Getinge Sourcing LLC May Receive Benefits
A public hearing is scheduled for 6:00pm tomorrow night regarding the possible receipt of COMIDA benefits by Getinge Sourcing LLC. The hearing will be held at the Henrietta Town Hall at 475 Calkins Road.
Getinge is asking COMIDA to assist in the renovation and equipping of a land parcel on East Henrietta Rd. including the reconfiguration of the manufacturing floor, building office space and constructing a new showroom. COMIDA will apply its standard set of mortgage and property tax exemptions.
Getinge Sourcing LLC has also drawn the attention of another organization.
PlanetHazard.com allows visitors to "learn about the unknown hazards around you - the toxins you may be breathing. PlanetHazard uses information from the EPA to map over 86,000 companies throughout the United States that emit hazardous air pollutants."
Getinge Sourcing LLC is listed in the Rochester area as an emitter of chromium, nickel and manganese.
PlanetHazard also displays a searchable map that allows users to pinpoint locations like schools, populated areas and parks in relation to the respective company.
Showing posts with label Monroe County. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Monroe County. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Friday, March 30, 2007
100th Post: Your 5Linx Story
Takin' it to the Streets
Just over two months ago we relaunched the current version of the Water Buffalo Press. It is now 100 posts later and we would like to thank everyone who visited, read, commented and linked.
Our first post examined the company 5Linx, located in Henrietta, NY, and its worthiness of millions of dollars in funding and incentives given its employment of the suspect MLM business model. Today, this is still our most visited thread with the most recent comments coming just two weeks ago:
On that note, with assistance from PyramidSchemeAlert.org, we have begun building a file for review on 5Linx and its business operations. We invite anyone who has had a 5Linx experience, positive or negative, to either post his or her story in the comments section below or email your story to waterbuffalopress@gmail.com.
Once the information is complied it will be submitted to the Federal Trade Commission and Office of the NYS Attorney General for review.
All of our 5Linx stories can be found in the COMIDA section of our archives. We thank you for your input, more to come -
Just over two months ago we relaunched the current version of the Water Buffalo Press. It is now 100 posts later and we would like to thank everyone who visited, read, commented and linked.
Our first post examined the company 5Linx, located in Henrietta, NY, and its worthiness of millions of dollars in funding and incentives given its employment of the suspect MLM business model. Today, this is still our most visited thread with the most recent comments coming just two weeks ago:
dj_paige said...
PyramidSchemeAlert.org? Why didn’t I think of that? This whole thread should be made widely available somehow -- perhaps by putting it on its own page with a catchy title so that Google can search for it, and people can find it.
On that note, with assistance from PyramidSchemeAlert.org, we have begun building a file for review on 5Linx and its business operations. We invite anyone who has had a 5Linx experience, positive or negative, to either post his or her story in the comments section below or email your story to waterbuffalopress@gmail.com.
Once the information is complied it will be submitted to the Federal Trade Commission and Office of the NYS Attorney General for review.
All of our 5Linx stories can be found in the COMIDA section of our archives. We thank you for your input, more to come -
Monday, March 26, 2007
Blogrollcall
Another Centrist! Not a knee jerk liberal, not an out of touch conservative - it's our newest addition to the blogroll: Mustard Street.
Welcome to the middle; it is a lonely, lonely place.
The WBP came across Mustard Street via their analysis of our posting regarding County Executive Brooks' bill eliminating health insurance benefits for future Water Board members:
Thank you. We find your insight on our insight to be insightful.
Actually, given NYS AG Andrew Cuomo's numerous actions indicating the illegality of such benefits, Brooks would have likely been forced to take action had she not done so voluntarily.
Thank you, keep up the good fight.
Welcome to the middle; it is a lonely, lonely place.
The WBP came across Mustard Street via their analysis of our posting regarding County Executive Brooks' bill eliminating health insurance benefits for future Water Board members:
Over at the Water Buffalo Press there's a pretty insightful take on last night's action by the Monroe County Legislature to approve a Maggie Brooks proposal to freeze -- as the D&C styled it -- benefits for Water Authority Board members.
Thank you. We find your insight on our insight to be insightful.
This observer thinks Water Buffalo is too harsh on Brooks. After all, she didn't have to propose anything.
