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Stec, Gov. Cuomo Honor Keene Valley Resident


Assemblyman Dan Stec (left) and Gov. Andrew Cuomo (right) honor Keene resident Ron Konowitz with a Hurricane Irene Recovery Award.

Assemblyman Dan Stec (R,C,I – Queensbury) and Gov. Andrew Cuomo recently honored Keene Valley resident Ron Konowitz with an Emergency Preparedness Award during the governor’s Conference on Emergency Preparedness. The award was given in recognition of Konowitz’s extraordinary courage and dedication as a volunteer firefighter in service of our communities.

“When times were tough and things were at their worst, Ron Konowitz was at his best,” said Stec. “Ron was on the frontline as a volunteer firefighter and his courage and dedication to helping others has proven crucial not only in helping our friends and neighbors recover in the wake of Hurricane Irene, but in saving the lives of others. It was an honor to present him with an award recognizing his service to our communities and on behalf of the entire 114th District, I thank him.”

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2013 Ballot Proposals: Proposal # 4

Ballot Proposal 4 hits very close to home.

The official ballot text for Proposal # 4 reads as follows:

Settling Disputed Title in the Forest Preserve

The proposed amendment to section 1 of article 14 of the Constitution would authorize the Legislature to settle longstanding disputes between the State and private entities over ownership of certain parcels of land in the town of Long Lake, Hamilton County. In exchange for giving up its claim to disputed parcels, the State would get land to be incorporated into the forest preserve that would benefit the forest preserve more than the disputed parcels currently do. Shall the proposed amendment be approved?

What it Means?

This has been appropriately described as the “queen of all property title disputes”, predating both the Adirondack Park and the Forest Preserve. Titles to 216 parcels of land, equating to approximately 1,000 acres, on the shores of Raquette Lake in Long Lake, Hamilton County, New York, have been in dispute for the past century. The land was originally incorporated into New York, which was a colony at the time, as the “Totten and Crossfield Purchase” in 1771 and was known as “Township 40.”

The state claims that the lands under dispute were purchased from private residents in a tax sales in the late 1800s. Both the state and private residents, a utilities company, a fire department and a public school have conflicting ownership claims on the land. Some disputes have been resolved in courts, but others have not been due to the lack of ownership proof by any of the parties. Because the residents do not have clear and obvious titles to the land, many have been denied title insurances and certain loans. Attempted once in 2007, private landowners backed out of an exchange due to what they deemed to be too high of fees demanded by the state.

In return for settling the dispute, the state would gain land to be incorporated into the forest preserve at no cost to taxpayers.

Here is a video made by those who support a “Yes” vote.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=udwzkmpNZ58#t=20

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2013 Ballot Proposals: Proposal # 3

This week, I’m going through all the ballot proposals to be decided on election day.

The official ballot text for Proposal # 3 reads as follows:

Exclusion of Indebtedness Contracted for Sewage Facilities

The proposed amendment to Article 8, section 5 of the Constitution would extend for ten years, until January 1, 2024, the authority of counties, cities, towns, and villages to exclude from their constitutional debt limits indebtedness contracted for the construction or reconstruction of sewage facilities. Shall the proposed amendment be approved?

What it Means?

The measure would allow municipalities to address sewage needs without impairing their ability to finance other needs. The new date of January 1, 2024 would extend the time period by ten years.

If approved, Proposal 3 would amend Article VIII, Section 5, subsection (E) of the Constitution of New York to read:

E. Indebtedness contracted on or after January first, nineteen hundred sixty-two and prior to January first, two thousand fourteen twenty-four, for the construction or reconstruction of facilities for the conveyance, treatment and disposal of sewage. The legislature shall prescribe the method by which and the terms and conditions under which the amount of any such indebtedness to be excluded shall be determined, and no such indebtedness shall be excluded except in accordance with such determination.

The League of Women Voters noted that they could not find any opponents or opposing arguments.

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2013 Ballot Proposals: Proposal # 2

The official ballot text for Proposal # 2 reads as follows:

Additional Civil Service Credit for Veterans with Disabilities Certified Post-Appointment

The proposed amendment to section 6 of article 5 of the Constitution would entitle a veteran who has received civil service credit for a civil service appointment or promotion and subsequently is certified as disabled to additional civil service credit at a subsequent appointment or promotion. Shall the proposed amendment be approved?”

What it Means:

The measure would benefit individuals who, for whatever reason, were not classified as a veteran with disabilities at the time of their first civil service appointment. Approving this measure would fix this error.

This is basically an amendment to correct an error. The League of Women Voters have noted that they cannot find any opponents or opposing arguments.

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2013 Ballot Proposals: Proposal # 1

This year there are 6 ballot proposals on the general election ballot for voters to decide.

I thought I would go through these one at a time this week.

The official ballot text for Proposal # 1 reads as follows:

Authorizing Casino Gaming

“The proposed amendment to section 9 of article 1 of the Constitution would allow the Legislature to authorize up to seven casinos in New York State for the legislated purposes of promoting job growth, increasing aid to schools, and permitting local governments to lower property taxes through revenues generated. Shall the amendment be approved?”

