From Hope to Reality... Obama's Economic Recovery Plan... "Magic"... You Tube

["Magic"; Olivia Newton John; as submitted to You Tube by anmartinc on 3/18/07; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cvfE-Cf9Qcc]

According to a variety of sources, President Obama's economic recovery plan is slated to (1) create and/or save 3,000,000 to 4,000,000 jobs over the next couple of years; (2) double the funding for the Department of Education; (3) circumvent the layoff of more than 100,000 teachers; (4) radically enhance our "clean air production" capabilities; (5) create well over 100,000 "green" employment opportunities; and (6) give multitudes of unemployed citizens "access to affordable health care coverage..."

So why in the world would "anybody" try to tear "that" (Think about your neighbors, your children, your grandchildren and the future of our nation!) down? Please climb on board the boat, and ride this visionary plan from the "river of hope" to the mansion (I don't believe we can afford to waver on this!) of reality...

Every voice matters.

Every child's future (considering just the education component alone!) stands in the balance!

Nancy Sue Smith
wingedbirdinflight@live.com

You Tube Videos on Barack Obama's Economic Recovery Plan... One Posted Today...

["President Obama American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan Jan 31, 2009"; as submitted to You Tube by GGGLoans on 1/31/09; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iIKRXQ-5D84]

["President Obama on Economic Recovery"; as submitted to You Tube by BarackObamadotcom on 2/4/09; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-UxZNjqVT9M]

Respectfully posted by,

NS

League of Women Voters... Kingston City Council Meeting... Notice re. Informal Discussion Mting on Obama's Economic Recovery Plan... You Tube...

["If I Had a Hammer"; Pete Seger / Peter Paul and Mary; as submitted to You Tube by slims86
on 11/7/06; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_UKvpONl3No]

The following video is presented as an example of some of the projects / discussions that the League of Woman Voters sponsors and/or gets involved with - both locally and across the country. The Mid-Hudson Region League of Women Voters will be holding a discussion on the pros and cons of the Electoral College in Feb. --- and anyone that is interested can access the local League via links (scroll down) on this blog.

["1 - Electoral College - Dr. David Rankin (SUNY Fredonia)"; League of Women Voters; as submitted to You Tube by LWVchautauqua on 11/19/08]

Notes on February 3, 2009 City Of Kingston Common Council Meeting:

At last night's (2/3/09) Kingston City Council meeting Council President James Noble and Alderwoman Anne Marie DiBella were absent / excused - with Majority Leader / Ward Seven Alderman William Reynolds filling in for Mr. Noble.

The planned "State of the City Address" by Majority Leader William Reynolds and Minority Leader Alderman Al Teetsel were "tabled" until the March City Council meeting.

The rest of the Agenda went forward, as per plan.

In regard to official business / Council "resolutions" / votes - most were passed, with a significant majority voting yes (7-0 / 6-1). These involved (as passed on through the various City Departments):

Resolution #13: A budget modification [$5,659.00 / Wastewater Treatment Plant budget (2008)] that reflects monies received in association with Quick Chek for "ground water removal."

Resolution #12: A 2009 budget modification ($5,630.90) that will reputedly be utilized for "trail markers" in association with the Heritage Area Visitor Center [see Agenda for additional details].

Resolution #17: An approval authorizing the City of Kingston to join the County of Ulster in applying for funds in association with the "NYS Shared Municipal Services Grant Program."

Resolution #15: An approval to utilize a "grant award" to put in a playground at Hutton Park.

Resolution #16: An approval for a change in property usage (there appeared to be some confusion about associated specifics) at 39-45 VanDeusen Street [this approval was also associated with a "negative declaration of environmental significance."]

Resolution #20: An approval authorizing "the sale of the paper street portion of Duflon Street to Feeney Land Company, Inc." [Also associated with a "negative declaration of environmental significance."]

Resolution #18: An approval to amend traffic flow, by "imposing a No Parking zone on the east side of North Street, between Delaware Avenue and Willow Street, from Nov. 1st to March 15th.

