George Mango's blog

IF

As we end this calendar year in economic turmoil and we are near zero in our bank account balances, I think of what could have been if!!!

“If” our political representatives would work together to resolve issues and focus on building rather than posturing towards the next election. Result of a nonfunctional government has created a poorer middle class, increased opportunities for the wealthy, and damaged our once great country.

“If” New York State would pay the local government share of Medicaid, it would make our state government more aware of their broadening policy decisions that are exploding costs. Our state Medicaid program is the largest in the country thanks to the NY State legislature. Medicaid assists the poor, disabled and the elderly. It is 50% federally funded, 25% state funded and 25% local government funded. Many programs were moved into Medicaid funding by the state so N.Y. could recoup the 50% Federal dollars. This however has created a burden on local communities to fund their legislated share. It is the State that creates the policies and determines who is to be covered. The 25% local costs is bankrupting the communities we live in and are forcing cuts that can seriously affect safety and quality of life. By shifting the costs to the state, decisions our legislature make will force them to become more accountable and thus more efficient.

“If” our NY State Board of Regents showed political courage and changed the outdated policies that hinder our local school boards ability to choose programs needed by our students to achieve success. One example is to choose reading programs over the mandated physical Education requirements when cuts are to be made.

“If” the NY State legislature would re-evaluate and correct the grave injustice created by the poorly thought through formula for state aid. The formula for Education State aide must be changed or our children will be given a bankrupt education. The funds that have been provided to correct the inequity in education have created over the past three years greater inequity. Anger towards our Local Boards of Education for cuts have been misdirected and should be directed towards the Governor and the State Legislature. Our local communities are struggling for funds. Did you know that most school district in Onondaga County and Upstate NY fall into the lowest one percent of wealth category. Skaneateles is just slightly higher than 1%, but still low in comparison to Long Island which is 8 times wealthier then the Onondaga Schools. The current formula provides the higher wealth school districts with considerably more State Aide. Allowing wealthy school districts to maintain additional staff, five language courses and other extracurricular programs. The less Wealthy districts are cutting reading programs. Each year we have less in our budgets to provide adequate education. Our boards of Educations are continually eliminating programs and staff, and our politicians only make it worse by blanket cuts and questionable spending limits. The final result is that our children are not able to compete for placement in college and for the better jobs. Through no fault of our children they do not have the credentials of the graduates of the more wealthy communities because the courses are not offered.
Instead they have been cut!!

“If” we had High Speed rail, less fossil fueled transportation, more bicycles than cars in our city streets, and sound environmental legislation. We would all be breathing better, get there more safely and upscale our cities.

“If” business and industry would do a little less hording, open their doors to the many unemployed. Yes even provide the training for those who have antiquated skills or provide sponsorship to our schools to provide the training.

“If” we had bankers that cared! We would have less foreclosures, more small business loans and Jobs.

Unfortunately there are too many “ if’s” and not enough people committed to make the improvements. Commit yourself to speaking out on issues in a civil manner. Make your voices heard by our elected officials. Become informed. You as an informed citizen have the power to correct the problems. There is no simple solution. Complicated problems require complicated solutions.

November 2011 Camillus Stats

Housing sales are still lagging. There are a good number of listings on the market and the numbers continue to grow. Buyers should be in a good position to acquire a good buy as we enter the 2012 year. As of 11/23/2011, there are 158 Active listings in Camillus. 64 listings have closed within the
past 90 days and 144 listings closed in the past 6 months. The saturation level is 7.41 months for the
current active listings to sell.

As your community realtor, I can provide you with your area sales and saturation levels. I can also
break this down to within .5 of a mile from your home. If you are interested in selling your home and need expert guidance and information remember I can be reached on my email 24-7 at GMango@MangoSellsHomes.com

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday!

Good Work Camillus!

I would like to commend the Village of Camillus residents for taking the issue of government modernization to the voters. I would especially like to recognize the Village Mayor and Village Board of Trustees for looking at the issue from a logical point of view instead of with emotion of protecting the status quo. As a resident in the Town of Camillus and a local Realtor who is a member of the Government Modernization Task Force with Center State Chamber of Commerce, the village’s decision to take up this issue shows vision beyond just doing things as they’ve always been done.

As a Realtor, I can attest that this will make the Village a more popular place to buy a home. A
house assessed at $100,000 will see a minimum $450 reduction in taxes when you take into account the Citizen Empowerment tax credit and the proposed increases in the village tax rate. These savings are significant, and would assist many citizens to better meet their obligations. This combined with the fact that the citizens will see no reduction in services allows the homeowners in the village to still maintain the same great services they now enjoy while also reducing their taxes.

