Oops! BPA May Not Be So Bad After All

John Stossel just published an article that refutes the claim of the politicians you see below.  A while back, Legislator Stern made a big stink about the use of Bisphenol-A and managed a high profile campaign to eliminate its use in plastic bottles.  


Now, according to the European version of the FDA,  BP-A is not toxic. In fact, "not only is there no good evidence that BPA locked into plastic can hurt people, it actually saves lives by stopping botulism."


Guess what else contains BP-A?  That's right - synthetic turf athletic fields.  


So, here is quite the quandry for the three musketeers:  According to their logic, if it is banned in plastic bottles where it is encapsulated, then shouldn't it be banned from synthetic athletic fields where it practically sweats into your body?


Phone calls to Legislator Stern's office were not made.

Berland's Youth Council? Gimme a Break!

There is something definitely wrong with a town board member that has her own "youth council".  And a lot more wrong if nobody notices it except for me. 


It  reminds me of stories years ago when there were fascist, jack booted thugs dragging people to the polls.  Does Susan Berland really have that much time on her hands that she can groom a bunch of young impressionable children?


Granted, this may be just a harmless way to get more children involved in the community, but in this land of milk and honey we sort of frown upon those using public office to create their own youth 'legion'.


Go to therapy like everyone else.

News

65% Say Get Rid of Congress

Think Twice About The Benefits of Synthetic Turf Fields

Henry Schein Prospers Without Government Intervention

Huntington Toyota Gives Back To Community

Eminent Domain and Affordable Housing

In an attempt to circumvent the will of the public, the town of Huntington is now using eminent domain to bring more affordable housing to Huntington Station.  more>>

Term Limits On the March

By a margin of 65% to 25%, New York City registered voters support restoring a law that prohibits elected officials from serving more than two consecutive four-year terms, signaling that Tuesday's referendum on the issue will likely pass, a new poll commissioned by The Wall Street Journal shows.  more>>

The Runaround

Last week I sent over a few questions to the town Comptroller's office.  
Yesterday the response came back: 


The information you requested can be obtained in the 2011 Preliminary Budget book that is available on-line at http://town.huntington.ny.us/permit_pics/1065.pdf or a physical copy is available for your review in the Town Clerk's office.


Really?  


I can actually look this stuff up myself?  Why didn't I think of that?  


Someone with this type of intelligence should move directly to the head of the line.  The problem with some people in town hall is that they actually think that we work for them.  This kind of sarcastic, condescending remark should only be made by me and at my choosing.  Mr. Persich needs to be reminded that I am his boss and if I say, "Go get me this file" he better move heaven and earth and get the damn file.


The end result is that I sent over a FOIL REQUEST to his office asking EXACTLY where is this information in the budget.  Point it out to a laymen like me because I don't see it.


Also, the same request went to the supervisor's office and the town clerk's office.


I expect more of the same.

Of Liberty and Property - Part 1

Most people would find it difficult to give you a clear definition of what ‘property rights’ are or how they are intertwined with individual liberty.  And, judging from the midterm congressional rhetoric, it seems that the idea of ‘property rights’ is far from any politician’s talking points as well.

So what are ‘property rights’ and why should such rights be of concern to the average citizen in Huntington?

First, let’s take a look at how Webster’s Dictionary defines property rights:

Cultural Dictionary

property rights definition

The legal limits governing the use and control of economic resources by 
individuals and corporations.

This definition is somewhat similar to the perception most people have of property rights, which is that you have a right to use something that you own (usually real estate or personal possessions) provided that it is used within the limits set by law.  For example, zoning laws restrict people's use of their land in clearly defined terms, thereby preventing landowners from using their property any way they wish.  

Our founding fathers tended to see things in a different light.  They believed that personal property is completely intertwined with personal liberty and that the safeguarding of such property was the safeguarding of liberty.  Further, they believed that property was not only tangible goods, ie. real estate and possession, but they believed that property was anything that a man possessed that would bring some sort of independence.  This included any type of skills, ideas, thoughts or actions as well as his earnings.

