AUSTERLITZ DEMS TO MEET SATURDAY AUGUST 8 at 10am

Dear Fellow Democrats,

Please join us for the next meeting of the ADC on Saturday August 8th at 10 am in the town hall in Spencertown on Route 203.  We have an upcoming election this Fall, and will be discussing candidates, our platform, the caucus, and other election related issues. We look forward to seeing you on the 8th!

Thank you,
Your Austerlitz Democratic Committee

AUSTERLITZ DEMS MEET SATURDAY MAY 9

Dear Fellow Democrats,
     

Please join us for a meeting of the Austerlitz Democrats on Saturday, May 9th at 10 am at the Town Hall.


Our agenda will include: Events, Fundraising, and Candidates for the upcoming election. Bring an interested friend or neighbor.  We are looking forward to seeing you this Saturday.

Thank you!
Your Austerlitz Democratic Committee

HIGHLIGHTS from FEBRUARY BOARD MEETING

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

The Austerlitz Democratic Committee is committed to open communication and dialog about the happenings within our wonderful town.  Several of us attended the February 26, 2015 Town Board workshop and regular meeting.  Here are some of the highlights that were discussed:

• Town Hall property purchased: The new Town Hall property acquisition has closed. No town funds were needed for the purchase. Thank you to the Ellsworth Kelly Foundation for its generous contribution, and seller, Martin Parker, for picking up the closing costs. 
• State Route 203: Re-paving of Route 203 is expected to begin in the Spring. Also on roads, more than usual amount of sand and salt was used, and more overtime than usual, all due to the extraordinary snowfall. In 2017 the town's bond comes due and additional road work is needed. 
• Austerlitz Firehouse: Construction of the new firehouse is to commence in Spring. The contractor selected is the brother of the Town Supervisor. Supervisor Rob Lagonia made it clear that the Austerlitz Fire Company is a separate entity from the Town, and he had nothing to do with the contract award. 
• Town Park Renovation: The town supervisor expects to put the work out for bid next month. The tennis court will be converted to all purpose court, including tennis and basketball, etc. There is also a plan for pavilion with kitchen for community events. Thank you again to the Ellsworth Kelly Foundation. 
• Congratulations to Connie Mondel: Our own indefatigable Connie, along with Sally Charron of Ghent, were selected Senior Citizens of the Year for Columbia County! 
• Comprehensive Plan Oversight Committee: The Committee has been working on the Hamlet Study, through a survey about parking, sidewalks, etc. The DOT sent representatives from their landscape and design section offering help almost two years ago. The State Road Repair Group wrote the Town regarding any changes in the interim. The next step is to have an open meeting to give the public a chance to participate before roadwork begins. 
• Quick additional items: ~Gravel Grinder Cycling event set for Sunday, May 17, 2015. ~Elizabeth Whiteman re-appointed to Board of Assessment Review. ~Town Clerk/Tax Collector and Town Justice Court Audits, by Greg Vogler; these areas came through okay. A State audit of accounts and claims resulted in a good report. 

Next meeting, March 19, 2015. Come on out and see your town government at work. (For complete meeting minutes, see the town's web-site: http://austerlitzny.com/2010-town-board-minutes/ )

Thank you!
Your Austerlitz Democratic Committee

ELECTIONS MATTER: HIGHLIGHTS from 2014 and LOOKING FORWARD

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Elections do matter.   Many positive things have happened since Rob Lagonia and Greg Vogler won election on the Democratic ticket and joined the Austerlitz town board in January 2014.  More good things are planned in 2015 as well.  This year is an election year with two additional town board seats to be contested.  We will be nominating high quality candidates, and there will be fun and informative campaign events too.  The Austerlitz Democratic Committee will keep you updated throughout this year on the upcoming election and events.

