Saranac Thursdays and UPD, City of Utica

If you put the pieces of the puzzle together you get the true picture why the City of Utica endorses
the type of activity that results from Saranac Thursdays. What type of activity you ask, well let me begin to start with promoting a area that pumps alcohol into people who are known to drink and drive, yes the bar owners have no idea because of the flood of party goers from the event mentioned above. I love the Brewery and I believe in free enterprise and know the bar owners mean well and are there for entertainment purposes and good food only. The amount of arrest that occur after the event are great for the City of Utica and the Utica Police Department and keep our City running. But this is not a way to generate revenue for the City. We need to make our area more business friendly, The County Legislators that continue to keep the sales tax at the current rate that only was intended to be temporary don't help the equation either.
Where are the family friendly activities that the City endorces that don't include alcohol?
Do you know let our readers know they would appreciate it.

55 Million Dollar Deal with the Oneidas

The two Oneidas are at it Oneida County and the Oneida Indian Nation have brokered a back door deal that is said to be of benefit to all parties involved.
If one was to believe back door politics is a way to do business then I am writing this in vain.
This deals smells of rotten fish. The Legislators have an obligation to say no to this bum deal and go back and demand what we are justly due, 3 figures not 2 and a end to land claims with no taxes, and comply with tax laws that are fair for all businesses.

Busy making videos

It has been a few days since any new post from myself to you my welcome guest.
I have been busy filming parts of Utica NY and posting them on you tube for all our friends who have left Utica and moved to all parts of the United States and World wide guest on the internet.
I hope you find my videos enjoyable as well as a history of the old neighborhood as it stands today.
Please share your ideas and thoughts and help me make this a welcome place for all.
You can find my videos on this blog page, enjoy...................

Utica Mayor Roefaro Takes Action in Utica on May I Campaign

Utica Mayor David Roefaro and leaders from the Codes Department, Police Department and various departments were on Mary Street to kick off the May I Campaign to rid Utica of Urban Blight, graffiti, and neighborhood complaints called in during April call in for the campaign to form and take to the problems addressed by the residents, already 1 home has been demolished by emergency decoration across from the meeting location on Mary Street. Watch the video we took of the Mayors address today on You Tube below this message or on my you tube page wmenewell.

Picente says Sales tax may never drop! Tanoury Jr. disagrees

Yes he said it folks at Wednesdays Board of Legislators Meeting. Is he for real? Already a State High 8.75% He wants to keep the promised reduction of .75% for another 2 years and HOG IT ALL. Yes HOG IT ALL, he does not want to distribute a fair share to municipalities in the County like Utica and Rome. What a BOZO if he looses the .75 he is talking raising property taxes 30%. Get this guy out of of office please, is he for real? Not all agree with this madness including Utica Legislator Larry Tanoury Jr.

Spending cuts are needed to relieve the .75% cut period......................

Not all county officials agree that the full sales tax rate should continue as is.

During Wednesday’s meeting of the Oneida County Board of Legislators, Legislator Larry Tanoury Jr., D-Utica, said some of the revenue from the 0.75 percent tax should be distributed to municipalities in the county because federal economic stimulus funding will relieve some of the county’s Medicaid costs.

Thank You Larry Tanoury Jr. for sticking up for Oneida County and Utica

Larry Tanoury Jr. Up and coming Politician with a future

If you take the time to watch your local politicians you will see one that stands out among the crowd of has been and want a bees. This one is a true politician who fights for the citizens he vowed to defend and his name is Larry Tanoury Jr. I am usually not a political endorser but I can't sit idle and not let this man's actions go unnoticed. If you go to his County Legislative meetings or follow his meetings filmed for you tube viewers you will see a great leader in action. He fights for us, and he cares about Utica, for this I support him in all he does, great job Mr. Tanoury Jr. Utica needs more like you.

African Dance & Drumming Workshop by Adanfo On Tour

On Saturday April 25, 2009 a Great event is taking place in Clinton NY by Adanfo On Tour, the event is an African Dance & Drumming Workshop and Concert. There is a African Dance workshop for beginners from 11 am to 12:15 pm. There is an African Drum workshop from 12:45pm to 2:15pm.
There are extra Drums available for those who don't have one.

The tuition for each work shop is only $ 15.00 or take both classes for a low $ 25.00

Don't forget the concert in the evening Starting at 7:30pm to 9:00pm only $ 15.00
The concert cost only $ 10.00 for workshop participants.

PACKAGE DEAL ALL WORKSHOPS AND CONCERT only $ 40.00

ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS STRONGLY SUGGESTED PLEASE CONTACT:
Academy of Preforming and Creative Arts 13 Taylor Ave Clinton, NY 13323 Phone 315-853-7309

"All Raises are off the table" and now in whose pockets in Utica, New York?

