The Insiders Report Archive
It Seems that GOOD ideas always fail in Oswego if it does not PROFIT certain Special Interests ... see what communities have saved without Republican Party obstruction!! 5 New York Towns Choose Municipalization in 6 Referenda as Studies Predict Big Savings The towns of declaim, Hermon, Lisbon, Potsdam, and Russell, New York voted November 5 to pursue municipalization, after feasibility studies for Canton, Potsdam and Ogdensburg, NY predicted residents will save 25-40% on their electric bills by municipalizing. Twenty-one New York towns have passed such referenda. New York's municipalization fever follows the lead of Massena, NY, whose municipally-owned Massena Electric Department charges one-third (4 cents/kwh) what the Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation charges residents (12-13 cents/kwh). Norwalk, half of which is served by Massena and half by Mohawk, has led the movement. During 1996 25 towns and villages signed letters of intent to work with a Texas firm whose CEO, John Wing, offered to loan the up-front costs of establishing municipal utilities for any town in St. Lawrence or Franklin counties. Wing's Group wants to aggregate the 75MW load in the area to form one large public power utility, according to the Public Power Weekly. J.W. Wilson & Associates, the initial choice for San Francisco's study, performed the feasibility study for Canton and Potsdam, indicating 25-40% savings over 15 years. Potsdam's City Manager, Mike Weil, says municipalizing will cut the town government's $412,370 electricity budget by between $99,000 to $165,000. (email reporter Albany, NY)
July 1999 Legislator Russ Johnson Stalls Sales Tax Exemption ... The Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee of the Oswego County Legislature, Russ Johnson (R-Fulton), refuses to allow a Sales Tax Exemption on clothing to come to the floor of the Legislature. Johnson in 1996 voted against the Sales Tax when it was introduced by the Republican Majority. Johnson, then a Democrat seems to have flip flopped. Doug Malone Legislator 20th District introduced the Sales Tax Exemption over two months ago. The last meeting of the Ways and Means Committee, Johnson refused to allow it to the floor for all Legislators to vote on. It seems that now Johnson is a Republican he does not listen to the people of his district, but his Party Boss James Cloonan. (Email Reporter Fulton & Oswego)
Only in Oswego County can official court documents disappear from the County Clerks office and the transfer of a murder suspect to this parent's home not be questioned by the District Attorney or the County Sheriffs Office. The Chairman of the Oswego County Legislature Floyd Boynton has had his son living with him since 1992 without legal authority. His son shot and killed his wife and then shot himself. The question is why is a murder suspect living at home and not in a health facility under observation like the law requires.
These questions should be asked, Why is an official court record missing at the county clerks office? The County Clerk is George Williams, Republican insider. Political deal. Why does New York State not investigate? Republican Governor. Why will not the District Attorney investigate a clear violation of the law? He wants as little said on Boynton breaking the law as possible, because his Republican Party needs Boynton's seat to continue control of the Oswego County Legislature. This case is a Matter of justice and equal protection of the law for everyone. Call and write the State Attorney General for an investigation on the District Attorney refusing to enforce the law. Remember the victim, Trudy can't write herself, it's to you.. (e-mail reporter, Fulton) Why JOBS and Business are leaving OSWEGO COUNTY... The James A. Fizpatick plant (owned by the New York Power Authority) produces 50% of the power for the Governor's "Power for Jobs" program. Does Oswego County receive taxes from the plant, NO. Does Oswego County receive extra electric from the plant, NO, we receive less that 1% of the power produced at the plant. In fact the power from this plant in the last year alone was used by other counties to TAKES BUSINESS from Oswego County. What we receive is NOTHING, but increased taxes for the power plant that nobody else in New York wanted! Oswego Votes stand-up and make a statement this year. Vote against anyone that supports this logic in Albany from Oswego County. Stand-up and vote for reform!!!!! (from e-mail to Insider-Albany)
Another Scandal in the County, GOP Style The "Good Old Boys" are at it again in Oswego County. It was not bad enough that Don Morey, County Highway Superintendent took part in a "purely secret political meeting" in the County Building, but it has been reported he was meeting to "corruptly use his position of authority" to favor certain "Yes Person County Legislator's". When asked by a newspaper reporter about having the meeting he said, quote," I wouldn't say it wasn't part of the total discussion". Other members of County Government were GOP Leader Jack Proud, Jack Tierney County Administrator, and GOP County Chairman James Cloonan. If you read the recent "news" reports Cloonan say's he was not at the meeting. So we are forced to either believe Morey or Cloonan. The smart moneys on Morey. What will come of this, well we are told several County Legislators have asked for a full outside investigation, and not from the Political DA who couldn't find a crime in stealing $13,000.00 from the Fulton City GOP Committee. Yes, the rumor is the complaint went to the federal level. They don't take kindly to "our money" used to fund political Kingdoms.
