Lancaster elections are over, now what

[Lee Chowaniec]

Despite the overwhelming defeat of incumbent Town Supervisor Dino Fudoli in last week’s election some Speakup posters can’t get enough of demonizing him even more. Town board control remains in the hands of the DEMS as it has for the past 20 years. Had Fudoli and two council member candidates been elected many would have a sense of what direction town governance would have taken. It didn’t happen.

Considering what has transpired during the election campaign and with the upcoming budget, perhaps some of the anti Fudoli posters could do some introspection and answer on the following.

Budget

What will be added back into Fudoli’s proposed budget and will it still meet the recommended tax cap (CPI tax levy) increase limit?

Will council member Ronald Ruffino hold to his promise to not voting for a final budget proposal that exceeds that limit?

Will Supervisor Fudoli once again vote against an amended budget that puts jobs back in and/or increases spending? He has done this twice before and has been incorrectly charged as having voted against his own budget.

PBA Cayuga Club

The PBA was complicit in bringing down Fudoli. In putting out their ad in the Lancaster Bee the PBA chastised Fudoli for being unable to deal in good faith during union contract negotiations. A charge that was repeatedly refuted by Fudoli and where he stated that every offer made was taken to the other three board members for their consideration. He was not the lone decision maker.

• Does Lancaster need a larger police force? In their ad the PBA declared crime was up 11% and with the demand for more services the police department is not growing to meet those demands. Residents Frank Mallock and Paul Nobshich, advocates for a bigger police force based on town growth, appeared before town and village boards professing the same.

• Should Lancaster town employees contribute to their health care plan – a Cadillac plan that costs near $20,000 for a family plan and that includes dental and vision? The PBA union claimed Fudoli and running mate Joe Brainard wanted to dissolve the town’s police force. Both Fudoli and Brainard claimed otherwise and there never was any indication and/or evidence that they wanted to. The PBA ad declared Fudoli claimed the union turned down a three percent wage increase and that was not true. Is it also true that the union refused to put contributing toward their health care premium on the table?

• The PBA claimed Fudoli advocated for the layoff of Lancaster Central School District teachers. I never heard him say that or read it anywhere; have you?

• The PBA declared in the Lancaster Bee ad that the Town’s financial auditor, Thomas Malecki, declared that roller coaster manipulations of tax cuts and the inevitable tax increases in the future will lead to ‘chaos and havoc’. I was at the work session when Mr. Malecki presented his audit and I heard him say no such thing. When did Malecki make such statement and where? Do you know?

• The PBA claims the department is forced to patrol a growing town with fewer officers today that in 2003. That is not true according to the budgets listed for 2003 and 2016.

Future tax increase

Supervisor elect Joanna Coleman declared in the media that she has no intent to raise taxes, at least at this time. Considering that under past DEM administrations taxes were increased 13 consecutive years and with the burden of settling ongoing union contracts that sounds like code for tax increases will be coming. The DEMS declared they were also going to take the town in another direction. Hope this means some of the old patronage days will be gone and that the change will involve not reappointing unqualified/inept individuals to planning and zoning board positions.

Town/Planning Board liaison

Retiring town council member Donna Stempniak has been serving as town/planning board liaison for as long as I can remember. Mrs. Stempniak has become quite proficient in that position. Which council member do you think would best fill that position?

Lancaster Airport Expansion

Supervisor Fudoli was quite open on his position of not supporting any further expansion of the Buffalo-Lancaster Airport and in keeping that project the size it now is – permitting airplanes with 79 foot wide wing spans and corporate jet use. The DEMS attempted to work around the code language that prohibited such expansion and requested the Planning Board change the language. The planning board refused the request. In reviewing the master plan to update its zoning codes the planning board is discussing the code regulating airport zoning.

We shall indeed see what direction the new DEM controlled board will take and whose best interests will be served. You're thoughts.

[gorja]

It looks like they increased their detective and lieutenant positions over the last 12 years rather than their patrol officers. When there was an open patrol position, did the LPD at any time ask for it not to be filled and create another detective or lieutenant position or did they just create these position as the town grew?


2003
Personal Services
Chief (1)
Captains (2)
Lieutenants (4)
Lieutenant-D.A.R.E.
Detectives(2)
Patrol Officers (23)

Total- 33 Prior to merger

2004
Personal Services
Chief (1)
Captains (2)
Lieutenants (6)
Lieutenant • D A R.E.
Detectives(4)
Patrol Officers (24)
Patrol Officers, On Step (7 hired July 2003)
Total - 45

2016
.1 Personal Services
.100 Chief (1)
.100 Captains (2)
.100 Lieutenants (8)
.100 Detective Lieutenant (1)
.100 Detectives (7)
.100 School Resource Officer (2)
.100 Patrol (28)

Total- 49

[shortstuff]

Questions Lee on your post:

Budget:
The CAP, is the procedure the same with the school budget where in order to bypass the CAP it's done by a referendum to the public. How would the Town Board members bypass the property tax CAP? Is it the same way or do the board members vote to bypass the CAP by majority?

