Telling it LIKE IT IS.... Response to Anon... "So Be It"

In Response to: "we want to know what you are doing to make this city a better place to live. Why are you selling copper? Do you have a job? KPA is not a job. You seem to want want want, but we need taxpayers that are working who are spending money in the city rather then complain, and take from the system" (Anonymous; 8/20/09;
3:52PM).











Frankly, I have about (as far as this City goes) had it.

"What am I doing to make this city a better place to live?"

I'm attempting to remind people of their CIVIL RIGHTS - inform people as to what is going on in various areas - be a voice for the voiceless - and fend off the depression that is always nibbling at my toes.

"Why [am] I selling copper?" Why not? It was in OUR basement!

"Do [I] have a job?

I had two main jobs here in Kingston.

1. At the Mental Health Association (MHA) - at the Tuytenbridge Road residence - where - after a resident told me he "would see me burn in hell" - and then, physically threatened ME with a rather large hunting style knife - the bosses (at that time) saw fit --- whilst attempting to patronize me --- to take him out for ice cream to make him feel better...

This resident was also terrorizing me at other points; as well as other members of the staff and the rest of the (perhaps this is the saddest part, as these folks really need a SAFE place...) clients...

Whilst one of the staff members (at the time; I believe he was "quietly 'let go'") on the night shift was sharing pornography movies with the younger male residents [these were Mentally Ill Chemically Addicted (MiCA) Residents)] - and that was another situation I could not (We, the staff, were told to keep our mouths shut) stomach.

I turned the organization into the Board of Health and [in a state of flaring PTSD... and in true fear (in regard to this one client) for my life] quit.

2. At the YWCA of Ulster County, where I did such a great job as a Teen Parent Case Manager that I was promoted to the position of Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Services (APPS) Coordinator.

I also excelled in that position - helping to set up - coordinate and help facilitate the Youth Empowerment Services (YES) program throughout the County...

Until 9/11 - combined with other issues (my husband had to have radical surgery for cancer) - led me to another PTSD crash (so to speak) - and I found that the YWCA [the person then and now serving as the CEO) would not work (via making accommodations) with me [although they were informed of my disability issue - and I had worked my way off disability (How many people even TRY to do that?????) at their organization.]

Things fell apart. I fell apart. Depression practically bit off my toes... [I LOVED THOSE KIDS!] I turned in my resignation. Then they fired me (one of their top performers, based on all the reviews I have on hand...).

Want more?

I wrote three books in 2007 (not exactly "not working") - and had my copyright (from what I can determine online) stolen. [9/5/09: This has been updated, since I finally did just receive - approximately two years later - my first (albeit small) royalty check...]

P/Oed?

Yeah. I get that way sometimes.

This is all after a great deal of earlier life trauma... some of which you can read about in this months Mid-Hudson Valley League of Women Voter's "Commentator - should you so choose!

"KPA is not a job."

THAT is for dam* sure.

KAPA is a public access station that SHOULD BE (from what I understand) an ENTITLEMENT to EVERYONE (paid in full by Time Warner and the City of Kingston through a percentage of the franchise fees that you see on your cable bills every month!) in the viewing area.

AS IS - perhaps both of those entities should be sued for exploiting funds and the damage they have done to the people that have put both heart and soul (not to mention hours and hours and hours of stress and sweat) into TRYING to get their RIGHTS (at a very high personal, physical and mental price --- in at least some instances) reinstated.

"You seem to want want want, but we need taxpayers that are working who are spending money in the city rather then complain, and take from the system..."

What I need or want is your business only if you choose to make it so [As is true in regard to the rest of your questions!] But FYI, I am amongst the taxpayers of the City of Kingston - as I presume you are; I do have an "decent" (compared to many folks out there) income [a benefit not a handout]; I do generally spend my money in the City of Kingston and/or Town of Ulster [which feels SAFER - IS SAFER (according to the stats I've read) than the City of Kingston!]; and I do engage in a significant (this ain't exactly "whistling Dixie") amount of volunteer work.

Want to really solve your tax problems?

Start taxing the non-profits and religious organizations [Above are just a few (and I do mean a few / we are talking millions of dollars of prime property, off the tax roles in a City that sure can NOT afford it!) photos and stats that I collected earlier...] in this City!

Stop pointing fingers at KAPA - which the City of Kingston - to MY understanding - is LEGALLY obligated to provide.

And consider just what it takes for a person [Sorry, am I supposed to grovel at your knees?] such as me (THIS HAS BEEN NO FKING JOY RIDE BABY!) --- to SAY ALL OF THAT!

Truth, Love, PEACE, EQUALITY, HOPE and Humane Justice...

Linked to: http://www.oag.state.ny.us

Have a nice night,

Nancy Sue Smith

Venting.... Please see the Event Notices in the Sidebar....

People sometimes bring up the issue of Handicapped accessibility here and there in the City of Kingston...

