Quoted from Michael

I’m always open to answering questions.  

A)     I have high respect for John Mertz.  Though we sometimes disagree, we’ve always been able to respect each other’s viewpoint.  I believe he has been a tremendous voice for the residents.  I know he has rankled some portions of the electorate as well, but that’s probably true of every elected official.  It’s hard to please everyone all of the time.

B)     I have a mixed opinion of Steve T. currently.  I have supported him in the past but think he has drifted in the wrong direction, especially when it comes to fiscal restraint.  His leadership has not resulted in the progress I remember him promising on my doorstep when he campaigned last time around.  My specific gripes are all a well-documented matter of public record.

C)     I have always found Bob Godlewski difficult to pigeon hole.  Many of his opinions confounded me when he was a member of the Planning Commission.  As a Town Board member he failed to impress me personally but I don’t think there can be a dispute that his fiscal observations are often accurate.  His short tenure there warrants some latitude in judging him.  Mr. Godlewski appears to be able to watch the money.  That’s a quality I appreciate.


I hope I’ve answered your question adequately.  I’m committed to not knocking the other candidates.  I’d prefer to stand on what I intend to bring to the table and let the voters weigh it for themselves.  My involvement in this election stems from a fundamental belief that we need to reduce the current tax burden.  I think we can do better which is why I’m getting involved.  I’m committed to 0% tax increases.  I realize some will dismiss that as some sort of gimmick but I’m a taxpayer, not a politician – so it is what it is.  Anyway, check out my website http://www.michael-oconnor.org for more information or simply continue to ask me questions.  You’ll always know where I stand, if you ask.

Now I have a few questions. What exact instances would you say Tommasone has not exercised fiscal constraint? When he spent all that money in Masullo Estates, is that a valid one? Or do you have other specific ones. Because there are some folks on the other side of town who get water in their basements that at ticked he and the rest of them went on the council out of their way to attempt to find solutions to that problem, and I thought you might be one of them. Or perhaps you will say it wasn't necessary to pave all those streets that the democrats let fall into disrepair for 20 years? Is the paving bill too high?

Secondly, in reference to Godlewski, seriously, what is the true reason for his short tenure? Not that I am saying having sympathy for the Melendez brothers for having no parents anymore would not be akin to having sympathy or at least granting extra latitude to Bogod, for not having been able to give you a better flavor of his ideology. Do you think that absent a better offer to grab power in a higher office within weeks or months of his ascension to Town Council, Bogod would still be accurate in his fiscal observations?

And last, I have to admit that even though this is not a question for you, but more of a statement- I did see Bogod watch the money (being SPENT by the boatload by the county Democrats while he didn't say a peep) a few times but I would MUCH rather that he spent some time watching Jim Constantino when he was the head of the Mohonasen school board and Jim Constantino was busy grabbing every underage girl that walked over the threshold of that fine institution. We all know that withing seconds of him going to work across the town line, he was picked up for his touchy feely ways. However Bogod decided it would be better for his political career if he saw no evil on that count, or on the count of the budget busting ways of the folks he plays minion to at the County legislative office. So maybe we chalk it up to you wanting to praise Bogod so he goes easy on you, or maybe we chalk such glowing sycophantic drivel to you actually making an alliance with him...

So there, fire away with those forthcoming answers that we all want to hear. Specifics would be nice.

There you have it boys and girls.

Schenectady/Rotterdam political season has begun.

I wish you all luck, it aint gonna be pretty, again.

I suspect that at least one of the posters to this thread appears to be a candidate for the same office that Michael is campaigning for.  And, judging from his defense of Mr. Tommasone and degradation of Mr. Godlewski, that he or she is on the Republican party ballot line.

I support Michael.  He has no political ties or favors to be repaid.  He appears to be motivated only by a desire to serve the residents.

Though not a Rotterdam town resident, I support Michael in his run for elected office.  I share his position regarding property taxes and his pledge to oppose any increases in the next two years.  I find him to be open, honest, and of good moral character.

And to serve "No Change Bogod" as well perhaps.

