Tuesday Primaries

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Are you planning to vote at tomorrow’s primary election?
(polls)

Voters will go to the polls on Tuesday, September 15th to choose candidates that will run in November’s election.

There is a good rundown in today’s Freeman: “Tuesday Primaries will set the stage for November elections”.

There have been many questions as to why some of our candidates are not yet putting up lawn signs. Only candidates who are to be in the primary elections can post lawn signs at this time. They will all have to come down after Tuesday. All candidates running for office will post lawn signs prior to the November election.

You might also call the Board of Elections to confirm your voting location, in the case that something has changed. Their number is: (845) 334-5470. Polls are open from noon – 9:00pm.

Click on the candidates links below, when available, to learn more about their current platforms.

In Ulster County:

COUNTY JUDGE: (Vying for the Independence Party Nomination)
Rep. Donald A. Williams vs. Dem. Deborah S. Schneer

District 5 LEGISLATURE: (Vying for the Independence Party Line). Voters select 2.
Rep. Fred Wadnola vs. Dem. Brian Cahill
Rep. James Maloney has forced an opportunity-to-ballot contest for the ballot.

District 6 LEGISLATURE: (Vying for Democratic line). Voters select 2.
Dem. Jeannette Provenzano vs. Dem. Frank Dart vs. Dem. Mike Madsen

WARD 1: (opportunity to ballot, Republican line)
Andi Turco-Levin

WARD 8: (Vying for Conservative line). Voters select 1.
Dem. Robert Senor vs. Rep. Todd Langon

WARD 9: (Vying for Democratic line).
Dem. Hayes Clement vs. Dem. Mark Halwick

Environmental Focus on Kingston: Give Me A “C”, “S”, “O”!

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This year instead of a summer, we’ve had a monsoon season.

On average Kingston receives 47.48 inches of rain a year, with May being the wettest month. This summer alone we’ve been deluged with roughly 17 inches of the wet stuff. While my friends are all bemoaning the loss of blight ridden tomatoes, I’ve been worrying about a problem that runs a little deeper. Yup, I’ve been thinking about combined sewer overflow systems (CSO’s).

Kingston’s antiquated sewer system is a CSO. They were all the rage and considered the newest and greatest in waste flow management along the eastern sea board following the Civil War. The EPA defines these types of National Pollutant Discharge Elimination Systems (NPDES) as “remnants of the country’s early infrastructure and so are typically found in older communities.” They estimate there to be roughly 772 CSO communities in the US today.

A CSO was designed to collect rainwater runoff, domestic sewage and industrial wastewater all in the same pipe. This slurry of toxic sludge is transported to a sewage treatment plant. Periods of heavy rainfalls or quickly melting snow exacerbate the volume of storm water runoff so that it exceeds the capacity of the system. Excess, untreated wastewater instead empties directly into nearby bodies of water – in our case, the Rondout Creek. Also, because of their age, CSO’s often fail or collapse at an accelerated rate.

The city’s CSO problems have been simmering for decades. In the past, city officials have all but turned a blind eye to our failure prone sewer. However, the growing number of orange and white barrels and yellow sawhorses that adorn sagging or collapsed parts of our streets are too becoming difficult to ignore.

The City of Kingston has been recently cited by the DEC for failure to take aggressive action to stem the flow of raw sewage into our waterways. A fully developed plan was due in September 2007. The DEC has warned that the city faces daily fines of $37,500 until corrective action is taken and a plan produced. As a result the Kingston Common Council has approved the borrowing of $93,000 to hire Malcolm Pirnie, Inc. to complete the necessary study, which must be done during the rainy season.

As immense as the CSO issues are that face our community, the average citizen can do plenty to assist with storm water abatement. In the next ENVIRONMENTAL FOCUS ON KINGSTON we’ll discuss the variety of ways this can be achieved.

DID YOU KNOW: What can YOU do?

The city of Kingston has an ordinance that prohibits downspouts to be connected to the sewer system. City ordinance A407-106 states “No person shall discharge or cause to be discharged any stormwater, surface water, groundwater, roof runoff, subsurface drainage or unpolluted industrial process waters to any sanitary sewer.” You can read the rest of the ordinance HERE. Scroll down to the appendix and open Chapter A407: Plumbing Code Administration. You’ll find the entire entry under section A407-106 of Article XVII.

