On a personal note I was able to introduce my family, wife, Deborah; daughter, Rachel and son Brian Tuesday night at the candidate's forum.
This is a BIG week in our family's lives. Rachel is being married on Saturday to "Bucky" Johnson. They met as maid of honor and best man at a wedding last year. It is a great story.
They will be married at the Gardner Earl Chapel in Oakwood with the reception to follow at the Country Club of Troy. Music will be by "The Heaters" who I have known for years. We are very proud of our children and extremely excited for Rachel. This is the big event in our lives this year, the election a distant second.
I probably won't post again until after the Big Day, but I will continue to keep track of events in our city and I will comment on them soon after the wedding.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Candidates forum Voter fraud
Tuesday night's candidate's forum held at the TAUM Center in the city's South End went well. Despite a heavy downpur there was a respectable crowd. Clearly people are intersted in this election. They should be. We will be electing a new mayor and at least four new council people so IT IS a BIG ELECTION.
I felt I did a decent job addressing many of my views but it is challenging trying to describe yourself and your vision for Troy in 3 minutes and then to answer questions in one minute segments. I feel the voters will have excellent choices this fall and the new council should be very different in tone and substance from the current version.
No one addressed the "elephant in the middle of the room", voter fraud. The day before city clerk Bill McInerney was arrested and charged with ten felonies. Remember he was appointed by the council Democrats and served at their pleasure. Most disturbing was the fact these charges stemmed not only from the 2009 primary but also from the elections in 2007 &'08. If this is true it means there was a clear pattern of voter fraud in place for three years which I find outrageous. It is one thing to try and manipulate third party lines, which may be unethical, but it is entirely different to forge people's signatures and vote for them.
We need to end this investigation and bring to justice the people who committed crimes and more importantly violated the public's trust. It is inexcusable.
Even new faces on the council will not make this matter go away until everyone involved has finally been charged. I urge the special prosecutor to resolve this soon for every Troy resident's sake.
I felt I did a decent job addressing many of my views but it is challenging trying to describe yourself and your vision for Troy in 3 minutes and then to answer questions in one minute segments. I feel the voters will have excellent choices this fall and the new council should be very different in tone and substance from the current version.
No one addressed the "elephant in the middle of the room", voter fraud. The day before city clerk Bill McInerney was arrested and charged with ten felonies. Remember he was appointed by the council Democrats and served at their pleasure. Most disturbing was the fact these charges stemmed not only from the 2009 primary but also from the elections in 2007 &'08. If this is true it means there was a clear pattern of voter fraud in place for three years which I find outrageous. It is one thing to try and manipulate third party lines, which may be unethical, but it is entirely different to forge people's signatures and vote for them.
We need to end this investigation and bring to justice the people who committed crimes and more importantly violated the public's trust. It is inexcusable.
Even new faces on the council will not make this matter go away until everyone involved has finally been charged. I urge the special prosecutor to resolve this soon for every Troy resident's sake.
Friday, August 5, 2011
City Hall
At last night's council meeting the council by a 7-1 vote is gon to seek to seek a $2.2 million bond to move city hall into the Dauchy Building on River Street about a block North of where city hall left two years ago. The business community opposed the move. I have opposed the move for months.
With about 58% of the property in this city tax exempt we should not be taking a valuable piece of property like the Dauchy Building off the tax roles forevermore. The notion you can just sell the building in a few years is ridiculous. that would mean a fourth location for city hall in less than a decade.
The ideal move would be to a piece of property which has never been on the tax roles, like School 12 in the S End; St Patrick's Church; St Peter's Church or opposite the central fire station next to Kennedy Towers. All these locations are available. In the location next to Kennedy Tower you would have to build a new structure entirely. That, however, may be the best move long term.
A new structure would be energy efficient and built to be a city hall with a parking lot and a council chambers. In one of the great ironies in the move to the Dauchy Building- despite being bigger than the current city hall it does not have a space for a council chamber which would seat more than 50 people.
I hate to see either the Dauchy property or the Verizon property (city hall's current location) come off the tax roles. They should both be on the tax roles generating revenue for our city.
