Election District 3, Five candidates vying for four seats: Edward Barber; Jean Horn; Robert Krasney; Richard Marino; and Lisa Benway. Voting at the Medway-Grapeville Firehouse on County Route 51 between noon and 9 p.m.
Election District 4, Seven candidates vying for four seats: Bernard Jones; Christopher Norris; Arthur Byas; John Weidel; Donald Ogden; Denis Jordan; and Diane Jordan. Voting at the town hall from noon until 9 p.m.
• 108TH ASSEMBLY DISTRICT Five people are vying for four positions as delegates to the 3rd Judicial District Convention on the Independence line. On the ballot are Sean W. Egan, Anthony F. Cornell, David O. Kelly, Sharon Kelly and Walter Simonsmeier. On the ballot to be among four alternates to the convention are Eileen M. Clyne, Julia L. Crawley, Phillip Lajeunesse Noreen Lajeunesse and Deborah Simonsmeier. Voting at the commissoner’s building on Schoharie Turnpike between noon and 9 p.m.
Columbia County
• CHATHAM Town-wide redistricting reduced the number of election districts from four to three. Most residents in the Village of Chatham and those on White Mills Road and Merwin Road now vote at the Chatham Elementary School gymnasium, 50 Woodbridge Ave. Most residents that used to vote at the community center in Malden Bridge now vote at the new Tri-Village Fire House in Old Chatham at 111 County Route 13. Others will vote at Town Hall at 488 State Route 295, including residents living on Route 66 and on Rock City and Highland roads.
• CLAVERACK Residents that used to vote at the Grange Hall in Mellenville now vote at the Claverack Town Hall, 836 State Route 217.
• COPAKE A second poll site, so not all voting will be done at Town Hall. Voters who live on the south side of Pumpkin Hollow Road North, Sky Farm Road, Twin Bridges Road, and Route 344 now vote at the Copake Recreation Center at 301 Mountain View Road.
• GHENT Election districts numbers one and two were combined to form one district. This includes all residents in Chatham Village and those who live north of the area defined by the intersection of Kline Kill Creek and County Route 9. Voters in this district will now vote at the Chatham Elementary School gymnasium, 50 Woodbridge Ave.
• GREENPORT All residents except those in the southern portion of the town that vote at Becraft Fire Department now vote at the Questar III Educational Facility located at 131 Union Turnpike (State Route 66).
• HUDSON Residents that used to vote at the American Legion Hall will now vote at the Hudson Central Fire Station, 77 North 7th Street. The other sites are the same: 1st, 2nd and 3rd Ward Residents vote at St. Mary’s Academy on Allen Street. 4th Ward Residents vote at the County Building at 401 State Street. 5th Ward Residents vote at the Central Fire Station at 77 North 7th St.
• KINDERHOOK All residents that used to vote at the Kinderhook Town Hall now vote at the Ichabod Crane High School gymnasium at 2910 Route 9.
• LIVINGSTON The number of poll sites was reduced from three to two. Residents who live on the north side of Hermitage Road, Walkers Mill Road and County Route 10 and those on the east side of County Route 19 to the north side of Scuderhook Road now vote at the Livingston Town Hall, 119 County Route 19. All other voters will vote at the Elizaville Fire House, 1575 County Route 19.
• STOCKPORT All voters now vote at the St. John the Evangelist Church at 107 County Route 25 in Stockport.
• STUYVESANT All voters now vote at the Stuyvesant Town Hall, 5 Sunset Drive.
The Board of Elections urges anyone who may live on or near a road which is mentioned as a boundary line in the above listings to call the Board ahead of time to confirm their polling location. Voters should also have received two postcards from the Board which indicates their polling location. The Board of Elections phone number is 828-3115. Updated election-district maps will be posted on the Board’s website at columbiacountyny.com/depts/elections/districts.html.
Windham Command Center closes
The Neighbors Helping Neighbors Facebook page reports that the Windham Command Center — the organizing office for storm recovery in the Greene County town — is closing. They report that the number there (734-4938) is not any good anymore. Calls should now be made to the Windham Town Hall at 518-734-4170. The Windham Command Center on South Street will only be open on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. effective Sunday, September 11. Displaced residents in need of housing should call (510) 316-7636. Volunteers to help clean up should call Alyssa at (518) 947-0358.
Farms assess storm’s punch
Diane Valden in The Columbia Paper reports that about 150 farms in Columbia County sustained some damage from the winds and rains of Hurricane Irene August 28, but only about 15 were damaged extensively. “Sandra Ferry, executive director of the US Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) in Columbia and Greene counties, told The Columbia Paper this week that a monetary estimate of farm damage in the county is still being assessed, but primarily losses were to crops of all varieties and crop land. Little harm came to farm structures and no livestock casualties have been reported, Ms. Ferry said,” Valden writes. Bob Fix at the Fix Brothers Farm in Livingston told Valden they had up to 1,000 apple trees toppled or leaning. “Cherry trees fared well through the storm because the fruit had already been picked, but the apple trees were still heavy-laden. That weight combined with the saturated ground and the wind weakened already shaky root systems particularly on new orchard dwarf trees that require a support network of poles and wires to keep them upright, Valden writes. Andy Szymanowicz of Sol Flower Farm on Wiltsie Bridge Road in Ancramdale estimates they lost 15 percent of their crops. The Kinderhook Creek rose to three feet high in the corn fields on the dairy farm of State Farm Bureau Vice President Eric Ooms. “But my heart breaks for the people in Middleburgh,” said Mr. Ooms in Valden’s story. “They had 20 feet of water in their barns in a matter of minutes, they are burying cows and their house is gone. To get some perspective, we got five-inches of rain, the hill towns got 15. We should feel blessed or lucky or whatever you want to call it.” Read the full story in The Columbia Paper.
More storm recovery updates are below.
Elections on Tuesday
From The Daily Freeman (the Greene County Board of Elections has no information about primaries on its website), here are a list of the contested elections in Greene County Tue., Sept. 13.
• ATHENS: Five people are vying for four Republican Committee seats in District 2. On the ballot are Marilyn Farrell, John P. Farrell Jr., Herbert M. Blasewitz, Fred W. Dedrick II and Anthony T. Paluch.
• CAIRO: Six people are vying for four Republican Committee seats in District 5. On the ballot are Carrie E. Anderson, Tara A. Rumph, David Clark, Barbara L. Koerner Fox, Anthony P. Puorro Jr. and Margaret M. Lawrence. Also, Lewis M. O’Connor and Robert F. Hempstead are seeking the Independence Party line in the race for town highway superintendent; and Monika C. Fabiano is seeking the Independence Party line in the race for town clerk.
• 108TH ASSEMBLY DISTRICT: Five people are vying for four positions as delegates to the 3rd Judicial District Convention on the Independence line. On the ballot are Sean W. Egan, Anthony F. Cornell, David O. Kelly, Sharon Kelly and Walter Simonsmeier. On the ballot to be among four alternates to the convention are Eileen M. Clyne, Julia L. Crawley, Phillip Lajeunesse Noreen Lajeunesse and Deborah Simonsmeier.
Gibson supportive of Obama’s economic rebuilding plans
Marc Heller of the Register-Star’s Johnson News Service attempts to analzye Rep. Chris Gibson’s body language during President Obama’s jobs speech last Thursday evening which was broadcast live on WGXC. “He even rose and clapped when Obama called on Congress to end Washington’s “political circus,” a line that drew blank stares from most of his GOP colleagues,” Heller wrote. Then he cites an interview with Gibson, though he does not say who conducted the interview or where. “I think there’s common ground,” he quotes the Republican Representative from Kinderhook. “I think the president is addressing impediments to growth.” Read the full story in the Register-Star.
The Power of the Press (or whatever Gossips is)
Carole Osterink’s The Gossips of Rivertown was the first source to report that parking tickets were being issued on Labor Day in Hudson, after city officials previously announced it was one of the holidays on which alternate side of the street parking was suspended. First Ward Alderman Sarah Sterling read the post, and then checked in to why folks were getting parking tickets, and now, sends her this report:
In large measure due to your alert about the parking tickets issued on Labor Day for alternate side of the street violations, and with the assistance of Alderman Sarah Sterling, the matter has been resolved. Hudson Police Department Commissioner Ronald Grant Friday evening informed me that the tickets issued for that infraction were in error and all will be voided. If a ticket has been paid, a refund will be issued. I have expressed my appreciation to the Commissioner and to HPD Chief Richardson for handling the matter professionally and quickly. Last year an agreement was reached with the Common Council to suspend alternate side of the street parking regulations on five holidays. The HPD officers on duty Labor Day were not informed of the suspension of alternate side regulations, the sort of lapse to which we are all subject. The Commissioner has offered his apologies, expressed his appreciation for having the matter called to his attention, and remedied it. For the record, the holidays as conveyed to me by the Commissioner when alternate side parking [regulations] are suspended include: New Year’s Eve, Memorial Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve.
Read the entire story at The Gossips of Rivertown.
STORM RECOVERY UPDATES
School closings
• All Greene County schools are closed Mon. Sept. 12. An announcement about when they will open for the year will be made Monday, according to Greene County Emergency Services.
• Windham-Ashland-Jewett CSD is tentatively scheduled to open Monday, Sept. 19, according to its website.
• Hunter-Tannersville CSD has not announced any changes from Greene County’s opening schedule on its website.
• Middleburgh Central School opens Monday, Sept. 19, according to its website. They will hold a special Board of Education meeting, at 7 p.m. Mon. Sept. 12, in the elementary school cafeteria.
• Schoharie CSD opens Monday, Sept. 12, according to its website.
• Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk CSD has no transportation to or from Greene County, due to Greene County’s emergency order. Parent transport only, according to its website.
Tetanus clinics
The Greene County Department of Health is sponsoring free tetanus immunization clinics for adults 18 and over at the following locations:
• Monday, September 12 at the FEMA tent in Prattsville from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. and also at the Lanesville Firehouse from 3-5 p.m.
• Tuesday, September 13 at the Lexington Municipal Hall in Lexington from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Mental Health personnel will be available to speak with individuals at the same time that immunizations are being offered. You can also contact the Greene County Mental Health’s main line at (518) 622-9163.
New York State Insurance Department Mobile Command Center comes to region
State Senator James L. Seward reports the New York State Insurance Department Mobile Command Center (MCC) will be in Greene County and Schoharie County this week to assist residents and business owners with questions they may have following recent storms and flooding. The mobile command center is a 50-foot long van equipped with high-speed internet access and telephone equipment that is being used to help property owners file claims and contact their insurance companies. Insurance Department personnel will also be available to answer consumers’ questions. Find it:
• Monday, September 12 at 491 County Route 12, in Windham. Hours: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. (staff will leave at 7 p.m. if no activity).
• Tuesday, September 13 at Main Street, Middleburgh. MCC will park to the left of the NBT Bank and chiropractor’s office and across the street from the post office. Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
In addition to the MCC, New Yorkers with questions about insurance are urged to call the New York State Insurance Department’s disaster hotline, 1-800-339-1759, Monday though Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Insurance-related information can also be found on the department’s website, www.ins.state.ny.us.
