Niagara County, NY: On November 8th, write-in a better candidate

It’s election season; yet, even with this reality facing many Niagara County politicians, an entrenched majority (apparently) no longer believes it necessary to exchange feigned interest for votes. The current crop of politicians expect to continue in power; therefore, why bother “entertaining” the public with care and concern. You know the drill: 1) They assume your (party-line) vote. 2) They require your (taxed) income. 3) They expect you to keep your mouth shut, as they ill-affect your life, your community, your county—with politicking.

In October, two (public service) opportunities presented themselves before differing governing bodies, yet the outcome was singularly the same—the people be damned!

1) On October 18, the Niagara County Legislature voted to throw the taxpayers a bone of questionable value.

The issue was “taxpayer-funded healthcare” for part-time Legislators. Rather than eliminating this publicly-funded benefit—so as to come in to line with their typical (part-time) private sector constituents—it was resolved that the present benefit would be reduced by a 20% subscriber contribution.

Niagara County, NY: Legislature to pay healthcare costs

NOTE: The below article, by Bill Wolcott of the US&J, was posted in the US&J on 10/19/11.

COMMENTARY: When did it happen that public employees—be they elected, hired or appointed—came to see “public monies” as limitless, and from which they are ENTITLED to a share “out-of-proportion” to their private sector counterparts?  With few exceptions, health care for part-time employment doesn’t exist in the private sector, yet a majority of Niagara County Legislators feel you owe it to them; and further, they bemoan having to pay 20%.

Dennis Virtuoso’s earlier resolution to cut ALL benefits to (the part-time) Legislators was correct.  But, the (statesman-like) character to pass his resolution was lacking in our elected public servants.

With November 8th looming large, I think it would be fitting for the voters (i.e., those who pay the bills) to respond to this never-ending “feeding at the public troth” with a mass unseating of incumbent Legislators.  As for the Legislators who are running unopposed, they CAN BE unseated with your use of the write-in vote; look about in your district, surely there is one who is “ready and willing” to SERVE the public good—maybe it’s you.

ARTICLE: County legislators had a healthy debate on health benefits for county legislators Tuesday night and came away with a resolution that would require members to pay 20 percent of the premium.

That charge would also include retired members of the legislature.

Niagara County, NY: Running unopposed, in Niagara County

See the “status quo”; see the “status quo”—run [for office].

1) Of the 112 offices up for election in Niagara County, 63 are unopposed in the 2011 General Election. For the voter, this means: In 56% of elections you’ll have no choice.

2) Of the 63 unopposed offices, 59 are endorsed “R,C,I”—Republican, Conservative and Independence Parties. That’s a suspect 94% agreement, in a county where each Party professes a unique set of core values.

3) In 6 of 15 (40%) communities ALL candidates are running unopposed: Hartland, Town of Lockport, Porter, Royalton, Somerset, Wilson—and, all are R,C,I endorsed.

Niagara County, NY: Part 3–Reflections, on a “Democratic Moment”

NOTE: This writing pertains to the Niagara County Legislature, as follows: 1) 9/6/11–Chairman Ross’s disrespect of JoAnn Dicky. 2) 9/9/11–Public letter to all print media. 3) 9/10/11–Request to Legislators for a “Resolution of Condemnation” against Ross. 4) 9/20/11—Defeat of Dennis Virtuosos’ resolution IL-051-11 (apology to JoAnn Dicky).

I hate bullies; and, I especially hate bullies that excuse their many abuses—in the name of public service.

At the Niagara County Legislature meeting of September 6^th, it was the “bullying” of Chairman William Ross that—to his shame—set the stage for the September 20^th Resolution IL-051-11—apology to JoAnn Dicky. On the 20^th, as the 7pm hour approached for the meeting to be called, one couldn’t help but notice the gathering of two (citizen) camps: On the right, those in support of Chairman Ross; on the left, those in support of citizen Dicky.

A “Democratic Moment” was in the offing.

Niagara County, NY: Part 2–Request for “Resolution of Condemnation”

NOTE 1: The below letter was sent as an e-mail to all Niagara County Legislators, except for Renae Kimble. For Renae, I used land mail.

NOTE 2: No Legislator responded to this mailing, although one was clearly requested. However, on 9/20/11, Dennis Virtuoso move a resolution for the Niagara County Legislature to apology to JoAnn Dicky; it was defeated, with Virtuoso being the only aye.

TO: All Elected Legislators; Niagara County Legislature, NY:

A RESPONSE TO THIS MAILING IS REQUESTED.

On 9/6/11, I was deeply disturbed by Chairman William Ross’s harsh mistreatment first of a single constituent, then of many constituents.  Just when did he become GOD?—He stopped JoAnn Dicky in mid-sentence; at best, he could only guess where she was going.  And, even if he were correct (in his assumption), he could have interrupted her with respect and dignity.  Then, to add insult to injury, he humiliated her with forced removal from the podium.  Shame on him—and the closed-mouthed Legislators.

Niagara County, NY: Part 1–Chairman Ross; shame on you!

NOTE: This letter is a call for citizen action.  The abuse of power exhibited by Chairman William Ross, of the Niagara County Legislature on 9/6/11, demands a public outcry.  If you weren’t there, you can view the incident on LCTV or you can purchase a DVD from LCTV (716-434-1733). Ross needs to hear “LOUD AND CLEAR” that he was wrong!!! Contact all Legislators, not just your district Legislator, and inform them that you want them to right this wrong.  I’m suggesting a “resolution of condemnation”—you may have other thoughts.  Contact Senator George Maziarz (716-434-0680 or maziarz@nysenate.gov). Also, talk to your family, friends and the media (TV & radio). And last but not least, make your presence felt at the 9/20/11 meeting–175 Hawley St., Lockport, NY. If you intend to speak, you will need to arrive before 7pm and sign-in as a speaker.

Niagara County Legislature: 19 Member Roster.  See letter to Legislators requesting a “resolution of condemnation”: Request for “Resolution of Condemnation”.  See letter commenting on 9/20/11 Legislature meeting: Reflections on a “Democratic Moment”.

LETTER: An open letter to the citizens of Niagara County, NY regarding a want of resolution from the Niagara County Legislature.

Resolution Request: Whereas the behavior of Chairman William Ross was disrespectful toward attending constituents at the Niagara County Legislature meeting of 9/6/11, in that he clearly overstepped his office by willfully disrespecting one or more citizens during “public comments”, I am requesting that the elected Niagara County Legislature at the 9/20/11 meeting move a resolution describing and condemning his behavior; with apology to JoAnn Dicky. And further, I’m requesting that said resolution be a permanent part of the Legislature record; subject to NY “Freedom of Information Law”, without exception.