It appears that the City of Lockport Common Council has quite a wish list for Santa Claus this year! It is doubtful that he will be able to deliver such a large gift.
The Council has passed a budget that quite frankly is absurd. They have ignored a decade of trends for both the Fire and Police Departments. Consider that each department spends roughly $300,000 per year in overtime and yet the Council has only budgeted $50,000 per Department for 2013! That will leave the City with a $500,000 shortfall in unallocated overtime expenses for those two departments alone!
The other item on their budget wish list is that the City's Unions will concede over $750,000 in medical benefits in their negotiations. I have no ill feelings for the men and women in these unions, after all, who doesn't want to be well compensated for the work they do? However, it is doubtful that the unions will give up anything close to $750,000 in medical benefits, and so once again, what will the City do when it comes up short in its negotiations?
A 0% tax rate increase sounds good, but knowingly passing a budget with out realistic projections is criminal! I can only surmise that this budget was passed with an eye toward the 2013 election season and how good it will sound to the average Lockportian as the current Council goes door-to-door campaigning!
Well, there it is, the Council's Christmas Wishes and Budget Blunders!
Merry Christmas and may God bless you all!
Sunday, December 23, 2012
Friday, September 14, 2012
Time To Stop The Finger Pointing
The 62nd Senate District Republican Primary Race is a classic example of what's wrong with our Country today! When a conservative, independent thinking Republican goes up against a self-serving, egotistical, unethical, two-face Republicrat, and loses by a 2 to 1 margin, you have to ask why. I believe the answer is actually quite simple, people are perfectly content with mediocrity! That can be the only explanation for their contentment at the highest property taxes in the nation, the lack of employment, and the willing to accept unethical hiring practices in the public sector as well as the awarding of contacts to those that contribute to the incumbents campaign coffers.
So, to those of you that voted for George Maziarz, I have the following suggestion: The next time that you want to blame your local municipality for your high taxes, and then your local municipality blames the County Legislature, and then the County Legislature blames the State and its mandates, and then the State blames the Federal Government and its mandates, think! Save your breath because they're not listening to your words, they're listening to your vote. They believe that they can do whatever they want because you elected them, and guess what? They're right! Do you know why? Because you will vote for them over and over, again. Because you have!
So stop the finger pointing! Go look in the mirror and see the real cause of high taxes, high unemployment, poor education, overloaded welfare roles, high insurance premiums, high electrical rates, high water rates, failing infrastructures, declining property values, high gas prices, and all the other stuff you love to complain about! YOU DID IT, AND YOU ALONE!
So, to those of you that voted for George Maziarz, I have the following suggestion: The next time that you want to blame your local municipality for your high taxes, and then your local municipality blames the County Legislature, and then the County Legislature blames the State and its mandates, and then the State blames the Federal Government and its mandates, think! Save your breath because they're not listening to your words, they're listening to your vote. They believe that they can do whatever they want because you elected them, and guess what? They're right! Do you know why? Because you will vote for them over and over, again. Because you have!
So stop the finger pointing! Go look in the mirror and see the real cause of high taxes, high unemployment, poor education, overloaded welfare roles, high insurance premiums, high electrical rates, high water rates, failing infrastructures, declining property values, high gas prices, and all the other stuff you love to complain about! YOU DID IT, AND YOU ALONE!
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
STOP THE WASTE!
Lockport to join water study
Updated: September 4, 2012, 3:16 PM
LOCKPORT - The Lockport Common Council will vote Wednesday to spend $24,445 toward a study of the condition of its raw water supply line from the Niagara River, Mayor Michael W. Tucker said.
The North Tonawanda Common Council already approved an identical appropriation Aug. 21. The two cities are moving toward a possible agreement for North Tonawanda to sell treated drinking water to Lockport.
However, that will work only if Lockport's 13-mile pipeline from the North Tonawanda riverfront is in good enough condition to handle treated water.
That's the reason for the study primarily to be funded by a grant from the state Department of State. North Tonawanda Mayor Robert G. Ortt said the two cities are splitting the 20 percent match required for the grant to be received.
