Hudson Valley lawmaker activities
For the period Jan. 14-20.
U.S. REP. CHRIS GIBSON,R-KINDERHOOK
•1708 Longworth House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515. 202-225-5614; fax: 202-225-1168.
•4328 Albany Post Road, Hyde Park, NY12538. 845-698-0132.
•721 Broadway, Kingston, NY12401. 845-514-2322.
Activities: Attended the State of the Union Address and joined members of the New York delegation for a group photo. Met with Ellenville Regional Hospital CEO Steven Kelley. Participated in services honoring Martin Luther King Jr. at Hillside Manor in Kingston, Ulster Corps in Stone Ridge, and the Shiloh Baptist Church in Hudson. Attended the Eagle Scout Court of Honor for Khial Forges Jr. of Elizaville. Met with volunteer firefighters and their families at the Spring Lake Fire Department annual dinner. Attended the House Armed Services Committee organization meeting for the 114th Congress. Held meetings with constituents at district offices. Spoke with Capital Region high school students about government and public service at a youth conference in Saratoga Springs.
Bills: Voted for the Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans Act, which was co-sponsored by Congressman Gibson. The bipartisan bill increases access to mental health care by creating a peer support and community outreach program to assist transitioning servicemen and women. It also requires an independent third party to conduct annual evaluations of VA mental health and suicide prevention programs, authorizes the VA to collaborate with non-profit organizations to improve the efficiency of suicide prevention efforts, and starts a loan repayment program to help recruit new psychiatric caregivers. The bill passed the house.
SEN. WILLIAM LARKIN JR.,R-CORNWALL
•Room 502, Senate Capitol Building, 188 State St., Albany, 12247. 518-455-2770.
•1093 Little Britain Road, New Windsor, NY12553. 845-567-1270.
Activities: Participated in a swearing-in ceremony at Pine Bush High School. Attended the induction ceremony of Judge Christine Krahulic. Attended the retirement party for New Windsor Police Chief Michael Biasotti.
SEN. SUSAN SERINO,
• Room 617, Legislative Office Building, Empire State Plaza, Albany, 12247. 518-455-2945.
•3 Neptune Road, Suite A19B, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601; 845-463-0840
Activities: Met with constituents in the district office. Attended ribbon cutting for Children's Media Project/Spark Media Project. Met with Dutchess County Division of Veterans Affairs. Attended Martin Luther King parade and celebration in Beacon. Attended City of Poughkeepsie State of the City Address. Attended Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce Contact Breakfast for the State of the Chamber Presentation. Attended the Governor's State of the State Address in Albany. Attended two legislative sessions in Albany.
ASSEMBLYWOMAN DIDI BARRETT, D-HUDSON
•Room 532, Legislative Office Building, Albany, 12248. 518-455-5177; fax: 518-455-5418.
• 12 Raymond Ave., Suite 105, Poughkeepsie, 12603. 845-454-1703; fax: 845-454-2408.
Activities: In Albany, attended Gov. Andrew Cuomo's 2015 State of the State and budget address as well as receptions hosted by Attorney General Eric Schneiderman and Comptroller Tom DiNapoli, as well as one hosted by Eleanor's Legacy to welcome the newest female members of the Assembly. Joined colleagues in the New York State Assembly to discuss recent interviews with Regents candidates running for the 9th Judicial District seat which includes Dutchess County, as well as at-large seats. Interviewed with Cablevision for its "Meet the Leaders" program. Visited Hot Bread Kitchen and Harlem Children Zone with Joan Hunt, Project Director at the Greater Hudson Promise Neighborhood, to see first hand their creative, holistic approaches to professional and youth development and to see how we can mirror these successful efforts in the Hudson Valley. Participated in Strategic Planning Meeting at Sprout Creek Farm in Poughkeepsie. Discussed small business challenges with Lori Selden, owner of Mexican Radio in Hudson. Welcomed Hudson Valley artists, Paola Bari and K.D. Schmitz, to our Poughkeepsie District Office as part of our art rotation showcasing local artists. On display are Paola Bari's charming collection of porcelain paintings, and K.D. Schmitz' patterned abstract paintings. Stopped in at Columbia Land Conservancy's Green Drinks Hudson, featuring Dan Carr from Stone Barn Center for a discussion on beekeeping and the plight of the bees. Staff attended the celebration of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at Shiloh Baptist Church in Hudson