James Madison, the chief architect of the U.S. Constitution, probably has the best definition of property rights as it was originally intended.  It was this protection of an individual's property rights from ever changing majorities and coalitions, that gave both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution its purpose.


So, getting back to the point, how does the town of Huntington violate these rights and what can we do about it?

Just A Few Questions And We'll Be On Our Way

Here is a copy of an email sent out earlier today regarding the town's budget:

Mr. Persich, (town Comptroller)

please let me know if you are able to answer these questions or if I need to do a FOIL request.

thanks

1. Does the town run a deficit in any of its park funds, ie. Dix Hills Park Fund?  If so, does the Open Space Funding provide supplemental revenue?
2. Are amounts transferred to the general fund-townwide based on actual costs incurred rather than budget estimates?
3. Have any funds that were reserved for capital projects been reserved toward the debt service fund?
4. Does the interest that is generated from funds for capital projects applied toward the  payment of any debt?  
5. Is the town consistently monitoring the snow removal vouchers to insure that these forms are consistent with the town's standard forms?
6. Does the comptroller's office have the systems and procedures in place to consistently audit payment vouchers?
7. Are any irregularities in reporting or budgeting included in the town's financial statement or in the preliminary budget?
8. What is the ratio of pension obligations to the town's overall budget?  How has that percentage grown over the last five years?  Please provide specifics on where I might be able to view this information.
9. Have elected officials who are members of the retirement system provided information regarding the amount of hours worked in a month?
10. What is the percentage of the General - Town Outside Village fund to next year's budget appropriations?
11. There was a $14,898,587 Actual Unreserved Fund Balance for the three major funds in 2008.  In 2009 the amount was $11,715,368.  What was the difference of $3,183,219 used for?
12. Are any of the monies from the General Fund transferred to the Highway Fund?
13. Does the tax rate reflect the payment of deficit financing bonds even if financing has been set aside in the reserve fund?
14. Is it possible to get an itemization of the amounts of interfund transfers for 2009 and the specifics behind them?
15. Is the interest on the unused funds for capital projects that were closed set aside for payment of debt service? Section 165.00(a)(b) of the Local Finance Law
16. Have there been any discrepancies reported with respect to the receiving of permit fees from companies that engage in solid and liquid waste removal?
17. What are the internal safeguards with respect to the collection of recyclables by the town of Huntington?  In other words, is the town being compensated for all the recyclable waste that is being collected and that it is not being diverted?
18. Are subsidiary records periodically being reconciled to the general ledger accounts?
19. Are outside law firms submitting detailed time sheets and other supporting documentation that would be available for public review?
20. Are claim vouchers sufficiently being itemized to indicate a description of services rendered by date, amount of time worked by date and hourly rates?
21. Are all payments made to contractors that are above the originally agreed amount being approved by town board members?
22. Has the town board adopted an operating policy for managing automotive parts at the storeroom of the General Services Garage?
23. Has a standard workday been established for town board members and are time sheets being kept?

Mayoka Commits Fashion Crime In Huntington Station

Fashionista Police arrested councilman Mark Mayoka early this morning for violating the public ordinance regarding cheesy politicians wearing red hats.  Heard at the scene were members of the Guardian Angels who shouted, "You do not do justice to that hat.  It clashes with your shoes and the rest of your sedentary body."

Before being led away and placed in saran wrap, Mr. Mayoka offered this little brief tidbit into his world of pain, "All I wanted to do was since I was a little boy was wear a red hat and pretend that I am someone."

Seen snickering in the background was councilman Mark Cuthbertson, dressed in full clown regalia having just come from hosting a birthday party with Glenda Jackson and Sue Berland.

Virtual Gomez Speaks

Virtual Gomez:  One of the issues my opponent refuses to deal with is the massive amounts of regulation that he has not only voted to keep in place, but has no idea of the impact it has on small businesses.  It's one thing to run around like Santa Clause doling out the public's money in high profile special interest fashion, but it's quite another to sit down and take a hard look at the consequences of those actions.