Norman D. Allen, Lockport director of engineering and public works, said Conestoga-Rovers & Associates, the Buffalo engineering firm that carried out the feasibility study for a multicity water deal in Niagara County, will handle the analysis of the pipeline.
The firm's initial study concluded that it was not technically feasible for Niagara Falls to join in a common water supply system with Lockport and North Tonawanda but that the latter two could work out such an arrangement.
"What we're looking at is a landmark deal that will save ratepayers money in North Tonawanda and Lockport," Ortt said.
But Tucker noted that his corporation counsel, John J. Ottaviano, had learned that participation in the grant or the study does not commit Lockport to buying water from North Tonawanda. If Lockport intends to stop treating its own water, Alderman Patrick W. Schrader, longtime chairman of Lockport's Water and Sewer Committee, has spoken out in favor of buying from the Niagara County Water District, which already has a supply valve in Lockport.
The county charges 75 cents per 1,000 gallons to its customers. Ortt said the price North Tonawanda would charge Lockport has yet to be discussed.
"Obviously, if this [pipeline study] comes back in the negative, the project's probably dead. We're trying to take this step by step rather than muddy up the waters on the back end," Ortt said. "We know there's a minimum price we'd have to charge to make it economically feasible for North Tonawanda."
Tucker said the three miles of pipeline closest to Lockport is the issue. It is 80 years old, while the other 10-mile section was replaced during the 1990s.
"It's a good idea to find out the condition of our line at a minimal cost. We've got another municipality helping to pay the cost of inspecting our line. It's good information for us to have," Tucker said.
The Niagara County Health Department would have to approve the use of the pipeline to carry treated water.
tprohaska@buffnews.com
Once again, Tucker and his lap dogs are forging ahead with a plan to waste tax dollars on a study to share services with another municipality that will have no benefit for the taxpayers in the City! It is extremely rare that it happens, but I find myself agreeing with Pat Schrader on this one. If Lockport wants to get out of the water treatment business, and they should, then let the County take it over! For years the City has been charging exhorbitant rates to its citizens to help balance the general fund, as they do with the new garbage program and waste water treatment. The question should be asked, "Who will benefit from this plan?", because we know that it won't be the taxpayers.
LOCKPORT - The Lockport Common Council will vote Wednesday to spend $24,445 toward a study of the condition of its raw water supply line from the Niagara River, Mayor Michael W. Tucker said.The North Tonawanda Common Council already approved an identical appropriation Aug. 21. The two cities are moving toward a possible agreement for North Tonawanda to sell treated drinking water to Lockport.
However, that will work only if Lockport's 13-mile pipeline from the North Tonawanda riverfront is in good enough condition to handle treated water.
That's the reason for the study primarily to be funded by a grant from the state Department of State. North Tonawanda Mayor Robert G. Ortt said the two cities are splitting the 20 percent match required for the grant to be received.
Norman D. Allen, Lockport director of engineering and public works, said Conestoga-Rovers & Associates, the Buffalo engineering firm that carried out the feasibility study for a multicity water deal in Niagara County, will handle the analysis of the pipeline.
The firm's initial study concluded that it was not technically feasible for Niagara Falls to join in a common water supply system with Lockport and North Tonawanda but that the latter two could work out such an arrangement.
"What we're looking at is a landmark deal that will save ratepayers money in North Tonawanda and Lockport," Ortt said.
But Tucker noted that his corporation counsel, John J. Ottaviano, had learned that participation in the grant or the study does not commit Lockport to buying water from North Tonawanda. If Lockport intends to stop treating its own water, Alderman Patrick W. Schrader, longtime chairman of Lockport's Water and Sewer Committee, has spoken out in favor of buying from the Niagara County Water District, which already has a supply valve in Lockport.
The county charges 75 cents per 1,000 gallons to its customers. Ortt said the price North Tonawanda would charge Lockport has yet to be discussed.
