The City of Troy, New York, "Where Henry Hudson Turned Around."

Friday, November 13, 2015

WAVING THE WHITE FLAG

The final budget hearing took place last night. The angry villagers were there, complete with pitchforks and torches. And who can blame them.

The Council has recommended $600,000 in cuts. The Office of the State Comptroller says we're looking at a $2.4 million deficit. Council President Elect Carmella Mantello, after huddling with her transition team yesterday at City Hall, wants the Council to delay the final budget vote until December 1, 2015, the last day the Council can vote on the budget. The State of New York might have to babysit us once again. The dog ate my homework.

By the way, here's the Comptroller's letter.

Not being a policy wonk, not liking policy discussions, a few questions. There is $600,000 left in the reserve fund. The Council has recommended $600,000 in cuts. Are the cuts practical? Does anyone really care, at this point, if the reserve fund is emptied? Also, yesterday, there was actually some good news. The Appellate Division Third Department affirmed the decision in The City of Troy v 1776 Sixth Avenue Troy,  LLC. This is the case brought by Troy against their former landlords at the Verizon Building. The total award is approximately $350,000, which includes getting some rent back and about $25,000 for the elevator debacle.

Question:  Is that award already figured into the budget or is it found money? This could help close the gap just enough to make the tax increase reasonable. Someone should look into this. But not this guy:



This guy has just given up.


Two years ago, the District 5 Councilman ran for his final term stating: "Through my work, District 5 now has a strong voice and a tireless worker. Together, we will continue to move this city forward." Now, its abandon ship. And by the way, Councilman, you draw a salary. You are supposed to be a professional. You're not a volunteer. Times are tough. Leaders don't walk away. We're tired of criticizing you, Ken but damn.

Anyone else just giving up? Please let us know. Otherwise, get to work. It's hard to criticize someone who does the best they can, especially in tough times. Walking away? Shame on those that cut their constituents loose.

26 comments:

Anonymous said...

Maybe they can hold some hearings to find out why things are f'ed up?

Anonymous said...

Ken in particular has buried his head in the sand. His grandstanding on social issues has covered for his lack of decisiveness and leadership concerning the majority of Troy residents as proven here. Typical Troy democrat.

Anonymous said...

Harry and those dam lawsuits? Thank you Harry for watching over the city for 8 years and winning that lawsuit against Judge. To bad HG4YN PS. Kenny s done a nice job though right?

Anonymous said...

Yes, I second HG4YN. Thanks for unnecessarily moving city hall, lining the pockets of your pal, paying crazy rent and forcing the city to have to sue your buddy. Well done. Thank God Ian made sure we got our money back.

Anonymous said...

This is a far cry from the last weeks of Harry administration. Harry got us $350k. Thanks Harry. Remember vote democrat. This is what they give you. Also to show I'm fair Jim Gordon should be ashamed at not going to the meeting. HG4YN.

Anonymous said...

Zalewski shows again he has no backbone---only grandstanding ability.
He cost the city oodles of $$$ more than once with his grandiose, unreasonable ideas like the payroll system he killed that would have resulted in a major savings for the city and the Scolite project, also a new source of revenue. His "sheep" on the current council, Wiltshire, Robertson and Doherty should be placed in the hall of fame for bad judgment.

Anonymous said...

Bill your on your game this morning. No shots at Kopka can't afford to piss her off. No calls Friday 49 days left.

Anonymous said...

I thought he was violently anti democrat and firmly WFP? He was team troys main cheerleader. This isn't about dem or rep it's about Ken, who has been a member of the Council for years and thus contributed to our financial problems. You broke it, you own it, shame on you for walking away

Anonymous said...

When the going gets rough, Ken ducks out. Was Jim Gordon really not at the meeting? Pathetic. I know the rumors about him leaving town are probably just rumors but he should think about it. Resign and get out.

Anonymous said...

Bill 3 votes. Possibly 4. But oh that elusive 5th. That's the impossible one. Just not going to happen.

Anonymous said...

Check your facts douche the city won the lawsuit and the appeal under Lou.

Anonymous said...

Facts don't matter to Harry and the GOP goon squad. They're too dimwitted to understand, and too dirty to care.

Anonymous said...

10:14, Jim, your temper

Anonymous said...

OK, I want responses to the following facts, democratic administration and a democratic super majority has reduced Troy into a crime infested, financially broke cesspool. To add insult to injury they are closing ranks and bailing out while collecting their checks and positioning themselves into the next democratic administration. Again, facts.

Anonymous said...

Calm down or we're calling 911.

Anonymous said...

Harry won the lawsuit? Is Harry now a lawyer? HG4YN, do you honestly believe the garbage you post? No one else does

Anonymous said...

8:16 your dead on. 7:17 Harry is no lawyer but he is responsible for the win. 8 year mayor. 2 easy victories. Left the city better off than we all are this year. HG4YN

Anonymous said...


HG4NY, does your ass hurt from bending over for Tut?

Harry's responsible for getting back money from his pal Judge we never should have shelled out in the first place? Some win.

Anonymous said...

Harry is now a lawyer

Anonymous said...

9:00 or is it Kenny?

Anonymous said...

And bragging about his prime spot on Hoosick Street, that his father worked hard for and bought on his own and handed to Harry. Work Work for it Harry, then you can brag about it

Anonymous said...

What about the million Brian Stratton had to get back for Harry?

Anonymous said...

Who cares if your fair ?? Nobody here,!

Phana24JG said...

10.40 - That fourth vote is actually the key. I believe that in order to pass any budget that exceeds 2%(there are some games that can be played to maybe make it 2.2%) the Council needs a supermajority which is 6 votes. If they have four, the excess tax increases will NOT be available for the city to spend. This would virtually guarantee MAC oversight.

Anonymous said...

How exactly did Harry win a lawsuit, he's been G4YN

Anonymous said...

Zalewski again side steps making a decsion which will be his legacy.
No balls, no decisiveness.