John J. Hayes for NYS Assembly district 103
Jack is the Conservative Party candidate for the NYS Assembly district 103.
Respect Life
Judith Di Matteo
Planned Parenthood Mid-Hudson Valley
3125 Rt. 9W, Suite 201
New Windsor, NY 12553
Planned Parenthood
August 26, 2016
Dear Ms. Di Matteo,
I apologize if I have caused you any inconvenience in my delayed response to your questionnaire. In reviewing your questions and choice of answers I find that I am unable to participate in the completion of the document. I am a firm believer in the Sanctity of Life, all life; human, animal and environmental. I abhor the continued devaluation of life in all instances. I believe the harvesting of the unborn is an unnatural and atrocious act. The dehumanization of living human babies by current terminology is morally deficient.
In my years of public service, I have witnessed the pain and suffering of women and families due to abortions. The model of loco parentis where by an “Agency” replaces “The Family” in making decisions regarding life and death is not beneficial to developing family structure and cohesiveness in our society. Respect for Life must be enhanced rather than diminished. The lack of “Respect for Life” is carried over to lack of respect for common decency, morality and civics. A return to a family unit with moral, ethical and educational values will contribute greatly to the reduction in unplanned pregnancies. The places where “The Village” has assumed the parental duties over children have failed. Those “Villages” have become centers of violence. I do not believe governments can replace parents and family units.
I have stated my personal beliefs and why they are not compatible with the philosophies of your organization. That said I will respect and abide by all existing law and statute. I will dedicate my efforts in public office to the wellbeing of the people who I serve. I appreciate your patience and diligence in soliciting my response.
Respectfully,
Jack Hayes
Jack Hayes
24 Tinkers Lane Gardiner NY 12525
845 255 5152
jhayes2d8@gmail.com
Smart Meter/ Cell Phone Radiation
I attended the Stop Smart Meters Woodstock NY Forum at the Woodstock Library on September 10, 2016. Even though the room was warm and heavy with humidity there was a recognizable sense of purpose in the eyes of all who gathered together that evening. The ongoing Forum brought together people from all across the Hudson Valley region who share strong beliefs about protecting our environment. Weston Blelock was a gracious and able facilitator of the evening’s program, “Impacts of the 5G Spectrum Smart Phones” by Dafna Tachover.(Practicing Attorney at Law in New York and Israel, former Officer Israeli Defense Forces, http://www.wearetheevidence.org )
Ms. Tachover, a victim of over exposure to Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity radiation related her experience. She clearly outlined the difficulty in tracing sources of pain and discomfort when said source is an invisible electronic wave. She identified the conflicting body of literature regarding the threat of Electromagnetic exposure. The fact that our Federal and State Governments seem to have partnered with the Wireless Industry is troubling. I am concerned that we the people have lost our thin layer of protection. There was a time when I may have been skeptical of Ms Tachover’s claims but a lifetime of manipulation by Corporate America has changed my perspective. As a veteran of the US Navy I served in the boiler room, I was exposed to extremely high levels of asbestos on a daily basis. I was able to buy cigarettes for ten cents a pack. My brother was in Vietnam and was exposed to Agent Orange. I saw my government deny the toxic effects of these exposers for decades as Veterans were denied medical treatment. I witness young men and women return from military service in the Middle East suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and overmedication. I listen to reports of their suicides and drug addiction and incarceration. We must be ever vigilant of whether our food has been genetically modified and if it is coming from countries that have laws protecting the quality of food. So yes I am a more skeptical person than I was fifty years ago and yes I appreciate people coming together like Weston Blelock , to protect other people who they have never met from Invisible Toxic Exposure. The Smart Meters Forum at Woodstock NY is a dedicated group of people who deserve more support from their elected officials. If I am chosen to be the NYS Assemblyman from District 103 I will work to insure the highest levels of safety and protection for all New Yorkers.
