Aubertine:Here Comes the Money

Aubertine Spreads Money Around, That's Not His

Is the state broke?  It appears not, Senator Aubertine has been dropping tax dollars all over the counties.  What could be coming up in the next 5 weeks? 

I understand that NYS did not receive all the Federal Money.  Multiple attempts to collect cigarette taxes on Indian Nations have failed miserably.

Where is the money coming from?  34 Million in Watertown, OBPA 3.9 million, electricity breaks to many business, it has to be an election year plus his numbers are slipping. 

Who is going to pay this back, we are in more taxes and fees. 
Journal OBPA
Watertown

Ritchie Vrs Aubertine Polls

Ritchie Leads Aubertine
48 to 45

The first public polls by Siena College have hit the news on the 48th Senate District.  RITCHIE is leading Aubertine 48 to 45.  This is exceptional news for Mrs. Ritchie, prior elections between Aubertine and Barclay and Aubertine and Renzi had Aubertine with a double digit lead at this point in the race.

Team Ritchie has done a great job and should be proud of their progress to this point in the race.  This should be a race to the end.  The Democrats will pull out the big guns and start pouring money into this race. 
NYP -Dem senators fighting for survival, polls

County Deficit $8 Million?

The race in district 1 has been low profile and not much fodder.  You would think Mr.

Flavin would be hammering Mr. Burns on the deficit the county is facing next year.  Mr. Burns is looking towards a sales tax increase instead of property tax increase.  Some say cut services, 8-10 million are a lot of services but the money has to come from somewhere. 

I see they both have signs out but it will be hard to pick between the two candidates with little to nothing in the paper.  I would like to see the candidates that represent Ogdensburg debate the issues and explain their way out of next year's deficit.    Where are our representives, what are their issues, what are their answers to this deficit?

Journal Article

Electroconvulsive Therapy at CHMC

 Claxton Hepburn Medical Center is expanding services.  Electroconvulsive Therapy may be a means of controlling depression.  I have linked a short VIDEO on VCT which appears to be an actual treatment, in contrast to the movie we watched "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" released in 1975, I am old.  CHMC is trying to expand the mental health unit by two more beds which could ultimately lead to a few more jobs.

Journal Electro Shock Therapy

Supreme Court Rules in Ritchie's Favor

It is official the Supreme Court validated 3331 signatures...Ritchie is on the TAXPAYER LINE.  Senator Aubertine and his team of lawyers tried to deny Mrs. Ritchie but fell short.  At this time Mrs. Ritchie will appear on three lines...Republican, Conservative, and after this battle the Taxpayer Line.



Ritchie Gets Taxpayer Line



Time to start campaigning, the legal battles are over, what will be next?  Hopefully it will stay clean and the best person will win a very heated 48th Senatorial District. 

Journal:Ritchie Will Be On Paladino's Taxpayer Line

Pols By Dems

Tonight I participated in a Poll which was slanted towards the Democrats and concentrated on the Governor's Race (Cuomo and Paladino) and the State Senate Race (Ritchie and Aubertine). These are two races being watched by all.  Paladino has lowered the gap with Cuomo to almost single digits.  It appears the "Mad as Hell" voters are starting to send a message to the establishment, Mr. Cuomo.

Senator Aubertine numbers have slipped to the point of no return.  In a desperate move he has challenged Mrs. Ritchie's Taxpayer Line petitions at the Board of Elections and NOW in the court system.  It appears the courts have deemed Mrs. Ritchie's Petitions valid and rumor has it, he is sending resumes to area farms indicating he is the winner of all Milking Contests.  On the serious side, the voters are "Mad as Hell" and they are sending the same message to Senator Aubertine.  

Everyone in the North Country is looking to oust the Democratic Senators that currently hold the majority.  Since they gained control of the Senate everything has become a NYC agenda and NNY is paying the price with jobs lost, increased Taxes, and Fees.     

Oxley Witness Amits She Lied

As the trial of Oxley turns.  Will we finally get to the bottom of who killed Bernard Trickey Jr?  What was the final decision on Shannon's death after the Tricky Murder.  Now one of the witnesses is recanting her testimony.

This trial has been a mess from day one.  Mr. Richards was our newly elected judge and Mrs. Duve was our newly elected District Attorney.  So many mistakes and not enough time to talk about them.  I can only imagine how much this trial will cost the second time. 




Watertown Daily Times

Advance News:BOCES Studies Achievement Gap

We set the Standard of Education   

Basically, we have below average scores and it is due to the poverty stricken area we live in.  I would like to congratulate Canton Central, Colton-Pierrepont Central, Morristown Central, and Potsdam Central for surpassing the State Average in % Level 3 & 4. 

