With taxpayers facing the worst economy in 40 years, North Greenbush Democratic Chairman Dan Ashley today called on town hall employees to forgo the controversial health insurance buyouts as a good faith effort in reducing the town’s newly projected $300,000 dollar deficit for 2009.
Recently, these employees received another set of checks totaling over $34,000, which is only half of what they would receive in 2009. The 2009 budget projects some $68,000 to cover such payments reflecting a 33% increase in the code.(Hospital & Med Ins $207,000 in 08 to $275,000.)
With layoffs inevitable in dealing with this deficit, it seems sensible to ask these employees to make some sacrifices instead of asking taxpayers to pay higher taxes for health insurance buyouts, especially to allow such buyouts for people who were never enrolled in the insurance program, stated Ashley.
Ashley noted that the union contract contains provisions which defy public sensibilities and includes managers in the bargaining unit who should be separate and distinct from the employees under their supervision. Because they were included in this bargaining unit, they are eligible to receive these buyouts at a considerable cost to taxpayers. They budgeted buyouts are equivalent to a 6.8% property hike. Also, people were allowed to opt out of the insurance program who were never enrolled in it to begin with. This cost taxpayers money instead of realizing a 50% savings on a previously paid premium.
The lack of management in town hall under Supervisor Evers and this Board is astonishing, stated Ashley. Evers placed himself on the town insurance without eligibility or authority costing taxpayers at least $10,000 in premiums over two years until he was forced off. Yet the town Board members refused to force him to reimburse taxpayers and they refused to force the contractual engineer to reimburse some $20,000 in premiums he improperly received on Evers watch.
“It seems everyone in town hall has their hands in our pockets or is looking the other way at totally improper and unlawful payouts of town money insuring people at public expense.” When the Board is forced to order layoffs in the union ranks, no one should forget the failure of the union to meet the taxpayers halfway by forgoing payouts taxpayers cannot afford.
North Greenbush Democrats
Fighting For You!
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Monday, June 22, 2009
Town Board Should Recover Funds To Reduce Deficit
North Greenbush Democratic Chairman Dan Ashley today called upon the North Greenbush Town Board to take the necessary steps to recover tens of thousands of dollars improperly paid out to vendors and the town supervisor over the past five years. He called the action, “a desperately needed first step in addressing a projected $250,000 deficit for this year which will repeat itself next year without significant cuts in town spending”.
The town supervisor has helped himself to public funds he was not legally entitled to and he and the town board have done nothing to require repayment of those funds to taxpayers, stated Ashley. Over the past five years, the Supervisor has helped himself to coverage under the town’s health insurance policy which has cost taxpayers $5,000 annually for “single coverage”. While he was finally forced off the policy as a part time ineligible employee, he balked at suggestions he refund two years worth of premiums the town improperly paid on his behalf. “That’s $10,000 that Mr. Evers benefited from improperly which should be applied to deficit reduction, stated Ashley. It’s like robbing a bank and being allowed to keep the money if you don’t do it again.”
Ashley also called on the Town Board to give the Comptroller authority to recover some $20,000 in health insurance premiums paid out to a contractual vendor, Town Engineer Thomas Murley, paid out improperly over the past 5 years after he left the town as an employee in order to contract out his services. Like Mr. Evers, he was removed from continued coverage, but he was allowed to “keep the change”, some $20 grand in taxpayer change which should never been expended on his behalf.
The two improper insurance premium payments total $30,000 in “gifts” which could reduce the projected deficit by approximately 8%. Ashley stated that it’s not like they didn’t know they were taking benefits from the town they were not entitled to. For the town board to do nothing about requiring recovery of the funds is simply irresponsible as fiscal stewards, stated Ashley. The only step the town board took to curb the Supervisor’s spending habits was a passing a resolution requiring that the Comptroller co-sign checks so that the Supervisor could not alone give out town funds as he did to another contractor earlier this year ($38,000) and in December of 2006, (85,000).
Ashley stressed that a deficit of this magnitude will require a reorganization of town hall which will have to include a reduction in staff. The numbers are simply too large to be reached without reduction in staff and that process must begin in July to significantly impact this deficit. Taxpayers cannot afford to pay for this deficit. It must be eased through cuts in spending and recovery of improperly disbursed funds, concluded Ashley.
