FREE NOV 17 - NOV 23, 2016 VOL. 17, NO. 46 FREE Independent Health gives two months' notice to cancer patients that they're.... 2 REPORTER NOV 17 - NOV 23, 2016 Light Pollution Ruins Natural Niagara Falls

James Hufnagel media effort, newsletter space and press releases on promoting cash cow Niagara Falls State Park and its mon- When the moon hits your eye like ey-making attractions such as James a big pizza pie - it could be because Glynn's Maid of the Mist, Cave of the you were outside enjoying a once-in- Winds and similar tourist traps. a-lifetime experience this week. The During the tourist off-season is moon was 14 per cent bigger and 30 when you see outreach from these per cent brighter than it normally is. RXW¿WV WKDW DFWXDOO\ KDV DQ\WKLQJ WR A "supermoon", as its called, oc- do with nature, such as what Niaga- curs when the moon is simultane- ra Region Park Interpretive Programs ously full and at its perigee (when its put on Facebook the other day con- orbit carries it closest to the earth). If cerning some islands in Buffalo that you didn't see it, don't despair, next have been restored to wildlife habitat month's full moon, on Dec. 14, will using NYPA relicensing money. State also be pretty super as it will still be Parks had about as much to do with really close to us. But you'll have to restoration of those islands as the city wait another 18 years, until 2034, until of Buffalo has to do with the Power the next supermoon comes around. Project - opting to spend $25 million We thought it would be amazing of its relicensing money, in the form to view this rare celestial event over An 1833 woodcut depicting the Leonids meteor shower of that year of Greenway grants, on upgrading Ni- another natural wonder - Niagara over Niagara Falls. agara Falls State Park instead - but it's )DOOVEXWLW VGLI¿FXOWWRGRVLQFHWKH something to post to Facebook to pick IDOOVDUHOLWXSZLWKDUWL¿FLDOVSRWOLJKWV With the tourist muggings that gone. up the slack when nobody's riding the every night, this month of November took place in Niagara Falls State Park State Parks, the Al- Maid. until midnight. In fact, the falls are earlier this year by a roving band of bany agency that owns and operates We think it would be a great idea lit up every night of the year by giant thugs - who haven't been caught yet - Niagara Falls State Park and collects if, on Dec. 14, State Parks turned off spotlights, which are being presently most people probably think it well-ad- nearly $20 million annually from WKHDUWL¿FLDOOLJKWLQJIRUMXVWDQKRXU XSJUDGHGIRUWKH¿UVWWLPHLQPDQ\GH- vised not to venture into the park af- parking lot and Maid and Delaware so that park visitors, naturalists, pho- cades to high tech LED jobs with the ter midnight just to see it lit up by the North contract fees alone in what was tographers and others could enjoy the brightness of a million supermoons. moon, super or otherwise. supposed to be Frederick Law Olmst- Falls as it looks under a supermoon. Nothing says appreciation for a nat- Of course, with the ugly and ed's wild and natural preserve, has a Now that would be something. Imag- ural wonder like Niagara Falls in the obtrusive Observation Tower, or department in charge of highlighting ine bundling up your kids - or grand- light of a supermoon, or plain old "bridge to nowhere" as locals call it, the natural aspects of Niagara Falls kids - leaving the video games and full moon for that matter, than over- just yards away from the cataracts, and the Niagara Gorge, as well as oth- smart phones at home, and going to whelming the spectacle with blazing and the immediate area cluttered up er area parks, called "Niagara Region view, at a reasonable early evening DUWL¿FLDOVSRWOLJKWVDQGGRQ WIRUJHW with coin-operated binoculars, acres Park Interpretive Programs". Howev- hour, the spectacular waterfalls illu- ¿UHZRUNV of paving stones, Delaware North's er, like the Niagara Tourism and Con- minated by a breathtaking moon. In a *RW WR KDYH ¿UHZRUNV WRR EH- sprawling food service plaza, park- vention Corporation (NTCC) and the society in which we seem to be getting cause without multicolored spotlights ing lots, ziplines, helicopters, tacky Niagara Falls National Heritage Area, more divorced from nature, especially DQG ¿UHZRUNV QDWXUH E\ LWVHOI NLQG manicured rock gardens and Tesla's in the run-up to and during the tour- the children, that could be a great way of sucks. Supermoons, 12-thousand- misplaced sculpture, any semblance ist season, Park Interpretive Programs to both educate and make some life- year-old waterfalls - it doesn't get of nature or a natural wonder in the spends the bulk of it on-line social long memories. more boring than that. immediate environs of the falls is long

NIAGARA FALLS REPORTER

“The Truth is Always Fair”

CHAIRMAN & EDITOR IN CHIEF Frank Parlato

Managing Editor Senior Editor Dr. Chitra Selvaraj Tony Farina

phone: (716) 284-5595

PO Box 3083, Niagara Falls, NY 14304 email: [email protected] www.niagarafallsreporter.com

. 3 NIAGARA FALLS REPORTER NOV 17 - NOV 23, 2016

Who needs the moon when you've got 50 million candlepower spotlights?

Donati's Comet of 1858 is featured on an antique stereoscope slide of that era.

Imagine what Niagara Falls would look like illuminated by the natural light of a supermoon. 4 NIAGARA FALLS REPORTER NOV 17 - NOV 23, 2016