Further, can anyone remember when the last time congressman Israel called for a full scale audit of the federal government, similar to what was done during the Reagan years with the Grace Commission Report?

 Hell, even AlGore put together some type of plan to save the government money.

As a future (virtual) congressman, I will demand that all house members take a vote on a new audit of the federal government's expenditures - especially the military sector where so much of our tax money is being spent.

When the 'tea party' talks about taking back our government, and Jon Stewart yelps about "taking it back from what?", the real answer is taking it back a few notches with regards to spending and back from the progressive agenda.

Sad State of Affairs

Last night's governors debate was disgraceful.  Not only was Carl Paladino completely intoxicated (or so he seemed) the rest of the crew sounded like they were from the cast of One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest.

Missing from the debate was anyone who could finish a sentence without sounding like they were constipated.  When the highlight of the debate ends up being a man wearing black gloves and a goatee that looks like a handlebar mustache with two balls, that's a really sorry situation.

The only thing left to say is that I wish politicians would stop telling me how they're going to make my life better.  They can't and they won't.  They're only going to make their own lives better and ours worse.

So, until someone comes along that can actually talk, make sense and come up with a plan to separate the government from the economy, we're all going to be paying more and more in taxes.

What Gomez Should Say

If I were John Gomez I would definitely respond to Newsday's endorsement of 5 term incumbent Steve Israel.  Here is what I would say:  (only took 9 minutes)

Newsday: Democrat Steve Israel, 52, seeking his sixth term in the House, offers no simple answers. His positions are those of an experienced, thoughtful legislator, which puts him at odds with his opponent. The campaign of Republican John Gomez, 48, relies mostly on broad tea party-approved talking points and offensive accusations.


Virtual Gomez: The fact that my opponent is seeking another term only goes to show that he has chosen politics as a career.  Which put very simply means: He is a career politician handing out favors (at taxpayer expense) in order to get re-elected.  He has not given much thought to any legislation other than having a knee-jerk reaction to whatever Speaker Pelosi says.  The latest rounds of comments I have made about Mr. Israel is that he should be brought up on bribery charges.  The fact that your newspaper has done nothing to examine these accusations hurts you more than it does me.


Newsday: Israel is a ferocious fighter for Long Island and in every cause he trumpets, from green energy to improved infrastructure to job creation, he works to see his district benefit.


Virtual Gomez:  The only time we see or hear of our congressman is around election time or when he is thinking about running for the senate.  He only brings home the bacon to the defense contractors that contribute his campaign.  Green energy is a money losing scam and government subsidies only prove that it is not a viable way to create energy.  Finally, all government subsidies of large corporations should immediately wind down.  (pun intended)


Newsday:  Gomez, of Bayport, owns a telecommunications and consulting firm and used to host a program on WLIE radio. He says it was anger over the MTA payroll tax that spurred him into the race, although the federal government has no involvement in that issue.


Virtual Gomez:  You got the first part right.  The second part about the MTA tax is really messed up.  The MTA tax was one of my inspirations and you make it sound like I don't know the difference.  Maybe it is Newsday that doesn't understand the commerce clause.  Also, it is my anger over government waste and high taxes that inspired me.  If your Newspaper wasn't a lap dog for the unions you might become inspired as well.


Newsday:  Israel, of Dix Hills, is a fiscal conservative who understands the vast majority of federal spending goes to Social Security, Medicaid, Medicare, debt maintenance and defense. He believes tax cuts should expire for the rich but says the line, currently earnings of more than $250,000 for couples, should take inflation into consideration and rise to $388,000.


Virtual Gomez:  My opponent has no clue about economics.  He only knows about spending on high profile programs in order to get re-elected.  You failed to mention that Social Security, Medicaid and Medicare is going bankrupt and riddled with fraud.  Yet, Mr. Israel keeps keeps voting to rob Peter to pay  Paul.  The system needs reform and Mr. Israel refuses to deal with reality.


