DEC to Town: Fix the Sewers
Last Saturday the Times Union published the story by Brian Nearing, which is printed below. I've heard that it has some problems, one being that Mr. Nearing (who is supposed to be a competent journalist) missed the chance to ask some obvious questions.
We still haven't heard about the content of the "plan" the political mucky-mucks are hatching to spend our money on this problem. But the one thing that stood out for me, which I think deserves some explaining, is the statement by Mr. Benko that the plan to hook up to the County system was too expensive at this time. I've heard from several people who should know that the County hook-up is the least costly and the quickest solution. I've also heard that the County Water/Sewer Authority spent something like $200,000 to flesh out that plan. I'd say it's time to get the straight poop guys.
Have at it taxpayers.......
DEC to town: Fix the sewers
Regeneron expansion is at risk if East Greenbush does not improve sewage system
By Brian Nearing
Published 11:23 p.m., Friday, July 27, 2012
EAST GREENBUSH — A planned $75 million expansion of a
pharmaceutical plant is bumping up against a state-imposed moratorium on
an overused, leaky town sewer system that has fouled the Hudson River
for more than a decade.
If East Greenbush wants the proposed 71,000-square-foot office and plant addition at Regeneron Pharmaceuticals to use its overtaxed sewers, it must first reduce an equivalent amount of sewage from entering the system.
"The town must demonstrate an adequate reduction in flow to the (sewer) plant in order to be allowed to add the additional capacity (from Regeneron)," said Department of Environmental Conservation Region IV spokesman Rick Georgeson on Friday. "We are aware of the expansion and have met with the town, and are working with the town's consultant to allow for this increase of capacity."
That has left the town eyeing short-term sewer fixes to accommodate the expansion, which could mean as many as 130 new jobs at the 81 Columbia Turnpike facility.
This spring, the town signed its sixth sewage agreement with DEC during the last 13 years, paying a $15,000 fine for repeated spills and promising to upgrade its system, which has intermittently dumped into the Hudson for years. The town has repeatedly promised to fix the system, which gets overwhelmed by high volumes, but never lived up to the earlier agreements with the state.
This latest DEC agreement, like an earlier agreement from 2009, continued a moratorium on new sewer hookups unless the town can reduce the amount entering its system to cover it. East Greenbush, which had ignored the earlier moratorium and kept adding sewer hookups, also again promised to make major repairs to its system, this time by 2014.
It could cost taxpayers up to $800,000 to do shorter-term sewer fixes that would allow the Regeneron expansion, which would add another 100,000 gallons a day to the system, town engineer Rich Benko said.
Possible steps still being studied include building an equalization tank, which could hold additional sewage until it could be properly processed; adding linings to existing leaky sewer pipes to keep rain and groundwater from mixing in; or removing residential sump pumps that dump groundwater into the sewer system.
Benko said the town still has bond funds that could help pay for the work, which could reduce or eliminate the need to hike sewer rates paid by property owners.
Regeneron wants to start work on the office portion of its expansion by the end of this year or early next year.
Another potential option, to hook up the town system to the larger Rensselaer County sewer system, has been deemed too expensive at this time, Benko said.
"It is more beneficial to do our improvements from within," he said.
In the May agreement with the town, DEC imposed a fine on the town of $75,000, but agreed to suspend $60,000 of that if permanent upgrades are in place by December 31, 2014. No new projects can be hooked up to the sewer system unless the town reduces the equivalent amount of flow first, under the agreement.
After it first imposed the sewer moratorium under a July 2009 agreement with the town, the town ignored the action and hooked up 53 new projects by October 2011, DEC said.
bnearing@timesunion.com • 518-454-5094 • @Bnearing10
If East Greenbush wants the proposed 71,000-square-foot office and plant addition at Regeneron Pharmaceuticals to use its overtaxed sewers, it must first reduce an equivalent amount of sewage from entering the system.
"The town must demonstrate an adequate reduction in flow to the (sewer) plant in order to be allowed to add the additional capacity (from Regeneron)," said Department of Environmental Conservation Region IV spokesman Rick Georgeson on Friday. "We are aware of the expansion and have met with the town, and are working with the town's consultant to allow for this increase of capacity."
That has left the town eyeing short-term sewer fixes to accommodate the expansion, which could mean as many as 130 new jobs at the 81 Columbia Turnpike facility.
This spring, the town signed its sixth sewage agreement with DEC during the last 13 years, paying a $15,000 fine for repeated spills and promising to upgrade its system, which has intermittently dumped into the Hudson for years. The town has repeatedly promised to fix the system, which gets overwhelmed by high volumes, but never lived up to the earlier agreements with the state.
This latest DEC agreement, like an earlier agreement from 2009, continued a moratorium on new sewer hookups unless the town can reduce the amount entering its system to cover it. East Greenbush, which had ignored the earlier moratorium and kept adding sewer hookups, also again promised to make major repairs to its system, this time by 2014.
It could cost taxpayers up to $800,000 to do shorter-term sewer fixes that would allow the Regeneron expansion, which would add another 100,000 gallons a day to the system, town engineer Rich Benko said.
Possible steps still being studied include building an equalization tank, which could hold additional sewage until it could be properly processed; adding linings to existing leaky sewer pipes to keep rain and groundwater from mixing in; or removing residential sump pumps that dump groundwater into the sewer system.
Benko said the town still has bond funds that could help pay for the work, which could reduce or eliminate the need to hike sewer rates paid by property owners.
Regeneron wants to start work on the office portion of its expansion by the end of this year or early next year.
Another potential option, to hook up the town system to the larger Rensselaer County sewer system, has been deemed too expensive at this time, Benko said.
"It is more beneficial to do our improvements from within," he said.
In the May agreement with the town, DEC imposed a fine on the town of $75,000, but agreed to suspend $60,000 of that if permanent upgrades are in place by December 31, 2014. No new projects can be hooked up to the sewer system unless the town reduces the equivalent amount of flow first, under the agreement.
