Hall, Ball and Leibell were all together this afternoon at a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Peach Lake sewage treatment plant. Hall knew of Ball’s decision before the event got underway. Leibell said he found out at the ceremony. The state senator said he would make a decision in the coming weeks about what seat he will run for in 2010.

Ball, as you may recall, announced his intention to run for Congress back in May. This week, he released a poll showing him within five points of Hall. The poll was subsequently criticized for not sampling the entire Congressional district. The poll only took in Westchester, Putnam and Dutchess counties, not the Rockland and Orange county portions of the 19th C.D. Parts of Westchester, Putnam and Dutchess are, however, in the senate district.

Read Ball’s press release after the break. You can also check out The Hill’s story.

BALL RUNS FOR SENATE

Assemblyman Greg Ball (R, C, I – Patterson) today told supporters he has decided to run for the New York State Senate’s 40^th District in the 2010 election.

Ball issued a statement reflecting on the extraordinary session of the legislature this week which read:

This week, I attended ‘extraordinary session’. Rank and file members were kept in the dark while Albany’s insiders refused to take decisive action. This great state is being destroyed by a handful of insiders; insiders intent on using their public position for their private benefit.

As an Assemblyman in the minority, I headed to Albany to fight: Fight against the backroom deals, the systemic corruption, and the infamous dysfunction that is costing New Yorkers billions and forcing small businesses out of this state.

As a candidate for State Senate, I look forward to returning to Albany not simply to fight, but to lead.

The local elections on November 3 illustrated, quite clearly, that there is a huge opportunity to reclaim this state, to rebuild New York in the image of smaller and more efficient government while proactively reversing our state’s openly hostile business climate.

In the State Senate, I intend to do exactly that.

From the overwhelming grassroots support to our continued fundraising successes I am thrilled at the community’s response to my campaign. Yet as I have gone door to door, discussing national issues with voters throughout the Hudson Valley, the conversations have always come back to kitchen table issues.

Folks don’t believe that their kids will have a better future than they have had. They are worried about making their next mortgage payment. They are drowning in debt and property taxes, and many are a few payments from having to sell their home or business and leave New York.

In 2006 I promised to head to Albany and shake things up, and I have by voting against billions in taxes, standing up to career politicians on both sides of the aisle, exposing irresponsible budgets and using my position in the super minority of the Assembly to be a voice for millions in New York who feel voiceless.

But the job is not done.

From property tax reform to corruption in government, the job I set to do in 2006 is still incomplete, and it can only be accomplished by continuing to tackle our nation’s most dysfunctional legislature.

“I have had the privilege of working with Assemblyman Greg Ball over the last eight months as he has pursued his dream of serving in The House of Representatives,” said Chairman William DeProspo of the Orange County Republican Committee. “Greg’s decision today, to set aside his own personal ambitions and aspirations speaks volumes of his character and integrity. His candidacy for the New York State Senate is an exciting one for all New Yorkers and one I personally look forward to seeing become a reality. He will have my full support.”

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Some, though, took issue with the way the poll was conducted, pointing out it didn’t sample the entire Congressional district and it oversampled Putnam County, where Ball lives and where his Assembly seat is based.

Two more items related to this whole thing –
1. Here’s a defense of the poll sent out last night by Ball’s Congressional campaign.

Todd Vitale of Vitale & Associates dismissed the criticisms of the poll.

“We’re on solid ground.  Sounds like DC insiders trying to muddy the waters in order to avoid having to explain the incumbent congressman’s vulnerability to Greg.  Our poll shows that Greg is strong in the most competitive parts of the district, and Putnam and Westchester are indeed porportioned as they should be based on projected turnout in 2010,” Vitale said.

“When we do a full CD19 poll later in the campaign, our N=300 sample will include n=44 in Putnam (15%), and n=79 in Westchester (26%), based on estimated 2010 turnout contribution by county – the same county vs. county ratio of interviews in the poll we just released.   The only difference will be that in a full CD19 poll, we will also include a full set of interviews to include Orange, Rockland and Dutchess—which have traditionally been Republican strongholds – and therefore which will only IMPROVE the results for Ball,” Vitale said. “Thus, we should stand by our poll, which has presented a proportionally accurate snap-shot picture of voter attitudes in the most competitive parts of the district.”

Jim Coleman, a spokesperson for the Ball campaign, concurred.

“Fearful of an Independent Republican like Greg Ball, Washington insiders are trying to manufacture a candidate. But that candidate’s 2% name recognition shows they are failing miserably, despite enlisting rival vendors to question the methodology of a national pollster with fifteen years experience working on national campaigns,” Coleman said. “New Yorkers have abundant evidence of Washington insiders stepping in to throw their weight around, and we know what the result was: the Democrats won.”

Senator Gillibrand will have a conversation with local business and community leaders on  economic development and how she can assist and promote local growth.

Such a practice is uncommon, according to Hall’s campaign.

“The Ball campaign has intentionally misled people with a poll that is not districtwide,” Hall campaign pollster Jef Pollock of Global Strategy Group said in an e-mail to Roll Call. “In all my years of polling, I can’t recall an incident where a person did a poll in only of PART of the district and attempted to call it valid.”

