phase #1 (MY ---)

[shadow]

yes you should go to the town meeting and bring the bird you'll need it.... your head will be spinning by the time you leave there. I'm sure it will be full of double talk and misinformation and they vote yes for everything so theres never nothing to debate.. no matter what the public brings to the meeting or has to offer they all will vote yes!!!! Even in Amherst they disagree.

[shadow]

Upstate gets failing economic grade
WNY counties lag behind nation in jobs, income, population growth
By Fred O. Williams
Updated: 08/31/07 8:20 AM


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Western New York and the rest of upstate has received a failing economic grade in a study by the state’s business lobby, for trailing the nation in jobs, income and population.

The state as a whole lagged behind 27 other states, receiving a ‘D’ grade.

“The state is in a major crisis,” said Kenneth Adams, president of the Business Council of New York State, author of the study.

The “Economic Growth Index” study gave an ‘F’ to Erie, Niagara, Orleans, Genesee, Allegany and Chautauqua counties, while Cattaraugus and Wyoming counties received a grade of ‘D.’

The study examined 1995-2005 trends in jobs, average wages, total personal income, per-capita income and population. Regions trailing the national average in all five measures got an ‘F,’ those missing four got a ‘D.’

The results underscore the need for lower taxes and a better business climate in the state to spur growth, Adams said.

But other manufacturing-intensive areas also fared poorly, indicating that global trade trends were partly to blame. Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Ohio also received ‘D’ grades.

Adams said that other large states including California, Texas and Virginia were able to match national growth rates and received A-plus grades.

“Other states have recovered better from globalization and off-shoring,” Adams said. “We need to look at what they have done in terms of policy.”

His conclusions echo previous themes from the business community. Business Council studies have repeatedly put New York’s taxes and business costs among the highest in the U.S. A business-backed campaign called Unshackle Upstate is pushing for reforms in Medicaid, employer liability and brownfield reuse, among other things, to drive down employer costs.

The state’s economic development agency didn’t argue the findings, while noting that the data comes from a period before the administration of Gov. Eliot L. Spitzer took office.

The results “reflect the same issues that Gov. Spitzer campaigned on,” said a statement from Daniel Gundersen, upstate chairman of Empire State Development. The administration’s economic development agenda aims at the causes of the economy’s weakness, he said.

“The data speaks volumes for adopting a new approach to economic development,” he said in the statement.

The Business Council’s study gave two counties in New York State ‘A’ grades, Putnam and Saratoga, while Suffolk and Dutchess each scored a ‘B.’

The five counties home to upstate’s largest cities got four ‘Fs’ and one ‘D,’ while New York City scored a ‘C.’

The economic measures behind the scores for the 10 years ending with 2005 were:

Job growth — 12.2 percent in New York versus 17 percent nationally.

Total personal income — up 53.9 percent in the state, 66.3 percent nationally.

Per-capita personal income — up 47.6 percent statewide, 49.4 percent nationally.

Population growth: 4.3 percent in New York versus 11.4 percent nationally.

Average annual wages per job — up 48.3 percent statewide, better than the national average of 46.3 percent on the strength of wage growth in New York City.

fwilliams@buffnews.com

[4248]

Cant wait for the street signs.

[shadow]

Anyone who watched the dog and pony show on monday the 20th and how the meeting took a complete turn wonders whats going on in this town. Mr Keysa who excused himself from voting in jan 2004 on Windsor ridge South(because his brother participated in the land sale)all of a sudden offers a resolution and turns the entire meeting around. Is this legal?????? I thought SEQR was a legal process on environmental issues.... Environment issues are suppose to be addressed by lead agency (the Town). When will mitigation begin after all the homes are in what do residents (taxpayers) do now!!! what happened with no building until traffic study is complete...More lip service ..Was site plan approved? Who the hell runs this town the developers and Keysa !!!!

This is what residents have come to expect from our leadership and the old saying that they'll build it while your sleeping the town passes everything holds true again!!!!!

