THE TRUTH IS ALWAYS FAIR FREE OCT 14 - OCT 22, 2014 VOL. 15, NO. 40 FREE
New Operator Arrives With Baggage but Promises Field of Dreams 2 NIAGARA FALLS REPORTER OCT 14 - OCT 22, 2014 New Sal Maglie Operator Ward Has Checkered Past in Arena Football Mike Hudson and Frank Parlato “Every saint has a past, and every sinner a future,” author and playright Oscar Wilde once said, and he could have been talking about Ray Ward, whose proposal to operate Sal Maglie Stadium was, according to Mayor Paul Dyster, the only one received by the city. Completely rebuilt in 1999 under the direction of former Mayor James Galie, who hoped to see it become the home of a minor league baseball team, , Sal Maglie Stadium has fallen into disrepair over the years. Operated by the Niagara Falls City School District primarily for use by its sports teams, the peeling paint and broken seats speak for themselves. A bank of night game lights, struck by lightning three years ago, still hasn’t been repaired. Looking to cut costs, the school dis - trict gave the stadium back to the city, Ray Ward (4th from left) with members of his Mobile Bay Tarpons. Coach Willie Gaston 3rd from left. which then set about trying to find an op - erator. pay for field time no matter where bile, Ala., where he bought a franchise concerned, the victories were bitter - Enter Ray Ward, 42, a Wheatfield they’re playing, could make operating in the Southern Indoor Football League sweet. resident and youth baseball enthusiast Sal Maglie a break even proposition. for the Mobile Bay Tarpons. “Nobody got paid,” he said. “And who saw the facility as an answer to a And the sale of food and soft drinks – “I had a heart attack, went through a this was even after Ward pressured prayer. Ward is a restaurateur by profession – kind of midlife crisis, and I felt like I everyone to get their families to buy sea - “You’ve got a stadium where just might enable him to turn a profit on needed to get out and chase a dream,” he son ticket packages.” Johnny Bench played, Rick Honeycutt the operation. said. Travis Barber was a player. He said pitched, one that saw thousands of pro - “I’m an advocate of youth base - From the start, things did not go about a week before the first game the fessional baseball games over the years,” ball,” Ward said. “That’s what I’m doing well. Ward had about $125,000, nowhere players were asked if they could buy Ward told the Niagara Falls Reporter. here.” near enough to launch a professional their own equipment, and that’s when he “What kid wouldn’t want to play there? Anywhere else this would be a sim - sports franchise. knew it was time to cut ties. But until now, the only ones who got the ple, heartwarming story. But this is Ni - Tarpons head coach Willie Gaston "Everybody wanted it so bad,” Bar - chance were those on the high school agara Falls, where things are rarely said that he and players on the team were ber said. "… there really was a lot of … team.” heartwarming and never simple. becoming increasingly suspicious even effort from the players and coaches, but Ward said that a combination of Back in 2011, Ward sold Ray's San - before the first game of the season. they all got burned. Ray Ward took them elbow grease, sponsorships and contri - born Pizzeria on Saunders Settlement “He seemed like a genuine guy, and for a ride.” butions from the youth leagues, which Rd, and took the proceeds down to Mo - I always thought an arena football team Barber said Ward may have started would work in Mobile,” Gaston told the out with good intentions, but "got in over Reporter. “I signed a contract for the sea - his head” and instead of taking respon - son at $10,000 and never saw a dime of sibility, he just "bailed out and ran.” it.” "Ray Ward had no money.” Gaston NIAGARA FALLS REPORTER Gaston, who was an All Conference said. “But Ray was a smooth talker. He “The Truth is Always Fair” defensive back at the University of Ala - made us believe we didn’t have anything bama and went on to play for the Hous - to worry about.” CHAIRMAN & EDITOR IN CHIEF ton Oilers of the NFL, said Ward showed Meantime, as the season progressed, up in a beat up jalopy and made calls pressure mounted. Frank Parlato using a flip phone held together with Rent to Mitchell Arena where the duct tape. Tarpons played had not been paid, and PUBLISHER “He was slick though. He made a totaled $30,000. Peter Mio killing down here,” Gaston said. Ward said that the league misled him The team’s first two games augured on the price, and dimensions of the sta - MANAGING EDITOR SENIOR EDITOR well. Home field upsets of the estab - dium were actually 10 yards too small Dr. Chitra Selvaraj Tony Farina lished Georgia and Abilene teams had for the team to play regulation games. the fans in Mobile excited, if a little con - Gaston said that on the day of the (716) 284-5595 fused. team’s third game, a road game again PHONE: One fan, Ronald Broughton, who against Abilene, Ward told him he P.O. Box 3083, Niagara Falls, N.Y. 14304 purchased season tickets, said he knew needed to go back to New York in order Phone: E-mail: [email protected] something was amiss when the credit to raise money to keep the Tarpons run - Website: www.niagarafallsreporter.com card transaction appeared on his state - ning. It would be the last time he would ment as a purchase at a Ward’s New ever see the man who had hired him. All contents copyright © 2014 Niagara Falls Reporter Inc. York pizzeria. The road trip was a disaster. The bus As far as Gaston and the team were the team was given to make the 12 hour 3 NIAGARA FALLS REPORTER OCT 14 - OCT 22, 2014 Ward has vision for ‘Sal’ that includes little leagues When the Reporter asked Ward why "Sal (Maglie Stadium) needs a lot of he didn't rebut the harsh criticism that work. It's not like it needs millions of appeared in the local Mobile media at dollars worth of work. The painting of the time, Ward said he had, as a part of the façade, that’s probably the most ex - his contract with Turner, a "gag order" pensive part; the concessions stands are that prevented him from talking about right up there with it but that's what I the sale, which, he said, was for the sum do…. fix up restaurants. I just think if of $10,000. you keep a good product on the field Some of what Ward claims is backed (concession). We will have homemade up by the fact that the SIFL apparently pizza and pretzels. The more comfort - thought Turner bought the team from able you make people, the easier it is to Ward since a letter was sent by SIFL get them to spend money…. I think Sal commissioner Gary Tufford to some 600 is a great venue. It's a missing thing in season ticket holders, saying that Turner Niagara Falls. I think, just focus on Sal (not Ward) should be contacted if they and what it can do for some kids. Since wanted a refund on their season tickets. the early thirties it has created memories; Turner told Lagniappe that the SIFL local baseball is fading and baseball is spent weeks "drawing up paperwork” affordable especially for Niagara Falls… but ultimately the SIFL could not come . Guess what's a cheap sport to play? up with satisfactory terms and Turner de - Baseball. You need a glove, a bat…. clined ownership. "I’d like to see Sal succeed; it de - Sal Maglie Stadium would be a premier place for little leagues.... This went on behind the scenes. serves to succeed; that place is gorgeous. drive had no bathrooms and no air con - did, that the league was falling apart and Publically Ward took all the blame. I don't care what anybody says…. I ditioning. The team was miserable. After he probably thought 'let Ray Ward take Which brings us back to baseball know what kids are playing in… Sal is being beaten badly by the Abilene squad, the blame.'" and Niagara Falls., better. they reluctantly boarded the bus for the At the time, the media was blaming “Look. I’m just trying to save Sal "Right now I have over 100 games ride back to Mobile. Ward. Maglie Stadium,” Ward told the Re - tentatively scheduled. I have 13- 16 year And the bus immediately broke Lagniappe writer, Johnny Davis porter. “I’ve learned from (the Mobile olds that are going to travel out of down. wrote of Ward back in May 17, 2011, experience)... I’ve got a conscience. I felt there… existing travel (little league “We didn’t get back to Mobile until when the team was falling apart: bad about it for a long time and I still feel baseball) organizations that didn't have late Monday,” Gaston said. “Guys got "He came, he saw, and it appears he bad about it. But you live and learn.” a home. Two teams are from fired from their regular jobs. How are screwed us over. You name ‘em ... it Ward said that at Sal Maglie, he will Tonawanda; one from Amherst. you supposed to support your family? looks like Ray Ward screwed ‘em….. He work with Rev. Cal Kern to keep the Ni - "There is nothing like Sal Maglie Now Ward’s was nowhere to be found rode into Mobile a few months ago with agara Power playing there; will field lit - around. It is one of the finest stadiums and I’m dealing with these players who big promises of establishing a legitimate tle league teams and, importantly, Ward you can play little league….. Let’s have never got paid, lost their jobs, and professional sports team. In the end, it will pay rent to the city and make repairs all the kids running through there. Let’s they’re angry.” turned out to be a big sham. himself at the stadium at no cost to the have camps, clinics. It is =an affordable Gaston said he tried to call Ward re - "…Here in Mobile, everybody was city. way for parents to create memories. I peatedly but found that every number he left screwed over: the players, the Also, Ward said, the deal with the have one boy, 11. These are the years had had been disconnected. coaches, the season ticket holders, the city will be on a one year trial basis. when we can create memories. If he can Ward said that he sold the team to sponsors, the Mitchell Center, local busi - If he succeeds, it will be renewed. run out of Sal, that is a memory. I have Roland Turner, a music promoter in Mo - nessmen and pretty much anyone in the "It won't cost the city a dime," Ward had a lot of people come up to me and bile, one week prior to the Abilene trip, area who cares about Mobile. said. say to me 'I used to come up there with and says he has a contract to prove it, "… The players and coaches never Ward described the way he would my dad and the lights were on and they though he couldn’t produce the contract got paid. The season ticket holders didn’t set up teams and provided information were playing ball.' Those are the things as of press time. get an entire season. The sponsors got that showed he had some teams already you want, you want the community in - Turner’s account of the day Ward next to nothing for their money. Ward lined up for games- at reduced prices. volved and it's affordable. Baseball is an left town - as told to the Alabama publi - skipped out on a nearly $30,000 tab with Little league playing at Sal Maglie. affordable sport." cation Lagniappe, was different than the Mitchell Center. Local businessman When the school district operated it, Will Ward prove to be a savior or a Ward's: "Ray kept calling my phone, but Roland Turner says he is out nearly they charged $1,100 per game - which charlatan? I didn’t answer because I was on a con - $40,000 because of Ward. Ward even made it out of reach for little league Will he be a saint with a past or a ference call. Then I look in my rearview walked out on equipment and apparel teams. Ward said he will be charging sinner with a future? mirror, and Ray is behind me flashing debt to Bowen Sports and Riddell. Ac - $150 per game, just enough to break Only time will tell. his lights. So I pull over, and Ray (was cording to Turner, the money for several even - and affordable for teams. upset) claimed to have heart problems, pairs of shoulder pads ended up coming In his own words, Ward explained: so I was worried he was having a heart out of the paycheck of a local Riddell attack. I tried to make sure he was OK, representative. but he was just saying, ‘Man, I have to "And indeed, he even got us. The go. I have to get to New York today, but Tarpons had an advertising contract with I don’t have any money to get up there.’ Lagniappe. So I gave him $1,500 and sent him on "Altogether, it’s a pretty sizable list his way. He called me a little later saying of people Ward burned, but there may be he had a flat tire, so I sent a mechanic countless others who just haven’t come and a tire out there to him. And I haven’t forward. heard from him since ... yep, he got me.” "In an interview before the season, Ward disputes Turner's contention, Ward told me he would be here 30 years saying Turner made him the "fall guy," if that’s what it took to make the Tarpons when he decided not to field the team. successful. So what went wrong? Was he Ward said, "I left thinking he was the lying? Did he come to Mobile planning owner and I suppose he realized, like I to screw us all over?" ‘Sal’ needs work, but Ray Ward says he can do it, at no cost to city. 4 NIAGARA FALLS REPORTER OCT 14 - OCT 22, 2014
