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 Mark
Grimm
Letters from Mark
4/22/10 Liberate Home Business
Editor:
I agree with the premise of your editorial last week citing the
need to “liberate” Guilderland home business owners
from excessive town regulation. It’s something I have been
working on for some time. The debate is how best to do it.
A new proposal would create a three-tier
permit system for Guilderland home businesses. Every home occupation
in town would be required to have a permit. The claim that only
a “registration” would be required in some cases is
simply not what the proposed law states (Section 280.37-3). In
addition, the proposal also allows for a fee for the permit.
My position is very straightforward: if
you work from home and are not bothering your neighbors, you should
not need a town permit. The permit is unnecessary because the
town code lists requirements any home business must meet to protect
the residential character of the neighborhood. These conditions
prohibit signs, excessive traffic, noise, etc. There is broad
consensus that such conditions are necessary.
Under both the new proposal and the current
situation, if you do graphic design work or web development on
your computer, or make crafts to sell at fairs, or make jewelry
for sale, you are required to get a permit. Therefore, the core
issue is not whether the new permit is better than the old permit.
The point is no permit should be required at all involving these
and other similar minor home occupations. The Town of Bethlehem
takes this “no permit or registration” approach involving
their minor home occupations.
In the past, enforcement
of the current “special use permit” for minor home
occupations has been on a “pick and choose” basis
rather than being applied in a fair, consistent manner. That is
another reason to eliminate any unnecessary permit.
Home businesses are essential to the 21st
century economy. Collectively, they provide an economic engine
nationally that produces hundreds of billions of dollars in revenue.
Government leaders should seek ways to help them grow, not insist
on any unnecessary permit and fee.
4/1/10 Home
Businesses Need Less Red Tape, More Recognition
Editor:
If you conduct any business activity from your Guilderland home
you should be aware of new zoning law changes proposed by a zoning
review committee Supervisor Ken Runion created. The review committee
is a group of volunteers who have put much time and effort into
reviewing our code, a code which certainly can be improved. I
thank them for their efforts. They have produced some positive
results, but there is at least one proposal I believe needs to
be changed.
This proposed change would require any home business to get a
newly created “Permitted Home Occupation Permit” from
the town and pay a fee. In my view, this requirement is an unnecessary
government intrusion into both our lives and our pockets. There
is broad consensus on the regulatory goal here. As the committee
writes, there should be “no degradation of the character
of neighborhoods in which these (business) activities occur.”
That’s why I believe a set of conditions for home business
activity should be written into the town code to protect our neighborhoods,
such as no signage, no nonresident employees, no physical change
to the exterior, etc. If these conditions are met, home business
owners should be left alone to pursue their dreams.
The supervisor has long held the belief a permit should be required.
I respectfully disagree. My research of data from the Census and
the Small Business Administration indicates there are, by very
conservative estimate, more than 1,600 home businesses in Guilderland.
The number is probably much higher because of the explosion of
Internet commerce over the past decade and the fact many people
who engage in business activity don’t list themselves as
home businesses. If you sell an item over E-Bay from your home
computer, you are engaged in business activity. Do you really
think you need a permit for that? What if you sell 10 items a
week, or 50, when does it become a home business? Do you really
want Ken Runion, or anyone else in government for that matter,
deciding what constitutes a real business?
The answer, of course, is no. The issue is not the type of activity
but rather whether or not it affects the neighborhood. That’s
why the set of conditions I referenced is all that is needed.Many
people do not fully appreciate the impact home businesses have
on the American economy. A SBA 2006 study showed, in the year
2002 alone, home-based sole proprietors contributed more than
$100 billion in revenue to the economy, a number that has no doubt
exploded since then.
Government leaders should do whatever they can to help such extraordinary
enterprise, not add more red tape and cost. The proposed zoning
changes are posted on the town’s webpage (townofguilderland.org).
