A New Topic -- as requested

Diana would be good choice for Gillibrand's seat, GOP says
Orange exec brushes off Senate talk as 'a rumor at this point'
By Chris Mckenna
Times Herald-Record
February 16, 2010
GOSHEN — Diana for Senate?

Only six weeks into his third term as Orange County executive, Ed Diana is being talked about as a potential candidate for the U.S. Senate seat that Kirsten Gillibrand was appointed to fill just over a year ago.

He brushed aside that chatter as "a rumor at this point" when reached by phone on Monday. But the Republican chairmen of Westchester and Rockland counties both said that Diana, a Republican, is thinking about challenging the Democratic incumbent.

"I understand that he is," said Rockland County Republican Chairman Vincent Reda, who is also first vice chairman of the state Republican Committee. "He'd be a great candidate. I think Eddie Diana would be on anybody's short list."

A plethora of state and federal offices at stake in New York this fall, combined with a sense that incumbents are in trouble nationwide, has emboldened a wave of candidates. Republicans, buoyed by recent election victories, seem especially confident.

"The Republican brand is good right now," said Douglas Colety, the Westchester County Republican chairman. "Everybody wants to run."

Six Republicans have stepped forward to challenge Rep. Nita Lowey, a Democrat who represents parts of Westchester and Rockland, Colety said. And the Republican field for the neighboring congressional district represented by Democrat John Hall has three declared candidates and other potential ones, including Orange County Republican Chairman William DeProspo.

Jonathan Jacobson, chairman of the Orange County Democratic Committee, dismisses the GOP enthusiasm as misguided.

"I think they're overreading the status of American politics," said Jacobson, arguing that frustrated voters don't necessarily want a power shift in Washington.

"People don't want Congress to be controlled by people who just say 'No,'" Jacobson said.

Diana, 61, a former gym teacher and restaurant owner with 26 years in politics, has also been mentioned in recent weeks as a potential candidate for lieutenant governor. Supporters consider him a strong candidate for higher office because of his experience and fiscal record. He handily won re-election in November.

If Diana were to run for higher office and win, the county Legislature — now firmly in Republican hands — would appoint a successor to serve until an election could be held a year later, according to the county charter.

Gillibrand, a former attorney elected to Congress in 2006, had just begun her second term when Gov. David Paterson appointed her in January 2009 to the Senate seat Hillary Clinton vacated when she became secretary of state. Gillibrand must run for election in November to serve the last two years of Clinton's term.

Harold Ford, a former Tennessee congressman, is considering challenging her for the Democratic nomination. The only declared Republican in the race is Bruce Blakeman, an attorney and former county legislator from Long Island; at least five GOP county chairmen have endorsed him.

The New York Times reported Friday that Mort Zuckerman, the Daily News publisher, may seek Gillibrand's seat, either as a Republican or an independent. Republicans George Pataki and Rudy Giuliani have both ruled out running.

Because of the special election, this is a rare year in which contests are held for both of New York's U.S. Senate seats. Sen. Charles Schumer will seek his third six-year term.

Sewer Suit Update

Woodbury role may be moot if sewer, water suits settled

By Chris Mckenna

Times Herald-Record

February 12, 2010

Woodbury officials have refused to settle a lawsuit with Kiryas Joel over additional sewer service because they say it would involve them in a legal deal over Kiryas Joel's proposed water pipeline.

But their refusal may have little impact on efforts to resolve entwined litigation over the $30 million water project and the Orange County sewage treatment plant in Harriman.

Attorneys for Orange County and Kiryas Joel have been negotiating to end two court cases. In one suit, the county had blocked the pipeline proposal by challenging the village's environmental study; in the other, Kiryas Joel had stopped the county from selling expanded service at the Harriman plant to Woodbury and other communities.

Woodbury officials were enlisted in settlement talks for the second case because they joined the county in a court appeal. But they have rejected the proposal — even after lawyers revised it three times — because each draft tied the sewer agreement to one involving the pipeline.

