The Record Is Clear (Shameless Plug)

[Clipper]

With the costs of nursing home care rising as they are, it doesn't surprise me that damn near half the cost of medicaide is for long term care.

I think we have discussed this before and didn't agree, but I think that spending down, and transferring assets to qualify for medicaide is simply wrong. Unless one has a surviving spouse, there is no reason that I can think of for not using one's assets for one's care.

Other waste includes those that use an ambulance to get to an ER and get to the front of the line, when they could take their child with a stomach virus or tonsilitis to the hospital in a cab or to a doctor's office. I witnessed that many times when I worked on an ambulance years ago.

Unfortunately wherever there is a government program, there are those that find ways to abuse or defraud said program, and we all have to pay for the abuse. Unfortunately we also pay for the fraudulent doctor shopping for the purpose of obtaining prescriptions for pain killers and other drugs that can be abused by addicts.

I would not even hazard a guess as to how one would write legislation to address the many individual problems that push the costs of medicaide out of sight.

[rodwilson]

So lmc if my thinking is at all working right and you guys can help set me straight

It's a known fact that Medicaid costs in Oneida County are a disproportionate % of property taxes vs other NY counties. The suspected reason are numerous. Now, someone at the county level can't say. Hey, this is whack, let's take a look at this. It's been whack for awhile. I've found some items on fraud reform by Larry and Destito et al. I found a document published by the MV Chamber kicking around potential solutions. I'm not suggesting for a minute that people haven't looked at it but they have failed to get the job done. Let's say for example we discover that we can save millions by promoting programs at the county level to raise awareness on what is and isn't an er visit. Heck the private insurance companies sure let you know. what if it's determined that we can save millions by reducing trips to er by ambulance, wouldn't it behoove us to look at exploring Urgent Care options in rural and urban communities? What if the reasons are as offered by Dave. If we are being asked to burden a disproportionate share, shouldn't the state recognize that and offer relief? Not if no one speaks up and goes to Albany. Hence the Legislator or rep taking action, determining cause, offering solution and present to appropriate chairs, committees or reps for action.

Am I nuts. I get this to be an oversimplification but I am I crazy for expecting that my representation at any level pursue their role as described?

[dgriffin]

Well, it's a complicated problem. But I think you're right, Rod, in wanting to get people actively pursuing a solution. I was thinking also that Medicaid as a large percentage of a county's budget can be a GOOD thing. It COULD mean (but probably doesn't in very many cases) that the county has all their other expenses under control. Here in Ulster county our budget has been destroyed by the building of a new jail. That must certainly be a regressive use of funds, unless you're a C.O. Another thought, a good portion of the medical spending dollar stays in one's locality in the form of salaries, rents, etc. When your county purchases a brand new Japanese road grader, much of that money leaves the county. In fact, it's been said that if you have to pay $1,000 for a medical procedure in your town, instead of spending the money on a SONY TV, you've just done your local economy a favor.

[tanouryjr]

Thanks guys for all the support and understanding. I think Ralph and Clipper really summed up some of the issues facing a County Legislator. I do believe there is things we can do, but it will take getting a mjority of my fellow legislators to be willing to change the way we've been doing business for the past 30-40 years. Unfortunately, they won't listen to me. When I first got elected, I thought I could change the world alone. Now I realize that I need a coalition of like minded people. That is why I've spent a lot of time helping candidates in all parts of the county over the past month. I need to get new blood in there with me. I would absolutely LOVE to see Ralph, Rod, Swimmy, etc. all on the board with me. I think we could accomplish quite a bit. If people would even attend committee meetings and board meetings to speak out, it would help. That is why I try to post videos on my website. Not because I like seeing myself, but because I think it's important that people see how their government opperates.

Medicaid is 100% a State issue. There are ways that we can reform the way we impliment some of the programs in order to lessen our burden, but that would require the old guard to get rid of a lot of patronage jobs. They won't do that simply because I'm yelling. However, I DO continue to expose their ways. At this point, the bully pulpit is my best option and I use it regularly. That is precisely why I'm not the favorite legislator on the 10th floor, or invited to their high society functions. And I wouldn't have it any other way.

Please don't think I take offense to any of this. I think this is a great conversation, and think it should be mandated that all elected officials participate in these discussions. I did run into Rod and he is a brilliant man. He has a beautiful family, and I love his energy. He reminds me of myself. I wish he would run for the leg, whether he's a Republican or Democrat doesn't matter. Heck, Ralph is a Republican and I publicly supported him for council in 2005.

I have to correct the degree issue. I went to St. Petersburg College for Politcal Science and never finished my degree. I came back and switched to Criminal Justice at MVCC and plan to finish my BA at SUNY starting in January.

Here is a video of a speech I gave on the floor MONTHS ago (I think April) where I spoke of some ideas to reform Medicaid/Medicare Fraud and Abuse. Unfortunately, the Board Chairman or Majority Leader will not even begin the discussion and simply ignore me.



