The Passing Lane

A recap of the this week's events that have passed us and a look at the oncoming traffic for the week ahead.

Local

• Jefferson County Industrial Development Executive Director, Jim Fayle, resigns. The board of directors and county officials would be wise to review local talent and not just resign themselves to the fact that a replacement needs to come from a national search.

• The County and Towns appear to be tussling over the wind power money. Whatever decision they arrive at, they should remember a couple of things; this will set a precedent for other developments in other towns and position the county to be amenable to negotiating with any town for a tax deal each time a development comes along. Also, each turbine or tower constructed is the equivalent of building a 2-3 million dollar home, which would pay conservatively estimating $75,000 annually in property taxes, the developers are requesting to pay less than $17,000 per tower. That is less than 25% of their obligation.

• Mike Oot debuts his website, absence of any formal announcement or press conference, we have to assume he is a candidate for the 23rd Congressional district. His website and lack of any structured announcement makes you wonder if he is serious or not.

• We await word from local candidates in the 118th and 112nd Assembly districts as well as the 48th Senate district. The illustrious leader of the state GOP runs at the mouth and leaves open a lot of speculation on who will run or not run.

State

• The budget is late, a surprise there, and the people's business that has been done so far, is all being accomplished privately. At this point, there is no need for a message of necessity from the Governor on the budget bills, this will only further the appearance that lawmakers are hiding something. They are. A budget that spends more than the taxpayers can afford and lawmakers will be back later in the year to trim spending.
  

• Troopergate continues to make Albany and associated investigators look like the Keystone Cops

• Along with the budget, there will be no special election in the 118th Assembly district.

National

• The Democrats continue to appear like a skydiver without a parachute. "Obama can't win" says Hillary. She can't manage money, while Barack, should be called BaRake, the campaign cash he is raking in is astonishing and twice that of Hillary. Hillary can't manage a campaign message either and she won't leave the race, further dividing a party heading for a convention nightmare.

• Meanwhile, McCain is yelling to the media at every stop. Hey, look at me, I am in this race also you know!

What is Ahead

• Jefferson County Sheriff is poised to request another canine to accompany the current 2 dogs, Bullet and Liberty.

• Maybe State leaders will settle the congestion pricing and the education piece and come forward with a budget this week.

• Clinton comedy continues and the campaign introduces a new theme song by "Weird Al" Yankovic, "You Don't Love Me Anymore"