The town supervisor has helped himself to public funds he was not legally entitled to and he and the town board have done nothing to require repayment of those funds to taxpayers, stated Ashley. Over the past five years, the Supervisor has helped himself to coverage under the town’s health insurance policy which has cost taxpayers $5,000 annually for “single coverage”. While he was finally forced off the policy as a part time ineligible employee, he balked at suggestions he refund two years worth of premiums the town improperly paid on his behalf. “That’s $10,000 that Mr. Evers benefited from improperly which should be applied to deficit reduction, stated Ashley. It’s like robbing a bank and being allowed to keep the money if you don’t do it again.”
Ashley also called on the Town Board to give the Comptroller authority to recover some $20,000 in health insurance premiums paid out to a contractual vendor, Town Engineer Thomas Murley, paid out improperly over the past 5 years after he left the town as an employee in order to contract out his services. Like Mr. Evers, he was removed from continued coverage, but he was allowed to “keep the change”, some $20 grand in taxpayer change which should never been expended on his behalf.
The two improper insurance premium payments total $30,000 in “gifts” which could reduce the projected deficit by approximately 8%. Ashley stated that it’s not like they didn’t know they were taking benefits from the town they were not entitled to. For the town board to do nothing about requiring recovery of the funds is simply irresponsible as fiscal stewards, stated Ashley. The only step the town board took to curb the Supervisor’s spending habits was a passing a resolution requiring that the Comptroller co-sign checks so that the Supervisor could not alone give out town funds as he did to another contractor earlier this year ($38,000) and in December of 2006, (85,000).
Ashley stressed that a deficit of this magnitude will require a reorganization of town hall which will have to include a reduction in staff. The numbers are simply too large to be reached without reduction in staff and that process must begin in July to significantly impact this deficit. Taxpayers cannot afford to pay for this deficit. It must be eased through cuts in spending and recovery of improperly disbursed funds, concluded Ashley.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Ashley Calls for Cuts after Disclosure of Projected Quarter Million Deficit
North Greenbush Democratic Chairman Dan Ashley is calling for immediate action by the Town Supervisor and Board to cut spending after a report from the Town Comptroller last evening which projected a $250,000 deficit for this year.
“The town board has been repeatedly warned by Democrats that sales tax and mortgage tax revenues would not be realized due to the ongoing economic crisis affecting our State and nation. Yet the Supervisor has refused to make the tough decisions to cut spending in anticipation of what finally was confirmed last evening by the Town Comptroller”, stated Ashley. Sales Tax revenues received from the county are down at least 5% as is the mortgage tax revenue, just as we warned months ago. When projected out for the year, the town’s budget would suffer a $165,000 shortfall if the revenue stream remains at current levels.
Also disclosed by the Comptroller was the existence of a $85,000 deficit from 2008 which has not been erased. Together, the deficits could reach a quarter million dollars equating to a 25% property tax increase next year if no cuts are made now to offset the projections.
The Supervisor must take a great deal of the blame for the reckless efforts to spend money we do not have, stated Ashley. He has personally hired three town employees without the required Town Board approval and did so despite warnings from the Board not to hire them without proper approval. They were a Senior Clerk, and two Secretaries whose combined salaries total about $80,000. Evers also attempted to give himself a $42,000 pay raise this year, voted for a wasteful $40,000 no bid contract to redo the Comprehensive Plan, authorized unlawful insurance buyouts and allowed the contractual town engineer to keep some $20,000 in insurance premiums he improperly received over Evers tenure as Supervisor. All of these actions have further amplified the fiscal crisis we face and cries for a reorganization and streamlining of town government.
From grossly overspent water contracts to irresponsible hiring in town hall, much of this fiscal crisis can be laid at the doorstep of the Supervisor who appears overwhelmed by the responsibilities of his office, stated Ashley. To address this crisis, the Supervisor and Town Board must act, not watch, as the crisis magnifies. Like it or not, reductions in staff must be implemented in Town Hall in order to deal with a deficit of this magnitude. We will run out of money if we do not act to cut spending and be forced into borrowing.