Resolution #21: An approval authorizing the lease of "Site B, Slip 1" [on the Roundout Creek] to North River Charters, LLC.

Resolution #22: An approval regarding the adoption of a "Workplace Violence Prevention Policy and Incident Reporting" document, policy and/or program [these specifics were not made clear].

Resolution #19: An approval of the reappointment of "Ken Brett to the Board of Assessment Review" - with his term to expire on September 30th of 2013.

Resolution #23: An approval to appoint "James Rodden to the Board of Assessment Review" - with his term to expire on September 30th of 2012.

Resolution #10: Tabled until March [This had to do with "repealing Handicap Parking at 110 Gage Street" in order to amend the flow of traffic.]

Resolution #14: Tabled for further investigation. This resolution had to do with the potential "shift of operations of Empire Merchants North, LLC... into the Greene County Empire Zone" [Ulster County Legislative Chair, David Donaldson, showed up to speak on (against) this issue [turning in some documents / emails to the Council] - as did the Executive Director (pro) of the Green County (Industrial Development Agency) IDA.

In regard to the open speaking session, issues that were brought to the attention of the Common Council included:

1. One Kingston Citizen's opinion (Matthew Ryan /against) regarding the (proposed) hiring of a Main Street Manager. [This citizen apparently views this potential position as being in the province of the already existing Economic Development Committee and/or the Chamber of Commerce; and thus, an unnecessary expense / duplication of services that "should" be in place, through existing bodies, already...]. Mr. Ryan asked that the Council examine this matter much further before moving forward.

2. Another Kingston Citizen (Diane Reeder, Executive Director of the Queen's Galley) provided updates and her viewpoints regarding the activities of the galley, the number of people showing up for meals and associated programs - and the ongoing need for community support. [Ms. Reeder, who projects that the Galley will be serving well over 100,000 people [up significantly from 2008] in 2009, issued an open invitation for folks to stop by / check out what the organization (multifaceted, with links to other community organizations) is doing.]

3. Another Kingston Citizen [MaryAnne Parker; former Kingston City Councilwoman (six years / Midtown)] spoke about the "poor" condition of many of the City's streets; and about the necessity of making the safety and well-being of Kingston City residents a top priority during these economically stressed times.

4. Another Kingston Citizen spoke about his concerns regarding the condition of City Streets - (alleged) DPW negligence - and of the (alleged) fire hazard that exists [as a result of snow buildup] on some City streets.

5. Legislative Chair, Dave Donaldson spoke (as noted above) in opposition to Resolution #14.

6. The Executive Director of the Green County IDA also spoke (as noted above) on Resolution (in favor of) Resolution #14).

7. Another Kingston Citizen spoke in favor (if I'm not mistaken; this might have been sarcasm, as some digs were directed at the Planning Board) of the implementation of a Main Street Manager - and of his concerns for the health and well-being of the general populous, as well.

8. Another Kingston Citizen spoke, but I could not hear him clearly enough to catch his name or his topic...

9. I (Nancy Smith) spoke on the fact that the nonpartisan Mid-Hudson-Region League of Woman Voters was looking for volunteers / participation in their (my function being an example) "Observers Corp."

And I also spoke, as a City of Kingston resident:

a. In support of funding (This issue is supposed to come up at the next Finance meeting) for Kingston Area Public Access (Channel 23) Television.

b. About looking into the status of wholley (sp?) tax-exempt religious non-profit organizations - as a potential issue in regard to overall taxation problems [I sited the fact that having gone through just 1/3 of the applicable book at the Assessor's office in City Hall, I found three wholley (sp?) tax exempt religious organizations whose property holdings were assessed at $2,000,000 or above... along with one that was assessed at over 1.5 Million.]

c. About an upcoming informal discussion meeting (with an open invite to anyone that is interested in attending) - at the Kingston MuddyCup [this Saturday [2PM-3PM)] - regarding President Barack Obama's economic recovery plan, and how this plan might affect the citizens of Kingston, Ulster County and New York State. [The meeting, which I (Nancy Smith; see below for more details) am hosting, is titled, "From Hope to Reality."]

