The Schenectady County League of Women Voters will be sponsoring a Rotterdam Candidate Forum on Tuesday, October 20th at the Rotterdam Branch Public Library. The event is scheduled to begin at 6:15 pm and is scheduled to end at 8:15 pm.
This is an event I have attended several times in the past as a voter. I’ve always found it beneficial in some regard. This time, of course, I will be there as a candidate. I hope my views can offer the same benefit of helping voters make their choice.
I like this event because it tries to assemble all the candidates for office in one place, gives them each an opportunity to briefly lay out their message, and provides those in attendance to ask the candidates questions.
Nearly the entire Town of Rotterdam Town Board is being contested, with races for Town Supervisor and 3 Town Council seats. This year the event takes on even more significance because of the inclusion of the No New Tax Party slate of candidates. Voters will get to choose from 3 candidates for each slot instead of the usual two.
It’s a great opportunity to get better informed on the important issues facing the town and the vision each candidate has for addressing them. I hope you’ll attend.
Showing posts with label Community. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Community. Show all posts
Friday, October 16, 2009
Thursday, March 19, 2009
High Gear
If you’re anything like me, you’ve noticed the multitude of branches piled at curbside throughout town. That ice storm sure wreaked some havoc, didn’t it?
Anyway, be patient. The Highway Department will certainly have their hands full getting to it all. In fact, I saw them rolling the heavy equipment quite early this morning in efforts to do just that.
The town website had this bulletin posted yesterday:
***** I M P O R T A N T B U L L E T I N *****
Posted: 3/18/2009
NOTICE
TOWN OF ROTTERDAM RESIDENTS
BRUSH PICKUP: Since the ice storm in December, we have been picking up brush when possible and are now going section by section and will continue until the debris is cleaned up. We appreciate your patience as we complete this task and ask for your cooperation in getting your debris curbside as soon as possible. THERE WILL BE NO SET SCHEDULE.
NOTICE: If you hire a contractor to work in your yard and/or cut trees, the contractor is responsible for removing the debris. The Town WILL NOT pick up debris left by contractors.
STREET SWEEPING: Street sweepers will be out by the first week of April.
COMPOST FACILITY: The Compost Facility on Princetown Road will be open to the public Monday, March 30, 2009.
Anyway, be patient. The Highway Department will certainly have their hands full getting to it all. In fact, I saw them rolling the heavy equipment quite early this morning in efforts to do just that.
The town website had this bulletin posted yesterday:
***** I M P O R T A N T B U L L E T I N *****
Posted: 3/18/2009
NOTICE
TOWN OF ROTTERDAM RESIDENTS
BRUSH PICKUP: Since the ice storm in December, we have been picking up brush when possible and are now going section by section and will continue until the debris is cleaned up. We appreciate your patience as we complete this task and ask for your cooperation in getting your debris curbside as soon as possible. THERE WILL BE NO SET SCHEDULE.
NOTICE: If you hire a contractor to work in your yard and/or cut trees, the contractor is responsible for removing the debris. The Town WILL NOT pick up debris left by contractors.
STREET SWEEPING: Street sweepers will be out by the first week of April.
COMPOST FACILITY: The Compost Facility on Princetown Road will be open to the public Monday, March 30, 2009.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Top 5 '08 Accolades
5. Council member Mertz serving as everyone’s favorite whipping boy by continuing to be a tireless advocate for what he believes.
