They want to blame someone else (usually the Democrats) for what they are not willing to do. That of course is reduce spending ... now.
We must look at reality, at the federal, state and local level we are looking at a reduction in aid and revenue. We must plan for it to insure we are not looking at raising taxes. The Majority leader forgets, or tries in a very lawyerly fashion to avoid the facts of the case when they are not in her favor. We have had 12 years of Republican Leadership in New York State, over seven years in the Federal Government and decades in Oswego County ... this has brought us a economic recession, and record deficits.
What we need is the Majority Leader to stop playing blame game and do what she was elected to do...make the tough decisions of reducing spending. Come on ...do we really need a $175,000.00 in new furniture?? Other departments have needs ... we must make priorities...we have to make our tax dollars stretch further.
Just like county taxpayers who now have to make the tough decisions so should we. Gas is going up, the cost of food and everything else. Its time to start making those hard decisions and not return to the "Tax and Spend" policies that marked the Republican Leadership of just a few years ago which the new Majority Leader was a part of.
May 14, 2008
Minority Point of View “The County’s Impending Fiscal Crisis.”
They didn’t listen. They never listen, so it started again. Let me explain:
Several years ago we warned of an impending fiscal crisis, offered suggestions, but the then Republican Majority refused to listen. They spent and spent and used all your reserve funds. Then came what we warned you of: the largest tax increase in
Now here they go again. The Republican Majority Caucus is spending --robbing, really! -- your reserve funds, the funds that our former bi-partisan coalition worked so hard to achieve over the last several years. We fought to reduce taxes and build back our reserve funds that were recklessly spent when the Republican Majority had complete control of the Oswego County Legislature. It does no one any good to say this, but we warned you, the taxpayers of
How do the Republicans explain what they’ve done? They blame everyone but themselves and their own actions. Just a few weeks ago they voted for over a million dollars in new highway equipment. We warned that his was not prudent move, that the county simply cannot afford it. As usual with the Republican Majority, they ignored our advice and spent your tax dollars. A reduction in spending would have been a common sense approach to the county budget, especially when we anticipated a downturn in the local, state and national economy. Even with a restoration in state aid from last year’s state budget, we still face a downturn in revenue this year.
Last year, the bi-partisan leadership of the county legislature, which we were a part of, made the tough decisions, reduced spending, downsized county government, built back our reserves and reduced your taxes. That took us several years of hard work. We knew it was unpopular with the “partisan” interests in the county, but we had to what was right for the county’s future. This year the new leadership has started back down the road of the “tax and spend” Republican Caucus that controlled the county government during the record tax increases of a few years ago. They are already warning of at least a 5 percent increase in your taxes. We are sure that increase will likely be even higher.
We need a comprehensive plan which looks at all aspects of the county budget and we need to put the brakes on spending.
The Republican Majority doesn’t learn; the Republican Majority doesn’t listen. But there are remedies we can take. When your taxes go up again, remember who did it to you.
February 15, 2008
In Fairness, a Thank You
On this Thursday the Republican Caucus showed it true colors of one of total hypocrisy in picking a Republican Committee person to fill the 17th Legislative Seat, a Democratic seat for over 18 years.
One exception was Legislator Shawn Doyle. Mr. Doyle stood and fought last year for the right of the political committee to appoint a replacement for a vacancy in a legislative district. Staying true to his words on the floor he voted to honor Len Ponzi, and voted for a Democrat to fill the seat. In fairness we thank you for your principled stand.
Legislators which had voted against "The tradition has been that the legislature accepted the recommendation of the local committee." are,
Legislator Gardner said he respects that process. "If something happens to me I would want the two committees (republican) from my district to choose my successor," he said. VN 5/16/07
"Republican committee people are elected by the people in their district," Legislator Barbara Brown said. "Those people represent the people of their district, and the people in the north country have spoken." VN 4/19/07
Legislator Jack Proud, a staunch Republican, told fellow legislators that he was disappointed that the process that has been in place for decades was not followed.
"As a legislator of a number of years, I'm extremely disappointed that we're engaged in this process this evening," he said. "The local people in that area have spoken. The local
committee has spoken, by an overwhelming vote."
