War For Tobacco Wampum

The city is d-e-s-p-e-r-a-t-e for money, so what’s a mayor to do? Declare WAR on honest tobacco-selling Indians, that’s what! Mayor Bloomberg is suing eight Long Island smoke shops on the Poospatuck Reservation in Mastic, Long Island for selling cigarettes (about $5 per pack) without charging local and state tax. He contends that if cigarettes weren't sold in these stores, they’d be bought in New York City instead. He believes this has cost the state $525 million and the city $195 million since 2004 however estimates vary. He’s called upon Governor Paterson for action. The governor is reportedly “negotiating.” An Indian spokesman believes they’re being unfairly blamed for the fiscal problems of others. That may be true. According to New York state law, cigarette buyers are responsible for reporting tax-free purchases, not the stores. Indian smoke shops operate legally throughout New York. These establishments buy cigarettes wholesale and then sell them without tax. All legal. No “smoke and mirrors.” Without a change in state law and unless NYC can somehow prove that cigarette buyers would purchase packs in the five boroughs and not on the reservation, Mayor Bloomberg’s case will likely go "up in smoke." One other thought. Since Mayor Bloomberg is actively engaged in reducing smoking in New York City, shouldn't he be looking to curtail sales as opposed to making money from them?

Empty Your Pockets For The Politicians

Both Governor Paterson and Mayor Bloomberg recently warned that tax increases may be necessary to close anticipated deficits. In today’s current economic situation, New York City residents are likely to face state and city tax increases in the very near future. Once again, unwise and wasteful spending brings us to the precipice. New York State and City governments should have mandatory special savings accounts to tide them (and us) over during tough economic times. You know. The kind of savings accounts that New Yorkers will be forced to dip into when the taxman comes knocking.

Drugstore Injections And Needlers

Governor Paterson signed into law, a bill permitting pharmacists to administer flu and pneumonia vaccinations at the local pharmacy. No need to run to the doctor's office now, but is it safe? A pharmacist may have a customer's pill list but do they have knowledge of a patient's medical condition as a doctor would? Some might get a shot that can cause irreparable harm. Starting December 4th, pharmacists who received official state training and certification may legally “stick it to you!” Some health experts say that 50,000 more senior citizens in New York City may be inoculated under the new program. Before running to your pharmacy, check with your doctor.

New York City May Be Sold

New York’s Governor Paterson recently raised the possibility that government may sell off public bridges, tunnels and roads to private groups helping offset budget deficits. Whether it’s a long-term solution or fiscal gimmickry remains to be seen. Hopefully things here won’t get to the point where this becomes necessary. However, if finances run lower, those that monitor things for the public must examine the financial details before we put a “For Sale” sign in NYC's front window.

OTB Remains A Sure Bet

Governor Paterson and Mayor Bloomberg crossed the Finish Line with a last minute agreement to save Off-Track Betting in New York City. The deal is pending approval by both houses of the New York State Legislature. The pact is somewhat complicated with many financial considerations for both sides. No details will be discussed here. Suffice to say, Mayor Bloomberg’s gamble to close OTB offices in the city unless New York received a bigger share of the profits apparently worked. Albany chose to "bite the bullet" that might have sent OTB to "the glue factory." The compromise between the city and state guarantees the jobs of 1,500 OTB workers and no doubt pleases the many hundreds of thousands of pony-players who bet throughout the Big Apple. Well, it probably pleases them only until their horses finish out-of-the-money! And now, some famous quotes … A racehorse is an animal that can take several thousand people for a ride at the same time. ~Author Unknown … I bet on a horse at ten-to-one. It didn't come in until half-past five. ~Henny Youngman … A race track (OTB?) is a place where windows clean people. ~Danny Thomas

MTA Getting Ready To Ride Us Again

It's a given that transit operating costs have gone up since the last rate increase. What isn’t a given though at the MTA is whether or not all unnecessary costs and wasteful spending have been eliminated. Even with an increased number of riders, the MTA continues to lose money. A 12-person commission appointed by Governor Paterson is studying whether to raise transit fares, impose congestion pricing (though the idea was rejected before) and even raise taxes. No real mention though of increasing the MTA’s efficiency or trimming the budget, FIRST! Their report is due out in December. Who’d bet against a new transit rate hike in 2009 or 2010 at the latest? Get ready to personally get the MTA back on track again with your financial support. It's obvious that those we pay, can’t do their jobs … except with more money from us.

Triborough Bridge To Be Renamed

The New York State Assembly voted to rename the Triborough Bridge in honor of Robert F. Kennedy. This unexpected, but welcome tribute comes on the 40th anniversary of the senator’s assassination. The pain of that night, the sense of "what might have been," still remains, undiminished by time. The bill awaits Governor Paterson’s signature which is expected. Built in 1936, the bridge connects Queens, The Bronx and Manhattan (3 boroughs). As a visionary man who looked to bridge the many gaps that divide all people, it’s even more fitting that a bridge spanning not just two, but three land masses will be named for RFK.

Scoop Poop Or Pay More For Manure

The fine for cleaning up after your dog will rise from $100 to $250 if New York Governor Paterson signs the bill into law. City Sanitation Commissioner John Doherty said, “It sends a strong message to all dog owners about the seriousness of the law and their responsibility to comply.” This sh*t has got to end! I recognize it’s our duty to pick up our pet’s doody but let’s get real here. Is $250 reasonable punishment for a possible doggie--dump accident or mental lapse? It may be time to teach the old dog a new trick (see below). Then, let the city get it's money from some other asshole.