Actually, given NYS AG Andrew Cuomo's numerous actions indicating the illegality of such benefits, Brooks would have likely been forced to take action had she not done so voluntarily.
However, that doesn't detract from the overall thoughtfulness of the Water Buffalo piece. Its analysis is much more subtle than its title; so read on.
Thank you, keep up the good fight.
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Signifying Nothing
No Perks for Water Board, Someday
The WBP is officially labeling Maggie Brooks reelection campaign the Sound and Fury Tour 2007.
After grandstanding on the library porn non issue, a ruling by the Supreme Court has already dealt with that, Brooks and Bill "Gosh, I hope Mr. Minarik lets me run for Congress again someday" Smith last night saw the approval of their bill to end health benefits for future Water Board members.
The legislation has no effect unless one of the current members leave, this aspect drew obvious criticism from Democrats during debate yet only one voted in opposition.
According to the Democrat & Chronicle Bill Smith said stopping benefits for current members was not an option:
Costly litigation? This seems ludicrous until the statement from the Authority spokesman is read:
The people did not elect you Mr. Benoy. You did not earn anything, you were likely awarded your position out of cronyism and this legislation does nothing but further support that view. If you believe your pursuits are so noble open your entity up to public elections and allow the taxpayers to decide your fate, not the Republican party.
The Democrats also disappointed last night. Certainly some reform is better than none, but this bill is essentially nothing. Rather than allow Maggie to pass it through and take credit for changing an unjust system, make efforts to stall the bill and point out the hypocrisy as the 2008 election closes. Given the dynamics of the legislature much more may not have been accomplished but the only real opposition was voiced last night in a forum not necessarily conducive to public awareness.
The WBP is officially labeling Maggie Brooks reelection campaign the Sound and Fury Tour 2007.
After grandstanding on the library porn non issue, a ruling by the Supreme Court has already dealt with that, Brooks and Bill "Gosh, I hope Mr. Minarik lets me run for Congress again someday" Smith last night saw the approval of their bill to end health benefits for future Water Board members.
The legislation has no effect unless one of the current members leave, this aspect drew obvious criticism from Democrats during debate yet only one voted in opposition.
According to the Democrat & Chronicle Bill Smith said stopping benefits for current members was not an option:
County officials said they didn't believe they could legally strip the benefits from current Water Authority members. Doing so could lead to costly litigation, warned Majority Leader Bill Smith, R-Pittsford.
"That's a fight I don't think we could win, and even if we did, it would be a joyless victory for the taxpayers who had to pay for it," he said.
Costly litigation? This seems ludicrous until the statement from the Authority spokesman is read:
Clyde Benoy, the authority's vice chairman, said before the vote that he understands the County Legislature's reason for its actions. But he, like the other board members, defended the benefits.
"We earn them," he said. "We run a $60 million corporation, the seven of us."
The people did not elect you Mr. Benoy. You did not earn anything, you were likely awarded your position out of cronyism and this legislation does nothing but further support that view. If you believe your pursuits are so noble open your entity up to public elections and allow the taxpayers to decide your fate, not the Republican party.
The Democrats also disappointed last night. Certainly some reform is better than none, but this bill is essentially nothing. Rather than allow Maggie to pass it through and take credit for changing an unjust system, make efforts to stall the bill and point out the hypocrisy as the 2008 election closes. Given the dynamics of the legislature much more may not have been accomplished but the only real opposition was voiced last night in a forum not necessarily conducive to public awareness.
Friday, March 9, 2007
Maggie Says No More Perks
Water Authority Board Members May Lose Health Insurance
Following two rulings by state AG Andrew Cuomo, Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks has introduced legislation to end the payment of health insurance benefits to future members of the Monroe County Water Authority Board. However, board members will still receive salaries ranging from $7,000 -$10,500.
Additionally, current board members, many of whom have made campaign contributions to Brooks and the County Republican Party, will still receive the health benefits.
Here at the WBP we would like to think that Maggie has been reading our demands to end the perks for authorities and keeping an eye on our most recent poll regarding said benefits and that is why she introduced this bill. More likely, though, this is a calculated political move meant to position Brooks as a reformer in the upcoming election while doing nothing to disturb her political cronies already in place.
