Steve Hawley calls for study on split New York into two states

<b><i>THIS</i></b> is what Steve Hawley thinks is urgent and important? The state budget is in crisis and he stoops to shameless pandering by promoting a long discredited idea that would only serve to promote a divisive attitude when what we all need more than anything is increased cooperation and rational thinking. This looks more like an attempt at distraction than real legislative initiative. Assemblyman Hawley might be more harmlessly occupied looking for a veteran to have his picture taken with.

Somebody say April Fools....please.

So much for the notion that there are NO ideas coming from Albany, there are ideas they are just stupid ideas. I can’t wait to live in the state with NO economy, NO jobs and HALF the debt of the "old" NY.

This idea has been bantered about in bars for years. The only problem is when you sober up you realize that we get far more from NYC than we give them. WE don’t need another study in futility. Fix the budget and cut something! I have had my fill of this worthless political BS from Albany. I’m sorry to see a man I respect jump off a cliff with this. I’m A NEW YORKER, LOVE IT OR LEAVE IT!!!

Here's a better subject for a study that hits closer to Mr. Hawley's home:

These are the nursing homes closest to you that are being cut in the proposed state budget.

New York State Veterans Home @ Batavia <b>($2,455,453)</b>
Batavia Nursing Home, LLC <b>($139,574)</b>
Genesee County Nursing Home <b>($2,409,445)</b>
Leroy Village Green Residential Health Care Facility, Inc. <b>($292,374)</b>
Orleans County Nursing Home <b>($729,239)</b>
Medina Memorial Hospital Residential Health Care Facility <b>($472,253)</b>

Total <b><i>($6,498,340)</i></b>

We are broke so, the answer is MORE government? Nuts..

He just wants some facts! Do I smell angry Democrats here?

Two legislatures, two senates, two governors, do I have to go on? When you have one government, then you add another one, that's called more government. 1+1 = MORE spending, not less. Twice as many people looking to spend money. Government should be eliminated, not added to. Did the Republican talking points change?

How come we want to combine services on the county level..Which is good..But then split the state and have two DOT,State Police..Two governors..So Howard i think it would mean more government..I think Hawley should work on cutting spending in this state..Make it a more business friendly state..Jobs,Jobs,Jobs,,...

Howard and Jeff,
The facts have long been in. This isn't a new idea. New York City was gaining population as of the 2000 census while the rest of the state was losing. In addition, the median income of NYC rose while upstate fell. Mr. Hawley doesn't need to plague our universities to find out what he could from visiting www.census.gov .

Howard, you're new to the area. This idea has been vetted repeatedly. New York City accounts for the lion's share of taxes paid in the state. As of 2000, they broke even on the money they sent to Albany. Upstate rec'd $1.41 for every $1 they paid. As much as it serves your philosophical and political agenda and that of your mentor's, the facts haven't changed and there's nothing gained by Mr. Hawley's attempt to revisit the issue aside from diverting attention from the real issues at hand.

This has always been a political football for the upstate republicans. They have created a red herring that plays on the fears of upstaters to look at downstate as some kind of evil appendage. This is a diversion of the worst kind at a time when requests for studies at our universities should be about jump starting the economy here in a region that was suffering long before this unprecedented recession hit last year.

I have friends and family that are laid off. This isn't helping them. We need jobs, Mr Hawley, not divisive platitudes.

Howard, I have found that we agree on most things and would never label you. To answer your question America has 50 states and I'm not for adding any more. The problem with our state is too much government. We need to starve the beast, not feed it more. I never left the Republican Party, the big government Bush Republicans left me behind. This is just another thing that points to the death of that party. They lack a compass or ideals.

Jeff-We have control of the House, the Senate and the White House....and the State Assembly, State Senate and the Governorship.

Angry? Nope. We're in charge.

I agree with Charlie, Russ and Lorie, this is a classic example of a further attempt at division. New York sinks or swims together.