Every year Ron Ruffino is in Naples, Florida during the budget vote. Since he was conveniently on vacation last week, and according to Donna Stempniak's statement in the newspaper that they are waiting for Ron Ruffino to return so that he would have an opportunity to amend the budget with some of his proposals and then vote on it with everyone else next week. So he would actually be here. That said, Ron Ruffino has not voted in at least 4 or 5 years on the budget.

I can guarantee, if they add to the budget, like the past two years Fudoli will probably vote NO.


PBA
The Town Supervisor does not have any control over hiring/firing/layoffs at the school level. That is the responsibility of the school administration and the BOE. I found that interesting that the PBA would make that statement, that statement discredited the PBA because it appeared to demonstrate that the PBA was throwing everything into that flyer. In addition to that, he and most everyone has given "opinions" towards the school budget and how astronomical it is. But that said, he knows that he has no jurisdiction on that budget. Also Fudoli found having the School Board President Graber serve on the IDA a conflict of interest. I agree.

Thomas Malecki, the town auditor, being there also and heard the same thing you heard-one wonders why would this statement be made then? I personally plan on finding this out.

For Donna Stempniak having issues with the difference in the proposed pay increase with unions vs non-unions-I believe her word to describe the difference was "unconscionable" threw most who heard her in a state of disbelief. See, the unionized employees don't pay into their healthcare, the non-union employees do so at the end of the day the ratio would probably equal out right?

In 2003 the police force merged. Does those numbers include the SWAT team?

Future Tax increase
Well, Johanna went in front of the media and professed her mandate to not increase taxes. She went on record, so lets see if she sticks to her promise to the media or the promise she made to the unions.

Town/Planning board
Good questions or observation

Lancaster Airport
Lee, can you elaborate on this because as far as we know nothing has been discussed at this time.

[Lee Chowaniec]

Yes shortstuff, no news is good news but that doesn’t mean that could change now that Fudoli will be out of office. He campaigned on and then supported SACL’S effort to stop the already illegal expansion of the Buffalo-Lancaster Airport; an expansion that would allow for airplanes with 79 foot wide wing spans and small jets from using the airport.

There is a new Supervisor coming in on January 1, 2016 from a Democratic Party that was more sympathetic to the expansion and where two of the council members attempted to get a Town Code language change that would allow for that to happen.

The Town Planning Board did not give approval for the new language change. But the matter of airport zoning was brought up at the Planning Board’s October 21, 2015 meeting for discussion during the master plan review process. From the meeting minutes:

The current Town Code does not address airports. It was suggested we contact the Building Department to try and find a copy of the old Town Code which did contain information regarding airports.

DEMS + possible Town Code change + Building Department involvement + Airport reps = stay vigilant SACL and homeowners who live in the nearby vicinity of the Buffalo-Lancaster Airport.

[gorja]

I have never read or heard that Fudoli advocated teacher layoffs. He is clearly against the school district's spending practices. You know the district who is annually the most cost-effective district in WNY.

Fudoli from a January 9, 2015 Buffalo News article -

He went a step further to say that in the future he may run for School Board.

“I would show them how to save money and cut spending,” he said.

[4248]

He made a major blunder going any where near any school issue.

Although untrue - most people believe there's a separations between Town Hall and the schools. Foduli should have never crossed that line - all be it imaginary ! Councilman Stempniak (school teacher) and then Councilman Abraham were/are the quit liaison between the two ! Being tax funded - teachers and school employees usually back their Dem Friends.

His respect for the Red skins supporters didn't help him one bit !

[Lee Chowaniec]

He made a major blunder going any where near any school issue.

Although untrue - most people believe there's a separations between Town Hall and the schools. Foduli should have never crossed that line - all be it imaginary ! Councilman Stempniak (school teacher) and then Councilman Abraham were/are the quit liaison between the two ! Being tax funded - teachers and school employees usually back their Dem Friends.

His respect for the Red skins supporters didn't help him one bit !

Have to wholeheartedly agree.

[shortstuff]

Yes shortstuff, no news is good news but that doesn’t mean that could change now that Fudoli will be out of office. He campaigned on and then supported SACL’S effort to stop the already illegal expansion of the Buffalo-Lancaster Airport; an expansion that would allow for airplanes with 79 foot wide wing spans and small jets from using the airport.

There is a new Supervisor coming in on January 1, 2016 from a Democratic Party that was more sympathetic to the expansion and where two of the council members attempted to get a Town Code language change that would allow for that to happen.

The Town Planning Board did not give approval for the new language change. But the matter of airport zoning was brought up at the Planning Board’s October 21, 2015 meeting for discussion during the master plan review process. From the meeting minutes:

The current Town Code does not address airports. It was suggested we contact the Building Department to try and find a copy of the old Town Code which did contain information regarding airports.

