A heartfelt thanks goes out to the East Greenbush Police Benevolent Association for helping Conserns-U during the holidays.
EGPD ham it up for holidays
Monday, December 27, 2010
Friday, December 24, 2010
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
2010 - An Interesting Year In East Greenbush
2011 is fast approaching, giving us time to reflect on the past year and ready ourselves for the future.
2010 was an interesting year in East Greenbush, to say the least. Following is a small listing of what we, as a Town, experienced and endured this past year. By no means is it all-inclusive.
· A change in majority alliances on the Town Board;
· Courts twice ruled against "two hat seats", resulting in a three member Town Board and numerous unsuccessful attempts to seat replacement Board Members;
· Standing Room Only attendance at Town Board Meetings;
· EGPD Officer Mark Mann returning safely from Afghanistan;
· The tragic loss of EGPD Officer Ed Witko;
· Creation of a local "Tea Party" and the Bastille Day event;
· Creation of "CARE" and its sponsoring the Candidate Debate;
· A hotly contested Election, with what could well be a record turnout, to elect two Town Board Members and the seating of those Board Members in November;
· An audit of the Town's Financial Statements commissioned by the Town Board;
· An audit of the East Greenbush Ambulance District Operations conducted by the NYS Office of the State Comptroller;
· Expansion of the Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc facility;
· Approval of the Fed Ex Ground Planned Development District;
· Appointments to the Town Board of Ethics;
· A 2011 Budget with a small tax increase, but with reserves to pay down the inter-fund borrowings;
· Creation of a Citizens Fiscal Advisory Committee, with a Chair and Vice-Chair to be elected by the members; and
· Food drives for local food pantries and clothing collection drives for Conserns-U.
Let's build on the good things that have been accomplished and focus on the future … 2011 and beyond. Admittedly we may not all agree on what "the good things" are.
I think the most heartening of "the good things" is the "Standing Room Only attendance at Town Board Meetings". Townspeople have become more interested and involved in the the governance of the Town.
I'd like to see this continue, but I'd also like to see the residents of East Greenbush leave past differences in the past and support the full Town Board. I'm not saying we'll all agree with everything the Town Board does. Nor am I saying that we should blindly follow without constructive criticism and questioning - the operative term being constructive. Remember, regardless of our political preferences, leanings or affiliations, or theirs, they are elected to represent us all. In doing so, we must hope and trust that they do what they believe is best for the Town.
Bismark is quoted as saying "Politics is the art of the possible." Many have said that politics is also the art of compromise, where one gives up part of his or her "demands" in an effort to move forward. Let's all focus on the common ground or goal rather than on the differences. This may be overly optimistic, but I'd like to see every vote of the Town Board be unanimous and the result of Member discussion, deliberation and, if need be, compromise.
Christmas Observance
All Town of East Greenbush offices will be closed on Friday, December 24, 2010 & Monday, December 27, 2010 in observance of Christmas.
Pete Stenson
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Board of Ethics Update
The Board of Ethics held its third meeting on Tuesday evening, December 14th at Town Hall. In attendance were Jim Breig, Jack Conway, Joseph Slater and Dave Youmans. One member of the public attended.
The primary topic of discussion was a draft document outlining the internal rules and regulations of the Board itself. The document lays out the procedures we will use to process complaints filed by residents and advisory opinions requested by town officials and employees.
Resident complaints must be filed in written form and must be notarized. Although we are still in the early stages of the discussion on this, confidentiality will be granted in special cases but no anonymous complaints will be accepted. Once a complaint is received the Board will first make a determination of whether there is cause to proceed or not. If there is cause, we will follow a two-step investigation process.
The first step will consist of a Board of Ethics review consisting mainly of taking statements from the parties involved. If at the end of this stage we can determine that no violation of the Code of Ethics has occurred the complaint will be dismissed.
If this review yields the need for information we will go to the next stage which is a public hearing of the case. This will not be a public hearing in the sense that anyone can come and add their opinion. It will be a hearing in public at which the complainant and the accused can bring witnesses and cross-examine one another's statements. They will each have the right to bring an attorney to this hearing if they feel it is in their best interest.
After this hearing, the Board of Ethics will make a recommendation to the Town Board as to whether a violation of the Code of Ethics has been violated. The Board of Ethics is an advisory board and any actions taken pursuant to our deliberations must be taken by the Town Board.
Everything I have just described here is in draft form and has not been finalized.
We still have a great deal of work to do before we sign off on the process but this is our thinking at the present time.
The next step for the Board of Ethics is to begin the process of drafting a Code of Ethics. We encourage everyone to attend our meetings and participate in that discussion.
We will announce the date of our January meeting as soon as it is scheduled.
Posted at the request of BOE Member Jack Conway
The primary topic of discussion was a draft document outlining the internal rules and regulations of the Board itself. The document lays out the procedures we will use to process complaints filed by residents and advisory opinions requested by town officials and employees.
Resident complaints must be filed in written form and must be notarized. Although we are still in the early stages of the discussion on this, confidentiality will be granted in special cases but no anonymous complaints will be accepted. Once a complaint is received the Board will first make a determination of whether there is cause to proceed or not. If there is cause, we will follow a two-step investigation process.
