John Urtz Sentinel Ad of 10/28/09

You got to be kidding, the number one reason to elect John Urtz is he likes to play Star Wars and Tea Party. Way to go John exploit the Grandkids! That is reassuring to the community. The ad should of read:

Top Ten Reasons to Not Vote for our Papa, John C. Urtz For Town of Lee Supervisor

#10 Papa is obtuse and complacent.
#9 Papa is inequitable and lacks integrity.
#8 Papa listens but doesn't hear.
#7 Papa is out for himself and his family first.
#6 Papa likes to take credit for others.
#5 Papa knows how to save our money except when it comes to himself or his family.
#4 Papa has created a Town of Lee divided.
#3 Papa only cares about certain people.
#2 Papa is the Worst person to be Supervisor.

and the #1 one reason is Papa still can't win at either Star Wars or Tea Party!

Now there is an example some real in depth thought. I bet you stayed up all night thinking about your clever little comeback. ROFLMAO at you.

Your candidate is not even in the race. That is what happens when Republicans run tax and spenders like Rich Smith for office. He almost fooled some people, but the truth prevailed, again.

The biggest challenge in government is "to control spending," said Urtz, adding that "my philosophy continues to be, less is more. Keeping Lee government at the smallest possible level is key." He said "my ability to hold the line on spending has resulted in balanced town budgets, no town debt, and no town taxes for the last 27 years."

-- so go ahead and name a few other politicians that can say that...

I didn't see the part about how an unfair sales-tax redistribution scheme concocted by a town-dominated county legislature that boosts town revenues at the expense of the cities has permitted Urtz to make his tax-free claim.

If Urtz had to provide all of the quality-of-life venues for which Lee residents depend on Rome, Urtz's budgets would look a lot different from the way they do now. Urtz has accomplished what almost anybody else could do given the unbalanced playing field on which he plays.

What value-added has Urtz brought -- forget the free handouts from the cities.

Please name one quality-of-life venue that Rome provides at no cost to town of Lee residents.

(sorry if this double posts)

Urtz performed under the conditions that he was presented with. If someone else was there, like Smith, they would have the same advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, from the perspective of a Lee resident voting in the upcoming election, these points aren't germane.

That being said, is the gist of this complaint that Rome would be better off without Lee residents (and their 20% higher median family incomes being largely spent in Rome)?

Furthermore, if you concede that having the towns people using Romes stores, schools, and services is actually, on the whole, a benefit - what exactly is the nature of your complaint? You want Lee to support Rome but only on your terms?

The fact is, Rome and Lee are two different municipalities. It is not Lee's responsibility to help Rome meet their commitments. If you think we are freeloaders stop inviting us to dinner.

You are so funny wrote:

Please name one quality-of-life venue that Rome provides at no cost to town of Lee residents.

Rome Art & Community Center
Rome Historical Society Museum
Capitol Theater

Do I get extra credit for 3?

The City of Rome does not own any of the three quality-of-life venues that you have mentioned. They may subsidize them, but that is the Mayor's decision and it is done at the cost of Rome taxpayers.

Sorry, no extra credit Frank. The town of Lee has a theater, but they are expected to pay their own way without subsidy. What a concept.

and who really gives a rat's ass about the town of lee. get your own topix forum. WTF!

What exactly does the Town of Lee offer?

A quiet safe place to live without confused politicians trying to spend every dollar they can find.

Bob wrote:

What exactly does the Town of Lee offer?

As much as some in Lee feel no obligation to Rome, the fact remains without Rome you would most likely die getting to a Hospital. You would pay more in gas than that dinning out meal would cost and so on. The bottom line is the quality of life for all in Lee would decrease without Rome, just look at how much time would be lost to commuting alone.

Lee certainly enjoy's the benefits of Rome without question.

That being said, I haven't seen where Richard Smith has said he wants to give more money to Rome.

I have heard Richard Smith say he would like to see less empty store fronts along Turin Rd. and a improved Town Park for all. I believe Richard just wants to improve on what we have. The Urtz regime would have you believe that Richard Smith wants to expand and raise taxes, Richard Smith has never said that. He has said he will NOT RAISE TAXES if elected! This is a man who has received a Legion of Merit Award while serving in the US ARMY for 24 years! I believe him!

I have also heard Richard Smith say he would hire no Family members if elected!

I have also heard Richard Smith say he would have a more open, transparent and accountable government, one in which all residents could be part of, not just a select few.

Richard and his family are Lee residents. Like all of us, he wants what we want, and that is simply to makes things better than they currently are. I'm sure some of you if not most you can understand that.

Please view his website and read for yourselves. www.rich4supervisor.blogspot.com

You are so funny wrote:

Now there is an example some real in depth thought. I bet you stayed up all night thinking about your clever little comeback. ROFLMAO at you.
Your candidate is not even in the race. That is what happens when Republicans run tax and spenders like Rich Smith for office. He almost fooled some people, but the truth prevailed, again.

What are talking about not in the race, tax and spend? I never mentioned any candidate. You really are lost. For your information Democrats are historically the tax and spenders. Republicans have always been about cutting taxes and less government. As it seems you know so much about Richard Smith maybe you could tell us where Richard raised taxes or spent taxpayers money before. Its obivous to me you have no idea what this race is even about.

