B. APPLICABILITY OF PDD REGULATIONS
Within pages 12 - 16 of Clough Harbor Associates' PDD application to the Town of East Greenbush will be fought the next and final battle of the Great Casino War. As in all wars, this one has many elements. It started with secret negotiations between East Greenbush investors/operatives and Saratoga Gaming and Raceway representatives. Strategic objectives in place, tactical plans were drawn up within Supervisor Langley's office during the late days of April 2014 and throughout the months of May and June. It was here that battlefield general James "Feathers" launched a series of coordinated attacks with the help of the entire Town Board.
These attacks included a strong propaganda campaign of mailers, lawn signs, social media, purchased radio time with AM 1300's Paul Vandenburgh and Town spokespersons Ed Gilbert and Sue Mangold, robo-phone calls, carefully timed press releases, phony fronts such as pretend job and vendor fairs, a less than slick public presentation with Churchill Downs reps at Columbia High School, quietly dispositioned one-on-one visits with key supporting arms leaders such as County Executive Kathleen Jimino, EG Superintendent of Schools Dr. Angela Nagle and Board of Education Chairman Dr. Shay Harrison, very public visits with Albany Mayor Sheehan (legalized "bribery") costing Feathers $10 million for nothing more than a non-exclusive signature of support, and critical local business support from Linda Hillman, President and CEO of the Rensselaer County Chamber of Commerce.
Hillman is a quietly powerful and efficient element of the type needed on any successful general's staff. In 2011 Ms. Hillman was Gov. Cuomo's appointment to the Capital Region Economic Development Council, "...helping the relationships between State government and business to stimulate economic development and foster job growth."
Alongside Ms. Hillman stood the Chamber's Board Chairman Dan Slote, broker at NAI Platform, the local real estate giant able to flip the Thompson Hill casino site lands almost overnight for more than twice what NAI paid, providing a stable NAI platform on which the casino could be built. From Kenneth Crowe's 4/24/14 Times Union story:
"Two parcels at the north end of Thompson Hill Road at the intersection of State Route 4 were sold by Richard B. Lynd to Village at Thompson Hill, LLC. This company, which is affiliated with Platform Realty Group, then sold the acreage to Greenbush GB Associates, Inc. James Featherstonhaugh of Saratoga Casino is listed as the manager of Greenbush GB. Lynd sold the residence on a 2.75-acre lot at 102 Thompson Hill Road for $390,000, according to the deed. Village at Thompson Hill then sold it to Greenbush GB for $900,000.
Lynd, through his Red House Farm Inc., also sold the adjacent 61.22 acres for $450,000. Village at Thompson Hill sold this parcel to Greenbush GB for $1.1 million. Greenbush GB borrowed $3 million from Village at Thompson Hill for the two parcels, according to a mortgage filed at the county clerk's office. The filing of the deeds came as Saratoga Casino representatives met with Rensselaer County Executive Kathleen Jimino and her staff, and gave plans for the estimated $300 million project to the town of East Greenbush."
Using the military's KISS rule (Keep It Simple, Stupid) it looks like this: Lynd sold to Platform (brokered by Dan Slote) who then lent $3 million to Greenbush GB LLC (Feathers) so that Saratoga Gaming could buy the casino land at more than twice what Platform had just paid for it. Why would anyone do that? Because Feather's power and connections make a 1-in-4 chance for a local casino license look more like 60 - 40 in his mind ( from May 2014 Town Hall meeting notes between Feathers and the East Greenbush Town Board).
Other Chamber Board members offering support- Carrie Hillenbrandt, of BBL Hospitality. From the PDD application we learn the following: "Moreover, a hotel partnership has been established with BBL Hospitality, with overflow guests directed to BBL’s hotels in East Greenbush; the Holiday Inn Express and Residence Inn."
Also on Board with the Chamber, so to speak: Robert Horan, Schodack Superintendent of Schools, which submitted an unambiguous letter of support for the casino in Capital View's submission package.
So you see, the whole campaign has been carefully orchestrated to swoon public officials and sway public opinion. Feathers and friends won the battle for public officials almost immediately. The only ammunition he needed were promises of tax revenues and jobs. But as they say, the first casualty in any war is the truth, and jobs have already been sunk in the sea of politics and revenues are likely to step on the land mines of market saturation.
The trench war for public opinion hasn't even been close. Anti-casino forces rule the battlefield. Every public engagement since May has seen us route pro-casino forces handily.
