Saturday, October 31, 2009
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
The A Team and the Common Sense PartyThe new faces:
Todd DiGrigoli
Helen Schneider
Both are interested in Youth Development and are already active in Town Recreation Programs. Helen is a member of the Town Recreation Commission and is teaching drama and stage craft to young people. Todd is a Soccer coach.
Our Message is Simple:
Continue the the work already begun: finishing sidewalks and trails, obtaining solar power, creating a Youth Center, starting a "dog run"and Community Garden; within Common Sense budgetary constraints.
With the new energy and enthuisasm of Todd and Helen, combined with their interest in young people, a Youth Center can be accomplished. By harnessing the spirit of volunteerism, like that brought to the renovation of the South Building by the Tri Village Seniors, the youth center can be established in a restored North Building. Like the Seniors, volunteers can paint, clean and furnish a suitable area to be used by our youth - with parent volunteers to furnish an adult presence.
The Experience is furnished by incumbents:Doug McGivney, Supervisor andHighway Superintendent John Ruchel.
This year the much needed Highway Building complex was added to the many facilities created built or obtained by this administration.
This building is a needed addition to all the buildings, parks, ball diamonds, hoops and play areas already brought into existence by this administration. Photos of those prior accomplishments are shown on different postings.
Justice Natalie Kolb has served her first term as Town Justice and is known for having an organized and orderly court. She introduced computers into the local court processes and obtained a large grant from the Office of Court Administration.
Other goals are already works-in-progress. The Town has obtained a very large grant for an off road trail, one of many phases that is part of a plan adopted a few years ago. The side walk link between the Villages of Valatie and Kinderhook is already funded and is in the Engineering/Access stage. The side walk link continues the sidewalk previously built between the Round About and Valatie Main Steet.
The Common Sense Banner:
By filing an Independent Nominating Petition the Line A, Democratic candidates, gained another banner, according to Doug McGivney, candidate for Kinderhook Supervisor”. That petition was signed by over 400 people, many of whom are not enrolled in any party. In making this announcement, Francis McKearin said, “this gives the voters a chance to truly ’vote for the person’ not the party”. In addition, said McKearin, “fact-based decision making is the goal of “Common Sense” and needs to be applied to all government determinations”.
Another response to Mayor Strevells Press Releas
The following is a letter to the Register Star editor:
Following that on this blog is my full explanation of my and/or Town of Kinerhook role.
Francis Vecellio
9 Rothermel Avenue
Kinderhook, NY 12106
October 13, 2009
Register Star
364 Warren St.
Hudson, NY 12534
To the Editor:
I read with amusement Mayor Gary Strevell’s attempt to shift blame for the Valatie Senior Center fiasco to Kinderhook Supervisor Doug McGivney. Let’s see what would have had to occur for McGivney to have been responsible:
First, Doug would have had to force the Village Board to threaten to use an imminent domain proceeding to acquire the old post office from private developers. Then, he would have had to force village officials to sign a grant application swearing that the grant money would be used for an exclusive senior center and to not use the funds for municipal purposes – when an established senior center already exists on State Farm Road. When the rehabilitation of the post office was complete, Doug would have to have ordered the firing of the volunteer senior center coordinator and carted off the furniture donated for the center for storage in order to make room for village court equipment and furnishings. In order to flaunt the misappropriation of public funds, Doug would have had to have ordered the erection of street signs around the village directing drivers to village court at the senior center.
Does the Mayor really believe anyone would buy his nonsense?
Either the Mayor and Village Board were poorly advised by the village attorney, who now seeks a promotion to control town affairs, or they chose to ignore his advice and risk being caught defrauding the state and senior citizens in some other community who could have benefited from a full-time senior center.
I know for a fact that Supervisor McGivney interceded in behalf of the taxpayers of the village and encouraged state officials to find a solution which would not require the repayment of the $400,000 grant. If the Mayor were a more responsible person, he would be thanking Supervisor McGivney and apologizing to village taxpayers for putting them at risk. Then again, if he were such a person, the entire episode would never have occurred.
Sincerely,
Francis Vecellio
Kinderhoook
758-1683 or 929-0005
Following that on this blog is my full explanation of my and/or Town of Kinerhook role.
Francis Vecellio
9 Rothermel Avenue
Kinderhook, NY 12106
October 13, 2009
Register Star
364 Warren St.
Hudson, NY 12534
To the Editor:
I read with amusement Mayor Gary Strevell’s attempt to shift blame for the Valatie Senior Center fiasco to Kinderhook Supervisor Doug McGivney. Let’s see what would have had to occur for McGivney to have been responsible:
First, Doug would have had to force the Village Board to threaten to use an imminent domain proceeding to acquire the old post office from private developers. Then, he would have had to force village officials to sign a grant application swearing that the grant money would be used for an exclusive senior center and to not use the funds for municipal purposes – when an established senior center already exists on State Farm Road. When the rehabilitation of the post office was complete, Doug would have to have ordered the firing of the volunteer senior center coordinator and carted off the furniture donated for the center for storage in order to make room for village court equipment and furnishings. In order to flaunt the misappropriation of public funds, Doug would have had to have ordered the erection of street signs around the village directing drivers to village court at the senior center.