The first step will consist of a Board of Ethics review consisting mainly of taking statements from the parties involved. If at the end of this stage we can determine that no violation of the Code of Ethics has occurred the complaint will be dismissed.
If this review yields the need for information we will go to the next stage which is a public hearing of the case. This will not be a public hearing in the sense that anyone can come and add their opinion. It will be a hearing in public at which the complainant and the accused can bring witnesses and cross-examine one another's statements. They will each have the right to bring an attorney to this hearing if they feel it is in their best interest.
After this hearing, the Board of Ethics will make a recommendation to the Town Board as to whether a violation of the Code of Ethics has been violated. The Board of Ethics is an advisory board and any actions taken pursuant to our deliberations must be taken by the Town Board.
Everything I have just described here is in draft form and has not been finalized.
We still have a great deal of work to do before we sign off on the process but this is our thinking at the present time.
The next step for the Board of Ethics is to begin the process of drafting a Code of Ethics. We encourage everyone to attend our meetings and participate in that discussion.
We will announce the date of our January meeting as soon as it is scheduled.
Posted at the request of BOE Member Jack Conway
Monday, December 13, 2010
Merry Christmas and a Happy Holiday to All!
In the spirit of the season...how about sharing our favorite seasonal or inspirational songs and movies.
For me, the song is...Let There Be Peace on Earth....the words are just beautiful and always make me emotional.
As far as holiday movies...Back in the day...when the kids were little...Emmett Otter's Jugband Christmas..it was always so much fun snuggling on the couch with hot chocolate and watching it year after year. I actually bought myself a copy of it. Now....ELF....I watch that with my grands....no matter how many time I've seen it...it still cracks me up!
By Margaret - WEDNESDAY, 12/8/10 at 3:51 PM
Monday, December 6, 2010
BUSY EVENING AT TOWN HALL - WEDNESDAY, 12/8/10
Wednesday Evening will be a busy one at Town Hall. In addition to the 7:00 PM Town Board Meeting, there will be a
- 5:30 PM Public Hearing on the Town taking over all aspects of dog licensing and a
- 6:00 PM Christmas Tree Lighting Event (bring some canned goods for the food drive).
* * * * *
The Town Board has scheduled a public hearing on December 8, 2010 at 5:30 p.m. to hear public input on replacing LL1-2007 "Dog Licensure Law." This change is due to NYS Agriculture and Markets now having municipalities issue all aspects of dog licensing.
* * * * *
Christmas Tree Lighting, wednesday, 12/8/10 - 6:00 PM The Town of East Greenbush will be hosting a Christmas Tree Lighting Event at the East Greenbush Town Hall on Wed December 8th to begin at 6pm. There will be light refreshments, Christmas Caroling and a special visit from Santa.
Patrons are urged to participate in a canned food donation drive organized by our new town council members, Phil Malone and Sue Mangold. Any and all canned donations will be graciously accepted.
* * * * *
TOWN BOARD MEETING AGENDA, wednesday, 12/8/10 - 7:00 PM
Resolutions and Proposals by Town Board Members:
182-2010 Approval of Meeting Minutes
Motion for approval of Meeting Minutes for the regular Town Board Meeting held on November 10, 2010 and the Special Town Board Meetings held on November 18, 2010 and November 23, 2010.
183-2010 Resolution Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Howard L. Goff Middle School of the East Greenbush School District
The East Greenbush Town Board does pause in its deliberations to honor and recognize the role that the Goff Middle School plays in the lifeblood of educating our young people to become active citizens in our community through its many clubs, activities and organizations on its 50th Anniversary.
184-2010 Resolution Scheduling 2011 Organizational Meeting
The Town Board of the Town of East Greenbush shall conduct the 2011 Organizational Meeting at 4:00 PM on Monday, January 3, 2011, at the East Greenbush Town Hall.
185-2010 Resolution to Abolish the Town Finance Committee and to Create a Citizens Fiscal Advisory Committee
The Committee shall consist of five (5) At-Large Members who shall be qualified voters in the Town and that each member of the Town Board shall be entitled to appoint one (1) At-Large Member to the Committee, with such At-Large Member to serve on such Committee at the pleasure of the appointing Town Board Member.
186-2010 SEQRA Determination – Couse Corners Roundabout
Based on the "Reasons Supporting this Determination" discussed in the attached SEQRA Negative Declaration – Notice of Determination of Non-Significance ("Negative Declaration") the Town Board hereby finds that the Project will not have a significant impact on the environment and authorizes the filing of a Negative Declaration for the Project.
187-2010 Resolution to Maintain Landscaped Island – Couse Corners Roundabout
The Town of East Greenbush will maintain, or will cause to be maintained, the landscaped roundabout and median, to include all maintenance, care and replacement work necessary to keep the roundabout and the median in a neat and attractive appearance.
