Have alot to catch up on but here's a sample of what we have to look forward to in Nassau County. Mangano's choice for Deputy C.E. is current Assemblyman Rob Walker who thinks favors for the politically connected at the expense of the taxpayer is a good thing. This is a post from a year ago.
"The Albany Times-Union has all the gory details....
"A bill advanced by the Senate Rules Committee, controlled by Majority Leader Joseph L. Bruno and sponsored by Assemblyman Rob Walker, R-Hicksville, would improve Julie A. Cleary's benefits at the expense of New York state's pension fund and her employer, the Nassau County Board of Elections."
"Cleary is the former secretary for Nassau County GOP Chairman Joseph Mondello. In 2006, Bruno helped Mondello become the head of the state party."
"Cleary, who worked for the state Senate from 1998 to 2004, began working for the Nassau County elections commission in 2004, public records show. She is a $107,531-per-year executive assistant to the Republican elections commissioner."
"Records show a Julie A. Cleary, of Wantagh, will turn 55 this June.
The bill for her was first introduced by the same sponsors in 2007 to reclassify her as a Tier 1 employee instead of Tier 2. The improved status means many more benefits and a bigger pension, although the comptroller's office had no estimates.
If she is designated as a Tier 1 member, she can retire at 55 with no early retirement penalties. As a Tier 2 member with less than 30 years of service, she would face an early retirement reduction of 27 percent, according to the comptroller's office."
Nassau County officials say they have no record of Cleary being on the payroll until 2004.
Jennifer Freeman, a spokeswoman for DiNapoli, said the bill is unusual because it comes with a past service cost of about $51,800, which would be paid to the pension fund by all employers who contribute to the retirement system -- state agencies, municipalities and other public entities. This cost would make up for shortages paid to the pension fund during the longer period of Cleary's membership in the system."
Sunday, December 06, 2009
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
Mondello on Election Night
Newsday Spin Cycle reports that "Mondello, in the cheerier climes of Tuesday’s GOP gathering in Westbury, was widely quoted as saying: “This is a night to remember.”
Keep in mind that the sinking of the Titanic was called "A Night to Remember" too.
Keep in mind that the sinking of the Titanic was called "A Night to Remember" too.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Take the Pledge, Mangano.
Alot has been made of the rumors that D.A. Kathleen Rice is thinking of running for NYS Attorney General.
Then of course there are the attacks on County Executive Suozzi for the possibility that he may seek office outside of Nassau County. As if ambition is a bad thing.
So here is a pledge I would like Ed Mangano to take. He was compelled to run for County Executive because he wanted to "save nassau."
Now when Mangano loses, where does he go?
To the Town of Oyster Bay Town Council of course.
Town Councilwoman Rose Walker is running for Ed's open seat (and expects to win) so Ed can be appointed by Supervisor John Venditto to the Town Board. From there we are hearing that Ed will be running for Supervisor.
Basically, the fix is in.
So here we go: We ask Ed Mangano to PLEDGE to the people of Nassau County and the Town of Oyster Bay that he is in the race to become County Executive and not the next member of the Oyster Bay Town Board. Ed Mangano must PLEDGE not to accept an appointment to the Oyster Bay Town Council. Ed Mangano must PLEDGE to STOP the game of musical chairs being run by the Nassau County GOP.
Call Ed at his campaign office and ask him to take the pledge. Call his campaign office at 516-605-0245 and ask him to take the pledge.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Ed Mangano Looks a Little.... Different....
Mangano is running on "new ideas" and "new leadership" as if he hasn't been in office for 13 years. As if he wasn't the one who voted for and approved policies and budgets that almost bankrupted Nassau County.
The "New" Ed Mangano has a new look.
Like the old "Pete and Re-Pete" from Highlights Magazine, see if you can find what is different.
The "New" Ed Mangano has a new look.
Like the old "Pete and Re-Pete" from Highlights Magazine, see if you can find what is different.
Friday, October 16, 2009
New Siena Poll: Ed Mangano The Invisible Man
A new Siena Poll spells bad news for Ed Mangano.
Even with signs just about everywhere, Mangano can't catch a break.
In Nassau County, he has:
14% Favorable
11% Unfavorable
and an incredible 74% Don't Know/No Opinion.
It's Mid-October and Mangano has no traction whatsoever.
The big kick in the tuchus is the 76% Don't Know/No Opinion from REPUBLICANS.
By contrast, Suozzi has a 56% Favorable, 34% Unfavorable and only 10% Don't Know/No Opinion.
The question in the poll about who you would vote for if the election were today:
Suozzi - 54%
Mangano - 32%
Don't Know/No Opinion 14%
The only grouping that Mangano does well in is Republicans who give him 50%.
Democrats give Suozzi 79% and Republicans give Suozzi 36%
Mangano gets 11% of Democrats.
Even with signs just about everywhere, Mangano can't catch a break.
In Nassau County, he has:
14% Favorable
11% Unfavorable
and an incredible 74% Don't Know/No Opinion.
It's Mid-October and Mangano has no traction whatsoever.
The big kick in the tuchus is the 76% Don't Know/No Opinion from REPUBLICANS.
By contrast, Suozzi has a 56% Favorable, 34% Unfavorable and only 10% Don't Know/No Opinion.
The question in the poll about who you would vote for if the election were today:
Suozzi - 54%
Mangano - 32%
Don't Know/No Opinion 14%
The only grouping that Mangano does well in is Republicans who give him 50%.
Democrats give Suozzi 79% and Republicans give Suozzi 36%
Mangano gets 11% of Democrats.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Friday, October 09, 2009
Sign Stealers: Nassau GOP Leaders Son Arrested Thursday Night
The son of under-boss Joe Cairo was arrested last night by NCPD for stealing Democratic party candidate campaign signs.
Thursday, October 08, 2009
Chairman Mangano and his Tax Revolt Party - A Party of Election Fraud
Chairman Ed Mangano is going to court to sue the Nassau County Board of Elections because he wants a better ballot position for his Tax Revolt Party.
Chairman Mangano is the County Executive candidate for the Tax Revolt Party.
Actually, he is the ONLY candidate on the Tax Revolt Party line.
There were three other candidates for Nassau County Legislature on the line but they are off the line.
Why?
MASSIVE FRAUD.
In order to get the Tax Revolt Party line on the ballot and a candidate on the line, hundreds of signatures needed to be collected on petitions for each candidate in their districts.
Well, it turns out that first Chris Browne running against Legislator Joe Scannell submitted petitions so full of fraud that it was called the worst case of election fraud in Nassau history.
Then Joe Belesi who is losing to Legislator Dave Mejias had his petitions thrown out for fraudulant signature too.
And then Howard Koepel runnnig against Legislator Jeff Toback was kicked off the ballot for the same reason.
75% of the candidates in Chairman Mangano's party have been kicked off the ballot by a judge.
Not only that but the Nassau County District Attorney is investigating the petitions and the people who "collected" them under Chairman Mangano.
Ed Mangano is the leader of he Tax Revolt Party and needs to answer questions about his people committing election fraud.
Signtures that didn't match addresses.
Fake addresses.
Fake signatures.
Forged signatures.
The same handwriting on many signatures.
The list goes on and on.
Tell us Chairman Mangano, what did you know about your party committing fraud and when did you know it.
Chairman Mangano is the County Executive candidate for the Tax Revolt Party.
Actually, he is the ONLY candidate on the Tax Revolt Party line.
There were three other candidates for Nassau County Legislature on the line but they are off the line.
Why?
MASSIVE FRAUD.
In order to get the Tax Revolt Party line on the ballot and a candidate on the line, hundreds of signatures needed to be collected on petitions for each candidate in their districts.
Well, it turns out that first Chris Browne running against Legislator Joe Scannell submitted petitions so full of fraud that it was called the worst case of election fraud in Nassau history.
Then Joe Belesi who is losing to Legislator Dave Mejias had his petitions thrown out for fraudulant signature too.
And then Howard Koepel runnnig against Legislator Jeff Toback was kicked off the ballot for the same reason.
75% of the candidates in Chairman Mangano's party have been kicked off the ballot by a judge.
Not only that but the Nassau County District Attorney is investigating the petitions and the people who "collected" them under Chairman Mangano.
Ed Mangano is the leader of he Tax Revolt Party and needs to answer questions about his people committing election fraud.
Signtures that didn't match addresses.
Fake addresses.
Fake signatures.
Forged signatures.
The same handwriting on many signatures.
The list goes on and on.
Tell us Chairman Mangano, what did you know about your party committing fraud and when did you know it.
Tuesday, October 06, 2009
Mangano TV Commercial
Just saw Ed Mangano's TV commercial.
