Meantime, please join us for our final fundraiser on Saturday, March 19 The Elks Club, 683 Columbia Turnpike, East Greenbush
Cocktails at 6 pm (cash bar); Dinner at 7 pm
The SEG Grand Finale will be an evening filled with friends, music, dancing and fun.
Your $50 ticket price includes scrumptious appetizers, gourmet buffet dinner, decadent dessert and of course -- a fabulous Silent Auction! Guests will have an array of auction items from which to choose, including vacations, artwork, vintage items and antiques, jewelry, professional services, gift baskets and much more!
There are 3 ways to purchase your tickets:
- Purchase your tickets online: http://saveeastgreenbush.nationbuilder.com/seg_grand_finale?utm_campaign=grand_finale&utm_medium=email&utm_source=saveeastgreenbush
- Send a check (payable to Save East Greenbush) to: Save East Greenbush, P.O. Box 115, East Greenbush, NY 12061
- Or, or call Larraine at 518-477-9613 to reserve your tickets
Remember: Save East Greenbush saved East Greenbush.
Let's make this final fundraising event our biggest and best yet! See you in March.
Warmly,
Save East Greenbush
Save East Greenbush
http://saveeastgreenbush.nationbuilder.com/
If not for Save East Greenbush, we would be saddled with a Langley et al or VanWormer et al administration for the next four years that could conceivably have plunged our beleaguered little town into bankruptcy. Further mismanagement of the waste water treatment plant alone could have finished us off financially. Instead, we have people on the town board who will do the job responsibly, free of corruption, back room politics, fiscal malfeasance, and sheer incompetence. That's why my family and I are going to the final SEG fundraiser, because they did their job, they truly SAVED East Greenbush! I'd like to hear why others are going. See you there!
ReplyDeletePart of the old "legacy" is on tomorrow night's Planning Board Agenda. ZBA referral for 1 Cooper Ave.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.eastgreenbush.org/document-downloads/planning-department/agendas
Yeah, it says "Area Variance-taking a 20’ x 32’ pre-existing non-conforming structure and making it a 24’ x 40’ structure." Is that another way of saying they're seeking to legitimize turning a garage into an office bldg?
ReplyDeleteThis wouldn't make it a legitimate business as he would still have to get an approved use variance, to which Hart withdrew.
DeleteThen why was it referred to the planning board? I guess we'll find out tomorrow night.
DeleteThe new PB Chair is a real no nonsense, humorless kind of guy. The other Matt would have totally given this a pass. How will the new Matt handle it? Should be good.
DeleteSo Hart withdrew, Fiacco's for rent, it's all fallen apart for the players, the candy store is closed, no more wink and a nod, undercover business deals. Man up guys and do it right! Hey, SEG totally got this ball rolling. A bunch of ordinary citizens got together and said enough is enough, we're not going to take it anymore. That's why I'm going to the final SEG fundraiser on 3/19...with bells on!
DeleteSo what happened? Why have anything on this anyways? Its not like they will order the new structure tore down? This piece of whatever you want to call it was built because of who this person was, while the rest of us have to file proper paper work.
DeleteSo what are the taxes on this piece of property now? Can anyone answer that? I know I had some work done on my house a few years ago and had to get proper permits, and it was reflected in my tax bill. Do they pay higher taxes on this piece of property now that it is 3 times the size of what it used to be? I highly doubt it!!!
Thank god we have some politicians in office now that actually care!!!
Oh yeah people, I'm a neighbor and a disgruntled one at that because the system failed us with 1 cooper ave.
Can someone explain to me where all the monies in which we have donated is being used for? I was under the assumption that the bill has been paid. So now another fundraiser??? What cause are we collecting for now? Can someone please give us a break down on the #'s?
ReplyDeleteDear Anony....No one ever announced that the balance of the legal bill was paid. As I understand it, the balance is in the neighborhood of $7,000. This after a reduction due to the generosity of an anonymous benefactor. I believe that there will be a final report of income and expenses at some point on the SEG website.
DeleteBottom line....the insider/machine deals cost citizens way too much.
To be clear....the money raised on 3/19 will be used toward finishing off the legal bill. As I said, there WILL be a final report of income and expenses coming on the SEG website.
DeleteHopefully this "report" will be posted before 3/19.
Delete3:44 what is the significance of the 3/19 date?
DeleteIt's the date of the final SEG fundraiser. Hope to see you!!!
