Monday, March 11, 2013
Jim Breig Resigns???
I just heard that Jim Breig, the East Greenbush Town Comptroller, has resigned. If this is true, and I hope it is not, we have lost the last "raft of sanity in a sea of lunacy." (To quote a friend of mine on the matter.) This is a real tragedy for the Town. Jim did his best to de-politicize that job and bring financial competence to that office. I fear that the Town Comptroller's position will again be politicized. Just in time for the Sewer contracting.
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I'm sorry to see Jim go. He tried his best to be a good steward of the Town's finances and I wish him well in his new endeavors.
ReplyDeleteHave no fear Keith is here!!
I am confident that Supervisor Langley will immediately form a non-partisan search committee, with significant representation from the EG community at large, to fill this important position.
That's the kind of leader Keith is!! He's always looking out for the average citizen.
Jim Breig is a good and decent man. He has been a very hard worker and a member of both the CFAC and a terrific contributor to the Ethics Board. I do not believe it is any exaggeration at all to consider Jim Breig the hardest working person in town hall.
ReplyDeleteJim has a terrific sense of humor and a wonderful sense of class and dignity.
Despite what we can only imagine has been relentless political pressure going back to the former supervisor and continuing with the current town board majority Jim has always stayed above the fray - dignified and professional at all times.
Jim will be missed. I fear that the position will now become another purely political appointment as the majority exercises its tyrannical rule that was so well articulated by Phil Malone.
We all owe Jim Breig a sincere "Thank You" and our best wishes in his future work.
Gadfly, what will now happen with the "missing" audits?? I know JB was working hard to make some sense of them with people from Wojeski.
ReplyDeleteGood news. Thanks to Keith Langley's leadership Bald Eagles have now been sighted in EG. This must be some kind of an omen.
ReplyDeleteIs it time for Langley and O'Brien to hire (after an exhaustive search of course) a Town Augur to interpret these sightings?
DeleteLet's see if they slap Kate Bennett in that chair again.
ReplyDeleteNo....They're gonna slap the supreme "water carrier" for the Committee in that chair - Pete Stenson. Remember he's the guy who stated incorrectly that the UHY audit opinion was "unqualified." Will he do just about anything for "the Committee?"
DeleteFrom what I've been able to discover, the Town is still "working with Civil Service regarding this position and others within the Town." Seems that the lesson which should have been apparent in the "absolute necessity" to appoint a third Town Court Clerk a few months ago, and the absence of Civil Service input, didn't teach those in charge a damn thing. I seem to remember a Mr. Jenkins making some salient points in the public forum which have apparently gone unheeded.
ReplyDeleteJust remember folks, corruption needs studied ignorance in order to succeed.
Dear I Like Langley:
ReplyDeleteYou remind us of the court jester of medievel days. You act, and perhaps are, the fool for the benefit of the king and the court.
In the same spirit of sarcasm and silliness I am sure the town board will take "a hard look" at the situation and that, per Ginny O'Brien, the interview and selection process will be "rigorous".
Sadly, the fools in all this are the voters and taxpayers who both elected this collection of incompetents and tolerate their very own foolishness.
Dear Anonymous 2:30AM:
DeleteI think the important point is that there is no difference between Keith Langley and Ginny O'Brien. Neither one of them has any interest in "a hard look" or a "rigorous" interview and selection process.
Where are the so called Republican and Conservative party leaders on all this? Are they also in the tank with Langley, O'Brien and Malone?
DeleteDear Anon 2:30 am: Mr. Lagley is the CFO of our Town. He has a serious responsibility to assert his power to set up a open and reasonable process and insist on appropriate criteria in this interview process. He can and should refuse to consider any nominee unless and until all qualified people are seen. Lets start here and now to have this be the first Town Hall position with a search, a job description, and clearly defined goals and objectives. We could also institute this format to fill the Planner position. How do you run a Town without a Planner?
ReplyDeleteHow do you run a town without a planner? How about this instead, How do you run a town without one iota of what the hell is going on? The same way they have run it, right into the ground! They don't need a planner they need some people to care!
ReplyDeleteJim Breig did a great job and deserves the gratitude of every resident of this town. He was skillful, professional and courteous even in situations of extreme duress. He was able to answer exacting questions in public sessions and allowed us to believe that for once our business was being carefully tracked by someone who wasn't in it for his friends and family. Jim worked in difficult conditions as our bond rating and several audits made quite clear but you always knew that things would be so much worse without him.
ReplyDeleteI had the distinct privilege of serving on the Board of Ethics with Jim and it was there that I was able to take the full measure of the man. Together we attended some highly contentious meetings on the issue of financial disclosure with reluctant members of the town board. Before these meetings I would tell Jim to let me talk since these are the people who pay his salary and he shouldn't jeopardize his position with the town. Some of these meetings even came at the tail end of a calendar year when his tenure with the town was especially vulnerable. Still he stood up in every meeting and spoke in favor of financial disclosure because he believed in his heart that it was the right thing to do. The word for that is 'integrity.' Along with Joe Slater, Justine Spada and David Youmans we did good work on the Board of Ethics but without Jim Breig it would not have been possible. He managed the documents, collated our responses and kept every thing organized while also serving on the Citizens Finance Advisory Committee, doing the job of Comptroller and being a loving and involved family man. And he did it with patience and an extremely wry sense of humor.
