Monday, December 22, 2014

Jehovah's Witnesses purchase Fishkill apartment complex

They purchased Rivercrest Apartments located on Route 9D for around $57 million.

It appears that this is a non for profit and this money will be coming off the tax roles impacting the town and Beacon City School District.

Tuesday, December 16, 2014

Republican Legislator arrested for sexualy molesting Fishkill Boy Scouts

The State Police, have arrested a Dutchess County Republican Legislator for Sexual Abuse, a Felony. The incident involved Boy Scouts from the Town of Fishkill. It occurred on a trip in upstate NY.

Thursday, December 4, 2014

Grand Jury clears former Fishkill Recreation Director

A Dutchess County Grand Jury cleared the former Fishkill Recreation Director. With a No True Bill last October.

There were allegations that the director misused $50,000  of department monies.

Sunday, November 16, 2014

Letter in 11/16/14 Poughkeepsie Journal

Protecting water should be job No. 1 for officials

On Nov. 9, the Journal published an interesting Sunday story by environmental reporter John Ferro about water usage in the U.S. It was good to see that even though the population is growing, water use is down. That is because environmental conservation methods in energy plants and irrigation have been successful. This also shows that those who call for the end of the Environmental Protection Agency and deregulation are wrong. In a state blessed with great drinking water, we should do whatever it takes to keep this resource, which is more valuable than fossil fuels, pure.

As a Fishkill resident. I have seen problems with our drinking water. The Merritt Park Water District, which covers Toll Brothers near Wal-Mart, and the Brinkerhoff Water District, which covers Dutchess
 Park, have had water issues declared by the state Department of Health. These issues happen due to bad planning and snow season. Localities need to consider water before they issue high-density zoning variances. They also need to see if it’s feasible to use less salt on the roads. Lobbying our state officials to do the same on I-84 also would help. Protecting our water resources should be job No. 1 for all our elected officials. 

Ozzy Albra

Fishkill

Wrestling Update

On 11/15/14 the Police Cadets and PBA hosted a wrestling event to benefit the cadets. It was a packed house and the event was great. Me and my son enjoyed the event!

11/12/2014 Fishkill Town Board Meeting

Mr. Ori Brachfeld was appointed to the open board seat vacated by Councilman Curry. Congratulations to Ori.

The board hired another town attorney at a $85,000 a year salary including benefits. Councilman Buck voted no.

This was also a end run on civil service laws and the supervisor used the same argument hiring the lawyer as the previous supervisor did in hiring a law firm to the tune of $600,000. This is a waste of taxpayer money and only serves to protect the electeds at taxpayer expense.

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

Recreation Case Update

The town board at todays meeting, stated that the former Recreation Director that was being investigated by the county. Was issued a No True Bill, which means no indictment.

Allegations of fraud were made.

Thursday, October 23, 2014

Letter published in Southern Dutchess

Great job by Fishkill Town historian Willa Skinner. Who was able to recognize the work of patriot Samuel Loudon. Loudon, was a newspaper man who published the NY Packet during the American Revolution. He also printed the first 2000 copies of the NYS Constitution in Fishkill. In a article, by this paper. A Fishkill resident is quoted that this was a “delayed recognition.” This is not true. In 1929, the Melzingah Chapter of the Daughters of the Revolution recognized his importance. With a marker based in stone near the same area as the new marker.
 

Over the years as development engulfed Fishkill. The original marker went “missing.” This is not the first time a marker that documented Fishkill’s history was dishonored. Sometime during the 1970’s. The monument that identified the Revolution War Burial Ground. Was moved from the Rt. 9 Van Wyck corner, to the Van Wyck homestead north of the site. A few decades later a gas station was built on that hallowed ground.

Wednesday, October 15, 2014

Councilman Curry resigns

He resigned at the 10/15/14 town board meeting.

Wednesday, September 24, 2014

Fishkill Taken off States Fiscal Stress list

The 67% tax increase in the last 2 years had allowed Fishkill to be taken off the states Fiscal Stress list.