An internal poll released this week by New York Assemblyman Greg Ball’s® campaign that showed him in a competitive position in his challenge to Rep. John Hall (D) did not represent a cross section of voters from the entire 19th district but rather two-thirds of the district — Westchester, Putnam and Dutchess counties, in the east.
The poll excluded Orange County and the portion of Rockland County in the district. Hall defeated challenger Kieran Michael Lalor (R ) by about 8,000 votes in that western segment of the district in 2008. The poll also oversampled Putnam County, which accounts for about 15 percent of the district’s voters but accounted for 33 percent in the poll. The survey undersampled Dutchess County and to a lesser degree Westchester County.
Hall’s campaign cried foul because it is uncommon for campaigns to release polls that aren’t a reflection of the entire district.
“The Ball campaign has intentionally misled people with a poll that is not districtwide,” Hall campaign pollster Jef Pollock of Global Strategy Group said in an e-mail. “In all my years of polling, I can’t recall an incident where a person did a poll in only of PART of the district and attempted to call it valid.”
Pollock also hypothesized that perhaps the reason the poll did not cover the entire Congressional district is because the questions related to the 19th district were added to a poll being conducted for another campaign, such as a state Senate candidate’s.
“I would hope that all [Federal Election Commission] laws were adhered to and this wasn’t an in kind contribution from a state poll,” he said.
Todd Vitale of Vitale & Associates, the firm that conducted the poll, said the Ball campaign commissioned it but chose to focus only on what he deemed the most historically competitive areas of the district out of a “desire to conserve resources at this stage of the campaign.”
“As the campaign progresses, we’ll do a more traditional poll,” he said.
Jim Coleman, a spokesman for Ball’s campaign, also defended the poll.
“We wanted to see where we stood and we specifically wanted to see how close the race was on the eastern side of the Hudson, because we consider that to be the toughest area,” Coleman said in an e-mail. “That said, these are just the early results of our first wave of polling, we should have more in depth analysis next week, and we are extremely encouraged.”

Also note, the Roll Call story posted below includes a correction.

New York: Ball Poll Shows Race With Hall Competitive

Nov. 17, 2009
By Emily Cadei
Roll Call Staff

Correction Appended

According to an internal poll done for Republican Greg Ball’s campaign, the New York Assemblyman is within striking distance of sophomore Rep. John Hall (D) — however, the survey was only conducted in a portion of the district.

The poll only covered two-thirds of the district — Westchester, Putnam and Dutchess counties in the east. It excluded Orange County and the portion of Rockland County in the district.

Hall led Ball 48 percent to 43 percent, within the poll’s 5.7-point margin of error. Nine percent of likely New York voters were undecided, according to the Oct. 21-22 poll conducted by Vitale and Associates.

The poll found that Ball outperforms the incumbent among independents, 48 percent to 38 percent, a key indicator in the 19th district, which narrowly voted for President Barack Obama over Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) in the 2008 presidential race.

Hall, however, remains popular in the upstate district, with a 57 percent favorable rating compared with just 25 percent unfavorable. Ball has the strongest name ID of the top two declared Republican challengers. Forty percent viewed the state lawmaker and former Air Force captain favorably, 28 percent viewed him unfavorably, and 32 percent had no opinion or had never heard of him. Ball joined the race early on in the year.

Eighty-nine percent of likely voters said they had never heard of Nan Hayworth®, a prominent ophthalmologist from Westchester County who launched her campaign in October. Eight percent had no opinion of her, underscoring her challenge in building up her visibility in the district. Hayworth has indicated she is willing to spend her own money on the campaign, already ponying up $150,000 in personal contributions.

Both Hayworth and Ball outraised Hall in the third quarter. Vitale and Associates did not poll a general election matchup between Hayworth and Hall.

Correction: Nov. 17, 2009

This article has been corrected to reflect the fact that the poll did not represent a cross section of voters from the entire 19th district but rather two-thirds of the district — Westchester, Putnam and Dutchess counties in the east. It excluded Orange County and the portion of Rockland County in the district.

_

After the break is  the original post and Roll Call story that preceded the above correction.

This came in from Republican state Assemblyman Greg Ball’s Congressional campaign. He wants to unseat U.S. Rep. John Hall, D-Dover Plains, next year. Here’s a link to the actual story, although most of it is behind a pay wall.

New York: Ball Poll Shows Race With Hall Competitive
By Emily Cadei
Roll Call Staff
Nov. 17, 2009, 12 a.m.

According to an internal poll done for Republican Greg Ball’s campaign, the New York Assemblyman is within striking distance of sophomore Rep. John Hall (D). Hall leads Ball 48 percent to 43 percent, within the poll’s 5.7-point margin of error. Nine percent of likely New York voters were undecided, according to the Oct. 21-22 poll conducted by Vitale and Associates.

The poll found that Ball outperforms the incumbent among independents, 48 percent to 38 percent, a key indicator in the 19th district, which narrowly voted for President Barack Obama over Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) in the 2008 presidential race.

