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Restoration of VLT funds: Sen. Hugh Farley: $2 million in VLT funding to Saratoga Springs, Saratoga County proposed to be restored in state budget
ALBANY — Tuesday afternoon, a plan to restore a combined total of nearly $2 million in state funding to Saratoga Springs and Saratoga County as host municipalities for video
lottery terminal gambling machines was agreed upon by state legislators for inclusion in the 2011-12 state budget.
Sen. Hugh Farley, R-Schenectady, said Tuesday that an agreement had been reached Monday night among the Senate, Assembly and Gov. Andrew Cuomo that would restore VLT host funding to 17 upstate municipalities, including the Spa City, at a rate of 45 percent of the aid received in 2008.
Under this plan, Saratoga Springs is slated to receive $1,496,000, and Saratoga County would receive $499,000, for a total of $1,995,000.
VLT funding to all host municipalities, excluding Yonkers, had been cut completely in Cuomo’s proposed executive budget.
At the Tuesday afternoon meeting of the Budget Conference Committee on General Government and Local Assistance — for which Farley was co-chairman with Assemblyman William Magnarelli, D-Syracuse — the measure was included in the committee’s final report. That now goes to the General Conference Committee, co-chaired by Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos, who will craft the language that will head to both houses for approval.
"It’s a done deal," Farley said, after the committee submitted their report.
"It costs money to host a VLT facility, from plowing the roads to emergency response," said Sen. Roy McDonald, R-Saratoga, in a release on the proposal. "This isn’t just aid, but an investment in ensuring the continued success of the Saratoga Springs VLT location."
"Everybody is very realistic in their approach," he said, in an interview Tuesday, adding that the agreement will not be final until Cuomo signs the budget.
McDonald went on to say that there were many more issues still being discussed by the Senate Racing, Gaming and Wagering committee, including a long-term plan for the management of horseracing and casino gambling. Continued...
"There’s a lot of work to be done," he said, adding that he was "very grateful" for the openness displayed by the Assembly and Gov. Cuomo during negotiations.
"There was strength in numbers this year," said Assemblyman Jim Tedisco, R-Glenville, citing a Feb. 8 breakfast meeting between Cuomo and the Assembly Republican Conference, where he was joined by lawmakers from several other districts who also opposed the cuts.
"He said he would take a look at it and he kept his word," Tedisco said of the governor, adding that the next step would be negotiating for the removal of a proposed 2.75 percent surcharge on thoroughbred race purses that is also included in Cuomo’s budget.
The state’s 2011-12 budget must be approved by a vote in both the Senate and the Assembly before being sent to Cuomo, who may seek to veto sections before final approval.
The city and county first received VLT host aid in the state’s 2007 budget, on the basis that the funds would help defray the cost of maintaining infrastructure for facilities hosting VLTs and public safety services.
After proposing a 50-percent cut to VLT funding in 2008, a measure in Gov. David Paterson’s 2009 executive budget stipulated that aid be distributed on the basis of municipal poverty rates, which cut funding to Saratoga Springs.
"All the work on this for the past two years is paying off," Saratoga Springs Supervisor Joanne Yepsen said in a statement thanking everyone who has advocated for the fund restoration.
"That is like the best news I’ve heard all year," city Public Works Commissioner Anthony "Skip" Scirocco said.
"When budget time comes around, we can use some of that money, or all of that money, to reduce the burden on the taxpayers," he said, calling the funding, "something we should’ve gotten all along."
"Obviously that’s a considerable amount," said city Finance Commissioner Kenneth Ivins Jr. when asked about the proposed restoration, calling Tuesday’s agreement "one more step" toward a completed state budget. Continued...
"I don’t propose we go out and spend it on a whole bunch of things," he said, adding that he would support applying any restored funding to the city’s unreserved unappropriated fund balance, which has been diminished over the past several years.
"I would probably take half of that and rebate it, take the other half and put it in reserves," said city Accounts Commissioner John Franck, responding to a question about discussions he initiated during the passage of the city’s 2011 budget of a possible rebate to city property taxpayers pending the realization of new revenue.
Franck added that he would advocate putting as much of the restored funding as possible into the city’s reserves.
"Timing is everything, and certainly this will come in good use," said Mayor Scott Johnson, referring to the agreement as a "light at the end of the tunnel."
