Friday, April 28, 2017
What do you think........?
It's now been three years since our Town Board and some of the "insiders" tried to sneak a casino
approval past the residents of East Greenbush. How do you think things
have changed in town, both positively and negatively? Do you think the
casino will have any impact on this year's election?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Those are great questions to ask Councilor Matters. After all, she was on both sides of the casino issue depending on which way she felt the political winds were blowing. Matters was one of those "insiders" who wanted the "big" casino, voted for it and was concerned about how to "protect" Supervisor Langley at election time. I will not be voting for her, or anyone she supports in this year's election.
ReplyDeleteI heard that she's the reason the County republicans don't want her husband for the legislature. They can't forgive him for her behavior since he's the one texting her during meetings and pulling her strings. He's also toxic because he wasn't allowed to run last time. Google Estes vs Matters. Time to be rid of both of them.
ReplyDeleteThe first two posts are clearly a pathetic attempt to derail meaningful conversation about the future of EG. One thing's for sure, the good old boys are still on the scene, folks, but they need to get over their extreme bitterness over the failed Smart Way Forward majority that was brought down entirely by Casino Keith. As far as we know, neither Deb nor MA plan to run again, so there won't be an opportunity to "not be voting for her..." Sorry boys, they're both going out on a win. The issues now are the future of the EG1st majority and the residents of EG. Oh, and yes, I do think the casino will have an impact on this year's election, thanks entirely to Tom Grant's defection to the very Republican party he maligned to get elected in 2015.
DeleteGadfly, thanks for the new post. By the way, I asked for it because it is difficult to get to the end of the previous post on my phone. Chill out, 4:46. Rock on Gadfly.
ReplyDeleteThe positive of the casino mess is the EG1st majority, JTT have accomplished much and have done so in a professional way.
ReplyDeleteBoth political parties and EG1st (if they so choose) should put high quality candidates forward because, as a result of the casino mess, EG voters will settle for nothing less.
I agree with 4:46, SWF should quit while they are ahead.
I am thankful that JTT have brought a professional and transparent government to our town. Bravo Jack, Tina and Tom. I'm confident they can find an affordable solution to the long standing issues with our Hampton Manor water.
ReplyDeleteKudos to the EG1st team of Jack, Tina and Tom for the way they have changed the way people get town jobs. They have hired and retained top flight employees who are selected based on their quals not who they know. Very refreshing.
ReplyDeleteThe casino will continue to have an impact on this year's election in that Jack will have to rally the troops once again to achieve the desired outcomes. First of all, Jack needs to get two more on to replace the two who are leaving. Secondly, he has to flex his muscle a bit to stave off outsiders who want to pull strings and achieve their own desired outcomes. Like it or not, the EG1st majority can't possibly function for the rest of the year like nothing outrageous is going on behind the scenes. The cat is out of the bag. Now it's just a question of which cats will be running again in the fall and where their loyalties lie. This will be a very tenuous summer and fall. Just like two years ago, a lot is at stake here and Jack knows that better than anyone.
ReplyDelete9:25PM. I respectfully disagree. The EG1st majority is functioning beyond expectations. Jack, Tina and Tom work very well together on behalf of the Town. Their record over the last year and a half speaks for itself. If you get the opportunity, why not go to a town board meeting and see for yourself? Thank goodness the nonsense with the casino is behind us.
ReplyDeleteTo 9:25- you seem to be someone with an interest in town government. Perhaps you should consider running for office.
ReplyDeleteJack is very busy flexing his muscle doing the work of a full time supervisor to run a political campaign. Why don't you talk to your friends and neighbors and put together an EG1st type campaign yourself. Jack, Tina and Tom were successful in 2015. There's no reason you shouldn't be able to do the same this year. Good luck to you.
With all due respect to both 9:56 and 10:16 you don't know what you're talking about. Tom Grant's betrayal to the representations he made during the 2015 campaign vis-a-vis mainstream political parties means that he can no longer be trusted to espouse to the ideologies of EG1st. In other words, he's a Republican now and no longer with EG1st. The problem is that there's still eight months until the end of the year, so if you think it's going to be business as usual with JTT until December, think again. Lines have been drawn. The rules of the game have been changed. It's going to be a very interesting year especially after the 2017 candidates are formally announced. Then, it's game on.
ReplyDeleteThe ideologies of EG1st that Jack, Tina and Tom have shown is a government that actually listens to the people it represents. It is democracy at its best. Stop by a TB meeting. You will be very pleased.
DeleteGeez 10/16 and 9:56 go back and read the last 273 comments on this. Do we really have to rehash it again? There's really nothing more to say until the candidates are officially announced.
ReplyDelete6:44 AM and 9:25 PM - I most certainly do know what I'm talking about. The local political parties were not serving the people of EG well and EG1st was born. Its "desired outcomes" were to offer candidates who were not connected to the old style local politics of casinos, political appointments, and junk bonds. If the local political parties present good candidates, then the "desired outcome" has been achieved. As far as Jack Conway having an obligation to organize a EG1st for a new candidate, I disagree. He has done a fine job meeting his obligations as a Supervisor and if candidates appear, his reactions to them are his private business.
ReplyDeleteAs far as politics go, JTT have conducted themselves professionally and it is reasonable to expect they will continue to do so. There is just nothing outrageous or unusual in this election cycle. I doubt that JTT will let politics influence their exemplary work and I pray that there either 4 or 6 good candidates for TB in the fall.
As far as the SWF goes, they are in no position to change the business workings of the Town. They are two lame duck, old style politicians who will fill out their lackluster terms without distinction.
Here's another positive change to the town since we elected Jack, Tina and Tom. I'm sitting at the little league field on Gilligan Road, thanks to the hard work of Jack, Tina and Tom, Jeff Simons and Larry Edson, of the EG School District and the members of the Baseball and Softball Leagues, we finally after all these years, have a safe and attractive parking complex clearly lined and freshly paved.
ReplyDeleteWas that parking lot work at the little league park done with any taxpayers money? Just Wondering!
DeleteYes, $5,000 of taxpayer dollars were contributed to the project but that was only for the portion of the lot that was determined to be town-owned, in other words, situated on town property according to survey maps. The paving of that parking lot, formerly a serious safety hazard to anyone walking or driving on it (the kids used to do "donuts" on that lot with their cars), was a joint effort and well worth it. It should have been done years ago.
DeleteIt's hard to put into words but for me. Its an overall feeling of pride in our community that has developed since the November, 2015 election of Jack, Tina and Tom. They are three good people with their hearts in the right place. When you see them together, you can really feel the affection and respect they have for each other. I'm very glad I voted for them.
ReplyDeleteAnon.3:10 Are you kidding there Snowflake? Grant can't stand Jack Conway. You should hear Grant and Matters bad mouthing Jack at the Republican fundraisers. You sound like Tom Grant when he was campaigning. Total BS
Delete4:10 I think you want the Talks blog. This blog is for truth telling not
Deletebill of goods selling.
