On the Chopping Block

I didn’t vote for the Accidental Governor, I voted for Spitzer. But Spitzer’s stupidity made us stuck with Paterson. Let me say, our Governor is really ticking off people each and every day. I am beginning to think that he’s going on this crash course just for shits and giggles. We the people, of the State of New York, are under water. I keep hoping that maybe somehow it will get better, but then the state budget looms. This year, the gloom, loom and doom seems to be at an all time high.

The Governor and crew withheld money to municipalities to stretch the cash flow. Now, he has the bright idea to withhold state tax refunds. He said that, “People are upset when they hear about the income taxes...people are upset when they heard we were going to have to charge an additional license plate fee. People are upset when they hear we're going to make cuts to education and health care. Children and families are upset when they find out there won't be toys for Christmas because they can't pay the rent.” Now that's fresh - yes, of course we're pissed off! You've got a house, a driver and a bunch of bells and whistles on our dime. I guess he forgot to throw in there the gasoline NYS gasoline tax that picks our pockets at the pump, too; or the increase in permit and license fees.

Not only does he propose holding up the tax refunds for several weeks to possibly months, but he seems to have a hit list of what funding can be cut or canceled (of course this means the arts) and what facilities can be closed (our beautiful parks). Facebook groups are popping up daily ~ and I’m joining them all and signing the petitions. Thacher Park, a beautiful park outside of Albany; Grafton State Park where families converge to this beautiful lake for swimming, fishing, hiking; Victoria Pool in Saratoga – all in the running for closure. The NYS Theater Institute is among the possible casualties of funding cuts. This wonderful organization offers classic shows that are a treasure to see. My kids have been fortunate to see many of the shows over the years on school trips. These are some of the places I have personally enjoyed, I’m sure that all New Yorkers will be politicking to keep the funding flowing and the parks opened.

The dark days shall become darker as April 1 rolls around and the nasty battles will just get worse. Then the schools will get kicked a little harder, healthcare will get beaten down a little and whomever else they ‘trim’.

Mr. Governor, Assemblymen and Senators – enough already! I guess I could find another state to live in ~ but see, I’m a family girl from a small town, who kind of likes being around her family and friends, so at this point in my life, moving to another state isn’t in the cards for me. But what I will do for you is I’ll be using the power of social media. This year’s an election year, and I’m on Facebook ~ I have my own chopping block agenda, I'm sure you get the picture.