I have my twenty bucks, my card that says "Thank You All - Love, Jax" inside of it, and my stamped/addressed envelope all ready for the postal carrier to pick up from my mailbox as soon as I am done assembling it all together.
My small part in helping the I.A.L. 134 finance their Memorial Day festivities.
I hope you had a hand in helping too.
Anyways, you may have noticed a book underneath the money, card, and envelope titled "Sons Of Old Monroe" by Brian A. Bennett - it is "A Regimental History of Patrick O'Rorke's 140th New York Volunteer Infantry", and I have this book because I like reading about local history, it is about the Civil War and our local involvement in it, and it mentions my great-great-grandfather's name (on page 671, right hand column, 29th name down) as he belonged to the 13th New York Infantry (Rochester's first regiment) which transferred to the 140th N.Y.V.I.
The 140th fought in Gettysburg, where Colonel O'Rorke lost his life and the regiment earned the distinction of being rewarded with the Zouaves uniforms due to their valor.
It's an interesting look into the daily lives of our local Union infantrymen from their letters, diaries, and pictures - some preserved through generations and provided to the author by the families, and other items through the vast research from the author himself. You should check it out sometime - it's a great read.
Memorial Day, the actual day, should be a solemn remembrance of those who gave their lives for the freedoms of their Countrymen/women (it was originally known as "Decoration Day" because the day was dedicated to the Civil War dead, when mourners would decorate grave sites as a remembrance)....but if you're like our family, you'll have picnics this weekend, where your family gets together and hopefully makes happy memories. Perhaps you'll even share a story or two with the younger generations on why Memorial Day is significant. I think it's important to do so.
We will do that at our picnic on Sunday. We'll talk about a lot of things. We might even talk about the cross endorsement in Irondequoit since a few family members from Irondequoit will be in attendance as well.
(How do you like that segue? lol)
When I first heard about the cross endorsement, I was like - "Wow. The world really is going to end. The Democrats are endorsing a Republican for Supervisor, and the Republicans are endorsing two Democrats for Town Board? Unheard of. "
Then I thought about it some more - was it really a "rigged election"? I suppose you could say that, but in my opinion - aren't they all? Don't both party committees decide who is worthy of their endorsement and then back that candidate financially? Regardless of how many want to run? Neither party likes primaries - it drains precious campaign funds for a fight against people in your own party and leaves less cash to fight against the other party. So, instead of finding the best and brightest bunch of individuals, and running them in a primary for the voters to choose from - the committees decide who will run, and that's what ya get. Either party - that's what happens. Isn't that kind of a "rigged" process as well?
I also thought: Maybe this cross endorsement is so both parties can save money for the "big" County elections coming up - Republicans want to retain the power/control and the Democrats want to take it away from them - maybe that's why they are cross endorsing?
To save money?
Then I thought: What if they really just don't have anybody to run? What should they do then? Just leave the lines blank and have everyone vote on the same slate that is presently cross endorsed? Would it still be a "rigged election" if they just don't have anyone "suitable" to run and left the lines blank? Besides, any qualified Irondequoit resident who wants to run could do so by collecting signatures and challenge the incumbents if they wanted to.
Maybe this cross endorsement from the Dems was a little "payback" for the Republican business community's support for Richards in the City's "Special Election" for Mayor?
Maybe it's 'all of the above'?
All I know is - it seems pretty shitty. Well, ok....VERY shitty. Isn't it the JOB of the COMMITTEE to find qualified people in the party to run for office?
The Monroe County Republican Committee website states:
"Specifically, Monroe County Committee Members are involved in:
- Candidate recruitment, training and development;
- Selecting the candidates to run on the Republican ballot line;"
Irondequoit isn't even listed on their website as a local GOP committee - what does that tell you?
The Irondequoit Republican Committee website states that their purpose is:
"to elect public officials who serve the community of Irondequoit responsibly."
They don't specify Republicans, but you kinda assume that since it's the I.R.C. - they mean Republicans.
The Monroe County Democratic Committee website states that as a committee member:
"You will have the opportunity to participate in the designation and ballot process, campaign training seminars, along with the opportunity to work hand-in-hand with Democratic candidates running for all levels of office, and with our party’s leadership."
