Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas to all and to all have a great night. We will see all the grandkids tomorrow! A great day in the North Country.  Then we can start looking to the New Year.  Be careful and think before you react, kindness is not a weakness but a virtue!

Journal:Lights on the River has more lights than ever

DO NOT miss the Lights on the River, it was very stunning last year and is only getting better. With a 50% increase in displays from last year it is a great time for the FAMILY and it raises money for the local food pantry.

Lights on the River

 

Journal:Rules on minority-, woman-owned businesses frustrate Ogdensburg authority

Twenty percent of business to MWBEs (minority- or woman-owned businesses enterprises) is not my idea of leveling the playing field. The amount is disproportional to the number of these businesses and gives them an unfair advantage. Many times the prices are higher and your still forced to purchase these items.

Many companies bid state contracts getting the best bang for your buck, then you introduce MWBEs and saving money is not the objective.

MWBEs

Journal:Ogdensburg raids funds to reduce tax levy increase, passes budget

Mr. Cosmo, Not a bad job by council!  Hopefully this will get us by until we can push our legislators for sales tax increase or at least pass a law giving local government the ability to increase sales tax.

3.25 percent increase.

Journal:Rape dismissal takes on political tone

This could be a career killer. 

"In court, Assistant District Attorney Amanda N. Nissen said the DA’s office had never received the case file. The judge then granted the defense motion.

What a way to lose a case, appears to be little organization along with very little litigation in District Attorney's Office by Nicole M. Duvé. Massena Police Chief Timmy J. Currier said the file was sent to the DA's office and they have proof. 

There are many victums in this outcome, mostly the 14 year old girl.

Nicole M. Duvé

Journal:Ogdensburg comptroller says council’s budget goal far-fetched

If the council is to reach the lowest tax increase as possible, hopefully below the cap, the council will need cooperation from all. City Comptroller Philip A. Cosmo has become a naysayer to the council's effort. One would think he would publicly support their position and try not to undermined or demoralize any effort by publicly speaking out against their efforts.

Ethically should Mr. Cosmo speak out against Council as an employee of the City. 

I like the idea that everything is on the table and that the sacred cows are not preserved because of their size. Whenever we talk police and fire we are scared into submission. The sheriff patrol was preserved and 95% of their time is spent transporting prisoners.

City Council is "talking the talk", time will tell if they can "walk the walk".

Journal:Remington holiday gala a volunteer effort

Time for the annual Remington Gala it will be December 8th with guaranteed fun for all. The Gala is classy event and is one of the biggest fund raisers for the Remington Museum.

There will be shopping, food, drink, music, and dancing for all. If you have not attended the Gala this should be your first year. Missed one a few years ago but I hope to see some new faces there.

Journal Gala

Journal:Ogdensburg comptroller says council’s budget goal far-fetched

It appears the council is looking for every means to stay under the 2% tax increase. Hats off to the councilors that believe that is possible.

We should be looking to our State Senator and Assemblyperson to carry the increase in sales tax. The properties owners bare the burden and at this point and it is forcing people to sell their homes and move out of NYS.

Journal taxes

Journal:New Ogdensburg Vietnam memorial commemorates St. Lawrence County’s sacrifice

Just a reminder that many men have died for our freedom.

Journal:Ogdensburg zoning map overhaul continues

What is the City's final goal?  Who will gain and who will be the losers?
This is a tough job and hopefully it will work well with the land owners in town.

Journal:Chamber declares Ogtoberfest a success

It was windy day and the Seaway Jumpers had their bouncy houses set up. The kids were going crazy, not effected by the cold and wind. Just across the way venders were displaying wine, beer, and crafts while the band played. It was a good time, I would go again. Good job to those that organized the event.

Journal Octoberfest

North Country Public Radio:GOP gains a Democrat in NYS Senate

We seen what the democrats did the last time they controlled the Senate. The majority of democrats are from NYC and have shown their bias for their area. Many of the jails were closed North of the throughway and we may see it again. Time will tell what riff will come from this but some of the Democrats North of the City are aligning themselves with the Republicans.

Hold on!

Senate on Hold

Journal:Sen. Patricia Ritchie retains the 48th district

This was an easy win for the Senator, indicating the voters are looking for tax relief and a control on unfunded mandates. Unfunded mandates, economic growth, and balancing budgets will be the next hurtle.