He added, "This legislature should not be playing God in this instance. It should abide by the wishes of the local committee. The tradition has been that the legislature accepted the recommendation of the local committee." VN 4/19/07
One exception was Legislator Shawn Doyle. Mr. Doyle stood and fought last year for the right of the political committee to appoint a replacement for a vacancy in a legislative district. Staying true to his words on the floor he voted to honor Len Ponzi, and voted for a Democrat to fill the seat. In fairness we thank you for your principled stand.
Legislators which had voted against "The tradition has been that the legislature accepted the recommendation of the local committee." are,
Legislator Gardner said he respects that process. "If something happens to me I would want the two committees (republican) from my district to choose my successor," he said. VN 5/16/07
"Republican committee people are elected by the people in their district," Legislator Barbara Brown said. "Those people represent the people of their district, and the people in the north country have spoken." VN 4/19/07
Legislator Jack Proud, a staunch Republican, told fellow legislators that he was disappointed that the process that has been in place for decades was not followed.
"As a legislator of a number of years, I'm extremely disappointed that we're engaged in this process this evening," he said. "The local people in that area have spoken. The local
committee has spoken, by an overwhelming vote."
He added, "This legislature should not be playing God in this instance. It should abide by the wishes of the local committee. The tradition has been that the legislature accepted the recommendation of the local committee." VN 4/19/07
February 14, 2008
The End of the Debate on the Standing Walker
We have the proof, video below, that Lee Walker not only was standing clapping but also shook the hand of the new highway department head.
Again, after seeing this clip, how can the story stand by the Valley News that he was not standing?
In the clip the hand reaching out to Kurt Osphelt as he was walking back was clearly Lee Walkers, as he was standing, as the next few fames show.
The bottom line is that Lee Walker was standing, video shows that and the Valley News and the reporter refuses to correct the record.
UPDATE: Comments have complained that this is not the complete video, that is true, that is why we call it a clip. This is the entire video section that was shown on TV from the point on the tape that showed the legislators. As the clip starts it shows the reporter that wrote the article "about Lee Walker not standing" as turned away as the legislators started to stand and clap. This is because in the full video she is returning to her seat to put away her camera from taking a picture of Kurt Osphelt being sworn in. In the next few days we will post the entire section of the Kurt Osphelt swearing in. That will clearly show the comments to be totally false.
Again, after seeing this clip, how can the story stand by the Valley News that he was not standing?
In the clip the hand reaching out to Kurt Osphelt as he was walking back was clearly Lee Walkers, as he was standing, as the next few fames show.
The bottom line is that Lee Walker was standing, video shows that and the Valley News and the reporter refuses to correct the record.
UPDATE: Comments have complained that this is not the complete video, that is true, that is why we call it a clip. This is the entire video section that was shown on TV from the point on the tape that showed the legislators. As the clip starts it shows the reporter that wrote the article "about Lee Walker not standing" as turned away as the legislators started to stand and clap. This is because in the full video she is returning to her seat to put away her camera from taking a picture of Kurt Osphelt being sworn in. In the next few days we will post the entire section of the Kurt Osphelt swearing in. That will clearly show the comments to be totally false.
February 13, 2008
Reply to Comments and our Mission
We did not think that this site would get the numbers of hits that it has over the last week. We are truly amazed that our message has gotten out so quickly. With that sometimes comes comments that are, let us say, not politically correct. Please when you leave a comment be civil.
The reason for this site is clear. The majority of newspapers in Oswego County are either in Republican control or lean that way. The only way for a true debate is to have both sides treated fairly by the press. Sadly this does not happen most of the time.
To answer the question of who writes this, many people do. It is a true community effort. Anyone watching the newspapers lately on the Aubertine fishing ad where the voice over was hunted done, harassed, and forced to recant by political pressure can see our point of not giving credit to the many authors.
For the history buffs out there "Common Sense" was published without the real persons name attached as the British would have hanged him. In Oswego it is clear the powers that be will use their political pressure to eliminate debate.
