Journal:Toys For Tots Kicks Off Campaign

Tis the season to be jolly, benevolent, and above all giving.  Toys for Tots is one of the many great organizations that help support the community.  Hats off to Ray Cutway, organizer and the workers that donate their time to such a great cause.  Times are tight, but the warm feeling you get by donating a Barbie or game is overwhelming.

Find it in your heart in these busy times to look out for those children that go without every day.  You can be their Santa Clause, their hope, and their sunshine if only for one day.  Merry Christmas.

Journal:Eyewitness Recalls Attack On Lawton

According to Mr. Lawton's roommate he was an eighty plus old drug dealer.  He had more than a thousand dollars in cash and pills in his pocket.  Why would Mr. Lawton have these pills?  It is apparent he did not need them and he was using them to subsidize his income.  This type of medication should be monitored and not given out unless the patient revisits the physician's office. 

Mr. Bartlett indicated he was thrown on Mr. Lawton by one of the attackers. The way I look at it, Mr. Lawton died while being robbed by 3 people, one armed with a stick with wire attached to it.  This is an example of how far drug users and dealers will go to get their next fix. 

Many of our democratic leaders think rehabilitation is the answer to these type of crimes.  Many do not end in murder but there is always a victim.  If your house is robbed, defaced, and vandalized while you are away, No Harm Done"! They believe rehabilitation can solve this problem. Times have changed, Ogdensburg is changing, and the City Legislators should be on point.  

Journal Article

Journal: In Wake Of Murder, Neighborhood Watch Extending To Ford Street

We have the problem solved! A Neighborhood Watch program on Ford Street to curve the drug craved hoodlums in our city.  City council blames our problems on the Democrats that have modified the Rockefeller Drug Laws.  News bulletin, they had been modified years ago.  Next problem, we still need to arrest these hoodlums and process them in the legal system.  Next problem, we need a DA and Judge that will prosecute and follow their progress if released.  

We have criminals walking the street that robbed over $200,000.00 getting charges dismissed.  We had a bank robber get electronic monitoring.  If I was a police officer I would ask myself "Why" because the court system does little or nothing in St Lawrence County.

I do take my hat off to Ms. Pryce for stepping forward attempting to swart crime in Ogdensburg.  If we had a City Council making this priority one it would not be such a big problem. 

Journal Article

NYP:Black-market cigarettes costing NY $20M a month

Akwasasne Cigarettes-Native

Ogdensburg, boarded on the North by Canada and the East by the Nation of Akwasasne we have not felt the impacted of the $4.00 NYS tax on cigarettes.  The Nation of Akwasasne should thank NYS for the increase in demand for Native Cigarettes.  Underground cigarette sales have increased in Ogdensburg, trips to the Duty Free Shops have increased, and the trips to the reservation have increased 10 fold.  Those that smoke will continue to buy cigarettes when they can get them at prices they can afford. The only alternative would be to quit smoking...for our health and the added costs to our health care system it would be the best alternative. 



Get them by the Bag or Carton

 Legislators main goal in increasing taxes on cigarettes was to increase New York State income in tough economic times.  This has back fired and the deficit continues...NYS is losing approximately 20 million/months from underground trafficking and purchases on the reservation.  We are now experiencing layoffs at state facilities in Ogdensburg and St. Lawrence County.  With the highest unemployment rate North of New York City every job counts! 

This is the result of a bungled budget process that never balanced and was one of the contributing factors for ousting many of the Democrats in our legislature.

NYP Article

Journal:Hacketts Bankruptcy Plan Rejected Again



Pat Hackett

Many years the Hackett Family has stood by the residents of Ogdensburg by providing quality services and goods.  It is hard to see this icon of retail fall so far into bankruptcy court.  In the past the Hackett Family has fared well in bad economic times. I believe the combination of new management, major expansion, and the economy taking a major downturn was the beginning of the end.   

Pat Hackett has filed a disclosure statement and a plan to reorganize but they were rejected by the US Bankruptcy court.  Mr. Hackett's struggle to put his business back on solid grown will be an uphill battle.  Navigating the legal system is just the beginning of his struggles.  If anyone can bring Hacketts back to icon status, it will be the Hackett Family.  Good Luck Pat.

