1) Take the family to the movies at Ridge/Culver, and have enough extra cash on hand for some popcorn…easy on the butter.
2) Buy the Empire Statesmen a round in the beer tent
3) Hit up Dunkin Donuts every morning for a month
4) Hit up Starbucks every morning for two weeks!!
5) Get your passport at Town Hall! (You might need some extra cash for that one. I thought I’d just give Barb Genier a shout-out)
6) With Barb in mind: FOI request every document ever generated at Town Hall
7) Eat 9 breakfast platters at IHOP – and perhaps be a guest star on Man vs. Food
8) An impulse shopping venture at the world famous House of Guitars
(This is starting to bring back memories of All around Irondequoit. Remember that board game?)
9) Go on a Hot Dog Row tour. And if there’s enough room left in your belly – hop across the street to Marge’s for a nightcap
10) Or…run for State Assembly - if you’re Mark Scuderi, that is. (perhaps Student Government, instead?)
Campaign season is kicking up, and since things are quiet at Town Hall for the time being (mainly because the new administration has elected to, well, do nothing), I figure everyone’s favorite divorce consultant will keep us entertained for the next few months.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Irondequoit’s very own Think Tank
It’s no secret that the Irondequoit Chamber of Commerce has always been a clubhouse for the town GOP.
In fact, even after our Town’s “First Dude” resigned from his post as Chamber President, each meeting represents a “who’s who” of the Irondequoit GOP elite, from Flo Bianco to the legendary Nobert Rappl to former GOP Town Attorney Tony Sortino.
Thus, given its status as a subcommittee of the Town GOP committee, it’s a pretty safe bet that if you wanted to take the pulse of the Republican committee in Irondequoit, the Chamber’s minutes might be a good place to start.
And what have we here? This past month’s minutes!(Strangely, this was forwarded to me by a Republican member of the Chamber, with an attached note: “Irondequoit GOP 2011 Platform”)
Let’s look at what was up for discussion…..
“Meeting started 8:00 AM”
Well that answers the question as to why there’s no Democrats on the Chamber. This is waaaaay to early to meet. According to the Democratic committee website, the Dems meet at 7:30….PM!
“After hours at Hampton Inn was a success.”… “Mega Mixer was May 5th. Several ICC members were present.”
They don’t call them political PARTIES for no reason.
“Ridge Road Development - Partner with to move forward with redevelopment of Ridge Road. Chamber in favor of this redevelopment. Need to go to town meetings to express this with them. Meeting scheduled for the end of May. Date not set up yet. Invite business on ridge road to join chamber in this effort.” I find this comical. I wonder if there were any dissenters at the Chamber of Commerce who were opposed to redeveloping East Ridge Road. With Frank D’Aurizio’s KFC opening up, you really can sense the momentum building.
“Consolidate Taxing Units. Fire Dept and School Districts”
This is pretty benign so I’ll just skip ove–-WHAT???!!! Consolidate the school district? Surely this must be a suggestion of one of the rogue members (Dick Barone, perhaps). I’m sure it was dismissed immediately, right?
Let’s read on…
“Tony Sortino. Dave Schantz, Norbert Rappl, will meet with Town Board Members on this issue.” Hmm, where have I seen these three names all in the same place before? That’s right, they’re all card carrying members of the Irondequoit Republican Committee!!
According to this, at some time in the near future, the Deputy Leader of the Committee, Mr. Sortino; the former GOP Supervisor, Mr. Schantz; along with the coolest guy in Irondequoit, Major General Rappl, are going to make their pitch of consolidating our school and fire districts.What’s more amazing is the fact that these GOP policy wonks are ready to suggest this without even studying the issue.
The Chamber/GOP subcommittee was wise to note that this is a “Sensitive issue with these town units, need to be done in the right way.” Yeah, if by “sensitive issue” you mean: “the St Paul Fire Department will declare this their hill to die on (if Irondequoit had hills, that is).
Okay, let’s move on. I’m sure nothing else controversial was said.
“Dan Buerkle made a suggestion on trying to work on getting the supervisor position from 2 years to 4 years. Need to have more time to complete and know the town. Referendum needs to be put on ballot in November. Will need 10% of the voters who voted in the last governor election. Bob Spatola, Dan Buerkle, Peter Kelderhouse, Dave Shaheen and Tony Sortino on the committee”
To my knowledge, there is only one other Town in Monroe County where the Supervisor serves a four year term. With this additional two years in the Supervisor term, you would think it would be a Town where government ran so smoothly, so transparently, without any commotion that residents were proud to have their trusted Supervisor serve for four years at a time, right?
Well, what if I told you that town was Greece?
Could it be that the Irondequoit Republicans are so hungry for power, they want our Town Government to emulate the most unethical, corrupt Town in New York?
I also find it rather odd that these learned men never thought of this great idea while the Democrats were in control at Town Hall. If I know my Republican committeemen correctly, I believe that all but one of these guys is a card carrying member of the IQ GOP.
The only question is: will the former First Lady of the Irondequoit Chamber of Commerce embrace the counsel of these Blue Ribbon Commissions?
Stay tuned, kids!
In fact, even after our Town’s “First Dude” resigned from his post as Chamber President, each meeting represents a “who’s who” of the Irondequoit GOP elite, from Flo Bianco to the legendary Nobert Rappl to former GOP Town Attorney Tony Sortino.
Thus, given its status as a subcommittee of the Town GOP committee, it’s a pretty safe bet that if you wanted to take the pulse of the Republican committee in Irondequoit, the Chamber’s minutes might be a good place to start.
And what have we here? This past month’s minutes!(Strangely, this was forwarded to me by a Republican member of the Chamber, with an attached note: “Irondequoit GOP 2011 Platform”)
Let’s look at what was up for discussion…..
“Meeting started 8:00 AM”
Well that answers the question as to why there’s no Democrats on the Chamber. This is waaaaay to early to meet. According to the Democratic committee website, the Dems meet at 7:30….PM!
“After hours at Hampton Inn was a success.”… “Mega Mixer was May 5th. Several ICC members were present.”
They don’t call them political PARTIES for no reason.
“Ridge Road Development - Partner with to move forward with redevelopment of Ridge Road. Chamber in favor of this redevelopment. Need to go to town meetings to express this with them. Meeting scheduled for the end of May. Date not set up yet. Invite business on ridge road to join chamber in this effort.” I find this comical. I wonder if there were any dissenters at the Chamber of Commerce who were opposed to redeveloping East Ridge Road. With Frank D’Aurizio’s KFC opening up, you really can sense the momentum building.
“Consolidate Taxing Units. Fire Dept and School Districts”
This is pretty benign so I’ll just skip ove–-WHAT???!!! Consolidate the school district? Surely this must be a suggestion of one of the rogue members (Dick Barone, perhaps). I’m sure it was dismissed immediately, right?
Let’s read on…
“Tony Sortino. Dave Schantz, Norbert Rappl, will meet with Town Board Members on this issue.” Hmm, where have I seen these three names all in the same place before? That’s right, they’re all card carrying members of the Irondequoit Republican Committee!!
According to this, at some time in the near future, the Deputy Leader of the Committee, Mr. Sortino; the former GOP Supervisor, Mr. Schantz; along with the coolest guy in Irondequoit, Major General Rappl, are going to make their pitch of consolidating our school and fire districts.What’s more amazing is the fact that these GOP policy wonks are ready to suggest this without even studying the issue.
The Chamber/GOP subcommittee was wise to note that this is a “Sensitive issue with these town units, need to be done in the right way.” Yeah, if by “sensitive issue” you mean: “the St Paul Fire Department will declare this their hill to die on (if Irondequoit had hills, that is).
Okay, let’s move on. I’m sure nothing else controversial was said.
“Dan Buerkle made a suggestion on trying to work on getting the supervisor position from 2 years to 4 years. Need to have more time to complete and know the town. Referendum needs to be put on ballot in November. Will need 10% of the voters who voted in the last governor election. Bob Spatola, Dan Buerkle, Peter Kelderhouse, Dave Shaheen and Tony Sortino on the committee”
To my knowledge, there is only one other Town in Monroe County where the Supervisor serves a four year term. With this additional two years in the Supervisor term, you would think it would be a Town where government ran so smoothly, so transparently, without any commotion that residents were proud to have their trusted Supervisor serve for four years at a time, right?
Well, what if I told you that town was Greece?
