Thursday, March 03, 2011
Monday, February 21, 2011
The Double Dip
Student fights state double-dipping
Montgomery native wants loophole cut
By John Sullivan
Times Herald-Record
Published: 2:00 AM - 02/21/11
Montgomery — With recent news of double-dipping state legislators igniting reader anger in newspaper opinion pages and elsewhere, Colin Schmitt half-expected a revolution in state government.
But no such upheaval has come among the majority of rank-and-file state Senate and Assembly members, so Schmitt has decided to lead the way on his own.
"Maybe sometimes a public outcry is enough, but sometimes you need continuous pressure," Schmitt said about his grass-roots campaign to eliminate a loophole that allows certain elected officials to earn pensions as well as full salaries.
The campaign — "Stop NY Double Dip" — is a special project of Schmitt's political action committee, New Dawn, formed in May to help a new generation of leaders take office.
Schmitt, a Montgomery native who became a legislative aide for Assemblywoman Annie Rabbitt, R-C-Greenwood Lake, when he was just 14, hopes to be among those who fill a representative position one day, he said.
He launched stopnydoubledip.com last week to promote a petition drive to close the loophole allowing elected state officials serving before 1995 to concurrently collect their pension and full salary.
Schmitt would also urge creating a retroactive change requiring elected leaders collecting both incomes to choose one or the other.
He would also support a pending bill sponsored by state Sen. Greg Ball and Assemblyman Mike Fitzpatrick to remove politicians from the pension system and move them to 401(k) plans.
State legislators, such as Assemblywoman Nancy Calhoun, R-C-Blooming Grove, and Sen. Bill Larkin, R-C-New Windsor, collect both pension and salary. They contend they are utilizing a benefit available to all state employees.
The payment of pensions in addition to salaries is considered a necessary evil in the public sector, as agencies compete for talent with private-sector jobs that pay a lot more, acknowledge some public policy experts.
But the perception of unfairness is hard to argue with.
"I've talked to a lot of people, who are struggling, and seeing someone who can just snap their fingers to get additional benefits without having to work a second job or anything is really disheartening," said Schmitt, a junior studying politics at The Catholic University of America in Washington.
There are currently 16 members of the state Senate and 46 members of the state Assembly eligible to collect pensions and salaries at the same time, according to Schmitt's research.
"If all those 62 cashed in, it would cost the state nearly $3.5 million a year," he said.
Schmitt plans to spend a good part of his non-study time collecting signatures for his campaign, he said. Saturday, going door to door in the Village of Montgomery, he collected some 50-55 signatures, adding to a list of some 250 responses he's gotten to his website, he said.
"Whether I'm the lone voice standing in the field or not, I'll be talking about this and kicking dirt about it until the next state election in 2012," he said.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Our School Districts (seen from Upstate)
From Websterpost.com
By Matt Schaertl
From WebsterCanandaigua, N.Y. — There is a need for serious review of school funding, but if you think there is waste in the Finger Lakes, take a look downstate.
In Assemblywoman Annie Rabbitt’s district, just northwest of New York City, is the Kiryas Joel School District. The district was founded by the ultra-orthodox Jewish community to educate special-needs children. On their website, they say they provide a “broad array of services in an efficient, professional and expeditious manner” and that the school “has truly been an exemplary partnership, which has made this such a successful American experiment.” Yes, it is a very successful experiment — in showing how not to run a school district.
Kiryas Joel collects $15,000 less from the local residents, per student, than the average school district. Why? They don’t need it. They collect $19,000 per student in state aid — which is 700 percent more than New York’s average school district receives. Worse, they collect $39,000 per student from the federal government every year. Blood boiling yet?
With Victor at $13 and Canandaigua hovering around $50 for “unclassified employee benefits” per pupil, KJSD is spending a whopping $11,543 per year, per student.
I am only speculating, but perhaps teacher benefits there include free mortgage payments. On the plus side, they do have only one-quarter the debt per student as the average district. Hey — kudos to KJSD for almost balancing your checkbook!
In total, America spends $110,884 per student per year for every public school student in that school district. That equates to $1,441,492 of taxes to produce ONE high school diploma. It would be less expensive to pay every student what an enlisted soldier earns from the time they enter kindergarten until they turn 75. It would be cheaper to educate those students by providing each their own individual teacher, plus allow that teacher to spend twice the state’s average cost.
Three miles from that district is the Monroe-Woodbury school system. They too spend more per pupil than any of our local districts, but at $19,088 per student I’d take it. The average home in that district is valued at $250,000 with an average family income 60 percent higher than the state average. Yet the residents pay $2,000 less per student locally than the typical school district. As far as “unclassified employee benefits,” they are similar to Red Jacket and Victor at $9 per student and have the normal amount of debt.