Whilst frankly, non-Handicapped accessibility would appear to be a major issue here in the City - as well!

When does this roadwork - this constantly changing constellation of roadwork - on Broadway - by the YMCA/Rite Aid/old Muddy Cup/Planet Wings Intersection (reaching out its spidery tendrils past Susan Street and the street that leads to Benedictine Hospital, etc...

END?????

I support the DPW - and work such as this apparently has to be done - but OMG!

Isn't this a case where it might be best to work in the early mornings and early evenings when there is less traffic - and the temperature is cooler - and some of the businesses that ARE still alive on Broadway (I guess the DPW guys are probably eating a lot of Texas Hots and wings...?) might be able to make a (non-DPW related) buck?

How is business folks? Am I wrong?

Who knows...

Maybe I am.

But iyiyiyi...

I'm sick. I just got stuck in the Broadway roadwork traffic jam under the railroad bridge (where the cracks remain...) without any (my problem, I know) air conditioning...

And sometimes I feel like - I truly do feel like - just taking a "For Sale" sign and planting it front and center [citizen activism is pretty much a thankless "job" anyhow - and the chances of a KINGSTONIAN (including those much more qualified and skilled than me) getting a job IN Kingston are looking pretty slim...)

Bad day here.

I tried out a workshop on making money via the Internet - and all ya' gotta' do? Pay them some money... and then, later, some more money... and then later, maybe (of course this is up to you...) pay them more money...

A-yep.

Remember that lawn sale I had (I posted about it) where I earned 50 Cents?

At least that didn't cost me anything except for my own (foolish and fruitless, it turns out) sweat and discouragement...

On top of discouragement...

On top of discouragement...

On top of a case of PTSD that is not handling any of the events taking place in our society or my personal life all too well...

Why me? Why not? Could be worse. Could be better.

What is up with this City?

I'm feeding parking meters uptown for what?

I'm doing everything I can (I've even sold old copper pipes to the junkyard) to try to keep the boat afloat...

Boices Dairy...

How are you feeling?

"Got milk?"

Yeah. I guess... Huh?

Iyiyiyiyi.

I'm not pointing fingers. I'm not cancelling my events. I'm not (as of yet) giving up...

But the clock is ticking... and this bird might just decide (not that anyone much cares) to (just like how many other Kingstonians have been doing... are doing... are planning to do...) FLY.

Its going to get worse?

That is what they (this seems to be the general consensus around here) say...

WORSE?

Something is very, very, very, very WRONG.

[My opinion; you are welcome to your own.]

NS

KAPA Meeting Notes from August 13 2009

[KAPA Commissioners Geri Breen and Annmarie Harms; Photo (copyright) by NS]

KAPA Commissioners Present:

Bob Smith, Temporary Chair - City of Kingston
Shelly Zimbler - Temporary Secretary - City of Kingston
Geri Breen - City of Kingston
Annmarie Harms - Town of Kingston
Mercedes Ross - Town of Esopus

KAPA Commissioners Absent:

Joe Marchetti, Temporary Vice-Chair - City of Kingston

KAPA Commission Slots Open [Recommendations and/or Volunteers?]:

Town of Rosendale
Town of Marbletown
Town of Ulster
Town of Hurley

Other Parties (to the degree I can name them) Present:

Phil Cosme
Clark Richters (Part of Meeting)
Colin Evans
Richard Cahill Sr.
Richard Cahill Jr.
Michael Gill
Todd Langon
Debra L.
Ralph Mitchell
Tony Parker [Part of Meeting]
Myself [NS]

Public Comment:

Clark Richters: Stated that "KAPA Producers should NOT be 'grandfathered in'" and that time slots should be "allotted... on a 'first come, first serve' basis." Clark stated that KAPA "should switch the prime time programming time, every six months." Clark also stated that the focus should be on getting KAPA on the air across the board, not just the KAPA Calender. [Please see the comments section for more from Clark. I initially made an error here and it has been corrected. Thank You.]

Rich Cahill Jr.: Stated that programs that had already been on the air should be "grandfathered in." Approved of Ellenbogen proposal. Urged KAPA Commission to approved the contract with the 7-21 Media Center and get back on the air as soon as possible. Stated that even though a quorum was not present - this could still be approved and that the KAPA Commission would simply have to respond if challenged. Stated that all policy matters should remain under the umbrella of KAPA. Spoke in opposition to charging the KAPA Producers fees for putting their shows on. Public access as "right" (accessible to all) - not "pay to play."

Todd Langon: Stated that he agreed with Clark Richters and Rich Cahill Jr. - and that he would like to see all of this resolved at the meeting.

Phil Cosme: Stated that KAPA should retain all editorial rights. Requested clarification on how many shows would be allowed. Stated that people are more interested in the live call-in shows than the calender. Recommended having all six votes in order to approve contract with 7-21 Media Center. Stated that KAPA still had some issues (not clear) with the City of Kingston that might affect the receipt of any (alleged? pending?) grants via Kevin Cahill's office.

