Well, the results are in and it was clear that Niagara Falls voters like new faces as newcomers William Kennedy and Chris Voccio were elected to the City Council along with incumbent Andy Touma. From many Niagara Falls residents, including my wife's parents, I was told that they appreciated those candidates who visited their home throughout the summer and fall. Both Kennedy and Voccio ran a quite aggressive door-to-door campaign and it paid off.
While Voccio sold himself as a budget hawk with an emphasis on the need for cuts to the City budget, Mr. Kennedy presented himself as a young guy looking to get involved to make the city that he grew up in a better place to live. It seems clear that voters like the idea of a fresh face and particularly a young hometown candidate looking to make a difference.
The same scenario played out in 2015 when a young hometown candidate ran an aggressive door-to-door campaign. As Bill Kennedy was the top vote getter this past Tuesday, Ezra Scott was top vote getter in the 2015 election. While there were high hopes for Mr. Scott, it's safe to say that Scott's performance on the Council up to this point has not met the promise of 2015. The City Council's main function is to oversee the City's finances and Ezra seems to go along with whatever the Mayor comes up with which has just dug the hole deeper for the City.
There was plenty of discussion on social media as to the work background of Bill Kennedy. In what had been presented, one would have to question how Mr. Kennedy will be able to deal with the fiscal problems that are facing Niagara Falls. From what was in the local media, when asked about how to solve the City's financial problem Mr. Kennedy's response was that the tax base needed to be expanded by bringing in more businesses. You can't disagree with that position however that has been a theme for years and will not address the immediate problem: the City is facing a major shortfall now!! Bill has talked about looking to merge some functions with the County and I think that's great but more will need to be done.
Will the promise of the 2017 Election be realized two years from now or will Bill Kennedy be the next Ezra Scott?
Showing posts with label city council. Show all posts
Showing posts with label city council. Show all posts
Thursday, November 9, 2017
Sunday, October 15, 2017
Dyster & Company At It Again
Well you can't fault Paul Dyster for continuing the sleight of hand way of running the City as he continues to get elected. Of course, if that ego-maniac Glenn Choolokian would have stayed out of the General Election, John Accardo would be our Mayor. But, that's crying over spilled milk. Now, Dyster is banking on getting his 2 rubber stamps, Touma & Grandinetti, re-elected along with the Fire Dept's chosen candidate, Bill Kennedy elected in November. The sad thing is that Dyster can come out on top again.
In spite of a scathing report from the State Comptroller, Tom DiNapoli, there doesn't seem to be much outrage at the financial state of Niagara Falls. Has the local newspaper said anything? Curious as to who the Niagara Gazette will endorse.
In any other place, the local newspaper would be ripping the current Administration and its allies on the City Council for the blatant financial malfeasance that has taken place throughout Dyster's time in office. Yet, word is that the Gazette is in Dyster's hip pocket and want the status quo to continue.
The other problem are the candidates on the Republican slate for City Council. Bob Pascoal ran a credible race 2 years ago for Mayor in the Republican primary and has a good chance in taking one of the 3 seats, hopefully knocking Grandinetti out. But Chris Voccio and Sam Archie may have a problem winning in November. Give Voccio credit for waging a heavy door-to-door campaign as some relatives of mine have told me that Mr. Voccio has been to their home twice. But there are those who have an issue with the fact that Voccio is a carpetbagger. Someone who just recently came to the City and has some very conservative views on issues that really have nothing to do with being a city councilman. To me it's a nonsense argument but I'm just saying what's out there and what is being spewed by the Dyster camp.
As far as Mr. Archie goes, while he has been very active on social media, not sure how active he has been going door-to-door. Moreover, it is my understanding that he has lost numerous times when running for office and is viewed as being unelectable. Again, that's what Dyster & Company are saying.
A low turnout helps the Dyster crew and will ensure more of the same at City Hall. I'm not sure if the State Comptroller could come in and mandate a control board. Absent that possibility, unless people get out and vote, Dyster & his minions will continue to spend away at the taxpayers expense.
In spite of a scathing report from the State Comptroller, Tom DiNapoli, there doesn't seem to be much outrage at the financial state of Niagara Falls. Has the local newspaper said anything? Curious as to who the Niagara Gazette will endorse.
In any other place, the local newspaper would be ripping the current Administration and its allies on the City Council for the blatant financial malfeasance that has taken place throughout Dyster's time in office. Yet, word is that the Gazette is in Dyster's hip pocket and want the status quo to continue.
The other problem are the candidates on the Republican slate for City Council. Bob Pascoal ran a credible race 2 years ago for Mayor in the Republican primary and has a good chance in taking one of the 3 seats, hopefully knocking Grandinetti out. But Chris Voccio and Sam Archie may have a problem winning in November. Give Voccio credit for waging a heavy door-to-door campaign as some relatives of mine have told me that Mr. Voccio has been to their home twice. But there are those who have an issue with the fact that Voccio is a carpetbagger. Someone who just recently came to the City and has some very conservative views on issues that really have nothing to do with being a city councilman. To me it's a nonsense argument but I'm just saying what's out there and what is being spewed by the Dyster camp.
As far as Mr. Archie goes, while he has been very active on social media, not sure how active he has been going door-to-door. Moreover, it is my understanding that he has lost numerous times when running for office and is viewed as being unelectable. Again, that's what Dyster & Company are saying.
A low turnout helps the Dyster crew and will ensure more of the same at City Hall. I'm not sure if the State Comptroller could come in and mandate a control board. Absent that possibility, unless people get out and vote, Dyster & his minions will continue to spend away at the taxpayers expense.
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Niagara Falls: A City Lost
Today in both the Niagara Gazette and the Buffalo News, the City of Niagara Falls suffered another black-eye as the City Council Majority, otherwise known as the Gang of Three, made complete morons of themselves as they called into question a grant provided to the City to pay for Mayor Dyster's participation in the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Cities Initiative. According to City Council Chair Glenn Choolokian, the $4,000 grant from the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo was an attempt to "buy favors from your administration." Choolokian went one step further calling into question whether it was necessary to call the FBI in to investigate the matter.
