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Local candidates: Frank Ferrando, District 7, county legislature

By Howard B. Owens

We've asked each of the candidates in the city and county legislature races to answer a couple of questions regarding why they're running and what they hope to accomplish if elected. Election Day is Tuesday.

Here's the response from Frank Ferrando, candidate for District 7, Genesee County Legislature:

The past 10 years on Batavia’s City Council taught me how to contribute and participate in the challenges facing the citizens of our community.  Working as a team was not always the process followed by council. The late 1990s and the early years of the new century were, most would agree, very dysfunctional. The years I’ve been involved have seen the council become much more focused and willing to work as a team. It was great to be a part of that transformation. I understand the commitment and dedication necessary to create a positive and constructive environment so problems can be solved and initiatives achieved. I’m well prepared to work as a county legislator.

I believe the key issue facing the legislature at this time (and there are several major challenges) is mandate relief. Working with my colleagues, if elected, to relieve our citizens from the burden of these state expenses, will be a priority. New York State is the only state in our union that transfers 25 percent of the cost for Medicaid to the county. In other states, 50 percent of these costs are covered by the federal government and the remaining 50 percent by the state.

Something has to be done to relieve Genesee County of this burden, so that local needs can be achieved while holding taxes to a reasonable level. At this time a significant percentage of the county’s budget is mandated, leaving few options for local needs and expectations.  Chairperson Mary Pat Hancock presented an excellent breakdown of this issue in her latest State of the County address.

Local candidates: John Canale, 3rd Ward, city council

By Howard B. Owens

We've asked each of the candidates in the city and county legislature races to answer a couple of questions regarding why they're running and what they hope to accomplish if elected. Election Day is Tuesday.

First to respond, John Canale, candidate for the 3rd Ward, city council.

The primary reason I am running for city council is in response to the advice of my late father "Lou," who himself was a former city councilman and county legislator. He often reminded me that if I am to live, work, raise a family, and run a business in one community, there will come a time that I must give something back to that community that so generously supported me.  After living my entire 51 years in this great city, now is the time, and I can think of no better way to serve my community than as a city councilman.

I would like to offer the residents of the 3rd Ward an equal voice on city council, allowing their views and concerns to be heard, considered, and represented without bias regarding all city matters. The primary reason voters should support me is because I have the business "know how" it takes to run the city. As a local small business owner of Canale's Drum Studio, and having been involved in the local business community for the past 28 years in this great city, I feel the business background and knowledge that I bring to council is extremely advantageous to running a municipality.

One of the key issues I would like to focus on during my term is concentrating on the existing process of increasing revenues as we continue to look for ways to consolidate duplicate services in order to cut costs. These two facets are crucial to maintaining current services without impacting dramatic tax increases that the taxpayers can no longer shoulder.

I look forward to working with Julie Pacatte, our new economic development coordinator, to find ways to encourage more small business development and expansion in the city. Small business development will be crucial to building new revenue sources through expanding the tax base and increasing traffic and activity within the city.

Political student from Batavia launches first election campaign in front of city hall

By Howard B. Owens

Dan Jones, a regular contributor to The Batavian, announced Wednesday he will mount a primary challenge against a council candidate already endorsed by city Democrats.

While accusing unnamed Democrats, who are apparently opposed to his candidacy, of already fighting dirty, Jones promised an issue-oriented campaign.

"I believe in order for the city to move forward, council must support policies that are progressive, fiscally restrained and totally transparent," Jones said.

While Jones is endorsed by the Conservative Party, he is taking on Kathryn Balbick Bellamy, endorsed by the Democrats, in a Third Ward primary.

Jones was joined in front of Batavia City Hall on Wednesday by Assemblyman Mark J.F. Schroeder and Councilwoman Rose Mary Christian.

"Dan Jones loves this business," said Schroeder, whom Jones worked for as an intern in Albany. "He loves the business of governance. He loves to help constituents. He loves politics."

A recent graduate of Canisius College, where he majored in political science, Jones was born and raised in Batavia and professes a love for the community and concern about its future.

Besides joining in the conversation on The Batavian -- something he promises to continue doing, even after elected -- Jones has been seen at many city council meetings over the past three years and has spoken out on issues from the ambulance service to consolidation.

Jones, 23, says he is self-employed.

Christian, also a Democrat, said she is supporting Jones because he is involved and outspoken.

"He's not afraid to speak out," Christian said. "Even some of my colleagues are fence sitters who won't take a stand unless somebody tells them where to go. That's not me and that's not this young man."