"The council should decide what use to put it to," he continued, adding that regardless of what may become of the funding if approved in the state budget, he would not want it included in the city’s operational budget.
"That happened in the past, and look where it got us," he said, referring to the budget deficit created when VLT funding was cut in 2009.
Public Safety Commissioner Richard Wirth could not be reached for comment Tuesday.
ALBANY — Tuesday afternoon, a plan to restore a combined total of nearly $2 million in state funding to Saratoga Springs and Saratoga County as host municipalities for video
lottery terminal gambling machines was agreed upon by state legislators for inclusion in the 2011-12 state budget.
Sen. Hugh Farley, R-Schenectady, said Tuesday that an agreement had been reached Monday night among the Senate, Assembly and Gov. Andrew Cuomo that would restore VLT host funding to 17 upstate municipalities, including the Spa City, at a rate of 45 percent of the aid received in 2008.
Under this plan, Saratoga Springs is slated to receive $1,496,000, and Saratoga County would receive $499,000, for a total of $1,995,000.
VLT funding to all host municipalities, excluding Yonkers, had been cut completely in Cuomo’s proposed executive budget.
At the Tuesday afternoon meeting of the Budget Conference Committee on General Government and Local Assistance — for which Farley was co-chairman with Assemblyman William Magnarelli, D-Syracuse — the measure was included in the committee’s final report. That now goes to the General Conference Committee, co-chaired by Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos, who will craft the language that will head to both houses for approval.
"It’s a done deal," Farley said, after the committee submitted their report.
"It costs money to host a VLT facility, from plowing the roads to emergency response," said Sen. Roy McDonald, R-Saratoga, in a release on the proposal. "This isn’t just aid, but an investment in ensuring the continued success of the Saratoga Springs VLT location."
"Everybody is very realistic in their approach," he said, in an interview Tuesday, adding that the agreement will not be final until Cuomo signs the budget.
McDonald went on to say that there were many more issues still being discussed by the Senate Racing, Gaming and Wagering committee, including a long-term plan for the management of horseracing and casino gambling.
"There’s a lot of work to be done," he said, adding that he was "very grateful" for the openness displayed by the Assembly and Gov. Cuomo during negotiations.
"There was strength in numbers this year," said Assemblyman Jim Tedisco, R-Glenville, citing a Feb. 8 breakfast meeting between Cuomo and the Assembly Republican Conference, where he was joined by lawmakers from several other districts who also opposed the cuts.
"He said he would take a look at it and he kept his word," Tedisco said of the governor, adding that the next step would be negotiating for the removal of a proposed 2.75 percent surcharge on thoroughbred race purses that is also included in Cuomo’s budget.
The state’s 2011-12 budget must be approved by a vote in both the Senate and the Assembly before being sent to Cuomo, who may seek to veto sections before final approval.
The city and county first received VLT host aid in the state’s 2007 budget, on the basis that the funds would help defray the cost of maintaining infrastructure for facilities hosting VLTs and public safety services.
After proposing a 50-percent cut to VLT funding in 2008, a measure in Gov. David Paterson’s 2009 executive budget stipulated that aid be distributed on the basis of municipal poverty rates, which cut funding to Saratoga Springs.
"All the work on this for the past two years is paying off," Saratoga Springs Supervisor Joanne Yepsen said in a statement thanking everyone who has advocated for the fund restoration.
"That is like the best news I’ve heard all year," city Public Works Commissioner Anthony "Skip" Scirocco said.
"When budget time comes around, we can use some of that money, or all of that money, to reduce the burden on the taxpayers," he said, calling the funding, "something we should’ve gotten all along."
"Obviously that’s a considerable amount," said city Finance Commissioner Kenneth Ivins Jr. when asked about the proposed restoration, calling Tuesday’s agreement "one more step" toward a completed state budget.
"I don’t propose we go out and spend it on a whole bunch of things," he said, adding that he would support applying any restored funding to the city’s unreserved unappropriated fund balance, which has been diminished over the past several years.
"I would probably take half of that and rebate it, take the other half and put it in reserves," said city Accounts Commissioner John Franck, responding to a question about discussions he initiated during the passage of the city’s 2011 budget of a possible rebate to city property taxpayers pending the realization of new revenue.
Franck added that he would advocate putting as much of the restored funding as possible into the city’s reserves.
