The winter hours for genealogical research at the Museum of Friends of Historic Rochester, 12 Main Street, Accord, are Wednesdays from 12 noon to 3 p.m.  Richard Rider is there to assist in the research with access to extensive resources including the Eleanor Rosakranse Genealogical Collection, many family reports compiled from the internet, and ongoing internet access.  

For an appointment with Richard Rider, please call him at 845-339-6666.

The Museum itself can be open by special appointment.  Please call 845-626-7104 or 845-687-9998.

Sunday, February 12, 3pm, Marbletown Community Center.  John Winthrop Aldrich, former New York State Deputy Commissioner of Historic Preservation, will speak on the topic "Marbletown is Not Just Anytown USA:  The Benefits of Historic Preservation for Your Town."  For more information, call 687-9004.

 

Dutch Architecture in the Hudson Valley

Sunday, March 12, 3pm, Marbletown Community Center.  Peter Kenny, Curator, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, will speak on the topic "Eighteenth-century Dutch Architecture in the Hudson Valley - The Case of the Daniel Pieter Winney House (Bethlehem New York)."  He will talk about the recent installation at the Met of a 1751 Dutch Hudson Valley vernacular house, and how the design of that house relates to other examples in the region.  For more information, call 687-9004.

 

Preservation of Historic Structures

Sunday, April 2, 3pm, Marbletown Community Center.  This will be a panel discussion led by Marbletown Historic Preservation Commissioners Harry Hanson (preservationist) and Anthony DiGuiseppe (architect) on practical approaches to preserving your historic structure.  For more information, call 687-9004.

 

Biographical information for the first lecturer is listed below:

 

JOHN WINTHROP ALDRICH

Wint Aldrich has lived beside the Hudson River all his life, and for much of that time has been a passionate student of the region's history and an advocate for preserving its natural and historic resources.

A member of the tenth generation of his family to own land at Rokeby, in Red Hook, Dutchess County, N.Y., he was an incorporator of the preservation organization Hudson River Heritage in 1974 and played a major role in establishing, in 1990, the Hudson River National Historic Landmark District, extending for twenty miles along the River north from Hyde Park. This work contributed, in turn, to Congressional enactment of the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area in 1996.

Wint served as president of the Hudson River Conservation Society (1974-1984), facilitating its evolution into today's Scenic Hudson Land Trust, and he was the founding president of Wilderstein Preservation in Rhinebeck (1980-1988), devoted to restoring and managing a notable 19th century country seat. Since 1975, he has been Red Hook town historian.

In January, 2003, he retired from his position as New York State's Deputy Commissioner for Historic Preservation, a post at the Office of State Parks, which he had held for nine years. Throughout the preceding 20 years he was a special assistant to six successive New York State Commissioners of Environmental Conservation. Wint is currently working as Advisor to the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area.

A graduate of Harvard with a degree in history, and a former Army captain in Vietnam, Wint and his wife Tracie now divide their time between New York City, Connecticut and Rokeby.

The new Town Board started the first meeting of the year with an agenda filled with new ideas and proposals, including:

Replacing the attorney for the town.

Replacing the position of municipal building code officer with an upgraded code enforcement officer

Establishment of appointment procedures for town boards of commissions

Approving the hiring of Fairweather Associates to assist the town in a revision of the Town’s 1969 comprehensive plan.

Proposing a 12-month moratorium on subdivisions of more than 4 parcels and non-residential structures of more htan 4,000 square feet, which the comprehensive plan is revised.

Announced a schedule of periodic Town Hall meetings to obtain resident input on the comprehensive plan revision.

Changing the location of polling places for Election Districts 1 & 5 from Town Hall to the larger Accord Fire District Headquarters, effective as of the September 2006 primary election.

 

The meeting had the highest attendance in recent memory, with approximately 200 residents present -- the meeting that to relocate to the Highway Department garage to accommodate the large crowd.  A tape of the meeting, as well as that of a presentation by Fairweather Associates on the comprehensive plan revision will air on Mondays at 7pm on Time Warner Cable public access television.

ACCORD - Fire district commissioners will meet Jan. 10 to discuss a new election for five district chiefs after throwing out the results of a Dec. 8 vote.

The commissioners declared the election improper because it was not done by secret ballot, inactive members weren't notified of the vote and the Board of Commissioners itself did not receive advance notice of which candidates were running, officials said.

"The bylaws state that the companies will put their nominations for chief on a list and submit that list to commissioners," Commissioner Jonathan Blair said. "The commissioners will then validate those nominees."

Blair said qualifications include "age, credentials, training, and are they in good standing with the commission and the company. If those criteria are met, then the commissioners inform the companies that the conditions are met and the companies then shall hold elections and the ballots are to be secret and written."

The board on Wednesday denied the election of District Chief Shawn Farrell, Assistant District Chief Chris O'Connor, and company Chiefs Stephen Stephens of Accord Company 1, John Dunning of Rochester Company 2 and Paul Rider of Alligerville Company 3. The move drew a protest from the crowd of about 60 in attendance.

"The commissioners felt they needed to review these nominations, and in some cases the people who were put up for nomination might not be recommended for those posts by the board," Blair said. "We got into almost fisticuffs, and words were said, and some people were asked to leave. State police were called and the room was cleared."

The board also replaced district secretary Susan Karman, treasurer Lou Kazmarick, and lawyer Phil Cataldi.

"We felt the lawyer wasn't the best lawyer for the district," Blair said. "We needed someone who had more experience with fire districts. The treasurer, we needed someone with more experience to handle the books because we have to get ready for a full (state) audit and the books have not been kept well."

Cataldi was not immediately available Thursday and neither Karman or Kazarick could be reached by telephone.

The board's move bothered some fire volunteers as an attempt to bring down morale within the companies.

"This was just another one of the ploys to make the guys look bad," Ted Fina said. "I don't know what they're trying to accomplish ... but with this type of nonsense going on, it just gets everybody upset. There was no reason for them doing what they did."

Officials said coverage in the district will not suffer because authority has been given to fire captains during emergencies. (Daily Freeman 1/6/06)

[Editor’s Note.  According to eyewitness accounts, State Police officers were called because the meeting room was filled beyond capacity, causing the meeting to be moved.  Later in the meeting, police officers were called again as a member of the audience allegedly threatened members of the Board of Fire Commissioners with a knife].

Deputy hurt in collision on Route 209

Stone Ridge - An Ulster County sheriff's deputy suffered serious injuries in a two-car accident on Route 209 late Wednesday night while responding to a call for backup. Deputy Lyle Roebuck, 41, was flown to Westchester Medical Center with leg and facial fractures, according to police. Roebuck, an 18-year veteran of the sheriff's department, underwent surgery on his leg yesterday and was listed in stable condition.

 

At about 11:50 Wednesday night, Roebuck's patrol car - with its sirens and emergency lights on, police said - collided with a car driven by Tanya Stokes, 19, of Stone Ridge. Roebuck's car then went off the road and struck a tree, police said.

 

Stokes was taken to Kingston Hospital, where she was treated for minor injuries and released.

 

Both cars were going north on Route 209, but police could not comment yesterday on the cause or specifics of the accident. The state police accident reconstruction team is investigating the incident.  (TH-Record 1/13/06)  Editor’s Note:  Deputy Roebuck was chairman of the Accord Board of Fire Commissioners until December 31, 2005

Benjamin C. Decker, 35, of Accord, was accused by police Monday of threatening to shoot a rifle inside a home, state police at Ellenville said.  Decker was charged with menacing, weapon possession, endangering the welfare of a child, resisting arrest and harassment.  Police had responded to a call at his residence and heard a woman screaming inside.  Police entered the home and were able to grab the rifle from the suspect and arrest him (Freeman 12/28/05)

The trial of Annette Rose has been postponed from January 17th to March 20, 2006, with jury selection beginning at 9am in Judge Kavanaugh's court in Kingston.

Local Jewelry designer Barbara Klar is offering a  JEWELRY WAX CARVING
CLASS.  Learn how to turn carvable wax into fine gold and silver
jewelry.  6 classes on saturdays, 1-3pm.  $85 per class.  Previous
metalsmithing/jewelry experience is preferred but not necessary.  visit
www.clearmetals.com or call 845-626-3700

 

 

Accord Resident Rob Norris is Concert January 15^th

HER  In Concert

Divinely inspired, spontaneously extracted, music from the heart place!

Sunday January 15, 2006, 7:00 pm  $10

Deep Listening Space: 75 Broadway, Kingston NY

845.338.5986  http://www.deeplistening.org/dls/

Dear Editor,

Three years ago I moved to the Town of Rochester.  One year ago I joined the Accord Fire Department.  And now look what's happened!  I want to thank all the citizens of Rochester for electing me to the Fire Commission, and to my fellow firefighters for their generous support!

Thanks to Steve Schoonmaker who pursued conducting an open, fair election. Thanks to my neighbors who convinced me to run, and thanks to the community volunteers: Stuart Fraser, Marijane Knudsen-Hunlock, Lori Kazmarick, Elaine Lasher, Alan Levine, Loretta Terwilliger, and Rev. Sara Tweedy.  This was a real community effort!

The record voter turnout showed everyone that the citizens of Rochester are paying new, and careful attention, to the actions of the Accord Fire District.  I plan to work hard with the other Fire Commission members to ensure the financial business of the district, and the safety of our firemen, are managed in an open, accountable, environment. 

Happy New Year!

