A Noble Agenda for Kingston

If the first test of an aspiring elected official is assembling a team, then Steve Noble has done an exceptional job of seeking out an exciting team of new faces and seasoned veterans.  Choosing Jim Noble as running-mate for Alderman at Large is a brilliant marriage of well-respected institutional knowledge and the new energy and ideals that are driving Kingston's resurgence.  The one thing you will notice about Team Noble/Noble is a group comprised of very well-educated, progressive, community-minded individuals. I say wow!  I have to wonder (enviously) about what it would be like to serve and work to make meaningful changes on the Common Council with this group of public servants.  Briefly:

Ward 1. Lynn Eckert
Lynn has a Ph.D. in Political Science from Syracuse University, and is currently Chair and a professor of the Political Science Department at Marist College.  I know her family well and am very excited that she agreed to step up.

Ward 2. Douglas Koop
Doug's career includes several CEO/President/General Manager positions with technology companies (including Philips Components in Saugerties, 400 employees) and the non-for-profit Hudson Valley Technology Development Center; teaching (ten years) at SUNY-New Paltz physics, mathematics and engineering departments, Bard College Prison Initiative; community service as Treasurer—United University Professions, Treasurer—Adirondack District Masters Swimming, Y Board, UCDC Board, Pattern Board; and active participation is local theatrical and choral groups.

*In Ward 3 - Brad Will who has served Ward 3 residents well on the Kingston Common Council the last few years. He is the founder and principal at Ashokan Architecture and Planning.  Possible primary challenge Andrew Champ-Doran.

*In Ward 4 you will find Daniel Kanter. Originally from the Washington, DC area, Daniel fell in love with and moved to Midtown Kingston two years ago. Since that time, he has worked with local members of the community on rehabbing two dilapidated homes in his ward, and feels passionately about improving the quality of life of Midtown residents. Possible primary Nina Dawson, incumbent.

*In Ward 6 you will find Alex Panagiotopoulos, a small business-minded progressive who has lived and worked in Kingston for seven years. He works as a digital healthcare marketer. A graduate of Marist College (B.S.) and SUNY Empire (Healthcare Management cert.), he serves on the Kingston Farmers' Market board. Possible primary challenge from Gary Davis (D).

*In Ward 7, we have the opportunity to welcome back Bill Reynolds, a long time alderman (18+ years) and Council Majority leader who wants to help reconnect Kingston residents to City Government, and plans to bring his skills and passion back to city hall. Possibly primary challenge Maryann Mills, incumbent.

In Ward 9, you will find Lynn Johnson who has lived in Kingston the past 12 years and who has worked in IT for many years, including the last 8 years at Capital Region Boces in Albany. Lynn is currently Vice-Chair of the Kingston Democratic Committee, active in Ulster County Democratic Women, a member of the Ulster County Human Rights Commission, and of the Kingston Conservation Advisory Council.

Not officially part of the team, but coming back are Bill Carey, Ward 5 and Steve Schabot, Ward 8 who have both done a decent job and will easily win re-election.  

I'm feeling hopeful...  More tomorrow.

Odds and Ends

 When my son was a toddler he went through a goggle phase.  Most photos of this era include goggles - even a nice one with his Abuela where they are both sporting a pair.  First it was swim goggles, but then as he got older he liked to mix it up with science goggles, construction goggles, and exotic sunglasses of all shapes and colors.  He also collects costumes and accessories, primarily superheros, but also knights, firefighters, military, you name it.  His entire bedroom is organized around legos and many dozens of costumes with various accessory bins of Hulk, Ironman, Captain America, and Batman gear (to name a few) to complete his looks.  As you can imagine this is very special to my son and I.

Now imagine that we form a board of like minded goggle wearing, costume aficionados, apply for nonprofit status, and approach the city for a neglected parcel to house our educational museum that will display our collections.  If we cannot have that parcel for $1.00, then the city can host our endeavor by providing for all utilities and maintenance on a building. 

I don't mean to be cynical, but I do have concerns that sometimes we miss the obvious.  Of course I like and appreciate the Volunteer Firefighters Museum and absolutely adore the Kingston Firefighters Union for all that they do to support and enhance our community, especially for our kids.   But No.  At his point we have multiple museums and cultural centers in formation, a boat building center, trolleys, etc., etc. etc.   Most of these projects are starving for cash and a few, like TransArt, has come to a standstill.  Simultaneous to the expansion in cultural and educational centers, we have watched the consolidation of our school system and hospitals in recognition that we must be more efficient; the workforce in Parks and DPW has been gutted; money is not there.  Our infrastructure and roads need serious attention.  Our schools need more skilled  Teachers and Teaching Assistants in the classroom to ensure that every child is getting the attention they need to thrive and develop.  What  my gut is telling me about the latest discussions to transfer ownership of the Volunteer Fireman's Museum is that it is not in our interest to proceed.  I just want us to do the really important stuff well.  I could be wrong...    

I'll have a full preview report of the City Democratic Convention by Tuesday.