"Timing is everything, and certainly this will come in good use," said Mayor Scott Johnson, referring to the agreement as a "light at the end of the tunnel."
"The council should decide what use to put it to," he continued, adding that regardless of what may become of the funding if approved in the state budget, he would not want it included in the city’s operational budget.
"That happened in the past, and look where it got us," he said, referring to the budget deficit created when VLT funding was cut in 2009.
Public Safety Commissioner Richard Wirth could not be reached for comment Tuesday.
Comments
The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of saratogian.com.
Al Callucci wrote on Mar 22, 2011 12:46 PM:
vinny23 wrote on Mar 22, 2011 12:56 PM:
knowit wrote on Mar 22, 2011 1:25 PM:
Upthehill wrote on Mar 22, 2011 2:22 PM:
Paul_Kersey wrote on Mar 22, 2011 2:48 PM:
ac12 wrote on Mar 22, 2011 3:02 PM:
Cue the music, here come the drunken sailors! "
elmer wrote on Mar 22, 2011 3:19 PM:
cb wrote on Mar 22, 2011 3:44 PM:
Al Callucci wrote on Mar 22, 2011 3:52 PM:
flower kid wrote on Mar 22, 2011 3:52 PM:
knowit wrote on Mar 22, 2011 4:39 PM:
"If utilized it should be addressed by a committee of the council and an indpendent group as to what the major priority is in the city and one that cannot only eliminate a major barrier in the city while generating additional revenue and apying for itself at the same time." What kind of independent group? Shouldn't the city council stand up and be accountable for how that money is spent, saved or refunded? I always get a cold sweat when a "blue ribbon panel" or the like are formed to give politicians cover for new regulations or spending initiatives. "
Al Callucci wrote on Mar 22, 2011 7:11 PM:
joe schmoe wrote on Mar 22, 2011 8:23 PM:
i don't believe it! wrote on Mar 22, 2011 8:59 PM:
knowit wrote on Mar 22, 2011 11:13 PM:
saratogakid wrote on Mar 23, 2011 12:00 AM:
axe the council wrote on Mar 23, 2011 7:12 AM:
We don't need to bring any sponges back. Just yesterday there was a truck with 4 guys patching about a third of the potholes on each street. I feel bad for the one guy who was actually shoveling the blacktop. Lay off a couple more and give the savings directly to Stewarts. "
samm wrote on Mar 23, 2011 7:20 AM:
I've been behind the city trucks all winter before 8am when they are going down Church St. Most of them fill my car with horrible fumes that are sickening and they never look clean. Plus they are rusted and some look like they are going to fall apart any minute. I can see easily a need to update some of the fleet.......very expensive. "
flower kid wrote on Mar 23, 2011 7:34 AM:
Al Callucci wrote on Mar 23, 2011 7:41 AM:
LittleKing12866 wrote on Mar 23, 2011 8:48 AM:
Despite our normal idiotic way to handle money, we will find ways to funnel it to My Royal Outside Legal Counsel or The Royal Recreation Center.
Any idea on the liklehood of the Royal Riches coming my way?
Who is this this Farley Dude? "
Toga1234 wrote on Mar 23, 2011 9:32 AM:
real12866 wrote on Mar 23, 2011 10:08 AM:
knowit wrote on Mar 23, 2011 11:00 AM:
cb wrote on Mar 23, 2011 11:05 AM:
The new funds could be used to fix up a Central Landmark of our City - Congress Park. It is really beat up. "
FLOWER KID wrote on Mar 23, 2011 11:37 AM:
insidious wrote on Mar 23, 2011 11:42 AM:
Claude wrote on Mar 23, 2011 12:18 PM:
Flower kid wrote on Mar 23, 2011 12:48 PM:
joe schmoe wrote on Mar 23, 2011 12:50 PM:
That should mean the money gets spent on what it is being allocated for. It doesn't mean for it to be banked. And to do the workproperly means a return to what we had. "
anonymous wrote on Mar 23, 2011 2:54 PM:
CB - I tend to believe Flower Kid Frank on this one. If there's anyone that knows of not accomplishing anything in DPW, or anywhere for that matter, it's Frank. "
Broadway Dan wrote on Mar 23, 2011 3:32 PM:
I am with many of you that stay to create a rainy day fund and not dump it back into the operating budget. "
Kyle York wrote on Mar 23, 2011 5:01 PM:
Step back and listen to what Gov. Cuomo said this morning in Syracuse, and then listen to the archived video of Farley addressing the Budget Conference Committee. And finally, search the pronouncements from the Governor’s office for the "buy-in" that doesn’t exist.
