PUSH ME POLL YOU

We listened to the "push poll" recording courtesy of Jimmy F. This occurred immediately after yesterday's post. We took some time to think about what we heard. Not too much time. That would be too much work.

Our first thought: obviously not a Working Families maneuver to gain sympathy for Rodney. The questions were too sharp, pointed and frankly, hit some of the points Rodney's detractors make against him. Do we think such a Machiavellian move is above a political party? Absolutely not. They are political parties after all. Exactly what would be beneath them? Not this time. So we lay aside our admittedly feverish conspiratorially speculation.

Our second thought was: The Gordon campaign. Wiltshire believes he can win. His supporters believe he can win. Why would the GOP not believe he can win? Perhaps Gordon's camp see Wiltshire as the real threat. However, Gordon has run, in our opinion, the best campaign Gordon can run. He's kept his head down, his nose clean and goes about his business. He gains nothing from this.

Thought number three: The Rensselaer County Republican Committee. Why not? Can't come up with a reason they wouldn't do such a thing. They have in the past, after all.

Number four: The Rensselaer County Democratic Committee. We'd be very surprised (not exactly shocked) if Wade did this. It is not a good political move and Wade usually makes good political moves. We'd like him to be asked the question. We'd like to hear the answer.

Then, we read this comment:

"There were negative questions asked about Madden as well. Interesting that they were conveniently edited out of the audio file on T-spin. It is in fact, a compilation of two different push polls. The first few questions were from the recent poll. That poll asked if the person called was familiar with the candidates, and who they would vote for. The second part of the audio above was from a poll conducted well before the primary. It also included questions about Madden not being a Democrat, and having the council meeting video removed from the city website. Either Franco edited that file, or Wiltshire did." (Oct. 16 Post at 12:18PM).

We can all discount certain comments. This one has a level of detail that could be verified. We hope someone does. If accurate, the finger needs to be pointed at the GOP. It's a great political move that will keep the short-sighted Democrats and WFP people sniping at one another for the remainder of the campaign.

We don't like push polls. They are sleazy. This particular one asked some pointed questions that might be fair in a different context and with a wider variety of possible answers.

 

TROY POLLOI PUSH POLL RESULTS

The Troy Polloi recently had the opportunity to conduct our own Push Poll. We contacted more than 7 registered voters over the course of 19 minutes. Here are the results:


- 71% of voters agreed that Jim Gordon looks like the groom on a wedding cake.

-  53% of voters agreed that Anastasia Robertson (D-D2) should wear a sombrero to soften her image.

- 73% of female voters agreed that Mark McGrath (R-D2 candidate) reminded them of their first husband.

- 39% of voters agreed that Troy, NY is in New York.

- 89% of voters did not want a 9.3% tax hike.

-9.3% of voters wanted a 89% tax hike.

-89% of voters wanted to kick the ass of those 9.3% of voters.

-35% of voters believe Patrick Madden will ruin Troy by accident. The remainder on purpose.

-61% of voters believe Rodney Wiltshire should hold public hearings about push polls.

-76% of voters believe push polling is a service provided at strip clubs.

MORE LIKELY, LESS LIKELY NO DIFFERENCE

PHONE CALLS

A number of people have complained about a campaign phone call that they describe as terrible and prejudicial. It looks like there may be one that is negative towards mayoral hopeful Rodney Wiltshire (WFP) and Jim Gordon (R).

We just happen to have a transcript of one such call:

Voter: Hello.

Caller: Election day is just...

Voter: What? Hello?

Caller: Eighteen days...

V: Hello! Shhh. .Be quite, Fred, I'm trying

C: Away. Have you decided which of the....

V: To hear. Is this you Emily?

C: Candidates you may vote for...

V: Now, who is this?

C: Rodney Wiltshire, Jim Gordon or Patrick...

V: There's no Rodney here. You got

C: Madden.

V: Who's mad. I told you there's no Rodney here. I think

C: If I told you that Republican candidate Jim Gordon

V: Have wrong number. I told him, Fred, be quiet.

C: Leaves the room without turning out the lights would you be...

V: Gordon who?

C: More likely to vote for him, less likely or...

V: I'm sorry, my husband is shouting at...

C: No difference.

V: Me. What?

Click

Seriously, if anyone has received these calls, let us know the basics. We know a Gordon supporter received one on Gordon and Wiltshire supporters have received calls about Wiltshire, but that is all we have heard. We are always suspicious when a candidate claims some outrageous campaign tactic on the part of an opponent. Madden's camp was outraged at the Working Families Party's primary-eve mailer.  The mailer was not outside the pale, just poorly done, contradictory and predictable. Similarly, are these calls as bad as people say or just bad in the eyes of supporters?

One could speculate that this is the work of the Working Families Party. There are independent expenditures made on behalf of the Wiltshire campaign. Two entities who have made such expenditures are the Working Families Party State & Local Campaign Committee and the CWA District 1 PAC. Both these entities have utilized the services of InFocus Campaigns Inc., a Texas based company that provides traditional voter contact tools. No similar entity is providing services to Madden, Gordon or Cox.

Why would Wiltshire supporters do such a thing (and we are not saying they did)? Wiltshire has shown a propensity to play the victim. Whether a primary loss  or sluggish, struggling campaign, he uses perceived offensesand righteous indignation to go on the offensive and grab some press. Not a bad strategy, but a political ploy nonetheless.

Wiltshire had this to say:

"I have received several phone calls and messages tonight from random voters and supporters of mine who are reporting the terrible and prejudicial robocall that ...the Madden campaign sent to Troy voters tonight against me.

Furthermore, he used the number of an elderly woman who lives at O'Neil apartments here in Troy as the outgoing number for the robocall.

So, I'm sure she's been getting all sorts of angry phone calls from people that she had not actually called.

I think it's very hypocritical of him and his campaign to attempt to manipulate voters, especially after his video commentary earlier this year."

Madden has denied his campaign had any involvement in the calls.

It's hard not to notice that during the course of this campaign, Wiltshire has called Madden a criminal (alleging he was in cahoots with Ernest Everett's voter fraud endeavors), responsible for voter suppression  and, now, a liar. He issues such statements and never follows up with any evidence. Yet, he's the reformer who will change politics as usual (despite relying upon traditional Democratic union support and drive-by facebook press releases).