It looks like it was shot on a 1983 VHS Camera on a videotape the was used over and over to tape Airwolf through its entire series and then copied over so Ed can make his commercial.
It is that bad.
I'll get the video asap so you can see for yourself.
It looks like it was shot on a 1983 VHS Camera on a videotape the was used over and over to tape Airwolf through its entire series and then copied over so Ed can make his commercial.
It is that bad.
I'll get the video asap so you can see for yourself.
Rose Walker: How Revolting!
Oyster Bay Councilwoman Rose Walker is running to fill Ed Mangano's seat because once he loses the County Executive race to Tom Suozzi, Ed needs a place to go. So the plan is that he'll be appointed to what the republicans beleive will be Rose Walker's empty seat on the Town Council.
Gee, what will happen when Walker loses?
Will she step down so Mangano can slip onto the Town Board?
Anyway, it's kinda funny that Walker has "Tax Revolt" signs going up in the District (and outside the district - the picture below is from deep into Dave Mejias' district) considering Rose Walker voted to increase taxes in the Town of Oyster Bay 11% last year... for a total of 41% over the past 5 years.
Heck, you can say Rose Walker hasn't met a tax she didn't want to increase.
And she wants you (the voter as per her sign) to join her "Tax Revolt"?
She sure forgets her own record fairly quickly and hope you do too.
How Revolting!
Gee, what will happen when Walker loses?
Will she step down so Mangano can slip onto the Town Board?
Anyway, it's kinda funny that Walker has "Tax Revolt" signs going up in the District (and outside the district - the picture below is from deep into Dave Mejias' district) considering Rose Walker voted to increase taxes in the Town of Oyster Bay 11% last year... for a total of 41% over the past 5 years.
Heck, you can say Rose Walker hasn't met a tax she didn't want to increase.
And she wants you (the voter as per her sign) to join her "Tax Revolt"?
She sure forgets her own record fairly quickly and hope you do too.
How Revolting!
New Items in the Gift Shoppe
The Nassau GOP has re-branded so we're followed along. Get your new swag now!
T-Shirts!
Bumper Stickers!
And Much More!
T-Shirts!
Bumper Stickers!
And Much More!
Friday, October 02, 2009
EXCLUSIVE: Sen. Malcom Smith Accepts Invite to Box Dean Skelos of Charity
Last night at the Nassau County Democratic Fall Gala, Majority Leader Malcolm Smith accepted an invitation to Box for Charity.
His would-be opponent? Dean Skelos.
The match will be thre 1 minute rounds sanctioned by New York State.
The invitation from LI Fight for Charity to Skelos will be extended today.
Will Skelos accept?
Sen. Smiths response was an immediate "yes" and the he got into a fights stance and said of Skelos "I'l make him dizzy."
His would-be opponent? Dean Skelos.
The match will be thre 1 minute rounds sanctioned by New York State.
The invitation from LI Fight for Charity to Skelos will be extended today.
Will Skelos accept?
Sen. Smiths response was an immediate "yes" and the he got into a fights stance and said of Skelos "I'l make him dizzy."
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Stay Classy, Mangano - GOP Thugs Destroy Suozzi Signs, Replace with Mangano Signs
Ahhhh.... election season is finally here with GOP thugs stealing and destroying signs as if they own the county.
Here is an example of the fine goons working for Ed Mangano. If Ed can't keep his own people under control, how can he run a county?
Nassau Republicans are thugs and goons and nothing more. As they slip further and further into obscure minority status, they will destroy as much as they can. Cowards.
The first picture has a sign with moderate damage with the hand-made fake "grass-roots" look.
Hempstead Tpke, Levittown
The next picture is also on Hempstead Tpke in Levittown across from the BJ's/Best Buy. This one has more damage than the last.
The last one is totally destroyed by Mangano Thugs. It's in the lot by Tri-County on Hempstead Tpke.
These signs are are a stones throw away from Mangano HQ and of course the robots there will say they have "No Idea" who put those signs up. Liars.
Here is an example of the fine goons working for Ed Mangano. If Ed can't keep his own people under control, how can he run a county?
Nassau Republicans are thugs and goons and nothing more. As they slip further and further into obscure minority status, they will destroy as much as they can. Cowards.
The first picture has a sign with moderate damage with the hand-made fake "grass-roots" look.
Hempstead Tpke, Levittown
The next picture is also on Hempstead Tpke in Levittown across from the BJ's/Best Buy. This one has more damage than the last.
The last one is totally destroyed by Mangano Thugs. It's in the lot by Tri-County on Hempstead Tpke.
These signs are are a stones throw away from Mangano HQ and of course the robots there will say they have "No Idea" who put those signs up. Liars.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Nina Bastardi: Not Just Some Girl
"When asked who he's running against, Nina Petraro Bastardi's opponent answers "Oh, just some girl." - http://notjustsomegirl.weebly.com/
Nina is not "just some girl." She is an accomplished woman who has probably achieved more just reaching her mid-twenties than John Ciotti has yet to do in his fifties.
Nina is an example of the best and brightest we need in Nassau County. John Ciotti is the status-quo, do-nothing politician of the past.
Nina is not "just some girl." She is an accomplished woman who has probably achieved more just reaching her mid-twenties than John Ciotti has yet to do in his fifties.
Nina is an example of the best and brightest we need in Nassau County. John Ciotti is the status-quo, do-nothing politician of the past.
Monday, August 03, 2009
Ciotti Blurring the Lines Between Campaigning and Official Duties. Is the Taxpayer Paying for This?
John Ciotti is getting the race of his life from Nina Petraro-Bastardi who can be seen everywhere in the district answering peoples questions and listening to thier issues. This past weekend, Ciotti set up an official table as a Legislator at the Elmont Fair. Here is a picture of the official table with a Ciotti "re-elect" campaign sign with the "re-elect" blocked out.
Here are two photographers, one from the Town of Hempstead (on the left) and the other from the county hanging around the Ciotti table..
Here are taxpayer paid photographers taking a picture of Ciotti with the Elmont Fire Department. Looks like an official business photo-op, right? (click to enlarge)
Then what is County Executive candidate Ed Mangano doing there? He's a legislator from Hicksville which is at the other side of the county. The only thing that would bring Mangano out to Elmont would be to campaign. So Ciotti with Mangano are campaigning and taxpayer paid photographers are taking pictures?
Here are two photographers, one from the Town of Hempstead (on the left) and the other from the county hanging around the Ciotti table..
Here are taxpayer paid photographers taking a picture of Ciotti with the Elmont Fire Department. Looks like an official business photo-op, right? (click to enlarge)
Then what is County Executive candidate Ed Mangano doing there? He's a legislator from Hicksville which is at the other side of the county. The only thing that would bring Mangano out to Elmont would be to campaign. So Ciotti with Mangano are campaigning and taxpayer paid photographers are taking pictures?
Again, other to campiagn, Mangano has no reason to be in Elmont.
So the question now is who is paying for the photographers? Also, who will be using the pictures?
Do the photographers submit their timesheets to the campaigns or to the Town and County?We'll watch to see where the pictures end up and file a FOIL appropriately.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Nassau Republicans Re-Branding.. and Running Away From 'Republican'
The end of an era. It took a while but the Nassau GOP has moved away from the old orange and blue color scheme. Republican county executive candidate Ed Mangano doesn't have the colors anywhere on his signage or bumper stickers and other candidates don't have the blue and orange either.
It looks like they are going for a sorta-red, white and blue.
The republicans have always been identified by the ornage and blue campaign material. You saw those colors and you knew the candidate was republican. Over the past few years candidates here and there strayed from alot of blue and orange. Now with a "standard" sticker for a few different candidates not having the usual colors indicates a change.
And what else is missing from the stickers?
Any indication that the candidate is in the republican party.
Democrats have the word "Democrat" on signage and bumper stickers. Why is the Nassau GOP afraid to announce that the candidate is a republican?
Even on Ed Mangano's campaign site there isn't any obvious graphics saying he is a republican. You have to look deeper to find a title of a link that says "Mangano" and "GOP."
It looks like they are going for a sorta-red, white and blue.
The republicans have always been identified by the ornage and blue campaign material. You saw those colors and you knew the candidate was republican. Over the past few years candidates here and there strayed from alot of blue and orange. Now with a "standard" sticker for a few different candidates not having the usual colors indicates a change.
And what else is missing from the stickers?
Any indication that the candidate is in the republican party.
Democrats have the word "Democrat" on signage and bumper stickers. Why is the Nassau GOP afraid to announce that the candidate is a republican?
Even on Ed Mangano's campaign site there isn't any obvious graphics saying he is a republican. You have to look deeper to find a title of a link that says "Mangano" and "GOP."
