A few weeks ago, we wrote about a typically misinformed D&C piece about the proposal that gas taxes be temporarily suspended. The D&C wrote in favor of the proposal, perhaps not surprisingly, given its superficial appeal.

Now, some more serious journalists have taken on the issue and they’re arriving at very different conclusions. Here’s Paul Krugman:

Why doesn’t cutting the gas tax this summer make sense? It’s Econ 101 tax incidence theory: if the supply of a good is more or less unresponsive to the price, the price to consumers will always rise until the quantity demanded falls to match the quantity supplied. Cut taxes, and all that happens is that the pretax price rises by the same amount. The McCain gas tax plan is a giveaway to oil companies, disguised as a gift to consumers.

Is the supply of gasoline really fixed? For this coming summer, it is. Refineries normally run flat out in the summer, the season of peak driving. Any elasticity in the supply comes earlier in the year, when refiners decide how much to put in inventories. The McCain/Clinton gas tax proposal comes too late for that. So it’s Econ 101: the tax cut really goes to the oil companies.

Here’s Tom Friedman (yes, I know he’s not really a serious journalist):

It is great to see that we finally have some national unity on energy policy. Unfortunately, the unifying idea is so ridiculous, so unworthy of the people aspiring to lead our nation, it takes your breath away. Hillary Clinton has decided to line up with John McCain in pushing to suspend the federal excise tax on gasoline, 18.4 cents a gallon, for this summer’s travel season. This is not an energy policy. This is money laundering: we borrow money from China and ship it to Saudi Arabia and take a little cut for ourselves as it goes through our gas tanks. What a way to build our country.

When the summer is over, we will have increased our debt to China, increased our transfer of wealth to Saudi Arabia and increased our contribution to global warming for our kids to inherit.

Perhaps the best piece I’ve read comes from Evan Dawson of Channel 13 (via F29th):

Delaying the pain could hurt more

If the cost of gas goes down, consumers will feel a sharp hit when it goes back up come Labor Day. Any consumers adjusting their budgets for lower gas prices — or sustained prices — would feel the sting of a sharp jump in prices after the gas taxes are renewed.

You might not actually save a penny

(Economist Kim) Gardner says New York state in particular is ripe for distributors to control the prices. “Cutting the gas tax would open the door for distributors to raise prices, erasing any savings for the consumer,” Gardner explains. “New York state is not exactly suited for competition and free market when it comes to gasoline.”

The bottom line is that no serious observer thinks the gas tax holiday proposal is anything other than an absurd gimmick.

you have to have a party
when you’re in a state like this
you can really move it all
you have to vote and change
you have to get right out of it
like out of all this mess
you’ll say yeah to anything
if you believe all this but
don’t cry, don’t do anything
no lies, back in the government
no tears, party time is here again
president gas is up for president

I just got off the phone with Eric Massa, retired Navy Commander who is challenging Randy Kuhl, and the Psychedelic Furs’ “President Gas” kept coming to mind. Why? Here’s Massa on the reason we’re soon to be facing gas over $4 a gallon:

I don’t like being partisan but we must understand how we got here. The president stood in the shadow of the World Trade Center towers and committed us to war without [authorizing anyone] to pay for it. He has mitigated that debt by devaluing the dollar, which has been devalued the past two years by 50-60%. OPEC countries largely have moved away from using the dollar as their trade currency and use the euro instead.

This morning Shell and BP (British Petroleum) announced record earnings. This is unheard of. It is profiteering at the pump. They are given tax incentives to drill for new oil. Petro is at $110 a barrel. They don’t need our tax money. The economic policies of George Bush and his rubberstampers are very directly responsible for the increase in the price of gasoline.

I asked Massa if he had pumped his own gas recently and he said:

Yes. I just filled up my mini-van, which has an [extended tank] and $75 did not fill it up.

