Thursday, August 27, 2015
We Need A CLEAN Break!
Some interesting letters in today's Advertiser. There are three which I want to give wider readership, those by Eileen Grant, Jonathan Shapiro and Tina Tierney. I'll cut to the chase. Both of the major parties have had their chance at governing in recent years. And both have screwed it up - royally. They've spent most of their time taking care of the common insider population, notwithstanding solid advice from the State Comptroller as to how to begin to fix the disasters which they created. Not one move in a positive direction. Now Moody's has dropped the ultimate bomb. What do you think that might do to debt service on the WWTP? They've both had their chance, with all kinds of good advice. What do you think the chances are for improvement if either machine gets a majority again? Remember, "the past is prologue." There's just not the will or the "know-how."
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We're casting our votes for the East Greenbush First Candidates Jack Conway, Tina Tierney and Tom Grant on Election Day November 3.
ReplyDeleteDVW is telling people that Eg1st is a Communist Party. I thought they were the Reformer Party.
Delete4:14 PM (Chris?), there you are! Nice try, but we're not playing.
DeleteMike Poormam is promising people jobs for votes. He's saying that Matters and DiMartino will do as he says going forward.
ReplyDeleteYou see boys and girls, I'm getting a lot of comments from both machines trying to spin just about everything that moves. We need to dump the bunch.
DeleteMatters and DiMartino are working hard to get Poorman elected. They want total control.
Delete5:26 and 5:46 Chris? and Chris?,
DeleteWe were wondering where you've been. What's your next post going to be? Another shot at MAM? So predictable.
See what I mean boys and girls. Nothing about policy and governance. Just the 6th grade behind the backstop crap. The Dem and Rep minions are back for the duration. We'll try to talk policy here from now on.
ReplyDeleteSad part is Gadfly, the Poorman stuff is true.
DeleteMeaghan Hart is collecting donations for a school lunch box drive, which are lunch boxes filled with school supplies for children in need. She was hoping to have 100 to donate, but has only received funds to donate 25. Meaghan and others will be available tomorrow at the Town Festival to accept donations for this good cause. I know the blogs gravitate towards politics and complaints about this one or that one, but here is a chance to show that the people who participate in the blogs have a heart and care about the children in need in East Greenbush. I am aware that there are residents that will not be able to participate, but there are a large number who can donate $20 without any hardship.
ReplyDeleteLet's help get a positive result to this fundraiser. It's about the kids - not politics. I'll be donating and hope others will also. I am only assuming that the poor participation from our generous community is because people are unaware of this fundraiser.
Thank You!
Joe, do you know if Meaghan Hart is a 501c3 organization? Do you know how she identifies "children in need". Is Meaghan doing this activity when she is being paid to work for the Town?
DeleteI have often seen a public employee collect from fellow employees for a worthy cause and donate that money, on behalf of the employees, to the legitimate charity. This, however, is our Deputy Supervisor collecting money from members of the public for what appears to be a personal donation.
Public Notice: Special Meeting PDF Print E-mail
ReplyDeleteNotice is hereby given that the East Greenbush Town Board will be convening on Tuesday, September 1, 2015 at 7:00PM at the East Greenbush Town Hall, 225 Columbia Turnpike, Rensselaer, New York 12144 for the purpose of holding a Public Information Session to question the Comptroller about the Town's finances. No resolutions have been presented at this time.
Dear Gadfly,
ReplyDeleteWill Supervisor Langley make himself available to answer residents questions. I'd prefer to hear some answers from our elected Supervisor rather than some appointed functionary. After all, Supervisor Langley has been the one telling us in his Supervisor Reports, Advertiser Columns and Political Advertisements about how successful he's been in turning the Town's Finances around. With all due respect to Comptroller George Phillips. Many of us would like to hear this directly from Keith Lsngley. Every taxpayer deserves to hear Mr. Langley's comments after three plus years of blank stares and silence.
To 6:45 If you prefer not to donate don't. I'm not going to play a cat and mouse game with you.I think it's a worth while cause and will be donating.If you want to discuss this I would at least like to know who I'm talking to if not have a good night.
ReplyDelete@ 6:45 PM
ReplyDeleteTown employees have also collected food and monetary contributions for food pantries.
I agree with Joe, "If you prefer not to donate don't." I've already donated and will be sure to donate again tomorrow.
East Greenbush is a very generous community. I'm very surprised Meaghan was unable to achieve her goal. My thanks to Joe LaMountain for publicizing this. It's too bad Meaghan didn't reach out to Joe earlier.
ReplyDeleteBetter late than ever, I guess.
Mike Poorman tried to turn Saturday in the Park Festival into his own personal campaign rally, right in Jack's backyard. Mr. Poorman is showing a very arrogant and self serving side not becoming of a public official.
ReplyDeleteWell, we finally know where MAM stands. She barely had two words to say to Jack Conway at the EG festival while she spent most of her time walking around with Mike Poorman. MAM did find some time for a couple of long talks with Tina and Tom though.
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion, MAM's activities are more focused on Rick's next run than what's important for East Greenbush.
DeleteSeems to me that Poorman is trying to use MAM to peel away Tina and Tom from Jack.
DeleteForget about it. Tina and Tom are supporting Jack!!
I'd say that Mr. Poorman is in deed in need of a ticket, or shall we say "ticket-mates." Looking in the wrong place if he thinks EG1st is a possibility.
DeletePoorman is between a rock and a hard place. Should he beat Langley in the Rep Primary he will be forced to run with the Langley/DeFruscio hand picked TB candidates.
DeleteThe Republican Party will not support Poorman regardless of the primary outcome. They don't want anything to to with him.
DeleteToday's Saturday in the Park event should have been called "Politicians in the Park". This years event was a pathetic display of political posturing.
ReplyDeleteNone of them should have been allowed to set up camp or even allowed in for that matter. Absolute bad event planning with Mike Poorman being the biggest display of arrogance and disrespect.
I have lived in the Manor for 27 years and gone to many of our annual festivals over the past years. This was the worst function I have ever attended, shrouded by a thick dark cloud of uncomfortable political overtones.
Very disappointed.
Talking about Poorman and MAM with regards to the festival is adding unneeded negativity to a wonderful day. At least they were there. Let's not ruin what turned out to be a great event, there's not much the town does for us and Jessica did a great job today. Focus on the positive.
ReplyDeleteFact is that our town needs a brand new government. We have been ripped off over the last several years by some very self-interested folks with their patrons directing how they made decisions. The old crowd is desperate to hang on and you could see it today. But we need a clean break from the past.