Please review them and weigh in on what you believe. Please support
the American entrepreneur, hundreds of whom reside right here
in Guilderland, and very possibly, within your own home.
3/25/2010
Neighborhood Associations Can Be Real Asset
Editor:
I encourage every Guilderland resident to become involved in their
neighborhood association if they have one, or be a part of starting
one if they don’t. I served as president of my own association
for four years and thanks to the help of my fellow board members
we were able to make a positive difference. My help is available
to anyone wishing to know more about getting organized, so never
hesitate to ask.
Neighborhood associations serve as important gatherings to air
concerns and provide an opportunity to work together towards achievable
solutions to challenges in your immediate neighborhood. Of course,
wherever neighborhood associations exist, there will often be
politicians hoping to use them for more narrowly defined purposes.
We should all be conscious of that threat and keep the focus on
what really matters to the residents and businesses. Whether it
is the longstanding desire for more sidewalks, more effective
solutions to traffic concerns, or making progress on flooding
issues, be frank and open about your differences, but keep the
spotlight on the ultimate goal --- progress.
My thanks to all of those who have participated in this worthy
endeavor.
3/11/10 - Grimm Has Positive Record on the Town Board
Editor:
Supervisor Ken Runion wrote another attack letter last week insisting
that someone else was too negative. People are taking note of
this ongoing irony.
Since the day I entered politics, I have stood for positive goals
--- more open government so residents can make more informed choices,
fairer government where insider deals are eliminated and everyone
is treated equally, fighting high taxes so people can keep more
of their hard earned money, and protecting the interests of those
who need a strong voice to speak for them.
Despite being in the minority, there is a long list of positive
accomplishments. I successfully fought to restore cuts to town
paramedics that could very well save lives and to restore funding
to Community Caregivers. I led the fight on the Board to ensure
senior transportation needs are met.
My strong opposition to town membership in a solid waste group
that supported expansion of the Rapp Road landfill group eventually
led the board’s Democratic majority to reverse its decision
and withdraw from the group. We also successfully pushed the supervisor
to comply with the law regarding the budget process.
My steadfast opposition to ongoing tax and fee hikes, and to the
yearly raises for our elected officials, has no doubt kept taxes
from being even higher had I not been on the board.
I have cooperated with the majority, when appropriate, to produce
even more accomplishments. We unanimously approved tax breaks
for homeowner improvements, for historic barns, and for keeping
the fight going to keep Thacher Park open. Approval for the West
End water project and the Glass Works Village project also took
place under our watch.
When I vote with the majority, Mr. Runion and his surrogates complain
I get credit for positive accomplishments. Whenever I oppose them,
they complain I am negative. Their cynical approach to political
discourse should be rejected by anyone interested in seeing government
work for them. Fortunately, I have never let the partisan politics
sidetrack me from my primary mission, a laser focus on making
things better for Guilderland residents and businesses.
2/25/2010
Town Salary List Should Not Be Kept From Anyone
Editor:
Open government is not just a slogan, it is the only way citizens
can cultivate informed judgments about their government. We should
all push for as much transparency as possible.
I recently attempted to get a list of the 2010 yearly salaries
of every town employee. Public employee salaries are public information.
In fact, the seethroughny.net website is a database of government
employee salaries in New York, though its Guilderland town salaries
are not up to date.
Despite my repeated specific request, Supervisor Ken Runion’s
human resource director provided me only with the hourly pay rates
of town employees, not their yearly salaries. This lack of transparency
prevented the clear disclosure of Mr. Runion’s actual yearly
salary of $103,975. Indeed, his own salary has jumped by more
than $40,000 since he took office, a hike more than twice the
inflation rate for that period.
It became necessary to submit a Freedom of Information request
to get the yearly salaries list. When it was finally provided,
the statement listed a zero for the salary of a controversial
public relations position Mr. Runion created.
In the past, the salary list was made available as an attached
schedule to town board materials presented at the January organizational
meeting. It is a practice Mr. Runion has stopped.