June 1999 Auditor or Treasurer Accountant? The Law and common sense require that the same office not review and pay the same bill, but that's what the "good old boys" have been doing. Mark See, County Auditor & Treasurer's Accountant has worn two hats since 1993. It's been learned that he audits bills in one office, gives it to the Treasurers Office, which he is the Chief Account, then pays them. That's sort of like going to buy a new car and giving the salesman your checkbook. How many of us would trust the salesman with our checkbook and have him insure we got the best deal at the same time? Floyd Phone Home ? Well not according to an E-mail we have received. It seems the Chairman of the Oswego County Legislature wants you, the taxpayer to buy him a CAR PHONE. Yes, it seems the writer of the e-mail has informed us that Mr. Boynton has asked twice for a car phone and been refused. In fact, he has gone to the county committee he is not a member of, and used a provision of the county rules to vote for himself twice! It seems that the 10 minute drive is to long to his home in Fulton for the county to run without him. News from SUNY Oswego. University Police Chief and long time democrat, Tom Ryan is now a republican.....County Legislator and SUNY Oswego Corporate Services Director (Created Position) is supposed to be getting married to Joe Maryak of JCM Architectural, which has gotten a lot of county contracts in the past and is currently getting a fair amount of work at the college (coincidence?). Will this thinly covered favoritism continue as people continue to get wealthy off the public payroll? Carolyn Rush makes over $80,000.00 a year at the college and very few people know why, except that people think that she is "politically connected", to who and to what is the question. The college is rumored to be a dumping ground for the GOP. (taken from e-mail )
May 1999 The Seager Flip Flop At the County Legislature Meeting of 4/15/1999 Kim Seager, Phoenix Legislator made an assaulting speech against the Minority Caucus for supposedly not supporting the Veterans Tug Boat Memorial. In reality, the Minority had not only supported it, but was key to moving it from Committee to the floor for a vote. In fact, it received 100% voting support from the Minority Caucus. What is surprisingly, if not a sad commentary on the level the Republican Majority takes to "play politics" is that Seager VOTED AGAINST IT IN COMMITTEE. That's right, when the cameras were on at the County Legislature meeting she flip flopped. When confronted why she was making such a negative speech, when in fact she didn't support it, she was speechless. So it seems in committee she was against the Veterans, but with the camera on she switched. Veterans don't be fooled, she flipped flopped because it's an election year or she would have, again stayed with the Republican Party Leadership and voted against you. (taken from e-mail )
Travesty of justice, Politics Before FAIRNESS! Oswego County has recently witnessed another travesty of justice. James Myers, Fulton City Republican Committeeman and former Alderman and admitted thief, was recently given a slap on the wrist for stealing over $13,461. (This is the amount he admits to, who knows what he really stole.) In a sweetheart deal worked out with Dennis Hawthorne's District Attorney's office, Myers is scheduled to receive a sentence of probation and no jail time. That's right folks, no jail time for admittedly stealing over $13,000. Must be okay for a person in Oswego County to steal as long as you repay most of it before you're caught. In order to determine how this is possible, we must look at all the players involved. After this careful examination it will be perfectly clear how and admitted thief can walk away from jail time.
James Myers - Admitted thief, former REPUBLICAN Alderman in Fulton, former REPUBLICAN Fulton City Committee Treasurer, current REPUBLICAN Committeeman, member of Fulton Music Assoc., past president of Fulton Rotary. (Did and do all you people in these organizations know that you had and have a thief in your midst?)
Charles Cieszeski - REPUBLICAN Assistant County Attorney assigned to defend Myers.
Michael Cianfarano - Former REPUBLICAN Assistant District Attorney assigned as special prosecutor by REPUBLICAN DA Hawthorne. (Cianfarano left DA's office after mental breakdown.) REPUBLICANS know they can control him, so they assign him as Special Prosecutor.
Spencer Ludington - Fulton City Court Judge who did the only honorable thing in this whole mess by excusing himself.
Lambertus Jansen - Oswego City Court Judge who has recently and very publicly switched from the Democrat to the REPUBLICAN Party. Now how impartial can this guy be? He is promised that his job will be made into a full-time position if he switches parties. He switches and now faces a primary. REPUBLICANS are really watching out for him aren't they?
Ken Myers - Fulton City REPUBLICAN Committee Chairman. (No relation to thief.) Tries to hide fact that money is missing by trying to resolve issue internally. (Remember, what they (the rest of the committee) don't know, won't hurt them. Right Ken?)
James Cloonan - Where do we start with this character? Current Oswego County REPUBLICAN Committee Chairman, works for (or should we say, gets paid by) Port Authority after appointment by REPUBLICAN Governor. Spends all his time playing politics at taxpayers expense driving his state car around, in the middle of more bad deals than a Las Vegas card dealer.