Jonathan Blair
Fire Commissioner -- Elect

 

Legal Notice Please Take Notice that the Town of Rochester Town Board has scheduled the Organizational Meeting on 1-5-06 at 7:00 p.m. at the Town Hall, with the Town Board Meeting immediately following. By Order of the Town Board

 

Legal Notice Notice of Receipt of Tax Roll and Warrant Please Take Notice that I, Veronica I. Sommer, collector of taxes in the Town of Rochester, County of Ulster and State of New York, have received the tax roll and warrant for the collection of taxes within the Town of Rochester for the year 2006 and that I will attend the Town Hall, Accord, New York, in the said Town of Rochester each and every day during the month of January 2006 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. excepting Saturdays and Sundays and holidays for the purpose of receiving the taxes listed on said roll. Please Take further Notice that taxes may be paid on or before the 31st day of January without interest. On all taxes received after such date, there shall be added interest of (1%) one percent of the amount of the unpaid tax for each month or fraction thereof until taxes are paid or until the return of unpaid taxes to the County Treasurer pursuant unto law. Please Take Further Notice that pursuant to the provision of law, the tax roll for the Town of Rochester will be returned to the County Treasurer of the County of Ulster on the first day of June 2006. Dated: 12-31-05 Veronica I. Sommer Collector of Taxes for the Town of Rochester (Freeman 1/8/06)

 

THE TOWN OF ROCHESTER- is seeking members to fill vacancies on the planning board, zoning board of appeals and the historic preservation commission. The deadline for letters of intent is 1-20-06 and should be sent directly to the supervisor: PO Box 65, Accord NY 12404. (1/8/06)

 

LEGAL NOTICE PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Town of Rochester Town Board has scheduled a meeting on 1/11/06 at 6:30 pm at the Accord Town Hall to discuss the proposed Comprehensive Plan Update. BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD Veronica I. Sommer Town Clerk/ Tax Collector/RMC (1/9/006)

 

LEGAL NOTICE PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Town Board of the Town of rochester will hold a public hearing on 1/18/06 at 7:00pm at the Accord Town Hall re: a proposed temporary Moratorium on Development within the Town. All interested persons will be heard. BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD Veronica I. Sommer Town Clerk/ Tax Collector/RMC (1/11/05)

 

LEGAL NOTICE PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Town of Rochester Town Board will hold a Special Board Meeting on 1/25/06 at 6:00pm at the Town Hall, Accord, NY, to interview prospective Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals and Historic Preservation Commission applicants. BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD Veronica I. Somer Town Clerk/ Tax Collector/RMC (1/11/05)

 

 

 

For Rent.

Lovely one-bedroom apartment on Main Street Kerhonkson. New bathroom

and kitchen--everything else is old in a good way,$900/month includes

heat. info@kerhonksongeneral.com or 646-325-4531.

 

Shared Artist spaces for rent.

Clean, well lit space for artist on Main Street Kerhonkson.  $200

heat included.  info@kerhonksongeneral.com or 646-325-4531.

 

Accord – Taking proper care of country cemeteries is a hard job.  Many of the old cemeteries fall into states of disrepair.  (There are over 70 cemeteries in the Town of Rochester.)

 

Thanks to many volunteer hours spent by men and machinery during the past couple of years, the Accord Rural Cemetery off Towpath Road in the village of Accord has received recent improvements.  The generous volunteers who have been working hard on this project include Lewis Waruch, Fred Wustrau, David Lawrence, Jack Schoonmaker, David Schoonmaker, Jim Diamond, and David Winne.

 

On land donated to the cemetery by the Schoonmaker family, trees have been cleared and a roadbed laid to provide a new entrance roadway into the cemetery.  Additionally, the land around the perimeter of the cemetery has been cleared out to the original boundaries.  As a local “old timer” has stated recently, “The cemetery looks better now than I’ve ever seen it.”

Jonathan Blair and Kathy Kuthy were both elected to the Accord Fire District’s Board of Fire Commissioners at the December 13^th Fire District election.   Blair, who ran against James Allison and William Farrell was selected for the two-term created by the resignation of Robert Hoar earlier this year.  Kuthy ran against Harry Birch and Donald Crow for the five year term.  Ted Fina’s name was also on the ballot, although he indicated that he did not want to run after the ballots were printed.  Voter turnout hit a record, with more than 350 voters compared to about 170 voters last year and a only a couple dozen in the year before that.  The certified results were:

 

2 year Term:

Jonathan Blair          139 votes (40.8%)

James Allison               101 votes (29.6%)

William Farrell                101 votes (29.6%)

 

5-year Term

Kathy Kuthy                212 votes (59.9%)

Harry Birch         121 votes (34.2%)

Ted Fina              11 votes (3.1%)

Donald Crowe                  10 votes (2.8%)

 

Judge Ron Keillor adjourned the December 13 trial of Richard Countryman for six months in contemplation of dismissal.  Countryman was facing Dept. of Environmental Conservation charges related to his alleged illegal burying of burned building debris in the aftermath of the burning of the historic White House Hotel in January 2005.  As a condition of the contemplated dismissal, Countryman must remediate the property, located on Berme Road, to DEC standards within six months.  Prior to the adjournment, attorneys for the DEC asked Countryman under oath about his role in the burning, which was supervised by the Accord Fire District, of which he is an elected commissioner.

The Town’s Zoning Board of Appeal held a brief meeting on December 13 to discuss the process related to the appeal of a determination by Code Enforcement Officer Doug Dymond that stated that the HVR’s proposed expansion did not require a special use permit.  The determination appeal, filed by residents Astrid Fitzgerald and Richard Geldard, asserted that HVR’s proposal to replace a wing, add conference space, and a 36,000 water park constituted an expansion and, therefore, requires a special use permit.  The ZBA will hold a public hearing in January. 

 

The UC BOE released its certified results of the November 8, 2005 election, there were no surprises and the winners did not change.  Margins did, however, change as a result of the counting of additional paper ballots, including affidavit and absentee ballots.  Voter turnout was exceptionally high with 2,777 voters

 

Supervisor:

Pam Duke        1,416

Chris Kelder        1,272

Blank         89

 

 

Town Clerk

Veronica Sommer        1,370

Kim Tompkins           1,268

Blank                 139

 

Highway Superintendent

Wayne Kelder               1,444

Roger Hellman        1,196

Blank                 137

 

Town Board

Alex Miller          1,304

Tony Spano                1,282

Randy Hornbeck        1,245

Tom Ryan           1,013

Betty Kawalchuk        248

Blank                 461

Void                  1

Dear Editor:

 

I am honored that the Residents of the Town of Rochester have put their trust in me by electing me to The Accord Board of Fire Commissioners.  Rochester Voters made history by showing up in record numbers and electing their first woman fire commissioner.

 

Going into this race, I had many obstacles to overcome and a tremendous amount of work to do.  My many supporters assisted in important ways; they got the word out and kept me motivated when the going seemed so tough.  I owe them a sincere debt of gratitude.

 

I also want to thank the other candidates who ran clean campaigns based on the many issues facing the fire district.

 

As I said over and over during my campaign, I will dedicate myself to making sure that the Accord Fire District is a effective, efficient organization that provides safety to its firefighters and excellence to all it serves. Along with Accountability to the public, Reduction in taxes, Reorganization of procedures & finances, Recruitment and training and Receipt of grant monies will be our new 4 R's for Rochester.

 

I also want to thank the community volunteers; Marijane Knudsen-Hunlock, Stuart Fraser, Lori Kazmarick, Rev. Sara Tweedy, Alan Levine, Elaine Lasher and Loretta Terwilliger who gave their time to work hard during election night to insure that the election was proper and fair for all of the candidates.

 

Most of all, I thank you, the voters, for your confidence and invite you to attend the 2006 Organizational Meeting of the Accord Fire District at 7:30pm on Wednesday, January 4, 2006 at the Main Street Accord Fire House.

 

Sincerely,

 

Kathy Kuthy

Fire Commissioner-Elect

 

Notice is hereby given that the Planning Board of the Town of Rochester will hold public hearing on the 20th day of December 2005, commencing at 7:00 p.m. at the Town Hall, 50 Scenic Drive, Accord, NY, on the following Applications: Leon & Beth Smith, 3 lot subdivision, Route 209, Tax Map #76.2-2-27.1, B, R-1 District the above noted applications and maps are open for inspection at the offices of the Planning Board and Town Clerk, Accord, NY. Persons wishing to appear at such hearing may do so in person or by attorney or other representative. Should this meeting be canceled, the public hearing will be held by the Planning Board at date to be determined. (12/13/05)

 

Notice is hereby given that the Planning Board of the Town of Rochester will hold public hearing on the 20th day of December 2005, commencing at 7:00 p.m. at the Town Hall, 50 Scenic Drive, Accord, NY, on the following Applications: Nelson De Gondea, 4 lot subdivisions, Pond Road private road off of Rocky Mountain Road, Tax Map #52.020-1-8 The above noted applications and maps are open for inspection at the offices of the Planning Board and Town Clerk, Accord, NY. Persons wishing to appear at such hearing may do so in person or by attorney or other representative. Should this meeting be canceled, the public hearing will be held by the Planning Board at date to be determined. (12/13/05)

 

THE ACCORD BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS organizational meeting will be held on January 4, 2006 at 7:00 p.m. The regular meeting to be held at 7:30 p.m. These meetings to be held at the Accord Company #1 Station, located at 22 Main St., Accord, N.Y. 12404, Ulster County. This notification is being given to the news media pursuant to the provisions of Section 94 of the Public Officers Law of the State of New York. By order of the Board of Fire Commissioners of the Accord Fire District. Lori Kazmarick, District Secretary (Freeman 12/14/05)

For more information call Jill Shufeldt, dog control officer, at 626-5979 or email doggonejill@aol.com

On November 18^th, the Board of Elections conducted a recount of the councilman race and counted affidavit ballots executed on election day as well as absentee ballots received since election day.  The results were:

 

*= winner

 

Supervisor: (does not include 11/18 count)

*Pam Duke (DEM, IND, WOR, RFI)          1,361

Chris Kelder (REP, CON) 1,246

 

Town Board

Randy Hornbeck (REP, CON) 1,244

Betty Kawalchuk (CON) 248

*Alex Miller (DEM, IND) 1,294

Tom Ryan (REP, IND) 1,013

*Tony Spano (DEM, WOR) 1,277

 

Superintendent of Highways (does not include 11/18 count)

Roger Hellman (DEM, RFI) 1,149

*Wayne Kelder (REP, CON, IND) 1,409

 

Town Justice (does not include 11/18 count)

*Deborah Schneer (DEM, IND, WOR, RFI) 1,295

Mel Tapper (REP, CON) 1,159

 

Town Clerk (does not include 11/18 count)

*Veronica Sommer (REP, CON)  1,328

Kim Van Aken Tompkins (DEM, RFI) 1,223

The Town’s Community Center will host a free Thanksgiving Dinner from 11:30 to 2pm on Thanksgiving Day at the Community Center.  All are welcome, please call 626-2115 for information and reservations.

Featuring U.S. Rep. Maurice Hinchey; Al Zappala, member of Military Families Speak Out and Member of Gold Star Families for Peace; Judith Karpova, Human Shield.  With music by Amy Fradon, Robin Leah and reggae band Song of Solomon.