Ashley noted that schools and municipalities around the region have proposed deep cuts in staff because of the economy. Saratoga Springs has proposed deep cuts in its police force and many school districts have proposed painful staff cuts, but not in North Greenbush where money flows like water in the hands of so called “Conservatives”. Ashley stated that if the Board does nothing and the deficit projections are realized, property taxes would have to increase 25%. Further, if next year’s budget is not cut by the same amount, another 25% property tax increase would be needed to fund the shortfall. The math is clear, doing nothing and spending at the budgeted rates equates to a 50% property tax hike in 2010 and our citizens cannot afford it, concluded Ashley.
Monday, April 27, 2009
June Dinner Announced
Trish Noel to Be Honored as Person of the Year
Once again it is time to celebrate a great annual event in our party as we pay tribute to and honor an outstanding Democrat who has made a huge difference in our community, We are proud to name Trish Noel as our 2009 Person of the Year.
Trish has been a mainstay of our local Democratic Party for 20 years. As a longtime member of the North Greenbush Democratic Committee and involved community resident, she has done much to make our town a better place to live. Her career has included election to a local school board where she served as President, service as Town Clerk, volunteer to local and presidential candidates and so much more.
The award will be presented by Rensselaer County Democratic Chairman Thomas Wade.
WHEN: Saturday, June 13, 2009
WHERE: Poestenkill Fire House, 182 Main St. Poestenkill, NY
TIME: 6:00 P.M. Cocktails (cash bar) followed by Dinner
The tickets are just $35.00 per person and $50.00 a couple. YOUR EARLY RESERVATION WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED TO HELP US PROVIDE AN ACCURATE DINNER COUNT AND TO ENSURE ADEQUATE SEATING, BUT NO LATER THAN June 6th.
On behalf of your North Greenbush Democratic Committee and our friends in the North Greenbush Democratic Club, I look forward to your joining us on Saturday, June 13, 2009, to honor and celebrate Trish and all her accomplishments.
Tickets may be obtained by email us on this site or by sending your check to our Post Office Box address listed on this home page.
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
Fiacco Silent on GOP Taxes and Fees
Fiacco Silent on GOP Taxes and Fees
Leon Fiacco’s recent letter to the editors of two local publications states his opposition to proposed taxes and fees in NY State when Democrats propose them. However, Mr. Fiacco never states any opposition to taxes, fees and pay raises when proposed by his Republican benefactors in Rensselaer County.
Never a word of opposition when it comes to the more than 90% increase in property taxes since the Republican Party has controlled the County Legislature. Nor a single word of protest over a GOP sponsored 33% increase in the sales tax, a cell phone tax, higher mortgage taxes or even the county executive’s inclusion of a million dollars in proposed new fees which “balance” our current 2009 county budget.
Mr. Fiacco has said nothing about the post election pay raises sponsored by his GOP running mates in the last county election who carefully announced the raises, AFTER, the election was safely tucked away. He was also silent about Democratic sponsored Charter reforms that would prevent future legislatures from pulling the same stunt again. Those raises of $5,000 for each legislator made our part time legislature the highest paid in the region.
The public should know the reason Mr. Fiacco does not criticize Republican spending practices and that rests in his desire to again run with the Rensselaer County GOP for a seat on the County Legislature where he and future running mate Lou Desso, can support big spending practices including a single legislative staffer now making over $90,000 a year to among other things, write letters for people like Mr. Fiacco to “sway” public opinion. No, you won’t hear any criticism of this high priced staffer either because Mr. Fiacco and his running mates this year will be needing all that copy to get their chance at a county paycheck.
Finally consider the sense of fiscal responsibility both Fiacco and Desso have demonstrated in North Greenbush. They supported a redo of the paid for and completed town Comprehensive Plan with a no bid contract. More than a year later, it’s still unadopted and developers, like Mr. Fiacco, continue to have free reign in our town. Actions speak louder than words.
Dan Ashley
Chairman NG Democratic Committee
Leon Fiacco’s recent letter to the editors of two local publications states his opposition to proposed taxes and fees in NY State when Democrats propose them. However, Mr. Fiacco never states any opposition to taxes, fees and pay raises when proposed by his Republican benefactors in Rensselaer County.