Emergency agriculture meeting
Cornell Cooperative Extension holds an “emergency” meeting for local farmers at 1 p.m. this Tuesday, Sept. 13 at the Agroforestry Resource Center, 6055 NYS Route 23, in Acra. “This meeting is designed to offer farmers the opportunity to access all of the different disaster relief efforts being carried on right now by the different organizations and agencies, and all in one place,” according to their press release. “Representatives from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, (FEMA) the Farm Services Agency, (FSA) Farm Bureau, (FB) NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets, the Natural Resources Conservation Service, (NRCS) Soil and Water Conservation Districts, (SWCD) Farm Net, the Department of Labor, (DOL) the Department of Social Services, (DSS) Crop Insurers, the Watershed Agricultural Council, (WAC) Farm Credit East, and Cornell Cooperative Extension will be on hand to help answer your questions, and help direct you to programs within the disaster relief efforts that can best fit your needs.” WGXC will also be on hand air the meeting live on WGXC 90.7-FM and wgxc.org. For more information, please call the Cornell Cooperative Extension at (518) 622-9820. If you have special needs related to program participation, please contact the Agroforestry Center in advance.
Road open
The New York Department of Transportation reports that Route 145 in the town of Cairo to the Albany County line, is now open to traffic in both directions.
Monday morning sports scores
Football
New York Giants 14
Washington Redskins 28
Dallas Cowboys 24
New York Jets 27
Tonight
New England Patriots at
Miami Dolphins 7 p.m.
Baseball
New York Yankees 6
Los Angeles Angels 5
(The Yankees now lead the Red Sox by 3.5 games for the AL East lead.)
Boston Red Sox 1
Tampa Bay Rays 9
(The Red Sox now lead the Rays by 3.5 games for the AL Wild Card.)
Chicago Cubs 10
New York Mets 6 11 innings
Tags: Andy Szymanowicz, Barack Obama, Chris Gibson, elections, Eric Ooms, Fix Brothers Farm, insurance, roads, Sandra Ferry, schools, Sol Flower Farm, tetanus
Columbia County election information
Primary votes are being held Tuesday, September 13, from noon until 9 p.m., and every election district in Columbia County will be voting. Depending on the municipality, voters enrolled in the Democratic, Republican, Conservative, or Independence parties may have a primary election in which they may cast a ballot. Eligible voters are those who have been enrolled in those parties for some time or those who changed their enrollment to those parties earlier than mid-October of 2010. The Columbia County Board of Elections is open for absentee voting today, Fri. Sept. 9 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 10, from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m., and Monday, Sept. 12, from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.
• There are countywide races on the Republican and on the Independence Party lines for County Judge. Additionally, there is a citywide opportunity-to-ballot race for mayor on the Democratic line.
• An opportunity-to-ballot race is one in which no candidate’s name appears on the ballot, providing an opportunity for enrolled Democratic voters, in the case of the City of Hudson, to write in the candidate of their choice. All other primary races similarly offer an opportunity for write-ins, as well. Commissioners Virginia Martin, Democratic, and Jason Nastke, Republican, confirm that, as New York State is a “voter intent” state, they will recognize as valid votes reasonable variations in candidates’ names as they may be written in by voters, or slight deviations in where on the ballot the voter writes in the candidate’s name. Each ballot provides a separate row, under the party row, that says “Write In,” which is where a write-in name is intended to be entered.
• 108th Assembly District (Chatham, Kinderhook, New Lebanon, and Stuyvesant), Independence, for Judicial Delegates and for Judicial Delegate Alternates
• Hudson 1-1, Democratic, for Supervisor and for Alderman
• Hudson 3-1, Democratic, for Supervisor
• Copake, Independence, for Justice
• Gallatin, Republican, for County Committee
• Greenport, Independence, for Supervisor and Highway Superintendent
• Kinderhook, Conservative and Independence, for Justice
• Kinderhook, Independence, for Tax Collector
• New Lebanon, Independence, for Supervisor
• Stockport, Independence, for Supervisor and Town Council
• Stuyvesant, Independence, for Supervisor and Town Council
• Voters have been notified of the many changes in pollsites in Chatham, Claverack, Copake, Ghent, Greenport, Hudson, Kinderhook, Livingston, Stockport, and Stuyvesant. Updated election-district maps are at columbiacountyny.com/depts/elections/districts.html. The Board of Elections can be reached at 828-3115.
COLUMBIA COUNTY REPUBLICANS WEBSITE
COLUMBIA COUNTY DEMOCRATS WEBSITE
COLUMBIA COUNTY INDEPENDENCE PARTY
COLUMBIA COUNTY CONSERVATIVE PARTY
Greene County’s Board of Election website offers no information about upcoming primary elections.
Mountain Top Arboretum acquires 156 acres in Tannersville
The Mountain Top Arboretum, in Tannersville, is acquiring 156 acres adjoining its existing 23 acres of nature preserve through a conservation easement with the Department of Environmental Protection of the City of New York. “This land is beautiful and unspoiled Catskill native forest with streams and marsh” said Larry McCaffrey, Chairman of the Mountain Top Arboretum, in a press release. “It fits perfectly in our mission to present varied natural environments from woodland to wetland to forest for our visitors. These diverse landscapes provide perspective on the entire ecosystem and its role in water conservation.”
Cuomo likes Obama jobs plan
Governor Andrew Cuomo made this statement last night after President Obama’s speech about jobs:
“Tonight, President Obama laid out a real plan to jumpstart the economy and put Americans back to work. The President realizes that it is essential that creating jobs be the top priority at all levels of government. As the President said, politics cannot come before the urgent need to put Americans back to work. This is a plan that can and should be supported by officials of all political stripes and we need to see the Congress move this nation forward.”
Cairo history gets political
The Cairo Historical Society dunk tank at the “Temperance & TommyGuns” event Sept. 17 on Main St. Cairo will include all sorts of local political figures. Both candidates for Town Supervisor: incumbent Republican John Coyne and Democrat challenger Ted Banta. There is also John Gallagher facing local dunking, who is on the Zoning Commission, which has faced intense criticism in town, and “Unk” Slater who also seems to arouse controversy sometimes at Cairo town meetings. Here’s the line up: 11:30 a.m.: Unk Slater; noon: John Coyne; 12:30: Heather Maasmann; 1 p.m.: John Gallagher; 1:30 Hillary Higgins; 2 p.m.: Steve Rumph; 2:30: Jerry Buckley; 3 p.m.: Derick Hasenkopf; 3:30: Adam Reese; 4 p.m.: Ted Banta; 4:30: Karey Quinn.
Storm recovery updates
• Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Thu. Sept. 8 that damage from Tropical Storm Lee that last several days will probably match or exceed damage from Hurricane Irene last week.
• Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) announced Thu. Sept. 8 that Columbia County is now eligible for Individual and Public Assistance following the destruction done by Hurricane Irene.
• Greene County Emergency Services announced Greene County schools will stay closed through Mon., Sept. 12, when an announcement will be made if they will open Tuesday or Wednesday, or some other day.
Grants available for agriculture damage
Soil and Water Conservation Districts began assessing damage in agricultural disaster areas to identifying projects to restore farms and farmland this week, part of Governor Andrew Cuomo’s $15 million Agricultural and Community Recovery Fund (ACRF).
There are three parts of the program:
• Farm Operations Match Program: This will match farmers’ dollars for the purchase of feed for animals and produce from other New York producers to allow the farms operations to continue;
• On Farm Capital Needs Program: This will provide grants and deferred and low/interest loans to meet the immediate and long-term needs of farmers devastated by Hurricane Irene; and
• Main Street Business Assistance Program: This will provide a combination of grants and low interest loans to help Main Street Businesses get back in operation in eligible counties.
“The land is a farmer’s greatest resource. The conservation component released today will help farmers who have had their land devastated by Hurricane Irene recover,” said Darrel J. Aubertine, Commissioner of Agriculture and Markets.
Fundraisers/ways to help
• If you want to volunteer in Windham, email helpwindham@gmail.com to register and receive instructions.
• Volunteers are desperately needed to help clean up the Prattsville area. Come with protective clothing, N-95 or higher dust masks, goggles, cleaning supplies, gloves, boots, flat shovels, wheelbarrows and pails. Call 734-4938 to volunteer first and ask where you should report for duty.
• Free Shopping Spree for storm victims at the Catskill Elks Club this weekend, Sept. 9-10 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Anyone in need can get what they want at the Catskill Elks Club, 45 North Jefferson Ave. Call 518-943-0989 for more information.
• Janet Schwarzenegger is organizing a cookie bake for the National Guard stationed in Leeds. If you would like to contribute home-baked cookies for delivery on Friday evening please contact Janet at 622-9647 or pdjanet@aol.com. Cookies can be dropped off at the Cairo Library, Kaaterskill Associates at 517 Main St., in Cairo, or at Janet’s home or arrange for a pick up.
• Performers announced for the Oct. 1-2 fundraiser for Greene County storm victims at the Michael J. Quill Irish Cultural Center in East Durham include the Catskill Glee Club, The Lustre Kings, Michael Packer, Kirsten Thein, Kitty Kelly, Lara Hope & The Champtones, Alexis P. Suter with Connor “The Kidd” Kennedy, Tas Cru, Prof. Louie & The Crowmatix, Phil Brown (of Little Feat) with Rhett Tyler are among the bands Sat., Oct. 1. Solo or duos Saturday include Peter Head, Andrew & Stephanie AKA Lex Ridge, David Kraii, Keith & Joy, Thomas Earl, and Finley & Pagdon. Sunday’s full bands include Michael Farrell School Of Dance, The Michael Louis Band, The Jonny Monster Band, Voodelic, The Five Points Band, Shorty King, John Cerbone, Rhett Tyler Trio, with solo and duos including Abby Lappen, John Holt, Wet Paint, Nick Bukuvalas, Peggy Atwood, and Mike Herman.
Tags: "Unk" Slater, Adam Reese, agriculture, Andrew Cuomo, elections, farming, farms, Heather Maasmann, Hillary Higgins, Hurricane Irene, Jerry Buckley, John Coyne, John Gallagher, Karey Quinn, Mountain Top Arboretum, Ted Banta, Tropical Storm Lee
Stuyvesant votes for highway bond
Stuyvesant voters approved a $845,000 bond 253 to 170 at a special election Tue., Aug. 16. The bond will repair a highway garage and construct two salt sheds at the highway department storage area on Sharptown Road.
New York flags at half-staff today
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo directed that flags on state government buildings be flown at half-staff on Wednesday, August 17 in honor of five Fort Drum soldiers who died in Kandahar province, Afghanistan on August 11. Army Sergeant Edward J. Frank II, of Yonkers, NY, Army Specialist Jameel T. Freeman, of Baltimore, MD, Army Specialist Patrick L. Lay II, of Fletcher, NC, Army Private 1st Class Rueben J. Lopez, of Williams, CA, and Army Specialist Jordan M. Morris, of Stillwater, OK died recently of injuries sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle. The soldiers were all assigned to the 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, stationed at Fort Drum, NY. Ira Stoll in Reason writes: “According to the iCasualties.org Web site, whose count more or less tracks that of other sites devoted to these statistics, 630 American soldiers died in the Afghanistan operation in the years 2001 through 2008, when Mr. Bush was president, while 1097 American soldiers have died in the years 2009, 2010, and 2011.”