Based on his subcommittee’s "work" the full committee is recommending that NYS allocate about $21 MILLION dollars for all 17 host municipalities. The Governor will not budge from his $132.9 billion budget. So WHERE has Hugh found $21 million?
"We shifted it around from a million different places," Farley said.
No reporter has pressed him for details, his video performance singing the praises of his 5-person subcommittee doesn’t offer a clue.
And you STILL see $2 million coming to the county and the city? I’ll wager $200 that the city ends up with a giant goose egg. My only caveat to any and all takers is that the winner has to spend all $200 at our Casino.
Heck, SOMEONE’s got to keep the REAL economy going.
-Kyle York
Hugh can fool some of the people... "
Paul_Kersey wrote on Mar 23, 2011 6:18 PM:
adkkman wrote on Mar 23, 2011 8:39 PM:
Hugh is getting big PR from this, and he's been around the block. We'll get the money, BUT we'll also get the shaft. The state will cut funding somewhere else that will be tossed on the taxpayers back. The Albany two step.
I don't get the dead mother hen analogy. Unable to give birth to the chickens being counted...? Dead because we're broke at the state level? How'd the chicken die? Wouldn't a rubber chicken have been better [no money= impossible to get a chick from a rubber chicken?] Rubber seems foolish and slapstick-ish. Dead mother hen seems...barbaric?
Anyway the bet is on. Should be some good fun in the meantime. "
Al Callucci wrote on Mar 23, 2011 9:13 PM:
Kyle York wrote on Mar 23, 2011 11:14 PM:
You read it all 20/20, and it will be fun. You're spot on with my twisted analogy of a dead hen unable to deliver the eggs to not-produce the chickens not to count...
....you're right. I'm dizzy.
But even MORE to the point- You're spot-on about the PR value here. And he's got plenty of reason-- Take a look in the archives at the pasting he took for making no vote on the NYCOTB rescue. Never mind that his vote would not have made a difference... the public and the press pounded him.
So this is his PR comeback bid. But NOBODY has found $21 million dollars of wiggle room in this impossibly tight budget. When host-community funding doesn't materialize, Hugh will blame someone for "breaking the deal."
I'm happy to have Al "broker OUR deal" or you can reach me at 581-1819. And if I lose the bet, I'll be cheering for you to turn it into a massive fortune...
And we'll buy some hens.
-Kyle York
8 Days and Counting Down "
adkkman wrote on Mar 23, 2011 11:54 PM:
Rule #4 : Wording is key. ie 'I'll give you a dollar for ten standing quarters [trying to get the mark to stand 10 quarters up] When he does scoop up the $2.50 and give him $1.00
Reread your wager.
Golf Course. Baseball game. Bocce Court. Newspaper forum. It doesn't matter.
Now I like to consider myself fair, so I will agree to what you meant to say. "
Kyle York wrote on Mar 24, 2011 12:53 AM:
IFF the upcoming NYS budget includes $1,496,000 payable to the City of Saratoga Springs as "Host Funding," I will give $200 to adkkman to be wagered at the Saratoga Casino and Raceway. After playing the $200, any and all winnings belong to adkkman.
IFF the upcoming NYS budget allocates $0 to the City of Saratoga Springs, adkkman will give $200 to Kyle York to be wagered at the Saratoga Casino and Raceway. After playing the $200, any and all winnings belong to Kyle York.
I tried to find a lawyer to certify this binding WagerWording... but every attorney in town is working for the City.
-Kyle York
I'm Farley certain about this one... "
racing city wrote on Mar 24, 2011 12:59 AM:
Kyle York wrote on Mar 24, 2011 1:15 AM:
IF I win at THE CASINO, the FIRST $200 goes back to adkkman... and all the rest gets equally divied up to any and every one of our fellow "regular" bloggers here. Yes that would include "tp go." And all pundits can remain anonymous, using only their blog monikers. Heck, I've never won a dime at the slots so maybe Kindness will increase my Karma.