Friday, September 19, 2014

Spay & Neuter for Cats Set for Sept. 25 in Fishkill

Fishkill Cares for Cats will be held at the Town of Fishkill Town Hall, 807 Route 52, on Thursday, Sept. 25. For more, visit soundearth.com/fishkillcares or call 845-489-2378.

Pro Wrestling in Fishkill November 15th

Ric Flair and Ricky Steamboat Set For Joint Appearances For Big time Wrestling 
Posted by Larry Csonka on 09.18.2014 

 

- Big Time Wrestling announced today that Ric Flair and Ricky Steamboat will be making joint appearances at The MassMutual Center in Springfield, MA on November 14th and Fishkill Recreation Center in Fishkill, NY on November 15th. Fans can meet the legends and take a photo with both. Full details in the press release below…
"NATURE BOY" RIC FLAIR AND RICKY "THE DRAGON" STEAMBOAT TO MAKE JOINT APPEARANCES FOR RARE TANDEM PHOTO AND AUTOGRAPH OPPORTUNITY!

Read more at http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/news/335537#C31XAfWF7c70Ubwh.99

Monday, August 25, 2014

GAP staying in Fishkill and expanding

Today Governor Cuomo announced that the GAP in Fishkill will be expanding not moving. It will also create up to 1200 jobs and invest $96 million.

Circle M cleanup begins

For more local news, check out the papers website it is free.

http://midhudsonnews.com/News/2014/August/25/Chelsea_remed-25Aug14.html

The remediation is under the state’s Brownfield Cleanup Program with cleanup by Chelsea Waterfront Development, LLC with oversight by the state Department of Environmental Conservation.

Monday, July 28, 2014

Fishkill Officer assaulted at Walmart

Police are attempting to locate the following male for theft and assault of a police officer. Contact Detective Vidal at 845-831-1110 if you can help.

Monday, July 21, 2014

Friends of Fishkill Supply Depot receives battlefield preservation grant

http://midhudsonnews.com/News/2014/July/21/FishSupDep_grant-21Jul14.html

For more free local news, check out the papers website.

FISHKILL – The Friends of the Fishkill Supply Depot has received a grant of $24,600 from the National Park Service’s American Battlefield Protection Program.

The funds will be used to create maps that depict archeological features of the property, which was George Washington’s principal supply depot during the Revolutionary War, said Friends Director Lance Ashworth.
“This site, because it is a Revolutionary War site, is not eligible for acquisition funds through the National Park Service, but it is eligible for preservation funds and those sorts of things can be used for archeological studies, historical studies, mapping, things like that, and in this case, we have asked the National Park Service for $24,600 to hire a firm to come in and first identify then locate and then consolidate all of the archeological studies that have been done at the Fishkill Supply Depot,” Ashworth said.

From the studies, the first aggregate report will be formulated.

The Supply Depot group has also secured a $1,200 matching grant from the Hudson River National Heritage for a fall conference with local governments and stakeholders to discuss the historical significance of the Fishkill Depot site.

There are an estimated 320 unmarked graves of soldiers on the property.

Wednesday, July 16, 2014

Brian Callahan appointed to town board

Former Councilman Brian Callahan was appointed to the vacant seat vacated by Tim Tuttle at the 7/16/14 Fishkill Town Board meeting.

Congratulations.

