Here's to unManning the Patriots!
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Manny Manny's Mixed Message
Manny Mangual wrote a letter to the Record last week:
The decision by the Orange County district attorney's office to reargue the case against former Middletown Mayor, Joseph DeStefano is wrong! Is this politics at its worse? Or is this simply a case of being a sore loser?
District Attorney Frank Phillips is a department head and steward of a large budget. Government resources or better yet, tax dollars should not be spent on soothing the egos of the district attorney's office. This is a case of someone allegedly lying on a financial form that is no longer used in Middletown because of its ambiguity. To pursue this matter is childlike with this "I'll get even" move.
It is interesting that Phillips refuses to prosecute "election fraud" cases. When a sitting assemblywoman committed fraud on her petitions, Phillips refused to prosecute. When a sitting mayor had his mentally disabled niece sign petitions that she was unable to witness, again Phillips refused to prosecute.
With all of the "REAL" crime being committed in Orange County, pursuing this no-case misdemeanor is wrong, wasteful of tax dollars and harassment of one of Middletown's finest mayors.
Manny Mangual
Highland Mills
Apparently, Manny believes that lying is no big deal. But then we already knew that.
What we didn't know was that Manny gets upset about election fraud.
Now that's news.
He's also made clear how he feels about open governance.
As you may recall:
At the October Dem's meeting, Bo introduced a resolution denouncing the Village of Woodbury for signing an intermunicipal agreement with the Village of Kiryas Joel.
Village Trustee Neil Crouse explained to the Committee why the Woodbury Village Board felt the agreement was worth signing.
The Committee then decided not to condemn the Woodbury Village Board, but did pass a resolution denouncing the Vilage of KJ for the way it had acted when it put up two water towers in Woodbury.
Bo abstained on that resolution (the one condemning KJ) and John Burke voted against it.
But somehow, after the meeting was over, the resolution changed and became a denunciation of both KJ and Woodbury.
"How'd that happen?" Neil asked at the next Committee meeting.
Manny explained that if the situation changes after a meeting, the Committee can vote by phone or email to address the new circumstances.
And what were these new circumstances?
After some hemming and hawing and a variety of conflicting answers, Manny owned up to the fact that the only "new circumstance" was that Ralph's Republican Committee had condemned the Village of Woodbury.
Well, if Ralph did it, then obviously the Democratic Committee has to do it too.
"And, who took part in this telephone and email re-vote?" Neil asked.
"Gee, I don't remember," said Manny, "but I have that information at home and I'll bring it to the next meeting."
Jump ahead two months to the next meeting.
In Neil's absence the Pieman asked Manny for the list of who voted and which way they each went.
Manny refused to say.
"Doesn't a vote have to appear in the Committee's minutes?" asked the Pieman.
"Not always, " Manny explained, rewriting the Committee's bylaws on the fly.
Maybe the idea of a Woodbury Democratic Club isn't such a bad idea.
The decision by the Orange County district attorney's office to reargue the case against former Middletown Mayor, Joseph DeStefano is wrong! Is this politics at its worse? Or is this simply a case of being a sore loser?
District Attorney Frank Phillips is a department head and steward of a large budget. Government resources or better yet, tax dollars should not be spent on soothing the egos of the district attorney's office. This is a case of someone allegedly lying on a financial form that is no longer used in Middletown because of its ambiguity. To pursue this matter is childlike with this "I'll get even" move.
It is interesting that Phillips refuses to prosecute "election fraud" cases. When a sitting assemblywoman committed fraud on her petitions, Phillips refused to prosecute. When a sitting mayor had his mentally disabled niece sign petitions that she was unable to witness, again Phillips refused to prosecute.
With all of the "REAL" crime being committed in Orange County, pursuing this no-case misdemeanor is wrong, wasteful of tax dollars and harassment of one of Middletown's finest mayors.
Manny Mangual
Highland Mills
Apparently, Manny believes that lying is no big deal. But then we already knew that.
