Liberty, I just want to correct you on a few things so you know the truth. Now, whether you believe me or not that is not my decision. First, the traffic cams in our City are not funded by our taxes, they were part of a grant. Second, in regards to the parking enforcement person: Do you remember when Police Officers used to go out and give parking tickets? I sure do, and they STILL do in this City. The fact is, the parking enforcement persons job does not bring in revenue CLOSE to their salary. It is a matter of numbers Liberty! In these tough economic times, as bad as it sounds, jobs have to be cut. I would rather have it start now and try to stop the bleeding then see lots of people lose them in the future. You are probably saying it is easy for me to say since it is not my job being lost but during this time of the year it is very tough even to read about jobs being cut. It is a nationwide and statewide problem (I read your other posts and I agree 100%) Third, about the articles. I just want you to know (and I am NOT going to identify myself) but the first article you posted is completely false. I am not going to say anymore than that but just trust me. You may not choose to believe me but that is the honest truth. I would ask that you post where you researched these article because it interests me. All I have to say to you is that both of those articles are slanted in a certain direction... I will let you figure out the rest since you are a smart person! 

As I have said before this site is awesome and I like talking with you on here! It seems like it is just you and I always posting back and forth :) I wish you and your family a Merry Christmas.

Kibbles both of these articles were posted from the moderator of another local website. After only about 30 min of research into these claims I discovered that this is all true. I also am inclined to agree with you about the MLD they not only have been taking advantage of all of us but its next to impossible to get any service when you go in. It is not for these people that I posted this information. There is a gentlemen down at the police department with the title of parking enforcement officer, I don’t personally know him but have met him. Last year as you may recall the city of Plattsburgh installed several traffic cameras. They are choosing to fund these worthless cameras instead of a part time human being. Now I don’t like parking tickets but why should this guy loose his job to locally unproven technology? Or the fact that our broke city is still looking to “invest” several thousand dollars into a local community based website. We already have one its called Plattsburgh pipeline. Why, especially in these times, should the city be tiring to compete in an area in which they have haven’t even entered before. This is just my opinion but I would rather they support who ever runs this site locally and save themselves some capital they don’t have. I also wanted to stir up a debate because we haven’t had a good one on here in a while. The information is interesting and pertinent in these times especially. I found all of this very interesting and wasn’t aware that bring things back to the light was taboo. Kibbles I look forward to hearing from you again. I also recommend that you do a little research and find this information on your own, it feels good. Kibbles have a Merry Christmas.

And I would love to know the "sources" for that article! It looks like it was posted from another site.

Not sure what the point of this is Liberty, but, in these tough economic times tough decisions have to be made. As bad as it sounds, cuts have to be made. Did you read any of the articles about MLD? What a joke, they have been screwing the City for years and when the Mayor finally called them on it they cry like babies! I know I am not alone in thinking like this either. MLD and the Fire Dept. should be ashamed of themselves. 

I think the Lake Forest issue was discussed throughly in another thread on here.. 

 It may sound cliche but — history does tend to repeat itself.  Just look through the old archives of the Press Republican and you will see many instances of history replaying itself today.  What do the lay-offs of the early 1990’s in th City of Plattsburgh and the lay-offs of March 2007 have in common?  The answer:  Donald Kasprzak and Cynthia Lasher-Graham. 

In the early 1990’s Kasprzak was a city Councilor known for his hot-headed outbursts at Common Council meetings and his personal desire to single-handedly break-up city unions and dismantle the Fire Department.  Cynthia Lasher-Graham on the other hand –was the city’s Chief Fiscal officer who had a disdain for men in positions of power.  Some describe her as maniacal and manipulative.

In looking back at the layoffs that occurred in the City of Plattsburgh in 1990 and comparing them to the lay-offs of 2007 one striking similarity sticks out like a sore thumb — Kasprzak was a City Councilor during the 1990 layoffs and then Mayor during the 2007 layoffs — Lasher-Graham was the city’s Chief Fiscal Officer in 1990 and was again serving in the capacity as Chief Fiscal Officer on an interim basis during the 2007 lay-offs.  Some say the combination of the two  together was double double toil and trouble — for city taxpayers that is.

During both lay-offs 1990 and 2007 the Common Council held illegal executive sessions to discuss who would have their positions abolished.  The NYS Open Meetings Law prohibits governing bodies from entering executive sessions to discuss layoffs — as the law states the issue of lay-offs is a matter of public concern as it deals directly with how taxpayer money will be spent.

Do As I Say - Not As I Do !

August 14, 2008

Not all that long ago we had a small event in Boston change the course of history. Of course the event I am referring to is the Boston Tea Party. This is something that occurred as a result of government officials attempting to steal from citizens by forcing them to pay a tax on a piece of societies ideals of normalcy. This was such an important event that several very lengthy debates about taxation and representation occurred when our founding fathers framed the constitution and the bill of rights. How sad is it that we have swept our rights to the side and allow the government to control and profit from such absurdities today. The ridiculous taxes on cigarettes, the crazy taxes on a gallon of gasoline, the out right absurdity that Patterson is now attempting to pass the “fat tax”. What’s next taxes on the air we breath? Who’s side is Patterson on? A few months ago he championed the New York workers compensation “rocket docket” which effectively removes the rights an injured worker has to privacy and allows corporate insurance companies to violate rights to find ways to snake out of their responsibilities to the workers of New York. I am not represented, are you? Punishing citizens for their personal choices is against everything this great country was founded on! Isn’t it bad enough that the feds went into your bank account and stole money to give to irresponsible companies. Now they want to rob you again! This is absurd. If this bill passes I will be taking to the streets to stand up for my guaranteed rights! This is about so much more than a soda, this is about how far we will let the government extend their hands into places they don’t belong. I hope you will voice your opinions loudly on this issue whether yea or nay. Its not starting here but I certainly hope that it is ending here. Where would our governor be today had we ignored anti- discrimination laws yesterday, last week, last month, a decade ago? This is discrimination. Smokers are discriminated against, Indians are discriminated against, innocent law abiding citizens are discriminated against every day. It is time the government starts to fear us again instead of us being afraid of them.

It is true that the run off is not good but they make eco friendly road salt now. A lot of areas use salt, not just the North Country. Like it or not salt is the best way to beat the elements on the road! 

I agree MeganE !  Today the snow is wonderful and the warner temp with no wind is nice.   Just drive slow!  I agree that jobs around here are few and far inbetween.  I wonder what the Mayor is trying to do for the city.  I know the town has good tax revenue with the Mall and up that way.  We need more tourism around here.  We need something...

I love almost everything about Plattsburgh, even the snow (although the road conditions lately have been scary!). My family moved down south when I went to Potsdam college, but I couldn't leave this area. It's just about perfect: I can hike, swim, or head up to Montreal and practice my French. :) The only drawback: no jobs...