Time to Reform County Government

[tanouryjr]

This was moments after being sworn-in on 1/3/08. We still have a long way to go, but hopefully we can continue to stress the need to reform the legislative process. That is the only way to turn some of our ideas into policy.

Don't make fun of me either, lol. It was my first speech and I was obviously trying hard not to show how nervous I was.

[countrygal]

Oh, you did a nice job. You didn't seem nervous.

[frankcor]

Gee, I must have double clicked or something, but I watched for a few minutes before I realized it was larry the cable guy christmas carols..

Just kidding. Do you think your legislation has made a difference yet? Can you post a list of what reforms it included?

[tanouryjr]

Thanks Frank. I do think they have made a difference, but of course there is much more that needs to be done. My originally proposal included many more changes, but was parred down a little during committee and discussions.

A couple of the important ones that passed were:

*Changing the way the the Minority Legislative Analyst is hired. The position serves the minority party and was always voted on by the entire board. However, one year the Democrats voted no to their analyst, but the Republicans (having the votes on the floor) voted to hire them anyway. This brings into question where that person's loyalties are. Of course, that year, they would have been loyal to the Majority Party...in effect giving them control over the only Minority Party appointment. I changed the rule, making it so that now the Minority Analyst position is voted on and hired by only the members of the Minority Party.

*The other important change was to make sure that all standing committees are made up of a proportionate number of legislators from each party, proportionate to the make-up of the board. This means that the Minority Party (the board is at 15-14) now has more say in the legislative process.

*Another change was making it possible to bring legislation to the floor for a vote if the Chairman decides not to forward it to committee in the appropriate amount of time. This way good legislation won't be killed in committee.

There are several other changes that I hope to introduce soon. I would like to place term-limits on leadership positions and possibly elected officials too.

[Clipper]

Don't be in a rush! You are doing fine so far! Keep up the good works. Change takes time, and you are young enough to have time to make the changes for the better.

Anyone curious as to what your agenda is, can go to your website and read. I read there at least once or twice a week to see if there are updates.

The ideas found in your writings are very encouraging. You are an ambitious young man with your head pointed in the right direction. Hang in there and keep forging forward my friend!

I have your website listed in my favorites. List the link for those that might want to read about your ideas and accomplishments as they happen.

[frankcor]

Thanks for the clarification. May I call you Larry?

Those make sense and trend toward fairness. I like the proportionality change for committees. The US House and Senate committees are always split in half with the majority party getting a majority of 1 on every committee.

[Ralph]

Larry, You never cease to amaze me.

That was quite a challenge to the Legislators and a great stand to take. Kudos to you for having what you fought for implemented.

I did notice John standing there trying to look important.......always by the door to make a quick exit in case someone actually asked him a question!!!!

[strikeslip]

Larry - I think the idea of putting the Sherriff's raise up to a public vote upon petitioning is a good one . . . What provision of the law are you operating under? Can anything else be put up to a vote? I'd love to stop all the ridiculous spending on the new airport . . . reverse the lease of the Old Airport to the state . . . Cancel the county's contract with EDGE . . . Fire the public relations firm hired to address the "sewer" fiasco . . . .

[bobbbiez]

Hey Larry, I must say your first speech did impressed me.
Hats off to you.
I especially like when a legislator is not afraid to put any proposal to the vote of the people. That tells me alot.

Now impress me more and continue to be a fighter for the people. You know what this area needs and what the majority of the people want for their area. Stay far away from the political bargaining and you will have no problem with your constituents voting you back in over and over again. ;D

All my best to you in your new venture. Stay strong for and loyal to those who put their faith in you.

Give my hellos to your Dad. I hope he is well.

[tanouryjr]

Thanks to everyone for the encouragement. Strike, under Article 3 Section 101 of State Law you have 45 days to collect the required signatures to place any law subject to permissive referendum on the ballot. The Board could also put it to the voters by their own motion. I have the required resolution ready for the Board to vote on but am getting HAMMERED for attempting to introduce it. They don't want to be forced to deny the voters' their chance to vote on this. It's unfortunate, but I will forge ahead. I think allowing the voters to have their say on issues like this is important. Just imagine if Utica voters were able to vote on the Water Board issue in the 90's.

Bobbie, I am doing my best to stay away from the "politicos" that have all threatened me with being a "one-termer" if I keep challenging the status quo. However, I am more concerned with "doing my job" than "keeping my job". And that just kills them.

[Clipper]

If it were to come to be, that you would become a one term wonder, which I doubt it will, you would accomplish more in one term than several of them combined in their whole damned careers.

I am beginning to see your point with the petitions. That is not to say that I am sold on the idea that it is what I want to see, but you have your points, as does Strikeslip.

I am very interested to see what happens with some of your other initiatives for reforming county government. It is going to be an interesting ride, so pull the cinch tight, plant your feet in the stirrups, and hang on cowboy! LOL!

I sure admire your courage and audacity in taking on the old guard! Keep up the good work. Stand up for what you are all about. Stand up for the ideals that your constituents were so proud to vote for you because of.

I would not worry about being a one term wonder. You are breathing new life into the legislature. What we need in the next election is a half dozen more young, hard fighting, extremely well informed and intelligent, candidates to finish revitalizing the county legislative process.

I don't ever remember a legislator jumping in with both feet and accomplishing the things that you have already accomplished, or had so many proposals up for serious consideration this early in the game. You said you would get to work the day after you were sworn in, and you have kept that promise. Great job so far. I admire your ability to stand up to the negatives such as in the OD comment section the other day. I guess that is part of being in politics, but they were getting pretty rough over there, haha.

I guess since that is the only place for public comment provided by the OD anymore, you have to go there in order to be heard by the reading public. You are damned sure brave to walk into the fire over there and to retain your dignity and cool.

[bobbbiez]

Larry, things have changed alot when it comes to what power public opinion has now. People are fed up with what we call the old guard politics and politician. We have seen that in many recent elections from the lower level and up. People are starting to use their votes if any politician doesn't keep their promises once elected, out they go in the next. Very few vote straight party lines any more.

Trust me, don't worry about being a "one termer" or causing waves by doing right for your constituents. They are the ones who will know that and will support you during your elections and during your terms. All political parties are starting to feel the squeeze and are learning that very quickly. The power of the vote is a very powerful thing.

Best of luck my friend.

[Clipper]

Goodnight Sunshine, I have to get my beauty rest. I need it!

You should get some too, because you are a real beauty too!!heheheeh

[bobbbiez]

I know I am. ;D Eat your heart out my friend.

Sweet dreams. Blessings always.

[Ralph]

Larry, You know how I feel about most of this crap.

I told you if I got in I would only be good for one term if "they" had anything to say about it.

Fact is, the people have a say as well. Do right by them and you will do right for yourself. Your Dad knows all about that part and I am sure he is proud of you, as I am.

Keep on pushing for what you believe in. It's about time the "people" had their say again.