Genesee County's tentative budget doesn't have much to recommend itself to a public already strained by a distressed economy. A proposed spending increase of 5.2 percent and an increase in the tax rate of 4.2 percent (41 cents per $1,000 assessed valuation) won't please too many folks, including the legislators.

County Manager Jay Gsell filed the $141 million proposed budget—and let's stress that: this is a work in progress, and the work has just begun—yesterday afternoon, according to the Daily News. Reporter Paul Mrozek says that Gsell expects that "lawmakers will work to reduce those figures before voting on the fiscal plan."

Gsell said this morning he is "cautiously optimistic" he and the Legislature will be able to get the tax rate down to its '08 level.

No jobs are expected to be cut, but 21 vacant positions may remain that way. Also, "all outside agencies" that benefit from some county funding, such as the Cornell Cooperative Extension, will receive the same amount of funding as this past year—except for Genesee Community College, which was already approved for a $50,000 increase.

Mrozek does a great job with this article, extracting the budget essentials and not getting too technical on us. I only had one question that I couldn't find answered: if no jobs will be added to the rolls and no extra funding will be going to outside agencies—why the increase in spending? I put in a call to Gsell to see if we can get a quick answer to that. We should hear back from him by the end of the day.

(UPDATE 2:33pm): County Manager Jay Gsell phoned to explain why the proposed budget shows an increase of 5.2 percent in spending if there are no increases in funding for new staff or outside agencies. He said that it's true that the county will take on no new programs and no new services, but the increased cost of construction materials, fuel and the increase in the funding needed for county health care push up the total spending for the county.

In other news, snow tubing will not be offered at Letchworth State Park this winter. This is a very specific instance of how the state budget cuts will be affecting folks in the coming months. Reporter Matt Surtel writes:

The tubing cost the park about twice the amount of revenue that the activity generated (Park Manager Richard Parker said). He declined to give an exact figure, but said the economic realities kicked in, when the park looked at ways to cut expenses.

Some staffers may also feel the pinch as the park does not plan to take on as many folks as usual this winter.

We encourage you to pick up a copy of the Daily News at your local newsstand. Or, better yet, subscribe at BataviaNews.com.

I know its only October, but let’s start thinking about trees!

The Holland Land Office Museum is looking for community groups, businesses and other organizations help us in this annual event by setting up a tree.

This year, the theme is Frosty’s Holiday, but that doesn’t mean you have to follow the theme. Trees can be decorated in any style you want. It doesn't cost to participate and the only restrictions are: it has to be less than nine feet tall and artificial.

For more information and to see pictures of last year’s trees, check out the Museum website at http://www.hollandlandoffice.com/Wonderland%20of%20Trees.htm

If you have any questions, call the Museum at 343-4727.

Batavia city police say that no charges have yet been filed, but they are talking with potential suspects in what was reported as a burglary Monday afternoon. An initial call came in shortly before 11:00am yesterday morning for a "burglary in progress" at 120 State Street in the city. A young male had been seen leaving the residence and was later spotted walking down the street with a young female.

Det. Richard Schauf said later in the afternoon that police were still looking for the male suspect.

"The person has not yet been found who was described at the scene," he said. "We're talking with anyone who has information. It was reported as a burglary to a home on State Street, but we're still determining if it is or not."

Several downtown businesses, at least one church and a school were burglarized over the past few months, including Dan's Tire, Ponderosa and Palace of Sweets in the mall. No information has yet become available that would link those crimes. Investigation continues.

Jeffrey T. Peyman, 19, of 5204 Ellicott Street Road, Batavia, was charged with petit larceny and unlawful possession of a hypodermic needle Friday afternoon, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Peyman was picked up by deputies on an allegation of stealing from the K Mart store in Batavia.

Ritchie L. Kirkum Sr., 47, of Oakfield, was charged with second-degree unlawful imprisonment, fourth-degree criminal mischief and endangering the welfare of a child last night, deputies said. Kirkum allegedly prevented an ex-girlfriend from leaving his residence and pushed her several times while she was holding a child. When she attempted to call 911, he then allegedly took her cell phone and threw it into the yard. Kirkum was also charged with second-degree harassment and sent to Genesee County Jail in lieu of $1,000 bail. A stay away Order of Protection was issued.