All told, I thought this was a good turnout (in terms of citizen attendence) for a City Council Meeting. The main issues of contention appeared to be around:

1. Resolution #14 (More information needed; this Resolution was tabled in order to examine the pros and cons, as put forward - along with other opinions / facts - more...)

2. Resolution #16 (Alderman Senor expressed concerns / was the only no vote]

3. The potential hiring of a "Main Street Manager.

4. The (allegedly) poor conditions of Kingston City Streets and the (alleged) potential fire hazard (the fear that firetrucks cannot make it through some of these streets) (allegedly) implicated by same.

5. Concerns about the economic state of the community and the needs of Kingston Citizens during these difficult (unemployment rates are up, etc.) times.

Please let me know if there are any corrections (name misspellings, etc.) that need to be made - or if I missed anything of vital importance. I apologize for not being more specific as to the concerns stated by one Kingston Citizen. I simply could not hear him well.

Please see a copy of the "February 3, 2009 City of Kingston Common Council Agenda" for additional references and (I have not attempted to cover the "Vendor" section here) details.

Respectfully Submitted by,

Nancy Smith

Reminders for the Day... Obama Economic Recovery Plan Meeting Announcement... "Life is a Highway"... You Tube

[TOM COCHRANE; "Life Is A Highway"; as submitted to You Tube by kurdtss on 11/18/06; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nCPbL4yA7ik]

Today's Meetings / Events:

Kingston City School District Votes (Related to potential Carnegie Building Renovation and Funding)

7:30PM Kingston City Council Meeting (The open speaker sign-up is at 7:30PM)

New Event Announcement:

Sat, Kingston MuddyCup, 516 Broadway, 2PM-3PM:

Informal (casual) meeting [three signups already] to discuss Barack Obama's recovery plan.

Please bring a copy (some will be made available) if you have one!

Contact me at wingedbirdinflight@live.com for more information...

Thank You,

NS

PS: The photos and commentary on how great the Weatherization Program (and its associated employees) is doing are pending...

Peace, Love, Equality and Humane Justice,

NS

Passing it On... Email From Obama... Economic Recovery Plan and YOU...

[Photo from Inauguration Party at Kingston MuddyCup; Photo (Copyrighted) by NS]

Passing This On:

From (via E-Mail) Barack Obama [Reformatted for inclusion here]:

"The economic crisis is growing more serious every day, and the time for action has come. Last week, the House of Representatives passed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which will jumpstart our economy and put more than 3 million people back to work. I hope to sign the recovery plan into law in the next few weeks. But I need your help to spread the word and build support.

It's not enough for this bill to simply pass Congress. Americans need to know how it will affect their lives -- they need to know that help is on the way and that this administration is investing in economic growth and stability. Governor Tim Kaine has agreed to record a video outlining the recovery plan and answering questions about what it means for your community. You can submit your questions online and then invite your friends, family, and neighbors to watch the video with you at an Economic Recovery House Meeting.

Join thousands of people across the country by hosting or attending an Economic Recovery House Meeting this weekend. The stakes are too high to allow partisan politics to get in the way. That's why I've consulted with Republicans as well as Democrats to put together a plan that will address the crisis we face. I've also taken steps to ensure an unprecedented level of transparency and accountability. Once it's passed, you will be able to see how every penny in this plan is being spent.

You can help restore confidence in our economy by making sure your friends, family, and neighbors understand how the recovery plan will impact your community. Sign up to host or attend an Economic Recovery House Meeting and submit your question for the video now:

http://my.barackobama.com/recovery [This link will be made available in the sidebar>]

Our ability to come together as a nation in difficult times has never been more important. I know I can rely on your spirit and resolve as we lead our country to recovery.

