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MAYOR BROWN ACTS TO DEFUSE CENSORSHIP FLAP

(Guest Editorial - Not the view of Publisher Joe Illuzzi)

Mayor Brown hopefully acted in time to defuse a potential devastating fight over freedom of information.

The mayor, with his back literally to the wall over the perception that his administration was censoring police reports, has made the smart decision to change course and restore access to the police blotter.

While some insiders claim the media has really had access all along and this was just a show of arrogance on the part of the Buffalo News, nonetheless the perception was out there that the Brown administration was censoring police reports and that just won’t fly.

The mayor called the flap over access a "miscommunication," but whatever you want to call it, the mayor paid a price.

Last night the mayor should have been enjoying his waterfront fund-raiser, attended by State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli, but instead there was a murmur in the air over the police mess, even as Commission McCarthy Gibson moved through the crowd shaking hands.

These should be good times for Mayor Brown as he prepares for his re-election campaign. The mayor has a good friend in the statehouse in Gov. Paterson, even though the state’s fiscal crisis (and it’s real) could hurt Buffalo down the road. Fortunately, the school reconstruction aid is coming through but with deficit numbers in the billions who knows what’s ahead.

Even Comptroller DiNapoli has affirmed the governor’s dire warnings about the state’s fiscal health and there is growing pressure on Albany to cut spending, and that could mean reduced state aid to cities.

But forgetting the state’s fiscal situation for the moment, the problem for Brown is that he appears to be too much on the defensive these days; too often reacting instead to initiating. The police flap is a classic example.

How did the administration let it get to that point? There had to be warning signs that the policy that was in place---whatever or wherever it came from---was not working and that reporters felt they were being denied information. The mayor and his administration should have responded sooner before they got publicly embarrassed and were forced to eat crow (see ‘miscommunication’).

One thing that should never be tolerated is any form or perception of censorship in government. The late Mayor Griffin’s troubles with the media stemmed largely from the lack of candor from his administration, especially during the infamous parks scandal.

Mayor Brown is a smart and savvy leader who has been around for a while and knows that censorship, or the hint of it, is the kiss of death for an elected official. Open government is what separates us from China and many other governments around the world where only the government tells its people what is going on. That won’t work here and it shouldn’t work here.

Journalists have an important responsibility to be fair and unbiased and to be sensitive that privacy concerns regarding certain crime victims. But public officials must be held accountable for their actions and they cannot hide behind any form of censorship to influence public opinion.

Fortunately, the mayor has acted quickly in this case to dispel any notion that crime reports are being censored for whatever reason. Hopefully, the mayor has learned a lesson that it is better to be on the offensive than on your heels.

 

 

An Open Letter To John McCain

 

By Roger Stone

 

 

Dear John,

I supported you for President eight years ago and again when you announced in 2007 because I think you are the man best prepared to be President as our nation faces an epic struggle with terrorism. I hail from Connecticut and I am all too familiar with the House of Bush.

Last week I gave a candid speech to a business group in New York in which I said that a Goldwater-like blowout was possible in November - unless John McCain found his legs and went on offense.

Last week, in my view, was the turning point in your campaign.

While your comparison of Barack Obama to Paris Hilton and Britney Spears as a vacuous celebrity was on the mark, I would argue that this was a summation ad. First you must demonstrate that Obama does not have the seasoning and judgment to lead this country at this critical time.

You are on offense on the energy issue, and Senator Obama does not understand gas prices will drop based on the surety of future oil and gas supply from domestic drilling and exploration.

Politics is not about the past but the future. You must demonstrate how your future policies will be different than the Democratic candidate. The other issue on which to do this is National Security .

You will recall Governor Eliot Spitzer's proposal to grant drivers' licenses to illegal immigrants. Senator Obama swiftly endorsed the Spitzer proposal, a fact that was overshadowed by Senator Hillary Clinton first offering, and then withdrawing her support for the plan.

This is not an immigration issue; this is a security issue that demonstrates the softheaded naïveté of Barack Obama. Drivers' licenses are used as identification to board airplanes, rent cars and trucks and make credit card purchases – all necessities for individuals who would do this country harm. Granting government issued IDs to people the government has no record of and can keep no record of simply makes no sense. The potential for abuse is enormous.

Those who argue opposing illegal immigrant driver's licenses will scare away Hispanic voters are wrong. The softening of your immigration stance has put these voters out of reach. Go after the votes you can win: middle class, working class voters, many of whom voted for Hillary Clinton and for whom she changed her position on this issue. A plurality of Hispanic voters even opposes the stupid Spitzer plan.

Fifteen of nineteen September 11 hijackers had 38 driver's licenses between them. Senator Obama is pandering by taking a position he cannot rationally defend. You may recall that 71% of New Yorkers opposed the Spitzer plan. Opposition was particularly intense among working class Catholic Democrats.

Get on offense on energy policy and National Security and stop seeking forgiveness for wacky right wing ministers who support you. As Reagan said of the Birchers, "When someone supports me that means they support my views not that I support theirs." And for Christ's sake, stop apologizing.

Also, have no allusions about Karl Rove and those around you who enable him. The Bushs have no interest in your political success. Having substantially destroyed the Republican Party they want to take a powder, cozy in the knowledge that four or eight years of Barack Obama will give people time to forget W's bumbling. Then Jebbie, the biggest know-it-all in the family, can get his turn to destroy the Republican Party and lead it to another defeat.