Jennifer L. Bobzin, 37, of Byron, was taken to Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester yesterday afternoon following a crash in Byron, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. She remains there this morning in guarded condition.

Bobzin was driving on Byron Road when an 18-wheel tractor trailer failed to stop for the stop sign at the intersection of Walkers Corner Road. Bobzin's car passed underneath the tanker, shearing part of the roof as it struck the tanker and striking a few tires on its way out the other side.

Emergency crews took Bobzin to the hospital for a head injury. The driver of the truck, Ronald L. Sprague, 51, of Pavilion, does not face any charges at this time. State police did not find any "operating deficincies" on the truck. Investigation of the crash is ongoing.

Water Buffalo Press finds evidence that Jon Powers drew a salary from his campaign funds while running for office and even has cash on hand to live comfortably for a while yet.

Powers recent FEC filing gives us a better idea of just what these “reimbursements” were.  Remember that Powers was also being reimbursed already for credit card fees, meals, travel and health insurance.

It turns out these “reimbursements” are more accurately defined as a salary which Powers was drawing from the campaign account.

Powers latest filing shows a payment to the candidate in September in the amount of $5,000 listed with the true explanation of the amounts: Payroll.

This seems irregular to me.  I've never heard of a candidate drawing salary from campaign funds before.  But maybe it's more normal than I know.

The Democrat & Chronicle writes about The Clarks, of Batavia -- a home divided by the presidential race.

That's where they hatched the plan to bisect the exterior of their home with yellow caution tape from the tippy-top of the third story, through the flower bed across the lawn and to the sidewalk. On the right side of the tape is a blue-and-white sign showing support for Clark's preferred Presidential candidate: Republican John McCain. On the left side, Lexi and Katherine's pick: Democrat Barack Obama.

"Lexi is very interested in politics this year and as a parent when you see your child express an interest in something you try to expose them to more and more of it," said Clark, a driver for Golden State Foods in Rochester. He wants to encourage Lexi's interest in politics, just as he does Woody's interest in aerospace and Katherine's interest in art.

Who can argue with a parent encouraging his children to stretch their own wings? It's great that he respects his children's' choices on these issues.

But, what caught my eye was that his reasons for supporting McCain are rather spurious.

"My biggest worry as a parent is taxes," said Clark, who shares custody of his three children with ex-wife Patti Burey of Batavia. "And as a parent raising three children, I want to make sure the future is bright for them and make sure they are well off."

McCain's temperament, experience and demeanor make him the best pick for the White House, he said.

McCain "will bring great leadership to Washington," Clark said. And, he said, McCain's conservative credentials mean he's the one who will slash spending, cut taxes and put America back on solid footing again.

Taxes? As the debate over "Not-Joe Not-The Plumber" the past few days has made clear, Obama's tax plan clearly favors people like Mr. Clark far more than McCain's.

McCain's temperament? The man known for his fits of pique and floor stomping displays of rage?  Did you watch the third debate, Mr. Clark?

Conservative? McCain thinks the government should solve problems, not get out the way.  There's very little about McCain's world view -- such as it is -- that is conservative.  He's just another Big Government Republican, more interested in Empire and Plutocracy than caring about your kids.

Not that Obama is any better -- he's not. But those are thee pretty bad reasons to support John McCain. 

And neither man will be able to do much of what they say they'll do, not with $10 trillion in debt, Iraq sucking another $10 billion out of the Treasury each month, Bin Laden still uncaught, a financial system in apparent chaos, energy concerns and rising unemployment.  The pie-in-the-sky promises of either McCain or Obama will be forgotten by Jan. 21.

But let's end on a positive note:

Once the election is over, however, the family plans to heal their partisan divide.

"All of our arguments are all in good fun and whoever wins the election will have the full support of everyone in this house," said Mark Clark. "We're planning on putting out new signs then."

I had to go to Tractor Supply Co. in Batavia, NY on Friday 10/17/08 to return a ball mount that didn't have a deep enough drop for my camper. 

When I pulled in, I looked to my left and there was a wagon and four absolutely beautiful large work horses with wonderful halters on.  Now, I am absolutely curious, but I have to make sure that I don't get sidetracked and that I make sure that I keep my focus. 

