News 7:Thursday: Oxley Says Judge Should Go

                    Judge Richards 3 Strike Rule
Here we go again!  What will it cost the County to hold this trial again.  Mr. Oxley has petitioned the court to remove Judge Richards from the case.  He claim multiple incidents of improper use of his power.  Judge Richards guided the DA in the first trail, closed court, and made egregious mistake while presiding over the first Oxley trial...thus the first re-trial.

The County will need to raise some money to cover this $200K trial.  Mr. Oxley has made too money since he has been out of jail to be eligible for a court appointed attorney. How they figured that is beyond me.  With Galvin Regan as County Clerk he may be able to generate more income to cover the cost. Firing Mrs. Rupp may have been a bad career move.  Good luck in the election!  

One should also mention St. Lawrence County jail is generating some income by housing inmates from other jails.  This brings in revenue that can and will offset the cost of the jail.  In the days of the old jail we paid hundreds of thousand dollars housing our inmates in other county jails. 
News 7 Article

Journal:Hacketts Store Goes To Auction

                            Hacketts Final Days
A piece of history will be missing from Ogdensburg after April 6th.  The Hackett store will be auctioned off this will end a multigenerational family operation.  

Journal Article

Journal:Prison Plan Part Of Budget Deal

                  OCF and WCF Has Been Decided!
Closure of 3700 prison beds is a good budget decision but what beds will be cut?  It appears the 3 men in a room finished the budget last weekend.  The prisons closures were decided behind closed doors and we will have to wait to see which communities will be effected. The year closure provision has been suppressed for this budget year, that does not leave time for families to up root and move. 

Journal Article

News 7:Future Of Local Prisons Up In The Air

OCF Will it be One of the Six Prisons to Close???

Prisons have been a major source of employment for St. Lawrence County.  Gouverneur, Ogdensburg, and Riverview Correctional facilities employ over 1000 individuals with good paying jobs.  Economic times and a decrease in prison population has led Governor Cuomo to close prisons across the state. 

Northern New York has had many facilities closed, five last year, and the trend has been North of the Thruway.  We can only hope that all factors are taken into consideration when the next 6 prisons are closed.  The legislature has put 3700 beds up for grabs and it will be devastating to some communities that rely heavily on the correctional facilities for jobs. 

Ken Blankenbush, Addie Russell, and Art Sciorra were quoted in the article and each have SLIM to NO say on the closures, actually SLIM just left.  If there is an Ace up anyone's sleeve it better be Senator Ritchie.  She is the only one on the Crime and Corrections Committee with the same leverage that Senator Aulbertine had...one vote that could kill the budget.   I guess that is who I would like to hear from.


News 7 Article     

Journal:Boys & Girls Club Expo Is Underway

Ogdensburg Boys & Girls Club Expo

The Ogdensburg Expo opened it's doors Friday.  Hope everyone can stop by, eat some food, take in a show, and visit with a few vendors.   Do not forget to get your ticket for over $13,000 in prizes.  The proceeds are to benefits the Boys and Girls Club, which is a great organization and could use your help in tough economic times.  My granddaughter is dancing today, hope to see you there!

Joural Article

WDT:Suspect accused of threat to agent

          Jack Rumble the Man of Many Guns
Due process...this has been dragging on for awhile.  Everyone in the town knows who Jack Rumble is.  Everyone knew he was a fanatical gun enthusiast, especially the people that grew up with him and those that lived in the neighborhood.  This has been a long time coming, but to think they have not had an arraignment and he has been in jail 2 years.

WDT Article

News 7:2010 Census: St. Lawrence Gains 13 People in A Decade

13 more people in St. Lawrence County

Thirteen, where will we put them?  With the loss of thousands of inmates in the correctional facilities and population unchanged re-districting will be majorly impacted.  This will significantly increase the size of the districts for Senator Ritchie, Assemblymen Blankenbush, and Assemblywomen Russell.  How much larger can they get? 

Districts should be set-up like the Federal Government.  The Assembly would be based on population and each county and borough would have a Senator.  Never happen, but it was an idea. 

St. Lawrence County has not seen much growth in the last 10 years.  Jobs and new businesses have bypassed the county, therefore so have the people.  That is why our economy is not impacted in economic boom or bust; we always stay around 10% unemployment. 

