When I ran for a seat on the town board back in
2007, I took exception to the condition of commercial
property along Columbia Turnpike. As we know, it has not lived up to
its potential over the last fifteen years or so due, in no
small part, to the shift in developer-interest to the Troy Road commercial strip north of Couse Corners. I was and remain adamant about
the town board taking meaningful, proactive action that would
improve the appearance of commercial property in town. The
good news is that East Greenbush
still remains poised to realize its full potential. Indeed, all that is
necessary to put a new face on East Greenbush is a spark to create the initial
conditions that will lead to newly developed property as well as the
redevelopment of existing property.
Last fall, I proposed to my town-board
colleagues an opportunity that, if acted upon, would markedly improve the
aesthetic quality of existing and newly developed commercial property in East Greenbush:the establishment of design standards and
guidelines for commercial property as part of the town’s
zoning law. Such standards and guidelines would address the architecture and
configuration of buildings, their orientation on a site relative to street
frontage, as well as site-related features such as pedestrian access, parking, signage, and landscaping (keep the
“green” in Greenbush). Setting “standards” would ensure that the town would
realize a minimum level of visual uniformity to new or rehabilitated
development, while “guidelines” would provide appropriate
flexibility to developers so that commercial properties achieve varying degrees
of distinction and uniqueness.
We’ve all
driven around the capital region, and noticed the appeal of other commercial
corridors in contrast to those in our own town. A large
factor contributing to this contrast is that those communities have taken the
steps to establish design standards and guidelines for commercial-property development. Such standards and guidelines have
benefitted those communities, and they can benefit ours as well. It’s not that
developers aren’t concerned about creating quality development; it simply means that municipalities have to take
the lead in establishing a blue print for such development so that developers
have direction.
As a reward to owners of commercial property who would be subject to such standards and
guidelines, it may be possible to provide for a limited tax exemption to
partially offset their higher compliance costs. Doing so would create a win
-win condition for residents and commercial property owners
alike: residents enjoy enhanced storefronts in their town, while developers
realize a fair incentive to invest in the town. In addition, once such
standards take hold among properties in the town, the
cumulative effect becomes an asset within the town, drawing still other
developers to develop other property based upon the investment of prior
developers. Again, you can see this effect in other
commercial areas in the capital region; East Greenbush
can be among them as well.
Now, more than ever, is the time to set the
stage for a new face on East Greenbush. In the
near future, it is likely that many of the physically and functionally obsolete
commercial properties along Columbia Turnpike will be overhauled by their
owners. When it does occur, East Greenbush can
reap all the benefits by simply planning its direction. Let’s make it happen!
As always, feel free to contact me with comments and/or questions. I can be reached during the evening at 479-7186 or via e-mail at rkmjr@verizon.net.
Dear Rick:
ReplyDeleteThis is an interesting concept. Do you have any specific ideas regarding the design standards and guidelines?
Be well,
Tom
Tom,
DeleteRick doesn't read blogs. If you want an answer to your question, you will have to e-mail him.
Mary Ann
Dear Mary Ann,
DeleteWill do, I will email Rick tonight. I hope all is well with you.
Be well,
Tom
I asked Rick for permission to share the article here. In sending it to me he said that all it needed was two more votes; Keith and ?
ReplyDeleteIs Rick Matters sure about Keith's vote? Others who have depended upon him have been disappointed. Will Rick himself be here to see anything through? He seems to have been curiously absent lately.
DeleteTruth is we don't have the votes now unless we are successful in converting a democrat. Mr. Matters and Ms. Brien are up for election in the fall so we may or may not have the votes next year at this time.
What's going on with the republicans?
9:37 AM, what do you mean by "He seems to have been curiously absent lately?"
DeleteFrom what I understand the owners of much of the Columbia Turnpike properties are the Hart and Witbeck families.
ReplyDeleteSue Mangold is a part owner of Hart LLC and those same properties.
Also, I understand that the Hart and Witbeck families are major contributors to the town's Democratic Party Committee and, of course, Democratic Party candidates like Sue Mangold, Phil Malone and Mary Pay Murphy Donnelly (Tax Collector Toni Murphy's daughter).
The Town Board has been generous in approving tax certiori appeals for commercial properties in our town.
Nothing at all wrong with all of that, nothing at call.
It is just when it comes to driving positive change in our town Board Members Mangold, Malone and O'Brien and Supervisor Langley don't show up with any ideas, suggestions or actions. Once again, nothing at all.
3:55AM
ReplyDeleteSupervisor Langley has many ideas, suggestions and actions planned. We just have to wait until Keith feels its time to tell us about them. We need to respectfully trust him on this. It is all about to come together.
Dear "I like Langley":
ReplyDeleteAre you out of your mind? Do you take us to be idiots?
Let me shift to a different focus...
What, pray tell, is Langley waiting for?
What factors are influencing his determination of when he feels it is time to tell us about these ideas, suggestions and actions?
You come across every bit as stupidly (that's nasty I know) as the former supervisor did when he told Moodys that his financial plan was waiting, and hoping, for the economy to turn around.
You can take your respectfully trust him on this and stick it in the same drawer in town hall that holds his non existent financial plan.
Com'on guys (and by Guys I'm talking to you @ 3:47 DJ)you can't tell that "I like Langley" is yanking your chain? @ 3:55 check the assessment rolls Witbecks and Harts own a very small portion of properties on Columbia Trpk. @ 9:37 name one vote that Langley didn't support Matters on. You guys sure do build your arguments on some shaky foundations hope none of you are contractors.
ReplyDeleteHi, I'm 9:47 from yesterday. Ed, I'm sorry if I didn't make myself clear enough for you to understand. I am saying that both Langley and Matters have failed to disgunish themselves from the dems in any way because all the votes are 5 -0. So the one more vote theory assumes that if Matters finally decides to step away from the dems Langley will be with him and only one more vote will be needed. My warning is Langley seems comfortable as a dem and has almost always disappointed those who elected him.
Delete8;26am You are right about Langley and the dems. He put large dem signs on his property on ridge rd last election time. I would see them when I would go to the dump. I happen to think there is nothing wrong with langley being a dem and I feel he deserves the support of all the political parties. Look how he is backing Joe Slater for town board this year and look at how he has refused to appoint any reps to jobs in the town. I'm glad he is comfortable with the dems. We need more people in government like him.
DeleteTo 3:47pm
ReplyDeleteI like Supervisor Langley also, but you make a very good point. What is Supervisor Langley waiting for? I would also like to hear what his financial plan is for East Greenbush for the next 2 plus years. Particularly after hearing about the financial problems in Schenectady on the Paul Vandenburg radio show this morning. Is East Greenbush headed in the same direction? It is time for Supervisor Langley to tell us what he wants to happen in the Town. If he feels he is over his head on this he should ask for some help. There is no shame in that. What is being done to stop East Greenbush from being headed for a financial meltdown?
Langley took office facing a $2.1 million dollar deficit. Despite a board majority hiring two full time employees to the Department of Public Works he reduced that deficit substantially in his first year. Final figures will be coming out in the annual update by April. East Greenbush is not on the verge of a financial meltdown as some would like everyone to believe.
DeleteAs I understand it, the Annual Update Document is not audited. AND....as OSC pointed out in the recent report, the reason we don't have audited numbers from 2010 and 2011 from Toski is that the several fund balances cannot be certified yet. It will be interesting to see just how "solid" your assertions are. The kinda remind me of those of the previous administration.
DeleteMr. Matters most recent article in the local Advertiser describes his desire to apply architectural standards to property and business owners throughout our town, to include the 9 & 20 corridor. As a business owner we all realize the economy and our master plan established the route 4 corridor to be a more attractive place for retailers to set up shop in recent years.
ReplyDeleteThe last thing we need to do is saddle business owners along 9&20 with additional cost that would be associated with Mr. Matter's vision as he sails off into the sunset.
Thanks, but no thanks!
7:03 PM perhaps you have one of the more attractive establisments along Columbia Turnpike but why should we, the residents of the town, have to put up with ad nauseum the look of some of the more UNattractive sights on the main strip? I am referring to the vacant McDonalds, the old Weathervane, the former Eckerts Drug store, and the former Canterbury Square to name a few. I can't, for the life of me, figure out why EG can't even sustain a McDonalds in the center of town much less attract an Olive Garden or a Red Lobster. All we get are fast food retaurants, all the greasy pizza, burritos, and subs you can eat. We are also overloaded with used car lots and Jiffy Lubes. It would just be nice to attract some high-end businesses for a change like we see in other communities across the river. Also, Mr. Matters has always been a man of vision. It's just a shame that he was never afforded the power to bring any of his visions to fruition. Who would begrudge him the opportunity now to "sail off into the sunset," as you put it? He's just spinning his wheels in the mud in EG. I wish him nothing but the best. He's a very smart man and he deserves much better than he's ever gotten sitting on the EG Town Board. Great article, Rick!
DeleteStop down to Town Hall and talk to Supervisor Langley. He will be glad to tell you about his plans for 9 and 20. All is well. Just have a little faith in Keith, look how he came through for us on the sewer issue. He is far from over his head. In fact, he is always two or three steps ahead of anyone else. That's how quick his mind works.
