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According to the D.E.C., their Statistic resulted in a ban
of private brush fires in a moist season
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Maybe more people burn in the spring because it is a sensible time to catch mosquitoes napping, or simply burn to clean up the death from two seasons left behind?
Is it possible that the D.E.C. Statistic is really an incremental step towards banning all yard burning?
Burning is more then a Statistic; it is a homage, the first gift to mankind, a ritual of worship, an education, it represents personal stewardship on private property, a footing of responsibility. Liberty is expressed within one's backyard, or only the birds are free.
The D.E.C. forbids us to burn, yet they burn. It was New York State property that burned out of control last year, not anybody's backyard. The State has enough land to make brush piles to the moon, and yet their Marxist style progressiveness can only exist by creating restrictions for others.
It would take a dozen gas guzzling trips to the dump to get rid of one fallen 80 ft. tree.
Why can't a town's notice describe how the local winds aloft are posted every fifteen minutes on sites like accuweather.com, where burn condition inquiries can check winds throughout the day are under 5 miles a hour, or suggest how the burn pile should be located in a cleared area thrice as wide as the burn pile is high, and as far from trees, as trees are high. Perhaps the town should be given an intelligence test before issuing a burn permit because our town gravitates towards proclamations of penalizing ultimatums, which forces us to become spectators in the erosion of our inalienable rights.
Town officials should be schooled in Constitutional absolutes and learn to serve the American spirit, not mouldy agents of restriction.
It is time for the elected to become transparent, fight to protect a town's independence, and leave the villagers, their possessions, and their lives, alone.
Bill Dukas
Kerhonkson
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Freeman 1-22-2010:
Release of PCBs during dredging much worse than expected
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When G.E. had approval to dump in the Hudson back in the 70s we had no idea PCBs caused cancer, but when made aware of PCBs' dangers, environmental activists immediately grabbed control of the situation with a 'G.E. is bad, it must be punished' megaphone. Their Marxist slant demanded a demagogic hatred of corporations and forced G.E. to spend half a billion dollars to disturbingly stir the bottom of the Hudson River.
Ignored was the science of drilled core samples that proved nature’s healing process of compressing elements into the building blocks of new strata. When the supposed cleanup first began, the downstream movement of PCBs had already dwindled to less then an ounce a year, but because of the leakage around clamshell dredging, PCBs flow in abundance once more.
Ignored were the petitioners who recommended silt growing plants that could aid to hold the PCBs in place while nature took its course in burying the poison, instead the Serra Club demanded the Hudson River’s bottom be striped mined.
Ignored were pleas to have the G.E. fine go towards cancer research, local hospitals, or even renovating light houses. One would think an organization with the name ‘Clearwater’ would not want to muck things up, but — trapped by an ideology of social engineering that imagines itself better then nature’s intent — Clearwater has no choice but to purposefully muddle minds and silt alike.
So, if G.E. unknowing poisoned people in the sixties, it now is forced to knowingly poison again the Hudson’s flow. Last year, the so called Environmental Protection Agency thoughtlessly opened new drinking facilities and new beaches downstream, where young children can gulp down even smaller PCB particles as they unsuspectingly splash in the water, watching fishing boats go by.
The same goons that are responsible for reintroducing poisons into our environment, now bully their way up the Hudson’s tributaries. Bonding with other pretentious organizations they use ‘do good’ psychology to undermine personal property and towns’ rights of self autonomy, by regulation and imminent domain. Their con is to make a person feel the warmth of involvement. This is done by appealing to emotions, not by appealing to the brain. “For the good of the community” Supervisors will be stroked, coddled and mislead, to dance with the muse of progressiveness.
Flood zones will get constantly expanding setbacks that will force landowners to surrender inherited rights. Little zones here and there will accumulate by altruistic themes from statists in full bloom. Why make everything a park, it is a park already and what liberties your towns surrender today, they will not get back tomorrow.
Like spoiled children, non-profit organizations will demand their recommendations turn into law. Do not kid yourselves, feedback is only a formality unless it brings more constrictions; statists are control freaks and power is the profit they seek.
Notice how Clearwater ignores their recent PCB stupidity, because they suffer from an ideological blindness that disregards personal stewardship, self responsibility and common sense.
