Police Tase Man In Wheel Chair With No Legs

Federal appeals court sets limits on police use of Tasers

A federal appeals court on Monday issued one of the most comprehensive rulings yet limiting police use of Tasers against low-level offenders who seem to pose little threat and may be mentally ill.
In a case out of San Diego County, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals criticized an officer who, without warning, shot an emotionally troubled man with a Taser when he was unarmed, yards away, and neither fleeing nor advancing on the officer.
Sold as a nonlethal alternative to guns, Tasers deliver an electrical jolt meant to subdue a subject. The stun guns have become a common and increasingly controversial tool used by law enforcement.......... 

Click the link at the top to read the rest of the story.  Thanks NorthCountryLiberal for sharing this story....

Stun Gun Demo

....from the movie "Hangover"  In The Face...In The Face...some of these BIG Boys you have to give them two shots.  My Favorite Line at the end of the clip........who wants to get there fingerprints done?..........the old fashioned way....................rolled in ink,

This is a must see movie

Click the following link to See What Goes On At The ABay PD

Livescan Fingerprint Update

Updated 12.28.09 6:10pm: 
My friend Dotster has prematurely credited me with saving the village $15,000.  I was just talking with Trustee Roy, informing her of the information that I  presented to all of you earlier today.  According to Roy, it is to late!  The COP could not wait and had to order his scanner and his new laptop and his new software the day after the money was approved by the VB.  Wellllllllll....I am so friggin happy that he got what he wanted for Christmas. A $15,000 pile of useless $hit [sorry doc].  Nice job VB......BTW.....any one of you could have made the phone call to the Sheriff that I made today.......and you could have gotten the info first hand.......but OHHHHHH NOOOooo you are way to smart for that.......................You Are All Dumb asses {political suicide, like I could give a $hit}  Oh and for the record.......I think the Chief intentionally left that information out that the Sheriffs Department requested......can not play well with others......!




I just got off the phone with Jefferson County Sheriff Burns.  He informed me that his department applied for and was awarded another grant for the new Livescan fingerprinting system that is now mandated by the state of NY.  Sheriff Burns told me that this grant will be used to place the Livescan at the Clayton Police Department.  Clayton was chosen because of it's location and hours of operation.

According to Sheriff Burns, a letter was mailed out 3 weeks ago to every Police agency in Jefferson County.  The letter requested that each agency submit the names of its officers, their O.R.I. [Originating Agency Identifier, Alex Bay O.R.I. is NY02221].  This info was needed so that user names and passwords could be set up so that Police agencies  can use the U.C.R. [Uniform Crime Reporting system].  He went on to say that the Alex Bay PD did reply to this letter but left out most of the information.  His office is sending out another letter requesting that the Bay PD furnish all info.  The new Livescan system in Clayton will be available for all agencies to use [no fees] no later than May or June 2010.  He also said that the January 1st deadline has been extended and there is no need for the Alex Bay PD to pursue the purchase of the Livescan system that the VB approved at the 12.22.09 meeting.

Now the question is.....Will the Bay PD still go ahead with the $15,000 purchase, even tho it is not needed nor would it probably work......

Could that $15,000 that the VB so eagerly approved be used elsewhere?  Like new LED signs?

Banners VS LED Sign

Several weeks ago I put up a topic called Nix Event Banners.  There was some discussion about the pros and cons of LED signs replacing the event banners that our strung across Church St.   This morning I received the comment below and thought the poster brought up some good points.


Anonymous said...

If you tally up the constant maintenance cost of re-doing the banners every year to add and subtract sponsors and the replacement cost when banners are worn out you can justify part of the cost of the sign. It would also be way more efficient to update considering sometimes sponsors don't get on board until the last minute making it necessary to do last minute adjustments. If the electronic board were availble it would be a simple matter of updating it rather than running a banner back to the banner maker for adjustments.

The current location of the banner does not attract Route 12 traffic at all since it is to far away to be seen. It is also too hard to view while driving into town as traffic moves to fast to read it. I have had tourists comment to me that the banners are pointless because the print is so small they can't read it as they drive through. One even told me he parks at the old Kinney's location to get out of his car and read it.

I also think they look pretty sloppy up in the current location when they get twisted by the wind or torn by the wind.

December 27, 2009 10:31 AM

VB Spends $15,000 on Fingerprint Technology

ID 500 Livescan System

This is a NY State mandate that the VB has known about since the summer of 2008.  Basically the mandate says that every agency that submits fingerprints will be ink-less by January 2010.  State contract to buy the whole system is $30,000, but the COP has found a system that will cost the village taxpayers only $15,000..........wow what a deal.  Almost like doing your shopping the day after Christmas.  The scanner on the right is going to be purchased [used] from some guy that had it on ebay.  It did not sell there, but if you wait long enough.....some sucker buyer always comes along.

The Clayton PD applied for a grant to get a brand new one.  According to the mayor they were not awarded this grant.  So now  Clayton, Cape Vincent, Theresa, The State Police, and Park Police all have to transport prisoners to the Sheriffs Dept. in Watertown. The mayor went on to say  this would be a financial burden to the taxpayers of our village in the form of travel time, overtime [2 officers to transport a prisoner], and vehicle maintenance.  I asked the COP how many fingerprints do we do in a year?  He stated anywhere from 20 to 30........That means that during the first year of using this new system it is going to cost $500 for each person that is arrested ........