4:10- That's just nonsense. I've never heard Mary Ann or Tom say a bad thing about either Jack, Tina or Deb. Now you're just making things up. This Town Board has worked extremely well together, led by Jack, Tina and Tom.
ReplyDeleteRegardless whether 4:10 made up something - the fact is there is a rumor afoot that our dear Tom Grant may be thumbing his nose at the very people who got him elected. And we did, didn't we? With a lot of foot power, flyering, stuffing; you name it and we did it. Now the Town has seen incredible progress - bringing the office systems up=to-date; hiring on merit not patronage; transparency; etc. Let's talk about what more meeds to be done to make this Town rock,
ReplyDeleteI agree that Mr. Grant is thumbing his nose at the very people who got him elected because he is turning away from the whole point of EG1ST, which was for three ordinary people, not politicians, to take the ugly, corrupt "politics" out of our town government. But it looks like he has now changed his mind and is now with the party "system" of government led by people he criticized two years ago at my door. That's called being a hypocrite and no one likes the old switch-a-roo pulled on them either. He is just another politician making it up as he goes along to get the best for himself. If he shows up at my door next time, I will ask him how Jack and Tina are doing and I will explain my disappointment that I didn't get the four years I was counting on for me and my family.
ReplyDelete8:28AM: I spent some time with Jack, Tina and Tom yesterday at the Little League Opening Day Ceremonies and I am happy to report to you that Jack, Tina and Tom are doing quite well thank you. Another point, Jack, Tina and Tom have proven to be much more than "three ordinary people." They are exceptional leaders and I am proud to have voted for them and plan to continue voting for them.
DeleteDoes everyone know that the Rensselaer county legislature has 19 members on it? If he's elected to the legislature, Tom Grant would be one member out of 19 members. A serious question is how much has the legislature done for East Greenbush in the past? I know big corporations like Wal-mart, Target, Regeneron, FedX, etc. use the county to get tax breaks. Grant would be FAR more useful to East Greenbush on a five member town board than on a 19 member legislature. If he leaves at half-time, good for him but not so much for East Greenbush.
ReplyDelete"TURNCOAT TOM" is in for a big surprise. Republicans are NOT going to vote for "TURNCOAT TOM GRANT". Sorry Eg1st, you are stuck with him. He's your boy!!
DeleteI am a lifelong Republican from a Republican family and cast my first, and so far only, non Republican vote for Jack, Tina and Tom in 2015. As a Republican, I will be voting for Leon Fiacco, Kelly Hoffman, Rob Bayly and TOM GRANT on the Republican line for County Legislature on November 7th.
DeleteNow getting back to the point of the blog, I do have one complaint that I hope Jack, Tina and Tom will look into. The last couple of Thursday mornings, a garbage truck has been picking up the trash at 6 in the morning. I work nights and don't get home until after 2am. Is it possible to have the garbage truck go back to its previous pick up schedule?
Maybe he'll get a better offer from the Democrats. The way things are going this year for Republicans, he might want to seriously consider that offer.
DeleteWe had a wonderful time last night at the #seanstrong comedy night at the East Greenbush Fire Station. What a wonderful sense of community getting together for such a great cause.
ReplyDeleteWe also got a chance to get our two cents in with Jack, Tina and Tom and let them know how we feel they have been doing a fine job.
As far as the County Legislature is concerned - we should make a special effort to elect Democrats. The Legislature has been in Republican hands ever since I can remember, and I've lived here 30 years. These guys have become too big for their britches and it is time for a change. Let's go Democrats - give us someone to work with - or do you really like playing second-fiddle?
ReplyDeleteThe Casino debacle should play a major role in swaying the electorate in this upcoming election. Keep the Casino in mind when you vote this year, both on the County and Town level. As for the County - why would you vote for a Republican? That was the party in power that tried to ram the Casino down our throats. They don't care one bit about what is in East Greenbush's best interests - especially when it comes to green space. As for the Town - look to the individuals with the same intelligence, dedication and honesty as the Town Board as it exists now. No backpedaling to the days of graft, corruption and secrets. Remember the Casino.
ReplyDeleteAnon 8:28 Maybe its time Rich Crist figures out a way to bring his totally broken and divided Republican party together to win an election without the help of “TURN COAT TOM GRANT”. Rich Crist better start counting heads. There is a lot of negative chatter amongst fellow Republicans in EG right now!!
ReplyDelete8:28. I couldn't agree more. We certainly need more intelligent, dedicated and honest casino slayers like Jack Conway, Tina Tierney and Tom Grant to step up and run for office at both the Town and County. What Jack, Tina and Tom have accomplished on the Town Board is nothing short of astounding.
ReplyDeleteI don't claim to know what is going on with the Republican Party in East Greenbush, but this registered Conservative will be voting for Jack Conway, Tina Tierney and Tom Grant. I will never forget how hard they fought to keep a Casino from being put on the top of Thompson Hill.
ReplyDelete8:28 is right. Remember the Casino! When candidates come to my door, I will be asking them what their position was regarding the EG Casino. We all know Jack, Tina and Tom fought against the Casino and had the courage to say so. My vote for any other candidate will depend on their answer.
ReplyDelete1:15 You have to do more than ask because everyone says now that they opposed the casino. The Gadfly should put out a scorecard when the candidates are announced letting people know the truth.
ReplyDeleteAnon. 2:39 You are absolutely right on the money. Gadfly should start with Fiacco, Bailey, Danaher, & Hoffman right at the very top of his Casino scoreboard in bold letters. If Tom gets involved with those people then he should be admonished and abandoned as well.
Delete3:23- Not a chance! I will never admonish or abandon Jack, Tina or Tom. They were profiles in courage in fighting the casino. They each have earned my vote.
ReplyDeleteI may not agree with Jack, Tina and Tom on every issue, but I support them. They have completely changed the structure of our town government for the better. They rock!
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone know when the county republicans make their choice? If Tom Grant is not the nominee will people forgive and forget or is he permanently damaged goods in EG? The county republicans wanted the casino badly. Tom's willingness to join them proves what a lot of people suspected all along. He and his wife not only used EG First, they also used Save East Greenbush. They were not against the casino. Grant just proved it. Those were two of the most important events in town history and Tom Grant exploited them both for personal gain. It's shameful and unforgiveable. People fought for their family and their community while the Grants exploited that for their own selfish desires. It's hard to believe. Even McCabe and Langley wouldn't have done that. If you were against the casino and for EG First, you have to know now that Tom Grant stands for everything you opposed.
ReplyDelete8:12am, I couldn't disagree more. Jack Conway, Tina Tierney and Tom Grant were on the front lines in the successful battle against the casino. They devoted countless amounts of hours in this struggle for absolutely no personal gain.
ReplyDeleteAfter that battle was won, Jack, Tina and Tom put their lives on hold for another eight months to create and lead the East Greenbush First movement. As we all know, they were successful in rallying the voters to win an unprecedented election to the EG Town Board in November, 2015.
Every day since their election, Jack, Tina and Tom have served the people of East Greenbush at the very highest level by again, working countless productive hours for everyone, regardless of his or her party affiliation.