Actually, New York sinks or swims with the Democrats. Thats right, the democrats are in charge. Be careful what you wish for Mr. Jones.
Actually this might be a good idea. All the democratic leadership in Genesee County just came out against the idea. Longhany is County Dem. Chair, Stressing is Elba Chair, Mallow is former County Chair, Jones is on the City Dem. Committee. Pretty sure all are on the County Committee. Then again, there are not many elected Democrats in this county.
Stressing is right about the local nursing homes being shafted on medicaid. The hospital as well. This blame falls squarely on the three "Democrats in a room" who made this decision. WNY is getting shafted by downstate interests because they have the population and the votes.
The two Dem. State Senators from Buffalo (Thompson and Stachowski, not sure if I spelled that right!)said this would not happen with new Senate leadership. Bull! Even Stachowski got it handed high and hard on a promised committee chairmanship by his own party.
Another example is CHIPS highway funding that all municipalities receive. Here are the proposed cuts: NYC 20%, Counties 30%, Towns/Villages 40%. Once again downstate benefits and we all eat it. Why dont the Dems make the cuts fair?
Has an official study of a split ever taken place? What can it hurt? If there is no benefit, we would not do it.

Mike, we are New Yorkers first, that's something your team doesn't seem to hold dear anymore. We are not seperatist rebels without a clue.

Of course you are not seperatist rebels! Although that term sounds pretty cool!! LOL!! Good lord! I never really viewed this as a team sport. We all live in upstate together! The Republicans had the Senate and did not do squat! The Dems have the Assembly and have done squat. Now they have the whole ball of wax. I just cant see how those three democrats in a room will look out for upstate. They just swept the power money to close the budget. That is power generated in WNY. No harm in looking at a split.
Mr. Mallow I am stealing the term "Seperatist rebels without a clue" that is the best! also a cool name for a band!!I promise to pay royalties!! LOL

By your comments and Mr. Hawley's suggestion, mike, I guess you align with the party of misdirection. Your specious attempt to lay the horrific results of your party's domination at of top of the national food chain at the feet of the new majority in New York is the same sleight of hand practiced by the obstructionist Republicans who now worry about leaving a debt to the future. They didn't have any qualms about jamming a tax break for the rich down the future's throat that contributed nearly 2 trillion dollars to the country's deficit. No matter how hard you cry crocodile tears, they don't wash away the current problem.
mike, the Dems holding the majority isn't the cause of the problem. Its a reaction to the problem. The voters moved away from the failed policies and pirate mentality of the past. Not even a nice try on your part.

I think in the 1980's (last time economy and politicians were failing) there was talk of creating a split of NYC from NY state along the lines of Washington D.C. structure. A municipallity or some crap. The truth of the matter is that we are one state and must remain so for the good of all of New York State. We both need each other. I do agree that most of upstate,WNY, or non NYC areas have lower numbers and less political clout ! Real changes in Albany ? Not really. You would have to Industrialise all of WNY to really bring in the proper representitives to fight for our areas. For now it will remain population driving the politics.

Mike, from what I have seen on TV, all rebel groups need to make a bold move to gain a foothold. Can I suggest a raid on the mall? It's easy to get to and little chance anyone will be there to get hurt. LOL!

Mr. Stressing: specious? sweet word!
Mr. Mallow: as long as we do not damage that new sign! LOL Can I wear a pirate costume? Is Mr. Stressing coming? Lets bring him. He needs to let off steam! To the mall!!! Howard can do a live feed on the Batavian!

If you bring money for Cookies and Milk, I'll join you. An army lives on it's stomach.

Sorry, mike. For you, I'll try to type m-o-r-e s-l-o-w-l-y.

And offering my opinion isn't letting off steam, however fogged you might feel by reading the big words.

Russ,
You're sounding a bit upset again.

You're not very good at this, John. You don't get to assign emotion or intent, no more than you get to assign questions or demand that people answer them. Really, you need a new shtick.

And for mike :
<b>shtick</b> 1 : a usually comic or repetitious performance or routine
2 : one's special trait, interest, or activity
3 : a Roachian attempt to compel people

Russ,
Such a wit, and he even invents new words. You're sounding bitter again, and a bit touchy. Boo.

