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Thread: The Ruffino Administration: "Had Enough Yet?"

  1. #16
    Member gorja's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by mark blazejewski View Post
    JUST MY OPINION:

    Kudos to Jennifer Tulumello!

    Is Supervisor Ruffino still learning about this issue and will he eventually get "it right?"

    Criminees, in 2001 Ruffino said that he wanted to focus on the issues arising from growth.

    Now, after 18 years of rubber stamping rezones and development, one should think that Supervisor Ruffino would have prioritized, by public comment and advocacy, this issue, rather than pleading for his personal stipend, stubbornly defending his premature application of authority in LIDA issues, and articulating a commitment to prioritize the "morale" of compensated employees.

    Readers, as Supervisor, Mr. Ruffino has the ultimate bully pulpit to advocate for remediation to this ongoing PUBLIC SAFETY ISSUE...
    The public safety issue with the fire hydrants was resolved with the new water line. As the town engineer stated the new waterline increased the volume of water.

    Georgia L Schlager

  2. #17
    Member mark blazejewski's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by gorja View Post
    The public safety issue with the fire hydrants was resolved with the new water line. As the town engineer stated the new waterline increased the volume of water.
    Gorja,

    Mr. Rinow's February 10, 2020 remarks to the Town Council were in part based on the Buffalo News article...


    https://buffalonews.com/2020/02/09/w...rwLrl1TXMMqAqQ

    ...and these are his comments to the Town Council on February 10, 2020...


    https://www.facebook.com/permalink.p...00000473135939


    Ms. Tulumello was kind enough to share her experiences in depth. I will let her words respond to your post:


    The water lines were on the list to be upgraded when I spoke at the end of a town board meeting in summer 2017.

    I was presenting a petition that neighbor’s in the Stutzman Road area signed expressing similar experiences with their water. A year well before the fire.

    Then Supervisor, Johanna Coleman asked Mr. Schiller when the lines would be upgraded and he did not know but that they were slated to be done but they weren’t bonded for at that time was my understanding.

    She also asked him if the pressure could be increased at that time and he said, “yes” albeit uncomfortably. I did not know why at that time.

    In September 2018, Coleman is quoted in a Buffalo News story as to not having any knowledge of water pressure issues in that part of town. When our lines were replaced we were expecting at least a small increase and at the summer 2017 meeting, Mr. Schiller made no attempt to say that higher pressure could not be attained as a result of the upgrade.

    In the most recent Buffalo News article, he states that “a lot happens to pressure once the water leaves the street”, presumably setting up an excuse that it is the fault of residential plumbing and not a municipal responsibility. I can assure you that I have had many plumbers out to check this issue out and they could find no problems.

    Then my husband and I started talking to the neighbors (thus the 2017 petition) and come to find out that many people were experiencing the same thing. It has taken years of calling and speaking to various people at the town level as well as ECWA to come to the conclusion that this upgrade would not in fact increase pressure. This was explained to me by a distribution engineer at ECWA. He said any effect could be positive or negative and it would in his opinion be negligible. He then ordered flow studies on a new hydrant at ADDRESS REDACTED Stutzman in October 2019.

    I saw an ECWA employee checking pressures within two days of my phone conversation with the engineer from ECWA. I was told I would receive an email of the report but not to expect it too soon. I waited two months, contacted them engineer again. He sent me an email saying that the test was being reassigned to another engineer. Nothing ever happened. No report has been made available.

    Also since late summer 2019, I had been in touch with WM Schutt’s office about the issue and I was told to wait and see after it was all said and done. They sent out a worker to do a static flow test on one of my hose bibs. The measured pressure before water line replacement was 37 psi. After replacement, the static test measured 30 psi. The worker had me turn on a couple faucets and the pressure dropped to 15 psi with NO RECOVERY. The worker told me that basically the pressure is what it is and I would have to deal with it.

    No one from Schutt’s office ever addressed this with me and that is why I reached out to someone at ECWA.

    A developer also wants to put 24 homes up on a fully surrounded (by existing homes) parcel between Stutzman and East Home. With every development our neighborhood has seen in the last approximately 20 years, we have had a corresponding decrease in water pressure.

