The worst fears raised by a state comptroller’s audit last fall, which flagged the Schenectady City School District for approving more than $50,000 worth of inadequately documented overtime for former facilities director Steven Raucci, were confirmed Wednesday by two of Raucci’s underlings, who testified at his terrorism trial that they were the ones who did much of the work Raucci got paid overtime for. If true, Raucci not only ripped off district taxpayers for the money he was paid at the time, he’ll continue to do so every month for as long as he lives. That’s because his pension is based on his final three years’ pay, with overtime factored in. The OT helped Raucci inflate his annual pension payout by roughly 40 percent, to $79,000 — coincidentally almost exactly the amount of his fi nal base salary. And even if he’s convicted of every felony he’s been charged with, the state can’t deny him his pension. It’s not just Schenectady taxpayers who should feel outraged by the alleged fraud, but those in every school district paying into the retirement system. They’ll all be paying more for Raucci’s pension than he deserves. ..............>>>>..................>>>>................http://www.dailygazette.net/De.....r00702&AppName=1
People vs. Schenectady Schools ; Week 2 On Trial: Schenectady School System By Pat Zollinger
“People v. The Schenectady School System’ would be a more appropriate title of the case, when the court reconvenes.
I do not know Steve Raucci. I never met him. My interest is of a fair and impartial outcome of this trial.
If I can presume that the media reports this past week were, generally accurate, I would have to say that the defendant in the Steve Raucci Terrorism Trial has really been the Schenectady School Administration. Very little, if any of this past week’s proceedings appear to have had bearing with Steve Raucci’s charges of “Terrorism.”
This second week actually consisted of four days. Apparently the court is “ahead of schedule” and they certainly don’t want to save the taxpayers any money with this case. But these four days have been enlightening. What I have found is that the most “curious” of the prosecution’s witnesses this week is a former New York State Trooper by the name of John Curry.
Bob Carney has brought in a variety of witnesses against Steve Raucci ranging from the homeowner of the first “blast house” to fired plumbers, unionized trades workers, a former elementary school principal, and members of the current school administration. He has paraded his “experts” who provided “non-expert” testimony. Why the Defense has not objected to each question, not relevant to the actual charges, is incomprehensible.
The prosecution has brought in witnesses that say they performed Raucci’s work for which he was paid overtime. They talked about how they were afraid of him, one even going so far as to take Tylenol 3 with codeine in his effort commit suicide, (while supposedly leaving his family alone with Raucci?). Anyone can apparently say anything about their obvious dislike and downright hatred of Steve Raucci and not only is it allowed into the record, its being used as proof and evidence?
“WHERE’S THE BEEF?” So where is the beef in Carney’s case? Reading about the testimony is on par to any third grade child’s book although I have to say that when these “utility workers” had to handle a mop, I just about choked on my coffee. That’s like hearing some “computer engineer” complain that he’s got to put paper in the printer, and trust me, I hear that all the time coming from the “union mentality”; folks that tend to work in union protected jobs. The words “menial” and “out of title” fit right into these scenarios.
We have lost notes, lost memories, testimony of childish behavior that includes spitting games, crotch grabbing “man games,” too much heat, not enough lights, too much lighting and not enough heat. We heard about “good rats” and “bad rats.” We learned of pieces of wood designed to look like cheese. We heard about Raucci addressed as “God.” We heard from a former school principal who felt that he should be supervising janitors; he wanted a portable basketball hoop put together by Raucci’s subordinates, even after one of them got hurt trying to do it.
UNION/ MANAGEMENT I believe that this is a union/management squabble where the taxpayers have to foot the bill. The people under Raucci’s supervision don’t like him; after all he took away their birthday parties and lunches in the garage. He made them do “out of title” work; demeaning work like cleaning and maintenance. Oh, and for some reason, they complained that Raucci got the credit for being the energy manager but they do the work.
