MIDHUDSON
MESSENGER 

Local officials and citizens crammed the Ulster County legislative chambers Friday morning, to hear an update from state DOT commissioner Joan McDonald, who appeared on behalf of Governor Andrew Cuomo.

“I’m so glad to see the changes going on in Albany under governor Cuomo,” Ulster County executive Mike Hein said while introducing McDonald, calling last week’s State of the State address inspirational and effective.

“You can really sense a change,” agreed McDonald. “You can feel it in the air,” she said. “Much has been done, we have great momentum — but much more needs to be done.”

McDonald summarized Cuomo’s successful record for the past year. She noted closure of a $10 billion deficit, “with no gimmicks, and it was done on time.” The new residential property tax cap has forced fiscal discipline and stimulated a citizen dialogue, the commissioner added.

Furthermore, under Cuomo’s leadership, New York has closed 3800 prison beds. “We finally recognized that prisons are not economic development programs,” McDonald observed.

The unpopular MTA payroll tax has been eliminated for most small businesses.

“We passed marriage equality for all New Yorkers, and we did it together,” said McDonald. “We restored New York’s reputation as the progressive capital of the nation.”

Cuomo’s 2012 vision sets forth an aggressive three-part strategy: Next phase in economic blueprint for growth; Re-imagined government, turning plans into reality; and New York trailblazing for a progressive future.

“We will build the largest convention center in the nation,” McDonald announced. The governor is currently pursuing a $4B private investment at Aqueduct Raceway in Ozone Park.

“Regional economic development councils clearly is a transformative initiative,” McDonald said, declaring a $200 million second round of funding.

“As for casino gambling, it’s time we faced reality,” McDonald acknowledged. “It’s not a question of whether we should have gaming in NY — we already do,” she said, citing 29,000 electronic gaming machines in NYS.

“We are also surrounded by gaming,” McDonald continued. “States across our borders have legalized gaming. They get the tourism, revenue and jobs that belong here in NYS,” she said. “From Gov. Cuomo’s perspective, it’s about jobs jobs jobs — not cards & chips. A constitutional amendment will be proposed to properly change gambling law, she observed.

$2 billion will be allocated for infrastructure, plus more for a new Tappan Zee crossing. “It’s time to start building,” McDonald declared. Cuomo is calling for a new energy highway system. “We have tremendous need in downstate.” A master plan and RFP to build supply capacity is in the works, McDonald promised.

New York’s 2013 budget will be unveiled this Tuesday. “No new taxes, no new fees,” assured McDonald, while simultaneously closing the remaining $2B deficit. Another card on the table is mandate relief. Pension costs have increased 100% since 2009, indicated McDonald. She said the retirement system requires reform and creation of a Tier 6.

“Strong effective school system is the hallmark of an effective democracy,” McDonald told the gathered audience. Noting the vast professional lobby, Cuomo has decided to take on a second job. “He will be the lobbyist-in-chief for the students. He will wage a campaign to put students first. The purpose of public education is to help children grow, not bureaucracy.” New York ranks #1 in spending, but lags behind 38th place in graduation rates.

In the public safety sector, Cuomo demands the best state emergency management operation in the country, McDonald said.

The newly created department of financial services will include a foreclosure relief unit to provide counseling and mediation services — to help New Yorkers stay in their home. DNA information will be added to data bank for all criminal convictions — a national first. A bill to implement public campaign financing will be introduced by the governor, McDonald disclosed.

Watch fullpress conference on YouTube here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JVwO7I1EoE

Frustrated residents packed the town of Newburgh’s annual reorganization meeting Tuesday night, demanding to speak out against the expansion of a local strip club.

Fantasy Island, formerly known as Blue Moon, broke ground on new construction late last year, surprising many members of the local community. The 6,000 square foot adult entertainment facility won final planning board approval last winter.

“They have every right to be upset — you’re talking about the largest strip club complex in the Hudson Valley,” remarked Stephen Krasner, one of the organizers from Families for a Better Middlehope.

