Not long ago, a member of the Town Board stated in an open meeting that the citizens of East Greenbush were getting too much power. Look at that statement in the context of the following definition.
ol·i·gar·chy
ˈäləˌɡärkē/
noun
noun: oligarchy; plural noun: oligarchies
- a small group of people having control of a country, organization, or institution.
"the ruling oligarchy of military men around the
president"
- a country governed by an oligarchy.
"the English aristocratic oligarchy of the 19th
century"
- government by oligarchy.
The political term, oligarchy, comes to English from the Greek with its meaning intact - a form of government run by a small number of people such as
the wealthy ...
An Oligarchy
is a form of government controlled by a group, council, or board of directors. Oligarchies typically have no constitution or charter.
Ring any bells? I heard a lot of talk and comment when the
casino initiative was first advanced by the Town Board that the Board was in
place and had every right to make the policy which would advance the casino
without “checking” with the electorate. But
if you take the time to think about it for a while, and apply the definition to
the way government seems to happen around here, I think you’d have to conclude
that East Greenbush is run by an
oligarchy. That recent comment by a
current Board member about citizens having too much power is the perfect
example – attributed to an oligarch. Makes me wonder about the content of Civics classes locally.
But if you throw into consideration the "evolution" of 1 Cooper Ave. and the illegal Plat approval for the Thompson Way development, it's easy to conclude on the Oligarchy argument. (See the link below for Dwight Jenkins' report on 1 Cooper Ave.)
https://eastgreenbushdreams.wordpress.com/2015/01/16/planning-and-zoning-boards-abolished-as-unnecessary/
Some of the same "players" are active in the Plat approval as in 1 Cooper. Some simple questions: how does a sewer connection happen during a moratorium on connections? How many kitchens are in a duplex with four front doors?
Who "owns" East Greenbush......the citizens, or the insiders?
The Board member who said that the citizens were getting too much power was Suzanne (Hart) Mangold,
ReplyDeleteIts obvious who runs East Greenbush and it surely is not the citizens!!!
ReplyDeleteSeems to me, that any honest elected official would welcome inpowerment by the people.
ReplyDelete"how does a sewer connection happen during a moratorium on connections?"
ReplyDeleteif you paid attention, you'd know that connections were allowed as mitigation progressed.
I believe that I have been paying attention, and the information I have at this point is that DEC knows nothing about this. If connections were allowed, what was the process which insured transparency and fairness?
DeleteIt is my further understanding that if the Town had issued a sewer connection permit during the moratorium, DEC would have a record of it. Could this mean that the connection was made without a Town issued permit?
DeleteGadfly, your understanding is absolutely correct. With the Sanitary Sewer Overflow Abatement and Elimination Plan and the 6th consent order being handed down by the DEC any new sewer connections during the moratorium would need approval by the DEC.
DeleteOtherwise 9:19 what in the world would be the point of the moratorium? What 9:19 mean to say was "if you paid attention AND HAD THE RIGHT LAST NAME, you'd know connections were allowed as mitigation progressed."
In addition, if they did not obtain approval than they violated the consent order as our town did with the 5th order handed down in '09 with over 50 new connections without approval, costing the town $15,000 in fines. Similar violations occured for the first 4 orders (2001, 2002, 2003, and 2006). If 1 Cooper Ave indeed was hooked up w/o approval than they should be responsible for any fines we could potentially incur.
Delete9:19 I think it is fairly obvious by now that people like you and others who purport to speak for the Town will no longer be believed unless your statements can be backed by hard facts - such as a document from DEC issuing approval for hook-ups during the moratorium. Plain and simple. So - where is your documentation? I don't think you have any.
ReplyDeleteIn fact - I know you don't have any.
All of you - those Town Board members and others who support secret deals and insider perks will have to dance to a different tune quite soon.
To quote a famous line from the movie Network - we're mad as hell and we're not gonna take it anymore.
In our representative democracy, there are national, state, county and local levels of government. Originally the system was maintained by what was called the "principle of subsidiarity," which in its simplest form meant that the lowest level of government should handle all functions within its capability. Over time, this principle was compromised as government became more centralized. The federal government has assumed vast powers and the state is not far behind. The idea behind the principle of subsidiarity was that democracy is best served when people are closest to their government and have real input into the way they are governed.
ReplyDeleteLocal government lost many of its powers over the years but its hallmark remains the right of residents to participate in the decisions that affect them. Other than voting every four years, it's hard to know how you can affect the federal government. But you should be able to attend a meeting at your local Town Hall and be heard. Since this is the level of government closest to the people it is the last line of defense for a truly representative democracy. If an oligarchy emerges at the local level what's lost is democracy itself.
The word 'represent' doesn't mean that we elect people and then they disappear behind closed doors and decide our fate. It means that we express our views and their job is to re-present those views by giving them official form in policies, programs and local laws. It is our government, not theirs. The residents cannot have too much power because it is our power that is being exercised, not theirs. Only they can have too much power. And right now they do. What we've learned in East Greenbush is that representative democracy is an endangered species. If our elected officials believe we only have the right to speak with our votes, than we need to make something very clear when we speak with our votes this year: we will only elect people who understand that our government belongs equally to all the people who live in this town.
Jack, I am often ticked pink with your viewpoints. The one above really stands out! I would love to hear it 5elivered on the campaign trail if you run.
DeleteHappy Easter to all the Gadflies and lurkers.
By the way, the "duplex" on Thompson Hill with four front doors has 4 electric meters on it. Looks like Dwight's "just do it" and roll over Zoning and Planning is right on target. And from the Board and the Building Inspector we get a wink and a nod.
ReplyDeleteA representative form of government cannot function without a participating electorate. If one reads the statistics it is alarming to see that year after year the number of people voting diminishes. Check the statistics for the last few years and you will note that this has happened in our Nation - State, County, and especially our local governments. There are a number of reasons why this happens.
ReplyDeleteI have voted every year since I was 21. (Showing my age - yes.) When I first settled in East Greenbush I always voted as a Democrat - since this was the party of my father. I just assumed everything was done according to the law. Little did I know - and it took years for me to realize that was not the case. The truth is appalling and what happens in this town is no different then in other municipalities but it is wrong.
The casino debacle showed us what can happen when the voters get fed up with the monkey-business and speak against the insiders and the machines. We have shown our power and those in "control" have felt the heat. We will not go back to the way things were.