The reason for this site is clear. The majority of newspapers in Oswego County are either in Republican control or lean that way. The only way for a true debate is to have both sides treated fairly by the press. Sadly this does not happen most of the time.
To answer the question of who writes this, many people do. It is a true community effort. Anyone watching the newspapers lately on the Aubertine fishing ad where the voice over was hunted done, harassed, and forced to recant by political pressure can see our point of not giving credit to the many authors.
For the history buffs out there "Common Sense" was published without the real persons name attached as the British would have hanged him. In Oswego it is clear the powers that be will use their political pressure to eliminate debate.
February 8, 2008
Oswego Needs Jobs not Excuses
The Minority Caucus has for years fought to increase good paying jobs in Oswego County. We fought for the reduced power program from the IDA Nuclear PILOTS, which at the time the Republican Majority Leader stated it was not a "priority."
It seems that the Republican Majority cares more about press releases that the actual hard work of creating jobs. That is why we support Darrel Aubertine's stand against "job outsourcing" in New York State, especially because of the impact it has had on Oswego County in the last several years. Companies that accept tax breaks and incentives to set up shop in Oswego, then cut and run, pocketing their tax breaks and leaving hundreds unemployed need to be held accountable.
We need a real economic development plan that creates real paying jobs that our families. Aubertine's announced plans are very well tuned to what we need in Oswego County.
Things like,
Remove Benefits for Outsourcers: Darrel promises to work toward Senate adoption of the State Financial Incentive Protection Act. This would prohibit companies that cut jobs due to outsourcing from receiving taxpayer-funded incentives (A11682, 2004). While similar legislation was defeated in the Senate this January, Darrel believes public support for this idea is strong and he will sponsor it in the Senate.
Reinvest in Infrastructure
Investment in infrastructure -- whether that means roads and bridges, city centers, broadband access or investments in our higher education system -- is critical if we are to attract the businesses of tomorrow. The governor has proposed a $1 billion investment in upstate to jump start the economy. Darrel believes Central and Northern New York needs a strong voice at the table when those dollars are divided.
Cut taxes on Manufacturers: Darrel supports and has sponsored legislation that would phase out the franchise tax on business corporations that are manufacturers (A.2361).
Cap Property Taxes: Darrel strongly supports the proposed property tax cap, and believes that state and local governments need to stop pointing fingers and start working together to reduce property taxes.
These are real economic development plans that will mean real jobs for Oswego County.
It seems that the Republican Majority cares more about press releases that the actual hard work of creating jobs. That is why we support Darrel Aubertine's stand against "job outsourcing" in New York State, especially because of the impact it has had on Oswego County in the last several years. Companies that accept tax breaks and incentives to set up shop in Oswego, then cut and run, pocketing their tax breaks and leaving hundreds unemployed need to be held accountable.
We need a real economic development plan that creates real paying jobs that our families. Aubertine's announced plans are very well tuned to what we need in Oswego County.
Things like,
Remove Benefits for Outsourcers: Darrel promises to work toward Senate adoption of the State Financial Incentive Protection Act. This would prohibit companies that cut jobs due to outsourcing from receiving taxpayer-funded incentives (A11682, 2004). While similar legislation was defeated in the Senate this January, Darrel believes public support for this idea is strong and he will sponsor it in the Senate.
Reinvest in Infrastructure
Investment in infrastructure -- whether that means roads and bridges, city centers, broadband access or investments in our higher education system -- is critical if we are to attract the businesses of tomorrow. The governor has proposed a $1 billion investment in upstate to jump start the economy. Darrel believes Central and Northern New York needs a strong voice at the table when those dollars are divided.
Cut taxes on Manufacturers: Darrel supports and has sponsored legislation that would phase out the franchise tax on business corporations that are manufacturers (A.2361).
Cap Property Taxes: Darrel strongly supports the proposed property tax cap, and believes that state and local governments need to stop pointing fingers and start working together to reduce property taxes.
These are real economic development plans that will mean real jobs for Oswego County.
February 3, 2008
Refusing to Tell the TRUTH - Valley News - WHY?