That leaves only one battle yet to fight: zoning, and the interpretation of the Gaming Law's Section 1366 language: Does the PDD need special zoning approval for casino amenities like bars, restaurants, and a hotel, or are these things inherently and inseparably part of the Casino itself, which carries with it the impenetrable body armor of the Gaming Act: Casinos are legal, we need them, and the law allows the state to put them wherever the state deems best in order to accomplish the primary mission of raising money, heavy societal casualties be damned.
Who will decide that final battle? We may have found out at the last Town Board meeting, Resolution 109-2014, in the 6th Whereas:
Whereas, the aforementioned Zoning Law also provides pursuant to Section 4.2.3 that the Zoning Board of Appeals of the Town of East Greenbush has the authority to interpret any provision of the Zoning Law about which there is uncertainty, lack of understanding or misunderstanding, ambiguity or disagreement, which would include whether the proposed site for a Planned Development District meets the requirements of Zoning Law Section 2.9.4. (D), and...
There it is. One of the more contentious, politicized and convoluted pieces of legislation in the history of New York State, and certainly the most contentious issue in the history of East Greenbush, will ultimately be decided by an all-powerful Zoning Board of Appeals, whose forte is traditionally more along the lines of small business signage, above-ground pool fencing, and backyard storage sheds.
Still think you don't have to enlist in this fight?
Within pages 12 - 16 of Clough Harbor Associates' PDD application to the Town of East Greenbush will be fought the next and final battle of the Great Casino War. As in all wars, this one has many elements. It started with secret negotiations between East Greenbush investors/operatives and Saratoga Gaming and Raceway representatives. Strategic objectives in place, tactical plans were drawn up within Supervisor Langley's office during the late days of April 2014 and throughout the months of May and June. It was here that battlefield general James "Feathers" launched a series of coordinated attacks with the help of the entire Town Board.
These attacks included a strong propaganda campaign of mailers, lawn signs, social media, purchased radio time with AM 1300's Paul Vandenburgh and Town spokespersons Ed Gilbert and Sue Mangold, robo-phone calls, carefully timed press releases, phony fronts such as pretend job and vendor fairs, a less than slick public presentation with Churchill Downs reps at Columbia High School, quietly dispositioned one-on-one visits with key supporting arms leaders such as County Executive Kathleen Jimino, EG Superintendent of Schools Dr. Angela Nagle and Board of Education Chairman Dr. Shay Harrison, very public visits with Albany Mayor Sheehan (legalized "bribery") costing Feathers $10 million for nothing more than a non-exclusive signature of support, and critical local business support from Linda Hillman, President and CEO of the Rensselaer County Chamber of Commerce.
Hillman is a quietly powerful and efficient element of the type needed on any successful general's staff. In 2011 Ms. Hillman was Gov. Cuomo's appointment to the Capital Region Economic Development Council, "...helping the relationships between State government and business to stimulate economic development and foster job growth."
Alongside Ms. Hillman stood the Chamber's Board Chairman Dan Slote, broker at NAI Platform, the local real estate giant able to flip the Thompson Hill casino site lands almost overnight for more than twice what NAI paid, providing a stable NAI platform on which the casino could be built. From Kenneth Crowe's 4/24/14 Times Union story:
"Two parcels at the north end of Thompson Hill Road at the intersection of State Route 4 were sold by Richard B. Lynd to Village at Thompson Hill, LLC. This company, which is affiliated with Platform Realty Group, then sold the acreage to Greenbush GB Associates, Inc. James Featherstonhaugh of Saratoga Casino is listed as the manager of Greenbush GB. Lynd sold the residence on a 2.75-acre lot at 102 Thompson Hill Road for $390,000, according to the deed. Village at Thompson Hill then sold it to Greenbush GB for $900,000.
Lynd, through his Red House Farm Inc., also sold the adjacent 61.22 acres for $450,000. Village at Thompson Hill sold this parcel to Greenbush GB for $1.1 million. Greenbush GB borrowed $3 million from Village at Thompson Hill for the two parcels, according to a mortgage filed at the county clerk's office. The filing of the deeds came as Saratoga Casino representatives met with Rensselaer County Executive Kathleen Jimino and her staff, and gave plans for the estimated $300 million project to the town of East Greenbush."
Using the military's KISS rule (Keep It Simple, Stupid) it looks like this: Lynd sold to Platform (brokered by Dan Slote) who then lent $3 million to Greenbush GB LLC (Feathers) so that Saratoga Gaming could buy the casino land at more than twice what Platform had just paid for it. Why would anyone do that? Because Feather's power and connections make a 1-in-4 chance for a local casino license look more like 60 - 40 in his mind ( from May 2014 Town Hall meeting notes between Feathers and the East Greenbush Town Board).