DeleteDid any of the town, planning and zoning board members who caused the legal bill to happen, contribute to paying it down?
ReplyDeleteOut of the three boards, two members even spoke against the casino fiasco. Mary Ann of course, after a few yes votes, and Matt Ostiguy from the ZBA. The rest, were too driven by their almighty party alliances and higher ups telling them what to do. That, or they were blinded by the lies. In either case, they were all either cowards, or have no business sense. To be fair, Joyce Lapham was technically a no at the ZBA, but we won't even go there. Kudos to all of those who know what went on there but instead of focusing on that topic, everyone moved on.
Delete3:59 p.m. Mary Ann voted yes twice before she reversed course in a big way whiched helped a lot and was hugely appreciated by many. The Matters also donated generously to the EG1st campaign and to the SEG fundraisers. At least we got through to one town board member, which is better than none. Deb D. voted to rescind the casino resolution but this sticks in my craw because she would not budge on her support for the casino when it really counted. Matt Ostiguy was the only ZBA member who was courageous enough to vote correctly regardless of the pressure to do otherwise. The situation with Ms. L. was terribly unfortunate but mentioning her by full name was disrespectful and just plain mean. Shame on you for that.
DeleteShe holds a public position, I did not mention the details but the entire Capital District can see her name and all of the other board members associated with the casino. Most people who don't want their name mentioned publicly wouldn't decide to sit on a board. I do not feel ashamed repeating how a board member voted. If you don't want your name mentioned, don't be involved with town politics.
DeleteUnder the extenuating circumstances, maybe you could be understanding and compassionate. Sitting on any board isn't just thankless, it's like standing in front of a firing squad waiting to be gunned down. Why anyone would do it is beyond me.
DeleteDear Anony 3:44 - You seem to have an anger issue that you're directing toward the many EG residents who worked tirelessly (and continue to do so) to keep our town free of seedy businesses fostered by underhanded government officials.
ReplyDeleteI've been keeping track of SEG's fundraising progress over this whole stretch and they provide the public with financial updates after every event. You must not be reading the FaceBook and website posts.
It seems that you're happy to sit back and criticize rather than contribute to SEG's efforts. I suspect, from your churlish comments that you're one of the individuals that caused the casino debacle in the first place.
churl·ish
Deleteadjective
rude in a mean-spirited and surly way.
"It seems churlish to complain"
synonyms: rude, ill-mannered, ill-bred, discourteous, impolite, unmannerly, uncivil.
Saw this on the town website:
ReplyDeleteJob Posting - DPW Secretary
Posted: 24 Feb 2016 01:21 PM PST
The Town of East Greenbush is currently accepting applications for a Secretary to the Commissioner of Public Works at the Town Highway Garage. The position would be on a part-time basis working primarily Tuesday-Wednesday-Thursday.
Please submit applications to Lisa O'Brien by Friday, March 4, 2016.
Job Description - DPW Secretary
East Greenbush Employment Application
How refreshing to see job postings just as JTT promised. The days of hiring only the politically connected and favored are over. This is just as it should be.
ReplyDeleteJTT are a breath of fresh air. What a change from Langley and the SWF.
ReplyDelete2:35 p.m. Is your comment a veiled slam on Mary Ann and Deb, as well? Of course it is but how about giving it a rest. JTT have fully included them since the night of 11/03/15 when the voters gave them control of the town and they have been working well together ever since, so comments like that are not helpful. Once again, the SWF began with good intentions. They had a good campaign platform but, as explained over and over, Langley never had any intention of helping them to execute it. They were both oblivious to the backroom deals of town politics in 2013 and had no idea what they were getting into with McLangley, DeFruscio, and Gilbert. MA fell out with them almost right away for being uncooperative and disloyal to their agenda for themselves. It took Deb longer but by the time Sue Mangold resigned, she and MA were working together to stop them from doing further harm to town finances by raising water and sewer rates, approving union contracts, etc. The point is, they did the best they could working on very shaky ground. How about we let the past be the past and judge them going forward now that JTT are on the scene. They really just want to do a good job the next two years to make up for the last two as best they can. Peace.
ReplyDelete7:49- I'm all for leaving the past in the past, but I can't ignore your revisionist history. I will never forget that MAM broke with Langley, DeFruscio and Gilbert only when the Casino proposal was downsized. She strongly supported the huge "world class destination" Casino on the top of Thompson Hill.