188-2010 Authorization to Pursue Funding – CDTC Linkage Program
The Town Board hereby authorizes a submission of an application for grant funding to the CDTC Community and Transportation Linkage Program for 2011-2012 for the Development of Design Standards
189-2010 Resolution Adopting Local Law Entitled "Dog Licensure Law"
The Town Board does hereby adopt Local Law #5 of 2010 entitled "Dog Licensure Law". The purpose of this Local Law is to provide for the licensing and identification of dogs, the control and protection of the dog population and the protection of persons, property, domestic animals and deer from dog attack and damage.
190-2010 Appointment of Member(s) to the Town Board of Ethics
* * * * *
Friday, December 3, 2010
To The Rescue (Squad)
The NYS Office of the State Comptroller (OSC) audit of the Ambulance District Operations identifies oversight weaknesses concerning the Town and the District and contracted Rescue Squad finances and Length of Service Award Program (a retirement credit system for the volunteers).
The OSC report contains four, yes, FOUR Recommendations to correct these oversight weaknesses and gives the Town Board 90 days to prepare and submit a Corrective Action Plan (CAP) that addresses the audit findings and recommendations. The Recommendations are as follows:
Rescue Squad Contract
1. The Town should ensure that there are adequate controls in place to ensure the protection of taxpayer moneys that have been collected by the Squad.
2. Town officials should revise the Squad’s contract to ensure that all Town moneys are turned over to the Town. The Town should then only pay the Squad amounts that are defined by its contract with the Town.
Length of Service Award Program
3. District officials should develop and implement policies and procedures for the administration and oversight of its LOSAP to supplement the contract currently in place.
4. The Board should review the points reported as earned by the Squad volunteers and request supporting documentation to substantiate the points earned before submitting the Squad’s annual report to the third-party administrator.
Supervisor McCabe's letter to the OSC acknowledging receipt of the audit states:
“The Town Board is committed to implementing all recommendations outlined in the examination to ensure Tax Payer funds will be utilized appropriately.
The Town will submit to your office, within 90 days, its written Corrective Action Plan (CAP) and will immediately begin the process of addressing the recommendations."
Supervisor McCabe's letter and approach seems quite straightforward to me. Comptroller Breig identified the CAP as a priority, due to the 90 timeframe, at yesterday's Pre-Town Board meeting.
Pete Stenson
Thursday, December 2, 2010
WOW- I'll bet that was a tough lump to swallow !
The latest offering from our former Town Board member and current County Legislator makes for some very interesting reading indeed !
He states that he and his Republican colleagues were faced with a Catch 22 situation when they attempted a zero tax increase. Jeez - No kidding !! He stated significant services and jobs would be eliminated to achieve the lofty goal - again - NO KIDDING !! Same problem East Greenbush faces - how do we continue to operate with no workers , no staff , not even some of the basic services ?!
Funny - Mike didn't vote for the 0% tax increase when it was proposed to him.
He reports that the Republican majority consulted both parties - WOW , I'll bet that tasted like vomit in your mouth since you never offered the Dems in EGB that opportunity last year when you formulated the 2010 budget for EGB. No one wants higher taxes but we have to do the best we can - Damn , how come you and Taylor arn't so forgiving at the Town level - you just spin things out of control because it suits your political agenda - you should practice what you preach . No one seems content with the current economic climate in the Nation or State , but for you to get up on your soapbox and blame the current Town Administration for a 2.7% tax increase as being irresponsible when you admittedly can't control the County Budget any better is simply self serving and delusional dreaming , political spin at its very best !
In one posting , you've provided your opposition with ammunition for the next few months. While I can appreciate your apparent smack at honesty - your asking for taxpayers to give you and your compatriots at the County level some understanding as YOU deal with the economic climate of the nation and state , yet you poke fun directly at the current Town administration for having to deal with EXACTLY the same scenario and problems. Nice try - can't blame you , but we're not buying any today!
He states that he and his Republican colleagues were faced with a Catch 22 situation when they attempted a zero tax increase. Jeez - No kidding !! He stated significant services and jobs would be eliminated to achieve the lofty goal - again - NO KIDDING !! Same problem East Greenbush faces - how do we continue to operate with no workers , no staff , not even some of the basic services ?!
Funny - Mike didn't vote for the 0% tax increase when it was proposed to him.
He reports that the Republican majority consulted both parties - WOW , I'll bet that tasted like vomit in your mouth since you never offered the Dems in EGB that opportunity last year when you formulated the 2010 budget for EGB. No one wants higher taxes but we have to do the best we can - Damn , how come you and Taylor arn't so forgiving at the Town level - you just spin things out of control because it suits your political agenda - you should practice what you preach . No one seems content with the current economic climate in the Nation or State , but for you to get up on your soapbox and blame the current Town Administration for a 2.7% tax increase as being irresponsible when you admittedly can't control the County Budget any better is simply self serving and delusional dreaming , political spin at its very best !
In one posting , you've provided your opposition with ammunition for the next few months. While I can appreciate your apparent smack at honesty - your asking for taxpayers to give you and your compatriots at the County level some understanding as YOU deal with the economic climate of the nation and state , yet you poke fun directly at the current Town administration for having to deal with EXACTLY the same scenario and problems. Nice try - can't blame you , but we're not buying any today!
