OK, I've been reading this entire thing for quite a while. While it is somewhat interesting (and I could really use some of that popcorn, Senders), I do have a couple things that I need to respond to in this.
First of all, I will say that I am a former Republican who is now in the Conservative Party. Now, that being said, when I first registered to vote (and it still shows on my short voting record), I was actually registered as a Democrat. That is, until I actually started paying attention to what politics what, and what the parties (should have) stood for.
In this county, I believe that all the parties have some major issues. The Democrats are complaining that there is such a high deficit that they can't figure out a way to pay off, so they take and find patronage positions, being paid for with more taxes, to give any Democrat who runs in the county and loses a paid position of some sort.(see the positions for the likes of Ed Kosiur and to the smaller end, Bob Godlewski, this is the very top of a VERY long list).
That being said, on to a couple of JohnDoe's comments.
Quoted from 217
First of all Mertz/Buchanan are mortal enemies of Pasquerallo/Hamiltons.
Don't know, don't care. The only thing I see is that neither is getting anything good done. BOTH have turned and decided to put up on the docket Democrats in recent elections. Whether it's for the Conservative Party (endorsing Jasenski / Godlewski instead of the more conservative Lazzari / Santabarbara, or the endorsement of Mr. Cooke in the Rotterdam Town Supervisor Race) or the Republican Party (with endorsement of long-time Democrat Jack Denny), there's a problem with putting people up for election that don't have the same ideas as the base of your constituents.
Quoted from 217
Second most of the people on here posting to this thread are the Mertz/Buchanan crew.
I am in no way part of any "crew" other than one that wants more responsibility in government, both federally and locally. In fact, I disagree with Mr. Mertz on a few issues. Fact is, I personally feel that Mr. Mertz looks at anything that comes in front of the town board and decides from a purely legal view, that is, making sure that the person had their paperwork filled out appropriately and on-time. It doesn't matter what's on the papers, but instead that you did the homework, getting SOME answers to show.
Quoted from 217
Third Buchanan hates Hamilton/Pasquerello so much he aligned himself, his people and lawyers with Gadfly.
He must have lost my phone number, he hasn't been telling me what to do. As what I consider Republican / Conservative views, I make that distinction without the influence of an outside source (except for those gentlemen who got together just over 200 years ago and threw together a few "living documents.")
Quoted from 217
Fourth Gadfly appears to have some very deep psychological issues as shown in her constant name calling of other people posting here like papanetta as well as her jaded past.
One person's "psychological issue" is another's "passion." I leave that for others to judge. Is a person "psycho" or "passionate?" I, personally see it as passion.
Quoted from 217
Fifth anyone with an ounce of common sense would distance themselves from Gadfly and crew due to irrational fanatic behaviors that are more like PETA activist than Conservatives.
I'm sure that King George III saw those people in the colonies, such as the likes of George Washington, Samuel Adams, et. al., as "irrational fanatics." Should the people of the colonies have separated themselves from these types of people? Maybe, but where would we be now?
Quoted from 217
This is nothing more than another well executed publicity stunt that will fall on deaf ears.
Let's hope for the entire county that you are wrong on this point.
Can someone explain to me the significance of the term "Kratz"? I've heard of Dr. Katz...the not-so-funny cartoon...I've heard of craps...once played it in Vegas without much success...I even went to see the play, Cats...loved it on Broadway...But never in my time have I heard this term, Kratz... I'm going to assume the 'k' and the 'z' have negative connotations. I'm simply dying of curiosity to know what they are. 'K' as in 'KKK'? Or 'z' as in zero; maybe the last letter of the alphabet? Are there Republikinz? If so, how should we refer to them in brevity? Blinkinz? Or just the straight out Kinz...that sounds a bit too much like Webkinz, the stuffed animal craze many preteens are really digging these days...