After it first imposed the sewer moratorium under a July 2009 agreement with the town, the town ignored the action and hooked up 53 new projects by October 2011, DEC said.
bnearing@timesunion.com • 518-454-5094 • @Bnearing10
I wrote Mr. Nearing to point out what I perceived to be deficiencies in his story, closing with the observation that it sounded like a propaganda piece written by the town. Why? Because the cost of the County hook-up was simply glossed over and the time frame was not addressed for each solution. Pretty important to know when you're weighing a project of this size. He didn't like my observations, and I told him I didn't like his reporting. He then told me, in essence, I could take my opinions elsewhere. So I did. I passed the thread along to TU Editor Rex Smith, who was kind enough to get back to me for clarification and background, which I provided. I think we may not have have heard the last of this in the TU. Dwight Jenkins
ReplyDeleteWhy are there no comments from Supervisor Langley? I thought the sewer project was his baby. Am I missing something? He should be commenting. We elected him to look out for us. Please say something Supe.
ReplyDeleteTown consultant or not, DEC and the Town should not be taking one of two consultant's word as gospel on this issue. The smart thing to do here, is put all options on the table, side by side, evaluate them fairly and let the best decision for the Town prevail.
ReplyDeleteHooking up to the county can NOT be more expensive because the funds and all the engineering has already been done and paid for by Town taxpayers. We don't need additional costs, this is simply the majority's attempt to maintain control of development. They are too stupid to realize that if they stay within their permit limits, they DO control development anyway. This is just a scheme to raise money that they can waste on jobs and overtime they don't need. Right now, the town doesn't even know how much water they need to treat beyond the what the meters show and haven't accounted for that. If they hook up to the County and maintain the plant they have, they have all the capacity to grow the town and some. Put all options on the table and go from there.
Catskill Ave:
ReplyDeleteOne of the most basic things citizens and taxpayers should be concerned about is why hasn't the Town Board, or Supervisor Langley individually, presented the business case, pros and cons and cost of the two primary options for (finally) dealing with the waste treatment capacity issue?
Seems simple right? Especially a cost comparison.
But, so far anyway, nothing is forthcoming. What little real information available has been through the work of Dwight Jenkins and Don Johnson and they have been (again) vilified on the other blog for doing nothing more than what our political leaders should do but refuse to do - communicate and share how they are spending OUR money.
You know it amazes me...
ReplyDeleteOn the sewer issue Dwight jenkins and Don Johnson represent the best interests of the taxpayers of our town FAR, FAR better than does the Town Board majority of O'Brien, Mangold and Malone.
On the ethics code issue the Ethics Board represents the best interests of the taxpayers of our town FAR, FAR better than does the Town Board majority of O'Brien, Mangold and Malone.
Mangold best represents her family's businesses.
O'Brien and Malone best represent their family members on our payroll.
I do not believe there has ever been a time where we more desperately need new political leaders who, for once, will truly represent the best interest of citizens and not themselves.
Remember all this come next year's election. We need new thinking to run our town differently. The old thinking has Columbia Turnpike looking just like it does today - sorry and shameful.
Interesting observation, Catskill. Mr. LaBarba, the Water and Sewer Authority Consultant (and Town consultant) seemed to be going the way of the County hook-up in all of the last two year's worth of Authority meeting minutes and expenditures. Reading the T.U. Story in which the East Greenbush engineer is quoted as saying more heavy borrowing and more Town control is the best way to go is fascinating, in light of all the above. Why the sudden change in direction, and by what metrics have we decided upon expansion of existing facilities? Town control of our sewer infrastructure and spending have been abysmal over the years. They have not demonstrated the ability to be responsible for a single toilet, much less millions of dollars and thousands of toilets. Of course, when the State DEC has essentially been giving you the green light, why not dump sewage onto the ground and into the river? Ever see an a-hole throw his garbage out the window of a moving car? Makes you mad, doesn't it? Who the hell do they think is going to pick up after them? Think about it: we as a Town have pursued a policy far, far worse for more than a decade, and many of the people running the show have been in on it all along, whether as employees, consultants, planning board members, town board members... So what do we do? Say nothing? Do nothing? Where is the accountability? Dwight Jenkins
ReplyDeleteThe majority is refusing to make a business case for the best solution to this problem and is opting to try to get a plan "approved" by DEC without going public and without public comment.
ReplyDeleteThis is why we have the super-secret cone of silence communications labeled "tentative" and "non-final" by Town Attorney Liccardi in order to protect the material from FOIL and public disclosure.
Add to that, as Dwight suggests, the fact that lots of the "players" are the same as the mis-managers who created this mess and you've got a situation calling for increased vigilance.
Go back a few Posts and read the list of "Poop Perps" and also read the boldfaced text in "Here's the Poop in the Hudson." The same bunch (read political interests) are trying to preserve a lucrative situation for themselves at the expense of the general public. If they aren't, all they have to do is open up the process.
And Mr. Langley - Where are you???? It might be a good idea to get your orientation on history and options from some more independent sources.
In all the years of following the town I have never seen any work done by any political group dems or republicians that was a long term fix. The transfer station was ill prepared out dated when it opened they needed a compactor because the station had a dump solid waste in a trailer without compression or a compactor.The highway dept building was outdated as soon as it was revamped.A huge lack of space for current vehicles and it didnt even have a lift to repair trucks.The treatment plant also had inprovements that where outdated almost when they where completed.One other item is the town hall could of been where Peter Harris clothes building is currently located next to bowling green. The town owned the annex building there years ago ,they owned 6 acres there,and that would of been a nice town hall location centrally located,but as we have now quick fixes are in the picture.I have never seen a political figure in the town look ahead to the future thats a main problem in this town.
ReplyDeleteATTENTION EAST GREENBUSH RESIDENTS, TAXPAYERS!!!
ReplyDeleteI HAVE HEARD A RUMOR THAT THE TOWN IS CONSIDERING GIVING RICK McCABE THE POSITION OF DEPUTY SUPERVISOR!!
WHAT ARE THEY THINKING OF!! IT WAS DURING HIS TENURE AS SUPERVISOR THAT THIS SEWERAGE ISSUE WAS IGNORED AND COST US ALL OF THE FINES!! AND NOW REGENERON CAN'T EXPAND THEIR BUSINESS AND THEREFORE OUR TAX BASE DUE TO HIS AND THE BOARDS FAILURE TO GOVERN ACCORDING TO LAW!!