The Mangano Mobile! Pimp My Ride: Nassau County Edition
Here is Ed Mangano's pimped-out ride. (click for larger version)
He's on all sides!
Going for the Latino vote.
He's on all sides!
Going for the Latino vote.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
State Republicans Send Sneaky Mailer to Mejias' District
Joe Mondello is so desperate that he coughed up some dough to send a anti-Mejias mailer to distirct voters in hopes it will help Joe Belesi.
The mailer is designed to look like an official mailing FROM the county with the words "Notice of Tax Increase" on both sides and includes an altered Nassau County Seal.
The seal is close.. it's just missing the county name....
Real Seal...
Fake Seal...
It's a clever mailing.. but fairly desperate this early.
The mailer is designed to look like an official mailing FROM the county with the words "Notice of Tax Increase" on both sides and includes an altered Nassau County Seal.
The seal is close.. it's just missing the county name....
Real Seal...
Fake Seal...
It's a clever mailing.. but fairly desperate this early.
Congratulations Democratic State Chairman Jay S. Jacobs
Nassau County Chairman Jay S. Jacobs has been named the new New York State Democratic Party Chairman.
Jay will have the pleasure of not only kicking Joe Mondello's ass around Nassau County, but in state-wide races too.
Jay will have the pleasure of not only kicking Joe Mondello's ass around Nassau County, but in state-wide races too.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Stay Classy, Chairman Mondello
Joe Mondello is a class act. At the Nassau County Young Republicans Super Extra-Special Freedom Gala for America and it's Greatness Gala, Chairman Joe took the opportunity to attack Republican turned Democrat Nina Petraro-Bastardi and her husband Chris. During his tirade, he called them an "abomination."
That's kind of a harsh word.
But leave it to Joe Mondello to once again push the level of political discourse into the guttter.
That's kind of a harsh word.
But leave it to Joe Mondello to once again push the level of political discourse into the guttter.
Thursday, June 04, 2009
Stop Lying, Kate Murray!
Kate Murray repeats the same lies that she did two years ago. Murray says on her website that "Hempstead Town has earned the highest Wall Street credit ratings available (four grades higher than Nassau County’s ratings)."
If that were true, then Nassau County's rating would be close to Junk which it is not.
We busted Kate 2 years ago trying to pull the same fast one. Last time she used a graph to illustrate her point..
That looks real impressive if you don't know how to fake a graph.
It should actually look like this:
As I explained then, "If you count from "A" to Aa+", it does indeed look like "four steps higher than Nassau." And the graph dramatically shows the HUGE gap between Nassau and the Town of Hempstead.
Of course, this is not exactly where the truth lies. The "+" ratings are NOT full points but intermidiary ratings. And the chart has three versions of "A" and three versions on "Aa" which makes it look like there is a bigger difference."
So Kate, stop lying.
You got caught. Again.
If that were true, then Nassau County's rating would be close to Junk which it is not.
We busted Kate 2 years ago trying to pull the same fast one. Last time she used a graph to illustrate her point..
That looks real impressive if you don't know how to fake a graph.
It should actually look like this:
As I explained then, "If you count from "A" to Aa+", it does indeed look like "four steps higher than Nassau." And the graph dramatically shows the HUGE gap between Nassau and the Town of Hempstead.
Of course, this is not exactly where the truth lies. The "+" ratings are NOT full points but intermidiary ratings. And the chart has three versions of "A" and three versions on "Aa" which makes it look like there is a bigger difference."
So Kate, stop lying.
You got caught. Again.
Kate Murray Has a Campaign Website
I fixed her logo for her....
There is a whole lot wrong with her website.
Let's start where she mentions the Lighthouse Project which she is dragging her feet on. "This past year Kate and the Town Board approved a commuter‑oriented home development in West Hempstead that offered higher development density in a location adjacent to a local development proposal for 150 acres of property surrounding the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. The proposall includes a redeveloped Coliseum, housing, retail space, office space, a hotel, and minor league baseball stadium as well as other recreation and entertainment components."
Besides adding that extra "l" to "proposal", Murray is trying to link herself to the Lighthouse Project very subtley.
Why mention the Lighthouse Project (not by name though) when she obviously opposes it?
There is a whole lot wrong with her website.
Let's start where she mentions the Lighthouse Project which she is dragging her feet on. "This past year Kate and the Town Board approved a commuter‑oriented home development in West Hempstead that offered higher development density in a location adjacent to a local development proposal for 150 acres of property surrounding the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. The proposall includes a redeveloped Coliseum, housing, retail space, office space, a hotel, and minor league baseball stadium as well as other recreation and entertainment components."
Besides adding that extra "l" to "proposal", Murray is trying to link herself to the Lighthouse Project very subtley.
Why mention the Lighthouse Project (not by name though) when she obviously opposes it?
Monday, May 25, 2009
Massapequa Community Forum Kudos
I attended a community forum (open to all) in Massapequa last friday night. It was hosted by a Tea Party group based in Massapequa. They invited politicians of every party to speak. I went with a little apprehension, knowing that the only Dem speaker Legislator Dave Mejias might not be very welcomed by the crowd. Laura Gill and the organizers did a fantastic job running the question and answer session and kept the crowd civil. The panel besides Mejias was all republican elected officials and for some reason candidate Joe Belesi.
Anyone looking for a good dialog would have found it at this meeting. Dave Mejias gave detailed answers to questions and held his own when a couple of audience members shouted at him. And again, the organizers tamped that down immediately so that eveyone had an opportunity to hear thier elected officials speak.
I'll have nmore details in a later post. (and some video)
Anyone looking for a good dialog would have found it at this meeting. Dave Mejias gave detailed answers to questions and held his own when a couple of audience members shouted at him. And again, the organizers tamped that down immediately so that eveyone had an opportunity to hear thier elected officials speak.
I'll have nmore details in a later post. (and some video)
Friday, May 22, 2009
Joe Saladino Follies
Bashes Teachers Union at community forum tonight but took their endorsement last year.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Nassau GOP Gone Wild.... Actually Batshit Crazy
Nina Petraro-Bastardi is a former republican runing as a Democrat for the Nassau County Legislature. Below is a video of Mondello's thugs trying to shut her up... and it doesn't work.
Pay close attention to the 'roid rage guy who comes a little to close to Nina and Tom Suozzi. NCPD needs to keep an eye out for angry people like him.
Pay close attention to the 'roid rage guy who comes a little to close to Nina and Tom Suozzi. NCPD needs to keep an eye out for angry people like him.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Support for State Chairman Joe Mondello
Shams Tarek, DSCC spokesman says “The recent chorus of Republican officials calling for Joe Mondello to step down as State GOP chair is disappointing and a step backwards for New York.
“With the New York GOP’s recent loss of both the State Senate and the overwhelmingly Republican 20th Congressional District to Democrats, we couldn’t be more pleased with Chair Mondello’s work.
"For the benefit of a population completely fed up with years of GOP cynicism and dysfunction in both Washington and Albany, Chair Mondello should remain in place and continue to remove Republicans from office in New York.”
And we need Mondello here in Nassau County too!
“With the New York GOP’s recent loss of both the State Senate and the overwhelmingly Republican 20th Congressional District to Democrats, we couldn’t be more pleased with Chair Mondello’s work.
"For the benefit of a population completely fed up with years of GOP cynicism and dysfunction in both Washington and Albany, Chair Mondello should remain in place and continue to remove Republicans from office in New York.”
And we need Mondello here in Nassau County too!
Venditto the Tax Increaser Shows Nerve Speaking at Anti-Tax Rally
TOBAY Supervisor John Venditto was one of the few local elected officials to speak at the Nassau Young Republican Tea Party. The rally with puportedly was about how we are being taxed too much is an odd place for Venditto to speak considering he increased taxes in the Town of Oyster Bay by 11%.
Venditto has an odd rationalization for raising taxes as he told the Massapequa Post "We all hate taxes but I think residents understand that the we've been mindful at a local level," said Venditto who added that the budget maintains the status quo on all of the Town's programs and projects"
What does Venditto mean by "status quo?" According to the budget, there is only a 2.8% spending increase. How does a 2.8% spending increase equal an 11% tax increase?
Venditto continues "The success of this Town isn't measured in budget tables but how well it serves its people," the Supervisor said. "When I start to work on a budget I think of about our young people, who may now be able to buy their first home or senior citizens who can now remain here," said the Supervisor."
But what Venditto isn't thinking much about or even talking about is the $400million in debt the Town has. And how does the Town "serve it's people?" By Bonding over $54million to make up fro lack of funds. Venditto and the all-republican Town Board borrows heavily on the backs of the young people who want to buy their first home.