Delete8:44 ... haven't driven down CT recently eh?
DeleteTeagans & Canterbury Square have been razed.
Eckerd's is being renovated.
Also, plans are in the works for the Weathervane site.
If the town is to consider applying architectural standards to local retailers they should start with that closed down boarded up building that was the sight of the old Grease Monkey across from True Value Hardware. Oh wait, that building is owned by the Malone family. Good luck with Phil's vote on that idea.
ReplyDeleteAs a 9&20 business owner for more than 20 years, I would like to express my resentment to a comment that was posted on 2/19/13 on the January postings.
ReplyDelete"Columbia Turnpike looks more and more like a slum every day. "
I get up every morning and proudly unlock the front door of my store and earn an honest living within the Town of East Greenbush. I own my home here and have raised my family here. So to whom ever made that comment you can kiss my ass.
Dear 9:00 PM:
ReplyDeleteYou are most certainly a very fine exception. But that begs the question...why the anonymous comment?
But surely you must agree that Columbia Turnpike is not exactly something we all can be proud of.
I have never counted the number of vacant businesses in various states of deterioration but that number, and their state of deterioration, seems to grow every week.
Surely you agree some kind of vision, master plan and re-vitalization is needed?
Anonymous 6:53 p.m.: Moody's just reduced Schenectady's bond rating from A1 to A3. That means they believe the basic financial structure and practices of Schenectady are far superior to East Greenbush and the junk bond status they have assigned to us. This is the emergency situation we have been in for years and no one in our town government has shown the slightest concern about it. The resolution at the last town board meeting that seeks to bring some of our practices in line with the findings of the OSC audit is a positive development but in the absence of a rigorous financial recovery plan it won't be nearly enough. Reducing our debt is important but the problem is that the town lives beyond its means and unless there is a reduction in spending at a level that will decrease our tax rate we're going nowhere. If Schenectady continues its precipitous plunge into fiscal disaster it could end up right next to East Greenbush in junk bond status. That may sound harsh but it is the fact of the matter.
ReplyDeleteJack... An example of living above our means would be when the board MAJORITY added two full time employees to the DPW when the department was running with a deficit of close to one million dollars. Malone, Mangold, O'Brien voted yes. Langley and Matters voted against, stating it was not the time to add to payroll with the looming debt. Meaningful reductions will not occur under the control of the current MAJORITY. People can spin this issue all they want but that's all it is, simple spin. Your opinion is always a welcome read, thank you.
DeleteDid Supervisor Langley propose ANY budget reduction measures to mitigate the expenses entailed by the two DPW hires? Another question "Has Langley proposed any meaningful budget reduction proposals at ANY TIME for ANYTHING?? It is his responsibility as the "full time" Town Supervisor to submit the Budget to the full Town Board. Did he propose a Budget reduction for the current budget year?
DeleteYes. something is needed...but who is coming here with their business? Many eating establishments have been courted thru the years, none of them are interested. What would you have the Town do exactly? If these businesses are offered tax incentives, gadflies bitch and complain. Its actually a no win situation. Complain all you want, 9&20 has been deteriorating for longer than most of us want to remember. Playing the political blame game is not the answer. And btw: whatever property the Harts and Witbecks own, at least they pay the property taxes on it ! Its not like its a drain on the Town finances !
ReplyDeleteTo 1105AM You are right. Let's stop playing political games. We elected Keith Langley as our Supervisor to figure out how to court these businesses and how to work in cooperation with the other members of the democratically elected Town Board. He's had over a year to figure these things out. He's the guy who is at Town Hall every day and he's the guy who has the access to all the important people and information to make things happen
DeleteLet's all stop blogging for a day and let's instead go to the next Town Board meeting down at Town Hall to talk directly to the man and ask him to tell us on the record what he is up to regarding 9 and 20. Let's also get him on the record with his plans for a financial recovery plan and let's also get him on the record regarding the civil service classification and job descriptions of Town employees. Let's get him on the record about any other issues that are important to us. As a democratically elected public official he should welcome the opportunity to publicly outline for the record his positions on these and other issues. If he answers our questions, we will know exactly what he stands for. Whether we like it or not.
If he refuses to answer our questions we will know in no uncertain terms he is just another evasive politician who doesn't give a hoot for the average person.
He's already "on the record." He took the lead, joined by Ginny, Phil and Suzanne in prohibiting questions of the Board at Town Board Meetings. No general questions and no specific questions on agenda items. He effectively cut off citizen participation in framing and refining policy matters in the Town.
DeleteIf that is true they should be removed from office ASAP. This town should not be run as a dictatorship. It faces too many problems to allow the people to be silenced The people united will never be defeated!!!
DeleteYour next opportunity to remove the Supervisor from office will be in three years, no sooner. Don't you understand that the Supervisor and Councilman Matters are caught between a rock and a hard place? They're caught between residents who want MORE than they are getting for their tax dollars and a selfish board majority who don't much care what the residents want. And they can afford not to care because not enough residents VOTE to vote them out. So, they sit back and happily serve themselves, their families and friends. They take care of the town employees by giving them rich union contracts that the residents can't afford and by giving the police and the DPW overtime pay that is breaking the financial back of the town. This is how they stay elected, because the people who benefit from them staying in office VOTE while the people who don't benefit stay home on Election Day. Somehow, the importance of voting has to hit home or the likes of the current board majority will stay in power. Until we get together as a community and vote in people who want to serve others, not serve themselves, nothing will change. The depressed "look" of Col. Turnpike is a direct reflection of the quality and caliber of the individuals WE ARE ELECTING to represent US, which is indeed not a pretty picture.
Delete809PM--- Matters is much different than Langley. Matters at least seems to care about the people of EG without any benefit to himself. Langley seems to care very much about the crews on Langley Lane to make future development connections on that property easier. Sometimes you can see a lot from the transfer station and other elevated locations on ridge road.
DeleteDon't put Rickie M too high on that pedestal folks
DeleteBoasts that he never votes to raise taxes but fees are a whole other story altogether.
Votes for Bruen contract which always raises taxes.
Now he wants "to provide for a limited tax exemption to partially offset their higher compliance costs."
Who the heck pays for this? We the taxpayers, thats who!
Folks complain about the Harts and Mangolds but they invest their own money in East Greenbush.
Also, the Harts reportedly outbid a noted local republican to buy Teagan's - but ya'd sign a different tune if a Rep owned it.
4:55 Just curious, who was the noted local republican who was outbid to buy Teagan's?
Delete809,
DeleteYou mention "rich union contracts." Let's see how negotiator Langley does with those contracts this year. To McCabe's credit he negotiated a pretty favorable, to the town, three year pact with the unions in 2010 that expires at the end of 2013. Will Langley attempt to use his keen knowledge of labor law to negotiate them himself this year. Or will he instead choose to quietly select a HIGH COST POLITICALLY CONNECTED law firm to do it for him?
Dear 9:00 PM-
ReplyDeleteYou are so proud of your businss on Columbia Tpk, that you won't even give your business a plug.
C'mon, who are you trying to kid?
9 PM, which business are you? There are many businesses on Col. Turnpike that serve our town well. I especially like the new canoli store, the Country Trunk, the Dollar Tree (my weakness), Yips, and many others. If you are uncomfortable identifying yourself, that's fine, but know that Rick Matters proposed tax breaks for businesses that adhere to the design standards. That would help to offset your costs. Also, studies have proven that consumers are much more likely to frequent an establishment that looks nice as opposed to one that looks rundown.
DeleteStop - enough already:
ReplyDeleteYour defeatist attitude is just what we need. So, how does this go in your world? We all sit around and watch our town become a slum?
I admit I am no urban planner - that's what we elect people to do.
I expect our elected leaders (an oxymoron for 4 of the 5 town board members - I know) to research, explore, see what other towns have done, etc., etc., etc. And to report on their activites to us lowly taxpayers.
Or, the town board could appoint citizens to another useless committee like we have with the ethics board and the CFAC. I mean it is not like there is not a ton of work for the CFAC to do. Audits ring a bell?
It seems to me all 4 of the 5 town board members try to do is as little work as possible for the most benefit to themselves and their families. Rick Matters is the single exception. Let's at least give the man credit for trying.
Let me ask you this...why do Halfmoon and Clifton Park not have their own versions of Columbia Turnpike? Why are both towns growing? Here's a hint...its taxes. High taxes are a symbol of inefficiency in town government. Doubt that? Read any audit or credit rating report about our town you care to. Read Jack Conway's comment up above.
I don't have a defeatist attitude ! I simply see exactly what there is and no amount of bitching and complaining on this blog or ANY other blog will solve that issue.
DeleteYour feeble admission that your no urban planner explains your foolish attempt to discredit me . I don't need to read any audit to know exactly where East Greenbush stands. And, btw: Clifton Park taxes are no better than EGB and Halfmoon offers nothing more for its citizen taxpayers!
Otherwise, basically, you have no point except to try to disparage me.
