6:00 PM:
As 33 members of the Ulster County Legislature took there seats for the 1st time in 2010 and prepared to be sworn to serve the good citizens of the County there seemed to be little if any tension in the crowded Assembly Hall. The new Republican majority, 18-15 seemed no issue whatsoever.
The 1st order of business was the instillation of the new Chairman, Fred Wadnola. Escorted by new Majority Leader, Paul Hansut and Minority Leader, Jeanette Provenzano, Mr. Wadnola took the Chairman's seat.
In a short but emotional acceptance speech, Chairman Wadnola outlined his goals for the coming year, defined the Legislatures challenges ie; Reducing and Redistricting the County's 33 Legislator seats to 23 and establishing a balance to the Executive.
Other issues of concern was the Legislatures failure to determine 'Appropriations, and set Policy', a situation Susan Zimet (D) New Paltz recanted as she pledged her support to the Chairman's agenda.
The only contentious voice in the entire Assembly was that of Jeanette Provenzano, (D) Kingston as her recollection of the Legislature's performance the last year was one of greater success.
As all 9 resolution's were enacted without opposition, Ms Provenzano later took issue with an amendment presented by newly elected republican Legislator, Terry Bernardo, also Chairwoman of an oversight committee intended to look into County Waste and Inefficiency. Ms Bernardo attempted to appease the Minority leader but Ms. Provenzano seemed concerned more with the language rather than the substance of the amendment.
By the way, this committe fell under the criticism of County Exec, Michael Hein who not only questioned the Legislatures authority but who seems to feel that waste and inefficiency is an acceptable evil and the residents of the County have no right to complain. As usual Mr. Hein resents any criticism regarding his performance and that of the Executive. He has gotten accustomed to facing no opposition or questions regarding his performance. This too shall change!
All said and done the meeting was adjourned and all in attendance were invited by GOP Committee Chair, Mario Catelano to a reception at the SkyTop Restaurant & Steakhouse.
For the time being, party lines seem almost invisible, for the sake of the County, let's hope it stays that way.
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I don't care what anyone says, Provenzano is just a pain in the ass and if you ask me Sue Zimmet is sounding more like a Republican every day.
ReplyDeleteI was impressed by Donaldson and Lomita, they can actuially be gracious even in defeat.
Also Mike Madsen, did he switch parties too?
As for the 33-0 vote, don't hold your breath, the Dem's won't let the honeymoon last too long.
PS: Hein is a real horses ass, someone should tell him how to engage his brain, (if he has 0ne), before he opens that cavernous mouth of his.