The game contunues with Tom Mazur showing his true colors.

[WNYresident]

The full story in the buffalo news (http://www.buffalonews.com/editorial/20060108/1061121.asp)

Dusza given post to ensure his pension


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hired by legislator who succeeded him

By MATTHEW SPINA
News Staff Reporter
1/8/2006


Raymond K. Dusza needs nine months.

When Raymond K. Dusza decided not to seek re-election last year, it didn't mean he was leaving the Erie County Legislature, not with about nine months to go to a pension milestone.
Dusza is still drawing a Legislature paycheck, as an aide for the politician who succeeded him. And after a couple of weeks in that job, he will move to another post within the Legislature's bureaucracy.

"He is my only employee right now until I get my district office open," said Thomas Mazur, the Cheektowaga Democrat elected to the seat Dusza vacated. "He served this community well, and to do this for him is - in my mind - not objectionable."

The full story in the buffalo news (http://www.buffalonews.com/editorial/20060108/1061121.asp)

[WNYresident]

Just like Ed Kuwik getting a position to pad his retirement here we go having Tom Mazur (remember that name) hiring Dusza . Remember him? It's ONLY A PENNY! Tom has been on my town board for ages it seems.

Seems Dusza needs some time so that he can get his full 20 years in to have a pension from the tax payers. I wonder what salary Tom Mazur is going to give him.

I believe Tom Mazur is part of the old political system that Dusza has been in. Very little reguard to the tax payers who are the producers in the this area.

[woodstock]

yep rez is in da house. go rez go rez ha ha

[GeorgeB]

But Res, they're only paying him ~$12 an hour... :)

I'm being sarcastic, obviously that pales in comparison to the amount of money it's going to cost the taxpayers to fund his "soon-to-be-artificially-inflated-pension". Must be nice. Hey, Mr. Mazur, can I have a position too? I need to supplement my retirement. What's that, only those in the "good-old boy" network need apply?? Awww, shucks...

And how about Kuwik (sp?) being given a $93K/yr job with the water authority - a job that was not advertised nor had other applicants.

It sure must be nice to have the system wrapped around your finger.

And they wonder why there are so many disgusted taxpayers... they just don't get it...

Here's a thought for the lawyers among us, can Mazur's actions be considered a quid pro quo or whatever the term is? If so, isn't that illegal? And if so, what's the best way a big stink about this?

[Ragin]

This is exactly the kind of stuff that got us into the damn mess we're in now.

They're continuing to feed off the taxpayers of this county with little fear of retribution.

It's obvious these politicians are not afraid of us.

We need to make them hear us loud and clear.

[GeorgeB]

They're continuing to feed off the taxpayers of this county with little fear of retribution.

It's obvious these politicians are not afraid of us.

We need to make them hear us loud and clear.


Well said, Ragin. Look at it from their side though. As far as they know, we're all talk and no action - look at the poor voter turnout in the last election. By rights, we (we as in voting public) gave them the go-ahead to perform business as usual by not voting for change - or in most cases, not voting at all.

So until we *are* a force to be reckoned with, and by that I mean until there are enough fed up taxpayers who actually care enough to vote, nothing will change I'm afraid.

So that brings us to the question - how do we (we as in Speakup) motivate voters to be involved in the next election? That's the only way I see anything positive happening in this area in the near future. And I don't have the answer, but with all the smart people here, I'm sure we can come up with a game plan. Where to start?!?

[atotaltotalfan2001]

Originally posted by WNYresident
The full story in the buffalo news (http://www.buffalonews.com/editorial/20060108/1061121.asp)

Dusza given post to ensure his pension


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hired by legislator who succeeded him

By MATTHEW SPINA
News Staff Reporter
1/8/2006


Raymond K. Dusza needs nine months.

When Raymond K. Dusza decided not to seek re-election last year, it didn't mean he was leaving the Erie County Legislature, not with about nine months to go to a pension milestone.
Dusza is still drawing a Legislature paycheck, as an aide for the politician who succeeded him. And after a couple of weeks in that job, he will move to another post within the Legislature's bureaucracy.

"He is my only employee right now until I get my district office open," said Thomas Mazur, the Cheektowaga Democrat elected to the seat Dusza vacated. "He served this community well, and to do this for him is - in my mind - not objectionable."

The full story in the buffalo news (http://www.buffalonews.com/editorial/20060108/1061121.asp)

This is seriously disgusting. And to think we elected these guys to supposedly reform county government

Some taxpayer revolt. It didn't change a single thing.

[biker]

I"d have to say you're right, Total.

When you couple the Duscza action with the Legislature spending more on their own staff (according to the News), it may even be worth than before. Not just more of the same.

The Legislature may even be emboldened now.

Consider that Lynn Marinelli---the new Chair---had a very difficult primary fight. She won convincingly, in a race that many expected her to lose. I think you could expect her to believe her positions have been strongly endorsed by her constituency.

[biker]

I don't think Duscza's actions should surprise anyone.

IIRC from the News articles of a few months ago, Ray's job with Westinghouse was as the union benefits co-ordinator.

Ray believes there is a giant pot of money (that comes from ????) that people just have to figure out how to tap.

[WNYresident]

You know what you forgot? Tom Mazur is from the old school.. The Cheektowaga political group.