Bruce Clark - REPUBLICAN appointed Oswego County Attorney. (This name keeps popping up whenever there is any controversy. Wonder why that is!) He holds secret meeting with Ken Myers and Jim Cloonan to advise how to keep problem a secret. Meeting held at County Bldg. in Clark's office but would have us believe it was totally unrelated. He is playing politics on County time. Have you noticed anything in common with all the players in this fiasco? I'll give you a hint, they are all high ranking REPUBLICAN Party people. If you or I get caught with our hands in the cookie jar, we get prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. BUT, if you're a REPUBLICAN Official, you get a meager slap on the wrist. So much for justice in Oswego County.
Legislator Blasts County's Misuse of Taxpayers Dollars We recently read a great letter to the editor by Oswego County Legislator Douglas Malone. He blasts the county's unauthorized spending for a "stupid" ad we all read in the local papers last month. Many of us asked, " why did the county spend out tax-dollars for such a dumb ad?". (For all those that did not see it, the ad was a full-page picture of the legislators telling us how great it is in Oswego County.) Legislator Malone has stood up for us and taken on the liberal spending habits of the Republican Leadership at the County Building. In other countries they call these unrealistic ads propaganda, in Oswego County they call it Public Information. Now you know why we have the slogan " Free Oswego County". We have provided the full text from the paper of the Letter to the Editor. Several weeks ago I noticed close to a full-page ad in several local papers with a picture of the entire Oswego County Legislature. What stuck me as odd was the fact I was never informed about this type of ad as well as many of my fellow Legislators. They too were as surprised as I was to the size and content of the ad. As a result I found it very troubling that the County would spend hundreds of dollars on self-promoting ads within the County. As a Legislator I feel it is my responsibility to my voters to give my opinion on this type of county spending. I would like to clearly state that I find this type of spending not only fiscally irresponsible but also unjustified. In these times of raising taxes and tight budgets these funds are better spent in other areas or not at all. In addition, I found several misleading and inaccurate statements. First, the county tax levy may have been reduced in several areas, but we have a Five Million-Dollar increase in spending in the 1999 County Budget. I did not support this budget and I believe it is misleading to advertise a reduction when in fact we have a real spending increase. Second, deregulation of the utilities must and should come as a state legislative priority and not the decision of a politically appointed three person Public Service Commission. We need to have a true plan that takes into account the loss of tax revenue we as a host community will face. We in the Minority proposed such a plan last year in the Steam Plant negotiations, which included a power hold back for Oswego County to promote business and reduce residents power bills. Third, the AmericCorps program is a federally funded program which the County takes part in. We have an excellent program with many dedicated County workers working with the Youth of Oswego County to make this program successful. It is not just a county program as you are lead to believe. This ad money should be spent for things like more senior meals on wheels, promote tourism or the purchase of several bulletproof vests for our Sheriffs department. Let the individual Legislators buy their own ads to promote themselves and what they have done for the County. These types of self-promoting ads have no real value to the taxpayer, and I believe they must end. Doug Malone,
Guess Who Voted Against Safe Trucks for the County Highway Department? Last month in the Highway Committee one and only one Legislator voted against a resolution to replace several trucks that were unsafe for use by highway employees. Legislator Fran Wallace. Yes, he cares about getting his nephew and son a job in the highway department, but now when the hard working county employees need safe trucks, to bad. Remember that he wanted to give the Sheriffs Department extra cars, but sorry highway workers you don't count now he has what he wants from your Boss. Ever hear of fair weather friends.
Pal-Times Reporting of facts needs checking prior
to printing!!!!!
Republicans strike out again ... Jobs Leave County! The Post-Standard recently had an article about an Oswego Company business that was moving to Onondaga County under the Governors Power for Jobs program. Let's review this logic supported by James Cloonan, Republican County Chair. We take an Oswego County business, that was making a profit, use cheap power from our Nuke Plants in Oswego to get the business to move, and we lose taxes and workers to Onondaga County. Operation Oswego County does nothing! Now NIMO wants us to pay more taxes so they can give more bonuses to their executives. Will the last Oswego County residents to leave, please turn the light off? Oh, I forgot, it probably wouldn't be on because nobody in Oswego County can afford to use their lights after the Republicans get through with us. It appears that Jumping Jack Proud, has to go back to math class. This may be very embarrassing for a retired teacher, but we see of no other way to get his math to add up. He made a long speech on the floor of the legislature telling his fellow legislators that by accepting a $90,000 grant it increased the budget. This same math was used to increase the County Budget by $5,000,000. Well Jack, let's start your lessons early. $90,000 in increased spending minus a $90,000 grant equals zero for taxpayers. Yes, Jack when you received the same amount that you spend that equals zero. Your, five million dollar increase in spending had NO increased grants to offset it. That's why taxes went up. Jack you can fool some of the people some of the time, but not all of the people all of the time. We already got our tax bills and taxes went up.