In my professional world, my name goes on nothing. My supervisor gives me the work to do and he gets the credit. That is the world of working. I do not expect my “signature” at the bottom of each project I complete. I know, I did the work and I am fine with that. I do not require “little praises.” Therefore, these people do the work and Raucci gets the credit. That sounds like normal business practices to me. So, where is the evidence that Steve Raucci did not go out to check on these things, to say that he did not deserve the overtime that he got? Even in the face of the Comptroller’s Audit, there is nothing that Steve Raucci did illegally.
Every witness called by the prosecution was designed to paint a picture of Steve Raucci; a Demon and Terrorist. But there has been no proof. There are no recordings that I know of where Steve Raucci threatens anyone. Even the so called note left at the scene of the Rotterdam “bombing” had no connection to Steve Raucci outside of rumors and innuendos. Supposedly even the fingerprints were purged (a fancy name for supposedly being deleted) from the State Police database due to “clerical error.” And if anyone believes that statement, there’s a few organic farms (my term for city dumps) you should run right out to buy.
RAUCCI’S ASCENSION TO POWER Whose fault was it that Raucci ascended to such power; Raucci’s or the School Administrators? Given the opportunity of controlling both sides of the spectrum, one as a supervisor and the other as a union official, who would reject that opportunity?
There has been testimony on how his salary nearly tripled over a course of a few years, but then again we all know other “public servants” from sewer workers to cops who’ve done at least the very same thing. They weren’t charged with any crimes; in fact they were praised by their superiors. And most importantly, don’t lose sight of the fact that some of these witnesses are plaintiffs in civil actions against the taxpayers, known as the City of Schenectady Schools. It appears to me that Carney’s line of questioning has enhanced and facilitated these lawsuits. None of the testimony that I read in this aspect of the trial constitutes a charge of “terrorism.”
In revisiting the wooden “cheese” that go to “good rats,” the word “rat” used in a “unionized shop” context is on par to spying for the management. The City and County of Schenectady as well as every school system in the State of New York is are under UNION CONTROL. That’s your tax money at work and it’s how politicians get elected.
Steve Raucci is accused of terrorism and yet the DA is “trying” the Schenectady School Administration. Obviously, nothing Steve Raucci has done is illegal so Carney is painting a picture that may not even exist. And he’s avoiding the “gorilla sitting in the corner.” That gorilla is the UNION, also known as the bargaining unit CSEA. CSEA supports Robert Carney big time because apparently Carney does (or appears to try to do) for CSEA, what CSEA wants.
So, I ask: What does Raucci’s reported unbalanced income, management vs. union conflict, being a tough “boss” and the rest of the tattle tales told by the witnesses, have to do with terrorism?
THE CURIOUS JOHN CURRY As with Ellen Patrice’s article regarding Keith McKenna, a former Glenville Police Officer who was wired for sound when he visited Steve Raucci, John Curry [who appeared on Thursday for the prosecution] should also have an extensive article written about him, but in the interest of brevity, this is what I found to be most disturbing.
John Curry, Technical Sergeant with the NYS Police; his name comes up with the suicide death of a high ranking State Trooper in May 2008 during the Troopergate scandal. Gary Berwick headed Governor Pataki's security detail during the last two years of the Pataki Administration and was found dead from an apparent suicide hanging in the garage of his Orange County home. News reports at that time said that Berwick was going to be interviewed by Andrew Cuomo's office investigating Troopergate due to his position and his friendship with then Colonel Daniel Wiese, who was at the center of the investigation. Weise allies at that time contended that "Wiese and those close to him" were the targets of a smear campaign orchestrated by JOHN CURRY, a former state trooper with close ties to former State Republican chairman Bill Powers.
It’s my opinion that “John Curry” should be a story all on its own; along with the twists and turns involving smear campaigns and high ranking politicians. It’s been reported that Curry himself wanted the position to which Daniel Weise was appointed and didn’t get, the same sort of thing that witness Lou Semione testified Raucci took from him. Curry gave simple “expert” testimony regarding the so-called explosive devices found at the various locations but did not connect Steve Raucci to those devices in any way. His involvement in this case with the ultimate target being Steve Raucci gives me pause to think that maybe things are not really the way they’re being portrayed.