The IDC website says: "Our job is to identify qualified Democrats to run for office and assist the effort to get Democrat candidates elected."
After all of the blogs on that I.D.C. website that complained incessantly about the job that Mary Joyce D'Aurizio was (or wasn't) doing, how terrible she is, how she lies and cuts services to residents and makes them unsafe by cutting the police and not plowing sidewalks, how they accused her of making bad decisions on everything from wind towers to seniors and STAR programs - you guys are now cross endorsing her for Supervisor? Seriously?
Unbelievable. You guys couldn't come up with ONE decent person to be a candidate for Supervisor? Not ONE?
You Republicans are no better. How could you possibly not have two candidates to run for Town Board? Especially after the last election where you railed against (the administration at the time) John & Stephanie over everything from Apprenticeship Laws to Medley Centre and development in Town - how (unlike the other administration) you'd listen to the residents and give them all the information needed when considering proposals from developers........but now you think they're ok enough to cross endorse? Really?
All in the name of "bi-partisanship" of a harmonious group?
I'd like to believe that, but I don't.
I'm all for "getting along" and "working together" - but cross endorsing the other party and leaving no choice for the voters? That makes people think there are back-room deals going on - makes them think "what is stopping you from doing this again" for a deal - and makes them wary of participating as a voter. Why bother? You haven't offered them a choice - and that's what voting is all about. Choices.
You Committee Chairmen have failed to do your jobs. You should be ashamed of yourselves, and then you should be replaced by people who actually recruit party members worthy of running for office - if you don't have anyone worthy, then you have failed to do your jobs.
One "good" thing about this for the Democrats is they kinda "make out" on this deal in the long run. They keep their two Democrats on the Town Board, and in two years when MJD, Essley, and Marasco's (all R's) seats are all up for election - the Dems could run a few people and have the majority, or be an all Dem Town Board again.
Unless people in Town take it upon themselves to run in this election - you might as well tell the BOE not to bother coming to Irondequoit and setting up all the machines etc., for the election - there are no choices - why bother voting?
What a disappointment.
33 comments:
Democrats had someone with like 16 supporters who was going to be nominated but the soldiers didn't up for the meeting. Durizo told aldersly at the cdbg money planning meeting there was nothing close to bids. Stephanie looks terrible cause she was lied to. She is a nice lady going through tough times and now she was set up by the people who endorsed her. The republicans knew the bids were out and coming and got the democrats to vote for the spending plan based on lies. They are liars after money.
Happy Memorial Day weekend everyone! Thinking of all of the servicemen and women that sacrificed for our freedom!
I did it too Jax! It isn't in the mailbox yet but my donation is on the counter to be mailed. Thank you for trying to get people to do this.
Well, well, well sadly Irondequoit always has to have some weird controversy going on.
Like I've said in the past, I do like how well our present Town Board is getting along. I still would have liked to see choices in this years election. Uncontested elections manufacture Comfy politician's and a Comfy politician is NEVER a good thing.
I also have to wonder why this deal came to be? Is it because of money that the County doesn't want to spend? Is it because some other deal was made?
8 years of TB seats in exchange for 2 years of Supervisor's seat just doesn't seem right.
Something doesn't smell right in Irondequoit again....
Anonymous- Do you know why the Democrats didn't go through with their nomination? What went on at the CDBG planning meeting? Can you prove that Stephanie was lied to?
Have a great day, looks like we are finally going to have some nice weather! :)
I couldnt agree more about the lack of choice. I think it is ridiculous and hypocritical for these elected officials to now say because they "get along" they want to use the town of iron as an "experiment." An experiment to what?
At the last election, PAC came out to support and donate to the republicans because of the apprenticeship program. The 2 remaining democrats are the ones who completely supported it, 100% and now because they get along you will endorse their same ideology?
If you have watched the last 2 years there have been no real discending votes, no real questions to anything of relevence, everything that gets brought up gets passed by all. THIS is good, open government?
I am surprised that many people support this. I bet most dont realize what has happened. Over the last at least 12 years that I can recall all we ever hear about is voter empathy, no one getting out to vote. Well Irondequoit, stay home because there is nothing to vote for here.
