News
Kirwan returns, Assembly GOP is ‘super minority’
Source: Albany Times Union
Capitol Confidential
Jimmy Vielkind, Capitol bureau
At least, that’s the term Republican State Chairman Ed Cox used to describe the 51-vote Assembly Republican conference, whose ranks have swollen over the past several election cycle. Cox says this is important because it blocks Democrats from overriding a gubernatorial veto with a strict, party-line vote.
Kirwan, a retired state trooper, represented the 100th District for several terms before losing, narrowly, to Frank Skartados in 2008. His election just cleared several legal challenges.
Here’s the release from the Assembly Republicans.
Assembly Republican Leader Brian M. Kolb (R,I,C-Canandaigua) and
his colleagues today welcomed returning Assemblyman Tom Kirwan
(R,C,I-Newburgh) back into their fold at a public swearing-in ceremony at
the New York State Capitol in Albany. The Hon. Catherine Bartlett, Court of
Claims Judge and Acting Supreme Court Justice, presided over the event.
Kirwan’s wife, Verna, held the Bible as the Assemblyman took his oath of
office.Kirwan, a lifelong resident of the City of Newburgh, represents the 100th
Assembly District, which is comprised of the Town and City of Newburgh in
Orange County, the cities of Beacon and Poughkeepsie in Dutchess County, and
the Ulster County towns of Marlboro, Lloyd and Shawangunk.“I am happy to welcome my good friend, Tom Kirwan, back to Albany today,”
Kolb said. “Tom has always been known as a true reformer and man of the
people. No matter what the issue – whether he’s fighting to keep violent
criminals off our streets, working to pass a responsible, on-time budget, or
advocating for reform of government dysfunction – we can always count on Tom’s
honesty, integrity and intelligence. We are truly blessed to have him on our
team once again.”Prior to his political career, Kirwan served for 28 years as a
New York State Trooper, retiring as a Lieutenant in the Bureau of Criminal
Investigations. He spent his last four years with the State Police in
Manhattan, as part of the New York Drug Enforcement Task Force, where he
investigated mid to upper level drug dealers in New York City.“It’s great to be back,” Kirwan said. “I’d like to thank Leader
Kolb, the entire Assembly Republican Conference, for their continued
friendship and support, and – most importantly – my wife Verna for a
lifetime of love and encouragement. I always enjoyed my time in Albany, and
it will be fun to be working with the Governor, who’s practicing what this
Conference has been preaching for two decades. And last but not least, I’d
like to thank Judge Katie Bartlett for taking time out of her busy schedule
to perform this ceremony.”
Thomas Kirwan’s Assembly return hurts Democrats’ power
Source: The Democrat and Chronicle
ALBANY — Assemblyman Thomas Kirwan, R-Newburgh, returned to the Capitol on Monday as the victor in one of the longest undecided races in state history.
He was sworn in at the Capitol with a packed Assembly Republican conference room cheering him on.
“They do return to the scene of the crime,” joked Kirwan, 78, a former state trooper.
Kirwan was sworn in by Acting Supreme Court Justice Catherine Bartlett. Kirwan’s wife, Verna, held the Bible.
Kirwan represents the 100th Assembly District, which includes parts of Orange, Dutchess and Ulster counties. He beat Democratic incumbent Frank Skartados by 15 votes after an array of court challenges. Kirwan was declared the victor earlier this month, and his election will be certified this week, according to the Board of Elections.
Kirwan served for 14 years before being beaten by Skartados in 2008.
Kirwan said he was happy to be back, saying he hopes to be able to help Gov. Andrew Cuomo, a Democrat, with his cost-cutting agenda.
The seat is important because Democrats now do not have enough members to override a governor’s veto.
State law allows the Assembly and Senate to override a veto with two-thirds vote of the chamber. But with Kirwan, Republicans have 51 seats in the Assembly compared with 99 for Democrats, stripping Democrats of the ability to override a veto without help from the GOP.
