Profile by Robert Lachman of the Register Star

McGivney reflects on terms, accomplishments as supervisor
By Robert Lachman
Published:
Tuesday, December 22, 2009 2:14 AM EST

Kinderhook Town Supervisor Doug McGivney is the only Columbia County Democrat to be elected to his post five times in a row. An unabashed liberal in a sea of conservative Republicans, McGivney had high hopes of winning the supervisor job one more time in the November municipal elections, but it was not to be. McGivney, who said he was outspent 2 to 1 by
incoming supervisor Pat Grattan and the Republican machine, lost the election by a landslide. But, even though he lost, he remains an upbeat, forward thinking man who loves politics and will do whatever he can to serve the people in his district. McGivney got into politics after a long career as a lawyer. He was a Health Department attorney whose primary function was the prosecution of physicians, hospitals and nursing homes for unethical medical conduct. He rose through the ranks and became the principal attorney and bureau director of the Bureau of Administrative Hearings until 1993 when he left to start his own general practice in Kinderhook.
In 1997 he ran for supervisor and lost, returning in 1999 to become the longest-running Democratic supervisor in county history, he told the Register-Star. “I’ve always been involved in politics and I always had the idea I’d like to be supervisor,” McGivney said from his home in Kinderhook. “I kept winning and that in itself is unusual because Kinderhook is a
Republican town.” When he won his first two-year term in 1999 McGivney ran on two major issues, the adoption of a Comprehensive Plan for the town and the creation of a town recreation facility. And though the recreation facility, which included an indoor swimming pool, was defeated in a referendum vote, he was able to build Volunteer’s Park which incorporated soccer fields, Little league baseball diamonds and picnic areas. Additional land and buildings were also acquired to create the Dorothy Ostrowsky Senior Center. It is now home to the Tri-Village Seniors organization which boasts more than 100 members.
“I think Volunteer’s Park is my greatest accomplishment,” said McGivney. “But I’m also pretty proud of the Planning Board doing the Comprehensive Plan, which has helped significantly with the traffic.” McGivney also oversaw the creation of the Hannaford Plaza shopping center which enlarged existing businesses adding 151,000 square feet of new commercial space as well as renovating another 94,000 square feet of previously vacant commercial space.
“Our Planning Board is super-professional,” he said. “The Comprehensive Plan provided for 12 percent more commercial space and improved the buildout by about 30 percent. The design of the Hannaford Plaza is such that the viewshed was protected, so the commercial buildings are not right on the highway.”

Kinderhook Town Supervisor Doug McGivney recently spoke to the Register-Star about his terms as the town’s top official and the accomplishments of his time in office.
McGivney reflects on terms, accomplishments as supervisor According to McGivney, this added $30 million to the town’s taxable property. Another of McGivney’s proud accomplishments includes the voluntary boundary expansion of Lindenwald National Park which, in the future, will hopefully recreate Martin Van Buren’s original farm. “The Republicans were against it, but with the help of (Kirsten) Gillibrand and Hilary (Clinton) we got it done.” said McGivney. “It makes a much better tourist attraction, fits in with the agricultural community and provides money to spend in Kinderhook.” McGivney also supported farmers’ requests for sale of development rights and preserved, in perpetuity, through public and private funds, approximately 1,000 acres of farmland for open space. Accomplishments aside, McGivney has had a few disappointments during his tenure as supervisor. “I’ve always been upset we were never able to get a pool,” he said. “I think we need a swimming facility somewhere in Columbia County, not just for the youth but for seniors as well.” By far his biggest disappointment has been his inability to bring about a long-term purchasing plan with the surrounding fire departments. “I am worried about public safety,” he said. “There’s rivalries between
fire companies plus the political situation between the village and the town of Stuyvesant taking away money they’ve given to the village is neither based on safety or common sense. It’s basically a money grab from one fire department not working with the rest,” he said. “I’m hoping all the fire companies involved will work together on planning coverage and long-term purchasing.”

So, what’s next for McGivney?