Hall, however, remains popular in the upstate district, with a 57 percent favorable rating compared with just 25 percent unfavorable. Ball has the strongest name ID of the top two declared Republican challengers. Forty percent viewed the state lawmaker and former Air Force captain favorably, 28 percent viewed him unfavorably, and 32 percent had no opinion or had never heard of him. Ball joined the race early on in the year.

Eighty-nine percent of likely voters said they had never heard of Nan Hayworth®, a prominent ophthalmologist from Westchester County who launched her campaign in October. Eight percent had no opinion of her, underscoring her challenge in building up her visibility in the district. Hayworth has indicated she is willing to spend her own money on the campaign, already ponying up $150,000 in personal contributions.

Both Hayworth and Ball outraised Hall in the third quarter.

BALL, 9/11 FAMILIES, SAY
KEEP TERRORISTS OUT OF AMERICA
State lawmaker condemns decision to bring terror suspects to the Big Apple

Assemblyman Greg Ball (R, C, I – Patterson) today said that the decision by the Federal Government to bring the suspected terrorist masterminds and financiers behind the attacks of September 11th, 2001 to New York to face trial places New Yorkers in danger and usurps the authority of New York State.

“New Yorkers thought it was idiotic for the White House to fly Air Force one over the Manhattan skyline earlier this year, without making any effort to notify the public, yet this new effort to bring terrorist thugs to New York City during the holidays makes that previous decision look harmless,” Ball said. “Do politicians in Washington really think families traveling from New Jersey, upstate New York, Idaho and Iowa want to fly to New York during the holidays, knowing that these terrorist degenerates will be on trial in New York at the same time? That said, the lack of intelligent thought that went into making this decision goes beyond damaging the local economy, it is an affront to all New Yorkers and Americans.”

The decision by Federal officials to bring Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and four other suspected terrorists to stand trial just blocks from ground zero was met with silence by Federal representatives in the Hudson Valley. Ball released a statement from the 9/11 Families for a Secure America organization which states that “civilian courts are no place to try war criminal terrorists.”

“This decision, by this administration, as former Attorney General Michael Mukasey states ‘seems to be to abandon the view that we’re in a war,’” reads the statement from the national organization which supports the victims of the families affected by the tragedy of the 9/11 attacks. “We tried the first World Trade Center bombers in civilian courts and, in return, we got 9/11 and the murder of nearly 3,000 innocent civilians. It is far preferable to try these cases in the venue that Congress created for trying these war criminals which is military tribunals than where they will now be tried.”

Ball said he plans to draft a state resolution during the extraordinary session of the legislature next week that will ask New York’s congressional delegation for a roll-call vote on H.R. 2294, which would require prior consent from the Governor and Legislature of any state receiving the transfer of a terrorist detainee

“I have the utmost confidence in the ability of the men and women of law enforcement here in New York. Yet our national leaders must realize that outside of Israel, New York is the number one terrorist target on the planet, and the Federal Government has abrogated their responsibility by recklessly imposing the risk of these trials on New York for no apparent reason.” Ball stated.

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The letter is an apology from Putnam County Elections Commissioners Robert Bennett (Democrat)  and Anthony Scannapieco (Republican) to the voters for the cramped conditions at the polling place. The four-story building houses Brewster Village Hall and senior citizen apartments and is owned by state Sen. Vincent Leibell’s nonprofit housing agency, the Putnam Community Foundation.

In the letter, the commissioners state that under a verbal agreement between the Board of Elections and Leibell, a Patterson Republican, two rooms were to be available for polling places: one in the village offices  and one in the senior-citizen community room.

But, the commissioners said this week they were told the community room couldn’t be used.

“This was directly opposite to what was agreed to and understood by both Commissioners. Calls were made to Senator Leibell who stated that we could not use the community room, no chance. It is unfortunate that Senator Leibell has chosen to make this decision,” they wrote.

BALL CALLS FOR MORATORIUM ON “DON’T ASK, DON’T TELL”

BALL HONORED BY AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB AND CAT FANCIERS’ ASSOCIATION

You can read the entire announcements after the break.BALL CALLS FOR MORATORIUM ON “DON’T ASK, DON’T TELL”

After a recent recommendation by a military administrative board
to discharge Army First Lieutenant Dan Choi, a veteran of Operation Iraqi
Freedom and West Point Graduate, Assemblyman Greg Ball (R, C, I – Patterson)
first called upon the New York State Army National Guard to put a moratorium
on the current “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT) policy affecting the military.

Following that announcement, Ball worked together with bipartisan members of
the State Assembly to draft and introduce a legislative resolution in the
State Assembly.  The resolution has since gained bipartisan support in the
State Assembly.

“As an Academy grad and former Air Force Captain, I was honored to serve
with the best and brightest of America. What folks need to realize is that
some of the brightest and best in uniform are also homosexual. These folks
serve honorably everyday, but are asked, forced really, to live a lie, and
that reality in and of itself is a self-inflicted security risk created by
DADT. To kick brave men and women out of the military, patriotic folks
willing to fight and die for our country, because of their sexual
orientation, in an era when we need every serviceman and woman we can get,
is foolish. The military is strong and resilient and can handle this
change,” said Ball.