The Mayor is giving out taxpayer money like its Halloween candy and it is time to say enough is enough. All fucking lies by this under taking son of a so called Mayor we have running Utica, New York. It is a page out of Richard Nixon's "I am not a crook" routine. A turkey is a turkey and a fucking raise is a fucking raise, not only 1 but more than a handful so far, the Codes Commissioner received his $10,650 raise, the new new all mixed up Fire Department's and our Administration's blunder of a promotion scam gave the new Asst. Chief $17,000 Raise, now the old new not new mix up in the scam Deputy Chief Dunn who runs the fire academy will get a stipend of $ 15,000 and what else is hiding behind City Hall Doors that we will hear about in bits and pieces so we can adsorb it slowly and hope the confusion will alter our reality that we ARE BENT OVER AND GETTING THE ALMIGHTY ASS FUCKING, THANKS ROEFARO, It is time to pull up our pants and take control of our reality that this shit should not be tolerated in this economic time.

Utica, NY Mayor Lies Again to tax payers and gives Codes Commissioner raise of $10,500

Utica taxpayers have had enough of Mayor Roefaro's lies. This time he promised no raises period.
All raises were off the table he said, yes mayor they are off the table and now into the codes commissioners pocket to a tune of a 20% or a $10,500.00 raise. A raise in a time when thousands are being laid off or let go. Company's are closing or down sizing. Many union employees have to give a percentage of their wage to the company in order to keep the place afloat.
The nerve of this mayor to fuck us in the ass and laugh at the same time.
The common council in Utica, NY has no balls and will do nothing to stop his two faced approach to city politics. If the taxpayers have had enough they will speak up, or keep the peace.
Turn out the lights if your the last to leave the city of Utica, New York.
This undertaker for mayor is killing a once great place to call home.

Politics as usual in Utica, NY ,no April Fools here

Utica, NY Fire Department promotions for Assistant Chief were announced last week and the fliers were already printed for the ceremony taking place today at City Hall in Utica, NY .
Deputy Chief Dunn's name was announced last week and his name appears in today's program, but there is only on catch today, Deputy Chief Dunn will not be promoted as announced.
Utica's Public Safety Commissioner and Police Chief Dan La Bella and Mayor Roefaro announced a change you will not believe and will contribute this to an April Fools Joke. One catch it is not.
Now the day of the promotion it has come to light that three eligible candidates who failed to follow up with their eligibility have come to light and must now be considered and the best man now for the job is Deputy Chief Andre Esposito. Nice to be embarrassed in front of friends and family.
Great politics as usual in the City of Utica, New York and never a April Fools Joke Here.
What is that brown stuff on your nose Chief Brooks?

Do Utican's care about the environment?

With all the citizen campaign's for the environment going on around the country I was thinking about our environment and wondering if others were doing the same in Utica, NY.
Energy Policy, Climate change, Recycling, Public Health, Toxic s, Water Protection are just a few of the concerns we have with our environment. With abundant water resources, North easterners are among the world’s most wasteful water users. As a result, improvements to the region’s water conservation practices have become necessary to reduce the consumptive strain on our aquifers, rivers, and lakes, as well as provide much needed water quality benefits.
Global Warming is upon us. Our Planet is getting hotter and our climate is changing.
Recycling saves money, creates jobs, saves energy, and fights global warming.
Pollution from electric power plants that burn coal is a major source of acid rain in the Northeast.
The acids changes the pH of water and soil, ultimately killing aquatic life and altering soil chemistry, which plants and trees need to survive.
Now New York Regional Interconnect wants to put a power line through Oneida County all the way to New York City. This project is a bad idea that would cause terrible destruction and devastation across Oneida County.
I guess with all the other things we have to worry about these days to include the economy in which President Obama promises will change for the better in the near future.
Lets hope the environment does not get put on the back burner, we can not turn back the progress we have already made and the changes we can achieve if we push forward.

Spring has sprung in Utica,NY

Sunny skies welcomed in the spring season in Utica, NY today at 7:44 am this morning.
Temperatures are still a little mild for spring but will change in the weeks to come.
The parks are starting to come alive with children playing all types of outdoor sports to include basketball and baseball. Bikes are appearing on the sidewalks and adults are bringing out the motorcycles too. I hope that everyone is getting out to enjoy the great NY weather. Pick nicks are just around the corner, wow how time flies.

Jesus Help us from these blood sucking AIG executives, President Obama please no more stimulus for AIG executives.

I like many other tax paying Americans are tired of the blood sucking executives at AIG.
President Obama has given enough of our cold American cash to these thief's.
Why if they were told to stop all bonuses continue to squander our government stimulus money?
The only help we can get is a prayer to Jesus Christ, a big prayer.