Which political parties endorsed him?

See how this leads up to the people in charge of the political parties?

They can easily hire Dusza as a "consultant" and pay him with a 1099. There's NO reason to allow this to contribute to his pension which will come out of the tax payers pockets.

If he's in a "consulting" position then lets pay him as a consultant.

So how we have Ed and Ray both being "taken care of" oh our penny.

[DR_GONZO]

Erie County taxpayers are fleeced yet again with no regards, no remorse, and no receipt. Thank you Free Buffalo for breaking this news. Keep up the good work.

[biker]

I had a friend in the 1980s who was hired by Westinghouse as a supervisor in the finance dept at the Genessee street. She was a twenty-something.

She absolutely hated the people she supervised. She found them to be dumb, slow, resistant to any change at all, uncommitted to their jobs. Bindings this toxic soup together was their hatred for Westinghouse.

Westinghouse had recently announced the closure of the facility and she felt that their attitudes had a large part in the decision.

The attitudes she described predated the closure announcement.

Ray is probably highly reflective of this attitude.

[biker]

Originally posted by DR_GONZO
Erie County taxpayers are fleeced yet again with no regards, no remorse, and no receipt. Thank you Free Buffalo for breaking this news. Keep up the good work.

Doc:

I think the attitude of most people is "Good for him." Like winning the lottery. There's no connection that Ray's good fortune and the fact that all of us will pay for it.

And for a surprising number of those who do make the connection will say "So what. It doesn't cost each of us individually very much.

[sharky]

And Mazur will get re-elected, when he shoudl be booted out for pulling this

[Ragin]

GeorgeB

I agree with you wholeheartedly that voting these people out is the best way toward reform.

But, with all due respect, are we to sit here with our hands folded waiting for the next election or do we get off our asses and fight back now, before they make things worse than they already are?

Today's news story about Dusza falls on the heels of Thusday's Legislature vote to increase their own budget by $100,000 (pulled in from a separate countywide account).

I'd like to know what account that money was "found" in.

And where the heck is our so called Control Board that we're paying millions for?

I'm sorry, but I'm just plain sick of this crap.

[GeorgeB]

But, with all due respect, are we to sit here with our hands folded waiting for the next election or do we get off our asses and fight back now, before they make things worse than they already are?



Sit and wait? Absolutely not! I want to fight back now, and at the same time also find ways to get people involved in the next election so that we can turn things completely upside down.

I'd also love to know where they "found" the money to pay for the legislature's budget increase! How do we find that out?

And if so few other counties in upstate have their own district offices (as stated in the article in the paper) , why does Erie county even need them in the first place, let alone an increase in staffing? Why can't the control board do anything about this? Or can they, but haven't or won't?

You stated my sentiments exactly: "I'm just plain sick of this crap." I couldn't have said it better!

I want to fight now - enough - 8 days into the year and it's back to business already. How do we fight this? What is the plan?

[butch]

i tried to email Mazur to voice my protest but they have removed the email links from the E County legislature web page!

[WNYresident]

Originally posted by DR_GONZO
Erie County taxpayers are fleeced yet again with no regards, no remorse, and no receipt. Thank you Free Buffalo for breaking this news. Keep up the good work.


When did free buffalo break this news?

[WNYresident]

Did you hear Tom Mazur on wben this morning justifying why he is using Ray?

[RusThompson]

We will be witnessing the implosion of county government. Not only this patronage job with Dusza, Kuwik and his 94K job at the water authority, he will retire in 3 years making 63K a year.

Who pays? We do and will continue to do so until we take control and fight back as we have been trying to do for years. A small group can't do it.

Then of course the new legislature will retain their district offices, 1.5 employees, and a new dem staff position at the county for 78K....

Yet they fought the tax revolt candidates and they won. When will people wake up?

Now the assembly and senate will vote on the sales tax issue today. Soon enough we will be looking at another tax increase, sales tax or other to pay for all this and of course we can't forget the 41 million to ECMC they just voted for.

Yup. This is just great. Time for another big petition drive T..

[Ragin]

Originally posted by WNYresident
Did you hear Tom Mazur on wben this morning justifying why he is using Ray?

Mazur made it sound like he was helping some unemployed sole off the street who needed a job.

Isn't he a swell guy? :rolleyes:

Arrrrrrh!

[RusThompson]

Originally posted by WNYresident
When did free buffalo break this news?
It is on His ste and mine. Posted yesterday.
http://www.rusthompson.com/
http://blog.freeny.org/

[biker]

Originally posted by RaginTaxpayer
Mazur made it sound like he was helping some unemployed sole off the street who needed a job.


These guys aren't soles.

They're heels.

[biker]

I voted in the poll and listened to the archived interview.

Couldn't finish; had to run to the puke bucket.

Kinda makes you wish for the good ol' days of Butch Holt. Doesn't the Chair have to approve any staff hires? Maybe he would said no. Lynn apparently says yes.

[Ragin]

Originally posted by biker
These guys aren't soles.

They're heels.

You got me there, biker

my bad

:)

[GeorgeB]

These guys aren't soles.

They're heels.


That's awesome, good one biker :)

So is there a petition in order to "stop the fleecing"??

[biker]

WBEN just reported that Lynn could stop this.