The Mayor will likely veto the resolution so this isn't over yet. Stay tuned-it's Troy
With about 58% of the property in this city tax exempt we should not be taking a valuable piece of property like the Dauchy Building off the tax roles forevermore. The notion you can just sell the building in a few years is ridiculous. that would mean a fourth location for city hall in less than a decade.
The ideal move would be to a piece of property which has never been on the tax roles, like School 12 in the S End; St Patrick's Church; St Peter's Church or opposite the central fire station next to Kennedy Towers. All these locations are available. In the location next to Kennedy Tower you would have to build a new structure entirely. That, however, may be the best move long term.
A new structure would be energy efficient and built to be a city hall with a parking lot and a council chambers. In one of the great ironies in the move to the Dauchy Building- despite being bigger than the current city hall it does not have a space for a council chamber which would seat more than 50 people.
I hate to see either the Dauchy property or the Verizon property (city hall's current location) come off the tax roles. They should both be on the tax roles generating revenue for our city.
The Mayor will likely veto the resolution so this isn't over yet. Stay tuned-it's Troy
ValleyCats fundraiser
Yesterday I signed a contract with the ValleyCats to conduct a fundraiser on Aug 24. It includes a pre-game picnic, cap, and game ticket for $25. Since I am working with the Cats I was offered the opportunity to throw out the first pitch. Within hours an e-mail was sent to the Cats asking if all candidates would be extended this invitation. They don't have enough games left to do this.
I do NOT want to put them in an awkward position. They are a first class operation and were not trying to play politics. I will not throw out the first pitch. But, to those who think I couldn't reach home plate I say HA! I was a pretty good athlete and pitched in Little League (admittedly 42 ears ago).
Enough on the pitch, join me for what should be a fun evening.
I do NOT want to put them in an awkward position. They are a first class operation and were not trying to play politics. I will not throw out the first pitch. But, to those who think I couldn't reach home plate I say HA! I was a pretty good athlete and pitched in Little League (admittedly 42 ears ago).
Enough on the pitch, join me for what should be a fun evening.
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Candidate Forum
Tuesday August 9th from 6-7:30pm all the at-large candidates and the mayoral candidates will gather at the TAUM Building 392 Second for a forum. I encourage all to attend. This will be a good opportunity to get a sense of which candidates have the vision for Troy and ideas and experience to make it happen. I look forward to the evening.
I was initially a tentaive reponder to this event since a very significant event in my life is occurring on August 13th. Our daughter, Rachel, will be married. She is a terrific young lady and she is marrying a fine young man so we are very proud and pleased. My wife , Deborah, has worked very hard along with Rachel to get everything organized so I should have no problem attending the forum. She will be married at the Gardner Earl Chapel in Oakwood with the reception at The Country Club of Troy.
See you on the 9th and hope for good weather for the 13th.
I was initially a tentaive reponder to this event since a very significant event in my life is occurring on August 13th. Our daughter, Rachel, will be married. She is a terrific young lady and she is marrying a fine young man so we are very proud and pleased. My wife , Deborah, has worked very hard along with Rachel to get everything organized so I should have no problem attending the forum. She will be married at the Gardner Earl Chapel in Oakwood with the reception at The Country Club of Troy.
See you on the 9th and hope for good weather for the 13th.
Dauchy Building
In one of my first posts I explained why I oppose moving city hall to the Dauchy Building. I spoke against the idea in May and a letter I sent to the Troy Record was published the end of May.
Yesterday I joined a group of downtown business people who are against the proposed move which now would apparently cost more than $2.2 million. Councilman Bill Dunne who has been the driving force behind this move continues to support it and believes people don't get it. He says the city will have to spend $2.2 million just to properly maintain the building anyway.
No the city does not. The city could sell the building for $1.35 million to David Bryce which would save the city $2.2 million make it $1.35 or be about $3.5 million ahead plus the building would be restored to the tax roles since it would be privately owned. This $3.5 million should be plenty to purchase and renovate the current location. I have said before I like the current location but not the building as is. However, if it could be renovated to improve the entrance area and create a council chamber then perhaps it would work long term.