The Post article continuies "Venditto called the budget lean, cost efficient and financially responsible.
"When we took over in the late 90's the Town was in dire financial straights with a $30-million deficit. I don't want to undo any of the good work we've done," said Venditto. "I think this budget is a fiscally responsible one that still allows the Town to continue its programs and services that make Oyster Bay a desirable place to live."
WHAT?????
I would call being $454million in the hole somewhat dire considering the downturn in local revenues. And again, it is the constant Bonding that allows the Town to continue it's programs and services. Without those bonds, there would be a deficit higher than the one Venditto says he inherited.
Venditto has real balls to stand up and speak at an anti-tax rally when he is taxing the TOBAY residents more and borrowing more money to keep his "status quo."
Venditto has an odd rationalization for raising taxes as he told the Massapequa Post "We all hate taxes but I think residents understand that the we've been mindful at a local level," said Venditto who added that the budget maintains the status quo on all of the Town's programs and projects"
What does Venditto mean by "status quo?" According to the budget, there is only a 2.8% spending increase. How does a 2.8% spending increase equal an 11% tax increase?
Venditto continues "The success of this Town isn't measured in budget tables but how well it serves its people," the Supervisor said. "When I start to work on a budget I think of about our young people, who may now be able to buy their first home or senior citizens who can now remain here," said the Supervisor."
But what Venditto isn't thinking much about or even talking about is the $400million in debt the Town has. And how does the Town "serve it's people?" By Bonding over $54million to make up fro lack of funds. Venditto and the all-republican Town Board borrows heavily on the backs of the young people who want to buy their first home.
The Post article continuies "Venditto called the budget lean, cost efficient and financially responsible.
"When we took over in the late 90's the Town was in dire financial straights with a $30-million deficit. I don't want to undo any of the good work we've done," said Venditto. "I think this budget is a fiscally responsible one that still allows the Town to continue its programs and services that make Oyster Bay a desirable place to live."
WHAT?????
I would call being $454million in the hole somewhat dire considering the downturn in local revenues. And again, it is the constant Bonding that allows the Town to continue it's programs and services. Without those bonds, there would be a deficit higher than the one Venditto says he inherited.
Venditto has real balls to stand up and speak at an anti-tax rally when he is taxing the TOBAY residents more and borrowing more money to keep his "status quo."
Venditto can't stand higher taxes unless he is the one raising them!
Nassau Young Republican Tea Party Draws One's of People
The belated tea bagging by the Young Reps brought out a crowd that could fit in a booth at Friendly's. Not counting the Young Rep organizers and the speakers, the crowd ballooned to about 35-40. The speakers spoke from atop a flat-bed truck which provided an empty stage for the basically unknown featured speakers.
Brett Joshpe? Who the hell was he?
David Webb? Another unknown. And like Joshpe, from reading the hype on their websites you would think they were household names.
And then there was KT McFarland. You may remember her as being a possible candidate to challenge then-Senator Clinton back in 2006. McFarland gained some attention when she said that "Hillary Clinton is really worried about me, and is so worried, in fact, that she had helicopters flying over my house in Southampton today taking pictures."
I'd fire whoever booked the speakers.
Then there were a few elected officials like Assemblyman Dave McDonough, TOBAY Supervisor John Venditto and TOBAY Coucilwoman and photo-op queen Rose Walker.
The day was a rousing success if you measure success on a huge curve.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Oyster Bay Supervisor John Venditto Consolidates Special Districts.... Into Nassau County
There has been a movement gaining traction from the County Executive, elected officials and regular citizens to consolidate the hundreds of special taxing districts in Nassau County. By consolidating these districts, tax payers would save money.
Supervisor John Venditto has made the leap and consolidated all the Special Districts in the Town of Oyster Bay. In the recent "Talk of the Town" propaganda mailing, Venditto shifts the Special Districts to the Nassau County slice of the tax dollar pie.
The FACT is that John Venditto is lying. Nassau County has NOTHING to do with the Special Districts. Venditto is just trying to shrink the percentage of tax dollars the Town collects and increase th percentage the County collect.
The REAL percentage for Nassau County is about 17.5%, NOT the 22.6% Venditto claims. The County portion of your taxes has been the lowest in years. It's Venditto who just raised your Town taxes by 11%.
The Special Districts are under the control of the Town of Oyster Bay. The Town sets the tax rates. The Town appoints board members. NOT the County.
The REAL FACT is that the Town of Oyster Bay slice of the tax pie is 17.8% NOT the 12.6% Venditto claims.
Venditto spent taxpayer money to send a mailing to LIE to those very same taxpayers.
What a disgrace.
Supervisor John Venditto has made the leap and consolidated all the Special Districts in the Town of Oyster Bay. In the recent "Talk of the Town" propaganda mailing, Venditto shifts the Special Districts to the Nassau County slice of the tax dollar pie.
The FACT is that John Venditto is lying. Nassau County has NOTHING to do with the Special Districts. Venditto is just trying to shrink the percentage of tax dollars the Town collects and increase th percentage the County collect.
The REAL percentage for Nassau County is about 17.5%, NOT the 22.6% Venditto claims. The County portion of your taxes has been the lowest in years. It's Venditto who just raised your Town taxes by 11%.
The Special Districts are under the control of the Town of Oyster Bay. The Town sets the tax rates. The Town appoints board members. NOT the County.
The REAL FACT is that the Town of Oyster Bay slice of the tax pie is 17.8% NOT the 12.6% Venditto claims.
Venditto spent taxpayer money to send a mailing to LIE to those very same taxpayers.
What a disgrace.
More Massapequa Tea Bag Party Pictures
Here are a few more pictures from the republican tea bag party....
(click pictures to enlarge)
This guy was manning a microphone and trying his best at arousing the tea baggers. He had a simple schtick in-between bad quasi-patriotic country music. At one point this guy says we have to "get rid of Nancy Pelosi" and either "send her TO China" or "send her BACK TO China." I'm correct in saying that Nancy Pelosi is a citizen of the country and born of Italian descent which makes it odd that she should go "back to" China where she was never from in the first place.
Then of course he gave us the "No Taxation Without Representation" rally cry. Again, I am correct in saying that we have duly elected representatives covering every inch of these United States. Maybe the genius missed the election last november.
Speaking of Nancy Pelosi, this poor soul seems to have missed the election too and assumes that Speaker of the House Pelosi ascended to the presidency.
And speaking of last november's elections, this poor dear believes that she is in the "majority." If she were, there would not be a President Obama and an overwhelming Democratic congress.
I wanted to ask this person who he/she (couldn't tell) believes is in congress and does not "Love the USA."
Here is a classic. "Abolish the FED!" Exactly what would replace the central banking system of the United States? Who will be a stop-gap for bank panics? Who will protect consumer bank users? I will assume the person holding the sign 1) knows what the "FED" is and 2) has a reasonable replacement in mind.
This guy wants to "save the children." And of course he missed the part where stimulus money was going to education and would save the schools from cutting programs.
And last but not least here is republican legislature candidate Joe Belesi in the suit, not the stupid hat. Joe here was a police union boss who retired from the county with a $400,000 pay-out and a $100,000+ pension and medical coverage for him and his family. He is now working for the drunk driver Minority Leader Peter Schmitt taking more money from county taxpayers.
(click pictures to enlarge)
This guy was manning a microphone and trying his best at arousing the tea baggers. He had a simple schtick in-between bad quasi-patriotic country music. At one point this guy says we have to "get rid of Nancy Pelosi" and either "send her TO China" or "send her BACK TO China." I'm correct in saying that Nancy Pelosi is a citizen of the country and born of Italian descent which makes it odd that she should go "back to" China where she was never from in the first place.
Then of course he gave us the "No Taxation Without Representation" rally cry. Again, I am correct in saying that we have duly elected representatives covering every inch of these United States. Maybe the genius missed the election last november.
Speaking of Nancy Pelosi, this poor soul seems to have missed the election too and assumes that Speaker of the House Pelosi ascended to the presidency.
And speaking of last november's elections, this poor dear believes that she is in the "majority." If she were, there would not be a President Obama and an overwhelming Democratic congress.
I wanted to ask this person who he/she (couldn't tell) believes is in congress and does not "Love the USA."
Here is a classic. "Abolish the FED!" Exactly what would replace the central banking system of the United States? Who will be a stop-gap for bank panics? Who will protect consumer bank users? I will assume the person holding the sign 1) knows what the "FED" is and 2) has a reasonable replacement in mind.
This guy wants to "save the children." And of course he missed the part where stimulus money was going to education and would save the schools from cutting programs.
