Page Five  

13 SEPTEMBER 2004

Yeah?  What's THAT going to change??

September 13, 2004 8:15 PM
		Ferry Lenders To Visit Rochester, Toronto Ports  Patrice Walsh (09/13/04) -- The fast ferry hasn't moved from the Port of Rochester in a week. Lenders who financed construction of the ship will visit Toronto and Rochester to determine whether they release more money to cats to restart service and keep things going until next spring. The Canadian American Transportation System (CATS) needs money to get the ferry going again but cannot access its rainy day fund from the lender until it proves the ferry is worth investing more money in. Those lenders will arrive in Toronto Wednesday to tour the port area and talk to officials there. One of their concerns is the lack of shelter for ferry passengers during the winter. State and federal officials tell us pilot fees--anywhere from $4,000 to $6,000 a day could be waived starting soon. However, customs and trucking issues are still not worked out and that could prevent lenders from giving CATS the money to restart the ferry. Part of the problem is that the customs requirements for trucks carrying freight are so strict and companies don't want any part of it. New York State Assemblyman Joe Morelle (D, 132nd District) says taxpayers have too much at stake to give up on this. The state invested $14 million in the ferry, $7 million in the form of a grant, which doesn't have to be repaid. The other $7 million is a long-term loan funded through the state's infrastructure improvement fund that finances high-risk projects that have some public purpose. (ed. Sweet deal, no?  Hey, we New Yorkers are so loaded, we GIVE $7 million to unproven, untested and ill-conceived business start-ups!  C'mon to New York... get your $7 million today!!) Now, even if the ferry folds--the state has no claim on the ship. This is a non-recourse loan---which has to be paid back but doesn't provide the state with any kind of collateral to guarantee repayment. However, Morelle said CATS has 20 years to pay this back and right now the focus should be on doing what is necessary to get the ferry running so it can pay its bills. NewsSource 13 spoke to a member of the Rump Group--made up of local business and civic leaders. They deny published reports that they would consider investing money to save the ferry project. They did say that they will do everything they can politically to support the ferry but won't invest group money in the private venture. (ed. How's that go? Put your money where your mouth is?)

The blind are still stumbling in the dark, blithely ignoring the pertinent aspects while clutching at straws.

EFIC says "OK.  We're convinced it MIGHT work... CATS can have access to the $1.5 million held in escrow."

So what?  While locals dance a jig at the thought of the service starting up again, that $1.5 million won't even bring CATS into the black... much less solve the fundamental issues which lead to the suspension.  DOH!!

EFIC won't be the reason The Breeze goes down the drain.  That distinction rests entirely with CATS and those who bought into the plan in the first place.  Remember the Information Technology credo?  GIGO.  Garbage In, Garbage Out.  Garbage Concept, Garbage Results.

Revenue and the bottom line are what drive business. Incessant yammering about Bright and Happy passengers numbers says NOTHING about the bottom line... and EFIC is more interested in the bottom line than they are the number of members in the Friends of the Ferry Fan Club.

So welcome to Southern Ontario and Western New York, EFIC!  Take time and have a good look at Toronto.  Then drop on down to Rochester and do the same.  Then decide whether you think a long term Fast Ferry service between Toronto and Rochester is financially feasible.

Long term.  As in more than just a couple of years.

Bearing in mind, of course, the first iteration didn't even last four months.

15 SEPTEMBER 2004

Getting tired of this local nonsense?  Me too, but it's SOOOOO much fun bashing the Corporate Suit set.  There's just something about pompous and smug extroverts which makes kicking pedestals so enticing...

		Wednesday   September 15, 2004 Johnson: Pushing to make ferry reality. Lenders, CATS Meet in Toronto by Amy Young Published Sep 15, 2004 A host of meetings are taking place in Toronto and Rochester this week in an attempt to get the fast ferry moving again. CATS’ officials met Wednesday with members of the Australian lending corporation, EFIC, along with Toronto tourism officials. The meetings took place in Toronto. CATS is hoping to convince the lenders the ferry is worth saving. Rochester mayor Bill Johnson continues his push to make the ferry not only a priority, but also a reality once again. “We have money on the table,” Johnson said. “We probably have as much money involved in this deal as any one party, given all that we've invested and the infrastructure and the terminal. And the lenders understand that." The lenders are expected in Rochester later this week. Johnson says he will be involved in those meetings.

"We probably have as much money involved in this deal as any one party, given all that we've invested and the infrastructure and the terminal.."?

