I brought up the Mike Cole "scandal" and many spoke on the issue. There was also a lot of feedback from yesterday's show on NYPA with Rob Daly. Good stuff.

Note to all: Dialog can now also be downloaded from WLVL.com - and will likely make it to that server before it reaches here. In addition, a daily WLVL newscast is now available for download, along with newsmaker interviews, Tradio, and the Fishing & Outdoor Report. And likely more to come.

NYPA's Rob Daly was in studio ... and got hammered by callers. I never even had to open my mouth. I did. I just didn't have to.

Note to all: Dialog can now also be downloaded from WLVL.com - and will likely make it to that server before it reaches here. In addition, a daily WLVL newscast is now available for download, along with newsmaker interviews, Tradio, and the Fishing & Outdoor Report. And likely more to come.

An unexpected guest made Tuesday's show even better when Tom Christy dropped by to chat. We talked about Eliot Spitzer's plan to consolidate government services, Tom Reynolds crusade against the AMT, and Paul Dyster's endorsement of the Better Bottle Bill.

Brian Hellner and Peter Soemann from Newfane CARES were in studio to discuss Newfane school issues.

We talked with Dave Stueur about Earth Day and had a freeferall otherwise.

The city moved it's meeting time and people applauded. The town votes in favor of a four-year term for the supervisor and Scott's not happy about it.

Wednesday's show focused on the stupid gun laws likely to come out of the VA Tech tragedy and more conversation on Amy Fricano.

Local author Tom Waters discussed his new book, "If they can't take a joke," then we talked about the Lockport Common Council, which is moving towards moving meetings to when people could actually attend.

Monday's show was a little bit of everything.

Friday we discussed some details about Amy Fricano ... and Niagara USA Chamber's Thom Kraus, who we had learned was leaving the chamber ... and the state.

Greater Niagara News Sports Editor Tim Schmitt was in studio to discuss the Sabres and all things hockey.

The Niagara County Historical Society has moved to the SECOND Wednesday of each month.

Looks like Judge Amy Fricano had a bit of a motor vehicle mishap.

Hilarity ensues.

Some women came in to discuss getting more women involved in politics and public service for the first 15 minutes. Thereafter we talked a lot about Mark Zito.

Author Lisa Johnson talked about the origin of Easter and its importance and we discussed companies that don't care enough about their employees to close for Easter.

County Manager Greg Lewis was in studio for his monthly visit. He seemed different to me. You?

Another meeting of the Niagara County Legislature turned into chaos. This is one that's worth listening to.

I spent the weekend in New York City with Bob Confer and Tom Christy. Monday I discussed some observations we made - mainly that Niagara County politicians need adult supervision.

Apparently I'm a big jerk cause I don't genuflect everytime discussing those in power. It's been suggested that I should be nicer. Whatever.

I discussed some things with LCTV's Tom Christy and we discussed the 10 most important issues in our area for the first quarter of 2007 - a stupid governmental requirement.

Is this new budget plan good? Bad? What does it mean for the future of "Governor Steam Roller?" And what does it mean for us?

I'm disappointed in the governor's inability to get the legislature to work with him on the state budget. So are several callers. Others, however, say it's too early to call Eliot a lost cause.

Monday was hectic for me, so I threw open the phone lines and let the people decide what we talked about. It went well ... until the power went out, that is. But it came back on and we resumed ...

Lockport Mayor Mike Tucker was in studio discussing city issues, the IDA, and more.

Clyde Burmaster is horrible. He's part of the problem in Niagara County.

Tom Grzebinski is a breath of fresh air in Lockport ... and the rest of Lockport's Common Council want to get rid of him.

We owe it to ourselves to right these situations.

John Hall and Melissa Dunlap discuss "crossroads of Niagara County."

Tuesday we discussed the impending appointment of Andrea McNulty to the Niagara County Legislature. Her only qualification that I can see is her unabashed allegiance to the GOP. We also discussed the accidental release of city employee Social Security numbers to the local paper. Managing Editor Tim Marren explained their side of the issue.

It's been a while since we discussed national issues - or international issues, as the war on Iraq is. We talked about the anniversary and listened to a press conference with the president.

Our "Who Are You" feature continues with former US Attorney Michael Battle, who seems to be politically connected to all the WNY players ... and some Washington bigwigs, too.

Thursday's show wasn't really so much about the salaries of city employees as it was about the "friends and family plan" in city government. The Union-Sun & Journal did a great piece on city employees and it listed all the employees names, which we then used for the discussion.

Tom Reynolds power rankings are in the toilet. Jim Mills is looking worse all the time - and dragging the former Newfane School Board with him. And Michael Battle seems to have fallen from grace, too.

For the congressional rankings, click here.

Tuesday we discussed the planned "sick-out" being carried out by Buffalo police ... and in general, we discussed how much power public unions have.

Good stuff.

Monday we discussed the lifetime benefits politicians receive and why they recieve them ... and what it's like in the "real world" where most of us work.

