I am becoming a believer in the NNTP guys ~ although I think this year's losers (no matter what) will be Tommasone and Mertz. Funny ~ these guys came in together ~ they'll most likely go out together. In spite of what Puddy and Cal would argue, I think when they were a team they did a pretty good job for the town (look at Tommasone's first two years as Supervisor)
Signore always stays low key, gives us no reason to look elsewhere. Surhada says he's a conservative, we'll see how well that plays out when his vote actually counts.
As to Puddy's point on another thread ~ MDV has got to be moving on, any recorded meeting shows an empty seat. The Republicans will be able to put Stan back on if they so wish, but you still have major problems within the party ~ that's only going to get worse.
BIG NEWS COMING ~ Rumor has it that the Republicans and NNTP are hammering out details for a joint press conference early next week. Supposedly they are trying to reach a consensus on joint cross endorsements and withdrawals from the race (not sure how they are going to pull that off because only one NNTP candidate will be out - has to be Mertz)
If I would speculate I would say that Mertz, Marchinkowski and Berrie are dropping and endorsing their opponents. There is some talk that Tommasone's new job is going to be too much for him to handle the town work and that he may be considering endorsing McGarry. The discussion included some conservative party reference ~ McGarry, Viscusi and Littlefield are all enrolled Cons. Of course this would be a huge boost to the Con party that just blew Tommasone's doors off, too much of this sounds impossible. But you know what they say "politics makes for strange.."
Rep/NNTP Team:
McGarry - Supervisor Signore - Town Board Surhada - Town Board O'Connor - Town Board Viscusi - County Legislature Littlefield - County Legislature
My impression ~ it doesn't make sense. This would be way too costly to pull off, how do get this out with only a few weeks left? Not to mention that nobody would trust anything that Howdy Doody pulls together and the NNTP guys still stay unbeholden? That will be a nice trick. What about tax district?
Remember, this was hotdog lunch rumor ~ I just don't see it. Besides, Tommasone and Marchinkowski have the Ind and WFP lines, how do you fix that? Not going to happen.
Is news to me Felipe. I know of no such conversations taking place. And, for the record, I'm in this to the end. I made a commitment to over 1200 people, who signed my petitions, that I intend to honor.
I gotta' think this is bad intel. I heard it was too late to be changing names on any ballot. Remmeber when Harry Gordon declined to run late in the race? It was too late to remove his name.
"While Foreign Terrorists were plotting to murder and maim using homemade bombs in Boston, Democrap officials in Washington DC, Albany and here were busy watching ME and other law abiding American Citizens who are gun owners and taxpayers, in an effort to blame the nation's lack of security on US so that they could have a political scapegoat."
I think it is just rumor or wishful thinking on the reps part. I personally think that if anyone from the NNTP suddenly accepted an endorsement from a major party (which I think is too late anyway), the NNTP would lose some votes. Just my thought! IMHO
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
The Republicans made their bed, now they must LIE in it.
In order to get involved in major party politics in Rotterdam, I think you really must strip away any ethics, morals, and sense of servitude your parents and church may have instilled in you growing up. The ends really do justify the means in Rotterdam politics. Win at all costs...No matter how dirty.
Has there been any issues raised by the Democrats or Republicans in this election? I know the NNTP has taken a position against the taxing district for the REMS and holding the line on taxes. And the Republicans back tracked from their original REMS position. What's' on the Republican mailers? "If you want hundreds of thousands of YOUR tax dollar spent on studies, vote Republican"
What are the Democrats plans or ideas for the town if they get elected? I haven't heard any.
All I'm hearing is character assassination, mud slinging, name calling and intimidation from the major parties. NO IDEAS! The NNTP actually mapped out a plan, and can articulate their position when questioned. And they do it with no spin and in coherent sentences.
The NNTP is picking up steam. Why?? Because they actually have a message that they are running on. They actually have a vision.
Like you and others have asked in this thread and others, I am still waiting to hear the major candidates' positions on issues. Thus far, I have heard none from either party other than the Republicans support for creating a new tax district in Rotterdam.