Here is the breakdown:

• $13,000 for the software and hardware
• $500 for a new laptop
• $625 for the used scanner

Police Department budget is all used up........[someone did not save for a rainy day].  But the mayor has found $55,000 in a contingency budget line item.  Hey what the hell!  The board has only known about this mandate for a year and a half..........how can you plan for spending on such short notice?  Trustee Drake made the motion to spend $15,000 for the new/used system, Trustee Jarvis seconded the motion.  Trustee Jury was also in favor.  Kudos goes to Trustee Roy for almost opposing the motion.  Apparently the mayor was disappointed in his deputy mayor [you can hear it in his tone and audible sigh] when she abstained, stating that she thought that the board needed to do more research.

Below is the audio from the VB meeting that was held on 12/22/09.  The fingerprint scanning system discussion starts at 10min:20sec and ends at 31min.  It is well worth a listen, as there are many discussion points that I did not cover here............more later!

The Carol Of The Bells

Our Water Is Dirt Cheap

 In today's WDT:

 Orleans May Hike LaFargeville Water Rate  by 10 % in 2010 and again in 2011.  Right now LA residents water is not metered and only pay a flat annual fee of $200!  Isn't it odd how each town shares similar issues? This story will be worth keeping an eye on.....

Before You Accuse Me....

Just another Sunday night and not much going on! VB meeting this Tuesday. So I am sure I won't be wanting for any new material to blog with. Enjoy the song.....and yes it has a secret message......[Big Evil Grin]

And A Beer In A Tree

One of my favorites:

Jack Bauer Interrogates Santa Claus

NIX The Event Banners

This idea was proposed by DPW Supervisor Greg Millett.  Replace the banners that hang over Church St. with a LED scrolling sign.  Upcoming events and the banners that advertise them have become almost impossible to manage.  The summer events are close together and before one event is over it is time to put another banner up to promote the next event.  Trustee Jury was concerned that if an LED Sign was placed to close to the village marquee, that  traffic accident[s] might occur.  My suggestion is to place an LED sign where the rather large Long Term Municipal Parking sign is located at the end of Church St.  This location is prime for viewing by both foot traffic and vehicle traffic that is slowing down at the intersection of Church and James Streets.  The placement would also be at the beginning of the Riverwalk which also leads to the pavilion.  Calender of events would scroll allowing the tourists to see the most immediate event followed by events that are to take place in the next few weeks. The following is an example ............thoughts......comments?

Syracuse Woman May Receive Settlement After Being Tasered

Syracuse, NY -- Onondaga County has tentatively agreed to pay $75,000 to settle a lawsuit filed by a woman Tasered in front of her two children by a sheriff’s deputy who’d pulled her over for going 50 in 45-mph zone.
Follow this link to read the rest of the report from Syracuse.com

Make sure you read the comments toward the bottom.  I think that the Onondaga Sheriffs Dept. is a little bit larger and better trained than our VPD.  If it can happen there.......

Deputy Tasers Mom In Minivan

VB Meeting 12.08.09

I split the audio from this meeting.  Just a reminder that the first part of the meeting can be heard if you go to the H.O.G.s at Bay topic.  Other than Mary Compeau's presentation, is the mayor asking Carol Shepherd if she had any public concerns.......Carol was quick to suggest to the mayor that I might have some concerns......I did not!  In the second part of the audio [located below] are the following agenda items.



Correspondence:
Letter from Barb Fenzel

Trustee Reports:
Jury: 1min:29sec, Jarvis: 1min:49sec, Drake: 2min:50sec, Roy: 3min:15sec, and mayor: 3min:30sec.

Old Business:
Summer Concert Series at the Park 4min:24sec.  Dealmaker used to be the corporate sponsor for this event.  The Chamber has assumed this event from the Historical Society and is asking the Village and Town Boards to become the sponsor for this event.  The estimated contribution from each board would be $2,500[6min:45sec].

Code Committee members 8min:04secs.  The newest member is Mike Putnam.  The other members are Ron Thomson, Shookie Millett [chairman], Carol Shepherd, Kay Doheny and Trustee Roy [liaison].  According to the mayor, one of the items that the code committee needs to address is  the Reformed Church members parking in no parking zones 10min:15sec.  Several weeks ago the board gave the PD the go ahead to place warnings on vehicles that were parked illegally on Sundays.  Further instructions from the board included the PD issuing tickets after the warning period.  The mayor went on to say that he is not in favor of selective enforcement of laws and ordinances.  But if you listen to tonight's discussion, the mayor is now in favor of changing the ordinance to exempt the no parking rule from 10am till Noon on Sundays for the Reformed Church.  Greg Millett was quick to point out that the mayor needs to do this for all the churches not just the mayors church....[ouch].  Sounds like selective enforcement to me.........


New Business:

Request from the Chamber for the Village and Town to share the expense to purchase a 40' X 100' tent for summer events 12min:12sec.  In the past the Chamber rents the same size tent for events like Blues In The Bay and the T.I.R.R. events.  The rental costs the Chamber about $2,500 to 2,800 for each 4 day event..  The cost to purchase this tent would be $13,000 to 15,000.  The question is........who takes responsibility for setup and take down?  How about liability?  Storage and repair are other factors.  Can someone else borrow it? The following is a slide show of what Party Rentals has to do to set this beast up.