"Obviously, if this [pipeline study] comes back in the negative, the project's probably dead. We're trying to take this step by step rather than muddy up the waters on the back end," Ortt said. "We know there's a minimum price we'd have to charge to make it economically feasible for North Tonawanda."
Tucker said the three miles of pipeline closest to Lockport is the issue. It is 80 years old, while the other 10-mile section was replaced during the 1990s.
"It's a good idea to find out the condition of our line at a minimal cost. We've got another municipality helping to pay the cost of inspecting our line. It's good information for us to have," Tucker said.
The Niagara County Health Department would have to approve the use of the pipeline to carry treated water.
tprohaska@buffnews.com
Once again, Tucker and his lap dogs are forging ahead with a plan to waste tax dollars on a study to share services with another municipality that will have no benefit for the taxpayers in the City! It is extremely rare that it happens, but I find myself agreeing with Pat Schrader on this one. If Lockport wants to get out of the water treatment business, and they should, then let the County take it over! For years the City has been charging exhorbitant rates to its citizens to help balance the general fund, as they do with the new garbage program and waste water treatment. The question should be asked, "Who will benefit from this plan?", because we know that it won't be the taxpayers.
Saturday, May 12, 2012
Consultants, Consultants, Consultants!
Here we go again. With City Union contracts set to expire at the end of the year, the Mayor wants to hire a law firm to help with contract negotiations. Unless, I'm mistaken, and I'm usually not, the City budgeted money to retain Dick Mullaney as an advisor to the new City Clerk and to help negotiate the new contracts! Dick has served the City well as Clerk, Budget Director, and as part of the negotiating team in many contracts in the past. So, I guess I'm a little confused, if we have City Attorneys on staff, Dick Mullaney retained as a consultant, and a Mayor as our CEO, why do we need to spend more money on an outside law firm? We all know why, because our Mayor and City Attorneys are incompetent and because some GOP law firm donated money to Maziarz and Tucker and it's time for payback.
My prediction for how the negotiations will go is something like this; The Unions and City Hall have already planned their strategy together as far back as before the November election when the Police and Fire Unions endorsed Tucker. The Mayor will say the Union is demanding too much, the Union will say that the Mayor wants to take too much away, this will go on for months, all the while both sides are exchanging winks. Then, the Mayor will tell us what a great deal he made on our behalf and come out with some b.s. about how bad it could have been. The police and fire unions will get what they want, the department heads union will get what they want, and the guys that really have an affect on our everyday lives will get the short end of the straw.
http://www.buffalonews.com/city/communities/lockport/article850063.ece
My prediction for how the negotiations will go is something like this; The Unions and City Hall have already planned their strategy together as far back as before the November election when the Police and Fire Unions endorsed Tucker. The Mayor will say the Union is demanding too much, the Union will say that the Mayor wants to take too much away, this will go on for months, all the while both sides are exchanging winks. Then, the Mayor will tell us what a great deal he made on our behalf and come out with some b.s. about how bad it could have been. The police and fire unions will get what they want, the department heads union will get what they want, and the guys that really have an affect on our everyday lives will get the short end of the straw.
http://www.buffalonews.com/city/communities/lockport/article850063.ece
Friday, May 11, 2012
CAN YOU SAY PATRONAGE!
Once again, it appears that another faithful lap dog will get a job at taxpayers' expense. According to the papers, our Mayor is asking the Common Coumcil to create a position to market the City. Hey, I get it, George wants to reward somebody with a nice cushy job! Yeah, what a great idea, create another position at $40-45,000. Oh wait, now factor in benefits, now it's more like $60-70,000! Can't wait to see who's in line for this one! My #1 guess is Heather Peck, my #2 is Jay Krull, they're both labor fakers.
