Dear Neighbors:
Please answer these questions about garbage cans left in the street 48 hours after pick up. I would like to hear your thoughts on this issue.
Thanks
http://www.mikeaforwoodbury.com/questions/survey.php?s_id=7
www.mikeaforwoodbury.com/questions/survey.php?s_id=7
Do you think there are too many garbage cans left in the street 48 hours after the pick up?
Number of responses: 27
Yes 66.7%
No 33.3%
Do you think we should write a new Town Law to enforce garbage cans left out in the street?
Number of responses: 27
Yes 59.3%
No 40.7%
Saturday, January 14, 2006
Sunday, January 08, 2006
How are we doing?
Please answer some questions about 2005.
http://mikeaforwoodbury.com/questions/survey.php?s_id=5
thanks
Mike
http://mikeaforwoodbury.com/questions/survey.php?s_id=5
thanks
Mike
Friday, January 06, 2006
Cornwall ~ A Designer Community
Cornwall ~ A Designer Community
By Blithesome Spirit
In a conversation with a dear friend she noted that the Cornwall we have today is not the Cornwall she knew from years back.
At one time the majority of the resident knew each other. This is no longer the case.
With the advent of new housing construction and the influx of the people it brings Cornwall has become a transitional community where people come, get what they need in terms of housing or education for their children, and then move on once the taxes become unbearable.
What we then have left are the old-timers, and their numbers are dwindling fast. Pictured is The Reserve subdivision located near Mt. Airy Road. When completed it will contain more than 400 housing units on lots no larger than 1/3-acre. We will also have to pay the bill for educating all of the children in the complex.
With the change in demographics we have also seen Cornwall become more fractionalized. Cornwall has become a designer community which seems more intent on reflecting the latest fads in lieu of capitalizing on its unique qualities which characterizes its strengths.
But moving on ...
On the whereabouts of the tap to the Catskill Aqueduct
In the past two weeks I've received a number of inquiries as to the whereabouts of the Catskill Aqueduct tap that provides much of Cornwall's water (see the related story).
From Five Corners in Vails Gate head west on Route 94. After passing under the New York Thruway turn right on Riley Road and you'll notice what looks sort of like an abandoned railroad grade, with no track.
All that you see is a grass covered berm with a flat top. What you've just seen is the aqueduct that carries water from the Ashokan to the Croton Reservoir.
As it heads toward the Hudson it drops deep underground and can't be seen from the surface. If you look carefully you'll see little white signs proclaiming 'No Trespassing' and 'Property of NYC Water Authority.'
On the need for a longer school year
I know this won't make me too popular with teachers, but there really is a need for a longer school year (currently is is only 180 days).
Here are some examples of how other countries handle educating their children ... According to the World Education Encyclopedia published in 1988, Japan's students are in school an average of 243 days a year; Israel's, 216. Germany requires an average 240 school days a year and England 192. The United States is toward the bottom of the 38-country list with 180 days on average, identical to Belgium, Portugal, Spain and Zambia.
Will we ever extend the school year here in New York?
I dare say you stand a better chance of seeing pig fly while playing the saxophone before this occurs.
NYSUT (New York State United Teachers'), is one of the two most powerful unions in the state and contributes millions of dollars yearly to legislators who are willing to do their bidding, and an extended school year is not one of their priorities.
While I'm on the subject of the school district ...
I'd like to offer some advice for those "lucky few" who are invited to serve on the school district's budget advisory committee.
When you receive your invitation run, don't walk, to the nearest incinerator and pretend you never saw the correspondence.
Contrary to the spin put out by the School Board the district will be operating in the red by the end of June (we will have an article on this next week).
Since approximately 97% of the budget is driven by contractual expenses and state mandated programs, there is really very little that can be discussed.
What would probably be more productive would be a discussion on ridding the district of unnecessary staff (administrators in particular), and in exploring ways to economize on employee benefit programs.
And finally, a few words on a truly marvelous lady ...
Believe it or not, the Town of Cornwall has a Board of Ethics. In theory their mission is to keep tabs on local government so as to keep them honest.
Unlike other municipalities Cornwall's Board of Ethics is impotent. It can't do anything unless the Town Board directs them to do so.
Over the past decade much of the ills that have befallen Cornwall were caused by members of the Town Board. Needless to say, the offending parties were never willing to permit the Board of Ethics to look into their misdeeds.