Bills: Introduced several pieces of legislation: A.2368 — relates to alternative exemptions for veterans. A.2369 — would include efforts to support transfer of farmland to beginning farmers as part of local government farmland protection programs. A.2370 — amends the general municipal law by authorizing Dutchess and Ulster counties to adopt local laws or ordinances regulating the registration and licensing of taxicabs, limousines, and livery vehicles and include both counties in the state definition of a Licensing Jurisdiction. A.2384 — an act to amend the real property tax law, in relation to a property investment exemption in certain villages. A.2388 — an act to amend the real property tax law, in relation to prorating a veteran's exemption if such veteran moves within the same county. This measure ensures that veterans already receiving property tax exemptions, continue to receive such exemptions upon moving within the same county. A.2414 — establishes a tax credit for farm vehicle tolls of 75 percent of New York state thruway tolls paid for certain farm vehicles. A.2429 — an act to amend the agriculture and markets law, in relation to requests for public information regarding certain farm operations. This would require notification to the owners and/or operators of a farm operation when information about their farm operation has been requested via the Freedom of Information Law from a state agency or entity. A2484 — an act to amend the agriculture and markets law, in relation to establishing a public registry for persons convicted of violating "Buster's Law." This would require each violator of "Buster's Law" to register his or her name and address with the division of criminal justice services. A2554 — an act to amend the public health law, in relation to identification, charging, reporting and investigation of charges of professional misconduct by health care professionals. This bill provides clarifications related to prohibiting the Office of Professional Medical Conduct (OPMC) from charging a practitioner based solely on their recommendation or provision of a treatment modality that is currently not universally accepted by the medical community.
ASSEMBLYMAN KIERAN LALOR, R-FISHKILL
•Room 531, Legislative Office Building, Albany, NY12248. 518-455-5725; fax: 518-455-5729.
•1075 Route 82, Suite 1, North Hopewell Plaza, Hopewell Junction, NY 12533. 845-221-2202; fax: 845-221-2225.
Activities: Attended Gov. Cuomo's State of the State and Budget Address. Interviewed on Meet the Leaders with Kerry Donovan. Attended celebration of the 12th anniversary of the Fraternal Order of Police Stephen P. Driscoll Memorial Lodge. Master of ceremonies for the Dutchess County Realtors Association 60th Officer Installation Dinner.
Bills: Cosponsored A.1604 which prohibits the passage of bills by the legislature between the hours of midnight and 8 a.m. unless two-thirds of the legislature is present; requires two-thirds approval for messages of necessity. Cosponsored A.1726 which provides for recall elections. Cosponsored A.2032 which allows municipalities to lease naming rights of government-owned property.
ASSEMBLYMAN FRANK SKARTADOS, D-MILTON
•Room 435, Legislative Office Building, Albany, 12248. 518-455-5762; fax: 518-455-5593.
•Suite 2, 154 N. Plank Road, Newburgh. 845-562-0888; fax: 845-561-5218.
Activities: Assemblyman attended a service at St. James' church in Milton and spoke in support of the church's bid to stay open. Spoke at the New Hope Baptist Church in Newburgh in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. day.Visited New Windsor Elementary School in the Newburgh Enlarged City School District and spoke to over 500 children about the importance of kindness and respect after issuing a proclamation designating this week as No Name Calling Week. He also attended both of this week's legislative sessions, which encompassed the governor's State of the State Address, a budget presentation and the passing of a resolution honoring the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Bills: Signed onto bill A.2338 as a co-sponsor. This bill requires that any state mandated program imposed on municipalities and schools districts be funded by the state. Signed onto bill A.2271, which would repeal the gap elimination adjustment, as a co-sponsor.
DUTCHESS COUNTY LEGISLATURE
Dutchess County Legislature, 22 Market St., Poughkeepsie. 845-486-2100.
DISTRICT 2 LEGISLATORDONSAGLIANO, R-PLEASANT VALLEY/TOWNOFPOUGHKEEPSIE
Activities: Responded to constituent concerns regarding assigned counsel expenses. Spoke with county officials regarding bridge and culvert replacements on county routes 72 and 73 (North Avenue and Sherow Road) in Pleasant Valley. Reviewed and researched resolutions in advance of monthly committee and board meetings, including discussions with legislative leadership and executive staff in the budget office. Spoke with legislative counsel regarding temporary rules of the Legislature. Spoke with legislative staff regarding 2015 committee assignments. Attended Monthly Pleasant Valley Committee meeting. Reviewed county comptroller's audit of BI Incorporated, a third party vendor which provides services to the county as an alternative to incarcerationprogram.