Yes??  And your point is...??

Caveat Emptor, Bill.  Let the Buyer Beware.  Read the prospectus carefully.  Not all investments increase in value; some investments may decrease in value.

The lenders know THAT as well.  Simply shoving tens of millions of dollars into a half-baked idea does not necessarily make a sound investment and while losing tens of millions of dollars isn't a good thing for any private investor, it's even worse for a public investor like the city of Rochester.  Why, you might ask?

Because the private investor loses their own money; the public investors lose the public's money.  That's more than just incompetence, it's borderline criminal.  That's why.

That's why it's so critical to approach a private company's request for investment with a cynical eye and an in-depth examination of EVERY last detail from EVERY last perspective.  That means taking a look through the eyes of the people who are the intended customers... NOT simply listen to a bunch of SUITS who say, "Build It and They Will Come".  Of COURSE the Suits will gush enthusiastically of how "It's gonna work"; why would the community leaders expect anything otherwise?  Would they expect to hear any 'downside' perspectives?

Wednesday   September 15, 2004

Australian ferry lender is due in town Schumer Hopeful After Ferry Talks by Chris Landon Published Sep 15, 2004 New York’s senior U.S. senator says he is encouraged by talks with the head of the Australian lending institution that backed the fast ferry. Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY) spoke with officials from Export Finance and Insurance Corporation (EFIC) of Australia Tuesday night. “They said that they want to do all they can to keep the fast ferry viable and profitable,” Schumer said. (ed. Changing the destination from Toronto might help.) Schumer’s office cited EFIC’s experience in similar ferry ventures. “EFIC has over $1.5 billion of fast ferry projects in over 30 countries and has vast experience in making this type of project work,” Schumer’s office said in a press release. A representative from EFIC is due in Rochester to meet with ferry operator CATS and the community, according to Schumer’s office. CATS suspended ferry service without warning after 80 days of operation. The company cited EFIC’s refusal to release escrow funds after the ferry operator encountered unexpected revenue and fee setbacks. Export Finance and Insurance Corporation Senator Charles Schumer

They don't get it.  They just don't get it.  The appeal isn't there and never was...  not enough to support a service of this magnitude on a long-term basis.

No amount of public or private cash is going to change that... reducing fare prices isn't going to do it... neither is a slick Toronto terminal, allowing commercial traffic or dropping governmental fees.  The appeal isn't there and never was...  not enough to support a service of this magnitude on a long-term basis.

“EFIC has over $1.5 billion of fast ferry projects in over 30 countries and has vast experience in making this type of project work,” Schumer’s office said in a press release.

Sorry Chuck, small consolation there.

16 SEPTEMBER 2004

September 16, 2004 3:58 PM

Who Calls The Shots On The Ferry?  Jane Flasch (Rochester, NY) 09/15/04 - Taxpayers don't begin to recover their investment in the ferry unless it’s still in business next year at this time. The state loaned Canadian American Transportation Services (CATS) $6.5 million last year. That 20-year loan actually comes from federal tax money allotted to the state for transportation projects. The first payment is due September 5, 2005. In 2005 and 2006, CATS owes only interest on the loan. At a low 3 percent rate, it pays roughly $9,000 per month. The company doesn't make a dent in the principal unless it is still in business in 2007. (ed.  Oh... so that means CATS gets the benefits of a low interest loan without the responsibility of repaying it?  Sweet for CATS.  A complete shaft for the taxpayers.) State Senator James Alesi (R) said, "At this point there isn't any default so the risk, at least as far as today, is negligible. But if they don't get that boat up and running that money will be at risk." Although ferry employees have received letters of termination and were told to turn in their uniforms, that does not exclude the possibility that they could be called back next month. CATS President Cornel Martin said, "Our hope is we'll start as soon as possible--October 1 or sooner--but we won't know until those meetings are done."  The two men credited with pulling the ferry deal together, Dominic DeLucia and Brian Prince, are among the smallest investors in the project. (ed.  And to date, the quietest and most reclusive.) NewsSource 13 learned that the ferry's top investor is the ship’s maker, Austal, who has a 22- to 25- percent stake in the project.  Austal’s primary lender is a Dutch bank. New York State is the third largest investor with a total of $14 million in grants and loans. Export Finance and Insurance Company (EFIC) of Australia is now in the spotlight because it controls the escrow account CATS wants to tap into, but Rochester's Mayor Bill Johnson said the escrow is made up mostly of a $1.3 million loan from the city. "We have as much invested in this venture as they do,” he said. “They need to understand how important this is to the city of Rochester." The bank holding the escrow (EFIC) is actually under the auspices of the Australian Government. Through its import-export program, it has invested $1.5 billion in ferry projects in 30 countries and has experience making them succeed. According to US Senator Chuck Schumer (D, NY), the bank's representatives told him they will meet with officials in Rochester next week, and will meet with the community as well.

