Although I appreciate the legislatures requesting input from residents for the solution to this tax increase, I would have rather preferred to attend a meeting where our elected officials would unveil the proposed tax cuts that THEY came up with. Then set that before the residents for public discussion.
We clearly were NOT elected to develop a budget for the city and surrounding townships. That is what our elected official were elected to do. That is why we pay them. TO DO THEIR JOB!
Let me say that I give anyone credit who chooses the road to politics and being a representative of the people. HOWEVER, it does not mean I respect them or even think that they are doing a good job representing us. We the people have made it blattenly clear that we can no longer afford these taxes. It is no wonder why some people can't afford health insurance. There is no money left in our paychecks for that luxury.
Come on you politians and get your inflated heads out of your butts and LOOK and LISTEN to what the people you represent are saying. Don't make us turn into the watch dogs that will watch every word that comes out of your mouths and watch every move your political party makes. It is burdensome. But clearly, someone has to watch the hen house.
You all know where to cut spending. For once, do the right thing. DO IT FOR US! Bow Wow!
When the INSANE are running the ASYLUM In individuals, insanity is rare; but in groups, parties, nations and epochs, it is the rule. -- Friedrich Nietzsche
“How fortunate for those in power that people never think.” Adolph Hitler
I agree Bumble....but, we are barking up the wrong tree so to speak(we would all like to p@#$ on it right now I'm sure).....the people need movement and need to know they can actually move themselves......there is a cure for ignorance but there is no cure for stupid..... It's the masses that need poking.......like a bowl of jello.....
...you are a product of your environment, your environment is a product of your priorities, your priorities are a product of you......
The replacement of morality and conscience with law produces a deadly paradox.
STOP BEING GOOD DEMOCRATS---STOP BEING GOOD REPUBLICANS--START BEING GOOD AMERICANS
TAKE NOTICE that pursuant to Subdivision three of section 2.03 of Article II of the Administrative Code of the County of Schenectady, there is hereby called a Special Meeting of the County Legislature by the Clerk thereof, at the direction of Chair Susan E. Savage, to wit:
THERE SHALL BE a Special Meeting of the Schenectady County Legislature on Thursday, October 25th, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. by the call of Chair Susan E. Savage to be held in the Chambers of the Schenectady County Legislature located at 620 State Street, Schenectady, New York, 6th Floor, for the purpose of consideration and adoption of the 2008 Tentative Operating Budget, 2008 – 2013 Capital Improvement Program, and any other related or necessary budgetary or funding amendments or resolutions.
It appears that the huge chunk of our tax dollar change goes to union perks and government hand out programs. Well, union contracts can be negotiated and government hand out programs can be cut. But Suzie Savage and her followers only know how to spend! They are truly becoming the laughing stock of the area. It will take time, but there are people in the democratic party that are beginning to distance themselves from Suzie and the likes of her.
When the INSANE are running the ASYLUM In individuals, insanity is rare; but in groups, parties, nations and epochs, it is the rule. -- Friedrich Nietzsche
“How fortunate for those in power that people never think.” Adolph Hitler
It appears that the huge chunk of our tax dollar change goes to union perks and government hand out programs. Well, union contracts can be negotiated and government hand out programs can be cut. But Suzie Savage and her followers only know how to spend! They are truly becoming the laughing stock of the area. It will take time, but there are people in the democratic party that are beginning to distance themselves from Suzie and the likes of her.
Union contract negotiations go through Arbiters-----WHO ARE THE ARBITERS AND WHO PAYS THEM AND/OR APPOINTS THEM AND WHO DO THEY VOTE FOR......
SHOW ME THE $$ TRAIL......
Quoted Text
Main Entry: ar·bi·ter Pronunciation: \ˈär-bə-tər\ Function: noun Etymology: Middle English arbitre, from Anglo-French, from Latin arbitr-, arbiter Date: 14th century 1 : a person with power to decide a dispute : judge 2 : a person or agency whose judgment or opinion is considered authoritative
...you are a product of your environment, your environment is a product of your priorities, your priorities are a product of you......
The replacement of morality and conscience with law produces a deadly paradox.