News 7 Article

News 7:Skelos Says Senate Prepared To Close Six Prisons

Six Prison Closures Says Senator Skelos

This has been a very crucial issue when it comes to balancing the budget.  Senator Dean Skelos indicates he is willing to close 6 prisons.  Which six and what districts will be effected?  Most of the prison closures have occurred North of the Thruway.  The last five closures were all in Northern New York.

Jobs are the number one issue and every Senator is fighting to retain jobs in their districts. Senator Ritchie has always been a supporter of prison jobs in her district.  With the Senate 32 - 30, Senator Ritchie's one vote wields much power when it comes to passing a budget. 

Prisons closures have always been a political time bomb and can negatively affect districts. Prison beds need to be cut but every facility should be looked at, not just facilities North of the Thruway!

The battle continues and Governor Cuomo appears to be flexible as long as they come in with the right budget numbers.  The Senate's budget was actually below the Governor's budget. 

News 7

Journal:Waterfront Grant Sparks Debate

                           GRANT MONEY HELP OR HURT PRIVATE BUSINESS



GRANT MONEY FOR CITY MARINA

  In the City Council's effort to enhance the City Marina they could be putting Mr. Hosmer out of business.  I agree they should add transient boat berths and a gas filling station, but should not compete with local businesses.  I also believe the boat berths currently at the City dock should only be rented if 95% of all private boating slips are rented. 

We need to open the waterfront and make it conducive to tourist and passing boaters.  Stop in, get some gas, and have something to eat at the concession stand.  In the past I have tried to dock at the City Marina and most of the boating slips are rented, there are very few transient spots.  Last year a bunch of the renters at the City Marina were boycotting the concession stand because it was direct competition with a friend's hotdog cart. 

The two marinas could co-exist, each would offer unique services to a specific boating clientele.  A paved parking lot would be nice but it has never been necessary for previous marina owners.  These are the hurtles that the make it difficult for businesses to get started. Mr. Hosmer has a very good article in the paper and I agree with him.  His idea on tax exemption goes a little too far, but I agree the City should NOT be in business to compete with the private sector.

Journal:North Country Sees Increase In Foreclosures



Not a big deal in NNY

 Northern New York will see a slight increase in foreclosures but we are always buffered.  We are buffered because we do not have major employers that are affected by the economy.  We have one major manufacturer in ACCO and some minor buinesses in the industrial park.  The majority of the jobs in the North Country come from New York State, Hospitals, and School districts.  These jobs have in the past been recession proof and not affected by the economy.  Peaks in the economy usually bring growth and jobs, where as major drops in the economy usually lead to major job loss, but not in NNY. 

NNY always runs around 9 - 10% unemployment and the economy has little affect on us Northerners. With the current economic crises we may lose a few teachers, some state jobs, they may even close a prison but little changes.  I did forget to mention the welfare rate is high and there have been little changes in that JOB program.  

  

Journal Article 

Journal:Pay Freeze For Teachers? Districts Asking Teachers To Accept Freeze In Pay, Help With Insurance

Is It About the Kids

Pay freeze for teachers, with hard economic times and jobs a scarce commodity, appears to be the only solution.  The teacher's union keep saying "it is about the kids".  Giving up raises would be the first step to keeping more teachers working...then we could say it is about the kids and not the money. Contributing to their insurance would also go a long way in the continuity of services for the kids.  I wonder if the teachers are willing to put the kids interest above their own?  I encourage Canton, Potsdam, and other school districts to be a leader in looking out for students.

Too late for the Ogdensburg School district they have negotiated close to 3% raises for the next 3 years.  We can see where their priorities are and it is not with the kids or their fellow teachers that will be laid off.  The only way to justify three consecutive pay raises...lay off teachers, staff, and raise TAXES. None of which seem much of a sacrifice for the kids.  

Journal Article  

Journal:City Man Found Dead

       Another Found Dead in Ogdensburg
What can we say, they are dropping like flies.  Toxicology ordered, thus it could be another drug related death.  Keep this up with could be the murder capital of small cities. Very few 35 year olds die of natural causes. 