ReplyDeleteWho does this Stenson guy think he is? We're not even to the primaries and he's already drafting resolutions! A resolution that rips away a chance for our community to meet their candidates face to face in a pleasant atmosphere. Go to any town or county event that is being held during an election season and you will see candidates campaigning. If a candidate makes a fool out of himself then the opponents should be happy! Instead Stenson chose to draft a resolution that furthered his temper tantrum from yesterday. Get over it, just because you didn't like something doesn't mean we all don't. Not who I want voting on my behalf!
ReplyDeleteStenson is the Chair of the East Greenbush Democratic Party and he is the former EG Town Comptroller! He is a well known partisan operative in EG Democratic politics. If you want a political operative as a member of the Town Board, Pete should be your choice.
ReplyDeleteIf you want a non-political partisan for the Town Board there are at least three other choices available on Election Day.
As for our family, we are going to be voting for Tina and Tom and Jack on November 3.
Someone should ask the former Comptroller why he tried to hide $250,000 in payments made to Bruen Rescue just before he was terminated from his position. Same ole Same ole.
DeleteI didn't know Pete is the EG Dem. Chair. I have a real problem with electing political party leaders to the TB. I believe Pete should seriously consider resigning from his Dem Party Chairmanship while he is running for TB. Isn't there another Democrat a Party member who would be able to serve as Chair while Pete is running?
DeleteAm I the only one with concerns about Pete Stenson being the EG Democratic Chairperson while seeking the Town Board position?
DeleteDoes Phil Malone Councilperson / Democrat Chairperson ring a bell? Same Ole, Same Ole
DeletePete Stenson is also the Dem Committee Treasurer. All this is to close for comfort.
DeletePete, I think you are WAY off the reservation on this one. A local law to prohibit a common and cherished tradition is American community life is absurd. I remember back in the '50's when I was just finishing grammar school meeting Estes Kefauver the Senator from Tennessee who was Adlai Stevenson's VP running mate in the '56 election. It was at a County Fair of sorts in California, and he was there to introduce himself to the citizens. That's what we do in this country. What would you do with the stump speeches at the Iowa State Fair? Would you keep Paul Tonko away from Lark Fest? Candidates at public gatherings usually leads to broader citizen participation in the governing process and a more responsive government. One thing that makes political machines nervous is increased public participation. We need a CLEAN break with the past.
ReplyDeleteDon, What makes you think Jack, Tina,and Tom won't tell you to go sit in the corner and be quiet if elected. Matters is playing you, they could also. Your idea of a clean break from the past may not be as clean as you think. Just saying !
DeleteDean Kennedy was the EG Dem Chair for qwhile but, when he ran for re-election he resigned from the post and Kim Halloran took over. At that EG Dem Cmt meeting, Dean and Rick McCabe said, someone running for office cannot be the oarty chairperson. The chairperson cannot run for an elected position while serving as Chair. This is something that should be verified.
ReplyDeleteThe problem with Pete Stenson being the Political Party Chairperson is twofold: What does Pete Stenson do if an issue comes up that is good for the Democratic Party but bad for the Town? Or, what does Pete Stenson do if an issue comes up that is good for the Town but bad for the Democratic Party.?
ReplyDeleteAlready trouble for the dem's....Stenson's conflict with being the party chair and running for office and Andrea Smyth running for office while serving on the CFAC. Not to mention Stenson trying to tear down the CFAC,which includes his running mate. Town Hall has enough turmoil and dysfunction, this group is already in turmoil and they're not even past the primaries.
Delete@ 7:46, it would be nice if we were able to see the rules and regulations on our town website wouldn't it? East Greenbush is the least transparent government!
Correct me if I'm wrong.... but I believe Deb tried passing a resolution this month re: updating the law books & updating them onto a website for all to see when having questions for OUR town laws. Why in the world would Langley & Malone oppose to something like that? Another good resolution turned down....
Delete@AnonymousAugust 31, 2015 at 10:39 AM---It should be found in the NYS Board of Election rules and I have not had the time to review that. It is quite cumbersome and extensive. Maybe the rules changed or maybe Dean, Rick McCabe and Kim Halloran were misinformed and Dean did not have to step down as Chairperson of the EGDem Cmt.
ReplyDeletePeople have to get it by now that by running DVW and PS, the dems are working hard to get back the play pen they lost in 2012 when McCabe lost to Langley and again in 2013 when Bottillo/Vallee lost to Matters/DiMartino. The fact that DVW is Rick McCabe's former bro-in-law oughta be the ah-ha moment for all of us. Although PS likes to come across very civic-minded and professional, we all know that he, along with DVW, is one of the administrators of the often very vicious and cruel Talks blog. Are the people who should be running the town? No one has forgotten the damage done to the town's credit rating and how long it took to sweep the dems out of office. The remaining remnant of Phil Malone, who is finished on 12/31, is thankfully all that's left. We know Langley is in trouble when even his few supporters are worried that he is next to hit the road. The bottom line is that all systems are go for EG1st and the time is now. Please don't miss the golden opportunity on 11/3 to finally bring this town into the 21st century.
ReplyDeleteVote smart!
Vote Jack, Tina, Tom 2015!
12:40 pm. It's not just about the election law. It's about public perception and appearance. The Chair of ANY political party should not be running for office. I'm sure if M. Stenson reflects on this he will eventually do the right thing.
ReplyDeleteThe defacto Chair of the repub commtte scarfed himself up a job in the court, of all places. Now, his daughter's fiance is running for office. Looking for bigger, better payola, Chris?
DeleteOff topic, but needed...thank you Jessica Lansing and her team (DPW, Police, other Town Hall Staff Members) for putting together an enjoyable time for my family. In today's time, when we are faced with tough decisions financially, it was a pleasure to walk out my door with my three kids and spend the day enjoying the fellowship of our community. Although we are unable to buy a home in town, we are proud to be residents (although renters). It was an enjoyable time...right up to the fireworks. This is not our first experience with Jessica, as our kids went to the town-park Summer Program where they were taught valuable lessons and were able to interact with children and mentors.
ReplyDeleteThank You Jessica and EG!!
Proud Renter
If Mr. Stenson is the Democratic Chairman and treasurer, as well, isn't that an internal control issue within his own committee?
ReplyDeleteIf he has no regard or understanding of internal controls within his own committee, why would he have regard for internal controls within the town?
Mary Ann and I attempted to attend the Meet the Candidates night being held tonight at the Phillips Road Fire House and we were quickly informed that we could not attend this meeting as it was only opened to all Union Members that are employed by the Town of East Greenbush. As Board Members we should have been allowed into this meeting so that we could have listened to the questions given by Union Members and the responses given by each candidate. This is total lack of transparency to the taxpayers of this town, as this meeting was not opened to the puplic and total disrespect to elected officials.