Other Chamber Board members offering support- Carrie Hillenbrandt, of BBL Hospitality. From the PDD application we learn the following: "Moreover, a hotel partnership has been established with BBL Hospitality, with overflow guests directed to BBL’s hotels in East Greenbush; the Holiday Inn Express and Residence Inn."
Also on Board with the Chamber, so to speak: Robert Horan, Schodack Superintendent of Schools, which submitted an unambiguous letter of support for the casino in Capital View's submission package.
So you see, the whole campaign has been carefully orchestrated to swoon public officials and sway public opinion. Feathers and friends won the battle for public officials almost immediately. The only ammunition he needed were promises of tax revenues and jobs. But as they say, the first casualty in any war is the truth, and jobs have already been sunk in the sea of politics and revenues are likely to step on the land mines of market saturation.
The trench war for public opinion hasn't even been close. Anti-casino forces rule the battlefield. Every public engagement since May has seen us route pro-casino forces handily.
That leaves only one battle yet to fight: zoning, and the interpretation of the Gaming Law's Section 1366 language: Does the PDD need special zoning approval for casino amenities like bars, restaurants, and a hotel, or are these things inherently and inseparably part of the Casino itself, which carries with it the impenetrable body armor of the Gaming Act: Casinos are legal, we need them, and the law allows the state to put them wherever the state deems best in order to accomplish the primary mission of raising money, heavy societal casualties be damned.
Who will decide that final battle? We may have found out at the last Town Board meeting, Resolution 109-2014, in the 6th Whereas:
Whereas, the aforementioned Zoning Law also provides pursuant to Section 4.2.3 that the Zoning Board of Appeals of the Town of East Greenbush has the authority to interpret any provision of the Zoning Law about which there is uncertainty, lack of understanding or misunderstanding, ambiguity or disagreement, which would include whether the proposed site for a Planned Development District meets the requirements of Zoning Law Section 2.9.4. (D), and...
There it is. One of the more contentious, politicized and convoluted pieces of legislation in the history of New York State, and certainly the most contentious issue in the history of East Greenbush, will ultimately be decided by an all-powerful Zoning Board of Appeals, whose forte is traditionally more along the lines of small business signage, above-ground pool fencing, and backyard storage sheds.
Still think you don't have to enlist in this fight?
One has to wonder if, when they turned the "bus" over to Feathers and Company, our Town players really knew what was happening. So much of what has gone down in this fiasco is just mindless and irresponsible.
ReplyDeleteI'd say that Feathers' people are writing a whole lot of our Town Board's resolutions. Starting with that one back on April 16th. Right Keith? I think I know who brought it to you.
ReplyDeleteGovernment is supposed to be of the people, for the people, and by the people. By excluding "the people" from the process, this administration has doomed itself to failure.
ReplyDeleteWe're well on the way to being sold out into a "West Virginia company town," only it's slots instead of coal. I hope there is a special place in Hell for those who are trying to do this to us. Nothing Feathers wants more than a government he can run where his business saving operation is. Chris and Keith and Kathy and Rich, you sold us down the river. And that special place is for you, and Feathers. A sauna turned up real high for all of you - together, forever.
DeleteRosie, we learned in the Sunday TU today (see A3) that voters in the neighboring state of Mass. are deciding in Nov whether to repeal the 2011 law that would enable casinos to be built in their state. People there are fighting this tooth and nail because of the overall failing health of the casino industry as brought to us by reputable ratings firms like Moodys and Fitch. Please go to the SaveEastGreenbush website to see what you can do to join the fight to keep a casino out of our town.
ReplyDeleteMoney, power and influence are pushing for a casino on Thompson Hill. The residents are pushing back and don't want it. It's the wrong site in the wrong town at the wrong time. If the Zoning Board of Appeals approves a change in zoning it will override the town's Comprehensive Plan, Generic Environmental Impact Statement, the Zoning Ordinance, the Route 4 Corridor Study and every decision made by the town board, planning board and zoning board over the last ten years. These documents were created by the collective will of the people of this town through public hearings, board resolutions, and technical studies. A decade of precedents and careful decisions will be swept aside for the convenience of ten or fifteen people who stand to make serious money.
ReplyDeleteHow does this happen? Money, power and influence are used to manufacture consent but this can only be achieved by convincing people that they're acting in their best interest. Jobs? By the thousands. Revenue? In the tens of millions. Devastating poverty? Alleviated. All problems solved, all boats rising, all good all the time. But in this town people started to do their homework and we didn't like what we found. We found that more problems are created than solved, more revenue lost than gained in the long run, more poverty created than alleviated. Don't be naïve. Feathers knows the truth. The land speculators know the truth. Their co-conspirators at the Chamber of Commerce know the truth. But none of them care because they literally will be laughing all the way to the bank.