Give me your arm, John, and I'll help guide you into the Eighties. (I wouldn't want to shock your system by guiding you into the 00's). My cut-n-paste was from Webster's.

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shtick

I was just joshin' with you before, but obviously, you're <b>really</b> not good at this.

Russ,
You're getting too easy. Now links, you really are off today. Mike and I could have fun with you all night.

It's clear, you need to join the others in the Mall.

John,
I don't know how you do things over on Clinton Street Road, but in this world, links are used for accreditation, not as the crutch with which you're apparently more accustomed.

Yeah, I know from past experience that citing facts and showing proof slows you down even more. Just allow me the luxury of supporting what I say, could ya?

Russ,
You’re not too bright star just went a bit dimmer (again).

First, I wanted to show how easy it was to get you off message, again. You dropped your rant about Hawley with very little effort. You make it fun.

Second, what is it with you and Holmes Ave. Don’t you like people on that street? Seems you’re a bit bigoted (look it up).

Third, I don’t live on that street. Yep, you’re light is getting dimmer and you are getting easier. Boo.

Back to Assemblyman Hawley,
"He sent letters to universities across the state, from the University at Buffalo to Columbia University in New York City, seeking their help with the study. "

"The school is on fire and the children are trapped!!!! Everybody look over there!!!! Balloons!!!!"

To be fair, he did get something right. "...it would be foolish to introduce some legislation...". Yes, indeed. Nearly as foolish as even bringing up the idea in the first place. Just what the SUNY schools need to soothe the sting of massive cuts and increased tuition. A call to take action on long since discredited barroom blather.

And from his website: "During these negotiations, it is imperative that legislators do not use a hatchet approach when making cuts or adding new taxes and keep in mind the long term stability for our state. " This from the guy who did yeoman's work for State Senator Mike Ranzenhofer's campaign. Ranzenhofer relentlessly flogged the idea of a 15% across the board spending cut as the solution to New York's budget woes.

Please, Mr. Hawley, settle down somewhere. You're making us jittery.

John,
"<b>your</b> not too bright star". Not "you're not too bright".

That was your best? I was right all this time.

John,
You and "right" and "all" don't belong in the same paragraph, let alone sentence. You need to accept the out of body experience you're so close to so you can see how you look to others.

Russ,
You sound desperate to sound relevant. Come on now, try harder. Here I thought I might not be any entertainment tonight.

Are you going to apologize to the people on Holmes? You already look bad enough. Show some manners and admit you had no idea what you were saying.

I will preface my comments by saying that I am a Democrat. I thought I would get that out of the way before someone uses that against me in the debate that shall ensue.

I have a great deal of respect for Assemblyman Hawley. He took the time out of his busy schedule to sit down with me for quite a length of time last summer. While we don't always agree politically, I do respect him for his service to this district.

That said, we have better things to do with our money than to research dividing New York into two states. I know people look at New York City and say that they own the state, but I have friends in New York City who aren't in a better position than I am. Some of them are unemployed (I am semi-unemployed) and they are having some tough times right now.

Not all of New York City is Wall Street. That represents a small fraction of New York City. For the most part, New York City has a lot of middle class people who are getting hit hard by this economic crisis.

Dividing this state would do nothing. We benefit greatly from New York City and vice versa. There are many other things we need to do (reform our tax system, merge agencies and consolidate excess municipalities) that will have more benefits for us. Upstate New York becoming its own state would be terrible.

If you thought our problems were huge now, just wait and see what they would be if we were by ourselves. We would be even worse off than we are now.

Mr. Roach,

I would love to say that I love what you have to contribute to this blog, but I have yet to see anything of substance. It seems your only goal in posting here is to disparage others who you apparently disagree with or look down on because they aren't, well, you.

I don't know who you are and if you, sir, were relevant, I'm sure I would know who you are. So quit treating people like Russ as if they were peons.

Robert,
You don't know John, obviously. That's his whole <b>shtick</b>.