Newsday:  Gomez claims he wants to shrink spending and government but supports more rail and bus service, wider and better roads, and other new infrastructure. He fails to identify many specific cuts he would support.


Virtual Gomez:  Again, you want to cherry pick ideas and take them out of context then be prepared for me to call you out on it.  The first thing that needs to be cut is waste and fraud.  The way to do that is cut back on the budgets and eliminate "non-essential" government services.  If it can be privatized and run better - then that's the way to go.  More rail and bus service is more "green", something you should be supporting.  Mr. Israel's contribution is to vote for more public funding of failed 'green' programs that make little economic sense.


Newsday:  Israel is unabashed in his support of the health care reform bill. Gomez opposes the new law, but in its place suggests only tort reform and 50 state health insurance markets, far from the sweeping changes needed.


Virtual Gomez:  How hard is it to find tomatoes?  Not very hard.  Why?  Because anyone and everyone can grow them and the government is not involved to the extent it would be in medical care.  Health care is preventive medicine, so get your terms straight.  If the free market were allowed to operate and an equilibrium be allowed to exist, those without insurance can be covered by private charity - which will be a tax deduction.  Mr. Israel believes in top-down control where I believe the market should be in charge.  Which method works out better for the consumer?  Finally, forcing people to buy insurance is illegal and will result in Obamacare being repealed.


Newsday:  Gomez's campaign is short on ideas and long on smears, including signs calling Israel a socialist. Israel is a strong legislator, a principled public servant and a tireless advocate for Long Island.


Virtual Gomez:  Your paper ignores ideas, especially the ones you disagree with.  Yes, Mr. Israel is a Socialist because he believes in heavy government intervention in the economy and public control over the means of production - ie. Obamacare, Cap and Trade, etc.


Newsday:  Newsday endorses Mr. Israel


Virtual Gomez:  Kiss my ass.

The Newsday Project

The Newsday editorial board's endorsement of Steve Israel came as no surprise. As Long Island's leading left wing newspaper, Newsday unabashedly trumpets the progressive agenda and still claims to be a "news" paper while reporting very little in the way of news.

Well, now it's time to turn the tables.

As part of a new project, I will be contacting a few Newsday "reporters" and ask them if they will report on Congressman Israel's dealings with campaign donors who have received government business.

Update - 10.19.10 -  Actually I don't give a shit what Newsday writes.  Project discontinued.

No Statesmen Around Here

There have been endless partisan, self-preservationist arguments against term limits (by those in office - and those related to people in office) that would make most people scream in pain with a migraine.

Here's the main point and the ONLY ISSUE:

LET THE VOTERS DECIDE THROUGH A REFERENDUM!

The big mistake by the board was actually voting on the issue.  It would have been smarter to "punt" and say,    "If it's such a good idea the voters will approve it.  If it's not, that's too bad.  But, let's put it in their hands because we, as elected officials, cannot vote to extend our terms in perpetuity."  Actually, that would have been applicable to someone with 'statesman' like qualities.

So, get ready because this weekend the petitions will be going out to all the neighborhood and block captains.

If two terms is good enough for George Washington, it's good enough the town board.

Steve Israel (the Muffin Man) and Parviz Lavi

Is getting re-elected to Congress worth going to jail?  Probably not.  Is it worth degrading the district that you represent by accepting campaign contributions from sleazebag defense contractors?  YES, if you're name is Steve Israel.

A letter is circulating that purports to have information about Turbo Dynamics' Parviz Lavi and his campaign contributions to Congressman Steve Israel.

There are two issues here:


1. Mr. Parviz Lavi had been arrested back in 1998 on charges of scheming to smuggle jet parts to Iran

2. Congressman Israel accepted contributions from this man and, it APPEARS, that in return Mr. Lavi's company, Turbo Dynamics of Plainview, received quite a bit of defense contracts

And where is the local media regarding this?  With less than three weeks to go in the election not one newspaper is reporting this information.

Further, the Muffin Man had voted YES to the Disclose Act, which would "curtail the ability of corporations and other special interest groups to influence elections by requiring greater disclosure of their role in paying for campaign advertising."  


