Speakout: April 18, 2009

April 18, 2009 03:25 am

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Tax break
On tax day I'll be enjoying my tax break, along with 95 percent of Americans while the Rush/Fox followers are out there making fools of themselves telling us Obama isn't an American! Want some info rather than lies and spin? Check this out: www.nytimes.com/2009/04/13/opinion/13krugman.html.

Smokers
To people commenting about CVPH workers smoking off the property, this is where they were put to smoke, away from the butt hut, into the public eye! So what if they are smoking in front of you? At least they are working and not living off N.Y. state. I don't work there or smoke, but this is America, so let the smokers decide what THEY want to do with their bodies. Drive on another street so you will not have to see it or smell it or inhale it.

Disgusted
Has anyone noticed how the village of Port Henry looks as you're heading down Convent Hill towards the beach? I think that it very sad that our village has to look so disgusting. I think that the landfill in Moriah looks cleaner than some of the properties that are on the right side of the street coming down the hill. Let's make these people clean up so that we can be proud of our village again.

Save money
Here's an idea for the state to save money. Let's take Altona Correctional Facility, for example, get rid of the superintendent and his free vehicle, gas and insurance, that's at least $175,000 savings, then get rid of the DSS, DSA, & DSP another $290.000 savings, that's almost 1/2 million total. Altona could get by with a captain as high rank, then he reports to the hub superintendent as needed. The hub superintendent makes a weekly visit or comes as needed from Clinton. That's only one small jail, imagine how much can be saved statewide.

Cats
Okay all you lawmakers, act upon a law that all cat owners must license their cats and they are not allowed to roam. Make a leash law for cats, also.

Stolen
Two ATV 4-wheelers were stolen from our home in Beekmantown Thursday, April 9 — a 2007 Can Am DS 250 and a 2004 Suzuki 250. Both are yellow. Someone may be trying to sell them or have new key locks made. If anyone sees them, or has information, call the State Police.

Gratuities
Tipping is a personal decision based upon quality of service. Exceptional service can merit 20 percent or more, while mediocre or indifferent service can merit a penny. Servers should not expect to receive a tip nor should they gripe over the amount of the tip and they should never, ever ask, "Do you need change?" Simply bring the change without asking and we will then decide. Most diners do realize that tips are an important part of a server's income, but that does not mean that tips are automatic. They must be earned.

Closed
I see another small business has closed in downtown Plattsburgh. Imagine what it would be like if our city government weren't so "small-business friendly." Open one, you will then learn the meaning of being nickel and dimed to death.