Journal:New Councilors Take Office Sunday

New Councilors Take Office

The time has come to anoint our new council members. The new year starts Sunday, which will mark their first official day of duty. I hope they will bring the City Manager's fiasco to an end, then move on to current City business.

Property Pride?   

According to the Code Enforcement Office, the City has had less code violations complaints from the prior year. Mr. Mallette hopes people are taking pride in their property but the reality is there were only 13 less complaints or about 3% difference from last year...that is modest! I know one of the biggest violators in the area went to jail 9 months ago, that made a difference.

It appears the Journal is looking to put a positive spin on a few things in the City.  We all knows the River City needs a different spin.  Hopefully the Council can do this.  Good Luck!!!!!


Journal New Councilors

Journal Codes

Journal:Children's Librarian Sought

Another Librarian?

Hiring a another Librarian is a tough sell when the position was not filled last year to balance the budget. Would this position require a Masters in Library Science (MLS) to run the children's programs? The replacement of Mrs. Wright would receive a $4K raise from day one.

I support the library, but would question this decision. Maybe the readers have a better insight.

Journal Librarian

Journal:Sciorra Demands Public Hearing

Is there "Substantial, Persuasive Evidence"?

Mr. Sciorra, it appears you have been down this road before...he understands the system and will put City Council through the ropes. The question will be! Do the charges show "substantial, persuasive evidence"?

Hopefully the City Council will act in unison and everyone can get on board, at least for the tax payers. The hearing will be sometime in January and we will not miss listening to the rhetoric of Nicky (I do not pay taxes, I am still in school) Vaugh.

Mr. Sciorra is calling for a public hearing and this should be very interesting. I would think this would be handled by Law firm hired by the City. He should handle the hearing and the councilors would decide at the end.

Journal Demands

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas from Oburg

Journal:Enrollment Downward Trend Continues



School Enrollment Down

There has been a 40% decrease in student enrollment since 1976, "school consolidation" may become reality. In 1976 we had approximately 27,000 students enrolled in our public school system which has decreased to about 16,000. This year's school enrollment was down by 213 students. This is not a significant change and only 7 of the 213 are from the Ogdensburg School district. The problem is this trend has continued over the last 30 years.

Schools are getting very expensive to run, especially when some schools are graduating under 30 students. Our graduating class was well over 200 and we are currently graduating just over 100 students. This is about a 50% decrease in student enrollment in the Ogdensburg School system. The school is still the same size and we still have the same number of teachers and administration, consolidation seems like the right choice.

Economies of scale for a school system would figure the cost to educate a student based on the size of the graduating class. Graduating 25 students and trying to offer elective classes or advanced placement courses are not very cost effective when only 7 students are enroll. Hiring a School Administrator, and multiple principals also increase the cost and takes from the students. We should strive for the ideal school size, that maximizes educational opportunities, and brings down costs by consolidating within our school systems. There must be models out there that we could pattern our school system on.

Journal Enrollment  

Journal:Junior International Carp Tournament Deadline Nears

Junior Carp Tournament Sign-Up

The Carp Tournament has been a major draw to local communities. Early Junior Carp Tournament Sign-up deadline is December 31, 2011. So if your 11 to 18 years old, boy or girl, sign-up early and save $50.00 on the entry fee. This has been a great success for everyone!

Journal Article Carp

Journal:Sciorra Plans To Settle Dispute In Court

Termination Guide May Be Necessary

Mr. Sciorra, City Manager is going to let the court settle City Council's resolution to terminate him. The City Council's vote was 5 to 1 with only Mr. Skamperle voting not to terminate Mr. Sciorra. The Council listed the following 6 reasons for termination:

·         He did not follow-up beyond emails to subordinates pertaining to the Knox Street property.

·         He did take action to ensure his direction to staff was followed.

·         He allowed the Knox Street property fall between the cracks.

·         He chronically failed to supervise City Agencies.

·         He made false and misleading statements to City Council.

·         He made false and misleading statements to the press.

The next trick will be to substantiate these charges or enough to justify terminating his contract without paying him 6 months of severance pay.

Journal Article

City Not Taking Money For the 150 Tickets



         City Giving Violators a Break

A few people I know went to pay their fine and their money was returned. Someone is doing the right thing. The weather was not an issue that night , therefore issuing these tickets was not warranted.