@anonymous, I am not understanding your post. "Stephanie looks terrible because she was lied to"? About what? "She is a nice lady going through tough times?"
What are these bids you are referring to?
Cheri is correct in saying that no politician should be left to feel comfy. Politicians should not have to constantly look over their shoulders but they should be expected to stay on their toes most of the time. I say most because everyone makes mistakes now and again. I certainly do.
The cross endorsement is a sham. And frankly, the IRC was caught unawares. It should not have happened and bodes poorly for the IRC and the voters of Irondequoit. It is a huge contradiction on the part of both parties and it does favor the democrats by a wide margin. It also takes anyone interested in running out of the picture. The county committee also endorsed a candidate for county leg that has never been involved. They also chose to allow another seat go uncontested, thus, in essence, endorsing another democrat.
Might be interesting to encourage some speculation here as to why candidates were so hard to find. I've always found our town to be well stocked with caring people committed to advancing the town's interests. I'll throw out a theory here. Political life has become so nasty and full of negativity that few want to subject themselves to it. Reasonable vigilance and monitoring of government by concerned and polite citizens like Greg aside, who would want to be regularly insulted and pilloried the way our officials are. I believe the negative political atmosphere is as much to blame as anything else. A man I see at most every town board meeting, Mr Amen (spelling?) is an example. What is his story. can somebody enlighten me? Did somebody at town hall kill his puppy? Nobody should have to put up with that kind of bile!
@greg~are you sure it wasnt just you left out of the IRC loop? Several Republicans I spoke to have been aware of it and the rumor for quite a while. Also, thats how it goes (county leg and IRC) its all about who you know, how much $ you have, etc. If you belong to Kiwanis or the Chamber thats more brownie points too.
Unless there is a primary (and this would be a good year to do this) dont bother to go vote in November because it will mean nothing.
I think political life has always been nasty and full of negativity long before Ament showed up.
Hasn't stopped a lot of people from running for office before - why would it stop them now?
Besides, if Ament (or anyone) is intimidating to you, then maybe politics isn't for you (not "you" personally, just "you" in general).
Gotta have a bit of thick skin I suppose to be a "politician".
Also, even if "we" don't agree with everything that Ament says....he has a right to public input, and a right to his opinion. You can always disagree with him, write a letter to the editor, give public input that proves him wrong or whatever. You have just as much of a voice as Ament does.
Trying to censor him or blame him for people not running for office is a bit of a reach in my opinion.
I don't always agree with everything he says, but I do think he has every right to go up at public input and give his opinion on things. So does everyone else.
More people should. It's your town!
Irondequit republicuns are smart men, politicians and devoted to party. November 2007 they witnessed residents win decisive victories. Republicans had 3 years to find opponents. They were very smart and picked the best---John and Steph.
lol
Is that like the Democrats having two years to pick "the best" for Supervisor?
Jax said; "Is that like the Democrats having two years to pick "the best" for Supervisor?"
I guess it is Jax.
I'm not going for the excuse that possible candidates were scared away. Look at politics everywhere. Irondequoit is not an anomaly.
I believe there were possible candidates on either side. A deal was made between the parties...
What is really sad is that all 3 of these candidates are so unsure of their records this was the lengths they had to go to.
No election. I find it to be un-American.
ps- What are the Republicans thinking? Or I should say they aren't thinking...8 years of TB seats for 2 years of Supervisor is not a good deal. In 2 years the Democrats only have to get one seat to gain control of the TB. Duh.....
I think there is more to the story...
Republicuns are smart businessmen. Gary and Tony leaders made a deal. Don't believe they didn't know this was going on. Policy is made by Mary joyce and Bob. They set the policy to join john and stephanie. That's the policy. Mary ellen, mary joyce. Maybe this is to get mary elen back in 2 yrs. That donkey hugging the elephant on idc is a real picture
Though no one seems to say who originally came up with the idea to shove American ideals, the leaders in both parties knew about this.
Also, the Republicans also received a judge (appointed now to fill a vacancy and then endorsed for a full term on the ballot in Nov) so its not as lopsided as some are saying.