No specific zoning exists in the town to address adult-oriented businesses, Krasner explained. A revised comprehensive plan process for Newburgh township, begun in 2005, so far has left adult-oriented industries tabled for future discussion.

Residents were shocked when full details of Fantasy Island emerged at the Dec. 19th town board meeting. The project application originally appeared to be an ordinary steakhouse restaurant.

Fantasy Island, located at the intersection of Rt. 9W & DeVito Drive in the hamlet of Middlehope, sits very close to a large daycare center, an elementary school, and numerous newly built residences.

“There’s a genuine concern there,” observed Krasner, who ran unsuccessfully for town supervisor against incumbent Wayne Booth last November. “If I knew about this during the campaign, you certainly would have seen more of it in the press.”

Public input was prohibited during Tuesday’s meeting, where newly elected officials were being sworn in. Opponents to the strip club silently held protest signs and verbally heckled the proceeding, later crowding around supervisor Booth with questions about zoning changes.

“There’s no quick remedy,” said Booth, “There’s no way we can pull the approvals, unless there’s something legally found wrong in what Fantasy Island presented.” Booth warned that the town would be placed in legal jeopardy if approval was arbitrarily reversed.

Booth added that strip clubs are “not something that the town town board goes out and looks for to bring into Newburgh.” He said, “I don’t patronize them, and never had.”

“Even though it’s been there 25 years, understandably, nobody wants these in their backyard,” Booth admitted. “You can’t zone them out, so we’ll have to pick an area where they will be permitted. That’s one of the things you need public input for — so you’re not actually moving it from one person’s front yard to another.”

Bill Corbin, a resident closely watching the matter, said opponents will continue to fight. “They’re gonna take this on,” he said, “they’re working with an attorney.”

Watch protesters on YouTube here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DuXIHB-OdMY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VDCqMQKRFBQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N3odu75uuno

Watch Stephen Krasner interview on YouTube here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UKrhUEsgMSY

Watch Wayne Booth interview on YouTube here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l3jxZa5nTMA

Watch Bill Corbin interview on YouTube here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A6VHaxmQ8ac

Almost a thousand spectators turned out for the inauguration of Dutchess County executive Marcus Molinaro, at the Marist College sports complex Thursday morning. Overwhelming crowds forced a last-minute venue change from FDR Library in Hyde Park.

Dignitaries including U.S. Senator Charles Schumer, congressmen, county legislators, and other officials paid their respects to Molinaro, who is fast-becoming the region’s political wonderboy. At age 36, he is the youngest county executive in Dutchess history.

Molinaro stepped down from his seat in the NY State Assembly, 103rd District, to take the helm from outgoing county executive William Steinhaus. Prior to five years as assemblyman, Molinaro served four terms as county legislator, and six terms as mayor of Tivoli. He won the record as youngest elected mayor in the nation at age 19.

“No one put a silver spoon in his mouth,” remarked Schumer. “Nobody plucked him out and anointed him,” the senator added. “He worked very hard, and rose through the ranks. You got here the old-fashioned way, Marc — you earned it.” Schumer said he looks forward to working with Molinaro towards local business growth.

“Marc’s becoming county executive represents the perfect melding of place and time and man and job,” lauded U.S. Rep. Nan Hayworth. “It is a privilege to think about what we are going to accomplish together, with your extraordinary leadership and inspiration in this office,” she said.

“It speaks to the leadership of Marc Molinaro,” said congressman Chris Gibson, “he was able to draw support from all across the political spectrum. There’s good reason for optimism,“ Gibson said, warning of tough days ahead.

“We are going to confront the challenges that we have,” stated Dutchess legislative chairman Robert Rolison. “Unless we’re all in it together and working towards that goal, we’re not going to succeed,” he said.

“I’m overwhelmed, humbled and inspired,” said Molinaro, clutching his 2 year old son Jack Henry in his arms, with 7-year old daughter Abigail Faith by his side. “This young lady has taught me about the challenges of life, and the unyielding potential that exists in all of us,” he said,

Molinaro, who took the oath of office fifteen separate times, promised “to do my best for Abigail, and all those who have now placed this important trust in my hands.”

