Amsterdam revealed
Amsterdam NY | November 27, 2009
Hello to all. Welcome to Amsterdam Revealed on word press. I will attempt to give an interesting look into politics in Amsterdam NY. Amsterdam is located in Upstate NY and like many places locally has many difficulties associated with old mill towns. Amsterdam was at one time home to the most millionaires per capita in the country. Amsterdam was at one time a vibrant, economically thriving city and a powerhouse in upstate NY. At one time the demographics reported over 50,000 people living in the city of Amsterdam, much different from the now 18,000. While dealing with the downsizing of city infrastructure and the desertion of local mills which were main employers, the city has remained a close knit community with many strengths. Over the past many years, economics seem to have been polarized in the city. Many people are seemingly bewildered and have struggled to change the city. It is obvious that this confusion continues today and the political atmosphere can attest to that fact. Let’s have fun on this blog and take a trip into debate. By studying ourselves and debating facts and falsehoods we may find the very solutions we need. We will however find ourselves if we look closely with an ice-cold eye.
5 Comments »
Sorry to nitpick on your maiden post, but Amsterdam never approached 50k population- we probably peaked around 36k in the 1930s. I’ve also heard the more millionaires per capita claim as well, but wonder if that is more local lore than fact. I suppose it wouldn’t surprise me if it were true- we were quite a city before the carpet mills started to leave after WW2. Anyway, look forward to your thoughts on the city.
Comment by w murphy — November 27, 2009 @ 1:54 pm
I have seen a book claiming 55,000 people as Amsterdam’s population at one time. Perhaps this book was incorrect. I would love to get my hands on that book again though.
Comment by amsterdamrevealed — November 27, 2009 @ 2:48 pm
From everything I have followed we need a proper assessment in Amsterdam, and until that happens we are never going to improve our situation. Just wondering why Mike Chiara isn’t listed? Wasn’t there a job he was hired for and DID NOT HAND IN THE RESULTS? how is this acceptable? It a architect was payed to design a building, did and refused to give what we payed for there would be charges against the crook. Why is there no accountability anymore? Maybe this blog can bring issues to the surface and make people aware. Also those that just side with others because of LOYALTY costs us. Heather R is paid $56 thousand+ and has a consultant paid $30 thousand. Now we pay close to $90,000 to have our budget go to loyalty. Insane. Any comments, please try to be decent. It will be received instead of raising anger. Taxes and elected officials are out of hand!! I still live in Amsterdam with both of my children, and very proud of our work ethic and community involvement!!
Comment by taxpayer, voter — November 28, 2009 @ 4:05 am
Taxpayer- I have every intention of getting into these pressing topics!! Feel free to post whatever you would like. I think you are referring to when the council gave Mr. Chiara an extra amount of money to complete assesments in the city and he refused to present them to the city council. He was of course personal friends with most of the council so nothing came of it.
Comment by amsterdamrevealed — November 28, 2009 @ 4:29 am
Like Kim B and the current council? Is the fact that an elected official intentionally deceived the local permit process going to be addressed? Why do I have to go through the proper channels to build on my property but the mayor’s friends get a pass? Also who is this Karen H? Another one who will support the rules and laws being violated or someone who will be a voice of the rule followers?
Comment by taxpayer, voter — November 28, 2009 @ 5:29 am