Councilman Walker to answer in Court for Campaign Finance Violations

If you access the NYS Board of Elections 2I¿FHUV3$& website, click on "Campaign Finance" and $1,400 October 18, 2005 Niagara Falls then "View Disclosure Reports", and type in )LUH¿JKWHUV3$& "Charles Walker", there's sparse information $140 June 11, 2009 Niagara Falls Fire- indeed on City Councilman Charles Walker's ¿JKWHUV3$& FDPSDLJQ¿QDQFHVRYHUWKH\HDUV $70 August 12, 2009 Niagara Falls Fire- Serving on the city council since January ¿JKWHUV3$& RI:DONHULVKDOIZD\WKURXJKKLV¿IWK $790 Sept 10, 2009 Niagara Falls Fire- term. However, the only entries on the Board ¿JKWHUV3$& RI(OHFWLRQVVLWHFRQVLVWRIELDQQXDO-XO\¿O- $350 October 10, 2009 Niagara Falls ings for the years 2009, 2010 and 2016, Janu- ¿UH¿JKWHUV3$& DU\¿OLQJVIRUWKH\HDUVDQG $650 October 27, 2009 Niagara Falls and a little more complete data for 2013 in )LUH¿JKWHUV3$& terms of general and primary election reports. $1,400 October 18, 2005 Niagara Falls Of course, Walker ran active campaigns )LUH¿JKWHUV3$& in 1998, 2002, 2006, 2010 and 2014, so his $300 August 11, 2009 IUOE Local 463 ¿QDQFLDO GLVFORVXUH UHSRUWV RQ WKH %RDUG RI State and Local PAC Elections website should run as long as the $1,000 Sept. 10, 2013 IUOE Local 463 SKRQHERRN,QVWHDGWKHFDPSDLJQ¿OLQJVRI State and Local PAC relatively new councilmembers Andy Tou- $100 July 28, 2004 Committee to Elect ma and Ezra Scott, Jr. nearly eclipse those of Robert Anderson Walker in terms of length and complexity. $100 August 5, 2004 Committee to Elect What really sticks out, and incidentally, Byron Brown led to the four Class A Election Law Misde- $50 October 22, 2005 Friends for Del- meanors he is presently charged with, in addi- Monte tion to reams of missing entries for campaign $300 June 11, 2009 Friends of Paul Dys- contributions and expenditures, is the utter ter lack of information posted for 2009 and 2010, $50 June 17, 2009 Committee to elect consisting simply of "No Activity" entries, as Robert Anderson Niagara Falls Councilman Charles Walker GRWKH-DQXDU\DQG-XO\¿OLQJV $250 August 6, 2009 UA Plumbers and And the sole January, 2016 Contributor list- 6WHDP¿WWHUV/RFDO1R3$& ed is none other than Charles Walker him- $35 August 9, 2009 Friends of Dennis self, who made six payments to his Friends Virtuoso of Charles Walker account ranging from $170 $35 August 9, 2009 Friends of Sam Frus- to $270 from August through December of cione 2015. $500 August 12, 2009 Friends of Antoine ,Q RWKHU ZRUGV WKH UHTXLUHPHQW WR ¿OH Thompson campaign disclosure reports, a bulwark of $500 August 24, 2009 Laborers Local 91 government accountability and necessary tool PAC of democracy, going back nearly two decades $100 August 25, 2009 Bricklayers Allied was virtually totally ignored by Councilman Craft Workers Local 3 Buffalo Chapter PAC Walker. Rather strange behavior for a guy $500 Sept. 8, 2009 Supporters of Antoine who lists a Business Administration and Man- Thompson agement degree from Bryant and Stratton on $200 October 6, 2009 Friends of Dennis his resume'. Virtuoso It was investigative reporting by this $400 October 6, 2009 Laborers Local 91 newspaper, cross-referencing campaign con- PAC tributions that were listed on others' disclo- $200 October 16, 2009 Friends of Paul sure reports, aided by attorney and election Dyster law specialist Peter A. Reese which led to $650 October 30, 2009 Friends of Paul D FRPSODLQW ¿OHG E\ 5HHVH  ZLWK WKH VWDWH Dyster Board of Elections, leading to the councilman $100 August 29, 2013 Friends of Paul being charged. Dyster Here is a list of contributions that should $100 August 30, 2013 Friends of Dennis have, by law, been reported but were not Virtuoso (there may be more that haven't been identi- $500 October 3, 2013 UA Plumbers and ¿HG  6WHDP¿WWHUV/RFDO1R3$& $500 August 15, 2013 Niagara County $100 October 5, 2013 Friends of Dennis Democratic Committee Virtuoso $750 Sept. 4, 2013 Niagara County $1,000 October 8, 2013 Northeastern Democratic Committee Regional Council of Carpenters PAC $1,000 October 19, 2013 Niagara Coun- $70 October 10, 2013 Friends of Jason ty Democratic Committee Zona $500 October 21, 2009 Niagara Falls $100 October 10, 2013 Friends of Paul )LUH2I¿FHUV3$& Dyster $200 April 30, 2013 Niagara Falls Fire 5 NIAGARA FALLS REPORTER NOV 17 - NOV 23, 2016 Walker Will Ultimately be Judged by the Voters

make mistakes, and Walker seems to have Of course, he will ultimately be judged the support of his colleagues on the City E\WKHYRWHUVZKRKDYHJLYHQKLP¿YHWHUPV Council. Chairman Andrew Touma said LQRI¿FHWRVHUYHWKHLULQWHUHVWV:KDWHY- Wednesday he hopes Walker is able to sub- er the reasons, and there could be many, he mit the proper forms to the state elections allegedly has not complied with the state board and put the matter behind him. HOHFWLRQODZDQGQRZ¿QGVKLPVHOIDVDGH- But while Walker and his attorney are fendant while still working for the residents ZRUNLQJKDUGWRVHWWOHWKHFKDUJHV¿OHGE\ of Niagara Falls as a councilman. the Public Integrity Unit of the state attor- Walker has been a deacon at the Mt. QH\JHQHUDO VRI¿FHWKHPDWWHULVQRZSXE- Zion Missionary Baptist Church, a Sun- OLFDQGZKLOHKHKDVIDLOHGWR¿OHKLVGLVFOR- day school teacher, and a lead singer in the sure forms or been late in the past, this is the Male Chorus. He has been manager of the ¿UVWWLPHKHKDVEHHQIRUPDOO\DFFXVHGRI community outreach department at Niagara violating election law. Falls Memorial Medical Center since 2007 In the case of Walker, State Atty. Gen. and a board member of Urban Renewal (ULF6FKQHLGHUPDQVDLGFDPSDLJQ¿QDQFH Agency. Now he can add defendant to his laws exist for a reason--to protect voters otherwise positive resume. and keep our democratic process honest Again, for his sake and for the sake of Council members Kristen Grandinetti, Andrew Touma and Charles and transparent." The idea, of course, is to the city, we hope Walker can recover from Walker as a majority have approved many spending initiatives of keep track of who is giving the lawmaker his problems and try to repair his image in Mayor Paul Dyster. PRQH\WRVWD\LQRI¿FHDQGDVVHVVLIWKHUH V the community. If he wants to continue to DQ\ DSSHDUDQFH RI D FRQÀLFW EHWZHHQ WKH serve as a city lawmaker, he needs to send forms in 2014 and 2015 with the state board donors and his job performance. It is im- a signal to voters that it won't happen again. Tony Farina of elections. portant to keep tabs on lawmakers across If he's able to beat the charges against him, Walker has pleaded not guilty to the the board so that their supporters are not voters may give him a second chance be- charges in Albany City Court and his de- able to, shall we say, buy them without any cause there's no indication he misused the Charles Walker has been a member of fense attorney, Robert Restaino, appears accountability to the public. campaign funds, just didn't report them as the Niagara Falls City Council since 1999, FRQ¿GHQWWKDWWKHPLVVLQJUHFRUGVZLOOVRRQ We certainly hope Walker has learned required by law. but unfortunately he is a lawmaker who has EH ¿OHG ZLWK WKH VWDWH ERDUG DGGLQJ WKDW his lesson, if indeed the charges hold up, Walker is now, so to speak, on the run afoul of the election law, according to there's no claim of any wrongful use of the and that going forward he complies with clock when it comes to his shelf life as a the state attorney general, and he now fac- campaign funds by Walker. all of the laws on the books---campaign or councilman. If he wants to continue as a es four misdemeanor counts for allegedly We certainly understand that people otherwise---as he carries out his duties as a lawmaker, he must comply with the law IDLOLQJWR¿OHFDPSDLJQ¿QDQFLDOGLVFORVXUH city lawmaker. himself. "Change" versus improvement

