And Now For Something Completely Different

Time to Chill

The 118th Assembley Campaign Picks Up Speed

This article on Newzjunky regarding Bobby Cantwell maybe starting a debate over at Jeffcowebboard and maybe another exchange of comments at Danger Democrat.  Let's keep the momentum going, this is going to be as tasty as a London Broil on Labor Day [with beers].

Citizen HogWash Returns

Guess what folks, I got a phone call this morning from ...............................yup you guessed it our very own ex VB Trustee known as the man with broad shoulders and thick skin and Mr. Hogwash. It has been almost 2 months since there has been any mention of Trustee Hogwash and why he feels the need to call me at home is beyond me. He wanted to remind me and my constituents [former abay.com forum members] that if it was not for the M. Williams and D. Sacco personnel issues he would still be a trustee. He also thinks that the abay forum caused he and his family and friends alot of emotional stress. Mr. Hogwash also stated that everyone has skeletons in their closet. He commented that even I and my family might suffer from a public airing of our "skeletons". To me that is a veiled threat and will be reported as such.

pg

Keep in mind that Mr Hogwash specifically asked me to notify my constituents as was explained in the above post. Since the abay forum is closed, this is the only way to meet his request. His annoying phone call to my house also provoked this topic.

In addition, Comments with insight will be posted to the front page of this blog, Dumb comments like wise will be posted and noted as such. Since Mr. HW felt the need to re-open his own superficial political wounds, then he deserves the same.

A comment from Curmudgeon

**note** Curmudgeon is referring to the regular session ending at 6:20 pm, followed by executive session. This session lasted till 8:16 pm. It was in this time frame that the Harbour Villas was discussed, which should have been done in front of the public during regular session. Click this link to access the minutes from the VB website.  Scroll down to the bottom of the minutes.  There ya have it!!

Curmudgeon responded to the x mayor with this

agreed, x mayor...the meeting two weeks ago, they went into "executive session" to discuss personnel issues and came out of it with a compromise on Merola's overdue water bill. Since they never said they were going back into regular meeting, they voted on it with no input from the public. It's in the minutes.

Sounds illegal to me. Besides.... Now, I want a compromise on MY water bill!
cur

With these insights from others I now see that the VB meetings may not be going as smooth as I once thought. Also a very good example of why I need input from all of you that comment on this blog.

pg

Cantwell Interview

Bobby made a visit to the WWNY Noon Show.  Good interview.  He may have been a little nervous, but that is a sign of unreheared sincerity.

pg

re: Tonights VB Meeting

I like to keep pertient comments on the front page of the blog. I hold our former mayor and friend in the highest regards and value his opinions and insights: They are as follows

Patrick said...
well, I heartily disagree. the sad fact is it's easy to avoid controversy if you arn't doing anything. lets see, no projects to improve the village. No water ar waste water projects, No streets, curbs etc. Employee personel issues, oh I forgot they fired them (at what cost to the taxpayer). Just what did these people promise when they ran for office? Think of that this November when you vote, you get what you deserve. Sorry to be so blunt, but......I've been there

Your x Mayor,
Patrick Simpson

A New Phrase is Born

I received this email from my friend Curmudgeon:

I knew someone would find a name for our election process for this year.

Electile Dysfunction: the inability to become aroused over any of the choices for President put forth by either party in the 2008 election year.

Tonights VB Meeting

My Gawd the meetings are getting shorter and the abrasivness has almost vanished.  No percheye or lindylou tonight, they had the good sense to stay at home.  But not Curmudgeon and I, ohhhh no, we were there with bottled water, pens, note paper, and I had my trusty recording gadget [courtesy of Dotster].  I am not saying that we need a steady dose of controversery, but it would certainly spice things up a bit.  Tonight there was only one public concern [see topic below].  Mayor Robb has even taken to polling the small crowd of citizens to make sure nobody has something they want to say.  He always looks shocked/dissappointed when Cur and I and others say nope no concerns.  I am sitting at my computer wondering what has changed the barometric pressure of these meetings, all high and no low pressures.  Just sunny days  with no bad storms looming on the horizon. 

pg
VB Minutes 8.12.08

Here's Your Sign

These are my thoughts from tonights only public concern.