The challenge I would make to residents who still support this greed grab is to agree to a Town Hall (not Town Board) meeting and let's have a residents' forum in which we discuss the pros and cons of this project. Has anyone heard a substantive response to the issues raised by Save East Greenbush? We've heard people regurgitate the PR nonsense about jobs and revenue but has anyone on the pro-casino side addressed what they will do about the negative impacts that have accompanied every new casino in the history of the industry? Denial isn't a response. Let's hear some substance because if we don't, it will be clear the consent of these people has been artificially manufactured by the few people who will profit and the rest of us be damned.
Jack,
ReplyDeleteGreat piece! I would just like to add. Cuomo started the whole casino thing to help alleviate poverty, but where in EG do we have poverty? Most likely 10 years after the casino we will have it.
The promise of jobs! What is unemployment in EG? I'm not sure of the exact number, but it is much lower than places such as Rensselaer, albany, Troy. With that said, how come every other community is being promised jobs except the residents of EG? Not that I would want my kids working at a casino anyways.
Revenue, We are being promised money in EG, but that money cannot be guaranteed. With statements like, could be used, or might be used, or might generate, misleading to say the least. But what really gets me about the revenue is when they just hand over $11 million dollars to the city of albany. We in EG get the brunt of everything, but Albany gets handed a check for their blessing.
This has been a disaster since the beginning has only been getting worse and worse as it has gone on. The unethical practices of certain people to be bought and paid for is going to effect this town for years to come.
We need to send a clear message to all of these people involved from Cuomo to Jimino, to all of the EG town board members, and vote them out. Sorry I now sound like the fanatic on route 4, but he does have the right idea.
People have an opportunity to do so right now
ReplyDeleteHere is your chance to vote and let them know right now
Vote on Sept 9 -Democratic Primary- for Teachout--vote Cuomo out
A vote for Teachout (and she doesn't really need that many) is a vote against
the casino
We need to repeal the November 2013 Proposition 1 vote (only 15% of the state voted anyway) which changed our NYS constitution which now allows casinos in our state and TRUMPS any local or state (zoning etc) law
Casino developers don't need planning boards, zoning boards, SEQRA, town boards, American voters, to get what they want. Cuomo has even set in place a gaming board with men who are indebted to him.
Vote him out now on Sept 9--Vote Teachout
Anony @ 1:53 p.m. some of your information is absolutely incorrect. Had a majority of town board members voted NO to the casino back in April, it would have stopped the process dead in it's tracks but our seriously ill-informed supervisor Keith Langley was lobbying hard for this right along with Rich Crist and Jimmy Feathers, so it happened. Had a majority of town board members voted NO as recently as 8/20/14 to refer the PDD application to the Planning Board, it also would have stopped the process dead in its tracks. So please understand that the siting of a casino in EG absolutely needs Planning, Zoning, and Town Board approval. Although I agree with you 100% that Cuomo needs to go, it is imperative that we keep the facts straight so as not to mislead people. The next big decision will come from the Gaming Commission in November. Meanwhile, residents need to register to speak at the public hearings being held by the state on 9/22/14. For more information about how to register, please go to the NYS Gaming Commission's website.
ReplyDeleteWe need to remember over and over again that Langley, DeFruscio, Crist and Feathers and his staff conspired to exclude the citizens of East Greenbush from the process of the casino initiative. It's all here in the notes I FOIL'ed from the secret meetings.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.scribd.com/doc/230268389/East-Greenbush-FOIL-Request-on-Casino-Meetings
Notice that the people there are Langley, Langley's staff, Feather's PR staff, and sometimes DeFruscio and Crist. Notice that the Board is brought in for individual meetings with Feathers to avoid the problems of the Open Meetings Law. All designed to subvert public awareness and activity. Who owns this town anyway? Langley and Feathers.....I'd say Feathers is close. Got some real dumb people in charge, and they need to be removed. We're in trouble because DeF and Langley couldn't drive the bus. Now Feathers is. How's that going to work out?
I am now quite sure that Def. And Langley are incompetent.
DeleteI had thought Def. was simply immature and Langley clearly is the wrog perso for the job, but after all this Casio tom-foolery, I am now completely positive that those two are simply incompetent and ignorant of their responsibilities and public duties !
