The candidates are set for this year's election:
County Executive:
Chris Meyer - R
Steve McLaughlin - R
Andrea Smyth - D
County Legislature:
Leon Fiacco - R
Kelly Hoffman - R
Rob Bayly - R
Tom Grant - R
Susan Kalafut - D
Kathryn Schaefer - D
John Hebert - D
Todd D'Alleva - D
Town Board
Rick Matters - R
Dan Plumley - R
Hollie Kennedy - D
Zack Kilmer - D
County Judge:
Phil Danaher - R
Jennifer Sober - D
What are the issues that these candidates should address? How will you decide who to vote for?
Not an inspiring list. People don't want to run for office. They're thankless jobs. I want to know whether candidates support the great work done by our current town board or whether they want to plunge us back into the darkness. Like Rick Matters who has opposed everything they'very tried to do. For the county, it's all about the local dispatch. Keep it here or I'm voting for someone else.
ReplyDeleteAs an enrolled Republican I will be splitting my vote on the Town Board Candidates this year. My choices will be Dan Plumley and Hollie Kennedy.
ReplyDeleteAnyone but Rick Matters. Anyone but Tom Grant. I'm willing to listen to everyone else and keep an open mind. But low character phonies like those two will never get my vote. They don't stand on any principles they only stand for themselves. I met Hollie Kennedy and liked her.
ReplyDeleteI like Andrea Smyth. I'll be voting for her and all the Democrats this year. Let's move the dispatch system to the county and save the town $600,000 a year.
ReplyDelete8:09 - You've thrown out that $600,000 figure before so clearly you don't know what you're talking about. The City of Troy gave up their dispatch and now desperately wants it back. Their contract with the County goes up every year and next year they'll be paying more for the county dispatch than what it would have cost to keep their own. Learn your facts. People will die but hey we'd save a few dollars for a few years. But $600,000? That's just ignorant.
ReplyDelete8:18- Before you cast your vote, I suggest you ask Rick Matters what his position is. That's where the $600,000 number is coming from.
ReplyDeleteQuestion to Gadfly? I spoke with Rick Matters regarding the Anon. 8:38 post and his response was not to pay any attention to what is being written on this blog. He claimed it no longer has any following. Is this true?
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Rick Matters is on record as saying that we don't need our police department or dispatchers. Of course if it ever came to a vote he would abstain because he can never make up his mind. I'm convinced that his wife destroyed the Matters brand and that Rick will struggle even in this weak field. On a different subject I met Jennifer Sober and I liked her. I can't vote for Mr. Casino conflict of interest Danaher. EG First's new code of ethics would prevent any more shenanigans like the county pulled when they sent Danaher here to be attorney for the planning baord to make sure the casino got approved. I think every Save East Greenbush person needs to send him a message.
ReplyDeletePhil Danaher is running for a judge position and can't even recognize a conflict of interest? I to will be supporting Jennifer Sober, having met her I found her to be very impressive.
DeleteI can say with certainty who I will NOT be voting for on at least two of the elected office seats.
ReplyDeleteChris Meyer is a big "NO VOTE". Cathy Jimino/Chris Meyer were the initial point of contact that began the process of ramming that casino down our throats. That alone is reason enough not to vote for Jimino’s Deputy. Meyer has been quoted as saying if you like what Cathy Jimino has done in the past, he will be more of the same going forward. NO THANK YOU !!!!
Secondly Rick Matters is a big "NO VOTE". Mary Ann Matters also voted YES on that casino at least twice setting the wheels in motion to the point of no return then tried to backpedal after the damage was done saying the casino being proposed was not large enough. Why do Ms. Matters votes have anything to do with her husband’s campaign? Simply put Mary Ann Matters on several occasions would sit up on that dais at Town Board meetings and claim when you elected one Matters you got two. Now Rich Matters is running with the same Jimino/Meyer County establishment machine that brought you the casino. ONCE AGAIN, NO THANK YOU !!!!
Anon.8:28 I supported the EG1st anti casino movement and agree with your post. I would ask all those who supported our EG1st campaign to look closely at the Designating Petitions being circulated and refuse to sign any with Chris Meyer or Rich Matters name attached. We all worked to hard to let these candidates continue to make decisions on our behalf.
DeleteSteve McLaughlin has pledged to introduce anti-nepotism legislation for the county government, based on the East Greenbush Ethics Law. I believe in Steve and he has my vote.
ReplyDeleteWhen did he ever say it was based on EG? Show proof of that statement.
DeleteAsk him. I did.
ReplyDelete11:24, Take a look at the Steve McLaughlin for County Executive Facebook page post of June 21st at 8:40am. Obviously, there's nothing at all on nepotism from the Chris Meyer campaign.
ReplyDeleteBelieve In Steve!
Mr. Matters has absolutely no knowledge about the influence of the Gadfly or how many people read it. Only the Gadfly knows and the numbers clearly show that when there needs to be a discussion - the people turn to the Gadfly.