Never a word of opposition when it comes to the more than 90% increase in property taxes since the Republican Party has controlled the County Legislature. Nor a single word of protest over a GOP sponsored 33% increase in the sales tax, a cell phone tax, higher mortgage taxes or even the county executive’s inclusion of a million dollars in proposed new fees which “balance” our current 2009 county budget.
Mr. Fiacco has said nothing about the post election pay raises sponsored by his GOP running mates in the last county election who carefully announced the raises, AFTER, the election was safely tucked away. He was also silent about Democratic sponsored Charter reforms that would prevent future legislatures from pulling the same stunt again. Those raises of $5,000 for each legislator made our part time legislature the highest paid in the region.
The public should know the reason Mr. Fiacco does not criticize Republican spending practices and that rests in his desire to again run with the Rensselaer County GOP for a seat on the County Legislature where he and future running mate Lou Desso, can support big spending practices including a single legislative staffer now making over $90,000 a year to among other things, write letters for people like Mr. Fiacco to “sway” public opinion. No, you won’t hear any criticism of this high priced staffer either because Mr. Fiacco and his running mates this year will be needing all that copy to get their chance at a county paycheck.
Finally consider the sense of fiscal responsibility both Fiacco and Desso have demonstrated in North Greenbush. They supported a redo of the paid for and completed town Comprehensive Plan with a no bid contract. More than a year later, it’s still unadopted and developers, like Mr. Fiacco, continue to have free reign in our town. Actions speak louder than words.
Dan Ashley
Chairman NG Democratic Committee
Friday, February 13, 2009
Town Board Should Act on Waiver
The North Greenbush Town Board should review the circumstances surrounding the submission of documents to State officials by the Town Supervisor which led to the issuance of a waiver from the State Retirement system for a politically connected ally of the Supervisor Mark Evers as reported in the Record on February 12th.
Mr. Evers misled State officials in order to obtain a financial benefit for his political supporter, Mr. Harkin. The Supervisor misused his authority to sign documents on behalf of the town board as appointing authority and falsely informed State officials that there was no other qualified applicant available to the town board for this appointment. The reality exposed by the official minutes of the November 8, 2007 Board meeting is that the Board FULLY considered a more qualified applicant, a certified assessor and declined to appoint him in a 3-2 vote.
The Supervisor may have violated several provisions of the Penal Law by submitting falsified business records, filing a false instrument, mail fraud and conspiracy to defraud the State Retirement System. He asked how the Supervisor could truthfully sign the sworn declaration on form affirming: “I, the appointing authority, hereby affirm under penalties of perjury… that the statements made herein, are true and correct and that I have determined that …. there are not readily available for recruitment non-retired persons qualified to perform the duties of such position”?
The fact that a more qualified non retiree was available for appointment contradicts Evers sworn affirmation which was the principle criteria to meet for waiver eligibility. Evers action caused the payments of tens of thousands of dollars to Mr. Harkin from the Retirement fund that he would not otherwise have been entitled to.
The town board should vote on a resolution either affirming Harkin’s eligibility for the waiver or formally opposing the waiver based on their review of the requirements. Councilman Al Spain is the Personnel Director for the City of Troy and more than any other Board member, is FULLY capable of determining whether the Supervisor engaged in a fraudulent act on behalf of the Town Board. Mr. Evers spoke for the town board as appointing authority on a matter that may cause the filing of criminal charges. The question now is whether the town board concurs with Mr. Evers sworn declaration on their behalf?
Mr. Evers misled State officials in order to obtain a financial benefit for his political supporter, Mr. Harkin. The Supervisor misused his authority to sign documents on behalf of the town board as appointing authority and falsely informed State officials that there was no other qualified applicant available to the town board for this appointment. The reality exposed by the official minutes of the November 8, 2007 Board meeting is that the Board FULLY considered a more qualified applicant, a certified assessor and declined to appoint him in a 3-2 vote.
The Supervisor may have violated several provisions of the Penal Law by submitting falsified business records, filing a false instrument, mail fraud and conspiracy to defraud the State Retirement System. He asked how the Supervisor could truthfully sign the sworn declaration on form affirming: “I, the appointing authority, hereby affirm under penalties of perjury… that the statements made herein, are true and correct and that I have determined that …. there are not readily available for recruitment non-retired persons qualified to perform the duties of such position”?
