"Truth is God's will."
Those words were an integral part of the eloquent homily given by Deacon Greg Zoltowski this morning at St. John the Evangelist Church. It's an interesting distinction when truth is thought of in this context. The question I will try to continue to ask myself is, "Who is this person God is creating?" It's especially pertinent given the impending celebration of Christ's birth and our relationship to it. It's a fascinating concept to embrace...that we are ever-evolving as children of God. Humbly accepting and submitting to God's will, rather than "thinking we know." Perhaps tomorrow night, when nothing is stirring...not even a mouse...you'll have an opportunity to reflect on the question yourself.
Have a very Merry Christmas and a joyous 2008!
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Highway Excellence
I had the misfortune of having to commute home from downtown Albany to Rotterdam on Thursday afternoon during our first real snowstorm of the season. Circumstances forced me to travel locally which turned a normal 30-40 minute ride into a one and one half hour, bumper to bumper, 5 mph crawl.
It was definitely snowing at a rate that presented challenges for even the most seasoned road crews. I don’t recall having seen one plow in Albany and the roads reflected it. It wasn’t until I reached Guilderland that matters improved. It was a stark difference that demonstrated it was possible to keep the roads clear.
As I moved westward into Rotterdam, the roads were even better. I was completely stunned, even though I always admired the fine job Rotterdam seems to do on their highways when it snows. I figured it must be a fluke…that only the particular road I was on was in this good shape. I was wrong.
When I arrived home safely, I discovered my misfortune would continue because my daughter needed a ride to work. I’d have to drive throughout Rotterdam to get her there. I was amazed at how clean the roads were! It was a stellar job performed in adverse conditions by the Town of Rotterdam Highway Department.
When the plow visited my subdivision while I was shoveling out my home shortly afterwards, I witnessed first-hand the expertise and excellence of the Rotterdam Highway Department. The plow driver meticulously proceeded through the development, informing residents he saw that he’d soon be making another pass. This gave them the opportunity to keep their cars out of his path and provide for a much cleaner job. He even honked for some to give them the chance. This little extra effort required nothing but caring for the job he was doing and consideration for the residents. It did not impede or slow him down at all, and actually probably helped him to not to have to return to the neighborhood again.
I’d like to acknowledge the outstanding work of the Town of Rotterdam Highway Department for their superior efforts to provide safe roads. You should be proud because from what I experienced, you clearly outperformed many of our neighboring communities. Keep up the great work!
It was definitely snowing at a rate that presented challenges for even the most seasoned road crews. I don’t recall having seen one plow in Albany and the roads reflected it. It wasn’t until I reached Guilderland that matters improved. It was a stark difference that demonstrated it was possible to keep the roads clear.
As I moved westward into Rotterdam, the roads were even better. I was completely stunned, even though I always admired the fine job Rotterdam seems to do on their highways when it snows. I figured it must be a fluke…that only the particular road I was on was in this good shape. I was wrong.
When I arrived home safely, I discovered my misfortune would continue because my daughter needed a ride to work. I’d have to drive throughout Rotterdam to get her there. I was amazed at how clean the roads were! It was a stellar job performed in adverse conditions by the Town of Rotterdam Highway Department.
When the plow visited my subdivision while I was shoveling out my home shortly afterwards, I witnessed first-hand the expertise and excellence of the Rotterdam Highway Department. The plow driver meticulously proceeded through the development, informing residents he saw that he’d soon be making another pass. This gave them the opportunity to keep their cars out of his path and provide for a much cleaner job. He even honked for some to give them the chance. This little extra effort required nothing but caring for the job he was doing and consideration for the residents. It did not impede or slow him down at all, and actually probably helped him to not to have to return to the neighborhood again.
I’d like to acknowledge the outstanding work of the Town of Rotterdam Highway Department for their superior efforts to provide safe roads. You should be proud because from what I experienced, you clearly outperformed many of our neighboring communities. Keep up the great work!
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Holiday Antics
It appears Town of Rotterdam officials are not immune from working on holidays after all. After a full year of turning a blind eye to holiday wood-clearing shenanigans in Masullo Estates, the Town Board is adopting the strategy itself. They’ve decided to hold a public hearing regarding their controversial pay raise…on New Year’s Day. Of course, the public hearing is only a result of not adhering to the law when they awarded themselves a raise by amendment a few weeks ago. Happy New Year…at least if you’re a councilmember.
A public hearing for this matter is totally appropriate. Holding it New Year’s Day, on the other hand, is totally ridiculous.
Let’s keep the record straight anyway. Supervisor Tommasone didn’t include council raises in the proposed budget and voted against the amendment. Outgoing board member Mr. Godlewski also voted against it. Congratulations to both of them.
Mr. Mertz, Mr. Signore, and the outgoing Ms. Marco voted for the raise.