ReplyDeleteI'm going to vote for which ever candidate that can reflect on the same values and goals for East Greenbush, that EGB 1st has worked very hard to establish. I'm not in favor of ever going back to the way it was, regardless of Republican or Democratic affiliation.
ReplyDeleteAnon 10:50 Does that include the lies and self serving words spread by Tom Grant to get himself elected only to walk away after 1 1/2 years? Does that include the hiring of a corrupt Town Planner looking for handouts to fill his own pockets and possibly others in Town Hall? Does that include hiring back of the previous building inspector that Eg1st relentlessly accused of being in the pockets of the so called money people of EG. This list can go on and on but why bother. This blog, and the Eg1st mouth pieces will do anything they can to try and cover up the mistakes and bad decisions being made by this current Town Supervisor and our current misguided and inept Town Board. Gadfly should give Jack Conway a call and ask him why his handpicked planner is no longer working for our Town. Eg1st is and always has been a complete illusion of their own realty.
DeleteRick Matters hopes the Gadfly isn't influential. I wonder how he feels about people not signing petitions because his name is on it. I refused and I know others who did too. The Matters are tone deaf when it comes to criticism because they don't care what other people think. If you think EG First is important and if you support the Supervisor then you must make sure we don't get another Matters on our town board. Mary Ann Matters has told numerous people that the Town needs Rick Matters to show Jack how to do his job. She says he's clueless and only her husband can save the town. Can you imagine Mary Ann Matters calling Jack Conway clueless? Anyone paying attention realizes that the Supervisor not only has a clue but he's doing a great job. We're not going backwards. We like having intelligent board members who want to get things done. Say no to Rick Matters. Stop the insanity these two have brought to town government.
ReplyDeleteMary Ann Matters has also said that the person behind the Gadfly is just a crazy old man with nothing better to do but start trouble for elected officials.
DeleteLOL...
DeleteI can't address the specifics of HR matters but I can categorically assure you that the Town Planner was not corrupt or lining his pockets.
ReplyDeleteOk Jack now that you have already addressed and acknowledged the firing of your planner why not give the residents who payed his, and your salary a complete explanation. It would appear as though you are hiding something from us. Perhaps Mary Ann Matters can help.
DeleteJack Conway's political honeymoon should be over. Jack is the Supervisor of our town and should be held accountable for his decisions. Our town isn't moving forward. In fact small business and residents are moving out. Stop feeding us how great a job Supervisor Conway is doing when it's simply not the case. Mary Ann Matters claims he's clueless, Tom Grant walked away from him and Jack himself is trying to become accepted by the very Democrat Party that he condemned only a year and a half ago. That's just plain hypocrisy. Eg1st first was never anything more than a movement against a casino that was never coming to East Greenbush in the first place that was supported by both Dem's and Rep's alike. Raising taxes, issuing astronomical long term bonds, and hiring questionable employees just to name a few are not consistent with a Supervisor doing a good job. Residents need to start asking questions. We are heading back into the past where no one is paying attention, and town hall is filling back up with the same people Eg1st rejected. The thought of Rick Matters back on our Town Board, are you kidding?
DeleteJack, How can you assure the residents of our town anything on this issue when you just stated you can't address specifics on HR matters when you just did?
DeleteAnon 11:17, EG1st was and is not a political party. Not one of the 3 candidates who ran on the line (just that, a line) ever once hid their party affiliations. Not once did they ever say they would leave their party affiliations. It was obviously more than "just a movement against a casino", considering they slaughtered all political parties.
DeleteNEWS FLASH !!!!
ReplyDeleteCounty Republicans in the Chris Meyer camp rigged the East Greenbush Committee vote that will put Rick Matters on the EG Town Board Republican line in November. Matters had virtually 0% support from the EG committee, yet will end up on the ballot. Why you ask? Complete details will be provided in the near future.
I've never heard of Chris Meyer, but I do believe Matters support level to be 0% amongst the EG Republican Committee. Matters was sitting on the EG Town Board when all those illegal stipends were being handed out during the McCabe era. He sure wasn't paying very close attention then my family will not be voting for him if he ends up on the ballot in November.
DeleteDoesn't look like we could depend on "County Machine Meyer" for any improvement on ethics reform. He's not off to a very good start, and I will be scratching him off my potential candidate list. Sounds like Steve McLaughlin might be on to something with his call for County ethics reform. Time for a fresh face, Believe in Steve.
ReplyDeleteI saw McLaughlin in EG last weekend at his getting signatures thing. He told me the EG code of ethics should be a model for everyone. Anyone remember who fought for years to get that for us? The supervisor. The boss sets the tone.
