Both the Buffalo News and the LUSJ reported on Mayor Tucker's announcement for his intentions of running for a third term this fall:
Mayor Michael Tucker announced his re-election bid Tuesday.
Tucker, a Republican, will complete his second, four-year term at the end of this year. If elected to a third term, halfway through, he’ll become the longest-serving mayor in the city’s nearly 150-year history.
Tucker said he’ll run for another term on what he considers a record of pushing change for the better.
From its embrace of historic preservation and more vigorous building inspection to the series of moves made, some dramatic, to “reorganize” the workforce for long-term tax savings, he said his administration has been trying to position the city to weather tough times and grow.
“We’ve been through a lot of change and innovation the past eight years. I am not afraid to do things differently,” he said....
I have lived in Lockport since 2003. I have to say the tangible changes have been huge since that time. Lockport looks very different and for the better. A lot of foundation work has been laid though we all know there is a lot to be done. I am still waiting for the plan to future growth. Hopefully the new planning/economic position is a sign it is about to be started.
What do you feel the highs and lows of the past 8 years have been and how do they compare to the 8 before those?
(I realize I am asking for trouble here and I di ddebate posting on this topic. Please save me the work of having to edit comments. Keep things factual "removing streets commissioner position as it will cause etc etc and showed no over all savings, etc" as opposed to personal attacks and heresay. Thank You.)
142 comments:
As far as plans for the future, I think emphasizing tourist business so heavily is very misguided. It is important, sure, but it's not a foundational enterprise, for a variety of reasons. But, if that's what folks think will work, why not make Lockport more focused on art tourism, offer tax breaks to visual artists to set up more studios like the one by the canal; have more musical events like the Canal Concerts but smaller, locally focused, and that make money; encourage more cultural festivals a la the celtic fest that they have in Wilson, or the busking fest in Toronto... give people more reasons to come than just looking at the Flight of Five and going in the tunnel.
Baloney, as much as we want to think tourism will help the city we really need jobs. Tucker is giving all these tax breaks out (like the huge one for HV) - but if we used this money to encourage more manufacturing or other businesses... Forget big bucks for tourism.
Manufacturing? It's 2011, friend, how will you encourage manufacturing to return in the era of outsourcing? If you can figure this out, there are man municipalites all across the rust belt who would like to hear about it. Please excuse my cynicism, but we need a plan, not slogans.
Yes manufacturing. Check out building 10 at Delphi, it has new companies working in it. Small companies are still springing up. Outsourcing does not necessarily mean 'off shore', it means moving work from large factories to supposedly (and thats another debate) cheaper companies.
Hello all ~
While I will agree that maufacturing DOES have its place, Lockport in and of iself USED to be booming with maufacturing places.
Take for instance what was Jamestown Container, Sherwood. Both of them have since closed.
And as im sure we ALL are aware , Delphi is hurting. They just (within the past 2 years at a least) laid off 100's of workers.
My feeling is right now Tourism IS the best thiung at this point that Lockport has goin for it.
Granted, yes, I may be a bit "biased" cause I would in the industry. And have seen the highs and lows of the industry(13 years worth this year of working specifically in that industry here in Lockport), but still in all ..
I think that what is alot of what Lockports' future is comming down to. Heck .. Lockport in and of iself has SO MUCH history rooted in it , you really can't go anywhere in Lockport(city) whith out someone talking about the history Lockport has.
Just my thoughts.
~Jeff
excuse me jamestown container did not close.nor did sherwood,and neither did gooding printing.they were lured out of lockport with ida grants.gooding to the town of lockport sherwood and jamestown to wheatfield.how can this be allowed, mac's auto and now a shop from north st. in lockport.they all are tax defered or pilots how can the ida be used against the city.the rich get tax breaks the rest get broke...
Realistically, how many jobs could tourism possibly provide here, and are we only talking the three months of summer?
I'm sorry, I just think tax dollars would be better spent trying to refill businesses like Sherwood.
Tucker has done nothing but kiss Ulrichs butt and line his own pockets. Wait till he gets rid of garbage you will see what a dump this city really will become. Does anyone have any idea how much money his supposed move of getting rid of Mike Hoffman ended up costing tax payers because he didnt like the guy. Its to bad the union sun wont print anything bad about Tucker. Maybe he should try getting his kid off of compensation for the last two years. Didnt he go after a firefighter who was on disability i guess those rules dont pertain to family!
yes because lockport sux now. we were so better off with empty lots downtown
ps has his son been an extra in any films lately???? i guess that had nothing to do with Collette being fired.
http://statter911.com/2010/06/11/appearance-in-a-keanu-reeves-movie-while-on-disability-has-lockport-new-york-trying-to-fire-firefighter/
whoops! lol!!
Any ideas on who is going to run against the King.
elivs?!!? lol!!
