Former Metroplex board member should have known better
I have to respond to Harry Apkarian’s May 28 letter [“Partisan politics are already at work in running of Metroplex”] concerning Metroplex. I currently serve on the Metroplex board, and I’m getting tired of the inaccurate comments made in letters to this page. Apkarian’s letter, however, was the first that actually inspired me to write a response. In his letter, Mr. Apkarian, a former Metroplex vice chairman, displays a complete lack of understanding of how the authority works when he criticizes county Legislature Chairwoman Susan Savage for appointing [Metroplex Chairman] Ray Gillen. He says this selection “subverts the statutory intent of maintaining the apolitical character of public authorities.” First, Ray Gillen is apolitical, and he’s a well-regarded economic development professional. Second, the chair of Metroplex is appointed by the county Legislature by statute. Mr. Gillen and Vice Chairman Brad Lewis were selected, and confirmed, by the county Legislature. It’s the Legislature’s job to make these appointments. I’m not sure where Mr. Apkarian is coming from with his statement that in doing their jobs, these legislators are somehow subverting the statute. In his letter, Apkarian also says that it’s time for Metroplex to turn to the tough task of job creation. I’m not sure where he has been for the past four years, but Metroplex is already focused on job creation. When Apkarian left the board, downtown was filled with vacant storefronts and empty lots where failed projects never got off the ground. When he was on the board, deals were agreed to that cost the taxpayers millions in lost revenues due to incorrectly formatted PILOT [payment in lieu of taxes] agreements. Valid criticism is one thing, and Metroplex welcomes input from the public. Misinformation from a former board member, who should know better, is really just sour grapes. ROBERT J. MANTELLO Schenectady
Government officials are making it difficult for us to show them respect. I think that for most of us, we are expecting them to behave in a professional, adult and educated manner. It is becoming more difficult to respect the "office" a government official holds when we can't respect the officials themselves. Actually, the government officials today fail to show little respect and will disregard not only the taxpayers but also each other. This is becoming more prevalent in our political society today.
So instead of government working together with not only themselves but also for their residents, it seems to be more of "us against them". It has become a battle. A win/lose situation with no compromise. The winner takes all, so to say. Personal attacks and retaliation seems to be the way politics is played out today. With the taxpayers hanging in the balance.
I received a letter, from Mr. Tedisco and Mr. Amedore, in respond to an email I sent to them with my concerns regarding the increase in the Metroplex bond.
The letter states, that it is critical to ensure the highest levels of accountability, transparency and openness for Metroplex. It also states that legislation be passed prohibiting any person holding a political position from being on the Metroplex board. However, this would not affect the current membership or leadership of the Metroplex.
It went on to state that bi-partisanship would strengthen Metroplex's ability to achieve its stated mission of enhancing private sector investment by fostering an improved business climate that leads to more jobs, a stronger economy and a better quality of life.
In closing they went on to say that it is their personal belief that the people of Schenectady are best served when partisan politics takes a backseat to good-government. They go on to say that taking politics out of Metroplex is a crucial step toward ensuring it remains an important part of Schenectady's long term success and future prosperity for the benefit of our entire community.
It pretty much was what we have already read in the newspapers.
The Home Rule legislation to increase the bond cap and extend the charter of the Schenectady Metroplex Development Authority was passed today (June 16th) by the New York State Senate and delivered to the State Assembly for action.
The Metroplex debacle is a Farley creation. It was a misguided idea when it was initially proposed. It continues to be a bad idea that will endure for the next 25 years.
The passage of this legislation while a state audit of the Metroplex is in progress is irresponsible. Those who support the hasty passage of the legislation during this legislative session exhibit blatant disdain for their constituents and a disinterest in the effectiveness of this autonomous, unaccountable, and pseudo-government public authority.
It is time for Senator Hugh Farley to retire from public service. He is not a conservative. Neither is he a friend of the taxpayer. He, like many in elected office, seemingly stands for big government, big spending, and big taxes. This is clearly evidenced by the inaction of the State Legislature on the property tax cap legislation that the public overwhelmingly supports.