And for those buying Hugh's News--
http://www.governor.ny.gov/embed/323message
-Kyle York
Will do Lahw for $200/hour... "
adkkman wrote on Mar 24, 2011 7:49 AM:
The specs you suggest open a can of worms. What if The city gets $1.1mm? Your original suggestion was zero dollars. What if the city gets some other consideration? What if the split with the county is altered?
Originally your only caveat was that the winner spend the $200 at our Casino. My wedding reception was at the Canfield Casino and I attend the Lions Club night at the casino [albeit they changed locale this past year]. I was planning to give it to a worthy non profit hosting a fund raiser.
First you want to pay me back after winning & keep secondary winnings; then you want to give to it to everybody here. My guess is there are other places where you've never won a dime.
Let's get back to the discussion. The governor has put forth a budget. My guess is Farleys commission took numbers from that budget and revamped allocation for a net zero change, with Skelos approval. The hurdle is the assembly. Cuomo alraedy has some concessions from unions. I think it comes down to the pressure he can or is willing to put on Silver. A compromise is not out of the question. I don't think he is bluffing about shutting down the govt. Cuomo has made some prop bets of his own. If he shuts it down, he swings national view in his favor as a dem willing to compromise first, but stand firm on spending...opening the door to the office he ultimately desires. It's still a minimum 5 years away, but his record starts here.
Farley on the other hand has no higher aspirations. Cuomo gets a lot of Republican support for a paltry $21mm? No brainer. Cuomo didn't paint himself in a corner with no wiggle room whatsoever. I'm sure Shellys secret file is on the table [started by Mario] and will play a factor here. "
real12866 wrote on Mar 24, 2011 12:12 PM:
real12866 wrote on Mar 24, 2011 12:15 PM:
Kyle York wrote on Mar 24, 2011 2:03 PM:
Cuomo, as seen on yesterday's video, he's into the street-brawlin' mode that's in his blood. There's no way this tough guy is going to sign off on giving $1.5 MM to the Fabulously Wealthy Residents of a Gilded Resort Paradise of National Renown.
If there were any Political points for Cuomo to make in this deal, he'd have used yesterday's Syracuse speech to win BIG, promising "host-money" to the TWO racinos within spittin' distance- "Finger Lakes" to the West and "Tioga Downs" to the East. The fattest softball lob in the world... and he didn't touch it.
Back to the "NON-BET, MR. IRS SIR"-
If ANY "host" money comes to this City, YOU win. And you're right- 'Tis Yours with no strings attached. We share that noble charity streak. I'd be pleased to lose.
Me... I'm still jazzed about "Blogger Day" at the Casino. No fighting, all fun, all welcome.
-Kyle York
Trying to make cents of it all "
Al Callucci wrote on Mar 24, 2011 4:25 PM:
Al Callucci wrote on Mar 24, 2011 5:24 PM:
Claude wrote on Mar 24, 2011 7:12 PM:
Kyle York wrote on Mar 24, 2011 11:12 PM:
The reporters play quotes from the Senate and the Assembly and Republicans and Democrats... but I'm NOT hearing the Love from the Gov.
He's introducing a brand of hardball that will make "OLDE Albany" look like the most reasonable, rational and responsible government EVER.
And we'll see Cuomo's "Silver Tongue" in a Shout-Down with the Timeless Arrogant Tigers. And in the end, we'll live with the reality check on the love for "Host Communities."
-Kyle York
Read Their Lips "
adkkman wrote on Mar 25, 2011 7:06 AM:
Kyle, If you're referring to Fred Dicker, he's in Cuomo's corner, and yes he seems to think the budget gets approved on time. Hardball is unreasonable? Not from my vantage. Closes the gap, and no new taxes. That's mass appeal, and everyone will forget the commercials soon. Who else will afl cio vote for next cycle...a republican? FINALLY an opportunistic dem. "
The Enforcer wrote on Mar 25, 2011 7:49 AM:
flower kid wrote on Mar 25, 2011 8:00 AM:
Kyle York wrote on Mar 25, 2011 9:39 AM:
And so I applaud Cuomo for being our first "Hardball" economic realist Governor. And part of that sound fiscal steadfast courage is to say "NO" to $21 million to support "VLT host communities."
But let's see what Sandra has to say this afternoon.