What it Means:

The measure would allow the legislature to authorize up to seven casinos in the state, specifically for the stated purposes of promoting job growth, increasing funding to schools and permitting local governments to lower property taxes.

While not transcribed into the amendment nor ballot measure language, the Governor and legislature have agreed to a two phase expansion of casinos if the measure passes.

Phase 1: Allow for the construction and running of four total casinos in upstate New York – two in the Catskills, one in the Southern Tier and one near Albany.
Phase 2: After seven years pass, allow for the construction and running of three casinos in New York City.

An agreement between the state and St. Regis Mohawk Tribe has given the tribe a monopoly on casinos in certain counties, including neighboring Warren and Essex counties. While technically a long shot, Washington county would be eligible for one Casino if the measure passes, which I detailed here in this former post.

Learn More:

For a full analysis of both the pros and cons of Prop 1: check out this page on BallotPedia.org

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Washington County GE Plant to Close

This week it was reported that the The General Electric plant on Route 4 in Fort Edward is slated for closure. GE announced its intent to move capacitor production to Clearwater, Fla. This is part of a larger national trend where businesses and people are flocking to low tax states.

A new book, How Money Walks – How $2 Trillion Moved Between the States, and Why It Matters by Travis Brown offers hard data on the economic contest among the states.

Brown uses official IRS statistics to produce hard data about the massive movement of American working wealth within the country. Between 1995 and 2010, the nine states with no personal income taxes gained $146.2 billion in working wealth. The nine states with the highest personal income tax rates lost $107.4 billion. The 10 states with the lowest per capita state-local tax burdens gained $69.9 billion. The 10 states with the highest per capita state-local tax burdens lost $139 billion. Simply put money, businesses, and people moved from high-tax to low-tax states.

And the tax that seemed to matter the most? The personal income tax. The states with no income taxes gained the greatest wealth, while the states with the highest income taxes lost the most.

Mr. Brown is on a national speaking tour promoting his book, which is highlighted in the video below.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kmMYORkU-No

Sadly, New York state is one of the states losing jobs, businesses, and income due to it’s high tax status.

Mr. Brown’s website has a “Money Walks App” which lets users track by state, not only how income is shifting, which jurisdictions are benefiting.
http://www.howmoneywalks.com/web-app/

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Help the LGA Fight the Asian Clam

Recently, I received this update and fundraising appeal to help eradicate Asian Clams from the Lake George Association. Please consider helping this worthy cause.

From the Lake George Association’s appeal:

Asian Clam Management in Lake George

September 2013 Update
Asian clams were found in lake George in late 2010, and control efforts were initiated immediately in the spring of 2011 to eradicate this treat to the lake. Left unchecked, this invasive species multiplies rapidly, ultimately resulting in thousands of clams per square meter. Thanks to immediate action, no significant impacts from these clams have been noted in Lake George to date.

More than $1.5 million has been speant over the past three years to control this threat, and the results of the most recent fall/winter treatment are very encouraging. Seven of the 27 known acres of clam beds in Lake George were treated using plastic mats on the bottom of the lake, which smother the clams. Planning efforts for a fall 2013 treatment are underway. For more information, including detailed reports and maps, go online to www.stoprtheasianclam.info

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The LGLC Celebrates John Apperson’s Legacy


John S. Apperson, Jr. Photo credit: Adirondack Research Library

This year marks fifty years since the passing of John S. Apperson, Jr., a celebrated Lake George conservationist. To honor his memory and accomplishments, the Lake George Land Conservancy (LGLC) held a gathering on July 21 hosted by LGLC Director Debbie Hoffman and her husband Bill, at their Bolton Landing home in the heart of “Apperson Territory”.

Over 60 people joined together for the casual event. Guests were able to walk around the property, which neighbored Bill and Kathleen Horne’s home known as the Annex, and enjoy the lakefront views.

“To live on and cherish the land,” explained Ms. Hoffman, “where such an important Father of Lake George strolled around contemplating and working out his next “battle” to passionately save the place he loved has a feeling like none other.”

Apperson was a remarkable force in the world of land conservation and public awareness of environmental issues of Lake George and the greater Adirondacks. In 1939 Apperson bought the iconic Dome Island to prevent potential development; to this day the island is off-limits to the public and serves as an important site for ecological studies.

The gathering was a dual celebration of Apperson and LGLC’s 25th Anniversary. Founded in 1988, LGLC’s efforts to protect the land surrounding Lake George carry on the work initiated by early conservationists like Apperson. LGLC even created its own “Apperson Society” to honor those who have gone above and beyond in their support for land conservation.

The gathering included a brief overview of LGLC history and ending with current day challenges, presented by LGLC Executive Director Nancy Williams.

“We have never seen so many large parcels that have such a huge impact on conservation on the market at the same time”, Williams explained. “We are creating neighborhood ad hoc committees to discuss and research the potential future of these large areas.”

Apperson’s great-niece and Virginia historian Ellen Apperson Brown also spoke to the group about her great uncle’s life. Guests were able to see pictures of Apperson as well as a remarkable collection of privately owned memorabilia shared by neighbors of the Apperson Territory, in particular Bill and Kathleen Horne.