The Village of Camillus has roughly 50% rental property in part due to the tax burden created by multiple layers of government. Reducing taxes will assist homebuyers to qualify for homeownership. This action will provide incentive for homeownership in the village. Speaking from experience in Real Estate, home ownership is essential to building and maintaining the character of a place like Camillus. As a resident of Camillus and as a local Realtor who deals with properties in the area, I support this action by the Village and encourage them to move forward with modernizing their local government. For further information about Camillus visit my website at www.MangoSellsHomes.com.

Summer Thoughts

As we experience the heat of summer, and enjoying our well deserved vacations we have the wonderful opportunity to clear our minds and reflect on our lives and plans. TheVillage of Camillus is discussing plans to terminate the village charter and obtain services from the town, a savings that will benefit all. Our citizenry is coming to realize that our form of government is not being benefited by building hard lined walls, nor should we be changing our constitution to force a balanced budget. Common sense tells us our budget should be balanced, however we should we not be locked into a political vise to do so.

In economic times of crises it is the citizen that pulls together. We should not relegate the
solutions to our elected officials especially if they sign pledges to support a party position. It is up to each of us to resolve the issues and challenges we face. We should recognize that our problems pale in comparison to adults and children in East Africa starving and dying for lack of food, clean water, and sanitation.

What can we do? Individually, we can assist those in need by contributing to the less fortunate both at home and abroad. We can ask and encourage businesses to hire. Seek a compromise with Unions to hold down wages and benefits for the concession of job security as is done in Germany. We can also expect Business and industry to take responsibility of accepting their fair share of taxes, and invest in the United States rather than hide their monies in countries to avoid all taxes. Home ownership builds communities. Walking away from our mortgage commitments is not responsible citizenship. Looking for the easy way out is not the right thing to do.

If we could apply the Rotary Club’s four way test to our decisions and
dealings with others we may begin to change our downward progression.

Is it the TRUTH

Is it FAIR to all concerned

Will it Build GOODWILL and better FRIENDSHIPS

Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned.”

Visit my website at www.MangoSellsHomes.com. If you are in need of housing advise or assistance please contact me at gmango@MangoSellsHomes.com

SHOUT OUT For Education!

The necessity of Educating our citizens and youth should be paramount in our governmental budgeting.  The current attack on school budgets focus on cutting programs and degrading teacher unions and tenure.  The critics claim that our education is inferior to foreign educational systems. While I once served on a Board of Education, and ran on a republican ticket while living in Connecticut. I am not at all convinced the critics have it right.

Today, I am no longer a registered Republican, The party’s views are too conservative and the party shows no respect towards our president, In fact they show no respect towards our American Educational system.  Our teachers deserve our support and tax payer dollars. Yes, our current budget problems are real. Yes we could be better at spending tax payer dollars. It is not our educational system, nor is it the Unions representing our teachers, nor is it our President that is creating the difficult times. When one looks at our educational results we compare the results to other foreign educational systems.  Note that the higher rated systems do not have a public education program.  They do not provide a free education for all citizens.  They do not integrate the disabled and slower students with the mainstreamed classes. They do cherry pick. We are not looking at comparing apples with apples. Our expectations and goals are not realistic.  The testing process is false and not a reliable indicator of success. 

Teachers are challenged and demonstrate enormous creativity and patients by providing a setting in the classroom that builds a child’s confidence and ability to learn under trying conditions. All our children are scholars.  They all live to learn and can be good at it. Our teachers recognize this fact, however the general public is unaware of the challenges our teachers face. Our lack of support casts a shadow on our youth. It undermines the effect of building self esteem and it undermined the educational gifts our teachers each day give to our children. Who created an equal education for all, who integrated students from all walks of life into our classrooms, and who is the most critical voice of our Educational programs?  It is each of us, in our vote, and it is time that we take stock in what we are saying and voting for.

Our schools need the financial supports that our communities can provide.  Our government both Local, State and Federal  should spend less time on posturing and sensationalizing issues and more time in finding the funds to provide the fine education we afford our youth. Find less intrusive budget areas to eliminate rather than cut education.  Tax the wealthy appropriately, and have a special tax on Politicians who appear to be sheltered while they spend monies on TV ads, Military obsolescence, self- promotion.  A fine first gesture would be for our elected officials to give up their governmental pensions and health insurance benefits.  Take fewer trips at the “taxpayers” expense. Subscribe to finite term limits.

Let’s right the wrongs we have created. The answer is not in the narrow thinking conservative view of CUT, CUT, and CUT some more. That is the simplistic approach to problem solving, and short term thinking.  Unfortunately our political system is based on sound bites and short term resolution of problems.  It is totally incorrectly focused on the next election without doing the public’s business. As one citizen, I will do my best to support our educational system and the fine professionals we have working in it.