Could County Chair Wade have paid for the calls, independent of Madden? Any such expense should be reflected in the next campaign disclosures, due next week. This doesn't have the Wade smell either. He's more likely to use a hard-hitting mailer, targeted at blanks, independents and flaccid democrats. If no one claims the calls, it would be a campaign rule violation and worthy of an investigation. Such calls are not rare, they have been used by Republicans in the past and have not shown up in disclosure reports. Many of the companies that perform such services are shady, fly-by-night operations, worthy of disdain. We'll have to check the disclosures. If you know Madden, he's telling the truth. However, people will believe what they want to believe.

Please, if you can relay, or paraphrase, the call, we'd be interested. (Update: Just listened on T-Spin.)
We will comment later.

This weekend will take a look at the public hearing on the budget and offer some real solutions to the proposed 9.3% tax hike.

MEMORY LANE

DO WE WANT TO RETURN TO THESE DAYS?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Or the 17% rise in violent crime.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

DISTRICT 3

DISTRICT 3



Known affectionately as D3, this election district is also known as Sycaway, the Beverley Hills of Troy, without the multi-billion dollar industry, beautiful weather and beautiful people. District 3 is bordered by the Town of Brunswick, Frear Park Road, 10th Street and Brunswick Road.

Geography: Rolling hills, middle-class homes and highly educated, rolling state workers. If Troy was New York City, Sycaway would be Westchester County, which isn't part of New York City so forget all about that. Think Brunswick-lite. Sycaway is not a Native American word like many think. It is a Japanese word meaning, "I don't have to say I live in Troy."

Often Heard: "It's really like a live in Brunswick."

Past Voting History:

2009

D. Bodnar - R 515
R. Hoffmeister - D 394
R. Ziemba - W 321

2011

D. Bodnar - R 724
R. Ziemba - D 721

2013

D. Bodnar - R 620
M. DeLair - D 454

Enrollment Statistics

D -601
R- 367
C- 100
W - 19
I - 130
Blank - 732

Hot Button Issue: "Should we have a hot button issue?"

This district leans Democratic. As can be seen from the recent results, 2013 was the only election were Bodnar was clearly safe. Without the split vote in 2009, Bodnar would not have won. 2011 was a squeaker. The district has also shown a willingness to dump an incumbent. Lynn Mahoney(D) represented the district before being defeated by Art Judge (R) who would be defeated by Pete Ryan (D). The same almost happened to Bodnar in 2011. A fine example of how a strong third party candidate fucks shit up. Luckily, we got Bodnar.

Contestents:

DEAN BODNAR - R



Bodnar is a three term incumbent. If he does win re-election, it will be his last term. Bodnar was born in Watervliet, attended Catholic Central High School and Siena College where he majored in political science. That's about all we know about Bodnar. We think he's retired. We find him to be professional, calm and one of the adults on the Council. Simply put, he seems decent and pragmatic. Drawbacks: Not one, respectable scandal to his name. Come on Dean, give us something. Maybe duel?





SUE STEELE - D



Bodnar's opponent is a long-time Democrat party activist. Steele worked at the County and is retired from the Office of Child and Family Services.  And yes, before someone clever brings it up, Steele did have an alcohol-related driving offense years ago. Many people have had  a DWI or DWAI (not us of course) but many. Even former Congressman John Sweeney had  a few, and Steele didn't even have a stripper in her lap when pulled over. At least we don't think she did. In any event, it is not hard to see that Steele agreed to take a bullet for the team. We don't think she wanted to run and we get the feeling that if she lost she wouldn't be all that disappointed.

District 3 should be well served no matter who wins.

Did You Know: The R.M.S Titanic was built in Belfast, Ireland, not in Troy, NY.

NO PREMATURE WITHDRAWAL

FOR CUMMINGS

We were premature when we announced that Anasha Cummings did not meet his goal of 1,000 pledged votes and would therefore withdraw from the at-large council race. Our incorrect assessment was based upon a Saturday morning visit to his site. As of Saturday, October 11, the WFP & Green Party candidate had 912 voters pledged to support him.

The day before the deadline, Cummings announced, "We are up over 90% after a marathon day of ‪#‎DigitalDoorKnocking‬ and likely have enough supporters waiting in the queue to be verified to take us over the top, but there is still an hour to participate and be sure we make it!"

On the 912 votes, Cummings told the Troy Polloi, "these are unofficial results. There are some duplicates in the system that need to be cleaned, but also a large amount of data from a recent canvass that hasn't been accounted for yet, so we are busy crunching numbers, and will make an official announcement, with next steps either way, on our Facebook Page Monday morning."

Some are suspicious. The site's Anash-O-Meter was stuck on 912 pledged votes for 48 hours and then, after number crunching etc, Barbarossa met his goal. People are right to be suspicious. This isn't Honduras, where votes seem to just turn up. It's Troy, where votes are manufactured. That Doesn't mean Cummings has tweaked the math. It's a problem of controls.

Cummings can run if he wants. He could run without the pledge requirements. He chose the 1,000 vote pledge requirement. That benchmark was self-imposed.  The problem was that he did not set forth how these pledges would be calculated. How long they could remain in the queue, uncounted. Did the site meter rise automatically when someone filled out the on-line form. He did not mention, on the site, that paper ballots would be accepted. He did not explain how, if possible, he would weed out those who might take his pledge but only wanted him in the race as spoiler. In short, he did not set up the rules.

Cummings should release the pledges. He can redact enough information to protect identities but reveal enough information to establish authenticity. He should release the pledges that were not counted, those from people not registered or who may not be eligible to vote in Troy. In short, allow an audit. That would, we believe, satisfy skeptics.

Cummings has also stated that he will reevaluate on October 27 and determine if he has enough support at that time to move forward. Frankly, that's naïve. Once the machinery is in motion, once you're that close to election day, things take on a life of their own.

We are not bashing Cummings. We endorsed Cummings in the primary and may do so again. As we said, some are skeptical and we understand why. However, we can't help wonder if Cummings is playing it safe. Hoping that the pledges come through and he's not embarrassed on election day. Or, is this a brilliant PR ploy? Some way to keep a third party candidate in the news. Cummings should run or withdraw. Make a decision and move forward. That's what leaders do. This game of electoral blue balls wears thin.