With $9 M Deficit, Cuts Won’t Comcitey's s aEvingas acscoyunt - called "fund bal - Frank Parlato ance" - that every municipality has for The Niagara Falls Reporter has emergencies and unexpected expenses. learned there is an estimated $9 million Dyster took $4.4 million from savings to shortfall expected in the 2015 budget for balance the budget last year. the City of Niagara Falls. One might expect the same this year, The $9 million gap is the difference which will all but drain remaining fund between what the city expects to collect balance, savings that date back to the from property and sales tax, state aid and Anello administration. other revenues and what the administra - Additionally, last year Dyster took tion of Mayor Paul Dyster plans to $5 million of casino money to balance spend. the budget. One should expect the same Dyster is required to present a bal - this year. anced budget to the council, which With these two items, he may bal - means he must close the gap. ance the budget this year. He has limited options. But not solve the structural deficit By state law, the maximum Dyster problem. can raise taxes is about two percent, Next year, and the next, the city will which means he can raise less than $1 spend more than it takes in. million through tax hikes, unless he can This may be the last year Dyster can secure state approval for a larger in - raid savings and tap casino cash. crease as he attempted to do in 2012. The workplace of $100,000 department heads in one of the highest In addition to the $1.5 million a year The deadline for such a request ap - taxed and poorest cities in America. he and the council committed to USA pears to have passed, however. Niagara, the mayor committed $4 mil - over $100,000 per year through over - jority - of Kristen Grandinetti, Andrew If he cannot raise taxes more than $1 lion a year of casino cash to Gov. time. These unions are strong and its Touma and Charles Walker - agreed to million, he can perhaps cut costs to Cuomo's economic development contest members vote. Overtime cuts - which restore the subsidy to USA Niagara - at shave the other $8 million shortfall. in Niagara Falls. Dyster told the Niagara Gazette, Between this, and the rising cost of "there's a structural problem (budget) municipal debt - and other casino cash and most of it is due to payroll." commitments - combined with declining Payroll - as it is today - was negoti - casino revenues- it dropped more than ated in the past by Dyster and the unions $1.4 million between 2012 and 2013, - and is dictated now by labor contracts. and is expected to drop again in 2014 - Dyster cannot cut hourly wages for little casino cash will be available in the union workers. He could cut a few non- future to balance budgets. union employees - mainly department While Dyster has inherited pension heads. and payroll problems from previous ad - During the administration of Mayor ministrations, most of the deficit is of his Vince Anello, eight years ago, the aver - own doing. Anello left office with mil - age department head’s salary was lions in surplus, which Dyster spent. $50,000. Salaries of $100,000 for Dys - Dyster also had something past ad - ter’s department heads are common - ministrations did not have: Access to place. tens of millions of casino cash. He chose In 2011, Dyster gave raises all to spend much of it on "economic devel - around when he ran for re-election, opment" projects, which apparently have Mayor Paul Dyster must bridge a $9 million budget gap that, for the which happened to coincide with similar created no new revenues for the city. most part, he created. increases he approved with union con - Revenues are almost exactly what tracts negotiated during his election year. they were during the Anello administra - are hugely unpopular with workers who a reduced, but still hefty, $1.5 million a A smart ploy, unions often agree to tion, while expenses rose 25 percent. have built their lifestyle around overtime year - for events and parties at Old Falls contracts that expire during election Dyster's use of casino cash on low years. And smart politician: after Dyster and who vote - are likely to be small. St. and for subsidizing conferences at the agreed to huge union concessions in While Dyster has permitted substan - conference center. 2011, he picked up union endorsements. tial overtime for a small group of city That single increase - although com - Now, faced with a deficit, he can't hall employees, even if these are cur - ing from casino money - all but offset cut union wages. If he cut 20 percent of tailed, it won't amount to $400,000. the savings Dyster could get from com - the salaries of his department heads, it Payroll, layoffs, tax increases, over - bined cuts of payroll, overtime, layoffs wouldn't save $500,000. time cuts- all told might equal $2 mil - and a two percent tax increase in 2015. The next place is layoffs. lion. In past years, Dyster drained the Despite a bloated municipal work - What else could be cut? force of 656 employees, it will be a chal - Last month, rather than cutting, Dys - lenge to cut jobs. Firstly, 2015 is an ter increased spending by adding some - election year for Dyster. Most city work - thing the old council cut out of the ers and their families vote. budget. Even if Dyster cut 10 jobs, that In 2012, Dyster proposed laying would save only about $700,000. Cut - off30 people. But the old council major - ting even 100 jobs won't be enough. ity - of Sam Fruscione, Glenn And that's not going to happen. Choolokian and Robert Anderson - Overtime is next. chose instead to keep the jobs and cut the The cheerful mind perseveres Union contracts on "manning levels" city's $3.1 million annual subsidy to and the strong mind hews its USA Niagara. This closed a large portion way through a thousand diffi - encourage loads of overtime especially Come unto me, all ye that labour of the 2013 shortfall with a single cut. in police and fire. Many policemen and and are heavy laden, and I will give culties.” firemen double their salaries and earn But Dyster and his new council ma - you rest. Mathew 11:28 Swami Vivekananda Tapping casino cash and savings is temporary fix million more than it takes in each year. sultant: $95,000 (How many grants were ** Development consultants achieved?). $72,000 (what development?). ** Code Enforcement got nine new ** Ice Pavilion renovations on "old" Ford Escapes: $210,595 (couldn't they locker rooms $300,000. And a consultant have gone another year?). on how to renovate those locker rooms: ** DPW Director Dave Kinney got $94,500 ((That's $400,000. Couldn’t a brand new $40,000 SUV. His old one brand new locker rooms for amateur was only three years old and had 50,000 hockey players hold a year of two?). miles on it. (Wouldn’t most people fac - ** Train station: $5,224,000. A new ing a budget crisis keep their three-year- train station Is it really needed for a near old car another year?). bankrupt city? ** Then there were consultants. One ** Hard Rock Concerts: $369,500. got paid $7,329 to consult on what kind How can a city justify paying for con - of signage was needed for LaSalle Wa - certs and at the same time look at tax in - terfront and Griffon Park. There was a creases and layoffs? small 50-page park study that cost ** Niagara Falls Blues Festival: $57,000. $30,000. ** Membership in Buffalo Niagara ** Downtown Parking Study: Des - Enterprise: $50,000. man Associates $112,430. ** Besides the garbage and recy - Among the many lavish casino expenditures was this $100,000 ** Holiday Inn: $550,000. The city cling totes, which cost $2,214,449, the playground at Griffon Park. In any real world where money is care - built a restaurant for a millionaire hotel mayor miscalculated the cost of the fully spent this playground would have cost $30,000. owner. garbage contract. Additional funds for income housing and other, arguably, un - But there is little political will for ** NFC Development Corporation Modern Disposal: $284,622 for 2014. necessary projects and extravagant pur - such frugality. grants: $368,581. Do city officials, who ** Then there was the repaving of chases, instead of using it for items that Consider the decision to use $6,000 can't figure out how pay the city's bills, City Hall's parking lot: $468,720. (Could were otherwise paid for out of the city's of casino money to buy senior planner have the qualifications to decide which this have waited?). businesses should get a taxpayer gift? And the list goes on …. The NFC's track record is poor. Many After awarding millions to all sorts businesses went out of business after of plans and schemes since June 18, getting the money. 2013, when the $89 million (four years) ** Then there are gifts to not-for- in casino cash was released, casino cash profit corporations, organizations that in has been used for everything from roads other municipalities must fund them - to consultants to concerts to overtime to selves. New Jerusalem Reporting Center trucks and cars. for Boys $90,000; Isaiah 61: $500,000 - It has been used as city money for all - to renovate an old fire hall for offices city things. It should now be used fru - and a store. (Within one week of the ap - gally. propriation, the executive director quit This city, under Mayor Dyster, has and moved to Utica);Community Mis - not been frugal and, while, for now, he sions: $150,000. (The not for profit has can drain savings and tap casino cash, if IRS tax liens and the city bailed them this extravagance does not change, the out); Niagara Military Affairs Council: city is headed for a control board in the $160,000 and the list goes on. near future. These may be good organizations, Then the cuts won’t come voluntar - but the city cannot pay its own bills. ily. And they'll come deep. ** Then there was a dose of ques - tionable expenses: A grant writer con -
Dyster and his council - except Glenn Choolokian - approved $500,000 to fix up this old fire hall on Highland Ave-- for a not for profit corporation. general fund, may be the problem. Tom DeSantis new carpets and drapes For example, instead of giving $4 for his offices. When a city hall official million in casino cash to the state each was asked, "why buy new carpets at a year, he might have told Gov. Cuomo he time like this," the person said, "the has to fund his own contest - with some amount is so small it wouldn't even of the $80 million the state gets annually move a decimal point." from Seneca Niagara. While that is true, frugality often be - That $4 million of casino cash could gins small: "Many a mickle makes a go towards, for example, roads instead. muckle," is an old proverb which means It would qualify for the legal use of a lot of small amounts, put together, be - casino cash, for good roads are neces - come a large amount. sary for economic development. To prove the point, here are a few And Dyster might have told USA small (and large) expenses approved or Niagara that if they can't make enough spent by the city in the last year out of money running concerts and parties on casino cash that might have been post - Old Falls St., or if conference goers can’t poned or foregone. Added together, they pay enough for their own conferences, would have gone a long way toward cur - the city can't pay for it either. ing the problem of a city spending $9 6 NIAGARA FALLS REPORTER OCT 14 - OCT 22, 2014 Late Budget Should Come as no Surprise
Neither Should Size of Deficweiret running for re-election. Instead, Mike Hudson using around $4.4 million in general For the third year in a row, the city fund reserves and another $5 million in has spent considerably more than it has Seneca casino cash, he covered his taken in. And Dyster missed the Oct. 1 shortfall. deadline mandated by the City Charter Rather than blame his chronic short - for handing his proposed 2015 budget falls on the city’s out of control corpo - over to the city council, just as he did rate welfare program, subsidized rock two years ago. concerts or white elephant projects such as the new train station, the mayor claims that his out of control spending is, well, out of his control. “It’s no secret where the deficit is coming from,” the mayor said. “It’s Bob Anderson – responded with a increase was avoided. driven by the personnel costs.” hearty, “Hell no!” and, working with In 2013, Dyster couldn’t very well City Controller Maria Brown, found raise taxes since his Council allies, Kris - ways to cut costs so that the massive tax ten Grandinetti and Charles Walker,
When it comes to hosting rock concerts or beer festivals, Ni - agara Falls Mayor Paul Dyster can’t be beat. But when it comes to turning in a balanced budget on time, well, not so much.
