Mary Frank

Village Clerk

§ 8-500. Watchers; provision for.

1. At any general, special, town or village election, any party committee or independent body whose candidates are upon the ballot, and at any primary election, any two or more candidates and any political committee may have for each election district three watchers at any one time, not more than one of whom may be within the guard rail at any one time. Watchers shall be appointed by the chairman of any such party, committee or independent body or by the candidates.
2. Watchers may be present at the polling place at least fifteen minutes before the unlocking and examination of any voting machine or ballot box at the opening of the polls, until after the signing of the inspectors’ returns and proclamation of the result.
3. The appointment of watchers for any election shall be by a certificate in writing issued by the chairman or secretary of the political party or independent body, or the candidates. Such certificate shall be delivered to an inspector at the election district.
4. Each watcher must be a qualified voter of the city or county in which he is to serve.

§ 8-104. Polls.

1. The American flag shall be kept displayed at each polling place throughout the election. Facsimile ballots, voter information posting and distance markers shall not be taken down, torn or defaced during the election. While the polls are open no person shall do any electioneering within the polling place, or in any public street, within a one hundred foot radial measured from the entrances designated by the inspectors of election, to such polling place or within such distance in any place in a public manner; and no political banner, button, poster or placard shall be allowed in or upon the polling place or within such one hundred foot radial. While the polls are open no person shall consume any alcoholic beverages within the polling place.

1-a. The election inspectors shall conspicuously post in the polling place before the opening of the polls, a voter information posting, which shall include:
(a) the sample ballot and instructions for the use of voting machines required pursuant to section 7-118 of this chapter;
(b) information regarding the date of the election and the hours during which polling places will be open;
(c) instructions on how to cast an affidavit ballot and a concise statement of a voter’s right to such a ballot;
(d) instructions relating to requirements for voting on voting machines by those registrants who must provide identification pursuant to the federal Help America Vote Act of 2002;
(e) instructions for first-time voters;
(f) a voter’s bill of rights describing voter’s rights under applicable federal and state law, including the right of accessibility and alternate language accessibility;
(g) information pertaining to voting by paper ballot, including information about the consequence of casting an overvote, steps to prevent unintentional undervoting and spoiled ballots;
(h) instructions on how to contact the appropriate officials if a voter’s right to vote or right to otherwise participate in the electoral process has been violated; and
(i) general information on federal and state laws regarding prohibitions on acts of fraud and misrepresentation. The state board of elections shall prescribe the form and content of the voter information posting, which may be comprised of one or more pages, provided each page shall be posted separately. The state board of elections shall prescribe an official version of such voter information posting for every language which appears on any general, primary or special election ballot in any election district in the state and for such other languages as such board, in its opinion, determines is appropriate. Such posting shall be used in all jurisdictions, and a separate posting shall be made by election inspectors for each language appearing on the ballot and for such additional languages as the board of elections may require. A board of elections may modify or supplement the voter information posting used in its jurisdiction to provide additional or local information; provided, however, any such modification or supplementation shall be submitted to the state board of elections for prior approval.

2. The boxes and all official ballots shall be kept within the guard-rail, and at least six feet therefrom, from the opening of the polls until the annnouncement of the result of the canvass and the signing of the inspectors’ returns thereof. No person shall be admitted within the guard-rail during such period except the election officers, authorized watchers, persons admitted by the inspectors to preserve order or enforce the law, and voters duly admitted for the purpose of voting; provided, however, that candidates voted for at the polling place may be within the guard-rail during the canvass.

3. The provisions of this chapter concerning the preservation of order and apprehension for crime on a day of registration, shall apply to a day of election, but a person taken into custody shall not be prohibited thereby from voting.

4. After a ballot box shall have been locked for the purposes of election, it shall not be opened until it is opened at the close of the polls for purposes of canvass. Each inspector shall be responsible personally for the custody of each ballot box and its contents from the time the election begins until the box is delivered, according to law, to the person entitled to receive it.