Jeff Manning continues to expect from their government is improvement. Lewiston Every "change" consumes our limit- ed resources and "change" for the sake of Looking back at the election, one of "change" is wasteful and unproductive. the most overused words by candidates was As an example, would the "change" "change". and activity involved in rearranging the Almost every candidate stated their deck chairs on the sinking Titanic have plan to "change" some aspect of govern- meaningfully improved the outcome? The ment and the implication was that these last eight years should be enough proof that "changes" would make the world better. what was sold to the public as transforma- However, in the world of politics, WLRQDOFKDQJHGLGQRWUHVXOWLQVLJQL¿FDQW promising you will make "change" is just improvement for most of the American the latest "change" from the formerly used public and wasted valuable and limited re- promise to "make a difference". VRXUFHV6RQHZO\HOHFWHGRI¿FLDOVSOHDVH Both terms miss the mark. What the stop "changing" and start improving. American public has always wanted and 6 NIAGARA FALLS REPORTER NOV 17 - NOV 23, 2016 Vindicated, was the Precursor of Donald Trump Frank Parlato it, most women do it, it's part of our culture, it's part of our society. How does that in any way rise to the When Carl Paladino lost to Andrew Cuomo, felonious conduct of Hillary Clinton?" 61% to 34% in the New York State race for gover- He also said later, "For God's sakes, the guy nor in 2010, one of the most liberal nanny states in on the street could give a [expletive] about the vid- America ejected him handily, robustly. eo. It doesn't matter to him. Trump's support didn't They didn't like his brash, self-help, be strong wane one bit over that friggin' nonsense." on your own – without dependence on government When the Washington Post, one of the most message. virulent anti-Trump publications, did a retrospect While Paladino lost statewide, he won all RQ+RZ'RQDOG7UXPSZRQ7KHLQVLGHUVWHOOWKHLU eight counties in Western New York and propelled story, Paladino was featured prominently. the Conservative Party back into third place on the "This is not your normal election," Paladino EDOORW±IRUWKH¿UVWWLPHVLQFH said. "This is a political revolution. . . They see this Paladino, the founder, chairman and former as the answer to something that's been festering for CEO of Ellicott Development, the largest private years and years and years. They know something's landlord in the City of Buffalo, ran for governor on wrong. They know their government has not been the non-pandering platform. straight with them. They know the middle class has In terms of campaigning, Paladino was Don- been left behind. They also know, why do we have ald Trump before there was the candidate Donald good while you betray your responsibilities to your "gutter talk" was "something all normal men do." all these billionaires and why as a working man Trump. constituents... This year's political revolution is Following his comments, protestors gathered am I so poor? 3DODGLQRZDVWKH¿UVWSHUIHFWO\XQDSRORJHWLF turning that sweet life upside down, isn't it? ...Your outside a school board meeting to call on Paladino Finally, the question was posed, "Why does unequivocal candidate. He was "mad as hell" and leaders and peers in Washington and Albany are to be removed from his school board seat because Donald Trump rise?" "going to take a baseball bat to Albany." really out of sorts, suffering irregular bowel move- of his support of Trump. Paladino answered, "Why does he rise? . . . He told the truth. He never minced words, ments. They ... are losing their grip on the popu- 3DODGLQRUHPDLQHGGH¿DQW+HVSRNHZLWK He's a guy that gets pummeled and pummeled and feared what others might think of his words, or lace ... Open your eyes. Ed Cox, Al D'Amato, Karl On Your Side about Trump's tape and the protests. pummeled and he doesn't quit. The American peo- worried about being politically correct. He com- Rove, Mitt Romney and the other Washington and "That's a man showing his sexual prowess," ple see that." pared public service labor unions to pigs. Albany elites .... This is our last request that you he said. "Not every man is capable of that. But And that might be equally said of Paladino He called New York Senator Kirsten Gilli- join Trump for President and try to preserve what's many men are. And that goes on in our culture ev- himself. brand "[Senior Senator Chuck] Schumer's little left of your pathetic careers in government. What- ery day.... It's part of the male thing." He was the pioneer, his approach to politics girl." ever you do, staying neutral is not an option. Pick At the school board meeting, the school board was Donald Trump's modus operendi. He said Obamacare could be more deadly a horse in the race and you may salvage some of took up a petition for Paladino's removal with Despite rejection in liberal, New York than the September 11 attacks. your constituents' respect for you. Not choosing 2,500 signatures. City-dominated New York State, Paladino set out He announced his platform up front. paints you as a coward. The bus is leaving the sta- Paladino didn't back down. Paladino told the path that Trump took to win the presidency. Had he been elected governor, Paladino tion very soon. Get on, or you'll be left behind." News 4 in response to Trump's comments, "You Consequently, Paladino looms large as one planned to cut the state budget by 20 percent, shut In April, shortly after appearing alongside got street talk, gutter talk, whatever, most men do RIWKHLQÀXHQWLDOLQVLGHUVRIWKH7UXPSSUHVLGHQF\ off instant welfare for those who migrate here from Trump while he made his New York victory other states, impose drug testing for welfare recip- speech, Paladino described Obama as "a man who LHQWVFXW1HZ

