I am thinking about getting back into the blogging business.  I have some free time and always liked to blog!

Professional Athletes Kneeling:Bullshit!

Everyone has an axe to grind or something to say.  Currently many athletes are taking a knee during our national anthem.  Are they protesting against, Our Country, and what Our Flag stands for? Is it the freedom, the pursuit of happiness, the freedom of speech, and equality it stands for they are protesting?  Many individuals have lost their lives to keep our freedoms!

I guess it is about Black Lives Matter and I agree but not while you are doing your job.  I can't imagine them pulling this at any other job, especially if they were making millions of dollars.  The first time they did something politically incorrect, especially if the company lost customers or revenue, they would be on the street.  How many of you can protest at work?  Think about it, I do not watch football to see individual protesting the American Flag, do it on your own time!

Many of the sponsors:

ANHEUSER-BUSCH: “At Anheuser-Busch we have a long heritage of supporting the institutions and values that have made America so strong. That includes our armed forces and the national anthem as well as diversity, equality and freedom of speech. We proudly employ over 1,100 military veterans and we work every day to create an inclusive environment for all of our employees. Because only together can we achieve our dream of bringing people together for a better world.”

FORD: “We respect individuals’ rights to express their views, even if they are not ones we share.”

UNDER ARMOUR: The company “stands for the flag and by our athletes for free speech, expression and a unified America.”

These companies claim they stand for the flag, Under Armour actually has Fort Drum, USA Flag, and Freedom tees and they agrees with these actions.  Political fence riding, waffling, trying to get the best of both worlds.  STAND UP AND SET AN EXAMPLE - BE A PROUD AMERICAN is what I say.  I am done with all of them buying, watching, or attending NFL games.   DONE!

Journal:Police will get two patrol bikes

Two more bikes on duty!!!!!

Journal:State psychiatric center meeting draws 302 registrants

Many show, but have the decisions already been made?

Journal:St. Lawrence County changes budget system

Will the Senate and Assembly invoke home rule legislation to increase sales tax to 4%.  I think it should be State wide and everyone would be on the same page. 

Journal:Police unions have contracts, get pay hikes

Ogdensburg Police Department Settles!

Well lieutenants and sergeants just settled for about 4.5% for 2012 and 3.7% for 2013.  The road patrol officers settled for 2.75% which increased the separation between officers' pay and sergeants' pay. The Department was losing officers to other agencies because the difference in pay was so little between officers and sergeants.

OPD Settles

Journal:City posts first-quarter sales tax increase

Sales tax is up, could be a good start to the new year! 

Journal:City officials wary of plans to reorganize state mental health

SLPC ???

When they down sized the St. Lawrence Psychiatric Center most of the clients were placed in the community and spread throughout the county. Many were geriatric individuals but many others are on their own.  We see some wandering the streets, or they are placed in housing, and many time they have to monitor their medication.

 The St. Lawrence Psychiatric Center is at bare bones and provide limited service to the area. Closing the center would have a major impact the individuals, families, and the economy of the area. You would think it could be utilized by the correctional facilities...they routine transport inmates to Clinton and Mid-state to be evaluated.

Time to consolidate services, it would save money! That's a new Idea.

Journal SLPC

Journal:State gun law opponents expecting large turnout for Gouverneur rally

Opponents to NYSAFE Act Gather in Gouverneur

Mark the date in your calendar, on April 13, 2013 there will be a rally for opponents to Secure Ammunition and Firearms Enforcement Act [NYSAFE Act]. The rally will begin at 10:30 a.m. at the Gouverneur Village Park.

They will have many speakers and they are expecting over 500 people to show up.

Time to target the individuals that possess firearms illegally. STRICTER MANDATORY SENTENCING FOR THESE INDIVIDUALS. This would target over 95% of all the crimes committed with firearms.

Journal:Waterfront consultants will come to Ogdensburg Monday

The consultants are in Ogdensburg.  The waterfront is in need of a face lift.

Journal Consultants

Journal:Ogdensburg police make three more arrests for dealing narcotics

Drug Bust in Ogdensburg
DAs' Office

Three more scumbags off the street. Now it is up to the DA's office to prosecute these individuals and our Judge to set an example for all others. With an election coming up next year, the DA's office will have to prosecute some cases.

Journal Drug Bust.

Journal:Ogdensburg considers burning fund balance money faster than planned

School Budget!

It is a tight line to balance the budget but cuts are in place for the next school year. The three years of raises the teachers received plus their automatic step raises, combined with lucrative raises for the administration, plus the "see you later money" they offered to Vernsey when he retires could of saved jobs. Then again it is all about the kids!

I beat this to death, been in this school system too long!

Journal School budget

JournalSenate passed bill legalizing professional mixed martial arts

Mixed Martial Arts in NYS

A step in the right direction! This bill has been long overdue and could generate millions of dollars in revenue.  Government continues to control individual choices, when most of these athletes practice in NYS and travel to other states to compete. 

Time for big brother to back off individual choice!

Journal MMA

Journal:St. Lawrence County adjusting five-year tax plan

Property vs. Sales
We are Still Going to Pay!

The Sales Tax vs. Property Tax Battle continues!  Either way we will still get the bill.  If the sales taxes stays even then the property tax will go up.  It has been out of control spending and it is time to cut back government, services, and those areas no one wants to talk about. Remember if we mention "Safety or Kids" it is off limits. 

Journal Taxes

Journal:OFA claims Class B Crown over Potsdam

OFA beats Potsdam 46-36

Congratulations to the OFA Basketball team. OFA never trailed during the game but it was a game of will and defense.  Hats off to the coaches and the team, they represented Ogdensburg and the School District with dignity and a win.