5. Voters entitled to vote who are on line or in the polling place at the time fixed by law for the closing of the polls shall be allowed to vote.

6. In the city of New York, during days of primary, general, special and community school board elections, at each premises wherein a polling place or places are located, at least one police officer or peace officer designated by the police commissioner of such city pursuant to the provisions of article two of the criminal procedure law shall be assigned for duty from the opening until the closing of the polls. Additional police officers or peace officers may be assigned as is deemed appropriate by the police commissioner of such city.

§ 8-102. Polls; opening of.

1. The inspectors of election, and clerks, if any, shall meet at the polling place at least one-half hour before the time set for opening the polls of election. The inspectors of election shall:

(a) See that the American flag is displayed.

(b) Cause the facsimile ballots and voter information posting to be posted conspicuously within the polling place.

(c) Cause the distance markers to be placed at a distance of one hundred feet from the polling place.

(d) Establish a guard-rail by delineating and marking out the voting area by a suitable means. The voting machine, ballots and all equipment shall be kept within such guard-rail.

(e) Place the books, ballots and sample ballots, blanks, stationery and supplies so that they will be ready and convenient for use.

(f) Affix or attach to their clothing and cause the clerks, if any, to affix or attach to their clothing the proper identification buttons, badges or emblems issued by the board of elections pursuant to the provisions of this chapter. The inspectors and clerks shall wear no other buttons, badges or emblems which are similar in design.

(g) See that the voting booths are supplied with pencils having black lead only.

(h) Unlock the ballot boxes, see that they are empty, allow them to be examined by the watchers present, and lock them up again in such a manner that the watchers and the persons just outside the guard-rail may see that the boxes are empty when re-locked.

(i) Inspect the voting machine to see that it is in good working order and has a curtain to preserve the secrecy of voting; inspect the screen of the voting booth; inspect the polling place to make certain there is no way that anyone can view any action of a voter inside the voting machine or booth; and affix a conspicuous notice, in the form prescribed by the state board of elections, in a prominent place in the machine or booth, instructing the voter that, in order to have his vote counted, he must leave the voting levers in a down position when he operates the handle to open the curtain. Such notice shall be printed in English and such other languages as the board of elections may determine to be appropriate.

(j) Announce that the polls are open for voting and the time when the polls will close. 2. The keys to the voting machine shall be delivered to the inspectors at least one-half hour before the time set for the opening of the polls, in a sealed envelope, on which shall be written or printed the number and location of the voting machine, the number of the seal, and the number registered on the protective counter, as reported by the voting machine custodian. The envelope containing the keys shall not be opened until at least one inspector from each of the two parties shall be present in the polling place and shall have examined the envelope to see that it has not been opened. Before opening the envelope, all the election officers present shall examine the number on the seal on the machine, also the number registered on the protective counter, and shall see if they are the same as the numbers written on the envelope containing the keys. If found not to agree, the envelope must not be opened until the voting machine custodian, or other authorized person, shall have been notified and shall have presented himself at the polling place for the purpose of re-examining such machine and shall certify that it is properly arranged. If the numbers on the seal and protective counter, are found to agree with the numbers on the envelope, the inspectors, except as hereinafter provided, shall open the doors concealing the counters and, before the polls are open, each inspector shall carefully examine every counter and see that it registers zero and allow the watchers to examine them. If the machine is provided with a device for printing or photographing candidate and amendment counters, the door concealing the counters shall not be opened and the inspectors shall instead carefully examine the printed or photographic record produced by the machine to see that each counter registers zero, and shall allow watchers to examine the printed or photographic record. The inspectors shall then sign a certificate showing the delivery of the keys in a sealed envelope, the number on the seal, the number registered on the protective counter, if all the counters are set at zero (000), if the public counter is set at zero (000), and if the ballot labels are properly placed in the machine. The machine shall remain locked against voting until the polls are formally opened, and shall not be operated except by voters in voting. If any counter is found not to register zero (000), the inspectors of election shall immediately notify the custodian who shall if practicable adjust the counters at zero (000), but if it shall be impracticable for the custodian to arrive in time to adjust such counters before the time set for opening the polls, the inspectors shall immediately make a written statement of the designating letter and number of such counter, together with the number registered thereon, and shall sign and post the same upon the wall of the polling place, where it shall remain throughout election day, and in filling out the return of canvass they shall subtract such number from the number then registered on such counter.

