From the Daily Gazette letters to the editor:
County Democrats better get the message
Regarding your editorial of May 15, “County officials out of touch once again,” I sincerely hope people have been paying attention. As you so correctly pointed out, the library closing debacle is hardly the first faux pas the current county Legislature has made. And as you also pointed out, the Democratic majority may find itself in the minority if it does not stop imposing its will on the people of Schenectady so indiscriminately and arrogantly. And I’m a registered Democrat!
Tricia Margas
Schenectady
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
GOP Chairman Tom Buchanan comments on Paul Tonko's announcement for Congress
FOR RELEASE: May 20, 2008
STATEMENT FROM SCHENECTADY COUNTY GOP CHAIRMAN TOM BUCHANAN:
"As a 24-year incumbent in the state Assembly with an agonizingly long public record of voting for higher taxes, wasteful spending, including using $4 million in taxpayer dollars for a 'bridge to nowhere,' I'd say Paul Tonko is a perfect fit for a do-nothing Democrat Congress and our broken government in Washington. In fact, based on Tonko's complete inability to do anything about record-high gas prices as New York's energy czar, the Democrats would probably fast track him to a committee chairmanship. Tonko's experience is just what we don't need in our next Congressman. To some, Tonko's running for Congress might be seen as a logical next step in the long career of a career politician. Now, he says he wants to be our Congressman; but not even a year ago, he said he wanted to go to his ‘dream job’ as head of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). But, for the people who know him, Tonko's ambition is viewed much differently, as people are treated as pawns and public office becomes a mere stepping-stone in an unending personal pursuit of political power. He caused taxpayers unnecessary expense for a special election to replace him in the Assembly seat; now he has worked for not even a year and has no accomplishment to mention in his brief tenure at NYSERDA. He did of course boost up his final average salary insuring that he can collect a fat state pension, which he hopes to supplement with a $165,000 Congressional salary. Maybe Paul thought his long, grueling 11-months as President of NYSERDA were too strenuous and he grew wistful of all those lobbyist fundraisers. I think it is utterly amazing that this guy can try and say with a straight face that he believes in public service after having abandoned two public offices in less than two years. God forbid if Hillary's Senate seat opens up – he might try and go three-for-three. If Paul Tonko does to taxpayers of the 21st Congressional District what he did to them as a Member of the Assembly, voters had better hang onto their wallets. If voters want more of the same, they should stick with a career politician like Tonko. If they want real change and someone with a proven record of creating jobs and solving problems in the private sector, they should vote for a businessman like Jim Buhrmaster for Congress. People of the 21st District need a Congressman who is not a career politician; someone who has run a small business, actually employing people and creating opportunity here in the Capital Region. Jim Buhrmaster represents the views and values of average citizens; he is much more in tune with the real needs of our area than someone like Paul Tonko.”
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Schenectady County Gripped By Fiscal Crisis!
Lawmakers face $10M revenue gap
By Michael Lamendola, the Daily Gazette
Budget squeeze to mean program cuts
SCHENECTADY COUNTY — Hard times flow downhill, to paraphrase an old plumbing maxim, and Schenectady County may have to cut programs it has traditionally helped now that a financial squeeze is on.
The Schenectady County Legislature is looking to close a projected revenue gap of at least $10 million going into the 2009 budget year, a county legislator said Monday, so trimming programs and services is under study.
“I cannot emphasize how critical our finances are. There are pressures and the hemorrhaging has to stop. We will have to go through multi years of corrections,” said Legislator Philip Fields, D-Schenectady, chairman of the Legislature’s Ways and Means Committee.
Under review for cuts are day care, highway lighting, aging and youth services and local government, Fields said.
The county funds hazardous material coverage through a contract with the Schenectady Fire Department, pays for some police protection in the city and pays to help operate the horticulture center in Central Park. It also pays millions of dollars to operate the countywide public library system and Glendale Home, both non-mandated services. Such programs and services represent approximately 20 percent of the budget; the rest are mandated state and federal programs over which the county has little control.
SHARE THE PAIN
“There may be some changes in who gets money in the long run. Maybe it is about time certain municipalities, which are doing better fiscally, pick up costs we have been funding,” Fields said.
Fields called some of the proposals controversial, adding he has yet to discuss them in detail with his Democratic caucus. “We will have to resolve them, whether they are controversial or not,” he said. “We will find solutions and we will come up with creative things.”
In the long run, Fields said, the county will have to “cut millions, not hundreds of thousands of dollars” to bring in balanced budgets for next year and thereafter. The county’s budget cycle runs Dec. 31 to Jan. 1. It usually has a budget in place by late October or early November. Legislators have not yet decided on any options.
Fields said the county may also sell more of its surplus land and ask the Metroplex Development Authority to pay infrastructure costs on economic development projects which the county now pays.
