The City of Troy, New York, "Where Henry Hudson Turned Around."

Thursday, October 15, 2015

MEMORY LANE

DO WE WANT TO RETURN TO THESE DAYS?

We are on the cusp of another mayoral contest. Yes, every four years the citizens of Troy trudge to the polls to pull the lever (or color in the circle) for the candidate of their choice in our quadrennial display of citizenship.

Mayor Lou Rosamilia will be leaving us soon and we'll be welcoming a new mayor. Some are critical of Rosamilia's reign. There is room to criticize, of course. No administration is without issues. Rosamilia was a disappointment to some. He was slow to make a decision, if he did make one, and was not adept at public relations. Those are not cardinal sins. But lest we forget....

Let us get in the way-back machine (you can ride shot gun) and return to the good old days of Mayor Tutunjian, Dan Crawley, Bob Mirch and Corporation Counsel David B. Mitchell. Of high gas prices, Mark Wojcik and Carolin Collier. Of thin-skinned administration officials and petty, personal attacks.

Who can forget Christmas of 2006. Tutunjian got his 2.49% tax hike but then wanted to hike sewer and water rates. Well, he screwed up getting the legislation to the Council and the Democrats defeated the rate (tax) hike. Then, just a few days before Christmas, Tutunjian, who just proclaimed how fiscally sound Troy was under his leadership, said that they would need to lay off 15 people because the Democrats wouldn't raise the sewer and water rates.

Or how Tutunjian tried to screw a Troy Insurance Agency in favor of a political supporter but ended up settling the suit for $25,000.

Or how Mike McNulty and Brian Stratton had to bail out Troy due to Tutunjian's HUD Money screw-up.

Or (our personal favorite) the time Tutunjian and Crawley discovered a "stolen" fire truck, called it in and filled out a police report, only to be told the truck had been sold for salvage in 2003.

Or the time he tried to take credit for good police work.

Or the time he was re-elected, term-limited and then raised  the salaries of his cronies.

Or the 17% rise in violent crime.

Or how he used tax-payer dollars to promote the GOP.

Or how the City purchased a new Dodge Charger, complete with police package, for Deputy Mayor Daniel Crawley. Thanks to the Troy Polloi, that car made its way to the police, where it belonged.

Or how Tutunjian used Code Enforcement as a political weapon to retaliate against citizens exercising their 1st Amendment Rights.

Or, when the Mayor's political hacks used City Hall and city resources, and intimidated a county employee, to create fake robo-call against their biggest critic.

We haven't the time or energy to discuss the City Hall sale and demolition debacle, the SEFCU land deal screw-up, Harry's war on the police, the bizarre antics of Corporation Counsel David B. Mitchell, the lawsuits....

Did Tutunjian have his good points? Sure. He was an vociferous, energetic and able promoter of the city, an important task for any public official, especially a mayor. But, that came with a lot of infantile, small behavior that cost the taxpayers money and Troy its dignity. A thin-skinned mayor that did not hesitate to use city resources to silence critics. Political cronies running rampant throughout city hall. And we don't even know where to start with the bizarre (we can all admit to that, can't we) of Corporation Counsel David. B. Mitchell.

Why is this important to remember? Because there is a good chance that a Tutunjian protégé, Jim Gordon, could be a our next mayor. Does the mentee fall far from the mentor?


76 comments:

Anonymous said...

THANK YOU for reminding people what a clusterfuck the Tutunjian administration was, and why a Jim Gordon administration will be as bad- if not worse. Hard to believe, but Jim is even dumber than Harry.

Anonymous said...

Curious the when Tut blows his own horn (which is often) he fails to mention all the above. Like we all forget

Anonymous said...

In all fairness if you compare the first term of Tutunjian against Rosamilia under your theory most people would have to vote for Gordon. I love this blog but even mentioning Lou makes Harry look good. I wouldn't have mentioned this current administration, they are not well respected.

Anonymous said...

A vote for Rodney is a vote for Gordon...just sayin

Anonymous said...

Cried laughing so hard about the stolen fire truck. Not a big deal but kind of sums up Tut.

Vote said...

A vote for Madden is vote for Madden. Forget the other two. Gordon is well, Gordon....young, inexperienced with all the anger issues that plagued Harry. Rodney would be a disaster as Mayor, he has zero leadership skill and can only talk/think in sounds bites. He is going to owe the labor unions big time and that's bad for our already floundering fiscal situation. And if he hires the yahoos from the Working Families Party into City positions we are all screwed.