Mrs. Ritchie has a strong support group with her many family, friends and her staff; that started when she run for County Clerk against S. Teele, county legislator. Her supporters are sedulous and assiduous workers and they are a force to reckon with. Good job, Senator Ritchie!

Hats off to Ms. Tresidder for running a good campaign. A challenge is always good and keeps the incumbent on their toes.

Journal 48 district RITCHIE

Journal:Canton man charged five hours after release from jail

Two good things came from this arrest:
        No one was killed by this crazzy drunk
        and he is back behind bars.

Journal Discharged and Drunk

Big Vote for Tomorrow!

Everyone should get out and vote tomorrow. The balance of the country is in the hands of the voters. Voting is a right many Americans take for granted, many have died to preserve this right.

Mitt Romney    or    Barack Obama
Matt Doneny    or    Bill Ownes
Patty Ritchie    or    Amy Tresidder

I am hoping for a couple of changes this election year, but continue to support Senator Ritchie.  As a freshman senator she has done well and will be that much stronger next year. 

Journal:St. Lawrence County mayors and supervisors debate sales tax

It is time for Home Rule Legislation for a 1% increase in Sales Tax!  We should still continue to cut and keep all cuts in place. 

Journal 1%

Sheriff's Road Patrol, should or should not be?

The sheriff's road patrol has came out in full force to save their jobs, it would be expected. They are lobbying the voters to call their legislators.  Sometimes you should be careful of  what you ask for. With an abundance of State Troopers, Park Police, and other agencies in the area due to the proximity of the boarder, we may be over patrolled. Many of the voters may support the legislature's cost cutting measures.

This will be a tough battle and the county needs to look hard at their budget.  Taxes are already too high and I believe if they have to raise taxes it should be the sales tax to equal adjacent counties. A few dollars to all or 20% to the property owners...people will forced from their homes.

Oburg.

Journal:Trial ends with plea

Started with drugs, led to a murder, and now armed robbery. The terrible spiral that follows addiction. Drugs can ruin your life and usually your family and friends pay dearly for your addiction. Twelve years is a long time for a 28 year old, and prison has a way of hardening an individual.  Prison gets individuals off drugs and has many programs for addiction.  These programs only work if the individual is willing to take the program serious. Many individuals participate in local programs and usually go in and out of programs 10 - 15 times before they get results or they end up in prison.

Journal Trial.

 

 

Journal:Five St. Lawrence County residents charged over child pornography

At least none of the accused live in Ogdensburg. That does not mean they will not move her if found guilty and have to register as a Sex Offender.

Journal Pornography

Journal:Ogdensburg councilor proposes new vehicle policy

This is a great idea!  Each employee that has a car will have declare it on their income tax as income earned. This is an unnecessary expense on the tax payers and should be discontinued. 

Journal Car

Journal:Sales tax discussion heats up

I can understand Senator Ritchie's stance on increasing taxes. We do not want any more tax increases, but the bottom line will be 1% on all or 18% on the property owners. This is not a question of getting or not getting a tax increase, it is a question which tax increase we are going to get and who will pay for it.

I always believed in a flat tax or a sales tax with each individual paying a share of the cost. This is a tough spot for Senator Ritchie who has always been supported by the conservative party.

The end results will be which tax and who will pay it. Senator Ritchie should look into legislation that would raise the limit on how much local legislators can raise local sales tax. Each County and Municipality have different financial needs and saying one tax fits all may not be the right approach.

Journal Sales Tax 

Journal:St. Lawrence County supervisors support sales tax referendum

A public referendum would answer the question of what type of tax the voters preferred. There should be a third choice for the county to balance the budget without a tax increase. Without the 3rd choice it appears the voters support any kind of tax increase.

Voters could choose between a 1 percent increase in the sales tax or an 18.5 percent increase in St. Lawrence County property taxes. This is supported by the county Supervisors Association.

Journal Tax Referendum

Journal:Ready for hunting

It is that time of year and the camouflage is coming out and everyone is gearing up for hunting season. Remember be safe, and be sure before you shoot.

It is part of the North Country's tradition and our heritage.