With numerous issues and developement infringing on our way of life and causing more and more concerns in the community with traffic, flooding and who knows whats to come with building on these wetlands. 10 years from now will we be the next amherst with sinking homes and foundation problems.Is there anyone out there that cares lets put more houses on wetlands and fill In and not worry what will happen in the future. Lets over crowd the already crowded roads. who will suffer !!!! The residents who use those roads everyday and sit in traffic but when your sitting there waiting just remember our traffic study shows traffic has not increased much.... Mr.Keysa the wonderful liason for traffic study says he doesn't expect many changes... Who the hell did they have doing this traffic study, were they sleeping. During busy times you take your life in your hands trying to pull onto William. Maybe the whole town is using Clinton now because of traffic congestion. Everyone I know tries to stay away from William and lake and William and Transit. Broadway is easier to travel down then William. yet we propose how many new developements. They say 77 homes in phase one for Windsor Ridge won't make no substantial traffic issues. 2 to 3 cars per house = 150-230 cars (no issues). In addition you have several other developements going on in different areas of Town. Do our glorious leaders think we are that stupid!!!!!! No substantial increase in Traffic,do they live in Lancaster

I am not an expert in politics nor do I want to be but there has to be something we can do for change something that will make a differance. What the community (taxpayers) want should count for something or atleast givin consideration when making decisions. With increased traffic, building on wetlands,flooding and overall Developer run town. What can be done how can I improve things and make a differance in my community and then the hardest part is how to get others to care!!!!!! No one has anything to say until the bulldozers come out then there outraged and want things stopped.Do our glorious leaders see that the community is not happy,do they see whats happening to our community? Does anyone care!!!!!

[Foot Fungus]

Originally Posted by shadow

With numerous issues and developement infringing on our way of life and causing more and more concerns in the community with traffic, flooding and who knows whats to come with building on these wetlands. 10 years from now will we be the next amherst with sinking homes and foundation problems.

Just remember, you don't have the same soils in Lancaster as they do in Amherst...were soils of that variety really the problem?

Is there anyone out there that cares lets put more houses on wetlands and fill In and not worry what will happen in the future.

Must be OK, it's hapening.

Lets over crowd the already crowded roads. who will suffer !!!! The residents who use those roads everyday and sit in traffic but when your sitting there waiting just remember our traffic study shows traffic has not increased much....

So much for progress...with the initial results showing a decrease in traffic, perhaps they should OK a few more subdivisions to make up for the lack of cars.

Mr.Keysa the wonderful liason for traffic study says he doesn't expect many changes... Who the hell did they have doing this traffic study, were they sleeping.

Sometimes it looks like they performed the traffic study while everyone was sleeping.

During busy times you take your life in your hands trying to pull onto William. Maybe the whole town is using Clinton now because of traffic congestion. Everyone I know tries to stay away from William and lake and William and Transit. Broadway is easier to travel down then William. yet we propose how many new developements.

Maybe they're just using the new interconnected streets...or subdivision highways as I like to call them. There's been a lot of new stop signs approved.

They say 77 homes in phase one for Windsor Ridge won't make no substantial traffic issues. 2 to 3 cars per house = 150-230 cars (no issues). In addition you have several other developements going on in different areas of Town. Do our glorious leaders think we are that stupid!!!!!!

Yes. And they also think that a silent community is pleased with their actions.

No substantial increase in Traffic,do they live in Lancaster

Mr. Giza lives in Depew, does that count?

I am not an expert in politics nor do I want to be but there has to be something we can do for change something that will make a differance.

Shout your position from the highest mountain...or construction dirt pile anyway.

What the community (taxpayers) want should count for something or atleast givin consideration when making decisions.

Yes, it should. It's YOUR government, not THEIRS. They are public servants who are being served by the taxpayers. It's not supposed to work that way.

With increased traffic, building on wetlands,flooding and overall Developer run town. What can be done how can I improve things and make a differance in my community and then the hardest part is how to get others to care!!!!!!

With dialogue, the missing man from my perspective. The community as a whole has become unaware of the subdivision down the street. It's almost as if the community is being sliced up and divided. Hasn't there been a face of this on these boards with the pseudo campaigning from Mr. Joesph? As William Wallace (or Mel Gibson) said, "We must unite the clans".