 

Journal:Lights On The River Begins

Lights on the River

A Must See!  The light display at Lisbon Beach has taken off in the North Country with approximately 50 displays.  Donations are accepted, but admission is free.  Donations will go to local food pantries throughout St. Lawrence County.

A Must See

Journal:Sciorra Faces Employment Review

The Tax Payers are Screwed

Looks like a bad review is just the first step to City Council getting rid of Mr. Scoirra.  If it will be that easy! "Ogdensburg's charter requires that the city manager serve for an indefinite term." Sounds like the City Charter should be amended to annual reviews. 

"If the employee's performance is deemed unsatisfactory, a follow-up review is scheduled, and if the employee has not addressed the issues raised by the supervisor, termination may be considered." Sounds like the City Manager will have a chance to amend his ways before he can be fired. 

Journal Review

Journal:Sex Offender's Sentencing Adjourned

Sex Offendr Label on Car, House, and Clothing!

Hopefully, Alexander K. McLean, AKA Child Sex Offender, is being held in County Jail and not roaming the streets of the River City?  McLean is one reason for the creation of a Prison System.

Journal Sex Offender

Journal:City Lifts Parking Weather Exemption

Snow or No Snow, No Parking Here!

Enforcement of the parking band, during this snowless holiday season has made a lot of people unhappy in the River City. It almost appears to be a back door approach to generating revenue for legal representation, lol. The forecast for the week was mild, rainy, and temperature 40 or above for the week...you can only imagine the faces of the working class heading to work that morning with a ticket under their wiper blade.

"Inclement weather is here," Mr. Polniak said. "That's why we're enforcing it now." If it is, Mr. Polniak is the only one who has seen it. Ticketing the cars would not have solved the problem, they were on the road for the night. What happen to that warning ticket that was put on your car when the weather starts to change.

All the drug dealers must have stayed in that night due to the inclement weather.

Journal Parking
 

Journal:City Hires Counsel, May Need More

This is Going to Get Ugly

The voters want Mr. Sciorra fired and the voters will end up footing the bill due to a bungled and mishandled investigation on the Knox Street property. 

Who writes, who reviews, and who is responsible for the City entering into iron clad contracts that protect everyone but the City! The City Manager's contract has built in protection, and built in raises. I think it was a year after Mr. Sciorra took office and City Council enacted a raise that was missed.  

Mr. Sciorra is looking for his next contractual raise which states "he is entitled to any normal salary increases extended to other city employees". When did we stop basing raises on performance and did anyone read this contract besides Art?

Journal Hires Counsel

Journal:City Manager Files Notice Of Claim



Everyone is Lawyering Up!

The fingers are pointing, everyone is lawyering up, and the City and tax payers will be footing the bill. There will be no winner just one big loser, Ogdensburg the River City.

The Knox Street family living rent free, in a City owned home, rehabilitated with grant money, and the purchase was covered by grant money came to head during a tight mayoral race which exacerbated the hype. Many were jumping to conclusions and there was blood in the water. Mr. Sciorra admitted in a Journal Article when the Knox Street property broke; that he could not read his emails and appeared to have little oversight of his department heads...this appeared to everyone that he could not do his job.

The loss of millions of dollars in grant funds for the Neighborhood Stabilization Program is the first kick the City will take. It is believed these monies were lost because of the disastrous collapse of our grant program...how it was managed, and the turmoil between City Council, the City Manager, and City Planner that surrounded the Knox Street mess.

It is indicated that these grants were administered properly, which is hard to believe considering how the City earned income from self-administration of grant money. Ethically this does not seem right that 2 families and the City are the only winners with over $200,000.00 in grant money. The distribution does not seem very equitable.


Journal Files Claim
Journal No Funds

Journal:Report Splits Council Members

Art Said I'm not Lazy I'm Just Laissez-Faire

Hey Art the Buck Stops Here! The City Manager is paid to run our City. If it slipped through the cracks, if Woods, Cosmo, and Gebo are not doing their jobs the buck stops with Art. It appear he had a very laissez-faire approach, never following up with his department heads and allowing procrastination and avoidance prevail.

With the City Council Split on Art's outcome, and a possible payout for wrongful termination, we may just wait until the beginning of the year and not renew his contract (I think it is up next year).


Journal Article Split

Journal:CountyTax Levy Raise Approved

Not in Our County, 5.5% Tax Levy

We think we have problems! The County raised the tax levy 5.5%, over twice the 2% cap legislated. One of the few that attended the meeting insinuated that the members of the County Board are "entwined with their own relatives and union affiliations to look out for the taxpayer."

