About Gaetana
06/10/15 16:12
About Me
In 2011, I was asked to help my fellow Saugerties residents fight an affordable housing project. As a Saugerties native who cares about her town, I accepted and it was something to which I devoted myself entirely. In my graduate studies I learned community organizing, so it was not foreign to me. I had been an active member and organizer and, as part of the Hudson Valley Alliance, helped to fend off the nuclear power plant in Cementon and since then I have been active in other movements including repeal of the S.A.F.E. Act.
As a clinical social worker experienced in forensics, drug treatment and group and family therapy, I have learned that thinking outside of the box leads to effective solutions. I have always admired the gifts that others can bring in solving problems. We humans are less than perfect and I believe that it is not the role of government to mold the individual and oppose government taking a micromanaging approach to its constituents, from children to the elderly. I believe in applying equal treatment, equal taxes and denying special favors to big businesses and so-called affordable housing projects through tax breaks, and other special privileges. What follows is identification of problem areas, all of which this town board has engaged itself.
The town pays its grant writers handsomely by the hour. The town board must consider the real cost of grants on which our town government has become addicted as it thirsts for more money and power rather than becoming lean, trim and adaptable.
Residents on the west side of the railroad tracks have been blocked from emergency vehicles during train-crossings for decades. Though only a few minutes, it can be a matter of life or death. There are several straightforward solutions but the problem seems to have been ignored while lights on the baseball fields have been given attention.
Direct Communication and Advocacy: In 2012, I made an unplanned personal visit to the NY State Office of Housing and Community Renewal and subsequently received a prompt favorable response to my request, one for which we had received no response through more conventional means. This sort of advocacy and communication is lacking. Who advocates for the Saugerties residents?
It is rare to see a county legislator present at town board meetings but communication needs to occur with this body once known as the Board of Supervisors. Recently the Ulster County Legislature banned restaurant use of Styrofoam containers. There was no discussion of this at our town level though the impact will reach into the pockets of all restaurant owners and be passed on to its customers. Our town businesses and taxpayers are experiencing death by a thousand cuts.
Give Change a Chance: This year the Conservative Party provides the only choice for ousting the Demo-publican Cartel placed on the Saugerties voters in their attempt to keep the status quo. It is unclear and unfortunate how this came about but I have discussed this in previous letters.
We know the best way to ascertain one’s intent is to follow the money. One must wonder who benefits from the continued fiscal recklessness which, coupled with lack of jobs, presents an extreme crisis for Saugerties residents. Surely the transfer of real property increases as homes are auctioned, foreclosed or sold as owners come to grips with the need to survive. It is those with substantial incomes such as some party bosses or politicians who can easily scoff them up paying only a fraction of their value. At this time 4 out of 5 of the town board members have made or make their money through the transfer of real estate. Follow the money and You be the judge.
Rumor has it that Helsmoortel will soon retire to Maine and wants to help maintain "the old guard grip" on Saugerties. This is best accomplished by retiring before one’s term is complete and promoting a “chosen one” to incumbent status. This might explain the reason for the Demo-publican Cartel.
Vote Row C: I am the Conservative candidate for town supervisor. As a party member, I live my life with conservative values and will bring them to the leadership of the Saugerties Town Board. Dan Ellsworth is the registered Conservative town council candidate. Remember, your voice and your vote will make an impact. Together we must make the difference that restores Saugerties.
Gaetana Ciarlante,
Vice-Chair
Candidate for town supervisor
In 2011, I was asked to help my fellow Saugerties residents fight an affordable housing project. As a Saugerties native who cares about her town, I accepted and it was something to which I devoted myself entirely. In my graduate studies I learned community organizing, so it was not foreign to me. I had been an active member and organizer and, as part of the Hudson Valley Alliance, helped to fend off the nuclear power plant in Cementon and since then I have been active in other movements including repeal of the S.A.F.E. Act.
As a clinical social worker experienced in forensics, drug treatment and group and family therapy, I have learned that thinking outside of the box leads to effective solutions. I have always admired the gifts that others can bring in solving problems. We humans are less than perfect and I believe that it is not the role of government to mold the individual and oppose government taking a micromanaging approach to its constituents, from children to the elderly. I believe in applying equal treatment, equal taxes and denying special favors to big businesses and so-called affordable housing projects through tax breaks, and other special privileges. What follows is identification of problem areas, all of which this town board has engaged itself.
The town pays its grant writers handsomely by the hour. The town board must consider the real cost of grants on which our town government has become addicted as it thirsts for more money and power rather than becoming lean, trim and adaptable.
Residents on the west side of the railroad tracks have been blocked from emergency vehicles during train-crossings for decades. Though only a few minutes, it can be a matter of life or death. There are several straightforward solutions but the problem seems to have been ignored while lights on the baseball fields have been given attention.
Direct Communication and Advocacy: In 2012, I made an unplanned personal visit to the NY State Office of Housing and Community Renewal and subsequently received a prompt favorable response to my request, one for which we had received no response through more conventional means. This sort of advocacy and communication is lacking. Who advocates for the Saugerties residents?
It is rare to see a county legislator present at town board meetings but communication needs to occur with this body once known as the Board of Supervisors. Recently the Ulster County Legislature banned restaurant use of Styrofoam containers. There was no discussion of this at our town level though the impact will reach into the pockets of all restaurant owners and be passed on to its customers. Our town businesses and taxpayers are experiencing death by a thousand cuts.
Give Change a Chance: This year the Conservative Party provides the only choice for ousting the Demo-publican Cartel placed on the Saugerties voters in their attempt to keep the status quo. It is unclear and unfortunate how this came about but I have discussed this in previous letters.
We know the best way to ascertain one’s intent is to follow the money. One must wonder who benefits from the continued fiscal recklessness which, coupled with lack of jobs, presents an extreme crisis for Saugerties residents. Surely the transfer of real property increases as homes are auctioned, foreclosed or sold as owners come to grips with the need to survive. It is those with substantial incomes such as some party bosses or politicians who can easily scoff them up paying only a fraction of their value. At this time 4 out of 5 of the town board members have made or make their money through the transfer of real estate. Follow the money and You be the judge.
Rumor has it that Helsmoortel will soon retire to Maine and wants to help maintain "the old guard grip" on Saugerties. This is best accomplished by retiring before one’s term is complete and promoting a “chosen one” to incumbent status. This might explain the reason for the Demo-publican Cartel.
Vote Row C: I am the Conservative candidate for town supervisor. As a party member, I live my life with conservative values and will bring them to the leadership of the Saugerties Town Board. Dan Ellsworth is the registered Conservative town council candidate. Remember, your voice and your vote will make an impact. Together we must make the difference that restores Saugerties.
Gaetana Ciarlante,
Vice-Chair
Candidate for town supervisor