Mr. Langley - you probably don't remember but I was at your campaign headquarters on election night. I'm sure you don't remember because I don't think you spoke to anyone but Chris DeFruscio. You don't remember that he did not elect you - the people did - and only because they didn't want Mr. McCabe. The day after you were elected you forgot who put you where you were.
Well - I'm sure you will remember the people who kick you out of office in November. You will learn the same lesson McCabe did - if you had only ruled by the law you would still be in office.
I just got a comment attacking someone my wife (Suzanne Aiardo) went to Law School with back in the '80's with an attempt to associate her comment with that. Just shows the level of panic in the machine camps. They are through, done, kaput. Can't you boys wake up and act like grownup adults in a civilized community?
ReplyDeleteNo, GF, they can't "wake up and act like grown-up adults in a civilized community" because they're not grown-ups or civilized. They prefer the old school method of promising jobs and bullying to negotiation, utilizing proper government accounting principles, compromise, and inclusion. Let's face it, we are not dealing with intelligent, sophisticated people here. We are dealing with political parasites who have no problem whatsoever with taking whatever they can get from unsuspecting taxpayers. It's about time that the intelligent, sophisticated people in the community, who have been complaining about government corruption for years, are finally stepping up to do something about it. Quite frankly, they should have joined forces with Rick Matters years ago! Clearly, complaining, even loudly, has fallen on deaf ears. The casino fiasco has taught us that the power IS with the people. The renegade Keith McLangley will find that out in eight short months.
ReplyDeleteNO MCLANGLEY, NO MALONE, NO MANGOLD 2016!
To the commenter who submitted at 12:19.......I'm not going to get into TA stuff except to say that Karma seems to work.
ReplyDeleteAt last month's board meeting, Ms. Matters moved to accept the withdrawal of the casino PDD and the tag-team bullying started right before our eyes! Malone started badgering her about WHY her resolution was needed and then he accused her of "grandstanding." Langley rolled his eyes, sighed loudly, and said her resolution "wasn't necessary." There was no intelligent, respectful, back and forth discussion between board members, just the two against one badgering. Matters is also being accused of pandering to residents by paying attention to us! Can you believe it? Langley, Malone, and Mangold think she is PANDERING to us! It could not possibly be that she is respecting the residents by listening to us and including us in the government process. Matters will be a target until the end of the year as they continue to pressure her to shut up. The bullying in EG town government, from the top down, is a disgrace.
ReplyDeleteI recently contacted MAM about a issue of concern and she listened and explaind that she did not agree giving a carefully thought out reason why. That is fine with me because she is reasonable. It is really too late for the other TB members. They"ve gone so low that none of them could possibly be successful in November. Anybody but the incumbant. ABI 2015
DeleteCheck this out, boys and girls. Makes me feel just "ducky!!!" Couldn't happen to a nicer guy. Karma again.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.bizjournals.com/albany/news/2015/04/06/net-winnings-decline-at-saratoga-racino.html?surround=etf&ana=e_article
I'm hearing that the DPW Commissioner/Supervisor want the street swept twice a day related to fill deliveries on Hayes Road. Way to go guys. We have internal controls on road dirt. But we have NO internal controls on illegal sewer connections, illegal Plat approvals, illegal expansions of duplexes into quadriplexes. That's why you and all your buddies are toast in November.
ReplyDeleteAnthony Corellis is an honest, hardworking and respected businessman in EG, which is exactly why they are tarring and feathering him on the Talks blog. True, Corellis is no DVW, which is why the men want DVW back. Corellis doesn't let them get away with nearly the goofing off allowed by DVW when he was there. DVW wasn't respected. His men took advantage of him every chance they got. Not so with Corellis. The town is fortunate to have him on the job. Anthony Corellis is one decision Langley actually got right.
ReplyDeleteIn the words of President Reagan, "Trust but Verify". I too see good in Mr. Corellis and if this Town could for once run as a Government and not a Political Patronage machine, we might keep a DPW Commish long enough to let him prove his worth. Corellis was great in this Town until someone decided they wanted someone else in that position, now all of a sudden he's "worthless" according to "them"??? Please check your source when trying to rely on "anonymous" claims and rants. Could simply be a disgruntled employee who has an ax to grind. I still recall the days when DPW guys were all AWOL under DVM "supervision". Langley couldn't find one of them anywhere within the Town boundaries. Corellis is suffering from a political witch hunt right now - try to stand by him by his results.
Delete11:04 PM- I thought Anthony Corellis was just another Chris DeFruscio stooge. Am I mistaken?
ReplyDelete4:23 p.m. Yes, you truly are mistaken in the case of Anthony Corellis. Mr. Corellis is his own man. He has never kissed up to Langley or anyone else and he never would. That's because he's a leader, not a wimp. When Deb and MA were elected, Langley and DeF literally begged Corellis to take the job. They knew he was the only one who could clean up the DPW and get the men working again for their wages, and he has done just that, which is why they mercilessly trash him on the Talks blog and want DVW back. Now Langley has turned on his own pick for DPW Commish because he wants boot licker Fiacco, who doubles as Langley's personal chauffeur all day long, to have the job. Guess Corellis isn't enough of a boot licker for Langley and that makes him twice the man that Danny boy will ever be.
DeleteLangley and corellis dont see eye to eye anymore because anthony wants them to work and langely wont side with anthony because he want to win the town workers over, for there votes and now likes fiacco as the new commish after all leon was head casino man hey by the way wheres his liquor store oh thats right the casino is gone.
ReplyDeleteLangley doesn't get it that the DPW guys would never vote for him! Langley is personally responsible for ending Dave VanWormer and for putting in Anthony Corellis. This cannot be forgiven. Meanwhile, poor delusional Langlost thinks he's now accepted by the Democrats as one of their own but, ahhh, no. "The-Langley-is-the-Langley" and that simply can't be changed. Therefore, he's nothing but a temporary squatter in town hall but only until he's bounced out and that can't happen fast enough for them.
DeleteMy comment at 6:59 was not about dirt on the road, but about the inconsistent and prejudiced application of control standards and laws in the Town. When you have the insiders getting Plat approvals without meetings and resolutions and sewer connections during a moratorium and duplexes turning into quads without interdiction - at the same time somebody gets jerked around about dirt in the road, there is a problem with competence, judgement and honesty. By the way, what happened to the fill?