"We decided we're not going to be roped into it," Mayor Michael Queenan said. "We're not going to sign it."

But last week, a divided Orange County Legislature approved two documents that could resolve both the sewer lawsuit — regardless of Woodbury's opposition — and the main objection to Kiryas Joel's planned connection to the Catskill Aqueduct.

The papers amended a 2001 environmental review that preceded a $26 million expansion of the Harriman plant. The new wording — accompanied by an analysis of current plant use and expected population growth — declares that the project added enough sewer service to share with Woodbury and other contractual users of the plant.

The documents also state that the county will expand the plant again once it reaches 85 percent of its capacity. That stance answers the county's own concerns in its pipeline lawsuit about how it would treat additional sewage resulting from Kiryas Joel's enlarged water supply.

County Attorney David Darwin said Wednesday that those environmental statements will be filed in court to resolve the sewer dispute. That, in turn, could clear the way for a pipeline agreement.

"Resolution of the sewer capacity issue would resolve that issue in both of the lawsuits," he said, adding that the county and Kiryas Joel are working to resolve a secondary pipeline issue involving wetlands.

Pete Swears

Woodbury official takes oath in Afghanistan
January 14, 2010 11:50 AM

Chris McKenna

It's official: Pete Stabile has been sworn in his for his fourth term as highway superintendent. But the ceremony took place far from the Town of Woodbury highway garage.

An army officer administered the oath somewhere in northern Afghanistan, where Stabile, a 58-year-old Army reservist, is serving a year-long tour of duty with the Army Corps of Engineers. He shipped out in October, about a month before he was re-elected.

In his absence, town Supervisor John Burke and Stabile's foreman, Johnny Jones, are running the 13-member department, which plows roads and collects leaves and branches, among other duties. Stabile has refused half of his $72,000 annual salary for 2010, according to a public affairs officer with the corps.

The corps is building army facilities, police stations, roads and other infrastructure in Afghanistan.

Stabile, who holds the rank of master sergeant, is planning to retire from the military when he returns in October.

Board of the Village

Since you asked here are the latest rumors that the Uncle just made up.

We give all of these a definite maybe:

Rich Jackson will not run again.

Neil Crouse will.

Lorraine McNeil will run.

David Sutz will run.

Ralph wouldn't dare run.

Destruction In Haiti

Any donation at all to the relief effort in Haiti will help.

You can link to a number of aid groups at this site.

or call one of these:

UNICEF: 1.800.FOR.KIDS (1.800.367.5437)
CARE: 800-422-7385
OXFAM: 800-77-OXFAM
Doctors Without Borders: 888-392-0392

A Ford In Our Future?

So, Harold Ford Jr. has made clear that he is looking at running against Kirsten Gillibrand for the US Senate.

Anybody got anything to say?

Heaven Forfend!

Auditors probe KJ school financing plan
Cite cost, conflict of interest
By Chris Mckenna
Times Herald-Record
KIRYAS JOEL — State auditors are questioning the decision by the Kiryas Joel School District to lease its new school from a landholding arm of the community's religious school system rather than build it itself.

The lease arrangement could inflate the total cost for taxpayers, and it posed a potential conflict of interest for two school board members who are also officers of the lease-holding organization, the state Comptroller's Office concluded in a report released late Tuesday.

Superintendent Joel Petlin strongly disputes the findings, saying the deal made good financial sense and raised no potential conflicts.

"We were able to build a building that we could afford to move into, without having a big tax increase every year," Petlin said.

At issue is a 44,000-square-foot school built on Bakertown Road to replace a smaller building the district had used since 1989, when it was created to serve handicapped children in the Hasidic community. Some 250 kids go there for classes and therapy, including part-timers and about 40 tuition-paying students from other districts, Petlin said.

Administrators say they initially planned to bond for the new building, but changed course when the cost estimate exceeded $16 million. In 2006, voters approved a 30-year lease that put construction in the landowner's hands.

State auditors estimated that rent, which rises each year with inflation, could total $38 million over 30 years, or about $3 million more than bonding might have cost. And they pointed out the district won't own the building when the lease expires.