Journal Hunting

Journal:Doheny outlines aggressive outreach approach

Doheny Outreach Programs is Targeted to his Constituents

It appears Mr. Doheny is concentrating on equal representation across his district. He plans on opening district offices in all 12 counties. He is starting to build his campaign on customer services and equal representations for all in his district.

Journal Doheny

Journal:Storm clouds gather over St. Lawrence County budget

Property or Sales Tax Increase

County Just Keeps Borrowing

Sounds like the County just keeps increasing the amount they borrow. Legislators have to come up with a plan to stop this downward spiral. It will either be an increase in property taxes or increase sales tax rate. Most are looking for a sales tax increase which would distribute the cost of government to everyone. NYS is one of the highest taxed states in the country. Something has to give and until then those that have will end up paying.

The legislature is looking to pass a bill that would allow Counties to increase the sales tax on their own. This will allow the Counties some leverage in balancing budgets.

Journal County

Journal:Ogdensburg approves housing grant application

The Applies for More Block Grant $$$$$

By the skin of their teeth the City submits a grant processed for up to $400,000 from the Federal Community Development Block Grant funds. It appears the City will administer and manage the grant money, that is if they get it. After the last turmoil and political boondoggle it has to get better.

Journal block grant

Journal:Ritchie employs more staff members than most state senators

Senator Ritchie Staff Budget is in the Middle of the Pack and Under Budget

This is an interesting article and could be spun a couple of ways. I believe the Republicans were elected into the majority because the democrats lack of leadership, too much criminal activities among members, circus charades on the senate floor, and the democrats inability to spend within their means. During the last election the democrats did run up considerable deficits and it was left for the new majority to hammer out a balanced budget.

Senator Ritchie is in the middle of the pack when it comes to spending in the Senate and she has a very large area to cover. She has offices in Oswego, Jefferson, and St. Lawrence County to reach her constituency which is what every Senator should be doing. She is under budget, a conservative, and is looking out for you and I.

Journal Staffing

Journal:State, Union battle over staffing levels at state prisons

Staffing Levels in State Correctional Facilities in Question 

They are consolidating many jobs in the State Prison System. NYS Parole has been absorbed by the now called DOCCS Department of Corrections and Community Services. Facility Parole Officers and Correction Counselors are now called Offender Rehabilitation Coordinators. They are currently learning both job duties, the transitions has been planned but moving slowly.

Correctional Officer shortages has been held at bay with the consolidation of dorms across the state. The next few years should bring us to the major expansion that occurred 25 years ago. Many officers could retire with 25 years of service. This maybe a problem for the department.

Journal Staffing

Journal:Chinese officials coming to Ogdensburg

Mr. Ma is going to make it happen!  ESL for Chinese students and some locals can attend if they want to learn the Chinese language.

Journal:Ogdensburg housing administrator shelves rehabilitation grant applications

Now it is a breach of contract.  What does the City want from these guys, IN or OUT!

Journal:Festival starts this weekend

52nd Seway Festival

The 52nd Seaway Festival starts this weekend. This is always a big week in Ogdensburg, many family reunions and old friends getting together. The following link is for a schedule of events. Do not miss it, it is always a good time.  

Schedule: http://www.ogdensburgseawayfestival.org/2.html
Journal Seway Festival

Journal:Ogdensburg considering smoking ban in municipal parks

Smoking BAN in Parks?

I have to agree with Mr. Ashley and R. Storm Cilley, why legislate something that is not enforceable. Where was everyone when they wanted to keep sex offenders from the park. I wonder how much they are enforcing that law. That law was only a distance of 500' which let them live a 1/2 a block away. They should of made it 2000' and we could of eliminated many of our sex offenders.

This is political posturing and we need to move on.

Journal Smoking Ban 

Journal:Ogdensburg housing administrator accused of breaking federal regulation

C. W. Augustine - Quid Pro Quo?

C. W. Augustine of DeKalb Junction believe if they write the grant they should be guarantee the rights to administer the program. A little quid pro quo here, but it appears to violate federal procurement regulations.

I have a hard time believing they are going back to the same company after the last debacle. I thought the City considered administering the grant this time. The City of Ogdensburg has zero grant money this year due to the problems with the last grant money.  As the City turns!