Monday, November 29, 2010
Moving Forward
I've been reflecting a bit about Thanksgivings past and how Thanksgiving originated as a time to give thanks for a bountiful harvest.
Over time, Thanksgiving Day has morphed into the unofficial start of the Holiday Season and again into a time where individuals and retailers pray for a bountiful harvest, at least in terms of Black Friday sales and savings.
Yes, I've been out with the masses in the early hours of Black Friday hoping to score my desired bounty in years past. There are great savings to be had by getting up early and venturing out.
I think back with treasured memories of Thanksgivings at my Grandmother's in New Jersey with uncles, aunts, cousins and Grandma's friends. Most came in time for Thanksgiving Dinner, but folks were coming and going throughout the day, as well. Thanksgiving began with 7:00AM Mass at Grandma's church. Giving thanks for what we had, remembering those who were no longer among us and asking help for those who had little.
I also think back to a later time when I worked in retail and the store was actually closed to the public on the day after Thanksgiving (for the annual inventory). There was no such thing as Black Friday back then.
I remember working a split-shift for the phone company and, as the rest of the family had gone to Grandma's, dining alone. Not one of my favorite Thanksgivings!!! Nevertheless, I had plenty to give thanks for and did so before feasting on a Swanson's Turkey Dinner (or two) and a slice of Mom's pumpkin pie.
It's critical to not lose sight of giving thanks for a bountiful harvest not just on Thanksgiving Day but every day. The bountiful harvest being the loving and caring family, friends, neighbors we have and even the strangers we may encounter. Will Rogers said that “A stranger is just a friend I haven't met yet.”
I've met a good number of people since I began attending the Town Board meetings … people on "both sides of the aisle" and those aligned with neither "party". They are all good people trying to do good for the Town. We may not agree on the issues but there's hopefully a mutual respect or at least a tacit agreement to disagree. The end goals may be the same but the means may be different, which is fine. The goals may be different as well. That's also fine - life would be extremely boring if we all thought the same.
East Greenbush has been my home for the past 26 years and I am thankful and proud to be here. No city, town or village is perfect. No city, town or village is without problems. Mistakes have been made in the past and mistakes will likely be made in the future. Hopefully, any future mistakes will be minor and different ones.
Winston Churchill said "Those that fail to learn from history, are doomed to repeat it." On the other hand, Satchel Paige said "Don't look back—something might be gaining on you."
I much prefer to follow Churchill's advice rather than Paige's, at least concerning our Town. Let's learn from the past, but not dwell upon it. Let's hope that people channel their energy into things constructive rather than destructive.
There are many bright, talented, motivated and dedicated people living in East Greenbush. People who have, can, want to and will make a constructive difference in our Town.
If we want East Greenbush to move forward, we can make it happen. Things will move quicker if we work together rather than apart. We're all in the same boat called the Town of East Greenbush and we'll move further much more quickly by rowing in unison rather than by each doing their own thing.
Eldridge Cleaver said "You're either part of the solution or part of the problem."
I want to be part of the solution … which do you want to be?
Pete Stenson
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Happy Thanksgiving !
Wishing all a peaceful and relaxing Thanksgiving .
Hope family takes precedence over all else and everyone can take a moment to reflect on what we have rather than what we want.
Hope family takes precedence over all else and everyone can take a moment to reflect on what we have rather than what we want.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Business 101
Lets begin with basic accounting 101. Balancing your check book. If you don't show that a check was cashed or deposited on your account, wouldn't you contact the person to whom the check was written and inquire? No -apparently not in the Mike Cristo book entitled : "How to completely mis-manage your business acount" and his other memoirs soon to be released in paperback only !
Are you kidding me?!? When he was originally asked about the check for the vehicle he sold - he should have had that issue resolved in 48hrs. or less , but like everything else he touches - he even managed to turn that into a political debacle ! Mike now blames the Town for just about everything including losing a check that he can't remember who he gave it to, but he gave it to someone-( allegedly) ! What a complete fabrication of facts ! Oh and btw - the Town now must request that he re-issue this check - for christs sake - balance your damn books - cut the damn check and put the issue to bed !
Ya know - just like election night when he walked into the Democrat gathering , instead of simply doing the honorable thing , make your congratulations and LEAVE , no Mike tried to "work the room" like nothing ever happened and all was forgiven ! Again- are you KIDDING ME!?! He then dares to write that he was met with hostility - NO SH*T !!
What the hell did you expect !?! You are a complete moron if you thought for one fleeting moment that anyone in that room was going to accept you back with open arms - were you drunk ?
Heed your own advice Mike - stay away from politics for awhile - the Town needs a break from your silliness and constant negative conjecture .
And as far as the Fed-Ex project - all you reformers can stop the B-S - the Board will make the correct decision whether you agree with it or not.
To all : did you notice that I didn't use the word "inure" once ?!?!