Let me ask a question: what do you think a developer from another part of the country or an overseas investor must think of Niagara Falls when they see the leader of the legislative branch call into question a $4,000 grant to participate in a bi-national initiative that could impact a major industry in this County: Sportfishing. If I had to bet they would probably be saying: if these people represent the City then the whole place must be inhabited by knuckle-dragging Neanderthals.
As I have stated over and over again, there are plenty of things to criticize Dyster about, particularly his fiscal mismanagement. But the fact that the Mayor has the wherewithal to enlist outside sources to fund quality of life programs (the NACC) and initiatives is a credit to him and should be applauded not questioned as being illegal or unethical. Say what you want about Dyster, I don't believe he is unethical or has done anything illegal. Has he mismanaged the City's finances?? Yes. Does he need to get a backbone?? Yes. But is he a crook?? No.
Choolokian and Company are a disgrace. If I was a resident of Niagara Falls I would be totally embarrassed. How can this City survive when you have leaders such as Choolokian and Fruscione and a Mayor like Dyster. Two thugs and an absent-minded professor. Good luck Niagara Falls, I think you will need it.
Let me ask a question: what do you think a developer from another part of the country or an overseas investor must think of Niagara Falls when they see the leader of the legislative branch call into question a $4,000 grant to participate in a bi-national initiative that could impact a major industry in this County: Sportfishing. If I had to bet they would probably be saying: if these people represent the City then the whole place must be inhabited by knuckle-dragging Neanderthals.
As I have stated over and over again, there are plenty of things to criticize Dyster about, particularly his fiscal mismanagement. But the fact that the Mayor has the wherewithal to enlist outside sources to fund quality of life programs (the NACC) and initiatives is a credit to him and should be applauded not questioned as being illegal or unethical. Say what you want about Dyster, I don't believe he is unethical or has done anything illegal. Has he mismanaged the City's finances?? Yes. Does he need to get a backbone?? Yes. But is he a crook?? No.
Choolokian and Company are a disgrace. If I was a resident of Niagara Falls I would be totally embarrassed. How can this City survive when you have leaders such as Choolokian and Fruscione and a Mayor like Dyster. Two thugs and an absent-minded professor. Good luck Niagara Falls, I think you will need it.
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Niagara Falls Is Doomed With Current City Leaders
Yesterday at City Hall, everything that is wrong with city government in Niagara Falls was on full display. Let me be clear, this rests on both the Mayor and the City Council. Let's start with the Mayor. The City Council invited the Mayor to come to their work session at 4pm to discuss the city's fiscal situation. Specifically, the Council wanted to know what the Mayor will do if the City does not receive casino revenue this year. The answer given, as reported in the Niagara Gazette, illustrates why Paul Dyster is in over his head.
The Mayor told the Council that he has been given every indication that the arbitration between New York State and the Seneca Nation will be settled by summer. If this does not come to pass, Dyster indicated that his administration is looking at various scenarios including re-visiting the offer made by the New York Power Authority which was to accelerate payments to the City as a result of the re-licensing agreement. This is what you call leadership???
I have stated many times that Dyster has not come up with one proposal to reduce City expenditures. He continues down that path with his "hope and a prayer" that the arbitration is settled and if that fails he is prepared to take money from the Power Authority in a ponzi scheme that ends up short changing the City in the long run. The Mayor's idea of leadership is to continue to kick the can down the road and hope someone will save him from having to make tough decisions. With leadership like that the City of Niagara Falls will never create a business climate that will be attractive to developers. The Mayor and his Administration should be ashamed of themselves. Maybe when Dyster and his City Administrator go to these conferences they should attend meetings where they can learn about ways to consolidate city services.
The City Council is no better. In their defense, they really need to take lead from the Mayor in order to deal with the fiscal situation. But their ham-handed approach in how they have dealt with local volunteer agencies smacks of political retribution which typifies the political environment for the last 50 years in Niagara Falls. This toxic political environment is as big of a detriment to economic development in this City as the inability to make government more cost effective.
The Gang of 3's rejection of the Oshei Foundation's offer to co-fund the NACC further illustrates that this is all about taking a shot at Dyster. First, the money that is used to fund the NACC is bed tax money. This has no impact on city property taxpayers. Bed tax comes from people who stay at local hotels and motels. Let me say it again: there is NO impact on city property taxes. Second, Oshei's offer was to put up $15,000 with the City coming up with $15,000. This means only using $15,000 of bed tax revenue and keeping the City landmark open.
What is abundantly clear to me is that there are no adults running city government. On the one hand, you have a Mayor who is hoping that the Easter Bunny will come and leave him chocolate, Easter eggs and casino cash in his Easter Basket. And on the other hand, you have the Gang of 3 who are the schoolyard bullies that are going to extract whatever they can from their political enemies. If you wonder why Niagara Falls has not prospered, last night gives you the answer. Incompetence, lack of courage and political vindictiveness are the plagues destroying the City. It's time boys and girls in City Hall to put your big boy and girl pants on and do what's right for the people you serve. Unfortunately, I don't see it happening.
The Mayor told the Council that he has been given every indication that the arbitration between New York State and the Seneca Nation will be settled by summer. If this does not come to pass, Dyster indicated that his administration is looking at various scenarios including re-visiting the offer made by the New York Power Authority which was to accelerate payments to the City as a result of the re-licensing agreement. This is what you call leadership???
I have stated many times that Dyster has not come up with one proposal to reduce City expenditures. He continues down that path with his "hope and a prayer" that the arbitration is settled and if that fails he is prepared to take money from the Power Authority in a ponzi scheme that ends up short changing the City in the long run. The Mayor's idea of leadership is to continue to kick the can down the road and hope someone will save him from having to make tough decisions. With leadership like that the City of Niagara Falls will never create a business climate that will be attractive to developers. The Mayor and his Administration should be ashamed of themselves. Maybe when Dyster and his City Administrator go to these conferences they should attend meetings where they can learn about ways to consolidate city services.