ReplyDeleteCorrect, GF, there is a problem with competence, judgement and honesty but that gets pinned on the Supervisor who is supposed to set the gold standard for the town. Unfortunately, Langley sets the fool's gold standard and it shows!
ReplyDeleteThis last set of interchanges illustrates exactly what's sick about the management atmosphere in EG. Supervisors depend on employees for their job appointments or election. Therefore the potential supervisees cannot be supervised and managed. Throw in family and/or friends in either role, and you've got soup. Can anyone you know do a performance appraisal of any quality on a relative or friend or somebody whose friends can get together and throw you out of a job? The entire system is a joke which costs a lot of taxpayer money.
ReplyDeleteKeith Langley IS the gold standard for the Town.
ReplyDeleteHere's an important piece in the Times Union this morning. It's a real tragedy that the Town's "leadership" and the players who run them fell hook line and sinker for the crap that it cost so much in money and effort to stop. It's a real bankruptcy of leadership with no real ability to work at governing.
ReplyDeletehttp://blog.timesunion.com/opinion/casino-bucks-a-risky-bet/32203/
I thought this line was interesting......."And it’s important to recognize that the casinos’ business model isn’t based so much on the old adage, “find a need and fill it,” as on a plan to create a need, and find a way to milk it."
At the pre-board meeting yesterday, during the public hearing to amend the ethics code, Ethics Board Chairman Ed Gilbert belched, yes belched, out loud as a resident crossed the room in front of him to speak. It was so loud and obnoxious that you would have thought that he just wolfed down a plate of chicken wings and a pitcher of beer, but the resident handled it well. This is the caliber of individual with whom the Supervisor chooses to surround himself. As such, is it any wonder that the casino issue was handled so poorly from day one and that it cost already over-taxed EG residents so much money to fight? It never should have come to lawsuits and if the Supervisor cared one wit about democracy in government, lawsuits would never have been necessary. In November, there will be yet another chance to elect individuals who will bring intelligence, sophistication, maturity, and professionalism to town government. Considering we have a Supervisor who has demonstrated his utter disregard for public service and an Ethics Board Chair who belches at residents as they cross the room, can we really afford to not vote for change on election day 2015? At this point, can we really afford not to?
ReplyDeleteNO LANGLEY, NO GILBERT 2016!
Mr Gilbert is truly one of the most unlikeable people to come out of the Republican bottom-of-the-barrel power-hungry juveniles. He insults whomever he pleases with impunity. I can't imagine how McLangley can ever think he can be reelected - even becoming a REPUBLICRAT will not help him. No McLangley and No McGilbert in 2016!!
Delete2:55 PM,
DeleteFYI. I also like Ed Gilbert. He and Keith Langley are like two peas in a pod.
I was also at the pre-board meeting last night and listened to a very reputable builder (last name Quadrini) present a plan to the Board concerning an apartment complex he hopes to build at the end of Michael Road near Luther Road. As I sat there I couldn't help but wonder what future hoops and hurdles he would have to go through while other contractors (and we all know who they are) can build in this Town without plans - without permission - with the ability to change the buildings without presenting new plans or by fudging plans - managing sewer hook-ups during a moratorium. You know the list and it goes on and on. It makes me wonder what outside developers would think it they knew what unreasonable standards they must meet before they build here. Just a thought.
ReplyDeleteSuzanne,
ReplyDeleteYou are quite right. In all honesty I don't think I would like an apartment complex built either but it is quite obvious who you have to be to get something built around this town.
I don't think Quadrini and his associate put that much effort into their presentation. They looked like deer in the headlights when Matters said we have like 15 apartment complexes in EG and neighboring Rensselaer and then asked them if they have any market research and studies to share. At that point the presenter passed the ball to Quadrini who responded rather lamely there's no market saturation because they qualify for financing. Huh? Then he tried to get the board to bless the project for EG so that he would have an easier time getting financing. Clearly, that wasn't going to happen. It remains to be seen if they will proceed with a PDD after all.
ReplyDeleteTo 8:55 AM-
DeleteAccording to the NYS Board of Elections Website:
1. On June 13, 2013, Quadrini Construction contributed $1,500 to the East Greenbush REPUBLICAN Committee;
2. On August 23, 2013, Armand Quadrini contributed $1,500 to the East Greenbush DEMOCRATIC Committee.
Have a nice day.
He's playing BOTH sides, kind of like Langley - wherever the wind is blowin; and if ya keep me for 70 grand, I'll do whatever ya say!! Sitting behind that desk is a piece of cake! Doing NOTHING, that is.
Delete2:21 PM, Agreed! Although it's also possible that BOTH sides are playing Langley.
DeleteI support fair and equitable process for development. But, I would want more information before we support another apartment complex. New apartments will attract families, leaving the older apartment complexes willing to loosen their rental requirements. This could bring additional problems into these older complexes. If you look at the police blotter there are many calls to the complexes already. Combine that with the existing issue of people in Rensselaer already lying about their address to attend EG schools and there could be a significant increase in social issues in the town and in the schools. This would need more research before approval.
ReplyDelete@ 10:13 AM- You are absolutely correct. Can everyone say section 8 housing from Troy being used to fill up the older complexes? I have no confidence at all that Supervisor Langley has the competence or inclination to conduct any due diligence at all about this. Remember, Supervisor Langley and his SWF Board majority were the ones who abolished the position of Town Planner and quickly appointed a sitting Rensselaer County Legislator as the Attorney to the Planning Board.
ReplyDeleteI love visiting the City of Troy but our Town has enough problems without becoming a destination spot for their homeless population.
And this was the same Planning Board that had no problem with allowing the Honey Bee prostitution spa to set up on Columbia Turnpike.
DeleteAfter three plus years as Town Supervisor, Keith Langley is still seems to be in way over his head when it comes to basic governmental administration and the prudent spending of our hard earned tax dollars.
I agree with all that was said concerning Quadrini's poor presentation. I also agree that the Town has more apartment complexes than we need. 10:13 was right on. We especially do not need one on Thompson Hill where a 4 bedroom apartment building was allowed to be constructed without going through the appropriate process. And that was my point. If the same level of scrutiny had been applied to the Casino, Thompson Hill and Cooper Avenue proposals the results might have been quite different.
ReplyDeleteI think you probably mean a 4 UNIT apartment building on Thompson Hill...
DeleteAs someone who has been renting in EG for several years, I can say that some parts of EG have more than enough complexes while others are lacking. Some of the no name complexes are borderline slums especially the ones near town hall and they cost more but have less amenities and shoddy maintenance than the larger apartment communities.