Here are some of the changes our newly elected officials brought to energize our town and its government in 2014.  These achievements delivered on key commitments of the Austerlitz Democratic Committee's election platform: 

• Fiscal soundness and responsibility.  For many years the town budget was balanced by heavily drawing down our savings, without a plan to ensure the town did not run out of money for emergency needs, or to maintain our credit rating or to finance much needed and expensive new road equipment.  That is now changed, and the budget is balanced without further erosion of our savings reserve.
• The speed limit on Route 203 has been lowered (with special thanks to independent town residents who also took an active role in this change).  Stay tuned for developments this year on much needed paving.
• A new road grader has been acquired to maintain our dirt roads.  The last grader died suddenly in September and the new one is now on the roads. This is an example of why we need to maintain our savings reserves! 
• Greater transparency.   Important information is openly discussed at the town board meetings allowing all those who attend (or read the minutes on the town website) to know all of the same facts and considerations the town board has.  Click here for the Austerlitz Town Board Minutes
• Real progress on the town park was made.  A Community Day was held this past summer to get input on how best to design a renovated town park.  With the active role of our new Supervisor, the Ellsworth Kelly Foundation committed additional money to help make this happen.   
• Also with the active participation of our Supervisor, and the generosity of the Ellsworth Kelly Foundation, the former church next to the existing town hall has been purchased. It will become the new Austerlitz town hall as soon as repairs can be made and new office spaces are constructed over the next couple of years.  Stay tuned for updates on this exciting resolution of a long standing issue. 
• Audits.  Each year, the law requires that the town conduct its own audits of the town court, the town clerk, and our tax assessor.  These audits had not been done in years; however, they were reestablished in 2014 and will be conducted each year going forward. 
• Active participation at the county.   Rob Lagonia is an active participant at the County Board of Supervisors, and our voices are once again now being heard at the county level. 

This year is shaping up to be another busy year.   Here are some of the activities planned for 2015:

• Identify all of the town's large purchase needs, and to develop a fiscally responsible way to acquire them.  
• Completion of the new town park.
• Begin renovation of the new town hall building.
• Pursue NY State paving of Route 203.
• Improve the condition of our town roads, and have the proper equipment to maintain them.
• Maintain fiscal soundness, and overall transparency.
• Maintain an active role at the County level.

Stay tuned as the year progresses.  Good things are happening!  If you have any ideas or comments to share, please send them to  austerlitzdemocraticcommittee@gmail.com or mail them to PO Box 266, Spencertown, NY, 12165.

So, as you have read, elections do matter, and can produce results.  Importantly, winning elections require funds to have our voices heard.   Please help us now by sending a donation to the Austerlitz Democratic Committee at PO Box 266, Spencertown, NY, 12165.  Contributions to the ADC are not tax deductible.

Thank you!

Your Austerlitz Democratic Committee 

AUSTERLITZ DEMOCRATS 2015 ELECTION KICKOFF MEETING

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

The Austerlitz Democrats will hold a 2015 kickoff meeting this coming Saturday, January 10, 2015 at 10:00am in the Town Hall.  All Austerlitz Democrats are welcome.  2015 is an election year with two town board seats up.  We won last election and we can win this one too.  Please come join us this Saturday.

Thank you!

Your Austerlitz Democratic Committee

COMPREHENSIVE PLAN COMMITTEE SURVEY

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

The Comprehensive Plan Committee would like to get the opinions of residents on roads, parking, traffic and recreation in the Spencertown Hamlet. The idea is to analyze the situation as residents see it and look to make changes if they can be accommodated.

There is a survey on the town's website that can be answered quickly with 7 questions. It is most helpful if there is a good response in numbers since that weighs more to the Governor or to the state agencies that need to be involved in any suggested changes.

Besides this survey, the town's website has been improved and has a lot of information that is good for residents to know.

Thank you and best regards,
Your Austerlitz Democratic Committee

Below is the notice of the CPC survey as well:

NOTICE   

FROM:  AUSTERLITZ COMPREHENSIVE PLAN COMMITTEE

FOR:          AUSTERLITZ RESIDENTS

ABOUT:     A short, simple, important….

                                SURVEY

     

on  ROADS,  TRAFFIC, PARKING, RECREATION in the Hamlet of Spencertown. 

   

Your comments about the areas listed below will be

helpful in the analysis toward improvements.