PLEASE, TOWN BOARD, DO THE RIGHT THING AND THINK OF WHAT YOU'RE DOING!
If Langley did something like that it would be him actively making the poop and the stipends and the inter-fund borrowing and the junk bonds and all the other problems the McCabe majority concocted HIS. Hard to figure him doing such a senseless thing. But things are pretty strange around here, aren't they?
ReplyDeleteIt sure does explain Langley's public silence over the last few months.
DeleteLangley is in way over his head but putting the man the voters turned away back in office is more than the hardworking taxpayers should be asked to bear. Since it is too late for this year's elections, he (Langley)should try to avoid doing too much damage between now and the election cycle of 2013. If he resigns then, both parties can put up their best candidates. We, the citizens, will have an obligation at that time to be vigilant in the selection process. Supervisor Langley has done nothing to earn the right to select a successor.
ReplyDeletePlease give this info more publicity-Aug 4 2:21 pm.
ReplyDeleteWhy did the Rep want Langley?
Did the Rep know what he is, or did they not care?
By the way, who is the doofus running the EG Republican Party at this time. Tell me it isn't Charlie Brown! Of course, Charlie would be better than whomever is now in charge.
I was a Rep for the last two elections. I now am back to being an Ind. Too bad, I did like Ann and Mike. I felt comfortable with them. Now I don't trust anyone.
It's just a rumor at this point. But since everything gets done "under the radar" around here, it has a tendency to make folks nervous and jerky.
ReplyDeleteI have sent e-mails to Langley, Matters, Mulvey and a local Party officer (not Mr. D) to confirm or deny.
You can imagine the horsetrading going on behind the scenes when all the communication on the sewer matter is embargoed and Mr. Langley sends Mr. Benko out to interface with the Press. As somebody suggested above, go back and look at the "Poop Perps" list.
The evolution of these matters, the bad decisions and the secrecy should not be giving taxpayers ANY illusion of comfort.
Dear Gadfly:
ReplyDeleteThis is all very interesting. Would you please keep us posted when/if you receive any responses to your e-mails?
Be well,
Tom
I'm trying to be fair and give Mr. Langley the benefit of the doubt! It might be more than a rumor! I am not political! I just want our governing supervisor and town board members to be responsible, do what is best for the residents and taxpayers and follow the law.
ReplyDeleteI know I can't afford to pay anymore for their "mistakes".
PLEASE RESOLVE THIS SEWERAGE PROBLEM IN THE MOST ECONOMICAL AND EXPEDIENT WAY FOR US ALL!!
I am hearing bad things about Langley. People in this town are not too happy with him at all. They think that he is being lead by O'Brien,Mangold and Malone.
DeleteThe last thing we and this town needs is McCabe back to stick it to us all again!!!
So I hope this isn't so..
Please Dear God Dont let that happen.
East Greenbush would surely be doomed..
Dear God please let this be just a rumor.
The only reasonable explanation for Mr. Langley asking Rick McCabe to be anything in his administration would be that he is being blackmailed to do so, and it's not beyond this group of democrats to do just that. Mr. Langley doesn't have a boss they can call or a job they can threaten, so the only logical explanation is that they are brow beating him about going to his wife for some personal embarrassment. It's the only explanation that makes sense. Why in the world would he trust a guy who was so offensive in office that his own people contributed to his loss? Think about folks, a large number of democrats turned on Rick McCabe in order for him to lose and he has lamented that publicly over a few cocktails. The democrats won't be solidly behind this move that's for sure.
ReplyDeleteKeith Langley seems to completely not understand the power and good will to be found in simple communication.
ReplyDeleteMr. Langley, through a well thought out communication strategy and plan, could develop good will, support, engagement and energy to tackle all the problems and challenges facing the town and its taxpayers.
He could start by expanding those from whom he seeks counsel and guidance.
He could completely change the public comment portion of town board meetings. His current structure is offensive and demeaning to the public.
He could meet once a month with the public and share plans, problems, solutions, options, ideas, etc, and get public feedback to those things.
He could get out in public. He could force the Republican Committee to become a force for positive change in our community.
There's more but since he refuses to listen he is left twisting in the wind and making misstep after misstep while his political enemies gloat and blog.
It's more likely that Langley is getting getting the Town to provide for enhanced water, sewer and paving upgrades on Langley Lane (the road he lives on) on the Town's dime, with the "donated" services of one or more of the Town's consulting engineers.
ReplyDeleteThat Supr. Langley would consider for a nano-second making the ousted Rick McCabe his Deputy is insane. It would be like inviting the lip smacking wolf, crouching in the woods, back into the hen house. Folks, can we ever forget Dwight Jenkins' "20 Reasons To Change Course in East Greenbush" from the July 1, 2010 edition of The Advertiser (page 9)? In that masterfully crafted article, Mr. Jenkins lists 20 reasons why this town desperately needed to get rid of Rick McCabe...and, if you'll recall, the reasons weren't pretty. We read about everything from the coverup of E.coli in the town park...to the then Supr. McCabe calling a candidate's boss to complain about/muzzle her during an election season...to our frighteningly high junk bond status...and a $2.6 million dollar town debt...to secret payroll stipends to hand-picked town employees...to a tax-payer subsidized transfer station that was mysteriously losing gobs of money...and on and on AND ALL on Rick McCabe's WATCH? Nah, it's more likely that Mr. McCabe wasn't watching at all and that his cronies were running the town for him while he sat in his office all day long reading newspapers and blogs and agonizing over what was being said about him. If you are, in fact, considering bringing Rick McCabe (gulp) back in any capacity during your time in office, Mr. Langley, then please take the time first to have your head examined. Bringing McCabe back would tell me one thing...that the job is too much for you and that you're bringing the former Supr. back to get you through it OR maybe just that you're just a glutton for punishment. Either way, if you bring McCabe back, you won't be re-elected, that's for damn sure.