So while Assemblywoman Annie Rabbitt (Conservative by party affiliation, not by action) is, according to her website, trying to save the $8.2 million in funding for the Lake Placid Olympic facility, my question for her is why a school district that is smaller than DeSales is spending $10,000,000 more annually than Red Jacket, has 21 staff members with salaries above $100,000 (as compared to three at Red Jacket, four at Midlakes, five at Bloomfield and 18 at Canandaigua) and why the lowest-paid bus drivers, janitors, aides, office assistants, and cafeteria workers are all making more than $52,000 per year? (Source: www.seethruny.net.)
And by the way, for people like Annie Rabbitt, the Winter Olympics have not been here in three decades — and the committee lets you know eight years in advance if they are coming back. That’s another $240 million we could have saved since 1982. Lease it; take the cash.
By Matt Schaertl
From WebsterCanandaigua, N.Y. — There is a need for serious review of school funding, but if you think there is waste in the Finger Lakes, take a look downstate.
In Assemblywoman Annie Rabbitt’s district, just northwest of New York City, is the Kiryas Joel School District. The district was founded by the ultra-orthodox Jewish community to educate special-needs children. On their website, they say they provide a “broad array of services in an efficient, professional and expeditious manner” and that the school “has truly been an exemplary partnership, which has made this such a successful American experiment.” Yes, it is a very successful experiment — in showing how not to run a school district.
Kiryas Joel collects $15,000 less from the local residents, per student, than the average school district. Why? They don’t need it. They collect $19,000 per student in state aid — which is 700 percent more than New York’s average school district receives. Worse, they collect $39,000 per student from the federal government every year. Blood boiling yet?
With Victor at $13 and Canandaigua hovering around $50 for “unclassified employee benefits” per pupil, KJSD is spending a whopping $11,543 per year, per student.
I am only speculating, but perhaps teacher benefits there include free mortgage payments. On the plus side, they do have only one-quarter the debt per student as the average district. Hey — kudos to KJSD for almost balancing your checkbook!
In total, America spends $110,884 per student per year for every public school student in that school district. That equates to $1,441,492 of taxes to produce ONE high school diploma. It would be less expensive to pay every student what an enlisted soldier earns from the time they enter kindergarten until they turn 75. It would be cheaper to educate those students by providing each their own individual teacher, plus allow that teacher to spend twice the state’s average cost.
Three miles from that district is the Monroe-Woodbury school system. They too spend more per pupil than any of our local districts, but at $19,088 per student I’d take it. The average home in that district is valued at $250,000 with an average family income 60 percent higher than the state average. Yet the residents pay $2,000 less per student locally than the typical school district. As far as “unclassified employee benefits,” they are similar to Red Jacket and Victor at $9 per student and have the normal amount of debt.
So while Assemblywoman Annie Rabbitt (Conservative by party affiliation, not by action) is, according to her website, trying to save the $8.2 million in funding for the Lake Placid Olympic facility, my question for her is why a school district that is smaller than DeSales is spending $10,000,000 more annually than Red Jacket, has 21 staff members with salaries above $100,000 (as compared to three at Red Jacket, four at Midlakes, five at Bloomfield and 18 at Canandaigua) and why the lowest-paid bus drivers, janitors, aides, office assistants, and cafeteria workers are all making more than $52,000 per year? (Source: www.seethruny.net.)
And by the way, for people like Annie Rabbitt, the Winter Olympics have not been here in three decades — and the committee lets you know eight years in advance if they are coming back. That’s another $240 million we could have saved since 1982. Lease it; take the cash.
Wednesday, February 09, 2011
The Uncle Predicts
There is a very good chance that Mike, Tim and Tom are going to win re-election in the next village election.
One reason for that is their's were the only petitions turned in to Desiree.
Has Ralph lost hope?
Is he hibernating?
Has he recognized reality? (We just through this last one in as a joke)
So, barring a major write-in campaign, the election's outcome is pretty clear.
Can any of you spell U-N-C-L-E?
One reason for that is their's were the only petitions turned in to Desiree.
Has Ralph lost hope?
Is he hibernating?
Has he recognized reality? (We just through this last one in as a joke)
So, barring a major write-in campaign, the election's outcome is pretty clear.
Can any of you spell U-N-C-L-E?
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
The Uncle Goes There
Let's admit it, Woodbury has become boring.
And the Uncle even more so.
And while hackles are raised whenever Dear Old Uncle Betty pretends that there is a world beyond our borders, it may be time to look there.
So, if you hate and despise it, at least that's more of a response than talking about snow would evoke.
So, let us begin with some words of wisdom from Governor Sarah Palin, who today posted a video in response to the shootings in Tucson. Two things that she said particularly caught our attention:
1. "Acts of monstrous criminality stand on their own. They begin and end with the criminals who commit them."