Journal Federal Regulations

Journal:Developer upset with city, shuts down projects

Developer Problems on W. River Street

Let's see where this one goes! We have codes for a reason but killing the project is not the means to the end when it comes to development in Ogdensburg. This will be a test for the City on working through problems with developers.

Journal Developer Upset

WDT:Ogdensburg Councilman charged with DWI

Councilman Skamperle Learns a Hard Lesson

Hard times fall on Councilman Skamperle again. Pulled over for crossing hazardous road markings while in Lisbon Dan was charged with DWI. This after his connection with the Oxley trial does raise questions on his integrity.

I have known Dan for a long time and a DWI can and will happen to anyone that chooses to drive under the influence of alcohol. Public officials are held to a higher standard and many times it can impact on the voters and character confidence.

A DWI can run from $2K - $5K. I wonder what his BAC was at the time of the DWI?

WDT Skamperle DWI

Journal:Ogdensburg man charged with assault after being released from the hospital

Family Dispute with a Shotgun
Mark & Scott Palmer

Something is weird about this story, Scott the son shot at the feet of his father, Mark.  Now Mark, the father is getting arrested because he smashed the gun against the ground and shot himself. I guess you had to be there...I'm glad I was not there!

Some family dispute, what happened to bare knuckles.

Journal Mark Palmer

E Mail Gone Bad, Back Online

I had a tough time with my blog these last few months. Personal issues and losing my email associated with my blog set me back.

Hopefully issues have been cleared and we can continue to post our opinions and ideas.

Journal:North country plans Fourth of July events

Morristown - July 3 & 4

Morristown has their big event July 3^rd and 4^th. Many of us migrate to this annual events. The fireworks display will be July 3 at dark. On the 4th of July we have the parade at 10, the field day starts at 11:30, followed by a tractor pull, games, and the famous chicken barbecue.

This will be our first chance to see our elected officials. Time for some hand shaking and bonding with the voters. Should be a great day for all, hope to see you there!

Journal Morristown

Journal:Pesky Ogdensburg brush shows limits of shrinking city budget

Oswegatchie River Bank Clean-Up

The budget is getting smaller and there is still work to be done along the Oswegatchie River. The foot bridge is coming along well and the stone facade sets off the river front. The next issue will be cleaning up along Crescent Street. It must be 10 houses that have a view of the river that are complaining. If you want to look at the river take a walk down the path.

Journal Oswegatchie River Clean-up

Journal:Kennedy Expansion Breaks Ground

Golden Dome

Get the shovels, get the cameras, and the ground breaking begins at Kennedy School. Everyone took advantage of camera and had their picture taken. The list is long so you will have to read the article to get the names. The kids watching the ceremony will be the recipients of this project.

We are the only school in the distict with a Golden Dome, upgrading the rest of the infrastructure is necessay. Lincoln and Sherman schools were underutilized and very inefficient. Consolidation of the schools system is a step in the right direction. The $57 million dollar project was approved by the district’s voters in October of 2010 and the ability to recoup the costs will be a long term investment.

Journal Kennedy Expansion

Journal:Independence Party endorses Ritchie

Ritchie Endorsed by Independence and Republican Lines

It has started, the race for the 48th Senate seat is on. Senator Ritchie has secured the Republican and Independence Line and will be tough to beat this fall. She has held fast on raising our taxes and the budget is actually been cut and on time.

The two prior terms when the Democrats had control of the Senate there was over spending, and a circus act in every ring of the Senate. Democratic Senators were being expelled or censured for their illegal actions. Would Senator Parker terrorize someone on the Senate floor or maybe another break a bottle over their girlfriends face. What a farce that was.

Times have changed and the Senate has new leadership.

Journal Ritchie

Journal:Senate passes property tax break, but Assembly won’t

Star Rebate Passes Senate, Assembly Refuse to Sponsor!

The Senate passed the Star Rebate checks bill but the NYS Assembly will not even sponsor it. Addie said there is no realistic way the bill will pass, well Addie, one way is sponsoring it and voting for it. NYS has achieved a number #1 ranking in taxes, fees, permits, and everything else they charge for. The Star Rebate checks amount to 213 million dollars which is about 0.2% of the budget but it makes a big impact on those just holding on to property in this state. Time for everyone to step-up and lookout for the tax payers.