Sunday, November 20, 2005 at 1:00 PM; SUNY Ulster's Quimby Theater, Vanderlyn Hall Cottekill Road, Stone Ridge, NY.  Volunteers will be collecting signatures and donations to publish an open letter in local newspapers to Senators Schumer and Clinton, urging the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq.  If you are unable to attend and would like to contribute or have your name included on the letter, please send contributions to Rondout Valley Patriots for Peace(RVPP), P.O. Box 473, Accord,NY 12404 by November 30.  Checks should be made payable to RVPP, a non-profit grassroots organization.

Cosponsored  by Rondout Valley Patriots for Peace, Saugerties

Committee for Peace and Justice, and Project for Democracy Rosendale Branch

For more information: Terri at tritter@hvi.net or 845-626-7844 or Max at 626-7373.

 

Accord, NY, 7 Nov. 2005 – After three months and over 700 name submissions, SKATE TIME 209 has been chosen for the official name of this 30,000 square-foot roller rink, skatepark and arcade under construction in the southern Ulster County hamlet of Accord. SKATE TIME 209 will open to the public approximately March 1, 2006.

 

The winning name was submitted by John and Kaitlyn Kelder, ages 13 and 11 respectively, of Accord.  Proprietors Len and Terry Bernardo began collecting entries at the Ulster County Fair in

August of this year.  Between the fair, on-line and U.S. mail entries, over 700 distinct names were submitted.  The proprietors, along with their Teen Board of Directors, narrowed the list down to a

"final four," on which the public voted in October.

 

"We are beyond thrilled, not only at the volume of names we received, but with the creativity and drive shown by everyone involved," said Len Bernardo.  "It wasn’t easy," added Terry

Bernardo,"since we had document every name, when it was submitted and by whom, to ensure we had determined the winner fairly."

 

John and Kaitlyn Kelder will receive a one-year free pass to SKATE TIME 209.  The other final name entries included Skaters’ Paradise, The Accord Skate Center, and Limelight Skating Center

(a reference to a former building on the property) located at the corner of Mettacahonts Road and Route 209. The Teen Board of Directors, comprised of over 200 local youth ages 12 – 21, is directly involved in all aspects of the center’s development, by way of four sub-committees:  Administration, Public Relations, Food/Entertainment and Skatepark Design.  This last committee made eight revisions before handing a final design to professional park builders Suburban Rails of Fairfield, Ohio (www.suburbanrails.com.)  The Teen Board, in addition to having fun and earning incentives, is also learning hands-on how to plan and run a business.

 

The Bernardos, in their concept and design for SKATE TIME 209, have been inspired by Colin Powell’s "AMERICA’S PROMISE" initiative, which supports five promises that adults and kids can

make to improve their community.  Said Len, "our goal is to make this area one of the nation’s Top 100 Best Places for Kids to Live, as ranked by the Board of Directors of America’s Promise."

(www.americaspromise.org.)

Wakingplanet.com begins, "Seen from space, our earth is a shimmering sphere of rare and fragile beauty. From this cosmic perspective, we realize that in addition to being proud citizens of our country, we must also be people of the earth and deepen our reverence and respect for all life and for our jewel of a home.  The time has come for a New World Flag that transcends boundaries andstands for all that is best in us; our ability to wage peace, ensure social and

economic justice for all, foster racial harmony, end world hunger, and create environmental sustainability." Barbara Upton, Kerhonkson created the New World Flag featured on her web site, shortly after 9/11. "After that tragedy, I was impressed with the outpouring of support from all over the world and I couldn't help but wonder, where is the symbol for the unity and harmony of all the people of the earth?" This was the first image that came to her and she knew it was the right one. "The Waking Planet New World Flag is meant to be flown by individuals, families, organizations, schools, municipalities, states and nations. By flying this flag you are saying you choose to hold a vision of a world of justice, peace and harmony. You are declaring that one is entering a hate free zone where all people are respected and valued", Upton said. The site also has Waking Planet decals for sale and will soon have t-shirts too. Waking PlanetChronicles, her alternative news newsletter with information our corporate owned media is not covering, is also archived on her web site. To receive free online each month write to her at AnahataSun@aol.com

Dear Editor:

 

In the days since the election, Republican Club president David O'Halloran has been phoning a number of Democrats in order to "extend an olive branch" and to offer a "deal."  Mr. O'Halloran reminded the Democrats that "there's still one Town Board meeting left" and the Republicans "still have control" of the five-person Town Board through the end of the year.

 

The deal Mr. O'Halloran offered is that he and the Republican Club get to appoint Leon Smith to the Town's Planning Board (replacing William DeGraw, whose term expires on December 31st), and, in exchange, they will "allow" the Democrats to appoint someone to the Zoning Board of Appeals  (to replace Marijane Knudsen, whose term expires on December 31st).

 

It's curious that Mr. O'Halloran offers this deal, because at a Town Board meeting in December 2004, Republican Town Councilmen Randy Hornbeck and Ron Santosky stated that they believed that anyone who is on such a body "should automatically be reappointed" when their terms expire after Supervisor Pam Duke had earlier introduced a proposal that called for such appointments to be opened to the public (Tom Ryan voted to adopt the proposal).  I know and remember this well because I was one of several citizens who was denied an interview and consideration for a seat on the Planning Board, which ultimately led to my successful candidacy for a Town Board seat to stop these undemocratic, backroom deals.

 

If Randy Hornbeck or Ron Santosky go along with Mr. O’Halloran’s suggestion at the upcoming December Town Board meeting, they would be belying their previously stated principles, exchanging their professed actions in the "best interests of the town" for personal or political gain.

 

On November 8th, voters in the Town of Rochester clearly expressed their contempt for backroom deals such as the one proposed by Mr. O'Halloran.  My fellow Democrats and many fair-minded Republicans I met during the campaign prefer our town make decisions transparently in the full light of day, in full public view, without threats of coercion or promise of reward and that that appointments be made on the basis of qualifications and experience.

 

Sincerely,

Alex Miller

Councilman-Elect

Town of Rochester

 

 

Dear Editor,

 

On behalf of the Town of Rochester Democratic Committee, I am writing to thank the voters of our town for their vote of confidence in last Tuesday?s election.  As proud as we are of our   success, we don’t consider this a Democratic victory as much as we believe it to be a win for our town.

 

Our town, like most in America, faces some daunting challenges: encouraging sustainable economic development, increasing business and employment opportunities, maintaining our town hamlets, providing affordable housing, preserving our history and our rural character, and enhancing and preserving our scenic and natural resources.  As you read this list, I’m certain you have your favorite town issue, and most likely, you have strong views and opinions about what to do or not do.

 

As the Town of Rochester crafts and retools the policies that will lead us into the future, it will be easy to watch from afar and grumble about local government but not participate.  We encourage everyone to take the challenge and work with our elected town government.  Our town can change with or without the benefit of guidance.  But change it will.  Town residents can play an active role or not.  The choice is theirs to make, and I’m hoping it will be in favor of constructive

involvement.

 

Sincerely,

Max Finestone, Chair

Town of Rochester Democratic Committee

 

 

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

 

For those of you who read my characterization on the Rochester Republican Club website — (http://www.rochesterrepublicans.com/opi.html), I first want to say that I’m sorry if I gave Jon Dogar-Marinesco the impression I was “shoving” a camera in his face. But I’m even more sorry that when I introduced myself and asked if I could camcord him photographing the Rochester Democrats campaigning across the road, that he said “sure,” chatted with me, exchanged pleasantries about our backgrounds, (are your grandparents from Russia?) and then treated my openness as something to be degraded and exploited for the benefit of his local party.

 

As far as anything else, there’s nothing to be sorry about. Although I was in some of the early Weatherman demonstrations when it was still SDS, I was never in the Weather underground.  I certainly never harmed anyone or anything.  But why, you may wonder, would a young college girl have anything to do with such a group?  Because the same thing was going on then

that is going on now.  A racist war against people who never harmed us. The use of napalm on children. It was also used in Fallujah.  The use of Agent Orange back then, depleted uranium now, which destroys the future generations of all sides.  The destruction of whole cities.  The approval of torture.  The slaughter of hundreds of thousands of innocent people, both by military action and by economic sanctions, as in Iraq.  These killed almost a million Iraqi children because the water treatment plants bombed in the first Gulf War could not be repaired.

 

Thirty five years ago I thought shouting angry rhetoric was a good idea.  Now I think that peaceful resistance is much more meaningful.  I went to Iraq to resist the war and show that I consider their citizens as equal in value to any people anywhere.  And I went because as an American citizen I have the right to travel to see for myself the consequences of my government’s policies.

In Iraq I moved freely among a gracious, sophisticated, hospitible people who spoke three languages and quoted Shakespeare to make me feel at home.  I met exuberant children with Daisy Duck and Smurfs painted on their school walls. I don’t even know if they’re still alive.  And how many more of the young men and women in our own military will be killed and injured there?

The Iraq war, as the Vietnam war, had to be “sold” with lies and distortions.  How will we solve our global or national problems if we indulge in such tactics locally?  I believe that the basis of national integrity starts at the local level.

 

I’m proud to be associated with people like those I met working with the Rochester Democrats, and all the people I know here of whatever political view, who are straightforward and honest and don’t use smear tactics for their own attempted gain.  To Jon and others who have stooped to such tactics, you ought to know better.  That’s not what this beautiful part of the country, and these good people who are my neighbors, are all about.