The county this year is selling 24 acres at the Schenectady County Airport to Fortitech, a creator of nutrition supplements, for $1.2 million. Fortitech plans to build a $4 million research center and warehouse there. The county also accepted $150,000 from Metroplex to build a road to the proposed Fortitech project. The county will own the road.
In addition, the county is considering slowing down the pace of several major capital projects, such as the proposed $7.7 million rehabilitation and expansion of the central branch of the public library and work at Schenectady County Community College, Fields said.
LIBRARY AND COLLEGE
The county is scheduled to provide $5.7 million toward the library project, and it is responsible for sharing with the state half the costs of construction projects at SCCC. It may divert these funds to other purposes, county officials said.
The county’s difficult fiscal picture is necessitating these considerations, Fields said. Revenues are declining while costs are increasing.
To begin with, the county is looking at a structural budget deficit of at least $8 million going into 2009. Officials used the fund balance to close the deficit in the current budget. They are reluctant to use the same amount for 2009, for fear of depleting the account. The fund balance currently stands at approximately $20 million, less than 10 percent of the county’s $283 million current budget.
Fields said the county is seeing for the first quarter of this year a decline in mortgage tax receipts and a reduced rate of growth in sales tax; these are now seen growing 1.5 percent vs. the usual 3 percent annual expansion. The current economic slowdown has affected both key revenue streams.
On top of this, the county is losing $1.3 million in state and federal aid this year and expects to lose an additional $1.6 million in 2009. The state and federal cuts hit after county legislators approved the budget last year, as the state and federal governments are on different budget cycles.
Meanwhile, county costs for Medicaid, to pay its bond debt and for employee wages and benefits continue to climb by millions of dollars going into 2009, Fields said. And the county remains under state mandates to increase the number of corrections officers at the jail and to correct deficiencies in the county courthouse.
Fields said the county is trying to narrow the deficit gap this year through constant monitoring of costs and by trying to find ways to increase revenues. The county, for example, continues to achieve significant savings through its prescription drug program for employees and other savings in health care costs, he said.
The county last year made $3 million in cuts to the initial budget projections, reducing by half a proposed 9.7 percent increase in the property tax levy. The items cut came from so-called discretionary areas in the budget , areas such as supplies and equipment, staffing and professional service contracts. The budget grew by 1 percent in expenditures from the prior year.
By Michael Lamendola, the Daily Gazette
Budget squeeze to mean program cuts
SCHENECTADY COUNTY — Hard times flow downhill, to paraphrase an old plumbing maxim, and Schenectady County may have to cut programs it has traditionally helped now that a financial squeeze is on.
The Schenectady County Legislature is looking to close a projected revenue gap of at least $10 million going into the 2009 budget year, a county legislator said Monday, so trimming programs and services is under study.
“I cannot emphasize how critical our finances are. There are pressures and the hemorrhaging has to stop. We will have to go through multi years of corrections,” said Legislator Philip Fields, D-Schenectady, chairman of the Legislature’s Ways and Means Committee.
Under review for cuts are day care, highway lighting, aging and youth services and local government, Fields said.
The county funds hazardous material coverage through a contract with the Schenectady Fire Department, pays for some police protection in the city and pays to help operate the horticulture center in Central Park. It also pays millions of dollars to operate the countywide public library system and Glendale Home, both non-mandated services. Such programs and services represent approximately 20 percent of the budget; the rest are mandated state and federal programs over which the county has little control.
SHARE THE PAIN
“There may be some changes in who gets money in the long run. Maybe it is about time certain municipalities, which are doing better fiscally, pick up costs we have been funding,” Fields said.
Fields called some of the proposals controversial, adding he has yet to discuss them in detail with his Democratic caucus. “We will have to resolve them, whether they are controversial or not,” he said. “We will find solutions and we will come up with creative things.”
In the long run, Fields said, the county will have to “cut millions, not hundreds of thousands of dollars” to bring in balanced budgets for next year and thereafter. The county’s budget cycle runs Dec. 31 to Jan. 1. It usually has a budget in place by late October or early November. Legislators have not yet decided on any options.
Fields said the county may also sell more of its surplus land and ask the Metroplex Development Authority to pay infrastructure costs on economic development projects which the county now pays.
The county this year is selling 24 acres at the Schenectady County Airport to Fortitech, a creator of nutrition supplements, for $1.2 million. Fortitech plans to build a $4 million research center and warehouse there. The county also accepted $150,000 from Metroplex to build a road to the proposed Fortitech project. The county will own the road.
In addition, the county is considering slowing down the pace of several major capital projects, such as the proposed $7.7 million rehabilitation and expansion of the central branch of the public library and work at Schenectady County Community College, Fields said.
LIBRARY AND COLLEGE
The county is scheduled to provide $5.7 million toward the library project, and it is responsible for sharing with the state half the costs of construction projects at SCCC. It may divert these funds to other purposes, county officials said.
The county’s difficult fiscal picture is necessitating these considerations, Fields said. Revenues are declining while costs are increasing.