The City Council is no better. In their defense, they really need to take lead from the Mayor in order to deal with the fiscal situation. But their ham-handed approach in how they have dealt with local volunteer agencies smacks of political retribution which typifies the political environment for the last 50 years in Niagara Falls. This toxic political environment is as big of a detriment to economic development in this City as the inability to make government more cost effective.
The Gang of 3's rejection of the Oshei Foundation's offer to co-fund the NACC further illustrates that this is all about taking a shot at Dyster. First, the money that is used to fund the NACC is bed tax money. This has no impact on city property taxpayers. Bed tax comes from people who stay at local hotels and motels. Let me say it again: there is NO impact on city property taxes. Second, Oshei's offer was to put up $15,000 with the City coming up with $15,000. This means only using $15,000 of bed tax revenue and keeping the City landmark open.
What is abundantly clear to me is that there are no adults running city government. On the one hand, you have a Mayor who is hoping that the Easter Bunny will come and leave him chocolate, Easter eggs and casino cash in his Easter Basket. And on the other hand, you have the Gang of 3 who are the schoolyard bullies that are going to extract whatever they can from their political enemies. If you wonder why Niagara Falls has not prospered, last night gives you the answer. Incompetence, lack of courage and political vindictiveness are the plagues destroying the City. It's time boys and girls in City Hall to put your big boy and girl pants on and do what's right for the people you serve. Unfortunately, I don't see it happening.
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Dyster Goes At Them & Meals/Conferences
For weeks now I have been calling out Mayor Dyster for not addressing the blatant attempt on the part of the Glenn Choolokian-led Gang of 3 to supersede the current form of government in Niagara Falls. The Gang's lack of understanding of what their role is in city government is only matched by their ignorance in the importance of volunteers to a city that needs all the help it can get. Especially when its cheap help.
Well, today in a Gazette Guest View, the Mayor laid the whole thing out in black and white for all to see. The Gang of 3's feeble attempt to use the Police Department as its reasoning for eliminating funding to the block clubs, the Beautification Commission and the NACC was exposed big time. This was all about political axes to grind on the part of Choolokian, Sam Fruscione and Bob Anderson.
It is apparent that Choolokian & Company wanted to use the new Police Chief Bryan DalPorto as the face of their ill-conceived plan to get back at the Mayor. Well, finally the Mayor is taking them to task and he shouldn't stop with a guest view. What the Mayor now should do is ask this question: where was the City Controller and Chief Lawyer when the Gang eliminated money that was already approved in the budget. A budget that Choolokian, Fruscione and Anderson voted in favor of. Both of those positions have a duty to speak out if either branch of government is doing something wrong. In this case, that doesn't appear to have happened.
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There was an article in the Gazette which also brought to light the expenditures of the Mayor and the Council as it relates to meals and conferences. Let me start out by saying that it is in the best interest of the city that city officials attend conferences to learn about new ideas and processes to make government more efficient and provide better services. In addition, it also provides an opportunity for networking which can bring dividends as it relates to getting help from the state or federal government. As long as the Mayor and the City Administrator are prudent with the costs and they actually attend the conferences, then calling it into question is penny wise and pound foolish.
With respect to the city picking up the tab for council members and city employees to eat before the City Council meeting, the only ones who benefit are the people who are eating. For Glenn Choolokian to say that its not a big deal because they are underpaid is a slap in the face to every hard working person who lives in the City. You knew what the salary was Glenn when you ran for office. Choolokian previously said that what's the big deal if the City pays for him to eat a sandwich. Well, it must be pretty expensive sandwiches when the bill comes to $179!!!
The icing on the cake is that Choolokian justifies this by saying that this has been going on for 50 to 60 years and he didn't make the rules. Really Glenn?? What rule is there that says the City must pay to feed council members before their meeting?? You are so concerned about rules and not breaking them, then why did you violate a local law called the Budget which established funding levels for the block clubs, beautification commission and the NACC. This practice needs to stop NOW!!!
Well, today in a Gazette Guest View, the Mayor laid the whole thing out in black and white for all to see. The Gang of 3's feeble attempt to use the Police Department as its reasoning for eliminating funding to the block clubs, the Beautification Commission and the NACC was exposed big time. This was all about political axes to grind on the part of Choolokian, Sam Fruscione and Bob Anderson.
It is apparent that Choolokian & Company wanted to use the new Police Chief Bryan DalPorto as the face of their ill-conceived plan to get back at the Mayor. Well, finally the Mayor is taking them to task and he shouldn't stop with a guest view. What the Mayor now should do is ask this question: where was the City Controller and Chief Lawyer when the Gang eliminated money that was already approved in the budget. A budget that Choolokian, Fruscione and Anderson voted in favor of. Both of those positions have a duty to speak out if either branch of government is doing something wrong. In this case, that doesn't appear to have happened.
*********************************************************************************
There was an article in the Gazette which also brought to light the expenditures of the Mayor and the Council as it relates to meals and conferences. Let me start out by saying that it is in the best interest of the city that city officials attend conferences to learn about new ideas and processes to make government more efficient and provide better services. In addition, it also provides an opportunity for networking which can bring dividends as it relates to getting help from the state or federal government. As long as the Mayor and the City Administrator are prudent with the costs and they actually attend the conferences, then calling it into question is penny wise and pound foolish.
With respect to the city picking up the tab for council members and city employees to eat before the City Council meeting, the only ones who benefit are the people who are eating. For Glenn Choolokian to say that its not a big deal because they are underpaid is a slap in the face to every hard working person who lives in the City. You knew what the salary was Glenn when you ran for office. Choolokian previously said that what's the big deal if the City pays for him to eat a sandwich. Well, it must be pretty expensive sandwiches when the bill comes to $179!!!