Sincerely,

Judith Karpova

 

LEGAL NOTICE ANNUAL ELECTION OF THE ACCORD FIRE DISTRICT On December 13, 2005 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Annual Election of the Accord Fire District will take place on December 13, 2005 between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. at the following locations: For Election Districts 1, 4, & 5 - Accord Fire District Headquarters at the Accord Fire House located at 22 Main Street, Accord N.Y. 12404 and for Election Districts 2 & 3 - Rochester Company #2 Fire House, located at 922 Samsonville Road, Kerhonkson, N.Y. 12446, for the purpose of electing two Fire Commissioners for: one five (5) year term, commencing January 1, 2006 and ending December 31, 2010, and one two (2) year term, commencing January 1, 2006 and ending December 31, 2007. Only residents registered to vote with the Ulster County Board of Elections on or before November 21, 2005 shall be eligible to vote. Applications for Absentee Ballots are available by contacting the District Office in writing addressed to Accord Fire District Commissioners Election, P.O. Box 84, Accord, N.Y. 12404 no later than December 6, 2005 or by walk in, including by proxy, during regular office hours of 1p.m. - 4p.m. Mondays at the Accord Fire District Headquarters, located at 22 Main Street, Accord, N.Y. 12404. Candidates for Fire Commissioner shall file a letter, requesting that their names be added to the ballot, with the Secretary of the Accord Fire District, at 22 Main Street, Accord, N.Y. 12404, no later than November 23, 2005. November 09, 2005 Lori Kazmarick, Secretary Board of Fire Commissioners Accord Fire District 22 Main Street Accord, New York 12404 (845) 626-3707 (Freeman 11/14/05)

 

 

Notice is hereby given that the Planning Board of the Town of Rochester will hold a public hearing on the 15th day of November 2005, commencing at 7:00 p.m., at the Town Hall, 50 Scenic Drive, Accord, NY on the following applications: Karen Hof & Michael Russ, Subdivision approval for 2 lots, Queens Highway, Accord, Tax Map # 60.4-2-1.100, A District The above noted applications and maps are open for inspection at the offices of the Planning Board and Town Clerk, Accord, NY. Persons wishing to appear at such hearing may do so in person or by attorney or other representative. Should this meeting be canceled, the public hearing will be held by the Planning Board at a date to be determined." (Freeman 11/8/05)

 

Notice is hereby given that the Planning Board of the Town of Rochester will hold public hearing on the 15th day of November 2005, commencing at 7:00 p.m. at the Town Hall, 50 Scenic Road, Accord, NY, on the following application: RNR Housing Inc, Michael Baum, c/o Medenbach & Eggers, Subdivision Approval for Section 2 (lots 8-21 with the deletion of lot 11), Sahler Mill Estates Sundale Road & Sahler Mill Road, Tax Map # 60.4-1-1.2, A District of the Zoning Map. The above noted application and map are open for inspection at the offices of the Planning Board and Town Clerk, Accord, NY. Persons wishing to appear at such hearings may do so in person or by attorney or other representative. Should this meeting be canceled, the public hearing will be held by the Planning Board at a date to be determined. (Freeman 11/9/05)

 

 

Legal Notice Please Take Notice that the Audit/Workshop Meeting for the Town of Rochester will be held on November 23, 2005 due to a scheduling conflict. By Order of the Town Board, Veronica I. Sommer, Town Clerk/ Tax Collector/ RMC (Freeman 11/16/05)

An article in the October 21, 2005 Blue Stone Press states that the owners of the resort have been in discussions with a NYC developer and their own attorney about the feasibility of building 200 homes on 200 of the resorts acres.  E&S Development of Rockland County (based in NYC) indicated that it has had discussions with the owners, but that it is premature to discuss any use of the site.

Between late Saturday night, October 1 to early Sunday morning, there were six to nine burglaries of commercial businesses in Rosendale, Marbletown, Rochester, New Paltz, Lloyd, Ulster, and Woodstock.  Locally, Tetta’s Grocery Store in Olivebridge reported its cash register and ATM machine stolen. Accord Kwik Mart in Accord reported that its cash register and lotto machine were stolen.  The Citgo station in Rosendale also reported a burglary.  The crimes were allegedly tied to four men from Woodstock, Mt. Tremper, and Glenford, who were arrested by NYC DEP Police on October 2^nd.  (from BSP 10/21/05)

The Town’s Planning Board denied a Special Use Permit request by High Falls resident Diana Banks to open a philanthropic cat shelter on property on Airport Road.  Planning Board member David O’Halloran raised concerns that there was not an attendant ther 24 hours a day, to which Ms. Banks responded that the Ulster County SPCA does not have 24 hour attendants (nor does the Town of Rochster pound).  Planning Board Chair Mel Tapper stated that Ms. Bank’s existing shelter on Main Street is well run, however, “The neighbors aren’t too pleased.  They were living here first, so we have to think of them.”

Separately, the Planning Board also made a conditional negative declaration for the proposed 56,000 sq ft. storage sheds proposed for Route 209 by Todd Bivona

A Kerhonkson resident was among the 19 officers state-wide honored by Gov. George Pataki yesterday for courage in the line of duty.  Tony Spano, a sergeant in the Wallkill Police Department, received a Certificate of Exceptional Valor because he and the officers under him showed restraint in a deadly situation, according to Deputy Chief Jack Quinn.

             In an August 2004 incident, police received a report that a young man carrying a pistol was walking in a residential neighborhood.  The man, Sean Quirk, ignored orders to drop the gun.  The police officers, under Spano’s command, held their fire even as Quirk fired several shots into the air. When Quirk advanced towards the officers, Spano shot Quirk with a non-lethal shot to the leg.  Quirk dropped his weapon as he fell, but picked up his pistol and shot himself in the head.

             Spano, said of the award, “I’m very pleased for the Governor’s recognition, but I think I did what any person would have done.”

 

[Editor’s note:  Spano is a candidate for Town Council in the Town of Rochester]

Kerhonkson.  Patty Abezis, who was convicted April 29 after a jury trial on 38 counts of animal cruelty, and Tracey Ann Pennington, who was found guilty on six counts, were each sentenced Wednesday in Rochester Town Court by Judge Albert S. Babcock, III, to three years probation.

 In addition, Abezis, 51, of Whitfield Road, Accord, will forfeit ownership of 87 animals that were seized June 10 by order of the same court. After a motion by the defense, Babcock ordered a stay of one week, after which the Ulster County SPCA and other animal rescue agencies in the region will be able to find permanent homes for the 68 dogs, 11 cats, five fowl, two ferrets and a pig that have been in temporary custody and foster homes.

 Both Abezis and Pennington, 47, of the same address, are banned for life from owing or caring for more than two animals.  If they undergo veterinary training in animal nutrition, disease and parasites, and critical care, the ban may be lifted.

 

Ulster County Assistant District Attorney Gerald Van Loan asked that Abezis be required to pay restitution to the SPCA in the amount of $80,000 to pay for the food, shelter and veterinary care of the animals since July 6, saying that the SPCA did not anticipate having the animals in their care for such an extended period of time.  Babcock ordered a hearing in early November to revisit the question of restitution.

 The terms of Abezis’ and Pennington’s probation call for periodic unannounced inspection visits by the Ulster County probation department with the assistance of the SPCA.  In addition, both have been ordered to undergo a mental health evaluation by the county mental health department.

 They will also be ordered to perform 40 hours of community service in an animal shelter.  The terms of Abezis’ probation were altered by Babcock to allow her to leave the county for her employment.

 The two women were not subjected to any fines.

 Abezis and Pennington were convicted of failing to provide proper sustenance and failing to provide proper food and drink to an impounded animal, misdemeanors under the state Agricultural and Markets Law.

 Abezis and Pennington declined to be interviewed on the advice of their lawyers.  Julie West, director of the Ulster County SPCA, also declined comment, saying only, “It’s too soon to tell how I feel about this.”  (Freeman 10/13/05)

By Hallie Arnold, Freeman staff

10/14/2005 KINGSTON - The Ulster County Administrator's Office is expected today to release a tentative spending plan for 2006 that is likely to project a double-digit tax increase.

The proposal is being released two weeks earlier than in previous years, thanks to budget reforms adopted by the county Legislature earlier this year.

Majority Leader Michael Stock, R-Woodstock, said the property tax levy in the Administrator's tentative budget will "absolutely" be higher than that proposed for 2005. He said he's heard talk of a projected increase in the 30 to 40 percent range in the tentative budget.

"Whatever it is, it is, and we have to deal with it, and be mature, responsible individuals, leave politics out of it and deal with the issues," Stock said.

Stock added that the actual tax increase per homeowner is likely to be less than the overall hike in the levy because assessments in Ulster County gained about $2 billion in value over the past year.

Minority Leader David Donaldson, D-Kingston, said he's expecting the proposed tax increase will be the 40 to 50 percent range. Legislature Chairman Richard Gerentine, R-Marlboro, was not available for comment.

Lawmakers have known for months of the potential for a budget gap in 2006. The Treasurer's Office told the Legislature in May that the county was facing a cash shortfall of as much as $1.5 million by the end of 2005, and $23.5 million through the end of next year.

While the county has taken some steps to rein in spending, including enacting a hiring freeze and requiring the approval of legislative leaders for major department spending, they fall far short of bridging the million budget gap for next year, which, based on the current year's budget, would take a property tax increase of more than 50 percent to close if no spending cuts are made.

Donaldson said more could have been done to tackle the problem before now.

"Nothing's been done, no meetings have taken place, nothing has been done to discuss it, nothing has been taken out (of the budget)," he said.

If either Stock or Donaldson is in the ballpark of the projected increase, it would be the highest one-year increase in more than a decade.

The initial 2005 budget proposal called for a 24 percent increase in property taxes, but that increase was cut nearly in half - to 12.8 percent - by the time county lawmakers adopted the budget. Over the past five years, the county property tax levy has risen by 49 percent, from $31.3 million to $46.8 million, an average of just under 10 percent a year.

Legislator Susan Cummings, R-Ellenville, who chairs the Ways and Means Committee, said the committee will begin its budget review process on Thursday, when it will review budget appeals filed by county department heads. A public hearing on the spending proposal is tentatively scheduled for Nov. 17, she said.  (Freeman 10/14/05)

Kingston  – Ulster County property taxpayers are facing a massive increase in

county taxes  of more than 48 percent under the tentative budget proposed

yesterday.

County Administrator Art Smith said the hike is  due to several factors:

- Continuing increase in Medicaid  costs,

- The slowdown in sales tax revenue,

- The evaporation of the county's surplus.

The spending plan totals $299.7 million, an increase of  2.23 percent over

the current spending  plan.

"Unfortunately, the property tax levy increase needed  to fund this budget is $22,823,363 or 48.81 percent higher," Smith wrote in his  budget message. The plan drew immediate outrage from  Democrats hoping to use it in the upcoming election for all 33 seats on the  county Legislature. Republicans hold a one-seat  majority. "This is totally unacceptable," said Democrat  Frank Dart of Kingston. He is

a member of the county's Ways and Means Committee,  which is charged with reviewing the tentative  budget. "There has got to be something that can be cut,"  said Rich Parete, Democrat from Accord. He pointed out that the proposal calls  for 36 new cars and 11

new hires, but no cuts, including the supplemental health  plan or lifetime health insurance for legislators and  management.