To begin with, the county is looking at a structural budget deficit of at least $8 million going into 2009. Officials used the fund balance to close the deficit in the current budget. They are reluctant to use the same amount for 2009, for fear of depleting the account. The fund balance currently stands at approximately $20 million, less than 10 percent of the county’s $283 million current budget.
Fields said the county is seeing for the first quarter of this year a decline in mortgage tax receipts and a reduced rate of growth in sales tax; these are now seen growing 1.5 percent vs. the usual 3 percent annual expansion. The current economic slowdown has affected both key revenue streams.
On top of this, the county is losing $1.3 million in state and federal aid this year and expects to lose an additional $1.6 million in 2009. The state and federal cuts hit after county legislators approved the budget last year, as the state and federal governments are on different budget cycles.
Meanwhile, county costs for Medicaid, to pay its bond debt and for employee wages and benefits continue to climb by millions of dollars going into 2009, Fields said. And the county remains under state mandates to increase the number of corrections officers at the jail and to correct deficiencies in the county courthouse.
Fields said the county is trying to narrow the deficit gap this year through constant monitoring of costs and by trying to find ways to increase revenues. The county, for example, continues to achieve significant savings through its prescription drug program for employees and other savings in health care costs, he said.
The county last year made $3 million in cuts to the initial budget projections, reducing by half a proposed 9.7 percent increase in the property tax levy. The items cut came from so-called discretionary areas in the budget , areas such as supplies and equipment, staffing and professional service contracts. The budget grew by 1 percent in expenditures from the prior year.
Monday, May 19, 2008
Upcoming GOP Events in Schenectady County!
You're Invited!
FRI 5/23 @ 7 PM - BUHRMASTER FOR CONGRESS - Arena football event at theTU Center - Less than 15 tickets left - get yours now! For more details visit jimbuhrmaster.com.
THURS 5/29 @ 8 AM - TEDISCO BREAKFAST - Join the Assembly Republican Leader and friends at Glen Sanders Mansion for a delicious breakfast buffet!
THURS 6/19 @ 6:30 PM - SCHENECTADY COUNTY REPUBLICAN CLUB MEETING - join us at Scarborough's Restaurant for free wings and beverages at our next Club meeting. We meet every month on the third Thursday. Stop by and help grow our Club!
FRI 5/23 @ 7 PM - BUHRMASTER FOR CONGRESS - Arena football event at theTU Center - Less than 15 tickets left - get yours now! For more details visit jimbuhrmaster.com.
THURS 5/29 @ 8 AM - TEDISCO BREAKFAST - Join the Assembly Republican Leader and friends at Glen Sanders Mansion for a delicious breakfast buffet!
THURS 6/19 @ 6:30 PM - SCHENECTADY COUNTY REPUBLICAN CLUB MEETING - join us at Scarborough's Restaurant for free wings and beverages at our next Club meeting. We meet every month on the third Thursday. Stop by and help grow our Club!
Friday, May 16, 2008
John McCain: Strong on the Second Amendment!
Schenectady Hunters & Sportsmen Can Trust John McCain
to Preserve, Protect & Defend the Second Amendment!
JOHN MCCAIN ON THE SECOND AMENDMENT
· John McCain believes that the right of law abiding citizens to keep and bear arms is a fundamental, individual Constitutional right that we have a sacred duty to protect.
· We have a responsibility to ensure that criminals who violate the law are prosecuted to the fullest, rather than restricting the rights of law abiding citizens.
· Gun control is a proven failure in fighting crime. Law abiding citizens should not be asked to give up their rights because of criminals - criminals who ignore gun control laws anyway.
John McCain's Agenda To Protect The Second Amendment:
· John McCain opposes backdoor attempts to restrict Second Amendment rights by holding gun manufacturers liable for crimes committed by third parties using a firearm. He has voted to protect gun manufacturers from such inappropriate liability aimed at bankrupting the entire gun industry.
· John McCain opposes restrictions on so-called "assault rifles" and voted consistently against such bans.
· As part of John McCain's defense of Second Amendment rights, he cosponsored legislation to lift a ban on the law abiding citizens of the District of Columbia from exercising their Constitutional right to bear arms.
· John McCain has opposed "waiting periods" for law abiding citizen's purchase of firearms.
John McCain On The Second Amendment:
John McCain On The D.C. Gun Case: "Today, the Supreme Court will hear oral arguments on District of Columbia v. Heller, a landmark case for all Americans who believe as I do that the Second Amendment guarantees an individual right to keep and bear arms. I am proud to have joined in an amicus brief to the Court calling for a ruling in keeping with the clear intent of our Founding Fathers, which ensures the Second Amendment rights of the residents of District of Columbia are reaffirmed." (Sen. John McCain, "Statement By John McCain On The DC Gun Ban Case Before The Supreme Court," Press Release, 3/18/08)
John McCain: "Democratic presidential candidates have learned something since 2000. They don't talk about their plans for gun control. They pose for the cameras in camouflage. But that is all they are doing -- posing. Just because they don't talk about gun control doesn't mean they don't want gun control. Let's be clear. If Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama or John Edwards are elected President, they will go after the rights of law abiding gun owners – just as Bill Clinton did when he was president. Moveon.org, which seems to be calling the shots in the Democratic Party these days, will have more influence on gun control in the Oval Office, not John Dingell. These Democratic candidates voted to ban guns or ban ammunition or to allow gun makers to be sued out of existence as Senators." (Sen. John McCain, Remarks To The National Rifle Association, 9/21/07)
to Preserve, Protect & Defend the Second Amendment!