The long-time chairperson of the Cornwall's Board of Ethics is Maureen Shinners. For those who don't know Maureen she is a class act. Maureen is honest to the core and her dedication to the principle that there must be honesty and integrity in local government is unsurpassed.
Maureen's term on Cornwall's Board of Ethics expired in December and she has decided not to seek reappointment.
Frankly, I can't blamer her.
Maureen had fought for years to strengthen Cornwall's Code of Ethics. The problem though is that the politicians didn't want to hear her ideas. They didn't want to have anyone looking over their shoulder to make sure they did the right thing.
Cornwall has had its share of flim-flams over the years, and they will happen again.
With Maureen's departure there will be a void that cannot be replaced by simply making a political appointment to fill her seat.
It's just too bad Cornwall Supervisor Dick Randazzo and the Town Board can't appreciate the significance.
By Blithesome Spirit
In a conversation with a dear friend she noted that the Cornwall we have today is not the Cornwall she knew from years back.
At one time the majority of the resident knew each other. This is no longer the case.
With the advent of new housing construction and the influx of the people it brings Cornwall has become a transitional community where people come, get what they need in terms of housing or education for their children, and then move on once the taxes become unbearable.
What we then have left are the old-timers, and their numbers are dwindling fast. Pictured is The Reserve subdivision located near Mt. Airy Road. When completed it will contain more than 400 housing units on lots no larger than 1/3-acre. We will also have to pay the bill for educating all of the children in the complex.
With the change in demographics we have also seen Cornwall become more fractionalized. Cornwall has become a designer community which seems more intent on reflecting the latest fads in lieu of capitalizing on its unique qualities which characterizes its strengths.
But moving on ...
On the whereabouts of the tap to the Catskill Aqueduct
In the past two weeks I've received a number of inquiries as to the whereabouts of the Catskill Aqueduct tap that provides much of Cornwall's water (see the related story).
From Five Corners in Vails Gate head west on Route 94. After passing under the New York Thruway turn right on Riley Road and you'll notice what looks sort of like an abandoned railroad grade, with no track.
All that you see is a grass covered berm with a flat top. What you've just seen is the aqueduct that carries water from the Ashokan to the Croton Reservoir.
As it heads toward the Hudson it drops deep underground and can't be seen from the surface. If you look carefully you'll see little white signs proclaiming 'No Trespassing' and 'Property of NYC Water Authority.'
On the need for a longer school year
I know this won't make me too popular with teachers, but there really is a need for a longer school year (currently is is only 180 days).
Here are some examples of how other countries handle educating their children ... According to the World Education Encyclopedia published in 1988, Japan's students are in school an average of 243 days a year; Israel's, 216. Germany requires an average 240 school days a year and England 192. The United States is toward the bottom of the 38-country list with 180 days on average, identical to Belgium, Portugal, Spain and Zambia.
Will we ever extend the school year here in New York?
I dare say you stand a better chance of seeing pig fly while playing the saxophone before this occurs.
NYSUT (New York State United Teachers'), is one of the two most powerful unions in the state and contributes millions of dollars yearly to legislators who are willing to do their bidding, and an extended school year is not one of their priorities.
While I'm on the subject of the school district ...
I'd like to offer some advice for those "lucky few" who are invited to serve on the school district's budget advisory committee.
When you receive your invitation run, don't walk, to the nearest incinerator and pretend you never saw the correspondence.
Contrary to the spin put out by the School Board the district will be operating in the red by the end of June (we will have an article on this next week).
Since approximately 97% of the budget is driven by contractual expenses and state mandated programs, there is really very little that can be discussed.
What would probably be more productive would be a discussion on ridding the district of unnecessary staff (administrators in particular), and in exploring ways to economize on employee benefit programs.
And finally, a few words on a truly marvelous lady ...
Believe it or not, the Town of Cornwall has a Board of Ethics. In theory their mission is to keep tabs on local government so as to keep them honest.
Unlike other municipalities Cornwall's Board of Ethics is impotent. It can't do anything unless the Town Board directs them to do so.
Over the past decade much of the ills that have befallen Cornwall were caused by members of the Town Board. Needless to say, the offending parties were never willing to permit the Board of Ethics to look into their misdeeds.
The long-time chairperson of the Cornwall's Board of Ethics is Maureen Shinners. For those who don't know Maureen she is a class act. Maureen is honest to the core and her dedication to the principle that there must be honesty and integrity in local government is unsurpassed.