Irondequoit IS an anomoly. You do not see such ugliness at other towns except if they want to build a walgreens in someones back yard (or a walmart)
People do NOT want to be attacked daily by people like Ament. But you are right, if you dont want that dont run. People also are tired of the same old same old...nothing new gets approved, nothing changes.
So Anonymous, you personally know what goes on in every other town!? Are you privy to all of the public input in every town, every month?
Greece has had its share of controversy and drama... Lets look at city politics..please. Wasn't it in Brighton where the clerk even offered to shoot a public input speaker!?
If you have Democrats and Republicans there is ugliness. That is the way it is. Look at national politics.
The 2 parties in Irondequoit made a deal and that is why the endorsements are the way they are.
It isn't because of ugliness or Ament or nothing getting approved. The 2 parties don't care about residents voting for what they want. They decided - done deal!
In my opinion, the TB endorsements are totally lop-sided.
Cheri,
Isn't Ament a Democrat? He questions things and makes public officials uncomfortable. Is he negative at times? Yes. Is he nasty? I think sometimes he was, but he has toned it down a bit (with the "personal attacks" anyways).
Like you said about the Brighton Town Clerk Susan Kramarsky - with Sandy Frankel sitting right there at the meeting - after the very respectful input of a resident...she asks the police chief: "Can you shoot him? I'll take responsibility."
No disciplinary action against her. They excused it away as an 'inappropriate remark'.
Then there is my personal favorite, David Gantt - a rather disturbing individual - implies that he wants to "shoot some damn body" at a public meeting because the Republicans wouldn't do things his way.
To quote Joe Morelle: "It's legal, so it must be ethical."
Ament isn't doing anything illegal - he's not threatening to shoot anyone like the above public officials - so I don't see why "negative and nasty" would stop anyone from running.
Helpful "running for office" hint:
You WILL be questioned on just about every decision you make.
Can't handle it? Got something to hide? Don't want to answer to the public?
Don't run for office then.
Ament hasn't threatened the lives of any Irondequoit resident or public official (unlike Karamarsky and Gantt) - he makes them uncomfortable with his questions, and if he wants to do that for 3 minutes every month....then so be it. Everyone has that right - and I hope I never see the day when someone is denied their 3 minutes because they are "negative and nasty".
Good grief.
I can go all the way back to the 1828 campaigns of Andrew Jackson and J.Q. Adams and see negativity and nastiness.
It comes with the territory - always has and always will.
I highly doubt that this cross endorsement has anything to do with people not wanting to run because of negativity and nastiness.
It has to do with a "deal" being made.....and I heard about that months and months before this cross endorsement was made public.
"You don't run anyone for Town Board and we won't run anyone for Supervisor."
That was the rumor floating around. When the cross endorsement came out, it just verified it.
The COMMITTEES - either intentionally or by incompetence failed to recruit anyone to run.
The Dems have had 2 years to find ONE PERSON to "groom" for Supervisor, and the Repubs have had 4 years to find TWO PEOPLE to "groom" for Town Board.
There aren't 3 people out there who can handle Bob Ament for 3 minutes every month, or answer an e-mail from him?
Really?
No, I do not know about every public input in every town but I know not many towns had their blogs removed. I do know enough about towns from many family members and friends and its not what you read about in the papers every day as you well know.(just like you dont read about our town every day in the paper)
Greece had their propblems with the police chief and a supervisor. SOmetimes their school board as well.
Brightons clerk was in the paper and out quicker than you can say jackrabbit.
Irondequoit has ugliness no matter what its leaders do. And Jax is right, there is a freedom of speech and I strongly believe in that which is why I also said I agreed with jax if you dont want to deal with ament type of people then dont run. And hey, it looks like at least 3 incumbants wont have to run, campaign, go door to door, do pretty much of anything. Ka-ching! 2 town board people now have automatic pensions and a supervisor is pretty damn close. If she DOES retire after this term I am sure she can get a 1 year gig at the water authority for a full pension for life, not a bad gig.