Jones said he is seeking office with high ideals and an ambition to do what he believes is best for Batavia.

"I seek this office not so it becomes another notch on my resume," Jones said, "I seek this office not because I believe I have a popular last name or because I feel I am entitled to it. I seek this office not for revenge. I seek this office because I believe that Batavia needs to be a leader in our region, and indeed the entire state, in having good government that's responsive to the needs of all of its citizens."

Below, video of the event produced by The Batavian's news partner, WBTA:

Crucial budget vote rode on a busy Burk's shoulders

By WBTA News

Batavia City School Board Member Patrick Burk was in a Catch-22 Tuesday evening.

Burk is a Genesee County elections official, and also the president of Batavia City Democrats. So naturally he was at the polling place at 9 p.m., when police walked in and attempted to confiscate the voting machines. It seems Jane Corwin’s campaign had obtained a court order to block any immediate counting of the votes.

“Corwin ‘allegedly’ had a court impound the machines, but I heard it was overturned,” says Burk.

While talking with police, Burk received a call on his cell phone from fellow board member Steve Hyde, which he ignored.

Then Hyde called again. Burk picked up – and suddenly found himself at the center of a debate over the Batavia City School District budget. Fellow board members had split 3-to-3, and Burk’s seventh vote would decide between a contingency budget, and a budget proposal improvised by Hyde.

“Give me about 35 minutes,” Burk said.

Forty minutes later, Burk walked into the board of education meeting on Washington Avenue, visibly out of breath.

Shortly after calling the meeting back into session, Board President Andy Pedro asked if there was any further discussion on the proposal to adopt a contingency plan.

“Well,” Burk deadpanned, “I’d like to see the options first,” receiving a chorus of laughs from the remaining board members.

A bit later in the meeting, Superintendent Margaret Puzio remarked tongue-in-cheek that board members “had all night,” to which Burk cheekily replied: “I’ve been awake since 4:30 a.m., Margaret – make me feel better.” More laughs.

Asked later in the evening about his frantic night, Burk simply stated: “Well, it was the right thing to do.”

(Photo courtesy Batavia City School District)

Open Thread: Your endorsements

By Howard B. Owens

The Batavian doesn't do endorsements, but no reason who you can't.

Who are you voting for (with maybe a short explanation why)?

Of particular interest, what is your position on changing the terms of Genesee County legislators?

Letter from Marc Coppola: Gun rights

By Howard B. Owens

I met Marc Coppola on Saturday and today he sent along this note, which I thought worth sharing:

Howard,

Nice running into you at Summer in the City in Batavia this past Saturday. As I mentioned, I thought it was ironic that someone commented on your site that I was anti-gun when in fact I hold and carry permits for my own guns (and have) for almost 19 years now. And, in case anyone should ask, I do support the right to keep and bear arms. I believe that while the approval process for obtaining a pistol permit in NYS could be quicker, we do it right, trying to assure that those who pose a real threat to society or themselves, don't wind up with a dangerous weapon.

On a more current legislative issue, microstamping, I think that the reasoning and idea behind it has merit, but there are two things lacking that would prevent my support: technology and economics.

My understanding is that the technology of microstamping is still in its evolution stage. Given this, I think it is a large step and therefore premature to enact such a law for NYS at this time.

Secondly, since the law would only apply to guns legally purchased in NY state, and data shows that most guns used in the commission of a crime originated from outside NYS, you have to question the true impact of the legislation.

On the economic side of the equation, this may cause just another burden on NYS businesses that sell or deal guns and related equipment. It puts NYS again, in a less competitive position, which could hurt a strong industry, especially in upstate NY.

Sorry if I sound like I'm on the soap box, just something I wanted to clarify since it was mentioned.

Unfortunately our government leaders, well-intentioned at times, take knee-jerk reactions to things without fully exploring and considering the true impacts, both positive and negative. Using guns for hunting and sport is a tradition and culture particularly in upstate, throwing the baby out with the bathwater so to speak is not good policy.

Take care,
Marc Coppola

(Note: He is a Democrat running for state Senate in the 61st District.)

Incumbents win school board election, budget passes

By Howard B. Owens

Whatever anti-incumbent mood might be sweeping the nation didn't carry over into today's Batavia City Schools School Board election.

Both incumbents -- Steve Mountain and Pat Burk -- won re-election while challenger Denine Scott fell short.

Mountain received 486 votes, Burk 381 and Scott received 336, based on preliminary results.

The 2010-11 school budget of $39.945,756 passed with 413 votes to 223.