Could it be that the Irondequoit Republicans are so hungry for power, they want our Town Government to emulate the most unethical, corrupt Town in New York?
I also find it rather odd that these learned men never thought of this great idea while the Democrats were in control at Town Hall. If I know my Republican committeemen correctly, I believe that all but one of these guys is a card carrying member of the IQ GOP.
The only question is: will the former First Lady of the Irondequoit Chamber of Commerce embrace the counsel of these Blue Ribbon Commissions?
Stay tuned, kids!
Friday, May 14, 2010
Local Ghostbusters fan not happy with level of accessibility at Town Hall.
In the midst of all the pro-Bobby AMEN! letters in last week’s Post op-ed page, I missed this golden nugget:
Looks like we’re back to the good ole days at 1280 Titus Ave.
Looks like we’re back to the good ole days at 1280 Titus Ave.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Bob conquers MJD
After a performance last year that actually makes the Syracuse Football Team look competitive, Robert Ament has returned to the grand stage of Irondequoit electoral politics. This time, he’s set his sights a little smaller and is running for a seat on the West Irondequoit School Board.
I won’t get into the many reasons why Bobby will almost certainly lose again. I will point out that the two incumbents have quite a record of service for the Town of Irondequoit, and should be commended to taking on this thankless, pro bono work on behalf of our schoolchildren.
I also didn’t know there were 30 not-for-profits in the Town of Irondequoit for Bobby to donate to. I’m guessing the Irondequoit Community Cupboard was not one the many benefactors of his generosity, since Ament believes it is a terrorist organization that hates the elderly, poor people…and dogs.
Here’s what drew my attention, and probably that of Town Supervisor Mary Joyce D’Aurzio, as well.
“…utilized my international development skills to plan and organize complete renovations of Pauline Evans and Helen McGraw branches of our public libraries to be completed in June and September of this year through donations from local businesses and materials supplied at cost - solved a problem that has plagued this town for twenty years.”
First of all, the likelihood that Bob Ament has somehow spearheaded any renovation effort of our libraries is about equal to the likelihood that Hannah Montana will headline the Summer Gazebo Concert Series at Town Hall.
But if Bob Ament actually feels this is a possibility, then there are many questions that arise:
1) Has Mary Joyce D’Aurizio authorized someone who doesn’t work for or represent the Town of Irondequoit to oversee a project of this scope. A “complete” renovation of the Town’s two libraries would likely include a new roof and HVAC systems. Are we allowing an International Man of Mystery to spearhead this? Shouldn’t the Town Board be doing this?
2) If Bob Ament really is driving this project, just as he allegedly was building two ice rinks at Camp Eastman, does that mean he has been empowered by the D’Aurizio administration to serve as a community development czar? Is Bob Ament an agent of Mary Joyce D’Aurizio, or, is he acting as a rogue agent?
3) Most importantly (removing Ament from the equation ), what does this mean about the future of the libraries? Supervisor D’Aurzio, who already has made a habit of waffling on major Town issues, such as whether or not Medley Center should house a Broadway-style theater, may be reneging on a campaign promise if she decides to simply maintain the two libraries, and not explore the possibility of a consolidated facility.
Let’s look back to 2009 and see where she stood on Medley, among other town issues.
Messenger Post (10/24/2009): “Consolidation of the libraries is an emotional and economic issue and should be considered if community discussion and consensus supports the project. One facility for the libraries and community center can offer benefits from economies of scale. The public would vote on options with associated costs after extensive community planning.”
Messenger Post (11/3/2009): “D’Aurizio, who called herself a coalition builder, ran on a platform of needing “fresh leadership” in Irondequoit and called for a multi-year budgeting plan, forums for residents to discuss problems and concerns without time restrictions, better marketing of the Medley Centre redevelopment project, and a public vote on a community center and consolidated library.”
As I’ve discussed in earlier posts, I think that Bob Ament is probably a royal pain in the arse for MJD, and she probably deeply regrets forming their campaign alliance in 2009. But Ament seems dead set on pushing forward his agenda, and Town residents are right to wonder: “who did I pull the level for on Election Day?’
Has “Bob the Conqueror” (as he is now calling himself) captured control of the Republican agenda at Town Hall?
I won’t get into the many reasons why Bobby will almost certainly lose again. I will point out that the two incumbents have quite a record of service for the Town of Irondequoit, and should be commended to taking on this thankless, pro bono work on behalf of our schoolchildren.
I also didn’t know there were 30 not-for-profits in the Town of Irondequoit for Bobby to donate to. I’m guessing the Irondequoit Community Cupboard was not one the many benefactors of his generosity, since Ament believes it is a terrorist organization that hates the elderly, poor people…and dogs.
Here’s what drew my attention, and probably that of Town Supervisor Mary Joyce D’Aurzio, as well.
“…utilized my international development skills to plan and organize complete renovations of Pauline Evans and Helen McGraw branches of our public libraries to be completed in June and September of this year through donations from local businesses and materials supplied at cost - solved a problem that has plagued this town for twenty years.”
First of all, the likelihood that Bob Ament has somehow spearheaded any renovation effort of our libraries is about equal to the likelihood that Hannah Montana will headline the Summer Gazebo Concert Series at Town Hall.
But if Bob Ament actually feels this is a possibility, then there are many questions that arise:
1) Has Mary Joyce D’Aurizio authorized someone who doesn’t work for or represent the Town of Irondequoit to oversee a project of this scope. A “complete” renovation of the Town’s two libraries would likely include a new roof and HVAC systems. Are we allowing an International Man of Mystery to spearhead this? Shouldn’t the Town Board be doing this?
2) If Bob Ament really is driving this project, just as he allegedly was building two ice rinks at Camp Eastman, does that mean he has been empowered by the D’Aurizio administration to serve as a community development czar? Is Bob Ament an agent of Mary Joyce D’Aurizio, or, is he acting as a rogue agent?
3) Most importantly (removing Ament from the equation ), what does this mean about the future of the libraries? Supervisor D’Aurzio, who already has made a habit of waffling on major Town issues, such as whether or not Medley Center should house a Broadway-style theater, may be reneging on a campaign promise if she decides to simply maintain the two libraries, and not explore the possibility of a consolidated facility.
Let’s look back to 2009 and see where she stood on Medley, among other town issues.
Messenger Post (10/24/2009): “Consolidation of the libraries is an emotional and economic issue and should be considered if community discussion and consensus supports the project. One facility for the libraries and community center can offer benefits from economies of scale. The public would vote on options with associated costs after extensive community planning.”
Messenger Post (11/3/2009): “D’Aurizio, who called herself a coalition builder, ran on a platform of needing “fresh leadership” in Irondequoit and called for a multi-year budgeting plan, forums for residents to discuss problems and concerns without time restrictions, better marketing of the Medley Centre redevelopment project, and a public vote on a community center and consolidated library.”
As I’ve discussed in earlier posts, I think that Bob Ament is probably a royal pain in the arse for MJD, and she probably deeply regrets forming their campaign alliance in 2009. But Ament seems dead set on pushing forward his agenda, and Town residents are right to wonder: “who did I pull the level for on Election Day?’
Has “Bob the Conqueror” (as he is now calling himself) captured control of the Republican agenda at Town Hall?
Friday, April 23, 2010
Dancing with the Stars: Scott Congel and the Town of Irondequoit
As has been the case for the past few years, a story on the Medley Center has left me very, very confused, optimistic, skeptical & befuddled (just because I like that word) – all at the same time. The same wonderful assurances we’ve heard since early 2009, coming up once again. Yet, if you were to ask anyone living in Syracuse, I’m sure they’ll tell you: “Don’t hold your breath – it’s Scott Congel.”
But I think we should continue to hold out hope, because this really could be a monumental project for Irondequoit, and wipe away years of disappointment and embarrassment.
Until then… there is that little item about our $500,000.
We want that money, Scott!
Since Scott Congel’s whereabouts may range anywhere from the Mir Space Station to a Denver Nuggets playoff game (he lives in Colorado, I believe), it appears he has now made our own Supervisor his de-facto spokesperson. Unfortunately, she didn’t instill confidence that Congel would be forking over the cash.
Therefore, I will do my best to outline why she might have a legal, moral and political obligation to be a tad more insistent.
One good thing about our Town is that we certainly like putting scanned files up on our Town’s website, not excluding PILOT agreements for major economic development endeavors. (NOTE: I’d advise not clicking on the hyperlink above – because it’s a very big file. So as to not freeze your computer, I’ve transcribed the two relevant passages.)