ReplyDeleteDeb DiMartino
So much for the Poorman factor. But you two are not candidates.
DeleteOnly candidates for the Supervisor position were allowed, Tina, Tom, Larry, Pete amd Andrea were not allowed either.
DeleteAll candidates were allowed & were there. Tina, Tom, Toni, Bridget, Andrea, Pete, Larry & Trent plus all supervisor candidates
DeleteLet me try to introduce some "perspective" on this matter. In my understanding, it was the union member's meeting - a labor meeting to interview and converse with potential management. Langley's presence was as a candidate, not Supervisor. To introduce sitting board members into a meeting "owned" by labor would have completely changed the group dynamics and perhaps compromised what labor wanted to accomplish in their meeting.
DeleteI tend to agree Gadfly, but still think that it should have been an open meeting.
DeleteCould someone such as myself attended?
I happen to be represented by a union.
Gadfly, supposing it was Jack running for re-election and it was Tina and Tom who would have been excluded from the event? Should they have been excluded from attending the meeting when three of the candidates will wind up being their fellow board members in January? As sitting board members, should they not have been welcomed to sit in? Of course they should but, more to the point, Jack would never have kept them out. The supe kept them out because he didn't want them hearing his claims against them. It's all just more self-serving, insider politics and you, of all people, should know that.
ReplyDeleteAs I understand it, it was the union member's meeting. Up to them to set the parameters - as they apparently did. Hypotheticals don't contribute to the discussion. It would be great if this election could be about the candidates, their policies and their abilities to do the jobs they are seeking.
DeleteI will never stand up for Keith Langley, but Keith had no say in this matter. This was sponsored by the firehouse, they are the ones who can make the rules. The candidates could have refused. This was "meet the candidates" not "meet your current town board". Jack is a gentleman, if your hypothetical were to occur he would kind respect the wishes of those who are being so kind to even sponsor and organize the event. I think this town has had enough with the temper tantrums within town hall.
DeleteI agree gadfly. The unions evidently called the meeting so their members could hear what the candidates had to say.
DeleteDear Gadfly:
ReplyDeleteWould anyone know how the Union Meeting with the candidates was conducted in either 2011 or 2013?
Article 7 of the Public Officers Law is known as the "Open Meetings Law". It only applies to meetings conducted by government entities such as the Town. It does not apply to the meeting held last night. This again reaffirms my belief that Keith Langley, after 4 yrs knows nothing about Town Law - zip, zero. He doesn't know much of anything else either.
ReplyDeleteAs to whether the public should have been invited: No. It was a private meeting held by the unions. The candidates could have refused to show: was Toni Murphy or Bridget (Dem Clerk candidate) there? Should have been so they could be queried about automating all of our outdated computer systems. But that's getting off topic.
Can you honestly vote for someone (Langley) who has been supervisor for 4 years and doesn't know the simplest of town laws?
Tina Jack and Tom in November.
Thank you Suzanne for clearing this issue up for us, and most of us at least the ones that pay attention already know that about Langley.
DeleteJust a clarification - Public Officers Law is not a Town Law per se - just a law that the town must abide by.
ReplyDeleteSuzanne
This is probably a new thread, but has anyone reviewed the site plan for Fiacco's Liquor store? Seems like the building is way too big for that site and parking is way to close to the roadway. As a new construction, I would think they would have needed to meet all of our current codes for building and parking setbacks, minimum green space, maximum parking, maximum building size, no parking in front yard, sidewalks along the roadway, etc. Is this another case of the Planning Board helping out a connected developer?
ReplyDeleteCan you document the nature and extent of the alleged deviation from the Town's code. It would be good to have some numbers to back up your claim. I'll be happy to post the facts.
DeleteWhen the project was given a final plat approval last August the building was set to be 2,975 square feet. I'm unsure of what the current building is, nor what zoning allows, but the developer did state that the parking would be in front. The better part of this this approval process was when when Kelly Sambrook of the planning board asked what kind of retail it would be and Rob Osterhout, of Bohler Engineering stated that he can't disclose it. Stamped away (pays to be a Rensselaer County Legislator) As for the sidewalks, the developer agreed to provide cash escrow for future sidewalks and landscaping.
Delete"Blind" approvals? Is that how we got the porn shop and the Honey Bee?
DeleteNo one will take ownership on Honey Bee, but it's an epitome of how our town is governed.
DeleteBy the way, although when this subject matter was brought up at a Town Board meeting Cherubino said that the developer had to have stated the nature of the business (just like he told respected Dr. Tucker that the abandoned house was boarded up, but was absolutely wrong), it is in the actual meeting notes: http://eastgreenbush.org/document-downloads/planning-department/minutes/doc_download/1271-8272014-minutes. I believe Keith Langley's only response to this when it was brought up was "it's a planning board issue", why thank you Mr. Supervisor, so what exactly do you supervise? Because it sure isn't our town's finances.
DeleteJust wondering if anyone who went to the Meet the Candidates night could let us know how it went?
ReplyDeleteI think the Unions sponsored this event for their members and were not seeking publicity.
DeleteI assume that the candidates went because they were invited and were happy to have an opportunity to address the Union members. As guests, it is customary to respect the wishes of the host. I hope they will all do that.
Nothing bad or good or public happened. Just people sharing viewpoints.
@AnonymousSeptember 2, 2015 at 11:41 AM---That is understandable and, one point of view. Another point of view is the taxpayers, which fund the union's contract agreements with the town, may want to know what is being asked for by the unions. The Board approves the contracts but, the taxpayers pay for them. The tax payers may want to know where the Board or potential Board members stand on the unions wants because, some taxpayers may disagree or agree with a candidate's answer and, it could impact the residents' votes.
ReplyDeleteJust a thought.
Just a thought,instead of attacking someone who wants to open a new business in town.Perhaps we should be grateful for the investment being made in our town.Mr. Fiacco thank you for your investment in East Greenbush. I hope the political atmosphere that's prevalent in our community doesn't stop others from doing the same.
ReplyDeleteI don't believe people are faulting Mr. Fiacco, but rather our town's process.
DeleteA bunch of us are really supportive of new businesses opening and expanding in East Greenbush. The problem seems to be that in this area "some people are more equal than others." And ironically, that results in a stifled development climate. Some interesting reading in this regard would be some blog posts by Dwight Jenkins available here:
Deletehttps://eastgreenbushdreams.wordpress.com/
What PO's people is an uneven playing field and unequal access.
Don the problem is it's insinuated that something's wrong but I've seen no proof any special treatment was given. It's not a crime to be a legislator or to be a successful businessman. You at least let people know it's you commenting.I find it troubling when someone puts something out there and hides behind being anonymous.
