Public Funds for Private Club?

[Pryderi]

I thought New Yorkers would like to know what happens to their tax $$$

http://www.wgrz.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=48598

The story begins on July 18, 2005, when the New York State Office of Parks and Recreation notified the Town of Elma it had been awarded a $10,000 grant. The money was secured through State Senator Dale Volker's member item funding.

The Town wanted to gear the money towards the Elma Conservation Club. They wanted to build a handicapped accessible deck so sick and disabled children could fish.

"There was no public access," said Democratic Elma Councilman Dave Polak.

The Elma Conservation Club is private. The initiation fee is more than $250, and prospective members must be sponsored by two out of the 263 existing members.

BTW, the "conservation club" is a hunting and fishing club.

Here are some of the comments of people supporting the Republican's misusing your money.

Chuck
United States

The veterans didn't just get added,they have been coming to the club for years and let me tell you this.If for any reason the fishing day is cancelledthere are a lot of sad faces at the V.A.hospital,ask their counselors that bring them to the club.These people fought in the wars alright but now they deserve a lot of help from clubs like ours that take the time to be with them,put the worms on their hooks,feed them and see they have a great day.When is the last time you spent a whole day of your life with a group of veterans?

Erich
Buffalo, NY

YEAH IT SHOULD CAUSE THE CLUB IS APART OF THE TOWN OF ELMA AND ITS BEING USED BY THE PUBLIC ARENT THE HANDICAPPED KIDS "THE PUBLIC" GREAT JOB MR.NOLAN FOR HELPING THOSE WITH PHYSICALL DISABILITIES I UNDERSTAND CAUSE I HAVE MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY

elma resident
Thank you Mike Nolan for looking out for everyone. We are behind you.

dave
United States

This is a great thing you did Mike Nolan, Im sure many children will enjoy this.

helen Elma
United States

I just seen this on tv and i am proud to have a leader like you in this town Mike Nilan you have our vote.

darlene marilla
United States

Mike Nolan is a great supervisor he isnt ours but we see him a lot at emw fields which he is very involved and has done a wonderful job making emw a great place for our children. Good job Mike Nolan


camp good days
United States

As a volunteer for Camp Good Days we thank you for everything you have done. You sure put many smiles on the kids faces, You sure have a big heart!! Supervisor Nolan you are the BEST

elma resident
United States

we believe in you Supervisor Nolan.

iroquois student
United States

I was very saddened to hear that we have a councilman that would fight Supervisor Nolan for something that was done so wonderful for people with special needs. Supervisor Nolan is the best Supervisor, he attends most sporting events, assemblys, and is seen throughout our town all the time. As a high school student we really look up to Supervisor Nolan as a true leader. Mr. Polak we have never seen you around town, what have you done for us? We are the future of Elma and we are deffinetly going to vote for a role model and that is Supervisor Mike Nolan.

Tonawanda
United States

It is nice to see tax dollars finally going to a good cause. This is the first you paid for it that I have been happy about. I have heard Elma is a class community

joe elma
United States

Does the councilman work for elma residents or is he marching to someone elses drum. I appreciate my Town Board representing Elma residents and bringing grant money to our town. I am shocked he has a problem with this grant.I don't mind paying my share when it goes for helping handicap children and veteran's who have served our country. I have a problem with my money going towards his salary.