Think somebody might be showing up in the Port of Rochester to tow away a Fast Ferry in a few months? 

Thursday   September 16, 2004

Pataki talks to reporters in Elba Pataki: Ferry Good For Upstate NY by Seth Voorhees and Judy Mendoza photo by Todd Kruppa Published Sep 16, 2004 Governor George Pataki says he will keep a close eye on the fast ferry situation. During a tour of farms in Elba, Genesee County, the governor said he's disappointed the ferry suspended operations. Pataki said the ferry proved to be good for the region. (ed. What's he supposed to say?  The ferry was 'bad' for the region?) "We hope when they do that they can continue and move forward. It's something we want to see continue to operate, not just for Rochester and Monroe County, but for the entire upstate region," said Pataki. (ed. Sure... like a floundering, pricy and redundant service is going to energize the economy of the 'entire upstate region'.) Pataki would not say if he would become personally involved in efforts to get the ferry back up and running. He said his office is monitoring the meetings between CATS, Canadian and American lawmakers, and the ferry's financial backers. NY Governor's Office

Way to go, George.  Spoken as a true politician -- no wonder you're a multi-term governor.

17 SEPTEMBER 2004

Friday, September 17, 2004
Home > News > Local News	Rochester Time: 9:52 pm

OK.  I'll be nice.

The local news station hotfooted it down to Charlotte with camera crew and reporter in tow... well before the spontaneously planned rally to Save Our Ferry.  Sure enough... there were the placard-carrying, dog-walking and obviously well-fed rallyers carrying the obligatory, hand-scrawled placards with 'Save Our Ferry' hastily stapled to sticks.

Dutifully marching in the tried-and-true circle with the occasional interview from the haus-frau in desperate need of a visit to the Ladies Foundations Department, the marchers trudged in formation with all the intent of a Save The Whales rally.

The scene couldn't have been any more embarrassing.  For the community or the 'marchers' themselves.

Let's assess this: a threatening sky coupled with some hackneyed last minute plan to show support resulted in a virtual no-show of community support overall.  Despite the best of intentions, the 'rally' came off as a complete LACK of Rochester community support for keeping the doomed project alive.  Sometimes it's best to leave well enough alone.

<sigh> I guess you have to give credit for sincerity, so that I will.  These plucky supporters should be commended for having the guts to get in front of cameras and making complete fools of themselves in a bid to show support for The Breeze.

And if EFIC learned anything from watching that rather pathetic showing, it would be that Rochesterians don't miss too many meals judging by the average girth of the rallyers.  This appears to be a common theme from the numbers of double-chinned, button-straining interviewees on the local news outlets.  Adipose fat as a sign of success is still embraced by many residents.

Just take a look at the political and business leaders in this community... including those under 30.  Diet is indeed a four-letter word.

Must have made a profound influence to EFIC's final decision.  Meanwhile, the CATS debt clock keeps spinning as the boat sits gathering cobwebs.

And no amount of rallying is going to change THAT.

21 SEPTEMBER 2004

No apologies here.

The Rochester community is wincing from the stinging backlash created by the sudden departure of the Fast Ferry.  Civic pride, while admirable, is once again overshadowing the need to take a cold hard look at the direction this area is headed.

To be sure, there are significant numbers of talented, progressive and enlightened residents of the Rochester area who've had misgivings about the Fast Ferry operations as is the case here.  No big news there.

As Canadian citizens, we hear the pitch for a U.S. style government, culture, diplomacy and society in general.  Canada, ever the free-thinking and tolerant cousin, is too often viewed as some crackpot country where Liberalism is seen as almost touching base with Socialism.  And in the States, 'Socialism' is a VERY naughty word (even though socialism is more of an economic rather than political endeavour).

American democracy has come under closer scrutiny after the Federal election debacle of 2000 as well as the dubious measures employed by the Homeland Security folks after the 9/11 attacks.  Citizens get antsy when civil liberties are monkeyed with and Canada was on the receiving end of a reported closed door dressing down of our PM by the Texas Terror who 'politely' suggested Canada had better get its Immigration act together... or else.  (Never mind the fact it was the Americans who allowed each of the 9/11 terrorists into their country... Canada wasn't a point of entry.)