I went in and made the return, trying to rush to get back outside to investigate.  After what seems to be hours, I finally get back outside and I start walking towards these beautiful creatures that are contently huddling around an odd looking wagon. 

As I begin to look at one of the horses, I hear some rustling to my left.  A middle-aged man comes walking around and we make the make our introductions.  With making conversation, I was able to to collect some interesting information: the man's name is Bob; his horses are of Percheron breed; their names are Doc, Dolly, Joyce and Dee Dee; he travels with his horses and wagon; and he is currently packing up to head back west. 

After chatting with Bob, I noticed some spectators starting to show interest, so I figured I would take one more look at the horses and then go on my way.  As I am walking back to my vehicle, I figure that I should take some quick pictures of this unique situation.  Though I am not a professional photographer by any means, I grabbed my camera from my vehicle and took as many pictures as I could before they could leave.  I figured this would be a perfect addition for my calendar that I plan to make of various nature pictures I have taken over the years.  So, photo after photo, I am scurrying to always get that last picture before they can leave. 

As they begin to exit the parking lot and make their way left, across Rte. 5,  I rush to my vehicle and slowly drive ahead of them.  I pull over into the parking lot of a small welding business that is about 300 feet in front where they are currently traveling.  I jump out of my vehicle with my camera and started taking pictures of them coming at me on the main roadway.  It is neat to watch these four horses loyally and proudly pulling their friend and his wagon. 

As they begin to pass by me, I wave to Bob and tell him thank you.  Thank you for being you, thank you for caring and keeping these beautiful animals, thank you for being so courageous and unique to travel all over the American north east with them, and a much bigger thank you for providing and showing this neat phenomena to the world.  In response to my thanks, he gave a very kind gentleman's nod and replied, "Your welcome." 

I snapped a few more photos as they continued down the road and muttered to myself, with the utmost amount of satisfaction, "Right place.  Right time."

 (For more info, visit their website: www.wagonteamster.com)

Looks like we need to do some catching up with the Holland Land Office Museum's countdown of The 25 Things That Made Genesee County Famous. We left off with Charles Rand back at the end of September, but Pat Weissend has posted a few more in the meantime. What's more, we're about to break into the top ten!

Clocking in at No. 13 was the Pembroke driver's ed accident: a tragic crash in 1987 that claimed the lives of three students and an instructor. That accident, relates Weissend, spurned folks to act and got the blood alcohol content lowered from .1 percent to .08 percent and made it illegal for anyone under the legal drinking age to even possess a drink.

Darien Lake Theme Park earns a spot at No. 12. Weissend tells us that over 1 million people visit the park each year.

Seneca Indian Ely Samuel Parker makes his appearance at No. 11 on the list. Here's Weissend:

Parker is arguably one of the most famous people ever born in Genesee County. He spoke in front of the Supreme Court, knew United States Presidents, was one of the only Native American Generals in the United States Army and was one of President Ulysses S. Grant’s first nominees for a federal appointment.

Be sure to check out the museum Web site for more on these and the other "famous things" and plenty of other fun stuff, such as podcasts, official Muckdogs merch, the wonderland of trees and more.

Republican Mike Ranzenhofer and Democrat Joe Mesi squared off on WBEN's Hardline with Hardwick Sunday in the only live debate between the two candidates who are vying to replace the retiring incumbent Mary Lou Rath in the 61st Senate District.

Unfortunately, that debate does not yet seem available online. Did anyone tune in? What was your impression?

The Buffalo News had this to say:

The real focus of the 90-minute debate was Buffalo Sabres owner B. Thomas Golisano, who Ranzenhofer accused of illegally campaigning for Mesi through the Responsible New York political committee and its administrator— G. Steven Pigeon.

Ranzenhofer, a veteran member of the County Legislature, said he saw Pigeon and Mesi “joined at the hip” at about 40 campaign events earlier this year before Pigeon, the former Erie County Democratic chairman, signed on as point man for Golisano’s $5 million fund — required by law to be independent of any campaign.

“Steve Pigeon is the single person in charge of the Golisano money. It’s clear that Pigeon is directing the money and the message of the Mesi campaign,” Ranzenhofer said. “As a candidate, you have to know the difference between right and wrong, stand up and say that this is wrong and not take the money.”

Mesi, however, denied that he is participating in anything illegal.

