Journal:Unidentified Man Causes Stir At City Hall Thurs.

Something to look forward to

With the number of individual walking the streets, those that appear homeless, those released to the community by SLPC, or riding bikes in the middle of winter this type of incident seems inevitable.  Talking in a mannor which did not make sense and becoming irate are two different things but sould be investigated.

Government offices should be open to the public and safegaurds should be in place to prevent work place violence.  It appears that all the offices that handle money are locked and the individual appeared to be concerned about living with homeless people.  It is apparent, if you drive down Ford Street, that these individuals are on the streets of Ogdensburg everyday.

Journal Article

Journal:Nelson Bracing For State Budget



Mayor Nelson

 New York City appears to be losing 1 Billion dollars in State Aid.  I would have to agree Ogdensburg will also feel the pain in the decreased amount of State Aid.  Decreasing the projected AIM ( Aid and Incentives for Municipalities) by 10% in the City's budget,by Mayor Nelson,  was a good idea.  Considering the economic times, will it be enough?  What will City look to cut next if State Aid is decrease by more than 10%?

To think that Mr. Sciorra would budget the same amount of aid they received last year was sure to put the City's budget in the red.  I guess that is why we pay him the big money, to make the big decisions.  Tuesday will be the day of reckoning.

First Golf game of the year 85.

Journal Article

NYP:Lockdown $hutdown

Bayview Corrctional Facility, 11 Ave. Mahatten

The big day is Tuesday, Governor Cuomo will release his 2011 budget that should bring special interest groups out of their foxholes...the fighting will begin!  It appears prison closures will not be North of the Thruway only, as it was with the Democratic controlled Senate, Assembly, and Governor.  Bayview, Lincoln, and Fulton I believe are work release prisons which have been under utilized for years.  Strange, they were not included in the closures last year.

The upstate Republicans will not be able to cry foul if a prison is closed in the North County.  Times are tough and sacrifices will need to be made by all.  These NYC facilities are small Work Release facilities and the closure of all three would be equivalent to closing either Ogdensburg or Watertown Correctional Facility.

These NYC facilities are located on prime real estate, investors will be looking to develop this property.  Sale of the property would help the deficit and put it back on the tax role.

Todays weather was 62 degrees and sunny by Lake George, that is Lake George Fl.  Hopefully I will be hitting a few balls in the next week.

NYP Article 

Jounal:Democrats VisitGov. For Budget Talks

New York State Legislature/Governor CuomoThe Governor has met with the Senate Republicans, Assembly Democrats, and a special meeting with the NYC Assembly Democrats.  The message was the STATE IS BROKE! This is Governor Cuomo's way of introducing a budget so the legislators and the voters can brace themselves. 

The Federal Government is sliding into a 15 trillion dollar deficit a record deficit with every dollar added...NYS has a 10 billion dollar deficit, government services will not exist as we have known them. 

Jounal Artcle

Florida Break

Will be posting from Florida for a couple of weeks.  Going to take a break from the cold and play a few rounds of golf at Myerlee Country Club.  It will be cold when I get back but it will be a good break.

Journal:Saturday's Rabbit Derby Helps Feed The Needy

Rabbit Hunt in Heuvelton

First time I have heard of a rabbit hunt in Heuvelton.  This sounds like a great event and next year I may get my rifle out of the gun cabinet.  Congratulations, Jeremy R. McGaw and everyone that helped to sponsor the event. 

It for a good cause and something to remember next year. 

Journal Article 

Journal:SLC Officials Bracing For Worst Administrator Expects Cuts When Gov. Cuomo Releases Budget Proposal

Really, it is hard to believe Cuomo is going to cut spending across the state!  Maybe the SLC Board and Mrs. St. Hilaire should of thought about that when handing out 1.3 Million dollars in raises to the county's Union, Non-union, and management staff.  These are difficult times, and times are not getting better in St. Lawrence County. 

Now that the raises are in place, we can brace for the worst, and hope county employees are not laid off.  Looks like the County Board may re-visit a sales tax increase for St. Lawrence County. When aide is cut by the government usually services are cut.  With one third of the county receiving social services this could severely impact a big part of the population.     