the start of the race. Entry fee is $30 lunch inside of the fort and access to ($35 after 12/1/16). all buildings and exhibits. Plenty of Race Management Solutions also free parking will be available inside WDNHV¿QLVKOLQHSKRWRVDWPRVWUDFHV of Fort Niagara State Park at/near the These PHOTOS can be accessed from ¿QLVKOLQH7KHUDFHZLOOEHFDSSHGDW the results page on ItsYourRace.com 300 runners so register early to guar- where they can be socially shared on DQWHH\RXUVSRWLQWKLVKLVWRULFHYHQW Facebook at no charge. High resolu- tion images can be purchased for a VPDOOIHHDQGFXVWRPUDFHFHUWL¿FDWHV are also available for FREE once re- VXOWVDUHPDGHRI¿FLDO Finish line and timing services Please join us on Saturday, De- Trophies will be presented to the are being provided by Race Man- cember 10, for the Holiday 5K at Old VWSODFHRYHUDOOPDOHDQGIHPDOH¿Q- agement Solutions. RESULTS will Fort Niagara. ishers and beautiful hand-crafted cus- be streamed live to ItsYourRace.com 6ROGLHUVZLOO¿UHWKHLUPXVNHWVDW WRP¿QLVKHUPHGDOVZLOOEHSURYLGHG where they can be accessed immedi- DPVKDUSWRVLJQDOWKHVWDUWRI WRDOOSDUWLFLSDQWV$JHJURXSDZDUGV ately following the race, or you can the race which will take place entirely will be awarded to the top three male link to Facebook and have your time within Fort Niagara State Park. The and female runners in each of the instantaneously posted to all your course will feature amazing views of IROORZLQJ DJH JURXSV  DQG XQGHU IULHQGV

Council Finishing Up Budget Work

the super majority (four votes) to override Tony Farina any vetoes of their amendments by the may- or when they deliver the budget to him next 7KH1LDJDUD)DOOV&LW\&RXQFLO¿QLVKHG week for his action. The council is also ex- work on the mayor's 2017 spending plan that pected to further reduce the tax rate on home- will now count on Amtrak paying for 63 per- owners and also lower the proposed increase cent of the operating costs ($172,000 a year) in the non-homestead tax rate. for the new station. City lawmakers have tak- Council Chairman Andrew Touma said en a sharp knife to Mayor Paul Dyster's pro- all of the councilmembers worked extremely posed $91 million budget, cutting more than hard to cut expenses and pass the savings on $780,000 from the plan including the hefty to the residents of the city. Touma told the Re- pay raises the mayor had proposed for top porter that the mayor will have the council's staff. amendments in hand late next week, and have With only Councilmember Kristen until Dec. 1 to either approve or veto the coun- Grandinetti in Dyster's corner, the council has cil's work. 8 NIAGARA FALLS REPORTER NOV 17 - NOV 23, 2016

CCS Cancer Patients Deeply Stressed as Loss of Coverage Looms

Tony Farina CCS feel the same way," he said. He plans to meet with his CCS team on Dec. 15 to decide what to do. As we reported last week, more As we reported last week, CCS than 500 cancer patients throughout Oncology feels it is being dropped Western New York are facing the from the Independent Health network loss of their medical insurance cover- EDVHG RQ ÀDZHG GDWD WKDW VXJJHVWV age from Independent Health if they it is charging more than its peers for stay with their current care provider, cancer treatment. Despite repeated CCS Oncology, after Jan. 1, the date requests, Independent Health has re- when CCS oncologists are slated to be fused to allow CCS Oncology to re- dropped from Independent Health's view the cost analysis data. provider network in a fee dispute. Dr. Wom Sam Yi, the CEO and James McGinnis, 59, of North chief medical examiner of CCS On- Tonawanda, is one of those cancer pa- James McGinnis...cancer patient cology, says that data showing CCS's CCS cancer patient James McGin- WLHQWVZKRLVJRLQJWRKDYHWR¿QGD victim of insurance dispute between costs were as much as 50 percent nis was not advised by Independent whole new team of cancer doctors and Independent Health and his care pro- higher for treatment of lung and breast Health until Oct. 28 that he was losing care providers if the cutoff takes place vider, CCS Oncology FDQFHUKDVWREHÀDZHGEHFDXVH&&6 coverage, effective Jan. 1, 2017 as scheduled, even though he has been follows all the same guidelines as oth- decide what to do with this threat of treated by CCS oncologists since he er local cancer treatment groups. the loss of health insurance if I remain cology specialists who have agreed to was diagnosed with metastastic squa- "We've asked them from the be- with my CCS team, this after pay- a value-based reimbursement model." mous neck cancer in August of 2015 JLQQLQJ ZKHQ WKH ¿UVW DQDO\VLV ZDV ing $579.62 a month for four years Independent Health says it has and told he may have only a few GRQH LQ WKH ¿UVW TXDUWHU RI  WR to Independent Health for my family been able to work with other local weeks to live. provide us with the data," said Dr. Yi. insurance plan. The last thing I want oncology providers but has not been "There are close to 600 people out "We've said, give us the data and let WRGRQRZLVWR¿QGDQHZFDUHWHDP able to agree on such an arrangement there [cancer patients] like me who us see... maybe we can learn from our with another care provider to see me with CCS, which negotiates on behalf DUH EHLQJ WROG WR ¿QG D QHZ FDQFHU peers. But they denied giving us the through this." RILWVDI¿OLDWHGSK\VLFLDQV team," said McGinnis during an in- data." McGinnis, a pastor and former It must be noted that Am- terview this week. "We're caught in A clearly frustrated Dr. Yi, who chief of staff with the Niagara Coun- herst-based Independent Health end- the middle of this dispute and I don't leads the CCS Oncology group ty Legislature and also a former per- ed last year with a $44 million loss know what's going to happen and I'm ZLWK RI¿FHV DQG WUHDWPHQW IDFLOLWLHV VRQQHO RI¿FHU IRU 1LDJDUD &RXQW\ on premium revenue of $2 billion, GH¿QLWHO\YHU\FRQFHUQHG throughout the region, has concluded has reached out to the state Dept. of including operating losses of $49.4 McGinnis has been through 33 "they [IH] are trying to put us out of Health for guidance, but was told to million. It was a second straight year rounds of radiation and three rounds business," and CCS will go to court contact his provider. of operating losses. of eight-hour chemo sessions at the ZLWKLQGD\VWR¿JKWWKHFXWRII'U