4. Bagels & Bakes providing exceptional product and service.
3. Shop-O-Rama Pizza defying the ice storm power outage by conducting generator-assisted business as usual.
2. Adirondack Tire on Curry Road providing unparalleled level of service on multiple occasions.
1. Dunkin’ Donuts at Helderberg and Curry providing consistent, friendly service on a DAILY basis.
4. Bagels & Bakes providing exceptional product and service.
3. Shop-O-Rama Pizza defying the ice storm power outage by conducting generator-assisted business as usual.
2. Adirondack Tire on Curry Road providing unparalleled level of service on multiple occasions.
1. Dunkin’ Donuts at Helderberg and Curry providing consistent, friendly service on a DAILY basis.
Top 10 '08 Disappointments
10. Approval of Helderberg Meadows.
09. Proliferation of vacant eyesores along main thoroughfare.
08. Lack of progress on Hamburg Street sewer initiative.
07. Ongoing code enforcement issues.
06. Further delays for new water tank in Rotterdam Junction.
05. Town tax increase despite tapping surplus.
04. Ongoing adverse consequences of town reval.
03. Stalled remediation effort for Masullo Estates.
02. No emergence of independent candidate.
01. No updated Comprehensive Plan.
09. Proliferation of vacant eyesores along main thoroughfare.
08. Lack of progress on Hamburg Street sewer initiative.
07. Ongoing code enforcement issues.
06. Further delays for new water tank in Rotterdam Junction.
05. Town tax increase despite tapping surplus.
04. Ongoing adverse consequences of town reval.
03. Stalled remediation effort for Masullo Estates.
02. No emergence of independent candidate.
01. No updated Comprehensive Plan.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Revelation
The year is essentially over and as is common for me, I take stock of where I am, where I’ve been, and most importantly, where I’m going. It’s time to evaluate my progress toward intended goals and reevaluate my priorities so that my new goals are in step with where I’m going.
This year was a rough one personally because of my Dad’s death. I think I fared okay but it certainly was and is different than I expected. Nevertheless, it clarified a lot of life’s lessons that somehow had remained murky.
My awareness and understanding of many town issues has been heightened by my involvement in them throughout the last 4 years, even leading to a contemplation of a run for office, which fortunately has dissipated. Unless Governor Patterson wants to sidestep Caroline Kennedy and offer me the vacant senator seat, all bets are off for any immediate political ambitions. My impact on matters has so far been less than noteworthy and after channeling my effort toward another endeavor, fundraising for the American Cancer Society, I see that my efforts ought to be redirected. We raised our goal of $1000 in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer…a goal I never thought we’d get close to when I set it. My effort made a real, tangible difference in other people’s lives.
I already volunteer my time in other matters, but it seems appropriate to divert my attention from banging my head against an unyielding town wall to doing things that produce actual results. A matching of talents, if you will.
I was thinking about 9-11 recently and wondered where the feeling of unity and common purpose went after the attacks. It was palpable back then, but cynicism seems to have prevailed. The recent ice storm is a smaller example of what will certainly be fleeting good will. Harder economic times are ahead for most of us and there will be great need to step up and help those who struggle. I intend to be focused on what my part in that will be.
So that’s where I’m going. It doesn’t mean I’ll never speak up again on town stuff but don’t look for me to be nearly as vocal anymore. I’m pretty sure I have more important contributions to make next year than flapping my gums on deaf ears at Town meetings.
Merry Christmas!
This year was a rough one personally because of my Dad’s death. I think I fared okay but it certainly was and is different than I expected. Nevertheless, it clarified a lot of life’s lessons that somehow had remained murky.
My awareness and understanding of many town issues has been heightened by my involvement in them throughout the last 4 years, even leading to a contemplation of a run for office, which fortunately has dissipated. Unless Governor Patterson wants to sidestep Caroline Kennedy and offer me the vacant senator seat, all bets are off for any immediate political ambitions. My impact on matters has so far been less than noteworthy and after channeling my effort toward another endeavor, fundraising for the American Cancer Society, I see that my efforts ought to be redirected. We raised our goal of $1000 in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer…a goal I never thought we’d get close to when I set it. My effort made a real, tangible difference in other people’s lives.
I already volunteer my time in other matters, but it seems appropriate to divert my attention from banging my head against an unyielding town wall to doing things that produce actual results. A matching of talents, if you will.
I was thinking about 9-11 recently and wondered where the feeling of unity and common purpose went after the attacks. It was palpable back then, but cynicism seems to have prevailed. The recent ice storm is a smaller example of what will certainly be fleeting good will. Harder economic times are ahead for most of us and there will be great need to step up and help those who struggle. I intend to be focused on what my part in that will be.
So that’s where I’m going. It doesn’t mean I’ll never speak up again on town stuff but don’t look for me to be nearly as vocal anymore. I’m pretty sure I have more important contributions to make next year than flapping my gums on deaf ears at Town meetings.
Merry Christmas!
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
#13...With A Bullet
Thanks to the continuing generosity of our friends, The Pink Floyds has received $875 in donations toward our intended $1000 goal so far, placing us # 13 on the list of online participant teams!
Come walk with us Sunday, October 19, 2008 at 12:00 in Albany’s Washington Park.
You can join our team or make a donation to fight breast cancer at either of the links below:
www.main.acsevents.org/goto/michaeloconnor
www.main.acsevents.org/goto/thepinkfloyds
Come walk with us Sunday, October 19, 2008 at 12:00 in Albany’s Washington Park.