DISTRICT 5 LEGISLATORKENNETH ROMAN, R-TOWN OF POUGHKEEPSIE
Activities: Met with constituent related to a small business matter. Communicated with constituents about various county departments and agencies and advocated on their behalf and/or answered questions for them including about 911 services during snow storms and veterans' services.
DISTRICT 6 LEGISLATORANGELA E. FLESLAND,R-TOWN OF POUGHKEEPSIE
Activities: Met with candidate for the Industrial Development Agency and Local Development Corporation. Spoke with Legislative counsel about upcoming legislation. Received numerous communications from individuals across New York state regarding my Legislative Spotlight last week and their personal stories about how organ donation touched their lives. Communicated with the Poughkeepsie Town Board members regarding prescription drug abuse and steps the county is taking to help tackle the problem here. Assisted constituents with advocacy and information related to County Government and outside agencies including STOP DWI and traffic safety concerns.
DISTRICT 8 LEGISLATORROBERTG. ROLISON, R-CITY/TOWN OF POUGHKEEPSIE
Activities: Attended the City of Poughkeepsie State of the City Address. Attended the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce 2015 State of the Chamber Address. Participated in conference call with the members of the Legislature Republican Caucus. Attended Committee meetings of the Legislature. Presided over the January Board meeting of the Legislature.
DISTRICT 10 LEGISLATOR BARBARA JETER-JACKSON, D-CITY OF POUGHKEEPSIE
Activities: Attended monthly Legislative meetings, caucus, committee and regular board meetings. Attended Criminal Justice Council, Dutchess County Youth Board meetings. Attended the Dutchess County community forum on drug and opiate abuse. Attended Real Skills Board meeting and St. Simeon Senior Housing Board By-Law committee meetings. Arranged a meeting with HUD officials and Congressmen Maloney's office to discuss issues of concern with residents of Rip Van Winkle apartment. Met and spoke with constituents regarding issues of concern.
DISTRICT 11 LEGISLATORJOELTYNER, D-RHINEBECK/CLINTON
Activities: Circulating letters at Dutchess County Legislature meeting for colleagues to sign: calling for increase in state education funding, for guaranteed national income for veterans, free community college, stop Trans-Pacific Partnership, beefing up wheel width for commuter and freight trains. Working to build support in county Legislature for these five local laws to be passed in early 2015: ban toxic toys from local stores, more fully protect animals/'pets from abuse/mistreatment, ban 1-use plastic bags, ban single-use styrofoam in restaurants and retail stores towards zero waste, implement municipal ID program for undocumented workers, seniors, homeless. Drafting letters of support for Dutchess County Legislature colleagues to sign on to for current NYS $5 billion surplus to be used for human needs and for a guaranteed national income level for veterans, free community college, a Robin Hood tax on Wall Street, no cuts to Social Security, Medicare, or Medicaid. Continuing push to lower county property taxes with state-of-the-art, cutting-edge innovation by diverting mentally ill from our county's criminal justice system, by investing in pro-active programs for at-risk youth, a living-wage law for workers at large retail chain stores and restaurants like Wal-Mart and McDonalds and no-money-down solar power for county buildings. Continuing to host weekly interactive Saturday morning town hall call-in radio show 8-11 a.m. on WHVW.com 950 AM (participate at 845-471-8180 or 845-464-2245).
DISTRICT 13 LEGISLATOR DONNA BOLNER,R-EAST FISHKILL/LAGRANGE/WAPPINGER
Activities: Attended Department of Public Works meeting at Town of Wappinger's Town Hall regarding road improvements on county Route 93 near Route 376.
DISTRICT 14 LEGISLATOR FRANCENA I. AMPARO,D-WAPPINGER
Activities: Attended the Myers Corners Road Improvements Public Informational Meeting, the FEMA public forum and an MLK event at Springfield Baptist Church. Also attended the swearing-in ceremony of the Grinnell Library Board of Trustees and sat in their board meeting. Fielded calls and emails regarding various state, county and school issues as well as upcoming community events. Prepared for upcoming legislative committee meetings.
DISTRICT 15 LEGISLATOR JOSEPH INCORONATO,R-WAPPINGER
Activities: Attended Jan. 20 Veterans Affairs Committee meeting and provided minutes of December committee meeting. Attended Jan. 22 Caucus meeting of Republican legislators and participated in various Legislative Committee meetings regarding upcoming resolutions. Deliberated new Civil Service Employees Association labor contract, and supported $2.9 million bonding resolution for construction of water line to Dutchess County Airport to help attract new commercial tenants at airport and increase profitability.
