Published: March 28, 2008 10:43 pm            

SOUND OFF: Published March 29

Why is it that the only people who pay taxes are either volunteers or retired people living in apartment buildings. The reason I say this is that, these people are the only ones who complain about the professional services that are provided to them by their local police department and fire department. It always seems to come down to overtime! Look at my pay stub, I haven’t had overtime in 2.5 years. And I'm one of the so-called overtime mongers. And I guess overtime isn't allowed in the private sector. To be so uniformed, oh and another thing, did you know that professional firefighters and police officers don't care about their communities, as so kindly stated by our friendly NT firefighter/EMT. And I get accused of being uneducated. Hmmm, to be continued I'm sure ...

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I have been a resident of the Tonawandas all my life. I am floored at the constant negativity surrounding the building up of our Twin Cities. Who cares if Wal-Mart and Walgreen's want to come here? I am in favor of it. I would like to shop in my own neighborhood with the price of everything else rising. Think back to the 70's when both Niagara Falls Boulevard and Transit Road had nothing but bare land and a few stores. Can you remember that? If so, fast track to present day what a gold mine for those cities huh? Nothing was put out of business. If something was, it was poor financial mismanagement by the owners. They are still adding all kinds of new stores. A loyal customer is just that, shop where you like. Budwey’s if anyone can or cares to remember was not where it is now. They moved and expanded and it is still expanding Kenmore Ave. Why should Budwey’s be the only one to expand? Because this is America the land of opportunity or is it? I would not care if these new businesses were right next door or a mile away as long as they bring relief to the community financially. If all of this progress has worked on Niagara Falls Boulevard and Transit Road why the fear here? Why should North Tonawanda lose capital? People just like to hear themselves whine in this town. Which by the way is not very mature, let progress happen and build this city so we are the best. Who cares who comes here to shop? The point is they are shopping in our town and spending their money here and not over there.

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Parents should be aware that there are approximately 22 registered sex offenders in the North Tonawanda area. Photos and stats can be viewed at the New York State Sex Offender Registry (online).

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George Maziarz is on a short list for Tom Reynold's congressional seat? Well, they are two of a kind. Poor legislators who only know power. They sprinkle thousands of dollars to the masses and then go behind closed doors for multi million dollar deals that rip the people off and line their pockets. Look as the $90 million AES deal that Maziarz crafted at the expense of the Niagara County taxpayer. New York state has one of the worst governments ever. Maziarz has been a part of this pathetic group. And now he wants to run the Nation? Good grief, stay home Mr. Maziarz.

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Isn't life funny. The same day I read in the Tonawanda News about the NT school system having to lay off teachers and other staff due to lack of money, I run into an old friend who was very critical of our former treasurer Leslie Stolzenfels. The city and the district both agree that she failed to collect thousands of dollars in school tax money. Now she has a high-paying job in the county and is ready to retire rich, while teachers are being laid off and kids have no extra activities in school. Yeah, life around NT sure is funny.

        

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