Massa went on to discuss the devaluing of the dollar and Kuhl’s practice of blaming Speaker Pelosi via the “Pelosi Premium”:

[President Bush has] devalued the dollar by unrestricted borrowing and spending. He has made sure that we import everything. We imported more food than we grew ourselves [last year] for the first time in history. Blaming our economy on Nancy Pelosi while providing tax subsidies for oil companies [is wrong]. This is just a Karl Rove-contracted campaign. George Bush and his majority have been in charge for seven years.

Massa makes a good point: blaming Pelosi for the price of gas given that we’ve had nearly eight years of Bush and his policies is convenient scapegoating. Americans may buy the high gasoline out of necessity but I doubt they will buy the Republicans’ excuses.

With the announcement that Erie County Democrats have endorsed Jon Powers for Congress, Powers’ campaign released the following statement today (emphasis mine):

“I am thrilled to have the endorsement of Erie County Democrats and look forward to bringing real leadership and real solutions to the problems facing working families in Western New York,” said Jon Powers, former captain in the U.S. Army, Iraq war veteran and Democratic candidate for Congress. Powers earned the support of all seven counties solidifying his position as the endorsed Democratic candidate. He has also gained a great deal of support from organization labor in the area.

“Jon Powers is running an incredibly effective grassroots campaign and he represents a new generation of leadership that people are hoping for in this country” stated Len Lenihan, Erie County Democratic Chairman.

This endorsement gives Powers all seven counties and points to the strength of his campaign, which is based on conversations with voters and their interests as opposed to money.

Wow, Rochester continues the tradition in being the first for civil rights movements. This Gala Event offered a great opportunity for a night on the town, and to be part of history in the making. I want to thank the organizers for giving me the chance to document this important happening for RT and for giving Monroe county the shot in the arm that it needs to recognize the importance of marriage for everyone who values love and commitment as basic human needs, as well as essential to a community’s social and economic health.

Earlier in the day, several couples spoke their vows at church. From WXXI:

ROCHESTER, NY (2008-04-28) A dozen same sex couples renewed or said marriage vows for the first time after years of partnership this weekend at the First Unitarian Church of Rochester.

The group ceremony, though not legal marriage under New York State law, marked a court decision that’s been hailed by gay advocates trying to push the case for same-sex marriage rights in New York.

The reception for these couples, and all who wanted to participate, was held at the Riverside Convention Center later in the evening.

At the registration table we were graciously greeted and asked to sign the “Guest Book” which was actually a petition stating our support for the recognition of Same Sex Marriage in New York State. We were given shopping bags and raffle tickets to partake in the offerings of the raffles, silent auctions and vendor samples. The room for wedding vendors was packed, business people anxious to tap into this new market lined the room and the center court.

vendors-at-the-expo.JPG

At 8: 15 PM an introduction and welcome was given by Jo Meleca-Voigt.

She thanked all the participants for signing the “guest book”. She spoke of those, locally in the government who supported the cause. She stressed that we need to stand up for those candidates that stand up for us and noted that not one state senator, representing Monroe County, supports same sex marriage.

“We need to work together and work smart and like Pat Martinez, not take ‘no’ for an answer.”

This was a great lead-in to Pat, who spoke next:

We hold these truths to be self evident that all men are created equal………….

……..and the pursuit of happiness.

lisa-and-pat.JPG

(I’m thinking they look pretty happy)

Pat and Lisa led with the first wedding dance (and, no Pat, the music does NOT move you ugly!)

I had the opportunity to speak with our friends, Anne Tischer and Bess Watts, who you will recall from previous posts:

ann-and-bess.JPG

I rounded out the evening by asking our County Legislature’s Minority Leader, Harry Bronson, for a quote. (I’m paraphrasing here, cause Harry talks fast and I write slowly-can I borrow your recorder next time, Stlo?):

“Celebrating diversity, like this, is a wonderful thing to do. I sincerely hope that Maggie Brooks reconsiders her decision to appeal and holds true to the ideals of the civil rights activists from this area since the days of Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass. It is disheartening that the current administration opposes same sex marriage. Our County Executive says it’s all about the taxpayers, but we are all taxpayers.”