One of the considerations in choosing a house would be: is there a yard and how big does it have to be. If you have little kids, pets, or want a garden you might want to sacrafice other amenities[like a nice view of the river] for a larger yard. I bought a house on a dead end street, which has some perks, but it was not the reason for buying the house. The main selling feature was the large yard because we knew we wanted at least one little pguston running around and maybe some four legged ones too. Regardless of the street traffic, we taught our young two and four legged family members to NOT PLAY IN THE STREET. So they play in our yard and are also taught not to play on PRIVATE PROPERTY. Keep your little kids in your yard. If your yard is not big enough, then use one of the parks or playgrounds. If you do not want to do that, then look for a house with a bigger yard. All the signs and speed bumps are no substitute for raising little ones in a safe environment.

Democrat Events

September seems to be the kick off for Political Events click here to find out more.

DD has some of the same info Here.

The Mason-Dixon Line

On my way home to the Bay from Clayton today I could not help but notice that the Elect Cantwell signs ended on the Clayton side of Fishers Landing.  Are they going to continue to migrate towards the Bay?  Will I get one for my yard?

pg

Cantwell Rescues Opponent

It could have just been a 2 way Assembley District race.  If it was not for Cantwell's intervention, it looks as though it will be a 3 way race.  Running unopposed is not a good thing, but a 3 way is not the best either.  But I can see Bobby's philosophy on this..........it is called the Democratic Process.  Bobby wants all the candidates to have a fair shot at the 118th Assembley seat.

pg

Words that end in *ite or an Ode to Hammonite

Hammonite Claytonite Stalagmite Earmite etc

Of course my Favorite *ite is this

Posting ALL the Facts????

I thought I would bring Claytonite's Comment out of the ashes and make it easy for everyone to see. It seems as though he/she thinks that I should furnish you the readers of my blog with all the facts and info.

"if your going to report the facts report them all please, don't be like you guys were over to king dotsies (remember the name?)."

I want this blog to be dynamic, not static. In other words I encourage all of you to do a little research and contribute info, facts, and opinions. I am not going to spoon feed you, I will however, toss some morsels out there to tempt and tease you into participating. Claytonite is also pleased with himself because he knows my name and where I live. Like nobody else does? DUHHHHH!!!!!

pg

Jefferson County Democrat Picnic

Democrat Picnic and Joke-Off

2008 Democrat Caucus

I received this from Richard Drake:

The 2008 Democrat Caucus will be held in the Community Room, Village Buliding, Walton Street, Alexandria Bay, 6:00 PM, Thursday 4 September 2008.
The purpose is to nominate 3 candidates to run for village trustee.

1 for a 1 year term

2 for two year terms.

Only registered Democrats that are on the voting enrollment in the Village of Alexandria Bay may particpate in the caucus. Persons registered in other political parties or not registered may attend, but are not entitled to speak, nominate or vote.

Abay VB Meeting

The Village of Alexandria Bay will hold a regular board meeting on Tuesday, August 26, 2008 at 5:30pm at the Village Municipal Complex, 110 Walton Street, Alexandria Bay, NY 13607.

Property Transaction

This was in Today's WDT:
Village of Alexandria Bay:0.27 acre, Bethune Street, John J. Cannestra, Alexandria Bay, sold to 1000 Island Millionaires Club LLC, Atlanta, Ga. $405,000.

I guess today's property sales could be tomorrow's politics. I know that Jim Cumming purchased the above property. There are no secrets in this village. I googled the above LLC and found nothing. But I did find this when I googled Jim Cumming. Are there pieces to this puzzle that I am missing. Is this like a chess game, being unsure of the next move? He has purchased the Old Maxson Airfield, Sport Island, property in Clayton with a LaundroMat. I wonder what else he has in mind. I can not even imagine what the BiG picture might turn out to be.

Comments or insights?

Common Man

The following is in response to my first post about Bobby. Granted that post might seem to a few to be edgy but it was only echoing what other blogs were posting. I did tone it down a tad, since I really did not need to re-state others opinions:

I received a phone call the other night from an irate person, with another person chirpping opinions in the back ground. Muttering stuff like: if you don't have anything nice to say then don't say it all and blah blah blah. The person on the phone went on to say we are trying to get this kid elected and you are cutting him to shreds with your posts. I told the caller, You should see how the other, more widely read blogs slice and dice Bobby and other political candidates, this is MY BLOG and it is just MY OPINION. Shortly after that the phone conversation ended.

