Since the Rainbow Diner – on Route 209 in Kerhonkson – burned down on July 2, 2012 all kinds of rats were attracted to its remains. The political ones are the most frightening.

Lack of insurance, asbestos contamination, Department of Labor regulations, and the fact that the cost of clean up exceeds the assessed value of the property are all ingredients of the situation created by the fire. On January 18, 2013 an article in Blue Stone Press detailed the issue: “Bureaucratic red tape hinders diner clean up.”

While the people want the site cleaned up without paying for it, the politicians act on Rahm Emanuel’s advice: “Never let a crisis go to waste.”

One candidate – strongly supported by Len Bernardo – tried to score a point against Carl Chipman, our Town Supervisor: “I will clean up the Rainbow Diner!” Signs popped up on top of the wreckage: “Happy Anniversary – 1 year” and “Shame on you town!”

Two days ago a new sign ruled over the pile of debris: “What? Another 2 Year Term for Terry Bernardo? Really?” A photo of the sign (above) was posted by John Dawson (rainbowcleanup) on his Facebook timeline. One of the commenters asked this question: “What the heck does Terry Bernardo have to do with this?” The answer is simple: nothing, except for John Dawson running against her in the September 10 Republican primary. I know who put up the sign, and I’m scared that he is not familiar with the legislators’ job description.

Obviously, the Bernardos didn’t like the sign, so Len Bernardo paid a visit to the site (above photo, courtesy of my best friend forever). When he left, the sign left too:

On January 19, 2013 over 120 people came together at Bernardos’ Skate Time 209 and began calling themselves “Ulster County Friends of the Constitution.” Len Bernardo – a founding member, I believe – apparently befriends only parts of the Constitution. By taking down someone’s political sign he stomped on that person’s right to free speech.

Thank God he did not steal this humorous sign from the same location:

– Jon Dogar-Marinesco