BOCES has a new six member instructional team and a new position of Assistant Superintendent that must add up to some dollars.  The best part of this, it is available to those teachers that are interested.  I wonder which ones will be interested?  I would think this would be part of Professional Development and mandatory training. 

I find it hard to believe moving 9 miles up the road to Morristown is a major change in poverty level.  Maybe we should explore other explanations, students that do not get the basics in elementary school have little chance of getting it back later in high school.  Ogdensburg has low scores in K-4 and a big dip around 5th grade.

Time to re-evaluate the process. 
Advance News Article

CC:Political cartoons of the week

These are some very interesting cartoons and very clever artist.  This gives you a perspective of the Moderate GOP when it comes to the Tea Party. 








Capital Confidential

Kelly:Avoid NYS Layoffs

Looks like the NYS is not winning the battle with Native Americans in collecting taxes on cigarettes...thus let's get it from the public employees of NYS.  Public employees are an easy target they have been portrayed in a bad light by the media. 

I believe the rank and file employees have taken their hits over the years.  Most of the abuse publicized by the media have been Management/Confidential employees, that make over $100 K/year.  The average public employ is the person that supplies the services to you and I. 

During the Pataki Administration public employees had a 4 year contracts with zero percent raises, years with lump sum raise that did not increase their base pay, which also included multiple increases in co-pays, and premiums.  This is not the era of Tier I employees with 25/55 retirement. Public employees signed on to a Tier V system that will save the hundreds of millions of dollars over time in lieu of layoffs.

The union contracts will be up this year and they will receive zero percent raises for the next 4 years which will be negotiated and accepted. 

NYSCOPBA

Tax Cap or What?

Silver Against Property Tax Cap

Senate majority leader Sampson has been pushing a property tax cap.....Sampson believes this could prevent the Dems from losing control of the Senate.  The people of NNY have been burdened with the turmoil, corruption, criminal activity, and their inability to pass a budget by the Democratic controlled Senate.  The lack of leadership between the Senate and Assembly is the root of the legislature problem. Speaker of the Assembly, Sheldon Silver has avoided voting on property tax caps....his action would indicate he preferred a Republican controlled Senate. 

Capping property tax, would limit schools ability to spend  and place a check and balance on their budgets.  Since NYS taxpayers pay more taxes than any other state...Looks like we need some control on spending and a property tax cap is a start.

NYP:Paterson takes cap slap at Silver

Journal:13 Candidates Visit City Seniors

Most of the candidates showed up at the Centennial Towers to rally the voters.  Each candidate lined up to discuss issues and explain why they should be their candidate.  It was hard to tell the difference between Republicans and Democrats because each each claim to be fiscally responsible.  Only Mr. Forsyth and Mr. Burns can use their records to demonstrate fiscal conservative agenda...both claim to be fiscally responsible.

It looks like the Judge race is coming down to the two hometown candidates.  Bill Small or Marsha Lemay, which will pull the votes from the locals. This race will come down to name recognition and experience. 

Mrs. Ritchie is hard on the campaign trail, not missing a chance to spread her fiscal responsible agenda. Hard to stop the Ritchie Machine.  Senator Aubertine and Assemblywomen Russell decided not to participate in the Centennial Towers open forum.  I guess they figure they spent enough time in Ogdensburg with the possible closure of OCF.  Looking at the signs in yards around town I think Senator Aubertine and Assemblywomen Russell should pull their heads out of the sand.  Neither have done much in the River City before or since the rally. 

Matt Doheny just coming off a close win against Conservative candidate Hoffman.  Matt has maintained his energy level throughout his campaign and seems to have momentum.  The verdict is still out, will Hoffman stay on the Conservative line.....that could be the difference in this race.     

The Journal _ 13 Candidates

  

Kevin Felt Wins in Primary

Kevin Felt lead a great campaign against David Button.  Kevin a native of Heuvelton, NY is currently the Deputy Treasure and a candidate with much experience.  The voters spoke 3:2 and they made the right choice.  Good luck to Mr. Felt.


WDT:GOP voters back Felt

Two out of Three

Espada Gone

Paladino put the boots to Lazio in the bid for the GOP.  Doheny run a good campaign and defeated Hoffman the conservative candidate for the GOP.  I thought Espada would win but the voters spoke and eliminated his ring of corruption and embarrassment to the Democratic leaders.

Time to Vote in the Primary

Just a reminder,
GET OUT AND VOTE!

Scozzafava Endorses McGrath

The RINO Scozzafava has endorsed Mr. McGrath for the 122nd Assembly district. Republicans have turned the backs on her and the Democrats have embraced her with open arms. She was a deciding factor in the 23rd Congressional race with Owens and Hoffman.