What ever happened to Ann Taylor. Let's get her to run against Langley and the rest of the town board majority.
DeleteRight. Ann Taylor wouldn't involve herself in this creepy uniparty. Latest from the uniparty...Mr Langley has hired Deb Meyers. She is the long time girlfriend of Joe Cherubino, the building inspector.
DeleteDear 5:02 PM
ReplyDeleteJack Conway (Democrat) and Phil Vecchio (Republican) have each, separately, at town board meetins asked about a financial plan for our town. Care to guess at the response? Nothing. Nothing at all.
And as already been noted there are NO questions and answers at town board meeting. Citzens may express themselves but, in terms of a open and meaningful exchange there is...here we go again...
Nothing, nothing at all.
What has happened instead is that the majority board members have increased hiring, created unneeded and unnecessary positions to favor cronies and increased spending. There is not a family or a business that would do what this town board majority has done.
In terms of a dictatorship...I guess you were not at the town board meeting where Phil Malone, honestly and arrogantly, told us that the majority passes is what passes.
Sounds like Jack Conway and Phil Vecchio would make good candidates for the Town Board. Am I correct??
Delete8:55PM Let's add Ann Taylor to that list. She has had some good fiscal and budgetary ideas. A non-partisan campaign based on a realistic financial recovery plan, ethics reform and open government would resonate with EG voters. Ann, Jack and Phil have the credibility and the ability to articulate such a "reform" platform. Let's get behind them before it is too late!!!
DeleteBudget Buster, I would be VERY surprised if Ann Taylor subjected herself to the riggers of EG town politics ever again. The first couple of tastes she had were quite enough. The sickening part of it is that EG had TWO chances to elect her to the town board but not enough residents saw fit to come out and VOTE, so she was defeated. She would have been an incredible addition to the town board, and, had she won, she would have been serving today with Langley and Matters, and then ohhhh what a different town board agenda we would see. It pains me to think about the missed opportunities we've had. If Taylor had been elected, the ethics law, as proposed by the Ethics Committee, would have been adopted. If Taylor had been elected...ohhh, I can't bear to think about it.
DeleteThe two blogs in our town provide an interesting referendum on the state of our town.
ReplyDeleteThis blog advocates for better government, positive changes and, by necessity, criticizes the people in government who oppose any changes.
The other blog says Mike Cristo, and sometimes Don, are responsible for everything that is wrong with our town. Who knew both of them possessed such power and influence?
This blog is administered by Don Johnson. The other blog is believed to be administered by three key town employees who also happen to be members of the Democratic Party's committee. But whomever they may be they hide their identities. I have often wondered why that is?
When examined in the light of outside reviews of our town the balance has to shift to this blog in terms of basic, factual accuracy in reporting. Comments, of course, are often personal opinions.
Meanwhile, back at town hall both blogs are stuck with the reality that the town board either has no vision, goals and plans for our town or they do but, like the unknown administrators of the other blog, choose not to share it.
Anonymous @ 8:53 AM, I believe that we owe a great debt of thanks to Ann and Mike for championing a blog and running a kickass campaign that brought the mighty Rick McCabe down. How else would we have ever known about the stipend and transfer station scandals to name just a couple of HUGE mismanagements of money in our town? Are you suggesting that the "gadflies," as Phil Malone first called them, weren't truthful or just that the truth HURTS? The real issue in our town is that so many people fear identifying themselves on the blogs for fear of PAYBACK by politically motivated THUGS who work together to keep the crimes and misdemeanors that are being perpetrated against the town SECRET. So, it is not the blogs that are responsible for everything that is wrong with our town but the subpar individuals who are being elected to run the town. They are, in fact, the ones who possess way too much power and influence. This is why voting for the right candidates is so extremely important. Because the health and fitness of the whole town depends on it.
DeleteTo VOTE!
DeleteWho would have thought that after all the hard work done by Ann and Mike and the Gadflies that brought down Rick McCabe that Keith Langley would quickly beg McCabe to be his consultant and spokesman (see the Times Union link at the top of this blog) and continue to grovel before him in an attempt get the dem endorsement for Supervisor next time.
If Ann were to run again, she would be able to expose what the McCabe/Langley team has been doing for the last year and what their plans are for the next three years. She helped bring McCabe down once, she can do it again.
Anonymous 3:40 PM: You're delusional! Your claim that Langley begged McCabe to be his consultant and spokesman only happened in McCabe's dreams. And you WISH that Langley groveled before DEMs for anything. Again, never happened. If Ann were to run again, the only thing she would "expose" is that there isn't and never was a McCabe/Langley team (laughable). If there was, it would most certainly be a Langley/McCabe team. McCabe is HISTORY. Deal with it.
DeleteTo 8:19 PM, Read the link to the TU at the top of the page.
DeleteSpeaking of blogs has anyone seen this http://www.egdemands.blogspot.com/?m=1
ReplyDeleteThis comment is actually an open letter to Ginny O'Brien and Sue Mangold.
ReplyDeleteAn anonymous commenter on the Talks blog has referred to a female member of our community as "giggle-giggle". That same blog, by the way, instructs commenters to "keep it civil."
I am requesting that both of you use your considerable influence with the administrators of the Talks blog to remove that posting and to stop posting such similar gender biased and offensive comments.
PS It is called leadership. Thank you.
There is a planning piece done by the Behan consulting firm which has proposals for standards for Columbia Turnpike. The Board saw it in September. The public should see it, but I've been told that at least one Board member would be opposed to the public seeing it - so it will be a while until the possibilities of getting it on the Town website so we can link to it. It would almost be worth setting up a website just to be able to link.
ReplyDeleteTo Feb 22 3:01 PM
ReplyDeleteThanks for the tip. Wow, was I surprised. It seems to me, the dems may be having their troubles with Malone. I never would have thought the Pizza delivery boy would be taking over the dem party.
I know he lost his notary license and was fired from the State. What will he do next?
Phil certainly fits the true meaning of a GADFLY-a person who annoys others.
Don't lick your chops too early there CWTS. Your zeal to see what you want to see is being fueled by a small group of people .
ReplyDeleteJust like Ray and Don are not accepted by the Town Republican Party wholly and completely, Phil is not accepted by the Town Democrats wholly and completely. My read is that there's a small group who wanted someone else, and they're pissed their selection didn't win. Oh well, democracy in action.
And just like the Republicans not caring for Defruscio and some of his actions , so goes it on the opposite side as well.
I happily am a blank and will remain so for the foreseeable future. I would recommend it to everyone reading. Its liberating to watch the others scramble for your vote.
Phil Malone's presence on the Town Board is nothing but an embarrassment and he diminishes the importance of the job terribly. The same could be said for Sue Mangold and ribbon cutter Ginny O'B. The only reason these individuals were elected is because most of the town's residents don't vote. Shame! People fought and literally died for our right to vote but still so-called Americans blow it off like it's nothing at all. Double-shame!
DeleteAnon 9:57:
ReplyDeleteThere is a little bit of an inaccuracy in your statement. You wrote, "Just like Ray and Don are not accepted by the Town Republican Party wholly and completely, Phil is not accepted by the Town Democrats wholly and completely." Neither Ray or Don is a Republican--Don is a Democrat and Ray is an Independent. Phil IS a Democrat and it is never too good if your own party is suddenly shunning you. The flip side of that coin is Phil is now being shunned by liars and thieves....is that such a bad thing....some of the Dems are supposedly shunning Phil but is that such a bad thing for him considering when the old regime was in office they were absconding with funds they had no right to (Stipend Gate).
If we are being completely honest here, the reader that referred to the "creepy uniparty" is 100% correct but don't stop at party. There is a creepy, eerie fake veneer that covers this town. Being an interloper myself, it is very visible. Many in this town, on BOTH, sides play pretend in many ways. They want the world to see a picture they paint. Everyone wants to be the envied politician, envied wife, envied family, etc. It is very Stepfordish. This town would be better off if people stopped trying to create phony lives and stopped trying to make everyone believe THEY are "Perfect's" and stopped trying to make everyone envy THEM. If more people would take a long hard look at their lives and what they are REALLY like maybe then the town and county governments would have a chance to seriously clean out the corruption. When you lie in your life and when you lie to yourself, when you live a lie--you do not deserve to represent the public and you do not deserve the public's trust with our money and the laws that govern us. Clean your own houses before you judge each other. Be honest with yourselves, your family and friends before you judge others.
My apologies for the rant but it needed to be said...even if the one who is saying it prefers to remain Anonymous.
Anonymous 1:43 p.m. Your first paragraph caught my attention. After that, you lost me. I will add that it's a little late now for the DEMS to be "shunning" PJ Malone. He's always been a questionable character, so why was he ever considered candidate material by the DEMS? Couldn't they come up with a better candidate than him? Now that he's apparently alienating himself within the ranks of his own party, they are taking exception to him? Well, I say too little, too late. Lil PJ has gotten waaay farther in town government that he ever should have. It's time to cut him loose.
DeleteDear 1:43 PM:
ReplyDeleteYou are not the only person to rant around here.