ReplyDeleteYou are certainly entitled to your own opinions regarding MAM, but you are not entitled to making up your own facts.
Although I disagreed with CP DiMartino's position on the Casino, I give her a great deal of credit for her honesty and candor.
10:48 You're so critical and judgemental. Try walking a mile in her shoes before you condemn her. Have you spoken with her? Do you have the full story. Is that nothing else in her performance over the past two years that you liked or are you just intent on throwing the baby out with the bath water?
ReplyDeleteSure hope JTT is listening carefully to CP Matters about the need for a sewerage treatment study. We taxpayers will be paying this for the next 30 years. This needs to be done the right way. I voted for JTT on CP Matters recommendation. They are newbies now, just like CP Matters once was. They can benefit from what MA learned over the last two years. I hope they do.
ReplyDelete5:53 p.m. Just one small correction to your post...it's for the next 40 years. Yikes!
DeleteAtlantic City has a lesson for New York State and the reliance on casinos:
ReplyDeletehttp://nypost.com/2016/02/27/lessons-for-new-york-from-atlantic-citys-collapse/
Take a look at the "teaser" for "Anything Goes" playing soon at Columbia:
ReplyDeletehttps://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Sb2PlspXgnA&feature=youtu.be
Saw this on the town's website:
ReplyDeleteBoard of Assessment Review
The Town Board is seeking three residents to serve on the Board of Assessment Review. The Board meets on the 4th Tuesday of May from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. to hear residents’ grievances. This session is followed by meetings to render decisions on the grievances. Candidates should have a working knowledge of the local real estate market and the ability to be objective when considering a residents’ appeal of their assessment. Successful applicants will be appointed for up to a five-year term. If you are interested, please send a resume to lobrien@eastgreenbush.org. If you have questions you may address them to Lisa O’Brien at 477-4775.
Love seeing the continued public job postings for Town positions. Great to see JTT keeping their campaign promises for an open and transparent hiring process. So glad we supported them on election day.
DeleteThis is from the Supervisor's report on 3/1. Please plan to attend the March 9 pre-board meeting at 6 p.m., if you can.
ReplyDeleteWe’re moving ahead with the sewer rate increase. At the March 9th pre-board meeting (at 6:00 p.m.) we’ll present the results of a study of the sewer system and rates conducted by Councilor Tina Tierney and me. This will allow people to understand the basics of the sewer system and how rates in general are calculated. This will be followed by a presentation at the March 16th Town Board meeting of the new increases and how these were calculated. Both presentations will be available on the Town website after those meetings. At the March meeting we’ll schedule the Public Hearing on the rates and this will begin with a repeat of both presentations. The Public Hearing will likely be held on April 13th.
@ 12:39 PM, so does this study take the place of the proposed by CP Matters study that would have cost the town $50,000?
ReplyDeleteIf so, Kudos to Councilor Tierney, she just saved the taxpayers 5X her salary.
2:13 p.m. (probably Ed Gilbert) before you say such ridiculous things, you should go to the truth blog and read the five-page study proposal by Delaware Engineering. The supr said "we’ll present the results of a study of the sewer system and rates conducted by Councilor Tina Tierney and me." I promise you the two "studies" don't compare but it was clever of the supr to use the word "study" anyway.
Delete@ 5:30 PM, sorry, not Ed Gilbert.
Delete6:47 never be sorry about that, be glad and relieved.
DeleteI read where Jack said, "we’ll present the results of a study of the sewer system and rates conducted by Councilor Tina Tierney and me," and I can't help but wonder what it means when he said they studied the "sewer system." I guess we'll find out on 3/9. He also mentioned a whopping big surcharge on our sewer bills for the next forever but does it have to be done like that or are there other options for dealing with the debt that don't include a surcharge?
Deletehttps://eastgreenbushtruth.wordpress.com/2016/01/29/delaware-eg-sewer-rate-proposal/
DeleteDelaware Study
Members of Rensselaer County Law Enforcement are once again teaming up with Applebee’s in East Greenbush (594 North Greenbush Road) to raise money and awareness for New York Special Olympics.
ReplyDeleteThe date of the event is Thursday March 10, 2016 from 4:30 pm to 8:30 pm.