I have a better idea, because I agree that the NTCC is wasting our money, why not let the real professionals do the job. My choice is hometown favorite The Fitzgerald Group, real marketing professionals. Give them a 4 year contract for $200,000, and have them track the ROI (producing verifiable numbers). If they don't perform, try another firm. No legacy costs, and no problem firing them like we would have with the job creation.
http://www.buffalonews.com/city/communities/lockport/article850063.ece
I have a better idea, because I agree that the NTCC is wasting our money, why not let the real professionals do the job. My choice is hometown favorite The Fitzgerald Group, real marketing professionals. Give them a 4 year contract for $200,000, and have them track the ROI (producing verifiable numbers). If they don't perform, try another firm. No legacy costs, and no problem firing them like we would have with the job creation.
http://www.buffalonews.com/city/communities/lockport/article850063.ece
Sunday, March 11, 2012
David versus "Goliath"
Mongielo, Lockport Town Board resume conflict of interest feud
Updated: March 11, 2012, 7:19 AM
LOCKPORT— David J. Mongielo and the Town Board resumed their feud this week.
Mongielo, the unsuccessful 2009 candidate for supervisor who faces a potential 15-day jail sentence for violating the town’s sign ordinance, took to the microphone during the public comment period at Wednesday’s Town Board meeting.
Mongielo, a Republican committeeman, made an argument he’s offered before: that the practice of having town officeholders also serve as GOP committee members creates a conflict of interest.
Mongielo called the practice, seen not only in Lockport but in almost every other municipality, “corrupt,” because it means officeholders can take part in securing endorsements for themselves.
As the five-minute time limit expired, Supervisor Marc R. Smith warned Mongielo that his time was up. Mongielo kept talking, so after a second warning, Smith directed the technician producing the cable TV broadcast of the meeting to turn off the microphone.
“Communism in Lockport,” Mongielo said as he went back to his seat.
However, that wasn’t the end of it. Councilman Mark C. Crocker said he wanted to talk to Mongielo about a YouTube video Mongielo had produced, entitled “David Mongielo is Going to Jail For Helping Residents.”
This referred back to the issue Mongielo has with the town’s sign law.
Mongielo is awaiting a verdict March 20 from Town Justice Raymond E. Schilling, who conducted a nonjury trial Dec. 28 on Mongielo’s second alleged violation of the town’s law barring electronic signs that change more than once every 10 seconds.
Since the alleged violation occurred during the time of Mongielo’s conditional discharge for his first sign-law violation, Schilling could sentence him to 15 days behind bars.
A 9-minute videotape shot Aug. 25 by Donald J. Jablonski, town GOP chairman and Zoning Board member, showed the sign in front of Mongielo’s Robinson Road auto repair shop changing every two seconds.
Although the sign is usually used to advertise Mongielo’s business, it has been used on occasion to promote community fundraisers.
On Aug. 25, the video sign was promoting a fundraiser for Allen Gerhardt, a Niagara County sheriff’s deputy who lost both legs in a July 18 crash.
Wednesday, Crocker asked Mongielo, “How did you help Kayla Allen?”
“We help people dying of cancer,” Mongielo said. “I don’t know who Kayla is. She’s a girl who probably died, right?”
Crocker said his research indicated that Kayla Allen was murdered in North Carolina in 2003. In his video, Mongielo used a picture of that girl and her gravesite that he found on the Internet.
Crocker said that incident had nothing to do with Lockport and occurred years before Mongielo moved his business from Pendleton to Lockport.
“Don’t be dishonest,” Crocker told Mongielo. “Don’t use murdered children to further your political gains.”
“It just shows the dysfunction of local government,” said Mongielo, who provided The Buffalo News with a copy of an anonymous political mailing sent out against him in January.
At least one official reacted to Mongielo’s charges with sarcasm.
Councilman Paul H. Pettit told the audience, “I learned tonight I was corrupt and a Communist. I’ll have to keep that in mind.”
tprohaska@buffnews.com
While I may not always agree with Dave Mongielo's tactics, I do admire his persistence and passion! Hey, let's face it folks, any time you question the status-quo, the press and the people in power are going to paint you as some kind of lunatic or a sore loser. I, like Dave, am less concerned with the actual political views and ideals of a person, and am more concerned with the processes. Keep up the heat Mr. Mongielo, people are watching, listening, and learning!