Selfishly I am sorry to see Jim go because he was great for the town but as his friend I wish him only the best in his new position. Whomever takes the Comptroller's job next will have big shoes to fill and will need all of our support to maintain the standards set by Jim. Godspeed my friend.
Jim Breig did a great job, but he will soon be yesterday's news and people will say Jim who? Unfortunately the feelings of trust we had in Jim as being a person that always acted in the best interest of the town may soon fade. The biggest threat to Jim's legacy will most likely be this board majority's insatiable desire to appoint a replacement in the name of patronage. There are already plenty of rumors circulating as to Jim's replacement and it won't matter how many Résumé's Langley brings to the table. Phil has already made it quite clear that he is the majority and they will get what they want. That in itself may be the single biggest reason for Jim's resignation. Good luck Jim, and congratulations for setting yourself free from Malone's dictatorial ways.
ReplyDeleteDear 7:51 PM
ReplyDeleteAgreed. That's why it is so important for Langley to speak up and publicly support a strong and independent process to interview replacements for Jim. Langley should speak up. This is an important position for the future of the Town. C'mon Keith take a stand for once.
Has there been any word yet from "Silent" Keith Langley about the application and appointment process for the Town Planner and/or Town Budget Director??
DeleteLangley and Matters should think of the candidates who will come behind them. If they propose a professional process and it is rejected by the Majority, future candidates will be able to point to professionalizing the appointments as a valid issue. If they sit by silently the Majority's rejection of professional conduct will not be noted or recorded and this issue, like so many others, will just be tolerated by our weak representatives.
DeleteI have supported republican candidates in this town in many ways for many years but I don't understand how Mr. Matters thinks he can not do the job he has now and expect to win our support for higher office.
12:44 PM
DeleteLangley isn't a Republican. He is allied with Rick McCabe and will not propose a professional process.
Matters is a Republican so I would expect him to propose a professional process. Let's give him a chance.
@ Old Time: I have no option other than to give Mr. Matters a chance but my point is no more chances come election day if he he squanders this opportunity to do the right thing.
DeleteI don't mean to be nasty but Langley has not led a thing. He seems vastly more comfortable in a follower role - following the majority from Election Day to when he took office and continuing to follow them to this very day. Aligning himself with the former supervisor. Why? Pray tell. Was the town being run so well, so effectively under the McCabe administration? Not hardly.
ReplyDeleteI don't think we have any reason to expect anything in the realm of leadership from Langley. He seems more comfortable making excuses than in setting a decent direction for our town.
The new comptroller, per the always what's best for our town (yea right) Phil Malone, will be whom ever the majority wants. Please note: "Wants" will likely be a far cry from what our town and its taxpayers needs.
I think you are correct when you say that Langley is more of a follower. He seems more content with just following then leading. His morning coffee with the follow employees and a little chit chat before starting his day.
DeleteAppears that his day is delagateing duties to everyone else then he skips out.
To 1:49,
DeleteLangley doesn't skip out before collecting his $70,000 taxpayer funded salary though.
It's a real shame Langley went with McCabe instead of the EG taxpayers.
ReplyDeleteNext step, Langley votes for McCabe to take Jim's place.
After all---
Langley has already made McCabe his financial consultant and spokesman to the Times Union as you can see from the link at the top of this page.
I was told that there was ONE person in the rep-consv party that was against nominating Langley. If that is true, he should be running the party.
ReplyDeleteYES indeed !!
DeleteCan't wait for the next Advertiser photo of the "Keith Langley and Friends" breakfast club. Oooh it's sooo goood.
ReplyDeleteColleen
ReplyDeleteThe answer to that is Taylor. She was against Langley running.
Yup. I remember. It's too bad we didn't listen to Ann then. We can't go back and fix that but please tell me why the same person is picking candidates this time. You know what they say about the definition of insanity: If DeFruscio keeps picking the candidates, it is insane to keep thinking that we will get any different results.
Deleteno kidding,
DeleteDo not be concerned. Chris Defruscio is not picking the candidates. Keith is patiently instructing him on how to win elections and has told him which candidates will win.
Keith is the boss, Defruscio gets him his coffee.
Keith says jump, Defruscio asks how high boss?
To Mar 18, 1:01 PM, thank you for the info. I knew I liked that woman. She just did not seem to fit the mold of the average pol.
ReplyDeleteShe seemed sincere and truly wanted to help the town. I wish she had won. I think she came along too early.
Dear I Like Langley
ReplyDeleteI guess you find yourself amusing. You, however, are as much of a jackass as the crew (except for Matters) running our town off the cliff.
I think the reality is more that Keith gets O'Brien et al coffee and O'Brien et al says "Jump" and Keith says: "How high".
Go like that genius.
When do we start taking this bunch of reps serious?
ReplyDeleteThe best thing for EG would have been Matters and Taylor! There are two people who could have worked together to make EG something more than a drive through town. Together, I firmly believe, they could have come up with some great ideas for US-not their family and friends. I think Ginny may even have worked with them-or is that pushing it?
You are right 337pm. Keith and Ginny and Rick Matters are working very well together.
ReplyDeleteMaybe Ann Taylor could reach out to Keith at TH and share some of her ideas with him. I'm sure Keith would give them a lot of thought.
Keith is a man who is very open to any ideas that benefit the people of EG.
We'll have a Post coming soon with some comments on the most recent EG audit by the NYS Comptroller. Taxpayers might want to read the report. There's a link to the report at the top of the page. You might want to pay particular attention to the findings and recommendations in the Appendix on Taxpayer complaints.
