I am putting the message board back up and see if we can use it to help better the town.
http://www.mikeaforwoodbury.com/zmichaels/index.php
Saturday, December 31, 2005
Message board is live
I am putting the message board back up and see if we can use it to help better the town.
http://www.mikeaforwoodbury.com/zmichaels/index.php
Fornario in line for Orange County Legislature chairmanship
Fornario - coalition
candidate?
Republicans and Democrats on the Orange County Legislature are putting the finishing touches on an arrangement that would see Republican lawmaker Frank Fornario, Jr. become the chairman in the new year. Sources told MidHudsonNews.com Friday night that the other GOP chairman hopeful, Spencer McLaughlin, has dropped out of the race.
In return, the Democrats, who have one vote less than the majority Republicans, have agreed to back Fornario, the sources said. Democrat Minority Leader Anthony Marino last night would only say that he would have an announcement to make early in the new week.
Fornario is seen by Democrats as a coalition builder who would include the Democrats in leadership positions in the committee process.
Even if many of the 11 Republicans vote against Fornario, he will have the 10 Democrat member votes, his own, and that of his staunch GOP supporter Michael Amo.
The new legislature will vote on a chairman next Thursday.
Thursday, December 29, 2005
Cash pours in for student with $1 million Web idea
Cash pours in for student with $1 million Web idea By Peter Graff
Thu Dec 29, 1:05 PM ET
If you have an envious streak, you probably shouldn't read this.
Because chances are, Alex Tew, a 21-year-old student from a small town in England, is cleverer than you. And he is proving it by earning a cool million dollars in four months on the Internet.
Selling porn? Dealing prescription drugs? Nope. All he sells are pixels, the tiny dots on the screen that appear when you call up his home page.
He had the brainstorm for his million dollar home page, called, logically enough, www.milliondollarhomepage.com, while lying in bed thinking out how he would pay for university.
The idea: turn his home page into a billboard made up of a million dots, and sell them for a dollar a dot to anyone who wants to put up their logo. A 10 by 10 dot square, roughly the size of a letter of type, costs $100.
He sold a few to his brothers and some friends, and when he had made $1,000, he issued a press release.
That was picked up by the news media, spread around the Internet, and soon advertisers for everything from dating sites to casinos to real estate agents to The Times of London were putting up real cash for pixels, with links to their own sites.
So far they have bought up 911,800 pixels. Tew's home page now looks like an online Times Square, festooned with a multi-colored confetti of ads.
"All the money's kind of sitting in a bank account," Tew told Reuters from his home in Wiltshire, southwest England. "I've treated myself to a car. I've only just passed my driving test so I've bought myself a little black mini."
The site features testimonials from advertisers, some of whom bought spots as a lark, only to discover that they were receiving actual valuable Web hits for a fraction of the cost of traditional Internet advertising.
Meanwhile Tew has had to juggle running the site with his first term at university, where he is studying business.
"It's been quite a difficulty trying to balance going to lectures and doing the site," he said.
But he may not have to study for long. Job offers have been coming in from Internet companies impressed by a young man who managed to figure out an original way to make money online.
"I didn't expect it to happen like that," Tew said. "To have the job offers and approaches from investors -- the whole thing is kind of surreal. I'm still in a state of disbelief."
Thu Dec 29, 1:05 PM ET
If you have an envious streak, you probably shouldn't read this.
Because chances are, Alex Tew, a 21-year-old student from a small town in England, is cleverer than you. And he is proving it by earning a cool million dollars in four months on the Internet.
Selling porn? Dealing prescription drugs? Nope. All he sells are pixels, the tiny dots on the screen that appear when you call up his home page.
He had the brainstorm for his million dollar home page, called, logically enough, www.milliondollarhomepage.com, while lying in bed thinking out how he would pay for university.
The idea: turn his home page into a billboard made up of a million dots, and sell them for a dollar a dot to anyone who wants to put up their logo. A 10 by 10 dot square, roughly the size of a letter of type, costs $100.
He sold a few to his brothers and some friends, and when he had made $1,000, he issued a press release.
That was picked up by the news media, spread around the Internet, and soon advertisers for everything from dating sites to casinos to real estate agents to The Times of London were putting up real cash for pixels, with links to their own sites.
So far they have bought up 911,800 pixels. Tew's home page now looks like an online Times Square, festooned with a multi-colored confetti of ads.
"All the money's kind of sitting in a bank account," Tew told Reuters from his home in Wiltshire, southwest England. "I've treated myself to a car. I've only just passed my driving test so I've bought myself a little black mini."
The site features testimonials from advertisers, some of whom bought spots as a lark, only to discover that they were receiving actual valuable Web hits for a fraction of the cost of traditional Internet advertising.
Meanwhile Tew has had to juggle running the site with his first term at university, where he is studying business.
"It's been quite a difficulty trying to balance going to lectures and doing the site," he said.
But he may not have to study for long. Job offers have been coming in from Internet companies impressed by a young man who managed to figure out an original way to make money online.
"I didn't expect it to happen like that," Tew said. "To have the job offers and approaches from investors -- the whole thing is kind of surreal. I'm still in a state of disbelief."
Saturday, December 24, 2005
Track Santa's annual flight online
Track Santa's annual flight online
News partner NBC 6
December 23, 2005, 10:48 AM EST
When Christmas Eve comes, the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), will track Santa Claus during his annual flight.
NORAD is responsible for handling the air defense of the North America continent. But it has also been tracking Santa's movements on Christmas Eve for the past 50 years.
NORAD uses four high-tech systems to track Santa -- radar, satellites, Santa Cams and jet fighter aircraft.
The satellites have infrared sensors, meaning they can see heat. Rudolph's nose gives off an infrared signature similar to a missile launch. Thus, the satellites can detect Rudolph's bright red nose with practically no problem.
The tradition of tracking Santa began in 1955, when a local Sears, Roebuck and Co. store ran a newspaper ad urging children to make a phone call on Christmas Eve and talk to Santa Claus. As fate would have it, the phone number was misprinted and, instead of reaching Santa, youngsters found themselves talking with Air Force Col. Harry Shoup of the Continental Air Defense Command at Cheyenne Mountain in Colorado.
Rather than hanging up, Shoup and his troops answered every child's call that night with a report of Santa's location. CONAD personnel kept up the practice until 1958, when NORAD was formed and took over Santa-tracking duties.
"We think of it as a geography lesson, because the different places that Santa visits or sightings that we have, a lot of people haven't heard of," said Air Force Master Sgt. John Tomassi, co-director of Santa-tracking operations. "If we can get some children to go and look at a map to find out where Timbuktu is, or where India is, or Pakistan, or wherever, then we feel all the better for that."
Last Christmas Eve, volunteers at Cheyenne Mountain answered nearly 55,000 phone calls and 35,000 e-mails from children around the world. This year, about 500 volunteers -- most of them U.S. and Canadian military personnel and their families -- will report for telephone-answering duty on Christmas Eve. But already, youngsters are sending messages to Santa via the NORAD Tracks Santa Web site.
"E-mails are arriving from India and Ireland and all over the world already from children with their wish lists who want to talk to Santa," Tomassi said. "We receive, on average, 200 e-mails a day."
NORAD Tracks Santa volunteers will answer calls from 2 a. m. MST Dec. 24 to 2 a. m. MST Dec. 25 at 877-Hi-NORAD. You can send also Santa an e-mail at NorthPole@OfficialSantaMail.com
Copyright © 2005, South Florida Sun-Sentinel
News partner NBC 6
December 23, 2005, 10:48 AM EST
When Christmas Eve comes, the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), will track Santa Claus during his annual flight.
NORAD is responsible for handling the air defense of the North America continent. But it has also been tracking Santa's movements on Christmas Eve for the past 50 years.
NORAD uses four high-tech systems to track Santa -- radar, satellites, Santa Cams and jet fighter aircraft.
The satellites have infrared sensors, meaning they can see heat. Rudolph's nose gives off an infrared signature similar to a missile launch. Thus, the satellites can detect Rudolph's bright red nose with practically no problem.
The tradition of tracking Santa began in 1955, when a local Sears, Roebuck and Co. store ran a newspaper ad urging children to make a phone call on Christmas Eve and talk to Santa Claus. As fate would have it, the phone number was misprinted and, instead of reaching Santa, youngsters found themselves talking with Air Force Col. Harry Shoup of the Continental Air Defense Command at Cheyenne Mountain in Colorado.
Rather than hanging up, Shoup and his troops answered every child's call that night with a report of Santa's location. CONAD personnel kept up the practice until 1958, when NORAD was formed and took over Santa-tracking duties.
"We think of it as a geography lesson, because the different places that Santa visits or sightings that we have, a lot of people haven't heard of," said Air Force Master Sgt. John Tomassi, co-director of Santa-tracking operations. "If we can get some children to go and look at a map to find out where Timbuktu is, or where India is, or Pakistan, or wherever, then we feel all the better for that."
Last Christmas Eve, volunteers at Cheyenne Mountain answered nearly 55,000 phone calls and 35,000 e-mails from children around the world. This year, about 500 volunteers -- most of them U.S. and Canadian military personnel and their families -- will report for telephone-answering duty on Christmas Eve. But already, youngsters are sending messages to Santa via the NORAD Tracks Santa Web site.
"E-mails are arriving from India and Ireland and all over the world already from children with their wish lists who want to talk to Santa," Tomassi said. "We receive, on average, 200 e-mails a day."
NORAD Tracks Santa volunteers will answer calls from 2 a. m. MST Dec. 24 to 2 a. m. MST Dec. 25 at 877-Hi-NORAD. You can send also Santa an e-mail at NorthPole@OfficialSantaMail.com
Copyright © 2005, South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Tuesday, December 13, 2005
Suit aims to stop developer
Suit aims to stop developer Woodbury board jumped gun on 451-home OK, opponents say By Chris McKennaTimes Herald-Recordcmckenna@th-record.com
Woodbury - Opponents have sued to stop Bill Brodsky's proposed 451-home development, using as ammunition a dispute between the Town Board and Orange County planners over the project's merits.
The lawsuit seeks to overturn five laws the board adopted giving the Rockland County developer the zoning accommodations he needed to move forward with his development, which is now being reviewed by the town Planning Board.
The litigation rekindles a bitter fight that dominated town politics for a year and culminated with the Nov. 3 Town Board decision and the election - five days later - of John Burke, a leading critic of the housing proposal.
Burke unseated Supervisor Sheila Conroy, a supporter who argued the proposal offered the town abundant benefits.
A subplot within the saga is a clash between the Town Board and the Orange County Planning Department over whether those benefits justified zoning changes that tripled the number of homes Brodsky could otherwise build at the 400-acre site.
County planners raised sharp doubts while reviewing the project this year and finally disapproved it on Nov. 17 - after the Woodbury board had already made its decision.
In his letter to town officials, Planning Commissioner David Church said they'd voted prematurely because they didn't give his office the 30 days required by state law to review all project documents, including ones submitted to the county after Oct. 21.
Opponents have made that a main argument for overturning the Nov. 3 votes. They also claim the proposal had a flawed environmental review and would violate the town master plan.
Woodbury officials dispute Church's interpretation of the law. In a nine-page reply, Conroy argues the 30-day clock started not on Oct. 21 but on June 28, when Woodbury sent copies of the proposed zoning laws to the county Planning Department for review.
Conroy's letter goes on to describe how the town complied with some of the county's recommendations and explains why it rejected others. Two concessions were requiring Brodsky to plan a second entrance to the development and build a gravel parking lot for a park at the site.
"We were disappointed that the county did not see the benefits to the community," Conroy said in an interview. "Obviously, somebody did not read this document."
Church replied yesterday that two planners worked on the review, including a senior staff member who spent 20 to 30 hours looking at Woodbury's materials.
"We did not lightweight this," he said. "In fact, I had the opposite conclusion - I thought we were spending too much time."
Woodbury - Opponents have sued to stop Bill Brodsky's proposed 451-home development, using as ammunition a dispute between the Town Board and Orange County planners over the project's merits.
The lawsuit seeks to overturn five laws the board adopted giving the Rockland County developer the zoning accommodations he needed to move forward with his development, which is now being reviewed by the town Planning Board.
The litigation rekindles a bitter fight that dominated town politics for a year and culminated with the Nov. 3 Town Board decision and the election - five days later - of John Burke, a leading critic of the housing proposal.
Burke unseated Supervisor Sheila Conroy, a supporter who argued the proposal offered the town abundant benefits.
A subplot within the saga is a clash between the Town Board and the Orange County Planning Department over whether those benefits justified zoning changes that tripled the number of homes Brodsky could otherwise build at the 400-acre site.
County planners raised sharp doubts while reviewing the project this year and finally disapproved it on Nov. 17 - after the Woodbury board had already made its decision.
In his letter to town officials, Planning Commissioner David Church said they'd voted prematurely because they didn't give his office the 30 days required by state law to review all project documents, including ones submitted to the county after Oct. 21.
Opponents have made that a main argument for overturning the Nov. 3 votes. They also claim the proposal had a flawed environmental review and would violate the town master plan.
Woodbury officials dispute Church's interpretation of the law. In a nine-page reply, Conroy argues the 30-day clock started not on Oct. 21 but on June 28, when Woodbury sent copies of the proposed zoning laws to the county Planning Department for review.
Conroy's letter goes on to describe how the town complied with some of the county's recommendations and explains why it rejected others. Two concessions were requiring Brodsky to plan a second entrance to the development and build a gravel parking lot for a park at the site.
"We were disappointed that the county did not see the benefits to the community," Conroy said in an interview. "Obviously, somebody did not read this document."
Church replied yesterday that two planners worked on the review, including a senior staff member who spent 20 to 30 hours looking at Woodbury's materials.
"We did not lightweight this," he said. "In fact, I had the opposite conclusion - I thought we were spending too much time."
Friday, December 02, 2005
Parade of champions this Saturday at 3
Parade of champions this Saturday at 3
Monroe - The Village of Monroe will play host to a parade for the state champion Monroe-Woodbury football team, starting at 3 p.m. Saturday at Airplane Park.
The parade will come down Lake Street and turn onto Spring Street where it will end in Smith Clove Park.
The football team, the Monroe-Woodbury High School band, local police, fire and ambulances corps members and local politicians are expected to participate.
“We are encouraging people to come out and cheer them on,” said Monroe Police Chief Dominic Giudice. “We also want to advise residents and local businesses that there will be the periodic closing of streets to accommodate the parade as well as some temporary traffic delays.”
Blog to monitor antisemitism
Blog to monitor antisemitism
Woodbury —The Southern Orange County Antisemitism Watch (SOCAwatch) started up at http://socawatch.blogspot.com on Tuesday. The Woodbury-based blogger has been posting messages “to increase public awareness of antisemitic rhetoric from politicians, media, and ‘grassroots’ organizations in southern Orange County.”
According to its Web site: “Some of the words on this site are hateful. Some perpetuate stereotypes. Some demonstrate great prejudice. I post them here for your review, your commentary, your analysis.
“To me, what is scary is that these words are not necessarily being mumbled by one private citizen to another, but they are being shouted by our political leaders. Our media is dedicating an excessive amount of negative coverage to a minority community. This blog is not meant to inflame a hateful situation. It is meant to lift up the carpet and expose it to the light.”
Several of the first postings reprinted a letter from Spencer McLaughlin, an Orange County legislator, about water supply problems at Kiryas Joel in Monroe.
Another was merely fun. Congratulating the Monroe-Woodbury football team, SOCAwatch wrote: “Good luck in Syracuse! For the first time in history, Jews root for the Crusaders.”
To which “Anonymous” replied: “Can you show proof that this is the ‘first time in history’?”
Woodbury —The Southern Orange County Antisemitism Watch (SOCAwatch) started up at http://socawatch.blogspot.com on Tuesday. The Woodbury-based blogger has been posting messages “to increase public awareness of antisemitic rhetoric from politicians, media, and ‘grassroots’ organizations in southern Orange County.”