Oh, sorry so it's OK his son has been out on disability forever since he hasn't been in any movies... sorry
you would know his medical status, and what he's doing in his life because im sure that you are his medical doctor, and know everything
unlike Collette who appeared in public on film doing things that he shouldn't have been able to do if he was disabled enough that he couldn't work
Bashing tourism is short-sighted. The days of a huge manufacturing base are gone
People come here from all over the World to see the Canal and our locks. The only people who appear to think they're a waste of time are those who live here and hate any kind of change.
OK, so people come from all over the world to spend an hour looking at our locks. So that gives jobs to what, 10 tour guides? At a cost of millions show me the payback on that one.
I don't hate change. I hate wasting tax dollars that really don't help the community. I am sure with the money to be spent on the locks (and HV) we could attract someone here with jobs!
so, it's not a good thing to get people to come to lockport? people that eat at our resturants, buy goods and supplies at our stores, more interested in the area which leads to people moving in and companies moving in?
give people some reason to come but then give people some reason to stay
If his son was to never work another day for the city they would get about the same amount of effort his father gave delphi for 20 years...zero i know i worked with him
whats out tourist5 season, 3 months max? No it's not good enough - jobs would be better
since when was effort required to keep a union job? LOL!!
Very true! I guess showing up is the only requirment
Term Limits!!!
I think the city should focus more on residential development and neighborhood rehabilitation. A start would be to stop penalizing homeowners (raising assessment) for making improvements to their property. Maybe assess based on square footage and lot size not on whether you put siding on your house or have a deck. The neighborhoods with the worst problems seem to be those with the greatest number of multifamily dwellings (rentals). Residential, residential, residential!
Check out how much Hizzoner has given away to Uprich--and how frequently he kisses Georgie boy's behind. He can only stay mayor so long as he keeps minding the interest of those two self-serving power brokers. Time to leave Lockport.
Everytime the Mayor drags out the 450,000 tourists per year will be comeing to see the Locks I have to chuckle. This whole Flight of five project is an expensive joke--where would they all park? Do the math--450,000 divided by six months is about 75,000 per month. That is about 2,250 per day. That is never going to happen. This Mayor needs to be put out to pasture so that all the money going down that rathole get put to some realistic good on behlf of the community.
--That would be 450,000 in more like 3 months - not 6--
Do you know his son didn't graduate? Don't you need a degree to get in the military?
And let's count the lawsuits against the city -
- how much have we paid out losing suits to fireman?
- How about Paul Foster?
- Now brodsky
-I'm sure we will be paying Hoffman
Hopefully the democrats will find somebody decent to run against him, but I'll bet they won't.
So what if Ulrich is the only one really developing in the city? How well did the South block do the 30 years before Tucker and Ulrich?
The Town IDA gives pilots to everyone. The city was wiling to "give away" Canal St to inLighten.
One really skews reality when these simplified statements come up.
Let's look at the top critique so far:
1) His son on disability
2) He's a King (or prince to King Ulrich?)
3) If he keeps people they are buddy-buddy lining their pockets, if he fires people he hates them.
4) Over estimated tourist numbers.
Well at least one of them starts to make for some intelligent conversation. ;)
Im waiting to see him make improvements to the roads in the city. We are paying big bucks in taxes, and its like driving in a war zone. Are they going to re-imburse people for bad shocks, struts and alighnment from the mess our streets are in?
Even the streets Tucker paved twice recently (the one in front of Ulrich's mansion) are a disaster. Who does MJ work for? He's fronting like crazy
MJ - things that should be considered about the guy who is your 'boss' on your volunteer committees-
1- his son is on disability and has been a long time with nothilng said, as opposed to the others Tucker has criticized for it.
2- He does act like a despot, his temper tantrums are legendary. This has resulted in many lawsuits against the city for him acting impulsively.
3- this is true, see number 2.
4- he is pinning his hopes on tourism which many feel is not a valid future for Lockport.
5- his accomplishments really haven't improved the city's tax base at all.
6- he has not created any jobs, except Trek.
7- his restructuring he is taking credit for is solely the result of the state offering a retirement program which was too good for long term employees to not take. it wasn't some masterstroke of his to do it. plus he is already re-hiring people, such as replacing Evertt. Also with Hoffman, he has already giving the other guy a large raise, plus the assistant engineer is now reportedly making the engineers salary. Plus he is adding foreman and you can bet a secretary will be re-hired.
- he has cut the parks program down to half, plus they are admittedly going to lie about the summer program.
Now lets add that he wasn't smart enough to get in approved formally by the police they would do the dispatching, there's another cost due to the manager, Tucker. Of course it sounds like jack S and Luisa are also in the middle of it, what the heck did she get her nose involved in handing out flyers for?
To respond:
1) Every city has disability disputes. The big one last year with the firefighter was over him acting in a robbery scene in a movie which made it quite obvious. Anything like that out there on Junior I'm sure anyone is welcome to submit it. Family always makes things difficult in a work place. I'd always direct mine far away.