Utica, NY Turns Green for a day!

The traditional green line was freshly painted yesterday for today's St. Patrick's Day Parade.
The weather was co operating this year with sunny skies and 40 plus degree weather made this years parade one to enjoy from the start. The parade includes floats and marchers and different municipalities from around the area bringing fire trucks decorated with green decorations and of course shamrocks galore. The children were all cheering along with the adult children at heart.
The children were also excited to collect the traditional parade candy thrown to the kids by various participating groups. All in all it was a wonderful parade, lets hope the partakers in the green beverages will behave a give us a clean slate as for police activity.

Ex Utica NY Mayor Edward Hanna Dies at 87

It is a sad day in Utica,NY and everywhere else in the world where Ed Hanna left his mark.
Hanna a former Utica, NY mayor died this morning in his doctors office at the young age of 87.
Mr. Hanna ran for Mayor again in 2008 loosing to David Refaro. The flags are flying at half staff at city hall in Utica and former Mayor Hanna's favorite music at his request is being played at the Hope Tower at City Hall in Hanna Park. Even though I was serving my country during most of Mayor Hanna's terms as Mayor his work and legacy has left a lasting impression on this Utican who also has a Heart for Utica.
Rest in peace Mr. Hanna, Utica is much better because of you in many more ways than one will ever believe. God Bless you Sir..................

Compounded taxes on top of taxes proposed in Utica, NY

Has anyone ever heard of a recreational tax? Well that is what is being proposed in Utica, NY.
A $20 recreational tax per household and a $1 fee each time a child uses a city swimming pool.
The residents in this city have been insulted enough in the wake of this economy.
Utica wants to raise property taxes by 6%, the water board wants to increase its rates and the school district wants its increase. Have we taken enough from these blood suckers? or do we stand up and say enough is enough. I think there are many who talk the talk but will not walk the walk so we will continue to be squashed like a bug by our elected officials. Empty wallets and purses will be a thing of the future. The great depression was a thing of the past we are in a great great depression and need big oars to row out of this one.

Utica Resident collapses and dies at council meeting

It was an ordinary Wednesday evening at the Utica City Council Meeting. Residents are allowed to speak and voice their concerns regarding the City. At the podium was a gentleman well known to the audience and council as Jack his real name is John Hallinan. John was addressing to council suggesting the city try to get federal economic stimulus funds to replace damaged and missing street signs. As John was about to address another "pet peeve" something was not right.
John then started to speak but collapsed shortly before getting to say what it was.
In the audience attending the evenings meeting was Utica Fire Chief Russell Brooks.
As he performed CPR on John, with the Rev. Richard Dellos standing over them.
John's breathing and heart then stopped, Brooks said.When emergency responders from Utica’s ambulance service arrived, they used a defibrillator on John before putting him on a stretcher and taking him to a local hospital. He later died, Brooks said.
The meeting was canceled for the rest of the evening and a prayer group formed and prayed for Mr. Hallinan

Utica continues to spend even in todays climate of depression causing taxes to go up up and up....

City of Utica NY continues its practice of spending even when we are forced to count every nickle and penny. When is Mayor Roefaro going to stop his tax and spend routine. This City is raising taxes faster than any other City of its size and maybe even larger Cities don't tax as much as this Mayor has done in his last two years in office. Residents and councilmen alike are concerned they want the City to be fiscally responsible. Mayor Roefaro acknowledged that spending continues to increase. With the declining economy, it’s difficult to juggle rising costs and other mandates, he said.
If the City would take example from Rome,NY or other NY Cities that make a budget and stick to them then we might see city leaders who must be cautious to not spend past their means.
After all a budget is a budget would you say not?

Utica Woman sentenced for Arson mocks Utica NY PD and Arson Task Force

20-year-old Ambur Fortney pleaded guilty to starting a West Utica residence on fire last Fourth of July. On Friday she blamed law enforcement for putting her in that position in the first place.

Before Ambur Fortney was sentenced in Oneida County Court to three to nine years in prison, she mocked the police and fire investigators who arrested her on arson charges.

Since her arrest, Fortney has continued to deny starting the fire at her boyfriend’s residence, 1122 Court St., up until the day she tearfully pleaded guilty to third-degree arson in January.

On Friday, Fortney’s previously weeping emotion appeared to be replaced by anger.

During her plea, Fortney admitted to intentionally starting the Court Street fire on July 4, 2008. But due to the nature of an Alford plea, Fortney was not required to elaborate on any circumstances surrounding the incident.

Utica Public Safety Commissioner Daniel LaBella stood by the work of the city’s police department and Arson Task Force, which was reinstated in the summer to counter a rash of intentionally set fires.

