The Jamestown City Council has begun reviewing parts of Mayor Sam Teresi's proposed, 33.6-million dollar, 2014 budget proposal with department heads. Council Finance Committee Chairman Tony Dolce says they reviewed four areas during last night's work session. They included Public Works, Parks, Playgrounds, and Youth Services. Dolce says the DPW and Parks were a big part of the discussion because they are very "equipment-oriented..." and, a lot of that equipment is getting old and worn. Dolce says there's generally been an understanding the past few years that the city can't afford those items. One lawmaker... Steve Szewjkba simply said "there's no money..." when it come to buying new equipment. However... lawmakers did ask DPW Director Jeff Lehman and Parks Superintendent John Williams to prioritize those items that are absolutely needed. They also discussed trying to take advantage -- down the road -- of Caterpiller's trade-in program that has been very cost-effective for some communities. But... Dolce says that means nothing will be put back into the budget. Taxes in the spending plan are up about 2.68-percent... and, Dolce says lawmakers don't want to raise taxes.
Opening statements are set for later this morning in the second-degree murder trial of a Virginia man charged with killing former Clymer superintendent Keith Reed, Junior. Chautauqua County Court Clerk Kathleen Krauza says two final alternates were added last Thursday to complete the panel. That paved the way for the trial to begin at 9:30 AM. It took about a month to empanel the jury of 12... along with four alternates. County District Attorney David Foley will state the prosecution's case... and, Public Defender Ned Barone the defense's. Woodbridge, Virginia's Anthony Taglianetti is charged in the shooting death of the 51 year-old Reed. Taglianetti is accused of driving to Clymer in September 2012... and, shooting Reed outside his home.
Local Congressman Tom Reed is among the Republicans stepping up their criticism over the computer problems that have plagued the rollout of the new Affordable Care Act. That comes in the wake of news reports that Health and Human Services Director Kathleen Sebelious won't appear before a House Committee on the issue later this week. President Obama -- instead -- outlined steps being taken to address those problems today in the Rose Garden. Reed says the administration is in "spin mode...." Reed says he had been hopeful that Sebelious would appear before the House committee. But... adds he's not surprised because of her "less than stellar" performance addressing the matter on the "Jon Stewart" Show. During his Monday press conference... the president vowed that the administration will do all it can to get the websites fully-functional -- and use phone banks that people can call. Reed made his comments during his weekly Telephone Conference Call with Southern Tier Media.
The candidates for Chautauqua County Executive hit the issues... including the possible sale of the county home... during a debate in the north county Monday. Fredonia Businessman Ron Johnson and County Legislator Vince Horrigan perhaps differ the most over the future of the County Home. Johnson, who is the Democratic candidate, would not rule out a possible sale. He says he's most concerned about the home's 200 beds. Horrigan says he continues to support the sale of the County Home. The Bemus Point Republican also believes the latest proposal from VestraCare of Long Island would guarantee those beds. But... Johnson has his doubts about the agreement. He also doesn't believe the county is doing everything it can do in carrying out the recommendations listed in the Center for Governmental Research report. Horrigan contends they are following many of the recommendations... but, are not seeing enough savings to keep the home.
A deer in the road created havoc for two motorists on Interstate 86 in the town of Sherman early Monday morning. Sheriff's officers were called to the scene in the eastbound lanes about 5:45 AM. Deputies say further investigation revealed that one car... driven by 43 year-old Rickey Pratt of Sherman... was struck in the side by a deer. Officers say Pratt pulled his vehicle off to the right side of the road to check the damage... and, call police. A second vehicle... operated by 17 year-old Ashlee Waite of Sherman... pulled over to the left hand lane due to Pratt's vehicle being on the right shoulder. Deputies say the deer that struck Pratt's vehicle was in the left hand lane and Waite swerved to miss the animal... and, her car went off the road... and, rolled over. Waite was treated at the scene and released. But... her passenger Ashley Kelly of Sherman was taken to the Hamot Medical Center for treatment of apparent minor injuries. No charges were filed in the incident.
A new poll shows a majority of New York voters supporting an amendment to the state constitution that would expand casino gambling. The Siena College poll released Monday finds 56 percent of the respondents say they would vote yes when read the measure that will be on the November 5th ballot... compared to 40 percent who would vote no. The amendment would allow non-Indian-owned, Las Vegas-style casinos in New York.
