http://disqus.com/by/01234/enSat, 31 Oct 2009 15:24:37 -0000http://www.spotlightnews.com/blogs/kmccarthy/view_blog.php?blog_id=1252430572#comment-21478759<p>My comments center around why the spotlight in Bethlehem does not feature stories on the crimes that occur in Bethlehem under the police blotter section in the spotlight. This was always the case for the past 13 years. Is there a problem as to why we no longer are notified as to what are judicial officials and local law enforcement agents in Bethlehem are doing in our own hometown to protect us against criminal behavior or is it that the crime rate has dropped to the point that we no longer have a crime rate to post. Why is the Bethlehem spotlight police blotter posting the criminal actions of the town of Guilderland ? Is it to review Guilderlands judicial sanctions and law enforcement services. If there are no incidences or so very few reportable crimes in Bethlehem than , I suggest that at the next town board meeting the board members consider reducing either the number of police officers in town or the town justices. There is no sense having two town justices if we don't even have to have our own police blotter to occasionally report what appears to be "one" criminal crime in an issue a month. Guilderland evidently has become a haven for reporting crimes on the police blotter in the Bethlehem spotlight. Consequently, we should look to save money by reducing law enforcement agents or town justice positions. And just maybe we should thank Jack Cunningham for this. Maybe, he should not be so shy just before the election and take credit for what appears to be the decrease in criminal activity in Bethlehem. The supposed reduction of crime with local law enforcement agents has obviously resulted in less judicial intervention in Bethlehem. Therefore, leaving the spotlight to focus on the town of Guilderland and its crime rate. It would seem that Guilderland may need another town judge. Whereas, the newly Town Supervisor of Bethlehem, whoever that may be, should look at the positions of the elected town justices prior to their next election to determine what reductions in the positions should be made. Andrew Cuomo should be consulted and he would be honored to see the reduction(s) in government by the town officials in a manner that was not only budgetary in nature but ethical to the towns people. The town justices should agree that their public service is not just about $50,000-60,000.00 and the full-time benefits awarded (double dipping by justice(s)such as prior retirement benefits from being employed by a government agency) in some cases around the state. Taxpayers what do you think about this? Please weigh in and remember that Jack Cunningham appears to have done to reduced crime. We need to ask? Shouldn't he reduce the hours or number of justices to fit the crime rate. Also, rumors indicate that there are still two clerks working for the 2 justices. Is this true? Do we know? Why? That is a FOIL question (public information). Also the justices previous government jobs are foil information as well. We can determine who is double dipping legally? Anyone can foil a government employee who is employed, just ask Bob Freeman. There is the police blotter for Bethlehem and it represents the Guilderland town police and the justices. Why pay for the amount of services we have that may not be needed in Bethlehem? Please look into this as concerned citizens, you have a right to know how your money is being spend. Andrew Cuomo always asks, is anyone double dipping? Lets look in Bethlehem and lets foil the attorneys/justices, town clerk(s) for Andrew Cuomo as good citizens? Good luck to the new board members and the new town supervisor who will look more carefully at what the spotlight has already done. Crime is possibly taking place in another community. If that's true Bethlehem board members, lets save money for the people of four community that you represent. Remember board members and town supervisor you have the ability to plan for the future by determining a plan of action now. You decide the benefits for town justices and there is a third judicial court that oversees all of the town courts that may be able to advise the board. It is the people who vote you in not the politicians. You need to remember the people you represent not the people making over such amount that you could give someone unemployed a job.</p>01234Sat, 31 Oct 2009 15:24:37 -0000http://spotlightnews.com/spotlightnews/article.php?article_id=tL1247080253t4a54ef3d02446#comment-12437993<p>I would like to praise Sheriff Campbell for all his hard work over the years and his dedicated service. I believe his endorsements from a number of political parties demonstrate his effectiveness in law enforcement. He honestly and truthfully promotes people based on there qualifications. He does so with integrity. If you earn a promotion, one should not be discounted because you are a relative of Mr, Campbell. I have known James T. Campbell (indirectly through his work) since he started his career in law enforcement. I am glad he is running for office. <br>I have met Adam Hornick and he impresses me as a man who takes direction well from his superiors (justices &amp; Chief)) and goes above and beyond the call of duty.<br>Mr. Campbell I know your record speaks for itself and you will continue to be the strength behind law enforcement as long as you continue to be honest with the public and conscious of your ethics.<br>Thank You,<br>sw</p>01234Fri, 10 Jul 2009 07:50:47 -0000http://spotlightnews.com/spotlightnews/article.php?article_id=tN1226522816t491b40c001152#comment-3843253<p>I think the town justices are overpaid. I think the town should look at the salaries of these elected officials. </p>01234Sun, 16 Nov 2008 16:15:26 -0000