Anonymous said...

Are you trying to imply Harry's administration was well respected? You and all of Harry's apologists are truly delusional

Anonymous said...

Harry acted very insecure. He bristled at the slightest criticism and often elevated the critic by responding when he didn't need to. Harry as mayor, punched down. You don't need to do that when your mayor.

Anonymous said...

Four short years and I forgot what a bully he could be, behind his merry band of thugs. Thanks for the reminder.

Anonymous said...

How could Harry ever "punch down" when he's beneath everybody?

Anonymous said...

Don't forget how he tried to screw Brian Owens.

Anonymous said...

Bill Dunne your fixation with Harry is as laughable as the relivancy of this post. He's gone 4 years know. You even have the balls to take a shot at Lou here you ungrateful sycophant. All of Lou problem can be traced back to you and your piss poor job performance. Why don't you do a story about you and your "out the door" deal makings. JR got something on you perhaps? I beg all of you people on the fence to ask Mr Madden when he comes to your door 1 question. Does Bill Dunne stay in your administration? Then make your decision on how to vote. I'm sure this will never appear on this ball less blog. HG4YN

Anonymous said...

Tutunjian has been promised the deputy mayors job by Gordon. Madden to have Conroy. Wiltshire will appoint Anasha Cummings. Pick your poison.

Anonymous said...

Dunne is done. You have no idea who will Madden will pick. This is all BS speculation.

Anonymous said...

Yes, Harry's tenure, especially the 2nd term was plagued with problems. Interestingly, instead of nipping them early, Harry's knee-jerk reaction would be to double down, get called out on the inconsistencies caused by his doubling down and then lash out at some random victim. He saw admitting an error as a weakness instead of a sign of strength and being self assured. I think his mental development was stunted about 11th grade.

Do you think these guys got beat up a lot in high school. they sure acted like it when they finally got a little power.

Anonymous said...

Harry did indeed get beaten up in high school, but quite apparently not nearly enough or with the proper amount of force. Maybe daddy will defend him now as then.
.....Lemuel J. Phibes.

Anonymous said...

Love it

Anonymous said...

The post is relevant you dick, because Harry is trying to weasel his way back into city hall! What's wrong with reminding the people what a scumbag Harry was. Only Harry or his dirtbag friends would object t!

Anonymous said...

Ok 4:45 then using your logic every good Democrate deserves to know how is Bill Dunne "weaseling his way back into city hall" what's wrong with reminding people what a scumbag Bill was". Only Bill or his dirtbag friends would object it. Post this Dick. Or is this blog as ball less as we think.

Anonymous said...

Harry also got spat on at the county building, FACT!

Anonymous said...

@9:20 Dunne is done? Dunne is Wades #1 and don't you ever forget it. Dunne was barely beaten out by Ryan only because he sickened Lou so why did Lou keep him? And continue to keep him after all his fuck ups? Madden is Lou light, he'll do what Wade tells him so Dunne will not only stay but probably elevated to Dep. mayor.

Anonymous said...

ok randy get over it!

Anonymous said...

yes spit on by a known drug dealer who should still be prison.

Anonymous said...

I went to school with Harry and he never got beaten up in school..Facts

Anonymous said...

can you really call someone else a scumbag?

Anonymous said...

5:53 You're funny. Hate to break it to you but guys like Dunne and Mirch and Crawley and Wade and CB Smith are not the big baddies, all-controlling people you think. You blow their influence so out of proportion.

Facts is, Rosamilia doesn't get any advice from Dunne, much to Dunne's chagrin. Mirch didn't control Harry. Mayors are big boys responsible for their actions.

What proof do you have that Dunne is a scumbag? Not rumors, proof. I'm sure you can send it to Democratus and he'll post it. Yes, I've heard the rumors from political opponents. Other than rumors, what do you have. If nothing, shut up. Same for the Dems. What proof do you have that Mirch engaged in voter fraud or that Gordon was involved in more than a verbal dispute with his wife?

We can all start rumors. Where is a shred of evidence.

Anonymous said...

I'm confused. At the start of this campaign everybody was freaked out that Madden wasn't "really" a Dem and he was an independent thinker. Then he was a secret Republican. Somehow he has transformed into Wade's zombie? Troy finally has a candidate for Mayor who is actually not a political animal and has the skill and ideas to run this City. And we just pile all this stupid political intrigue bullshit on him. Listen to what he has to say, go read his statement on Troy's financial state and his ideas for how to fix them.