These are, after all, the same folks who fired Don Rumsfeld ten days after the election instead of ten days before, most likely costing scores of Republican Congressional Candidates their races. Riding around in a golf cart with President George H.W. Bush is only reminding people what a lousy job his son has done and how he and Cheney bungled the execution of a war most Americans believe they lied us into.

Karl is looking for the big score: media and direct mail commissions that he couldn't grab while at the Casa Blanco. This, not your election, explains his interest in 527 activities. His advice to select Mitt Romney as your running mate - along with the chorus of other Bushie voices - is their bid to control the Party's future after you lose.

Put the driver's license issue on the air in New Mexico, Colorado, Virginia, and Missouri. Have the guts to stick with it and watch Obama's lead melt. Continued bickering about who was right about the war in Iraq and the surge is self-defeating. On the broader issue of preparedness to be President in a dangerous world, you will win.

It's not about experience; it's about seasoning and judgment in a crisis situation. You have demonstrated it, Senator Obama has not.

There is one bigger problem; if you examine the undecideds in the current race they; 1) hate Republicans; 2) hate the war and; 3) hate George W. Bush. These voters like you because of your reputation as a maverick and a reformer. Voters need to see that John McCain again. Stop worrying about your base – if they are entirely happy, you aren't getting any votes outside your base.

I have advocated the selection of Charlie Crist for the Vice-Presidential nomination because I think he is a strong and effective campaigner who would aid the ticket in a crucial state. If you bypass Crist because he has only been Governor for two years, you need an "Outside the Box" choice.

Your campaign requires what Nixon used to call "a big play." There is really only one. Rob Porter or Tim Pawlenty cannot to cut it in the second spot. Take Mike Bloomberg. He is a businessman who understands the economy and has created thousands of jobs. He would be appealing as the economy surpasses the war as an issue.

 

Additionally he can write a $400 million check to the McCain-Bloomberg Campaign. You would be wise to pledge that you would give him real authority in the economic area but that he would respect and support the pro-life views of the McCain Administration despite his personal position on the issue. Bloomberg would not put New York in play but he would make New Jersey and Pennsylvania competitive with their sizeable Jewish and moderate Republican and suburban voter blocks.

You share a strong personal relationship with the Mayor. He can put your campaign on an even financial footing with the Obama's effort, and Bloomberg will be appealing to those undecided's we discussed previously.

Lastly, I read where Senator Obama said he would debate you "Anytime, Anywhere." You challenged him to a series of town hall debates and criticized him for ducking - for one whole news cycle. You should pound him on his refusal in the opening of any remarks you make publicly between now and the time he relents.

Good Luck

Roger Stone

 

 

Boxing Lessons

 

Six months ago my friend Joe Jingoli recommended boxing lessons. Although I had spent years weight training I had never developed a punch. Learning how to load your weight behind your right and jabbing with your left has been a great experience in achievement and success. I have spent hours on the bag and working the speed bag.

Suppose you are attacked in a parking lot or, even worse, a corporate board room. Suppose, in the middle of a discussion, a business man jumps up and tries to strangle you. The defensive moves I learned in martial arts free you of his grip. Now you are prepared to take the fight to him, using his neck-tie as a cinch and punching him in the head with your right, shifting your weight behind the punch by leaning slightly in to the front foot and pivoting on the rear foot while shifting your body weight while turning your hips in the follow through of the punch.

I highly recommend boxing lessons.

 

You can't make this stuff up

 

A museum built as homage to former Governor George Pataki? It’s wacky, but it’s true. Veteran Pataki crony and bagman and D’Amato torpedo, Charles Gargano, is actually collecting money to build a museum and educational center near Pataki’s mid-Hudson Valley home. Presumably they will teach how to vastly increase the state’s debt by using the independent authorities to borrow millions of dollars without the constitutionally required approval by the voters. You can learn how your wife can make thousands of dollars as a “consultant” to some of the richest men in the state while serving as First Lady.

 

You can learn how to use state employees to do your grocery shopping and cooking as well as walking your dogs. You can learn how to do a “book deal” and make your friends pony-up big dollars for boxes and boxes of books. You can learn how to trade pardons from the State Parole Board for political contributions and how to get your Parole Board Chairman named as an unindicted co-conspirator in the swindle. You can learn how to refuse to release the lists of fat cats who contributed hundreds of thousands of dollars to your Inaugural celebration. You could learn how to use the New York State Police for political dirty tricks and how to leak official State Police records to embarrass a political opponent. Yes, you could learn these things and much more from the Pataki Administration.

 

 

 

MICHELE IANNELLO

 

 “I have supported Governor Paterson’s property tax cap proposal since the beginning. I welcome Mr. Ranzenhofer to the cause. Unfortunately, career politician Ranzenhofer is a perfect example of the reason we need the tax cap. During the Giambra-Ranzenhofer administration in Erie County we saw reckless, irresponsible spending that lead directly to tax increases. That’s a record we can’t afford in Albany.”

 

 

 

61st STATE SENATE CANDIDATE MIKE RANZENHOFER

 

CALLS ON DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATES TO JOIN HIM IN SUPPORTING TAX CAP

 "State Senate Candidate Mike Ranzenhofer reacted to Senate Democrats rejection of Friday special legislative session by challenging Democratic candidates, from the 61^st NYS Senate District, to join him in support of the property tax cap for local taxpayers.

Ranzenhofer called on those running for the Democratic nomination in the 61^st Senate District to join him in calling for a property tax cap and urging their leadership to join in the effort to bring much need relief to taxpayers.