2) Any articles to link to on the lawsuits? Could be a valid topic for discussion
3) -
4) He is not pinning his hopes on tourism just as he is not pinning his hopes on low-income housing. There is distinct money out there for distinct projects. I've heard of several developers ran through Harrison Place for business use/loft use and some other places. Also look at the InLighten push. Jobs will always be a hard sell against competition of large cheap green fields and low service taxes in towns and overcoming stereotypes. Jewels like a restored lock system, downtown housing, new small retail businesses etc could develop a unique urban atmosphere that could attract businesses on a cities strengths. Most likely small buisness startups which still make up more than 50% of our national economy.
We have one of the wonders of early 19th century engineering right in the middle of our downtown. It deserves federal/state/local help in securing that portion of a shared history that affected the whole country.
5) What did his predecessors do in the 30 years prior to grow the tax base? It is a tough goal and I agree it needs to be perpetually pushed on hard. Any other candidate is welcome into the fold that has a solid plan to do that.
6) See above.
7) Conversation on the reorganization is valid. I will not be able to make a full assessment of it until I see what proactive measures come out of having a city planning/development head and what is lost in not having the head of public works. I cannot comment on the he-said-she-said someone-doesn't-like-somebody aspect of it.
8) Because he cut the youth dept budget in half does it mean that he hates the youth dept? Does the coucil hate it to since they voted on it? There is no "lying" on the summer program. Calling it a day program would only reduce the effectiveness of what budget is left by adding in more constraints. It would probably alienate more kids at the same time. I feel they are making the sane choice. The headline was a little deceiving.
9) Overall I am OK with Tucker. We have our disagreements on projects and those we agree on. We both move on. The city is getting good at keeping the ship afloat which is not all that easy for an older rust belt city. There are also compelted projects like UCC, and partially done like Canal St. But I do desire to see a comprehensive plan put in motion to make Lockport a desireable growing ship once again. I'm hoping the planning director is the start of that.
I'm curious how many people have actually had a conversation with the man. I started by emailing him a few years back with concerns etc and my own thoughts. I feels he gives an honest response and everything cannot be fixed at once. I don't see why he wouldn't do the same for anyone else if you come in looking for solutions instead of confrontation.
I've had my good and bad days with Mike Tucker in the 15 years I've lived in the City. When I first moved here, from the Town, I planned to stay for a year or two then move back. Life didn't allow that.
The changes in the City have been terrifically good. Yes - Dutch got more than his share - but that era's over. That was the GLDC, yes Mike's President of same, but there are a lot of very savvy people serving on it (for free) who know business and tourism, as well.
Tourism is the only way to go - and it WILL work, it already is. We're never going to get another Harrison's (Delphi.) The World is never going to get another Erie Barge Canal.
The Flight of Five, which I initially thought was pie in the sky, is amazing. The history of this City and the people who lived here, already draws thousands from all over the World who appreciate such things. It will only get better.
Bottom line is that mike tucker is a nice guy. He was the big union man out at delphi.. but he isn't that qualified to be mayor. All he is the person the high up democrats picked to push union union and more union. Also. Spend. Spend spend... lockport city is going or already gone down the tubes.. the town of lockport is a lot nicer
Tucker is a Republican FYI.
ha,ha!
so your biggest complaint is that you don't know what party he's a member of? LOL!@!
So your saying union controlled lockport city is controlled by republicans. No democrats
tucker has u fooled he is a ass
the question good citizens is ....who would replace Mike Tucker? This is a complicated city.
With it's industrial era waning, Lockport will continue to struggle to find it's future identity. For now...the best thing Lockport has going for it is inexpensive housing. Tourism has a marginal future. We're 18 miles from one of the greatest natural wonders in the world, can the Flight of Five stand on it's own as an attraction worth spending Millions to restore? Maybe..maybe not.
The bottom line on Mike Tucker is he's still "George's Boy" and will get his fair share of campaign money from the GOP. The other parties have yet to come up with a candidate that will attract voters, or have the gravitas to beat Mike Tucker. Who ever his opponent will be he/she better bring their helmet. Mike will fight to keep his job. He won't go quietly.
I agree, November 5th. The beauty of that other attraction to our West is that this is a nicer place. So they stay here - do the Five, the Cave and Race and maybe that idiot boat ride, then the next day go and get ripped off in The Falls.
It will work if more people in Albany and Washington appreciate what we have.
More important is that the citizens of Lockport appreciate what we have.
Hopefully they do find someone to run. Can you imagine how much bigger his ego will get if he wins again with all the crap he pulls, he wont be able to fit that inflated head in that dodge charger!
Rumour had it Tony Nemi was considering running. Dont know how true it is. He would be an interesting candidate that would surely have a chance to unseat the King.
Gotta love the car. Have you seen Passuite's? Right out of James Bond.
I, personally, don't think Tony will run because of all the faults Tucker has, Nemi has A LOT more.
"that idiot boat ride"? wtf is your problem?
You - it would appear - another anonymii.
i'm not knocking the must successful tourism related business in lockport, one that brings in people from around the world
sounds like you are the problem
maybe xavier1thru3 would make sense vs randomly bashing a major draw to this area
If Xavier 1-3 made sense I'd be happier. If Xavier 1-7, Xaviero, xavier, et al would shut up I'd be ecstatic.
