"A government big enough to give you everything you want,
is big enough to take away everything you have"
Thomas Jefferson
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Kudos To The DANC Board
Since when did a long successful career of public service become a noose around someone's neck?
According to the DANC's Board of Directors decision today, it hasn't. They looked beyond the repugnant chatter of the DUHBrinker blog who never put up a solid debate to answer; why not Jim Wright and the blog never advocated for another choice. The DANC's board made a decision based appropriately on the credentials of Jim Wright.
Wright served the public well in Oswego and Jefferson county governments before serving the broader region of Oswego, Jefferson and St. Lawrence counties admirably in the New York State Senate. Wright has made a lot of policy decisions that have positively affected Northern New York and the voters of the region showed their approval by re-electing him time and again before he left office with a 75% approval rating.
Jim Wright has assisted Northern New York in numerous infrastructure improvements including roads, bridges, water, fiber optics and housing, just to name a few. Serving as Executive Director of the Development Authority of the North Country is a legitimate extension of a good career. Wright has dealt with many of the Fort Drum expansion issues and the service DANC provides to the community to meet that growth will be uninterrupted by his selection. Wright served as Energy and Telecommunications Chair in the New York State Senate and he understands the challenges of rural Northern New York where quality TV still remains a problem without an analog signal, not to mention quality internet service. And Wright understands the need for quality and affordable housing for the residents of Northern New York as well as good clean drinking water.
Finally, DANC needed a bit of shake up from their predominate top down isolated and arrogant management structure that currently exists and the organization needs to more responsive to the constituents it serves. Wright has answered to the public throughout his career, and no one should expect anything different from him now.
The selection of Jim Wright as Executive Director is a good and sound business decision by the DANC Board of Directors, the decision was based on his career and his credentials - it was a good decision.
Public service is a good thing and people should be encouraged to participate in public service. It is okay to disagree with someone's policy positions or decisions, but people should never be dragged down just for serving. Maybe the DuhBrinker Report will understand that concept someday.
67 comments:
I read that attack on PIV, stating this blog was created just to shoot at Aubertine. I don't agree. There are lots of people here who don't like Sen A. They don't like the donkey move we've been making. But there's a lot more to PIV than just attacks on Sen Aubertine. And there are a lot of posters who defend him. Get over it. It's part of the territory.
As far as Wright not being the best of choices I think there is merit to that argument. The Dems don't like him, and we have to stroke the Dems if we are going to get "our fair share" of funding (I love that stupid word) from all the pork spending that is flying around these days. As smart folk say, we might as well get it, cause if we don't someone else will.
I'm a fiscal conservative. But I always viewed Mr Wright as a spender. Look what happened to county budgets under him. For that reason, I was never a big fan. But I don't view him as a crook either, which in today's climate is no small accomplishment.
If John Johnson has this kind of influence, I see that as a big disappointment. Johnson loves government. Somehow, we need to grow out of this. Business will never come here and if they do, they will never stay if we continually look to programs and spending as the way to solve problems. That paper has been part of our problem for generations. They function as a cheerleader for all government programs, no matter how ineffective they are. You will never see a serious question asked of anybody by John Johnson's Watertown Daily Times. Not if they are funded by taxpayers.
I guess Jim Wright has the job.
I wish him good luck.
WE need it.
Spin, twist, and shout ... the posts and concerns about Mr. Wright getting the DANC job are MORE than chatter from DUHBrinker blog and others ...
Mr. Wright left the NYS Senate suddenly for more money with/or as a lobbying PR firm.
What did he do for them, I wonder? But, I suspect we'll never know for sure.
Now, he wants back in the public tough (for more money, I surmise) and it looks like nearly 1/2 million over the next three years.
I don't know, but suspect that his Albany and lobbyist contacts will play a huge role with his new role at DANC ... we shall see.
But, then what will people say?
"Hey, I like Jim Wright so I'll look past any insider contacts for DANC projects (mostly paid with public money)?
The insider (name, fame, and fortune) track is well-greased and apt to stay that way.
I read that attack on PIV, stating this blog was created just to shoot at Aubertine.
