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

Haunted House Class of 2012

Next Friday and Saturday at the Old Thomson Museum.  The fund raiser is still in the planning stages.  Details will be given when I receive them.

Letters To The Editor TI Sun

Right smack dab in the middle of the first of several pages of what is supposed to be reserved for  readers opinions is a Paid Political Advertisement by the Republican Re-Challenger Sutton.  It is  3/4 of a page ad filled with finger pointing and Houdini-esque misdirection.  I would prefer to call it just what it is........

 

A BLIVIT  

click link for definition

His IS bigger than mine!

The Town of Alexandria Councilman  [Republican incumbents] ads in this weeks TI Sun are HUGE!  Big splashy and colorful ads can be found throughout the Sun.  Those are costly to run.  What is the purpose?  It is to sell you a name, face, and promises.  I took a couple of Business Law courses while in college.  One of the facts I remember is the Sales Puff, which is a sales pitch or talk which is not actionable [This is the biggest deal of the year].  The law goes on to say that ever salesman is allowed one.  I am guessing that if I had taken the more advanced Business Law, I would have learned that this law does not apply to politicians......they can pump up their political campaign ads with as many non actionable statements as they want.  Payment for these ads come from contributions, Republican Campaign, and personal monies.  To me, all this demonstrates  is wasteful spending of money, whether it is their own or someone else's.  

I wonder how they have been spending your tax dollars?

Bowie: Putting Out Fire With GASOLINE

 

See these eyes so green

I can stare for a thousand years

Colder than the moon

It's been so long

Feel my love enraged

It's just the fear of loosing you

Don't you know my name

You've been so long 

And I've been putting out fire
With gasoline 

See these eyes so red

Red like jungle burning bright

Those who feel me near

Pull the blinds and change their minds

It's been so long Still this pulsing night

A plague I call a heartbeat

Just be still with me

You wouldn't believe what I've been thru

You've been so long

Well it's been so long

And I've been putting out the fire with gasoline
Putting out the fire
With gasoline

See these tears so blue

An ageless heart that can never mend

These tears can never dry

A judgement made can never bend

Last Section of the Town Meeting

I broke last weeks Town Board Meeting 10.14.09 down into 3 parts. The file size is smaller and some are more interested in certain parts of the meeting more than others. 



Water hookups in Redwood
4min:36sec Tennis Island Loop and Boathouse Road name changes....
9min:30sec Resolutions for Rt 12 sewer Project
Ice Arena 10min:24sec
Robinson Garage 13min:10sec
14min:30sec Zoning discussion
Highway Report 19min:55sec

I Received This Email

A letter from the Heart........

There is no doubt that today’s economy has and will continue to change All our live’s. We can simply complain, place blame or stand up and join together. One very important first step is to get out and VOTE. Locally you can listen to the FACTS, ask questions, get involved, know where our community is headed, meet with your local officials and most importantly- LEARN FROM OUR PAST MISTAKES. Many of us go on with our busy daily routine and take for granted what is really going on around us. That’s certainly normal, but think about that for a moment. I truly believe our economic level of today exists because we all are guilty of taking for granted that our government will provide the best possible economic decisions to insure our future at the federal, state and local government levels. I would like to address our local level. I have had the privilege to serve as Highway Superintendent for the taxpayers of THE TOWN OF ALEXANDRIA for the past 19 years and have certainly been involved in all the ups and downs through the years. I can assure you there is not a day that goes by without some challenge for Town Officials and our employees. The single biggest challenge for all of us is financial, mainly THE BUDGET. The Town has had to deal with increases from 20% to 220% with everything from healthcare to parts and materials in just the past fiscal year. Now more than ever before we need a strong, dedicated, determined and most importantly A SUPERVISOR that is willing to work with all the departments heads to ensure that the TOWN OF ALEXANDRIA stays financially sound. Martha Millett is that Supervisor and will strive to work with every TOWN BOARD MEMBER and all our Department Heads to ensure the TOWN keeps financially sound. Please understand that over the past two years we were left the challenge to meet expenditures that increased as much as 220% with little revenue to balance the Budget. In the first year of her term Martha and the Town Board were left a Budget that contained under stated expenditures, over stated revenues, expenditures of CE Accounts that ran over budget and the use of fund balances from reserves that should have been securing specific capital reserve accounts NOT ZEROING OUT TAXES! THINK ABOUT IT, How can we financially keep secure when we use reserves (Fund balances that should be in dedicated accounts for capital projects & emergencies), use the majority of all sales tax and zero out Property tax? When sales tax drops (as it has this year!), fund balances are depleted and you generate no property tax, HOW DO WE meet the financial needs of our TOWN??? We have a hard road ahead, we will obviously need to gradually raise taxes, generate more sales tax by promoting our business community and make tough decisions on cuts. COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS that we have Martha Millett in Office. I truly believe Supervisor Martha Millett can lead our TOWN into the Future. She can’t accomplish this alone, I assure you that as Highway Superintendent I will devote all my efforts towards supporting her Office working along side our Board.