Jounal Article

Journal:Vaugh: Business District Would Help Downtown

Nick Vaugh

BIDs (Business Improvement Districts) is a defined area within which businesses pay an additional tax or fee in order to fund improvements within the district's boundaries. BIDs may go by other names, such as business improvement area, business revitalization zone, community improvement district, special services area, or special improvement district. BIDs provide services, such as cleaning streets, providing security, making capital improvements, and marketing the area. The services provided by BIDs are supplemental to those already provided by the municipality. (Wikipedia)

Councilor Vaugh has studied BIDs, as with all his other worldly experiences, and believes it could be a success.  Call it what you want, but I call it another tax on the few businesses that still inhabit Ford Street.  How many business are there on Ford Street and what can they afford? If they can afford to pay into this program why would they not improve their buildings.  Most of the services are supplied by the City so why pay twice?

I believe this program may work in areas that already have a number of established businesses in a condensed area with high traffic.  The distribution of business in downtown Ogdensburg make it difficult to effectively implement such a program.  This program has been used to maintain standards and levels of improvement in a business district but not to revitalize something we had 50 years ago. 

Election year must be coming up!    

Journal Article

Journal:Sewage Fees At Heart Of Dispute Cheese Plant, City Officials Disagree Over Who Is Responsible

Ogdensburg Cheese Plant

The battle over sewage charges between Ogdensburg and the City ultimately led to the plant's closure again.  The ongoing problem is over charging the cheese plant for sewage fees due to storm runoff entering the cheese plant's sewage system.  Prior owners made claim to this, M. Bistritzky, co-owner claims that testing done by the OFD proves his statement. 

In the past dye had been poured into an old storm drain which ended up in the cheese plant, and ultimately in their sewage system.  Art  J. Sciorra can delay and continue to deny the claim but we lose the cheese plant jobs again.  Prior owner, Tubroburg LLC stated the same problem.  The City gained ownership of the cheese plant after a foreclosure.  This is another example of the city owning and managing private industry.  We would think 30 jobs would be worth working out a solution. 

This has turned into finger pointing...who is responsible for fixing the problem.  The City and the Cheese Plant have an interest in solving the problem.  Art said the property was sold "as-is", and if the City is not willing to will to assist or rectify an old problem, they will get the property back AS-IS.  Then the City would have another 800 lb gorilla sitting idle, not paying taxes, and 30 more jobs gone.

The kicker is that plant is closed and it is still discharging sewage!

Journal Article
Journal Article

Newsjunkie:Ritchie Job Creation Plan Passes State Senate

Senator Ritchie is positioning herself in the right lane.  Creating jobs and cutting taxes!  “Job Creation and Taxpayer Protection Act” is what they call it and it was part of her campaign promise.  Private sector jobs need stimulation, especially in a state that taxes the hell out of EVERYTHING and EVERYONE. I believe the Senate will support all tax cuts and support all private sector stimulation. 

Senator Ritchie's Statement (UTUBE)
Newsjunkie Article

NYT:Cuomo Considers Cutting Up to 15,000 State Jobs

Governor Cuomo

Governor Cuomo has stepped to the plate and is making the decisions that needed to be made.  Medicaid, and Education consume 2/3 the budget...the problem is local school boards are still giving raises to the teachers in a year when budgets could be cut and a property taxes could be capped.  Bundle this with 15,000 state employee jobs and the 10 billion dollar budget gap will disappears.

Governor has been out to every corner of the State gaining support  for his plan.  He was in Watertown last week with a good crowd that supported his agenda.  Cuomo agenda is aimed at special interest, hit them hard and hit them early...will he gain support from the legislature...will Sheldon Silver give up the property tax cap and cut education's budget?  Silver has been in the Teachers Union's back pocket for many years, is the time right for everyone to change their view on spending?

NYT Article

NFL Super Bowl

Sunday, January 23, 3:00 pm Green Bay Packers take on Chicago Bears and next on the agenda at 6:30 pm the New York Jets take on the Pittsburgh Steelers.  The football pools are flying around the work place, and each and every persons is picking their team to represent them in the Super Bowl.