I am not convinced PIV. We need a better image.
JG
Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, and state Sen. Darrel J. Aubertine, D-Cape Vincent, have attached their names as co-sponsors of a bill that makes it legal for a firefighter to drive a tanker in a parade or back to the station without a commercial license.
This is outrageous! Don't let them get away with this.
A DANC sewer just backed up. I hope Wright brought a plunger.
BaaaaWHAhahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahah
It looks like WE bought him a
$150k plunger.
This will equate to big buck in 3-4 years when he retires, again. And if he stays in good health, God willing, this could be a lifetime windfall of millions.
It's just the way the system works.
Politics as usual in the North Country, Odd Mario Cuomo created DANC, now the GOP is at the Trough. Pork Up, Jimmy's at the trough.
You're joking right? You actually think this a good hire?
Jim Wright is an arrogant, washed-up fool and DANC has further tarnished its already sullied reputation by hiring him.
Is Wright qualified? Sure. But was it a wise, clean hire and good for DANC's future? Not by a long shot.
It is a nail in DANC's coffin and all but assures that DANC will be one of a host of state authorities that will be abolished before too longer.
They will be abolished because of stuff just like this: back door, good old boy deals where cronyism is more important than what is best for the agency.
The people at the DANC would be the first to encourage their "developments" to go non-union and minimum wage. Yet, at a time when teachers and other union employees are asked to give a little and at a time when companies are escaping Jefferson County to go to China to benefit from low wages, the DANC "develops" a 20% pay raise before Jim fills the drawers in his desk.
Jefferson's Leaning Left
Nice job on the arm twisting and back stabbing to get your Boss in there.
How soon before you or a political hack get a job there?
Here are the best parts of the WTD article about Wright getting the DANC job.
Mr. Hefferon said the board would likely offer Mr. Wright a three-year deal to replace Executive Director Robert S. Juravich, whose retirement is effective March 31. Mr. Wright said he's had not had an opportunity to discuss the specifics of the deal yet, but added he did not anticipate any difficulty reaching an agreement.
-------
"I think the public definitely thinks very highly of Jim Wright," he said. "I had a tremendous amount of calls and the majority of them were supporting Jim Wright. The few that weren't supporting him were based on the fact that they wish he were our senator and they were upset that he didn't run for the Senate. They didn't have any other reason to be upset with them."
Mr. Hefferon would not name the other two finalists, and would not confirm or deny that Deputy Executive Director Thomas R. Sauter was one of those not picked. But the chairman said the board discussed how Mr. Wright's appointment would affect staff, including Mr. Sauter.
Why does the board have to offer him a multi year deal? Make him prove his worth on a day to day basis like the rest of us. We don’t have guarantees at work. Isn’t it bad enough that Wright somehow got the salary increased to $150,000 (more than a 20% increase) while the unemployment rate in January was over 10.3%. And now, Covidien is closing down and putting another 240 people out of work. I can’t wait to see the political hacks, ass-kissers, and ass-kisser family members that Wright hires at DANC with ridiculous salaries. But, in the end that will all be his downfall and he’s too arrogant to realize it.
And I have no idea the public that Mr. Hefferon has been talking to, but everyone contacting me hates the idea of Jimmy getting another high paying taxpayer funded job. Hasn’t he sucked off the state system long enough?
The DANC board voted unanimously to install Sen. James Wright as Executive Director. I'm not surprised that he was appointed, but I am surprised by the unanimous selection.
Current members of the DANC board have stated that they do not want to politicize the Authority, and they ask county boards of legislature to keep that in mind when making appointments. With their choice of Jim Wright, the DANC board has fully politicized their work. Regardless of resume, Wright's selection has taken an organization that was built to promote the economic well-being of Northern New York and given the perception that it is a political spoil.
On more of a personal note, I have never spoken with Sen. Wright, despite the position I have and the fact that he was my State Senator.
I attended the announcement that General Motors was "idling" their plant in Massena. Senator Wright was also in attendance, as was Gov. Spitzer, Lt. Gov. Paterson, Senator Griffo, Assemblyman Aubertine and Assemblywoman Scozzafava. Each official spoke about the closing and what his or her office would be doing. Most of them seemed involved during the announcement.
