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Ulster County gets a few new breaks on property taxes

By Lissa Harris
7/10/12 - 10:22 am

Above: Ulster County executive Mike Hein signing five new property tax exemptions into law. Photo courtesy of the Office of the Ulster County Executive.

On Monday, July 9, Ulster County executive Mike Hein signed five new property tax exemptions into law. The new exemptions will mean tax breaks for first-time homebuyers, veterans, seniors, and disabled people in Ulster County.

Under the new exemptions, first-time homebuyers will receive a 50 percent county property tax exemption in the first year after their home purchase, and decreasing exemptions for the first five years. Greater numbers of senior citizens, and the disabled will now qualify for exemptions, because the county has raised the maximum income limit for the tax exemptions for these groups. Also, the exemptions available to veterans have been increased to 15 percent, the maximum allowed under state law.

A press release from the Office of the Ulster County Executive: Read more

DEC loosens firewood transport rules

By Lissa Harris
7/3/12 - 5:20 pm

Above: Photo of cut log by Flickr user EasyPickle. Published under Creative Commons license.

This afternoon, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced that they are loosening the regulations that govern transportation of firewood in the state.

According to a press release from the DEC, wood being transported to sawmills and other facilities for processing will no longer be considered "firewood," and is not covered by the regulations.

Also, under the revision, homeowners and other firewood users will not have to keep documentation of where their wood came from, unless they are burning it on state land.

The regulations, which are intended to prevent the spread of invasive tree-killing insects like emerald ash borer and Asian longhorned beetle, still prevent the transport of untreated firewood more than 50 miles from its source.

From the press release: Read more

Ulster County explodes a watermelon for safety

By Lissa Harris
7/2/12 - 3:34 pm

People of Ulster County, are you tempted to set off illegal fireworks this week? Be warned: That plan didn't go so well for this watermelon.

This morning, the Ulster County Law Enforcement Center hosted an explosive demonstration, shown in the 7-second video clip above, to highlight the dangers of illegal fireworks. (No word on whether members of the New York State Police Bomb Disposal Unit, who thoroughly exploded an innocent melon in the name of public safety, enjoyed getting to make things go boom.)

County executive Mike Hein also sent out a press release packed with statistics about firework-related injuries, and encouraged people to go to public fireworks displays instead of holding their own.

The release quoted a slew of county officials, but the most sobering one came from Richard Parris, Ulster County EMS coordinator, who doesn't want to have to respond to any fireworks-injury calls this year: Read more

Supreme Court upholds healthcare law (mostly)

By Lissa Harris
6/28/12 - 12:01 pm

This morning, the Supreme Court of the United States ruled 5-4 in favor of letting most provisions of the healthcare reform law stand. (The ruling did strike down a provision that imposed federal penalties on states if they refuse to expand their Medicaid programs.)

The New York Times has a good explanation of the decision, which was complicated -- and had Chief Justice John Roberts Jr. siding with the four more liberal members of the court in favor of the law, though he disagreed with their reasons:

The key provision that 26 states opposing the law had challenged – popularly known as the individual mandate – requires virtually all citizens to buy health insurance meeting minimum federal standards, or to pay a penalty if they refuse. Read more

Ulster County clerk Karen Binder dies

By Lissa Harris
6/27/12 - 11:20 am

Karen Binder, clerk of the Ulster County Legislature, died Tuesday morning at the age of 56. Binder had been sick with cancer.

Binder's death prompted an outpouring of tributes from the Ulster County political world.

“Karen was a valued member of our legislative team providing the leadership and support needed to do the important work of the people. She loved her job and provided a commitment to public service that was unquestioned, she will be sorely missed,” said legislative chairwoman Terry Bernardo in a press release that included statements from many of her fellow legislators.

Ulster County executive Mike Hein also issued a statement via press release:

It is with profound sorrow that I reflect on the life and work of Karen Binder, a cherished colleague and a dear friend. Those who knew Karen knew of her tireless efforts and deep commitment to the people of Ulster County, and it was my privilege and honor to know her. Read more

Schreibman, Long win Congressional primaries

By Lissa Harris
6/26/12 - 11:53 pm

With most districts reporting, the Associated Press called the Democratic primary in New York's 19th Congressional District in favor of attorney Julian Schreibman, shortly after 11pm. Schreibman, a first-time candidate, defeated Dutchess County legislator Joel Tyner in the primary.

It was an early night for poll-watchers. About two hours after the polls closed, Schreibman was already making his victory speech -- and looking forward to this November's contest against incumbent Republican Congressman Chris Gibson of Kinderhook, writes the Times-Union:

“Congressman Gibson may be a nice guy, but his votes are out of step with the values of our communities,” said Schreibman. “If you send me to Congress, I will be absolutely focused on the needs of our citizens.” Read more