I thank them for their continued service and they will continue to have my families support and our votes.
@8:12AM - Tom Grant contributed his time, hard work and money to SEG and EG1st. I agree that both of these movements were historic and Tom's contributions cannot be forgotten or minimized. He came forward for our town and worked hard when we needed it. He still works hard for our families and our future. Keep it real.
ReplyDeleteTom never hid the fact that he did want the Casino - but in Rensselaer NOT East Greenbush. He and Eileen did support SEG - so although they were for a casino - they did not want it in our Town. Whether he used EG1st will be revealed if he jumps ship. Time will tell. McCabe and Langley would have done exactly what Tom is accused of - don't doubt it for a minute.
ReplyDeleteI am proud to call myself a casino slayer. I had the privilege of working with a very large and diverse group to block the siting of a casino in our town. This group included Democrats, Republicans, Conservatives, Tree Huggers and you name it. I then became involved in the East Greenbush First campaign with many of the same Democrats, Republicans, Conservatives, Tree Huggers, etc. to help elect Jack Conway for Supervisor and Tina Tierney and Tom Grant for Town Board.
ReplyDeleteSimply put. by our votes for Jack Conway, Tina Tierney and Tom Grant we actually did Save East Greenbush.
We are a somewhat loose nit group that has grown extremely fond of Jack, Tina and Tom. We are like a somewhat disfunctional family. We may argue with and disagree with each other from time to time, but make no mistake about it, we are family.
I don't know if we will ever find out who 8:12 is voting for, but I will be voting for Jack, Tina and Tom.
Anon.8:12am. It’s obvious that opinions are going to vary back and forth on this blog regarding Tom. Residents were very passionate about the thought of a casino being considered in EG. Your point about Tom exploiting the casino for his own personal gain is a valid one worthy of consideration. I would rather see Rick Matters become the successful nominee for the County Legislature slot despite Councilperson Matters support for the Casino, if fact calling for a larger one to be built. That casino is yesterdays news.
ReplyDeleteIf it's only between Matters and Grant for the County Leg, I'm voting for Grant.
ReplyDeleteI would rather see anyone but a Republican winning a legislative seat. We need to get The republicans out of the County Legislature. They have been in power way too long. Time for a shift
ReplyDeleteOne of the major accomplishments that Jack, Tina and Tom should be recognized for is the successful negotiation of fair contracts for the Town's workforce. JTT treated the town employees with respect.
ReplyDeleteIt's great that JTT were able to get the DPW & Police well deserved contracts completed. Lets never forget the history when previous Supervisor Langley and Council Person Malone reached out over both sides of the political aisle to get those contracts approved only to be blocked by Matters and DiMartino who were using these hard working public servants as political hostages. January 1st can't come soon enough to see the two of them off our Town Board. All the hate mongers can spin this any way they want but Matters and DiMartino did the Town of EG a big disservice over that issue at that time. Hopefully Gadfly will keep the facts straight on this.
DeleteWe appreciate the continued public efforts by Jack, Tina and Tom to stop the placement of the environmentally unsound Pilgrim Pipe Line and the Kinder Morgan Pipelines from coming through.
ReplyDeleteThank you JTT.
All of this talk about the county. Has anyone heard who is running for Town Board? The weirdest part of the sad Tom Grant saga is that nobody cares about the county legislature. I can't understand why he wants to even do it. It's the town board that matters and no one is talking about that. I think one of the Matters will run. DiMartino? Stenson? EG First? Langley? I think they have to announce it soon.
ReplyDelete@ 2:12PM. Why don't you run for the Town Board? You seem to have a great interest in it. Good luck to you.
ReplyDelete2:34 That's the problem. I don't have time to do something like that but I care about who wants to do it. I feel like people are always doing it for the wrong reasons. So far I haven't seen a personal agenda from the supervisor and I like that because the last few supervisors have had obvious agendas.
ReplyDeleteEveryone should find the time to to support good candidates for local offices. If you don't, we could go back to the bad old days.
DeleteGeezh, 2:12. What a dismal list. If you had included McCabe all of the usual suspects would be on your list. I'm hoping we can get some new people who will support JTT.
ReplyDeleteYou made me think of the bait and switch when Matters and DiMartino ran to support Langley and then all three of them disintergrated into a babbling, unproductive, embarrassing side show.
Speaking of new people saw some new faces in town hall. Another nice change to have people working for us with more than two last names !!
DeleteOur thanks to Jack, Tina and Tom for putting together the plan with Comr. Gallerie to get safe and reliable equipment to the DPW to repair and clean up the town's previously neglected roads and catch basins. This was long overdue.
ReplyDeleteAll these wonderful comments thanking and appreciating Jack, Tina AND TOM for the good work the THREE OF THEM have done for the town even before they were elected, demonstrates perfectly why we need the three of them to stay together for the full four years they committed to the town. We recall Jack Conway and Tom Grant standing up before the last two administrations fearlessly going to bat for the good of the town. Jack was relentless in his pursuit of good, ethical government but the GRANTS, both Tom AND Eileen Grant, were right beside him taking on Democrat and Republican Town Supervisors for years. They joined with Jack to harrass and harangue Democrat Rick McCabe and Republican Keith Langley right out of office but especially for trying to ram a gambling casino down our throats. Now, Tom Grant is chasing after Republican Rich Crist who brought us the casino that brought down Republican Keith Langley. It just doesn't get any better than this. This is the perfect, classic, text book example of "politics makes strange bedfellows."
ReplyDeleteAnon.8:50 How is this the perfect, classic, text book example of "politics makes strange bedfellows"? I do not understand the logic here.
Delete8:50 a.m. OR you could say now Republican Rich Crist is chasing after Tom Grant who was front and center in the fight to defeat the casino that brought down Republican Keith Langley.
ReplyDeleteAnyway you slice it, it's "Rich" with irony.
Strange bedfellows? Irony? You guys have lost the plot. This is a betrayal of trust that makes Grant unfit for office because it proved he's no different than Phil Malone, Casino Keith or Rick Matters. The only thing strange is that Grant lied with a straight face. I always thought he was not a sincere person. Now I know it. What he's doing is a slap in the face to all of us
ReplyDelete9:41. I hope you are able to have a nice weekend. Please try your best to take good care of yourself.
DeleteAs a proud family member of two veterans, I am very happy to commend Jack, Tina, Tom and Bobbie Reno for the establishment of the monthly Honor A Veteran Program at Town Hall. These presentations were long overdue. Thanks to Bobbie, Jack, Tina and Tom for setting this up.
ReplyDeleteThe next Honor a Veteran is scheduled for May 16th at 10am.
Yes, let's keep the reminiscences of Jack, Tina and Tom's good work TOGETHER going. More! More! It reminds us all of what will be lost when Tom Grant jumps ship in EG to take a better offer. Jack, Tina AND TOM TOGETHER are EG FIRST. Jack and Tina without Tom is a two-legged stool.