I did read one of the mailers that credits two of my opponents for working to reduce county property taxes by ~2% in an election year. As has been pointed out in this forum, one of them does not hold a position in county government and thus has no legitimate claim to any role in passing the 2010 budget.
The literature fails to point out that to reduce the tax levy by 2% (approximately $1M), our county legislators applied $7.3M of federal stimulus funds, a one time revenue source, to the budget. The budget increased in cost.
The only jobs being created with the federal stimulus money appear to be county government positions including those at the Schenectady County Department of Social Services. The demand for public assistance that apparently warrants an increase in DSS staffing is a testament to the failed economic development plan.
The No New Tax Party attended and spoke at the Rotterdam Business Association meeting last week. Business owners expressed frustration and concern about the lack of permanent and high paying jobs that produce discretionary income that can be spent at small businesses. They complained about the increasing quantity and cost of taxes and fees. One told of how his license to sell cigarettes will increase from $100 this year to $2500 next year.
There are no cuts in county government spending. No layoffs. And the discretionary spending during what Mr. Obama describes as the worst economic climate since the Great Depression continues unchecked.
Republican amendments to the budget that would have reduced the spending and increased the reduction in property taxes were, once again this year, scoffed at and summarily dismissed. "Working together works"? Perhaps, for the majority party, but not for the county taxpayers. Of course, it has never really been tried. The legislation, amendments, and ideas of the Republican minority are not allowed to "reach the floor". The views of the town governments are not solicited.
The 2010 NYS budget includes 88 new taxes and fees including requiring each of us to purchase new auto license plates.
It is time for a change in government. The two party system has failed us at the local, state and national level. It is time to try something different. It is time to reject the failed policies of those who have fallen asleep at the wheel. Vote No New Tax Party and send a message of no confidence to the entrenched incumbants who have turned a deaf ear and a blind eye to their constituents.
I think that it's important to relay to the public that MANY of the campaign signs for the No New Tax Party candidates have been stolen, trashed, or thrown in the weeds/bushes. I understand that this is a regular occurrence in Town of Rotterdam politics. It is an immature and desperate act by those who want to stifle the debate of ideas and who have no commitment to or belief in our democratic form of government.
On a positive note, these actions and others that have occurred, including the anonymous mailing smearing me, speak to the concern of the two major parties that the No New Tax Party is getting attention from the public and that the slate of candidates will have a significant impact in the General Election. With each day that passes, the support for the NNTP grows. The winds of change are strengthening.
In fairness, I must state that I saw Joe Suhrada last week when he returned to me one of my campaign signs that he said was laying in the road. I do appreciate him doing this, but can't help wonder why he didn't just put it back up. Either way ... thanks Joe for your consideration and for "playing fair". You can expect the same courtesy from me.
Both major parties are scared because the NNTP is gaining strength and is resonating with the voters. When you don't have a platform other than tax increases to run on the only thing left for them to do is throw mud which is very typical in city/town/county politics in Schenectady.
I think that it's important to relay to the public that MANY of the campaign signs for the No New Tax Party candidates have been stolen, trashed, or thrown in the weeds/bushes. I understand that this is a regular occurrence in Town of Rotterdam politics. It is an immature and desperate act by those who want to stifle the debate of ideas and who have no commitment to or belief in our democratic form of government.
On a positive note, these actions and others that have occurred, including the anonymous mailing smearing me, speak to the concern of the two major parties that the No New Tax Party is getting attention from the public and that the slate of candidates will have a significant impact in the General Election. With each day that passes, the support for the NNTP grows. The winds of change are strengthening.
In fairness, I must state that I saw Joe Suhrada last week when he returned to me one of my campaign signs that he said was laying in the road. I do appreciate him doing this, but can't help wonder why he didn't just put it back up. Either way ... thanks Joe for your consideration and for "playing fair". You can expect the same courtesy from me.
Brad, when a sign is laying in the middle of the shoulder and there are four of five houses about in it's vicinity, how would he know who's lawn to put it on? Besides, it may have been plucked down 3 blocks away and tossed there. Nonetheless, he probably would not have done that for anyone else for fear of being arrested with stolen property or something.