    So now what?

    Fire in 2018 on Pleasant View across the street from Stutzman and 24 MORE houses!

    The town needs to start doing right by their taxpayers!!
    Last edited by mark blazejewski; February 11th, 2020 at 08:46 AM.
    LIDA Member Rinow to Member Ruda: You were a sitting Trustee on the Board. Did you help support Mr. Sweeney getting a seat on the CDC Board?"

  3. #18
    Member Neubs24's Avatar
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    My parents have lived in that area for 30 years and the pressure has always been terrible. I live on the other side of Central and have decent pressure. For the pressure to be that bad for that long is mind boggling. 30 psi? I get better pressure in my camper with a pressure regulator to keep it down! There's no way its the supply lines to the house, because there are multiple ages of homes and different builders. If that were the case, the pressure would be inconsistent between the turn of the century homes on Pleasant View, mid century homes on Stutzman and 80's/90's builds in Heritage Hills, Hillview Estates and sprinkled in elsewhere.

  4. #19
    Member mark blazejewski's Avatar
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    From the February 12, 2020 Lancaster Bee:


    Questions raised regarding ‘inappropriate activity,’ potential LIDA violations
    February 12, 2020

    by MARIA PERICOZZI Editor

    Lancaster Town Council Member Robert Leary submitted a letter to the Lancaster Industrial Development Board Tuesday regarding allegations of inappropriate activity that was brought to his attention.

    The inappropriate activity surrounds potential violations of the LIDA by-laws and other LIDA-related issues, that require action and corrections, he wrote.

    His letter included several questions and concerns that he requested be addressed and answered in writing. The 25 questions range from when Town Supervisor Ron Ruffino Sr. was officially elected chairman, members of the LIDA board, and details of the contract between the LIDA board and the Town of Lancaster to pay $30,000 for “Administrative Support.”

    “These are just questions at this point,” Leary said. “I’m not making any decisions on what comes back.”

    Leary said he will wait to act further until the attorney responds to the questions.

    The LIDA Board was a topic at the Feb. 3 Lancaster Town Board work session, where Ruffino addressed some of Leary’s concerns. After heated discussion between Leary and Ruffino regarding Leary’s concerns, Ruffino stated he was new in his position and still learning.

    One of Leary’s concerns in the letter he wanted addressed was an interaction between Ruffino and the administrative secretary and records management officer, Mary Nowak. According to Leary, Ruffino told Nowak to turn over all LIDA records before he was officially elected LIDA chairman. At the Feb. 3 work session, Leary asked Ruffino if he “ordered” the person in charge of records to turn over the records before he was the chairman, and Ruffino said no.

    “The person came up to me and asked if she was going to still be it, and I didn’t make a decision,” Ruffino responded at the work session. “I went down there and she gave me everything, so I didn’t order her at all.”

    Leary also questioned in the letter was whether there was anything in the LIDA by-laws, or any stated or unstated contract that LIDA has to elect the Lancaster Town Supervisor as the chairman of LIDA, and also hire his staff as employees of LIDA. Ruffino stated at the work session that numerous supervisors have always been appointed chairman of LIDA.

    Leary also questioned whether new LIDA member David Visone took and filed an oath of office within 30 days of appointment. If Visone did not file an oath of office, Leary inquired whether or not his seat is now vacant, and if the town board will be notified of the vacancy.

    Leary said he is not sure when he will receive answers, but he requested responses as soon as possible.

    Ruffino stated at the work session that LIDA is a completely separate government agency.

    “First of all, LIDA has nothing to do with the town board, except appointing people,” Ruffino said.

    Leary said the appointment of LIDA board members dictates what happens on the LIDA board.

    “Part of it you’ll hear, is all we do is appoint the members,”

    Leary said. “That’s not quite true because they pay our town employees for their assistance.”

    Leary also said there are 71 properties listed online that receive tax breaks from LIDA, which impacts the Town of Lancaster.