Except for Senator Wright.
He seemed to be text messaging constantly. I don't know what it was about. Maybe he was keeping in touch with the CEO of GM, or he was proposing legislation for Congressman McHugh to bring forward about job losses in the age of free trade agreements. Or maybe he was in touch with his office about trivial matters or concerns in other areas of his district. I don't know.
I know that announcement was important to the families of 500 people who were losing their jobs in Massena. It was important to a community that had seen its manufacturing base decrease by two-thirds in the last thirty years. And it was important to have an elected official treat them as if they were important, at least for the few hours that he devoted to them specifically during his many years of public service.
And so, I am nervous, that St. Lawrence County, who is relying on DANC to help rebuild what has been lost, will be overlooked. That the Republican Wright will overlook the Democratic majority in the Legislature. That Wright, who has served Jefferson County well in the past, before becoming a State Senator, will continue to primarily Jefferson County in his position after being a State Senator.
Even with all of that, I pray to God that he succeeds, because if he does, then life will be better for everyone in this area.
Financial News... 651,000 Jobs Lost In February: 104,000 Construction Jobs… 168,000 Factory Jobs… 40,000 Retail Jobs... 180,000 Professional And Business Service Jobs … 78,000 Temp Agency Jobs... 33,000 Leisure and Hospitality Jobs....James Wright got a job, 3 year guarantee, perks, and a 20% raise before he has even accepted the position.
The post put in by Anon at 10:42 is actaully my blog entry that someone else copied and pasted.
Thank you to whoever did it. I have no problem with someone else feeling that my words were good enough to be added.
I just wanted to take credit.
You people who are bent out of shape over the three year contract need to get a life and wake up to the real world. No business's today are hiring people for one year at a time and they never have. I'm talking about managerial or dept. head jobs etc.. Mr. Wright is professional and has mucho experience in dealing with the economy and business's of the north country.
The only ones who are upset are obamaites who wanted their crony in. To bad so sad you lost another one!
In what world are sucessful companies/business's (read their financials) like Danc hiring head people without perks, pay raises, incentives, expense accounts and multi year contracts?
NONE!!
Like we're not going to have inflation now either right-- BS
Appointing Wright to me is tantamount to throwing gas on a fire to help put it out!
Same old, same old -- the things we complain about and yet accept?
Dah-Wiley
Don't be such a sore loser.
You'll need to get use to losing as your new administration is full of losers and tax cheats.
By the way Lefty-Dah, how many of Darrel's wind mills do you have going on your relative's property?
Just so anyone reading this stuff understands,the $150,000.00 amount was thrown in the mix because that is the top amount the job can offer. It does not mean that is what Jim Wright is getting. We will all have to wait and see once it is actually published. So in the mean while......Stop all the speculating about things you don't truly know. I'm sick and tired of the mis-information that gets fueled by these blogs.
Anon 1:49 - me, too. Let's cancel these damn blogs and rely on the so-called mainstream media to set things straight, or wait, better yet, let's rely on Talk Radio..
That was easy.®
By the way Lefty-Dah, how many of Darrel's wind mills do you have going on your relative's property?
Actually, I do not mind answering that. The answer is None, Zilch, Nadah!
Don't you ever get sick of being wrong?
How much would you like to lose on a bet, eh?
This would be a fun wager, for me and quite profitable, I might add.
email me with your terms at leftylimericks@mac.com
Bingo! Maybe we can agree on something Dan. Who is reporting the facts? It used to be the mainstream media's job to report unbiased facts, not so much anymore. Talk radio is just that - talk-opinions, which some people hear and take for facts. The same with the blogs, people read them and alot believe them to be true. We all read and listen to alot of sources of information then we have to make decisions about what to do with that information.
It looks like any mouse at 12:24 has been called out by RWiley. This could be fun.
I am having fun trying to decide how much to bet on windmills on my family's property.