ReplyDeleteJoe, the reason I posted the comment in the first place is that there was something rather untoward in the PB minutes and my wife was at the meeting and heard the comments. And that was that the developer's representative was "not at liberty" to disclose the nature of the business that was to go into the building. That's just not acceptable. What do you think would explain the approval absent that information?
DeleteIf it was a permitted use it is none of your business until the business owner wants to release that information. You and your live-in really are a pair of idiots.
DeleteThis is what we are dealing with, boys and girls. How does anyone, including the Planning Board, know it is a permitted use until it is disclosed? The Planning Board member asked the question, and the answer was refused.
DeleteDear 4:15, thats complete nonsense. That's how the Honeybee Spa can happened. Thats how we contine to have no growth with good business development.
DeleteIf I wanted to know I'd ask the planning board and get as much information as possible first. I don't know the answer but I do know it's not right to assume or allow negative comments without knowing the answers.The nastiness in this town has to stop if were to move forward.
ReplyDeleteBy way of context here, I'd refer you to Dwight's very detailed research of the PB's "handling" (or lack thereof) of the "Plat approval" for Thompson Way. Both the PB and Town Board were directly addressed on this matter, with NO response. I'd suggest that the "nastiness" you refer to is the direct result of the elected and appointed officials in this Town not doing the jobs they are sworn to do. Nobody has even attempted a "tapdance" to explain how that Plat approval happened without a meeting of the PB or a Resolution permitting the PB Chair to sign one. Really stinks, I'd say. The problem is that the only recourse a common citizen has in the face of the "just do it" culture is an Article 78. We shouldn't have to sue the government to get it to do its job. The Attorneys in our Town's employ should have been all over that situation.
DeleteCan't waite to see how long it will take EG1st to ignore you if elected. You are such a funny little man.
DeleteSeems to me that some of the material I have outlined provide some of the best reasons to elect EG1st. What they do after they are in office is up to them. But we do need a CLEAN break.
DeleteTake a look at this great piece on EGTruth:
ReplyDeletehttps://eastgreenbushtruth.wordpress.com/2015/09/02/its-time-for-a-truly-independent-party/#more-974
Don.....we just have differing approaches. I prefer to believe people are innocent until proven guilty. If there is proof that something has been done illegally on the new business on Route 4 that's one thing . Lacking any proof I'd say he should be treated with the same respect as any other businessman should be.I know you're unhappy with the way things have been done in the past, but fail to see how this relates to those actions unless you feel every person starting a business in town needs to be treated as guilty until proven innocent. I know you're sincere in your beliefs but hope your anger at what's transpired in the past doesn't cloud your judgement. I guess we will just have to disagree on how to handle new businesses. I prefer to look to the future and not relive the past. Have a good night and take care of yourself.
ReplyDeleteEverybody should be treated the same. Some people have to disclose what they are going to do and others don't. And some actually do what they didn't disclose in their permit applications. There is something fundamentally wrong in the "processes" managed by our Town officials.
DeleteAll about who you know, GadFly.
DeleteJoe, I think there is a misunderstanding, or at least I'm reading things differently. No one is attacking the developer, FIacco is a great businessman and it is not him that is at fault or is doing anything wrong. The actions that took place at that Planning Board meeting is what is at fault. In the same meeting a gentleman representing Walmart was presenting a proposal to move the outdoor garden section in the parking lot over a few rows. The rows they were moving over were owned/leased by them, and it still left extra rows that they let the movie theatre patrons utilize. The Planning Board HOUNDED this poor guy forever. When the developer presented this site on route 4, the Planning Board hardly asked any questions, but at least Kelly asked the most important question "what is the business being built." It is the answer the developer gave and how the board reacted that is at fault, not the developer. When the developer said they weren't at liberty to share, the board without further question approved the project. Granted, the project is for an ok business, but it could have been anything. To blindly approve projects because the developer and engineer come from specific families is without a doubt wrong. This can't be denied. Due diligence has not been seen often within our boards. It's a disgrace. That is what we are fed up with, not new development. If our boards did their job properly, maybe our town would be in better shape.
DeleteAND....what the WalMart guy wanted to do wasn't even permanent construction.
DeleteWell according to our town code for that property, any new building is supposed to be built using "residential design characteristics" and "shall be done to match the residential scale" of the neighboring properties. Also not sure how they meet the landscaping buffers required by the town code - the parking lot looks like its paved up to Route 4 and the driveway is almost on the neighbors property line. Oops.
ReplyDeleteThe fact of the matter is there has been shady stuff going on in this town for quite a long time now, and it has taken place under 2 different regimes. Like someone said we need a clean slate.....EG1st.
ReplyDeleteJoe miss the talks at the dump!
Did anyone see the Langley candidates ad in the Advertiser today called "The Turn Around?" It shows a U-turn symbol. Does it mean he is going to turn around and start running town government right? I just don't know what they mean by "the turn around."
ReplyDeleteI take it as we've turned around to right back where we started since he became Supervisor and continuing to go backwards.
DeleteCan you say "mendacious?" (Look it up, Chris.)
DeleteWhat is the difference between EG1st and Reformers as everyone was typically referred to at this sight? When I was involved helping back around 2010 we referred to ourselves as reformers.
ReplyDeleteFive years ago, the "reformers" were on the hunt for the graft and self-dealing which we had found in the political administrations. We had a pretty good idea as to what was going on. Then a year and a half ago, both the Dem and Rep machines conspired together to attempt to pull off a casino establishment in this Town without telling the taxpayers - and for the benefit of some local and not so local investors. This aroused a whole bunch of local citizens who had not been directly involved before. This had the effect of creating a brand new electoral base to challenge the established machines. And Jack, Tina and Tom stepped forward to carry the banner to create a new way of governing in East Greenbush. It's the first time that a real alternative to "machine" candidates has been available to the voters of the Town. That's my take.
DeleteGadfly I respectfully disagree with your second to last sentence. The Reformers DID present an alternative to the "machine". They tried, very hard and, the leaders in that group dealt with severe consequences the likes of which EG1st has been fortunate enough NOT to deal with. Truth be told, Reformers did alot. Unauthorized stipends stopped when Reformers blew the whistle. A FRP was presented, a detailed FRP. Overtime was a big issue they dealt with. I think you are withholding credit that they deserve.
ReplyDeleteIt certainly does not take away from the EG1st efforts and many of applaud them and enthusiastically support them. But please do not diminish what the Reformers did. They suffered for their effort and work and changes for the good were made. An OSC audit came from Reformers efforts. Please don't forget what they accomplished.
