Extra lawyer for Kingston common council nixed amid public outcry The Kingston city council learned Tuesday night that it takes only two lawyers to outrage an entire city. Public outcry was the order of the day, at the monthly meeting where the 2015 municipal budget was scheduled for approval. One last minute item on the agenda was a $25,000 allocation for an additional attorney to represent the city aldermen. The official city counsel technically answers to the mayor. An additional lawyer was suggested to avoid any future conflicts, by directly representing the lawmakers. The matter caused a brouhaha at Monday’s fiscal committee, and boiled over into extended debate on the meeting floor, additionally numerous reprimands from angry citizens during public comment. At issue was the zero-based austerity budget, which left departments including Police, DPW and Parks cash-strapped and short handed for staff. Matters reached a head when 1st Ward alderman Matt Dunn referred to the $25,000 proposal as “chump change,” during an eloquent speech in support of the measure. Dunn argued that the money involved is insignificant compared to the overall $37 million budget, and that there was a precedent in the late 1980s and early 1990s, when city counsel Democrats retained their own counsel. He also observed that as a contingent earmark, the money would probably be returned to the general fund anyway. “I take offense at ‘chump change,’ that’s not a very nice choice of words,” retorted 9th Ward alderman Deborah Brown. “Especially when somebody’s trying to figure out how they’re going to pay their taxes and water bills,” she said. “We represent the residents, they’re the ones that voted for us, not the counsel for their ideology,” she added. The resolution was defeated 5-4, with 2nd Ward alderman Brian Seche casting the deciding vote, “as a rebuke to the type of politics that I’ve seen.” He explained that although he supports the idea, a hostile climate would make the city council look bad, if the resolution passed at this time. “Defeat tonight does not mean the end of the idea,” he noted. ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmzPjJfLfrE

Colonial Gala Ball, Kingston City Hall, Sat. Oct. 14, 2017 Part of Ulster County Cultural Heritage Week, the Gala Ball follows the traditional Burning of Kingston event. Video courtesty of Gloria Waslyn, Parrots for Peace. Squalk! ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9PLLaUtsKUQ

Unite for Peace & Freedom July 4th 2020 intro, Gerald Celente, Kingston NY. Second speaker is Fr. Kevin Robinson, of St. Anthony of Padua church, who filed a federal lawsuit against NJ Gov. Phil Murphy over pandemic restrictions; and appeared on Fox News Tucker Carlson. https://video.foxnews.com/v/6157042765001#sp=show-clips https://www.eventbrite.com/e/unite-for-peace-and-restore-freedom-4th-of-july-rally-tickets-109693030808 https://www.dailyfreeman.com/news/local-news/saturday-rally-in-kingston-will-take-aim-at-virus-related-restrictions/article_4ebc932e-bc85-11ea-b126-23bfa0062124.html ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XEEWZx50zmI

Interview conducted just prior to the June 5, 2019 screening of documentary "Why Can't We Serve," written, produced, and directed by blind filmmaker Marty Klein of Woodstock, NY. The event took place at the American Legion Hall in Saugerties NY. Exchange regards accessibility software utilities utilized to overcome his visual handicap. Klein is apparently the first blind filmmaker in world history. https://www.whycantweserve.com ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=isA0T4SWeo8