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.

Journal:Waddington’s Redneck Games is still seeking teams

BassMaster Elite Series

The Redneck Games is raising money for the support of the Bassmaster Elite Series: St Lawrence River Showdown. The committee is looking to raise $100,000 to host the event.

They are still looking for teams, so find 3 other friends and look forward to a good and remember it is for a good cause.

Journal:St. Lawrence County betting on casino

A casino in St Lawrence County, Good or Bad?  They bring money and jobs and what else. 

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.