Joe Mesi, Michelle Iannello and Dan Ward all talk about reform, but here is a chance to join me and demonstrate how serious they are, added Ranzenhofer.

The Ranzenhofer proposal for property tax reform, announced last week at the Erie County Legislature, would cap local property taxes, double the STAR exemption to provide much needed relief and allow local governments to spend the tax dollars they collect without interference from the State.

As our next Senator, I will work to create a more fiscally responsible government that spends less, taxes less, and allows people to keep more of what they earn, said Ranzenhofer."

 

 

 

August 8, 2008

 

 

PoliticsNY.Net: GOVERNOR DAVID PATERSON

 

 

UPDATE: Great News! The Governor signed the Bill  enabling the Buffalo School District to complete Phase "4" (11 schools) of the Joint Schools Construction Program!!!

 

Thank You Governor Paterson!!! ###

 

All of us who care about the children in the Buffalo School District are anxiously awaiting Governor Paterson's signature on  the Buffalo Public Schools Reconstruction Program Bill, Phase IV.  The Bill was sent over last week.  Joint Schools construction & its completion are a critical component in assuring the District's renaissance. The program  is a model for the rest of the cities with large urban cores where there exists a disparity with the quality of  the buildings, i.e. learning environment, from the more affluent districts. This Bill, the Schools Reconstruction Bills before this Bill, are a great victory for the children in Buffalo Public schools. ###

 

 

POLITICS "THE ART OF COMPROMISE"

 

 

 

Most of us support Leg Chair Marinelli's (D) call to create a  Commission to look into reducing the size of the Legislature, etc.

 

However, with all respect, the way this Commission is configured raises a number of red flags.

 

This is a fox in the hen house scenario with the Leg Chair being the queen fox.

 

Quoting: "The Commission will be composed of nine members in total, six chosen by Chair Marinelli and one each chosen by the Majority and Minority Leaders of the Legislature, as well as the Chair of the Government Affairs Committee.  The Commission Chair is to be designated by the Chair of the County Legislature. Terms of Commission members are one year, after which the Commission sunsets.

 

The suggested timetable for the Commission’s work is as follows:  organizational work and research in 2008, public comment period, scheduled hearings, draft and final reports in 2009.  Any needed public referendum would take place in 2010, with implementation in 2011, in concert with the election cycle and reapportionment laws."

 

Each elected official in County Government, e.g. County Executive, Comptroller (not each Legislator) should have  seat on the Commission, number one.

 

Number two: There is NO reason to wait until 2010 to bring the question before the voters. Figuring out population shifts is not rocket science. The Legislature can reduce at any time. Most of the work was done during the Charter review process. Which by the way was a Marinelli initiative going back years. So take those recommendations out of moth balls. Apply the body of work (Ed Rath (R) was responsible for that report) to the current deliberation & there is no reason why this issue could not be brought before the voters in 09.

 

The problem for this Chairwoman is most of her ideas for change end of in moth balls for one reason or another. Kind of like the County Legislature is a place where good ideas go to die on the vine, so to speak; esp. if there is no political pay off, like 90% of the Charter Review's recommendations for instance. We cannot afford to waste the time of good citizens like what transpired with the Charter Commission. A few almost meaningless cosmetic changes was the outcome for months of hard work.

 

Another issue to consider is Marinelli, while a very good Chair, is not assured reelection in 09 as Chair.

 

So with these amendments we support Marinelli in her efforts. ###

 

 

SOUTH BUFFALO KEARNS STAFFERS BUSTED!

 

 

UPDATE: "Mr. Illuzzi, My name is Rusty Weaver and I am an actual employee of Council Member Mickey Kearns.  I would like to make it clear that the two men arrested for theft of copper piping in South Buffalo are not, in fact, Kearns interns, as you claim in your article.  Charles Frohnheiser Jr. is a member of the Mayor's Summer Youth program, and is working out of the Cazenovia Resource Center in South Buffalo.  His paychecks come from the Mayor's summer youth department, not from CM Kearns.  Also, his father, Charles Sr., is not now, nor was he ever, a paid Kearns intern.  The closest he came to this was completing 20 hours of community service at Kearns' Caz Library as part of a requirement from a previous arrest.  His son and accomplice, Joseph Frohnheiser, is also not, nor has he ever been, a Kearns intern. I imagine that any reference to Council Member Kearns during their arrest was simply an attempt at getting themselves out of trouble.  Please update your article with the correct information." ###

South Buffalo Councilman Mickey Kearns is having a "bad day"!

 

Bad Boys, father - son duo, Charles & Joseph Frohnheiser led Buffalo police on a "Transporter" type chase Wednesday night  that ran thru the streets of Blackrock south to the Town of West Seneca where West Seneca police assisted in finally making an arrest.

 

The suspects were arrested at 74 Baitz in West Seneca.

 

The chase began as a result of a tool & copper theft in the City & get this ended up at a Crystal Meth Lab in West Seneca, the Baitz address.

 

Charles, dad, is currently working for Kearns. Joey, son, is a former employee, both working in the intern program.

 

As a matter of fact Charles told police, "You can't arrest me I work for Councilman Mickey Kearns."

 

Which begs the question what were they interning for in Kearns office, crime & punsihment? ###

 

 

ETHICS COMMISSION MUST INVESTIGATE HOYT

 

 

Update: We now have the name of the young intern sources say Hoyt had the affair with locally. We will provide the name to the State Ethics Commission once the Commission convenes an official inquiry into Hoyt's behavior.