Legislator Lightfoot believed the Board should be more involved in developing the County's Budget. Sending direction to the Department Heads and not just listening to Department Heads justifying their budget sounds like a great idea. Things appear a little ass backwards at the County level.

Journal Tax Levy

Journal:Council Votes To Release Report

FOILED REQUEST

Looks like City Council would like to release the report on how the Knox Street property was managed. The Wladis Law Firm indicated in the Journal article, paragraph two that most of the report created by City Attorney Silvers was protected by exemptions in FOIL Requests. Third paragraph states "There is nothing in the report that jumped out at me as something that the city could not release." I am not sure who is saying what.

You would think our City Attorney could have advised council if the report should of been released. We can spend $195.00 to hire Wladis Law Firm because Silver disqualified himself.

I have to agree with Mr. Freeman that the FOIL (Feedom of Information Law) request was not handled properly, almost like the Knox Street property. Hopefully this issue can be put to rest and we can concentrate on the quality of life in Ogdensburg.

Journal: Release Report

Journal:Tired of Gridlock, Voters Leave Major Parties

Can We Trust Our Party?

What member of any political party has not felt the frustrations of the party leaders or candidates
Mike Long, Conservative Chairperson went against local endorsements which created much acrimony among the membership. These examples exist in every political party and we see this locally every election year.

Political organizations and politicians will do and say whatever to retain power or office. Core beliefs of party and politician will be abandoned to retain a position of stature. So the cycle continues until the voters base their vote on substance, not name recognition, not on one issue, and not popularity but on the issues that continue to hamper efficient and open government.

We elect a new City Council and no one knows what their position is on a tax increase but everyone knows that a family lived in a City owned house on Knox Street for three years rent free. Which of these two issues will impact us the most? What has happened to the quality of life on the streets of Ogdensburg? Granted, Knox St. opened up a door and a little house cleaning was accomplished, but what are the bigger issues.

Journal Parties

Journal:Tech Company Considers CityFacility

Tech Company & Ogdensburg?

There may be a bright light at the end of the tunnel that leads to the Bridge and Port. Ephesus Technologies LLC, a Syracuse nanotechnology firm is looking to move in to the Ansen Inc. building. A business on the cutting edge of LED lighting, which has been using Clarkson University as a research partner.

Unlike the General Propulsion Inc., which was based on a political agenda and a contract from the defense department, Ephesus is waiting for the announcement of 1 billion in grant money that will be announced next Thursday.

If they get the grant money it could lead to a new manufacturing plant, which could lead to hiring 100 employees and 25 engineers. Let's keep our fingers crossed this could be the boost the area is looking for!

Journal Tech Company

Ephesus Technologies LLC Link

Journal:Council Votes For Report Attorney

Time to End the Knox Street Debacle

Why do we have a City Attorney? The cost to higher the Wladis Law Firm of East Syracuse is $195.00/hour. This is a very reasonable rate, I wonder what expenses will be added to this fee. They will review the report prepared by our lawyer and make recommendations on how the Knox Street debacle was handled.

The Wladis Law Firm should also look into how grant monies were handled and distributed. Paying $87,000.00 for rehabilitation on City owned property does not seem right. Then the City sells the property for $51,000.00 and they used grant money to pay for the property...nothing seems right in the picture.

You know what they say "If it is seems too good to be true, it must be illegal".

Wayne Ashley was the top vote getter and has been appointed to City Council replacing Doug Sholette.  Councilor Ashley will have some tough issues to deal with at the next council meeting.  On the agenda will be, overriding of the state-legislated 2 percent property tax cap and raising sewer rates. Mayor Nelson under budgeted State Aide last year and received more money than expected.  What happened to the rest of the money?
 
Do we have any conservatives on this council?

Journal Wladis Law Firm
Journal Ashley

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Happy Thanksgiving

Time For Families and Friends!!!

Journal:Nelson Named Winner

Nelson Wins by 11 Votes

It is over and the voters spoke, Mayor Nelson will still be our Mayor. Mr. Nelson won his last two runs for Mayor by less than 20 votes. The people have sent Mayor Nelson a message and hopefully he will respond to their needs.

Mr. McGrath fought a tough fight which pivoted around the debacle on Knox Street. He had a good showing, but fell short by 11 votes.