No one has anything to say until the bulldozers come out then there outraged and want things stopped.

Divide and conquer. When you break them down to small groups, you can control them. Smaller numbers don't make as much noise. As soon as the community as a whole realizes that what happens on one end of town has an effect on the other end of town, change can begin.

Do our glorious leaders see that the community is not happy,do they see whats happening to our community?

They see the community in small groups, no big deal. They know what's happening to the community, they created it.

Does anyone care!!!!!

slate.jpg

Dialogue between communities can "unite the clans", until it becomes one community again (and a much larger one at that).

__________________________________________
This November Write In Your Vote For:

H. Henslow Sparrow-for Lancaster Town Supervisor
Lou Cocophalus-for Lancaster Town Council
Dick Cissel-for Lancaster Town Council
Corina Strix-for Lancaster Town Justice

and GIVE 'EM THE BIRD!

Don't Let Your Right To Vote Become An Endangered Species.

[Foot Fungus]

Originally Posted by 4248

This November Write In Your Vote For:
H. Henslow Sparrow-for Lancaster Town Supervisor
Lou Cocophalus-for Lancaster Town Council
Dick Cissel-for Lancaster Town Council
Corina Strix-for Lancaster Town Justice
and GIVE 'EM THE BIRD !
Don't Let Your Right To Vote Become An Endangered Species.
or please consider a vote for
Vote - N.O.T.A.
Click below
http://www.nota-pa.org
Freedom of speech , alright.....as long as you don't say too much ! ...

Our feathered friends thank you.

__________________________________________
This November Write In Your Vote For:

H. Henslow Sparrow-for Lancaster Town Supervisor
Lou Cocophalus-for Lancaster Town Council
Dick Cissel-for Lancaster Town Council
Corina Strix-for Lancaster Town Justice

and GIVE 'EM THE BIRD!

Don't Let Your Right To Vote Become An Endangered Species.

[shadow]

Lancaster’s Politically Disenfranchised Need to Organize: Part 2
By Gary S. Howell
Sep 2, 2007, 22:05

Email this article
Printer friendly page


What Options do the Disenfranchised Have?


In 2007 Lancaster voters don’t have a choice in the election of Town officials. Voters have options, but the options are limited. The options include, voting for the Democratic candidates, voting for candidates in other races without pulling the levers for town-wide races, or writing in candidates for town seats.

There is a Republican running for Supervisor, but he’s a mystery candidate. He says he didn’t know the Party included his name on nominating petitions. He doesn’t appear to be running a campaign. No one knows anything about him. His apparent unwillingness to participate in the process creates the impression he’s not interested in the job. It boggles the mind to think that anyone would vote for a candidate who shows no interest in running, let alone winning. And that raises the question; is voting for a disinterested candidate really an option?

There are rumors circulating on Speakupwny’s Live Forum that a Boston Tea Party type protest write-in campaign is in the works. But, at this point, it’s not clear how serious the bloggers are.

The point is; if you live in Lancaster, and you don’t like the Democratic candidates, too bad. Your right to choose Town leaders via the ballot doesn’t exist because you don’t have a choice.

You are a disenfranchised voter.


~


Lancaster’s disenfranchised may as well write off the 2007 Town election. It’s over, the Democratic Party won.

That doesn’t mean there’s no hope for the future. There’s no better time to get back on your feet then when you’ve been knocked down.

Now is the time to start thinking about the future.


~


There are a number of things that can be done.

A number of the disenfranchised are actually Democratic Party members. They may want to take a page out of Frank Max’s book and do what he did in Cheektowaga. Max started a Democratic club. He brought together Democratic Party members who were disenchanted with the Party leadership. They organized and held fundraisers. As his club grew, he inspired members to become district committeemen. Committeemen choose Party leaders and candidates. When Max had enough committeemen, his club took over the leadership of Cheektowaga’s Democratic Party.

The Lancaster Republican Party is wide open. It has no clear leadership. It may be easier for disenfranchised Republicans to take over and revitalize the Party. Someone needs to step forward and inspire Republicans to organize, and find people willing to become committeemen. Right now, most of the district committeemen seats are empty. A well organized group of people could easily fill the committee slots and take over the Party.

