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Post by Clipper on May 10, 2011 11:54:50 GMT -5
So, now that we have the introductions out of the way Beth,  I am glad you are with us. I was not about to "out you" when your name is clearly part of your profile page. I agree with Joe to an extent, in that the Democratic party in that area certainly does have a cast of characters that are less than stellar, Michael Arcuri included and Roefaro included. I also agree with your view when it comes to taking offense with being called a loser. I also agree that local political BS there is certainly not limited to one party. Sherwood Bohlert was a personal friend of my mother's and she worked for Alexander Pirnie and Don Mitchell, but in the latter years of his tenure Bohlert was worthless. He was an ambitious and dedicated aide when he worked for Pirnie, but one has to wonder why it was that Pirnie endorsed Mitchell when Bohlert and Mitchell faced off for the seat. Roanne Destito never impressed me. She was put in office by the special interests that she held allegiance to for her entire tenure. Unfortunately, local politics are as corrupt and crooked as can be. There are too few people like Larry Tanoury, and Jim Zecca that truly care about the city or the CNY area, and too many that are simply interested in serving special interests and themselves. Even Larry gets under my skin sometimes with an overzealous party loyalty, and anti republican rhetoric. Focus on the issues and show a true dedication to making the area better, not a dedication to putting the friends and family to work in lucrative positions of authority when they are not qualified to hold them such as Roefaro has done. Utica is a great city, and we need people like Randy Soggs (not a candidate for office, but a dedicated citizen and department head), to bring it out of the despair and decay and to put sensible projects in place to rivitalize the area, not political hacks that want to further their own agendas and misguided missions at the cost of the taxpayer. Not to take sides in this particular little peeing contest, or to change the subject, but I think that Randy has got some good ideas that will move the city forward from the failures of Hope VI and accomplish good things downtown and in other areas. As for the Dems fundraiser, I wouldn't bother paying $45 for a chicken breast and a blast of bullsh** from that cast of characters when I could simply put a check in the mail to the candidates that were WORTHY of my support. I suppose it is necessary for Randy to put in an appearance at such functions. The only thing I might do different would be to go listen, shake hands and grin, and bring a baloney sandwich in my pocket because I don't like chicken breast, haha. |
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Post by lioneljoe on May 10, 2011 14:59:11 GMT -5
Not personal. I just don't appreciate being called a "loser" - especially by someone who doesn't know me. Well, since I only mentioned Roefaro and Arcuri and not you, I cannot be held responsible for your feelings to my orignal post. I also take exception to your premise that I have no right to criticize Roefaro and Arcuri because I have not run for office myself. I’m very non-partisan in my observations and I call them as I see them. As for Roefaro and Arcuri, they are political losers and have been disasters for our community. If the Democrats are going to headline their fund raiser with a nostalgic look back on this two’s careers then the Party has truly has scraped the bottom of the barrel on new ideas to move us forward. |
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Post by realist13413 on May 10, 2011 16:03:00 GMT -5
On the contrary - I believe you painted everyone with the same "loser" brush. You're free to criticize - disagree with policies, politics - but to call folks who have stepped up and in fact, been elected to public office, "losers" is not constructive and a little ridiculous. Clipper - I agree, and Randy won't be there - he's the Republican in the house! |
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Post by Clipper on May 10, 2011 17:00:19 GMT -5
A republican in the house huh? I knew there was something I liked about that guy, hahaha.
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Post by Swimmy on May 10, 2011 17:33:55 GMT -5
On the contrary - I believe you painted everyone with the same "loser" brush. You're free to criticize - disagree with policies, politics - but to call folks who have stepped up and in fact, been elected to public office, "losers" is not constructive and a little ridiculous. Clipper - I agree, and Randy won't be there - he's the Republican in the house! Maybe I'm a bit obtuse and we all agree I am the village idiot, here. But I read it more along the lines of incompetent politicians inspiring more incompetent politicians. I'm not speaking for lioneljoe. But let's face it, arcuri inspired roefaro, who inspired labella. On the opposite side of the aisle, eannace inspired griffo, who inspired picente. I certainly did not read that post to mean that anyone attending was a loser, just the speakers speaking in support of their replacements. Again, maybe it's just because I'm the village idiot and did not see the scope of broadness posed by that comment. I imagine that as a Democrat, you are instantaneously on the defensive these days. Welcome to my life for the past 15 years, as a little "r" republican. So I could see how a comment like lioneljoe's could make one immediately jump on the defense. |
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Post by Clipper on May 10, 2011 18:12:19 GMT -5
Re-reading the original post I am inclined to agree with you Swimmy. I don't think Joe aimed it at folks attending as much as at those the funds are being raised for.