Anonymous said...

Really????? You didn't just post that did you?

Anonymous said...

@8:03 where do I find Maddens ideas on how to fix the budget? I bet it says "we need to be fiscally prudent" and "we need to find new revenue streams". Does Madden explain how he will overcome the $100,000 hole he has put Trip in? He doesn't have the balls to do what needs to be done.

Unknown said...

Yes I can!!!

Unknown said...

If i have something to say, I put my name to it! Why don't you try it! Your twisted brain Harry thinks I'm the only person in Troy who can't stand you! There's thousands of people who hate you

Anonymous said...

Thanks for reminding us what an unqualified, inexperienced Republican puppet looks like in Mayor's clothing.

Anonymous said...

Point by point explanation of budget ideas on Madden's Facebook page. Newspapers only have room for sound bite quotes, so he published it himself. Sounds like you have pre-judged, but read the whole thing.

Anonymous said...

8:10 yes I said that and you replied with 0 facts.

Anonymous said...

I dought you put your name on all your comments...hahaha

Anonymous said...

not sure how?? Pot calling the kettle black..

Anonymous said...

Dormitory authoritie
Sidewalk suspension
Scolite cluster hump
King street
And on and on........

Anonymous said...

Also can be read on his website.

Unknown said...

Anonymous insults. Very brave of you

Unknown said...

Every single one! Nobody scares me, I say what I want, if you don't like it, tell me when you see me

Anonymous said...

11:00. I understand the words you reference but again no facts. The sidewalk incident was dunne's fault and he was appropriately punished. The as Scolite deal was solid, given the ok by corp counsel and only f'd up by the council when they chose to listen to a disgruntled contractor. Dunne had nothing to do with King street. Finally, I understand he resigned from Dasny. No one has ever offered evidence why. Your rumors are not evidence or facts. Again, do you have the facts or any evidence.

Anonymous said...

if i left my name its not gonna change the facts about you, so deal with it.

Anonymous said...

unfortunalely your spelling errors give you away, Im not sure how many people spell doubt :dought:

Where's Jim? said...

Gordon was a no show in the Troy Record this morning. Madden, Wiltshire and Cox all were quoted on economic development...........No Gordon because, “Republican candidate Jim Gordon did not send answers to the Record’s questions, which were emailed to him in mid August.”
Do you consider this: Press 1 for odd, Press 2 for disturbing, Press 3 for typical, Press 4 for WTF?

Phana24JG said...

I can't find Bill Dunne on ANY of the ballots provided by the Board of Elections. Lou Rosamilia is ultimately responsible for the actions of his appointees, and the next Mayor of Troy will be responsible for his appointments. Rampant speculation about Bill is meaningless. The Scolite situation is potentially troubling, but working with a successful bidder after the letting of a contract is not exactly unheard of, and can be justified(although in this case I would like some things clarified).

This is a prime example of why we need more transparency in govt in general. Rather than bitching about it, it is ultimately OUR responsibility to hold people accountable and insist that city business be conducted in as public a manner as is feasible. With the advent of social media and related technology, we have no excuse for remaining complacent.

Phana24JG said...

OK, Cooper, you know who I am. The next time you insult cheeseburgers, we are going at it!!

Anonymous said...

Maybe he cut a deal with Rodney to let him win and Jim becomes Pete Ryan. Its Troy politics - I've seen crazier things happen

Anonymous said...

your twisted brain thinks Im harry and your 100% wrong...and do you really think harry is the only person that hates you...wrong again.

Anonymous said...

Dunne "resigned from DASNY"? He was escorted out of the building, signed an agreement to never step foot in the building or ever apply for a job there again. I'm sure it was just a difference of opinion. Now lets hear it, will Madden keep Dunne or not? If I was Rodney or Gordon I'd be hammering this home.

Anonymous said...

Cheeseburgers don't mix well with Oxy's apparently

Anonymous said...

8:33 I understand you believe that. Again, where is the evidence that Dunne was escorted from the building. Where is the agreement to never step foot in the building again? I understand that you have listened to the rumors. repeating them is not proof. Show us the agreement. You obviously have it. You have access to social media, I assume.

Do you have the agreement? Were you there when he was escorted out? If so, please tell us your name and why you were present. If not, you are repeating rumors.

I could repeat rumors about Jim Gordon and the 911 call. A call was made but I am not about to repeat all the rumors people spread about it. You are making my point for me and unless you post the agreement somewhere or tell us that you witnessed this escort, what do you really know?