-Kyle York
Deficits? Just Say No. "
Al Callucci wrote on Mar 25, 2011 10:28 AM:
adkkman wrote on Mar 25, 2011 12:43 PM:
What's the lesson? Unfortunately, it's cut first. Don't try to be fair and work with the people across the table. Work behind the scenes. Play the hardest ball possible. Use your parties war chest to buy ads and build public support. Get concessions [cuts] from one union to bully the others. This is the current state of political affairs. If I had a choice of who to play chess against, it wouldn't be Cuomo. When Eliot got caught with his pants down, Andrew started planning then. He got Paterson to capitulate [back door]. Carl McCall is doing commercials?? Interesting McCall was never prosecuted for his use of state stationery a few years ago, soliciting donors. Who was AG back then? Who'd he give the folder to? Shelly allowed the steam roller to hang himself and Magoo to get lambasted on SNL. Now Cuomo comes to the table and Shelly wonders...
Rule #1 when making a prop bet. Look around the table. If you don't know who the mark is...it's you. "
Kyle York wrote on Mar 25, 2011 5:21 PM:
This final budget's only "VLT host money" will go to the ONE community with leaders/lawyers/laymen intelligent enough to have DEMANDED some COSTS carved into STONE- That would be Yonkers which welcomed VLTs ONLY ON THE CONDITION that the city got a $20 MILLION GRANT earmarked for education.
"Farley's Folly" is a lame attempt to give some hope to 16 communities that took Albany's Sucker's Bet-- "SURE you're gonna' rake in the dough, and who needs PALS to put it in WRITING bubbalah?!??!!!!"
NO, only Yonkers bargained hard and smart... SO MUCH SO that with Cuomo's last budget proposal of NOTHING for the "Stupid Sixteen" (including Saratoga Springs), even HardBall Andrew OFFERED $4 million to Yonkers for education. But maybe he'll pull THAT off the table.
But Yonkers demanded their $20M upfront. Smart move.
You're making a huge leap to say I'm "combining your disapproavl of the appeal with good business sense."
Read what I wrote and you'll see that I see RESPECTABLE "business sense" in any elected man or woman who says "NO MORE!" to wasteful spending. Hence, Kudos to Franck, Ivins, and Cuomo.
Today, you are among many whose "good business sense" tells you all that you are entitled to Racino money to repave the Racino streets every three years. But that same "good business sense" was out-to-lunch when your good business minds should have been playing hardball with NYRA.
HEY--
MAYBE a Professional City Manager would have taken a more professional approach to doing business with the NYS Racing and Wagering Board...
...like maybe securing a $20 million grant for road maintenance. Upfront.
-Kyle York
Negotiate like a Professional...
or take what they give you. "
adkkman wrote on Mar 25, 2011 9:22 PM:
Wild guess here...so many people in so small an area, that Mayor has 100 people just thinking of ways to come up with money. "
Kyle York wrote on Mar 26, 2011 1:27 AM:
I never meant to imply that Saratoga Springs had a monopoly on Mindless Naiveté. It's rampant, it's epidemic, and it is simply beyond belief. Al truly believes we are “owed” VLT money promised on an Albany handshake and a wink.
I'm sure you've seen the NEWS coverage of the budget battle... and Fred Dicker is the LAST idiot I would ever cite as a source.
You have a phenomenal grasp of the minutiae of Albany politics... and I mean that as a serious compliment. With all respect, I "step back" from any postings in the past which slammed you in any cheap or savage opposition. Seriously- I apologize.
But MY expertise is the Clan Cuomo and The Man Andrew. He gains nothing from this farce of $21 million, not when he’s hammered on Unions, Prisons, Education, and Health Care. He...is...a...CUOMO.
Hugh Farley has grabbed headlines in a shrewd political effort to redeem himself for his impossibly stupid choice to "Not Vote" on the doomed-to-failure vote to "save" NYCOTB.
Win or lose, I look forward to meeting you. Your grasp of the nuances of State Politics deserves more voice than is afforded in these blogs.
-Kyle York
Cuomo Confidante "
adkkman wrote on Mar 26, 2011 8:04 AM:
We both may have some entrusted information, which may not be spoken of here, so let's talk about political payback. Ken Adams [not the guy in FRIENDS that Joey pretended to be hitch hiking in Europe] was president of the chamber in Brooklyn when he met Andrew. He heads North to Albany to become President of the Business Council of NYS. Membership is the main revenue generator, but he improves bottom line by chopping heads mostly. When Andrew runs for Governor, BCNYS for the first time in it's long history ENDORSES a candidate. A republican/ business you think? Hardly. When Andy wins easily, Ken comes knocking. Head up an agency? No, I won't earn enough...better make it two. Sammy in Schdy now heads the Canal corp? Hah!