Does the Mayor really believe anyone would buy his nonsense?
Either the Mayor and Village Board were poorly advised by the village attorney, who now seeks a promotion to control town affairs, or they chose to ignore his advice and risk being caught defrauding the state and senior citizens in some other community who could have benefited from a full-time senior center.
I know for a fact that Supervisor McGivney interceded in behalf of the taxpayers of the village and encouraged state officials to find a solution which would not require the repayment of the $400,000 grant. If the Mayor were a more responsible person, he would be thanking Supervisor McGivney and apologizing to village taxpayers for putting them at risk. Then again, if he were such a person, the entire episode would never have occurred.
Sincerely,
Francis Vecellio
Kinderhoook
758-1683 or 929-0005
Response to Mayor Strevell's Comments onValatie Senior Center
This is response to the press release by Village of Valatie Mayor Gary Strevell, and published in the Register Star.
The following are the facts, as compared to Gary’s rant:
1. I did not oppose the grant. Neither was I asked to support.
2. I did not try to get the state to revoke the grant.
3. I did not demand that Valatie remove may name.
4. I did offer to help.
That offer was to be conveyed to Mayor Strevell by Mr. Rabito. Mayor Strevell never contacted me. Mr. Grattan did contact me to explore ideas, but there was no follow up. I did not want the Valatie Tax payers to return the $ 400,000.00 and stated such to all that asked including Mr. Rabito.
5. I did meet once with Mr. Rabito.
That occurred – last March or April, in the company of Tri Village Seniors representatives and the RS (Paul Crossman).
6. I did contact the State ..
when the sign indicated that I, as Supervisor for the Town of Kinderhook, supported and sponsored the grant. I did not call Mr. Rabito, as I did not know him at the time. I did state that I was never asked to support nor was the Town Board of Kinderhook neither asked for support nor asked to sponsor the facility. If I had been asked at the time of the grant application, I am sure I would have echoed the sentiments of Dottie Ostrowski, President of the Tri Village Seniors club. She was contacted by a Valatie official and she said no, as Tri Village Seniors had a center. Her response was not mentioned in the grant application although the grant application indicates that the Tri Village Seniors supported it. Shortly after relaying the truth of the matter to NYS my name was removed.
As is apparent from Mayor Strevell’s statement to the Register Star and on the Valatie Web Site, and even statements attributed to other Village officials there is no real intent to operate a Senior Center, as envisioned by the grant application. Village officials hope NYS will stop policing its use by signing the Memorandum of Understanding. Mayor Strevell and Attorney Patrick Grattan are apparently ignorant of the law which provides that for five (5) years they are subject to the pay back and other remedies if they stray from providing the services they have promised. The annual debt service on the $ 120,000.00 Valatie borrowed for the center and the cost of operation of all the activities promised by the grant application and law governing same will be a tremendous burden on the Valatie taxpayers.
The lack of a population base of a size to support the center is a recipe for failure. Remember this is not just a place for seniors to gather – like Kinderhook’s Dottie Ostrowski Center, it is a full time and full service operation for poor seniors. The Village officials in order to qualify for the grant had to offer a full time and full service facility that provided congregate meals and other services for needy seniors. In order to get the grant, Valatie’s grant includes Barnwell and Valatie Woods Residents in its service population. Valatie Wood’s residence have a meeting place and receive “Meals on Wheels” that serves many of its residents and they like the program of meals delivered to their door. Barnwell residents receive “congregate meals” as part of the cost of residence. There are only 62 seniors in the Village of Valatie that receive Enhanced Star exemptions. How many of them want regular “congregate meals”? There has been no survey to determine this, but it is doubted that many want regular congregate meals. Those who want meals get them from the Town and County “Meals on Wheels” program. Mr. Grattan’s claim of 333 rental units seems very high, unless Valatie Woods and Barnwell are counted. Even if there were 333 rental units, not counting Barnwell and Valatie Woods all would have to house seniors desiring all the services offered in this full service facility. The grant, after all was $ 400,000. That kind of money is not given for just a part time gathering place.
The reference to other non-compliant grant recipients by Mayor Strevell is disingenuous; as he fails to disclose is that Valatie’s grant writer Mr. Kirk also obtained those grants. Mr. Kirk had special access to former Governor Pataki’s Office of Small City Grants Program. The Grant Program was even operated out of the Governor’s Second floor offices.
It is ironic for Mayor Strevell to accuse me of “politics” when this grant was announced by former Congressman Sweeney just before an election; was granted by the politically motivated second floor of the Governor Pataki offices, and the grant lacked basic detail like proof of community support from seniors or other Town of County officials. The public hearings heard only from seniors that opposed the application. That opposition was not addressed in the grant application. The numbers of seniors to be served does not exist – but on the grant application. Village residents have to ask themselves, how did we get here? How much will it cost to continue? $120,000.00 has already been borrowed and the village tax rate just went up $0.60 per thousand – way more than Kinderhook Village which was lower to begin with.