Introducing: Environmental Focus On Kingston

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A month ago, I put out the word looking for citizens to contribute to the KingstonCitizens.org blog’s. Thanks to those for being in touch.

I am happy to introduce a new series to KC.org called “Environmental Focus On Kingston” written by citizen ‘journalist’ Wilbur Girl. Below is her profile.

Please feel free to comment on these and all of our pieces, or to take the topic to your Yahoo! Group for further resident dialog.

Thanks, and more to come.

Rebecca Martin

Wilbur Girl is a third generation daughter of Kingston. Her roots can be found grown deep into a hill above the southwestern shores of the Rondout Creek in a home that has been in the family since 1943.

In “Environmental Focus on Kingston”, topics will focus on the simple environmental changes and actions everyday citizens can do like rainwater harvesting, composting, tips for greener living and recycling techniques. Learn more about what your neighbors and local businesses are doing to minimize their impact while maximizing their renewable resources. We’ll also look at trends and what other communities are doing to go green and improve their sustainability.

In The Groove

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One of the organizers of the upcoming Drum Boogie Festival, Paul Rakov, has sent out a request to all interested parties (and particularly drummers).

They are searching for about 50 drummers to help lay down a beat to kick things off at Cornell Park on September 19th in Kingston. Drum legends Jack DeJohnette, Jerry Moratta and others will be soloing over your groove! It’s an extraordinary opportunity and so much fun, too.

Interested?  Here is the rehearsal schedule:

REHEARSAL
Saturday, September 12th
10am
Woodstock Percussion Studio
Shokan (Dubois Road off Rt. 28, turn right at the Reservoir Deli with the cow on it)
Lunch will be served

REHEARSAL AND PERFORMANCE
Saturday, September 19th
10am
Cornell Park, Kingston (off of Wurtz Street on the Rondout)
Lunch will be served

The concert is free and performers will not be paid. This is truly for the spirit of drumming, to bring some business to the Rondout and establish a festival that hopefully will blossom into something bigger in the year to come.

You can contact Paul Rakov if you have any questions by calling: 845/430-6182

Saving Important Programs In These Tough Times

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We are hearing a great deal about the looming budget cuts coming to the city of Kingston.  As the city looks at what seems to be a four million dollar short fall in the 2010 budget, we need to look closely at how every dollar is being spent.

I’ve read many opinions as to where citizens and the city feel the budget should be cut. But nothing much on the services that citizens cherish that are in need of protection at this most vulnerable time.

I can think of a few. Our Public Library, the programming provided by our Environmental Educators, the work of Pat Johnson through the Parks and Rec department and the Everett Hodge Center.

What do you think? Feel free to comment here. Let’s also get something going in our Ward Yahoo! Groups. You can find yours on the main page of this blog, or visit KingstonCitizens.org. I’ll work to compile your comments and provide them to the common council and the mayors office to consider this fall.

Thanks.

Rebecca Martin

Ward 9 Alderman Candidates In Kingston

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Kingston’s Ward 9 has a most interesting run this election cycle with three fresh candidates running for the Alderman seat.

There are nine wards and nine alderman – and each one is elected by the constituents in their ward. But each Alderman holds an important role that is not only ward centric but city wide as well, holding a seat on the city council. That means, you need to know who they all are no matter what ward you are in. (Did you know that the council, after the recent change in the charter, gives this government body more power than the city Mayor?)

We will post more on our upcoming candidates. Since Ward 9 has been deemed ‘the race to watch’, we’ll begin here.

Ward 9 candidates will debate on September 2nd at Kingston’s City Hall. Ward 9 residents can sign up to speak at 6:30pm. The debate begins at 7pm and is open to all city residents.

Ward 9 candidates, in alphabetical order:

Debbie Brown (Republican/Conservative)

Hayes Clement (Democrat/Independent)

Mark Halwick (Democrat)

In Search of A Few Good Pens

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I know some of you out there in the great city of Kingston are talented writers just waiting for a platform.

Do I have the perfect opportunity for you.

I am searching for three citizen’s who have an expertise in these areas:

1. Kingston’s History, past and present
2. Current Environmental Issues in Kingston
3. Socioeconomics In Kingston

I’m open to other topics, too.