Much of this has been well documented by other “news outlets” in Town (Nice work in 2009, FOILS! )
Section 8.1.4 of the PILOT Agreement states that the $500,000 is due on the "Entitlement Date".
8.1.4 Construction Impact PILOT Payment. On the Entitlement Date the Company shall also make a non-refundable payment to the Town in the amount of $500,000 (the "Construction Impact PILOT Payment") which amount shall be available as deemed needed or appropriate by the Town to address impacts resulting from the construction and development of the Project.
Section 8.3 defines "Entitlement Date" to mean the Effective Date (which was April 8, 2009).
However, that same section also states that if litigation was commenced that prevented work on the Project for starting, or would have invalidated any zoning or other governmental determination for this Project – the “entitlement date” would have been twelve (12) months from the Effective Date. What did that mean? It meant that the PILOT, as most legal agreements do, left some wiggle room for interpretation between respective parties’ attorneys. Or, at least that what I assume, because Scott Congel seems to be good at finding loopholes in lieu of stalled development.
Section 8.3 Definitions
As used herein, the "Entitlement Date" means the Effective Date or, if litigation is commenced challenging any of the processes or determinations under the New York State Quality Review Act (including all regulations thereunder, "SEQRA"), zoning and/or any other governmental determination or process for or with respect to this Project, including, without limitation, this Agreement, and such litigation prohibits the commencement of the work on the Project or if such litigation, if successful in whole or in part, would invalidate any zoning or other governmental determination for this Project, twelve (12) months from the Effective Date. As used herein, the term "Additional Improvements" means any (a) newly constructed building improvements whether created by new free-standing construction or by expansions (horizontally or vertically) to existing improvements, (b) parking structures and/or (c) reconstruction of the existing Bon-Ton and J.C. Penney buildings. As used herein. "Full-Time Job" shall mean jobs regularly requiring at least 30 hours per week.
However, it is now April 23nd.
Scott Congel can hire all of the lawyers he wants to dispute whether he was required to make this payment at some point over the past 12 months, or not. Yet, I’m sure it wouldn’t even require a $150 email from Planning Board Attorney Dan Aureli to clarify that there is absolutely no disputing that under the 2009 PILOT Agreement, the 12-month period from April 8, 2009 expired a two weeks ago and the money is now due.
I think any candidate had the right in 2009 to make the timeliness of this payment a campaign issue. Obviously, the previous administration had their interpretation; while others thought that Mr. Congel should have been $500,000 less wealthy come Labor Day weekend of 2009. Indeed, the Republican candidates did express concerns over both the viability of the project, as well as the need for Congel to own up to his financial obligations to the Town. One, in particular, was most vocal.
“The Medley Centre situation is very alarming to our taxpayers. With millions of dollars of lost revenue, the deal was made with a lack of due diligence, refusal to disclose financing and disregard for public input. Now with a missed payment of $500,000 to the town, I say it’s time for more than a “gentle reminder” to developer Congel. Pay up or get back on the tax roll.” -Future Council woman Debbie Essley, Irondequoit Post, 10/23/09
At least Councilwoman Essley has 3 ½ more years to make a “gentle reminder.” You would have thought back in October she was ready to send in some Wise Guys to “talk” to Mr. Congel…if you could find the guy, that is.
To her credit, Mr. D’Aurizio has always been a tad more understanding, possibly because her husband was such a strong proponent of the original PILOT while he served as President of the Irondequoit Chamber of Commerce. For the most part, she’s maintained optimism in the future of Medley, as we all should. At one point this year, she said she had a “gut feeling” that something was going to happen by May 1st.
Well, it’s good to have hope. But I think the people of Irondequoit deserve to know what their new Majority intends to do to get the money we, without any cloud of legal ambiguity, were supposed to have received by now. Ray Levato states in yesterday’s piece: “She (Supervisor D’Aurizio) says it's important to the town to see some money as a good faith gesture.” That’s not exactly drawing a line in the sand, is it? I’d be interested to hear whether or not Councilwoman Essley feels this constitutes more than a “gentle reminder.”
All that being said, $500,000 represents 1/520th of the overall cost of this project. If Mr. Congel receives more than a “gentle reminder”, perhaps a subtle “wet willy,” I think our elected officials can coerce him to pay up.
But I think we should continue to hold out hope, because this really could be a monumental project for Irondequoit, and wipe away years of disappointment and embarrassment.
Until then… there is that little item about our $500,000.
We want that money, Scott!
Since Scott Congel’s whereabouts may range anywhere from the Mir Space Station to a Denver Nuggets playoff game (he lives in Colorado, I believe), it appears he has now made our own Supervisor his de-facto spokesperson. Unfortunately, she didn’t instill confidence that Congel would be forking over the cash.
Therefore, I will do my best to outline why she might have a legal, moral and political obligation to be a tad more insistent.
One good thing about our Town is that we certainly like putting scanned files up on our Town’s website, not excluding PILOT agreements for major economic development endeavors. (NOTE: I’d advise not clicking on the hyperlink above – because it’s a very big file. So as to not freeze your computer, I’ve transcribed the two relevant passages.)
Much of this has been well documented by other “news outlets” in Town (Nice work in 2009, FOILS! )
Section 8.1.4 of the PILOT Agreement states that the $500,000 is due on the "Entitlement Date".
8.1.4 Construction Impact PILOT Payment. On the Entitlement Date the Company shall also make a non-refundable payment to the Town in the amount of $500,000 (the "Construction Impact PILOT Payment") which amount shall be available as deemed needed or appropriate by the Town to address impacts resulting from the construction and development of the Project.
Section 8.3 defines "Entitlement Date" to mean the Effective Date (which was April 8, 2009).
However, that same section also states that if litigation was commenced that prevented work on the Project for starting, or would have invalidated any zoning or other governmental determination for this Project – the “entitlement date” would have been twelve (12) months from the Effective Date. What did that mean? It meant that the PILOT, as most legal agreements do, left some wiggle room for interpretation between respective parties’ attorneys. Or, at least that what I assume, because Scott Congel seems to be good at finding loopholes in lieu of stalled development.
Section 8.3 Definitions
As used herein, the "Entitlement Date" means the Effective Date or, if litigation is commenced challenging any of the processes or determinations under the New York State Quality Review Act (including all regulations thereunder, "SEQRA"), zoning and/or any other governmental determination or process for or with respect to this Project, including, without limitation, this Agreement, and such litigation prohibits the commencement of the work on the Project or if such litigation, if successful in whole or in part, would invalidate any zoning or other governmental determination for this Project, twelve (12) months from the Effective Date. As used herein, the term "Additional Improvements" means any (a) newly constructed building improvements whether created by new free-standing construction or by expansions (horizontally or vertically) to existing improvements, (b) parking structures and/or (c) reconstruction of the existing Bon-Ton and J.C. Penney buildings. As used herein. "Full-Time Job" shall mean jobs regularly requiring at least 30 hours per week.
However, it is now April 23nd.
Scott Congel can hire all of the lawyers he wants to dispute whether he was required to make this payment at some point over the past 12 months, or not. Yet, I’m sure it wouldn’t even require a $150 email from Planning Board Attorney Dan Aureli to clarify that there is absolutely no disputing that under the 2009 PILOT Agreement, the 12-month period from April 8, 2009 expired a two weeks ago and the money is now due.
I think any candidate had the right in 2009 to make the timeliness of this payment a campaign issue. Obviously, the previous administration had their interpretation; while others thought that Mr. Congel should have been $500,000 less wealthy come Labor Day weekend of 2009. Indeed, the Republican candidates did express concerns over both the viability of the project, as well as the need for Congel to own up to his financial obligations to the Town. One, in particular, was most vocal.
“The Medley Centre situation is very alarming to our taxpayers. With millions of dollars of lost revenue, the deal was made with a lack of due diligence, refusal to disclose financing and disregard for public input. Now with a missed payment of $500,000 to the town, I say it’s time for more than a “gentle reminder” to developer Congel. Pay up or get back on the tax roll.” -Future Council woman Debbie Essley, Irondequoit Post, 10/23/09
At least Councilwoman Essley has 3 ½ more years to make a “gentle reminder.” You would have thought back in October she was ready to send in some Wise Guys to “talk” to Mr. Congel…if you could find the guy, that is.