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.

ANASHA COMES UP SHORT

CUMMINGS TO BOW OUT OF RACE

Anasha Cummings, the former Democratic candidate for one of three Troy at-large council seats, will bow out of the race. Despite his defeat on September 10, Cummings still had the Working Families Party line. In an unorthodox move, Cummings 'let the people decide' whether he should remain in the race and act as a possible spoiler. Cummings created a website and pledged that he would not run unless he got 1,000 people to pledge their support to his campaign by October 10. The people decided.

As of this morning, Cummings had received 912 pledges. His quixotic, yet somehow charming, quest, has ended. For now.

Will Cummings endorse any of the Democrats remaining in the race? It would be a good move for him to do so.

While we cannot help but admire Team Troy's rage against the machine, this effort appears to have failed. This time around.

They did not contest District 1. They already co-opted candidates with the D-Line in District 2 & 4. They did not contest District 3. They lost in District 5. They lost in District 6 and their candidate, Corey Jenkins announced he will not campaign. They lost the At-Large primary. They lost the mayoral primary.

Our advice: They should all drop out of their respective races and endorse the candidate of their choice. They should work their asses off for that candidate. They should avoid the spoiler label at all costs. Then, they should, and could, claim a seat at the table in two and four years. Many insurgent campaigns fail the first go around. A scorched earth policy is not the answer. Re-group, double-down on organizing and return. Don't self-immolate. If this is truly about issues and not ego, that is the only course of action if they want to remain relevant. It's hard to forgive if you are responsible for a Gordon Administration. Just our two cents.

DISTRICT 2

COUNCIL DISTRICT 2



Encompasses southern Lansinburgh and North Troy. Home to what is probably the worst area of the city. District stops at Hoosick Street, where passports will be checked.

Geography: Urban, urban, urban. The Crack Basket of Troy. Filled with non-traditional, extra-legal, entrepreneurs. Unfortunately, North Central is not the entirety of the District but it can hog the headlines. Proudly boasts its own school district. A unique feature in a city the size of Troy.




Often Heard: "Duck!"


Past Voting History

2009

Mark McGrath - R 537
R. Martiniano - D 308

2011

Mark McGrath - R 613
Doris Day - D 437

2013

A. Robertson - D 395
K. Mazor - R 360

Another tough district to analyze. Mark McGrath has dominated the voting. Even in 2011, McGrath handily defeated the well-known Doris Day, causing Lana Turner to sit out the 2013 race. Before Robertson, there hadn't been a Democrat in 2 since Jack Mahoney won in 2003 and Robertson won in a low turnout year. This is a fun race as it's almost incumbent v. incumbent.


Enrollment

D- 1,500
R- 538
C- 173
W- 115
 I-  237

Blank-988


Hot Button Issue: Should we abolish the District 2 Council Seat?

The Contestants:

ANASTASIA ROBERTSON - D

Anastasia Robertson - D, the one term Councilwoman and current incumbent. She is often considered dumb because she says dumb things. However, when PBA President Tom Hoffman accused her of inciting racial tension back in August of 2014, a video showed that the allegation was false. We always call it "divisive" when an African-American says something controversial,  racially charged, hyperbolic or just plain stupid. When it's a white person  we call it the Republican Presidential Debates.


MARK MCGRATH - R*


Mark McGrath - R is the former incumbent, having been term-limited out in 2013. He spent his time on the Council converting street gangs into basketball teams and basketball teams into street gangs. We always liked having McGrath on the Council. He was kind of fun. A loose canon and something of a maverick. The crazy uncle at the dinner table who starts a sentence with: "And let me tell you about the good things Mussolini did." Now, he has turned his attention to combating political lawn signs and sturgeon.


Did You Know? No one was shot today in District 2.

Good Luck District 2. God be with you.


*The part of Mark McGrath will be played by former Toronto Mayor Rob Ford

DISTRICT 1

We almost forgot. There are actual Council races this year. Everyone is so focused on the Mayor's Race, the council races may have some self-esteem issues. We know they seek some validation and need some tender loving care.

DISTRICT 1


This northernmost district should be called North Troy as it is the northernmost district of Troy. But it's isn't. It's called Lansingburgh, which is north of North Troy. Lansingburgh was once an autonomous municipality. It was annexed by Troy after its defeat in the Trojan War. This district was formerly represented by Mark Wojcik, Kevin McGrath and Jim Gordon.

Often Heard: I can't believe Wojcik was the good one.

Geography: District 1 covers the most northerly part of the City of Troy. Due to it's location, the weather is often harsh with temperatures sometimes falling into the sub-zero range for weeks at a time. For six months out of the year there is daylight for only 2.3 hours daily. Debate rages as to who was the first man to reach District 1. Some say Peary. Others Cook.


Past Voting History:

2009

K. McGrath - D 1002
J. Gordon - R 627

2011

K. McGrath - D 1,228
F. LaPosta - R 592

2013

J. Gordon - R 770
S. Scales - D 591

A tough district to analyze. The Democrats do well with a name but it feels like a Republican district. Obviously, the McGrath name is still big. We get the feeling that if Kevin McGrath ran again, he'd still do well. Don't know what that says about the district or the power of a family name.

In the past three elections, the Republican's best tally was 770 votes. Previously, from 2003-2007, the Republican garnered 1000+ votes, with the opponent garnering anywhere from 600+ to 800+. Draw your own conclusions about garners.

Enrollment statistics show: 

D-1442
R-770
I-307
C-306
W-101
Blank-1265


Hot Button Issue: Why did that nice white couple call 911?

Contestants:

Laurie Ryan - D


Maybe we're doing something wrong on this internet-thingy, but we can't find much at all about Ryan. That's a plus, as we won't be disappointed. We believe she's related to Pete Ryan.







Jim Gulli - R


Checked out his facebook page. Seems like your standard, law-and-order Republican. Nothing impressive here or actively offensive.









Jessica Ashley - G


One of the organizers of the Troy Citizens Complaint Board. The board was organized in response to the Jan. 25 melee between police officers and the mostly minority community patrons at Kokopellis, a bar at 124 Fourth St. The board is a subcommittee of the Citizens United for Justice in Troy, NY. It was formed to help residents "file their complaints of excessive force, violence, racism, discrimination and witness intimidation used by the Troy PD." 