And last but not least here is republican legislature candidate Joe Belesi in the suit, not the stupid hat. Joe here was a police union boss who retired from the county with a $400,000 pay-out and a $100,000+ pension and medical coverage for him and his family. He is now working for the drunk driver Minority Leader Peter Schmitt taking more money from county taxpayers.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Joe Mondello Answers with a Little Anti-Semitism?
Mondello was asked about NYC Mayor - and likely republican candidate for re-election - Bloomberg's support of gay marriage and replies as a "practicing catholic", "Well, what can I tell you? That's going to have to be between him and his God, just like what I do has to be between me and my God."
Peter King gets Snubbed at Republican Dinner
Last night the NYS Republicans brought out Newt Gingrich at their annual dinner. Newt spoke and had this to say about the NY GOP future "If we had Mayor Giuliani for governor and we had Gov. Pataki for senator, we would be a large step towards the tidal wave which will make 2010 comparable to 1994," he said, referring to the GOP electoral sweep in '94. "That should be our goal."
Hmmm... isn't Peter King the one that has been trumpeting his name as a potential winning senate candidate?
This is one heck of a slight.
Is Newt still holding a grudge against King for calling him "political road-kill" back in the 90's?
Hmmm... isn't Peter King the one that has been trumpeting his name as a potential winning senate candidate?
This is one heck of a slight.
Is Newt still holding a grudge against King for calling him "political road-kill" back in the 90's?
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Massapequa Tea Bagger Brings the Crazy
Here is a sign I pretty much expected to see....
This loon still believes that there is a grand conspiracy to hide the "fact" that President Obama was not born in Hawaii but in Kenya and is ineligible to be President.
The grand conspiracy involved the REPUBLICAN Governor of Hawaii who is keeping Obama's "real" birth certificate hidden, the Clinton campaign who had the money and the connections to dig up any dirt on Obama, and the State of Hawaii which does the bidding of a junior senator from Illinois, and the Department of State which issues Obama a passport and a whole host of other agencies.
Obama was born in Hawaii, you nut.
There is another nut job in Massapequa who spews forth on a local website who still clings to the birth certificate conspiracy among other things. It wasn't him holding the sign.. maybe just a fan. We'll get to him in a future post.
This loon still believes that there is a grand conspiracy to hide the "fact" that President Obama was not born in Hawaii but in Kenya and is ineligible to be President.
The grand conspiracy involved the REPUBLICAN Governor of Hawaii who is keeping Obama's "real" birth certificate hidden, the Clinton campaign who had the money and the connections to dig up any dirt on Obama, and the State of Hawaii which does the bidding of a junior senator from Illinois, and the Department of State which issues Obama a passport and a whole host of other agencies.
Obama was born in Hawaii, you nut.
There is another nut job in Massapequa who spews forth on a local website who still clings to the birth certificate conspiracy among other things. It wasn't him holding the sign.. maybe just a fan. We'll get to him in a future post.
Massapequa Tea Bag Party Pictures
I went to the Massapequa Tea Bag Party this afternoon. The Tea baggers were lined up on Sunrise Highway (some on the south side) with their signs causing traffic to slow to a crawl.
I wade into the crowd of about 150-200 to take some pictures and see what was up. The snippets of conversations I heard made my ears bleed. They might not be indicative of the whole crowd but what I heard was a lack of understanding of the issues. Then I heard "... FOX News..." and "... 770AM..." and that pretty much explained the lack of knowledge.
Here are a few pictures of the crowd.
These two seem to have forgotten that the economic mess we are in was caused by 8 years of George W. Bush and 6 of those years with a republican congress. Actually, the whole crowd seems to have developed selective amnesia, blocking Jan. 2001 to Jan. 2009.
I'd like to point out to these two mouth breathers the illegal wiretaps that were unconstitutional. Who did that again, guys?
Here is someone who believes that access to healthcare for all Americans will cause death. Universal Healthcare means access. It means healthier citizens. It means insurance companies can't deny treatment as they do every single day.
Universal Healthcare works fine elsewhere. Why not here?
I wonder if this fine fellow voted for George W. Bush. I bet he did.
Now I wonder if he was just as upset and took to the street when the debt increased 71% under Bush. That is a $10trillion debt President Obama INHERITED.
Does it matter that Bush inherited an annual federal budget surplus of $230 billion from Clinton and in just three short years turned it into a $500+ billion deficit? This negative turnaround of three-quarters of a trillion dollars.
More pictures later....
I wade into the crowd of about 150-200 to take some pictures and see what was up. The snippets of conversations I heard made my ears bleed. They might not be indicative of the whole crowd but what I heard was a lack of understanding of the issues. Then I heard "... FOX News..." and "... 770AM..." and that pretty much explained the lack of knowledge.
Here are a few pictures of the crowd.
These two seem to have forgotten that the economic mess we are in was caused by 8 years of George W. Bush and 6 of those years with a republican congress. Actually, the whole crowd seems to have developed selective amnesia, blocking Jan. 2001 to Jan. 2009.
I'd like to point out to these two mouth breathers the illegal wiretaps that were unconstitutional. Who did that again, guys?
Here is someone who believes that access to healthcare for all Americans will cause death. Universal Healthcare means access. It means healthier citizens. It means insurance companies can't deny treatment as they do every single day.
Universal Healthcare works fine elsewhere. Why not here?
I wonder if this fine fellow voted for George W. Bush. I bet he did.
Now I wonder if he was just as upset and took to the street when the debt increased 71% under Bush. That is a $10trillion debt President Obama INHERITED.
Does it matter that Bush inherited an annual federal budget surplus of $230 billion from Clinton and in just three short years turned it into a $500+ billion deficit? This negative turnaround of three-quarters of a trillion dollars.
More pictures later....
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Tea Baggers Coming to Massapequa
Today is "Tax Day" and the republican tea baggers are holding a Tea Bag Party in Massapequa. Newsday reports Head Tea Bagger "Laura Gill, the lead organizer of the Massapequa rally, said the protests are in response to the stimulus package "and we're going to have a voice and vote together. There is strength in numbers."
Actually, the "protests" are in response to Barack Obama winning the election.
The interesting thing is the "protest" is being held at the Massapequa LIRR station from 4-6pm.
Don't these people have jobs? What an odd time to have a tea bag party at the LIRR station.
Since I was a commuter for many, many years I can safely say that the 9-5er's will be arriving after the Tea Bag Party is over. Usually around 6:01.
And if any financial services employees do get off the train, ask them how bad it is that the government saved the banks and financial institutions they still have a job at.
I wonder how many bank failures, company bankruptcies, and massive layoffs Laura Gill feels is okay.
The stimulus money is plugging a hole in the NY State budget which is helping Nassau County, the Town of Oyster Bay and the Massapequa School District.
What is Laura Gill willing to cut if that stimulus money wasn't there?
I'm betting TOBAY Supervisor John Venditto who raised taxes 11% last year will be on hand for a photo-op. Expect to see Venditto Tea Bagging in an upcoming issue of the Massapequa Post.
Actually, the "protests" are in response to Barack Obama winning the election.
The interesting thing is the "protest" is being held at the Massapequa LIRR station from 4-6pm.
Don't these people have jobs? What an odd time to have a tea bag party at the LIRR station.
Since I was a commuter for many, many years I can safely say that the 9-5er's will be arriving after the Tea Bag Party is over. Usually around 6:01.
And if any financial services employees do get off the train, ask them how bad it is that the government saved the banks and financial institutions they still have a job at.
I wonder how many bank failures, company bankruptcies, and massive layoffs Laura Gill feels is okay.
The stimulus money is plugging a hole in the NY State budget which is helping Nassau County, the Town of Oyster Bay and the Massapequa School District.
What is Laura Gill willing to cut if that stimulus money wasn't there?
I'm betting TOBAY Supervisor John Venditto who raised taxes 11% last year will be on hand for a photo-op. Expect to see Venditto Tea Bagging in an upcoming issue of the Massapequa Post.
Thursday, April 09, 2009
Nassau Young Republicans Catch Tea Bagging Fever
The Nassau County Young Republicans have taken up the new tea bagging fad and will be hosting a Tea Bag Party at Levittown Veteran's Memorial Park on April 25th.
This protest against grave injustices inflicted upon republicans like Obama winning the election in November and other things should go well.... considering there is no body of water at the park and on weekends, the park is a popular skateboarder hangout.
The Nassau County Young Republicans plan to take back America one Tea Bag at a time. They plan to stimulate debate and arouse the voters.
To get the party started right, the young reps will be hosting an Long Island Iced Tea Bag Party the week before.
This protest against grave injustices inflicted upon republicans like Obama winning the election in November and other things should go well.... considering there is no body of water at the park and on weekends, the park is a popular skateboarder hangout.
