TUES NOV 6th: “Vote Mitt Romney”

Dear fellow New Yorker’s, friends in Ohio and Pennsylvania, and all Americans across our great Nation,

We believe in America and hope you do as well. In 4 days there is only one clear choice to get America back on track and right the path of our great national ship that has blown so far off course over these last 4 years. We believe that Mitt Romney can do this, not because he’s “the one” – a kind of messiah or savior, a rock star or some worldly celebrity, or any other delusional or shallow attribute, but because he is a real leader and a true statesman. Mitt Romney as a former Governor understands not only what Washington DC must properly do, but also what it must not. He understands how government should work and first and foremost that any policy of such must be grounded in certain rock solid principles, those that made us what we are, those found in our Constitution. He understands as a successful businessman how and why our laissez faire system of free market capitalism works, works best, and how to promote it in such a way, as well as get out of its way, so that is creates jobs, prosperity, and the revenues that government needs to carry out it essential and proper functions. He understands as the former Commander-in-Chief of his state, how to be such for his Nation, and that we must regain our footing in the world as a leader, as a beacon of liberty, and that we must keep our nation safe and stand by our friends, with a policy of peace through strength. He also understands as a successful man how to pay it forward, has been very generous throughout his life, and understands that government cannot force charity, nor should promote dependency, and that the best way for a community to take of itself is through its’ individuals achievement, responsibility, and choice, not by having their hand out to Washington DC. Finally, Mitt Romney is a man of integrity, is humble, pious, and devout in his beliefs of life, liberty, and our rights that come from our creator, not from man, and not from government. He can and he will use these traits to bring our nation back together and lead us into the future in the spirit of another great leader who once said, “You and I are told we must choose between a left or right, but I suggest there is no such thing as a left or right. There is only an up or down. Up to man’s age-old dream–the maximum of individual freedom consistent with order — or down to the ant heap of totalitarianism. Regardless of their sincerity, their humanitarian motives, those who would sacrifice freedom for security have embarked on this downward path. Plutarch warned, “The real destroyer of the liberties of the people is he who spreads among them bounties, donations and benefits.”

Fellow Americans we are on that downward path, but we believe in the upward one, and we are confident that Mitt Romney, Paul Ryan, their families, and enough of yours, believe so as well. Together this election day, we pray, we can get back on this upward path by making the change we truly need. With our heart and soul, and of sound mind – may Mitt Romney be the next President of these United States of America and may our next generations be as blessed with freedom as we were.

Real Change From Day One – Mitt’s Closing Argument

(For Obama 4 More Days – Not 4 more years. The only hope now is that we get the real change needed but never delivered, and no more of those changes we did get, that only made matters worse!)

“President Obama promised change, but he could not deliver it. I promise change, and I have a record of achieving it. This is why I am running for president. I know how to change the course the nation is on, how to get us to a balanced budget and how to build jobs and rising take-home pay. Accomplishing real change is not something I just talk about–it is something I have done. And it is what will do when I am President of the United States.

If you believe we can do better, if you believe America should be on a better course, if you are tired of being tired, then I ask you to vote for real change. Paul Ryan and I will bring real change to America, from Day One.”  –  Mitt Romney

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TUES NOV 6th: “Vote Tom Reed”

For us this contest is another stark contrast, and hands down, no contest, we support “Reed”

(update) PJ 11/1/12: Which congressional candidate would better represent the needs of Chautauqua County?

1. Tom Reed
   70%
2. Nate Shinagawa
   30%

And among all the important info to follow, Houghton, whose representation we greatly respected, sums it up:  Former Congressman Amo Houghton announced today he enthusiastically endorses Congressman Tom Reed in the House of Representatives for the 23^rd Congressional District. Houghton, who represented New York’s 29^th Congressional District from 1987-2005, expressed his strong support for Reed and urged voters to join him in electing Reed on Election Day: “I enthusiastically support Tom and endorse him for election,” Houghton said. “We need his practical, bipartisan approach. Tom is someone that we are, and can be, proud of.”

“It’s very humbling to have such great support from someone whom I respect so much,” Reed said. “Amo and I speak often and his advice is central to the way we approach representing people.”

Houghton’s statement comes just days after Reed was endorsed for election by the Buffalo News, which compared Reed favorably to another former Western New York Congressman, Jack Quinn. The endorsement praised Reed’s “passionate yet pragmatic approach to governing that is built on conservative principles yet is open to the possibility of compromise,” adding that Reed’s approach is something that the nation desperately needs.