Hannaford moves forward in New Lebanon
A Public Notice in the Register-Star indicates the planned Hannaford grocery store in New Lebanon is moving forward. “The Department [of Environmental Conservation] has made a tentative determination to issue a new/revised SPDES permit to allow for the discharge of 7,000 gallons per day of sanitary wastewater to a tributary of the Wyomanock Creek from existing Valley Plaza. The applicant is proposing to modify an existing SPDES permit to allow for the redevelopment of the plaza which will include the addition of a new Hannaford Supermarket and Pharmacy…. As a tentative determination, the Department seeks comments on the proposed regulated activity prior to making a final decision on permit issuance and as such, does not signify Department approval for or endorsement of the activity for which a permit is sought or for the overall proposed project. The facility is located at the northeast corner of US Route 20 and County Route 5A in the Town of New Lebanon. A draft permit us available for review and comment at the NYSDEC Region 4 office. Comment on this project must be submitted in writing to the Contact Person no later than Sept. 9″:
Contact Person
MICHAEL T HIGGINS
NYSDEC
1130 NORTH WESTCOTT RD SCHENECTADY, NY 12306 (518) 357-2069
Ichabod Crane football season saved by donations
CBS6 Staff reports the Ichabod Crane Board of Education officially approved money raised for the football team Tuesday night can be used for the team. The program wasn’t part of the school’s slashed budget, but a booster club got permission from the board to fund the program, if they could raise enough money by August 15. The football team has been self-funded since its first season in 2008, according to the television station’s report. Read the story at CBS6.
Gibson: ‘Ron Paul is a friend of mine’
Jimmy Vielkind in Capitol Confidential has a post about local Congressional representative Chris Gibson’s fondness for Republican presidential candidate Ron Paul. Paul, finished a close second in the straw poll of Iowa Republicans last weekend, and Gibson, R-Kinderhook, brought him up as he discussed cutting back military commitments overseas with the Albany Times Union editorial board:
“As I look right now, at all the presidential candidates, I don’t feel we have anyone who articulates what needs to be said on these matters — bureaucratic reform of the national security establishment. You get a glimmer of it here and there. I’ll tell ya: Ron Paul is a friend of mine. We sit together often. I find him very friendly and funny. I agree with him on some things he says. I think we should audit the Fed, you know, I think he’s got something to say as far as that $1.6 trillion that we owe to the Fed, we owe to ourselves, not obligated to anything. I think he’s got some good ideas, so I enjoy my relationship with him.”“On this whole debt ceiling thing, he’s the only one I thought was virtuous — even though I was utterly in disagreement with him — he was virtuous because he said that we default, and we should go into bankruptcy and come out of it stronger. I didn’t go to Washington to do that, let me be clear. If that’s it, I’m not the guy to do that. If you’ve got a plane and two engines are down, have a soft landing, fix the plane and get back up again. I didn’t come to crash the plane. But I will give you this: Ron Paul’s at least virtuous in that he’ll explain his vote. Where does that go? I communicate to my constituents.”
“Ron Paul at least makes an argument. I disagree with it. But Michele Bachmann — has she explained her no vote? But I want to bring that up because Ron Paul is a guy who has enunciations as far as a more modest foreign policy. There are some things that he says that I think fit within what I’m talking about, but I haven’t seen a full blossoming of that in terms of how it would relate to the full reform, and then how we, as a country, then move forward.”
“I haven’t seen anybody else tackling that. Have I missed it?”
Tags: Chris Gibson, elections, football, Fort Drum, Hannaford, high school football, Ron Paul, schools
Town residents to vote on capital project
The Register-Star prints what appears to be a press release from town of Stuyvesant officals in favor of voters Tuesday approving a $845,000 bond to repair a highway garage and construct two salt sheds for the small community at the highway department storage area on Sharptown Road. “The average end of year payment to the town, if the project costs reach the cap of $845,000 would be $60,000. The rate per $1,000 assessed value would be $0.37,” according to the “story” in the Register-Star. Voters will decided Tue., Aug. 16 whether they want to pay for such a project from 2 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at the Stuyvesant Town Hall, 5 Sunset Drive, Stuyvesant.
Village set to start hunt for more water
Emilia Teasdale in The Columbia Paper reports that the Valatie Village Board approved $25,000 from reserve funds to drill a new well at the August 9 meeting. Representatives from Delaware Engineering have found two sites in the village suitable for drilling for water, one on village land and the other on private property. Teasdale writes, “The village is looking for a new well due to regulations from the state Department of Health regarding the existing wells,” but does not explain the current safety of water in Valatie. She does report that the board also discussed the $200,000 sewer plant improvement project. Bids on that work will be opened today, Monday, August 15, and bids awarded at a special town meeting Thursday, August 18 at 7:30 p.m. in the Village Hall. Read the complete story in The Columbia Paper.
2011-2012 Sporting licenses available beginning August 15, 2011
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) begins selling 2011-2012 hunting, fishing, and trapping licenses and Deer Management Permits (DMPs) today, Monday, August 15. Licenses and permits can be purchased at one of DEC’s 1,500 license sales outlets statewide. Sporting licenses can also be ordered by mail or by telephone and via the internet at www.dec.ny.gov. The 2011-2012 sporting licenses are valid beginning October 1, 2011, through September 30, 2012. Hunting and trapping and fishing regulations guide books may not be available today due to delays but will be ready soon. Those purchasing a license and not receiving a guide can download a copy from the DEC website (http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/37136.html for the hunting/trapping guide and http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/7917.html for the fishing guide) or return to any license vendor at a later date and request the 2011-2012 guide(s) desired.
New rules for hunters and trappers for 2011-2012:
• Crossbows may now be used for hunting big game (deer and bear) during the early bear season, regular firearms seasons, the special January firearms season in Suffolk County, and all late muzzleloading seasons. See www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/68802.html for more information.
• Recent legislation lowered the minimum age for youth hunters to purchase a Junior Bowhunting license for big game hunting from 14 to 12 years of age. See the Junior Hunter Mentoring Program for detailed information on youth hunting requirements.
• Bear hunting is now open in new areas in eastern New York and bear hunting season dates in central and western New York have been modified to create a uniform season across the Southern Zone. See Deer and Bear Hunting Seasons for season dates and locations.
• Woodcock season has been expanded to 45 days. See Woodcock Hunting Seasons for dates.
• New legislation now allows use of rifles for big game hunting in Wyoming and Cortland counties and in the portion of Chautauqua County south of Route 20.
More detail for each of these regulation changes is available in the 2011-2012 Hunting and Trapping Regulations Guide www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/37136.html.
MONDAY AUDIO
Click on PLAY CLIP to listen to mp3.
• A Very Incomplete Calendar: 20110815
Produced by Terry Doyle. A weekly roundup of musical events in the Hudson Valley from his show “Imprint,” Sundays at 11 p.m. on WGXC. PLAY CLIP
Tags: bear hunting, deer hunting, elections, hunting, hunting licenses, salt sheds, sewer, water, wells
From candidate's website.
Tags: elections, John Davis
NY Confirms First Case of Eastern Equine Encephalitis in Horse
Wed., Aug., 3, the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets (NYSDAM) confirmed the first case of Eastern Equine Encephalitis, also known as EEE, in an Oneida County, NY horse. The nine-year-old mare there has lived at its current home for several years and had no recent travel history, and was unvaccinated. A NYSDAM press release says, “the presence of an infected horse in the area indicates that mosquitoes carrying EEE are present and pose a threat to both humans and horses.” Commissioner of Agriculture and Markets, Darrel J. Aubertine, “urges all horse owners to discuss vaccination against both diseases with their veterinarian,” according to the press release. State Veterinarian David Smith added that any horse exhibiting neurologic problems should always be handled with great caution. The risk of physical injury to handlers is greater when horses are unsteady on their feet and also rabies needs to be ruled out as a cause of the symptoms.
GOP sues to keep Dems out of ballot
W. T. Eckert in the Register-Star reports that the Hudson Republican Committee filed a lawsuit Wed., Aug. 3, against Columbia County Board of Election Commissioners Virginia Martin, Democrat and Jason Nastke, Republican, to stop the Democrats from having a line for mayor on September’s primary ballot. Last month city Democrats failed to file Democratic nominee for mayor Nick Haddad’s petition for the November elections. Democrats have since collected the 92 signatures to for an Opportunity to Ballot and allow Haddad to be a write-in candidate in the Democratic primary on September 13. “Republicans are arguing that the petition is inadmissible because the signatures are duplicates of the ones that appeared on the petition nominating Haddad as the Democratic candidate,” Eckert writes. Read the full story in the Register-Star.
Saland mailer has Cuomo photo
Republican State Senator Steve Saland, who represents Columbia County in the New York State Senator, just msent a mailer to constituents listing his various accomplishments this last legislative session, and includes a photo of Democrat Governor Andrew Cuomo. Saland is now best known for joining Democrats and becoming the 32nd vote in the Senate to pass the same-sex marriage bill in May.
Read All About It!
Carole Osterink in The Gossips of Rivertown blog corrals all the reviews from this weekend’s NADA Hudson art fair at Basilica Hudson:
Art Forum: “Upstate, Downstate”
The New York Observer: “NADA Hudson Sent the Art World Up the River”
ARTINFO: “Welcome to Art Country”
The L Magazine: “Photos from This Weekend’s First NADA Hudson Art Project”
Art Fag City: “Report from NADA Hudson”
Tags: Andrew Cuomo, art, Basilica Hudson, Eastern Equine Encephalitis, EEE, elections, horses, NADA, Steve Saland
Seeley planning to leave Catskill
Doron Tyler Antrim in The Daily Mail reports Village of Catskill President Vincent Seeley is planning to move to Minnesota to be closer to his wife’s family, serving out the remainder of his term as president, which expires at the end of the year. His term as a Catskill trustee expires in 2013. “I don’t really want to go,” he said in a phone interview from Minneapolis. Seeley’s parents died earlier this year. Seeley has served three terms as Catskill Village President. Read the full story in The Daily Mail.
Sewer plant construction is all about the concrete
Melanie Lekocevic in the Greene County News reports that the concrete is ready to be poured for the foundations at the Village of Athens new multi-million dollar sewer plant project. “Over the next couple of months all you will see is more and more concrete,” engineer Brock Juusola from Delaware Engineering said. “You won’t see other equipment for a few months.” Lekocevic writes that, “While the village has a coveted zero percent interest loan from the state to pay for the project, they are also looking for a “principal forgiveness” grant from the federal government so they won’t have to pay the loan back. But if that doesn’t come to fruition, it looks like sewer rates could be on their way up.” Mayor Andrea Smallwood told the reporter that a public hearing would be held this fall to discuss sewer rates “in association with the capital improvements that are being made to the plant,” she said. Read the whole story in the Greene County News.