What I’d like to see at this point is for the 2 new council members, Mr. Della Villa and Mr. Silva, to have to cast a vote on the raise now. Remember, they ran for office and were elected to that office on the expectation of the previous $10,000 salary. If nothing else, I’d like to see them have to vote. I don’t want either to be able to accept the higher salary but blame someone else for getting it. These 2 guys ought to be against any raise and vote accordingly. Do the math and the vote swings 3-2 against an increase.
The argument will be made that somehow they deserve the raise because it’s been so long since they received one. Sorry, but from where I come from, raises are merit-based. Public service was never intended to be rewarded monetarily. These are difficult times for residents as they struggle to absorb ever mounting financial burdens beyond their control. We should all be tightening our belt together. $20,000 may not seem like a lot of money as a percentage of the budget but it’s still real money – better applied to almost any other need.
If Mr. Mertz and Mr. Signore don’t like their present $10,000 compensation – good news – they’re up for re-election next. The big dogs are beginning to look a little smaller.
A public hearing for this matter is totally appropriate. Holding it New Year’s Day, on the other hand, is totally ridiculous.
Let’s keep the record straight anyway. Supervisor Tommasone didn’t include council raises in the proposed budget and voted against the amendment. Outgoing board member Mr. Godlewski also voted against it. Congratulations to both of them.
Mr. Mertz, Mr. Signore, and the outgoing Ms. Marco voted for the raise.
What I’d like to see at this point is for the 2 new council members, Mr. Della Villa and Mr. Silva, to have to cast a vote on the raise now. Remember, they ran for office and were elected to that office on the expectation of the previous $10,000 salary. If nothing else, I’d like to see them have to vote. I don’t want either to be able to accept the higher salary but blame someone else for getting it. These 2 guys ought to be against any raise and vote accordingly. Do the math and the vote swings 3-2 against an increase.
The argument will be made that somehow they deserve the raise because it’s been so long since they received one. Sorry, but from where I come from, raises are merit-based. Public service was never intended to be rewarded monetarily. These are difficult times for residents as they struggle to absorb ever mounting financial burdens beyond their control. We should all be tightening our belt together. $20,000 may not seem like a lot of money as a percentage of the budget but it’s still real money – better applied to almost any other need.
If Mr. Mertz and Mr. Signore don’t like their present $10,000 compensation – good news – they’re up for re-election next. The big dogs are beginning to look a little smaller.
Friday, December 7, 2007
Old Man and the Sea
Know your limitations. That’s the simple lesson learned from reading Hemingway’s classic tale. It’s a valuable lesson.
What’s the best way to determine exactly what those limitations are? Most of the time, it’s determined by pushing beyond your comfort zone. That as we all know is a challenging undertaking, not always a pleasant one but with potential for unexpected rewards. Of course, consequences are equally likely.
I rely on the 7 words from my previous blog entry to keep me motivated toward goals which sometimes seem unachievable. Funny thing about limitations is that they usually change over time. You never know when unless you’re willing to test the boundaries every now and then.
What’s the best way to determine exactly what those limitations are? Most of the time, it’s determined by pushing beyond your comfort zone. That as we all know is a challenging undertaking, not always a pleasant one but with potential for unexpected rewards. Of course, consequences are equally likely.
I rely on the 7 words from my previous blog entry to keep me motivated toward goals which sometimes seem unachievable. Funny thing about limitations is that they usually change over time. You never know when unless you’re willing to test the boundaries every now and then.
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Cornerstones
Not too long ago in another forum, I discussed 7 words that serve to guide my actions. I like to refer to them as cornerstones. They are simple words with straight-forward meaning. Easily understood by many but applied to daily life with difficulty by most. Though each impressively is able to stand alone, it is the relationship to each other and their eventual combination that truly unlocks the powerful influence on a life.
DISCIPLINE
FAITH
DETERMINATION
PERSEVERANCE
SACRIFICE
PATIENCE
LOYALTY
Reprinted from Live Richly: Collected Philosophies of an Ordinary Man
Copyright 2006 M. O’Connor. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
DISCIPLINE
FAITH
DETERMINATION
PERSEVERANCE
SACRIFICE
PATIENCE
LOYALTY
Reprinted from Live Richly: Collected Philosophies of an Ordinary Man
Copyright 2006 M. O’Connor. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Transparency
Our leaders are often derided for not being more transparent. Even I was recently taken to task because I didn’t provide a detailed enough recounting of a public meeting to people that chose not to attend. If you desire transparency in government, you also have to keep your eyes open when it’s being provided. Discover the link I’ve provided below and receive access. If you can read (and that’s the only requirement), you’re in business!