I remember thinking to myself, Bobby maybe young but he is no kid. Just a man taking a huge bite out of the political pizza. Sometimes you get a neat bite and sometimes the cheesy strings just do not let go and the roof of your mouth gets burned. Nope, NOT a KID just a Common Man trying to do the right thing.


pg
just a common person

Russell vs Cantwell

Spoke with Blake Fenderbaum over at jeffcowebboard this morning. In May he reserved a topic called The Fall 2008 118th State Assembly District Race: Russell vs Cantwell: BF stated "Reserved for the impending mudslinging, finger-pointing and tedium that comes with local elections"! Judging from some of the comments over yonder, I am guessing BF is a Republican. And guess what else........He is a supporter of Bobby Cantwell. You all know my political affiliation but you do not see any Russell links on my blog now do you? Expect to see more about these candidates here and at jeffcowebboard.

pg

Interesting Article on the Current Subject

An article in the WDT:  Crossing Party Lines

As the Dust Settles

I did receive an email this morning from the Cantwell Camp.  In it was an explanation for the "delay" of thanks for the Link and an apology.  Thank you for both.

pg

Democrat vs Republican

In general, I have an opinion about both parties.  To bad there wasn't some odor or aura surrounding a person to clearly define his/her loyalty.  Pro's and Con's abound when it comes to making a choice.  The promises made during a campaign sometimes do not materialize after an election.  That will disappoint some and make others as "giddy as a school girl".  I know of others who very publically support a candidate.  These people are friends, family and JQ public.  I also remember a Rock Hard Republican [VB member] giving a riveting introduction for Die Hard Democrat D. Aubertine during a visit to our village.

These are just a few examples of thoughts that whirl around in my mind everytime there is a campaign.  The bottom line is this:  Public support or comments about candidates go out the window when the curtain closes at the voting booth.  When the vote is completed and the curtain opens, nobody ever really knows how that person voted.

pg

I am a Democrat

.......Not a Republican. But I do cross party lines, being neither a rockhard or diehard so and so. I have been on the Cantwell Camp mailing list for some time now. The reason is simple, Bobby married Kelly [my niece by marriage] she is actually my blood 3rd cousin. I know it is confusing and a long story, but it is on the up and up. I am also a huge fan of Ted Ford's Blog Danger Democrat and will no doubt fall from grace with this blog post . So back to the Cantwell Camp emailers and why I am making this post. Bobby and his team were looking for help, placing signs, writing letters, making contributions, etc. I figured I could do my small part by putting a link to Bobby's site on my pathetic little blog. I figured it was a good will gesture that would not go unnoticed. I emailed the Cantwell team to let them know that I linked to his site. I was expecting maybe a brief reply of gratitude. But I did not get that, yet.  But I will leave his link up on this blog as a political gesture. Maybe DD was right, oh well, November will bring the truth.

pg

The Audio is UP!

http://74.208.8..108/files/vb-meeting-8.12.08.WMA




Sorry for the delay. Thanks to Dotster over at abay.com for hosting the audio.

pg

Town Eats Village

I received an email from Dave A.  There is an interesting scenario in this article from the Press Republican.  Certainly worth watching to see how it all plays out.

Town Eats Village

"At Least They're Trying"

atleast they're trying said...
"way to go village board"; Come on! Listen to the last vb meeting audio (tues 8/12). the vb is trying many different things to eliminate the poop. yes they are trying!"
August 15, 2008 10:32 PM


Why does atleast they're trying said... refer to the audio of the 8/12 VB Meeting? That audio has not been put up yet! The VB is practicing Crisis Management, waiting to see what issues are big enough to warrant attention. The Goose Poop issue has been put on the back burner till enough people complained about it. All that was asked of the workers at the park was to clean off the top of the seawall . That was not done, so the poop accumulated.

The audio file is to large for me to post on my blog.  I tried to email it to Dotster and it was to large for the email server.  I hand delivered it to him yesterday, it should be up soon.

Trampling in the Goose Poop

sales said...