Have at it, John. You get a free shot. Give your reasons why you support your party's representative to the state assembly.

Robert,
Russ has a habit of getting nasty and to going a bit too far off the issues for me. When I ask him to give even a general opinion on some local issues, he hides.

Of course, common sense tells you he doesn’t have to answer just because I asked, but he is a City Democrat Committeeman. He will be involved in picking candidates for this year’s local elections and help set the issues for the election. I think he is waiting to see which way the wind blows to be safe. My opinion only, but I like calling him on it.

I have had posts on the ambulance and other subjects such as the residency controversy, the Mall, along with others.

As for the Upstate/NYC split, that has been debated to death over the years. At one time I think it would have been a good idea. We had industry and many good jobs. The NYC was a drain on us. Times have changed and we now get more money from NYC than we send them. NYC has done well in the past ten years and it’s clear, we have not.

The problem is not NYC, it is the State government. By now you know it has been rated the most dysfunctional one in the country. Unless we elect people who will work to change it, we will continue our downward spiral. But the “3 men in a room” will not allow it. And which party they belong to does not matter, they all prevent reform. This next US census will probably result in the loss of 2 and maybe 3 New York congressional seats. That means less federal aid to us in the future. I worry more about that than splitting from downstate.

Every so many years, we have the chance to vote on having a State Constitutional Convention. The last time it came up, scare tactics were the order of the day, and it was voted down. Maybe the next time it comes up, the few people left around here will vote for it. That’s when you might get real change.

Russ,
Don't you get tired being wrong?
First you have me living in the wrong place and now you have me in the wrong party.

True, I think Mr. Hawley has been a better candidate than the ones you have come up with, but I am not a member of his party.

Try to get it right once tonight, please.

John,
I don't <i>"get nasty"</i>. I get it right.
For example, its "tired <b>of</b> being wrong."

But, from your easily researched posts and comments on just this this site, it would seem you lean to the Republican side of things. If you've registered as a Democrat recently, I'm curious as to why you chose to do that.

John, can I be frank? If I can't be Frank, can I choose to be named George, or John, or Donald? Call me whatever name you can remember, are you planning to run for office soon?

I know we've had our contretemps about asking and answering questions, but this seems pertinent. You don't have to answer.

Russ,
I am not running for office any time soon (for you that would mean this year, 2009).

See, I can answer questions, maybe you could try it.

John,
I don't demand that you answer any questions I pose. That's why I didn't take exception when you only partially chose to address "If you've registered as a Democrat recently, I'm curious as to why you chose to do that".

I endorse your choice if you don't feel comfortable giving an answer.

Russ,
One at a time. I answer one, you answer one. Fair?

John,
I'm trying to read this as s-l-o-w-l-y as I imagine you're t-y-p-i-n-g it but "Happy Gilmore" is on in the other room and its way more riveting.

But, I'll try to focus.

Russ,
Happy Gilmore fits you, but you still ducked a question again and you just can't hide it. Boo.

Howard,
You need a new business model. What kind of sicko would pay to watch John get kicked against a curb?

John,
Why did you re-register as a Democrat? Do you support their platform?

Russ,
Kicking? You're getting nasty again. I just asked you to answer a question, and as always, you just can not do it. Lack of courage or whatever. No big deal.

But violence now?

Howard,
"..why I let it go on.."

Better question...Howard, why don't you fade into the background? Why don't you, as the controlling interest of this website, stop inserting your opinions and agendas?

Allow me this suggestion. For all of Howard's seemingly innocent, sincere protestations, he allows it because it drives traffic to this site.

Nobility, thy name is poo-poo.

Howard,
This ends it. When it gets to two pages, it gets too long. Thanks for letting us play.

John,
If you recently re-registered as a Democrat, could you explain why you chose to do that?

Oh,my goodness, you bwoke my widdwe hawt, Howawd.

Howard, people who know me are clicking on for amusement's sake. Accept the profit.

Howard,

If Russ and John's bickering did more harm than good, you would have done something about it by now.