In an article written by Carol Thompson of the Valley News stated that Lee Walker (D) Oswego, did not stand when Ospelt was appointed. That was false.
Legislator Walker called the Valley News and requested the story be be corrected. To date they have not.
We have to ask the question why a newspaper would continue to allow a story to be wrong. Could it be now that the Valley News is slanting their news coverage to the benefit of a political agenda? Is it now the purpose of the new “Republican Additional Paper” to create false and distorted view points for a political advantage?
Could the Valley News be accused of a legally reckless
disregard for the truth?
Newspapers must if to be believed, be honest and balanced. If they cross the line and allow their reporters and stories to stop representing the truth then all you are left with is a organization that attempts to push a political view calling it’s self a newspaper. At least politicians are honest about themselves, they do not attempt to hide or conceal their motivation.
"Following the vote, Ospelt was given a standing ovation with Gearsbeck as one of the first legislators to rise from his seat. Walker, a former employee of the county's Public Works department, was the only legislator to remain seated, resulting in some legislators commenting about his behavior following the meeting. " "Ospelt named county highway department chief by Carol Thompson, January 9, 2008"
January 27, 2008
Stealing of a Legislative Seat - 17th Legislative District Vacancy
Within hours after the government meeting Republican Legislators were trying to back track on there own actions by saying that Len Ponzi's vacancy was different, sure he was a Democrat. The 190 year vacancy tradition that Legislator Doyle was speaking of was followed as he explained it in the VN article, to the letter.
The duly elected committee persons (at a meeting of the committee persons according to the rules of the Oswego County Democratic Committee) of that district met and picked a recommendation. What the Republicans have done now is BREAK their own 190 year tradition for pure political power.
Their candidate is a republican committee person, and former defeated republican alderman from the City of Oswego. How could that be a comprise to a 18 year Democratic Legislative seat? Will she sit in Democratic Caucus? Of course not.
The duly elected committee persons (at a meeting of the committee persons according to the rules of the Oswego County Democratic Committee) of that district met and picked a recommendation. What the Republicans have done now is BREAK their own 190 year tradition for pure political power.
Our question to the voters of Oswego County is, if they will lie to gain just one legislative seat how can you trust anything they now say about county government.Now the Majority Leader, Kim Seager, is saying that their hand picked candidate was a comprise. Of course she never called the Democratic County Chair or the Oswego City Chairman, so clearly again this is just another smoke screen they are trying to hide behind.
Their candidate is a republican committee person, and former defeated republican alderman from the City of Oswego. How could that be a comprise to a 18 year Democratic Legislative seat? Will she sit in Democratic Caucus? Of course not.
It is one more lie to cover up the their political power payIn short, their words can not be trusted. We will see if any republicans legislators have the honor to keep to their 190 year tradition at the vote in February. We will see.
to steal a legislative seat that they could not win fairly.
January 24, 2008
Hypocrisy of Republican Legislators
Today the Republican Legislators of the Oswego County Legislature
(in governemnt committee) showed their true colors, or should we say their hypocrisy in picking a Republican Committeeperson to fill the 17th Legislative Seat, a Democratic seat for over 18 years.
This is in clear contradiction to their own actions and words as clearly defined by "Legislator Shawn Doyle said, "The District 1 vacancy fiasco should anger both Republicans and Democrats alike. Republicans are justly outraged that Chairman Johnson and Vice Chairman Osetek have led other rebels overturning a nearly 190-year vacancy tradition, snubbing their noses at the decision of the duly elected GOP committee members from Boylston, Sandy Creek, and Redfield."
Cleary there are two sets of rules, one for the Republicans, and one for Democrats. That is not fair...it is not right...and it is not DEMOCRATIC.
The Chairman of the Legislature, Barry Leeman, wants to get alone - well this is surely not a good first step.
(in governemnt committee) showed their true colors, or should we say their hypocrisy in picking a Republican Committeeperson to fill the 17th Legislative Seat, a Democratic seat for over 18 years.