ReplyDeleteAnon 2:38 Not to worry, Grant will not win if Crist puts him on the ballot. He would be as poor a choice as Rick Matters. The stool will remain with 3 legs
Deletebecause Democrats are going to sweep this year. Crist has done enough damage to EG.
Had an opportunity to meet Democrat Jennifer Sober at the EG-Castleton soft ball parade. She is running for Rensselaer County Court Judge and definitely a breath of fresh air. Good luck to her in November.
ReplyDeleteI also met Jennifer Sober and was impressed as well. She has 20 years of criminal law experience as compared to Phil Danaher's none. Danaher is a political hack who wanted the casino. I think the county republicans are in trouble. First the desperation of talking to Tom Grant, and now the dems have a bright new candidate for judge. Between Martin Reid and Joel Abelove, the republicans are showing what happens when you get too comfortable. Corruption and incompetence. We got rid of it in EG.
ReplyDeleteEG1st. should get behind Jennifer Sober and support her for County Judge. She is very impressive and Crist free. Danaher, Fiacco, Hoffman, & Baily are all political hacks that need to be voted out. East Greenbush won't be free of the corruption until they're all gone.
DeleteAnon !:02 How can you say we got rid of it in East Greenbush with the same players still influencing our town. Tom Grant and Rick Matters are desperately trying to latch on to the very people who tried to turn our town into a casino town. They have both lied to us from the start and are both unworthy of any further consideration for support. There is an old saying. "If you play with dirt you get dirty" interpret it as you wish, but I know how I see it.
DeleteI agree with 8:29. Tom Grant shouldn't be cut any slack. We turned EG around and he's trying to turn it back. So many people believed in him but he was lying the whole time. Shameful.
ReplyDeleteJimino is not rerunning after 20 years at the helm, and supporting her assistant as her replacement. Why on earth would we want to see her assistant Chris Meyer take over, and provide for another potential 20 years of the same ole stale governing as Jimino provided in recent years. Jimino obviously is trying to RIG THE SYSTEM by keeping this quiet until now leaving the voters of Rensselaer County to little, to no time to select their candidates of their choice. Jimino is essentially attempting to control the will of the voters by denying us adequate time to choose. Shame on Kathy Jimino.
ReplyDeleteIs this the week that candidates are picked? Time is getting short. Hopefully there will be some good ones for Town Board. But since JTT straightened out Town Hall there's no incentive for big shots to run. They don't get to hand out jobs and stipends. They have to play by the rules. Tough break. Good government sucks if you're in it for the wrong reason.
ReplyDelete8:12 Yeah, JTT "straightened out town hall" but only until the end of the year! After that, the third leg of the EG1ST stool will be sitting on the county legislature and then what happens? The stool tips over! Bye bye EG1ST! Two timing Tom promised four years but he will deliver two years and END EG1ST when he goes. How is that okay? People say we need good people on the legislature too but two timing Tom can do much more good for EG on the town board with Jack and Tina then he can ever do sitting on the county legislature. Looks like East Greenbush gets the two legged stool AGAIN!
DeleteIf County I was interested in changing my political affiliation, when and where would I go to learn about the Democratic Party in East Greenbush & Rensselaer County ?
ReplyDeleteEG First is the one & only answer in East Greenbush but it's about to be hoist on its own petard by one of its very own members. We need to stop toggling back and forth between self-serving political parties in East Greenbush and hold Councilman Grant to his four year commitment to EG First. He made the commitment at my door, to our faces, and in campaign materials and he should be expected to keep it. I plan to make him keep it by skipping over his name on the election ballot on Nov 7. Let's work together to keep EG1st in business for two more years.
ReplyDeleteJACK, TINA & TOM 2018 and 2019!
Here's a good one boys and girls....I heard that the Reps and Dems were going to cross-endorse and run McCabe and Langley for the Town Board. Talk about the reintroduction of the Stipends, no auditable books and just plain corruption...and the reinstitution of the political clubhouse..... Got to stop this if they try to pull it off.
ReplyDeleteWe can't stop this if that's what they've a mind to do but we absolutely MUST come together to keep Jack, Tina AND Tom Grant together for two more years. This November, it may be more about who we DON'T vote for. Don't vote for Tom Grant for county legislature and keep EG1st going strong for two more glorious years.
DeleteMcCabe running for TB? Gimme a break. McCabe is retired and a snowbird. You can't sit on a TB when you're wintering in Florida for at least three months of the year.
DeleteMcCabe and Langley? Grant for the County? We had a great historical victory in 2015 and JTT have done such a good job that everyone has forgotten what things were like before they got here. Starting with Tom Grant. If we go back into the swamp his will be the first name to blame. He never cared about the town only himself.
ReplyDeleteWhy not Rick Matters for Town Board? I'm sure he'd be willing to share his knowledge and experience with Jack and Tina. I know he has already been instructing Jack on a number of topics.
ReplyDeleteThe comment that Rick M. "has already been instructing Jack on a number of topics," is fake news. Don't believe it.
DeleteWhen a TU reporter asked Lou Desso if he was interested in running for County Executive, he said no because "my heart is in North Greenbush." Sure wish Tom Grant's heart was in East Greenbush.
ReplyDeleteAre the Democrats planning to nominate a candidate for Rensselaer County Executive this year? Does anyone know?
ReplyDeleteThe Democrats will have a rough time finding someone to run against Steve McLaughlin for Rensselaer County Executive. Steve is a proven vote getter and is very popular.
ReplyDeleteLast I heard Keith Langley is serving on the EG Republican Committee. Good for him but after his election results last time, would he have the chutzpah to run again for anything but a bus?
ReplyDeleteWho is Mr. Vecchio? He is apparently gaining support to fill the open Legislature seat being created by Phil Danaher running for County Court Judge. From what it said, there was a Republican Committee Meeting this week with an outcome that seems to be favoring Mr. Vecchio for the Legislature seat. I don’t understand the process but he seems to be the likely candidate for the Republican Party.
ReplyDelete2:23 p.m. If Grant, Matters and Vecchio are all three competing for a leg seat, it's unlikely that Vecchio will get the nod but hey, ya never know. It's not over til it's over.
DeleteLooks to me like the Republican party is falling apart in Rensselaer County from the top down. Good year shaping up for the Democrat Party. Tom Grant might want to sit tight before he becomes a statistic. Unless thats part of the plan?
ReplyDeleteLooks like the Republican Party is falling apart from the White House down. Special Prosecutor named today to investigate Trump's Presidency. What does it really say about Tom Grant's character to want to even join on with these people.
ReplyDeleteTrump's own people are saying this investigation is equivalent to Watergate that brought down Nixon.
What does it say about TG's character that he is willing to leave Jack and Tina and the whole EG1ST movement in East Greenbush behind for his own personal gain? There may be some credibility to the rumor that McCabe and Langley could cross endorse each other for seats on the town board. If that happens (heaven forbid), and TG leaves for the county legislature, that means that come January, the EG town board members will be Conway, Tierney, Langley and McCabe. OMG! Perish the thought! Can you imagine those four people agreeing on a fifth board member to replace TG? Can you imagine them agreeing on anything in 2018 and 2019? This is the devastation TG will leave behind if he leaves the EG town board. McCabe and Langley (heaven help us) see an opportunity to get back on the town board and bring the wheels of progress to a grinding halt and the thought of it actually happening is nothing short of sickening.
