The columnist Reynolds.
Legislator John Parete presented a Pride of Ulster County award to brothers John and Joe Strauss for assisting in rescuing a badly injured high school skier on Belleayre mountain last winter. Sluicing back in West Shokan family history to the teenagers’ grandparents, Parete told fellow legislators, “I’ve known these boys since before they were born.” Neat trick.
The county legislature gave its unanimous approval to a $1.9 million bond to build a new bridge this year next to the Carmine Liberta Bridge over the Wallkill River west of the New Paltz village. Liberta, a leader in town veterans’ affairs, died in 2006.
Taking the high road, Legislator Donaldson declared, “I know New Paltz needs this bridge, and I know the law doesn’t allow the county to pay for bridges within the City of Kingston, even if we’re looking at $11 million to repair a sinkhole on our main thoroughfare.” Tears welled up in legislators’ eyes.
“But I am going to vote for this bond issue regardless, because [pause for effect] that’s the kind of legislator I am.” Donaldson kept a straight face as he took his seat. Methinks there could have been a sales tax message behind the demeanor.
Of Hugh, Brian and Fran
On something of a busman’s holiday, I motored out to Woodstock for colleague Brian Hollander’s presentation at the town library last Saturday. With apologies to Sinatra’s “That’s Life,” pauper, prince, pawn, etc., the 15-year editor of Woodstock Times has done notable things in his town, not the least serving as town supervisor for four years.
I’ve always viewed politics and journalism as conflicts, but Hollander told his audience his stint in town government gave him insight into the problems of elected officials he covers as a journalist. Makes sense. I know of no other scribe who has drawn up a town budget or appointed anybody dog catcher.
The multi-faceted editor is also an accomplished bluegrass guitarist/vocalist. Hollander capped a one-hour presentation by inviting wife Fran, a popular singer, up for a duet. “You’re like an improved Kitty Wells. You’re prettier and you’re here with us,” an appreciative Randolph Horner told the speaker’s better half. Hollander was pretty good, too.
Some corrections. Congressional candidate Will Yandik says he has more experience in government as a Livingston town board member than Chris Gibson and Kirsten Gillibrand when they first ran for Congress. He did not include former congressman Maurice Hinchey in that comparison. Hinchey did 18 years in the Assembly before running for Congress.
Zephyr Teachout’s team reminds me she endorsed Bernie Sanders for president in December before announcing for Congress in February. I find that a difference without a distinction and I’ve noticed that Teachout hasn’t said much about Sanders since, what with the Hillary Clinton juggernaut heading to New York for the April 19 primary.
A well written article! You have quite clearly pointed out the differences of what was and what is. The CMRR has evolved into something quite different than what was envisioned when the contract was signed back in 1991. The Ulster County government has also evolved into something quite different than what was intended. There in lies the problem.
Some of the conflicts today are carryover conflicts from the past. All stakeholders in the rail controversy should have sealed the folders from the past and started out with a clean slate. In doing so I believe that both the County and the CMRR would be money ahead without the animosity that has been involved since trails became a buzzword a few years ago. I further believe that is all stakeholders shared in the decision making that we would now be working on restoring the Ulster & Delaware corridor so that both trains & trails could co-exist. That co-existence would benefit everyone who lives, works and plays along the Catskill Mountains Scenic Byway. As Yogi said “It’s not over until it’s over!” Lets all sit down an rethink our strategy and salvage a valuable asset to the people of Ulster County, the historic U & D rail corridor.
Mr Reynolds may might need to adjust his story a little when it comes to “The Hat” master Pardini. While the quote stands, It was said that it was in reference to Mrs Parkers claim that the Railroad trains were causing cracks in the road along Ora place. When in effect, it was determined that the local road crew pounding in new guard rail posts between Ora place and the railroad was the culprit in cracks that formed in the road. And while the trash and illegal dumping issue was and will always will be an issue, even in the future with a trail, the Railroad was not the cause of the trash. The Railroad did send a “trash train” out to clean up the area along the tracks at times, leaving the debris at a predetermined spot that the city of Kingston picked up. The cleanup was just not at Frequent enough intervals to satisfy Mrs Parker .
This is a remarkable example of dead journalism. This is more like essay writing, Hugh. You twisted every conceivable fact in order to portray CMRR as misunderstood victims.
What about the FACT that the lease, as legal document, was not upheld by CMRR (new regime, old regime, whatever regime) in many ways that directly impacted the county and county taxpayers as well?
The judge claims that CMRR was not up front about its books thereby avoided a substantial amount of money that should have gone to the county.
The judge agreed that CMRR did not uphold the agreement re rehabilitating track; something like 80 percent wasn’t completed.
The judge agreed that CMRR did not clear brush as required by the lease.
You write, “Hein moved to evict the railroad, claiming failure to meet the terms of the 1991 lease. Nobody is exactly sure how much lawyers have collected since. The railroad puts its share of legal expenses at around $300,000…After failing to bully the railroad into submission through lawsuits, county officials could cite the RFP’s litigation clause in rejecting the homegrown railroad.”
How wrong can you get? CMRR failed to uphold the substantial points of the legal contract (lease) for 23 years, and when finally told to fulfill its responsibilities CMRR sued the county. C’mon, man. That is an uncontested FACT!
Also, how come you haven’t filed a FOIL request for legal cost associated with this lawsuit? Why take the word of CMRR for it? Did you request copies of their legal bills? You simply report what they tell you?
I’d love to hear your take on a contract for work on your home or whatever abused to the extent of the CMRR abuses of that lease and still write that the poor criminals were bullied and are victims for not having lived up to the specs of the contract.
Okay, I know you’re basically retired doing a part-time gig. But, damn Hugh, journalism deserves more than this as do your readers.
Don’t Worry Hugh, The Railroad brought in 1200 people (families with lots of happy kids) last Saturday. Double that of last year. Most know what’s going on with this mess. Toot Toot!