Like a bad penny, Johnny Destino has turned up again. Instead of being thankful that Paul Dyster gave him a job (probably to prevent the Political Terrorist from going after him) at City Hall, now Destino is going to run again for the Niagara Falls School Board. Wow!! Destino served on the board for I believe one term and after making a big stink in the beginning, rarely accomplished anything. It's amazing now that he is promising to turn the district around by emphasizing the need for vocational education. Oops, I forgot he did accomplish something: he got his wife a job and then decided not to run for re-election.
Initially Destino the Demagogue talked about a vocational school in Niagara Falls. After he caught flack for the utter stupidity of having another school in a declining populated city, he has switched gears by saying that he is going to get BOCES to bring more classes into Niagara Falls. Hmmmm...I wonder how this sudden revelation hit you Johnny?? This never occurred to you when you were on the board before?? Oh and by the way Johnny, why weren't you jumping up and down when the Administration that you work for was working to give the Board building on 6th & Walnut to a methadone clinic instead of to BOCES for a training center?? I'm sure your silence had all to do with not rocking the boat so you could keep your job.
Destino indicates in the Reporter that he invited the Board to come out to BOCES and only one member showed up. Well, what Johnny doesn't tell you is that the Board had Niagara Falls students present at a Board meeting what they were doing at BOCES. I know this because a friend of mine, who lives in Niagara Falls, was one of those children. From what he and his wife said, the Board was very interested and encouraged by the work of these children and committed to the vocational opportunities presented by BOCES.
In the Reporter, Destino lauds the incredibly successful Isiah 61 Project. This is the program who's executive director skipped town, who were illegally getting electrical power when they were located on Hyde Park Boulevard and who have re-built one house in 5 years here in Niagara Falls. Hmmm....great example of success. By the way, does anyone know where the money the City gave to this program went??? Maybe Johnny knows though I doubt it.
The Demagogue called into question answers given at the candidates forum about the Business First rankings. Hmmmm...where were you Johnny that night??? I didn't see your picture in the Gazette. No it's easier to throw bombs instead of having the courage to state your opinions in front of the other candidates. But that's typical of a demagogue and that typifies the storied political career of Destino the Demagogue.
Hopefully, the residents of Niagara Falls will send a message: Johnny be happy you have a job and leave us all alone.
Thursday, May 12, 2016
Monday, February 22, 2016
One Party Rule Hurting Taxpayers
The 2 largest government entities in the Niagara County, the City of Niagara Falls & Niagara County, are governed by one party and the result has been decisions made that have not always benefited taxpayers and makes one wonder if good government is being substituted for good politics. Let's take a look at the County and their search for a new County Manager.
Minority Leader Dennis Virtuoso has called the hiring process a sham and the recent withdrawal of Dan Ward as a candidate for the position would seem to support Virtuoso's claim. It's pretty transparent to see that things are lining up for former Majority Leader Rick Updegrove to be the County's next County Manager. While Updegrove is an attorney and a former legislator, what administrative experience does he have? Being an attorney and a part-time legislator is a far cry from being a full time day-to-day manager of a multi-million dollar operation. I find it hard to believe that Updegrove is the best candidate for this job. According to one newspaper report, the County did very little to advertise for the top administrative position in the County.
Now let's take a look at Niagara Falls. The chief administrative officer for the City is the City Administrator Donna Owens. But for the failed garbage/recycling program, is there anything else that Owens has done? Her administrative abilities are so bad that the Financial Advisory Committee has recommended that the City create a Budget Director position. Shouldn't that be the job of the City Administrator???
In both instances, the problem is that there is no loyal opposition that will call the controlling party out. In the county, the Republicans have an 11-4 majority. They can do pretty much anything they want. As a result, political favors are paid which doesn't mean that the taxpayers best interest is always considered.
Niagara Falls is just the opposite. The Democrats control the Council and the Mayor's office which has led to the misuse of casino dollars and political favors paid without regard for the taxpayers. It's a damn shame.
Both parties deserve blame. The problem is neither of them can find and run good candidates. There is no one in government holding the party in power accountable. As a result, it's one party rule and who gets the shaft: the taxpayers!!!!
Minority Leader Dennis Virtuoso has called the hiring process a sham and the recent withdrawal of Dan Ward as a candidate for the position would seem to support Virtuoso's claim. It's pretty transparent to see that things are lining up for former Majority Leader Rick Updegrove to be the County's next County Manager. While Updegrove is an attorney and a former legislator, what administrative experience does he have? Being an attorney and a part-time legislator is a far cry from being a full time day-to-day manager of a multi-million dollar operation. I find it hard to believe that Updegrove is the best candidate for this job. According to one newspaper report, the County did very little to advertise for the top administrative position in the County.