It is time to shun these groups. It is easy to find out if the property is already zoned floodplain before you build, check with the town. Did not our town just, quietly without posting, pen an ego-embossed comprehensive plan?
If you are afraid of flooding get out of nature’s way and move up the hill. And if you fear weather, take another pill. But we certainly do not need more fools telling us what to do, we have enough already.
Bill Dukas
Kerhonkson
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"Politics" prevailed in Dis. 1
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To the Editor:
It's not surprising to see that when "Local politicos assess election" (Blue Stone, Nov. 6, 2009), the Dist. 1 Legislature "deal" was not mentioned at all. In fact, the "Catalano-Bernardo deal" to have the same 4 candidates on 4 seats, covering all 4 party lines, was never covered by BlueStone. The Oct. 2 profiles of the District 1 Legislator candidates did not include ALL their cross-endorsements, which would have illustrated the deal (a correction was published on Oct. 16 but... how many people recall what was that referring to?).
Instead of simply saying that, as expected, the "deal team" won, having covered a total of 15 spots on the ballot, David O'Halloran finds reasons to explain why Manuela Michailescu did not win. In fact, based on ONE spot only, she won the Republican line in all 18 town districts, becoming overall winner of that line (please see manuela4legislator.com).
To call her fight for democracy, to restore people's right to choose when they vote a focus "on internal stuff" is absurd. She defended a noble cause and also talked about what she would do as Legislator. I feel no other Dist. 1 candidate communicated so much in such a short period of time; she is the only candidate who had a Web site and covered issues she would have addressed.
People had a choice. Politics as usual or voting for Manuela. The election results prove that the deal prevailed and more people voted for politics as (or worse than) usual.
Why not just say it as it is? Because of power, money and friendships.
Kandy Santosky
Accord
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Who Jeremy Blaber really is
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From: bobbybudracer@aol.com
Date: October 9, 2009 10:00:33 PM EDT
To: letters@rochesterrepublicans.com
Subject: who jeremy blaber really is
This is a letter for informational purposes. I have been reading a lot of articles regarding the republican candidate from the town of Rochester, Mrs Manuela. I'm not familiar with Mrs. Manuela or her achievements, but I have had dealings with the Benardos from Accord and their new protege Jeremy Blaber.
Last year Len Bernardo came to my shop to denounce the behavior of Jeremy Blaber, and even pledged support for an event we help. BASH for CASH. See, Mr. Blaber owes my business several thousand dollars for which we have a judgement against him. Although he seem to work as if he is above the law, he was served an information subpoena. Mr. Blaber ignored that subpoena, and was to appear in court for contempt. He was ordered by judge Ball to complete the subpoena and return to court today, the 9th of October.
This entire time Mr. Blaber has been living at Terry Benardo's home and she was in court supporting him. Now, Terry Benardo is having Jeremy Blaber do her bidding through the blogs. I think Mrs. Bernardo is putting her personality before principles.
Tim Halpin
Kingston
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A local perspective on the decaying of America
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Intrusive Ideology corrupts our community rituals.
Our Supervisor praises the past administration, is it possible he forgot the baggage that came along with the double dipping of salaries? Did he forget the town board members who would not stand for the Pledge of Allegiance or the radical women who would show up and loudly pray to hedonic goddesses during the pledge? Should we forget the arrogance of those who seek control portending to know more about a community’s needs then the citizens themselves, yet tried to corrupt all with the lie; anti-patriotic is patriotic? All politics is local, making personal vigilance a necessity.
Permissive Ideology corrupts our schools and family relationships.
A virus crawls out of the gutter and affects the Teacher’s Union, who, with the help of the communist A.C.L.U., molest our children’s minds by perverted social engineering. California now pushes transsexual lifestyle into classrooms, instituting the doctrine of self-mutilation. School authorities banned moments of silence to gain control over a student’s inner thoughts and teaching explicit sexual behavior is promiscuous act. Some kid should sue the public school system tenure because it protects molesters and pedophilias. The school system sows guilt in children by turning them against parental beliefs and even degrades the carbon in the air they breathe. The Pledge of Allegiance has become voluntary, to be phased out by activist teachers who remove any traces of religious heritage with the rally cry; religion, patriotism and parental rights are archaic and stupid, long live statism! This abuse of the educational system is funded by land taxes that enslave. Freedom has left the building.