2. "Especially within hours of a tragedy unfolding, journalists and pundits should not manufacture a blood libel that serves only to incite the very hatred and violence they purport to condemn."
Now, one can take the position that heated rhetoric is never to be blamed for acts of violence or one can posit that it might, in fact, incite them.
But how in the world is it possible for both to be true?
Just asking.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Hey, It'll Be A Bargain In 2042
Sen. Larkin, Assemblywoman Calhoun collect pensions early
Payments go to pair while still on the job
By John Sullivan
Times Herald-Record
State legislators Nancy Calhoun and William Larkin are among 11 legislators who recently filed retirement papers, which will allow them to receive pensions while still working and collecting public paychecks.
Calhoun, R-C-Blooming Grove, a 10-term assemblywoman, said she will be collecting a $60,400 annual pension starting next year. Larkin, R-C-Cornwall-on-Hudson, a 10-term state senator and former state assemblyman, declined to reveal his pension payment amount.
The payments come on top of the lawmakers' base salaries of $79,500 and the stipends they collect for other legislative duties. The arrangement is permitted under a pension-law loophole.
"It is legal, but it looks terrible," said Blair Horner, legislative director for the New York Public Interest Research Group. "We're at a time when the economy is tanking and state employees will be laid off; I think it rubs salt in the wounds of taxpayers when state officials exploit rules for their own benefit."
In addition to her base salary, Calhoun collected an additional $18,000 this year for serving on committees. Larkin said he did not know his current-year stipend. He received $20,500 in 2007. He currently serves as the Senate whip, as well as on eight legislative committees.
Legally collecting retirement benefits while still working is a perk for civil service workers in New York state. Hundreds of workers have received waivers allowing them to earn more than the $30,000 salary limit on their second civil service job after retiring from their first one.
State and local politicians are exempt from the waiver requirement, though they do have to be at least 65 years old to return to their previous jobs after filing for retirement.
Calhoun turned 65 in July. Larkin is 82.
Both emphasized the legality of their actions under state pension rules.
"This is something that can be done by any government official of New York state," Calhoun said. "I'm not the only person doing it."
"The people who say it's not right, then they should try to change the law," Larkin said. "I earn every single penny I make. I don't have to take a backseat to anybody on my hours of work or on serving my constituents."
Asked why he waited so long to file for the benefit, Larkin said, "I'm just preparing myself for whatever might happen in the future."
Calhoun said that by collecting now, her pension payment will be smaller, thus saving the state money. If she waited until the end of her upcoming two-year term, she said, the payment would be some $4,000 higher per year.
Based on the numbers Calhoun provided, the state will break even and begin saving money in roughly 2042, when Calhoun would be about 97.
Rep. NANCY CALHOUN
R-C-Blooming Grove
Pension: $60,400
Base salary: $79,500
Payment for serving on committees: $18,000
Calhoun, R-C-Blooming Grove, a 10-term assemblywoman, said she will be collecting a $60,400 annual pension starting next year. Larkin, R-C-Cornwall-on-Hudson, a 10-term state senator and former state assemblyman, declined to reveal his pension payment amount.
The payments come on top of the lawmakers' base salaries of $79,500 and the stipends they collect for other legislative duties. The arrangement is permitted under a pension-law loophole.
"It is legal, but it looks terrible," said Blair Horner, legislative director for the New York Public Interest Research Group. "We're at a time when the economy is tanking and state employees will be laid off; I think it rubs salt in the wounds of taxpayers when state officials exploit rules for their own benefit."
In addition to her base salary, Calhoun collected an additional $18,000 this year for serving on committees. Larkin said he did not know his current-year stipend. He received $20,500 in 2007. He currently serves as the Senate whip, as well as on eight legislative committees.
Legally collecting retirement benefits while still working is a perk for civil service workers in New York state. Hundreds of workers have received waivers allowing them to earn more than the $30,000 salary limit on their second civil service job after retiring from their first one.
State and local politicians are exempt from the waiver requirement, though they do have to be at least 65 years old to return to their previous jobs after filing for retirement.
Calhoun turned 65 in July. Larkin is 82.
Both emphasized the legality of their actions under state pension rules.
"This is something that can be done by any government official of New York state," Calhoun said. "I'm not the only person doing it."
"The people who say it's not right, then they should try to change the law," Larkin said. "I earn every single penny I make. I don't have to take a backseat to anybody on my hours of work or on serving my constituents."
Asked why he waited so long to file for the benefit, Larkin said, "I'm just preparing myself for whatever might happen in the future."
Calhoun said that by collecting now, her pension payment will be smaller, thus saving the state money. If she waited until the end of her upcoming two-year term, she said, the payment would be some $4,000 higher per year.