ReplyDeleteA LITTLE OFF-TOPIC:
ReplyDeleteAs pleased as I am to see another from Catskill Ave speaking up in an above post, please note that he/she is basically using my established monker, "CatskillAvenue."
I guess one should consider it a form of flattery, but I'd appreciate you use another name. How about "anonymous" if you can't be original.
Or are we now posting as block-group?
As far as I can tell, it's your first post. Please continue to contribute, but use another name to avoid misrepresentation.
Thanks for understanding.
Anonymous @5:31.....It is unfortunately becoming increasingly clear that Mr. Langley and his very small crew of ""advisers" are likely not aware of the things that Mr. Jenkins wrote about in the Advertiser.
ReplyDeleteLangley and his advisers are being played like a calliope at the circus. Way over their heads and not understanding management or leadership, oblivious victims to a slyly operating corrupt enterprise.
Donnie,Dwight,Ray , Sean Tom,Chris. McCabe is so far ahead of you it's embarrassing . Happy pills for all of you.Dwight you have extra Pass them around.
ReplyDeleteYour ignorance and immaturity not only reflect poorly on your character but embarrasses the rest of the community as well. Perhaps you could think before making such brainless remarks.
DeleteAnonymous 7:55, I think you have it all wrong.
DeleteHOw is McCabe ahead of anyone when he is dead in the water.
He is no longer at town hall.. he got the axe..
The voters spoke and he is gone.. he should have been more transparent and talk to the voters..
He should have open his door to talk to the public instead of lieing that he wasn't in..
Or not been so cocky at the town hall meetings.. when he was being asked question. you see it all comes back to bite you in the ass at some point..
Anonymous @ 5:49...respectfully speaking, I must disagree with your comments. The supervisor's "very small crew of advisors" were well rooted in the political landscape of this town long before he was and are WELL aware of Mr. Jenkins and his writings. Supr. Langley and his advisors are not being "played." They are doing the best they can to be relevant amidst a majority that would just as soon see them disappear. They are doing anything and everything they can to accomplish something, anything, for the town that will actually benefit the town and not just themselves, their family, and their friends. Unfortunately, their hands are tied. They can't do much of anything since the voters saw fit to oust McCabe but leave the Democrats in the majority. Big mistake. Supr. Langley is not in way over his head. He understands management and leadership very well...better than McCabe and his crew ever did, and he is absolutely not oblivious to anything. He is very much aware of everything, which is why, for the life of me, I can't understand his consideration of Rick McCabe for anything but a restraining order. If he thinks McCabe can be trusted, then he should think and think again. Supr. Langley is a good man with good intentions but he is in an impossible situation as a minority board member. He is very vulnerable right now, which means a serious error in judgement on his part, like bringing Rick McCabe into his inner circle, could ultimately be his undoing.
ReplyDeleteBeing a Supervisor in the minority is not an impossible situation!! But you have to adopt a strategy which appears to be foreign to your experience. When in the minority, you make the PEOPLE your majority. This is done by adopting a positive governmental program (the audits are full of hints for this document) and then you set about following that program with a very public process - called open and transparent government. You invite questions and communication in meetings, you don't stifle it.
DeleteI think you will notice that a certain amount of mischief has ceased since the light of day started shining on some activities here in Town. You'd be surprised how good a deal can be made on the sewer problems if you got what's going on out in the open. We have seen over and over again that government at all levels can be less than truthful. The latest example was on the front page of the TU on Sunday. NY State lied about the cost of the development of wind generated electricity. The only thing that cures that for the benefit of all the people is the light of day. And that produces your MAJORITY support for doing the right thing.
@ "happy pills" - Dwight Jenkins is my dad and he's trying to make East Greenbush a better place. The unfounded personal attacks only solidify that you lack an argument of any substance. How about you stop hiding behind an anonymous blog post and grow up? -Levi Jenkins
ReplyDeleteLet me get this straight. It's ok for you to libel and defame but no one else can disagree with you.Restaining orders for McCabe. Classy as youve always been
ReplyDeleteAnonymous @7:57....I hope you are right about the understanding of the political and governmental surroundings. The problem with your argument is that you assume that being in the minority is emasculating. Far from it. Mr. Langley is the Supervisor and the Chief Financial Officer of the Town. As such - a newly elected Supervisor - he has access to resources which he has failed to use in spite of much advice to the contrary. He knows what those resources are, but has chosen not to use them. The use of them would put him in a strong governing position, putting the majority on the defensive. There are findings and recommendations in the audits already performed on Town operations which he could make public standards for performance. He's got a legal mandate for personnel cost reduction in the enactment of the retirement incentive. That was never invoked when the majority went on its personnel feeding frenzy. He's got an OSC recommendation, now about 4 years old, for the promulgation of a financial recovery plan to get out from under the inter-fund borrowing debt. Where's the assignment? He's got the ability to be very public and open about what's going on with the Sewer problem, but has chosen to keep almost all of the discussion out of the public eye. The "public eye" can be very helpful to a "minority." Why do you think that the majority wants things under the radar?
ReplyDeleteBeing in the minority does not preclude one from announcing an administration's program and goals for government and setting up public standards for performance of the administration. For example - announce that there will be a budget yielding a tax cut. Institute a workload analysis for departments. Make it public. The budget is the Supervisor's to promulgate. Make it lean and mean and force the majority to add the Pork - publicly. And be ready to critique the additions.
Fact is, Mr. Langley has rejected - to this point - the offered help of people with significant skills in the areas which his administration needs help - asking first for loyalty (whatever that is) rather than counsel. That is not how successful political and governmental leaders operate.