County Highway Head Admits Mismanagement! For the past several months the Insider has learned the County Highway Department has dragged it's feet on the inventory systems that reportedly has cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. Now the story is getting out on the real reason! The Insider has received information from a reliable inside source that details the problems. There is reported to be a memo on this subject. We will bring you as much of this reported memo as we are able to gain from our inside sources. Check back often, as we will post as soon as we learn more. Installment One: Borrowing County Equipment. This memo allows county employees to borrow county equipment. It has been learned that the normal practice of some was to just borrow it, no questions asked. Now they must ask a supervisor if they can and he will write it down. Our question for the TAXPAYERS: Who's property is it? Can any county resident now stop by any county building, like Taylor Rental, and borrow a truck, drill or air pump? If the taxpayers pay for it should it not be used solely for county purposes! The question can be asked if is borrowed and used for days by an employee, what happens if it's needed. That's right, I forgot, they will buy a but a new one. Installment Two: County Employees Allowed to Work on Personal Equipment on County Time: We have been able to learn that this Memo allows employees to work on personal vehicles and other personal equipment on County time. All they have to do is ask their supervisor. That means we pay for county employees to use county equipment to work on their personal cars and trucks. Our Question for the TAXPAYERS is how many of us gets this perk on our jobs. If we took a poll I would say close to none! We suggest that next Friday you kick off early, on the clock of course, and go do your grocery shopping on company time. Do you think you'll have a job on Monday? Installment three: Trash Disposal without a permit? It seems that there is either a problem with County Solid Waste Employees dropping off trash without a permit, that's $60.00 bucks for you and I, or there's not. Either the County Highway Superintendent has lots of extra time on this hands, or he can no longer turn his head on his only mismanagement. Our question for the TAXPAYERS: If this was never a problem then why would they take the time to outline the problem, and set down a policy. It's quite clear that a few were abusing the system, and the county ignored the problem. The reason they ignored the problem was quite crystal-clear. If they admitted there was a problem, it would lead to the others they have been trying to hide.
Is the DA playing Politics? Updated Update. It has been four months since this story broke in the newspapers and who knows how long until the papers got the story. Remember when Bruce Clark, County Attorney and John Tierney, County Administrator turned in the Republican Elections Commissioner on the so called mileage case. It was less than two weeks before that case went to the grand jury. Now it does not take a brain surgeon to figure out that they are covering it up. Could it be connected to Fulton City Hall? The DA, Dennis Hawthorne's son is Fulton City's Attorney and his other son is County Republican Committee Attorney. Added, the DA's wife is a Fulton City Republican Committeewoman, who should have been in the city meetings that had the treasurer reports. Just think this is the Office that is responsible for enforcing the law in Oswego County or in Hawthornes's case selectively enforcing the law. The Insider has learned that the DA maybe stalling the investigating of the missing funds from the Fulton GOP City Committee. It seems that there was a " cover-up " of top Republican County Officials that did not want the GOP to have a black eye from it. Added, there seems to be a very large conflict with the DA's Office. Both of his sons's are directly connected to the County Republican Party. The County Republican Party Chairman also has been lobbying to have it go away just as the charges against Ted Jerrett and Bruce Bisbo were. Both of these were clear violations of the LAW, but were politically discharged. Reminder: Legislator Bisbo put in for mileage to County meetings that he did not drive to. It took him TWO years to admit he did not drive to the meetings he received MONEY for!
Then Legislator Jerrett took money for a CAD (engineering class) computer course that he claimed he needed to be a County Legislator. County Law allows for no such expense, only for mileage to and from County Legislative Meetings, phone calls and the like. Can we afford paying $$$$ for Legislators to attend classes that only benefit themselves!
Nuclear Plants on Auction block ... Republicans Ignoring Problem! Oswego County Taxpayers learned this week that NIMO was going to sell the Nuclear Plants. At the February County Legislative meeting former Oswego Mayor and deregulation expert John T. Sullivan spoke of the need for bi-partisan representation in the negation process. Mr. Sullivan, an Albany Insider knows well that in order to get the BEST deal for Oswego, there needs to be a combined effort in Albany. With the Democrats in control of the Assembly, Comptrollers Office, and Attorney General the team would have more clout to have a Democrat on it. Also, I'm sure he realizes that Assemblywoman Fran Sullivan has NO clout with either the Assembly Speaker or the Majority Leader, thus she will be able to do nothing for Oswego. That brings us to the question why the Republicans refused to appoint a member of the minority to the team? The real Insider story is that they do not want the minority knowing that they are selling us out to NIMO. Doug Barclay has major connections and money invested in this, and his brother in-law Norm Seiter, IDA Attorney and former County Republican Chairman (who still controls the Party) do not want anyone to mess up their sweet deal. The Republican Legislators are just kept in the dark and told how to vote. In this case it will affect our taxes for our entire life. Speak out and stop this clearly wrong attempt to have our tax dollars line a few rich Republican's pockets.
Conflict Questioned with County Administrator Does John Tierney, County Administrator have a conflict of interest being the county's Chief Negotiator with NIMO?? He is married to a NIMO Executive that works at one of the plants. It seems that no one wants to ask the tough question, or maybe they already know the answer.