I advised people that I was irritated about all the hang-up calls the day before and that they had to crash the phone lines with REAL talk or I wouldn't take phone calls next week.

Lots of good banter resulted.

Niagara County Democratic Chairman Dan Rivera was in studio. Henry Wojtaszek was supposed to be in, too, but Leffler screwed up (what else is new?)

We'll get Henry in soon.

Bob Confer and Tom Christy help hold Scott together and provide some semblance of sanity and reason in an otherwise unreasonably insane world. One caller referred to us as "the first line of defense" or something crazy like that. Whatever. I just hope you enjoy the show.

Monday I had some nice things to say about the local paper. They had a fairly mistake-free Sunday edition.

Lockport Journal Managing Editor Tim Marren was live in studio on Friday. Tim wanted to clear some things up - and I think we did that. Good show.

Greg Lewis, Niagara County manager, wore a hat he used to wear - that of law professor - as he dissected the AES PILOT deal and the recent ruling by Judge Dick Kloch. We didn't get many phone calls in, but we did get lots of info.

We make some assumptions - give people the benefit of the doubt on some things. And still find them to be in the wrong. Hint: Newfane School Board.

Tuesday we discussed the crazy goings on at Newfane. Seems as though there was some objectionable material on some of the school-owned laptops. Hmm.

Lockport's mayor was in studio for his regular visit. Phone calls were very light. Not sure why.

Scott took the day off to see the Sabres practice at HSBC Arena, so Tom filled in. And the topic? Scott Leffler. That's kinda weird.

Tuesday we discussed the compared salaries of Niagara County officials.

Monday I spent a great deal of time dissecting some errors in Greater Niagara Newspapers publications. I had stuck up for them over the course of the past week, but then they really botched the Sunday paper, shredding their credibility - in my opinion.

I also discuss Jim Ostrowski and ask who appointed him to be king of all that it good.

The best part of this show was the guy that said I'm a hypocrite and that I only criticize Republicans, but say nice things about all Democrats. I think I won the dispute ... have a listen.

Mal Needler announced he's not seeking re-election as a Niagara County legislator. Who's next? Lot's of opinions in this show ...

A few listeners had been nice enough to tell me about a phone survey they had taken ... which had my name in it ... asking if they'd vote for me.

First and foremost - I'm not running for anything.

Second, we dissect the poll ... and the pollster.

*post show note: I've learned even more about the pollster and will continue this conversation tomorrow.

We discuss Eliot <a href="http://www.wamc.org/archives/2007_02_12_archive.html#117128710455474155">"the steamroller"</a> Spitzer and his unstoppable force - going from district to district to bash fellow Democrats who didn't go along with his idea for how to appoint a new comptroller ... and <a href="http://www.lockportjournal.com/local/local_story_044015905.html">Swifboat Veterans for AES</a> and their ad in Sunday's paper, which the US&J explained on the front page of today's paper.

Oh - and what's George Maziarz going to do now that he's within a vote of being politically impotent? Might he switch? *please note this is pure speculation on my part. I would never want to be accused of spreading rumors about the senator.

Monday I was peaved that Greater Niagara News - for the second time in a month - ran a stealth advertisement. A hit job designed to look like it was editorial content, but was really just more AES whining. I called and spoke with Steve Hall during the show, who said it won't happen again. Which is what I was told last time it happened ... last month. Good stuff.

So Anna Nichole Smith died. Does that effect anyone's life?

A couple of stupid laws proposed. Some police state stuff. I think Kathy might be on to something. Maybe it is the water ...

Wednesday we went over a GOP talking point - that being that the AES/IDA deal is "in court where it should be." Who says it should be in court? And why is it there? And who came up with that talking point?

After an interview in the first half of the show, we discussed whether or not school should have been closed on Monday ... and then what made Tuesday any different? Good phone calls, but I found myself in the minority as to the school closing issue.

My daughter, Emily, sat in (no school) and talked about the commercials from Superbowl 41 for a few minutes. She liked the Snickers one (where the two guys kiss). I liked the Doritos commercials.

After a bit, Emily went her own way and I took phone calls on a variety of topics ...

Ray Sherman and I talked about the Bills and the upcoming Superbowl for a bit ... then Ray took off and I opened up the phone lines to discuss the same items - and others - with you.

Greg and I discussed the state budget, Mark Gabriele, the AES deal and more ...

So tell me, who are you? ... Mark Gabrielle ...

Attorney for the Niagara County IDA ... attorney for the Town of Niagara IDA ... Harris Beach attorney ... Niagara County assistant DA ... Republican donor ... NU graduate ...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Plus we talked about Tony Nemi's entrance in the legislature race.

Today the Great Niagara Power Flowchart really got underway - with a look at the life and times on Henry M. (Mickey) Sloma. We delved into what boards this man sits on and where he spends his money (mostly on George Maziarz and George Pataki). This is the man that railed through an IDA decision to give millions of taxpayer dollars to a billion dollar business ... and was elected Leadership Niagara's leader of the year for it.