Quoted from 251

I suspect that at least one of the posters to this thread appears to be a candidate for the same office that Michael is campaigning for.  And, judging from his defense of Mr. Tommasone and degradation of Mr. Godlewski, that he or she is on the Republican party ballot line.

I support Michael.  He has no political ties or favors to be repaid.  He appears to be motivated only by a desire to serve the residents.

Obviously!

And Michael does not appear to be into the negative campaigning. He appears to look at the positives and negatives on ALL elective officials and he does it objectively!

I am referring to the glowing praise we just hear about "No change." Have problems reading propaganda, Bumble? But when it came time to mention the other candidates all we got was the generalized "he drifted in the wrong direction..." Without offering specifics. Godlewski needs more time to develop since his tenure was cut short. yeah, Ok  Mike. Now let's be honest instead of being a BS artist. WHY was his tenure short and WHY would he deserve more "latitude?" Refer to my above post. I don't mince words and I cut to the chase. You don't like the impoliteness of it? Join up with the Soviets. This is America. You want to run for office then be accountable and show me, don't tell me.

What past behavior warrants you endorsing HIM over his opponents like you did last night. Can we get specifics as to why he would do a better job based on past record than his opponents. I am really curious why you would endorse Bogod?

I dont need specifics about what the current/past candidates did via a currently running candidate/incumbant......I want to hear each platform
and vote myself....please dont compare yourself to the others.....just talk about YOURSELF........FACTUALLY......+/-.........

voters need to be brought back to the discerning scales of their own minds.....we dont need celebs/politicos/pastors to fill our crap filled minds
with more crap......

TIME TO CLEAN HOUSE......

GO FOR IT MICHAEL!!!!!

What will you do Mike, that is different than the others?

GB. respectfully, what you are failing to recognize is that there are a few scenarios going on in this election year.

First and foremost....PEOPLE ARE NOT HAPPY WITH POLITICS AS USUAL! People have ideologies that are not being addressed by their affiliated political party or their elected officials. Party ideologies, that some people still hold dear, have been banished only to be replaced by political and personal motivations. Also replaced with the lack of 'service to the people'.

Because of this, some people are frustrated, who have never been in the political process before, which are stepping up to the plate to bring back their parties ideology and to make a positive change. AND to give the electorate more choices instead of the same old, same old.

Unfortunately, there are also some that are running just to sabotage an opposing political party or candidate. And I use the word UNFORTUNATELY strongly. Clearly those that are taking this route are not admirable to say the least and would not be in the best interest of the taxpayers to have them in power. It would just result in the same good old boys club at best!

The dems, reps and cons have CLEARLY veered from their base ideology. In doing so, they have run this county into the ground.

So if there is any blame to be placed, it surely should be placed at the feet of ALL parties concerning their motives and leadership and choice of endorsements.

Politicians (ALL) fail when they start doing "what they think is best" - rather than listening to the will of the people that they represent.  Too much of that is happening today.

Politicians - career and otherwise, and I know you're on here, listen up.  It's time to go back to the people - ask them what THEY want - after you explain all the options. Take their voices back to your chambers and vote in that direction. Not what you WANT or how you think they'd be best represented - but "by the people, FOR the people"

Quoted from 147

Politicians (ALL) fail when they start doing "what they think is best" - rather than listening to the will of the people that they represent.  Too much of that is happening today.

Politicians - career and otherwise, and I know you're on here, listen up.  It's time to go back to the people - ask them what THEY want - after you explain all the options. Take their voices back to your chambers and vote in that direction. Not what you WANT or how you think they'd be best represented - but "by the people, FOR the people"

WOW...what a concept. Actually listening to 'the people'. Well said MT!

MT----I couldn't agree more......time to sheer the sheep and card and spin and weave the wool......that is the loose thread we are
missing........

Quoted from GrahamBonnet

Now I have a few questions. What exact instances would you say Tommasone has not exercised fiscal constraint? When he spent all that money in Masullo Estates, is that a valid one? Or do you have other specific ones. Because there are some folks on the other side of town who get water in their basements that at ticked he and the rest of them went on the council out of their way to attempt to find solutions to that problem, and I thought you might be one of them. Or perhaps you will say it wasn't necessary to pave all those streets that the democrats let fall into disrepair for 20 years? Is the paving bill too high?