Journal Tax Break

Journal:Training now available for retired law enforcement officers

Jeanne-Pierre R. Plante, NRA Certified Firearms Instructor

Retired police officers and peace officers struggle to carry a firearm after they retire. The departments will not qualify them and there are few individuals that qualify as firearm instructors for recertification. The law passed by G. W. Bush, H.R. 218, also know n as the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act, in 2004 enabling officers to carry across state lines. This included retired officers but with no means to qualify with their weapon they lost their ability to carry and conceal.  Jeanne-Pierre R. Plante, NRA instructor with current credentials is also offering basic steps in pistol orientation, basic pistol shooting, and basic personal protection in the home.


Web Page for Mr. Plante www.retlaw-ny.com

Journal:Waddington annual children’s fishing derby Saturday

The Children's Annual Fishing Derby - Waddington

Sounds like a great way for the family to spend this Saturday or Sunday. The title of the article indicates the fishing derby will be on Saturday but the body indicates it will be on Sunday. To be sure, contact Ed Parmeter, The Children's Annual Fishing Derby president at 388-4251. It will be at Waddington Beach from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday or Sunday. Free Hot Dogs, you have to go and have FUN!

Journal:Foster: BV7 is a step in the right direction

Will BV7 Help the St. Lawrence River?

Is BV7 the right course for the North County? Mr. Burns, Ogdensburg Legislator appears to be the only legislator interested in the outcome of the River. There is a lot of information to digest and the committee is pushing the BV7 proposal. Alcoa in Massena has been a big supporter of BV&. Most of these processes take little steps, get some now and a little more later. Time will be the decider.

Sorry for the lack of post, I had a family emergency that required much travel

Journal:Ogdensburg port access road construction begins

The Ogdensburg Port Expands

Construction is scheduled to end in September and maybe this will bring some life back into the Ogdensburg Port. A few more jobs and a few more imports and exports for the area. Every job counts and every incomes works into the economics of the area.

Journal Port

Journal:Dekalb Junction contractor files defamation suit

The Truth will Set You Free!

There have been many questions raised on the quality of work by James O’Neill and C.W. Augustine Inc. Mr. O'Neill claims local contractors, Frederick and Pat Biggs and Mark A. Jones, have undermined his reputation as a contractor. This has been an ongoing battle between Mr. O'Neill and the contractors, forcing Mr. O'Neill to file a 1 million dollar lawsuit to protect his reputation and business.

The Knox Street debacle, a highly publicized political boondoggle,  brought this back to the forefront. How do you spend close to $200 K in the rehabilitation of two houses in Ogdensburg? There should always be checks and balances when tax payer's money is used. The courts will seek the Truth of this Lawsuit!

Journal Defamation Suit

Journal:St. Lawrence County grand jury indicts three on drug charges

What is Next???????

All I have to say, LET'S SEE WHAT HAPPENS NEXT!

Journal Grand Jury

Journal:Ogdensburg sets visitor center public hearing

May 14th Public Hearing

The Bloggers and other interested individuals will have their night at the City Council Meeting May 14th. The concession lease at the Dobisky Center will be the center of a public hearing. Should alcohol be served?

The Dobisky Center is the front door of the St. Lawrence River for the City. That door needs to be opened to tourist, and visitors, The slips should be open to visiting boaters not port to a handful in Ogdensburg. The City should get out of renting dockage and promote the waterfront in Canada and other local waterfront communities. Boaters riding by see just about every slip taken and most boats are not big enough to tie to the main dock.

Why would you stop in Ogdensburg, unless it was for a meal and a nice cold beer. This would not be a bar, but a restaurant that serves alcohol.

If you have any comments May 14th is your day!

Journal Public Hearing

Journal:Ogdensburg council poised to reject visitor center concession agreement

Dobisky Center, Concession Stand Yes or No?

The numbers need to be crunched and if the City is making money on this deal they need to go forward. Having some kind of eatery there encourages traffic and the use of the building. Mr. Ashley needs to look at the numbers not just vote against it. Ms. Stevenson let us know what the number are.

If we plan to develop our waterfront we need a reason to visit it. Food is a major draw and should be encouraged as long as the City does not lose money.