DeleteTo the Gadfly's May 15 @ 8:36 PM comment, if Langley and McCabe hatched some horrific plan to cross-endorse each other for the two town board seats, Langley will have to go FIRST, meaning that Republicans will have to endorse McCabe and put his name on their petitions and then HOPE and PRAY that the Democrats follow suit and actually endorse Keith Langley at their caucus later in the year. That's a huge gamble on the part of Republicans because those "deals" sometimes don't work out as planned. Republicans could wind up endorsing Langley and McCabe while Democrats wind up endorsing McCabe and Dave VanWormer, for example, at their caucus. Wouldn't that be a hoot!
ReplyDeleteBefore I vote for Rick McCabe again, he will have to pay back the stipend money the auditors said he took improperly when he was supervisor of the town. The same goes for Toni Murphy.
DeleteAnyone read the TU today? Brunswick Supervisor and Rob Bayly tied up with developer who got the Halfmoon Supervisor put away. Kathy Jimino among a half dozen locals with a ton of relatives on the payroll. How nice to not see EG in the mud that's all over everyone else. Tom Grant wants to leave a highly ethical government to play in the mud and muck of Rensselaer County. What does that tell you. I guess everyone finds the level they deserve.
ReplyDeleteThe town job pays $10,000 while the county job pays $20,000 and includes health insurance. It's a no-brainer. I think we have to just let this one go.
DeleteJust read the front page TU article 4:29 p.m. mentioned. Could things go any more wrong for Republicans this year? Apparently, Bayly's company is part of an FBI investigation. After reading the article, I couldn't figure out why on earth the FBI would be involved with this. Is this like grand theft dirt or is it some kind of shady deal between a town supervisor and a developer but what's the quid pro quo? This (dirt) for that (contract?). And Bayly's excavation company right in the middle of it. Might as well keep it all in the political family.
ReplyDeleteDirty, dirty, dirty (pardon the pun).
TG has sure had a ton of pressure on him to think and rethink his decisions but he has not waivered in his resolve to leave EG1ST. Announcements will have to be made very soon because Repub petitions go out June 6th. So, time's up. Will TG's name be on those petitions? It might only be another week or so until we know for sure.
ReplyDeleteWord is that it's a done deal for Tom Grant. Appears Mr. Grant not only promised the EG1st vote for the leg. seat but he threw in the Working Family Party vote to seal the deal.
DeleteJack, Tina and Tom are likely to go down in EG history as the one and only EG1ST candidates because there is no EG1ST committee in place to organize, finance and run more EG1ST candidates. EG1ST isn't even running candidates this year to replace the two outgoing members on the town board. Therefore, if Grant wins in November, he will END EG1ST as we know it come January 1st. If he loses in November, EG1ST stays intact for two more years.
DeleteOf the three EG First candidates, Grant was the lowest vote getter.
DeleteI heard it's official, Grant is on the ticket. I want a public comment from Jack. He can't be happy. He promised honesty so I don't want to hear any political tap dancing from him. Ball's in your court Mr Supervisor. What do you think about your boy bailing on you?
ReplyDeleteIt's technically not "official" until Tom Grant announces his candidacy, which has be next week, but I'm with 2:58 p.m. Will the county brain, who totally misread the power and might of the EG1st movement in 2015, succeed in 2017 at disempowering the people's new form of government by stealing away one of its members? A vote for Tom Grant in November is a vote for ending EG1st on January 1st, 2018.
DeleteIt was irresponsible and self-serving Republican and Democrat administrations that kept our poor little town skating on thin ice for decades. Finally, three intelligent, responsible adults get elected with the skills and abilities to fix our town and now someone from the county is trying to stop them by plucking one of them from the EG town board? That's terrible! These underhanded tactics must not be allowed to prevail.
DeleteThe same people who tried to put a gambling casino on Thompson Hill are now working to steal Tom Grant and dismantle our hard won EG1st town board majority. Are we going to take this lying down or are we going to get to work, too? I'm willing to fight to keep Jack, Tina and Tom together for two more years. Anyone else?
ReplyDeleteI don't know who the democrats will run but I know I won't be voting for Tom Grant or his running mates. If you fought for the EG First rebellion you should vote to maintain it. That means anyone but Grant. Although truthfully I've lost all respect for him and don't really want him on the town board either. My only question is did he mean to sell us out from the start or did he have to be convinced to betray the Town of East Greenbush? I don't think people are awake yet to what happened here. Thousands of people fought for something and one man gave it away so he could be a big shot.
ReplyDeleteAnd they passed on Rick Matters, who would have been a perfectly good and viable candidate, to go with Grant who isn't even a Republican. They did this for the sole purpose of ending the EG1st majority on the EG town board. Crist used Grant to look into Conway's eyes and say "checkmate."
DeleteNo worries, Matters is now running for TB.
ReplyDeleteThat's funny!!
DeleteWhat's not "funny" is that we voted overwhelmingly for FOUR YEARS of Jack, Tina and Tom. How much work will get done this year with two out-going board members and Grant who will be spending the rest of the year campaigning for a seat on the county legislature? What about "The Year of the Parks?" Is that going anywhere? Once again, East Greenbush gets the shaft. The big news isn't Rick Matters running for the EG town board, it's Tom Grant running AWAY from it.
ReplyDelete11:19, Why don't you go to Town Board meetings and see first hand what is continually being accomplished? Fair enough?
ReplyDeleteNothing from Jack Conway yet about losing one-third of the EG1ST team? This can't be what he bargained for.
ReplyDeleteWhat do you expect Jack Conway to say? EG1st promised mature adult behavior on the Board and therefore Jack will wish his colleague well even if he is experiencing a bit of personal disappointment. He is probably bargaining for cultivating a good working relationship with the county government for the benefit of East Greenbush. Jack is a smart guy who keeps what is good for the town in mind when he takes public positions. I think it is very unlikely that we will see Jack taking part in political bickering.
DeleteWhat's going on with the County Executive race? Will it be Steve McLaughlin or Chris Meyer sitting in the top job come January 1st.
ReplyDeleteIf you want Tom Grant to remain on the Town Board, and you are a Republican Eg1st supporter simply REFUSE TO SIGN his designating petition when they come knocking on your door.
ReplyDeleteIs it official? Has Tom Grant announced his candidacy for the county seat?
ReplyDeleteGlad to see Steve McLaughlin decided not to run for County Executive. It appears that he has been offered a position with the Trump administration. Or should I say the Titanic Administration.
ReplyDeleteIt's OFFICIAL, leg aide and strong man Richard Crist was fired on Friday. He's the guy who plucked Tom Grant from the cradle of EG1ST and now he's been shown the door. With Crist booted out, the Dems must be circling their wagons, getting ready for the kill in November.