JOHN MCCAIN ON THE SECOND AMENDMENT
· John McCain believes that the right of law abiding citizens to keep and bear arms is a fundamental, individual Constitutional right that we have a sacred duty to protect.
· We have a responsibility to ensure that criminals who violate the law are prosecuted to the fullest, rather than restricting the rights of law abiding citizens.
· Gun control is a proven failure in fighting crime. Law abiding citizens should not be asked to give up their rights because of criminals - criminals who ignore gun control laws anyway.
John McCain's Agenda To Protect The Second Amendment:
· John McCain opposes backdoor attempts to restrict Second Amendment rights by holding gun manufacturers liable for crimes committed by third parties using a firearm. He has voted to protect gun manufacturers from such inappropriate liability aimed at bankrupting the entire gun industry.
· John McCain opposes restrictions on so-called "assault rifles" and voted consistently against such bans.
· As part of John McCain's defense of Second Amendment rights, he cosponsored legislation to lift a ban on the law abiding citizens of the District of Columbia from exercising their Constitutional right to bear arms.
· John McCain has opposed "waiting periods" for law abiding citizen's purchase of firearms.
John McCain On The Second Amendment:
John McCain On The D.C. Gun Case: "Today, the Supreme Court will hear oral arguments on District of Columbia v. Heller, a landmark case for all Americans who believe as I do that the Second Amendment guarantees an individual right to keep and bear arms. I am proud to have joined in an amicus brief to the Court calling for a ruling in keeping with the clear intent of our Founding Fathers, which ensures the Second Amendment rights of the residents of District of Columbia are reaffirmed." (Sen. John McCain, "Statement By John McCain On The DC Gun Ban Case Before The Supreme Court," Press Release, 3/18/08)
John McCain: "Democratic presidential candidates have learned something since 2000. They don't talk about their plans for gun control. They pose for the cameras in camouflage. But that is all they are doing -- posing. Just because they don't talk about gun control doesn't mean they don't want gun control. Let's be clear. If Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama or John Edwards are elected President, they will go after the rights of law abiding gun owners – just as Bill Clinton did when he was president. Moveon.org, which seems to be calling the shots in the Democratic Party these days, will have more influence on gun control in the Oval Office, not John Dingell. These Democratic candidates voted to ban guns or ban ammunition or to allow gun makers to be sued out of existence as Senators." (Sen. John McCain, Remarks To The National Rifle Association, 9/21/07)
Barack Obama: Targeting Your Second Amendment Rights!
Attention all Schenectady Hunters & Sportsmen: Are Your 2nd Amendment Rights in Barack Obama's Sights?
OBAMA HAS A LONG ANTI-GUN RECORD: IN THE PAST, OBAMA HAS INDICATED SUPPORT FOR BANNING MANY TYPES OF FIREARMS
Obama Has Indicated Support For Banning Handguns, Hunting Firearms And So-Called “Assault Weapons”:
In Response To A 1996 Independent Voters Of Illinois Questionnaire, Obama Indicated That He Supported Banning The “Manufacture, Sale And Possession Of Handguns.” Question: “Do you support state legislation to … ban the manufacture, sale and possession of handguns?” Obama’s Response: “Yes.” (Independent Voters Of Illinois Independent Precinct Organization 1996 General Candidate Questionnaire, Barack Obama Responses, 9/9/96)
During 4/16 Dem. Debate, Obama Falsely Claimed His Handwriting Did Not Appear On Questionnaire. “Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., maintained at Wednesday’s ABC News debate in Philadelphia that his handwriting does not appear on a 1996 questionnaire stating support for a ban on the manufacture, sale, and possession of handguns. The Democratic presidential frontrunner made this claim even though a copy of the original document suggests otherwise. … When asked about the gun questionnaire with the handwriting on it, Obama adviser Robert Gibbs did not dispute that the writing was Obama’s.” (Teddy Davis and Talal Al-Khatib, “Obama Forgets Writing On Gun Questionnaire,” ABC News’ “Political Radar” Blog, http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalradar/2008/04/obama-forgets-w.html, 4/17/08)