STOP BEING GOOD DEMOCRATS---STOP BEING GOOD REPUBLICANS--START BEING GOOD AMERICANS
Inflating figures unfairly Report makes property taxes in county look worse than they really are BY PHILIP FIELDS For The Sunday Gazette
The Tax Foundation, a Washington, D.C.-based interest group concerned about taxes, recently issued a report highlighting the high property tax burden facing residents across the nation, which implied that counties are solely responsible for the high property tax burden. This report contends that nine out of the top 10 highest taxed counties in the country are in upstate New York. To simply state that residents of Schenectady County pay the 10th highest property tax in the nation makes it appear as if county property taxes are to blame. This is just not true. While no one is disputing the need for property tax relief, the report is misleading and paints an unfair picture of Schenectady County. Let us first examine the source from which this information comes. The Tax Foundation was formed in 1937, by some of the richest men in the country. At a time when the nation was ravaged by depression, hunger and the brink of war, this group’s founders were more concerned about their tax dollars and the effects that the New Deal might have on their wallets. Seven decades later, they still carry a reputation for their “independence” in gathering tax data and publishing this information for public use. If the authors of this report had shown the breakdown of the taxes used to arrive at this ranking, one would see that in Schenectady County, and I suspect in other counties on the top 10 list, county property taxes account for the lowest percentage of this aggregate tax figure. On average, our county property taxes account for only 21.5 percent, while the city or towns, school districts and special tax districts levy the remaining 78.5 percent. County property taxes in the city of Schenectady account for 15 percent of total property taxes. MISLEADING METHOD The methodology the authors of the report used to arrive at their rankings was to add median school taxes, local property taxes and county property taxes and divide that total by the median home value, which leads our county to rank 10 th . The report ranks Schenectady County 77th in the nation for median property tax dollars paid on homes and 417th in median home value. This would mean that home values are lower and more affordable in Schenectady County as compared to downstate counties and counties around the nation. It should be noted that counties in New York state budget for Medicaid, while this in not true in most of the other counties in the nation; and counties in New York state are required to pay far more for public assistance, child welfare, indigent defense, corrections, community college and highway services as a percent of total cost for these program than other counties in the nation. The authors used counties as the geographical subdivision for their examination, making it appear as if the high taxes were solely the responsibility of the counties. When comparing our 2006 full value tax rates per $1,000 of full valuation to the 57 counties outside of New York City, Schenectady County’s rate of $7.74 per $1,000 would lead it to rank 33rd in New York state — and this is the lowest prop- erty tax rate for the county since 1962, and down by 24.7 percent since 2003. Schenectady County recognizes that taxpayers are under extreme pressure to make ends meet. While there is certainly room for improvement, the county has been moving in the right direction. REDUCING BURDEN My fellow county legislators and I have worked diligently to reduce our residents’ tax bills. We believe in leaner, more efficient government. In 2006, we were able to provide residents with a tax cut and in 2007 we were able to hold the line on property taxes despite several fiscal challenges. We helped the county save $1 million per year through the Canadian drug program, $200,000 per year by eliminating personal use of county vehicles and cellphones by county employees, and $300,000 a year by reforming the public defender’s office. We reorganized the county attorney’s office and reduced welfare fraud. My colleagues and I also have worked to end unnecessary perks and have saved money through intergovernmental cooperation. We are working to ensure that taxpayers have responsible governing, because they deserve only the best. The real problem is that residents of Schenectady County, and New Yorkers across the board, are in dire need of real property tax relief. New York passes some of its share of Medicaid costs to the counties. The county Legislature would be able to cut property taxes by 50 percent if New York state would assume the whole cost. The level at which state mandates are passed down to the county level continues to grow tremendously. This is demonstrated by the fact that nine of the top 10 counties listed in this report are in upstate New York. The governor has indicated that reducing property taxes is a top priority for his administration. We are in communications with the governor and his staff to attempt to provide further tax relief for all Schenectady County residents.
While Mr. Fields is tooting his own horn, and giving blame soley to the state government, he fails to mention the millions of tax dollars that are being used by the metroplex to fund personal private 'failing' businesses. He fails to mention the increased sales tax. He fails to mention how top heavy our county government is. He fails to mention how they pride themselves with the population being 60% on public assistance. He fails to mention the salary increase to the elected officals, that they themselves voted for. He failed to mention the gas guseling SUV that the Stratton drives at the taxpayers expense. He fails to mention that the city increased the cost of garbage service. He failed to mention a lot of things that could and should be eliminated.
