Archive for November 3rd, 2006
The Erie County Fiscal Stability Authority voted unanimously to exercise the full power allotted them by law. We now have a hard control board. For better or worse, it is here. Let’s hope they have the fortitude to make the necessary decisions to put Erie County back on solid financial ground.
The Legislature and Giambra only have themselves to blame. Their cries of needing more time were too late. They’ve had time and they’ve blown it by refusing to make tough choices.
“If I have heard a theme from so many new members, it is, ‘Give us a fighting chance here to do our work, instead of giving the public the perception that you need an outside force to come in and do what the duly electeds have been elected to do,’ ” said Legislature Chairwoman Lynn M. Marinelli, D-Town of Tonawanda.
That was Lynn Marinelli’s statement 6 months ago, to the day. Six months with little real progress. Instead of casting blame it is time for a bit of self-examination.
Of course, we have the threat of a lawsuit challenging the legality of the Control Board’s actions. That will just contribute to the politics of avoidance and distraction. Enough already, just get the job done!
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While I can sympathize and understand Cindy Locklear’s vote on the extension of the 3/4% sales tax, I can’t condone voting for it. Rationalization and placing the blame on mandates from the State of New York do not cut it anymore.
Paring down a budget is never an easy or pleasant task, whether it is a home, business or government budget. Generally it is a painful process. The problem with the Erie County Legislators, and Joel Giambra, is that they are trying to cope with the problem without causing any pain. It just won’t happen.
It is time to draw a line in the sand and say “NO MAS”! People will be subjected to less services, possibly some inconvenience and possible pain. That is when the pressure can be put on the State to make some changes to alleviate the pressure on the County budget.
To use an oft overused cliche; “No Pain, No Gain!”
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Carl Paladino’s successful assault on the Breckenridge and Odgen tollbooths shows what can be done with guts, work and a lawsuit.
And it raises the question: Why did it take a private citizen to end the tolls that pickpocketed us of millions of dollars over the years, when we pay a horde of politicians - and their staffs - to supposedly watch our backs?
This isolated example of citizen action shows that the power does reside with the people. Unfortunately, to few people are willing to stand up and demand what is right.
Paladino got an irate call from a politician, whom he asked me not to name, the day after filing his lawsuit.
“This is my issue,” groused the officeholder. “I’ve been working on it for 12 years.”
Now we’re on to something. Self-serving politicians who bamboozle the public with the appearance of doing something, when in fact they are doing nothing!
Get out and vote Tuesday, then hold the winners accountable.
HT Buffalo News
If you went to bed Thursday night before the end of the Buffalo Sabres’ game against the Boston Bruins, there’s a good chance you’re about to spit your morning coffee all over this newspaper.
The Sabres won.
TIM GRAHAM News Sports Reporter
3 goals in less than 9 minutes to tie the game, combined with a shootout victory. Need I say more?