Journal Dobisky

Journal:11-county committee supports UTV legislation, gets mandate relief update

The balance of UTV usage hangs in the Assembly 

It looks like the communities and counties are behind registering UTVs or Side by Side recreational vehicles. The Adirondack legislative group, that represents 11 counties in NNY unanimously supports Assembly bill No. 7743. This bill would increase registration weight 500 lbs. to 1500 lbs., allowing individuals to register their UTV as they do their ATV.

UTVs have many features such as roll bars, dump boxes, and family seating that make them more practical and family friendly. This is an upstate issues and the downstate and NYC assembly members continue to decide what we can do.

This bill passed the Senate last year and still has not made it to the floor for a vote in the assembly. Addie where are you? Hopefully, you support this UTV legislation. It has been supported by the Adirondack legislative group (11 counties), sportsmen, hunters, and outdoor enthusiast.

Plus NYS will get their cut when individuals start regististering their UTVs.
   

Journal:Ogdensburg Boys & Girls Club celebrates national club week

National Boys & Girls Club Week

The Ogdensburg Boys and Girls Club offers much more than fun. The Club continue to expand the services it supplies to the community. Besides the regular basketball games, game room, and floor hockey they have added a teen room, adult computer learning lab, and a new obstacle course.

This is National Boys and Girls Club week, so stop down and check out everything they offer.

Journal:Ogdensburg Police say crack bust indicates a disturbing trend

INDICATION OF CRACK
I would of thought the last 3 murders in Ogdensburg was an indication of a trend. Each case was related to drug use and each one ended in the death of a drug dealer. In each case the suppliers have the same characteristics, they should be easy to pick out in town.

The next question will be, how the DA and judge handles this case. The DA and Judge should send a message to every drug dealer in the City and those that want to setup shop here, NOT IN THE RIVER CITY!

I would like to give credit to Detective Mousaw and the rest of the task force for a job well done. Let's keep up the good work.

Journal Crack

Journal:Ritchie stymies industry-requested market order

Market Order = Another Tax

Mike prices are up and State Government is looking to take advantage of the farming community. Imposing a market order on milk would raise approximately $1.7 million that would be controlled by the Department of Agriculture and Markets and an advisory board. Sounds like another money maker for the state. Little details how the money would be used, distributed, and the restrictions on use is another reason to be apprehensive of a new tax.

Market orders or tax is another way for the government to grab a little milk money from the farmers. Federal and State government have imposed market orders on everything from milk to Christmas trees. Milk production does not control milk prices but parallels the demand for cheese. $17.00/100 lbs. could be $12.00/100 lbs. next week which would devastate local farmers.

Journal Market Orders

Journal:Police unions, Ogdensburg officials tackle contract negotiations

Contract Negotiations for City Employees and

First Challenge for City Council

Negotiating the upcoming contracts with the PBA and CSEA should be the first test for our new City Council. With a former member of the OPB on the board it should be interesting. Acting City Manager Philip A. Cosmo is negotiating this contract which is tough for someone who is only acting. Mr. Cosmo as the negotiator for the City, and an employee of the City, one could consider this a conflict of interest.


Journal Negotiations

Journal:Ogdensburg school district has lost 50 positions in the last five years

Merger, May be the Only Alternative

Andrew Cuomo is pushing for school mergers. Little by little each district will cut until the only option left will be a merger. Little school district many become a thing of the past.

A new type of school system has popped up and has been very successful in low income areas. P-Tech or Pathways in Technology Early College High School partner with the Education Department, Colleges, and business to produce a marketable young adult. Graduation from a P-Tech school will earn the student his High School Diploma and an Associate Degree. These school stress science, math, and technology with a touch of real life working experience.

These type of school prepare student for the working world. Working close with businesses they create an employee with marketable skills.

Journal 50 Positions

P-Tech Schools

WDT:Hatred and racism in judging Zimmerman

Trayvon Martin the Shot Heard Around the
World

I very well written article! Innocents and guilt should be decided by a judge and jury, not on public opinion. Everyone has an opinion and this has caught major headlines across the nation. Ogdensburg had the Oxley case and central Florida has Trayvon Martin.