Christmas and New Years 2am to 6am winter parking enforcement 17min:39sec
Riverwalk update 23min:49sec. 
Electronic Scrolling Event Calender 30min:20sec......this is a great idea!  The original thought was to place it by the marquee.  I think a more visible location would be where the long term parking sign is located between Poor Johns and Capt Visger B&B

H.O.G.s At BAY

H.O.G. stands for Harley Owners Group  and according to Mary Compeau [T.IR.R. Organizer]  Corporate Harley would like to hold  the 2011 Rally in Alex Bay [H.O.G.s at Bay].  The 2010 Rally is being held in Syracuse.

The audio below is from the first section of the VB Meeting held this past Tuesday night 12.08.09.  Mary's presentation to the VB is about 1 minute into the audio......

Courtesy Call

Imagine that!  I got a call from a certain person "in the know" telling me that tonight's Town Board Meeting was canceled.  I was even given the rescheduled date [12/30/09].  I have to comment on this because of the Village Board and all their super secret special meetings that they have had in the past.  Ya know..... the ones where the 2 official newspapers were the only ones that attended because they were the only ones invited!  Thanks for the Courtesy Call.......it was much appreciated!

Swearing In

At last nights Village Board Annual Organizational Meeting......everyone got sworn in.........Nothing earth shattering with this protocol.  Just a part of our village government that most are unaware.....





Audio:

VB Annual Organization Meeting

The meeting was held tonight [12.7.09]. Highlight from tonight's meeting is the mayor's appointment of Deputy Mayor.......Trustee H. Roy.  Audio will be uploaded in the next day or so!

 

Click image to enlarge

Policy Of Truth?

What is your policy?  Do you have one?  Is your policy pulled out and displayed only when it fits and is convenient?  Anyways.....The song was originally done by Depeche Mode.  The video is a cover by ToTom.  This is part of my Sunday ritual of listening to music, but the song, video, and lyrics are intended for only one of my not so faithful readers.  But I hope all of you "get" something out of it.....


You had something to hide
Should have hidden it, shouldn't you
Now you're not satisfied
With what you're being put through

It's just time to pay the price
For not listening to advice
And deciding in your youth
On your policy of truth

Things could be so different now
It used to be so civilized
You will always wonder how
It could have been if you hadn't lied

It's too late to change events
It's time to face the consequence
For delivering the proof
In your policy of truth

Never again
Is what you swore
The time before
Never again
Is what you swore
The time before

Now you're standing there tongue tied
You'd better learn your lesson well
Hide what you have to hide
And tell what you have to tell
You'll see your problems multiplied
If you continually decide
To faithfully pursue
Your policy of truth

All The Satisfaction Of Shooting Someone Without The Guilt

More Steve DUI

Steves Riding Lawn Mower DUI Arrest Video - watch more funny videos

I have absolutely nothing else to do or comment on.............that is, until next week

Video: This Guy Deserves to be Zapped

Steves Riding Lawn Mower DUI Taser Arrest Video - watch more funny videos

Video courtesy of Rockstar........

I like to have a few beers when I mow my lawn......I will be sure NOT to be drinking and mowing off my property...... Word on the streets is that the Local PD had their tazing party this weekend.  That is the ritual according to NYS........where Officers of the law have to be tasered before they can use it on any citizens.  Damn......that is another party I was not invited to........

Utah Taser Death

Video Courtesy of KSL.com

Autopsy report in Taser death released; officer cleared of wrongdoing


Police feel it was Justified and Reasonable.............................
The family is pursuing further legal action............................

Crisis Intervention Team

Mission Statement
"The mission of the Crisis Intervention Team is to use understanding and skills gained through specific training to identify and provide the most effective and compassionate response possible to police situations involving people in a mental health crisis."

Using Words Instead Of Weapons  
Imagine That!

VB Meeting 11.24.09

The swearing in of Danielle Jury to fill the one year term of trustee is the first item on the agenda.

No Public concerns

Correspondence:
from the Alexandria Township Historical Society,  Concerts in the Park 2min:09secs

Trustee Reports:
Trustee Sweet and the mayor report 3min:50secs

Old Business:

#1 Market Street [Odd Fellows Building] 5min:10secs.  IF the VB sells the property, the back taxes owed to the county would have to paid in the sum of $11,312.88.  Other expenses with this property are the demolition costs, $67,000.00 and the new sidewalk in front of the site that cost the village about $3,000.00.  That makes the break even amount $81,312.88.
Skunk Removal costs village $2,240.00 6min18secs If you do the math, Jeff Bates gets $35.00 from the village for each skunk he traps [property owners pay an additional $15.00].  That means that 64 skunks have been removed from the village, including the elusive albino skunk!
Appraisal #1 Market St 12min:05secs. $70,000.00.  Mayor wants to clean up the property and turn it into a green area for a park a place for people to sit.  My question is sit and look at what?  The potential buyers intentions for the property is parking 16min:40secs. IMHO, it is not the buyers intention that makes the mayor reluctant to sell the property....he just does not want those buyers to acquire it.
Health Insurance will increase by 15% but employees have chose not to seek a new plan 20min:20secs

New Business:

Authorize mayor to sign SPDES [state pollutant discharge elimination system] Renewal application for the WWTP [waste water treatment plant] 21:min00secs
3 Year aggreement with Hearts For Youth 21min:23secs
Correction to  Chez water/sewage invoice 22min:07secs
Light Up the Bay 23min:00
12 National Grid Poles on Church St to have outlets installed 23min:51secs the cost to the village is $55.00 per year for each.......$660 total every year.  I drove through Omar and LA the other day. They have lighted Christmas ornaments plugged into similar outlets.  They are an attractive addition! [Positive Comment]
Village Zoning Laws Resolution 26min:27secs
Close Village Office 11/27/09
Surplus 12 gauge shotgun and ammo...........mayor: it is all worthless....worthless......29min20secs
The shotgun falls apart when fired........
Authorize exchange of worthless shotgun and ammo for the new Remington 870 Tactical
 