So during the entire Pirate Days event visitors to our town got to trample in goose poop. Way to go Village Board.. way to go !!
August 13, 2008 7:34 AM

click picture for larger version

Not only did they trample in it but sat in it and put their hands on it and ate their pizza or subs, shook hands with people, touched door knobs, wiped their hands on their clothes, Basically you can say that our guests, the tourists took a little of Abay Hospitatlity home with them......

pg

Highlights VB Meeting 8/12/08

1. Sorry Kids.  If you are going to set up a stand to sell anything, you should be on your own private property.
2. O.T. was approved over the weekend by Trustee Roy for extra garbage removal.  I should have mentioned that the Doggy Doo containers need to be emptied of TRASH and poop.
3. Goose Poop on Casino Island will be hosed off by the ABAY FD towards the end of the week.  Other measures for Goose Management were discussed including chemical deterrents and nuisance license.
4. Water is being turned on late at night at the Village Golf Course.  The fairways have been flooded with 1000's of gallons of water.  VPD is aware of this mischievous act and keeping the area under surveillance.
5. Estimates for Power service to one side of the Village main dock.  Lots of generators on the docks and boats over the summer.  Cost vs revenue will be compared.
6. Refunds for property tax adjustments are appearing at the Village offices. WDT
7. T.I.B.A. 70 YEAR CELEBRATION, with a fire works display @ dusk on Saturday 8/16/08

ABAY PD

A Thank You to Officer Pitts for his prompt and professional response to a complaint made by Mr/Mrs pguston.  Officer Pitts used his resources and tracked down the culprit[s].  The issue, I believe has been resolved.  I hope the little culprits have learned their lesson!

USS New York

I recieved this in an email from my friend S. D. in Fla.  Thought it was a very worthy Post.
USS New York offcial site

USS New York

It was built with 24 tons of scrap steel from the World Trade Center .
It is the fifth in a new class of warship - designed for missions that include special operations against terrorists. It will carry a crew of 360 sailors and 700 combat-ready Marines to be delivered ashore by helicopters and assault craft.
Steel from the World Trade Center was melted down in a foundry in Amite , LA to cast the ship's bow section. When it was poured into the molds on Sept 9, 2003, 'those big rough steelworkers treated it with total reverence,' recalled Navy Capt. Kevin Wensing, who was there. 'It was a spiritual moment for everybody there.'
Junior Chavers, foundry operations manager, said that when the trade center steel first arrived, he touched it with his hand and the 'hair on my neck stood up.' 'It had a big meaning to it for all of us,' he said. 'They knocked us down. They can't keep us down. We're going to be back.'
The ship's motto? 'Never Forget'

Abay Water Rates & Redwood

The following link is to the article in today's WDT. I did not think the Town of Abay or the Village of Redwood would just accept the rate change as the Mayor stated at the last VB meeting. The water that the mayor swam in and drank courtesy of Pirate Bill Johnston was just a harbinger of things to come.

Water Rate Debate

Class vs. NO class

Store Shop Fronts. You be the judge!

Class vs. NO class

A Little Babble From The Blogger

Today I ran into Brent Sweet, a VB Trustee. He and a few other guys were getting ready to drop the bouy markers for the invasion. As they were getting the boat ready, He and I had a chance to chit chat. He wanted to know how my new job was going. Job, what job? Ohhhh you mean the blogs. Blogging is not a job. To me it is a hobby. I can bang out a paragraph in no time, upload pictures in the wink of an eye. I mentioned to Brent that he did not have to be afraid of the blogs. There is no way to tell if he visited and no need to sign in. I hope he and others will come visit the blog. One of the guys helping Brent wanted to know if everything with Pirates Days was going to my liking.

Hmmmmm to my liking....... what an odd thing to say. I wonder what he meant by that? OMG I am so friggin paranoid. Does this guy think ill of me since I have an opinion? I had a conversation with this guy a few weeks ago, it went like this. I asked him how business was going. His reply was " you don't hear me whining do you"? Again.....hmmmmmmm. The standard reply is either it could be better or can't complain. I just thought his reply was odd. Hell, I am odd, but I think he is odder.

end babble
pg

Poop on the Seawall

I was at Casino Island this afternoon just before the Pirate Invasion. The place was filling up fast with tourists. I do not think it is hilarious that people might sit or step barefoot in the poop on the wall.