What's curious in American democracy is a strange dichotomy in which political candidates seemingly slide into office by Divine Intervention or something.  The idea that the majority of the voters WANTED these leaders in place (or so it goes) is conveniently ignored, forgotten or just plain denied.  The distinction between 'Us' (the voters) and 'Them' (the politicians) is inevitably stressed and accentuated.  It's the politicians' fault.  Those politicians are bleeding me dry.  The politicians are ruining this country.  You know the script.

Trouble is: these are the people the voting public demanded.  These are the initiatives, policies and social philosophies the majority has endorsed.  The People got what they asked for... and now they're whining.

Vote in conservative, traditional politicians and you get conservative, traditional policies and mandates.  Vote in progressive, alternative politicians and you get progressive, alternative policies and mandates.  It's pretty simple actually and regardless of what a political party calls itself, it's the candidate's personal outlook that's being shoved into the seat.  Democrat, Republican, Independent... there are liberal as well as conservative views held in every party.  That's why it's incumbent upon the voter to take a look at the candidate's personal platform instead of nonchalantly voting according to the name of the political party.

The Monroe County Executive, a Republican ex-TV anchor suburban hausfrau, won the seat in a landslide over the Democrat ex-Virginian Rochester City Mayor.  I guess the suburbanites showed the City who was boss in Monroe County, no?  Obviously... OBVIOUSLY... there were voters in the city who chose the policies of the Republican over those of the Democrat just as there were suburbanites who chose the policies of the Democrat over those of the Republican. (Do I really need to state this? C'mon you guys...)

No, not ALL Rochester area residents are boneheads with the worldliness of Ma and Pa Kettle.  No, not ALL Rochester area residents are gullible nimrods who buy into ill-conceived local corporate business schemes.  No, not ALL Rochester area residents are self-absorbed navel-gazers who break out a GPS if they cross the county line. (Do I really need to state THIS? C'mon you guys...)

Image, as they say... for better or worse... like it or not... is everything.  In a city/county which bills itself as the Image Center of __FITB___, the Rochester area has a horrific time seeing a true image of itself.  Is this a big village or small city?  Is this a small fish in a big pond or a big fish in a small pond?  Is this a tourist destination or merely providing destinations for the tourist?  Frankly, we don't know.

Therein lies a problem.  A very BIG problem.

People visit Toronto to see how a dynamic city lives.  People visit Rochester and see how an ordinary city works.  A semantic distinction... maybe... but people on vacations tend to be more interested in actually 'living' as opposed to watching people simply work.  Not much fun there.

What's it like to live in Chinatown around Dundas and Spadina?  Well, jump on the streetcar and find out.  What's it like to hang out in a Greek section among Greeks and Greek culture?  It's called the Danforth.  Got Major League tickets but not sure whether to pack the poncho or the SPF 30?  Doesn't matter; the Dome will keep things reasonably comfortable.

These are not destinations designed for tourists; these are locations and facilities designed for living and it's easy to see the locals going about the process of living.  Museums, beaneries, and architecturally designed themes may be curious destinations, but by and large, they don't reflect the actual daily lives of the residents.  Go ahead... ask the typical Rochester area resident when was the last time they took in the Strong Museum.  Or the High Falls Entertainment district.  Or Frontier Field.

Or Nick Tahou's.

Yet these are some of the jewels in the tourist chest which are being held up for out-of-towners to hop on a pricy boat and beat a hasty course to the southern shore of Lake Ontario.  And the locals, by absence of  a groundswell of opposition, have either implicitly or explicitly endorsed the Fast Ferry project.  At least this website has a document history of pooh-poohing the idea.

That's an image Toronto area residents have of Rochesterians; by not taking a stand and demanding the project be scrapped, combined with a US$16 million ferry terminal tossed up in record time, combined with an unabashed and publicly-admitted ploy for the Canadian loony, combined with gussying up its port area and Gala $500-a-pop inaugural cruise... well... the average Torontonian can be forgiven for getting the impression the Rochester area was hot and sweaty over the prospect of a Ferry service.