Thanks, Harry-You’re right, of course.

She blames the schools for taking “her” tax money. She blames domestic partners for costing the taxpayers money. Now it’s time to blame the state for their unfunded mandates.

Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks is taking aim at unfunded state mandates, as so many others in her position have done.

[snip]

Unfunded state mandates, or programs that state government requires counties to provide but do not fully fund, include welfare, Medicaid and subsidized day care.

So, let me get this straight. Let’s stop paying for things where we help the poorest of the poor (isn’t government there for the purpose of helping those who cannot help themselves?) but let’s keep COMIDA fully funded and continue those free lunches for all of Maggie’s fat cat donor friends.

WTF?

From Channel 13:

- The trial for the former Executive Director of the Monroe County Water Authority will go on.

A judge denied a motion Tuesday to dismiss a criminal charge against John Stanwix.

In January Stanwix pleaded “not guilty” to charges he abused his post.

He is accused of doing consultant work for a company that had business with the Water Authority –which constitutes a conflict of interest.

We’ve written about the scandal a lot before.

This means that all the Democratic county parties in NY-26 have endorsed Jon Powers:

Democrats in Erie County are standing behind an Iraq war veteran who’s running for the congressional seat that is currently held by retiring Republican Tom Reynolds.

The Erie County Democratic Committee is endorsing Jon Powers.

Hey all, here’s another opportunity to check out the voting machines, tonight at the Fairport Public Library, courtesy of the Perinton Dems:

Please join the Perinton Democratic Committee in welcoming Monroe County Board of Elections Commissioner Thomas Ferrarese as he gives a presentation about the new voting ballot marking devices and optical scanners. The presentation is a wonderful opportunity to become familiar with and learn more about the new machines and how they were selected.

Tuesday, April 29, 2008 at 7:00 PM
Fairport Public Library in the Elma Gaffney Meeting Room
This presentation is free and open to the public.

A few days ago, it was reported that Republican David Bonnachi would challenge Democrat David Koon in NYS Assembly District 135. Today Bonnachi made it official. Reader D has some eyewitness reporting from his press conference:

minarik introduced him to a crowd of about 20 people or so. andy meloni, mark florack, mike flanigan, mrs. bonacchi, anthony daniele stood up with him. bonacchi said that albany needs someone to fight for the district and that he has the pulse of the people. taxes are too high (especially gas and property) and local leaders from the county exec on down know how to reign them in. he has thought about his life since losing in november and he wants to serve the people again. he said dave koon is part of the problem in albany and he looks forward to debating him. he was asked if this would look like revenge and he said that he is italian and they don’t believe in revenge, but, no, it is not about revenge it is about public service. he was asked why he chose the village hall for this announcement and he said it was the only place that let him.

Italians don’t believe in revenge?

This is a grudge match, Bonnachi has no chance of winning, and don’t be surprised if this one lasts about long as Michael Corleone’s promise not to off his brother-in-law Carl.

Rich-man, Poor-man, Beggar-man, Thief… 

No, I’m not tripping on some ’70’s nostalgia, I’ve just finished reading this piece by Historical Pessimist about the dangers of Jack Davis’ Millionaire Complaint:

About a month ago, Kos wrote a front page entry entitled “Crazy Jack Davis and the woes of the millionaire.” In it he, described how 2-time loser Jack Davis, who ran against Tom Reynolds twice for the NY26th Congressional seat, was taking his lawsuit against the “Millionaire’s Amendment” section of BCRA (otherwise known as McCain-Feingold) all the way to the Supreme Court. Talk about bad optics: here was a supposed Democrat arguing that it should be easier for wealthy quacks like him to buy a seat in the people’s House.