Everything you ever needed to know about what makes your government tick.
http://www.dos.state.ny.us/lgss/list9.html
Everything you ever needed to know about what makes your government tick.
http://www.dos.state.ny.us/lgss/list9.html
Moving Forward by Standing Still
I believe Quality of Life is best preserved and protected through proper planning. As I’ve already mentioned, proper planning is a byproduct of a solid, updated Comprehensive Plan.
For several months in early 2005, I advocated a town-wide moratorium. The concept was not embraced by the Town Board despite raging controversy over the existing Town Comp Plan. The argument against a moratorium boiled down essentially to the concern it would stifle development. I’ll acknowledge the short-term concern is valid, but the longer-term benefit actually outweighs the concern. Remember, good planning doesn’t just happen.
Moratoria are an accepted planning tool used by many communities. In fact, most of our neighbors have utilized them effectively. Why are we so reluctant to embrace the concept? The adoption of a moratorium allows the Town to carefully plan all zoning and development concerns. I contend the Town emerges from a moratorium better prepared to attract the desired type of development while preserving quality of life for residents. It is an advantage for the Town, not a disadvantage, to step back and get it right.
In 2005, we were on the brink of a Comp Plan review and update. It was argued that a moratorium wasn’t needed as a mechanism to facilitate the update – that things could proceed simultaneously. It’s now 2008 and despite whatever progress may have been made on some of the planning issues, the Plan remains inadequate. I think we need to reevaluate the value of imposing a town-wide moratorium.
These are a few important reasons for supporting a town-wide moratorium:
• To enable a full review and update of the Comprehensive Plan to ensure responsible development, both residentially and commercially
• To ensure proper planning and zoning are adequately discussed and considered.
• To solve groundwater and high water table issues that plague our area before additional development is allowed.
• To ensure proper infrastructure, such as sewers and roads, are in place to enable planned projects.
• To ensure schools can meet projected demands on resources.
• To ensure emergency services (fire, police and paramedic) can meet projected demands on resources.
• To alleviate any potential health and safety concerns related to proposed development.
• To ensure quality of life issues are satisfied and remain paramount to tax revenue generation.
• To preserve and protect rural character of town.
• To ensure that environmental concerns are thoroughly examined to ensure that the integrity of the aquifer is maintained.
• To ensure that environmental concerns are thoroughly examined to ensure wetlands, and the wildlife they support, are preserved.
Sound like garbage? I don’t think so. In the end, it’s all about Quality of Life. We’re simply trying to foster responsible development. Let’s adopt a town-wide moratorium to get a proper Comprehensive Plan in place. We may find out that by standing still for a moment, we’ve actually moved forward.
For several months in early 2005, I advocated a town-wide moratorium. The concept was not embraced by the Town Board despite raging controversy over the existing Town Comp Plan. The argument against a moratorium boiled down essentially to the concern it would stifle development. I’ll acknowledge the short-term concern is valid, but the longer-term benefit actually outweighs the concern. Remember, good planning doesn’t just happen.
Moratoria are an accepted planning tool used by many communities. In fact, most of our neighbors have utilized them effectively. Why are we so reluctant to embrace the concept? The adoption of a moratorium allows the Town to carefully plan all zoning and development concerns. I contend the Town emerges from a moratorium better prepared to attract the desired type of development while preserving quality of life for residents. It is an advantage for the Town, not a disadvantage, to step back and get it right.
In 2005, we were on the brink of a Comp Plan review and update. It was argued that a moratorium wasn’t needed as a mechanism to facilitate the update – that things could proceed simultaneously. It’s now 2008 and despite whatever progress may have been made on some of the planning issues, the Plan remains inadequate. I think we need to reevaluate the value of imposing a town-wide moratorium.
These are a few important reasons for supporting a town-wide moratorium:
• To enable a full review and update of the Comprehensive Plan to ensure responsible development, both residentially and commercially
• To ensure proper planning and zoning are adequately discussed and considered.
• To solve groundwater and high water table issues that plague our area before additional development is allowed.
• To ensure proper infrastructure, such as sewers and roads, are in place to enable planned projects.
• To ensure schools can meet projected demands on resources.
• To ensure emergency services (fire, police and paramedic) can meet projected demands on resources.
• To alleviate any potential health and safety concerns related to proposed development.
• To ensure quality of life issues are satisfied and remain paramount to tax revenue generation.
• To preserve and protect rural character of town.
• To ensure that environmental concerns are thoroughly examined to ensure that the integrity of the aquifer is maintained.
• To ensure that environmental concerns are thoroughly examined to ensure wetlands, and the wildlife they support, are preserved.
Sound like garbage? I don’t think so. In the end, it’s all about Quality of Life. We’re simply trying to foster responsible development. Let’s adopt a town-wide moratorium to get a proper Comprehensive Plan in place. We may find out that by standing still for a moment, we’ve actually moved forward.
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