She is still trying to sway the minds of her loyal followers and they are following her right off the road and into the ditch. There must be a promise in the wind and how will this affect her future. Get the whole speech on You-Tube link.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLBreh6DnhY

Primary Time

Doheny and Hoffman appear to be in a dead heat. Paladino has gained many points on Lazio and Tuesday is time to for the voters to make their choice. These are two races that will have a major affect in the November election. Who will support the loser or who will hold tight to the end. Get out and vote it will make a difference.

Burns vrs Flavin for County Legislator

Robert Flavin

Mr. Flavin just finished a run for city legislator and just fell short of getting elected in his first bid as elected official. Mr. Flavin worked at Claxton Medical Center in the Maintenance Department, very active sportsman, and has been involved in the Wally restocking program. He is currently challenging Mr. Burns who currently represents Ogdensburg in District 1. The Burns' name has been synonymous with politics. Mr. Burns has demonstrated concern, insight and knowledge of the issues facing St. Lawrence County.

I have spoken to Mr. Burns on many county issues and he always had knowledge of the topic and responded to my concerns. With little press and very little literature on Mr. Flavin I am not sure what his issues are.

This race has had little press but it should be a concern to the residents of Ogdensburg.

Sam (Vernon) Burns

Ritchie Vrs Aubertine

I was on route 37 tonight and notice Senator Aubertine Signs must of come in.  They peppered the highway on Rt. 37 along Ogdensburg. I think the state owns the edge of the road and as a State Senator, Mr. Aubertine must feel that is were his signs should be placed.  The problem I see, the edge of the state highway does not vote and very few were in front of homes.

We are still waiting on the results of Mr. Aubertine's challege of Mrs. Ritchie's petitions.  It appears the Lawyers in Albany are very busy trying to oust Mrs. Ritchie from the Taxpayers Line.  The BOE will have to figure that one out.  THIS IS THE RACE TO WATCH.

Heuvelton's Labor Days Parade Today

The grand finale is today with the Parade and the Fireworks display tonight at dusk. Should be a great time for the family. If you are coming from Ogdensburg the bridge will not be an issue.

118th Assembly Candidates - Forsythe vrs Russell

Dave Forsythe is challenging Addie Russell for the 118th River District Assembly seat. Job creation has been a big issue for St. Lawrence County and is on the top of the list for our legislative candidates. This should be an interesting race and should bring light to Mrs. Russell's record for North Country votes. Mr. Forsythe is a county legislator and his record has been very conservative. Voters are getting sick of government spending......budgets increasing....Who will have the answers, Forsythe or Russell.
The Journal Article

Rangel spends $111,000 on legal fees in 2 months

Congressman Rangel, one of the many outstanding Democrats fighting criminal charges. He is using his campaign money, donated to him so he could be re-elected, but it looks like he will be using it to stay out of jail. When will these jokers smarten up! It usually starts off small with a little nepotism and the next thing you know it becomes a free for all. 
AP article

30th Massena Solidarity Parade Happens Monday

All the unions will be out in full force for Massena's 30th Solidarity Parade. It has been a great event over the years and provides recognition for those that belong to organized labor unions. If you look close you may see are current legislators Assemblywomen Addie Russell and Senator Aubertine.
Daily Courier-Observer Article

Lazio Claims He Can Create 1 Million Jobs

Rick Lazio, GOP governor candidate has promised New York one million jobs if he is elected.  Courting the Canadians, cutting some taxes, and tapping Fort Drums dependents may add 100 jobs but that is far from a million. How much can our taxes be cut, would we go from the highest taxed state to the 3rd highest taxed state. That should bring in all kinds of jobs.  Maybe, Rick is just trying to get elected.
Journal Artical

Heuvelton's Marching Band

The results will be in soon, lets hope Heuvelton is the winner of $25,000.00 from the Pepsi Refresh Project.  Lets thank everyone that voted and it is for a great cause.

Journal:Inmate Reduction Worries OCF

Ogdensburg Correctional Facility has continually lost inmates and dorm continue to close. Population continues to drop and employees are getting nerves. Current inmate population is around 300 down about 160 inmates. Every dorm closed in NNY is another five Correctional Officers not coming home. Time to see the light, and the idea that Albany and our legislators are will to play games with our lives is very upsetting.
Link to Journal Article

Heuvelton's Labor Day weekend will be based on an Italian theme. This is a time for Heuvelton to shine and everyone in the surrounding area should stop for this great even. It is promising a weekend of events starting Friday at 5:30 at the Heuvelton Boat Launch Field and end on Sunday afternoon. A Donation Auctions starts off the event and will include carnival games, food, live entertainment, clown show and the NEW Dunking Booth. The festivities will conclude on Sunday with a parade, music by Acoustic Brothers and a fireworks display at dusk. Come join the fun. Click for the full agenda.

Heuvelton Dunking Booth