Law enforcement officers will be paired up with a server and assist them in taking orders, waiting and clearing tables and donations would then be left to benefit Special Olympics. We are looking for the community to come out, enjoy a good meal and support this worthy cause.
Friday afternoon I had the best experience visiting our supervisor. He listens, he takes notes, he cares about what you have to say. What an awesome example of by the people, for the people.
ReplyDeleteI just wanted to say Thank You.
A revised Planning Board agenda has been published for tonight's meeting. Looks like the appeal report on 1 Cooper Ave. has been pulled.
ReplyDeleteInteresting that the other business involved a report on a request for an area variance from a person who wants to convert that old dentist's office on the corner of Highland and Greenwood to a 2 family house with a home office. Planning Board approved the request.
Delete! Cooper Avenue involves a building that has already been built. It does not conform with what was originally before the Board. There are many other irregularities which a lot of us know about. NOW the owner comes looking for an area variance. Looks like the cart before the horse to me - and why didn't they follow the law and get permission first? Well you probably know. Can't wait for the public hearing on this one.
A reminder again about what this Thread is about.....the Grand Finale Save East Greenbush fundraiser on March 19th to retire the final balance of our legal bill.
ReplyDeleteBUY YOUR TICKETS NOW.
SEG Grand Finale TICKET SALES END MONDAY AT MIDNIGHT.
There are two ways to buy your tickets:
1) Call Larraine at 477-9613 OR
2) Go online to SaveEastGreenbush.com and purchase online
Interesting BizJournal article, the Capital Region added more manufacturing jobs than any other region in upstate NY. The two companies mostly responsible for this, GlobalFoundaries and Regeneron. But yes, we DESPERATELY needed that casino for jobs - NOT! http://www.bizjournals.com/albany/morning_call/2016/03/albany-leads-upstate-in-manufacturing-job-growth.html
DeleteWhen I think about how that casino would have degraded the town, I cringe. A casino plus either of the past two McSupervisors at the helm would have spelled disaster for East Greenbush. Thank goodness for Save EG and EG1st. They literally saved the town. Please show your gratitude by signing up for the Grand Finale Save East Greenbush fundraiser on March 19th to retire the final balance of the legal bill.
ReplyDeleteThank you!!
I believe that the legal bill was $78,000, and now it's down to about $8,000 through the efforts of citizens and donors. The insiders who tried to make a real estate killing for their own gain cost us a lot. But we did get a new majority on the Town Board from their mis-calculation.
ReplyDeleteOnline bidding for Silent Auction items is OPEN!
ReplyDeletehttps://www.32auctions.com/seggrandfinale
Please take a look at the Silent Auction items acquired for the SEG Grand Finale. Because of the generosity of the citizens and businesses of East Greenbush we have accumulated some pretty nifty items. Get your bids in now! Thanks to all.
ReplyDeleteSuzanne
Wow! A nice selection of items. My bids have been placed. Hope I win!
DeleteI believe that there will be more toward the end of the week. Keep an eye out.
DeleteAre walk-ins welcome at the fundraiser?
ReplyDeleteThanks for your question. The cut-off for dinner tickets was yesterday. However, walk-ins are welcome at 8 o'clock to view and bid on the silent auction items and have a drink with us. In the meantime, you can view and bid on the items by going to www.SaveEastGreenbush.com and clicking on the auction link. We already have 46 terrific items and will be adding more. You do not have to attend the auction to win - just be the highest bidder.
ReplyDeleteWe also have items for sale which are not on the website - hope to see you there!
Suzanne Aiardo
The finale fundraiser to retire the legal debt associated with fighting the casino was great fun last night. The food was delish, tender roast beef, salmon, roasted potatoes, orange glazed baby carrots and a decadent chocolate mousse for dessert. There was also a DJ (who didn't play the music too loud) and a silent auction with some great items to bid on. All in all, a GREAT night. Bravo to the planners of the event.
ReplyDeleteWhat was the total amount raised?
ReplyDeleteIt's my understanding that it looks like the legal debt will be met, but we still have some bid winners (on-line) who have not paid for their items yet. Also there are some expenses yet to be calculated. It's my understanding that a final accounting will be posted on the SEG web-site when the final bookkeeping is finished.
DeleteShould the name of this blog be changed to Saved East Greenbush ? Then who's going to write the book ?