“We’re working very diligently to address what’s an ongoing structural issue in the budget,” the mayor said. “The gap we’re facing is larger than an - ticipated.” Why this should be so when the gap has existed in each of the past three years is uncertain. The city simply spends sig - nificantly more than it takes in. Who can forget Dyster’s famous “disaster budget” of 2012, when the city took in $78 million in revenues and spent a whopping $88 million. Dyster’s solution was simple: he sought a whop - ping 8.3 percent tax increase from the city’s already overtaxed property own - ers. The council majority at the time – Sam Fruscione, Glenn Choolokian and
If the whole world stands against you sword in hand, would you still dare to do what you think is right? 7 NIAGARA FALLS REPORTER OCT 14 - OCT 22, 2014 DeSantis Redecorates as City Debt Grows City Planner, Tom DeSantis, the sites, the average cost of carpet, includ - about eight times the cost of average, de - man who gave us the train station, the ing pad and installation, is from $12 to cent carpeting. Underground Railroad Interpretive Cen - $15 per square yard. Somebody is either making a huge ter, countless studies and conflicting DeSantis' suite of offices is about 50 killing on this carpeting or DeSantis is plans of the Jayne Park renovation, is re - square yards. going to get the quality of carpet people decorating his city hall office. With $4,950 for his carpets, taxpay - put in million-dollar homes. On the council agenda for tonight ers are paying $100 per square yard, or (Oct. 14) is item #2 that will see Mr. Tom’s offices get new rugs and drapes to the tune of $6,175. The cost of the rugs and drapes is being covered not by the general fund and not by casino cash. It is being paid Senior Planner Tom DeSantis with “casino cash interest.” wants new carpets and he is Just when you thought you heard going to get them.... You’ll pay every type of expenditure in the Dyster for them... administration, the mayor comes up with the Planning Department office necessi - one more way of surprising us. tate the replacement of both.” “Casino cash interest.” The irony doesn’t escape the Re - In the face of a $9 million city porter. deficit, the Dyster administration is The man who is chiefly responsible going to update DeSantis’ working quar -
At the incredible cost of $100 per square yard, Senior Planner Tom DeSantis’ new carpets may be the costliest in the city... But hey, the best, deserves the best..... ters: $4,950 for rugs, $1,225 for window for most of the major, misguided, and al - blinds. ways costly city projects is – in the midst The supporting information from the of budgetary calamity – refreshing the mayor reads, “…deteriorated conditions digs of his city hall lair. of the window blinds and carpeting in Several years ago DeSantis dropped more than $35,000 into a home kitchen renovation. He failed to get building per - mits for the work, was exposed in the Reporter, and consequently had to make good on the permit fees. We’re not sure why Tom skirted the building permit laws but at least he was spending his own money on everything including the kitchen sink. This time his rugs and drapes are on the taxpayer. The agenda item doesn’t say what color the new rugs and drapes are, but there is one puzzling aspect: the high cost of carpet for the small amount of of - fices being carpeted. According to www.carpetsupersite.com, and other 8 NIAGARA FALLS REPORTER OCT 14 - OCT 22, 2014 Dyster Deficit by Any Other Name Means Higher Taxes funded these structural deficits by rely - Anna M. Howard ing on ‘one-shots’ such as fund balance All together now, put your lips to - and surplus moneys remaining in the gether and say with me: “structural capital project fund…while the City has deficit.” been significantly affected by the casino If you don’t say it, if you don’t know revenue impasse, its financial condition it, if you don’t learn it, you’re going to has worsened significantly due to its fall behind the Niagara Falls information budgeting practices.” curve, and be left in the dust as the next While the state’s recommendations six weeks of municipal budget drama for fixing the city budget deficit were passes over your head. numerous, two key recommendations The Dyster administration is $9 mil - were: “1.The Mayor and Council must lion in debt. develop structurally sound and realistic As the city hall story goes, the debt budgets. 2. City officials should prepare is no longer a simple “debt.” It’s no and adopt a multiyear financial plan.” longer a case of more money going out There you have the state audit’s ad - than coming in. vice in a nutshell. No, the city has a “structural” Advice the mayor ignored. deficit. Read the full version of the state In a Dyster city hall where wasteful comptroller’s audit online by searching projects (courthouse, train station, Un - for “City of Niagara Falls Financial derground Railroad Interpretive Center) Management and Information Technol - are called “transformational initiatives,” ogy Report of Examination Period Cov - a formerly simple matter of owing more ered January 1, 2009 – January 9, 2013 2013M-47.” money than you possess has been re- This screen shot of the Niagara Gazette web page carries an almost Read this document and get the phrased as a “structural” deficit. perfect irony. The website had these two top stories: background of what really happened to The truth of the matter is that the The first is that the "City facing funding gap..." the city’s finances. You’ll want to stay first use of the word “structural” in re - The second is that the city is giving away $150,000 in public money fully informed as the next six weeks dra - gard to the city budget problems was to a developer for more low income housing "to renovate former matically unfolds. contained within the New York State school administrative building..." Comptroller’s audit of Niagara Falls in Now, repeat after me, “structural spring of 2013. shortfall into a matter of “structure.” million annually.” deficit.” That audit from Thomas DiNapoli’s Dyster has turned a deficit into And on page 10, “The City has office reported that the city was relying something that can be repaired, sort of on “one-shot” budget fixes and casino like fixing the roof of a structure when it cash that didn’t exist in order to keep the leaks. budget balanced. Dyster’s nimble re-positioning of The term “structural deficit” was the $9 million shortfall has, in his mind, originally a criticism of the Dyster ad - removed him as the leading cause of the ministration’s money management style, problem: his irresponsible spending. issued by the comptroller of New York Not so fast, Mr. Mayor. State, DiNapoli, a fellow Democrat. From page 9 of the state audit, “We In a city hall where things are rarely found that the City had a pattern of struc - what they seem and information is rou - tural budget deficits, meaning recurring tinely withheld from those who file free - revenues were not sufficient to fund re - dom of information requests, Dyster has curring expenditures. During our audit taken the deficit he ran-up and uses the period (2009-2013 budgets) the general phrase “structural deficit” as if some - fund’s budget gap averaged $12.4 mil - thing was broken and simply needed a lion. City officials balanced the budgets repairman with a box of tools to make it using fund balance (i.e savings or re - well. serves for emergencies) and an estimate Dyster has turned a vast monetary for casino revenues that averaged $5.3 9 NIAGARA FALLS REPORTER OCT 14 - OCT 22, 2014 Oh, Budget How do I Cut Thee… Let Me Count the Ways with the outside engineering firm. It’s agara to operate the Conference Center Anna M. Howard time for the Dyster administration to hire and events and parties on Old Falls St. It’s not the job of the Niagara Falls a city engineer and stop the costly con - Close the DPW Trash Office. The Reporter to run city government, but, sulting and overtime due to the lack of office sprang up out of thin air this sum - since the $9 million shortfall represents an engineer. mer with at least three employees, office a looming municipal tragedy that has Stop all casino cash spending and space and vehicles. Close it and don’t within it the power to bankrupt Niagara immediately draft a casino spending- look back. Falls and turn the city over to a control plan to be shared with the residents in a Determine, now, what it will cost to board, we feel a duty to present recom - spirit of transparency. open, operate and maintain the train sta - mendations. Cancel the work forced upon the tion. Dyster wants a private firm to run If we were running city government Cayuga Island neighborhood at Jayne the station…what will that cost? Park. Call Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s office we would: in the near future. Bring in financial advisors carrying and respectfully tell them the city cannot All department heads, along with the Review fire and police since they no conflicts of interest from the private afford the $4 million per year fee to co mayor and city administrator, should represent more than 40 percent of the sector to review the city’s debt and debt sponsor Cuomo’s economic develop - take minimum 10 percent cuts in pay. It budget. This is public safety, but it’s time structure. ment challenge contest. saves money, sets an example and sets to review staffing levels, overtime and Ask the state comptroller for assis - Make a serious effort to collect out - the tone for all to follow. efforts that result in inflated pension tance in meeting the demands and rec - standing traffic tickets, an effort that All overtime must be ended except costs. Lockport, with less serious fiscal ommendations of the 2013 State won’t involve a consultant who walks for fire and police and even there - only problems than Niagara Falls, is making Comptroller audit of Niagara Falls gov - away with most of the money. where absolutely needed. these cuts as you read this. ernment. Take back the Hamister parcel and No more purchasing of vehicles, of - No more contracts for consultants. Bring back the $500,000 of casino find a developer with cash in hand that fice furniture, computers, rugs etc., for It’s time for the mayor and his depart - cash that was awarded to the Isaiah 61 will pay the city what the land is worth. now. ment heads to do their own work and program and stop all rehabilitation work Painful reading isn’t it? Any city positions currently un - planning. Step up. at the Highland Avenue fire hall imme - Expenditures have consequences. filled, open, or expected to open due to No more legal consultants. With the diately and demolish the building, sav - No one said it was going to be easy. retirement should remain unfilled and use of outside law firms, the law depart - ing the costs of future wasteful rehab Certainly, not Mayor Paul A. Dyster. closed out. ment overhead has risen astronomically efforts. The unions must be brought respect - since 2008. It’s time for the law staff to Bring back the $1.5 million of fully to the table as partners to the solu - step up. casino cash that was given to USA Ni - tion and be told that there are no raises Immediately end the city contract
Dyster Polling Starting Already for 2015 Candidacy? Over the past weekend an automated prefer for mayor in a field of Paul Dys - cial’s control. phone poll was launched in an attempt to ter, Johnny Destino, Glenn Choolokian, In the end it doesn’t matter what take the pulse of candidate Paul Dyster. Charles Walker and Robert Restaino? causes the drop in popularity. That drop, People receiving the call informed This poll is concerned only with po - once it begins in an almost imperceptible the Reporter that the poll had six ques - tential Democratic candidates for mayor. fashion, picks up momentum with the tions: How do you rate the mayor’s per - At the close of the poll the recorded officeholder eventually suffering politi - formance? Would you vote for him voice states, “This poll was not paid for cal death by a thousand cuts. again? Do you think it’s time to give an - by a political candidate or party and was It’s possible the poll was ordered by other person a chance? How do you rate conducted by Damon Associates.” Buffalo businessmen that supported Paul Mayor Dyster’s leadership? Is Paul Dys - Was the poll ordered by Democratic Dyster from 2007 until now. Are those ter accessible to residents? Who do you operatives as a means to assess the Buffalo supporters preparing to set can - chances of Dyster win - didate Dyster aside in favor of a new, ning a third term? Or did more likeable mayoral candidate in Councilman Glenn Choolokian Republicans conduct the 2015? named in poll as possible may - poll so that they could oral rival for Paul Dyster. determine who is likely to be the Democratic pri - mary winner? Either way, it is clear that the poll is meant to determine if the bloom is off the Dyster rose? Every candidate elected multiple times inevitably reaches the end of their shelf life be - fore the end of their final term as they “wear out their welcome.” Their end could be due to fail - ings of the candidate, bad luck or the incon - venient timing of events beyond the elected offi - 10 Destino, Brochey Join CWM Opponents
