Times Union-Judge bars Indian cigarette tax enforcement

It looks like Governor Patterson will have a difficult time collection cig tax from the Indian Nations.  A temporary restraining order prevents NYS from collecting taxes from the Seneca and Cayuga Nations. Collecting over $150 million last year which will only lead to a budget gap this year.

http://blog.timesunion.com/capitol/archives/31173/judge-bars-cigarette-tax-enforcement/

Aubertine challenges some Ritchie petitions

Mrs. Ritchie and her supporters gathered and filed 4,491 petitions, many more than the 3000 required to claim the Taxpayer Line.  The Democrats called foul when McGrath gets challenged on a barely adequate petition drive.  Now it is alright for Mr. Aubertine to challenge Mrs. Ritchie petitions. How many times did the dems say they wanted a choice and cried foul. Now Senator Aubertine may bring the negative wraith onto himself. Let the negativity start on the Senatorial level.

http://www.watertowndailytimes.com/article/20100830/NEWS03/308309982

Anti-Poverty Programs Reach Record High

Due to the economic down turn we see more and more individuals turning to Medicaid and Public Assistance for relief. Survey of States by USA Today indicates that Medicaid enrollments have increased by 17% which equates to 50 million Americans on Medicaid.

Nearly 40 million receive food stamps which is up 50% prior to the economic downturn and it appears the Federal Government has no answers. Unemployment peaked at 12 million in January and continues to run around 10 million. Congress has passed eight extensions allowing individuals to draw unemployment benefits for almost two years.

Times are tough and the horizon of economic recovery implemented by the current administration is less than adequate. Election time is nearing and many of the incumbents are running scared which has been fueled by policies of tax increases, faltering economy recovery, and increased National Debt. I believe it is time we used our vote to change the guard.

End of an Era

Hackett's stores will close for good. A business built from the ground up and managed by the Hacket family to one of the most prominent businesses in Ogdensburg. When the business was sold to Mr. Scozzafava stores were added across the county and the economy went south. Economic times were not conducive to expansion and the bills piled up. The Hacket family is resilient and the community will miss one of the landmark businesses of Ogdensburg. The building will not be left vacant, it appears it will become home to the Outlet Center.

Old Fashion Harvest Day

The exhibition will be September 4th and 5th, two full days of learning, fun, and a spaghetti supper. Come stay all day and experience: Antique Autos and Trucks, Draft Horse Pull, Antique Sawmill, Harvest Demonstrations, Antique Tractor pull and much more. The kids can enjoy pony rides, kids pedal tractor pull, farm animals, games in the barn, and wagon rides. http://www.ogd.com/article/20100829/ADV01/308299928/-1/ogd01

A new blog

Blogging is new and exciting for me. I started checking out blogs a week ago and was hooked. Now I have a blog. This will be a learning experience and any help would be greatly appreciated. I hope this site will bring insight, opinion, and debate on various issues that affect our community and surrounding areas. Let's get started.