ReplyDeleteRick Matters has been designated as Republican Candidate for East Greenbush Town Board in a back-room deal that ignored the local Republican Committee's designation. Ed Gilbert has a letter in this morning's Advertiser drawing attention to the matter.
ReplyDeleteProbably another one of Rich Crist's deals before they showed him the door.
DeleteRigging the system should be front page news in the Times Union. Kudos to Ed Gilbert for exposing the "Republican County Corruption". Now is the time to drain the swamp.
DeleteOr Rich Crist reluctance to go along with it was probably closer to the reason
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone know the name of the woman who was replaced by Rick Matters?
ReplyDeleteDeb DiMartino
ReplyDeletelooks like this whole fiasco has Rich Crist's fingerprints all over it.
ReplyDeleteBut aren't there 2 openings? Don't the Republicans need another nominee?
ReplyDeleteThe point is if you're not selected you don't get to be the nominee regardless of how many positions there are.
DeleteThe EG Committee chairperson should submit a response advising Mr. Gilbert to get his facts straight before hitting send. The worst kind of politics is when the UNinformed deliberately MISinform everyone else. People, especially in an election year, please do some fact-checking with credible sources before you believe and repeat what you read. Because of the Crist firing, this election year is going to be especially vicious and wherever there's viciousness, so too is Mr. Gilbert!
DeleteReaders beware!
Who is the EG Republican Chairperson these days? Is it still C. Def?
DeleteMore like voters beware. The EG Committee Chairperson owes the voters an explanation on the facts of this issue. The "nomination process" is clear. What is in question here is was the process conducted correctly? I don't see the need for viciously attacking Mr. Gibert for seeking the truth.
DeleteWhoa, Nellie! Is Gilbert accusing the EG Republican Committee of doing some dirty, "backroom" deal to get a Matters on the ballot? If so, this is rich because Eddo's pals - Keith Langley, Chris DeFruscio and George Ranieri - sit on that committee! So, is he accusing THEM, his casino pals, of all people, of doing a dirty deal to HELP a Matters get on the ballot? Not bloody likely! This has BS written all over it.
ReplyDeleteI'm not accusing any particular person of anything. I am simply stating that at the meeting where a person WAS selected Rick Matters had zero support ZERO. so how does he end up on the petition? I'm sure Rick can explain it, so how about it Rick? the floor is yours.
DeleteMr. Gilbert, you stated, "at the meeting where a person WAS selected Rick Matters had zero support." Were you there at the meeting to witness this firsthand?
DeletePlease educate me @11:20 exactly what facts did I get wrong? Rick was not selected at the East Greenbush Republican committee meeting held on June 1st. There was no other meeting held for selecting candidates, so how did Rick matters end up on the petitions? I believe you know the answer so why not share it the rest of us?
ReplyDeleteThe committee members voted by proxy but they still voted. By voting by proxy, they gave the committee chairwoman the right to vote on their behalf. The chairwoman chose Matters and Plumley. This can all can be verified and confirmed by the Rensselaer County Board of Elections. So your claim that the committee didn't vote is incorrect. They voted by proxy. Check with the BOE and please report back to us with your findings.
Delete@11:20 - The East Greenbush Republican Chair is not going to come forward and say I took proxy votes and cast them in a way other than I was instructed to cast them. East Greenbush will have Rick Mattersas a candidate. Deb DiMartino was also not selected by the East Greenbush Committee.
ReplyDeleteAnon 2:16 There were NO proxy votes counted at the 1/1/17 GOP committee meeting and, no meetings subsequent to that meeting. Rick Matters designating petition is invalid.
DeleteSo are you saying party Chairman Corine Sheldon betrayed her fellow committee members?
Delete4:56 That's exactly what Ed Gilbert is saying but it's baseless. If such a thing happened, the committee members themselves would be making the accusation but instead it's clueless Ed Gilbert, who isn't even a Republican, who is crying foul in the Advertiser! The casino war rendered him irrelevant in political circles but he's still trying desperately to be a player. It's pathetic.
DeleteRick Matters threatened a primary and waved his money in front of the broke, barely breathing republican committee. The Matters bought their way on to the ticket in 2009 and 2013. It's time people stopped thinking of Rick Matters as a gentleman. He's ruthlessly ambitious and will do anything to get elected. If he wins the whole system will be set back 20 years. Ed Gilbert was right on in his article.
ReplyDeleteED Gilbert is 100% right. Including the FACT that Rick Matters was NOT nominated and has ZERO support from the EG Republican Committee. Matters is NOT legitimately endorsed and his petition is simply not valid.
DeleteVOTERS BEWARE just refuse to sign his petition.
Folks, the town of EG Republican committee interviewed ALL the interested candidates and then voted fair and square when the interviews concluded to endorse Rick Matters and Dan Plumley. You should know that the county Board of Elections is responsible for generating the petitions and the BOE would never put candidates names on petitions unless they were proven by the committee chair to be legitimately endorsed by the committee. Again, both Rick and Dan appear on the petitions that were generated by the BOE. Everything was done in a perfectly above-board manner. A Matters/Plumley ticket is expected to do well, which is why, ALL things considered, they were selected by the committee. Doubters that the petitions are valid should contact the BOE with their questions, which, hopefully, will put all this hysteria to rest.
ReplyDelete@8:11 That's some serious verbal gymnastics, I think you stuck the landing. You make it sound like the vote happened at the same meeting as the interview. I'm pretty sure you'll admit that wasn't the case. In fact there was no meeting after the June 1 meeting was there? So tell me,how can all this be above board?
ReplyDeleteEd, you send a letter to the Advertiser and now you're asking, "In fact there was no meeting after the June 1 meeting was there?" Don't you know? As previously stated, the vote was done by proxy, which means that some or all of the committee members gave their vote to the committee chair to vote as she saw fit. When you make someone your "proxy," you are authorizing that person to make a decision for you. Did you research this at all before you sent your claim to the Advertiser? Will you submit a correction when you find out from the BOE that you were wrong?
DeleteInteresting that of the 11 members at the meeting none of them mentioned they were holding proxies. So help me out here,who had the proxies and how many did they have.
DeleteWhoa, 8:11 - I don't think the Board of Elections is responsible for printing or verifying the petitions. State Board provides a sample for candidates or political parties and they are responsible for printing, circulating, binding, completing and submitting petitions. The BOE can't possibly be acting as a free printing service for certain candidates, can they?
ReplyDelete10:34 p.m. The BOE is, in fact, responsible for printing the petitions with the candidates names on them. The candidates names can't go on the petitions until it has been verified and confirmed by the BOE that the voting was done properly. The town committee members and other qualified individuals then go out and get the petition signatures for submission to the BOE by a certain date. The required number of petition signatures is what qualifies a candidates name to be put on the election ballot. But don't take my word for it. Simply contact the Board of Elections or go to their website for addnl information. Thank you.