Looking forward, Molinaro said, “We don’t know all the passages in this next chapter for our county. I hope, though, it might be reflected that during our service together. Partisanship and personal attacks have no place in our dialogue or debate”

“Good ideas and great volunteers will always be embraced regardless of their length of residency, individual background or party affiliation. There is no room nor any place for anything less in our county. And that is how we should serve one another.”

Proud parents, teachers, and school administrators joined young winners of a county-wide student contest for best no-smoking ad. The “Power-Up to Fight Smoking” endeavor was sponsored by the Ulster County Department of Health.

“Young people can speak to young people, often times, much better than adults preaching to them,” observed county executive Mike Hein, who facilitated the presentation. “There’s a reality here, we all know that smoking is bad — that’s not something that’s either rocket science, or earth shattering news.”

The real question, Hein noted, is: “How do we make sure that Big Tobacco doesn’t have the ability to negatively influence our young people?” When young people learn to refrain early, “it’s very unlikely they’re going to pick up that horrific habit,” Hein said.

“It doesn’t matter how much education you get, what your position is, how much money you end up making, how successful you are,” promised Ulster County health commissioner, Dr. La Mar Hasbrouck. “I guarantee, you will never be able to buy another year of good health, as you go forward — so your health is your wealth,” he remarked.

“You have two things that are going to determine your health in your lifetime,” explained Dr. Hasbrouck. “One is genetics. The other is a hundred percent modifiable, your behavior. All of the major things that are going to affect your health trajectory in life, you have control over.”

Over 16,000 middle and high school students were invited to compete throughout Ulster Co. The winner of the best poster category was Andrea Mendoza of Rondout Valley High School. A team of three students from Ellenville High School was awarded best radio ad: Alfonso Cruz, Brandon Lang, and Susan Mazzarelli. Chris Hutton of Kingston High School won best video ad.

“My grandma was my inspiration to enter,” commented Hutton, “she was the healthiest person I knew, but she did smoke for fifty years of her life.” He lamented, “If she never smoked, she would probably be here today. That’s one of the reasons I despise tobacco so much.” Hutton declared, “There’s really no reason ever to smoke cigarettes. Teenagers have the ability to be smoke-free.”

Watch event on YouTube here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oYjG0HTOS8Q

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ackT3ECI7M8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xWgdM_5IK3o

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxeOlfJbI1I

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dgg6OeIY2js

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cnXlVd_Ze9U

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZCXEVK3g7k

A county-wide community forum was held Monday night at Rondout Valley High School auditorium, attended by over a hundred parents, students, and educators. The topic was inadequate school funding, sponsored by the Alliance for Quality Education, with the RV Federation of Teachers.

”We‘ve done about 20 events of this type across the state in the last three months,” observed Bill Easton, AQE executive director. ”It’s not everywhere you see the administration and teachers with their union collaborating, but it makes sense,” he said, “because these are people who have committed their lives to the education of our children.”

A “First Things First 2012“ rally is scheduled for January 10th in Albany, with free buses leaving from Kingston in the morning. Lunch will also be provided.

“The issue of school funding is one that has perplexed not just school boards year after year,” remarked keynote speaker assemblyman Kevin Cahill, “but has been a troubling topic in Albany as well — in bad times especially, but also in good times.”

Cahill lamented, “We don’t seem to be able to get our arms around what we can do to adequately fund education — not just for the near term, but with a long view toward the future.”

The assemblyman asked, “What are we going to do to sustain our capital needs? To make sure that every child has a fair and equal chance for a good education? To break down the inequalities that exist? To make sure the value is there for each one of those students — no matter which school district they go to?”

“These are issues that have evaded solution in Albany,” Cahill declared. “Unfortunately, too many of my colleagues — and too many of the people who occupy the executive office in the State of New York — have not given it enough focus and attention so we can resolve this issue once and for all.”

Offering solutions, Cahill suggested a progressive graduated income tax, and smart consolidation efforts. “It’s real math,” he insisted. “If you’re making a lot of money, you’re doing it because of the hard work of the rest of us.” Cahill added, “It’s not going to be easy, it’s not going to be overnight, it’s not going to be without pain, and it’s not going to be free — but it’s one solution I think we can achieve.”