Incidentally, if anyone would want to "buy" my vote, it would take something more along the lines of a decent sized prime rib to shake my checkbook out of my back pocket. I mean what the hell. at least show that you are serious about it. A hot dog and a bag of chips just isn't going to get it, haha.
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Post by realist13413 on May 10, 2011 20:13:59 GMT -5
I'm willing to accept the intention as being directed only towards the politicians.
I'm not as sensitive to the Democrat/Republican thing as I am to the general tone that's taken over the United States in recent time - we think it's okay, on both sides of the aisle, to treat those that do not share our views with such derision it's appalling. Will either Arcuri or Roefaro go down as the greatest politician that ever lived - probably not - but I admire their willingness to step up to the plate. While I'm sure it has some up side, it comes at great personal cost.
Hell, my husband got hired for a JOB and a picture of our 12-year-old daughter ended up on a crazy lady's blog.
I love a good debate - but the "loser" thing just irked me. I apologize if you think I over-reacted.
And Clipper - I'm pretty confident nothing I've ever eaten at a fund-raiser could buy anyone's vote! Unless they REALLY like chicken!!
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Post by realist13413 on May 10, 2011 20:15:55 GMT -5
A republican in the house huh? I knew there was something I liked about that guy, hahaha. You should hear the debates that go on over here! Actually, though I don't like to admit it, there are a few things I skew a little to the right on. Very few. |
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Post by Swimmy on May 10, 2011 20:51:24 GMT -5
I'm not as sensitive to the Democrat/Republican thing as I am to the general tone that's taken over the United States in recent time - we think it's okay, on both sides of the aisle, to treat those that do not share our views with such derision it's appalling. Very true. For some time I've been trying to point out that both parties are just as bad as the other. While they differ on what to spend our salaries on, they agree that more of our salaries should be spent by THEM. |
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larry
French Fry
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Post by larry on May 10, 2011 23:06:22 GMT -5
I should probably just shut up, but as usual, I won't. I see both sides here. My original reaction was similar to Beth's. But then I realized that even I (a so-called "politician") often make sweeping statements about politicians and the so-called party "bosses". Clip, thanks for the kind words. On the other hand, I'm far from a "party" line guy. I have issues and beliefs that I strongly believe in. However, if you notice, most of our differences are on national issues. Local politics is very different. As recently as today, I've told the party overlords to take a walk.
But I will be attending the fundraiser out of respect for the hardworking committee people that I've built relationships with and they're the ones that usually do the hard work anyway. As for Arcuri and Roefaro. Roefaro is the sitting mayor and Arcuri the former Congressman, so although many may have differences, they owuld draw a g=bigger crowd to help raise money for our candidates. I'm sure neither has anything to gain from it, so for that, I have to be appreciative.
In the end, it's all about PEOPLE to me. When I was in office, I didn't ask a constituent that needed me, "what party are you in?". I simply represented them all the same, and that even meant the ones that may not have supported me. I'll do the same when I get on the council. Whether they supported me, are a Republican, or anything else, I will give them the same representation as the next person. That's our job. These things are so blown out of proportion, and this is why the founding father's actually warned against political parties. I was at the vigil in front of the home where the young mother and her 3 baby boys dies yesterday. It was a beautiful event, but soooo sad that I couldn't hold back tears. It really brouth things into perspective. The way that a community that has been all but forgotten (Zecca and myself were the only politicians there) came together to support this family was amazing. We need to have that same sense of humanity everyday, and put petty differences aside. We spend too much time yelling about what some millionaire talking heads on MSNBC and FOX are being paid to divide us on that week. Yet, right across the street from this home sits another house that was burnt to the point that you couldn't recognize it last year, but it still sits there today. If it was in N. Utica or S. Utica, it would've been torn down the day after. Those are the issues that I care about, not who's going to be at Thursday's fundraiser. Thursday is just an opportunity for me to mingle and thank the committee people for their hard work.