Journal Article

Journal:83-Year-Old Murdered At His Ford Street Home

Another Homicide in Our City   

How do we look at our fair city now!  Very few people leave their doors unlocked anymore.  There was a time when you could go on vacation for a week and neighbors would look after your home.  Those days are long gone with drug dealers and scumbags overwhelming our fair city. 

Drugs seem to be the root of most problems in our city, state, and country.  The democrats continue to release drug dealers and drug users back to the streets.  They continually say they are addicts and prison is not the answer.  I do agree they are addicts but addicts end up stealing, robbing, and eventually killing to get their next fix.  Why should any family be victimize by drug users and our kids exposed to drug deals growing up in our town. 

Everyone is tight lipped on the current investigation but it would not surprise me if our current homicide is related to drug selling or drug stealing.  It is time to chase these dirt bags from our city.  Everyone seems to know who and where they are dealing drugs and the cops should press these individuals hard every day. 

Journal Article

WDT:Aubertine mathematically eliminated in 48th race

Congratulations Senator Ritchie

Patricia Ritchie our new NYS Senator, Congratulation, one of the very few to come from St. Lawrence County.  Darrel had turned his back on NNY and the voters spoke.  Senator Ritchie is entering the Senate with a tough fiscal budget ahead.  Hard decisions will have to be made but I am sure they will be made equally across the state...NYC not pulling jobs out of NNY.

The democrats showed they were still willing to distribute pork in times of economic shortcomings.  This was easier to accept when times were good and Senator Wright was in office.  The number one issue of this campaign was the economy and taxes.  Last year's budget was not balance at the end of session which will be added to the deficit next year. 

Well, nothing Darrel will have to worry about.

WDT:Article

WDT:Man to serve probation for theft of $230,000

County Court

I am not a lawyer but I am missing something here! Two people break into a house steal $230,000.00 dollars go on a spending spree and one gets interim probation and the other gets the charges dropped.  Something does not add up.  Best part of this Judge Richards had no explanation why the charges were dropped.  The Judge does not expect Mr. Borasky to pay his restitution, which is 100/month.  That 100/month should go a long way in replacing the $230,000.00. 

Does anyone remember when the Hermon Bank was robbed.  He ended up with electronic monitoring.  That was not much of a deterrent, because he was caught robbing houses soon after.  At what point is enough, enough.  It appears the criminals are treated like the victim and those of us that get robbed should hope we are not home the next time a crack head or dope head decides to enter our house and help themselves. Lord knows we have a bunch of them running around our streets.

I remember when Mr. Richards became judge, one of his first acts was to restrict pistol permits.  It was hard pressed to get a pistol permit without restriction. With a community of hunters and sportsman, we never had a problem getting a pistol permit without limitations prior to his election.  Judge Richards the LIBERAL DEMOCRAT is really showing though.


WDT:Article

Journal:Council Sets 2011 Budget Public Hearing For Dec. 6

Tough Budget This Year in Ogdensburg

The city manager is looking to increase our property taxes by 3.87%.  The city budget is going to increase by almost 5%, amounting to almost 1 million in increased spending. Mr. Sciorra brags that our tax rate has not been this low since 2004 and lower rates were recorded back in 1995.



I am not sure but were we at full assessment back then?  Properties are being assessed every time you turn around.  I waited in line at city hall. with many others to contest my assessment that increased by 60%. 

Ogdensburg's Budget - Just an Idea

All this adds up to is a house appraised at full assessment + a little lower tax rate + majorly increased assessments = Us paying higher taxes, even with a lower rate.  I always say if there is smoke there is fire, and if it smells like fish it stinks.  One million dollars in extra spending stinks!

Let us not forget the water rates are also going up $5.00.

 

Journal Article

Some Very Interesting Cartoons

These always crack me up. People that can do this type of work are all right brain, I fall more into the left brain category.  A picture can say so much at one glance.  Please enjoy.

Journal:Judge Denies Motion To Dismiss Oxley's Charge

The murder trial continues...Judge Richards does not dismiss charges against Wayne Oxley Jr. The 2nd trial has not had the coverage the first trial did. Could this be due to the continual criminal activity that appears to have plagued our streets. Quality of Life in Ogdensburg appears to be dropping.  Many folks do not feel safe walking the streets at night. The last 5 - 10 years have brought drug dealers, sex offenders, armed robbery, and an influx of many transient individuals. 