So far Robert Carney has presented liars, thieves, crybabies, people who didn’t get the positions they sought, laid off former employees and malcontents who didn’t want to push a mop even though they still had a job. Everything noted has been circumstantial. In my opinion, there has not been one iota of “terrorism” proof. The most significant statement made by the “experts” was that the exploded device(s) did not contain dynamite and yet it was not a firecracker; it was of “commercial grade.” What does that exactly mean? So far, no testimony, expert or otherwise, has linked Raucci to any “terrorist acts”: just innuendos.
So the Carney Carnival and Circus continues next week.
Ok so the crime was 8 years ago and that sounds fishy....how about the guy from florida that owned the marina near the old riverhouse bar and they arrested him 10 years ago for a murder he did 25 years ago....is that fishy too
That guy's been back in the area for about five years now give or take. Does that sound fishy to you?
Did anyone happen to catch Paul V. this morning? One of the callers, in the course of blasting the Schenectady County Conservative Party, its Executive Board, the unions, Brian Quail and a laundry list of others, noted that this Raucci's daughter was married to Mike Hamilton.
Kelly:
Once again, you have no credibility. Everything you say whether you attribute it to someone else saying it or it comes out of your mouth directly is never true. I don't know if Steve Raucci has a daughter, but if he does, he was never married to her. And even if he was, who cares? You are a bitter because your attempts to hijack the Conservative Party failed miserably, so you continue to spew lies about Hamiltons and others. I guess you think that will somehow help you. Think again.........
The above was quoted from papanetta---------------------------- There YOU go. YOU have NO credibility obviously talking out of your "other head." Steve Cook stated in one of the articles he wrote this week that RAUCCI's Daughter WAS married to Mike Hamilton. After that clown went to jail she most likely divorced him. So there IS/WAS/ARE definite CONNECTIONS to the POLICE in Schenectady county.
I'd say that GADFLY's credibility went over the Top of the SCALE. Hear that? And as far as the conservative party goes in Schenectady County? IT IS CONTROLLED BY THE COPS AND THE DEMOCRATS.
BIG TIME. They aren't conservatives, they are POWER HUNGRY RATS.
You mention that your interest is in a fair and impartial trial, only! In schenectady county? That is almost laughable!
When the INSANE are running the ASYLUM In individuals, insanity is rare; but in groups, parties, nations and epochs, it is the rule. -- Friedrich Nietzsche
“How fortunate for those in power that people never think.” Adolph Hitler
I and others find that hard to believe! Especially now that we found out about her 'harassing, raucci-like' behavior from 2001 that was miraculously a closed case due to lack of evidence.(more like intimidation)
It's sooooooo schenectady. And now she lives AND governs in the town of rotterdam.
When the INSANE are running the ASYLUM In individuals, insanity is rare; but in groups, parties, nations and epochs, it is the rule. -- Friedrich Nietzsche
“How fortunate for those in power that people never think.” Adolph Hitler
Cooke reported that Hamilton was at one time related to Steve Raucci's daughter? The only 2 clowns reporting that Mike Hamilton was married to Steve Raucci's daughter were you and Kelly. As I said a year ago- he wasn't married to Steve Raucci's daughter. I don't know if you are incapable of comprehending what you read or if you are so far up Kelly's a**, you can't think clearly. Or maybe you are still a bitter fat old woman who is still bitter about getting ur a**** handed to ya for trying to hijack the Conservative Party. I hope you are involved with the plan to do that again. I have some free time now and would enjoy spending a few hours helping the true Conservatives win 95% of the seats again.
Lets try to get the facts straight. You want to defend Steve Raucci- go ahead, but u may want to read a little more carefully.
YOUR PAPA
Kelly:
Once again, you have no credibility. Everything you say whether you attribute it to someone else saying it or it comes out of your mouth directly is never true. I don't know if Steve Raucci has a daughter, but if he does, he was never married to her. And even if he was, who cares? You are a bitter because your attempts to hijack the Conservative Party failed miserably, so you continue to spew lies about Hamiltons and others. I guess you think that will somehow help you. Think again.........