With the addition of the Village Democratic Party, voters have a choice of candidates on election day, March 16th. On some issues, the two opposing Village political parties overlap. For instance, we are in agreement that the Village should maintain its distinct historic character and quality of life. The newly-formed Village Democratic Party also stands for fiscal responsibility on the Village budget, fairness and transparency in government, and responsive, friendly Village services. To make the choice clear, it’s important to highlight the differences between the two political parties on major issues:

Police Consolidation The Village Democratic candidates are decisively in favor of police consolidation and encourage voters  to show up at the polls on March 16th and vote for the fiscally responsible choice of abolishing the village police department so that it can be merged with the town police department. Consolidation has been a long time in coming, so now that the moment of decision is upon us, voters should think about the long-term financial health of the village. The Village will ultimately benefit from increased law enforcement services such as detectives that the town can provide through economies of scale. Candidates for the New Vision Party may be nostalgic about seeing police officers at school crosswalks, but this is an expensive and inefficient allocation of law enforcement resources, especially when the job can be done by a crossing guard instead of an officer.

Transparency, Ethics and Open Government In a community of this size, it’s important that residents feel like they have a voice in their government. For the public to feel like they have a stake in government, they need to be informed. The Village has yet to fully enjoy the promise of transparency that new off-the-shelf internet software can offer. There is free and open-source software that can bring transparency to the budget process and make more public information available to citizens online. For instance, the budget process could be made more transparent by using publicly viewable Google spreadsheets that can be edited in realtime by board members. Moreover, the village could do a better job of informing the public, not just bare minimum that is legally-required. For instance, why aren’t planning board meetings listed on the calendar at the village website? and meeting agendas? The Village Democrats also favor an ethics law for Village Hall that would address issues of nepotism and conflicts of interest. Finally, a top priority of the Village Democrats to implement an open and responsive process for handling citizen complaints.

Transfer of water and sewer revenue into general fund A major budget issue is the transfer of funds from water and sewer departments into the general fund. This is an example of “stealing from Peter to pay Paul.”  These are supposed to be separate budgets from the general village budget, but the state comptroller allows the transfer of a “reasonable amount” to cover administrative expenses and the like. What constitutes a “reasonable amount” is certainly debatable. Last year, the Village transfered $225,000 from water and $180,000 from wastewater. Deputy mayor Bill Murphy was quoted in last week’s newspaper saying that these departments “generate income for the village.” Should the Village operate the water and sewer departments as sources of revenue? Shouldn’t those funds be reserved for future capital needs for water and sewer? Is that money needed to bring the sewage treatment plant into compliance? Or money to implement the Source Water Protection Plan for the Blue Mountain Reservoir? The Village Democrats think that the Village should not operate these departments as money-making ventures to the detriment of the drinking water supply and sewage treatment.  Accepting sewage from outside septic haulers is a questionable practice that places an additional burden on the sewage treatment plant. An increase in the draw rate from the reservoir may lead to water shortages during drought periods. The New Vision Party is seeking a draw rate that is triple the current water usage in order to meet development pressures and increase revenue for the Village. The Village Democrats think it is short-sighted and misguided to manage the drinking water supply as a “cash cow” for the village general fund. At the very least, the increase draw deserves greater study of the capacity and recharge rate of the reservoir.