If Mike would deign to work with others in the City to create an experience for visitors that would benefit them, as well as other businesses-not just his own, we'd all be better off.
Removed comment for uneeded sexual reference.
Also...I think he was refering to Captain Mike, owner of boat rides. True?
Also avoid the "idiot" type comments that start to take the conversation downward. They are uneeded, add nothing (try explaining what you don;t like) and can be deleted moving forward.
I was referring to Captain Mike, MJ. I, obviously, didn't see what was deleted but my beef with Captain Mike is that he is so intent on keeping ALL the tourists in his camp that he has, in the past, refused to work with other folks in a manner which would benefit the City in general. His outfit is a winner for all of us.
If he did loosen up a little I think he'd see that he would benefit just as much, if not more, than anyone else. There have been several ideas pitched to him in the last few years, that I am personally aware of, that would combine his boat ride with other fine aspects of our City, but he refused to even switch up some minor time changes which would have helped others by providing guests to them AND providing him with more passengers for his attraction. It would, obviously, be good for the City as a whole because the longer they're here the more money they spend.
The man is clearly NOT an "i." Sorry for that - point taken. I actually enjoy the boats going by and have a tendency to wave at the "tourists" when they wave at me (even if I don't look my best.)
SEXUAL REFERENCE MJ? Just caught that. I'd appreciate knowing what was "said," and thanks for deleting whatever it was. I've been accused of every evil known to man (& woman) so I'm simply curious what my preference is today. Others know me SO well! I'm actually rather boring.
Why would anyone, unless you are related or a friend of his want four more years of this dictatorship?
Whats the holdup on the refuse contract? He trying to hold off on that now because he realizes the amount of people he is gonna outrage in an election year.
nothing here will change until the city has a change in management. So far, the voters have spoken.
I am not the Mayor's relative, nor a friend - maybe acquaintance would be accurate. I've previously stated that we've had our differences.
However, one must have his head buried in the Canal to not see the improvements to our City of late. He's done a lot and it's unlikely that we'll have a change of leadership - certainly not this time around.
the mayor deserves credit where credit is do. He also deserves some criticism ....but who's right all of the time? Unless I see a "real" challenger I'm not changing just to change.
Change is good! Tucker makes changes all the time at the taxpayers expense just because he has a hard on for them.
Care to list what they are?
We can list the concert series as a big addition 3 years ago, but what other changes (non-contracted) had a huge efect on the budget going upwards?
My "favorite" is the total overhaul of Main Street. It actually makes the City inviting. I know there are a lot of people involved with it - but it's a hit.
Cruise nights.
The Historic Preservation Commission, which most people don't even know about, nor care, has been working very hard and you're going to see the fruits of its labor soon.
Community Pride - yes, it was around before Tucker (I think) but he and Joe Kibler have kicked it up a HUGE notch!
New business in the City. Yep - you have to look hard, but they're here. It's pretty hard to convince any business to relocate to the rust belt - and we also have to deal with Marc Smith and the Town of Lockport who hand out money like Easter candy to TAKE business from the City to the Town. Thanks, Marc.
I could go on but I have to go to work.
ah, 'hard-on' is ok, but when i use the medical term for 'kissing ass', that's not ok?
Not really, but I can't edit and I wanted to see if there was any discussion. I suppose I could have quoted it with the term removed. I'll do it going forward.
Anyone for mayor besides Tucker
Just thought I'd put it out there in case there are people not in the know. Mayor Tucker's son Michael just happens to be the Committee Chairman of the Independence Party of the City of Lockport. Now isn't that interesting. No wonder Tuck and his picks always get the endorsement no matter how inept they are.
I have been reliably informed that Glenn Aranow (sp?) has been designated Tucker's Campaign Chairman.
May I respectfully suggest that the Mayor stay as far away from that man as possible? IF Tucker wants to win, which I am certain he does.
Here is an idea....Mike Hoffman for mayor! Then he can stick it Tucks butt and fire Norm Allen lol poetic justice!
after this assesment bull get him out of there
lockport need a whole new addminatration lockport is getting raped an the people are lying down an taking it
mike hoffman please run an get rid of all the waste an bring down the taxes
lockport aint inviting any more with large tax increses everybody is complaing
a tribute to the English Department at Lockport H.S.
excuse me..Mr. or Ms Anonymous...........
gee...I hate to nit-pick but "and" has a "d" after the an.....also administration only has one "d".....nice try..very convincing argument.
Mike Hoffman?
"meet the new boss.....same as the old boss"
G.I Joe who are u Pat Schrader or another one of Tucks yes men. The mayor is a piece of u know what time for a change!
no more jobs in lockport but city wants all your money in taxes. they want every one to starve so they can go out an eat steak. mike hoffman for mayer
i would like to see a mass picket at city hall
Picket city hall for what? Im wondering how Tuckers little pet Norm Allen is doing with this recent storm good thing Dennis Brockman is running the show for Norm or Tucker would look like a fool for hiring a guy with no experience to such a position what a joke! Mike Hoffman was doing a fine job and was let go because of a vendetta and because Tuckers son didnt like working for Hoffman.
some pretty strong accusations...If you're going to make a statement like that..why aren't you brave enough to put your name on it?