According to its Web site: “Some of the words on this site are hateful. Some perpetuate stereotypes. Some demonstrate great prejudice. I post them here for your review, your commentary, your analysis.
“To me, what is scary is that these words are not necessarily being mumbled by one private citizen to another, but they are being shouted by our political leaders. Our media is dedicating an excessive amount of negative coverage to a minority community. This blog is not meant to inflame a hateful situation. It is meant to lift up the carpet and expose it to the light.”
Several of the first postings reprinted a letter from Spencer McLaughlin, an Orange County legislator, about water supply problems at Kiryas Joel in Monroe.
Another was merely fun. Congratulating the Monroe-Woodbury football team, SOCAwatch wrote: “Good luck in Syracuse! For the first time in history, Jews root for the Crusaders.”
To which “Anonymous” replied: “Can you show proof that this is the ‘first time in history’?”
about $1 million a year
ChesterC&S revives plans for new warehouse C&S Wholesale Grocers is renewing plans to build a 90-foot-tall warehouse in the Chester Industrial Park just over a month after it pulled out of the venture, former Chester Mayor Joseph Battiato said. He said he negotiated a deal to bring the wholesaler back on track to build the 373,547-square-foot refrigerated warehouse next to C&S's existing warehouse. C&S pulled out of the planning process in October. Critics feared the building would block their mountain views, use too much water and create traffic. Battiato said the Town of Chester's concerns were addressed by C&S officials, but the village would not budge on traffic and road maintenance issues. The building would straddle the village-town line, requiring approval from both municipalities. Battiato said he stepped in to protect the potential tax revenue to be generated from the new building – estimated at about $1 million a year. Battiato said he mediated a deal in which village officials agreed to speed up their review of C&S's plans in return for the company's commitment of more than $100,000 to village water and risk management funds
Tuesday, November 29, 2005
a symbol of justice, mastery and honesty
A bronze statue of Bruce Lee, a Chinese-American martial arts master in a typical fighting pose, is unveiled during a ceremony in Mostar November 26, 2005. A new symbol of unity was erected on Saturday in the ethnically divided Bosnian city of Mostar - a statue of Kung Fu legend Bruce Lee, worshipped by Muslims, Serbs and Croats. A group of enthusiasts in Mostar, the scene of fighting between Muslims and Croats in 1993-1994, agreed they needed a symbol of justice, mastery and honesty - virtues upheld by the late Chinese-American actor. (Damir Sagolj/Reuters)
Monday, November 28, 2005
HOW THEY VOTED
HOW THEY VOTED
Gannett News Service
Your representatives in Albany
The Journal News tracks legislative votes by members of the regional delegation on key bills selected by our Albany bureau. There are two ways to use this feature.
•Click on the description of any bill listed below to learn more about that bill and to see how all area legislators voted on the measure.
•Select a member of the Assembly or Senate delegations from the dropdown menus to see how that legislator voted on all of the bills in the list.
Gannett News Service
Your representatives in Albany
The Journal News tracks legislative votes by members of the regional delegation on key bills selected by our Albany bureau. There are two ways to use this feature.
•Click on the description of any bill listed below to learn more about that bill and to see how all area legislators voted on the measure.
•Select a member of the Assembly or Senate delegations from the dropdown menus to see how that legislator voted on all of the bills in the list.
Friday, November 25, 2005
Actor Pat Morita Dies at 73
Actor Pat Morita Dies at 73 By TIM MOLLOY, Associated Press Writer
13 minutes ago
Actor Pat Morita, whose portrayal of the wise and dry-witted Mr. Miyagi in "The Karate Kid" earned him an Oscar nomination, has died. He was 73.
Morita died Thursday at his home in Las Vegas of natural causes, said his wife of 12 years, Evelyn. She said in a statement that her husband, who first rose to fame with a role on "Happy Days," had "dedicated his entire life to acting and comedy."
In 1984, he appeared in the role that would define his career and spawn countless affectionate imitations. As Kesuke Miyagi, the mentor to Ralph Macchio's "Daniel-san," he taught karate while trying to catch flies with chopsticks and offering such advice as "wax on, wax off" to guide Daniel through chores to improve his skills.
Morita said in a 1986 interview with The Associated Press he was billed as Noriyuki "Pat" Morita in the film because producer Jerry Weintraub wanted him to sound more ethnic. He said he used the billing because it was "the only name my parents gave me."
He lost the 1984 best supporting actor award to Haing S. Ngor, who appeared in "The Killing Fields."
For years, Morita played small and sometimes demeaning roles in such films as "Thoroughly Modern Millie" and TV series such as "The Odd Couple" and "Green Acres." His first breakthrough came with "Happy Days," and he followed with his own brief series, "Mr. T and Tina."
"The Karate Kid," led to three sequels, the last of which, 1994's "The Next Karate Kid," paired him with a young Hilary Swank.
Morita was prolific outside of the "Karate Kid" series as well, appearing in "Honeymoon in Vegas," "Spy Hard," "Even Cowgirls Get the Blues" and "The Center of the World." He also provided the voice for a character in the Disney movie "Mulan" in 1998.
Born in northern California on June 28, 1932, the son of migrant fruit pickers, Morita spent most of his early years in the hospital with spinal tuberculosis. He later recovered only to be sent to a Japanese-American internment camp in Arizona during World War II.
"One day I was an invalid," he recalled in a 1989 AP interview. "The next day I was public enemy No. 1 being escorted to an internment camp by an FBI agent wearing a piece."
After the war, Morita's family tried to repair their finances by operating a Sacramento restaurant. It was there that Morita first tried his comedy on patrons.
Because prospects for a Japanese-American standup comic seemed poor, Morita found steady work in computers at Aerojet General. But at age 30 he entered show business full time.
"Only in America could you get away with the kind of comedy I did," he commented. "If I tried it in Japan before the war, it would have been considered blasphemy, and I would have ended in leg irons. "
Morita was to be buried at Palm Green Valley Mortuary and Cemetery.
He is survived by his wife and three daughters from a previous marriage
Wednesday, November 23, 2005
Why did less then 50% of Woodbury stay home on Election Day?
Why did less then 50% of Woodbury stay home on Election Day?
Could be a few reasons, but the same could be said of Monroe, Chester and all of Orange County. I knocked on so many doors this year and many of them all have the same issues; more baseball and soccer fields. Traffic along Rt 32, when are we going to fix the pond, bigger beach area for the Rez, a place for teens to go, what are you doing about our taxes. The one thing everyone spoke about was taxes, school taxes, town taxes, county taxes and how they can’t afford to live here any more. It could be a lot of then stayed home because they don’t care because they plan to leave ASAP. So many told me “Mike when our kids finish school we are out of here”. I heard only 42% voted in Woodbury but ones who voted I think voted for change. More to come
Could be a few reasons, but the same could be said of Monroe, Chester and all of Orange County. I knocked on so many doors this year and many of them all have the same issues; more baseball and soccer fields. Traffic along Rt 32, when are we going to fix the pond, bigger beach area for the Rez, a place for teens to go, what are you doing about our taxes. The one thing everyone spoke about was taxes, school taxes, town taxes, county taxes and how they can’t afford to live here any more. It could be a lot of then stayed home because they don’t care because they plan to leave ASAP. So many told me “Mike when our kids finish school we are out of here”. I heard only 42% voted in Woodbury but ones who voted I think voted for change. More to come
GOP to hold one-vote margin in 2006
Orange County Legislature GOP to hold one-vote margin in 2006
Three close Orange County Legislature races have been recounted at the Board of Elections and it appears that the Republicans will hold a slim one-vote margin over Democrats in the new year.
Democratic County Elections Commissioner Susan Bahren said three Democrats captured the trio of contested seats. Absentees and affidavits have all been counted and Wayne Decker topped Dennis Simmons by 11 votes in the 13 th District. Decker is the incumbent. In the Eighth District, Democrat Noel Spencer defeated Republican incumbent Dimitrios Lambros by 32 votes. In the 15 th District, Democrat Chris Eachus defeated Republican Christine Longinott. That was an open seat.
County Democratic Party Chairman Jonathan Jacobson said county residents voted for an independent county legislature.
“With the Democrats now within one vote of the majority, the people wanted the Democrats to have a strong say and I expect that we’ll be there representing the alternative point of view,” he said.
This year, Ulster County Republicans held a one-vote majority over Democrats, but the new legislature will have a 21-12 Democrat majority. Democrats also narrowed their wide gap on the Dutchess County Legislature.
Three close Orange County Legislature races have been recounted at the Board of Elections and it appears that the Republicans will hold a slim one-vote margin over Democrats in the new year.
Democratic County Elections Commissioner Susan Bahren said three Democrats captured the trio of contested seats. Absentees and affidavits have all been counted and Wayne Decker topped Dennis Simmons by 11 votes in the 13 th District. Decker is the incumbent. In the Eighth District, Democrat Noel Spencer defeated Republican incumbent Dimitrios Lambros by 32 votes. In the 15 th District, Democrat Chris Eachus defeated Republican Christine Longinott. That was an open seat.
County Democratic Party Chairman Jonathan Jacobson said county residents voted for an independent county legislature.
“With the Democrats now within one vote of the majority, the people wanted the Democrats to have a strong say and I expect that we’ll be there representing the alternative point of view,” he said.
This year, Ulster County Republicans held a one-vote majority over Democrats, but the new legislature will have a 21-12 Democrat majority. Democrats also narrowed their wide gap on the Dutchess County Legislature.
Tuesday, November 22, 2005
write-in candidate
High School Student Sworn in As Mayor By AMY F. BAILEY, Associated Press Writer
Tue Nov 22, 5:44 AM ET
Michael Sessions began talking about running for mayor when he was a sophomore in high school. He realized that dream before he got his diploma.
Sessions, an 18-year-old senior, became the city's youngest mayor on Monday when he took the oath of office. The crowd included city residents, photographers and dozens of video cameras — some from news agencies as far away as Russia and Japan.
"The first couple of days are going to be rough, I think, on me. I've just got to get acquainted with the job," Sessions said earlier Monday as he took reporters on a tour of the city, which has a population of 8,200 and is located about 100 miles southwest of Detroit. "My confidence is gaining a lot each day."
Sessions beat Mayor Doug Ingles, 51, by two votes in the Nov. 8 election despite Sessions' status as a write-in candidate.
Sessions, who used $700 from a summer job to fund his race, already has appeared on the "Late Show with David Letterman" to read the Top Ten list titled "Good Things About Being an 18-year-old Mayor."
Richard Moore says the national spotlight on Sessions means more exposure for the community.
"I think people at first were like `What's going on here?' but I think as people got to know Mike, they realized he's not your average high school senior," Moore said. "It takes a special person to run for office at any age."
Tue Nov 22, 5:44 AM ET
Michael Sessions began talking about running for mayor when he was a sophomore in high school. He realized that dream before he got his diploma.
Sessions, an 18-year-old senior, became the city's youngest mayor on Monday when he took the oath of office. The crowd included city residents, photographers and dozens of video cameras — some from news agencies as far away as Russia and Japan.
"The first couple of days are going to be rough, I think, on me. I've just got to get acquainted with the job," Sessions said earlier Monday as he took reporters on a tour of the city, which has a population of 8,200 and is located about 100 miles southwest of Detroit. "My confidence is gaining a lot each day."
Sessions beat Mayor Doug Ingles, 51, by two votes in the Nov. 8 election despite Sessions' status as a write-in candidate.
Sessions, who used $700 from a summer job to fund his race, already has appeared on the "Late Show with David Letterman" to read the Top Ten list titled "Good Things About Being an 18-year-old Mayor."
Richard Moore says the national spotlight on Sessions means more exposure for the community.
"I think people at first were like `What's going on here?' but I think as people got to know Mike, they realized he's not your average high school senior," Moore said. "It takes a special person to run for office at any age."
Monday, November 21, 2005
Sunday, November 20, 2005
Where do they all go?
Where do they all go?
The other day I was looking at a sign that had the Town Board from 1988. As I looked at the names I asked my self where are these people now. Only one was still around and that was Sheila who was a councilperson back then. Then I started to think when was the last time we saw a former board member other then Ralph attend a meeting? After you finish your term do you never come back? What about all the candidates that ran for office where they are too? I don’t think any of the persons who ran against me ever came back after they lost, why is that? Do you think anyone knows who the Supervisor was in the 1990’s or the 1980’s?
The other day I was looking at a sign that had the Town Board from 1988. As I looked at the names I asked my self where are these people now. Only one was still around and that was Sheila who was a councilperson back then. Then I started to think when was the last time we saw a former board member other then Ralph attend a meeting? After you finish your term do you never come back? What about all the candidates that ran for office where they are too? I don’t think any of the persons who ran against me ever came back after they lost, why is that? Do you think anyone knows who the Supervisor was in the 1990’s or the 1980’s?
Thursday, November 17, 2005
hey
So it’s been a while since I posted my own thoughts, but I am thinking its going to be a good 2006. Now that the election is over its time to move forward and get some work done for the better of the town. But first a few house cleaning topics: for those who read this I do not proof read my posting it’s a blogg not a term paper, just random thoughts so don’t expect it to get any better. There will always be spelling, grammar and other errors. FYI I was not able to attend a Republican committee either so I went out and won a seat to attend them and would like also to see them open to everyone some day. Last time I checked with myself I am able to make decision on my own. I also won an election I was not put into my seat by the board. I was voted by the other park commissions to be the chairmen not the Republican committee or the Town board. Oh and by the way I did show up for Town Board meetings when I was not in office for a few years before I ran. Yes I had a lot of fun growing up just like everyone else. Ok let’s move on I care about this town just like the rest of you on UB but we do have many other things in common. Time to go
Wednesday, November 16, 2005
Rockland and Orange counties are not a piggy bank for the MTA
Karben blasts MTA commuter lot parking fees
Assemblyman Ryan Karben of Rockland County today blasted a Metropolitan Transportation Authority decision to institute new parking fees of up to $200 at the agency’s commuter parking lots in Rockland and Orange counties. There are already parking fees on east of Hudson train facilities.
“The MTA is giving city subway users a free ride while they pick the pockets of suburban commuters,” Karben said, “The MTA refuses to use its surplus to assist Rockland commuters and may reduce suburban ridership with these outrageous fees.”
Karben said a study done several years ago found that Rockland already contributes $32 million more to the MTA than it gets in services. These fees will increase that gap.
“Rockland and Orange counties are not a piggy bank for the MTA,” Karben said.
Assemblyman Ryan Karben of Rockland County today blasted a Metropolitan Transportation Authority decision to institute new parking fees of up to $200 at the agency’s commuter parking lots in Rockland and Orange counties. There are already parking fees on east of Hudson train facilities.
“The MTA is giving city subway users a free ride while they pick the pockets of suburban commuters,” Karben said, “The MTA refuses to use its surplus to assist Rockland commuters and may reduce suburban ridership with these outrageous fees.”
Karben said a study done several years ago found that Rockland already contributes $32 million more to the MTA than it gets in services. These fees will increase that gap.
“Rockland and Orange counties are not a piggy bank for the MTA,” Karben said.
Tuesday, November 15, 2005
Supreme Court ballots impounded, locking up all contested election races in the Ninth JD
Supreme Court ballots impounded, locking up all contested election races in the Ninth JD
With a slim margin between the two top vote-getters in the Supreme Court race in the Ninth Judicial District, Rockland County Republican Chairman Vincent Reda yesterday got all of the voting machines in Rockland, Westchester, Orange, Putnam and Dutchess counties impounded.
This affects ongoing recounts for other contests in the affected counties, including for two close Orange County Legislature races.
Reda said he wanted to protect the integrity of a recount. “We’re only about 150 votes apart and that involves five counties, so we impounded the machines and the ballots to insure a good count,” he said. “We’re optimistic at the outcome.” A Republican will win since they are the top two vote getters, Reda said.