I’d like to ask for a piece (around 200-300 words. Could be longer if the topic requires it) to be written and submitted every two weeks (approximately).

There’s nothing currently in the way of compensation to offer at the moment. What is certain is a fantastic monthly dinner to gather KingstonCitizens.org’s citizen journalists for a lively and rich discussion.

Let’s get the ball rolling.

Call me.

Rebecca Martin
845/750-7295

Get Your Soapbox On…

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The raciest artistic event of the summer is scheduled for Sunday, August 23rd when the 15th Annual Artist’s Soap Box Derby careens inexorably down Kingston’s Broadway towards the Rondout Creek.

This eclectic event, a project of Donskoj & Company, the City of Kingston is offering over $2,000 in cash prizes for our first, second and third place finishes in the Adult, Youth and Family Group Divisions.

The Artist’s Soap Box Derby or Kinetic Sculpture Race starts at 1:00 PM in front of Donskoj & Company, 93 Broadway, Kingston N.Y. (corner of Spring and Broadway). If you wish to join the fun the rules are simple: You must have brakes and steering ability and your sculpture must not be dangerous to yourself or to spectators. There is a $25.00 entry fee for which you get an official Artists’ Soapbox Derby T-shirt.

Can’t build a soapbox, come on down to the Award Ceremony as part of the festivities where every spectator can become a participant. Wear the loudest shirt you own and enter the Loud Shirt Contest where you can win 50 big bucks.

For more information call 845-338-8473 or visit their WEBSITE

Jazz Legends Show In Force For Local Causes

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If you haven’t yet heard, jazz legends Pat Metheny, Jack DeJohnette and Larry Grenadier are coming together to perform three nights at the Bearsville Theater right outside of Woodstock this weekend. All of the proceeds will be donated to several local causes that include Queens Galley and Family of Woodstock, Inc.

Tickets are still available. Click HERE to learn more or to get yours.

Below are the details from a recent press release:

BEARSVILLE, NY – Hudson Valley jazz fans will have three opportunities to attend an up-close and intimate performance by three renowned jazz legends; drummer/percussionist Jack DeJohnette, acoustic bassist Larry Grenadier and guitarist Pat Metheny. The trio is scheduled to perform on Friday, August 21st; Saturday, August 22nd and Sunday, August 23rd at the Bearsville Theater, Route 212, 291 Tinker Street, Bearsville NY. 12409. Proceeds will benefit Family of Woodstock, the Queens Galley and others.

DeJohnette is widely regarded as one of jazz music’s greatest drummers and is one of the most recorded drummers in music history – appearing on over 1,000 albums with most major figures in jazz history such as John Coltrane, Ornette Coleman, Sonny Rollins, Keith Jarrett, Bill Evans and Miles Davis among many others. Grenadier is considered one of the most sought after bassists of his generation. He has performed and recorded with the likes of Pat Metheny, Brad Mehldau, John Scofield, Joe Henderson, Charles Lloyd, Joshua Redman, Brian Blade and Kurt Rosenwinkel. Metheny’s versatility is almost without peer on any instrument. Over the years, he has performed with artists as diverse as Steve Reich to Ornette Coleman to Herbie Hancock to Jim Hall to Milton Nascimento to David Bowie. With the release of his first album, Bright Size Life (1975), he reinvented the traditional “jazz guitar” sound for a new generation of players. Throughout his career, Pat Metheny has continued to re-define the genre by utilizing new technology and constantly working to evolve the improvisational and sonic potential of his instrument.

Tickets for these special performances can be purchased at the venue or online at www.bearsvilletheater.com .  Ticket prices are: $55, Golden Circle; $40, General Seating; and $25, standing room only.  The concert begins at 8:00pm with doors open at 7:00pm.  Concert goers are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item for donation at the door.

Swine Flu In Ulster County

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We’ve read that flu vaccinations this fall might mean three visits to the doctor’s office.

With the recent discussion on the progression of swine flu, it has been reported that a dose of the expected strand of flu virus this season would be followed by two separate inoculations for swine flu to help cut the risks of contracting and spreading the virus.

Vaccines are a tricky subject in general. With the rush to create a swine flu vaccine, we suggest that our readers take the time to do some very thorough research. That, and eat your greens.