Oswego County Republican Patronage Tree After much research the Insider is exposing the Oswego County Republican Patronage Tree. The County Government claims they hire based on "experience", but the facts prove a very different story. It seems that you can only be hired in the County Administration if you are of a correct political faith, and loyal to the " Good Old Boy Network." The same people that get MILLIONS of DOLLARS of NO-BID Contracts. Please keep in mind you pay them WITH your TAX DOLLARS, so should not ALL County Residents have a fair and equal chance at the job if qualified? This is not all, but just a sampling. We will update from time to time. Follow the money!!
The County Sales Tax - We lose twice! Send a special Thank You card to County Treasurer Bill Brouse and County Administrator Jack Tierney for helping you spend your extra cash. In the 1999 County Budget they believe they know better how to spend your paycheck than you, can you say LIBERAL, by intentionally under estimating the amount of Sales Tax Revenue the County will receive. Their defense for this is, "we might need some extra cash next year." For about every $600,000.00 dollars it raises your TAXES one- percent.Sales Tax Received 1997: 10.8 Million (9 months) Sales Tax Received 1998: 12.5 to 13 Million est. Sales Tax Received 1999: 10.5 Million. Budget Figure = Equals we lose !!!!
Oswego County Attorney Ignores the Law Oswego County Legislature was violating the New York State Open Meetings Law. Many committees of the Oswego County Legislature were voting on important items over the PHONE. Yes, excluding the public and the press by taking PHONE POLLS. One such phone poll was for the 1999 Health Budget of over 45 MILLION dollars. The Committee on Open Government has issued several opinions declaring these actions Illegal! The County has been denying your rights under the law to open and public voting on matters that affect YOU. The Republican Majority is playing back room politics with your money! Now the Oswego County Attorney agrees with the State. That leads to the question then why did Bruce Clark allow it for all these months when he knew it was illegal? Simple, politics. The County Government is run only allow to the Republican Party to run Oswego County and make money off it.
Republican County Chair off base, as usual (Regarding letter to editor supporting a special parking lot for a business that donates thousands to the County Republican Committee, Pal-Times February) This is such a Republican rallying cry that even Mr. Morality himself, Republican County Chairman James Cloonan, saw fit to write a contemptuous letter to the editor. Jimmy-boy must think he has a major coup on his hands with this issue. He should go back and look to see who cut their budget, the City, and who raised their budget, HIS Republican Majority on the County Legislature. It seems as though lower taxes would be more of a stimulus to help business than any little parking lot. Of course maybe not all the businesses saw fit to pay their protection and favoritism money to the GOP. Jimmy-boy is probably working now trying to change that. Of course he has to be away from his taxpayer-funded job at the Port Authority, driving his state car, to be able to run his political games. Remember the Christmas card? When are you going to inform everyone that that is not your family Jimmy-boy? Have you so little integrity that you have to rent a family for your Christmas Card picture?
County Taxes to Increase this January 1999 The Republican County Budget for 1999 is over 138 Million, which is an Increase of 5 Million over the 1998 budget of 133 Million. It's a 7 million increase over the 1997 budget! Republican Majority Legislators are saying they did a "good job", well that's if you believe raising spending and taxes is a good job. Watch for your taxes to increase this January 1999 in 19 of 22 Towns thanks to the Republican Majority!
Commentary on the Legislative Meeting of 1/6/99 Ted Jerrett’s appointment to Clerk of the Legislature It seems that just when you have heard it all the County of Oswego Republican Leadership seems to be able to top there last stunt. Yes, they just had everyone believing that the 5 million increase in the 1999 County Budget was a " decrease", then we got 1999 tax bills. Cold reality set in. Now it seems that only one person is qualified for the Clerk of the Legislature. This person brings such noteworthy accomplishments as, chief supporter of the Sales Tax, violating county/state law with his suit against Minority Legislators, questionable expenses vouchers that were covered up by the Republican Party, approved the illegal practice of the Legislature using phone polls for voting and numerous other misdeeds. He will be replacing a 20-year veteran that could type and take short hand. We hear that Ted can’t type, holds no degrees, no experience as a administrative clerk, and will on the first day on the job make about only 4 thousand dollars a year less that a 20 year dedicated and qualified veteran! Seems strange that he would be getting such a pay rate with NO EXPERIENCE. However, when you look at the way the Republican Party runs the County this could be no surprise. It is a payoff for covering up their smug and complete disregard for the taxpayers of Oswego. Just a reminder, Ted led the Republicans in giving millions of dollars of no-bid contracts to Republican Party Leaders. Well, as long as the voting population is happy with increased county spending, it’s officials breaking the laws they were sworn to up hold, and County government run more like a Communist State than a Democracy, then that’s what we get. Are only hope I guess is that the Democrats in the Legislature who believe in lower taxes, smaller government and fair and impartial justice will become the majority. Then and only then can we truly have a " government by and for the people".