ReplyDeleteOh,12:43 p.m., the need for Save EG is far from over. We feel "saved" now but how about next year when two town board seats will up for grabs? The machine Republicrats that just got stomped out of business are undoubtedly wringing their hands now over running their candidates again. Will the ones who lost last year, try again next year? So JTT are in for four years but what then? Four years isn't enough for even JTT to permanently save EG. The job of supervisor must be flat-out exhausting thanks to the do nothing sloth Jack replaced. If EG is truly to be saved, the momentum must be sustained, which means long after the people who got us to where we are now are gone, new saviors must be primed to step in and protect our town from the last bunch of scavengers and parasites who only sought to take full advantage of us behind our backs. Please, don't ever think we're saved. We're vulnerable, always vulnerable. Never forget that.
ReplyDeleteThere is always East Greenbush First - not a party but if there are no acceptable candidates and 2 people are willing.....There is also the choice for those of us who are Democrats to take-over the party. The Republicans need to file their campaign finance reports and regroup - if they can.
ReplyDeleteThat's just it, there isn't "always EG 1st." They aren't a party, they are done in four years. Then who will be left to organize and motivate voters like they did? Will they run again? That remains to be seen. As complacency sets in, the stalled machines are rebuilding their engines for the next takeover. Complacency is failure's little brother.
ReplyDeleteStay tuned for an alliance between the truly reformer Democrats and East Greenbush 1st. The Town Republican Party is bankrupt in every sense of the word.
Delete5:01. And any JTT backed candidates would probably appeal to many of the old guard anti DeFruscio Republicans as well. Just like last election.
DeleteMany of us are hoping JTT will take an active part in the 2017 County Leg race. There will be four positions up for election in November, 2017.
ReplyDelete4:44 p.m. What do you mean by "take an active part in the 2017 county leg race." Do you hope they'll run? If they do and win, they'll have to give up their town board seats. If they don't, they won't have time to organize a vanity party campaign for other candidates plus run the town. Also, especially now that the county is well aware of EG 1st victory last Nov., they will be more than ready for them if they try it at the county level.It will only get harder from here on out.
DeleteWe need JTT right here for the next 4 years. I'll bet plenty of the party hacks would love to see vacant council seats in 2 years. Not going to happen.
Delete8:51, Only Jack wouldn't be able to serve as both Supe and County Leg. The local law was changed to allow Town Board members to serve on the County Leg. One of our current County Legislators is Kelly Hoffman who is also a member of the North Greenbush Town Board.
Delete@5:55pm, JTT were told by the political pundits that they couldn't win last time by running on only one line at the bottom of the ballot. Imagine what could happen if they decide to support a strong slate for legislature. I'm thinking the County Democrats might be interested in working with them in some sort of a top of the ballot/bottom of the ballot coalition.
ReplyDeleteStranger things have happened.
I'd say that delivering on good governmental performance would be the best campaign base for any new ventures. JTT have a lot on their plate right now, but motivated citizens are certainly free to start thinking about doing the same thing in 20 months in the EG contest for the two seats which will be open. The County needs a clean-up too.
ReplyDeleteIn any case, it has been shown that when people become aware of the devastation which machine operations can work on a community, change can be accomplished with hard work and determination. I hope we can get Dwight or someone with similar writing gifts to document what we accomplished here.
The county leg definitely needs to be cleaned up starting with Mr. Danaher. If he runs again, every EG voter should take the golden opportunity when he knocks on your door to ask him why he remained silent in the face of highly questionable planning board decisions in 2014 and 2015 involving buildings in town, including the Honey Bee Spa, 1 Cooper Ave and the du-quadplex on Thompson Hill Road. He should also be asked what he knew about the irregular paving of Thompson Hill Road when that happened. He shouldn't be able to win another election without explaining, without being held accountable as previously paid legal counsel to our town. He always just blends in and hopes not to be noticed but he needs to receive the message that people did notice and want answers.
ReplyDelete@5:55 - The party regulars "being ready" should have little or no effect on EG1st. They have the knowledge and ability to pull together and support 2 candidates for TB in 2017 and also focus on at least 2 of the 4 county legislative seats.
ReplyDeleteThe field is not limited to Jack, Tina and Tom. Consider these facts: 1)The many talented people who successfully supported SEG and EG1st can build on their success in the future especially if they are facing the same old corrupt players; 2) at least one of the leaders in SEG is a resident of North Greenbush showing potential for organizational success in North Greenbush; it is not just Danaher who is at risk ... look at the Fiacco record including supporting the casino, zoning violations at his failed liquor store and a very close relationship with the corrupt East Greenbush Republican Committee.