The icing on the cake is that Choolokian justifies this by saying that this has been going on for 50 to 60 years and he didn't make the rules. Really Glenn?? What rule is there that says the City must pay to feed council members before their meeting?? You are so concerned about rules and not breaking them, then why did you violate a local law called the Budget which established funding levels for the block clubs, beautification commission and the NACC. This practice needs to stop NOW!!!
Sunday, February 17, 2013
Fruscione's Arrogance On Display
Today's Niagara Gazette reports that two-term Councilman Sam Fruscione sent out a campaign announcement on city council stationary. This is in clear violation of State Election Law. Fruscione says he didn't realize that he put the announcement on the city council stationary template. Really?? And this guy is a school teacher??
I don't buy what Fruscione is selling. In my mind, the arrogance of Fruscione and his co-horts Glenn Choolokian and Bob Anderson is at an all time high and they believe that they can do whatever they want. Just look at what has been going on since January. They have usurped the Executive Branch's authority by reducing budget lines and re-allocating money to a program that they want to see expanded. I thought the Council's chance to influence initiatives was during the budget process.
What's funny is that the Gang of 3 talks about being the watchdogs for the taxpayer. But actions speak louder than words. Choolokian arrogantly said that he will continue to have City taxpayers pay for his dinner before the 7pm Council meeting. Fruscione uses city stationary to send out a campaign notice. They have made it clear that they are going to fund programs that they deemed necessary. They don't say anything about how they are going to control the cost of City Government.
The Buffalo News this morning says that Mayor Dyster will be at the Committee of the Whole meeting at 4pm on Tuesday to discuss the city's fiscal situation. Apparently, the Council is concerned about the $5 million that Dyster put in the 2013 budget as revenue from the Senecas. My question is: if they were concerned why didn't they remove it from the budget in November and come up with reductions in expenditures?? The answer is they nor the Mayor had the guts to make the necessary reductions. Eliminating funds for USA Niagara was easy because it did not effect city services. What should have happened was that this reduction should have been made with further reductions. But making reductions means eliminating jobs and reducing services and there is no appetite for that by the Council or the Mayor.
At the end of the day, residents of the city are left to watch an arrogant Gang of 3 on the City Council and a Mayor who doesn't want to restore his leadership. Tuesday will be an interesting day as the arms negotiating Mayor will meet with the roguish Gang of 3. This may be the biggest negotiating session that Dyster has ever been involved with as his legacy as Mayor may be determined by it.
I don't buy what Fruscione is selling. In my mind, the arrogance of Fruscione and his co-horts Glenn Choolokian and Bob Anderson is at an all time high and they believe that they can do whatever they want. Just look at what has been going on since January. They have usurped the Executive Branch's authority by reducing budget lines and re-allocating money to a program that they want to see expanded. I thought the Council's chance to influence initiatives was during the budget process.
What's funny is that the Gang of 3 talks about being the watchdogs for the taxpayer. But actions speak louder than words. Choolokian arrogantly said that he will continue to have City taxpayers pay for his dinner before the 7pm Council meeting. Fruscione uses city stationary to send out a campaign notice. They have made it clear that they are going to fund programs that they deemed necessary. They don't say anything about how they are going to control the cost of City Government.
The Buffalo News this morning says that Mayor Dyster will be at the Committee of the Whole meeting at 4pm on Tuesday to discuss the city's fiscal situation. Apparently, the Council is concerned about the $5 million that Dyster put in the 2013 budget as revenue from the Senecas. My question is: if they were concerned why didn't they remove it from the budget in November and come up with reductions in expenditures?? The answer is they nor the Mayor had the guts to make the necessary reductions. Eliminating funds for USA Niagara was easy because it did not effect city services. What should have happened was that this reduction should have been made with further reductions. But making reductions means eliminating jobs and reducing services and there is no appetite for that by the Council or the Mayor.
At the end of the day, residents of the city are left to watch an arrogant Gang of 3 on the City Council and a Mayor who doesn't want to restore his leadership. Tuesday will be an interesting day as the arms negotiating Mayor will meet with the roguish Gang of 3. This may be the biggest negotiating session that Dyster has ever been involved with as his legacy as Mayor may be determined by it.
Friday, February 15, 2013
Gang of Three Pushing Dyster To Irrelevance
The announcement by the Niagara Falls City Council's Gang of Three, Bob Anderson, Sam Fruscione and Glenn Choolokian, that they will be allocating $75,000 for a new community policing program is a sure sign that the balance of power at City Hall has shifted away from the mayor's office. The Gang of Three is moving $50,000 from the contingency fund and taking $25,000 from bed tax money to fund this initiative which is suppose to put more police officers on the street. This whole thing brings several questions to mind.
First, why didn't this happen during the budget process? According to the Niagara Gazette, money was placed in the contingency fund to provide additional funding for public safety and particularly the police department. Don't tell me that the Gang wasn't aware of this program in November. Second, if the City's financial situation is as bad as Chairman Choolokian says it is, how can you justify taking $50,000 from the contingency fund for a new program when you may need that money to make up for any revenue shortfalls??
Third, how can you use bed tax money for a police program?? I don't buy the interpretation that it can be used because the program will cover the tourist area. If that is the case, then how do the residents of the City benefit from any of this?? How does this help address the drug and gang activity that exist in the neighborhoods?? The fact is that the justification is B.S. and maybe the State Comptroller's Office needs to get involved as this appears to be a misappropriation of bed tax dollars.
Fourth, since when does the City Council develop and establish programs?? It was my understanding that the Council's main function is to develop a budget and oversee expenditures by the Executive Branch. It is not their function to develop programs. That must come from the Mayor and his Administration. Which leads to my fifth question: Where is Mayor Dyster??
It appears that the Mayor has basically abdicated his authority to the Gang of Three. The little dictator Choolokian seems to be the person calling the shots on how the City operates. How does Dyster allow the Gang to establish a program that he did not initiate? Why isn't he publicly questioning the use of bed tax money for this initiative? And why isn't he asking his new police chief what the hell is going on?? It would appear that the new chief may have cut a deal with the Gang.