I feel so lucky we could even throw in me being Darrell's cousin, sister, marrried to sister, working for Darrell, being a political operative for the Democrats. You name it. Either way, I win the bucks.
Perhaps the DANC can decide the amount for us. We could make it to be the same amount that James Wright will receive for the first year when he settles his contract with the DANC.
The loser will have to donate that amount to MY favorite charity since I could not live with the guilt of stealing your money.
O'Boy, I have not felt this lucky since I pulled out of the Stock market at its peak just before George Bush took over in 2000.
The big problem is how to solve the fact that you are anonymous and most likely will remain so. Hell, for all I know, you may be PIV (wink) which would make it even more fun. Snicker.
12:14 said an interesting thing, implying that DANC would be abolished as a result of the hiring of Wright. I don't agree with some of his personal attacks on Mr Wright, but Sir, if this results in the end of DANC, then it was a GREAT MOVE on behalf of taxpayers. Like Tug Hill Commissions and St Lawrence/Eastern Ontario Commissions, they serve only to waste taxpayers money and provide jobs to a connected political class.
Wiley, you mentioned the sacrifice teachers are being asked to make. What are you talking about? Where have teachers made any sacrifice whatsoever? Nothing but raises at twice the rate of everyone else. When you talk bs, I will call you on it. Unless you do so on your own blog, which no one reads.
"Wiley, you mentioned the sacrifice teachers are being asked to make."
Yes I did mentioned that teachers were being asked to make sacrifices and that is true. I never said they actually made any. Slow down and read it a bit more carefully this time:
Yet, at a time when teachers and other union employees are asked to give a little and at a time when companies are escaping Jefferson County to go to China to benefit from low wages, the DANC "develops" a 20% pay raise before Jim fills the drawers in his desk.
Same old North Country politics, If Wright did such a great job for us why did he quit?? I guess the gig at the lobbying Company didn't work out. We need new ideas not the same old rehash of old worn out politicians.
Wiley, I don't know what you are reading or smoking but there sure as hell aren't any teachers in jeff-lewis-st lawrence that are doing any sacraficing. Actually the current union negotiations are gridlocked at 4-5% annual raises. Don't you ever get sick of being a liar? I'm sure you don't that is obvious by your blogs.
"When you talk bs, I will call you on it. Unless you do so on your own blog, which no one reads."
So what is this? Junior high school?
Da-Wiley we are not as dumb as you sound. There are 34 parcels in Cape Vincent owned by Wileys and 23parcels owned by Aubertines. Talk about good ole boys DAH.
Read the facts Wiley it's not a 20%raise, 150k is the max ammount for that line item in the budget. How much do you want to bet that it is not 150k? Stretch the facts you have proven yourself there again and again.
"I just wanted to take credit."
And you should have been given credit. Typical of this blog and PIV who thinks it is ok because "everyone does it".
WWNY now throws a little more fuel on the DANC fire about that which most of us already knew were "behind" the scenes - NOTE: link on Newzjunky today ...
I gleaned this part from the whole story and call it: "If it's not about the money, then what is it about?
* Fill in the blank with your own choice -- mine is below: _________________________.
"Wright says he will be suspending the $68,000 pension he currently gets as a retired government employee."
* I first thought, that's very nice of Jim to think of the public first, but then I read further:
"That's because under state retirement laws, you can't make more than $30,000 in a state job if you are already collecting benefits."
So, it's not about the money, it must be about that nasty, awful word: P O W E R ... no pun intended, or just returning to the comfortable public trough?
Um ...
"Da-Wiley we are not as dumb as you sound. There are 34 parcels in Cape Vincent owned by Wileys and 23parcels owned by Aubertines. Talk about good ole boys DAH."
The bet on your ludicrous claims about my "having a windmill on my land or being financially involved with wind" still stands.
email me at JLeaningLeft@me.com
Jefferson's Leaning Left
"Wiley, I don't know what you are reading or smoking but there sure as hell aren't any teachers in jeff-lewis-st lawrence that are doing any sacraficing"
Document where I ever said that.
Jefferson's Leaning Left
Just trying to keep you honest, Wiley. It is a full time job.
