Oswego County TodayPoliticsFREE Independent News for Oswego County

Competition Part of American Life, but Election Year Politics Distract From Real Work

March 1, 2010 Contributor

Our strong democracy requires competition for public office. However, in this arena we see too many examples of that competition getting in the way of whatÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s best for the people.

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Closure of Fort Ontario: A Bad Idea

February 28, 2010 Contributor

In an effort to close the state budget gap, the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historical Preservation (OPRHP) recommended closing 57 state parks and historic sites late last week. Unfortunately, included among that list was Fort Ontario. Closing the historic site in the heart of the City of Oswego is a terrible idea. Closure will hinder the region’s ability to attract tourists and stifle education.

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Credit For Small Businesses Available

February 21, 2010 Contributor

The good news is that the financial climate has begun to change and though credit is not as easy to obtain as it was two years ago, there are many state and federally funded programs available to help businesses stay afloat, retain employees and allow businesses to expand.

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Need for Cuts, Reform Make Shared Services, Ethics Bills Timely

February 14, 2010 Contributor

By State Sen. Darrel J. Aubertine Concerned citizens and interest groups from across the state have been making phone calls, writing letters, and traveling to the Capitol to decry proposed cuts for the 2010-11 budget. […]

State Home Owner Programs Assist Market

February 14, 2010 Contributor

There are a number of programs available to qualifying buyers through the state program. Here are a few that folks who are thinking about buying a home should consider before signing a purchase offer:

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Legislative Priorities Should Focus on Job Creation, Tax Cuts for 2010

February 1, 2010 Contributor

As we embark on a new legislative session, I look forward to passing legislation that helps create jobs, cuts business taxes, and provides property tax relief.

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GovernorÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s Budget A Starting Point; Job Creation, Retention Top Priority

January 26, 2010 Contributor

Last Tuesday, the Governor released his proposed executive budget. This budget is a starting point which includes a number of proposals I think take us in the right direction, but still, there are others that concern me. Now is not the time to increase spending, as has been proposed. We need to rein in our spending to match revenues, while keeping an eye on job retention and job growth.

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Governor’s Budget Does Not Go Far Enough to Reduce Spending

January 26, 2010 Contributor

Last week, Governor Paterson released his proposed budget. ItÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s the first step in the beginning of the budget process and is the foundation from which lawmakers negotiate before its passage in April. In short, in his budget the Governor proposes to slow the growth of state spending but also proposes approximately $1 billion in new taxes and fees. In this column, I highlight some of the more substantive aspects of his proposal.

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Change in Federal Policy Integral to New Nuclear Facility

January 18, 2010 Contributor

Unfortunately, it recently became clear that the federal government will not guarantee the loans needed to site the new facility. In short, this means that the current federal administration is not in strong support of nuclear energy.

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Ethics, Elections Reform a Start; Budget Moves to Front Burner

January 18, 2010 Contributor

Everyone certainly recognizes the problems that exist and the need for tough ethics and election laws to address these issues and restore the peopleÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s faith in our government. These changes will tighten up the laws that govern the relationships between lobbyists and elected officials as Ã¢â‚¬Å“consultants,Ã¢â‚¬Â while also providing a long overdue means of enforcing violations in election law.

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