ReplyDeleteI can remember who fought against reforming the updated EG ethics law. Sue Mangold, Ginni O'Brian, and Phil Malone. Then Supervisor Langley and then Council Person Rick Matters both supported a resolution on two occasions to support the original updated ethics law only to be denied by the Democrat Majority. The Democrats finally caved in and supported the updated version because they were up for reelection that year. Jack Conway also spoke the night the Ethics law was passed and praised and thanked the entire Town Board for the passage of a very well drafted Ethics Law that was being adopted for the Town of East Greenbush on that evening.
DeleteThanks Mary Ann. Now can you enlighten us on why your husband wasn't allowed to run last time? Or what the ethics are of sitting in the audience texting you instructions even though he didn't get a single vote? Rick Matters is not an ethical person and neither are you.
DeleteRick Matters being involved in the rigging of the East Greenbush Town Board candidate selection process in cahoots with his corrupt county Jimino/Meyer cohorts does not show much in the way of Rick Matters support for proper ethical behavior. I’m looking forward to the full story regarding that issue. Could be a real deal breaker for Jimino’s anointment of her loyal sidekick Chris Meyer, and Rick Matters as well. Rensselaer county needs much stricter ethics rules without question. Chris Meyer’s opponent is proposing just that. Steve McLaughlin stated that county ethics reform will be his top priority once elected as County Executive.
DeleteCome on anybody posting on here to vote for McLaughlin is getting something from him or from Rich Crist. He's been in the Assembly for years and has never given EG the time of day or helped out with anything we need including when the casino was proposed here in our town.
DeleteJack Conway and Tom Grant are responsible for worst selection of Town Board candidates this town has ever been able to choose from this year. It is truly a very sad day for East Greenbush that good and solid potential candidates have either been denied by corruption or simply won't put themselves through the harassment doled out from all directions if elected. Our Town Board is going to be a bigger circus than ever after this election day regardless of who gets elected because there isn't a combination of candidates to even make up a meaningful Town Board. Our Town is going in reverse gear at a rate faster than anyone could have ever imagined under this current administration only to get worse on January 1st. Tom Grant turned out to be the worst Town Board member in this town's history with his deception second to only Rick and Mary Matters, who profess to be one in the same. It's not even worth coming out to vote this year for this bunch of clowns except maybe for McLaughlin who wants to drain the corrupt county swamp, and that Jimino/Meyer bunch is truly corrupt. As for us in EG. it looks like 2 more years of difunctional town government.
ReplyDelete9:08 AM, It's too bad you didn't choose to run. You sound like a very thoughtful and highly intelligent person. We need more dedicated people like you in government.
DeleteAre you implying that the male board members are responsible for candidate selection and the female board members are not?
DeleteFYI: the political parties are responsible for candidate selection.
The only candidate who has a history of poor goverance among the currently announced candidates is Rick Matters. He has a proven track record of failure. The other three candidates should be allowed to put forth their platforms and be thoughtfully considered.
9:08 How are Conway and Grant responsible for Town Board candidates? Is it because they crushed both parties in the last election? Sorry but that was the voters who sent you packing. Your predictoon about a dysfunctional board assumes that Conway can't manage a board any better than Langley could. If you believe that you're clueless. You should go to a board meeting and see what leadership looks like.
ReplyDeleteThat's just it, I do go to Town Board meetings. Mary Ann Matters is completely right. Jack Conway doesn't have a clue on how to run this town and her husband Rick is his only salvation. Jack and Tom sold the residents of this town a bill of goods that Jack can't deliver on, and Tom doesn't have the courage to finish what he started and face what it takes to run this town.
DeleteGadfly, where is the filter on this blog? When we have people saying "good candidates" won't run because of harrassment and then harrassing decent folks at the same time, there are no winners.
Delete4:53.....Take a rest.
DeleteOther than Rick Matters, what's not to like about the other candidates for Town Board? They are good, solid candidates.
ReplyDelete4:53 Sounds like you are part of the swill that was put out to pasture by EG First. You don't go to town board meetings because you don't care about the town. You think if you spread this garbage on a blog you can convince people that Jack's not doing a good job. Let me tell you what you need to know. If he decides to run again he'll landslide your crowd even worse than he did last time. We're not going back.
ReplyDelete9:08 a.m. aside from the fact that you cannot spell - your assertion that Jack Conway and Tom Grant are responsible for the fall election slate of Town Board candidates is ludicrous, especially as it pertains to Jack Conway. And our Town is not going backward as you suggest. Jack Tom Tina and the other Board members have made significant positive changes in the time that they have worked together. Name one negative. And you 4:53 are completely off your rocker. In addition - as far as I have read - no one has accused Tom Grant of being a "bad" board member. It is just the opposite. People want him to stay on the Board because of his effectiveness - and feel that he should serve out the term he was elected to.
ReplyDeleteThe problem with Rick Matters is that when he served with Langley - instead of doing the right thing - he stuck to the party line and supported Langley in everything. He is Mr. Milquetoast - spineless and indecisive. No need to elect him again. Give the new blood a chance.