Me: Spoke about the KAPA Fundraiser (pending) and submitted fliers regarding same.

Ralph Mitchell: Stated that Plan A from the 7-21 Media Center was difficult to refuse - that these were professionals that had experience in grant writing and technology.

Rich Cahill Jr.: Stated that KAPA is a Quasi Governmental entity and that the 7-21 Media Center contract should contain a liability clause. Stated that the KAPA fundraiser should be broadcast on the air.

Mercedes Ross: Stated that the 7-21 Media Center Contract should be looked at from a "legal perspective" - and that KAPA could add its own addendum's.

Tony Parker: Asked about forms for new producers - application process. Stated that he was willing to work as tech support.

Old Business:

Geri Breen: Addressed a form she had submitted to Commissioner / Temporary Chair Bob Smith at the last meeting regarding alternative sites for KAPA - felt these should still be investigated. Stated that she believed the whole station should be underwritten. Passed out some information links that Clark had given her and other (a paper regarding Walter Cronkite) materials.

New Business:

Shelly Zimbler: Stated that he had spoken to Ralph Ellenbogen about the 7-21 Media Center option and that he agreed with Rich Cahill Jr. (see above) 100%. Stated that KAPA had allowed "three people to take them down." Thanked Geri Breen for all her efforts / work - but stated that he still believed the 7-21 Media Center option was a "life raft to get back on the air." Stated that he had some concerns about the "accessibility" (apparently a problem in the past when KAPA was in the same building under different ownership) issue.

Debra L.: Stated that when KAPA left what was previously the Time Warner building (and is now the 7-21 Media Center) - the key access had been (I'm not clear on the details here) changed.

Mercedes Ross: Stated that she was in favor - maybe - of moving ahead ("short term") with the 7-21 Media Center Contract - but that she had some concerns:
1. KAPA needed to make sure it was protecting its own interests.
2. KAPA should continue to investigate and work with the Mayor (for the long term) in regard to (as a possible KAPA site) the Carnegie building [Geri Breen also spoke in favor of this.]
3. Stated that she agreed with Rich Cahill Jr. that there should be no "pay to play" policy for the producers.
4. Inquired about liability issues.
5. Stated that she would like to be on the new FOPA Board.

Shelly Zimbler: Introduced the newest KAPA Commissioner - Annmarie Harms - Town of Kingston.

Bob Smith: Stated that he had spoken with Mayor Sottile and Kathy Janeczek - was keeping them up to date. Stated that he was for "backing off" the "pay to play" idea - but that a request for a donation (producers, advertising, calender postings) was still viable. Stated that it was time for a "fresh start" - which he believed should include lifting the ban (formerly imposed) on Phil Cosme [This was voted on / approved (4/1) by the KAPA Commissioners that were present.]. Stated that he was "very much in favor" of the 7-21 Media Center contract - and that it was a good idea to put in the conditions / addendum's that members of the group had recommended.

A vote was held on whether to enter into the contract with the 7-21 Media Center - with the addendum's / clauses (if the 7-21 Media Center is receptive) - as suggested above were put in place - and this was approved 4/1.

Geri Breen: Stated that she would be happy to serve as the interface (emails) between the KAPA Commission and the Producers. Stated that new committees needed to be set up ASAP.

A vote was held on honoring the "grandfathering in" idea - letting established producers retain their old time slots - and this was also passed 4/1.

Open Session Prior to Adjournment:

Todd Langon: Asked about the producers that hadn't been utilizing their time slots... [complicated issue at this point]

Phil Cosme: Stated that he was "happy" to be reinstated. Stated that "by law" Time Warner is "supposed to fulfill all financial responsibilities" in regard to KAPA - that KAPA's job was simply to fill the KAPA Producer time slots.

The question (to this effect) was asked [I'm not absolutely sure who asked it, and might not print it if I was...]:

"Why hasn't anyone contacted State Attorney General Cuomo about the fact that Time Warner is not living up to its contract?"

I stated that there was a direct link to Cuomo's office on this blog site, should anyone choose to do so.

Wind Up:

Bob Smith and Shelly Zimbler agreed to turn over their spots on the new FOPA board to Geri Breen and Mercedes Ross.

Postscript:

The vote to contract with the 7-21 Media Center - with addendum's (as suggested by the KAPA Commissioners) was passed. An email (regarding the vote and the addendum's) to the Ellenbogens [apparently in charge of the 7-21 Media Center) was sent out by Commission Chair, Bob Smith, that night. These addendum's (see above) included a "hold harmless" clause.

Rich Cahill Jr. agreed to look over the contract when amended. The KAPA Commission still has to approve and officially sign on to the final contract.

Respectfully submitted [If any errors are noted, please let me know (Some corrections have been made.) --- and I will make corrections as called for.] by,

NS