Random thoughts on the election

By Howard B. Owens

What's more surprising than the Republicans winning all of the key contested races is the margins. That may merely reflect the GOP registration advantages and the fact there were no real wedge issues to define the campaign. Voters basically said they're happy with the GOP incumbents on the City Council and satisfied with the GOP majority in the County Legislature.

Go back and look at the video of the interviews we did with the candidates in conjunction with WBTA:  There were few disagreements.  There was no big issue to sway voters toward a particular candidate or a particular party.  The Democrats just didn't have a big enough flag to wave to say "this is what voting for us means."  I've not been around Batavia politics long enough to say this with certainity, but it seems if Democrats want to win multiple-ward seats, they need to articulate issues that set them apart. And they need to unite around the candidate(s) with the best chance to win.

What may have hurt the Democrats the most was infighting. The "Coffeecake Caper" brought a lot of that to the surface, with Tim Paine explicitly accusing a faction of Democrats with bringing forth Julie Wallace to block him from a clear path to the nomination.

Speaking of Julie Wallace, she seems like a really goodhearted person and a sweet lady. I bet she's fabulous with kids. Good luck to her on her quest to be a CASA volunteer.  She will undoubtedly do a great job. That doesn't mean she was qualified to run for City Council.

Did the Coffeecake Caper sink Rose Mary? I don't think so. In the end, I think it was a wash. Rose Mary came out looking like an honest, tell-it-like-it-is, stand-up person, which is why she's represented her ward for 18 years. But the Republicans, particularly Joe Gerace, played their cards just right by disavowing Tim Paine's actions without hesitation, which probably neutralized any benefit Rose Mary might have gained from the attack on her.

Word has it it (though numbers aren't available yet) that the City Charter revision passed. That's good and bad. John Roach is right -- the city engineer position should be done away with. But opening the door to the elimination of the Police Department without fully vetting the options could be a mistake.

Following this campaign helped me get greater insight into local politics, and I came away with the impression that the local political parties, especially the city parties, are less about partisan ideology and more like civic social clubs.  Both the Republicans and Democrats work very hard to try to help their candidates win, but not in the name of pushing a partisan agenda, but rather because they want to see their own club do well in the big game. At least that's my impression this time around.

Thank you

By

What can I say? Thank you so much for everyone who supported me through this endeavor. Even though we ended on the wrong side of the line, you have no idea what an honor it has been being invited into your lives these past six months.

I would like to thank the City of Batavia Democratic, City of Batavia Conservative and the independent Better Batavia parties for their endorsements!

For those who shared my line, Sara Burk-Balbi and Julie Wallace, congrats on a job well done and kudos to you for the courage you showed to put yourselves out there! I would also like to say congrats to Chris Charvella and Rose Mary Christian who fought long hard campaigns as well.

Chris did an amazing job and I believe we will and should see him again soon! Kudos Sir!!!

To those who won; Marianne Clatenburg, Frank Ferrando, Tim Buckley, Hollis Upson and Bob Radley. Congratulations on a job well done! Now DON'T STOP!!!!! Our city and County has so much potential and there is just show much work to be done. We need you now more than ever!

Last, I would like to thank those who walked with me through this journey. Charlie Mallow asked me to run and he has stayed by my side throughout. He is a great friend and I am grateful for him. Sara Burk-Balbi and I became friends because of this experience and her friendship helped me on more than one occasion! Finally I would like to say thank the great God above for my wife, Laura and my two amazing girls, Delilah and Vivian. Life is nothing without you.

Thank you all again and God Bless,

Phil Ricci

Genesee County election results 2009

By Howard B. Owens

Final Unofficial Numbers, posted 11:09 p.m.

Note: City Charter question not yet tallied and those numbers are not expected to be announced until tomorrow between 11 a.m. and noon.

