Ward 5 Meeting Notes... Citizen blogger... Important Updates...

Alderman Jen Fuentes did such a great job providing Ward 5 meeting notes [via KingstonCitizens.org Ward 5 group...] last month that I hesitated [this month] to post any here. 

Instead - in case Jen is busy - I will do a brief writeup here [since I'm a compulsive notetaker...] - and keep an eye on KingstonCitizens.org Ward 5 group - in case I missed anything Jen has to add.

I personally thought it was a great meeting - and I would encourage other Ward 5 residents to come to these meetings! 

Jen gave an update on some City Council considerations and decisions; stated that she had been made the Chairperson of a group that is going to look into ways in which City health care / benefit costs might be reduced [even though current union contracts won't expire until 2012]; and pulled together a committee to pursue the Ward 5 block party idea [I'm on board...] that I suggested, complete with [if we can pull together around $500] a "Mr. Bouncy" and some other fun family things! 

Are you [Ward 5 residents...] interested in being involved / having a say in the latter?  Please let Jen know --- and/or feel free to post thoughts and ideas here!  The YMCA park was a suggested location --- but that needs to be checked into... permission granted... etc... so stay tuned!  Thus far, we are looking at a potential August date.

Other than that, Mike D'Arcy was present and noted that Ward 5 does not - as of yet - have a Kingston Neighborhood Watch "Block Steward" and/or "Ward Steward" [I think we lack both... but I'm not 100% positive!] 

So please give this [these positions] some consideration --- and [if possible] attend tomorrow's Kingston Neigborhood Watch "Sunday Meeting in the Park!"  [10:30AM / Academy Green / 238 Clinton Ave (See the KNW site for more details.)]  [I don't know if I can make this meeting - or if it is apt to be cancelled due to thunderstorms or heavy rain (?)  [I think it might be a good idea (considering the forecast) to take an umbrella!]

Other than that, Attorney Shane Gallo was present to give an update on Elizabeth (sp?) Manor, the "Nuisance Law" and the process being followed to address complaints.

I am not going to write that up here, however [I don't have the specifics down well enough...] --- except to say that some recommendations [regarding Elizabeth Manor] have been made - and that the part of the situation that most disturbs me - is Elizabeth Manors [a boarding house that apparently houses (amongst others) individuals that are fresh out of and/or involved in the Corrections system] proximity to George Washington School. 

It was noted that college dorms have reasonable rules - and even motels / hotels have rules...

Why not [I'm talking about basics, like evictions due to disorderly conduct, drug use, arrests, etc.] boarding houses?

The story there continues to unfold... with Jen pegged to look into a few things, as well.

Also discussed was the "Block by Block" program (Correct wording?) - some problems [i.e., absentee landlord issues...] and some [Overall, this seems to be going well.] successes...

I believethe process, if one gets a violation [code violations] --- goes like this:

1.  You receive both a violation and an "order of remedy."

2.  You have 2 weeks to resolve the issue without penalty.

3.  Then, if the issue is not resolved - another violation will be filed [this one attached to a $150 fine...]

4.  And so forth...

If violations are not resolved in a timely manner, court proceedings will ensue and the situation - left chronically unresolved - could become [Quick, fix it!] quite costly.

If I recorded "any" of that wrong - please correct me!

I am not a professional.  I am simply [I consider this innovative and intrinsically motivated volunteer work.] a citizen blogger.

Thank you Alderman Fuentes, Mr. D'Arcy, Mr. Gallo and all other attendees!

This [the Ward meetings] is new territory for Ward 5 --- and very welcome! 

Please know that your taking time out of your busy schedules for this purpose is very much appreciated!

Re: Kingston Neighborhood Watch Update at Last Night's Kingston City Council Meeting

KNW Mascot?

Mike D'Arcy, of the Kingston Neigborhood Watch (KNW) [The first meeting was on April 13th, 2010], came across clear and assertive (during the open speaking session) at last night's

Kingston City Council meeting. 