And did the committees have any say? Um, no. Dems held their meeting at 530 downtown with 2 days notice. Republicans had their mtg last night AFTER the county already did the endorsments...its all al bunch of bs, imo
its not just about bob ament. Its also about the incumbants. THEY didnt want to raise money, they didnt want to campaign. THEY went to their committee leader and got the ok. Then they went to the party chairs, got the ok and THEN they went to their committees when there was really nothing that could be done from there. You want to primary and not have the party support? Good luck with that. No respect for any of this crap anymore. None of them are honest and hardworking. Its laziness, end of story.
follow money. Mall money--pertcone alderly morelle group took bribes for mall. Durizo gets in and says she will clean it up. She won't say a word now. she won't explain the crupt contract and the bribes. Anyone got insight into her changing on that one?
Then the titsu deal with the back room board broads all 4 of them. heard there are lies in the paperwork. Foils site uncovered the 4$million scheme to lower their taxes and the comida connection like the Mall. theres that pesky mall connection again. perticone aldersly--mall-commida--pilot then essley gets donations, durizo and town give $4million reduced assessment, comida for legacy and pilot and then the board queens sneak thru zoning with no rules and no drawings. then a general and town land for the developer.
then the republicun party leaders rig an election.
No wonder the water all around irondequoit has crap in it. it's runoff.
I agree it is all a bunch of BS. There will be no campaigning and no reason for these 3 politicians to be on their toes.
Both parties can play all kinds of games that they didn't know, or there wasn't anything they could do etc.
I do also agree that laziness plays into this but so does wimpiness.
But I still think there is more to this whole story. :(
Time will tell what the deal is.
THEY didn't want to campaign? lol
So - the Democratic committee leader and party chair said "Oh, MJD doesn't want to campaign - let's not find anyone to run against her and back this cross endorsement."
And the Republican committee leader and party chair said "Oh, John and Stephanie don't want to campaign - let's not find anyone to run against them and back this cross endorsement."
Both parties had plenty of time to find ONE person for Supervisor and TWO people for town board.
But they didn't...not because of any deals being made....but because John, Stephanie, and MJD were too lazy to campaign.....and both parties went along with it?
That's why?
I'm sorry - but I find that hilarious.
Many things are hilarious. What do you think happened?
As for anonymous who cant spell,;-) you are funny, lol.
I think there was a deal made.
I'll second that Jax!
I think eventually, after the election, we will all say - "oh that's why the election was uncontested."
One hand washes the other, we just have to wait to find out whose hands are the dirtiest. ;)
of course a deal was made, but the big question is why? Did any of the 3 think they wouldnt get re-elected?
Ah - balderdash, anonymous, however you're spelling things!
Democrats did NOT have an alternative to Mary Joyce. No Democrat was nominated to run for the supervisor job. End of story.
Let's try working in reality for a change.
If you have some pertinent facts to relay about any of the designated candidates, spit them out.
@Anonymous (balderdash) so then the same is said about the R-e-p-u-b-l-c-A-N-S, right? They didnt have 2 people to run for town board against Perticone and Aldersly? Right? The platform was already laid out last time, how hard could it be? You have the apprenticeship program (which they both publicly supported) you have the audit, you have the Medley ctr, what MORE do you need? If you couldnt find 2 worthy candidates you have a bigger problem than your spelling. LOL.
Anonymous #10 said "follow money. Mall money--pertcone alderly morelle group took bribes for mall. Durizo gets in and says she will clean it up. She won't say a word now. she won't explain the crupt contract and the bribes."
a) please show proof of bribes
b) please show corrupt contract
This admin has the power to cancel the pilot, its like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz where she had the power all along....so do these folks but they arent holding him accountable because a) nothing better is out there waiting and b) they DO get some tax $ each year versus a foreclosed property that will get nada.
No bribes, just cowardice.
Regarding Titus, you said "
Then the titsu deal with the back room board broads all 4 of them. heard there are lies in the paperwork. Foils site uncovered the 4$million scheme to lower their taxes and the comida connection like the Mall. theres that pesky mall connection again. perticone aldersly--mall-commida--pilot then essley gets donations, durizo and town give $4million reduced assessment, comida for legacy and pilot and then the board queens sneak thru zoning with no rules and no drawings. then a general and town land for the developer.
