Hey they did it without our tax money after all.

Two weeks ago, it was proposed that taxpayers of Niagara Falls should pay $5,000 for a Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra (BPO) concert in, of all places, the state-owned Niagara Falls State Park. Part of the spendthrift formula and Buffalo-centric philosophy of Mayor Paul Dyster, a man dedicated to spending us into prosperity, even if it bankrupts us.

The council, led by Sam Fruscione, Glenn Choolokian and Bob Anderson put the brakes on the expenditure and guess what?
The show will go on anyway.

On May 23, 2012, The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra announced that First Niagara Bank will “make it possible for the Western New York community to enjoy four free concerts across the region this summer.”

That’s right: First Niagara a privately owned bank is coming up with money.

See what a little fiscal restraint will do?

Mr. Fruscione said it best when he told the mayor “no:” "The state park has plenty of money," Mr. Fruscione said, sounding a little like a man who thinks taxpayer money should be treated as it if it were his own money.

"Why don't they pay for the concert? It's embarrassing and ridiculous that they would ask Niagara Falls for money."

Mayor Dyster pleaded with the council to give $5,000 of city taxpayer’s money to pay for the concert.

‘You want a concert?” said Mr. Choolokian, “Do it like they do everywhere else. Pay for it yourself!”

Council members Charles Walker and Kristin Grandinetti voted to support the planned taxpayer expenditure.

“At First Niagara, we believe in supporting organizations and events that have a significant impact on our community," said First Niagara Foundation Executive Director Elizabeth Gurney explaining why the bank chose to pay for the free concerts. "The BPO is truly a cultural jewel, and we are fortunate to have this world class orchestra here in Buffalo.”

BPO Executive Director Daniel Hart praised First Niagara for their support saying, "We simply would not be able to perform these concerts without their generous financial support."

THE SHOW WILL GO ON: The Niagara Falls council majority of Chairman Sam Fruscione and Council Members Glenn Choolokian and Robert Anderson voted against giving $5,000 of your taxpayer money for a free Buffalo Philharmonic concert in the state-run Niagara Falls State Park in June. Council members Kristin Grandinetti and Charles Walker supported the expenditure. Unlike Miss Gandinetti and Mr. Walker, First Niagara Bank volunteered not your money but thier own and the “free concert” really will be free. Miss Grandinetti and Mr. Walker seemingly were merely attempting a sort of reverse miracle of Christ, who turned water into wine. They were trying to spend your taxpayer money as if it were water....
	Spendaholic Council Members Kristen Grandinetti (right)  and Charles Walker (left) based on their voting record believe spend and tax is better than tax relief.