Why does everyone care about politics and no one cares about government? You guys do realize the purpose of all this is to provide good, efficient government to the people right? This isn't about party politic games, this is about doing right by the people. So it's a bad thing that GP left the dinner a bit early so he could COACH HIS SON!? You people would rather him stay to the very end of a POLITICAL dinner, instead of giving back to his community and his family by coaching. That doesn't make much sense. I think you all need to take a page out of Parisi's playbook in order to learn about what's important in life. Staying until the very end of a political dinner isn't high on the list. Personally, I'd rather all politicians spend time coaching in the community than attend party dinners. Coaching benefits people....

Jewels,

Let me suggest that the politics to which we are witness at the town level are the very reason for the inefficient and ineffective government
that we receive.  When those in the political system are seemingly disinterested in the views of those who they represent, when arrogance
and obstinance characterize our leaders, and when partisanship for political gain outweigh what is in the best interests of the general public,
the quality of government can only reflect the attitudes of those elected officials of which it is comprised.

I commend Parisi for coaching his son's baseball game (if that is indeed where he was).  And, I agree that it should have no relevance to
how he is "judged" by town residents.  Parisi leaving the dinner event early will neither gain him nor lose him my support.  It is the entirety
of a person's actions, deeds, and words, both "on the field and off",  that determine true character.

Until we can gain an appreciation of what is in a person's heart and mind, we will have no assurance that we are electing the best
representative of our views.

I agree, FOF...I'm MUCH more concerned how my reps govern, vs. what they do in their spare time!

Quoted from 612

Ok-so the GOP dinner was not important to him--or anybody else apparently.  I don't care if he chooses to coach instead of support the trainwreck.  Hope he's a better coach than a board member.

Hahaha well said.

Quoted from 518

Jewels,

Let me suggest that the politics to which we are witness at the town level are the very reason for the inefficient and ineffective government
that we receive.  When those in the political system are seemingly disinterested in the views of those who they represent, when arrogance
and obstinance characterize our leaders, and when partisanship for political gain outweigh what is in the best interests of the general public,
the quality of government can only reflect the attitudes of those elected officials of which it is comprised.

I commend Parisi for coaching his son's baseball game (if that is indeed where he was).  And, I agree that it should have no relevance to
how he is "judged" by town residents.  Parisi leaving the dinner event early will neither gain him nor lose him my support.  It is the entirety
of a person's actions, deeds, and words, both "on the field and off",  that determine true character.

Until we can gain an appreciation of what is in a person's heart and mind, we will have no assurance that we are electing the best
representative of our views.

NOW THAT is what we are all looking for!  You need to step forward and offer THAT sort of philosophy to us, the voters!

If your chracter "on and off the field" is reflective of good moral character, then we hope that you participate in the "governing"

I'm not faulting GP for leaving a dinner. Not at all. In fact I commend him for that decision. It appears that the 'non libs' are looking for the golden egg to get rotterdam, schenectady county and the state out of the mess it is in. The people have no other party to look to for any change except the prep party.

Where is the outrage from the people who are so disgusted with the way the libs socialists are running government? It appears that the outraged people should be rallying behind the reps.....but they're not. WHY? Oh people may have their dithers about certain people in the party....but honestly....are they any worse than what we presently have?

We need change folks before there is no chance of ever cleaning up this mess! I'm not a fan of buchanan or GP, but can anyone honestly say that they are 'worse' than what is displayed at a town board meeting?

These are rotterdam's options and this is the cards rotterdam was dealt. Pick your poison!

Quoted from 518

Doesn't matter if the attendance this year was 28, 34, or 35 (does that include the wait staff?).  The reports all point to attendance figures at 25% of past years.  By all measures, this is a dismal showing; a show of no confidence in the sitting party leadership.

Under Buchanan's tutelage, the Republicans have gone from the majority party at the county and the town levels to being rendered unsubstantial and irrelevant.