What we didn't know was that Manny gets upset about election fraud.
Now that's news.
He's also made clear how he feels about open governance.
As you may recall:
At the October Dem's meeting, Bo introduced a resolution denouncing the Village of Woodbury for signing an intermunicipal agreement with the Village of Kiryas Joel.
Village Trustee Neil Crouse explained to the Committee why the Woodbury Village Board felt the agreement was worth signing.
The Committee then decided not to condemn the Woodbury Village Board, but did pass a resolution denouncing the Vilage of KJ for the way it had acted when it put up two water towers in Woodbury.
Bo abstained on that resolution (the one condemning KJ) and John Burke voted against it.
But somehow, after the meeting was over, the resolution changed and became a denunciation of both KJ and Woodbury.
"How'd that happen?" Neil asked at the next Committee meeting.
Manny explained that if the situation changes after a meeting, the Committee can vote by phone or email to address the new circumstances.
And what were these new circumstances?
After some hemming and hawing and a variety of conflicting answers, Manny owned up to the fact that the only "new circumstance" was that Ralph's Republican Committee had condemned the Village of Woodbury.
Well, if Ralph did it, then obviously the Democratic Committee has to do it too.
"And, who took part in this telephone and email re-vote?" Neil asked.
"Gee, I don't remember," said Manny, "but I have that information at home and I'll bring it to the next meeting."
Jump ahead two months to the next meeting.
In Neil's absence the Pieman asked Manny for the list of who voted and which way they each went.
Manny refused to say.
"Doesn't a vote have to appear in the Committee's minutes?" asked the Pieman.
"Not always, " Manny explained, rewriting the Committee's bylaws on the fly.
Maybe the idea of a Woodbury Democratic Club isn't such a bad idea.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
The Bo Letters
The Uncle loves hearing from his dear nieces and nephews.One of those dear nephews, who identifies himself as Justin Woodbury, has forwarded his email correspondence with Town Councilman Tweedledee Haviland.
Dear Mr. Haviland:
I read with interest your letter in the Photo News yesterday and was struck by the comment on Woodbury's "rural way of life". Does rural way of life include houses on 1/2 acre lots? Isn't that what you live on? Woodbury has not been rural for quite some time now, where have you been?
I also find it interesting that "this will be the last time that I respond on this matter". Do you hold other elected officials to this same standard? If your Congressman did the same as you (what you call misinformation, we call lying) would you accept it if he said "this is the last time I will respond on this matter"? Is that all it takes? Do whatever you want and then it just ends when you say that? Well, guess what, this is NOT the last time you will respond on this matter.WE, THE PEOPLE demand an answer from you regarding your behavior during this last election. How do you explain what happened with that yellow flyer? Did you authorize it? (Bad) or did your name go out on it without your knowledge? (Just as bad, one shows corruption, the other incompetence)
I wonder if you will respond, let's see if you have any decency at all.
Justin
..........................................................
Dear Justin,
There is a legal term that states if a question has already been asked and it has been answered then the individual does not have to repeat the action. I believe on TV the statement is "asked and answered".
That is what I have done.
Amidee Haviland
..........................................................
Dear Amidee:
Asked and Answered?
The problem is, you DID NOT answer the questions.
1- I asked you if rural way of life includes 1/2 acre lots.
Asked, not answered
2-I asked you if you hold other elected officials to the same standard that you seem to think is appropriate in your case.
Asked, not answered.
3-I asked if you think its acceptable to behave in the manner that you did during the election and what exactly was you input into the yellow flyer.
Asked not answered.
Perhaps a more accurate phrase for you to use it "Asked and I don't want to answer".
I cringe with disgust to think that this is how you will act on the town council, and I ask if you think that this behavior is the way elected officials should behave?
Asked, will you answer? What else did you so wrong to get elected?
Justin
PS Where did you get your law degree?
..........................................................
Justin,
It is quite apparent that you have an agenda by persisting in this matter.