Historical Pessimist’s diary :: ::
The Supreme Court heard the case a week ago and the tea leaf readers in the press suggest that the oral arguments indicate Davis is probably going to win. That’s bad enough, but now it appears the case contains a Trojan Horse which could end up invalidating the public financing systems of states like Maine and Arizona which have adopted them with great success.

The entire piece is definitely worth your time. 

There’s something truly awful about this: Maggie Brooks has put up a survey where readers can suggest ways to cut the county budget deficit.   Readers can check boxes like “Cut funding for Downtown Library and Library Central Services (Potential Savings: $7.8 million)”.

Luckily, we’re also allowed to make suggestions at the end.   One reader has told me that he wrote:

Stop wasting money on frivolous lawsuits.

Kill Renaissance Square project.

Sounds pretty sensible to me.  Why not stop by and add some suggestions of your own?

Rotten catches Randy Kuhl giving the Republican radio address on the topic of gas prices.  He spends the entire address trying to blame high gas prices on Nancy Pelosi.

Can someone explain this one to me?  Is this an honest attempt at scoring political points of some kind of hazing ritual that endangered junior Congressmen are forced to go through?

Democrats have a lot to be happy about. The Washington Post  reported yesterday,  in an excellent read that there have been one million new Democratic voters registered for the last seven primaries, and that Democrats are registering in record numbers. The piece involved interviews with several different types of voters.

North Carolina and Indiana, which will hold their presidential primaries on May 6, are reporting a swell of new Democrats that triples the surge in registrations before the 2004 primary.

The contest between Sens. Hillary Rodham Clinton and Barack Obama has engaged enough new voters to change the political makeup of the country, experts say. The next several months — and the general election in November — will reveal the extent of the shift. Is it a temporary increase in interest resulting from a close election between historic candidates? Or is it a seismic swing in party realignment that foretells the end of the red-blue stalemate?

Depending on your point of view about the protracted contest between Senator Clinton and Senator Obama, your answer to the red-blue stalemate question might differ. Listening to Howard Dean discuss his wishes for a united party after June and before the convention, one gets the feeling that he thinks the competition is fine—up to a point.

I think the record number of Democratic voter registrations show that the primary contest between Clinton and Obama is motivating people to register and that is really half the battle. Things are much different now than during the last two elections and Republican numbers are suffering as a result. Surely, third time’s the charm. It is inconceivable to me that supporters of the Democratic candidate who ultimately bows out will not support the nominated Democrat come November. There’s just too much at stake. One million newly registered Democrats want the White House back.

Despite the fact that Rick Lewis was endorsed by the Conservative party in NY-26, seven counties in the district endorsed another Republican candidate Christopher Lee:

Seven Republican county chairmen from across western New York agreed this evening to back Erie County businessman Christopher Lee for Congress.

The chairmen met in Geneseo to cast ballots, and said they considered all the candidates, including Rick Lewis, another Erie County businessman, and Iraq war veteran and author David Bellavia.

“We felt he was the most qualified candidate,” said Gordon Brown, chairman of the Republican committee in Wyoming County.

RT has covered this story here and here and here, (and many other places) believing that Bill Smith was a foregone conclusion for this political appointment. Looks like we were wrong, and happily so. From today’s D&C, Bill Smith not recommended for MCC president. (h/t to Stlo7 for the lead here):

Monroe Community College faculty and student leaders today recommended that either Laurence Spraggs or local businessman Dennis Kessler be chosen the next president of the college. [snip]

Neither faculty nor student committees recommended that finalist Bill Smith, a former county legislator, be selected president.

The process to select MCC’s next president has been marred by claims of political favoritism.

[snip]

The full Board of Trustees met at 5 p.m. today but postponed the selection of a new president until May 17

Will truth, justice, and the American Way prevail here (along with some common sense) ? Stay tuned…….

Update: The Board of Trustees has the final say here, so there is still a possibility that we will be, sadly, right about all of this.