My Ulster County Picks of Pols, Postupack and Cahill, Independent Picks

I finally got to enjoy the campaign last night with the Al Smith dinner on TV; both McCain and Obama were a hoot. I grew up basically believing in one party and skipped merrily on my way. Things have changed for me drastically, and I am firmly an Independent. Tip O’Neil once said that, “all politics are local.” I also believe that to be true. With the presidential run taking up so much thought, today I remembered some local politicians who, in my opinion, are winners here in Ulster County, both from different parties. I have known each of them since a young age and am proud of what they have achieved; there are others but these two just work well for me. While I am not in lock step to any drum I thought a shout out would be in order.

The first is our Ulster County Clerk, Nina Postupack; countless people I have talked with agree that Nina is a gem. She is the 45th Clerk and her intimate knowledge of her constituents should be praised. She makes record keeping and county duties a priority. Need info? She is a go to person. Not only in a political position does Nina shine but in a personal way also. I am proud to know her.

The other local politician I admire is our Assemblyman Kevin Cahill from the 101st district. This pick will probably get me flak from some friends but so be it. I may not agree with Kevin sometimes but I do believe that he has his district’s concerns in mind. I occasionally run into Kevin and find his conversation to be most interesting. In many ways I believe that even from his own party he gets criticism, yet keeps on kicking. His dedication has brought him some good positions in the Assembly such as the energy committee, and energy he does have. I truly think that over a Guinness at Ugly Gus’s Kevin will give me the straight dope as he sees it, and that I admire.