The winner will be either Orange County Court Judge Stewart Rosenwasser or Suffern Village Justice Matthew Byrne.
With a slim margin between the two top vote-getters in the Supreme Court race in the Ninth Judicial District, Rockland County Republican Chairman Vincent Reda yesterday got all of the voting machines in Rockland, Westchester, Orange, Putnam and Dutchess counties impounded.
This affects ongoing recounts for other contests in the affected counties, including for two close Orange County Legislature races.
Reda said he wanted to protect the integrity of a recount. “We’re only about 150 votes apart and that involves five counties, so we impounded the machines and the ballots to insure a good count,” he said. “We’re optimistic at the outcome.” A Republican will win since they are the top two vote getters, Reda said.
The winner will be either Orange County Court Judge Stewart Rosenwasser or Suffern Village Justice Matthew Byrne.
Friday, November 11, 2005
Remember our veterans
Remember our veterans
By State Senator William Larkin
On Veterans Day, Americans should pause and reflect on the sacrifices made by our veterans. All who served need to be given proper praise for a job well done. Our veterans have faced unbelievable hardships and some have faced death in defending our nation's freedom. They possess the core American values of loyalty, duty, respect, honor, selfless service, personal courage and integrity.
In today's world, our nation does not need to be in a declared war for our military to be serving at great risk or hardship. Today in Afghanistan and Iraq our soldiers are in harm's way 24 hours a day. Also, our forces are not all active duty personnel. Now, more than ever before, the Reserves and National Guard are being deployed. These citizen soldiers also need all the support our communities can provide, not only to the soldier, but to their family members at home as well.
Veterans Day is the time we recall the courageous legacy of soldiers who fought in our nation's wars, from the War of Independence to Operation Iraqi Freedom. Today our soldiers are carrying on a legacy of valor and service that soldiers before them established throughout our nation's history.
We cherish and honor both our older veterans and now our active duty soldiers. We remember that they are the American heroes who answered the nation's call, doing the hard work of preserving the peace and freedom all Americans enjoy, and bringing hope and justice to people throughout the world.
We all lead busy lives and so it is natural to overlook the meaning of the service of our veterans. They've done their job so well that our nation feels safe and secure from a very dangerous world. Veterans deserve to know that we appreciate their service. We must let them know that we truly believe America is better because of their service and sacrifice. Take the time to thank a veteran, not just on Veterans' Day, but any day that you get the chance to meet a veteran.
Whatever achievements our nation has attained, we owe to the men and women who have stood guard at the front lines of this great country. God Bless our veterans and God Bless America.
Thursday, November 10, 2005
Burke's win was 1 step at a time
Burke's win was 1 step at a time
By Chris McKenna
Times Herald-Record
cmckenna@th-record.com
Woodbury – He started knocking on doors back in June to collect signatures to run for supervisor. Later, after he'd turned in his petitions, he kept going, testing if enough people really wanted him to run.
"They kept encouraging me to keep walking," John Burke said.
He stopped his travels on Monday, having hit 1,800 homes in the town by his reckoning. The next day, voters went to the polls and made the retired high school principal Woodbury's new supervisor, giving him almost 150 votes over the incumbent, Sheila Conroy.
Yesterday, Burke was fielding calls of congratulations and placing his own to thank supporters. He hadn't spoken yet to Conroy, who has occupied the supervisor's office for four years and was the town Planning Board chairwoman and a councilwoman before that.
Burke said he'd been hopeful on Election Day when he saw the large turnout. He attributes much of that turnout and his support to the Town Board's vote last week to approve zoning changes for a 451-home project that has roiled town politics.
"It certainly got people's attention," said Burke, who had helped lead opposition to the housing proposal. "It certainly left a bad taste in people's mouths."
Burke had vowed before the election to push for the repeal of those zoning changes if elected. But two Conroy allies won board seats on Tuesday and preserved their side's majority, making that repeal goal problematic.
Indeed, being in the minority on a 3-2 board could make Burke's two-year term tricky, especially after the emotional campaign he just fought. One thing he said he wants to do first is reconsider the firms that the Town Board has been using as its legal and engineering consultants.
Burke acknowledges the difficulty he'll face being in a board minority. But he says of his future colleagues, "I plan to work with them, and I hope they'll work with me."
By Chris McKenna
Times Herald-Record
cmckenna@th-record.com
Woodbury – He started knocking on doors back in June to collect signatures to run for supervisor. Later, after he'd turned in his petitions, he kept going, testing if enough people really wanted him to run.
"They kept encouraging me to keep walking," John Burke said.
He stopped his travels on Monday, having hit 1,800 homes in the town by his reckoning. The next day, voters went to the polls and made the retired high school principal Woodbury's new supervisor, giving him almost 150 votes over the incumbent, Sheila Conroy.
Yesterday, Burke was fielding calls of congratulations and placing his own to thank supporters. He hadn't spoken yet to Conroy, who has occupied the supervisor's office for four years and was the town Planning Board chairwoman and a councilwoman before that.
Burke said he'd been hopeful on Election Day when he saw the large turnout. He attributes much of that turnout and his support to the Town Board's vote last week to approve zoning changes for a 451-home project that has roiled town politics.
"It certainly got people's attention," said Burke, who had helped lead opposition to the housing proposal. "It certainly left a bad taste in people's mouths."
Burke had vowed before the election to push for the repeal of those zoning changes if elected. But two Conroy allies won board seats on Tuesday and preserved their side's majority, making that repeal goal problematic.
Indeed, being in the minority on a 3-2 board could make Burke's two-year term tricky, especially after the emotional campaign he just fought. One thing he said he wants to do first is reconsider the firms that the Town Board has been using as its legal and engineering consultants.
Burke acknowledges the difficulty he'll face being in a board minority. But he says of his future colleagues, "I plan to work with them, and I hope they'll work with me."
Wednesday, November 09, 2005
Burke upsets incumbent
Burke upsets incumbent
By Chris McKenna
Times Herald-Record
cmckenna@th-record.com
Woodbury – John Burke, an outspoken Town Board critic who helped lead opposition to a 451-home development proposal, won a place for himself on that board yesterday by unseating Supervisor Sheila Conroy.
Burke, a Democrat, eked out a narrow victory over Conroy, the two-term incumbent and former Planning Board chairman, reflecting what must have been a fairly even division in Woodbury over a project that the board cleared only five days earlier.
But Conroy's allies will retain a 3-2 advantage on the Town Board. Her two Republican running mates, Councilwoman Geraldine Gianzero and Michael Queenan – the current Planning Board chairman – won a seven-way race for two council seats.
The campaign was dominated by debate over developer Bill Brodsky's proposal to build homes on a 400-acre tract off Dunderberg and Nininger roads.
Burke, a retired high school principal, and others had been crusading against the project since it arose a year ago. Brodsky was asking for zoning changes to increase the number of homes he could build, offering to donate open space and improve the town's water and sewer systems in return. The zoning then in place would have allowed 148 houses.
Conroy and three councilwomen went forward with the environmental review, arguing the project had benefits for the town worth considering. On Thursday night, the board met and voted 4-1 to grant the zoning changes Brodsky requested.
By Chris McKenna
Times Herald-Record
cmckenna@th-record.com
Woodbury – John Burke, an outspoken Town Board critic who helped lead opposition to a 451-home development proposal, won a place for himself on that board yesterday by unseating Supervisor Sheila Conroy.
Burke, a Democrat, eked out a narrow victory over Conroy, the two-term incumbent and former Planning Board chairman, reflecting what must have been a fairly even division in Woodbury over a project that the board cleared only five days earlier.
But Conroy's allies will retain a 3-2 advantage on the Town Board. Her two Republican running mates, Councilwoman Geraldine Gianzero and Michael Queenan – the current Planning Board chairman – won a seven-way race for two council seats.
The campaign was dominated by debate over developer Bill Brodsky's proposal to build homes on a 400-acre tract off Dunderberg and Nininger roads.
Burke, a retired high school principal, and others had been crusading against the project since it arose a year ago. Brodsky was asking for zoning changes to increase the number of homes he could build, offering to donate open space and improve the town's water and sewer systems in return. The zoning then in place would have allowed 148 houses.
Conroy and three councilwomen went forward with the environmental review, arguing the project had benefits for the town worth considering. On Thursday night, the board met and voted 4-1 to grant the zoning changes Brodsky requested.
Tuesday, November 08, 2005
KJ ruling party launches 11th hour campaign blitz
November 8 , 2005
KJ ruling party launches 11th hour campaign blitz
"Vote Republican, Get 'KJ' "
By Chris McKenna
Times Herald-Record
cmckenna@th-record.com
Monroe - Kiryas Joel's ruling party appears to have launched an 11th-hour campaign blitz loaded with dark humor and deep irony to re-elect their allies on the Monroe Town Board.
Monroe residents going to the polls today have gotten recorded phone messages and fliers intended to drive voters away from the challengers that Kiryas Joel's leadership must regard as the incumbents' biggest threat: the Democrats.
"Vote Republican, Get 'KJ,' " reads one flier handed out at polling stations today. "Vote Democrat, Get 'KJ-Lite' " Kiryas Joel's leaders, recognizing their community's unpopularity with Monroe voters, have the political savvy and mordant humor to use that reputation to try to hinder the Democrats, one of two slates vying to unseat three longtime Republican board members.
Residents of the Camp LaGuardia homeless shelter, who often perform menial labor in Kiryas Joel, were hired to stand outside onroe polling stations today and distribute fliers supporting the aveMonroe-endorsed candidates or tainting the Democrats with Kiryas Joel ssociations.
Shelter residents also plastered the fliers on the windshields of hundreds of cars parked at the Metro-North station in Harriman, leading to an altercation this evening with members of the Woodbury activist group, SOCA At Work.
Monroe residents have gotten recorded phone messages the last two days pursuing the same tactic - either cheering for SaveMonroe or trumpeting the support of the Kiryas Joel Alliance party for the Democratic candidates for Town Board. Leaders of the Monroe Democrats, SaveMonroe and Kiryas Joel Alliance have disavowed any responsibility for the fliers and recorded phone messages.
Kiryas Joel Administrator Gedalye Szegedin couldn't be reached so far today to discuss the sly campaign, which surpasses in ingenuity an earlier effort to sink a Monroe village board candidate with a similar "kiss-of-death" strategy.
KJ ruling party launches 11th hour campaign blitz
"Vote Republican, Get 'KJ' "
By Chris McKenna
Times Herald-Record
cmckenna@th-record.com
Monroe - Kiryas Joel's ruling party appears to have launched an 11th-hour campaign blitz loaded with dark humor and deep irony to re-elect their allies on the Monroe Town Board.
Monroe residents going to the polls today have gotten recorded phone messages and fliers intended to drive voters away from the challengers that Kiryas Joel's leadership must regard as the incumbents' biggest threat: the Democrats.
"Vote Republican, Get 'KJ,' " reads one flier handed out at polling stations today. "Vote Democrat, Get 'KJ-Lite' " Kiryas Joel's leaders, recognizing their community's unpopularity with Monroe voters, have the political savvy and mordant humor to use that reputation to try to hinder the Democrats, one of two slates vying to unseat three longtime Republican board members.
Residents of the Camp LaGuardia homeless shelter, who often perform menial labor in Kiryas Joel, were hired to stand outside onroe polling stations today and distribute fliers supporting the aveMonroe-endorsed candidates or tainting the Democrats with Kiryas Joel ssociations.
Shelter residents also plastered the fliers on the windshields of hundreds of cars parked at the Metro-North station in Harriman, leading to an altercation this evening with members of the Woodbury activist group, SOCA At Work.
Monroe residents have gotten recorded phone messages the last two days pursuing the same tactic - either cheering for SaveMonroe or trumpeting the support of the Kiryas Joel Alliance party for the Democratic candidates for Town Board. Leaders of the Monroe Democrats, SaveMonroe and Kiryas Joel Alliance have disavowed any responsibility for the fliers and recorded phone messages.
Kiryas Joel Administrator Gedalye Szegedin couldn't be reached so far today to discuss the sly campaign, which surpasses in ingenuity an earlier effort to sink a Monroe village board candidate with a similar "kiss-of-death" strategy.
Do you think the cost of living in our region is excessive?
RECORD ONLINE POLL
Do you think the cost of living in our region is excessive?
Yes 91.2% (758)
No 8.8% (73)
Total votes: 831
Do you think the cost of living in our region is excessive?
Yes 91.2% (758)
No 8.8% (73)
Total votes: 831
Casting call: Vote today!
November 08, 2005
Casting call: Vote today!
By Brendan Scott
Times Herald-Record
bscott@th-record.com
You've heard the names. You've followed the issues. You've seen the campaign signs. Man, have you seen the campaign signs.
Now's your chance to close the curtain on another campaign season and pull the lever to pick the leaders and court judges of your town or county.
Today is Election Day. Polls are open 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Unlike other holidays, banks and other institutions will be open today, however, the Sullivan County Government Center in Monticello will be closed.
While the presidency and governor's office aren't up for grabs today, numerous local posts are. These are the people who will decide, among other things, when your road gets repaved, how to plan for growth and who gets sent to prison and for how long.
Headlining the bill? Orange and Ulster counties, where control of both county legislatures is up for grabs. In Orange, there are also contests for county executive and county clerk. In Sullivan, voters can pick a new sheriff and treasurer.
The ballots in Orange and Ulster counties also feature battles for long-term posts on the courts. In Middletown, control of City Hall is at stake.
As with other recent elections, the hottest races are in places that have witnessed the most dramatic changes in recent years. Such locales include the towns of Cornwall, Goshen, Mamakating, Monroe, Montgomery, New Windsor, Wawarsing and Woodbury.
Also on the ballot today are two statewide propositions: a proposal that would reform the state's budget-planning process and a $2.9 billion proposal to pay for highway, bridge and mass transit projects in the next five years.
For more questions about your polling place or for more information, contact your local board of elections, in Orange County at 291-2444; Ulster County at 334-5470 and Sullivan County at 794-3000 ext. 5024.
Casting call: Vote today!
By Brendan Scott
Times Herald-Record
bscott@th-record.com
You've heard the names. You've followed the issues. You've seen the campaign signs. Man, have you seen the campaign signs.
Now's your chance to close the curtain on another campaign season and pull the lever to pick the leaders and court judges of your town or county.
Today is Election Day. Polls are open 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Unlike other holidays, banks and other institutions will be open today, however, the Sullivan County Government Center in Monticello will be closed.
While the presidency and governor's office aren't up for grabs today, numerous local posts are. These are the people who will decide, among other things, when your road gets repaved, how to plan for growth and who gets sent to prison and for how long.
Headlining the bill? Orange and Ulster counties, where control of both county legislatures is up for grabs. In Orange, there are also contests for county executive and county clerk. In Sullivan, voters can pick a new sheriff and treasurer.
The ballots in Orange and Ulster counties also feature battles for long-term posts on the courts. In Middletown, control of City Hall is at stake.
As with other recent elections, the hottest races are in places that have witnessed the most dramatic changes in recent years. Such locales include the towns of Cornwall, Goshen, Mamakating, Monroe, Montgomery, New Windsor, Wawarsing and Woodbury.
Also on the ballot today are two statewide propositions: a proposal that would reform the state's budget-planning process and a $2.9 billion proposal to pay for highway, bridge and mass transit projects in the next five years.
For more questions about your polling place or for more information, contact your local board of elections, in Orange County at 291-2444; Ulster County at 334-5470 and Sullivan County at 794-3000 ext. 5024.