A long wait ends in a rush
Jennifer Gish in the Albany Times-Union reports that Linda Mussmann and Claudia Bruce were legally wed shortly after midnight, Sunday, July 24 at TSL in Hudson, one of the first same-sex marriage couples in the state to marry under the new law passed last month by the New York State legislature and signed by Gov. Andrew Cuomo. Hudson Mayor Rick Scalera — once a local political enemy of Mussmann’s — officiated. Read the entire story in the Albany Times-Union.
Germantown Dems follow in GOP’s footsteps
Jamie Larson in the Register-Star reports that Democrats in Germantown believe the exact same thing as Democrats in one respect: both nominated the same people for the Town Board elections this fall. Donald Westmore and Michael Mortenson were elected unanimously by the 27 Democrats Saturday at an undisclosed location. Read the full story in the Register-Star.
MONDAY AUDIO
Click on the link to play the mp3 audio clip.
• Nick Haddad, discussing how he will have to be a write-in candidate in the Democratic campaign for Hudson Mayor this fall.
Interview by Phillip Grant at protest in front of Rep. Chris Gibson’s Kinderhook office. Recorded Thu., July 21 by WGXC Town Reporter Phillip Grant.
PLAY CLIP
• A Very Incomplete Calendar: 20110725
Produced by Terry Doyle. Weekly segment from Terry Doyle’s show on WGXC about Hudson Valley music. This recording is a look at events in the region this week.
PLAY CLIP
Tags: Andrea Smallwood, Andrew Cuomo, Claudia Bruce, Donald Westmore, elections, Linda Mussmann, Michael Mortenson, Nick Haddad, Vince Seeley
Friar Tuck Inn in Catskill sells for $2.4M
Ariel Zangla in The Daily Freeman reports that the Friar Tuck Inn and Spa on Route 32 in Catskill has been sold for $2.425 million to L and H Resort Systems LP. Win Morrison, the realtor for the resort with 376 guest rooms, 52,000 square feet of exhibition space, banquet facilities, conference rooms, two outdoor pools, an indoor pool, and an indoor Jacuzzi, said the buyers were “foreign.” The article does not hint at what they might do with the large property. Read the full story in The Daily Freeman.
Proposed highway garage could cost up to $3.5 million
The Greene County News’ Melanie Lekocevic reports that the Town of Coxsackie wants to build a new highway garage costing as much as $3.5 million, on a 12-acre parcel of land on Bailey Street near the railroad tracks. Currently, the town uses a building on Bailey Street, opposite the Little League field, that was built in 1935, and is reported to be in disrepair. “We would pay for this through a bond,” Town Supervisor Alex Betke told the paper. “We could probably go as many as thirty years to keep the monthly cost down. That’s one school of thought. Others might have other ideas about financing.” The proposed highway garage plans are available at the town clerk’s office on Reed St. Read the story in The Greene County News.
Cairo Democrats pick candidates
Cairo Democrats caucused at the Acra Community Center Thu., July 21, picking a slate of unopposed candidates for elections this fall: for Supervisor, Ted Banta; for Town Justice, David Hart; for Town Council, Patricia “Pat” Byron and incumbent Rich Lorenz; for Town Clerk, Linda Keever; for Highway Superintendent, Lou O’Connor; and for Tax Collector, Coleen Ray.
National Grid sets record for electricity demand
National Grid electricity customers in upstate New York set a record for demand Thursday, July 21, using more than 7,000 megawatts, beating the previous peak of 6,915 megawatts set on July 8, 2010. “National Grid’s increased investment in the upstate New York electric system in recent years directly supports our reliability during summer’s peaks,” said Kenneth D. Daly, National Grid president for New York. “We continue to encourage customers to be prudent with their energy use and urge all customers, especially seniors, to safeguard their health as they try to stay cool.” Friday should be slightly cooler, but if everyone could turn off a few lights today it might add up.
Saratoga Race Course opens Friday
Horse racing should get under way for 40 days at the Saratoga Race Course, if the heat today does not cause a cancellation. Track officials are monitoring weather conditions, but expect to race today. NBC will be airing racing from Saratoga for the next seven Saturdays on television this year.
Tags: Acra Community Center, Alex Betke, Coleen Ray, David Hart, elections, electricity, Friar Tuck Inn, Linda Keever, Lou O'Connor, National Grid, Patricia "Pat" Byron, Rich Lorenz, Saratoga Race Course, Ted Banta
Several issues solved, same sex marriage still undecided
In the video above (you can play audio on computer) from Capitol Confidential, the Albany Times-Union’s political blog, Governor Andrew Cuomo crowed about tentative agreements between Republicans and Democrats in the state legislature about rent control, a property tax cap, SUNY tuition increases, and a few other issues. No movement yet on the same-sex marriage bill, which passed the Assembly and has 31 announced out of 32 needed votes in the Senate. The capitol has been jammed with protesters on both sides of the issue, singing hymns, and shouting chants. The Republicans who control the Senate have not allowed a vote yet, and negotiations are ongoing to bring it to the floor. Cuomo made Tuesday what sounded like a prediction for a vote on the same-sex marriage bill on Wednesday. “I believe it will be brought to the floor for a vote, I believe it should be brought to the floor for a vote, and I’m cautiously optimistic that it’s going to pass,” he said. The governor would not say if would extend the legislative session in Albany to Thursday or Friday if same-sex marriage legalization hasn’t been approved. Read the full story in Capitol Confidential.
RCS budget passes
Albany’s YNN television reports voters in the Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk district voted Tue. June 21 for a $42 million budget with a 2.5 percent tax levy increase, after rejecting a previous budget May 17 that was $100,000 larger. The station did not report the specific vote totals but did quote school board president Scott Hughes saying, “This budget passing is very good for our students, gives us an opportunity to move forward educationally. Our business official and administration did an excellent job of making sure that they’ve taken into account all the money and all the revenues that have come in and it’s a credit to them to make sure that what we’re spending is accounted for and it’s tracked very well.” See the video report here.
Revised school budget proposals fail in Saugerties, Pine Plains
Ariel Zangla in The Daily Freeman reports that voters in Saugerties and Pine Plains rejected revised budget proposals Tue., June 21, forcing both districts to enact contingency budgets. The Saugerties $53,327,601 budget lost 1,380-1,322, with 32 affidavit ballots still to be counted. In Pine Plains, the $27,701,705 budget had 450 votes for and 462 opposed, and an unknown quantity of absentee or affidavit ballots that might change the outcome. The proposed Saugerties budget would have increased spending by $641,622, or 1.22 percent, with a property tax levy increase of 6.4 percent. The Pine Plains plan increased spending 3.1 percent over the current budget of $26,869,411, with a 3.4 percent tax levy increase. Voters in both school districts rejected the original budgets put forth in the May 17 school elections. Read the full story in The Daily Freeman.
Free fishing weekend
The State Department of Environmental Conservation has designated this weekend, June 25-26, “Free Fishing Weekend” in New York State, a two-day window for fishing without a license. “In effort to increase fishing participation in New York State, this weekend is an ideal opportunity to introduce someone to the great sport of fishing,” said Commissioner Joseph Martens in a press release. “This is also an excellent time for out of state residents to visit and sample all that New York has to offer a freshwater angler. Both residents and non-residents can fish for free during this two-day period.” Although a state fishing license is not required during Free Fishing Weekend, all other fishing rules and regulations remain in effect. Marine anglers 16 years of age and older are also reminded that they must enroll in the no-fee saltwater fishing registry to fish for migratory saltwater fish species or in the marine district. To register, anglers can go to the usual outlets for sporting licenses, or register online anytime on DEC’s website at www.dec.ny.gov/permits/6101.htmlhttps://nyfgisales.appsolgrp.com/fgnyia/html/index.jsp. Anglers can also register by phone by calling 1-86-NY-DECALS (1-866-933-2257). Visit the DEC’s Places to Fish page at http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/7749.html or contact your regional DEC office for recommendations on places to go.
Jacob Rivera is one of the first local fisherman to catch a black bass when the season opened June 18. Photo from River Basin Sports website.
Tags: elections, fishing, River Basin Sports, same-sex marriage, school budgets
C-G feels sting of deep aid cuts
Jeff Alexander in The Daily Mail reports that Columbia-Greene Community College, like every other New York institution, is facing budget cuts. “Our institution is primarily funded through three revenue streams; state of New York base aid, our county sponsors and student tuition,” President James Campion says in the article. “In the past few years, we have had a decrease in state aid because rates have dropped dramatically. This year there is well over a $300,000 decrease.” The state is making up its lower totals by raising tuition costs, with a proposed bill allowing the SUNY Board of Trustees to set annual tuition, provided that it does not increase by more than 5.5 percent per year, for each of the next five years. Read the full story in The Daily Mail.
Air filtration company reportedly bringing 150 jobs to county
Jamie Larson follows up Carole Osterink’s reporting in The Gossips of Rivertown that the North Carolina-based Flanders company will reopen the Kaz factory on Route 9 in Greenport, hiring as many as 150 local workers. “An official announcement of the substantial industrial addition to the county economy is expected to come from Gov. Andrew Cuomo today,” Larson writes. The local venture will be called Precisionaire Of Hudson New York and makes air filters. Larson speculates that the company may be asking for a Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT). The county Industrial Development Agency, which would have to grant the PILOT tax break, meets this morning at 8:30 a.m. at the IDA’s office at 4303 Route 9 in Greenport.
Read the full story in the Register-Star.
UPDATE: Jamie Larson in the Register-Star reports from that IDA meeting this morning:
“The county IDA approved a resolution to begin the process of awarding Flanders a 10-year Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) agreement that would forgive 25 percent of the company’s annual taxes dependent on the property’s assessed value, which is currently around $4 million, though the purchase price, when finalized, is expected to be $3.2 million. Columbia County Commissioner of Planning and Economic Development Ken Flood said that the PILOT is similar to the one held by Kaz in the final years of its operation. At the current tax rate, the PILOT will reduce Flanders’ annual payment from nearly $84,000 to $61,000. In the contract, the North Carolina based Flanders has agreed to provide 180 full time positions, but expects to hire more than 200 when fully operational. Flood said the full-time positions will include a similar — if not better — benefit package to that of Kaz.”
Portin wants to challenge Cozzolino in primary
John Mason in the Register-Star reports that today is the first day for candidates to gather signatures to get their parties’ endorsements, and that County District Attorney Beth Cozzolino is facing a primary challenge from within her own parties to her plans to run for County Court Judge this fall. Mark Portin, 52, a judge in the village of Chatham, the town of Ghent, and the city of Hudson, will primary Cozzolino in September for the Republican, Conservative and Independence party lines. Cozzolino has been endorsed by the executive committees of all three parties, but the full parties decide in the Sept. 13 primary who will face probable Democratic opponent Richard Koweek in the November election. Read the full story in the Register-Star.
NY assembly extends fracking ban for another year
Dan Wiessner reports for Reuters that Monday the New York State Assembly passed a one-year moratorium on hydraulic fracturing, the method of natural gas drilling sometimes called “fracking” that is currently under a temporary ban in the state while the Department of Environmental Conservation studies the practice, which has gone on in the Western U.S. for years and recently came to Pennsylvania and New York. The proposed moratorium on new drilling permits would extend to June 1, 2012, replacing the current ban set to expire later this summer. The measure now goes to the Republican-controlled state Senate to become law. Read the Reuters story here.