I agree with 8:21. Talk to people in town, they're very happy with the supervisor. It's election season so the usual suspects are crawling out from under their rocks. Their still reeling from the beating JTT put on them in 2015. Time for new blood in the political parties because the kind of nonsense from 4:53 won't work any more.
ReplyDeleteAnon 8:19 Jack Conway's turn will come soon enough. For right now it's important that we get Rick Matters elected to save EG. from financial ruin.
DeleteThe Believe in Steve folks may want to read the Times Union.
ReplyDeleteNot defending his policies, but you'd be pissed off too if signatures you submitted disappeared or were tampered with. Then again, this video only shows a few seconds, doesn't prove anything either way.
DeleteI believe in Steve now more than ever. That's the same corrupt bunch that rigged the East Greenbush Town Board Candidate selection process. The county machine is using Larry Bugby's office as Chris Meyer's campaign headquarters. That county machine needs to be dismantled and strong new ethical leadership needs to be installed. McLaughlin has proven he won't back down, and will fight for what is right. Believe in Steve for County Executive.
DeleteWhat has Steve done for ethics at the state level? You claim he likes the EG law but has done nothing for the Assembly. He's been in office for long enough and hasn't done anything.
Delete10:11 am - is that you Mary Ann? Where do you get the idea that Rick will save the Town from financial ruin? Who says it is in financial ruin? Well, it is not - and you can feel free to ask Jack Conway for the details. Don't make those silly statements until you can produce facts and figures to back them up. Until then - your statements can be filed under FAKE NEWS. Go away. Oh - and where is the proof that Rick is capable of producing great financial success for the Town?
ReplyDeleteI believe in Steve and Rick Matters. They are two born executives.
ReplyDeleteJack Conway's turn for what? Re-election?
ReplyDeleteAnon 5:37 & 5:42 You better keep a better eye on the children. They've learned how to blog. What, you didn't think they were watching you?
ReplyDeleteSteve and Rick Matters are born executives? Really? If Rick was so smart - why did he make so many personal phone calls when he should have known it was against policy? He was duped then and he will be duped again if he is ever elected to any office. Either he thinks he is above the rules or he really lacks the mental capacity to do an adequate job as a town councilor.
ReplyDeleteI think the Rick Matters story needs to be talked about. He wasn't allowed to run last time because of serious ethical lapses at his State job. To skirt the rules of democracy he had his wife run and he controlled her. This is a political manipulation that would make McCabe and DeFruscio proud. We spent a lot of time and energy getting rid of this kind of crap in the last election. Rick Matters doesn't care what rules he breaks as long as he gets on the Town board where he will get absolutely nothing done. It's time to end the Matters family vanity trip.
ReplyDeleteHonest question...
ReplyDeleteI have been following town politics for about 5 years, so all in all fairly new to the local political field. That being said, why is that people are so angry with Tom Grant. I ask this honestly, as I'm considering voting for him. Here's my take on it, no matter what the county election will either fall in the middle of the newly elected Town Board (EG1st) or in an off year. It just seems that if you are interested in the opportunity, this would be the time to seize it. I personally don't see it as turning his back on EG, but moving on to a higher position to help the county which includes our town. Without the usual mumble about Matters and McCabe, or other drudged up old political comments...time to move on from the past already!
Anon.1:00 If you have really been following town politics for the past 5 years you shouldn't have to even as your question. There will never be a time to move on from the past so take your 1 vote and do with it as you please. Spare us all the drama.
DeleteThanks 6:18 for proving the children's are still here. Now, to the grown ups in town...I am being serious. If a promotion came up in a jar b you just took, would you really not take it because you said you'd do this job? I'm honestly curious to hear people's thoughts, not degrading non sense responses.
DeleteThe County Legislature does nothing of importance to the Town. It's a ceremonial body that hands out awards. If you want to help the town you have to be on the Town Board. You make more money with the county so if you don't care about public service than the county is the place to go. This is about money or ego, not what's good for anyone else. Phil Danaher is a good man. Name one thing he achieved for the Town from the County Legislature. He's a big shot in the party. Tom was picked to steal the majority from EG First. Once he does that he's of no use to the county republicans and will have no pull. He's letting himself be used.
DeleteNice try Eileen! Tom made a commitment and broke it. I'm tired of the same old dishonesty from politicians. Anyone who votes for him is yearning for the old way of doing things.
ReplyDeleteAs for getting a promotion and moving up in the private sector - that is an altogether different scenario. I can't say whether Tom needs the money or not. I don't think he does - he has been retired and seems to do ok but that is not the point here. Those of you even with 5 years watching this political debacle in EGreenbush are novices compared to those of us who have been involved for over a decade. We watched as our town went to junk bond status - one of the richest towns in the county. We watched as nepotism and pure graft dragged the town down. Infrastructure was ignored - our own town hall had an unsecured server and outdated computers. Even with a change in Party the town got worse - The Casino was the last straw and finally waked the people up to want something better. Emotions were high and many people gave up - literally - part of their lives to get JTT elected. Tom is very aware of this. Now you get one of the 3 deciding to up and leave - and don't say we will have better representation in the county because that is BS. Tom owes the Republican party the nomination number 1. He is a good guy and all of that - but he chooses to leave his post at a precarious time - and believe me he knows it. I would rather see him lose the election and leave the Town Board rather than lose and stay because he is not acting as the man I have known for many, many years. Or maybe I didn't know him at all.