Saturday, July 12, 2014

Letter to Southern Dutchess & Poughkeepsie Journal about Consolidation

State Budget Director Robert Megna recently awarded the Town of Fishkill a consolidation grant. He also issued a report and I read it. Megna's report is incomplete and lacks the following important facts.
» Megna mentions that town Supervisor Bob LaColla took over a mess. He fails to mention it was a Republican who took over for a Republican.
» He fails to include in his report whether the City of Beacon or the Village of Fishkill are interested in consolidation. Neither mayor was mentioned in the report.
» Megna states that the board worked to correct Fishkill's deficiencies. That is not true. The board voted no for a 53 percent tax increase, but the budget passed by default, reverting back to the preliminary budget, which included the 53 percent tax increase.
» Beacon makes money on sewer from Fishkill.
» The Village of Fishkill makes money from the Town of Fishkill on water.
» Will Democrat-run Beacon and the Independent-run Village of Fishkill support bailing out a Republican local at the risk to their taxpayers?
» Megna suggests police consolidation. If Megna checked, he would see that the town suspended its police chief for eight months without cause, demoted two captains, and six sergeants and put two detectives on road patrol. Will the village or city Patrolmen's Benevolent Association agree to work with the town?
I don't know if water, sewer and police in Fishkill will be consolidated, but I do know that Republican-appointed lawyers and engineers will make some easy cash on the backs of the taxpayers of the state.
Ozzy Albra
Fishkill

Monday, June 30, 2014

NYS Grants Fishkill fiscal relief for Police consolidation

http://www.frb.ny.gov/recsDeterms/reports/TownofFishkill_ComprehensiveReviewReport.pdf
Story calls Fishkill problems as Good Old Fashion Government Bloat.
Its also calls for consolidating water and sewer with Beacon and Fishkill Village.
Also police consolidation.

Saturday, June 21, 2014

Facebook comments on Chief Williams return

  • Stanley Still ·  Top Commenter · F.D.Roosevelt High School
    Good does triumph over evil! Your reputation as a police officer and decent human being is above reproach. I am so happy for you.
    • Jenn Brandt
      Proud to hear that the Chief of Police with return to full duties after an unjustified suspension. It's just to bad that the employees of the pd have to hear of the outcome via the Poughkeepsie Journal....
      • Glenn Rees
        This man has proven himself to not only be a outstanding Police Officer, a father and brother to many. His true spirit and honor has resulted in a positive outcome for him and his family.
        Its easy for others to assume the worst of one man they have never had contact with but I wanted to endorse his credibility as an individual that will always be valued by others some of whom live overseas. Be proud Sir because we are of you. Glenn Rees Manchester UK..
        • Robin W. Hall ·  Top Commenter · Highland, New York
          so that's it ?
          a lot of unanswered questions here . . .
          • Joe James Feuer
            I've known Chief Williams for over 25 years and I worked for him for 11. The man built the department from the ground up. There was no Town of Fishkill Police before Don Williams. When have you heard in the news about any big controversy in the TFPD like almost every other department at one time or another? You haven't! The Chief runs an independent department and doesn't accept political interference or pressure with his operation. Maybe THATS the incentive to replace him?? And when all is said and done. "Welcome back.". ... Not to mention, after a lifetime of dedication to public service, THATS the photo used?? How about a followup article detailing the real Don Williams? Retired school teacher. The only thing "part time" about Chief Williams is the pay. He works a full time schedule, and when he's not in the office, he still knows everything that's happening. He still jumps in the car at all hours to assist. How about his "off time"? That would be decades of going from a Police car to a fire truck. Yes. Decades of volunteer fire service. You know, if it came out after all these years that the Chief was in fact "dirty"...Then yes, that would cancel out the good. But of all people to throw into the spotlight with secret accusations, only to say "OK, sorry, nothing there" with a photo that it must have taken hours to find.....I sure hope there is a follow up to this story.
            • Janet Minutolo ·  Top Commenter
              Hypocrite politicians. Yeah, YOU'LL put it behind you...you weren't unjustly accused. Bless your patience Chief.

            Thursday, June 19, 2014

            Fishkill town police chief returns to duty

            For more free local news, check out this papers website.

            http://midhudsonnews.com/News/2014/June/19/FishkillPolChief-19Jun14.htm

            FISHKILL – Fishkill Town Police Chief Donald Williams, who has been off the job for seven months when he was suspended for unspecified reasons, is going to return.

            Town Supervisor Robert LaColla said the long-time chief is expected to be back on the job shortly.

            “All the disciplinary charges against the chief have been withdrawn by the town board and he will be restored to his position as police chief. The date of his return is still being worked out, but we expect that to be very soon,” he said.
            The town board authorized paying Williams $7,500 for lost wages.