Local sports results
Empire State Baseball League
Sunday, June 5th-DH in Amsterdam, NY
13U Coxsackie Owlz 15- Amsterdam 6
13U Coxsackie Owlz 11-Amsterdam 6
Zach Girvin and Seaver Martin each contributed three hits sending the 13U Coxsackie Owlz (2-1) to a 15-6 victory over the Amsterdam Rams in the first game of a double header. Girvin went 3-5 with an RBI double and a two-run double. Martin was 3-3 with an RBI double. Also for the Owlz, Sam Palmateer went 2-5 with 4 RBI’s, while Justin Maldonado was 2-4 with 2 RBI’s. David Gabrielsen went 1-2 with 2 RBI’s and Derrek Dupont was 1-4 with an RBI. Taylor LeClair gets the win in relief of Chris Zwoboda. LeClair went 4 innings giving up 1 unearned run on 3 hits, 2 walks and struck out 4. Zwoboda went 3 innings giving up 5 runs, 2 earned, on 4 hits, 3 walks and 2 strikeouts. In the second game, the Owlz (3-1) took over in the sixth inning, coming from behind andscoring 7 runs for an 11-6 win. David Gabrielsen went 2-2 with an RBI double. Matt Mitchell was 1-2 with 2 RBI’s, and Kyle Roberts was 1-3 with an RBI double. Zach Girvin held the Rams to 1 run on 2 hits, a walk and 2 strikeouts in 3 innings of relief to earn the win. Justin Maldonado started on the mound going four innings giving up 5 runs, 2 earned, on 6 hits with 3 strikeouts. The 13U Owlz play a double header against Clifton Park in Coxsackie, next Sunday, June 12 at noon and 3 p.m.
Tags: Beth Cozzolino, Columbia-Greene Community College, elections, Flanders, Mark Portin
USDA Raises Dairy-Price Forecast But Keeps Food Inflation Steady
Tom Polansek in The Wall Street Journal reports the U.S. government raised its forecast for retail dairy prices Thu. May 26, but left its food-inflation prediction at 3 to 4 percent for 2011. “Officials said the overall forecast didn’t increase because higher prices for dairy products were offset by lower prices for other goods. The USDA didn’t adjust the forecast range for any category except dairy. Yet the government did note pork prices slipped 0.3 percent last month, while its fresh-vegetable index dropped 3.5 percent,” the story noted. Retail prices for dairy products are now forecast to jump 5 percent to 6 percent in 2011, up from an April forecast of 4.5 percent to 5.5 percent, due to higher prices for milk. Greater demand linked to the global economic recovery, and rising fuel prices, are cited as factors in the price spikes. Read the full story in The Wall Street Journal.
GOP announces slate of candidates for county positions
John Mason in the Register-Star writes that the Columbia County Republican Party Committee nominated candidates for fall elections Thu. May 26. Among the candidates:
•District Attorney Beth Cozzolino was nominated for the county judge seat recently vacated by Paul Czajka.
•Czajka was chosen to run for Cozzolino’s district attorney seat.
•County Judge Jonathan Nichols will run for state Supreme Court.
•P.J. Keeler, county Emergency Medical Services coordinator and owner of KD Hallmark, will run for county treasurer, the post Ken Wilber is leaving after four terms.
•And former Sheriff Jim Bertram was nominated for county coroner.
Hudson City Judge Mark Portin was on hand, Mason reports, hoping to challenge Cozzolino for the judgeship, but no one made the nomination for Portin. “I’m really pleased with our slate. We have experienced, proven vote-getters in Beth Cozzolino, Paul Czajka and Jim Bertram and well-known local businessman Paul ‘PJ’ Keeler running this year. I think they are all winners,” county Chairman Greg Fingar told the paper. Read the entire story in the Register-Star.
Familiar faces, one newcomer make up Dem slate
John Mason also covered the Columbia County Democratic Committee nominations at Space 360 in Hudson Thu., May 26. Nominations included:
•Hudson City Judge Richard Koweek, was nominated for county judge.
•Gene Keeler was picked to run for district attorney. In 2008, Keeler lost the DA race to current DA Beth Cozzolino.
•Newcomer to politics Peter Stoll was chosen to run for county treasurer.
•George Davis will seek re-election as county coroner.
Read the full story in the Register-Star.
Misdemeanor against Valentines tossed out
Doron Tyler Antrim in The Daily Mail reports that the misdemeanor charge against Keith Valentine, the Greene County Legislature’s Republican majority leader, and his wife Cynthia, for unlawfully dealing with a child, was dismissed Wed. May 25 according to Columbia County First Assistant District Attorney Michael Cozzolino. The Valentines were arrested last August on a class A misdemeanor charge and violation of a county local law after police determined alcohol was available to teen-agers at the couple’s Catskill home during a Fourth of July party and graduation celebration in 2010. Cozzolino said completion of a state Alcohol Training Awareness Program, which the Valentines completed May 9, allowed for the dismissal. Defense attorneys have also filed a motion to also dismiss the local law violation. The Columbia County District Attorney’s Office has until June 29 to respond to the motion. Mr. Valentine voted for the Greene County Local Law No. 1 of 2007 as a legislator: “No person having control of any residence shall allow an open house party to take place at said residence if such person knows that any alcoholic beverage is being unlawfully possessed, served to or consumed by a minor at said residence.” The case is in Hunter Town Court. Read the full story in The Daily Mail.
Hudson River Historic Boat Restoration and Sailing Society elects officers
The Hudson River Historic Boat Restoration and Sailing Society Inc. elected officers at a meeting Wed. May 25: Louise Bliss, President, Joseph Rapp, Vice President, Marjan Schiereck, Recording Secretary and Katrina McEwan, Treasurer and a Board of Directors including Bennett McEwan, Joseph Kenneally, Maryellen Reidy, Leo Ponter, Mike Aquier, Nick Tipple, and Casson Kennedy. The group is working to restore the sloop Eleanor along the Hudson waterfront. The next meeting of the Board of Directors will be held on June 30 at 7 p.m. at 609 Warren St.
Tags: agriculture, Beth Cozzolino, dairy, dairy farmers, elections, farms, Jim Bertram, Jonathan Nichols, Keith Valentine, P.J. Keeler, Paul Czajka
Richard Koweek. Photo from Columbia County Democrats website.
•Click here to listen to mp3 recording of Richard Koweek interview on “@Issue” on WGXC.
Tags: Beth Cozzolino, elections, Paul Czajka, Richard Koweek
$6.3M budget with 2% tax hike adopted
Doron Tyler Antrim in The Daily Mail reports the Catskill Village Board of Trustees on Mon., May 23 approved a $6.3 million budget for 2011-12 with a $91,000 increase in spending and and a two percent tax levy increase. “We worked very hard as a board to say ‘two percent is all we have to work with,”’ Village President Vincent Seeley was quoted by The Daily Mail reporter, about the very real possibility that the state may pass a two percent property tax cap. The budget includes a $162,000 increase in costs for employment benefits, and trustees added almost $82,000 more this year for debt service. The budget also includes cuts to the two highest-funded departments, police and public works. Read the full story in The Daily Mail.
Fire chief plans run for town supervisor in Nov.
Bob Green in the Register-Star reports that Jeff Seymour, the chief of Stockport Volunteer Fire Company #1, wants to be on the ballot this fall for Stockport town supervisor on the Conservative, Independence and Republican lines. “I spend a ton of time as it is right now serving the town,” he said in the Register-Star. He was elected fire chief three times since 2006, and a local firefighter for 15 years, as well as an EMT for 20. “My ability to supervise, find common ground, and communicate with the many different personalities within the fire company as well as the residents of my fire district will certainly aid me in the position of supervisor,” he said in his letters to the Stockport political parties. Read the entire story in the Register-Star.
Hochul beats Corwin in NY-26
Jimmy Vielkind in Capitol Confidential reports that Democrats won a usually Republican seat in Congress in the western New York special election to replace Rep. Chris Lee. Erie County Clerk Kathy Hochul beat Assemblywoman Jane Corwin 48-42, with industrialist Jack Davis taking 9 percent of the vote. “Democrats are casting the win as a referendum on the GOP plan to replace the current system of Medicare with one based on vouchers for private insurance,” Vielkind wrote. “Republicans point to Davis, and his use of the “Tea Party” name for a ballot line that drew votes. There’s also a lot of Republican blame-mongering going on about how the campaign was run.” Read the entire story in the Albany Times-Union’s political blog.
NYS Supreme Court Grants Preliminary Injunction, Blocks Sale of Dirty Outdoor Wood Boilers in NYS
The Supreme Court of the State of New York Tue. May 24 granted a preliminary injunction to stop the sale of outdoor wood boilers that do not meet the Department of Environmental Conservation’s (DEC) new, improved standards. The court’s ruling restrains the DEC from implementing its April 15 “emergency” rule allowing the sale of the older model wood boilers until July. The court will make a determination on June 20. “New Yorkers from Buffalo to the Bronx can breathe easier today thanks to the Supreme Court of the State of New York’s decision to block the sale of dirty outdoor wood boilers,” said Ross Gould, Air and Energy Program Director, Environmental Advocates of New York. “The Department of Environmental Conservation’s fake ‘emergency’ has been called off, and everyone who cares about clean air is grateful.” The DEC originally passed new regulations for the heating units as of April 15, then extended the old laws, citing unsubstantiated economic reasons.
Farm Bureau wants Farmers Regulatory Relief Act passed
The New York Farm Bureau is lobbying for the Farmers Regulatory Relief Act in the New York State legislature, a bill to ease regulation and lower taxes on farmers. “New York’s business climate needs to improve to help our farmers thrive,” said Dean Norton, president of New York Farm Bureau and a dairy farmer in Elba, N.Y. “Our farmers are subject to unreasonable regulations, fees, taxes and utilities costs—perhaps more than any other farmer on the globe,” Norton said. Sponsored by Sen. Patty Ritchie and Assemblyman Bill Magee, the bill includes a refundable investment tax credit, toll exemptions, fee changes, with other reductions in regulations for agricultural interests.
Wednesday audio clips
(Click on names to play mp3 audio clips.)
•Evelyn Trebilcock from Olana interview on WGXC Afternoon Show.
Interview by Richard Roth and Ellen Thurston. Curator of Olana Evelyn Trebilcock introduces the new exhibition there, “Rally ‘Round the Flag: Frederic Edwin Church and the Civil War.” Twenty-six minute interview, though beginning could be excerpted.
•Howard Zar from Athens Cultural Center
Interview by Richard Roth and Ann Forbes Cooper on WGXC Afternoon Show. Three-minute excerpt from beginning of interview with the President of the Board of the Athens Cultural Center, about the “prom” fundraiser they are holding Sun. May 29.