Manipulative Ideology corrupts our knowledge and science.
Evolution is the height of doorways raised since stone-house days, and it is only through a belief in God that we are truly free.
Atheism is a tool for stimulating pain according to the Marquis de Sade of sadomasochism fame. Time does not change intent, like a river, it just layers silt on top.
Margaret Sanger the originator of Planned Parenthood was a notorious racist who desired to purge black babies, and by acknowledged percentage has accomplished that goal. Is it really women’s rights, or overt sexuality with a lack of control that allows women to kill their first-born?
Misinforming Ideology corrupts our history.
It is almost seems we did not learn anything from 9-11. We hide the images of people hurling to their deaths, and now attempt to hide the 9-11 date with a Mayday type holiday. We should never hide the truth. There is a balance in our universe even though it seems out of control it is the antithesis explosion of Muslim ideology manifesting itself on the world stage.
Usurping Ideology corrupts our religions and icons.
Why do people vote for that which is against their interest?
Norman Podhoretz, past Editor in Chief of Commentary, recently wrote a book; Why are Jews liberals? In it, he questions why Jews are dependable liberals, even when support is against the state of Israel. His concludes; Reform Jews have transferred their belief from the Torah to the doctrine of liberalism and worship politics. He sees it as tragic and ultimately cataclysmic. Many weak willed Christians also vote against their values and morality.
Insidious Ideology corrupts our logic.
There is a third argument to add why people worship a political doctrine as a religion. It is the usage of cocaine of which tons quietly flows through this country. Cocaine is the original date rape drug; it leaves permanent amoral scars on the psyche of its users, who must be made aware and adjust to its residue effect in order to protect America’s foundation. Some in the halls of congress use cocaine, it permeates the arts and media, creating its own logic that soft minds follow. Freud wrote how cocaine deceived him, and South American Indians used it to make a warrior think of himself as a God, before ripping out his heart. Most, who have tried cocaine, suddenly claim to be spiritual, not religious, yet each believes they are a God. Cocaine is the soil for psychotically distorted narcissism. Its users need a structure, a hug of like minds, that embrace an ‘anything goes’ attitude. That is where an extreme political doctrine steps in.
Greedy Ideology corrupts our economy.
Lost jobs and incomes are sacrificed and rudely overlooked by a non-productive statism that ordains restrictive growth polices based on junk science and feel good pork legislation. A statism that seeks control over birth, life, and taxes us to death. All aided by a
Federal Reserve of shadowy players, accountable to no one.
Egocentric Ideology corrupts possibilities.
Our Commander in Chief is not a messiah but a sacrificial lamb in this hedonic age of Marxist Sodom and Gomorra. He fiddles Monopoly and drums to America’s downfall. The cards are stacked against the patriotic whose only hope is to vote for only those that exhibit true American values, yet goes into a voting booth to see the same name on all party lines. Backroom cross-dressing perverts the balance of the two party system and blocks the possibility of true representation.
Immoral Ideology corrupts our behavior.
For those among us that would vote for a man for no other reason then he posts his picture on net with his zipper open looking for sex, they have no moral compass and their ugly attacks on Manuela’s personal life means they are dishonest. We need politicians that have America at heart no matter what party they represent. If one reads Manuela’s resume about her past in a communist country they would note her appreciation and thankfulness to the freedom this country offered, and would understand she wants to do right by us. Manuela has gone through tough times and weathering a personal and financial storm with honesty and dignity, she publically pays her karma. Her steadfastness is proof she will tell us her legislative truth, no matter the situation.
Bill Dukas
Kerhonkson
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Vote for Manuela
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Manuela Michailescu, the Republican candidate for Ulster County Legislator District 1, is consistent in her stand for democracy. She has lived under communism in her life time, and that experience gives her the strength to fight against the dictatorial-style deal made against the District 1 voters. Manuela has no personal agenda of her own.
As a Town of Rochester Councilman for 12 years I was pleased to see how fast Manuela learned on the job, and how much she contributed to solving problems in her two years as Councilwoman, already making a difference in various areas.