ReplyDelete4/11 @ 11:44 a.m. Thank you for that information. East Greenbush can't be bought for any amount of money much / less a lousy $3K. Quadrini would have been wiser to sink that money into a better presentation.
ReplyDeleteDoesn't it seem rather odd that the ZBA has essentially stopped while we await the Hart's to get their lies in order for the 1 Cooper Ave use variance that according to the law should NOT be issued? We've had 4 cancellations in a row, there is no other business but Hart business? SHOCKER!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteThe Harts are industrious entrepreneurs and there's nothing wrong with that except if they get so big for their britches that they no longer think they have to follow the same rules as the rest of us. When that happens, it's time to dig deeper and investigate the enablers in town hall who are turning a blind eye and allowing it to happen. The Supervisor? The Bldg. Inspector? The DPW Commr and/or his eager-to-please Deputy? It seems clear that some people in the town are required to adhere to the letter of the law when it comes to things like bonds, bldg permits, licences, etc., while others are allowed to do as they please and it goes unnoticed until someone makes a stink about it. This is wrong! The same rules must apply to everyone, yes, even the high and mighty town Supervisor. The benefits afforded to the political "insiders" is disgusting and must stop. Virtually nothing has changed since McCabe was voted out and his political twin McLangley was voted in. What a colossal liability to the town they both turned out to be.
ReplyDeleteNO LANGLEY 2016!
Our supervisor regards himself as a political pinata. Everyone just keeps bashing him, he's so abused. Too bad that no matter how many times he's hit with his own ineptness on the job, nothing remotely "sweet" ever comes out. No, this pinata is filled with nothing but Sour Skittles! Pucker up, folks! We have eight more months of him left to endure but change is coming.
ReplyDeleteNO LANGLEY 2016!
2:12 PM:
ReplyDeleteI respectfully beg to differ. Our Supervisor should rightfully regard himself as a political genius, although he would never say so because he is far too humble.
Come one, come all!
ReplyDeletePlease plan to attend the next Town Board meeting at Town Hall on Wednesday, April 15th, at 7 p.m. There is nothing public officials notice more than a well attended town meeting. It makes them think twice about the decisions they make for us, the taxpayers. The pre-board agenda can be viewed on the town's website now. The finalized board meeting agenda will be posted sometime tomorrow afternoon. This is an election year, folks, for several of the board members, especially the Supervisor, so please come to the meeting and show them that you ARE paying attention to town government and that you care enough about the quality of the decisions they make for the town to attend the meeting. See you there!
I know first hand Supervisor Keith Langley appreciates a well attended Town Board meeting.
ReplyDeleteIf you are unable to attend, have no worries. Keith's door is always open at Town Hall.
Here's an idea. Why not stop by Town Hall, visit with Keith and then attend the Town Board meeting?
Dear "I like Langley",
ReplyDeleteYou are a fabulous PR person. You seem capable of making a silk purse out of a sow's ear.
From what I've seen, Mr. Langley has ZERO interest in the thoughts of East Greenbush citizens. If he did, he would have fought against the casino, not for it.
2:44 PM:
ReplyDeleteThank you.
4:47,
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome. You may not be thanking me, however, when I help to boot your screwball hero out of office in November.
To I Like Langley:
ReplyDeleteWould you vote to re-elect Supr. Langley? What would you say are his three biggest accomplishments since he took office in 2012?
(Hey, 9:49 a.m., this oughta be good.)
Dear 12:46 PM,
ReplyDeleteIt WILL be interesting to hear "I Like Langley"'s answer to your question.
Here's my take on Langley's three biggest accomplishments:
1) He can make up mumbo jumbo numbers about how much he's paid down the inter-fund debt ... and still keep a straight face,
2) He has the rare talent to be able to sit through an entire meeting with a glazed look on his face whenever a resident gets up to the microphone,
3) He got rid of Ed Gilbert as Deputy Supervisor. (Now that's something to brag about!)
12:46,
ReplyDeleteThat's a difficult question to answer because Supervisor Langley has had so many accomplishments. How's this? What about Keith's three appointments to the position of Deputy Supervisor? All three of those appointments were highly competent people persons and each one has proven to be a dedicated and loyal Deputy to Supervisor Langley.
I hope my response was satisfactory.
I was tempted to sign this "I like I like Langley" but I'm neurotic about signing my own name so I just have to say it in the body of the post. I still think the Supervisor's rationale for re-election is that things are better than they were. Some things are, some things aren't, but the real problem with his approach is that what we need is for things to be different. We don't need a better version of stagnant mediocrity, we need new ideas and forward thinking. I still think the Langley years will be known for politicizing the Board of Ethics, trying to sneak a casino into town before the residents found out about it, squandering a majority in six months and learning and discerning that nobody can make heads or tails of the Town's finances,
ReplyDelete4:03,
ReplyDeleteThank you.
Jack, you said, "we need new ideas and forward thinking." The fact is, we need you.
ReplyDeleteAt the town board meeting tonight, in response to a cell phone use resolution that passed, a town employee disrupted the meeting with an out-of-order aggressive outburst. He then placed his work cell phone on the desk in front of the Supervisor and stormed out of the meeting. We can only surmise that the employee thinks he has a right to make all the personal phone calls he wants on the town's dime. In response to this disruption, our fearless leader sat there silent and motionless. Are the inmates running the asylum or what? This goes to show the abysmal lack of respect town employees have for the head of the organization. The whole time, a text bubble over Langley's head read, "I wonder how many votes THIS is going to cost me?"
And tonight we had Mangold, Malone and McLangley keeping others than the Dem retainer LaBarba from weighing in on the pending sewer rate increases. You three gave us all a reason to dismiss you from power.
ReplyDeleteKeith Langley's treatment of Mr. Betters was disgraceful. Supervisor Langley can't control the employees that he is supposed to be supervising (see 10;48 PM above) but he thinks it's ok to attempt to bully Mr. Betters during the public comment period.
ReplyDeleteThankfully, Mr. Betters handled the situation in a very classy way. Supervisor Langley should take some lessons in class from Mr. Betters.
Time for Langley to go.
No Langley in 2016.
Keith Langley looks totally lost at TB meetings without Ginny O'Brien there to tell him what to do.
ReplyDeleteHow sad!