•Peter Paden from Columbia Land Conservancy
Interview by Richard Roth and Ann Forbes Cooper on WGXC Afternoon Show. Paden is Executive Director of the Columbia Land Conservancy, which holds it’s annual Country Bar-B-Q Sun., May 29.
•Amari Hayden interviewed about Catskill Community Center youth activities.
Interview by Cory Fischer-Hoffman. Interview at groundbreaking for WGXC studio in the Catskill Community Center, about the centers youth activities, by a local youth who uses the facility.
•Poet Bill Shute at Upstate Artist Guild.
Recorded by Sam Sebren. An 11-minute poetry performance from Bill Shute. Shute will be in Hudson Sat., May 28 at the Spotty Dog Books & Ale, performing on a bill with Eric Hardiman and Ray Hare of Century Plants.
•Century Plants performance at Upstate Artist Guild.
Recorded by Sam Sebren. Show presented by Albany Sonic Arts Collective. 16-minute performance.
Tags: agriculture, Albany Sonic Arts Collective, Athens Cultural Center, Columbia Land Conservancy, elections, Farmers Regulatory Relief Act, farms, Jeff Seymour, Olana, outdoor wood boilers, Vince Seeley
Cairo
Doron Tyler Antrim reports in The Daily Mail that newcomer Beth Phillips led everyone with 638 votes, and board members Bill Alfeld and Susan Kusminsky, both of Cairo, with 491 and 434 votes, were re-elected. Pat Ublacker of South Cairo, lost with 338 votes. Cairo-Durham’s $27.2 million budget passed 529-408 with a 3.45 percent tax levy increase. Voters also denied the Cairo Library a $2,000 increase in the appropriation, from $18,500 to $20,500 by a vote of 523 to 393 and approved a proposition, 461-442, to buy nine new 66-passenger school buses for more than $925,000.
Catskill
The Daily Freeman reports: Budget ($37.2M) passed, 565-301; Leading race for to Board of Education seats: Karen Haas (578), Michael Maloney (511), William Fiske (490). Ward Osborn trails by six votes with 10 affidavit ballots still to be counted; also Longer walking distance for grades 6-12 from a half-mile to one mile passed, 617-233; and Catskill Public Library $580,896 budget passed, 558-292.
Chatham
The Register-Star reports the Chatham Central School $27,138,001 budget, with a 1.98 percent tax increase, passed 479 to 229. Proposition one, $140,850 for the purchase of one 66-passenger bus and one seven-passenger bus, passed 475 to 236 and proposition two to allow a student representative to sit on the school board as a non-voting member both passed 554 to 133. James Marks was re-elected with 479 votes, Francis Iaconetti with 458 and James Toteno with 445. All serve three-year terms. Jim Cartin won a two-year term as a write-in candidate with 86 votes.
Coxsackie-Athens
Melanie Lekocevic in The Daily Mail reports that the $25.1 million budget was approved 854-449 and three newcomers three newcomers — Bonnie Ecker, 770, CarolAnn Luccio, 747, and Richard Jewett, 713 votesdefeated three longtime incumbents — President Joseph “Seph” Garland III, 511, and board members Joseph Cardinale, 482, and Michael Petramale, 502.
Germantown
The Daily Freeman reports: Budget ($13.9M): Passed, 311-192; Elected to Board of Education: Brittany Bohnsack-Dufresne (272), Ronald Moore II (268), Cynthia Smith (219), and Donald Coons (210).
Greenville
Miguel Madera reports in The Daily Mail that the Greenville School District budget of $26,075,037 with a 1.9 percent tax levy was approved 582-255. Greg Lampman and Rosanne Stapletonwon unopposed with 630 and 582 votes. Town members voted 531-285 to approve an increase of $1,000 for the Greenville Public Library to $38,000.
Hudson
1673 voters: 1249 against the budget proposal, 424 in favor. The Hudson School Board then voted by a 4-3 vote to ignore the will of the people and accept the budget anyway. Peter Merante, Emil Meister, Jeff Otty, and Mary Daly voted in favor of an almost ten-percent tax increase that also eliminated more jobs than other area districts, and Peter Meyer, Elizabeth Fout and Jery Chapman voted against.
Lynn Slonecker of the Unmuffled blog tweets, “Landslide budget defeat…1249 to 424…. Jeri Chapman sworn in…takes Peter Rice’s seat…. Staggering turn of events…BoE disparages those who voted to justify adoption of rejected budget…. Daly, Meister, Merante and Otty rejected the voters’ decision because the BoE couldn’t work any harder and there was nothing left to cut…. Teachable moment…after meeting had to explain to my son — who voted for the first time today — how this could happen.”
Hunter-Tannersville
The Daily Freeman reports: Budget ($13.2M): Passed, 181-97; Elected to Board of Education: Brian Byrne (224); School bus purchase proposition passed, 177-100; Hunter Public Library Budget passed, 162-114.
Ichabod Crane
John Mason in the Register-Star reports, “In what appeared to be a decisive rejection of taxpayer-supported football, Ichabod Crane voters Tuesday turned down a $33,837,503 budget for 2011-2012 by a 64-40 ratio. The budget carried a relatively modest tax levy increase of 3.98 percent. This means the district is most likely headed for a second budget vote on the third Tuesday in June.” President Andrew Kramarchyk and John Chandler retained their seats and newcomer Susan Ramos won the third spot, and the budget failed 1,594 to 1,089.
New Lebanon
The Register Star reports that the New Lebanon Central School District passed the $12,426,151 budget with no tax increases 294 to 66. A proposition to establish a Capital Reserve Fund succeeded 173 to 131 votes. Christine Sotek and Michael Bienes, a write-in candidate, won the two open board seats.
Taconic Hills
The Register-Star reports, “voters approved the district budget and one incumbent retained her seat on the school board while the other lost his. Christine Perry managed to hold onto her seat. George Lagonia Jr. lost his and voters selected Steve Argus to fill the five-year term instead.”
Windham-Ashland-Jewett
Michael Ryan in The Daily Mail reports that the $10,576,366 budget passed 178 to 65.
Tags: elections, Hudson schools, school elections
WGXC’s Philip Grant has compiled information for voting in elections Tuesday, May 17. Links to local news stories, interviews, audio clips, and other information to consider.
Columbia County
Chatham Voting 9 a.m.-9 p.m. at Elementary school.
•Candidates hope to fill board seats
Paul Crossman’s story in the Register-Star is about candidates for the Chatham Central School Board and New Lebanon Central School District.
•Schools chief says contracts trigger pay hikes
Emilia Teasdale in The Columbia Paper reports on the budget.
Germantown Voting noon-9 p.m.
•District will vote on $14 million budget plan
Jamie Larson in the Register-Star reports on the budget.
•Four hopefuls vying for two spots on school board
Jamie Larson profiles the candidates in the Register-Star.
Hudson Voting noon-9 p.m. at J.L. Edwards School, Greenport #1 Pumper Co., Claverack Firehouse, Stockport Town Hall, and Livingston Town Hall.
•@Issue: Hudson School Board radio program mp3 file.
May 11, 2011, WGXC show hosted by Victor Mendolia and Deborah Gilbert. With guests Jack Howe, Superintendent of Hudson schools; school board member Peter Mayer; Unmuffled blog writer Lynn Slonecker; and others.
•Unmuffled blog by Lynn Slonecker.
Continuing, exhaustive coverage of the Hudson school system and education in general.
•No opposition for HCSD Board of Ed candidates
Audra Jornov in the Register-Star reports that three candidates are vying for three seats in Hudson.
Ichadbod Crane School Board Voting 8 a.m.-9 p.m. at Ichabod Crane High School gym.
•Debate over football funding clouds ICC budget outlook
Emilia Teasdale reports in The Columbia Paper about the $34-million Ichabod Crane school budget proposal, with a 3.98 percent tax levy increase, which includes $31,000 for the football program.
•At least 5 seek 3 seats in Ichabod Crane District
A staff report in The Columbia Paper profiles the five candidates running for three seats on the Ichabod Crane School Board of Education.
•ICC board candidate John Chandler
John Mason profiles the candidate in the Register-Star.
•ICC board candidate Landra Haber
John Mason profiles the candidate in the Register-Star.
•ICC board candidate Andrew Kramarchyk
John Mason profiles the candidate in the Register-Star.
•ICC board candidate Susan Ramos
John Mason profiles the candidate in the Register-Star.
•ICC board candidate Cheryl Trefzger
John Mason profiles the candidate in the Register-Star.
New Lebanon Voting noon-9 p.m. at W.B. Howard Elementary School
•Candidates hope to fill board seats
Paul Crossman’s story in the Register-Star is about candidates for the Chatham Central School Board and New Lebanon Central School District.
Taconic Hills Voting noon-9 p.m. at Taconic Hills Veterans Community Room.
•TH cuts workforce to save tax rate
John Mason in the Register-Star reports on the Taconic Hills School District’s $32,046,446 budget.
•TH school board candidate — Steve Argus
John Mason profiles the candidate in the Register-Star.
•TH school board candidate — Arnold Anderson
John Mason profiles the candidate in the Register-Star.
•TH school board candidate — Justin Kutski
John Mason profiles the candidate in the Register-Star.
•TH school board candidate — George W. Lagonia Jr.
John Mason profiles the candidate in the Register-Star.
•TH school board candidate — Christine Perry
John Mason profiles the candidate in the Register-Star.
Greene County
Catskill Voting 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Catskill High School gym
•Catskill School Board Meet the Candidates Forum mp3 file.
April 26, 2011. WGXC recording by Philip Grant. Forum at Catskill High School.
•Catskill school budget keeps sports, activities
Ariel Zangla in The Daily Freeman reports on Catskill’s proposed $37.2 million budget.
•Four candidates seeking three seats on Catskill school board
Ariel Zangla in The Daily Freeman profiles Karen Haas, William Fiske, Michael Maloney, and Ward Osborn.
•District to decide 3 seats in Catskill
Jim Planck in The Daily Mail also profiles the candidates.
Cairo-Durham Voting noon-9 p.m. at Durham Middle School cafeteria.
•4 candidates battle for three seats in C-D
Doron Tyler Antrim in The Daily Mail profiles the candidates — newcomer Beth Phillips, and incumbents Susan Kusminsky, Bill Alfeld, and Pat Ublacker — and reports on two propositions on the ballot:
•Would authorize a $2,000 increase in the appropriation for the Cairo Public Library, from $18,500 to $20,500.
•Would authorize the purchase of nine new 66-passenger school buses at a cost of more than $925,000. More than three-quarters of the cost would be returned to the district in the form of state aid. If approved, the proposition will allow the district to replace buses with between 50,000 and 150,000 miles in the past 10 years.
Greenville Voting 1 p.m.-9 p.m. at Scott M. Ellis Elementary School
•School board summaries: Greenville Central School District
Miguel Madera in The Daily Mail writes about unchallenged candidates Paul Lampman and Roseanne Stapleton.
Coxsackie-Athens Voting 1 p.m.-9 p.m. at either Edward J. Arthur Elementary School, Athens or Coxsackie Elementary School.
•Voters to decide on $25.1 million budget
Melanie Lekocevic writes about the school budget meetings in the Coxsackie-Athens Central School District in he Greene County News.