Say, you don't think they lurk in the Speakup weeds to get the inside skinny for their broadcasts, do ya?

[Ragin]

Ha ha, Biker.

I was thinking the exact same thing!

[Ragin]

Originally posted by GeorgeB
That's awesome, good one biker :)

So is there a petition in order to "stop the fleecing"??

Jim told Beurle that FB would be doing a study.

I think we need to do something and be heard now!

A petition we could mass mail to every legislator would be immediate action.

What do you think, Res?

[LHardy]

Originally posted by biker
WBEN just reported that Lynn could stop this.

Say, you don't think they lurk in the Speakup weeds to get the inside skinny for their broadcasts, do ya?

I've thought that for over a year.

[sharky]

http://www.wben.com/news/fullstory.php?newsid=04214

Dusza To Retire In February
Monday, January 9, 2006 02:34 PM - WBEN Newsroom


Buffalo, NY (WBEN) - The newest appointee to Erie County Legislator Tom Mazur is going to retire next month. Ray Dusza had just been appointed to Mazur's staff.

Mazur tells NewsRadio 930 WBEN Dusza told him he'll retire on February eighth. Mazur says Dusza planned to work with him for a couple of weeks, then move onto other county offices for the next nine months, making him eligible for a larger pension.

Legislator Dr. Barry Weinstein says while it's fine with him Dusza would assist Mazur in the early stages, it's unusual for a former lawmaker to return as an aide in that same office. He also expressed concern over the fact Dusza was doing this just for a larger pension. "County government is not in the business of giving people pensions," says Weinstein.

[bflonum1fan]

I guess it takes somthing like this to get the SpeakupWNY going strong. Actually, I heard that Ray is resigning afte all the press. Good ! It's time we, the public, stopped getting fleeced by these professional politicians.

Happy New Year everyone. Prediction for '06 : Buffalo Sabres win Stanley Cup ! ! !

[WNYresident]

Originally posted by biker
WBEN just reported that Lynn could stop this.

Say, you don't think they lurk in the Speakup weeds to get the inside skinny for their broadcasts, do ya?


They are MORE than welcome to do that. :)

[Ragin]

Thanks for the update Sharky.

Rich Kellman posted his report on the wgrz website

Dusza Said To Change Mind On Job Deal
Former County Legislator Ray Dusza has reportedly changed his mind about seeking a County job to enrich his state pension.

http://wgrz.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=34396

[Ragin]

Originally posted by WNYresident
They are MORE than welcome to do that. :)

They sure can.

It's great when they come to us instead of us having to go to them.

Noone's sitting with their hands folded around here ... Right, GeorgeB? :)

[GeorgeB]

They sure can.

It's great when they come to us instead of us having to go to them.

Noone's sitting with their hands folded around here ... Right, GeorgeB?


Well said, Ragin :) I agree completely.

Hands folded? Who, where, when? Around here? NEVER!! LOL

[biker]

So Ray declined to fleece us further.

I listened to Len Lenihan's interview with Susan Rose. "There never was a follow-on job for Ray". He musta mentioned that Ray was a vet about five times, cheapening that very important currency.

Lenihan is living proof why people think politicians only lie when their lips move.

Thank God for Speakup!

I don't think last year's elections went all that well. And the political class is busy trying to get things back to "normal". I read yesterday that "an election is where you try to get the people to turn out the other guy's crooks so you can put in your own crooks."

This country isn't perfect, but at least it's still possible to get the gov. to do the right thing. Once in a while the press, the people and a few rabble rousers do make a difference.

Once again, thank God for Speakup.

[WNYresident]

Now we need to remove ed kuwik from our pockets. He's the other X-leg that got a un-advertised engineering job at the erie county water authority.

AND you wonder why water rates continue to go up.

WHere is spitzer when you need him. Time to clean up the authorities. Just more patronage pits.

[RusThompson]

Time to eliminate the authorities...

[cccny14225]

I'm writing to express my outrage at Tom Mazur's appointment of Ray Dusza as a district aide to ensure he gets enough time to qualify for a higher county pension. Tom Mazur made a promise to the people of Cheektowaga and Lancaster in District 8 to bring reform to the County Legislature. This is not reform but "politics as usual". Lynn Marinelli stated that they need to gain the publics trust, this action will not gain the publics trust. Mr. Mazur stated, "I do not find this objectionable" then Mr. Mazur I believe you should resign your position. Mr. Dusza was paid a salary while serving as a County Legislature, the public does not owe him anything. Mr. Mazur's support to ensure Mr. Dusza receives a higher pension is unconscionable. This letter has nothing to do with losing my election on November 8, 2005, but reaffirms why I decided to run in the first place and will continue to run. We need to get rid of life long politicians and elect new independent people. People who work hard everyday only to pay for tax increases so our elected officials can take care of their buddies. Mr. Mazur your actions will cost the taxpayers for years to come, Thanks for placing our interest above your own.

Sincerely,

Jeffrey Sell
Former candidate Erie County Legislature

[Ragin]

Originally posted by DR_GONZO
Thank you Free Buffalo for breaking this news. Keep up the good work.

(Setting the record straight)

Buerle on WBEN has reported numerous times this morning that Matt Spina (sp) from the Buffalo News broke this story.