What ever happens, I am willing to work on a solution. I previously offered to help through the one meeting I had with Mr. Rabito. Unfortunately, the Valatie leadership continues to think it can use the facility for a village hall and court room as soon as the State turns its back. Already it is paying salaries for the limited services it does offer.
The following are the facts, as compared to Gary’s rant:
1. I did not oppose the grant. Neither was I asked to support.
2. I did not try to get the state to revoke the grant.
3. I did not demand that Valatie remove may name.
4. I did offer to help.
That offer was to be conveyed to Mayor Strevell by Mr. Rabito. Mayor Strevell never contacted me. Mr. Grattan did contact me to explore ideas, but there was no follow up. I did not want the Valatie Tax payers to return the $ 400,000.00 and stated such to all that asked including Mr. Rabito.
5. I did meet once with Mr. Rabito.
That occurred – last March or April, in the company of Tri Village Seniors representatives and the RS (Paul Crossman).
6. I did contact the State ..
when the sign indicated that I, as Supervisor for the Town of Kinderhook, supported and sponsored the grant. I did not call Mr. Rabito, as I did not know him at the time. I did state that I was never asked to support nor was the Town Board of Kinderhook neither asked for support nor asked to sponsor the facility. If I had been asked at the time of the grant application, I am sure I would have echoed the sentiments of Dottie Ostrowski, President of the Tri Village Seniors club. She was contacted by a Valatie official and she said no, as Tri Village Seniors had a center. Her response was not mentioned in the grant application although the grant application indicates that the Tri Village Seniors supported it. Shortly after relaying the truth of the matter to NYS my name was removed.
As is apparent from Mayor Strevell’s statement to the Register Star and on the Valatie Web Site, and even statements attributed to other Village officials there is no real intent to operate a Senior Center, as envisioned by the grant application. Village officials hope NYS will stop policing its use by signing the Memorandum of Understanding. Mayor Strevell and Attorney Patrick Grattan are apparently ignorant of the law which provides that for five (5) years they are subject to the pay back and other remedies if they stray from providing the services they have promised. The annual debt service on the $ 120,000.00 Valatie borrowed for the center and the cost of operation of all the activities promised by the grant application and law governing same will be a tremendous burden on the Valatie taxpayers.
The lack of a population base of a size to support the center is a recipe for failure. Remember this is not just a place for seniors to gather – like Kinderhook’s Dottie Ostrowski Center, it is a full time and full service operation for poor seniors. The Village officials in order to qualify for the grant had to offer a full time and full service facility that provided congregate meals and other services for needy seniors. In order to get the grant, Valatie’s grant includes Barnwell and Valatie Woods Residents in its service population. Valatie Wood’s residence have a meeting place and receive “Meals on Wheels” that serves many of its residents and they like the program of meals delivered to their door. Barnwell residents receive “congregate meals” as part of the cost of residence. There are only 62 seniors in the Village of Valatie that receive Enhanced Star exemptions. How many of them want regular “congregate meals”? There has been no survey to determine this, but it is doubted that many want regular congregate meals. Those who want meals get them from the Town and County “Meals on Wheels” program. Mr. Grattan’s claim of 333 rental units seems very high, unless Valatie Woods and Barnwell are counted. Even if there were 333 rental units, not counting Barnwell and Valatie Woods all would have to house seniors desiring all the services offered in this full service facility. The grant, after all was $ 400,000. That kind of money is not given for just a part time gathering place.
The reference to other non-compliant grant recipients by Mayor Strevell is disingenuous; as he fails to disclose is that Valatie’s grant writer Mr. Kirk also obtained those grants. Mr. Kirk had special access to former Governor Pataki’s Office of Small City Grants Program. The Grant Program was even operated out of the Governor’s Second floor offices.
It is ironic for Mayor Strevell to accuse me of “politics” when this grant was announced by former Congressman Sweeney just before an election; was granted by the politically motivated second floor of the Governor Pataki offices, and the grant lacked basic detail like proof of community support from seniors or other Town of County officials. The public hearings heard only from seniors that opposed the application. That opposition was not addressed in the grant application. The numbers of seniors to be served does not exist – but on the grant application. Village residents have to ask themselves, how did we get here? How much will it cost to continue? $120,000.00 has already been borrowed and the village tax rate just went up $0.60 per thousand – way more than Kinderhook Village which was lower to begin with.