As someone who has served as an administrator for blogs and message boards, there is only so far you can allow some rivalries to go. This isn't the first time John Roach and Russ have gone head-to-head. And I know that it won't be the last.

The issue for me is this: This post was about Steve Hawley's suggestion that colleges and universities in New York look into the financial viability of dividing New York into two states. Ever since Roach posted a one-line comment directed to Russ, the comments here have been the back-and-forth between Russ and Roach.

At some point, one of the administrators has to put their foot down and say no more hijacking of topics. We now took a thread that really could have served as a strong critique of Hawley's job performance and turned it into a boxing ring.

I don't think that was why The Batavian was created. But if it was, please set the record straight for me and others here who would rather talk about the issues than be spectators to these ongoing verbal wars.

Hey, I tried to get it back on topic. Scroll up. I can't help it that John was yelling at clouds.

The Batavian wasn't created for some altruistic purpose.

Was it?

There's a question, Howie. Why was The Batavian created?

Steve Hawley calls for study on split New York into two states
OMG-What do I think about seperating government-resourcse-finances-etc?
how far will they take it.
Who will decide?
Where will the line be drawn?
Will we split counties in two?
Will special task force agencies have to suffer?
Thats only the tip of a huge iceberg
What I think about the matter is.
holy !@#$%^ shit-we're in some really tough times in this country -let alone this state.Or aren't we,It's all a big lie and everyone is a homeowner.nobody needs a food pantry anymore.Kids aren't lacking in proper healthcare.Education.
How much is this{I have many left out words here]study gonna cost the people of this state.as far as I can see it kabunga-mununga-funga.Who did he call-I hope they slept in like I did and missed the call.
shedguy rocks
Don't rock the boat when the seas are rough.
please someone listen to me on this one.

Robert,
I played with Russ because of the stupid way he answered Robert. Russ likes to make fun of people and then has to have his chain pulled. He should learn to debate and leave the name calling for other sites.
I also wanted to show how easy it was to get him off subject.

I did get back on the topic and stated why I am not in favor of any split. While fun, it is also a waste of time worring about it.

Does anyone here really think this would pass in a State wide vote? It's a nice local issue and took up a lot of space on this site, but we all know this is not going anyplace.

Are you serious?? And the Democrats couldn't find ANYONE to run against Hawley in the last election?
I mean he's a nice guy and all, but seriously, if this is his idea of representing the best interests of Genesee County he's got to be joking.
This is 20-30 year old thinking.
Rather than add another star to the U.S. flag, how about working within the "system" to expose the dysfunction in Albany and move toward true representation.
The republicans are in the minority in both houses now Steve...that ought to give you some motivation.

I have been thinking about what would happen if a ward councilman said that they wanted to break their ward off from the city in a press release? Or if a county legislator said that their district didn’t want to be a part of Genesee County anymore.

Their credibility would be destroyed. They would be the laughing stock of the whole board, city and county. Do I have to remind you what happened the last time a State decided it wanted to break away from the Union? Not pretty.

Mr. Roach,

Regarding Russ, I think you should take the time to get to know Russ. I remember first hearing about Russ and being a little turned off by his ways. But then I got to know him. Getting to know someone works wonders. And if you are going to work for the same goals and objectives that Russ, it might help to sit down for a diplomatic chat over coffee. Such chats have worked wonders for me in the past with a number of individuals.

As for this issue, I agree that it is a waste of time to discuss. But the bigger problem is that our assemblyman thinks that it's not a waste of time. He wants some of New York's best institutions (UB, Columbia University, etc.) to dedicate their resources and time in researching this.

Would it pass a statewide vote? No. New York City, while larger than many states, would never support such a move. They depend on us just as much as we depend on them.

Charlie,

I couldn't agree more. In this case, I don't think Hawley lost credibility because he only said this to his hometown newspaper. Sure, people around here might laugh at him, but just imagine if he said this to a bigger newspaper. Just think if he said this to, say, the Albany Times-Union. Now THAT would be real damaging.