Time to think "Outside the Box" From Pal-Times 2/22/99, by John T. Sullivan, Jr This article has been scanned from the paper, so we hope there are not any typos. Within a few short weeks, we may learn that Niagara Mohawk’s two nuclear plants in this county are being sold for a price far below their actual market value, and certainly well below assessed value. Since the two plants represent approximately 40% of this county’s assessed value, this news should have caught the attention of our county leaders, and there should be a plan in effect, or at least in the development stages, to deal with the aftermath of such a sale. Without adequate preparation, we will be caught literally with our plants down. At a recent meeting of the Oswego County Legislature, I suggested that a bipartisan task force be created to focus attention on and develop plans to deal with such a major development. Several legislators responded positively, while County Attorney Bruce Clark dismissed the suggestion, saying that he and County Administrator Jack Tierney have the matter under study. That response, from my vantage point is inadequate. What is the county’s position on the sale of the nukes? What is the county doing to attract new jobs and economic development to the area in light of the inevitable reduction in the taxability of these plants, and their online viability? Has there been any consideration to seeking, as I have suggested for over a decade now, to foster the creation of an Energy Generation Zone, which would require the plants to keep part of their product for local consumption at reduced rates? This would be a boon to our ability to attract new industry. It would be a virtual magnet for new jobs and new business. Since we have voluntarily hosted these plants, with their plusses and minuses, for the last 30 years, it seems only fair that we derive some benefit from their continued operation in our backyard, particularly if they are going to yield fewer jobs and less in the way of taxes. Why not "think outside the box" for once so we don’t miss the opportunity to improve the economic well being of our county residents, rather than simply continue to accept some crumbs from the table of the state’s energy industry, while others walk off with large slices of pie? Doesn’t this idea merit at least some consideration? Are our non-elected county leaders to beholden to the special interests themselves to stand up for all of this county’s citizens alike? Several years ago, when the state was looking for a repository for "low level" radioactive waste, Cortland County became the unlucky designee to accept the siting of such a facility, and all kinds of promises were made about special incentives to the people of Cortland County to induce them to host such a facility. The facility never materialized. The state gave up on it after fierce opposition in Cortland and in other counties, and no such disposal site was ever constructed in New York State. Meanwhile, back in Oswego County, for several years now, spent fuel rods have been accumulating in a pool at the Scriba site of our plants. We even had a fire recently at the site, which became national news. So what about the future of storage of such materials, and what benefit are we to be entitled for being the short-term solution to the statewide problem of finding appropriate places to store such waste? Where are our county leaders on this issue? The train heading for the uncertain future of nuclear power in this county and state is leaving the tracks, and we can either be left behind at the station, or we can get on board and attempt to influence the direction in which this train travels. It is up to our local elected county legislators to either climb aboard or be left on the platform. Which shall it be, ladies and gentlemen? John T. Sullivan, Jr. Oswego
Republican Commissioner of Elections forced to resign The commissioner resigned 2/10/99 Politics in the County building, again. The Insider sources say that County Republican Chair, Jim Cloonan, (a.k.a. Mr. Morality) convinced or threatened Republican Elections Commissioner Jim Terramiggi to step down from his appointed post and accept a job at the Veterans office. That way Terramiggi will not be able to extract any revenge on the Republican Party this coming election season for the shoddy treatment he received during his mile voucher charge. You'll remember that Jimmy Boy, and the other Yahoo's who run the County Building, Bruce Clark-Jack Tierney, gave Terramiggi an ultimatum. Either resign from your Elections Commissioner job or we will prosecute you on the fake mileage voucher charge. To his credit, Terramiggi basically told them to stuff it. He was later acquitted on the trumped up charge. It was no secret that he was waiting to get even with the Good OLE Boys. Now it seems that the Republicans have used some sort of threats to get Republican Commissioner to step down. Cloonan, Tierney and Clark were all involved in the plan, and Clark and Tierney forced the position through the County Legislative Committees before anyone caught on. Thus the deal, so when you read Cloonan and Tierney knew nothing, they are lying. Guess you never know who will fold under any given circumstances. Now the Assistant Veterans Administrator is classed on the very same pay scale as the Director. Looks like a raise for Jim Cloonan's brother Mike, the Veterans Director, is in the wind. Seems that the Good Ole Boys don't like having someone that they can't control in the election office. Remember that this is your tax-dollars at work.
Taxpayers Alert ... what you must know about waste in the County
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| Gosek Splits with Cloonan over Izyk for City Court It is rumored that there has been a REAL split between James Cloonan and John Gosek. Gosek has stated that he will support Izyk for Oswego City Court Judge not Jasen. The split now is becoming public and many Republican Party leaders are leaving Cloonan's Ship. How Trustworthy is John Gosek?