Tourists using Casino Island

Bill Johnston 1 Mayor Robb zero

http://www.abay.com/gallery/view_album.asp?Album_ID=93

http://www.abay.com/alexandriabaynynews925.htm

Mayor Robb refused to give up the key to the Village. That made Pirate Bill Johnston very angry. Pirate Bill should come to some of the VB meetings.

Waiting

http://abaylife.blogspot.com/2008/08/waiting.html

Hello! Is Anybody Out There?

I received an email from someone who shall remain anonymous. They are concerned about the abaycircus blog getting enough exposure. Radio DJ's go through this all the time. They talk and play music without really knowing who or how many people they are reaching. I talked to a couple of people tonight that read the blog but do not submit comments. Which is OK by me. As long as you all are getting the opinions/facts of this blog. This blog is different from the forum in the sense there are no stats about how many views there are per post. I will admit that blogging is different than posting on the forum, but I will keep posting and hopefully the comments will increase. So there is only one thing left to do...........Time for another poll!

Classic Anonymous Said

I do not know who sent this comment. Some think it is a VB member or a spouse or friend of one, who knows? I do not want to let this comment go to waste, so I am posting it so everyone can see how riduculous it is. Comments or thoughts?


Anonymous said...
That's right, lets blame the VB for the geese taking a dump on village property. How about reaching out to the DEC to have them open an August hunting season for Geese in the Village? Or maybe we should talk about the Seagulls that carelessly shit on the streets and cover the pavilion with their anal secretions! You know something, I think the goose poop is hillarious too! Oh, I got one lets blame the VB for having grass in the village for the geese to eat, after all without the grass there will be no poo!

Poll Results

Should Kids have to apply for a permit to sell there stuff?

Whether it is Koolaid or Hand-Made Bracelets, I do not think they should have to apply for a permit. Obviously you did not either!

5 [7%] of you rotten people said YES they should have to apply for a permit. Shame on you!

58 [92%] people that obviously support our youth said NO to permits.

So Where Does Goose Poop Come From?

Dotster, who is almost like the Marlin Perkins of Alex Bay posted this picture, which answers this Topics question.

http://www.abay.com/alexandriabaynynews916.htm


Any Questions?

A slight change to the blog

Check out the star rating where you can rate the post.
Also you will notice when you want to comment on a post, the comment box appears below the post. More changes will be coming in the future.

pg

Village of Alex. Bay Website

I went to the Village web site http://villageofalexandriabay.org/
I wanted to read the latest VB minutes from the July 22 meeting. These were the only links that I found tonight.

Meeting Minutes
Village Board Meeting Minutes 06/24/2008
Village Board Meeting Minutes 7/08/2008

Of course there is this message on the Village website also

"Please be patient as we build and update our website"

Brown's Corners

I recieved the email below in response to the following link: http://newzjunky.com/police/coplog080804jcso.htm

"Here is a potential topic for discussion.... There was a a man/woman that was killed last night by browns corners due to a hit and run. The victim was not yet identified. I have lived on that road my entire life and have seen manay walking down that road in the middle of the night, I actually have been guilty of this myself on a few occasions and was always criticized for it. I was always told "someone someday is going to get hit." Well unfortunately it has finally happened. Maybe this will change something around here... there are too many bars and it is too large of a party town not to have access to more taxis, maybe that is the cause of more DWI's in our area.....i dunno, just a thought"

Thoughts or Comments?

This is a new news item: added 11:10 pm on 8/4/08

The driver responsible for the hit and run has been arrested

http://newzjunky.com/police/coplog080804jcso2.htm

Goose Poop Park Revisited

On Wenesday July 30th I posted about the goose poop on Casino Island. The poop is still on the lawn and the sea wall. Does anyone think it is to much to ask...........to at least sweep the poop off the top of the wall? Is that asking to much? How about taking care of the flower boxes that grace the top of the poop covered sea wall?

River Town Democrats

Just a Reminder

New Blog

http://abaylife.blogspot.com/

Anything goes on this Blog. This is the place for reviews of music, movies, restuarants, bars, river stories, anything but politics. Let your hair down............submit a comment and we can talk about it......................LETS ROLL AND LET THE GOSSIP AND STORIES FLOW.


http://abaylife.blogspot.com/