Rhinebeck Democrats Web Site

ARRIVED RECENTLY IN A MAILBOX NEAR YOU . . .
By Brian Keeler, Candidate for State Senator

Our property tax bills have arrived recently in the mail. The numbers on those bills and the present real property tax crises that created them, are an indication of how broken and unresponsive our state government in Albany has become. Over the past four years, as our property taxes have increased over 40% statewide, we have heard nothing from the State Senate Education Committee; no leadership, no guidance, no research and no reform.

The crisis has become so acute that property tax citizens' organizations have sprung up all over New York, especially here in Dutchess County where nine of thirteen school budgets were rejected this past Spring. Arlington School District Superintendent, Frank Pepe, was quoted in the Poughkeepsie Journal as saying: "This is not a vote against Arlington, but a vote against the governor and the state legislature for their inaction on school tax reform."

(http://poughkeepsiejournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?
AID=/20060517/NEWS02/60517001)

During the last four years while this tax crisis has exploded, Poughkeepsie's Steve Saland, in his role as chairman of the Senate Education Committee, blocked all serious reform legislation in his committee. As a result, he is more responsible for our current property tax crisis than any other Senator in Albany.

Interestingly enough, just 3 days before the end of the latest legislative session, in an apparent response to mounting political pressure and criticism from voters, Saland proposed his "School Tax Act," a confusing and unworkable one-house bill that could never become law. His act appears to be nothing more than election year political posturing.

As was accurately pointed out in a Poughkeepsie Journal Letter To The Editor by Union Vale resident, Vicky Pittman:

"His tax act does not solve the school property tax crisis. It creates a procedural and political process. It requires district- by-district petitioning, debates, school board votes, passage of a ballot and opting into a state-funded system, and then taxes would abate, over five years. Saland says his act provides $9 billion dollars in relief, but he does not say how it will be paid.

Saland's act is not leadership but a perpetuation of the status quo disguised as legislation."

(www.poughkeepsiejournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?
AID=/20060830/OPINION02/608300311)

Ultimately, Saland's proposed legislation would divide the interests of wealthier school districts from poorer ones; residential home-owners from tenants, business owners and farmers; the rich from the poor; and neighbor from neighbor.

In an attempt to stem the rising tide of voter frustration, Chairman Saland of the Senate Education Committee addressed the residents of Millbrook about school funding on August 21, 2006. What he offered was long on talk and short on solutions.

(www.poughkeepsiejournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?
AID=/20060824/NEWS01/608240325&SearchID=73255232104830)

One of the most interesting moments of the evening was Saland's admission that, due to skyrocketing real property taxes, his own son could no longer afford to live in Dutchess County.

For years, serious legislation addressing our real property tax crisis has been proposed in Albany only to die in the Senate Education Committee. These proposals, blocked by Saland, deserve a hearing and the opportunity to become law. We need to reform school funding and create a FAIR and EQUITABLE system based on the ability to pay, not the value of your home.

Brian Keeler is the Democratic Candidate for the New York State Senate in the 41st District. More about Brian and the campaign can befound at www.keeler2006.com. Contact Brian at briankeeler@keeler2006.com.

A LETTER FROM KIRSTEN GILLIBRAND

Hello, Demogram Readers!

I am Kirsten Gillibrand and I want to represent you in Congress. Like Democrats around the country I believe that it is time for new ideas and real change in this country and in Iraq. I want to give the families of Dutchess County a voice in Washington!

As a young girl I worked with my grandmother to give Democratic women in Albany their first real voice in politics. Now as a mother of a two-year-old son living in Hudson, it is clear to me, as it is to you, that this country and our District are not properly represented in Congress.

Together with your help we can take back the 20th Congressional District, win one more Democratic seat in the House, and begin to right our country's course.

Our current Congressman stands for everything that we oppose. He has voted 100% of the time with Bush on Iraq, has voted against providing sufficient armor to our sons and daughters fighting there, and recently has been named to a list of the 20 Most Corrupt Congressmen. He is beholden to special interests and lobbyists, not to the needs of our region.

This cycle we have a real opportunity to change the direction of our nation. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has labeled me a "Red to Blue" candidate, choosing this race in the 20th C.D. as one of the top 20 races in the nation to watch. The Rothenberg Political Report described the Gillibrand race as the "best Democratic opportunity" to take a Republican seat in New York. The valued support of the New York State teachers' union, the AFL-CIO, Emily's List, The Sierra Club and many other groups, will help us win this important seat. But we cannot claim the 20th C.D. without the support of you Demogram readers and those like you who volunteer, talk to your neighbors and get out the vote.