In Seeking Extension of Permit Promcore tismse to study the thousands of Tony Farina pages of documents associated with the The opposition to the proposed ex - CWM permit application. pansion of Chemical Waste Manage - A total of 18 groups including the ment’s Town of Porter hazardous waste Great Lakes Sport Fishing Council, the landfill is still a rallying point for envi - League of Women Voters, and the West - ronmental interests and many other citi - ern New York Environmental Alliance zens and public officials concerned with joined with RRG in requesting the exten - the future safety of nearby schools and sion. the impact on tourism, farming, and the CWM spokesman Lori Caso is on Great Lakes with 44 more acres of toxic the record saying “as the state’s only waste. hazardous waste landfill and with the Chemical Waste Management wants Johnny Destino and Dennis Brochey discuss the effort to delay current facility running out of space, to expand its 710-acre landfill by 44 the decision on granting CWM a permit. The company seeking a there is a need for the additional 44 acres, enabling it to accept more than DEC permit to take in more hazardous waste. acres. four million more tons of hazardous The company recently defended Gazebo to report that opponents have re - Brochey expressed their concern for the waste at the site, located just 10 miles their expansion efforts in a letter to the quested more time for public comment health and safety of the region that could from Lake Ontario and the Great Niagara Falls Reporter, saying the toxic from the State’s Department of Environ - be compromised by four million more Lakes—which contain 20 percent of the waste dump provides safe disposal for mental Conservation to examine the tons of potentially dangerous toxic liquid fresh water of the planet. It is also manufacturers, for cleanup projects, and 30,000 pages of documents associated waste. in close proximity to the Lewiston- a lot of people depend on CWM to pro - with the permit application from CWM. Destino expressed concerns about Porter Schools and the Niagara River. vide that service. April Fideli, president of Residents the possible negative impact to the sur - According to the Sierra Club Niag - While the expansion could provide for Responsible Government (RRG), rounding $120 million agricultural in - ara Group, Chemical Waste Manage - some temporary construction jobs, it is said opponents to the expansion are dustry and said the expansion of the ment has already discharged PCBs into the long-term view of many of the oppo - seeking an additional 90 days for the landfill “may impact our ability to grow the nearby water supply and “the EPA nents that in reality, the potentially dan - public comment period, extending the the region,” saying “we have already re - has said all landfills eventually leak, and gerous new waste site could negatively current deadline of Oct. 20 to Jan. 20, ceived several generations of toxic waste this process has already begun at affect the local economy, starting with 2015. She said that so far the state has and that’s enough. It’s time to put an end CWM.” the agricultural industry which is the not responded to a Sept. 24 letter seeking to being the state’s dumping ground.” State Senate candidate Johnny Des - backbone of the region. And what price the extension. Supervisor Brochey said he was tino and Lewiston Mayor Dennis do you put on a safe environment for Both Destino, a candidate for the concerned with the potential environ - Brochey joined with representatives nearby schools and public waters, they 62nd State Senate District that includes mental danger posed by the new landfill, from several local groups on Monday ask? We’ll keep you posted. all of Niagara County, and Supervisor and joined with the others in requesting (Oct. 13) at Lewiston’s Hennepin Park 11 NIAGARA FALLS REPORTER OCT 14 - OCT 22, 2014 Dominic’s Little River an
Undiscovered Treasure Herglaece on a steak and it is out of a bag or Whether Mike Hudson a can. I roasted these veal bones for four steak, pasta, or five hours and I cooked them for Delicious food at reasonable prices. chicken, or seven days to get the sauce that you That’s the story of Dominic’s Little Dominic’s had,” he said. “I always try to take it to River Bar & Grill, a LaSalle institution classic surf the highest possible level that I can.” that refuses to rest on its laurels. and turf, the To say that the cocktails and wine Located on the upper Niagara River presentation glasses at Dominic’s are amply poured on Buffalo Avenue, Dominic’s Little is splendid, would be an understatement. Service is River is truly a diamond in the rough. the portions fast and friendly and the park-like sur - The atmosphere and staff are great and generous, the roundings along the placid waters of the there is a beautiful view from the outside taste exquisite Little Niagara make for a wonderful din - dining area. - and best of ing experience. Dominic’s is nationally known for all - the price Whether you’re looking for a new its seafood risotto, but try the chicken is fabulous. breast with spinach, bruschetta tomatoes, spot to catch the Bills on a Sunday after - provolone cheese, roasted red pepper After 4 p.m., the chefs hand cut 14 in your mouth. noon, a fabulous Friday night fish fry, or mashed potatoes You won’t be sorry! different 100 percent certified black As Chef John Jourdain, owner of just a place to relax, have a good meal For lunch, there’s a full selection of angus steaks, including the slow roasted Dominic’s Little River, explained, the and enjoy some live music on a Saturday burgers, including buffalo and wild boar, prime rib for which Dominic’s Little demi-glace sauce that graces many night, try Dominic’s Little River Bar and along with pulled pork sandwiches, hot River is justly renown. Cut it with a fork dishes at the restaurant is a labor of love. Grill. dogs, wings and different pasta dishes. tender, the rare prime rib literally melts “A lot of restaurants will put demi- You’ll be glad you did!
What Work Will Actually Be Done At Jayne Park? The Jayne Park "improvement" plan canoe launch. is back before the council. Tonight’s If agenda item #8 passes - as it is ex - (Oct. 14) agenda lists item #8 that will pected to do - it will bring a modified - see the “park work” awarded to low bid - but not defined -project to Jayne Park der Scott Lawn Yard Care at a cost of and residents will see changes to their $269,115. quaint, quiet park. Yet from 2009, until What the “work” consists of is un - this moment, Dyster and DeSantis have known since there was no information or not shared detailed information as to explanation on the city website. The what they are actually planning. council also was not provided with How can the council vote to approve copies of the actual bid. the project without knowing what it is The agenda item states the project specifically? will be paid from “a combination of a How can one of the loveliest and grant with the Environmental Protection highest tax paying neighborhoods in the Fund (EPF) and General Fund Balance, city witness work starting there without code H0612.2006.0612.0449.599.” a clear picture of what is going to hap - The Dyster administration does not pen? clearly refer to the funding line by name Cayuga Island resident, Tina but instead chose to describe it by its Cosentino Flynn, last Friday (Oct. 9), computer budget code. writing on the Niagara Community The residents of Cayuga Island Facebook forum, stated, “What I am where Jayne Park is located have been While renderings of work to be done at Jayne Park appear on the city wondering about is the Jayne Park up - told since 2009 that the project was cov - website, the actual $260,000 contract that describes the work to be grade that was being done with grants, ered by a Greenway “grant.” done is nowhere to be seen. so they said. This shows (agenda item) Yet more than $130,000 will be that the city is also paying for it with the taken from city coffers to "improve" Park from an all-green neighborhood ing residents and, from 2009 until this general fund. If the city budget is short, Jayne Park, which apparently comes as park to a regional attraction. Plans called summer, frustrated and angry residents why are we doing something that no one a surprise to some who thought the work for the building of a canoe launch, a kept Dyster and DeSantis at bay, once asked for and is not wanted?” on Jayne Park was going to be grant flood-lighted parking lot (there is no signing a petition with more than 350 Jerry Craig, writing on the same money. parking lot now), paved walking paths, signatures, expressing their dismay with forum, stated “Looks like they’re trying In 2009, Mayor Paul Dyster and in-ground signage, elaborate picnic the plans. to put in that damn canoe launch, park - Senior Planner Thomas DeSantis grounds, stripped Little River shore and Dyster promised to modify plans, ing lot, things the residents do not want.” launched the plan to transform Jayne more. assuring residents his new Jayne Park The Reporter broke the story, warn - would eliminate the parking lot and
United Auto Workers LUocaAl 68W6, bas etd oin L ocPkpuort sh “WDe’eve isnvtiteid nothoer u nBionsi idn th ea areta toL jooin ucs kthep feaoturerd tgu esEt atv the prness tconference, said Nye. and representing nearly 1,300 members, will hold a on Thursday for this important event,” said Bill Nye, a “We’re hoping for a big turnout because this is a press conference on Thursday, Oct. 16, at 6 p. m. at the long-time member of Local 686. very important election for the working families of union hall, 524 Walnut St., to state why they are behind Destino, a Niagara Falls school board member who Lockport and the entire region,” said Nye. the State Senate candidacy of Democrat Johnny Des - is running to replace retiring State Sen. George Maziarz Destino has strong labor support in his race against tino. in the 62nd District which includes Lockport, will be North Tonawanda Mayor Robert Ortt, a Republican. 12 NIAGARA FALLS REPORTER OCT 14 - OCT 22, 2014 Remembering a Great Gentleman;