Does Gosek have a conflict on Power Choice? Gosek hired the PSC Chairman to file a lawsuit against D.M Ferlito and the City of Oswego after he fell in a hole while working last year. This was while the city was negotiating for the Power Choice Plan. Question can be asked, we know that they both had a conflict of interest, but which one had the biggest conflict. Gosek should not have voted on any Power Choice proposals. The PSC Chairman should have excused himself from ever voting on Power Choice. So is Gosek just the pawn of the moneyed interests such as Doug Barclay who is a major NIMO stockholder or is he really that dumb?
Rift in City Republican Party - Gosek vs. Cloonan The Insider has learned that there is a major rift brewing in the Republican Party. Inside sources tell us that Oswego County Republican Chairman James Cloonan, a.k.a. Mr. Morality, was quite upset that John Gosek announced so early for his bid for Mayor. We are told that Jimmy had his sights set on the Mayor's job for himself. How will this jealousy affect Gosek's campaign since Jimmy controls the purse strings to the Republicans lofty war chest? Stay tuned for further details. If you have any additional information on this subject, please send us an e-mail. Jansen exposed... the truth they have been trying to hide The Insider now has the story on City Court Judge Jansen. Judge Jansen has been for the last two years lobbying to have the City Court Judges position in Oswego Budgeted to full time. First he went to John T. Sullivan who at that time was the Co-Chair of the New York State Democratic Party. So the insider information goes, Sullivan could get it through the Democrat controlled Assembly, but he needed to talk to Senator Wright for help in the Senate. What came from Senator Wright was that he would not support a Democrat so Jansen had to switch. Republican County Chair, James Cloonan, took this to Jansen. By the way, it is against the law for a Judge or Party Chair to discuss this, but breaking the law has never been a problem for the County Republicans. Cloonan got Jansen to switch Parties, but never mentioned that it had to pass the Democrat Controlled Assembly. Now that was the catch. Jansen publicly announced his switch to Republican Party. County Democrat Chair, William Scriber, who as we have been told is very close with the Majority Leader of the Assembly, Mike Bragman. It is reported that Scriber went to Bragman, explained the situation, and got the Assembly to not support the switch to full time. It now stands as part-time and will stay that way. Now the interesting items. It is well known that Jansen only wants the full time position to increase his retirement at the expense of the taxpayers not because of the caseload. Everyone in the city knows there is no need for a full time judge in city court as he already has an assistant judge. He hardly spends a full day at the job and if re-elected because of his age could not fill out his full term, by state law. So why the switch. Simple, Cloonan lied to Jansen, and Jansen was too dumb to figure it out. The question to all the city voters and taxpayers is do you want a Judge that is playing politics and lacks character? If he is willing to sell out to Cloonan for a few pieces of gold, can you trust him on the bench? We think not. (It is rumored that the Republican Party plans to primary Jansen, their new found friend, in the upcoming election for City Judge.)
Gosek can't keep his stories or his policies straight Gosek says that now is the time to make a difference. Gosek, who previously stated that he did not want to lay off any employees, then voted twice to do just that. He also went to court to cut jobs. Now check out the Pal-Times of 2/18/99 where he stated he would not cut jobs in his announcement article for Mayor, but just was part of a lawsuit to do just that, cut jobs. How can any body talk out of both sides of their mouth like this. Can you really trust his word if he changes it each time his political adviser's (Joe Rodak-Bill Mercier) tell him what to say??
Does Gosek have a conflict? Does Alderman Gosek have a conflict of interest if he votes on a resolution concerning someone (Milligan) who owes him money? (remember that the Milligan's are large contributors to the Republican Party) Would he be swayed, one way or the other, by voting for or against a person that owes him money? You decide.
Republican County Chair off base, as usual (Regarding letter to editor supporting a special parking lot for a business that donates thousands to the County Republican Committee, Pal-Times February) This is such a Republican rallying cry that even Mr. Morality himself, Republican County Chairman James Cloonan, saw fit to write a contemptuous letter to the editor. Jimmy-boy must think he has a major coup on his hands with this issue. He should go back and look to see who cut their budget, the City, and who raised their budget, HIS Republican Majority on the County Legislature. It seems as though lower taxes would be more of a stimulus to help business than any little parking lot. Of course maybe not all the businesses saw fit to pay their protection and favoritism money to the GOP. Jimmy-boy is probably working now trying to change that. Of course he has to be away from his taxpayer-funded job at the Port Authority, driving his state car, to be able to run his political games. Remember the Christmas card? When are you going to inform everyone that that is not your family Jimmy-boy? Have you so little integrity that you have to rent a family for your Christmas Card picture?