This is in clear contradiction to their own actions and words as clearly defined by "Legislator Shawn Doyle said, "The District 1 vacancy fiasco should anger both Republicans and Democrats alike. Republicans are justly outraged that Chairman Johnson and Vice Chairman Osetek have led other rebels overturning a nearly 190-year vacancy tradition, snubbing their noses at the decision of the duly elected GOP committee members from Boylston, Sandy Creek, and Redfield."
Cleary there are two sets of rules, one for the Republicans, and one for Democrats. That is not fair...it is not right...and it is not DEMOCRATIC.
The Chairman of the Legislature, Barry Leeman, wants to get alone - well this is surely not a good first step.
January 18, 2008
In Their Own Words…Filling the 17th Legislative District Vacancy
In the last few days the Republican Party has been trying to back track on their own words in the filing of vacancies in the county legislature. It seems that when it comes to filling the vacancy of a democratic Legislative seat the same rules do not apply.
With the sad passing of our good friend Democrat Len Ponzi the need now arises to fill the vacant 17th county legislative seat. This seat has been held by the Democratic Party for close to 20 years, yet now the Republican Party wishes to make it a Republican seat.
In the process of filling the vacant 1st Legislative seat last year the Republican Party made it clear that the local Republican Committee should and must have their choice.
The Oswego City Democratic Committee has met, and they have picked a replacement for Democrat Len Ponzi. The person is a Democrat in honor of the work that Len Ponzi gave to his district and that would have been his wish as a life long Democrat.
We will now see if the same Republican Legislators now support the choice of the duly elected …Democratic representatives of the 17th Legislative District.
In their own words on filling vacancy’s in the Oswego County Legislature.
Legislator Gardner said he respects that process. "If something happens to me I would want the two committees from my district to choose my successor," he said. VN 5/16/07
"Republican committee people are elected by the people in their district," Legislator Barbara Brown said. "Those people represent the people of their district, and the people in the north country have spoken." VN 4/19/07
Legislator Jack Proud, a staunch Republican, told fellow legislators that he was disappointed that the process that has been in place for decades was not followed.
"As a legislator of a number of years, I'm extremely disappointed that we're engaged in this process this evening," he said. "The local people in that area have spoken. The local
committee has spoken, by an overwhelming vote."
He added, "This legislature should not be playing God in this instance. It should abide by the wishes of the local committee. The tradition has been that the legislature accepted the recommendation of the local committee." VN 4/19/07
Legislator Shawn Doyle said, "The District 1 vacancy fiasco should anger both Republicans and Democrats alike. Republicans are justly outraged that Chairman Johnson and Vice Chairman Osetek have led other rebels overturning a nearly 190-year vacancy tradition, snubbing their noses at the decision of the duly elected GOP committee members from Boylston, Sandy Creek, and Redfield." VN 4/19/07
With the sad passing of our good friend Democrat Len Ponzi the need now arises to fill the vacant 17th county legislative seat. This seat has been held by the Democratic Party for close to 20 years, yet now the Republican Party wishes to make it a Republican seat.
In the process of filling the vacant 1st Legislative seat last year the Republican Party made it clear that the local Republican Committee should and must have their choice.
The Oswego City Democratic Committee has met, and they have picked a replacement for Democrat Len Ponzi. The person is a Democrat in honor of the work that Len Ponzi gave to his district and that would have been his wish as a life long Democrat.
We will now see if the same Republican Legislators now support the choice of the duly elected …Democratic representatives of the 17th Legislative District.
In their own words on filling vacancy’s in the Oswego County Legislature.
Legislator Gardner said he respects that process. "If something happens to me I would want the two committees from my district to choose my successor," he said. VN 5/16/07
"Republican committee people are elected by the people in their district," Legislator Barbara Brown said. "Those people represent the people of their district, and the people in the north country have spoken." VN 4/19/07
Legislator Jack Proud, a staunch Republican, told fellow legislators that he was disappointed that the process that has been in place for decades was not followed.
"As a legislator of a number of years, I'm extremely disappointed that we're engaged in this process this evening," he said. "The local people in that area have spoken. The local
committee has spoken, by an overwhelming vote."