Asking tough questions and rejecting phony baloney answers is what created the original gadfly label. It really is.
Calling Ginny O'Brien out on her being the queen of the inconsequential photo op is what you define as the creepy, eerie fake veneer. The Supervisor's "Reports" still have all those same characteristics. Nowhere on the town web site will you find the waste treatment consent decrees or the latest OSC audit.
The town, under Langley's so called leadership, has taken resisting requests for documents under the Freedom of Information Act to an art form. One citizen spent many, many months working on the ethics code draft. Asking what, exactly, the town board was trying to hide is a legitimate question and concern. Rick Matters came to the rescue on that one when he had the draft put into a town board resolution. Mr. Matters is a good man.
I don't know about the rest of your philosophy about our town. I do know all objective evidence says it has been, and is, run badly and never, really and truly never, for the benefit of the hard working, regular taxpayer.
From the Basement , My good friend Tonie the taker , will she ever give back our money ,that is the question of the year ! When I come up for court I look to the left and low and be hold , A murphy then to the right a Malone and a Murphy . We all know the Saratoga princess (Joan Malone),,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, , ,,,,,,,,,,,, Listen up flys do not be the town fools pay attention to what I have to say ! stop playing in to these people do not be a Grant walking through town hall like every body likes them , not a chance when she leaves you aught to hear town hall ring , its not pretty . the OBrians dis likes all of you Bloggers and they feed you and your BLOGGS , this can only meen one thing . You are all being played like fools ...
ReplyDeleteChris: Toni would be a fool to begin any action on the stipend and longevity repayment. Her attorney has probably advised her, correctly, that it is the responsibility of the Town Supervisor to begin an investigation, as the audit suggests. Could you please prevail upon Mr. Langley to step up and do his job? Thank you.
DeleteAnon 1:43: My reference to creepy, eerie veneer pertains to elected officials on BOTH sides and "serving" the Town and County. Politicians lead fake lives and pretend to have the "perfect" pictures of family life, professional life, and friendships. Yet, they are living lies. Their personal lives are lies and fake yet these are the same people that are stewards of our tax dollars and govern us. They lie, they live fake lives for the world to see and if they can't be honest in their lives and to themselves they have no business being entrusted with our money and they have no business voting on laws to govern us. If your life is a lie than you lost your integrity and have no business being stewards of our hard earned tax dollars. If you can't be trusted to live a honest life, a real life, than you can't be trusted with our money. That's the root of the corruption. They can't live a honest life in their home and they can't put and keep their homes in order, then we elect them and are in amazement when they do not do the right thing.
ReplyDeleteMr. Matters, he is a good man. We are agreed on that. Ginny O'Brien...how is she any worse than Keith Langley? I am not a fan of hers but how are her photo ops any worse than his? That's only the beginning of the phonies that run these local municipalities. When they clean up their houses maybe they can properly clean up the municipalities but until then, they should focus on living reality. This isn't Hollywood..be honest and have integrity..it would be a refreshing change for the Town and County politicians and elected officials. It would be nice if liars and phonies were not in charge of our tax dollars, at the Town and County.
It would also be nice if more people voted, and voted wisely. YES, Mr. Matters is a good man but what a shame that he had to run three times at his own expense to get elected. This town only seems to elect poorly qualified individuals who are clearly only out for their own good, which explains why our town is in the substandard shape it is currently in. You know what they say, GARBAGE IN, GARBAGE OUT!
DeleteI haven't been in this town very long, but all I ever see on this site is bashing of the public officials. From the police, down to the ambulance personnel. Is there anybody in this town government that you do like, or at least think is doing a good job? Just trying to get some good discussion going on for a change.
ReplyDeleteAnon 12:55PM--Rick Matters, Town Councilman, is a good and decent man. Most everyone likes and admires him. He is both honest (which is rare for any of the elected officials in the Town and County. Jack Conway was the Chairperson of the Town's Ethics Committee. Jack is a good and decent man but, they screwed him over so he resigned his post. Waldi Cavanaugh, Town historian, she is good and decent person. David Youmans, Ethics Committee, is a good and honorable man.
ReplyDeleteHopefully you find that list to be a solid start for a good discussion. While you are seeking a good discussion, you may want to venture to the other blog and suggest the same thing--a good discussion. Also, good discussions are nice and holding hands and singing, "We are one", is warm and fuzzy but, there are negative things to deal with and many prefer to bury their hands in the sand but if we do not deal with the negatives than WE are living a fake life as a Town and County. Then all of us may as well be as fake and live the phony lives of some of the elected officials and paint a Joker smile on our faces and call ourselves "Children of the Corn". To walk around in a daze and to ignore the negatives....then that makes you an accessory to the problems continuation.
There is a saying that is becoming more popular. That saying is, "May someday your life be as wonderful as you portray it on Facebook!" To bury your head to the wrongs...well THAT is wrong. BOTH sides are to blame. Maybe the Dems took the stipends but the Republicans cannot use ignorance as an excuse. Ignorance is no excuse to break the law and it is no excuse to shirk your duties as a steward of our tax dollars. Then again, if some of these elected officials would be honest in their personal lives maybe we could trust them with our money.
Dear 12:55 PM
ReplyDeleteIf you have not already done so please read the most recent OSC audits of the town and Bruen. Then read the last two junk bond ratings by Moodys and S&P. You can answer your own question with those objective, 3rd party reviews of our town.
Read the last couple of Times Union articles, read any of the 6 (that's right - 6!) consent decrees over the waste treatment plant.
And then ask yourself why three of the five town board members (O'Brien, Mangold and Malone) rejected the revised ethics code put foward by the Ethics Board. As part of this review please read Jack Conway's outstanding resignation letter from the Ethics Board.
Then take a walk or drive down Columbia Turnpike. Like what you see? Have the 1st clue what, if anything, our town board is doing about that?
If you still have any questions bring them up. It is NOT personal. Other blogs and the town board majority try to make it personal. But all it really happens to be is concerns about how our town is managed; or more properly put - mismanaged.
Doesn't take a rocket scientist to get the connection of why? This town is so connected to one another that it isn't funny.. business family, friends.. Now that is the connection that is costing this town.
DeleteBy the way, there is more, much, much more...
ReplyDeleteThere is no plan to address our town's financial mess. None.
We had a municipal judge resign because she was caught fixing tickets. The Deputy Chief assisted her by getting rid if the ticket (evidence).
The town board majority, despite our financial problems, has added many new and unneccesary town hall jobs to protect their patronage appointees.
The town is openly in violation of civil service procedures for hiring.
The town had to settle a race discrimination complaint.
A police officer was allowed to resign after he took a politically connected 16 year old to a bar in Albany.
We remain stuck with a 1974 version of a so called ethics code. The Ethics Board has become as dysfunctional as the Citizens Financial Advisory Committee.
If you want to go back only a couple of years things get "worse-er and worse-er". DPW fuel records went mysteriously missing. The DPW computer hard drive got, equally mysteriously, wiped clean.
While the town was deteriorating the then supervisor gave himself, his daughter and his political friends stipends to the tune of more than $140,000. The money from scrap sales from the transfer station, once again mysteriously, went missing.
There's more. But, no matter how you spin it, how you look at it or how you try to avoid "connecting the dots" the picture of our town is not pretty.
And i will put a name to it. Rick McCabe and his crew of the five finger discounts.
DeleteIs that the same Rick McCabe now working as Keith Langley's consultant? See the Times-Union link at the top of the website for details.
DeleteAnd another thing , By now we can see blogging is going no were fast , the best any one of us can do is just get them out of office , this blogs main concern should be getting a plan to gather , from what I can tell we have a lot of issues that we need to keep driving in to the minds of the real TAX Payers not a select few . let me know when you all are ready and I will fund letters to the advertiser . Your small group are not the only people who have problems with some of the decisions this majority board has made (Mangold, GinnyO , Malone) . Matters and Langley Kissed a$$ and kept their heads low from getting hit by the Dirty 3 , we all seen what they are capable of , Matters is pro at it Langley needs more schooling , I hope we under stand the need to remove the power from Malone , this will only get worse before it gets better . Just post on this blog if you want REAL RESULTS .
ReplyDeleteLost a View 8:22 p.m. Can you really blame Mr. Matters for being a "pro at it," as you stated? Why should he risk a smack down by the Dirty 3 for a town who elected them into power or just didn't bother to vote at all? I think Matters is just staying low until his four year term is done this year. He is so far above the D-3 intellectually that it's an atrocity that he has to sit on the dais with them. For the vast majority of his time in office, he has been spinning his wheels in the mud unable to get anything done including the revered Ethics Law. Had he had any real power to accomplish something for us, it would have truly benefitted us all to the max. Instead, we're at the mercy of toads like Phil Malone et al. Go figure.
DeleteSpeaking of "schooling" 8:22pm. Would you happen to know anything about Mr. Langley's educational and/or employment background? He and Mr. Malone have chosen not to post any biographical information about themselves on the Town website.