In any case, the city stands to do better in the long run getting the Dauchy property on the tax roles.
Yesterday I joined a group of downtown business people who are against the proposed move which now would apparently cost more than $2.2 million. Councilman Bill Dunne who has been the driving force behind this move continues to support it and believes people don't get it. He says the city will have to spend $2.2 million just to properly maintain the building anyway.
No the city does not. The city could sell the building for $1.35 million to David Bryce which would save the city $2.2 million make it $1.35 or be about $3.5 million ahead plus the building would be restored to the tax roles since it would be privately owned. This $3.5 million should be plenty to purchase and renovate the current location. I have said before I like the current location but not the building as is. However, if it could be renovated to improve the entrance area and create a council chamber then perhaps it would work long term.
In any case, the city stands to do better in the long run getting the Dauchy property on the tax roles.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
National Night Out
Both the South End and Uptown neighborhood groups hosted terrific family events Tuesday on national Night Out. The South End gathered in front of the Burden Iron Works Museum. Volunteers offered face painting, food, balloons, coloring books and general fun for everyone. They even featured a meatball eating contest which I missed. Reportedly candidate Dan Mahoney could have easily won except he wore a nice shirt and didn't want to soil it.
The Uptown group gathered at Ingalls & 7th where a band rocked and food and fun were had by seemingly everyone. The image of the night was without a doubt Councilman Mark McGrath walking around with an African-American infant. Kissing babies...guess it is election season.
The Broadway Brew hosted a meet-the-candidates night which brought many candidates but not enough public. It was a good idea and I'm sure there will be many more similar events. I will attend all that I possibly can.
It was a great night to be in Troy and proved the neighborhood groups are gaining momentum and are starting to really make a difference. I remember covering these events while working for the paper and they were nothing like what I saw last night. Congrats to all the volunteers.
The Uptown group gathered at Ingalls & 7th where a band rocked and food and fun were had by seemingly everyone. The image of the night was without a doubt Councilman Mark McGrath walking around with an African-American infant. Kissing babies...guess it is election season.
The Broadway Brew hosted a meet-the-candidates night which brought many candidates but not enough public. It was a good idea and I'm sure there will be many more similar events. I will attend all that I possibly can.
It was a great night to be in Troy and proved the neighborhood groups are gaining momentum and are starting to really make a difference. I remember covering these events while working for the paper and they were nothing like what I saw last night. Congrats to all the volunteers.
Monday, August 1, 2011
Weekend
I spent the last four days photographing the 12 yr old Cal Ripken Mid-Atlantic Regional Tournament in Clifton Park. I did the same age group two weeks ago in the state tournament hosted by N Colonie. It is challenging, since I set up and process and print on site so parents leave with an 8x10 or 5x7 print of their child in competition. A colleague, Nate Whitchurch worked with me in Clifton Park. We shot twenty games and input more than 2,000 images. A lot of work.
I am impressed by the involvement of the parents, many of whom made this trip their summer vacation. Teams traveled from Maryland, Delaware, NJ and Penn. The quality of play was at times amazing. I had forgotten what 12 year olds can do. Very impressive.
This weekend also marked the conclusion of a life changing experience for my brother-in-law, Matt LaClair. Along with a mutual friend, Mike Stratton, the two finished the Appalachain Trail. They hiked straight through starting in late March in Georgia. They finished the nearly 2,200 mile hike in Maine four months later this Saturday . I tip my hat to them. What an experience. Their blog site is PorterandPace (trail names).
I am impressed by the involvement of the parents, many of whom made this trip their summer vacation. Teams traveled from Maryland, Delaware, NJ and Penn. The quality of play was at times amazing. I had forgotten what 12 year olds can do. Very impressive.
This weekend also marked the conclusion of a life changing experience for my brother-in-law, Matt LaClair. Along with a mutual friend, Mike Stratton, the two finished the Appalachain Trail. They hiked straight through starting in late March in Georgia. They finished the nearly 2,200 mile hike in Maine four months later this Saturday . I tip my hat to them. What an experience. Their blog site is PorterandPace (trail names).
Friday, July 29, 2011
City Clerk
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.
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.
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.
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