How about customers who patronize businesses that benefit from government largesse pay a surtax, to reimburse the taxpayers for the money they've involuntarily 'invested' in these places?
I'm sick of hearing about how great downtown is, from people who don't live here, and think that the eight cents we get from them putting another dollar in some connected crony's pocket is benefitting us.

Quoted from Madam X

How about customers who patronize businesses that benefit from government largesse pay a surtax, to reimburse the taxpayers for the money they've involuntarily 'invested' in these places?
I'm sick of hearing about how great downtown is, from people who don't live here, and think that the eight cents we get from them putting another dollar in some connected crony's pocket is benefitting us.

I got an idea...let's ask those businesses to shut down and move out of Schdy...let's see how you like that.
That would really benefit you!  

Quoted from joebxr

I got an idea...let's ask those businesses to shut down and move out of Schdy...let's see how you like that.
That would really benefit you!  

I like that idea. I think every business in downtown receiving metroplex money should close right now. I much prefer a downtown with empty storefronts. I want to see a downtown where the only inhabitants are pigeons and rats. I think the downtown pre-plex was so much better than the pos that's there now. And while we're at it let's see if we can't get ALCO and GE to come back to Schenectady as well.

I say we get a petition going right now and take it to those thieves and ask, no demand that they leave town immediately. Life will be sooo much better then.

Quoted from Alva White

I like that idea. I think every business in downtown receiving metroplex money should close right now. I much prefer a downtown with empty storefronts. I want to see a downtown where the only inhabitants are pigeons and rats. I think the downtown pre-plex was so much better than the pos that's there now. And while we're at it let's see if we can't get ALCO and GE to come back to Schenectady as well.

I say we get a petition going right now and take it to those thieves and ask, no demand that they leave town immediately. Life will be sooo much better then.

The wrath of MC1 be upon you!

Quoted from Alva White

I like that idea. I think every business in downtown receiving metroplex money should close right now. I much prefer a downtown with empty storefronts. I want to see a downtown where the only inhabitants are pigeons and rats. I think the downtown pre-plex was so much better than the pos that's there now. And while we're at it let's see if we can't get ALCO and GE to come back to Schenectady as well.

I say we get a petition going right now and take it to those thieves and ask, no demand that they leave town immediately. Life will be sooo much better then.

You don't have to start a petition.  Just apply the full property tax evenly on all city businesses, as it is on residential property,  and they'll flee Schenectady just like GE.  

Nah...What am I saying...applying property taxes evenly is crazy.  Taking out a bond that uses a regressive sales tax as collateral, in order to give loans and grants to wealthy people is much more fair and honest.  You could never lower property taxes citywide to stimulate economic growth, you must use a targeted approach and select the few connected cronies.  

Every taxable purchase made in Schenectady by the working stiff pays for the house of cards downtown.  But hey...look at the bright side, you can look at the sales tax on your receipt as a donation to a kickstarter business(for people that don't need the money). Lol.

Quoted from CICERO

You don't have to start a petition.  Just apply the full property tax evenly on all city businesses, as it is on residential property,  and they'll flee Schenectady just like GE.  

Nah...What am I saying...applying property taxes evenly is crazy.  Taking out a bond that uses a regressive sales tax as collateral, in order to give loans and grants to wealthy people is much more fair and honest.  You could never lower property taxes citywide to stimulate economic growth, you must use a targeted approach and select the few connected cronies.  

Every taxable purchase made in Schenectady by the working stiff pays for the house of cards downtown.  But hey...look at the bright side, you can look at the sales tax on your receipt as a donation to a kickstarter business(for people that don't need the money). Lol.

I can't wait for the house of cards to collapse so we can get back to the "good old days". It'll be so much better.

And while we're on the subject of millionaires, how dare they try to make more money!! That's so un- American!! The bastards!!

Quoted from CICERO

You don't have to start a petition.  Just apply the full property tax evenly on all city businesses, as it is on residential property,  and they'll flee Schenectady just like GE.  

Nah...What am I saying...applying property taxes evenly is crazy.  Taking out a bond that uses a regressive sales tax as collateral, in order to give loans and grants to wealthy people is much more fair and honest.  You could never lower property taxes citywide to stimulate economic growth, you must use a targeted approach and select the few connected cronies.  

Every taxable purchase made in Schenectady by the working stiff pays for the house of cards downtown.  But hey...look at the bright side, you can look at the sales tax on your receipt as a donation to a kickstarter business(for people that don't need the money). Lol.

Business 101 as defined in Sissy World...DOOMED!

Quoted from Madam X

Shut up, DVOR, you unemployed bum. You aren't fooling anyone but yourself.

First, I am not unemployed.

Second, I didn't say or post anything at all  nothing .. not a word or even a part of a word - on this thread (before now) -- so why tell me to shut up?

So apparently, you are fooling yourself.

Quoted from Alva White

I can't wait for the house of cards to collapse so we can get back to the "good old days". It'll be so much better.

And while we're on the subject of millionaires, how dare they try to make more money!! That's so un- American!! The bastards!!

I don't begrudge anybody making money.  I actually don't even begrudge the business owners.  It's completely American for wealthy businesses to exploit city's and take millions in tax money and tax breaks, and give political parties thousands of dollars in return.  

I don't "hope" the house of cards collapses.  It will because of the laws of economics.  Those PILOTS aren't expiring anytime soon because somebody in government knows the laws of economics.  

Quoted from CICERO

I don't begrudge anybody making money.  I actually don't even begrudge the business owners.  It's completely American for wealthy businesses to exploit city's and take millions in tax money and tax breaks, and give political parties thousands of dollars in return.  