Sunday, November 06, 2005
Dune Records
Weird Uncle Betty
In Porn We Trust
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Track Listing
1. Sexorama
2. Lolita
3. Shemale Thunder
4. Wet'n'Shiny
5. The Intruder (feat. BATMAGOO)
6. Susan's Party Dress
7. Betty's Dirty Peepshow
8. Rubbergirls
9. Sticky Fingerz
10. I'm The Doctor
11. Pure Hardcore
12. The Gee-Thanx Theme (feat. BATMAGOO)
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Weird Uncle Betty - the name alone hints at a very odd release, and the title of the album (In Porn We Trust) reinforces this immediate assumption. So what's in a name...? A solid release. This is a beat oriented body moving collection of tunes laced with samples based in a sexual nature. Structurally, sonically, and texturally, this resembles Norman Cook's output as of late. In fact, "Wet'n'Shiny" uses the drum loop from Fatboy Slim's "Everybody Needs a 303". These tracks are for moving the body, but they're not club-ready, which is a nice factor. The big-beat tends to get repetitive after a while, which is common in most big-beat groove oriented tracks, but there is enough sonic variation between the tracks to appease the groove palate.
Proposition 1
To the Editor:
As New Yorkers head to the polls on November 8th, voters will have the opportunity to vote on two important Propositions.
Proposition 1 is the Budget Reform measure. As you know, this year New York State had an on-time budget for the first time in 21 years. Proposition 1 is on the ballot as a result of these consistently late state budgets. It would vastly improve the budget process and put an end to late state budgets that create financial hardships for schools, hospitals, localities and hard working taxpayers who, for years, have been left to guess how much state aid they would receive when the budget is late. In addition, Proposition 1 would restore the balance of power between the Governor and Legislature and bring it more into line with most other states.
I believe the passage of Proposition 1 is needed to help bring about a more efficient and dependable budget process in New York State.
Proposition 2 is the Rebuild and Renew New York Transportation Bond Act of 2005. This $2.9 billion Bond Act will make an important investment in our State's critical transportation infrastructure, creating an estimated 120,000 jobs in the process. If the Bond Act is approved by voters, it will provide more than $180 million for projects in the Hudson Valley region.
By investing wisely now in our critical transportation infrastructure, we will be able to increase the safety of our roads, bridges, highways, and mass transit systems.
Therefore, I urge my constituents to vote yes on Proposition 1, Budget Reform Constitutional Amendments, and Proposition 2, Rebuild and Renew New York Transportation Bond Act of 2005, on November 8.
Senator Bill Larkin
39th Senate District
(Oct. 28)
As New Yorkers head to the polls on November 8th, voters will have the opportunity to vote on two important Propositions.
Proposition 1 is the Budget Reform measure. As you know, this year New York State had an on-time budget for the first time in 21 years. Proposition 1 is on the ballot as a result of these consistently late state budgets. It would vastly improve the budget process and put an end to late state budgets that create financial hardships for schools, hospitals, localities and hard working taxpayers who, for years, have been left to guess how much state aid they would receive when the budget is late. In addition, Proposition 1 would restore the balance of power between the Governor and Legislature and bring it more into line with most other states.
I believe the passage of Proposition 1 is needed to help bring about a more efficient and dependable budget process in New York State.
Proposition 2 is the Rebuild and Renew New York Transportation Bond Act of 2005. This $2.9 billion Bond Act will make an important investment in our State's critical transportation infrastructure, creating an estimated 120,000 jobs in the process. If the Bond Act is approved by voters, it will provide more than $180 million for projects in the Hudson Valley region.
By investing wisely now in our critical transportation infrastructure, we will be able to increase the safety of our roads, bridges, highways, and mass transit systems.
Therefore, I urge my constituents to vote yes on Proposition 1, Budget Reform Constitutional Amendments, and Proposition 2, Rebuild and Renew New York Transportation Bond Act of 2005, on November 8.
Senator Bill Larkin
39th Senate District
(Oct. 28)
Man glued to toilet seat, sues store Fri Nov 4, 8:26 AM ET
Man glued to toilet seat, sues store Fri Nov 4, 8:26 AM ET
A Colorado man who had a panic attack when he found he was glued to a toilet seat in a Home Depot restroom has sued the home improvement giant for negligence, saying staff ignored his plight.
Retired electrical engineer Bob Dougherty, 57, said on Thursday he was stuck in the stall with his pants down for about 20 minutes and that two years after the 2003 incident he was suffering from post-traumatic stress, which has triggered diabetes and heart complications.
"I have these nightmares every night where I am locked in this dark room, with no windows, no doors, no fresh air, no route for escape. I wake up in these cold sweats," Dougherty said.
Spokesmen for Home Depot Inc. could not immediately be reached for comment.
Dougherty said in a lawsuit filed last week in Boulder, Colorado, that he thought he was having a heart attack when he realized his buttocks and legs were stuck to the toilet seat in the Home Depot restroom in Louisville, Colorado.
He explained his plight to an employee who came into the restroom but other Home Depot staffers thought it was a hoax and he had to wait until someone else came in to again summon help.
Dougherty is claiming unspecified damages for help with medical and psychiatric bills, for humiliation and for the diabetes he said he has developed as a result of the stress.
"Home Depot not only ignored my plight, they refused my plight," he said. Dougherty said he suspected the glue had been placed there as a prank by three teens seen earlier in the store.
A Colorado man who had a panic attack when he found he was glued to a toilet seat in a Home Depot restroom has sued the home improvement giant for negligence, saying staff ignored his plight.
Retired electrical engineer Bob Dougherty, 57, said on Thursday he was stuck in the stall with his pants down for about 20 minutes and that two years after the 2003 incident he was suffering from post-traumatic stress, which has triggered diabetes and heart complications.
"I have these nightmares every night where I am locked in this dark room, with no windows, no doors, no fresh air, no route for escape. I wake up in these cold sweats," Dougherty said.
Spokesmen for Home Depot Inc. could not immediately be reached for comment.
Dougherty said in a lawsuit filed last week in Boulder, Colorado, that he thought he was having a heart attack when he realized his buttocks and legs were stuck to the toilet seat in the Home Depot restroom in Louisville, Colorado.
He explained his plight to an employee who came into the restroom but other Home Depot staffers thought it was a hoax and he had to wait until someone else came in to again summon help.
Dougherty is claiming unspecified damages for help with medical and psychiatric bills, for humiliation and for the diabetes he said he has developed as a result of the stress.
"Home Depot not only ignored my plight, they refused my plight," he said. Dougherty said he suspected the glue had been placed there as a prank by three teens seen earlier in the store.
25th anniversary edition of "Enter the Dragon" which is truly cause for celebration.
By Steve Vivona
Warner, $24.98, Widescreen
For years Bruce Lee struggled to make it as an American film star. He starred as Kato opposite Van Williams in the short-lived "Green Hornet" series and after a number of guest appearances in TV and films he went to Hong Kong and made a trio of hugely successful features. When films like "Fists of Fury," "The Chinese Connection," and "Return of the Dragon," were screened here his future in Hollywood was assured.
Realizing Lee's amazing popularity, Warner Bros. set out to make the first U.S.-produced kung fu action film with him as the star. Lee shot "Enter the Dragon" early in 1973 and he knew this would be his breakout success. Sadly he died from a cerebral edema about a month before it premiered.
"Enter the Dragon" was a worldwide phenomenon and Lee became an international icon as a result of his untimely death, joining the ranks of other stars who died too young, such as James Dean and Marilyn Monroe.
People were so desperate for anything starring Lee that some of his "Green Hornet" footage was cobbled together into a feature. More notably an entire film was shot around 20 minutes of some of the best Lee fight footage and released in 1978 as "Game of Death." As ridiculous as the film is I'm happy they did it because that excellent footage (including the infamous fight with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar) saw the light of day.
"Enter the Dragon" is Lee's answer to a James Bond film. The only real difference is the fact he's a martial artist, but all the other elements are there: the international intrigue, the beautiful girls, the despicable villain.
Lee's undeniable charisma is the heart of the film. Without him it could have been a lame kung-fu film, but he brings an intensity to the role that really makes the audience care about his character and his mission. It's important to note that he really was a fine actor in addition to being an incredible martial artist.
In the film he stars as Lee (yes, that's right) a martial artist who agrees to spy on Han, a reclusive crime lord who killed his sister and his father. Lee uses his invitation to a tournament at Han's island compound as cover, and is sent in with Roper (John Saxon) and Williams (Jim Kelly), two talented martial artists on the lam from their troubles at home.
Han suspects the trio as being spies and tries to entice them with the many pleasures a man in his position can provide. The three are unmoved and Han is forced to use other measures to deal with them.
During the tournament sequences Lee really struts his stuff. While I am an admirer of Jackie Chan he's a bit of a clown. Lee was pure kinetic force. His moves are so graceful and focused it's like watching a rapid-fire ballet. The choreography of the fight scenes, which Lee also did, is staggering especially during the climactic battle where he takes on at least 20 men. Then there's the famous finale in the mirrored room. Not only is that one of the more inventive fight sequences ever filmed it's a feat of cinematic wizardry.
We can only imagine what heights Lee would have soared to had he lived. His charm is evident even in his badly-dubbed Hong Kong films (it's refreshing to hear his actual voice in this one), and his skill makes the likes of Van Damme and Segal look like cheap knock-offs (which essentially, they are).
"Enter the Dragon" solidified the popularity of the martial arts film in this country and set the stage for hundreds of Lee imitators and imposters, as well as a ton of badly-dubbed kung fu period pieces imported for late-night viewing.
Jackie Chan, the reigning king of the martial arts, happily does not try to imitate Lee. Chan combines his formidable skill with a hefty dose of comedy and his films are a combination of Lee and Buster Keaton.
Warner has given us a wonderful 25th anniversary edition of "Enter the Dragon" which is truly cause for celebration. The remastered widescreen image is fantastic and the version provided on this DVD is an extended international version never seen before in the U.S. (the new scenes are denoted with asterisks in the chapter stops).
Also included on this fully-loaded DVD is an introduction and interview with Linda Lee Cadwell, Bruce's widow, as well as an audio commentary from producer Paul Heller and screenwriter Michael Allin. A featurette produced in 1973 is provided and a new documentary, "Bruce Lee: In His Own Words." Home movies, trailers and TV spots round out this excellent package.
A Fornario fan
A Fornario fan
I would like to thank Legislator Frank Fornario for choosing to run for another term of the Orange County Legislature. He has been referred to as a renegade, rebel, or maverick. He's been quoted as saying, "I'm not a politician, I'm a people-tician" corny, but accurate. He keeps excellent communication with local government. He has curbed wasteful spending by opposing the government acquisition of the Lycian Theater. He has honored the veterans by instituting additional burial benefits in the county veteran cemetery.
Many county and state officials viewed Kiryas Joel's attempt to tap New York City's aqueduct with a 13-mile pipeline as a done deal. Frank Fornario was one of the few politicians that stood up and took a stance against the pipeline. He took issue with the pipeline before the letter campaign that brought the county Legislature and county executive to take action. Not only am I glad to have a man of integrity like Frank Fornario representing me, but I'm also proud to call him a friend.
Brandon L. Nielsen
councilman
Town of Blooming Grove
I would like to thank Legislator Frank Fornario for choosing to run for another term of the Orange County Legislature. He has been referred to as a renegade, rebel, or maverick. He's been quoted as saying, "I'm not a politician, I'm a people-tician" corny, but accurate. He keeps excellent communication with local government. He has curbed wasteful spending by opposing the government acquisition of the Lycian Theater. He has honored the veterans by instituting additional burial benefits in the county veteran cemetery.
Many county and state officials viewed Kiryas Joel's attempt to tap New York City's aqueduct with a 13-mile pipeline as a done deal. Frank Fornario was one of the few politicians that stood up and took a stance against the pipeline. He took issue with the pipeline before the letter campaign that brought the county Legislature and county executive to take action. Not only am I glad to have a man of integrity like Frank Fornario representing me, but I'm also proud to call him a friend.
Brandon L. Nielsen
councilman
Town of Blooming Grove
News and Events
» Psychedelic / Rock / Progressive
» Americus, GA
» Allen, Phil, Kyle
» Downloadable Songs (1)
News and Events
The kick off show for the three night run will be Wednesday, March 23, at Allen's House. For information on how to get there email us at unclebettytheband@hotmail.com and we will shoot directions your way! The show will last from 8 until 12 or so. Oh...and of course, it is free!
Uncle Betty is currently booking some shows for March 24, 25, and 26 to add to the Tuesday, March 29th show at Georgia Southwestern. These shows would be in and around Albany and Americus.
ALSO!!! Go to www.myspace.com/unclebetty for more music. Two more songs will be on the myspace shortly.
Check back often for more updates on shows and music. www.myspace.com/unclebetty
Saturday, November 05, 2005
Satmar Rivals Feud In Court and Outside It
Satmar Rivals Feud In Court and Outside It
Today's Forward reports on the controversy between supporters of two sons of the grand rebbe of the Satmar Hasidic sect. Each side claims that their rabbi is the rightful successor to the ailing 91 year old leader of the ultra-Orthodox Jewish group. New York Supreme Court Judge Stewart Rosenwasser is presiding in a case in upstate New York that focuses on which group should control a cemetery in Kiryas Joel.
Rosenwasser, who is up for re-election as judge next week, recently issued a temporary ruling in favor of one of Rabbi Aaron Teitelbaum's followers, but warned that it should not be read as determining the broader question of who controls the Satmar's communal assets of more than $100 million. Earlier, a different Brooklyn judge had ruled that followers of Rabbi Zalmen Teitelbaum, the other brother, should control the group. The Forward reports that coincidentally, Rabbi Aaron's followers are an important voting bloc in Rosenwasser's district. The feud between the two factions has led to physical violence between them at the main Satmar synagogue in Brooklyn. On Oct. 27, the judge wrote to lawyers on both sides demanding an explanation of the fight that broke out at the synagogue two days earlier during Shemini Atzeret services.
posted by Howard Friedman @ 7:10 AM
Today's Forward reports on the controversy between supporters of two sons of the grand rebbe of the Satmar Hasidic sect. Each side claims that their rabbi is the rightful successor to the ailing 91 year old leader of the ultra-Orthodox Jewish group. New York Supreme Court Judge Stewart Rosenwasser is presiding in a case in upstate New York that focuses on which group should control a cemetery in Kiryas Joel.
Rosenwasser, who is up for re-election as judge next week, recently issued a temporary ruling in favor of one of Rabbi Aaron Teitelbaum's followers, but warned that it should not be read as determining the broader question of who controls the Satmar's communal assets of more than $100 million. Earlier, a different Brooklyn judge had ruled that followers of Rabbi Zalmen Teitelbaum, the other brother, should control the group. The Forward reports that coincidentally, Rabbi Aaron's followers are an important voting bloc in Rosenwasser's district. The feud between the two factions has led to physical violence between them at the main Satmar synagogue in Brooklyn. On Oct. 27, the judge wrote to lawyers on both sides demanding an explanation of the fight that broke out at the synagogue two days earlier during Shemini Atzeret services.
posted by Howard Friedman @ 7:10 AM
Levinson: Justice in Woodbury is ‘not delayed or denied’
Levinson: Justice in Woodbury is ‘not delayed or denied’
To the editor:
With election day 2005 rapidly approaching, I write this letter to reaffirm to the residents of the Town of Woodbury my steadfast commitment to maintain the Woodbury justice court free of political intrusion and a court dedicated to the swift administration of justice.
My commitment and dedication have not diminished one bit over the last 28 years as your town justice. My devotion to the prompt, fair administration of justice remains as strong today as it was in 1978. Although our court calendar has expanded measurably over the years, the court, with the assistance of a loyal and highly skilled staff, has kept rapid pace with the burgeoning case load. We have no delays in the handling of cases. Justice in Woodbury is not delayed or denied anyone.
I am proud of the opportunity I had to serve with my colleague and friend, the late Judge Edward Kellman. Ed will be missed and not be easily replaced. I am proud of the Woodbury Court’s accomplishments. I am also proud to have served as your town justice for almost 28 years. I sincerely hope you give me the same support on Nov. 8 as you did when I was first elected in November 1977.
