Dee Richard
What’s going on in Albany? They must be victims of some sort of atmosphere that’s psychologically affecting them. New York state, if I’m not mistaken, has earned the reputation of having the most dysfunctional legislature in the 50 states. It looks like they have earned another No. 1 to their laurels for pure, irresponsible, childish behavior!
What is wrong with our legislators? The games they are playing are reminiscent of the tactics of schoolyard bullies. While they are all jockeying for position and pursuing their own interests and power, what about us, the electorate? After all, we’re the ones who got them elected and we did so thinking they’d best serve and protect our interests. How is this endless fiasco serving the public? Why are the good, decent guys on both sides of the aisle letting this happen? There are so many questions and so few answers.
Now that I feel better having vented, on closer inspection and relying on the old bromide that something good will always come out of any adversity, perhaps the situation is not so bad after all, so let’s take another look. Having been a staunch believer in the two-party system, I have to admit this levels the playing field and gives New York state a more bipartisan form of government.
New York state desperately needs some sort of reform and accountability from our legislators. Perhaps the time for term limits for every office has arrived. It doesn’t seem to matter who’s in charge. They all promise to deliver, but in the end, most of it is the same old rhetoric.
In my travels, people on both sides of the aisle will say, “I’m disappointed, I’m not happy with the status quo,” then look at you and say, “This conversation is off the record, of course.” Be it all as it may, the discontent seems to grow more by leaps and bounds. The problem is no one seems to know what to do about it. My grandmother used to say, “Don’t worry, there’s a lid for every pot!” I don’t know about you, but I’m tired of living in a lidless society.
Reformers, where are you now that we need you? Tom Golisano made an attempt with the founding of his Responsible New York group, but in the end even he has gotten discouraged enough to leave his beloved New York and move to Florida. In fact, he’s not the only one, as other New Yorkers are voting with their feet. If reforms are not enacted. This could develop into quite a serious problem.
If these people are well-off enough to pick up and move, can we afford to lose citizens in the higher income tax brackets? After all, their taxes to a large extent are what fuels New York’s engine. This is a serious, multifaceted problem that requires intelligent, equitable, responsible solutions. Is there anyone out there with some practical and sound answers? If so, let us know, as we aren’t just crying wolf. This is for real and the prognosis is if something isn’t done, it’ll deteriorate into something far worse.
For a change of venue, Paul Vallone held a combination fund-raiser and birthday party at Verdi’s in Whitestone. It was a great party and over 200 people attended. City Councilwoman Melinda Katz was there and officially endorsed Paul as her choice to win Councilman Tony Avella’s seat.
Paul’s son, Charlie, was there and from the looks of things he shows every indication of being the fourth generation of Vallone politicos. He was interested in and into everything, but good as gold and not a peep out of him. Good luck and happy birthday, Paul.
That’s it for this week.
I look forward to hearing from you with information on people, parties and politics or gossip.
I like to receive your voice mails at 718-767-6484, faxes at 718-746-0066 and e-mails at deerrichard@aol.com.
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Till next week, Dee.
