Every year on July 4 we celebrate the Independence of our nation.
The picture above is from the Tower of Victory at Washington's Headquarters. Our first President George Washington's image stands triumphantly looking out over Newburgh Bay to Mount Beacon. It is here in Newburgh that our great nation and the freedoms we now enjoy began. Newburgh is the birthplace of our republic.
As we feel proud of our nation, we should feel proud of its birthplace. Newburgh is a great city on the hillside in need of leadership and direction. All of us are charged with the responsibility of making our city a better place to live. I have taken on a great responsibility by seeking the office of County Legislator.
So as we enjoy our Bar-B-Cues and ice cream with family and friends, we will have a chance to look out over Newburgh Bay to Mount Beacon and see the marvelous fireworks. It is a celebration that ignites our potential to improve our city for future generations.
I hope everyone enjoys this holiday safely.
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Rockin and Rollin in Newburgh
You've got to be there Friday, July 10th at 7:30p for the Hudson Valley movie premiere of "American Artifact: The Rise of American Rock Poster Art" by local flimmaker, Merle Becker at the Ritz Theater in Newburgh.
This film, which was mentioned this month in USA Today and on NPR, will be screened at 7:30p. Afterwards, there will be screen printing kit giveaways, Q & A with the director, and after-party at the uber-groovy Wherehouse Restaurant (119 Liberty Street). Sponsored by the Wherehouse Restaurant and Newburgh Art Supply.
Seating is limited, and advance tickets are suggested: http://www.freakfilms.com/aa/aamovieposters.html . Tickets are also available at the door. This movie is suggested for age 18 and older.
RITZ THEATER, NEWBURGH, NY: July 10th, 7:30p
111 Broadway
Newburgh, NY, 12550
tickets: $15
For more information about the film, go to:
http://www.AmericanArtifactMovie.com
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Newburgh comes in second
The US Census Bureau announced the current populations of cities in the Mid-Hudson Region. To my surprise, Poughkeepsie has a slightly larger population than Newburgh. I hate being second. Poughkeepsie has 29,654 residents while Newburgh has 28,101.
Interestingly, according to Midhudsonnews.com, cities are losing their population base. Well slightly. All cities have dropped in residency except Middletown, Port Jervis, and Peekskill. These cities actually had an increase in residents. But then again, the statistics are estimates. The real numbers will be part of the 2010 Census which is starting to move forward now. It will be interesting to see if they accurately count all the residents in Newburgh. Despite all the abandoned buildings, I tend to believe that our population numbers will increase.
A more interesting stat is the number of residents under the age 18 that dwell in these Mid-Hudson cities. Newburgh is the winner there.
Percent of residents under 18
Newburgh 33.8%
Middletown 27.8%
Poughkeepsie 25.9%
Peekskill 24.4%
Kingston 23.9%
A third of our city is under 18. And you can't help but notice.
This large population of children under 18 is not problematic. But the fact that these youngster are city dwellers and have no programs or activities to do is a big problem. I see them running the streets in large groups looking for something to do. They would benefit from structure. But they tend to run rampant with little to no supervision. The result is graffiti, petty crimes, destruction of property, and low expectation of their lives and future. Without guidance, more will join gangs and continue in a life of vandalism and exploration.
Now obviously, not all of our youth is prone to such behavior. But we can't deny that a large number of these kids are moving in the wrong direction. To them it is normal. And they will continue with this "normalcy" until they are well into their adulthood.
Reversing this cycle is not easy. There are not enough adults out here willing to volunteer their time to make some sort of impact. But the reversal of this trend and taking action to do something for our Newburgh youngsters is necessary in looking at the future of Newburgh.
Newburgh desperately needs a Cub Scout and Boy Scout Troop. I think it would be great for these inner city kids to go camping for a weekend. Anything that gets them out of Newburgh is a welcome change.
These kids seem hardcore sometimes, but they are kids. They may not show it, but they would love to play out in the countryside, or go to a museum or concert. It is exposure to a world outside of their own which best educates young people. If you think about all your life's experiences, you will find that the person you are today was not formed in a classroom in school. You became the person you are because of your parents, family and community. But there was a moment when the exposure to something new or different shaped your life. Maybe you went to Central Park and saw a juggler and wanted to join the circus. Or maybe your parents dragged you to a Shakespeare play, and you were inspired to read and write your own stories. These exposure have impact. Not for all kids, but maybe just a few. And a few is what it takes to start to change the rest.
Interestingly, according to Midhudsonnews.com, cities are losing their population base. Well slightly. All cities have dropped in residency except Middletown, Port Jervis, and Peekskill. These cities actually had an increase in residents. But then again, the statistics are estimates. The real numbers will be part of the 2010 Census which is starting to move forward now. It will be interesting to see if they accurately count all the residents in Newburgh. Despite all the abandoned buildings, I tend to believe that our population numbers will increase.