[biker]

Originally posted by WNYresident
Now we need to remove ed kuwik from our pockets. He's the other X-leg that got a un-advertised engineering job at the erie county water authority.

AND you wonder why water rates continue to go up.

WHere is spitzer when you need him. Time to clean up the authorities. Just more patronage pits.

You reminded me.

I was going to ask if we could start a groundswell to "Do a Duscza" on Kuwik.

Whaddya ay? It might be catchy enough to catch the press' attention.

[Ragin]

Ragin here, reporting for duty.

I just revived the Kuwik thread in the Erie county ploitics forum.

I like that "Do a Dusza" idea. It's a catchy little phase :)

[Jim Ostrowski]

Funny thing is, the Erie County Water Authority is meeting on Thursday at 4pm in the Ellicott Square.

Their email is questionscomments@ecwa.org

[Dino330]

I'm just as bad.

If I was in any position, at any job, for nineteen years and needed a few more months to reach twenty for a higher pension, I wouldn't retire. I would stay on board. Why the hell not? What's a few more months for a higher pension?

I'm not saying I'm delighted with what's going on, but I can't honestly look myself in the mirror and say I wouldn't do the exact same thing.

Can you guys do that? Seriously? Would you retire a year before you get a higher pension?

I know his position was as an elected official and he chose not to run. But I also don't see the harm with him staying on board.

[Ragin]

Thanks Jim ...

Do you know why they meeting in Ellicot Square?

[biker]

Originally posted by Dino330
I'm just as bad.

If I was in any position, at any job, for nineteen years and needed a few more months to reach twenty for a higher pension, I wouldn't retire. I would stay on board. Why the hell not? What's a few more months for a higher pension?

I'm not saying I'm delighted with what's going on, but I can't honestly look myself in the mirror and say I wouldn't do the exact same thing.

Can you guys do that? Seriously? Would you retire a year before you get a higher pension?

I know his position was as an elected official and he chose not to run. But I also don't see the harm with him staying on board.

I think the perspective I take is that he got paid 44k a year for a way less than part time job.

Here's how warped Lenihan's take was: Poor Ray was going to get a measly $12.63 to answer the phone and open mail.

No ****!! $12.63 to open mail. Hey Rez--since Ray isn't gonna stay on, why don't you hire him at such a steal!!!!!

[cccny14225]

Dino,

He already has a pension from Westinghouse, he is entitled to a pension from his county service, I would not do what they are doing and I can honestly look myself in the mirror and say that. Besides the question is, would they do it for some union employee they had to lay off because of thier mismanagement.
My guess would be not!!!

[biker]

bad repost.

Damn popups

[Jim Ostrowski]

"Do you know why they meeting in Ellicot Square?"

That's where their palatial suite of offices is.

Third floor, Wahsington St. side.

[biker]

Susan Rose pressed Lenihan: "If there was no follow on position, why would Mazur have fumbled at length to describe it?"

I listened to Mazur yesterday. His dufus description was something like: county residents who are union members need someone they can relate to when they have questions about county services. Having already been some sort of a union flak, Ray would have fit that bill to a T.

In response to this pointed question, Lenihan's response was "DId I tell you in the past two minutes that Ray is a decorated war vet?"

The levels of political poop on this reach down to the Juarassic Age (when most of these political "leaders" were in their ute).

All I can say is----Jim Ostrowski, if you don't get a lot of new members out of this, (as Dan Creed would have said): "SHAME ON YOU!!!!!!!!!!

[Ragin]

Dusza elected not to run for re-election. That was his choice.

Dusza will still get the pension he earned for the time he served.

[Ragin]

Originally posted by Jim Ostrowski
"Do you know why they meeting in Ellicot Square?"

That's where their palatial suite of offices is.

Third floor, Wahsington St. side.

Oh .. my mistake.

When you first said "in Ellicot Square" I thought you meant "IN" the square. :)

[LHardy]

Well if this doesn't bring them in maybe the upcoming 1.0875 tax rate will.

I'll tell ya. These guys leave me speachless with their "In your Face" politics.
This one was made public. There is so much more the public never hears about. Nor have they shown a desire to fix the entire problem.
They just happened to get "BUSTED!" on this one.

[sharky]

Originally posted by Dino330
I'm just as bad.

If I was in any position, at any job, for nineteen years and needed a few more months to reach twenty for a higher pension, I wouldn't retire. I would stay on board. Why the hell not? What's a few more months for a higher pension?

I'm not saying I'm delighted with what's going on, but I can't honestly look myself in the mirror and say I wouldn't do the exact same thing.

Can you guys do that? Seriously? Would you retire a year before you get a higher pension?

I know his position was as an elected official and he chose not to run. But I also don't see the harm with him staying on board.

I wouldn't retire or quit either, but that's exactly what Duzsa did. By not running for re-election he quit, then expected to get some made up job for 9 months. I'd have more respect for him if he ran for re-election and then retired halfway through his term

[atotaltotalfan2001]

Originally posted by biker
So Ray declined to fleece us further.

I listened to Len Lenihan's interview with Susan Rose. "There never was a follow-on job for Ray". He musta mentioned that Ray was a vet about five times, cheapening that very important currency.

Lenihan is living proof why people think politicians only lie when their lips move.