Maureen's term on Cornwall's Board of Ethics expired in December and she has decided not to seek reappointment.
Frankly, I can't blamer her.
Maureen had fought for years to strengthen Cornwall's Code of Ethics. The problem though is that the politicians didn't want to hear her ideas. They didn't want to have anyone looking over their shoulder to make sure they did the right thing.
Cornwall has had its share of flim-flams over the years, and they will happen again.
With Maureen's departure there will be a void that cannot be replaced by simply making a political appointment to fill her seat.
It's just too bad Cornwall Supervisor Dick Randazzo and the Town Board can't appreciate the significance.
Lahey chosen as Orange County Legislature chairman
Lahey chosen as Orange County Legislature chairman
Lahey
Former Orange County Legislature Majority Leader William Lahey yesterday was chosen on a party line vote as the new chairman of the lawmaking body. Republicans hold a one vote margin over Democrats and for the last two weeks, both parties were trying to come up with a compromise candidate.
Republicans Frank Fornario, Jr. and Spencer McLaughlin and Democrat Roxanne Donnery wanted the job.
Back room negotiations failed to produce a clear cut frontrunner so last week, Lahey expressed interest in the post and following quickly called party caucuses prior to the first session of the year yesterday, the dye was cast.
Lahey was nominated by Republican colleagues. Democrat Thomas Pahucki nominated McLaughlin. Another Democrat, Minority Leader Anthony Marino nominated fellow Democrat Roxanne Donnery. After that, McLaughlin withdrew. That left the 11 Republicans to vote for Lahey and the 10 Democrats to vote for Donnery.
Lahey is seen as a compromise candidate who will be able to work with both parties, which he mentioned in his brief remarks.
“It was the desire to resolve the issue within the Republican caucus that we solve this thing with the 11 of us and control the legislature as we should with 11,” he said.
Democrat Minority Leader Anthony Marino doesn’t anticipate ma jor problems with the new leadership. “There will certainly be issues that obviously where we’re going to part, but I don’t think over all it will be a difficult time dealing with Mr. Lahey,” he said.
County Executive Edward Diana expressed relief that the process is over. “I will work with all 21 legislators for the betterment of Orange County and the people that live and work here to make this a better county than it is today,” he said.
Marino will remain on as minority leader and McLaughlin will serve as interim ma jority leader.
Lahey
Former Orange County Legislature Majority Leader William Lahey yesterday was chosen on a party line vote as the new chairman of the lawmaking body. Republicans hold a one vote margin over Democrats and for the last two weeks, both parties were trying to come up with a compromise candidate.
Republicans Frank Fornario, Jr. and Spencer McLaughlin and Democrat Roxanne Donnery wanted the job.
Back room negotiations failed to produce a clear cut frontrunner so last week, Lahey expressed interest in the post and following quickly called party caucuses prior to the first session of the year yesterday, the dye was cast.
Lahey was nominated by Republican colleagues. Democrat Thomas Pahucki nominated McLaughlin. Another Democrat, Minority Leader Anthony Marino nominated fellow Democrat Roxanne Donnery. After that, McLaughlin withdrew. That left the 11 Republicans to vote for Lahey and the 10 Democrats to vote for Donnery.
Lahey is seen as a compromise candidate who will be able to work with both parties, which he mentioned in his brief remarks.
“It was the desire to resolve the issue within the Republican caucus that we solve this thing with the 11 of us and control the legislature as we should with 11,” he said.
Democrat Minority Leader Anthony Marino doesn’t anticipate ma jor problems with the new leadership. “There will certainly be issues that obviously where we’re going to part, but I don’t think over all it will be a difficult time dealing with Mr. Lahey,” he said.
County Executive Edward Diana expressed relief that the process is over. “I will work with all 21 legislators for the betterment of Orange County and the people that live and work here to make this a better county than it is today,” he said.
Marino will remain on as minority leader and McLaughlin will serve as interim ma jority leader.
Thursday, January 05, 2006
Town Board critic taking the helm as new supervisor
Town Board critic taking the helm as new supervisor
By Chris McKenna
Times Herald-Record
cmckenna@th-record.com
Woodbury - His new seat might get hot in the days ahead. But the small, bare office John Burke now occupies in a corner of Woodbury Town Hall felt cold yesterday morning as he settled into his new job, clad in sweater and jeans.