On Election Day Please give us your support!!

Sincerely,

David H. Bain

Superintendent of Highways

Town Board Meeting Continued

Various miscellaneous items are discussed in this audio

4min:17sec:   This is the Gem of this portion of the meeting.  Bob Nelson's presentation on his version of a L.D.C. aka Local Development Corporation for several corridors going in and out of the Town of Alexandria.  There are some great concepts in Mr. Nelsons presentation.  This is something that should not be swept under the carpet to be forgotten. Everyone please listen to this very closely.

Village Board Meeting 10.13.09

Sorry this is late.  I have been a little busy......



No correspondence 
No Public Concerns
Trustee Reports 1min:08sec to7min:00sec
Old Business:
National Grid Gross Receipts 7min:06sec
LWRP status 7min:49secs
Riverwalk Project 10min:11sec
New Truck 11min:46sec
New Business:
Chavoustie water bill adjustment 13min:02sec
Approve water turn off for non-payment 13min:50sec
Bi-weekly recycling 14min:59sec the schedule will be printed on Oct. water bill
Reformed Church water bill 16min:22sec Denied
K Butcher to attend Vehicle and Traffic Class 19min:32sec
Records Disposition 20min:27sec Records used to be burned. With the burning ban. the 
village is looking into purchasing a shredder for the office....are you kidding me?  Shredders are cheap...BUY ONE....Get one for the Police Dept too.

Trustee duties rearranged 22min:22sec
Parking discussion 23min:29sec
Leasing of Village Parking Odd fellows site Goerger/ Garlock 30min:40sec
Board Trustee Vacancy, the VB wants to fill this after the election. 35min:15sec

Chili Cook Off

A benefit for the Employee Recognition  Committee of the River Hospital was held yesterday at the Village Community Room.  Originally it was to be held at the Scenic View Pavilion.  It was relocated because of the weather.

Sample Ballot

This is not the official ballot.  A note was attached that said the ballot for the Village is not available yet. I wonder what is taking so long for the village to turn in their line up?  Everyone is running unchallenged?
My apologies to McCarthy and Tormey, someone from the board of elections redacted the word "Official" and it bled through.  I will post the ballot again when it is finalized.

From sample ballot

GasGate

Mr. Sutton Denies Doing Anything Wrong

That is a quote from Today's Watertown Times.
If you listened to the audio from Wednesday  nights Town Board meeting you will hear Councilman Durand state that the board gave Sutton permission to use gas from the Town pumps.  Other board members were quick to point out that Durand was the only one that remembers that agreement.  There is also no record of it in the Town meeting minutes.  This agreement would NOT have been discussed during executive session either [no minutes], simply because it has nothing to do with personnel matters or litigation.

Mr. Sutton failed to submit clear vouchers of his gas usage.  Typical information found on vouchers of this type are name, time, date, and gallons used during the fill up and a brief description of destination or purpose.  Mr Sutton only had to do this and then submit them so that his gas usage could be transferred from the Executive Fund to the General Fund.  This is a simple system and is used in local, county, and state agencies.  Agencies allow for fuel usage for the occasional work related trips for training, meetings, etc that are a certain distance from the office or work place. 

The article also mentions that Sutton took more than 30 gallons of gas within an hour. If you looked at the electronic printout of Suttons gas usage, something should catch your attention.  Why would anyone make a trip to the Town gas pumps and only use less than 5 gallons.  This happened several times.  What was he filling?