WBTA Live Stream

Office   Votes Percent County       County Clerk Don M. Read 4610   District Attorney Lawrence Friedman 5077           City - Vote for 1       Genesee County Legislator District 7
(Wards 1 & 6) Rose Mary Christian  361     Robert H. Radley  510           Genesee County Legislator District 8 (Wards 2 & 3) Christopher M. Charvella  235     Hollis D. Upson  424           Genesee County Legislator District 9 (Wards 4 & 5) Edward DeJaneiro, Jr  303           City – Vote for 3       Council at Large - City of Batavia Sara J. Balbi  637   Council at Large - City of Batavia Phillip J. Ricci  730   Council at Large - City of Batavia Julie Ann Wallace  547   Council at Large - City of Batavia Timothy E. Buckley  1263   Council at Large - City of Batavia Marianne Clattenburg  1275   Council at Large - City of Batavia Frank C. Ferrando, Jr  1284   Alabama - Vote for 1   Votes Percent Legislator - District 1 Raymond F. Cianfrini     Town Justice Patricia A. Buczek  229   Town Council Janet I. Sage  188   Town Council Terry Thompson  99   Town Council William J. Cleveland  176   Town Council Samuel G. Scarborough  172   Alexander - Vote for 1   Votes Percent Legislator – District 6 Esther G. Leadley  258   Town Council William G. Hirsch  136   Town Council William R. Franz  119   Town of Batavia - Vote for 1   Votes Percentage Legislator – District 4 Mary Pat Hancock     Supervisor  Gregory H. Post  447   Town Clerk/Tax Collector  Teressa M. Morasco  476   Town Council (Vote for 2) Daniel G. Underhill  437   Town Council Patti A. Michalak  439   Supt. Of Highways  Rodney W. Cook  415   Bergen - Vote for 1   Votes Percentage Legislator District 2 Charles N. Zambito     Supervisor     Donald S. Cunningham 191   Town Justice Donald R. Kunego 180   Town Council (Vote for 2) Rachael J. Millspaugh 188   Town Council Joseph A. Nenni 175   Bethany - Vote for 1   Votes Percentage Legislator District 6 Esther G. Leadley   258   Town Justice Thomas McBride  151   Town Council (Vote for 2) William Gick  113   Town Council Susan Neer  132   Byron - Vote for 1   Votes Percentage Legislator District 2 Charles N. Zambito     Supervisor Robert A. Crnkovich  213   Supervisor Thomas Felton  107   Town Clerk Debra Buck-Leaton  310   Town Justice Daniel DiMatteo  189   Town Council (Vote for 2)  Jeffrey J. Thompson  248   Town Council John Redick  178   Supt. Of Highways  George Heins  264   Darien - Vote for 1   Votes Percentage Legislator District 3 Annie M. Lawrence  514   Town Clerk  Linda P. Graber  261   Town Clerk  Alice E. Calmes  462   Town Council (Vote for 2) Stephen J. Ferry  361   Town Council Charles J. Flagg  291   Town Council Jimmie E. Flaming  69   Town Council Michael A. Plitt 307   Town Council Christopher M. Nicastro  369   Town Council-Unexpired Term Samuel E. Williams  229   Town Council-Unexpired Term David D. Riker  380   Elba -Vote for 1   Votes Percentage Legislator District 2 Charles N. Zambito  245   Town Supervisor Lucine Kauffman  155   Town Council (Vote for 2) Andrew Wormuth  151   Town Council Deborah Bell  142   LeRoy -Vote for 1   Votes Percentage Legislator – District 5 Jerome J. Grasso  945   Town Justice Kermit Arrington  703   Town Justice Darryl D. Sehm  662   Town Council Thomas Stella   713   Town Council Christine M. Smith  870   Town Council Jay E. Whipple  592   Town Council-Unexpired term  Jennifer AO Keys  422   Town Council-Unexpired term  Kelly J. Lathan  860   Oakfield - Vote for 1   Votes Percentage Legislator District 10 Raymond F. Cianfrini  163   Supervisor     Kenneth Dodd     Town Justice (Vote for 2) Thomas Graham  197   Town Justice Dennis R. Beedham  338   Town Counci l(Vote for 2) Carol L. Glor  166   Town Council Michael Cianfrini  166   Town Council-Unexpired term Tim Kabel  164   Pavilion - Vote for 1   Votes Percentage Legislator District 6 Esther G. Leadley     Town Justice John Welsh  132   Town Council (Vote for 2) Linda Thompson  145   Town Council Ronald O. Zarbo  128   Pembroke - Vote for 1   Votes Percentage Legislator District 3 Annie M. Lawrence     Town Justice Robert Alexander  544   Town Council (Vote for 2) Thomas C. Schneider, Jr.  179   Town Council Edward G. Arnold. Jr.  406   Town Council Paul R. DiFiglia  187   Town Council John J. Worth  416   Stafford - Vote for 1   Votes Percentage Legislator District 4 Mary Pat Hancock  691   Town Clerk Walter Kershenski  571   Town Council (Vote for 2) Ronald Panek  322   Town Council Donald L. Mullen  292   Town Council Michelle Mouery  272   Supt. Of Highways  Steven Boldt  443   Supt. Of Highways  James D. Pontillo  151  

 

GOP calling it a 'clean sweep'

By Howard B. Owens

There were some dour faces when I left the Democratic HQ at the Elks Club, with one candidate whispering to me as I left, "It's not looking good for Democrats tonight."