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Post by lioneljoe on May 11, 2011 4:55:41 GMT -5
On the contrary - I believe you painted everyone with the same "loser" brush. You're free to criticize - disagree with policies, politics - but to call folks who have stepped up and in fact, been elected to public office, "losers" is not constructive and a little ridiculous. Clipper - I agree, and Randy won't be there - he's the Republican in the house! Considering we don't know each other, and I didn't mentioned you by name, I think it’s a bit of a stretch for you to feel personal outrage at my criticisms of Roefaro and Arcuri. However, if you did feel that I personnally insulted you, I offer my appologies. I look forward to exchanging ideas with you in the future. This area is declining and to think that politicians should be given a pass because "they mean well" or "word hard" will never break the cycle we are in. If you saw my list of weak politicians earlier in this thread you would see that there is a mix of both Republicans and Democrats. I don't vote along party lines, in fact I voted for Mr. Hennessy (Democrat) for County Executive. I thought he was honest in his intentions and had good ideas. I told that to him myself personally. I would vote for him again given a chance. My frustration with the Democratic Fund Raiser is that Roefaro and Arcuri should be given the large hook off the political stage, not the headlines. The fact that they are not shows that the local Democratic Party is not ready to move forward and is content with the way things are. Sorry, we need better. Showcasing these two guys just sends the wrong message of what success is to the younger, up and coming members of the party (paying attention Larry?) |
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Post by JGRobinson on May 11, 2011 5:21:20 GMT -5
If elected, I promise a chicken in every mailbox, (alive or dead)? Make sure you put you address on the donation check so that we know where to send yours! It isnt just the chicken dinner that gets us to vote for them, the entire process has been honed to inspire blind Partisan support especially from the bulk of those who self identify as Republican or Democrat not Americans First.
My biggest problem with the current state of elections is they never ever stop running for the next office even after they get elected! Its like we are lifetime partisan electoral Zombies. Send money now or the ________ are going to _______ and destroy our way of life!
While it may have been ones constituents that got them elected, every member of their district deserves equal representation by the Elected Officials! I think they answer the Party hotline every time, those of us that dont know the secret handshake are out of luck.
Caucuses, retreats and voting blocks are poor replacements for "One Person, one vote" and open and honest debate!
Hell, if if all else fails, jump in your cars, boats and planes en mass and run away from your responsibilities. Repubi-Crats have taken a page from the French play book. Why fight when you can run away?
I refuse to give either of the Big two a pass on any of these Piss Poor Partisan Policies. We have more in common with our neighbor than our elected officials no matter what their Party of choice. How many of us have chatted with Chuck Schumer, Dave Valesky or Joe Griffo ever much less since they hit the big-time? Once we figure that out, we will once again be empowered to require sound policy from them not just sound bites and Chicken Nuggets!
Go to the Party Shows if you like just don't forget your BS Filter! Last but not least, make them earn all of their votes, don't just buy the party line lock, stock and Pickle Barrel!
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Post by JGRobinson on May 11, 2011 5:34:29 GMT -5
One last thing, a $45 a plate chicken dinner in Utica is not the same as a $2000 a plate Dinner in Manhattan is it? Maybe it is when you consider the disparity in the economic conditions of the two localities, they need an audience and the votes, ours just come cheaper!
Do you think buying the $45 Chicken patty gets you the same support and attention as the $2000 Lobster Dinner? Not a chance in hell, thats why we are forgotten in Albany and Washington immediately after the Polls are Mothballed.
The goal in battle and elections is always divide and conquer. They certainly do have us divided, we don't blame them all for our current situation, we blame the other party!
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Post by stoney on May 11, 2011 9:29:25 GMT -5
My biggest problem with the current state of elections is they never ever stop running for the next office even after they get elected! Its like we are lifetime partisan electoral Zombies. Did somebody call for Zombies?? [And yes, Clip, of course I have the CD & you can borrow it anytime you wish.] |
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Post by stoney on May 11, 2011 9:37:03 GMT -5
Beth, there are times my husband leans a bit to far to the right, so we, too, have "interesting" discussions around here.
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I am glad you are with us. I was not about to "out you" when your name is clearly part of your profile page. 