LOCKPORT— David J. Mongielo and the Town Board resumed their feud this week. Mongielo, the unsuccessful 2009 candidate for supervisor who faces a potential 15-day jail sentence for violating the town’s sign ordinance, took to the microphone during the public comment period at Wednesday’s Town Board meeting.
Mongielo, a Republican committeeman, made an argument he’s offered before: that the practice of having town officeholders also serve as GOP committee members creates a conflict of interest.
Mongielo called the practice, seen not only in Lockport but in almost every other municipality, “corrupt,” because it means officeholders can take part in securing endorsements for themselves.
As the five-minute time limit expired, Supervisor Marc R. Smith warned Mongielo that his time was up. Mongielo kept talking, so after a second warning, Smith directed the technician producing the cable TV broadcast of the meeting to turn off the microphone.
“Communism in Lockport,” Mongielo said as he went back to his seat.
However, that wasn’t the end of it. Councilman Mark C. Crocker said he wanted to talk to Mongielo about a YouTube video Mongielo had produced, entitled “David Mongielo is Going to Jail For Helping Residents.”
This referred back to the issue Mongielo has with the town’s sign law.
Mongielo is awaiting a verdict March 20 from Town Justice Raymond E. Schilling, who conducted a nonjury trial Dec. 28 on Mongielo’s second alleged violation of the town’s law barring electronic signs that change more than once every 10 seconds.
Since the alleged violation occurred during the time of Mongielo’s conditional discharge for his first sign-law violation, Schilling could sentence him to 15 days behind bars.
A 9-minute videotape shot Aug. 25 by Donald J. Jablonski, town GOP chairman and Zoning Board member, showed the sign in front of Mongielo’s Robinson Road auto repair shop changing every two seconds.
Although the sign is usually used to advertise Mongielo’s business, it has been used on occasion to promote community fundraisers.
On Aug. 25, the video sign was promoting a fundraiser for Allen Gerhardt, a Niagara County sheriff’s deputy who lost both legs in a July 18 crash.
Wednesday, Crocker asked Mongielo, “How did you help Kayla Allen?”
“We help people dying of cancer,” Mongielo said. “I don’t know who Kayla is. She’s a girl who probably died, right?”
Crocker said his research indicated that Kayla Allen was murdered in North Carolina in 2003. In his video, Mongielo used a picture of that girl and her gravesite that he found on the Internet.
Crocker said that incident had nothing to do with Lockport and occurred years before Mongielo moved his business from Pendleton to Lockport.
“Don’t be dishonest,” Crocker told Mongielo. “Don’t use murdered children to further your political gains.”
“It just shows the dysfunction of local government,” said Mongielo, who provided The Buffalo News with a copy of an anonymous political mailing sent out against him in January.
At least one official reacted to Mongielo’s charges with sarcasm.
Councilman Paul H. Pettit told the audience, “I learned tonight I was corrupt and a Communist. I’ll have to keep that in mind.”
tprohaska@buffnews.com
While I may not always agree with Dave Mongielo's tactics, I do admire his persistence and passion! Hey, let's face it folks, any time you question the status-quo, the press and the people in power are going to paint you as some kind of lunatic or a sore loser. I, like Dave, am less concerned with the actual political views and ideals of a person, and am more concerned with the processes. Keep up the heat Mr. Mongielo, people are watching, listening, and learning!
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
The Biggest Loser?
The Lockport Athletic & Fitness Club is the host for its third annual
Downtown Meltdown. From left to right: Amer Abdallah, club owner; Dave Hoffmann,
Niagara County Assistant District Attorney; Gina Nowak, club manager; Mayor Mike
Tucker; Pete Robinson, Courts Officer; Tony Nemi, Niagara County Legislator;
Gary Chapman, Papa Leo’s manager and Juan Deleon, Team Abdallah coach.
Do I really have to say more?
Do I really have to say more?
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