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

Sunday, October 11, 2015

PROFILES ON PARADE

Yes, another installment of PoP, where we take an in-depth look at  our candidates. A political colonoscopy, if you will. We''ve spun the wheel and this week:

CARMELLA MANTELLO


Although it seems that Ms. Mantello (R) has been on the local political scene for decades, that's just because she has. Mantello first ran for Troy City Council in the early 1990's, when she was just twelve years old. She served three terms on the Council before challenging incumbent mayor Mark Pattison in 1999. She lost, despite the fact that legendary political operative Bob Mirch switched teams and put all of his skill to work for the young Republican. Rudy Giuliani also campaigned for Mantello that year.

Mantello has demonstrated the agility to climb the political ladder but appears to lack the necessary adhesiveness to stay near the top rung.

According to Carmella, her resume is as follows:

Executive Director of the Hudson River Valley Greenway Communities Council, Executive Director of the Greenway Conservancy for the Hudson River Valley, Inc., Director of the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area, - ( stop here and catch your breath, stay hydrated, it's a long slog) - Assistant Secretary of State with the New York State Department of State’s Office of Local Government and Community Services, Project Director of the New York State Quality Communities Task Force and Program, Legislative Director to a New York State Senator, Executive Director of the New York State Senate Labor Committee. And, of course, Commodore of the New York State Canal Corporation,  a client state of the New York State Thruway Authority (2005-2011).

In short, Ms. Mantello has amassed a text book curriculum vitae for the career political appointee. This is not a criticism. Many do it: Republican, Democrat, Conservative. Yet, like many, she appears to long for the validation of elected office. Except for her tweens, this has alluded her.

The Canal Corporation: What is it and what is it good for?


The New York State Canal Corporation is a subsidiary of the New York State Thruway Authority. It is responsible for the oversight, administration and maintenance of the New York State Canal System, which consists of the Erie Canal, Cayuga–Seneca Canal, Oswego Canal and Champlain Canal. It is also involved with the development and maintenance of the New York State Canalway Trail and with the general development and promotion of the Erie Canal Corridor as both a tourist attraction and a working waterway. At least that's what Wikipedia says.

In 2012, the Canal Corp. employed 529 and its spending accounted for about 10 percent of the Thruway Authority’'s total $1.1 billion in annual spending.  In 2012 State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli said the canal system "contributed to the deterioration of the Authority's financial condition over the past decade", even as canal traffic had dropped nearly one-third since the period immediately before the Thruway Authority assumed control.

There was a bit of a scandal at the authority involving the sale of land, cheap, to a connected developer. That came to light prior to Ms. Mantello's reign. All in all, she appears to have been an enthusiastic and capable promoter of a somewhat moribund entity.

Her first few weeks at the Canal Corp. were rocky. Initially, Ms. Mantello believed that they were supposed to drain the canal and fill it back in with top soil. She was about 14% finished when the error was discovered. After that, smooth sailing. In 2006, Mantello pushed to expand state government by advocating for the liberation of the Canal Corp from the Thruway Authority. The administration decided that there were already too many public authorities and another one was unnecessary.

Recent Campaigns

Mantello's Canal term came to an end in 2011 and Cuomo chose not to reappoint Mantello. Mantello turned her attention to winning the job she wanted more than a decade before, what she calls The Big Enchilada.  At first, the prize seemed within reach. The scandal plagued Democratic Party (voter fraud) had chosen Council President Chappy Campana as their candidate. The charges against Campana would eventually be dropped but it was clear that Campana would lose. He bowed out of the race and was replaced by Lou Rosamilia. Shortly thereafter, polling showed that Mantello would likely lose another mayoral bid. She did. It was not close.

Undeterred, Mantello ran for an at-large seat in 2013. On election night she was in fourth place, just 19 votes behind Lynn Kopka. After more than 400 absentee ballots were opened, Mantello lost by a razor-thin 63 votes. Now, like a masochist that forgot her safe word, Mantello is back again for another possible dose of voter spanking.

For the record, we believe that she will win an at-large seat this time. But, we can't figure her out. Rensselaer County has always been fertile ground for young(ish), thin, female republicans. Kathy Jimino, Mary Donohue, Deb Young and, for a brief time, Trish DeAngelis, all come to mind. Mantello's resume is the equal of those women (relative to the office sought). She seems personable, she campaigns hard, she is not particularly ideological and yet, why did the Canal Corp. position feel like she was being put out to political pasture?

We think she would be a dedicated, reasonable councilwoman.

74 comments:

Bob Loblaw Esq. said...

For the record, "like a masochist that forgot her safe word," may be the funniest thing I've ever read.

Bulldog Drummond said...

I could cross-over and vote for Carmella. he's a professional and a council with her, Dresher, Bodnar, Kopka will help.

Anonymous said...

I like Carmella the person, I have a problem with Carmella the politician. I thought she was different than those who ruined her shot at mayor last election I supported her run for council because she wasn't being led around to all her campaign stops by Harry and she almost pulled it out. However her press release last month, blaming the democrats for all of Troys woes, troubled me and seemed like she was back being led around by the old city hall crew. I actually was excited for her when she announced she was running again for mayor, but disappointed when she fell in line and dropped out of the race. I'm up in the air as to whether I want her to win or not. I thought she learned her lesson about slinging mud and being led around town by Harry, but she didn't. Her press release was right out if Harry's playbook and I found it troubling. I think she will win a spot on the council but I'm not sure how I feel about it. She needed to distance herself from Harry, and Crist and company, but her press release last month seemed to tuck her right under Harry's arm and that is troubling

Alan Swan said...

9:49 I agree. When election time comes around, Carmella's just another political hack. In fairness, she usually drops the nonsense once the silly season is over. She's an adequate public servant. Predictable, by the book, but adequate.

Anonymous said...

How did they force her out for the mayor's race in favor of Gordon. he won't be as strong as Mantello. His selection makes no sense over Mantello.

Anonymous said...

10:23, well said

Anonymous said...

Bulldog, Kopka may have a tough time staying on the Council. Thanks to Team Troy she is in a three-way race for District 5. Dresher lined up against Mantello may make it tough for him, too, but he would make a great Councilman.

Bulldog Drummond said...

True, but Tom Casey? If Bissember is campaigning he might get more than Casey. He's kind of a joke. But, split vote, anything can happen. I think third party support will begin to evaporate the closer we get to the election. I know I feel that a vote for someone like Anasha or Bissember is a wasted vote.

EmbroidMe Don't Hit Me said...

Pay me! Release me. October is stop domestic violence long enough to pay your tax month.

Anonymous said...

Don't know if I can vote for Mantello. I voted for her for mayor four years back. She so conventional and safe. I wish she'd step outside the so-called box every now and then. Right now I'm going for Teta and Dresher. Mantello is in the running but not sure yet. I do think she can work with whoever is mayor, regardless of party.

Anonymous said...

3:19 or Bill Dunne what ever you would like to be called. How about you releasing a few things. I'll give you a dollar for your kindness if not today then $2 tomorrow.

Anonymous said...

Saw Teta at the debate last week. Please tell me she was sick or something. Poor thing couldn't put two words together. I know now why she does speak.

Anonymous said...

Hey Harry. Wanna go surfing. I'll show u the ride of your life like its 1986 !~~!

Anonymous said...

Is there a boy scout troop in troy. There was is Cali and I loved it. !~~!

Anonymous said...

Is there a boy scout troop in troy. There was is Cali and I loved it. !~~!

Anonymous said...

6:44 Correct. She was very sick hardly able to speak. She is a very caring person who is highly respected.

Anonymous said...

Ashe Mcphearson is a true Troy person and her heart is into it. Given a chance she will do the right thing for Troy and she is not connected to any one party

Anonymous said...

15,000 in attendance today at Chowder fest. Lets thank the mayor for his innovative and tireless effort promoting Troy. Thank you Mayor Tutunjian!
Too bad - HG4YN

Anonymous said...

Sullivan-Teta has a proven record as a competent council person. Public speaking may not be her strong point, but she is informed and doesn't buy into bs. Ashe-Mcp, has a chip on her shoulder. She is uninformed and parrots the TBT vitriol.

Anonymous said...

Hey Crowley come to Disney and end up in a orange grove !~~! Clearly with me. I'll bring bill heart too!~~!

Anonymous said...

When u cross crawly your demons haunt you bobby. Just like Meisner rosenthal rev willie Paul Moses. Ect

Anonymous said...

Warrant ID# : E-028648932-W001-1 $4,326.94 18 DUTCH VLG 2L
ALBANY, NY 12204-2990

Warrant ID# : E-028648932-W005-8 $23,506.19

Warrant ID# : E-028648932-W011-6 $2,207.62 65 GLEN AVE
TROY, NY 12180-1313

BREAKING, Kevin McFreeloader still delinquent in his taxes.

Anonymous said...

Warrant ID# : E-027894471-W006-9 $10,4597

Warrant ID# : E-027894471-W014-6 $6,523

Warrant ID# : E-027894471-W015-1 $8,189.65

Jesus, Kevin, found some more for Square One Specialties LLC D/B/A EmbroidMe. Which one you paying off first. Over 50K . Damn.

"The right to petition for a redress of grievances goes back to the Magna Carta," said Kevin McCashion, owner of the Colonie T-shirt company EmbroidMe, after delivering a lecture in which he declared government bailouts, the income tax and the Federal Reserve unconstitutional.

Until the Civil War, citizens used to meet every Monday with government leaders to express the grievances protected under the First Amendment, McCashion said, but no longer. He belongs to Queensbury-based We the People, a group that aims in part to restore what McCashion called a "forgotten right."

Forgot to pay those taxes. Is that the forgotten right.

Anonymous said...

No wonder Harry likes him, neither pay their taxes!

Anonymous said...

Let's thank him for the hundred of thousands of dollars in lawsuits he cost taxpayers whole we are at it. Not gone long enough!!

Anonymous said...

Sullivan Teta competent? Teta has been exposed by Rodney, Ken and Anastasia for what she is. not very bright. Anyone who blindly follows Kat Kopka will likely follow her right off the cliff.

Anonymous said...

I agree with you, but she needn't sling mud like her pals do! She tells you who broke it, instead of telling us how she will fix it!

total tool said...

I believe the gentleman in the photo with Ms. Mantello is a bit more influential than Don Barzini.

Anonymous said...

Jesus Bill your crossing into Cox territory

Anonymous said...

Figures, Harry would be involved with something that brought heavy cream sauces to Troy.

Anonymous said...

Hysterical 8:20, heavy cream sauces are Harry's favorite kind!

Chowderhead said...

Thought this year was poorly organized. Not enough ticket sellers for all those people. Line went from Monument Triangle almost to the bridge. Vendors weren't spread out enough. I am not a complainer and it was fun but could have been organized better.

Anonymous said...

LOL Love it. Another hypocrite bully wannabe Republican exposed. No wonder he and Harry take turns sucking each other off to Vito's radio show.

Dave collette said...

Remeber when u let me come live with you? Now come live with me. Have a new addition...illegal no permits !!!

Anonymous said...

It all makes sense after listening to bobby on blog radio. He will sell his house move into david colets illegal no permits addition and live his days out drinking orange juice with ice cubes while obsessing about harry dan jay sarris and dunne until sheeran makes him tear it down

Release the Tape said...

There was a shooting on Congress last night. The road was blocked off, cop cars everywhere. For a minute I thought the Gordons had moved to the East Side.

Anonymous said...

Especially whilst watching sweaty men in tights throwing each other around on cable
....Phibes

Anonymous said...

Brilliant!

Anonymous said...

Erin clueless

Kevin McDebt said...

Wow, McCashion and/or his business owes $50,000? What a deadbeat.

He has to work for his family? Why does anyone read that loser? Shouldn't we be reading successful people? People from the private sector who aren't tax parasites?

Skeptik said...

Something is suspicious. I think Anasha may have the attention bug that comes with running for office. Hate to think badly of him but some verification would ensure his credibility.

Anonymous said...

you're a complainer & Erin is the next council president.

Chowderhead said...

Why am I a complainer. Do you think four ticket sellers for 15,000 is adequate? If you do fine, most of the crowd didn't. How many walked away rather than wait in line?

Bob Loblaw Esq. said...

So we now know McCashion can't pay his bills and that Cox is dodgy. Anyone shocked? Any jaws dropped? Doubtful.

Can we move on? Please?

Nick Germaine said...

Thank you. No more Kevin McLack-of-McCa$hion. Or Bob Cox. Both loudmouths that are wrong 90% of the time.

We have an important election coming up, with a split Democratic Party that could, more than likely will, result in a mayor in office with less than 40% of the vote. The council is a toss-up. Right now, we know there will be 2 R's, McGrath and Bodnar and at least 1 Dem, Doherty. Could be a minority mayor with a split and divided council.

Great for us.

Anonymous said...

@11:34 says 'Sullivan-Teta has a proven record as a competent council person.'

That line sounds like pure campaign propaganda and might be one of the biggest lines of bull ever typed into a b-log. I have attended maybe half of the Troy common council meetings and I have witnessed with my own eyes and ears the "competency" of the Ms Sullivan-Teta. This woman(who I'm sure is very nice) sits at the desk quiet with a nervous look on her face. She doesn"t say anything and she is clearly being coached how to vote by Lynn Kokpa. Everyone in the room sees it and I once even heard the mayor or his assistant ( they were sitting behind me) remark about how obvious it is. Like a puppeteer and her puppet.

Troy peeps paid this woman $30 thousand to fill a chair for two years. I dont know why anyone would vote to throw money away. Carmella might be annoying but at least she speaks and has opinions and makes them known.

@11:34 could you please let all of us know what Ms Sullivan-Tetas proven record is. I would really like to see it. I'm a resident of Troy by the way, and with a 10 percent tax hike I dont think we can afford to have common council members who are non existent.

Anonymous said...

Bill Dunne is this what we are all going to be subjected to after the first of the year? Your all over the place switching names and thoughts. It's a beautiful day out there Bill take the dog for a walk. Work on your out of state resume you can't work here in NY after the election unless you made a deal with Rodney. Maybe you could volunteer at the Y? Oops my bad I forgot about that state thing. Hey mabey you could get together with Gordon and he could play the tape your dying to hear and you could read from your separation agreement. That would be cool. HG4YN

Anonymous said...

People have seen the Separation Agreement, 4:48PM. If you remember, Mirch had a copy back in the day. God Bless Bob. Funneled to him by one of the Rensco GOPer's that prevalent at DASNY back then. I think Buono ran it or was high up. Problem, it doesn't say much except Bill won't sue DASNY and DASNY won't sue Bill. Bill also got a nice salary package. So its innocuous, like most of them are. If there was anything damaging in the Separation Agreement (and I limit it to that document) they would have released it years ago. Personnel file is different but State Law prohibits that absent a Court Order.

Gavin Belson said...

I think we have bigger issues to talk about rather than things that happened 10-12 years ago. Like Harry and Lou squandering our reserve fund and what our two council candidates would do about it or how they would have avoided it. That's the bigger issue. I want all four of these guys to tell us what specifically they would have done differently. They need to include the numbers as well, instead of mere platitudes. Then we'll know which one knows what they're talking about. Otherwise, we're all screwed and the same thing will happen again.

Phana24JG said...

Erin Sullivan-Teta does not speak as well in public as she does in person. Whoever claimed that Anastasia made her look bad is so blatantly political they lose all credibility. Rodney plays very well in public and Ken appears reasonably bright, but Anastasia could be given 15 points on a Wechsler and get her ass kicked by any other candidate. Did you miss the babbling when her car was "stolen?" Please, an MA in Fine Arts(Glorified Basketweaving) is easier than to get than tickets to this year's Winter Classic.