David L. Levinson
Highland Mills
To the editor:
With election day 2005 rapidly approaching, I write this letter to reaffirm to the residents of the Town of Woodbury my steadfast commitment to maintain the Woodbury justice court free of political intrusion and a court dedicated to the swift administration of justice.
My commitment and dedication have not diminished one bit over the last 28 years as your town justice. My devotion to the prompt, fair administration of justice remains as strong today as it was in 1978. Although our court calendar has expanded measurably over the years, the court, with the assistance of a loyal and highly skilled staff, has kept rapid pace with the burgeoning case load. We have no delays in the handling of cases. Justice in Woodbury is not delayed or denied anyone.
I am proud of the opportunity I had to serve with my colleague and friend, the late Judge Edward Kellman. Ed will be missed and not be easily replaced. I am proud of the Woodbury Court’s accomplishments. I am also proud to have served as your town justice for almost 28 years. I sincerely hope you give me the same support on Nov. 8 as you did when I was first elected in November 1977.
David L. Levinson
Highland Mills
Support for Hasin as Woodbury town judge
Support for Hasin as Woodbury town judge
To the editor:
I am enthusiastically supporting David Hasin’s candidacy for Woodbury town judge. David has been my family’s attorney for many years. He is well qualified and experienced. In addition, I know David to be fair-minded and even-tempered. These are, I believe, the precise qualities that serve to make an individual an outstanding judge.
Throughout the years I observed David to be a man of integrity and I am confident he will be a fair, open-minded and principled town justice.
Please vote on Election Day and join me in my support for David Hasin for Woodbury town judge.
Dr. Sherri Alpert
Highland Mills
To the editor:
I am enthusiastically supporting David Hasin’s candidacy for Woodbury town judge. David has been my family’s attorney for many years. He is well qualified and experienced. In addition, I know David to be fair-minded and even-tempered. These are, I believe, the precise qualities that serve to make an individual an outstanding judge.
Throughout the years I observed David to be a man of integrity and I am confident he will be a fair, open-minded and principled town justice.
Please vote on Election Day and join me in my support for David Hasin for Woodbury town judge.
Dr. Sherri Alpert
Highland Mills
The race for Supervisor in the Town of Woodbury
The race for Supervisor in the Town of Woodbury
John Burke,Democrat
Biographical information: Personal: Age 65. Married 42 years; six children and 11 grandchildren.
Military Experience: Honorable Discharge United States Marine Corps Reserve.
Professional: Educator for 37 years, including 22 years as Nanuet High School Principal. Many leadership awards. Ten years of negotiating experience. Twenty two years of budget building experience and accountability.
Community involvement: 36-year resident. Former Little League coach. Former CYO basketball coach.
John Burke (Left) and Sheila Conroy (Right).
Candidate statement: We should control our own destiny.
The destiny of how our town will be in the future is to be decided now. The current residents are entitled, since they are paying the bills, to determine not only what Woodbury should look like but also will we be able to afford to live here in the not too distant future. A detailed audit will help us run a more efficient town.
Officials must make prudent decisions about our quality of life and maintain an affordable tax structure. Every day we are reminded as we travel on Route 32 that traffic is a nightmare. A new review of traffic conditions along Route 32 is necessary, by all parties involved, in order to allow a smoother flow of traffic.
Allowing five new laws which will permit more traffic and drain on our infrastructure (roads, water, sewer system, emergency services, courts, streams, schools, town and school taxes, etc.) is not what is needed. We can best control our own destiny by following our current zoning laws.
Our new town board must reach out to our greatest asset - the public. Those individuals with suggestions and expertise must be treated respectfully and professionally because Woodbury belongs to all residents, not just the town board. A total commitment to our master plan, fiscal responsibility and open government are basic if our elected officials are to meet the needs of our residents.
I am asking all Woodbury voters to support me so, with your help, I can help protect our zoning laws, infrastructure, hold down our taxes and give back our government to the people.
Sheila Conroy, Republican
Biographical information: I am currently supervisor of the Town of Woodbury, serving my second two-year term. I have 22 years of community-oriented experience in Woodbury, including being a founding member of our Historical Society and of a non-partisan citizen’s advocate group, serving as president in the mid 1980’s.
Prior to this, I was a secondary social studies teacher and taught New York State Government.
Candidate’s statement: Rather than being someone criticizing others, I preferred to become involved in a positive way by working with people and helping to solve problems. I have served our community as a town council member (four years), a Planning Board member (12 years) and now supervisor. When problems arose about Nepera, I was asked by the town to help form the Community Advisory Panel and then served as Woodbury’s representative.
Financially, I have worked to obtain grants (Timber Ridge sidewalks, Senior Center flooring and parking lot) and to phase projects in order to spread out costs. Preserving open space has been a high priority, such as initiating the town’s first open space plan and acquiring more than 70 acres of land for under $25,000.
On environmental issues, I have effectively used my knowledge of the state Environmental Law to insist that proper procedures are followed on projects affecting our town, such as the Kiryas Joel pipeline and the Sullivan County casino traffic.
I am a senior member of the Southeast Traffic Task Force, which recently received a Pattern for Progress award and federal money to redo the Thruway entrance.
I will continue to bring years of experience and knowledge to deal with the serious issues facing Woodbury, including the pipeline, annexation and sprawl.
I urge people to look at candidates’ government experience and what they have done for Woodbury. Hear both sides in order to make informed decisions.
Friday, November 04, 2005
Calhoun backs Lambros for re-election
Calhoun backs Lambros for re-election
To the editor:
As an incumbent Orange County Legislator, Dimitrios Lambros has stood up for what is right these past four years.
When legislation in Albany threatened condominium homeowners with exorbitant tax increases, who of the current candidates worked to get this bill killed? Only Dimitrios Lambros.
When neighbors of Camp LaGuardia held a press conference to demand a monitor and protection for their families, who was there? Only Dimitrios Lambros.
When the Chester Town Board held a hearing to address the 900 Sugar Loaf parcels who are double-taxed for library services, who supported allowing these residents to be permanently removed from the School District Library? Only Dimitrios Lambros.
When the Commission on Alternatives to School Property Tax held a hearing in the Legislative Chambers, who was there to support seeking change to this outdated system? Only Dimitrios Lambros.
When you cast your vote in the 8th District, whether in the towns of Chester, Tuxedo, Warwick, or Monroe, who has shown, through his dedication, that he will continue to work effectively in your best interests? Only Dimitrios Lambros.
Very truly yours,
Nancy Calhoun
Member of Assembly, 96th A.D.
Washingtonville
To the editor:
As an incumbent Orange County Legislator, Dimitrios Lambros has stood up for what is right these past four years.
When legislation in Albany threatened condominium homeowners with exorbitant tax increases, who of the current candidates worked to get this bill killed? Only Dimitrios Lambros.
When neighbors of Camp LaGuardia held a press conference to demand a monitor and protection for their families, who was there? Only Dimitrios Lambros.
When the Chester Town Board held a hearing to address the 900 Sugar Loaf parcels who are double-taxed for library services, who supported allowing these residents to be permanently removed from the School District Library? Only Dimitrios Lambros.
When the Commission on Alternatives to School Property Tax held a hearing in the Legislative Chambers, who was there to support seeking change to this outdated system? Only Dimitrios Lambros.
When you cast your vote in the 8th District, whether in the towns of Chester, Tuxedo, Warwick, or Monroe, who has shown, through his dedication, that he will continue to work effectively in your best interests? Only Dimitrios Lambros.
Very truly yours,
Nancy Calhoun
Member of Assembly, 96th A.D.
Washingtonville
Caruso is ‘a tireless advocate’
Caruso is ‘a tireless advocate’
To the editor:
I am writing in support of Ralph Caruso in the race for Orange County Legislator representing the 14th District, which includes the Towns of Woodbury and Highlands.
Ralph, a 31-year resident of Highland Mills, has served as a Woodbury Town councilman, as well as a member of the Board of Police Commissioners, the Board of Health, the Architectural Review Board and most recently as chairman of the Zoning Board of Appeals.
Having had the pleasure to serve on the ZBA with Ralph for the past two years I have witnessed first-hand his dedication to public service, evidenced by the effort and hours of preparation that he puts in. I am certain he will demonstrate the same exceptional level of commitment as a county legislator.
With many of the serious issues regarding unrestrained growth, congestion, traffic and disproportionate sharing of county sales tax revenue facing our district we need a tireless advocate like Ralph Caruso to fight for us.
I hope that all residents of the Towns of Woodbury and Highlands will join me on Nov. 8th in voting for Ralph Caruso, a proven leader who will get results and give us the representation we deserve.
Buddy Mickolajczyk
Highland Mills
To the editor:
I am writing in support of Ralph Caruso in the race for Orange County Legislator representing the 14th District, which includes the Towns of Woodbury and Highlands.
Ralph, a 31-year resident of Highland Mills, has served as a Woodbury Town councilman, as well as a member of the Board of Police Commissioners, the Board of Health, the Architectural Review Board and most recently as chairman of the Zoning Board of Appeals.
Having had the pleasure to serve on the ZBA with Ralph for the past two years I have witnessed first-hand his dedication to public service, evidenced by the effort and hours of preparation that he puts in. I am certain he will demonstrate the same exceptional level of commitment as a county legislator.
With many of the serious issues regarding unrestrained growth, congestion, traffic and disproportionate sharing of county sales tax revenue facing our district we need a tireless advocate like Ralph Caruso to fight for us.
I hope that all residents of the Towns of Woodbury and Highlands will join me on Nov. 8th in voting for Ralph Caruso, a proven leader who will get results and give us the representation we deserve.
Buddy Mickolajczyk
Highland Mills
Ralph Caruso is ‘a proven leader’
Ralph Caruso is ‘a proven leader’
To the editor:
It is no secret that the town of Woodbury has had its share of major issues to contend with in the past. Our town has had to confront environment issues, controversial zoning matters, new construction challenges, increasingly heavy traffic patterns, rapid population growth, property infringements and a multiple array of other distractions which have impacted on the quality of our local community. Throughout all of it I have observed Ralph Caruso’s steady, selfless leadership. He is involved in just about every group or movement devoted to improving life in Woodbury.
Ralph Caruso has led others and been leader enough to know when to be a good soldier. In my own 35 years of community service in downstate New York and Orange County I have rarely seen a person with the level of integrity, enthusiasm and graciousness of this fine public servant. Make no mistake - Ralph Caruso is an effective gentleman in the rough and tumble world of local community politics.
Consider this: he is a 35 year resident of the town of Woodbury. He is active is his church, an fervent outdoorsman, a U.S. Navy veteran, a member of the local historical society, active in issues impacting on senior citizens and matters of law and order. Additionally, Mr. Caruso is college educated, a retired New York City transit worker, past town council member, a former Human Rights Commissioner, and a Board of Health member. He has been a loyal assistant and key aide to the Senator Bill Larkin for 12 years. Ralph Caruso goes the distance. He is a person who gets into the arena to do his best for his fellow neighbors regardless of where they reside.
I believe in this man and trust him to be an outstanding member of the legislature. Regardless of your political affiliation I urge the people in Highlands and Woodbury to elect Ralph Caruso. He will represent the interests of the residents of Highlands and Woodbury.
Leadership is never easy, but Ralph Caruso can make our lives a little easier through his earnest devotion to serve all of us. The challenges of our district’s past requires that we elect the best person for a positive future - Ralph Caruso, a proven leader, a devoted public servant.
Dr. Roberto Calderin
Highland Mills
To the editor:
It is no secret that the town of Woodbury has had its share of major issues to contend with in the past. Our town has had to confront environment issues, controversial zoning matters, new construction challenges, increasingly heavy traffic patterns, rapid population growth, property infringements and a multiple array of other distractions which have impacted on the quality of our local community. Throughout all of it I have observed Ralph Caruso’s steady, selfless leadership. He is involved in just about every group or movement devoted to improving life in Woodbury.
Ralph Caruso has led others and been leader enough to know when to be a good soldier. In my own 35 years of community service in downstate New York and Orange County I have rarely seen a person with the level of integrity, enthusiasm and graciousness of this fine public servant. Make no mistake - Ralph Caruso is an effective gentleman in the rough and tumble world of local community politics.
Consider this: he is a 35 year resident of the town of Woodbury. He is active is his church, an fervent outdoorsman, a U.S. Navy veteran, a member of the local historical society, active in issues impacting on senior citizens and matters of law and order. Additionally, Mr. Caruso is college educated, a retired New York City transit worker, past town council member, a former Human Rights Commissioner, and a Board of Health member. He has been a loyal assistant and key aide to the Senator Bill Larkin for 12 years. Ralph Caruso goes the distance. He is a person who gets into the arena to do his best for his fellow neighbors regardless of where they reside.
I believe in this man and trust him to be an outstanding member of the legislature. Regardless of your political affiliation I urge the people in Highlands and Woodbury to elect Ralph Caruso. He will represent the interests of the residents of Highlands and Woodbury.
Leadership is never easy, but Ralph Caruso can make our lives a little easier through his earnest devotion to serve all of us. The challenges of our district’s past requires that we elect the best person for a positive future - Ralph Caruso, a proven leader, a devoted public servant.
Dr. Roberto Calderin
Highland Mills
Caruso challenges letter writer’s version of Woodbury park issue
Caruso challenges letter writer’s version of Woodbury park issue
To the editor,
This letter is in response to the letter in the Oct. 28 issue of The Photo News by Neil Crouse.
Shame on you Neil Crouse, for fabricating words to suit your needs, then putting quotes around them and crediting me with saying them. Your desperation to get my opponent elected is making you push the envelope on common decency.
Earlier in 2001, my opponent urged the Town Board to apply for an Orange County Municipal Park Grant. Dec. 20, 2001, after research, I correctly cautioned the Town Board not to apply for or accept any county, state or federal grants for our Woodbury Parks, because you will subject us to open Our Parks to all non-residents.
As Sal Marciano would say, Go To The Video Tape, of Dec. 20, 2001, where Councilman John Kelemen said: “I immediately the next day called the comptroller’s Office.” “Anytime you pretty much take any other kind of money unless it’s private funds … if it’s government money, you are open and libel somewhere down the road.” “I think Mr. Caruso is being protective and rightfully so….” I know of one grant you volunteered to complete, the application for a grant package I presented to the Town Board in October 2001, for improvements to the Woodbury Water System, from the Clean Water / Clean Air Act. In fact you came back to the Town Board in the early 2002, and told the Town Board, that the Town can not qualify for this grant. Councilwoman, Holly Gubernick-Borzacchiello and myself, took the grant application and completed it. I filed it in Senator Larkin’s office, where it was processed and forwarded to the Empire State Development Corporation on April 19, 2002. The Application was approved for $300,000 on August 1, 2002.
I hope this information clears up any of your confusion.
Sincerely,
Ralph Caruso
Orange County Legislator
Candidate 14th District
To the editor,
This letter is in response to the letter in the Oct. 28 issue of The Photo News by Neil Crouse.
Shame on you Neil Crouse, for fabricating words to suit your needs, then putting quotes around them and crediting me with saying them. Your desperation to get my opponent elected is making you push the envelope on common decency.
Earlier in 2001, my opponent urged the Town Board to apply for an Orange County Municipal Park Grant. Dec. 20, 2001, after research, I correctly cautioned the Town Board not to apply for or accept any county, state or federal grants for our Woodbury Parks, because you will subject us to open Our Parks to all non-residents.