Thank God for Speakup!

I don't think last year's elections went all that well. And the political class is busy trying to get things back to "normal". I read yesterday that "an election is where you try to get the people to turn out the other guy's crooks so you can put in your own crooks."

This country isn't perfect, but at least it's still possible to get the gov. to do the right thing. Once in a while the press, the people and a few rabble rousers do make a difference.

Once again, thank God for Speakup.

I was never so disgusted as when I heard Lennihan on the radio saying the whole thing had been "blown out of proportion."

What a hack.

[DR_GONZO]

Originally posted by WNYresident
When did free buffalo break this news?
I think the ten o'clock news broadcast the night before this story hit the newspaper had stated Free Buffalo uncovered this story.

Originally posted by RaginTaxpayer
(Setting the record straight)

Buerle on WBEN has reported numerous times this morning that Matt Spina (sp) from the Buffalo News broke this story.
Thanks for clearing it up.

Bottomline, Ray folded his hand.

[DR_GONZO]

Quoted by Raymond K. Dusza
"I certainly don't need the extra grief that this is creating for a measly 12 bucks an hour."

As taxpayers, we don't want or need political filth like yourself in Erie County!

Buffalo News Article (http://www.buffalonews.com/editorial/20060110/1006663.asp)

[biker]

There's a lotta people in Erie County who would love to be making a measely $12.00 per hour.

[GeorgeB]

There's a lotta people in Erie County who would love to be making a measely $12.00 per hour.


I was thinking the same thing.

I was also thinking that this is a perfect example of how "they don't get it".

It's not the measly $12 per hour that's bugging me, it's the long term cost of the pension increase.

Sure, it's only a few thousand per year, but what happens when the next 20 people in line to retire pull the same stunt to enrich their pensions as well? When does it stop?

One thing I have to say is great job trying to sneak this through. Too bad that energy wasn't spent on contributing to the greater good.

[bflonum1fan]

Biker says :


WHere is spitzer when you need him. Time to clean up the authorities. Just more patronage pits.

Is this a rhetorical question ? Knowing Biker, I think it is, however Eliot (1L) Spitzer goes around suing the real bad guys like the capitalist establishment and he basically is a pimp to the government/political class in the state. Of course this is a winning strategy in NYS.

As far as Dusza is concerned, I'm glad he decided not to run for re-election. However I'm concerned that the same mentality that he espoused through his 20 years still exists, especially with the democrat super-majority.

Lynn, give em hell and show us what you can do to LEAD for a change.

Oh yeah, goodby Butch ! ! !

[biker]

GeorgeB

Isn't it common practice for the public sector types to pump up their last three to five years earnings to pump up their pension?

Like loads of overtime?

[RusThompson]

Originally posted by GeorgeB

Sure, it's only a few thousand per year, but what happens when the next 20 people in line to retire pull the same stunt to enrich their pensions as well? When does it stop?

One thing I have to say is great job trying to sneak this through. Too bad that energy wasn't spent on contributing to the greater good.

Couldn't have said it better myself..

[atotaltotalfan2001]

Originally posted by RaginTaxpayer
Thanks for the update Sharky.

Rich Kellman posted his report on the wgrz website

Dusza Said To Change Mind On Job Deal
Former County Legislator Ray Dusza has reportedly changed his mind about seeking a County job to enrich his state pension.

http://wgrz.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=34396

Of all the aspects of this story that bother me, one that is particularly heinous is the cynicism involved. Dusza must have known the exact state of his pension when he opted not to face the heat and run for re-election. My guess is he was assuming the Dems would take care of that little problem for him after the election. He must have been embolded by the end result of the tax revolt: a huge Democratic Party majority.

Let me back up a minute. It doesn't matter which political party you're talking about -- the understanding has always been that it will take care of its own. Hence, the Dusza debacle.

But truly, this last election was supposed to be about reform -- not same old, same old. I guess everyone but the voters knew better:(

[GeorgeB]

Isn't it common practice for the public sector types to pump up their last three to five years earnings to pump up their pension?

Like loads of overtime?


It's my understanding that yes, it is a common practice in the public sector. And that's what I have a problem with. Not this one incident, the entire practice of "loading" or whatever they call it. I put this incident in the same category.

Personally, I'd like to see the system reformed where the last 3-5 years cannot have *as much* of an impact on pensions for anyone in the public sector, regardless of position. The entire career should matter more than any particular time period in my opinion.

[biker]

Originally posted by bflonum1fan
Biker says :



Is this a rhetorical question ? Knowing Biker, I think it is, however Eliot (1L) Spitzer goes around suing the real bad guys like the capitalist establishment and he basically is a pimp to the government/political class in the state. Of course this is a winning strategy in NYS.

As far as Dusza is concerned, I'm glad he decided not to run for re-election. However I'm concerned that the same mentality that he espoused through his 20 years still exists, especially with the democrat super-majority.

Lynn, give em hell and show us what you can do to LEAD for a change.

Oh yeah, goodby Butch ! ! !


Bflo:

Thanks for the plug, but I didn't say that.

I want to go down in history for " Let's 'Do a Duscza' on Kuwik."

Kinda catchy, whaddya think?