"I don't think one incumbent Republican  legislator deserves to be re-elected. They have failed," Parete  said. Republican Legislator Sue Cummings of Ellenville said  she hopes it doesn't become a political football. "Sure, people are going to  point a finger," she

said. "But that points the wrong  message." Cummings is chairwoman of the Ways and Means  Committee that will begin its

review of the budget package next Thursday. "We  will have to make some tough decisions," she said. Smith did not argue that the  budget is status quo, that is, it calls for no layoffs or services  cuts. "If you cut 10-12 percent, can the county still  function?" he asked. "Any  major cuts in expenditures will definitely have an  impact on services." Few expenses fall outside of what a  county is required to provide. They include the sheriff's road patrols, the  Golden Hill infirmary for county senior citizens, and the Mental Health and  Office for the Aging departments. Dart said those should not be subjected to  cuts. "If you need help and can wait 30-45 minutes for another police agency to  show up, do away with the road patrol," Dart said. "But if you want services you  have to pay for it."

 

Impact on tax  bills

 

County tax  bill*

2006

$100,000 home –  $422

$200,000 home – $844

$300,000  home –  $1,266

 

2005

$100,000  home – $322

$200,000 home –  $644

$300,000 home – $966

Public  hearing: Nov. 17, County Office Building, Fair and Main streets,

Kingston. The  time has not been set.

*Estimate only. Individual property  tax bills are subject to numerous

factors which can either raise or lower the  bill.

 

Source: Ulster County  administration.

TH-Record 10/15/05)

 

Dear Editor,

         What are the Republican Candidates in the Town of Rochester afraid of? Why do they refuse to debate their Democratic opponents? We were told that the date originally suggested was not convenient. We then offered to find another date that was mutually acceptable and to form a committee of the two parties that would establish the ground rules. We are still waiting for a response.

        Election campaign debates are a time-honored tradition in American political campaigns. They provide the opportunity for the candidates to express their views on the issues and to answer questions from the audience.

        We regret the Republicans decision and the voters should show their disapproval on Tuesday, November 8^th.

 

Max Finestone

Chair, Town of Rochester Democratic Committee

 

 

 

Dear Editor

 

My message is to the Republicans of the Town of Rochester.

 

It appears from the outside that the Republican Party has been taken over by a band of school yard bullies – the Republican CLUB - whose preferred method of operation is destruction.  The Rochester Town Board Meeting (10/6/05) confirmed my suspicions.

 

§  The carefully rehearsed Republican CLUB faction on the board flexed its muscle, as if to warn us of what will come, and voted down the very website policies they asked to have written.  They railed about a highly professional and competent volunteer who serves as webmaster accusing her of being partisan. They refused to instate co-chairmen to active town committees.  They acted as one, directed and guided – as if they were puppets – by the Republican CLUB.  There was no thought about the good of the town.

 

§  Republican CLUB members at the meeting sought to postpone necessary meetings about the up-coming property assessments.  They all but threatened to disrupt the meetings if they were held.

 

§  Other Republican CLUB members engaged in personal attacks on a non-club board member and the town supervisor. That behavior is unsocial, ill-mannered and unacceptable.

 

The Republican CLUB seems determined to ruin what’s working about our town, and they are not joined by Republican Party voices.  The CLUB demonstrates no attempt or even willingness to discuss and resolve differences, no effort to listen to another view or reconcile conflict, no desire to include anyone other than those who think like them.  What kind of government will we have if these characters dominate?  Are you ready to return to the days of closed door sessions with no opportunity to express your opinions?  Are you prepared to succumb to government by a select few?  Will you be happy when 209 becomes as cluttered and developed as 9W in Kingston?  Are you prepared to lurch into the 2006 with zoning codes from 1969?

 

Our town has some vitally important issues on the table.  To find agreeable solutions demands willingness to hear all sides and open dialog.  This isn’t easy with the most agreeable, much less with school yard bullies slugging to have their way.

 

If you are a Republican and you see what I see, think twice before pulling the lever for a CLUB candidate because they just may not represent what you believe your Republican party represents. 

 

Gene Moncrief

Accord

 

Dear Editor:

 

In reading about recent news in the Town of Rochester, I wonder if I really am living in sleepy Ulster County:  eighteen year old teens sexually abusing 8 year old girls, members of  the Bloods street gang shooting at sheriff deputies on Berme Road and fleeing the state,  animal abuse cases lingering in court for years, elected and public officials on trial for misdeeds.   It almost makes me homesick for the peace and quiet of the big city.

 

Rochester and Ulster County have seen a tremendous growth in population since I moved here.  There’s also been an increase in the complexity of the types of crime committed in our Town.  To deal with it all, we need qualified local judges with extensive legal education and training and practical experience, not well-intentioned politicians who think that being a judge is a cakewalk and a nice part-time job.

 

We love our small town, but we must recognize that the big city is catching up to us and that the days of easy-going country judges can no longer be a way of life as we deal with big city problems.

 

On November 8^th, I’m voting for Deborah Schneer to be Rochester’s town justice.  She’s practiced law for 20 years, has extensive trial and appellate court experience and the confidence and knowledge to make the legal decisions necessary to address our Town’s crime. 

 

 

Sincerely,

Claire Wasser

High Falls

 

 

 

 

Dear Editor:

 

There is something strange going on in the Town of Rochester. It seems that the town’s Code Enforcement Officer, Doug Dymond, has ignored the town’s attorney and decided that no special permits are necessary for the Hudson Valley Resort’s proposed 8 storey, 35,000 square foot water park expansion.  As I understand it, this is totally contrary to what the town’s lawyer indicated as being required by town law.  So, if this true, it appears that the hotel can now expand without any environmental review, no assessment of the impact of the park on the neighborhood’s water supply, traffic, noise or any other aspect of the proposed water park’s operation.

 

It is also strange that Town of Rochester Planning Board Chair Mel Tapper has allowed the Planning Board to go along with this decision, despite knowing what the town’s lawyer said.  As Mr. Tapper is now a candidate for Town Justice, it will be interesting to see whether he will allow the Planning Board to ultimately go along with Mr. Dymond’s inexplicable decision or if he will follow the law and the advice provided by the town’s counsel and, in so doing, defy his Republican Club political backers. So far, Mel Tapper seems to be following politics, not the law. Not the best course for someone who wants to be Rochester Town Justice.  What will his rulings be like in town court if he can’t run the planning board correctly?  Will he follow the law or give special treatment to special interests?  These are all reasonable questions.

 

An expansion of the magnitude proposed by the Hudson Valley Resort may or may not be significant.  Their plans may or may not have a negative effect on our residents.  By making these surprising decisions, Mr. Dymond and Mr. Tapper have taken away the right of our community to ask these questions and ultimately determine what we want and don’t want. 

 

Proper enforcement of our town laws is necessary. We rely on our planning board and our code enforcement officer to do that.  Who will enforce the law if  Mr. Dymond and Mr. Tapper refuse to?

 

Sincerely,

 

 

Craig Emery

Kerhonkson

 

 

 

 

Dear Editor

 

I find it so amazing that this man, a Rondout Valley High School graduate, went on to Cornell University, an ivy league school, where he graduated, and instead of heading off to somewhere else where he could have made 'big bucks', he came back home to work his family's farm.  Chris Kelder has integrity.  This is a REAL man, with REAL country values.  Chris Kelder has REAL country character.

 

Chris Kelder knows what it is to work hard for his family's and town's well-being.  He's a REAL farmer, not a phony 'gentleman' farmer, transplanted from the city or suburbia, who bought a piece of land in the country pretending to be something he's not.  With Chris, you get the real  thing.  Chris knows what it's like to work hard and how to get things done.  Chris Kelder is a no nonsense kind of man.  He's not afraid to fight for what is right, which today means fighting for lower taxes, no nonsense government, and most importantly, citizen's property rights.

 

I live here because I choose to live here.  I like it the way it is.  It's pretty here.  The people are nice here.  It's peaceful here.  My children got an excellent education here. If I wanted to live in suburbia, I'd move to suburbia.  The way some of the new citizens are trying to make our town into something it's not, something it shouldn't be, something it was never meant to be, is just not right.  Why move to a place because you like it the way it is and then try to change it into something else?  I live here because I choose to live here.  The town of Rochester is a rural, country town, with rural country values.  That's why I am voting for Chris Kelder for town of Rochester Town Supervisor.  Chris Kelder will keep the town of Rochester the way it should be.

 

This is a very important election. Let's keep the Town of Rochester the wonderful place it is.  Let's elect Chris Kelder the Rochester Town Supervisor.

 

CHRIS KELDER will  fight for YOU, your TOWN, your TAXES, your PROPERTY!!!

 

Alysse Ricks

 

 

 

 

Dear Editor,

 

What is it about an informed citizenry that so threatens the Rochester Republicans?

 

I saw last week’s Rochester Town Board meeting on public access TV, and what I saw truly appalled me.  It seemed clear that the Republican board members – two of whom are up for re-election November 8 – were only interested in de-railing any activities that might actually make the citizens of this town better-informed.  It also seemed clear that the whole dismal affair was being stage-managed – not far off-stage – by David O’Halloran, who heads the ultra-conservative Republican Club.

 

At the meeting, O’Halloran objected to the scheduling of meetings to be held around town by the Town’s Tax Assessor on the upcoming re-valuation.   These meetings are to be purely informational, to educate interested property owners about a process everyone is concerned about.  But O’Halloran claimed these meetings will “politicize” the tax revaluation process.  If the point weren’t clear enough, he threatened to bring out his candidates and Republican Club members, presumably to heckle and disrupt the sessions if they weren’t postponed until after the election.

 

O’Halloran, aided and abetted by Republican Board members Randy Hornbeck and Tom Ryan, also tried to discredit the town’s new web site – another source of free, unbiased information for all citizens.  They again tried to politicize the issue by accusing the volunteer web master of using the site to foster a “Democratic agenda.”

 

I happened to be at the Town Board meeting, some months ago, when this issue first surfaced.  At that time it was suggested that town officials develop a set of policies to insure that the site remain purely informational and non-political.  In response, Supervisor Pam Duke -- with the assistance of a local resident whose professional responsibilities include the drafting of internet compliance policies -- developed such a policy and presented it to the Town Board.  All Board members indicated general agreement with the draft policy and suggested minor modifications that were subsequently incorporated.

 

But suddenly, at last week’s meeting, the Republican members who had privately endorsed the policy turned around and attacked it.  They refused to vote on a motion to adopt it, and Tom Ryan even chastised the volunteer webmaster in public for being a Democratic partisan.  The supreme irony?  Two of the Republican board members admit they haven’t even seen the town web site!

 

What’s really going on here couldn’t be more obvious, or more troubling.  With an election coming up, the Republicans are putting their own partisan ambitions above the interests of informed citizens, and accusing others of having the same motives.

 

All I can say is, being called partisan by David O’Halloran is like being called ugly by a frog.

