“People expect their government to be lean, efficient and business-friendly,” said Polacco. “My administration will be business-friendly.”
Polacco also believes that the city has not done enough to take advantage of what he calls “crown jewels” like the Rondout waterfront, Dietz Stadium and Kingston’s status as New York’s first capital. Polacco said that he recalls the days when demolition derbies and softball exhibitions drew crowds to the stadium and revenue into the city. Polacco said that he saw similar potential in the Catskill Mountain Railroad. The tourist train was on the verge of eviction in favor of a walking and biking trail until a series of well-attended special events brought thousands of visitors into the city, as well as support for its continued operation.
“I support the Catskill Mountain Railroad. I think the Catskill Mountain Railroad has put Kingston on the map for train enthusiasts,” said Polacco, who favors keeping the railroad in place and extending its run to the Ashokan Reservoir.
Noble, meanwhile expressed support for a “rail with trail” plan that would shut down a portion of the rail line in Midtown Kingston while extending the route — alongside a bike/walking path — out to the reservoir.
City manager? Bike lanes?
The candidates differed sharply on few issues, notably the potential reinvention of city government by means of a charter commission. The city charter was last revised in the 1990s when a commission put forth and voters approved the institution of the current “strong mayor” form of government. Noble said he, if elected, would convene another charter commission to look at all aspects of city government. Among the most drastic potential changes would be the institution of a “city manager” system that would place responsibility for day-to-day operations of city government in the hands of a paid professional hired by and working at the pleasure of the Common Council. The mayor would then become a largely ceremonial post with a nominal salary. Noble didn’t endorse a city manager system and in fact expressed reservations about whether it would accomplish its goal of insulating city government from politics. But he said he would leave “all options on the table” for consideration by the charter commission and, later, voters.
Polacco, meanwhile, said he would stick by the strong mayor system. “The last thing we need is another unelected bureaucrat running around City Hall collecting salary, benefits and insurance,” said Polacco.
The candidates also diverged on their support for the “Building a Better Broadway” project which would include the creation of protected bike lanes along the length of Broadway. Some business owners have complained that the state-funded plan would eliminate dozens of urgently needed parking spaces and hurt their business. Noble faulted designers of project for failing to solicit business owners’ opinions before rolling out the bike plane proposal. He also said that he’d wait until a major renovation project at Kingston High School and a more comprehensive solution to neighborhood parking issues was in place before placing bike lanes on the most congested stretch of Broadway.
“It’s a good project. I believe it can work,” said Noble, who noted that the bike lanes are just one aspect of the Broadway plan. “We can have a bike lane on Broadway and still have it meet the needs of the business owners and really truly take advantage of this opportunity.”
Polacco, meanwhile, said he would listen to business owners opposed to the plan and blamed city officials for seeking grant money for the plan instead of more pressing infrastructure issues.
“The concept of a bike lane … is certainly one to explore,” said Polacco. “But not at the detriment of the businesses on Broadway. This is what this plan has done.”
Both candidates are running largely grass-roots campaigns heavy on door-to-door electioneering and light on radio spots and billboards. Noble has relied on an enthusiastic corps of volunteers and small house parties to help spread his message. After the primary, Noble opened a campaign headquarters in a highly visible location in the Millard Building on Broadway.
Polacco, meanwhile, is running on the slogan “my headquarters is your front porch.” He estimates he’s knocked on 4,000 doors and worn out three pairs of shoes since kicking off his campaign in June.
“I’m just focusing on what I’m doing,” said Polacco when asked if he was concerned about the flimsy Republican slate in the upcoming election. “I’ll bring my message to the people and let the rest take care of itself.”