[Smiley]

Originally posted by biker
GeorgeB

Isn't it common practice for the public sector types to pump up their last three to five years earnings to pump up their pension?

Like loads of overtime?

Yes they do. Part of the formula to figure out an employees pension rate is averaging out the employees highest 3 years of salary they earned. So If the employee has the ability to work overtime, thats when some of them work as much overtime as posible to build it up. Not everyone has that exposure to work more hours.

[WNYresident]

Originally posted by RaginTaxpayer
(Setting the record straight)

Buerle on WBEN has reported numerous times this morning that Matt Spina (sp) from the Buffalo News broke this story.


OF course he did.. I read it while at Bob Evans.. Ruined my breakfast :)

[WNYresident]

Originally posted by biker
You reminded me.

I was going to ask if we could start a groundswell to "Do a Duscza" on Kuwik.

Whaddya ay? It might be catchy enough to catch the press' attention.

We need to make sure the position is legit and if he's really qualified for the job. Was the position just made up?

I would hate to pounce on someone that was qualified for the job.

Was Ed close to retirement? Doesn't a government pension go by your highest three years? SCREW that crap.. Maximun worse case value I would us would be an average over the lifetime of the position, not the best three years..

[WNYresident]

Originally posted by Dino330
I'm just as bad.

If I was in any position, at any job, for nineteen years and needed a few more months to reach twenty for a higher pension, I wouldn't retire. I would stay on board. Why the hell not? What's a few more months for a higher pension?

I'm not saying I'm delighted with what's going on, but I can't honestly look myself in the mirror and say I wouldn't do the exact same thing.

Can you guys do that? Seriously? Would you retire a year before you get a higher pension?

I know his position was as an elected official and he chose not to run. But I also don't see the harm with him staying on board.



If you were going to wegmans for 19 years and you were happy but then switched to tops, would you continue to send wegmans a little extra?

What makes you think anyone is entitle to pad thier income off of other people? It's not like it's a private business where it's your physical earned money to do with it what you want. This is doing something and forcing others to pay for it.

If you own a widget business you can elected to give your profit away any way you want. It's you money that you earned. It's not nice to give SOMEONE elses money away just because you can take it in the form of taxes.

You might be taking it from someone who really can't afford to support someone elses income.

[WNYresident]

Originally posted by biker
I think the perspective I take is that he got paid 44k a year for a way less than part time job.

Here's how warped Lenihan's take was: Poor Ray was going to get a measly $12.63 to answer the phone and open mail.

No ****!! $12.63 to open mail. Hey Rez--since Ray isn't gonna stay on, why don't you hire him at such a steal!!!!!

I'd hire him for 12.63 an hour to do my mail. Honestly I would but I really like who I have now though.

But here's a kicker. He would have to be able to stuff and open as much mail as I do now.

Maybe the guy is truely qualfied but i've been in cheektowaga for 23 years.

I don't know what he has done to better my 23 years in cheektowaga.

And not to be unfair to him, remember he's a person too, I can't come up with really anyone on the "political" level I feel did something that helped my business or income. All i know is taxes continuelly go up and I have an airstrip called Union road in front of my business now.

[WNYresident]

Originally posted by atotaltotalfan2001
I was never so disgusted as when I heard Lennihan on the radio saying the whole thing had been "blown out of proportion."

What a hack.

Blame him for every democrate which has given away the our money to someone else locally.

Blame him for every endorsed candidate who has padded up what we pay local government employees and the burden we now have. You know we are on the hook for some rather "unlimited" contract cost? What is health care goes up a factor of 2 times..

He's the head of the local democratic party am I right?

He's the one who would have final say on who runs in demcratic races? Like how his rep counter part does?

Those are the two we have to start focusing our attention at. You give us lame candidates.

Hi Lenny.. This is Tony.. Nice to learn a little about you on your interview on WBEN.

[WNYresident]

Originally posted by biker
GeorgeB

Isn't it common practice for the public sector types to pump up their last three to five years earnings to pump up their pension?

Like loads of overtime?

Biker Biker... come on... that doesn't happen.

If someone wants to do a study that would be an awesome target. All the towns and buffalo.

If we made a chart showing average salary over the life time of the employee would we see spikes of "income" for the last three years before cashout time.

[WNYresident]

Originally posted by GeorgeB
I was thinking the same thing.

I was also thinking that this is a perfect example of how "they don't get it".

It's not the measly $12 per hour that's bugging me, it's the long term cost of the pension increase.

Sure, it's only a few thousand per year, but what happens when the next 20 people in line to retire pull the same stunt to enrich their pensions as well? When does it stop?

One thing I have to say is great job trying to sneak this through. Too bad that energy wasn't spent on contributing to the greater good.

Do part timers get bene's as in health insurance or do legislators get special health insurance?

[WNYresident]

I had too much sugar today.

[Ragin]

Originally posted by WNYresident
I had too much sugar today.

Sure looks that way from here :)

[Ragin]

Originally posted by biker
GeorgeB

Isn't it common practice for the public sector types to pump up their last three to five years earnings to pump up their pension?

Like loads of overtime?

[QUOTE]Originally posted by WNYresident
Biker Biker... come on... that doesn't happen.

If someone wants to do a study that would be an awesome target. All the towns and buffalo.

