No surprise here...The WDT has lambasted the County Legislature for Tuesday's PILOT vote and these words will only perpetuate the resentment of the JCIDA towards Times publisher John Johnson, Jr. who they routinely gripe about.
Now let's say it up front. The Times is not without sin. They hired the Syracuse law firm specializing in corporate shirt changes to receive benefits under the widely discredited Empire Zone program. In doing so the Times skated out of a lot of property taxes back in the days when the State of New York was being duped into paying local tax bills on behalf of business owners who maneuvered their way into the program.
Maybe they have first hand knowledge of the bastardization of the goals of economic development by lawyers who are always doing their job...creating ways to gain an edge for their client.
Thought I would point out the Times' sins for those who like to think of Mr. Johnson, Mr Gray and I as some sinister troika of skunks at the JCIDA picnic.
Todays editorial raises valid points about the final deal on Galloo and this $3.5 million community fund. Who's money is it.....Who get's it...How is it doled out....and I might add a question.
Why is the planned donation of monies to charity even part of an agreement with government on taxation ?
Another valid question is where does this take us in the future as similar benefits will have to be given to anyone else making similar requests.
There will be much griping about Mr. Johnson's views in some quarters and with the declining influence of newspapers maybe editorials can be ignored. This one will be.
What I would like to see from media is a thorough and dispassionate look-see at all the inducements given out over time and their approximate value. The Galloo project got a lot of attention due to its size, but the discussion should happen over the practices of economic development.
If it's any consolation, this is a field of endeavor always mired in controversy and scandal. and that's why there is a push in Albany to regulate these bodies. It is the inevitable result of a process where people can get something for free.
Watertown Daily Times | Wind PILOT Approval doesn't answer questions
7 comments:
The $3.5 million for charity is a weak point. The larger question is what is Heary, and Alexander, and Blankenbush, and Ormsby et al getting out of this deal? The whole thing stinks. Someone at one time mentioned a State AG investigation. That might pick-up some traction with a Dem AG as all of the culprits here represent the finest of the Jeff. Cty. GOP!
Not every bad public policy decision deserves a "probe"...Nor does it necessarily suggest nefarious activity.
Its just bad public policy.....
If the AG wants to probe anything, he can start with Albany and work his way out.
9:11 When you make accusations like that,put your name on the post.So we can find out who u are.Thats just wrong not everyone is corrupt the facts should be there to back up your claim.I wasn't for turbines but im not gunna start calling in the C.I.A.....
This one deserves a probe. Rumors are that some pretty shady back room activity occurred. Concerned citizens should contact:
windtaskforce@org.state.ny
and
public.integrity@oag.state.ny.us
and tell them what you know about the back room deal to flip Bob Thomas with secret meetings that included legislators, Alexander and the developer's attorney... and what about Jim Heary getting a fee for closing this deal and Jim Heary appointing Don Alexander's wife to a job. This wind thing really blows.
I read some of the info posted on "windtaskforce" and that set my mind as to what could have happened.If something looks and smells like a skunk, it is,.If Mr. Burto is indeed on the JCIDA, then no way should he have been allowed to take part in the vote by the legislators. Now I smell a rat and a skunk.
3:48 and "rick" are right. I was leaning towards supporting the project, but the way this was done really stinks. This Thomas guy must have gotten something to change his vote at the last hour. And Alexander's wife gets a job out of it? Where's your shame, Mr A? Most people would not want to even appear to look this crooked. I just don't get it.
Have you ever noticed the "class" system in the area? Certain folks get certain things their way?? WLDC, JCIDA, Remember when honesty counted for something?? Time to take back govt.
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