Mr. D'Arcy (These are not direct quotes /and some of my own thoughts / inserts have slipped in....) stated:

A)  that the 2nd KNW meeting (May 18) went well [He thanked Alderman Hoffay, Alderman Fuentes, Alderman Turco-Levin and Alderman Clement for attending.]

B) that the 1st KNW neighborhood walk (May 27th) went well.

C) that a 3rd KNW meeting is planned for this coming Sunday morning (10:30 AM) at the Academy Green Park [See the KNW site for more information, to sign up and/or for meeting details] - and that the KNW will continue the process of people getting to know each other, their Block Stewards, Ward Stewards, etc.

D) that new Neighborhood Watch community walks (The last was noted as "successful.") are [This will also be discussed at the upcoming meeting.] in the offing

E) that he doesn't see a need for more youth programming in the City; but instead, perceives a need for an evaluation (or "audit") of the youth programs that are already in place [Are these working?  If not, why not?]

F) that he is upgrading his own skills via taking a "Citizens Police Academy course" --- and via continued communications with community members and City authorities;

G) that he is concerned about a lack of participation by the people in Ward 8 --- and would appreciate it if Ward 8 Alderman Bob Senor would return his calls

H) that he (Mr. D'Arcy) was in communication with the FBI in the hopes of bringing gang awareness seminars (The right word?) into Kingston High School and/or [This would be good too!] the community at large.

I) that he would really like to see the Mayor participate in the KNW and walks (as the Poughkeepsie Mayor has done...); and...

J).  that he would give monthly KNW updates at upcoming Kingston City Council meetings.

Mr. D'Arcy stated that he heard one person state to a child - whilst in the midst of the last Neighborhood Watch walk - "not to worry, this is a good thing."  Some whistles (for safety purposes) were reputedly given out enroute.

---------------------------------------------------------

To wrap this up:

1.  The next KNW meeting [see the KNW site (direct link in sidebar...) for details] is this Sunday, June 13th, 10:30AM - at the Academy Green Park - 238 Clinton Avenue.

2.  The KNW is also going to be involved [in conjunction with the Everett Hodge Midtown Community Center, community volunteers, etc.] in the midtown "Midtown Make a Difference Day" on June 19 [11AM - 4PM - Franklin Street]

3.  Something new - and potentially very important - is happening in KNY.  Why not (Citzens have been voicing safety concerns for a long time...) be a part of it ?

Generally speaking, the more people that get involved in the KNW --- the safer it will be for the founders (Mr and Ms D'Arcy); the active participants; and the residents (Including our children!) of the City of Kingston.

[I took notes at this meeting - and looked up various dates, etc. - but if I heard or recorded anything in error - or if there is something you would like to add - let me know!  Corrections will be made as necessary]

Gulf Oil Spill... Heartbreaking... BP Accountability... Poll Link... Earth Song Michael Jackson You Tube Video

I've posted this video [from You Tube] before; but it seems appropriate - at this point in time - again.

["Michael Jackson - Earth song"; as submitted to You Tube by YourMusicAndLyrics on 3/4/2008; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0gJcNBKiyMI ]

http://environment-msnbc.newsvine.com/_question/2010/06/07/4475753-should-the-federal-government-pursue-criminal-charges-against-bp-and-other-companies-involved-in-the-oil-spill-

"poll Americans want charges against BP - Washington Post- msnbc.com"; http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/37558610/ns/us_news-washington_post

There are related videos posted below.

Yo Moms... and All of the People That Love and Respect Moms... Passing This On From My Email... MomsRising.Org

Photo by NS

"Dear Friend,


Last week, the New York Times reported that more and more moms are losing their jobs and turning to welfare for one shocking reason: They simply can't afford to work.

Can't afford to work?! How could that be? Well, it turns out that too often the high cost of childcare is more than the pay that moms bring home to support their families. It's a catch-22. Many modern families now need the wages of two breadwinners to put food on the table.