DeleteFor starters, the last OSC audit (including the Appendix) should be in the home of every taxpayer in East Greenbush. Of course, we can't get it posted on the Town website so that taxpayers can access it. Perhaps it should be duplicated and mailed.
ReplyDeleteWhy wouldn't Langley want the OSC audit posted on the Town website? Wouldn't this help him win public support for a financial recovery plan? This doesn't make sense to me.
DeleteI'd look at it that way too. But Keith has this thing about not being critical about those he's trying to suck up to. And putting that audit report up puts McCabe on the hot seat because he presided over and acted in the financial meltdown that the audit deals with. And McCabe has his fingerprints all over the stuff treated in the Appendix. And we wouldn't want to offend our "financial consultant" would we.
DeleteEvery politician, and most taxpayers, keep making a fundamental mistake over and over again.
ReplyDeleteFixing everything that our town needs fixed is not about blame. It is, on the other hand, all about positive results and going forward towards a positive future.
But politicians are so obsessed with themselves they, and their supporters (read supporters as the people who got nepotism and patronage appointments to jobs at taxpayer expense) have to play the blame game to protect themselves.
Ask 95% of taxpayers and I am absolutely certain they could care less about who is in office or what political party is in charge, But they care a LOT (a real lot) about getting their taxes lowered through honest and capable management, good decisions, a vision, a plan and a set of goals for our town.
Unfortunately, except for Rick Matters, we have yet to find such a politician.
If I may Gadfly, I would like to share this information here. It was taken from the Town Web Page.
ReplyDeletePublic Information Session
On Wednesday, February 27, 2013 at 6:00 PM there will be an Information Session that will discuss Hampton Manor Lake Water Quality Improvement Project and Town Wide Storm Water Management and Water Quality Improvement. The information session will be held in the Community Room.
Water Quality Improvement Project 2013
Bonnie L.
How long has Malone been running things in the dem party?
ReplyDeleteAnon 3:36--BINGO! When you wrote, "politicians are so obsessed with themselves," you could not have been more accurate! They are obsessed with themselves in every aspect of their life. They are selfish. Now I ask, how can we ever expect to accomplish, "getting their taxes lowered through honest and capable management, good decisions, a vision, a plan and a set of goals for our town," if those sitting in the elected seats (Town & County) are selfish, narcissistic bums that tell so many lies, both personally and professionally, that they are incapable of being honest to anyone? These are the people that are in charge of our tax dollars and the governance of the Town & County. We have no hope with the current selfish, egotistical liars that sit in these offices at the Town & County (Rick Matters excused from these comments). They lie, their families turn a blind eye to reality and try to paint the perfect family portrait and then we elect them based on phoniness. Then we sit in wonder as to why we are ruled by corruption.
ReplyDeleteTo, Anon Feb 27 3:22 PM
ReplyDeleteWho are you talking about?
I do wish we had Ann Taylor on the board. She would be great working with Rick Matters.
Supervisor Langley:
ReplyDeleteNice photo op with your new "friends" in today's Advertiser.
I am only speaking for myself but I think it is fair to say that every taxpayer in this town would prefer to know what you, and the town board, are doing about our financial situation instead of eating pancakes, getting your picture taken and posting it in The Advertiser.
By the way...next time you are speaking with the DiMartino's can you ask about the missing $25,000 from the fire district fund?
7:45am: I'm with you. That photo begs another question. Who in that photo is running for what? Or are we to believe that this crowd got up on Sunday morning and just went out to breakfast withou their spouses and ran into eachother.
Deletegadflies: remember this photo on primary day. I think it is an indicator of the people supported by the do nothing Langley administration
Langley has now pulled ahead of O'Brien in meaningless photo ops. It's only a matter of time before they have a joint photo appearance. Maybe they'll do a series of photo shoots in front of each of the vacant, boarded up buildings on Columbia Turnpike.
DeleteKeep up the not-so-good work Keith.
Enough of being so negative on Langley. During his first year as Supervisor our deficit has been reduced significantly. We should be thankful he is there watching the town checkbook. Now it's not as easy for Malone, O'Brien, Mangold to get at the money. They have to rob us in broad daylight now, by resolution. Like the hiring of of two full time DPW patronage jobs last year that if not done could have reduced the deficit even more.
ReplyDeleteIf the nay sayers on this blog really want to see continued improvement in our town possibly finding a way way to reach out and help the supervisor may be a better approach, rather than blame him right out of office. If you continue on this course all you are doing is asking for a return to the past. Remember the STIPENDS? The majority gave Toni Murphy and others the money and you expect the Supe to get it back. Be realistic.
Ok go ahead and start your spin of hate and discontent. Have a nice weekend everyone.
This comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteYet another a...(redacted) heard from keep up the good work
ReplyDeleteDear 20 Lives:
ReplyDeleteDo you have a single fact to back up your assertions?
This is not about "hate and discontent" although I admit being quite discontented with how our town is managed and with my taxes.
Have you actually checked the resolutions that added more and more patronage positions? Can you please check those and share with us how Langley voted?
On the stipends...can you share with us if Langley has or will consult an attorney about getting the stipends returned per the OSC's recommendation? By the way - I darn sure do expect the supervisor to at least try to get it back. Why is that unrealistic?
Can you point the readers of this blog to a financial plan that Langley, in his role as the town's chief financial officer, has put together?
Can you investigate the town's reports and see of overtime has changed with all the new positions created in the police department and DPW? Will you share what you learn about that?
Last, but not least, I can assure you that lots of people have offered to help Supervisor Langley. But it seems he will only work with people who do not ask him tough questions. Be that as it may. Can you suggest how we can reach out and help him? Provide a list of suggestions and orchestrate a meeting with him. I think you would be stunned at the response.
Don't answer these questions; don't accept these suggestions then don't lecture others - and have a nice weekend.
Dear 3/1 @ 3:25 PM. What is negative on Langley? It is very positive for bloggers to dream about some of the fine things that other Town's have. It is optimistic for us all to believe that we deserve a Financial Plan and and a Supervisor who will initiate a process suggested in an OSC audit. We all have a civic responsibility to see to it that no one from any political party steals from us.
ReplyDeleteRegarding you point that the deficit has been reduced under Langley where is his report to us, the people to whom he owes his office. If he has any accomplishment in this area why can't he tell us and also disclose his plans for the future.
On that topic, it has come to my attention that the Democrats may nominate a candidate who made some very significant contributions to the well being of the Town while he served on the Ethics Committee. That Committee served under some difficult circumstances and achieved hard won consensus without the silly closed government format adopted by the Town Board.
So, I will stay positive, ask for what I deserve from public officials, contribute to Mr. Langley as soon as his public forum is arranged and vote for positive, productive candidates from either party.
I always effort having a nice weekend and wish all the bloggers and lurkers a nice weekend as well.
Dear Anonymous 8:57 AM:
ReplyDeleteYour comment about "the silly closed government format adopted by the Town Board" is right on point.
It is important to remember that "the silly closed government format" was proposed by Mr. Langley!!!
If only Mr. Langley had the courage and ability to follow the positive example set by the Ethics Committee!!!
Perhaps more than one member of the Ethics Committee might consider running for the Town Board.
The original Ethics Board worked VERY hard. They met as often as twice per month. They had "homework" assignments and at every meeting every member came prepared with their respective completed homework. I do not recall any member of the original Ethics Board ever missing a meeting.
ReplyDeleteThe original Ethics Board researched other towns and the Association of Towns different versions of ethics code language.
The original Ethics Board sought, and received, approval for an outside attorney to give them advice the town attorney was not qualified to provide.
The original Ethics Board held truly public meetings. These meetings were, in fact, perfect models of what a public meeting can be. Members of the public were asked questions and members of the public were able, during the meetings, to ask questions of the Ethics Board. Wonderfully refreshing.
The final draft ethics code produced by the original Ethics Board was, in a word, outstanding. Clearly the result of all that hard work, research, teamwork and engagement with the public.
And then things blew up...
O'Brien, Mangold and Malone rejected the draft. Financial disclosure was clearly one reason. Mangold cannot have all her multiple and overlapping family business conflicts of interest revealed to the public.
O'Brien and Malone could not live with the nepotism language.
Ethics Board Chairmen, Jack Conway, resigned. In resigning Jack wrote a heartfelt, honest, and meaningful resignation letter to the town board.
But, we have to give Phil Malone credit where credit is due. In an completely honest and completely nasty display of arrogance Malone told the public that what the majority wants is what passes. And the majority of O'Brien, Mangold and Malone want nothing to do with being restricted in the "crap" they claim as governing by a real, decent or meaningful ethics code.
Ethics and the Ethics Board in our town is in the exact same condition as Columbia Turnpike - in a state of decline and ignored by our town board.
Perhaps Jack Conway, and Joe Slater should write an article telling the true story and put it in the Advertiser. Oh wait Joe Slater is Phill Malone's new right hand man. Talk about corrupt. I can't wait to hear the spin on this one. There is an old saying " You play with dirt you get dirty". Better be careful Jack you are to good for that.
DeleteThe biggest problem of all-the Reps are NOT smart enough to make all of the above PUBLIC! Putting it on a blog does not cut it.