The world is ready to give up its secrets if we only know how to knock, how to give it the necessary blow. The strength and force of the blow come through concentration. -- Swami Vivekananda 9 NIAGARA FALLS REPORTER NOV 17 - NOV 23, 2016

Niagara Falls youth contribute to, are impacted by High Rate of Violent Crime

ages, over the entire year, when it came James Hufnagel to being threatened or injured with a weapon such as a gun, knife, or club As we reported two weeks ago, the on school property (8.7% vs. 7.3%), 2015 FBI annual report “Crime in the SDUWLFLSDWLQJLQDSK\VLFDO¿JKW  ”, released in late Septem- vs. 22.8%) that leads to an injury that ber of this year, ranked Niagara Falls as requires treatment (4.3% vs. 3.1%) and being the most violent city in New York JHWWLQJLQWRD¿JKWRQVFKRROSURSHUW\ State. (9.1% vs. 8.1%). Based on 555 violent crimes re- Also, in the 30 days leading up to ported for Niagara Falls for 2015, and administration of the survey, one in a population of 48,989, there was more ten (9.9%) of students (vs. 7.4% state- than one chance in 100 that a resident wide) skipped school because they felt was robbed, raped, murdered or assault- including those that resulted in medical drinker, used illegal street drugs, took unsafe at school or on their way to or ed last year. treatment; being threatened or injured prescriptions drugs to get high or was from school. The incidence of bullying The high violent crime rate of Ni- with a weapon on school property; car- a problem gambler, while 19.8% live on school property, physical and sexual agara Falls has impacted the life of high rying a weapon; being bullied; skipping with someone who was diagnosed men- dating violence and rape were higher school students in this city. school because they felt unsafe; and be- tally ill or suicidal. than state averages. According to a November, 2015 ing physically forced to have sex. Nearly three-quarters (73%) of el- The Youth Risk Behavior Surveil- "Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance $ERXW RQH LQ ¿YH   1LDJD- igible 9th through 12th grade Niagara lance Survey also studied 7th and 8th Survey", a research program adminis- ra Falls High School students said they Falls High School students completed graders at LaSalle and Gaskill Preps. At tered by the federal Centers for Disease have had a parent or adult in their home surveys that were included in the study the middle school level, 59.5% reported Control (CDC), the crisis of violence hit, beat, kick or physically hurt them (1,447 of 1,970). EHLQJLQDSK\VLFDO¿JKWZKLFKUHVXOW- endemic to the city of Niagara Falls is and 30.8% report they have witnessed In the 30 days leading up to the sur- ed in treatable injury 6.5% of the time. not restricted to its adult population. someone get shot, stabbed or beaten vey, performed one year ago, 15% of 46.8% say they have been bullied on Compared to statewide averages, in their neighborhood. Over a third high schoolers reported having carried school property, and 27% have, at one Niagara Falls High School students are (34.9%) revealed they have lived with a weapon such as a gun, knife, or club. time or another, carried a weapon such at higher than normal risk in the follow- someone who was alcoholic, a problem Niagara Falls also exceeded state aver- as a gun, knife or club. LQJ DUHDV HQJDJLQJ LQ SK\VLFDO ¿JKWV 10 NIAGARA FALLS REPORTER NOV 17 - NOV 23, 2016 A Bullet Fired at the Power Elite by the American People

