Bill “Boss” Ryan needs to go back to grammar school. Either that, or he needs to hire yet another staff specialist to clean up his syntax.
The chairman of the Westchester County recently issued a statement celebrating Gov. David Paterson’s announcement about a $500,000 affordable housing grant.
Not to be picky, but that first sentence (in bold) had us scratching our heads. It suggests that the chairman of the board is, himself, the affordable housing in question.
“As Chairman of the County Board, affordable housing for working families and seniors has been a priority. These housing rehabilitation grants from the state will ensure that low-income individuals, seniors and people with disabilities will not be locked out of the American dream of living in a home of their own.”
The “As chairman” beginning to the press release is boilerplate pol speak and a little pompous. It reminds me of the mayor of Munchkin Land who summons his mighty authority by declaring, “As mayor of this city…”
The Boss can keep that beginning. But here’s a suggested change which I present free of charge.
“As Chairman of the County Board, I’ve always made affordable housing for working families and seniors a priority.”“
5 Comments
In competition with N. O’Donnell’s 7/20: “I watched Neil Armstrong step out onto the moon on a small black and -white TV with rabbit ears.” One wonders if, while watching, she, herself, was wearing the rabbit ears, or if they were simply a part of the TV Armstrong stepped on.
That’s quite a tide you’re shoveling against, Phil. But I’m glad you’re out there trying.
(Yeah, I know: ”...against which you’re shoveling.” Have to pick our fights.)
A young proofreader, cautioned (on an uncorrected manuscript proof) Winston Churchill to not end his sentences with prepositions. Churchill returned it to him with the notation: “This is the type of criticism up with which I will not put.”
PHIL: THIS SHOULD BE HIS WORST FAULT. THESE GUYS ARE SO ENTRENCHED AT THE PUBLIC TROUGH, THEY FEEL THEY CAN DO ANYTHING THEY WANT. WHATS GOING ON IN NASHVILLE, BESIDE THE GRAND OL OPRY, THAT HE AND HIS COHORTS HAVE TO BE THERE ON THE PUBLIC DIME. ITS BEYOND BELIEF. YOU DESERVE A PULITZER, AND THE TAXPAYERS DESERVE FOR ALL THESE “PUBLIC SERVANTS” TO GO HOME.
Furthermore, a Subordinate Claus is properly defined as a helper at the North Pole.