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Today's Poll: Do you think taxpayers are getting their money's worth out of GCEDC?

By Howard B. Owens
Jim Burns

I may be mistaken, but it appears Howard is running out of poll ideas, since this current subject is being beaten to death.
Why don't we help and suggest new polls, because I fear tomorrows will be is it Cold, yes or no.

How about has Howard,
a) Ran out of poll ideas?
b) is just too cold to think
c) the writer of this post has cabin fever

Jan 24, 2011, 10:15am Permalink
Bea McManis

Sweeping it under the carpet doesn't make it go away.
Perhaps, the more important question is why Jim wants to direct attention away from a topic that has everyone talking.

Jan 24, 2011, 10:28am Permalink
Jim Burns

ooh Bea a conspiracy, why do I want it to go away? Really? Are you kidding?

I care enough about it that I have placed the meeting on my schedule, the good story that is was just seems over played to me.

Jan 24, 2011, 10:44am Permalink
Kevin Squire

I don't think that anything that involves the possible missuse of public funds can be "over played' until all the facts are brought before the public and an acceptable solution is obtained.
Too many times you see something like this swept under the rug.

Jan 24, 2011, 11:55am Permalink
Dave Olsen

I got a better conspiracy theory. Suzanne Corona was paid to shoplift, thinking it would overshadow media exposure of the GCEDC Report. Almost worked too.

Jan 24, 2011, 1:27pm Permalink
Mark Potwora

I'm glad to see Howard poll the public on this issue..Creates great debate...From the way the poll results have been seems like the public feels that the GCEDC is being running poorly..And that until they are looked at more closely by the County Manager no more taxes payers money should be given to them...Cut all funding and lets see what kind of salary's they draw..Will there still be county club memberships..What are there benefits packages like..

Jan 24, 2011, 1:28pm Permalink
C. M. Barons

The waste and inappropriate use of funds under the authority of local IDAs is pervasive. This is NOT simply a Genesee County issue; it is a statewide phenomena. And it's aggravating that business interests under the guise of Chambers of Commerce and Unshackle Upstate have either ignored or defended the IDAs while taking aim at working-class programs for similar mismanagement. Here is a link to a report by a Monroe County group:

http://www.metrojustice.org/pdfs/COMIDA%20isnt%20spanish%20for%20free%2…

Jan 24, 2011, 2:07pm Permalink
C. M. Barons

John, considering the documentation, the messenger should not be the prime consideration. In any regard, skip ahead to the recommendations. I doubt you will find any to be unreasonable or uncalled for.

Jan 24, 2011, 2:43pm Permalink
Daniel Jones

I agree with Senator Ranzenhofer:

"I don't believe that bonuses are appropriate," says Ranzenhofer, "whether it be the Power Authority or the Transportation Authority or an Industrial Development Agency. You agree to work for a certain amount of money and that's the way they ought to be compensated. This is not the private sector."

http://www.wbtai.com/LocalNews/tabid/115/articleType/ArticleView/articl…

"I do not favor a one-time bonus payment. It think it leaves open the opportunity for controversy and criticism as obviously we are talking about it right now."

http://www.wbtai.com/LocalNews/tabid/115/articleType/ArticleView/articl…

Jan 24, 2011, 6:17pm Permalink
kevin kretschmer

Howard and Bea, perhaps you should consider wider circles of influence. I was at five separate functions in the area this weekend and talked with more than 200 people. The GCDEC never came up, not even in passing.

Jan 24, 2011, 6:26pm Permalink
Bea McManis

Kevin, I guess it depends on the type of function attended.
Shopping for playoff party, it was discussed among friends.
NFL playoff party, no one mentioned it.
Public awareness breakfast, it was the topic of conversation.
Dinner with friends, it was brought up - not by me.
I didn't expect the people at the playoff party to talk about it.
So, I was only with about 50 people over the weekend, and can't compare with your 200.

Jan 24, 2011, 6:55pm Permalink
Kevin Squire

Kevin K....I guess I would like to know what functions you attended too. I was at one place this weekend with probably 50 people and it was the topic of choice.
There were some people there that propably couldn't tell you who the vice president of the United States was...but they were all talking about this...

Jan 25, 2011, 12:41am Permalink

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