Ms. Brown’s displays can viewed by the public at the Lake George Historical Society’s Museum.

“It was an honor to host this event,” added Ms. Hoffman, “and enhance awareness to the challenges and the accomplishments of Apperson’s life and the Lake George Land Conservancy.”

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Grant’s Cottage: Great Nearby Trip


Grant’s Cottage, the summer home where President Ulysses S. Grant died, is located in nearby Wilton, NY. Wilton is south of Glens Falls.

In so far as July 23, 2013, is the 128th anniversary of the death of President Ulysses S. Grant, I thought I would do a post on the local cottage in which he died.

“Ulysses S. Grant Cottage” is a state historic site located on Mt. McGregor in the town of Wilton.

Grant died of throat cancer at the age of 63 in Mt. McGregor and finished his memoirs at the cottage, which were highly regarded by the general public, military historians and literary critics.

From Huletts, it is only about an hour’s ride. It is well marked and only about two miles from the Northway exit. It is only open for tours on the weekend though. It is located adjacent to Mt. McGregor state prison. So close in fact, I could see the inmates almost 100 feet away behind the prison fence.


Grant spent his last days at the cottage completing his memoirs.

Without giving too much away, the cottage today remains essentially the same as during Grant’s stay. Visitors tour the downstairs of the cottage, viewing the original furnishings, decorations, and personal items belonging to Grant, including the bed where he died. A short walk down a path, brings you to a spectacular view.


Today, the cottage remains essentially the same as it was during Grant’s stay.

I enjoyed the easy trip and the spectacular view. For anyone who loves American history, it’s a fun day outing!

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Bits of Everything

Watch Out, The Top 7 Summer Health Hazards

From WebMD, what you need to be careful of in the summertime.

DEC to Spend $3 million on Porous Pavement Project

The New York State Department of Conservation plans to move forward with a $3 million project to reconstruct a section of Beach Road on State lands and the Lake George Beach parking with porous asphalt and other storm water management features to protect water quality.

“Hoofprints Walk Of Fame” Unveiled at Saratoga Race Course

Man o’ War or Secretariat? The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) and the Saratoga 150 Committee today unveiled a new attraction designed to pay homage to the 30 most accomplished thoroughbreds to compete at Saratoga Race Course during its 150-year history.

New Tick-Borne Illness Could be Worse Than Lyme Disease

From CBS New York, a new disease spread by deer ticks has already infected 100,000 New Yorkers since the state first started keeping track.

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Dr. David Starbuck to Speak in Huletts: Saturday July 13th


Dr. David Starbuck will speak about his research and archaeological digs at Fort William Henry on Saturday, July 13th.

The Friends of Historic Huletts Landing (FHHL) 2013 summer lecture series begins on Saturday, July 13th.

Dr. David Starbuck from Plymouth State University is going to present the Archaeology of Fort William Henry: Digging Up an American Legend at 7:30 p.m. at the Mountain Grove Memorial Church.

Plan on attending and learn about the interesting things Dr. Starbuck has unearthed at Fort William Henry in Lake George Village.

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State Approves Electricity Transmission Line


The portion of a new high voltage power cable (as seen in red) that is proposed from the U.S.-Canadian border to New York City is planned to run underground through the Town of Dresden. (Click image to see full scale.)

The state Public Service Commission on Thursday approved the high-capacity electricity transmission line that will run on the other side of the mountain through Dresden and be submerged beneath the waters of Lake Champlain. It will run from Canada’s hydroelectric facilities to New York City. The state commission’s approval leaves only a few federal permits to begin the $2 billion project.

To learn more, view my September 5, 2012 post.

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NY Assemblyman Gives Thoughts on Budget

Assemblyman Dan Stec (R,C,I-Queensbury) shared his thoughts today on the 2013-14 New York State budget. Stec felt there while there were a few negatives in the budget, the bulk of it more than adequately addressed the needs of his constituents while holding the line on spending, increasing it by less than one percent.

“This year’s budget contains many positive items for our communities,” said Stec. “There is a much-needed commitment to improving our highways and bridges, a measure I have strongly supported even before I entered the Assembly. In another commitment to our many lake communities, there is increased funding in this budget to combat our aquatic invasive species. The Olympic Regional Development Authority also received continued support and investment, an issue of importance to many in my district.

“There was also a renewed focus on education and our economy. Our schools will see the overall increase in aid they need to provide our children with the quality education they deserve. Another $150 million was laid out for the Regional Economic Development Councils, further helping our job creators grow and develop our economy.

“Unfortunately, there were other items included in the budget I can not support. The $36 million for the SAFE Act only goes further toward treating our responsible, law-abiding gun owners as criminals and I will continue working to repeal this violation of our constitutional right. I voted to fully restore the $90 million cut to non-profit providers of care to the developmentally disabled, a cut which is unconscionable. We need to renew our commitment to ensuring we take care of those who are unable to care for themselves.

“While there were several negative items in this budget, there was a great deal that will greatly enhance the quality of life in our communities. I believe that the budget we are passing today importantly holds the line on spending.”