DISTRICT 20 LEGISLATOR MICKI STRAWINSKI,D-RED HOOK
Activities: Attended the Red Hook Chamber of Commerce installation of officers event. Attended the Dutchess Young Democrats event at 2-Way Brewing in Beacon. Attended the Red Hook VFW chili contest. Attended and facilitated the Northern Dutchess Coalition's second community forum related to substance abuse prevention efforts where it was announced that through the generosity of Dr. George Verrilli, the Town of Red Hook will soon have a community center! Responded to numerous emails and Facebook postings from constituents.
DISTRICT 21 LEGISLATOR MARGE J. HORTON, R-EAST FISHKILL
Activities: Helped constituents by providing contact information to county departments. Researched resolutions for Legislative Committee meetings and board meeting.
DISTRICT 22 LEGISLATOR GERALD E. HUTCHINGS,R-BEEKMAN/UNION VALE
Activities: Worked with Office of Computer Information Services regarding email difficulties with legislative correspondence. Spoke with Barbara Zulauf, Beekman town supervisor on a number of local activities. Met with legislative counsel, public defender and representative from the executive's office, regarding 18b assigned counsel (taxpayer funded) applications and eligibility requirements, to discuss oversight issues. Attended Beekman Town Board meeting for discussion on elder abuse issues. Attended Republican caucus. Chaired Public Works Committee meeting, attended Budget, Finance and Personnel, and Government Services and Administration meetings. Attended Legislative Board Meeting.
TOWN OF BEEKMANSUPERVISOR BARBARA ZULAUF
Activities: Website: www.eastfishkillny.org
Activities: Attended Beekman Fire Department Installation of Officers annual dinner. Congratulations to the officers continuing their service and new officers starting their service. Attended meeting with town clerk and Kathleen Dennehy, from New York State Electric & Gas, to discuss a plan for disaster preparedness for Beekman. Attended meeting with district attorney's office to review a pending litigation case. Met with representative from New York State Comptroller's Office to review the final findings, as they have finished their audit. Met with residents to discuss their neighbor issues.
TOWN OF EAST FISHKILLSUPERVISOR JOHN HICKMAN
Activities: Along with town engineer and assistant engineer, reviewed final copy of draft map, planand report for the Hopewell Precision Superfund Project (now known as the Hopewell North Water District) for adoption by the town board. Reviewed different scenarios, capital costs and timelines for the Cannon Well field development and districts. Discussed the new Fishkill Plains Water District well and expansion of that system. Filmed new segment of "Knowing Your Government" for Municipal Channel 22. Discussed recent fundraiser (Wingfest for Julie's Jungle) for Julie's Jungle Playground for children of all abilities, as well as the playground bids and funding levels with town legislative aide. Discussed water and sewer project bonding requirements with town attorney. Discussed the local drug epidemic with members of the Drug Crisis in Our Backyard group and scheduled a Narcan training session for Feb. 28 at the East Fishkill Town Hall. Along with town engineer, met with owners of the former IBM West Complex to discuss the future use of the site, current demolition and infrastructure.
TOWN OF LAGRANGE SUPERVISOR ALAN BELL
Activities: Weekly meeting with planning/zoning on commercial development enablement. Prepared for and held town annual re-org meeting. Met with local high school students for an interview as part of their participation in government class. Prepared report for town board outlining long term outlook for town debt service. Reviewed report from town committee on revitalization of Wappingers Creek watershed. Attended meeting with multiple towns to discuss collection of common data to evaluate best practices and cost efficiency. Meeting with other towns regarding response to Cricket Valley power project. Town board meetings.
TOWN OF POUGHKEEPSIESUPERVISOR TODDN.TANCREDI
Activities: Spoke with and corresponded with town residents addressing various questions and concerns. Met with the town of Poughkeepsie's director of municipal development and the town attorney to discuss contract terminology. Attended the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce January Contact Breakfast. Reviewed security procedures with the town information technologydepartment. Participated in an on site visit with the town Recreation Department director to secure swim site for our summer recreation program. Attended meeting with local business representative, town comptroller and town IT department to discuss current and future technological options for the town. Met the town personnel. Held monthly construction progress report meeting. Attended meeting with the town comptroller and the town recreation department to discuss and review improvements to Greenvale Park. Held monthly Planning and Zoning Department meeting. Reviewed agenda with the town Legal Department and led the town board meeting of Jan. 21. Attended meeting regarding the Arlington Collection System.
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