As the former ranking member of the Assembly Veterans’ Affairs Committee,
Ball was instrumental in the enactment of many important pieces of
veterans-specific laws and programs, including the creation of the Veterans
Tuition Program and working with the State Division of Veterans’ Affairs to
increase efforts to combat post traumatic stress syndrome and other mental
health issues affecting veterans currently returning from Iraq and
Afghanistan.

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——-

BALL HONORED BY AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB
AND CAT FANCIERS’ ASSOCIATION
Named “Honorary Chair” for inception of 2009 “Meet the Breeds” event

The American Kennel Club (AKC) and Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) have
named Assemblyman Greg Ball (R, C, I – Patterson) an Honorary Chair for the
2009 debut of “Meet the Breeds” for his support of Responsible Pet Ownership
in the community.

Ball, who often works with the Humane Society and other national
organizations on animal rights legislation, said, “Fighting for my
two-legged constituents also has included fighting for our four-legged
friends, and as a full-time State Assemblyman, it has been both an honor and
a privilege to fight to crack down on animal cruelty.”

“Meet the Breeds” will take place on Saturday and Sunday, October 17 and 18,
2009 at New York City’s Javits Convention Center. Sponsored by PetPartners,
Inc., a leading pet healthcare provider, “Meet the Breeds” is a showcase of
over 160 AKC-registered dog breeds and 41 CFA-registered cat breeds and will
be the first stand-alone event of its kind in the world.

“When I joined 4H at a young age, animal rights became near and dear to my
heart, and I firmly believe that animals should be entitled to a happy and
healthy life,” Ball added.

Ball has worked hard in Albany to bring attention to animal protection. He
also co-sponsored legislation to allow guide dogs, hearing dogs, and service
dogs to be allowed in public places during their training, and, as seen on
the Fox Strategy Room, developed legislation to outlaw puppy mills as well
as to end the practice of using dog fur as trimming on coats popularly sold
in the United States.

AKC’s “Meet the Breeds” has been held at every AKC/Eukanuba National
Championship show since its inception in 2001, drawing thousands of
spectators to the colorful and creatively decorated booths showcasing each
AKC-registered breed. The booths, created by each breed’s national club, are
individually decorated to depict the breed’s country of origin, historical
purpose or function, and attributes as a family pet. Responsible breeders
and their dogs, puppies, cats and kittens will interact with the public to
educate them on various breeds and responsible pet ownership.

“Because of the overwhelming popularity of this feature at our past shows
and the tremendous participation of our Parent Clubs, we have decided to
create a stand-alone event geared 100 percent toward pet lovers. Bringing
the internationally-respected CFA in adds a new dimension and will allow
event-goers to experience every breed of dog and cat in the U.S. together
under one roof,” said Dennis Sprung, AKC President and CEO. “It’s an ideal
opportunity for any animal lover to enjoy the diversity and beauty in the
canine and feline worlds and learn about breeds directly from the experts.
We will offer attractions such as educational demonstrations, vendors and
activities for kids and we expect it to become an annual family event.”

Ball, who wants to challenge Rep. John Hall, D-Dover Plains in 2010, said he would deliver his proposals to the congressman. They include:

-Every American, regardless of pre-existing health conditions, should be eligible for health insurance.
-We should embrace innovative ways that allow providers to cut out middle men, insurance companies, by providing direct care at an affordable price.
-Any health care model Congress passes, they should themselves abide by.
-Allow dependents to remain on their parents’ health policies up to the age of 25.
-Provide for insurance portability across state lines.
-Partner immediately with small businesses throughout the United States, through direct subsidies and indirect tax incentives; strengthen employer-provided health coverage by helping small businesses bridge the “affordability gap.”
-Pass comprehensive Tort Reform by immediately getting runaway lawsuits in check.
-Improve access to health savings accounts and flexible spending arrangements while creating new tax benefits to offset the cost of long-term care premiums.
-We must make it clear that we will tolerate no cuts to Medicare.
-Adopt effective initiatives capable of ascertaining one’s unlawful immigration status.
-Help families keep their health insurance regardless of a change or loss of a job.
-Let small businesses band together to purchase high-quality health care.

Visitors to Hall’s Web site, will find links to a summary, a discussion of myths vs. facts and the bill’s text.

STATEMENT FROM

ASSEMBLYMAN GREG BALL

ON LT. COL. VICTOR FEHRENBACH

The recent report of Lt. Col. Victor Fehrenbach, among other less publicized
accounts, has made many realize that the current policy of “don’t ask, don’t
tell” needs to be thoroughly reviewed.

Lt. Col. Fehrenbach has flown numerous combat missions and has been
decorated for heroism.

As an Air Force Academy graduate and former ranking member of the New York
State Assembly Veterans Affairs Committee, I believe strongly that it is
time for the current administration to consider putting a moratorium on the
current “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy affecting our military, until its
impacts can be thoroughly reviewed.

As a veteran and member of the Veterans Affairs Committee, I will give
serious consideration to urging my legislative colleagues to express our
shared concerns with the current policy that forces the involuntary
discharge of American heroes like Lt. Col Fehrenbach.

LOG CABIN COMMENDS ASSEMBLYMAN GREG BALL ON CALL FOR “DON’T ASK, DON’T TELL” REVIEW

Urges President Obama to follow-through on campaign promise of repeal.