Lots of talent in the EG1st/SEG ranks. Possibilities are endless. Are we having fun yet?
@10:42am. I couldn't agree more! Both Danaher and Fiacco need to be held accountable for their actions in support of the "players." Let's find at least two independent candidates to oppose them in 2017! It's never too early to begin planning. We have the expertise of JTT and their many supporters to build on. Let's do this!!
DeleteJust the fact that Danaher wasn't reinstated as Planning Board attorney for our town is a curiosity. Did he apply and was he not picked for the job or did he not apply at all? Either way, it doesn't look good.
ReplyDelete@ 11:01 we (the 70+ energetic volunteers) are obligated to act. If there is any doubt, consider these points:
ReplyDelete1. Danaher, Fiacco et al supported the failed Langley ticket right up until the last minute making it clear that they believe the Town of East Greenbush is deserving of sub-par, uninspired, poorly prepared elected officials.
2. JTT need officials with the best interest of EG in mind if they are to achieve great things. Rob Bayly comes to all of the EG TB meetings but the only time I remember him making any public comment is when he offered the County being ready to discuss shared services. Nice, but woefully inadequate considering all the horrible stuff dealt out by Langley, Gilbert, DeFruscio and company. Also, Bayly's presence is an indicator that the County is well aware of the antics of their candidate, Langley.
3. East Greenbush is the largest town in the County. We deserve at least two representatives on the County Legislature. Right now we only have Danaher who is a follower, not a leader.
It is time!
Danaher is a shady character who looked the other way on the plat approval for Thompson Hill. Who knows how many other projects the Planning Board slipped under the table while he was on watch. He is borderline unethical. If he comes up for reelection this time - we all have his number and have enough votes to defeat him. But let's find someone to run against him who can actually support the Town. Jack has enough to do but maybe it would be a good idea for our County Representative to give a report at the Town Board meetings.
ReplyDeleteGreat idea 1:33PM, If County Legislator, Rob Bayly, continues to attend TB meeting why not give him an opportunity to report on his activities as our County Legislator? He could make a report at the beginning of each public comment portion. I've been puzzled at why he's been attending TB meetings all this time without saying anything in public.
Delete@8:30PM.......another very important question to add to your list for Mr. Danaher is why he continued to serve as the lawyer for the EG Planning Board on casino matters rather than recluse himself because in his other on-going role as a Rensselaer County Legislator, he voted in favor of the resolution seeking to bring a casino to Rensselaer County. IMO this was such an obvious conflict of interest and so highly unethical, especially for someone who is licensed to serve in our justice system.
ReplyDeleteHere's a good one for all of you....I heard last night that our SEG attorney (who always wears a bow tie) got a gift from someone of a bow tie made out of FEATHERS!!!
ReplyDeleteDoesn't get any better than that.....
It was probably from one of the juveniles our former supervisor used to keep company with. The same one who sent the Gadfly a subscription to Casino Monthly magazine.
DeleteI think you may have the wrong twist on this one. I think a bow-tie made of FEATHERS is like wearing the scalp of the Saratoga Casino Developer on one's belt. It means that the Cuomo crony who conspired with our "locals" and the County Legislature got scalped and sent home.
DeleteRob Bayly supported the casino in EG. Rob Bayly also owns a large construction company. Maybe Rob Bayly is not such a great County representative for EG. Just a thought.
ReplyDeleteFor those that believe Rob Bayly is possibly a good County rep for EG--he was vocal in his support of the casino in EG and his construction company may have been hoping for some crumbs of business from the project. His County bio, http://www.rensselaercounty.org/Biographies/Bayly%20Biography.htm
ReplyDeleteIt sure looks like three of our four county legislators might have had some personal "interest" in the casino. Bayly, Construction; Fiacco, proposed liquor store near casino; Danaher; new law office near casino (and next door to Fiacco liquor store).
ReplyDeleteIt's time for a big change!
We changed our Town Board.
Let's change our County Legislature.
11:26 That's a MUCH heavier lift. It can't be done.
Delete@3:05- That's what they told JTT and East Greenbush First before the last election. Many hands make a heavy lift light work.