Based on the numbers Calhoun provided, the state will break even and begin saving money in roughly 2042, when Calhoun would be about 97.
Rep. NANCY CALHOUN
R-C-Blooming Grove
Pension: $60,400
Base salary: $79,500
Payment for serving on committees: $18,000
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Discuss Amongst Yourselves
Elections board gives victory to Calhoun in 96th Assembly DistrictBy John Sullivan
Times Herald-Record
Goshen — Ten-term incumbent Nancy Calhoun said she felt "vindicated" after discovering that she won yet another two-year term as 96th District assemblywoman.
An official from the Orange County Board of Elections reported Calhoun, R-C-Blooming Grove, with 633 of the 1,200-or-so absentee ballots by the end of counting at 1 p.m. Wednesday.
The results left Calhoun with a 541-vote margin over Democratic challenger Roxanne Donnery. The results of the election won't be certified until Wednesday at the earliest. Calhoun said she was "very happy, very relieved and very vindicated. The people who really know me through the years still supported me," she said.
She had reason to worry. By the end of election night, Nov. 2, Donnery led in Orange County by 320 votes. Calhoun has enjoyed decades of support in the Orange County portion of her district. Uncertainty about Calhoun's support in Orange County arose after she lost the support of Republican Frank Fornario, the Blooming Grove supervisor. Donnery still ended up ahead of Calhoun in Orange County by a total of 16,990 votes to Calhoun's 16,566.
But that was not enough to overcome Calhoun's substantial lead in Stony Point, in Rockland County.
The overall tally at the end of the day Wednesday was 19,460 votes for Calhoun and 18,919 for Donnery.
Heavily conservative Stony Point has traditionally been a roadblock for Calhoun's challengers, who have very little chance to make themselves known there. Donnery said newspaper coverage of her accomplishments as a 12-year Orange County legislator never reached Stony Point.
"Many had never heard of me," she said.
Despite her loss, Donnery took heart from the hard-fought campaign.
"I think it (the close race) was quite incredible if you think about what it's like to run against a 20-year-incumbent in an anti-Democratic year," she said.
Times Herald-Record
Goshen — Ten-term incumbent Nancy Calhoun said she felt "vindicated" after discovering that she won yet another two-year term as 96th District assemblywoman.
An official from the Orange County Board of Elections reported Calhoun, R-C-Blooming Grove, with 633 of the 1,200-or-so absentee ballots by the end of counting at 1 p.m. Wednesday.
The results left Calhoun with a 541-vote margin over Democratic challenger Roxanne Donnery. The results of the election won't be certified until Wednesday at the earliest. Calhoun said she was "very happy, very relieved and very vindicated. The people who really know me through the years still supported me," she said.
She had reason to worry. By the end of election night, Nov. 2, Donnery led in Orange County by 320 votes. Calhoun has enjoyed decades of support in the Orange County portion of her district. Uncertainty about Calhoun's support in Orange County arose after she lost the support of Republican Frank Fornario, the Blooming Grove supervisor. Donnery still ended up ahead of Calhoun in Orange County by a total of 16,990 votes to Calhoun's 16,566.
But that was not enough to overcome Calhoun's substantial lead in Stony Point, in Rockland County.
The overall tally at the end of the day Wednesday was 19,460 votes for Calhoun and 18,919 for Donnery.
Heavily conservative Stony Point has traditionally been a roadblock for Calhoun's challengers, who have very little chance to make themselves known there. Donnery said newspaper coverage of her accomplishments as a 12-year Orange County legislator never reached Stony Point.
"Many had never heard of me," she said.
Despite her loss, Donnery took heart from the hard-fought campaign.
"I think it (the close race) was quite incredible if you think about what it's like to run against a 20-year-incumbent in an anti-Democratic year," she said.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Sunday, October 31, 2010
License To Bitch
The Uncle has a modest suggestion.
On election day, when you show up at the polls, you'd get a card that says "I Showed Up."
You needn't actually vote, mind you.
You just have to get off your ass and go down there.
Then, anytime in the following year, when you're in a bar or at a party or wherever, and you bitch about the state of things, anyone there can ask to see your card.
If you have one, well and good.
But if you're flapping your lips but can't prove that you at least took the time to show up at the polls, the rest of us have the legal right to beat the crap out of you.
As I say, just a suggestion.
On election day, when you show up at the polls, you'd get a card that says "I Showed Up."
You needn't actually vote, mind you.
You just have to get off your ass and go down there.
Then, anytime in the following year, when you're in a bar or at a party or wherever, and you bitch about the state of things, anyone there can ask to see your card.
If you have one, well and good.
But if you're flapping your lips but can't prove that you at least took the time to show up at the polls, the rest of us have the legal right to beat the crap out of you.
As I say, just a suggestion.
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