Was the Leigon 1645 meeting a bust?

[Guest Guest]

No one is saying anything about the meeting on Thursday night. Why the silence? Does that mean it was a bust?

[Navin R Johnson]

No one is saying anything about the meeting on Thursday night. Why the silence? Does that mean it was a bust?

maybe it's because the meeting is tonight egghead....how does it feel to be a moron?

[Jaxen]

Now that's funny

 

 

@

[Guest Legionite]

Lets hope Gil Wood has the beer flowing and you can smoke there. Good place to get hammered.

[marineguy]

No one is saying anything about the meeting on Thursday night. Why the silence? Does that mean it was a bust?

 

 

 

HI Matt Ryan

[BingoNorthSider]

No one is saying anything about the meeting on Thursday night. Why the silence? Does that mean it was a bust?

 

 

City Wide Meeting Time April 17 at 6:00 pm, Eastside American Leigon 1645 Robinson Street!

 

Figures, must be high or drunk or something. Can't even keep the dates right. Must be Luke (Got salt?) your street's not plowed yet

 

 

@

[Guest Guest]

Of course I went, I was assisting organizing it...

 

It wasn't pointless at all.

 

About thirty people, including four or five former city councilmen and a candidate for County Executive, Democrats and Republicans, WBNG and News Channel 34 all showed up.

 

No visible signs of a Press & Sun-Bulletin reporter, however.

 

Of course none of the Internet blowhards showed, they must not have been allowed out after dinner.....

 

Quite a bit of information was provided by numerous people.

 

A plan for future action was implemented.

 

All in all, a productive, positive discussion.

 

More details later...

 

Watch the news tonight and tomorrow morning.

 

Posted by: Ed not allowed on Thu Apr 17, 2008 8:17 pm

[Guest Guest]

watch it for yourself:

 

http://www.wbng.com/news/local/17890139.html

[Ed Arzouian]

One good development at the American Legion open public meeting on Robinson Street was a better understanding of just how much Matthew T. Ryan plans to rip off residents with this additinal 43% increase in the water rates (above the 24% last year).

 

It was learned that the annual metered revenue for water for the City of Binghamton is $5,200,000 (five million two-hundred thousand).

 

So a 43% increase will net the City and additional $2,360,000 (two million, three-hunded and sixty thousand dollars) PER YEAR, EVERY YEAR!!!

 

REMEMBER WHEN THEY TOLD US THE PROBLEM WAS A $300,000 DEFICIT???

 

THIS INCREASE WILL GIVE THEM A $2,000 000 SURPLUS EVERY YEAR.

 

CAN THE TRANSPARENT MATTHEW T. RYAN EXPLAIN THAT?

[Guest Guest]

The meeting proved there is no justification for such a large water rate increase.

 

A plan of action has already been adopted and implemented, one night, no need for four commissions and things are moving forward quickly..

 

Former councilmen (Democrats and Republicans), doctors and lawyers regular guys off the street are all wriitng to their city council representatives demanding the use of City Chambers for a televised town hall meeting, a true town hall, not a Matthew T. Ryan Citizen Action Dog and Pony show.

[Guest SPJ]

I think last night's meeting was a good start. There were more questions than answers, of course, but the tenor was professional and cordial. There were no personal assaults on anyone, while the conversation was inquisitive and delving.

 

Most of the talk centered on the city's inflated water rates, but other issues arose, such as code enforcement, contract legality, etc.

 

WBNG and WIVT attended, and there were about 30 people in attendance.

 

What I found most interesting is that the meeting brought together people from a handful of political affiliations, all across the spectrum of mindsets. There were people attending from all sides of town, and it was encouraging to see the open format allowing for all voices to be involved, regardless of political party, race, age or economic status.

 

While Mayor Matt Ryan ran on a platform of transparent government and bringing people together, it's been my view that many of his movements and policies have led to more and more questions, while his administration has divided this community beyond anything I've seen in local government over the past decade and more.

