Well Bumble, now that the economy is in the toilet and the state won't be forking over money for pork projects maybe now Sch'dy county will finally have to cut spending. If the county raises taxes to keep paying for their out of control spending we should all get together and physically throw them all out.

There is absolutely no incentive in this county to try to better one's self. To get a better job(cause there is none). To make more money or buy a better home (cause we would just be taxed more)

It is almost like they want to keep us all down!

The absolute paralysis of action by the County majority is unbelievable. "They are weighing cuts {delayed} versus increasing property taxes" COUNTYWIDE by 15% or more! Gee, guess which they will do? Only one County seat is up this year (in Glenville/Nisky).

     The Metrograft experiment must now end. The half cent slaes tax increase must go to the General County Fund. If not you won't be able to give away a house in this County next year.

Benny it is almost impossible to 'give away' a house now. The plex needs to be desolved...but that won't happen thanks to Tedisco and team. And the patronage jobs will also never go away. We need to educate the people who clearly are clueless as to what is 'actually' happening out there.  

Driving through the city of schenectady is like driving through an uncivilized jungle. So to that I tip my hat and give ALL of the credit to our democratic dictatorship. Job well done!

Could not agree more Bumble. But don't say it can't get worse. County spending is out of control. What are the County Legislators doing? Begging the broke State? Know this is off topic but here is a 4 step plan to save Schenectady County.

1. Eliminate all non-mandated DSS programs.
2. 10% across the Board layoff of County Employees.
3. Redirect half of Metroplex money to the General Fund.
4. Close all City branch libraries.

  This would save the County Home, save the County and result in a Property Tax decrease COUNTYWIDE of 5%. If all 4 steps are not taken we are looking at a property tax disaster. No increase in County tax is acceptable. We are already looking at huge increases in School and Local taxes. Look forward to other suggestions on how to avoid a housing value melt down.

Benny,

I agree with three of the four of the steps that you propose.  As for #3, I agree with others on this forum that
the Metroplex Development Authority needs to be disbanded.  The sales tax rate should be reduced.

I propose a few additional steps to reigning in expenses:

• Suspend or cancel construction projects for county buildings.
  
• Disband the County Legislature in favor of a Board of Supervisors
  
• Eliminate patronage positions created by both major parties.
  
• Redirect the funds pledged to the construction of the "circle to nowhere" for use in repairing our decaying infrastructure.
  
• Reduce grants to not-for-profits that do not serve the public need (e.g., Proctor's Theater).  Promote consolidation of not-for-profits that serve the needs of the poor, the homelesss, etc.  Funding should be awarded based on tangible and measureable benefits.
  

Times like this require courage and conviction by our elected representatives.  An austerity budget is needed.  Don't look for our "leaders" to make the tough choices.

Bravo on all the suggestions. Eliminating a few patronage positions is not enough. There must be a 5% layoff of County Employees, except in the Sheriff's Department (which is under a State mandate to hire more deputies). Elimination of Metrograft and redirecting the funds to the County General Fund is the only way to avoid an across the board layoffs AND huge property tax increase COUNTYWIDE. Let the private sector open new gin mills.

     My idea of closing of all unnecessary City Library branches is gaining support and will happen. An unpaid Board of Supervisors is another idea whose time has come.

How many library branches does the city have????

5.  Per the library website.

http://www.scpl.org/hours_location.htm

Central Library
99 Clinton Street, Schenectady, NY 12305
Tel: (51388-4500
Monday - Thursday 9:00 am - 9:00 pm
Friday - Saturday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Sunday 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm  

Duane Branch
1331 State Street, Schenectady, NY 12304
Tel: (51386-2242
Monday - Saturday 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Sunday Closed

Hamilton Hill Branch    
700 Craig Street, Schenectady, NY 12307
Tel: (51386-2244
Monday - Thursday 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Friday - Sunday Closed

Mont Pleasant Branch
1026 Crane Street, Schenectady, NY 12303
Tel: (51386-2245
Monday & Wednesday 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Friday 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Saturday 12:00pm - 5:00 pm
Tuesday,Thursday & Sunday Closed

Woodlawn Branch
2 Sanford Street, Schenectady, NY 12304
Tel: (51386-2248
Monday - Thursday 1:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Friday & Saturday 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Sunday Closed

these do an important function and serve the kids so why would you cut them?

I think libraries should be kept......and I think they should be used more......and I think sheeple need to hear and see and not just listen and look......

a true shepherd gives good food.......

I say don't cut, privatize.