Matt Ricchiazzi Later that same day, UK Foreign Sec- retary Boris Johnson arrived in Brussels, where he urged European nations to spend Last Monday, Carl Paladino gave an 2% of GDP on defense, as required by interview to BBC Radio 4's Today pro- NATO, echoing Paladino's key demand. JUDPDQLQÀXHQWLDOSODWIRUPLQWKH8QLWHG "It's a good thing if everyone steps up Kingdom. The same day his interview was to the plate and spends a bit more on de- reported in The Guardian. fense themselves. One of the great things "I think you describe correctly the of- about our government is that we do spend fense which is, if you don't pick up your 2% of GDP on defense," Johnson told The part, as was agreed to many years ago, then Telegraph. "It's important when you're there's going to be a consequence," he said. setting up these EU structures that they "We don't know what that consequence will should be complementary with NATO. You be, but I think most Americans are in favor shouldn't undermine the fundamental secu- of that. They think everybody should pay rity architecture that's looked after us for their fair share. There's no reason why the the last 70 years." United States of America has to put up with It is clear that Paladino – based much the nonsense of caring for the defense and on his recruitment of the President Elect as the security of a country that doesn't pick a candidate – has earned himself enormous Caputo, attempted to woo him into the race culates white men with racism masked as up its fair share." LQÀXHQFH ZKLFK VRPH KDYH VSHFXODWHG with a strategy to defeat incumbent Andrew academics, and commonly peddled as a When he was asked if the Trump ad- could lead to a cabinet appointment. Cuomo. Trump would come to Western liberal arts education. That indoctrination, ministration would insist on a reduction in Paladino was at the genesis of the New York to entertain the idea, even help- predicated on a liberal ideological posture 1$72 V VWDWXV RU UROH 3DODGLQR UHSOLHG Trump candidacy ing local Republicans fundraise, but ulti- that preposterously indicts whiteness, is a "I don't think we're changing the status of Following his unlikely 2010 guber- PDWHO\GHFOLQHGWRVHHNWKHRI¿FH particularly pronounced form of racism that NATO, we're enforcing the agreement as natorial bid, Paladino embarked upon the Instead, Paladino convinced Trump to KDVLQÀDPHGUDFHUHODWLRQVSDUWLFXODUO\HP- it was originally drawn out. Enforcing the task of recruiting Donald Trump to run for VHHNDKLJKHURI¿FH boldened during the Obama administration. agreement is the intent." Governor. In many ways the two men were Paladino sees the nation's geopolitical Clinton's supporters call it misogyny. "It's not to scare people. But they VLPLODU UHDO HVWDWH GHYHORSHUV ZKR ZHUH predicament through the lens of the Rust They argue that her mere presence sug- should, just as the United States has accom- politically astute, in large part because of Belt – colored by the collapse of Ameri- gests that women of her privilege can treat modation for its defense budget, these other the entrenchments of their industry. ca's manufacturing industry and the boldly working-class men with disrespect – she countries are going to have to start mak- Paladino took many trips to New York XQ¿OOHGSURPLVHVWKDWDFFRPSDQLHG&OLQWR- dismisses Trump's supporters as racist, ing accommodation themselves. In other City to meet with the Midtown business- nian-era promises of free trade. sexist, homophobic, or xenophobic – pro- words, times are changing." man, and with political operative Mike It is no small coincidence that the cor- voking an instinctive backlash among men nerstone of Trump's candidacy is built on who resent the power structures of a liberal, Rust Belt discontent and his willingness to dominating elite. throw off the "free trade" agreements that Manly dignity is a big deal for working have decimated domestic manufacturing. men. Trump's appeal, from the very beginning, Trump promises a world free of polit- was to the same constituency that Paladino ical correctness, where men can be men, appealed to so heavily in 2010. unshackled with the burdens of crippling Those voters formed the genesis of taxes and ivory tower regulations. Work- Trump's candidacy for President. ing-class men's wages hit the skids in the That Trump would support cutting in- 1970's era of industrial restructuring; the come taxes; reducing the corporate tax to 1990's era of free trade and the collapse of 15%; eliminating the tax on repatriating domestic manufacturing; and the Great Re- funds from abroad; offer tax credits for cession, caused by predatory lending and industrial modernization; repeal existing industry excess. trade agreements; and repeal Obamacare, In response, Democrats have ignored with its costly mandates and penalties; res- – perhaps even disdained – this blue col- onated strongly with working class voters, lar constituency of grit and pride. That has who were mostly interested in work and a forced the pendulum swing of politics with different economic direction than the stag- more angrily reactionary tones. nating policies of the last eight years. %XWWKDW VKRZSULGHZRUNVPRVWPHQ His opponent – Hillary Clinton – OLNH PRVW ZRPHQ VHHN WR IXO¿OO WKH LGH- served as the Senator from New York for als they've come of age with. For many eight years, carpet bagging her way into blue-collar men, all they're asking for in a RI¿FHZLWKSURPLVHVWRFUHDWHQHZ Trump presidency is the basic human digni- jobs in Upstate that never materialized. Her ty that has been central to America's prom- husband pushed for NAFTA – the dirtiest of ise their entire lives. ¿YHOHWWHUZRUGVLQPRVWSDUWVRIWKH0LG- The Democrats' solution? This month, west – and passed other legislation that sold published an article out factories in Buffalo for Wall Street trad- advising men with high-school educations ers in Manhattan. to take "pink-collar" jobs. Pink collar ref- It made for a visceral contest, with erences service industry jobs historically broad swaths of voters offended by the sup- dominated by women including bank tell- posed (but actually asinine) relevance of ers, waitresses, massage therapists, secre- Clinton's gender, her often two-faced pol- taries, nurses and retail clerks. icy positions, and her alleged (seemingly Some say that kind of elitism only fu- obvious) criminality. els class anger. Culture, not just policy Paladino, for his part, has earned the In many ways Trump's candidacy was thanks and praise of a broad swath of the DUHMHFWLRQRIWKH SXVVL¿FDWLRQ RI$PHULFD populace that has been victimized by a lib- – a process of social engineering that emas- HUDOHVWDEOLVKPHQWEXLOWRQWKHLUYLOL¿FDWLRQ 11 NIAGARA FALLS REPORTER NOV 17 - NOV 23, 2016 Good News: State Will Close West River Parkway and Create Bike Path

· Stops Development—no com- Nate McMurray mercial development, it stays green, Supervisor, Grand Island and · Positively affects property val- I wanted to provide you a proper ues—National Association of Real- update on the meeting last week for tors consistently state that trails, like the bike path. good schools, create an amenity that New York State will move for- increases property values. ward with the Grand Island West Riv- I championed re-purposing the er Parkway closure. parkway into a multi-use bike path ,QVXPPDU\WKHVWDWH VSODQLV because I believe, after much consid- · Safe—removal of 55 mph road, eration and a review of the objective greatest distance from homes, data, that it is the most economically · Affordable—least use of taxpay- feasible, safe and environmentally er money, friendly option for Grand Island. · Environmentally friendly—min- But I have also tried listen to your imal new materials and reuse of exist- concerns, and I have advocated for the A bike path will take the place of West River Parkway, according to New ing asset, removal of the parking lots and for in- York State. ā/RZWUDI¿FLPSDFW²ERWKURDGV creased maintenance. Thankfully, I are under 10% capacity use currently can now report that under the revised clear up any misinformation. home. And for some of you, it has (combined), plan, there will be NO additional park- If you would like to speak with been and will be your home for gener- · Fit for multi-use—duck hunting, ing lots and the state has committed to me in person, I would be happy to set ations. You may feel that it is already snowmobiling, horseback riding, cy- increased maintenance. up a time. Please contact Cyndy at my perfect, so there can be no improve- cling, etc., I know that many of you feel very RI¿FH[RUFPRQ- ments. If my excitement for the plan · Increases maintenance—State passionately about this issue and re- [email protected]. has offended you or made you feel Parks have exclusive control, no lon- main concerned. I hope these materi- Also, the renderings for the proj- some discomfort, I sincerely apolo- ger with DOT, als (including the renderings) help ad- ect are now on display in town hall. gize. It is my deep hope that we can · Prevents parking lots—again, no dress some of your concerns and help I know many of you feel very pas- ZRUNWRJHWKHUWRHQVXUHWKDWWKH¿QDO new lots, sionately about this space. It is your work is a great success. 12 NIAGARA FALLS REPORTER NOV 17 - NOV 23, 2016