Here.  We love Torontonians.  And we've got ways to snag your cash from the moment you step off the boat right in our Ferry Terminal.  Step across the street and spend money.   Take the perpetually-under-construction Lake Avenue to our downtown area and spend money at our old warehouse section gentrified into the High Falls area.  Do the Museum Trail (and don't stray from its path) and spend money.   Shop our Monroe Avenue, take in an Eastman Theatre performance and spend money.  (Get the impression the 'warm hospitality' has a certain theme to it?)

To be fair, Toronto certainly has no shortages of ways to part with one's cash, but at least the blatant (and admitted) cash grab isn't quite as obvious.  Call me biased, but fleecing tourists lacks a certain genuine sincerity.

Now that the Ferry appears to be in perpetual economic drydock,  it's an excellent opportunity for Rochester area residents to do an honest assessment of what they want their community to be.   But more importantly, it's crucial they do an honest assessment of what their community IS.   Honestly.  That means stepping out and away from the forest to get a true image of the trees.   That means taking another vantage by venturing forth to roads not explored... in Southern Ontario and beyond.  One cannot begin to understand their intended customer by sitting home and cooking up schemes of what they THINK would appeal to the market.

And if the locals can't be bothered to travel the 1-1/2 hours to Canada by car, what makes them think Canadians will bother traveling 3 hours to them by ferry?  Dumb.  Just plain dumb.

Tuesday, September 21, 2004
Home > News > Local News		Rochester Time: 10:29 pm

Ferry backers meet today with politicos   Rick Armon Staff writer (September 21, 2004) — The financial backers of Rochester's high-speed ferry will meet privately with political leaders this afternoon to talk about resuming the suspended service. Officials declined to publicly identify the time or location of today's meeting. Australian Export Finance and Insurance Corp. officials are visiting Toronto and Rochester to assess the Lake Ontario ferry service, which indefinitely suspended operations two weeks ago. The $42 million ship had been shuttling passengers and cars between the two cities for less than three months. Canadian American Transportation Systems, the private Rochester-based ferry company, blamed the shutdown on financial problems and what it called onerous government regulations. CATS officials could not be reached for comment this morning. The company wants to resume service and has said that EFIC, an arm of the Australian government, can make that happen by releasing $1.5 million held in escrow. EFIC provided a $33.7 million (Australian) finance guarantee to build the ship and start the business. RARMON@DemocratandChronicle.com

Take the view from the lenders who have a boat load of money tied up in the Ferry operation.  Sure, they have every desire to see the Toronto-Rochester route succeed but they also have the fiscal responsibility to plug the cash flow on a project which has a dubious future.  Lenders don't boost their bottom line by tossing good money after bad.

Last I knew, CATS was in the hole by $1.7 million.  That figure is now higher, as each day the Ferry sits generating no income, CATS loses more money.  That's not even taking the mortal wound of loss of consumer confidence into consideration should a last gasp effort revive the service. 

The Wrinkle of the Day:

Tuesday   September 21, 2004

Ferry Meeting Called Off by Seth Voorhees Published Sep 21, 2004 It was supposed to be a meeting between local leaders and the Australian lenders backing the suspended fast ferry. But that meeting never happened. Mayor Bill Johnson, county executive Maggie Brooks and other local leaders were scheduled to meet with representatives from EFIC, the ferry's financial backer. But an hour before the meeting was to take place Tuesday, it was called off. A spokesman for Monroe County executive Maggie Brooks told R News no reason was given for the cancellation. Rochester deputy mayor Jeff Carlson would not comment on the cancellation. The meeting was seen as an important chance for Rochester leaders to show lenders they're behind the ferry, which stopped service two weeks ago amid financial turmoil.

JUICY.  And everything was going SO well up to this point, yes?

Ever want to be the proverbial fly on the wall and know what's REALLY going on behind the scenes?  The public misses out on many of the private tantrums of the corporate world and THAT'S a shame as the antics of blustering 'leaders' would be a real source of amusement.  Remember 'image is everything'?  Some people will resort to carefully crafted media announcements to save face... and careers.

I suppose there are plenty of rumours flying about... along with some pretty interesting email and phone calls.  The main point to remember is: It really doesn't make any difference whether EFIC releases the escrow or not. 

Local business financiers can hand over cheques until the Ferry is filled with cash.  Local supporters can wear circular tracks into the terminal's sidewalks.  The State and Feds can shove cash into the CATS account until it becomes a publicly owned operation.

Unless the mass public interest and appeal is there, the Ferry will inevitably end up tied to a dock.