WDT Trayvon Martin

Times Union:Budget passes with smiles

Three Men In a Room Get an On Time Budget

NYS has a budget and it is on time and like the article said it was during daylight hours. That was one of the only daylight moves after Governor Cuomo has promised a transparent government and cutting costs. He held both the Senate's and Assembly's feet to the coals throughout the process. Cuomo got his Tier 6 on the backs of state works, DNA testing unless you're caught smoking pot, on time budget, bridged a 3 billion dollar gap. The Senate and the Assembly got education money restored and new district lines. The Governor has been twisting both Skelos' and Silver's arms and much of the last minute, late night, 3 men in a room is still part of the daily business of Albany.

Times Union Budget


  

Journal:City predicts fuel prices mean budget crunch



Gas Prices, Up UP UP and UP

Gas keeps going up up up and up.   Lucky for the City they only plowed a few times this year.  This should help to offset some of the costs.  This looks like a good time to look at the Friday local grass pick-up again.  Pick-up twice a year or when large trees are taken down. Then we can let the private sector take care of the rest.  Same 50 people calling the City every week to pick-up a bag of grass, something has to give.

Journal Fuel

Journal:City encourages Marina District businesses to apply for grants

Grant Money is Running Out!

Line up, the grant money is running out. Who could be the two unidentified marina district owners that applied for the grant money? This may be the end of grant money for awhile. The Knox Street debacle surely hampered the City's ability to get further grant money.

Journal Marina

Journal:Growth fund members will revise bylaws

Growth Fund Bylaws See Minor Changes

The Albany law firm of Harris-Beach has revised the bylaws for the Ogdensburg Growth Fund Development Corp. Mr. Silver will review the changes and present them to the Board.  The article indicates minor changes to the bylaws, which you think could be done in house. 

Journal Growth Fund

Journal:St. Hilaire denies Hassett hearing

Resignation is Not an Option!

Just goes to show you, DO NOT QUIT OR RESIGN, LET THEM FIRE YOU! Mr. Hassett should of talked to our City Manager before he resigned his position, lol.

Journal St. Hilaire

We Care!

Mr. Ladouceur has brought Christmas joy to the community but was robbed of much of his decorations Thursday night. Forty to fifty holiday-decorated pieces of plywood were stolen from his home. Who would and what would anyone do with that many pieces of plywood with decorations on the side? Hopefully they will show up before the next holiday season. Many people enjoyed the display that was erected by a group of community minded volunteers.

Thursday was also a bad night for the skateboard park and Kids Kingdom.  The skateboard ramps were flipped over, a fire started, and the chain link fence cut. Kids Kingdom also had some minor damage but it all adds up. Mr. Curatolo believes that there could be over $2000.00 in damages. The skateboard park has been closed and the kids who use the park are paying the price of the vandalism.

There must be some talk on the street and hopefully the police can handle these crimes against the community.

Journal Ogdensburg skateboard park closes after vandalism 

Journal Ogdensburg Christmas display robbed

Journal:Ogdensburg school budget to abide by tax cap

What Tax Cap!

“I’m happy we’ll stay within the confines of the legislation. However, I am not at all happy that little to nothing has been done with mandate relief,” Mr. Vernsey said. Why would he want mandate relief, they can go above the 2% tax cap legally.  Just a joke!

Journal Budget

Journal:Ogdensburg councilman: make manager hire first priority

Art, they need a City Manager in Ogdensburg.  I know!

Mr. Morley said “It isn’t that I don’t think you’re doing a great job, Phil,” City Council needs to move forward with hiring a new City Manager. Well if he is doing a great job, and has done both jobs before maybe we could hire Mr. Cosmo.

If the Council hires another firm to search for a new City Manager we may end up with another Sciorra. Someone needs to do a thorough investigation on his work history.  We do not need a City Manager that is moving on because he has to. This should be interesting and I can only imagine the cost of finding a new City Manager.

Journal Manager

Journal:Ogdensburg Expo tickets on sale

Let's Get Those Expo Tickets! The 36th Annual Expo will be held March 23 to 25 at the Golden Dome. Director Thomas P. Luckie Jr. indicated that 1/3 of his budget comes from funds raised at the Expo. Sounds like the Dome will be packed with vendors. Remember this one is "for the kids".

Ogdensburg's.