I do not intend to continue a subject that I have already responded to despite your opinion that I did not answer...I did.
Finally, one does not need a law degree to understand the law. It seems that you believe that a degree is necessary. I'm sorry for you in that matter.
Amidee Haviland
..........................................................
Amidee
WHEN did you answer and what did you say? It seems that no-one knows. As for an agenda, yes, I have an agenda; I want a straight answer and so do the people of this town. DID you LIE to get elected? Your avoidance only shows that you did.
And of all the things to focus on as if it were a major part of the communication and not a PS- your lack of a law degree.
Justin
A New Club In Town
Republicans form new club
Dissidents call town group too secretive
By John Sullivan
Times Herald-Record
January 29, 2008
WOODBURY — Dissatisfied with what they claim is a secretive and dictatorial party leadership, current and former members of the Woodbury Town Republican Committee have broken off to form their own election machine.
Dissidents call town group too secretive
By John Sullivan
Times Herald-Record
January 29, 2008
WOODBURY — Dissatisfied with what they claim is a secretive and dictatorial party leadership, current and former members of the Woodbury Town Republican Committee have broken off to form their own election machine.
"They (the town Republican Committee) don't seem to exist for any particular reason, except to have a meeting once a month, if they have it at all," said town Councilman Mike Queenan, spokesman for the new splinter group known as the Republican Club.
The club established its bylaws and mission statement last week and counts about eight members, including town Councilwoman Geraldine Gianzero and former Councilwoman Lorraine McNeil.
It is modeled after other Republican clubs in Orange County and around the country, Queenan said.
The club will serve as a political election committee, campaigning and raising funds for its own candidates, as well as mobilizing votes in the community.
Voting and non-voting memberships are offered to registered Republicans in Woodbury.
The club's formation comes in the wake of outcries against leaders of both parties. Critics allege that members of the Republican Committee, including Ralph Caruso, the chairman, worked with John Burke, a Democrat and the town supervisor, as well as other Democratic Committee members, to oust McNeil and Mike Aronowitz from the Town Board.
Queenan alleged that Caruso runs a committee that barely holds meetings, operates on proxy votes from absent officers and acts like a "kangaroo court" for Caruso's will.
Deals Caruso has made in the past have undermined the committee's purpose, as well as hurt the democratic process, Queenan said.
Caruso did not return calls for comment.
"We feel a lot of people don't know what's going on, and that's detrimental to everyone," Queenan said.
The splinter club will likely also mean a break with the Orange County Republican Party, which holds loyalties to Caruso and does not tolerate dissension within the ranks, Queenan said.
County Republican Party Chairman Bill DeProspo could not be reached for comment.
Friday, January 25, 2008
Polluted Political Poltroonery, Seen and Unseen
This past Tuesday the Woodbury Republican Committee met.
They tend to do that when no one is looking.
And when they met, Chairman Ralph Caruso told the committee that one of its members, Roberto Calderone, had informed Ralph that he was moving and so would be resigning from the committee.
Ralph also announced that he had received a letter from former Town Supervisor Bob Till, asking to be appointed to the vacancy.
Ralph was asked when Calderone had given Ralph the news. "This morning."
Ralph was asked when Till had sent the letter. "January 4th."
Amazing! Finally, proof that clairvoyance exists. The committee members would be fools not to snap up a member who can foretell the future.
And yet, when Ralph and Little Miss Echo (AKA the Ankle Biter) put forward the idea that this savant should be accepted immediately, there were those present who actually wanted to wait until any other interested candidates had a chance to apply.
Ralph took a look around the room, did a mental vote count and told the assembled Republicans that Mr. Till’s request to join this august body should be acted upon at once.
And then, a second amazing thing happened. Ralph’s motion failed and the seat was left unfilled until other applicants could be heard from.
It is reported that Ralph’s head then exploded.
But wait, there’s more.
Mr. Peter Stabile then had the opportunity to inquire as to why, when Burke and the Dem’s stole the Town Board election through lies and deceit, Republican Committee Chairman Caruso had had nothing to say?