 

No! Let me write declaratively: 144th District Assemblyman Sam Hoyt had an affair with a young Black "female" intern working in his Buffalo office.

 

Hoyt's wife told her book of the affair & her intention to divorce Hoyt at the time.

 

Sources say that Hoyt is doing a push poll that includes some serious "gay bashing" directed at Barbra Kavanaugh; which has caused many leaders in the gay community to abandon the Hoyt campaign over the last few days. ###

 

We know one local Assemblyman was taken to task for attending a party which 144th Assemblyman Sam Hoyt thru for a few of his colleagues & a number of very young female interns.

 

We are also aware of numerous investigations by the Albany & the NY city papers into Hoyt's alleged ethics violations.

 

The time has come to bring Hoyt in & have him admit  or deny under oath his alleged affairs with two of his very young interns, one in Buffalo & the other Albany.

 

There are a number of sources with respect to the truth of these allegations.

 

Hoyt should either go public with the truth or falsehood of these charges or resign the race. ###

 

 

BUFFALO NEWS: POOOOOR MARGARET SAYS TO THE COPS

 

                       "We're prepared to fight about it."

 

 

 

UPDATE: The Buffalo News Thursday spent more ink on this issue than any other. Its become very personal for Margaret, Publisher Stan Lipsey & company. Sullivan playing the "CENSORSHIP" card!

 

The problem is, like the News endorsements, except for a few who like to see their name in print no one cares Margaret!

 

Hopefully, the Mayor will continue to ignore you as well! ###

 

Buffalo News Editor Margaret Sullivan & the "Iago" of the local media scene, Buffalo News reporter Jim Heaney, are mad at the Buffalo Police Department. The reason the Cops aren't sharing enough crime details with the News as they have done in the past according to a News article.

 

DUH!  

 

The reason why: The hallmark of the NEWS entry, or a "bi product thereof",  into the new age world of cyber space is to report crimes as they happen. Obviously, listening to the police scanner; the News updates its web almost exclusively with these silly crime scene reports that no one cares about, for the most part anyway.

 

One can extrapolate: The cops are concerned about two things, corrupting a crime scene, putting curious citizens potentially in harms way. 

 

The result:  The cops do not have enough time to secure the scene this kind of thing.  

 

As one who knows exclusively the quality of the News legal representation; I wouldn't be to concerned if I were Mayor Brown or Commissioner Gibson!

 

Its actually rather silly, Margaret! ###

 

 

NUCHERINO FUNDRAISER

 

"Friends To Elect Barbara Nucherino To Family Court" will hold a fundraiser this coming Friday, Aug. 8 from 5:30-7:30 pm at the Sonoma Grill, 5010 Main St., Williamsville. The cost is $125 per person, $200 per couple. Checks should be made out to "Friends to Elect Barbara Nucherino to Family Court," PO Box 956, Williamsville, NY 14231. ###

 

Josephilluzzi704@aol.com

 

 

 

"In the wake of Western New York’s vacant housing crisis, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer  announced that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has awarded $22,162,454 to the City of Buffalo and the Town of Hamburg. This money is awarded through HUD’s American Dream Down Payment Initiative (ADDI), Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), the Emergency Shelter Grant (ESG), HOME, and the Housing Opportunities for Persons with Aids (HOPWA). These formula grants will assist in providing critical housing services for Western New Yorkers not readily available through any other private or government source.

"These funds will revitalize our neighborhoods and provide critical housing resources at a time when Western New York most needs it. These programs are an economic shot in the arm for communities and will provide much-needed housing and homeowner incentives, even while they provide shelter for our most vulnerable,” said Senator Schumer."

 

U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer

 

  

 

26th DISTRICT CONGRESSIONAL CANDIDATE CHRIS LEE

 

Chris Lee to Congress: End Your Vacation, Get Back to Work, Solve the Crisis

 

 

 

 

26th Congressional District candidate Chris Lee called on Congress to get back to work to solve our energy crisis.  Late last week, Congress went on a five-week vacation while Western New Yorkers are canceling vacations because of high gas prices.  Chris also is gathering signatures for a letter from all Western New Yorkers to Speaker Nancy Pelosi.  The letter will outline Western New Yorkers demands to get Congress back to work to achieve a comprehensive solution to lower the cost of gas and break our dependence on foreign oil. 

 

"With record gas prices forcing Western New Yorkers to cancel their vacations, we have a simple message to Congress: End Your Vacation, Get Back to Work, and Solve the Crisis," said Lee.  "We need American solutions to create American energy and American jobs to secure our economic future and lower gas prices.  We can achieve energy independence through exploration, conservation, and the development of American-made alternative energy sources."

 

In addition, Lee wrote Speaker Nancy Pelosi a letter requesting she bring Congress back in session to hold a vote on ending our addiction to foreign oil by removing the ban on exploring for oil in the United States:

 

"Today, in New York 26^th Congressional District taxpayers are paying on average $4.13 for a gallon of gas.  Western New Yorkers need help - with gas prices severely impacting family budgets many Western New Yorkers are unable to afford to go on vacation while Congress is enjoying a five-week vacation.  My fellow Western New Yorkers and I respectfully request that you bring Congress back to Washington and get to work for the American people.  Congress needs to stop the bickering and work on a bipartisan solution to end our addiction to foreign oil by removing the ban on exploring for oil in the United States."