Talk about being a hypocrite!!  But, I guess it's the same as being a career politician.

Letter and Debate Challenge

Here is the letter that I sent to the Long Islander earlier today.  I hope Nancy Rauch and Vision Long Island accept the offer to debate.  We'll see.

“Half the harm that is done in this world is due to people who want to feel important.”  

- T.S. Eliot

Dear Editor:


I disagree with the premise of Nancy Rauch Douzinas’ article last week that touted the findings of the Rauch Foundation’s ‘Trust for Public Land’ report.

The article had an air of paternalistic superiority (usually reserved for central planners and other ‘intelligentsia’) combined with misleading statistics and progressive rhetoric. 

Lumping together the economic benefits of existing fee-driven parks with the increase in property taxes derived from higher valued homes near open space is bad math, questionable logic and a disaster for Long Island.

Further, it is well known that the foundation advocates the contradictory positions of more affordable housing while at the same time calling for more open space preservation with the transfer of development rights. This will eventually lead to large swaths of vacant land and even larger ghettos of high density housing in downtown areas.

Long Island’s future should be determined by those who advocate the protection of private property rights and the preservation of Long Island’s suburban character.  It should not be dictated by central planners who advocate a command and control economy that will further degrade our quality of life.

Therefore, I am challenging Ms. Rauch, Vision Long Island and other progressives to a debate on what Long Island's future should look like.

I hope they accept.

Open Space and Open Wallets

I disagree with Nancy Rauch Douzinas’ article in last week's Long Islander touting the findings of the Rauch Foundation’s ‘Trust for Public Land’ report.

Lumping the economic impact of parks and open space purchases together is an attempt to conceal the fact that open space purchases alone generate absolutely no income because “…the land is not publicly accessible.”  All the value it seems comes from higher home assessments, which result in higher property taxes.  So, if I understand this correctly, we need to spend more taxpayer money so we can generate more taxpayer money?

Somewhere a group of politicians and wealthy donors are having a real good time with this one.

Ignoring the basic tenants of supply and demand, as well as cause and effect, will no doubt come to haunt the Rauch Foundation and the rest of Long Island in the end if we were to follow the report’s recommendations.

You cannot limit the supply of land to build on and expect home prices to come down.

And you cannot increase ‘affordable housing’ without changing the character of Long Island.

Using the government to protect open space from…the government is the sort of ‘pretzel logic’ we’ve come to expect from the environmentalist, Smart Growth crowd.

So, until someone in local government takes a better look at these gravity defying assumptions we had better hold on to our money because there ‘ain’t much left.’

Town Budget - Does Anyone Really Understand It?

Last week's little dust-up between Mark Mayoka and Cuthbertson regarding the 2011 budget only highlighted the fact that not only did these two have no idea what they were talking about, but how little everyone else in the town knows about where their money is going.

Many municipalities across the country have built-in agencies that scrutinize expenditures thereby assuring the public that someone is watching over their money.  For example, right next door, New York City has a Bureau of Audit that releases its  "findings and recommendations to the public to inform it of how City government is working."


Probably the best part of this department is the Bureau of Management Audit that, "is primarily responsible for conducting performance audits of City agencies, public entities, and contractors doing business with the City.  Performance audits assess programs, operations, and compliance with applicable laws and regulations. In addition, economy and efficiency audits help to determine whether agencies are protecting their resources and employing them economically and efficiently. Performance audits also determine the degree to which agency programs, activities, or functions attain mandated results or expected benefits."

Huntington has no such department in its' Comptroller's office.

Term Limits Loses 3-2

Coming as no surprise, the town board voted down the term limit resolution presented by Mark Mayoka.      

What's interesting is the fact that Supervisor Petrone made a very good argument FOR term limits, stating, "It gives people the opportunity to move in different directions and brings the local perspective to higher levels of government – we can't do this without encouraging different opportunities at different levels."

Now the fun part begins!  Beginning at the end of this month, petitions for a 'two term' maximum for all elected officials will start circulating.