As Sal Marciano would say, Go To The Video Tape, of Dec. 20, 2001, where Councilman John Kelemen said: “I immediately the next day called the comptroller’s Office.” “Anytime you pretty much take any other kind of money unless it’s private funds … if it’s government money, you are open and libel somewhere down the road.” “I think Mr. Caruso is being protective and rightfully so….” I know of one grant you volunteered to complete, the application for a grant package I presented to the Town Board in October 2001, for improvements to the Woodbury Water System, from the Clean Water / Clean Air Act. In fact you came back to the Town Board in the early 2002, and told the Town Board, that the Town can not qualify for this grant. Councilwoman, Holly Gubernick-Borzacchiello and myself, took the grant application and completed it. I filed it in Senator Larkin’s office, where it was processed and forwarded to the Empire State Development Corporation on April 19, 2002. The Application was approved for $300,000 on August 1, 2002.
I hope this information clears up any of your confusion.
Sincerely,
Ralph Caruso
Orange County Legislator
Candidate 14th District
Woodbury board OKs housing
Woodbury board OKs housing
By Chris McKenna
Times Herald-Record
cmckenna@th-record.com
Woodbury – The Town Board met last night at the Woodbury senior citizens center and adopted a package of laws allowing developer Bill Brodsky to proceed with plans to build 451 homes on land previously zoned for 148, off Dunderberg and Nininger roads.
All the votes were 4-1, with Councilman Michael Aronowitz
casting the sole dissenting vote. Supervisor Sheila Conroy and councilwomen Geraldine Gianzero, Lorraine McNeill and Colleen Campbell voted yes.
It was a strangely muted conclusion to a controversy that has stirred fierce opposition at town meetings.
The crowd of about 100 was silent after the votes. Several spectators later rose to speak, but the board wouldn't let anyone talk about the project without the developer or his representatives there to respond.
Afterward, Conroy reiterated what she has said all along were some of the project's chief merits, including the donation of more than 100 acres of open space to the town and the inclusion of age-restricted houses.
"The thing I feel bad about is it was turned into a political issue from the beginning," she said.
Aronowitz, who has repeatedly urged the board to hold off on the votes until it finishes updating the town master plan, said afterward he was concerned both about the Brodsky project and a cluster-housing law just adopted that affects other large land parcels in town.
"To me, it's not just one project," he said.
Brodsky's proposal still needs Planning Board approval. That board has already begun reviewing the project, even though the Town Board had not yet adopted the required zoning modifications.
By Chris McKenna
Times Herald-Record
cmckenna@th-record.com
Woodbury – The Town Board met last night at the Woodbury senior citizens center and adopted a package of laws allowing developer Bill Brodsky to proceed with plans to build 451 homes on land previously zoned for 148, off Dunderberg and Nininger roads.
All the votes were 4-1, with Councilman Michael Aronowitz
casting the sole dissenting vote. Supervisor Sheila Conroy and councilwomen Geraldine Gianzero, Lorraine McNeill and Colleen Campbell voted yes.
It was a strangely muted conclusion to a controversy that has stirred fierce opposition at town meetings.
The crowd of about 100 was silent after the votes. Several spectators later rose to speak, but the board wouldn't let anyone talk about the project without the developer or his representatives there to respond.
Afterward, Conroy reiterated what she has said all along were some of the project's chief merits, including the donation of more than 100 acres of open space to the town and the inclusion of age-restricted houses.
"The thing I feel bad about is it was turned into a political issue from the beginning," she said.
Aronowitz, who has repeatedly urged the board to hold off on the votes until it finishes updating the town master plan, said afterward he was concerned both about the Brodsky project and a cluster-housing law just adopted that affects other large land parcels in town.
"To me, it's not just one project," he said.
Brodsky's proposal still needs Planning Board approval. That board has already begun reviewing the project, even though the Town Board had not yet adopted the required zoning modifications.
Thursday, November 03, 2005
Last minute vote called on Woodbury development
Last minute vote called on Woodbury development
By Chris McKenna
Times Herald-Record
cmckenna@th-record.com
Woodbury – In a last-minute surprise before Election Day, the Town Board has scheduled a climactic vote tonight on the bombshell issue that has consumed town politics for a year.
After months of rancorous debate that spilled from Town Hall into political campaigns, the board will finally vote on a set of laws that would allow the developer Bill Brodsky to build 451 homes on land zoned for 148.
Town Supervisor Sheila Conroy said today the vote was scheduled after the board met on Monday and found only minor changes to make in a 30-page document that ends the project's environmental review.
"We're at the point where it's time to make a decision," Conroy said.
Tonight, the board will vote on that findings statement, then on five proposed laws that would allow the project to move forward to the Planning Board.
The decision to vote tonight caught opponents unawares.
John Burke, who has led the charge against the project and is challenging Conroy for office on Tuesday, accused the board of rushing to meet a "timetable set up by the developer."
"They are following a developer's schedule, and I think that's disgraceful," he said.
Councilwoman Geraldine Gianzero, anticipating criticism of the vote's timing, said it had nothing to do with the upcoming election or Brodsky's schedule
"All the information is in," said Gianzero, who's also up for election Tuesday. "As politically charged as this is, we will not put off the town's business."
Expecting a large turnout, the board has moved its 7:30 p.m. meeting from Town Hall on Route 32 to the senior citizens center nearby on Route 105.
Read more in tomorrow's edition of the Times Herald-Record.
By Chris McKenna
Times Herald-Record
cmckenna@th-record.com
Woodbury – In a last-minute surprise before Election Day, the Town Board has scheduled a climactic vote tonight on the bombshell issue that has consumed town politics for a year.
After months of rancorous debate that spilled from Town Hall into political campaigns, the board will finally vote on a set of laws that would allow the developer Bill Brodsky to build 451 homes on land zoned for 148.
Town Supervisor Sheila Conroy said today the vote was scheduled after the board met on Monday and found only minor changes to make in a 30-page document that ends the project's environmental review.
"We're at the point where it's time to make a decision," Conroy said.
Tonight, the board will vote on that findings statement, then on five proposed laws that would allow the project to move forward to the Planning Board.
The decision to vote tonight caught opponents unawares.
John Burke, who has led the charge against the project and is challenging Conroy for office on Tuesday, accused the board of rushing to meet a "timetable set up by the developer."
"They are following a developer's schedule, and I think that's disgraceful," he said.
Councilwoman Geraldine Gianzero, anticipating criticism of the vote's timing, said it had nothing to do with the upcoming election or Brodsky's schedule
"All the information is in," said Gianzero, who's also up for election Tuesday. "As politically charged as this is, we will not put off the town's business."
Expecting a large turnout, the board has moved its 7:30 p.m. meeting from Town Hall on Route 32 to the senior citizens center nearby on Route 105.
Read more in tomorrow's edition of the Times Herald-Record.
A big zero for Woodbury!
Diana gives $1M for open space
With less than a week to go before he and the Orange County Legislature face re-election, Republican County Executive Ed Diana doled out more than $1 million in open space preservation grants to the area yesterday.
As some Democrats had expected, this round included $200,000 to help the Town of Chester pay down the $4 million cost of buying Broadview farm last year. Chester is the site of a hard-fought race between Legislator Dimitrios Lambros, R-Sugar Loaf, and Democratic challenger, Noel Spencer, a Chester councilman.
The grant is expected to help the incumbent. Diana had previously denied Chester funding, and the town had considered suing.
"I think the timing's fine," Diana said yesterday. "Everybody knew it was coming before Election Day. It wasn't hidden."
The other grants were:
- $75,000 to the Town of Crawford to help purchase a water supply well.
- $181,900 to the Town of Greenville to purchase the development rights of the Priest farm.
- $109,200 to the Town of Montgomery assist in the purchase of the development rights of Hodgson Farms.
- $436,000 to the Town of Warwick to help purchase the development rights of the Wisner Farm.
Brendan Scott
With less than a week to go before he and the Orange County Legislature face re-election, Republican County Executive Ed Diana doled out more than $1 million in open space preservation grants to the area yesterday.
As some Democrats had expected, this round included $200,000 to help the Town of Chester pay down the $4 million cost of buying Broadview farm last year. Chester is the site of a hard-fought race between Legislator Dimitrios Lambros, R-Sugar Loaf, and Democratic challenger, Noel Spencer, a Chester councilman.
The grant is expected to help the incumbent. Diana had previously denied Chester funding, and the town had considered suing.
"I think the timing's fine," Diana said yesterday. "Everybody knew it was coming before Election Day. It wasn't hidden."
The other grants were:
- $75,000 to the Town of Crawford to help purchase a water supply well.
- $181,900 to the Town of Greenville to purchase the development rights of the Priest farm.
- $109,200 to the Town of Montgomery assist in the purchase of the development rights of Hodgson Farms.
- $436,000 to the Town of Warwick to help purchase the development rights of the Wisner Farm.
Brendan Scott
Why is memo ignored?
Why is memo ignored?
A June 1, 2001, memorandum from Town of Woodbury planner Stuart Turner to former supervisor Ted Jones gives reasons for rezoning all existing 2-acre and several 1-acre parcels to 3 acres: traffic congestion, lack of sewer capacity, water supply near capacity, increasing school taxes, and increasing loss of semirural and suburban character of Woodbury.
Turner wrote, "... the Town does not wish to permit additional stresses by allowing new development within its borders."
Since then, more than 250 homes have been built. And the current administration will vote on its proposed high-density cluster laws that will make development possible for Suburban (450 homes) and Legacy Ridge (281 homes). If those laws are passed, owners of more than 2,000 additional acres will also be able to apply for high-density zoning.
Why is the present administration ignoring the memorandum's advice? We'll be hit with escalating taxes, traffic and air and water pollution. That will be the legacy of the officials who pass the high-density laws, so they should be required to live in Woodbury for life and deal with their legacy.
Mary Gross-Ferraro
Highland Mills
A June 1, 2001, memorandum from Town of Woodbury planner Stuart Turner to former supervisor Ted Jones gives reasons for rezoning all existing 2-acre and several 1-acre parcels to 3 acres: traffic congestion, lack of sewer capacity, water supply near capacity, increasing school taxes, and increasing loss of semirural and suburban character of Woodbury.
Turner wrote, "... the Town does not wish to permit additional stresses by allowing new development within its borders."
Since then, more than 250 homes have been built. And the current administration will vote on its proposed high-density cluster laws that will make development possible for Suburban (450 homes) and Legacy Ridge (281 homes). If those laws are passed, owners of more than 2,000 additional acres will also be able to apply for high-density zoning.
Why is the present administration ignoring the memorandum's advice? We'll be hit with escalating taxes, traffic and air and water pollution. That will be the legacy of the officials who pass the high-density laws, so they should be required to live in Woodbury for life and deal with their legacy.
Mary Gross-Ferraro
Highland Mills
Tuesday, November 01, 2005
New Worm Targets AOL Instant Messenger
New Worm Targets AOL Instant Messenger Jay Wrolstad, newsfactor.com
Mon Oct 31, 4:23 PM ET
A dangerous new worm is spreading through the AOL (NYSE: AOL - news) Instant Messenger (AIM) network. Identified by security experts, it provides hackers with an opening for installing all kinds of malware on compromised PCs.
The W32/Sdbot-ADD worm is particularly nasty because it includes what is called a "rootkit," which is software designed to go to the root of an operating system, circumventing virus protection and firewall software.
When a machine is compromised with such software, it gives hackers the ability to execute remote commands and install anything they want on the vulnerable PC.
New Attack Vector
"This is the first time a rootkit has [targeted] instant messaging," said Tyler Wells, senior director of engineering for instant-messaging security specialist FaceTime Communications.
Wells explained that this worm goes far beyond installing a single version of malware. He explained that the rootkit can include software to intercept data from network connections and even from the keyboard. It also acts as a vector for installing adware, worms, and viruses.
The worm works by targeting AIM users, who might get what appears to be a message from someone on a buddy list asking them to click on a link in the message. If they comply, the virus is downloaded to the machine.
Disturbing Trend
The worm was detected in a "honey pot" machine set up by FaceTime to track malware on instant-messaging networks and Web sites for malicious code and hazardous URLs.
FaceTime indicated that all AIM users are at risk.
"This is part of a disturbing trend, and attacks based on instant-messaging clients will only get worse over time," Wells said.
FaceTime noted that in the past year there has been a 20-fold increase in the number worms and viruses hitting messaging clients.
The best advice for AIM users is to avoid clicking on any URLs included in instant messages, even if the links look legitimate.
Mon Oct 31, 4:23 PM ET
A dangerous new worm is spreading through the AOL (NYSE: AOL - news) Instant Messenger (AIM) network. Identified by security experts, it provides hackers with an opening for installing all kinds of malware on compromised PCs.
The W32/Sdbot-ADD worm is particularly nasty because it includes what is called a "rootkit," which is software designed to go to the root of an operating system, circumventing virus protection and firewall software.
When a machine is compromised with such software, it gives hackers the ability to execute remote commands and install anything they want on the vulnerable PC.
New Attack Vector
"This is the first time a rootkit has [targeted] instant messaging," said Tyler Wells, senior director of engineering for instant-messaging security specialist FaceTime Communications.
Wells explained that this worm goes far beyond installing a single version of malware. He explained that the rootkit can include software to intercept data from network connections and even from the keyboard. It also acts as a vector for installing adware, worms, and viruses.
The worm works by targeting AIM users, who might get what appears to be a message from someone on a buddy list asking them to click on a link in the message. If they comply, the virus is downloaded to the machine.
Disturbing Trend
The worm was detected in a "honey pot" machine set up by FaceTime to track malware on instant-messaging networks and Web sites for malicious code and hazardous URLs.
FaceTime indicated that all AIM users are at risk.
"This is part of a disturbing trend, and attacks based on instant-messaging clients will only get worse over time," Wells said.
FaceTime noted that in the past year there has been a 20-fold increase in the number worms and viruses hitting messaging clients.
The best advice for AIM users is to avoid clicking on any URLs included in instant messages, even if the links look legitimate.
Monday, October 31, 2005
Support Republicans in Woodbury races
Support Republicans in Woodbury races
To the editor:
I’d like to ask voters in the Town of Woodbury to come out in full force and elect Michael Queenan and incumbent Geraldine Gianzero to the Town Board. Both are dedicated to the town and its issues.
Ms. Gianzero, a life-long resident of our town, knows firsthand what problems the town is facing and works diligently each and every day to make sure that the residents voices are heard loud and clear.
Mike Queenan is also very knowledgeable about the issues facing Woodbury. He is the chairperson for the Planning Board and he also is on the Woodbury Comprehensive Plan Committee. His experience with the Town of Woodbury is unmatched by anyone else running for the town board.
I would also ask that you re-elect Sheila Conroy to the position of town supervisor. No other town supervisor has put in the time and energy that she displays. Why? She cares deeply about this town and understands that the absence of a good leader can be detrimental. She researches all aspect of an issue before making any rash decisions.
Our town needs these candidates to represent the voice of all the people and not just their own agendas. Vote in the Nov. 8 election if for no other reason than to save our town and our quality of life.
Peter M. Stabile
Highway Superintendent
Town of Woodbury
To the editor:
I’d like to ask voters in the Town of Woodbury to come out in full force and elect Michael Queenan and incumbent Geraldine Gianzero to the Town Board. Both are dedicated to the town and its issues.
Ms. Gianzero, a life-long resident of our town, knows firsthand what problems the town is facing and works diligently each and every day to make sure that the residents voices are heard loud and clear.
Mike Queenan is also very knowledgeable about the issues facing Woodbury. He is the chairperson for the Planning Board and he also is on the Woodbury Comprehensive Plan Committee. His experience with the Town of Woodbury is unmatched by anyone else running for the town board.
I would also ask that you re-elect Sheila Conroy to the position of town supervisor. No other town supervisor has put in the time and energy that she displays. Why? She cares deeply about this town and understands that the absence of a good leader can be detrimental. She researches all aspect of an issue before making any rash decisions.
Our town needs these candidates to represent the voice of all the people and not just their own agendas. Vote in the Nov. 8 election if for no other reason than to save our town and our quality of life.