•Community gets to Meet the Candidates
Melanie Lekocevic covers the Meet the Candidates event May 10 in Coxsackie.
•6 candidates vie for 3 open board seats
Melanie Lekocevic in The Daily Mail reports three newcomers challenge three incumbents in the Coxsackie-Athens Central School District.
Windham-Ashland-Jewett Voting 1 p.m.-9 p.m. at the school cafeteria.
•Budget hearing draws little comment or concern
Michael Ryan’s report in The Daily Mail about the budget.
Hunter-Tannersville Voting 1 p.m.-9 p.m. at the Hunter Elementary School cafeteria.
•Budget, one candidate on Hunter-Tannersville ballot
Ariel Zangla in The Daily Freeman reports on the Hunter-Tannersville election and $13.2 million budget.
•School board summaries: Hunter-Tannersville Central District
Jim Planck writes about unopposed incumbent Brian Byrne.
Albany County
Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk
•Eight candidates vie for three Board of Ed seats
Hilary Hawke profiles the candidates in The Ravena News-Herald.
Jamie Larson in the Register-Star reports that Columbia County Treasurer Kenneth Wilber announced Thursday he will not seek re-election after 16 years in office. “It is the right time for me to step down and I do so with great pride and satisfaction in my service to the county,” said Wilber, a Republican, in the story. “It has been my privilege to work with four chairmen of the Board of Supervisors and their respective members.” Columbia County Republican Committee Chairman Greg Fingar could not be reached about who the party would nominate to replace him. Democratic Committee Chairman Christopher Nolan said Democrats would announce their candidate at the end of the month. Read the entire story in the Register-Star.
Tags: elections, Kenneth Wilber
The new Chatham United Party won the biggest victory in the handful of village elections Tue. March 15, with Tom Curran taking over the Chatham Village Mayor role. Curran, a political novice, beat out longtime Mayor Paul Boehme 423 to 231. Curran’s running mate Joanne Delrossi also defeated incumbent trustee Pat Wemitt 422 to 252. The large turnout was the result of the new party’s pushback against a proposed 12 percent spending hike in 2010 that Boehme whittled down to under 5 percent, after pressure from Curran and others. Click here to listen to the interview with Tom Curran Wed. March 16 on the WGXC Afternoon Show, and hear his ideas for Chatham.
Tags: elections, local audio, Paul Boehme, Tom Curran
Andrea Smallwood on WGXC in December. Photo by Tom Roe.
Tags: Andrea Smallwood, Anthony Patsky, elections, Tom Sopris
The Village of Catskill, as seen in an early 19th century print.
Tags: Catskill Democrats, caucus, elections, village elections
The last remaining state legislaive post still awaiting a final decision following last November’s election tallies seems to be a battleground of spin and press releases, for the time being. This week, Mid Hudson News Network ran a story about former holder of the seat Thomas Kirwin, a Republican, being ahead of incumbent Democrat Frank Skartados be between 12 and 14 votes, with local Republican party officials saying there were only three outstanding ballots to be ruled on by a State Supreme Court justice. Local Democrats, meanwhile, are pointing out that there But, Skartados told MidHudsonNews.com that he will not concede and that there are between 46 and 70 unopened absentee ballots that they want opened and counted in the 100th District Assembly race. Orange County Republican Chairman William DeProspo is calling on the judge to certify the election and allow a representative for the district. Ulster County GOP Chairwoman Robin Yess had the same sentiments – resolve the race once and for all and get a duly elected representative in Albany. Kirwan, who held that seat before Skartados beat him two years ago, is meanwhile saying he feels frustrated. “It looks like the fat lady has left the building and I think the orchestra has too,” he said. “I think the only people still left are my opponent, our lawyers and me.” Skartados, meanwhile, is simply saying all votes should be counted.
Tags: 100th Assembly District, absentee ballots, elections, Frank Skartados, Thomas Kirwin
Eugene Keeler provided this photo.
Tags: Beth Cozzolino, Columbia County District Attorney, elections, Eugene Keeler
From NYCourts website:
The Court of Appeals will hear oral argument on Monday in a pair of related election proceedings, Matter of Johnson v Martins and Matter of Jacobs v Nassau County Board of Elections, arising from the November 2 election for the office of State Senator for the 7th Senatorial District. Craig M. Johnson, the Democratic incumbent, and Jay Jacobs, chairman of the Nassau County Democratic Committee, are appealing an order and decision of the Appellate Division, Second Department that denied their petitions for a manual recount of paper ballots. On December 6, Supreme Court certified Republican Jack M. Martins as the winner of the election by 451 votes. The argument will begin at 11 a.m. on Monday, December 20, at Court of Appeals Hall, 20 Eagle Street, Albany. An audio-visual feed will be provided for broadcast media at the court house. A live webcast of the session will be available.
Decisions in these cases will impact the final resolution of the New York State Senate.
Paul Crossman in The Chatham Courier reports voters in New Lebanon have for a second time rejected a proposal to renovate and expand the Town Hall, 191 no votes to 128 yes votes. At the first vote in late June, a similar measure was defeated 182 to 88, out of the 1,400 registered voters in New Lebanon, Crossman reports. “I was disappointed in the outcome because I thought we had the best deal for our residents to preserve a historic structure and to have a building we could be proud of,” said Supervisor Margaret Robertson. “In the next two years, New Lebanon is going to be booming and we wanted a Town Hall that could serve our needs.” The $724,100 project included no new taxes for residents.
The New York State Board of Elections released the 2010 general election results, now certified by State Board of Elections. Except that the 7th Senate District and 100th Assembly District are still in litigation, so they aren’t exactly the final results. Follow the jump for details.
Final Daily Freeman printed in Kingston
This YouTube video shows the final Daily Freeman newspaper printed in Kingston Dec. 6. They moved printing to Troy, eliminating 58 jobs and claiming to save the paper $500,000.
New Lebanon voter referendum Dec. 11
The Town of New Lebanon holds a voter referendum to grant the town authority to finance $435,000 for the construction and renovation of the Town Hall on Sat. Dec. 11, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Church of The Immaculate Conception, US Rt. 20, New Lebanon. All registered voters of New Lebanon are eligible to vote yes or no to grant the Town authority to finance the construction and renovation of the Town Hall. Register-Star has a story here on this election. Currently, the board rents space to hold meetings and other business.
Town meetings tonight
Columbia County Board of Supervisors’ Public Information Session on CRC proposed purchase of Wal-mart and move of County agencies to Greenport at 5 p.m. at Elks Lodge, Harry Howard Avenue
Columbia County Board of Supervisors’ Public Hearing on the County budget. 7 p.m. at 401 State St., Hudson.
Columbia County Board of Supervisors’ meeting to vote on the County budget. 7:30 p.m. at 401 State St., Hudson.
LaFarge Environmental Impact Statement Public Information meeting at 6 p.m. Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk High School auditorium, 2025 Route 9W, Ravena, NY.
Birthdays
Dec. 8 birthdays include James Thurber, Delmore Schwartz, and Sammy Davis, Jr.
Tags: elections, Lafarge, taxes, The Daily Freeman
ALBANY – Despite headlines in all the state’s major publications yesterday and today, the final say on whether the ongoing final count election battles have been decided in the GOP’s favor rests with an appeals court, for now.
Even though Justice Ira Warshawsky in Nassau County rejected a hand recount in the state’s Seventh Senate District, declaring Jack Martins, a Republican, the winner over the incumbent, Senator Craig M. Johnson, a Democrat, by 451 votes, Johnson is expected to appeal the ruling this morning… which the state’s chief judge, Jonathan Lippman, made the deadline for alkl decisions regarding Nov 2 races after imposing a list of expedited hearing dates so the disputed elections could work their way through the court system before the New Year, per a request from incoming Governor Andrew Cuomo.
Back to this one in the coming days to see if the Republicans’ current 32-30 majority holds…
For stories on where things stand at this moment, click HERE, HERE or HERE.
Tags: appeals court, elections, recounts, State Senate
Nick Reisman in LoHud.com’s Politics on the Hudson blog reports Nassau County Justice Ira Warshawsky Saturday denied Democrats a hand recount in a too-close-to-call state Senate race. “The Johnson-Martins race is certified,” Justice Ira Warshawsky ruled in the case between Republican Jack Martin and incumbent Democrat Sen. Craig Johnson. Currently the New York State Senate is tied at 30 with two election winners still undetermined. Johnson went into the weekend trailing Martins by 451 votes, and plans to file the appeal Monday, Senate Democratic spokesman Austin Shafran told Reisman. “The judge’s decision to deny a recount is wrong on the letter and spirit of the law,” Shafran in the story. “In a race where the margin is less than half of one percent, the failure to count every vote is a disservice to every voter.” Democrats want a hand recount and have alleged malfunctions with the new optical voting machines mandate such a count. Republicans have argued a hand recount is a delaying tactic. In the other race, Westchester Democrat Suzi Oppenheimer is up about 300 votes over Republican Bob Cohen at this time. A tied assembly would probably favor the Democrats, although Republicans plan a court challenge to the Lt. Gov.’s tie-breaking vote. Our area Assembly representatives are Republican (Marc Molinaro, Pete Lopez, and Steve McLaughlin), so there could be more local pork if the GOP takes over.
Tags: elections, New York State Senate
WASHINGTON/ALBANY – On the same day that the Daily Mail and Register Star are running versions of a story (more conservatively for Catskill) about the current Bush Tax Bill extension fight in Washington, pitting incoming Congressman Chris Gibson, Republican, against the man he defeated, Democrat Scott Murphy, after Murphy voted along with the rest of the current House Democratic majority for limiting tax extensions to the middle class, the Times Union has a fascinating story about the amounts of outside money that came into the 20th Congressional District this past electoral cycle, and how they helped Gibson ride the underlying voter registration demographics of Upstate, briefly overturned by Kristin Gillibrand a few years back when she defeated John Sweeney, and barely maintained in Murphy’s special election 800-vote win last year.
“U.S. Rep. Scott Murphy raised and spent more money than his opponent, but it couldn’t save his job,” reporter Jordan Carleo-Evangelist writes, pulling from newly-released Federal Election Commission reports and records. “But the numbers fail to tell the whole story…. While Gibson, a retired Army colonel from Kinderhook, lagged Murphy in personal fundraising, he benefited greatly from spending by outside organizations, much of it from conservative-leaning groups opposing Murphy for his votes on controversial issues such as the health care reform bill. More than $1.7 million was spent to oppose Murphy in 2010, compared to just $696,000 to oppose Gibson.”
Carleo-Evangelist ties the Gibson outside money to the U.S. Supreme Court decision that allowed the spending of unlimited amounts of cash on election advertising. Among actual amounts charted in our region were $447,366 from American Crossroads, a group backed by Republican strategist Karl Rove, and $498,950 from the conservative-leaning 60 Plus Association.
Read the full story here.