Go ahead throw some other dishonest crap out there about our teacher union.
I'm here for ya.
"There are 34 parcels in Cape Vincent owned by Wileys and 23parcels owned by Aubertines."
anon. 9:46
I went back and checked all your claims about poster RWiley.
Wow to do a job on a person and a family like you have been doing, you must be quite certain of your facts. If so, what do you have to loose by taking betting him that he has a windmill proposed for his land.
You could make a quick 140 or so big ones.
Da-Wiley we are not as dumb .....
Actually guys, you are. Read back and see how you went astray. You gave up everything, including your temper and your position on the original post, "Kudos to the DANC Board. You resorted to silly name calling while he gave up nothing and probably gained a few readers as he was posting a link to his own blog during his retort.
Talk about good ole boys DAH.
Hey piss ant you friggin lousy liberal. Since when was it against the law to own land in this country? Wind is coming to us and I want a chance at it. A**hole. Another f in newszunky dead end.
Talk about good ole boys DAH.
Hey piss ant you friggin lousy liberal. Since when was it against the law to own land in this country? Wind is coming to us and I want a chance at it. A**hole. Another f in newszunky dead end.
Go ahead throw some other dishonest crap out there about our teacher union.
I came here from newzjunkie to be insulted by you?
Go AFT and NYSUT!
This K teacher is not giving you anything.
Go ShoopleDem. Mindless chatter isn't middle school. In NY it's a regents level class.
As far as 2:56, we don't expect you to give up anything. Why state now. But if you don't expect to be questioned, stay over at the other blog. People do ask questions over here. Most teachers are fine with that.
I wil tell you who we have to report the facts, WDT'S own Steve Erkle Virkler. What else do we need?
Maybe Wright will propose that in 3 years DANC be disolved and that things like landfills and water lines be run by locally elected governments.....wouldnt that be quite the legacy.....
Where is the discussion about DANC and Senator Wright?
Richard do you not read the posts you comment about? My post said "your relatives land"! That doesn't mean yours. Maybe it's your comprehension percentage. So out of the 34 Wiley parcels in CV not one is proposed to get a windmill, BUUULLL. I included the 23 owned by Aubertines because you publicly stated you are 2 in the same.
The Cape is small. Many are related to people who will get wind. We have a right to own land and use it. Piv, the Jefferson board and Piv's dumb f er anon can kiss my A**.
Anon "Go ShoopleDem. Mindless chatter isn't middle school. In NY it's a regents level class."
What is it with these peoples that run this blog and their inability to be able to deal with one's name.
Is it because they are anon. themselves and are threatened by those with the courage to stand for what they say by identifying themselves? Why the constant insults PIV and Anon? It seems that is all this blog wants to offer.
The person above is right who said that you are the losers by being so easily upset and distracted from the discussion.
SD
Don't drag me into the little spats you folks are having on this thread. I simply do the original post and you folks take it from there. I seldom comment afterward, and when I do, contrary to some opinions I do use PIV.
Cheers!
A link that newzjunky can pass on
A link that newzjunky can pass on
I simply do the original post and you folks take it from there. I seldom comment afterward, and when I do, contrary to some opinions I do use PIV.
PIV...........
It is a reflection of your work. Have you ever had the DECENCY to suggest to your most loyal supporter that he refrain from ATTACKING persons who want to participate. Good blogs I follow do that all the time. If you can't control that kind of behavior you have no business doing public commentary on political issues that affect us all. God help us if you are in public service like many of us have been lead to believe.
Cape Turbine Ethics Police said...
Richard do you not read the posts you comment about? My post said "your relatives land"! That doesn't mean yours. Maybe it's your comprehension percentage. So out of the 34 Wiley parcels in CV not one is proposed to get a windmill, BUUULLL. I included the 23 owned by Aubertines because you publicly stated you are 2 in the same.
Read my reply here as a post to one of my articles:
Jefferson's Leaning Left
Anonymous said...
The Cape is small.