Now let's take a look at Niagara Falls. The chief administrative officer for the City is the City Administrator Donna Owens. But for the failed garbage/recycling program, is there anything else that Owens has done? Her administrative abilities are so bad that the Financial Advisory Committee has recommended that the City create a Budget Director position. Shouldn't that be the job of the City Administrator???
In both instances, the problem is that there is no loyal opposition that will call the controlling party out. In the county, the Republicans have an 11-4 majority. They can do pretty much anything they want. As a result, political favors are paid which doesn't mean that the taxpayers best interest is always considered.
Niagara Falls is just the opposite. The Democrats control the Council and the Mayor's office which has led to the misuse of casino dollars and political favors paid without regard for the taxpayers. It's a damn shame.
Both parties deserve blame. The problem is neither of them can find and run good candidates. There is no one in government holding the party in power accountable. As a result, it's one party rule and who gets the shaft: the taxpayers!!!!
Friday, February 19, 2016
Ceretto Chooses Senecas over Local Businesses
http://www.niagarafallsreporter.com/ceretto-believes-senecas-verbal-promise-market-rate-gas-prices/
Well, it's official. As I suspected we now know why our esteemed Assemblyman John Ceretto had his fund raiser at the Seneca Niagara Casino. His belief that the 24 pump gas station/convenience store that will be placed on sovereign land will have no impact on local business tells me that he is bought and paid for by the Senecas. It makes sense now. Have the fund raiser there, come out selling the Senecas story and in return get campaign contributions for what could be a bruising 2016 campaign. Sounds like a plan for Niagara County's most self-serving politician.
Ceretto believes that the Senecas will be good neighbors. Yeah right John. Like when they held the City hostage in 2012 by withholding the City's take on casino revenues because they were pissed off at the State. This guy is clueless and every taxpayer in the 145th District should be outraged. All of the local businesses in the area have expressed their concerns about being able to compete. A couple have talked about making their properties parking lots which will reduce the city's property tax and sales tax collection while the city will receive NOTHING from the Senecas gas station/convenience store.
As has been accurately reported, when the casino was going to open in 2003 the issue of a gas station was raised and the Senecas said not to worry. They would not put a service station on their sovereign land. Well, I guess they forgot about that. But who shouldn't have forgot is Mayor Dyster because he was sitting on the City Council at the time. However, according to the Senecas, city officials have been supported of this plan. But what would you expect from a Mayor, who on Channel 2 last year said that he didn't ask for a greater share of casino revenue in 2012 because he was afraid that the state would take money away from the city in another area. What a leader!!
With Ceretto and Dyster left to protect the City's interest, it may be time to raise the white flag. It's unfortunate because it will be the taxpayers who will suffer from the Dopey Duos gutless leadership. They must have went to the Neville Chamberlain School of Management.
Well, it's official. As I suspected we now know why our esteemed Assemblyman John Ceretto had his fund raiser at the Seneca Niagara Casino. His belief that the 24 pump gas station/convenience store that will be placed on sovereign land will have no impact on local business tells me that he is bought and paid for by the Senecas. It makes sense now. Have the fund raiser there, come out selling the Senecas story and in return get campaign contributions for what could be a bruising 2016 campaign. Sounds like a plan for Niagara County's most self-serving politician.
Ceretto believes that the Senecas will be good neighbors. Yeah right John. Like when they held the City hostage in 2012 by withholding the City's take on casino revenues because they were pissed off at the State. This guy is clueless and every taxpayer in the 145th District should be outraged. All of the local businesses in the area have expressed their concerns about being able to compete. A couple have talked about making their properties parking lots which will reduce the city's property tax and sales tax collection while the city will receive NOTHING from the Senecas gas station/convenience store.
As has been accurately reported, when the casino was going to open in 2003 the issue of a gas station was raised and the Senecas said not to worry. They would not put a service station on their sovereign land. Well, I guess they forgot about that. But who shouldn't have forgot is Mayor Dyster because he was sitting on the City Council at the time. However, according to the Senecas, city officials have been supported of this plan. But what would you expect from a Mayor, who on Channel 2 last year said that he didn't ask for a greater share of casino revenue in 2012 because he was afraid that the state would take money away from the city in another area. What a leader!!
With Ceretto and Dyster left to protect the City's interest, it may be time to raise the white flag. It's unfortunate because it will be the taxpayers who will suffer from the Dopey Duos gutless leadership. They must have went to the Neville Chamberlain School of Management.
Wednesday, February 17, 2016
50 Acres = Casino & Gas Station....Thank You NYS!!
The Seneca Nation announced their plans to build a 20-24 gas pump station with a convenience store on the corner of Niagara Street and John B. Daly Boulevard. And this is what the taxpayers of Niagara Falls signed up for back in 2003....NOT!!!! This is another shot across the bow that will close more local businesses. Within a 5 mile radius from where this mega-gas station/convenience store will be put up, there are five gas stations ( 2 of which have convenience stores) and the 7-11 on the corner of 4th and Niagara Street. Not to mention the gas pumps at Tops on Portage Road. How will they survive when the Senecas aren't paying sales tax? The answer is they won't survive.