ALBANY, NEW YORK—Log Cabin Republicans of New York today commended Republican New York State Assemblyman Greg Ball for calling for a review of the military’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy toward gay servicemen and servicewomen.

“As an Air Force Academy graduate and former ranking member of the New York State Assembly Veterans Affairs Committee, I believe strongly that it is time for the current administration to consider putting a moratorium on the current ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ policy affecting our military, until its impacts can be thoroughly reviewed,” Ball said, taking a stand following the dismissal of Lieutenant Colonel Victor Fehrenbach.

“We are encouraged by Assemblyman Ball’s declaration,” said Log Cabin Republicans of New York Chairman Gregory T. Angelo. “It is our hope that others in government and the military will follow the Assemblyman’s lead and call for a review of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ and its discriminatory consequences.”

“With President Obama stalling on his campaign promise to repeal ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,’ we are pleased that another key Republican is helping to move this fight forward,” said Log Cabin Republicans National Chairman Terry Hamilton. “Log Cabin has been actively engaged for several years in a suit against the federal government to repeal this harmful legislation. Together with our members, the many military veterans in Log Cabin Republicans and allies such as Assemblyman Greg Ball, we know this is a fight we will win.”

About Log Cabin Republicans: Log Cabin Republicans is the nation’s only organization of Republicans who support fairness, freedom, and equality for gay and lesbian Americans. Log Cabin has state and local chapters nationwide, a full-time office in Washington, D.C., a federal political action committee and state political action committees.

His thumbs-down is apparently costing him an engagement-party invitation.

Berman, then a councilwoman, defeated 44-year incumbent John Lombardi in 2005 to take the job, after many years of cross-endorsed candidates and little competition in town politics.
Berman said she is leaving largely to have more time to enjoy retirement and spend with her family but that she has also accomplished many of her goals.
“It’s time for me to have fun,” she said.
After 24 years on the board, fellow Democrat Gerald Geist also announced his plans to step down at the end of the year. The board’s only Republican, Bill Weaver, is also up for election this year.
Councilwoman Rebecca Kittredge, another long-time member of the board and deputy supervisor, said she is considering running for supervisor. A formal announcement will be made when the Democratic slate is formed later this month, she said.

This Saturday is supposed to be the day Ball, R-Patterson, announces his decision. The following came in this morning:

BALL TO ANNOUNCE
CONGRESSIONAL EXPLORATORY COMMITTEE DECISION
DURING TRIBUTE TO MOM AND MOTHER’S DAY

Assemblyman Greg Ball (R, C, I – Patterson), currently exploring a run for the United States House of Representatives in the 19th district of New York, will be announcing his decision this Saturday in Yorktown Heights.

Ball will be joined by his family as he expresses his admiration to Judy Ball, the extraordinary woman whose guidance and unconditional love taught him the values that shaped his future in the military and public service.

_

But, according to two other sources, Ball has already decided he will take on Hall — calling into question whether his exploratory committee is still exploring or, rather, campaigning. A blurb in HV Biz, a publication about the Hudson Valley business scene, said Ball’s “announced his intentions to run for the seat.”

After the break, there’s a press release pasted in from Kennedy Catholic High School, where Ball spoke yesterday.

Ball announces candidacy to Kennedy students
Assemblyman fields questions from junior, senior history classes

SOMERS, N.Y. – Assemblyman Greg Ball (R, C, I—Patterson) announced his plans to run for Congress during a visit to Kennedy Catholic High School today.

While his campaign doesn’t officially kick off until Saturday, May 9, Ball let Kennedy’s upperclassmen in on the news and spent close to an hour answering questions ranging from his stance on illegal immigration to Homeland Security for the greater Westchester area.

“I believe we are a great nation not because of our government, but because of our people,” Ball began.

And he was quite impressed with the people gathered before him at Kennedy, stating several times that he wished such tough questions were asked of his colleagues during budget sessions.  The assemblyman noted that school funding in particular is one of the sacred cows of government.  When responding to a question about the shortening of athletic seasons for budgetary reasons, Ball remarked that athletics and fine arts are often first on the chopping block in order to create public outcry for a restoration of funds.

Throughout his comments, the assemblyman took care to make contemporary parallels for the students.  When asked about how he would handle illegal immigration, Ball likened the situation to students who are simply handed the keys to cars, as opposed to those who have to work and pay for their own.  In the same way that those who aren’t forced to work for the privilege are more likely to have an accident, the assemblyman said the current system needs to hold illegal immigrants accountable through measures such as learning English and passing citizenship tests lest it, too, crashes.

“I think they hit on key issues,” Social Studies Chair Fred Katz said of those who posed questions to the assemblyman.

The students represented a cross-section of junior and senior history classes.  In addition to researching hot-button issues, students also sought out Ball’s legislative and voting records.

“I was pleased,” Katz said.

As was the Rev. Mark Vaillancourt, president of Kennedy Catholic, who looked for the visit to be a “learning process” for his students.  Among the things the students learned was that Father Vaillancourt and Assemblyman Ball share an alma mater in Pawling High School.

“They did Kennedy proud,” Vaillancourt said of the upperclassmen.