ReplyDeleteI was just reading East Greenbush DEmands. My gosh, those people are MEAN. What makes them so jealous of Mike C? Why are they bringing up Taylor? From what I understand, she has other projects on her plate. I wish those knuckleheads on the other blog would grow up or get a little class. Either one would be nice.
ReplyDeleteThe EG DEMands people are nasty, miserable people. THEY post Ginny O'Brien is moving, someone asks if that's true and they grow another head. They consider checking makememove.com, Cyberstalking. They are a scary mob, similar to the Walking Dead.
ReplyDeleteThe mean streak of DEMands makes you want to see TALKS resurrected for the simple reason DEMands doesn't like TALKS. . Too bad P Malone shut that down. If he isn't a Napoleon, God knows what is.
ReplyDeleteI have the impression that DEmands does not like Ginny. Why? She is one of them. This doesn't seem like the O'Briens. I can't believe the dems are afraid of Malone, after all, they must have the dirt on him.
ReplyDeleteDear 11:02AM-
ReplyDeleteAlthough I am far from a fan of the Talks blog it's a good strategy for them to keep a lower profile for a bit. It gives people a chance to see what Chris Defruscio and his new DEMands blog is up to.
For those who haven't been around awhile, C Def usually waits until just before the election to slander people in the Advertiser with fake letters. He must feel he needs to get an earlier start this year.
1238 - your dead on the $. Demands is Defruscio and Cristo. No doubt about it. Most of the real Dems know it and the gig is up for Defruscio and his latest stunt. Kinda fun watching him in action. He is very immature and it shows.
ReplyDeleteI disagree. Phil is in charge of DEMands. If it is Defruscio, why would he allow so many insults of himself? Doesn't fit.
ReplyDelete329- because defruscio can't keep it quiet. He's been shooting his mouth off about all it around town. He is like a little kid.
Delete3:29 - you don't know Ercole at all. He thinks this is all a game. His juvenile antics are well known, and the Demands blog fits right in. Of course his best pal Cristo is in it up to his ears as well.
DeleteAll the more reason for a POX on both their houses and a general housecleaning in Town Government. I know it's hard to get a "bull moose" effort going, but until the "machine" and the potential "machine" are over and done with, we'll have the usual games with different flavors.
ReplyDeleteGadfly, who can blame Breig for moving on? Regarding his replacement, it's the selfish idiots who voted in the current town board majority and especially those who don't bother to vote at all who will be responsible for the next person MOM will pick for the job. I'm scared just thinking about it. EG is already in terrible shape financially. We can't afford another purely political patronage pick for this important job...but that's what we'll get, someone's husband, mother, sister, wife or boyfriend. MOM won't be happy until EG is bankrupt! See why voting in the right person for he job is so important, people? DUH!!!
ReplyDelete8:35pm, Agreed. But make that LOMM, instead of MOM to include LANGLEY, o'brien, malone and mangold.
DeleteI'm not sure who is doing the other blog, but one thing is for sure they don't really like Phil Malone. I'm not saying I like him, and I'm not saying I dislike him, I have never met him. I will say since he sits on the left, and I tend to sit on the right, that are politics might be a little different, but thats ok.
ReplyDeleteAs for blogs in general it is hard to tell who anyone is because you all run around using fake names, yes even on this blog. Maybe someday someone will create a blog where only real people are allowed to share their thoughts, and ideas. Until then I guess we will just run around making stuff up and calling each other names. This is one of the reasons I haven't had much to say lately, it seems like I'm one of the few that actually use a real name. Now you can all start the bashing go ahead!!!!
I just want to echo Jim_C's comments about anonymous blogging. People who hide their identity feel none of the normal constraints of civil discourse and the result is what you see so often on EG blogs - mud slinging, name-calling and, quite frankly, a lot of mindless conjecture and spiteful 'commentary.' I still believe that if you have something to say, stand up, say it, and then stand behind it. Very few anonymous comments seem constructive; Bob Dylan was right when he wrote: "the executioner's face is always well hidden."
ReplyDeleteWho cares what the two J C s think!!! There are reasons people remain Anon. We can't all be courageous warriors like you. I wonder if it is courage or stupidity?
ReplyDeleteNow to market talk. Between the lettuce and broccoli section, I heard that Ginny is moving to NORTH Greenbush. Are the EG high taxes (that SHE VOTED FOR) too high for her? So, we know she is not going to run for the TB.
IF Jimino (sp?) leaves, is that the position she wants? On the other hand, does she want to be a County Leg?
Only time will tell. The clock ticking.
By the way, were you two part of the STUPID group that thought Langley was a good choice? It would not surprise me.
ReplyDeleteJack and Jim C......I've thought a lot about the issues involved in anonymous blogging. I've been personally injured by some of it - particularly some of the stuff which shows up on Talks from time to time, which is vicious and vile and personal and has nothing whatsoever to do with the issues which need to be addressed in our Town. Its purpose is personal attack.
ReplyDeleteAnd there is a practice in our Town of threat and intimidation in order to quiet voices of opposition to the political establishment. And I'm not just talking of the threats to Ann Taylor. I personally know of others and I know who perpetrated them, but for the sake of the victims, I will not reveal them. So I know that threats have the desired effect in some cases with people who's identity makes them vulnerable.
And then there is the grand tradition of Thomas Paine during our own Revolution, who published "Common Sense" anonymously.
