The Bulletin -- May 5, 2010 (#1038)

PLATTSBURGH ROTARY CLPLATTSBURGH ROTARY CLUB PRESIDENT BONNIE BLACK WITH GUEST SPEAKER, ASSISTANT ATTORNEY GENERAL GLEN FRANCIS MICHAELS, ( PLATTSBURGH REGIONAL OFFICE)

Program: ASSISTANT ATTORNEY GENERAL GLEN FRANCIS MICHAELS ( PLATTSBURGH REGIONAL OFFICE)

It is sad that we live in a world where consumer fraud is so pervasive that litigation isn’t enough to combat the problem. Glen Michaels, Assistant Attorney General from the Plattsburgh Regional Office, spoke to the club about the Attorney General’s public integrity initiatives.

The Sunlight Initiative evolved as a way to bring information to the public about what is happening in government and among our elected officials. Information such as campaign contributions, voting records, legislative issues, state contracts etc., has long been available to the public, but not necessarily easily accessible. The Sunlight Initiative, driven via a website (www.sunlightny.com), pulls together this information in a way that allows individuals to look at the government’s money trail and follow it as closely as they wish.

Why is it a ‘sunlight’ initiative? Michaels said, “We believe government works best when it’s exposed to the sunlight.” The Sunlight website offers a glossary of terms, how-to videos on topics such as how the lobbying process works, how the campaign process works and how the government works. It has a map that leads users to legislators, local governments and member items and specific to their counties.

The site is extremely user friendly and offers opportunities to provide feedback. Those operating the Sunlight Initiative are eager to find out how the site is helpful as well as any areas that may be lacking. They will answer specific questions if the site comes up short. While it tracks how people are using the site, the site in no way tracks who is using it. Michaels explained that the philosophy is that citizens eager to learn about what is happening in government should be able to look at what “Big Brother” is doing without “Big Brother” watching them.
There is new legislation that is being proposed to make local governments more efficient. Cities and towns with high tax burdens, for example, will have a much easier time combining, dissolving or sharing services. The laws tha

VICKI MARKING, DAVE KIMMEL AND KYLE BRISTER WERE THREE OF THE ROTARIANS TO PARTICIPATE IN THE ANNUAL CLEANUP ON A SECTION OF INTERSTATE 87 ON THURSDAY, APRIL 29.

t use to prevent this from happening have been eliminated. This, according to Michaels, is the “carrot.” The “stick” is that it is much easier for citizens to file petitions that force those local entities to do just that.

In closing, Michaels is happy to answer any questions about our local government. Simply contact him at 518-562-3288. The Sunlight website can also be accessed through the Attorney General’s website (www.ag.ny.gov).

Guests: Joe Congelosi (Steve Frederick & Sonia Long), Paul Pavone (Ed Marin), Faith Osborne Long (Anne Cutaiar), James Snook & Kathy Crighton (Tracy Clark).

This Week:

• New Legislation: Dues have been raised, but only by a dollar. E-Clubs are now a permanent part of Rotary. North Americans have the option of getting RI Magazine electronically.
• Thank you Alice Church for offering to drop off fishing tournament pins in Willsboro.
• First Thursday: Olive Ridley’s at 5 p.m.
• May 17 Board of Director’s Meeting CCC Dining Hall (PARC), 12 p.m.
• Friday, May 28, New Member Orientation.
• Sign up for the van going to/from Montreal for the RI Convention if you would like to Car Pool. See Bonnie.
• Congratulations David Bray on getting your blue badge!
  

Fines: Bruce Delvanthal paid $20 for his photo in the Press-Republican. Thanks for the donation.

New Member Patrick Ryan was born in New Haven, Connecticut and moved to Vermont where he grew up. He returned to New Haven for his first year of college then transferred to Lyndon State College in Vermont. After his first year, Patrick joined the Air National Guard full time for a year. He returned to school while continuing on with the National Guard and finished with a degree in Business Administration. In 2009, Patrick took a job as a behavioral interventionist working at a high school in Vermont. His work with young people led him to his current job as District Executive of the Adirondack District of Boy Scouts of America.

Bonnie’s Bucks:

• Colin Read had to put down his dog who was 17 years old. He donated $17 (plus $3 he owed from last week).
• Past Pres. Sara Rowden announced a fundraiser for the Red Cross at the Naked Turtle at 5:30 p.m. Happy Cinco de Mayo. $10. See Sara for tickets
• Peter Cadieux honored Patrick Ryan who went to the same high school and was also born in Connecticut.
• Maria Alexander reminded folks that the Senior Celebration is this Friday (5/7) starting at 8:30 a.m. at the Senior Citizen’s Council.
• John Seiden’s band is going to be playing at Irises on Friday (5/7).
• Marsha Cook has returned from a month in Myrtle Beach. She thanked Barb Straw, Past Pres. Brian Hammond, Jim Judkins and
• Past Pres. Rosemary Souza Botten for handling the club’s finances while she was away.
• Past Pres. Marty Mannix spent the last week in Florida watching his granddaughter defend her college’s golf title.
  

Committee Moments:
Golf Outing—Past. Pres Marty Mannix: Wednesday, June 9 at 12:15 p.m. Be sure to take an application for the 25th Annual Memorial Golf Outing. Sign up as individuals or team. Marty is asking for prize donations so everyone goes home with something.

Bike Ride— Past Pres. Sara Rowden: Are you interested in a bike trip on a weekend? The club is considering a trip on a bike trail along the St. Lawrence River near Massena. If you are interested, let Sara or Jack Prim know.

Foundation Committee—Past Pres. Steve Frederick: Steve and Sonia Long have interviewed Joe Congalosi (Community Bank) and though he wasn’t chosen, he was one of 10 finalists as a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar.

50/50: The pot is $1,493, and the King of Clubs was drawn. There are 35 cards left in the deck.

Another Candle Burning For: Jack Prim (5/12), Lee Salzman (5/13).

Make Ups: F. Hamilton, Lake Worth, FL (4/14, 4/21); C. Chandler, Sydney, Australia (4/7, 3,17); Membership Committee (4/21): L. Mundy, A. Church, J. Prim; Sunrise Club 3/30: B. Kidwell, M. Cook. A. Sweenor; E-Club: E. Eaglefeather (4/22, 4/14), D. Moore (4/20, 4/14), C. Chandler (3/31, 3/24, L. Mundy (4/7), B. Drollette (3/31), P. Connelly (4/14), A. Palmer (4/14); Program Committee (4/5); P. Sands, C. Forrence B. Smith (for 4/14), S. Ransom (4/7), E. Murray (3/24).

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