Today is the first anniversary of the Town Board vote to sneak a casino past the residents of East Greenbush. It would be a sad day if we hadn't rendered our Town Board irrelevant, went over their heads and stopped that monstrosity in its tracks.
ReplyDeleteLast night's Town Board meeting was an embarrassment. The Supervisor went after Hal Betters, of all people, and made himself look bad. Hal is a gentleman, a fact he proved again last night.
Ed Gilbert assured us that the Town's finances are in great shape. He said he'd rather have a basketball court than contribute to Save East Greenbush. Hey Ed, you want to play one-on-one for that SEG donation?
Although last night's meeting was ample cause for depression, I'm feeling optimistic today because this is a day to remember that we can overcome even the worst mistakes made by an inept Town Board if we put our minds to it.
Many things come to mind regarding the TB meeting last night.
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, the students were told that their attendance sheets would not be signed until 8:30 p.m., putting an end to them leaving 10 min after the meeting started.
Surprisingly, the town Supervisor voted "no" to a cell phone use resolution that sought to curtail town employees from using their town issued cell phones for other than town business. By voting no, the Supervisor was sanctioning the use of a work cell phone for personal use. Is he perhaps using his town issued cell phone for personal use as well? His no vote sent a terrible message to town employees that he has no problem with the taxpayers paying for a town employee's personal calls. Huh?
Not surprisingly, Langley, Malone, and Mangold voted "no" to the sewer rate increase study. They want Hank LaBarba to do what he's always done, in the way that he's always done it. The raising of our water and sewer rates will be another quick and dirty job by a long time political insider who exists to give the Supervisor the results HE wants. This never ends well for residents, folks. Kudos to Matters and DiMartino for trying to do the right thing under impossible circumstances.
The amendment to the ethics law passed even though it was not quite there yet in terms of its strength and effectiveness. The fact is, as long as Ed Gilbert is on the Ethics Board, we will have to settle for almost right. He is truly a crow bar in the spokes of fight for ethics in EG. It's utterly painful to watch him work (and speak!) but watch we must for the sake of the other EB members.
The treatment of resident Hal Betters last night was 100% irrefutable proof of the utter disdain Keith Langley has for the residents. The look on his face and the tone of his voice said to residents over and over again 'eat sh!t and die!'
The TRUE HERO of the night was the gentleman in the front row who bravely wore the "No Langley 2015" pin. I overheard him say that the pins are available for $3 each and the proceeds will go to the Save East Greenbush legal fund. Get your pin(s) today!
Keep the faith, folks!
Help is on the way!
Cheers!
You just can't make this stuff up. When the Town employee dumps the phone in Langley's lap last night, we are introduced to the fact that it's a giant "mamma-jamma" smart phone. Why in hell is the Town paying for these devices just to provide contact with employees? Classic attempt at vote buy, I'd say. And the Town has a policy for use of Town resources, so what's the gripe?
DeleteAnd Langley's "no" vote on the enforcement of the Town's established policy is nothing other than malfeasance. The chief executive officer is an air head. Where in the world is he coming from?
DeleteI was sorry Jack didn't speak last night. I wonder if even he has completely lost faith in this hopelessly inept town board.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure Keith feels terrible about the way he treated Hal Betters last night. I wouldn't be at all surprised to hear that Keith has already reached out to Hal to ask him to put it behind us.
ReplyDeleteDear AnonymousApril 16, 2015 at 1:51 PM---The guy with the "No Langley 2015" pins---THAT is a RIOT! proceeds go to SEG--hilarious! Using KL to raise money for the SEG legal fund is absolutely GENIUS as well as funny! That's the best!
ReplyDeletethis comment was published in TALKS blog by Anonymous 4/17 @ 11:08:
ReplyDelete~914 and 954; your way too over this one. Its so simple, I agree it looks political. However its very simple. In a nutshell , there is already a policy in existence regarding the awarding and useage of cell phones. There was one instance where a employee went over- marginally- and instead of simply asking for the $20.00 to cover the overage, we need to make a worthless, redundent, resolution because Anthony has no idea how to effectively manage his position.
The Supervisor knew all this and so did the others. MAM,Deb will vote against Langley - and for good reason. I have no issue with their differences at all. However, this resolution was and still is a thinly disguised prop for the few remaining Defruscio faithful to use aginst Chris' sworn enemies.....its that simple. Don't read into it any further, your wasting your valueable time and energy.
A no vote was not irresponsible, it was the correct vote to eliminate redundancy. What should occur next is Anthony should be given a direct order to deal with the issue pointedly, like he's getting paid to do !
This was brought up at the pre-board. It should have been common sense for the other board members to question the basis themselves rather than to blindly agree with it. It was a mistake, and they know it.
The workers are under enough duress without this political bullsh*t.
My response:
~I need to respectfully disagree with your statement....yes there was a policy that was in effect since 2013, so that part is correct. The resolution differs from the policy .... minutes were being increased to the plan from 2013 so the resolution was needed. Therefore it's not an irresponsible, worthless mistake or some ploy to avenge Defruscio enemies.... that's ridiculous!!! And as for the overtures only being 1 individual adding up to $20.00 is incorrect, that would make the amount $240.00 per yr & whats actually pd per yr is around 1,200... these overtures are being abused by more then 1 employee....this was a good resolution passed... as the taxpayers wont be responsible in paying this tab anymore. NO LANGLEY 2016!
Langley voted against the town cell phone reso for only ONE reason, HE'S AFRAID OF LOSING VOTES! Someone needs to request a copy of Langley's cell phone usage under the FOIL because he's probably using his work cell phone for business and personal calls, too, and expecting the taxpayers to pay for his cell phone. As we all know, cell phone plans are expensive! How nice for the Supervisor, the police, and other town employees who carry phones to get the BILL for the one cell phone, that they use for business and personal calls, to be paid for by the town! That's an illegal use of taxpayer dollars, just like the STIPENDS were. These town employees have premium union contracts that cost taxpayers a fortune, including 15 paid holidays a year and all the overtime money they can stuff into their bank accounts and pensions, but now they want a free cell phone plan, too, for their personal calls? Go scratch! This was not politically motivated, it's just good business, and it's not Anthony's job to be a bill collector for the town so get off his back! And in response to town employees being under duress, all I can say after I stop laughing is boo, hoo, hoo. Give us all a break!
