Photos and Brief Commentary Regarding the Working Families Party Kingston Candidates Forum...

Some Photos From the "Working Family Party Kingston Candidates Forum"

(Monday, 5/23/11; City Hall; Kingston, NY) 

Working Family Party Chairman Guy Kempke (sp?) and Alderman Thomas Hoffay [Democrat]

Alderman Hoffay is Running for Re-Election in Ward 2

Working Family Party Chairman Guy Kempke and Alderman Shirley Whitlock [Democrat]

Alderman Whitlock is Running for Re-Election in Ward 4

Working Family Party Chairman Guy Kempke and Nicky Woerner [Democrat], a Candidate for Alderman in Ward 5

Working Family Party Chairman Guy Kempke and Mark Halwick [Democrat], a Candidate for Alderman in Ward 9

Working Family Party Chairman Guy Kempke and UC Legislature David Donaldson [Democrat], a Candidate for Re-Election - UC Legislature - District 6

[Remember, the Legislative Districts Have Been Modified...]

Working Family Party Chairman Guy Kempke and Leonard Walker [Democrat], also a Legislative Candidate (UC) for District 6

Working Family Party Chairman Guy Kempke and UC Legislature Michael Madsen [Democrat],

who is Running for Re-Election (UC Legislature) in District 6

[There are now 3 Candidates Running for this Position that I am Aware Of...]

Working Family Party Chairman Guy Kempke and UC Legislature Jeanette Provenzano [Democrat], who is Running for Re-Election in UC Legislative --- District 7

[Remember the re-structuring of the districts...]

Working Family Party Chairman Guy Kempke and Jeanette Jacobs [Republican],

a Candidate for City of Kingston Mayor

Working Family Party Chairman Guy Kempke and Shayne Gallo [Democrat],

a Candidate for City of Kingston Mayor

Working Family Party Chairman Guy Kempke and Hayes Clement [Democrat],

a Candidate for City of Kingston Mayor

Alderwoman Jen Fuentes (Ward 5) who is Not Running for Re-Election, but Remains Very Active in the Working Family Party

[Thank You Jen!]

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Not Present: 

Diann Keyser [Democrat], a Candidate for Alderman in Ward 5

Clint Brown [Democrat], a Candidate for UC Legislature District 5 [Apologies; I believe it was said that Clint Brown withdrew from the race.]

Others?  Unknown.

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This was a very informative forum where the Chairman of the Working Families Party asked a number of pertinent questions of the Candidates running (thus far / present) for political office in the City of Kingston or on the Ulster County Legislature. 

I also took a number of short-clip videos that might actually make it up on You Tube, FB and/or here.

[I am somewhat "out of my league" (but learning) --- so if any errors have been made here, please let me know as soon as possible.  Thank you!]

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Another post on this is pending, but that will be a biased opinionated post --- so enjoy this one!  I was there as a volunteer for Shayne Gallo, a guest of Jen Fuentes and a concerned citizen / blogger.  I found this event to be very informative --- and I hope the WFP will continue to host such events.

Kudos to the WFP !!!!!

Personal Note... PTSD.... Music Videos...

Just so you know, if you don't already, this will never be a strictly political or community-based blog. I suffer from PTSD and periodically go through what I will term "meltdowns"... Thus, I utilize this blog to convey many different things.

Right now I am having a tough time; but I'm still going to try and show up and cover some events that I have at least tentatively committed to. Other than that, it has to be "take care of me" time - or I risk unraveling further.

I know I look "normal" (except sometimes, lol, when I sing karaoke) --- but what the H is "normal" anyhow?

Do I look like a woman that had three children by the age of 19? Do I look like a woman that lived in a tent for a while with three children? Do I look like a woman that almost drank herself to death and contemplated suicide many, many, many times over?

I have been all of that and more - and like the woman in the video below, I later developed an addiction to perfection (impossible from the get go), education, information gathering and (to the best of my ability) activism.

Right now I am flooded by triggers. It happens. It sucks. It (so far, anyhow) passes...

But I will take this opportunity, like the lady in the video below, to say we need more quality resources to deal with PTSD - as it stems from many different (I am someone that suffered multiple truamas over the course of my life) factors.

I am not familiar with the book that is advertised in the video below, so please do not take that video as a book recommendation. I will, when I can, check it out - and maybe do a bit of a review from another PTSD victim/survivors perspective.