Mesi's campaign sent out a news release the very minute that the debate wrapped up proclaiming: "Mesi Wins Debate!" His camp had this to say:

Mesi outlined his credible plans to lower property taxes and cut down Albany’s bloated budget.  He also discussed how he plans to bring good-paying jobs back to Western New York to give our young people more opportunities here at home. ...

The proposals of Mike Ranzenhofer (Mesi’s Republican opponent) were exposed as shallow efforts that would hurt Western New York.  Estimates show that Ranzenhofer’s “sledgehammer” budget cuts would take $210 million out of Western New York economy, eliminate 1,607 local jobs and do irreparable damage to our community's strengths, especially our local colleges and research centers.

Had anyone heard Mesi's plans on how to bring jobs back? Nothing specific is mentioned in the news release. In the Buffalo News article, it's said that: "He said he would try to protect workers with necessary jobs and would reform programs like Empire Zones and industrial development agencies to save money instead."

I don't follow here. Not sure what "protect workers with necessary jobs" means. What is a necessary job? How do you protect it? What about people whose jobs are not necessary? Who decides that? Reform of the Empire Zone program and the industrial development agencies to save money sounds like a fine idea, but how? How is money saved? As far as I understand, IDAs are not publicly funded. What would such reform entail?

Ranzenhofer was scheduled to come by The Batavian office this morning for a video interview. Unfortunately, he cancelled. We're doing our best to reschedule. Mesi is due in on Wednesday. We will still take questions to consider asking the candidates, if you have them.

A brief aside: The "sledgehammer" budget cuts comment reminds me of the Saturday Night Live skit—I linked to it in a comment last Friday—that mocked the final presidential debate. In it, the mock Barak Obama says that he will make cuts "with a scalpel not a hatchet," while the mock John McCain vows to use a "scalpel, a hatchet and a magical plunger." Ha!

 I am writing this letter on behalf of Joe Mesi, candidate for the 61^st State Senate.  Many know him as “Baby Joe Mesi”, former heavyweight contender in the world.  I simply know him as Joe Mesi, candidate for State Senate, a man that is looking to make a change for the betterment of Western New York.  Impressions are lasting, and I’m thankful my opportunity to meet him wasn’t based on just the notion of the “famous boxer”, but rather a man that has great humility, integrity, compassion, genuineness, and intellect he clearly demonstrated upon meeting him.  After discussing some of the issues we all face, my impression of Joe Mesi, is a man that truly wants to step into the political ring and do what comes so natural to him, fight.  I believe that Joe will fight for jobs, fight to lower our taxes, fight for universal healthcare that is affordable for all, fight for accountability how our money is spent, and bring fresh and new ideas to Albany.  In order to change Albany, we’re going to need a fighter, someone that won’t back down from the political pressures of any majority, someone that has the stamina to go several rounds if needed, someone that is determined to win, and that would be Joe Mesi.  I believe he will be our voice in Albany, and make the changes “we” so desperately need.  We can’t afford to put in office another yes man, a man that will misrepresent you, a man that might cost you your job and higher taxes.  This year’s election is not about voting Democratic or Republican, but rather about voting about economical sound issues, change, and restoration for all.  With our economy in such distress, it will take a true fighter to restore the true meaning of the “American dream”.  On November 4^th, do not vote on your party affiliation, but vote for the person that is truly going to represent you and your family.  Let’s get Albany back on track.  If you really want change, the opportunity is here, vote Joe Mesi!            

Sincerely,

Raelene Christian

What a difference a week makes... Last Monday's Daily News featured three front-page articles on the cautious optimism of local retailers, consumers and financiers about the eventual rebounding of the economy and return of "people's desire to shop." Today's top story—a wire story picked up from the Associated Press—proclaims: "High anxiety on economy: Magnitude of financial meltdown starting to hit people hard." Ouch! Nothing cautious or optimistic there.

From today's report:

The share of people who believe the country is moving in the right direction has plunged in just a few weeks, from 28 percent in September to 15 percent in October. ...

At the same time there is a drop in those surveyed who say they are happy about the way things are going in their lives.

One-third of people are "worried about losing their jobs," half don't think they can keep up with bills—mortgages and credit cards, in particular—and two-thirds of those surveyed said that their investments were losing value.