ReplyDeleteAgreed, whatever the back room drama is associated with the reasoning behind this immature spectacle the fact that our Supervisor who is being paid to supervise town employees and town finances voted no to a resolution that did just that is absolutely ridiculous and another example of his inability to lead. He is unfit to Supervise our town, and has done nothing but add childhood embarrassment to Town Hall. Town Board meetings are an utter joke. The fact our Supervisor votes no to resolutions just because he is in a high school fight with CP Matters is just more proof of is inability to lead. Checkout this video - when does our Supervisor not rudely interrupt residents? The best is he'll interrupt and then take up the public's time and then tell them their five minutes are up! As witnessed this past week when CP Malone rudely interrupted Hal. Hal even requested to finish his statement and Malone kept interrupting. The man (Malone) barely speaks, when he does it's ridiculousness.
ReplyDeleteKeith Langley voted YES for the cell phone policy in 2013, so to vote NO for strengthening a policy that was passed during his administration makes no good sense at all.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteDear Like......the Town is supposed to reimburse for mileage for Town business in a personal vehicle, not supply fuel. Are you suggesting (with some documentation, I hope) that something untoward is going on here?
DeleteGadfly, something "untoward" is always going on in EG. That's how we almost got a casino! The political winds in this town are blowing in every which direction. The rumor mill is working 24/7. The threat of casino foes with excellent memories rising up in November is causing consternation in both camps. They're sooo afraid of payback time that they think they have to join forces to survive it. The power of the people in politics can't be ignored. Yes, we're Greenbushers but we're also Americans and we don't take kindly to being treated like dirt by town board members who don't have a clue about democracy in America. It's justice to the max that this is an election year.
ReplyDeleteNO LANGLEY, MANGOLD, MALONE 2015 or ever again.
I'm betting that the two words which will describe the slate to oppose the "machines" this time around will be "character" and "intelligence." Something which has never happened in East Greenbush before. They have a reason to be "sooo afraid." Not just about payback, but that there are going to be smart and moral people who are willing to lead.
DeleteGood Luck Gadfly. Mike Poorman claims that he and his Corellis gang are building a new machine of their own.
DeleteGood Grief.....
DeleteI think the old East Greenbush political "clubhouse" is over. The people who have been footing the bill for the mischief have been awakened. As I said, character and intelligence will win this one.
ReplyDeleteHere's another great quote from our Town Supervisor Keith Langley taken straight from his Supervisor's Report of April, 16, 2015. "It looks like spring has finally sprung, and after this long winter, I am happy to see it."
ReplyDeleteKeith, thank you so much for providing all the residents of our Town with this informative weather update.
4/18 @ 7:16 p.m. What's your point? Mike Poorman is a blast from the past who has been missing in action since 2002. Suddenly he reappears like a rerun of an old movie and catches on in a NY minute that Langley must go. Okay, so he was smart enough to figure that out. He also thinks he can beat Langley in a primary, and maybe he can, but the question is this, is he willing to risk $10-$15K of his own, hard earned money to possibly lose? He also thinks he can beat Jack, if he even gets that far, but, honestly, who does he think he is? It's widely rumored that he's at least as big an SOB as Langley is so can he really pull together the army of people he would need to get his butt across the finish line first on election day, an army of people that rivals Jack's army of people? Highly improbable. Nah, there shouldn't even be an election this year. All the contenders for Supervisor should simply save their time and money, congratulate Jack now, and bow to the power of the people who WILL have the last word on Nov 3rd...count on it.
ReplyDeleteNO LANGLEY, POORMAN, MANGOLD, MALONE 2015
Dear Langley Liker-
ReplyDeleteYour post reminds me of the following apocryphal conversation between a citizen and an arrogant elected official...
Citizen- "What a beautiful sunny day we're having!"
Arrogant Elected Official- "You're welcome."
4/19 @ 4:08 p.m. Wait a minute! Poorman is the Deputy Supervisor. So, if he really was working against Langley, and planning to primary him for Supervisor, wouldn't Langley fire him?
ReplyDelete@ 6:52 PM- If Deputy Supervisor Poorman is indeed planning to run against his putative boss, Supervisor Langley, shouldn't Poorman be up front about it and resign as Langley's Deputy?
ReplyDeleteOr is this all just smoke and mirrors?
Dear Anon April 19 @ 7:58--why should he be upfront to a mendacious Sup? If the Sup wasn't obtuse, he would be able to figure out for himself if he is being betrayed. If the Sup is being betrayed, he deserves it. I don't like, I cannot stand Poorman but, if he is pulling a Brutus to the Sup--some say, it could not happen to a nicer guy.
ReplyDeletepu·ta·tive ,adjective, Generally considered or reputed to be.
ReplyDeleteThat's the second time tonight I've had to look up a new word. The first time was for the word "apocryphal." Nothing like expanding ones mind on the GF blog!
7:58 p.m. Hmmm, there's no "putative" about it, Langley's his boss all right. (A) it's up to him when he chooses to be "up front about it," and (b) why would he resign? He's in a better position by staying closer to the action. The bigger question is why would Langley keep him on? The plot thickens.
The core of the problem with Langley, Hart-Mangold and Malone is that they are morally bankrupt . They have no ethical or intelligent compass to guide them.
ReplyDeleteThe famous quote at the start of this article is by Hart-Mangold. Her family is used to doing what they want, having what they want, ignoring law's that they deem inconvenient.
Morally bankrupt.
Good-bye Langley, Hart-Mangold and Malone. We will NOT miss you.
I heard from a very good source this morning, that Dave Vanwormer has broken away from the Dem Machine and is running for Supervisor, possibly with Cheryl Vallee as a running mate. If this is true, Langley would have to beat him in a primary for the Dem nod, if the Dems do this cross endorsement deal we are hearing about.....correct. Anybody else hear if this is true? I thought VW was with them.
ReplyDeleteIt's sounding like there are a lot (well a handful) of rumored candidates. I can't say for sure who is running or if Dave is running, but I can say for sure he has undoubtedly spoke about running since last summer and through the winter.
Delete@ 10;17 AM. The EG Town Democrats don't use the primary system for Town elections. The use the caucus system.