To her credit, Mr. D’Aurizio has always been a tad more understanding, possibly because her husband was such a strong proponent of the original PILOT while he served as President of the Irondequoit Chamber of Commerce. For the most part, she’s maintained optimism in the future of Medley, as we all should. At one point this year, she said she had a “gut feeling” that something was going to happen by May 1st.
Well, it’s good to have hope. But I think the people of Irondequoit deserve to know what their new Majority intends to do to get the money we, without any cloud of legal ambiguity, were supposed to have received by now. Ray Levato states in yesterday’s piece: “She (Supervisor D’Aurizio) says it's important to the town to see some money as a good faith gesture.” That’s not exactly drawing a line in the sand, is it? I’d be interested to hear whether or not Councilwoman Essley feels this constitutes more than a “gentle reminder.”
All that being said, $500,000 represents 1/520th of the overall cost of this project. If Mr. Congel receives more than a “gentle reminder”, perhaps a subtle “wet willy,” I think our elected officials can coerce him to pay up.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Not So Fast, FOILS
If the FOILS blog is so worried about misogynist comments, perhaps they should have called out Bob Ament last year when he, for a period of 8 months, proceeded to bully and intimidate just about every woman involved in Irondequoit civic life last year (well – minus two female candidates).
From Mary Ellen Jones to Debbie Evans to Linda Quinlan to any woman who declined one of his lawn signs, Mr. Ament’s behavior was abusive and borderline criminal. It showed an utter lack of respect for women throughout Irondequoit.
Therefore, FOILS, you can understand if you haven’t put me on a guilt trip, because during all this you did nothing but make this guy feel as though what he was doing was justifiable.
In fact, it looks like you DID do something. You provided us with links on your blog to some entertainment that isn’t sexist at all. How about this gem, where you make fun of Debbie Evans for her clothes. Or this one, where it would appear a “part time secretary” is not qualified to be Supervisor and – oh yeah, she dresses bad too! And apparently, according to FOILS, women can’t read either. They can just shuffle their papers and look at pictures in magazines. How sad for you FOILS.
And if you ever want to put the values of Bob Ament or the local Republican Party – which, let’s face it, you’re all about - up against my own Party, please: bring it on!! I’ll see your Sarah Palin and raise you a Hillary Clinton.
By the way, I don’t belong to IDC. I prefer to be on winning teams, and last year they got pummeled in a town that seems to be hemorrhaging Republicans by the minute.
From Mary Ellen Jones to Debbie Evans to Linda Quinlan to any woman who declined one of his lawn signs, Mr. Ament’s behavior was abusive and borderline criminal. It showed an utter lack of respect for women throughout Irondequoit.
Therefore, FOILS, you can understand if you haven’t put me on a guilt trip, because during all this you did nothing but make this guy feel as though what he was doing was justifiable.
In fact, it looks like you DID do something. You provided us with links on your blog to some entertainment that isn’t sexist at all. How about this gem, where you make fun of Debbie Evans for her clothes. Or this one, where it would appear a “part time secretary” is not qualified to be Supervisor and – oh yeah, she dresses bad too! And apparently, according to FOILS, women can’t read either. They can just shuffle their papers and look at pictures in magazines. How sad for you FOILS.
And if you ever want to put the values of Bob Ament or the local Republican Party – which, let’s face it, you’re all about - up against my own Party, please: bring it on!! I’ll see your Sarah Palin and raise you a Hillary Clinton.
By the way, I don’t belong to IDC. I prefer to be on winning teams, and last year they got pummeled in a town that seems to be hemorrhaging Republicans by the minute.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
'Foils For Irondequoit' Jealous Obsession Of Morelle Continues
The desperate housewives running the FOILS site need to do their homework. It’s amazing how people so miserable with their own lives are so threatened by people who are successful; and thus, gravitate towards complete losers like Bob Ament.
Okay, so I checked up on the AIG thing –which is suggestion #5 for birthday gifts for Joe. Turns out Joe did the right thing, and refunded the donation to AIG, not too long after he received it.
I’m sure the FOILS site knew that and elected not to share it with you (after all, these are people who spend their entire day harassing sweet Barb Genier for FOILS and scouring the internet for information.)
What the gals from FOILS also don’t want you to know is that the insurance industry probably isn’t too happy with Joe these days. Why would they be? He’s all but told them that their days of unchecked health insurance premium increases are at and end.
I only hope that Joe doesn’t pay attention to these blogs. I’m defending him here, but I would be happy if he didn’t even know this website, or FOILSFORIRONDEQUOIT for that matter, even existed. As someone who worked in politics in the past, I know that one of the first things an elected official needs to learn is to filter out the mean-spirited rabble that intends to distract them from working for the constituents they represent.
Okay, so I checked up on the AIG thing –which is suggestion #5 for birthday gifts for Joe. Turns out Joe did the right thing, and refunded the donation to AIG, not too long after he received it.
I’m sure the FOILS site knew that and elected not to share it with you (after all, these are people who spend their entire day harassing sweet Barb Genier for FOILS and scouring the internet for information.)
What the gals from FOILS also don’t want you to know is that the insurance industry probably isn’t too happy with Joe these days. Why would they be? He’s all but told them that their days of unchecked health insurance premium increases are at and end.
I only hope that Joe doesn’t pay attention to these blogs. I’m defending him here, but I would be happy if he didn’t even know this website, or FOILSFORIRONDEQUOIT for that matter, even existed. As someone who worked in politics in the past, I know that one of the first things an elected official needs to learn is to filter out the mean-spirited rabble that intends to distract them from working for the constituents they represent.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
The unhappiest man in Irondequoit
If the Town Board passed a binding resolution on April 1st stating that it is in fact April 1st, Richard Barone would have a problem with it.
If the West Irondequoit Central school board formally honored the Girl Championship Volleyball team, Richard Barone would find that a government abuse.
I read Richard Barone’s paid advertisement in the Irondequoit Post today, where her rambles about some lawsuit that would essentially prohibit government from doing anything to create jobs, and I can’t help but think – what the hell is wrong with this guy?
You could write a book on Richard Barone’s body of work as it relates to complaining about local government in Irondequoit. It would be full of a lot of anger and disappointment, mainly because Richard Barone hates government, so much that he thinks about it 24 hours a day. I’m sure it would take a good deal of psychoanalysis to arrive at the roots of Mr. Barone’s utter distaste for the body politic and its relationship with our everyday lives.
I’ve always wondered if something might have happened to trigger this disdain for elected officials. Alas, I think I may have found the answer. A while ago, someone long involved in town politics mentioned to me that Mr. Barone’s tenure as the Business Manager for the East Irondequoit school district may hold the key.
If you ask any longtime resident of East Irondequoit, they are likely to tell you that Richard Barone was one of the people most directly responsible for the destruction of that school district during the 1970s, 80s and 90s. As much as the name Amelia Nugent sends shivers down residents’ spines, mentioning Barone’s name in the same context is equally as souring.
Yes, in America, I suppose you have the right to destroy a school district, as long as it’s done through the Democratic process.
Let me tell you what isn’t right.
Richard Barone has spent his entire life making elected officials feel like inadequate buffoons who couldn’t balance a checkbook. However, in the early 1980s, the State legislature was forced to pass a special law just to bail him and the district taxpayers out of hundreds of thousands of dollars. The laws of New York tell the tale….(Many thanks to the fine staff at the Rundel Library for their help in obtaining this information!)
Chapter 656 of the Laws of New York for 1980, approved an effective June 30, 1980:
Relates to the East Irondequoit Central School District – State Transportation Aid
An Act authorizing the state department of education to apportion state aid for transportation to the East Irondequoit Central School District, Monroe County in certain cases.
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. Notwithstanding the provisions of section thirty-six hundred twenty-five of the education law to the contrary, the state education department is hereby authorized to apportion state transportation aid to the East Irondequoit Central School District, Monroe County, for certain transportation contracts for the nineteen hundred seventy-nine – nineteen hundred eighty school year as if said contracts had been duly transmitted to such department on a timely basis, and which in fact were filed late as a result of administrative and clerical error.
Section 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
After you navigate through all of the notwithstandings and spelled-out years, the legislative intent of this law is pretty simple: to make sure that the East Irondequoit Taxpapers weren’t punished due to the mistakes of their business manager.