    “We have interests in all those different things going on,” Leary said. “It’s not just you appoint the people and we’re done, we still have interests because we have funds coming in. We have to know where they go and if [the funds are] properly spent and also what’s going on with all the properties.”
    https://www.lancasterbee.com/article...da-violations/
    Last edited by mark blazejewski; February 12th, 2020 at 09:55 PM.
    LIDA Member Rinow to Member Ruda: You were a sitting Trustee on the Board. Did you help support Mr. Sweeney getting a seat on the CDC Board?"

  5. #20
    Member mark blazejewski's Avatar
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    In my opinion, Mr. Ruffino has a twisted sense of priorities.

    His first act as Supervisor was to demand a stipend, and apparently high on his priority list is a vacation after a month and a half on the job.

    Lancaster may be impacted by a very severe winter storm, perhaps even a blizzard, over-night and into tomorrow.

    Is Supervisor Ruffino still on vacation?

    This is the man who said that he was the "most qualified and experienced candidate for Lancaster Supervisor."

    If he is so experienced, why did he chose February to go out of town on a vacation?

    News Bulletin Supervisor Ruffino: It can snow very, very heavily in Lancaster in February.

    Ruffino also said that he is "for the people."

    Do those remarks include "the people" that may be in snowbanks, without power, or otherwise impacted tomorrow?

    No worries I guess.

    In my opinion, the Highway Superintendent has already proven that he can multi-task, previously functioning as something of an "ex-officio" presiding officer of the Town Council.

    Perhaps he can now can plow the streets, preside over the Town Council, and discharge the Supervisor's crisis management responsibilities?

    Yikes, methinks that another stipend may be in the wind.
    Last edited by mark blazejewski; February 26th, 2020 at 08:08 PM.
    LIDA Member Rinow to Member Ruda: You were a sitting Trustee on the Board. Did you help support Mr. Sweeney getting a seat on the CDC Board?"

  6. #21
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    First 2 weeks ago did anyone think that we were to get “ blizzard Conditions”? The Supervisor is entitled to take vacation any time during the year. What would be the Perfect Week?
    If it Rains there could be flooding, if too hot the power might go out.
    There are others on the Board and other department heads to cover when the Supervisor is away. BS Ideas to make him look bad.

    OOPs i forgot to Bold print and colorize the post.

  7. #22
    Member mark blazejewski's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Lanc View Post
    First 2 weeks ago did anyone think that we were to get “ blizzard Conditions”?
    February is winter, and this is suburban Buffalo, so 18 years of Council experience should have taught told The Supervisor something.

    So much for "The most qualified and experienced candidate for Lancaster Supervisor;" he can not even foresee the consequences of one of the four seasons; a task that is not beyond the skill set of a barely sentient imbecile.

    Quote Originally Posted by Lanc View Post
    What would be the Perfect Week?
    It is sad that such a musical talent must is encumbered by those the pesky burdens of the people's business.

    May I suggest that he chose a "Perfect Week" that does not interfere with his artistic pursuits?

    LMAO.

    But more seriously, historically, Ruffino has chosen to skip town on the week of town budget votes. Traditionally, that vote is in mid-fall.





    Quote Originally Posted by Lanc View Post
    If it Rains there could be flooding, if too hot the power might go out.
    Nah, you are confusing Lancaster New York with Florida, ya know what I mean.


    Quote Originally Posted by Lanc View Post
    There are others on the Board and other department heads to cover when the Supervisor is away.
    Oh, you mean like the Deputy Supervisor that he did not entrust to preside over a meeting, or the Highway Superintendent that seemed to have gone rogue during a work session. Criminees, that had all the earmarks of a coup in a Banana Republic.

    Quote Originally Posted by Lanc View Post
    BS Ideas to make him look bad.
    Nah, he don't need any help to do that; he's doing just fine on his own.

    Quote Originally Posted by Lanc View Post
    i forgot to Bold print and colorize the post.
    And you forgot to use your characteristic enumeration...