The above was quoted from papanetta---------------------------- There YOU go. YOU have NO credibility obviously talking out of your "other head." Steve Cook stated in one of the articles he wrote this week that RAUCCI's Daughter WAS married to Mike Hamilton. After that clown went to jail she most likely divorced him. So there IS/WAS/ARE definite CONNECTIONS to the POLICE in Schenectady county.
I'd say that GADFLY's credibility went over the Top of the SCALE. Hear that? And as far as the conservative party goes in Schenectady County? IT IS CONTROLLED BY THE COPS AND THE DEMOCRATS.
BIG TIME. They aren't conservatives, they are POWER HUNGRY RATS.
As far as the "connection to Police in Schenectady County"... If I remember correctly the connection that was reported by the Gazette was that Rotterdam police Chief Hamilton heard that Steve Raucci asked where the union president at Rotterdam police department lived. He reported that to the detective that testified right after the explosive was left at the house in Rotterdam. As a result of that, Raucci was arrested for it.
If you are suggesting that the "connection to Schenectady County police" resulted in Raucci being protected, the exact opposite occured and was correctly reported as such by the Gazette.
You were wrong in stating that Hamilton was married to Steve Raucci's daughter, but if you were right- you would be saying that 10 years ago he or one of the Hamiltons pinned the bombing on Raucci and reported it. I think the detective also said that the state police were brought in to assist them at that time.
So you have the Rotterdam Police Department, which a Hamilton is head of - being the only police department in the capital district the last 25 years to actually do something more than take a report and file it. Sounds to me that the actions of the detectives in Rotterdam finally put an end to what your city of Schenectady school district was allowing for decades.
Again, I understand that you and Kelly hate the Hamiltons and cops and Conservatives, etc, but lets not misinform our fellow bloggers. They deserve so much better than your misinformation and spewing your hatred.
Papa, I apologize, Mike Hamilton was married to Steve Raucci's NIECE. Oh silly me, getting daughter and niece mixed up. Happens in a lot of families.
Your writing to me appears to come from a bald-headed, square jawed, hollow brained "ten-four over and out" cop or fireman that is obviously out on some fraudulent disability. Therefore you have the time to express your cackling cacophonies. I'm not going to stoop to your gutter type of phraseology nor will I honor your incoherence.
Sounds to me like you have all kinds of time while you're not painting either your own house or that of your neighbor, while at the same time collecting your disability.
Your reference to "Chief Hamilton" is a clear indication that you are a Rotterdam cop, OR a "desperate wannabe."
You are completely wrong in stating that Raucci was arrested "after the explosive was left at the house in Rotterdam." If you go back and read your police notes you will find that he was arrested eight years later. It is no wonder that crime is rampant in this county when all muscles and no brains like YOU are paid to protect ME.
You can't tell the difference between 2010 and 2001. Pay attention now, the one's and the zeros on the end of that date are inverted.
Now, on second thought, maybe you aren't a cop, you're just a wannabe. Hey stupid, I said POLICE in Schenectady County, you said "Schenectady County Police." The difference is that I meant all police agencies in Schenectady County, your comment implies a COUNTYWIDE police agency, which we do not have.
As far as the "connection to Police in Schenectady County"... If I remember correctly the connection that was reported by the Gazette was that Rotterdam police Chief Hamilton heard that Steve Raucci asked where the union president at Rotterdam police department lived. He reported that to the detective that testified right after the explosive was left at the house in Rotterdam. As a result of that, Raucci was arrested for it.
If you are suggesting that the "connection to Schenectady County police" resulted in Raucci being protected, the exact opposite occured and was correctly reported as such by the Gazette.
You were wrong in stating that Hamilton was married to Steve Raucci's daughter, but if you were right- you would be saying that 10 years ago he or one of the Hamiltons pinned the bombing on Raucci and reported it. I think the detective also said that the state police were brought in to assist them at that time.
So you have the Rotterdam Police Department, which a Hamilton is head of - being the only police department in the capital district the last 25 years to actually do something more than take a report and file it. Sounds to me that the actions of the detectives in Rotterdam finally put an end to what your city of Schenectady school district was allowing for decades.