The Nassau County Young Republicans plan to take back America one Tea Bag at a time. They plan to stimulate debate and arouse the voters.
To get the party started right, the young reps will be hosting an Long Island Iced Tea Bag Party the week before.
Friday, April 03, 2009
Legislator Mangano Comes Close to the Truth
The Legislature introduced a bill that would make college tuition free for Vollies. The Democrats apparantly kept refering to the idea as "brilliant." Newsday Spincycle reports "The back-patting went on for a while, and the “brilliant” word popped up a few more times, then turned into a running joke for the rest of the session.
“If ‘brilliant’ was a drinking game, we’d all be drunk by now,” Legis. Edward Mangano (R-Bethpage), said at one point."
I don't think Peter Schmitt needs to wait for a drinking game.
“If ‘brilliant’ was a drinking game, we’d all be drunk by now,” Legis. Edward Mangano (R-Bethpage), said at one point."
I don't think Peter Schmitt needs to wait for a drinking game.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
King Goes to Gitmo Part 1; Apples and Oranges Edition
King has an op-ed in today's NYPost extolling the virutes of the Gitmo facility and attacking President Obama for preparing to close it. There are many points to look at in the op-ed so I'll do them bit by bit.
King says that at Gitmo "Detainees at Guantanamo are treated far better than most American prisoners in the US jails and prisons I've inspected over the years."
Umm.. Peter..... the prisoners in US jails have all faced a judge and jury and have been found guilty of a crime. The detainees at Gitmo have not had a trial. That is the problem.
It's fairly simple; have a trial and either find the detainees guilty of terrorist acts or send them back to thier own countries.
Here is a scenario King ought to think about:
When King went to Northen Ireland years ago as an IRA supporter and agitator, he stayed with and spent time with murderers and assorted criminals. If the British forces did a sweep and arrested King along with the other terrorists would King think that it is okay for the British to hold him indefinately without trial?
Would King feel good about languishing in prison for 4 or more years without contact with family and friends or a lawyer to represent him?
King says that at Gitmo "Detainees at Guantanamo are treated far better than most American prisoners in the US jails and prisons I've inspected over the years."
Umm.. Peter..... the prisoners in US jails have all faced a judge and jury and have been found guilty of a crime. The detainees at Gitmo have not had a trial. That is the problem.
It's fairly simple; have a trial and either find the detainees guilty of terrorist acts or send them back to thier own countries.
Here is a scenario King ought to think about:
When King went to Northen Ireland years ago as an IRA supporter and agitator, he stayed with and spent time with murderers and assorted criminals. If the British forces did a sweep and arrested King along with the other terrorists would King think that it is okay for the British to hold him indefinately without trial?
Would King feel good about languishing in prison for 4 or more years without contact with family and friends or a lawyer to represent him?
Friday, February 20, 2009
Wavering King May Lose Chance to Run for Senate
According to an AP story, Republican Senate Campaign Committee head John Cornyn is looking to former governor George Pataki to run for Senate against Gillibrand in 2010.
King has consistantly performed extremely poorly in match-up polls against Gillibrand. And he hasn't been as gung-ho to run as he was against Caroline Kennedy.
"A person who spoke to George Pataki says national Republicans have approached the former New York governor about running for the Senate in 2010.
The person confirmed Tuesday's meeting in New York City between Pataki and Sen. John Cornyn, a Texas Republican who heads the party's national Senate campaign committee. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because he isn't authorized to comment.
The person says Pataki, now in private law practice, hasn't yet accepted or rejected the idea. The race would be against Democrat Kirsten Gillibrand, who was appointed to succeed Hillary Rodham Clinton and said she will run.
Pataki didn't respond to a request for comment.
Cornyn's office referred questions to the committee, which didn't comment."
The Journal News gives a reason why Pataki would be the better choice...
"A Marist College poll last month found Gillibrand and Pataki in a statistical dead heat in a hypothetical matchup, with Gillibrand at 44 percent and Pataki at 42 percent.
"What he brings to a candidacy in a very blue state is name recognition, a proven statewide vote-getter, an ability to raise money, candidate experience. And those are many of the ingredients for success," Marist pollster Lee Miringoff said."
King can always run against Schumer..... Nah..... he doesn't have the guts to try.
King has consistantly performed extremely poorly in match-up polls against Gillibrand. And he hasn't been as gung-ho to run as he was against Caroline Kennedy.
"A person who spoke to George Pataki says national Republicans have approached the former New York governor about running for the Senate in 2010.
The person confirmed Tuesday's meeting in New York City between Pataki and Sen. John Cornyn, a Texas Republican who heads the party's national Senate campaign committee. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because he isn't authorized to comment.
The person says Pataki, now in private law practice, hasn't yet accepted or rejected the idea. The race would be against Democrat Kirsten Gillibrand, who was appointed to succeed Hillary Rodham Clinton and said she will run.
Pataki didn't respond to a request for comment.
Cornyn's office referred questions to the committee, which didn't comment."
The Journal News gives a reason why Pataki would be the better choice...
"A Marist College poll last month found Gillibrand and Pataki in a statistical dead heat in a hypothetical matchup, with Gillibrand at 44 percent and Pataki at 42 percent.
"What he brings to a candidacy in a very blue state is name recognition, a proven statewide vote-getter, an ability to raise money, candidate experience. And those are many of the ingredients for success," Marist pollster Lee Miringoff said."
King can always run against Schumer..... Nah..... he doesn't have the guts to try.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Peter King in Trouble - Complete Unknown Beats Him in New poll
A Gillibrand second term unknown congresswoman beats six term media-whore King in a new Marist poll.King has done his best to get his face in every newspaper and on every political talk show he can. He has been grandstanding on immigration and homeland security for 7 years. Kirsten Gillibrand is a big unknown outside of her district but she tops King 49% - 24% in the new Marist poll.
Looking at the polls matching King against Kennedy and Coumo, if we are looking for a pattern, it's that King is not liked.
This poll proves that King is not popular outside of his district.
At all.
Looking at the polls matching King against Kennedy and Coumo, if we are looking for a pattern, it's that King is not liked.
This poll proves that King is not popular outside of his district.
At all.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
King and Skelos Go Crazy Over Patersons Senate Pick.
King and New York State Senate Minority Leader Dean Skelos are demanding that Governor Paterson explain how he chose Rep. Gilbrand to fill the vacancy left by Hillary Clinton.
King spouts off alot of BS "There was a whole strange series of events," King told The Associated Press. "There is a crisis of confidence in the state. There is a cloud over Kirsten Gillibrand's appointment. To me, it's essential that the governor give a full explanation as quickly as possible."
There is no "cloud" over Kirsten Gillibrand. It's just that King really wanted Caroline Kennedy to run because he thought that would be an easier race.
Dean Skelos, the architect of the Republicans loss of the New York State Senate pipes in "What a disgrace... At least the governor of Illinois made a decision."
So Paterson didn't make a decision?
What a dumb thing to say.
Gillibrand is the new US Senator from New York. Get used to it.
King of course has no idea that Paterson doesn't have to tell anyone how he made his decision. So says that CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES. King should read the 17th Amendment "When vacancies happen in the representation of any State in the Senate, the executive authority of such State shall issue writs of election to fill such vacancies: Provided, That the legislature of any State may empower the executive thereof to make temporary appointments until the people fill the vacancies by election as the legislature may direct."
Paterson as Governor is empowered to appoint anyone he wants.
Kirsten Gillibrand is great choice.
And that is what scares them.
King spouts off alot of BS "There was a whole strange series of events," King told The Associated Press. "There is a crisis of confidence in the state. There is a cloud over Kirsten Gillibrand's appointment. To me, it's essential that the governor give a full explanation as quickly as possible."
There is no "cloud" over Kirsten Gillibrand. It's just that King really wanted Caroline Kennedy to run because he thought that would be an easier race.
Dean Skelos, the architect of the Republicans loss of the New York State Senate pipes in "What a disgrace... At least the governor of Illinois made a decision."
So Paterson didn't make a decision?
What a dumb thing to say.
Gillibrand is the new US Senator from New York. Get used to it.
King of course has no idea that Paterson doesn't have to tell anyone how he made his decision. So says that CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES. King should read the 17th Amendment "When vacancies happen in the representation of any State in the Senate, the executive authority of such State shall issue writs of election to fill such vacancies: Provided, That the legislature of any State may empower the executive thereof to make temporary appointments until the people fill the vacancies by election as the legislature may direct."
Paterson as Governor is empowered to appoint anyone he wants.
Kirsten Gillibrand is great choice.
And that is what scares them.
Peter Schmitt: Dumb Ass
Ya just gotta love Peter Schmitt. He is so diabolically stupid. At a Nassau Losers.... er.. GOP meeting he calls for using tax increases against Democrats in the Fall elections.