ReplyDeleteAt almost every town board meeting the board approves a tax certiori appeal and gives the appealing party (usually a commercial property owner) a major league refund of their taxes.
ReplyDeleteIn today's mail along came my 2013 assessment. The assessed value is, no surprise, lower. Of course that's no surprise. East Greenbush seems to be on a slow slide downward.
But here's my point...The Assessor's note also informs me that just because my property is worth a lot less that "does not necessarily indicate that your taxes will change."
Damn - it sure did for the Harts and the Witbecks and for every other tax certiori appeal.
What gives?
Dear 11:10 AM
ReplyDeleteWhat Reps? Are there any? Who are they? What do they do?
Seriously, is there a Republican Party Committee around here or are we condemmed to whatever Phil Malone decides to do as leader of the Democratic Party Committee?
Also, is there a Conservative Party Committee? What do they do?
DeleteThere is a commenter over on Talks who is claiming that how a person views McCabe and the stipends and DiMartino and the missing fire dept. fund money depends on your politics.
ReplyDeleteIn all honesty how the hell does that work?
Both examples involve the unauthorized spending of taxpayer money. The key word here is unauthorized.
There was never, ever a town board resolution to approve the large amounts of stipend money McCabe gave to himself (naturally), his daughter (another nat) and his political friends and cronies.
And from everything we know DiMartino did exactly the same thing with the missing fire dept. fund money.
How can people not understand that? It has NOTHING to do with politics and everything to do with proper approvals and authorization. Of course the problem (so to speak) with proper approvals and authorization is that the transfer of taxpayer money to yourself, family and friends cannot be easily hidden.
And McCabe and DiMatino have that in common - take the money, try to keep it well hidden and hope nobody figures it out.
Some town we live in and some people we have had in high places.
Dear 11:10 AM, 2:12PM and 2:17 PM,
ReplyDeleteIt's simple.
Langley was the Republican Party Committee candidate for Supervisor.
Langley does not now, or ever, want the Republicans to go PUBLIC with any substantive issues for fear of any further PUBLIC exposure of his own secret backroom deals with Democratic consultant Rick McCabe.
See the TU link at the top of this blog for an example.
A more recent example is the Langley appointment of a member of the WITBECK family as the new Town Historian.
Rumor has it, Keith will NOT be asking her to research the history of East Greenbush tax certiori appeals.
On the recovery of the Stipends and other illegally taken benefits, I'd expect Langley and Matters to offer a Resolution to accomplish exactly what the State Comptroller recommended the Board do in the Report. This is how a "minority" goes about making a record. Let Malone, Mangold and O'Brien vote it down. That way THEY are on the record as against recovering illegally taken money. (Remember that the Comptroller even cited chapter and verse as to the laws which were violated.)
ReplyDeleteLangley has been unable to understand the authority and power of his office, even though he is in the minority. The same methodology could have been applied with regard to this year's budget. He could have come in with a proposed budget which cut taxes and expenses and forced MOM to do the pork and patronage adding and the tax raising. But he seems not able to understand that kind of strategy.
Dear Gadfly 4:20PM:
ReplyDeleteI respectfully disagree.
I believe Langley completely understands the authority and power of his Office. I also know that he has been told repeatedly about how an effective "minority" goes about making a record. He understands, yet has made a deliberate and calculated decision to not advance a reform, open government agenda.
Why? Two reasons immediately come to mind:
(1) Langley is an extremely lazy person, lacking the energy necessary to work tirelessly for the taxpayers of EG. Or;
(2) Some sort of variation on the theme advanced by Anonymous 4:11PM, which would involve Langley's complicity in a series of secret and self benefiting that run the risk of exposure if any public and open discourse of issues is allowed.
Take your pick.
Anonymous @ 2:12 you are not the only one to get this in the mail today. This burns me up to no end. So even though my property value dropped quit a bit (and I'm not the only one, I have talked to other people) my taxes will not go down?
ReplyDeleteWhat gives here? Why was I being taxed at a substantially higher price on my house? Don't tell me its because the economy, that's B.S. because the economy hasn't been good in 4 years, and everyone keeps telling us its getting better, so spare me please.
I think this town has been taking too much money from us, all of us, and I would like mine back!!!!
Jim: Stop in town hall and speak with Brad Canning. He clearly explained the process with me just this week. I left him with a complete understanding of why my assessed values had changed.
DeleteIts not so much my assessed value its the fact that I have been taxed at a rate that was much higher, and now that the value of my property has gone down, my taxes aren't going down or so the paper says. If my property value goes down my taxes should too, stands to reason. Its also the fact that not only did it drop but it went down substantially. They are taking too much and have been for years
DeleteYou know, Jim, the town was tripping over itself to raise our taxes when property values were increasing.
DeleteBut it seems when it comes to getting their grubby hands on our tax dollars the pendulum only swings one way!
By the way, all those tax certiori settlements to the Harts, Witbecks and the rest have the same net effect. The tax rate for the rest of us has to go up.
Meanwhile to absolutely add insult to injury the town board majority keeps adding positions for their favored few family members and friends.
Anon March 2 4:11 You wrote, "Langley was the Republican Party Committee candidate for Supervisor." He was the candidate they endorsed but that was because nobody else would run. Langley is a registered Independent. Langley has proven to be selfish and egotistical. he wants the Dems to love him so he either keeps his seat with their backing OR he wants to DPW Commish when he steps down from teh Supe spot. Also, don't be surprised to see Ginny run for the County this year and don't be surprised to see Kim Halloran run for Town or County. She voluntarily stepped down from the Dem Cmt and she served on the Town Board in the past.
ReplyDeleteThe Town & the County are full of selfish lying bums. Matter and Danaher are decent, honest men but after that every seat at the Town & County are full of liars. They can't be honest at home so how do you expect them to be honest to the public.
Wow, are we a bunch of stupid suckers in this crooked town. We have to have a rally objecting to what is going on.
ReplyDeleteI also got my assessment today. My house is worth less, but my taxes stay the same. So, this means I have a tax increase without these crooks calling it a tax increase.
Please, someone who can word this correctly, notify the media.
Is there a Rep party in this town? Is there a Consv party in this town? Is anyone awake in this town?
ReplyDeleteWith regard to the comment above (someplace) that Mr. Langley had reduced the Town's deficit this year, a couple of points need to be made. First, since we have no certified financial statements for any recent year, such a statement is impossible to make. Second, it should be noted that since this year's budget was submitted by the Supervisor with a tax increase, any reduction in deficit would have been accomplished out of the pocket of the taxpayer - not as the result of ingenuity or leadership on the part of the Administration.
ReplyDeleteAshame you can't stay on the high road. People may even start to listen to you. Maybe even Langley. Did you consider CPI in this years tax increase? Even you must realize the deficit must be paid off and that it will have to come out of our pockets. It's always easier to destroy something than it is to rebuild. For God's sake man stop bashing and start helping.
DeleteOK....The Langley/Matters Resolution on stipend and unlawful benefit recoupment could specify that all recoveries be earmarked for deficit reduction and or a tax cut. The principal being that this money goes back where it came from.
DeleteOne fatal flaw in your idea there GF. The resolution wont pass! so what have you accomplished?
ReplyDeleteAdded to the PUBLIC record of Mangold, Malone and O'Brien on a couple of fronts: Refusal to acknowledge and honor the recommendation of the State Comptroller and putting on the record their desire to observe Party relationships as opposed to the rule of law.
DeleteReally? you don't think everyone already knows how they will vote? Anyone here that read this blog think MOM will vote for that resolution?
ReplyDeleteIt needs to be ON THE RECORD - an actual volitional act which contravenes the recommendation of the Comptroller (in this case) and puts Party before the requirements of the law. Things are not going to change around here until there is an actual cost and personal disadvantage attached to engaging in corruption. So far all that exists is a "wink and a nod" toward both political parties allowing engagement in very questionable activities.
DeleteThey may if the real MOM doesn't want to become synonymous with MORE OF McCABE.
Delete10:59 AM, Agreed. But the real question is not how MOM would vote, but how LANGLEY would vote on that resolution?
DeleteNo worries. Langley will NEVER put MOM or himself on the spot by allowing ANY resolution that might invite public scrutiny, discussion and comment.
Langley prefers to deal in secret with Democrat Rick McCabe regarding their own financial schemes to spend more Taxpayer money through Tax and Fee increases, without any significant cuts in spending.
Click on the TU link at the top of this page for further info about the cozy relationship between the SUPE (Langley) and his CONSULTANT (McCabe).
You keep laying all this on Langley. It pretty obvious that you have a grudge with him. My question is where the hell was your fair haired boy Rick Matters when all this was going on right under his nose for all these years. These acts of so called misbehavior didn't just happen one day. This situation occurred during the entire time Rick Matters served on the board. He never once brought this to anyone's attention. As a point none of this occurred on Langley's watch. The OSC report states that the board seek council and recoup this money, not the supervisor. Nor does it state that he originate the action. So once again where is Matters or the rest of the board on this issue?