Speaking Fairly wrote:

As much as some in Lee feel no obligation to Rome, the fact remains without Rome you would most likely die getting to a Hospital.

We use it because they have it, they have it because we use it. It cuts both ways. The hospital supplies Rome with jobs and services that they might not warrant without the thousands that live in the surrounding towns.

Speaking Fairly wrote:

You would pay more in gas than that dinning out meal would cost and so on. The bottom line is the quality of life for all in Lee would decrease without Rome, just look at how much time would be lost to commuting alone.

All of these things can be said in reverse, Rome would be hurting without Lee and the other towns. And gas doesn't cost more in Lee than in Rome, sometimes it actually costs less. Actually I think gas would get cheaper without Rome because the Lee filling stations would do more volume and could make less profit per gallon and still make ends meet.

Richard is always talking about bringing businesses to Lee, but I don't think Richard has done enough thinking on why the businesses on 26 turn over so fast or fail outright. Anyone knows it would be nice to have them there - they just don't work and I haven't seen him give reason #1 as to why he can make them work.

It appears his plan is the spitball method. Just keep shooting businesses at 26 until something sticks.

Speaking Fairly wrote:

Lee certainly enjoy's the benefits of Rome without question.

No one questions it. Frank inferred that it's a parasitic relationship and that's a very naive point of view.

simple wrote:

<quoted text>
We use it because they have it, they have it because we use it. It cuts both ways. The hospital supplies Rome with jobs and services that they might not warrant without the thousands that live in the surrounding towns.
<quoted text>
All of these things can be said in reverse, Rome would be hurting without Lee and the other towns. And gas doesn't cost more in Lee than in Rome, sometimes it actually costs less. Actually I think gas would get cheaper without Rome because the Lee filling stations would do more volume and could make less profit per gallon and still make ends meet.
Richard is always talking about bringing businesses to Lee, but I don't think Richard has done enough thinking on why the businesses on 26 turn over so fast or fail outright. Anyone knows it would be nice to have them there - they just don't work and I haven't seen him give reason #1 as to why he can make them work.
It appears his plan is the spitball method. Just keep shooting businesses at 26 until something sticks.
<quoted text>
No one questions it. Frank inferred that it's a parasiticrelationship and that's a very naive point of view.

Obivously you are very closed minded person that evidently doesn't believe in giving someone else a chance to prove things could be better. Are you saying this is the best Lee can be, that there is no room for improvement? I believe you are truely misguided in your thoughts. Yes, Lee is a bedroom community of Rome, but Lee residents have basic needs also and shouldn't have to depend on Rome. I'm not just referring to businesses but to the way things are run here. You have your opinon, mine is things could be better.

There is a wonderful indoor sports complex on Rte. 233 in Westmoreland that should be in Lee. Didn't the Rising Stars Complex want to go in Lee Town Park but was shot down by the current administration? I heard Lee Baseball got money for a press box and wanted to put it somewhere near homeplate but was told the only place they could put it was center field. Why wouldn't they let them put it where it's supposed to be?

If you are asking for change....be careful for what you ask for.

I only said that he didnt have a real plan to change anything, or even a basic understanding of why things are the way they are. The rest of it you assumed yourself.

Lets be Fair wrote:

<quoted text> Obivously you are very closed minded person that evidently doesn't believe in giving someone else a chance to prove things could be better. Are you saying this is the best Lee can be, that there is no room for improvement? I believe you are truely misguided in your thoughts. Yes, Lee is a bedroom community of Rome, but Lee residents have basic needs also and shouldn't have to depend on Rome. I'm not just referring to businesses but to the way things are run here. You have your opinon, mine is things could be better.

Speaking Fairly wrote:

The Urtz regime would have you believe that Richard Smith wants to expand and raise taxes, Richard Smith has never said that. He has said he will NOT RAISE TAXES if elected!

Rich has stated to many that he wants to buy the Salvation Army camp to provide programs for children and seniors. This will cost a fortune as the property is in complete disarray and will require extensive repair. And the cost to operate the facility would not disappear but continue into perpetuity, eventually eating up the town surplus and resulting in a townwide tax - all to fulfill his dream of keeping the camp open.

Sorry, but he thought he could fool the voters and they aren't buying the story. He is a tax and spend republican, just like County Executive Tony Picente and Congress candidate Dede Scozzafava.

Lets be Fair wrote:

<quoted text> What are talking about not in the race, tax and spend? I never mentioned any candidate. You really are lost. For your information Democrats are historically the tax and spenders. Republicans have always been about cutting taxes and less government. As it seems you know so much about Richard Smith maybe you could tell us where Richard raised taxes or spent taxpayers money before. Its obivous to me you have no idea what this race is even about.

Both parties are a disgrace. The Republicans spend just as much as the Democrats and both parties have expanded the size and scope of government over the past tens years. I'll tell you one thing, the Republicans who believe in smaller government are taking back the party and Rich Smith and his tax and spend plan for the Town of Lee will not fit into the plans of the party.