DeleteI've never been a big Ed Gilbert fan but even a broken clock is right twice a day. So, Ed, for the first time ever I agree with you. Thank you for your letter in the Advertiser.
ReplyDeleteI think Ed Gilbert alone is writing ALL the posts slamming Matters. Notice that he did not respond to the question above asking if he was physically there at the committee meeting when they voted; that's because he was not there. Also, if the voting was done improperly for Matters, then it must have been done improperly for Plumley, too, yet there is no mention of Plumley, only Matters. Mr. Gilbert need only contact the Board of Elections to get this all straightened out but instead he is choosing to persist with a bogus accusation in the local pennysaver. We can only hope that he is big enough and man enough to print a correction when he finds out from the BOE that he was wrong.
ReplyDeleteThere is no Matters/Plumley ticket. In fact Dan Plumley had his own petition created because residents wouldn't sign with Matters name on the same designating petition as Dan's. Dan Plumley is running on his own as far away from Rick Matters as he can get. Let's not forget Council Person Matters support for the Casino. Remember Matters wanted the Casino to be much larger than what was being proposed at the time.
ReplyDeleteMight be a good time for the EG. GOP Chairman to call a meeting together to straighten this mess out. Not off to a very good start.
Wrong again, Ed. Councilor MA Matters withdrew her support for the casino and then voted "no" to advance the casino project to the planning board. Remember all the media attention she got for it on television, in the newspaper, on the radio? Of course, you do! We all do! Unlike the DiMartino/MA Matters campaign, R. Matters and D. Plumley are running their own campaigns and they are off to a very good start. Let's stop all this candidate bashing and start focusing on the issues. Some healthy discussion about how we can support the current board in their endeavors to move the town forward would be refreshing.
DeleteLet's straighten out a few things shall we. I was not at the meeting but have spoken to those that were and am confident in their narrative of what transpired. My distaste for the Matters is well founded and we'll known I make no secret of that. Except forI think two responses early on (6/15 10:09 and 6/16 12:36) I have signed my name to my comments. The rest should not be attributed to me.
ReplyDeleteLet's be fair here. All of the pro-Matters posts here are written by Mary Ann Matters, who voted for the casino. At least Ed has signed his name. This is the Matters way - to be sneaky and underhanded. I know republicans who wouldn't sign petitions that had the Matters name on it. Don't forget this is the Rick Matters who wasn't allowed to run last time because of serious ethical breaches at work. So he bought the nomination for his wife and then went to meetings to text his wife on the dais to tell her what to do. Under that boy scout front, Rick Matters is sleazier than DeFruscio by a mile.
ReplyDeleteTom Grant must be thrilled that his immoral betrayal of our town is taking a backseat to the manipulations of Bonnie and Clyde Matters. The Republicans have now poached Grant and inflicted another Matters on us. I've never voted for a democrat in my life but this near criminal disregard for the people of EG cannot be allowed to stand. Blame Crist, Grant and the Matters for thinking they own the world but blame us if they win. Anyone but Grant, Anyone but Matters. Anyone at all.
ReplyDelete@11:34AM - In less than 100 words and without any explanation you have just demonized 4 public servants. You just can't support "immoral" or "near criminal" and should dial back your angry posts. This week on a Virginia ballfield we all received a lesson in what becomes of this hateful rehortic. Vote for whoever you want. Advocate for whoever you want with facts and civility. Keep your hate to yourself or get some help.
ReplyDeleteAnon 7:22 With all do respect. Anyone but Grant, Anyone but Matters. Peace and Love! How's that?
DeleteI refused to sign a Rick Matters Petition Yesterday for two reasons.
Delete1. He's part of a rigged system.
2. I supported Eg1st. and his wife voted for the casino.
On a side note: Glad to hear that the Republican Party FIRED Rich Crist.
@8:26 Thank you, that is a real step in the right direction. Now maybe we can work on the part where you support your hypothesis with facts, or give some reason for your proclamations.
DeleteWord is that EG First is sitting this one out. I heard they asked 6 people to run and they all said no. This makes Grant's betrayal even more destructive. We finally got things rolling and he single handedly destroys three years of work done by thousands of people because he wants to be a big shot. I'd say vote against him but if the quickest way to get that hypocrite out of town is to vote for him I'm in. Jack and Tina can hold down the fort while we re-energize a base that thought it had finished the job. Time to wake up boys and girls, we've been sold out. There's only 2 choices now. We get back to work or we surrender. Think where we'd be if Conway didn't step up. Time to follow his example or give the town back to Langley and DeFruscio.
ReplyDeleteAnon 11:42 Interesting enough I spoke with past Supervisor Langley while in the Hannaford Supermarket one day last week, and he was very positive on Jack. He said if Jack is allowed to be successful during his term we all benefit as residents. He said hopefully this election cycle will provide two new candidates that are willing to work with Jack to move our town in a positive direction.
DeleteJust spent the last hour walking petitions. went to 10 homes and 4 wouldn't sign the Matters/Plumely sheet because of Rick Matters. He might want to pack it up, and quit wasting his time.
ReplyDeleteWhat could possibly make Keith Langley's opinions interesting? He was turned out of office because he had no positive accomplishments and made the wrong call on the casino. Now he is just like te rest of us, one man, one vote.
Deletecant believe in order to sign for dan you have to sign for matters wont do it everybody says the same
DeleteKen Crowe is tweeting that Andrea Smyth is dems candidate for County Exec.
ReplyDeleteGood Luck to Andrea Smyth in her run for Rensselaer County Executive. Great choice compared to the thought of McLaughlin weaseling his way into the top job. The last thing in the world this County needs is McLaughlin running things with his sidekick Rich Crist who the County Legislature just showed the door to.
DeleteCheck out the online TU story about 911 system in our town. It's about time we had a supervisor who's willing to fight the county power grab that endangers lives here in town. Fire and police have been waiting for someone to take up this fight. People said Jack wouldn't be tough enough for the job of supervisor. So much for that. He picked the right fight at the right time. Great job Mr. Supervisor, the town is behind you.
ReplyDeleteRich Matters if elected is going to work towards shutting down our police dispatch unit, and eliminate Bruen Rescue Squad, subcontracting out these services to unreliable out side entities. This is no joke folks, Rick Matters will attempt to put the safety and wellbeing of everyone in this town in jeopardy if elected to our Town Board.
ReplyDelete"FOR THE SAFTEY OF YOUR FAMILY VOTE NO TO RICK MATTERS"
Don't let this man put our families at risk.
My question is ,what is Tom Grant's position on this 911 issue now that he has joined forces with the "COUNTY POWER GRABBERS". Will he he go along with his new friends, or stab them in the back like he did to the EG. voters that supported him. Let's see just how big a hypocrite/scoundrel Tom Grant really is?
ReplyDeleteI was at a past TB meeting where this was brought up. Tom Grant was 100% against 911 moving out of East Greenbush.
Delete9:30AM, That's just FAKE NEWS! Both Jack Conway and Tom Grant have been working closely with the Chiefs on this very important issue and are in complete agreement with them. Why don't you ask them about it at a Town Board meeting instead of posting FAKE NEWS? Kudos to Jack and Tom on this.