Assemblyman Tedisco has sponsored the home rule (Metroplex) legislation in the NY State Assembly. Assemblyman Amedore is the co-sponsor. It now appears that these two purported conservatives will support the passage of the legislation that permits the Metroplex Authority to take on additional debt. This is being done without the benefit of receiving and reviewing the Comptroller's report that will address the performance of the public authority and the return on investment of tens of millions of dollars of public revenues (i.e., taxes) over the past ~10 years.
It is time for the voters to soundly reject those in elected office who continually support the growth in the size, power and cost of government. We can begin right here at home. And, as for Mr. Amedore's campaign promise of change, from outside the crystal palace, the game appears to the spectators to be the same.
Now it is Assemblyman Tedisco's and Assemblyman Amedore's turn to exhibit in whose interests they govern. We will be watching ...
In my opinion, Mr.Tedisco and Mr. Amedore has already shown how they govern. They supported and helped pass the bond increase and 25 more years of the metroplex, all the while knowing the metroplex was in the process of a state audit. Totally irresponsible. So your sentiments about Mr. Farley should go hand and hand with Mr.Tedisco and Mr.Amedore. They just took Farley's ball and ran with it.
When the INSANE are running the ASYLUM In individuals, insanity is rare; but in groups, parties, nations and epochs, it is the rule. -- Friedrich Nietzsche
“How fortunate for those in power that people never think.” Adolph Hitler
Quoted from bumblethru: ... So your sentiments about Mr. Farley should go hand and hand with Mr.Tedisco and Mr.Amedore. They just took Farley's ball and ran with it.
bumble,
I agree with your assertion. As a traditional conservative enrolled in the Conservative Party, I will not support these individuals in future campaigns. I will work for and vote for the candidate who has conservative views on fiscal and social issues, if such a candidate exists any longer in todays society.
My retraction of support is not based solely on Farley's, Tedisco's and Amedore's actions regarding the Metroplex legislation. They have also failed to deliver on promises of meaningful tax relief or government reform. Instead, they pander to the electorate with inconsequential legislation and promises of insignificant rebates, credits, etc. to assert influence. We would require neither the meager fiscal rebates/refunds nor the government bureacracy that adminsters the programs if the elected representatives would allow us to keep more of our income in the first place. We don't need government to tell us how to spend our money. Nor should the government have the right to redistribute wealth.
Quoted from JoAnn: Government officials are making it difficult for us to show them respect. I think that for most of us, we are expecting them to behave in a professional, adult and educated manner. It is becoming more difficult to respect the "office" a government official holds when we can't respect the officials themselves. Actually, the government officials today fail to show little respect and will disregard not only the taxpayers but also each other. This is becoming more prevalent in our political society today.
Amen.
Tis sad what these jackals have done to our democratic system of elected government of the people, by the people, and for the people. Our founding fathers would be sorely disappointed.