At this point Ralph’s head, only just reassembled, exploded again.
He ranted, raved, screamed, denounced and expressed in other ways that he was peeved by the question.
"Where were all of you when I lost my run for Mayor of Woodbury? That campaign was filled with lies too," said Ralph, forgetting that he was the one who had been telling those lies.
He then turned his attention (and the remaining shards of head still attached to his neck) towards Gerri Gianzero. "You backstabber!!" he began. He then launched into a litany of complaints which moved Ms. Gianzero to suggest that the Chairman should attempt auto-insemination.
Ah, such entertainment wasted on such a small audience. The major networks, crippled by the writers’ strike, saturated with reruns and searching hither and yon for yet one more reality show, must be contacted. Such theater must be shared.
Thank God, the Democrats are more generous with their performance art. Their shows are open to the public.
And, guess what, there’s one coming up this very Monday.
So, if you feel deprived of entertainment by those closed door Republicans, come on down to the Senior Center this Monday (January 28th) at 7:45 PM and attend the Woodbury Democratic Committee meeting.
Bring popcorn.
They tend to do that when no one is looking.
And when they met, Chairman Ralph Caruso told the committee that one of its members, Roberto Calderone, had informed Ralph that he was moving and so would be resigning from the committee.
Ralph also announced that he had received a letter from former Town Supervisor Bob Till, asking to be appointed to the vacancy.
Ralph was asked when Calderone had given Ralph the news. "This morning."
Ralph was asked when Till had sent the letter. "January 4th."
Amazing! Finally, proof that clairvoyance exists. The committee members would be fools not to snap up a member who can foretell the future.
And yet, when Ralph and Little Miss Echo (AKA the Ankle Biter) put forward the idea that this savant should be accepted immediately, there were those present who actually wanted to wait until any other interested candidates had a chance to apply.
Ralph took a look around the room, did a mental vote count and told the assembled Republicans that Mr. Till’s request to join this august body should be acted upon at once.
And then, a second amazing thing happened. Ralph’s motion failed and the seat was left unfilled until other applicants could be heard from.
It is reported that Ralph’s head then exploded.
But wait, there’s more.
Mr. Peter Stabile then had the opportunity to inquire as to why, when Burke and the Dem’s stole the Town Board election through lies and deceit, Republican Committee Chairman Caruso had had nothing to say?
At this point Ralph’s head, only just reassembled, exploded again.
He ranted, raved, screamed, denounced and expressed in other ways that he was peeved by the question.
"Where were all of you when I lost my run for Mayor of Woodbury? That campaign was filled with lies too," said Ralph, forgetting that he was the one who had been telling those lies.
He then turned his attention (and the remaining shards of head still attached to his neck) towards Gerri Gianzero. "You backstabber!!" he began. He then launched into a litany of complaints which moved Ms. Gianzero to suggest that the Chairman should attempt auto-insemination.
Ah, such entertainment wasted on such a small audience. The major networks, crippled by the writers’ strike, saturated with reruns and searching hither and yon for yet one more reality show, must be contacted. Such theater must be shared.
Thank God, the Democrats are more generous with their performance art. Their shows are open to the public.
And, guess what, there’s one coming up this very Monday.
So, if you feel deprived of entertainment by those closed door Republicans, come on down to the Senior Center this Monday (January 28th) at 7:45 PM and attend the Woodbury Democratic Committee meeting.
Bring popcorn.
Photo News Ends Its Silence; Burke Doesn't
The Photo-News is finally covering Woodbury Town Meetings, even if the Times Herald Record still isn't (although there are hints that this may change).
The P-N's coverage was broken up ino three stories. The first on a proposed law to ban smoking in Woodbury parks excepts in certain designated areas.
The second article (reproduced electronically below) is a wrap-up of the evening including the Pieman’s "chiding" of the Town Board.