He added, "This legislature should not be playing God in this instance. It should abide by the wishes of the local committee. The tradition has been that the legislature accepted the recommendation of the local committee." VN 4/19/07
Legislator Shawn Doyle said, "The District 1 vacancy fiasco should anger both Republicans and Democrats alike. Republicans are justly outraged that Chairman Johnson and Vice Chairman Osetek have led other rebels overturning a nearly 190-year vacancy tradition, snubbing their noses at the decision of the duly elected GOP committee members from Boylston, Sandy Creek, and Redfield." VN 4/19/07
January 12, 2008
An Ethics Question for the Valley News Publisher
A number of undisclosed sources saw Valley News reporter Carol Thompson Saturday evening at Vona's Restaurant having dinner with County Legislator Arthur Ospelt , his wife, and Kurt Ospelt, the new Highway Department Head. Ms. Thompson is the same reporter which created a story using totally false information on Legislator Walker this week. See Fact Check....Valley News below.
Our question is ... is it ethical for a reporter to report on stories which they have a personal interest in " real or perceived" without disclosing it to the public? A little research on the topic of found the CODE OF ETHICS for professional journalists.
Let us see what a professional journalist is to adhere to.
From the Society of Professional Journalists
Our question is ... is it ethical for a reporter to report on stories which they have a personal interest in " real or perceived" without disclosing it to the public? A little research on the topic of found the CODE OF ETHICS for professional journalists.
Let us see what a professional journalist is to adhere to.
From the Society of Professional Journalists
Journalists should be free of obligation to any interest other than the public's right to know.
Journalists should:
—Avoid conflicts of interest, real or perceived.
— Remain free of associations and activities that may compromise integrity or damage credibility.
— Refuse gifts, favors, fees, free travel and special treatment, and shun secondary employment, political involvement, public office and service in community organizations if they compromise journalistic integrity.
— Disclose unavoidable conflicts.
January 11, 2008
Fact Check…Valley News
Article “ Ospelt named county highway department chief” Wed Jan 9th.
Not quite a few days into the New Year the “newly appointed Republican paper (the Valley News –Reporter Carl Thompson) falsely accused freshmen Legislator Lee Walker of not standing when her close friend Kurt Ospelt was appointed by the legislature as the new highway chief.
It must have been the tears of happiness in her eyes that blinded her to totally miss a 5”10 220 pound man standing and clapping for the new highway head. The guy was Lee Walker. The same person she accused. Many- many people saw Walker standing and clapping.
The question we have is why was that even news worthy? There were a number of departments heads “properly” appointed that afternoon and they seemed to have not made Ms. Thompson’s news article, including the county administrator. It seems there is a “special” and maybe personnel interest in this one appointment.
As we have early disclosed the highway heads “delayed” appointment, because he was not recommend out of committee, seemed to have been mentioned in dozens of articles in the Valley News ONLY. Not one other paper thought this issue was remotely news worthy enough to carry it almost each week in their paper. The Valley News did...and did…and did over again.
Why…you might say there was another motive for this. Well they are now the new “extra” county paper. A paper that has never been appointed by the Republican Party until they stated to slate their stories against the Democrats and for the Republicans JUST last year.
Not quite a few days into the New Year the “newly appointed Republican paper (the Valley News –Reporter Carl Thompson) falsely accused freshmen Legislator Lee Walker of not standing when her close friend Kurt Ospelt was appointed by the legislature as the new highway chief.
It must have been the tears of happiness in her eyes that blinded her to totally miss a 5”10 220 pound man standing and clapping for the new highway head. The guy was Lee Walker. The same person she accused. Many- many people saw Walker standing and clapping.
The question we have is why was that even news worthy? There were a number of departments heads “properly” appointed that afternoon and they seemed to have not made Ms. Thompson’s news article, including the county administrator. It seems there is a “special” and maybe personnel interest in this one appointment.
As we have early disclosed the highway heads “delayed” appointment, because he was not recommend out of committee, seemed to have been mentioned in dozens of articles in the Valley News ONLY. Not one other paper thought this issue was remotely news worthy enough to carry it almost each week in their paper. The Valley News did...and did…and did over again.