The New York Giants disintegrated after losing to the Jets after being up 21 points, that was a killer for me.  If your team did not make this far many watch the Super Bowl just to see the best commercials ever.  The people that think these commercials up are working from a side of their brain I never will relate with. All the power to them and I always look forward to the big day. 

Journal:Man Receives Probation For Hurting Infant

Judge Kathleen M. Rogers

Our justice system at its BEST! He admitted to injuring the baby's mouth, tongue, and face but not the fractured leg...5 years probation for assaulting a defenseless baby.

Journal Article

Journal:Solar Panels Coming To City



Richard Lockwood Arena



Ogdensburg is entering into the era of green energy.  Installed by city employees and funded by a grant from New York State Energy Research and Development Agency, this has to be a win win for the city.  The Lockwood center has never generated enough revenue to meet costs.  This green program should cut costs and lighten the burden on the tax payers in the City. 





This would be a great idea for the school system.  With what appears to be a cut to education funding, property tax caps looming in the near future, and the teachers getting three years of consecutive raises something needs to offset the cost to the taxpayers.

Journal Article

Journal:Public Hearing Jan. 24 On City's CDBG Application

CDBG - Community Development Block Grant
Ogdensburg believes that the money will still roll in.  We are looking at 400 - 600 thousand just for Ogdensburg.  Think of the other cities applying for the same pot of money.  With a 13 trillion dollar deficit in the Federal Government, the pot of money may not be as big. 

The public is to participate in the process?  I wonder what they expect from the public, economic plans, suggestions for public facilities, and first time home owners? If a loan center is created everyone should have access to low interest loans.  They could implement the sidewalk program again. Maybe upgrade the water infrastructure.  

Journal Article

Journal:Ritchie Appointed Agriculture Committee Chair

Chair of Agriculture & Markets 

Looks like Senator Ritchie took over where Senator Aubertine left off by Chairing the Agriculture Committee.  Senator Ritchie was also appointed to some powerful committees that directly affect Northern New York.  Tourism, Economic Development & Small Business, Corrections, Energy, Education and Local Government directly relate to our community.  With tough economic times and a 10 billion dollar deficit voting in these committees will be difficult and would directly impact our community. 

I believe Senator Aubertine lost his election because he lost touch with the voters, let NYC run his campaign, and spent money like it was his.  Senator Ritchie was elected on her conservative platform.  The question now, are the voters willing to swallow that big pill?

Mr. Aubertine made enough connections while in office that Governor Cuomo just appointed Darrel Aubertine as state Agriculture Commissioner. Mr. Aubertine was the chair of the Agriculture Committee and he did win all the milking contest as our Senator. 

Journal Article

A Vacation From Hell & I Lived Thourgh It!

Finally back, it was a vacation from hell.  Two nights in the Charlotte Airport.  Four flight cancelations and No cars, No rooms, No beds, No Blankets, and No place to sleep. It will take a couple days to get back on track.

Ritchie Officially our New Senator.

Senator Ritchie

Congratulations on running a good campaign, but this is where the rubber meets the road.  Tough decisions will need to be made...we have a 10 billion dollar deficit, an ethic problems in the legislature, special interest controlling state government, and NYS has been on a spending spree that it cannot afford. 

These next two years will make or break Mrs. Ritchie.  She has a good head on her shoulders and has made common sense decisions on issues in the past.  That is what we need, someone to stay the course, no matter how much it hurts and not be swayed by special interest.  Mrs. Ritchie is in deep and uncharted waters but has proved resilient when the odds have been against her.  Good luck, and get to work.

Journal:New SLC Legislature Approves Pay Hikes, Reappoints St. Hilaire

With the tough economic times and everyone's taxes going up, plus the talk last year of a Sales tax increase...how does the county legislature support 3 years of raises.  This is beyond me and most of the taxpayers of the county.  These raises were past 10-4, at least 4 had some common sense.  Voting against it were legislators Kevin D. Acres (R-Madrid); Mark H. Akins (R-Lisbon); Vernon "Sam" Burns (D-Ogdensburg) and Sallie A. Brothers (D-Norfolk).  Mr. Burns a union man from day one did not support these raises and Mrs. Brothers, Chair led by example by voting NO!