I hope M. Docteur is not involved in this Jefferson Board blog. He asks for my vote. I give it to him and will ask before I do it again. He has to renounce this blog anti wind anti Senator message publically I don't give a dam if you don't believe it but he knows I am republican. Bitch l you want but I get to vote,
Anonymous said...
The Cape is small.
I hope M. Docteur is not involved in this Jefferson Board blog. He asks for my vote. I give it to him and will ask before I do it again. He has to renounce this blog anti wind anti Senator message publically I don't give a dam if you don't believe it but he knows I am republican. Bitch l you want but I get to vote,
SohhoplDem, I'm not sure if you are talking about my post or not. But here goes.
RWiley I do not know. Never met him. If I were out somewhere and met a Mr Wiley I would ask him if he were related to the Wiley guy who posts here. Conversation would go from there. Same with Kermit. If someone introduced themselves as Mr Kermit or Mr Frog or now, Mr Tadpole I'd ask him if he posts. Conversation would go from there. SheooopleDem, the same. In our own way, we are all somewhat anonymous. It isn't that difficult a concept to understand. One reason I don't choose to do a name thing is I don't like to stay on one side of issues all the time. You identify yourself as a "dem". Fine, but that says something about yourself. I'm all over the place on issues, kind of like kermit. You can't tell what he thinks by his name. You have to read at least 2 of his postings to see exactly how he thinks. JOKE JOKE, no offense implied. Don't write me, please.
I believe what you reacted to this time was a shot I sent at Wiley about his "teachers being asked to make sacrifices" statement. I called it bs. You said middle school, and I said regent level class. Sir, Wiley is a world traveler, he has been able to put together a great lifestyle based on eductation spending that has risen at twice the rate of inflation for the past 20 years. He is fat and stupid, NOT PERSONALLY, but his ATTITIDUE towards education spending. He wants to continue to throw money at it, which is something we cannot afford to do. It is not HIM I react to, it is this ATTITIDE. Sorry if you don't like it. If it is wrong for me to speak/write this way, I am again sorry. But I believe in fighting this problem any way I can. There has been an imbalance of power regarding school expenditures. And this is what I believe.
Have a good day, ShroooopleDum, I mean ShroopleDem. Just kidding.
Just kidding.
No you are not.
Just kidding.
No you are not.
You can read my reply to:
(3)
Cape Turbine Ethics Police said...
Richard do you not read the posts you comment about? My post said "your relatives land"! That doesn't mean yours. Maybe it's your comprehension percentage. So out of the 34 Wiley parcels in CV not one is proposed to get a windmill, BUUULLL. I included the 23 owned by Aubertines because you publicly stated you are 2 in the same.
In the comments section of a post at:
Jefferson's Leaning Left
pback t
Welcome to our friends who may have linked from newzjunky.com. When you read the above posts and comments please realize that PIV is not a representative of the political beliefs of the Jefferson County Republican party or conservative movement) PIV stands for politically independent voice (of reason, sic.))
"I'm all over the place on issue"
Anon. said that.
But you are consistant on personal attack and insults.
Pivs only supporter that i can find here. Numerous comments and only one supporter a racist, bigot, name caller.
I got had by this before.
Why else would they send me here. It was fun people but I am looking for local news.
I hope Jim keeps warm and does well.
Gonna mock on this old lady, too anon creep.
And you accuse ME of a middle school response.
Nice job, SchuppleDee
"anon creep, radist, bigot"
while she laments name calling.
Interesting lady.
Bye
This is what I'm talking about, Tadpole, when I speak of intolerance. But then again she wasn't around long enough to tell if she really had a thought process.
Nice job, SchuppleDee
Man these guys here are nuts.
Today's news. School spending rose at four times the inflation rate. Yet the teachers cry each and every day.
Comments Mr Wiley? Ah, he's probably in some foreign country, telling them about the many sacrifices he made during his working years.
We will be here when you get back.
I'm new here, does anyone know is or was Mr. RWiley a teacher? Also, how many blogs does he operate?
I'm new here, does anyone know is or was Mr. RWiley a teacher? Also, how many blogs does he operate?
You should go to his site, email and ask him. It would not be legally wise to solicit information or put information about a private individual on a blog.
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