DeleteThe following people have all been rumored to be running:
ReplyDeleteDave VW, Pete Stenson, Jack Conway, Joe LaMountain, Cheryl Vallee, Andrea Smythe, Phil Malone, Keith Langley, and Mike Poorman. We have also heard names like Tina Tierney, Tom Grant and Larry Lenartz bandied about. It remains to be seen if the Repubs will run candidates for the Malone/Mangold board seats. That's 12 or possibly as many as 14 people throwing their hats in the ring for three positions. Is this crazy or what? The Dem caucus this year will be a hoot and all because Langley abandoned the SWF team and branched out on his own. The Repub majority is "broken beyond repair, " nothing to "learn and discern" there, and the two years they had to make a positive difference has been disgracefully squandered. Langley DOES NOT DESERVE a second bite at the apple but will the Repub Committee see that...doubtful with Danny boy as the new Chair and shoulder for Langley to cry on. DeF rightly took exception to Langley's defection to the Dems, which has proved to be nothing but an embarrassment to true Repubs everywhere, and so he's stepped back and will wait with the rest of us to see what happens. Because of the failure of the SWF majority, the playing field is wide open. The high velocity political winds will shake the loose fruit from the tree and between July and September the guess work about who's running will subside.
As I sit here with a smirk on my face, one thing is certain it doesn't matter whom is running and whom is not running what matters is that most don't like Langley, so he really doesn't stand a chance at re-election now does he?
ReplyDeleteJim C., not only do most not like Langley, people are lining up for a crack at his job. This is proof positive that he is extremely vulnerable to defeat in November and should just walk away. He's not a people-person and he's certainly no baby kissing politician. He's a glorified construction worker who tried to exchange his blue collar for white. It didn't work.
DeleteLangley is a creature of DeFruscio who thought he saw a chance to drive the bus for one last time in EG. It was a colossal failure. The last hurrah for machine politics in this Town.
Delete12:53 PM - It's important to recognize that DeF was primarily responsible for the Repub. majority being "broken beyond repair." Your attempt to distance DeF from Langley is a smart political move. I'm not certain if I buy it though. After all, DeF is still in his Langley appointed Court Attendant job and they've still been seen pow wowing in Langley's office.
ReplyDeleteLike every thing else, time will tell.
2:08 p.m. DeF brought Keith Langley to the dance but no one knew KL's true personality until after Debbi and MA were elected and suddenly he thought of HIMSELF as "the majority." The power went straight to his head and he became a maniacal, control freak who literally expected two elected officials to take orders from him without question or hesitation. KL single-handedly brought down the SWF with an autocratic mentality that was nothing short of bizarre. All these months later, especially after the casino project crashed and burned in EG, Chris DeF has now v-o-l-u-n-t-a-r-i-l-y stepped back while KL continues to drive nails into the coffin of what's left of his political career. Folks, when Chris DeF steps back, you know you're toast. He'll hang on to his court job and pow-wow now and then with Langley until they're both bounced out in January. Fortunately for us, they'll take Gilbert with them when they go. The time is now to take out the trash and get ready for a refreshing new change. We need ALL NEW candidates with smart, progressive ideas. The town is on the verge of collapse if things go on in that insider, business-as-usual way that is failing the town miserably. Little did George Phillip's know when he said it, that his "Broken Beyond Repair" description of the town's accounting software will soon be Langley's legacy after November 3rd. Talk about foreshadowing!
DeleteNO LANGLEY 2015!
9:01, you got a lot of things right but you are wrong on Langley. There's nothing sudden about Keith's strange behavior. During the first two years of his term he turned on the people who elected him, tried to end public comment at meetings, offered McCabe a job, and tried to join the democraats who, wisely, wouldn't have him,
DeleteNot so wise were the republicans who stuck with Langley even though he's a royal screw up. If SWF had bothered to look at the signs or entered their jobs responsibly, they wouldn't have fallen victim to Langley's missteps in their first 6 months. They violated everything in their platform for Keith. Unacceptable.
Will the ZBA meeting on the 28th have a period for public comment? Some things need to be said about 1 Cooper Ave. And some answers need to be forthcoming.
ReplyDelete7:46 p.m. How about getting the ball rolling with an Advertiser article, and going from there?
Delete4/20 @ 11:04 p.m. You got some things right, too, but there is need for edification. What you said in your first paragraph is partially true but KL never offered Rick McCabe a job, that's simply not true. I heard that he was pow-wowing with McCabe, just like he is now, but he never offered him a job...that's nonsense. As far as trying to join the Democrats from day one of his election, I'd believe anything. Your second paragraph is where you go astray. Yes, the not so wise republicans stuck with Langley even though he's a royal screw up, and I think they're starting to regret it, but the SWF ran their campaign largely, and at great personal expense to themselves, in the Advertiser. They had no idea that Langley wasn't on board with their platform because NEVER ONCE did he, DeF or anyone else object to what they wrote. They campaigned for four long months and had no idea that after election Langley planned to scrap their platform and do things HIS WAY. From the moment they took office, Langley expected them to blindly and without hesitation or objection walk in perfect lock step with him. If they didn't, they were considered to be disloyal. Although MA had problems with him from day one, when, right out of the gate, he wanted to give DeF a town job, it was pressure to support development projects that ultimately caused MA to sever ties and go her own way. It has not been easy to say the least. They violated nothing in their platform because Langley saw to it that it never got off the ground. Deb and MA were newbies to town government who needed competent, responsible information from the Supervisor so that they could make competent, responsible decisions for the town. That never happened. Time and experience is moving them forward. The only thing that's "unacceptable" now is the so-called leadership of Keith Langley. He started killing the SWF on day one. It's a shame.
ReplyDeleteOh, come on, now. SWF voted for nepotism on January 2nd, their second day in office. They voted for cronyism and the creation of a new unnecessary position on Jan 2nd as well. They stated in the Advertiser that they were against nepotism, cronyism, corruption and waste when they campaigned.
DeleteThis is simple stuff and most adults could recognize the right and wrong in these matters without leadership and guidance.
Anyway, SWF is not up for election this time. I am going to try to keep focused on the seats that are open
5:00 What nepotism are you referring to? Before you answer, please look up the definition of nepotism because a lot of people don't understand what it is. A certain amount of political patronage will ALWAYS be part of government. There is nothing wrong with it if it is kept to a minimum and if the people who are hired are actually qualified for the job. Through her work to get the town's payroll certified by the Rens Co. Civil Service Commission for the first time in 15 years, CP Matters has ensured that future hires for town jobs are approved by Civil Service to take the job. All in all, the hiring that's been done has been good with just one or two exceptions. The SWF IS against nepotism, cronyism, corruption and waste. Had Langley been against it, too, they might have been able to make a more positive difference. Lastly, guidance and leadership is critical to the success of any party majority, especially when candidates are fresh and new to the job. The Supervisor had a golden opportunity to bring the SWF along in a good and positive way, but he was much more interested in making sketchy backroom deals and playing politics. Any "majority" of people on a board has to function as a team. Langley had no interest in teamwork, only in being the boss. There is no place for autocracy in America.