Didn't mean to "diminish" efforts. A "perfect storm" developed when the two machines conspired to pull off the ultimate insult to the electorate - the casino shenanigan. It was the ultimate in bullying. Together they became not credible as the source of political leadership. They became "co-corrupt." Previous efforts at "reform" had to depend to a degree on the machine structures in the Town, raising some question as to independence. Jack, Tina and Tom are free from these entanglements.
DeleteOne of the biggest issues EG residents are dealing with from the current machine in power is the bold-faced lies. Someone mentioned the "The Turnaround" ad in Thursday's Advertiser. It says, "They will CONTINUE to put people before politics and work to give our town PRIDE and a better future." What barf! Do they really think the residents of this town feel like THEY have been put before POLITICS? Who writes this bs? Do they really think residents are PROUD of our main street (9&20) that looks like a snapshot from the 1970s? Should be be proud of our junk bond status that was recently busted down again by Moody's? How about the fact that the special meeting to explore Langley's claims of paying off over $2M in debt was cancelled "due to illness." What "illness," yet cancelled just before the primary election. Not too suspicious, huh? Should we be proud of our understaffed ethics board...is that putting people before politics? And what about the fact that our Citizens Fiscal Advisory Board (CFAC) hasn't met since January? How about the fact that town hall is detrimentally under-staffed and union contracts haven't been addressed and development projects, like the Luther Road Sidewalk Project for the high school kids has been ignored because the funds earmarked for it have disappeared. What about the paving of Thompson Hill Road at the town's expense to accommodate a two day detour when the roundabout was being built and the illegal plat approval, which I've never understood but no one wants to touch it, and the du-quadplex on Thompson Hill road with the four doors and kitchens, and...I could go on forever! Is all THIS putting people before politics, Mr. Langley? Is this something to be proud of? Is this the better future you're talking about for the town?
ReplyDeleteDon't forget that the Dem machine and its operatives have their fingerprints all over some of the things on your list. The Plat, the paving, the du-quadplex....
DeleteTo 11:44AM, how could you forget 1 Cooper Ave too? Shouldn't every connected person be allowed to build 2 buildings on one lot with no regards to Zoning? Not too hard to see that those trying so hard to hold onto power are those that have benefitted the most from a lack of honest and transparent government. EVERY resident of this Town should be offended about "the illness" that amazingly struck our Comptroller moments before the special meeting. He must have forgotten he works for EVERY town board member, not just the Terriblevisor (sorry, just couldn't use the word Super when referring to Langley).
DeleteThe only truth contained within the giant Republican Committee's ad was the U-turn road sign. The arrow U-turned and pointed straight down towards the ground.
DeleteYup. That pretty much says it all.
@AnonymousSeptember 4, 2015 at 11:44 AM---You want to know who writes it? 99% of the time, Rich Crist, County republican operative is the creator of the ads. He lives in Schodack. He does much of the P/R for the republicans in Renss county.
ReplyDeleteYes 1:22 p.m. and Mr. Crist couldn't give a tinkers damn about EG. This was proved when he became Mr. Langley's 2015 campaign advisor amidst so much internal strife and discord within their own party. I was also offended by the Fiacco letter in the 9/3 Advt . If Langley is re-elected, Fiacco was promised DPW Commr. Crist is best buds with Leon Fiacco, Dan's cousin. Could it get anymore politically incestuous? Dan says Langley "has done an outstanding job," but by who's standards? Was ambushing a town with a gambling casino without a public referendum or even any advance public
ReplyDeletenotice outstanding? Was having his comptroller feign illness rather than explain how they managed to amass so much ready cash to pay down debt outstanding? Was working in a bipartisan fashion with board members from both sides of the aisle in secret and behind closed doors outstanding? Was alienating the freshman board members who pledged to work with him, not for him, outstanding? Is blaming all his mistakes, failures, and poor judgement on others in his own party outstanding? In response to Keith Langley's bid for re-election, Mr. Fiacco, WE say "please do not let this happen again." And in regard to "the unprecedented step of sending this open letter as town chairman," we are reminded that former republican committee chairman Chris DeFruscio would have saved the ad money and just done a midnight drop on cheap copy paper into people's mailboxes. So, this a refreshing change from the below board way your party normally handles itself.
It's time to stop the back and forth insanity of toggling between two parties that have failed us on every level and vote for Jack/Tina/Tom in November.
What about Crist's day job at the County? WE are paying his big salary with our county while he is consumed with foisting his personal choices on us. Does he make any contributions to the County during election season? WHo measures his success inthe County job? Who verifies his time and attendance? Martin Reid? Kathy Jimino? You can't make this stuff up. Let's send a message to this political boss who works for Troy and lives in Schodack: East Greenbush First, we will take our government back and manage it for ourselves.
DeleteThe same goes for Tom Wade, the Rens Cty Dem Chair.
DeleteFyi 5:54 p.m. The day after the special meeting was cancelled "due to illness," our comptoller made a miraculous recovery over night and reported back to work. It is doubtful that a special meeting to explain how so much debt was paid down in such a short amount of time will occur before the November election. I'm predicting a lot of "illness" on the horizon.
ReplyDeleteThis Rich Crist?
ReplyDeletehttp://www.timesunion.com/local/article/Bias-alleged-in-Rensselaer-County-sheriff-race-6477197.php
Can someone, anyone please tell me what qualifications this trent guy has to run for town board?
ReplyDeleteAnd his running mate Larry?
Trent is Chris DeFruscio's future son-in-law. What more do you need to know? Both men are candidates who CDeF and McLangley think they can manage and control after election. Of course, these geniuses thought the same thing abt the woman who ran two years ago and we all know how that worked out. That CDef would drag this 24 yr. old young man into the political quicksand called East Greenbush is unconscionable. They had to do it though bcuz no one else would agree to run with McLangley.
ReplyDelete1:33 p.m. That reminds me of the shenanigans they used to get Langley endorsed. The EG Repub Cmmte was over whelmingly against endorsing Langley to run again so they postponed the vote that night and revisited it again at the next Langley fundraiser where the majority of committee members who attended the fundraiser voted to let Langley run again. It was a cheap trick and the committee members who were there should not have agreed to vote at that event and under those circumstances. It was a complete sham perpetrated by D. Fiacco, C.Def and Langley.
ReplyDeleteAlmost every time I have voted in th past I vote for the best of bad choices.
ReplyDeleteThat is NOT the case this election in East Greenbush Why?
Because for the first time ever we have candidates who care about the people and the town instead of themselves and their political friends.
Jack Conway and his excellent team with get my vote, my thanks and my total support.
