I emailed a letter to the editor to Spotlight last night at 9pm. I have already heard from them for verification. I emailed to the TU and Gazette at the same time.
I received an email on Monday from the Gazette asking me for evidence to support the claims made in paragraph 4 of my letter (above) regarding the issuance of unsecured loans, the forgiveness of loan principle, the revisions to loan repayment agreements, and the acceptance of a subordinate position on a loan. I provided links to the Metroplex Board of Directors meeting minutes and the Metroplex project plans that addressed each. I have not received further communication re: the publishing of my letter or a request for additional information.
I received an email on Monday from the Gazette asking me for evidence to support the claims made in paragraph 4 of my letter (above) regarding the issuance of unsecured loans, the forgiveness of loan principle, the revisions to loan repayment agreements, and the acceptance of a subordinate position on a loan. I provided links to the Metroplex Board of Directors meeting minutes and the Metroplex project plans that addressed each. I have not received further communication re: the publishing of my letter or a request for additional information.
The Gazette has no problems printing the unfounded claim of 3000 jobs created through Metroplex development. Brad, you should help them do their job with the fact checking of Mr. Gillen's exaggeration of Metroplex success.
Perhaps the Gazette should have researched Ray Gillen, the metorplex chair, when he continually lied on TV and in the Gazette, regarding the opening of the Big House before publishing his statements. It appears that the Gazette prints 'certain' articles from/for 'certain' people/groups. I say...CHANGE YOUR CHOICE OF MEDIA OUTLETS!!
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 Gazette clearly told me that they were pro-Metroplex. They asked me to edit my letter to them regarding the finances of Schenectady. I did edit it as they requested, however, I stated that there should not have been a question, as I had stated the opposite of what they thought I was implying in part of my letter. Still waiting to see if it'll be published. I'm looking for it some time this weekend.
I just received a telephone call from the Opinions department of the Daily Gazette. They asked for permission to publish my submitted Letter to the Editor as an online letter on their web site. Although I prefer that it be published in the hard copy newspaper, I consented.
Quoted from Kevin March: The Gazette clearly told me that they were pro-Metroplex. ...
Who is the individual who took this position? Does it represent his/her personal opinion or that of the publisher?
It is inappropriate for those who are tasked with reporting the news, take such a position. They are supposed to be impartial. And, to ask you to edit your letter is inappropriate. The content of your letter is your words, not to be modified or censored by the "free press". Perhaps, it's only free to the Democratic oligarchy that presently controls the city and the county.
Deal paves way for Metroplex to borrow more money Friday, May 23, 2008
SCHENECTADY — Local Republican state legislators have reached a deal to throw their support behind a proposal to increase the bonding authority of the Schenectady Metroplex Development Authority.
Assembly Minority Leader James Tedisco, R-Schenectady, Assemblyman George Amedore, R-Rotterdam, and state Sen. Hugh Farley, R-Niskayuna, announced the deal in a statement this afternoon. In that statement, the trio said their support was contingent on "several substantive and long-overdue reforms that address what we, and many others, have called for to ensure that Metroplex is not merely handed a blank check and remains 100 percent accountable to the taxpayers of Schenectady County."
Specifically, the Republicans said in their statement, they included reforms they claim "will help take the politics out of Metroplex." Among those reforms are a prohibition on elected officials serving on the Metroplex board.
"Metroplex is an important public authority that has aided in Schenectady County's continued economic renewal, revitalization and rebirth," read the statements. "We believe that politics should be taken out of Metroplex so it can continue its mission of attracting and retaining the kind of smart, long-term investment that grows our local economy and pays real dividends for Schenectady's future."
The Schenectady County Legislature approved home rule legislation in April to ask the state Legislature to expand the Metroplex bond cap by 50 percent, to $75 million from $50 million, and to extend its life by five years. Metroplex is currently scheduled to cease operations in 2028.
Metroplex Chairman Ray Gillen said the $25 million increase is exactly what Metroplex can repay over time, based on its current debt, its projected sales tax revenues and the performance of its loan portfolio. The five-year extension would allow it to issue long-term bonds of 20 and 30 years, the usual terms of repayment.
Gillen said Metroplex should be able to leverage $100 million in investment through the extra $25 million in bonding. Metroplex has a current bond rating of A, about average.
Metroplex receives about $7 million annually through a portion of the county sales tax. Since its creation in 1999, it has tapped $42 million of its $50 million bonding authority. In the process, it has helped generate $300 million in investment and created 3,000 jobs, according to Metroplex officials.
Well, well...now we know why the gazette held back on publishing everyone's letters. It will look kind of foolish to print them now. I know one thing.. I will campaign against these three guys FOR SURE!!
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
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