Quick Post: At the county budget conference

Too bad I didn't pick up those Black Friday discount spines in the medical aisle at Wal-mart. I can think of about nine people who could really use one right now.

Round and round it goes.....I dont think Gsell really gets it does he?

Do you have a recording device with you Howard? I'd love to hear the audio.

i agree, Bea...let's see how much the jail budget has to increase by next year. Perhaps Gsell should make the same offer as Minardo

For a start John how about trying to summarily cut a program that could skyrocket costs after the budget is in place and it's too late to re-instate it. Also he did this without even consulting with the legal community on it's importance, blindsiding them with it's elimination and spreding it's duties throughout the already strained legal system. Just look at the sheepish reactions Gsell gave when the legal community got together. After they had their say he claimed it wasnt a done deal just a proposal, but it's still going forward isnt it. There are obvious pitfalls that are gonna end up costing the county much more money in the long run if and when this program is eliminated.

Well, John, if Gsell is a saint then his bosses are the sinners. Maybe if the Legislators took a more hands-on approach to, say, legislating instead of issuing orders that can't be followed we could all go on ignoring our county government and get back to bitching about the City Council just like the good old days. I'm liking the idea of going back to the Board of Supervisors more and more.

Kyle, Wake up. The input from those that might be affected has been heard, in the way it is supposed to, called a Public Hearing. It was the legislative responsibility to ask questions before the hearing if they had wanted. They had the budget beforehand, so it would have been easy for them to do it. Again, the nine legislators did not tell the Manager to come up with different options. And even now, it is clear their orders are still NO TAX INCREASE. And since a tax increase seems dead, where else, Kyle, would you cut to keep GJ? Personally, I like the plan GJ has presented, but then what next year? This problem is not going away. Of course, the legislators can all run for reelection next year with the promise to raise taxes and bring back all the cut services. I wonder how many will take that pledge? There is no doubt that sooner or later taxes will have to be raised. Cost of utilities will go up, equipment will have to be replaced and sooner or later deserving employees will get pay raises. And Albany does not seem willing to cut back on Medicaid, making us pay even more. On the positive side, higher taxes will drive even more people out of the area, which may reduce the need for a new jail. And why does there seem to be a desire to always blame the managers for doing what they are directed and follow decisions by elected bodies?

Chris, Nobody is a "saint", but the manager is not the devil either. Most of the legislators have been around awhile and know how this all works. The legislators give clear direction to their employee to do something. He does it, gives it to them. They look at it, do not order any changes, and have a Public Hearing. After the hearing, and more meetings, the legislators have still not told the manager to give them an alternative budget that raises enough money to keep any of the proposed cuts. Cooperative Extension, the Parks, Holland Land Office, County Clerk, all face laying off real people and/or cutting service. And I would bet more average people here have contact, or use them than use GJ. Boy, can't wait to watch the fight if they recommend selling the Nursing Home

Chris, You seem to have finally figured it out. Yes, Gsell serves totally at the pleasure of the legislature. Each and every year he has to be rehired. He has no contract. If you had won your race, you would have expected him to follow your directions (if backed by a majority). The blame for what you feel is wrong rests squarely on the 9 elected members, no other place. So I expect that you and your party will run candidates against at least 7 of the Republican (maybe letting Mr. Bausch off the hook). I know of at least 2 Republicans being talked about to run against the 1 Democrat. If the public agrees with you, there will be a new bunch running things next year. But, they would have to be running on a raise taxes platform. And tax increases, even if needed are a hard sell when trying to get elected. Especially when so many people are out of work to pay them.

John, you're so cute when you're condescending. This isn't about elections, it's about doing the right thing. How about this, I will publicly and vocally support the first legislator for re-election, regardless of party affiliation who steps out on a limb and demands that we do what is necessary to keep Genesee Justice.

Kyle, Again, wake up. I am not against GJ, or even an increase in the sales tax to keep at least the diversion part of it. But I don't see GJ as more important than other things that are going to be cut either. We still have the Nursing Home issue coming up, and if you live in the City, more budget problems coming in the Spring. More cost and likely, more taxes. You are right that I don't fault Gsell. He is doing his job. And I have no problem blaming the legislators. I supported both losing Democrats who ran for the legislature (Chris was one) last time. I might again, depending on who, if anyone, runs next year. You might not have noticed, but many property owners/tax payers are out of work right now. Money is tight and from the poll today, most do not want a tax increase. And as for a Board of Supervisors, not a bad idea, but what makes you think any Town Supervisor right now would vote to raise any tax?

Posted by Kyle Couchman on December 2, 2010 - 10:21am And people wonder why things are all screwed up, no one speaks up when things dont seem right, they are just supposed to go along and get along. Don't think for yourself or anything just put the blinders on and do what your told no matter how wrong it might be. Welcome to the county way of thinking! Most people who work for the county take this attitude or they don't last long as a county employee. Often their ethics are thrown straight out the window! I have seen first hand people whom I previously held in high esteem fold for the 'gotta do what they tell me' regardless if they have to lie or doctor things up. They do what they feel is necessary to keep their job, not what is right! I have always voiced my beliefs and concerns and stand up for what is right. I have been punished for it, but I sleep very well at night, and I can hold my head up thank you. I still have some close friends who did and still do work for the county. They have learned to keep quiet...and safe. Not everyone goes out on a limb! Jay Gsell likes to hear what he wants to hear, and he will stand by anyone who says it can be done, even if it can't. There is always somebody who will say it can! That is the problem. I got an idea! Lets use the million (or was it 2 million) we have laying around from the sale of the Health Dept homecare service toward GJ! Surely we have been earning lots of interest on that. Also we are saving the money that was wasted on the salaries and benies of all that staff that no longer have jobs there! Oh, wait... that money disappeared somewhere? The money that came in as payment of nursing services is not there anymore, so we have to take money from somewhere else to pay the bills. Well gee, it looked good on the proposed budget...