Dyster has failed to call the Gang out and take any action. It is apparent that Choolokian and his Gang have taken over City Hall rendering Dyster totally irrelevant. It is only mid-February but if things continue the way they are going, residents of the City will begin to wonder who is the Mayor: Dyster or Choolokian. As it stands now, it looks like the little special crew leader at the Sewage Plant has outsmarted the genius beer maker.
First, why didn't this happen during the budget process? According to the Niagara Gazette, money was placed in the contingency fund to provide additional funding for public safety and particularly the police department. Don't tell me that the Gang wasn't aware of this program in November. Second, if the City's financial situation is as bad as Chairman Choolokian says it is, how can you justify taking $50,000 from the contingency fund for a new program when you may need that money to make up for any revenue shortfalls??
Third, how can you use bed tax money for a police program?? I don't buy the interpretation that it can be used because the program will cover the tourist area. If that is the case, then how do the residents of the City benefit from any of this?? How does this help address the drug and gang activity that exist in the neighborhoods?? The fact is that the justification is B.S. and maybe the State Comptroller's Office needs to get involved as this appears to be a misappropriation of bed tax dollars.
Fourth, since when does the City Council develop and establish programs?? It was my understanding that the Council's main function is to develop a budget and oversee expenditures by the Executive Branch. It is not their function to develop programs. That must come from the Mayor and his Administration. Which leads to my fifth question: Where is Mayor Dyster??
It appears that the Mayor has basically abdicated his authority to the Gang of Three. The little dictator Choolokian seems to be the person calling the shots on how the City operates. How does Dyster allow the Gang to establish a program that he did not initiate? Why isn't he publicly questioning the use of bed tax money for this initiative? And why isn't he asking his new police chief what the hell is going on?? It would appear that the new chief may have cut a deal with the Gang.
Dyster has failed to call the Gang out and take any action. It is apparent that Choolokian and his Gang have taken over City Hall rendering Dyster totally irrelevant. It is only mid-February but if things continue the way they are going, residents of the City will begin to wonder who is the Mayor: Dyster or Choolokian. As it stands now, it looks like the little special crew leader at the Sewage Plant has outsmarted the genius beer maker.
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Choolokian & Company: Let Them Eat Cake!!
Over 100 people filled the Niagara Falls City Council Chambers to speak out against the Glenn Choolokian-led Gang of Three's cut of funding to the NF Beautification Commission, the NF Block Club Council and the elimination of funding for the NACC. Even though these funds were approved in the 2013 budget, the Gang of Three dismissed those residents that came out to City Hall and moved forward with the reductions. Co-Gang leader, Sam Fruscione, said that the cuts had to be made because of the City's financial situation. My question is: how is the city's situation different now than it was back in November/December??
The arrogance of the Gang of Three is unbelievable. Just a few weeks ago, the Gang pushed along a reduction in the property tax assessment of the Turtle which is owned by Choolokian's and Fruscione's benefactor, NFR. Not only was the assessment lowered by $600,000 but the City also had to pay back NFR $37,000. Could that money have gone back to restore funding for the NACC and bring back the funding to what it was in the budget for the Block Clubs and the Beautification Commission??
Someone must have read this blog because the Napoleonic Choolokian was indignant that he and his co-horts did dine out before the meeting and that they had every intention to submit their bills to the City for reimbursement. Really??? Let them eat cake!!! Cut money from volunteer organizations but have the taxpayers pay for your meals for a job that you chose to run for and for which you get paid. Block club members don't get paid. People on the Beautification Commission don't get paid. People at the NACC don't get paid.
What may be behind this was telegraphed in a comment made by little Napoleon when he said that the Gang of Three intended to introduce new programs that will better serve the needs of all city residents. Hmmm...I wonder if these programs are going to cost the city money. If they do, you can bet your bottom dollar that Choolokian/Fruscione cronies will be there with their hands out.
The arrogance of the Gang of Three is unbelievable. Just a few weeks ago, the Gang pushed along a reduction in the property tax assessment of the Turtle which is owned by Choolokian's and Fruscione's benefactor, NFR. Not only was the assessment lowered by $600,000 but the City also had to pay back NFR $37,000. Could that money have gone back to restore funding for the NACC and bring back the funding to what it was in the budget for the Block Clubs and the Beautification Commission??
Someone must have read this blog because the Napoleonic Choolokian was indignant that he and his co-horts did dine out before the meeting and that they had every intention to submit their bills to the City for reimbursement. Really??? Let them eat cake!!! Cut money from volunteer organizations but have the taxpayers pay for your meals for a job that you chose to run for and for which you get paid. Block club members don't get paid. People on the Beautification Commission don't get paid. People at the NACC don't get paid.
What may be behind this was telegraphed in a comment made by little Napoleon when he said that the Gang of Three intended to introduce new programs that will better serve the needs of all city residents. Hmmm...I wonder if these programs are going to cost the city money. If they do, you can bet your bottom dollar that Choolokian/Fruscione cronies will be there with their hands out.
Monday, February 4, 2013
City Landmark On Gang of 3 Hitlist
In a city that has a history of destroying long time landmarks, the Council Majority aka the Gang of Three, have earmarked the end of the old Niagara Falls High School building and its current occupant, the NACC. Using the City's precarious financial situation as an excuse, the Gang of Three have decided that funding must be eliminated for the NACC in spite of the cultural, educational and recreational benefits that it provides city residents, particularly residents in one of the poorest areas of the City.
What these three geniuses fail to realize is that City residents 13 years ago stood up and said they wanted the old school building saved. Now, because they believe that the NACC is Mayor Dyster's baby they are going to cut funding. My question is if there is money appropriated in the 2013 budget for the NACC then how can it be cut?? They already approved funding for 2013.
These three dunderheads don't understand that this building is a part of the City's history. As was stated in the Gazette article today, the funding from the City is used to maintain the building. A building that was the high school for generations of Niagara Falls residents. Sam Fruscione's comments that the building should have been torn down so Benderson could put up a strip plaza is typical of the small minded thinking that has ruined Niagara Falls for over 50 years. Can you imagine this mental giant being Mayor of the City??