In 2012, the Senecas and the State extended the compact. Of course, the local politicians were giddy because the city's financial crisis was over as the Senecas released the money that was owed the city. The issue of gas pumps on the 50 acres has come up before, so why didn't our elected officials raise this issue when the compact was extended?
Mayor Dyster stated in the Buffalo News that this announcement was a slippery slope. However, in the same article, the Senecas indicated that they have had discussions with the city about this proposal and that they were supportive. Hmmm....so which is it??
Then of course we have our silent and esteemed Assemblyman John Ceretto. The same John Ceretto who just recently had a fund raiser at the Seneca Casino. Wouldn't be surprised if Ceretto didn't know at his fund raiser about this proposal. Can we really expect this ultimate self-serving politician to take on the Seneca Nation? Forget about it!!!
The question now becomes: is there a public official out there that will have the stones to protect the interest of local business?? Ceretto and Dyster have proven their disregard for local taxpayers. Our illustrious Governor, King Andy, could careless about Niagara Falls even though Ceretto & Dyster are the biggest Cuomo lap dogs around. Could it be newcomer Senator Rob Ortt? Haven't heard anything from him. What about our esteemed County Legislature? There too busy fighting amongst themselves.
Maybe it's time for drastic measures, something that none of our elected officials have the guts to do: build barriers around the 50 acres and charge a toll when people leave. You pay a toll to go into Canada, so why not a toll leaving the sovereign Seneca Nation? Maybe we can enlist Donald Trump to come to Niagara Falls and get these toll booths built.
In 2012, the Senecas and the State extended the compact. Of course, the local politicians were giddy because the city's financial crisis was over as the Senecas released the money that was owed the city. The issue of gas pumps on the 50 acres has come up before, so why didn't our elected officials raise this issue when the compact was extended?
Mayor Dyster stated in the Buffalo News that this announcement was a slippery slope. However, in the same article, the Senecas indicated that they have had discussions with the city about this proposal and that they were supportive. Hmmm....so which is it??
Then of course we have our silent and esteemed Assemblyman John Ceretto. The same John Ceretto who just recently had a fund raiser at the Seneca Casino. Wouldn't be surprised if Ceretto didn't know at his fund raiser about this proposal. Can we really expect this ultimate self-serving politician to take on the Seneca Nation? Forget about it!!!
The question now becomes: is there a public official out there that will have the stones to protect the interest of local business?? Ceretto and Dyster have proven their disregard for local taxpayers. Our illustrious Governor, King Andy, could careless about Niagara Falls even though Ceretto & Dyster are the biggest Cuomo lap dogs around. Could it be newcomer Senator Rob Ortt? Haven't heard anything from him. What about our esteemed County Legislature? There too busy fighting amongst themselves.
Maybe it's time for drastic measures, something that none of our elected officials have the guts to do: build barriers around the 50 acres and charge a toll when people leave. You pay a toll to go into Canada, so why not a toll leaving the sovereign Seneca Nation? Maybe we can enlist Donald Trump to come to Niagara Falls and get these toll booths built.
Tuesday, February 16, 2016
Ceretto turns his back on Local businesses
Last Friday, Assemblyman John Ceretto continued his assault on local taxpayers, this time dissing local restaurants and hotels by having his fund raiser at the Seneca Niagara Casino. While local restaurants and hotels have to compete with a foreign nation that pays no sales taxes or bed taxes, their Assemblyman gives them the bird by patronizing the Seneca Nation. Please don't tell me about the amount of casino money that the locals receive because it is a mere pittance when compared to the amount of money the Senecas are making. For Ceretto to have his fund raiser in Seneca Nation is a disgrace and illustrates his total disdain for local taxpayers.
What's just as disturbing is the number of local politicians who went to the Nation for the Assemblyman's party. It's really amazing. But this is typical from a man who has no principals and simply does what he needs to do to further his own interests. It will be interesting to see how much the Nation donates to Ceretto's campaign. Of course Ceretto has demonstrated his lack of concern for local taxpayers in his district. More on that later. Enjoy!!!
https://www.facebook.com/Niagara-County-Legislator-Jason-Zona-181748491922534/
What's just as disturbing is the number of local politicians who went to the Nation for the Assemblyman's party. It's really amazing. But this is typical from a man who has no principals and simply does what he needs to do to further his own interests. It will be interesting to see how much the Nation donates to Ceretto's campaign. Of course Ceretto has demonstrated his lack of concern for local taxpayers in his district. More on that later. Enjoy!!!
https://www.facebook.com/Niagara-County-Legislator-Jason-Zona-181748491922534/
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