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Front page: Franck leaning towards reelection run, Beaver Pond Village closer to approval
Good morning! It's supposed to snow today, stay warm!
I forgot to post yesterday that Accounts Commissioner John Franck said he is "leaning" towards running for reelection next year. He has been the most committal thus far, we'll see what the Mayor says on the subject later today.
Beaver Pond Village is inching closer to approval after developers were sent away with some homework last night. [Srtgn]
Gov. David Paterson had a light (conversationally) meal with Sen. Eric Adams and Sen. John Sampson. [CapCon]
Scott Murphy isn't sure what he will do after leaving office. [PstStr]
Gov.-elect Cuomo's staffers are the best, according to transition advisory team members. [IthacaJo]
the law providing 9/11 first responders with health benefits was passed in the Senate. [NYT]
I forgot to post yesterday that Accounts Commissioner John Franck said he is "leaning" towards running for reelection next year. He has been the most committal thus far, we'll see what the Mayor says on the subject later today.
Beaver Pond Village is inching closer to approval after developers were sent away with some homework last night. [Srtgn]
Gov. David Paterson had a light (conversationally) meal with Sen. Eric Adams and Sen. John Sampson. [CapCon]
Scott Murphy isn't sure what he will do after leaving office. [PstStr]
Gov.-elect Cuomo's staffers are the best, according to transition advisory team members. [IthacaJo]
the law providing 9/11 first responders with health benefits was passed in the Senate. [NYT]
posted by The Saratogian City Desk at
6:32 AM
6 Comments:
The meeting for lunch with the Governor, John Sampson and Eric(no vlt $$$) Adams must have been enlightening. I really feel the Governor was on track but had no leadership that could support what he was trying to accomplish. They had their own agenda especially these two.
Yes, we await the mayor's decision. Here are some suggested platform planks.
He ONLY overspent his outside legal counsel budget this year by $100,000+.
He closed the Eastside skate park and filled it with dirt. We are still paying the debt service on the bond to build it.
He ALMOST sold the Lillian's parking lot. Too bad he jumped the gun and put the proceeds in the budget. Oh, well. better luck next year.
His City attorney DIDN"T throw anything at any members of the City Council THIS year. The year isn't over yet.
He sued the Civil Service Commission - an independent body - for following the law. And, get this, he hired an outside law firm at $200 per hour to prosecute the Commission. Yes, with our tax $s.
The case is still in litigation.
He spent $100s of thousands on law firms to negotiate labor contracts. None ratified yet.
He set a record for inappropriate Executive (closed) meetings.
After building the Rec. facility with our money we now have to "pay" to use it. Next year he wants us to pay $165,000 to use it PLUS the over $400,000 we pay to finance it.
Now here's a platform to run on.
Oh, yes, and he raised our taxes over 13% in the last two years. What a guy!
Commissioner Franck... John Franck... is simply Saratoga at its Best--
He's a Lifelong Local who sincerely LOVES the city, and loves it enough to go through the MEAT GRINDER that is local politics.
At meetings public and private he speaks his mind, takes the business of budgets seriously, and can always brighten a Council mess with great humor or spontaneous sarcasm.
He's not universally beloved... especially by a cabal that sees him as a hand-puppet for Tom McTygue. I'm glad to know both men and the idea seems utter nonsense.
John will talk with you, return your emails, and embrace this remarkable town with a passion. Even when it costs him business from angered clients. Go Figure.
-Kyle York
Looking Forward to First Night
Ivins is publicly mum on his re-election plans because he is maneuvering to become the County's next assistant county administrator.
Wickerham, the County administrator, has retired and his assistant, Spencer Hellwig, will become the administrator on January 1.
Hellwig though is from Saratoga Springs and the County Republican Committee will be hard pressed to give both these political rewards to members of the same community. Also, Hellwig is not as astute as he should be to perform his new role and he will need a very competent and experienced assistant.
Ivins is perceived to be less than qualified.
But Ivins knows he is in political trouble here at home and this very nice political plum would allow him to leave gracefully, give him the income he needs and the benefit package he and the mayor are attempting to take away from city employees.
Yes, folks, it really is about the money with these guys. Can he get Herrick's support? And can Herrick convince the Republican Executive Committee to take Ivins off our hand? Probably not.
Stayed tuned to this one. And remember, you heard it here first.
What's up with the new County administrator. Is Spencer Helwig - a notorious Republican sycophant - really up to the job.
Will he continue Wickerham's policy of actually controlling the agenda of Board of Supervisor Committee meetings. Wickerham became a de facto County executive because the Board of Supervisors allowed it.
And if the County Republican Executive Committee gives Ivins the deputy administrator job there will little brain power in the County administrator's office and even less independence.
Good news for Democrats.
Patrick,
I noted this morning that even though schools are closed this week that essentially no one was using the new Indoor Recreation Facility.
What gives? Perhaps the Rec. Commission could present a monthly report to include the facility activities, walk in users and monthly revenue.
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