Journal:City Leading Rebirth Effort

St. Lawrence River

Here is a chance for all the naysayers to step to the forefront and provide some ideas on waterfront development.  Many have complained about City Government, including me.  Bringing ideas to the table is possible but changing the mindset could be a little more difficult. Attitudes can be changed but someone needs to be at the helm. 

We love to hate City Hall, but we voted these individuals into office and we have the ability to vote them out. I did not see an author to this story nor did it mention who they interviewed.  It must be someone with the authority to have these meetings. 

Did some golfing at Long Bay today, 80 degrees and a difficult course, at least for me. There was a lot of sand and water and a bunch of lost balls, lol.

Journal Article

FARMERS OR CRIMINALS? When a north country farmer was arrested for allegedly employing illegal aliens, the region's dairy industry was left to wonder, 'Who will be next?'

Is Hector a LEGAL or ILLEGAL immigrant?

Who will be next which farmers in St. Lawrence County Hire Illegal immigrants?  This is a farming problem in NNY but it envades every other industry accross the United States.  The million illegal immigrants that live in NYC are not working on farms.  They are not paying income tax as they work under the table for many businesses.  This problem is bigger than 300 immigrants working on farms in the North Country.  Think of the truck drivers that come out of Mexico that drive tractor trailors accross the United States who's tractors will not pass inspection. Think of the drugs that come accross the boarder with illegal immigrants.  Think of the crimes committed by illegal imigrants and how many of them bog down our judical system, schools, and healthcare system.  

If you break the law you are a criminal, that is all there is to it.  I have friends that say they can ligitimately get immigrants to work on their farms, so why break the law!  It appears there is close to 300 working in the North Country, how many are legal?

WDT Article

Journal:Public Responds To SchoolSurvey

Cost Per Student in NYS, $$$$$$$

This is a step in the right direction, getting input from the community to gauge their thoughts on consolidating school districts.  If the communities are not willing to support consolidation then they choose to pay higher school taxes.  Consolation has many pros and cons but consolidation of today is driven by budget constraints and the loss of services to the students.  Larger schools have economies of scale and can offer more programs at a lower cost per student. 

New York State fiscal crises will not end this year and cuts will continue into next year's budget.  Teachers throughout the school districts in St. Lawrence County are being laid off or face layoffs in the near future.  It is time the teachers made concessions and started paying part of their insurance. Remember it is about the kids!  

It will be interesting to see the results of the survey.  What are the taxpayers willing to pay to maintain that local school that represents their community.  NYS has one of the better school systems in the country but the cost per student is one of the highest. Compared to other countries, US students do not rank very high.  Our school system has inherent problems and a total over haul is necessary. 

Raining today and in the 60s, not much golfing in Myrtle.

Journal Article   

Journal:BOUND FOR OGDENSBURG



Schooner Lynx

 This is a great boat to take a tour of and is a reflection of the war of 1812. 
I believe the Lynx has a 78' top sail which is amazing. It should be a sight for all and will draw many individual and curious onlookers to the greenbelt area.  I would recommend a tour of this schooner.

It will be docked in Ogdensburg twice during the summer.  Your first chance to gaze upon or tour history will June 9-12 and it will return to Ogdensburg September 8-12.  Good reason to get out in the summer heat, because summer will be over before you know it. 


Journal Article

Jornal:Wind Turbine Company Focused On City

Wind Power in Ogdensburg?

Wind power in and around Ogdensburg, could that be possible?  It sounds like they will be looking at land along the St. Lawrence River where the abandoned businesses currently reside. It also appears that they may be looking at the abandoned land at the SLPC. 

BFW has been trying to push into NNY for years.  Hammond has run into road block after road block and any sign of a deal has blown in the wind.  Actually it has turned neighbor against neighbor in Hammond and the board was split.  How would our City Council handle The D'Arcinoff Group, that is looking at Ogdensburg and other sites in NYS? 

They promise 12,000 - 15,000 energy related jobs. There will be many jobs generated during the construction period, but how many will remain when the construction ends. Will we see any reduction in our energy bills, or a reduction in our taxes?  Time will tell!

In Myrtle Beach this week golfing, will be posting from long distance. Tough drive down, but missed the tornados in NC.

Just a note: D. Sholette running for Mayor this year?
Journal Article

Journal:Hosmer To RunFor Council

           THE HUNT IS ON FOR CITY COUNCIL
New blood may be on the horizon for the City Council .  Mr. Hosmer prompted by timing or his run in with the City over the grant money are most likely contributing factors for running.  Mr. Hosmer is getting out of the gate early as is Obama.

There will be others throwing their hats into the ring and will Bill Nelson run for mayor again?  Rumors indicate Doug Shoulette may challenge Mr. Nelson if he decides to run.  This should prove to be an interesting election year. 

Journal Article

Jouranl:City Woman Receives Probation For Knifing

Gates get interim probation for pleading to2nd degree assault and 4th degree criminal possession of a weapon by Judge Richards.  That is after cutting another woman in the face, arm, chest and head.  What can be said about this?

Journal:City School Board Adopts Budget

The School board adopted our budget.  The board agreed to increase the tax levy by 2.9% and keep the SRO (school resource officer) instead of hiring another teacher.  Dr. Rufa and Mrs. Drummond did vote to get rid of the SRO so another teacher could be hired back. I stand behind them, school is about learning and the OPD is always available there if needed. 

They did restore a couple of teachers at $68,000/year each.  I still do not agree with three years of raises for the teachers...this is part of the problem, giving raises while teachers are getting laid off.  NOT ABOUT THE KIDS!

Journal Article

Journal:State's Golf Courses May Become Private

Two State Golf Courses Up for Sale

New York State is in tough shape and if they get a buyer all the better for the State's economy.  We have a short season in the North Country so a Cart and Nine holes will most likely be a little more expensive.

If they really plan on selling the courses an advertisement in the Journal will not go far.  These two golf courses need to be marketed by professionals if they expect serious inquiries. 

Jornal Article

News 7:Ritchie Praises Budget, Vows Fight Against Prison Closures

The tough choice are being made, the budget has been cut as promised, and now the final decision on the prisons should be out soon.  Prison closures, and the loss of jobs in St. Lawrence and Jefferson could have a major economic impact on the area.  Time will tell if Senator Ritchie has the clout to keep OCF and WCF open or at least one of the two targeted prisons.

These are times of high taxes, school teachers still getting raises as their fellow teachers get laid off, and prisons on the cusp of closure.  Senator Ritchie has cut the budgets let the chips fall where they may. After all it is what the voters wanted!

News 7 Article