The Buffalo News Endorsement – “We like his brand of Republicanism. It’s a passionate yet pragmatic approach to governing that is built on conservative principles yet is open to the possibility of compromise.” (It’s worth noting how remarkable it is that Reed did receive this endorsement as this same paper also endorsed Democrats Higgins and Hochul).

State Senator Cathy Young has endorsed Tom Reed for Congress in New York’s new 23^rd Congressional District. “This election is of critical importance to the people of the Southern Tier,” said Senator Young. “Tom Reed’s commitment to private-sector job growth is what we need to move our region toward greater economic recovery. He is truly committed to reducing government spending, lowering taxes for our families and small businesses, and creating a business-friendly environment. With Tom Reed, we will have a strong and accessible voice in Washington.”

TOM REED ENDORSED BY STATE SENATOR TOM O’MARA FOR NEW YORK’S 23RD CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT

Endorsement: In new district, Reed is choice October 31, 2012 The OBSERVER

(It should also be noted that our County Editorials have also praised the fact that we were returned to our old Congressional District, and we couldn’t agree more. We were just some of many that advocated for such over the last couple years and couldn’t be happier that along with the redistricting came being represented by Tom Reed who on so many levels is doing an excellent job for us as a freshman, yet leader, in Congress.)

Reed Has Slight Edge Over Shinagawa October 31, 2012 The Post-Journal

…And so we urge voters to elect Tom Reed to Congress on Nov. 6.

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TOM REED RECEIVES NRA ENDORSEMENT

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REED NAMED AMERICAN FARM BUREAU “FRIEND OF FARM BUREAU”; CONGRESSMAN WAS NOMINATED BY NEW YORK FARM BUREAU

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CONGRESSMAN REED RECEIVES “GUARDIAN OF SMALL BUSINESS” AWARD FROM NATIONAL FEDERATION OF INDEPENDENT BUSINESS

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Buffalo Niagara Partnership Announces 2012 Endorsements The Buffalo Niagara Partnership announced its 2012 election endorsements this morning. According to a statement, its endorsements were based on “candidates’ Unshackle Upstate Legislative Scorecards and support for fiscally sound budgets, important regional projects including UB2020, Proceeds, Roswell Park, and statewide issues like the property tax cap. In federal races, policy positions on national employer and economic development issues were closely examined, as well as astute understanding of and support for Buffalo Niagara-specific initiatives.” The Partnership’s endorsed candidates are: Tom Reed (R) – U.S. House of Representatives 23^rd District, …

The Heritage Alliance (A Christian Values Org.) released their IVoterGuide.Scored Reed a “B” and his opponent Shinigawa a “F”. Among some of the findings, National Right to Life 100% Americans for Prosperity 100% Concerned Women for America 92% American Conservative Union 88%, Government unions scored him low – 0, Planned Parenthood 0, NRA gives him an “A” rating, while the Sierra Club endorsed his opponent.

http://tomreedforcongress.com/

http://www.facebook.com/VoteTomReed

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TUES NOV 6th: “Vote Andy Goodell”

(update) PJ Poll 11/3/12: Which candidate for Assembly District 150 do you support?

1.     Rudy Mueller

46%

2.    Andy Goodell

54%

You bet Goodell deserves another term! He has done a remarkable job challenging the status quo on both sides of the isle in Albany, standing up to the insanity that often comes from the NYC delegation, as well as actually getting things done while still sticking to his guns in fighting for our values here at home. The paper did well to point this out and was nice to his opponent, which is fine as we have no dispute with the statement that he is an idealist gadfly with a lot of energy. We must however articulate a few more things:

1. Mr Mueller once attended a town hall meeting and after making some fairly ridiculous arguments on why he supported the effort to advance Obamacare, like comparing it to car insurance, the discussion turned to Illegal immigration issues. Having first failed to recognize that illegal aliens are costing the state of NY $billions/year, he then proceeded to announce that it’s not a County problem and he’s never seen or heard of any illegals locally. After it was pointed out that there was just recently an arrest of several illegals at the mexican restaurant in Lakewood (his own legislature district and back yard) that was the end of his remarks (and he never attended another one of these town halls either).
2. On the subject of having championed and end to tax payer funded insurance for part-time county legislators he is claiming some credit where it is not due. You see he did not start the idea, nor did he bring it to the forefront. We will give him credit that once he did jump on the bandwagon yes he did goad and prod his colleagues to eliminate it, but then how couldn’t he. He and his spouse are both doctors and wealthy so how could he possibly not advocate that taxpayers shouldn’t have to provide him full insurance coverage for part-time service. It would have been political suicide in his case and of course taking such a position hurt him none whatsoever.
3. On the subject of the lake, we do not dispute that he cares about it and we do appreciate that fact, however many of his ideas on how to deal with it have been so unrealistic that his own party wouldn’t even advance most of them.
4. On redistricting you may recall the original effort to which he was a part. He had full access and imput and after officially working on a plan with other legislators from both parties, voted to accept the plan out of committee and advance to the full legislature. Within a couple of days he succumbed to the pressure of a couple upset fellow democrats and unofficially, outside of any duly called meeting, attempted to undue the whole effort by withdrawing his vote,  announcing such that weekend. He then proceeded to go work on his own unauthorized plan and no less utilized county resources to do so. The taxpayers were never reimbursed for those costs and his plan never did advance to the floor because well, it wasn’t legal. To make matters worse he had talked about such things as the integrity of towns and keeping them whole but the results of his plan did quite the opposite in many cases, except for his own town of Busti that is.
5. As for the sales tax issue, well this can get a little complicated depending on what aspect you look at but there’s one thing he tried to do that’s pretty simple. The idea of a sales tax swap was floated and he was all about doing it. The potential was that the state would take our sales tax revenues and relieve the county of its medicaid bill, and where that may sound good, and especially so in the present year it was being discussed, he wasn’t looking to the future and other consequences. Had we done this, once sales tax picked back up to being higher than the medcaid bill, the county would be loosing out. Not only that, but if we would have given the state what it wanted, then where would be the incentive to reform medicaid and bring the cost down for our state taxpayers which is what’s really needed. Fortunately we didn’t do it and as far as we know only 1 county in the entire state was foolish enough to do so.
6. Something Mueller did right was his advocacy that the county home should absolutely be privatized and the county should no longer be running that fiscally failing operation. It’s surprising today that those resisting the effort to do so aren’t taking Mueller to task about this seeing that most of them are democrats, and union ops who are generally in the tank for democrats. Then again maybe it just goes to show their own hypocrisy. Regardless, the thing one must understand about Mueller’s position with the home is that where he doesn’t want the county in healthcare, he certainly does want full-out socialized/government-run health at the state/federal level, just read his sick book.
7. One final thought on his tenure as a legislator would be how he left it. For someone who touts how successful and effective he was, he actually chose not to run again because he was in trouble. In addition to all the aforementioned there was that nasty business of trying to dissolve Lakewood and how the way he inserted himself and went about it made a lot of people mad. He chose not to run again and left his seat so weak that it turned over to a Republican who wasn’t even challenged.
8. As for state issues as a prospective state lawmaker, a main issue he is supporting is public campaign finance. We oppose outright this idea as does Goodell. The complete contradiction in Mr Mueller stating he’s for lower taxes and more efficient government, when he in fact wants to expand state government and take more of your taxes to be funneled to politicians campaigns, is astounding.
9. Finally, we know that Mr Mueller is a smart man and a good doctor, but as for being politically astute or politically effective, understanding how government really works, and having a real depth of knowledge as to state legislation, not so much, and certainly not even close to the degree that Mr Goodell does. Just look at his statements about being  both a doctor and a state legislator. He purports that his medical practice will not suffer, will not be interrupted, but we submit that he really doesn’t understand what he’s getting into, and he is not only fooling himself but his patients too. We can only hope they will wisely see fit to vote to keep him here as a full-time doctor, which our county needs, and at the same time keep him out of Albany!

Goodell deserves another term

November 2, 2012 The OBSERVER

Voters in Chautauqua County have a clear choice between the two men running for the state Assembly – incumbent Republican Andrew Goodell and Democrat challenger Rudy Mueller.

Rudy Mueller is an idealist and – we mean this in a good way – a gadfly with a lot of energy. He is a physician and founding member of Jamestown Primary Care. You first heard about him in the news a decade ago with the publication of his book about the failings of our health care system.