Sampie Sutton Gas Usage

While on Official Town Business from 7/20/03 10:04am to 12/30/07 7:52am.  Click this link to see a detailed usage of Town Gas of then Town Supervisor Sampie Sutton.

Go to this link to read the letter prepared by Sampie Suttons attorney's regarding the audit of his usage of Town Gas during the above dates.  Also, it is important for everyone to know,  that Sampie wanted to make sure that this letter was read at the meeting, in addition, that a copy of this letter be given to the Watertown Daily Times

Audio of Town Supervisor Martha Millett reading the letter from the law firm of Slye & Burrows.  There is also discussion and clarification by Town Officials in this audio.


A Note from Jim Cummings:
I am presenting to you all of the information in its raw and unedited form.  All that I ask from you, the taxpayers of the Town of Alexandria, Click It, Listen to It, or Read It....Then THINK about ALL of IT.  Our Future will be determined on Election Day November 3rd 2009.  Exercise your Right To Vote by accessing  ALL the FACTS that are available.......

One final note:  Pay attention, especially my old family friend.......just because I present facts or information that challenge your views, opinions or your reality.....does not make what I share with you on this blog.... gossip........



Suggested reading NY Penal Law Section 175.35

Face Lift at Town Rink

Progress can be made Without a Huge price tag to the taxpayers.
Things are getting done



Kudos goes to Tracey McIntosh and anyone else who assisted.....Job well done.......

In Honor Of Cindy Chaltain

Receiving the Certificate of Honorary Mayor of Alexandria Bay
Rhac Chaltain, James Strough, and Megan Chaltain

Open House Bark Bath and Beyond

 I received this email from Steve's Bark Bath and Beyond.....Sounds like a worthy cause

Please join us Saturday October 17th  from 10am to 2pm in Alexandria Bay at Steve's Bark, Bath and Beyond for our Open House and Pet Food Drive. Steve will be cooking hot dogs for our human guests and we will be providing treats for our furry friends. We will have 10% off everything in the store. We will have door prizes every half hour and we have two special gift baskets to raffle off and the price of the raffle ticket is a pet food related item to donate to local food pantries. Everyone bringing in a pet food item for donation will receive a ticket to either the dog gift basket or cat gift basket. We already have had a very nice donation by Blue Seal Feed stores in Watertown, NY.
 

Donating one bag of dog food or cat food can make all the difference in the world to an elderly person or a family struggling to make ends meet. You can help someone keep their pet this winter season. We are looking for donations of dry dog food, dry cat food, kitty litter, parrot seed, and canned food that has not expired. We divide all product up into smaller bags for weekly allotments and we will divide it up amongst all the local food pantries. If you are unable to come to our Open House please take a few minutes and drop off a bag of pet food to a local food pantry near you.

For directions or more information please call us at 482-2803 or 408-9039.

Meet and Greet With Bill Owens

Thanks to the Rivertown Democrats for organizing this event.

Concerned

I am not worried, or upset or mad......just concerned. This morning I had a conversation with a man that has known me and my family..... almost forever.  For several months he has asked me "Jimmy.....now tell me again, how do I get to your blog" ......"I wanna see what is going on in our community".  Several weeks ago I explained to him {again} how to find my blog.  Back to this mornings conversation.....I asked him if he had a chance to read my blog {I value his opinion}. The reply he gave me absolutely floored me!  "Jimmy, I don't have time to look at your blog it is full of gossip and a total waste of my time, your time, and everyone else".  He was clearly upset.

This is what concerns me.  This man did not take the time to look at my blog, but must have relied on someone elses opinion and made it his own.  I know this man to be a research fanatic.  He has written books and articles with impeccable details.  I also know this man to be a rock hard Republican. As you know,  I have taken a few political jabs the past few days at a Re-Publican challenger.  These jabs have the same impact as a feather pillow.  It is called satire......  I do not care if you like what I have to say in this blog or not.  At the very least,  investigate it yourself then draw your own conclusion.

I also hope that everyone does their OWN research so that you can make an educated choice on election day.  No matter what your vote might be!

Local Candidates Meet With Bill Owens

From Wine Tasting Rivertown Democrats

Incumbent Judge Kim Martusewicz, Assemblywoman Addie Russell, Jane Owens, NY23 Congressional Candidate Bill Owens, and Town Council Candidate Jim Cummings.