It is time that Mr. Fields and the rest of the bunch, look in the back yards that they govern and make the cuts necessary to give the county residents breathing room. Although they have clearly lost that ability to govern the people.
When the INSANE are running the ASYLUM In individuals, insanity is rare; but in groups, parties, nations and epochs, it is the rule. -- Friedrich Nietzsche
“How fortunate for those in power that people never think.” Adolph Hitler
Let us first examine the source from which this information comes. The Tax Foundation was formed in 1937, by some of the richest men in the country. At a time when the nation was ravaged by depression, hunger and the brink of war, this group’s founders were more concerned about their tax dollars and the effects that the New Deal might have on their wallets. Seven decades later, they still carry a reputation for their “independence” in gathering tax data and publishing this information for public use.
Mr. Fields doesn't like the results of the Tax Foundation so he is shooting the messenger with a little class warefare. Since "rich men" organized The Tax Foundation the information must be in some way false. How dare these "rich men" be concerned about their hard earned money....If the govenment needs to redistribute the wealth by taking from the have's and giving it to the have not's you must keep your mouth shut and except it. It's now 2007, we are no longer ravaged by The Depression or hunger....Yet we still take from the have's and give to the have not's. In Schenectady County, we actually take from the have's in the form of sales tax(metroplex), and give it to those who have even more or "rich men" which Mr. Field's denigrates in his article.
This article is full of red herrings. First he blames the authors of the tax foundation from 1937, then it's the fault of town's, city's, and schools within the county, third it's the state mandates, fourth it's the governors fault for not providing further tax relief for the state.
Most town's within the county are democrat controled.......City of Schenectady is controled by Democrats top to bottom......Democrats hold the majority in the state assembely....Govervor Spitzer,,,,a democrat......And last I checked, the majority of my school tax went to pay teachers. Democrats are bought and payed for by NYSUT. And of course let's not forget Suzie Savage and the rest of the democrats are in control of the county.
Mr. Fields, dont' pass the buck....We want solutions......Not rhetoric.
In Schenectady County, we actually take from the have's in the form of sales tax(metroplex), and give it to those who have even more or "rich men" which Mr. Field's denigrates in his article.
EXCELLENT!!
When the INSANE are running the ASYLUM In individuals, insanity is rare; but in groups, parties, nations and epochs, it is the rule. -- Friedrich Nietzsche
“How fortunate for those in power that people never think.” Adolph Hitler
The level at which state mandates are passed down to the county level continues to grow tremendously. This is demonstrated by the fact that nine of the top 10 counties listed in this report are in upstate New York. The governor has indicated that reducing property taxes is a top priority for his administration. We are in communications with the governor and his staff to attempt to provide further tax relief for all Schenectady County residents.
Boy, do I feel better now, just knowing they are working with the Governor on this. Yes, that is sarcasm you detect.
So Mr. Fields speaks of all of these spending cuts and how since 2003 there has been a 24.7% property tax decrease. Well then explain the proposed 9.7% increase. Is he suggesting that it is the fault of the state? Is he suggesting that the counties have fallen victim to the state of NY? Then perhaps they better work even closer with Mr. Spitzer.
Schummer and Ms.Clinton were on the metroplex bandwagon, supporting and promising increased revenue. Well poppycock to that! They were wrong! And now we are facing a 9.7% tax increase. Now we know it will be lower so Suzie and the gang can take credit for lowering the increase. But remember folks, ANY increase is not good enough. We will settle for nothing less than a DECREASE!
When the INSANE are running the ASYLUM In individuals, insanity is rare; but in groups, parties, nations and epochs, it is the rule. -- Friedrich Nietzsche
“How fortunate for those in power that people never think.” Adolph Hitler
Leadership information Position Name Party Residence District
Speaker Sheldon Silver Democratic New York 64
Majority Leader Ronald Canestrari Democratic Cohoes 106
Minority Leader James Tedisco Republican Schenectady 110
Let's see who uses the vaseline on who here......Mr.Spitzer...... >
welcome to our world of--'The Rest of Us'......