Review application of potential new part-time patrolman........No comments from me......I don't want to be accused of scaring away another village employee

In Today's WDT

Danielle Jury to complete Bay Trustee term


Just in case you missed it, the following is a comment found at the bottom of the article:

By lifeguard  Fri., Nov. 27 at 7:50 am

Ms Jury will be harrased by Jim Cummings bag of tricks and lies. She need not worry as his supporters and friends are few as he proved in the last election at the village and town level. He is zero for two in his attempts by large margins. His credibility is in the bottom of his turd pot. The circus floggers negative campaigning and consistent lies have even alienated him from his own local political party.

And This one: 

By localband  Fri., Nov. 27 at 8:47 am

He no longer has a local political party that supports him. How could or would they? He has no integrity, morales, intelligence or ethics. Friends and supporters are walking away in droves as he criticizes everyone who is trying to help the community if they aren't doing it his way.
Ms Jury, thankyou for stepping forward and don't listen to his distorted unethical bull. He has provenly chased many good candidates for village and town positions away. You all need to listen and realize we have lost many good candidates, policemen, police chiefs, dpw workers and more due to his personal fairytale grudges.

And the third one I was waiting for:

By curmudgeon  Fri., Nov. 27 at 9:10 am

This article is about Danielle, not my buddy JC. Stop the harrasement and let the blow hart continue to dig his own hole.

Talk about distortion.  But as usual, I have  shared the other sides opinions!

Happy Thanksgiving

Town Budget

This is old but not yet stale news.  The WDT ran an article in last Saturday's paper: Alex Bay's Tax Levy Down 6.7%.  Yup the levy is down, spending is decreased and the Town Board is raiding the savings account to keep our taxes at the same rate.  The article went on about salaries............The item that caught my eye was the Town Supervisor's pay.  $17,990 is the reported salary for the TS.  I got thinking to myself, that is not what I recall.  At the end of the online article I noticed there were 2 comments.  One was from the editor which was in reply to a readers comment who noticed the same thing that I did.

Nothing to hide here.

I asked Jae to run the numbers.... Years ago, Alexandria decided to have its supervisor also be the budget officer. So in 2010 Supervisor Millet will receive a supervisor salary of $17,990, and a budget officer salary of $31,474. Thus, her total salary will be $49,464.

Unless there is another line item we don't know about.....

Cheers,

Bob Gorman
Managing Editor

To bad the WDT did not report that total salary in the first place.  Now there are people out there that either have the wrong info or are suspicious or Both!

3 Former Police Officers Win Suit For Back Pay

The mayor was a caught off guard when I questioned him about this.  The mayor went on to say that yes.....3 officers were paid a total of $12,000 for back pay and any out of pocket money they used for training, travel etc.  The mayor went on to say that the village could have had to pay out more than $60,000.  Ouch!  2 of the officers were paid $4,200 each.  The third could not be contacted, so I am assuming all 3 got the same settlement.  3 times $4,200 equals $12,600 not $12,000.  Either way.......it is $12,000+ out of our pockets..........

Mayor Makes Appointment!

The mayor has appointed Danielle Jury as village trustee.  Trustee Jury has been selected to complete the remaining 1 year term of Cindy Chaltain, who passed away in October  The appointment was not to take place until the organizational meeting that is to be held on December 7th.  Outgoing trustee, Brent Sweet stated that the current work load for trustees has been overwhelming.  He suggested to the board, that getting the candidate on board now would be to everyone's advantage and the workload could be distributed equally.  Richard Drake [to replace Sweet] will be sworn in as trustee at the December 7th meeting.





I had mentioned that there were four candidates in the topic Who Will Fill The Village Trustee Vacancy 

Mystery Candidate #1 was Roger Jobson, #2 Danielle Jury, #3 Kay Doheny and #4 was The grumpy old quitter.  By the way, the grumpy old quitter had been coming to the past few board meetings.  But oddly enough he was not present at tonight's meeting.  Must be he quit again once he found out he was not the mayor's choice.  I heard that the he will be challenging the mayor in 2 years.........

Village Trustee

Geppetto brought  Pinocchio into this world.......and Geppetto can certainly throw Pinocchio into the fire.....or to the wolves

Tazer Comments

This topic has a lot of you concerned.  There have been several  comments that have been trickling in over the past week or so. I think it is time to review them.  Click Here

This one came in today, and deserves to be in the spotlight:

Rock Star said...

I think a tazer is a very bad idea in Alex Bay. NO offense here but highly trained officers in major metro areas have killed suspects and they are, as I said, real professionals. A mentally ill Utah man had an episode along a remote country road. He was tazered 2 times and died from it. the tapes and the investigation showed he could have been subdued another way or not at all. He was simple running naked along a rural road. Killed in front of his wife and kids sitting in the car. Small town cops with a high tech tool that they think is not a danger is a recipe for a lawsuit. Ditch the tazer, Barney Fife. OR tell me when such a device was needed. I'd like to know if it is needed. Is it??? When would one have been needed in the past?

Big Movies @ The Big M

A new addition can be found at the Big M in Alex Bay.  A Blockbuster express vending machine is located to the left as you enter the local grocery store.......BlockBuster Express News  Movies for a Buck!

