From what I hear, he has flipped! What do you all think of that?
"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."
Well it happens all the time. Look at Villano andDAgostino, Lazzari, Barrie and the list goes on. Better ask Kelly Rhinesmith about it. He was her fair-haired boy before it was Parisi.
Here is my view (stone me to death if you want)- I will never abandon my conservative Republican view in the vein of Reagan (I know most of you were throwing stones at him 30 years ago or were in grade school) no matter how many trade unionists, police unionists, or new-found tea party conservatives there are- if I were outnumbered 100,000,000 to one (not 1, Rich) I would keep true to my belief, even in Liberal New York State, even if the right abandoned me, even if the ASSembly staffers who only knew Reagan from books were against me, I would remain IF ONLY THE LAST ONE- A REPUBLICAN CONSERVATIVE. I will stay me, if betrayed by every last one, I will stay me. As a matter of fact, if I were the last one of the REPUBLICAN CONSERVATIVES who actually knew what any of it meant even though Rotterdam and its environs (the area, Randy) had no idea what conservatism meant, I would be glad to be the only one left and to stand on my principals, for in one shining hour of my life in politics dating back to my original political though at the age of twelve, I understood what it means to stand in the light rather than ignorance. My only solace is that there are a small handful of individuals who understand what I understand, no matter how much "political" power you yield if only temporarily; for power without knowledge is an an unwieldy thing (that means you have to work exceptionally hard to keep it, Peter.)
So beware, Angelo, Bill and others who latched on late rather than sooner, power is fleeting and the end comes not from the hand of those wronged, but from the hand of those empowered...ultimately. And reaching back, I mean only a small "handful." And if that handful becomes but one, I shall have the courage unlike others here not to ever think about changing my stripes. May you lay your heads on the pillow in this new year empowered to stand by whatever belief you hold true, communist like the Democrat Obamites, or in love of freedom like true Republican conservatives, without the treachery that Rotterdam infuses.
"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."
If indeed your report is true, the question becomes why would he switch parties, particularly to the Dems?
He is not up for reelection until 2011. He doesn't need to switch to see the Dem agenda passed at the county.
Has Santabarbara been offered the Dem endorsement to run for a state office (e.g., NY Assembly against Amedore) in 2010 in exchange for his change of enrollment? If so, Amedore may be challenged by both Santabarbara and Brad Littlefield if the reports are true. Of course, if Amedore challenges Tonko for the NY 20th Congressional seat, Santabarbara would be a logical choice to campaign to fill Amedore's vacated NYS Assembly seat. Don't know that Littlefield has a chance, but could impact the race and perhaps, award the victory to the Democrat candidate. Brad, any comment?
Hmm, the possibilities are countless!
And, then, there's the question of his ties to Parisi. Aren't they best friends from high school? I heard that Santabarbara administered the oath of office to Parisi last Wednesday night when Parisi was sworn in to the Rotterdam town board. Will Parisi be the next to switch parties as questioned on this forum? Perhaps, to the Conservative party that his "bedfellow" Rhinesmith wants to lead?
Or, it Santabarbara displeased with the leadership of his party like the rest of us in the party are?
Angelo could see the handwriting on the wall. With Joe Suhrada gone, he would be the number one target. No way could he be re-elected with the current REP "brain trust". Heard that Ang was sick and tired and demanded a resignation. The only ones not "displeased" are a couple of sock puppets here.
The Amedore challenge is really appealing-with Brad Littlefield on the right and Ang on the left-Amedore could be squeezed. Add in the anti-incumbent fever and NYS Thruway tolls going up again. These are not the usually Lumpy type opponents-two brilliant business leaders.
Santabarbara joins Democrats SCHENECTADY — Democrats tightened their grip on the Schenectady County Legislature Thursday, this time with a mid-term party switch. The Democrats already had a 12-3 majority starting this month, after taking all seven seats in this past November’s election. Now, Angelo Santabarbara, elected two years ago as a Republican representing Rotterdam, Duanesburg and Princetown, has switched parties, announcing Thursday he was changing his enrollment to Democratic. The move gives the Democrats a 13-2 majority. Santabarbara said Thursday he made the switch after working well with the majority party on past issues, including the ban on BPA in baby bottles and providing court security in Princetown. “I will continue to work with everybody in a bipartisan manner,” Santabarbara said. Thursday’s announcement caught the Legislature’s Minority Leader Robert Farley by surprise. Contacted Thursday evening, Farley said he was saddened to hear the news. Farley said he had no indication Santabarbara would switch, and any explanation would be speculation. Farley did note, however, the November election results in Rotterdam, where the Democrats captured the supervisor’s seat and two open seats, giving them a 3-2 majority on the town board. Santabarbara said the November election had nothing to do with his decision.
It was rumored and posted on this forum months ago by Sal that Santabarbara would switch his enrollment to Dem. This will guarantee Santabarbara the Conservative party endorsement. So, now we have a very interesting scenario if he challenges Amedore for the NYS Assembly seat. Who will the Conservatives endorse -- Amedore or Santabarbara?
With the infighting that will ensue, Littlefield could pull a good number of votes if as reported he is running. Interesting twist, Littlefield was a Santabarbara supporter in his 2007 campaign. Littlefield also gathered signatures for Amedore on petitions. Intrigueing to say the least.
If Santabarbara's change in enrollment signals anything, it is that the Republican party with its current leadership is done. Parisi and his political ally Rhinesmith are now "sleeping with the enemy".
I wonder what Suhrada thinks about this development? Does he have a role in rebuilding the Republican party in our town and county?
Congrats to GB for the scoop (before the Daily Gazette reported it).
By BOB GARDINIER, Staff writer First published in print: Friday, January 1, 2010
SCHENECTADY -- One Republican Schenectady County Legislator made a New Year's resolution Thursday to become a Democrat. ''In my first two years as a County Legislator, I was pleased to work with all of the Legislators in helping to make Schenectady County a better place to live,'' said Angelo Santabarbara who has jumped from the Republican to the Democratic party. ''I was treated with dignity and respect by the Democratic majority on my proposals and plan to continue working in the best interests as part of that majority.'' County Legislative Democratic Chairwoman Susan E. Savage welcomed Santabarbara to the Democratic caucus.
''As a Legislator, Angelo has put forth constructive proposals to benefit all county residents," Savage said in a prepared statement. ''He is a welcome addition to the Democratic caucus, and will continue to put the people of Schenectady County first.''
Just after his election two years ago, Santabarbara told the Times Union he worried his greatest obstacle would be to "try to get my thoughts and ideas heard" because he was in the minority party.
Rumor has it that GP was seen having a meeting with Bob H. during the last election. Perhaps we will see GP change his party affiliation to CON in the future. If I was a betting man, that is where my bet would go.
It appears that KR doesn't have her finger on the pulse of the con party like she thinks. Unless perhaps she is really working with the KRATS. Cause apparently all of the people she has been involved with have changed party endorsements. If history repeats itself, her side kick GP will be changing his party affiliation in the near future just like her past side kick Ang. IMHO
In either case Ang lost my vote.
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 respect and share your stated position. I am and will continue to be a staunch conservative in my beliefs regardless of what is popular or politically convenient.
And, for the record, Santabarbara has lost my vote, those of my family, my support, and my respect.
Logged
Angelo could see the handwriting on the wall. With Joe Suhrada gone, he would be the number one target. No way could he be re-elected with the current REP "brain trust". Heard that Ang was sick and tired and demanded a resignation. The only ones not "displeased" are a couple of sock puppets here.