Are you kidding me?!? When he was originally asked about the check for the vehicle he sold - he should have had that issue resolved in 48hrs. or less , but like everything else he touches - he even managed to turn that into a political debacle ! Mike now blames the Town for just about everything including losing a check that he can't remember who he gave it to, but he gave it to someone-( allegedly) ! What a complete fabrication of facts ! Oh and btw - the Town now must request that he re-issue this check - for christs sake - balance your damn books - cut the damn check and put the issue to bed !
Ya know - just like election night when he walked into the Democrat gathering , instead of simply doing the honorable thing , make your congratulations and LEAVE , no Mike tried to "work the room" like nothing ever happened and all was forgiven ! Again- are you KIDDING ME!?! He then dares to write that he was met with hostility - NO SH*T !!
What the hell did you expect !?! You are a complete moron if you thought for one fleeting moment that anyone in that room was going to accept you back with open arms - were you drunk ?
Heed your own advice Mike - stay away from politics for awhile - the Town needs a break from your silliness and constant negative conjecture .
And as far as the Fed-Ex project - all you reformers can stop the B-S - the Board will make the correct decision whether you agree with it or not.
To all : did you notice that I didn't use the word "inure" once ?!?!
Friday, November 19, 2010
What is transparency anyway ???
We really didn't want to get into this topic, but it really sheds light on the nasty under-belly-(pun intended) of these so-called reform party standouts, and they have not ceased their attack on McCabe so one good turn deserves another !.
Two of us had to go to Motor Vehicle this past Monday and while we were in Town Hall we overheard a conversation between two or three Town Hall workers regarding the amount of time spent each day answering the never-ending foil requests of Sean K. Mulvey and Ray Mooney.
While trying not to make it appear like we were listening , couldn't help hear about the tremendous amount of time wasted each and everyday gathering or attempting to gather the stats that these two GADFLIES require - and for WHAT?
As has been reported on this blog , Sean K. Mulvey is a STIPEND receiver from the Hudson School District - YES he received a STIPEND from his employer in 2009. Stipends are a normal part of business in the real world and are recognized as being an accepted business practice.
** Note to Don Johnson ; drop it - you'll lose this one too ! **
Ray Mooney has lived in East Greenbush for 3 or 4 years only. He has annoited himself as the "savior of the taxpayer".
I find both of them to be deplorable examples of individuals who purport themselves as being good citizens who care about our Town when in fact the reality of the situation is that they only want to embarass current elected officials because their chosen candidates were exposed as FRAUDS and were shown the door on November 2nd by the good people of East Greenbush - people who saw thru the never ending slander and twisted rhetoric of the Cristo/Taylor camp.
They like to think they actually got 49% of the vote - reality is that many people simply vote party lines regardless of who is on it and I'd be willing to bet that if we could have polled the electorate - 51% of their 49% didn't have a clue who Taylor or Cristo were !
The downright nasty campaign platform endorsed by Republican Chairman Tom DeJulio failed as it should have - however they still persist !
Mike Cristo tried to make something out of nothing with his intentional taking of the oath for County Legislature. When you read the judges decision, it very clearly stated that once they took their oath of office for Rensselaer County ,they automatically vacate the lower seat. It was a concious decision by each of them to walk away from their Town seat and move to the County seat. The gamesmanship that occured the next few months was truley a spectacle of what could only be described as a canival type atmosphere as Cristo put on the "poor me" persona and Taylor stood by his side and screamed and yelled to anyone who would listen.
Lets get right down to it here - they lost - ( Thank God) and hopefully after they've been shown the exit twice each now by the voters in East Greenbush - they can stop the fooling around - The audit shows nothing criminal and a forensic audit is simply a waste of taxpayer dollars.
The poorly timed post about the Police K-9 unit - which was nothing more than a ploy for Police support after they both made serious threatening public statements about closing the Town Police operations down.
The never-ending attack on Toni Murphy was obscene and pathetic. To write about someones grandchildren was the single most despicable act in this entire mudslinging campaign by the so-called reformers.
The vomit that came out of the mouths of their supporters and I do mean VOMIT-was reprehensible. People from the Cristo camp like to call this the Bile blog - feel free ! We Love it !
There is more opposition to your tom-foolery than you'll ever know.
We are proud of the fact that after less than a month in existence - this blog got the opposing point of view out and fired up our side of the consituency to get out there and vote AGAINST the Reform party platform, a platform that would most certaintly paralyze the Town again for another year under the "no tax increase" moniker voiced by Cristo and his "numbers lady" partner. - By the way - did anyone ever really crunch the numbers she spews anyway? Taylor was apparently terminated from two of her "numbers" jobs - does that mean she too is incompetent? Once again - keep it clean - feel free to let your feelings be heard - ( they do ) and write away !
-Transparency - catch -phrase uttered by reform party people - the true definition lost in political rhetoric and intentional misguidance by political hopefuls !
** Note to Don Johnson - don't bother trying to post here - it's gone with the stroke of the "delete" key ***
Two of us had to go to Motor Vehicle this past Monday and while we were in Town Hall we overheard a conversation between two or three Town Hall workers regarding the amount of time spent each day answering the never-ending foil requests of Sean K. Mulvey and Ray Mooney.