We're just not feeling it. A non-factor


Did you know? Colonel Seth Warner, leader of the Green Mountain Boys and Revolutionary War Hero, never visited Lansingburgh.

MEET THE CANDIDATES NIGHT

Later this week we'll take a look at the council races.  This morning we're tired so you guys can take charge. Today, you can weigh-in on last night's Meet the Candidates Night.

Did you meet the candidates last night? We did not. The Yankees were on and we have our priorities. If you did go to the Middle School last night to meet the candidates, let us know what you think. It could not have been as good as THIS Meet the Candidates Night. Those were good times. But, maybe it was a good night with some substance.

As usual, The Record covered the event in great detail.


MONEY, MONEY, MONEY

The fuel that drives campaigns, at all levels of government. Lets see what's going on with our trio of candidates.

Patrick Madden has  $8,767.71 left in coffers. Not bad, seeing that he had to spend his way through a primary battle. That will be good for a few more mailers.

Rodney Wiltshire has  $2,2236.13 left in the account. Again, a good chunk spent battling through a primary.

Gordon  wins the bank account primary, with $14,627* on tap for the remaining few weeks.

Here's the odd thing. At least, we find it odd. Wiltshire raised roughly $11,000. He has not shown any contributions since the 32 Day pre-primary report was filed. However, his expenditures include approximately $3,000 in wages.

Back in 2007, Mayor Tutunjian had over $100,000 in his campaign account. He spent over $40,000 on television ads and $10,000 in rent for his campaign headquarters. But no employees. Should  nearly a third of what Team Troy raised have gone to wages? We thought this was a labor of love.

If a campaign wants to have employees, more power to them. It just seems a little extravagant for an insurgent campaign.

Is Team Troy out of steam? Are any more fundraisers planned? If not, it doesn't look like they'll have much left for a late inning push.

COMING UP...

An in-depth look at the individual council races.

* Yet, he never picks up the check 

FOR THE ELECTION IS DARK...

...AND FULL OF TERRORS

How many times have you been asked to explain the Troy political scene to an outsider. Neither have we. But, we'll try.

For those of you new to Troy, or the Troy Polloi, the political landscape is as difficult to navigate as a Lockheed Electra 10E over the Pacific Ocean in the middle of the night with a boozed-up navigator. Many have tried. Some turned back. Some were never heard from again. So, as a public service, we are offering this handy-dandy guide.

HOUSE WADE:



House Sigil:  White Trough on Magenta Field
House Words: "November is Coming."
House Colors: Ashen Grey


Headed-up by Tom "King" Wade, the Democratic County Chair. Don't mistake the squeaky voice and curly hair for a lovable teddy bear. Wade plays hard and can rule with an iron fist. Probably the most successful Democratic Chair in some time, he can raise the hackles of some. Does not forget a slight, real or perceived. Rewards loyalty. Came to power by challenging former Chair Lynn Mahoney. They shared the chair for a few years, which was as successful as Soviet power sharing. Faced a revolt a few years back by Wiltshire, Rabbit and North Greenbush. Brushed them back easily. Former Democratic Board of Election Commissioner. Chose Patrick Madden as the mayoral candidate. Many believe he shepherded Ernest Everett into primary to siphon votes from Wiltshire.

Links:

Madden, Patrick  - Endorsed for mayor by the Democratic Committee, which means hand-picked by Wade.

Jimino, Kathy - Wade has given-up on running a candidate against GOP County Executive Kathy Jimino

Wiltshire, Rodney - Not liked by Wade, considered an upstart who hasn't made his bones.


HOUSE JIMINO:

House Sigil:  White Elephant on a White Field
House Words: "Taxes are Coming."
House Colors: Translucent



Led by long-standing Republican County Executive, Kathy Jimino. As much as a GOP County boss as anyone, but has rivals that are equally influential. Not enamored of the Troy Republican Party. Mary Donohue Lite. Called The Mother of Dragons by no one.

Links:

Madden, Patrick - Her brother
Gordon, Jim - Her employee


HOUSE MADDEN:

House Sigil: Yawning Man on Red Field
House Words: "My Campaign is Coming."
House Colors: Rehab Green



Helmed by Patrick Madden, Endorsed by the Democratic Committee, winner of the Democratic primary by 50 votes, CEO of TRIP and a political newcomer. This outsider was the third Democrat to enter the primary contest. Despite backing of Wade, appears to rely on former Mayor Mark Pattison and operative Mark Streb. Nickname: Pat.

Links:

Jimino, Kathy - His sister


HOUSE  GORDON:

House Sigil: All-Seeing Eye on black and blue field
House Words: "The Police are Coming."
House Colors: Paste



One-term councilman. GOP endorsed candidate for mayor. Also has the Conservative, Independent and Green Party lines. Currently, represents District 1 on the Troy City Council. Rensselaer County Stop DWI Coordinator, appointed by Jimino. Got the nomination even though Carmella Mantello is better known and a better vote-getter.

Links:

Jimino, Kathy - Hired him
Crist, Rich - Influential in getting Gordon Independent and Conservative lines


HOUSE WILTSHIRE:

House Sigil: Silhouette Walking on Water
House Words: "My Presence Wouldn't Make a Difference."
House Colors: Graple




Current City Council President, business owner and the Working Families Party candidate for mayor. Received nomination because he works and has a family. Lost a Democratic Primary by razor-thin margin. Engineered a great ground game. Considered anti-establishment and a foe of House Wade. Would-be Kingslayer. Many think he's a better self-promoter than public servant. Others see him as changing politics in Troy. Cozied up to Rich Crist two years ago to secure the Independence line and the City Council Presidency.


HOUSE EVERETT:

House Sidgel: Vertical Black Bars on White Field
House Words: "My Lawyer is Coming."
House Colors: Orange



Thirty-Two year old pharmaceutical salesman. Begin his mayoral bid in 2014. His Quixotic quest ended on September 10, when he placed third in the voting. Later, charged with forgery and filing a false instrument for allegedly witnessing nominating signatures he didn't witness. Many think Boss Wade encouraged Everett to run in order to split the Wiltshire anti-establishment vote.


HOUSE CRIST:



House Sigil: Dollar Sign on Maroon Field
House Words: "Thank God  Abelove Won."