One thing we did learn from this election is the people want a more open government, the management of grant funds must be revised, the city needs to stop buying house and competing with the private sector, and we need a new City Manager.

Renovating a house with $87 K, selling it for $51 K, and giving the individuals $51 K to buy it does not seem fair and equitable to the community. Let us hope that Mayor Nelson and the City Council will tend to the needs of the voters.
 
Priority #1 should be to clean-up Ogdensburg. Ogdensburg and Massena have been rated the highest felony crime rates in the county. Multiple unsolved murders, illicit drug use and sales, prescription drug abuse, petty theft, and pedophiles roaming the streets are the reasons for the demise of Ogdensburg. What good is a great water front, walking paths, and marina when the citizens of Ogdensburg do not feel safe. This must be rectified!

Journal Article

Journal:Knox Street Property Lease Passes

Free House

Well, years later and the family living on Knox Street has a lease with the City. I guess the next step is to give them the house and we should have this mess cleaned up. The City used $87,000.00 of grant money to remodel the house then they sell the house for $51,000.00. Of that $51,000.00 the City will give them $51,000.00 in grant money to buy the house. The best part of this deal is the City magically convert grant money in to City Money.

In all my years of real estate I never got a deal like this. Free rehab and a free house, sounds like someone in the City was running a scam with tax payer's money. I do not blame the family, who would turn down a deal like this? This mess was created and managed by the City Manager and his staff. They should be held responsible!!

Time for the City to publicly list all properties owned by the City. They should be auctioned off and put back on the tax rolls.

Journal Article

Journal:County Schools Need To Improve

Looks like Kennedy needs some work but the rest of the schools in the Ogdensburg School district did well.  Lets give a hand to the teachers.

No Kid Left Behind will be the demise of our school system. 

Journal Article

Happy Veteran's Day

              

                                11-11-11 Remember A Vet.

Journal:Rupp Takes Clerk Race

Congratulations Mary Lou

I have to say, I expected Mary Lou to win the County Clerk's position but the voters beat down Mr. Regan and made a statement about his conduct and ability to run the office. Under Mary Lou's watch the office was run well and the revenues generated from the DMV were better. Some things come full circle and Mr. Regan will know what it is like to be out of a job soon.  Hopefully he will still do his job until the end of the year. 

Mary Lou, said she would keep Mrs. Streeter as her Deputy which to me would be a tough decision. Above all your deputy has to be loyal, willing to learn all departments, and this does not appear to be the case with Mrs. Streeter. Maybe she will change her registration again?

Good luck to Mary Lou and her family.

Journal Article

Journal:New Councilors Elected

To Our New Councilors

We have our new Councilors but the Mayor race is still up in the air. Nine votes is all that separates incumbent Mayor Bill Nelson from his challenger Jack McGrath. With 111 absentee ballots received and 45 not returned this race is too close to call.

Congratulations to Republicans Wayne L. Ashley and William D. Hosmer, and Democrat Jennifer Stevenson each won seats on City Council.

The nice thing about an election under turmoil, it leads to higher than normal voter turnout. I want to thank everyone for voting and best of luck to Bill and Jack in the final tally.

Journal Mayor                    Journal Councilors          Journal Voter Turnout



Vote Today

This is a big election and everyone should get out and VOTE!

Journal:City Council Candidates Discuss Issues

Candidates Say

The Candidates Say:

Looks like a good time to get a new City Manager

We Need to jump start the economy

Treat everyone fairly

Better Communication

Better Housing

Better Grant Management

No New taxes

Increase Public Safety

The means and knowledge of getting these thing done, is the question. These statements have been made at every election. No comments from the candidates for Mayor, that will be later in the week, or maybe tomorrow, hopefully soon. I would like some insight from Mr. Nelson and Mr. McGrath. Mr. Nelson has much experience and insight into our current issues, should be interesting.

Journal:Nelson Offers Sciorra Issue Resolution

Council Review City Attorney's Report     

The report is completed and each member of council had a chance to read the report prepared by City Attorney Silver. Mr. Nelson has submitted a resolution for Tuesday's special meeting calling for the suspension and removal of City Manager, Arthur J. Sciorra.

Nelson and Morley read the report and came to the same conclusion, calling for the dismissal of the City Manager. Skamperle and Vaugh think the report absolves the City Manager. It is hard to believe our elected officials could read the same report and be so far apart.

City Manager, Sciorra wants to release the report to the public. The report is about him, so let's see it!

