More D&C Editorial page nonsense - Sorry guys the Midtown Plaza project does not equal Maggie’s unF.A.I.R. plan
Jim Lawrence’s editorial page has a funny way of not making a point at times. Who is going to argue against hands reaching across the aisle and improving constituent lives? Not me and not the D&C. We actually agree. So why not simply say…
“Both side need to work together. Rochester has received XXX millions of dollars, here’s who has brought those dollars back, some other city on I-90 is getting more because their local delegation is working together blah blah blah… We can and should expect more from our elected officials.”
But no, instead the D&C takes an item in the news and stretches it into a convoluted analogy that simply doesn’t work. Of course, they don’t want to offend anyone so bland and devoid of opinion are the watchwords.
Check out how James Lawrence compares the recent announcement of PAETEC at Midtown and the lack of Republican involvement to Maggie Brooks’ F.A.I.R. plan. Yet again Mr Lawrence’s page misses the boat. Here is a link to the Op-ed (my emphasis below).
Rather than seizing the opportunity to build bipartisan support for redeveloping the Midtown Plaza site, there seemed to be a raising of the Democratic Party banner.
Granted, plans for spending $50 million in state funds for demolition of Midtown to make way for the world headquarters of PAETEC Communications are those of a Democratic governor. So it was understandable that fellow Democrats would be on hand for the announcement to share in the excitement.
Missing, however, were this community’s top Republican leaders, who could play a pivotal role in getting Albany’s needed signoff on Spitzer’s plan. Republican County Executive Maggie Brooks and GOP senators from this region insisted publicly that they’re not upset, and that they like what they’ve heard about Spitzer’s plan so far. Behind closed doors, however, there is much bellyaching — the same kind heard recently from Democrats annoyed and insulted by Brooks’ hastily adopted F.A.I.R plan.
So, the PAETEC CEO called the Mayor and asked about Midtown plaza - not the County Exec. Um - that midtown is in the city - the city has a mayor. Seems like a logical place to start. The Mayor calls the governor - the deal is closed and the Republicans are complaining? Did they earn the right to be there by contributing to the project? This is Democrats getting something done - something needed in Rochester.
Maggie et al are still screwing around with REN Square. $230 million. Behind closed doors.
There is more but I thought this comment sums up at least my opinion rather well. From the story chat of the op-ed.
This editorial board has yet again proved itself out of touch with the community and reality. Attempting to make the connection between the F.A.I.R plan and the Midtown project is totally incoherent. The comparison might be apt if Spitzer announced these plan at 12:30 and the Legislature approved the funding at 1:30, although a key distinction lies in the fact that no serious person questions the effectiveness of the Midtown project. Whereas the F.A.I.R plan was announced at 5:00 and approved by the legislature at 6:00 and many people, arguably a majority of Monroe County residents, disagree with the effectiveness of the F.A.I.R plan.
Unlike the F.A.I.R plan, citizens will now have an opportunity to express their sentiments on the Midtown project, before it is enacted.
It’s not like Spitzer had a wrecking ball waiting to tear down Midtown after his speech.
Come on people, this analogy is absurd. You’re risking further erosion in your relevancy.
Itson
Posted: Sun Oct 21, 2007 8:53 am
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I think the editorial board at the D&C has lost its sense of logic. From what Mr. Lawrence wrote, I have to question whether he even understands the basics of how government works.
Individual politicians (or delegations of politicians) bring home the bacon, so-to-speak, and they always receive all the credit. This is the essence of pork barrel spending. Politicians don’t typically call folks from the other party to deliver a check, unless these individuals were involved in the process of acquiring the funds. I would hope this is not a stunning revelation.
On the other hand, every legislator (or at least some legislators from each political party) in a legislative body should be afforded the opportunity to help craft the budget for the affiliated executive branch. This ensures proper oversight to prevent malfeasance and ensures that residents’ voices are heard through their representative on issues that directly affect the way their government will be financed and run.
I think Mr. Lawrence needs to go back to Public Policy 101, if he ever enrolled in the first place.
This is a comparison of fresh off the tree NY State apples and rotten oranges.
You cannot compare the awesome news the Eliot Spitzer brought to Rochester in the announcement of the demolition of Midtown Plaza to make way for the world headquarters of Paetec to the unFAIR plan of Maggie’s which is nothing but bad news.
Plus, where’s the comparison between the impact on the community? As they sort of say in movies, no children were hurt in the making of this (city) project. Unlike a certain county project with which we’re well familiar. The Republicans may be bellyaching (I imagine Minarik’s complaints are a lot more descriptive than bellyaching) because they can’t claim credit for something, but they are so arrogant that they think they have a right to articulate that, despite their recent antics. Appalling.
What a well-written comment! I’d rather read you than Lawrence.
At least he didn’t compare the PAETEC deal to the Fast Ferry. That’s what the Republicans at work have been doing a lot of recently. I thought my head was going to explode today. I think I have anger issues.
Don’t worry Itchy, I think your coworkers are the ones with issues.
…I thought my head was going to explode today. I think I have anger issues.
You crack me up sometimes Itchy. If you do have anger issues, you’ve earned them man! We love you just the way you are - exploding head and all!