Yeah, I read that comment to my family so they could see what type of people are out there, fighting to keep things the same. For those who don't know, the Happy Pills comments (they've been submitted before by the same person) relate to my experiences in the Marines during Desert Storm. I was aboard an invasion ship in the Arabian Sea and Persian Gulf, waiting for the word to attack Kuwait. We sailed through mine fields, losing two ships temporarily and killing one, wounding others. I was in a helicopter that nearly crashed into another ship when we lost an engine mid-flight. We were attacked by 20 Iraqi PT boats, 12 of which our planes destroyed before the rest fled. And we lost eight men in the North Arabian sea when two of our helicopters crashed into each other while conducting night operations, the pilots wearing Night Vision Goggles. As the Disbursing Officer for my five ship section, I had to help inventory the dead men's personal effects and issue government checks, signed by me, to the families of the dead in the amount of whatever money we found in the deceased's rooms or lockers. I don't recall doing it, I only know from my letters home that I did it. We never found the dead men, eventually leaving them in the sea. We had an important date with Saddam to keep. That incident has bothered me more than I can say for the last 20 years. As Marines we were indoctrinated: you never leave your dead on the battlefield, even if it costs you other men to recover the bodies. The sea took them though, and they were never found. You can see their names by going to the HMM-164 web site. (Helicopter, Marine, Medium, Squadron 164). If I was rich I would rent a submarine and try to recover the craft, and maybe the bodies. If. When the new round of wars started it brought back a lot of bad memories, hence the happy pills. Prescription. So say what you want, mocker. I don't care. I'll put my 10 years of Marine service up against yours any day. But you probably didn't serve, so I guess I won't have to worry about that. I think you want people to think it's some kind of secret, or that I am somehow diminished by your petty little digs. No sir, not in the least. It is what is is. Semper Fi. Dwight Jenkins
ReplyDeleteDwight....Thank you for your service - then and now. I'm honored to be your friend.
DeleteDwight we have never met but just your writings I have kept up with. I find that you have more knowledge this these lugnuts here in town. They seem to be just jealous of you and what you have accomplished. Keep up the good writing and keeping our town informed..
Deletethanks again for your service..
informed reader and follower..
Thank you Dwight!!
ReplyDeleteDwight, I guess some people never will get it?
ReplyDeleteThank you for your service to this country, without people like you god only knows where we would be.
You're welcome. And to the pudgy-fingered mocker, no, unfortunately I do not have enough to share. Wish I did. Dwight
ReplyDeleteThank you for your service, Dwight.
ReplyDeleteTo Dwight--as the daughter of a Combat Marine in the Korean War, I greatly appreciate your years of service and dedication to our country. I too am honored and proud to be your friend.
ReplyDeleteTo Please get a good leader for the Rep--thank you for the kind comment. I am not a Republican, I am a Conservative and, at one point, was asked to switch to the Republican Party. You can now see why I refused to switch my party designation. You can also now understand why I no longer have a desire to be involved in the Town's politics, which includes "behind the scenes" activities. Not one elected official stands for the taxpayers. It's all about what they can take from the taxpayers. The taxpayers stand alone and, to make matters worse, the taxpayers pay for the ignorant slobs that take from them. It's disgusting and the more involved you become and the more you learn, the more sick you feel. It's a sad truth and it is the reason many walk away from politics and avoid any involvement. Focusing on work and business is a productive and positive endeavor, politics is simply disheartening.
Dwight, thank you for your admirable service to our country. I am glad God watched over you and brought you home safely. I admire your son jumping in here in defense of his dad. Good for you Levi. There is nothing WRONG with sharing factual information with the town citizens. Best wishes, Bonnie L.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Bonnie. Those kids are no dummies, and as they get older they see more and more what the bad people in Town can do to a town if you let them. Someone on the other blog responded in a slightly different manner than my son and daughter, who also posted above. Their response, I am told, since I don't visit that site, is "Cry me a river, Dwight." That's an interesting response to one who helped raise hundreds of dollars in support for officer Mann on his last deployment to Afghanistan, and for a National Guard co-worker who deployed to Iraq. "Cry me a river" clearly doesn't know what he's talking about, like so many on the entrenched side who can't explain irrational Town decisions but can only manage sick personal attacks, like the recent one against Supervisor Langley, and the constant flow of muck against Don and Ray. People of EG need to make their voices heard against this group of cowardly, anonymous, smiling thugs. Had the French simply attacked Germany in the early days of the Reich's rise to power, as Hitler and company were very well aware, WWII would not have happened. The French had the Germans outgunned and outnumbered but the French, tired from their last bout with the Germans, hid behind their Maginot Line instead, thinking that would keep them safe. Citizens here could be flooding friendly voices in government at the County and State levels. They could be flooding the local media with tips and requests for attention. Or they could get out of their static bunkers, and make contact with State Agencies and State leaders, detailing what they know or feel about EG and it's situation. It's only hopeless if we allow it to be hopeless. Dwight
ReplyDeleteAmen Dwight, I agree with you and I am no coward. The very ones who created this mess in East Greenbush, should not be the fixers to the problems. I still have faith in Mr. Langley in spite of some of the editorials written about him. I believe in getting the word out and getting people to the ballot box. Both I am actively doing.
ReplyDeleteWell wishes to all you Gadflies and all those lurking in the shadows, please get involved in any way you can. Also, remember your vote can make a big difference in how our community is run. Talk to your neighbors, most of them are very good listeners. Bonnie L.
Dwight Jenkins and Don Johnson are heroes.
ReplyDeleteAlmost single handedly they have stood up for what is right.
They have saved taxpayers mountains of money. I cannot caculate the exact amount - best guess - a few million, maybe more.
They have collected and shared information that otherwise our town government, including the current administration, would prefer to keep secret. They are the only source of open and transparent government in East Greenbush.
They have endured the hostilities of the people who blog and make the vilest comments about others.
Dwight and Don have no political ambitions and are not seeking town jobs for either themselves or their families. Hell, that, by itself, separates them from just about every other politician around here.
They are relentless in their efforts for nothing more than what is best for the taxpayers of our town. And in the muck that is how our town tends to operate, they are well and truly heroes.
I put would gladly put Dwight and Don's record of contributions to our town up against anyone the Talks crew wants to identify.
Not very comfortable with the hero label, but you are correct about political and/or personal aspirations: none. If I could get out of East Greenbush I would, but at the moment I can't. Bloom where you're planted I guess. S'pose that makes me a thorn bush. Dwight
ReplyDeleteI agree with Dwight about the label thing and the aspirations. And it is pretty hard to get out of here, as we have been encouraged to do by some of those connected with the "machine." Wasn't it Jack Conway who related the story at the last Board meeting about the guy who backed away from a house purchase deal when he got a look at the tax bill?