 

Sincerely,

Ann Morris

Kerhonkson

 

Letter to the Editor:

The Kerhonkson Elementary School PTA hosts a  fundraiser each year at the Saunderskill Farms in Accord. Producer Gail  Wikane and Director Elaine Samuels decided that this year's theme would  be "The Haunted Pirate Ship" and it was a big hit! We had many visitors  who were thrilled by our efforts, and their compliments were graciously  appreciated. We would like to take this time to thank our wonderful  cast and crew of the Pirate Ship who made each guest feel welcome and  maybe a little scared at times. We had many helpers that returned each  weekend, (as well as each year), but during the three weekends we held  this year's event they enjoyed playing pirates. The crew was made up of  a variety of age students of the Rondout Valley Central School District,  from High School to Elementary School. 

Our thanks also go out to the parents that were able to lend us some of  the props that we used in the making of the ship. Some items and  services were donated by Nancy Lawrence, Livia Vanaver, Swim King Pools,  Mark and Kris Zimmerman,

 Sue Gleich and Ringler Surveyors. Special  thanks to Dan Schoonmaker and his family and staff at the Saunderskill  Farms for allowing us to haunt in their greenhouse these past five  years. 

The PTA would like to thank all those that walked the plank and helped  them with their efforts to build a pavilion at the Elementary School.  This has always been more than a fundraising event, it brings such joy
and excitement to so many, that it is our way of giving back to the  community that supports our PTA. Have a safe and Happy Halloween!
Thank you,

 Elaine Samuels

 

 

Dear Editor:

 

I have lived in the Town of Rochester for 20 years now. When we first moved here, Ulster County was a quiet, bucolic refuge from the noise and the crime of big cities. Since I moved here, however,  Ulster County has grown and the population of our once tiny town of Rochester has bloomed.

 

Along with the increase in population, there has also been an increase in the crime rate and the types of crimes commited here. Recent crimes have included everything from sexual abuse of a minor, to the robbing and beating of an elderly woman in her own home, and to street gang members shooting at sheriff's deputies. Gone are the days of the kindly town justice slapping delinquents kids on the wrist and settling small claims and minor disputes between neighbors.

 

The increase in the complexity and frequency of crimes in Ulster County calls for the election of qualified local judges with extensive legal experience and education. That is why I'm supporting Deborah Schneer for Town Justice in the Town of Rochester. She graduated from NYU Law School and has more than 20 years of experience practicing law in our county. Prior to opening her own law practice in Rosendale, Deborah Schneer worked for legal service agencies representing clients in a broad range of civil matters including civil rights issues. As an Assistant Attorney General for NYS Depratment of Law, she investigated and prosecuted cases of charitable fraud and malfeasance.

 

On November 8th, I’m voting for Deborah Schneer to be Rochester’s town justice.  Her extensive trial and court experience make her an ideal candidate for the position.

 

Sincerely,

 

Suzanne McHugh

 

 

To the Editor:

We are writing this letter in support of Melvyn Tapper for Town Justice for the Town of Rochester. We have known Mel and his family for over 25 years. We could tell you about his history, living here all his life, working as a court reporter and being Chairman of the Town's Planning Board. But everyone knows that. We are supporting Mel Tapper because we TRUST him. We are supporting Mel Tapper because he is the MOST HONEST person you will ever meet. We are also voting for Mel Tapper because he will be FAIR when handing out decisions no matter how hard they may be. It does not matter this time what party he belongs to, we are voting for the MAN we know and are proud to vote for him.

Janine & Barry Barash

Kerhonkson

 

 

Dear Rochester Voter:

As a registered voter, I recently received a friendly letter and a lollipop from the Republican candidate for Town Justice - Mel Tapper - asking for my support and vote.  Don't be suckers and swallow his pitch, or his lollipop.  Mr. Tapper may be a very nice man, but his carefully crafted letter makes him out to be far more. 

From a quick read of his plea for your vote, it might appear that Mr. Tapper has the background and experience to serve our community as Town Justice.  While the recent letter I received from Mr. Tapper states that he has "worked" in a courtroom every day and has "been involved" in hundreds of cases from drugs to murder, he really ought to go on to explain that his involvement has been limited to observation and stenography, not the practice of law, and that he has never represented a client before a court.  The people of Rochester deserve more than a note taker to guide our Court!  We also deserve a Town Justice who will be honest about his/her qualifications and experience. 

Wouldn’t you rather have the legally educated and more experienced person serving your important needs? Mr. Tapper's opponent, the very experienced attorney, Deborah Schneer, is truly qualified and experienced. She is a 1984 graduate of NYU Law School and has been practicing law for over 20 years.  She has represented clients in state and federal courts in matters both simple and complex.  She has picked juries, questioned witnesses, presented evidence, made legal arguments as a trial attorney.  She has handled appeals.  I believe that Deborah Schneer possesses the qualifications, experience, integrity and balance needed to set a new standard as Town Justice.

It is time for a system upgrade in Rochester. Vote for the candidate who has integrity and real legal experience - and who doesn't need to sugar coat her credentials.  Together we can lick Mel Tapper, not his lollipop, by voting for Deborah Schneer for Town Justice.


Sincerely,
James Braun

 

To the Editor: 

As Election Day approaches, I am concerned that people come out and vote. It is the duty of each individual to voice our needs and vote for the candidate that will best represent us and our community. That candidate is MELVYN TAPPER.  I have known Mel for 24 years.  The Town of Rochester would be lucky to have him as its Town Justice.  Mel is a Senior Court Reporter for the NYS Supreme Court.  For almost 20 years Mel has worked daily in Criminal, Civil, Family and Justice Courts.  He has worked with the best judges in the State and knows how to run an efficient, orderly and respected courtroom.  As the present Chairman of the Town's Planning Board he has shown the ability to make the tough and sometimes unpopular decisions in a reasoned and knowledgeable manner after carefully weighing both sides.  His experience, integrity, sense of fairness, common sense and long-time roots in the community will enable him to be an excellent judge for the Town of Rochester.  My vote is for MELVYN TAPPER and yours should be too.  

Carol Waxman

October 12, 6pm

Patty Abezis, Patty’s Angels Animal Shelter.  Decisions on pending motion and possibly sentencing.

 

October 18, 6pm

Accord Fire District, Board of Fire Commissioners member Richard Countryman will appear in Rochester Town Court on charges relating to the alleged illegal burial of the burnt construction and demolition debris resulting from the remains of the White House Hotel in January 2005.

 

November 14

The trial of Deputy Town Clerk Annette Rose is expected to begin.  Rose was indicted on charges related to the alleged theft of town money from the Town Clerk’s Office. 

Rochester Democrats host on-line auction and Harvest Celebration

Rochester Democrats are hosting a first-of-its-kind silent auction to raise money for Democratic candidates.  Local artists and authors have donated more than 30 items for the silent auction, which is posted on http://www.rochesterdemocrats.org/silent_art_auction.htm 

Many of the items will also be displayed at a Harvest Celebration, hosted by Ward Mintz and Floyd Lattin at their Lucas Avenue home this Saturday, October 15^th from 4pm to 6pm.  All are welcome.  The venue is a 100-acre working farm located on the banks of the Rondout Creek.  The turn-of-the century farmhouse has been lovingly restored and houses a curator’s collection of contemporary art.  Call 626-3587 for more information or email: RochesterDems@aol.com

 

[Editor’s note on political and campaign notices: We publish all notices received without endorsement of any candidate or party.  To submit a notice send it by email to: TownCrier@Accord-Kerhonkson.com.  We reserve the right refuse or edit notices received if we determine that they are unsuitable for publication.]

 

Rochester Town Assessor, Sharon Hornbeck will hold four informational meetings on the 2006 Property Tax Reassessment. There will be a presentation of the process, followed by a Question and Answer session. The meetings are scheduled as follows:

Tuesday, October 18th at 7-8:30 PM: Alligerville Fire House (4 Creek Road)

Wednesday, October 19th at 7-8:30 PM: Accord Fire House (22 Main Street)

Monday, October 24th at 7-8:30 PM: Rochester #2 Fire House (140 Samsonville Road)

Tuesday, October 25th at 7-8:30 PM: Rochester Court House (922 Samsonville Road)

 

Kerhonkson Elementary School to hold Bag Sale

The Kerhonkson Elementary School will hold a Bag Sale to raise money for a community pavilion that will be built on school property.  The KES PTA is accepting donations of gently worn clothing in good condition in any size (mens, womens, girls, boys, toddlers, and infants – no shoes).  Drop off boxes will be set up in the Marbletown, Rosendale, and Kerhonkson Elementary Schools and the Stone Ridge Nursery School from November 1^st to 15^th. The actual Ladies Night sale will be on November 18^th from 8-10pm.  For more information  call Kathy Hoffstatter at 626-7362

On September 20, construction officials and architects hired by the RVCSD presented plans for the renovation of the high school ranging from $15 million to $28.4 million.  One week later, school board president Maureen Sheehan asked at a meeting if the community would prefer a more comprehensive renovation project that could cost as much as $50 million.  The renovation plans include upgrading facilities to meet current code.  (Excerpted from BSP 10/7/05)

The elected commissioners of the Accord Fire District voted to increase the 2006 budget by more than 44.71% to $832,270.  This increase follows an increase in 2005 of approximately 43%.  In recommending the increase, Town Board member Randy Hornbeck, who is up for re-election this year, stated "Taxpayers last year paid a 43% increase in fire tax.  We did it last year and what did you hear?  How much flack?  it was OK last year.  Get it done and over with [the tax increase].  Next year you bring it back down and you look like heroes." 

Unconfirmed reports from employees of the Hudson Valley Resort indicate that the owners of the hotel have been in discussions with a downstate developer who has expressed an interest in the hotel with a plan to construct 200 homes.  HVR’s management did not discuss these plans with members of the Planning Board when the topic of the HVR’s water park was discussed at its most recent meeting.  