Lancaster’s Independence Party is like the Wild West. There is a shoot out between real Independence members and the former Democratic Party members who changed affiliation to take over the Party. While the Independence Party is a minor line, it could become a major player, especially if the disenfranchised united and took over.

The problem with the first three options is, somewhere down the line, members may need to seek help from higher branches of the Party. Once you start asking for favors, you will be asked for favors in return. Some of the favors may not be advantageous to Lancaster.

Since we’re only talking about Town-wide politics, the best solution may be for the disenfranchised to form their own Party. The advantages include, focusing strictly on issues affecting Lancaster and no interference from Party hierarchies. The disadvantage is, since it’s a small, local Party, it will occupy a bottom line on the ballot. Voters will have to pass over the major Parties to find it.


~


The options listed above are simple outlines. In reality, the process to proceed with any one of them is complicated.

The object of this article is to get voters to think about the future.

If you aren’t happy with politics in Lancaster, now is the time to start thinking about changing them.


~



© Copyright 2006 by Speakupwny.com

This is what Lancaster needs is an old fashioned Boston Tea Party to show the political leaders were not happy and we won't sit back and take it no more! enough is enough.....We want a leadership that will fight for what the people want not what the developers want to do....they are raping our town right in front of our eyes....it's time for a change in Lancaster, if Depew can change so can we......

[shadow]

Disaster averted at Home Depot ! !

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Yesterday afternoon (Friday) at 12:30 PM --- disaster was almost eminent at Home Depot on Transit Rd. Williamsville NY. It would seem that a five gallon can of toxic latex paint almost fell off a shelf.

To the untrained eye - this would have went totally unnoticed - but for the quick actions of Lancaster's Disaster Coordinator .

Apparently he, in his brand new tax payer funded Chevy Tahoe - plate number M-30564 - call letters=CD122 just happened to be cruising by . He happened to be in the right place at the right time (time at the store - about 1 hour 15 minutes+/-). He quickly picked up the off balance can - without regards for his own safety - not even concerned he might get his hands dirty and set the can straight/upright again. WOW!!!!!!!

Now I guess some would be mad if they heard he was using his $35,000.00+/-(tax dollars) Tahoe for personal shopping trips . Some might say that all the the unnecessary custom colored graphics make it stand out at intersections / or in parking lots when out of his district , but it sure looks cool . So whats a few gallons of gas cost anyway - he probably fills it at the free tax payer funded gas pumps at Lancaster High School garage .

I for one was glad to see him shopping there - there could have been a real mess had he not been there to set that can back on its proper shelf . Its probably all apart of the "Disaster Plan" Mr.Giza and friends brag about . Maybe this is a roving disaster patrol ?

Thanks Town Board - maybe we can get Luxury SUV's for the janitorial staff - they are about the only ones not given luxury cars or SUV's .


Thanks Lancaster Tax Payers - Home Depot Solutes You!

These our the things that need to stop..... We pay for all these SUV's to drive around and I'm sure it wasn't company business...

[Foot Fungus]

Originally Posted by shadow

This is what Lancaster needs is an old fashioned Boston Tea Party to show the political leaders were not happy and we won't sit back and take it no more! enough is enough...

Agreed, but not really a Tea Party...how about more of a Bird Bath.

We want a leadership that will fight for what the people want not what the developers want to do...

At this point the only ones they could fight would be themselves. It's thought based planning and decision making based on the voice of the residents (ie: taxpayers) that is needed.

it's time for a change in Lancaster, if Depew can change so can we...

I'm pretty sure that Depew is the reason that we have candidates running unopposed and unprimaried this year. Once it was seen that Depew stood up, there was probably a good amount of fear that the same old, same old might be given the heave ho, heave ho. It's Lancaster's turn. They didn't give you a choice of candidates, but you still have a choice to make your own.

slate.jpg

__________________________________________
This November Write In Your Vote For:

H. Henslow Sparrow-for Lancaster Town Supervisor
Lou Cocophalus-for Lancaster Town Council
Dick Cissel-for Lancaster Town Council
Corina Strix-for Lancaster Town Justice

and GIVE 'EM THE BIRD!