Journal:Article

Journal:City Delays Attorney Report Discussion

It is a Waiting Game      

How much longer do we wait? Each councilor should review the document prepared by Mr. Silver. When the review is complete each councilor should be able to deduce if the City Manager was negligent in his duties. An emergency meeting should be called and the public needs to know the truth.  This needs to be put to rest!

Journal Article

Journal:Independent Investigation Considered

A Shell Game With Grant Money

Mayor Nelson and the council are calling for an independent investigation into the management of the Housing Program. This is a strong move by the Council which passed with only one  reluctant councilor, Mr. Vaugh. This is an indication that Council has nothing to hide and is moving towards a more transparent government.

I agree with Ms. Bruyere, she took issue with the use of more than $105,000 in grant funds to renovate the home at 2 Grove St. Add that to the $80,000 worth of renovation the Knox Street property, and the $50,000 they are giving the occupants to buy the house. Something is definitely wrong with this picture!!!  

Why is the City buying houses, renovating them with taxpayer's money, and giving grant money when they sell it.  The City Manager appeared to be play a shell game with our money. Dump grant money into a city owned house, sell it with grant money to the City.  When the sale is complete, what was once grant money is now City money.   

Journal Article

Journal:Vaugh Launches Phone Campaign Against Nelson

Vaugh Shooting off at the Mouth - No One Listens

Well if anything could boost Mayor Nelson's re-election it would be a negative comment from Mr. Vaugh. Mr. Vaugh's election to City Council has been riddled with controversy from day one. Young, inexperienced, still living with mommy, not paying taxes, and still in school just what I NEVER voted for!

It is not clear who the voters in Ogdensburg despise the most, City Manager, Sciorra or Nicky Vaugh, Councilman. Mr. Bean, Republican Chair of Ogdensburg and his committee have been behind Mayor Nelson from day one.

Councilor Cilley denounces Mr. Vaugh's message about the Mayor and council and the idea that Mr. Woods was lying. Mr. Vaugh should watch his statements about Mr. Woods, his comments may embroil the City in a costly lawsuit.
 
Journal Article 

Journal:Clerk Race Highlights Small Differences





Galvin Regan

Mary Lou Rupp

Not much coverage on another big race coming up in November. Each candidate has stated their positions and it appears each candidate is heading in the same direction. Good service, more dealerships, document preservation, and customer service seem to be the platform of both candidates.

This race has been political from the appointment of Mr. Regan to the firing of Mrs. Rupp. Bad blood exists between the two candidates and it has been a race from day one with the finish line just around the corner.

 Mr. Regan brags how successful the clerk's office has been since he was appointed County Clerk. Most of his accolades have been the accomplishments well managed office with proven policies and performance established by Mrs. Ritchie and Mrs. Rupp. He brags about increase revenue but the revenues are lethargic compared to prior years. The Veteran's identification card was a prior project and been established in many other counties.

Mrs. Streeter is playing a game of political survival and what better way but with an article in the Journal. Good news for her, Mrs. Rupp will do the right thing and keep her on as Deputy Clerk.  Mrs. Streeter continues to switch her political affiliation as often as the wind changes. Mrs. Streeter was offered the chance to learn the Motor Vehicle Department but wanted to stay in the clerk's office. Promotion sometimes require extra duties and skills, especially when the DMV generates 75% of the income for the County.

Mr. Regan and Mrs. Streeter state they fired Mrs. Rupp because of the County's fiscal state; that would of been more believable if he stated that prior to the firing and she was not running against him.

Journal Article Highlights
Journal Article Deputy Clerk 

Journal:Silver's Investigation Report Delayed

Silver's Report Delayed

This will drag out to the end and hopefully the results of this investigation is not a surprise to everyone. The voters would like an answer and conclusion to this matter before the election. If a special meeting is called, it will be interesting who will support or denounce such an action.

This needs to come to a conclusion, and the City needs to stay out of the business of buying and rehabilitating private property with taxpayer's money.

Journal Article

Journal:City School Board Approves TwoRaises

It is all about the KIDS! Just after I paid my School Taxes, 3.5% raises to the top 2 dogs in the school system.  I thought times were tough and we were laying teachers off. 

Everyone in the country is worrying about keeping their jobs and the school system continues to spend. This is perfect timing!

