WHY DOES HARRY HATE CHILDREN?

With $3,100,000 in Community Development Block Grant money Mayor Tutunjian has decided that The Ark Community Charter School and the Lansingburgh Boys & Girls Club merit a total of $0.00.

The Ark previously received $30,000 (less than Jeff Buell's salary as Propaganda Minister) and the Lansingburgh Boys & Girls Club received $10,000. What is the ACCS?

The Ark Community Charter School is a natural development of the Ark, a highly successful after school educational program on-site at the Taylor Apartments, a federal housing project in south central Troy, New York. Because of the expressed needs of the community, the Ark expanded its program to include a school.

We applaud Mayor Harry's actions! It's about time these greedy, parasitic groups got off the public dole. We don't care if The Ark after school program has seen alumni graduate from RPI or Georgetown Law. These groups bleed the city dry.

How can we, as a people, justify money to these groups when Jeff Buell is in dire need of new clothes. How can David Mitchell survive on $80,000 a year. Or George Rogers on his $20,000 bump in pay?

Unfortunately, the City Council is child-friendly. And just what does the Council have to say about these plans and the children?

"Children are the most important asset in our community," Councilman Robert Armet added.

"We should support youth programs and make them flourish," Councilman Mark Wojcik said. "It's time to do all we can for the youth."

Time to step up to the plate, boys.

In unrelated news, Troy Mayor, Harry Tutunjian cancels Christmas.

Mayor Harry, Canceling Christmas

ANOTHER LAWSUIT

Joseph's House has decided to sue the city because the City Planning Board rejected a proposed shelter for homeless people with mental disabilities. The proposed shelter would be at 202 Fourth Street, Troy, New York.

The Complaint alleges that the City Planning Board required Joseph's House to report on the environmental impact the shelter may have on the neighborhood. The Complaint also alleges that the same Board allowed a developer to convert commercial space into luxury condominiums without requiring a similar report.

Without debating the actual merits of the case, the Planning Board decision smells fishy. We understand the concerns the neighborhood may have about a nearby homeless shelter. We all want to be open-minded and compassionate. However, the fact remains, shelters for the mentally-ill homeless raises legitimate worries for neighbors and the neighborhood. Even the most compassionate soul might feel uncomfortable with a shelter next door or just down the street.

If that's the issue, and we contend that it's a legitimate one, say so. Don't strain credulity by expecting us to believe the shelter will have any environmental impact on the neighborhood. Especially in light of the fact the luxury condominiums apparently don't cause any impact on the environment.

Now, the usual crowd will wail about people suing the city and wasting taxpayer dollars. Those same people won't complain about other ways in which tax-payer dollars are spent:

1- Creating a position for Jeff Buell at the tune of $39,000. Any outrage from Republicans? No!

2- Appointing two deputy mayors (whatever happened to Jim Walsh anyway?); Outrage from the small government crowd? No!

3- Allowing the Carignan Agency to do the heavy lifting, then giving another agency the commission. Did they really think that wouldn't result in a lawsuit?

4- Corporation Counsel salary increases, from $75,000 to $80,000.

5- George Rogers and his $20,000 pay increase.

We're sure that's not an exhaustive list. Republicans are the biggest herd of hypocrites in politics. They preach smaller government but it's just talking points for the masses. Their ideology is power and patronage.

In the near future, we'll list the Republicans that collect paychecks from two, sometimes, three municipalities. Ironic, when you think about it. The Republicans like to accuse Democrats of being socialists when so many of their own members lead socialistic existences: salary, pension, healthcare, all paid for by the taxpayer. Now that it socialism.

ART JUDGE TO THE RESCUE

In April, Councilman Art Judge introduced a resolution that would waive field-use fees for city youth groups using Troy parks and facilities. Then....(insert ominous music)

Mayor Tutunjian, on the advice of Recreation Director George Rogers, vetoed the resolution.

Mayor Tutunjian argued that the City needed the fees, that people treat things better when they pay for it and that such a waiver would set a bad precedent because children pay to use the City's pools. We swear to God, that was his argument. The Council must have seen the logic because they overrode the veto by a unanimous vote, 9-0.

Council President Marge DerGurahian pointed out that the waiver would cost the city $3,000 and that such a loss would be made up in other use fees. Other Council members chimed in:

Councilman Armet: "I believe the children are our future."
Councilman Wojcik: "Treat them well and let them lead the way."
Councilwoman Collier: "Show them all the beauty the posses inside."
Councilman Judge: "Give them a sense of pride."

Congratulations Troy City Council. In all seriousness, good show.

As for Mr. Judge, we are really beginning to like him. First, he walked away from the budget vote, protesting the administrations strongarm tactics. Some criticized him for that act, but we here at The Troy Polloi always appreciate acts of defiance. Now, he makes sure that his sensible legislation is passed, despite Tutunjian's clumsy, inept veto. Of course, it is an election year and voting against children has never been all that popular. Still, no matter how or why, the right outcome was achieved. Congratulation for a job well done. Now, for Harry...You will be visited by three ghosts.


Mayor Harry: "Are there no workhouses,are there no orphanages?"
Mayor, please! The difficulties you mention are nonsense. First, if anyone asks, simply tell them that Troy Youth Groups can use the facilities for free. Individuals cannot. If they press you, tell them it has something to do with liability insurance.

Secondly, as for the money: stop talking like a politician. You found over $30,000 to create a position for Jeff Buell. You were able to raise Corporation Counsel's salary from $75,000 to $80,000. Maybe some of that can cover the lost fees. Is it so easy to ease the pressure on the wallets of Buell and Mitchell and not for organized youth groups?

FRIDAY FUN

According to a recent poll (See The Record, May 5, 2005) 5% of New Yorkers know Mary Donohue is the state's Lieutenant Governor. Among upstate voters the percentage of recognition jumps to 7%.

The good news for Mary is that the percentage who recognize her name is probably better than any other New York Lieutenant Governor.

The bad news: Governor Pataki was not in the 5% that recognized her name.

The poll also found that nearly two-thirds that did recognize Ms. Donohue believed she should never wear orange and three-fourths believed she should be promoted to Captain.

We hope Mary, a very nice lady, isn't hurt by the poll. No one ever knows the name of the lieutenant governor. Governor Cuomo had thirty-five different lieutenants during his twelve years as governor. Cuomo actually forgot that he had been Governor Carey's LG.

Traditionally, the LG's office has been something of a political dead end. Not unlike being the assistant night manager at Stewart's. Malcolm Wilson was able to become governor only when Spiro Agnew resigned and Rockefeller was appointed Vice-President. Cuomo was able to make the leap but he is the exception.

Mary's name recognition is irrelevant. For some reason the State GOP has never really embraced her and she has no chance of ever becoming governor. Odd, when you think about the current state of New York's Republicans. Today, almost everyone believes Pataki will not run for a fourth term. Most believe that Attorney General Spitzer will be the next governor.* Rather than send a sacrificial lamb against Spitzer, why not Donohue? She'd lose, but she'd do better against Spitzer than what's his name (no seriously, what's his name?) did against Senator Schumer.

Mary was a marginal District Attorney. She was a Supreme Court Justice for approximately ten minutes. She is, however, likeable and a proven vote-getter. We think she'd be much more formidable against Spitzer than the current names being floated by the Republicans. Compared to Pataki, who could put caffeine to sleep, Donohue is positively charismatic.


* Democrats should not be too smug. Spitzer is the odds-on favorite today. However, neither Pataki nor Donohue have ever lost a general election.

JUSTICE NOW

It's always important to closely watch our elected officials in all branches of government. One party control of any government subdivision leads to a variety of corrupt practices. This is true not only in Republican dominated Rensselaer County but in Democratic dominated Albany County.

Those with unchecked power become lazy and undisciplined. They cut corners, forgetting that procedures have been put in place not to hamper government but to ensure honest, ethical and open government. Power does corrupt and absolute power.....

We can no longer rely upon the mainstream media to actually investigate officials and their shenanigans. Why is this? Are today's journalists less dedicated, less talented, less ambitious? That may or may not be the case. In our opinion, there have always been talented journalists working beside hacks. That was true in 1900, 1950, 2000 and 2005. A bigger problem with today's media is the corporate masters that control the purse strings. How is The Record expected to adequately cover politics when they won't hire a full-time reporter to cover the Capitol?

Another problem is the growing incestuous relationship between government and media. Example: former political reporter for The Record, Jeff Buell, is now working for the Tutunjian Administration. For us, that calls into question the credibility of every political story penned by Mr. Buell. It could be that each and every story written by Tutunjian's future spokesperson was unbiased, credible journalism. That's not the issue. It is the very appearance of bias, born out of the incestuous Record-Tutunjian Administration relationship.

How many more Record reporters have relationships, private or professional, with elected or appointed officials in Rensselaer County? How many at the Times Union? Without full disclosure, there is little reason to look to The Record as that most vital of democratic institutions, the independent news source.

Thus, the internet has provided the public with a wide variety of information gathering sites. All must be read with a discerning eye, but the information is out there, right at everyone's fingertips. A large portion of sites, including The Troy Polloi, are written by amateur....journalists? Political junkies? Scoundrels? They are mostly opinion, laced with fact and rumor. And that's fine. Thomas Paine was rarely if ever reimbursed for his written work.

There is a site, however, that does combine the best of both worlds. We think of it as a watchdog site, following the sometimes Alice In Wonderland-like goings on in the Rensselaer County Justice System. However, the man associated with this site is a professional journalist, well-respected and well-liked throughout the Capital Region. He is above reproach as a professional and as a man. Justice Now should be on everyone's reading list. Enjoy!

