4
Mid Hudson Times , Wednesday , September 7 , 2016
Primary election is Tuesday
Funds sought to fight Zika
By SHANTAL RILEY sriley @ tcnewspapers . com
Voters will head to the polls next week to choose candidates in the third primary following presidential and congressional primaries in April and June .
The City of Newburgh Democratic Committee has a throng of candidates running for committee seats in four wards . Among these candidates are city Mayor Judy Kennedy , committee Chairman Johnathan Jacobson and former city councilwoman Gay Lee , who took an unceremonious exit from the Newburgh City Council last year .
Orange County Legislator Chris Eachus is once again facing longtime state Senator Bill Larkin Jr . for his seat in New York ’ s 39th Senate District in the general election in November . Larkin is running on Republican , Conservative , Independence and Reform lines ; Eachus is running as the Democratic candidate . Eachus challenged Larkin for the seat in 2012 .
And , Eachus will face write-in candidates to become the state senate candidate for the Working Families Party in the primary next week . Voters will also write in a senate candidate for the Women ’ s Equality Party .
Incumbent Democratic Assemblyman James Skoufis squares off against Republican Colin Schmitt in the 99th Assembly District in November . Skoufis , 29 , and Schmitt , 26 , are among the youngest , local candidates running in the general election .
Also in November , Republican Phil Oliva faces Democratic Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney to serve the 18th Congressional District . Oliva is an advisor to Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino . Maloney has served two terms in the U . S . House of Representatives and maintains an office in the City of Newburgh .
The primary election takes place on Tuesday , Sept . 13 . Polls are open from 6 a . m . to 9 p . m . For polling sites and information , visit the Orange County Board of Elections website at Orangecountygov . com - click on “ Board of Elections ” under the Departments tab on the homepage .
Orange County Health Commissioner Dr . Eli Avila , flanked by Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus and Congressman Sean Patrick maloney , attends a press conference to call for funding to combat the Zika virus . Story on page 6
Trees on Liberty project culminates Oct . 15
In April 2016 , the City of Newburgh was awarded a TD Green Streets grant from TD Bank and the Arbor Day Foundation . The $ 20,000 grant provides for twenty-seven trees on Liberty Street , in historic Washington Heights , supports community education on the importance and
Town of Newburgh DIAL • A • BUS SERVICE
$
1.00 Per Ride One Way
• Children under 6 Free
• Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult
• Senior Citizens half-price ( 60 & over )
Fully Equipped for the Handicapped
For reservations of info , call 564-6084 Between 8 and 12 a . m . Monday thru Friday
Operating Hours Mon . - Fri . 8:15 a . m . - 4:00 p . m . SATURDAY SEASONAL MORNING RUN
Advance Notice Needed For Reservations Allow extra time for additional rider pick-ups care of trees , and provides a new water truck that can be used throughout the city for tree and plant care . The grant was submitted by the Conservation Advisory Council , CAC , of the City of Newburgh .
The project , known as Trees on Liberty , was submitted by CAC members Kippy Boyle and Deborah Dresser . The project is partnering with Newburgh Heights Association , NHA , a not-for-profit organization . “ There was no question ,” states Hannah Brooks , Heights resident and President of the NHA . “ This project reflects our commitment to Newburgh and the forward-thinking community in the Heights .” Originally planned to be executed in the spring of this year , the tree planting was delayed to late September due to major gas line repairs in the Heights and a city water restriction . “ The delay actually turned out to be a blessing in disguise ,” says CAC member , urban gardener , and recently retired Episcopal pastor , Deborah Dresser . “ Fall is really the good time for tree planting — there is enough time for the tree roots to become established , and the cooler temperatures are much less stressful on the trees .”
Devitt ’ s Nursery and Supply , N . W . will be planting and mulching five tall shade trees and twenty-two low growing ornamental flowering trees that will not be compromised by utility wires , thus reducing the need for major trimming , which has severely damaged over ten trees on Liberty Street . Those trees have been removed making way for the new , healthier trees .
The trees are essential for healthy neighborhoods as they absorb overflow of rainwater , provide beauty and clean the air . Statistics also show that tree-lined streets reduce crime .
On October 15th the residents of Washington Heights and friends city-wide will celebrate the successful conclusion of Trees on Liberty with a street party to include : food , fun for kids , demonstrations on the care of trees and bulbs , and much more . Representatives from TD Bank as well as from our city government will be on hand to help plant the last two trees on Liberty Street .
“ Applying for and obtaining the TD Bank grant , and bringing the Trees on Liberty Street project to fruition , exemplifies Newburgh ’ s citizens ’ continuing efforts to celebrate and improve sustainability through real , grassroots civic action ,” said City Manager Michael Ciaravino . “ I cannot thank the CAC , the NHA and all the Heights neighbors enough . Through this project , they will engage residents , especially children , to create local environmental and educational change that is , above all , an enduring change for Newburgh .”
The TD Bank awards Green Streets Grants to help municipalities enhance green spaces with urban forestry . It is a component of TD Forests , the bank ’ s North American initiative to help protect critical forest habitats equal to the amount of paper the bank uses each year .
The Trees on Liberty highlights :
• Sept 22 the Newburgh Heights Association will hold a special meeting at Congregational Church on the corner of Liberty and Courtney Streets at 7 p . m . to review the project . ALL Interested Heights residents are welcome !
• Oct 15 , 2-4 p . m . the Newburgh Heights Association members will sponsor a BLOCK PARTY to celebrate the planting of the last two trees ! Everyone welcome for food , fun , workshops