Running A Close Race!

Our neighbors in Cape Vincent have set the tone and may have saved their cousins {us} from having wind farms jammed up down our throats!  Urban Hirschey blind sided incumbent Thomas Rienbeck.   The wind discussion had gone wrong in so many ways.  Follow these links to catch up on the discussion:  WWNY TV, WDT reports on the Absentee Vote, Mayor Graham Blog, Jefferson Leaning Left Blog, and Pandoras Box of Rocks  Challenges are a great way to test that our government is still functioning the way it was intended to be.  Not like our own local race where everyone ran unchallenged.  Go ahead......blame it on the blogs.....I dare you!

1 Market St aka Old Odd Fellows Building

Did you know that at the last VB meeting, according to the mayor, that it cost the taxpayers $90,000.00 for the demolition of that building.  Did you also know that Trustee Sweet estimates that if the village ever tries to sell that parcel, we will have to pay back taxes anywhere between $20,000.00 to $30,000.00.  That is a very conservative estimate!  That would be a total of $120,000.00 that has been spent or will be owed.  Parcels that are similar to this can be found cheaper, but because of the market, are not moving at all!  The VB may have an interested buyer but may not be able to sell because the board has put more money into it than it is worth.  Car dealers call this being UPSIDE DOWN!  As a result the board has approved an appraisal of this property for $300.00 so that it can be determined that we will never recoup our losses!  The audio can be found by clicking here 29min:44sec

Taser Training

I mentioned earlier that most states [including NY] require that police officers be tased before they can carry and use a taser.  So lets apply this rule to some other tools of the law enforcement profession.

Do Police Officers Have to first:

• Get Drunk and be pulled over and given a breathalyzer test?
• Drive over the speed limit and get caught in a radar trap?
  
• Get a face full of pepper spray?
• Be disorderly and then cuffed?
• Receive a blow to the body with a night stick?
• Do they have to be shot before carrying a side arm?
  

Just some thoughts for a sunny Sunday morning!

Taser Death Being Investigated

Police: NY Man Dies After Being Stunned With Taser

Who Will Fill The Village Trustee Vacancy

As of the last VB meeting, the mayor stated that there were 4 candidates.  He also stated that he would make his choice [with board input] at the annual organizational meeting Monday December 7th at 6pm.  So what will be the criteria used for making the choice?

Possibly  someone with a knowledge of our village infrastructure.  Along with years of Department of Public Works experience.

How about someone who is clearly an independent thinker? Sporting fresh ideas and representing the younger voters!

 Maybe a person with prior history as a trustee.

And a very clear understanding of zoning laws and ordinances?

 Maybe the VB is looking for a  grumpy old quitter!

VB Meeting 11.10.09

Here is the audio from last Tuesday's VB Meeting.
Call Meeting to order
Roll Call
Public Concerns: None

Correspondence: Letters of Resignation.......Marilyn Cannestra.....However, the letter from Kay Doheny produced an interesting response from the mayor and Trustee Sweet 2min:26secs.  Mayor: "that came out of................................................. Did we do something wrong? .........she did not call with an issue.........I don't know what is going on there......."    

Treasurer's Appropriations: 10min:01secs
Trustee Reports 12min:05secs through 14min:40secs

Old Business:
Riverwalk status and committee 14min:44sec
LWRP deadline extension June 1, 2010 17min:00secs
Re-levy taxes $239,978.91 17min:51secs

New Business:
Insurance rate increase Excellus BCBS 15% increase effective Jan 1, 2010 18min:49secs
Line docking request 20min:35secs
New Ad for COC visitors guide....$300.00 21min:49secs
Correction to BCYB water and sewer 23min:50sec
Correction to residential water and sewer 24min46secs
Adult Recreation trip to Canada 25min:41secs
VB annual meeting to be held the first Monday in December [12/7/09] 6pm  26min13sec
Historical Society gives up concert night in the park 27min21sec
1 Market St property appraisal...........This one is interesting! 29min:44sec

Town Of Orleans

Seems to have it's share of accounting woes!  The following is from an article in today's WDT Orleans Audits Show Excessive Reserve Balance

The audit report also said the town needs to improve its internal controls over cash receipts and disbursements. The auditors found several expense vouchers lacking notes of approval from either the town supervisor, department head or the Town Council.

Sound Familiar?  Call your favorite councilman or supervisor and urge them to have a regular audit every 2 years......

Price Tag

New Taser costs VPD $1,200. But it does have a built in cam corder!   The taser purchase did shock me, but only because the motion was passed by the VB after executive session when none of us were there to  hear and/or participate in the discussion.  I have my reservations if our PD really needs a taser. Although,  I absolutely agree that every officer should have a bullet proof vest.

I would like to stress that the only thing I do not agree with is when and how the VB passed the motion to purchase these items.  Their choice to do business in this fashion makes it look as tho they were sneaking it past the citizens......

Taser Gun Purchased For Village PD

According to the minutes [right], the VB went into executive session after the regular meeting on October 27th.  Very seldom do any of us stay and wait outside for the board to return from exec. session to regular session.  The purchase of the taser gun and supplies could have been included in the meeting when everyone is present [they were not included in that nights agenda].  I am guessing that board members felt that the purchase of the taser gun might not be well received by the public.  As a result they snuck it in at the very end after all of us went home.  Even if it was not their intention to deceive the public........it is the perception that carries the most weight.  When will the board ever learn.  It is best to keep agenda items out in the open for the public to view.