Following two rulings by state AG Andrew Cuomo, Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks has introduced legislation to end the payment of health insurance benefits to future members of the Monroe County Water Authority Board. However, board members will still receive salaries ranging from $7,000 -$10,500.
Additionally, current board members, many of whom have made campaign contributions to Brooks and the County Republican Party, will still receive the health benefits.
Here at the WBP we would like to think that Maggie has been reading our demands to end the perks for authorities and keeping an eye on our most recent poll regarding said benefits and that is why she introduced this bill. More likely, though, this is a calculated political move meant to position Brooks as a reformer in the upcoming election while doing nothing to disturb her political cronies already in place.
Thursday, March 8, 2007
AG Cuomo: Authority Perks Illegal
State AG Andrew Cuomo expanded his ruling on the payment of benefits to public authority board members today, telling the Thruway and Power Authorities to cease such activities. This judgement comes on the heels of a similar announcement which we covered here.
Such a ruling, especially in terms of the Thruway Authority which you can read more about here, is a long time coming. As illustrated in the aforementioned posting, the largest portion of authority budgets generally go to personnel costs.
Just to review, when the initial judgement was released we spoke with Ed Marianetti, Executive Director, of the Monroe County Water Authority whose board members receive Medicaid benefits and eligibility for the state pension system. Marianetti said that he did not believe the AG's ruling applied to the MCWA.
The WBP has again contacted the AG's office for clarification of the scope of this judgement, more to come -
Such a ruling, especially in terms of the Thruway Authority which you can read more about here, is a long time coming. As illustrated in the aforementioned posting, the largest portion of authority budgets generally go to personnel costs.
Just to review, when the initial judgement was released we spoke with Ed Marianetti, Executive Director, of the Monroe County Water Authority whose board members receive Medicaid benefits and eligibility for the state pension system. Marianetti said that he did not believe the AG's ruling applied to the MCWA.
The WBP has again contacted the AG's office for clarification of the scope of this judgement, more to come -
Tuesday, March 6, 2007
Monroe County: Fun With Numbers
And the Flu Too!
The office of Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks has released economic development numbers for 2006. The statistics are as slanted and misleading as those used in her State of the County address:
We refuted many of these claims in our response to the State of the County. The short story is that, according to the US Department of Labor, jobs are actually down since Maggie took office.
Also, the "385 companies" assisted by the County is inaccurate. There were 385 instances of incentives given, but many of these were repeat recipients.
As far as taking credit for creating jobs five years down the road that may never actually materialize - we are not impressed.
The County is also up to old scare tactics to make it appear as though our government is actually needed. Officials have asked for 500 volunteers to participate in a pandemic flu point-of-dispensing exercise. Go to podex.info to sign up.
Unfortunately, Brooks cannot take credit for creating jobs with this exercise as participants will not be paid. Although, using her math . . .
The office of Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks has released economic development numbers for 2006. The statistics are as slanted and misleading as those used in her State of the County address:
In 2006, County-sponsored programs approved incentives for 132 local economic development projects. These projects will create 1,857 new jobs (within five years of project completion), retain 9,688 jobs, and invest $373,868,000 in Monroe County.
Since Brooks took office in 2004, Monroe County has helped 385 companies improve and expand their local operations. These companies are creating 6,900 new jobs, retaining over 28,000 jobs, and investing more than $1 Billion in our local economy.
We refuted many of these claims in our response to the State of the County. The short story is that, according to the US Department of Labor, jobs are actually down since Maggie took office.
Also, the "385 companies" assisted by the County is inaccurate. There were 385 instances of incentives given, but many of these were repeat recipients.
As far as taking credit for creating jobs five years down the road that may never actually materialize - we are not impressed.
The County is also up to old scare tactics to make it appear as though our government is actually needed. Officials have asked for 500 volunteers to participate in a pandemic flu point-of-dispensing exercise. Go to podex.info to sign up.
Unfortunately, Brooks cannot take credit for creating jobs with this exercise as participants will not be paid. Although, using her math . . .
Thursday, March 1, 2007
Update: AG Response Regarding County Perks
According to a representative from Attorney General Andrew Cuomo's office, his opinion yesterday in relation to public authority benefits applies only to the two specific agencies listed in the judgement.