The third piece dealt with the Board’s passing the Cold War Veterans’ tax exemption. Bo Haviland voted against the measure, giving no explanation. It was only when Mickey O’Brien asked him why that Bo said "I’m glad someone asked that." He then went on to give some tortured critique of the wording of the law. The most interesting part of this was that it made clear that Bo doesn’t even understand how his job works. If he feels a law needs different language then, when the motion is made to pass it, he has a chance to discuss his concerns and to offer an amendment.
Perhaps he can steal a book which explains how to do the job he stole.
Photo News
Civics and business at the
Woodbury Town Board meeting
Published: January 24, 2008
Highland Mills — It was all civics and business at the start of the regularly scheduled Woodbury Town Council meeting last Thursday evening.The Pledge of Allegiance was followed by a moment of silence in reflection on our military.
Agenda items were dispatched in order. Administrative business followed by old business, then new business and on to department reports. Administrative reports provided the only material for any comment. That section had a budget modification, a resignation, a designation of delegates to the Association of Towns Conference, and acceptance of bids for new highway department equipment.
Business and civics.
Public hearings on two new local laws followed. The first would prohibit smoking in town parks except in designated areas. The second codifies a real property tax exemption to "Cold War Veterans." Two members of the public accepted invitations to comment on the proposed laws. Votes were taken. Tax break enacted, smoking ban vote postponed.
Civics and business.
General comments were next. Councilman Amidee T. Haviland III offered "attaboys" to the police and highway departments for their dedication and desire to do well within the means provided. No official comments from the town attorney, police chief, highway superintendent or town clerk were forthcoming.
Business and civics.
Before adjourning, public comment was invited. The tenor of the meeting changed dramatically as resident Jonathan Swiller took to the microphone and addressed the board on the issue that has persistently dogged this newly elected board for months.
Supervisor John Burke has accepted responsibility for a flier that was distributed to residents at the Timber Ridge condominium complex that accused incumbents Mike Aronowitz and Lorraine McNeil of being behind a plan to increase housing assessments at the complex by as much as 50 percent. Town Republicans contend the flier was responsible for the ouster of the two incumbents by newly elected council members, Carlton Levine and Haviland. Levine bested Aronowitz by 10 votes, giving the Democrats a 3-2 majority on the board and highlighting the importance of the flier in influencing the outcome.
Aronowitz was not serving on the board when the assessor was hired and it is acknowledged the assessor performs their duties independent of the board.
This issue dominated closing public statements as Burke was chided by Swiller for winning his majority through fraud and by lying to voters. He added that Burke humiliated himself and the town, resulting in the Times Herald-Record calling on the board to resign. Burke responded by saying he had already accepted responsibility for the flier and that he would have no further comment on this issue.I
t appears the issue will persist. Swiller closed his comments by accusing Burke of assuming Woodbury residents would take all this like a dog but warned the board would be watched like a hawk.
Business and civics. And politics.
While the Pieman got fine coverage, the Uncle’s favorite moment was left out. Mickey O’Brien asked Burke if he had ever taught classes in Government. Silent John refused to answer.
Apparently the list of questions that Burke refuses to answer will continue to expand until it includes "What’s your name?" "Are you the Town Supervisor?" "Is anyone sitting there?" and "Do you want fries with that?"
The P-N's coverage was broken up ino three stories. The first on a proposed law to ban smoking in Woodbury parks excepts in certain designated areas.
The second article (reproduced electronically below) is a wrap-up of the evening including the Pieman’s "chiding" of the Town Board.
The third piece dealt with the Board’s passing the Cold War Veterans’ tax exemption. Bo Haviland voted against the measure, giving no explanation. It was only when Mickey O’Brien asked him why that Bo said "I’m glad someone asked that." He then went on to give some tortured critique of the wording of the law. The most interesting part of this was that it made clear that Bo doesn’t even understand how his job works. If he feels a law needs different language then, when the motion is made to pass it, he has a chance to discuss his concerns and to offer an amendment.