Burke, who beat former Supervisor Sheila Conroy in an election two months ago, started work Sunday and will be sworn in tonight, taking his place on a Town Board he's more accustomed to questioning from the audience, particularly during this past rancorous year.
Only two days after picking up his keys to Town Hall, the retired high school principal faced his first local-government challenge: a storm that dumped 8 or more inches of wet snow on Woodbury's roads and required mobilization of the plows.
Maybe that was an omen.
More difficult plowing lies ahead, including working with three board members who support a 451-home development proposal that Burke and others spent the last year fighting - a controversy that lingers on, thanks to a court challenge.
Once a board critic, Burke will now feel its pain: by day, fielding calls from irate residents and managing a $15 million budget and more than 100 employees; by night, catching flak at board meetings.
It won't be all headaches: Burke said the town's department heads have welcomed him and given him tours since his election victory.
But as the only Democrat on a five-member board, he might find himself on the losing end of votes, especially those involving land-use decisions.
"I plan on maintaining my positions, knowing full well that five people vote," Burke said yesterday. "I've not given up my right to make an individual vote on things I feel very strongly about."
Maybe the thorniest issue of all on the horizon is a potential land war with neighboring Kiryas Joel.
Burke said he's willing to meet with Kiryas Joel leaders but sounds no more willing than his predecessor to consider a compromise that would allow the Hasidic community's high-density housing to spread into Woodbury's rural fringe.
That goes for any annexation of Woodbury land into Kiryas Joel: "If the solution is for part of Woodbury to be no longer be part of Woodbury, I'm not interested."
By Chris McKenna
Times Herald-Record
cmckenna@th-record.com
Woodbury - His new seat might get hot in the days ahead. But the small, bare office John Burke now occupies in a corner of Woodbury Town Hall felt cold yesterday morning as he settled into his new job, clad in sweater and jeans.
Burke, who beat former Supervisor Sheila Conroy in an election two months ago, started work Sunday and will be sworn in tonight, taking his place on a Town Board he's more accustomed to questioning from the audience, particularly during this past rancorous year.
Only two days after picking up his keys to Town Hall, the retired high school principal faced his first local-government challenge: a storm that dumped 8 or more inches of wet snow on Woodbury's roads and required mobilization of the plows.
Maybe that was an omen.
More difficult plowing lies ahead, including working with three board members who support a 451-home development proposal that Burke and others spent the last year fighting - a controversy that lingers on, thanks to a court challenge.
Once a board critic, Burke will now feel its pain: by day, fielding calls from irate residents and managing a $15 million budget and more than 100 employees; by night, catching flak at board meetings.
It won't be all headaches: Burke said the town's department heads have welcomed him and given him tours since his election victory.
But as the only Democrat on a five-member board, he might find himself on the losing end of votes, especially those involving land-use decisions.
"I plan on maintaining my positions, knowing full well that five people vote," Burke said yesterday. "I've not given up my right to make an individual vote on things I feel very strongly about."
Maybe the thorniest issue of all on the horizon is a potential land war with neighboring Kiryas Joel.
Burke said he's willing to meet with Kiryas Joel leaders but sounds no more willing than his predecessor to consider a compromise that would allow the Hasidic community's high-density housing to spread into Woodbury's rural fringe.
That goes for any annexation of Woodbury land into Kiryas Joel: "If the solution is for part of Woodbury to be no longer be part of Woodbury, I'm not interested."
Sunday, January 01, 2006
News from the seamy side of town:
News from the seamy side of town:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Absurd Predictions!
By Blithesome Spirit
.I'm going to start by wishing one and all a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and a Happy New Year. The Cornball-Local.Com won't be publishing next week, so I had wanted to get the niceties out of the way.
With the new year we're going to see local government and the school district once again raid our wallets. Some increased will be caused by need,
while others will be due to mismanagement. You decide which one is which.
Let's start with the Town of Cornwall. Dick Randazzo had to raise taxes slightly. This wasn't his fault, it has more to do with the prior administration's gross mismanagement of our tax dollars.
Be watchful though for some slick real estate transactions and deals coming down the road. It's unfortunate, but it seems likely the Cornwall we used to know will soon be no more due to unchecked growth.
Then of course there's the Village of Cornwall-on-Hudson. Even though you may be a resident of the Town you will get zapped with Eddie Moulton's latest water rate hike.