Minor but influential House led by Rich Crist. Ostensibly a employee of Rensselaer County Legislature but really the go-to-guy if you want the Independent Line or Conservative Line. Influence diminished compared to a few years ago but many Republicans still have their Crist knee pads. Accused of sexual harassment by County employee Colleen Regan. Charges dumped by Division of Human Rights because all but two incidents occurred outside the statutory time period and because Crist was not her supervisor. Charged with endangering a minor and harassment. Charges dropped by District Attorney Joel Abelove. Nickname: "Middle Finger."

Links:

Abelove, Joel - Owes Crist for Conservative, Independence Party Lines, dropped charges against Crist rather than recusing himself. Failed to seek special prosecutor for GOP Legislative Leader Martin Reid, another Crist colleague.

Wiltshire, Rodney - Helped Rodney get Independence Line which led to Wiltshire getting City Council Presidency

Crist, Craig - Brother, lawyer with Dreyer, Boyajian firm that represented Crist, partner Boyajian was owner of the King Street property that was demolished, causing a hyperbolic non-scandal.


HOUSE ABELOVE:

House Sigil: Shaved Scrotum on Brown Field
House Words: "Charges Dropped."




Recently minted District Attorney. Won by slim margin in possibly the best Republican year in a decade. Stumbled early by not referring the Crist charges to another District Attorney. Stumbled again by not requesting special prosecutor for Martin Reid case. Stumbled yesterday going up courthouse steps. Announced Rensselaer County a Sanctuary County for Republicans. Disliked by best friend. Nickname: Joel Abelove.


HOUSE MCDONOUGH:

House Sigil: Absentee Ballot on a Black Field
House Words: "Not Again."



Once a major house, this minor house is led by Democratic Elections Commissioner Ed McDonough Jr. Son of Ed McDonough, former party boss that wound up in prison for something he did before we paid attention to this shit. McDonough was at the center of the voter fraud prosecution a few years back. First jury was hung (and we mean hung). Acquitted at second trial. Accused of ignoring dodgy Everett nominating petitions. Supports, but dislikes, Wade.


HOUSE TUTUNJIAN:

House Sigil: Slack Jaw on  Purple Field
House Words: "What's a Sigil."





Once a major house now lies in ruins. Led by former councilman and two-term mayor Harry Tutunjian. Won two terms by comfortable margins, the first on the heels of a ill-conceived Democratic scheme to repeal term limits. Often considered, even by himself, a weak-willed leader and puppet of Bob Mirch or Dan Crawley or Dave Mitchell. Lost support during second term after bullying, incompetence and ethics problems became harder to hide. After his reign ended, appointed to County Legislature. Lost his seat at next election. Ran a second time and lost. Gordon supporter and advisor. Nickname: The Imp.


HOUSE MANTELLO:


House Sigil: Desperate Woman on Orange Field
House Words: "God Dammit, Just Vote for Me. Please!"





This minor house is led by perennial candidate Carmella Mantello. Currently, running for an At-Large seat. Lost city-wide council race in 2013. Lost mayoral race in 2011. Lost mayoral race years ago  to Mark Pattison. Lost her car keys in 2002, 2005 and 2007.  Headed-up Canal Corp. for Governor Pataki in-between losses. The electoral version of Single White Female. If she loses this race voters will apply for temporary restraining order. Secretly rooting for Gordon to lose so she can run for top spot in 4 years.

CANDIDATES REACT

We meant to post this yesterday but we kicked it down the road. Or, we punted. Any ubiquitous phrase will do.

The four mayoral candidates reacted to the proposed 9.3% tax hike unveiled by Troy Mayor Lou Rosamilia. One even swooned. The reactions are a fascinating study.

First, however, it should be made clear that the tax hike was not a surprise to anyone on the City Council. The hike is being used to cover $1.9 million in pension fund costs owed to the State. The money was due last year and we deferred payment until this year under the Wimpy Doctrine of  "I'll gladly pay you Tuesday for a hamburger today." Now, they'll break our legs if we don't pay.

Last year, the Council asked the Mayor to have department heads submit  department budgets with a 3% cut. This would have resulted in over twenty-five layoffs, including eight in the TPD and ten in the Fire Department. Obviously, these cuts were not adopted. All of this was in hopes of addressing what we face today. The Record covered the story back in November, 2014.

So, a significant hike was inevitable,  this year or last year. Everyone knew it. After the Tutunjian Administration ($12,000,000 over seven years) looted the reserve fund to avoid large tax increases, citizens are finally realizing that shit costs money and costs go up. Couple that with the fact that 86% of the budget is spent immediately for salaries, pensions, benefits and debt service, and you know taxes will almost always go up (unless you dip into the rainy day fund, now depleted to $600,000). So, Lou got caught holding the bag.


So, what do the candidates have to say:

Wiltshire:


Wiltshire, who is City Council president, said he did not see how the council could approve the increase. “[This tax increase] is terrible and it’s the result of kicking the can down the road and playing politics with Troy’s government,” said Wiltshire, a Democrat running on the Working Families Party line.

 Wiltshire criticized the Industrial Development Agency for “too many giveaways” and the current administration for not filling the position of city auditor.

“For me, we need to cut on our expenditures in areas we have control over,” said Wiltshire, identifying energy conservation as one area of possible improvement.

Well, either Wiltshire helped to kick the can down the road or he didn't know the can was being kicked down the road. Either way he's being disingenuous. As for not voting for it, Wiltshire may or may not know that the proposed budget will go into effect if the Council doesn't vote for it (or vote a revised budget). Not showing will not cut it this year.

Wiltshire offered no examples of how 'playing politics' or the IDA resulted in the proposed tax hike. We know, and so does Wiltshire, why the money is needed. Apparently, the reporter did not ask the follow up question. Wiltshire, in the past, has demonstrated an astounding ignorance of the IDA and PILOT programs. Although, he recently told the Reddit Community that he would work with the IDA to keep Troy's economic engine motoring.

The Tutunjian Administration understood the benefits of the IDA when it vigorously pushed tax breaks to bring Dinosaur-Bar-B-Que to Troy. The total package was over $600,000. This to a company whose majority owner is a hedge fund controlled by multi-zillionaire George Soros.