It doesn't matter who wins the primary on Thursday. Come election day, we EG1st supporters will appear enmasse to wisk our candidates into office. The rest of the major party candidates COMBINED could not collect as many petition signatures as EG1st candidates collected and the same will hold true for votes on 11/3. People who are loyal to voting their party line enable corrupt, insider politicians to run the show. They enable the illegal plat approvals and disbursement of secret stipend payments, the see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil approvals of the zoning and planning boards, the town operations without any internal controls to speak of, and the mishandling and misappropriations of town funds. Therefore, the loyal supporters of major party line candidates are as much the problem as the candidates themselves. On Nov 3rd, consider being part of the solution instead. Consider Jack, Tina and Tom in 2015. They won't let us down.
ReplyDeleteYou can still vote your party line, but with a write in vote. At least that's what I plan on doing primary day.
ReplyDeleteWell, there you have it, why even have an election then? EG1 candidates are the greatest thing since sliced bread, while everyone else is corrupt. You guys keep beating that drum. Funny, Jack says nice things about some of the other candidates, but you guys just keep preaching how corrupt evryone is. Why is that? I think it's pretty sad that you would consider people like Larry and Trent, corrupt. They have never been involved. Pathetic.
ReplyDeleteI'd suggest to you that the record is what the record is. Both major parties have had their chances to do the right thing. The State Comptroller has left them lists of things that need to be done for years. I don't think one thing has been executed. Sure Larry and Trent have "never been involved." Neither had Langley, but he folded to the needs of DeFruscio and others like a $2 suitcase. The machines demand their loyalties, and will exact them. It's the machines and those who run them which demand the corruption, but we've seen a whole lot of cooperation with that demand for personal benefit on the part of those elected, haven't we? Just look at the list in the last OSC audit. The two machine's crowning "achievement" was the conspiracy to exclude the citizens of the Town from the decision-making process on the biggest issue to ever hit East Greenbush. The insiders on both sides of the political fence knew what was going down and some of them were at the very center of it. Enough already.
Delete@2:39, you couldn't be more wrong, one of those innocent men you speak of was caught spying on the Democrats by back stabbing them. That's what's pathetic, the other is soon to be related to Defruscio, they couldn't be more involved. Know your facts before you write, unless you are the one who writes Langley's pieces, then your comment makes sense.
DeleteLet us not forget that the assumption of the costs by the Town for the paving of a two-day detour for a State Road was presented by Mr. Benko and moved and seconded by O'Brien and Mangold. And Rifenberg gets the contract. Can't make this stuff up. Really "in your face arrogance."
DeleteHow many members of the Town Dem Committee were on the recipient list published by the State Comptroller as those who got stipends, longevity and sick-leave benefits illegally?
Delete5:15 p.m. All of them except one. The one exception was republican Paul Mason.
Delete2:39 p.m. Do you think we were born yesterday or do you just hope we were? A vote for young Mr. Tibbetts is a vote for his future father-in-law Chris DeFruscio. With CDeF's abominable rep in this town, why would they ever have ensnared that young man this way? It's unconscionable. Mr. Lenartz is also a newbie to town politics but do you think for a second that we don't see both of them as the replacements for the two councilwomen who eventually told Langley to go pound salt? Amazingly, Langley, CDeF, and Gilbert are going for the same failed majority thing all over again but just because those men are new to politics, that doesn't mean they will be Langley's stepford support on the board anymore than the women were. Either you Langleyites are just some of the dumbest baffoons going or you hope we are. At the end of the day it all boils down to "fool us once, shame on YOU; fool us twice, shame on US."
DeleteMr. Lenartz is NOT new to town politics, he was Langley's appointee to court clerk along with Defruscio. He also pretended to work for the democrats a few years back until he was caught red handed working for for the Republicans as a "spy" (pretty sad eh?).
Delete@ 8:33 PM- I disagree with you on just one point. Lenartz and Trent WILL ALWAYS do exactly what Langley and DeFruscio tell them to do. There will be no "Road to Damascus" moment for them as there was for MAM.
DeleteAnonymous 2:39pm, Not exactly sure who you were directing your response to, but if it was me. I never said EG1st was perfect, but one thing is for sure they are much better than anything out there. Both party's have had their chances and both have pretty much done what they have wanted to do with no regard for the people that helped get them elected, and when I say elected I mean the people that vote. We do not want anything in return but good honest sound government, and if you can't give us that too bad, I/we have the right to vote for the people that we think we give us that.
Deleteok lets ask Dwight and his neighbors if they like the road. It was the worst road in town. DOT required it to be done. End of story.
ReplyDeleteYup, but it was done for Hart, Maney and Davis and Davis was supposed to pay for it. Just as the illegal Plat approval was done for those three.
Delete5:18 DOT probably required a detour and there are a lot of options. This option was, I am sure, the most foolish and the most expensive. But, why not have an illegal road to get to your illegal house.
DeleteYes, DOT could have set up its own detour using the exits on Interstate 90.
Delete5:18 Learn your facts, DOT did NOT require the road to be paved. Only Mr. Benko is on the record that it needed to be paved. Guess who employed Mr. Benko after the Town let him go??? Mr. Brian Hart. Cant make this stuff up.
DeleteTo 9/6 @ 5:15 pm, I responded to you at 8:07 p.m. that day but my response to you was incorrect.
ReplyDeleteI thought you were asking how many democrats were on the recipient list published by the State Comptroller as those who got stipends, longevity and sick-leave benefits illegally, but, on second look, you were asking how many Town Dem Committee members were recipients...therefore, my response to you was wrong. The stipend recipients for years 2007-2009 were Kate Bennett, Peter Partak, Toni Murphy, Joe Cherubino, Rick McCabe, Lauren McCabe, Sue McCarthy, Carmella Hicks, Fred Nero, Jim Moore, Paul Mason, and Kevin Tuffey. Then supervisor Rick McCabe unilaterally doled out $141,000 of tax payer money during those years without TB approval or even their knowledge. It was resident super sleuths who brought the stealing to the attention of the OSC for investigation. In a TU article McCabe stated, "there was no intent there [to steal] and no criminal activity," in his opinion, that is. For confirmation of this information, Google NYS OSC 2012M-116.
Now Rick McCabe is Dave VanWormer's biggest supporter. Unbelievable !!!
DeleteGadfly, do you think it's a little conspicuos that it cost $147k to pave Thompson Hill Rd. and the town just so happened to spend $147k (well, no $30k more for holding off on a decision) for the Luther Rd. sidewalk project that has nothing to show for?
ReplyDeleteLooks like Talks went underground at least for the Primary. Keep your head down and your powder dry I guess. Lots of vulnerabilities with that bunch.
ReplyDeleteTALKS went "underground" because Pete Stenson and DVW are known to be the perpetrators of that seriously vicious blog. Are these the kind of people we want running the town?
DeleteJim_C: I am doing the same thing on primary Day--writing in the names of the EG1st candidates on my party's line.