Where are you at? Do you fit into the cautiously optimistic picture sketched in last week's articles? Or are you pulling your hair out in worry?

In other news, a standoff in Le Roy kept police there busy for two hours Friday night and into Saturday morning. A Darien man is accused of setting fires in an apartment, attempting to kill a woman there and slashing at a police officer with a knife. Jonathan J. Connolly, 30, of Darien, was charged with seven felonies. Connolly eventually had to be taken down with a taser gun. Reporter Scott DeSmit has all the details on this incident featured in today's local section.

We encourage you to pick up a copy of the Daily News at your local newsstand. Or, better yet, subscribe at BataviaNews.com.

Recently I had the chance to read one of Mike Ranzenhofer’s flyers.  I found it to have blatant lies, misrepresentation and propaganda. The Ranzenhofer Plan , states property tax relief- NOW!
* Double the STAR exemption, providing relief now.
* Cap school property taxes to limit future increases.
* Cut state mandates that cause operating cost of local governments and school districts to soar.

IT'S VERY DISAPIONTED TO SEE THAT MR. RAZENHOFER HASN'T A PLAN OF HIS OWN AND HAS NOT PROVEN LEADERSHIP BUT HAS TAKEN THE PLAN FROM THE NEW YORK STATE SENATE.

ON TUESDAY, MAY 1, 2007 SENATE MAJORITY LEADER JOSEPH L BRUNO SENATE PLAN WOULD DOUBLE SENIOR CITZEN PROPERTY TAX REBATE. THIS BILL WOULD RETURN $200 MILLION TO SENIOR TAXPAYERS

ON FRIDAY, AUGUST 8, 2008 SENATE PASSES PROPERTY TAX CAP LEGISLATION
COMPANION LEGISLATION WILL REDUCE SCHOOL DISTRICTS' COST, PROVIDE MANDATE RELIEF

ON MONDAY, JUNE 16, 2008 SENATE PASSES PLAN TO CUT AND ELIMINATE PROPERTY TAXES NEW YORK STOP TAXING OUR PROPERTY PLAN WOULD EMPOWER SCHOOL DOSTRICTS TO COMPLETELY ELIMINATE SCHOOL PROPERTY TAXES; ALLOW LOCALS TO PUT A TAX CAP IN PLACE.

ALL OF THIS MAY BE SEEN ON http://www.senate.state.ny.us

SHAME ON YOU MR. RANZENHOFER, I WILL CAST A VOTE FOR JOE MESI BECAUSE OF THIS

SINCERELY Rose Mary Christian

A Summit Street man has been accused of stabbing one "acquaintance" of his twice and holding another at knife point at his home shortly after midnight this morning, city police said. Michael R. Ostrander, 44, of 122 Summit St., Lower, Batavia, was charged with three felony counts, including second-degree assault, third-degree criminal possession of a weapon and first-degree unlawful imprisonment. Ostrander was also charged with second-degree menacing.

Police have not identified the victims, but they say that the male acquaintance who was stabbed twice was taken to Erie County Medical Center in Buffalo and that his injuries are not life threatening.

Ostrander will go before a judge in city court later this morning.

We placed a call into the department this morning to find out more information. We will pass that along as it comes in.

UPDATE (9:15am): Ostrander was sent to Genesee County Jail without bail. He will remain there until his next court appearance tomorrow afternoon. Investigation into the incident has not yet found a "reason for the attack" and will continue. The names of the victims have not been released. Police have now said that the victims were visiting Ostrander when the attack happened. A 33-year-old man was stabbed twice, and a 40-year-old woman was held against her will at knife point.

More than a dozen state police troopers went out on patrol following the Buffalo Bills home game Sunday at Orchard Park in Buffalo. Three men were charged with driving while intoxicated following traffic stops on some of the main roads leading out of Buffalo. Two of the men were charged with felony DWI. Another 98 vehicle and traffic tickets were issued throughout the day, including 52 for speeding and eight for not wearing a seatbelt.

Jeremiah Flagg, 27, of East Amherst, was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana on October 7, Genesee County sheriff's deputies said. Flagg was stopped on Route 5 in Pembroke for a traffic violation when deputies allegedly found him in possession of marijuana.

Larry R. Pfalzer II, 26, of East Bethany, was charged with aggravated driving while intoxicated Friday night, city police said. Pfalzer was stopped by police for failing to stay in his lane when he was allegedly found to be intoxicated. He was also ticketed with failure to keep right.