DeleteAnd don't start the song about school taxes being bigger. Every piece of the pie makes a contribution - Library, Ambulance District, Town etc. You know there could be a concerted effort on the part of ALL Boards of these entities to look at the expenditure side of things. We've yet to see an independent audit of the financial operations of Bruen (with whom the Ambulance District contracts). That's something that the current Town Board could make happen with one sentence in the next contract. Just say'n.
A gadfly is a person who upsets the status quo by asking upsetting or novel questions.
ReplyDeleteThe term "gadfly", in modern politics, is used to describe someone who persistently challenges people in positions of power.
An Oxford University professor has described a gadfly as a description of honorable work or civic duty.
Ask yourselves this...
How much more do the citizens of East Greenbush know about what has been and is going on around our town thanks to Dwight and Don?
The answer is a damn sight more than any politician has ever shared with us - and we're the people who pay the bills.
I respect their modesty but I do not consider the term hero an exaggeration in the least.
Politics in our town is the dirtiest, filthiest business. Nasty, just plain nasty. Upsetting the status quo always is.
And through all that pure "crap" (Thanks, again Rick McCabe for that little gem) Dwight and Don have persisted.
Thanks also to Phil Malone who first brought the term "gadfly" into the political lexicon of East Greenbush. A political satirist might suggest that is the only contribution Phil has really made.
This might be something for our "big spender deep taxpayer pockets" board members to think about:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/tate_takeover_DY4wAHE5OGDwni9s93rn4K
Thanks for sharing the link Don. I'm really not in favor of Super Boards taking control of the finances of municipalities. It's just more government control, it's getting out of hand. On the other hand I am very much in favor of municipalities spending within their means.
ReplyDeleteTaxpayers can not afford to pay for the salaries and pensions currently imposed on them. The solution is simple, cut back, but politicians and unions keep pushing taxpayers to the limit. Yep, cut back or we're all going to crash.
East Greenbush is certainly no exception. The handwriting is written on the wall if the audits are not heeded. Control the money! Bonnie L.
Our friends and neighbors over on the Talks blog are going nuts over the chracterization of Dwight and Don as heroes.
ReplyDeleteThere was also the most fascinating objection to an anomymous blog here from an anomymous blogger over there!! How weird.
Pushing for change is always tough. People connected to the status quo over on Talks prove that every day.
Oh well, makes for amusing reading.
I e-mailed Supervisor Langley, and asked if the rumors are true, concerning the possible appointment of McCabe as Deputy Supervisor. Simply put, I asked for a yes or no answer. In an open and transparent government the answer should come quickly.
ReplyDeleteMcCabe gave out unauthorized stipends, and was told to STOP by the OSC. He interfered with an election while supervisor (calling Ann's boss). No one should do such a thing. He sat on the POOP situation while allowing the transfers of water/sewer money to be transferred to the general fund. He approved development (sewer hook ups) without the approval of the DEC.
If I am wrong in the above paragraph, Don or Dwight please correct me. Just a few of my thoughts as to why McCabe should not be appointed Deputy Supervisor. Remember friends, the good citizens voted him OUT of office.
Anyone who wishes McCabe to return, please explain the wisdom of each action stated above, and how did the taxpayers benefit?
The Town Board is getting paid to make the right decisions for the good-will of all town citizens. If the majority board is refusing to co-operate with Langley, I would expect they may not have the best interest of the town. Sadly, there is a BIG CONFLICT OF INTEREST problem in our town leadership.
I am more of a purest concerning how government should be run. NO wasting taxpayer money, do what you were elected to do, not accepting personal gain for yourself or others, because of your position. I know, I'm talking ethics here, but that's the root of the problem. Too many government entities operate unethically.
Again I will say, "Why not the best"? That includes appointing the best man or woman to be Deputy Supervisor.
Be cool today Gadflies.
Sorry Bonnie, you'll get no direct answer if the past is any indicator. Dwight
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately Supervisor Langley does not correspond with residents. When sent an email he does not reply, he has ended the public portion period of the Town Board meetings, or at least dramatically cut them, he ignores reporters requests for answers, he is plain rude to residents. So, that being said, it makes perfect sense why he would bring McCabe in as his new best friend. You know the saying, "birds of a feather".
ReplyDeleteAll I know is it has to be 2 months since I e-mailed him and I never heard back from him, Thank you Mr. President
ReplyDeleteLangley is a failure and a disappointment.
ReplyDeleteHe is weak as a leader and lacks management experience and skills.
Langley is making the town more polarized with his weak examples of leadership.
Rick McCabe, for all his issues, was communicative in person and by e-mail. Langley has adopted a bunker mentality.
Bonnie Lester is the latest to be vilified on Talks. Shame on the administrators of that blog.
Bonnie, by herself, has done more to make Hampton Manor better and safer than all the nasty bloggers and administrators of Talks combined.
Vilifying Bonnie is another example of the very ugly dispositions of the Talks people. Bonnie has spent more time and money trying to help residents, and she doesn't get paid for it, unlike the "Public Servants". Let's be honest, in this town, Public servant means you serve yourself. Sad but true. Look at the water fund--money taken for personal salaries and unauthorized stipends, transfer station scrap money disappears in thin air, etc. Yet when the town needs funds to take care of the sewer issues there is none. The Town runs at a deficit, has some of the highest taxes and highest pension benefits due to the size of those on the payroll, and all Talks can do is yap about Bonnie. They can't just keep their mouths shut and discuss the issues. they have to get nasty and ugly. If they would shut their pie hole and figure out solutions to the problems they created the Town would be better off. Instead we run with a stinky sewer system, blight along Columbia Tpke, high taxes, increase water/sewer rates (because we all know that's coming), and increases in the number of those on the taxpayer dime. They really are as thick as thieves, in more ways than one.
ReplyDeleteWhen it comes to Keith Langley and the Town Board:
ReplyDeleteWouldn't you think if they were proud of their decisions they would be more open and more willing to share?
Wouldn't you think if they had nothing to hide they would be more open and more willing to share?
