Erie County budget mess

[publicsafety]

Once again...after scoring well on the test for the second time in four years:

SEPTEMBER 16, 2008

COUNTY LEGISLATURE CHAIR MARINELLI CALLING FOR HIRING FREEZE

Erie County Legislature Chair Lynn Marinelli (D-Buffalo, Tonawanda) is calling for a hiring freeze in Erie County.

"Considering the current crisis in the financial sectors, which will affect the rest of the economy, and as part of my continued efforts to institute responsible fiscal policies, a hiring freeze is in order," Legislator Marinelli said. "There should be no exception unless a strong, justified application is made for public health and safety."

"We are currently in the midst of a fiscal tsunami, and people realize just how serious things are," Legislator Marinelli added. "Correspondingly, I am instituting a hiring freeze at the County Legislature."

Legislator Marinelli noted that, as indicated in the Legislature's Finance and Management Committee's report on the mid-year 2008 budget hearings, the administration has established a vacancy control period. This basically imposes a 30-day hold on all job vacancies except those controlled by the other elected officials, as well as certain public safety positions.

"We must act in a cautious, fiscally prudent manner and do so now," Legislator Marinelli concluded. "Everything that we in the County Legislature can accomplish to control expenses while delivering the necessary services, including public health and safety, must be considered."

[mooseman]

Buffalo is a joke of a city!

[GeneralMelchid]

mooseman, you mean whats left of the ruins of buffalo, i was up there in 2005, what a sh&* hole. Building crumbling hear and there, ghetto's to the east, west and south. But then theres Amherst which is nice. Selden though to the west looks like something out of a warzone.

[GeneralMelchid]

Even in the revamped downtown, there isn't that much activity, when i was up there most of the stores here where vacant. http://www.hanifworld.com/Buffalo/15-Downtown%20Buffalo-New%20York.JPG

[GeneralMelchid]

saw alot of these to when i was up there, exploring the streets, this is not of buffalo though http://www.kevinbauman.com/test_site/images/brush_park_1.jpg

[hxd]

I'll be out there next weekend. I'll get some really good pics. :D

[izhazissuez]

Yeah I live here its wonderful. North Buffalo is the last strong hold of this city. South Buffalo has its areas but it is not doing too well. The city has potential but too bad all the politicians just want what is good for themselves but not the collective... so sad

[GeneralMelchid]

izhazissuez, i love how you make it sound like buffalo is being besieged by an invading army. Well your right though, but good thing it's not detroit, haha thats a horse of a whole different color. The one thing you guys have a problem with is hippies, when i was up there, they were all hanging around on elmwood avenue.

[GeneralMelchid]

Anyway, when i was up there for college, i was walking on Niagara Street and actually saw part of a building literally collapse, near auburn avenue and lafayette Avenue, that shell of a building built god knows when.

[GeneralMelchid]

yeah Amherst is nice with homes like thesehttp://www.legacydev.com/fileadmin/images/autumncreek/entrance.jpg

But anyway Buffalo and Erie County is in the Rustbelt along with detroit, cleveland, didn't help much with the move to suburbia in the 50's and white flight. Oh well

[GeneralMelchid]

I say downstate is the best, nyc, and by far, not dissing the girls, but the girls are way better down here

[mooseman]

Yet another mess Buffalo is in......

http://www.wgrz.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=61110&catid=37

[WNY-PD]

yeah Amherst is nice with homes like thesehttp://www.legacydev.com/fileadmin/images/autumncreek/entrance.jpg

But anyway Buffalo and Erie County is in the Rustbelt along with detroit, cleveland, didn't help much with the move to suburbia in the 50's and white flight. Oh well

That's the Autumn Creek apartment complex in East Amherst.