And who exactly was the business manager at the time? The man, the legend, himself – Richaarrrrrdddd Baaarooooooooone!
Sure, Richard Barone has serious issues when Town government tries to construct a better community center for our senior citizens. And he may think it’s illegal for state government to try to spur economic development.
But when he needs government to bail him out? No problem.
The week that legislation was signed into law by Governor Carey, I highly doubt there were any ads taken out by Mr. Barone lambasting the state for doing right by him.
Therefore, the next time Richard Barone takes out an advertisement (with his illegal campaign operation) lecturing us about fiscal responsibility or bloated government spending, he should have an asterisk or disclaimer that states: “Oh by the way, just for background: I’m not angry with government; I’m angry with myself. This is how I deal with it.”
If the West Irondequoit Central school board formally honored the Girl Championship Volleyball team, Richard Barone would find that a government abuse.
I read Richard Barone’s paid advertisement in the Irondequoit Post today, where her rambles about some lawsuit that would essentially prohibit government from doing anything to create jobs, and I can’t help but think – what the hell is wrong with this guy?
You could write a book on Richard Barone’s body of work as it relates to complaining about local government in Irondequoit. It would be full of a lot of anger and disappointment, mainly because Richard Barone hates government, so much that he thinks about it 24 hours a day. I’m sure it would take a good deal of psychoanalysis to arrive at the roots of Mr. Barone’s utter distaste for the body politic and its relationship with our everyday lives.
I’ve always wondered if something might have happened to trigger this disdain for elected officials. Alas, I think I may have found the answer. A while ago, someone long involved in town politics mentioned to me that Mr. Barone’s tenure as the Business Manager for the East Irondequoit school district may hold the key.
If you ask any longtime resident of East Irondequoit, they are likely to tell you that Richard Barone was one of the people most directly responsible for the destruction of that school district during the 1970s, 80s and 90s. As much as the name Amelia Nugent sends shivers down residents’ spines, mentioning Barone’s name in the same context is equally as souring.
Yes, in America, I suppose you have the right to destroy a school district, as long as it’s done through the Democratic process.
Let me tell you what isn’t right.
Richard Barone has spent his entire life making elected officials feel like inadequate buffoons who couldn’t balance a checkbook. However, in the early 1980s, the State legislature was forced to pass a special law just to bail him and the district taxpayers out of hundreds of thousands of dollars. The laws of New York tell the tale….(Many thanks to the fine staff at the Rundel Library for their help in obtaining this information!)
Chapter 656 of the Laws of New York for 1980, approved an effective June 30, 1980:
Relates to the East Irondequoit Central School District – State Transportation Aid
An Act authorizing the state department of education to apportion state aid for transportation to the East Irondequoit Central School District, Monroe County in certain cases.
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. Notwithstanding the provisions of section thirty-six hundred twenty-five of the education law to the contrary, the state education department is hereby authorized to apportion state transportation aid to the East Irondequoit Central School District, Monroe County, for certain transportation contracts for the nineteen hundred seventy-nine – nineteen hundred eighty school year as if said contracts had been duly transmitted to such department on a timely basis, and which in fact were filed late as a result of administrative and clerical error.
Section 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
After you navigate through all of the notwithstandings and spelled-out years, the legislative intent of this law is pretty simple: to make sure that the East Irondequoit Taxpapers weren’t punished due to the mistakes of their business manager.
And who exactly was the business manager at the time? The man, the legend, himself – Richaarrrrrdddd Baaarooooooooone!
Sure, Richard Barone has serious issues when Town government tries to construct a better community center for our senior citizens. And he may think it’s illegal for state government to try to spur economic development.
But when he needs government to bail him out? No problem.
The week that legislation was signed into law by Governor Carey, I highly doubt there were any ads taken out by Mr. Barone lambasting the state for doing right by him.
Therefore, the next time Richard Barone takes out an advertisement (with his illegal campaign operation) lecturing us about fiscal responsibility or bloated government spending, he should have an asterisk or disclaimer that states: “Oh by the way, just for background: I’m not angry with government; I’m angry with myself. This is how I deal with it.”
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Yes, Madam Supervisor – campaign promises do carry over into a new decade
Just in case anyone had forgotten the little back-and-forth that took place during the January Town Board meeting between Supervisor D’Aurizio and Councilwoman Aldersley, in which Councilwoman Aldersley made the point that the MJD campaign had criticized former Supervisor Heyman’s administration for hiring out-of-town residents…
…here is the mailing which I believe Councilwoman Aldersley was referencing. If you recall, during that meeting Supervisor D’Aurizio denied that any such attacks were made during the campaign.
I wonder if the Republican Party now takes issue with the fact that some guy from Brighton is now one of the highest-paid staff members at Town Hall, more so than Irondequoit’s own Marty Piecuch – who, incidentally, was not retained due to his apparent lack of loyalty to the Republican Party.
Nevertheless, we just wanted to make the point that this was, in fact, a Republican attack made on the Democratic candidates. Therefore, unless Supervisor D’Aurizio is going to publicly admonish the content of this mailing, she can’t deny that this mailing that was done to bolster her election efforts – one that I’m sure her campaign helped coordinate and was thrilled to see hit mailboxes in October of last year. And if she argues that she didn’t know about any of this, well frankly she’s being disingenuous. She might be the artsy-type, but she can’t act her way out of this one.
Just so I’m getting this right: A negative mailing comes from Republican HQ that says “Vote For Change to Keep our Jobs and Tax Dollars in Irondequoit.” Yet, the Republican candidate (who I’m assuming this mailing was referencing with the word “change”) claims it has nothing to do with her.
I wish they could hand out “Explain this to me again?” violations. If so, Supervisor D’Aurizio might compete with her husband’s collection of code violations that rival most 12 year old’s baseball card collections.
…here is the mailing which I believe Councilwoman Aldersley was referencing. If you recall, during that meeting Supervisor D’Aurizio denied that any such attacks were made during the campaign.
I wonder if the Republican Party now takes issue with the fact that some guy from Brighton is now one of the highest-paid staff members at Town Hall, more so than Irondequoit’s own Marty Piecuch – who, incidentally, was not retained due to his apparent lack of loyalty to the Republican Party.
Nevertheless, we just wanted to make the point that this was, in fact, a Republican attack made on the Democratic candidates. Therefore, unless Supervisor D’Aurizio is going to publicly admonish the content of this mailing, she can’t deny that this mailing that was done to bolster her election efforts – one that I’m sure her campaign helped coordinate and was thrilled to see hit mailboxes in October of last year. And if she argues that she didn’t know about any of this, well frankly she’s being disingenuous. She might be the artsy-type, but she can’t act her way out of this one.
Just so I’m getting this right: A negative mailing comes from Republican HQ that says “Vote For Change to Keep our Jobs and Tax Dollars in Irondequoit.” Yet, the Republican candidate (who I’m assuming this mailing was referencing with the word “change”) claims it has nothing to do with her.
I wish they could hand out “Explain this to me again?” violations. If so, Supervisor D’Aurizio might compete with her husband’s collection of code violations that rival most 12 year old’s baseball card collections.
Friday, February 26, 2010
It’s not about politics
That was a campaign slogan gracing Irondequoit’s lawns and adorning the sides of select Irondequoit automobiles last fall.
And why shouldn’t it have?
Why would anyone running for office say they were a fan of politics? When was the last time a candidate claimed that it was a good idea to say politics would be central to their governing philosophy.
It should never be about politics. Problem is: it’s always about politics.
If you’re someone who’s running for office, by default - you’re a politician.
There’s a whole group of party committee members who nominated and (claim to have) worked to elect you. There’s the dinosaurs of your political party, who built the party from the ground up in the 1950s and 60s, and feel it is their right to dictate what goes on at Town Hall.
And, not to be forgotten, there’s the acting DPW Commissioner, who was groomed by the local GOP to lead Irondequoit into a new era of prosperity, yet committed the ultimate act of betrayal and joined into the dark side a few years ago, befriending the Democratic Town Supervisor and other members of the opposition party. Even though he spent the next four years rebuilding Irondequoit’s infrastructure; was told by certain morons in the Town that he was handing out favors to “connected friends” and had to deal with a “good ole boys” culture in the highway department where using taxpayer dollars to pave someone’s driveway is acceptable behavior – Marty Piecuch was a victim of classic Irondequoit politics.