Scholar John Lott Recalls Obama Stating: “I Don’t Believe That People Should Be Able To Own Guns.” John Lott: “In fact, I knew Obama during the mid-1990s, and his answers to IVI’s question on guns fit well with the Obama that I knew. Indeed, the first time I introduced myself to him he said ‘Oh, you are the gun guy.’ I responded ‘Yes, I guess so.’ He simply responded that ‘I don’t believe that people should be able to own guns.’” (John R. Lott, Jr., “Obama And Guns: Two Different Views,” Fox News, http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,347690,00.html, 4/7/08)
In Response To 1998 Questionnaire, Obama Supported Banning “The Sale Or Transfer Of All Forms Of Semi-Automatic Weapons.” According to his responses to an Illinois State Legislative Election 1998 National Political Awareness Test, Obama pledged to “Ban the sale or transfer of all forms of semi-automatic weapons.” (Project Vote Smart Website, http://www.votesmart.org/npat.php?can_id=9490, Accessed 3/5/08)
In 2003, Obama Voted In Support Of Legislation That Was Supposed To Ban So-Called “Assault Weapons,” But Was Written In Such A Way That It “Would Have Banned Most Of The Privately Held Hunting Shotguns, Target Rifles, And Black Powder Rifles” In Illinois. “[I]n 2003, Obama voted in support of SB1195, which, if passed, would have banned most of the privately held hunting shotguns, target rifles, and black powder rifles in the state. If the ban was enacted, law enforcement officials would have been authorized to forcibly enter private homes to confiscate newly banned firearms.” ( Illinois State Rifle Association, “ISRA Blasts Candidate Obama On His Record Of Hostility Toward Law-Abiding Firearm Owners,” Press Release, 8/24/04)
In A 2004 Questionnaire, Obama Indicated Support For Banning So-Called “Assault Weapons.” Question: “Do you support legislation to ban the manufacture, sale and possession of … assault weapons?” Obama’s Response: “Yes.” (Lynn Sweet, “Obama’s 2003 IVI-IPO Questionnaire May Be Getting Closer Scrutiny,” Chicago Sun-Times’ “The Scoop From Washington” Blog, http://blogs.suntimes.com/sweet/2007/12/sweet_column_obamas_2003_iviip.html, 12/11/07)
OBAMA HAS TAKEN A NUMBER OF ANTI-GUN POSITIONS
Obama Has A Long Anti-Gun Record:
Obama Was Director Of Anti-Gun Joyce Foundation, Which Spent Millions On Gun-Control Causes. “Adding even further skepticism to Obama’s claim of support for the 2nd Amendment is his previous service as a director of the Joyce Foundation. Since 2000, the Joyce Foundation has provided over $15 Million in funding to radical gun control organizations such as the Violence Policy Center and the Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence. The Joyce Foundation is tightly linked to the Soros Open Society Institute -- an extremist group that advocates a worldwide ban on civilian firearm ownership.” ( Illinois State Rifle Association, “ISRA Blasts Candidate Obama On His Record Of Hostility Toward Law-Abiding Firearm Owners,” Press Release, 8/24/04)
Running For The U.S. Senate In 2004, Obama Advocated National Gun-Control Legislation. “On the issue of prohibiting citizens from carrying concealed weapons, Obama said he believes national legislation should be passed to ‘prevent other states’ laws [allowing citizens to conceal their guns] from threatening the safety of Illinois residents.’” (John Chase, “Keyes, Obama Are Far Apart On Guns,” Chicago Tribune, 9/15/04)
Obama Has Expressed His Opposition To Concealed Carry. Obama: “I mean, I am consistently on record and will continue to be on record as opposing concealed carry.” (David Mendell, “Obama Has Center In His Sights,” Chicago Tribune, 4/27/04)
In 2001, Obama Voted Against A Bill To Allow Individuals To Carry A Concealed Weapon When They Have A Valid Order Of Protection Out Against Another Person. (S.B. 604, Senate Floor Third Reading, Failed, 29-27-0, 4/4/01, Obama Voted Nay)
Obama Believes The DC Gun Ban Is Constitutional. “Obama believes the D.C. handgun law is constitutional.” (James Oliphant and Michael J. Higgins, “Court To Hear Gun Case,” Chicago Tribune, 11/20/07)
In 2004, Obama Voted Against Self-Defense Rights. “[Obama] opposed letting people use a self-defense argument if charged with violating local handgun bans by using weapons in their homes. The bill was a reaction to a Chicago-area man who, after shooting an intruder, was charged with a handgun violation.” (“Obama Record May Be Gold Mine For Critics,” The Associated Press, 1/17/07)
Obama Wants To Turn Law-Abiding Gun Owners Who Are Victims Of Theft Into Felons. “Obama is proposing to make it a felony for a gun owner whose firearm was stolen from his residence which causes harm to another person if that weapon was not securely stored in that home.” (Chinta Strausberg, “Obama Unveils Federal Gun Bill,” Chicago Defender, 12/13/99)