Now to Jim Gordon, the other candidate currently on the Council:


“This year, possible, the mayor presented a more realistic budget, unlike in past years when he presented a smoke-in-mirrors budget,” said Gordon. He said the tax hike, requiring council approval, punted the ball to the city council.

“Last year they kicked the can down the road and this year they punt the ball,” said Gordon.

Apparently, Gordon was not on the Council last year. And, the Charter actually punts the ball to the Council. That's the process. Gordon may not know that.

Under Section 70 of the Charter, the City Council has the authority to recommend changes to the proposed budget. Did either Gordon or Wiltshire make specific recommendations last year that might have lessened the looming tax hike? Gordon, like Wiltshire, buried his head in the sand for an entire year. Now, the have sandy heads. We don't have to tell you what that means.

The silver lining? We get to see two mayoral candidates in action as they roll up their sleeves and trudge through the budget quagmire. We can hear what they would do and what cuts they recommend. We get to see their leadership skills; Not just talk. Here, they can act. If they can provide Lou with enough cuts to lower the proposed tax increase 4-5% then they'll be heroes.

The candidates not currently in government get a free pass on this. They can say what they want, sound wise, self-righteous, conciliatory, etc. There is not anything they could have done in the past few years, or ever, to prevent the large tax increase.

Madden:

“Everybody had varying predictions of where the number would fall and I’m grateful it’s not double digits -- however it is very close to double digits and I think it’s a very difficult pill for people to swallow.”

Madden, the executive director of the Troy Rehabilitation and Improvement Program, said hopefully, the council will engage in the process this year and come up with some ideas. “But I also know if there were any easy fixes, the mayor wouldn’t have proposed a 9.3 percent increase,” he said.

Madden asked why the council had not addressed the anticipated hole in the 2016 budget from a deferred payment in 2015. “Where’s the council been on this question?”

He advocates for changes in the budgeting process, like forecasting beyond 12 months.

“We’re not doing the hard work that we need to be doing, we’re not acting strategically, we’re kicking the can down the road year after year,” he said.

Cox:

Jack Cox, Jr., who is running as an independent candidate on the Revolutionary Party line, said he was glad he was not on the City Council, like Gordon and Wiltshire, “because I don’t have to vote on this budget.”

With a 3.8 percent tax increase in 2015, the city taxes will increase about 13 percent in two years, said Cox.

The tax hike, he said, “clearly shows that the current administration, including Rodney and Jim Gordon, have a lack of understanding on how to manage money.

“At the end of the day, these people are making deals and doing things with the understanding that its others peoples money and there’s no end to the revenue stream and that’s public sector thinking,” said Cox. “We need private sector influence.”

With some deft maneuvering, the tax hike will be less. Perhaps 6%. Not great but better than what we face now. Lets watch and see what they do. If the men who would be mayor can't straighten this out, there's no choice but Madden.

Whether it's settling suits caused by the previous administration or making up for their raid on the reserve fund, we will be cleaning up Tutunjian's mess for years.

SUNDAY PROFILES ON PARADE

In the first of a continuing series (but probably not) we profile one of those brave enough to expose themselves to the Troy voter.



Today...ANASHA CUMMINGS.

New to running for public office, Anasha Cummings is not new to getting involved. In fact, for someone who actually wants to be on the City Council, this guy is actually impressive. And hard to miss.

Sure, his name sounds like something one might shout while climaxing (say it three times fast), but Cummings is in Troy by choice, not because he can't sell his house. Born and raised in Santa Fe, New Mexico, Cummings attended RPI, graduated in 2012, and stayed in the Collar City.

In 2012, Cummings was named RPI's Person of the Year. That's impressive and not just because he's not Asian. We grew exhausted just reading the list of Cummings activities. According to The Record:

Cummings was born in Santa Fe, N.M., and moved to Troy to study Design, Innovation and Society* at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. It was during that time he became involved with bridging the gap between college students and the rest of the city.

He has worked as an intern for U.S. Rep. Paul Tonko, a VISTA sustainability coordinator for Troy Rehabilitation and Improvement Program (TRIP), and as a project coordinator with Empire Solar. He is also an organizer for Transition Troy.

Cummings snagged the Working Families Party and Green Party  endorsement for an At-Large seat on the Troy City Council. He also ran for the Democratic line but lost. Currently, he is deciding whether to actively campaign or withdraw from the race. To that end, Cummings has created The People's Primary, an on-line petition that will decide the political future. At least for 2015. Cummings will let the people decide whether he continues his campaign. If Cummings receives 1,000 votes by October 9, 2015, he will remain in the race.

You see, Cummings doesn't want to be a spoiler and will only run if he believes he has an actual shot at winning. He doesn't want his supporters throwing away their vote.

For those Republicans in the audience, to vote you have to leave your name and contact information to vote. So, don't bother trying to thwart the purpose of the petition.

This guy cares about Troy and has the energy to help guide Troy in to the future. He is a great example of the Creative Economy on the rise in Troy. We hope he runs again. As a Democrat. And wins.

We hope to be able to post an interview with Cummings in the near future

* Yes, yes, he minored in Care of Magical Creatures. We get it.

GORDON CAUGHT DOING LINES

If you want to bitch and moan about the proposed tax hike, and who doesn't, feel free to use yesterday's post as an open thread on the issue. Today, we'll take a look at one particular third party line.


Third parties, minor parties, call them what you will. The fight for, or co-opting of, these ballot lines underscores our jaded, cynical, unprincipled politics, particularly in Rensselaer County.

We have no problem with the existence of such parties. That is their right. We also have no problem when a major party candidate is endorsed by a third party if that third party's general philosophy overlaps with the philosophy of the candidate's actual party. But, when things like this happen, it...

Rodney Wiltshire could run on the Democratic line and the Working Families line without any major contradictions. Ditto Jim Gordon running as a Republican and Conservative. Gordon is currently a Republican Councilman for District 1 and the County's Stop John Sweeney Coordinator.

Now, in addition to his other lines, Jim Gordon will be running as the Green Party candidate for mayor of Troy. No, really. We know, we thought the same thing.

Lets take a look at a few planks in the Green Party Platform. Come on, it won't hurt. Promise.