            The charges against the chief were never made public.

            Williams and the entire Fishkill Town Police Department is part-time with the exception of full-time dispatchers.

            Monday, April 21, 2014

            Fishkill considers naming rec/senior center for fallen vets

            http://midhudsonnews.com/News/2014/April/21/TFish_vets-21Apr14.html

            For more free local news, check out the papers website as I do daily.

            FISHKILL – Town Councilman Timothy Tuttle has proposed naming the town’s recreation/senior center after two Vietnam veterans from Fishkill who died in combat.

            He suggested the facility be named for Robert Bruce and Michael Garlo.

            Town Supervisor Robert LaColla said possible naming the center for veterans will be explored.

            “There is a big place in everybody’s hearts for our veterans here in the Town of Fishkill,” LaColla said.  “There is a war memorial right on the Town Hall campus, so everybody believes in expressing their honor.  It was floated out as an idea. It is early in the discussion. It may be naming for a specific war group or an individual.”

            At the same time, Fishkill resident and veteran Anthony Costa is urging the town board to update the town’s veterans’ exemption.

            Thursday, April 17, 2014

            Fishkill Assemblyman Lalor has second PAC account gaming veterans

             http://www.thehudsonvalleynews.com/News/Entries/2014/4/18_Lalor_tied_to_second_PAC.html

            For more Dutchess County news, check out the papers website.






                


                Despite claims to the New York Post  and Poughkeepsie Journal that he is closing down a Super PAC he operates, Assemblyman Kieran Michael Lalor(R-105th) is now also being tied to a second Super PAC. 

                Lalor recently told the press that he was shutting down his Afghanistan and Iraq Veterans for Congress PAC due to time constraints and family obligations.  He stated, "There's 24 hours in a day, I have family, I have friends, there is only so much I can do."  Meanwhile, according to the Federal Election Committee website, the assemblyman applied to organize a second PAC, Warriors for Liberty, in May of 2013.  The statement of organization listed Lalor's personal email address and Fishkill home address as the contact information, and initially named himself as the custodian of records.  His wife, Mary Jo Lalor, was originally listed as treasurer, though she may not have ever served in that position. 

                The assemblyman has been questioned by the media for the last few years about the Afghanistan and Iraq Veterans for Congress PAC and its operating expenses, as only five percent of the 1.8 million dollars raised had actually been given directly to the veterans it was donated for.  Asssemblyman Lalor's current chief of staff, Christopher Covucci, was the treasurer of this PAC.  He was replaced by Scott Mackenzie, whom Lalor told the press he does not know.  

                Mackenzie is a nationally known campaign finance consultant who uses seemingly predatory direct mail tactics to secure campaign donations, often in the name of veterans. Mackenzie is linked to direct market firms, Base Connect and Legacy List Marketing, both of whom Lalor employed for his own direct mail operations.  Both Base Connect and Legacy List made $1,000 campaign contributions to Lalor's 2012 assembly campaign.  Several other PACs, overseen by Mackenzie, also made sizeable contributions to the same campaign.  Both the Black Republican PAC and Conservative Strike Force PAC gave $2,500 each to Lalor in 2012.  

                Scott Mackenzie is now listed as the treasurer for the Warriors for Liberty PAC, though Lalor said he only brought Mackenzie in to shut down his original PAC.  The FEC 2014 report says that the PAC raised $324,000.

                The Warriors for Liberty PAC also transferred approximately $14,000 in funds to the Afghanistan and Iraq Veterans for Congress PAC in 2013.  Interestingly enough, the Afghanistan and Iraq Veterans for Congress ended 2013 with a deficit of slightly over $14,000, more than it contributed to the veterans seeking office.
                While Lawlor’s political opponents do not allege any unlawful activities with regard to these PACs, they do believe Lalor has been less than transparent with donors and the media. One such person told the Hudson Valley Newsthat they doubted contributors would have been as generous if told up front that only five percent of the funds raised would go directly to veteran candidates.

            See the Hudson Valley News Wednesday in print for more.