Yes, if you’re Mary Joyce D’Aurizio, you have to fire the most qualified person working in Irondequoit Town Government. There is no way Marty Piecuch can serve as your Commissioner of Public Works. Why might you ask? Because Mary Joyce D’Aurizio probably realized the day after she was elected: it’s all about politics.
If it weren’t, why wouldn’t she have just reappointed Piecuch to the DPW post at the first or second Board meeting? She did not and should offer an explanation as to why.
Was Piecuch not worthy of a post that is probably the most apolitical in town (you plow the roads, you fix the roads)? Did Piecuch not oversee the most impressive infrastructure investments in our Town’s history? Was Piecuch not the first DPW Commissioner in quite some time to realize that you can’t simply sweep today’s problems under the carpet, especially when it comes to the ground beneath our feet?
These questions are deserving of answers.
Now, the buzz around Town is that MJD begged Piecuch to stay on board, only after he informed her of his intention to leave, a few weeks ago. I suppose she should have expressed the same appreciation to Marty when she hired someone who doesn’t even live in Irondequoit to serve as our Director of Developmental Services and offered him a far more plentiful salary than that which Piecuch makes.
On the Irondequoit Democrats twitter site, there is a “tweet” about this topic, crying foul:
DPW Marty Piecuch should have been re-hired at the previous two Board meetings. He was an invaluable asset to the town and will be missed.
I hope the Democrats make an issue out of this because Marty Piecuch represents all of the best things about Irondequoit. He’s saved us million in the years to come and never backed down to the idiots like Bob Ament who seem to think the Town isn’t responsible for preventing its own roads from falling into Irondequoit Bay.
Am I angry about this? You bet I am, because I hate it when campaign lawn signs lie to me!
Yet, what makes me happy is another rumor I heard. Apparently, Marty is moving on to better things in life and has landed a new gig where I’m sure he’ll be better appreciated. I’m sure for someone as qualified as Marty, it didn’t take long to land on his feet. I doubt, however, he listed his former (short-term) employer as a reference.
And why shouldn’t it have?
Why would anyone running for office say they were a fan of politics? When was the last time a candidate claimed that it was a good idea to say politics would be central to their governing philosophy.
It should never be about politics. Problem is: it’s always about politics.
If you’re someone who’s running for office, by default - you’re a politician.
There’s a whole group of party committee members who nominated and (claim to have) worked to elect you. There’s the dinosaurs of your political party, who built the party from the ground up in the 1950s and 60s, and feel it is their right to dictate what goes on at Town Hall.
And, not to be forgotten, there’s the acting DPW Commissioner, who was groomed by the local GOP to lead Irondequoit into a new era of prosperity, yet committed the ultimate act of betrayal and joined into the dark side a few years ago, befriending the Democratic Town Supervisor and other members of the opposition party. Even though he spent the next four years rebuilding Irondequoit’s infrastructure; was told by certain morons in the Town that he was handing out favors to “connected friends” and had to deal with a “good ole boys” culture in the highway department where using taxpayer dollars to pave someone’s driveway is acceptable behavior – Marty Piecuch was a victim of classic Irondequoit politics.
Yes, if you’re Mary Joyce D’Aurizio, you have to fire the most qualified person working in Irondequoit Town Government. There is no way Marty Piecuch can serve as your Commissioner of Public Works. Why might you ask? Because Mary Joyce D’Aurizio probably realized the day after she was elected: it’s all about politics.
If it weren’t, why wouldn’t she have just reappointed Piecuch to the DPW post at the first or second Board meeting? She did not and should offer an explanation as to why.
Was Piecuch not worthy of a post that is probably the most apolitical in town (you plow the roads, you fix the roads)? Did Piecuch not oversee the most impressive infrastructure investments in our Town’s history? Was Piecuch not the first DPW Commissioner in quite some time to realize that you can’t simply sweep today’s problems under the carpet, especially when it comes to the ground beneath our feet?
These questions are deserving of answers.
Now, the buzz around Town is that MJD begged Piecuch to stay on board, only after he informed her of his intention to leave, a few weeks ago. I suppose she should have expressed the same appreciation to Marty when she hired someone who doesn’t even live in Irondequoit to serve as our Director of Developmental Services and offered him a far more plentiful salary than that which Piecuch makes.
On the Irondequoit Democrats twitter site, there is a “tweet” about this topic, crying foul:
DPW Marty Piecuch should have been re-hired at the previous two Board meetings. He was an invaluable asset to the town and will be missed.
I hope the Democrats make an issue out of this because Marty Piecuch represents all of the best things about Irondequoit. He’s saved us million in the years to come and never backed down to the idiots like Bob Ament who seem to think the Town isn’t responsible for preventing its own roads from falling into Irondequoit Bay.
Am I angry about this? You bet I am, because I hate it when campaign lawn signs lie to me!
Yet, what makes me happy is another rumor I heard. Apparently, Marty is moving on to better things in life and has landed a new gig where I’m sure he’ll be better appreciated. I’m sure for someone as qualified as Marty, it didn’t take long to land on his feet. I doubt, however, he listed his former (short-term) employer as a reference.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Whuh Whuh Whuh Whuh What did you say?
Shortly after winning election, most likely while trying to balance her responsibilities as a law office comptroller and the new Supervisor-Elect, Mary Joyce D’Aurizio levied her opinion on a major issue affecting our Town in a November 9th WROC-8 story.
The issue at hand: the Rochester Broadway Theater League (an unofficial subcommittee of the Monroe County GOP), and possible new sites for a new performing arts center, something that the woman she had recently ousted, Mary Ellen Heyman, wanted in Irondequoit.
Here’s what she had to say:
“There's no doubt that the city of Rochester needs to be the heart of Monroe County," says Irondequoit Town Supervisor-Elect Mary Joyce D'Aurizio.
Both towns are contenders for a new performing arts center. A shake-up in leadership in Irondequoit is bringing caution. Supervisor elect Mary Joyce D'Aurizio says a downtown theater is what's best.
"We suburbs that surround the city will be much more viable and will grow so long as city center is as strong as it possibly can be."
You can only imagine how furious these comment must have made Arnie Rothschild, Chair of the RBTL -who by the way has donated more money to the local Republican party than a Robutrad worker on a strip club binge. It’s no secret that Arnie is still bitter at Mayor Bob Duffy for killing Renaissance Square and the RBTL’s hopes of a new PAC on Main & Clinton. Many believe the whole notion of a suburban site was concocted as a big “Up Yours” to Mayor Robert of Nazareth.
Thus, imagine how local GOP must have felt upon seeing the new rock star in Irondequoit siding with the likes of Bob Duffy and (gasp) Irondequoit’s own Joe Morelle.
Over the next several weeks, I’m sure that Arnie, Bill Reilich and a large quantity of Republican Party employees working in the Monroe County Office Building, educated our Supervisor-elect on how things really work in the Republican Party.
Fast forward about 2 ½ months. It appears our fair Supervisor has finally wised up, evidenced by an affirmation in support for a RBTL facility at Irondequoit Mall in a January 19th Irondequoit Post article:
“To me, it (Medley/Lake Ridge Centre) is the only place where the new (RBTL facility should go,” D’Aurizio said. “We feel it should be here; we have the plan and the infrastructure in place so that once the funding comes through, it can get started the fastest.”
She continued to carry that tune in a D&C article, dated January 27th, where she firmly states:
"There's definitely no place for a casino in the plans (at Lake Ridge Center), but there definitely are plans for RBTL, and I would love to see that.”
Nice to hear about the casino, but perhaps our Supervisor should explain why she had such a dramatic change of heart on such an important issue.
Maybe, in the November news story, she was so caught up in the moment, that she forgot what type of person she truly is, described in a post-election story on WROC-8:
“I tend to be more of an artsy cultural person so I’m hoping to bring more of those types of events into town."
Well, that’s noble. But if that’s the case, then why would ya say “Not in my (husband, Frank’s office park’s) backyard” to a theater only five days later. Yes, you’ve returned to your “artsy” principles in recent days, but all this waffling is making me hungry for IHOP – which reminds me: nothing would go better with a matinee performance of Wicked than some stuffed French toast right across the parking lot.
Yes, I know this is a lot of news stories, and I apologize for lack of chronological ordering. Nevertheless, it paints a picture of somebody who might want to do a better job at either: (1) staying consistent with her views on important town issues that may or may not affect development in our town and/or (2) explaining what may have caused you to change your mind, whether it be Scott Congel’s charm (lol); Arnie’s wrath or the ghost of Ethel Merman saying “if you build it, donations will come.”