No More Perks for Water Authority
As we posted yesterday, NYS Attorney General Andrew Cuomo determined that health insurance benefits for current and retired state housing authority members were null and void.
Monroe County Water Authority board members do not receive state health insurance, but they are eligible for Medicare and state pensions. The health benefits are supplied courtesy of the Rochester taxpayer.
This practice is just as unacceptable, and yes, illegal, at the county level as it is at the state level. Appointed board members should not be able to compensate themselves, with no criteria, as the voter has no way to hold those members accountable. Also, as we have seen, authority boards tend to be prizes for political cronies.
The Water Buffalo Press has contacted Cuomo's office to see what effect this ruling may have, if any, at the county level.
Ed Marianetti, Executive Director of the Monroe County Water Authority, said he was aware of the AG's judgement but had not read the letter. Marianetti stated that he did not believe Cuomo's judgement applied to the MCWA, but qualified that statement by pointing out that he is not a lawyer. Marianetti expected to review the issue further upon the return of the MWCA's lead legal counsel from a conference in Texas.
Monroe County Water Authority board members do not receive state health insurance, but they are eligible for Medicare and state pensions. The health benefits are supplied courtesy of the Rochester taxpayer.
This practice is just as unacceptable, and yes, illegal, at the county level as it is at the state level. Appointed board members should not be able to compensate themselves, with no criteria, as the voter has no way to hold those members accountable. Also, as we have seen, authority boards tend to be prizes for political cronies.
The Water Buffalo Press has contacted Cuomo's office to see what effect this ruling may have, if any, at the county level.
Ed Marianetti, Executive Director of the Monroe County Water Authority, said he was aware of the AG's judgement but had not read the letter. Marianetti stated that he did not believe Cuomo's judgement applied to the MCWA, but qualified that statement by pointing out that he is not a lawyer. Marianetti expected to review the issue further upon the return of the MWCA's lead legal counsel from a conference in Texas.
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Perks For Public Authorities Are Illegal
The Rochester blogosphere has been abuzz lately with outrage over the salaries and benefits doled out to Monroe County Water Authority Board members. Such perks have included lifetime health insurance for board members and their families.
Today, through the expression of a formal judgement and letter to two New York state Public Authorities, Attorney General Andrew Cuomo has determined that the payment of such benefits is illegal and those receiving such incentives are not eligible for them:
Basically, Cuomo has agreed with points many in the Rochester community have been making since the break of the Water Board scandal. Does this judgement apply to Monroe County? Cuomo's aides say the statement applies to ALL public authorities.
Today, through the expression of a formal judgement and letter to two New York state Public Authorities, Attorney General Andrew Cuomo has determined that the payment of such benefits is illegal and those receiving such incentives are not eligible for them:
". . . we conclude that the Agencies lack legal authority to pay for health insurance for current and retired board members . . . we conclude that (1) the Agencies may not pay for health insurance benefits for their current or former board members and (2) the contracts the Agencies signed with board members to provide post-retirement health insurance benefits are void."
Basically, Cuomo has agreed with points many in the Rochester community have been making since the break of the Water Board scandal. Does this judgement apply to Monroe County? Cuomo's aides say the statement applies to ALL public authorities.
Monroe County Loses Again
Toyota Not Interested
In a February 4th D&C Editorial special, which we covered previously here, Dennis Mullen of the GRE and Maggie Brooks took credit for economic development in which they had no part. They also highlighted a project which was supposedly drawing the bulk of their attention:
From the Detroit Free Press:
In a February 4th D&C Editorial special, which we covered previously here, Dennis Mullen of the GRE and Maggie Brooks took credit for economic development in which they had no part. They also highlighted a project which was supposedly drawing the bulk of their attention:
"Looking ahead, GRE is gathering data about this region to pursue a new Toyota plant. Competition is stiff, but it's worth going after the world's largest automaker."And how did the economic policies of the GRE and the County Administration, which includes COMIDA tax breaks, MCIDC tax incentives, Empire Zone benefits and various incubator programs fare in their efforts to woo Toyota?