Why…you might say there was another motive for this. Well they are now the new “extra” county paper. A paper that has never been appointed by the Republican Party until they stated to slate their stories against the Democrats and for the Republicans JUST last year.
January 5, 2008
Two Papers for Majority Caucus...WHY? (Editorial Opinion)
Each year at the organizational meeting of the county legislature, as directed by county law, the Majority and Minority Caucus submit one paper for the status of "official county" newspaper for that year. These two papers then publish legal notices and such which cost the county for each paper in the range of $30,000 to $50,000 a year.
Over the last decade the Majority and Minority Caucus have chosen one paper each as that is the clear understanding of county law. Section 214 This year, breaking with the accepted practice and without notice to the Minority Caucus the Republican Majority Caucus picked TWO papers doubling the cost to the county taxpayers!
The Democratic Minority Caucus refused to go along with this as it was an extra burden to the taxpayers with no GOOD reason.
Several Republican Legislators attempted to explain that they wanted more coverage, but could not answer why now. Why just the Valley News and why no notice the the Minority?
In attempting to answer the question why, one should look at last years legislative elections. Anyone who read the Valley News could have the opinion that it was a political payback for their coverage. Clearly the Valley News seemed to slat their coverage and use their editorials against legislators that did not toe the "Republican Party Line." (see this article as an opinion of the coverage) Legislators that voted to reform county government were singled out and stories were written that cast an unfavourable light on them. In the next few days we will highlight several stories that the Valley News ran that were not correct, factually.
It seems the additional paper, the Valley News, ran many..many stories that were slanted against reform candidates/ Democrats and in favor of Republicans.
One thing is clear the Republican Caucus has never picked the Valley News in their history, so the question is why now?
Over the last decade the Majority and Minority Caucus have chosen one paper each as that is the clear understanding of county law. Section 214 This year, breaking with the accepted practice and without notice to the Minority Caucus the Republican Majority Caucus picked TWO papers doubling the cost to the county taxpayers!
The Democratic Minority Caucus refused to go along with this as it was an extra burden to the taxpayers with no GOOD reason.
Several Republican Legislators attempted to explain that they wanted more coverage, but could not answer why now. Why just the Valley News and why no notice the the Minority?
In attempting to answer the question why, one should look at last years legislative elections. Anyone who read the Valley News could have the opinion that it was a political payback for their coverage. Clearly the Valley News seemed to slat their coverage and use their editorials against legislators that did not toe the "Republican Party Line." (see this article as an opinion of the coverage) Legislators that voted to reform county government were singled out and stories were written that cast an unfavourable light on them. In the next few days we will highlight several stories that the Valley News ran that were not correct, factually.
It seems the additional paper, the Valley News, ran many..many stories that were slanted against reform candidates/ Democrats and in favor of Republicans.
One thing is clear the Republican Caucus has never picked the Valley News in their history, so the question is why now?
Republicans Break from Legislative Rules at Start of 08
At the organizational meeting on January 3rd the Republican Caucus refused to follow the rules of the county legislature. They waved the rules in a political vote to appoint a County Highway Department Head.
The Minority Caucus would have supported the person if the proper procedure, our legislative rules, had been followed. But in a "bully" like tactic the Republicans just forced their choice thru without the normal committee review and venting.
The Republican leadership has constantly said we must follow the "rules", but it now appears those rules are only followed when it is convenient for them.
The Minority Caucus would have supported the person if the proper procedure, our legislative rules, had been followed. But in a "bully" like tactic the Republicans just forced their choice thru without the normal committee review and venting.
The Republican leadership has constantly said we must follow the "rules", but it now appears those rules are only followed when it is convenient for them.
December 28, 2007
In Memory
We in the Minority Caucus are truly sadden at the loss of one of our own, Len Ponzi.Len was like family to us and we looked to him for his wisdom and knowledge of both Oswego County and the legislature.
We will miss your smile, we will miss your voice and we will miss the very great effect you had in all our lives.
Len we miss you and we can truly say the world is a lesser place without you here.
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