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ECRWSS PRESORTED STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID DENTON PUBLICATIONS/ NEW MARKET PRESS PO Box 338 Elizabethtown NY 12932 Postal Patron

Saturday,ÊS eptemberÊ10,Ê2016

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In SPORTS | pgs. 9-12, 17-21

www.SunCommunityNews.com

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In OPINION | pg. 4

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In PLATTSBURGH | pg. 7

Sports Preview inside

Teaching our youth to vote

Waterfront revitilization

Fall sports in full swing locally

The importance of our civic duty

More waterfront activity slated

City allocates additional funds toward police budget

Common Council approves almost $100k to be taken out of fund balance By Teah Dowling

teah@suncommunitynews.com

PLATTSBURGH — The Plattsburgh City Common Council voted 4-3 last month to allocate an additional $103,904 towards this year’s police budget. Over $6,000 was transferred internally, while the remaining $97,292 came out of the city’s fund balance, which is now $296,706. Councilors Becky Kasper, Joshua Kretser and Dale Dowdle voted in favor of the resolution, while Rachelle Armstrong, Mike Kelly and Paul O’Connell voted against.

With the tally tied at three, Mayor James Calnon made the final vote and approved it. “Budgets are not meant to be static,” Calnon said. “They’re approximates that can be adjusted when needed.” In the 2016 budget, the city allocated $4.4 million to the Plattsburgh City Police Department. Last month, City Chamberlain Richard Marks sent a letter to the common council requesting additional funds following what he said were unexpected expenditures. More employees retired than expected, said Calnon, and several line items were “under budgeted,” like motor vehicle repairs, which received $25,000 this year but almost $40,000 in 2014 and over $50,000 in 2015.

Photo by Teah Dowling

>> See Police Budget | pg. 14

TheÊO riental ShrineÊ Circus

Devi Momot seeking Area 4 seat

Traveling entertainment finds venue for Sept. 9 and 10 after being turned down by the city

MORRISONVILLE — It’s official: The Oriental Shrine Circus is coming to town. The Oriental Shriners — a group dedicated to helping children — is set to set up stakes with Circus Hollywood Sept. 9 and 10 at the Clinton County Fairgrounds. Teah The Troy-based organization had iniDowling Writer tially eyed the Crete Civic Center last month, but the Plattsburgh City Council nixed the request, citing their usage of captive animals. “I don’t know what kind of a circus it would’ve been without any animals,” said Linda Trassacco, a Shriner representative. “But we tried to satisfy their wishes.” While the circus offered to pull the animals from the event, city officials held firm, saying they wouldn’t support any venue that uses animals for entertainment, present or not. The council then passed a resolution banning the use of city facilities for captive-animal performances. “Animals shouldn’t be used for entertainment purposes,” Councilwoman Becky Kasper said. “It’s unethical.” The Trassaccos vowed that the circus’ the Oriental Shriner’s hire do not mistreat their animals, stating they’re properly groomed and well-fed. “They’re not cruel,” Linda said. “You can see it.” Despite the accusations, the Oriental Shriners didn’t give

The city allocated an additional $103,904 toward the 2016 police department. Over $6,000 was transferred internally, while the remaining $97,292 came out of the city’s fund balance.

Candidate to fight for more good-quality jobs, bringing more businesses into the area By Teah Dowling

teah@suncommunitynews.com

up and found another circus and venue within weeks. “We were able to book a larger and better circus,” said Barry Trassacco, circus chairman. “Everyone should come out and enjoy.” In addition to the usual trappings — clowns, caged motorcycle racing and the trapeze — the “world’s smallest pig” will be on site, along with several other critters in the petting zoo. “The Oriental Shriners have been doing circus’ for 50 years,” said Barry. “They’re always a lot of fun.”

PLATTSBURGH — Devi Momot officially announced her candidacy for the Clinton County Board of Legislators Area 4 seat on Tuesday. Momot, who is unaffiliated with a political party, said her experience as the CEO of Twinstate Technologies and serving on a number of community groups makes her a good fit for the position. “I’m very committed to doing things right,” she said. “I love the area, and I see a lot of potential for future growth.” Momot said if elected, she intends to fight for more goodquality jobs by nurturing existing businesses and working hand in hand with the county and organizations like The Development Corporation and North Country Chamber of Commerce to bring in more advanced manufacturing institutes and new businesses. Along with more jobs, Momot would like to see an increase educational opportunities for persons seeking employment,

>> See Shrine Circus | pg. 14

>> See Devi Momot | pg. 8

The Oriental Shrine Circus will take place Sept. 9 and 10 at the Clinton County Fairgrounds. There will be two shows each day. In addition to the usual trappings — clowns, caged motorcycle racing and the trapeze — the “world’s smallest pig” will be on site. There will also be a petting zoo. Photo provided


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