From the Detroit Free Press:
"Toyota Motor Corp. announced plans Tuesday to build a $1.3-billion assembly plant in northern Mississippi . . . Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour called the Toyota plant the 'crown jewel of economic development.' At least 25 states courted the plant, according to Toyota."
Monday, February 26, 2007
The State of Our County Is . . .
She put it out there, time to break it down.
Harrah!
True. But according to the Department of Labor fewer people are employed in Monroe now then when Brooks took office. All the unemployment rate means is that people are leaving.
Really? Where is this money and how is it being used?
dear lord . . .
Twenty years of economic growth that took place before she was in office. As stated earlier, number of people employed actually down since 2003.
Hell, we'll eventually employ 213 people here at the WBP, give us some tax breaks and praise us for nothing. And, again, number of jobs, down; how is that a retention of 28,000 jobs?
GRE and the County's involvement just bothers me, read more here and here. Essentially this organization takes Monroe County tax dollars to invest in so-called economic development in surrounding counties.
If the internet is so dangerous why are we putting wireless networks everywhere? Ooooh . . . so we can have more grandstanding, preelection, stir up the base debates about whether to filter and/or ban them.
So she was right once. Read more here.
Did Chuck give the okay for this? Did the Mega-Lo checks stop coming?
"And tonight I can stand before you and safely say the state of our County continues to grow stronger every day."
Harrah!
"Monroe County’s unemployment rate is now at its lowest point in five years."
True. But according to the Department of Labor fewer people are employed in Monroe now then when Brooks took office. All the unemployment rate means is that people are leaving.
"Visitors are traveling to our region in rapidly-growing numbers, and tourism continues to serve as an important economic engine...generating more than $800 million dollars for our County’s economy."
Really? Where is this money and how is it being used?
"And, despite a few snow flurries, our quality of life continues to be second to none."
dear lord . . .
"In 1980 there were 330,000 jobs in Monroe County . . . the job count today for this County is 382,000."
Twenty years of economic growth that took place before she was in office. As stated earlier, number of people employed actually down since 2003.
". . . companies are creating 6,900 new jobs, retaining over 28,000 jobs"
Hell, we'll eventually employ 213 people here at the WBP, give us some tax breaks and praise us for nothing. And, again, number of jobs, down; how is that a retention of 28,000 jobs?
"Last December, the Monroe County IDA pledged a $300,000 investment to Greater Rochester Enterprise."
GRE and the County's involvement just bothers me, read more here and here. Essentially this organization takes Monroe County tax dollars to invest in so-called economic development in surrounding counties.
". . . we must do everything in our power to give our young talent the tools they need to become the innovators and entrepreneurs of tomorrow. That is why I am pleased to announce that Monroe County is working with Frontier to develop a wireless internet network that will serve significant portions of Greece, Pittsford and the City of Rochester...as well as portions of the surrounding towns by the end of the year.
-snip-
. . . I will be working with our Juvenile Justice Council to convene a summit of parents, students, teachers, school administrators and law enforcement professionals this summer to address the growing epidemic of cyber-bullying . . . our County has created an on-line guide for parents to help their children navigate the information superhighway safely and securely."
If the internet is so dangerous why are we putting wireless networks everywhere? Ooooh . . . so we can have more grandstanding, preelection, stir up the base debates about whether to filter and/or ban them.
"Monroe County continues to struggle with an annual budget shortfall of $45-million dollars. The reason is simple. 79% of our budget is controlled by Washington and Albany. 79% of our revenue is used to pay for programs required by the federal and state government, but with little or no local authority to control their rising cost . . . upstate counties will go bankrupt under the burden of unfunded mandates...and the continued growth of the Medicaid program."
So she was right once. Read more here.
"We are known for our entertainment and culture and names like Chuck and Gap Mangione"
Did Chuck give the okay for this? Did the Mega-Lo checks stop coming?
"For as President Reagan wisely said...we are the showcase of the future...and it can be as grand...and as great as we make it."Amen sister, I feel trickled upon -
Clinton Outlines Greenprint
Program First of its Kind in Nation
Senator Clinton was in town today carpetbagging her way across the country. While in East Rochester, she highlighted the Greenprint program which is the first in the country to be announced.