CAPITOL Odds improve for Metroplex bill Legislation to raise bonding limit advances BY BOB CONNER Gazette Reporter
The bill to expand the bonding authority of the Schenectady Metroplex Development Authority is moving through the state Legislature and appears likely to be enacted. The Senate passed the bill unanimously on Monday afternoon. On Monday evening, Assemblyman Richard Brodsky, D-Elmsford, chairman of the Committee on Corporations, Authorities and Commissions, said he will support the bill when it appears before the committee today. The bill increases Metroplex’s bonding authority from $50 million to $75 million, and extends Schenectady County’s authority to impose the additional local sales tax which funds Metroplex for an additional five years, until 2033. Metroplex was created 10 years ago by the state and county legislatures. The bill also prohibits the appointment of certain state and county officials and political party chairmen to the Metroplex board. The legislation permits the county’s economic development director, Ray Gillen, to remain as chairman of the board. Gillen has said the extra bonding authority is need to maintain Metroplex’s ability to do economic development projects. The bill language is a compromise between the Democrats who control the county Legislature and the Republican state legislators representing Schenectady County. The political dynamic created tension in the Assembly, which is controlled by Democrats and where the minority leader, James Tedisco, is from Schenectady. Both Brodsky and Tedisco have the reputation of being sometimes combative in their approach to politics. On Friday, Tedisco and Assemblyman George Amedore, R-Rotterdam, sent a letter to Brodsky complaining that a Democratic committee staffer had said the bill would not be considered because it was “controversial.” Besides constituting a breach of protocol, the letter said, “your clerk’s comments represent a troubling lack of respect for the legislative process. … The failure of your committee to report this legislation would constitute an arbitrary and capricious denial of an invaluable tool that will aid the continued economic revitalization of Schenectady County.” On Friday, both a Republican and a Democrat involved in the issue expressed suspicion that the other side was trying to stir up trouble. The letter to Brodsky prompted a flurry of phone calls Friday evening. Brodsky told a reporter that he did not have a position on the bill but had not advanced it because Tedisco had not requested it. Informed of this, Tedisco called Brodsky, and Brodsky then called Susan Savage, a Niskayuna Democrat who is chairwoman of the county Legislature, which had passed a home rule message asking the state to enact the bill. Tedisco sent Brodsky a memo Monday apologizing for any miscommunication. Brodsky examined the bill Monday and decided to support it. “I appreciate it,” Tedisco said Monday evening about Brodsky’s decision. “I think it’s the right thing to do. … I just want to get it done.” Tedisco said the bill would have to go through another committee or two, but he did not anticipate any trouble now bringing it to the Assembly floor and getting it passed. The bill was sponsored in the Senate by Sen. Hugh Farley, RNiskayuna, who was also the prime mover behind the original Metroplex legislation in 1998.
The letter to Brodsky prompted a flurry of phone calls Friday evening. Brodsky told a reporter that he did not have a position on the bill but had not advanced it because Tedisco had not requested it. Informed of this, Tedisco called Brodsky, and Brodsky then called Susan Savage, a Niskayuna Democrat who is chairwoman of the county Legislature, which had passed a home rule message asking the state to enact the bill. Tedisco sent Brodsky a memo Monday apologizing for any miscommunication. Brodsky examined the bill Monday and decided to support it.
So the 'political' story will go down as Tedisco never requested this legislation(perceived I'm sure), and Suzie Savage came in and saved the day for the Metropurse.
When the INSANE are running the ASYLUM In individuals, insanity is rare; but in groups, parties, nations and epochs, it is the rule. -- Friedrich Nietzsche
“How fortunate for those in power that people never think.” Adolph Hitler
LOCAL LAWMAKERS AGREE ON MIDDLE GROUND ON METROPLEX
Posted on: 06/17/08 Ross Marvin, Spotlight Staff email: marvinr@spotlightnews.com
The Schenectady County Legislature and Republican leaders in the state Senate and Assembly have agreed on the terms of a bill that would raise the Metroplex Development Authority bond cap from $50 million to $75 million before the close of Legislative session on Monday, June 23.
Susan E. Savage, chairwoman of the Schenectady County Legislature said the tentative agreement was reached on Wednesday, June 4, after a nearly two-hour meeting of the county Democratic caucus.
The County Legislature then passed a home rule message at its meeting on Tuesday, June 10, accepting two Republican amendments brought forward by Sen. Hugh Farley, R-Niskayuna.
The amendments to the bill would bar party chairpersons, county legislators and managers from serving on the Metroplex board.
The Republican amended bill also bars state legislators from serving on the board.
The amendment does allow the county’s top economic development official, who is now Ray Gillen, to serve on the board.
Gillen is chairman of the Metroplex board and would keep that post under the current legislation.
Earlier this year, Gillen said that Metroplex needed to raise its bond cap to continue its economic development program in the county. In addition to raising the bond cap, the bill also extends the life of Metroplex by five years. Gillen said this extension would help Metroplex pursue certain bonds with longer payment periods.
