Following the recall from afar.

[Swimmy]

You're welcome, though I am not sure why you're thanking me. I have not done anything worth thanking.

[rodwilson]

Jun 21, 2009 22:53:40 GMT -5 Swimmy said:

You're welcome, though I am not sure why you're thanking me. I have not done anything worth thanking.

For the Article 78 suggestion. I knew that recalling Roefaro wouldn't make the Labella situation any dif, but as you stated, this could.

For me, the sharing of knowledge is worth a thank you.

[Swimmy]

In that case, you are very welcome. I can't vouch for any results, but if you're going to challenge the appointment, an article 78 petition is the way to go.

[Swimmy]

Keep me informed how the petition goes tomorrow night. I'm betting that the requisite number of signatures will be reached, or very very close to being reached, after tomorrow.

[tanouryjr]

Dear everyone,

This is my first time reading this thread. I certainly haven't been pressured or ignoring anyone. I have stated my opinion on the appointment. However, I'm a County Legislator and not a Councilman. As a part-time legislator, my job is to fight as hard as I can for the people of Cornhill. In doing that for the past 1 1/2 years, I have broken ranks with my party on many occasions. There is no doubt that I have the most independant voting record on the legislature. I have fought for term-limits, against pay raises, for reforms to the rules, against wasteful spending, etc. I have ruffled enough feathers.

With that said, I must pick and choose my battles. My focus is on reforming county government and getting rid of the "old guard" and "status quo."

I commend anyone that gets involved in the democratic process. The recall provision was passed by the voters and placed in the Charter. Anyone has a right to seek a recall of a city official. I would never discourage that. However, beyond that, I'm not quite sure what anyone wants from me here. This has nothing to do with party loyalty or pressure. I simply can't take on every fight that comes up. Again, we are part-time, $8,000 per year legislators with no staff. On top of that, I have only a couple weeks to gather my own petitions for election this year. I have taken on many fights over my first term - usually standing alone - but I must make sure they are fights that are of immediate concern to my constituents, and ones that I actually have control over on the county level.

I would simply remind everyone that, with all of the village, town, city, county, state, and federal elected officials in Oneida County, I am the ONLY one that regularly engages the public on open forums and in the community. I enjoy it and feel it is my responsibility, but I hope it doesn't mean I'm being held to a high standard or expectation. There is only so much a single legislator can do at once.

One thing is for sure; I'm very impressed with the sense of activism and involvement going on. It confirms my optimism that we ARE on our way to reforming government here. I wish I could get this kind of support and energy when I introduced term-limits or an end to mid-term pay raises for elected officials or reforming the budget.

[Swimmy]

Larry,

I only suggested you succumbed to political pressure because when I looked for your post in the threat about labella's appointment, it was mysteriously missing. Otherwise, I thought I was coming to your defense by pointing out you already stated your position. And Clipper also made it clear that you are a county legislator, not a common coucilman.

Good luck with your petitions for re-election!

[rodwilson]

Hey Larry, just razzin' ya! I don't think there really is an expectation of action on your part as curiosity on your position.

I'm willing to work hard to support local reform and right on up for that matter. I love what you have to say about county reform and would like to see a whole lot more of it from others. Unfortunately, most folks (myself included) have been so snake-bitten by politics that their cynicism shows. The people are tired and change is coming whether elected folks are ready for it or not. How can I help?

Good job and good luck in your reelection bid.

[rodwilson]

Actually Larry, I do have a question for you (only because you seem to be taking the lead on the issue), but what is really HAPPENING to address to address our medicaid/medicare isssue? I mean REALLY address it.


And it is off topic, sorry Clipper

[lioneljoe]

Larry, I stand corrected: You are an Oneida County Legislator, not a member of the common council. However, in this case it’s still inadequate political cover. You are a well known Utica politician and resident and besides the County Government is deeply involved. According to Strikeslip: "Notice the County's involvement above. This particular appointment could not have occurred without County collusion. There is much more wrong here than meets the eye . . . it goes beyond Utica's borders and involves BOTH political parties. Keep your eye at the County level . . . The County preserves local fiefdom's powers."
Larry, I understand about picking your battles but what battle are you saving your ammunition for? This Labella appointment is a perfect case of what's wrong with the political process in this area and an opportunity for courageous people to speak out. You said you have released a statement but where is it? Larry, I do believe you are sincere in your desire for reform but every time you are asked for your opinion the same disappointing pattern emerges: a few posters rush to your defense saying that you have to "play the game" and then from you the same vague references on how you stood up to your party several times in the past. Resting on your laurels isn't going to get it done; we need bold action to shakes up. I said before that the more you become dependent on the "usual suspects" the harder it will become for you to be a real reformer no matter how much you want to be. I do hope that time proves me wrong but I don't see it. You may say I'm being hard on you but you are asking a lot of yourself, the voters, and the system.