Republicans were smiling broadly by the time I reached the Polish Falcon Club. Joe Gerace told me, "It looks like a clean sweep."

I'm now at the Board of Elections awaiting first unofficial tally.

Election night at Dem GQ

By Howard B. Owens

It's still quite at Dem HQ at the Elks Club on East Main Street in Batavia.  The first early numbers are being tallied, but nothing to report yet.  From here I'll head to the Falcon's Club and the GOP HQ.

Election coverage tonight

By Howard B. Owens

The Batavian's election coverage will start some time around 8 p.m..  We'll spend time during the evening at both Republican and Democratic headquarters and plan to stop by 400 Towers and anyplace else we hear there's election-related activity.

We will post results as soon as they are available.

WBTA will be on the air with election coverage at 9 p.m.. The Batavian and WBTA1490.com will provide live online streams of WBTA's on-air coverage.

Today is the Day

By

Well it's November 3rd and the polls are open!!! To say that this has been an experience I will never forget is an understatement. I am so incredibly grateful to all of the people who have been by my side through this all!

We have so much to be proud of here in Batavia, yet so much work that has to be done. As you make your choice today, know that regardless of what lever you pull, it has been an immense honor to have been invited into your lives these past six months.

I hope that each of you will exercise your right that so many have died to give you. No matter the outcome, or whom you may support, Please vote today.

Thank you so much for everything!

Respectfully,

Phil Ricci

The Batavian 2009 Election Survey Results

By Howard B. Owens

Below are the results of the election survey taken of readers of The Batavian over the past three days.

Please keep in mind: 

  • This is somewhat experimental. We're curious how close we can get to accurately reflecting how the election will go. That question won't be answered until election night. But as a matter of transparency, we're releasing the results tonight (also, even while acknowledging the potential pitfalls of this survey, candidates are expressing an eagerness to know the results.
  • This is a non-scientific survey. Participants are self selected, which statisticians will tell you can skew results.
  • An online survey isn't beyond being gamed, or tricked, but I see no evidence of that taking place in this case.

All of that to say: You shouldn't let these results influence your voting decisions, from who to vote for or whether to show up at the polls. Treat this as a potentially interesting reflection of how readers of The Batavian are responding to the candidates, but not necessarily a prediction of what will happen on Election Day.

Two other notes. We are not randomly deleting responses as we previously said we would. We had to delete too many as it is because SOOO MANNNNY people didn't follow the instructions on the survey.

The most common reason we deleted surveys (and whole surveys were deleted, not just specific questions) was people voting in BOTH district elections for the County Legislature. The next most common reason, was saying you lived in the Town of Batavia or another town and then voting in Batavia races or on the charter question.

We have 165 completed surveys. We trashed at least 200 more for failure to follow the instructions and another 25 for stating not registered to vote and unlikely to vote (you see, those were trick questions). We also deleted five surveys with duplicate IP addresses.

We're also not displaying results for jurisdictions that had only one or two respondents.

Here's the results:

Very likely to vote: 149 (90%)

Batavia City Council - Council at Large   Answer   Marianne Clattenburg 49 (22%)   Timothy E. Buckley 45 (21%)   Frank C. Ferrando, Jr 44 (20%)   Phillip J. Ricci 39 (18%)   Sara J. Balbi 26 (12%)   Julie Ann Wallace 15 (7%)

 

City of Batavia Charter Revision   Yes 52 (64%)   No 29 (36%)

 

Genesee County Legislator District 7 (Wards 1 & 6)   Robert H. Radley 22 (59%)   Rosemary Christian 15 (41%)

 

Genesee County Legislator District 8 (Wards 2 & 3)   Christopher M. Charvella 17 (55%)   Hollis D. Upson 14 (45%)  

 

Darien Town Clerk   Alice E. Calmes 5 (56%)   Linda P. Graber 4 (44%)

 

Darien Town Council (Vote for 2)   Michael A. Plitt 7 (35%)   Stephen J. Ferry 5 (25%)   Christopher M. Nicastro 4 (20%)   Charles J. Flagg 3 (15%)   Jimmie E. Flaming 1 (5%)

 

Darien Town Council, unexpired term   David D. Riker 7 (70%)   Samuel E. Williams 3 (30%)

 

Le Roy Town Justice   Answer   Kermit Arrington 13 (65%)   Darryl D. Sehm 7 (35%)