Tags: Chris Gibson, congressional races, elections, Karl Rove, outside money, Scott Murphy, Supreme Court, voter registrations
Debora Gilbert’s article in The Columbia Paper is titled “Some supes voice second thoughts on voucher change” yet only notes one supervisor with such an opinion. Clearly, though, Democratic election commissioner Virgina Martin voices many second thoughts in the article that details how a recent motion by Leo Pulcher (R-Stockport) changed the requirement that pay vouchers for part-time election workers be signed by commissioners from both major parties; now the vouchers require only one signature. The articles details how Republican elections commissioner Jason Nastke, “promoted the resolution without her knowledge.” Mr. Pulcher told The Columbia Paper that the resolution was introduced because, “workers had not yet been paid for the primary elections in September. He said the change would help expedite payments and represent a return to a practice used in the past.” Nastke could not be reached by The Columbia Paper for comment.
“None of us were too happy, especially in the Democrat Caucus, that it was pulled over like this,” said Ray Staats (D), supervisor of Clermont, the one supe to voice a second thought on the voucher change. It seems odd for the quick alteration, since this comes 11 months after Ms. Martin and Hudson Democratic Party Chair Victor Mendolia (a WGXC programmer) found irregularities in payments to election workers that:
“included disparities between workers for the two parties with identical job descriptions. They also found changes in amounts and obvious attempts to block out original figures. The irregularities go back to 2008. Ms. Martin and Mr. Mendolia found the documents in the wake of the departure of Democratic Deputy Election Commissioner Geeta Cheddie, now a Hudson Alderwoman. Up until that time, deputy election commissioners had routinely signed pay vouchers using the name of the commissioner from their party. The practice of having two commissioners sign vouchers went into effect last summer, according to Ms. Martin. ‘It’s the taxpayers’ money, they have a right to know and be confident that we are spending it only when necessary. It’s important we make sure people are paid what is fair and that county tax payers don’t pay a penny more than is necessary,’ Ms. Martin said in a statement issued earlier this year.”
Tags: Columbia County elections, elections, Geeta Cheddie, Jason Nastke, Leo Pulcher, Ray Staats, Victor Mendolia, Virginia Martin
Board of Ed vacancy, bus proposition on the ballot
Hilary Hawke in The Ravena News-Herald reports on Nov. 15 Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk school district voters will fill a vacancy with either Sarah Hafensteiner, Rodney Krzykowski, Judith Sylvester, or Darcy Micelli and reconsider a scaled-down version of a bus proposal that was defeated by voters last May. The proposal was reduced from $538,378 to $437,141. Voting is open 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. at RCS High School.
Look what you did
Diane Valden in The Columbia Paper has one of the best leads in local memory:
It’s official: Salvatore Cascino did all the bad things the town said he did, and now he has to fix them.
That’s the opener for a story about the November 3 decision from Acting State Supreme Court Judge Jonathan D. Nichols permanently forbidding Cascino from ever again engaging in “certain illegal activities” on his 300-acre property Copake Valley Farm, along the east side of Route 22.
Birthdays
Nov. 12 is the birthday of Wallace Shawn, Neil Young, and Booker T. Jones.
Complete Columbia and Greene county election results below.
COLUMBIA COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTIONS PRELIMINARY RESULTS posted at 1:30 a.m. on bulletin board at Board of Elections office, 100 percent of precincts reporting.
Coroner
Davis 10658
Simonsmeier 10579
(2000 absentee ballots still outstanding according to Board of Elections official, this race will not be decided quickly. This is clearly the closest race of the night, and probably the winner will not be officially determined for some time.)
County Clerk
Donahue 8173
Tanner 14010
Ancram Proposition #1
Yes 320
No 169
Ancram Proposition #2
Yes 290
No 196
Kinderhook Proposition #1 (library)
Yes 2128
No 1505
New Lebanon Proposition #1
Yes 334
No 415
Stuyvesant Proposition #1
Yes 224
No 138
(results incomplete)
108th Assembly seat
Tim Gordon 3667
Steve McLaughlin 3588
103rd Assembly seat
Marc Molinaro 6771
Susan Tooker 4149
State Senate seat
Didi Barrett 8848
Steve Saland 13261
Claverack Town Justice
Brandon 1454
Taghkanic Town Justice
Prochera 222
Copake Highway Supervisor
Gregory 683
Jamieson 396
U.S. Congress NY-District 20
Chris Gibson 12922
Scott Murphy 9641
U.S. Senator
Gillibrand 14171
DioGuardi 7910
Lawrence 195
Huff 48
Clifton 90
Morgan 70
Blakeman 10
U.S. Senator
Schumer 13302
Townsend 8384
Clark 312
Credico 194
GREENE COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTIONS
Unofficial results posted on their web site as results came in. 96 percent of precincts reporting.
GOVERNOR & LT GOVERNOR
Andrew Cuomo/Robert Duffy 6,829
Carl Paladino/Gregory Edwards 6,528
Howie Hawkins/Gloria Mattera 273
Warren Redlich/Alden Link 183
Jimmy McMillan 120
Kristin M Davis/Tanya Gendelman 65
Charles Barron/Eva M Doyle 6
COMPTROLLER
Harry Wilson 8,286
Thomas P DiNapoli 4,760
Julia A Willebrand 352
John Gaetani 136
ATTORNEY GENERAL
Dan Donovan 7,875
Eric T Schneiderman 5,209
Carl E Person 187
Ramon J Jimenez 17
US SENATOR (6 yr Term)
Charles E Schumer 6,918
Jay Townsend 6,485
Colia Clark 155
Randy A Credico 85
US SENATOR (2 yr Unexpired Term)
Kirsten E Gillibrand 7,186
Joseph J DioGuardi 6,306
Cecile A Lawrence 99
John Clifton 50
Joseph Huff 34
Vivia Morgan 31
Bruce Blakeman 6
COUNTY JUDGE FAMILY & SURROGATE
Charles M Tailleur 8,355
David E Woodin 5,243
COUNTY TREASURER
Peter J Markou 7,497
Alan M Pavese 5,979
COUNTY CORONER
Hassan J Basagic III 9,857
John Gulino 9,579
CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT 020 RACES
50 of 52 (96%) machines reporting (52 total districts)
REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS
Christopher P Gibson 8,382
Scott Murphy 5,515
STATE SENATOR
James L Seward 9,784
MEMBER OF ASSEMBLY (127)
Peter D Lopez 7,538
MEMBER OF ASSEMBLY (108)
Steve McLaughlin 1,923
Timothy P Gordon 1,366
CATSKILL TOWN JUSTICE
Peter M Margolius 1,883
Michael J Smith 763
DURHAM SUPERINTENDENT OF HIGHWAYS (Unexpired Term)
Alan E Beechert Sr 560
GREENVILLE TOWN COUNCILMAN (Unexpired Term)
John A Bensen 414
Wayne A Nelsen 356
HUNTER TOWN JUSTICE
William M Simon 695
TOWN OF HUNTER RESOLUTION
NO 480
YES 271
JEWETT TOWN COUNCILMAN (Unexpired Term)
James P Pellitteri 235
Michael R Flaherty 134
PRATTSVILLE TAX COLLECTOR (Unexpired Term)
Carole Cangelosi 154
Switlana Breigle 85
WINDHAM TOWN SUPERVISOR (Unexpired Term)
Stephen J Walker 434
WINDHAM TOWN COUNCILMAN (Unxpired Term)
Karl Gonzalez 388
108 Assembly Seat
Totals of Albany, Greene and Columbia county results
Tim Gordon
Albany 8185
Columbia 3667
Greene 1366
Total 13218
Steve McLaughlin
Albany 8284
Columbia 3588
Greene 1923
Total 13795
Tags: elections
Greene County election results (must refresh page).
WGXC’s Tom Roe will be at the Columbia County Board of Elections office and posting results as they become official.
WGXC has campaign schedules for election day from Didi Barrett (running for State Senate seat in Columbia County), Chris Gibson (running for NY 20th Congressional seat), Scott Murphy (running for NY 20th Congressional seat), and James Seward (running unopposed for State Senate seat in Greene County).
Didi Barrett
9:00-9:30 a.m.: Vote at Millbrook firehouse with family.
11:30 a.m.-noon: Visit Hudson campaign office, 731 Warren St., Hudson, NY 12534.
noon-2 p.m.: Canvas in Hudson.
3-3:30 p.m.: Lunch stop at Hyde Park United Methodist Church, 103rd Election Day Dinner, Rte. 9 and Church St. Hyde Park, NY 12538. All proceeds will support local missions. No reservations are needed and takeout is available. Take out prices are $12 adults or seniors and $6 children.
3:30-5:30 p.m.: Phone banking at Didi for Senate Headquarters, 4068 Albany Post Road, Hyde Park, NY 12538.
6-7 p.m.: New Hamburg train station.
9-?: Election Night Party at Didi for Senate Headquarters, 4068 Albany Post Road, Hyde Park, NY 12538.
Chris Gibson
9 a.m.: Casting vote at McNary Center, Sylvester St., Kinderhook, NY 12106
10 p.m.: Election Night Event at Holiday Inn of Saratoga, 232 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
Scott Murphy
9:30 a.m.: Vote at Glens Falls High School tennis court entrance, 10 Quade Street, Glens Falls, NY 12801
2 p.m.: Visit Greene County Democrat Headquarters, 377 Main Street, Catskill, NY 12414
4 p.m.: Visit Dutchess County Democrat Headquarters, 4068 Albany Post Road, Hyde Park, NY 12538
6 p.m.: Visit Columbia County Democrat Headquarters, 731 Warren St., Hudson, NY 12534
9 p.m.: Gideon Putnam Ballroom, Gideon Putnam, 24 Gideon Putnam Road, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
James Seward
8:30 a.m.: Election Day Pancake Breakfast at Veterans Club; 60 Main Street; Cooperstown, NY.
8 p.m.: Election Returns/Victory Celebration at Campaign Headquarters; 14 Dietz Street; Oneonta NY.
Voting in Cairo at 10 a.m. Nov. 2, 2010. Photo by Tom Roe.
Tags: Chris Gibson, Didi Barrett, elections, James Seward, Scott Murphy
Former President Bill Clinton came to Saratoga this morning to support the re-election campaign of Rep. Scott Murphy, who polls have losing tomorrow to Kinderhook Republican Chris Gibson. Capitol Confidential, via Kyle Hughes of NYSNYS, provides this video of Bill Clinton from this morning’s rally.
this video of Clinton’s appearance for Murphy.
Tags: Chris Gibson, elections, local video, Scott Murphy
On The Air
WGXC is on 90.7-FM now, at full-power, 3300 watts. We cover all parts of Greene County except parts of the mountaintop, and all of Columbia County except for a bit of Western Columbia County south of Germantown. WGXC also covers a large part of southern Albany County. We have heard reports that the signal is getting from Delaware County to Great Barrington, from Selkirk to Saugerties, from Pine Plains to the I-90 extension.
Local weather/webcams
National Weather Service, Albany
Hawthorne Valley Farm Weather Page
When the computer is turned on, the Hawthorne Valley Farm Weather Page reports weather information in Harlemville. Check dates and times to see whether reports are live or from when the computer was turned off.
Greene County webcams:
Catskill webcam: Thomas Cole House Claude Mirror
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