[mark7777]

Buffalo has some great people and some nice Towns but is in a very bad decline as is all of Western NY. Lancaster, Alden, Orchard Park Amherst all have some great neighborhoods as does Webster Penfield PIttsford ect.. But the core cities are in sad sad shape. I would like to see WNY act more in a metro mode of thinking but I know that is a losing battle. I think Amherst Lancaster and Town of Tonawanda all have excellent police forces. The region is being killed by politics... us vs them thinking the we will not give up our kingdome thinking and a host of other reasons. Taxes are much higher than the rest of the nation that is a fact... our property taxes are close to 78 per cent above the national average.
One example my sister had a home in Hilton and was paying over 3,000 in property TAx they moved to Georgetown SC in a very upper class subdivision near the ocean and A much larger home than she had in Hilton her property tax? 800 a year... Go figure.

[GeneralMelchid]

yeah, the south is much cheaper. Yeah Tonawanda, Cheektowagwa, all are nice, but it has this midwest feel to it, something that is really different from the vibe you get downstate, could also be i'm more used to downstate and that is where i have grown up. Also when i was up there, people were to nice, i geuss when you don't have much, you tend to me closer to each other. Oh and one more thing, stay away from elmwood avenue, near Summer street, it's where all the mosquitos hoard around during the summer.

[95mercury]

Yeah Tonawanda, Cheektowagwa, all are nice, but it has this midwest feel to it, something that is really different from the vibe you get downstate.

I see this as a good thing. While the city of Buffalo itself is a pit (much of it at least), the rest of the area is pretty nice. Of the 900,000 people in Erie county, only 270,000 of them are in Buffalo. There's way more to this region than just Buffalo.

Also when i was up there, people were to nice, i geuss when you don't have much, you tend to me closer to each other. Oh and one more thing, stay away from elmwood avenue, near Summer street, it's where all the mosquitos hoard around during the summer.

I find this kind of insulting. We don't have much?? Did you only visit the ghetto? Is downstate some kind of magical place? :rolleyes: I could never live down there. Too many people, too congested.

Anyways, I also took the test. I got as far as the PAT in May and the "personal history review" back in June but haven't heard from them since.

[sillyapple]

I lived in erie county for half of my life. Supposed to take the Buffalo PD written test last year, but was couple days late due to military deployment, called them and explained the reason, and the lady told me to call them back 4 years later to see if there ever gonna be another test. WTH.

[sillyapple]

I used to see the falls and casinos on the other side couple times a month. That was some good memories. Plus, I kind missed the wings from the Anchor.

[GeneralMelchid]

95 mercury, yes we have more fairies hahahahaha, sorry to add wood to the fire of the
whole upstate and downstate beef, but to be honest, we downstaters have crap holes
too. Just not as bad as you guys hahaha. Sorry had to, well down here the women are
nice, the air is aaaaa nice too, and so what if you may step on a crack in new york city
and collapse the sidewalk, the city has a air to itself though.

[95mercury]

If you say so. In the end, I'd rather not live anywhere in this state.

I also took the Buffalo test. They opened it to everybody. Then after the list was out, a judge decided to order that only city residents could be hired. So at least 1K people that paid for and took the test were excluded.:rolleyes:

[sillyapple]

I was living in Amherst by the time. So I guess I did not miss anything since Amherst is not part of Buffalo.

[GeneralMelchid]

Gotta love good old Buffalo hahaha, wonder why the judge did that. 95 Mercury, where the hell are you from?

[boguesm]

I was talking to a Buffalo Police Officer that I knew while on Chippewa and he mentioned that he heard that Buffalo was offering a test early in 2009. He also said "make sure you've living in the city when you take the exam, even if they open it to everyone."

I'm wondering if there is any truth to this rumor. I bet the BPD quickly exhausted its shortened list after it disqualified those applicants that live outside of the city.

[GeneralMelchid]

isn't bpd hurting, they went from two man patrol to single recently right?

[95mercury]

Gotta love good old Buffalo hahaha, wonder why the judge did that. 95 Mercury, where the hell are you from?

