New York Legislature map proposals are laughable. Here's why

There's more. A lot more.

How New York State Legislature members spend your money for stuff, for them, to do stuff, which they should do, because that's a lot of money (boring!)

It's a well known paradox: we hate getting taxed in the state, but we love our legislators for bringing the pork home. But how much do they spend on office operations, like travel, mail, long distance calls, personal service (?), and, uh, stuff?

Well, here is a little informative chart that should help you decide in November which way you might want to go, as I'm told that our role in journalism is to communicate to our audience valuable information so they can make informed decisions.

CRAZY TALK!

Anyway, here's the chart, courtesy of The Empire Center's seethroughny.net, as first reported by the awesome Celeste Diaz of the New York Daily News.

Legislative Expenditures 10.09-3.10 Release2

If you are too lazy to break down your local white dude in office (yes, all our representatives are white men), here's a breakdown, from Oct. 1, 2009, to March 31, 2010.

State Senate:

* John Bonacic, R-Mount Hope (we hope). $396.115, ranking 21 out of 65 big spenders, I mean, state senators.
* Steven Saland: R-Poughkeepsie. $377,244, ranking 27.
* James Seward, R-Oneonta. $352,177, ranking 38
* Bill Larkin, R-Cornwall, $338,820 , ranking 49

The biggest offender? Pride of the State Senate Pedro Spada, who likes to switch parties, sushi, and get in trouble with ethics and the law, which is why he is their leader. I wish I was joking.

State Assembly:

* Kevin Cahill, D-Kingston. $219,349, ranking 32 out of 152.
* Joel Miller, R-Poughkeepsie,  $153,175, ranking 83.
* Frank Starkados, D-Milton. $142,156, ranking 106
* Clifford Crouch, R-Guilford. $135,604, ranking 116
* Marc Molinaro, R-Red Hook. $133,186, ranking 123
* Peter Lopez, R-Schoharie. $113,674, ranking 145.

More detailed reports, including pork, are also available.

Insensitive columnist responds to response by assembly people

I feel compelled to respond to the very well written letter by nice person and New York State Assemblyman Marc Molinaro, which was prompted by this mean column.

(It should be noted that the assemblyman's letter was written before the Legislature decided to stick it to New Yorkers and take a break for the holiday - who needs a budget, right?)

Anyway, first of all, I have to say that I forgot to not name State Sen. James Seward.

Second, to members of Kevin Cahill staff who are also members of the city of Kingston Common Council and who are named Tom Hoffay and who like to criticize columnists while they're eating lunch at Keegan Ales on Wednesdays: If you guys are working so hard, how come the budget is three months late? What would your landlord do if you were three months behind in rent? Keep you there because you're a nice guy and are working hard?

Do try that and let me know what happens.

Third, about Molinaro's well intentioned reform efforts, all I have to say is this: How's that going?

Exhibit A, via the Associated Press:

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — The Legislature on Thursday broke for the July 4 holiday weekend indefinitely, leaving a state budget that's three months overdue and Gov. David Paterson furiously vetoing the parts of the budget that were passed.

The Democrat-led Senate left Albany for at least several days and perhaps a week or more, declining to act on the critical revenue bill to close the state budget. Democrats also made their goodbye speeches and held a news conference to list their accomplishments of the 2010 session.

The Assembly later voted 88-56 to pass the revenue bill, the budget's final piece in that chamber, then left Thursday shortly before midnight with an unspecified return, pending a call by the speaker. The bill would raise an estimated $869 million this year and $1.77 billion next year through various tax adjustments.

"In the face of fiscal uncertainty, New Yorkers need action," admonished state Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, a Democrat. "Stay in Albany and get the job done."

Let the blaming begin.

Also, a parting shot, again via AP, of the governor vetoing a little bit of legislation:

Tweets that make less sense than a 'Lost' series finale

* Assemblyman Marc Molinaro is misquoted. Actual quote? "My..."

I don't often do this but feel I must: Friday, I was misquoted in a story published by the Albany Times Union. My... http://bit.ly/bRMup1less than a minute ago via FacebookMarc Molinaro
marcmolinaro

* Alderman Tom Hoffay gears up for a fight by some crazy people.

Ulster Dem Convention tonight at Holiday Inn, food, fights, speeches...less than a minute ago via webTom Hoffay
tomhoffay

* The New York State Senate did many things, except what it is there for: To pass a budget.

Senate session happening now. Live video here: http://www.nysenate.gov/liveless than a minute ago via TweetDeckNew York Senate
NYSenate

* Radio Woodstock is celebrating the birthday of a dude named Bob.

It's All About Bob today on Live at 5! We'll celebrate the Great American Singer/Songwriter's 69th birthday with a... http://bit.ly/b2RBRhless than a minute ago via FacebookRadio Woodstock
RadioWoodstock

* West Shokan writer Martha Frankel is not celebrating the birthday of a dude named Bob.

Happy b/day to the amazing 38 year old @roseannecashless than a minute ago via UberTwittermartha frankel
marthafrankel

* The Associated Press covers the most important issue of the day.

Six seasons and some 120 episodes later, what did you think of much-awaited #Lost finale? http://bit.ly/bwPk1b #lostfinale -FWUless than a minute ago via CoTweetThe Associated Press
AP

* WAMC-FM CEO Alan Chartock's tweet does not go beyond the headline.

Going beyond the headline that you read - http://bit.ly/c7xHDoless than a minute ago via TweetDeckAlan Chartock
AlanChartock

* The Kingston Digital Corridor doesn't know I won't be there because I wasn't invited and/or I will be out of town and/or working and/or sleeping.

Will you be there? http://bit.ly/bB6sCKless than a minute ago via TweetDeckKingstonDigitalCorr
kingstondc