Consolidation is a scary word, Cahill noted, “It’s a good thing if it’s done right,” Cahill maintained. “We have nine boards of education, special ed departments, transportation offices,” he indicated. “We’re seeing schools close — not because it makes sense, but because they happen to be in districts that were drawn around the same time I was born.”

“Let’s take good solid school buildings and make maximum use of them,” Cahill urged. “Let’s not board them up, close them down, and send them into ruin.” Rosendale Elementary School in RVCSD is slated for closure due to funding shortfalls, among others throughout New York.

“The vilification of teachers is a cliche at this point,” complained Stephanie Peacock, a local teacher affected by school closure. “Taxpayers are fighting taxpayers. Why are community members fighting to close schools, and take away benefits from fellow community members? I think we can do it together.”

RVHS senior Silas Busch insisted, “Cuts to our state education budget can not be an acceptable option, because education is our most vital opportunity for success in the future.”

Watch Assemblyman Kevin Cahill’s remarks on YouTube here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xJ19-48W4tM

Hundreds of concerned parents and students packed the cafeteria of Poughkeepsie Middle School Thursday evening, to attend an emergency school board session. The district was reeling from a shocking incident at the High School — where one teacher violently attacked another teacher with a deadly weapon.

According to a district staff memorandum issued by superintendent Laval Wilson, Cynthia Glozier was allegedly stabbed approximately 16 times with a screwdriver by Ronette Ricketts. Both women are teachers with the English Department at Poughkeepsie High School.

“Our students are usually pretty safe when they enter our buildings, as well as the staff members,” Wilson prefaced his remarks. “Generally speaking, we have pretty good order across the district.”

The superintendent explained, “Miss Ricketts came to my building [Thursday] morning, and was looking for a personnel action sheet — we had a board meeting [Wednesday] night. Somehow Miss Ricketts was of the impression that she was being terminated,” Wilson disclosed.

“We don’t know how that information would have gotten to her. No adverse discussions had been held with her, no incidents had taken place,” Wilson remarked. Ricketts left administration offices and proceeded to the High School, Wilson continued. The stabbing took place shortly after 10am.

“Later on in the morning, I had a chance to see the incident, we have cameras throughout the HS building,” Wilson noted. “You can see the incident starting and you can see staff members helping to remove Miss Ricketts from the school,” he relayed. “We later found, as part of our investigation, that several teachers, an assistant principal, and a student had been helpful trying to separate Miss Ricketts from Ms. Glozier.”

Ronette Rickets was arrested on several felony assault charges and arraigned. Cynthia Glozier was admitted to St. Francis Hospital, where her injuries are considered non-life threatening. “The district will be taking disciplinary actions soon,” Wilson promised. “We need to meet with [Ricketts] and to take the type of action that we think would be appropriate.”

Poughkeepsie High School was locked down after the stabbing. “I made the decision that we would not close the school,” Wilson admitted. “Once people are in our buildings, we tend to keep them in our buildings,” he said.

However, “approximately 20% of the students may have left during the day, on their own, or their parents signed them out,” said Wilson. “At 3pm there was an emergency faculty meeting, where principal Edgar Glascott addressed the staff, and thanked them for all their support and help.”

District officials were flabbergasted. “I don’t recall anything like this happening,” commented school board member Greg Charter. “I don’t know what to say. I feel for the students, I feel for the staff.” Board member Randall Johnson stated there is nothing addressing staff-on-staff violence in the district safety plan. “I’d just like to ask everybody to pray for our community and our school district, this too shall pass,” board vice president Ralph Coales suggested.

There will be a two hour delay at the High School on Friday, with support services available to students and staff. Additional substitute teachers will be on hand to allow traumatized faculty members to seek assistance, Wilson added.

Watch superintendent Wilson’s remarks on YouTube here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3vQrOcSLYvQ

Watch school board reactions on YouTube here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wReZ4BxaL0s

William J. Steinhaus will feel safe — along with 300,000 others living in Dutchess — when incoming county executive Marcus Molinaro takes office on January First. The two met Monday morning at the Dutchess emergency response office for a transitional tour.