A more interesting stat is the number of residents under the age 18 that dwell in these Mid-Hudson cities. Newburgh is the winner there.
Percent of residents under 18
Newburgh 33.8%
Middletown 27.8%
Poughkeepsie 25.9%
Peekskill 24.4%
Kingston 23.9%
A third of our city is under 18. And you can't help but notice.
This large population of children under 18 is not problematic. But the fact that these youngster are city dwellers and have no programs or activities to do is a big problem. I see them running the streets in large groups looking for something to do. They would benefit from structure. But they tend to run rampant with little to no supervision. The result is graffiti, petty crimes, destruction of property, and low expectation of their lives and future. Without guidance, more will join gangs and continue in a life of vandalism and exploration.
Now obviously, not all of our youth is prone to such behavior. But we can't deny that a large number of these kids are moving in the wrong direction. To them it is normal. And they will continue with this "normalcy" until they are well into their adulthood.
Reversing this cycle is not easy. There are not enough adults out here willing to volunteer their time to make some sort of impact. But the reversal of this trend and taking action to do something for our Newburgh youngsters is necessary in looking at the future of Newburgh.
Newburgh desperately needs a Cub Scout and Boy Scout Troop. I think it would be great for these inner city kids to go camping for a weekend. Anything that gets them out of Newburgh is a welcome change.
These kids seem hardcore sometimes, but they are kids. They may not show it, but they would love to play out in the countryside, or go to a museum or concert. It is exposure to a world outside of their own which best educates young people. If you think about all your life's experiences, you will find that the person you are today was not formed in a classroom in school. You became the person you are because of your parents, family and community. But there was a moment when the exposure to something new or different shaped your life. Maybe you went to Central Park and saw a juggler and wanted to join the circus. Or maybe your parents dragged you to a Shakespeare play, and you were inspired to read and write your own stories. These exposure have impact. Not for all kids, but maybe just a few. And a few is what it takes to start to change the rest.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Monday, June 22, 2009
Monday, May 25, 2009
Okay, it has been too long. I have not written in this blog for six weeks. Not good.
There have been many things that have happened in Newburgh that are not good: young man stabbed to death by a pack of thugs, financial chaos in City Hall (nothing new), protests on the waterfront, terrorist in our midst, and more.
I attended the funeral of the young man who was stabbed to death. Very sad state of affairs in Newburgh when a group of men stab a man to death in broad daylight. Not that it being night time would have mattered. It is just sadder when people can see the killing of another human being en masse and not be able to identify a single killer. They all fled.
Now when I see a group of young men walking around in a pack, I wonder if I or someone else will become a victim. I did see a group of thugs walking up in the heights. I was concerned, but then I saw a police officer tracking them. It was good to see the police engaged in proactive policing.
There have been many things that have happened in Newburgh that are not good: young man stabbed to death by a pack of thugs, financial chaos in City Hall (nothing new), protests on the waterfront, terrorist in our midst, and more.
I attended the funeral of the young man who was stabbed to death. Very sad state of affairs in Newburgh when a group of men stab a man to death in broad daylight. Not that it being night time would have mattered. It is just sadder when people can see the killing of another human being en masse and not be able to identify a single killer. They all fled.
Now when I see a group of young men walking around in a pack, I wonder if I or someone else will become a victim. I did see a group of thugs walking up in the heights. I was concerned, but then I saw a police officer tracking them. It was good to see the police engaged in proactive policing.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Municipal Reality Check
Orange County is still a great place to live, work and play. The County government is fiscally responsible. We know this because Orange County has the highest bond rating in New York State after Westchester County. We have lower tax rates which draws many homebuyers to our county. Orange County has considerable reserves to set forth major development projects such as Orange County Community College in Newburgh. Orange County has a huge parks and recreation system to benefit of all its residents. And this County is the fastest growing County in the state.
Yet, we live in a curious time. Government is becoming the cure while Corporate America is withering on the vine. Major American institutions like Citibank, GM, Ford, and IBM are in disrepair with some of their stock selling for pennies. Could local government fall too? It is actually scary times.
If you would like to expand that fear, attend a Newburgh City Council meeting.
You will certainly question whether government is the cure to our problems. But since we have government and it is the last barrier to anarchy, let’s work with it. Or better yet, let’s have them work with us because right now, in the City of Newburgh, like many areas, they are hitting our empty pockets with a vengeance.
Once upon a time, the City of Newburgh had the lowest taxes in Orange County. Add to that, an inexpensive housing stock and you have a land of milk and honey where investment and homeownership flourish. And we know, during the real estate boom, Newburgh was a hot item. Then came a wicked villain named ‘Revaluation.” He was enough to darken the sky that once shined brightly over the city. But he was followed by a bigger and uglier ogre called “The Crash.” By the time they finished (actually they are not finished) taxes were sky high and housing values plummeted.
Now this story is no fairy tale. And it is possible we could all live happily ever after. But there would have to be some serious reversals of behaviors to have Newburgh flourish again.