From Ball’s press release:

Ball’s plan is multifaceted: demanding transparency for usage of taxpayer dollars that go towards economic development; making smart use of the $24.6 billion in stimulus dollars New York State will receive from Washington, DC; reforming Industrial Development Agencies and Empire Zone Programs to attract and assist businesses; holding the line against job loss through outsourcing and worker misclassification.

Ball is scheduled to make two stops tomorrow. One is in Carmel, which is part of his 99th Assembly District. The first stop of the day, though, is in Warwick in Orange County – which isn’t in the assembly district but is part of the 19th Congressional District.

As a side note, the press release sent out on Wednesday (2/25) says the event is this Friday and gives the date as 2/24. A call to Ball’s office, though, confirmed the event is 2/27.

UPDATE: Ball’s office sent out a revised and corrected release with the 2/27 date.

The assemblyman, who is also in his second term, concluded with this in his statement:

“When I make a final decision, I will announce it when the time is right, but it will ultimately be up to the people. Right now I am focused on this state’s fiscal crisis and our dysfunctional state government’s inability and unwillingness to deliver serious and substantial relief to Main Street.”

Scott Murphy, who hails from Glen Falls, will face Assembly Minority Leader James Tedisco of Schenectady. Gov. David Paterson has yet to call a special election to fill the seat. The House seat became open after Paterson appointed Gillibrand to replace Hillary Clinton in the Senate.

The gathering starts at 7 p.m. in Croton-on-Hudson Village Hall, 1 Van Wyck St. Read my colleague Robert Marchant’s story from earlier this month about the forum.

One reason why the group selected Ball, according to the announcement, was his effort to keep the state’s pheasant-rearing facility open. The farm, run by the Department of Environmental Conservation, raises pheasants, which are released prior to hunting season. Gov. David Paterson planned to close the farm to help close the state’s budget gap, but changed his mind after hunters and their supporters argued otherwise.

Go on to read NSSF’s announcement.

Assemblyman Ball Named 2008 Legislator of the Year by National Shooting Sports Foundation

January 17, 2009

For more Information:

Ted Novin 203-426-1320 (o)
202-253-1860©

tnovin@nssf.org

Orlando, FL,—New York Assemblyman Greg Ball (R-99) was named the 2008 Legislator of the Year by the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), the trade association for the firearms industry. Ball received the award at the firearms industry’s annual trade show, named the Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Tradeshow (SHOT) Show, which is owned and operated by the NSSF.

“Mr. Ball’s leadership in the New York Assembly has helped to ensure and protect our hunting traditions, firearms freedoms and the livelihood of law-abiding firearms retailers throughout the Empire State,” said Lawrence G. Keane, NSSF senior vice president and general counsel. “The NSSF is pleased to honor Assemblyman Ball as the 2008 Legislator of the Year and looks forward to continuing a constructive dialogue with him on public policy matters affecting the industry in New York.”

Assemblyman Ball’s leadership and influence was critical in the fight to combat firearms micro stamping in New York. Earlier last year, when legislation was introduced that would have mandated micro stamping – a patented process that laser engraves the firearm’s make, model and serial number on the tip of the gun’s firing pin so that, in theory, it imprints the information on discharged cartridge cases – Ball demonstrated his willingness to go above and beyond by traveling to the New York State Police Headquarters to lead a demonstration against the flawed technology.

Mr. Ball, a strong and vocal advocate of hunting, has also taken the lead in trying to save Reynolds Game Farm from budget cuts. Ball urged Gov. David Patterson to restore funding to the upstate New York farm, declaring, “A decision to close New York’s last remaining pheasant rearing facility, which provides millions in revenue to our economy, without seeking an input from the people who are paying for it—the sportsmen of New York—is disturbing at the least.”

Assemblyman Ball is the first New York legislator to receive this award.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 6, 2009

GOV, LEAVE STAR ALONE…SHAKE UP THIS LEGISLATURE!!

A Statement from Assemblyman Greg Ball (R, C, I – Patterson)

My message to the Governor is clear, we cannot tax our way out of this hole. The Governor continues to push a large agenda and has clearly missed the mark with his Executive Budget Proposal which proposes to raise taxes on New Yorkers by an average of $3,875 per taxpayer annually.

On top of this, the Governor is proposing to eliminate tax relief, by decreasing the property tax exemption and eliminating the Middle Class STAR Rebate Program. Coupled with the Governor’s $3.1 billion in new taxes and fee hikes, this Governor’s assault on STAR is going to be personally responsible for even more New Yorker’s leaving this state and being taxed out of their homes.

Moreover, by cutting education and high tax aids for schools as well as doing nothing to fund Albany’s excessive unfunded mandates (including $7.4 million in Medicaid mandates), the Governor is passing along millions of dollars in increased local taxes, especially in Westchester, Putnam and Dutchess. We need a Governor who can make tough decisions in order to get New York back on track.

This legislature is chronically addicted to runaway spending and this Governor must bring real leadership to the table. With talk of federal gasoline taxes being raised, the devastating loss of jobs on Wall Street and throughout New York, we must start by balancing our budget, cutting spending fairly, and across the board, and leveraging our relationship with the federal government to begin getting our fair share of funding for homeland security dollars and infrastructure spending.