1. The Green Party honors and seeks to follow the teachings of the Haudenosaunee who implore us to consider the impact of our decisions on the well being of the next seven generations* in our deliberations of policy and practice in all areas of live (life?), and in particularly, with respect to the environment.  Toward this goal, NY should establish a goal of being carbon neutral by 2030.

2. No hydrofracking for natural gas (fracking, same-sex or otherwise, is permitted).

3. Implement the rapid phase-out of nuclear power for environmental as well as economic reasons and the replacement of that power with clean renewable sources so that nuclear power has no future in New York State.

4. It is essential that we develop effective alternatives to society's current patterns of violence. We will work to demilitarize, and eliminate weapons of mass destruction (and establish a new pattern of violence).

5. We call for the immediate legalization of the growth, sale and possession of cannabis and hemp under NY State law, and for legal opposition to Federal prosecutions for the same. Prohibition and the resulting “drug war” have unjustly incarcerated countless individuals and scarred communities, often along racial and class lines, while draining resources from society (obviously the Greens are in bed with Frito Lay and part of the Marijuana-Munchy Industrial Complex ).

6. Women’s rights must be protected and expanded to guarantee each woman’s right as a full participant in society, free from sexual harassment, job discrimination or interference in the intensely personal choice about whether to have a child. Women’s right to control their bodies is non-negotiable (we will not deploy troops to stabilize your vagina).

 7. The Green Party affirms the rights of all individuals to freely choose intimate partners, regardless of their sex, gender, gender identity, or sexual orientation. The Green Party recognizes the equal rights of persons who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, intersex, transsexual, queer, or transgender to housing, jobs, marriage, medical benefits, child custody, and in all areas of life including equal tax treatment. We support legislation such as the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act to outlaw discrimination gender identity or expression; GENDA also expands the state’s hate crimes law to explicitly include crimes against transgender people (intersex? we'll bring the frosting).**

8. Fully funded, full day, and developmentally appropriate Universal Pre-K and Kindergarten with certified and unionized educators (another giveaway to those little Pre-K fuckers).

9. Establish a publicly funded single payer health insurance program covering all residents in the state.

10.The Green Party stands firmly for social justice for all those living in this country regardless of their immigration status (and before you ask, yes, even undocumented Canadians).

11. Reject life without parole sentences: They fail to recognize the human capacity to change and fully appreciate the value of each human life (we can all appreciate the value of Lemuel Smith's or Bucky Phillips' capacity to change).

12. Provide the equivalent of a living wage income and adequate benefits to those who are not able to work (yes! Finally, my fibromyalgia comes in handy). 

 Granted, a candidate never agrees fully with their party's platform. There are always disagreements. But, does Gordon support half of the Green Party platform? A third? A fourth? If so which planks does he support and how will he help implement the planks he supports?

Would some enterprising journalist ask Gordon which of these positions he supports. No doubt  Franco will have Jim on his radio program once more before the election. Will Franco ask what Green Party positions Gordon supports? If none, will Franco ask Gordon why he accepted the Green Party line? We know the answer, of course. This is not a Gordon problem. They all do it. In this instance though, the platforms are so antithetical to one another a justification for running on both is impossible. We just want the politicians that accept lines antithetical to their party enrollment to confess that its all bullshit.

Ah! Screw it! Nothing changes.

 

* Because 6 generations is obviously too few and 8 generations  is just ridiculous.

** Intersex? Seriously. No clue what  that means. Jim, it's your party. Help us out here. 

 

NINE

Looks like 9 percent

NEWS DUMP

GORDON GETS BIG BOOST

GOP candidate for Mayor, Jim Gordon, received the coveted endorsement of former Republican gubernatorial candidate, Rob Astorino.  Astorino lost the 2014 race for Gubernator to Andrew Cuomo. On a scale of 1-to-10, how many political influence points is this endorsement worth?

a) 1-3
b) 4-7
c) 8-10
d) Rob Who?

Said Gordon: "I am honored by this endorsement. I used to own a '78 Astorino. Best car I ever had. Went from 0 to 60 in twelve minutes."


HOP-ALONG ABELOVE

District Attorney Joel Abelove is encouraging his assistants to carry concealed weapons. Abelove has already shot himself in the political foot a number of times and now wants his people to have the same opportunity.

Abelove issued the statement, saying he doesn't want to deprive his staff of their 2nd Amendment Rights. No word if he is encouraging staff to publicly criticize him, in honor of the First Amendment.

Lawyers with concealed weapons: What could possibly go wrong?

Abelove did not comment on dismissing, or failing to act on, charges against political supporters.


TAXES

Big day today. We should learn what the proposed tax hike will be. Some say up to 20%. Others say high single digits. We'll know soon enough. Place your bets.


FIREARM SEIZURES UP

Police Chief John Tedesco announced that firearm seizures are up 68% in the City of Troy. Surprisingly, shooting are trending down. There have been twenty-three shootings this year compared to forty-seven in 2014. But it's only October. We have three months to go. Lets do this! If we focus and put our minds to it, we can beat last year's numbers.

Maybe Abelove's staff can help.

M0R3 NUMB3RS

First off, the TROY NY facebook page has some great, vintage photos of Troy. Hat tip to Andrew Cooper.

Now, on to our story.

More numbers for people who care. We know many of you like to crunch the numbers, so here's a few. If you don't, settle down, take out a book and read to yourselves.

We  have the enrollment numbers for Troy from 2014. These won't be exact. People move out, move in, die.* The numbers should be roughly similar today. We suspect the WFP numbers have gone up a bit.We might be able to track down the up-to-date number but, screw it.

Democrats - 8,457
Republicans - 3,617
Independent - 1,474
Conservative - 1,237
Working Families - 481

Blanks - 6,603

There's a smear of Green Party enrollees but barely enough to notice. There's an even smaller number of 'other' parties, so small that they're not even named.

The total number of enrolled voters for Troy is 20,395, roughly twice the number that actually vote.

What's this tell us? No idea, really.

Based on our last post we no that Mayor Lou received 5,000 votes and Mantello 4,100. We know Mayor Tutunjian, in 2007, received 5,400 to former Deputy Mayor Conroy's 4,100.