Republicans agreed that the bond cap should be extended, but they would not sponsor the bill without the amendments.
Farley said the amendments are an attempt to remove politics from Metroplex activities.
“It makes sense that state and county legislators are prohibited from serving on the board since they also oversee it,” said Farley.
Farley said the Senate would likely pass the amended bill within a week of county’s adoption of the home rule message. Assembly Minority Leader James Tedisco, R-Schenectady, said the Senate’s amended bill would also be introduced in the Assembly.
Tedisco and Assemblyman George Amedore, R-Amsterdam, were vocal in their opposition to any bill that did not include language barring certain officials from serving on the Metroplex board.
Tedisco and Amedore dropped those conditions, but they and Farley came up with the amended bill barring political and other county officials from the board.
Amedore said he would not support a bill without the amendments, which he said were part of a statewide effort at public authorities reform.
Amedore also said it would be unwise to pass a bill without the amendments in light of a state audit that is being conducted on Metroplex. Results of the audit will not be made public for three or four months.
County legislators Angelo Santabarbara, R-Rotterdam, and Joe Suhrada, R-Rotterdam, voted against the county’s home rule message, also citing the impending audit.
Legislator Phillip Fields, D-Schenectady, broke party ranks to vote against the home rule message. He said he disagreed with Republican amendments. He said he had his doubts about the five-year extension of Metroplex’s life at this time.
“A better decision could be made down the road,” said Fields. You can contact marvinr@spotlightnews.com
Relates to the Schenectady Metroplex Development Authority Act; dedicates sales and compensating use taxes in Schenectady county for an additional period of time.
S07721 Actions: BILL NO S07721B
04/25/2008 REFERRED TO CORPORATIONS, AUTHORITIES AND COMMISSIONS 05/21/2008 1ST REPORT CAL.1504 05/27/2008 2ND REPORT CAL. 05/28/2008 AMENDED 7721A 05/28/2008 ADVANCED TO THIRD READING 06/05/2008 AMENDED ON THIRD READING 7721B 06/16/2008 HOME RULE REQUEST 06/16/2008 PASSED SENATE 06/16/2008 DELIVERED TO ASSEMBLY 06/16/2008 referred to corporations, authorities and commissions 06/24/2008 substituted for a11255b 06/24/2008 ordered to third reading rules cal.826 06/24/2008 home rule request 06/24/2008 passed assembly 06/24/2008 returned to senate
Relates to the Schenectady Metroplex Development Authority Act; relates to dedicating sales and compensating use taxes in Schenectady county for an additional period of time.
Quoted Text
BILL NO A11255B
05/23/2008 referred to corporations, authorities and commissions 05/28/2008 amend and recommit to corporations, authorities and commissions 05/28/2008 print number 11255a 06/05/2008 amend and recommit to corporations, authorities and commissions 06/05/2008 print number 11255b 06/17/2008 reported referred to ways and means 06/24/2008 reported referred to rules 06/24/2008 reported 06/24/2008 rules report cal.826 06/24/2008 substituted by s7721b S07721B AMEND= FARLEY 04/25/2008 REFERRED TO CORPORATIONS, AUTHORITIES AND COMMISSIONS 05/21/2008 1ST REPORT CAL.1504 05/27/2008 2ND REPORT CAL. 05/28/2008 AMENDED 7721A 05/28/2008 ADVANCED TO THIRD READING 06/05/2008 AMENDED ON THIRD READING 7721B 06/16/2008 HOME RULE REQUEST 06/16/2008 PASSED SENATE 06/16/2008 DELIVERED TO ASSEMBLY 06/16/2008 referred to corporations, authorities and commissions 06/24/2008 substituted for a11255b 06/24/2008 ordered to third reading rules cal.826 06/24/2008 home rule request 06/24/2008 passed assembly 06/24/2008 returned to senate
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