Jack Hayes
Gardiner, NY
http://www.johnjhayes.com
jhayes2d8@gmail.com
Anchorages on the Hudson River
Draft
Ulster County Legislature Energy and Environment Committee Meeting August 8, 2016
Reference: Proposed United States Coast Guard Federally Designated Anchorage Grounds -Docket USCG-2016-0132, Hudson River
I attended the meeting of the Ulster County Legislature Energy and Environment Committee on August 8, 2016 Regarding the above subject. Two persons spoke to the subject;
Edward Kelly, Executive Director of the Maritime Association of the Port of New York/New Jersey and
John Lipscomb, Captain of the Riverkeeper
Remarks and observations;
I preface my remarks and observations of the presentations given at the committee meeting with my biographic subject matter expertise;
I served in the United States Navy from 1964 to 1968 in the rank of Petty Officer 2nd Class Boilerman, Non Commission Officer in charge of the Aft-fireroom, USS Zellars DD 777. During this enlistment I crewed one North Atlantic Ocean deployment, two deployments to the Mediterranean Sea, three deployments to the Caribbean Sea and numerous short voyages of Radar Picket Duty off the coast of the United States.
I served as a New York State Police Officer in Troop F which eastern boundary is the Hudson River with the Counties of Rockland, Orange, Ulster and Green abutting the Hudson River. I served as the Troop F Emergency Management Non Commissioner Officer and in that capacity was responsible for interfacing with federal, state and local jurisdictions in and for emergency responses. I was a member of the United States Coast Guard’s New York Harbor Working Group. I was a certified Hazardous Materials Technician and a New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control and New York State Office of Emergency Management Instructor.
Summary of remarks by Mr. Edward Kelly
Mr. Kelly advised the committee that the USCG proposed anchorage sites were being created to address safety concerns related to vessel equipment malfunctions, ice jambs, fog and crew fatigue. (Note: he did not cite any specific emergency incidents that have occurred that would substantiate the creation anchorages to address the problem) He further referenced the historical use by right of commercial maritime access to the Hudson River. Mr. Kelly explained that the Hudson River Commercial corridor provided numerous high paying jobs for American workers and the essential supply of various types of petroleum products needed in the Hudson Valley. He advised maritime conveyance was the lowest cost and highest safety transportation modality. In referencing apparent concerns of persons filing comments with the Coast Guard on the Anchorage Proposal, Mr. Kelly;
dismissed the subject of “View Shed” as the river having always contained commercial vessels and traffic. He mentioned that people who live near an airport should expect to see planes.
He similarly spoke to noise and lighting pollution concerns as being part of commerce and being regulated by the United States Coast Guard.
He mentioned that the discharge of polluted liquids is also regulated and enforced by the USCG.
(Note; In my experience the USCG has very limited resources assigned to monitor violations of transient commercial vessel pollution violations. On several occasions when I, as a New York State Trooper, attempted to report commercial vessels discharging liquid into the Hudson River, I was told there were no USCG enforcement patrols in the area. New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Police have limited response capability in the warm weather seasons for such violations. Commercial vessels are rarely charged with “Liquid Discharge Violations” as it very difficult to prove a case. Ship Captains and Railroad Train Engineers have very significant power and authority and are not easily subject to local law.)
Mr. Kelly mentioned that he had heard the Hudson Valley was subject to severe cold weather and snow and that the residents would not want their supply of heating fuel interrupted during such times.
(Note: I do not understand the inference of a possible shortage of petroleum product if additional anchorages are not established. To date maritime traffic on the Hudson River has not impacted petroleum supply to the Hudson Valley that I am aware of. To link a supposed “Safety Proposal” to supply of essential petroleum product is unusual. The tenor of the remark smacks of a veiled threat of “No anchorages , No heating fuel”. )
With regard to response to Hazardous Materials releases, Mr. Kelly offered the admonition of “Shame on them” to communities that were not prepared to provide a comprehensive response to a Maritime Hazardous Materials Incident.