ReplyDeleteShared service are a very viable and cost effective way to manage the very expensive cost associated with various government services. Taking advantage of the Rensselaer County 911 service center would save East Greenbush taxpayers approximately $600,000 per year. Hopefully, Gadfly will post this in order to get a healthy debate started over this very important issue. The residents have a right to know the facts, and not be forced to rely on the political rhetoric that seems to be building just prior to an election cycle.
DeleteOf course we now care about issues, it's an election year...where was all of the fuss the last two years about this issue? It's been a discussion for years, this isn't exactly new news. But, it's "big news" now and everyone who's running suddenly will make a public announcement how they care about the issue (an issue that has been an issue for years!!!)
ReplyDeleteAn important fact would be to know the number of calls that are directed to EG dispatch through the use of landlines v/s to the calls being generated by cell phone being directly to the county on an annual basis? This issue may have a simple economic solution.
ReplyDeleteIf you are involved in an active crime scene or in a medical emergency, economics would not be a major factor. It is also my understanding that economic impact is minimal.
DeleteJack Conway hasn't done a meaningful thing since he's been in office except spend money and grandstand about a lot of nothing. This town is becoming the laughing stock of the surrounding towns. Thanks for nothing tax and spend Jack. Gadfly wont post this but if you would be so kind to call him and read it to him that would be great.
ReplyDeletePlease do not snicker at Jack Conway and his major efforts to restore decorum and establish a positive image for our town. Along with Tina and Tom, Jack negotiated all three union contracts fairly and equitably with a huge cost savings to the town and overseen the expansion of Regeneron with an eye to being fair to all parties. JTT have all worked hard thus avoiding huge consultant fees and have also supported a new cost saving attitude toward tax certiorari proceedings. That is part of what is meaningful about this administration. Deb DiMartio has been generally supportive of these successes.
DeleteYou might want to check. I believe that Jack came in about $2 million under budget in 2016.
ReplyDeleteplease explain what you mean " came in $2 million under budget for 2016." Are you referring to the budget and government put in place prior to jack taking office? Also if that is accurate why was there any need for a tax increase at all?
DeleteThank you Gadfly. He is also respectful of the budget process and has come in under budget without secret interfund borrowing, inaccurate forcasts, or confusing hidden funds. I seem to remember all these things being all too common during Rick Matters last stint on the board.
DeleteRemember that these books are auditable, unlike the bad old days.
Nice try 3:20. By laughing stock you mean from all those people tripping over themselves to run political hacks to destroy our town and county governments. It's hunting season with the corrupt and mediocre looking for office. I like having a supervisor who is intelligent and articulate. Hey 3:20, I dare you to go to a town board meeting and take Jack on with your nonsense. You would be eaten alive. We like good government. Sorry that you can't even recognize it when you see it.
ReplyDeleteI do go to Town Board Meetings, and have been well informed by Mary Ann Matters as to the total disfunction created by Jack Conway on this Town Board. Once elected her husband Rick is going to put a stop to Jack Conway's horse and pony show once and for all.
DeleteRick Matters only experience is from a minority position and his only talent is criticizing what he is powerless to stop. His wife had the opportunity to work with a majority but chose the path of lies and deception instead, with the full support and involvement of her husband. The plain fact is he doesn't even belong on the ballot and it was only by more dishonest dealings that he is even there at all.
DeleteFirst Matters has to get elected. His petitions are toxic, no one wants to sign. But if he wins, how is he going to stop Jack and Tina. The good government train is rolling and even Mr I can't make up my mind can derail it. Rick Matters can't decide what to have for breakfast.
ReplyDeleteOur DPW workers should be outraged that our Town Supervisor hired a Non-Union (scab) labor paving company to pave Ridge Road. Our DPW union President needs to drop a formal grievance off on the Supervisor's desk Monday morning. I have been a union member in good standing for the past 25 years, and I understand this work is to begin Monday 6/26. It should be stopped until an agreement is reached.
ReplyDeleteAnon.6/23 @ 11:28am. If Jack Conway, Tina Tierney,& Tom the turn coat Grant are so proud of the union contracts they negotiated then why on earth are they hiring nonunion paving contractors to pave our roads. This contractor should be disqualified, or is he a friend of our new $85,000 per year DPW Commissioner? We deserve answers!!
ReplyDeleteWho is the non union contractor being talked about?
ReplyDeleteIs this non union paving contract somehow connected to the clean fill dumping going on at former Supervisor Langley's Ridge Road properties?
ReplyDeleteFormer Supervisor Langley's project is actually a union project local 156 operators. Keith Langley has always supported local unions whenever possible, as he supported all town unions collective bargaining agreements during his term as Supervisor.
DeleteOH, no, Gadfly. Say it isn't so. What is Keith Langley on this blog to lobby for? Wasn't 24% of the vote humiliating enough for him? We can't let him squirm back in to anything! Ever!
ReplyDeleteWho cares who is paving Ridge Road. Chances are Langley is pretty happy about that. He lives there. What's important is focusing on supporting the Democrat ticket from the top down this year. Andrea Smyth for County Executive, gain 4 seats on the County Legislature, and vote Democrat for the 2 Town Board seats in East Greenbush and we have a brand new Democrat majority County wide folks.
ReplyDeleteThe Democrat Party is putting up 2 candidates in our district for the County Legislature. It is critical the Democrat support these candidates. This will eliminate Tom Grant who is weak and probably Leon Fiacco who stood strongly with Rich Crist in their attempt to bring a casino to East Greenbush.
DeleteI'll bet Langley is happy about it. Same old same old.
ReplyDeleteDo the Democrats have any council candidates at all ???? Have heard nothing or else missed it ?
ReplyDeleteThank you, Mr. Chairman...
Delete
ReplyDeleteThe Dems have assembled a great ticket for East Greenbush voters to support!
County Executive: Andrea Smyth.
County Court: Jennifer Sober.
County Legislature: Todd D'Alleva; John Hebert; Susan Kalafut; and Kathryn Shaffer.
Town Board: Hollie Kennedy and Zack Kilmer.
Pete Stenson
EGDC Chair
Thank you Chairman Stenson.
DeleteDo any of the County Candidates live in East Greenbush?
Are the 4 County Legislature candidates running against Fiacco,Grant,Hoffman, and Baily just in our district?
DeleteKathryn Shaffer lives on Luther Rd. We greatly appreciate her stepping up to the plate to run.
DeletePete Stenson
EGDC Chair
Mr. Stenson. So Kathryn Shaffer is the only Democratic County Candidate from East Greenbush?
DeleteCorrect.
DeletePete Stenson
EGDC Chair
Question for Pete, Do we have 4 Democrat candidates for County Leg. in (District 2)? Please tell me yes!!
ReplyDelete5:46PM. There is a full Democratic slate for both County Leg. and East Greenbush Town Board. We even have a candidate for County Executive for the first time in 16 years.
ReplyDelete