Kirwan wins Assembly race
Source: MID HUDSON NEWS
BROOKLYN – The Appellate Division of State Supreme Court voted 4-0, Wednesday, to declare Republican Thomas Kirwan of Newburgh the winner in the 100th District State Assembly race. The race was the last unresolved contest from the November general election.
Kirwan, a former assemblyman, defeated Democrat Frank Skartados of Milton, who held the seat for the last two years, after beating the veteran incumbent in 2008.
“Winning is better than losing,” Kirwan said.
The Appellate Court will now ask the Supreme Court justice handling the case to certify the results with the boards of elections since the district is comprised of portions of Orange, Dutchess and Ulster counties.
Kirwan believes his seat is pivotal to Republicans in the Assembly.
He said with Assembly Republicans now holding 51 votes, they will be able to sustain any vetoes by Governor Andrew Cuomo thus blocking any efforts to Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver to garner support to override.
The race for this seat has been extremely close with the Supreme Court justice spending weeks mulling over individual ballots to decide which would be acceptable as bona fide tallies and which would not.
Skartados, meanwhile, posted a comment on his Facebook page for a short time Wednesday and then took it off. “”Just a few minutes ago, I received the news that we have lost the appeal to have the remaining ballots be opened; consequently, I congratulate my opponent and wish him the strength to serve the people of the Hudson Valley,” he wrote.
He told MidHudsonNews.com that his attorneys are reviewing the court ruling before deciding whether to appeal to the state Court of Appeals.
Republicans gain one more Assembly seat
ource: Empire State News.net
Link Below
http://www.empirestatenews.net/News/20110217-3.html
Date: Feb. 17, 2011
BROOKLYN – The Appellate Division of State Supreme Court Wednesday voted 4-0 to declare Republican Thomas Kirwan of Newburgh the winner in the 100th District State Assembly race. Kirwan, a former assemblyman, defeated Democrat Frank Skartados of Milton, who held the seat for the last two years, after beating the veteran incumbent in 2008.
“Winning is better than losing,” Kirwan said.
The Appellate Court will now ask the Supreme Court justice handling the case to certify the results with the boards of elections since the district is comprised of portions of Orange, Dutchess and Ulster counties.
Kirwan believes his seat is pivotal to Republicans in the Assembly.
He said with Assembly Republicans now holding 51 votes, they will be able to sustain any vetoes by Governor Andrew Cuomo thus blocking any efforts to Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver to garner support to override.
The race for this seat has been extremely close with the Supreme Court justice spending weeks mulling over individual ballots to decide which would be acceptable as bona fide tallies and which would not.
Skartados, meanwhile, posted a comment on his Facebook page for a short time Wednesday and then took it off. “”Just a few minutes ago, I received the news that we have lost the appeal to have the remaining ballots be opened; consequently, I congratulate my opponent and wish him the strength to serve the people of the Hudson Valley,” he wrote.
He told EmpireStateNews.Net that his attorneys are reviewing the court ruling before deciding whether to appeal to the state Court of Appeals.
ASSEMBLY REPUBLICAN CONFERENCE HOSTS SECOND ANNUAL “SPORTSMEN & OUTDOOR RECREATION LEGISLATIVE AWARENESS DAY” IN ALBANY
Assembly Republican Leader Brian M. Kolb (R,I,C-Canandaigua) and the Assembly GOP Conference today hosted their second annual “Sportsmen and Outdoor Recreation Legislative Awareness Day” at the Legislative Office Building in Albany. The lawmakers were joined by Chuck Cunningham, Director of Political Affairs for the National Rifle Association (NRA) and thousands of outdoor enthusiasts from across the state.
“My Assembly Republican colleagues and I were pleased to see so many New Yorkers at our second annual Sportsmen and Outdoor Recreation Legislative Awareness Day,” said Kolb, a member of the NRA, The New York State Rifle and Pistol Association (NYSRPA), the Shooters’ Committee on Political Education (S.C.O.P.E.) and Safari Club International. “Due to the overwhelming success of the January 2010 event, we decided to make this celebration of our Second Amendment rights a yearly gathering.”