 

Meanwhile, the irony of last night's meeting is that those in attendance ... appeared to agree on one thing: They've hit a wall on their tolerance for this mayor and his administration.

 

The goal that came from this meeting is to get answers to many of the questions raised, but another target is to hold an event at City Hall, to televise it, and to allow Mayor Ryan to field questions from concerned citizens and taxpayers, while everyone else watches and listens.

 

No more prepared statements. Enough with the spokesmen and spokeswomen. Let's ask the mayor what's happening at City Hall, and let's allow him to tell us. In his words.

 

Any transparent government leader would surely welcome such an opportunity ... no?

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Guest Guest]

About 30 people. Ryan has no choice but to come to terms with such an obviously powerful group.

[Guest ...]

I suspect he'll ignore the group. But that, too, will be an indicator of his hypocritical regime.

 

Keep scoffing, as if these 30 people's attendance at a meeting equals widespread pleasure with Mayor Ryan and his job performance. If that helps you sleep at night, you should stay with that plan. Meanwhile, 10 people at a neighborhood assembly meeting signifies a raving success to you.

 

This is just the beginning. You can mark your calendar.

[Guest Guest-fred-*]

Congratulations to everyone involved. The WBNG coverage was hard hitting and served to legitimize the effort. Keep up the great work! My advice, as you become more of an entity, you need to focus on the issues and not the character (or lack thereof) of the mayor and his administration. Let the facts speak for themselves. You will attract much more support for issues this way. Thanks!

[Guest Guest]

This is what I saw on the news: Russo; lost election. Papastrat; lost election, Harding; quitter, ed; lost election. Jenson; lost election. I saw a bucnh of whiners and losers. Not that what they stand for is wrong. I simply believe that there are other avenues in which to work on things.

 

I don't know why ed kept saying "we" in regards to Ryan's policies. He does not live here. He does not own property here. He does not work here. He does not pay taxes here. Why does he continually use the word "we" when referring to increases in water bills or taxes?

[Guest Guest]

I think last night's meeting was a good start. There were more questions than answers, of course, but the tenor was professional and cordial. There were no personal assaults on anyone, while the conversation was inquisitive and delving.

 

Most of the talk centered on the city's inflated water rates, but other issues arose, such as code enforcement, contract legality, etc.

 

WBNG and WIVT attended, and there were about 30 people in attendance.

 

What I found most interesting is that the meeting brought together people from a handful of political affiliations, all across the spectrum of mindsets. There were people attending from all sides of town, and it was encouraging to see the open format allowing for all voices to be involved, regardless of political party, race, age or economic status.

 

While Mayor Matt Ryan ran on a platform of transparent government and bringing people together, it's been my view that many of his movements and policies have led to more and more questions, while his administration has divided this community beyond anything I've seen in local government over the past decade and more.

 

Meanwhile, the irony of last night's meeting is that those in attendance ... appeared to agree on one thing: They've hit a wall on their tolerance for this mayor and his administration.

 

The goal that came from this meeting is to get answers to many of the questions raised, but another target is to hold an event at City Hall, to televise it, and to allow Mayor Ryan to field questions from concerned citizens and taxpayers, while everyone else watches and listens.

 

No more prepared statements. Enough with the spokesmen and spokeswomen. Let's ask the mayor what's happening at City Hall, and let's allow him to tell us. In his words.

 

Any transparent government leader would surely welcome such an opportunity ... no?

 

WBNG said there were 20 people in attendance.

 

They were being charitable.

 

It looked more like 15.

 

[Guest Guest]

WBNG said there were 20 people in attendance.

 

They were being charitable.

 

It looked more like 15.

 

Substract the former office holders there, and you have about 10, which proves this Ed Arzoony commands huge, city wide attention.

 

[Guest Guest]

About 30 people. Ryan has no choice but to come to terms with such an obviously powerful group.

