"THIS IS BULLSHIT!"

This disturbing incident has been confirmed by two independent sources.

Last Tuesday, City Assessor Tina Dimitriadis made a presentation to the City Council to discuss the completion of the 2005 assessment rolls.

On that point, there is good news and bad news. First the good: property values in Troy are on the rise (like everywhere else). However, the idea of a citywide reassessment is gaining steam in the Republican City Council Majority. The Republican majority killed this idea under Pattison. Now, seeing that it takes more than platitudes to run a city, the Republicans are looking for new ways to raise revenue to pay for salary hikes and other schemes.

That was not the interesting part of the evening. According to sources, Deputy Mayor Crawley, forgetting his place, repeatedly tried to interrupt Council President Marge DerGurahian's questions to Ms. Dimitriadis. After all, DerGurahian is just the City Council President, duly elected by the people of Troy.

When he found himself unable to interrupt, Deputy Dan became frustrated and on several occasions blurted out, "This is bullshit!" One Councilman walked out of the meeting but Crawley's behavior continued.*

Deputy Dan should be forced to make a public apology to Ms. DerGurahian. Harry should demand that apology or ask for Crawley's resignation. Council members should likewise demand an apology. DerGurahian is an elected official and City Council President. Her inquiries take precedent over those of an inarticulate, immature political hanger-on. Crawley is an embarrassment to himself, the administration and the city.

It's a sad day for democracy when appointed flunkies ride roughshod over elected officials. How do we explain this to the thousands of Troy children that look up to Crawley as a role model?

Artist's rendering of Dan Crawley attemptingto articulate a thought

*Crawley is a member of the Family Values Party