But the REAL explanation for the meeting cancellation has GOT to be a pip.  Unfortunately, the sanitized version whipped up for public consumption will be less than juicy.  Sober EFIC lenders may be saying, "there's no point in stringing these folks along by listening to their pitch which has been rehashed ad nauseum".

EFIC may be holding its hand back in order to lay down the law before opening the escrow.  "No discussion, mates.  You want access, this is what you have to do".

Or EFIC may be avoiding a rather uncomfortable meeting when the decision has already been made not to release the cash.  Sort of a diplomatic way of saying, "we'll be in touch and get back to you".

Strange.  EFIC didn't seem to cancel any of the Toronto meetings.  Maybe after a few days in Rochester, they saw all they needed in order to arrive at a conclusion.

Ya think????

September 21, 2004 7:54 PM
	Ferry Lenders Cancel One Meeting, Extend Visit (Rochester, NY) 09/21/04 -- A much anticipated meeting between some Rochester-area leaders and the ferry's Australian investors was cancelled abruptly Tuesday afternoon. Cornel Martin, president and CEO of the Canadian-American Transportation Systems, said that the lenders cancelled the meetings because of scheduling concerns and that nothing more should be read into it.   (ed. Oh, OK.  That makes sense doesn't it?  And since we're being told not to 'read anything into it', then I guess that means we should do as we're told.  Just like always.) The lenders were to meet with Rochester Mayor Bill Johnson and Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks. The mayor had previously met with the lenders privately. Martin said discussions with lenders are progressing along as well as could be expected. The discussions have been involving different scenarios. He also said if the ferry does start up again, it most likely will be on a limited basis. The lenders have also extended their trip to Rochester until Thursday.

Oh... well, on behalf of the Canadians in the Rochester area... Welcome to Rochester, EFIC!  Hope you enjoy your stay here.  These Yanks don't quite 'get' the Commonwealth thing, but we won't hold that against them.

Coincidentally, the much ballyhooed Renaissance Square in downtown Rochester... the next phase in the Rochester area pouring money down the drain... was denied $18 million by Governor Pataki.

September 21, 2004 8:20 PM

No Override For Renaissance Square Veto  Evan Dawson (Rochester, NY) 09/21/04 -- New York State Senators say they will not override Governor George's Pataki's veto of $18 million for Renaissance Square. It was one of 190 vetoes the governor made on the state's budget. The project would combine an arts center, bus terminal, and an Monroe Community College campus. Eight months ago, Governor Pataki cheered the project in his State of the State address. At the time, Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks said, "This is a project that has been talked about, but now we know there is a financial commitment. We know there is money on the table." A spokesperson for Brooks said she's not concerned that the governor vetoed $18 million for Renaissance Square that's because the project could still end up with the same amount this year from a state economic development fund.   (ed. Don't they mean ".. WILL still end up with the same amount.."?  I mean, how many 'assumptions' belong in a multi-million dollar project?) However, organizers say construction won't start for months. Regional Greater Rochester Transportation Authority predicts the environmental study and then, the actual arts center design beyond the initial sketches will be complete by Christmas. Crews will then demolish buildings near the Clinton and Main Street intersection. Construction will begin soon thereafter. Building will begin without enough money to finish the project. Supporters have faith the tax dollars won't run out before the building is done.  (ed. Smart move!  And local business luminaries can't understand why foreign investors might have doubts about the fiscal prudence in the Rochester area. Oh, and what happens if the tax dollars DO run out before the building is done?  What then?) State Senator Joe Robach says those managing the Renaissance Square project will be a lot more open with their financial records and use of taxpayer money than those who operate the fast ferry. That's because the ferry is run by a private company.  (ed. Uh, Joe?  Wouldn't one expect a private company using public funding would be REQUIRED to have open books as a condition of receiving those funds?  Why wouldn't that be demanded up front?) Maggie Brooks has previously said Renaissance Square needs $52 million in state money.

For the non-resident, this is a plan for a combo bus terminal, arts centre and community college satellite campus.  Now THIS is going to energize the terminally ill downtown core.  No, no... just because other downtown attractions have largely failed (Frontier Field, High Falls Entertainment district, East End district, Blue Cross Arena, aging and targeted Midtown Plaza, vacant rental space galore, signature restaurants folding, etc.) this... THIS...  will be the one to turn things around.

As long as we can get it built and opened.  Just because we're not sure where the money will come from, we'll go ahead and start the project anyway.

Anybody see a pattern here? 

Maybe Pataki has.