In 2005, Obama Voted Twice To Hold Manufacturers, Distributors, Dealers And Importers Of Firearms And Ammunition Liable For The Acts Of Criminals. (S. 397, CQ Vote #206: Motion Agreed To 66-32: R 53-1; D 13-30; I 0-1, 7/26/05, Obama Voted Nay; S. 397, CQ Vote #219: Passed 65-31: R 50-2; D 14-29; I 1-0, 7/29/05, Obama Voted Nay)
Obama Pressed To Require Gun Owners To Supply Photos And Fingerprints To State Officials. “Sen. Barack Obama of Chicago called the Democrats’ proposed crackdown ‘not only constitutional, but eminently reasonable.’ … The proposals would: … Make gun owners apply in person for Firearm Owner Identification cards and supply their photos and fingerprints.” (Sean Noble, “Senate Democrats’ Proposals Take Aim At Weapons Control,” The [ Springfield , IL ] State Journal-Register, 2/15/01)
In 1999, Obama Came Out In Support Of “Smart Gun” Technology. “[Obama is] also asking that gun manufacturers be required to develop safety measures that permit only the original owner of the firearm to operate the weapon purchased.” (Chinta Strausberg, “Obama Unveils Federal Gun Bill,” Chicago Defender, 12/13/99)
Obama Has Expressed His Continued Support For Registration and Licensing. Obama: “I’ll continue to be in favor of handgun law registration requirements and licensing requirements for training …” (Chinta Strausberg, “Obama And Trotter Takes Aim At IRA For Waging Unjust Campaign,” Chicago Defender, 7/5/01)
Obama Has Received “F” Ratings From The National Rifle Association:
In 2004, 2002 And 1998, Obama Received “F” Ratings From The National Rifle Association Political Victory Fund. The NRA has given Obama 3 “F’s.” (National Rifle Association Political Victory Fund Website, http://www.nrapvf.org/, Accessed 1/8/08; National Rifle Association Political Victory Fund Website, http://www.nrapvf.org/ELECTIONS/State.aspx?y=2002&State=IL, Accessed 1/8/08; 1998 Illinois National Rifle Association Political Victory Fund Political Preference Chart, p.2)
OBAMA: NO GUN SHOPS NEAR SCHOOLS, BUT PORN SHOPS ARE OK
Obama Wanted To Ban Gun Businesses From Being Within Five Miles Of A School Or Park, But Balked At Placing Similar Restrictions On Porn Shops:
In 1999, Obama Urged Legislation That “Would Eliminate Gun Stores From Almost The Entire Inhabited Portion Of The United States .” “In 1999, Mr. Obama urged enactment of a federal law prohibiting the operation of any gun store within five miles of a school or park. This would eliminate gun stores from almost the entire inhabited portion of the United States .” (David Kopel, Op-Ed, “The Democrats And Gun Control,” The Wall Street Journal, 4/17/08)
But In 2001, Obama Voted “Present” On A Bill To Place Similar Restrictions On Adult Establishments. In 2001, Obama refused to support a bill restricting “adult use” establishments by prohibiting locations of such establishments within 1000 feet of schools, parks, places of worship, preschools, day cares and other residential areas. (S.B. 609: Senate Floor Third Reading , Failed, 33-15-05, 3/29/01, Obama Voted Present)
OBAMA HAS A LONG ANTI-GUN RECORD: IN THE PAST, OBAMA HAS INDICATED SUPPORT FOR BANNING MANY TYPES OF FIREARMS
Obama Has Indicated Support For Banning Handguns, Hunting Firearms And So-Called “Assault Weapons”:
In Response To A 1996 Independent Voters Of Illinois Questionnaire, Obama Indicated That He Supported Banning The “Manufacture, Sale And Possession Of Handguns.” Question: “Do you support state legislation to … ban the manufacture, sale and possession of handguns?” Obama’s Response: “Yes.” (Independent Voters Of Illinois Independent Precinct Organization 1996 General Candidate Questionnaire, Barack Obama Responses, 9/9/96)
During 4/16 Dem. Debate, Obama Falsely Claimed His Handwriting Did Not Appear On Questionnaire. “Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., maintained at Wednesday’s ABC News debate in Philadelphia that his handwriting does not appear on a 1996 questionnaire stating support for a ban on the manufacture, sale, and possession of handguns. The Democratic presidential frontrunner made this claim even though a copy of the original document suggests otherwise. … When asked about the gun questionnaire with the handwriting on it, Obama adviser Robert Gibbs did not dispute that the writing was Obama’s.” (Teddy Davis and Talal Al-Khatib, “Obama Forgets Writing On Gun Questionnaire,” ABC News’ “Political Radar” Blog, http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalradar/2008/04/obama-forgets-w.html, 4/17/08)
Scholar John Lott Recalls Obama Stating: “I Don’t Believe That People Should Be Able To Own Guns.” John Lott: “In fact, I knew Obama during the mid-1990s, and his answers to IVI’s question on guns fit well with the Obama that I knew. Indeed, the first time I introduced myself to him he said ‘Oh, you are the gun guy.’ I responded ‘Yes, I guess so.’ He simply responded that ‘I don’t believe that people should be able to own guns.’” (John R. Lott, Jr., “Obama And Guns: Two Different Views,” Fox News, http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,347690,00.html, 4/7/08)