Michael Whitenight, 1960-20the1m to4 think he favored one over the Mike Hudson other, he said. I just received word of the sudden He was also passionate about the death of my old friend, Michael city of Niagara Falls, though not in a Whitenight. I am sad beyond measure, way that would ever prompt him into and my heart goes out to his wife Kristen running for office or writing letters to the and their boys, Michael and Maxwell. editor. He quietly but generously sup - Mike Whitenight was one of the ported charitable organizations such as good guys. I first met him 15 years ago Community Missions and the Niagara when he called the offices of the Niagara Falls Boys and Girls Club, never seeking Falls Reporter. The mayor then, Irene or asking for any sort of recognition. Elia, was mounting a telephone cam - But most of all he loved and was de - paign in an effort to get local businesses voted to his beautiful wife Kris. He to stop advertising with us and carrying talked about her all the time, and when the paper in their stores. He got wind of you’d run into the two of them some it and offered to help. weekend night at the casino or some up - “I didn’t serve in the United States scale nightclub, his love for her and pride in being with her was obvious. Army to come home and have some Michael Whitenight ... The young Michael Whitenight. Mike was a guy who wore his heart on politician try and shut down a newspa - “If you want me again look for his sleeve. per,” he told me that day. me under your boot soles.” Niagara Falls is a poorer place for I went out to LaSalle where Mike ― Walt Whitman, Leaves of Model 70 .308 one of his boys was tak - his passing and so is the whole world. and Kris ran Whitenight’s Fine Jewelers Grass... ing out on a deer hunt at the family’s on Buffalo Avenue and, by the end of the Southern Tier camp. He was only 54. day, the mayor had lost a supporter, the Maine, he offered to go out to the range He loved those boys. I remember So today I’ll remember my friend Reporter gained a new advertiser and I with me and spot using one of his tele - once he showed me a rare watch that had Mike Whitenight. Odds are, I’ll have a made a great friend. scopes to ensure that my rifle and scope come in over the transom at his shop. He drink to his memory. I’ll pray for Kris We shared a passion for guns and were hitting well at any reasonable wanted to give it to either Michael or and Michael and Maxwell. As for Mike shooting and were both members of the range. Maxwell but said he couldn’t until he himself, there’s no need to pray, because LaSalle Sportsman’s Club. In 2008, as I Later, I was able to return the favor found an identical watch to give to the he’s wherever good guys go. was preparing for a bear hunt up in when he needed to sight in a Winchester other son. He never wanted either of Rest in Peace, old friend. It’s Official: Niagara Falls Now Most Dangerous City in State place going back to the days of Prohi - Mike Hudson bition is noted in the report, along with Niagara Falls is the most danger - its lopsided incidence of property ous city in the state of New York ac - crime and unusually high population of cording to a study released Monday by registered sex offenders. The report the popular internet site MyLife. notes that the number of sex offenders Researchers examined five sets of living in a municipality is often a de - data, including the number of law en - ciding factor for people in choosing a forcement officers per capita, violent place to live. crimes per capita, property crimes per The number of sexual predators, capita, the number of registered sex of - nearly all of whom target children, has fenders per capita and the percentage grown exponentially in Niagara Falls, of the population enrolled in health since Mayor Paul Dyster took office. care. In 2007, the year he was sworn in, In two of those categories, prop - there were just 82 registered sex of - erty crimes and registered sex offend - fenders living in the city. Two years ers, Niagara Falls ranked highest in the later and halfway into his first term, state. The city was also close to the top that number had jumped to 133. in other categories except for the num - By July 2010, Dyster’s official ber of people enrolled in health care, “They’ve got to live somewhere” poli - This photo - courtesy wkbw.com - was used in the MYLife report where it ranked near the bottom. cies toward violent sexual predators re - naming Niagara Falls the most dangerous city in New York State. "After establishing a ranking for sulted in a population explosion, and that signs warning visitors not to leave For more info-- each of those categories, researchers 178 convicted and registered sex of - valuables in their cars are being posted http://www.mylife.com/blog/the-10- assigned a score to each city for those fenders were reported. – has skyrocketed. most-dangerous-cities-in-new-york- categories as well. Once those were And a look at the police blotter for Other New York cities making the state/ added up, we divided the sum into an any given week shows that property Most Dangerous list are, in descending MyLife (or MyLife.com) is an average; the lower that average was the crime -- from the copper pipe burgla - order, Schenectady, Newburgh, American Internet company founded higher a city ranked," Mylife wrote ex - ries in the city’s worst slums to the au - Rochester, Gloversville, Buffalo, by Jeffrey Tinsley in 2002. It provides plaining the study's methodology. tomobile break ins in the downtown Jamestown, Albany, Binghamton and a subscription based, personal search The city’s reputation as a lawless tourist district being so out of control Auburn. service.
Libertarian Gov. Candidate Wants Your Vote Even if it’s a Protest Vote Michael McDermott, a Libertarian, He supports preventing New Yorkers to determine the education of their chil - running for New York State Governor, is from being told what medical plans they dren, without interference from govern - asking voters to cast their vote on an alter - must buy via Obamacare. ment…. native party line - any line but Democrat The Libertarian Party supports "mini - "Retirement planning is the responsi - or Republican - and preferably his party's mum government and maximum free - bility of the individual, not the govern - line this year. dom." ment. Libertarians would phase out the It is not a waste, McDermott says, but The party platform reads in part, "We Social Security system and transition to a a wise use of a vote - for the message it affirm the individual right recognized by private voluntary system. The proper and sends to Albany. the Second Amendment to keep and bear most effective source of help for the poor As a Libertarian, McDermott is in arms…. is the voluntary efforts of private groups favor of keeping government out of per - "The only role of government in the and individuals. We believe members of sonal relationships, stopping government economic realm is to protect property legal framework in which voluntary trade society will become more charitable and from spying on citizens, and ending prison rights, adjudicate disputes, and provide a is protected. All efforts by government to society will be strengthened as govern - terms for non-violent, no victim offenses. redistribute wealth, or to control or man - ment reduces its activity in this realm. age trade, are improper…. "The protection of individual rights is "(People) should be free to choose the only proper purpose of government. with whom they trade and set whatever Government is constitutionally limited so trade terms are mutually agreeable. as to prevent the infringement of individ - "We call for the repeal of the income ual rights by the government itself…. tax, the abolishment of the Internal Rev - "Whenever any form of government enue Service and all federal programs and becomes destructive of individual liberty, services not required under the U.S. Con - it is the right of the people to alter or to stitution…. abolish it, and to agree to such new gover - "Government should not incur debt, nance as to them shall seem most likely to which burdens future generations without protect their liberty." their consent. We support the passage of a These are the main planks of the Lib - 'Balanced Budget Amendment' to the U.S. ertarian platform. Constitution, provided that the budget is If it sounds right to you, Michael Mc - balanced exclusively by cutting expendi - Dermott, candidate for New York gover - tures, and not raising taxes. nor, wants you to cast your vote on the "(We oppose all) government subsi - Libertarian line this November. dies and bailouts to business, labor, or any And make your voice heard. other special interest. "We would restore authority to parents 14 NIAGARA FALLS REPORTER OCT 14 - OCT 22, 2014 Niagara Power Brings First Rate
Baseball Action, Family Valumeain rseason is to stand behind Cal & Mike Hudson Sherrie and their commitment to bring Salvation in Jesus Christ to the players, Since 2007, Sal Maglie Stadium has players families and the people of our played host to the Niagara Falls Power, community. Also, it allows them to keep an amateur, summer league team affili - the ticket prices affordable, so that the ated with the New York Collegiate Base - whole family can come out and enjoy a ball League and an affiliate of the fun evening together." Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Players The Power players seem equally as and coaches, staying with host families grateful to the city that hosts them. in the city, face a 46 game schedule that "First of all, I want to thank you for includes 23 home dates at the old ball - the opportunity to play another summer park on Hyde Park Boulevard. in Niagara Falls for the Power,” said The Niagara Falls Power was the Drew Hollinghead, who pitched for the brainchild of Grand Island businessman club in 2007 and 2008. “It was an unbe - Cal Kern, who partnered with the Fel - lievable experience for me both years. lowship of Christian Athletes to bring The main reason I am writing is to hope - the club to Niagara Falls. The team has fully express to you my gratitude and made the New York Collegiate League A team that prays together plays together: Niagara Power offers thank you for all you have shown me playoffs in three of the past four sea - some 23 games at Sal Maglie Stadium each year. over the past two summers...The Lord sons., bringing home the Western Divi - has been so good to me by putting peo - sion Championship in 2012. pearances with the Pulaski Mariners. giving back to the community and pro - ple like you in my life to help me learn Several veterans of the club are now Over the past seven seasons, the moting good, wholesome, family enter - in such a vital stage of my life." playing professionally in the minor club has become part of the fabric of the tainment,” said George Edwards, Since the days of Preacher Roe, leagues, including relief pitcher Rohn community. proprietor of George Edwards Jewelers. baseball and Christianity have enjoyed a Pierce, who was named Appalachian “We support the Niagara Power “Hopefully, we will get some new cus - close relationship, a tradition being car - League Pitcher of the Week back in Au - Baseball Team, because it is our way of tomers from our advertising, but our ried on today with the Niagara Power. gust following a successful string of ap -
Workshop Offers Help for Children Afflicted With Sensory Processing Disorder A workshop, sponsored by the Par - pression, and school failure may result. ent Network of WNY, will be held on In children, posture and motor Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) in skills are affected. Once children with North Tonawanda, at the Wheatfield SPD have been diagnosed, however, Community Center, 2790 Church they can benefit from occupational Road, on November 3, at 6:00 p.m. therapy in a sensory-rich environment. SPD is a condition that exists when Participants in the workshop will a person's brain doesn't process what gain an understanding of how the he or she sees, hears or touches prop - senses work and ways to improve their erly. functions. A person with SPD finds it difficult For more info: http://www.parent - to perform everyday tasks. Clumsi - networkwny.org/workshop-registration ness, behavioral problems, anxiety, de -