I am completely devoted to changing the direction of our nation. I have offered new ideas for tackling the energy crisis -- emphasizing the value of alternative renewable energy sources in reducing the cost of, and our dependency on, gasoline, as well as their potential to create new industrial and agricultural jobs and to curb outsourcing. Fair and affordable health care for all is one of my top priorities. I am dedicated to federally-funded education initiatives, to prevent the property tax increases which threaten the interests of local constituents. I have an in- depth exit strategy for ending the war in Iraq. Please see my website at www.Gillibrand2006.com for details about my plans and initiatives.

Only with your help can we take back Congress and our nation. We have less than one month to go before the election. PLEASE volunteer to phone bank, canvass, write letters to the editor, and talk to your neighbors and friends. For information on how you can help at the office right here in Rhinebeck call Gina Schwartz, Dutchess County Coordinator for the Gillibrand campaign, at 518-229-0633.

Thanks for all you do,
Kirsten Gillibrand

HITS, PAGE VIEWS, AND VISITS:
Hanging Out at www.rhinebeckdemocrats.org

Our website, designed and managed by a committee of five, has been in existence since June 2005. We are often asked "How many hits does the site get?" Our technical consultant David Hoffman has done some research and produced the data below for September 2006:

Hits: 2763
Page Views: 888
Visits: 665

Don't get too excited. Evidently "visits" are much more significant than "hits." A request for a certain page can generate a lot of hits, depending on how many sub-elements of files the page contains. For instance, if a page has 10 graphic images on it, that will count as 11 hits, including the page itself. The term "page views" refers to individual Web pages and excludes graphics and non-visible data.

The more significant "visits" refers to the number of visits (also known as "client sessions") within the month by users. If a single user moves from one page to another within the website that is still considered a single visit, unless there is more than 30 minutes of inactivity.

To review, our website hosted 665 visits over the 30-day period of September. In other words, visits averaged 22 per day, with a maximum of 51 visits in a single day and a minimum of 11.

The most popular page in September was the home page, with 280 page views, followed by the FAQ page (59 views), the Who's Who page (58), the Demogram page (51), the Contacts page (36), and the Links page (33). The remaining views concerned individual Demogram issues in the archive.

What does this mean in the general scheme of things? When asked if the current traffic is acceptable, David Hoffman replied, "Sure, . . . though some of it is generated by search engines. . . It's great that the site is always available, and could make a difference even if only a few people see it each week."

Please visit our site if you haven't done so already. The home page is a little "bare-bones" right now since we are still in the process of morphing from a local branch of the county Democratic committee into a full fledged membership organization. Feedback about the site is welcomed.

############## www.rhinebeckdemocrats.org #############

UPDATES

### MIRBEAU -- A "BEAUTIFUL VIEW" FOR WHO? ###

To review briefly our coverage in Demogram #15: the developer, Mirbeau Companies, has purchased three to four acres in the heart of Rhinebeck Village. Their parcel abuts the Parisi property (the Victorian mansion) on West Market Street and curves around behind the Beekman Arms, the post office, the M&T Bank, and the Kane Building on Route 9 (Mill Street).

The Mirbeau Companies' proposal to develop this parcel is now in the hands of the Village of Rhinebeck Planning Board and that body has accepted the role of lead agency in the SEQRA (State Environmental Quality Review Act) process, which is designed to avoid or limit possible negative impacts on the environment from proposed actions or projects.

On September 20, more than 100 village and town residents gathered in Town Hall to critique the draft scoping document submitted by Mirbeau Companies in compliance with the SEQRA process. In its scoping document, the Applicant sets forth what it believes should be done -- in the way of tests, studies, etc. -- to determine the impact of its proposed project. The many residents who testified made it clear that they considered the Companies' draft scope inadequate and the project itself totally inappropriate for a village location.

The next step at this level? The village planning board will review the public's oral and written testimony on the Applicant's draft scope and come up with its own version of an appropriate scoping document.

What else is happening? StopTheSpa, a group of twelve village and town residents is meeting on a regular basis to discuss strategies for opposing this development. They did an effective job -- using emails, posters, and flyers -- to ensure a good turnout at the 9/20 scoping and to educate many residents on the issue.