Peace, Love and Human Justice,

NS

Living With PTSD By Kaitlyn Gant

Cher - Perfection

Conversations with my 13 year old self by Pink lyrics

Community Issues... Sunday Morning Update... Blogger Writeup and Opinions Represented... Slight Revisions Pending

[Elvis Presley; "In the Ghetto"; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Ox1Tore9nw]

I have decided to step away from the videos I took (though a valuable baseboard) at Civil Right's Attorney Sussman's open meeting, and simply put forth my own impressions from what (overall) was said. This is partly due to time and health constraints; and partly due to my commitment to creating (or trying to...) harmony (versus discord).

Strong opinions on some topics were stated and okayed for the camera, which I'm sure some reporters (I'm just a blogger and proud to be...) would jump on. However, as I've stated previously (on this blog) - it is my belief that the bottom line issue, in regard to Civil Rights violations here, there and everywhere, is socioeconomic inequality (classism) and the neglect, exploitation and abuse of those that fall within the lower socioeconmic groups. An issue (manifested in many ways; some of which were addressed at the meeting) that reaches across the sexes, the races, the different social, ethnic and religious groups, the non-religious, and the ages.

A long time ago, I approached the City of Kingston Common Council with information (passed out copies) on Oscar Lewis' "Culture of Poverty" study (1966; "Scientific American"). I recommend that article again now - because there is some vital information in it for all of the people and agencies that exist (are sometimes struggling with all they have...) in this city.

It was a general concensus at the meeting Attorney Sussman hosted that the Midtown Area of Kingston has been neglected and mis-handled. I agree, wholeheartedly with that.

In fact, if the mid-city area of Kingston is in the process of being designated a minority-area, I would have to ask why this area has not been the recipient of more help and funding versus (as it appears...) less?

A lot has "gone down" in the City of Kingston that is good.

A lot has "gone down" in the City of Kingston that is (my opinion) discriminatory and exclusive - pushing far too many to the fringes of existance - ignoring thier needs - and/or meeting these needs in ways that are counter-productive. For example, you cannot send someone for alcohol or drug rehabilitation and then send them to live in a drug/crack infested rooming house and expect positive (although a few will squeeze through) results...

And, in regard to the "street crime"?

What do you expect?

Children cannot be neglected, abused, terrorized on the streets or medicated into good behavior. They need safe homes. They need safe schools. They need "safe streets". They need political representatives that put them (the welfare of "our" children) - FIRST!

I heard at the meeting that there is (if any...; corrections, if out there, welcomed!) only one African American on the City of Kingston Police Force.
This should be remedied ASAP.

I heard that there is no longer an NAACP group in the City of Kingston - and I believe this should be remedied ASAP.

I also believe an organization strictly based on the advocacy and empowerment for women and children (to interact with other empowerment groups) is very much called for in this City!

I heard more about the recent sexual harrassment case the situation with the County Jail, and some other issues... and I would advise folks to "clean up thier acts" along with the streets...

Whilst taking a look at how current programs, from religious not-for-profits (are we overwhelmed with these?) to for-profit businesses (there don't appear to be many!) are operating and interacting with the community.

Tourism was brought up as a potential plus plus for the City of Kingston... but that won't happen unless some serious work - that we can visually SEE (and not just on the computer) occurs. Would more quality Bed and Breakfast establishments embellish this possibility? I think. [The key word being "quality."] Are aspiring new businesses facing roadbock after roadblock? So it would appear.

So - how do we simplify and keep high standards? Isn't "that" an issue (Shouldn't bringing in jobs be a priority?) to look at - along with debates about yard sale signs, cat issues and some other items that (I have to agree with a video I saw recently) appear relatively trivial in comparison.

Another issue, big in my book...

Should there be cross-representation - by one person (whomever that person might be) on any of the boards / commissions in the City of Kingston? If someone is on this board and that board and another board (etc), isn't that person being given too much (potential) power in a community that has a broad range of people to select our representatives and leaders from?

And what about the profit v not-for-profit issue? Do we want to live in a City that is based on County Jobs (I am not against these...) and the exploitation (my word; my blog; my opinion) of the less fortunate? [Some of whom certainly play thier part in the a cycle that needs to be looked at from all angles!).

Could some of what is now deemed volunteer work be transformed into paid positions?

And what about the Kingston Area Public Access (KAPA) issue... Doesn't "that" (This was brought up...) deserve some serious scruitiny?

Some folks / groups were given "Kudos" for thier work on behalf of the City of Kingston. Why though, I wonder, do these groups never come together for one common purpose? Why is there an "us against them" mentality? Who IS (this came up, big time) focusing on job creation in the City of Kingston? Why are there so many (reported by others and personally experienced) roadblocks to business creation [not to mention the taxation issue...]?