 

Lee also pointed to Governor David Paterson's recent decision to call back New York State lawmakers for an emergency economic special session starting August 19^th where hopefully lawmakers will work together for some real solutions – Congress must do the same.

 

"As a local businessman, if I ran my company like Congress has been running America's energy policy we would have been out of business a long time ago," concluded Lee.  "It is time Congress gets to work, and uses the American people's ingenuity and expertise to help solve our energy problems.  More spending and more taxes is not the answer."

 

 

 

 

Congressmen Brian Higgins & Jerry Nadler

 

Hold Transportation Priorities Meeting in Western New York 

"Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-27) will join Congressman Jerry Nadler (NY-8), the senior New York member on the on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, in hosting a Transportation Priorities meeting focusing on the needs of the Western New York Region. The Transportation Priorities Meeting will be held at 10:30am on Monday, August 11, 2008.  The event will take place in the Medaille College Lecture Hall at 18 Agassiz Circle in Buffalo, New York. 

“Infrastructure investment is an essential component of revitalizing upstate New York,” said Congressman Higgins, also a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.  “I am pleased to partner with Congressman Nadler, my downstate colleague in the House, to work toward advancing federal investment in projects that meet the future transportation needs of the Western New York community.”  

Congress will be reauthorizing SAFETEA-LU (The Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act:  A Legacy for Users”) in 2009. 

"I am eager to learn about the transportation issues facing Buffalo and western New York," said Rep. Nadler.  "And, I am pleased to join Congressman Higgins as we hear directly from the key stakeholders in this region.  With the reauthorization of SAFETEA-LU rapidly approaching, it is vital that we act so that all of New York gets its fair share of federal transportation programs, policies and projects.  We must ensure that we adequately invest in the transportation and infrastructure needs of our state."

 

The hearing will begin with a welcome from City of Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown and a presentation by New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Astrid Glynn. Transportation and elected leaders from Erie, Chautauqua and Niagara counties will participate in panel discussions about Western New York’s transportation future."

 

 

August 7, 2008

 

 

Interim Peace Bridge Authority Chairman Ken Schoetz

 

SCHOETZ IS KEY FIGURE ON BRIDGE, JOB DEVELOPMENT

 by Staff

 

Ken Schoetz is a veteran public servant who is very much in the middle of a lot of what is going on in Buffalo and Western New York these days.

Schoetz is the upstate chairman of the Empire State Development Corp., under Bob Wilmers, and is also the newly elected chairman of the bi-national Peace Bridge Authority.

Schoetz, a member of the Authority since 2003, was elected chairman last month after the death of Paul Koessler, and as of now he is expected to serve out the remaining months on Koessler’s term as chairman.

"I’m happy to provide leadership from the U. S. side, consistent with the cooperative nature [on the Authority] between the U. S. and Canada," said Schoetz in a telephone interview with PoliticsNY.net, adding it’s unclear how long he might remain as chairman.

(The Authority is made up of 10 members, five from Canada and five from the U. S, and there is an organizational meeting every February at which the chairmanship switches sides. At some point, Gov. Paterson would nominate a successor to Koessler who would have to be confirmed by the State Senate. The timing on the nomination and the confirmation process over the next several weeks is uncertain, given the state’s fiscal crisis.)

For now, Schoetz is the chairman and he’s hopeful that final plans for a new bridge are within sight, although there’s still a lot of uncertainty over the possibility of shared border management, a prospect still favored by Sen. Hillary Clinton.

Only last week, Sen. Clinton said she would continue to push for building a new truck plaza in Canada, fearing plans to relocate Buffalo neighborhoods to accommodate a traditional plaza could lead to legal challenges.

The shared border management proposition fell apart when the United States was unwilling to surrender critical inspection tools to comply with Canada’s charter of rights, according to Homeland Security officials.

"There’s no reason at this point to believe anything has changed," said Schoetz, although he added that shared border management remains a possibility. Meanwhile, Schoetz said "we have a draft environment impact statement approved by both sides and we expect that sooner rather than later, it will produce a final environmental impact study and that will be the decision point on how we move ahead."

Schoetz says he believes progress on finally getting a bridge plan in place will be helped by the recent confirmation of Thomas Madison Jr. to head the Federal Highway Administration. Madison is a former member of the Peace Bridge Authority and was praised by Sen. Chuck Schumer as someone who favors a world-class signature bridge for Western New York.

"The first bridge took 75 years to build, but we’re getting there," said Schoetz. What it will look like and where the toll plazas will be located remain uncertain at this point.

As for his job as acting upstate chairman of Empire State Development, Schoetz says economic conditions are difficult but so far, anyway, projects already in the pipeline are continuing to move forward and he regards that as very positive news.

"It is a tough climate," says Schoetz, "with contractions in the economy and credit markets tight. It makes it hard for the private sector to do some of the deals they used to do, but we’re [still] trying to promote economic growth and job creation although the current situation is less than optimal."

Schoetz says he talks frequently with Bob Wilmers of M & T Bank fame who was appointed the state’s economic development czar by Gov. Paterson two months ago.

Schoetz says he has a good relationship with his new boss and talks to him frequently about issues that are before the department, "getting his advice and consent" on what we are doing.

The state’s fiscal crisis and the many uncertainties still associated with the Peace Bridge project ensure that Ken Schoetz will have his work cut out for him for the immediate future on both jobs. But Schoetz has a good track record, working for Dennis Gorski as Erie County attorney and then heading the Buffalo office of the State Attorney General under Eliot Spitzer. He comes well equipped to meet the challenges he faces.