In sum, there is no "perfect" modality. Anonymous jerks are displayed as jerks by the content of their comments. People who address issues on a higher plane anonymously are appreciated and understood by those with enough sense to discern content and ideas.
East Greenbush Gadfly March 21, 11:29--you hit the nail on the head. Too many people have become victims of speaking their mind and expressing their displeasure with the TB or the police or the fire depts and it has come back to bite them. The EG Dems have a mob mentality and they believe in intimidation. You are right, Ann Taylor is not the only example but it is a public example. The threatened her job, twice they schmeared something on her car, they sent some sort of threats to her through the blog which prompted her to go to the state police, she was followed, and those are only the things we all know about. WHAT THE HELL??!!!!! And people wonder why most of us remain anonymous. Cristo was threatened at the campaign headquarters and it was a full headquarters so witnesses certainly didn't worry the opposition. What the hell???!!!!! How can anyone not understand why most of us want to remain anonymous? Taylor deserves credit. She stood her ground and never wavered when they did those things. She was feisty and it's too bad the EG Repubs don't have anyone with her backbone. Nobody else stands up to them. Everyone runs and hides and that includes me. We do hide behind the Anonymous blogging. Don, Dwight, Ray, they stood up to them too and they got a whole lot of grief for it. It makes you really appreciate what Taylor did and how she handled it. She trudged through more mud than any woman should have to. She is one tough little cookie! She should spank Defruscio and toss him aside, let her take the EG Repubs. At least they would have sincerity if she took the party and ran it.
ReplyDeleteJack & Jim-- While I appreciate your sentiments, the historical reason for the executioner's mask is to PROTECT he and his family, http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Why_did_executioners_wear_masks. In West Europe and its colonies, executioners have often been shunned by their neighbors, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Executioner. It is the same reason so many people prefer to blog anonymously. The mask protected his identity as well as his family's. The job of executioner, quite often, has passed down from one generation to another and remained within one family. It was not an easy or popular job. Politically blogging is much the same. It's not easy or popular when you are dissenting from the majority and that majority intimidates and attacks the minority. It's also the opposite of what the founding fathers believed. It's not the thinking of those who truly believe in democracy.
ReplyDeleteBen Franklin wrote without using his real name. In fact he had multiple aliases.
ReplyDeleteI have always wondered why Sue Mangold and Ginny O'Brien have never, to this very day, spoken out about the horrible names Ann Taylor has been called by her political opponents. Thse names were all focused exclusively on Ms. Taylor's gender and, as such, they deserved to be condemmed publically leading women such as Ms. O'Brien and Ms. Mangold.
But...just like every other evil associated with how this town has been run they remained silent.
The argument that people blog anonymously because they fear retribution is convenient and,in most cases, pretty lame. I realize there are some cases where this is legitimate but I would guess that 95% of the people who say that are just making excuses. Most people blog anonymously because they don't want to filter their comments through the normal lenses of civility and decency and they make themselves feel better by taking cheap shots at people they wouldn't dare stand up to in public. The best example of this is the garbage that has been hurled at Ann Taylor over the years. The utterly offensive sexist and personal bulls**t she has taken comes from people who use anonymity to cover cowardice, malice and, in some cases, borderline sociopathology.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Gadfly that there is a difference between anonymous posts that intelligently discuss issues and mud slinging. But I think the dividing line is the use of personal names. If you post anonymously but name an individual or individuals and make perjorative comments about them than I think it is fair to question your integrity. We can argue whether this rule applies equally to public officials but I think it does. If you are willing to use their name, why won't you use your own? You say you are protecting yourself and your family but why don't you mind injuring them or their family?
On the historical references I would say this: Ben Franklin lived in a different time, one when the use of aliases in publication was a standard operating procedure and unlike the cowed and intimidated of East Greenbush, he actually was facing a powerful enemy who might hang him from the rafters. On the functions of masking during executions I would put down the lowest common denominator Wiki 'information' and read Michel Foucault's 'Discipline/Punish' which is the best historical survey of the role of masking in capital punishment in western society.
These comments should be enough gist for the anonymous blogging mill so hit me with your best shots. Colleen?
Jack: I have been called a gadfly (That may be Phil Malone's most significant contribution to our town so far, by the way), a carpetbagger, a prick, and assorted and miscellaneous things. All pale in comparison to the horrible gender specific things hurled at Ann Taylor. How do you suggest we think about O'Brien's and Mangold's silence as Ann was being called those things?
ReplyDeleteI think we should dispose of any notion that there is serious public discourse on issues in this town between the governed and our rulers. That frustration, in my mind, gives rise to more blogging than any other reason. Those frustrations have only grown (as you so well pointed out last night) that what passes for government around here (my words not yours) has gotten more closed not more open. And that despite promises from Mangold and Malone for "greater operational transparency." Hogwash.
We also face the reality that there is no substantive media presence around here. Don and Dwight have given yeoman service to taxpayers with their FOILs, what they publish in public forums like their respective blogs, their writing and their own use of the media - primarily the Times Union. The town board, and supervisor, take great pains to only share the superficial, the meaningless and the trite. Doubt it? Can you find your wonderfully well written resignation letter from the Ethics Board on the town's web site? How about the OSC's audit report?
So, blogging serves multiple purposes. Venting, in the absence of any other way to communicate to our so called leaders is one of those reasons.
Lastly, since our political leaders don't listen anyway how does it really matter if people do or do not use their real names?