I had an opportunity to share some ideas, and further develop our network with county and state lawmakers.

Addie Russell introduces Bill Owens

{Borrowed from JeffersonDemocrat Blog}

Taste Some Wine With Bill Owens

From

Pinocchio as a Young Politician

some learn it in their youth.....and they get better at it with age....

This Engineer Wanted to Put the Train Back on Track

This next video is of a Train Wreck.......Remember what I said in my post below.  This engineer is careless.  He was trying to put the Train Back On Track.  The train was never really off track.....but he thought it was.......this spells disaster.


Lets stay with the engineer we have now.  The train that Martha runs is ON TIME, ON TRACK, and HEADING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION!

Re-Elect Martha Millett

Engineer Starts Up Locomotive Engine

Ever see how complicated it is to start up a Locomotive Engine. You don't just hop in and turn the key and go.



 The Engineer of this Locomotive is a lot like being Town Supervisor.  It takes time to get the train up and running.  Getting enough momentum to get the train up to speed takes even longer.
 Martha Millett has got this train running and it is on time and on track...........choo choo chooooooooooo

Jim Cummings Candidate for Town Council

This is a letter to the editor from this weeks  T.I. SUN

My name is Jim Cummings, and I am a candidate for the Town of Alexandria Council.  I have been a resident of the town, and village of Alexandria Bay for eighteen years. I am a teacher for the NYS Department of Corrections, where I have been employed for over 20 years.   I hold two degrees, an AAS from Canton ATC and a Bachelors from SUNY Oswego.  

For the past 2 years, I have been very active politically, attending Village and Town board meetings. I have developed an insight into the operations of both levels of our local governments. It is an insight that can only be honed by attendance and participation in the functioning of government at this level.  I have also participated in political processes and campaigns on the local and state levels. This experience has allowed me to develop relationships with our county and state lawmakers.

These are times when smart government is essential to the fiscal and social survival of our community. I pledge to listen to you, and act in your best interests as your councilman.   

Please remember me on election day November 3^rd and vote Jim Cummings [Democrat],  Town of Alexandria, Councilman. 

DVD How to Get FREE GAS

Mor{e} on Stealing

Dirty Tricks?

Political Dirty Tricks that is.....There is nothing original about stealing your opponents political yard signs.  Not that I ever thought it was an original idea......just a childish one.  Evidently stealing these signs is occurring in our small town.  In our case it is not the incumbent stealing the signs.   Enjoy the vid......



I was advised to stay out of this, because it could hurt my chances as a Candidate for Town Council.  I thought about this for a little bit and then made a decision.  What is more important.....a seat on the local town board or standing up for what I have always believed in......Sharing the Truth with all of you.  Truth wins in my book.  What page is your book turned to?

Cindy Chaltain

I am saddened  to say that Cindy Chaltain has passed away...

Bill Owens: Speaker @ Cape Vincent Democrat Dinner

Photos from the Open House for Town Supervisor Martha Millett

Captain Visger House B & B

We had a party there last night. What a great time we all had.  Sam and Tim Purcell were the hosts of the party.  You can reserve the Captain Visger House  for either a small or large gatherings.  Captain Visger Contact Info

NY 23 Who Do You Prefer?

Fellow blogger Mayor Graham has a poll about the 3 way race for what is now being called the NY-23
Mayor Grahams Blog  the poll can be found on the right side.


Democrat William Owens

Republican-Independence Diedre Scozzafava

Conservative Doug Hoffmann

Red Green

It occurred to me that some of you may not know who or what Red Green is.......

Click Here  for an explanation  of what this show is about



"If women don't find you handsome, they should at least find you handy."

Good Morning!

Did everyone get a good nights rest?

Nothing seems to be going on in our community.  But, as I have learned, there is always something just waiting to be talked about.  October is the month of campaigns.  Political signs are popping up in yards.  Some of these signs are a tad bit confusing......almost misleading. 

I was looking at the prices of political yard signs in a catalog yesterday.  They are pricey....... for about $350 you can order 25 of them.  I guess I would recycle old signs too.  I was thinking about buying some duct tape and magic markers so I could "convert" other peoples signs into my own.  That is something Red Green would do.