Delete@5:37, @5:00 mentioned both cronyism and nepotism. Just wondering if Anthony Corellis, Denise Corellis and Melissa Nusbaum ring a bell to you? The fact that it exists both on the local and national level doesn't make it ok nor mean we have to accept it. While we may not be able change that for the rest of the country we can change it for our town 11/3/15.
Delete@ 7:59 don't forget DeFruscio and Fiacco both related to players (Cherubino, cousin to Chris, and Leon Fiacco, related to Danny Fiacco) MB Cherubino, also related to Joe Cherubino and all of these people are cronies of Langley. Please don't try to tell me that these people were hired based on merit after an interview process where other qualified applicants were also solicited and considered.
DeleteI am voting for candidates who are intelligent and ethical. We have had enough of the people who run for office for their own power and influence. We need people who want the best for our town- NOT the best for themselves, their family and friends. Anyone who runs in November will need to explain what they did during Casinogate. If they were in support of the casino or absent during the fight they won't get my vote.
ReplyDeleteEveryone who isn't politically involved in town government wants intelligent and ethical people to run for office but time and time again we vote for the least terrible choice and wind up disappointed. News flash, everyone who runs for office presents h/erself as intelligent and ethical on your doorstep. It's AFTER they get elected that things change. I think this is why some people don't vote, because they don't trust that the person asking for their vote will be the same person AFTER they get their vote. I think the key to a well run town is an intelligent, ethical supervisor. The captain of any ship will either give its passengers smooth sailing or a rough ride. So far, the good ship East Greenbush has yet to miss the proverbial icebergs along the way.
ReplyDelete5:37 at your suggestion I looked up nepotism and it is defined exactly as I intended. You are certainly entitled to your opinion on these matters and I would like to thank you for making it clear that it is possible for someone to campaign against nepotism and then vote for "some few exceptions".still beliving they did the right thing. When the politicians come to my door, I will be very, very specific when I question them about good government.
ReplyDeleteWhat I would like to see is Langley, Matters, and DiMartino start working together to get the Town's business done. Start by recouping the tens of thousands of dollars that Toni Murphy and Rick McCabe still owe the East Greenbush taxpayers. They received money ILLEGALY and Toni Murphy holds an elected position. IS THAT CONSIDERED ETHICAL?
ReplyDeleteIt was Langley, Matters and DiMartino that worked together to approve Chris DeFruscio as a court employee. I don't want any more of that type of working together.
ReplyDeleteThank you.
Whoever it is trying to defend DiMartino and Matters in the string above should let it go. Take comfort in the fact that they are thinking for themselves now but you cannot look back on their first 6 months and make it reflect good government.
ReplyDelete11:13 a.m. Think of the first six months of the SWF as the honeymoon period before the separation and divorce. We should all be glad that there weren't three Langley-types on the board then. The worry is that there are three Langley-types on the board NOW and for the duration of the year. People need to let the petty, daily grind stuff go. It gets so much worse in this town than who got what patronage position. The casino, 1 Cooper Ave, the paving of Thompson Hill Rd and the magical duplex that turned into a quadplex right before our eyes, the honey bee spa, the illusive town finances, etc, etc, etc. bears out what I'm saying. There are big fish in our little pond who are behind the really serious infractions against the town. We need to stay focused on that between now and Nov 3rd.
ReplyDeleteNO LANGLEY, MALONE, MANGOLD 2015
Well said Anony..... And speaking of "magical," add to the list the Plat approval for the Thompson Hill development which happened a year ago last January without a meeting of the Planning Board or an approving Resolution by the Planning Board. We're still getting dead-pan stares on that one. The Boards know it was illegal, but they refuse to do anything about it. And then they re-appoint the Chairman of the PB who did it. Go figure.
DeleteHopefully, we will be able to start righting a lot of wrongs in January 2016. The SWF is still the goal.
DeleteOn that Plat approval for Thompson Hill, what's with Gruenberg and Danaher? Aren't they officers of the court responsible for advice to clients as to what it means to follow the law? Looks like they consider their function to be of the CYA variety. My information is that if an attorney is aware of a violation of the law, he's not supposed to cooperate with it, but report it.
ReplyDeleteGruenberg is one of Langley's lackies. If Langley has the will, Gruenberg, a smart attorney, will find a way. If an attorney turns a blind eye to and otherwise ignores violations of the law, he can be sanctioned and risks losing his law license. It would be nice to know what Danaher knew about the Plat approval for Thompson Hill and what, if anything, he did to stop it. We know for a fact that he's touchy about the subject because he got really agitated one day after a pre-board meeting when someone questioned him about it. Hmmm.
ReplyDeleteBoth attorneys knew about it because they were sent communications questioning it. No responses. And the Town Board was questioned. I have an e-mail from a Board member saying that the Board questioned the attorneys without a response. I guess it depends on how the "question" was framed.
DeleteWould Mr. Gruenburg be the attorney that would be tasked with the collection of the ILLEGALY obtained Town funds that Toni Murphy and Rick McCabe have refused to pay back to the taxpayers. Ms. Murphy doesn't seem to have a problem taking tax dollars out of our pockets, but she shouldn't be putting them into hers. Why would anyone even begin to consider voting her back in.
ReplyDelete@ 6:46 AM-
ReplyDeleteKeith Langley and the rest of the Town Board would be the people directing the Town Attorney to pursue the collection. Why not ask them (rhetorically, of course) that question at the next Town Board meeting and at all of the subsequent meetings until you receive an answer, instead of a blank stare.
The amount of unresolved issues during the Keith Langley administration is staggering. Langley would rather jack up water and sewer fees for fixed income senior citizens instead of even attempting to try to recoup over $100,000 in illegal monies paid to connected Town officials.
ReplyDeleteIt would be nice to have politics without scumbag real estate developers influencing everything. It would be nice to have a literate town supervisor. and it would be nice to have a Dem Committee Chairman who isn't on the Hart payroll. Imagine candidates and zoning board members who wete chosen by people instead of the oligarchs?
ReplyDelete