DeleteMr. Matters for some reason has been reluctant to bring this situation to light for reasons of his own or is just plain incompetent. He seems to have a clear picture of what 9&20 should look like but didn't have clue where your money was going.
1:17 PM: Good point. If Langley were to bring the resolution up for a vote, we would know where all of the TB members stand. How about it Keith?
Delete"These acts of so called misbehavior didn't just happen one day." That's true. They happened under the watch of Former Supervisor and unauthorized stipend recipient, Rick McCabe.
DeleteThis is the same Rick McCabe who is now serving as current Supervisor Keith Langley's consultant and is his designated spokesman to the Times-Union.
Read the link to the Times Union article at the top of this page for further details.
I think you are a little mixed up in your analysis. The violations ARE on the record. what you want is much like what is happening in Washington, a "gotcha" game. We all see how that is working.
ReplyDeleteIt's not "gotcha" at all. It's called accountability. It's a lot like raising kids. If there is no cost to misbehavior, you usually get individuals without any sense of right or wrong. Everything's gray. Put that understanding into power in government and you get what we've got. We need people in government who know what is right and lawful, or will at least make an effort to find out. What's on the record right now as an excuse for misbehavior is "we've always done it that way." And that's supposed to be - in the minds of some - cover for "moving on" without any accountability.
Delete11:47 AM: It's "Volitional", not violation.
DeleteDear 1:17 - no grudge here. Mr. Langley ran for Supervisor and I am simply asking him to act as Supervisor. We need a vote on this and we will then have everyoneon record including Mr. Matters who should be on record. I beieve that Langley, who is the Supervisor now should introducea resolution to begin an investigation into recovering the stipendaudience moneynow regardles owho was in charg then. Langley owes this to his constituents. This is a political reality, not a personal matter. Please stop trying to confusethe issue.
ReplyDeleteDear Gadfly: thank you for your patience in trying to explain how majority and minority pparties work and best of luck to you in that endeavor.
I believe there are state laws on the books that supersede any local code preventing major conflict of interests.
ReplyDeleteRandy Cherubino is a Chief at Clinton Heights Fire Department and Clinton Heights is a vendor providing services to the Town. Mr. Cherubino if elected would be supervising himself. Will he resign? Is there a two year waiting period before he can jump from one relationship to the other.
We should look no this especially considering the controversy with Chief DiMartino.
Bottom line is that there is no way a person can be a contract employee (paid or unpaid) and an oversight official at the same time.
Anonymous 3:36pm,
DeleteAre you saying that candidate Cherubino is also required to resign, or take a leave of absence, from his Fire Chief leadership position during the period of his campaign for a partisan political office under New York State law? This might be worth a hard look to avoid any confusion and election disruption.
Candidate Cherubino should be told point blank : you CAN'T RUN FOR OFFICE. Regardless of Defruscios political spin, the real reason for Cherubino running is to do Defruscios - bidding. Randy wil do whatever Uncle Chris tells him to do .
DeleteTo 9:39 AM:
DeleteAre you being serious? Is Randy Cherubino actually the nephew of Chris Defruscio?
YUP ! Nephew or cousin...whatever but its still NEPOTISM , he is clearly the nephew of Building Inspector Joe Cherubino - NEPOTISM !
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeletephil erup,
DeleteNo problem. It won't take much time at all. A couple of calls to the Association of Towns and Villages and the Secretary of State's Office should provide a preliminary opinion pretty quickly.
Generally, if a Volunteer Chief is also paid by the State or a Locality as a Firemanic or EMT trainer through a Federal Homeland Security pass through funding source, he would be well served to check with his Agency's Legal Department regarding permissible political activities under the Hatch Act.
DeleteNo problem if Cherubino's nephew gets elected. Langley just appointed Cherubino's long time girlfriend to the bookkeeper's job. That would only be three of them on the payroll. Why don't we just trust Langley's plan? We have been told repeatedly by Ed Gilbert and his many AKA's that following Langley without question would be best for the Town. Lets do it.
ReplyDeleteI despise nepotism. It is a terrible way to hire. I guess a family owned business would be an exception. But our town, as much as the Mangold's, Malone's, O'Brien's and now it seems others may want to think otherwise, is supposed to be run for the benefit of the citizens and taxpayers.
ReplyDeleteWe need a full fledged taxpayer revolt. We need a complete takeover of our town to return it to the people - all the people.
Yeah you should check the voting history first
ReplyDeleteDeb Dimartino - sister in-law of the thief from the Fire Co. Perfect fit for Town Board.
ReplyDeleteRandy Cherubino - nephew or cousin to Ercole Defruscio, nephew of building inspector - Perfect fit for Town Board.
Nepotism doesn't create any issues nor problems, especially if Defruscio is involved.
What do the actions of someone's in-law relationship have to do with anyone else but the person that has done the wrong. You are attempting to slander an innocent person. Mrs. DiMartino has done nothing wrong . You are way put of line here.
DeleteHow does Randy Cherubino's relationships to DeFruscio or a town employee constitute Nepotism? You may want to do a little more research before making that claim.
DeleteNepotism is favoritism granted to relatives regardless of merit. In-laws ARE relatives ! This blog specifically has been screaming about nepotism for MONTHS! Get over yourself- you can't have it both ways !
DeleteThere's only ONE REASON Defruscio wants his relative in a board seat. ***Hint***: it has nothing to do with being of any help to the taxpayers of East Greenbush***
You want to label current Town Employees under the "nepotism" cloak, that road goes both ways - including candidates for Town Board !
Candidates for Town Board do not fall under nepotism because if they get the job is determined by the VOTERS, the public, and NOT by a family member. If they win their election they get the job and that is NOT nepotism. Nepotism is a 2 way street but please Color me Purple, get a map if you don't what street you need to be on.
ReplyDeleteSomeone on the new blog-East Greenbush DEmands-asked who Tom Grant is. Tom is the politician who was NOT fired from the State (drugs?) nor did Tom lose a Notary License due to illegal activity.
ReplyDeleteThis is something Phil Malone cannot say.
Please Rep, keep pounding these two facts during the next election! It is time for the Rep to stand up and fight. Taking the "high road" just gives one a more difficult journey.
except that you can't cry nepotism when the position is an elected one. Also you should be ashamed of yourselves trying to malign Deb Dimartino because of the actions of a family member. real classy.
ReplyDeleteThere's no need to malign Deb based upon her classless brother in-law. She can do that all by herself. Just wait til she doesn't get her own way. Let the games begin !
DeleteIf Defruscio is behind her - we're ALL in trouble.
When it comes to nepotism and the Democratic and Republican parties around here it is kind of like the old limbo game...
ReplyDelete"How low can you go?"
I think here's the thing...
ReplyDeleteOur town needs new direction. We need different leadership. We need new ideas and new ways of doing things.
The same old/same old; good old boy and girl system has driven our town to a very bad place financially. Our taxes prove it. Our credit rating proves it. The state of our town proves it.
We need to break away from the past in order to create a new and better present and future.
For my nickel, and my vote, neither the Democrats nor the Republicans offer anything new or different. Maybe they will by November but that seems unlikely.
Nepotism and patronage, regardless of the political party, are a part of the problem and most definitely not a part of the solution.
Seems to me that the political gene pool available in our little Berg is similar to the Jukes and Kallikaks of sociological legend. (Google it) We need some new faces not tied to the usual names and families, who will pledge to govern for the good of all and not just the "family and friends." Mr. Langley could have started this effort with his victory, but "something happened." There is the perpetual opportunity to institute a real financial recovery plan with the real hard management decisions that will go with it. But that takes courage and a desire to make a difference.
ReplyDeleteI just don't see the Reps or Dems having the intellectual or moral stuff to do what needs to be done. Just look at the response to the last OSC audit. So far - nothing but weasel work. Will we see the recovery of the illegally taken cash? Significant piece of change, I'd say. Taken right out of the pocket of the taxpayer. Will the Board move to recover it for the taxpayer?
If a person is elected to the TB they become responsible for overseeing the budget. In this case, Randy would be voting on the budget for the building inspector's office and that office and its budget are the responsibility of Randy's Uncle Joe. That is a conflict. Many people might be inclined to vote for Randy because he is a great guy and he has considerable experience in fire safety and staff management as a Fire Chief. The fire department's budget is overseen by the Town Board. It is never good policy for a person to supervise them self because it puts the person in a position of vulnerability contrary to good and prudent public policy. Uncle Joe's department s also in charge of fire inspection in the town.
ReplyDeleteSo, bottom line: Randy should be mature enough to walk away?! Question; IS he mature enough to walk away and do the right thing?
DeleteYou are going to have to do a lot better than that.
DeleteJust as a point of clarification here. The town board does not oversee the fire departments budget. Also to note Randy's term as Chief at Clinton Heights fire department ends this year. If he were to win a seat on the Town Board this November he wouldn't begin his term until 1/1/14. There would be no conflict.
DeleteXcept for with Uncle Joe and Cousin/or Uncle Chris. Still NEPOTISM!
DeleteHello.