Precautions in Niagara Falls, #1 for Burglaries in NY What I want done in New York State me and some for you" process. Mickey Mouse 3. Ending current contracts with the NYPA. How dare they take the majority of (ed. note: our biggest natural resource, , The following and send it elsewhere, without any (marginal) was sent to us EHQH¿WWRXVKHUH by a reader. The 4. Stopping automatic appointment of content seemed people who control important aspects of our worthy of publi- lives. Our current government has too much cation even if we power over things that matter most. One per- have some doubt son, the Governor, allowed to appoint, at will, whether it was whomever he/she pleases, is not acceptable, written by someone actually named Mickey especially in this current corrupt system. Mouse.) 5. Possibly separating downstate and up- I am a frequent reader of the Reporter state. Not secession, although that has crossed and think it is the leading weekly publication my mind, but redistricting. Two separate enti- in WNY. ties falling under one umbrella. As you are most assuredly aware, New I believe that 99.9% of the people in this York States' 20 year cycle of voting on a Con- state do not know they have the right, every John Hazel house. Keep some lights on. Close the blinds stitutional Convention is coming up Novem- 20 years, to vote for a Constitutional Con- so that nobody can see inside. ber 8th, 2017. The option to vote either yea or vention. We need to educate and inform the (Ed. Note: The following is in response Neighbors should challenge any strang- nay on whether or not to hold a Constitutional people. After that the people can make their to the Reporter article last week announcing ers on nearby property or call police. Be alert Convention will be on the State ballot next own choice. that Niagara Falls ranks #1 in burglaries in to vehicles that drive slowly through neigh- year. Never is a word spoken publicly about New York State.) borhoods. They could be burglars looking for I will be voting 'yea.' There are too many this right that New York State voters have. Home burglaries occur most often during opportunities. Get plate numbers and notify problems in New York that cannot be ignored Knowledge is power, knowledge is what the the day, while the residents are at work and police. Car burglaries most often occur when DQ\ORQJHU powers that be, do not like. the house is unoccupied. Most burglars do not vehicles are unlocked. (QGLQJUHWLUHPHQWEHQH¿WVIRUFRQYLFW- want a confrontation. They just want to get in, Never leave your vehicle running when HG6WDWHRI¿FLDOV,I\RXGRWKHWLPH\RXVKDOO get their loot and get out. you run into a store for a brief purchase. Turn lose your dime. Alarm systems are excellent deterrents. off the motor and lock the vehicle. Likewise, 2. Changing how New York divvies up If the alarm is activated, and the police arrive always lock the vehicle while it is unattend- electoral votes. This area is overwhelmed by at the scene in time, the burglar will be caught. ed. Keep garage doors closed and locked and the sheer numbers of liberal voters downstate, HVSHFLDOO\1HZ

Frank Parlato VKRXOGEH&RQVLGHUWKLV come true a year or more later. Perhaps they will sell clothing and Dyster plans for only a couple of other retail items. 5XPRU KDV LW WKDW WKH  ¿UH maintenance people to keep up and clean * * * * * * * * * * * This is the beginning of Seneca hall renovation by Isaiah 61 has once this 20,000 plus square foot train station. veering away from casino businesses to again proven the incompetence of the Are you kidding? Two government The Seneca Gas Station and Retail regular businesses meant to attract the Dyster administration. workers are expected to maintain one of Store is about to open. When it does it general public who have no intention of After spending more than $100,000 the largest train stations in New York? will wipe out local gas stations who don't gambling. ¿[LQJ WKH URRI WKH FLW\ MXVW GLVFRYHUHG Even though Niagara Falls has near- deserve to live in the Dyster world of They want tax free products and will that the back wall is caving in. ly the lowest ridership numbers in New "don't protect local businesses." drive to get them and will ignore the lo- Reminds us of when Isaiah 61 was York, and only about 90 riders on average How can they compete with a tax free cal businesses here who pay giant taxes renovating a home on Centre Street and per day will be inside the building, which gas station? (Niagara Falls is the highest taxed city in forgot to brace it and it collapsed. is bigger than your average supermarket, Of course it may be a boon for local New York). The Reporter said back when the city it still has to be maintained. consumers who can save on gasoline tax- And amid the highest taxes are the no ZDV¿UVWSURSRVLQJWRUHKDEWKH+LJKODQG 6RPHWKLQJ LV ¿VK\ DOULJKW DQG RQFH es. -taxed. $YHDEDQGRQHG¿UHKDOOWKDWLWZRXOGEH ZHVHHWKHOHDVHZHDUHSUHWW\FRQ¿GHQW The retail element of the large store That's the kind of justice New York far less expensive to demolish it and re- that we will discover that Amtrak will be Seneca is building as part of their gas sta- State serves up. build a new building for Isaiah 61. paying a percentage based not on real cost tion should be revelatory. And Dyster remains silent. That was when it was only supposed but some ridiculously underestimated BS How many tax free items will be sold He should propose a tax free zone for to cost $500,000. FDOFXODWLRQ'\VWHUFUHDWHGDVD¿FWLRQWR there remain to be seen but one would the stores in direct competition with Sen- Who knows with the collapsing back save face to get Amtrak in. think that it should wipe out the conve- eca as part of a plan for a level playing ZDOOLILWFDQEH¿[HGDWDOO Like so many of our predictions, they nience stores in the area. ¿HOG After all the money that has already been spent, it may be demolished after all. While everyone is jubilant about the Amtrak lease with the City to move into the new $43 million behemoth train sta- tion, we smell a rat. Has anybody seen the actual lease which spells out how Amtrak is going to pay 63 percent of the overhead costs? 6RPHWKLQJ LV ¿VK\ KHUH (LWKHU WKH ODQ- guage is going to be Dyster-like vague, giving lots of wiggle room for Amtrak – which Dyster will then slide over on city taxpayers, or somehow Amtrak is getting a grant or subsidy to get them to move. Why else would Amtrak go from paying no rent to what is now estimated by Dyster (and very suspiciously, too) at about $170,000. With the city picking up about $60,000 per year. Forget that city taxpayers used to pay nothing for the train station. Also forget the fact that the train sta- tion is going to be empty almost all the time because it is 10 times larger than it

“Such was the will of the Father that his Son, blessed and glorious, whom he gave to us, and who was born for us, should by his own blood, VDFUL¿FHDQGREODWLRQRIIHU himself on the altar of the cross, not for himself, by whom “all things were made,” but for our sins, leaving us an example that we should follow his steps.”