Jim C.---Agreed. Cuomo started the casino issue as a way to alleviate poverty in economically depressed areas. For some reason Supervisor Langley in his navy blue blazer and his beast of burden, Mr, Ed, (2 of the 3 Stooges) are trying very hard to give the impression that EG is impoverished. Unfortunately for Langley and his beast of burden, Mr. Ed, the facts discredit them. EG is #40 in the State's affluence ranking. Rensselaer is #437 and the City of Schenecatdy is #814. EG has no business changing anything, including zoning, for a project in which we do not even meet the economic criteria set by the NYS. Yet, Langley and beats of burden, model of the sweater vest, keep ignoring the facts. Research and studying facts--what a concept to the Three Stooges, especially beast of burden Mr. Ed.
ReplyDeleteMr. Ed--note to you--Langley is using you to do his dirty work and if you don't believe it, inquire with some of the "insiders". Stooge 3, Def, is aware of it and encouraging it. The rumors you hear are true, you are being used to be the beast of burden and carry their message. You're taking the hits and you're being the simp for them. Stop being such a pathetic servant and stop groveling for Langley and Def's attention! It is sad. Read the facts and statistics and read what the NYS criteria is for a casino. Do your own research and stop lapping up the scraps from the other 2 Stooges.
It is quite possible that what the casino developers have been trying to sell as the cure for East Greenbush's fantacy "financial distress" (which has been bought by 4 fifths of the Board) could turn into a financial millstone for East Greenbush in the near future. Take a look at this link:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-09-03/atlantic-city-s-casino-closings-squeeze-homeowners-muni-credit.html
This is why the "homework" which has NOT been done by our Board is so important. Langley, DeFruscio and their followers have their heads in the sand - refusing to listen to the lessons of current events going on around them in real time. How smart is that?
I think the most undeniable fact in this entire mess is simple.
DeleteLangley and his advisor, Defruscio, are way out of their league here. Between them, they probably don't possess enough of ability to handle a high profile issue such as the potential for a Casino in East Greenbush.
The entire proposal has been mishandled from the very beginning and the lying and cover-up to hide their inadequacies has been phenomenal to say the least.
In the middle of all this, SWF takes control of the Town Board and the quick sand becomes more potent and the mischief is clearly more than Langley can hide.
Defruscio is totally incapable of speaking intelligently to any issue, let alone something as colossal as the Casino Debacle. He and his mutt Tirino have made fools of themselves in public weekly and people have lost faith in the Supervisor at a rate never before seen.
Such a unnecessary mess.....for shame Mr. Supervisor.
The intellectual inadequacies of DeFruscio and Langley provided an opportunity for Feathers and Company to take advantage. As a result, Feathers is driving the bus in East Greenbush. DeFruscio, Langley, Tirino, and Gilbert just "glazed over" in the presence of Rita and her friends. Really tragic that municipal decisions are made this way.
DeleteThe behavior of Langley, DeFruscio and Gilbert is consistent with how they acted after Langley was first elected. Those of us involved in Reform issues were taken aside (Gilbert's back yard, DeFruscio's basement and the Gateway Diner in my case) and basically told "no criticism and shut up." It's the behavior of those who don't know what government is about. And it's the mind-set which made them so vulnerable to the efforts of Feathers and Company. That's why Feathers is now driving the bus and the "triumvirate" is now sucking lots of air.
ReplyDeleteMary Ann's not done. She's shown the ability to break free from the machine, and she's demonstrated the courage to ask questions. The County and local machine has shown up as a pack of ignorant cowards.
I'd be willing to wager a bet that any 65 out of 100 Town residents now firmly believe that Langley is completely incapable of leading the Town.
ReplyDeleteHis dalliances with Defruscio and Gilbert have basically rendered him useless and worthless to the average taxpayer in East Greenbush.
Anyone care to disagree?
Whistling is correct. Langley is headed for the biggest landslide loss in the political history of East Greenbush in November, 2015.
ReplyDeleteHow about a public showing of support for Mary Ann Matters. Let her see that we are proud of her for supporting the people of East Greenbush. How about we put together a political action committee that gives her a war chest so she can stay in the game. So she can be an independent voice of East Greenbush. Give her the uplifting spirit she needs to fight for us. Perhaps a luncheon or even a get together at the town hall the night of another meeting. We can give her our support and money. By our numbers the ignorant in charge will see we mean business. She will give us her support as well.
ReplyDeleteAnony 3:39 pm, Agreed, but there's no rush. She doesn't run again for three years. Let's see how she represents the Town over the next couple of years. If she remains an independent voice, I'm all for it. Remember, Langley and the SWF Advertiser campaign articles. I just don't want to be fooled again.