No citizen should have to arm wrestle the town supervisor to get
a list of town salaries. In fact, you have every right to contact
the town and insist a yearly salary list be provided to you. The
reluctance to provide such basic taxpayer information that is
completely up to date must be resisted by all those concerned
about how their tax dollars are spent.
1/21/2010
Rapp Road Landfill issue
Editor:
Two recent Enterprise letters may have created some confusion
regarding the Guilderland Town Board and Rapp Road Landfill issue.
At the May 19, 2009 town board meeting, Supervisor Ken Runion
and his fellow majority members voted to approve a solid waste
management plan that included yet another expansion of the Rapp
Road landfill. Councilman Redlich and I strongly opposed this
move because the landfill has been such a thorn in the side of
nearby residents for years. Many neighbors have told me they cannot
sit in their yards in the summer because of the stink.
Due to strong opposition, the Board altered its course at the
July 7, 2009 meeting and pulled out of the solid waste group that
favored the expansion. Instead, we voted unanimously to send the
town’s trash to the Colonie landfill. This cooperation was
a positive step for our town and our “loyal opposition”
proved to be a very positive influence on a matter of concern
to town residents.
11/26/09 United
Way's 2-1-1 Call is Great Service
Editor:
There is a relatively new service offered by United Way that could
be enormous help to you or someone you know. By dialing 2-1-1, you
can find assistance for non-emergency health & human services
in the 12-county greater Capital Region.
In tough economic times, many people just don’t know where
to turn for help. Live trained specialists answer 2-1-1 calls and
help you navigate the complex web of human care services that are
available. United Way’s 2-1-1 helps locate answers and help
for many situations, regardless of your economic or social status.
Callers are not charged for the service.
In September, the most frequent calls concerned finding temporary
financial assistance for those out of work, guidance with paying
bills for utilities and rent, and the need for food. Other kinds
of assistance include mental health support, aging issues, disability,
criminal justice and legal services.
In its first six months, it handled more than 3,000 calls. The call
center is open Monday thru Friday from 9 to 5.
Please spread the word about this important community resource.
11/19/09 GOP Minority Has
Accomplished Much
Editor:
Congratulations to the town Democrats
who were re-elected. They deserve a tip of the hat. Credit should
also go to the Republican candidates because it takes courage to
stand up to the party in power.
My election analysis differs from the some of the spin you have
read. First of all, some perspective: the incumbents won. That’s
what usually happens. The Town Board remains 3-2.
Keep in mind, positive change never comes without a struggle. Despite
being minority town board members, our “loyal opposition”
has made a real difference and Guilderland is better for it.
We successfully fought to restore cuts to town paramedics
that I believe will save lives. We successfully fought to
restore funding to Community Caregivers and to ensure senior transportation
needs are met. The board’s Democratic majority reversed its
decision and withdrew from a solid waste group that supported expansion
of the Rapp Road landfill. This reversal occurred because of the
minority’s strong opposition to town membership in the group.
The scrutiny of town government has increased substantially. We
successfully moved the supervisor to comply with state law
regarding the budget process. Residents would have been kept in
the dark over a suspicious $540,000 tax assessment reduction for
a local drug store. We also shed light on a no-bid town contract
involving the husband of a town elected official. The supervisor
agreed to have department heads come before the board only after
our two-year successful effort to make that happen.
I have provided steadfast opposition to ongoing tax and fee hikes,
and to the yearly raises for our elected officials. The election-year
scramble to find funding for flooded basements, traffic studies,
and flooded roadways was no doubt prompted by a strong minority
board presence.
We worked cooperatively with the Democratic majority when agreement
was merited. About 90 percent of the town board votes had no dissenting
vote. We unanimously approved tax breaks for homeowner improvements
and for historic barns. We unanimously approved funding for the
West End water project, a project that has been “talked”
about for decades. We have approved a number of union contracts,
and the majority and I approved the Glass Works Village project.