I really like Steve Hawley. I never cared about his political party affiliation. Steve didn’t win the last two elections based on his partisan politics. He won because he is a genuinely nice guy who people in this area feel very proud to have represent us.

The problem comes in when he makes these outlandish statements and hurts himself. They are paying attention to what Steve says in Albany. I hear about it all the time when I contact these State people for help for the city. In this age it doesn’t matter where you say something ridiculous, everyone will know about it.

well, I guess we know what story will be the most veiwed in feburary 68 comments with only one from Dan and me there making us look bad and this topic is commicle at best or should i say more foolish than fools gold

OMG-We have found a person madder than I. Although it's the thought that counts on most occassions.What it will take is a revolution of epic proportions.

We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

It seems the higher ups did not like my last post, so I will change it a little.

Everyone is bitching, Dems this, Reps that, you have all missed the point. No matter what party an elected person belongs to, they got in it for one thing and one thing only, TO PUT MONEY IN THEIR POCKETS, PERIOD!!!!!!They do not really care how you or I survive,weather we keep our homes or have health insurance. They just got a job that will pay them the rest of their lives, no worries!! You want to fix all the deficits take away all their big pay checks, and benefits. Tell them to get a job, offer them a $75.00 per bill voted on along with bus fare to and from their home to do so. If the refuse the job they were not doing it to help anyone but themselves in the first place!!! If you all don't like that one, how about this? Take all elected persons, line them up side by side, fire every other one, tell the ones still standing, FIX THE PROBLEM, OR YOUR NEXT!! Watch them move their sorry backsides then.

First- that I not be accused of taking up the Democratic Party's position; I am not a Democrat.
Second- anyone that cannot see that money is downstate and empty pockets are upstate had better wake up.
Third- the voters who keep re-electing the same old drones are to blame for the state of the state.
Fourth- NYC would be better off without us, so be careful what you wish for.
Fifth- We have what every city in this state needs and cannot provide for itself: farmland AKA food. So why are we (pardon the pun) dirt-poor. Because Mr. Hawley, friend of the farmer, your price supports and farm bills only serve the industry- not the farmer. If our farmer-friendly assemblyman was actually effective, family farms would be profitable and thriving.
Why is Wegmans selling Washington apples? Why does Tops sell hot house tomatoes from Ohio?
Mr. Hawley, you need to get your head out of your chair cushion and do something positive with your time in Albany. Stringing Xmas lights and pandering to the beer-sotted ramblings otherwise known as xenophobia will not save your constituents' jobs, homes or dignity.

Daniel writes: Jeff-We have control of the House, the Senate and the White House....and the State Assembly, State Senate and the Governorship.

Well I guess everything is all well then isn't it Daniel? The prolems in New York state must all be the workings of President Bush then... just like the weather.

Jeff, I have to disagree, winter started with Bush in office. He is responsible for the bad weather till spring. :-)

Pataki and Bruno virtually drained the life out of upstate, Republican leadership failed us for 12 years.

We're finally starting to enact policies that will help us turn the corner.

YES WE CAN! Oh man, get serious please. We're talking about Democrats now. Maybe they should bail out NYS with the 900 mil spending package of Obama. Yes you guys did win... now hold your breathe, we are screwed.

Screwed? I'd call the past 8 years pretty screwed by most standards....a terrorist attack, two recessions and our social fabric pretty much being torn apart before our very eyes.

It's an 800 billion dollar package, that actually does something about economic growth, beyond just cutting taxes , closing our eyes and sitting on our thumbs. In the real world, we can't just let the bleeding run out, we need stimulus.

By the way, I am a pretty serious guy....statements like "now hold your breathe, we are screwed. " are just comical.

To everyone else on this thread bashing the Democratic party-Your bitterness shines through, look, regardless of my being a committee member or not, the facts are simply the facts, Wall Street provides an enormous amount of state-wide income. Upstate's problem's can't be traced to Manhattan, same goes with theirs, we've had this pervasive "blame the other guy" mentality for way too long, it's time for all of us to start working together.