     St. Peter’s Church, Spencertown Academy, Country Store, Spencertown Post Office, The Town Hall, Recreation Park

Hard copy: Town Hall

Computer copy at: www.AusterlitzNY.com

                        

On the Town of Austerlitz website scroll down to Spencertown Hamlet Survey.  Fill in those areas meaningful to you and use spaces provided for any further comments.   (Due date:  Sept.15^th.) In addition you will find on that website other important information, Letter to Governor Cuomo about dangerous condition of Route 203; Information on proposed power lines on Rigor Hill Rd.

COMMUNITY EVENT - JUNE 7 in the TOWN PARK

Dear Friends and Neighbors, a message from our town supervisor:

The town has been given a generous donation for the purpose of updating our Town Park.  The Town Board decided to have a community event on June 7th from 12:00 - 1:30.  Hot dogs and beverages will be served.  Please bring your thinking caps as all suggestions are welcome.  The Town Board will compile all suggestions and ideas and move forward in the direction that best fits the needs of our community.  Looking forward to a large turnout.


Please spread the word.

Rob Lagonia
Town Supervisor

ROUTE 203 SPEED LIMIT

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

 

Speed limit success!

The community's efforts to reduce the speed limit on Route 203 in the Spencertown hamlet have finally succeeded.  Kudos to all involved and to our new town supervisor Rob Lagonia for getting this over the goal line. Below is a link to the Chatham Courier on this, or go to:

http://www.registerstar.com/chatham_courier/news/article_6d432128-9405-11e3-8b6d-0019bb2963f4.html

Thank you, the Austerlitz Democratic Committee

2014 KICKOFF MEETING

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Please join us for our 2014 kickoff Austerlitz Democrats Meeting on Saturday February 15 at 1:00 in the Town Hall.   We will be discussing how to keep the momentum going, and growing, through this non-election year.
 
On the agenda is planning for our spring event, and capitalizing on the work Tobby did for last Fall's event booth on home safety and aging in place.
 
We will also discuss the groundwork for selecting candidates for 2015 when 2 more town board seats are up for election.
 
Please come out for a cup of coffee and to have your voices heard on these important matters.


Stay warm and we look forward to seeing you on the 15th.

Eileen Fusco
Chair, Austerlitz Democratic Committee

ROUTE 203 SAFETY - ACTION NEEDED

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

As you may already know or believe, Route 203 in the Spencertown hamlet is unsafe. Bi-partisan efforts to convince the New York State Department of Transportation to lower the speed limit have not been successful. Along Route 203 there are several families with small children, people walking their dogs or going to the Spencertown Store on foot, and many who tend to their lawns right alongside cars speeding by at 50 miles or more per hour. 

There is also no shoulder along the route. But we may be upon a breakthrough. A bill has been introduced in the New York Senate (S278-2013) to allow more local control over speed limits. Will you help?  Please contact the below state legislators and encourage them to support this bill.  

• Sen. Kathleen Marchione, marchione@nysenate.gov or 455-2381.
• Assemblyman Steve McLauglin, mclaughlins@assembly.state.ny.us or 455-5777.
• Chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee Charles Fuschillo, fuschill@nysenate.gov or 455-3341.
• Senate bill sponsor John Bonacic, bonacic@nysenate.gov or 455-3181.
• Senate bill sponsor William Larkin, larkin@senate.state.ny.us or 455-2770. 

Please also see a wonderful letter to the editor in last week's Chatham Courier.  It's good reading, and can be found at Chatham Courier Letter to Editor.  Thank You !!!

Sincerely, 

Your Austerlitz Democratic Committee

THANK YOU

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

The votes are tallied and the results are in from our recent victorious election. Since the caucus, we spent much of our time going door-to-door to meet our constituents. It is now time to reflect on the support we received from all of you and express our heart-felt appreciation.

We recognize that an election takes a lot of support for candidate events, letter writing, an absentee ballot drive, the "get out the vote" initiative, financial support, communications, and involves many volunteers and callers pitching in right up through Election Day. Of course your vote on Election day itself is the ultimate support for our candidacies.

We appreciate your generous giving of your valuable time and resources, and pledge to represent all of our constituencies well as we take our elected offices early next year. We are interested in your issues, so please contact us in the interim if there is an issue on your mind. Let's keep up the positive independent-minded energy from the election!

Thanks for all you do and look for an announcement of a celebratory event.