Petlin replies that those calculations ignore the $7 million taxpayers could save over the first 14 years, when rent is expected to cost less than bond payments would have. They may also exaggerate the total cost, since inflation so far has been low, he said.

The conflict issue was raised in connection with Harry Polatsek and Simon Kepecs, the president and vice president of Kiryas Joel's board.

Auditors argue the two men should have provided a written disclosure of their interest in UTA of KJ SC Inc., the organization that signed a lease with the district before the new school opened in May 2008. That entity lists Polatsek as president and Kepecs as treasurer.

Petlin contends that no conflict existed because a different organization owned the property when board members chose to pursue a lease in 2006. The land later changed hands.

Shhhhh! Hibernating.

The Uncle is cold and tired and hungover (did I mention cold?).

The last thing he wants is to chat - online, off-line or even to himself.

So, continuing the current do-it-yourself nature of this blog - you want James' letter?

You got James' letter.

(and if you want something else point it out or send it to cuzzincookie@hotmail.com)

County needs a watchdog
Chairwoman Roxanne Donnery, Republican Frank Fornario and the other legislators who joined them ought to be applauded for their efforts in bringing a watchdog accountability office to Orange County. This independent agency would not only have rooted out any corruption, but also would have saved taxpayers a great deal of money by streamlining government.

It is a sad day, however, when County Executive Ed Diana tells the voters who just re-elected him that he is above transparency and scrutiny and will instead veto the legislation. Diana and his supporters' opposition is so blatantly politically motivated that a majority of his legislative caucus chose not to even show up and cast a "no" vote, presumably because most of them know they are on the wrong side of this issue and instead want to hide from a roll call. I wonder if these same Republican legislators would've voted in favor of the office if there were a Democrat in the county executive seat.

At a time when the public's trust of politicians is at an all-time low, it is equally insulting as it is astounding that so many of our representatives in Goshen are against such a commonsense measure.

James Skoufis
Woodbury Town Councilman

Guest Posting (Plagiarism, Laziness or Both?)

The Uncle is, shall we say, in low energy mode.

Young James Skoufis is not. He has put together a newsletter. We take the liberty of presenting it here. Mr. Skoufis shall be paid the Uncle's going rate of one grudging grunt of thanks:

"argh."

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Even when it isn't the holiday season with so much going on in our lives, it's easy to lose track of what's happening here in town. In addition to keeping you abreast of local news and events, this email newsletter that I'm starting can also serve as a way to engage you in your local government and offer a chance to send me your ideas and suggestions to bring to the town board. Likewise, if you ever need assistance with something in town or navigating through our government, absolutely do not hesitate to get in touch with me.

Finally, if you would like to include something in the next email, please send it along - this presently goes out to over 150 Woodbury families so it's an easy way to get the word out to people if you have news or an event you'd like to share. Enjoy the first issue of the Woodbury Bulletin Board and, of course, have a very happy holidays alongside those you love.

Always,
James Skoufis

Your Local Government

First and foremost, we say goodbye to one of the hardest working and admirable public officials in Woodbury, Geraldine Gianzero, who finishes up her eight years of service on the town board this month. Even in my few months sitting alongside her, I have learned a tremendous amount and gained a perspective and understanding of our local issues and government that I simply would not have if it weren't for her. She truly and exclusively has always had the best interests of the town in mind and heart and will be sorely missed going forward.

With the town re-organizational meeting around the corner we not only welcome the return of Councilman Frank Palermo to the board, but we also usher in new committee assignments. Though I urge people to serve on any and all committees that pique their interest, I want to particularly put out a call to serve on two that I will be sitting on: the Environmental Conservation Committee and the Technology Committee. Both will offer opportunities to make a tremendous difference for the town and your neighbors, make Woodbury a greener, cleaner, and safer community, and present a chance to lower our tax burden in ways that have, to date, not been explored. If you are interested in serving on either of these committees - and you certainly don't have to be an expert in the fields by any stretch - please email me at this address or call me at 347-406-3387; meetings will likely be held once a month.