“This is the emergency operations center,” said Steinhaus, “where the executive of the county sits with the Sheriff’s staff, the State Police, State DOT, County Highway, Red Cross — all the different other support organizations — during an event or some kind of crisis.” Over 12,000 individuals have been to the center for training during 2011, Steinhaus added.

Molinaro is stepping down as state assemblyman to take Steinhaus‘s position. “The state leadership sees Dutchess County as a role model in emergency response,” Molniaro remarked. “The state government many times turns to this county for direction,” he noted.

“It’s all thanks to the great county staff — the professional organizations we have — and the dedicated individuals across our different agencies,” agreed Steinhaus, who served as county executive for the past 20 years. “We’ve tried to build that infrastructure to be the one of the best in the State of New York — and we think we’ve done that.,” he bragged.

“I want to walk him thorough today, and show him a little more of what we do here,” Steinhaus explained of the visit. “If there’s one thing an executive has to be prepared for — transitioning from Dec. 31st to January 1st — is the possibility there may be an event which requires the executive’s leadership, coordination, declaration of emergency, or other kind of command responsibilities.,” Steinhaus indicated.

“This is perhaps the most critical part of what county government offers,” Molinaro acknowledged. “I want the citizens of Dutchess County to know the incoming executive is prepared — as much as a new guy on the block can be,” he said.

Molinaro, before he was assemblyman, spent four terms as county legislator, and six terms as mayor of Tivoli — also serving as a volunteer firefighter. “When you’re in elected office, you never stop learning,“ Molinaro said. “One is never entirely prepared — I think the goal here is to continue to listen, continue to learn, and ultimately insure that Dutchess County taxpayers have a government that’s going to respond effectively to whatever is the crisis.”

Watch press conference on YouTube here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TzmmnJugPU4

Watch Molinaro interview on YouTube here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k_tbpQncOD8

The Ulster County legislature — gridlocked for years over efforts to privatize senior care at Kingston’s Golden Hill nursing home — held a public hearing Tuesday night to address the issue.

County executive Michael Hein proposed creating a private Local Development Corporation (LDC) to take over Golden Hill, as part of his tentative 2012 budget. Legislative deadline for budget approval is one week — Dec. 8th.

Should county lawmakers decide against selling Golden Hill, there will be a shortfall of approximately $8 million — causing either a 3.1% tax levy increase, or drastic cuts elsewhere (such as SUNY Ulster). All fifteen speakers opposed privatization at the hearing.

“You should be very careful, before you make any decision on what to do with this facility,” said former legislator Attilio Contini. “That might put us into a situation where we have more problems,” he warned.

“If we were about to go out and build a building today, from the getgo, I would be opposed to it,” Contini explained. “but since we already have the facility, I think we are obligated to the people of this county to continue to operate Golden Hill in the best way we can, and give the services they need, which that facility provides.”

Art Richter, local health advocate, indicated that $1.5 million of the proposed $8 million in LDC bonding pays legal counsel. “The issue is questionable,” he insisted, “or shady, or sleazy,” doubting the plan’s propriety. Richter suggested misuse of private development authority at Golden Hill.

“The purpose of an LDC is to provide for economic development, and enhance the economy of your area,” Richter noted “If the legislature approves this LDC, you’re out of the picture — the LDC has the ability of doing whatever the hell they want,” he forecast.

“Bottom line is we’re going to sell off Golden Hill for $3 million,” complained Terry Gilbert, CSEA Ulster County Local (Unit 8950) President. “Get that in your heads, understand that,” he said. “Make sure you realize the decisions you make are not only going to affect employees — they’re going to affect the elderly for the next twenty years,” Gilbert stated. “Anyone who believes that if a private entity buys Golden Hill, it’s going to be better — that’s bullshit!”