Don't Let Your Right To Vote Become An Endangered Species.

[4248]

I think the write in vote for Mr. H.Sparrow for Lancaster Supervisor is the only true choice at this time . There needs to be some promotion before election time though .

I would gladly donate for some signs , news adds or what ever. If this write in campaign is to send any kind of a message we need at least 200- 400 votes.

I'm in for Henslow !!!!!!!!!

[atotaltotalfan2001]

If you do, you'll be rid of Giza. I don't know if you'll really like the alternative. But the only reason giza won last time around, against a political newcomer with NO name recognition, was because Giza brought in the Depew vote.

So, just do it guys. Nothing else counts here. Get thee to Depew, and work the streets.

[pudge]

Shadow wrote:

status quo in Lancaster-should we expect anything else

Anyone who watched the dog and pony show on Monday the 20th and how the meeting took a complete turn wonders what’s going on in this town.

Nothing has changed in the town over the past 30 years. A privileged few run the town, regardless of political party affiliation. And yes, Keysa is a major role player in Lancaster- politically and as an attorney.

Keysa stated at the Windsor Ridge South SEQR that the traffic on William has stabilized, if not decreased in the last four years and just needs minor improvements at a few intersections. He later makes a statement that he has been telling the county about the traffic issues on Willaim Street for the last 20 years. Which is it Stanley?

As to your other questions and concerns re Windsor Ridge South, there was no need for a public hearing as the town issued a negative declaration. They let the developers and regulatory agencies slug it out as to environmental impacts.

Fortunately the regulatory agencies acted appropriately enough that it cost the developer 25 lots. Yet the EPA grants them a waiver to put sewer lines in wetlands and floodplains.

As to the traffic study, the reported GBNRTC decrease in traffic on William Street could be an aberration they say. What a joke! Traffic stated at 15,300 in 2003 reduced to 13,500 in 2007, the result of higher gas prices. Gas in now 30 cents a gallon less than when the study was performed. Lets do another study!

Shadow, there are town officials and special interest parties that will give you the following response to your complaints and concerns:

* The homeowners on Brunck and Hall Roads and those neighboring this proposed development should have known better when they bought their properties 40 years ago, and even before then.

* Those same homeowners should have done due diligence. They should have known the south creek branch was going to be altered, that Bowen Square and Windsor Ridge North was going to have their elevations increased and that the floodplain map used by the developer reflects none of this and that they would be sitting in a bowl with water coming their way from all directions.

* Developer financial profits and town tax revenues are more important than NIMBY’s squawking about environmental issues that don’t exist. Giza has stated on numerous occasions that there are no flooding and drainage issues in Lancaster, no traffic issues, no low water pressure issues and rezones are ok because they give everyone an opportunity to move into Lancaster. All those retail and fast food places bring in good paying jobs and don’t impact the businesses that have served the town for years.

When gas prices get to $4 per gallon, the roads will be empty of traffic.

The town and school board told us the drug abuse situation in Lancaster was media hyped, no different than in any other town, then they go out and hire three more police officers.

The school board tells us that students coming into the school system from other areas do not meet our educational standards, have more special needs and so we hire more teacher staff – recently hired three high-salaried posts.

Town and school employees may decent salaries, have benefit and pension systems to die for by most people in the private sector – with guaranteed salary increments every year. They are the ones who want to maintain the status quo and make sure they vote in November to keep it that way.

Others bitch about the political status quo but won’t make an effort to vote for the lesser of two evils. This year there is no choice but to vote for H. Henslow Sparrow and the other members of the bird slate to send a message that the town’s planning design and first priority should be to protect the interests of the community and environment (which by the way is what they are sworn to do) and not their own best interests and agendas and/or of developers and special interest groups.

We should never have to hear our town supervisor declare, “we may as well turn off the lights and go home,” when a council member proposed as traffic study be done before any more town developments were approved.

This November Write In Your Vote For:

H. Henslow Sparrow - for Lancaster Town Supervisor
Lou Cocophalus - for Lancaster Town Council
Dick Cissel - for Lancaster Town Council
Corina Strix - for Lancaster Town Justice

and GIVE 'EM THE BIRD!