Council Recognizes Pyska for His Attainment of Rank of Eagle Scout A resolution sponsored by Niagara Falls, New York hereby recognizes Mr. This includes a service project that the Falls Council Member Glenn Andrew Pyska of Troop 849, Niagara Scout plans, organizes, leads, and man - Choolokian recognizes Andrew Pyska Falls, for his attainment of the rank of ages. for his attainment of the rank of Eagle Eagle Scout, and BE IT FURTHER RE - Scout, the highest rank in the Boy Scouts SOLVED, that the City Council of the of America. City of Niagara Falls wishes Mr. Pyska Pyska of Troop 849 in Niagara Falls the best of luck in his future endeavors, advanced through the ranks of tiger, bob - with confidence in his ability to achieve cat, wolf, bear, and webelos, having the goals he sets for himself." earned 32 merit badges, including the Since its introduction in 1911, the Arrow of Light, Light of Christ, and Eagle Scout rank has been earned by Parvuli Dei Catholic Awards, before at - more than two million young men. taining the rank of Eagle Scout. Requirements include earning at Have you got the will to sur - The resolution reads in part, least 21 merit badges and demonstrating mount mountain-high "THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that "Scout Spirit" through the Boy Scout obstructions? the City Council of the City of Niagara Oath and Law, service, and leadership. 15 Who’s Funding Ortt, Destino as 62nd District Senate Race Heats Up Mike Hudson The State Senate campaign between Republican North Tonawanda Mayor Rob Ortt and Democratic Niagara Falls School Board member Johnny Destino for control of retiring State Sen. George Maziarz’s seat is shaping up to be one of the most heated in recent memory here on the Niagara Frontier. Johnny Destino addresses the Robert Ortt, mayor of North Who is funding the two candidates, audience at the Orleans County Tonawanda, speaking at a pro- and why? Democratic Party picnic in Al - gun rally in Albion. Photo cour - One thing seems to be abundantly Speaking of old money, big time bion. Photo courtesy Tom tesy Tom Rivers, Orleans Hub. clear: Ortt is getting big money from Democratic campaign contribu - Rivers, Orleans Hub. downstate contributors while Destino is tor, Leonard Litwin, 99, (pictured of Gov. Andrew Cuomo who has report - has also managed to pull in a number of relying for the most part on local con - at age 97) chose to donate to edly given state Democrats a combined tributors. Republican Rob Ortt and not De - big ticket donors from outside the dis - $465,000 to help in a takeover of the Ortt would seem to be Maziarz’s mocrat Johnny Destino. (Photo trict, perhaps suggesting the Maziarz State Senate, strangely threw $2,500 at handpicked successor. A veteran of by Steve Friedman) network is alive and well despite the fed - Republican Ortt’s campaign. service in Afghanistan, he has served as eral corruption probe. Perhaps liberal contributors like North Tonawanda’s mayor since 2010. which Maziarz clearly resented,, Destino Ortt recently accepted $3,500 from Litwin and Singer are doubtful of Des - Prior to that, he was city treasurer and switched his affiliation to the Demo - the New York City based Housing New tino’s Democratic commitment or sim - clerk since 2007. cratic Party as the Maziarz political ma - York PAC, another $16,800 from Paul ply believe Ortt is the likely winner, but, Elected to the Niagara Falls School chine sought to marginalize him in the Singer, a New York City businessman whatever the reason, Ortt has a com - Board in 2010, Destino is also a member GOP. and gay rights activist; a total of $20,000 manding lead in money raised for the of the Orleans-Niagara BOCES board As might be expected in what is ul - from two real estate companies – Bar - coming race thanks in great part from the and narrowly lost his bid to become Ni - timately a statewide race given the clay Street Realty and Liberty Street Re - downstate money. agara Falls mayor in 2011, losing to to stakes,, both candidates are taking alty that share the same address in New Destino has taken $5,000 from a incumbent Paul Dyster. The following money from sources outside the 62nd Hyde Park, N. Y., and a second contribu - Coral Springs, Fla., company called Ex - year he lost a Republican primary bid District. However the bulk of Destino’s tion from the Housing New York PAC clusive Beauty Supplies, which Destino against the well-heeled Maziarz for the contributions are in the $25 to $100 for $6,500. supporters say is owned by relatives. 62nd District seat he hopes to win in the range and come from local contributors. New York City real estate billionaire current election. Following that race, Ortt has plenty of those as well, but Leonard Litwin, 99, a strong supporter 16 NIAGARA FALLS REPORTER OCT 14 - OCT 22, 2014
Theh 48-iyesar- oWld Estes weas nkabb edi bny cSovertedu morpe thiand its s hCare rof miumrders, e One wonders whether this archaic Mike Hudson store security recently at the Rite Aid rapes, robberies and conspiracy cases. law against drinking a beer in public gets Stabbing on Niagara Street store on Pine Avenue at Portage Road But never before can we recall reading a a special waiver at events such as the A city man was stabbed in the chest after stashing a bottle of Pepsi, a choco - police report about an open container vi - Hard Rock concert series or Mayor Paul recently after stopping his car in the late bar and an android cell phone about olation. Dyster’s annual beer fests at the Niagara 2200 block of Niagara Street to try and his person and then attempting to ab - The luckless perpetrator in this case Arts and Cultural Center or whether po - break up an altercation nvolving a group scond without paying. He was held at the of a cold one gone wrong was Eric S. lice are instructed to just leave well of black males. store until police arrived and took him Evchich, 22, of Michigan Avenue, who enough alone. Police were called to the emergency into custody. was walking down the 2800 block of Police later explained that Evchich’s room at Niagara Falls Memorial Medical “This is my first time stealing and I McKoon Avenue one recent evening arrest was a part on an operation directed Center, where the man went for treat - got caught,” Estes told the arresting of - with a can of Labatt’s Blue Light against rowdy Niagara University stu - ment following the incident. He said he ficers. His statement was greeted with a clenched in one hand. dents whose raucous parties are the sub - didn’t know any of those involved in the healthy dose of skepticism, especially Two of the NFPD’s Finest happened ject of numerous neighborhood altercation and doubted he could identify after it was discovered that Estes had an to be driving past in a marked patrol car complaints each and every year. his assailant. outstanding warrant in North and came to a halt. Knowing he was Some things never change. The cel - An investigation into the incident is Tonawanda. busted, Evchich tried to get rid of the ev - ebrated novelist and National Book continuing, police said. *** idence, tossing the can onto a nearby Award winner John O’Hara was Class *** Open container violation? lawn. The cops not only charged him Poet at NU in 1924, but failed to gradu - First time thief busted Niagara Falls has long been known with violation of the city’s open con - ate after showing up to commencement Chadwick Estes must be the unluck - as a lawless city and, over the past 15 tainer ordinance, but with littering as drunk. iest thief ever to attempt a petty heist. years, the Niagara Falls Reporter has well.
Green Party's Hawkins at 9% in Poll Howie Hawkins, the Green Party ning, they would vote for someone other candidate for governor, is polling at 9 than Cuomo. percent according to a new Quinnipiac "Our platform of higher wages, in - Poll. creased funding for schools and local Cuomo holds a majority (51 per - services, and job creation through action cent). on climate change is supported by vot - The poll asked Hawkins' supporters ers," Hawkins said. "The challenge is who their second choice was. A majority letting voters know where we stand…" indicated that if Hawkins was not run - 17
tMo areaas rthast ahre parolnel t oL diasaswters. , EboNloat u nalessn yodu e xOpecbteda to mhavea to He needs an epidemic. What dumb You would have food and water sup - shoot a lot of people. SOB would continue to allow commer - plies, medical supplies, generators, tem - Look at the outrageous executive or - cial flights into this country from Ebola- porary hospitals, and common sense ders Obama has passed relating to gov - infected countries or anyone with any of emergency supplies. ernment control and Marshall Law. He the Ebola countries stamped on their Would you also have Internment has made it extremely easy for him to passports? Camps? declare Marshall Law! I am going to make a prediction. If Would the internment camps be built All Obama needs now is ANY civil the Republicans don’t take the Senate like prisons with barbed wire? “insurrection” or emergency that he away from Democrats led by that do- According to sources, there are alone (without congress) feels is a threat nothing, screwball 'Scary' Harry Reid some 800 internment camps throughout to national security! and if they fail to keep the House, J. Gary the US, even in states like Iowa, If you were going to practice for na - Barack Hussein Obama will find a “dis - Wyoming, North Dakota, where there tional disasters would you have Apache aster” to declare Marshall Law within DiLaura are no known natural disasters? Attack helicopters practicing military at - the next two years and there will be a Would you have strategically placed tack maneuvers, coordinating the mili - war but, like he says, not against Islam! If you were President of the United warehouses? tary ground forces with unwitting local I just hope to God the disaster is not States and wanted to HELP your citizens In the Buffalo area, Homeland Secu - police departments? Look at live videos Ebola. in times of natural disaster, what would rity has warehouses with some supplies posted on youtube. Would you do these you do? you wouldn't expect! I’ve spoken to maneuvers at major cities like Chicago, J. Gary DiLaura is a retired FBI You would probably set up FEMA people who have seen them. Would you NYC, Miami, and LA, Chicago? This IS agent. His opinions, while not necessar - facilities with supplies, equipment, hous - expect to see hundreds of thousands of going on around the country. ily reflecting those of the Niagara Falls ing trailers you could rush to the “flood” body bags and millions of rounds of am - Now enter Ebola! Reporter, are nonetheless protected by or “hurricane” or “earthquake” zones. munition? Would you expect body bags The perfect excuse/opportunity for the First Amendment of the US Consti - You would concentrate them close and ammo like that all over the country? President Obama to order Marshall Law. tution. Your response is welcome.
Aquarium of Niagara Introduces Rescued Blind Pacific Harbor Seal Pup Niagara Falls– The Aquarium of Ni - “He is adjusting nicely to his new eat fish supplied by trainers, take verbal agara has introduced ‘Pup 2014,’ a har - home and new family,” said Siddall. cues, and play with toys - a soft piece of bor seal rescued off the coast of northern The pup was rescued by The Marine neoprene, water “noodles,” and a giant California when he was days old, aban - Mammal Center of Sausalito, Calif. foam fish. Currently just over 50 pounds, doned by his mother and unable to re - Without their intervention, ‘Pup 2014’ harbor seal ‘Pup 2014’ is expected to main alone in the wild, possibly because may have sustained injury from other grow swiftly to about 200 pounds in he was born blind. wildlife, fallen ill, or become malnour - adulthood. Harbor seal ‘Pup 2014’ is joining the ished. When found, the pup still had his The Aquarium is hosting a naming Aquarium’s five other seals and sea umbilical cord, and was struggling to contest for ‘Pup 2014’ that will take lions, and will make his home in the find food. At five months old, harbor place at the Aquarium, and via social Aquarium’s outdoor pool with Sandy, Will he be named Bart, Jax, seal ‘Pup 2014’ is healthy and learning media. After “liking” the Aquarium on another harbor seal. Cruz or Moe? how to receive daily meals from his Facebook or following on Twitter, par - The staff trainers have been working trainers. ticipants may vote on one of four poten - to transition the blind pup into his new The Aquarium’s deputy director, ‘Pup 2014’ recently finished a pe - tial names for the pup - Bart, Jax, Cruz, pool and routine and visitors will most Gary Siddall was part of the team that riod of quarantine required by New York or Moe. certainly enjoy this new arrival in his transported ‘Pup 2014’ from Oakland, State. Under 24-hour watch, the pup Other names suggested on the new digs. Calif., to Niagara Falls. began training in order to learn how to Aquarium's Facebook page, but not under consideration, were Salty, Keller (after Helen Keller) Danny, Lou-Seal and Vision. The most popular name will be an - nounced the week of Oct. 27th.
Lewiston - Meet the Candidates Tues., Oct 21 The Lewiston Senior Club will be holding a Meet the Candidates Forum, Tuesday, October 21st, 12:30 p.m. at the Town of Lewiston Senior Center, 4361 Lower River Road. The public is welcomed to attend and meet the candidates running for Lewiston Town Clerk, Lewiston Town Board and the New York State Senate 62nd district. For more information please call either 754-2071 or 297-4749.