Cuomo cuts deals. I could be wrong, but I think Farley wouldn't announce it unless he had assurances. From what I hear, the major sticking points left are school aid. Probably like 500m ... I still don't think he's worried about $21m. He's running ads to support his position [can't remember that happening by a standing gov] which is defacto AGAINST those Unions, Prisons, Education and state benefit [he already got the Healthcare concessions].
Besides, doesn't he know I have $200 riding on this? Better call the relatives, and start a campaign of phone calls to the governors office. Grassroots community organizer, that's me. "
Kyle York wrote on Mar 26, 2011 4:53 PM:
The entire "host" issue is meaningless and trivial when seen in context of a very wicked hot field of battle. There are enough stumbling blocks in Albany to rebuild The Sphinx. I see a Trifecta out there where our favorite horse isn’t even in the running--
* Republicans are dead set to fight to restore $250 million to school funding... and these teachers aren’t kindly Julie Andrews schoolmarms...
* The Upstate reps of "Prison-Host" communities don’t like plans to cut 3,500 beds, chopping $72 million from their one-industry towns...
* No lawyer/legislator can walk away from the Medicaid mixed-bag with Cuomo’s plans to limit medical pain & suffering awards to $250,000.
Reliable reports say there be no extension of the "Millionaires’ Tax," currently feeding over $1 billion into the budget. That is not going to help Hugh’s plans to scrape up $21 million for towns that host lavish gambling palaces.
I like the reporting of Jimmy Vielkind for the TU. One of his Cuomo quotes today is apropos for Farley’s $21M Traveling Circus-
"In this town, people are very good at talking about agreements, making progress towards agreements," Cuomo said. "They're very good at tiptoeing along the goal line but never stepping over."
-Kyle York
All eyes on Albany "
Kyle York wrote on Mar 27, 2011 9:07 PM:
http://blog.timesunion.com/capitol/archives/62063/cuomo-says-budget-is-done
It looks as if the "$2 million host money" was at best, a failure... and at worst, a self-serving political lie.
Either way, we must make the best with whatever REAL money we have. I would hope City legal expenses will be monitored and that attention will be paid.
What will NOT be paid is Farley's promise of $1,496,000.
-Kyle York
Realist. "
adkkman wrote on Mar 28, 2011 7:38 AM:
Claude wrote on Mar 28, 2011 9:13 AM:
Kyle York wrote on Mar 28, 2011 9:55 AM:
It all comes down to the question of What do we Value? I mean as Human Beings who have to look ourselves in the mirror every day... even legislators.
* Will you continue to fund the education of a blind elementary school student?
* Will you close a prison that drives every job in a small upstate community?
* Will you tell a low-income Senior Citizen his prescription assistance is now ended?
* Will you put an education beyond the reach of a SUNY student working two jobs?
Those are the life-changing decisions faced by every legislator as they squeeze funding from a budget cut to the bone with not one penny un-noticed, unseen down in some dark corner.
It is in the context of those life-changing utterly human decisions, it is in that universe of values, it is on that Capitol floor that Hugh Farley will rise and make an earnest and articulate plea in the silent chamber-
* "Will you join with me to pay $21 million to ease the egregious suffering ravaging 17 communities, where the citizens endure the unbearable, because their citizens are burdened most cruelly by the presence of an impossibly-loud brightly-lit glittering stately pleasure dome of a Gambling Parlor? Oh the Humanity."
I do not mean any sarcasm here. In no way am I some lefty liberal socialist spending freely and thoughtlessly.
No 8-year-old is blind by choice. No Senior Citizen went down to Wall Street to decimate the investments she made to sustain her through her "Golden Years."
No.
City leaders far wiser than I CHOSE to be a "Host Community." We invited the Racino to the dance without asking her to "Go Dutch."
In this debate, not even Abraham Lincoln's elegant oratory could stir the Legislature to rise and support this cause.
Lincoln would not have even tried.
-Kyle York
E Pluribus Unum "
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Stan Hudy is a sportswriter for The Saratogian and Community News. He's willing to take on any sport and any subject in print or video.