I'd add one more thing, Ray. As a matter of policy the Town Board has prohibited the asking of questions at Town Board meetings. A matter of POLICY.
ReplyDeleteI can understand this being the standard operating procedure for MOM. But not hearing a peep out of Langley or Matters on the issue (not to mention our man Gilbert) is depressing. Oh, wait....it was Langley who actually articulated and enforces the POLICY.
ReplyDeleteHey, Gadfly, don't be so critical of Langley and Matters. It's common knowledge that the DEMS have what I call the THUG BRIGADE lurking behind the scenes to make people pay for things they are saying and/or doing that go against the current regime. This was especially true when McCabe was at the helm. McCabe himself tried to get Ann Taylor fired from her job to eliminate her from the political playing field in EG. We know this is true because Ann has a letter of apology from McCabe for it. While Ann's employer did not fire her, they did attempt to muzzle her, which caused her to have to leave her job voluntarily if she wanted to stay in the race. McCabe himself, the Chief Thug, made it impossible for her to work there any longer. Rick Matters has also been victimized by the THUG BRIGADE in that the security of his day job was under attack for a while for opposing the current regime. This has undoubtedly caused Mr. Matters to re-evaluate just how far he is willing to stick his neck out for a town that clearly wants the likes of MOM in control. Have you forgotten about the THUG BRIGADE, Gadfly? Why should anyone fight to their own personal detriment for a town that would elect MOM into office? MOM is in control, at least for the time being, and when someone's job could be lost for going up against them, then that's the ball game. I've always said that the corruption in this town needs to be investigated by 60 Minutes. Until the voters come to their senses and VOTE OUT the current regime, good people like Ann Taylor and Rick Matters will be useless. So don't criticize them for stepping back, blame the SELFISH VOTERS who elected MOM into office and the THUG BRIGADE for a job well done.
DeleteI am sorry, Mr Conway, I was unaware that you are a psychologist.
ReplyDeleteColleen is not my real name. I hesitate to tell you why I use Colleen, but I will.
I didn't think much when Ann Taylor threw her bonnet into the ring. I was a reg. dem, but as time went on, I got an uneasy feeling concerning Mike O'Brien's actions toward Ann. To make a story short, I am still a reg. dem, however, I am a rep voter. I do NOT know Ann, but I DO admire her.
That is only one reason for a person in EG not to give their name on a blog. I assume there are other reasons. I did not try to hit you or shoot you, I only tried to explain.
I have to add-frankly, Mr Conway, I could not care LESS what you think. It would be nice if you would mind your own business.
You guys should just start asking questions at Board meetings. What are they going to do? Tell Chief Lavin or (better yet) Deputy Chief Condo to remove you from the room? Now that would make the TU for sure.....
ReplyDeleteSword guy, bad advice. Board meetings observe Robert's Rules of Order. As such, there is a comment period during the meeting but it is for just that, comments; it's NOT an opportunity to embarrass Bd. members publically by putting them on the spot with a barage of questions. And yes, you could be removed from the room for being "out of order" at a Bd. mtg. If you have questions, contact your representative councilperson for answers.
DeleteDear Ed.....Public officials who run a competent and transparent government should not fear embarrassment by questions at a public meeting.
DeleteRay - I understand the frustration with our town government because I share it. But name calling and mud slinging are no substitute for substantive critique and serious discussion of the issues. I realize you know the difference because you are routinely substantive in your comments. Put simply, my problem with anonymous blogging is that it violates the social contract which I think depends on what used to be called the Golden Rule - do unto others as you would have others do unto you. When you hide your identity and treat other people shabbily you erase their ability to do unto you what you have done unto them. Sure they can write back to your Anonymous comment but your family, friends and the community are not subject to the same scorn you have heaped on someone else. I wonder how some of the geniuses who abused Ann Taylor would feel if their mother or daughter was treated that way. But by maintaining anonymity they eliminate the possibility. The Golden Rule is the glue of civil society but it is suspended by anonymous blogging and in my opinion we all suffer from that.
ReplyDeleteColleen, I apologize if you think I was directing my comments at you. I respect that you have a different opinion on this than I do. It is ironic that you tell me to mind my own business in a blog where, by definition, neither one of us is minding their own business. But it's not my intention to argue with anyone in particular, I just think anonymous blogging helps maintain the tremendously negative energy that dominates local politics. I mean you no disrespect and I'm sorry if it seemed like I did.
Jack:
ReplyDeleteI agree with you on all points.
I often wonder how much blogging and commenting would vanish if the town board were more open, shared more, engaged in greater quantity and quality of discourse with citizens?
I often wonder why our town can't seem to find leaders who care more about the town than they do themselves and in creating fake jobs for their family and friends?
I often wonder why Ginny O'Brien supported an ethics code with financial disclosure and then voted against the one you and the Ethics Board recommended? Rather than telling us the truth you became a target for being inflexible. I was there for darn near every Ethics Board meeting. You were never inflexible. But you got the blame for O'Brien, Mangold and Malone deciding they would not hold themselves to any ethical standards. Revealing but deeply troubling.
I often wonder why the town board is so secretive? Why the town's citizens only receive meaningless communications instead of the whole story.
I often wonder why we don't have a financial plan for our town?
I often wonder what political shennanigans are going on and will go on to appoint the Comptroller candidate that O'Brien, Mangold and Malone decide to hoist upon us?
I wonder why it took 6 Consent Decrees and fines that we, the taxpayers paid, to get the waste treatment issue going?