The event, which included over two dozen vendors from around the state, highlighted the rich tradition of outdoor activities in the lives of New York’s residents and our economy, and offered hunters, sportsmen and outdoor recreation enthusiasts from around the state an opportunity to meet with their legislators.
“I was honored to join Assembly Republican Leader Brian Kolb for Sportsmen and Outdoor Recreation Legislative Awareness day,” Cunningham said. “The Second Amendment is under perpetual attack in New York State and 2011 will be no different. Our Constitutional freedoms are sacrosanct; I have spent my life advocating for them. I look forward to continuing the battle.”
In addition to a keynote speech by Cunningham, the formal program included a taped presentation from NRA CEO & Executive Vice President Wayne LaPierre, as well as remarks from James A. Rabbia, Plant Manager for Remington Arms; Tom King, President of NYSRPA; Stephen Aldstadt, President of S.C.O.P.E.; and William Schwerd, Executive Director of New York State 4-H Shooting Sports.
“Remington Arms Company employs over 1,000 people in our manufacturing facility in Ilion New York,” said Rabbia. “We are the largest arms manufacturer in New York State, and an economic linchpin of Central New York. The sportsmen and women who purchase our products represent a significant economic force; they support not just Remington, but various other industries, many of which are based in this state. The sporting tradition of New York is not just a social institution, but also an integral part of our state’s economy and deserves the support of our state government.”
Kolb is widely recognized for his advocacy of the Second Amendment and his voting record in support of preserving and protecting every New Yorker’s right to bear arms. In June 2010, Kolb was named NYSRPA’s 2010 “Legislator of the Year.” In October 2010, he received S.C.O.P.E.’s “Sandra Lee Wirth Legislator of the Year Award.” In December 2010, he was designated “Second Amendment Politician of the Year” by the Yates County Chapter of S.C.O.P.E. The three groups honored Kolb, in part, for his sponsorship of Sportsman and Outdoor Recreation Legislative Awareness Day – the first-ever event of its kind in Albany.
“The Sportsmen & Outdoor Recreation Legislative Awareness Day is a huge success that will continue to grow; I congratulate Minority Leader Brian Kolb for understanding the great impact that shooting and outdoor sports have on the economy of New York State,” said King.
“It has always been important to me that sportsmen and women have the opportunity to network with colleagues and meet with their legislators to discuss the important role of ‘Heritage Sports’ and other outdoor activities,” said Kolb.
“S.C.O.P.E. is committed to working to protect the right to keep and bear arms for all law abiding citizens of New York State. I’m pleased to join Assembly Minority Leader Kolb, our friends from the NRA, NYSRPA, Remington Arms and everyone who traveled to Albany today for the Second Annual Sportsmen and Outdoor Recreation Legislative Awareness Day,” said Aldstadt.
“Heritage” tourism is big business in the Empire State, because New York is home to first-rate outdoor recreational opportunities. In fact, hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation contribute more than $6 billion to New York State’s economy every year. With more than 7,500 lakes and ponds, 50,000 miles of rivers and streams and hundreds of miles of coastline, there are abundant opportunities for world-class fishing for a wide variety of fish species. Boaters can also explore these bodies of water via canoes, kayaks, personal watercraft, sailboats and motorboats. As winter approaches, New Yorkers regularly take advantage of the over 8,000 miles of State Snowmobile Trail System trails.
“Youth are the future of our shooting and hunting tradition. Shooting is The Activity of a Lifetime as it transcends age, gender or physical limitations. Equally important, by the very nature of learning through a mentoring process, shooting crosses generations as youth frequently learn skills, responsibilities and ethics from grandparents,” said Schwerd.”4-H Shooting Sports in New York State follows a national curriculum that includes certified volunteer instructors working with appropriate age youth who follow the 4-H Motto of Learning By Doing. 4-H encourages youth and parents, grandparents or guardians to participate together – learning, sharing and understanding across generations.”