            Wednesday, April 16, 2014

            Fishkill Veteran News at the 4/16/14 Fishkill Town Board Meeting

            Councilman Tuttle introduced discussion under new business. To name the Recreation/Senior Center after 2 Vietnam veterans from Fishkill who died in combat.

            Robert Bruce who was the only son of the Bruce family, whose father served on the town's Planning Board, and Michael Garlo who lived on Charlotte.

            http://www.vvmf.org/Wall-of-Faces/6367/ROBERT-BRUCE

            http://www.vvmf.org/Wall-of-Faces/17918/MICHAEL-GARLO

            Also veteran and Fishkill resident, Tony Costa. Is lobbying the board to update its veterans exemption. One that currently has Fishkill second from the bottom in Dutchess County.

            Please get the word out, we would like to complete these issues by Memorial Day.

            Monday, April 7, 2014

            GOP paper hammers Fishkill Assemblyman Lalor on his veterans scam

            ALBANY — An upstate Assemblyman raised nearly $1.8 million through a political-action committee he formed to back Iraq and Afghanistan war vets running for Congress — but only a mere $91,500 found its way to the candidates.

            http://nypost.com/2014/04/07/vets-received-tiny-portion-of-funds-raised-by-pols-pac/

            Saturday, April 5, 2014

            Fishkill Woman Accused of Embezzling Money from Philipstown Business

            PHILIPSTOWN, N.Y.  – The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office said it has arrested a Fishkill woman and charged her with embezzling more than $10,000 from her Philipstown employer.

            http://hudsonvalleyreporter.com/dutchess/2014/04/fishkill-woman-accused-of-embezzling-money-from-philipstown-business/

            Tuesday, April 1, 2014

            Fishkill Assemblyman Lalor votes against repealing the Energy Tax

            Lalor just voted no for the 2014 NYS budget that is balanced, with NO tax increases and one that gave Mandate Relief for Dutchess County to repeal the Energy Tax.

            Monday, March 24, 2014

            Fishkill Assemblyman Lalor supports Affordable Housing for minorities

            Since the late 1970′s Silver has blocked affordable housing plans for a Manhattan lot that was cleared in 1967. The lot had 
            housed low-income apartments with mostly Hispanic families. When New York City razed the apartments, the families were 
            promised that new low-income housing would be built. Instead, the 20 acres remain vacant. The story reported Silver’s 
            objective was to preserve the all-white makeup of the neighborhood.

            The New York Times article quotes Frances Goldin, a leader in the Lower East Side Joint Planning Council, who said, “They
             would rather have the vacant lots and rats than have minority people there.”

            Lalor continued, “Silver’s obstructionism had one purpose, preserving ethnic homogeneity. He’s used the levers of 
            bureaucracy and political favors to pursue segregation. It’s an ugly policy that favors a vacant 20 acre lot over development 
            because Silver wants to keep minorities out of his neighborhood. That has no place in New York government. Governor
             Cuomo knows that. It’s time he had the courage to tell Silver to go.”
            http://blog.timesunion.com/capitol/archives/208942/citing-nyt-story-lalor-calls-silver-a-segregationist/

            Letter in today's paper on the Energy Tax

            GOP unfair to blame Dems for taxes, deficit

            It was just a matter of time before the Dutchess County Republican Committee would blame state Sen. Terry Gipson, D-Rhinebeck, for the energy tax. In the March 16 edition of the Journal, a Republican from Dover blamed Gipson for not raising taxes (“Gipson partly to blame for energy tax”). No kidding, the local Republicans are now blaming a Democrat for not raising taxes.
            The Republicans, with a super majority Dutchess County Legislature, passed the energy tax and it was signed by Republican Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro. Now the Dover letter writer cites expiration of the mortgage tax as the reason. But we have a Republican Legislature, Republican county executive, Republican Assemblyman Kieran Lalor and Republican Sen. Greg Ball. The Republicans run Dutchess County, not the Democrats.
            Dutchess County Republicans will do anything to get away from this. In fact, the mortgage tax brought in around $5 million in revenue. Why did the Republicans set the energy tax to collect more than $8 million in revenue? How were they going to make up that additional $3 million? The Republicans even touted that the energy tax would only cost taxpayers $60 a year. Well, I got my first oil bill and the tax was $58. I fill my tank 3 times a year. Do the math. Republicans have stuck it to taxpayers once again. Blaming Democrats and mandates when we’ve had a Republican-run state Senate for most of the last 100 years is just shameful.
            Ozzy Albra
            Fishkill