Journal:Contractor sues doctor building dispute

The courts will sort this one out!

Mr. Howe, a local contractor is accusing Dr. Herzog for not completely paying him for the construction of a home.

Oral contracts are unheard of these days...this is a $520,000 handshake deal, someone will learn a very good lesson from this mess.

Dr. Herzog plans a countersuit against Mr. Howe.

Journal Building Dispute

Journal:Hammond wind lawsuit heads to court

Wind in Hammond?

Will there be wind in Hammond? The courts will decide on March 16 if the law passed by the Hammond Town Board will hold up under the scrutiny of NYS Supreme Court. Mrs. McQueer, Mr. Demick, Mr. Hadlock and Mr. Buck are represented by Scott B. Goldie of Conboy, McKay, Bachman & Kendall in hopes they can reverse the local law. The court is the final step and will decide if these landowners will have wind turbines on their property; which adds up to about $900.00/month/wind turbine.

Journal Wind

 

Journal:Main Street Money Remains

Line Up - Another Grant

Another grant available for a poorly designated commercial area, along the Oswegatchie River, and the deadline is in two weeks. Call us and we will tell you if you qualify. What is wrong with this picture?

With such a small area you would think C. W. Augustine would target the owners that exist with viable options on the use of this money. Off the top of my head our new marina, the old building supply (Duffy's), Veritas Tools (is it still there?), Fort La Presentation, Time Warner, plus plenty of City owned property exist along the river.

This will be a last ditch effort to throw money at any kind of project just to spend it. That is why we had the Knox Street issue. Knox Street was with the "guidelines of the grant" but was a totally botched process and application of grant money that cost the city more money than it was worth. Time for C. W. Augustine to start earning the administration fee.

I have a good view of the Oswegatchie River, maybe I qualify.

Journal Grant

Journal:City Council will sell Knox, Grove properties

The saga continues! Sell the house, so we can put

it behind us and move on!

Journal:Plans for 36th Expo under way

Expo 2012 - Entertainment, Food, and Vendors

Time to buy your tickets for the 36th Boys and Girls Club Expo.  I have 3 and will end up with 5 tickets by the time Expo starts. This is a great fundraiser and a great event for the community.  Bring venders to the customers and giving them a chance to show off what services they offer.

Journal:Budget cuts mean more fundraising for OFA

School Fundraising Getting Bigger

Fundraising has been an innate part of extracurricular activities and usually the first step in the creation of a new organization. Is funding for all these organizations coming out of State Aide? 7/8 grade activity fund, 7/8 grade council, Varsity Club, Earth Fund, NJHS have always been supported by fund raisers. I would like to know how much of the funding for these programs actually came out of last year's budget?

Mr. Bushey, also spoke on the $2,826,780 proposed for buildings and grounds; William Cavanaugh, Technology Coordinator discussed another $611,993 budgeted for computer-assisted technology. Now this is the money part of the budget process, the $92K of fundraising makes up approximately 1/300 of the budget.

Journal Fundraising

Journal:Jury finds Oxley innocent

Two hours later and the jury find Oxley Not Guilty! Now Wayne can start his life and the OPD to can start looking for the killer.

Journal:Ogdensburg's Waterfront Plans Moving Forward

Local Waterfront Revitalization Program (LWRP)

Ogdensburg's waterfront steering committee is on pace to create an updated vision of our waterfront. There will be three public meetings, the first on March 1, at 6 p.m. in the Dobisky Center. I encourage residents to participate or at least attend the meeting. There will be many complainers when the meetings end and most of them will never attend a meeting.

Local Waterfront Revitalization Program (LWRP) offers assistance, grants, and insight from various organizations depending on the design concepts. Developed, Natural, Public, or Working waterfronts are various concepts; Ms. Rice indicated it does not always mean brick and mortar development.

I wonder how many will show up for these meetings? The steering committee currently has public input on the development of industrial areas and the first meeting on March 1 could set the course of waterfront development in Ogdensburg. Waterfront development does not mean much if the City continues to deteriorate from within.

Journal Waterfront

Journal:Ogdensburg Polar Bear Plunge set for Saturday

Get Your Swimming Trunks Out

Saturday February 18th at 1 pm at the City Docks bring your swimming suit.