What ever happens, I am willing to work on a solution. I previously offered to help through the one meeting I had with Mr. Rabito. Unfortunately, the Valatie leadership continues to think it can use the facility for a village hall and court room as soon as the State turns its back. Already it is paying salaries for the limited services it does offer.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Proposal by Electrical firms for Licensing Law
This is in response to the letter written for the Register Star by Jack Scheriff, an electrician, on behalf of a local group of electrical contractors. Licensing of electricians is an old issue that has been urged by the same group several times over the years. It has been refused by the Columbia County Board of Supervisors each time. It has been raised twice during my terms. It provides for a County administrated “licensing” program. In my view, it is designed to protect large electrical contractors from competition and duplicates existing laws requiring underwriting approval of all electrical work.
I have heard two presentations and each begins with the “unfairness” of competition from electricians from other counties or states that require licenses. I am surprised that attorney Patrick Grattan supports this proposal. As described by a very good electrician and friend of mine- the urged legislation is an attempt by a “good old boys” network of large electrical firms to limit competition. The proposal conveniently allows “grandfather status” for the group’s members without testing or required education. If passed, a new bureaucracy would be created; positions would be needed to keep track of the licensing and all the other organizational red tape that goes with licensing legislation. It is ironic that this group is saying: “Help, please regulate us”! Usually these same people urge that there is too much government regulation.
This licensing law would, in my opinion, be too much regulation. It duplicates the current statutory scheme found in all Towns. A permit is required for building, remodeling and other construction work. The permit leads to inspections and, in the case of electrical work, written and certified approval by an independent under-writing organization. Those inspectors are certified and have training beyond having been in business a long time. This licensing law would make it hard for a young person to become an electrician. It would also prohibit homeowners from doing their own work – even if the person was a graduate electrical engineer.
Although I have again been singled out by this mostly Republican group, only Supervisor Thomas Diaz from Ancram recently urged adoption of this scheme. At the May meeting of the Legal Committee, attended by 5 Republican Supervisors and 2 Democratic Supervisors, the vote was 6 to 1 to table. At the July meeting, the motion to "abolish the process of creating an electrical licensing law" was passed by the full Legal Committee which consists of 7 Republicans and 3 Democrats. All but Supervisor Dias voted for the motion. In addition, many people and small contractors have expressed opposition to this legislation. Presumably other Supervisors have received the same message, I am only one vote. In the past this legislation was also rejected by the local association of building inspectors.
Does Mr. Grattan really support this added bureaucracy and increased taxes it represents? This partisan attack by Mr. Scheriff contains false information. I have never seen a 300 signature petition nor photos of shoddy work. I am sure this group would have little trouble producing such photos!
Mr. Scheriff refers to a quote of Presiden Martin Van Buren, who he correctly refers to as another Kinderhook Democrat. I do not understand his quote in this context. Mr. Scheriff's scolds me and by inference those Republican and Democratic Supervisor that do not agree with him. A more apt quote from our famous Democratic President is: Most men are not scolded out of their opinion".
I have heard two presentations and each begins with the “unfairness” of competition from electricians from other counties or states that require licenses. I am surprised that attorney Patrick Grattan supports this proposal. As described by a very good electrician and friend of mine- the urged legislation is an attempt by a “good old boys” network of large electrical firms to limit competition. The proposal conveniently allows “grandfather status” for the group’s members without testing or required education. If passed, a new bureaucracy would be created; positions would be needed to keep track of the licensing and all the other organizational red tape that goes with licensing legislation. It is ironic that this group is saying: “Help, please regulate us”! Usually these same people urge that there is too much government regulation.
This licensing law would, in my opinion, be too much regulation. It duplicates the current statutory scheme found in all Towns. A permit is required for building, remodeling and other construction work. The permit leads to inspections and, in the case of electrical work, written and certified approval by an independent under-writing organization. Those inspectors are certified and have training beyond having been in business a long time. This licensing law would make it hard for a young person to become an electrician. It would also prohibit homeowners from doing their own work – even if the person was a graduate electrical engineer.
Although I have again been singled out by this mostly Republican group, only Supervisor Thomas Diaz from Ancram recently urged adoption of this scheme. At the May meeting of the Legal Committee, attended by 5 Republican Supervisors and 2 Democratic Supervisors, the vote was 6 to 1 to table. At the July meeting, the motion to "abolish the process of creating an electrical licensing law" was passed by the full Legal Committee which consists of 7 Republicans and 3 Democrats. All but Supervisor Dias voted for the motion. In addition, many people and small contractors have expressed opposition to this legislation. Presumably other Supervisors have received the same message, I am only one vote. In the past this legislation was also rejected by the local association of building inspectors.
Does Mr. Grattan really support this added bureaucracy and increased taxes it represents? This partisan attack by Mr. Scheriff contains false information. I have never seen a 300 signature petition nor photos of shoddy work. I am sure this group would have little trouble producing such photos!
Mr. Scheriff refers to a quote of Presiden Martin Van Buren, who he correctly refers to as another Kinderhook Democrat. I do not understand his quote in this context. Mr. Scheriff's scolds me and by inference those Republican and Democratic Supervisor that do not agree with him. A more apt quote from our famous Democratic President is: Most men are not scolded out of their opinion".