DEMS + possible Town Code change + Building Department involvement + Airport reps = stay vigilant SACL and homeowners who live in the nearby vicinity of the Buffalo-Lancaster Airport.

OK upon further review of the meeting, it is already decided upon that they want to change the code and it appears that the planning board members are all considering it. The question remains, are they waiting until the new regime gets in? The planning board are advisory to the town board. Once they decide that they will change the code, it then goes to the town board for a vote right Lee?

[shortstuff]

He made a major blunder going any where near any school issue.

Although untrue - most people believe there's a separations between Town Hall and the schools. Foduli should have never crossed that line - all be it imaginary ! Councilman Stempniak (school teacher) and then Councilman Abraham were/are the quit liaison between the two ! Being tax funded - teachers and school employees usually back their Dem Friends.

His respect for the Red skins supporters didn't help him one bit !

Yes, his position was with regards to the name change. We all feel that the school budget is pretty significant, but as far as merging the bus garage and teacher layoffs-this is not in his jurisdiction.

[4248]

What was stated by the Lan Dems, "Focus Growth in the Walden Genessee area"
SACL, Cross Creeks, Nichter Road, West Woods area and anyone else who cares about their quality of life need to wake up !

You'd better get proactive and let your feels be known ! -

Much like condo associations - every subdivision/neighborhood should consider forming residents groups ! Its easier if you have a group of like minded residents - have at least one person attend Town Meetings. You can cover Planning Board and Town Board meetings.

Believe it or not, Planning Board meetings are a great source of information ! All future projects and many code changes start with the Planning Board ! You can get a good feel for what's coming and be proactive, rather then waiting for it(future development) to reach the Town Board.

Too often when a plan reach's the Town Board the Councilmembers will say, "the Zoning and Planning Board approved it, our hands are tied" - (Not true but that's what they do) !

A change in Town Hall Admin and their "New Agenda"
- which is actually a continuation of their old agenda
- Government will grow !
The only ways they have to offset the cost is development and taxation !

For meetings . agendas and other Town info : http://lancasterny.gov/

[Lee Chowaniec]

It is strange that so many posters had so much to offer in opinion prior and after the election but have offered no opinion on the two questions I asked in post #1 of the thread; namely:

1. Does Lancaster need a larger police force?

2. Should Lancaster town employees contribute to their health care plan?

Both will weigh heavily on future town budgets and taxpayer liability.

[gorja]

It is strange that so many posters had so much to offer in opinion prior and after the election but have offered no opinion on the two questions I asked in post #1 of the thread; namely:

1. Does Lancaster need a larger police force?

2. Should Lancaster town employees contribute to their health care plan?

Both will weigh heavily on future town budgets and taxpayer liability.

No for larger and yes to contribute to insurance. Will the employees agree to receiving a smaller paycheck? If their salary was $41,000 and they were to receive a 2% increase that's an increase of $820. If the insurance is $20,000 and they are to pay 10% that's $2,000. That would be about $98.33 less per month in their paycheck.

[shortstuff]

It is strange that so many posters had so much to offer in opinion prior and after the election but have offered no opinion on the two questions I asked in post #1 of the thread; namely:

1. Does Lancaster need a larger police force?

2. Should Lancaster town employees contribute to their health care plan?

Both will weigh heavily on future town budgets and taxpayer liability.

Lancaster does not need more police officers. We see often times two cars chatting, or taking long winded lunch/dinner breaks. IMO.

All employees should contribute to their healthcare plan. I also feel that the police force has such a package of perks=longevity, companion drivers etc....

It will be interesting to see who the new regime will cater to the folks around town or the unions.

[shortstuff]

What was stated by the Lan Dems, "Focus Growth in the Walden Genessee area"
SACL, Cross Creeks, Nichter Road, West Woods area and anyone else who cares about their quality of life need to wake up !

You'd better get proactive and let your feels be known ! -

Much like condo associations - every subdivision/neighborhood should consider forming residents groups ! Its easier if you have a group of like minded residents - have at least one person attend Town Meetings. You can cover Planning Board and Town Board meetings.

Believe it or not, Planning Board meetings are a great source of information ! All future projects and many code changes start with the Planning Board ! You can get a good feel for what's coming and be proactive, rather then waiting for it(future development) to reach the Town Board.

Too often when a plan reach's the Town Board the Councilmembers will say, "the Zoning and Planning Board approved it, our hands are tied" - (Not true but that's what they do) !

A change in Town Hall Admin and their "New Agenda"
- which is actually a continuation of their old agenda
- Government will grow !
The only ways they have to offset the cost is development and taxation !

For meetings . agendas and other Town info : http://lancasterny.gov/

Interesting with the focus on growth in the Walden & Genesee area will this work in concert with the airport expanding?

[Wow in lanc]

It would be even less if they had their deductions before tax that way there are no income taxes taken out on the portion of health care benefits they are paying for