This could go on and on and on. None of us know the answers to these questions. My whole point is that other people wonder about these things and much, much more. And their blogging and comments reflect their complete and utter frustration with a town government that fails on so many levels but never seems to be held accountable for their failures.
Mr. Mooney, I often wonder why you don't run for town board? We desperately need a fighter like you on the Bd. Maybe if you were in the Bd., others like you would follow. You are so thoroughly involved anyway, why not make it official? I would vote for you. Do you have something more important to do?
DeleteDear Ray:
ReplyDeleteIt's good to know you appreciate the valiant efforts Keith Langley has been making on behalf of the people of EG to combat the influence of O'Brien, Mangold and Malone.
I'm sure Keith would agree with everything you say!
Thank you for effectively articulating what Keith has been fighting for.
Ray;
ReplyDeleteI'm curious. Please define your "fake jobs for family and friends" .
Exactly who/what are you referring too?
Please be specific as to exactly which Town employees you are referring and exactly who appointed them. Your words are puzzling to many, specifically after Jack stated that you are routinely substantive in your analysis of Town issues.
Thank you
Anon 9:34 a.m., I'm NOT Ray Mooney, just Anon like you, but think about it. Ginny O'B's husband Mike has a town job. Phil Malone's mother has a town job. Sue Mangold sought election to help give her family gobs of town business. Rick McCabe's daughter either has or used to have a town job for which they BOTH took tax payer dollars in the form of STIPENDS. I'm sure there are countless other incidents of nepotism involving board members giving town jobs to family and friends. Do the research yourself. No one should have to spoon-feed it to you.
DeleteRay @ 8:10,
ReplyDeleteI often wonder the all same things as you,and yes maybe there would be less blogging if the town board was more open.
My point for the post wasn't against blogging, it wasn't even against blogging anonymously. It was against a person using a fake name to go ahead and bash another person (and yes Don it has happened to everyone, and it doesn't just happen here, but on all the blogs). If you go back and read my post it was about the people on the other blog bashing Phil Malone. BTW Don I think you are one of the good guys, not that my opinion matters.
My comment and Jack's no sooner get put up and low and behold Colleen proves my point by bashing us, funny haha. For the record Colleen (not that it is any of your business) I did vote for Keith, and you know what if he ran against the same person again I would vote for him again. Also since you made that statement I'm guessing you voted for the man that was in power before Mr. Langley? Why with all the stuff that surrounded him would you do that? So who is really part of the STUPID GROUP as you said?
I agree blogging does serve its purpose as you have pointed out Ray, but when people aimlessly call each other names, the blog is serving no GOOD purpose. That includes all of the blogs, not just this one.
Dear 9:34 AM
ReplyDeleteI don't respond to anonymous comments.
But you can easily figure it out for yourself. Read the last couple of Organizational Meeting minutes. Read the 2012 Town Board meeting minutes.
As the newly elected supervisor made appointments the majority consistently made up a position or positions for the incumbents.
There's more but that will provide you with a representative sample.
Jack, by the way...there is an article in today's T-U about Officer Mark Fusco. The report is based on statements from "officials who spoke only on conditions of anonymity".
include the 2010 org meeting minutes and the 2010 tb meeting minutes when traveling down memory lane
DeleteHey I Like Langley
ReplyDeleteSomebody back on March 19 called you a "jackass".
Name calling is not nice but...seriously you really are one if you think anyone buys what your trying to sell.
Quite frankly, Anonymous, I think I Like Langley is actually trying to appear as he actually appears. It's either that or "not very bright."
DeleteIs it true that Ginny is moving to North Geenbush? I don't blame her, the EG taxes (which Ginny voted FOR) are getting too high for me too.
ReplyDeleteIs there any chance EG will ever have a candidate that will have a plan to REDUCE taxes? That is, before I die!
To 2:20 PM I hope so.
ReplyDeleteDear 2:20 PM:
ReplyDeleteA number of concerned citizens have asked Supervisor Langley and the Town Board to develop a financial recovery plan. Those requests, by the way, have been on a completely non partisan basis - meaning they have come from both Democrats and Republicans.
However, since there is no questions and answers possible at town board meeting taxpayers are left wondering.
Both Moodys and S&P recommended that the town develop a financial plan. After the staggeringly bad OSC audit a reasonable person might assume a financial plan would be a necessity.
But, so far, taxpayers remain in the dark about what, if any, plans the town board has for our financial situation. What we do know is that the majority of O'Brien, Mangold and Malone have created an unbelievable number of new positions subject to patronage and/or nepotism appointments over the last 15 months.
The exact opposite of economic rationality. The exact opposite of fulfilling their duties in the best interests of the town and the people who pay taxes. We have to hope that voters remember this come the elections this November.
Dear anony.....Since Personal Service (salaries and benefits) is by far the largest expenditure in both public and private sector budgets, any meaningful financial recovery plan will of necessity require an examination of PS expenditures. This means a workload analysis, and this would strike at the "heart" of patronage and nepotism jobs. (Overtime, which is also a "bene" add-on would also have to be examined.) Any objective look at what this municipality REALLY needs to spend salary money on will cost the "machine" jobs and the concomitant "extras."
DeleteThis means that a real financial recovery plan will not happen in the foreseeable future. And this is the reason no action has been taken on this front to date.
It means that things remain the way they are and the way that they have been for years. The Dems rule this town.. Lets chuck it up for Malones arrogence and the same ol same ol.