Vendors showcasing their products and services at Sportsmen and Outdoor Recreation Legislative Awareness Day included the NRA, NYSRPA, S.C.O.P.E., West Albany Rod and Gun Club, Federated Sportsmen’s Clubs of Ulster County, New York State 4-H Shooting Sports, New York Houndsmen Conservation Association, Outdoor Writers Association, Conservation Alliance of New York, National Wild Turkey Federation, Sportsmen’s Association for Firearms Education, Inc., Remington Arms, New York State Trappers Association, Harvest Sun Charters, Livingston County Federation of Sportsmen Clubs, Springville Field and Spring Club, Broome County Sportsmen Association, South Shore Waterfowlers’ Association, Nassau County Fish and Game Association, Suffolk Alliance of Sportsmen, New York Bowhunters, Quality Deer Management Association, North Country ATV, Capital District Fly Fishers, Sporting Dog Trainers Alliance and Columbia Greene Friends of the NRA, among others.
ASSEMBLY REPUBLICAN LEADER BRIAN KOLB DELIVERS OPENING DAY REMARKS, INTRODUCES NEW 17-MEMBER ASSEMBLY GOP FRESHMAN CLASS ON THE CHAMBER FLOOR
Assembly Republican Leader Brian M. Kolb (R,I,C-Canandaigua) is pictured (standing, center) introducing the new 17-Member Assembly Republican freshman class on the Chamber Floor during Monday’s opening day of session. Speaking of the new 17 Assembly Republican Members elected in November, Kolb said he was confident that they would become “strong, new voices in Albany for the cause of good government and reform.”
GOP LEADER BRIAN KOLB BLASTS DEC’S 11TH HOUR ATTEMPT TO ADVANCE NEW REGULATION RESTRICTING USE OF WOOD BOILERS, SAYS THE AGENCY’S ACTIONS HAVE RURAL NEW YORKERS “STEAMING MAD”
Leader Kolb demands the DEC stop acting like a “thief in the night,” and reverse its last-minute attempt to fast track a new regulation that would hurt rural New Yorkers and the agricultural community
In response to an 11th hour effort by the Department of Environmental Conservation
(DEC) to fast track a controversial new regulation during the waning days of 2010, Assembly
Republican Leader Brian M. Kolb (R,I,C-Canandaigua) has written to the Agency demanding
that it reverse course. The DEC’s new regulation would restrict the use of wood boilers,
negatively affecting the quality of life and pocketbooks of rural New Yorkers and farmers.
“There is a saying that in life, timing is everything. The DEC scheduling a meeting for
December 22 – a mere three days before Christmas – to consider what they know is a highly
controversial new regulation that negatively impacts rural New Yorkers and farmers is more than
just bad timing. I believe it’s nothing short of a deliberate attempt to disenfranchise rural New
Yorkers from letting the DEC know how much they oppose the new regulation and stop this
Albany snowball before it gets rolling. Folks who rely on wood boilers are steaming mad at the
DEC, and rightly so,” Kolb said.
“This may come as news to Albany bureaucrats kept warm and toasty in public buildings
whose heating bills are paid by taxpayers, but out in the real world, wood boilers are used
extensively throughout rural communities. Restricting their use, as the DEC’s new regulation
ultimately proposes, would not only hurt financial bottom lines, it would remove a low-cost
renewable energy source rural New Yorkers count on to heat their homes and businesses during
winter’s cold,” Kolb said.
“Besides being bad public policy, the process the DEC has employed in trying to lay
the groundwork for a regulation they know is extremely contentious three days before a major
holiday only reinforces the image of a State Agency with something to hide. The DEC needs to
stop acting like a thief in the night by trying to fast track this regulation,” Kolb said.
“The prudent thing – the right thing – for the Agency to do would be to reverse course.
At the very least, it should hold off until we have a new Governor sworn-in and a new DEC
Commissioner appointed and approved who can then carefully consider the regulation’s practical
impact,” Kolb said.
“The DEC had all year to advance this regulation. Now, with just 12 days until 2011 and
a new Administration coming in, they finally decide to act. Is anybody minding the store over
at the DEC? I think some adult supervision for this Agency is sorely needed and should be front
and center on the Legislature’s agenda come January, 2011,” Kolb stated.