Schmitt says "We're going to take that record and we're going to wrap it around their neck and we're going to push them in the lake and watch them go down."
I wonder how much KAte Murray and John Venditto were squirming when Schmitt said that. I mean Schmitt has to know that his buddy John Venditto raised Town of Oyster Bay taxes 11%, right? And that Murray raised taxes in the Town of Hempstead 6.6%.
Umm.. Peter, THAT will be hung around republicans necks.
Schmitt says "We're going to take that record and we're going to wrap it around their neck and we're going to push them in the lake and watch them go down."
I wonder how much KAte Murray and John Venditto were squirming when Schmitt said that. I mean Schmitt has to know that his buddy John Venditto raised Town of Oyster Bay taxes 11%, right? And that Murray raised taxes in the Town of Hempstead 6.6%.
Umm.. Peter, THAT will be hung around republicans necks.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Chicken a la King
For a guy who had so much tough talk on Caroline Kenndy's possibel appointment to the US Senate, he sure back the heck off when Rep. Kristen Gillibrand was named.
King was itching to get into a fight with Senator Caroline Kennedy but has instead toned down his rhetoric on running. “If he appointed Caroline Kennedy, I was ready to file papers right away because she’s a superstar and you can’t let her build a head of steam – and she was totally unqualified in my perspective,” King told Politico. “With Kirsten, she’s entitled to be given an opportunity to build a record for the state.”
So King isn't ready right away to file papers against Gillibrand?
Of course not, because King knows Gillibrand will be a tougher candidate.
I mean if King REALLY wanted to run for Senate, he could have delcared to run against Schumer.... but he didn't.
King is all talk and nothing more.
King was itching to get into a fight with Senator Caroline Kennedy but has instead toned down his rhetoric on running. “If he appointed Caroline Kennedy, I was ready to file papers right away because she’s a superstar and you can’t let her build a head of steam – and she was totally unqualified in my perspective,” King told Politico. “With Kirsten, she’s entitled to be given an opportunity to build a record for the state.”
So King isn't ready right away to file papers against Gillibrand?
Of course not, because King knows Gillibrand will be a tougher candidate.
I mean if King REALLY wanted to run for Senate, he could have delcared to run against Schumer.... but he didn't.
King is all talk and nothing more.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Another Poll Shows King Still Losing Senate Race
Another day and another poll for the NY Senate seat being vacated by new Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. A Research 2000 poll conducted for the Daily Kos website doesn’t offer any more good news for Peter King or even Rudy Guiliani who would be the so-called “top-tier” GOP candidates.
Under Approval, King gets 39% Approval, 41% Disapproval, and 20% No Opinion.
Guiliani fares much worse with 38% Approval, 56% Disapproval, and 6% No Opinion.
In the head-to-head match-up, Cuomo beats King 45% to 32%.
Cuomo beats Giuliani 48% to 33%.
Kennedy still trounces King 47% to 31% and does the same thing to Giuliani 49% to 32%.
Congressman Steve Israel who is new to the polls and is very much an unknown compared to any of the other possible candidates beats King 34% to 31% and does the same to Giuliani 35% to 32%. That isn’t much but no one knows Israel.
King and Giuliani pull the same low number against well-known Dems and a virtually unknown Dem.
Under Approval, King gets 39% Approval, 41% Disapproval, and 20% No Opinion.
Guiliani fares much worse with 38% Approval, 56% Disapproval, and 6% No Opinion.
In the head-to-head match-up, Cuomo beats King 45% to 32%.
Cuomo beats Giuliani 48% to 33%.
Kennedy still trounces King 47% to 31% and does the same thing to Giuliani 49% to 32%.
Congressman Steve Israel who is new to the polls and is very much an unknown compared to any of the other possible candidates beats King 34% to 31% and does the same to Giuliani 35% to 32%. That isn’t much but no one knows Israel.
King and Giuliani pull the same low number against well-known Dems and a virtually unknown Dem.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Video: MINORITY LEADER Skelos Can't Believe He is Using the Word "Reform"
Dean-o is slowly adjusting to his minority party status and like his fellow republicans realizing they are in quote a pickle. If the Democrats treat them the way they treated the Dems for decades, it's going to be a real tough time.
The Democrats have pledged that they will reform the way the Senate does business. Here is Skelos - who probably had to practice the word "reform" phonetically all night - barely able to make his statement asking Democrats to support the Brennan Center reforms.
He can't even keep a straight face as he flaunts his hypocricy.
Skelos reveled in killing millions in ear-marked funds for the 7th District when Craig Johnson took the seat after Balboni left. Skelos was happy that fellow Long Islanders got screwed.
Before the reforms are put into place, Skelos nneds to feel what it was like on the other side while he was in charge.
It's not revenge, it is a lesson for a bully.
The Democrats have pledged that they will reform the way the Senate does business. Here is Skelos - who probably had to practice the word "reform" phonetically all night - barely able to make his statement asking Democrats to support the Brennan Center reforms.
He can't even keep a straight face as he flaunts his hypocricy.
Skelos reveled in killing millions in ear-marked funds for the 7th District when Craig Johnson took the seat after Balboni left. Skelos was happy that fellow Long Islanders got screwed.
Before the reforms are put into place, Skelos nneds to feel what it was like on the other side while he was in charge.
It's not revenge, it is a lesson for a bully.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Massapequa Post Calls on TOBAY Supervisor Venditto to Hold Special Election to Replace Councilman Delligatti
Elections, not appointments, are the Democratic way
Editorial
Two elected positions, one in the Town of Oyster Bay and the other in the U.S. Senate, will be going to hand-picked political appointees leaving the public without its choice of representation.
In the Town of Oyster Bay, the position currently held on the Town Board by Angelo Delligatti will be vacant January 1, as Delligatti assumes a seat on the bench. Filling his post in Town Hall until January, 2010, will be an individual selected by the Oyster Bay Town Supervisor and the Republican Party. At the federal level, the vacancy left by Sen. Hillary Clinton's move to become part of President-elect Obama's cabinet as Secretary of State will be held by a political appointee until January, 2011. That individual will be the hand-picked selection of Gov. David Paterson and the Democratic party.
In both instances, we believe the election law is wrong in allowing these posts to be held by someone not elected by the people they serve. Add to that, the astounding scandal involving the Governor of Illinois, and the appointment of President-elect Obama's vacant Senate seat, and we have about the best two reasons to press for timely elections under these circumstances—democracy and honesty.
We believe election law should be changed to require that in all these instances at the national, state and local levels, special elections be mandated so that the public will be served by a candidate of its choosing—not one selected through political patronage.
Al and Carolyn James
Minority Leader Dean Skelos Doesn't Want to be called Minority Leader Dean Skelos. Minority Leader Dean Skelos.
Elizabeth Benjamin reports at Daily Politics that Skelos prefers "Republican Leader" to "Minority Leader." "According to a Senate GOP source, the Skelos is following in the footsteps of none other than now-Gov. David Paterson, who, when he ascended to the post of minority leader after ousting then-Sen. Marty Connor in 2002, made crystal clear his preference to be known as "Democratic leader."
That made particular sense given that Paterson had broken the color barrier, becoming the first African American legislative leader in New York's history, which made use of the word "minority" in connection with his new post a sensitive issue."
Skelos still can't accept his new place in the Senate. He's going to have to get over that real soon.
That made particular sense given that Paterson had broken the color barrier, becoming the first African American legislative leader in New York's history, which made use of the word "minority" in connection with his new post a sensitive issue."
Skelos still can't accept his new place in the Senate. He's going to have to get over that real soon.
Monday, January 12, 2009
New New Poll Shows King Losing to Kennedy Big-time
Polls don’t mean all the much this far out with very little information, they are just snapshots of fleeting opinion. Last week we had a poll that showed Caroline Kennedy barely beating Peter King 46%-44%. This was jumped on by pundits who said “See, she can’t be a serious candidate.”That poll is now made irrelevant by a new poll conducted by Rasmussen Reports.In the poll conducted January 6, 2009 Caroline Kennedy trounces Peter King 51% - 33%.
Also in this new poll King takes a beating in the favorability column with only 39% “Very to Somewhat Favorable” while Kennedy is 63% “Very to Somewhat Favorable.
”King gets 37% Very-Somewhat Unfavorable.
So this would all mean something if Kennedy was chosen to replace Hillary and Kennedy ran in 2010. But none of that is happening yet.I think though the Kennedy doom-sayers from the last poll should take this one just as seriously and trumpet her new numbers.
Also in this new poll King takes a beating in the favorability column with only 39% “Very to Somewhat Favorable” while Kennedy is 63% “Very to Somewhat Favorable.