I don't "hope" the house of cards collapses.  It will because of the laws of economics.  Those PILOTS aren't expiring anytime soon because somebody in government knows the laws of economics.  

I don't necessarily disagree with your assessment. The only point I'm trying to make is the "faux concerned citizens" on this site seem to think that there's a conspiracy among the developers in the city to rob the taxpayers to merely line their own pockets. On that point, I call bullshit. People in business want to make money. What's wrong with that? I'm willing to bet that if the shoe was on the other foot, and the "fcc's" were looking to start a business in the city, they'd be looking for handouts and tax breaks as well. Sadly that's how business is done today. Is it right? Not really, but it is what it is. And if the "fcc's" don't like it, then they should band together and do something about it.

I'm pushing 70, and been around long enough to see a thriving city as well as it's demise. I was sad to see the decline beginning in the '70's and what it became in the following decades. And to be honest, I probably won't live long enough to see a full recovery (if that truly is ever going to happen), nor do I expect things to return to the way they were in the '50's and '60's. My only point here (when I'm not playing class clown) is that the "fcc's" need to stop acting like they're victims, stop whining like cry babies and get off their collective asses, unite and do something. Or move.

And that my friend is the my last coherent thought for awhile as I plan on returning to mocking and ridiculing the "faux concerned citizens".

BTW just a shout out and thank you to Somebody for coining the phrase "faux concerned citizen".

Quoted from Alva White

I don't necessarily disagree with your assessment. The only point I'm trying to make is the "faux concerned citizens" on this site seem to think that there's a conspiracy among the developers in the city to rob the taxpayers to merely line their own pockets. On that point, I call bullshit. People in business want to make money. What's wrong with that? .

If politicians and select developers negotiating special tax breaks isn't a conspiracy, then what is?  You just said that developers are out to make money and line their pockets.  They are negotiating deals that shift the tax burden onto properties that don't get the tax breaks, so they can be more profitable.  Then the developers fund the campaigns of the party they made the deal with.  

There is nothing wrong with developers making money.  There is also nothing wrong with writing about how they are making their money.  They are doing it by negotiating deals for THEMSELVES, and shifting the tax burden onto city residents.  

Quoted from CICERO

If politicians and select developers negotiating special tax breaks isn't a conspiracy, then what is?  You just said that developers are out to make money and line their pockets.  They are negotiating deals that shift the tax burden onto properties that don't get the tax breaks, so they can be more profitable.  Then the developers fund the campaigns of the party they made the deal with.  

There is nothing wrong with developers making money.  There is also nothing wrong with writing about how they are making their money.  They are doing it by negotiating deals for THEMSELVES, and shifting the tax burden onto city residents.  

OK, I lied, however this is really is my last coherent thought on the subject.

What I was trying to convey with my comment was I seriously doubt that there are a group of developers, politicians, etc. sitting in a room gleefully rubbing their hands together exclaiming "Ok boys how else can we rob these taxpaying saps out of their money?". It could be the case, but I'm not believing it. On the other hand, if that's what you believe well good for you. Me, I still have a bit of faith left in humanity. And if on the other hand you think otherwise, well once again good for you.

And as I now depart this thread I leave you with a toast. "Here's to you and here's to me, and if we should disagree, f*** you and here's to me". Adios buddy.

Quoted from Alva White

"Here's to you and here's to me, and if we should disagree, f*** you and here's to me"

holy crap...its the mayor!!          {just funning}

Quoted from Alva White

OK, I lied, however this is really is my last coherent thought on the subject.

What I was trying to convey with my comment was I seriously doubt that there are a group of developers, politicians, etc. sitting in a room gleefully rubbing their hands together exclaiming "Ok boys how else can we rob these taxpaying saps out of their money?". It could be the case, but I'm not believing it. On the other hand, if that's what you believe well good for you. Me, I still have a bit of faith left in humanity. And if on the other hand you think otherwise, well once again good for you.

You are right, they aren't sitting in a room rubbing their hands together...They are sitting in a room and  negotiating their PILOTS and writing checks to political parties.  It's not a secret conspiracy.  You can go right online and see the thousands in campaign contributions from the developers getting the tax breaks.  These developers can't afford the taxes, but always seem to have a little money left in the bank to contribute to a political party.  

Quoted from CICERO

You are right, they aren't sitting in a room rubbing their hands together...They are sitting in a room and  negotiating their PILOTS and writing checks to political parties.  It's not a secret conspiracy.  You can go right online and see the thousands in campaign contributions from the developers getting the tax breaks.  These developers can't afford the taxes, but always seem to have a little money left in the bank to contribute to a political party.  

ESPECIALLY when it comes to the unqualified mayor and fellow puppets on the city council.   Just how many LLCs does Galesi have?  It's ONE bazillionaire Galesi, but EACH of his LLCs can lavish the money on McTHIEF and the rest of his fellow puppets.  Kickbacks in return for McTHIEF forcing the homeowners (most financially struggling) to pay the property and school taxes of many Galesi properties, forcing the homeowners to pay under threat of having their homes seized.  Not to mention, the "party" doing their "working together" to steal from the homeowners to repair/renovate/build new for Galesi, but if the homeowner who has a bit of peeling paint, or an overgrown lawn (because the lawn mower bit the dust and the homeowner is waiting for a sale to buy a new one) or the garage needs to be replaced, McTHIEF fines the other, with penalties on top of that if the owner doesn't have the funds.  Add it to the taxes and then seize the house.