ReplyDelete9:38 is right on the mark. JTT have delivered what they promised. If Tom gets elected the revolution is over. We had a once in a lifetime chance to take our town back and some of us worked hard to make it happen. The only word for what Tom is doing is betrayal. This is all about ego for him. The difference between him and Jack is sincerity. Jack has it, Tom doesn't. One cares about the town, one only cares about himself. This is an outrageous move on Tom's part. I don't know how anyone can support a person who does what he's doing.
ReplyDeleteHow did Tom Grant ever get nominated to run with the Republicans in the first place? Someone had to make that decision.
Delete10/24 It was former county liaison richard crist's decision. He specifically picked Grant to END the EG1st majority.
DeleteYes or No? Is former Supervisor, Keith Langley, now campaigning for County Executive Candidate, Steve McLaughlin? If so, that's a deal breaker for me and my family.
ReplyDeleteThe grape vine says it was Rich Crist - but now that he is gone (heard he was fired) who is Tom's mentor now? And folks, just realize he has now aligned himself with Langley, one of the worst supervisors of the 21st century - Rick Matters, Mary Ann Matters, and the biggest one lug nut of all time - Chris DeFrucio - Same party - same ideology or lack thereof - Just remember that on election day.......
ReplyDeletereally one of the worst supervisors? he got rid of of unneeded positions streamlined processes and had 2 years in a row with zero tax increases show me on other supervisor in recent history with that record. I get that many of you don't like the fact that he supported the casino and that's fine but enough is enough. I know many of you will criticize me as well but until you're there dealing with the day to day you really have no idea what you are talking about.
DeleteLangley may have streamlined processes and kept taxes down but he left the Town's infrastructure in a shambles - no security for the system, outdated equipment. Also he was unapproachable and seen more often than not riding around town with one of his many buddies instead of overseeing operations. He was hostile and above all - treated the women on his team like third-rate human beings. Don't try to defend him Ed. You can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear.
DeleteSorry Ed, the casino war was over before the 2015 campaign began. Sure it woke people up but we voted for Jack because he was the smartest and best prepared candidate. When Langley chickened out of the debate, everyone in Town knew he couldn't defend his record. At least Dave showed and took his ass kicking like a man. I think that was a lot to do with him beating Langley. You put your head in the sand, people notice.
Delete8:49 is right although I heard that Grant sought out the nomination with the promise that he could deliver the EG First vote. The long term goal is to absorb EG First into the republican party but that won't happen. I love the guy who said Conway is trying to get in with the democrats. He wasn't at there fundraiser and let's be real. If he wanted to be an EG democrat he wouldn't have to try to get in, he could call his own shots. They need him. He doesn't need them. But he's not Tom Grant so I think we can expect him to stay independent.
ReplyDeleteWhen Steve was at my door he said that Phil Malone may be joining his campaign. This is not a rumor, but I found it comical and laughed.
ReplyDeleteMcLaughlin, Langley and Malone. Now, that's the ticket.
ReplyDeleteFrom the EG website:
ReplyDelete"The July 19th Town Board Meeting will be held at the Public Works Highway Garage located at 69 Gilligan Road, East Greenbush, New York 12061. The meeting will begin at the normal starting time 7:00 PM."
https://www.eastgreenbush.org/news/july-town-board-meeting
Pete Stenson
Thank you Mr. Stenson. I sure wish you had run for Town Board again. You would have beaten Rick Matters in a landslide.
DeleteThanks for your kind words, but we have a great slate of candidates for all offices this year.
DeletePete Stenson
I respect Ed Gilbert's point of view. Langley did a better job than the guy before him. But for me, Langley's biggest problem was a failure to communicate. When the board made the mistake of approving the casino Matters, DiMartino, Mangold and Malone all made statements defending their votes. Their arguments were lame but at least they understood their responsibility to explain such an important vote. I'm still waiting for Langley to explain his vote. Communication is transparency, Langley didn't communicate at all. Our current supervisor knows how to communicate. He is also comfortable with people. Langley didn't do a terrible job, other than the moronic casino push, but he didn't have the touch with staff or the public that Jack has. Keith always seemed uncomfortable and unhappy around other people.
ReplyDeleteHate to burst your bubble Ed but East Greenbush 1st was not all about the casino. Sure that was a part - but an overwhelming driving force was to get Langley out of Town Hall and put the machines out of business once and for all. After all he was in bed with McCabe and all of the other oily palms in town hall. Same stripes, different color.