Friday, September 18, 2009
The Common Sense Party
About the Common Sense Party:
By filing an Independent Nominating Petition the Line A, Democratic candidates, gained another banner. That petition was signed by over 400 people, many of whom are not enrolled in any party. This gives the voters a chance to “vote for the person’ not the party”. Fact-based decision making is the goal of “Common Sense Party”.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Senior Housing - Independent Living, Adult Care .....
Senior Housing
There is a need for fact based, common sense decision making. The following are the facts that lead to a common sense determination.
The Town of Kinderhook’s Comprehensive Plan and Town Code address the need for senior housing and offers incentives such as a “density bonus” for such development. In addition, the Town Board readily agreed to a PILOT with a developer of low to moderate income senior housing, such as that found at Valatie Woods. Columbia County’s Strategic Plan specifically addresses this need and foresees this need, not as a burden, but an economic opportunity. Serving retiring seniors is becoming more and more of a growth industry.
Mr. DeVito has submitted studies and plans. Among the important details is an offer of up to $ 500,000.00 toward fixing the Valatie Sewage plant. This is a publically recognized need going back to a 2004 Engineering study. Even without the study the smell of the dysfunctional system is evident on many occasions. A 2004 study calls for well over 1 million dollars in repairs. It is unbelievable that the Valatie officials would hide both the need and a potential solution from the public and especially its own taxpayers. The expressed concern by Pat Grattan and Mayor Strevell for Philmont’s $60,000.00 per year sewage payments is amazing compared to Valatie’s Million dollar need. Valatie could reimburse Philmont and still come out ahead! Without the sewage flow into the Philmont Plant its costs would be less.
As to why a business man would choose Kinderhook over Philmont is easily answered. Mr. DeVito needs to sell units in his complex and amenities found in Kinderhook are not available in Philmont. For example, Kinderhook has 33 physicians, other medical care services at VMA, and several local dentists. As to living style we have two libraries, several historical museums and other historical buildings as well as convenient shopping, sidewalks, many good restaurants and other amenities. Philmont has one physician, a Stewarts and one very fine restaurant.
Also, from a business standpoint the following tax-facts lead to only one conclusion: Kinderhook is better for business.
Tax Comparisons:
Philmont - $ 9.46 per thousand
Valatie - $ 2.21 per thousand
Clavarack Town’s
tax rate in Philmont $ 0.91
Kinderhook Town’s tax rate in Valatie $ 0.57
School tax rates
Philmont $ 18.38
Kinderhook $12.58
Although known for a long time by Valatie officials, a July 10th letter from Mr. DeVito making that half million dollar offer. I am informed that Mayor Strevell and Attorney Pat Grattan have not agreed to meet Mr. DeVito and have had no response. In addition, the added real estate taxes on this profit making venture would help the tax base of Valatie Village, the Town, County and School. School taxes are generally our highest taxes in Columbia County. Senior Residences do not put additional kids in schools and do not add to the cost of operation.
I am very disappointed by the determination of the CC BOS Philmont subcommittee to shelve the DeVito project and proceed with a Certificate of Need process on a $27,000,000.00 building project in Philmont. It was both premature and based upon misinformation. Mr. DeVito has not agreed to build the Senior Housing in Valatie without nursing home beds. This means that the taxpayers of the Village of Valatie are out $ 500,000.00 toward the renovation of their failing sewage system. Valatie Village officials have been misleading by not mentioning that offer to the public.
Like the Valatie people, the Philmont Subcommittee was misled by the idea that Mr. DeVito can and will build senior housing without nursing home beds.
The facts presented by Mr. DeVito have not been fully explored. His offerings show savings of over $ 800,000.00 per year to the taxpayers of the county. Even if half or a quarter of that it is still a savings that is better than the annual subsidizing of the Philmont Nursing Home, which is currently budgeted at over $ 500,000.00 for 2009. Many years it is a million and a half.
Not only is the determination premature, it ignores and does nothing about the County’s Strategic plan which has determined the need for senior housing. Instead it has determined to proceed with the NYS Health Department for a Certificate of Need to build a multimillion dollar nursing home at Philmont. All of this was determined in the worst economic times since the Great Depression and while we are struggling with hiring freezes and trying to cope with budget short falls.
Common Sense demands a thorough review of the options; as well as public information concerning the information presented by Mr. DeVito on behalf of the project named the Concordia Project.
There is a need for fact based, common sense decision making. The following are the facts that lead to a common sense determination.
The Town of Kinderhook’s Comprehensive Plan and Town Code address the need for senior housing and offers incentives such as a “density bonus” for such development. In addition, the Town Board readily agreed to a PILOT with a developer of low to moderate income senior housing, such as that found at Valatie Woods. Columbia County’s Strategic Plan specifically addresses this need and foresees this need, not as a burden, but an economic opportunity. Serving retiring seniors is becoming more and more of a growth industry.