Active at both town and county levels, Manuela has all the right qualifications for legislator.
Her hands-on experience as an elected official and as a very active member of the Ulster County Tourism Advisory Board - as well as her expertise in marketing and advertising - would be invaluable assets for her as an Ulster County legislator.
The people of Rochester would be proud of Manuela Michailescu as their representative in the Ulster County Legislature.
Her name appears first on the Republican line - which is the right place to be for a true Republican. Please vote for Manuela Michailescu in the Sept. 15 primary, and give yourself, and all voters, a choice in the Nov. 3 election.
Ronald Santosky
Accord
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Smear campaign mounted against Manuela by the opposition
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Dear Republican Club Members:
This last month has proved challenging for our Town Board Councilwoman, Manuela Michailescu. First she was denied a ballot position by the Ulster County GOP in her quest to represent all of us as an Ulster County Legislator. And now, in an attempt to block her petition drive to be on the ballot, a smear campaign has been mounted against her by the opposition. I will not comment on Jon & Manuela’s personal bankruptcy filing except to say that I hope they will be able to rebuild their financial security.
Manuela Michailescu is a fine councilwoman. She has devoted endless hours of time and effort to the Town of Rochester. The Rochester Republican Club has a long, proud history of supporting candidates and elected officials. Manuela Michailescu is our councilwoman and with the support of the Club, our next Ulster County Legislator.
David O'Halloran
Rochester Republican Club
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Happy Fourth of July!
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To the Editor:
Happy Fourth of July! I'm writing to encourage everyone to read the Declaration of Independence. Adopted in Congress on July 4, 1776, this is America's most potent and consequential historical document.
And on this day, I'm writing to invite Republicans in the Town of Rochester to consider running for public office this fall. Voters will have the opportunity to cast their ballot for candidates for the Office of Town Supervisor, Town Clerk, Highway Superintendent and 2 Council seats. If interested, please call me at 845-687-0399.
Marijane Knudsen
Chairman, Town of Rochester Republican Committee
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Editor's Note: Town of Ulster Republican Committee Chair John Morrow is seeking a position on the Town of Ulster Town Board. Below is an answer to his e-mail sent to Rochester Councilwoman Manuela Michailescu. Read the e-mail.
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John Morrow, are you a thug or just a buffoon?
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Mr. John Morrow,
This inquiring Republican would like to know; are you a thug or just a buffoon? My response to your idiotic and misspelled e-mail is not to defend Manuela, truth and courage shields her, my comments to you are personal and ideological in nature.
First, your lack of understanding of the two party system is nothing to brag about.
Your attack on individuality is against one of the basic creeds of the Republican Party. You are beyond the RINO virus, you apparently suffer from pig flu.
This ‘larger picture’ code word you and Catalano banter about is meaningless in applicability unless you both intend to become filmmakers, then I'll be the critic, and already your movie sucks.
That you should deny an honest person a run in the elections because of the backroom deals you and Catalano have made with the opposing party is inexcusable. As any high school math student knows, 3 Democrats and 1 RINO does not a Republican make. You offer nothing to the Republican agenda but self-serving interests.
And whatever team you allude to, is no team any thoughtful person would sponsor. May the Republicans and Conservatives in your town awaken from the poisonous anesthesia you and Catalano have been dishing out and avoid catatonic state before it is too late.
Mr. Morrow, I offer you these words of advice; you should keep your nose up Catalano’s butt, where it obviously found a home, and out of the affairs of Rochester’s Republicans.
Bill Dukas
Kerhonkson
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We the Voters want to vote for people who will represent us
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To the Editor:
As a Republican and voter here in the Town of Rochester I am very upset with this “back door” appointment of who will be our representative in the Ulster County Legislature for District 1.
Politicians wonder why people do not go and vote every time they can! Well, why should anyone get off their rear end and go and vote for those who have already won! There is no choice. Choice for voters is when each political party has a candidate for whatever elected position there is. Then the voters can choose. Voters know that once people are elected Republicans and Democrats will have to work together so they can run Towns, Counties, States or Federal and “deals” will be made and hopefully with the citizens in mind not their own pockets and egos.