Secondly, in reference to Godlewski, seriously, what is the true reason for his short tenure? Not that I am saying having sympathy for the Melendez brothers for having no parents anymore would not be akin to having sympathy or at least granting extra latitude to Bogod, for not having been able to give you a better flavor of his ideology. Do you think that absent a better offer to grab power in a higher office within weeks or months of his ascension to Town Council, Bogod would still be accurate in his fiscal observations?

And last, I have to admit that even though this is not a question for you, but more of a statement- I did see Bogod watch the money (being SPENT by the boatload by the county Democrats while he didn't say a peep) a few times but I would MUCH rather that he spent some time watching Jim Constantino when he was the head of the Mohonasen school board and Jim Constantino was busy grabbing every underage girl that walked over the threshold of that fine institution. We all know that withing seconds of him going to work across the town line, he was picked up for his touchy feely ways. However Bogod decided it would be better for his political career if he saw no evil on that count, or on the count of the budget busting ways of the folks he plays minion to at the County legislative office. So maybe we chalk it up to you wanting to praise Bogod so he goes easy on you, or maybe we chalk such glowing sycophantic drivel to you actually making an alliance with him...

So there, fire away with those forthcoming answers that we all want to hear. Specifics would be nice.

Your post contains more statements than questions.  I merely answered a direct question put to me by someone.  I tried to be succinct.  I tried to be as respectful to the other candidates as possible too.

I won’t try to address every single thing you posted but let me clarify it a little for you.  

Did you go to the numerous budget hearings we had?  I did.  When I mentioned Steve T’s lack of fiscal restraint it was a reference to the budget.  The adopted budget resulted in a tax increase, by the way.  It also included a stipend (read pay raise) for Mr. Signore.  It also included nearly across the board pay increases that were not mandated contractually.  It also created new, redundant positions.  It also included a lot of spending that could have been reduced to result in NO tax increase.  In this economic environment, that is completely and indisputably WRONG.  Like I said, these observations are already a matter of public record.

But here’s the kicker.  The Supervisor along with Mr. Signore claimed that we couldn’t possibly cut another nickel from the adopted budget.  It simply couldn’t be done, in their opinion.  Then, lo and behold, just a few months later they “found” $100,000 in cuts to help out REMS.  So who was right, me or them?  I think I was.

Fiscal restraint doesn’t mean spending no money.  It means restraint.  So I won’t rehash Masullo Estates.  My views are again extensively documented in the public record.  I will point out that the town did several other necessary drainage and road reconstruction in town last year beside the planned work in Masullo.

I respect your view of Mr. Godlewski.  You obviously don’t like him.  Whatever.  I’m not going to be his great defender.  I’m also not going to kick him in the teeth as you are fond of doing.

Let me make one thing perfectly clear.  I am committed to 0% tax increases.  I think that is what we need and more importantly, what the residents of town want.  My experience on doorsteps has reinforced that belief.  A vote for me guarantees the taxpayer a 20% voice toward that objective.  A vote for a few of the other candidates professing similar objectives, Like Brad Littlefield in the County race, or John Mertz or Brian McGarry in the Town race, begins to increase the taxpayer’s chances of realizing the objective.  I haven’t seen the endorsed slate of candidates from either of the major parties make similar concrete commitments to delivering 0% tax increases…but I suspect they will eventually…if only to keep pace with those that have.  I’d like to see how they reconcile that with their proposed creation of a new tax district to fund REMS.  Can you do that for me?

This isn’t about “fighting to keep taxes in check” or “easing the tax burden” for residents.  It’s about 0% tax increases.  Seems pretty simple to me.

Why can't there be some tax RELIEF ... rather than 0% increases?  Your family, my family and every other family on here has had to make lifestyle changes, curb or eliminate spending and cut back to make ends meet. Why isn't govt?

0% is great, dont get me wrong. A negative number is what we want.