The issue at hand: the Rochester Broadway Theater League (an unofficial subcommittee of the Monroe County GOP), and possible new sites for a new performing arts center, something that the woman she had recently ousted, Mary Ellen Heyman, wanted in Irondequoit.
Here’s what she had to say:
“There's no doubt that the city of Rochester needs to be the heart of Monroe County," says Irondequoit Town Supervisor-Elect Mary Joyce D'Aurizio.
Both towns are contenders for a new performing arts center. A shake-up in leadership in Irondequoit is bringing caution. Supervisor elect Mary Joyce D'Aurizio says a downtown theater is what's best.
"We suburbs that surround the city will be much more viable and will grow so long as city center is as strong as it possibly can be."
You can only imagine how furious these comment must have made Arnie Rothschild, Chair of the RBTL -who by the way has donated more money to the local Republican party than a Robutrad worker on a strip club binge. It’s no secret that Arnie is still bitter at Mayor Bob Duffy for killing Renaissance Square and the RBTL’s hopes of a new PAC on Main & Clinton. Many believe the whole notion of a suburban site was concocted as a big “Up Yours” to Mayor Robert of Nazareth.
Thus, imagine how local GOP must have felt upon seeing the new rock star in Irondequoit siding with the likes of Bob Duffy and (gasp) Irondequoit’s own Joe Morelle.
Over the next several weeks, I’m sure that Arnie, Bill Reilich and a large quantity of Republican Party employees working in the Monroe County Office Building, educated our Supervisor-elect on how things really work in the Republican Party.
Fast forward about 2 ½ months. It appears our fair Supervisor has finally wised up, evidenced by an affirmation in support for a RBTL facility at Irondequoit Mall in a January 19th Irondequoit Post article:
“To me, it (Medley/Lake Ridge Centre) is the only place where the new (RBTL facility should go,” D’Aurizio said. “We feel it should be here; we have the plan and the infrastructure in place so that once the funding comes through, it can get started the fastest.”
She continued to carry that tune in a D&C article, dated January 27th, where she firmly states:
"There's definitely no place for a casino in the plans (at Lake Ridge Center), but there definitely are plans for RBTL, and I would love to see that.”
Nice to hear about the casino, but perhaps our Supervisor should explain why she had such a dramatic change of heart on such an important issue.
Maybe, in the November news story, she was so caught up in the moment, that she forgot what type of person she truly is, described in a post-election story on WROC-8:
“I tend to be more of an artsy cultural person so I’m hoping to bring more of those types of events into town."
Well, that’s noble. But if that’s the case, then why would ya say “Not in my (husband, Frank’s office park’s) backyard” to a theater only five days later. Yes, you’ve returned to your “artsy” principles in recent days, but all this waffling is making me hungry for IHOP – which reminds me: nothing would go better with a matinee performance of Wicked than some stuffed French toast right across the parking lot.
Yes, I know this is a lot of news stories, and I apologize for lack of chronological ordering. Nevertheless, it paints a picture of somebody who might want to do a better job at either: (1) staying consistent with her views on important town issues that may or may not affect development in our town and/or (2) explaining what may have caused you to change your mind, whether it be Scott Congel’s charm (lol); Arnie’s wrath or the ghost of Ethel Merman saying “if you build it, donations will come.”
Monday, February 8, 2010
Her Heiress Essley
Did you catch the Irondequoit Post congratulating Councilwoman Debbie Essley for voting against sending Judge Valentino to his MANDATORY training and certification program? Apparently, because Essley and D’Aurizio can afford to pay for their voluntary sightseeing junkets to NYC, Essley thinks Judge Valentino should be able to pay for his mandated training. While Essley and D’Aurizio are wandering around gawking at the bright lights of Times Square, Judge Valentino will be sitting in a classroom learning about judicial ethics.
Essley’s move is a cheap political shot by an ignorant politician. Serving on a town board isn’t rocket science, but somehow Essley still hasn’t figured out how to balance her ability to pay for sightseeing trips, and Judge Valentino’s requirement to attend MANDATORY training.
It’s absurd for the town to require its elected officials to pay for their own mandatory training and certifications out of their own pockets. Any reasonable politician knows this. Those trainings can be expensive and prohibitive to people without a lot of money. The poll tax for our “ruling class” was done away with a long time ago and it’s a shame that Essley is trying to bring it back to Irondequoit.
I know a lot of good people who are living paycheck to paycheck, and I do not think it should be the town’s policy to prohibit them from serving in government. I don’t know Valentino’s personal finances, but it’s not up to Debbie Essley to be the wealth police, making judgments on what individuals can afford.
I’ve got news for Councilwoman Essley, just because you were born with a silver spoon in your mouth, doesn’t mean the rest of us were. People without personal wealth should still be allowed to serve our town without providing bank statements to Heiress Essley for her approval. Essley and D’Aurizio have a lot to learn about running a town government because they clearly have no idea what they’re doing.
Essley’s move is a cheap political shot by an ignorant politician. Serving on a town board isn’t rocket science, but somehow Essley still hasn’t figured out how to balance her ability to pay for sightseeing trips, and Judge Valentino’s requirement to attend MANDATORY training.
It’s absurd for the town to require its elected officials to pay for their own mandatory training and certifications out of their own pockets. Any reasonable politician knows this. Those trainings can be expensive and prohibitive to people without a lot of money. The poll tax for our “ruling class” was done away with a long time ago and it’s a shame that Essley is trying to bring it back to Irondequoit.
I know a lot of good people who are living paycheck to paycheck, and I do not think it should be the town’s policy to prohibit them from serving in government. I don’t know Valentino’s personal finances, but it’s not up to Debbie Essley to be the wealth police, making judgments on what individuals can afford.
I’ve got news for Councilwoman Essley, just because you were born with a silver spoon in your mouth, doesn’t mean the rest of us were. People without personal wealth should still be allowed to serve our town without providing bank statements to Heiress Essley for her approval. Essley and D’Aurizio have a lot to learn about running a town government because they clearly have no idea what they’re doing.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Et Tu, MJD?
You might imagine that November 3rd was an exciting day for Bobby Ament. After spending the previous six months of his life actually caring about the Town where he lived (recently moved home to)…only to find a Town Government that apparently possessed too much dignity to want to work with him…he could claim victory.
Irondequoit’s Pied-Piper had led his loyal following to vote against the evil establishment in Irondequoit, and a new day had dawned with the election of (One-man office) Comptroller Mary Joyce D’Aurizio. Ignore the national Democratic mood that could have allowed a Pet Rock running on the GOP line to run a competitive race. Ignore all the other people who had relentlessly opposed the Heyman administration for four years. Nope – in his mind, Bobby Ament elected Mary Joyce D’Aurizio.
I can only imagine the day, back in mid-October, when MJD cut the deal. All those “Vote Change” signs would now become “Fresh Leadership” signs. Translation: Bobby the Bully would now go to the same houses, and force the same unfortunate voters to place a new lawn decoration in front of their homes.
And on November 4th, Comptroller/Superivosr-elect D’Aurizio probably would have done anything for Bobby. Until, of course, she came to the same realization that so many others had before: the guy's f%&cking crazy!!!!
However, unfortunately, for Comptroller/Supervisor-elect D’Aurizio, there was no way in hell Bobby wasn’t going to redeem the cash value of his good deeds performed on her behalf.
Thus, the only question was: 1)What project would Bobby insist the town execute immediatly and 2)How long would it take for him to turn on the current administration, just as he’d turned on the previous one.
And just as the 7 year old cries when she doesn’t get the pony she wants for Christmas, thus declaring her hatred for her parents forever: Bob Ament wanted an Ice Skating rink, didn’t get one, and has thus declared war on Comptroller Emeritus D’Aurizio.
However, being the expert strategist he is, trying to hide his true anger, he is having his better half throw the punches. Below is the email being distributed by, of all people, Mrs Bobby Ament. I’ll let you read it for yourself, and will extract only one passage that left me tearful and thankful we have such a loyal patriot in our Town.
“The only person who cares is the one NOT on the payroll.”
God bless the Town of Irondequoit. And God Bless Bobby Ament.