”King gets 37% Very-Somewhat Unfavorable.
So this would all mean something if Kennedy was chosen to replace Hillary and Kennedy ran in 2010. But none of that is happening yet.I think though the Kennedy doom-sayers from the last poll should take this one just as seriously and trumpet her new numbers.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Schmitt's Perpetual Whining Hi-lited in Letter to Newsday
From Newsday....
Give Suozzi a break
It appears impossible to read an article about a Tom Suozzi initiative that doesn't include a slam by GOP Minority Leader Peter Schmitt (R-Massapequa) ["County to give $2.5M for center," News, Jan. 8]. I understand and respect the role of the opposition, but Schmitt appears incapable of transitioning to bipartisan governing, as he's forever spinning in perpetual campaign mode.
If an article ever reports on Suozzi rescuing 100 orphans from a floundering ship in Long Island Sound, it's sure to include a Schmitt blast excoriating Suozzi for allowing the ship to sink, permitting its diesel fuel to contaminate the water.
Has Suozzi made mistakes? Of course. Will he make more? Probably. But Suozzi at his worst beats his predecessor, Tom Gulotta, at his best by a Long Island Expressway mile. That salient fact is something no amount of Schmitt political bluster can erase.
Edward C. Marczewski
Bethpage
Give Suozzi a break
It appears impossible to read an article about a Tom Suozzi initiative that doesn't include a slam by GOP Minority Leader Peter Schmitt (R-Massapequa) ["County to give $2.5M for center," News, Jan. 8]. I understand and respect the role of the opposition, but Schmitt appears incapable of transitioning to bipartisan governing, as he's forever spinning in perpetual campaign mode.
If an article ever reports on Suozzi rescuing 100 orphans from a floundering ship in Long Island Sound, it's sure to include a Schmitt blast excoriating Suozzi for allowing the ship to sink, permitting its diesel fuel to contaminate the water.
Has Suozzi made mistakes? Of course. Will he make more? Probably. But Suozzi at his worst beats his predecessor, Tom Gulotta, at his best by a Long Island Expressway mile. That salient fact is something no amount of Schmitt political bluster can erase.
Edward C. Marczewski
Bethpage
Thursday, January 08, 2009
Skelos in the Minority Wants Equality He Denied Democrats
Dean sure changes his tune when he finds himself out of power. While in the Majority, Skelos never sought to reform how the State Senate is run and would never cede an inch to the Democratic Minority. When republican Sen. Balboni stepped down and Craig Johnson (A DEMORCAT!!!!) won the seat in a special election, over $1million in funds set aside for the district under Balboni was cut. The same thing happened to Democrat Andrea Stewart-Cousins when she defeated republican senator Spano.
In his speech after entering minority party status, Skelos is calling for REFORM!!!!! in how the senate is run. Dean says “Many people have blamed Albany's dysfunction on the power of three men in a room - I think the solution lies in uniting 62 men and women in the Senate Chamber.
Simply put, we need to do things differently than in the past.
We need to give Senators equal resources to run their Albany and district offices and represent their constituents.
We must give individual Senators more ability to bring legislation to the floor for a vote.
These reforms will make our house more effective by closing old divisions and opening new avenues to get results.
They will promote openness and accountability and give individual Senators more freedom and ability to do the jobs they were elected to do."
So Skelos wants to have what he and Bruno denied the Democrats fo decades. He wants to have what he in his short tenure as Majority Leader would not give to the Democrats.
I wonder if he cares that he looks like a huge hypocrite.
In his speech after entering minority party status, Skelos is calling for REFORM!!!!! in how the senate is run. Dean says “Many people have blamed Albany's dysfunction on the power of three men in a room - I think the solution lies in uniting 62 men and women in the Senate Chamber.
Simply put, we need to do things differently than in the past.
We need to give Senators equal resources to run their Albany and district offices and represent their constituents.
We must give individual Senators more ability to bring legislation to the floor for a vote.
These reforms will make our house more effective by closing old divisions and opening new avenues to get results.
They will promote openness and accountability and give individual Senators more freedom and ability to do the jobs they were elected to do."
So Skelos wants to have what he and Bruno denied the Democrats fo decades. He wants to have what he in his short tenure as Majority Leader would not give to the Democrats.
I wonder if he cares that he looks like a huge hypocrite.
Wednesday, January 07, 2009
King Picking the Easier Race
With all this talk from King about running for the Senate in 2010, there is one 800lb. gorilla just sitting in the corner. Chuck Schumer.
Schumer is up for re-election next year and the ballot will have Schumer name right before whatever Dem is running. Not much of a chance of a down-ballot drop-off of votes unless the candidate is Zombie Hitler. Not many Dems are going to switch lines right after Schumer or stop voting after Schumer.
King is trash-talking Caroline Kennedy secretly hoping she gets appointed because he feels he can beat her.
The question is if King really wanted to go to the Senate, why didn’t he float his name as a challenger to Chuck Schumer?
Why did he wait until he would face an unelected 2 year incumbent?
Seems to me that tough-guy King doesn’t want a tough fight like he would have against Schumer who won 71% of the vote in 2004.
Last time King ran state-wide it was for Attorney General against Robert Abrams and he got 36% of the vote.
Schumer is up for re-election next year and the ballot will have Schumer name right before whatever Dem is running. Not much of a chance of a down-ballot drop-off of votes unless the candidate is Zombie Hitler. Not many Dems are going to switch lines right after Schumer or stop voting after Schumer.
King is trash-talking Caroline Kennedy secretly hoping she gets appointed because he feels he can beat her.
The question is if King really wanted to go to the Senate, why didn’t he float his name as a challenger to Chuck Schumer?
Why did he wait until he would face an unelected 2 year incumbent?
Seems to me that tough-guy King doesn’t want a tough fight like he would have against Schumer who won 71% of the vote in 2004.
Last time King ran state-wide it was for Attorney General against Robert Abrams and he got 36% of the vote.
Umm.. Peter... So Far, You Lose; New Poll Shows King Losing Senate Race
King is doing his best to raise his profile by going on as many news shows as possible and bashing Caroline Kennedy, the possible replacement for Hillary Clinton. Problem is, not only does King look like a jerk, in a new poll his unpopularity is only matched by his anonymity amongst New York Voters.
A Public Policy Polling poll(opens as .pdf) shows "King has decent favorability numbers for someone who’s not a major statewide figure. 34% of voters see him positively while 26% have a negative opinion. A 40% plurality has no opinion at this point in time."
After being in the news so often not just Caroline-bashing but hogging as much spotlight on Homeland Security issues for years you would think King would be better known and have higher favorability numbers.
King gets clobbered by Andrew Cuomo in the poll and Kennedy beats him too. "Cuomo, it appears, would be an easy winner against King. He leads him 48-29 in a hypothetical pairing, and that’s with only 35% of black voters pledging to support him at this very preliminary stage. Kennedy only edges King 46-44. She loses a full quarter of the Democratic vote at this point in time and also has a 15 point gap among independent voters."
Two things... Obama comes in for Cuomo, Cuomo takes 99% of black vote. Cuomo wins NYC and surrounding areas plus a few upstate counties. Game over.
For Kennedy, Democrats won't be pulling the lever for King no matter how much he flogs his almost 40 year old "blue-coller" background.
A Public Policy Polling poll(opens as .pdf) shows "King has decent favorability numbers for someone who’s not a major statewide figure. 34% of voters see him positively while 26% have a negative opinion. A 40% plurality has no opinion at this point in time."
After being in the news so often not just Caroline-bashing but hogging as much spotlight on Homeland Security issues for years you would think King would be better known and have higher favorability numbers.
King gets clobbered by Andrew Cuomo in the poll and Kennedy beats him too. "Cuomo, it appears, would be an easy winner against King. He leads him 48-29 in a hypothetical pairing, and that’s with only 35% of black voters pledging to support him at this very preliminary stage. Kennedy only edges King 46-44. She loses a full quarter of the Democratic vote at this point in time and also has a 15 point gap among independent voters."
Two things... Obama comes in for Cuomo, Cuomo takes 99% of black vote. Cuomo wins NYC and surrounding areas plus a few upstate counties. Game over.
For Kennedy, Democrats won't be pulling the lever for King no matter how much he flogs his almost 40 year old "blue-coller" background.
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
Welcome to the Minority Party, Dean!
We'll see how the vote shakes out tomorrow for Minority Leader but it would be suprising if the republicans stick with the failed leadership of Skelos. If they do stick with Dean, well bless their hearts.
Here is incoming Majority Leader Malcolm Smith:
Here is incoming Majority Leader Malcolm Smith:
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