Journal Article 

Journal:Scozzafava Goes Back To Albany For New Position

We all expected it, and the Cuomo Administration has granted Dede a job for her loyal support of the Democrats.  She has been tagged a RINO (Republican In Name Only) based on her liberal views.  These views were never brought to light until she jumped into the Congressional Race.  NNY did not accept these views and on the nationally stage she was crucified by the Tea Partiers, Conservatives, and even her Republican counterparts. 

Dede had a good grasp of issues.  I have had many conversations with her about purposed legislation and she was always on point.  She did have a good run and as the new Deputy Secretary of the Department of State for Local Government she will continue to do a good job.  The Department of State issues many grants to towns and cities across the state based on need.  Dede has 21 years of local government experience which should give her first hand knowledge of the issues.  Good luck!

Journal Article

Journal:Five New Ogdensburg Police Officers Sworn In

Kidwell Photo

Five more officers on the streets of Ogdensburg.  It will be awhile before they make an impact but they should concentrate on the drug and robbery problems that plague the city.  These young, idealistic, and uncorrupted officers could possibly bring a breath of fresh air to the force.

Police officers , have a tough job they wield a lot of power and it takes some time for them to mature.  They deal with the scum of the earth and it is hard to maintain a positive attitude after years of service.  Good luck to each and every new and old officer on the job.  Hopefully our paths will never cross.  

Journal Article

Journal:Addie Rusell Hires 2 New Staff Members

Addie Russell

Addie has a knack for getting her name in the paper. If it is not her Book Program, participating in saving the saving of a prison, or just hiring a couple of part time employees she continues to gain name recognition and that is what one must do to be re-elected. 

With the Democrats in the Assembly holding 2/3 of the seats this affords her the privilege of voting against her fellow Democrats.  Her voting records has not been the best for Northern New York. I thought her vote to support  Micro Stamping would have cost her the election but she is still representing the River District.  She called before and will call again if your Social Security check is late and she will most likely be re-elected in 2 years.


Journal Article

Journal:Massena Votes To Abolish Administrator

Massena Home Page

Massena is on the right track, the legislators made a tough decision and did not high a new Village Administrator.  As of July 2009 Massena's population was just over 10,000 which is close to Ogdensburg's population...do we need Arthur Sciorra.  This is a question the City Council should consider, especially in tough economic times!  Mr. Basford was making $82,000 as the Village Administrator, Mr. Sciorra must be over $100,000.

Mr. Basford, was praised as Massena's Village Administrator. He was a realist, hard working and continually set goals for Village Government.  Hope he enjoys his retirement.  


Journal Article  

Journal:Brothers Poised To Chair Legislature

Sallie A. Brothers

Sallie Brothers, District 12 is going to step up to the plate with the Democrats almost losing the majority in November.  They have a 8 - 7 lead over the Republicans and lost some of the Democratic dead weight and problematic legislators.  This may be one of the better boards the voters put in office.  Sally has been on the County Legislature since 2003 and could bring some continuity to both parties. 

Karen St. Hilaire, County Administrator will be under the gun this year with most Counties having hard time in meeting expenses.  The County Employees are looking at a couple pay raise plus their step raises...time must be good in St. Lawrence County's Pocketbook. 

Journal Article

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!

Hopefully, everyone had a good night without incident.   Just like to wish everyone a Happy New Year and do not forget your New Year's Resolution.  The Top Ten New Year's Resolution are:

1.  Spend More Time with Family & Friends
2.  Fit in Fitness
3   Tame the Bulge
4.   Quit Smoking
5.   Enjoy more Life
6.   Quit Drinking
7.   Get out of Debt
8.   Learn Something New
9.   Help Others
10. Get Organized
We cannot leave the New Year without a few quotes.
Jay LenoNow there are more overweight people in America than average-weight people. So overweight people are now average…which means, you have met your New Year's resolution.
AnonymousMany people look forward to the New Year for a new start on old habits.
Joey AdamsMay all your troubles last as long as your New Year's resolutions!

Happy New Year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



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