 

MAYOR BROWN UNVEILS TRAILBLAZING SIGNS TO HONOR TIM RUSSERT

 

Mayor Byron W. Brown unveiled commemorative street trailblazing signs that are now posted on Woodside Avenue in South Buffalo where Tim Russert grew up. The signs are located at each end of the block of Woodside Avenue where the Russert family once resided. The intersections are Woodside Avenue and McKinley Parkway and Woodside Avenue and South Park Avenue. Since the trailblazing signs are commemorative street signs, the street’s formal name will not be changed. The signs read: "This Route is Designated Tim Russert Way."

At Wednesday’s unveiling ceremony, Mayor Brown also presented to the attending Russert family members, including his sister Kathy Russert Hughes and her children, Jesse and Ashley, the U.S. flag that was flown at half-staff outside City Hall in memory of Tim Russert.

"Tim Russert was loved and respected nationally because of the values he learned right here in South Buffalo – love of family, community and country," said Congressman Brian Higgins.  "Tim was a kid from the neighborhood who never forgot his hometown and now the neighborhood where the Russert family home sits will forever be marked in Tim’s memory."

"Tim Russert's contribution to this neighborhood, this city, and our nation is unmistakable.  The sense of loss is tremendous, only surpassed by the sense of pride in the amazing accomplishments of a guy from South Buffalo," said New York State Assemblyman Mark Schroeder.

"Tim Russert epitomized what it meant to be a Buffalonian," said Erie County Legislator Tim Kennedy. "He took the values and lessons of his South Buffalo neighborhood and family and used those to positively influence countless people throughout the United States and the world. It is a fitting tribute to have these trail blazing signs signify where his life began and I applaud the mayor for recognizing Tim Russert's lifelong contribution to society."

Mayor Brown concluded today’s ceremony by stating, "We honor Tim Russert today for everything he ever did for the city he loved, the institutions he revered and perhaps as importantly for the Buffalo sports teams he supported so passionately."

 

 

Embattled Powers' Fails Leadership 101:

3 Weeks of Silence is Deafening as Powers Collects Rangel's Manhattan Cash

Jon Powers' Promised Leadership by Example	Jon Powers' Actual Failures of Leadership by Example
"Tom Reynolds raises significant amounts of money through Washington, DC lobbyists and special interest groups. Just as I will be a very different kind of congressman, I will take a very different approach to funding my campaign."  (Democracyforamerica.com, Jon Powers' Page)	FACT - Jon Powers' has taken $9,000 from Rep. Charlie Rangel who is being investigated by the House Ethics Committee.  (www.fec.gov) FACT - Jon Powers had no response when asked if he would give back Rangel's contributions or cancel his fundraiser despite Rangel's ethical problems. (Democrat and Chronicle, July 11, 2008, Ties To Rangel Under Fire)

"Jon Powers promised to 'lead by example,' and the only thing he is leading on is being just another hypocritical politician.  Actions speak louder than words and Jon's actions through this campaign, such as paying his rent with campaign funds, have certainly brought his ethics into question." said Niagara County Republican Chairman Henry Wojtaszek. 

"It seems to me that Powers has a lot of questions to answer back home about the status of War Kids Relief.  Instead, today he has jetted off to Manhattan to collect fat checks from lobbyists and special interests who tonight will line up to kiss Charlie Rangel's ring.  Powers needs to do the right thing and give Rangel his money back and come home to face the questions surrounding War Kids Relief."

Niagara County GOP Chairman Henry Wojtaszek

 

 

Erie County Legislature Chair Lynn M. Marinelli

 

ANNOUNCES COMMISSION ON 21^st CENTURY ERIE COUNTY LEGISLATURE 

 

                                   “Charged with Reform”

 

 Erie County Legislature Chair Lynn M. Marinelli (D-Buffalo, Tonawanda) announced the creation of the Erie County Legislature 21^st Century Commission to comprehensively review the duties, function and organization of the Erie County Legislature. 

“We in the County Legislature are answering the community’s call for changes to government structure, in view of static and shifting population, fiscal times and service to its citizens,” Chair Marinelli said.

“The Commission will study and comment on all government reform issues specific to the Erie County Legislature, including but not limited to:

·   Number of legislators.
·   Length of terms and potential for staggered or limited terms.
·   Scope of responsibility

 

(powers and duties as defined in the Erie County Charter, as well as practices of constituent services and fiscal responsibilities with reflection on budget margins of non-mandated versus mandated programs).

 

·   Consideration of district versus at-large seats

 

(with contemplation of departmental cost-benefit analysis, costs of office seeking, and, in district-based seats, achieving a balance of voice given to Erie County’s urban, suburban and rural communities. Avoiding disproportionate, weighted voting).

 

Minority representation in conformance with federal law.

The Commission will be composed of nine members in total, six chosen by Chair Marinelli and one each chosen by the Majority and Minority Leaders of the Legislature, as well as the Chair of the Government Affairs Committee.  The Commission Chair is to be designated by the Chair of the County Legislature. Terms of Commission members are one year, after which the Commission sunsets.

The suggested timetable for the Commission’s work is as follows:  organizational work and research in 2008, public comment period, scheduled hearings, draft and final reports in 2009.  Any needed public referendum would take place in 2010, with implementation in 2011, in concert with the election cycle and reapportionment laws.