ReplyDeleteWhat a GREAT idea!!
DeleteI will write in the EG1st candidates on Thursday too. It's time to stand up against the parties.
DeleteI'll be writing in Mike, Tina and Tom on Thursday.
ReplyDeletePete's resolution regarding no politics at Town picnics:
ReplyDeletePolitical parties are allowed to have booths at the picnic but because of a long-standing tradition - pamphlets, leaflets or other types of informational literature are prohibited.
I submitted a post to Talks last week on this topic but I guess Pete or Dave VW doesn't like rational discussion on this very essential (read non) resolution. I agree active campaigning might not be appropriate but there is no reason why - if someone should approach one of the booths - literature should not be provided to those wishing to take it. To prohibit conversation through pamphlets or leaflets might be a violation of Free Speech.
Well, Pete threw a hissy-fit over Mike Poorman handing out palm cards or some such literature and hence the proposed resolution. Never mind that Poorman's booth was placed suspiciously behind a concrete building limiting any easy access to his booth. You couldn't even see it.
This kind of nonsense takes away from the essence of what campaigning is all about: information gathering and dissemination. Something which has always been given short shrift in this Town. What does Mike Poorman stand for except being against Langley? What has Langley really accomplished in 4 years? Don't believe what he says about reducing the debt. Moody's doesn't agree and neither should we. What does DVW know about besides the DPW?
The only team that puts it out there is East Greenbush 1st.
So on Primary Day - when you are asked to write in names remember Jack, Tom and Tina. You are not bound to write in any particular person's name. Write in a name that stands for truth, honesty and openness in government.
Suzanne Aiardo
9:20- That's curious. I was thinking about writing in DVM, Tina and Tom. But I haven't had the chance to talk to Jack yet. I hear he's a good guy.
ReplyDeleteI would think that you would want to elect a majority team that has together thought through the issues and has developed a platform which is to be published once the opposition is formed after the Primary. Jack, Tina and Tom have been working together, and wouldn't be running as a team ticket if they haven't. Why in the world would you dilute the effect of your vote?
Delete@ 11:49, you definitely should vote for who you feel is right and who you trust. Here is a summary of all of the candidates running as well as ways to contact them. Feel free (if you wish) to contact Jack directly, he would be glad to sit one on one with you, I know Dave would be willing to as well - https://eastgreenbushtruth.wordpress.com/meet-the-candidates/
DeleteGadfly September 8, 2015 at 8:48 AM...
ReplyDeleteWhat a GREAT idea?
You damn the major parties to hell for screwing up EG but now you are encouraging EG1st supporters to USE major party lines to write in the names of EG1st candidates? This is NOT what Jack, Tina and Tom want. Are you now using your blog to change the game plan? EG1st candidates are supposed to win using ONE LINE, JUST ONE LINE, THE EG1ST LINE. If you're so certain about the storm of EG1st supporters at the polls on 11/3 then WHY do you suddenly need major party line support? Your sudden change of mind about using major party lines to win PROVES that you're getting more and more nervous by the day but, geez, stay the course, man. One line, one party. That's what's extraordinary about EG1st. Don't blow the message now!
I was referring to the minor parties in the primary.
DeleteAnd I didn't check with EG1st.
Delete@12:49, that was my first reaction (well similar) as well. However, the difference between EG1st taking endorsements from those party lines and people writing them in on those lines is that it would be the people choosing who they want to represent them. Not political cronies looking for an in. If the people speak and win the write in asking EG1st to represent their parties, then that is the people speaking. EG1st is about the people, not the parties.
DeleteI agree with stay the course that EG 1st should stay with the one line. That's a clear path for victory, despite Jack's half hearted attempt to get the Dem nod.
ReplyDeleteI'm also looking at casting a vote for Dave, Tina and Tom. Dave would work well with them and vice versa. Jack is a very nice guy. He just doesn't have the experience. Dave was the DPW Commissioner and he was a cop. Those departments are the biggest ones in EG. Jack should talk more about his background and soon.
If you're interested in background and experience and perspective and ability, I'd suggest that you attend the citizens forum with the EG1st candidates to be held at the Elks on Columbia Turnpike on Tuesday the 15th at 7:00pm.
DeleteStay the Course and 1:38:
ReplyDeleteWriting in EG1st on Primary Day is a good idea because they won't WIN a minor party line, but we can make our choice early. We don't have to win the line to make a statement. We can write in our candidates to show that we are voting now and again in November. The EG1st candidates have one line, and will have only one line but we can write them in for the Primary if we prefer them over the other candidates.
It is a statement.
The only people who won't like that statement are the other candidates.
@Stay The Course!September 8, 2015 at 12:49 PM--Commentators FIRST mentioned writing candidates' names on the ballot, NOT Gadfly. In this country we have the right to vote for whomever we want and those party lines are actually the VOTERS' LINES to vote for whomever we like. They are not Gadfly's lines or YOUR lines; they are the American citizens' lines that the parties are using to differentiate themselves based on their platforms. Any citizen registered to ANY party has the RIGHT to vote for whomever they like on ANY line and if they do not like the candidates listed on the lines a citizen can WRITE in someone else.
ReplyDeleteEG1st still has their OWN party line for the General Election but we, as citizens, have the right to show our distaste for the candidates offered on the party lines on Primary Day by writing in whomever WE CHOOSE.
Gadfly has every right to encourage citizens to exercise their voting rights and every right to express their opinion. Gadfly has made it clear they prefer the EG1st line is used on the General Election and many of us intend to do that.
At this point, Gadfly has tried on numerous occasions to encourage voters to NOT use ANY old political party lines (see previous blog posts) BUT, there are those of us who refuse to waste our vote because we have relatives that served this country and we value that right so we refuse to waste it which, is why we are exercising our right to write-in whomever we want on our designated party lines on Primary Day. Gadfly, since there is no EG1st line on primary day has every right to support our decision to write-in EG1st candidates or, anyone else we choose on our designated lines.
If you are so confident in the candidates offered on the existing lines this Thursday, don't you worry about who and where we write in. Worry about your own candidates.
Word is that some of the political juvenile delinquents were laboring hard over this holiday weekend stealing Dem lawn signs from peoples' yards.
ReplyDeletePoor misguided children! You'd think that they'd have better things to do.
Round up the usual suspects, folks. Leopards don't change their spots.