Mueller served two two-year terms in the County Legislature where he goaded and prodded his colleagues to eliminate taxpayer-funded health insurance for part-time legislators and to cut the size of the legislature. He also consistently voted for lower sales taxes, saving consumers money and giving the county’s retail businesses a fighting chance to compete with Pennsylvania.

Goodell is pragmatic and methodical. He has experience running his own private sector business – a law firm in Jamestown. He was county executive in Chautauqua County for eight years and so voters knew what they were getting when they elected him to the state Assembly two years ago: A tireless and brilliant lawmaker who is able to frame issues in such detailed, precise and irrefutable terms that solutions and answers are obvious.

Goodell sees bipartisan bridge building as a key to fashioning a healthy future for New York state. He recounts a bill he pushed in the Assembly to amend Medicaid costs for counties. He said the legislation had 60 co-sponsors – including more than a dozen Democrats in the Assembly. Even though the majority Democrats did not enact the bill, Goodell said, Gov. Andrew Cuomo put the legislation in his budget.

“It’s all about reaching across the table,” he says.

As a minority member in the Democrat-dominated state Assembly, Goodell serves as an able partner to influential Republican Sen. Catharine Young of Olean in the Senate. He talks of bringing Democrats to the table who need both houses to enact legislation and who recognize his partnership with Young – and we add, in turn, Young’s partnership on many issues with Gov. Cuomo.

The synopsis of what Goodell stands for in this election is what we would expect from his well-established record in public office: cutting taxes at the state and local level by reforming welfare and Medicaid, cutting expensive regulations on local governments as well as business and making the state a friendly place to do business.

While Rudy Mueller has a lot of energy and ideas, Goodell is clearly the right choice in this election to continue being a voice of reason and common sense in Albany.

We urge you to re-elect Andy Goodell to the state Assembly on Tuesday.

For more on Assemblyman Goodell our elections page

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TUES NOV 6th: “Vote Judge Ward”

There is no question that when it comes to our public officials character counts, and where there may be more emphasis on some than others, such as those in top spots like a President, Governor, or a County Executive, there is one public official where character is paramount, in every instance, and that is with our Judges.

In this contest there is no comparison and John Ward wins by leaps and bounds. Quite frankly we are still astounded that the County Democrats in all their disfunction, apparent or not, made such a poor choice for their candidate in this race. Except for the most partisan, we would expect many Dem voters to vote for Ward because they, unlike their party leadership, can still use their common sense and make prudent decisions!

The Post-Journal & The OBSERVER Endorse Ward

“…election this year of a Chautauqua County Court judge an easy choice.

From his 35-year career serving the public, voters know without doubt that incumbent Judge John Ward is the embodiment of the even-tempered, professionally competent jurist we can trust to dispense justice.

We also know the challenger in this election, William Coughlin of Fredonia, is most certainly not the person in whom we should vest the mighty power of the County Court judge… …that man has no business being a judge.

John Ward wields the formidable power of County Court judge with grace, humility, an even hand and competence. He has disposed of some 10,000 cases in his 20 years on the bench. Only nine have been reversed on appeal. Let’s keep him on the job.”

Western New York Police Association Endorses Ward

“I am honored to have received the support of this organization which represents law enforcement in western New York.,” Ward said. “This show of support, in addition to the endorsements I have received from the NY State Police Investigators Association and the Jamestown Kendall Club should demonstrate to the people of Chautauqua County that my record as judge is solid. My commitment is to justice, law and order and just punishment for those who seek to destroy the quality of life we enjoy in this wonderful county. I will continue to work as hard as I can to be fair, impartial and just in carrying out the immense responsibility of the county judgeship.”

Judge John Ward receives New York State Police Investigators Association endorsement for county judge

“Your many years of dedicated service to the community have brought honor and professionalism to the judicial system in Chautauqua County. As County Court Judge, your reputation of fairness and impartiality were duly noted and respected by members of the New York State Police BCI as well as various local agencies.” Qualey concluded by saying, “Your excellent reputation precedes you in your political race for Chautauqua County Court Judge and it is with great pleasure that the members of the NYSPIA offer our support and assistance in your re-election and look forward to working with you in the future.”