...Anyway, I'm not one that's big into local politics, per se. Definitely not on the third party level. So while we're at it, could someone explain why folks are arguing so vehemently over the conservative party? From reading the articles and threads, I understand there was a hostile take-over by the local Dems. And I respect folks for wanting to liberate their party. But in the grand scheme of things, what exactly does this mean? There aren't enough conservatives in the county to make any difference unless it's on the local, town level. Or maybe in a few tight races at the county level. It all seems a bit peculiar to me, I suppose.
You did a very good job pointing out the fact that the current Conservative Party leadership is controlled by people that let personal vendettas cloud their decision making. Not being able to endorse candidates for whom they have a personal axes to grind. Even if that candidates ideology reflects the majority of registered Conservatives.
That gives even more of a reason for those misrepresented conservatives, to take back and redirect the Conservative Party.
Hamilton/Pasquerello need to find another vehicle in which to carry out their personal vendetta's.
Conservatives and the Conservative Party do not need to be pawns in this game.
IS THIS SO-CALLED GRASSROOTS EFFORT SIMILAR IN ANY WAY TO THE "GRASSROOTS" EFFORT GOING ON IN THE WORKING FAMILIES PARTY WITH THE REPUBLICANS GETTING PETITIONS SIGNED, HAVING STAFF WORK FOR THE WF PARTY? I WAS JUST CURIOUS.
WHY IS IT THAT ANY DEMOCRAT GADFLY WANTS TO GET ELECTED IS A CONSERVATIVE AND ANY OTHER DEMOCRAT IS A LIBERAL KRAT?
I HEAR A LOT ABOUT CURRENT AND PAST LEADERS DOING THINGS FOR PERSONAL GAIN. [WHAT A SHOCKER]
WHAT HAS PASQUARELLA GAINED PERSONALLY AND WHAT HAS THE ROTTERDAM AND SCHENECTADY POLICE GAINED THE LAST 2 YEARS?
IS THIS SO-CALLED GRASSROOTS EFFORT SIMILAR IN ANY WAY TO THE "GRASSROOTS" EFFORT GOING ON IN THE WORKING FAMILIES PARTY WITH THE REPUBLICANS GETTING PETITIONS SIGNED, HAVING STAFF WORK FOR THE WF PARTY? I WAS JUST CURIOUS.
WHY IS IT THAT ANY DEMOCRAT GADFLY WANTS TO GET ELECTED IS A CONSERVATIVE AND ANY OTHER DEMOCRAT IS A LIBERAL KRAT?
I HEAR A LOT ABOUT CURRENT AND PAST LEADERS DOING THINGS FOR PERSONAL GAIN. [WHAT A SHOCKER]
WHAT HAS PASQUARELLA GAINED PERSONALLY AND WHAT HAS THE ROTTERDAM AND SCHENECTADY POLICE GAINED THE LAST 2 YEARS?
1.)Looks like yout frustration has grown into capital letters papa, just as Captain chooses to vent with exclamation points! Cerainly by now you have looked at the petitions for the grassroots Conservatives and know that they are ALL witnessed by CONSERVATIVES, unlike yours, which are covered with the Demokratz you are so cozy with. 2.)Gadfly wants to elect conservative candidates...regardless of official political affiliation. I would support a conservative Democrat, but not a liberal Demokrat. You obviously have yet to learn the difference papa. 3.)Is that why Randy Pascarella switched from the Republican Party for the sole purpose of becoming the Conservative Party Chairman? Because he is so close to Hamilton, and Hamilton made it clear he would install a "puppet" as Chairman? Because he wants his Little League Fields (admittedly a noble cause) while he supports Judy Dagostino, who was instrumental in taking them away? And the latest-Randy is now rumored to be looking for a county job. He must be getting tired of traveling. 4.)As far as I can tell, the Rotterdam Police have gained nothing, which I assume is why they elected a new PBA President.