ReplyDeleteSo basically we'll have another sh*t show on our hands this upcoming November ? Cool. Bring it !
Who is it that you want to see run? Either throw some names out there or stop complaining.
DeleteYou might like believe that the various fire districts' budgets are overseen by the town board but get real.
ReplyDeleteThe town board cannot oversee its own budget.
Did you read the last OSC audits of Bruen and the town? If you didn't please read both. They are stunning in their comments about how both entities mismanage OUR tax dollars.
How do you think the $25,000 from the Hays Rd fire department managed to go missing? Because it was being overseen?
The Town Board does not oversee the financials of the fire districts. You are a bit confused here.
DeleteAnony above is correct. The various Fire Districts are "overseen" by their respective elected Boards of Commissioners. I think where the confusion arises is that the AMBULANCE District is overseen by its Board of Commissioners which happens to be the Town Board. An additional fact is that the Fire District Budgets are included in the Town Budget and Town tax levy.
Deletemy point exactly. More in-breeding will beget less oversight and more questionable actions by unqualified but well meaning folks. New blood, please. Maybe one side or the other will come up with someone with no family ties and lots of management experience. Maybe someone with high moral and ethical standards. Hope springs...
DeleteFire Chief Cherubino is a stand up guy. Because he has a relative that works for the town certainly shouldn't disqualify him from his desire to serve his community on the Town Board as he has for the many years volunteering for the Clinton Height fire Department. He will be easily endorsed and supported by his party and wish him good luck.
ReplyDeleteI keep reading and hearing that "that is just the way things are around here". Usually these comments are in reference to nepotism and patronage in hiring at town hall.
ReplyDeleteBut why does it have to be that way? Is what the town has been doing all that successful? Can we point to our town as some model of good governing? I don't think so.
Why does our town have to be dominated by a few families? Clearly these families are, and have been for years, running our town strictly for their own benefit.
The way this town has been run is clearly not working. Things cannot be so easily concealed today. It is not the 1950's any more.
This November may not be the time. But one of these days the people of this town need to wake up and change.
What's upsetting to me is that Phil Malone stopped an Ethics code dead in its tracks and has now embraced one of the key architects of that model code as his right hand man. It is also rumored that he is going to run for the Town Board, yet there are people here trying to discredit and discourage Randy from running, who is a life long model citizen of our town. The logic just doesn't add up here folks.
ReplyDeleteWould you know what Randy's position is on the Ethics Code? Will he support it even though its anti- Nepotism section would raise questions about the continued Town employment of his Uncle Joe Cherubino?
Delete6:48PM Don't give up on an Ethics Code just yet.
ReplyDeleteLook for Supervisor Langley and Councilman Matters to reintroduce the Ethics code at the next TB meeting. They will put it up for a vote and get everyone on the record so we know where they all stand.
I see Keith reaching out to Joe Slater to convince Councilman Malone to vote FOR the Ethics code this time.
Keith Langley is a very persuasive man. Don't ever underestimate him!!
We've heard this kind of bluster before.....like Langley was going to "deliver" on the OSC audit. Nothing but pap.
DeleteYou realize that Phil Malone derailed the original version of the ethics code for the obvious reasons that have been talked about over and over again.
DeleteAny future resolutions with regard to Ethics would be initiated by a member of the majority. Reason being is that it will be a watered down version, unlike the original draft in which Supervisor Langley and Council Person Matters supported.
Joe Slater has since resigned himself from the ethics board aligning himself with Phil Malone on the EG Democrat Committee. Any notion
that the Supervisor could have any meaningful dialog with regards to the original ethics draft is obviously unrealistic.
Also to note that the Town Board has already been put on record as to how they feel, not once but twice when they denied Supervisor Langley and Council person Matters a public hearing on this issue, stopping it from being pursued in its original version anytime in the future. Folks your frustration with ethics should be directed at its obstacle in this case Phil Malone. Not Supervisor Langley or council person Matters, whom tried to support your desire for a meaningful ethics code.
7:58 AM I am not at all frustrated with Supervisor Langley. I happen to think he is doing an outstanding job. All I am saying is that I believe Keith will be able to persuade Phil Malone to support the Ethics Code when it is brought up for a vote at the next TB meeting. Last year's denials are OLD news. Keith will not be denied an Ethics Code this year. He is the man to make it happen. He is like a dog with a bone on this issue.
DeleteThis is interesting. Why would you think the original draft of the ethics code would be brought back up by the board majority for a vote on a public hearing when they have already rejected it. The majorities rejection disallows the minority from reintroducing it unless substantial modifications were to be made to the resolution. Once again Supervisor Langley and Councilperson Matters have already stated their position on the original version of the code put forth by the ethics board. If the Majority were to redraft a watered down version of the original code to serve their own agendas, that would be their prerogative. Malone, O'Brien , & Mangold have tied the hands of the minority Supervisor along with the minority Councilperson from advancing the original version.
Delete2:04 PM Keith's hands are not tied at all. As the Supervisor, he is the man who puts the Resolutions on the TB agenda. Just wait until the next meeting. Keith will come through for us. He is a terrific leader who has nothing but the peoples interest at heart.
DeleteTo March 8 7:58 AM,
ReplyDeleteWhy am I reading this on a blog and not in the Advertiser?
My guess would be that the blog permits Anonymous statements.
DeleteSimple answer. The 2013 campaign season hasn't begun yet.
DeleteAlso, the price is right on this blog.
DeleteDon't expect anything to change with Phil Malone around,or with anyone who attaches themselves to him. He sat in front of us in a town board meeting and said he is the majority and what we want we get.
ReplyDeleteThis is not rocket science here. Don't support Malone or any of his soon to be candidates and our town will be a better place.
And so would be the results if the opposing party were in power. Its irrelevant as to which party rules, the foolishness will exist either way.
DeleteO'Brien and Malone blocked the ethics code because of its limitations on nepotism.
ReplyDeleteMangold blocked the ethics code because of the financial disclosure requirements. Mangold simply cannot have her business connections to her family's business become public information. Her conflicts of interest, if made public, would be such that she could not function as a town board member.
The town board functions like Tammany Hall. Google it if you need to. Old school, old thinking, corrupt, secretive, unaccountable.
Phil Malone is an interesting person.
ReplyDeleteIn his campaign his promised to get our town a higher percentage of sale taxes collected by the county. The result? Take a guess.
He also promised greater operational transparency. I confess to not even being sure what that means. But, from all indications, the entire town is more secretive and is working to hide more than ever before.
Phil has joined the majority on every, single vote - with a single exception. And the word around town is that he voted against O'Brien and Mangold because one of his buddies did not get one of the added DPW jobs.
When it comes time voters need to pay attention to whatever Phil claims to have accomplished. I suspect it will be much like his attendance at law school. He may have gone but he never accomplished a damn thing.
Who put the kabash on Phil's BUD getting the job with the DPW? Phil must not be as powerful as HE thinks he is.
ReplyDeleteI really do not understand the politics in this Town.
Leave my BOY! alone he is doing his best , after all the DEM. party cant stand him and his bud Slater . If they could only get some help ! HEY ! Grants can you help my BOY PHIL ! you like him ! Dont you ? you and Slater can run as a team . ! that would be the best ticket ever ! **GRANT-SLATER** or **SLATER-GRANT** MY boy needs help what do you think ?
ReplyDeleteThe "Saratoga Princess"says her little Philly is doing everything according to plan and that he is in total control of the Democrat party down in East Greenbush. She has total confidence that he will be in total control come November. He quite possibly won't even need Sue. He double crossed McCabe and now it looks like he has his sights on Mangold. You have to give him credit, he is looking ahead to 2015.
ReplyDeleteGadfly: e-mail address please , for contact
ReplyDeleteeggadfly@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteMy take on all this! The saratoga girl is the one we should be watching , Philly boy has strings attached to him and a long nose . This is why i cant figure out the Grants . Are they with the Bloggers or with Slater and the boy with the strings !
ReplyDeleteKentucky, you know but you just can't see. Follow the string through the family tree. Realize this, that the string is now frayed and up till now everyone got paid. When the gold is gone the interests shift and that is why the ship is a drift.
DeleteRemember, follow the string, through the family tree, and where it pops out will surprise you, as it did me. Continue your search and try not to stop, for the answer you seek lies right at the top. The group at the top for to long has ruled, taking great care to keep us all fooled. Snip the string and as his nose grows, don't give up until Philly boy goes.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteThis comment was removed in response to a special request which made assertions as to the veracity of certain portions. Time will tell.
DeleteDear Kentucky,
ReplyDeleteYou seem to have information about candidates that the rest of don't. Have fhe Republicans or the Democrats announced their candidates? Are there any primaries? Are there any minor party candidates? If you know, could you please share without all the name calling.
You are obviously out of the loop. The way politics works in this town it is probably by design.
DeleteTo Mar 12 7:05AM - I, too, am "out of the loop." You seem to know what is going on, so please share. Who will the candidates be?
ReplyDeleteTo Mar 12 7:05 AM. Three days later and no answer. Guess you, too, are out of the loop.
ReplyDelete