D'Onofrio Stepping Down from Majority Leader

[tanouryjr]

www.uticaod.com/news/x1049844881/DOnofrio-to-step-down

Obviously we all knew this for a few weeks, but now that it's public, I would like to chime in for just a couple observations and to get all of your input.

First, Jim is a GREAT guy. I don't say that for any other reason than I believe it. You all know me good enough to know that I have no problem calling out another politican, especially a Republican. I've had some great debates with Jim on the floor during my first year. One thing I will say is that all though we didn't always agree, he was ALWAYS a gentleman and a class act. He NEVER got personal and would always greet you the next day with a smile.

It's actually unfortunate that this happened. This is only my personal opinion, but I feel his own party played the biggest role in this. Jim is actually way more politically savvy than he gives himself credit for. The problem is that the rest of them don't understand real, honest politics. They have been so accustomed to leading with an iron fist that they don't know how to handle a little competition. Jim tried many times to tell them they need to work with the other side, but they simply can't change their ways. They want to keep puffing their chests out and acting like children. George Joseph has a lot of nerve using the term "emty political rhetoric." That is EXACTLY what the Republican leadership has been doing for decades. THEY ran Jim out of the position because they wouldn't listen to him. He has forgotton more about politics and leadership than they will ever know. He is also fluid, meaning he knows that you have to change with the times. Something they can't figure out - or their egos won't allow them to.

In summary, this is proof that change can happen and is happening right before our eyes. If they want to propel another Republican rubber stamp to the position, then we will see what that does for our county. I mean hey, out of control spending, passing costs to local governments while crying to the gov., PILOTs being handed out like candy, jobs decreasing, EMPIRE ZONE benefits being totally abused, urban sprawl, no real recycling program, higher crime rates, higher taxes, dwindling population, sewage in our waterways, EDGE, water regionilization, millions on a court room, HOPE VI debacle, etc., etc., etc., is all something we have to make sure continues. How dare the people, or a couple new legislators start questioning these practices?

I guess my question is this... Do you think this is a sign that things are changing, and if so, for the better or worse?

[Clipper]

I love the quote " The democrats smell blood in the water with the narrowing margin". Hell, why does it have to be a "blood in the water" situation? It is that way because the republicans have led the county right into one mess after another, that's why! It is because their little fiefdom is threatened and the gravy train for their patrons and relatives may be close to derailing.

I mean hell, times are tough, the economy sucks, and who is going to hire an unemployed republican politician???

Not exactly anything I would want to put on a resume'. Like "where have you worked in the last few years" and you have to answer "for the county executive in a republican legislature". Hell, I would tear up your application and laugh at you. Be a happy democrat my friend. You are riding a rising star.

Yep, I hope the margin narrows even more, and the Democrats are able to achieve a majority in the legislature. I hope they are able to hold the majority long enough to undo the crap that the last two county execs have gotten us into. I hope they find some more young and ambitious, dedicated and honest candidates like you, Larry, to bring the county legislature into the 21st century and to spend our tax money on an agenda that benefits the taxpayers, instead of the patrons and privileged few that have benefited over the last few years.

D'Onofrio has been an asset for the majority of his time as leader, but it is obvious that there is, or is about to be some serious unrest WITHIN the republican side of the house, and he is bailing in time to salvage his integrity. He most likely simply doesn't want to be part of the unraveling that is about to take place and the infighting and pulling him one way and then another.

Hang in there Larry. I think you have found a crack in the mortar and may be able to chip away at the impropriety and bring change and honesty back to county government, one meeting and one issue at a time. It is only a matter of time until support for your agenda to make things better begins to build. THEN we will see progress, and I, for one, will remember who it was that got the ball rolling.

Ya can't do it all in a year, or even in one term. Just pick your issues and battles carefully, and it will come to fruition in time. Stay motivated, and stay honest and dedicated, and all will be well. Keep up the good work my friend. Cya soon.

[Ralph]

Unfortunately it should be the rest of the clan leaving and him staying. Sad to say they have been slitting their wrists for years and discouraging the most promising people from getting any deeper into politics or hiding altogether.

[lucy]

Larry you know how I feel about George, and I can't wait for when he comes up for election. I want him out! I no longer give the North Star my business, after his wife continuing to throw her nose up in the air towards customers, and the day I was in there she was yelling at one of the girls cashing me out, then George yelled at my friend because her son moved a sign. I hate it that I don't go there because they do have good produce, and desserts, but its out of principal. Besides I'm a stubborn person.
When I called him about the budget increase he never called back, and that pisses me off! I hope that someone runs against him because I will be backing whoever that person will be. I also have to thank you Larry for that information. Hey who knows maybe my husband will run for office! hahahahaha......

[tanouryjr]

Lucy, you should be upset. the very least a representative can do is call back their constituents. I know one person can't change everything, but they can at least be the voice of the people they represent. Unfortunately these people govern as if they will never have to be held accountable for their actions (and they usually aren't) because they know that they will usually go unopposed. Democracy only works when it's practiced. I would LOVE to see your husband run. I don't believe he can though (HTACH Act). But you can always run, lol. It would be nice if Ralph would consider another shot at the council this year too. It's an open seat and there isn't exactly a crowd of qualified candidates looking to run.

[Ralph]

Being that I seem to be "stuck"here for a while, I would consider another run.

IF I had the backing of someone besides my wife and the cats. It takes at least a few bucks to do it, and I sure don't have now what I had then.

But then I also have to consider just who I am now afterwards. You win you're eveyones friend, you lose and you may a swell be one of the guys standing on the corner waiting for the next bus.

[tanouryjr]

I know how you feel, Ralph. How about being me...I won and still feel like the guy standing on the corner, lol. I guess that's what happens when you refuse to be part of the club.

I'll call you. I got several calls asking whether you would be interested in running.

[Swimmy]

So he is stepping down as Majority Leader. From these other posts, I take it he is also stepping down as county legislator?

[tanouryjr]

No Swimmy. He is just stepping down from the leadership role but plans on staying on as a legislator. Not really sure what the difference is though. Per the charter, the Minority and Majority leaders don't really have anymore power than a single legislator, they just get their name in the paper more. The REAL power is in the Chairman of the Board position. I've studied the power structure here quite a bit. Believe it or not, the Chairman of the Board is the most powerful position in Oneida County. More power than Senator, Assembly, County Executive, Legislator, etc. This is why, within my first month in office, I tried to reform the rules in order to try to make it more of a Democracy there. Some of them passed but the most important ones failed, of course. The Chairman has the power to unilaterally do MANY things. It's almost like a dictatorship. Nothing against the current Chairman; it's been that way forever.

[Swimmy]

Yes, I am well aware of the power hierarchy at the county there. That's why I was not sure why it is such a big deal that he is stepping down as majority leader, unless he was also stepping down from his seat. If he does, let me know. I might move back up just to give it a run and give you another ally, even though you're a Democrat... lol

[tanouryjr]

lol swimmy. Just remember this; I am registered Democrat but was elected to represent ALL of the people. The people of OC come FIRST. I probably have more allies on the other side of the hall right now, but that's ok with me. I ran to change things and hopefully accomplish something. There's no way that will happen if we continue to get bogged down in partisan politics on the 10th floor. That stuff is best left in rallies and campaigns.

I would LOVE to see you up there! You should have seen the high school kids conduct their mock Board Meeting tonight (4H program). They were very good and conducted themselves' better than the real board. They had very prgressive legislation and even "DEFEATED" a couple resolutions. Funny, this board has NEVER defeated a resolution. I wish we could turn the board over to these kids, lol.