Perhaps he can steal a book which explains how to do the job he stole.
Photo News
Civics and business at the
Woodbury Town Board meeting
Published: January 24, 2008
Highland Mills — It was all civics and business at the start of the regularly scheduled Woodbury Town Council meeting last Thursday evening.The Pledge of Allegiance was followed by a moment of silence in reflection on our military.
Agenda items were dispatched in order. Administrative business followed by old business, then new business and on to department reports. Administrative reports provided the only material for any comment. That section had a budget modification, a resignation, a designation of delegates to the Association of Towns Conference, and acceptance of bids for new highway department equipment.
Business and civics.
Public hearings on two new local laws followed. The first would prohibit smoking in town parks except in designated areas. The second codifies a real property tax exemption to "Cold War Veterans." Two members of the public accepted invitations to comment on the proposed laws. Votes were taken. Tax break enacted, smoking ban vote postponed.
Civics and business.
General comments were next. Councilman Amidee T. Haviland III offered "attaboys" to the police and highway departments for their dedication and desire to do well within the means provided. No official comments from the town attorney, police chief, highway superintendent or town clerk were forthcoming.
Business and civics.
Before adjourning, public comment was invited. The tenor of the meeting changed dramatically as resident Jonathan Swiller took to the microphone and addressed the board on the issue that has persistently dogged this newly elected board for months.
Supervisor John Burke has accepted responsibility for a flier that was distributed to residents at the Timber Ridge condominium complex that accused incumbents Mike Aronowitz and Lorraine McNeil of being behind a plan to increase housing assessments at the complex by as much as 50 percent. Town Republicans contend the flier was responsible for the ouster of the two incumbents by newly elected council members, Carlton Levine and Haviland. Levine bested Aronowitz by 10 votes, giving the Democrats a 3-2 majority on the board and highlighting the importance of the flier in influencing the outcome.
Aronowitz was not serving on the board when the assessor was hired and it is acknowledged the assessor performs their duties independent of the board.
This issue dominated closing public statements as Burke was chided by Swiller for winning his majority through fraud and by lying to voters. He added that Burke humiliated himself and the town, resulting in the Times Herald-Record calling on the board to resign. Burke responded by saying he had already accepted responsibility for the flier and that he would have no further comment on this issue.I
t appears the issue will persist. Swiller closed his comments by accusing Burke of assuming Woodbury residents would take all this like a dog but warned the board would be watched like a hawk.
Business and civics. And politics.
While the Pieman got fine coverage, the Uncle’s favorite moment was left out. Mickey O’Brien asked Burke if he had ever taught classes in Government. Silent John refused to answer.
Apparently the list of questions that Burke refuses to answer will continue to expand until it includes "What’s your name?" "Are you the Town Supervisor?" "Is anyone sitting there?" and "Do you want fries with that?"
Monday, January 21, 2008
Board of the Village (Speaking Parenthetically)
Tuesday (1/22) night (7:30) The Village (of Woodbury) Board meets (at the Highland Mills Fire House).
Show up and you just might catch a glimpse of the Uncle (hint: I'll be wearing socks).
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Your Town Board Inaction
How many variations of "I have nothing more to say on that topic," "I've said all I'm going to say," or just plain "No comment," can Burke, Haviland and Levine come up with?
Come find out for yourself.
The next Town Board fiasco, um, meeting, is upon us - Thursday, January 17th, 7:30 pm, Woodbury Town Hall.
Come on down and have your questions ignored.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Reheated Pie
The Pieman posted this as a comment. Since the Pieman gets credit for the Uncle's brilliance more frequently than any other pretender to the throne, why not show some favoritism? So I'm reprinting the gem here on the front page:
As long as a corruptly elected board remains in power the corruption continues.
We may not be able to remove them, but we can point out this continuing perversion of democracy each time that they meet.
The minute that we begin to pretend that nothing bad happened is the minute that corruption triumphs.
Pointing out their unfitness for office may seem to accomplish little, but little is better than nothing.