After all is said and done, and my concerns about writing this in a way that is as non-offensive (but still confrontational...) as possible --- it turns out I am almost freewriting...

And I AM leaving out the most personalized issues brought up - whilst encouraging Attorney Sussman (yes, indeed) to investigate (if this is his intent) these issues (some with names attached) to the fullest.

A LOT was discussed at Attorney Sussman's meeting - and I may choose to return to the topic in the near future. For now, I'm going to leave this topic - with a note that further meetings are reputedly on Attorney Sussman's agenda and anyone / everyone is encouraged to attend / give thier own imput.

I have heard back from Attorney Sussman already - with more (He is working on his own overview of the meeting) pending. I also received the following information (on "PULSES") via email; and I will pass that information along to you here / now (Thank You Kathy!):

"PULSES is a group of over 400 members - including parents of special education students, attorneys, and service providers mostly in Orange County but also in Dutchess, Rockland, Westchester, and Ulster Counties. We currently have a subgroup in Ellenville which is very active and just hosted a special meeting last month. I have a few members from Kingston and am definitely looking to add more to the e-mail group. If you know of any interested parents of special education students, please send me their e-mail addresses and I will add then to the group.

Thanks for your interest in PULSES and I look forward to hearing from you,

Kathy Silgailis"

["The Importance of Little Things..."; Photo by NS]

Please note that I ended up writing this rather quickly (and that my own opinions as a resident and taxpayer in the City of Kingston are represented here...) --- that I "lost" a portion of it --- and that I realize some corrections (in regard to presentation / grammar) are called for (pending). If any factual errors are noted, however, I would appreciate feedback, ASAP. The appropriate (I do have video back-up.) corrections will be made.

Other than that: Happy May 22! It appears as if our latest "Armageddonist" was just another [Shouldn't "fearmongering" be illegal?] blowfish...

["Is THIS a Blowfish?"; Photo by NS]

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings - Maya Angelou

Update... Golden Hill... Sussman... Pulses"... Anglou... "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings..."

[Photo (by NS) of a Book by Maya Angelou (front cover): "I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings."]

I have an inquiry in to Annmarie Claus as to when the next rally for the "Golden Hill Nursing Home" [Keeping It County Run / Making Needed Renovations] will be held. When I have that information I will pass it on to you, along with a way that you can contact your County Legislatures on the matter. In the meantime, that is (here) "on hold" - as I feel it is important to cover the meeting that Attorney Sussman hosted (the papers did not cover this) as soon as I can get all of those materials (from videos I took; research I've done; etc) together.

For now, I want to state that Attorney Michael Sussman checks out - via an internet search - just fine. He is who he says he is - and he appears to have the best interests of Kingston - in particular Mid-Town Kingston (the area of greatest need) - at heart.

I have not been able to upload the videos I took at the meeting (probably just as well) to You Tube; so I am screening them and taking notes on what I deem to be most pertinent. Others that attended the meeting (Robert Smith, Jeannie Edwards, Ismail Shabaz (sp?) and a few other folks) are welcome to chime in; but I'm going to keep the ultimate write-up as issue-centered (versus people/personality-centered) as I can.

One thing that I can pass on - at this moment in time - is a link to "PULSES" ("Parents United Learning the Special Education System"). Attorney Sussman was accompanied by the founder of "same" - and a sheet / link to this organization was provided.

Is this ["PULSES"] organization going to be available to City of Kingston / Ulster County residents? I am not sure (I will fly an email...); but one would guess maybe. And if "PULSES" is a tool of empowerment (it sounds like it is) for these youth and their families - I say "Kudos!" [Wish you were here years ago.........]

The "Pulses" link (copy and paste in search engine line) is: www.pulses-orangecountyny.org

Other than that - for now - if anyone cares to make a list or add to a list of community activist organizations that are currently active in the City of Kingston (some are listed in the sidebar >) - "that" would be much appreciated. Along with a list of businesses - in the City limits - that employ a significant number of people.

Some of these (in both cases) were mentioned at the meeting; others were not. Any assistance here, to develop the most comprehensive outline possible - would be appreciated.

How well do the folks in this community think issues such as sexism, racism, elitism, economic inequality, education, classism and other basic Civil Rights issues are being handled? I was shocked by some of what I heard at the meeting; but heartened by a few others.