Dear Friends, I know that many of you are waiting with baited breath for the installation of Irondequoit 's 2 full size outdoor ice rinks! One was to be dedicated to hockey for our teams who only get 50 minutes per session of ice time at Lakeshore and one for family skate. Bob secured donations for the large portion of the funding required to create the rink (specialty liners and materials). The original location was to be Camp Eastman with a dedicated cabin to serve as a warming hut.
Problem #1: Director of Parks and Rec, Mike Spang, gave Bob incorrect slope information regarding the terrain of Camp Eastman ; it was only when a friend of ours surveyed the land with a highly technical GPS system did we discover the slope was untenable. Then, the plan was to relocate one rink to the land behind Pinegrove Community Center and one to a school property within EICSD.
Problem #2: The Town waited and waited and waited in securing the secondary locations under the domain of Superintendents Crane and Allen.
Problem #3: Because the Director of Parks and Rec, Mike Spang, waited for over two weeks for a response from Home Depot, who was to supply additional materials we are too far behind schedule to build this year, and missed the arctic cold snap to freeze the rinks. The Town of Irondequoit would have had to come up with approximately $1,000. for materials which Home Depot would not cover. So, because of their inaction and inability to pay, our community has no outdoor skating. The Town of Sweden managed to fund a $50,000 ice rink for their community. see D & C article: http://www.democratandchronicle.com/article/20100120/NEWS05/1200318/-1/GREECE/New-outdoor-skate-rink-succeeds-at-Sweden-Town-Park)
So, while the town pays roughly $70,000 per month (no typo there) in overtime, they can't manage to find $1,000 for ice rinks which in the past dotted our community. If Mike Spang had not wasted weeks, Bob would have raised the money to move forward and we could all be skating right now. Bob still offered to fund raise the remaining $1,000. as of last week and have the rink installed by last Friday, to no response from the administration. It seems as though the Supervisor who earns $63,000 and the Parks and Rec Director who earns $85,000 don't feel outdoor activity is a priority for our kids. The only person who cares is the one NOT on the payroll.I urge all of you to e-mail or call Director of Parks and Rec Mike Spang and Supervisor Mary Joyce D'Aurizio and tell them that FREE projects for the betterment of our community should be acted upon SWIFTLY. For your convenience, you can feel free to cut and paste the following messageDear Supervisor and Parks & Rec Director:I/We are extremely disappointed in your inaction and lack of commitment to the youth of this community in failing to act on the ice rink project. I/We hope that this will not be repeated in future projects offered to the town.
Their emails are: mjdaurizio@irondequoit.org, mspang@irondequoit.org
Please please please take a minute to do this. It is absolutely unconscionable that our town administration failed to make a few simple phone calls to ensure that our community would have a winter activity for all. Future projects, including library renovations and sports fields are waiting in the wings. These are problems which have plagued the town for decades. They may wither on the vine if you don't let them know you care! As always, you are welcome to forward this onto your friends.
Future posts will be dedicated to topic relevant to this issue, namely:
1) What plant from the woods behind his Pinegrove mansion Bobby must be smoking to make him think this would only cost $1,000?
2) Will Mary Joyce D’Aurizio demand that Bobby return the mixed tape she made for him?
3) Will Mike Spang and Mrs. Bobby Ament face each other down in the six-sided ring of fire?
Stayed tuned, folks and enjoy the (snowy) drive.
Irondequoit’s Pied-Piper had led his loyal following to vote against the evil establishment in Irondequoit, and a new day had dawned with the election of (One-man office) Comptroller Mary Joyce D’Aurizio. Ignore the national Democratic mood that could have allowed a Pet Rock running on the GOP line to run a competitive race. Ignore all the other people who had relentlessly opposed the Heyman administration for four years. Nope – in his mind, Bobby Ament elected Mary Joyce D’Aurizio.
I can only imagine the day, back in mid-October, when MJD cut the deal. All those “Vote Change” signs would now become “Fresh Leadership” signs. Translation: Bobby the Bully would now go to the same houses, and force the same unfortunate voters to place a new lawn decoration in front of their homes.
And on November 4th, Comptroller/Superivosr-elect D’Aurizio probably would have done anything for Bobby. Until, of course, she came to the same realization that so many others had before: the guy's f%&cking crazy!!!!
However, unfortunately, for Comptroller/Supervisor-elect D’Aurizio, there was no way in hell Bobby wasn’t going to redeem the cash value of his good deeds performed on her behalf.
Thus, the only question was: 1)What project would Bobby insist the town execute immediatly and 2)How long would it take for him to turn on the current administration, just as he’d turned on the previous one.
And just as the 7 year old cries when she doesn’t get the pony she wants for Christmas, thus declaring her hatred for her parents forever: Bob Ament wanted an Ice Skating rink, didn’t get one, and has thus declared war on Comptroller Emeritus D’Aurizio.
However, being the expert strategist he is, trying to hide his true anger, he is having his better half throw the punches. Below is the email being distributed by, of all people, Mrs Bobby Ament. I’ll let you read it for yourself, and will extract only one passage that left me tearful and thankful we have such a loyal patriot in our Town.
“The only person who cares is the one NOT on the payroll.”
God bless the Town of Irondequoit. And God Bless Bobby Ament.
Dear Friends, I know that many of you are waiting with baited breath for the installation of Irondequoit 's 2 full size outdoor ice rinks! One was to be dedicated to hockey for our teams who only get 50 minutes per session of ice time at Lakeshore and one for family skate. Bob secured donations for the large portion of the funding required to create the rink (specialty liners and materials). The original location was to be Camp Eastman with a dedicated cabin to serve as a warming hut.
Problem #1: Director of Parks and Rec, Mike Spang, gave Bob incorrect slope information regarding the terrain of Camp Eastman ; it was only when a friend of ours surveyed the land with a highly technical GPS system did we discover the slope was untenable. Then, the plan was to relocate one rink to the land behind Pinegrove Community Center and one to a school property within EICSD.
Problem #2: The Town waited and waited and waited in securing the secondary locations under the domain of Superintendents Crane and Allen.
Problem #3: Because the Director of Parks and Rec, Mike Spang, waited for over two weeks for a response from Home Depot, who was to supply additional materials we are too far behind schedule to build this year, and missed the arctic cold snap to freeze the rinks. The Town of Irondequoit would have had to come up with approximately $1,000. for materials which Home Depot would not cover. So, because of their inaction and inability to pay, our community has no outdoor skating. The Town of Sweden managed to fund a $50,000 ice rink for their community. see D & C article: http://www.democratandchronicle.com/article/20100120/NEWS05/1200318/-1/GREECE/New-outdoor-skate-rink-succeeds-at-Sweden-Town-Park)
So, while the town pays roughly $70,000 per month (no typo there) in overtime, they can't manage to find $1,000 for ice rinks which in the past dotted our community. If Mike Spang had not wasted weeks, Bob would have raised the money to move forward and we could all be skating right now. Bob still offered to fund raise the remaining $1,000. as of last week and have the rink installed by last Friday, to no response from the administration. It seems as though the Supervisor who earns $63,000 and the Parks and Rec Director who earns $85,000 don't feel outdoor activity is a priority for our kids. The only person who cares is the one NOT on the payroll.I urge all of you to e-mail or call Director of Parks and Rec Mike Spang and Supervisor Mary Joyce D'Aurizio and tell them that FREE projects for the betterment of our community should be acted upon SWIFTLY. For your convenience, you can feel free to cut and paste the following messageDear Supervisor and Parks & Rec Director:I/We are extremely disappointed in your inaction and lack of commitment to the youth of this community in failing to act on the ice rink project. I/We hope that this will not be repeated in future projects offered to the town.
Their emails are: mjdaurizio@irondequoit.org, mspang@irondequoit.org
Please please please take a minute to do this. It is absolutely unconscionable that our town administration failed to make a few simple phone calls to ensure that our community would have a winter activity for all. Future projects, including library renovations and sports fields are waiting in the wings. These are problems which have plagued the town for decades. They may wither on the vine if you don't let them know you care! As always, you are welcome to forward this onto your friends.
Future posts will be dedicated to topic relevant to this issue, namely:
1) What plant from the woods behind his Pinegrove mansion Bobby must be smoking to make him think this would only cost $1,000?
2) Will Mary Joyce D’Aurizio demand that Bobby return the mixed tape she made for him?
3) Will Mike Spang and Mrs. Bobby Ament face each other down in the six-sided ring of fire?
Stayed tuned, folks and enjoy the (snowy) drive.
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