Development The Village boards such as the Historic Review Board should be allowed to do their jobs without undue interference. As the Village faces increasing development pressures, it is important that developers are not allowed to “game the system” to their advantage and thwart the public interest. These boards should not just lay down and roll-over for the developer. The Historic Review Board, the Local Waterfront Revitalization Plan, the Saugerties Comprehensive Plan, the Village Zoning Laws: these are important corrective measures for those who, if given free rein, would turn Saugerties into an upstate version of Long Island. We have good laws and long-range plans on the books. They just need to be vigorously applied. We’d all like to see implementation of recommendations of the Saugerties Area Mobility Analysis and the initiative to reduce large truck traffic on local roads.

Partition Street Project We encourage people to attend the public hearing on Thursday, March 18th. The Planning Board will be taking comments on the site plan, special use permits and a lot line change. The Village Democrats unanimously support the Partition Street Project with modifications to conform with zoning law. It’s important that the Planning Board use its authority and scrutinize the project to make sure it meets criteria in the zoning law for the Planned Waterfront district including: “The quality and extent of views from the adjacent public streets through the development to the water” and “The design, location and function of easements or other access providing public access to the water’s edge.” (210-21)  The Planning Board has the authority to insist upon site plan changes to make sure that the plans conform to law and will not clash with the historic character of the village or create traffic congestion at the bottom of Partition Street. There are alternatives to dynamiting Nanny Goat Hill for a parking lot, and these alternatives should be given full consideration.

We need to steer the Village away from budget deficits. Village Hall should be run by the book & aboveboard. Village government should be inclusive, and Village services should be responsive to the needs and concerns of residents. These are the priorities of the Saugerties Village Democratic candidates. To bring accountability to Village Hall, we urge voters to come out on election day March 16th and vote their choices for the Village Board of Trustees. To vote for reform, vote Row A. Vote Democratic.

Patrick Landewe – candidate for Village trustee

Saugerties Police Chief counters misinformation about Village and Town Police merger

Accompanied by Saugerties Village Trustee Sue LeBlanc, Saugerties Town Trustee Fred Costello, Jr., and Democratic Candidates (Ken White and David Radovanovic) for Village Trustee, Saugerties Town Police Chief Lou Barabria spoke this afternoon to the residents of The Mill in the Village of Saugerties. The focus of the discussion was to answer questions about the possible merger of Saugerties Village and Town police departments.

Next Tuesday, March 16th Saugerties Village voters will have an opportunity to vote YES to proposition No. 1, which approves the merger of Saugerties Village Police Department. The referendum was introduced by members of the Saugerties Village Police Department who petitioned to get language on the Village General Election ballot.

However clear the ballot may be in print, the rumors being spread in this small Village of 4500 has made the question of security murky. For the past several weeks there has been misinformation about the ramifications of the merger and degradation of police service that would result.  Saugerties Town Police Chief Barbaria addressed concerns that resulted from recent Saugerties Village PBA advertisements which appeared in the local newspapers. He felt that it was necessary to get the facts out to concerned residency living at The Mill.

As he has done countless times over the past six months, the Chief explained in great detail of how services to Village residents would actually improve through greater patrols, increased technology and advanced training. He explained that due to its larger size, the Saugerties Town department has greater resources.

Saugerties Town Police Chief talks with The Mill residents.

On January 19, 2010, Village Trustees voted unanimously to enact Local Law entitled “A Local Law Providing for the Abolishment of the Village Police Department”. The specific language of the new law would allow the merger of Village with Town police departments to begin. It also specified that the “dissolution would occur as of Midnight, December 31, 2010.

The Saugerties Village Democratic Party urges you to Vote “YES” to Proposition No.1 next Tuesday, March 16, 2010. Its an historic vote which will result in up to 30% property tax savings for Village of Saugerties residents. And as Chief Barbaria confirmed, there will be MORE and improved police services for the Village of Saugerties residents.