ReplyDeleteBut what scares Langley the most will not be the support for Mary two years from now but on the day the town makes their pitch to the state in the open forum. Imagine that will get a lot more press. It will really piss off Langley and give the people the voice they want. Hey remember everyone loved Obama in 08. Now not so much. Give her the support now and Langley loses his power and things return to the way they are suppose to be in East Greenbush.
ReplyDelete@ 7:58 PM- Langley loses his power if Mary Ann supports an open and transparent government agenda. The more people learn the reasons behind Langley's deliberately secretive policies, they more they will realize Langley is only working for himself and DeFruscio. Mary Ann needs to take the next two years to establish a good government voting record. She is finally off to a good start.
ReplyDeleteLangley/DeFruscio/Gilbert have already lost the game - because it was the governing "style" - the intimidation - that made Ms. Matters bolt. You can't run government for the long haul with that kind of activity. It's the style of dictators, and when you read history you find that most don't last that long. Those who do, have a lot more in the noggin that the folks we're talking about. Mary Ann can take her time and establish a record of standing for good competent government, and we'll see the "boys" freaking out at every turn. They won't know how to operate in that environment.
ReplyDeleteShe won't have the power to change things if we don't show our support. It will be our support now that will give her the power to change for the better. Stand up for her. If you see her, tell her we have your back. The bullies will win if she thinks no one is there for her.
ReplyDeleteHow much longer before State and Federal investigators step in to take a look at the Langley/DeFruscio operation. Word on the street is that public sector auditors are heading to Town Hall later this month to take a look at some missing funds the SWF crew can't seem to account for.
ReplyDelete@ 9:07 AM- Agreed. Mary Ann should certainly be congratulated and supported for beginning to listen to all of her constituents, instead of just Langley and DeFruscio. The possibility for real, lasting change for the better will be greatly enhanced when Keith Langley is no longer the Town Supervisor.
ReplyDeleteLangley and Gilbert bully. Unfortunately they bully like a couple of 5 year boys with doodles and immature words. It is so pitiful that those 2 believe coercion and intimidation lead to success. History has shown that strategy leads to resentment and an overthrow by the people.
ReplyDeleteKeith is "talking to" some of the Dem Cmt members. He has every right to agree to a cross endorsement for his own selfish wants. That being said, Keith and Elroy certainly cannot accuse Mary Ann of betrayal. In addition, there has been no bigger betrayal than the betrayal Keith has shown to those who voted for him (thankfully I was not a Keith supporter from the beginning but I feel badly for those that fell for his load of bunk). Keith has a history of treating women poorly and has issues with women that question him. That ugly behavior permeates from his paranoia.
Elroy G--you can threaten to withhold the Republican Cmt endorsement, via Chris Def, from anyone, and their spouse, that disagrees with you 3. You can threaten that all day long. The fact is anyone can primary your dictator. Doodle all you like, a cross endorsement for Keith means nothing because we can run whomever we like. And we like a candidate that is not afraid to answer questions and does not cower when approached by someone that opposes him. And we like a candidate that does not require a beast of burden to carry out his dirty work. And we like a candidate that treats women fairly and equally that is, if the candidate is a man rather than a woman because believe it or not, women can run for Supervisor. I'm no feminist but when a man cannot be civil and polite to a woman, he is a bum. Plain and simple, a bum. As for yourself Elroy G--you are someone I feel sorry for. You don't have the intestinal fortitude to stand on your own and you hide behind Keith and his navy blue blazer. Your humor is that of a 5 year old and what kind of example does that set for your family. It is just so pathetic. You grovel for any scraps of "authority" Keith and Chris throw your way. It's just so sad to witness.
Dear unposted anonymous.....I'm not going to put anything up about specific harassment issues. Let's just say, I hope they go to court.
ReplyDeleteAnd we like a candidate that researches the issues the Town is dealing with; research the issues. Clearly the casino was not researched and it has already cost the Town money in Public Hearings and additional meetings that required staffing/manpower and utilities as well as law enforcement. The casino has already cost taxpayers and we don't even know if it is being approved for EG. It is so pitiful. Waste our money while you doodle.
ReplyDeleteJust looked at the EG Matters blog. Someone is off the charts mad at her saying terrible things abt her that are too wild to be true. What this tells me is that the administrators of that blog know nothing about how to work with someone professionally and respectfully. She said in the paper that a "republican drone" threatened her with "political repercussions" if she didn't vote the way they want her to. Seriously? They tried to usurp her vote and now they're attacking her on a blog for walking away from them? Are they nuts? Is this the twilight zone? Sorry guys but threatening a public official means screw you. If you worked so hard to get her elected then you should have treated her better after she took office. Who do you clowns think you are? She's not the only one who burned a bridge. So did you! So take down that stupid blog and take your lumps like men.
