Pataki calls for pension fund reforms

ALBANY, NY — Governor George Pataki has proposed reforms to help take the bite out of a projected double-digit increase in contributions to the state’s pension system by state and local governments.

The reform plan would spread out a projected 11-percent increase over five years and revise or smooth accounting procedures which trigger the payment increases. Pataki said the changes would save local governments $1.1 billion.

Projections now show the state pension fund will experience a 13.4-percent negative rate of return in the new budget. Valued at $127 billion in 2000, the fund is currently worth $97 billion.

Sexual abuse charged

LIBERTY, NY — State police have charged a 43 year-old Neversink man with sexually abusing two boys, aged 5 and 7, in incidents that took place last fall.

On February 2, Harry E. Hinkley was charged with two counts of felony first-degree sexual abuse, five counts of misdemeanor, endangering the welfare of a minor and two counts of misdemeanor, unlawfully dealing with a child.

The third charge alleges Hinkley purchased alcohol for three under-aged youths last December. Hinkley was arraigned in Town of Neversink Court and confined at the Sullivan County Jail in lieu of $7,000 bail.

Hinchey schedules workshops for fire grants

KINGSTON, NY — U.S. Rep. Maurice Hinchey (NY-22) has scheduled four workshops at which representatives from the U.S. Fire Administration will help fire departments apply for federal funds.

In Sullivan County, the workshop will take place on March 15 at the Paul Grossinger Dining Room of the Sullivan County Community College in Loch Sheldrake, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

The program last distributed $1.24 million to fire companies in Hinchey’s district.

Group blasts Eagles Nest review

NARROWSBURG, NY — A group representing some neighbors of the proposed Eagles Nest development near Ten Mile River is demanding that the Tusten Planning Board chair recuse himself from deliberations or that the town board replace him.

The Friends of Crawford Road made the demand in a two and half page statement which charged Chairman Charles Wieland with bias and incompetence.

Wieland says he has confirmed the propriety of his actions with state officials and has no plans to recuse himself.

Tusten Deputy Supervisor Charles Knapp said he could not comment as he had not seen the group’s statement.

The complete text of the Friends statement can found here.

Armed guards for Delaware toll bridges

BUCKS COUNTY, PA — On the recommendations of a security consultant made after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission decided to add five dispatchers and 27 officers to its new public safety department.

The commission created the public safety department last year, and officials have not determined when the security force will start. The new police force will have a startup cost of $200,000 for uniforms, equipment and training, and an annual cost of $2.6 million.

The commission operates and supports 20 bridges spanning the Delaware River, including seven toll bridges.

Pataki drops Empire Zone changes

MONTICELLO, NY —Breathing was easier in Sullivan County after Governor George Pataki’s 30-day amendments to his proposed 2003-04 budget removed a provision to cut state funding of Empire Zone tax benefits last week.

Changes would have forced the county to help support tax breaks offered to businesses in the zone, but the amendment effectively leaves the current laws governing Empire Zones in place.

Rendell orders spending cuts

HARRISBURG, PA — Governor Edward G. Rendell has announced that his first spending cut in the budget will be a ten percent reduction in general government operations. The governor said the decision marks a new era of efficient government in Pennsylvania.

Rendell ordered a $210 million reduction in the approximately $2 billion budget.

Pennsylvania is facing a $2.5 billion dollar shortfall. According to his statement, the initial cut, which will be implemented in all state agencies under the governor’s purview, will help bring waste under control inside government and bring the commonwealth one step nearer to a balanced budget.

Waterfowl at Prompton Lake

PROMPTON, PA — If you are tired of winter and would like to start spring early, join Audubon leader Barbra Leo at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday March 15 to watch for the first migrating ducks and geese of the season as the ice starts to melt.

The Northeast PA Audubon Society will sponsor the field trip at Prompton Lake State Park. The group will meet at the main parking lot.

For more information, call Bob at 570/676-9969.

Almost spring fling

CALLICOON, NY — Cure your cabin fever by stepping out to the Delaware Youth Center in Callicoon for an adult dance on Saturday, March 8.

The party starts at 8:00 p.m. and features the Vantwistics. Admission is $10.00, and the proceeds will benefit the youth center. Get out of the house and have fun.