 

Le Roy Town Council (Pick 2)   Thomas Stella 15 (58%)   Christine M. Smith 8 (31%)   Jay E. Whipple 3 (12%)

 

Le Roy Town Council, unexpired term   Kelly J. Lathan 14 (67%)   Jennifer AO Keys 7 (33%)

 

Stafford Town Council (Vote for 2)   Ronald Panek 10 (38%)   Donald L. Mullen 9 (35%)   Michelle Mouery 7 (27%)  

 

Stafford Superintendent of Highways   Answer   Steven Boldt 13 (87%)   James D. Pontillo 2 (13%)

 

Candidate has not volunteered for CASA, contrary to repeated claim

By Howard B. Owens

"The children" is a key part of the City Council campaign platform for Julie Wallace, but when it comes to her claims of serving the kids of Genesee County, there appears to be inconsistencies in her resume.

In our Oct. 15 candidates' forum in which The Batavian and WBTA interviewed Wallace, Wallace said, "I do a lot for the children. That's basically what I want to do. I want to do more for the children than anything."

She also claimed that evening that she is a volunteer for CASA, a claim repeated in her bio in the Daily News interview earlier this week.

"I do a lot of volunteering," Wallace said Oct. 15. "I volunteer for CASA."

After being tipped by a reader, The Batavian called Tara Pariso, executive director of CASA, and Pariso said Wallace has never volunteered for CASA.

CASA stands for "Court Appointed Special Advocates" and the job of volunteers is to help children in foster care.

Pariso said her predecessor, Sara Munger, had started the application process with Wallace, but Wallace never completed the interview process required for all volunteers. Pariso said Wallace was supposed to do one of the two required interviews last week, but missed her appointment. She also said volunteers require an extensive background check, checking for any criminal record, and Wallace has not yet had a background check.

Wallace today had a different story. She didn't explicitly repeat the claim to volunteer for CASA, but she did say that Munger interviewed her and cleared her for training to begin in November.

When asked if she had that in writing, she said she did not.

"I just touched base with Tara last week, since Sara had left," Wallace said. "Everything was all set to go with Sara."

Wallace was adament that she will start training in November. 

When we spoke to Pariso yesterday, she was equally adament that Wallace had done no volunteering of any kind for CASA and that she needed to be interviewed and pass a background check before she could start volunteering.

UPDATE Monday, Nov. 2, 9:42 a.m.: We just received this e-mail from Sara Munger:

As the former director for Genesee County CASA for Children I would like to   verify some misconceptions that have been shared with your readers.  I did in  fact interview a Julie Wallace near the end of my service as the Director for  CASA for Children.  At no time during the interview did I tell Ms. Wallace  that she was accepted as a volunteer for CASA, or that she would be going  through the training process as a volunteer.  When interviewing CASA  advocates it was my policy to review all of the materials after our  interview, check at least three references (by phone, or through mail) and  complete a thorough back round check on all potential candidates.  When I  interviewed Ms. Wallace I explained to her that after reviewing her  application and completing these appropriate steps, I would then contact her  to set up a time for training.  Shortly after our interview, I stepped down  from my position as the Director, and Mrs. Tara Pariso was hired as the new  CASA director.  At this time Ms. Wallace's application was handed over to  Mrs. Pariso, and the application process and background checks had not been  completed.  Ms. Wallace did contact me to follow up with the interview, and  it was explained to her that due to current circumstances, I was not able to  move forward with her application, but ensured her that I would hand over her  information to the new director.  At no time did I indicate to Ms. Wallace  that she was accepted as a CASA advocate, or indicate that she would be  training in November.

A Closer look at Phil Ricci's Platform

By

One of the things that I have stated time and again throughout this process is the lack of forward thinking I see here in Batavia. After months of walking the streets of our city and meeting the hundreds of neighbors that took time out of their day to speak with me, I, with the help of those who know more on these subjects, have created a look of possibilities at some very important issues.

 
First and foremost, let us tackle what I believe to be the simplest issues:
 
Open Government.
 