ReplyDeleteThat blog is nothing but a nasty reminder how childish people can be. I have greatly appreciated this blog and even the facebook page, it has been about mature conversations. When a pro casino person has commented on the page, it was nice to see mature conversations back and forth. It is has been sad to see what this has done to our town, but what's even more sad is how the adults of our town have acted. What a horrendous example this is setting for our youth! I do not recommend anyone to take a look at that blog if they do not want to be frustrated. It honestly looks like a bunch of snotty teenagers throwing immature accusations and comments. I don't know if anyone has seen the movie "Mean Girls", but good Lord this blog is "Mean Adults" and is unsettling the level of maturity. What's even more unsettling is knowing that some of our town employees are apart of it.
DeleteUnfortunately this is the state of the 'Net now, Anonymous. People ("Anonymously" in many cases) feel entitled to be as vicious, condescending, mean spirited and rude to whatever degree pleases them. It is quite amazing what the shield of a computer and an IP address provides for these miscreants. But don't expect manners to make their way back to the mainstream any time soon. That's just not happenin'. The online world is definitely a Me place. Are you surprised? Follow any blog or forum post and the vast majority seem to degenerate into flame wars and insults within a few posts of a simple, benign comment or even question in many cases. It boggles the mind, but apparently people are just not nice in general online. What does it all mean?
DeleteDon, thanks for picking and choosing what to publish. I learned some interesting things reading the blogs today but I had to slog thru a lot of childish, inappropriate nonsense to get at it. Like you, I hope that those who have been harmed by harassment are able prevail in their lawsuits. On that topic, I further hope that there will be a revisiting of the resolution ordering employee training for the officials and staff. It is very important that that TB members will favorably consider that and any other measure that will increase sensitivity and civility to Town Hall.
ReplyDelete.
I did look at Gilbert's blog...I find it truly offensive. How proud his wife and children must be!
ReplyDeleteIf Mary Ann Matters continues to show a good government record over the next 10 months or so, how about supporting her in a Republican Primary against Chris DeFruscio's "very good friend", Keith Langley? She'd have a whole lot of support from the many members of the Republican Party rank and file who are very tired of all of Chris DeFruscio's and Keith Langley's shenanigans.
ReplyDeleteMy Republican vote is for Matters. NO LANGLEY in 2015!!!
ReplyDeleteI like the Mary Ann Matters Primary idea. That would take out Langley and DeFruscio at the same time. Go For It Mary Ann.
ReplyDeleteA Mary Ann Matters run would certainly put that bully, Langley, in his place.
ReplyDeleteI am an Independent and my vote is for Mary Ann. Go for it, MAM.
ReplyDeleteI want everyone to know that the casino will go ahead in East Greenbush. A member of the county legislature told me that this is locked in all the way up to the state level legislature. They will make this happen because all the politicians are lined up behind them. I mean all the politicians. Trust me, I talked with Rensselaer and all they have behind them is the city and their one local legislator at the county level. Every politician is going to make money. Let's face it, how else does the board of supervisors in Saratoga and far off towns with no borders to either city give their approval to East Greenbush. Mayor Sheehan's bargain with Featherstone wasn't even for Albany. It is simple a way for her to build a war chest come election season and prevent everyone else from winning. She will use it to turn Albany into the next Tammany Hall and crown herself Boss Tweed.
ReplyDeleteThis is not a casino for the people. It is a casino for the politicians to make money. Matters woke up to it. You have to fight this abomination.
I would all East Greenbush voters to think about one thing...
ReplyDeleteThe people administering and posting to the new EG Matters blog are in leadership positions. In our town. Imagine that? We have immature juvenile delinquents making critical decisions for our town.
Langley, DeFruscio and Gilbert, and their families, should be embarrassed beyond words with the pure crap they are creating with that newest and most disgusting blog yet.
These are some sick dudes. Seriously, seriously sick.
For now, we must stay focused on getting over the casino hurdle. Our attention must not be diverted to anything else. This month, the applicants are pitching their proposals to the state, then it's the public's turn to speak. The public hearings held by the Gaming Commission will be the most important opportunity to speak since this casino nightmare started. We must file in like soldiers going to war and raise our voices loudly and clearly. The TV cameras will be there ready to capture EG's extreme opposition to this project for our town. Those in opposition will far out number those in favor. For more information abt registering to speak, go to the Gaming Commission's website.
ReplyDeleteAnony 6:46 p.m. You seem very sure of your information and, quite frankly, it's disconcerting but remember, it's not over 'til it's over. Keep the faith.