ReplyDeleteThat is some serious "alternative facts" you're throwing around there. eg1st wouldn't even have existed if the casino issue didn't exist. The casino was more than a part it was the foundation of eg1st. As for the rest of your post you clearly have no idea what your talking about. you may not remember the nepotism and wasteful spending that went on before Keith got elected but I do. you couldn't swing a dead cat in town hall without hitting a relative of the Malone's or Obrien's. It was under Keith that finances and spending were brought under control. you will notice that the comptroller and finance manager that Keith hired are still there as are several other key people Same stripes my ass, you have no clue what you are talking about.
DeleteIf Langley turned our finances around how come there were no audits of the Town finances while he was supervisor. He was afraid to sign certification letters which made our finances unauditable. The supervisor is the CFO and Langley didn't even understand the town finances. Jack told me that Langley ran the wrong campaign. He said there was a way for him to take credit for some good thing's but he didn't understand what interfund borrowing is. He fixated on that because it cost McCabe his job and all Langley cared about was keeping the job. And Ed, one more thing. How could the casino get Jack elected when according to you 80% of the town wanted the casino?
ReplyDeletenice try Ed I see your still a moron
ReplyDeleteDear Ed - Don't try to tell me about Save East Greenbush because you were never a part of the group and I was one of the founding members. In fact - I remember that first presentation in the school auditorium and you were in the hallway making nicey-nicey with the Casino staff and the guys they paid to come down and clap whenever Rita Cox opened her mouth. Bet you don't remember that, do you? I will agree with you that there was corruption under McCabe and Malone and O'Brien - but Langley continued the tradition and when SEG saw that happening - well, Langley and his gang had to go - and that included You. So don't talk to me about SEG because you don't know squat about it. You know - I used to see you at the Board meetings questioning McCabe - asking very good questions - but your brain seemed to be fried by the time Langley took office. Langley may have moved the sewer treatment plant along but made no provisions for funds to complete projects. Jack and the others had to deal with all sorts of bumbling neglectful action on the part of the Langley crew. Or did you forget about that as well?
ReplyDeleteThe East Greenbush Republican Committee has once again failed to file the required July Financial Disclosure Report with the State Board of Elections. What are they hiding this year? By the way, the East Greenbush Democrats were able to file. Maybe the GOPers should ask the Dems for some help.
ReplyDeleteWhy is County Executive Jimino and Deputy County Executive Chris Meyer allowing Rensselaer County to discharge sewage into the Hudson River as being reported on Channel 13.
ReplyDelete"City of Troy expected to discharge 5,000 gallons of raw sewage into the Hudson River every hour for about 42 hours. That adds up to about 12.5 million gallons."
Maybe someone should bring the nonfiling to the attention of the Board of Elections. I believe there is a penalty for nondisclosure. As for the sewage problem - maybe the County would like to buy our sewage treatment plant and help sweep up the crap? Literally.
ReplyDeleteMaybe the Rensselaer County machine should be held accountable.
DeleteChris Meyer should be held directly responsible for dumping 12.5 million gallons of raw sewage into the Hudson River within the last week. He brags how he has been the person behind the scenes handling the day to day operations for County Exec. Jimino. Now he wants to run for County Executive and says he will continue to run county services the same way things have been running under Jimino. That means if you elect Chris Meyer for County Executive he will continue to pollute the Hudson River with raw sewage. He sure doesn't sound like the right guy for the job.
DeleteMaybe the state should be responsible for not providing enough funding for upgrades. Hmmm...who in the state could put forward a bill to give money to fund aging infrastructure? Maybe our Assemblyman? Remember him? He's running for County Executive.
ReplyDeleteAnon 8:33 Gee, maybe we should just pass the buck all the way up to congress and see if they will pay the bill to stop Kathy's club from polluting the environment in Rensselaer County. The reality is that Jimino and her Deputy along with the rest of her cronies are suppose to be running the county and protecting the environment in the process.
DeleteI wanted to let people know that we have a new Town of East Greenbush Facebook page. It is designed to provide information and promote the Town. There is a place to send messages. All will be read but profanity and personal attacks (as opposed to criticisms of policy) will not be published. I also have a new Twitter account - jconway_eg - if you prefer that form of communication. I'm looking for ways to engage residents both so they can learn about what the Town is doing and so I can learn what they're thinking.
ReplyDeleteJennifer Sober has been found “to be qualified for election to the judicial office of Judge of the Rensselaer County Court in the Third Judicial District” by the Third Judicial Department Independent Judicial Election Qualification Commissions.
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone know how Phil Danaher did? Has he even applied?
Does anyone what qualifies him to be a County Court Judge?
Sure, He supported a Casino. Shouldn't that qualify him?