Checking YouTube for Batavia-related videos this morning, I came across one apparently made by two guys sent to Batavia on assignment -- get a picture of 52 Otis St.

The Mark mentioned in the video, the person who assigned the task, is apparently Mark  Pirro, owner of Pirromount Studios in Hollywood.

According his bio on the site,

In 1974,  Mark Pirro left New York and came out to Hollywood in an attempt to start a filmmaking career, with no connections, relatives or friends in the industry. He sought out other artists with the same dream and after making a few short films in the late 70's, Pirro started his first feature in 1981: A horror/comedy entitled "A Polish Vampire in Burbank". The 84 minute film cost under $2,500 to produce and had ultimately grossed over a half a million dollars in homevideo and cable television sales. Keep in mind that this was long before the "digital age of filmmaking." Today, it's not that unusual to hear about moviemakers who produce their films on ultra low budgets, but in 1981, making a feature produced on film for under $10,000 or $20,000 was not very common. 

Pirro has made eight feature films, according to the site. All of them are, it sounds like, what I would call B-films, but that's OK, it sounds like Pirro is making a living doing what he loves. Indy Mogul calls him a "low-budget master." That last link includes a video of scenes from A Polish Vampire in Burbank. Kind of funny, actually -- if you enjoy camp. Here's his IMDB page.

Here's another video from YouTube about the making of Pirro's next film, The God Complex.

Responsible New York paid for this Joe Mesi ad:

Mike Ranzenhofer

That's all I could find this morning for Mesi and Ranzenhofer.

Alice Kryzan

Alice Kryzan:

Alice Kryzan:

Chris Lee:

Chris Lee:

On the attack ads, Lee's against Kryzan is just a variation on a theme:

The "liberal trial lawyer" meme is so dated. And it's just ad hominem non-sense.

And the DCCC keeps hammering at Lee on the China issue.

Lee has offered a credible -- though hard for us to verify -- rebuttal to the "sent jobs overseas" charge, and the fact his company was sold to a firm that was supposedly caught up in some boneheaded activity with China is the same kind of "guilt by association" attack the GOP is using against Obama with Ayers.

If you're like me, you wanted to watch the big game today between the Buffalo Bills and San Diego Chargers (though, you're probably not like me in rooting fo the Chargers).

The game started on schedule at 1:05 p.m., but then went off air about 1:15.

WIVB reports that a mylar balloon hit a powerline, tripping a transformer.

Sources say the balloon hit power lines, which caused a transformer to trip off.

Lights and non essential power were affected.

CBS has delayed the game due to technical difficulties at the stadium.

CBS just reported that game has resumed, but no broadcast power yet.  This is disappointing personally because my dad and I haven't been able to watch a Chargers game together in a couple of years, and who knows when we will get another chance.

UPDATE (1:50 p.m.): Kind of confusing report on NFL.com about how the power went out a half hour before game time, and suspending the game for five minutes was planned, but no word on the broadcast.  CBS just said the game is 7-3 Chargers.

UPDATE (2:01 p.m.): Game back on. Still 7-3.  Bills driving after Charger turnover. No graphics on screen to say what game time is. And while I wrote this, the Bills scored.

UPDATE (2:19 p.m.): Game off air again.  Lost broadcast during two-minute timeout.

UPDATE: In comments, Russ provides a link to online play-by-play.

UPDATE (2:50 p.m.) Game back on, 8:58 left in 3rd quarter.

UPDATE (3:58 p.m.): Congratulations Bills fans. 23-14.

My parents are visiting from California this week. On Friday, I took them on a tour of Genesee County.

Of course, we visited the LeRoy Jello Museum, where on the spur of the moment, I bought a little guide to notable locations in and around LeRoy related to the Underground Railroad.

It's a fascinating 17-mile drive.

Here's a couple of pictures.

This is Brend Road, one of the routes north for escaped slaves.

This was the home of Elijah Huftelen, who assisted station master Daniel MacDonald during the brief time MacDonald helped escaped slaves with passage through LeRoy.  MacDonald's station house was somewhere in the vicinity.

If you're interested in taking the tour, the tour guide can be purchased at the Jello Museum for $1.