 

Suspects in pickup took off; police manhunt followed
By Paul Brooks
Times Herald-Record
  Kerhonkson – Someone fired gunshots at an Ulster County sheriff's deputy as he tried to stop a pickup truck near here late Thursday night.
   None of the shots hit the deputy, who did not return fire. An intensive search for two suspects continued into last night.
   The chain of events went like this, according to officials:
   In response to a report of a suspicious vehicle, an unidentified deputy went to the area of Berme Road near the intersection of Routes 44/55 at 10:07 p.m.
   When the deputy arrived, he heard gunshots and saw a pickup quickly leaving the area. The driver of a second vehicle told the deputy that he had been shot at, and the officer saw a bullet hole in the man's van. That person sped away from the scene as well.
   The deputy went after the fleeing pickup truck. More shots were fired at the deputy during the chase on Berme Road. The car chase ended after a little more than a mile when the driver of the pickup stopped and fled on foot with a passenger. The area is heavily wooded and threaded by the Rondout Creek.
   The shooting triggered a massive search involving sheriff's detectives and K-9 units, state police, Ellenville police and a state police helicopter.
   Police consider the suspects armed and dangerous.
   The noise from the helicopter woke Nancy Ferguson in her home on Kelsey Lane, about a mile away from where the car chase ended. She called state police in Ellenville, who told her that police were searching for a couple of people.
   "I was scared," she said yesterday. "How can I protect my life if they don't tell you what is going on?"
   About 20 officers were still involved in the search in Ellenville and the surrounding area late yesterday. Police put up several roadblocks in the area, but removed them after several hours, sheriff's Detective Lt. Ron Dreiser said.
   "We are still in the area. We are following a ton of leads," Dreiser said. (TH-Record 9/24/05)
 

Kingston, An Ellenville man wanted in connection with a September 22 burglary in Wawarsing and with firing a rifle at Ulster Couty Sheriff's deputies has been arrested in South Carolina. TH-Record 10/6/05)

Emar A. Abrams, 29, was arrested Thursday by US Marshals in Columbia, SC, as he was trying to flee out the back entrance of a home on Shellnut Avenue.

On September 22, Ulster County Sheriff's deputies said they were fired upon when they arrived at Berme Road near the intersection of US Route 44/State Route 55 in response to a call about a suspicious vehicle.  Police said they heard gunfire and as they purused a pickup truck, that shots were fired at the patrol car.  The driver of the pickup and a passenger abandoned the vehicle and the rifle and fled into the woods near Foordmore Road, police said.

The passenger, Chrus Faust, also of Ellenville, was arrested Sept. 23.

During the invetigation and manhunt, police found that Abrams was a high-ranking member of the Bloods street gang.  Members of the sheriff's office, state police, Ellenville police, New York City police, investigators from teh state's parole and correcions division and US marshals followed up on leads locally and in New York CIty and were able to confirm that Abrams was at a residence in Columbia, SC.

Abrams was charged as a fugitive from justice and is awaiting extradition back to New York. ( Freeman 10/8/05)

GRAY- Jacob T. Gray Sr. lifelong resident of  Accord, NY died Saturday September 24, 2005, He was 76. Jacob was born on  January 23, 1929 in Accord, the son of Russel and Catherine (Terwilliger)  Gray. He had married MaryLou Donaldson who died on November 25, 1996. Mr. Gray  worked with the Laborers Local 17 Union in Newburgh, NY. He is survived be his  eight children, James Gray, Mary Shultis, Linda Gray, Jacob Gray, Jr., Peter  Gray, Paul Gray, Michael Gray and Raymond Gray. His sister, Ellen Quick and his  brothers, Russel Gray Jr., and Vernon Gray. He has 16 grandchildren and 14  great-grandchildren. Jacob was pre-deceased by his brother Chester Gray and his  sister Irene Banks. Visiting will be held Monday, September 26 from 2 to 4 and 7  to 9 p.m. at H.B. Humiston Funeral Home, 30 Forty Second Street,  Kerhonkson. The funeral service will begin Tuesday the 27th at 11a.m. at  the funeral home. Interment will follow at Pine Bush Cemetery,  Kerhonkson

Change in Letters Policy

In response to a number of reader comments and in order to prevent individuals from dominating the letters to the editor portion of these newsletters, we have adopted a new letters policy, in which we reserve the right to limit the frequency of postings by a single letter writer within any 90 day period.  This policy shall take immediate effect.

 

Dear Editor:

 

I’d like to dispel a few rumors that evolved from the Town of Rochester Planning Board meeting of September 20^th at which the Hudson Valley Resort’s application for a Water Park was discussed.

 

Rumor:  I asked the HVR for $30,000 to pave the way for the development of their proposed Water Park. 

Fact:  Bob Burrick (the HVR’s director of planning), Susan Blixen (the planning consultant engaged by the Town of Rochester) and I had a conversation immediately following the public HVR informational meeting on May 31, 2005.  In that conversation Mr. Burrick asked how the review  of  the project might be speeded up.   Mr. Burrick chose to misinterpret our conversation and represented to the Planning Board that a “payment” was solicited.  In fact, what Mr. Burrick was told was that if his project were to go before the Planning Board for review, he would most likely be required to make a payment into a Planning Board escrow account if a SEQRA review were required by the Planning Board.

 

Rumor:  I called a mandatory public hearing to review the HVR’s plans and required the Planning Board to attend.

Fact:  The owners and management of the HVR, the water park developers, our town’s CEO, Doug Diamond, and I thought that the town boards should all hear the presentation.  I offered to make arrangements for an informational meeting and invited the Planning Board and the ZBA; Mr. Burrick offered to host the meeting.  While the public was invited to attend the meeting in accordance with the New York State Open Meetings Law, Mr. Burrick opened the meeting to public comment and participation.

 

You can tell by the false allegations that are being thrown about that an election is coming up soon.  I have not interfered in the working of the Town’s autonomous Planning Board, but I have and will continue to act on behalf of the best interests of the residents of our Town.

 

The Hudson Valley Resort is an important asset to Rochester and the surrounding community.  It employs many of our residents and attracts a lot of tourists, who enjoy the hospitality of our Town’s businesses and people.  Like every business in town, the HVR’s expansion plans should be heard fairly and openly within our Town’s laws and with appropriate opportunities for public comment.  Mr. Burrick’s false assertions, however, are not helpful and I would hope that the HVR moves forward in its planning in the good faith manner that the residents of our Town deserve. 

 

Sincerely,

 

Pam Duke

Supervisor

 

 

 

Dear Editor:

The Hudson Valley Resort & Spa wishes to clarify any misunderstandings concerning statements relative to the Town’s Planning Board to review and oversee the proposed renovation project at the HVR.  The dialogue between town officials and the HVR concerned a prior request last spring that the resort deposit escrow monies in advance. On May 31, in conjunction with the public meeting to unveil the project, the Town supervisor and an outside representative requested that the resort deposit $30,000 in escrow, with the town to cover the cost of the outside planner’s fees with respect to the project.  This request was made without formal application for the project having been filed with the town and without the Town Building Zoning and Zoning Department having the benefit of reviewing the application without a predetermined decision on the application for zoning.

 

Believing this to be inconsistent with prior procedure within the town, officials form the HVR brought attention to those inconsistencies at the September 20 Town Board meeting.  However, resort officials wan to make clear that under no circumstances did any representative of the Town of Rochester or official of the planning board, ever request the HVR to advance funds for the project outside normal procedure.  The resort sincerely apologizes to the town and those public officials if there was any misunderstanding or confusion with respect to that discussion.

 

Sincerely,

Robert S. Burrick

Hudson Valley Resort & Spa

 

 

 

 

Dear Editor:

 

Thanks for covering Rochester Republican caucus.

 

The principal concern raised by the Republican Supervisor candidate, Chris Kelder, was “the loss of private property and small business owner rights due to actions of government attempting to control growth.”  The only businesses that I’m aware of that have had any problems opening in Rochester are those businesses that compete directly with Republican officials or officers of the Republican Club. Two examples:  outdoor weddings are not permitted at the beautiful Diest House Bed and Breakfast on a commercial stretch of Route 209 because of objections by the Planning Board Vice Chair/Republican Club Treasurer Shane Ricks, who owns property nearby (but who doesn't mind having 1,000+ people at his own Blue Grass festival); objections by the Planning Board to a proposed new storage business because Ricks owns a storage business that the new one would compete with (the proposed business would also compete with a another storage operation started by the son of Randy Hornbeck, Republican/Conservative candidate for town board ).  Another Planning Board member objected to new houses being constructed on his own road, but as a contractor, freely supports construction everywhere else.  It does seem that the Republican old boy network is very effective at protecting their friends and their business interests.

 

Let’s face it, the “actions of government attempting to control growth,” refers to zoning, a concept supported by the overwhelming majority of our residents and which  protects the public pocketbook.  Zoning laws, for example, prevent people from building in flood zones; without the laws, people would build there and publicly funded emergency services and federally-funded flood insurance would have to bail them out.  Does Chris Kelder forget that the Town of Rochester’s zoning laws were implemented by his own forward-thinking grandfather, Franklin Kelder, in 1969 in an attempt to protect our town from uncontrolled growth back then?  Is he fighting his heritage and the laws that his own party implemented and once stood for?  The “protect your property rights” cry never was an issue during the nearly three decades that the Republicans had 100% control over the town board, but now that there’s a Democratic supervisor, this is all of a sudden a problem?

 

Our town needs honest officials who have common sense and the best interests of the town, not their personal pocketbooks, in mind.  Competence should be the deciding factor, not party politics or self enrichment. The good ole’ boys have been in control for decades and have done nothing, while our children have had to move out of town to look for work and our seniors have had to sell their homes because of run away taxes. It’s time for change in Rochester. 

 

Sincerely,

T. Murphy

Kerhonkson

 

 

 

Dear Editor:

Deconstructing Atheism.

Being poor is a physical thing, poverty is a state of mind.

Atheism is like a state sponsored casino, it supplies sugarplum dreams to weak willed persons, opiate of the immature.

A lone Atheist can whine his eyes hurt when he sees the word God, and a black robed elitist will insist on scrubbing all the walls of Liberville, while thousands die quietly from the lack of Christian Charity.  

  There is nothing neutral about Atheism.  Contemporary Atheism was initiated by Marquis De Sade who tried to relieve the guilt of Sadomasochistic behavior as he wasted his seed in a 17 century nut house.  “God never was. All gratification is achieved through inflecting pain.”   I guess a sacrifice on a cross wasn’t painful enough for the perverted goat.

  Another priest of dementia, Nietzsche, adds fascism to the Atheist’s prayer book, “To relinquish belief in God is to affirm our identity is beyond all challenge or judgment, opening the path to new creative ways of conceiving ourselves and the world in which we live.”  According to this German God, there’s no need for courts at all.

Then along came Huxley, the high priest of vanity logic.  “We are all swimming in the meaningless of nothingness.”  “Morality interferes with sexual freedom.  All systems are inherently unjust; there is no judgment, no sins.”  Like a self mutilator, Ms. Huxley destroys any meaning he might mean, by the meaning of what he means in meaning less.