ReplyDeleteDear Gadfly:
ReplyDeleteI commend to your readers attentions the most recent posting on the Talks blog which asks if Supervisor "Langley is OUT OF CONTROL?"
It's a must read for all East Greenbush voters interested in open, transparent and responsible government.
Be well,
Tom
Anon. 6:46 I wouldn't put a lot of faith in the comments of one County Legislator. They really have little power and sometimes like to sound like they are more on the inside than they actually are. If Feathers was so "wired" why was he run out of Saratoga so easily. Ultimately, this issue may be decided in the courts. Between the incompetence of Langley and the way Saratoga has approached the project, they are bound to make enough legal mistakes to defeat themselves in court.
ReplyDeleteIt's true, this casino fiasco has been handled badly and extremely unprofessionally since day one. Business deals handled like this don't end well and they shouldn't!
ReplyDeleteVery interesting that Rita told the Gaming Commission today that East Greenbush would be ready to open in 18 months. I guess she forgot about a few things......including the opposition to the project.......just no idea about that.
ReplyDeleteWord on the street is that it was the "conflict of interest" owner on Thompson Hill who carried the water to Langley on the April 16th resolution. How about that for collusion?
ReplyDeleteIf you want a video of an oily little toad, take a look at this one....
ReplyDeletehttp://blog.timesunion.com/capitol/archives/220079/video-pro-con-from-casino-proposal-a-thon/?utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=twitterfeed
Feathers at his best.
Yesterday, Saratoga stated, if granted a license, they would be open in 18 months. How is that possible if SEQR was just started? Also, Rita Cox, when asked about the casino opposition, stated, "We don't know where that is coming from". That is a blatant lie. A lawsuit was filed and that states exactly where the opposition is coming from. The signed petitions have names and addresses on them. She knows exactly where the opposition is coming from. It is residents and TAX PAYERS of the Town. Whether you are for or against the casino, in this case Rita clearly lied about the opposition and that cannot be denied. Saratoga is lying their way through this process. First it was a $300 million facility, then it was cut in half in the number of rooms, floors and parking. Conflicts of interest they were fully aware of but ignored. Now they "don't know" where the opposition is coming from. Unethical from the start.
ReplyDeleteAnd Chris--you may want to control your little boys. You are the LAST one that should be playing games about skeletons. You are the LAST one that wants to see skeletons "hitting home". If you want to play, go ahead but be prepared. What the three of you (you along with EG and KL) should be doing is trying to glue the Town back together and work on a REAL preliminary budget. Any budget you three numb chucks design for 2015 cannot include casino revenue because you have no idea if that casino license will be approved for EG.
This Town has been turned into one giant clown car. The town's finances are mismanaged and are out of control and because of that a casino is eclipsing the Town and being touted as the financial savior. The Supervisor and Deputy Supervisor sit and doodle and regurgitate 3rd grade humor.
ReplyDeleteThey should be constructing A Financial Recovery Plan, a REAL one that does NOT include a casino because Detroit's plan was casino and it didn't work out so well for them. I wrote one in 2010 and publicized it in The Advertiser. It was based on a FRP a municipality in Pa had written and used and was successful...and there was no casino in their recovery plan.
THAT is what the Supervisor should be doing. Researching recovery plans, not doodling with his Deputy.
ONE GIANT CLOWN CAR!
Check this national article, EG is the proud owner of the number 2 spot, http://www.newsmax.com/US/cities-bankruptcy-after-detroit/2013/08/06/id/519081/.
Thank you to the woman that shared this article and included me in the distribution!
After reading that article again, http://www.newsmax.com/US/cities-bankruptcy-after-detroit/2013/08/06/id/519081/, and regurgitating that information from less than a year ago it seems even more important to note, Detroit DID have casinos. Casinos did not help Detroit. It makes that article's even more relevant and it's information current. We have the gift of history to see the outcome.
ReplyDeleteOur debt is not comprised of union pensions or health benefit programs under the unions. As that article states, EG debt is comprised of mismanaged funds and questionable payments to elected officials. Yet, even with that dubious ranking, EG is still ranked as #40 in the NYS affluence ranking.
EG is not casino territory. Not economically and certainly not by the NYS financial criteria.
Hey can we start a new post about the upcoming public comments for the casino and where and when it is going to be held?
ReplyDeleteLooks like his pro-casino vote didn't help Phil Malone. He lost to a write in candidate in the Independence Party Primary.
ReplyDeleteYou're next Supervisor Langley!!!!!
AnonymousSeptember 10, 2014 at 7:54 AM--In addition, can we include information regarding scheduling a time slot for EG residents to speak?
ReplyDelete