ReplyDeleteI was told yesterday that North Greenbush has the lowest taxes in the area. Can this be true? Does anyone really know-not a guess?
ReplyDeleteBRIGHT; How about this ,is there any truth to the new Grant saga ? Is Tom Grant sr really believing the Dems are going to run him in Ginny spot on the board , The is the talk at the transferstation Saturday
ReplyDeleteMaybe Phil believes that the Dems need to start building some credibility and developing some gravitas. He'll go the same way as McCabe if he follows the same philosophy of "that's the way we've always done it."
ReplyDeleteBut Phil's biggest problem right now, in my view, is his mother's job as the Town Attorney's secretary. (To keep an eye on things, I understand.) And I've been getting a few things about residency. This will bubble until it is put to rest. I've heard that there is a STAR exemption issue which pretty much nails residency. But maybe there's a slick dance around that. Only time will tell.
Anon. 3:30PM - I work at the transfer station and I have never heard that Ton Grant was running as a Dem so you need to get your facts straight. Instead of fishing on the blogs, you ought to really go fishing or continue to spread untrue rumors. There seems to be a lot of that going on in all the blogs.
ReplyDeleteJoe.....you guys up there have developed the reputation over the years of being similar to the Oracle at Delphi. So attribution can become an indoor sport or parlor game in East Greenbush.
DeleteHay Joe, you are a nice guy but you do talk politices at the transfere station. So maybe if that was to stop then it wouldn't be a issue.
DeleteThanks for the compliment? It still doesn't change the fact that a lot of false rumors and inuendos are being spread all over the place. Perhaps the Golden Rule would be a good place to start.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I know. I've never been to the Racino. The boys at Talks had me there as a regular a while back. Remember?
DeleteI was at the transfer station on Saturday and talked to Joe, and it was never mentioned to me about Tom Grant running on the Dem ticket.
ReplyDeleteMy point, rumors and untruths only inflame the distrust both sides exhibit towards each other. If someone posts something on the blogs at least let it be the truth.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Jim Cozzy, if you have something to say own it. Using ones name as required in the Advertiser lets your know the person at least stands behind what they have to say.
The argument I'm afraid of retribution if I sign my name is crap. People stand up for what they believe or they blog anonymously because you can say things about someone you'd never have the guts to say to their face. Choose courage or fear.
Joe:
ReplyDeleteYou will excuse me if I find your remarks disengenuous. You, in particular, are the source and continuation of all manner of EG rumors.
There are people around town who have long considered you a key campaign tool for the Democratic Committee as you lobby, rumor monger and campaign - all while on the taxpayer's dime and when you are supposed to be working.
Make no mistake about it the transfer station is well run. I am not impuning your work itself. However, for you to speak out about blogging while at the same time functioning, quite literally, as the "town crier" is just not credible. Sorry about that.
Ya gotta just love our town's communication practices. The web site page has notices of meetings all the way back to 2011! Way to keep things updated. Let's all make sure we participate in almost two year old meetings.
ReplyDeleteThe Comptroller position is posted...as a temporary position. The person who gets the job, unless she or he caves to the wishes of O'Brien, Mangold and Malone, can expect to hold the job only until the end of this year. What professional people would apply to such a job?
Clearly the Comptroller position is becoming more and more politicized - and not in a good way. The way the posting is worded, and the term of the job, just about guarantees that it will go to a politician (Pete Stenson - here he comes) rather than a truly qualified and professional accounting person. Lord help us.
But, we can be sure that the town board will take a "hard look" and the interview process will be "rigorous" (Did I get that right Ginny?).
Baloney. Pure political baloney.
Guess this part was missed, eh:
ReplyDeletePre-Board meetings are normally scheduled for 4:30 P.M. on the Thursdays before each monthly Town Board meeting; as specified at the January organizational meeting.
Monthly Town Board Meetings are normally scheduled for every third Wednesday of each month and start at 7 P.M. The 2013 meeting dates are: January 16, February 13, March 20, April 17, May 15, June 19, July 17, August 21, September 18, October 16, November 20, and December 18.
As for the Comptroller being temporary:
The Town Comptroller appointment is through 12/31/2013 with possibility of reappointment in 2014 for a two year term.
I think he was referring to the "May 7" meeting of the Ethics Board and the April 18, 2012 hearing date. The links are up on the Town's home page.
DeleteDear Anonymous 7:54AM,
ReplyDeleteMy, my - it seems my comments have brought out someones nasty little temper. I kind of get the feeling it's someone who had an unsuccessful run for the Town Board and is looking for someone to blame. I suggest looking in the mirror.
As to the allegation of campaigning at the transfer staten, it didn't happen. If you want to accuse me of spending 5 nights a week, 3 or 4 hours a night for over a month, makinging calls from Democratic HQ....guilty as charged.
Dear friend, if you want to insist I campaigned at the transfer station, confront me with the proof. I'd love to talk to you face to face any time. Oh, and you won't have to fear any retribution or calls to your boss or whatever you're afraid of.
This will be my last response. If you have issues with me, let's get together and discuss them or you can continue to hide behind "anonymous" and take a free shot at me. Whatever gets you through the day,
Am I the only person who does not know who Joe LaMountain is? From what I am reading, I assume he works at the dump. Sounds like a good place to campaign.
ReplyDeleteWhy are the dems letting Malone take over the party? I understand some are getting old and tired (as am I), but come on, MALONE.