The Village Board will be holding a continued public hearing on the dedication of Brigadoon's roads to the village at the December 29th meeting. All, especially Brigadoon residents, are encouraged to attend.

Finally, though I will be hitting the streets again in a few months to hear what is on residents' minds, forward along this email to friends and family in town that may be interested in receiving this newsletter going forward. Likewise, have them send me their email address to be included on the email list.

Woodbury Calendar


December: It's not too late to brighten the holidays for a child in need - toys are still being collected at the Woodbury Police Department, Mario's, Modell's, and Toys R Us (Woodbury Commons). Additionally, a special thanks is in order to the Highland Mills United Methodist Church and everyone else who have made collections this season.

Saturday 12/19: Santa visits the Highland Mills Fire Company at noon, immediate following a magician act at 11am. Donations of a non-perishable food item is requested; call 845-928-6070 for more information. While you're there, be sure to support our fire fighters and pick up a Christmas tree if your family still needs one - they are on sale until 12/24, Thursdays-Sundays.

Saturday 12/19: Groovy Tuesday plays at one of my favorite local establishments, Palaia Vineyards. If you've never been, it's highly recommended.For their full schedule of events check out their website at www.palaiavineyards.com. Must be 21+; call 845-928-5384 for more information.

Monday 12/21: The Highland Mills branch of the Woodbury Public Library teaches an Intro to the Internet from 9am-11:30am. They have regular computer courses throughout the year and those interested are encouraged to attend this great service provided by them ($10 deposit); call 845-928-6162 for more information.
Tuesday 12/22: The Central Valley branch of the Woodbury Public Library hosts their regular knitting and needlework night at 7:00pm. They meet the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of every month; call 845-928-2114 for more information.

Thursday 12/24: The Central Valley United Methodist Church hosts a candlelight service at 7:30pm in celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ; call 845-928-6177 for more information.

Thursday 12/31: Charlie's Pub in Central Valley hosts a New Years Eve party ($5 cover charge) - music, food, and a champagne toast at midnight; call 845-827-5039 for more information.

Getting Piped

Chris McKenna

Kiryas Joel's plans to tap the Catskill Aqueduct are moving forward despite a second lawsuit by Orange County challenging the environmental review for the water project.

Shortly after the county filed suit July 30, village officials submitted an engineering report anticipating no apparent delay in their schedule: They planned to begin designing and getting permits for the 12.5-mile pipeline this fall and to start construction in 2010.

Officials filed that report with the state Environmental Facilities Corp. in August as part of an application for a short-term loan for the project, now estimated to cost $29 million.

A month earlier, the village bought a road and 21.5 vacant acres near Riley Road in New Windsor, where it plans to tap New York City's underground water tunnel and build a pump station.

And in recent weeks, a contractor began tinkering with a long-dormant well field in Cornwall that could prove to be a critical backup water source for Kiryas Joel.

The village obtained the four wells — once the water supply for the defunct Star Expansion factory in Cornwall — in 2005 and may need them to satisfy a requirement that it keep as much water in reserve as it would draw from the Catskill Aqueduct, in case the tunnel is ever closed for repairs.

Village officials have previously suggested that they could add the Star Expansion wells to their supply by connecting the former factory's pipes to the aqueduct pipeline, which would pass nearby on Route 32.

The pipeline would cross Woodbury and Cornwall, carrying New York City's upstate reservoir water to a new treatment plant off Seven Springs Road in Woodbury and then to Kiryas Joel, according to the August engineering report.

The report indicates that the village's 16 wells just barely meet its normal water demands, since two wells are inoperable and two others cannot be used until they are drilled deeper.

For almost a decade, community leaders have pursued the aqueduct connection as a long-term water source for Kiryas Joel's booming population, but they hit a legal snag in 2004 when opponents persuaded the county to challenge the environmental review in court.

Both then and this year, the county has contended that the village has failed to adequately explain the project's impact on wastewater treatment and other environmental issues.