Example of Prices forTaser Gun and Supplies


Chief Mullaney told me that the purchase of the taser gun and supplies was already approved in this years budget.  He also told me that any officer wishing to carry the taser must first be trained and tazed so that they can experience the effects themselves.  I would like to offer a suggestion, how about we include the entire board when it comes time to experience the taser effects.  Or maybe next year's fund raiser should be taser the village officials instead of the boring dunking booth.

Vests for the PD were also approved in the same manner as the taser gun, after all the troublesome public had gone home.  The minutes do not specify what kind of vests, but I am guessing.......the bullet proof ones.

Some videos to entertain you:

The Rockwell St Incident

At the last VB meeting 10.27.09  Mr. Martin,  came to the board with a concern regarding The No Parking This Side of Street ordinance.  No vehicles are allowed to park on the right side of Rockwell from Church St to Riverside Dr.  He complained that the enforcement was selective.  The VB said that selective enforcement of village laws and ordinances does not exist.  The board stressed that village laws are followed to the letter.  The VB stated that they would place warnings on windshields of vehicles in violation of the no parking law.  This would include church goers as well as residents.  The Pizza Place [as it was referred to by the VB] is also in violation of the no parking of vehicles on village sidewalks.  Since that meeting I have noticed no change in any parking habits nor have I seen any warnings given.  Selective enforcement appears to be the rule not the exception.

Gobble Gobble BANG!

What a beautiful day and a great turn out for a Turkey Shoot.  I know my boy had a great time.  A special thank you to Frank the Tank for taking my boy under his wing! 

Town Board Meeting Audio 11.4.09

Public Concerns: None
Zoning Hearing postponed till December
Work on Subdivision: postponed till December
Fuel Bids: postponed till December
Looks like the December meeting is going to be busy busy busy....
Rt 12 Sewer status and committee 2min:57sec
Lots of discussion on this agenda item!
Logo in the arena for High School....Town to kick in $91.33....20min:20secs

Road name change for Wellesley Island. 20min:31secs According to the agenda it is once again in our lap!  Change Tennis Island loop to Pines Loop and Boathouse Road to Tennis Island Road. The board was surprised to discover that Tax Mapping for Jefferson County has no jurisdiction over private roads.  The board has to authorize the change then submit it to Tax Mapping. Yet, according to Councilman Durand, the board had studied this issue to death [22min:40secs].  The board is split on this resolution!  Tabled!

Property owner approaches board for removal of a portion of his Benefit Assessment Redwood Water District 26min:30secs.
Highway report: 30min:46secs
PV Array NYSERDA Application 32min:30secs
Executive Session 34min:50sec

Turkey Shoot For Budman's Polar Dip Fund

Play Turkey Shoot on Flash-Game.net

Treasure Island

Last year I went to the Ladies Night Out!  Drank some wine, ate some chocolate, and took some pictures.  I made a list of gifts I wanted to buy for others.  I also made a list of some really cool candle holders that I wanted.  Stop down and visit Alex and BJ tonight at the Treasure Island.  This Christmas lets all make an effort to support our local merchants.  Cya there!

Your Invited to the Town Board Meeting

But you better bring an interpreter......the board, their engineer, and  lawyer are speaking a different language.   It is Greek to me!  I admit it....I get lost with all the fancy acronyms.  The meetings are fast paced with tons of jargon.  I sometimes wonder if that is all done on purpose.  Some times people use big words or acronyms to puff themselves up intellectually.  I call that BS which is an acronym for.........!  Here is a quiz for you.

Does IMA stand for Institute of Management Accounts, International Massage Association, Institution for Musical Arts, or none of the above?

Does EDU stand for the domain name for EDUcation?  Yes or No.

True of False:  PV array stands for PhotoVoltaic array?

In 250 words or less please describe a PhotoVoltaic array?

The acronym  O and M stands for Operator/Maintainer,  Oxygen-to-Metal, Oxide Melt, or Operation and Maintenance?

Bone up!  Your going to hear all these terms when I upload the audio from tonight's meeting.  No wonder nobody goes.  It is like listening to an Italian opera.  It sounds good but you can't follow the story.

Village Elections?

The numbers in the village race for mayor and trustee[s] seem odd to me.

The mayor received 183, while Roy and Drake earned 230 and 174 respectively.  It seems to me that since all of them ran with no competition, the numbers would be more balanced.

230 Roy

183 mayor

174 Drake

The numbers are all over the place......

That Was Fun...

Politics are a blast for me.  I enjoyed every minute of the campaign.  I want to thank the 355 voters who supported me.

Hind sight is 20/20.  I made a mistake. I was scolded last night and was told that only one of us was to beat Durand.  I guess I never got the "memo" to leave Williams alone. The scolding surprised me, I figured since there were 2 republican incumbents and 2 democrat challengers, ideally they should be unseated. But I was told that Durand was the sacrifice and Williams is sacred.  There are no friends in the inner circle.  That is something I will remember forever....

All The Political Decorations Have Been Put Away

The Blog is back to normal........tomorrow will be business as usual!  Town Board meeting is Wednesday night @ 6pm.  The meeting was moved one week ahead in observance of Veterans Day.

Election Day 2009

The Phone Is Ringing Off The Hook

....with surveys, polls, and who are you going to vote for in the NY23rd.  It gets annoying after awhile doesn't it?  I figured that the last thing anyone wants is someone ringing your doorbell!  I am staying home tonight, respecting your privacy and solitude as you are no doubt trying to relax.  After all, I enter your home every time you read my blog.  Enjoy your evening and please do not forget to vote!