Is anyone asking about this supposed back room deal? Anyone know the rules regarding this? once again, lots of accusations, no proof.
Finally you say "then the republicun party leaders rig an election."
Again, proof? How can you say the republican leaders rig an election? Did they do this alone? Arent Democrats also involved.
I hate it when people use such strong language includeing words like schemes and then provide nothing to back up their points.
"Democrats did NOT have an alternative to Mary Joyce. No Democrat was nominated to run for the supervisor job. End of story."
So then the same statement can be thrown back anonymous about the republicans, right?
REPUBLICANS did NOT have an alternative to Perticone and Aldersly? No REPUBLICAN was nominated to run for the town board job. End of story? Except , wait...the county republicans voted for no candidates to run against them before the republicans held their committee meeting~whoa, whats THAT about?!! At least the Democrats had the decency to go thru the motions, lol.
This whole thing stinks. I would have much preferred some honest, we dont have anyone so we are going to leave the spots blank. Allowing for someone to come forward with signatures and no primary but alas, its not to be. I wonder who was rumored to run that both parties wanted to squelch. I have heard rumors but nothing concrete.
I can't stand it. Truly! When will people learn to understand the words that are spoken or written?
How do you extrapolate a fact about what actually happened at the Democrat caucus into some cockamamie nonsense about the Republicans?
Anonymous #1 says some Democrat had 16 supporters. That's incorrect. The fact is, no Democrat was nominated to run for Supervisor. Ergo, no Democrat had any supporters in the Democrat caucus. As I said, that is the story.
One Democrat reportedly voted for himself. That's not a supporter.
Anonymous said; "One Democrat reportedly voted for himself. That's not a supporter."
Priceless! He's his biggest Fan!
"I can't stand it. Truly! When will people learn to understand the words that are spoken or written? and then by the SAME anonymous person "Anonymous #1 says some Democrat had 16 supporters. That's incorrect. The fact is, no Democrat was nominated to run for Supervisor."
Funny though, that is NOT what anonymous #1 said, they said "Democrats had someone with like 16 supporters who was going to be nominated but the soldiers didn't up for the meeting."
See the difference? It means there was a democrat that was said to have support but those supporters apparently didnt show up for the vote. They didnt say another Democrat was nominated....just sayin, you know the written word and all, lol.
There has been no printed word on how the IRC meeting went the other night, did everyone fall in line like good little boys and girls? I am thinking yes. Soooooo, unless there are primaries, it is what it is, right? No reason to vote.
continued...I am hearing a primary is going to happen if Robert Ament gets the signatures needed. He apparently has a website and probably several videos for ICAT ready to go. If he gets more than 10 votes I will bust a gut.
Debbie Evans is Anonymous. Robert Ament called the NYS Comptroller and guess what. They investigated and the findings were damning. Robert Ament garnered FREE donations to renovate Pinegrove Center and Evans, Heyman, Bello, Aldersley and Perticone killed that deal. Then Mr Ament caught them trying to pass 1.4 million in bidding/construction fraud that they tried to explain away as "math error".
Wake up. Morelle uses our town as his personal bank account and nominates individuals like Perticone, Evans and Bello who will do his bidding. The last town goverment lacked any formal education and bankrupted their town building roads for their rich friends and paying the engineer and HB a boatload of cash. Guess what. They lost. and now MJ is stealing with Mr. Spang still at the wheel. People in Irondequoit can understand bid rigging. just wait. www.goirondequoit.webs.com
Haha!! Bobby is so laughable that the people in I-town call him the joke of the town!! How many votes did he get when he ran last time? Even less when he ran for school board...when will he get a clue? My goodness, your website is a joke with nothing truthful in it. Your videos are a joke. YOU are a joke and an embarrassment to the community!
Keep talking though. Keep embarrassing yourself up at the podium. My GOD you cant even sit still, its like watching a child sit in church. In fact you couldnt even sit for the whole meeting, you had to go out in the hall and pace back and forth like a crazy person. No wonder you always run out after you give your BS shpeel, your medication must run out at 7pm. Hahahahahahahahahahahaha...
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