“I’m going to take a long vacation,” he said. “And then I’ll get back to practicing law again, and hope to do some pro-bono work for those that need it.” An avid runner, he also hopes to increase his running and spend more time with his wife Barbara; his two daughters, Mary Kate and Tracey; and his four grandchildren. “Doug worked 18 hours a day every day for 10 years,” said Barbara McGivney. “He gave an awful lot of time to the town. One thing I know, whatever he does now, he will always be involved in politics.” To reach reporter Robert Lachman, call 518-828-1616, ext. 2266, or e-mail rlachman@registerstar.com.

Kinderhook's Town Board December Meeting

Doug' Last Town Board MeetingWednesday, December 16, 2009 8:49 AM EST

There was standing room only at Kinderhook's December meeting. As reported by Robert Lachman of the Register Star:

It was the last hurrah for Kinderhook Town Supervisor Doug McGivney Monday night as he presided over his final Kinderhook Town Board meeting. It was a bittersweet moment for many in the audience and for McGivney. Before the meeting started, state Assemblyman Tim Gordon, I-Bethlehem, presented McGivney with a proclamation from the State Assembly in the form of a plaque, listing many of McGivney’s accomplishments during his 10 years as supervisor.

Mark Leinung, a representative from the Governor’s Office, also presented McGivney with a letter signed by Gov. David Paterson which read, in part: “... On behalf of all New Yorkers accept my profound appreciation for your exemplary work.”

After the laudatory celebrations the board got down to business for the last time this year.
Councilman Peter Bujanow discussed a proposal that’s in the works that would help meet Paterson’s 45-15 energy strategy for the state. “The New York Power Authority has initiated a plan for offering municipalities a 100 megawatt solar photovoltaic system that will allow a municipality to put in solar power for energy. It’s part of the governor’s plan for 45 percent self-sufficiency by 2015,” he said. According to Bujanow, the state provides municipalities with all the equipment at a fixed price that will be paid off over 20 years. He also explained there is a new general municipal law that provides loans to property owners for energy self-sufficient measures. “The town of Bedford in Westchester did it in 2007. It allows towns to get government funds and they add it to the tax bill,” he said. “I visualize with the current technology we could cut our bills in half in five years,” McGivney said. “There’s
been a lot of thought by the legislature going into this.”

The next item of business echoed what the village of Kinderhook has been dealing with recently — outdoor wood boilers. Unlike the village, which just passed a law outlawing any new OWBs, the town took a more measured approach in its draft proposal. “We decided not to outlaw them,” Bujanow said, “but to to restrict their design.” He also said the OWB situation is on a moratorium until February.

Finally, the fire district dispute with the town of Stuyvesant came up and McGivney discussed how the negotiations had gone smoothly for awhile and had reached an impasse.
“In talking with (Kinderhook Village Mayor Bill) Van Alstyne he doesn’t see any movement from Stuyvesant,” he said. He also made a final comment after the meeting had ended on the supposed feud between Van Alstyne and himself. “I’m still disappointed that discord still exists with the village. Village taxpayers who are also town taxpayers get the short end of the stick and I’m hoping that the Fire Committee will be able to address the problem in the future,” he said.

As the meeting closed board members thanked McGivney for all his hard work with Deputy Supervisor Debbie Johnson praising his dedication and hard work.

Last Hoorah !

NEWS
Grattan unseats McGivney
By Paul Crossman , from Register Star

November 4th, 2009

Long-time Supervisor Doug McGivney, though unhappy with the results, took the loss well, even driving over to shake hands and congratulate the new supervisor.

“It looks like this is my last hoorah,” McGivney told a crowd of his supporters after the results came in. “I had a good run, and it’s been fun. I really thought we would do better, our team has been fantastic.” He went on to say that he wishes his competition the best of luck, and plans to do everything he can to help Grattan get started as supervisor, making a point to say that the loss of the election did not diminish his interest in the town.

Please watch the League of Women Voters Debate

The A Team and the Common Sense Party

The 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

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.