Can Syracuse Become?

 

Can Syracuse become ?

I have lived in the Greater Syracuse Community for the past 20 years and marvel at the less than intelligent decisions that have been made to plan its future.   Opportunities exist to make this City a world class destination which would solve the lack luster performance of its current directions.

What is Syracuse’s greatest resource? I’m sure you would agree that it is Onondaga Lake.  What have we done to this resource? Greed, pocket filling, and political short sighted decision making has over the years created the most polluted lake in the country. Further we build a Sanitation Processing Center which has dumped and poured our waste into the lake.  We destroy the lake shore by allowing a metal waste company to operate on its shore.  We allow a Box Company that employs 50 people to build a monstrosity along the west end of the lake taking advantage of the low cost of Solvay Electric which all residents of Onondaga County pay for.

As we clean up the lake, our planners and politicians should give thought to the shore line and correct the terrible decisions that have been made. Use the Lake to attract world citizens to the area. Bring in income and make the lake shore line a recreational resource and the attraction it should have been.

What would the West end of the lake be like if we had a premier Horse Racing Track with the backdrop of Onondaga Lake.  It would have preserved the lake shore and created both an income stream and a major attraction for the area. Instead we have a box company that will some -day, up and leave the area with an ugly wall of buildings left behind to block the view of the lake. It is the same selfish short sighted thinking which lead to the disaster created by Solvay Process, which thankfully Honeywell is trying to correct.

Burnett Park Zoo could be a World Class Zoo and a major draw to the area.  Why have a golf course that no one uses and earns $10,000 annually for the City when the Zoo could be expanded and greatly enhanced on that property, and bring in millions of $ to the area.  What could a World Class Zoo do for the West Side? Perhaps clean it up and revitalize it!! Income from the Attraction could build up both the West Side and the economy by encouraging complimentary businesses to locate near buy. Think of the tourism that we would bring in. Instead we spend taxpayer dollars on Initiatives that fill in spots and make little dents into the area.

Syracuse can’t afford to think small and think only for the moment. We can’t leave the planning to another committee, a school, or local officials whose self interests clouds their thinking.  Would you prefer to have a business man build a shopping center as a major attraction or use the wonderful resources of our Lake and our Zoo to be the attraction. Business and shopping will follow the real attractions. I challenge you as a reader to share your thoughts as to what if a different direction was taken.

Yes, Syracuse can become.

 

February, 2011 home sales

Preparing for a spring listing? Great news! Our listing inventory is low and it is a great time to list. Let me share with you some current home sales statistics from 1/17/2011 through 2/16/2011.

• Onondaga County                    Avg. Price   Median Price
• Active Residential listings: 1,974  $206,482   $139,900
• Contingent Listings:               145  $170,666   $139,900
• Pended listings:                       174  $128,051    $99,900
• Closed Sales- 30 days:           141  $148,31     $127,900
• Closed sales a year ago          228  $156,335   $134,000

Note: Closed sales are lower during this period from last year due to a lower number of active listings. Pricing your home is key to selling it, and prices vary from community to community. I can assist you in learning the key elements to selling your home. My lending library provides vidio tapes featuring topics such as "Pricing your home", "Preparing your home for sale", "Choosing a Realtor". and other informative Topics. Interested? Contact me.

A Winter's Delight in Central NY!

Western Suburbs a winter delight!                                 

 Today the largest winter storm is affecting our country.  We have had mixed amounts of snow falling in Central New York. The Greater Syracuse area has anywhere from 3 to 18 inches depending on location. A positive attitude and smart driving is helpful with the confidence that we benefit from the best snow removal staff and equipment in the country.  This year as in past years, we will exceed 140 inches of snow before spring arrives. 

“Punxsutawney Phil" the Ground Hog did not see his shadow this year, and the ground hog is telling us that Spring is around the corner and we will not experience 6 more weeks of Winter. For those who feel our winters are too long, the ground hog will provide them with a bit of stress release.  Of course if you are into winter sports and activity you delight in the skiing, snowmobiling, snow shoeing, ice skating, ice sculpturing, chili cook offs, and the many winter events  that our communities organize. We are fortunate to be living in communities that have people with a warm heart, and an upbeat attitude.

Seeking a home is good at any time in Central NY - be it Winter, Spring Summer or Fall. Our market is filled with reasonably priced homes that could accommodate any need. If you are selling a home I will assist you in marketing your home so it will stand out among the crowd.  Call me if you are motivated towards either listing or buying a home.  I will enhance your experience, and assist you to tailor your search of the large market of homes to better accommodate your needs.  My goal will be to remove the stress of the sale.