While trying not to make it appear like we were listening , couldn't help hear about the tremendous amount of time wasted each and everyday gathering or attempting to gather the stats that these two GADFLIES require - and for WHAT?
As has been reported on this blog , Sean K. Mulvey is a STIPEND receiver from the Hudson School District - YES he received a STIPEND from his employer in 2009. Stipends are a normal part of business in the real world and are recognized as being an accepted business practice.
** Note to Don Johnson ; drop it - you'll lose this one too ! **
Ray Mooney has lived in East Greenbush for 3 or 4 years only. He has annoited himself as the "savior of the taxpayer".
I find both of them to be deplorable examples of individuals who purport themselves as being good citizens who care about our Town when in fact the reality of the situation is that they only want to embarass current elected officials because their chosen candidates were exposed as FRAUDS and were shown the door on November 2nd by the good people of East Greenbush - people who saw thru the never ending slander and twisted rhetoric of the Cristo/Taylor camp.
They like to think they actually got 49% of the vote - reality is that many people simply vote party lines regardless of who is on it and I'd be willing to bet that if we could have polled the electorate - 51% of their 49% didn't have a clue who Taylor or Cristo were !
The downright nasty campaign platform endorsed by Republican Chairman Tom DeJulio failed as it should have - however they still persist !
Mike Cristo tried to make something out of nothing with his intentional taking of the oath for County Legislature. When you read the judges decision, it very clearly stated that once they took their oath of office for Rensselaer County ,they automatically vacate the lower seat. It was a concious decision by each of them to walk away from their Town seat and move to the County seat. The gamesmanship that occured the next few months was truley a spectacle of what could only be described as a canival type atmosphere as Cristo put on the "poor me" persona and Taylor stood by his side and screamed and yelled to anyone who would listen.
Lets get right down to it here - they lost - ( Thank God) and hopefully after they've been shown the exit twice each now by the voters in East Greenbush - they can stop the fooling around - The audit shows nothing criminal and a forensic audit is simply a waste of taxpayer dollars.
The poorly timed post about the Police K-9 unit - which was nothing more than a ploy for Police support after they both made serious threatening public statements about closing the Town Police operations down.
The never-ending attack on Toni Murphy was obscene and pathetic. To write about someones grandchildren was the single most despicable act in this entire mudslinging campaign by the so-called reformers.
The vomit that came out of the mouths of their supporters and I do mean VOMIT-was reprehensible. People from the Cristo camp like to call this the Bile blog - feel free ! We Love it !
There is more opposition to your tom-foolery than you'll ever know.
We are proud of the fact that after less than a month in existence - this blog got the opposing point of view out and fired up our side of the consituency to get out there and vote AGAINST the Reform party platform, a platform that would most certaintly paralyze the Town again for another year under the "no tax increase" moniker voiced by Cristo and his "numbers lady" partner. - By the way - did anyone ever really crunch the numbers she spews anyway? Taylor was apparently terminated from two of her "numbers" jobs - does that mean she too is incompetent? Once again - keep it clean - feel free to let your feelings be heard - ( they do ) and write away !
-Transparency - catch -phrase uttered by reform party people - the true definition lost in political rhetoric and intentional misguidance by political hopefuls !
** Note to Don Johnson - don't bother trying to post here - it's gone with the stroke of the "delete" key ***
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Guess what ?! The Sky isn't falling !!!
The Town has posted:
1. UHY's "Independent Auditor's Report on the Financial Statements of the General fund, Special Revenue Funds, and the Capital Projects Fund"; and
2. NYS State Comptroller's "Town of East Greenbush Ambulance District Operations Report of Examination Period Covered: January 1, 2008 — October 1, 2009".
These reports can be found at (http://www.eastgreenbush.org/downloads/cat_view/43-comptroller):
The critical statement in UHY's "Independent Auditor's Report on the Financial Statements of the General fund, Special Revenue Funds, and the Capital Projects Fund" is the unqualified opinion … the highest level of opinion rendered. This statement is as follows:
"In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above (general fund, special revenue funds, and capital projects fund) present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the general fund, special revenue funds and capital projects fund of the Town of East Greenbush, New York as of December 31, 2009, and the changes in financial position thereof and the respective budgetary comparison for the general fund and special revenue funds for the year then ended in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America."
Both reports identify, for lack of a better term, deficiencies.
The UHY report on the Financial Statements identifies "material weaknesses" that appear to be based on the Town's use of a Microsoft Access Database accounting system, "which lacks access and modification controls and contributes to an increased risk for potential error or misstatement … (and) does not support the Town’s needs and long-term commitment to strong internal control." This could be resolved by the purchase of new accounting software.
The UHY report also identifies (less severe) "significant deficiencies", some of which have already been addressed by the Town. Some other deficiencies will be difficult, but not impossible, to rectify (Segregation of Duties, for instance, due to staffing levels). Stricter adherence to the Town's Purchasing Policy is also recommended.