Peter M. Stabile
Highway Superintendent
Town of Woodbury
Destroying campaign signs is un-American
Destroying campaign signs is un-American
To the Editor:
Our Republican Committee to Elect Bob Weinberger for Goshen Councilman placed 100 signs in the village and town of Goshen on Oct. 22 and 23. Sometime on Monday evening, Oct. 24, ninety signs were torn, ripped off their wire stands, and thrown into the gutter. They were intentionally selected and destroyed.
We always thought that America and Goshen cherished freedom of speech and encouraged all to run for public office, without harassment or intimidation.
It seems strange that when our men and women are fighting and dying in Iraq for freedom to run for office, that some in Goshen blemish fair play and the democratic process.
You decide and judge who would be so motivated to destroy 90 campaign signs. You evaluate the mentality. You decide how that behavior fits the ideals of America and Goshen.
And all we can ask is for you to vote on Nov. 8 because some of us still believe in the principles of living in a democracy.
Doris Weinberger
Teresa Escobar
Bill Johnson
Goshen
To the Editor:
Our Republican Committee to Elect Bob Weinberger for Goshen Councilman placed 100 signs in the village and town of Goshen on Oct. 22 and 23. Sometime on Monday evening, Oct. 24, ninety signs were torn, ripped off their wire stands, and thrown into the gutter. They were intentionally selected and destroyed.
We always thought that America and Goshen cherished freedom of speech and encouraged all to run for public office, without harassment or intimidation.
It seems strange that when our men and women are fighting and dying in Iraq for freedom to run for office, that some in Goshen blemish fair play and the democratic process.
You decide and judge who would be so motivated to destroy 90 campaign signs. You evaluate the mentality. You decide how that behavior fits the ideals of America and Goshen.
And all we can ask is for you to vote on Nov. 8 because some of us still believe in the principles of living in a democracy.
Doris Weinberger
Teresa Escobar
Bill Johnson
Goshen
Caruso for legislator
Caruso for legislator
The race for county legislator in the Highlands/Woodbury 14th County District is not a school board election! Ralph Caruso is the Republican candidate for legislator and Roxanne Donnery is the Democratic candidate. Both are very well qualified, but Caruso doesn't live in the Town of Highlands … SO WHAT!
The county executive, Ed Diana, is a Republican and will be re-elected. The County Legislature will remain a Republican majority, and Sen. Larkin (Caruso is his assistant) is one of the most powerful Republican senators of the state Senate, also a Republican majority. We need the best representation possible from a government official with power in political majorities.
A Democratic legislator, as is our school board member, in the legislative minority can claim very few initiatives and perks of their own. In other words, she can only get for our town what the Republican majority will allow her.
Right or wrong, that's the way it is in county, state and federal government.
Let's put our legislator in the majority. Elect a qualified and proven leader, Ralph Caruso, to represent us in the County Legislature.
Bob Livsey
Former Town of Highlands
supervisor
Fort Montgomery
The race for county legislator in the Highlands/Woodbury 14th County District is not a school board election! Ralph Caruso is the Republican candidate for legislator and Roxanne Donnery is the Democratic candidate. Both are very well qualified, but Caruso doesn't live in the Town of Highlands … SO WHAT!
The county executive, Ed Diana, is a Republican and will be re-elected. The County Legislature will remain a Republican majority, and Sen. Larkin (Caruso is his assistant) is one of the most powerful Republican senators of the state Senate, also a Republican majority. We need the best representation possible from a government official with power in political majorities.
A Democratic legislator, as is our school board member, in the legislative minority can claim very few initiatives and perks of their own. In other words, she can only get for our town what the Republican majority will allow her.
Right or wrong, that's the way it is in county, state and federal government.
Let's put our legislator in the majority. Elect a qualified and proven leader, Ralph Caruso, to represent us in the County Legislature.
Bob Livsey
Former Town of Highlands
supervisor
Fort Montgomery
Sunday, October 30, 2005
Friday, October 28, 2005
Vote for Ralph Caruso!
Winston Churchill once said:
A politician needs the ability to foretell what is going to happen tomorrow, next week, next month, and next year. And to have the ability afterwards to explain why it didn't happen. That's the kind of leaders we need so Vote for Ralph Caruso!
A politician needs the ability to foretell what is going to happen tomorrow, next week, next month, and next year. And to have the ability afterwards to explain why it didn't happen. That's the kind of leaders we need so Vote for Ralph Caruso!
Caruso ‘feels our pain and our joy’
Caruso ‘feels our pain and our joy’
To the editor:
I can’t think of a better person than Ralph Caruso to do a spectacular job in the position of Orange County Legislator for the residents of the Towns of Woodbury and Highlands.
Ralph Caruso has devoted 35 of the 35 years living in Woodbury to state, county and town government and politics. He served as a councilman along side my husband Jay. Together they worked very hard to manage growth and keep property taxes affordable.
Ralph and his wife Jeanette raised their four children in Woodbury and now their grandchildren are being raised here. Ralph’s roots are here; everything we feel, he feels. Our taxes go up, his taxes go up. We get stuck in traffic and so does he. What I am trying to say is, he feels our pain and our joy because he lives in Woodbury.
When Ralph is elected as the legislative representative for the Towns of Highlands and Woodbury, the residents of both towns can rest assure that he will fight for all of us with vigorous tenacity, for our views, interests and concerns. He is dedicated, motivated and sincere.
Please join me on Election Day, Nov. 8, and vote for the best person for the job - Ralph Caruso.
Carmen Gubernick
Highland Mills
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To the editor:
I can’t think of a better person than Ralph Caruso to do a spectacular job in the position of Orange County Legislator for the residents of the Towns of Woodbury and Highlands.
Ralph Caruso has devoted 35 of the 35 years living in Woodbury to state, county and town government and politics. He served as a councilman along side my husband Jay. Together they worked very hard to manage growth and keep property taxes affordable.
Ralph and his wife Jeanette raised their four children in Woodbury and now their grandchildren are being raised here. Ralph’s roots are here; everything we feel, he feels. Our taxes go up, his taxes go up. We get stuck in traffic and so does he. What I am trying to say is, he feels our pain and our joy because he lives in Woodbury.
When Ralph is elected as the legislative representative for the Towns of Highlands and Woodbury, the residents of both towns can rest assure that he will fight for all of us with vigorous tenacity, for our views, interests and concerns. He is dedicated, motivated and sincere.
Please join me on Election Day, Nov. 8, and vote for the best person for the job - Ralph Caruso.
Carmen Gubernick
Highland Mills
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Email this story
‘Wake up, Woodbury’
‘Wake up, Woodbury’
To the editor:
A June 1, 2001, memorandum from Town of Woodbury Planner Stuart Turner to former Supervisor Ted Jones gives reasons for rezoning all existing two-acre and several one-acre parcels to three acres: traffic congestion, lack of sewer capacity, water supply near capacity, increasing school taxes, and increasing loss of semi-rural and suburban character of Woodbury.
Mr. Turner wrote: “... the Town does not wish to permit additional stresses by allowing new development within its borders.”
Since then, more than 250 homes have been built. And the current administration will vote on their proposed high-density cluster laws that will make development possible for Suburban (450 homes) and Legacy Ridge (281 homes). If those laws are passed, owners of more than 2,000 additional acres will also be able to apply for high-density zoning.
Why is the present administration ignoring the memorandum’s advice? Who will benefit from high-density cluster zoning? Certainly not the majority of Woodbury residents. We’ll be hit with escalating taxes, traffic and air and water pollution. That will be the legacy of the officials who pass the high-density laws, so they should be required to live in Woodbury for life and deal with their legacy.
Mary Gross-Ferraro
Highland Mills
To the editor:
A June 1, 2001, memorandum from Town of Woodbury Planner Stuart Turner to former Supervisor Ted Jones gives reasons for rezoning all existing two-acre and several one-acre parcels to three acres: traffic congestion, lack of sewer capacity, water supply near capacity, increasing school taxes, and increasing loss of semi-rural and suburban character of Woodbury.
Mr. Turner wrote: “... the Town does not wish to permit additional stresses by allowing new development within its borders.”
Since then, more than 250 homes have been built. And the current administration will vote on their proposed high-density cluster laws that will make development possible for Suburban (450 homes) and Legacy Ridge (281 homes). If those laws are passed, owners of more than 2,000 additional acres will also be able to apply for high-density zoning.
Why is the present administration ignoring the memorandum’s advice? Who will benefit from high-density cluster zoning? Certainly not the majority of Woodbury residents. We’ll be hit with escalating taxes, traffic and air and water pollution. That will be the legacy of the officials who pass the high-density laws, so they should be required to live in Woodbury for life and deal with their legacy.
Mary Gross-Ferraro
Highland Mills
Stealing his signs’ won't make Caruso disappear
Stealing his signs’ won't make Caruso disappear
To the editor:
To the person or persons who unscrupulously made it their business to take the majority of “Ralph Caruso” political signs in the Town of Woodbury, these signs are private property and stealing them is a criminal act.
Do you really think stealing my husband’s signs will make “Ralph Caruso” disappear? You just made the residents more aware because we now have people asking where have Ralph’s signs gone.
Who’s doing it? And what do they think they are going to accomplish? Ralph won’t be intimidated to change his positions on the issues, and will continue to fight for the quality of life issues our residents so deserve.
Please vote on Nov. 8 for Ralph Caruso for Orange County legislator, on Republican row “A” or “Save Our Town” row “G. Thank you.
Jeanette M. Caruso
Highland Mills
To the editor:
To the person or persons who unscrupulously made it their business to take the majority of “Ralph Caruso” political signs in the Town of Woodbury, these signs are private property and stealing them is a criminal act.
Do you really think stealing my husband’s signs will make “Ralph Caruso” disappear? You just made the residents more aware because we now have people asking where have Ralph’s signs gone.
Who’s doing it? And what do they think they are going to accomplish? Ralph won’t be intimidated to change his positions on the issues, and will continue to fight for the quality of life issues our residents so deserve.
Please vote on Nov. 8 for Ralph Caruso for Orange County legislator, on Republican row “A” or “Save Our Town” row “G. Thank you.
Jeanette M. Caruso
Highland Mills
Thursday, October 27, 2005
Lambros fights for victims’ rights
Lambros fights for victims’ rights
To the Editor:
It has been my good fortune to know Dimitrios Lambros for the past 12 years. We have stood shoulder to shoulder in the trenches fighting for crime victims’ rights. He has demonstrated extraordinary compassion. He is a man of integrity, a man who continues to have the moral values that has made our country great. Whether it pertains to his personal, professional, or political life, his word is as good as gold. He does what he says and says what he does. This makes him a rare politician. We are blessed with a county legislator who puts his constituents’ needs first. Whether it’s fighting for veterans, reducing taxes, or lecturing to teens about drinking and driving, he gives 100 percent. I know. I’ve seen him in action. My personal endorsement goes to Dimitrios Lambros, a voice for all his constituents. Please vote Row A on Nov. 8.
(As a volunteer with MADD Orange County, my opinions are my own, not those of MADD.)
Pat Bodnar
Monroe
To the Editor:
It has been my good fortune to know Dimitrios Lambros for the past 12 years. We have stood shoulder to shoulder in the trenches fighting for crime victims’ rights. He has demonstrated extraordinary compassion. He is a man of integrity, a man who continues to have the moral values that has made our country great. Whether it pertains to his personal, professional, or political life, his word is as good as gold. He does what he says and says what he does. This makes him a rare politician. We are blessed with a county legislator who puts his constituents’ needs first. Whether it’s fighting for veterans, reducing taxes, or lecturing to teens about drinking and driving, he gives 100 percent. I know. I’ve seen him in action. My personal endorsement goes to Dimitrios Lambros, a voice for all his constituents. Please vote Row A on Nov. 8.
(As a volunteer with MADD Orange County, my opinions are my own, not those of MADD.)
Pat Bodnar
Monroe
Councilwoman supports Gianzero and Queenan
Councilwoman supports Gianzero and Queenan
To the editor:
Come Dec. 31, 2005, my term on the Woodbury Town Board will expire. It is with great honor that I served the Town of Woodbury. I have had the privilege of working with Geraldine Gianzero. Ms. Gianzero is a dedicated and conscientious public servant. I have known her to go above and beyond what is required of her position. She is truly informed and aware of the issues concerning the Town of Woodbury. Any time day or night she is available. I have known her to leave her home during many emergency situations to address concerns of the town. Don’t be mislead by the propaganda of politics. I would entrust the future of Woodbury in the hands of Geraldine Gianzero. Please allow her to continue to protect the town that we have all come to love.
It also is with great certainty that I endorse Michael Queenan for Woodbury Town Board. I believe Michael has the experience and insight to govern Woodbury throughout the most trying of times. We need an individual who can commit the time and energy that is required to ensure the survival of this town. I believe Michael is that man. He has proved himself to be an honorable candidate throughout a mud-slinging campaign. He has refused to compromise his character. He brings knowledge, community experience and integrity to the table. If the people do their part by voting, Michael will serve us honorable.
Please vote for Geraldine Gianzero and Michael Queenan on election day.
Colleen Campbell
Woodbury Town Board member
To the editor:
Come Dec. 31, 2005, my term on the Woodbury Town Board will expire. It is with great honor that I served the Town of Woodbury. I have had the privilege of working with Geraldine Gianzero. Ms. Gianzero is a dedicated and conscientious public servant. I have known her to go above and beyond what is required of her position. She is truly informed and aware of the issues concerning the Town of Woodbury. Any time day or night she is available. I have known her to leave her home during many emergency situations to address concerns of the town. Don’t be mislead by the propaganda of politics. I would entrust the future of Woodbury in the hands of Geraldine Gianzero. Please allow her to continue to protect the town that we have all come to love.
It also is with great certainty that I endorse Michael Queenan for Woodbury Town Board. I believe Michael has the experience and insight to govern Woodbury throughout the most trying of times. We need an individual who can commit the time and energy that is required to ensure the survival of this town. I believe Michael is that man. He has proved himself to be an honorable candidate throughout a mud-slinging campaign. He has refused to compromise his character. He brings knowledge, community experience and integrity to the table. If the people do their part by voting, Michael will serve us honorable.
Please vote for Geraldine Gianzero and Michael Queenan on election day.
Colleen Campbell
Woodbury Town Board member
Support for Hasin as Woodbury town justice
Support for Hasin as Woodbury town justice
To the editor:
I have known David Hasin ever since my family and I moved to Highland Mills. David is an outstanding attorney and has represented my family and my business for many years. David is a candidate for one of two Town Justice positions in the Town of Woodbury. I wholeheartedly support his candidacy and I encourage my fellow Woodbury residents to do the same.
I support David Hasin notwithstanding the fact that I am a registered Democrat and he is the endorsed Republican candidate. Politics should never enter the discussion as to who is qualified to be a town justice. A judge should be elected based upon his temperament and character, not his position on the issues. David Hasin is a man of compassion and character. These are the attributes that I look for in a town justice. These are the attributes that will make David an outstanding judge.
Politics has no place in a courtroom. David Hasin will see to it that the Woodbury Justice Court continues to be a place where everyone is equal and the rule of law and justice prevails. Please join me on Election Day and vote for David Hasin for Woodbury town justice.
Karen Rosen
Highland Mills
To the editor:
I have known David Hasin ever since my family and I moved to Highland Mills. David is an outstanding attorney and has represented my family and my business for many years. David is a candidate for one of two Town Justice positions in the Town of Woodbury. I wholeheartedly support his candidacy and I encourage my fellow Woodbury residents to do the same.
I support David Hasin notwithstanding the fact that I am a registered Democrat and he is the endorsed Republican candidate. Politics should never enter the discussion as to who is qualified to be a town justice. A judge should be elected based upon his temperament and character, not his position on the issues. David Hasin is a man of compassion and character. These are the attributes that I look for in a town justice. These are the attributes that will make David an outstanding judge.