This is not an anti-environmentalist wacko post (we like the environment and we like wackos), or even an anti-Hillary post. Rather, there was one section of the D&C's article about Clinton's visit that we found alarming:
Did I miss something? Is Renaissance Square a forgone conclusion despite the lack of widespread public support by taxpayers who will foot the bill for the project? Does a new-era environmental program really tie-in with a proposed bus terminal centered around the use of antiquated fossil fuels?
Senator Clinton was in town today carpetbagging her way across the country. While in East Rochester, she highlighted the Greenprint program which is the first in the country to be announced.
This is not an anti-environmentalist wacko post (we like the environment and we like wackos), or even an anti-Hillary post. Rather, there was one section of the D&C's article about Clinton's visit that we found alarming:
"The steps include adopting USGBC Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design standards for public buildings, achieving LEED certification for Renaissance Square . . ."
Did I miss something? Is Renaissance Square a forgone conclusion despite the lack of widespread public support by taxpayers who will foot the bill for the project? Does a new-era environmental program really tie-in with a proposed bus terminal centered around the use of antiquated fossil fuels?
If someone can catch us up please feel free to leave your comments.
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Water Authority: Pay to Play
Board Members Know Who Put Them There
Here at the WBP we had a sneaking suspicion about the Monroe County Water Authority Board Members and how they were named to the posts they now occupy. After all, what would the retired chairman of Rochester Telephone, a retired insurance broker and a McDonald's owner know about water? Each knows where to mail the check.
Every board member has made at least a three figure donation to the Monroe County Republican Committee or Friends of Maggie Brooks Campaign Committee over the past two years.
What about the other Authorities? The WBP searched donation histories for some of the top-level authority members.
Mark Aesch of the Rochester-Genesee Regional Transportation Authority has donated $1,000 to the two aforementioned committees from 2006 to 2007. Steve Hendershott, COO of the RGRTA, has also contributed $1,000 to the committees over the past two years. Robert Frye, CFO, and Harold Carter, VP of Legal Affairs, each made contributions of $600 in 2006.
Beginning to see the pattern?
Here at the WBP we had a sneaking suspicion about the Monroe County Water Authority Board Members and how they were named to the posts they now occupy. After all, what would the retired chairman of Rochester Telephone, a retired insurance broker and a McDonald's owner know about water? Each knows where to mail the check.
Every board member has made at least a three figure donation to the Monroe County Republican Committee or Friends of Maggie Brooks Campaign Committee over the past two years.
What about the other Authorities? The WBP searched donation histories for some of the top-level authority members.
Mark Aesch of the Rochester-Genesee Regional Transportation Authority has donated $1,000 to the two aforementioned committees from 2006 to 2007. Steve Hendershott, COO of the RGRTA, has also contributed $1,000 to the committees over the past two years. Robert Frye, CFO, and Harold Carter, VP of Legal Affairs, each made contributions of $600 in 2006.
Beginning to see the pattern?
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Maggie, Porn & the ACLU
I realize that is not a very impressive header, but I am just so happy that I can use those words together.
As we posted yesterday, Brooks decided to take on libraries, the sex trade, perverts, the Supreme Court and free speech all at the time. That would a big bite to chew for most people.
Today, the ACLU decided to hop on. From the D&C:
No one wants the children of our community to walk into the library and be exposed to a (insert witty perv joke here) playing with his (insert innuendo-laden computer peripheral here). Is that happening? No. I did not even realize so many people used the downtown library. And $7.5 million in taxpayer money, I should have access to more than porn for that price tag.
Take a note from the Mayor on this one, Maggie; sit back, keep your mouth shut and work out a compromise with the parties involved. What's that? Oh, it's an election year . . .
As we posted yesterday, Brooks decided to take on libraries, the sex trade, perverts, the Supreme Court and free speech all at the time. That would a big bite to chew for most people.
Today, the ACLU decided to hop on. From the D&C:
Scott Forsyth, local counsel for ACLU, said today that Brooks shouldn't try to arbitrate what information the public at the library should be able to see.
No one wants the children of our community to walk into the library and be exposed to a (insert witty perv joke here) playing with his (insert innuendo-laden computer peripheral here). Is that happening? No. I did not even realize so many people used the downtown library. And $7.5 million in taxpayer money, I should have access to more than porn for that price tag.