This same federal judge ordered back in the 70's that BPD had to change it's hiring practices because in his opinion, they were not hiring enough minorites. The order still stands to this day.

I live somewhere west of the Genesee River. :p

[GeneralMelchid]

not enough minorities humbug!, i saw a ton on the job when i was up there.

[UpstateNYPD]

Look at what various state employees (including police) make:
http://timesunion.com/data/payroll/2007/

[NYSPnal06]

I was talking to a Buffalo Police Officer that I knew while on Chippewa and he mentioned that he heard that Buffalo was offering a test early in 2009. He also said "make sure you've living in the city when you take the exam, even if they open it to everyone."

I'm wondering if there is any truth to this rumor. I bet the BPD quickly exhausted its shortened list after it disqualified those applicants that live outside of the city.

I've also heard this rumor about a BPD test again in early 09'...I would move into city limits to be safe, because I've been told that it would once again only be for residents..That were only able to put out two classes from the last test, even reaching down to test scores in the 70's and 80's, before exhausting the list

[publicsafety]

Rearrange your life and move into the city on a chance that BPD might call you?

[NYSPnal06]

Rearrange your life and move into the city on a chance that BPD might call you? Talk to some Buffalo cops and they'll tell you that the city is only concerned with hiring more "diverse" candidates. Most people are getting the hint and not wasting their time with BPD anymore.

Very true..I'm just speaking in terms of people who might have the interest, so as to not waste their time...True, BPD is def. concerned with diversity

[publicsafety]

I just want people to understand that the City of Buffalo LOVES to collect exam fees from hundreds of people who they never plan on hiring.

[boguesm]

Rearrange your life and move into the city on a chance that BPD might call you? Talk to some Buffalo cops and they'll tell you that the city is only concerned with hiring more "diverse" candidates. Most people are getting the hint and not wasting their time with BPD anymore.

I know a few white Buffalo Cops who have been recently hired.

[GeneralMelchid]

diversity isn't a dirty word, crevis is. Ah Diversity, something better than apple pie. Buffalo is a lost cause.

[publicsafety]

Were the PREVIOUSLY certified in NYS?

[NYSPnal06]

Yeah, I was told that the most recent academy (second of the test) ended up being smaller than originally predicted because of a certain ration that needed to be kept

[NYSPnal06]

Sorry I meant ratio*

[boguesm]

1) Were they male or FEMALE?

2) Were the PREVIOUSLY certified in NYS?

In other words, HOW MANY non-certified white males have recently been hired out of the THOUSANDS that tested for BPD? Keep in mind that 2800 people took the last test and at least 1/4 of the white male population in Buffalo probably tested. One of my closest friends works for BPD and he said that it's no secret that some of the new "diversity" hires HAVE INTERESTING THINGS IN THEIR BACKGROUND. I don't know about the rest of you, but I CAN TAKE A HINT ABOUT WHAT"S REALLY GOING ON!!!

They are two Irish Males from South Buffalo.

[boguesm]

Yeah, I was told that the most recent academy (second of the test) ended up being smaller than originally predicted because of a certain ration that needed to be kept

Yeah in HR we call that the Base Rate/ Selection Ratio. It means that the department attempts to keep a ratio of protected class citizens to non protected class citizens that is consistent with that of the civilian population within a given locality. It is illegal for them to adhere to a specific quota- they can merely attempt to adhere to the BS/SR guidelines.

I believe that the department acts in good faith in its attempt to adhere to the affirmative action guidelines without sacrificing the quality of the new hires. Remember that it wasn't the city's or department's decision not to allow applicants from other areas.

[publicsafety]

Were they NYS CERTIFIED?

[NYSPnal06]

And I in no way discriminate, I just hope that they've chosen the most qualified people

[NYSPnal06]

They are two Irish Males from South Buffalo.

Impossible!

[GeneralMelchid]

there are still irish in buffalo, i though it's mostly black, and polish.