The OSC audit of the Ambulance District Operations identifies oversight weaknesses between the Town and the District and contracted Rescue Squad finances and Length Of Service Award Program (a retirement credit system for the volunteers). The OSC report contains four recommendations to correct these oversight weaknesses and gives the Town 90 days to prepare and submit a corrective action plan (CAP) that addresses the findings and recommendations.
Earth shattering? No.
Insurmountable? No.
Forensic Audit? No.
We are confident that the Town Supervisor and the Town Board will address and correct the weaknesses promptly !
Friday, November 12, 2010
Sound advice
The "trash talk" coming from both sides must cease so that the distractions it causes will end.
The new board needs our encouragement and support, not the constant bickering and back and forth debates that have occured the past 45 days.
This blog was started for a variety of reasons, the least of which being that it gave supporters of Mangold and Malone, OBrien and McCabe a place to vent their feelings. When the other blogs continued to allow the unending slander to continue and refused to post conflicting opinions, all the more reason for this blog to exist.
We know we've reached success, because their people have re-named this the Bile Blog. We'll take that moniker and smile when its mentioned in our presence because obviously the few people who sought nothing but to defame and slander people on the Democratic side of the argument are clearly in the minority.
With all that being said - to BOTH sides : enough is enough. Your opinions are valueable to you and your "people" but may not necessarily meet with approval from all residents. The cat-calling and sniping between blogs accomplishes NOTHING except fueling small fires of hatred and disgust that merits no recognition from any sitting Town Board member.
The folks who think we were "up to something" when we erased everything prior to election night, well your dead wrong! It was the request of Sue Mangold and Kim Halloran that we consider starting fresh without all the negative banter that existed. We agreed and deleted all previous posts. We received all kinds of criticism from the reform supporters who thought we were "up to something dasterdly" ...wrong again people !
SO - we'll try again....keep it clean and it'll get posted - Otherwise it see's the recycle bin faster than you can say : Hogwarts !
The new board needs our encouragement and support, not the constant bickering and back and forth debates that have occured the past 45 days.
This blog was started for a variety of reasons, the least of which being that it gave supporters of Mangold and Malone, OBrien and McCabe a place to vent their feelings. When the other blogs continued to allow the unending slander to continue and refused to post conflicting opinions, all the more reason for this blog to exist.
We know we've reached success, because their people have re-named this the Bile Blog. We'll take that moniker and smile when its mentioned in our presence because obviously the few people who sought nothing but to defame and slander people on the Democratic side of the argument are clearly in the minority.
With all that being said - to BOTH sides : enough is enough. Your opinions are valueable to you and your "people" but may not necessarily meet with approval from all residents. The cat-calling and sniping between blogs accomplishes NOTHING except fueling small fires of hatred and disgust that merits no recognition from any sitting Town Board member.
The folks who think we were "up to something" when we erased everything prior to election night, well your dead wrong! It was the request of Sue Mangold and Kim Halloran that we consider starting fresh without all the negative banter that existed. We agreed and deleted all previous posts. We received all kinds of criticism from the reform supporters who thought we were "up to something dasterdly" ...wrong again people !
SO - we'll try again....keep it clean and it'll get posted - Otherwise it see's the recycle bin faster than you can say : Hogwarts !
Friday, November 5, 2010
Time to Move Forward
Well, enough of the back and forth !
Time to press on with the business of the Town and to accomplish some of the goals that face this new Town Board ! While it was fun to assist in another campaign victory , it is now time to get to work .
The tentative Budget for 2011 was presented this evening , and a fair amount of people attended. It was good to see the mix of residents in the room. Phil and Sue were present and seemed generally excited about being there ! I saw Jack and Nate , Pete , Ray and several others that are now present at most Board functions, and I must say , it really seems so much more relaxed !
As one of the many residents that has a personal interest in this new Board, I'm giddy with anticipation about the possibilites that face the Town of East Greenbush. I'm not shy about my enthusiasm for the Fed-Ex project. I also am well aware of some of the concerns of my friend Dwight and others.
I'm not afraid of the Route 4 traffic and traffic circle issues, in fact I'm weirdly intrigued by them !
I drive Route 4 every single day and am well aware of the traffic flow issues. I have confidence that D.O.T. design engineers have a full grasp on the problem and will be able to mitigate most concerns.
So , as we progress thru the holidays , I ask each of you reading this the following : if you were allowed one single thought for a better East Greenbush - what would it be?
Keep it clean and comment away
Time to press on with the business of the Town and to accomplish some of the goals that face this new Town Board ! While it was fun to assist in another campaign victory , it is now time to get to work .
The tentative Budget for 2011 was presented this evening , and a fair amount of people attended. It was good to see the mix of residents in the room. Phil and Sue were present and seemed generally excited about being there ! I saw Jack and Nate , Pete , Ray and several others that are now present at most Board functions, and I must say , it really seems so much more relaxed !
As one of the many residents that has a personal interest in this new Board, I'm giddy with anticipation about the possibilites that face the Town of East Greenbush. I'm not shy about my enthusiasm for the Fed-Ex project. I also am well aware of some of the concerns of my friend Dwight and others.