You can join our team or make a donation to fight breast cancer at either of the links below:
www.main.acsevents.org/goto/michaeloconnor
www.main.acsevents.org/goto/thepinkfloyds
Monday, August 18, 2008
Mercury Rising
We’re off to a spectacular fund-raising start! The Pink Floyds have already raised $350 towards the fight against breast cancer. That’s 35% of our goal…all in just a few days! Thanks to everyone who donated to this worthwhile cause. Your generosity is truly appreciated.
We’re just getting started and there is still plenty of time before the Walk. Please take a moment to visit our webpage, www.main.acsevents.org/goto/thepinkfloyds to make a donation or to learn more about the meaningful difference your involvement can make.
Hope starts with us.
We’re just getting started and there is still plenty of time before the Walk. Please take a moment to visit our webpage, www.main.acsevents.org/goto/thepinkfloyds to make a donation or to learn more about the meaningful difference your involvement can make.
Hope starts with us.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
The Pink Floyds
Is your name Floyd? Neither is mine, but for one day, Sunday, October 19th, 2008, it can be when we walk in the American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer. Please join us to help raise awareness and advance breast cancer research by joining our team, The Pink Floyds!
www.main.acsevents.org/goto/ThePinkFloyds
As many of you are aware, my family and friends annually participate in this event but it has taken on ever-increasing importance since the passing of my dear sister-in-law, Mary O’Connor. We walk for many survivors but especially for Mary, who is my personal inspiration for my strong belief in the phrase, No Excuses…ever. Mary battled passionately, many times seemingly getting the upper hand, only to have the pendulum swing hard the other way. Yet despite the hardships endured and the pain suffered, I rarely heard her complain. She became an example to me of what hope and faith is all about. Sadly, Mary lost her battle but others don’t have to with your help.
This year we are formalizing our fundraising effort by creating The Pink Floyds. We hope you’ll donate to this very worthwhile endeavor. Just as importantly, we hope you’ll join us the day of the walk too. The links below to either our team page, or my personal page, make it easy.
Hope starts with us!
www.main.acsevents.org/goto/ThePinkFloyds
www.main.acsevents.org/goto/MichaelOConnor
www.main.acsevents.org/goto/ThePinkFloyds
As many of you are aware, my family and friends annually participate in this event but it has taken on ever-increasing importance since the passing of my dear sister-in-law, Mary O’Connor. We walk for many survivors but especially for Mary, who is my personal inspiration for my strong belief in the phrase, No Excuses…ever. Mary battled passionately, many times seemingly getting the upper hand, only to have the pendulum swing hard the other way. Yet despite the hardships endured and the pain suffered, I rarely heard her complain. She became an example to me of what hope and faith is all about. Sadly, Mary lost her battle but others don’t have to with your help.
This year we are formalizing our fundraising effort by creating The Pink Floyds. We hope you’ll donate to this very worthwhile endeavor. Just as importantly, we hope you’ll join us the day of the walk too. The links below to either our team page, or my personal page, make it easy.
Hope starts with us!
www.main.acsevents.org/goto/ThePinkFloyds
www.main.acsevents.org/goto/MichaelOConnor
Excellence
I thought I'd take a moment to mention some noteworthy service I received lately from some businesses here in Rotterdam. I hope I have occasion to do so again.
The first is Adirondack Tire on Curry Road. I have been there twice and received exceptional service both instances. I used to go to Sears for my tires but found their level of service deteriorating consistently past a point I could continue to tolerate. Adirondack Tire, on the other hand, surprised me...twice. They have earned my future business with their pleasant and competent customer approach.
The second is Dunkin Donuts on Curry Road. Admittedly, I am a coffee-holic and with the dependable, consistent service I have been receiving for several years, I'm not likely to break my addiction. I will gladly continue to navigate the dangerous parking lot for my future caffeine fix.
There are many businesses that provide competent, efficient service but I mention these two as standouts. Their emphasis on satisfying the customer is exceptional and I highly recommend both of these outstanding Rotterdam businesses.
The first is Adirondack Tire on Curry Road. I have been there twice and received exceptional service both instances. I used to go to Sears for my tires but found their level of service deteriorating consistently past a point I could continue to tolerate. Adirondack Tire, on the other hand, surprised me...twice. They have earned my future business with their pleasant and competent customer approach.
The second is Dunkin Donuts on Curry Road. Admittedly, I am a coffee-holic and with the dependable, consistent service I have been receiving for several years, I'm not likely to break my addiction. I will gladly continue to navigate the dangerous parking lot for my future caffeine fix.
There are many businesses that provide competent, efficient service but I mention these two as standouts. Their emphasis on satisfying the customer is exceptional and I highly recommend both of these outstanding Rotterdam businesses.
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!
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