 

 

 

Kennedy, Brown, Higgins, Schroeder & Stachowski

 

Announce $2.3 Million for Improvements Along South Park Avenue

Project to Include Road Resurfacing and Streetscape Enhancements

 

Erie County Legislator Timothy Kennedy, City of Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown, Congressman Brian Higgins, New York State Assemblyman Mark J. F. Schroeder and Senator William Stachowski announced plans for a $2,322,000 investment along South Park Avenue in South Buffalo.

"After three years in the making, I am proud to announce, with the help of my partners in government, that the South Park Avenue Revitalization Project is now fully funded and will become a reality," stated Legislator Kennedy. "This will restore a vital transportation corridor in the community and make the South Park Avenue commercial strip one of the finest looking routes in all of our city and region."

Following his appointment to the Erie County Legislature, Kennedy vowed to work diligently at securing funds to enhance South Park Avenue. His office is located at 1928 South Park Avenue.

"I cannot stress enough the significance of this funding and how it will transform our neighborhood’s commercial district. While we have worked on and achieved small, incremental successes on the business strip, nothing can compare to the financial windfall this community will see for the first time in decades. This is a grand slam for the residents of all of South Buffalo and the Greater South Buffalo community," said Kennedy.

In the coming weeks County Legislator Kennedy will be reaching out to business owners and community leaders in the South Park Avenue area to ask for their involvement on a Business and Citizen Advisory Committee tasked with making recommendations to project planners.

 

 

August 6, 2008

 

 

PoliticsNY.Net: MESI ENDORSED BY CWA

 

"The Communication Workers of America (CWA) District 1, Local 1122 and Local 1168 endorsed Joe Mesi for State Senate. “For too long the health care needs of working families in Western New York have been overlooked by Albany,” said Terri Schelter, Political Director of CWA 1168. “Joe is a strong leader who is committed to making access to comprehensive health care for families in our community a top priority.” ###

 

Golisano in West Seneca

 

 

 

Golisano will commit a substantial amount from his $5M "Responsible NY" 527 fund to the downsizing effort in the town. Kevin Gaughan & company are trying to get the West Seneca Board trimmed from 5 to 3 seats. The measure failed when the Board voted. However, Gaughan began a petition campaign to get the resolution on the ballot in November. No word yet on whether the fund will extend its reach to Amherst, etc., as well? Read below ###

 

 

26th CONGRESSIONAL CANDIDATE JON POWERS A CON ARTIST

 

   The Powers Business Model

 

 

I know our readers will recall a few weeks back we demanded that 26th Congressional candidate Jon Powers' War Kids Relief Foundation should be subject to an immediate audit; the appropriate remediation to follow. Apparently we were as usual taken very seriously.

 

Powers "War Kids Relief" fund is nothing more than a slush fund that does little if anything for "the kids" caught up in the Iraq conflict. The fund buys soccer balls this kind of thing wholesale if not donated.

 

Powers himself pays himself a substantial sum in salary circa  $80,000 over the last year & a half.

 

This is similar to when he was caught paying himself $500 in rent out of his campaign account; he returned that money.

 

To any sane person, however, this is much more egregious if not border line criminal.

 

Powers should resign the race! ###

 

MCCAIN IMPRESSIVE: NAACP CONVENTION AND NUL CONFERENCE

 

The Senator John McCain we saw at the recent NAACP convention and National Urban League conference reaffirmed why it was right for the National Black Republican Association to have endorsed the election of Sen. John McCain to be the next President of the United States of America.  

While speaking at the NAACP convention and National Urban League conference, Sen. John McCain put forth innovative polices that were well received on a wide range of issues of interest to black Americans.  McCain emphasized the importance of helping urban black children get out of failing schools through school choice scholarships and charter schools.  He provided details on how, as president, he would lead our country to energy independence through off-shore drilling and development of alternative energy. 

We and the audience were most impressed by his taking questions and follow up questions from members of the audience after both speeches.  His honesty, knowledge and willingness to engage everyone generated good will.  ### 

 

SUPERINTENDENT JAMES WILLIAMS

 

 

 

Count PoliticsNY.Net along with the 6 out of 9 Buffalo School Board members as giving Williams a "vote of confidence".

 

The scholastic recovery of the District is a long & painful process. It is great news for the children of the Buffalo School District to have someone like Williams who is so focused on this outcome.

 

Williams doesn't do the same thing over & over again expecting a different result & not getting it; as is the legacy of his predecessors.

 

Williams does things differently & expects a much better result with respect to student performance.

 

We are starting to see results, finally & amen! ###

 

 

ECFSA (control board)

 

 

 

Chairman Anthony Baynes is resigning for health reasons. Anthony has been a great friend in the past. We wish him great health & God's best! ###

 

Josephilluzzi704@aol.com

 

 

B. Tom Golisano: "Responsible New York"

by Staff

 

 Fed up with rising property taxes, billionaire businessman Tom Golisano says downsizing West Seneca town government could have a snowball effect across the state and wake up municipalities to the idea that cutting government costs is the way to go to stop the population exodus from New York because of out-of-control taxes.

Golisano, who pushed his own downsizing theme at West Seneca Town Hall on Tuesday morning, says his new $5 million Responsible New York fund hopes to "encourage governments to find ways to lower their costs," and that "management overhead is the place to look."