It is hard for me to fathom how a "leader" can make so many bad decisions over time without facing a serious and successful challenge from within.  Anyone interested in mounting a mutiny?
  

Bravo FOF-Someone besides MT finally gets it. Nothing has changed even after a complete Countywide rout. No one has been kicked to the curb. Like it or not you need finances to support your candidates. The liberals understand that. Whether one person left early is totally immaterial.

Quoted from 487

Trust me. Steve, Mertz, Signore and Suhrada have a full share of the blame here too.  Gerard is a wannabe who serves not by the hand of the electorate but by the hand of a corrupt, sleazy, backroom deal.      

And this administration is different??

Yes quite a bit different.  Although I would not add Suhrada to that list.

FOF you said "

Let me suggest that the politics to which we are witness at the town level are the very reason for the inefficient and ineffective government
that we receive.  When those in the political system are seemingly disinterested in the views of those who they represent, when arrogance
and obstinance characterize our leaders, and when partisanship for political gain outweigh what is in the best interests of the general public,
the quality of government can only reflect the attitudes of those elected officials of which it is comprised."

You COMPLETELY described the majority on the board. Parisi is the only one up there listening to THE PEOPLE. Parisi has continuously cited the statements by the people when he votes. The majority just slams project after project through against the protestations of Parisi. I'm glad you agree with me on what the government should be doing, now I just hope you take the blinders off and realize who the good guys are...and who the bad guys are

Quoted from 565

FOF you said "

You COMPLETELY described the majority on the board. Parisi is the only one up there listening to THE PEOPLE. Parisi has continuously cited the statements by the people when he votes. The majority just slams project after project through against the protestations of Parisi. I'm glad you agree with me on what the government should be doing, now I just hope you take the blinders off and realize who the good guys are...and who the bad guys are

FINALLY!!  Someone is getting it!  It is about the TB representing the people of this Town, NOT protracting their own personal feelings when voting and COMPLETELY disregarding those of the residents.  I think this is where they are missing the boat.  Time and time again the TB is bombarded with facts about agenda items that they should be giving CAREFUL consideration to as well as taking the petitions brought before them VERY seriously.  Sync petition had approx 230 names & 1921 C Ave had approx 203.  These are all town residents who are speaking by proxy.  These voices should be heard as much as those voices of individuals who attend the meetings.  GP  is basing his votes and comments on those voices and if anyone on this blog site faults him for that, lets see them get up there and do better.  After all, isn't that what we expect from our representatives?  Everyone on this site has something to say about the leadership of the rep party.  Put your money where your mouth is & get involved.  Armchair quarterbacks really don't help the cause much at all...

Quoted from cookiecutter

Everyone on this site has something to say about the leadership of the rep party.  Put your money where your mouth is & get involved.  Armchair quarterbacks really don't help the cause much at all...

I agree! I don't think I'd be getting involved with the party though. I'm a registered blank. I will support the candidate but will not get involved with a party so to say!

Quoted Text

Quoted from Zorro:
NOW THAT is what we are all looking for!  You need to step forward and offer THAT sort of philosophy to us, the voters!

If your chracter "on and off the field" is reflective of good moral character, then we hope that you participate in the "governing"

From what I understand, it is difficult to get the endorsement from the major parties if you are independent and principled.  Further,
winning an election as an independent candidate running on a third party line appears to be impractical and often serves to split the
vote (e.g., Ross Perot).

I don't believe that you'll see change in Rotterdam town government until the residents take a greater interest and become informed.
This will occur as property taxes continue to escalate, property values falls, and public services are reduced.

Some still don't get it. You will never get better government without changing the  political system. Candidates need financial support to win. It speaks volumes that the NNTP has 120 at their fundraiser and the REP had 28 at their annual Reagan Dinner. At what point do some say "Enough" and demand resignations?

NNTP was a bust despite their attendance of 120.  You need NEW thinking.  People want change.