May I suggest that the worst thing Mike Hoffman could do right now is run for Mayor? I'm not - at ALL - saying he's not fit for the job, but if he's smart, he'll sit back and wait for his anticipated lawsuit to settle, after which he's free to do whatever he wants.
And I am NOT bashing Tucker here. I'll repeat that we are not friends, but mere acquaintances. There are things he could do better, and things he could mess up worse. He should quit his vendetta-like behavior and concentrate on the City.
All in all, he's done a pretty good job - made even more remarkable considering the economy he's had to try to do it in.
The fact is that a certain State Senator "runs" the County. The fact that Tucker is currently in the Senator's good graces is good for us. I could bore you with sob stories all night long, but the fact remains that the Senator controls things and it's better to be on his good side than his bad. I was naughty and I was slapped. I deserved it and I don't think even they could have anticipated just how bad it would be. That's the past. I'm concerned with the future and am not going to allow small minded people to overlook Mike's accomplishments just because they don't like him for one silly reason or another. I'm doing whatever I do for our kids. I'd like Lockport to be a place they're proud of, and proud to be "from."
lockport has high taxes an no jobs
i think anyone running against tucker will win hands down
ya.....OK
"after this assesment bull get him out of there"
What is the "bull" portion? The assessments are being done by a third party. They are long over due considering that NYS gives us less money when the equalization is not near 100% (assessments up to date)
I'd vote for someone with a plan to overhaul the taxation system as disscussed in the assessment posts.
The budget problem is not the city wanting to "steal all of our money". All the budget figures were posted here last year by department. The issue is that the city is not growing in value, businesses or residents. The "cut to the bone" budgets only do longer term harm while our infrastrucutre, etc falls apart making Lockport even less desirable to invest in while we are still stuck paying for legacy costs. "You need to spend money to make money". Yes it needs to be done correctly, but it does need to be done.
When you speak with most people they say that "generally speaking" the City has improved under the leadership of Mayor Tucker. Let's give him some credit. However I view most of the improvements as "superficial".
When it comes to a remedy for the really BIG problems, I'm not sure I can give Mike more than a C-. Now..whether anyone else can do better in the Mayors chair remains to be seen.
Mr. Tucker's marginal improvements in housing has been notable, but lacking the serious focus required by this serious problem. When I see homes surrounded by garbage ( drive down Washburn between High and Walnut) you have to wonder how anyone in charge of our city could allow our streets to become so desperate looking. Houses have been boarded up for years with no redemption in site. Out-of-Town Landlords continue to get away with "murder" because we either lack the desire to pursue them in a bold way, or we lack the talent to get it done.
I don't know about you..but I'm tired of waiting for someone in the current administration to bring housing under control.
If it takes a change in leadership..then so be it.
you can tell it's election year. all of the projects that everyone has been bitch'n about like streets etc. are now being fixed. Nextthing ya know the city might look cleaner.No coincident there....
Streets get repaired every year. Up to 30 or so in past years.
And with anything or anyone, it can always be done better.
saw Tuck in the parade ..attached at the hip with Georgie boy...
Tucker looks like he knows the end is near for his time as KING TUCK...ba-bye
Tom Prohaska of the Buffalo News is a "waterboy" for Mike Tucker
I'd like Mr. Tucker to tell us what important initiatives he has accomplished in 8 years...
1.We still have a white elephant parking garage
2.No Flight of Five restoration..we have the grant money , right?
3.Terrible streets
4.A decaying water system collapsing before us
5.A very modest increase in new businesses
6.A concert series that wastes taxpayer money
7.A proposed new trash collection recycling program, that failed to eliminate jobs, and remains to be seen if it will be a savings for the city.
8.More crime
9.higher assessments
10. lingering blighted housing problems
we.re barely treading water. This is not my idea of good city management.
has anyone heard that Phyllis Green is challenging Mike Tucker in the primary?
There are people gathering signatures for her..???
MJ..no news to post here about a challenge to Mike Tucker's Run? What do you know about Phylis Green?..City Hall must be buzzn' life a bee hive.....
I was solicited to sign Phyllis' petition last evening. As I had already signed Tucker's I couldn't. What I heard yesterday and today is that Jack Smith is not going to run. He's concerned about losing to Tucker or Mike Pillot in a Primary.
Rumors - no doubt - but it would be nice to know the truth. Pillot is running against Smith in the Democratic Primary and Phyllis would run against Tucker in a Republican Primary.
Again - I don't believe anything until I have proof & as of now I have none other than Tucker will seek re-election.
And so it goes...
There was a post for Phylis at lunch time yesterday.
not true Patti
What, exactly?
...that Smith decided not to Run..false rumor
From what I hear he's more energized than ever....
I think a good campaign issue would be the GLDC.
I think that bunch has some "splain'n to do"
Anonymous 6:56 I agree!