            Wednesday, March 19, 2014

            3/19/14 Fishkill Town Board Meeting

            Of interest:

            A citizen advocated a tax break for veterans.

            The Supervisor is looking to hire his third Comptroller in 3 years, in unusual circumstances.

            I once again called for a Forensic Audit.

            http://fishkilltownny.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_Meeting.aspx?ID=1105

            Sunday, February 23, 2014

            Congressman Maloney helping Fishkill residents with FEMA

            Editors note: The Fishkill GOP town board violated the law passing this in Fishkill.

             Hudson Valley Reporter, for more local news check out the papers website.

            http://hudsonvalleyreporter.com/dutchess/2014/02/fema-and-maloney-to-explain-impact-of-fishkill-creek-flood-map-changes/

            FISHKILL, N.Y. –  In the wake of FEMA’s reevaluation of flood maps near Fishkill Creek, an informal information session will be held this week to help area residents understand the impact of the changes that removed 125 households from the flood plain.
            Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney helped facilitate the changes and he said his staff members will be available at the meeting to help homeowners work one-on-one with FEMA if their property has been designated in a flood plain.
            “Supporting my neighbors and helping them protect their homes and families from disaster has been my priority since day one,” Maloney said.
            Maloney is a co-sponsor the Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act, which would provide relief to homeowners from rising flood insurance prices by delaying flood insurance premium increases, a companion of which passed the Senate with a vote of 68-32 on Jan. 30.
            The FEMA information session will be held Thursday, Feb. 27, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Fishkill Town Hall located at 801 Route 52. FEMA specialists will be available to meet one-on-one with homeowners affected by the flood map changes. Other families throughout Fishkill and Wappinger who are not impacted by the change are also invited to attend if they have questions about their own property being newly included in the floodplain.
            Fishkill Creek is a tributary of the Hudson River and is the second longest stream in the county, after Wappinger Creek. While the creek is not used for any local water supply, it remains a focus of regional conservation efforts as a recreational and aesthetic resource, especially since the lower Fishkill watershed has been extensively developed in the last two decades. It flows through several local parks and is a popular trout stream.

            Saturday, February 22, 2014

            Donald Trump attacks Fishkill Assemblyman Lalor again

            He also knocked Assemblyman Kieran Michael Lalor, R-Fishkill, Dutchess County, who wrote an op-ed in the New York Post in support of Astorino.
            Trump said he saved a foundering golf course in Dutchess County, which is now Trump National Golf Club, Hudson Valley.
            “I took this total loser and made it a winner, which is by the way what we have do with the state,” Trump said.
            He called Lalor, “the assemblyman who I never heard of, by the way, and nobody else seems to know him.”
            http://polhudson.lohudblogs.com/2014/02/20/trump-astorino-cant-win-highest-tax-westchester/

            Friday, February 21, 2014

            Fishkill Assemblyman Lalor, Donald Trump Twitter war

            Background, Lalor has backed Westchester County Executive Astorino to run for Governor over Trump. Lalor also wrote a story to the NY Post attacking Trump. Trump then began a Twitter campaign against Lalor.

            1. . I created far more jobs and success in Dutchess than you--you should be "Fired."
            2. I took a failed club in Dutchess County & made it a great success plus many jobs. should be thankful.

            Lalor in the NY Post

            Donald Trump is wasting our time. He won’t wind up running for governor because he’d lose, and by an embarrassingly wide margin. Trump knows that; it’s what the polls say and he isn’t delusional — he’s a showman playing a character. He’s looking for some headlines because that’s his MO.