Mr. DeVito has submitted studies and plans. Among the important details is an offer of up to $ 500,000.00 toward fixing the Valatie Sewage plant. This is a publically recognized need going back to a 2004 Engineering study. Even without the study the smell of the dysfunctional system is evident on many occasions. A 2004 study calls for well over 1 million dollars in repairs. It is unbelievable that the Valatie officials would hide both the need and a potential solution from the public and especially its own taxpayers. The expressed concern by Pat Grattan and Mayor Strevell for Philmont’s $60,000.00 per year sewage payments is amazing compared to Valatie’s Million dollar need. Valatie could reimburse Philmont and still come out ahead! Without the sewage flow into the Philmont Plant its costs would be less.
As to why a business man would choose Kinderhook over Philmont is easily answered. Mr. DeVito needs to sell units in his complex and amenities found in Kinderhook are not available in Philmont. For example, Kinderhook has 33 physicians, other medical care services at VMA, and several local dentists. As to living style we have two libraries, several historical museums and other historical buildings as well as convenient shopping, sidewalks, many good restaurants and other amenities. Philmont has one physician, a Stewarts and one very fine restaurant.
Also, from a business standpoint the following tax-facts lead to only one conclusion: Kinderhook is better for business.
Tax Comparisons:
Philmont - $ 9.46 per thousand
Valatie - $ 2.21 per thousand
Clavarack Town’s
tax rate in Philmont $ 0.91
Kinderhook Town’s tax rate in Valatie $ 0.57
School tax rates
Philmont $ 18.38
Kinderhook $12.58
Although known for a long time by Valatie officials, a July 10th letter from Mr. DeVito making that half million dollar offer. I am informed that Mayor Strevell and Attorney Pat Grattan have not agreed to meet Mr. DeVito and have had no response. In addition, the added real estate taxes on this profit making venture would help the tax base of Valatie Village, the Town, County and School. School taxes are generally our highest taxes in Columbia County. Senior Residences do not put additional kids in schools and do not add to the cost of operation.
I am very disappointed by the determination of the CC BOS Philmont subcommittee to shelve the DeVito project and proceed with a Certificate of Need process on a $27,000,000.00 building project in Philmont. It was both premature and based upon misinformation. Mr. DeVito has not agreed to build the Senior Housing in Valatie without nursing home beds. This means that the taxpayers of the Village of Valatie are out $ 500,000.00 toward the renovation of their failing sewage system. Valatie Village officials have been misleading by not mentioning that offer to the public.
Like the Valatie people, the Philmont Subcommittee was misled by the idea that Mr. DeVito can and will build senior housing without nursing home beds.
The facts presented by Mr. DeVito have not been fully explored. His offerings show savings of over $ 800,000.00 per year to the taxpayers of the county. Even if half or a quarter of that it is still a savings that is better than the annual subsidizing of the Philmont Nursing Home, which is currently budgeted at over $ 500,000.00 for 2009. Many years it is a million and a half.
Not only is the determination premature, it ignores and does nothing about the County’s Strategic plan which has determined the need for senior housing. Instead it has determined to proceed with the NYS Health Department for a Certificate of Need to build a multimillion dollar nursing home at Philmont. All of this was determined in the worst economic times since the Great Depression and while we are struggling with hiring freezes and trying to cope with budget short falls.
Common Sense demands a thorough review of the options; as well as public information concerning the information presented by Mr. DeVito on behalf of the project named the Concordia Project.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
The Kinderhook A Team
Experience and New IdeasThe new faces:
Todd DiGrigoli
Helen Schneider
Both are interested in Youth Development and are already active in Town Recreation Programs. Helen is a member of the Town Recreation Commission and is teaching drama and stage craft to young people. Todd is a Soccer coach.
The A Team and the Common Sense Party
Our Message is Simple:
Continue the the work already begun: finishing sidewalks and trails, obtaining solar power, creating a Youth Center, starting a "dog run"and Community Garden; within Common Sense budgetary constraints.
With the new energy and enthuisasm of Todd and Helen, combined with their interest in young people, a Youth Center can be accomplished. By harnessing the spirit of volunteerism, like that brought to the renovation of the South Building by the Tri Village Seniors, the youth center can be established in a restored North Building. Like the Seniors, volunteers can paint, clean and furnish a suitable area to be used by our youth - with parent volunteers to furnish an adult presence.
The Experience is furnished by incumbents:Doug McGivney, Supervisor and
Highway Superintendent John Ruchel.
This year the much needed Highway Building complex was added to the many facilities created built or obtained by this administration.
This building is a needed addition to all the buildings, parks, ball diamonds, hoops and play areas already brought into existence by this administration. Photos of those prior accomplishments are shown on different postings.
Justice Natalie Kolb has served her first term as Town Justice and is known for having an organized and orderly court. She introduced computers into the local court processes and obtained a large grant from the Office of Court Administration.