If the Gang of Three want to show an example of their cost consciousness then let's see if they are willing to forego their perks. Like for example, do they have the city pay for their meals before city council meetings?? Do they put in for mileage?? Does the City pay for their stationery?? Maybe someone needs to look at this.
In light of the Gang's offensive, when will Mayor Dyster grow a set and call these hooligans out. When will he defend the need for a part of the City's history to be preserved? When will he defend the importance of giving people a reason to be proud of their City by giving them a venue for cultural, educational and recreational activities, particularly in an area where people can't afford to leave their neighborhoods for such activities??
Hopefully, when this come before the City Council the same people who came out 13 years ago will go to City Hall and voice their opinions. A big crowd will certainly test the backbone of the bullies known as the Gang of Three.
What these three geniuses fail to realize is that City residents 13 years ago stood up and said they wanted the old school building saved. Now, because they believe that the NACC is Mayor Dyster's baby they are going to cut funding. My question is if there is money appropriated in the 2013 budget for the NACC then how can it be cut?? They already approved funding for 2013.
These three dunderheads don't understand that this building is a part of the City's history. As was stated in the Gazette article today, the funding from the City is used to maintain the building. A building that was the high school for generations of Niagara Falls residents. Sam Fruscione's comments that the building should have been torn down so Benderson could put up a strip plaza is typical of the small minded thinking that has ruined Niagara Falls for over 50 years. Can you imagine this mental giant being Mayor of the City??
If the Gang of Three want to show an example of their cost consciousness then let's see if they are willing to forego their perks. Like for example, do they have the city pay for their meals before city council meetings?? Do they put in for mileage?? Does the City pay for their stationery?? Maybe someone needs to look at this.
In light of the Gang's offensive, when will Mayor Dyster grow a set and call these hooligans out. When will he defend the need for a part of the City's history to be preserved? When will he defend the importance of giving people a reason to be proud of their City by giving them a venue for cultural, educational and recreational activities, particularly in an area where people can't afford to leave their neighborhoods for such activities??
Hopefully, when this come before the City Council the same people who came out 13 years ago will go to City Hall and voice their opinions. A big crowd will certainly test the backbone of the bullies known as the Gang of Three.
Sunday, February 3, 2013
So Much For Working Together
City Council Chair Glenn Choolokian said after Mayor Dyster's state of the city that the Council must work with the Mayor to address the city's fiscal situation. Well, apparently Councilman Sam Fruscione wasn't listening or Choolokian's comments were nonsense. I'm betting on the latter. According to a Sunday Niagara Gazette article, Fruscione is questioning funding for the Art of Beer Festival that has been held at the NACC since 2007. Fruscione said that Dyster secured funds improperly and that his wife's business directly benefits from the Festival.
It's somewhat ironic that Fruscione is bringing this up now. Fruscione has been on the City Council since at least 2009. Why wasn't he raising a fuss for the last four years?? Maybe it was because old Neville Chamberlain Dyster was allowing Fruscione to employ his buddies. It looks like Dyster's policy of appeasement has backfired just like it did for Chamberlain.
Among political types it is common knowledge that Fruscione is planning to run for Mayor in 2015. It appears that he is going to use his re-election campaign for city council as a referendum on Dyster. It will also be a re-affirmation of the new City Council "Majority" otherwise now known as the Gang of Three. This issue raised by Fruscione is nonsense.
If Fruscione wants to go at Dyster there is plenty of fodder. He could question the Mayor's department head appointments, Dyster's lack of a plan to address the revenue shortfall as a result of the casino impasse and the Mayor's inability to work with other government stakeholders like the County and State Senator George Maziarz. Instead, Frsucione decides to get into name-calling and personal smearing of Dyster and his wife. Typical Niagara Falls politics.
There are many local food vendors who also participate in the Art of Beer Festival. They have the opportunity to promote their business and make a little money. Must be that none of Fruscione's cronies have been able to take advantage of it.
While Fruscione, Dyster and Company play political games, the residents of the City sit idly by wondering how the City will deal with the many issues that it faces. There is an election this November and three current councilman will be running for re-election. It's time to think about who will do what's right for the residents of the city as opposed to doing what's right for their own political gains. Maybe it's time for a wake-up call for Mr. Fruscione. You will have your chance in November.
It's somewhat ironic that Fruscione is bringing this up now. Fruscione has been on the City Council since at least 2009. Why wasn't he raising a fuss for the last four years?? Maybe it was because old Neville Chamberlain Dyster was allowing Fruscione to employ his buddies. It looks like Dyster's policy of appeasement has backfired just like it did for Chamberlain.
Among political types it is common knowledge that Fruscione is planning to run for Mayor in 2015. It appears that he is going to use his re-election campaign for city council as a referendum on Dyster. It will also be a re-affirmation of the new City Council "Majority" otherwise now known as the Gang of Three. This issue raised by Fruscione is nonsense.
If Fruscione wants to go at Dyster there is plenty of fodder. He could question the Mayor's department head appointments, Dyster's lack of a plan to address the revenue shortfall as a result of the casino impasse and the Mayor's inability to work with other government stakeholders like the County and State Senator George Maziarz. Instead, Frsucione decides to get into name-calling and personal smearing of Dyster and his wife. Typical Niagara Falls politics.
There are many local food vendors who also participate in the Art of Beer Festival. They have the opportunity to promote their business and make a little money. Must be that none of Fruscione's cronies have been able to take advantage of it.
While Fruscione, Dyster and Company play political games, the residents of the City sit idly by wondering how the City will deal with the many issues that it faces. There is an election this November and three current councilman will be running for re-election. It's time to think about who will do what's right for the residents of the city as opposed to doing what's right for their own political gains. Maybe it's time for a wake-up call for Mr. Fruscione. You will have your chance in November.
Monday, January 21, 2013
Will City Council Approve Rebate To NFR??