Again, I understand that you and Kelly hate the Hamiltons and cops and Conservatives, etc, but lets not misinform our fellow bloggers. They deserve so much better than your misinformation and spewing your hatred.
What year did you get your GED? If you even got that.
You are the one making the "suggestions" and then even answering them. You obviously have poor comprehension abilities, what year did you get your GED, or are you still working on it? Keep going because you have a long way to go.
From what I have read and comprehended, the Raucci matter was investigated by the New York State Police with the assistance of the Rotterdam Police. Evidently the state police lead in the investigation.
For your information, no I don't hate cops. Good cops that is.
What I do detest is those who rip off the system and rape the taxpayers.
Do you pay tax or are you on DSS?
It is not my intent to misinform the bloggers or spew hatred nor is my intent to infuriate the readers such as you are attempting to do. When its all said and done and they consider the source of the incoherent statements, I will be the victor and YOU will be PapaLoser.
As far as the "connection to Police in Schenectady County"... If I remember correctly the connection that was reported by the Gazette was that Rotterdam police Chief Hamilton heard that Steve Raucci asked where the union president at Rotterdam police department lived.
If you are suggesting that the "connection to Schenectady County police" resulted in Raucci being protected, the exact opposite occured and was correctly reported as such by the Gazette.
That's your first mistake..........believing what you read in the liberal, local government's cheerleading gazette.
When the INSANE are running the ASYLUM In individuals, insanity is rare; but in groups, parties, nations and epochs, it is the rule. -- Friedrich Nietzsche
“How fortunate for those in power that people never think.” Adolph Hitler
Niece/daughter; before/after all the same I guess. Just minor mistakes I suppose. As reported, Raucci was arrested by Rotterdam Police for crimes he committed in Rotterdam. I never said Raucci was arrested immediately after committing the bombing. Just that he was arrested.
The fact that you stated that Raucci "had a connection to POLICE in Schenectady County" was obviously meant to suggest that the supposed connection somehow protected or benefitted him. You say you don't hate all cops but attempt to discredit all cops in Schenectady county by falsely suggesting that he was protected. The so-called connection you allege, you now know from trial testimony wasn't very protective or beneficial to him- now was it? As a matter of fact- that so-called connection lead to his arrest by Rotterdam Police.
Yes, thanks for the clarification. Such a great difference between Schenectady county police and Police in Schenectady County. I'm sure everyone here thought that the county went to one police department when they read that...
Not a cop or firemen and can promise you that I would certainly not protect you in any way.
Keep spewing your hatred and misinformation. What goes around, comes around.
Anyone who knows you is well aware that you are incapable of telling the truth.
Quoted from 8
Papa, I apologize, Mike Hamilton was married to Steve Raucci's NIECE. Oh silly me, getting daughter and niece mixed up. Happens in a lot of families.
Your writing to me appears to come from a bald-headed, square jawed, hollow brained "ten-four over and out" cop or fireman that is obviously out on some fraudulent disability. Therefore you have the time to express your cackling cacophonies. I'm not going to stoop to your gutter type of phraseology nor will I honor your incoherence.
Sounds to me like you have all kinds of time while you're not painting either your own house or that of your neighbor, while at the same time collecting your disability.
Your reference to "Chief Hamilton" is a clear indication that you are a Rotterdam cop, OR a "desperate wannabe."
You are completely wrong in stating that Raucci was arrested "after the explosive was left at the house in Rotterdam." If you go back and read your police notes you will find that he was arrested eight years later. It is no wonder that crime is rampant in this county when all muscles and no brains like YOU are paid to protect ME.
You can't tell the difference between 2010 and 2001. Pay attention now, the one's and the zeros on the end of that date are inverted.
Now, on second thought, maybe you aren't a cop, you're just a wannabe. Hey stupid, I said POLICE in Schenectady County, you said "Schenectady County Police." The difference is that I meant all police agencies in Schenectady County, your comment implies a COUNTYWIDE police agency, which we do not have.
Logged