St Francis of Assisi Holiday inspired décor on Display at Lewiston Tour of Homes

A tour of Lewiston homes features holiday inspired decor by WNY designers. The 12th annual Historic Lewiston ton Hill home on Center and North 3rd Street throughout Western New York, Barton Hill A Holiday Gift Market will also open at Tour of Homes will take place on Saturday and Fairbanks apartments at Center and South Hotel, 100 Center Street, Lewiston and DiCa- the Barton Hill Hotel where over a dozen ven- DQG 6XQGD\ 'HFHPEHU  IURP DP WR 3rd Street. millo Bakery, 535 Center Street, Lewiston. dors offer jewelry, home accessories, culinary SPDQGIURPSPWRSP Four trolleys will make a circuit from Tickets include a dessert tasting recep- items such as specialty olive oils, nuts and Homes on the tour will be decorated by Lewiston Village Hall, the Barton Hill Hotel, WLRQDW%DUWRQ+LOO+RWHOEHWZHHQDP chocolate and other holiday shopping items. WNY designers and retailers and feature holi- DQGHDFKRIWKH¿YHKRPHVRQWKHWRXU DQGSPZLWKKROLGD\SDVWULHVIURP'L&D- Leandra Collesano, volunteer coordina- day décor and Christmas tablescapes. Tickets are $25 pre-sale, or $30 on days millo’s Bakery and the Niagara Falls Culinary tor for the 2016 Tour Of Homes in Historic /RFDWLRQV WKLV \HDU LQFOXGH :HVWZRRG of the Home Tour, and are available online Institute and a cocktail tasting, featuring a Lewiston, is soliciting volunteers for tour. Circle in Oak Run, Garden Lane in the Gar- at www.lewistonhometour.com/. Or buy poinsettia cocktail from Hibbard’s Portage Li- Call her at 716-754-4642 to help. Volunteers dens at Oxbow off Mohawk Street, The Bar- DQG SLFN XS WLFNHWV DW :HJPDQV ORFDWLRQV quors and Niagara Falls Wegmans. JHWDIUHHWLFNHW Over 1,200 attended the 11th Annual Tour of Homes. The event is a major fundraiser for the organization.

The Village of Lewiston (formerly known as The Landing) was the site RIWKH¿UVW(XURSHDQVHWWOHPHQWLQ western New York in 1720, where trading started along the river. French explorers arriving from Canada across the river had visited the area as early as 1615. The village, incorporated in 1822, claims to be the "most historic square mile in America". It was named after Morgan Lewis, (pictured) the 3rd .

If the whole world stands against you sword in hand, would you still dare to do what you think is right? 15 NIAGARA FALLS REPORTER NOV 17 - NOV 23, 2016 Thanks to IBEW Local 237 for Lighting Up Schoellkopf Park Niagara Falls Jokes

Much to his chagrin, Mayor Dyster ar- ULYHGDWKLV&LW\+DOORI¿FHWR¿QGWKDWLWKDG Gov. Cuomo visited a pig farm on the been invaded by mice, and complained to Southern Tier and was photographed there. In Seth Piccirillo about it. Piccirillo thought for a DQHZVSDSHU VRI¿FHDGLVFXVVLRQJRWXQGHU moment, and suggested, "Why don't you offer way as to what should be the caption under to pay off their student loans?" the picture.

*** "Gov. Cuomo among pigs," "Gov. Cuo- mo and pigs," "Pigs around Gov. Cuomo," - An Englishman, a Frenchman and a Ni- all are rejected. Finally the editor makes the agara Falls resident are looking at a painting decision. The caption is "Third from left - of Adam and Eve frolicking in the Garden Gov. Cuomo." of Eden. "Look at their reserve, their calm," muses the Brit. "They must be British." "Non- *** sense," the Frenchman disagrees, "They're na- ked, and so beautiful. Clearly, they're French." Mayor Dyster summoned City Adminis- 1R ZD\ WKH 1LDJDUDQ SRLQWV RXW 7KH\ WUDWRU1LFN0HOVRQWRKLVRI¿FHDQGVDLG, have only an apple to eat, and they are being know you've been spreading jokes about me. told they live in a paradise. Obviously, they It's impertinent." live in Niagara Falls." "What are you talking about?" pleaded *** Melson. Joseph A. Ruffolo A man parked his car in Mayor Paul Dys- "I am the Mayor of this city, leading its President & CEO ter's parking space next to City Hall. A police- HFRQRPLFUHQHZDOUHVWRULQJKRSHDQGFRQ¿- Niagara Falls Memorial Medical man rushed to him, shouting, "Are you crazy? dence in our future." Center 0D\RU'\VWHUSDUNVKHUH "No," Melson hesitatingly replied, "I've Just in time for the upcoming holi- NEWS, PRESS RELEASES, "No problem," the man answered, "My not told anybody that joke." days, beautiful Schoellkopf Park on the car has a good alarm system." campus of Niagara Falls Memorial Med- LETTERS TO THE EDITOR ical is again shining brightly as a beacon *** of goodwill for the entire community. Thanks to members of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Lo- cal 237, the park is ablaze with holiday lights, brightening the neighborhood and bringing cheer to the Memorial Park community and to Schoellkopf Health Center residents whose rooms overlook If you have a news tip, a news story, if your the park. organization has a press release, or if you just have something important to say which would be in- This has become a wonderful holi- teresting to our readers in the communities we day tradition and we are grateful to Pres- serve, send it to us by email at news1926@gmail. ident John Scherrer, Business Manager com. Or call at 716-284-5595 Russell Quarantello and the members of All submissions are reviewed carefully and Local 237 for their generous donation whenever possible published in our pages. of time and effort to bring the joy of the season to downtown Niagara Falls.