Sincerely,

Rob Lagonia, Greg Vogler, Sharon Grubin and your Austerlitz Democratic Committee

IT'S ELECTION DAY! PLEASE VOTE ROW A

It's Election Day!

The candidates' campaigns are done, the absentee ballots are (mostly) in, so now it is your turn to get out and vote. Each and every vote counts in our local elections, and this year will be no exception. Polls are open today from 6 am until 9 pm.  The Spencertown Firehouse is the polling place.

Please get out, bring a friend, and vote Line A all the way!

ELECTION IS THIS COMING TUESDAY - NOVEMBER 5

Polls are open at the Spencertown Firehouse, 6am - 9pm…

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

In case you missed this in the Columbia Paper and the Chatham Courier, here is a letter from our party chair about our three candidates:

To the Editor:

There is an important local election in Austerlitz this year.  The Austerlitz Democratic caucus nominated an energetic, well qualified, independent minded slate of candidates that deserves serious consideration and constituents' votes this coming Tuesday, November 5th.

At the top of the ticket is Rob Lagonia for Town Supervisor.  Rob and his family are long time members of our community; he is well respected, has experience as a local businessman and is know to the public through his service as a town justice in Austerlitz and Philmont.  His combination of public service and private business experience makes him an ideal choice to deal with the important local and county issues facing our community.  These issues include safety (the roads, the town court, and the Austerlitz firehouse), the need for a supervisor who will be engaged and speak up at the county level, and ensure enforcement of current local laws in a fair and even-handed way.  If you know Rob, you know he is energetic, well spoken, a good listener, not afraid to speak up, and holds himself and his colleagues to the highest ethical standards.  Austerlitz would be well served at the local and county level with Rob as our supervisor.

Greg Vogler, another long time member of our community, grew up in a town not unlike ours. He is running for a seat on the Town Board. Our current Board has representation from only one party, and this is not reflective of our constituencies. Greg's election to the Board would add more representation of different constituencies than is currently reflected.  He has a business and finance background working as an internal auditor, which means his job is to make sure his employer is doing their job for the key stakeholders, and staying within their budget.  He would do the same thing for Austerlitz: make sure that the local government is doing its job for all of its constituents, and staying within its budget. He is comfortable with financial matters, used to asking the tough questions and making sure that projects stay cost-efficient.  These are terrific skills to bring to our Town Board.

Sharon Grubin is the Democratic candidate for Town Justice, and she too is a long time community member. She is an attorney by education and experience and was a Federal Magistrate for many years.  Justice, fairness and balance are critical for someone to bring to the bench, whether they are at the Federal level or the local level, and Sharon has proven she knows how to do this.  An experienced judge for Austerlitz will ensure that the law is applied properly and in an evenhanded manner to protect individuals, our families and our neighborhoods. Sharon has a real sense of what the law requires and will make sure everyone gets a fair shake in the pursuit of justice.

Support these superb candidates who will represent their constituencies well for Austerlitz. Please vote for Rob Lagonia, Greg Vogler and Sharon Grubin on Line A this coming Tuesday, November 5th.

Sincerely,

Eileen Fusco, Chair of the Austerlitz Democratic Committee

PROFILES of our CANDIDATES

Our Candidates!

Rob Lagonia:

In case you haven't had the chance to meet our Town Supervisor candidate, Rob Lagonia in person, here is his profile: 

• Has served as town and village judge since 1998 and was re-elected 3 times as Austerlitz Town Justice
• Successful business owner who has created hundreds of local jobs
• Contributor to charities and fund-raising events benefiting the local community
• Spencertown resident since 1978
• Married with two sons who attended Chatham schools 

As Austerlitz Town Supervisor, Rob will:

• Work to keep property taxes low
• Balance the rights on individual property owners with the need to protect and preserve our community, farmland, and rural way of life
• Use his business expertise to encourage and promote local businesses
• Work with all parties for the betterment of Austerlitz
• Use his fiscal conservatism to look to reduce spending by the Columbia Board of Supervisors as well as providing a strong voice for Austerlitz at the County level 

Please vote November 5th for ROB LAGONIA for Austerlitz Town Supervisor.