You sound like a certain peanut farmer from Plains. Do you remember the Community Reinvestment Act of the late 1970's? You need to do your homework! It is just so easy to blame the last 8 years. I really think that you believe yourself. I'm sure you mean well though, you have probably just read and heard what to say.

I heard that a plane flipped over in Leroy yesterday. But don't worry that was Bushes fault too. Things will get better now... Yes we can!

Silly Russ, Its negetivity like yours that has put our earth in crisis. Have you no desire for CHANGE. Come out of your closet and face the facts. Upstate NY has forever suffered for the sins of NYC. We are over taxed, underpayed{well at least some of us}, our schools, children, familys,ect. have suffered because of the debt NYC has put on our shoulders. I think its a great idea to become independent from the burden of NYC. I suppose your against alternate sources of energy too??? Wind turbines are a GREAT way to produce electricity without further hurting the earth. Stop being so negative about CHANGE. Its people like you that plant seeds of doubt in everyone, instead of hope for our future.
Find something constructive to say would yah!!

You sound like a certain blabbering talk-radio host yourself, I would offer some advice to you though, chill with the snobby attitude, being dismissive of people because they don't agree with you gets you nowhere on this site, at any rate....

The Community Reinvestment Act (a bank regulation bill) has nothing to do with the stimulus bill, it's an apples and oranges comparison. The stimulus bill creates jobs, targets tax cuts and provides funding to state and local governments to help with infrastructure.

Wow Karen, I didn't know that Russ ranked right up there with global warming, poverty, terrorism and global market turmoil....

Man the more I read from your hateful, negative mouth the more I wonder what I can do to change you. Maybe you should have run for city council or something. That would give me the chance to see you, and call you out on ALOT of the true BULL spewing from your mouth. Again {Like my father always said{Do something to further your position in society}. You must live a very nervous life. I would bury you in a public forum!!! Where and when??? Get the cameras ready. I wish our friend Steve Hawley all the luck in the world. He is and always has been a level headed, inteligent man, who has nothing to gain but to help the world and our community. GOD BLESS YOU STEVE!!
Gladis Cravitz

Gee Danny I dont remember typing any of that in my comments???? Are you related to him or just like him LOL

Ah, I have succeeded in doing just what I thought. Its the snobby and Childish comments that fuel the fire on this site. If you cant take the heat then get off the Batavian. Truth hurts a little hah. You are getting awefully defensive. I will just keep going so maybe I will sign off. Cause everyone know how I am, I will dance with you till the end. Thats what makes me a Christian American. I see the big picture, do you ? Hate breeds More Hate, How dare anyone judge one another for there beliefs. only makes things worse....
You have a blessed day Rusell,
Gladis Cravitz

Dismissive, snobby, and fruit have nothing to do with the truth. You really sound unread. The CRA has everything to do with where we are today. I am sorry though if I have not follow the order of what is to be said on your website. Don't get angry. Remember you won.
I have to go to work now. Maybe you could go over to the library for a while..?

Library, for what??? Im on the internet silly........

I'm not the one that's angry or frustrated, that would be you in this situation, I know what your game is....if you can't intimidate the other person, dismiss them as "unread", I read quite frequently actually, and am aware of what it's going to take to rejuvenate our economy. Perhaps you should do some research yourself?

Angry, nope, like I said, we won, and now President Obama (it must kill you to hear that phrase) is working with Congress to get our economy back on track.

I LOVE The President, and couldnt be happier. There you go again putting untrue words in my mouth. Man what is with you???

Karen-I was speaking to Jeff there.

I cant wait till Obama exposes all the Corrupt, moneygrubbing people out there ripping us taxpayers off. I am enjoying seeing them exposed for tax evating,lining there pockets at our expense. Its a new time, a time for CHANGE!!!

Maybe, but just how many Cabinet positions are left to fill?

Let's save the SUNY system some time and effort. Here's your answer, Mr. Hawley.
www.ppinys.org/reports/2004/letupstate.pdf