So... with a lot more pending... I will leave it there for now [my ulcers are eating my ulcers]... with a reminder that your thoughts and opinions are always welcome here [as long as they are appropriate / non-abusive] as well!

I am going to try to have the full write-up onsite by Sunday. Please (as always) - if you spot any errors - let me know. Appropriate changes (as called for) will be made.

Peace.

Brief Note... Attorney Sussman's Meeting... Golden Hill... Information Overload... You Tube Video

["Eruption"; "I Can't Stand the Rain"; as submitted to You Tube by smartdriverd; http://youtu.be/s7RSTuwKxe8]

Just so you know, the meeting Attorney Sussman hosted did take place - and a report (from my perspective) is pending. I am running behind a bit (I also want to catch up on the Golden Hill issue...); but then, no one pays me to do this...

There is a lot going on in K-town and UC right now - so a little information overload [Stay tuned; I should be able to catch up by Monday] is probably (especially from someone with PTSD / anxiety issues) to be expected.

Peace, Love and Humane Justice,

NS

Privatization VS Pirate-ization... Pic for Now... Commentary Pending...

["Privatization VS Pirate-ization"; Photo by NS]

I had planned to do my writeup on the Golden Hill Health Care Center issue, but I'm on complete overwhelm right now, so the pic will have to do. There are photos from yesterday's rally below - along with some links; and there is another blog posting on this issue further down. Hope you like the pic and idea. I thought it was cute : )

Commentary still pending.......

Some Pics From Today's "Save Golden Hill, Keep It County Run Rally"... Don't Forget... School Board and Budget Vote Today... More Pending...

Some Pics [Photos (except for one) by NS] From Today's "Save Golden Hill, Keep It County Run Rally". More Information (to go with the pics) and a Blogger's Opinion Piece Is Pending.

Remember the School Board and Budget Vote Is Also Today... And Time Is Running Short.

Use Your Voices or Lose Your Choices?

Serious Business Of Late, My Friends!

SAVE GOLDEN HILL, KEEP IT COUNTY RUN RALLY... Link and General Info

["For Those That Bloom At Any Age..."; Photo by NS]

"SAVE GOLDEN HILL, KEEP IT COUNTY RUN RALLY":
https://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/event.php?eid=154288374637201

4PM - 6PM Tomorrow / Ulster County Office Building

Civil Rights Attorney Michael Sussman Hosts Open Meeting to Encourage Grass-Roots Ideas and Activism

Heads Up: On Wednesday, May 18 at 6:45 PM, Civil Rights Attorney Michael Sussman is hosting a public meeting "to solitcit ideas for new grass-roots initiatives in Kingston" ("Kingston Times"; Front Page & P. 7; May 12, 2011). Mr. Sussman is, according to this article, hoping to assist folks in starting "a grass-roots political movement to take on entrenched interests". The meeting will apparently be at 101 Hurley Avenue - but you might want to double check [and if wrong, please pass the info on to me?].

sun dancer

Happy Mothers Day!

City Lights-William Pitt

Great Place to Submit Some Ideas for the City of Kingston:

"Kingston NY Neighborhood Watch 150 Good Ideas for Kingston": http://www.kingston-ny-neighborhood-watch.com/2011/05/150-good-ideas-for-kingston.html

List Made Regarding New Paltz:

"100 Ideas for New Paltz": http://100ideas.wordpress.com/

Other Places to Check Out for Ideas:

Rhinebeck

Woodstock

[Nice places to drive through... safer streets... lots of good things going on!]

Lights. Flowers that last all summer. Color. Action.

Colored Lights can also (inexpensively) make a world of difference...

[Too tired to think of anything else right now...]

Photos from Shayne Gallos Fundraiser at Mariners Harbor and the Surrounding Waterfront Area

[Beautiful Tulips Down At the Waterfront; Photo by NS]

[Bob thought this was dinner...; but there was a feast in the back room; Photo by NS; Hand by Jeremy Blaber...]