Greg Vogler:

In case you haven't had the chance to meet our Town Board candidate in person, here is GREG VOGLER's profile:

• Highly respected auditor for 30 years
• Local resident for 14 years
• Vast experience preparing, reviewing and analyzing budgets
• Fact based, fair minded, and cost conscious solution maker
• Willing listener to all points of view
• Born and raised in a small town like Austerlitz
• Deeply respects the town's history and all of our people

As an Austerlitz Town Board member, Greg will:

• Work to keep property taxes low
• Balance the rights of private property owners with the need to protect and preserve our community and rural way of life
• Use his business expertise to promote local businesses
• Ensure that Austerlitz remains a safe place to live
• Remember our seniors with the most needs
• Work with all parties for the betterment of Austerlitz.

Please vote on November 5th for GREG VOGLER for Austerlitz Town Board!  And although the ballot says vote for two for Town Board, you can vote for just one if that is your decision.  

Sharon Grubin:

Dear Friends and Neighbors: In case you haven't had the chance to meet our Town Justice candidate, Sharon Grubin in person, she is: 

• An active and caring member of our community for 29 years
• An experienced judge, having handled thousands of civil and criminal matters
• A Federal Trial Judge for 16 years
• An eminent attorney for 40 years
• An officer and member of judges' and lawyers' professional groups
• Featured in New York Super Lawyers and Who's Who in American Law
• A teacher and author on a wide variety of legal issues
• Known professionally for her patience and thoroughness

In Sharon's own words: "I deeply believe in equal access for all people to fair and unbiased decision-making. There is no small case.  It would be an honor to serve this community that I love on the issues that come before the Town Court."  

Don't take a chance when your freedom, safety and finances are at stake; choose experience.

Please vote on November 5th for SHARON GRUBIN for Austerlitz Town justice!  

WHY DO ELECTIONS MATTER?

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Why do the local elections matter?

There are important issues facing our town and county that effect our daily lives. Like all towns, there are limits to what is controlled at the local level: a few of the most important areas governed locally are road budgeting, maintenance and safety, land use laws and their implementation, and appointments to important local positions, like the tax assessor and local attorney. Remember the "process" that was used to appoint the judge vacancy caused by Cheryl Robert's resignation? We deserve an open, fair process for all such appointments, and an even-handed application of our local laws. Importantly, the town supervisor also represents Austerlitz at the County level, and that affects another whole list of public services like the location of the Department of Social Services, and whether to expand the county airport.

Beyond what can be done locally is a question of:

What should be done locally?

We need a more vibrant local economy with more promotion of local businesses and craftsmen, improved safety for our firehouse and court infrastructure, better roads and more a pro-active plan and execution from our elected officials. Candidates running on the Democratic slate will work hard to promote growth in our local economy, to preserve our bucolic community while preserving individual rights, and to ensure that our safety, court, roads and governing process are to the highest practical standards, to benefit all of the people of Austerlitz. We need a Town Board that works as hard as possible for you, seeking all available funds and grants from various other levels of government.

Is our current Board reflective of a fair and balanced view of our issues?

There is only one party currently represented on our Town Board. Is this reflective of all of our constituencies? We need alternative voices on the Town Board to help solve the many issues facing our Town.

Why is the town justice position important?

And why does it need to be non-partisan? Very often, the local town justice is our most direct contact with a local elected legal official. Everyone deserves to be heard and to get a fair shake when dealing with the legal system and the town justice. That is why a non-partisan, experienced lawyer and judge is so important. Justice from the federal level right down to the local level is basically the same: it needs to be applied in a fair and even-handed way to protect individuals and our community.

Please remember to cast your votes on November 5th for our well qualified, energetic and independent minded candidates on Line A: Rob Lagonia for Town Supervisor, Greg Vogler for Town Board, and Sharon Grubin for Town Justice. Vote Line "A" all the way for Austerlitz.

Your Austerlitz Democratic Committee.

CHILI COOK OFF is NEXT SUNDAY NOV 3

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Please mark your calendars for two important upcoming dates:

On Sunday, November 3rd from 11-1 at the Spencertown Firehouse, please come out with your friends and neighbors to support and hear from your candidates (Rob Lagonia for Town Supervisor, Greg Vogler for Town Board, and Sharon Grubin for Town Justice) for this year's important election. Taste their chilies and see just how broad our candidates' talents range! Hear from the candidates at noontime. It's a fun-raiser, not a fundraiser. Please join us for this fun, informative and tasty event!