Oswego City Republican Committee's two faces exposed and their lies What's with the OCS (out of control spending) buttons at the common council meeting? Most of these buttons were ironically worn by Oswego City Republican Committee members. Yes the same Republican Party that just increased your County tax bill. Very hypocritical for them to be taking that stand. Oh yes, their leader, Fran Wallace, was right there leading the cheers and boos after people spoke about their views on the budget. This is the same Fran Wallace that spoke in favor of NIMO's Powerchoice proposal at the County Legislature meeting. When asked by another legislator to explain what was in the Powerchoice proposal, he couldn't because he hadn't read it. Here is a supposedly intelligent man proclaiming the virtues of a plan that he had neither read nor understood. Why? Because he was doing what he was told to do by the Republican leadership. Outcome?
Gosek can't keep his stories straight (check out the Pal-Times of 2/18/99 where he stated he would not cut jobs in his announcement article, but just was part of a lawsuit to do just that, cut jobs. Lies...Lies...Lies) John Gosek is another Mayor wannabe. Gosek says that now is the time to make a difference. Gosek, who previously stated that he did not want to lay off any employees, then voted twice to do just that, made a big spectacle out of the budget for the viewing audience. He voted to cut jobs in order to save about $169,000 in a $37 million budget. Yeah, that's really making a difference. He also said at the Dec 14 meeting that the council could shave another $5 million from the budget. But, you know what, he didn't say how or where. Anyone can say we need to save money, but unless you can be specific, you're just a show-off looking for attention. (Or running for mayor already.)
Oswego City Republican Committee's two faces exposed and their lies What's with the OCS (out of control spending) buttons at the common council meeting? Most of these buttons were ironically worn by Oswego City Republican Committee members. Yes the same Republican Party that just increased your County tax bill. Very hypocritical for them to be taking that stand. Oh yes, their leader, Fran Wallace, was right there leading the cheers and boos after people spoke about their views on the budget. This is the same Fran Wallace that spoke in favor of NIMO's Powerchoice proposal at the County Legislature meeting. When asked by another legislator to explain what was in the Powerchoice proposal, he couldn't because he hadn't read it. Here is a supposedly intelligent man proclaiming the virtues of a plan that he had neither read nor understood. Why? Because he was doing what he was told to do by the Republican leadership. Outcome?
Gosek can't keep his stories straight (Check out the Pal-Times of 2/18/99 where he stated he would not cut jobs in his announcement article, but just was part of a lawsuit to do just that, cut jobs. Lies...Lies...Lies) John Gosek is another Mayor wannabe. Gosek says that now is the time to make a difference. Gosek, who previously stated that he did not want to lay off any employees, then voted twice to do just that, made a big spectacle out of the budget for the viewing audience. He voted to cut jobs in order to save about $169,000 in a $37 million budget. Yeah, that's really making a difference. He also said at the Dec 14 meeting that the council could shave another $5 million from the budget. But, you know what, he didn't say how or where. Anyone can say we need to save money, but unless you can be specific, you're just a show-off looking for attention. (Or running for mayor already.)
Republican Alderman's case thrown out of court ... it's your turn this fall They LOST! Local Supreme Court strikes down
Republican Alderman's suit and upholds the Democratic Mayor and employees. Republicans lose again. Republican Aldermen
Mercier, Hall, and Gosek filed a lawsuit suing the City
of Oswego because they were not able to cut and slash enough jobs from the budget. Were
they going after the highly paid Department Heads? NO. Were they going after the midrange
salaried Supervisors? NO. They were mad because they were unsuccessful in cutting the
hard working, bottom of the rung, making just enough to get by laborer jobs. How would
cutting these jobs help anyone? Even if they were cut, the City would still have to pay
unemployment and get nothing in return.
When is an Executive Session Public ? Wasn't it Bill Mercier who called for an executive session recently? (Pal-Times January) And wasn't it funny that the contents of that session, supposedly to be kept confidential, somehow miraculously leaked to the press? Yeah Bill, you're real trustworthy! In the County Legislature they send that stuff to the DA don't they?
Mercier all wet, or are we just snowed by Billy again Well, it seems that the great snow removal mystery is solved. Alderman Mercier's feeble attempt at embarrassing Torba and Atkins at the previous council meeting has come back and bit him on his backside. Mercier tried to embarrass Torba and Atkins by repeating a supposedly anonymous tip about the city DPW removing snow from their driveways. (Mercier is completely clueless when it comes to speaking the truth about anything. All he ever does is complain and preach innuendo and rumors.) Alderman Atkins put him in his place, AGAIN, by disclosing not only the facts surrounding the mysterious plowing, but by also reading a SIGNED, NOT ANONYMOUS, letter from a witness to the whole event. It seems that the City DPW did indeed push back the snowbanks in the area on the day in question. However, they did not enter any private driveways and remove snow as Mercier falsely claimed. Atkins asked Mercier to apologize for his irresponsible remarks and all Mercier did was to say that he would be more careful about any future anonymous tips. Well isn't that nice of him. Who cares about facts when Mercier has his anonymous letters? He has made the statement that some things the council does are an embarrassment. We think that he is the biggest embarrassment this city has seen in a long time and we can only hope that the good people of the First Ward are finally waking up to that fact.
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