Jim Cummings

Attendance Counts

An elected official has the obligation to actively participate at our monthly Town Meetings.  I am very aware that council members belong to committees and also must attend other meetings that are linked back to the town community.  The Town Board meets only one time per month.  I believe that this is a meeting that should never be missed except  on rare occasions.  Family comes first but sometimes everyone has to suffer just a little bit.    The family is important but should never be used as the excuse!  Jim Durand gets a C minus for attendance at town meetings over the past few years.  I believe in attending our town meetings. Near perfect attendance at our town meetings is my pledge to you.

Castles Made Of Sand

They melt into the sea......eventually......

Are you Happy?

Yes you!  Do you go to bed at night feeling warm and fuzzy, with not a care in the world.  Actually I am not talking about the world on the global level.  I am referring to our world, the Town of Alexandria.  Which is really the only section of the globe that we have any control over.  Have we lost control over our own backyard? Yes we have!  Name one person, other than your spouse or significant other that you want to place your trust in for over 30 years.  Doug Williams has been your town council for just that long.  I am sorry to inform you, but that is to long .  Council members need to be rotated so that our community does not become stagnate with old ideas . How do we as a community encourage new people to step up and run for local government when we keep re-electing the same ole same ole.  Keep our Town Government Fresh and Energetic! I will give you 4 years of  New Energy as your Town Councilman!

Campaign Sign Theft

Deer Camera Catches Sign Theft is the headline in Today's WDT, section B page 5.  What motivates a man in his middle forties to commit a petty larceny.  Is he a political activist?  Probably not!  I am guessing he is more like a bounty hunter.  Paid off by a third party for every [enemy] sign captured.  I wonder who that third party might be?  Lets resist the urge to point fingers at the opposing parties in this race.  After all they will claim that they to have lost signs too.  How about this scenario......  The sign thief is hired by a third party to steal Martha Millett's signs.  But to create a distraction, the thief is also instructed to take some Sutton, Durand, Williams, Bain, Schultz, Cummings and others signs.  This way it can be said that everyone has some signs that are being stolen or otherwise rendered not usable.  Here is the difference.  Maybe some of the signs that were stolen are being returned to the owners. To be placed elsewhere.   Just a theory......!  Kind of like the Lone Gunman theory.......

Voting Your Ballot

Click to enlarge

Classical GAS

just a gentle reminder...

Political Signs are Targeted

old news....

Optical Scan Voting System

I received instructions in the mail today on how the new system works.  You should be getting yours soon.  It looks pretty easy to me and there is no reason for anyone to skip election day for fear of the new system.  I even found a video on what to expect and how it works.  The vid is from Connecticut state board of elections, but it appears to work as the same as ours.  The write in voting feature might be of particular interest to some [wink]




Please Vote!!

Goose Stepping North Koreans

singing Hey Mickey.......

See more funny videos and Music Videos at Today's Big Thing.

VB Meeting 10.27.09

The meeting starts out slow, but picks up speed rather quickly.


Trustee Reports 2min:05sec through 9min:41sec.  Also within the reports is a special report regarding the zoning committee 3min:12sec.  Pay close attention to this section, No Parking signs are discussed.

Old Business:
9min:41sec Purchase a commercial shredder for the village clerks office for $1,345.00 or contract services for shredding confidential documents  @ $95.00 for 20 min with $4.75 per additional minute.  Board voted for the contract service.  How about buying a shredder for fifty dollars just for the day to day stuff?  Just a thought.
10min:51sec Status of Riverwalk Project
12min:40sec Trustee Vacancy.....the board was going to discuss this in executive session.

New Business:
13min:31sec Hire W. Cole to issue violation tickets for parking on the streets Nov. 1 thru April 1.
The mayor says "the law is the law and we can't do selective enforcement, either enforce them or not enforce them....."
16:41 Fire Dept applying for liquor license  for the fishing derby.
17:19 Advertise Public Notice No parking winter months

17:30 Critter asks a good question......regarding the 2am till 6am winter no parking on the streets.  Apparently W Cole [their are exceptions] does not issue any tickets until the hours of 5am to 6am. Here are some of my thoughts... So does that mean from the hours of 2am till 5am it is not a violation?  When does it become a violation?  Does it become a violation when he gets out of his jammies and puts his snow suit on?  If the plows do not hit the streets till 6am, why not leave the downtown area partially plowed but concentrate on the residential streets so everyone can get to work or school.  Or is this a revenue scheme?  Or is this a way for the VB to discourage the food and beverage business in the downtown area.  Maybe the VB would be just as happy if downtown shut down on Labor Day.  I say encourage responsible drinking.  I also strongly urge that the VB does not suggest that restaurant workers or patrons park their vehicles in the parking lot behind CP Romans.  That is a perfect place for an act of aggression, whether it is an unknown assailant or date rape......end rant.  And I am with Carol.......I am confused too.

21:24 Trick or Treat Oct 31 from 6pm till 8pm
22:27 Re-levy unpaid taxes in November
22:58 Appoint Riverwalk Project Advisory board/committee
24:02 27 Avery Ave Sidewalk replacement......tree stump damage...Take Note!!!!!
28:04 Sign Moratorium till March 15 2010

37:08 Parking on Rockwell.......VB will pay very close attention to Church Goers and "Pizza Place"

40:20 An example of selective enforcement even tho the mayor says there is none.......


Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered weak and weary,
Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore,
While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping,
As of some one gently tapping, tapping there pen as if they were bored.
In the audio from the VB meeting it is clearly heard the obnoxious tapping of their pen.  Tis not me with this nervous tick......

Voters Be Scared

This is some scary stuff.  Just in time for Halloween.  All the spooktacular hype blended with the upcoming election.  Be afraid.....be very afraid......

From the Creature that brought you the Redwood Water District:

The Invisible Man, who takes a paycheck to represent you but is not visible for some of the Town meetings.

The Mummy, who has been a Town Councilman for 30 plus years. Health insurance for the undead?  His ideas are ancient and decaying...

Can you guess who they are?

JC Takes On The Big Dogs

I might be a young political pup, compared to some of the old dogs that have been around for awhile.  The beagle is me.....I can move fast and I have an endless supply of energy and resources. 

See more funny videos and Cute Animals Videos at Today's Big Thing.

No Fear!

In Case You Missed It....

In last weeks TI Sun this letter appeared amongst the many other letters to the editor.  Just in case you missed it.....

Characteristics of an effective elected official include passion, transparency, consistency, and fairness.  I believe Jim Cummings brings these characteristics to his candidacy for Town of Alexandria Council member.  Anyone who knows Jim recognizes his passion for effective representation of the constituents.  He is “infamous” for his attempts at bringing transparency to our local governance!  He consistently raises issues of importance by providing as much information as possible to anyone willing to access it.  Although some may not always agree with his perspective, he is fair by acknowledging these differences.  If you agree that these characteristics are important, then demonstrate that by supporting Jim Cummings with your vote for Town of Alexandria Council member on Election Day!  Thank you for your thoughtful consideration.

Rich LeClerc

Bailey Settlement Rd

Alexandria Bay, NY 13607

Thank You Mr. LeClerc, for your support!

"Dear" Hunting

I am always looking for something to surprise you.....  I received this email today

My sweet husband invited me to go hunting with him this year.

I Couldn't believe it...the first time ever!
I never thought he'd be willing to share his 'guy time' with me
And being the thoughtful man that he is, he even gave me an opening day
Present. He calls it 'The First Timers Lucky Hat'. I'm so fortunate to
Be married to him. I have attached a picture of me in my lucky hat

Replacing The Pen With The Blog

Cape Vincent blogger RWiley Jefferson Leaning Left took some time out from his schedule to comment about yours truly.  The Blog Is Mightier Than The Sword.

GasBoy

This is almost identical to the same system that is used by the Town.
The following is a brief description of this system
Click Here for the Complete Description

FleetKey Fuel Management System
Automated Key System for Unattended Fleet Fuel Management
Accountability, security, and control for Fleet Systems

• Maximizes accountability, security, and control
• Easy to install and operate
• Configurable key encoding and management options
• Timely management reports FleetKey provides 24-hour access and control of your fleet, including users, quantity, and product types. The system also reports all fuel usage data, including reasonable odometer check, MPG calculation, maintenance due reminders, and tank gauge interface. Unattended fleet managementFleetKey identifies your users and/or vehicles, controls access to your fuel dispensing equipment, and controls the types of fuels and the maximum amount of fuel that can be dispensed.

Former Town Supervisor Sutton only had to turn in vouchers for every time that he put his key into the GasBoy and fueled his vehicle[s].  Had he done that, then the accounting of the gas would have been complete. No questions asked by the auditors.  So why did Sutton not turn in the vouchers?  Was he lazy, or did he not care about the accounting/budget part of his job?  Wasn't Sutton the Budget Officer for the town?  What reason did Sutton have for not filling out the vouchers? Was he trying to make someone else look bad? 

Take Ownership!

The blog Mayor Graham's View has commented on our GasGate.  Yes I said OUR.  This problem belongs to the Town Board, you, me and everybody.  The only way to fix a problem is for the entire community to take ownership.

 Mayor Graham makes this point:

 "The fact that 6,700 gallons of gasoline can be used in this manner tells me there is too often no meaningful public or press oversight......"

Now ask yourself ......Do I agree or disagree with the above point?  Be honest

He also raises this question:

"......why did it take so long to come to the public's attention"?

There is no room for pointing fingers.  If you feel you must lay blame, then just look in the mirror.  I will make a bet that most if not all of the Sutton supporters heard rumors or knew about GasGate but justified it in their own minds that it was an unwritten perk for a town supervisor to do this or simply refused to believe it.  I personally have heard a lot of chuckling from his supporters condoning this gas benefit.  On the flip side are the non supporters.  Why did they clam up?  Was it fear, intimidation, or apathy?  Probably a little bit of everything.


I know what some of you are thinking.......Where were you JC?  Mister Super Sleuth.  How come you were not sticking your nose into that dirty business?  Months ago I was getting these little messages that Sampie wants to talk to you.  Also one day a politician showed up at my house and chewed my ear for over an hour about the gas thing, how he was not happy with the lack of progress of the board, and could he rent a space on my blog for the upcoming election {any guesses who that was?}
Then one day I was finally cornered by Sampie, who smothered me with explanations.  If any of you have not figured this out yet. I get curious when I hear  a rumor, but I thrive on the facts and truth.  Up till this past week I was not in possession of either.  Now you and I have the facts and hopefully all of you  have come to grips with the TRUTH.


Read Mayor Graham's View by Clicking Here