Concerned citizens of the City of Lockport should request that a forensic accountant from the office of the Attorney General of the State of New York be brought in to look at the books.
No appearance of a conflict of interest with that group..Duh
go by the concert site to see your tax dollars at work..lot's of people from out of town having a good time at your expense courtesy of the Mike Tucker Mutual Admiration Society.
wow - I am not a Tucker fan but it seems like the Smith people have just taken over this board.
Impossible
the moderator keeps deleting all Smith related post! They can't possibly take it over.
ya, I guess Tucker will be running unopposed so why would information about Smith be relevant to Tucker seeking a 3rd. term?
Right?
I hear there are going to be debates! I would like the Mayor to address the pros and cons of the concert series.
I heard Tucker won't debate, he's skipping both of them!
He's the incumbent.
I guess that's his choice. Soon or later he has to face his challenger in the General election, but I didn't expect to see him in the primary so it's no big surprise.
If there's going to be a debate, which will be, by necessity after the Primary & if Smith wins (NOT a slam dunk despite what some folks think of Mike Pillot) I will insist that Jack Smith address my concern about his having me on his secret tapes.
From what I hear Phylis Green is holding her own in some local poles. I don't think Tucker is a slam dunk either.
I beieve twhe debates are scheduled before the primaries, which makes more sense than later.
Any debates would be great!! Now or in the future! Phyllis's reasons for running are questionable, seeing as she & Jack Smith are great friends, and I can't help but think she's doing it to help Jack win the General.
I like Phyllis very much, but considering the brouhaha when she left the Common Council, I don't think she's planning to turn her whole life around 'cause she'd have to stay here 12 months a year. I don't know, but that's my informed guess.
Thanks Joe for your insightful perspective.
From the Buffalo News:
Alderman Joseph C. Kibler, R-at large, who is unopposed for re-election to his sixth term, opposes term limits.
“If they think you’re doing a good job, they’ll keep you, and if they don’t think you’re doing a good job, they’ll vote you out,” Kibler said. “[With term limits] you might get some numbskull you have to put in there just because you need somebody to run.”
Wow, we wouldn't want any "numbskulls" occupying any council seats around here would we.
As a cost cutting measure, Alderman at Large should have been eliminated years ago.
well, he is right, term limits give the appearance of fixing a problem when in actuality, it just creates a whole group of new problems while not addressing the initial issue.
I tend to agree that the Alderman at Large position is really not needed anymore due to the drastic reduction of our population. On the other hand, Joe Kibler works as hard, usually harder, than any other Alderman.
Term limits? No. We already have enough numbskulls on the Common Council - and it takes ANYONE at least a year to get up to speed. Usually two.
The most recent "Numbskulls" were those who switched affiliation after they were asked to run by the Democrat party - because the Democrats couldn't find anyone to run, they trolled the depths to find anyone who MIGHT win the election.
Pol's correct.
I love the way Mike Tucker accuses other Alderman like Chapman of being "Political".
I think when the Mayor goes to Albany a few questions need to be asked of his Honor about his trip.
1. Is the City of Lockport Paying for the trip or is it paid for by the Republican Party.
2. IF it is paid for by tax payers, I think we have the right to know what he did and where he spent tax payer money.
3.While he was in Albany on behalf of Lockport citizens as a whole. did he further his own political interests while using tax payer money.
4. While in Albany did the Mayor represent all Lockport citizens or just his party affiliation.
5. Is his expense recap available for public view and scrutiny. I'd like to confirm that the mayor is using good judgement when he travels and spends taxpayer money.
The lesson here is the Mayor or any other politician shouldn't be so quick to accuse another office holders of having "political motives". It's a big glass house and he should throw stones. He might break his own windows.
Speaking of trash
Is anyone going to question the fact that the Tucker Campaign took a $2500 campaign contribution from Modern Disposal.??
Is there more? Who else is trying to keep the current mayor in office?
and you think Term Limits are a BAD IDEA?
think again
That's a good question for the Candidate Forum tonight.
Who's election is being influenced by SPECIAL INTERESTS?
Everybody's is. We've created a system where is takes a lot of money to win an election. Perhaps if we were to choose to publicly fund election campaigns we could start to piss and moan about it.
Who do we expect to pay for all those attack ads we choose to vote by?
Isn't that why the state has disclosure laws?
I would say the "citizens United" decision by the Supreme Court, made it all worse.
I have to disagree. I don't think "EVERYONE" is raising money the way Mike Tucker does it. They don't have the access to offer, or the power.
Neither did Tucker at one time. The longer you are in office the more connections you make and the contributions you will gather.
....and the influence you wield, and the more likely you will be corrupted by someone along the way.
That is the argument for term limits. Not just in this case but in all cases I'm for campaign finance reform. I'm tired of my future being bought and sold by politicians.
Or the argument for the population to vote them out if they are unhappy with it. there is nothing from stopping the influences to giving the money to the party directly. And if did find some good ones who were above it, would you want them automatically pushed out?