ReplyDeleteHe's no better or worse than the Republicans putting Defruscio in as the leader. Pick your poison.
DeleteYou want to talk about incompetent or criminal behavior? Look no further than Defruscio. Has anyone seen Martha Andiego lately?
8:50 AM, I agree with you. Malone and Defruscio are like two peas in a pod. The only thing either man should be running is a 200 yd race. The thing is, I don't think we can put the Martha Andiego situation in the same catagory as having your Notary License LEGALLY taken away. After saying that, my belief is that neither should be in charge of anything! It just goes to show how low both parties will stoop!
DeleteHe didn't have it taken away, it was suspended for 6 months. He has it back and has been using it again , legally, for over a year.
DeleteDefruscio is only walking around smiling because Toni Murphy chose to not press criminal charges, against the advice of ALOT of people.
And yet Defruscio continues to bash and demean her almost daily. You may not like Phil Malone but lets not minimize Defruscios mischief either.
Thats not true, Toni and Chris have put the past behind them and are actually friends again. Chris speaks very good about Toni and justifiably so. Tony is a very good person.
DeleteI spoke with Toni as recently as yesterday - what your trying to say is false! They are NOT friends, he has NOT apologized , and clearly, he has not put the past behind him. He continues to attempt to destroy her reputation - ( anonymously) as if we all didn't know it was him !
Delete2:13 Anon. I suspect it may be you attempting to do all you are claiming. Stop trying to drag Toni into all this blogging she doesn't bother anyone.
DeleteYour attempt to defend Defruscio is somewhat honorable, lies and all. Nice try though. Chris never apologized , and he hasn't spoken one word to her in months. FACT !
Delete6:44 Anon.. You seem to know so much. Why don't you tell us when she is going to pay back all the money she owes the town following the OSC audit.
DeleteFACT !
This current string illustrates perfectly what is wrong with our town and what our town really needs.
ReplyDeleteNeither the current Democratic or Republican leadership is about what is best for our town and for taxpayers.
Rather both present political parties are only about the power to appoint family and friends to positions at taxpayer expense.
Phil Malone and Chris DeFruscio are both political thugs. Neither is smart enough to do what we need done.
We desperately need non partisan, new and visionary leaders.
Jack Conway would certainly get my vote. There might be others like Jack. We'll see when we get closer to November.
11:42AM Oh you are so right. I understand there was one person against Defruscio taking over the repub party. Is this correct?
ReplyDeleteto 2:54 pm What did Defruscio do to Toni Murphy?
ReplyDeleteToni Murphy received $40,200 between 2007-2011 in the form of "IMPROPER" compensation during that period. This information has been obtained from the "Office of the New York State Comptroller " (OSC) identifying these monies that were paid to her, that she willingly accepted. Yes, your tax dollars paid for it.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure there will be some who will want to spin this whole issue to protect their sweet little political vote getter, with the always innocent sweet little smile. Sorry, the State Comptroller doesn't spin, and could care less about her popularity.
Take it up with Thomas P. DiNapoli your New York State Comptroller.
YOU PAID FOR IT !!
Check it out. Pages 14& 15 of the OSC Audit pretty clearly spells It out. Toni Murphy owes the
ReplyDeletetaxpayers of this Town some money. Just another example of Malone, O'Brien, & Mangold looking out for their own, instead of the taxpayers of the town. Lets not forget about McCabe. Looks like he owes the town a some money also. M.O.M. hard at work sweeping this one under the carpet. Hard to distinguish between the meaning of MOM being "Malone, O'Brien, Mangold", or just "More Of McCabe".
At the end of the story it all spells MOM !!
Keith has carefully read and analyzed the OSC Audit and has developed a plan to get all that money back WITH INTEREST.
DeleteAll we have to do is trust in Keith. He is the one bright light shining in Town Hall.
We found that the practice of paying stipends has ceased. We encourage Town officials to continue
ReplyDeleteto implement the existing internal controls to prevent any improper future payment of stipends. In
addition, the Town Board should consult with legal counsel and determine if the stipends should be
recouped."
OK- exactly where does it say she owes money?
Read Page 15 - right at the top.
ReplyDeleteAlso listed on pages 15 and 16 as receiving unauthorized money is Former Supervisor Rick McCabe, who is currently serving as Current Supervisor Keith Langley's financial consultant.
ReplyDeleteYou just can't make this stuff up.
Make it up? Not necessary. There's enough political fodder in this Town to last a lifetime. On BOTH sides of the political aisle !
DeleteHey, I like Langley - spill the beans - what plan?
ReplyDeleteAnd Budget Buster - Where is McCabe named Langley's "financial consultant"?
Can you say delusional?
8:09pm-
DeleteI don't know anything about Langley's plan. I'd be very surprised if he had one.
Take a look at the Times Union link at the top of this page for info about the Langley-McCabe consultancy.
The reporter writing McCabe is now working as a consultant with current Town Supervisor Keith Langley, who started in January, to attempt to improve the situation. doesn't make him official or a financial consultant
ReplyDeleteO for Pete's sake. Re-read the article McCabe is clearly speaking in an official capacity for Langley. Why don't you ask Langley why he had McCabe talk to the TU reporter for him instead of just talking to the reporter himself. Do you think the reporter just happened to pick McCabe as the person to speak on Langley's behalf out of 17,000 town residents? It's simple, Langley is terrified to answer questions from anyone who doesn't live on Langley Lane.
Delete