Other goals are already works-in-progress. The Town has obtained a very large grant for an off road trail, one of many phases that is part of a plan adopted a few years ago. The side walk link between the Villages of Valatie and Kinderhook is already funded and is in the Engineering/Access stage. The side walk link continues the sidewalk previously built between the Round About and Valatie Main Steet.
The Common Sense Banner:
“By filing an Independent Nominating Petition the Line A, Democratic candidates, gained another banner, according to Doug McGivney, candidate for Kinderhook Supervisor”. That petition was signed by over 400 people, many of whom are not enrolled in any party. In making this announcement, Francis McKearin said, “this gives the voters a chance to truly ’vote for the person’ not the party”. In addition, said McKearin, “fact-based decision making is the goal of “Common Sense” and needs to be applied to all government determinations”.
Table of Contents with posting date
Table of Contents:
Political Post Date
Reasons to Continue as Supervisor 8/15/09
The Kinderhook A Team 8/15/09
Personal Background and Resume About Us
Common Sense 9/6/09
Congressman Murphy’s Town Hall 8/22/09
Personal
Maymie’s 100th Birthday 8/22/09
State Fair – Abby’s Blue Ribbon 9/5/09
Our Family and Photos 8/15/09
Political Post Date
Reasons to Continue as Supervisor 8/15/09
The Kinderhook A Team 8/15/09
Personal Background and Resume About Us
Common Sense 9/6/09
Congressman Murphy’s Town Hall 8/22/09
Personal
Maymie’s 100th Birthday 8/22/09
State Fair – Abby’s Blue Ribbon 9/5/09
Our Family and Photos 8/15/09
State Fair 2009, Syracuse, NY
Our First State Fair - August 2009
Granddaughter Abby, age 10, was a competitor in the 4 H Horse Show. She had won many Blue Ribbons in Clinton County, but the competition was much tougher in Syracuse. In the morning round of events, she received no recognition or awards. In the afternoon, both sets of Grandparents as well as daughter Tracey, her husband Craig, Sister Courtney and Aunt Melissa watched the last “Hunt, Pleasure. Pony” junior competition with a degree of anxiety. There were 26 competitors. She made the first “cut” and then the final 10. Each of the final 10 received awards and they were called out starting with number 10 who then left the ring. We went thru 10,9,8,7,6,5,4,3,2 and finally only Abby was left in the ring. She had won and received the Blue Ribbon! he photos show our family and Abby, as she sat on her pony “Little Bit”
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Taxes
Real Estate Taxes are complicated and too high. The smallest part of Real Estate Taxes is the Town Government. For example:
2009 Town of Kinderhook Tax Rate:
$1.28 per thousand outside of the Villages,
$0.59 per thousand in the Villages.
As a comparison,
Village of Valatie $2.69 per thousand
Village of Kinderhook $2.52 per thousand.
are all the taxes for the towns, county, villages, school districts and special districts.
The reason the Town Real Estate Tax is less in the Villages is because Village residents pay into the “A Fund” only. They do not pay into the “B Fund” or “DB Fund”. The DB fund is for highways and the Villages are responsible for the care of its streets and roads. The “B Fund” also applies only to activities outside of the villages such as Land Use issues of Zoning, planning etc.
This year the tax per thousand increased 0.08 per thousand in the A Fund, known as the “general fund”. The tax increase in the B and DB funds were $ 0.03 per thousand and $0.31 per thousand respectfully. As can be seen the biggest increase has been in the Highway fund which has gone from 22 cents per thousand to 53 cents per thousand.
There are many reasons for the increase but the main reason is the lack of an unexpended fund balance. Unexpended fund balances result from spending less than budgetted or receiving more income than expected. For the past 8 years or so we saw ever increasing sales and mortgage recording taxes, the result of which was the ability to stabilize and in most years reduce the tax rate. In 2008. not only did that not happen, but fuel costs drove up everything the highway department does. Additional costs associated with the new highway building also helped to use up our “rainy day” or unexpended fund balances. Not only have taxes increased as shown above but the expectation of funds becomes critical to our cash flow. Although, taxes are received in January and February, sales tax revenue and mortgage recording tax revenue are quarterly and twice a year respectively.
Other municipalities may have similar situations. For example, out tax rate in the areas outside of the town increased $0.50 per thousand, whereas the Village of Valatie increased its tax rate by $0.60 per thousand.
2009 Town of Kinderhook Tax Rate:
$1.28 per thousand outside of the Villages,
$0.59 per thousand in the Villages.
As a comparison,
Village of Valatie $2.69 per thousand
Village of Kinderhook $2.52 per thousand.
Excluded from the Village taxes are the special district charges for water and sewage user fees which are in addition to the Real Estate Tax. The Town has an Ambulance District, a lighting distict and two fire districts with separate funds and are not included in the above. On the Columbia County website at:
http://www.columbiacountyny.com/depts/rps/rates.html
are all the taxes for the towns, county, villages, school districts and special districts.