Party officials and politicians need to step back and remember that the citizens are getting very tired of “business as usual" which these deals look and smell like. We the Voters want to vote for people who will represent us, who will not be more concerned about lobbyists – or their next election – than what their constituents want! That is why there are more and more “Tea Parties” happening!
I am hoping that all Republicans will rally together and help to rebuild the Republican Party here in Rochester, the County and then, I hope, the State.
Barbara Zaccai
Secretary, Rochester Republican Club
Kerhonkson
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We The People demand an end to deals
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To the Editor:
As Chairman of the Town of Rochester Republican Committee, it is my responsibility to convey a most urgent message to every Republican. The future of our Town is at stake! I've received so many phone calls asking for truth. Our Town is full of rumors, lies, half truths and self servants. I'm writing to set the record straight.
FACT: By a 6-1 majority vote, your Republican Committee stood up to Honorable Mario, Chairman of the Ulster County Republican Committee. Your Committee shouted "NO DEAL" to the snake oil sales of a "Fusion Ticket" for the District One Legislature.
Voting is a right and a privilege and should not be taken for granted. Voting = Choice. An elected Republican official from Rochester was simply told, "Step aside, it's not your time." This individual is a Republican, has proven to be electable and offered voters within Rochester a win-win situation. She was deprived based upon a deal called the "FUSION TICKET" that robs all District 1 voters of their right of choice on Election Day. I ask, "Has Democracy gone out of fashion?" I think not.
I invite each and everyone to join your Town of Rochester Republican Committee, elected Officials and TAXPAYERS to bring back the CORE values of the GOP. Help us promote fiscal responsibility, accountability and most importantly, restore dignity and respect to a Party that has been the cornerstone of our town.
It's time to stand up. It's time for We the People to rebuild from the ground up. Join us in a We the People campaign. Write to this Editor and make it clear: We the People demand an end to deals, and we expect our Republican leaders to behave in the best interest of the people.
Thank you for giving me this free opportunity to express my views.
Sincerely,
Marijane Knudsen
Chairman, Town of Rochester Republican Committee
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Shame on you, Mario Catalano!
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From: Tavi Cilenti
Date: June 21, 2009 8:51:00 PM EDT
To: Mario Catalano
Cc: Carl Chipman, David O'Halloran, Jon Dogar-Marinesco,
Cc: Marijane Knudsen, Manuela Michailescu
Subject: Rochester
Hello Mario,
I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself.
I am Tavi Cilenti, Councilman of the Town of Rochester. I take this opportunity to introduce myself because obviously you do not know me, or have any idea who I am, or what my beliefs are. It is a shame that the chairman of the county's Republican Party knows so little about the elected officials of his party.
However, I should not be surprised, as your recent actions have shown that you have a dismissive attitude toward the Town of Rochester and the elected officials of the town. I say that you know little about your elected officials because I read a recent email that you sent to Marijane, which stated that I allegedly made a deal with the Democrats: if they did not oppose Carl Chipman's bid for re-election the Republicans would not oppose the Democrats running for re-election for their council seats. Well, first of all, I have no authority to make such a deal and I do not support cross endorsements as a matter of principle. (I hope I do not have to define this word: principle).
In addition, if you knew anything about me you would know that within weeks of my election I announced at a public board meeting that I have no intentions of running for a second term, because I am a strong believer in term limits and believe that our forefathers intended this country to be run by the citizens and not by professional politicians. I am sure that you did not start the rumor, but shame on you for repeating it in writing. I hope this email clears up this matter.
Respectfully,
The Honorable Tavi Cilenti
Town of Rochester Councilman
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Rob Case to the rescue...
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To the Editor:
I am of the belief that the committee should reflect the wishes of the Club that reflects the wishes and beliefs of both the Republican Party as well as those of the Republican members of the town. At this point I'm not debating who should be running for any position. I am, as a lifetime resident of the Town of Rochester, and newly elected Vice President of the Republican Club embarrassed with this whole mess of “airing our laundry”. It has put not only our town in turmoil, but is hurting our already wounded Party. Now it is time for me to grab the bull by the horns and lead.