Saugerties resident Ralph Childers, an activist with Occupy Kingston, paraphrased NY State comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, criticizing LDC loopholes. “They make it easy for local governments to circumvent — which means bypass — the law,” Childers announced. His words were repeated in unison by numerous audience members — as part of a verbatim “human microphone” protest tactic. The next several speakers also participated in this powerful group echo.

Michael Cornell told legislators that his elderly mother began nursing care at Golden Hill just last week. “I’m gonna trust my mother with your decisions — everyone, I’ll look you right in the eyes,” he challenged. “Make the right decision for my mom.”

Read Hank Gross’ edit of this story here: http://midhudsonnews.com/News/2011/November/30/GH_hrng-30Nov11.html

Watch clips on YouTube here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MYTiHIPuVdQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MX1Z3Jp0VYY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-wYL-tb6s8

Hear audio clips:

Attilio Contini

Carl Chipman

Art Richter

Terry Gilbert

Sari Myers

Ralph Childers

Michael Cornell

Nearly two hundred attendees enjoyed Family of Woodstock’s 2011 Adolescent Services Thanksgiving Dinner, which took place Tuesday evening at Fair Street Reformed Church in Kingston.

This is the 28th consecutive occasion, said event hostess Ruth Staber, Family’s assistant program director for adolescent services. Food for the meal was donated by local businesses.

“Every year, we have a dinner for anyone who’s ever been a part adolescent services: that’s client, staff or volunteer,” commented Jess Robie, the unit’s team leader. “Family of Woodstock is an agency that’s been around since 1970,” she said. “We do just about anything you could possibly need done in Ulster County – we are a one-stop shop of food, clothing and shelter for folks that are struggling.”

Staber praised the kitchen volunteers, drawing applause from the feast-goers. She led the participants in a moment of gratitude. “For today,” said Stabler, “find that place that you know you give good energy: for services, for friendship, for caring; thanks for giving. As we continue to give,” she added, “may we receive and be a community.”

Through New York State Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Thanksgiving Holiday Volunteer Initiative, the executive chamber deploys senior staff members as representatives. Family of Woodstock’s dinner was assigned to Empire State Development Corp. president & CEO, Kenneth Adams. “I got dessert duty — which is my favorite part of the meal, so it’s a piece of cake,” Adams quipped.

“I was talking to some of the people who work at Family of Woodstock, about what they do,” Adams observed. “They are really successful multi-service agency,” he noted. “It serves all of Ulster County, not just Woodstock.”

The organization was incorporated over 40 years ago, to provide confidential and fully accessible crisis intervention, information, prevention, and support services addressing the needs of individuals and families. “The scope of the agency’s vision allows us to bring to bear resources addressing a broad spectrum of human problems,” says Family’s mission statement.

Family’s main Thanksgiving Feast is held from 1 to 4 pm on Thursday, Nov. 24th, at the Woodstock Community Center. This year marks the 36th annual dinner.

Watch Jess Robie on YouTube here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3kwhkpduL4s

Watch Ken Adams on YouTube here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GPB0lY1xsrA

A forum hosted by the Alliance for Quality Education was held Wednesday evening at the George Washington Elementary School auditorium in Kingston, discussing the effects of budget cuts. Educators and community members spoke about how shrinking funding towards education directly affects their districts. About fifty people attended.

“Tax cap does not provide significant tax relief,” asserted Eric Schwartz, a parent in the New Paltz Central School District. “The cap is intended to force school districts and communities to battle unions over benefits concessions — who should cover increases in wages, pension and health care,” Schwartz said. “This is a very contentious topic, which is exactly what the governor wants to happen across the state at the local level. But even before tax cap, it was clear we were reaching a tipping point, cannibalizing staff to pay for the benefits of the remaining staff,” he noted.

“The public school system is one of the largest manufacturers in the world,” observed Diana Zuckerman, a Spanish teacher at Rondout Valley School District. “Public schools are producing nurses, builders, voters, parents, and future leaders within our communities,” Zuckerman siad. “The state needs to keep our public schools at the center of their budgetary commitment. They meed to make better choices to make sure our children are the top priority, by restoring adequate funding for public education,” she demanded. “Our children are our future, and their education is the best investment we will ever make,” said Zuckerman.

