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Post by stoney on Jul 30, 2009 13:31:27 GMT -5
I can't wait to watch last night's mtg. on TV. Larry, what went on?
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Post by tanouryjr on Jul 30, 2009 16:32:38 GMT -5
Well, I could write a book based on everything that happened and what led to last night. The short story is this:
Political Corruption runs way deeper here than even I ever imagined. We have been questioning many policies and decisions for two years now. The County Executive has all but imposed a blackout on the Democrats. There is a dispute at Griffiss between two companies, Empire Aero and MidAir. We feel Empire Aero is getting preferential treatment due to political reasons. They employ the Majority Leader's sister, who's husband is the county's Finanace Commissioner. They are major contributors to the GOP. Then there is the question of Picente taking a $1,900 donation from the company, Million Air, that he promoted to take over the FBO operations at Griffiss. Then there is the Insight House situation.
Everyone keeps arguing about what a good job IH does. However, not one of us has questioned that. What we question is the fact that they are getting a $1 per year lease that runs through 2033 on a county owned building that taxpayers have invested $3M into. At the same time, the county leases office space from the Adirondack Bank for fair market price. The CEO has no higher education and employ both of her children in managerial positions. The CE violated the law when he appointed the Mental Health Commissioner. He appointed a 3 person panel to make the appointment when, in fact, the law states that the Community Services Board is supposed to make that appointment. Then, after we called the attornies from OASAS in Albany on Tuesday, and they gave us some information, suddenly they were in Utica at the leg meeting to refute some of what they told us the night before. picente had them drive here in a state car to attend the meeting. They only began to admit to some of their statements after I asked to play the recording of my conversation with them the night before. I ask, how did Picente get these Albany attornies to make this trip for a little county leg meeting? Also, IH's attorney is also an attorney for the county. This raises a conflict of interest issue.
there were MANY other issues raised, including the fact that the minority party (us) defeated a $350,000 bond for the first time in the history of the leg. This sent a message to the CE that he can not act unilaterally and must start working with the legislature. He is running the county as if he is King and not an elected official there to do the people's business. Unfortunately the media and powers that be will continue to paint it as a political issue and only tell their side. But we'll see.
The point is, we are finally striking at the core of what is wrong with government. Until we root out the incestrial, deep rooted political interests, we will never see real change. We are attacking and taking on the whole political elite. For that, we are targets. I already received two anonymous threatening calls today. All that does is confirm that I'm doing the right thing.
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Post by wcup102 on Jul 30, 2009 17:07:02 GMT -5
Wow Larry, looks like you hit the hornets nest with a stick. Good Job!!!! Don't stop until every crooked one is out, arrested, or lynched. It's long overdue that the "staus quo" has been untouched or unaccountable. IH should be paying fair market value for rent. I as a taxpayer am very pissed off about this, the airport, and the "positions" that some have. Unfortunately for a little while longer I have to bite my tongue so to speak until I changed positions, but I really want to speak at these meetings. i will be sure to let you know which one I will be at because we may need to have a sign at the door "Rated R".
I am also pissed off that the OIn is getting stimulus money, but that is another fight.
Again good job and keep up the good work, I think you have only scratched the surface though.
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Post by lovinglife on Jul 31, 2009 4:58:15 GMT -5
Larry, did you videotape it? Also, I'm guessing that in the Legislature, there are those who recognize the corruption and stand against it; those who are part of the corruption and encourage it; those who need to be informed. What would you say is the percentage of the three? Can you guess at it? Like someone said in another thread - just the fact that you can be around these people without puking your guts out everyday earns you the right to a great deal of respect.
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Post by tanouryjr on Jul 31, 2009 6:08:49 GMT -5
Well, there are 29 legislators, I would say there are only 3 that speak out againt the corruption (that includes me). Part of the corruption would be a small percentage too. The problem is MOST know about it, but fail to have the courage to stand up against it and even make excuses for it. But hey, they know they have the OD in their pocket to help them (look at today's editorial).
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Post by lovinglife on Jul 31, 2009 6:33:24 GMT -5
Well, there are 29 legislators, I would say there are only 3 that speak out againt the corruption (that includes me). Part of the corruption would be a small percentage too. The problem is MOST know about it, but fail to have the courage to stand up against it and even make excuses for it. But hey, they know they have the OD in their pocket to help them (look at today's editorial). I don't have your stomach Larry. I can't look at the editorial - doesn't sound good. I'll have to work up to this and make sure I have a bucket nearby. |
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Post by stoney on Jul 31, 2009 13:42:04 GMT -5
Unfortunately, Ch. 99 just keeps showing repeats of old legislators' mtgs. & oftentimes the tape/sound are very garbled.
I wish Herkimer Co. would show their meetings, especially with all this hoopla (technical term) about the new jail.
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Post by stoney on Aug 1, 2009 13:12:21 GMT -5
Just as I thought: They're replaying the June 10th meeting with the Oneida Co. Dairy Princess.  I guess I'll just go outside & fondle my zucchini. |
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Post by tanouryjr on Aug 4, 2009 20:15:22 GMT -5
This is partially what started the debate on Wed. This was a press conference from last Monday where we discussed our issues at Griffiss. It was about an hour long, so I just took a quick statement that I made about Campaign Contributions.
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Post by stoney on Aug 6, 2009 13:42:00 GMT -5
Do you know if they're going to be showing the meeting, Larry?
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Post by dgriffin on Aug 6, 2009 14:44:28 GMT -5
This is partially what started the debate on Wed. This was a press conference from last Monday where we discussed our issues at Griffiss. It was about an hour long, so I just took a quick statement that I made about Campaign Contributions. Way to go, Larry! You held on to the reins and stayed in control to get your message across. |
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Post by stoney on Aug 8, 2009 15:45:54 GMT -5
Today they showed the July 15th meeting. They're getting there...  |
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