Journal Article

News 7 &:For Assemblywoman, School Aid Fight Gets Emotional

I love it, she stated the Governor is for the millionaires tax.  Not in anything I have read! Just last week he said he would not consider any tax.  Addie quavered as she talked about the school aide for NNY.  She definitely knows how to play the crowd, all the power to her reelection. 

Article News 7

Journal:Cuomo Picks Regan For SLC Clerk Job

Gavin Regan first official act was to fire Republican Challeger Mary Lou Rupp

Gavin Regan, our new county clerk was appointed by Governor Cuomo.  His first official act was to fire Republican challenger Mary Lou Rupp. Mr. Ballardini, Democratic Committee Chairman was thrilled and indicated that Mary Lou would resume her job as 1st Deputy Clerk. Mr. Regan must of changed his mind, if this is his first act, I cannot wait to see his second act.  Mr. Regan decided to cut the head off his Republican challenger.  Mrs. Rupp has been an exceptional employee and being fired for no apparent cause is hard to explain, even in the political world.

Mary Lou has been very instrumental in maintaining continuity and understanding the processes in the clerk's office.  Firing Mary Lou leads me to believe he has inside support, due to the fact he has no clue how the office runs.  This should set the stage in November, Mary Lou fighting to restore lost income to her and her family and Mr. Regan trying to hold on to a gift from the Governor.  This has to be very devastating for Mrs. Rupp and her family. 

Mary Lou and Bill Rupp have been in the campaigning mode for years will Gavin be ready, he better hope his office insider and Mr. Ballardini are up for a political battle.   

Journal Article

Journal:Aubertine Says Programs To Help Farmers Should Seek Funding Outside Of Budget Some Programs May Not Survive

Acting Commissioner

Cutting the Department of Agriculture's budget from over $15 million to $1.2 million is a major cut to the farming industry.  Acting Commissioner Aubertine suggested taking 1 cent of the 10 cents for State's Effort, could raise $1.2 million for agricultural programs.  It sounds like that 1 cent is State money, and if so, I find it hard to believe they are willing to give it up. I am not sure, but I think Milk Market-Order is the market price paid for a commodity.  Milk has full fungibility from area to area therefore the price only fluctuates with the market price.

This appears to be a shell game that takes the money before the State gets it and gives it to the agriculture community for various programs.  It will be very difficult to make up $14 million dollars, Acting Commissioner Aubertine makes it sound easy.  Reading the article is one thing, understanding it is another...maybe if I were a farmer, I would understand it better.  

Journal Article

WDT:St. Lawrence Couny Republican: Trade the millionaire's tax for prisons, education and healthcare cuts

          Mr. Vaugh the Blue is Showing Through
With age comes experience, knowledge, and wisdom.  Mr. Vaugh still a little young and appears to be waffling between Republican  ideologies and Addie Russell's position on issues.  Does anyone know what her position is?  She changes her mind every time the wind blows but she has stood strong on Micro-Stamping.  Mr. Vaugh should be concentration on issues that face the City Council. 

WDT Article

Journal:School Board Makes More Cuts

Layoff Notice for Teachers and Staff

I cannot understand giving three consecutive raises when everywhere except St. Lawrence County are losing their jobs.  Well those with time on the job will be able to enjoy their extra income while their fellow teachers and aides are laid off.  This is bitter sweet and the taxpayers will take another hit...tax cap where are you.  Wait they have to pay for part of their insurance...just over $500.00/ year plus co-pays and next year is up to $700.00/year.  Currently, State Employees pay around $3600/year plus co-pays with zeros for raises.  The school board was willing to give them raises just to get them to pay something on their insurance. 

Teachers always complain, they would rather have the State Insurance because it includes dental and eye glass coverage.  Would they be willing to pay the extra $3000.00/year for the Empire Plan?  The problem they would face is Eye and Dental coverage is not included, that is a union paid option.   New York Teacher's Union is one of the richest union, maybe they should kick some back to the members. 

Journal Article

Journal:Twin Bridges Robbery Investigation Continues



Twin Bridges Robbery Investigation Continues

 Armed robbery! We do have someone in custody that has no apparent home address and now his address is the St. Lawrence County Jail.  This guy used a Halloween mask, did one of the murders on Ford Street have a Halloween mask?  Hopefully this does not end up as a case for the drug court or a plea bargain for the DA. 