According to an article in the Niagara Gazette, the City's Law Department is going to recommend to the Niagara Falls City Council that the assessment for the NFR-owned Turtle building be lowered by $600,000. The recommendation is part of a settlement between NFR and the City as a result of a lawsuit filed by NFR against the City. It gets better. As part of the settlement, the City will pay back to NFR $37,000.
Council Chairman Glenn Choolokian said that he had some questions for the Law Department but if this would prevent a costly lawsuit that the City cannot win, then the settlement should be approved. Really Glenn?? There is no chance in hell that this settlement is not approved by the Choolokian-led City Council. Choolokian and his partner in self-promotion, Sam Fruscione, are the darlings of the Niagara Falls Reporter and in case you didn't know it the Reporter is funded by NFR.
The Dynamic Duo (Choolokian & Fruscione) would never bite the hand that provides them with a weekly pulpit to espouse their positions on various city issues. It also provides them with a venue to take shots at Mayor Dyster who it seems has forgotten that he is the chief executive of the City. Dyster has taken the Neville Chamberlain approach as it relates to his interactions with the Duo as they appear to gain more and more say in what goes on in city government.
What I find also interesting is that none of our City officials have found it necessary to explain to the taxpayers why they should reduce the assessment of prime property downtown. For a city that is in a serious revenue crunch that has also seen its bond rating lowered, residents of the city deserve an explanation. Can't wait to hear how Chairman Choolokian spins this one out. After all, he and Fruscione are watchdogs for the taxpayers. With watchdogs like that, it might be time to get a security system.
Council Chairman Glenn Choolokian said that he had some questions for the Law Department but if this would prevent a costly lawsuit that the City cannot win, then the settlement should be approved. Really Glenn?? There is no chance in hell that this settlement is not approved by the Choolokian-led City Council. Choolokian and his partner in self-promotion, Sam Fruscione, are the darlings of the Niagara Falls Reporter and in case you didn't know it the Reporter is funded by NFR.
The Dynamic Duo (Choolokian & Fruscione) would never bite the hand that provides them with a weekly pulpit to espouse their positions on various city issues. It also provides them with a venue to take shots at Mayor Dyster who it seems has forgotten that he is the chief executive of the City. Dyster has taken the Neville Chamberlain approach as it relates to his interactions with the Duo as they appear to gain more and more say in what goes on in city government.
What I find also interesting is that none of our City officials have found it necessary to explain to the taxpayers why they should reduce the assessment of prime property downtown. For a city that is in a serious revenue crunch that has also seen its bond rating lowered, residents of the city deserve an explanation. Can't wait to hear how Chairman Choolokian spins this one out. After all, he and Fruscione are watchdogs for the taxpayers. With watchdogs like that, it might be time to get a security system.
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Falls Bond Rating Goes Down & Blame Goes All Around
Last week or so, Moody's announced that the City of Niagara Falls' bond rating was lowered as a result of the casino revenue being withheld because of the stalemate between the State of New York and the Seneca Nation. The significance of this is that it will cost the City more money if they want to borrow for capital projects. It's no different than if a person has a bad credit rating: it is going to cost them more in interest if they want to borrow money.
The blame for this situation goes up and down the food chain. The fact that Governor Cuomo has not had the decency to address this issue publicly is a slap in the face to the residents of Niagara Falls. His lone visit to the City since becoming Governor was to give a sweetheart deal to Jimmy Glynn. He never addressed the dire financial situation the City is in and of course none of the "hard-hitting" media in Western New York pushed Cuomo on it.
Then of course we have our local state representatives. Neither Senator Maziarz or Assemblyman Ceretto has done anything to ratchet up the heat on the Governor to provide relief to the City. The hair-brained scheme to advance NYPA money was a terrible deal for the City but it appears that it was the best that could be done by these two powers of state government.
Our city government has created this mess by spending casino money like drunken sailors. Mayor Dyster is clueless. He has lived off the casino revenue thinking that it was an endless source of revenue. As a result, he never took measures to actually try to make government more efficient. Tell me one initiative that Dyster has put forth that would reduce the cost of city government. I don't think you can find one.
As far as the City Council goes, they are complicit with the Mayor in the fiscal mismanagement of this city. They have gone along for the ride, holding the Mayor hostage by getting jobs for their friends. The image that Glenn Choolokian and Sam Fruscione are protecting the taxpayers is bogus. Particularly when you consider their actions in the formulation of the 2013 budget. While the Mayor wimped out in dealing with the loss of casino revenue by making hard choices, Fruscione and Company did the same thing by cutting the funding to USA Niagara. That reduction is simply a one-time fix. They, like the Mayor, are banking on getting casino money to save them for 2014. But there is no guarantee that will happen when you have a Governor who is more concerned about being President, 2 state representatives who have absolutely no ability or desire to place enough pressure on the Governor to get something done and a Mayor & City Council who are viewed as being backwater buffoons.
Of the whole group, there are 3 council people who will be running for re-election this fall: Fruscione, Kristen Grandinetti and Charles Walker. Unless we send a message that we have had enough of the grandstanding and lack of courage to address this issue, we will be facing more of the same ineffective leadership and the City will continue on its downward cycle.
The blame for this situation goes up and down the food chain. The fact that Governor Cuomo has not had the decency to address this issue publicly is a slap in the face to the residents of Niagara Falls. His lone visit to the City since becoming Governor was to give a sweetheart deal to Jimmy Glynn. He never addressed the dire financial situation the City is in and of course none of the "hard-hitting" media in Western New York pushed Cuomo on it.
Then of course we have our local state representatives. Neither Senator Maziarz or Assemblyman Ceretto has done anything to ratchet up the heat on the Governor to provide relief to the City. The hair-brained scheme to advance NYPA money was a terrible deal for the City but it appears that it was the best that could be done by these two powers of state government.