(Note; there is limited Maritime Spill/Hazardous Materials Release response municipal capability outside the New York City metropolitan area. Most suburban and rural communities are served by volunteer fire departments. Some volunteer fire departments which border the Hudson River have personnel rescue equipment for boating accidents. I do not know of any fire department that has vessels and equipment to respond to a major maritime hazardous material release. Releases on the Hudson River would require commercial environmental companies to respond. The trucking Industry of the United States shifted enormous Hazardous Material Release clean up responsibility on local fire departments in the early 1990’s. It took years to reestablish responsibility to the industry. Adding financial, training and logistical stressors to volunteer fire departments is unacceptable. )
Mr. Kelly noted that there was in fact an increase in the Sturgeon population in areas near anchorages. (Note; no documentation was provided)
Summary of remarks by John Lipscomb, Captain of the Riverkeeper
Captain Lipscomb commenced by stating the need for additional anchorages begins to be realized in the year 2012 when Bakken Crude oil began arriving at Albany NY. He advised that since 2012 the volume crude oil moved through Port of Albany has increased enormously (note;he mentioned very staggering figure but I was unable to capture the exact amounts and will add that information when it can be vetted). Captain Lipscomb maintains that the need for anchorages is actually a need for Staging locations due to the enormous volume in oil moved. The Captain also advised that Emergency Anchorages have always been granted for need and thus the “Safety Issue” is more a “Staging Issue” created by an increase in commerce. He noted that that political leaders in both the City of Albany and New York State were aware of the increased volume of maritime traffic due to the increase in oil movement. Captain Lipscomb stated that there was insufficient study on the effect of anchorages on the Sturgeon population. Captain Lipscomb offered no substantiation of any perceived need for greater safety measures on the Hudson River Corridor.
Conclusions ;
The case was not made for a safety need of increased anchorages. No documentation of safety related incidents were provided.
Anchorages will invariably produce pollution and the USCG is not presently equipped to provide oversight
Baseline monitoring of proposed anchorage sites needs to be conducted to be able to ascertain any change in levels of pollution and the point of origin should additional site be approved.
There is an enormous need to extend the comment period. There is so much clarification that needs to be done.
New York State and United States Representatives must contribute to the assessment of impacts on environment and emergency response capabilities. There are enormous economic and technical issues involved in the consideration of expanded commercialization of the Hudson River Corridor which are above and beyond the average citizen’s scope of knowledge and proficiency. Those who have access to the resources need to evaluate this proposal to protect the people of New York State.
Questions:
Will foreign vessels arrive in the Hudson River and will they have been screened/inspected in New York City or prior to Hudson River Anchorages? Are we creating security issues? Will foreign flag ships be inspected for passenger and crew Terrorist Watch List clearance ? Will vessels be inspected for health related criteria (virus)?
Will the United States Coast Guard increase oversight of anchorages if they are approved? At the current time the inspection of temporary anchored vessels is all but nonexistent.
Will Marine Hazardous Materials Release Response capability be initiated in the newly designated anchorage corridor.
Will pollution monitoring be initiated in a manner conducive to identifying and prosecuting polluters? Will anchorages be tested for pollution? How often? After each anchorage to assign source of contamination if needed?
Will there be a Central Control Point which approves and monitors anchorage permission and duration?
Has New York State Office of Emergency Management or the Federal Emergency Management Agency commented on the capability of Emergency Responders to address a major incident in the Upper Hudson River?
What is the economic advantage to crew and vessel managers like Pilots to layovers at anchorages $? What is the salary of Crews and Pilots?
Remarks ;
In my experience as an Emergency Manager/Responder I have found the corporate entities of Railroads, Airlines and Maritime services to be very autonomous and at times difficult to interact with. Maritime in particular is insulated and isolated from local jurisdiction by the physical body of water in which they ply their trade. National and international rules and laws complicate matters of jurisdiction, compliance and recompense. My experience as a seaman enables me to reference acceptable practice in inland waterways. There needs to be an immediate withdrawal of the Proposed expansion of Hudson River Anchorages and a consortium of local, State and Federal representatives need to convene to address this matter. There must be a cessation of any and all artificial time limits. This appears to be corporate power bullying at its worst and I am disappointed that those representatives who are entrusted to protect and preserve the public good have not acted decisively to date.
Jack Hayes
24 Tinkers Lane
Gardiner, NY 12525
845 255 5152
Jhayes2d8@gmail.com
Senior Care Executive Summary
Jack Hayes Ulster County Legislator District 8
24 Tinkers Lane
Gardiner, NY 12525
845 255 5152
johnjhayesucld8@hvc.rr.com
http://www.johnjhayesucld8.com
Executive Summary Ulster County Skilled Care Nursing
Ulster County Skilled Care Nursing Facility at Kingston NY has been the object of several legislative reviews regarding operations and physical condition of the building. The operations budget continues to rise and exceed funding mechanisms thus requiring additional county funding. The physical condition of the building is reported to be in need of substantial repair, renovation ($40-80 million) and/or replacement. The Ulster County Legislature is tasked with deciding whether to continue to operate this facility and conduct the repairs/replacement or sell the License and discontinue Skilled Care Nursing as a County service.