The behavior that must be reversed is ever-expanding government expenditure. We see it in the Federal, State, and local governments. And we see it on Boards of Education. I have never seen any of these institutions say; well let’s spend less this year. The direct result of limiting government expenditure is less taxes. So CUT TAXES!! What is wrong with reducing the tax burden on local residents? Especially now.
When I served the county as Executive Director of the Human Right Commission, all department heads were mandated to submit a budget that was 5% less than the budget they submitted the year before. The result of that practice is the good bond rating and financial security Orange County enjoys. The City of Newburgh and the Newburgh school district should consider a similar practice. Their budgets, like most municipalities, have expanded exponentially.
Municipal and school budgets have a heart beat. There are hundreds of families affected by the passage of these budget. Yet, Municipal workers, teachers, hospital workers and other public servants may have to come to reckoning soon. Even the stimulus bill that we are crying for will only get us over this year’s deficit. There may be a need to reduce salary increases instead of cutting out jobs.
Case in point: Last week, The New York Times threatened to close the Boston Globe if the newspaper unions did not allow for $20 million in concessions. Wouldn’t it be better to take a little less than lose it all?
The City of Newburgh can simply increase the tax levy and act as if nobody is affected. And when you can’t pay the taxes, the City will take your house in rem faster than any bank. The result: The City of Newburgh is the largest property owner in the city.
There is turmoil in City Hall. Yet, the Acting City Manager seems to have the demeanor, acumen and knowledge to advise the Council and act on what the city needs.
Some questions for thought: Who will prepare the 2010 Budget for the City of Newburgh? Are they prepared to make serious cuts? Will they use the over-inflated assessment values provided by the revaluation? (I know the answer to this one already). Are the city residents and taxpayers prepared to make clear to the current council that changes in government expenditure is key to our city’s recovery?
If so, that would be change I could believe in.
Yet, we live in a curious time. Government is becoming the cure while Corporate America is withering on the vine. Major American institutions like Citibank, GM, Ford, and IBM are in disrepair with some of their stock selling for pennies. Could local government fall too? It is actually scary times.
If you would like to expand that fear, attend a Newburgh City Council meeting.
You will certainly question whether government is the cure to our problems. But since we have government and it is the last barrier to anarchy, let’s work with it. Or better yet, let’s have them work with us because right now, in the City of Newburgh, like many areas, they are hitting our empty pockets with a vengeance.
Once upon a time, the City of Newburgh had the lowest taxes in Orange County. Add to that, an inexpensive housing stock and you have a land of milk and honey where investment and homeownership flourish. And we know, during the real estate boom, Newburgh was a hot item. Then came a wicked villain named ‘Revaluation.” He was enough to darken the sky that once shined brightly over the city. But he was followed by a bigger and uglier ogre called “The Crash.” By the time they finished (actually they are not finished) taxes were sky high and housing values plummeted.
Now this story is no fairy tale. And it is possible we could all live happily ever after. But there would have to be some serious reversals of behaviors to have Newburgh flourish again.
The behavior that must be reversed is ever-expanding government expenditure. We see it in the Federal, State, and local governments. And we see it on Boards of Education. I have never seen any of these institutions say; well let’s spend less this year. The direct result of limiting government expenditure is less taxes. So CUT TAXES!! What is wrong with reducing the tax burden on local residents? Especially now.
When I served the county as Executive Director of the Human Right Commission, all department heads were mandated to submit a budget that was 5% less than the budget they submitted the year before. The result of that practice is the good bond rating and financial security Orange County enjoys. The City of Newburgh and the Newburgh school district should consider a similar practice. Their budgets, like most municipalities, have expanded exponentially.
Municipal and school budgets have a heart beat. There are hundreds of families affected by the passage of these budget. Yet, Municipal workers, teachers, hospital workers and other public servants may have to come to reckoning soon. Even the stimulus bill that we are crying for will only get us over this year’s deficit. There may be a need to reduce salary increases instead of cutting out jobs.
Case in point: Last week, The New York Times threatened to close the Boston Globe if the newspaper unions did not allow for $20 million in concessions. Wouldn’t it be better to take a little less than lose it all?
The City of Newburgh can simply increase the tax levy and act as if nobody is affected. And when you can’t pay the taxes, the City will take your house in rem faster than any bank. The result: The City of Newburgh is the largest property owner in the city.
There is turmoil in City Hall. Yet, the Acting City Manager seems to have the demeanor, acumen and knowledge to advise the Council and act on what the city needs.
Some questions for thought: Who will prepare the 2010 Budget for the City of Newburgh? Are they prepared to make serious cuts? Will they use the over-inflated assessment values provided by the revaluation? (I know the answer to this one already). Are the city residents and taxpayers prepared to make clear to the current council that changes in government expenditure is key to our city’s recovery?
If so, that would be change I could believe in.
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