Has anyone heard what happen to RB Lawrence brush with the law.  He must of lost his license, wonder how he is responding as a county corner. 

Journal Article

Journal:Senate Passes Recharge New York Bill Tuesday

Power for Jobs

This bill will give an energy break to small and large businesses that create jobs.  We can only hope the assembly start to move forward on spurring the economy.  NYS's economy needs all the help it can get.  Ag. Chair Senator Ritchie inclusion of the farmers could make a difference in the farm community.  Farmers at the mercy of milk price fluctuation could use all the help they can get. 

Journal Article

Journal:Bellardini: Ritchie Broke Promise

NYS Redistricting System

I think Mr. Bellardini missed the part about non-partisan redistricting. That is not the case when Democratic Governor Cuomo is picking 4 members, the Democratic Controlled Assembly is picking 2, and the Republicans in the Senate are picking 2 members.  Mr. Bellardini should understand the difference between partisan and non-partisan redistricting.  I believe, Mr. Bellardini is still having a hard time dealing with Commissioner Aulbertine's defeat to Senator Ritchie.  

The only good thing is the Republicans won the majority this year or the Democrats would be picking all the members of the non-partisan committee.  I can only hope, but we all know the panel will consist of a bunch of political "YES" men.  The Democrats want everything fair, but the Democrats moved all the inmates living in Correctional Facilities back to NYC.  A census is a snap shot and they should be counted just like the Federal Census.  If your young adult is in college during the census they are counted at school.  This move by the Democrats will increase the power of the NYC legislators and decrease aide to the areas above NYC. I have a hard time when I hear the Senate Democrats and Mr. Bellardini cry foul. I believe this only undermines Mr. Bellardini's credibility as the Democratic Chairman.    

Fox News:Cuomo's Prison Language Change Obscures Legislators' Real Work

Commissioner Fischer

Well, it appears the task force will have the final decision on the closure of prisons in NYS.  At one point the Commissioner of Corrections had the final say on which prisons would be closed.  I believe he would have the tendency to protect the prisons in NYC since he supervised those prisons before becoming Commissioner.  The Commissioner works for the Governor and is ready to close prisons in a minute.

It was my understanding that the Commissioner of Corrections would be the chair of the task force.  If that is a case it will be easy for him to mitigate the closures in NYC. Time will tell, and the pronouncement of the closures will be after the budget is passed.  Like putting the cart before the horse.  This may have major impact on certain legislative districts.

Fox Article

Jouranl;City Hall To House Ritchie's Office

Senator Ritchie Opens Office in Ogdensburg, City Hall

She said it would happen and there is an office for our State Senator less than 60 miles away.  She will have access to her recourses and to the people in St. Lawrence County. The City Legislators are happy they have the Senator in City Hall and will enjoy the increased traffic in Ogdensburg.  

Journal Article

WSJ:White House Signals Opposition to ‘Last In, First Out’.

The Future of Last In, First Out

Time for the teacher's union to dig in with Mayor Bloomberg threatening to layoff over 4000 teachers in NYC.  There has been increasing pressure on the legislature to revoke the Last In, First Out" legislation that used seniority as a mean to layoff teachers.  The new legislation has special interest groups up in arms and the Governor is pushing for modification of "Last In, First Out".  This could be the end of tenure as we know it. 

The Governor has an agenda, he continues to stick to his guns, and cutting the budget appears to be his goal.  His thrust appears to modify Medicaid and Education which accounts for 2/3 of the budget. With major cuts in aide and BOCES funding, the Governor is pushing toward school consolidation. To sweeten the deal he has indicated incentive aide would be available to schools that merge. Most of the Schools in the area are graduating less than 100 students and consolidation appears to be inevitable. The Senate has passed the Tax Cap, but that could be a different story in the Assembly...but the passing of the Tax Cap in the Assembly would be the straw that breaks the school's back.
  

WSJ Article

Capital TonightCuomo Wants To Extend Unemployment Benefits

If Governor Spitzer decides to layoff state workers it looks like they will have time to look for another job or wait to be called back to work from the "Preferred List".  The Governor is submitting a legislation that would extend unemployment benefits. This bill would shift the burden from New York State to the Federal Government.  It looks like we will be paying this with our tax money...State or Federal money, it still comes out of our pockets. 

Capital Tonight