    Reference: https://www.speakupwny.com/forums/sh...+2019+election

    Quote Originally Posted by Lanc View Post
    Agreed the right people with experience should be voted in not just a popularity contest. The Town of lancaster should be run as a business by someone who has experience in managing people and Huge responsibility of tax payers dollars.
    I want to see someone with proven responsibility and experience.
    Just because you run a small corner shop business with no employees
    ,and the Mayor (who signs off on your expenses for the Village events) should make you a Supervisor candidate.
    Come on Lancaster, put aside political affiliations and find someone who will do the Job. Not just take the paycheck.

    1. For Supervisor, it is important that the person who represents the town as the CEO of a substantial budget should be the person most suited to manage such a large town. That person should poses a fiscal mindset and expertise when sitting in that Supervisor seat. Experience is critical and when you think about the right person to vote for, start by looking at the candidates voting record. Go to the town website and view how both candidates have voted in their tenure as a Town Council Member(s). Decide who is a fiscal watchdog, have they challenged the current Supervisor in areas that reflects openness / transparency and who will have the taxpayers best interests. That is the person you should vote for.

    ...just like another poster...


    Quote Originally Posted by shortstuff View Post
    The next ten weeks should be about who will be the best person for the seat they are vying for.

    1. For Supervisor, it is important that the person who represents the town as the CEO of a substantial budget should be the person most suited to manage such a large town. That person should poses a fiscal mindset and expertise when sitting in that Supervisor seat. Experience is critical and when you think about the right person to vote for, start by looking at the candidates voting record. Go to the town website and view how both candidates have voted in their tenure as a Town Council Member(s). Decide who is a fiscal watchdog, have they challenged the current Supervisor in areas that reflects openness / transparency and who will have the taxpayers best interests. That is the person you should vote for.

    2. For Town Council seats up, you should look for the person who has served in other capacitates like on the Planning Board and check out their voting record by going to the town website. Observe what their platform is and decide the cost and effectiveness of governing that reflects what is in the best interests of the taxpayers. Again, experience is key here.

    3. For Town Clerk, a seat most contentious, reflect on the history of the candidate and ask the question(s) do we need fresh eyes, or does experience factor in here. One would wonder why a Democrat was not endorsed by their Democratic party and reflect on who will serve the town with the expertise needed for efficiency and quality techniques.

    Lastly, reflect on integrity and commitment, not misguided narratives and using their position(s) to benefit their own family. Their service is to the town as a whole.
    Last edited by mark blazejewski; February 27th, 2020 at 05:46 PM.
    LIDA Member Rinow to Member Ruda: You were a sitting Trustee on the Board. Did you help support Mr. Sweeney getting a seat on the CDC Board?"

  8. #23
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    Quote Originally Posted by mark blazejewski View Post
    In my opinion, Mr. Ruffino has a twisted sense of priorities.

    His first act as Supervisor was to demand a stipend, and apparently high on his priority list is a vacation after a month and a half on the job.

    Lancaster may be impacted by a very severe winter storm, perhaps even a blizzard, over-night and into tomorrow.

    Is Supervisor Ruffino still on vacation?

    This is the man who said that he was the "most qualified and experienced candidate for Lancaster Supervisor."

    If he is so experienced, why did he chose February to go out of town on a vacation?

    News Bulletin Supervisor Ruffino: It can snow very, very heavily in Lancaster in February.

    Ruffino also said that he is "for the people."

    Do those remarks include "the people" that may be in snowbanks, without power, or otherwise impacted tomorrow?

    No worries I guess.

    In my opinion, the Highway Superintendent has already proven that he can multi-task, previously functioning as something of an "ex-officio" presiding officer of the Town Council.

    Perhaps he can now can plow the streets, preside over the Town Council, and discharge the Supervisor's crisis management responsibilities?

    Yikes, methinks that another stipend may be in the wind.
    This is a really bad a take. Everyone who earns time off is at liberty to take it should they so desire. No better time to leave western New York then the during the worst winter weather month, regardless of what you do for employment. This is a petty political argument.