I agree. It was the most powerful group of dissent in Binghamton: Former INCUMBENT councilmen who lost the election, field manager of third place mayoral candidate and resident of JC, etc. While concerns should be addressed, there is the issue of the source of information. Who provided the "answers" and based on what? I think that Mr. not allowed is intelligent and articulate in his writings, but I wonder: how does he come up with his figures? does he have access to information on operational costs of water? I mean, real figures, the books, and a history of financial management (not just the past two years). Regarding the code enforcement issue: is there a particular person that is being targeted? what possible reasons and/or proof is there? Are there any possible solutions to the conflict? what has been done to resolve it?

[Guest City Haller]

Ryan and his group of carpetbagging exploiters can laugh and downplay this "unofficial" town meeting as they like, but they more than most should understand that this is precisely how the first step towards ultimate change will occur. While there may not have been as many concerned taxpayers and citizens as should have attended, it was indeed a good beginning. Rest assured that this will grow and in doing so it will become the diametric opposite of Ryan & Abdelazim's failed and divisive neighborhood assemblies.

 

First, it attracts those concerned citizens who actually possess a vested interest in the city, not the present bunch of City "administrators", all from somewhere else, and their needed entitlement class of citizenry who are always wanting of more and more from the ever dwindling few known as Binghamton taxpayers.

 

Second, it has started out small but will certainly grow as word spreads and Ryan and his minions continue to fail at the provision of basic city services while continuing to experiment with their far left socialistic agenda at our expense. Conversely, the neighborhood assemblies started out with large numbers of attendees and have now degenerated into a hardcore group of around 10 people when one discounts the Vistas and City workers forced to be there. They lost the vested taxpaying group for good after the first round of assemblies when their concerns and creative ideas were put forth only to be ignored in favor of "feel good" nonsense like clean-up days, neighborhood gardens, and youth parties at Columbus Park.

 

Finally, the focal point of the meeting was the itemized agenda of valid concerns and not free food and refreshments.

[Guest Guest]

Substract the former office holders there, and you have about 10, which proves this Ed Arzoony commands huge, city wide attention.

 

Why would you subtract anybody?

 

There was no permanent group or organization behind this meeting, it was all concerned citizens.

 

[Guest Guest]

Ryan and his group of carpetbagging exploiters can laugh and downplay this "unofficial" town meeting as they like, but they more than most should understand that this is precisely how the first step towards ultimate change will occur. While there may not have been as many concerned taxpayers and citizens as should have attended, it was indeed a good beginning. Rest assured that this will grow and in doing so it will become the diametric opposite of Ryan & Abdelazim's failed and divisive neighborhood assemblies.

 

First, it attracts those concerned citizens who actually possess a vested interest in the city, not the present bunch of City "administrators", all from somewhere else, and their needed entitlement class of citizenry who are always wanting of more and more from the ever dwindling few known as Binghamton taxpayers.

 

Second, it has started out small but will certainly grow as word spreads and Ryan and his minions continue to fail at the provision of basic city services while continuing to experiment with their far left socialistic agenda at our expense. Conversely, the neighborhood assemblies started out with large numbers of attendees and have now degenerated into a hardcore group of around 10 people when one discounts the Vistas and City workers forced to be there. They lost the vested taxpaying group for good after the first round of assemblies when their concerns and creative ideas were put forth only to be ignored in favor of "feel good" nonsense like clean-up days, neighborhood gardens, and youth parties at Columbus Park.

 

Finally, the focal point of the meeting was the itemized agenda of valid concerns and not free food and refreshments.

 

Dream on. Nothing meaningful will come of either the NA's, or the he-man Ryan haters convention.

 

[Guest Guest]

WBNG said there were 20 people in attendance.

 

They were being charitable.

 

It looked more like 15.

 

Ed claims there were 30 people . HE must of counteed them all twice . Why does he lie about the small things ? Those lies will only hurt this group , as opposed to helping them .