Thank you,

President Barack Obama

P.S. -- If you can't host or attend an Economic Recovery House Meeting, you can still submit your questions for Governor Kaine and then share the video with your friends and family this weekend..." [Utilize the same link.]

Note: If anyone is interested in getting together this weekend (casually) at the Kingston, MuddyCup to discuss the Economic Recovery issue, please send me an email at wingedbirdinflight@live.com.

Thank You,

NS

Public Notice Re. Kingston Common Council Caucus Meeting and Common Council Meeting... Please see info on Community Issues... More... Below

[Two young singers (awesome!) at the Kingston MuddyCup Inauguration Party; Photo (Copyrighted) by NS]

FYI:

There is apparently a misprint in today's Kingston "Daily Freeman" (Page A3) - so I called to make sure (I spoke with the City Clerk's office) of the following:

The Common Council Caucus Meeting is at 7PM tonight.

The Common Council Meeting (where there is an open forum, at the beginning of the session, for speakers) is tomorrow night at 7:30.

Both are at City Hall, 420 Broadway.

NS

Regarding the Posts... Local Politics... Activists... Taxes... KAPA... National Politics... Etc. Below

[Photo (Copyrighted; It Should Say "Christmas 2008) by N.S.]

I wanted to note, before you move on to the videos below, that there are some City of Kingston Common Council members that I have tremendous respect for - and a bunch that I haven't really gotten to know.

Whilst I have never, up to this point, had a personal conversation with our City Mayor.

That said, the conditions in the City of Kingston have become pretty dire (as is apparently true across the nation) for a whole lot of folks (contributing to the the recent rise, locally, in armed robberies and such?) - and there are some important issues re. taxation, Kingston Area Public Access television, the fair and equitable treatment of all people, etc. - lagging over from last year; as well as new (or perhaps previously denied?) items of concern that are "in our face" now.

Two of the following videos were taken by a local blogger and uploaded to You Tube... and I want to thank that person (for performing a tremendous public service) here and now :)

That said, please do watch the following videos and join a growing grassroots movement that is saying "we deserve better than this..."

More job opportunities with decent wages and benefits...

Funding for our local public access station...

A fair and equitable taxation policy...

A City Council (and Mayor) that listens, hears and responds promptly and effectively to the legitimate needs of the people...

Etc.

Peace, love, equality and humane justice,

NS

Local Politics... 08 - 09 Activists... Kingston City Common Council Meeting... "Obama Lashes Out At Wall St...." CBS... You Tube... More...

[Bob Marley; Get Up Stand Up"; as submitted to You Tube by voodoogk on 6/9/2007; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6aRuqozNMmQ]

["City of Kingston 2009 Budget Public Hearing Public Speaking Quote"; as submitted to You Tube by Mychannel23 on 10/31/08; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pZllb0q1nGw]

["Kingston City Hall Tax Protest"; as submitted to You Tube by Mychannel23 on 11/1/08; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hlvsd9QPMUs]

["Obama Lashes Out At Wall St.; as submitted to You Tube by CBS on 1/30/09; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QKYQFbor63U]

Hey folks! Are you cold, bored, lonely, depressed?

Why not come out to the Kingston City Common Council meeting - check out where things stand - and, if you are so inclined, speak up (there is an open comment period for approximately three minutes per speaker) on the matters that concern you...

Taxes?

Street Conditions?

Pike Plan?

Kingston Area Public Access Television Funding?

Uptown?

Midtown?

Downtown?

Crime?

Positive Things?

Whatever...

The world IS in turmoil... Things ARE pretty darn tough for a whole LOT of people in the City of Kingston... and the Kingston City Council needs to hear our voices, thoughts, ideas, etc!

Women - Are you afraid to show up (as I once was) at something like this alone?

Send me an email --- and I'll meet you there!

Are children welcome?

Use your own discretion...

I am not clear on this issue, but I have seen children there; and I personally think, from about age 8 and up, that exposure to how the local political world works could be a very good learning experience for them.

Remember, as a wise woman once told me: "If you aren't making your decisions, someone else is making them for you...