19 NIAGARA FALLS REPORTER OCT 14 - OCT 22, 2014 State Park Making (bad) Changes, Not Improvements GUEST VIEW Robert M. Onesi Niagara Falls The Niagara Falls State Park is a constant disappointment. Three years of construction fences everywhere. Another tourist season lost with mil - lions going home unable to enjoy the For 10 years, the view of the rapids have been obstructed by chain fabulous views. link fence at this bridge to Goat Island. There are new snow fences, red tape, Less Public Access! At one If you have not been to Three Sisters on trails in the gorge. red cones and signs through the whole time, visitors could get close to Island after last year’s "IMPROVE - People who have fished there all park. the rapids at Three Sisters. MENTS," you may not know that you their lives were told "no more fishing, This season it was fenced from Goat Now much of the thrilling can no longer climb on rocks and get to you must stay on trails." Island to Prospect Point. There was ac - views are fenced off. the water’s edge on the third island. I am not sure who makes these deci - cess to Prospect Point. Then fencing all You must stay in middle of the is - sion or why. the way to the Discovery Center. land. My number one pet peeve for about The fences are there because the Soon after the "improvements," I ran 10 years is the Goat Island bridges. park is making "changes." I am not sure into women who asked me how to get to You can't see the rapids except I could call them "improvements." Three Sisters. She remembered as a teen through a metal chain link fence that is Every day there are more areas that coming with her parents and climbing on taller than most people. used to be accessible that are blocked off the rocks, rocks worn smooth by the mil - Here we are 10 years later. Millions with red tape, snow fences or signs. lions who climbed on them. of people have had to take pictures over Snow fences turn to permanent rail - I had to tell her she was "a year too their heads. I have seen people get on out chain links of fence in it. ings. late. It is fenced and you're not allowed others' shoulders. I have seen them How many millions have missed The state continues to block spots so on the rocks anymore. You can’t get near squeeze camera lens through fence. I views from this bridge? you can’t get close to the water. water or go to the east side of the third have seen people holding cameras over NY State Parks now has it scheduled Sign used to say 'No water entry." island where you can look out at the their heads in one hand blindly shooting for repairs to be completed in 2016. Now they say 'No Trespassing." vastness of water about to plunge over photos and hoping. What a shame They are now appearing along the the falls." Recently I saw someone put their If this happened in Canada I bet it Upper Rapids parking. And all you gorge lovers better step camera on a tripod and hold it up over would have been dealt with immediately Get there quick if you want to re - up or that, too, will be railed off. They railing; maybe we can rent some tripods and repaired. member it as it was. have already tried to force people to stay to visitors so they can get a picture with - TNR Feral Cats Are Still Destructive Killers and Nuisance Two examples of that are: Phoenix Uni - forced to accept on their property the in - and dolphins are washing ashore, their GUEST VIEW versity in Arizona stopped its eight year vasion of a feral or stray animal that is deaths caused by Toxoplasmosis, found Lori Ogozalek TNR program, citing: "Instead of stabi - being fed and maintained by someone only in cat feces. West Alexander, PA. lizing the population, the population No cat will take the place of insect doubled, creating an unhealthy situation eating birds and mammals that cats are I would like to comment on your for the cats and our community." pushing into extinction. Even a well fed story on feral cats in North Tonawanda. In south Miami, cat populations cat kills and maims. If the science The problem of feral cat overpopu - have exploded since the onset of TNR. demonstrating the decimation of wildlife lation cannot be solved with trap, neuter, Additionally, municipalities who by cats isn’t enough proof, talking with and release (TNR) programs. embrace TNR as “humane” are not con - a wildlife rehabilitator will give you TNR programs perpetuate the irre - sidering the inhumane cost to wildlife some personal insight into how many na - sponsible human behavior of dumping and the people who love them. tive birds and mammals are slaughtered and abandonment that caused the prob - Not only does TNR not solve the and maimed by free ranging cats. lem in the first place. Municipalities that population problem, it restricts property Should compassion only extend to embrace TNR are encouraging more rights, threatens human health, destroys cat lovers? How many birds and wild dumping and abandonment. wildlife, and is cruel to cats. baby mammals is one cat worth? With approximately 80 million free Who will be liable for cats that de - A more sound system is TENVAC ranging cats across the US, no one will stroy private property? The property (trap-evaluate-neuter-vaccinate-adopt- ever be able to sterilize enough of them America’s cats kill more than owner or resident, not the city or TNR one billion birds each year. contain), a professional, public/private to have any significant impact on cat participants. Feral and stray cats expose partnership cat sanctuary method that populations. children to Toxoplasmosis - found only protects human health, wildlife, property The claims TNR advocates make in cat feces - rabies, and other zoonotic else. rights, and the cats. TENVAC acknowl - that sterilization will diseases when they deposit packages of The practice of TNR causes the edges, respects, and addresses the con - reduce/control/eliminate feral popula - feces and stinking urine in yards, sand - slaughter and wasting of our valuable cerns of all stakeholders. Everyone is tions is fiction, dragged out to convince boxes, parks, around schools, near and loved birds and other wildlife. treated equally and everyone gets an city officials to pass TNR programs. restaurants, and shopping centers. Thirty-three species of birds have been equal share of the pie. Cats are domestic There are many peer reviewed sci - Who will pay the medical bills and driven to extinction worldwide, linked to animals that need responsible owners, entific studies that show TNR programs endure the health consequences of Tox - free ranging cats. Several species of not a system that encourages the dump - DO NOT have a significant impact on oplasmosis? The victims, NOT cat feed - shorebirds in the US are on the brink of ing of a lethal domestic predator. Con - citywide populations of feral and stray ers, TNR supporters, or city agencies. extinction, linked to free ranging cats. sider this: the free ranging feral dog cats, and NONE that show they do. There are 10,000 to 13,000 people So much cat feces is seeping into the problem was whipped by containment, TNR is a feral cat maintenance pro - bitten by rabid cats annually, as deter - oceans from rivers, marshlands, and not more laxity. gram, not a feral cat reduction program, mined by the Center for Disease Control. beaches that the corpses of sea mammals and can cause cat populations to grow. No resident or property owner should be such as Manatees, Beluga whales, seals, 20 Letters to the Editor Ebola Not the Only Problem hoods, cleaning up eyesores and tearing region. ments section for your article so that Meat Eating is ... down vacant buildings? Med Many people have a chance to clear your mis - U.S., state, and municipal health au - More than $700,000 was given to conceptions and under-researched view thorities are working overtime and the multibillion dollar, multinational of Tunisia. spending millions of dollars to stem the Hard Rock Café corporation for a series Nadir Debbabi spread of Ebola, which has killed just of downtown concerts that allowed ------one person here. Dyster to play rock star and down shots Reporter’s comments on Tunisia a Where is the comparable effort to with washed up musicians. For that Fools Errand stem the spread of heart disease, stroke, amount, 35 vacant and vandalized public As a Tunisian, I must say I am dis - cancer, diabetes, and other chronic dis - nuisances could be eliminated. mayed reading the article “Comparing eases that kill 1.4 million Americans an - Concerts, festivals and dubious New York to Tunisia, Running a Fool's nually and are linked conclusively to hotel projects? The neighborhoods con - Errand or What? By Mike Hudson”, excessive consumption of animal prod - tinue to crumble and those who can af - published on October 7, 2014 in the Ni - ucts? According to the U.S. Centers for ford to are fleeing the city at the rate of Carthage has numerous historical agara Falls Reporter. Disease Control, that’s 23 times the around 1,000 a year during the time sites, including the 19th Century Saint Apparently unhappy about some number killed by all infectious diseases Dyster's been in office. Louis Cathedral, pictured, and the type of an environmental report by Ms. combined, including AIDS, hepatitis, Spurback watched the sad decline ruins of the ancient Phoenician city- Heather Liebowitz—that equated the blood poisoning, and intestinal infec - and finally decided that, after 22 years state New York State's coal fired power plants tions! of working diligently to save the city’s ------pollution to that caused by the entire Apparently, our society tolerates this neighborhoods from neglect and ruin, Obscure North African country of country of Tunisia—, Mr. Mike Hudson massive assault on our public health, be - he’s had enough. camel-riding nomads!! Really! goes on to spew humiliating and degrad - cause meat, dairy, and egg products have I don't blame him. I’m just shocked when I read your ing labels about the country of Tunisia powerful champions in Congress. Bacte - John P. McKnight article about comparing NY to TUNISIA and its people describing them as ria and viruses have none. Niagara Falls regarding coal power plants pollution. I “camel-riding nomads”. He also de - Yet, each of us can take personal re ------can’t believe that in the US there's still scribed Tunisia as “an Arab country that sponsibility for our own and our fam - Bills Have a New Owner; Start ignorant "journalists" so disconnected had its' last revolution, or violent over - ily’s health by reducing, then dropping Putting Forth a Contender from the rest of the world! So Tunisia is throw of the government, just three animal products from our menu. Fresh Buffalo sports fans can now breathe just an "obscure North African country years ago, in 2011.” vegetables, fruits, legumes, and whole a sigh of relief as Terry Pegula is now of camel-riding nomads" !! Lol I am really astonished of Mr. Hud - grains contain all the nutrients our body "the man" with the Buffalo Bills. Come on guys do your home work son’s remarks and connotations that are requires and are touted by leading health However, the time for praising is and get some informations before you denigrating and of racist nature. In his authorities. Soy and nut-based meats, now finished; it is time for Pegula to publish such stupidity. English is just short but full of hatred article, Mr. Hud - milks, and ice creams offer a delicious learn from his Buffalo Sabres experience my third language so sorry for my poor son continues his bashing of Tunisia, as transition treat. Lots of websites provide and bring in people who know how to writing. I’m Tunisian and proud of what if the environmental report he is debunk - helpful transition tips. put together a winning team at One Bills my country did three years ago and still ing was published by the country of Nelson Gustavo Drive. His first call should be to Bill struggling to be a democracy after al - Tunisia itself. He used language such as Niagara Falls Polian, and give him free rein to make most 50 years of dictatorship and facing “The reality is that Tunisia produces ------whatever appropriate changes are terrorist threats. But I’m not expecting more camel dung each year than the en - Dyster philosophy at odds needed at season's end. you guys to acknowledge that. I’m diss - tire State of New York.” With Block Club mission New ownership now means a new appointed how rude you are; how hate - Despite my disgust of what I read, I In response to your recent article direction; it's time for Mr. Pegula to start ful your words are against a whole do agree with Mr. Hudson that maybe about the retirement of long time block leading the way for a championship- country! Reducing 11 millions of “Tunisia is not better than New York in club leader Roger Spurback, I have quality team, and not continue to put Tunisians to camel-riding nomads in an pollution”; however, as a proud these observations to offer: The city forth a half-baked facsimile