Our city government has created this mess by spending casino money like drunken sailors. Mayor Dyster is clueless. He has lived off the casino revenue thinking that it was an endless source of revenue. As a result, he never took measures to actually try to make government more efficient. Tell me one initiative that Dyster has put forth that would reduce the cost of city government. I don't think you can find one.
As far as the City Council goes, they are complicit with the Mayor in the fiscal mismanagement of this city. They have gone along for the ride, holding the Mayor hostage by getting jobs for their friends. The image that Glenn Choolokian and Sam Fruscione are protecting the taxpayers is bogus. Particularly when you consider their actions in the formulation of the 2013 budget. While the Mayor wimped out in dealing with the loss of casino revenue by making hard choices, Fruscione and Company did the same thing by cutting the funding to USA Niagara. That reduction is simply a one-time fix. They, like the Mayor, are banking on getting casino money to save them for 2014. But there is no guarantee that will happen when you have a Governor who is more concerned about being President, 2 state representatives who have absolutely no ability or desire to place enough pressure on the Governor to get something done and a Mayor & City Council who are viewed as being backwater buffoons.
Of the whole group, there are 3 council people who will be running for re-election this fall: Fruscione, Kristen Grandinetti and Charles Walker. Unless we send a message that we have had enough of the grandstanding and lack of courage to address this issue, we will be facing more of the same ineffective leadership and the City will continue on its downward cycle.
Thursday, January 3, 2013
Chairman Choolokian
The Niagara Gazette is reporting this morning that Glenn Choolokian has the votes to become the next Niagara Falls City Council Chairman. This is the same Choolokian who was hand-picked by Renae Kimble & Company to be put in a job at the Water Plant that had a rigged job specification of which Choolokian only qualified for. This is the same Choolokian who's negative comments about the Live Niagara Falls program made it all the way to London, England. This is the same Choolokian who's ego is bigger than his stature.
As Council Chairman, Choolokian will be the spokesperson for the City Council. This could be the best thing for this blog as Choolokian is no Daniel Webster. He's more like Webster from the old TV show. One person who can't be happy this morning is Mayor Paul Dyster. He's going to have to deal with Chairman Choolokian. Of course, being the skilled arms negotiator that he is, the Mayor should have no problem handling the situation. This is going to be worth watching and those of us at Shenanigans can't wait.
As Council Chairman, Choolokian will be the spokesperson for the City Council. This could be the best thing for this blog as Choolokian is no Daniel Webster. He's more like Webster from the old TV show. One person who can't be happy this morning is Mayor Paul Dyster. He's going to have to deal with Chairman Choolokian. Of course, being the skilled arms negotiator that he is, the Mayor should have no problem handling the situation. This is going to be worth watching and those of us at Shenanigans can't wait.
Sunday, December 30, 2012
Nattering Nabobs of Negativity: Glenn & Sam
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/9765945/Decline-and-falls-an-American-city-in-crisis.html
Former Vice President Spiro Agnew once referred to the news media as "nattering nabobs of negativity." Of course, Agnew had reason to dislike the media as he was about to be charged with tax evasion and leave office in disgrace. Well, in Niagara Falls there are 2 nattering nabobs of negativity who are also hypocrites. They are City Council Chair Sam Fruscione and Councilman Glenn Choolokian.
Remember back in the summer when Mayor Paul Dyster wanted Nik Wallenda to cover the city's overtime cost of $25,000 for Wallenda's walk across the Falls. At that time Fruscione and Choolokian howled mightily claiming that Dyster was embarrassing the City by asking Wallenda to pay up After all, good old Nik brought international attention to Niagara Falls. Dyster was ruining the City's reputation internationally.
On December 26, 2012 (see link above), the two esteemed councilman go off on the Live NF program. They point out that $200,000 was being used to lure 20 people to stay in Niagara Falls and that it was a disgrace. (of course we just learned that our gracious Governor has just allocated an additional $450,000 for the program) What these two geniuses fail to realize is that you have to start somewhere. Niagara Falls has lost plenty of young minds over the last 50 years. That's why it is mired in stale ideas. Instead of being hopefully, these two pile on making the City look foolish.
I wonder if these 2 nattering nabobs of negativity realized that they were going to be in an article in London's biggest newspaper basically slamming the City that they purportedly both love. Let's see Wallenda's one-time walk was supposed to be a boon to the City while a plan for long-term stability is a joke. These two represent what has been wrong with Niagara Falls for years: small timers with small time ideas. Negative hypocrites, what more would you expect from Glenn and Sam.
Former Vice President Spiro Agnew once referred to the news media as "nattering nabobs of negativity." Of course, Agnew had reason to dislike the media as he was about to be charged with tax evasion and leave office in disgrace. Well, in Niagara Falls there are 2 nattering nabobs of negativity who are also hypocrites. They are City Council Chair Sam Fruscione and Councilman Glenn Choolokian.
Remember back in the summer when Mayor Paul Dyster wanted Nik Wallenda to cover the city's overtime cost of $25,000 for Wallenda's walk across the Falls. At that time Fruscione and Choolokian howled mightily claiming that Dyster was embarrassing the City by asking Wallenda to pay up After all, good old Nik brought international attention to Niagara Falls. Dyster was ruining the City's reputation internationally.
On December 26, 2012 (see link above), the two esteemed councilman go off on the Live NF program. They point out that $200,000 was being used to lure 20 people to stay in Niagara Falls and that it was a disgrace. (of course we just learned that our gracious Governor has just allocated an additional $450,000 for the program) What these two geniuses fail to realize is that you have to start somewhere. Niagara Falls has lost plenty of young minds over the last 50 years. That's why it is mired in stale ideas. Instead of being hopefully, these two pile on making the City look foolish.
I wonder if these 2 nattering nabobs of negativity realized that they were going to be in an article in London's biggest newspaper basically slamming the City that they purportedly both love. Let's see Wallenda's one-time walk was supposed to be a boon to the City while a plan for long-term stability is a joke. These two represent what has been wrong with Niagara Falls for years: small timers with small time ideas. Negative hypocrites, what more would you expect from Glenn and Sam.
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