Bacalles introduces 'Spitzer Grinch'
Assemblyman announces Lakeview walkway funding complete
By ROB PRICE THE COURIER-ADVOCATE

PHOTO BY ROB PRICE Assemblyman James Bacalles discusses funding for the Lakeview walkway project with residents of the senior citizens' home while also introducing Christmas villain 'Spitzer Grinch.'

BATH - A new villain is threatening Christmas, according to Assemblyman James Bacalles.

It's the "Spitzer Grinch," a cartoon drawing that melds the face of Gov. Eliot Spitzer onto the body of the Grinch (who stole Christmas). Bacalles (RCorning) introduced the character Thursday during a press conference at Lakeview Apartments.

The assemblyman visited the senior citizens' residence to announce community donations have closed a $3,200 funding gap in a project to construct a walkway between the residence and a nearby shopping plaza.

The project had hinged on Lakeview receiving the funds in the form of a member item legislative grant through Bacalles' office. The grant, however, was withdrawn after the project was completed, when Spitzer's office eliminated dozens of community grants for projects throughout New York state. Three grants were to be awarded in Bacalles' district: $3,200 for the Lakeview project; $2,300 for Greater Southern Tier BOCES, and $2,000 for the Town of Hartsville.

Bacalles accused Spitzer of withdrawing the funds in retaliation for Republican legislators' opposition to his plan to allow illegal immigrants in New York obtain drivers' licenses.

"The Spitzer Grinch tried to steal Christmas from Lakeview and our communities," Bacalles said in a press release distributed at Lakeview. "But the Spirit of Christmas is alive and well amongst our citizens."

Numerous area organizations donated funds to replace the withdrawn grant, including the Bath Police Benevolent Association and the Canisteo Rotary Club.

"There were many, many individual donors," Bacalles noted, including a former Lakeview resident who read about the funding gap in her newspaper. The Lakeview Tenants' Association also raised nearly $2,000 through donations and a bake sale.

Bacalles noted the $3,200 grant for Lakeview originally had been included the 2006-07 state budget for the Steuben County Sheriff's Department. When the department decided it didn't need the funds, they were shifted into the state's 2007-08 fiscal year.

Bacalles spokesperson Robin Lattimer said reappropriated member items, such as the Lakeview project, had been guaranteed in discussions between the Legislature and Spitzer's office. According to Spitzer spokesman Jeffrey Gordon, the governor promised only to honor member item projects approved for funding before January 1, 2007.

The Bath Rotary Club originated the Lakeview project in March 2007, noting Lakeview residents had two unsatisfactory ways of walking to the nearby Deal's Plaza: along state Route 54 or along a dirt path that in winter and spring was frequently impassable.

The club coordinated construction of a paved, landscaped walkway that was completed in October with assistance from area businesses, organizations and students from BOCES.