Not long ago, the media reported that residents be prepared for a potential outbreak by storing at least three weeks worth of food and water. Consumption is what keeps the American economy ‘strong’. With a major slump in consumer spending…

Authorities are wishing to change the term ‘swine flu’ to the strand of virus known as “H1N1”. They want to be certain that families understand the virus cannot be transmitted through the food that they eat. It is true that you may not contract swine flu from your Easter ham, but it is well known that the conditions created through factory farming is indeed why we are in this mess.

Food for thought: Food, Inc

Got Neighborhood Watch?

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Recently, a late night attack took place in the Uptown section of Kingston on one of our fellow residents and local business owners.

You can read about it here: THE KINGSTON TIMES and THE DAILY FREEMAN

Have you considered reinstating a neighborhood watch group for your street? We think it’s necessary to take more of an active and responsible role in handling the health and safety of our city – one street at a time.

A block party is a really good way to get the ball rolling…

Our police department is doing a great job and with our help we could change the climate here in Kingston for the better.

Take a moment to speak to your neighbors about getting together, and use the KingstonCitizens.org ward Yahoo! group’s to connect and to organize (you can find your’s at the top of the page. Click on “City Wards 1-9 Yahoo! Groups”.

As always, feel free to contact us for any help or input. That’s what we are here for.

Rebecca Martin
info@kingstoncitizens.org

Can You Blog?

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Dear Friends,

I’m sorry to report that I’ll be stepping aside from the KingstonCitizens.org blog for the time being. Of course we’ll keep the site up and running. In fact, KingstonCitizens.org founder Rebecca Martin is looking for more bloggers to report on city events. If you’re interested, contact her at: info@kingstoncitizens.org.

Best,

Arthur Zaczkiewicz

Just Dial 511

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There’s a new service from the New York Department of Transportation that just launched, which gives motorists and commuters a quick update on traffic conditions and more via a website and free phone call. People can just dial “511” for an update on traffic and transit conditions. Or, check out the website, http://www.511ny.org, for more detailed information.

The website also has information on ride shares and includes a transit trip planner. There’s also useful links to tourism, airport and biking websites.

A Stunning View

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View of Kingston from the Ferncliff Tower
View of Kingston from the Ferncliff Tower

Last week a group of hikers were led on a short trip through Ferncliff Forest in nearby Rhinebeck by environmental educators from Forsyth Nature Center that culminated with a spectacular view of the Hudson River and Kingston from atop an observation tower.
The hike was part of a series of adult hikes that starts at the nature center every other week. Check out the program calendar on FNC’s website here for more information.
The observation tower at the preserve, which is owned by the Rotary Club, was recently rebuilt. Read more about the tower in this article.

Rain, Rain Everywhere, But Not in the Right Place…

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Steve Noble
Steve Noble

As the City of Kingston explores options to separate outdated combined sewage outflow lines, officials may want to consider including a broader storm water mitigation plan that involves installing rain barrels for homes, schools, businesses, hospitals and municipal buildings.

Why? Well, the benefits are enormous, and include reducing the volume of water that has to be treated. More importantly, capturing rain water keeps it from flowing into storm water drains along with road salts, oils and other contaminants on our city roads. And not only does this make our streams and rivers much less polluted, but capturing water reduces flooding.

This past Saturday at the Forsyth Nature Center, Steve Noble, environmental educator, gave a workshop on rain barrels and how easy it is to install one. The barrels cost about $100, and the water captured can be used to wash your car, water your garden and water your plants.

Steve said during the summer months, a rain barrel can save a homeowner about 1,300 gallons of water. If the city were to implement a rain barrel pilot program, say with 500 barrels installed, more than 650,000 gallons of water could be diverted — which saves money in water treatment costs and reduces pollutants as well as flooding.

Worth considering? And as this prior post points out, there could even be a cottage industry here in harvesting rain.

In the meantime, there are other ways that residents can help to reduce the volume of waste water in their homes. Here are some tips from Steve:

* Don’t cut your lawn grass low. Higher grass needs less water.

* Fix dripping faucets, which can waste 54 gallons per month.

* Take shorter showers.

* Turn of the faucet while shaving, washing, brushing teeth and washing dishes.

Interested in buying a rain barrel? Check out the benefits here. To purchase one, see Gaiam or check this page out.

–Arthur Zaczkiewicz