In a telephone interview with PoliticsNY.Net on Tuesday before his Town Hall news conference, Golisano said: "Real estate taxes have reached ridiculous proportions and have gotten so large and so dominant that they are forcing people to move [out of the state]. Over the last 12 months, 1.2 million people have moved out of New York. We have no population growth at all."

The Responsible New York fund intends to support efforts to reduce the costs of government at all levels, assisted by Golisano’s political point man, former Erie County Democratic Chairman Steve Pigeon.

"We have so many local governments and layers in government that may have been justified [at one time]," said Golisano. "But with the growth of technology has come a smaller world and we don’t need all these layers; government can be more economical.

There is a movement in West Seneca to shrink the Town Board from five members to three, a proposal by Supervisor Wally Piotrowski. However the Town Board is opposed to the downsizing effort, voting against the resolution last week. However there is a petition drive underway to get the resolution on the November ballot.

"West Seneca could be a landslide movement that could start a snowball across the rest of the state," said Golisano in support of the downsizing effort.

"The taxes are really hurting; this is an opportunity to reduce costs significantly and it’s good for everybody. Responsible New York supports what Wally Piotrowski is trying to do. We have to deal with the syndrome; the inmates have to fix the institution and Wally is trying to make that happen."

Golisano concedes the effort won’t be easy but says he is excited that the first steps are being taken and it is clear the Paychex founder and owner of the Buffalo Sabres is committed to the effort.

Expect Golisano’s political action committees to be very active in the upcoming elections.

 

 

 

To:     Joe Illuzzi

 

From: MAJ Patrick Pascall

Re:     Jon Powers and his charity

Regarding the article about Jon Powers and his charity, "Powers’ Iraq outreach ends up as more hype than help", I offer the following:

As a Civil Affairs* officer with multiple deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan and the Horn of Africa I run into many soldiers that want to help, especially the children.  I advise all of them that the best way to help, is to work through an existing charity, especially given the Iraq governments policies and controls on what and who enters their country.  We have seen many well meaning individuals and organizations raise funds to help, and end up having the door slammed in their face by either the Iraqi government or our own State Department. 

The problem stems from what was experienced in Haiti in the mid to late 1990's.  While there as a Civil Affairs operations officer, the Haitian government, with the blessing of the U.S. State Department, allowed every kind of organization into their country to help.  Granted, it was a target rich environment in terms of need, but what happened is they lost control.  You had all these people, many former soldiers, running around the country doing what they wanted without deconflicting with any one.  Before you knew it, we had over two thousand Non-governmental Organizations(NGO) and Private Voluntary Organizations (PVO), Etc conducting assistance efforts with no oversight.  Granted, many were well meaning, but many were just drawing salaries and living like kings off the good hearted.  All while receiving "free" deliveries to Haiti via a program called "Denton" (Which still exists).  The bottom line is:  The State Department and the Iraqi government, based on our recommendations, did not want this to get out of control like it had in Haiti.

Fast forward to Iraq.  As we have seen, the need is great.  However, there is a process in place to help these people, and it runs through the U.S. State Department Provincial Reconstruction Teams (PRT's), and prior to that, the Civil Affairs Teams and the local Neighborhood Advisory Councils (NAC's).  Imagine the nightmare in Iraq we would have had, given the conditions in 2003-2006, if we would have allowed groups like CPT Powers to come and go with millions of American dollars.  We would have had many more hostage situations and non-Iraqi civilians running around at a time when we needed less.

I will say, that any efforts to help in that region should be given credit, however, there is a process in place and it should be used.  I believe that Congress, in turning down their funding request, was working through the U.S. military and State Department to ensure we do not create a situation like we had in the past.  I have seen first hand these issues come up and the PRT's, through the Iraqi Government are keeping a steady policy of forcing these charities to work through the current structure.   

Civil Affairs: Soldiers that help lead the rebuilding efforts, and act as the liaisons between the U.S. military and the Iraqi government.

 

 

 

August 5, 2008

 

 

“I respect Anthony Baynes and his work on behalf of the community and the Erie County Fiscal Stability Authority. As Chair of the Erie County Legislature, Mr. Baynes and I had a good working relationship and I wish him well. As I have in the past, I will continue to work with all members of the state–appointed Fiscal Stability Authority, including the new chair.”

 

Erie County Legislature Chair Lynn Marinelli

 

 

 

"Senators Charles E. Schumer and Hillary Rodham Clinton announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has awarded $1,252,560 in Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) funds to Buffalo Niagara International Airport.  Federal funds will be used for noise mitigation measures for residents in neighborhoods near the airport. Senators Schumer and Clinton also announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has awarded $142,000 in Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) funds to Niagara Falls International Airport. Funding will be used to relocate the runway "distance remaining" signs, giving pilots a more accurate portrayal of runway surface distance.

"This is great news for Western New York," said Schumer. "The funding is necessary to keep our airports running smoothly; to help keep our passengers safe and to improve the quality of life for the neighborhoods surrounding the airports. I will continue to fight for federal funds to help these airports remain thriving centers of activity and hubs for economic growth in the region."

“Western New York’s airports are critical resources for commerce and transportation and I welcome the announcement of this funding. These investments will support needed improvements at Buffalo Niagara International and Niagara Falls Airport, and will allow the airports to continue working safety and efficiently for Western New York’s passengers and communities,” said Senator Clinton. 

 Senators Charles E. Schumer and Hillary Rodham Clinton

 

EXCLUSIVE: 27th District Congressional Candidate Dan Humiston

 

by Staff