Mayor Mike fielded a lot of questions about the IDA, which he sits on. Lots of good phone calls. Plus, the beginning of the Great Niagara Power Flowchart ... or whatever you want to call it.

The chairmen of the Democratic and Republican parties in Niagara County were in studio discussing policy, politics and more. Not many phone calls, but lots of barbs ...

I talked about the legislature's lackidaisical attendance rates. County Democratic Chairman Dan Rivera called to agree ... but simultaneously defend his caucus. We also discussed a lawsuit filed against the IDA and what Republicans knew and when they knew it.

Enjoy.

Tim Marren, managing editor of the Lockport Union-Sun & Journal, was man enough to present a "pro-PILOT" point of view, which none of the politicos were willing to do.

Worth downloading.

I talked with Tom Christy about his show the previous night ... and we discussed the fact that some (AES) have questioned my treatment of the issue, claiming I wasn't fair by not representing "the other side." For the record, "the other side" refused several requests for interview.

I think it's odd the number of names that continually come up ... I believe there are only a handful of people actually pulling all the strings in this county ... Listen for examples.

Plus, I talked with Merrill Bender about his new web site, IDATaxCut.com - designed to show you how you could get the same deal given to AES.

I had the (dis)pleasure of attending Tuesday night's legislative fiasco at the county courthouse. This podcast presents things from my point of view.

For more info, check my show notes.

I was supposed to talk to Mike Hudson on Tuesday, but some wires got crossed and that didn't happen. Still, I discussed Dave Staba's column from Tuesday's Reporter and took phone calls on the fiasco.

Monday I talked with Steve about the police state and his book about the topic. For more information on Steve, visit his website.

Dennis and I talked about AES, the IDA and other legislature issues.

For details on the members of the IDA board, click here.

How is the IDA tax break and everyone's handling of the whole fiasco going to play out at the ballot box.

Chris is a member of the Minutemen organization ... we talked about the direction of the organization now that the Democrats are in controll of congress.

Niagara County Manager Greg Lewis talked with Scott about many IDA issues and some other county issues, too.

We didn't get many phone calls in, infortunately, due to the detailed nature of the questions and the answers.

Fortunately, Greg will be on again next month.

First it was AES and the IDA ... then the legislature joined in ... followed by the Niagara USA Chamber of Commerce ... now Leadership Niagara joins in the circle jerk ... and we're the Triscuit.

Yesterday I took on the Niagara USA Chamber of Commerce (NUSAC). Today the legislature gets the brunt of my anger. And the listeners agree.

Henceforth, County Legislative Chairman Clyde Burmaster will be known as Clyde "Ringmaster." (Thanks Edwina)

The Niagara USA Chamber of Commerce has sold out every business in the county ...

For more on the AES PILOT fiasco, visit somersetsentinel.blogspot.com

Niagara County school superintendents make an average of $130,000 a year. But the mayor of Niagara Falls makes just $30,000. Is a superintendent really worth three mayors?

Bob and Tom came to the WLVL studios to take a look back at 2006. Hilarity ensued.

Joe Sears did some original stuff and a great Christmas cover song, too.

Mayor Tucker dragged Pat Schrader into the WLVL studios with him for his montly visit.

Thursday we discussed Time Warner and their raising of cable rates. How many people will switch to Dish or DirecTV?

Police State Item of the day: The government's refusal to release documents on their spying on John Lennon.

Dave Marmon played the role of John Hall as he and Melissa Dunlap from the Niagara County Historical Society talked about Christmas and bizarre Niagara County news stories. Interesting show.

One week after we discuss there being an uproar over poor people moving to Wheatfield, some maroon decides to make it a race issue. And after saying he's "off my radar," Wheatfield Town Supervisor Tim Demler calls into the show to explain the town's position.

Welcome to year five. Hard to believe it, but this show marks the beginning of the fifth year of Scott Leffler radio. And for this fifth year, I pledge to keep a watchful eye on the police state and do me best to beat it back. Each and every day, we're going to feature one story in the news that proves that America circa 2006 is - in fact - a police state. Got an example of our living in a police state? Email me.

In celebration of the completion of four years at WLVL, I decided to take the day off (kind of) and play some clips from the past four years. At the end, though I had an interview with the one and only Dean Koontz. He's great. Enjoy.

Greater Niagara News Sports Editor Tim Schmitt discusses the Sabres, the Bills, and the rest of the sports world.

Tuesday we discussed a planned low-income housing development in Wheatfield and the uppity types opposition to it.

The state found a new crack to stick it's nose into ... Amish Country.

Faith discussed why it's never a good reason to live next door to your in-laws. Fun show.

Niagara County Manager Greg Lewis in studio.

The Road Home sounded great in studio ... even without Christmas music. This is an extended version not heard on WLVL.

Mayor Tucker in for his monthly visit.

I discuss the war on guns and lament the removal of the 2nd Amendment from the Constitution.