[mark7777]

Good looking out NYSPnal06, I just want people to understand that the City of Buffalo LOVES to collect exam fees from hundreds of people who they never plan on hiring. Traditional applicants are better off pursuing a law enforcement career out of state where most agencies hire based upon qualifications, not "diversity"!!!

I would have to agree with that. Raleigh and Charlotte in NC Virginia Beach VA just a few places that have a more reasonable hiring process. Durham PD IN NC if you want to be very busy all day is a excellent dept.

[95mercury]

there are still irish in buffalo, i though it's mostly black, and polish.

I think much of the polish population has moved to the suburbs. South Buffalo is still pretty Irish as far as I know.

[publicsafety]

You say two white males have recently been hired by BPD, but were they already NYS CERTIFIED (if so, that's why they were selected)? Did they have HIGHER or LOWER test scores than the "diversity" candidates selected before them?

Heres another hint-The other poster on this thread was not referring to the kind of "ratio" standards that you are referring to. I believe he understands what kind of "ratio" the city is currently focusing on.

Boguesm, we're still waiting for your answers to the above questions.

[boguesm]

Sorry, I haven't been to the board in a while.

They are both white males from S. Buffalo. Both non-certified, with no prior LE experience. They both scored in the nineties and were in the first class taken from the new list.

[GeneralMelchid]

so their is some hope for us whites, in not being run over by this new diversity stuff. I say the one that is the best officer, even if he's lime green, give him the fraggin job, don't reserve places for people. This isn't Lebanon.

[WNY-PD]

1) Were they male or FEMALE?

2) Were the PREVIOUSLY certified in NYS?

In other words, HOW MANY non-certified white males have recently been hired out of the THOUSANDS that tested for BPD? Keep in mind that 2800 people took the last test and at least 1/4 of the white male population in Buffalo probably tested. One of my closest friends works for BPD and he said that it's no secret that some of the new "diversity" hires HAVE INTERESTING THINGS IN THEIR BACKGROUND. I don't know about the rest of you, but I CAN TAKE A HINT ABOUT WHAT"S REALLY GOING ON!!!

I was in the last academy class when the 80 or so Buffalo guys/girls were hired. Only one was NYS certified. If you guys could have seen some of the things that went on in that academy you'd have a heart attack. I would love to work in Buffalo for the action, but I'd be scared to death think of some of the people my life might depend on. I know for a fact that there were a few people hired by Buffalo that scored in the 60's on the exam.

[95mercury]

I was in the last academy class when the 80 or so Buffalo guys/girls were hired. Only one was NYS certified. If you guys could have seen some of the things that went on in that academy you'd have a heart attack. I would love to work in Buffalo for the action, but I'd be scared to death think of some of the people my life might depend on. I know for a fact that there were a few people hired by Buffalo that scored in the 60's on the exam.

WTF, lol. :eek:

BTW, I received a new canvass letter from Erie Co the other day. I already took and passed the PAT and did the "personal history review" back in June but haven't heard from them since. So this must just be to see who is still interested at this point?? Or is it a good sign?? Also, I thought there was no hiring for the time being...:confused:

[WNY-PD]

WTF, lol. :eek:

BTW, I received a new canvass letter from Erie Co the other day. I already took and passed the PAT and did the "personal history review" back in June but haven't heard from them since. So this must just be to see who is still interested at this point?? Or is it a good sign?? Also, I thought there was no hiring for the time being...:confused:

I thought I heard something about a hiring freeze, but I could be wrong. I know there are only 2 for the ECSO in the academy right now.

[95mercury]

Anyone know if moving from Erie to Niagara county will have any effect on my standing?? I believe the test was also open to the counties that border Erie but I can't remember for sure.

[rpd86]

Anyone know if moving from Erie to Niagara county will have any effect on my standing?? I believe the test was also open to the counties that border Erie but I can't remember for sure.

The test is open to anyone in a contiguous county. If you have questions, call erie county civil service.