I'd be happy with no campaign money. No ads allowed on the radio or TV. No billboards or law signs. Give every candidate equal representation on local radio, newspaper and debates. Allow them unlimited canvasing or "town hall meetings". Do away with all the 3rd party attacks etc.
I feel it would do more for progress than term limits would. Otherwise you have the same generic crap and mudslinging but with more fresh bodies. Not a big gain in my book.
lets take term limits to the new post.
http://lockportforum.blogspot.com/2011/09/term-limits-resurrected.html
If you vote for Mayor Tucker your wasting your vote. I have asked him for years to fix the 8 inch curbs so strollers and senior citizens could walk without worries…. No response… Oh yes once, when an elderly lady broke her hip and he was worried about the city getting sued so he fixed one. How about the disreguard of hiring people… Favors are what I call them! Hiding people… If someone gets caught smoking pot not once,but twice, I guess gets a job at city hall!!!!! He hires people then all hey have to do is pass the civil service test and they are in… What crap, who is he to play dictator and hire people as favors? If this garbage thing is great, and I see people writing in the mailbag saying what a great job he did! What an idiot, if this is so good by saving us 10 million dollars over the next decade, how much did he cost us by waiting 7 years to put it in… He needs to lose and go to sleep in an office like he did at Delphi!
With how may pave overs there have been on the streets I'm surprised that there are still curbs showing.
Again another reason why not to vote for someone instead of reasons pro the other guy. It's a shame we only get to vote on positive generalities and over exaggerated mud slinging.
here's a good one for ya...
As Reported by the US&J, Mayor Tucker was endorsed by the Fire and Police Unions.
What does that say about the Democratic Committee in Lockport, and what does it say about a former COP not getting the Police and Fire Fighters Union endorsement.
What it says to me is that there has been some back-room deal struck by the GOP "Party Boss's" not to make the critical changes in the operating structure of these two departments for the next four years if their boy is elected.
That translates into higher sustained taxes.
I guess one could draw that line if they wanted to. Just as they could draw any other. Though haven't they been fighting over things with Tucker over the past 8 years including going to court over what "minimum staffing" is in the LFD?
Do you have any links to any Pillot statements claiming to want to reduce either? I have not seen anything indicating such.
No links to Pilot statements, but no guarantees not to touch it either.
If Pilot were to win, enough public pressure could be exerted to force him to make changes. If Tucker struck a pre-election "deal", the chances of breaking that deal would be much less likely then Pilot being able to resist the call for reform.
Politicians serve their own self interest first. If you happen to benefit from their greediness, then lucky you.
Why would a number of unions endorse a GOP candidate with heavy ties to Albany? They did not endorse Mike Tucker with the expectation of his changing the Dispatch, or moving toward a volunteer Fire Department.
Can we agree on that point?
Just like there's no guarantees that Tucker made a "back room deal" or that if they had endorsed Pillot that it would have meant they had a deal with him.
Being the current mayor there is no doubt that here have been conversations on what Tucker is looking for in concessions in the coming year(s). They most likely started during this year budget discussions.
Or maybe they are endorsing Tucker publicly (not internally) because they know Tucker will be taking a harder line and they think it will sway votes against him? Maybe it's an olive branch?
We could go on and on...a bunch of "nothing" from candidates leaves up making up things to discuss.
http://www.wgrz.com/news/article/140596/37/Misleading-Mailer-In-Erie-Co-Legislature-Race
Just an example of the type of misleading crap we all have to deal with. Why can't candidates just state their plans and platforms (in some suitable detail)?
Take Chapman's site for example. At least he lists 6 or so items that we wants to make a priority. We can thus debate the merits of each before we vote.
I'm sure everyone has been buried in Political "trading Cards" for the last 5 days.
Unbelievable, disgraceful, on both sides. Our fate is left in the hands of a bunch of self-serving jack-asses.
This just struck me as I was reviewing the updates:
Isn't it better to keep Tucker in, rather than bring Pillot in, because Tucker will no longer need to please anyone but the citizens of Lockport?
Pillot will be the "new kid on the block" and will be run over by those who really run things in this County. He also will probably want to be re-elected which will leave him much more susceptible to those who can grant him political favors IF he does what they want in the first four years.
This might be the nuttiest idea I've had here, but I think it's valid. It struck me as hard as Alfreda endorsing Collins.
Pillot NOT being endorsed by the Police Department (Hickory Club) speaks volumes to me. They often don't endorse anyone, but thought it necessary to do so this year. I'm told it's because they're in negotiations already and want to deal with someone (Tucker) who knows what he's doing.
It's for this same reason that they, both departments, hope Pat Schrader is elected. They don't necessarily like him as a person, but they value his expertise in negotiating with their unions. Never thought I'd see this knowing how hard Pat is on them - for the benefit of us taxpayers.
What ever Mayor Tucker did that was good for the city had to be good for the Party and Mike Tucker first.If the residual value rubbed off on you or I we were lucky, and benefited from the decision. It's all about staying in office maintaining power and keeping the dots connected.Once the chain is broken all of skeletons will come out of the closets and bodies will by exhumed. "A forensic Auditor's Dream"
I don't really want to vote for Pilot, but the dirty politics, personal assignation post cards, and the fact that the "chain" has to be broken is going to force me to vote for someone that I believe may not be qualified.