Please remember to get out and vote on Tuesday, November 5. The polls are open from 6AM - 9PM. Elections are won or lost by just a few votes; your vote counts!

Thank you, your Austerlitz Democratic Committee

GET OUT THE VOTE VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Our campaign signs are up and visible throughout town. Who's behind the signs: our well qualified, balanced and independent minded candidates: Rob Lagonia (Supervisor), Greg Vogler (Board), and Sharon Grubin (Justice), and that is what is going to win this important local election. Speaking to important local and county issues, the candidates are out campaigning door-to-door, meeting with key constituents from both parties, and our message is resonating. Most importantly, we have a balanced, energetic, well-qualified ticket.

We need your help with these efforts in these next few weeks:

~ The GOTV (get out the vote) effort is critical, especially in a non-national election year. In addition to voting yourself, we need your help with driving and calling lists, especially during the weekend before and up through Election Day (November 1-5th). Please contact Tobby (tcassuto@taconic.net) to sign up for this important support.

~ Send letters to the editor of our local newspapers to support our candidates; please add your voice (contact Eileen efusco1160@yahoo.com) for information).

And please remember to...
 ~ VOTE on November 5th! Elections in our town are own (or lost) by a handful of votes, so vote yourself and take a neighbor, and please call a few more.

 ~ Save the date for our Nov. 3rd chili bake, the culmination of the campaign and our show of support for our awesome candidates.

 ~ Donate to the Austerlitz Democratic Committee (PO Box 266, Spencertown; with street address please). Less than a month to go to electing a more independent, balanced local government representative of all of its constituents!

Thank you so very much, the Austerlitz Democratic Committee

CAUCUS CHANGED TO SEPTEMBER 7 at 1PM

Hello Friends and Fellow Democrats:

The meeting date for the Austerlitz Democratic Committee caucus has been changed. We will be holding our caucus on September 7 at 1 pm in the Austerlitz Town Hall, to choose our candidates for the November election.  Candidate nominations can be made there and voted on by any registered Austerlitz Democrat.  We hope all registered Democrats in our town take the time to attend so their voices can be heard and their votes counted for the candidates of their choice.  

Please mark your calendars!

Events:  We are planning two major events.  Please mark your calendars for these as well.  The first event we'll hold on September 21.  Then, on Saturday, November 2, we'll have another great chili bake-off.  Location and time to follow.  Come join the candidates at these events.  We'll need volunteers too.  So please let us know if you can help.  These events can't go on without good volunteers like yourselves!

Fundraising:  Thank you to the several people who have donated to us in the last few months.  But much more money is needed.   So, please send a donation to Austerlitz Democrats, PO Box 266, Spencertown, NY 12165. The donations are not tax deductible, but are very much appreciated.

And, as always....

Remember to send to us, at AusterlitzDemocraticCommittee@gmail.com, the email addresses of friends who want to join our distribution list.

COLUMBIA PAPER ENDORSES CHERYL ROBERTS FOR ASSEMBLY

The Columbia Paper has endorsed Cheryl Roberts for NYS Assembly in the 107th District.

The final paragraph says it all:

Voters in the 107th District have good choices for Assembly, but one stands out as a with a distinguished record, aware of what our communities need from Albany and possessing the energy, authority and experience to represent this region as it has seldom been represented before. For those reasons, vote for Cheryl Roberts for Assembly November 6.

ABSENTEE VOTING - AVAILABLE NOW IN-PERSON !!!

There will be absentee voting before the Primary Election over-the-counter at the BOE.  (This is not same as "Early Voting" offered in other states.)

Columbia County BOE Over-the-Counter Absentee Voting

Any weekday from 8am-4pm

Thursday, Sept. 6th from 4pm-6pm

Saturday, Sept. 8th from 9am-noon

Any questions, please contact: 

Hilary Hillman

Democratic Deputy Commissioner

Columbia County Board of Elections

401 State Street

Hudson, NY 12534

Ph: 518-828-3115

Fax: 518-828-2624