DeleteIn Ken Crowe's recent TU article entitled
ReplyDelete"East Greenbush First insurgents may lose control of Town," he identified Tom Grant as a "Republican." It's important to clarify that although endorsed by the Republican party to run for county legislature this year, Tom Grant is not enrolled in the Republican party, he is enrolled in the Working Families party. Now ousted Richard Crist chose Tom Grant for the specific purpose of ending the EG1st majority in East Greenbush. Let's not let that happen. Remember, a vote for Tom Grant on Nov 7, is a vote to END the EG1st majority on the EG town board.
8/19 @ 3:42 p.m. I read that article. Tina Tierney said "I don't think it hurts the town, but Tom is my preferred board member." Huh? She doesn't think it hurts the town if one-third of the EG First majority cuts and runs in the middle of his term? That doesn't say much for Mr. Grant's contribution to the TB, so why is he her "preferred board member?" Sounds like a bit of back peddling after making a pretty disparaging comment. Grant himself is delusional if he thinks he can do one thing for EG on the county legislature. What did Danaher do for us? Nothing,in fact, he hasn't even come to any TB meetings ever! The bottom line is that Grant committed to four years with EG First. That he's cutting and running now because he wants to be an even bigger big shot is a betrayal to EG. Don't let him convince you otherwise.
Delete4:01 is right. Tierney is a disappointment. She follows Grant around like a puppy and all of her contributions are fluff. The next couple of years are going to be interesting but as long as Jack's in the corner office we'll be alright. I hope Grant loses. Not because I want him on the town board but so loses the chip on his shoulder. JTT was supposed to take the politics out of it but T and T are nothing but politicians.
ReplyDeleteLast night was the Dan Plumley fundraiser. Steve McLaughlin slithered in to make an appearance and boast support. Rich Crist, who is looking boyishly thin these days (I wonder why), was right behind his new bff Steve with camera in tow. Super chameleon Tom Grant, who can blend in anywhere and with any political party (EG First, Repubs, Dems, Working Families Party, you name it) stayed up front. Yup, Steve supporters stayed on one side of the room, Chris supporters stayed on the other. Grant will always be on the side of the room to HIS best advantage. No one really even noticed Dan except a little bit at the end when he gave his speech. He thanked everyone for coming and then all the opportunists bolted out of there like their hair was on fire. Ya gotta love politics this year in Rensselaer County...not!
ReplyDeleteThis is going to be a strange year. Grant's sellout, phony Phil Danaher, incredibly weak field for TB, including yet another feeble Matters candidacy, Meyer and McLaughlin making fools of themselves, and two time loser Andrea Smyth. My goodness. Is there anything to be optimistic about? After such an exciting 2015, this year is shaping up to be a nightmare. Fortunately town government is functioning well. My neighbor called the Supervisor about a problem and it was fixed by the end of the day. Jack isn't playing politics and he's not blowing his own horn but he's the best Supervisor in a very long time. I guess that's the thing to be optimistic about.
ReplyDeleteIt was a great turnout last night for Dan Plumley. highlighted by County Executive, Kathy Jimino's warm remarks in support of Dan. The only opportunists who bolted out like their hair was on fire were Mary Ann and Rick Matters. They left in such a hurry that they set off the emergency alarm at the back door of the Elks Club.
ReplyDeleteSee 10:11 a.m. that's where you're wrong. I saw that the Matters were some of the last to leave and, after saying their goodbyes, they went out the back door because they parked in the back parking lot. It's a dull explanation but true. What a vicious election year this is. The McLaughlin/Meyer race has caused such animosity in the party. If ever there was a time for the Dems to rise up again and seize the day, it's now...and don't think they don't know it.
DeleteAnon 7:40 PM I totally agree. Even the thought of Rick Matters returning to our Town Board should give the Democrats reason to rise up and seize the day. My family will be splitting the ticket this year and supporting Plumley and Kennedy. That combination would give our Supervisor a couple of rational TB members to work with to move our town forward.
DeletePlumley and Kennedy sounds about right. We need to stop Rick Matters at all costs. We elect our town government to get things done, not waste time. We're moving in the right direction, let's not return to the past. On January 1st all 5 board members who voted for the casino will be gone. Time to keep moving forward. No to Rick Matters, no at all cost.
ReplyDeleteI am a little P-O'd about all of people who were so concerned about East Greenbush politics just - what - about 18 months ago? I sit there at the town board meetings and where are the rest of you who used to go so regularly? Yes - you all got complacent because we changed the way the machine worked. You don't know anything about what is going on. Take the bike path for instance - the one Cuomo is going to ram down our throats and make us use OUR local tax dollars to maintain. Did you know it would be running smack dab down some of your residential streets? Do you care some of your neighbors will be affected - but maybe you don't care because it doesn't affect you. I was talking with an old friend the other day and she said she missed Save East Greenbush and didn't know what was happening in town politics anymore. There is an election coming up people. Don't sit back and be complacent. Figure out which candidates are the best ones - don't elect a has-been like Rick Matters who didn't do much when he was on the Board. He is a toady of the County Republicans and not a creative or original thinker. Don't vote for Tom Grant and give him a bigger head than he already has. He used those of us who worked so very hard to get JTT elected. He is betraying us. And please do not vote for Phil Danaher who never gave a hoot about East Greenbush. He too, deserted the town for the County Legislature - knowing the trouble we were in under the McCabe regime. He is a political hack - and remember his poor legal oversight of the Planning (or was it Zoning) Board regarding Thompson Hill. He was also pro-Casino even before we all knew about it - note his office on Route 4.