“It’s a blow to my own self-image and self-worth as a person who can take care of myself,” explains a mom in Tuscon. “I’m totally able, physically and intellectually, to continue working. But I can’t work without child care, and I can’t afford child care without work.”[1]

There are federal programs in place that can help solve this child care crisis—but Congress needs to invest in them.

That's why I signed a petition today urging Congress to put families back to work by investing in affordable, quality child care. If we join together by signing this petition we can remind Congress that working families are essential to our nation's economic recovery.

Can you join me and sign on todayhttp://action.momsrising.org/cms/sign/CCDBG_petition_2010/
 
It only takes a sec!

*With one click you’ll be standing up for the millions of working parents across the country! We'll be delivering this to Congress

As cash-strapped states slash funding for programs that help families afford child care, moms are often caught in a terrible bind – many can’t find work that pays enough to afford safe care for their kids, and they can’t work at all without safe care.

All you have to do is look at the numbers to see why investing in child care is key to our economic recovery:

- 71.3 % of women with children are in the labor force.[2]

- Child care is one of the major costs for working families; for low-income families, child care is one of the largest expenditures after housing, eating up nearly 30% of a household budget for a family below the poverty line.[3]

We need to take action now. Cash-strapped states across the country are slashing programs that make childcare affordable for working families just when these programs are most needed. At least twelve states are making cuts to their child care assistance programs or child care quality initiatives.[4] And as the New York Times reported, this means many moms have no other choice but welfare, slowing our economic recovery down even more and leaving kids in the lurch.[5]

Existing funds are already stretched too tight, leaving teachers in a bind. Teachers and care givers already subsidize these child care costs by working for low wages and few benefits. Only 20 of 821 occupations reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics have lower average wages than child care workers.[6] Over a third of child care workers leave the field each year, many because they can't afford to do the jobs they love without decent pay and benefits.[7]

That’s why families, child care providers, advocates and others are joining together to speak out for increased federal investments to make early care and education affordable.

Together, we can get families working again and care for our children. Sign on today!

http://action.momsrising.org/cms/sign/CCDBG_petition_2010/

And please pass this message along to everyone you know. The power of thousands of moms standing together is so great even Congress can’t ignore it!

Together we are a powerful voice for families.

[1] Peter S. Goodman, ”Cuts to Child Care Subsidy Thwart More Job Seekers,” New York Times, May 23, 2010, A-1 (http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/24/business/economy/24childcare.html?pagewanted=1&hp)

[2] U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Women in the Labor Force: A Databook. September 2009. (http://www.bls.gov/cps/wlf-databook2008.htm)

[3]Mark Lino & Andrea Carlson, "Expenditures on Children by Families," 2008.

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion, 2009 (http://www.cnpp.usda.gov/Publications/CRC/crc2008.pdf)

[4]U.S. Census Bureau, "Who’s Minding the Kids? Child Care Arrangements: Summer 2006" (Detailed Tables) (http://www.census.gov/population/www/socdemo/child/tables-2006.html)

[5] National Women’s Law Center, “Supporting State Child Care Efforts With ARRA Funds and Summary,” April 13, 2010 (http://www.nwlc.org/pdf/ARRAReportSummaryApril2010.pdf)

[6] Peter S. Goodman, ”Cuts to Child Care Subsidy Thwart More Job Seekers,” New York Times, May 23, 2010, A-1 (http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/24/business/economy/24childcare.html?pagewanted=1&hp)

[7] United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, "May 2009 National Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates

United States" http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_nat.htm#00-0000"

On the Devastating BP Oil Spill and Accountability

["BP slimes away from protest"; as submitted to You Tube by RTAmerica on 6/4/2010; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i_JHj_b0uWg&feature=channel ]

["There's another BP oil spill?"; as submitted to You Tube by RTAmerica on 6/4/2010; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U4kly6TynvA ]

Please note that I do not endorse or oppose the ads that pop up on these videos.  I would suggest - since I haven't done so and checked out the safety of these sites - that you do not click on them.  Further research, if you so choose [of course, other viewpoints exist] - can be done by other means.  Thank You.