Their next step is a petition, circulating online and in hard copy, which is addressed to the Rhinebeck Village Planning Board, the Rhinebeck Village Board, and Mirbeau Companies. It states:

"We, the undersigned residents of Rhinebeck village, town and neighboring communities, strongly oppose the Mirbeau Spa development proposed for the Rhinebeck village center. This huge project -- 114,000 square feet of habitable space (80 guest rooms, six-stories, a 20,000 square-foot spa, two restaurants, and retail stores), and some 240 parking spaces -- will overwhelm the village. We feel strongly that 1) any substantial development of this ecologically fragile area will result in irreversible damage and loss; 2) such development will destroy the historic character of Rhinebeck village; and 3) both village and town residents will suffer a dramatic decrease in quality of life, due to traffic congestion; noise, light and air pollution; destruction of plant and animal life; and infrastructure overload. We request that the Applicant withdraw its proposal for the hotel/spa development within Rhinebeck village, and that the village zoning laws be strengthened to protect the integrity of the village in the future."

In order to sign an online version of the above petition, click on the underlined URL, below, or copy and paste it into your Web browser.

www.PetitionOnline.com/SpaNah/petition.html

### SUSTAINING ACTIVISM, Part Three ###
The Founding of Rhinebeck Democrats

Since mid-May Democratic activists in Rhinebeck have been meeting and planning, working to design an issue-oriented membership organization that would incorporate and expand the functions of the Rhinebeck Democratic Committee.

On Saturday, September 30, thirty Democrats gathered in Town Hall to found the new organization, Rhinebeck Democrats. At that point 50-plus Rhinebeck Democrats had returned completed membership applications and dues -- a response of 5%, a typical result for a direct mailing, according to Warren Smith. (The returns keep coming in, and are now up to 90-plus). It was agreed that further membership building should be tabled briefly and that we should use whatever structures we have in place to promote Democratic candidates in the November 7 general election.

With that in mind, three essential interim committees were formed. After a lively discussion of work strategy, structure, and potential post-election issues, the meeting was adjourned. The agenda of the next meeting (to be announced) will focus on formalizing a structure, adopting a charter, and electing officers.

Please plan to be a part of this exciting process. All paid-up members will be eligible to help select the organization's leadership and determine its structure and future direction.

To join us and to be active at whatever level you choose, please complete the following membership form and send it with your annual membership fee of $20 to Rhinebeck Democrats, PO Box 635, Rhinebeck, NY 12572.

Please make checks payable to Rhinebeck Democrats.

I (please print)______________________________am registered in
Rhinebeck as a Democrat and want to join Rhinebeck Democrats

Email (please print carefully)______________________________

Street address of principal residence________________________

Preferred phone number (include area code)____________________

I reside in Rhinebeck ________full time _________part time

### THE SEPTEMBER 2006 PRIMARIES ###

According to American University's Center for the Study of the American Electorate, voter turnout in this year's primaries dropped to a record low.

Only 15.4 percent of eligible voters went to the polls in the 38 states that had statewide primary elections for governor or senator. The previous low was 18.6 percent, recorded in both 2002 and 1998, the last two midterm elections. The highest midterm primary turnout during the past half century was in 1966, when 33.5 percent of those eligible voted.

Fortunately, according to Curtis Gans, director of the Center, poor primary turnout does not necessarily mean low numbers in the general election, even at midterm. "Because of the polarization produced by the Bush administration and its policies and the intensity of feelings on both sides, turnout is likely to increase substantially above the 39.7 percent of the electorate who voted in [November] 2002 and probably above the 42.2 percent who voted in 1994." (CQ.com, October 7, 2006)

NOVEMBER 7, 2006

It is now too late to register or to change party affiliation for the upcoming general election. However, notices of change of address received by the Dutchess County Board of Elections by October 19 should be processed and entered in the records by November 7. If you have any difficulty in this regard, request a paper ballot.

Regarding absentee ballots, there is still time.

--- October 31 is the last day to apply by mail for a ballot.

--- November 6 is the last day to apply in person for a ballot.

--- November 6 is the last day to mail a ballot, which must be received by the board of elections no later than November 14.

--- November 7 is the last day to deliver a ballot in person to the board of elections.

Voters need not worry this year about dealing with new and sophisticated voting machines. The familiar machines will be in all polling places.

I.D. and photo I.D. as requirements for voting have been a matter of concern and contention in several states. However, in New York State no I.D. should be required of you unless:

--- You are voting in that particular polling place for the first time (even if you have voted across town for years, this principle applies);

--- Your record is marked "must see I.D." This would be the case if your voter registration form contained unclear or incomplete information. Clarification of information plus I.D. will be required.

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT THE VOTING PROCESS OR YOUR ELIGIBILITY TO VOTE, CALL THE DUTCHESS COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTIONS AT 845-486-2473.

NUMBERS THAT COUNT

114,000 . . .
. . . square feet of habitable space is the Applicant's estimate for the Mirbeau Spa and Inn, a project proposed for siting in the village's center. The effect can best be visualized if translated into more concrete terms. Think of almost 30 homes of 4,000 square feet each . . . or, 230 average-sized one-bedroom apartments.