Even though there are substantial differences between Councilman
Redlich and me, you would be hard pressed to find a minority anywhere
with this record of accomplishment in just two years. The claim
we have not been “constructive” simply does not hold
up to the facts.
Despite their victory, some partisan letter writers have continued
their negative attacks in the Enterprise. We should all reject this
destructive culture.
I will continue to work hard to improve the lives of Guilderland
residents and businesses and hope you will support those efforts.
10/15/09 Guilderland Fire Districts
Editor:
I hope many of you are taking the opportunity this month to visit
your local fire house at its annual open house. The events offer
some wonderful fire prevention education for our kids. The Guilderland
Fire Department has a fantastic puppet show that gives a number
of safety tips your children cannot afford to be without. They performed
at the Fort Hunter Fire District open house I attended with my family
Saturday. Our open house also had a fire safety RV that actually
simulated the appearance of smoke and provided practice with escape
routes to follow in case of a fire. What an impressive exercise
that was.
These events also serve to remind us that Guilderland fire prevention
is almost entirely a volunteer enterprise from civic-minded people
in our own community. Please take a moment to let them know you
really appreciate their service and, if you are able, consider volunteering
either as a firefighter, administrator or auxiliary member.
9/17/09 New
Shabbos House Dedicated
Editor:
A very momentous occasion took place on Fuller Road this Sunday.
A new Shabbos House was dedicated before a standing-room-only crowd.
The new facility, which serves as a “home away from home”
for Jewish students at U-Albany, is the dream come true of Rabbi
Mendel and Raizy Rubin. Their remarkable inspiration and hard work,
along with the contributions of so many others, will have a long
lasting impact on the lives of so many young people. The old facility
was terribly cramped and did not have many practical features that
were needed to run such a community-centered place.
The new facility will provide a richer experience and offer expanded
living space for the Rubin family. I was especially struck by the
words of one mother who said she couldn’t put into words how
much it meant to her to have such a place for her daughter while
away at college. The Rubins put it just right: “The new building
is beautiful, but the real beauty of Shabbos House are the people
who celebrate within it.” Mazal Tov!
8/27/09 Enterprise Letter: Lack of Town Oversight
on Police Leadership
Editor:
Supervisor Ken Runion contends the town board is not responsible
for managing the police department. That may help explain why his
former police chief did so much gambling at Turning Stone while
on town time and Mr. Runion did nothing about it. The head of the
state’s Committee on Open Government, Robert Freeman, dismissed
Mr. Runion’s faulty contention in the Enterprise last week:
“A governing body, like the town board, has responsibility
for management of all entities under its umbrella — including
the police department.”
Mr. Runion’s latest maneuver is one more attempt to distance
himself from the problems caused by the culture of secrecy he has
embraced. We must continue to resist this secrecy and shed light
on every aspect of town operations. I have supported abolishing
any rule that would prevent any town employee from coming to a town
board member with a concern. I have also supported having town department
heads come before the board to explain to the public what they do.
I have proposed bi-partisan representation on a police interview
committee to ensure the most qualified candidates are chosen. Unfortunately,
Mr. Runion, and fellow board members Pat Slavick and Paul Pastore,
voted these proposals down.
Former Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis had it right when he
said, “Sunshine is the best disinfectant.” Please support
the battle to open up Guilderland government. So much of your quality
of life is riding on the outcome.
8/7/09 Enterprise
Letter: Orchestrated Attacks Are Sheer Hypocrisy
Over the past four months, the Enterprise has printed numerous letters
that attacked me personally. Do not be misled by this orchestrated
smear from the Runion Attack Team. More than two thirds of the letters
came from the same five people. Four of the remaining writers are
on the town payroll with combined salaries of about $278,000. The
nastiness says more about the people behind this calculated smear
than it does about me.