The reason the Town Real Estate Tax is less in the Villages is because Village residents pay into the “A Fund” only. They do not pay into the “B Fund” or “DB Fund”. The DB fund is for highways and the Villages are responsible for the care of its streets and roads. The “B Fund” also applies only to activities outside of the villages such as Land Use issues of Zoning, planning etc.
This year the tax per thousand increased 0.08 per thousand in the A Fund, known as the “general fund”. The tax increase in the B and DB funds were $ 0.03 per thousand and $0.31 per thousand respectfully. As can be seen the biggest increase has been in the Highway fund which has gone from 22 cents per thousand to 53 cents per thousand.
There are many reasons for the increase but the main reason is the lack of an unexpended fund balance. Unexpended fund balances result from spending less than budgetted or receiving more income than expected. For the past 8 years or so we saw ever increasing sales and mortgage recording taxes, the result of which was the ability to stabilize and in most years reduce the tax rate. In 2008. not only did that not happen, but fuel costs drove up everything the highway department does. Additional costs associated with the new highway building also helped to use up our “rainy day” or unexpended fund balances. Not only have taxes increased as shown above but the expectation of funds becomes critical to our cash flow. Although, taxes are received in January and February, sales tax revenue and mortgage recording tax revenue are quarterly and twice a year respectively.
Other municipalities may have similar situations. For example, out tax rate in the areas outside of the town increased $0.50 per thousand, whereas the Village of Valatie increased its tax rate by $0.60 per thousand.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
The Murphy town hall at Golden Harvest
These people when asked, readily admitted to being from Gloversville, Cohoes and Troy.
Other pho
tos of note. 
Where was John Sweeney?
1 Nasty Letter in
Register Star about the event 8 22 09
This is to correct the letter to the editor of the Register Star by Walter Brooks. First, I did not say and do not remember saying the words attributed to me. If I did say anything that offended anyone, I apologize. The incident as it unfolded was the following: When leaving the Congressman Murphy’s town hall presentation, I stopped to take a picture of a friend and his sign. Mr. Brooks in a very angry manner got in my face and spewed anger about “race”. He used the f-word repeatedly to which I tried not to react. If I offended anyone, I apologize, as that is not my wishes or style even when provoked. Walter is in the yellow shirt carrying his sign which said “No Obama Care” The other photo is of Mr. Brooks at the rally.
Register Star about the event 8 22 09
This is to correct the letter to the editor of the Register Star by Walter Brooks. First, I did not say and do not remember saying the words attributed to me. If I did say anything that offended anyone, I apologize. The incident as it unfolded was the following: When leaving the Congressman Murphy’s town hall presentation, I stopped to take a picture of a friend and his sign. Mr. Brooks in a very angry manner got in my face and spewed anger about “race”. He used the f-word repeatedly to which I tried not to react. If I offended anyone, I apologize, as that is not my wishes or style even when provoked. Walter is in the yellow shirt carrying his sign which said “No Obama Care” The other photo is of Mr. Brooks at the rally.
Maymie's 100th Birthday and part of extended family
Barbara's mother, known to all as "Maymie", celebrated her 100th birthday at Winding Brook Country Club. Friends and relatives came from as far away as Seattle. Several were from Minnesota where Maymie was born. He amazing life, witnessing Baby Face Nelson shooting and robbing the Brainerd Bank, voting for 14 presidents (Seeing 19 Presidents), traveling to Albany to marry her high school sweet heart, and currently winning the family football pool, cheering on her favorite Manning boys, from whom she received birthday greetings, a signed Giants football, and team jersey.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Our Family
Married to Barbara, a Registered Nurse for many years; recently retired from nursing to teach private piano lessons. We have two daughters Tracey and MaryKate, both of whom graduated from Ichabod Crane Central School. We have three grand daughters, JaimeLynn, Courtney, Abby and a grand son, Colby Douglas. We are communicants of St. Johns Roman Catholic Church in Valatie where we taught Sunday school for 7 years. I am a past member of the Parish Council. Doug's Future Plans - reasons to continue
“I would like to continue the work we have begun: finishing the sidewalks and trails, obtaining solar power, starting a ‘Dog Run’, Community Garden and creating a Youth Center. With two new Town Board members, Todd and Helen I am sure the progress will continue. With our volunteers and a little stimulus money we can do it all.”
Experience
&
Accomplishments
This term, the Town completed the much needed highway garage, a worthy addition to pictured facilities.
&
Accomplishments
This term, the Town completed the much needed highway garage, a worthy addition to pictured facilities.
None of these facilities and structures existed before this Administration.
Future Plans and Activities
We are now working on a
- Dog Run:
- a young adult center;
- a community garden
- obtaining solar power for three of our buildings.
The solar power is an incremental step of creating a Kinderhook Power Authority.
The real challenge will be continue accomplishments without past revenue streams like sales tax and mortgage recording taxes. With our volunteers and a little stimulas money we can do it all. With new talent from new people like Helen Schneider and Todd DiGrigoli, I am confident we can move forward in these financially times.
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