As my colleagues and I continue to negotiate a final state budget, I will be adamant that taxpayers, of all socio-economic stripes, are not bearing the brunt of this financial crisis and will continue to hold the line against new taxes and fees that hurt New Yorkers at home.

Here’s more criticisms about Paterson’s proposed budget.

For more about the State of the State address, including how to watch it, go here.

For more inaugural events, go here.

Here’s his announcement:

Prior to being sworn in for his second term, State Assemblyman Greg Ball (R, C, I – Patterson), announced the formation of a new political action committee known as the Putnam Pioneers.

This ‘by invitation only’ organization is committed to getting serious conservative candidates elected throughout the Hudson Valley.

Today, at his swearing in ceremony at Primavera in Croton Falls, NY in Westchester County the Assemblyman stated, “[b]y supporting Putnam Pioneers, you are helping to lay a strong foundation for maintaining a Republican Majority and getting reform minded candidates elected throughout the county, and beyond,”

The committee has already recruited over 40 committed Republicans, Conservatives, elected officials, successful business owners, labor leaders and even Democrats throughout the Hudson Valley. Each member has made a $2500 financial commitment to help recruit credible candidates who espouse a simple philosophy of cutting taxes, rooting out corruption and cracking down on illegal immigration.

Ball, one of the few remaining elected Republican officials in the Hudson Valley, said the organization “was dedicated to rebuilding the infrastructure of the Republican party by recruiting, raising money, and targeting these resources to support maverick-like candidates willing to support a fiscally conservative and socially populist message to win local, county and state races.”

The founding members of the Pioners, several of whom include rising stars in the state party and local officials who have run efficient races, are working a blueprint for success that will provide financial training, strategic assistance, media consulting, research, staff training and campaign tools to other candidates.

“We are beginning to recruit a tremendous group of Republican candidates for 2009 and 2010,” Ball told a crowd of supporters. “While our party has always had strong grassroots enthusiasm, one thing we have lacked is an organized ‘farm team’ of conservative Republican candidates who are ready to intelligently speak on an anti tax, pro legal immigration and anti cronyism agenda while moving our party forward.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 16, 2008

BALL DISGUSTED BY SNL SKIT MOCKING GOVERNOR PATERSON

A Statement from Assemblyman Greg Ball (R, C, I  – Patterson)

“Although Saturday Night Live has a long tradition of mocking
elected officials, the majority of their previous skits have made fun at the
choices, whether personal or professional, made by these elected officials,
not their disabilities.  By mocking our Governor’s disability, Saturday
Night Live has used a low blow that discredits their creative abilities and
senselessly takes social understanding of blindness a step backwards.

As many of my constituents are already aware, I have worked hard to help
individuals and families living with disabilities, such as Autism.  To
expand my initiatives, I am now signing onto support Assembly Bill 10691.
This legislation would create the State Commission for the Blind and
Visually Handicapped and help ensure that individuals with these
disabilities are treated fairly and have equal access to business
opportunities, health care, and retirement benefits.

It is my hope that this unfortunate skit by Saturday Night Live
will help propel the enactment of this necessary legislation and renew New
Yorkers sensitivity to all those with disabilities.”

The photo by TJN photographer Frank Becerra shows, from left, actor Jay O’Sanders, Frank, a student at the Green Chimneys School in Patterson and Kennedy releasing a rehabilitated red-tail hawk from the bucket of a Brewster Fire Department tower ladder at the 15th annual Birds of Prey Day at Green Chimneys in 2007.

Read about Ball’s endorsements after the break.

From Assemblyman Greg Ball:

UNIONS ORGANIZE BEHIND BALL
Labor, building trades, nurses back Albany’s hardest working legislator

Nurses joined two of the largest organized labor bodies in the 99th Assembly District in announcing their unanimous support of Assemblyman Greg Ball (R, C, I – Patterson) today.

Ball, who has earned a reputation as one of the strongest pro-union voices in the legislature for his legislative voting record, spearheading legislation for the enforcement of prevailing wage laws and cracking down on 1099 misclassification, was endorsed by the Hudson Valley Building & Construction Trades Council of New York, affiliated with the A.F.L.-C.I.O., and the Empire State Council of Carpenters.

Julie Minor, Political Director of the Carpenters, wrote to Ball that “it is clear that you will be the best representative for the working men and women of the Empire state carpenters. Our members work hard every day to earn a living, and we know that you will work hard for them.”

Already endorsed by Tom Golisano’s Responsible New York, Ball was the only Hudson Valley Republican running for the Assembly to receive the Building & Trades Council sponsorship. He also received an endorsement from the New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA).

Shaun Flynn, Director of the Governmental Affairs department of the NYSNA, told Ball that “the endorsement is based on your support of issues important to nurses and because we believe you will provide important leadership in improving the healthcare of New York citizens.”