Many of the writers have adopted the same comfort level with deception
and distortion that Supervisor Ken Runion routinely embraces. In
short, be very skeptical of any “claims” they make about
what I have supposedly said or done. I stopped responding to these
letters individually because readers are simply tuning out these
nasty submissions.
It is important to expose Mr. Runion’s hypocrisy here. Earlier
this year, he said he had lost his “adrenaline” for
his job because of the substantial criticism of his administration.
Yet he allows his surrogates to wage this unprecedented nastiness
with letters he is so often unwilling to submit himself.
I cannot tell you how many people have said to me, “Mark,
keep up the fight for us.” That support is very much appreciated.
My quest to make Guilderland government fairer and more open will
continue. Those who control the government will always have people
anxious to do their bidding. Their vitriol will not deter me from
standing up for you!
6/25/09 Enterprise Letter: Lady Dutch
Are Role Models
Editor:
As many of you know, the Guilderland High School girls' lacrosse
team came within one goal of the state championship, losing 10-9
after a heartbreaking goal in the final seconds. They lost to Farmingdale,
an undefeated team from Long Island where lacrosse is nearly a religion.
The team's disappointment should be cushioned somewhat by a closer
look at their remarkable achievement. Since no Section Two team
has ever won a state lacrosse title, the Lady Dutch are arguably
the greatest lacrosse team the Capital Region has ever produced.
They finished 23-1. The championship game was their only loss. Congratulations
to Coach Gary Chatnik and his assistants, the players, and the parents
who made this possible. The overwhelmingly success is an inspiring
symbol of how times have changed.
When my sisters went to school about 50 years ago, they had no sports
teams for girls. Landmark federal legislation in 1972, known as
Title IX, began to ensure girls be given the same opportunity as
boys. The critical lessons that competitive sports teach --- teamwork,
perseverance, discipline, resiliency, and sportsmanship --- are
now more available to entire generations of young women. They are
making the most of it. Thanks Lady Dutch for your great achievement
and for serving as wonderful role models for all the young girls
in Guilderland.
6/18/09 Enterprise
Letter: Guilderland's Civic Pride
Editor:
Sunday’s wonderful Flag Day
ceremony at the Elks Lodge on Carman Road reminded me there are
many ways to serve your community. The Elks, and other similar groups
with lofty civic purpose, have been enriching their communities
for so many years. Kudos to Frank Palmeri and Helen Blais for organizing
this event, and to Exalted Ruler Mike Hoffstetter for handling the
M.C. chores so well.
These groups are a great way to give back to your community and
develop long lasting friendships. They also provide support for
other vital groups. Boy Scout Troop #24, led by Scoutmaster George
Pafumi, is sponsored by the Elks. The Troop is a spectacular experience
for our youth. All the scout troops in Guilderland are very community-oriented.
I salute all of the worthwhile groups working diligently to make
Guilderland better.
If you can spare the time, please consider joining one of our many
civic groups. You may be surprised how much you receive in return
for the selfless giving of yourself.
6/11/09 Enterprise Letter: Altamont's American
Celebration
Editor:
Something very unique and wonderful took place in Altamont on Sunday.
Three Congressional Medal of Honor recipients received well deserved
tributes from the huge crowd gathered to honor them. When you consider
fewer than 100 medal winners are still living, this event was quite
significant. The extraordinary age range and diversity of those
attending was striking --- from the cub scouts in their impressive
uniforms, to the Guilderland teenagers who read the medal citations
so well, to the Hilltown Gospel Singers and the Mulligan Family,
to the inspiring veterans attending from past and present wars,
to the soon to be 100-year-old honoree John Finn.
This was truly the ultimate American celebration, reminding us we
all have a stake in honoring those who have fought for our freedoms
and a responsibility to be eternally vigilant to protect the rights
that such bravery has secured. It was truly heartwarming to see
the stirring patriotism so evident at Sunday’s event.
Special thanks to Jack and Cindy Pollard who gave life to the vision
that made the event possible and to all of those who worked so hard
to make it a reality.
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