An alternative to the above two options could be to create a Private/Public Partnership where-in the County could provide land, tax incentives and the Skilled Care Nursing License to a Private entity that would build and operate a new facility in Ulster County.
Additionally the Public portion of this partnership would enlist the cooperation and collaboration of all governmental stakeholder; Federal, State and County. Lack of open and honest cooperation and communication regarding senior health care initiatives has plagued progress in this area.
A Public/Private Partnership should go beyond the replacement of a single physical property and current service. A Strategic Master Plan for Senior Health Services should be created for the Mid Hudson Region. Ulster County should embark on a path of innovative economic development to meet the needs of its aging population. Federal and New York State agencies tasked with the care of our senior population have the opportunity to develop not only plans but physical designs to address; keeping seniors in their homes, senior housing, assisted living and skilled care nursing facilities. Ulster County is in a unique position to exploit a challenge and transform it into a solution that will provide needed services and needed job opportunities.
Ulster County (and other Counties in the Mid-Hudson Region) could initiate Senior Centers of Excellence where-in campuses of senior housing, assisted housing and skilled care nursing facilities are co-located creating symbiotic communities and economically profitable development and operation opportunities for business investment. These Senior Centers of Excellence could be located in areas suffering from economic distress and act as incubators to related service industries.
State University of New York campuses and local Board of Cooperative Services could facilitate curriculum to all areas of elder care ranging from custodial services to executive level management positions. Certificate and degree programs could assure a qualified and professional staffing requirement that would eliminate a weakness in the health care industry. The Power of SUNY Strategic Plan pipeline should be fully implemented to address Senior Care, a guaranteed growth sector.
Governor Andrew Cuomo’s Regional Economic Development Council should be utilized to apply for funding to develop a prototype Senior Center of Excellence in Ulster County. Enhanced incentives to this project should be made available by federal and state agencies in that it is a project that will create quality job opportunities, elder care and be a model for the nation.
Elder Care Regional Economic Development
Jack Hayes Ulster County Legislator District 8
24 Tinkers Lane
Gardiner, NY 12525
845 255 5152
johnjhayesucld8@hvc.rr.com
http://www.johnjhayesucld8.com
President Dennis Murray
Co-Chair Mid-Hudson Regional Economic Development Council
Marist College
3399 North Road
Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
September 26, 2011
Dear President Murray
I attended the meeting of the Mid Hudson Regional Economic Development Council at SUNY Ulster on September 18, 2011 and would like to offer the following thoughts on the development of your Five Year Plan. During my tenure as Ulster County Legislator I have had great concern regarding the care of our aging population. I have outlined my thoughts and possible solutions for Ulster County in the attached executive summary. Elder Care is truly a regional if not national concern and I think it would be an excellent element of a proposal applying for enhanced funding opportunities as described in the above meeting. The proposal could include (but not be limited to) the following subjects;
Create a strategic Elder Care master plan.
Form a public /private partnership for facilitating Elder Care services
Design and build an Elder Care Center of Excellence prototype campus
Develop career specific curriculum through SUNY offering degrees and certificates
Develop industry standards and a code of ethics for Elder Care providers
Initiate tax reform for caregivers and elders who create Aging in Place lifestyles
I am not a subject matter expert in Elder Care but the Ulster County Aging Council is fortunate to have one in the person of Sue Hoger. I am sure we have many talented people in this field throughout the Mid-Hudson area that would be eager to become involved in such an endeavor. I would appreciate any consideration you may give this suggestion.
Respectfully,
Jack Hayes
Cc: Bonacic,
Elder Care
Elder Care in Ulster County August 25, 2011
Some members of the Ulster County Legislature are drafting a resolution to require the County to continue to operate a skilled care nursing facility, despite the fact that County Executive Mike Hein has predicted a $25 million dollar budget deficit for 2012. The Executive has also questioned the reliability of New York State funding for the facility. The federal government is running a $1.3 trillion dollar deficit and New York State has a $9 billion dollar deficit. We are in an Economic Emergency and my colleagues are proposing $100 million dollar expenditures. Ulster County does not have a good record of managing such projects (Ulster County Jail cost overruns).