Camillus - January 26, 2011

Yesterday we heard our President give a detailed and inspiring speech on the State of the Union. His reassuring assessment provides confidence in our economy and will certainly have a positive effect on the future of our housing market. As he indicated, we are a country with an innovative history, one that is recognized around the world. The future is in all 0f our hands to restore our economy and our world status.

In Camillus, NY, the housing market shows signs of improvement. They say all Housing is local and our local conditions are looking good. We have had some new businesses open this month, to include 1st Niagara Bank, the Dress Barn in Fairmount Fair, and soon to open a Nutrition shop in Camillus. The newly opened Green Market on West Genesee Street is offering free cheese as a promotion & the plans for Township 5 are progressing . The first phase will be the building of apartments.

Our town manager, MaryAnn Coogan along with some ward leaders and county administrators will soon be in a charitable fundraising mystery theater skit to be held at the Elks club.

Just as a note we have both commercial opportunities as well as residential listings in the Western suburbs. To learn more about them contact me “Your Community Realtor” at www.gmango.MangoSellsHomes.com

 

Western Suburbs of Syracuse, NY Happenings

Camillus’s Erie Canal Aqueduct

Erie Canal Aqueduct has been restored and opened the summer of 2010. It is 144 foot waterway and is listed as the smallest of the larger Aqueducts. View pictures of the Restoration and completed Aqueduct at Http://www.eriecanalcamillus.com.  Truly, a great Camillus historical treasure that can now be enjoyed by all. A great debt of gratitude is due Dr. David Beebe and his wife Liz who have spearheaded the project since its inception. Today thanks to their 35 years efforts the Erie Canal Park is 7 linear miles on a has 420 acres tract, There are approximately 14 miles of walking trails, and a 350 mile bike trail with some detours from Buffalo to Albany,  and a 2 mile boat ride through the Park Canal and Aqueduct.  The Camillus Park and Simms Store& Museum is the halfway point between the Buffalo and Albany Connecting points of the Canal.  Soon the 5 detours will be eliminated and  you will be able to bike ride on trails the entire distance of the Canal.  Winter hours for the Simms Store are on Saturdays from 12Noon to 4 PM. The park is open during the months of May through October. During these summer /fall months the Simms Store and Museum are open on Wednesday’s, Thursday’s and Saturday’s from 12 noon to 4:00 PM.  Boat rides are given May through October on Sundays from 1:00PM to 5:00 PM.  A Dinner cruise Leaves promptly from the Sims Store at 6:30 PM and sails over the Aqueduct during the Months of July and August. Downstream from the present First Enlargement Aqueduct, can be found the remains of the 1820 Clinton’s Ditch Aqueduct with adjacent lock.  Two stone arches supported the 120 foot water bridge.  This area has been cleared and Kiosks interpret the site. This summer, plan on making a visit to this wonderful park. For other happenings in Towns and Villages in the western suburbs of Syracuse or looking for Real Estate listings visit my website at: http://www.MangoSellsHomes.com or go directly to my blog which is posted at gmango.typepad.com/blog.

Communities West of Syracuse:

My blog will begin focusing on what is happening in the communities on the West end of Syracuse. Many of us are involved in the good works of service organizations. You too can play a role in building your community. Today’s blog will focus upon one such organization that is seeking your involvement. The Rotary Club is a service organization whose motto is “Service Above Self”. On the west end there are several clubs meeting on a weekly basis. They provide both on hands service such as the delivery of Meals on Wheels, painting rooms that house women in need, Building Storage facilities, and park gazebos , Bell Ringers for the Salvation Army and other needed volunteered services. Additionally clubs have housed foreign exchange students, provided books for worldwide distribution, built wells for obtaining clean and safe water, distributed scholarships, as well as, contributing funds to a host of local organizations. The Rotary Club is a member of the Rotary International, a worldwide organization that provides projects for many foreign and state side communities and has successfully raised millions of dollars to eradicate Polio and assist in providing services to developing countries.
In Camillus the Rotary club meets on Thursdays at 12:10 for lunch at Sienna’s Restaurant on West Genesee Street, Camillus. The meetings last approximately one hour and provide fellowship and service planning.
Similarly in Marcellus the Rotary Club meets on Tuesday’s at 7AM at the Methodist Church in the center of town in Marcellus.
In Skaneateles the club has two meetings: A morning meeting at 7:00 AM in at the Hilltop Restaurant on Route 20 in Skaneateles, and an evening dinner meeting at 7:00 PM at the Sherwood Inn, Skaneateles.
All are welcome and you are encouraged to join
If you desire further information or would like to learn more about how to become involved, contact me at gmango@MangoSellsHomes.com or phone me at 315 952-2256.