This is and easy problem to solve because it will take only a few simple steps to correct. Here is my Plan:
 
I will put forth a motion to:
 
  1. Place all meeting agenda items and supporting documents be published on the city’s website no later than seventy two hours before each meeting. This will of course not include any personnel or legal items, but should include all motion items that are open.
  2. With the power of this electronic society, all meetings should not only be taped for cable, but they should also be streamed live via the city’s website. They should also be stored on the site for a period of one year, so that residents can go back and re-watch if they wish. This is not costly as many will have you believe and it will allow anyone that wants a real time or even post time look to have.
  3. Institute a series of floating meetings. The Batavia City Schools for years have held meetings at the different schools throughout the district. Essentially, bring the meeting to the neighborhoods, instead of making the neighborhoods always come to them. There are plenty of spaces that can be used throughout the city that will allow council to hold at least one meeting in every ward. Not only will this allow those who have problems traveling yet another option, but it may even encourage some to experience the process for the first time.
  4. Limit the use of Executive Sessions to only issues concerning legal liability to the city.
 
I cannot make other city officials use online sharing resources like TheBatavian.com to openly speak about their opinions on topics or reasons for their vote, but I can assure you that I will. By giving the public access to its government, providing documentation and agendas, as well giving the ability to hear and see Business and Conference sessions at will, we will all have more insight into our government
 
Police and Fire Departments:
 
The public safety of this community is one of my top priorities. One of the many reasons my wife and I live in Batavia is because it is a safe place to raise kids. I have met and worked with many of the officers in our local force, including Chief Baker, and I am impressed with them all!
 
That all being said, the financial realities of running this city is very clear. At every home I went to, I was told the same thing: Taxes are too high! I understand the burdens that we face. I also understand that we cannot have tax reform without speaking about these two vital agencies. My plan is designed to be thoughtful while being realistic.
 
Police
 
Right now we have an opportunity to fully invest the time it takes into the Police question. We are in need of a new contract and that means the time is right to make a change. The fact is there are too many police agencies in our community.
My Plan is simple. We will merge the City Police Force with the County Sheriff’s department within two years. That is enough time to allow for a smooth transition. We will work with the county to create a “Metro Division” within the Sheriff’s department, so that we can ensure the proper protection for our neighborhoods.
 
  1. We will create a committee made up of multi-community officials (City and County Officials/ Officers) to work through all the details of the transition. Their primary objective: Keep safety levels at their current levels while we transition.
  2. We will honor the careers of our City Police and only eliminate positions through natural attrition to minimize impact on them. 
  3. We will begin in year one to have a blended force with the county as we reduce our staffing levels to fill in any holes. Keeping our patrols where they are and ensuring response times are sound.
  4. We will work with the county to decide what equipment and vehicles are needed and what can be sold. Taken full inventory and using the monies earned to pay for any costs associated. If none, a full return to tax payers.
  5. By year two the county will fully take over operations as well as any officers that will be brought into the new force.
  6. The local police station can either be utilized by the county as a metro dept if they wish or be returned to the city for other purposes.
 
 
This will take time. The first thing that we have to do though is agree to do it. I have listened to enough of you to know that you want a change. I also believe that it should be the residents to decide! That is why when I bring this forward, I will push for a Referendum before I allow it to die out of political fear!
 
As for the Fire Department…
 
My plan for the fire department is different than that of the police.
 
Here is what I propose:
 
1.     We re-negotiate a contract that introduces a blended department of full time officers and paid on call men for night calls. Ensuring flexibility while still maintaining a paid staff.
2.     We enter service sharing agreements with all the surrounding volunteer departments to cut down on future equipment purchases.
3.     We work with our City Fire Union to eliminate mandatory overtime provisions.
 
We will have to train new call men and build up that program. The reality is that we may very well continue with our current force for a few years farther into the future while we do this, but again I believe that the citizens of Batavia should vote for it. I will put forth the motion of a blended department and revised inter-service contract that will be based on market needs.
 
Neighborhood Improvement: 
 
            Every election year people always say that they are for neighborhoods. I find it hard to believe anyone is not for neighborhoods! My plan is to A.C.T.
Accountability
 
Community
 
Transformation
 
The first part, Accountability, is the one that has caused so much distress with those who value their privacy. I am not in favor of the government telling me how to live my life or how to keep my home. At the same time I also understand that one property in disrepair can cause an entire street’s value to decline. That is as much an infringement of another’s personal freedoms as the other. Although, when we choose to live in a communal environment we agree to a set of understandable standards that are common throughout the world.
 
Here are my opinions and solutions…
 
First let’s talk about rental properties. Landlords are business owners, plain and simple. They are paid for a service and, if done properly, profit from it. It is not wrong to require that business owners keep their properties in good repair. This should go for all business owners throughout the city. However, if a landlord will not do that, then I believe the city should have the right to inspect the property, cite violations and fines. This is about safety, not esthetics. Rental properties with damaged foundations, collapsing porches, exposed wirings and damaged piping can create problems for the whole neighborhood.
 