SHOW ME THE $$ TRAIL........
Ceaser was killed on the senate floor
Quoted Text
Who's Who
1. How many members are there in the New York State Senate and Assembly? The State Senate has 62 members. The State Assembly has 150 members.
2. Who are the "Legislative Leaders?" The Legislative Leaders are the Temporary President of the Senate (the Senate Majority Leader), Assembly Speaker, Assembly Majority Leader, Senate and Assembly Minority Leaders, Senate Finance Committee Chairperson, and Assembly Ways and Means Committee Chairperson.
3. Who are the presiding officers in the Senate and Assembly? The Lieutenant Governor, David Paterson, is the president of the Senate and its presiding officer and has a casting vote only. The Speaker is the presiding officer in the Assembly and the leader of that house. 4. Who is the Temporary President and Majority Leader of the Senate? Joseph L. Bruno, Republican representing the 43rd District (Rensselaer and part of Saratoga County), was first elected to the Senate in 1976. Senator Bruno was elected Temporary President and Majority Leader in 1995.
5. What are the major duties of the Temporary President of the Senate? In addition to being Majority Leader, Senator Bruno is first in line after the Lieutenant Governor to succeed to the governorship. Senator Bruno is chairperson of the Rules Committee, appoints Senate committee chairpersons and members and is an ex-officio member of all committees and temporary state commissions.
6. Who is the Minority Leader of the Senate? Malcolm A. Smith, Democrat representing the 14th District (Parts of Queens County), was first elected to the Senate in 2000 and was elected Minority Leader in 2007.
7. Who is the Speaker of the Assembly? Sheldon Silver, Democrat representing the 62nd District (Part of New York County), was elected to the Assembly in 1976 and was elected Speaker in 1994.
8. What are the major duties of the Speaker of the Assembly? In addition to presiding, the Speaker of the Assembly appoints Assembly committee chairpersons and members and is chairperson of the Rules Committee. The Speaker is an ex-officio member of all legislative committees and temporary state commissions. The Speaker is third in line to the governorship.
9. How are the principal leaders of the two houses chosen? The Majority Leader in the Senate is elected by the members in the Senate. The Speaker of the Assembly is elected by the members of that house. Normally, their elections are by "party votes."
10. Who is the Majority Leader of the Assembly? Ron Canestrari, Democrat representing the 106th District (Parts of Albany, Rensselaer, and Saratoga Counties), was first elected to the Assembly in 1988 and appointed Majority Leader in 2007 by the Speaker of the Assembly. The Majority Leader's principal duties include being the floor leader, overseeing debates and setting the daily agenda.
11. Who is the Minority Leader of the Assembly? James Tedisco, Republican representing the 110th District (Parts of Schenectady and Saratoga Counties), was first elected to the Assembly in 1982 and chosen Minority Leader in 2005.
12. How are the Minority Leaders chosen? The Minority Leaders are chosen by the members of their respective parties in each house.
13. What are the major duties of the Minority Leaders? The Minority Leaders are ex-officio members of all legislative committees and temporary state commissions. They have the right to make the last speech for their parties in debate. They recommend minority appointments to all standing committees and joint legislative committees.
14. What basic qualifications for Legislators are required by the State Constitution? The State Constitution requires that Legislators are citizens of the United States, at least 18 years of age, residents of New York State for five years, and residents for 12 months of the Assembly or Senate district which they represent, except immediately after a reapportionment.
15. What are the occupational backgrounds of the State Legislators? Occupations of Legislators include, but are not limited to: the military, law, secretary, teacher, businessperson, attorney, union representative, journalist, farmer, public agency administrator, geoscientist, court reporter, mortician, youth counselor, photographer, real estate developer, printer and city clerk.
16. How many State Legislatures have convened up to the present time? 2007 is the 230th session of the Legislature.
...you are a product of your environment, your environment is a product of your priorities, your priorities are a product of you......
The replacement of morality and conscience with law produces a deadly paradox.
STOP BEING GOOD DEMOCRATS---STOP BEING GOOD REPUBLICANS--START BEING GOOD AMERICANS
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