In Response To 1998 Questionnaire, Obama Supported Banning “The Sale Or Transfer Of All Forms Of Semi-Automatic Weapons.” According to his responses to an Illinois State Legislative Election 1998 National Political Awareness Test, Obama pledged to “Ban the sale or transfer of all forms of semi-automatic weapons.” (Project Vote Smart Website, http://www.votesmart.org/npat.php?can_id=9490, Accessed 3/5/08)
In 2003, Obama Voted In Support Of Legislation That Was Supposed To Ban So-Called “Assault Weapons,” But Was Written In Such A Way That It “Would Have Banned Most Of The Privately Held Hunting Shotguns, Target Rifles, And Black Powder Rifles” In Illinois. “[I]n 2003, Obama voted in support of SB1195, which, if passed, would have banned most of the privately held hunting shotguns, target rifles, and black powder rifles in the state. If the ban was enacted, law enforcement officials would have been authorized to forcibly enter private homes to confiscate newly banned firearms.” ( Illinois State Rifle Association, “ISRA Blasts Candidate Obama On His Record Of Hostility Toward Law-Abiding Firearm Owners,” Press Release, 8/24/04)
In A 2004 Questionnaire, Obama Indicated Support For Banning So-Called “Assault Weapons.” Question: “Do you support legislation to ban the manufacture, sale and possession of … assault weapons?” Obama’s Response: “Yes.” (Lynn Sweet, “Obama’s 2003 IVI-IPO Questionnaire May Be Getting Closer Scrutiny,” Chicago Sun-Times’ “The Scoop From Washington” Blog, http://blogs.suntimes.com/sweet/2007/12/sweet_column_obamas_2003_iviip.html, 12/11/07)
OBAMA HAS TAKEN A NUMBER OF ANTI-GUN POSITIONS
Obama Has A Long Anti-Gun Record:
Obama Was Director Of Anti-Gun Joyce Foundation, Which Spent Millions On Gun-Control Causes. “Adding even further skepticism to Obama’s claim of support for the 2nd Amendment is his previous service as a director of the Joyce Foundation. Since 2000, the Joyce Foundation has provided over $15 Million in funding to radical gun control organizations such as the Violence Policy Center and the Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence. The Joyce Foundation is tightly linked to the Soros Open Society Institute -- an extremist group that advocates a worldwide ban on civilian firearm ownership.” ( Illinois State Rifle Association, “ISRA Blasts Candidate Obama On His Record Of Hostility Toward Law-Abiding Firearm Owners,” Press Release, 8/24/04)
Running For The U.S. Senate In 2004, Obama Advocated National Gun-Control Legislation. “On the issue of prohibiting citizens from carrying concealed weapons, Obama said he believes national legislation should be passed to ‘prevent other states’ laws [allowing citizens to conceal their guns] from threatening the safety of Illinois residents.’” (John Chase, “Keyes, Obama Are Far Apart On Guns,” Chicago Tribune, 9/15/04)
Obama Has Expressed His Opposition To Concealed Carry. Obama: “I mean, I am consistently on record and will continue to be on record as opposing concealed carry.” (David Mendell, “Obama Has Center In His Sights,” Chicago Tribune, 4/27/04)
In 2001, Obama Voted Against A Bill To Allow Individuals To Carry A Concealed Weapon When They Have A Valid Order Of Protection Out Against Another Person. (S.B. 604, Senate Floor Third Reading, Failed, 29-27-0, 4/4/01, Obama Voted Nay)
Obama Believes The DC Gun Ban Is Constitutional. “Obama believes the D.C. handgun law is constitutional.” (James Oliphant and Michael J. Higgins, “Court To Hear Gun Case,” Chicago Tribune, 11/20/07)
In 2004, Obama Voted Against Self-Defense Rights. “[Obama] opposed letting people use a self-defense argument if charged with violating local handgun bans by using weapons in their homes. The bill was a reaction to a Chicago-area man who, after shooting an intruder, was charged with a handgun violation.” (“Obama Record May Be Gold Mine For Critics,” The Associated Press, 1/17/07)
Obama Wants To Turn Law-Abiding Gun Owners Who Are Victims Of Theft Into Felons. “Obama is proposing to make it a felony for a gun owner whose firearm was stolen from his residence which causes harm to another person if that weapon was not securely stored in that home.” (Chinta Strausberg, “Obama Unveils Federal Gun Bill,” Chicago Defender, 12/13/99)
In 2005, Obama Voted Twice To Hold Manufacturers, Distributors, Dealers And Importers Of Firearms And Ammunition Liable For The Acts Of Criminals. (S. 397, CQ Vote #206: Motion Agreed To 66-32: R 53-1; D 13-30; I 0-1, 7/26/05, Obama Voted Nay; S. 397, CQ Vote #219: Passed 65-31: R 50-2; D 14-29; I 1-0, 7/29/05, Obama Voted Nay)