If we made a chart showing average salary over the life time of the employee would we see spikes of "income" for the last three years before cashout time.

Hmm .. interesting study.

Call me naive, but since towns run on pretty set budgets, is there even that much room for overtime? I would think, OT would require a punchcard system, no?

I could see the need for overtime in the town highway dept , but massive amounts? It only snows so much.

[RusThompson]

Originally posted by WNYresident
I had too much sugar today.

I guess you did, as did I.
I just got done typing up my political resume and a two page cover letter that has to be at the parties hdqtrs in the AM.

Have you seen the latest attack on me from Aloser.com?
I guess he wants me to advertise on his site. It will be a cold day in he.......

Good Night T.

[RusThompson]

Ragin Taxpayer

Call me naive, but since towns run on pretty set budgets, is there even that much room for overtime? I would think, OT would require a punchcard system, no?

I won't call you niave but you need to attend some budget meetings. Grand Island has more pork, patronage in the water and sewer department than you would ever know.

Have you ever wondered why when a water line breaks all the work is started after 4PM, and the job isn't done till 9 or 10. Over time.

Have you ever seen the water and sewer trucks just driving around grand island, they have nothing to do but drive around.

The tree chipping service, two trucks and a chipper drive around all day every day looking for branches to find and throw in the chipper. A complete waste of taxpayer money. Those trucks, 3 employees, pensions, healthcare and benefits cost us somewhere to the tune of $200 per hour.

Is there any wonder why they fought against me? I know where all the bodies are buried. To bad you joined in with them to take me down..

This whole town is full of waste, fraud, abuse and corruption. BTW, town councilman on the island get over $18.5 a year, full time benefits, vacations, pensions and after 10 years WE pay for their healthcare for the rest of their lives.

You want to know anything about Grand Island politics, I am a walking and talking encylopedia and have documents to back up what I say.

But, I am not qualified.

[Dino330]

Originally posted by biker
There's a lotta people in Erie County who would love to be making a measely $12.00 per hour. $12.00 an hour turns out to be about $18,000 less than what he was making per year. It's also not very much when you're still expected to hit up all the $25, $50, and $100 policitcal fund raisers. It's always an election year for somebody, and he'd still be required to go to all of them.

I don't know what his pension is from Westinghouse, or that he even had one. But who doesn't want to make more money? I doubt he twiddled his sinister mustache and thought, "Time to screw the taxpayer, muah ha ha ha!"

He'd go from being a legislator to opening mail and answering phones, huh? You know what kind of job description that is? A secretary. It's possible I'm mistaken, but $12.63 or whatever sounds about right for that sort of work.

But I suppose it boils down to this: I don't see what he did as evil or immoral. It doesn't bother me too much.


You want to know anything about Grand Island politics, I am a walking and talking encylopedia and have documents to back up what I say. Islander... Aren't you tired of getting blown out of the water in these elections? Didn't you just lose a couple months ago?
Still, you shouldn't try to call out Ragin. So far she's made you look foolish.

[biker]

Originally posted by Dino330


But I suppose it boils down to this: I don't see what he did as evil or immoral. It doesn't bother me too much.

Like I said earlier, this is the general attitude.


Which is why this crap continues.

[DR_GONZO]

Originally posted by Dino330
But I suppose it boils down to this: I don't see what he did as evil or immoral. It doesn't bother me too much.

Typical, let's just raise taxes again and ignore the FLEECING. Hell even better, So Ray gets his pension, let's create a county tax just for his fund and to top it off, create a toll on several Erie County Roads to set aside more money just for him or others like him. :mad:

[Dino330]

Originally posted by DR_GONZO
Typical, let's just raise taxes again and ignore the FLEECING. Hell even better, So Ray gets his pension, let's create a county tax just for his fund and to top it off, create a toll on several Erie County Roads to set aside more money just for him or others like him. :mad: If you think the secretary position is going unfilled, you are sadly mistaken. It'll just be somebody else's voice you hear for $12.00 an hour when you dial the office. And he won't get his pension increase.

Taxes are already raised. That extra half-penny is still coming out of your pocket. Only now it'll probably go towards some Indian supposedly opening a casino. Or maybe this year's harbor study team so we can get crackin' on that waterfront. Hey, we haven't had a new peace bridge illustration in awhile. Let's get that.

He earned whatever pension he has right now. It's not going away. Even if they abolished government pensions, the grandfather clause would keep his and whoever else's intact. He wanted his a little higher so he stuck around to answer phones. Once again, I have no problem with that.

He also didn't take the job.

[bflonum1fan]

This Dusza and Kiwuk BS is just the tip of the iceberg, and the high profile stuff. What I'd really like to see is the Buf News or WBEN ro publish the fringe benefits for all EC AND Bflo employees.

Now I'm not adverse to them having a good retirement benefit and other fringe benefits, but when they are getting a 20% better deal than those in the private sector, then I have a problem.

There are two ways to look at this disparity : 1) Grow the local economy so that we don't care that the public employees are better compensated, or 2) Cut the share of public employees to give back to the private sector.

Which will it be ? Or how about a combination ? Is there another possibility ?

[biker]

Originally posted by bflonum1fan
Is there another possibility ?

Like all socialist economies, we will gradually slip into irrelevant third world status.