Anonymous said...

Lets say it's all not true, just rumors. Pat Madden needs to tell the people of Troy if Bill Dunne will be a part of his staff. Simple question. Regardless of your allegiance, the people in troy of all political persuasions want to know. There's as many dems as all others that don't share your blind allegiance.

Anonymous said...

One more time. Dunne is done.

Anonymous said...

And if Carmela is smart, and she is, she would be urging her supporters to vote for Madden. When she gets elected to City Council I can't believe that she wants her nemesis Gordon as Mayor. And she's smart enough to know what a moron Gordon is.

Anonymous said...

9:59 you say it with certainty. If you're that close to Madden please have him make a statement. That would seal the deal for him. Otherwise if I'm Rodney I'm all over the Dunne issue. He's a cancer.

Anonymous said...

Yes they do!

Unknown said...

Again, it was probably you doing it on purpose to try to prove me wrong. You guys are truly pitiful!. I'm still standing!!

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said...

The facts according to you aren't necessarily facts. You and your pals still live in a dream world. Where your respected and well liked! Bring it on!

Anonymous said...

Someone has an obsession with who Madden will have on his staff. Why should he be asked to state that now, and not the other candidates? Personally, I'd like to see who Cox would pick as deputy!

Larry Johnson said...

How about This How Come Harry did not have a solid deal to purchase the land City hall was on with a new City hall in Place with the deal befor its was raised to the Ground that's how most people do it.
Why is because Joe Bruno was going to have his grubby hands involved who knows but Harry's Folly is The Tax Payers Bill that's a Fact Jack

Anonymous said...

He did Robert - with Sam Judge - back when you training dolphins to eat with a spoon in Florida. Ask Campana, and Conroy what happened. City Hall would have been in the Verizon bldg right now - owned by the taxpayers, and a beautiful structure would be filling the hole at 1 Monument. Shouldn't you be out stealing Gordon signs right now - or are you waiting for darkness to fall?

Anonymous said...

Dunne and Monica are the one part of this administration that actually works. Lou has no one to blame but himself for things. He and Pete can't make decisions and can't say no. Always want to be everyone's friend.

Anonymous said...

Have Rodney or Grodon told us who will be on their staff? Zalweski as Deputy, god help us all. Harry as Deputy for Jim? Madden is smart and surrounds himself with intelligent people, I am not worried about who he would put together for his team in City Hall. Seriously doubt it would be Dunne.

Anonymous said...

Totally agree about Monica. Not so sure about Dunne.

Anonymous said...

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH you took down the post that points to the evidence that this squirrel is looking for about your blog leader. Is he in or out Pat? People want to know. Say what you want about Tail Spin but he never blocked peoples opinions like you do here.

Anonymous said...

Hey, Jackass. It was a Cox ramble. I read the post before Democratus deleted it. It said something nasty about Vito C.

Franco had an ex-girlfriend take out a restraining order against him. That wasn't Dunne. Crist had sexual harassment charges brought against him, not Dunne.

Jackass, Franco wouldn't even post about Gordon and his temper issue. He wouldn't print comments about that.

You are obsessed with Dunne. Homoerotic, perhaps?

Blue Pride said...

Ouch, 10:17. Don't bitch slap him too much.

I agree. Franco always stayed away from GOP scandals. I wonder why some are obsessed with Dunne but don't raise questions about Gordon. Gordon, Dunne, Wiltshire, Madden, Harry, Zalewski, Bodnar. Only one of these guys had a significant other that called the police on them. Guess which one?

Anonymous said...

obsessed with harry much...hahaha..yes now hes wiriting comments pretending to be you..are you serious??

Anonymous said...

you are actually gonna accuse someone else of living in a dream world...you live in such warped sense of reality that its scary.

Anonymous said...

Franco's been arrested two or three times for harrassment.

Anonymous said...

8:58 No facts forthcoming? Then stop spreading your rumors.

Anonymous said...

11:39 Looks like you proved your point.

Anonymous said...

So, basically, they have nothing on Dunne but continue to malign him. That sound fair. Maybe we should do that with Gordon and Crist. Maybe someone should start talking about the City Hall drug scandal back in Tutunjian's days. Ask the police why that was shut down.

So much needs to come to light.

Larry Johnson said...

Thanks for Nothing Harry !~~!

Anonymous said...

Plenty of my anti republican comments were never printed, in fact not one made it by Francos cut. So, once again, you just blatantly lie about something