What about people who honestly can’t afford to fix their homes and then see their assessments raise just because they did something nice to their property. To this I have a plan.
 
There is a New York State statute that is already on the books right now. To put it plainly, it allows homeowners to do major home repair without having their assessment rise. It essentially freezes a property’s assessment rate for a period of three to five depending on what the city adopts. I would put forth the five year version of the bill.
 
Here is an example of how it works:
 
            2009 Assessment value of property: $100,000
            Work to be done: New roof, siding and porch
            Total Cost: $25,000
            Assessment would rise to: $111,000 an additional $112.42 per year just in city taxes!
           Under plan: $100,000 – No change for five years!
 
That same house would then be reassessed in 2014. At that time between inflation and market growth the house would be worth $120,000. The way the plan works it breaks down the assessment over a two year period.
 
2015: $110,000
2016: $ 120,000 Full Market Value!!!
 
That is a total of seven years after the original work has been done before you see the change in your assessment!
If a property is sold during the window while it’s frozen the assessment will automatically go to the new rate. I will put this measure forward year one!
 
 
Community
 
Building a strong sense of community is paramount for a neighborhood to actually improve. The ability to trust, respect and protect one another has been the staple of powerful towns and cities throughout our country’s history. The first thing that we have to realize is that Batavia has changed. We are not the same city we were twenty years ago. Most people do not know the person to their left or right anymore. While it is not government’s job to make people know one another. It is very much their job to create a sense of revitalization when it has been lost. Here are my ideas on how we can do just that…
 
1.     Individual community “Night Outs” that are led by the areas ward council person and teamed up with the various agencies throughout Batavia to bring neighbors together.
2.     We need to institute ward forms so, neighbors can come together, address concerns and bring forward issues to their representatives that are important to specific streets.
3.     Individual Ward events like, educational classes, crafts etc. sponsored by the various non-for-profits that bring community members together under like interests.
4.     The re-institution of neighborhood watches. Neighbor protecting Neighbor
 
All are just possibilities, but anything that strengthens a community, improves a neighborhood.
 
Last…Transformation.
 
            The purpose of this is the rebuilding of civic pride and interest that has fallen so over the years. Yes I believe a lot of this has to do with not feeling included in the process, but it’s so much more. Volunteerism is down. The amount of time that people give to charities, sports clubs, civic clubs, church groups and so forth, has seen steady falls for the better part of twenty years. I am not nearly to an age where I can preach about any type of “old days”, but I can tell you that we are just not connected to very much except the internet!
 
Transformation is the return to civic pride and revitalization of community participation on all fronts. It’s the call to action that I don’t think we have ever had and it’s time to give it. I don’t think I have a policy for this. It’s more of returning a state of mind. I will try to lead by example, but more so, I will help any young person that takes an interest in some field find the guide that they need.
 
There is so much more…
 
We have so much work to do! We have long term issues that we need to address now so that we aren’t facing the next budget crisis in four years. We have to be logical at the resources we have and use our city space to the best of our ability. We have got to think bigger about the possibilities and get past “the way we have always done things” mentality.
 
I want to thank you for taking the time to read my thoughts for a Better Batavia. If you want to know more just ask! I hope that you see I am constantly looking, assessing and re-evaluating things to find the best way for the most people! I am, if nothing else, a father of two little girls that count on him to do the right thing. That truth alone motivates more than you can believe not to mess up!
 
My name is Phillip Ricci and I am running for City Council at Large. On November 3rd, I humbly ask for your vote.

Please vote in our election survey

By Howard B. Owens

We still have our election survey online (link below).

PLEASE READ: I have invalidated at least HALF of the surveys cast so far.  People are not following the instructions. If you say you're voting for one candidate for County Legislature in District 7 and then also select a candidate in District 8, I'm throwing out your survey.  That is by far the biggest reason for invalidating a survey.  I've also invalidated surveys for voting in every jurisdiction.

Also note that I've only included in the survey races that are competitive. For jurisdictions or districts that have candidates running unopposed, there are no survey questions.

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Election Survey -- 2009

By Howard B. Owens

We are experimenting with an online survey for the County's 2009 Election. The survey will be up until Friday evening. We will publish the results over the weekend. Please read the instructions carefully.

NOTE:  Please follow the instructions. Do not vote in multiple jurisdictions.  I just deleted half of the first 12 survey responses because people voted in every race, or, more common, both contested Legislature races.  You can't vote in both District 7 and District 8.

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