In correspondence that was hand-delivered to Acting DEC Commissioner Peter
Iwanowicz on Friday, December 17, Kolb wrote the following: “Not only is this an ill-advised
public policy, the questionable manner in which it is being advanced demonstrates why so
many New Yorkers do not trust their state government. I am specifically referring to the
DEC’s decision to hold a meeting of its Environmental Review Board, ostensibly to discuss the
highly controversial regulation, a mere three days before Christmas. Only in Albany could this
somehow be considered a good idea.”
Kolb’s correspondence to the DEC continued: “I, along with many others who oppose
this new regulation, feel the meeting’s timing is no coincidence. It is difficult to believe it was
anything other than intentional that the meeting was scheduled so close to a major holiday and
religious observance to ensure a minimum of public notice and media coverage of the policy
being discussed. If this is indeed the case, then shame on the DEC. It should be the policy of
all agencies of New York State government to encourage the active input, participation and
comment of the public and media alike in the policy-making process. Your proposed meeting
does not serve that goal.”
Kolb’s letter concluded: “With a New Year, a new Governor and a new Legislative
Session – during which the DEC’s budget will be subject to legislative oversight and approval
– almost upon us, I urge you to reverse this last-minute attempt to promulgate a new regulation
that would have negative consequences for rural New York and our entire agricultural
community.”
People’s Convention to Reform New York Town Hall Press Release
Hudson, NY – Is Albany working for you?
That was the question Assembly Republican Leader Brian M. Kolb (R,I,C-Canandaigua) asked to open a Town Hall meeting he convened this evening at the Hudson Elks Club, where he discussed support for a “People’s Convention to Reform New York,” and described how it could deliver the positive change that New Yorkers of all political parties – and regions – have been demanding. Kolb was joined and introduced by his colleague, Assemblyman Marc Molinaro (R,C,I-Red Hook).
The People’s Convention to Reform New York is a grassroots, non-partisan reform effort to empower citizens so they can take back their state government and, in the process, chart a positive, new direction for New York. Some of the issues that could be considered during a People’s Convention include fiscal reforms like a property tax and state spending cap, debt reform, along with a ban on “backdoor” borrowing and unfunded mandates. Governmental reforms such as initiative and referendum, an independent Legislative Redistricting Commission, term limits for Legislative Leaders, ethics reform and a succession plan for state offices could also be considered as part of a People’s Convention.
Kolb also discussed his non-partisan legislation, “The People’s Convention to Reform New York Act,” Assembly Bill A.9157. If enacted, the bill would put the question of whether New York should convene a “People’s Convention” on the 2010 ballot; by law, this question automatically goes before voters in 2017. The non-partisan measure would move up the opportunity for reform by seven years, accelerating the state’s ability to enact long overdue and much-needed changes. The legislation specifically requires that any elected official seeking to run as a delegate for, or serve in, the People’s Convention must first resign their office.
“There is a growing feeling among New Yorkers that their state government has stopped working for them – that it’s grown too costly, unresponsive and disconnected from the lives of those it was supposed to serve. It is time New Yorkers took their state government back – it begins by convening a ‘People’s Convention,’ which is the first step toward restoring accountability,” said Kolb, who noted that over 2,000 people have already gone to www.reformny.org and signed the on-line petition in support of a People’s Convention.
“Hudson Valley families want real reform in Albany, especially given this year’s late state budget,” said Molinaro. “Genuine ideas to improve our state government like a ‘People’s Convention to Reform NY’ resonate with the constituents in my district. Citizens are demanding results and I am very glad Leader Kolb traveled to Hudson to report on this positive, effective way to make government work for the people again.”
Kolb and Molinaro will also hold a People’s Convention Town Hall on Wednesday, April 28, 2010 at 6:30 p.m. at the East Fishkill Senior Center, 888 Route 82, in East Fishkill.
Molinaro represents the 103rd Assembly District, which contains Columbia and Dutchess counties. Kolb’s 129th Assembly District is located in the Finger Lakes region and contains Cayuga, Cortland, Onondaga, Ontario and Seneca counties. For further details on the People’s Convention to Reform New York, go to www.reformny.org, and follow Assembly Republican Leader Brian Kolb on Twitter and Facebook.