I'm not afraid of the Route 4 traffic and traffic circle issues, in fact I'm weirdly intrigued by them !
I drive Route 4 every single day and am well aware of the traffic flow issues. I have confidence that D.O.T. design engineers have a full grasp on the problem and will be able to mitigate most concerns.
So , as we progress thru the holidays , I ask each of you reading this the following : if you were allowed one single thought for a better East Greenbush - what would it be?
Keep it clean and comment away
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
PHIL AND SUE WIN!
Standing in the packed VFW last night, shoulder to shoulder, we watched the results being calculated and projected onto the wall. The writing was on the wall both literally and figuratively. As results from each of the 12 districts came in, anticipation grew. It was very exciting, like watching the Super Bowl...except everyone in the room was rooting for the same team. When the last district was entered into the spreadsheet, the place erupted...Phil and Sue were victorious. Phil captured the most votes by far, then Sue. Taylor followed and Cristo was dead last. Party time...and what a party it was!
Sue gave a wonderful, genuine, thankful speech to her supporters with a message of hope and continued reference to her love of EG. Phil came out all business...having been elected just moments before, he talked fervently about all the work he was prepared to do. Both speeches were great and cemented my confidence that I had backed the right team. Why? For one, I'm not a democrat. Yesterday I voted across the board for Republicans with just three exceptions: I voted for Sue and Phil for EG Town Board, and I voted for the "The Rent is Too Damn High" guy. Really. We all know Cuomo was going to smoke Crazy Carl, so I thought I would use my vote for something more fun than backing a dead horse.
An analytical person, I like to dissect things and figure out "why". Why did Phil and Sue win? I honestly think the answer is that the tone, delivery, and attitudes of Cristo and Taylor make them just plain unlikeable. It's that simple. Look at what they had going for them. All these issues gave Cristo and Taylor the advantage and/or material to work with:
- $2.6 M in debt
- High taxes and another increase
- Junk bond status
- Stipends
- Conflicts of interest
- Scrapgate
- A dem candidate entering the race with only two months to go
With all this potentially on their side, the Republicans campaigned for a year, peppered The Advertiser ad nauseum, and went haywire on their blog pointing fingers at everyone Rick McCabe has ever met. In the end, though, their message seemed to be driven by a combination of arrogance and hate. It was "holier than thou" and very preachy. It's hard to run on the HATE platform and no one wants to be talked down to.
The results make me wonder what will become of Cristo and Taylor from a political standpoint. Will they be the only ones who don't see the writing on the wall and try to run yet again? Mike had the lowest votes, and Ann has lost both times she ran, so she's 0-2. In simple terms, the people of EG do not want them in office. The question is whether they will ever accept that. Personally, I think the EG Republican committee will make that decision for them and find two different horses for the next race.
But enough about that...the election is over. Congratulations Sue and Phil! I am confident you will both fight for a better EG. Please cast your board votes for what's good for EG in the long term. Please use your hearts and brains to make decisions, not just your loyalty to your party line. Do your best and make us proud.
Congrats.
Sue gave a wonderful, genuine, thankful speech to her supporters with a message of hope and continued reference to her love of EG. Phil came out all business...having been elected just moments before, he talked fervently about all the work he was prepared to do. Both speeches were great and cemented my confidence that I had backed the right team. Why? For one, I'm not a democrat. Yesterday I voted across the board for Republicans with just three exceptions: I voted for Sue and Phil for EG Town Board, and I voted for the "The Rent is Too Damn High" guy. Really. We all know Cuomo was going to smoke Crazy Carl, so I thought I would use my vote for something more fun than backing a dead horse.
An analytical person, I like to dissect things and figure out "why". Why did Phil and Sue win? I honestly think the answer is that the tone, delivery, and attitudes of Cristo and Taylor make them just plain unlikeable. It's that simple. Look at what they had going for them. All these issues gave Cristo and Taylor the advantage and/or material to work with:
- $2.6 M in debt
- High taxes and another increase
- Junk bond status
- Stipends
- Conflicts of interest
- Scrapgate
- A dem candidate entering the race with only two months to go
With all this potentially on their side, the Republicans campaigned for a year, peppered The Advertiser ad nauseum, and went haywire on their blog pointing fingers at everyone Rick McCabe has ever met. In the end, though, their message seemed to be driven by a combination of arrogance and hate. It was "holier than thou" and very preachy. It's hard to run on the HATE platform and no one wants to be talked down to.
The results make me wonder what will become of Cristo and Taylor from a political standpoint. Will they be the only ones who don't see the writing on the wall and try to run yet again? Mike had the lowest votes, and Ann has lost both times she ran, so she's 0-2. In simple terms, the people of EG do not want them in office. The question is whether they will ever accept that. Personally, I think the EG Republican committee will make that decision for them and find two different horses for the next race.
But enough about that...the election is over. Congratulations Sue and Phil! I am confident you will both fight for a better EG. Please cast your board votes for what's good for EG in the long term. Please use your hearts and brains to make decisions, not just your loyalty to your party line. Do your best and make us proud.
Congrats.
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