The vote will be very close and maybe face a legal challenge when it's all over and done.
For an independent voter like myself, the mass mailing of unsigned postcards back-fired on the Tucker campaign. I was leaning toward voting for Tucker because he at least knows how to "drive the Bus". The mailer blitz turned me off.
So if your team is reading this Mike, your postcard campaign was over the top, and I won't be voting for you because of it.
You screwed up..
I guess it doesnt matter who is better qaulified or who has the most experience or who would make the better mayor?? The stupidity of city voters scares me,and although I hate to even think it, the city voters deserve Mike Pilot and Shirley Nicholas and Jean Keeney!!!
The Democrats are the ones who sent out unsigned cards to everyone. I've gotten at least four. The Republicans put their name on theirs.
Dan Rivera has lost any power he may have once had, but "Vote Row "A" all the Way" is trite and non-specific. "Just get rid of them!"
I'll give ya that ....
the Dems look equally as stupid but I don't think the Anti Pilot anti Chapman cards all had designated senders... I remember "Conservative Party" on one..isn't that Tucker's kid?
I think the other one was the"It's my Party and I'll Cry if I want to" Party
I haven't gotten an "Anti Pillot" or "Anti Chapman" flyer.
The 2-4 I got were blanket "Don't vote for Republican Incumbents" and it said they were paid for, I THINK, the Niagara County Democratic somethingorother. They didn't specify any particular campaign although I think I saw Tucker's name as one of the above who should be booted. They were VERY nasty.
But, as we all know - or should know in some cases - politics can be a VERY nasty "game." Too bad decisions that are made for questionable reasons affect our lives so significantly.
I got a few Republican "cards" which were "pro" candidates. Not smears.
I'm a registered Republican but my son is a registered Democrat. As I've said earlier - he'll learn...
Joe, I meant to say that the anonymous ones didn't have anybody's name on them. These were the "get rid of all the Republican incumbents" ones.
Those I received which were sent by the Republicans were FOR certain people and had reasons for why you should vote for "joe" or "jane." These were a heck of a lot better when it comes to language, photos, etc. Professional - not slick.
You mean you haven't seen the "Andy Chapman Lives like a King" card? I'm going to save it ..it's a classic, and there is no group identification on it.Surprise..Surprise...
This trash comes from the same GOP that praises wealth and success at the Federal level, and talks about small business owners ( job creators)being so important to the economy but criticizes Andy Chapman on the local level. Understandable considering the folks we're talking about. This is how desperate Keith MCKnowitall has become. But the people that know Andy know it's BS.
It shows that Mike Tucker is STILL upset that Andy defeated his traveling companion Pat Schrader last election.
I guess before he moved to Lockport Andy should have gone bankrupt a couple of times. Then he would have been eligible to run for Mayor, and he would have fit right in.
Shame on you Andy Chapman for being so successful, and wow... sooooo !Christian too!!!
I'm surprised the GOP didn't claim you could walk on water!
Good Luck On Tuesday!
Wow Patti- You must be on a special mailing list! All the crap that I got, and it is crap, from both sides, is very negative and/or anti-opponent. I can understand some of it because the candidate that the mailer wants you to support has no positive attributes, so they have to make their opponent look worse than they are. And Patti, don't forget that you were part of the smear campaign for the GOP.
Joe- I will admit that sometimes your sarcasm and personal jabs go a little too far and I don't always agree with you, but I find it very hypocritical of the GOP machine to bash Chapman on his success when his net worth is probably less than 10% that of Jane Corwin's.
Two positively run campaigns = two definite votes, Andrew Chapman and Pat Murphy. Should be noted that one is a Democrat and one is a Republican.
The ONLY good thing that comes from all these stupid mailings is that the printing companies make some money. Now if they all would use local printers then at least we could say that they are at least doing their small part to boost the Lockport economy.
Taxpayer..I agree with your entire analysis. It's always a "race to the bottom" around here.
and yes..my sarcasm and jabs definitely go too far sometimes..
I too will split my vote on Tuesday.
The part of it that concerns me is that anyone would use one of those cards to vote. None of them make much sense to anyone who at least reads a newspaper article or two about a certain topic.
A lot of groups send out items without a candidate's endorsement. The whole freedom of speech thing. I try my best to just ignore the negative items as you can never tell if they are truly endorsed or not.
The electoral process has become big money over the last several decades. The sad part is that at the same time actual civic participation in political groups has declined. Instead of volunteers coming to our door to talk to us and possible debate/answer questions we get anonymous mailers, radio ads, tv spots, etc.
I'll post on the Tucker-Pilot article in today's LUSJ at lunch.
I've not seen any literature bashing Andy Chapman. Assuming it's as it was described that is very dirty pool.
I do not recall being a part of any "smear campaign." Please advise.
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