IT’S APRIL 15th: GOT TAX RELIEF?
North Country taxpayers “feeling the tax squeeze” thanks to Assemblywoman Russell’s support for billions in new taxes and spending
Today is April 15th — Tax Day — when state and federal income tax filings are due. This year, North Country taxpayers will pay more of their hard-earned money to New York State government because of Assemblywoman Addie Russell’s (D-Theresa) votes in Albany to raise taxes and fees.
Last year, Russell voted for a state budget that hiked taxes and fees by $8.2 billion and raised state government spending by nearly 10 percent. That budget eliminated STAR property tax rebate checks and hiked taxes and fees on sportsmen, health insurance, home purchases, energy bills, auto insurance, DMV license plates, beer and wine sales, and SUNY tuition.
Two weeks ago, Russell voted for an Assembly budget resolution that would add $2 billion in new borrowing and hike job-killing taxes by $342 million. New York taxpayers are already on the hook for $57 billion in state debt; $10 billion of that still remains from past borrowings to cover deficits over the years. Meanwhile, the state budget is now two weeks overdue with no anticipated date for passage in sight.
“This Tax Day, North Country residents are feeling the tax squeeze like never before from the state and federal governments and Assemblywoman Russell’s votes to hike job-killing taxes have not delivered much needed relief,” said Kathleen Hennessey, Spokeswoman for the New York Republican Assembly Campaign Committee (RACC).
“Assemblywoman Russell needs to stop stalling and start working to pass a fiscally responsible budget that actually lowers taxes, cuts government spending and helps create private sector jobs to put people back to work,” concluded Hennessey.
ASSEMBLY REPUBLICAN LEADER BRIAN KOLB CALLS FOR “EXTREME MAKEOVER” OF NEW YORK’S GOVERNMENT
Kolb pushes for statewide, public budget forum between Governor Paterson and Legislative Leaders so taxpayers can learn where everyone stands on critical issues of
taxing, spending and borrowing
The late 2010-11 State Budget is the most recent, glaring example of why New York’s government is in need of an “extreme makeover,” according to Assembly Republican Leader Brian M. Kolb (R,I,C-Canandaigua) who today called for Governor Paterson and the Legislative Leaders to meet in a public budget forum to be broadcast and televised live, statewide next week.
Kolb said the public budget forum would allow New Yorkers to learn exactly where the Governor and each Legislative Conference stands on taxing, spending and borrowing and outline their specific plans for closing New York’s $9.05 billion budget deficit. Kolb suggested one of Time Warner Cable’s 24-hour news channels such as Your News Now (YNN) or NY1 News, along with public television and radio stations, as possible hosts of the hour-long budget forum, in addition to it being streamed live via the Internet.
“As bad as the late State Budget is, even more frustrating for taxpayers is the fact that there is still no public, transparent schedule of how – or when – it will be completed from the Assembly and Senate Democrat Majorities. That is simply unacceptable and shows why our broken state government needs an ‘extreme makeover’ that will correct these problems and build a strong foundation of true transparency and accountability to taxpayers,” Kolb said.
“Last year’s State budget was put together using a closed door, secretive process that excluded the Minority Conferences and rank-and-file Members. The spending plan it produced was fiscally irresponsible, contained $8.2 billion in new taxes and fees, and exploded the budget deficit. This year, the Governor and Democrat Majorities followed that same bad game plan and shut out taxpayers from what should be a completely open, transparent and accountable budget process,” Kolb stated.
“There has been too much talk and not enough action to ensure taxpayers know exactly where everyone stands. I believe it’s time everyone put their cards on the table. Legislative Leaders and the Governor need to meet in a public budget forum to be broadcast and televised live, statewide, so taxpayers can hear and see our specific solutions and challenges to closing New York’s $9.05 billion budget deficit. New Yorkers deserve answers from Albany and this public budget forum I am proposing would help provide them,” Kolb concluded.