Don't Let Your Right To Vote Become An Endangered Species.

Mr Keysa who excused himself from voting in jan 2004 on Windsor ridge South(because his brother participated in the land sale)all of a sudden offers a resolution and turns the entire meeting around. Is this legal?????? I thought SEQR was a legal process on environmental issues.... Environment issues are suppose to be addressed by lead agency (the Town). When will mitigation begin after all the homes are in what do residents (taxpayers) do now!!! what happened with no building until traffic study is complete...More lip service ..Was site plan approved? Who the hell runs this town the developers and Keysa !!!!

This is what residents have come to expect from our leadership and the old saying that they'll build it while your sleeping the town passes everything holds true again!!!!!

With numerous issues and developement infringing on our way of life and causing more and more concerns in the community with traffic, flooding and who knows whats to come with building on these wetlands. 10 years from now will we be the next amherst with sinking homes and foundation problems.Is there anyone out there that cares lets put more houses on wetlands and fill In and not worry what will happen in the future. Lets over crowd the already crowded roads. who will suffer !!!! The residents who use those roads everyday and sit in traffic but when your sitting there waiting just remember our traffic study shows traffic has not increased much.... Mr.Keysa the wonderful liason for traffic study says he doesn't expect many changes... Who the hell did they have doing this traffic study, were they sleeping. During busy times you take your life in your hands trying to pull onto William. Maybe the whole town is using Clinton now because of traffic congestion. Everyone I know tries to stay away from William and lake and William and Transit. Broadway is easier to travel down then William. yet we propose how many new developements. They say 77 homes in phase one for Windsor Ridge won't make no substantial traffic issues. 2 to 3 cars per house = 150-230 cars (no issues). In addition you have several other developements going on in different areas of Town. Do our glorious leaders think we are that stupid!!!!!! No substantial increase in Traffic,do they live in Lancaster

I am not an expert in politics nor do I want to be but there has to be something we can do for change something that will make a differance. What the community (taxpayers) want should count for something or atleast givin consideration when making decisions. With increased traffic, building on wetlands,flooding and overall Developer run town. What can be done how can I improve things and make a differance in my community and then the hardest part is how to get others to care!!!!!! No one has anything to say until the bulldozers come out then there outraged and want things stopped.Do our glorious leaders see that the community is not happy,do they see whats happening to our community? Does anyone care!!!!!
__________________
This November Write In Your Vote For:

H. Henslow Sparrow-Town Supervisor
Lou Cocophalus-Town Council
Dick Cissel-Town Council
Corina Strix-Town Justice

and GIVE 'EM THE BIRD!

Don't Let Your Right To Vote Become An Endangered Species

[Foot Fungus]

Originally Posted by 4248

I think the write in vote for Mr. H.Sparrow for Lancaster Supervisor is the only true choice at this time .

Agreed.

There needs to be some promotion before election time though .

Ask and ye shall receive. The beginning...

http://forums.speakupwny.com/showthread.php?t=14652

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T14XDQ0w5mo

I would gladly donate for some signs , news adds or what ever.

Let's do it, there's lots of artwork ready and much more to come.

If this write in campaign is to send any kind of a message we need at least 200- 400 votes.

I say, be in it to win it.

__________________________________________
This November Write In Your Vote For:

H. Henslow Sparrow-for Lancaster Town Supervisor
Lou Cocophalus-for Lancaster Town Council
Dick Cissel-for Lancaster Town Council
Corina Strix-for Lancaster Town Justice

and GIVE 'EM THE BIRD!

Don't Let Your Right To Vote Become An Endangered Species.

[shadow]

Right now Mr.Henslow is the only choice let the games begin.....Maybe our leaders will get the true message. I'd love to see this one on the news.....Bird kicks Giza's Ass

[4248]

Right now Mr.Henslow is the only choice let the games begin.....Maybe our leaders will get the true message. I'd love to see this one on the news.....Bird kicks Giza's Ass

Try the link at the bottom for "How to" Video from New York State !
Its legal - it counts and they will feel it.