Ulster County GOP Candidates Highlight Annual Republican Committee Dinner

Peter Rooney Proves Assembly Candidates Can Be Cool

George Phillips, a congressional candidate who offers economic growth and an end to Maurice Hinchey's antisemitism

State Senator William J. Larkin kisses County Committee Chair Robin Yess

The Ulster County Republican Committee had an excellent turnout for last night's annual dinner.  I didn't make a headcount but there were over 100 people there at $95 per plate. The Hudson Valley Resort and Spa's banquet was good as were the hors d'oeuvres, but the big news of the evening was the keynote speaker, George Phillips.  Given this week's exposure by Ed Koch and American Jewish Congress chairman Ron Lauder that nine-term Ulster County Congressman Maurice Hinchey is an anti-Semite, Phillips got positive news today:  Karl Rove has announced that his American Crossroads organization is going to provide $300,000 in soft money for Phillips's campaign.  This is the best development for freedom since the New York Times's stock price fell to below $5 per share (the tabloid's stock now trades at $8.59, evidence nevertheless that the fourth generation of Ochs Sulzbergers to inherit the tabloid are as inept at business as they are at journalism--the Ochs Sulzbergers are a living argument in favor of their stand on the inheritance tax. The problem is that they always manage to exempt themselves from their inheritance tax proposals).

The speakers at the dinner were excellent. These included Pete Rooney, who's running for Assembly, Fawn Tantillo who's running for county comptroller and  Senators Bonacic and Larkin.   Phillips opened the proceedings with a dynamic speech.  His economically illiterate and antisemitic opponent, Maurice Hinchey, has much to fear.

Robin Yess put together a wonderful event at the Hudson Valley Resort and Spa

Republicans Liberate Ulster County!

I just received the following great news from Robin Vaccai Yess.

>"Good morning everyone. It was a great (and late) night last night. I just wanted to thank all of our Candidates, our Town Chairs and all of our Committees for their efforts this election year. While we were not successful in every race, winning both countywide races with Nina* and Don** AND winning a majority (18 – 15) in the Ulster County Legislature (unseating several incumbent Democrats in the process) speaks volumes. In local elections, our Republican candidates were successful in many towns across the county and we should congratulate them as well. Thank you all for your hard work and congratulations to all of our newly elected Republican officials! Enjoy the day."

Viewed in this light, our loss in the Town of Olive doesn't seem so bad. First off, we haven't had any candidate at all for a number of election cycles, and 44% at a first stab is not bad. The Keystone cops in the Democratic-Party-Town-of-Olive- Waste-and-Spend Sanitarium have gone from 0% to 44% opposition. With a newly won Republican County legislature, Mario Catalano and Robin Yess have much about which to be proud.

*Nina Postupack, Ulster County Clerk
**Donald Williams, Ulster County Court Judge

Glenda McGee Tells It Like It Is

Dear Editor,

In a small town it seems there is a personal nature to an election that is unfortunate and I think unwise.

When voting for your personal interests means not voting for people you are friendly with and have happily done town business with, an election challenge to incumbents can be misinterpreted as a personal affront. But is that wise?

When voting I disavow "feelings" and assess the best economic choice that serves my fiscal well being. I swear I would vote against my own son if I thought he was going to raise my taxes. "Sorry, kid."

The team challenging our Town of Olive incumbents is running on the Republican and Conservative lines this year.

They have made a commitment to a hiring freeze and a frozen budget. They will actually refuse the health care package and will not take a health care buyout.. Vince Barringer, running for supervisor, will take a ten thousand dollar pay cut as well. I really appreciate that.

Because the Republican / Conservative candidates are making a clear commitment to thrift at their own personal cost, I am convinced that this year I should vote the Republican Conservative ticket for the first time.

By the way, these candidates will require a town board majority to halt the growing town budget burden.

These are new and scary times. We New Yorkers will soon pay a huge government mandated obligation to make up the pension shortfall of the New York State employees. Spam and water for dinner anyone? The tax burden we face will be enormous and will threaten the home ownership of those who live on the fiscal edge. Federal spending on the "Stimulous Package" has lowered our dollar index value from 99 to 75 in the past eight months. Yikes, there goes the buying power of the American dollar.

When I vote for Vince Barringer and the rest of the Republican/Conservative ticket November 3rd., I will not be voting against anyone. I will be voting for my economic survival.

Sincerely,

Glenda Rose McGee

Catalano Re-Elected Ulster County Republican Chair

Mario Catalano, a dentist, has been re-elected chair of the Ulster County Republican Committee. I am a member and was privileged to vote for Catalano at last Thursday evening's meeting. Also, the Committee approved a new version of its by-laws.

Mr. Catalano noted that the speaker at the Committee's fundraiser dinner in October will be Rudy Giuliani, whom I hope runs for governor. Tickets are selling fast, and I hope I can get one.

There was a minor conflict between supporters of the prior chair, Pete Savago, and Catalano. However, in the vote on the by-laws and the re-election of the committee officers, only three members opposed and the rest of the more than 85 members in attendance supported Catalano's positions. Debate and disagreement are healthy.

Mr. Catalano is charming, affable, brilliant and articulate. He is also very handsome and reminds me of Burt Lancaster. I was impressed not only with his presentation and expert conduct of the meeting, but also with the entire committee. Many of the county's best and brightest were in attendance and the evening afforded me an excellent opportunity to meet capable and intelligent people. James Quigley, III, a CPA, treasurer of the Committee and the member who made the motion for Catalano's re-nomination, bought everyone an open bar. The meeting was held at the Hillside Manor in Kingston, NY. Their website features a rendition of "Ashokan Farewell".