Do these tea leaves really tell us anything? It tells us Trojans are true Americans, with our 50% voter turnout (which includes forged absentee ballots). We do not have the breakdown of how many of each party, or how many blanks, voted for whom. So, we guess the best questions to ponder are:

1. Can Gordon get as many votes as Tutunjian? Mantello? Tutunjian was an incumbent whose image didn't get tarnished until his second term. Half of Tutunjian's budgets included a 0% tax increase (because he raided and depleted Pattison's reserve fund, we now face a double-digit tax increase). Mantello's name recognition is much higher than Gordon's as she had been around Troy politics for 73 years.

2. Is the Democratic vote evenly split?  Wiltshire ran the type of campaign that does create strong support among his supporters. The type of voter that will vote in a blinding downpour or raging snowstorm (or vice versa). That type of support has a ceiling. It is interesting to note that Rodney secured just about as many votes in the primary as 'likes' on his facebook page.

3. Does Wiltshire support slowly shrink (you know about shrinkage?) as the prospect of a Gordon administration grows? That is another phenomenon with third-parties. People will start to lay-off the Wiltshire bubbly for fear of a Gordon hangover.

4. Will Gordon's refusal to request, and disclose, the 911 tape hurt him?

Our best guess, and it is only a guess, is that the election will break down as follows:

9,250 votes

Gordon 3,600
Wiltshire 1,500
Madden 3,900
Cox 250

We may be generous in almost doubling Wiltshire's support.

Now on to our newest feature, GUESS WHO'S THE DOUCHE

Which area politician has their bowels in an uproar about the newly painted crosswalk mural at Fifth Avenue and 101st Street?

We'll give you three guesses, but you're not going to need them.

This bone-chilling, sinister sturgeon is another manufactured micro-aggression in the mind of:

a) Ken Zalewski
b) Carmella Mantello
c) Mark McGrath
d) Gary Galuski

The answer is here.

What's next? Stripers! Salmon! We must resist!**


* Yes, they may still be eligible to vote

** According to the artist the intent is to resist McGrath's descent into an Alzheimers-like nuttiness. 

NUMB3RS

After downing a half a bottle of Nyquil, 2 Darvocet and some Skittles, we decided to take a look at the Mayoral and At-Large races for the past few cycles. We did it for you, you political/numbers junkies. You can thank us later. After you crunch a few of these digits, send us your theories, your analysis your predictions.



2007

MAYOR

R-Tutunjian 5,422
D-Conroy 4,145

CITY COUNCIL AT-LARGE

D-Campana 4565
D-Brown 4361
R-Bauer 4177*
R-Talarico 4089*
R-Ciccarelli 4077*
D-Foy 3398



The WFP ran three candidates that received a total of 567 votes

* Each Republican candidate also had the Independence and Conservative lines.



2009

CITY COUNCIL AT-LARGE

D-Campana 3837
D-Brown 3654
D-LoPorto 3526
R-Bauer 3086
R-Miner 2663
R-Rogers 2777




2011

MAYOR

D-Rosamilia 5,030
R-Mantello 4,163

CITY COUNCIL AT-LARGE

D-Kopka 4,801
D-Nichols 4,655
D-Wiltshire 4,207
R-Gordon 3,826
R-Greene 3,756
R-Killips 3,304



2013

CITY COUNCIL AT-LARGE

D-Rodney Wiltshire 3,605
D-Erin Sullivan-Teta 3,405
D-Lynn Kopka 3,155
R-Carmella Mantello 3,132
R-Christian Lambertsen 2,070
R-John Cubit 1,863
G-Jessica Ashley 501



The first thing that jumps out is the turnout during a mayoral election year. One expects turnout to be higher when there's a race for mayor. We didn't expect the difference to be so big. In 2011, Gordon could not win an At-Large seat with 3,800 votes. Not even close. He was 500 votes behind the third place winner, Rodney Wiltshire. In 2011, Mantello almost won a seat with 3,100 votes.

In off-year election, you can expect 18,000 votes cast for At-Large candidates. In Mayoral election years, 24,000.  Numbers for the mayors race - expect between 9,000-10,000.

The other observation is that the At-Large race has been the Democrats to lose. Since 2007only Bauer (an incumbent) won. After Hank, the only Republican to come close is Mantello, who enjoyed a much higher name recognition than her Republican colleagues. Conclusion: relatively unknown Democrats will win. Republicans need incumbency or high name recognition. Or, a split Democratic vote.

The numbers also show the waning influence of the Independence and Conservative lines. The Democrats are consistently beating Republicans who hold the Independence and Conservative lines. Once upon a time, those lines would make the difference in many races, Now. not so much.

THE PARTY PARTY

First, hope you like the new look. We decided that it's no longer 2005 and it was time to jump into 2009, with both feet. We painted, got new siding and knocked down a few walls for an open floor plan. Enjoy. Now, back to the show.

Say what you want about failed Democratic mayoral candidate Ernest Everett: He was the pawn of Tom Wade, the Dark Prince of machine politics; He was used to sabotage the Wiltshire campaign; He is a forgery master and can file a false instrument like nobody's business.

All or some of the above may be true. Still, if we had to join a campaign there is no contest. We would have hitched a ride on the Ernie Train.

We recently reviewed Everett's financial disclosures. Just to see who might have contributed to the campaign. We weren't looking for anything in particular. Then we saw his January 2015 Periodic Report. December 15, 2014 must have been quite a day.

First, we start at Kokopellis for a cocktail or two. Then, it's off to Pfeil's Hardware to purchase what? We're thinking a rubber tube and a funnel. Armed with our Pfeil purchases, we're off to Hooters! We scoot over to the Confectionary where we drop a cool $377 and change. Then, a nightcap at the Black Bear Inn and another at the Elbow Room. And that's what we remember. Finally, we return home and try and take our pants off over our head.

Madden may have the D nomination and Wiltshire the WFP, but they never had a Monday night like that!

Which probably explains:

That million dollar smile.

You just don't see campaign pub crawls like that anymore.

OTHER NEWS

In other news, the Troy Police Department has unveiled a new, on-line system to report non-emergency crimes. A good step forward in to the information age. We hope it's not abused because people basically suck. We were invited to review some of the lesser complaints coming from Troy residents:

"Help, come quick, I just saw a squirrel."

"I was killed two days ago and no one has found my body yet."

"My tum-tum hurts."

"Some guy just stole my nomination."

"My kid lost the remote."

"I just saw some dude with a tube and a funnel."