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

POLLING LOCATION: To date, all Saugerties Village Elections take place at the Saugerties Village Hall located at 43 Partition Street.

TIME TO VOTE: Presently, election polls open at 12 NOON (Lunch) and close at 9:00 PM.

WHO CAN VOTE: All residents of the Village of Saugerties who are registered to vote can cast their ballot on March 16th in Saugerties Village Elections.

WHAT SEATS ARE BEING CONTESTED ? - This March 16, 2010 election, has three (3) Village Trustee seats which are being challenged.

WHO ARE THE SAUGERTIES VILLAGE DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATES? – Patrick Landewe, David Radovanovic and Kenn White.

WHAT DOES THE BALLOT LOOK LIKE? – Well, it’s relatively easy to understand if you take your time. There’s no hurry. Read the ballot carefully. A picture of this years’ layout is located here: Saugerties Village March 16, 2010 ballot.

NEED A RIDE TO THE POLLS? – Call (845) 247-0909

Village of Saugerties Democratic Candidates for Village Trustee invite you to a fun evening of watching the Academy Awards

Sunday, March 7, 2010 at the Inquiring Mind /Muddy Cup Partition and Main Sts. Saugerties, NY

Join us for red carpet introductions of Candidates. Have some fun and watch the Academy Awards with the Village Dems.

Refreshments / Wine / Snacks will be served.

Join hosts Alec and Steve at the Inquiring Mind/Muddy Cup Sunday, March 7, 2010 7pm – 10pm

Want to learn more about where the candidates stand on issues?

You can view the film of the League of Women Voters Candidate Night by tuning in to Lighthouse TV/ Channel 23:

Tues. March 2 @ 7pm
Thurs. March 4 @ 1pm & 9pm
Friday March 6 @ 11am & 6pm

Can you help us Get out the Vote?

We need help with going door-to-door weekends of 3/6-7 and 3/13-14.We also need help with calling voters the weekend of 3/13-14.
If you can help for an hour or two or a day or two please contact Virginia: villagedemocrats@gmail.com

For information about the Democratic candidates and their platform, visit: www.SaugertiesVillageDems.com

Village of Saugerties
Democratic Party Fundraiser

Some of you may know…we are making history here in the Village of Saugerties by running Democratic Candidates in the upcoming March 16th General Election, challenging the one-party rule and long run of good ol’boy, back-door politics.

Some of you may also know, that I have been know to throw a great dinner party!

I am making an appeal that you consider joining me in sharing an intimate evening of Italian themed food, wine and music to raise advertising funds for the Saugerties Village Democrats.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2010 7PM

at the home of Virginia Luppino, 3 Treis Terrace, Saugerties, NY

Proposed Menu:

• Appetizers: Warm Foccacia w/ white bean-sage spread
  Carmelized Onion-Roasted Pepper Tart
• Salad: Arugula, roasted beets, goat cheese, walnuts and
  balsamic
• Main Course: Bolognese Lasagne
• Side Dish: Garlicky Broccoli Rabe
• Dessert: Rich Chocolate-Walnut Torte w/ fresh cream
• House Red: Cusumano – Nero d’Avalo
• Pellegrino
  Coffee / Tea

All to the sounds of Louis Prima / Tony Bennett /
Frank Sinatra / Claudio Villa / Nino Rota and more. . .

Family Style seating will be limited to 15 people
$50.00 per/person
(includes house favorite red)

If you can’t attend please consider making a contribution.
Contributions of any amount gratefully accepted.

For more information contact:
Virginia Luppino
enterthewoods@gmail.com
(845) 246-2047

“There is nothing more difficult to take in hand, more perilous to conduct, or more uncertain in its success, than to take the lead in the introduction of a new order of things.”

- Niccolo Machiavelli
The Prince (1532

For information about the Democratic candidates
and their platform visit:

www.saugertiesvillagedems.com

March 16, 2010 Saugerties Village Ballot

Saugerties Voter Registration