So, at this point, it's all about making sure I at least give the people a voice in government and expose that their "leaders" aren't listening. At the end of the day, no one can say I didn't at least listen to the people and try to act on their concerns. Also, read the new edition of the Utica Phoenix which has a great story on my ideas and goals, including my idea for micro-loans to help jump start the economy in the inner-city. It also includes another great story from Strikeslip about West Utica.

[tanouryjr]

March 11, 2009 - Advocating that we FIGHT Albany.

[tanouryjr]

April 16, 2009 - Taking on the County Executive regarding Sales Tax and wasteful spending...

[tanouryjr]

November, 2008 - Talking about the terrible Water Deal that hurt Utica and the entire region...

[tanouryjr]

Here is my first speech which came about 5 mins after being sworn in on Jan. 3rd, 2008, where I voted NO to the rules and passed a reform package a couple weeks later.

[tanouryjr]

August 28, 2008 - Talking about Reform and the Bed Tax and the problems at the Oneida County Convention & Visitors Bureau. This led to a new board and Executive Director only weeks later.

[tanouryjr]

March, 2009 - Fighting for Utica taxpayers regarding the bonding for the Oneida County Sewer problem. I changed 7 minds on the floor and came just one vote shy of defeating the bond, which would have happened if the CE didn't interrupt a roll-call vote (illegaly) to call on his troops to make sure they voted "his" way.

[rodwilson]

Larry, thank you for those kind compliments. It certainly was not my goal to focus on you but I used Medicaid as an example and figured you were here so I might get a real answer. And I did kind of jump on your thread. Commercial looks good by the way. Like I've said, I'm a supporter of what you do and where you stand. I apologize and was clearly mistaken on the grandstanding comment. My frustration is with the whole process. It's just amazing to me that there are opportunities for change and folks just stand in the way.

I do understand what you're up against with regard to your counterparts which is what motivated me to start the MV Green Coalition. As a political catalyst for change. While my focus has shifted some as I learn the "lay of the land" my commitment remains undaunted. Your efforts in fact give real hope that change can happen. It's been pretty clearly demonstrated here that folks will come out for you.

You did in fact help me to prove a couple of points (that not much action is being taken despite your efforts AND recognition as an issue) as well as support something that I suspected (the job part).

And seriously, thank you. For what you do there and for participating here. And I appreciate your effort to get your point across in your post(s).

[Swimmy]

Wow, I lock myself in my office all day doing trial prep and this is what I missed out on. lol. Very good posts, Larry. Many idealists begin their careers thinking they can change the world on their own. And they can, but need a great support group. Spitzer is a textbook example of what not to do (even before his scandal was exposed).

[dgriffin]

It's nice to see a forum bring minds together, rather than split people apart. Come to think of it, that's what a forum is for.

[rodwilson]

Oh and Larry, while you're at it, could you get us some damn sunshine too?!?

[Clipper]

As they say on The Price is Right, Rodwilson come on down! We have sunshine and mid eighties here for the next few days.

Glad to see ya jump in and post your videos Larry. I am sorry to have misquoted your educational accomplishments and qualifications. I am confused though. I must have read that somewhere along the line, as it certainly didn't come to me in a vision, haha. I probably read in your campaign material somewhere that you had "studied" poly sci. Sorry Rod to mislead you.

Hey Larry. It is difficult for me to stay on top of your accomplishments and dealings from down here in Tennessee. I simply found your tenacity and guts very admirable during your campaign and have become a great fan of yours. I am not one to put my heart and soul into backing very many politicians, but I think you are basically very honest and well meaning, and will not deceive your constituency or seek personal gain. It is refreshing to know that we have a legislator up there that cannot be bought or influenced by the old school or the "machine." As my siggy says, I can't wait to come home. When I do, you will have an active campaign worker to help spread the word.

Rod, I also admire YOUR tenacity and your willingness to put your name and your face on the issues. I am not as young or as well informed as some, but I damn sure care about the Utica and Central NY area, and get really disgusted and appalled by some of the political maneuverings that go on there.

My mother ran the Utica office for Alexander Pirnie, along with his then "aide" Sherry Boehlert. She later ran the Rome office for Don Mitchell. She also knew Ed Hanna from high school and worked as his secretary for about a week in his first term, until he went on one of his famous rants and she told him to stuff the job, haha. I was steeped in politics and campaigning since I was about 13. I can remember when Sherwood Boehlert was a young and ambitious political figure like Larry. Unfortunately time tarnished some of my opinions of Sherry. I hope that Larry maintains the image that I admire well into his career, and that he goes far.

While I was a registered republican for years, I no longer associate myself with either major party and register as an independent. I have always voted for agenda's and platforms more than donkeys and elephants. the republicans shamed themselves in recent years with their financial irresponsibility, and the Dems are rife with idioscy when you look at the antics of Pelosi, Reid, and others in that party. I want to puke every time Nancy Pelosi steps to a podium. Not to mention what I think of the Obama administration and the dangerous direction in which they seem to be taking our great country.

Once again, we have informed parties, discussing issues in a civil manner. Thank you both for that.

Happy Fourth of July everyone! God bless America and may God protect our troops.