Soon, we will be asking our relatives (kids) who are lucky enough to live in capitalist lands (Arizona) to send us care packages of blue jeans and soap.

[sharky]

Now "doozy duzsa" has gotten a retroactive retirement so that he gets free health care for life

[sharky]

Originally posted by biker
There's a lotta people in Erie County who would love to be making a measely $12.00 per hour.

count me in that list
I get $11 and my job requires technical/computer knowlege and troubleshooting skills.
more skills than his mail opening and phone call answering job would have needed

[atotaltotalfan2001]

Originally posted by biker
Like all socialist economies, we will gradually slip into irrelevant third world status.

Soon, we will be asking our relatives (kids) who are lucky enough to live in capitalist lands (Arizona) to send us care packages of blue jeans and soap.

Our only means of upward mobility will be to create a thriving black market, where by we hord our blue jeans and soap and sell to highest bidder -- which by then will be the only way anyone can get around the 72 percent temporary sales tax.

[WNYresident]

Originally posted by DR_GONZO
Typical, let's just raise taxes again and ignore the FLEECING. Hell even better, So Ray gets his pension, let's create a county tax just for his fund and to top it off, create a toll on several Erie County Roads to set aside more money just for him or others like him. :mad:


You know that what it is. All the way up through the chain. Local, county, State. They have been patting themselves on the backs for so long they acutally think they deserve everything they vote for themselves.

It's not 12 an hour. It's 12 plus bene's + pension accumilation and so on.

Life time health care once retired? OK i'm going to say it. SCREW THAT. In 5 years it may cost 3 times as much. I certianly do not want to be on the hook for that.

[WNYresident]

the grandfather clause

This has to stop. Specially when it's covered by taxes of people who acutally have to produce an economy. GOVERNMENT never produces a thing except a BILL that the producers of the area have to pay.

[WNYresident]

Originally posted by atotaltotalfan2001
Our only means of upward mobility will be to create a thriving black market, where by we hord our blue jeans and soap and sell to highest bidder -- which by then will be the only way anyone can get around the 72 percent temporary sales tax.

Don't laugh.

If every entity in government hit thier constitutional taxing limit how much more can we be paying than what we are paying now?

You know the labor unions, basicly them, will always strive to hit that mark.

[biker]

Originally posted by WNYresident
This has to stop. Specially when it's covered by taxes of people who acutally have to produce an economy. GOVERNMENT never produces a thing except a BILL that the producers of the area have to pay.

You must've missed the other post which said that the gov supports the economy.

So you shouldn't feel bad if the gov gives more in benefits; they're just keeping a little more of what's already theirs.

[Smiley]

Originally posted by bflonum1fan

Now I'm not adverse to them having a good retirement benefit and other fringe benefits, but when they are getting a 20% better deal than those in the private sector, then I have a problem.

There are two ways to look at this disparity : 1) Grow the local economy so that we don't care that the public employees are better compensated, or 2) Cut the share of public employees to give back to the private sector.

Which will it be ? Or how about a combination ? Is there another possibility ?

Sounds to me like a race to the bottom !!! Keep in mind, Public employees also support the local economy. We all need to keep an eye on the bad guy and it's not the public employees or the unions. We are all working stiffs, public or private.

[atotaltotalfan2001]

Originally posted by Dino330
If you think the secretary position is going unfilled, you are sadly mistaken. It'll just be somebody else's voice you hear for $12.00 an hour when you dial the office. And he won't get his pension increase.

Taxes are already raised. That extra half-penny is still coming out of your pocket. Only now it'll probably go towards some Indian supposedly opening a casino. Or maybe this year's harbor study team so we can get crackin' on that waterfront. Hey, we haven't had a new peace bridge illustration in awhile. Let's get that.

He earned whatever pension he has right now. It's not going away. Even if they abolished government pensions, the grandfather clause would keep his and whoever else's intact. He wanted his a little higher so he stuck around to answer phones. Once again, I have no problem with that.

He also didn't take the job.

You're rationalizing, IMO. And he didn't take the job because of the public pressure.

[ReformWNY]

Originally posted by RaginTaxpayer
Hmm .. interesting study.

Call me naive, but since towns run on pretty set budgets, is there even that much room for overtime? I would think, OT would require a punchcard system, no?

I could see the need for overtime in the town highway dept , but massive amounts? It only snows so much.

Overtime is budgeted for each department, in most every town.
They anticipate it.

[Ragin]

Originally posted by ReformWNY
Overtime is budgeted for each department, in most every town.
They anticipate it.

Yes, I am aware of that fact.

The budget is already set for the upcoming year.

[colossus27]

Originally posted by RaginTaxpayer
Hmm .. interesting study.

Call me naive, but since towns run on pretty set budgets, is there even that much room for overtime? I would think, OT would require a punchcard system, no?

I could see the need for overtime in the town highway dept , but massive amounts? It only snows so much.

Kind of like short-timer teachers suddenly taking an interest in coaching, say, golf or bowling...

[Ragin]

Originally posted by colossus27
Kind of like short-timer teachers suddenly taking an interest in coaching, say, golf or bowling...

yea .. that was what I was trying to say. I guess it didn't come out right, though.

I sometimes post as if we're all sitting around a table carrying on a conversation. :)