for an NFL "obscure" country! Tunisian, I want to humbly invite Mr. building policies of Niagara Falls Mayor team as has been the wont of the previ - Janah Benali. Hudson to come visit Tunisia. He might Paul Dyster couldn’t be further opposed ous ownership. ------actually be surprised. Yes, he may find to those of Spurback. Lloyd Marshall, Jr. Insulting Article on Tunisia “camel dung”, poor infrastructure … but Spurback believes that healthy Lockport In relation to your article about he will surely find people who are proud neighborhoods are crucial to a city’s ------comparing Tunisia to New York;. and hospitable. We do welcome all irre - success. Dyster believes throwing mil - Tunisia Not a Backward Country We the Tunisian people find it in - spective of sex, race, or religion. I assure lions of dollars at the downtown tourist In response to your article compar - sulting that you refer to our country that him that even Ms. Leibowitz—a female district will revive the city. ing New York and Tunisia: of being inhabited by camel riding no - with Jewish last name—will be more One of Spurback’s biggest issues Tunisia is far from being a desert mads. You accuse the reporter in your than welcome. Even though, he thinks has been abandoned houses and busi - country inhabited by nomads, and is cer - article of ignorance, however how much that “Ms. Leibowitz is perhaps unlikely nesses that sit for years, vacant and con - tainly not a major oil-producing country research did you do on what Tunisia is to spend a night there”. Lately, the demned, and act as attractants for drugs, either. It produces only about 25 million like today? Tunisian people are spearheading the re - prostitution and other criminal activity. barrels per year. It is a Mediterranean Tunisia is one of if not the most gion for change and in seeking a When one house falls into ruin, nearby country just a few miles south of Italy. prosperous liberal, modern , economy of brighter future free of oppression and neighbors are quick to leave the neigh - This is the old country of Carthage (re - Africa and with a special economic rela - dictatorship. The Tunisian revolution borhood, creating a domino effect. member Hannibal?), which for a few tionship to EU. A vibrant and well- de - was mostly peaceful and nonviolent to The city has entire blocks of such centuries dominated the whole Mediter - veloped tourism industry with 1,148 the contrary of what you claimed. It was structures, which Dyster doesn’t see as ranean area before Rome did. kilometers res of pristine blue Mediter - a popular uprising—not a violent over - a major problem. Its economy is based on services, ranean coast line. Snow capped moun - throw of the government-- that protested How many condemned houses could agriculture, and tourism. It produces tains, dense woodlands, biodiverse against corruption, poverty, and political have been knocked down had the city Mediterranean vegetables and fruits, wetlands, mystical deserts. Also, the lo - repression. sold the $1.5 million downtown parcel olive oil and wine, like Italy, Greece, cation for many famous Hollywood Seriously, Mr. Hudson, come on for it’s full value rather than gifting it to Spain, etc. Tunisia is visited by about 6 films., and to name just a few. Last but down and visit Tunisia, the country to do nothing developer Mark Hamister for to 8 million, mostly northern European, not least our rich and proud history made fun of, and you might change your paltry $100,000? tourists every year; attracted by its stretching thousands of years. World mind. After all, ignorance is the cause of More than $481,000 in public beaches, weather, and antique Roman Empires fought and tussled over our fear and prejudice. money was given to Idaho snake oil and Carthaginian ruins. It has a well-ed - land. Fethi Benjemaa salesman Mark Rivers to stage his disas - ucated population (mostly comprised of We have no beef with people of Senior Scientist, State of Califor - trous Holiday Market a couple of years Muslims but also with Jewish and Chris - Jewish ethnicity, so to mention that we nia. (Formerly a camel-riding nomad) ago. The month long mid winter event tian minorities, living peacefully side by would have a problem with that in your was an abject failure. Could the money side for centuries), a large middle class, article is also extremely insulting. have better been spent in our neighbor - and is the only genuine democracy in its I hope that you can enable com - 21 2015 Premier to Honor Seneca President Snyder, Dr. Ko The president of the Seneca Nation Snyder established the Seneca Dia - Korean Army, he plays a key role in of Indians and the medical director for betes Foundation, which works in col - Memorial’s new Niagara Wellness Con - Adult Behavioral Health Services at Ni - laboration with the American Diabetes nection Center as well as the medical agara Falls Memorial Medical Center Association to enhance the efforts of the center’s inpatient behavioral health will be honored at The 2015 Premier, Seneca Nation Health Department. units. Memorial’s annual dinner gala. Snyder will receive the Nancy Gara In addition, he has been a long-serv - The event will be held Saturday, Jan. Spirit Award. The award is presented in ing member of the behavioral health 17 at the Seneca Niagara Casino and memory of a Western New York banking staff at the Buffalo General Hospital, Hotel, 310 Fourth St., Niagara Falls. executive and former medical center where he served as medical director of Barry Snyder, Sr. has been actively board member who was renowned for the Adult Outpatient Clinic. involved in the governing of the Seneca her positive attitude and personal com - Chairpersons for The 2015 Premier Nation of Indians for five decades. He mitment to serving the community. are Dr. Venkat and Christin Kolli and has held numerous positions in the A respected psychiatrist, Dr. Hak J. Gary and Fran Hall. Proceeds from the Seneca Nation’s government including Ko has practiced medicine in Niagara event will benefit the new Golisano Cen - tribal councilor, treasurer, Tribal Council since 1980. A graduate of the Seoul Na - ter for Community Health. Tickets and chairperson, Economic Development tional University School of Medicine sponsorship opportunities are available Committee chairperson and president. and a former medical officer in the South Dr. Hak J. Ko by calling (716) 278-4570.
Tonawandas Chamber Honors DeGraff,
The Chamber of ComRmaercem of thbe lin’ Lou, SaltarLeou”l Slcihr ivaer.n Sdchr ivZer,o bonrn atnd a Club Tonawandas is announcing that De - raised on Young Street in Tonawanda, Graff Memorial Hospital in North has, through his radio show and by Tonawanda has been named 2014 hosting and performing at benefits, Business of the Year. contributed to his community, along The hospital is celebrating 100 with spotlighting his home town. He years in the Twin Cities and is one of is a lifetime member of the Musician the area’s largest employers. Local #209/106 of Tonawanda, was In addition, Tonawanda resident, awarded the Tonawanda High School Mark Saltarelli, has been named 2014 Distinguished Alumni Award in 2002, Citizen of the Year for his work and inducted into the “Walkway of Stars” membership in many organizations in in the Country Music Hall of Fame in the community including the Kiwanis Nashville, TN in 1978 and in 1996 was Club of the Tonawandas, the Riviera inducted into the Buffalo Music Hall Theatre and Performing Arts Center, Ramblin’ Lou Schriver of Fame. He has performed at Canal St. Francis of Assisi, the Knights of law in the City of Tonawanda. He has Fest every year since 1983 and served Columbus and the Chamber of Com - recently worked to keep St. Francis of as the parade’s Grand Marshall in merce. Assisi School open. 2007. In 1996 he was honored with a Edmund Maziarz, father of State Saltarelli is a former acting City Also, being given the Lifetime Distinguished Broadcaster Award by Senator George Maziarz, in the boiler room of DeGraff Hospital. Court judge and currently practices Achievement Award will be “Ramblin’ the Buffalo Broadcaster Pioneers. In During its century of service the hospital has not only cared for the sick but employed countless thousands of residents. (Photo courtesy North Tonawanda History Museum). 2010 he was elected to the NYS Coun - try Music Hall of Fame. Also recognized will be Zonta Club of the Tonawandas. The local group was chartered April 15th, 1931 and was part of a global organization to advance the status of women. The local group made donations to the YWCA of the Tonawandas, the Salva - tion Army, and the Interchurch Food Pantry and developed the ZAP Pro - gram to teach local women computer skills through the YWCA. The Awards Reception will be part of the Chamber’s Annual Dinner to be held on Wednesday, Nov. at Banchetti by Rizzo’s. The public is invited to join in celebrating the accomplishments of the honorees. For more information, please contact the Chamber at 692- 5120. 22
DeficitD jokes ficit JokeThes cit yL’s fienancae devparetme ntU has s paWying ai ctonhsult aant $ 72H,00u0 to mwrite or Deficit a plan to reduce the $9 million deficit a study supporting his claim. Mayor Dyster has a plan to close by 33%. They’re going to turn the 9 NOTICE ALL WELCOME the $9 million deficit. He’s going to upside down. What can be said about the Dys - NIAGARA FALLS hold a bake sale at city hall. “We sell ter administration that hasn’t already RESIDENTS nine million cupcakes at a buck a His Honor said that beer brewing been said? Uh, OPEN FORUM piece and we’re flush,” said the and debt reduction are similar in how about OCTOBER MEETING mayor. many ways, “They both require a shocking, unbe - MONDAY OCT. 20 smooth, level head. But you can’t lievable, irre - EARL BRYDGES LIBRARY guzzle a deficit.” sponsible and 1425 MAIN ST. NF NY inexcusable? CONFERENCE ROOM Dyster has been spending city cash like an irresponsible drunk. Ex - “I’m a glass 5:30 PM.- BOARD OF DI - actly. half full sort of RECTORS; 6:00 PM - GENERAL guy,” said the MEETING mayor. “Some AGENDA: CASINO & CITY people see a deficit, I prefer to see an BUDGET; WATER BOARD intermittent negative surplus.” For more info: Candace Corsaro 716-804-4698 Donna Owens the reluctant city administrator has gotten into the act Burley of Youngstown, Honored saying, “ It’s critical that we work to - gether to fix the budget problem so at National Fallen our mayor can get back to his usual Firefighters Memorial Service wild spending.” A city hall observer said “the Emmitsburg, Md. – The late Thomas mayor can go a long way toward J. Burley of Youngstown, N. Y., was one Sublime irony. Dyster remarked, closing the budget gap by returning of 107 fallen firefighters honored at the “I’m indebted to the voters for elect - his beer empties.” 2014 National Fallen Firefighters Me - morial Service, Sunday, October 12. Donna Owens is serious about This annual tribute is sponsored by the National Fallen Firefighters Founda - tion and the Federal Emergency Man - agement Agency’s U.S. Fire Administration. More than 5,000 people attended. Burley was born on June 16, 1993, with a birth defect, and underwent five major surgeries by the age of four. In high school, Tom joined the Air Force Youngstown Fire Company and an in - ing me. Now the voters are in debt ROTC program, and was designated structor with the Lewiston Police De - partment Explorers Program. for electing me.” commander of his class. Burley, 20, died in a motorcycle ac - fixing the city’s fiscal woes. She’s re - At the same time, he joined the Youngstown Volunteer Fire Company, cident on June 18, 2013 on his way home This guy means business. The moving the toilet paper from city hall from a firefighter training course. restrooms, labeling toilet tissue as learning the skills of firefighting and emergency medical management. After For his service in the armed services, “an unnecessary cost”. The former graduation from Lew-Port High School he received a posthumous “Letter of Baltimore trash chief said, “I’m rec - in 2011, Tom joined the U.S. Air Force Commendation” from the president of ommending that city employees Reserves in Air Force Security Forces. the United States and the Air Force He was a police officer with the Se - Achievement Award. He was named by curity Force of the 107th Air Wing, Ni - the Youngstown Volunteer Fire Com - agara Falls, N.Y., a member of the pany as Volunteer Fireman of the Year.
mayor has called for an immediate 45% reduction in unnecessary spend - ing. bring a Sears catalog to work. If they When asked by the press whether don’t want to do that they can ‘hold he would raise taxes or reduce serv - it’ until they get home or walk up the ices due to the deficit Dyster, always street to the gas station.” the football fan, replied: “I’m going to punt and pin the deficit inside the The mayor said that waste in city 10 yard line. I think it’ll work!” government is out of control. He’s