AT - first of all, EG1st is NOT a political party, it is just a slate of independent citizens for whom we can vote if we want to. Second of all, it appears that the mission of EG1st is being blurred as we near closer to Thursday. If EG1st is such a powerful constituency, then why should EG1st supporters vote in the primary at all? Why not just wait for the GE and vote in Jack, Tina, and Tom enmasse? Mission accomplished! Jack, the GF, all the EG1st supporters seem so certain that they're going to use their sheer numbers of supporters to crush the opposition on 11/3. What I'm seeing on this blog today is support for major party line candidates, as well, but don't take my word for it. We'll find out for ourselves in about another 48 hours.
ReplyDeleteI'd venture a guess that the "major" (Rep/Dem) candidates are counting on their "plants" in the minor parties to get them on the ballot. The erosion of that effort by somebody writing in EG1st candidates has to be making them crazy.
DeleteWe need to remember that the Dems and Reps have long used the minor parties to make it appear that their support is broader than it really is. This is done by having Reps and Dem register in the minor parties. Part of the "game" that's been played here for a long time.
Stay the Course-The reason EG1st supporters should vote P.D. is because we have the RIGHT to vote. Why should we waste our vote? If we do not like the candidates offered on our designated lines, we have the write-in option and some of us are using that option. THAT is why we should vote-because we can.
ReplyDeleteYou are exactly right-EG1st is not a political party which is why they have garnered so much support. We have the right to vote for them or anyone else we choose. P.D. and the G.E. do not require us to vote for a political party, it requests us to vote for candidates we want to represent us.
You sure sound nervous about EG1st and the impact they will have on your line, whatever line that may be. My hope is that EG1st has a HUGE impact on my designated line, which is a minor party. It would be FANTASTIC if EG1st took the minor party line I vote on P.D.
I wish you and your political party luck. That being said, do not try and take away other citizens' right to vote and do not admonish us for exercising our right. It's the stuff that made this country and it is our legal right.
Gadfly,
ReplyDeleteHow do you feel about ticket splitting? A few of my neighbors are talking about voting for Dave, Tina and Tom. They are concerned about being fooled again like they were by the SWF campaign, where MAM and Deb campaigned that they were going to support Langley and did so through much of the casino debacle. Now MAM and Deb support Poorman and our TB is still a mess.FYI, I'm sticking with Jack, Tina and Tom and we'd welcome any comments you'd care to share.
I don't see any logic at all in the Dave, Tina, Tom scenario. As I understand it, the reason that Jack, Tina and Tom did not seek major machine party support is that they wanted to be independent of it and free of the dark entanglements they bring. Like it or not, DVW is the nominee of a party which is responsible for much of the mess we're in. And I'll bet we don't see any aggressive criticism of that from their candidates. In fact, many of the actors were in the room on caucus night.
DeleteMy opinion is the title of this thread: We need a CLEAN break.
Ya think DVW and Poorman are trying to snag some votes by pretending to be compatible with Tina and Tom? How'd that work out for MAM and DEB? I think the two are scared silly.
DeleteAnd let's not forget that DVW was a part of both the McCabe and Langley administrations.
Gideon. It's the smart move for both DVW and Poorman. The concern with Jack is that other than the Langley TB candidates, Jack has the least experience of all the candidates running for TB.
DeleteWouldn't surprise me one bit to see Langley join the T and T bandwagon as well if he survives the primary.
Now that's a hair-brained statement if I ever heard one. Have you done your biographical research? Gimme a break!
Delete9:07- We are for Jack, Tina and Tom. However it is great you and your neighbors are already talking about the election. No matter what you decide it is very important to vote.
ReplyDeleteI don't think we should argue who people are voting for, I personally will be voting the entire EG1st slate but people shouldn't be condemned for their choices. Everyone has their right to vote who they feel in their mind and heart are suitable for the job. It is great that people are actually voting, it would be great that when people do they are making informed decisions and not blindly voting just because someone has an R, D, WF, etc next to their name.
ReplyDeleteAgreed. But we also must keep in mind that Jack, Tina, and Tom are running independently because they saw how wrong it was for parties to vote as a group rather than thinking independently. All 3 are strong candidates and are running to be 3 voices not one voice.
Delete10:27 a.m. And they WILL be three independent voices. In fact, so much so that I don't see the three of them agreeing unanimously on much of anything but they WILL think it through and come to the best possible decision for the town, not for themselves, their families or friends. The only people who will vote for DVW are the ones who want town government to return to the municipal playpen it was when Rick McCabe was in office. If you hate good, sound, responsible government, vote for DVW. Jack IS qualified for this job, see his credentials on the EG1st website, but, most of all, if he doesn't know, he's smart enough to find out AND don't think of him as a pushover...he has his limits. Tom Grant is intelligent and a fighter. Tina is sweet but don't underestimate her. Pete and Andrea come across intelligent and sincere. Mike Poorman is an unknown quantity but worth a hard look. He's helping a lot to keep the town board working right now, which should not be disregarded. He is also, in my opinion, superior to Casino Honey Bee Keith who simply must go. To Larry and Trent I say Larry and Trent who? There are a lot of choices this year. Take the time to research and vote wisely.
ReplyDeleteI hear Ant'ny Maney likes Langley.
DeleteBet there's Feather's money in that mailing.
DeleteOf course Maney and Hart are backing Langley, he's the one they can control and the one that will make deals for them. Why hasn't our Supervisor publically condemned 1 Cooper Ave and Thompson Hill??? Because he can't bite the hand that is feeding him. Hart, Benko, and McCabe helped campaign to eliminate Poorman and keep Keith in power so they can go back to feeding at the trough. A new fresh start is the only thing to save EG Government now...ie lets put EG1st!!!!
ReplyDeleteIt is SHOCKING!!! Hopefully people will wake up. Need to REALLY focus on EG1st & get the people out in November. Another 4 years of McLangley would certainly put us further in the hole!!! Seems to me the residents of our Town either do not pay attention or do not care, which is very, very sad - OMG - This is politics at its worst!!!
ReplyDeleteBarely 5% of the registered voters even voted ... we'll see when people show up in Nov
ReplyDeleteI went to vote last night, but as a registered democrat, I was told I could not vote. I asked if I could write in names, and I was told no. Wonder if others tried to vote too and were turned away like me. I never got my chance to write the names of EG1st candidates. I know they are on the Nov ballot already, but I wanted to write in their names to prove a point. Very disappointed at what happened last night, but in Nov, my vote will count.
ReplyDeleteEG1st is about good government, FOR THE PEOPLE. In EG, the democrats only have a caucus, it's not the people who get to choose who they want to run on the democratic line. How's that for democracy. Hopefully EG1st will be looking to change this so that WE can choose who we want to represent our parties, not 30 old time democratic families.
DeleteAnonymous 9:49 am - same thing for my husband and I. Didn't understand why you could write in for the other parties that had one candidate but not Democratic Party. As you said, we also are disappointed but our vote will count in November.
ReplyDelete