Yesterday I joined council at-large candidate Jim Gordon in calling for an audit of the city clerk's office before a final disbursement check is issued to Bill McInerney. I don't necessarily believe Mr. McInerney has done anything wrong in the clerk's office, but his sudden unexplained resignation for what I believe relates to the ongoing voter fraud investigation, prompts my concern.
I believe this council must begin the process of restoring the public trust, and this is a step in that direction. Mr. McInerney should welcome an audit as it would enable him to move on with a clear conscience at least as far as the operation of the clerk's office.
The elephant sitting in the middle of the room is the voter fraud scandal which has left a dark cloud hanging over the council for the last year and a half. This is a self inflicted wound for Democrats. They apparently broke the law and are finally being held accountable.
Since one councilman is under indictment and at least two others are being investigated I feel very strongly this council should not nominate any replacement for the clerk or any other position. There is an election in three months-let the new council make appointments.
I want to focus on the future and keep my campaign positive, but I can not ignore altogether this issue which has haunted the council and embarrassed our city.
Those involved should have resigned while admitting no wrong doing more than a year ago. Staying on the council mearly creates an unnecesssary distraction. The honorable thing to have done for the good of the council and the city would have been to step down. Those who did not are demonstrating their selfishness and arrogance. I hope the voters are watching. Elected officials should be held to a higher standard. The cry "I've never been convicted" is NOT GOOD ENOUGH.
Friday, July 29, 2011
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Lansingburgh Neighborhood Watch
Police Chief Tedesco and Mayor Tutunjian both attended a special meeting of the Lansingburgh Neighborhood Watch Wednesday night to discuss the rash of burglaries (38) in the past month in the Lansingburgh area.
The police believe there are several different individuals involved. No one has been injured and no big items have been taken. They look for cash, laptops or jewelry. Others are stealing metal to the degree that they are entering yards through alleyways and taking people's grills.
Currently the chief says there are many more police patroling and they are committed to catching those responsible. They have put out the word through Project Impact and are getting help and cooperation from the sheriff's and state parole board.
It was a well attended meeting and the primary message was CALL THE POLICE if anything appears wrong. Catching thieves in the act is difficult particularly when there is no pattern. The residents will play an important role in this ending.
I was impressed by the number who attended and I hope this is resolved soon. People should not feel unsafe in their own homes.
The police believe there are several different individuals involved. No one has been injured and no big items have been taken. They look for cash, laptops or jewelry. Others are stealing metal to the degree that they are entering yards through alleyways and taking people's grills.
Currently the chief says there are many more police patroling and they are committed to catching those responsible. They have put out the word through Project Impact and are getting help and cooperation from the sheriff's and state parole board.
It was a well attended meeting and the primary message was CALL THE POLICE if anything appears wrong. Catching thieves in the act is difficult particularly when there is no pattern. The residents will play an important role in this ending.
I was impressed by the number who attended and I hope this is resolved soon. People should not feel unsafe in their own homes.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
South Troy
I attended the South Troy neighborhood meeting last night after having gone door-to-door in the area campaigning. The people have similar concerns as the people in Lansingburgh. In the Burgh it is Fifth that is frequently a drag racing street while in the South End it is First which seems to attract speeders. One family expressed legitimate concern for the safety of their children.
One resident was disgusted with the drug trafficing and crowds in the street at night, which apparently ended in a brawl just the night before. It is sad when a resident feels like a prisoner in their own home. The city recognizes the problems and a significant improvement program is underway, but some of these problems are tough to handle.
Another resident spoke of an absentee landlord who had tennants who literally throw their garbage out of the their third floor window with some of the trash actually hanging from a tree. Making people behave respectfully and responsibly is difficult, but clearly the city needs to come down hard on both the tennant and landlord for persistent chronic problems. There has to be accountability.
Every neighborhood in our city is important and matters. There needs to be more police patroling and an even stiffer response in the South End. The folks in this section of the city will find me in their corner as they try to improve the quality of life.
They are planning an event at the Burden Iron Works Museum for National Night Out Tuesday Aug 2. I hope many people take advantage of this and get to know their neighbors.
One resident was disgusted with the drug trafficing and crowds in the street at night, which apparently ended in a brawl just the night before. It is sad when a resident feels like a prisoner in their own home. The city recognizes the problems and a significant improvement program is underway, but some of these problems are tough to handle.
Another resident spoke of an absentee landlord who had tennants who literally throw their garbage out of the their third floor window with some of the trash actually hanging from a tree. Making people behave respectfully and responsibly is difficult, but clearly the city needs to come down hard on both the tennant and landlord for persistent chronic problems. There has to be accountability.
Every neighborhood in our city is important and matters. There needs to be more police patroling and an even stiffer response in the South End. The folks in this section of the city will find me in their corner as they try to improve the quality of life.
They are planning an event at the Burden Iron Works Museum for National Night Out Tuesday Aug 2. I hope many people take advantage of this and get to know their neighbors.
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