Judge Ward Defends Record

County’s Top Magistrate Has Had (Only) Nine Of 10,000-Plus Decisions Reversed

Judge Ward has a stellar record, good character, integrity, a lack of partisanship, constitutional fidelity, or in other words a lack of activism which only has a place among opposing counsels and legislators, and no place on the bench; and the same cannot be said for his opponent. Ward can not only defend his record, he can promote it too!

FOR MORE SEE OUR ELECTIONS PAGE

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TUES NOV 6th: “Vote Cathy Young”

Absolutely, need we say more, the papers articles says it all, she has worked for it, been so successful at it, and no doubt has earned it!

(State Senator) Young earns fifth term

October 30, 2012 The OBSERVER & The POST-JOURNAL

On Election Day, Catharine Young will be returned to office for a fifth term as our district’s state senator – as well she should be.

Sen. Young is running on the Republican, Conservative and Independence lines unopposed – a nod by the Democrats to her well-earned invincibility in the district that includes Chautauqua, Cattaraugus and Allegany counties and a part of Livingston County.

She was first elected in the 57th Senate District in a special election after the untimely death of the affable Sen. Patricia McGee. At the time, Young was serving in the state Assembly. Although she had taken a leadership role in the Republican minority caucus in Albany, at home Assemblywoman Young seemed to be the very junior member of our area’s state delegation, working in the long shadow of Democrat William Parment in the Assembly.

With her election to the state Senate in 2005, Sen. Young quickly proved herself to be the formidable, determined, talented and indefatigable champion of the people in her district that today we know her to be.

Her official biography lists the facts: She has chaired the Senate Standing Committee on Agriculture, and been co-chair of the Administrative Regulations Review Commission. She currently chairs the Senate Standing Committee on Housing, Construction and Community Development; and the Legislative Commission on Rural Resources. She is a member of the Finance Committee, Transportation Committee, Health Committee, Insurance Committee, Agriculture Committee, Environmental Conservation Committee, and Children and Family Services Committee.

What is not apparent in that cold-fact listing is Sen. Young’s record of standing firm against continued over-the-top state spending and helping to bring the state Senate’s Republican majority into a partnership with Democrat Gov. Andrew Cuomo in support of reasonable and responsible budgeting and government reform.

As effective as she is in Albany, Sen. Young has her finger on the pulse of communities all across her senatorial district. Her energy and willingness to be everywhere talking with everyone about everything are boundless.

Sen. Young has the endorsements of the state’s top business groups – the Business Council of New York State, Unshackle Upstate and the National Federation of Independent Businesses. She is also a member of the Farm Bureau’s Circle of Friends.

We add our voice to those congratulating her for a job very well done.

Although Sen. Young is running unopposed, we encourage you to cast a vote of confidence for her on whatever line feels comfortable to you on Election Day.

Catharine Young has more than earned it.

[OCDB footnote: Though unopposed this time, it’s worth pointing out that she won over her last opponent, remarkably with over 70% of the vote.]

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PETITION: Support Dunkirk’s NRG, sign up today!

Support the Dunkirk Repowering Project

Petitioning Governor Cuomo and the New York Energy Highway Task Force (click above to sign)

NOTE: In addition to the online poll, if you know someone without internet, there are paper petitions as well. They are available at various County and Dunkirk public offices, call the County Exec @ (716) 753-4211 for more info.

As of this post now over 1000 signatures, but still should be far more. Still haven’t signed yet? Please do so today and we would emphasize the same sentiments as to why as those offered below:

October 18, 2012 The Dunkirk OBSERVER

Urgency grows for petition

Not to sound snide, but where are all the residents who support the NRG Energy Inc. $700 million plan to convert the Dunkirk facility from being coal fired to a natural-gas plant? As of Wednesday morning, there were around 400 people who had signed the petition, which means so much to this region and Western New York. Just in case you need reminding, NRG’s Dunkirk facility:

Contributes nearly $8.5 million in a payment in lieu of taxes agreement, which benefits the city of Dunkirk, its school district and the county. / Has an economic impact of more than $40 million annually to this area. / Supports numerous non-profit initiatives and organizations. /Also, if the proposal for a natural gas facility passes, there will be hundreds of jobs – and out-of-town cash for restaurants, hotels and merchants – coming to the area for a plant upgrade.

So thanks to those 400 people – and hundreds of others around our area who have signed the paper petition – for taking the time to express your support. If you have not done so yet, please do. The web address is www.powerupwny.org and click on the box on the home page to sign.

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