“The past four years for our district have been very challenging,” claimed Marystephanie Corsones, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, Kingston City School District. “We see students that have greater needs, but funding has been cut time and time again,” she said. “Immediately, it has affected our universal Pre-K program, whose funding has been frozen for fifteen years. We have seen increased class sizes across all grade levels. We have decreased by eighty teachers.”

Billy Easton, executive director at Alliance for Quality Education, remarked, “I don’t know who we should be admiring more in the society, than the people who teach our children — because this takes the commitment of an entire community, to make good schools. It also takes the full commitment of an entire state. Unfortunately, we’re not living up to our commitments.”

Easton cited an AQE report issued the previous day. “It looks at the school cuts that were implemented across the state,” he said. Poor districts were affected twice as hard as more wealthier communities, according to the numbers provided. “We would ask that the standard that we would hold any elected official to, is the standard that they set for themselves,” Easton noted. “When Governor Cuomo was running for office, he said ‘I am gong to be the great equalizer in public education; I’m going to take from the rich, and give to the poor.’”

Watch event on YouTube here:

Part 1 of 9: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=42aCVDMQW4o

Part 2 of 9: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uYVr-3JjwY4

Part 3 of 9: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i4Bm4qZ_dac

Part 4 of 9: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SMpHmDZD8gE

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Part 6 of 9: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h69UF09xv5A

Part 7 of 9: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Psh8Bn2XTc

Part 8 of 9: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L9TODTRU83A

Part 9 of 9: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kse6Xb-kefo

Local veterans held a commemoration event at the common council chamber of Kingston City Hall on Friday morning. The Kingston High School Alumni Choir sang, and remarks were made by keynote speaker Lt. Col. Anthony Forte, chief of the U.S. Army Reserve’s Global Force Management Division.

“It’s very gratifying to see such a large turnout,” observed Kingston city alderman-at-large James Noble. “Veterans are men and women from all walks of life – some young, some exceptional, some ordinary – but they share one thing in common, a love for this country,” Noble said. “These individuals are committed to their country, and fought for the freedoms we enjoy today. For their sacrifices and dedication, we owe them a debt that can never fully be repaid.” Quoting JFK, Noble declared, “the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but live by them.”

Forte delivered a noteworthy address. “While I do want to express my most heartfelt gratitude for your service, and for the men and women who have served this country so honorably, I have to tell you something, I really hate my job,” he confessed. “I know in today’s economy, I should be happy to have any job. Truthfully I am, particularly to be employed in the service of this country, it is an honor, but I really hate my job.”

Describing his impressive military title, Forte explained, “In English, that means if you are in the US Army Reserves, and you are in receipt of a deployment order — sending you to some far flung portion of the world — it’s my fault. I planned it, I resourced it, I made it happen,” he noted.” I take that responsibility very seriously.”

You see,” he continued, “everyone knows, that some soldier somewhere has asked what SOB has brought this stupid thing to fruition, and I’ve told you, I’m that SOB. I carry that burden with me,” Forte disclosed. “The service changes every soldier for life, and all too often costs lives.”

The Lt. Col. Urged all to support veterans. “They rely on us who have served, to be their voice in the public arena,” he concluded,” do not forsake our veterans.”

Forte’s older brother, Sgt. First Class William Forte, received the Legion of Merit award for his service. “I’m always pleased and proud to take part in these ceremonies, which are intended not only to show respect and appreciation for our veterans – bot h past and present – but to allow you the public to come out and show your respect and appreciation,” said the elder sibling. “Times change, and the number of participants and spectators has gone up and down. But, it’s great to see all of you here today to carry on with this humble demonstration, of our love for our country and our veterans,” he said.

Noble recalled, “In 1919 on this exact day and hour, our country commemorated the Armistice Agreement ending WWI – the supposed war to end all wars,” reminded Noble. “President Dwight D. Eisenhower broadened its meaning in 1954 he officially renamed it Veteran’s Day, to recognize all those who have served.”

Watch 21-Gun Salute on YouTube here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4NgGIDTOnxw