The Hudson Valley Building & Trades Council includes the Asbestos Workers Local 191, Boilermakers Local 5, Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Local 5, Carpenters & Joiners Local 2287, Carpenters Local 19, Painters & Allied Traders District Council 9, Electrical Workers Local 363, Ironworkers Local 417, Operating Engineers Local 137, Operating Engineers Local 106, Elevator Constructors Local 138, Laborers Local 1000, Laborers Local 17, Millwrights Local 740, Plumbers & Steamfitters Local 21, Road Sprinkler Fitters Local 669, Sheetmetal Workers Local 38, Teamsters Local 445, Engineers Local 825, and Steamfitters Local 373. The NYSNA is the largest professional association for RNs with more than 36,000 registered professional nurse members throughout New York State.

“We definitely need to bounce Ball out of Albany,” Lederer-Plaskett said during a Degnan press conference outside of Yorktown Town Hall.

Degnan’s event was quickly followed by an event featuring Ball supporters, including the assemblyman’s mother. Read more after the break. And scroll to the end for the update(s).

Lederer-Plaskett was joined by state Assemblywoman Sandra Galef, D-Ossining, Yorktown Democratic Chairwoman Patricia Mulligan, Putnam County Democratic Chairwoman Lynne Eckardt, Susan Spear, campaign director for Rep. John Hall, D-Dover Plains, and several other women in endorsing Degnan. Degnan, a registered Republican, is running on the Democratic and Working Families Party lines.

“I guess I’m outnumbered here,” Yorktown Supervisor Don Peters, a Democrat, said during his introductory remarks.

WCLA-Choice matters explains why it’s endorsing Degnan in its online voter guide (page 9 in the .pdf file).

Ball is running for a second term representing the 99th Assembly District. The 99th covers Patterson, Southeast and Carmel in Putnam County; North Salem, Somers and Yorktown in Westchester County; and Pawling in Dutchess County.

After Degnan wrapped up his presentation on a grassy slope by the Town Hall’s parking lot, the pro-Ball group began its event near the building’s front door. A 73-year-old woman lauded Ball for helping her with her food-stamp problem. A member of the Putnam County Fish and Game Association commended Ball for speaking to his organization.

Yorktown Republican Chairwoman Serafina Mastro said Ball does care about women’s issues. Earlier, Degnan had faulted Ball for voting against the New York State Fair Pay Act – a measure requiring equal pay for equal work among men and women. The bill, Mastro said, was full of pork and patronage, which is why Ball voted against it.

The assemblyman is holding a public hearing in Manhattan today on former Gov. Eliot Spitzer’s administration’s decision to issue 23,000 driver’s licenses without a “temporary visitor” stamp to U.S. visa holders.

UPDATE — An avid blog reader pointed out that Assembly Bill 2712, the Fair Pay Act, contains no pork and that Assembly Minority Leader James Tedisco voted in favor of its passage.

Then there’s this YouTube video, from the debate over that bill.

AND ANOTHER — Ball’s office pointed out that the assemblyman voted in favor of Assembly Bill 7407, which implements “a state policy of compensating employees in state service equally for work of comparable value by eliminating wage inequality in job titles having been segregated by sex, race, or national origin . . .”

The mailer also touts something called the “Independent Primary Election” that took place on Sept. 9. That was Primary Day, but the contest was actually for the Independence line. Independence is the name of the party, independent is sometimes used to refer to voters who aren’t registered with any political party.

Anyway, the mailer was the subject of a series of complaints filed with the Westchester County Fair Campaign Practices Committee by John Degnan, Ball’s opponent in the race for the 99th. The committee heard arguments on the matter yesterday, at least from Degnan. No one showed up from Ball’s camp. The committee might be issuing a decision as early as today.

It’s the second time Degnan has filed complaints about one of Ball’s mailers. Earlier this summer, the committee ruled that 10 of 12 statements on another piece of Ball’s campaign literature were misleading about Degnan’s record.

Ball, who won his GOP primary battle this week, has denied the accusation that he sexually harassed a female employee.

As one voter headed into the polling place said: “You really vote at the Dumpster? That’s probably where the votes go.”

The sign was the last in a series that led voters from Route 311 to the center at the end of Front Street.

The state Assembly’s ethics committee is reviewing a sexual harassment complaint brought against Assemblyman Greg Ball, R-Patterson, according to this Associated Press story.

Ball has denied the sexual harassment claim. In today’s story on LoHud.com and in The Journal News, Dan Weiller, a spokesman for Assembly Majority Leader Sheldon Silver, says that if such a claim exists, it would prompt an investigation. As the AP story points out, the Democratic majority in the Assembly automatically refers such a claim to the ethics committee for review.

Ball and Republican John Degnan are locked in a nasty race for the GOP line in Tuesday’s primary.

CLARIFICATION —— Weiller called me to explain that a complaint isn’t automatically referred to the ethics committee for for review. Speaking in broad terms, he said the receipt of a complaint about sexual harassment prompts an investigation by the counsel for the Assembly majority. After that investigation is completed and depending on the findings, the matter could then be referred to the ethics committee.

None of Ball’s assertions tonight could be verified in time for press time. More on this will be posted here tomorrow, as well as printed in the paper this week. Tomorrow’s paper includes a story updating the Leibell/automated phone calls by Ball/unlisted number incident.

So check back here and at lohud.com for updates. And, hang on, because Primary Day (when Ball faces a challenge from Republican John Degnan) is less than a week away.