Ulster County News

FROM: ULSTER COUNTY OFFICE

DATE: March 11, 2005 

The March 10 session of the Ulster County Legislature was highlighted by a number of guest speakers and presentations, including County Majority Leader Michael Stock and Minority Leader David Donaldson each delivering their annual platform addresses. (Please see attached for each speech.)

Chairman Gerentine began the session by calling upon the various law enforcement departments from Ulster and Dutchess Counties, as well as those individuals who displayed courage and bravery during the Hudson Valley Mall shooting on February 13, 2005. In honoring the individuals, Chairman Gerentine stated that "…each person before us tonight came together under an extreme and rare circumstance in an effort to ensure the safety of others; for that, I commend all of you for your quick actions and gallant behavior."

Photo #1) left to right.....Sheriff J. Richard Bockelmann, Leg. Al Meyer, Keith Lazarchik, Anthony Black, Patrick McNamara, and William Scarey,  Leg. Chairman Rich Gerentine, Kingston Police Chief Gerard Keller, Ellenville Police Chief Phil Mattracion, Saugerties Town Police Sgt. Kevin Drescher, New Paltz Police Chief Raymond Zappone

Photo #2) left to right......Sheriff J. Richard Bockelmann, Leg. Al Meyer, Captain Harry VanVliet IV, Dutchess County Sheriff's Lt. Thomas Lasher, Dutchess County Undersheriff J.J. Thompson, Leg. Chairman Rich Gerentine, Ulster Town Police Chief Paul Watzka, Olive Town Official Bruce LaMonda, Rosendale Police Investigator Andy Buboltz

The Legislature also welcomed Cindy O’Connor, who gave a very educational and moving presentation on the issue of driving while drowsy. Having been granted privilege of the floor, Mrs. O’Connor expressed her pursuit for awareness and prevention of drowsy driving symptoms while relating the personal loss of her son, Kevin, to a drowsy driver. The program, entitled "Victim’s of Irresponsible Drowsy Drivers" preceded the unanimous support of Resolution No. 120, which calls to support the New York State Assembly and Senate to amend vehicle and traffic law in relation to driving while drowsy. She was also presented with a Proclamation during a press conference which was held earlier in the afternoon, designating the week of March 28-April 3 "National Sleep Awareness Week".

In addition to Resolution No. 120, the Legislature also passed The Patriot Plan which will allow for those men and women currently serving in the military and their families a 90 day extension on paying County taxes. Chairman Gerentine is also encouraging all municipalities in Ulster County to extend the same courtesy with town and school taxes. The Legislature also passed a memorializing resolution, put forth by Legislator Bob Aiello, compelling the meat industry in New York to notify retailers that have received recalled meat. This resolution also passed unanimously and was co-sponsored by all Legislators.

The next meeting of the Legislature will be held on Thursday, April 14, 2005 at 7 PM on the 6^th Floor of the Ulster County Office Building, 244 Fair St. Kingston, New York.