Figures the democrats screw up by taxing and spending and to hell w/the common man just like the republicans/when in power to tax the rich as the democrats have been last two years they don't tax rich cause they'd be taxing themselfs.

Wellsley the news is not good here in NY about all the state cut backs in programs and especially when it comes to enviromental conservation. They have already decreased the NY ENCON Dept. staff to such very low numbers, especially in the Adirondacks. The stocking program has been drastically cut but the only good news is that as of this time, we do not think the Salmon stocking will be effective for Lake George this year. As a member and President of the Lake George Fishing Alliance, I am trying to stay aware of all that NY state is doing or not doing in this respect. LGFA and other local sportsman organizations are actively trying to prevent more harm being done to our resources.

Some of the hatcheries were so short handed that they didn't collect eggs from the Lake Trout that come from Raquette Lake which supply most of the adirondacks.

Also the latest word coming down the pipeline is the Governor feels the state work force will need to be cut by 10 to 15%. Where those cuts will come from is still a mystery. Regardless we will all feel the pain.

Frank the talk is cuts will probably happen to prison staff, law enforcement and naturally Enviromental Conservation departments. He wants to cut back at the parks and campgrounds again; it don't matter that our campgrounds bring in revenue and more than pay for themselves. They may be one of the few places in NY state that does produce revenue.

Actually I maybe shouldn't say it is one of the few places that produces revenue because the state collects all kinds of revenue from us residents but so much of it is wasted and put into the general fund. I just read my invoice for my yearly insuraance policy on my RV camper and vehicles. The insurance company has to collect a $10 fee for NY state each vehicle I insure. Thats another state surcharge that they put into effect a few years ago. They already collect a surcharge on each vehicle when you register them at DMV. How many ways and times can we collect a surcharge on your vehicle that you own? We won't even mention the fishing or sportsman license fees that they raised last year. Anyone looking to camp on the islands of Lake George.... look out because the rates all went up this year and they also added a surcharge for garbage disposal too. Oh yes out of state residents also pay a higher rate to camp on the islands this year!

A glimmer of hope Walt, is there will be no layoffs in DEC, most of the 9800 will come from Corrections, Mental health, SUNY. DOT won't have any layoffs either in fact their budjet has an increase in it. The problem with DEC is they lost so many people to the retirement incentive that some of the programs are to short handed to operate. (such as some of the hatcheries) The adirondack strain of lake trout is one. But I think Lake George gets the Seneca lake variety and not the Raquette lake one. It will definately be a tough year and cuts will have to be made. I know I'm opening a can of worms, but I think those on public assistantes should be put to work to earn that money. They could do some of the work at parks, pick garbage along the road. Bring back the CCC. It would encourge them to find work. No work No pay. Not to say those that weren't able to work wouldn't get assistance, but those that were able need to produce. I better stop you get the point.

I have another suggestion Frank for those collecting our tax dollars... put a couple at every boat launch and they can keep them nice and clean plus they can help check the boats before they launch to insure they are clean and no invasives being taken into the body of water. Then when we return, they can wash ouur boats on the trailer before we depart the launch area. It will help keep our lakes and boats clean.

Regardless of who is in power...NY is just one of those ****ed up states that screws everything up for it's residence. NY is so politically liberal, it doesn't matter...It's hard to be a Conservative or Republican living in NY. NY is billions in debt...and the State Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver doesn't want make budget cuts..he wan't to keep spending. That ********** just doesn't get it. He'd rather just keeping taxing than cut spending and it's always the middle class who get the brunt of it. The rich will always be rich, so raising their taxes doesn't hurt them, the poor...it doesn't affect them, they don't pay taxes, they get aid and social programs...so who really pays for the tax hikes...us...the middle guy. I got 5 years left before I can retire from my job...Them i'm out...bye, bye NY.