I am resolved to keep the 280 bed Skilled Care Nursing License in Ulster County. That said I believe a Public/Private Partnership of “Elder Care” service would be the best approach to maintain quality care and tax relief to the citizens of Ulster County. I prefer to identify our medical needs as “Elder Care” as opposed to the name of one facility. There are tens of thousands residents of our county reaching the elder years. We need a comprehensive strategic master plan to address the needs of this population group. We have the opportunity to create an Elder Care Campus Model in our region that will answer the needs of our seniors as well as create economic growth. The senior housing and adjacent medical facility at the Ellenville Hospital are an example of “Campus Design”. The addition of a skilled care nursing facility at that location would complete a holistic and symbiotic treatment center for elders. That model could be duplicated throughout the region and would facilitated keeping seniors in their own homes longer. Independent senior living and assisted living is much less expensive than skilled care institutions.
Raising County Taxes 30% to build one facility will negatively affect thousands of seniors and other residents who are barely able to afford current costs of living in our county. We can and will maintain high caliber health care for our Elders and we will do it in a cost effective, pragmatic manner. We can change a challenge to an opportunity by partnering with Adult Housing Professionals and recognized Elder Care Providers. The needs of our aging populations are too personal to be relegated to election cycle antics. Our seniors deserve to maintain their dignity and are due our respect. Proper planning not politics is the solution to our Elder Care needs. It’s time for all parties to work toward that end.
Legislator Jack Hayes, District 8
Chairman Law Enforcement & Public Safety Committee
P.O. Box 1800
Kingston, NY 12402
Telephone: 845 340-3900
FAX: 845 340-3651
DD214 for Vets
Ulster County Legislature
United States House of Representatives
2120 Rayburn HOB
Washington, DC 20515
May 17, 2011
I hope you are well. I am sure you are busy. I met you in Albany New York at the New York State Conservative Party Political Action Conference earlier this year. I had spoken to you regarding possibly creating a new DD 214 , Report of Separation, format. I suggest we give our service members a DD 214 in the form of a credit card complete with photo identification. The DD 214 is such an important document. It is used to facilitate all veterans benefits. A paper copy could be issued as well but the credit card would be more durable. Our young men and women are accustomed to the credit card format and I believe they would understand the value of keeping it secure.
Many businesses are offering military personnel special pricing contingent on proof of their military service. It is difficult for veterans to carry a paper copy of their DD 214 with them at all times and thus the lack of proper identification can cause them delays in obtaining benefits.
I also think there may be less loss of DD 214’s in a plastic format and hence less time consuming (and expensive) duplicating activities.
I would appreciate anything you may be able to do to move this forward. I realize it is a small matter but everyone (mainly Vets) I have spoken to about the concept was very interested. I thank you in advance for your efforts.
Respectfully,
Jack Hayes
Cc file, McKeon
Historic Redistricting
—– Forwarded by Karen L Binder/Legislature/Ulster County on 06/02/2011
10:14 AM —–
Ulster County Executive
James J Hanson/County Executive/Ulster County
05/31/2011 04:55 PM
To
cc
Subject
Ulster County Executive News Release with Photo
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 1, 2011
Contact: James J. Hanson
845.802.3138
HISTORIC REDISTRICTING PLAN SIGNED INTO LAW BY ULSTER COUNTY EXECUTIVE MIKE HEIN
Historic Redistricting signing
Kingston, NY This morning, County Executive Mike Hein signed a resolution
adopting a local law (a link to the law is below) which creates 23
single-member legislative districts for election of Ulster County
legislators in November 2011. This is the first time in Ulster County
history that an independent body drew the legislative district lines.
Commissioner Members included: Paul Benkert, Vernon Benjamin, Michael
Catalinotto, Cynthia Lowe, Richard Messina, Dare Thompson and William
West. The 7- member non-partisan Commission worked diligently to craft
districts that are in the best interests of Ulster County residents, not
political parties and elected officials.
