April 2019
New Photos—and Reminder
29/04/19 12:07
Tomorrow, April 30th
Special Election for County Executive
Vote for Jack Hayes, Conservative, for County Executive
New Photos Available (click below):
The Paul Andreassen album
The Mike Ivino album
Mike Ivino's Tour of the Animal Shelter
25/04/19 20:14
Mike Ivino, candidate for town councilman, recently met with Ellie Monfett to assess the general conditions at the Saugerties Animal Shelter located on Town of Saugerties Transfer Station property. That visit was the impetus for a Letter to the Editor this week (Saugerties Times).
Click here to read Mike Ivino's letter to the editor.
Click here to see photographs taken of conditions at the Shelter.
Click here to read Mike Ivino's letter to the editor.
Click here to see photographs taken of conditions at the Shelter.
Money Being Wasted: Majority of Board in the Dark
25/04/19 11:31
In a recent news article regarding an overdose investigation in Catskill, the Saugerties police chief discussed the personnel shortage in Saugerties, citing the fact that the department is down four positions, resulting in sergeants working double shifts (which results in overtime) and the captain covering for the sergeants (resulting in the cost of giving him an extra day off). This is nothing new, one year ago the chief pointed out that the Department had lost six officers to better-paying jobs elsewhere.
Between training new officers, outfitting them, and other costs, employee turnover is an expensive proposition. Why, then, would that chief willingly agree to the loss of yet another police officer? Why, indeed, but he has. And why would the supervisor approve of the “Agreement”? Apparently the chief reached an agreement with the County to re-assign one of our police officers to the County’s two-year domestic violence program. Saugerties would be doing this, together with the Village of Ellenville, at a cost to us of at least $50,000—as well as additional overtime here at home to cover the absence of that officer. While the County would be reimbursing Saugerties a portion of the officer’s salary, it’s unclear if that reimbursement would also include a like percentage of health, retirement and other benefits. And, as to the County’s contribution, it is probably an unnecessary reminder that “contributions” out of County coffers, were put there by county taxpayers, including those from Saugerties—so we’d be paying from both ends.
There are 20-towns and one city within Ulster County but only two (Saugerties and Ellenville) will be making any financial contribution to this program while the others will benefit from it, free of charge.
This “Agreement,” referred to above, was not brought before nor voted on by the Board (in fact, the majority of the Board wasn’t even aware of the resolution)—rather it was pushed through “late” at the County level as Resolution 172 and the “aye” votes were based upon the tacit approval mentioned above. It would seem that instead of giving up a police officer in the midst of an employee shortage in the Department, it would be wise to keep the officer here—and use that $50,000 plus to repair and rehabilitate facilities in Saugerties, such as the animal shelter.
Watch the video here of Joe Maloney’s “no” vote and the reasons that he gives.
Between training new officers, outfitting them, and other costs, employee turnover is an expensive proposition. Why, then, would that chief willingly agree to the loss of yet another police officer? Why, indeed, but he has. And why would the supervisor approve of the “Agreement”? Apparently the chief reached an agreement with the County to re-assign one of our police officers to the County’s two-year domestic violence program. Saugerties would be doing this, together with the Village of Ellenville, at a cost to us of at least $50,000—as well as additional overtime here at home to cover the absence of that officer. While the County would be reimbursing Saugerties a portion of the officer’s salary, it’s unclear if that reimbursement would also include a like percentage of health, retirement and other benefits. And, as to the County’s contribution, it is probably an unnecessary reminder that “contributions” out of County coffers, were put there by county taxpayers, including those from Saugerties—so we’d be paying from both ends.
There are 20-towns and one city within Ulster County but only two (Saugerties and Ellenville) will be making any financial contribution to this program while the others will benefit from it, free of charge.
This “Agreement,” referred to above, was not brought before nor voted on by the Board (in fact, the majority of the Board wasn’t even aware of the resolution)—rather it was pushed through “late” at the County level as Resolution 172 and the “aye” votes were based upon the tacit approval mentioned above. It would seem that instead of giving up a police officer in the midst of an employee shortage in the Department, it would be wise to keep the officer here—and use that $50,000 plus to repair and rehabilitate facilities in Saugerties, such as the animal shelter.
Watch the video here of Joe Maloney’s “no” vote and the reasons that he gives.
Only One Week Left
22/04/19 00:46
There is just about one week remaining until the April 30th Special Election for County Executive. Please mark your calendar for April 30th to vote for Jack Hayes for County Executive. This is very important if you'd like Jack to have the "incumbent's edge" come November's regular election.
Read Jack's impressive résumé here.
Listen to Jack's message here.
A Word to the Wise
20/04/19 18:36
This message is extremely important:
The Town Board is trying to pass a new noise ordinance (read it here). They held a public hearing on April 17, 2019, but only two people showed up. I don't believe it was advertised very much.
I URGE everyone to read this noise ordinance. Pay particular attention to the sections that refer to public address systems, which could mean backyard parties; exhaust, which could mean your lawnmower; restrictions with respect to power equipment and tools, even garden tools; as well as enforcement and penalties.
All I can say is, I HOPE people get out at the next public hearing and voice their opinions. If not, they will ram this law through right under our noses.
PLEASE forward this proposed noise ordinance to all the people you can. If no one attends the next public hearing, it will become law.
The way I read this, you can get arrested if you run your lawn mower or chain saw on a Sunday or Holiday if the Police Department thinks it's an unnecessary noise…. Just saying…
The Town Board is trying to pass a new noise ordinance (read it here). They held a public hearing on April 17, 2019, but only two people showed up. I don't believe it was advertised very much.
I URGE everyone to read this noise ordinance. Pay particular attention to the sections that refer to public address systems, which could mean backyard parties; exhaust, which could mean your lawnmower; restrictions with respect to power equipment and tools, even garden tools; as well as enforcement and penalties.
All I can say is, I HOPE people get out at the next public hearing and voice their opinions. If not, they will ram this law through right under our noses.
PLEASE forward this proposed noise ordinance to all the people you can. If no one attends the next public hearing, it will become law.
The way I read this, you can get arrested if you run your lawn mower or chain saw on a Sunday or Holiday if the Police Department thinks it's an unnecessary noise…. Just saying…
Conservative Endorsements for 2019
10/04/19 18:56
From left to right: Paul Andreassen (Town Supervisor), Jack Hayes (County Executive) Michael Ivino (Councilman), Melissa Jaeger (Republican Party Chairwoman), Al Bruno (Legislator, District 2), Dean Fabiano (Legislator, District 3), Mike Kavanagh (Ulster Country District Attorney)
Not shown in above photo: Mary Wawro (Legislator, District 1)
Jack Hayes for County Executive
10/04/19 14:58
Jack Hayes is running for Ulster County Executive in a Special Election on April 30th, as well as in the regular election to be held on November 5th.
Please mark your calendars for the April 30th vote!
To hear Jack's message—click the camera below: