Post by lioneljoe on Jun 23, 2009 15:39:15 GMT -5
From the OD... It doesn't sound like the usual suspects are backing down. The question is, if people are complaining about the signature processes, why did they go to Utica Democratic chair Mitch Ford? Just like Earle Reed made it a sad day to be a Republican in NH, Mr. Ford is making it a sad day to be a Democrat in Utica.
UTICA — Utica Democratic Committee Chairman Mitchell Ford today said his office has received "numerous complaints" from residents who said they were confused or misled by people circulating petitions for the mayor's recall.
A 3 p.m. press conference outside City Hall turned into a shouting match of sorts as petition organizer William Newell of the United Friends of Utica New York vehemently denied the allegations.
Ford said he had received 10 calls from individuals who claimed they had signed the recall petition believing it was a candidate's petition instead. Many were elderly or had a language barrier, he said.
"The voters of Utica need to know what they're signing," he said. "They need to look at this."
Newell, who stood among members of the media gathered for the event, challenged Ford's claim about the complaints and said his group has not launched a door-to-door campaign. He also continued to deny a previous suggestion from Mayor David Roefaro that petitioners have been soliciting donations.
City resident Ned Smajic used the event as a chance to announce his candidacy for the 1st ward Common Council seat, and said he too had heard from residents confused by the various petitions circulating.
Newell said he would like to know who made the complaints.
"We don't have any Bosnian names on our petition at this time," he said.
He later added that the current signatures include only "all American names."
Ford later called the remark "racist," and Angelo Roefaro, speaking on behalf of the Mayor's Office said he was "questioning his (Newell's) motives and disgusted by his comments."
UTICA — Utica Democratic Committee Chairman Mitchell Ford today said his office has received "numerous complaints" from residents who said they were confused or misled by people circulating petitions for the mayor's recall.
A 3 p.m. press conference outside City Hall turned into a shouting match of sorts as petition organizer William Newell of the United Friends of Utica New York vehemently denied the allegations.
Ford said he had received 10 calls from individuals who claimed they had signed the recall petition believing it was a candidate's petition instead. Many were elderly or had a language barrier, he said.
"The voters of Utica need to know what they're signing," he said. "They need to look at this."
Newell, who stood among members of the media gathered for the event, challenged Ford's claim about the complaints and said his group has not launched a door-to-door campaign. He also continued to deny a previous suggestion from Mayor David Roefaro that petitioners have been soliciting donations.
City resident Ned Smajic used the event as a chance to announce his candidacy for the 1st ward Common Council seat, and said he too had heard from residents confused by the various petitions circulating.
Newell said he would like to know who made the complaints.
"We don't have any Bosnian names on our petition at this time," he said.
He later added that the current signatures include only "all American names."
Ford later called the remark "racist," and Angelo Roefaro, speaking on behalf of the Mayor's Office said he was "questioning his (Newell's) motives and disgusted by his comments."