The fact that a more qualified non retiree was available for appointment contradicts Evers sworn affirmation which was the principle criteria to meet for waiver eligibility. Evers action caused the payments of tens of thousands of dollars to Mr. Harkin from the Retirement fund that he would not otherwise have been entitled to.
The town board should vote on a resolution either affirming Harkin’s eligibility for the waiver or formally opposing the waiver based on their review of the requirements. Councilman Al Spain is the Personnel Director for the City of Troy and more than any other Board member, is FULLY capable of determining whether the Supervisor engaged in a fraudulent act on behalf of the Town Board. Mr. Evers spoke for the town board as appointing authority on a matter that may cause the filing of criminal charges. The question now is whether the town board concurs with Mr. Evers sworn declaration on their behalf?
Sunday, February 08, 2009
Funds For I 90 Connector Should Be Part of National Economic Stimulus
As our State and National elected representatives have begun expressing support for various projects to be funded by President Obama’s 800 Billion dollar economic stimulus bill now working its way through Congress, it is time they committed to funding a critical piece of infrastructure, the I90 Connector joining the Rensselaer Technology Park with Interstate 90.
Congressman Paul Tonko and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand have each voiced support for the development of new technologies needed to make us energy independent and there is nowhere in this State more capable of playing a key role in developing these technologies than the Rensselaer Technology Park in North Greenbush.
The RPI Tech Park is our regions bridge to the future, stated Dan Ashley, Chairman of the North Greenbush Democratic Committee. We have a project that is nearly shovel ready,partially funded and on the drawing board for more than two decades without the funding to complete it, stated Ashley. This is not just a construction project, but rather an investment which creates long term employment opportunities that help us develop critical future technologies we need in these challenging times. It is exactly the kind on economic stimulus that should be given first consideration as part of a long term economic recovery program.
Until this Connector is built, the RPI Tech Park will not fully realize its potential as an economic engine here in North Greenbush, Rensselaer County and the Capital District. As we endure the worst recession in 40 years, it is vital to invest in projects that not only create jobs via construction, but also help produce additional long term employment such as the technology jobs at the RPI Tech Park.
Ashley also noted that North Greenbush would realize additional benefit from this construction by directing significant traffic off of Route 4 and fostering new development along the highway's path. This would preserve the residential character of neighborhoods along the RT 4 corridor.
Ashley urged our local Congressional delegation and US Senators to stand up and be counted in getting the necessary support to fund the I-90 Connector. "We’re talking about funding the road to our future, not a "bridge to nowhere", somewhere in Alaska ", stated Ashley.
Congressman Paul Tonko and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand have each voiced support for the development of new technologies needed to make us energy independent and there is nowhere in this State more capable of playing a key role in developing these technologies than the Rensselaer Technology Park in North Greenbush.
The RPI Tech Park is our regions bridge to the future, stated Dan Ashley, Chairman of the North Greenbush Democratic Committee. We have a project that is nearly shovel ready,partially funded and on the drawing board for more than two decades without the funding to complete it, stated Ashley. This is not just a construction project, but rather an investment which creates long term employment opportunities that help us develop critical future technologies we need in these challenging times. It is exactly the kind on economic stimulus that should be given first consideration as part of a long term economic recovery program.
Until this Connector is built, the RPI Tech Park will not fully realize its potential as an economic engine here in North Greenbush, Rensselaer County and the Capital District. As we endure the worst recession in 40 years, it is vital to invest in projects that not only create jobs via construction, but also help produce additional long term employment such as the technology jobs at the RPI Tech Park.
Ashley also noted that North Greenbush would realize additional benefit from this construction by directing significant traffic off of Route 4 and fostering new development along the highway's path. This would preserve the residential character of neighborhoods along the RT 4 corridor.
Ashley urged our local Congressional delegation and US Senators to stand up and be counted in getting the necessary support to fund the I-90 Connector. "We’re talking about funding the road to our future, not a "bridge to nowhere", somewhere in Alaska ", stated Ashley.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)