I want to thank the members of the Ulster County Reapportionment
Commission for their impartiality and diligence in this process, said
County Executive Hein. This Commission counteracted partisan politics
when redrawing election district lines and avoided gerrymandering. This
is a great example of government at its finest. Their hard work is
appreciated by all Ulster County voters.
Former NYC Mayor Ed Koch, founder of New York Uprising, said: “Impartial
redistricting is the single most important reform for achieving a
government that is more effective, accountable, and trustworthy. I
applaud Ulster County and its political leadership for adopting a plan
that will serve the residents of that county well. All New Yorkers
deserve the same on the state level, where our lawmakers have less than a
month to follow Ulster’s lead in adopting an impartial plan; if they
refuse, Governor Cuomo has stated he will use his veto to ensure that the
courts do the job for them.”
Ulster County has shown the way to draw district lines that reflect the
interests of voters, not political parties. Their example should serve as
a beacon to other governments across New York State, said Bill Mahoney,
Research Coordinator at the New York Public Interest Group (NYPIRG).
The League of Women Voters of New York State is very pleased that Ulster
County has completed its municipal redistricting process by means of an
independent redistricting committee, said Barbara Bartoletti, Legislative
Director of the League of Women Voters of New York State. The Mid-Hudson
League of Women Voters participated in the process which was open and
resolved its issues in a timely manner.
“I am delighted with the outcome, and the statewide leadership we are
providing as Albany seeks to establish a fair, impartial districting
process similar to ours for the state legislature. And I am
extraordinarily grateful for the work of dedicated citizen volunteers and
skilled county staff that made this success possible, said Dr. Gerald
Benjamin, SUNY Distinguished Professor of Political Science and Director
of CRREO.
“As the most recent charter county, Ulster County has demonstrated the
innovative nature of local government. County Executive Michael Hein and
the Ulster County legislature have truly led by example and the citizens
of Ulster County are well served,” said NYSAC Executive Director Stephen
J. Acquario.
Local Law No. 1 of 2011, A Local Law To Provide For 23 Single-Member
Legislative Districts For Election Of Ulster County Legislators Commencing
With The Election Of 2011 For Two-Year Terms Beginning January 1, 2012 And
Thereafter can be found at:
Click to access LL%20No.%201%20of%202011.pdf
James J. Hanson
Deputy Budget Director
Office of the Ulster County Executive
244 Fair Street, 6th Floor
Kingston, NY 12401
845-340-3629
jhns@co.ulster.ny.us
Prosecutor’s Laments
Ulster County Legislature
Michael Hein
Ulster County Executive
County Office Building
244 Fair Street
Kingston NY 12401
May 23, 2011
Dear Executive Hein,
I hope you are well and coping with this exceptionally moist Spring season. I am sure you are aware of the Saturday, May 21,2011 Daily Freeman article “Prosecutor laments lack of suspect monitoring” reporting remarks of Dutchess County Senior Assistant District Attorney, Edward Whitesell, regarding the monitoring of 17-year old Tavia Alvarez by Ulster County Probation. My first reaction to the article is that our Melanie Mullens, Director of Ulster County Probation, is among the finest Probation Professionals in New York State and her competence is above reproach. It is my understanding that our counties (Dutchess and Ulster) enjoy superior cooperative relations among the Criminal Justice Communities. The recent rash of violent crimes in the Mid-Hudson area and some unfunded mandates from New York State has taxed the resources of our Criminal Justice Services. If “monitoring” of high risk persons in our justice system is an area in which policy needs to be adapted to our changing times, I assure you the Ulster County Law Enforcement and Public Safety Committee stands ready to assist and provide any legislative policy amendments/changes needed to support our dedicated Criminal Justice professionals.
On May 14, 2011, I contacted Dutchess County Legislature Chairman Robert Rolison regarding the joint Dutchess County District Attorney/Legislature pilot Domestic Violence study to GPS monitor high risk persons who have been issued an Order of Protection. The Chairman and I plan to meet in the near future. We have also collaborated on regional emergency communication discussions and I am sure we can address any issues with regard to this instance.
The protection and safety of the people in our area must be our primary concern. I know with your background of a law enforcement family you agree. I look forward to combining our efforts to that end.
Very Truly Yours,
Jack Hayes
John J. Hayes 