I'm publicly asking all members of the Town of Rochester Republican Club, The Committee Members, and the Town of Rochester voting block, (those who reside in, and are registered Republicans the Town of Rochester) to cease and desist their public displays of discourse while I gather together what is needed for all of us to go behind closed doors and settle these issues among ourselves in a democratic fashion. In this forum we will raise issues, vote, and the results will be carried forth by the Committee as is intended. We should be tired of destroying and be working together to rebuild.
I'm asking for all of your help in this matter, if you feel it’s broken, then lets work together to fix it. We should act soon as time is growing short.
Thank you,
Rob Case
Vice President, Rochester Republican Club
RobCase845@aol.com
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Ellenville's Shawangunk Journal – June 18, 2009 (above)
Daily Freeman – June 18, 2009
Blue Stone Press – June 19, 2009
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What has happened to democracy?
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To the Editor:
This is my second year as a Rochester Republican Committee member and thankfully, it will be my last. When I petitioned for and was elected to the Committee, the Republicans in our town were divided between the Republican Committee and the Republican Club. I thought that if I was a member of both, I would be able to help bring the two sides together. There was a time when it appeared to be working, but I guess it was just wishful thinking on my part. It’s now very obvious that it will never happen and I am tired of wasting my time and efforts.
The total lack of trust and honesty from the leaders of each organization has gone to the point of no return. It wasn’t very long ago, that the club filed a grievance against the Chair of the Rochester Republican Committee for “actions unbecoming a Republican” and now the president of the Rochester Republican Club is demonstrating the same exact behavior. What’s even worse, so is the Chairman of the Ulster County Republican Party.
This year, Mario Catalano, the Ulster County Republican Chairman, with the support of the Rochester Republican Club president, has decided that residents of Ulster County do not need or deserve a choice. So, choice was removed from the democratic process. Instead we have deals and veiled threats. Apparently, the Chairman of the Independent Party wants his wife to be awarded a seat on the County Legislature. Yes, awarded. Not elected. Awarded.
So the deal is this: Independence Party Chairman Bernardo, has promised the Independentce Party endorsement to the Democrats and to the Republicans if they put his wife, Terry, on their line. Now, how is he going to accomplish this? Easy! You get the Republicans to cross-endorse the three incumbent democrats and one Republican – as long as the “Republican” is his wife. Then he promises the Democrats that they can all keep their seats and that no one will run against them IF they cross-endorse one Republican on their line – yup! as long as the “Republican” is his wife, Terry. As a bonus, Bernardo will endorse a few Republicans in the Town of Ulster, where, yup, Mario Catalano lives.
What in the hell are people thinking? What has happened to democracy?
And what do the Bernardos want so bad that an election has to be arranged?
Kandy Santosky
Town of Rochester Republican Committeewoman
Accord
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Blue Stone Press – June 19, 2009
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Shame, shame on the people making these deals
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To the Editor:
I write with dismay regarding the four candidates for four open seats on the Ulster County legislature. I do not feel it is at all a stretch to say that when you have no more candidates than you have seats — that is not a proper exercise in democracy, and pretty much removes the need for anyone to vote. I further do not think it is much of a stretch to say that when voting is made moot, because the winners are known (after all, they are the only candidates), that is much closer to a dictatorship than a democracy.
I am saddened by the game-playing and deal making occurring right now in Ulster County, and hope that when it comes to feeding our hungry, and taking care of those in need, the powers that be leave their political parties behind, and do what is right for the people they "represent." I was going to say the people who elected them, but in the case of the four future legislators, the election will be a mere technicality.
The game players say there is no game being played, but what is wrong with the following sentence, directly quoted in a local paper? "Catalano said that no dirty politics were being played on his behalf and called Mihailescu a victim of circumstance. Catalano blamed Noonan, who he claims only recruited Mihailescu, an elected Town of Rochester councilmember, because of a prior disagreement with the husband of the Republican's since-minted nominee, Terry Bernardo."
So, Catalano says that no games are being played on HIS behalf, but other than that, it is all about the wheeling and dealing. Candidates are chosen and discarded based on "disagreements with potential candidate’s husbands." Ludicrous!