  9. #24
    Tony Fracasso - Admin
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    Quote Originally Posted by Lanc View Post
    First 2 weeks ago did anyone think that we were to get “ blizzard Conditions”? The Supervisor is entitled to take vacation any time during the year. What would be the Perfect Week?
    If it Rains there could be flooding, if too hot the power might go out.
    There are others on the Board and other department heads to cover when the Supervisor is away. BS Ideas to make him look bad.

    OOPs i forgot to Bold print and colorize the post.

    Very valid point.

  10. #25
    Member mark blazejewski's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by dmckay716 View Post
    This is a really bad a take. Everyone who earns time off is at liberty to take it should they so desire. No better time to leave western New York then the during the worst winter weather month, regardless of what you do for employment. This is a petty political argument.
    And your response appears to be an act of desperate hackery; a pathetic, plaintiff wail aimed at defending the indefensible.

    Only six weeks on the job and he needs a multi-week vacation; try that in the private sector.

    These are Ron Ruffino's words during the February 3, 2020 work session...


    "I'm still learning" and "I'll get it right..."


    Why does the the parental admonishment "You can play when your chores and homework are done," come to mind?

    It is bad enough that he touted the "most qualified and experience candidate" credential during the 2019 campaign, only having to admit that he was entirely unprepared for the position.

    Now, he seems to have added insult to injury by saying that he will complete his disturbing learning curve after he has had his vacation.

    Quote Originally Posted by dmckay716 View Post
    Everyone who earns time off is at liberty to take it should they so desire.
    It is a matter of priorities, and I guess he has let his be known: A stipend and a vacation.

    Just my two cents.
    Last edited by mark blazejewski; February 27th, 2020 at 06:59 PM.
    LIDA Member Rinow to Member Ruda: You were a sitting Trustee on the Board. Did you help support Mr. Sweeney getting a seat on the CDC Board?"

  11. #26
    Member mark blazejewski's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by WNYresident View Post
    Very valid point.
    Sounds like you are not a Lancaster taxpayer, just my opinion.
    LIDA Member Rinow to Member Ruda: You were a sitting Trustee on the Board. Did you help support Mr. Sweeney getting a seat on the CDC Board?"

  12. #27
    Member Breezy's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Lanc View Post
    First 2 weeks ago did anyone think that we were to get “ blizzard Conditions”? The Supervisor is entitled to take vacation any time during the year. What would be the Perfect Week?
    If it Rains there could be flooding, if too hot the power might go out.
    There are others on the Board and other department heads to cover when the Supervisor is away. BS Ideas to make him look bad.

    OOPs i forgot to Bold print and colorize the post.
    It's funny to see how easy it is to set him off.

    LOL



    From fancy pants political consultant to raving lunatic - in a split second.

    That readers is the true Blazejewski.


  13. #28
    Tony Fracasso - Admin
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    Quote Originally Posted by mark blazejewski View Post
    Sounds like you are not a Lancaster taxpayer, just my opinion.
    You don't have to be a resident of a town to point out when someone has a valid opinion.

  14. #29
    Member mark blazejewski's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Breezy View Post
    It's funny to see how easy it is to set him off.

    LOL



    From fancy pants political consultant to raving lunatic - in a split second.

    That readers is the true Blazejewski.
    Nah, I'm not a fancy pants political consultant, but Ruffino certainly needs one.

    As far as raving lunatics, don't we already have a Highway Superintendent? And...

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4xlvKnRurGY
    ?
    Last edited by mark blazejewski; February 27th, 2020 at 10:10 PM.
    LIDA Member Rinow to Member Ruda: You were a sitting Trustee on the Board. Did you help support Mr. Sweeney getting a seat on the CDC Board?"

  15. #30
    Member mark blazejewski's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by WNYresident View Post
    You don't have to be a resident of a town to point out when someone has a valid opinion.
    I did not challenge your right to an opinion, or to support an opinion of another.

    I just wrote that you do not sound like a Lancaster taxpayer.
    Last edited by mark blazejewski; February 27th, 2020 at 10:16 PM.
    LIDA Member Rinow to Member Ruda: You were a sitting Trustee on the Board. Did you help support Mr. Sweeney getting a seat on the CDC Board?"

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