“A thorough investigation was conducted, which resulted in her guilty plea,” LaBella said. “It’s unfortunate that these comments were made, but the Utica Police Department and Arson Task Force will continue to protect the citizens from this type of crime.”

At sentencing, Dwyer strongly encouraged Fortney to get counseling while she in prison for any mental problems. Fortney said she would “pursue it,” which LaBella saw as a positive response.

“I hope she accepts the recommendation of counseling, and I wish her the best,” LaBella said.

Fortney entered an Alford plea based on the strong likelihood that she would be convicted after trial. If she had been found guilty, her punishment would have been much greater than what she was offered by Assistant District Attorney Robert Bauer, Fortney acknowledged at the time.

Before sentencing Fortney made this statement about the Utica Arson Task Force:

“All I want to say is I feel that the Utica Police Department and the Arson Task Force are a joke,” Fortney told Judge Michael L. Dwyer. “I think it’s unfair what happened to me, and being backed into a corner like this is ridiculous.”

Do you feel the Utica PD and Utica Arson Task Force rushed to conclusion on this case?

Utica residents face rising taxes, water bills

At a time when things should be held at a minimum they go double digit. In Utica that is, taxes at both the City and School district are rising again as is the water authority raising their prices almost 8%. How can the residents of Utica, NY continue to take the abuse of power by the elected official who control the rights to raise the budget to levels that are not within reason.
Look at Mayor Roefaro's budget it contains raises for employess who only have 6 months of service like Employee # 7353 Sabis, Ashley, B Community Development Hired 6/2/08 non union Receptionist 6/2/08 pay rate= $24,500 2009-10 = $ 31,016 How in the world in 6 months can a non union employee get a $7,000 pay raise? an this is only 1 employee with a hefty raise. I am telling you folks we need to revolt and recall this mayor go to uticafriends.com and click on the mayor and we can start the recall process or take his crap forever it is up to us to make the changes now. Change can only be made by people willing to stand up for what they believe in.

Phone Calls about Cars Warrantys

Is your cars warranty about to expire, that is the message on the other end and they want you to extend your cars warranty on the phone and they continue to call day and night on the cell phone and on the home phone. First of all I bought two used vehicles and I did not want to buy an extended warranty and get scammed from the start. When I bought a new car it was hard enough to get coverage so you want me to extend my warranty and pay you over $700.00 for nothing.
90% of these folks are scam artist and give you nothing for your money so do your homework and research the company before you get into any kind of contract. Do a google search of the phone number that calls your cell before you answer if you are unsure of the number and you will see alot of people got the same deal or scam. Did they call you about your warranty?

Digital TV is Killing me

This digital TV conversion is a mess, all the banners on all the shows we watch telling us about all the things we need to do to be ready. Then the Government FCC runs out of funding so the consumers who needed to get vouchers to buy converters were left on a waiting list.
I think the Government teamed up with the TV manufactures to get us to upgrade to new TV sets.
Yes I do love my HDTV no complaints except when watching digital TV when the weather gets rough the TV sets go wacko. I hope this conversion passes soon so I can get on to some what normal TV viewing without all the banners on my recorded or live shows. What do you think about this mess?

Utica School Superintendent Willis to make changes

Superintendent James Willis said he plans to reorganize the administration in the school district to encourage better communication. It is about time someone from the outside saw the excess baggage at the School District Headquarters. Try to make a call and most of the time you get answering machines. I had over 7 years of nothing but hell dealing with the Special Education Department. They want a bunch of yes men. Do it their way or else. I had to seek outside assistance just to get my son his education. These folks are fast at collecting their hefty pay checks though. Good going Mr. Willis, new blood is also needed to make this district fair and away from its corrupt past.
http://www.uticaod.com/homepage/x1367475208/Willis-plans-to-reorganize-administration

Alec Baldwin compares Buffalo, Utica

Now we have Alec Baldwin comparing Buffalo and Utica to each other. Difference though is a population in Buffalo of over 400,000 and Utica less than 60,000.

Saturday Night Live must be running out of material to use Upstate NY in its skits.
Did anyone watch the show? and did he trash talk our area?

The Utica OD has an article on-line about the show on this evenings post.

http://www.uticaod.com/homepage/x898853540/Alec-Baldwin-compares-Buffalo-Utica

6 % increase in property taxes

The Mayor of Utica NY has proposed in his 2009-2010 Budget an almost 6% increase in Property Taxes in these troubling times. How do you feel about this increase and do you feel the Mayor has our best interest in mind when he planned this budget and do you feel we should recall this Mayor at the present time? I think it is time the Mayor is Recalled and we the people have a Mayor who is in touch with reality.

http://www.uticaod.com/news/x1658750309/Utica-budget-includes-5-97-percent-tax-hike