Without quoting again, he then went on to say that he made his decision to endorse Bernardo, who has no representative experience, because the "cross endorsements" guarantee a Republican win. Apparently, if one has any grasp of our language, there is nothing BUT wheeling and dealing going on. They admit this freely over and over, if they care to pay any attention to their own sentences.
Shame, shame on the people making these deals, and shame on those who allow this de facto removal of our most fundamental American right, to go unchallenged.
Sincerely,
Holly Christiana
Accord
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Making deals behind closed doors is the problem
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To the Editor:
The Rochester Republican Committee met on April 29, 2009 to conduct interviews for Ulster County Clerk and Ulster County Judge.
Glen Noonan attended this meeting at the invitation of Chairwoman Marijane Knudsen.
After our Committee interviewed the candidates, Mr. Noonan was invited to speak. He addressed the Committee and stressed that there are 33 Legislator seats up for election this year, that Catalano — and the County Committee — needs 33 Republicans to run. Noonan stated that he was given the task of finding qualified Republicans to run for Ulster County Legislature.
Less than a week later, on May 3rd, Noonan ran into Manuela Mihailescu at the "Wing Fling" event and asked her to consider running for legislator. Manuela thought about the offer and asked herself how would the County benefit if she were to be elected. She decided that yes, she would have a lot to offer as a County Legislator. She is currently on the Ulster County Tourism Advisory Board, has an MBA in Marketing and Advertising and 20 years experience in Travel Advertising. Since tourism brings home a substantial part of Ulster County’s revenue, a seat on Legislature would be the perfect place for her to contribute her knowledge and experience.
So, for people to think that Manuela Mihailescu is upsetting the apple cart is totally incorrect.
Making deals behind closed doors is the problem. If Catalano was working on deals instead of focusing on elections, he should never have sent Mr. Noonan out to recruit candidates, and all of this mess could have been avoided... or postponed until somebody else would have exercised his/her constitutional right to run for an elected position.
Kandy Santosky
Town of Rochester Republican Committeewoman
Accord
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Blue Stone Press – June 5, 2009
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Michailescu claims 'back room deal' cost her nomination
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To the Editor:
On June 2, at the Ulster County Republican Convention, Democracy lost.
I was asked to consider running for a Legislature seat by both Glen Noonan, the Minority Leader, and David O'Halloran, the current President of the Rochester Republican Club.
After thoughtful consideration, I expressed my intention to run for Legislator in District One, but I've been suddenly and strongly "discouraged" to do so. I was boldly told that Len Bernardo – the Ulster County Chairman of the Independence Party, who happens to live in our town – wanted to make sure that his wife is presented with a Legislator seat, so he struck a deal with Chairman Catalano to block any Republican who intends to run in District 1. In exchange, his party will endorse Mr. Catalano's candidates in other districts.
I was denied an interview with the Wawarsing Republican Committee. Chairman Catalano attended my interview with the Rochester Republican Committee and was candid about his intentions, telling me – a Republican Elected Official – "I cannot let you stand in my way" and "I'd do anything to defeat you"...
Unfortunately, he is a man of his words.
To quote from the Kingston Truth blog: "It is very curious that the Republicans chose to cross endorse the Democrats from Ellenville. It is no small coincidence that Len Bernardo's wife was also endorsed for that district."
Given the current economic situation, this is the worst time to fix elections. This would result in candidates being dis-connected from reality, from the people they are asked to serve.
Republicans should win back the Legislature at the polls, not thru the back room deals.
Republicans should win with ideas and principles. They should win by listening to the people and paying attention to their concerns...
Otherwise, nobody should be surprised that Republicans are considered an "extinct species."
Manuela Michailescu
Town of Rochester Councilwoman
Kerhonkson
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NOTE: Blue Stone Press left out the paragraph in bold letters. I hope it was pure censorship, not a result of phone calls from and to the newspaper. No matter the reason, may I suggest that it's a good idea to read again a letter after hacking it? After intervention, the sentence "Unfortunately, he is a man of his words" makes as much sense as "Blu Sto Pre." Moreover, what was the problem with publishing the statements made in front of Town of Rochester Republican Committee by the Chairman of the Ulster County Republican Committee? When in doubt, a few calls to witnesses go a long way.
(jdm) |
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