Take a note from the Mayor on this one, Maggie; sit back, keep your mouth shut and work out a compromise with the parties involved. What's that? Oh, it's an election year . . .
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Brooks to Library: No Porn
Maggie Threatens to Pull Funding
Following a story broken by Channel 10 and highlighted yesterday by Bob Lonsberry, County Executive Maggie Brooks issued a stern and pointed ultimatum to the Central Library: stop the porn or I stop the money.
Brooks voiced her disgust after the Channel 10 expose which filmed a probationary sex offender viewing child pornography in close proximity to the children's' section of the library. In her letter, Brooks stated:
“I am demanding that our Central Library take immediate action to halt the public viewing of pornography and other graphic materials. And should the library chose to ignore this reasonable demand to protect our community’s children, I am prepared to exit the annual agreement with the City of Rochester, and defund library operations at the earliest possible date under the terms of the agreement. Simply put, I refuse to allow any further County tax dollars to flow to a facility that has failed to protect our children.”
Statements from library administration, or at least their assistants (why are there so many assistants in the library system?), can be found in the Channel 10 story. No statements have been given in response to Brooks' letter.
COMIDA Announces Projects
Latest Round of Incentives
COMIDA has announced the latest incentives approved:
COMIDA has announced the latest incentives approved:
Linden Properties /Magnetics Technologies Corp. - Magnetic Technologies is a custom manufacturer of precision magnetic tools. It expects to create 50 new jobs with its $2 million project that includes the renovation of its 70,000 square-foot facility. It will receive sales and mortgage tax exemptions of $72,000.Durant Associates received incentives from COMIDA and the MCIDC in December of 2005. The incentives were also for a $200,000 equipment purchase of a crane. It is not clear whether any specific equipment was listed in the most recent application as information available to the public has yet to be updated. More as soon as meeting minutes are posted -
Getinge Sourcing - A global provider of infection control equipment, the company is proposing a $4.2 million renovation at its Henrietta site. It will receive sales tax exemptions of $200,000.
Eastside Medical Urgent Care - offers after-hours medical services and is proposing an expansion of its Penfield site that would create 12 jobs. It will receive a tax exemption on equipment purchases of $113,000.
Silt Fencing - installation services for site developers. It will be purchasing $50,000 in new equipment and will get a sales tax exemption of $4,000.
AeroEd Inspection Services - inspection and reporting services for commercial aviation customers and is purchasing $91,000 in new equipment. It will receive a sales tax exemption of $7,280.
Durant Associates - asbestos abatement and will be purchasing new equipment totaling $200,000. It is creating two more jobs and will get a sales tax abatement of $16,000.
Thursday, February 8, 2007
Economic Snapshot
There has been plenty of talk from Rochester political and economic groups stating that the way to revitalize the area economy is to capitalize on our vast educational and high-technology resources. Let's take a look at some recent economic news:
- Xerox sold their headquarters in Connecticut and promptly announced that it had no plans to establish headquarters in Rochester.
- Kodak made an announcement that it will begin manufacturing and selling a new printer aimed at the home and small business market. The machines will not be made in Rochester, they will be made in Asia. But the announcement was made in Rochester, right? Nope, New York City. Then job cuts in the thousands were announced.
- Bausch & Lomb has finally filed its earnings reports . . . for 2005 - and at over $10 million less than previously reported. Overseas legal troubles have supposedly hindered the accounting process and there is no word on when 2006 figures will be released. Think the IRS would be so understanding if you filed your taxes two years late?
- After shelling out $250,000 to keep open its option to purchase the Midtown property, and a jaunt by Mayor Duffy to Italy, the City announced that . . . nothing is happening.
- We still own the Farce Ferry and it is has cost us more to move and store the boat north of the border than if we had left it where it was. I guess with the good Mayor out of sight is truly out if mind.
- Maggie and the GRE announced they would build on achivements from 2006. Acheivements like . . . the agreement to build a new Barilla Pasta plant in Livingston County? Wait a minute . . .
As Bausch & Lomb, Xerox and Kodak flounder who is stepping up to supply these supposed high-paying, hi-tech jobs? Sutherland, Unisys and 5Linx - somehow I doubt the average income levels and required employee skillsets from these three compare to those seen in the heydays of the Big 3.