[rodwilson]

Good Piece lioneljoe.

[Clipper]

Yeah Joe. It IS a good piece, however it is overly "idealistic" in today's political climate in what is basically a "two party system."

I think that knowing Larry's basic thoughts on corruption and collusion in government at all levels, we already know his take on this issue.

Sometimes discretion is the better part of valor. Larry is accomplishing things that will forever change the way county business will be done. He has opened the window and let us all see into the chambers through his videos and his outspoken commentary. We have always had access to SOME of what he records, by attending meetings, but he has taken us INSIDE some of those meetings, that we would otherwise not even know had been held. We also have had a look at attitudes, seen the actual personal discord, and been apprised of the partisan and agenda related battles that take place. Not all of which are of benefit to the taxpayer. We even have had a chance to see your new Police Chief as he sat through those meetings.

I have to think it to be a little unreasonable and idealistic to expect him to take on city hall at this point, when his district's needs and issues entail having support from his party at a city level, and from the mayor and council. I am sure that the mayor knows where Larry stands on this issue, so why should Larry make a public assault that will do nothing but alienate both Larry AND his constituents from any assistance at City Hall?

Larry has the endorsement of the Democratic Party in his bid for re-election. Would it not be a little foolish to make a media statement bashing the Democratic Mayor of Utica and risk losing the backing of a major party? That would not serve any useful purpose and would cheat the people of Cornhill and Oneida County in general of a chance to keep this vibrant and brave young legislator in office, where he can continue to work for change.

All other issues aside, what other Legislator can you name that has nothing else on their plate, other than the real and basic good of his district and the "people"? NO personal gain or agenda, NO agenda driven by corporate contributions, and NO corrupt or compromising campaign contributors.

I think that Larry's basic doctrine is to point out, root out, and change corrupt goings on at the county level. With that in mind, and the fact that he has seen the overwhelming disdain for the mayor's decision in appointing LaBella, his public outrage over the issue would serve no purpose.

Anyone that knows Larry, or has read his comments on other political issues, just naturally KNOWS what his opinion of this action is. He doesn't need to come out and toss away the endorsement of the major party. THAT would be stupid.

I can hear it now. " Uh, Mr Mayor, this is Larry. I know I called you a crook and all that, but do ya think I could get a little funding for a playground in my district of the city, and maybe the all of the votes of your administration's personnel?" Yeah, right!

[rodwilson]

Man, you guys are good!

[Swimmy]

Signatures are tonight, right? Good luck! I hope Mr. Newall proves angie wrong!

[lioneljoe]

Clipper,
Thanks, you do make good points. However, think of it this way for a moment: What would happen if Larry did speak up. Maybe other politicans who feel the same way would find the courage to come forward also. Maybe that could be the catalyst for real change.
How realistic is it to think that the local Democratic bosses would give Larry the boot after taking a public and popular position. I have no doubt that larry is a good guy and means well but the longer he waits, the deeper he becomes intangled by the by the very same political forces he proports to reform. If not now, when?

[rodwilson]

Jun 22, 2009 12:53:14 GMT -5 Swimmy said:

Signatures are tonight, right? Good luck! I hope Mr. Newall proves angie wrong!

Thanks Swimmy. We're gonna get the sigs we need.

Did you see Roefaro comment to wktv;

www.wktv.com/news/local/48786292.html#commentbox

and City Counsel has this take; " And, the final examination of it is that we have never felt that the recall law was legal or valid, anyway.""

Linda Sullivan-Fatata Corporation Council for the City of Utica

wibx950.com/Home/tabid/2408/mid/13176/newsid13176/26068/Default.aspx

If it's in the charter, what does this mean other than they'll tie it up in lawsuits? Unless there is a flaw in the charter, is there a way they can get around this legally, without the political shenanigans? I mean assuming everything with the filing of petition and verified signatures is kosher.