Politics has no place in a courtroom. David Hasin will see to it that the Woodbury Justice Court continues to be a place where everyone is equal and the rule of law and justice prevails. Please join me on Election Day and vote for David Hasin for Woodbury town justice.
Karen Rosen
Highland Mills
Can we go any lower as a Town?
I have been out of town for a few days and driving through Woodbury late last night I see all of Ralph’s signs have been taken. What low life would do such a thing, and I am sure in the long run you will get caught. Is this what it comes down to, we steal signs, create blogs to just bash people with no with no one willing to sign their name to it other then one person. Can we go any lower by making fun of the people who volunteer their own time to better the town? If you want talk trash about someone who gets paid nothing have some guts and sign your name to your post, and for the guy who owns the site I have friends at Google and now know your ip address.
Wednesday, October 26, 2005
Cornwall
Cornwall School Board member wants district’s emergency evacuation plan
Cornwall School Board Member Thomas Sheppard wants a copy of the school district's emergency evacuation plan and he claims officials won’t give it to him.
Sheppard said yesterday that he has made the request three times and has not yet received the report. “I can only surmise that it is not available; that it hasn’t been done,” he said.
School Board President Christine Longinott said the last update of the plan was in 2003, and that school board members have that report.
Superintendent of Schools Tim Rehm told MidHudsonNews.com that the district’s plans are in place. “There’s no reason for us to think that our plans are not in order,” he said. “As a matter of fact, our plans are probably the best in the area.”
Sheppard also contends that local police have not received the plans; however, Rehm said they do, in fact, have copies of the current plan.
The school board reviewed the plan on Monday evening, Longinott and Rehm said.
Cornwall School Board Member Thomas Sheppard wants a copy of the school district's emergency evacuation plan and he claims officials won’t give it to him.
Sheppard said yesterday that he has made the request three times and has not yet received the report. “I can only surmise that it is not available; that it hasn’t been done,” he said.
School Board President Christine Longinott said the last update of the plan was in 2003, and that school board members have that report.
Superintendent of Schools Tim Rehm told MidHudsonNews.com that the district’s plans are in place. “There’s no reason for us to think that our plans are not in order,” he said. “As a matter of fact, our plans are probably the best in the area.”
Sheppard also contends that local police have not received the plans; however, Rehm said they do, in fact, have copies of the current plan.
The school board reviewed the plan on Monday evening, Longinott and Rehm said.
Tuesday, October 25, 2005
Friday, October 21, 2005
proposed 13-mile pipeline
Do you think the proposed 13-mile pipeline that would allow the village of Kiryas Joel to tap New York City's Catskill aqueduct should be built? Related story.
Yes 7.9% (53)
No 88.8% (595)
Not sure 3.3% (22)
Total votes: 670
Yes 7.9% (53)
No 88.8% (595)
Not sure 3.3% (22)
Total votes: 670
Thursday, October 20, 2005
Judge slows down KJ pipeline
October 20, 2005
Judge slows down KJ pipeline
Goshen – A judge today dealt a setback to the Village of Kiryas Joel, ordering the Hasidic enclave to take a harder look at its proposal to build a 13-mile pipeline to tap New York City's Catskill aqueduct.
The fast-growing village was ordered to take a harder look at the impact the project would have on sewage discharge and wetlands, acting state Supreme Court Justice Stewart Rosenwasser wrote in a nine-page decision.
Rosenwasser also said the village had failed to take "a hard look at the available alternatives" to building the pipeline.
He ordered the village to address those issues in a document called a supplemental draft environmental impact statement.
-Oliver Mackson
Judge slows down KJ pipeline
Goshen – A judge today dealt a setback to the Village of Kiryas Joel, ordering the Hasidic enclave to take a harder look at its proposal to build a 13-mile pipeline to tap New York City's Catskill aqueduct.
The fast-growing village was ordered to take a harder look at the impact the project would have on sewage discharge and wetlands, acting state Supreme Court Justice Stewart Rosenwasser wrote in a nine-page decision.
Rosenwasser also said the village had failed to take "a hard look at the available alternatives" to building the pipeline.
He ordered the village to address those issues in a document called a supplemental draft environmental impact statement.
-Oliver Mackson
Wednesday, October 19, 2005
Caruso for legislator
Caruso for legislator
The focus of the Orange County Legislature election in the Town of Woodbury in November should be on our residents obtaining a county legislator seat that represents US so we have representation in Goshen. As absurd as this sounds, it's truly that simple.
Look at the traffic mess on Route 32. We in Woodbury put up with this mess, but the sales tax collected in Woodbury Common gets distributed across the entire county. Woodbury gets approximately 1½ percent of the $64 million in sales tax raised, while we put up with 100 percent of the traffic, air and noise pollution, and all this is getting worse. It's clear for that for the past eight years there has been no one at the county level looking out for us here in Woodbury. The Woodbury voters have a clear choice in this election: more of the same or true representation!
Ralph Caruso, a 35-year resident of Woodbury, is the only candidate that will give us meaningful, effective leadership and the action needed to make sure we are truly represented. I believe a vote for Caruso is a wise investment in Woodbury's future – anything else would just be more of the same.
Donald Siebold
Highland Mills
Tuesday, October 18, 2005
Letters to the editor for October 18, 2005
Vote for Sullivan
Many of us in Woodbury realize that change is necessary for our town to meet the endless challenges that face us. To meet these challenges, we need a person with integrity, ethics, courage, leadership qualities and dedication to Woodbury. Hank Sullivan has presented positive alternative suggestions to such things as a safe location for the cell tower, the formation of a town ethics committee, more public participation time, tough questions for developers, etc.
Sullivan brings many years of leadership experience, which will help change the course of events for Woodbury. His leadership credentials include 30 years as a member of the New York City Police Department, including 27 years as a PBA delegate and 12 years as a member of the PBA executive board. Because he has worked under stress, leadership responsibilities and negotiating procedures are second nature to him. He has come to understand the needs of our town through continuing attendance and participation at Town Board, Planning Board and Zoning Board meetings.
Anyone looking to do business in the Town of Woodbury, developers or otherwise, will face a man of commitment to the philosophy that "Woodbury and its residents come first." Remember to vote for Hank Sullivan Nov. 8. Save our town – Row G.
Adrienne Burke
Central Valley
Letters to the editor for October 18, 2005
Supports Donnery
After years of advocating to change the PINS (Persons in Need of Supervision) law from 16 to 18 years old, I was introduced to someone as dedicated as I in wanting to fix a broken system. That person was Roxanne Donnery. Everyone said it couldn't be done, we were wasting our time; however, with Donnery's guidance and support, we were able to change a state law.
Donnery volunteers to be involved on the County Team Board to discuss issues and collaborate with top agency officials. She worked with many successfully to obtain funding for Highland Falls schools and continues to be on the school board. She is a voice for children, families and all that need help.
Donnary has been very vocal in her years as county legislator for District 14, especially on issues affecting our county such as the Kiryas Joel pipeline and safety concerns at Indian Point.
She is not just another politician, but someone you can count on that stands up for what is right. Vote for Roxanne Donnery Nov. 8. I promise you will not regret it!
Joy Hansen
PINS Reform Advocates of NY
Warwick
Many of us in Woodbury realize that change is necessary for our town to meet the endless challenges that face us. To meet these challenges, we need a person with integrity, ethics, courage, leadership qualities and dedication to Woodbury. Hank Sullivan has presented positive alternative suggestions to such things as a safe location for the cell tower, the formation of a town ethics committee, more public participation time, tough questions for developers, etc.
Sullivan brings many years of leadership experience, which will help change the course of events for Woodbury. His leadership credentials include 30 years as a member of the New York City Police Department, including 27 years as a PBA delegate and 12 years as a member of the PBA executive board. Because he has worked under stress, leadership responsibilities and negotiating procedures are second nature to him. He has come to understand the needs of our town through continuing attendance and participation at Town Board, Planning Board and Zoning Board meetings.
Anyone looking to do business in the Town of Woodbury, developers or otherwise, will face a man of commitment to the philosophy that "Woodbury and its residents come first." Remember to vote for Hank Sullivan Nov. 8. Save our town – Row G.
Adrienne Burke
Central Valley
Letters to the editor for October 18, 2005
Supports Donnery
After years of advocating to change the PINS (Persons in Need of Supervision) law from 16 to 18 years old, I was introduced to someone as dedicated as I in wanting to fix a broken system. That person was Roxanne Donnery. Everyone said it couldn't be done, we were wasting our time; however, with Donnery's guidance and support, we were able to change a state law.
Donnery volunteers to be involved on the County Team Board to discuss issues and collaborate with top agency officials. She worked with many successfully to obtain funding for Highland Falls schools and continues to be on the school board. She is a voice for children, families and all that need help.
Donnary has been very vocal in her years as county legislator for District 14, especially on issues affecting our county such as the Kiryas Joel pipeline and safety concerns at Indian Point.
She is not just another politician, but someone you can count on that stands up for what is right. Vote for Roxanne Donnery Nov. 8. I promise you will not regret it!
Joy Hansen
PINS Reform Advocates of NY
Warwick
Monday, October 17, 2005
October 30, 2002
Letters to the editor for October 30, 2002
Shame on Donnery
I was completely shocked after reading the Oct. 19 TH-R, and learning that the Bear Mountain Hockey Club, funded by parents and donations, made political contributions to Roxanne Donnery and she had the audacity to accept it.
Formerly a BMHC parent, I know that hockey is not cheap. Families don't have $1,000-plus per child to throw around these days. When you pay the hockey fee you are expecting that your kid will have some sort of ice time – a commitment you are willing to make for the sake of your child or children, in my case. Yearly, they'd talk about the price of ice going up and yet had enough money to funnel it to a political candidate.
This is wrong, and to know that part of my fee went to support a candidate that I am vehemently opposed to is abhorrent. I would not have contributed to her campaign in the first place and I think most of the parents would not have done it either. Knowing a political candidate would even entertain the thought of keeping not one, but two, illegal contributions sickens me.
Shame on BMHC and shame on Roxanne Donnery, twice!
Robin M. Tamburi
Hamptonburgh
Letters to the editor for October 30, 2002
Shame on Donnery
I was completely shocked after reading the Oct. 19 TH-R, and learning that the Bear Mountain Hockey Club, funded by parents and donations, made political contributions to Roxanne Donnery and she had the audacity to accept it.
Formerly a BMHC parent, I know that hockey is not cheap. Families don't have $1,000-plus per child to throw around these days. When you pay the hockey fee you are expecting that your kid will have some sort of ice time – a commitment you are willing to make for the sake of your child or children, in my case. Yearly, they'd talk about the price of ice going up and yet had enough money to funnel it to a political candidate.
This is wrong, and to know that part of my fee went to support a candidate that I am vehemently opposed to is abhorrent. I would not have contributed to her campaign in the first place and I think most of the parents would not have done it either. Knowing a political candidate would even entertain the thought of keeping not one, but two, illegal contributions sickens me.
Shame on BMHC and shame on Roxanne Donnery, twice!
Robin M. Tamburi
Hamptonburgh
Friday, October 14, 2005
Good Job Senator
The Town of Chester received $50,000 from Senator William Larkin (R-C Cornwall) for improvements at Chester Commons Park, including lighting and better handicapped accessibility to the public restrooms. Pictured are Town Supervisor William Tully, Larkin, and Town Councilman Steve Neuhaus.
Elect Ralph Caruso for County Legislature
I am writing to express my support for Ralph Caruso's candidacy for the Orange County Legislature's 14th District. Both the Town's of Highlands and Woodbury are at a crossroads and we need new leadership representing us in Goshen next year. Mr. Caruso will bring, over thirty five years of public service experience to this position which will result in an increase of Sales Tax Dollars Revenue to our towns and the much needed respect from the county for the newly formed 14th Legislative District. As a long time resident of Orange County, he has an understanding of the delicate balance between quality-of-life issues while still maintaining a strong and vibrant economy. He is a dedicated person who always looks to get the job done right. He has the understanding that it is necessary to keep the lines of communication open in government and is well respected by local, county and state officials. Over the past few years, I have met many people in the political arena, but I still have not met a person who can match up to the amount of energy, enthusiasm, vision and drive that Ralph Caruso has. I have always said change is good when its change for the better, so lets make a change for the better by electing Ralph Caruso on Election Day, November 8, 2005.
Thank you
Michael Aronowitz
Councilman, Town of Woodbury
Thank you
Michael Aronowitz
Councilman, Town of Woodbury
Thursday, October 13, 2005
Woodbury receives $2,000 parks grant from Wal-Mart
Central Valley - Wal-Mart has donated $2,000 to the Woodbury Parks Department that will be used toward a new walking-jogging fitness path at Earl Reservoir Park in the Town of Woodbury.
Back in January, Woodbury Supervisor of Parks and Recreation Gilda Brennan applied for the grant through David Pence, “In an era of health and fitness consciousness, the park is heavily populated all year round,” Brennan wrote in a press release. “Various leagues use our park facilities and all age residents power walk, jog, stroll and bike ride on the entrance road into the park called Coach Wilson Trail. It is approximately 1.5 miles long and circles the peripheries of the developed portion of the 250-acre property, which we refer to as ‘the jewel of our community.’”
“The road is very curvaceous with blind spots to both pedestrians and drivers, who challenge one another in a serious conflict of road usage.,” she added. “Despite the posted speed signs of 15 miles per hour, senior members, walking moms with toddlers and strollers, dog walkers and bicycle riders, report close calls and strong concerns to me constantly.”
A topical survey has been completed. The town’s Buildings and Grounds, Water and Sewer and the Highway Departments will contribute labor and construction to the five-foot wide path.
Several community youth groups will be asked to participate, including the campers of the park commission’s seasonal “Day Camp Rez.”
Once the construction of the path is complete, there will be identification and markings of the trees and foliage on the path; a second phase will include expansion of the natural habitats for the wildlife such as ducks, various bird species, deer and the butterflies that have made Earl Reservoir their home.
“Our goal is to take pedestrians off of the roadway, ensuring safety to all visitors,” Brennan said.
The seven-member Park Commission - Joe Gianzero, Denice da Cunha, Nancy Simpson, Joanne Stabile, Steven Lopez, Fred Ungerer and Willie Menduno - are overseeing the design and creation of the path.
Back in January, Woodbury Supervisor of Parks and Recreation Gilda Brennan applied for the grant through David Pence, “In an era of health and fitness consciousness, the park is heavily populated all year round,” Brennan wrote in a press release. “Various leagues use our park facilities and all age residents power walk, jog, stroll and bike ride on the entrance road into the park called Coach Wilson Trail. It is approximately 1.5 miles long and circles the peripheries of the developed portion of the 250-acre property, which we refer to as ‘the jewel of our community.’”
“The road is very curvaceous with blind spots to both pedestrians and drivers, who challenge one another in a serious conflict of road usage.,” she added. “Despite the posted speed signs of 15 miles per hour, senior members, walking moms with toddlers and strollers, dog walkers and bicycle riders, report close calls and strong concerns to me constantly.”
A topical survey has been completed. The town’s Buildings and Grounds, Water and Sewer and the Highway Departments will contribute labor and construction to the five-foot wide path.
Several community youth groups will be asked to participate, including the campers of the park commission’s seasonal “Day Camp Rez.”
Once the construction of the path is complete, there will be identification and markings of the trees and foliage on the path; a second phase will include expansion of the natural habitats for the wildlife such as ducks, various bird species, deer and the butterflies that have made Earl Reservoir their home.
“Our goal is to take pedestrians off of the roadway, ensuring safety to all visitors,” Brennan said.
The seven-member Park Commission - Joe Gianzero, Denice da Cunha, Nancy Simpson, Joanne Stabile, Steven Lopez, Fred Ungerer and Willie Menduno - are overseeing the design and creation of the path.
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