Obama Pressed To Require Gun Owners To Supply Photos And Fingerprints To State Officials. “Sen. Barack Obama of Chicago called the Democrats’ proposed crackdown ‘not only constitutional, but eminently reasonable.’ … The proposals would: … Make gun owners apply in person for Firearm Owner Identification cards and supply their photos and fingerprints.” (Sean Noble, “Senate Democrats’ Proposals Take Aim At Weapons Control,” The [ Springfield , IL ] State Journal-Register, 2/15/01)
In 1999, Obama Came Out In Support Of “Smart Gun” Technology. “[Obama is] also asking that gun manufacturers be required to develop safety measures that permit only the original owner of the firearm to operate the weapon purchased.” (Chinta Strausberg, “Obama Unveils Federal Gun Bill,” Chicago Defender, 12/13/99)
Obama Has Expressed His Continued Support For Registration and Licensing. Obama: “I’ll continue to be in favor of handgun law registration requirements and licensing requirements for training …” (Chinta Strausberg, “Obama And Trotter Takes Aim At IRA For Waging Unjust Campaign,” Chicago Defender, 7/5/01)
Obama Has Received “F” Ratings From The National Rifle Association:
In 2004, 2002 And 1998, Obama Received “F” Ratings From The National Rifle Association Political Victory Fund. The NRA has given Obama 3 “F’s.” (National Rifle Association Political Victory Fund Website, http://www.nrapvf.org/, Accessed 1/8/08; National Rifle Association Political Victory Fund Website, http://www.nrapvf.org/ELECTIONS/State.aspx?y=2002&State=IL, Accessed 1/8/08; 1998 Illinois National Rifle Association Political Victory Fund Political Preference Chart, p.2)
OBAMA: NO GUN SHOPS NEAR SCHOOLS, BUT PORN SHOPS ARE OK
Obama Wanted To Ban Gun Businesses From Being Within Five Miles Of A School Or Park, But Balked At Placing Similar Restrictions On Porn Shops:
In 1999, Obama Urged Legislation That “Would Eliminate Gun Stores From Almost The Entire Inhabited Portion Of The United States .” “In 1999, Mr. Obama urged enactment of a federal law prohibiting the operation of any gun store within five miles of a school or park. This would eliminate gun stores from almost the entire inhabited portion of the United States .” (David Kopel, Op-Ed, “The Democrats And Gun Control,” The Wall Street Journal, 4/17/08)
But In 2001, Obama Voted “Present” On A Bill To Place Similar Restrictions On Adult Establishments. In 2001, Obama refused to support a bill restricting “adult use” establishments by prohibiting locations of such establishments within 1000 feet of schools, parks, places of worship, preschools, day cares and other residential areas. (S.B. 609: Senate Floor Third Reading , Failed, 33-15-05, 3/29/01, Obama Voted Present)
Talking Points: "Summertime Gas Tax Holiday"
LOCAL TALK RADIO SHOWS:
Scott Allen Miller “The Scott-O Show”: WROW 590 AM
5:30 to 9:00 a.m. Call-in number: 476-5959
Paul Vandenburgh: TALK 1300 AM
5:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Call-in number: 476-1300
Al Roney: WGY 810 AM
9:00 a.m. to noon. Call-in number: 1-800-TALK-WGY
Mark Williams: WROW 590 AM
2:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Call-in number: 476-5959
Dan Lynch: TALK 1300 AM
3:00 to 6:00 p.m. Call-in number: 476-1300
When you call, be polite, be brief and get right to the point. Try and keep your call under 60 seconds (or less) and stick to the points listed below. And be sure and turn your radio down when you are calling!
TALKING POINTS FOR “SUMMER HOLIDAY” FROM GAS TAXES
- The skyrocketing price of gasoline is out of control – gas prices are at record highs and only going higher. There’s no end in sight! Middle class families like mine are being “squeezed” by higher gas prices;
- The average price of gas in New York is nearing $4.00 per gallon and, in some areas, it’s already reached that level with no end in sight for real relief;
- Motorists like me desperately want and need a “Summertime Holiday” from high gas taxes petition drive to suspend the three state taxes on gasoline during the busy summer travel season, which goes from Memorial Day through Labor Day;
- A summer gas tax holiday would, on average, provide a nearly .33-cent savings per gallon of gasoline and a .31-cent savings per gallon of diesel fuel. That’s real savings!;
- The Republican Senate Majority already passed the Gas Tax Summertime Holiday and now the Democrats in the Assembly must act. We cannot afford more Democrat delays;
- Let’s give overtaxed, overworked, overburdened motorists some relief from “pain at the pump.” Let’s make the “Summertime Holiday” from state gas taxes a reality, today!
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