"While Foreign Terrorists were plotting to murder and maim using homemade bombs in Boston, Democrap officials in Washington DC, Albany and here were busy watching ME and other law abiding American Citizens who are gun owners and taxpayers, in an effort to blame the nation's lack of security on US so that they could have a political scapegoat."
Brad, when a sign is laying in the middle of the shoulder and there are four of five houses about in it's vicinity, how would he know who's lawn to put it on? Besides, it may have been plucked down 3 blocks away and tossed there.
GB,
Joe didn't say where he found my sign. I don't know that it was in the middle of the shoulder and in the vicinity of four or five houses. He simply stated to me that he found it in the road. Your point is well taken. If there was ambiguity regarding from where the sign orginated, he probably took the best course of action. Regardless, I appreciate that he returned it to me.
And, I will be watching for those who are taking the campaign signs, whether they be mine or those of my opponents.
I sincerely hope that the NNTP ceases their effort to contact unclaimed funds owners in the community. To me, it just gave the predators of the innocent such as the elderly or mentally disabled a whole new angle to be scammed by. As has also pointed out on this blog, sometimes people have avoided not collecting their money for legal reasons. I'm surprised John Mertz, the lawyer of this foursome, didn't think of that. I personally won't even knock on a door if I see an oxygen in use sign or a wheelchair ramp. I do not want to disturb someone that may be ill or disabled.
Howver, as a refresher to John's legal mind, I would like to remind everyone about a park proposal for the Great Flats aquifer. This proposal to me and many was unconscionable to even think of doing anything but keeping it an untouched preserve. Trail maintenance was the only disturbance many of us would allow. This area was set aside as a mitigation to build the Mall. There was a deed restriction on the property that was agreed to by the town. John proposed using it for athletic fields. I'm sure John Kagay, Vincent Shafer, and Almy Coggelshall to name a few prominent and brillant men rolled over in their graves at the mere thought of removing or altering the deed restriction on this property. Many fought the idea, but in the end the DEC lawyers ruled that it was not an allowable use of the property.
I am also wondering what other accomplishments Mike O'Connor has contributed to the community? I know he spearheaded the Masullo Estates project, but what else has he done? As a member of the RCAC, we invited Mike to join us in our environmental protection and conservation awareness efforts in town, but he wasn't interested at the time. We need members to help us and yes this is a solicitation. All are welcome! The pay comes in satisfaction since we only are reimbursed $300.00 a year.
I spearheaded a neighborhood uproar when the Paolino administration wanted to destroy Ft. Hunter Park. They even had the gaul to rename it. They had no clue there were endangered species on the property. In the end, they stuck a skateboard park there touting a $60,000 grant from the state (yes pork money) for it. We the neighbors reapeatedly told them it was not the right location. It wasn't about NIMBY. It was about the demographics which of course they didn't research at all. The softball park is a great boost to the neighborhood. They keep the park busy and looking nice. However, most drive to the park. A skateboard park needed to be located in an area the kids could walk to. Instead the skateboard park got put in area with a small population of kids. After being an eyesore, money loser due to non-use and vandalized numerous times, Supervisor Steve had it packed up and put in storage. The paved area now serves as much needed additional parking for the softball league.
Elected officials need to listen to the residents of the community. While they need to be leaders, they need to still listen and never stop listening.
My platform?? Planning and forward thinking. Infrastructure, open space and historic preservation are key elements to smart growth. Population and demographics are tools to assist in planning. Then community input needs to be highly regarded.
What's the NNTP proposals for our future growth? Also how will they accomplish unfunded mandates? It's nice to say you won't raise taxes, but if you say that you also must have a plan to cut services because taxes pay for services. An unfunded mandates are a reality. Take a look at some storm sewers in Rottedam. The logo on them was an unfunded mandate and a lot of work by town employees to carry out.
BTW, free internet service is available at the libraries. I don't know about the rest of the libraries around, but I can tell you that the one in Rotterdam has an outstanding staff of folks, volunteers and paid, that will always help you out if you need it.
I'm just throwing out some ideas to be chewed on this morning.
Logged