What is the future of Ogdensburg?  We have a beautiful spot on the St. Lawrence River but nothing to entice jobs to our area.  Therefore are young continue to leave and social services enrollment continues to grow.  These individuals receiving social services who get caught selling drugs should be prosecuted for welfare fraud.  This is done in other counties and could solve two problems if implemented in St. Lawrence County. The Democrats that controlled NYS government for the last 2 years have continually passed legislation to release inmates early. When the punishment is less than the crime it does not deter further criminal activities and puts everyone at risk.


Journal Oxley's Trial 

Journal:Veterans Day Ceremony Thursday At Groulx Park



Groulx Park, Ogdensburg

 WWI "the war to end all wars" ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919.   However, a temporary cessation of hostilities, between the united nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. Therefore, November 11, 1918, is looked upon as the end of the great war.

 We look at Veterans day as a reflection of the heroism, bravery, and gratitude to those men and women that provided us with the freedoms and opportunities that we are afforded in our great country.  It is time to reflect and honor those individuals that fought and died for our freedom. 

WWII War Memorial, DC

While in Washington DC, during a WWII veterans service I noticed a tee-shirt on a vet.  It said "Thank a Teacher You Can Read This, Thank a Vet That You Can Read This In English. Take time out of your day and thank a veteran or attend the ceremony at Groulx Park November 11, at 11 am. 

Journal Article

Advance News:Remington Gala Slated Dec. 11th

The Fredrick Remington Art Museum has been a big part of Ogdensburg's Culture.  Many of us take it for granted but as I age I have grown to appreciate it's hidden treasures.  I usually visit the museum once a year and each time I discover something different or something I have missed in previous visits.  I encourage everyone to explore the paintings and my favorite, the various bronze statues.

The Remington Gala is upon us.  This will and has been a great time for all.  The night will include music, dancing, fantastic food, and a silent auction.  Do not miss this event, get your tickets by calling 315 393-2425.

I look forward to another year at the Gala!

Frederic Remington Gala  

Governor To Appoint New County Clerk

County Clerk Dem or Rep?

The election cycle is over but with Mrs. Ritchie going to the Senate that will leave a vacancy in the County Clerk's Office.  It is the Governor's duty to make this appointment but will it be Gov. Paterson or will Mrs. Ritchie wait to the end of the year then Governor Elect Cuomo would be responsible for making that selection. 

The democrats would like to replace Senator Ritchie with one of their own and individuals candidates are lining up on both sides. Many are saying anyone could do that job, mostly the democrats justifying their choice.  I believe it should be someone with experience, that understands the employees, the functions of the clerk's office and Motor Vehicle Office. 

It would not be fair to the County if Mrs. Ritchie was replaced with a political flunky.  It appears Mrs. Ritchie is supporting Mrs. Rupp as her successor.  Currently, Mrs. Rupp is her 1rst Deputy Clerk and is interested in the job.  To continue a continuity of services to the voters and retaining someone with experience and understanding of the office Mrs. Rupp would be the appropriate choice.

This will be a political appointment, therefore common sense and experience will not be considered in the selection process. 

Journal Article Sunday

Challenger Topples Incumbent For Senate Ritchie Defeats Aubertine



Ritchie Takes 48th Senate Seat from Aubertine

 Mr. Aubertine has not conceded the race for the 48th Senate District.  Mrs. Ritchie has been crowned by the Journal as the top vote getter and Mr. Aubertine would need just about every absentee ballot to win this race. 

I was very disappointed when I went to vote yesterday.  The 7 foot signs of Darrel appeared just outside the 100 foot limit.... appeared to be an act of desperation by Mr. Aubertine.  Combine that with the groups of people that were paid to chant on the various corners their support for Darrel. 

This type of campaigning happens all the time in larger cities.  Corners are lined with various supporters chanting and supporting their candidate, BUT not in Northern New York.  

Good job Patty, you will represent us well!

Journal Article

Time To Vote!

Time to Vote!  Time to exercise our rights! Time to be Heard! It has been a long campaign trail for all the candidates. 
                       Best of Luck to All.