Monday, July 22, 2013

Time To Set The Record Straight

As most of you already know, I left the Republican Party in November 2012 and joined the Conservative Party.  In the last few months, I have Democrats and Republicans spreading false rumors about my intentions and trying to use me to gain an advantage.  I am sick to death of it.

First, both Democrats and Republicans told anyone who would listen that I was intending to challenge the Conservative City Chairman for his position.  I thus declared publicly and privately that John Burridge (current City Chair) is my friend and has my support for Chairman.  I have not and will not challenge him for City Chair.  If he resigns or retires, I would consider the position.  I will NOT challenge him for it.

Second, I no sooner cleared that bologna up when the second load of bull came out.  Several Democrats (who I have now identified) told Alderwoman Ball that I was secretly planning to run on the Conservative line to prevent her from getting the line.  I had to call and/or e-mail the County and City Conservative Chairs to inform them that this rumor was also bologna.  I even posted on this blog that I am not running for anything on any line in 2013.

Third, Republicans and Democrats began saying that I was secretly plotting against County Chair Ed Gaddy.  This is absolute b.s., as Ed is a close friend and I support him completely.

Fourth, and most recently, I was driving back from a four day weekend in Boston when I received a phone call informing me that the Conservative Party was up in arms over something I supposedly did.  When I asked what it was, I learned for the first time that my name had been placed on an OTB petition as a member of the Committee to Receive Notices without my consent or knowledge.

I knew the Republicans were planning to file an OTB challenge.  I told them I would not get involved with it one way or the other.  If a primary occurred, I would vote my conscience as Elisa Ball and Joe Corcoran are both my friends.  I would not put up signs and would not discuss the matter.  I also gave my word to Chairman Gaddy that I would not sign a petition for either candidate.

After all of that, I return home to find out that my name was added to the petition without me even being asked.  I am extremely unhappy with this to say the least.

The Conservatives may very well challenge the OTB petition.  One of the grounds could be that my name was used without my permission.  I have told them I do not want to be involved in this.  If I am subpoenaed, I will --as an officer of the Court-- appear in response to the subpoena and testify to the truth.  I would rather not be involved, however.

When the time comes to vote, I will vote my conscience.   No signs will be on my lawn this year at all.  I will vote for the most conservative candidate in the primary and in the general elections.  I wish both of my friends the best of luck.

With all of that aside, I want to serve notice on both the Republicans and the Democrats.  I am an enrolled Conservative and I intend to work with and for the Conservative Party of Kingston and Ulster County.  To the Republicans, do not assume that because I was a Republican for over 20 years that I am just going to support Republicans as a Conservative.  To the Democrats, do not assume that because I left the Republicans that I am going to support Democrats out of spite or some foolish idea of revenge.  I will support the candidates that I feel are the most conservative and best able to support Kingston and Ulster County.


Sunday, July 7, 2013

Just Go Away

First, disgraced former Congressman Wiener announced his candidacy for Mayor of New York City.  This prompted more "Wiener" jokes than anyone should ever have to hear.  I thought it could not get any worse.  Well . . .

Now, disgraced former Governor Elliott Spitzer is going to run for New York City Comptroller.  Expect the hooker jokes to start back up.

Are there any more Democrats in New York under the tarnish of a sex scandal of some kind ready to run for New York City office??  Is it possible?

Do not get me wrong, there are sex scandals that have caused Republicans to resign from office.  They are not immune.  It just seems that New York City is attracting democrats with significant sex scandals to run for office.  Obviously, the thinking is that people in New York City will vote Democrat no matter how terrible the candidate may be.  Is the party line so important that people will vote for a fool rather than not vote Democrat?

Just like I called for it in the City of Kingston, I guess I must call for it in New York City as well.  Will the Democrat party and primary voters of the Democrat party please put these fools out to pasture once and for all?  Let's see some better candidates.

While I am at it, perhaps the State Republicans can find someone (not a weak pathetic moderate) to challenge Comrade Cuomo for Governor.  Maybe I am asking for a little too much there, but at least let's see Wiener and Spitzer out of politics and public life.

Wednesday, July 3, 2013

March of the Carpetbaggers

It seems that people believe that Kingston will elect Democrats no matter who they are or what they have done.  I say this because people seem to think they can move into the city or move into any ward they want and expect to be elected Alderman.

First, Nick Woerner moves from the Town of Ulster after being completely destroyed in his effort to be reelected Town Supervisor.  He eventually moved into Ward 5 and decided to run for Alderman immediately.  He lost badly.  Now, he has announced his intention to run for Ward 4 Alderman and will be moving soon into that Ward, apparently on to Van Deusen Street, if he has not done so already.

Now comes Jeremy Blaber.  He lived in Ward 7 for many years.  Then, he moved to New York City.  He returned and was living in Ward 2.  He moved within the last few months to ward 5.  Then, within the last 30 days, he announces residency on Brewster Street.  Now, he announces he is running for Ward 9 Alderman.

A few questions remain.  Does he have his own place or is he couch surfing?  It is rumored that he is temporarily living with Mike Madsen.  Is that true?  I frankly do not know.  The people of Ward 9 have a right to know though.  Jeremy is seemingly the Jason West of Kingston.

Either way, as a lifelong city resident (except for 2 years out of law school), I am offended by this carpetbagger mentality.  You cannot move from ward to ward and honestly expect to understand the issues that are important to the neighborhood.  The position of Alderman is important.  People have real problems that need addressing.

Woerner and Blaber simply want to hold public office anywhere they can.  If they have to move and change loyalties, so be it.  In Blaber's case, this is an attempt by him to gain office and then get even with Mayor Gallo.  It is clear and obvious.  In Woerner's case, it is an attempt to gain credibility so he can primary Gallo in 2015.

The real test will be the September primaries.  Will Democrats block these 2 carpetbaggers?  Or will they allowed themselves to be used once again?  Then, should Democrats reward these two, what will the general population do in November?  Will Kingston become the Island of Misfit Democrats?