Joural Article

Journal:Chamber Sets Halloween Contests

Holloween Party at Dobisky Center

Get your little ghost, goblins, and ghouls ready for the Chamber's Halloween Contest. This is a great time for the family and kids. Pumpkin carving, games, and contests fill the night on October 24th, 6 - 8 pm at the Dobisky Center.

Refreshments will include apple cider, homemade cookies, candy and other Halloween treats. Come and join the fun!!


Journal Article

Journal:City May Have To Pay To Fire Sciorra

How Much Will it Cost the Voters?

What is next, someone better start doing their job. Hopefully, City Attorney Silver will produce the necessary evidence to put this disrepute to rest. We need to clean house, Wood is gone and Sciorra may be next if there is sufficient evidence.

Mr. Vaugh, just resign, please! Mr. Skamperle said, "It is a heck of a lot more than taxpayers lost on the property at 819 Knox St.". The question is, what price should we put on an honest and open government in Ogdensburg? The voters have lost confidence in our City Manager, which was reflected in the last council meeting. I have to agree with Mr. Cilley, Mr. Sciorra will have a difficult time managing the City if he stays.

Journal Article  

Journal:Ogdensburg Company Deal Depends On Federal Contract

General Proplusion Inc.

Is this the real deal? Will Ogdensburg become the home of General Propulsion Inc. which could lead to 200 new jobs. This is a continuation of the job trend across the United States. Canada has been producing more jobs for Americans than the United States.

Times are tough, the economy has been spiraling down and the Federal Government is spending less money. Military contracts are at a premium and securing such a contract is necessary for General Propulsion Inc. to open its corporate headquarters here.

Many blogger are chary of the company and Mr. McCoy has done some research. Hopefully our leaders or our next leaders will do their homework. According to Ottawa Business Journal General Propulsion Inc. only employs 5, but employed 22 at its peak. Just goes to show you, "Inc." does not mean big.

Journal Article

Journal:Capacity Crowd Hears Woods' Address

Hopefully, this turnout sent a message to City Council!

The voters are out

They are engaged

They want action

And they will be voting  

Councilor Sholette, Vaugh, and Skamperle are not listening to the demands of the voters. Two of these councilors will be gone next year so they can continue to play political games. 

Journal Article

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If any candidate or councilor would like their resume posted on the blog please send it to the blog email.
St_Lawrence@twcny.rr.com.

Journal:Accusations OnCity Council Agenda

City Councilors Strutting Their Resolutions

Mayor Nelson and Deputy Mayor Morley appear to have the bull by the horns. Problem is there is a Rodeo clown named Nick Vaugh throwing up barriers at every step. Nick has finally made a stand and it appears he is siding with the actions or lack of action by Mr. Sciorra as it relates to the Knox Street property.  There has been one resolution after another and they all add up to a lot of posturing. This City Council needs to evaluate the documents and move forward. Who should review the City Managers actions?  I believe it is the duty of City Council to review Mr. Sciorra's actions.

Mr. Sholette has never been a fan of the City Manager and I am surprised he is not making a stand for the voters.  I would think each and every council member has had plenty of time to review the documents. City Council should have reviewed the documents without the City Attorney Silvers deciding what should and should not be considered. They should tackle this situation as a unified body using the City Attorney as an advisory.

Journal Article  

Journal:Three Council Members Oppose Sale

Dream House Free

When did the City get into the business of buying houses and giving them away? I can understand grant money to help with the down payment but buying a $51,000.00 house with taxpayer's money is a little over the top. I have to agree with Mr. Skamperle, "that's ludicrous." and unfair to everyone that has a mortgage.

Mr. Sciorra claims he did not know the house was being purchased with grant money only. Is Mr. Sciorra running the City or is it running itself?

Ownership is obtained when someone has a vested interest in a piece of property. Paying for the whole house would be a gift from the taxpayers to the Burkes. Most first time homeowner grants are 10 - 20 thousand, I never heard of one that paid for the whole house.

The City picked the house up for back taxes, therefore they can pocket the profit in grant money.  Something sounds totally wrong with this picture. City Council needs to start working for the taxpayer and stop playing politics. 

Journal Article

Jornal:Council Members: Mayor Going To Far

                         WHO IS PLAYING POLITICS?
Mr. Sholette, and Mr. Skamperle have been fighting with Mayor Nelson and the City Manager for the last 4 years.  It appears they are changing their positions on Mr. Scoirra.  They believe Mayor Nelson and Deputy Mayor Morley are doing it for political reasons. 