Is it warranted? Of course not. We're already paying the highest water rates in the entire Hudson Valley. Eddie's just using this to subsidize his budget.
And if you're thinking the Town Board will advocate for lower water rates forget it. None of them want to bump heads with Eddie, he's too slick for 'em.
Then there is the school district. What can I say ...
In the coming days there will be a call for volunteers to participate in a citizens advisory committee that will in theory provide input into the formation of the 2006-2007 budget.
If you're interested in participating call 534-8009, extension 8, and give them your name.
While it may be a good idea in concept just consider the following -- approximately 98% of the school district's budget is driven by contractual expenses and state mandated programs.
Only 2% of the overall school district budget has any wiggle-room.
The school district's administration could always do something about minimizing contractual expenses, but cronyism seems to rear its ugly head every once in a while and it's hard to undue old habits.
In other words, before you volunteer your expertise, give some thought to whether it's worth your time and effort.
If this committee approach sounds reminiscent of the high school task force that was created in 2001 you're right. Bottom line is the folks at the school district will be using PR and not sound economics to try to get its budget passed next time around.
.Next week New Windsor Supervisor George Meyers will bid his adieu and walk-off into the sunset.
For those who don't the guy, he's a good person with a big heart.
The local media was not kind to George and misled the public. It's going to be interesting to see the tables turn when the Green administration takes office and starts making wholesale changes in New Windsor's town government.
And in closing ...
For some absurd reason our readership is at an all time high and we don't have any idea why.
We're visited by more than 6,000 people regularly every month with some of our readers located as far away as Iraq and Afghanistan.
To all of our readers, and supporters, the folks at the Cornball-Local.Com would like to extend a big "thank you" and we wish you all Happy Holidays!
See y'all in two weeks ...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Absurd Predictions!
By Blithesome Spirit
.I'm going to start by wishing one and all a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and a Happy New Year. The Cornball-Local.Com won't be publishing next week, so I had wanted to get the niceties out of the way.
With the new year we're going to see local government and the school district once again raid our wallets. Some increased will be caused by need,
while others will be due to mismanagement. You decide which one is which.
Let's start with the Town of Cornwall. Dick Randazzo had to raise taxes slightly. This wasn't his fault, it has more to do with the prior administration's gross mismanagement of our tax dollars.
Be watchful though for some slick real estate transactions and deals coming down the road. It's unfortunate, but it seems likely the Cornwall we used to know will soon be no more due to unchecked growth.
Then of course there's the Village of Cornwall-on-Hudson. Even though you may be a resident of the Town you will get zapped with Eddie Moulton's latest water rate hike.
Is it warranted? Of course not. We're already paying the highest water rates in the entire Hudson Valley. Eddie's just using this to subsidize his budget.
And if you're thinking the Town Board will advocate for lower water rates forget it. None of them want to bump heads with Eddie, he's too slick for 'em.
Then there is the school district. What can I say ...
In the coming days there will be a call for volunteers to participate in a citizens advisory committee that will in theory provide input into the formation of the 2006-2007 budget.
If you're interested in participating call 534-8009, extension 8, and give them your name.
While it may be a good idea in concept just consider the following -- approximately 98% of the school district's budget is driven by contractual expenses and state mandated programs.
Only 2% of the overall school district budget has any wiggle-room.
The school district's administration could always do something about minimizing contractual expenses, but cronyism seems to rear its ugly head every once in a while and it's hard to undue old habits.
In other words, before you volunteer your expertise, give some thought to whether it's worth your time and effort.
If this committee approach sounds reminiscent of the high school task force that was created in 2001 you're right. Bottom line is the folks at the school district will be using PR and not sound economics to try to get its budget passed next time around.
.Next week New Windsor Supervisor George Meyers will bid his adieu and walk-off into the sunset.
For those who don't the guy, he's a good person with a big heart.
The local media was not kind to George and misled the public. It's going to be interesting to see the tables turn when the Green administration takes office and starts making wholesale changes in New Windsor's town government.
And in closing ...
For some absurd reason our readership is at an all time high and we don't have any idea why.
We're visited by more than 6,000 people regularly every month with some of our readers located as far away as Iraq and Afghanistan.
To all of our readers, and supporters, the folks at the Cornball-Local.Com would like to extend a big "thank you" and we wish you all Happy Holidays!
See y'all in two weeks ...
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