Actually, I think Anasha took his time to verify the signatures as best he could. He is a smart guy, but he does not have the political guile we assume EVERYONE involved in the game has learned. I think the analysis and commentary was a little tough on Carm. Remember that Kathy Jimino lost her race for Mayor, even though she was the better candidate(albeit not by a lot), and the others won in a more friendly county environment. I agree that Carm and Erin get a seat, I have no idea what will happen with the third.

Anonymous said...

Has Kevin No-Cashin paid those tax warrants yet? Let's make sure the state bureau of taxation has his current address, info on his boiler repair biz and the places he goes to swill beer and strike out with the ladies with all that extra tax money. This will be fun!

Anonymous said...

What not busy building crappy houses with asphalt sidewalks?

Anonymous said...

Dire wolf !

Anonymous said...

Why? Because you say so?

Pol Watcher said...

She's a loser, politically. The old story about the dog food exec's complaining that they've used the best ingredients, great label, best ad agency, best commercials, why isn't the dog food selling? Because dog's don't like it. Seems to apply to Mantello.

Anonymous said...

Reading Pol Watcher I thought he was talking about Teta and the punch line was about a dog's intelligence.

Anonymous said...

The candidate that wouldn't go away. Oh well --maybe after this defeat, she may just get the message

Anonymous said...

Good stuff

Anonymous said...

I think the chowderfest is great but I have to agree with you. The line to buy tickets is ridiculous every year, but the line to get the chowder is even more ridiculous, so I'm not sure how well having more places to buy tickets will work when the lines to get the chowder are that ridiculous. Maybe if vendors have more than one booth that may help. Something definitely needs to be done because I was there for 5 hours Sunday and spent 4 hours waiting in lines

Anonymous said...

When you blow Harry, do you spit or swallow

Anonymous said...

Is it true Harry still has Hulk Hogan posters on his bedroom and kitchen walls. Harry loves Hulk Hogans heavy cream sauces. Hysterical!

I love Jimbo said...

You can find him stroking it in the bushes on 114th and 7th Ave.

EmbroidMe CEO said...

Swallow. I like the cream sauces too.

Anonymous said...

9:16, please go away

Anonymous said...

Hey McCashion why don't you pay your taxes directly to Bill Dunne at the Ruck? Any night you choose sissy boy.

Anonymous said...

3:40, I rarely do the spelling police thing, but if you are going to call someone retarded, it is generally a good idea to spell freeking(sic) correctly. We get the idea you are a good example of the problems associated with social promotions in modern education. Ask someone smart what (sic) means.

Anonymous said...

Teta = Next Council Pres!!!!!! Bet you she won't vacation while her peeps are being responsible adults and voting on the budget either. And the retarded remark is a tad childish - don't you think? You'd never hear that uttered @Disney. Go Erin,Go Pat

Anonymous said...

Got there early and waited about 30 minutes, and made a few new friends in line. Really cool event, great music, and a very hip setting. They just need to expand the competitors out a bit. Was quite congested in that area though. Way I look at it - better in Troy than elsewhere.

Anonymous said...

I'll vote for Erin if she can stand in public and spell "budget'.

Unknown said...

5:31, well said. It's a good event for Troy. My opinion is if each vendor had two locations that would help with the congestion, but I don't know if it's feasible

Anonymous said...

10.42, I guess the fact that I was making fun of someone who referred to a Councilwoman as retarded while misspelling a simple word like freaking escaped your attention.

Anonymous said...

I can assure you he can't hold a candle to Brucato when fleeing from a simple pointed question when his posse is not there.

Phana24JG said...

I like Erin a lot, and think she will retain her seat, but I think you had one too many drinks from the optimism well. While I believe she would be a good Council Prez, I agree with some other people that she does not impress in public forums. Damn, I might have to vote for TWO Dems this year. If I get kicked out of the Right Wing Neanderthal Club, I'm blaming you guys.

Anonymous said...

Too funny