If they were doing the right things the right way wouldn't you think they would be more willing to share?
If they had nothing to be concerned about wouldn't you think the public comment portion of town board meetings would be more of an open and honest exchange of ideas and views?
If he were a decent leader and manager wouldn't you think Keith Langley would answer an e-mail from the very people who both elected him and pay his salary?
If Keith Langley, and every member of the town board except Rick Matters, surrounded themselves with people who cared more about the town and less about themselves wouldn't you think things would be different around here?
http://www.timesunion.com/local/article/Law-forces-sewage-alerts-3777122.php
ReplyDeleteAnonymousAugust 10, 2012 9:01 AM--YES!!!! On all counts with the exception of one. Matters no longer seems to care about the Town. Understandable since they gave him a problem at work. Nonetheless, if he can't stand for what he was elected to do then resign. He goes along with their appointments, he allows them to castigate him on his voting, and/or abstentions, he hugs them, sends flowers to the number 2 stipend recipient. He stopped caring awhile ago, he tuned out. He has his eye to the County and we all know he wants to slide in without the EG DEMS pushing against him.
ReplyDeleteWhy don't we hear more from Phil Malone? He is the liaison to the DPW, he should be discussing the sewer issue. At least put something in The Advertiser.
Friends, I own my words by putting my name to them. I do not read the Talks Blog and probably never will. I really don't care if people are cruel concerning my character. I have a loving husband, family and have no shortage of friends. Yes, because of the wonderful people in my life, I am truly a blessed woman.
ReplyDeleteAs a fellow taxpayer, what is wrong in desiring the very best? I'm sure most residents of EG. would agree with me. No one has yet to answer my questions posted above on Aug. 8, 3:12 PM. If the response is ridicule, then so be it.
You know, I found it amazing, that even when I was involved in the Hampton Manor Neighborhood Watch, people even vilified me then. On the flip side, many more thanked me, for speaking out concerning the problems that needed to be addressed in our local community. It was a great opportunity for me to connect with more of my neighbors.
My thanks to Chief Lavin, who released Officer Tubbs (now promoted to Sergeant), to listen to the Manor residents concerns.
Provers 15:2 says, the tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly, but the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness. (The Bible) Words we all should give a great amount of consideration to.
McCabe gave out unauthorized stipends, and was told to STOP by the OSC.
Delete- - Continued a long standing EG practice – OSC did not tell him to stop.
He interfered with an election while supervisor (calling Ann's boss).
- - He complained about Ann’s postings well before she announced her candidacy
He sat on the POOP situation while allowing the transfers of water/sewer money to be transferred to the general fund.
- - Keeping General Fund tax increases down. There is bonded money for the some of the sewer project.
He approved development (sewer hook ups) without the approval of the DEC.
- - Earlier consent Orders allowed for development such as FedEx
I published this in spite of the fact that it makes assertions contrary to established fact. Have at it boys and girls.....
DeleteI cannot for the life of me think of why somebody would be trying to “rehabilitate” the McCabe administration. Especially with such weak arguments. Here are the facts denoted by *** after each assertion.
DeleteAnonymous August 10, 2012 4:45 PM
McCabe gave out unauthorized stipends, and was told to STOP by the OSC.
- - Continued a long standing EG practice – OSC did not tell him to stop.
***The Town Law told him to stop (among other things). The OSC responded to Jim Breig’s letter to OSC about the stipends with a stack of Opinions of the State Comptroller ALL of which say that the practice as practiced was unlawful. Since stipends in two cases went to elected officials (without the required passage of a local law) we’ll comment no further because of possible jeopardy for those granting and receiving.
He interfered with an election while supervisor (calling Ann's boss).
- - He complained about Ann’s postings well before she announced her candidacy
***Mr. McCabe called Ann Taylor’s boss while she was a candidate for office. It went so far that her boss caller her in and said that another call and she’d have to withdraw. (Per e-mail tonight from Ann Taylor.) There are also ethical as well as legal implications related for a sitting public officer interfering with a citizen’s candidacy for office. Ms. Taylor’s campaign treasurer got a letter of apology on Town stationary from Mr. McCabe.
He sat on the POOP situation while allowing the transfers of water/sewer money to be transferred to the general fund.
- - Keeping General Fund tax increases down. There is bonded money for the some of the sewer project.
***Stupid argument on a number of fronts. 1) Interfund borrowing not repaid with interest within the fiscal year borrowed is illegal. 2) Didn’t/doesn’t keep General Fund taxes down because the General Fund still owes the money back. 3) The borrowing/debt led to the Junk Bond rating for EG. 4) Sewer/water funds are dedicated funds and cannot be used for other than their dedicated purpose. 5) Where was the legal counsel in all this?
He approved development (sewer hook ups) without the approval of the DEC.
- - Earlier consent Orders allowed for development such as FedEx
***Every time an Order on Consent was issued it was because the previous one had not been followed. How could one argue that everything that was hooked up had DEC’s approval if they kept issuing modifications and fines?
This is the kind of “airtight thinking” that got this Town in the trouble it’s in.
TO Aug 10 2:29 PM-I am happy to see that someone else realizes that this Rick Matters is NOT the one I voted for.
ReplyDeleteIt seems that he is a turn coat. I think he could not stand up to the Dems trying to do damage to his job. If that is the case than RESIGN, or give the people of East Greenbush an explanation.
Dear 4:45 PM:
ReplyDeleteI just love the "It has always been done that way" argument. I hear it all the time from people in our town opposed to progress and positive change.
Parents hear basically the same argument from their kids: "All my friends are doing such and such; why can't I?"
If we opposed all progress and change we would still be crapping in out houses.
Progess requires change and change is always difficult - especially for those receiving benefits from the staus quo.
But our town is in a bad place - WAY too much debt, no leadership or plan to turn that around and bad decision after bad decision along with the nastiest push back from those unwilling to face reality and change.
What advice was Mary Pat Donnelly giving the Planning Board as they approved more hookups in flagrant violation of previous Consent Decrees?
ReplyDeleteWhat advice was Joe Liccardi giving the Town Board as they approved more hookups in flagrant vioation of previous Consent Decrees?