   Atheism was the state religion of U.S.S.R. with wings of isolation and alienation, intellects gleaned from its’ ruins, Existentialism.  “If there was a God how come he doesn’t cure for the pain,” such rational justifies the existential who nurtures an emotion compulsion that manifests in running from breast to breast seeking meaningless conquest? Only satisfied; by a strength in numbers.   

  The only way a compulsive addict can get control over their compulsion is with the help of God.  For salvation an addict must believe in an entity beyond humanity, must rise above the chorus of Mao and friends who seek to kill God to strengthen their State.

 Queers swish through toilet flooded Bourbon Street, seeking strange tricks during Southern Decadence Day.  Disease is their liberation, encouraging perversion on the post-modern, existential man, is their way.  Once you are Gay you’re always Gay, once you’ve been seduced by perversion, you’re lost.  Send in the clowns, use the school buses for the dead later gator, party on.

 Personal property and self responsibility mean nothing to a politician who dreams of foisting their own master plan.  It’s their desire to tie up your future.  Mental Dungeon and Dragons; it’s all about control through propaganda and intimidation.  Notice the predictions of disaster if you don’t do things their way.

   80% of the New Orleans poor are born out of wedlock, what happens to the fatherless upon return?  The continuation of victim-hood through the enlighten poverty of Atheism?

  Better yet, surround them with casinos.  

   The modern State and its minions take great pain to hide the fact; only through God we equal. Until the self serving awake, they’ll continue, through narcissism, to try to force their limitations on everybody else.   

Vote Republican, at least there’s a chance to still be a person.

Bill Dukas.net

Kerhonkson

 

 

 

Dear Editor:

I am writing to you to express my disgust with the way in which Town Council Members Tom Ryan, Randy Hornbeck and Ron Santosky along with Republican Club President David O'Halloran and Committee Member Carl Chipman behaved at our last town board meeting

I also want to express my hope and belief that here in our little town, Character still Counts!!!

Let's get this out of the way, I am a democrat and I support the democratic candidates.  I am also friends with many Republicans and Conservatives, whose views I respect and share much common ground.

Having said all of that, I now must add, that at the Rochester Town Board Meeting on October 6, I witnessed a disgusting display of behavior that exemplified the opposite of this spirit of willing cooperation.  The obstructive behavior was insulting to every person in our town and was a complete violation of what leaders, especially in America, are supposed to do.

Readers who were not present should know that their councilmen, Hornbeck, Ryan & Santosky refused to cooperate and vote on a resolution adopting use policy for the town web site.  It should be noted that they not only requested this policy but had agreed to in the earlier discussion during the meeting.  When it came time to vote, they simply became obstinate and uncooperative.  This same behavior occurred when resolutions on naming Co‑chairs to previously established town committees came up for vote.  This failure to cooperate was followed with Republican Club leaders David O'Halloran and Carl Chipman strongly criticizing the Pam Duke for allowing the Tax Assessor, Sharon Hornbeck, to hold a series of question and answer meetings to inform the public about the upcoming re‑assessment process, scheduled for mid October.  O'Halloran indicated that, from his point of view, no such town business should occur during ‘election season’ or that they will automatically become political.  Perhaps Mr. O'Halloran believes that all functions of governing should halt because of elections.  Should highway work halt, how about the clerk's office, should it close as well? However, the straw that broke the proverbial camel's back, at least for me, was to see a woman who is currently on the Maricopa County, Arizona Most Wanted List attempt to lambast our Town Supervisor over what is right and wrong and The Constitution of the United States.

To all of my fellow Rochesterites, Democrats, Republicans, Conservatives and Independents alike, make no mistake about it; there is a group in our community who call themselves Republicans, but act solely in their own best interest.  They align themselves with Conservatives but Tax and Spend freely.  The claim to stand for economic development but perpetuate poverty and profit from it by seeking build prefabricated low quality cheap housing in rental trailer parks and invest in businesses that employ few to no skilled and well paid employees.

Their veiled threat to turn informational meetings into political events and their non-cooperation are perfect examples of how they are not acting in a manner consistent with what the majority have clearly expressed that they want in non-partisan forums such as Imagine Rochester, town wide surveys and information meetings. In every format, the expressed desire of the people of Rochester, be them Republicans; Democrats; Independents; Conservatives or non-enrolled, from 20th generation Accordians; weekenders; new comers and everyone in between, has universally been consistent.  WE, THE PEOPLE of Rochester want our current codes enforced, planned real estate development and growth, economic development that brings jobs, and for our community to retain the special beauty and character of our valley.

Those who try to scare you by telling you that 'the democrats' want to take your property rights away, are simply telling you a lie.  The truth is that many republicans are standing tall alongside of democrats with a simple goal in mind; to grow The Town of Rochester in an orderly and thoughtful way, which will attract employers, while keeping the beauty of our valley and the character of the historic rural hamlets intact, as part of our heritage. 

There is a group in our town that will lie to you because of their fear of change and their desire to retain power and control for their own personal gain.  It is as plain and simple as that.

This group has refused to participate in a simple candidate debate to discuss the issues.  This should tell every voter how they disrespect not only the people whom they seek a vote from, but the very spirit on which our great nation was founded upon.  This is the very same spirit of cooperation that men and women are sacrificing for, that spirit of cooperation is called Democracy and on November 8th I hope every person in this town exercises democracy by giving those who seek office using non-cooperation as part of their political strategy to get a taste of their own medicine.

Make sure that Character Counts in Rochester on November 8!

Vote for open government, fair government and a government of those who stand for cooperative government!!

 

Thank you for your attention,

K. Kuthy
Accord, NY

7pm Town Hall.  On the agenda are an application for a philanthropic use (cat shelter) on Airport Road, Ample Self Storage on Route 209, several small subdivisions, and pre-application by the Hudson Valley Resort for a proposed water park, updated meeting rooms and replacing a guest room addition. 

Please join us Sunday September 25, 2005 from 4:00PM – 5:30PM

Hudson Valley Resort and Spa, 400 Granite Rd., Kerhonkson, NY 12446

Beer, Wine, Soda and Finger Foods, Featuring the Music of Charlie Kniceley. 

RSVP mrnmo23@aol.com or 845-389-0846

Hosted by Dr. Elizabeth Gregory and Maureen Sheehan

 On Saturday, October 1, 2004, Friends of Historic Rochester will sponsor a tour of five homes dating from 1709 to 2003, plus a contemporary horse farm with its state-of-the-art barn, with everything from hay mow to riding ring.  Included with the homes are wonderful gardens, ponds, a reflecting pool and gazebo, and idyllic open spaces.  Tours start at the Museum, 12 Main Street, Accord, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Tickets are $20 for members of FHR, $25 for non-members (who can join FHR for immediate discount).  The Museum will be open at no charge, with local history displays, gift shop, book sale, and the just-completed second floor where the Eleanor Rosakranse Genealogical Library collection will be available to the public for the first time.  For more information please call 845-626-7104, or 845-687-9998, or e-mail to FriendsHistRoch@aol.com

A sculpture exhibit of  "RELIQUARIES and TOTEMS" will be shown at the COFFEY GALLERY in Uptown Kingston Reception:  Saturday, OCTOBER 1, 5-7:00 Exhibition:  Oct. 1 - Oct. 30

Singer/songwriter and Accord resident Amy Fradon will perform at a benefit concert on Sunday, October 2^nd at the Accord Firehouse, Main Street, Accord, from 4pm to 6pm.  Donations will be accepted at the door.  In addition to Amy Fradon’s concert, a number of local artists have donated works of art for an online silent auction.  These artists’ work will be featured on the Democrats’ website, www.RochesterDemocrats.org

Fradon, formerly of the well-loved duo Amy Fradon and Leslie Ritter, has been quietly and steadily forging a solid name and reputation as a beloved singer/songwriter. She is known for her richly textured, memorable concerts and for the impressive musicians she has been touring with for the past 5 years, now called Small Town News. Her music is laced with country, folk, pop, swing, blues and a capella riding on lovely melodies, humor, wisdom, and story-telling. Amy started singing and writing when she attended NYU as a dance major. She sang Neil Young songs in the stairwell and began to draw small crowds on the steps which eventually spilled over into coffeehouses. She moved to Woodstock, NY when she spontaneously joined a band of fabulous musicians including, Cane Roberts (Alice Cooper band), Eric Parker (Joe Cocker and Steve Winwood). Gary Bonner (the Turtles) and Robbie Dupree. Blessed with a golden ear and a powerful, clear voice, Amy was soon in demand for recording sessions and touring as a harmony and lead singer. She found herself working with the Woodstock elite... names such as Maria Muldaur, Happy and Artie Traum, Robbie DuPree, Livingston Taylor, Ed Sanders and the Fugs, Orleans, Peter Yarrow, Tiny Tim, Rick Danko and Tim Moore.

 

Rochester Democrats held their caucus to select Democratic nominees for Town offices on Sunday, September 11.  The results were:

 

Supervisor:             Pam Duke (sole nominee)

Town Board:            Alex Miller and Tony Spano (sole nominees)

Town Clerk            Kim Van Aken Tompkins (sole nominee)

Highway Superintendent:            Roger Hellman (sole nominee)

Town Justice:            Deborah Schneer (sole nominees)

The results of the Independence Party primary to determine that party’s candidate for Family Court Judge indicated that Tony McGinty (also endorsed by the Democratic and Working Families parties) easily defeated Steven Nussbaum (endorsed by Republican and Conservative parties).  Countywide, the results were: McGinty 171; Nussbaum 96;  In the Town of Rochester: McGinty 13, Nussbaum 2.

At its September 18^th meeting, the Board of Fire Commissioners of the Accord Fire District voted on a $832,270 budget for the 2006 calendar year.  This budget represents a 44% increase over 2005.  The 2005 budget itself was 45% higher than 2004 and the 2004 budget was 45% higher than 2002’s budget.  This tax will be levied to taxpayers on January 1, 2005.  Since 2002, the Fire District tax levy has increased by more than 200%.

 10-month-long investigation into an armed robbery at the Citgo gas station on Route 209 in November yielded two arrests Wednesday.
   Arlo Hull, 20, of Kerhonkson, and a 15-year-old were each charged with first-degree robbery, a felony.
   Police said Hull entered the gas station on Nov. 13 armed with a knife and took money from the store clerk.
   Hull was arraigned and sent to Ulster County Jail without bail. The juvenile, now 16, was arraigned and released, pending court action. (TH-Record 9/16/05)