Do you really want "that?"

The City Common Council Meeting is tomorrow night at 7:30PM at City Hall on Broadway - unless it is canceled (rare, but you can call ahead to confirm) due to snow or some other emergency.

Remember, as certain female representatives of the Women's Movement were apt to say, "The personal is political!"

Your voice (male and female) matters!

Peace, Love, Equality and Humane Justice,

NS

Some Neat Stuff... Photo... You Tube Videos... Advisory...

[Photo ("Gobbled Up By Giggles") from the Inauguration Party at the Kingston MuddyCup; Photo (copyrighted) by NS]

["FAITH HILL "IF MY HEART HAD WINGS" HD INAUGURAL NEIGHBORHOOD BALL BARACK & MICHELLE OBAMA; as submitted to You Tube by TaylorLoveStorySwift on 1/26/09; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vt1ZkTqFeSE]

["Elton John - I'm Still Standing (60th Birthday) 2007"; as posted on You Tube on 11/22/07 by baganben1989; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZgNA6dIDAjk]

A little note to my readers:

If you send me or Bob racist or otherwise nasty emails / photos / cartoons... they might well end up on here (lawsuit issues or no) with your name attached...

So, if you wouldn't say it or show it at work, City Hall or in Church... don't be sending it to me...

Deal?

Peace, Love, Equality and Humane Justice,

NS

This Week's Meetings... You Tube Videos... Serious Business... Feedback Appreciated

[Photo by BF]

Good Morning All!

I wanted to let you know that there are some important happenings in the City of Kingston this week, including:

1. The Kingston City Common Council Caucus (Mon., 2/2/09, 7PM, at City Hall)
2. A Vote on the Carnegie Building Project and Operations Facility Lease (Tues., 2/3/09, 7AM-9PM [For more information, go to: http://www.kingstoncityschools.org/vote0209.php]
3. A Meeting of the Pike Plan Commission (Tues., 2/3/09, 9AM, at City Hall)
4. A Committee Meeting regarding the Relocation of Empire Merchants North (Tues., 2/3/09, 6:30PM, at City Hall.
5. The Kingston City Common Council (Tues., 2/3/09, 7:30PM, at City Hall)
6. A meeting on the "Fiscal Year 2009 Community Action Plan" and "Annual Community Development Block Grant" [Wed., 2/4/09, 6PM, at the Roundout Neighborhood Center) [Applications for Proposed Funding will reputedly be accepted until 2/27/09]; For more information, contact Michael Murphy, Community Development Director, at the Office of Community Development [845-334-3930].] [These funding opportunities are reputedly available via the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's "Community Development Block Grant" (CDBG) Entitlement Grant.]
7. A Meeting of the Ulster County Planning Board [Wed., 2/4/09, 7:30PM, at the UC Office Building, Surrogate's Court, 244 Fair Street (340-3337)]

Remember: Everyone is welcome at these meetings, and this is "our" City!

[Links, via which you can access additional information - and/or confirmation of meeting time, place, location - are provided in the sidebar. Changes are possible due to the snow in the forecast! Also, if you note any errors here, please let me know and they will be corrected immediately. Thank You.]

Other than that, please be advised that I have changed my Merchant's North link / website / coupon somewhat, so please be sure (if so inclined) to check out the new contact information and coupon!

["Produzido por: Doctor Bob Studios"; "Praise You With The Dance"; "Casting Crowns Legendado"; as submitted to You Tube by tatidyas on 3/4/08; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KadzyyZX9aI]

A beautiful song and performance, presented with much respect for faith and diversity!

Now though, I am going to pass on to you something else (very pertinent to local and national issues today; very controversial...) "To Chew On...":

["Something To Chew On..."; as Submitted to You Tube by TheBigHo111 on 7/8/08; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fITJLNWDlZg]

Comments and feedback, as long as respectful and appropriate, would be appreciated.

Peace, Love, Equality and Humane Justice,

NS