[Ed Arzouian]

The next meeting will be a telvised open town hall at City Chambers.

 

Wait until you see how many come out for that.

[Guest Guest]

Ryan and his group of carpetbagging exploiters can laugh and downplay this "unofficial" town meeting as they like, but they more than most should understand that this is precisely how the first step towards ultimate change will occur. While there may not have been as many concerned taxpayers and citizens as should have attended, it was indeed a good beginning. Rest assured that this will grow and in doing so it will become the diametric opposite of Ryan & Abdelazim's failed and divisive neighborhood assemblies.

 

First, it attracts those concerned citizens who actually possess a vested interest in the city, not the present bunch of City "administrators", all from somewhere else, and their needed entitlement class of citizenry who are always wanting of more and more from the ever dwindling few known as Binghamton taxpayers.

 

Second, it has started out small but will certainly grow as word spreads and Ryan and his minions continue to fail at the provision of basic city services while continuing to experiment with their far left socialistic agenda at our expense. Conversely, the neighborhood assemblies started out with large numbers of attendees and have now degenerated into a hardcore group of around 10 people when one discounts the Vistas and City workers forced to be there. They lost the vested taxpaying group for good after the first round of assemblies when their concerns and creative ideas were put forth only to be ignored in favor of "feel good" nonsense like clean-up days, neighborhood gardens, and youth parties at Columbus Park.

 

Finally, the focal point of the meeting was the itemized agenda of valid concerns and not free food and refreshments.

 

The questions above your post remain unanswered. They might not be important, perhaps the meeting was just to express opinions, which is very valid. That doesn't mean that there shouldn't be a clear distinction between fact vs. opinion. Your analysis of the neighborhood assemblies can also be applied to this specific meeting: while the items and style are different, we still need to know how you classify this info and where it comes from, what items is the "info provider" taking into account in order to string his/her conlcusions together. If this meeting claims to have the transparency that is lacking in the NAs, then it should be clear where and how the figures provided came to be. You are all business people or work for business people, so you know that when you come up with costs and profit many issues should be taken into account. That is all I'm saying. About looking at who the organizers are, well, just as you question the presence of certain figures in the NAs and attach to them a particular agenda, one can question the presence of certain figures and their personal, particular agenda regarding this meeting. Why would that downplay the meeting? unless of course, that is the very same purpose of your methods when it comes to the NAs.

 

[Guest Guest]

I think last night's meeting was a good start. There were more questions than answers, of course, but the tenor was professional and cordial. There were no personal assaults on anyone, while the conversation was inquisitive and delving.

 

Most of the talk centered on the city's inflated water rates, but other issues arose, such as code enforcement, contract legality, etc.

 

WBNG and WIVT attended, and there were about 30 people in attendance.

 

What I found most interesting is that the meeting brought together people from a handful of political affiliations, all across the spectrum of mindsets. There were people attending from all sides of town, and it was encouraging to see the open format allowing for all voices to be involved, regardless of political party, race, age or economic status.

 

While Mayor Matt Ryan ran on a platform of transparent government and bringing people together, it's been my view that many of his movements and policies have led to more and more questions, while his administration has divided this community beyond anything I've seen in local government over the past decade and more.

 

Meanwhile, the irony of last night's meeting is that those in attendance ... appeared to agree on one thing: They've hit a wall on their tolerance for this mayor and his administration.

 

The goal that came from this meeting is to get answers to many of the questions raised, but another target is to hold an event at City Hall, to televise it, and to allow Mayor Ryan to field questions from concerned citizens and taxpayers, while everyone else watches and listens.

 

No more prepared statements. Enough with the spokesmen and spokeswomen. Let's ask the mayor what's happening at City Hall, and let's allow him to tell us. In his words.

 

Any transparent government leader would surely welcome such an opportunity ... no?

 

Do you normaly studder or was it just the cameras ?