WORD ON THE STREET

By Huggybear

Word on the street is that the Republican powers that be are not happy with Marge DerGurahian, Troy City Council President. One reason might be her attitude towards the almost dead Business Improvement District, or B.I.D. Huggybear doesn't have an opinion on the B.I.D, but Senator Bruno is for it, as is Harry. Margie's political spine usually has the consistency of jello. Why the turn-around on the B.I.D? Could it have anything to do with local gadfly Ken Dufty? Dufty, who has an opinion on everything and feels compelled to express that opinion, is an outspoken critic of the B.I.D.

Word on the street is that the Republicans want to replace DerGurahian on this fall's ticket. But DerGurahian ran at-large and that's a big race to tackle. Incumbent Bob Armet will seek re-election but Messick is out. Whether Marge stays or goes, the Republicans will need at least one more candidate for the at-large ticket. Who could dat be?

Word on the street is that deposed Police Court Judge, Henry Bauer, has been told (that's right, told) that he will be running at-large.

Word on the street is that Councilman Jack Mahoney will be opening a new restaurant in the Old Daily Inn building. Huggybear wishes him luck and hopes he has every success.

Word on the street is that Harry "No-More-Consultants" Tutunjian didn't feel Corporation Counsel's Office was up to defending him and the City in the Carignan lawsuit. The City has retained Goldberger's firm (Goldberger is the labor lawyer retained to conduct labor negotiations on behalf of Troy). Mitchell gets paid $80,000 for what now?

More on Bauer and Carignan coming soon.

CALLING DOCTOR PHIL

An interesting Tailspin in Monday's Record. Unfortunately, the piece fails to cite any sources. It relies mainly on hearsay, rumor and innuendo. Just our cup of tea.

If the Tailspin article is correct (and we by no means vouch for its accuracy), infighting caused Mr. Gregor to resign as the Chair of the Troy Democratic Party. It seems there was little or no communication between Democratic County Chair for Cities, Lynn Mahoney, and Mr. Gregor.

Perhaps Doctor Phil could have helped to salvage the situation. Alas, it was not to be. This is not the first time a down and out party has resorted to infanticide and it won't be the last. The fruit has just ripened but the seeds of these events were planted last Fall.

The bigger issue and one not yet fully explored has less to do with Mr. Gregor than it has to do with that clumsy title mentioned above: Democratic County Chair for Cities (DCCC).

Last Fall, former County Elections Commissioner Tom Wade staged something of a coup against County Chair Lynn Mahoney. According to one eye witness at last fall's committee meeting, "It was rather like watching two people battle for the right to captain the Titanic."

For those of you unfamiliar with this chapter in Rensselaer County Democratic history, the background. Mahoney was Chair of the county. Wade wanted the job. A short time before the selection of the Chair, a bitter campaign ensued, with brother against brother, father against son, mother against second cousin.

Insiders say that Mahoney actually had the votes to drive the dagger into Wade's coup. Yet, in a scene that would have made Dr. Phil proud, she wavered, agreed to a compromise and lost all. Mahoney and Wade would share power, the former controlling Troy and Rensselaer and the latter the towns. We don't suggest that the conciliatory emotions at that meeting were not genuine. Far from it. Many well-intentioned people genuinely believed a compromise would heal the wounds and avert a political blood bath. Unfortunately, they do not know history or human nature. A civil war should be short, bloody and decisive. One side must win unconditionally or the divisions continue.

The compromise was actually a victory for Mr. Wade. He had control of the towns. Mr. Gregor would have control of the city. What exactly did Ms. Mahoney control after that vote? The cities, but in a county chair capacity. She would control the nominations to run for County Legislature, from Troy and Rensselaer. That's about it. Given the political realities, Mahoney had compromised herself into an anemic office.

It is apparent that the shared power arrangement is untenable. It is odd that Gregor may have been the first victim of this misguided maneuver.

Who's to blame? Mahoney for not giving way to Wade? Wade for attempting to oust a capable County Chair at a time when the party could ill-afford internal strife?

True or not, the tailspin article makes intuitive sense. Mahoney, a Chair for Cities, has to raise money for County races. Why would she take money out of her purse and give it to Gregor. Gregor needs the money to run the very credible City Council ticket he has pieced together. Meanwhile, Wade can raise money amongst the towns with little or no competition from the cities.

There has always been a 'City - Towns' rivalry in Rensselaer County, at least amongst the Democratic Party. That's only natural and in fact, quite common in demographically similar counties. What exists now is a 'City - Towns - City' rivalry. It is speculation, but perhaps Gregor, the youngest, most inexperienced and least connected of the three was the first to fall. At least one more will fall before it's over.

As for the three individuals in this fatricidal triangle: they are all good, capable people who desire to do right by their community and their party. The seeds of the problem were planted last Fall, when good people succumbed to a Doctor Phil moment, choosing compromise over a single, political leader and real unification.

MORE NO-SHOWS

PUBLIC IS A NO-SHOW

On Thursday night, April 28, the Troy City Council sought public input on its 5-Year Strategic Plan. The plan, required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, details where and how certain Federal funds should be spent in the upcoming five years.

How many citizens attended the public meeting? Two! Of the two, only one addressed the Council. More people showed for Ted Bundy's funeral than on Thursday night.

Granted, slicing up HUD funds isn't the sexiest topic. Also, the Apprentice was on, as well as President Bush. But people, you have VCR's. You can watch the Apprentice when you get home. As for the President, he was doing his snake-oil salesman bit about Social Security. You didn't miss anything. That's dead in the water and even lacks Republican support.

Once the Council does decide on how to spend the funds, watch 'Sound Off' (easily the best and most entertaining part of The Record) closely. How you'll howl, criticize and lambast how the funds are spent.

Apathy is one of the greatest dangers facing our democracy. Once the people become apathetic, the politicians cease to listen. They no longer have to listen. Once you stop caring our elected officials and apppointed officials operate with no checks. That's a sure road to bad, ineffective government. We've had too much of that in this state already.

It took twenty years of late budgets before any state reforms were even discussed. The State legislature failed in it's obligations for twenty years before enough groups voiced their anger. Truly a sign that our democracy is tired. When public input is invited, people should show-up.

DeANGELIS WOES

Fred LeBrun had a scathing column about DA DeAngelis in Sunday's Time Union. We're forced to point out that Fred's a bit late. Remember, you read it here first. We admit that we did not realize the number of resignations was twelve. That's more than alarming, it's a crisis. It's time for Ms. DeAngelis to step down from her position as District Attorney now, while she can salvage a career.

As Fred points out, the Rensselaer County DA's Office is considered a joke by area attorneys. That's unacceptable. Please, Senator Bruno, put Ms. DeAngelis on the Court of Claims* where she will be rendered harmless. Unless, of course, you already have a seat on the Court of Claims waiting for a certain former Rensselaer County District Attorney.

* The New York State Court of Claims has jurisdiction in cases where New York State is a party. A seat on the Court of Claims is also, but not exclusively, a reward for politically connected attorneys that have a demonstrable record of ineptitiude.

GREGOR GOES OUT WITH CLASS

As most know by now, Robert Gregor has stepped down a Chairman of the Troy Democratic Party. Yesterday, he was kind enough to leave a post which we will print here, for all to see.

I would like to thank all those reading these postings, as well as Democratus him/herself. It is true that our organization needs a jump start, and until recently, I believed I could provide the requisite shot in the arm. Recent events, both personal and professional have made those prospects doubtful.

As chair, I was entrusted to exercise discretion and judgment in making the decisions that would be best for our party. After a period of very intense deliberation, I came to the conclusion that my continued tenure as City Chairman would not yield the results we all hope for.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone that worked with me these last months. Furthermore, I to encourage all newcomers to stay involved, stay informed, and make this town, county, state, and nation, a better place. Once again, thank you for all the support, and to whomever may inherit the position, I wish you the best of success.

A class act. We wish Mr. Gregor well in his law school and subsequent legal career.

As any lawyer will tell those who will listen, the first year of law school is a crazy, all-consuming endeavor. That Mr. Gregor was able to assemble a competitive slate of candidates for City Council is a testament to his abilities and dedication.

The Democratic Party needs young people to ensure a healthy future. We hope Mr. Gregor will stay involved in local politics when time allows. The next party chairman would do well to listen to the advice of the new Democrats such as Chris Meier, Ed McDonough and Bill Dunne: Democrats that have actually won elections in recent years.

NEWS WRAP-UP

DEMOCRAT CHAIRMAN STEPS DOWN

Robert Gregor has stepped down as the Chairman of the Troy Democrats. The Troy Polloi learned of this breaking news directly from Mr. Gregor. That is all the information we have at this time.

Gregor inherited a party in chaos, as did his predecessor, Lynn Mahoney. The blame for the current state of the Democrats cannot be placed wholly on their shoulders. Success breeds organization and the Democrats have had little success in the past few years.

However, when a political party ( state, national or local) is weak and its organization all but in shambles, opportunity does exist. A strong, creative leader can rebuild the party from the ground up. There will be little or no factional clashes, those family feuds that are sometimes fatal in the political world.

The Democrats do not have to worry about factional clashes as they rebuild. Unless of course, they waste valuable energy worrying about the "Dworsky Faction" (5 middle-age men).

There's an opportunity here to build from the ground up. Someone should seize that chance and it should be someone who will listen to the old guard but not blindly follow their advice.

MONUMENT NEWS

A quick update on the Uncle Sam Monument. According to The Record, the Uncle Sam Monument will incorporate the already existing Uncle Sam Statue that now graces Riverfront Park. The question is, where will the new monument be located (thus necessitating that poor Uncle be uprooted from his current roost and moved). Maybe the Rensselaer County Jail could be moved to Riverfront Park and Uncle Sam could be moved to the jail site.

One Councilman explained that he does not like the fact that the current statue is near a bus stop. Of course, the bus stop could always be moved.

FREEDOM OF INFORMATION

A bill recently passed by both the Assembly and Senate must strike fear in the heart of local governments throughout the state. The bill would require that government agencies and departments respond to FOIL (Freedom of Information Law) requests within 20 days. If signed by the governor, someone at City Hall will need to do some work. Word has it that most requests go unanswered by this administration.

Case in point, the Carignan matter. The president of Carignan requested documents involving the looming insurance scandal months ago. There has been no response. Come on guys! At least respond and let him know that no documents exist. It doesn't take months to destroy all those records.

Remember people, 99% of documents created by government, local and state, are our property, not the property of any administration.

DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF WHAT?

Jeff Buell, Tutunjian's Minister of Propoganda gets paid $39,140 a year. We just can't figure out why.

Image-making won't develop all by itself

By Tim O'Brien, Staff writer First published: Thursday, April 28, 2005

Perhaps the most often heard comment at public meetings is that the city needs to do something to improve its image.

It happens at City Council sessions. It happens at Board of Education meetings. It happens whenever Troy residents gather.

At a meeting in February to talk about the type of new superintendent of schools the district needs, residents were adamant the district needed someone to promote a positive image of the city.

What's interesting is how often people talk about the need for more public positivity, how seldom they act on it.

Mayor Harry Tutunjian, for example, is a positive, upbeat guy. His spokesman, Jeff Buell, is a former reporter for The Record. And yet, when regularly asked what is happening in the city, Buell comes up empty. Told recently he was being pitched a softball, he replied it was true and admitted "I don't even have a bat in my hands."

He's holding something in his hand. It's just not a bat.

RENSSELAER COUNTY TO GET TOURISM CONSULTANT

What do you get the county that has everything? A tourism consultant. Yes, you heard us correctly. According to Ginny O'Brien (Deputy Minority Leader, Rensselaer County Legislature) the Republicans have passed a resolution to hire a tourism consultant. The consultant will be paid $12,750 for the balance of the year.

The big question: Who gets the job? We'll take a wild guess and say, someone from Bruno's office who wants to go part-time? Or perhaps a close relative of Jack Casey? You can bet it won't be an actual tourism consultant. For one thing, professional tourism consultants are too busy working where....um.... there is actual tourism.

We at the Troy Polloi believe the Republicans are off base. Rensselaer County would do much better with a Cruise Director. We suggest Lauren Tewes (Julie from The Love Boat).


Rensselaer County's new Cruise Director
Perhaps some shuffleboard in the Tutunjian Lounge or drinks on the Mirch Deck. Maybe a walking tour of the scene of the Weed 'n Seed scandal. "On your right is the spot where someone from the county falsified a report to the United States Justice Department. And over here, this is where Republican appointees voted to release Mary Beth Anslow a few months early."

A few months ago, the tourism consultant position (say it five times fast without laughing) went down to defeat before the Republican-controlled legislature. Now, it's alive once again. O'Brien wonders why Republicans flip-flopped on the issue. That will become apparent when the position is filled. Maybe it will be a nice graduation gift for some son or daughter of a Republican.

TROY TO GET MONUMENT

Finally, the City's long nightmare is over. According to The Record, the City of Troy will soon be getting an Uncle Sam Monument. The only decision left: where to place the monument and how to pay for it.

The poorly written article does not indicate whether it will be a monument to the actual Sam Wilson or to the symbol that has long represented the United States.

The Troy Polloi would like to see the monument placed in Riverfront Park, perhaps at the end of Fulton Street. Here's our idea of what the monument should look like! Well, it's more of a statue than monument, but we really need one and fast.



It is nice to see the Council handling those tough issues. Perhaps we can also erect a monument to anyone who can fix the potholes that plague the city.

In unrelated news, Washington D.C. to get Lincoln Memorial.

COUNCIL TO ADOPT DUNNE PLAN

The City Council wants to improve Troy housing conditions by implementing a Tenant-Landlord Registry. The registry would document the condition of rental properties and include voluntary inspections. Ultimately, the goal of the Tenant-Landlord Registry is to improve housing conditions throughout the city by, in part, cracking down on negligent, absentee landlords and by rewarding good landlords.

Although this particular plan was proposed by Councilman Mahoney, the concept is not new. In fact, it was set forth by Councilman Dunne during his campaign. His proposed legislation is actually on his website and has been there since the Summer of 2003. The plans differ in some respects, but the concept is the same.

It's an interesting idea and a good first step. Troy has a much higher percentage of renters than other similar cities. Renters deserve a decent place to live and landlords deserve decent tenents.
Of course, now that the Democratic Plan is out there, the Administration is jumping on the idea. Deputy Dan said, "We gotta get something on paper and we need it quick."

Good thinking Dan, but if you need it quick, where has the Administration been the last sixteen months? The concept for the Tenant-Landlord Registry and a draft of the legislation has been out there for almost two years. Ever since Mr. Dunne's campaign.

Good work Mr. Mahoney and Mr. Dunne. Don't let them still this issue from you. It's the Democratic Plan. Remember that at campaign time.

THE DEMOCRATIC LINEUP

What can we say about the Democratic Lineup for City Council? It's kind of like finding out you have cancer, but it's been caught early.

We exaggerate. First, At-Large:

Frank LaPosta

Given the Democrats recruiting problems lately, this is a solid pick. Frank's won before and is a known quantity. On the downside, his seemingly half-hearted mayoral race against Tutunjian. All in all, it could be worse. We think Frank can win but we make no predictions.

Clemente Campana

We like him, personally. How he'll fair in an election is anyone's guess.

Mike LoPorto

Mike is an exciting pick. He represents everything great about the United States. Mike's an immigrant that made good. Mike knows what it's like to create a successful business rather than just inheriting one. He's got a good chance. The fact that he's Tutunjian's uncle by marriage could be a lot of fun. However, Mike is a gentleman and it would be poor form to expect him to go after his nephew just for sport.

District #1 Dan Doran

Doran has run and won before, serving on the Council until term limits forced him to step aside. He'll be running against someone, we can't recall his name. The downside, Dan is yesterday's party. On the other hand, given the current state of the party, that's better than nothing.

District #2 - Bob Martiniano

We've never heard of him, but that doesn't mean much. He may be well-known in the district. Is Foy interested in getting back into politics?

District #3 Peter Ryan

We'll be watching closely. Ryan is an interesting candidate. Art Judge is an empty suit, but the people seem to like the empty suits.

District #4 - Bill Dunne

The Republicans haven't said who will face Dunne in '05. Whomever does, will lose. The Republican smear machine has been in high gear, attacking the one democrat they can't beat at the polls. Dunne is on payed, administrative leave from the Republican dominated Dormitory Authority (the one Buono used to head). No charges have been brought. Still, certain despicable Republicans and Conservatives have taken it upon themselves to begin a rumor campaign. They had better be careful. If the Republicans want to head down that road, then we'll have to start talking about the Republican DWI's, spousal abuse, infidelity and a City Hall employee well-known for surfing porn in his down time.....Proof? Who needs proof. Rumor will make do.

And for the Democrats: stop acting like sissies. Hit back and hit back hard. Start foiling documents, hire a private investigator. If you want to beat the Republican thugs you need to get in the gutter, because that's where the Republicans dwell.

District#5 - ?


District #6 - ?

There's a rumor that the Democrats might cross-endorse Collier. That's a non-starter. Why? She'll never throw the Democrats a bone. She doesn't have to. Unless she falls down and breaks her hair, she'll win her race.

This pre-supposes that Harry doesn't declare a state of emergency, dissolve the City Council and attempt to annex East Greenbush.

RPI

We've added a link over to the right. It's a local blog on issues of concern to RPI students. They also touch on local politics. There's a post on Mr. Dunne over there today. As always, we welcome those that give the area an alternative to the local Republican paper (The Record). Welcome and good luck.

IMPLOSION AT THE DA'S OFFICE

The Troy Polloi will state what everyone is thinking: DeAngelis is a disaster as an administrator.
The past few weeks has seen three departures from DeAngelis' office, including that of Jen Sober (the other two resignations have been kept hush-hush). Sober, as everyone knows, is now suing DeAngelis.

Now, it looks like DeAngelis' "confidential assistant" has been collecting a $61,000 salary while attending Russell Sage College. The assistant, Katrin Ellis, attends classes at night (on her own time) but also during the day (on County time).

These allegations wouldn't be so troubling if Ellis was attending to her job duties. According to some, Ellis has been lax in getting her job done. Those complaining include DA Office investigators, who claim Ellis has screwed up payroll. Others claim she has not been available by phone during office hours.

Ellis was originally hired by Ken Bruno in 1997, at a pay rate of $26,000. What she did to deserve double that salary, other than host a DeAngelis fundraiser in 2003, is questionable.

Ellis has decried the allegations, complaining that she has worked long and hard for whatever she has received in life. Funny, that coming from the niece of former Republican County Chairman James Walsh. Out of the many qualified people, we're positive Ellis was the most qualified. Her relationship to Chairman Walsh? Mere coincidence.

Ellis will resign. The problem, DeAngelis herself, remains. It is increasingly obvious that DeAngelis is unable to run the District Attorneys Office. Not everyone is cut out to be an administrator. Mary Donohue, no great shakes in the courtroom, was an adequate administrator. Ken Bruno was smart enough to realize that others should handle the tough cases. DeAngelis has yet to realize that she cannot take on 2 or 3 week, high profile trials and still run the District Attorney's office.

She has also proven to be a liability in the courtroom. DeAngelis has trouble following the Judge's orders. That's not good, especially when it leads to cases being overturned. Still, if she learned to close her mouth when told to, she would be an adequate prosecutor. Outside of Bronx County, DA's continue to have a 95% conviction rate. Prosecuting isn't rocket science. If DeAngelis stopped shooting her mouth off during trial, she would maintain a 95% conviction rate without the danger of her cases being overturned.

It was ridiculous for Ellis to have a $61,000 salary. That money could have been going to an experienced prosecutor. Now, with Sober being fired and two others resigning, they'll need a good, experienced prosecutor.

The Republicans continue to make Rensselaer County their financial playground. This is just another sad example of their corruption.

The District Attorney's Office is imploding. If the trend continues, there will be no one there except inexperienced attorneys fresh out of law school. That would be a greater disaster.

CONGRESSMAN'S SON INDICTED

Congressman's son indicted on assault charges
By: Capital News 9 web staff

Months after an August brawl that left one man with serious injuries, Congressman John Sweeney's son has been indicted in Saratoga County.

John Sweeney, Jr., 19, was indicted Thursday on assault and gang assault charges. Two other teenagers were also charged on the same counts after a fight in Stillwater last year that officials believe may have involved between 15 and 20 people. One man, Matthew Brady, was taken to the hospital with serious head and facial injuries.

In a statement, Congressman Sweeney said "I have every confidence in my son's innocence and I am certain the judicial process will reflect his innocence. There was no evidence or justification for the charges that have been made, and I am deeply disturbed by the lack of a thorough investigation during the early stages of this incident."


If convicted, Sweeney Jr. could face up to 15 years in prison.

Sweeney has hired attorney E. Stuart Jones. Jones better do his job because this kid would be very popular in a state penitentiary (and he'd probably be renamed Joan).

We understand Sweeney's parental devotion to young John, but "no evidence or justification for the charges..."? Hello, John: Brady had to go to the hospital. Brady had head and facial injuries. This happened in August of 2004. Hardly a rush to judgment. We doubt a Saratoga Grand Jury indicts the son of Congressman because there is no evidence. It's not difficult to get an indictment but they have to have some evidence that a crime was committed and that Sweeney committed that crime.

It will be interesting to see if Sweeney gets the preferential treatment that the local aristocracy usually receives in dealing with the authorities.

RAISING REVENUE FOR THE CITY

It's no secret that Troy Republicans, like their county brethren, will seek to raise taxes this year. October may be a tough month for Harry and the boys and next year will be even tougher for the innocent residents of Troy.

In an attempt to lighten the tax payer's burden and to "give something back", The Troy Polloi would like to suggest an alternative to raising taxes or a way to keep next years tax hike down: a local celebrity auction, with the proceeds going to the city coffers.

Here are just a few suggestions for bid packages:

1- A Weekend Renovation Package - Councilwoman Karen Messick will come right to your house for a weekend makeover. Want that wall removed? New hardwood floors? Do it all without having to get any work permits!

2- Spend a night on the town with Bob Krogh - View Troy's exciting night life with one of the areas most charming elected officials. You'll never no where the night, and Bob, might take you but you can bet it won't be a Council Committee meeting.

3- Get that great nights sleep you always wanted - Councilman Bob Armet will personally come to your home, start to talk, and we guarantee you'll sleep like a baby.

4- Home Budgeting - Are those bills piling up? Money tight? Let Mayor Harry Tutunjian teach you all he knows about saving money by switching insurance agents. "I did it," says Harry, "and saved over $60,000."

5- Driving School - Spend a night at the Bob Mirch driving school. Learn from a man with a colorful driving record that dates back to the early 1980's.

6- E-Mail Made Easy - Let Councilman Bill Dunne show you how to use your workplace or home e-mail account. Warning! We cannot guarantee that your boss won't catch you.

7- How to Succeed in the Public Sector - Afraid you can't cut it in the real world? Are the fields of medicine, law, engineering or business just too competitive? Let Dan Crawley show you how to leech off the taxpayers at any level of government.

UNCLE SAM IS BACK

Wherever there is tyranny, injustice or overweight, pasty-faced political hacks, Uncle Sam will be there to fight them. We also like the Star-Spangled suit. It really sets off his eyes.

THIS GUY HAS TO GO!

Councilman arrested for assault Updated

A Schenectady Councilman is arrested for assault. Peter Della Ratta, 33, was charged with assaulting a 21-year-old man inside an apartment Tuesday night.

Matthew Maioriello lives in the building and was visiting a female tenant. Della Ratta reportedly became angry upon learning the two were in the apartment together.

Police said he entered the apartment and punched Maioriello several times in the face.

Della Ratta and the woman had a relationship in the past. He was arraigned and released on his own recognizance.

He is scheduled to return to court on April 18.

This blog is not about Schenectady politics but this story is so revolting it had to be mentioned. It's almost as revolting as the fact that no one, not one Democrat (Della Ratta is a Democrat) or one Republican has yet to ask for his resignation.

Normally, we would say, "Lets wait until he's convicted." Not in this case. There is absolutely no evidence that Mr. Della Ratta acted in self-defense or in the defense of others. He just beat the young man. This is not a man who should hold public office. He's a disgrace. If he doesn't resign, the Democrats should work to defeat him in his next primary. If they don't, shame on them.

ENDORSEMENTS FOR SALE OR RENT

How much does an endorsement cost? For George Rogers endorsement Tutunjian's paid approximately $20,000. A little too rich for our blood.

Here's the deal: George Rogers was the bargaining unit representative for CSEA. He wrangled an endorsement for Tutunjian. Now, Rogers will go from his previous civil service position (which was basically managing the South Troy Dodgers) to an appointed position. The new position will pay him approximately $20,000 more in salary. Tit for tat, quid pro quo?

The kicker is that Bob Barnes, a longtime city worker, will in all liklihood lose his job to make way for Rogers. Barnes is civil service. They can't give away his job but they can eliminate the position. Give it time. Barnes will be out, Rogers is in, CSEA will lose a civil service position and another crony will have his snout digging into the taxpayer trough.

This isn't the first civil service position elimated by this administration to make room for political appointees. At least three others have been eliminated.

The City Council has apporved a resolution that would pay Rogers the remainder of his current pay. That amounts to approximately $36,000 yearly. However, they say his new position will pay $55,000? So, where's that extra $20,000 coming from? Answers anyone?

An added benefit for the Republicans is that former City Councilman Keith Rogers has withdrawn from a county legislative race. We don't know what Keith's chances were, but he had won elective office before and was probably a stronger candidate than the one the Democrats will finally select. We like Keith and wish he would get back in the game.

We're less well disposed to a man that would stab his union in the back and aid in eliminating civil service jobs.

The idea of a non-political civil service was an uphill struggle fought and won by Republicans at the turn of the century. Its purpose was to limit patronage and to ensure that public employees could operate free of political arm twisting. This administration is systematically destroying that system and ushering in a second Boss Tweed Era. Good job boys.

Mayor Harry says, "Come get your political appointment, boys!"
Troy has become the financial playpen of the Republican Party. The spoils system is back and in October, the taxpayer will feel the pinch.

THE FUTURE OF TROY DEMOCRATS - PART I

Our Magic Eight Ball says: Outlook Bleak!

As much as it pains me to say, we forecast that the Republicans will maintain their stranglehold on county and city politics for the next few election cycles. We say pains us not because they are Republicans but because one party control of a county/region is never good when it lasts too long.

Albany is a perfect example of the problems inherent in one party control. That's not to say that Albany is poorly run, for the most part, it is not. This is not about efficiency, it is about corruption (corruption with a small 'c'). The New York State Assembly is corrupt, the Senate is corrupt, Rensselaer County and Albany County are corrupt.

We do not mean corruption in a legal sense but as a word to describe the arrogance and incestuous attitude that develops with one party rule. The party in power begins to take shortcuts, forgets to dot the 'I's' and cross the 'T's'. It gets easier to do things in a sloppy way because hell, "if we wanted to we could have done it right to begin with."

Some examples: Michael Boxley. That case is still disturbing in so many ways. The early release of Mrs. Anslow, who remains unrepentant to this day, by Republican appointees. The selection of the new head of SPAC. SPAC is truly a regional gem and one would think that a nationwide search for a director would be appropriate. But lo and behold, the perfect person for the job happens to be in Bruno's office. What a coincidence!

Unfortunately for the Democrats of Troy, the best example of arrogance was when the City Council overturned term limits.

Term limits are undemocratic and unamerican. If someone wants to vote for Pattison or Tutunjian three times, four times....they should be allowed to do so. Term limits were a silly campaign ploy that played to the more obtuse citizens of Troy. But, the people have the right to do stupid things and if they vote on it, why overturn their misguided will? The Democrats did so arrogantly and the party will pay the price for the next two or three election cycles.

Some misguided party leaders said term limits would not be a factor. They were proven wrong. Do you think the citizens elected so many empty-suit Republicans because term limits were not an issue? If the Democrats on the Council had been smart enough to drop the issue, they would still be in power. Harry might still be mayor, but at least there would be some balance.

We hope the Democrats have learned a hard lesson.

Now, they face an uphill fight to retake the council. We say uphill but in reality, it's a near impossibility for many reasons.

1- Republicans, love them or loathe them, are far superior at building an organization. They are organized and disciplined.

2- Republicans also have the important third-party lines. Why anyone lets Mirch wield so much power is beyond us but the Republicans are deathly afraid of losing his support. If they do, they're in real trouble. Therefore, they won't lose that support. They'll swallow their pride and let a glorified garbage man run the show.

3- Republicans have Uncle Joe Bruno. Once he's out of the picture, they'll be in trouble. But, when will he be out of the picture?

4- Republicans understand the importance of constituent relations and know how to turn that into propaganda. That's not an insult. Good politicians know how to use photo opportunities. It was silly for Harry and Deputy Dan to plow snow on a Saturday night. It's a stunt. It's not their job. But, the masses love it.

Is all lost? We'd never say that. With a renewed organization, discipline and hardwork, the Democrats can be competitive. However, it's tough to get off the floor when you've had your ass handed to you three elections in a row. Only in judicial elections are the Democrats strong and those tend to be a crapshoot. Chris Meier won his election, but would he have defeated the ethically challenged Bauer? Maybe, maybe not. What is clear is that he should have won his race when his opponent had only two or three weeks to campaign.

In most elections, the citizens need a reason to toss out the incumbents. Defeating those in power doesn't just happen. They'll need and issue or two and then, it's still a challenge.

There are issues the Democrats can raise and run on. We'll talk about them in Part II. Will it work? There are no guarantees but it's better than flailing about with no direction.*



This is not meant to insult the current party leaders. The Democratic Party's current problems are a direct result, in our opinion, of Mayor Pattison's gambit to overturn term limits. After that disaster, everything just crashed and burned. Picking up the pieces will be difficult.

NEWS WRAP-UP

1- The streets of Troy have become increasingly dangerous. Perhaps Mayor Tutunjian should bench Mr. Mirch for awhile. After all, using a cell phone while driving, rolling through a stop sign: it's just not safe on the city streets any more.

Prohibiting Bob from using a vehicle may be too harsh. Perhaps he should just take a pledge:

I, Robert Mirch, do hereby pledge that I will no longer endanger the citizens of Troy by illegally using my cell phone and by rolling through stop signs. I also pledge to comb all the crumbs from my moustache before I do the people's work. I will also cease violating Department of Health laws regarding smoking in the workplace. I will strive to be a better human being and to try and uphold the finest traditions of Christian Brothers University, my alma mater.


_________________
Robert Mirch

In fact, Bob, feel free to print that pledge out and send it to the City Council or The Record.

2- Speaking of the Mirch's, there's another one with their snout in the public trough. Mayor Tutunjian has removed Mrs. Conroy from the Zoning Board of Appeals (something he really can't do)and replaced her with....The 2nd (or is it 3rd? It's hard to keep up with the family values party)Mrs. Mirch.


The Mirch's, at the public trough: "Taxpayers money, em' good."
3- The Troy Polloi would also like to thank our friends at City Hall and Rensselaer County for getting us some documents on the Weed 'n Seed scandal and other matters. We know it's dangerous work and we appreciate it.

4- Vandalism at the Golf Course! Horrors! What person would drive over Troy's Gem? Considering a certain person's recent driving history......Harry may have to look close to home. Has anyone ever considered privatizing the course? It is a nice course and I use it often but should a municipality really own such a thing? It smacks of socialism. Or is it the patronage?

5- Good show, Harry! Mayor Harry came out and said that a bigger push should be made to recruit minorities for the Fire Department and Police Department. Praise is deserved. This isn't the first time though. A few years back a concerted effort was made to do the same thing and was unsuccessful because the departments had a hard time finding people to apply for those jobs. Very odd. We hope the current drive is more successful.

On Monday, we'll discuss why the Democrats have a snowball's chance in hell of capturing the City Council and even less of a chance in defeating Mayor Tutunjian in his re-election bid.

SHOW US THE MONEY!

The Weed 'n Seed program was designed to "weed" out bad elements in North Central Troy while planting the "seeds" for a stronger, healthier neighborhood. The program is funded of the United States Justice Department.

The local program is now in its fifth and final year. A steering committee oversees the program. Mary Beth McGowan was hired as the coordinator. Rensselaer County is the fiscal agent.

The County has accused Ms. McGowan of failing to fill out grant applications and allowing funding for the program to dry up. She has also been accused of failing to follow proper purchasing procedures. Others blame the steering committee or the County or both. As in many such situations (too many people and groups involved) there's probably plenty of blame to go around. Even the Department of Justice admits that it is a difficult program to administer. (for a good background on this, see Jim Franco's November 15, 2004 artice in The Record).

A scathing 2003 Justice Department audit found that Rensselaer County had taken some of the money earmarked to help North Troy and spent it on the County's own Auto Thief Program. That should help give you an idea about who has bookkeeping problems.

Who is at fault for the mess? Good luck figuring that one out. That's not the interesting part in this nonsense. In fact, the interesting part has little to do with who may be to blame for poor bookkeeping.

Ms. McGowan had to file quartley financial reports with the Department of Justice. The reports, known as SF269's, were prepared by Ms. McGowan and faxed to the Office of the Comptroller

On April 16, 2004, Ms. McGowan filled out and signed the SF 269 for the period: 1/1/04 - 3/31/04. The balance of funds was $144,044.29. Ms. McGowan then faxed the report to the Office of the Comptroller.

Interestingly, the form itself states that the report is to be submitted to the U.S. Department of Justice. The person signing the document also certifies that the report is correct and complete.

On June 7, 2004, Margaret Brennan called McGowan to say that the Office of the Comptroller could not find her (McGowan's) report for the period: 10/103 - 12/31/03. McGowan was told that she could now electronically submit the forms. McGowan tried this but did not have the password. McGowan was told that only **** ******** had the pass word.*

Mysteriously, there is another SF 269 for the period: 1/1/04 - 3/31/04. This form was not filled out by hand. It was filled out on a computer for electronic submission. McGowan's name is on the form but, obviously not her signature. This SF 269 is dated May 11, 2004. The balance on this form is $96,680, over $45,000 less than on McGowan's form.

Why is this significant? Because McGowan e-mailed **** ******** on June 7, 2004 saying she needed the password to access the Federal GMS system. ******** replied on June 7, 2004:

They locked me out due to an incorrect password. I'll try after they reset it. Usually, the user name is ********* and the password will be reset to *********. For some reason it isn't working.

Then, on June 9, 2004, ******** e-mails McGowan with the updated user ID and password.

The issue? First, where's the $45,000+? Did that find its way into the County's pockets? Secondly, if the May 11, 2004 SF 269 was submitted to the Feds, it wasn't by McGowan. She didn't have the password to access they Fed system. Why the discrepancy in budget balance? Why did someone send the Feds a report purportedly certified by McGowan when it clearly was not certifed by her? Who lied to the Feds?

If McGowan's April report was innacurate, corrections would be necessary. That we understand. Even so, why fool the Department of Justice into believing McGowan signed off on that May 11, 2004 report? So many unanswered questions.

* McGowan was told this individual was the only one with the password. However, that is not confirmed. Others at the County could have had the password. We would hate to imply that this individual was the person who created and/or submitted the May 11, 2004 report.

BUSTED!

From The Record, April 4, 2005:

Last week, while coming home from helping Troy detectives move a piece of evidence from the South Troy Apartments, Mirch, also a county Legislator, was ticketed for talking on his cell phone while driving and then, after giving the officer a bit of lip, for rolling through a stop sign.

The way Mirch tells it is he had just pulled up to his house on Sixth Avenue between 108th and 109th Street when Officer James Botillo pulled up behind him.Mirch first opened the door. Botillo told him to shut the door and stay in the car. Mirch complied, threw the keys on the dash and called his wife for a pack of smokes. Botillo told him to roll down the window. Mirch told him they were electric and pointed to the keys on the dash board. Botillo told him to open the door. Mirch reminded him that he had just been directed to close the door. Talespin is not sure, but the humor was likely lost on the officer. Mirch opens the door and swings around in his seat so his legs are sticking out into the street.

Botillo takes Mirch's license and registration and tells him to get back in the car and shut the door. Mirch tells Botillo he has a bum leg, and he is staying where he is. Botillo tells him a car could come by and hit him. Mirch points to the way the police cruiser is blocking Sixth Avenue making is impossible for anything larger than a bicycle to pass.Throughout, Mirch is cursing, and Botillo is telling Mirch not to curse. Botillo comes back with two tickets, one for talking on the cell phone and one for rolling through a stop sign, which Mirch maintains was really because he was giving the officer a hard time - An attitude ticket, so to speak.

Mirch freely admits he was talking on the cell phone, but the commissioner of public works says he is on duty 24/7 and is exempt under the cell phone law.He plans to fight both tickets in court. Maybe junk dealer Jack Cox, with one trial under his belt, could represent Mirch.

It's always fun to get a laugh at Mr. Mirch's expense and we haven't heard Officer Botillo's description of events, but if Mirch is to be believed, doesn't it sound like Botillo overreacted?

Still, on the law, Mirch is wrong. No surprise there. According to the statute (found on the DMV website), there is no exemption for members of the "Action Team". The legislature evidently failed to amend the statute.

Fire fighters, police officers, emergency response personnel are all exempt when using a cell phone for a specific, emergency purpose. A municipal department head being on-call 24/7 doesn't cut it.

As an aside, who prosecutes traffic infractions? Is it the District Attorneys Office or Corporation Counsel's Office? It will be interesting to see how this infraction is handled. Will Corporation Counsel's Office be tough on the law breaker?

Just one more example of arrogance from this administration.

It would be fun to find out if any administration officials or council members have criminal records. That does not mean traffic violations, we mean actual criminal records. Some enterprising person may want to FOIL the local police departments for that information. I doubt many Democrats would do it as it entails actual effort.

LOCAL OFFICIALS BRACE FOR CRIME WAVE

Is there something that Rensselaer County isn't telling its residents? Is there a major crime wave just around the bend? It looks that way.

So, what does the County want to do with Troy's waterfront. Currently, 275 inmates are housed in 243 cells at the Rensselaer County Jail. Our sources tell us that when the expansion is complete (it will be done in phases) in 2024, the jail will have room for 897 inmates.* Is there something County residents should know? Will Rensselaer County really need triple the jail space in nineteen years?

Well, lets figure this out:

For the sake of argument, lets say the inmate population doubles in the next 19 years. That's seems high, but lets go with it. If there's 275 inmates now, and we double that, that's 550 inmates. We still have 347 to account for. There may be eight Troy Policeman. Perhaps the Feds will room them in the County Jail. That brings us to 558 inmates. Perhaps someone will go to jail for the 'Weed & Seed' scandal. That's probably just a few people though. What is going to be done with that extra space?

Either the County wants to rent space on Troy's waterfront, or a major crime wave is in the works. Lets pray it's not a crime wave. I just bought a new car.

The size and location of the Rensselaer County Jail has been a topic of conversation these past few weeks. The County wants to expand the jail. Troy Councilman Bill "Quixote" Dunne wants the jail moved. The jail sits on what could be prime waterfront property.** Dunne, who will surely lose this battle, is correct. At least to a certain extent.

What happens if Troy actually has a revival? Note likely, but it could happen. That revival will occur on the waterfront. Trojans have to shake off their small-minded provincialism and think large and long-term. If the waterfront experiences a renaissance, do you really want a jail sitting there? That will look real nice. "Oh, the gallery? You can't miss it. It's right next to the jail."

Perhaps the jail cannot be purchased tomorrow, or next year, or five years from now. However, if the expansion occurs, that site will always be a jail. The cost of purchasing the property? Has anyone considered, just considered, that Troy may not have to purchase the property? Perhaps a developer may be interested in the site. Isn't that worth a discussion. It may be a long shot, but why not explore the idea?

The argument that the jail sits on brownfields is equally nonsensical. First, not all brownfields contain dangerous levels of toxic materials. Would Rensselaer County really endanger the inmates, some of whom have not even been convicted, not to mention the hardworking corrections officers, by placing the jail on dangerous property? We think not.

Second, Mayor Harry has secured a grant to clean some of those brownfields (good job, Harry). It can be done. Troy just needs to shake off its can't do attitude.



We were going to post on the "Weed & Seed" scandal today. Our 'friend' at the County won't get us the documents needed until later in the week. Stay tuned.


* For those of you who graduated from Lansingburgh High, that's more than three (3) times the current inmate population

**The real question is, who owned the property when the decision to relocate the jail was made? Was that person a contributor to those in power at the time?

WORD ON THE STREET

By Huggy Bear

Word on the street is that Republican officials will team up with milk carton manufacturers in an effort to find Councilman Bob Krogh. Krogh has not been seen at a committee meeting or council meeting since approximately February of 2004. However, it wasn't until last week that anyone noticed.

If you have seen Councilman Krogh or know his whereabouts, contact officials immediately. If you are Councilman Krogh and you are reading this, call Marge. She's very worried. You don't call or write or vote.

Word on the Street is that Deputy Dan and Bob Mirch violate the law everyday they are at City Hall. A Troy Polloi CI (confidential informant) who works at City Hall tells us that Deputy Dan's office is the official City Hall smoking lounge. According to the Public Health Law, that's a NO-NO. Mayor, don't let your people violate the law. Dan, Bob, we may want to see you out of government, but otherwise we hope you live long, happy lives. Try to quit. Contact the Public Health Department and surrender yourselves. I'm sure they'll take that into consideration when the fines are issued.

Word on the Street is that certain people at the Police Department aren't very happy. It seems the administration stuck its nose into the hiring of a secretary and a mechanic at the department. We haven't seen a spoils system like this since Boss Tweed.

Finally, word has it that a non-union employee has just received civil servant status, thereby making him impossible to fire. It's the golf course superintendent and it happens to be Harry's brother-in-law. Any more at home like him, Harry?


Next Week - The 'Weed & Seed' scandal. Watch the Mirch hit the fan.

CARIGNAN V. TROY

R.J. Carignan & Company, a Troy insurance agency, has sued Mayor Harry Tutunjian and the City of Troy. The case has received little attention in the mainstream media. Why? That is hard to say. One reason may be that if the facts as alleged by Carignan are true, it does not paint a pretty picture of Troy's elected officials.

What's the case about? Yesterday I took a stroll to the courthouse and got a copy of the complaint.

Background

Carignan has insured the city since the 1930's. During Troy's fiscal crisis of the 1990's, the city carried only fire insurance on real property owned by the city. When Mayor Pattison began to pull the city out of its financial crisis, the city sought to obtain insurance against catastrophic loss. Other, larger agencies were approached by the city but none would take the risk. Carignan once again stepped to the plate and went to bat for Troy.

Troy paid the bulk of its premiums to a Long Island insurance wholesaler who worked with Carignan to obtain low premiums. When Carignan had Troy's insurance up and running, the city put the procurement of its insurance out to bid annually. Each year Carignan responded with the lowest bid.

In 2004, Matt Petro, Carignan's owner, worked to reduce Troy's premiums for 2005. Petro plowed through open and unresolved claims. Petro was able to reevaluate the level of reserves and estimate of liability in consultation with Corporation Counsel's Office. Mr. Petro was able to reduce the number of open claims against the city by nearly two-thirds.

On November 4, 2004 Troy sent a Request for Quotations for liability insurance. Petro spent hours analyzing Troy's needs and ways in which premiums could be reduced. Prior to submitting their quote, Carignan learned that a Scotia agency had made inquiries about changing the city's Broker of Record. Petro asked the city whether they intended on changing brokers. The city, before December 9 (the date the 'bids' were to be received) gave no indication of any intent to change brokers. Therefore, Petro sent his bid to the city.

Due to Carignan's hard work and time, the quotes for insurance coverage reduced the city's premiums by between $51,000 and $65,000. This was the only quote received by Troy.

The city then took Carignan's work product and made a Scotia agency the Broker of Record. Then, concerned about the perception of taking the business out of Troy, the Scotia agency agreed to split the Carignan commission with Nicoll & MacChesney. Essentially, the Broker of Record letter denied Carignan the broker fee they had earned.

Then, Tutunjian trots out before the press and announces he had saved the city money by changing brokers.

There's more involved, of course, but those are the basic allegations. If you think it smells, you'd be right.

Analysis

I don't know what all that means but it doesn't sound good. We'll leave the details to the lawyers and jury.

Let us proceed upon the belief that Carignan's allegations are true. First, I do not know if the city and Tutunjian can be sued for what they did. It may be that their actions are not...well...actionable. Maybe the city can act in a sleazy manner without any recourse for Carignan. We'll leave that, like we said, to the judge and jury.

Still, lets try an analogy. Like most analogies it isn't perfect, but we'll try.

Suppose you own a vehicle repair shop. A potential customer brings in his car. It's an old, unique automobile and parts will be hard to come by. You get on the phone and hours later you have tracked down the hard to find parts. You negotiate with those suppliers and are able to get the customer a good deal. The customer is happy and wants to know where you found the hard to find parts. You, being an honest, ethical man, tell the customer where you found the parts. You then give the customer an estimate and you know it's a good deal.

The customer thanks you and drives to another vehicle repair shop, supplies the owner with the information and soon the car is repaired. Then, the customer tells others that "I got to the point where it was clear that auto shops needed to be changed, particularly when the available savings became clear."

As the repair shop owner that originally located the parts and secured the deal, how would you feel? Cheated? Wronged? We would hope so. When you spoke to friends and explained the story, how would you characterize the customer? We thought so.

Now suppose you consulted a lawyer. The lawyer informs you that as mad as you are, the customer was within his rights to do what he did.

It may be that the facts as alleged by Carignan are wrong or there is more to the picture. It may be that Carignan is correct and will recover damages for the wrong. It may be that Carignan is correct, but there is no legal recourse for what was done by the city.

It's the last potentiality we want to discuss. Suppose Carignan is correct in all the facts but the city's actions are simply not actionable at law? What could one say about city officials who would do such a thing (steal a man's work to hand off to another)?

It is difficult to describe the slime that such public officials ooze if Carignan is correct. Stealing a man's work and giving it to another evidences serious character flaws. Who could trust these officials? Who would take the chance? Unlimited power always breeds arrogance, but it doesn't always breed such craven behavior. The people of Troy should hope the Carignan allegations prove false. If the allegations are true, then the Mayor will have lied to his constituents. If he knowingly lied, the Mayor should be removed from office. If he relied upon the advice of others, those people must be removed from office. It's that simple.

HALLOWEEN CATALOGUE

INTRODUCING THE TROY POLLOI HALLOWEEN CATALOGUE

Scare the Mirch out of your friends and neighbors with costumes from the Troy Polloi Halloween Catalogue, the only costume catalogue devoted to the terrifying fiends and ghouls of Rensselaer County. Delivery guaranteed by November 8, 2005.


"Harry" Littlest Vampire


The kids will scream and run from this little
bloodsucker. He'll drain your income through
tax hikes, slowly over time.


Frankenmirch


Run, run away. Frankenmirch eats public
tax dollars and is never satisfied!


Witch DeAngelis


Flee for your lives, guilty and
innocent, friend and foe alike
(and your little dog, too). She'll
do whatever it takes to climb the
political ladder.



The Mad Scientist


"I'll build a hotel, tear down city hall, tear
down the jail, maybe bring in a destroyer,
Ha,Ha,Ha! I'm mad I tell you, mad!"


Dan the Hutt


"Hoo, hoo hoo! Me have you arrested!"

CITY HALL

In a recent trip to City Hall, I couldn't help notice that the employee's lunchroom is in dire need of some renovations. We all know that Mayor Pattison cared little for anyone, but what about Harry? Why does Harry allow such a condition to exist. Water stains on the ceiling, a moldy, water-stained carpet, that smell! Simply unacceptable.

I did enjoy Mr. Crawley's office, or what I could see of it with the door ajar. I may be somewhat critical of Deputy Dan, but a man that likes the Yankees so much must have some decent qualities (or at least one).

Does Corporation Counsel David B. Mitchell tape his phone calls? That's what one ex-employee told the Troy Polloi. Imagine the paranoia. Some enterprising Democrat should FOIL those tapes. That could be interesting. Perhaps we could get a 'Best of Dave Mitchell' CD. A perfect Democratic fundraising tool.

Speaking of Corporation Counsel, word is that Harry is concerned about the RJ Carignan lawsuit. So much so that he's taken the defense away from Mitchell and is seeking outside counsel. After some inquiries, that's not such a bad move. The general consensus in the legal community is that Corporation Counsel's Office is no match for Joshua Sabo, attorney for Carignan.

Speaking of lawyers, DA Trish DeAngelis almost blew another one. Heckstall almost got a mistrial because chatty Trish can't follow Judge McGrath's rulings. We can't believe it, but it makes us long for the days of Ken Bruno.

Finally, some story ideas for The Record (once again):

1. Has Messick received the appropriate work permits for her home renovations?

2. Did David Mitchell receive unauthorized pay raises in 2004?

3. Was RJ Carignan & Co. bilked out of its commission?

4. Are Kathy Jimino and Mary Donohue the same person?

5. Will more Record reporters go to work for the Republicans?

THANKS

The Troy Polloi* is now almost a month old. It only seems fitting to thank our readers and Mr. O'Brien.

As expected, The Troy Polloi received a modest amount of hits when it was first published (5-8 a day). After Mr. O'Brien's column, we are receiving 60+ hits a day. Thanks again Tim.

And to our readers: thanks for visiting and leaving comments. It is true that certain of the comments are less than flattering. Believe it or not, that is fine with the editors. Unlike a certain dominant political party in the area, we are not threatened or upset by dissent. Dissent is a good, American value. You will not be banned and your comments will not be deleted if they are critical. Plus, we get a kick out of them.

However, they may receive a response.

For instance, Kelly (who appears to work for Rensselaer County, tsk, tsk Kelly, get back to work) pointed out that we misspelled Lansingburgh as Lansingburg. Unfortunately, Kelly must have forgotten her history. Up until the late 1800's, both spellings were commonly used. In fact, books about Lansingburgh published in the mid-1800's used the name 'Lansingburg'. The 1892 Introduction to Melville's Typee** notes that the author lived in Lansingburg. Conversely, there is early American currency from 1792 that used the name 'Lansingburgh'.

Thus, the ballplayers, born in the mid-1800's, were born in Lansingburg, not Lansingburgh. At least that is what their birth certificates say (check with the Hall of Fame Research and Records Dept.) Be that as it may, I hereby enclose for Kelly a slew of h's (hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh) which she may use at her convenience.

And Kelly, you misspelled 'idiot'.

Thanks for making the Troy Polloi a success.

* For Republicans, polloi is Greek for 'many'.
** Melville was an author, or a writer of books. Typee was one of his books.

ALLEGED COUNCILMAN SLAMS DUNNE

In a letter to the Troy Record this week, someone alleging to be a Troy City Councilman threw some pretty tough punches at Councilman Bill Dunne. The issue, once again, is the Rensselaer County Jail.

The alleged council member criticized Dunne for talking to the press, suggesting the jail might not need expansion and for believing that the waterfront might be better utilized for commercial/recreational purposes rather than public sector/industrial purposes.

Finally, the AC (alleged council member) indicated he would vote to allow Dunne's proposal to be voted on by the council and he (the AC) would be voting "NO"! on the proposal.

This council member has shown real guts in taking on Dunne. With no support, other than six other Republican councilmen, a Republican City Hall, a Republican Sheriff's Department, a Republican County Executive and a Republican County Legislature, taking on the lone Democrat will be a tough job.

There's only one problem: who is this guy? No one has heard of him. Is he really on the Troy City Council?* I hope he is because Troy needs tough, gutsy leadership like this.

* Rumor has it that the City of Troy Charter will soon be amended, changing the name of the Troy City Council to "The Mayor's non-binding Advisory Board". The name, "A bunch of people who grab their ankles for the mayor" was rejected by a 5-4 vote.

SOME HISTORY

With April fast approaching, it's time to take a break from our 'Fair and Balanced' political reporting to talk about something far more important: Baseball.

Most Trojans know that Hall of Famer Johnny Evers (of the famed Tinkers to Evers to Chance trio) was born in Troy, New York. They even know that Troy, NY was once the home of a professional baseball team. What many may not know is that the Collar City played host to not one, but two baseball franchises.

The Haymakers

The Troy Haymakers played in the National Association (a sort of embryonic National League) in 1871-1872. In '71 they compiled a 13-15 record. In '72, a 15-10 record.

A number of Haymakers were Troy born.

William 'Clipper' Flynn (1B) was born in Lansingburg on April 29, 1849. He died in Lansingburg on November 11, 1881.

Bill H. Craver (2B) was born in Troy, June 1844. He died on June 17, 1901 in Troy.

Outfielder Steve King was born in Troy in 1842. He died, in Troy, on July 8, 1895.

Edward Beavens (Position unknown), was born in Troy in 1848.

Michael James McAtee (1B) was born in Troy, March 1845 and died in Troy on October 18, 1876.

Marshall Ney King (Position unknown) was born in Troy in December 1849 and died in Troy on October 19, 1911.

The team played at the Haymakers' Grounds.

The Trojans

The Troy Trojans played in the National League for four years, 1879 - 1882. Basically, they sucked. Their best year was 1880 when they went 41 - 42. They were 134 - 191 for the entire four years.

The team played in three parks in four years. They started out playing at the Putnam Grounds. For the next two seasons they played at Haymakers' Grounds. In their final year they played at Troy Ball Clubs Grounds.*

Two players were from Troy. Mike Lawlor (Position unknown), was born on March 11, 1845 and died August 13, 1918.

Charles 'Fatty' Briody was born in Lansingburg** on August 13, 1858. He died in Chicago in 1903.

Despite the team's lackluster performance,*** there were a few bright spots. The Troy Trojans had three future Hall of Famers on their roster; Buck Ewing, Dan Brouthers and Roger Connor.

Connor's story is interesting. When his contract was purchased by the Troy Trojans, Connor came to Troy and was sent to a local shirt company to be fitted for a uniform. The young lady that fitted him for the uniform was quite knowledgeable about baseball. It was a classic story of girl meets baseball player. The two were later married. The couple lost a baby girl just before her first birthday. Then, the Connor's adopted a child that had been abandoned on a doorstep. An excellent article by Bernard Crowley, Baseball's First Stars goes into more detail about Connor and his life.

Roger Connor
* Any information about these parks would be welcome. This site gives the location of the various fields but I cannot vouch for its accuracy. I did read somewhere that the field on Center Island was so pressed for space that a portion of the outfield was actually built of wood and extended past the shore line.

** Lansingburg is a client municipality of Troy

*** The public was mindful of the team's ability. In one game against the Chicago Whitestockings the Trojans set a record for poorest attendance. Twelve people watched the game.

THERE'S SOMETHING ABOUT KAREN

In 1992 the then owners of 193 Second Street proposed to convert that location (the former Italian Community Center) into a three dwelling unit. The plan was submitted to the Troy Planning Commission and approved, subject to the issuance of a Bureau of Code Enforcement Permit. According to the work permit issued, the premises was listed as vacant. However, no work was done and the permit expired six months later.

Councilwoman Messick and her alleged fiance purchased 191 Second Street in 1992. Then, in 1995, they purchased 193 Second Street. Messick claims that the previous owners (of 193) were residing there at the time Messick moved into 191 (1992).

However, the former owners claim that no one ever resided at 193 while they owned the building. When it was purchased by the former owners, the building was partially gutted, without plumbing, heating and electricity. The only access to the second floor was by way of a ladder. The building, according to the former owners, was in the same condition when sold to Messick.

Messick received numerous Notice of Violation letters from the City of Troy Bureau of Code Enforcement (or Boce). Some of these may have been sent to her prior to the purchase of 193 Second Street. The date Messick purchased 193 seems to be in dispute.

However, Messick did own 193 Second Street in March of 1998. On the 18 of March, 193 Second Street was inspected by Code Enforcement. On the 19th, Principal Code Inspector Terry DuBois informed Ms. Messick that she had failed to obtain the required work permit prior to construction, alteration, demolition of change of use. She was ordered to "STOP ANY WORK in progress..." Thankfully, no one was hurt during the walkthrough.

Ms. Messick must have ignored the Notice because eight days later a similar letter was sent to her by Mr. DuBois.

Ms. Messick wrote to Mr. DuBois on April 2, 1998:

I am writing in regards to the letters you sent us concerning 191 and 193 Second Street Troy NY. We purchased 191 Second St. in late 1992 and obtained a mortgage at that time and it became our personal residence. We did not purchase 193 Second St. until aprox. 1995, 3 years later, from the Woods our next door neighbors and we got a mortgage at that time. I don't know ho they got it from or how long they had it but they were living there when we moved in to 191 Second. We purchased 191 from a company comprised of several doctors and I don't know how long they owned it.*

What's wrong with this response to alleged code violations? Apart from run-on sentences, it fails to address the issue of obtaining a work permit. Was a work permit ever obtained? Also, the renovations seemed to take a long time. Did Ms. Messick consider retaining a new contractor?

As of March 2, 2004, a work permit and a Certificate of Occupancy had not been obtained by Ms. Messick or the alleged fiance. Terry DuBois once again contacted Ms. Messick. Another inspection was done and several issues were raised.

191 Second Street needed smoke detectors in a variety of rooms. As for 193, numerous issued were raised, some fire-safety related. Once more, Messick was told to purchase the appropriate work permits.

Now Deputy Dan (Crawley) seems very concerned about fires. For Deputy Dan, Mr. Cox's property was a potential fire hazard as was Perlman's Auto Service (See The Record, March 4, 2004 'Business Owner, Action Team at odds' by Kate Perry).

The good people of Troy should have answers to the following questions:

1. Did Ms. Messick purchase the appropriate work permits;

2. If not, has she been fined or 'locked out' of the building;

3. If not, why not;

4. Does it have anything to do with the fact she is a Republican City Council member;

6. If Cox or the owner of Perlman's had been Republican City Council members, would they have been shut down.

7. What is the name of the contractor (he seems to take his sweet time and we wouldn't want others to hire him).

Maybe Ms. Messick has complied. Let us know. We'll certainly update this story. However, if she hasn't, and 191-193 Second Street is fire hazard, perhaps the Action Team needs to be put on high alert and dispatched to the hazard.

Ms. Messick should feel free to respond. We'll print the response in full (except for the profanity).

As an aside, I think the City of Troy would be well served if a SWAT-like vehicle was purchased for the Action Team. Images of Mr. Mirch and Mr. Crawley propelling down from the roof of 191 Second Street, crashing through windows, simply dance through my head.

Remember, this issue was alive and well when Ms. Messick ran for City Council. How can one make the laws and ordinances of the city when they can't follow them. It didn't seem to bother anyone at the time. Messick ran and won. Maybe there are two tiers of justice in this area, one for public "servants" and one for the rest of you.


Artist's rendering of Troy Action Team entering191-193 Second Street

* Copies of documents courtesy of a friend at City Hall who wishes to remain anonymous

DUNNE V. MAHAR

A debate about the future of the Rensselaer County Jail has begun. City Councilman William Dunne (Dist. 4) wants the jail moved, believing it to be a waste of prime waterfront property. He'd like to see a Labor museum at that location. Troy was a key player in the industrial revolution and organized labor. A place honoring that history is a fine idea.

Sheriff Mahar wants the jail expanded and wishes it to remain sedentary. Mahar makes the point (a good one) that moving the jail would be an expensive undertaking.

Both men are right and both are wrong. Perhaps there is a compromise.

The jail cannot be moved. It's very heavy. It probably weighs well over 2000 lbs. It probably can't even be lifted, even if a whole bunch of guys helped. Still, it's a damn shame that prisoners get to live so close to the water.

Perhaps, and this is just a thought, the jail could be converted to a riverside bed & breakfast (maybe Up the River) with a jail theme and cells going for $150-$250 a night. The prisoners could be the staff, helping to work off their debt to society.

It's just a thought.

TROY POLLOI HITS THE BIG TIME

We are proud to announce that The Troy Polloi received some lovin' from Tim O'Brien in yesterday's Times Union. Mr. O'Brien is a fine journalist with a keen eye for brilliant satire. Thanks Mr. O'Brien.

PS Tim, there's nothing wrong with facial hair, especially if it's your rugged, Keith Hernandez-type look. There's also nothing wrong with Peter Sellers. Both Sellers and Mirch are funny men, one intentionally so.

A Republican Blog would fill a much needed gap.

TROY GETTING SAFER EVERY DAY

The Rensselaer County District Attorney's Office finally nailed Public Enemy #1, used auto parts dealer Jack Cox. Cox faces 2 and 1/3 to 8 years in prison. Whew! Troy's long nightmare is over.

It's ironic that men sucking at the public teat seem to take such pleasure in closing down those in the private sector. Deputy Dan (Crawley) had to open his mouth and say:

"Hopefully there is not a fire and nothing happens until we get the court decision and we can get the place cleaned up."

Anybody ever drive by Crawley's former house in Brunswick? Crawley should have been fined for that eye sore. How is this guy going to clean up Troy when he couldn't keep his own property clean? It looked like the Clampett's had set up camp.

Deputy Dan, moving to Troy

And what about Naz's Body Shop? What's that, the Pearl of Route 7? That's been an eye sore forever.

Yes, Cox should play by the rules. He's a big boy. But the Harry Administration should play by the rules also. Why hasn't the media focused on the raises received by David Mitchell last year. Mitchell received at least one and maybe three raises not approved of by the City Council (or should we say, the Mayor's Advisory Board?)

Come on Troy Record and Times Union. There's a story there just waiting to be discovered.

SLOW NEWS WEEK

It's been a slow news week in Troy, New York. Everyone must be on vacation. Neither the City Code or City Charter has been violated. Also, the Appellate Division did not hand down any decisions critical of the District Attorneys Office. We can only assume Republicans are all on vacation.

The only real news this week was the re-zoning of Route 7 (Hoosick Street). The idea that Hoosick Street might one day rival Wolf Road seems a tad 'Pie-in-the-sky' for the Troy Polloi but why not give it a shot.

Better still, why not develope the waterfront? If anything will revitalize cities like Troy, it is their waterfronts.

WHO IS LYING?

When talking about Republicans in Troy that is sometimes a difficult question to answer (see Times Union, Sunday, February 20th 2005).

Tom Casey is a Troy Fireman (a noble profession). David Mitchell is City of Troy Corporation Counsel (enough said). Casey is slated to be the head of the Republican Committee in Troy but had questions about a possible conflict. You see, city party officers are not supposed to be city employees.

Casey says he received the OK from Mitchell. Mitchell says he did not speak to Casey about the issue. Essentially, Mitchell is calling Casey a liar. Obviously, someone's lying. Is it Mitchell or Casey? It must be rather embarassing for the Republicans. Either their Corporation Counsel is lying or their City Chair.

One has to wonder why Mitchell would call Casey a liar in any event. He could have said, "Mr. Casey is mistaken," or "Mr. Casey is confused." Instead he opted to call him a liar. Interesting.

As an aside, wasn't it Mitchell who authored an amendment to Public Officers Law that would prevent the city from defending and indemnifying city employees for the mere allegation of intentional wrongdoing (including defamation). Boy, that could have come back to bite him on the ass.

Now, for the answer to Mr. Casey's question. It's hard to find, being hidden in that rarely followed document known as "CODE OF THE CITY OF TROY, NEW YORK" (Sec 43-6).

First:

POLITICAL PARTY OFFICER -- Any person serving or acting as the Chair, Vice Chair, First Vice Chair, Secretary, Treasurer or equivalent officers by whatever name or title known of any political party or committee organized for the purpose of nominating persons for elective office in the government of the City of Troy.

Next:

No political party officer shall be employed by the City of Troy. Any offer of employment with the City which is tendered to a person who is a political party officer shall be made in writing and shall contain a requirement that resignation from such political party office is a condition precedent to the effectiveness of such offer of employment. Prior to commencement of such employment, the appointing authority must file a copy of such offer of employment together with a copy of such letter of resignation from party office with the City Clerk.

Come on guys, it's just not that difficult.

It's rather humorous. If Mitchell gave Casey the advice, he's lying and he's wrong. If Casey didn't speak with Mitchell about this issue, he really should speak with someone about the obvious illegality of holding both positions simultaneously.

WORD ON THE STREET

Welcome to Word on the Street, where The Troy Polloi trades in rumor and innuendo. These rumors and opinions do not reflect the rumors or opinions of the management of The Troy Polloi. So, without further ado....

WORD ON THE STREET

By Huggy Bear

Word on the Street is.....

Councilman Bob Krogh and a friend won $64,000 in a thousand dollar a square Super Bowl pool. The rumor was overheard in an area watering hole. If true, congrats Bob and remember, income from gambling does not need to be reported to the IRS. Trust Huggy Bear.

Word on the Street is....

Councilwoman Karen Messick isn't running for re-election and local Republicans are not shedding any tears. As one local Republican put it, "I liked Karen a lot until I got to know her." The Huggy Bear wonders if her decision has anything to do with the allegations about Messick not having the appropriate permits, etc. for her home renovations.

Word on the Street is....

People are wondering about the whereabouts of Walt VanDeLoo. According to our sources, former City Engineer Walt VanDeLoo is now city engineer for Baghdad. Good luck Walt.