52 . . .
. . . is the magic number for the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, and the DSCC's addition, published in a flyer issued this past June, now seems much more than wishful thinking.

27 Democratic senators not up for re-election,

+ 15 incumbent Democratic senators who are leading their GOP challengers (CA, CT, DE, FL, HI, MA, MI, ND, NE, NJ, NM, NY, WA, WI, WV),

+ 4 Democratic challengers leading GOP incumbents (MO, MT, OH,
PA),

+ 3 open seats where Democrats lead (MD, MN, VT),

+ 3 Democratic challengers gaining ground on vulnerable GOP incumbents (RI, AZ, TN).

800 . . .
. . . times in less than six years in office President Bush has affixed "signing statements" to new laws, which put legal objections on the record for judges to consider in any court challenge. They are "part of his strategy to expand presidential power at the expense of Congress and the courts." Compare this to the total of 600 such presidential objections recorded during the previous 212 years and attributable to 42 presidents. (NYTimes editorial, 7/25/06)

CALENDAR

The information below is subject to change, so please call or email the contact provided for confirmation. All events listed are open to the public.

### OCTOBER ###

11 &12, Wednesday & Thursday --- TOWN BUDGET WORKSHOPS, 6:45 pm at Town Hall (876-3409).

October 17, Tuesday --- VILLAGE PLANNING BOARD meets, 7:30 pm at Village Hall (876-1922). The Mirbeau Spa proposal is on the agenda, for the purpose of reviewing the process to date and to discuss upcoming steps.

October 17, Tuesday --- TOWN BUDGET WORKSHOP, 6:45 pm at Town Hall (876-3409).

October 18, Wednesday --- OPEN MEETING, 7:00 pm, at Village Hall. (876-3409). The THOMPSON-MAZZARELLA PARK Committee will update the community on plans for the park and the status of sports facilities throughout the town will be discussed.

October 23, Monday --- TOWN BOARD Workshop, 6:45 pm at Town Hall (876-3409). Topic TBA.

October 24, Tuesday --- TOWN BUDGET WORKSHOP, 6:45 pm at Town Hall (876-3409).

October 24, Tuesday --- RALLY TO TAKE BACK CONGRESS, 4:00 TO 6:00 pm in Waryas Park (on the Hudson) in Poughkeepsie (845-567-7700 or < hvalf@hvc.rr.com). Featured speakers will be Congressman Maurice Hinchey, 22nd District, Kirsten Gillibrand, 20th District, and John Hall, 19th District.

October 31, Tuesday --- LAST DAY TO APPLY BY MAIL FOR AN ABSENTEE BALLOT. Call the Board of Elections at 845-486-2473 for more information.

### NOVEMBER ###

November 6, Monday --- Last Day to Apply in Person for an ABSENTEE BALLOT (845-486-2473).

November 6, Monday --- Last Day to Mail a Completed ABSENTEE BALLOT (845-486-2473).

November 7, Tuesday --- GENERAL ELECTIONS, 6:00 am to 9:00 pm. Call the Board of Elections for additional information: 845-486- 2473.

November 7, Tuesday --- Last Day to Hand Deliver a completed ABSENTEE BALLOT to the Board of Elections (845-486-2473).

November 7, Tuesday --- VILLAGE PLANNING BOARD Meets, 7:30 at Village Hall (876-1922).

November 13, Monday --- TOWN BOARD Business Meeting, 6:45 pm at Town Hall (876-3409).

November 18, Saturday --- PUBLIC CONFERENCE ON MUNICIPAL COOPERATION, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm at the Rhinebeck High School (call 876-3409 for more information). The goal is to discuss and assess the current level of cooperation between town, village and school district in the areas of public safety, public works, recreation, community development, environmental protection, and arts and culture.

November 21, Tuesday --- VILLAGE PLANNING BOARD Meets, 7:30 at Village Hall (876-1922).

November 27, Monday --- TOWN BOARD Workshop, 6:45 pm at Town Hall (876-3409). Topic TBA.

### DECEMBER ###

December 5, Tuesday --- VILLAGE PLANNING BOARD Meets, 7:30 pm at Village Hall (876-1922).

December 11, Monday --- TOWN BOARD Business Meeting, 6:45 pm at Town Hall (876-3409).

December 12, Tuesday --- VILLAGE BOARD Meets, 7 pm at Village Hall (876-3409).

CHECK OUR WEBSITE AT www.rhinebeckdemocrats.org

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EDITOR: Tess McKellen
TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: David Hoffman