First Big Test for Mayor

Efforts are being made by the county to cut the % of the sales tax that goes to the city.  The entire basis of the county's position is a false, untrue, and bogus claim that the sales tax revenue was tied to the safety net.

I have been involved in city politics for over 25 years.  I can tell you for an absolute fact that safety net issues were NEVER discussed or made a part of the negotiations for sales tax.

Anyone who says otherwise is either being lied to or is actively lying.

The reason the county made the deal was to avoid the city exercising its rights to impose a city sales tax.

Former Mayor Sottile, who was present for those negotiations, and Dave Donaldson, who was also involved, confirmed this in The Kingston Times.  Dave did so using very clear and perhaps inappropriate language.

I disagree with these men 95% of the time, but they are correct in this instance.

Mayor Noble has been called a lightweight.  This is his chance to lose that moniker by standing up to the county on this issue.

I urge the Mayor to stand tall and not give in on this issue. I did not support him in the election, but he is the duly elected Mayor.  If he fights the county on this issue, I will stand with him.

If the Mayor caves on this issue, the "lightweight" moniker will remain his forever.  Worse, property taxes will jump big time.

This is the first big test.  Let's see how he fares.

Edward Levine

Condolences to the family of Edward Levine.  I was very saddened to learn of his passing.  He was a really nice guy.

No, I have no idea.

The Daily Freeman is reporting that Mayor Noble has planned a press conference to announce big changes in the Fire Department.

I have been contacted by people looking for information.  They think that because I am on the Fire Commission and Mayor Noble has announced his position that personnel decisions must go through commissions, that I must have been briefed.

The answer is no.  The January Fire Commission meeting was canceled.  I have had no official contact from the Mayor or Fire Chief about whatever the upcoming announcement is about.

I am posting this so that politicos will stop asking me.

New City Attorney

Mayor Noble appointed Kevin Bryant to be Corporation Counsel.

I know Kevin well.  A good attorney and a very nice guy.

Excellent choice, Mr. Mayor.

Emergency Meeting of Police Commission

The police commission had an emergency meeting and rescinded some prior promotions.  The talk is that Chief Tinti is going back to an old style whereby there will be no Lieutenants and the Sergeants will oversee the squads.

Expect a lawsuit or lawsuits to be filed.

Question

Why are we STILL getting quotes in the Freeman from Sottile and Hoffay?

They hold no position and are not party chairs.

Go away!!