ReplyDeleteExcellent comments 11:07. Are you asking people to vote for the democrats? I do like Jennifer Sober and when I saw in the paper that Danaher loaned $100,000 to his own campaign it made me want her to win even more. He's trying to buy an election. Grant is a loser. He badmouths Conway when everyone knows he couldn't have ever been elected if Jack hadn't let him ride his coat tails.He's such a phony. Rick Matters is a waste of time. He does nothing. But have any of the dem candidates impressed you? The problem isn't people not going to board meetings. It's that no one wants to serve on the board.
ReplyDeleteWhy would any body want to do it when you write such mean spirited comments about the people who ARE willing to do the work ? I don't want to do it because people are never ever happy ! Read your comment again and the other comments think to your self why would any body want to do that job when you critsize every thing they do ? I am done reading this blog from today on ! THe comments are not helpful and are just the same people saying mean and spreading gossip .
DeleteThe serious problem facing East Greenbush is the trail which is being planned. I was at the last meeting and witnessed Jack, Tina AND TOM all exercise extreme caution in regard to the trail. They listened to the resident concerns and promised to take steps to bring the state representatives before our town for an appropriate dialogue. We need to work with JTT, avoid careless unfounded accusations designed to impede their work, and stop unproductive name calling.
ReplyDeleteAll of the Democrats for offices in the Town and the County are inexperienced and woefully unaware of the issues surrounding the trail. If you keep working on electing these neophite Democrats where do you think they will stand on the trail which is the brainchild of Democrat Governor Cuomo? That's right, Cuomo's people will stand with him, not the residents of East Greenbush.
This election cycle - I am all for the democrats - even Andrea Smythe - although she doesn't stand a chance. The democrats running are not part of the old machine (somebody tell me if they are) and Jack will be supervisor. My comments are not mean-spirited but a critique of past performance Mary Ann. When one is a politician one should expect criticism and be thick-skinned or else get out of the ring. And why should we be grateful and accept just anyone who runs? I am so grateful that Rick Matters wants to straighten Jack out. Didn't you say he needed help? Which one has the PHD? And don't read the blog if you don't like it. Who cares?
ReplyDeleteEast Greenbush First ended when no candidates came forward. It needed new people to replace the last two casino supporters and no one was available. A third party movement is difficult to organize and if you believe this blog, the supporters thought they were buying something other than representative government. They seem to think that working on a campaign or lending financial support bought the people the elected! This is America where people who disagree should bring their concerns forward in a civilized manner for public dicussion. Name calling and creating animosity will end the ability of our leaders continue their good work.
ReplyDeleteEast Greenbush First officially ended on 9:01pm on election day of 2015. The old way of doing business in East Greenbush will end on 12:01am on January 1, 2018. That is the date and time all of the pro casino town board people will be officially out of office. It's been a long time coming.
ReplyDeleteAnon 5:31 If Andrea Smythe doesn't have a chance of winning the executive seat then who does? Why wouldn't Andrea's chances be as good as her opponent. Andrea is smart and well educated. Why couldn't she win?
ReplyDeleteThe reason why Andrea will probably not win - and I hope she does - is that the county is hugely republican and it has been a long time since the democrats have had the majority in the county. That's all - I happen to like Andrea. And to you who thinks the East Greenbush First supporters thought the BOUGHT 3 people you are dead wrong. We didn't think that at all - but we did think we were all in it together to change the town for good - we made a commitment and we thought our candidates did too. If we thought what you said we would be no better than the people who supported McCabe and Langley. And no one is calling names. We are talking about qualifications and facts.
ReplyDeleteI promise you that the person who complained about name calling has done plenty of it herself. Her fear is that her husband will lose and blame her. She shouldn't worry. Sure she wasn't the best board member we ever had but she wasn't the worst either. The thing that changed the most with E.G. First was the intelligence of the board members. I don't like Tom Grant but he's no dummy. Tina is smarter than anyone who has been on the board in a long time. But the main difference is in the Supervisor's office. You don't have to like Jack but comparing his intelligence to Langley and McCabe shows you how far we have come. It's a huge change to have a Supervisor who can intelligently discuss issues without having his staff shouting out the answers from the audience. That was obnoxious. But is it really name calling to point out that Rick Matters can't make up his mind? That's just a fact.
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