DeleteIf there is a three way race between the county Dems the county Repubs and a JTT like group at the bottom of the ballot all bets are off. I see an independent anti boss slate doing very well, just like JTT did in EG. Many people have had enough of the same old, same old, out for themselves, insider candidates.
DeleteOur County Legislatures that represent our town should be present at our Town Board Meetings. We are expected to vote blindly for these elected officials without having any idea of who they are, and what they intend on doing once elected for their constituents.
ReplyDeleteThey seem to just take from us, and dictate what they want without ever asking the residents of East Greenbush what we would like to see going forward.
That Casino was a classic example of the county essentially ramming a project down our throats, and not allowing our Town Government to function without their powerful influences.
They pressured our Town Board not once but twice to a 5-0 vote in support of that Casino.
Folks we don't need the representation of our current self serving County Legislature. We need a board of Supervisors, where our local Town Supervisors and Mayors occupy those Legislative seats. Then you would have true representation for the towns and cities throughout our county. It works in Saratoga County, why not Rensselaer County?
3/24 @ 6:44 p.m. said he or she is puzzled at why Rob Bayly attends TB meetings all this time without saying anything in public. I believe it's because he is there to listen and report back to the county with any interesting news that comes from our town board meetings. Mr. Bayly was a big supporter and mouthpiece for the county in support of a casino in EG. What did he care, he lives in Poestinkill. I am now infuriated to find out that these legislators were supporting the casino so that they could make money off of it through their own personal business ventures like construction, a law firm, and a liquor store. That's not only unbelievable, it's totally unethical. They are supposed to be acting in the best interests of the citizenry, not of themselves.
ReplyDelete6:44pm is right. Let's start asking County Legislator Rob Bayly what he has been doing to help East Greenbush at town board meetings. I'd sure like to learn more before deciding on who to vote for.
ReplyDeleteGadfly,
ReplyDeleteDo you think there is a realistic way for a truly independent bottom of the ballot slate to be successful in unseating some of our current crop of County Legislators?
Yes. And we know the way.
DeleteTo 8:20.....Not sure. The central dynamic in what changed the EG administration was the final straw of the casino fiasco. But this came as the culmination of significant period of mischief and incompetence in government which had been ferreted out and documented. When Feathers, the County players and the local insiders tried to railroad the casino, it was a bridge too far. I wonder if the same dynamic could be created out of realities at the County level.
DeleteAnd while we're at it. Why not get an independent, reform minded candidate like Jack Conway to run against Kathy Jimino? She hasn't had an opponent in 12 years.
ReplyDeleteGadfly 11:09.
ReplyDeleteAs always, it depends on who the candidates are but I am convinced that a campaign based on open, transparent and fair government would also appeal to the voters in North Greenbush and Poestenkill.
Before you beat up Jimino, remember this, outside of unfunded mandates by the state and the federal govt. Less then 15 percent of the budget of the county gets decided by the county. The rest is already taken up. Although I would like to see more cooperation and a reduction of gov't in each and every town in Rensselaer county and a combination of depts to lower costs. Imagine one large shop to fix all county, and local vehicles allowing very little overhead. Pools of secretaries who go from place to place to get a full forty hours instead of 24 hours with full costly benefits.
ReplyDeleteIt was already being done but Langley and Anthony Corellis screwed that up as well ! We had shared services in place but it went down the toilet.
DeleteThis is correct. I had agreements with the City of Rensselaer, Rensselaer County and as a matter of fact, the Town of North Greenbush, to borrow each others equipment. WE worked together many times in my tenure as commissioner. While I'm at it, I would like to add my thoughts on the Hampton Manor Geese situation. 3 Summers ago, we used a Grape extract concentrate, which was cheap, effective, organic and completely safe. It was the best season we have had for Geese in recent memory, according to many people, but for some reason, it was stopped. I mentioned this many times but it falls on deaf ears.
DeleteNobody should be allowed to run unopposed for election for 12 years (three elections in a row). Let's get someone like Jack Conway, who is the CEO of the largest Town in Rensselaer County, to seriously consider running against her. I'd rather have Jack working on a plan for shared services instead of someone who supported a Casino in East Greenbush!
ReplyDeleteJack Conway asked me to remind readers of the public scoping session on Tuesday night for the Regeneron expansion on Tempel Lane. See the TU story here:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.timesunion.com/business/article/Proposed-Regeneron-expansion-in-East-Greenbush-7176655.php
This is a very important process, and the public should be involved.