- Xerox sold their headquarters in Connecticut and promptly announced that it had no plans to establish headquarters in Rochester.
- Kodak made an announcement that it will begin manufacturing and selling a new printer aimed at the home and small business market. The machines will not be made in Rochester, they will be made in Asia. But the announcement was made in Rochester, right? Nope, New York City. Then job cuts in the thousands were announced.
- Bausch & Lomb has finally filed its earnings reports . . . for 2005 - and at over $10 million less than previously reported. Overseas legal troubles have supposedly hindered the accounting process and there is no word on when 2006 figures will be released. Think the IRS would be so understanding if you filed your taxes two years late?
- After shelling out $250,000 to keep open its option to purchase the Midtown property, and a jaunt by Mayor Duffy to Italy, the City announced that . . . nothing is happening.
- We still own the Farce Ferry and it is has cost us more to move and store the boat north of the border than if we had left it where it was. I guess with the good Mayor out of sight is truly out if mind.
- Maggie and the GRE announced they would build on achivements from 2006. Acheivements like . . . the agreement to build a new Barilla Pasta plant in Livingston County? Wait a minute . . .
As Bausch & Lomb, Xerox and Kodak flounder who is stepping up to supply these supposed high-paying, hi-tech jobs? Sutherland, Unisys and 5Linx - somehow I doubt the average income levels and required employee skillsets from these three compare to those seen in the heydays of the Big 3.
Saturday, February 3, 2007
Sympathy for the GRE
Pictured L-R (Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks, Dennis M. Mullen, President and CEO of GRE, Wayne LeChase, Chairman of GRE, Theresa Mazzullo, Chairman of COMIDA)
The Democrat & Chronicle ran a series this past week that started in their Editorial blog and ended in their editorial page on February 2nd. Essentially the D&C's message was "Hey guys, don't pick on Maggie and entities like the Greater Rochester Enterprise . . . c'mon ease up." Karen loves Maggie jokes aside, the Water Buffalo Press Oh My God I Can't Believe He Actually Said That, Just Shoot Me in The Face Now Award goes to GRE Chairman Dennis Mullen who was quoted in the D&C editorial as saying "he doesn't really get questions about setbacks like the recent closing of businesses in the High Falls District."
. . . Hold on . . . sorry, I just blacked out a little there. Now Dennis - you're dumbfounded by the existence of questions regarding the closure of a privately owned, publically subsidized entity that was receiving tax dollars to operate an establishment which was shut down by state entities for serving alcohol to minors and then pulled out of its contract with the City the very next day by email? Really? This really surprises you?
You'll have to forgive us, Ms. Magnuson and Mr. Mullen, if we don't have the utmost confidence in the entities charged with invigorating our area's economy. Let's list some of these groups: there's Mr. Mullen's Greater Rochester Enterprise, the Rochester Downtown Development Corporation, the always popular County of Monroe Industrial Development Association, the Monroe County Industrial Development Corporation, apparently the Lakefront Properties branch of the Trillium group, The Entrepeneurs Network and of course the Mayor, County Executive, City Board members and County Legislators; yet they still need to outsource a study to a third party group with little connection to Rochester to figure out what they should do with High Falls.
No one is bashing Rochester, Ms. Magnuson, we're simply trying to defend it and our tax dollars from politicians, lobbyists, misguided government, socialists and lazy media.
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Lung Association Asks for Award Nominations
2007 Shining Example Award Given in Honor of Bill Peterson
13 WHAM reported last night that the Rochester Lung Association is seeking nominations from the public for possible recipients of the 2007 Shining Example Award. Named after former 13 WHAM Chief Meteorologist Bill Peterson, who passed away in August 2006 after a decades long battle with lung disease, heart disease and cancer, the award seeks to honor those who, like Peterson, battle the lung disease with determination while continuing to give back to their community. The deadline for nominations is February 16th and the award will be presented at the Lung Association's "Blow the Whistle on Asthma" kick-off ceremony on March 14th. Those who wish to nominate, or are in need of more information, can visit http://www.mrsnv.com/evt/info.jsp?id=1289 or the 13 WHAM website for further details.
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