Can someone explain to me the significance of the term "Kratz"? I've heard of Dr. Katz...the not-so-funny cartoon...I've heard of craps...once played it in Vegas without much success...I even went to see the play, Cats...loved it on Broadway...But never in my time have I heard this term, Kratz... I'm going to assume the 'k' and the 'z' have negative connotations. I'm simply dying of curiosity to know what they are. 'K' as in 'KKK'? Or 'z' as in zero; maybe the last letter of the alphabet? Are there Republikinz? If so, how should we refer to them in brevity? Blinkinz? Or just the straight out Kinz...that sounds a bit too much like Webkinz, the stuffed animal craze many preteens are really digging these days...
...Anyway, I'm not one that's big into local politics, per se. Definitely not on the third party level. So while we're at it, could someone explain why folks are arguing so vehemently over the conservative party? From reading the articles and threads, I understand there was a hostile take-over by the local Dems. And I respect folks for wanting to liberate their party. But in the grand scheme of things, what exactly does this mean? There aren't enough conservatives in the county to make any difference unless it's on the local, town level. Or maybe in a few tight races at the county level. It all seems a bit peculiar to me, I suppose.
Glad you asked, Hack. Kratz is short for Demokratz, the Communist spelling that unfortunately applies to the vast majority of today's "Democrats" who have lost sight of the original principles of the Democratic Party. (May I suggest, "A National Party No More", by former Democratic Georgia Senator Zell Miller? Excellent reading, and a real eye opener.) And yes, there are Republikanz out there too...I never said there was no such thing as a liberal Republikan, they just aren't nearly as common as liberal Demokratz.
The registered Conservative Party enrolled number of members may not be huge but there are a lot of us out there who are conservatives in our beliefs and who will vote for a true conservative regardless of party affiliation.
IS THIS SO-CALLED GRASSROOTS EFFORT SIMILAR IN ANY WAY TO THE "GRASSROOTS" EFFORT GOING ON IN THE WORKING FAMILIES PARTY WITH THE REPUBLICANS GETTING PETITIONS SIGNED, HAVING STAFF WORK FOR THE WF PARTY? I WAS JUST CURIOUS.
WHY IS IT THAT ANY DEMOCRAT GADFLY WANTS TO GET ELECTED IS A CONSERVATIVE AND ANY OTHER DEMOCRAT IS A LIBERAL KRAT?
I HEAR A LOT ABOUT CURRENT AND PAST LEADERS DOING THINGS FOR PERSONAL GAIN. [WHAT A SHOCKER]
WHAT HAS PASQUARELLA GAINED PERSONALLY AND WHAT HAS THE ROTTERDAM AND SCHENECTADY POLICE GAINED THE LAST 2 YEARS?
I am curious to find out. If this is an effort by Republicans to re-register their own party members as Conservative. Does the County enrollment reflect that theory with proportional numbers. Republican enrollment down, and Conservative enrollment up.
As far as your question, what has the Rotterdam and Schenectady police gained? Let's look at what the Rotterdam cops haven't lost. The town board proposed a measure that restricted officers from drinking alcoholic beverages within 8 hours before their shift. The police union filed a grievance and I believe it was determined that it could not be done until a new contract is negotiated. I also believe the board proposed that officers below a certain rank were not permitted to take the police cruisers home while off duty.(I don't know the exact rank). The same results, the board was unable to enact those proposals.
I know what you're going to say. It would have been the same result, regardless if cops controlled the Conservative Party. The changes the board wanted to make, needed to be in the contract. And that is probably true. But I believe the Rotterdam police contract is being re-negotiated right now, and being able to claim you have control of a party that historically determines the outcome of local elections is a powerful position to have. Hamilton not only has the power of the union, but also the ability to deliver the 3rd line at the polls on election day.
I am curious to find out. If this is an effort by Republicans to re-register their own party members as Conservative. Does the County enrollment reflect that theory with proportional numbers. Republican enrollment down, and Conservative enrollment up.
As far as your question, what has the Rotterdam and Schenectady police gained? Let's look at what the Rotterdam cops haven't lost. The town board proposed a measure that restricted officers from drinking alcoholic beverages within 8 hours before their shift. The police union filed a grievance and I believe it was determined that it could not be done until a new contract is negotiated. I also believe the board proposed that officers below a certain rank were not permitted to take the police cruisers home while off duty.(I don't know the exact rank). The same results, the board was unable to enact those proposals.
I know what you're going to say. It would have been the same result, regardless if cops controlled the Conservative Party. The changes the board wanted to make, needed to be in the contract. And that is probably true. But I believe the Rotterdam police contract is being re-negotiated right now, and being able to claim you have control of a party that historically determines the outcome of local elections is a powerful position to have. Hamilton not only has the power of the union, but also the ability to deliver the 3rd line at the polls on election day.
Excellent points Cicero. To answer your question on Republicans re-enrolling as Conservatives: no, enrollment reflects no such thing. There are members who have come in from all parties, including blanks. Most have been recruited by the union to get votes in primaries. A number of enrolled Conservatives have told me and others this while on the petition trail. The cops loaded in a couple hundred people (cops' wives, friends, neighbors, etc.) in time for the 2005 registration/enrollment change deadline for 2006... anticipating their planned takeover of the Conservative Party. (Note: new voters must be registered at least 25 days before the Primary or General election in which they wish to participate. Enrollment changes must be made at least 25 days prior to the general election in order for enrollment change to take effect right after Election Day.) We have seen some Republicans switching to Conservative during this cycle. Just one here and there, unsolicited I might add. But I think this is due largely to their disenchantment with the Republican Party, and that the nomination of John McCain had a lot to do with it. I think some saw this as "the last straw", if you will, that some Republicans have strayed from their conservative roots. It was in fact one of the most frequently raised points during our petition season this year...right up there with the Metrokratz cartel and Bob Hamilton's five day work year for a whopping 80G.
Quoted from Salvatore: I am begiining to think I need to shut up these days about this and just vote
Sal,
Don't be intimidated. That is what some want to happen.
Hopefully, I have not offended you with my replies to your posts. If I have, I extend to you my apology. I have tried to respond honestly and respectfully. And, I value the opinions and welcome the involvement of others with true conservative principles and ideals in the (Reformed) Conservative Party. If we are successful in our mission, future party fundraisers will be open to all registered members of the Conservative party in Schenectady County.
Please remember this, when you close the curtain in the voting booth, you are the only one who knows which lever(s) you pull. Vote your conscience for what you believe is right. That is your right and duty as an American.
Independent.....work for it.....The police officers have gained a job and a paycheck----just like the rest of us.....as for the union leaders and politicos, their agendas have all been the same thing for generation after generation after generation-------
...you are a product of your environment, your environment is a product of your priorities, your priorities are a product of you......
The replacement of morality and conscience with law produces a deadly paradox.
STOP BEING GOOD DEMOCRATS---STOP BEING GOOD REPUBLICANS--START BEING GOOD AMERICANS
no i wont be intomidated at all, the police they are my friends and I respect the conserv platform and will vote mostly all repus this year. The good conservs will find their way but they need not do it by bashing Ang in my neighborhood. I told a few of them so a few weeks ago and they said they had nothing against him. There may be a few rabble roussers here saying stuff but they have the right to speak as this here is America and we can love it or leave it
I really don't know how anyone could have anything negative to say about 'ang'. He is a decent guy, so no fault found there. And he really hasn't done very much, through no fault of his own. He is just a little fish in the big sea of the democratic dictatorship.
When the INSANE are running the ASYLUM In individuals, insanity is rare; but in groups, parties, nations and epochs, it is the rule. -- Friedrich Nietzsche
“How fortunate for those in power that people never think.” Adolph Hitler
'Ang' is a decent person until the 'diggers' find out otherwise......when they do(IF they do) we will know who the diggers are and must research their agenda.......
...you are a product of your environment, your environment is a product of your priorities, your priorities are a product of you......
The replacement of morality and conscience with law produces a deadly paradox.
STOP BEING GOOD DEMOCRATS---STOP BEING GOOD REPUBLICANS--START BEING GOOD AMERICANS