It appears Mr. Sholette and Mr.Skamperle will now vote to support Mr. Scoirra; sounds like someone is calling the kettle black.  The problems with these kind of games, the City is the loser in the end. 

Journal Article

Journal:School Districts Must Disclose Teacher Ratings

New Teacher Evaluation

These evaluations should be interesting and should actually put some pressure on the administration to do thorough and possibly accurate evaluations. Many times it is too easy to sign off and give a benign evaluation not documenting or providing training to teachers that need help.

Looking at the last standardized test scores, Ogdensburg did not fair very well. One interesting fact was that there was a dramatic drop in certain grades that should have been addressed. Then again we live in a depressed, low economic area, with many poor family which justified these scores.

There are many very good teachers in the Ogdensburg School System and I applaud their effort.  Many times it is the system that is the demise of the education process. We must move beyond that to improve our educational system and strive for number 1 in the World.

Well with three great raises ( 2.7, 2.8, 2.9% ) coming to the teachers over the next 3 years, I am sure they will work harder than ever. Remember it is all about the kids.

Journal Article

Journal:North County Public Employees Receive Layoff Notices

PEF Said "NO" to Contract

PEF (Public Employee Federation) represent the professionals employees that work in state agencies. They would be the physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, teachers, engineers, lawyers and others that did not feel the contract was worth ratifying. Nearly 70 percent of the membership voted, resulting in a “No” vote by a count of 19,629 to 16,906. Taking zeros for 4 years and getting furloughed for 5 days this year and 4 days next year; plus increases in all healthcare costs was not appealing to most of the members.

This was same contract that CSEA ratified last month which prevented layoffs for their members. PEF members felt this was not a fair contract and they were shouldering an unequal burden of the State's financial problems. Coupling this with the Governor's "NO" vote on the millionaire's tax, this contract was a slap in the face of the working class and deserved the same "NO" vote.

I spoke with a friend of mine that works in corrections and they indicated only 3 individuals lost their job. She did not know their names or positions but was relieved she still had her job. The DOT and OMH was not as lucky.I have to believe each and every PEF member that voted "NO" expected the layoffs. With a 70% turn out they got what they wanted. CSEA had less than 40% of the membership vote, that is sad solidarity.

Journal:NelsonCalls For Sciorra's Resignation

Art May Need This!

It was bound to happen and Mr. Nelson is assuming a leadership role in calling for Mr. Sciorra's Resignation. Many say it is political but this is what the people want and that is the job of the Mayor and the council. Everyone wants the members of council to make a stand on this issue. This should get interesting as we get closer to the election.

This could lead to a public showdown between City Council and the City Manager.

Journal Article

WDT:Ogdensburg council argues over access to documents in rent-free probe

                       Mayor Nelson Making A Stand!
Mayor Nelson is taking the bull by the horns and pushing for review of the documents that will shed light on the Knox street debacle. Once united and ditto voter, Nick Vaugh has turned on his once mentor, Mayor Nelson and tries to stop the review of documents and the review of the City Manager by council. Does Mr. Vaugh believe Art should review his own memos and corresponding documents pertaining to the Knox Street property investigation? Mr. Vaugh, a kid I never voted for, never supported, and this is another reason why.

Mr. Morley attacked Mr. Vaugh when he continued to try and stop council from reviewing the documents. I want to apologize to Mr. Morley, I insinuated in a prior blog he gave up but he is still in the fight and I believe he and Nelson want Mr. Sciorra's job.

With Mayor Nelson in a tough run for re-election, Knox Street could make or break him.

WDT Article

WDT:Ogdensburg city council upset at Woods separation agreement terms

Scorria and Woods' Agreement, Ties Hands of City Council

Mr. Scorria must have something to hide if he established this type of agreement with Mr. Woods. The City Council should be up in arms and want to get to the bottom of this Knox Street property issue. The agreement between Mr. Scorria and Mr. Woods protects them from liability and damages due to the mishandling of the property. WAIT A MINUTE! It might protect Woods but how does it affect Scorria? He still works for the City Council!

Nelson needs to bring this to a conclusion or we may have a new mayor! This will be a hot topic right up to November. I am totally disappointed, it appears Mr. Morley is giving up. Vaugh has seen and heard enough so it is time to move on. If we move on Art can continue not reading his emails from department heads, create secret agreements limiting the council's actions, and the Knox Street debacle will be one of many more blunders.

WDT Article