Don't you wonder about that? I do.
And I would love to know how the Town Board rationalized openly violating all those Consent Decrees. What did they say to themselves? "Oh screw it; the taxpayers will just pay any fines."
Really, what is the process used to make decisions to violate the law? How does that work? I'll bet if all those town board members had to pay the fines out of their own pockets and not ours they might make different decisions.
The process for the decisons to violate the law is simple here. WE can get away with it and if not.. someone will cover my back.
DeleteMalone and McCabe two very good examples right there.
Malone got a slap on the hand and McCabe never got voted back in, which of course was a big hit to his ego.
Mary Pat was Zoning Board Attorney not Planning Board .
ReplyDeleteLet's face it, this is NOT the most honest or intelligent group of Town leaders.
ReplyDeleteThat's all folks.
Anonymous,
DeleteNow that is the truth! Swamp people have more brains then this group.
Honestly, HOnesty is hard to come by these days..
Anyone noticeing how run down ths town is getting..
Notice how many homes are on the market around here.?
People are tired of the bull and the high taxes and not getting anything for it.
Other then a lot of bull #$$$.
I think that Rick Matters is probably fed of with fighting and is just giving in.
DeletePeople have lives and I am sure this is affecting tha life very much.
I bet it won't be too long that you will see him throw in the towel, just like Mike and Ann..
I read in the advertiser this morning how Joe Deseve was retiring, and would just like to say thank you Joe for all your years of service to the town. I remember years ago when my parents and you and Betsey, Don and Betty, and Greg and Marie used to get together. Good luck in your retirement!
ReplyDeleteI noted Mayor Jennings in the Advertiser Jim. He came all the way across the polluted Hudson River to attend the ceremony of our new board appointed judge. Mine you I am not knocking the judge, just pointing out the fact that our town officials have friends in high places.
ReplyDeleteIt's always been the taxpayer against the system. Here's a chilling analogy for you. It's like a woman being openly raped and the people who should step in to help look the other way, act indifference or cheer em on.
The battle rages for wrongs to be made right. It takes Gadflies to step in and catch and make a plea to the taxpayers, to castrate all those who violate the public trust.
To First Observer:
ReplyDeleteWhile that is a very rough analogy it is right on the money. That same thing happens. 'The Accused' is a 1988 American drama film which is based on the real-life gang rape of Cheryl Araujo that occurred at Big Dan's Bar in New Bedford, Massachusetts, on March 6, 1983. Since the analogy you described can happen in life, it is easy to understand how the Town leaders can rape the taxpayers.
To add insult to injury, Supervisor Langley can be akin to a personal friend of the victim standing by and cheering the act on. Supervisor Langley has become a selfish and arrogant whiner. The only thing you ever hear that whiner saying is, 'They are coming after me, they are coming after me!" What did he think it would be like? Rather than fight the good fight, he rolls over on his back and begs them for forgiveness. Supervisor Langley is not working for the taxpayer, he is working for his own ego. Langley does not even address reporters when questioned about the sewer problem. He could easily have said he has been in office for only a few months but is already dealing with the issue that has been a problem for 13 years. Rather, he ducked and ran from the reporter. Shame on him!
Please note, to castrate all those who violate the public trust is simply vote them out of office and never allow them to return. Yes Anonymous, the analogy is very rough, but can we also same the same for reality? As the Gadfly has said, a wink and a nod is all that is needed to allow elected officials to continue misconduct.
ReplyDeleteHere we go again, Talks is opening their collective big mouth again to deflect from the real issues their people refuse to deal with or, when they do deal with, they deal incompetently. They are shouting like maniacs about someone who is no longer involved with the Town politics. They are, for some sick and odd reason, obsessed with a former Councilman. At what point will the Talks people deal with an issue and stop deflecting with personal, twisted attacks? At what point will those from Talks that are intellectually exhausted, deal with current issues, or ANY issues for that matter, rather than attack peoples' families, jobs, and friends? If there were any real men on Talks they would stop the hypocritical insults claiming people over here are anonymous when their whole blog is authored by anonymous cowards. At what point, will the intellectually exhausted from Talks stop with the attack and blame and just deal with the issues the Town and taxpayers are facing? This comment does not exempt our INVISIBLE MAN A.K.A. Supervisor Langley. Where is he? Why is he not addressing residents' questions? Why does he not allow residents to pose questions at Board Meetings? He is sitting on our tax dollars. Maybe he believes it's the "Town's" money but the "Town's" money all came from our wallets.
ReplyDeleteDeal with issues and address them. Maybe then you will get some respect.
Funny how as soon as Rick McCabe's name is mentioned as being brought in to help, things seem to get worse before he even arrives. He never proved he was not a thief before being VOTED OUT and he never truly addressed it. As soon as the current Supervisor goes knocking on his door, he comes out knocking on everyone else, making a reference to our "lot in life" again. He is a bitter old man who feels jaded by his own people. He is as upset with Malone, O'Brien and Mangold as he is with the republicans. If Rick McCabe had anything worthwhile to offer the people in this town, he'd still be in office. He took advantage of his opportunity and screwed it up. He should leave things in the hands of the people the voters have chosen to improve things, Phil Malone and Sue Mangold. It's obvious Ginny's time is long past. It's time for newer younger blood!
ReplyDeleteI'm not convinced Ginny's time is long past. Although a race between Sue Mangold and Phil Malone for Supe would be epic. It would be great to see that happen in 2013 instead of having to wait until 2015 for it.
ReplyDeleteOBriens time should have been long past and if not should be now.
ReplyDeleteHer record is just wasteful spending much like Obama.
McCabes made quite a few mistakes.. Firstly, not thinking that no one would ever find his stipends was a big mistake.. and secondly, not talking to the public in a more open and transparent way.
ReplyDeleteNOw for O'Brien She is making the same ol mistakes as her dear friend..
hireing without board approvel.. the flower girl and spending much like her dear old friend Mr. McCabe and not paying attention to the taxpayers.
Watch your step Ms Ginny, you might be out on your butt really soon..
Not so sure it is soon enough for this town.
But we will wait, they do say that all good things come in due time.