[Good Food, Good People and a Nice Place for a Good Cause...; Good Luck Mr. Gallo; Photo by NS]

[Happy Faces; Bob Smith and City of Kingston Alderman Landi; Photo by NS]

[Is This Beautiful or What? Blossoms on the Waterfront; Photo by NS]

[The New, Much Publicized Walkway on the Waterfront; Beautiful!; Photo by NS]

[I think I read that there were about 400 people at the Gallo fundraiser & there were surely a LOT of them! If I took your photo and it isn't here, it was either too blurry or someone stepped in front of the camera; whopper of a party!; Photo by NS]

[Mariner's Harbor hosted the Gallo Fundraiser and did an excellent job! Thank You. Photo by NS]

[Down by the Waterfront; Beautiful!; Photo by NS]

[[UC Legislature Michael Madsen (He always has that smile!); Photo by NS]

[The Bernardos Looked Like Happy Campers!; Photo by NS]

[All in all - "Just Ducky!" Photo by NS]

Photo from Shayne Gallo's Fundraiser [More Pending]

[Shayne Gallo's (Running for City of Kingston Mayor) Fundraiser; Mariner's Harbor; 5/4/2011; Photo by NS]

More Photos Pending - Along With Some Beautiful Photos of the City of Kingston Waterfront.

City of Kingston City Council Meeting Citizen Notes On Open Speaking Session Issues

[UC Legislature J. Provenzano; Photo by NS]

At tonight's City of Kingston City Council Meeting (Open Speaker Session), UC Legislature, Jeanette Provezano spoke on behalf of keeping the Ulster County Health Center in County (versus making a transition to private) hands. Two employees of the facility also spoke (in a similar manner) on this topic - and a very good case was built (in my opinion) for doing so.

Also discussed were issues of public safety (blocked roadways) / children on bikes with no helmets - and the registration / regulations / fees / etc. for lawn and/or garage sales.

A possible bike helmet collection and give-away is reputedly in the works.

The garage sale issue [John Burridge showed up with a petition with 511 signatures against limiting / regulating and/or charging a fee for garage / lawn sales) - and this issue seems to have been dropped (?) for the time being.

We did not stay for the rest of the City Council meeting; but what we saw / heard "was" interesting; and I wish more people would (when they can) attend.

[Flowers Outside Kingston City Hall; Photo by NS]

If I spelled anyone's name wrong - or otherwise made an error - please let me know and [if appropriate] this will be corrected. Thank you.

[Photo by NS]

Happy Spring!

Video... Colbert Report... Progressives United... Russ Feingold...

Copied and Pasted:

"Watch the video of Progressives United Founder Russ Feingold on The Colbert Report talking about the new Super PACs that corporations are using to pour millions of dollars into our elections.

If you're just an average American who wants to have a say in how our country is run, sign our "I don't have a Super PAC" pledge and join us."

["The Colbert Report / Progressives United - Russ Feingold"; http://www.progressivesunited.org/action/colbertvideo?utm_source=sp&utm_medium=e&sc=sp]

Lady Gaga - Born This Way (Audio)

Homes for Heroes - Sen. Schumer

Prescription Drug Abuse

R Maddow on GOP Hypocrisy... Direct Transfer... Big Government V Small Government... Shocking Potentialities... msnbc.com

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Hinchey Speaks on House Floor Against 2012 Republican Budget

Mayoral Candidate Shane Gallo Photos from March 2011 Midtown Kingston

Some photos from Shane Gallo's MidTown appearance and speech [Mr. Shane Gallo is in the running for the City of Kingston Mayor position [Please correct me if I stated this wrong!]

"Social Security: Keep the Promise"... AmericasFuture... You Tube

["Social Security: Keep The Promise"; as submitted to You Tube by AmericasFuture; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n3O_ZoCyCbQ&feature=player_embedded]

Domestic Violence... Cults... Gangs... PTSD... Recipes for Disaster... Community Needs...

I've been needing to do some writing for a while - but can't find the time or the willingness to probe the darkness that is (for my topic) required. Thus, I put up the following videos, which I urge you to view at your own discretion. I do not know if factnet is a viable source anymore or not. Some cult awareness resources do get infiltrated and/or bought out by cults - and I haven't done that type of research (am not up to date) in quite some time.

Why did I pick these particular videos?

1. I've always had some degree of difficulty seeing where the line gets drawn between "cults" (per se) and "gangs".

2. Most youth and other folks that get involved in cults and/or gangs (based on the research I have done) have - even before getting involved in "same" - a history of family dysfunction and/or trauma.

3. I believe that prevention is KEY - but since we are "so far gone" in "so many ways" - bringing in some professionals (in the area of PTSD / Dissociative Disorders) that know how to deal with dysfunctional family systems, cults and gangs should be a high priority at every level (local to national) of society.

4. Just my opinion... but I see a lot of "the blind leading the blind" around here - and we are going to have to do better than that if we want to find our way up and out of the mess we are in.

Just thoughts. As noted, please view the following videos at your own discretion.

PTSD in children & adolescents exposed to domestic violence