Some price must be paid.
I'm afraid that John Burke is a lost cause, dishonesty has marked every one of his campaigns.
But maybe Haviland and Levine will finally stop hiding from the truth and will begin the difficult process of addressing the issue.
Perhaps they will attempt to work to repair the damage rather than dismiss it.
Doing so wouldn't be easy, nor should it be. But it is necessary and the sooner they start the better.
But if they come out of this as if nothing wrong had happened, then we are guaranteeing that it will happen again and again.
The Village elections are two months off. If we allow these lies to fade away, you can be certain that this group will act the same way during that campaign
Jonathan Swiller
As long as a corruptly elected board remains in power the corruption continues.
We may not be able to remove them, but we can point out this continuing perversion of democracy each time that they meet.
The minute that we begin to pretend that nothing bad happened is the minute that corruption triumphs.
Pointing out their unfitness for office may seem to accomplish little, but little is better than nothing.
Some price must be paid.
I'm afraid that John Burke is a lost cause, dishonesty has marked every one of his campaigns.
But maybe Haviland and Levine will finally stop hiding from the truth and will begin the difficult process of addressing the issue.
Perhaps they will attempt to work to repair the damage rather than dismiss it.
Doing so wouldn't be easy, nor should it be. But it is necessary and the sooner they start the better.
But if they come out of this as if nothing wrong had happened, then we are guaranteeing that it will happen again and again.
The Village elections are two months off. If we allow these lies to fade away, you can be certain that this group will act the same way during that campaign
Jonathan Swiller
Friday, January 11, 2008
Bo Noes and Videos UPDATED
Brand New - We Got Movin' Pictures Down At The Bottom!
So what is the plural of "no?" I've seen "nos" and "noes" and "no's." The Uncle opts for the middle ground.
In any case, when it comes to "no" Bo has got a lot of them.
...No proof that the lying flyer had an effect on the election.
...No connection between Bo and the flyer.
...No more discussion of the matter
Photo News > Opinion
A thank you note to the people of Woodbury
Published: January 10, 2008
To the editor:
I recently attended a function at a local restaurant and was approached by a constituent who had gone out of her way to congratulate me on my being elected to the Woodbury Town Council. I, to say the least, was deeply grateful for her kind words.
It then occurred to me that I hadn’t publicly thanked those who saw fit to come out during election time and voted for me. I wish to rectify that with this public acknowledgement (sic) of my gratitude for all of you out there who felt that I am the right person for the position of Town Councilman for the Town of Woodbury.
I also wish to thank the town’s Democratic and Conservative parties who believed me worthy of this job by endorsing my candidacy.
As I take the oath of office, I wish to reiterate that it is still my goal to get the biggest bang for every dollar spent while obtaining the needs of the Woodbury (sic) at the level of quality requested, to plan and execute a continual improvement of the town’s infrastructure on a yearly basis in a way that it (sic) will be affordable to the taxpayer, to favor those plans that will result in controlled communal growth and to resist any action that would jeopardize our rural way of life from either external or internal forces.
I welcome any recommendations or comments on how I may accomplish this vision during my time in office. If any of you wish to contact me in order express questions or concerns, please do so at Amidee3@hotmail.com. I will do my best to answer all genuine inquiries in a timely manner.
Finally, there has been some controversy concerning apparent misinformation that was introduced into the past election. Unfortunate as it was, there is, to date, no intrinsic data that this misinformation had a direct effect on the overall outcome on the results (sic).
However, I want to say publicly that I personally ran my campaign solely on the issues noted above. I, at no time, personally engaged in the creation of or the dissemination of any misinformation or derogatory information upon (sic) my opponents.
This will be the last time I will respond on this matter.
Again, I thank all those out there who believed in me enough to vote for me. I will always be eternally grateful.
Amidee T. (Bo) Haviland III
Woodbury Town Board
So Bo, you'll answer those emails that contain "genuine inquiries."
Send a question to Amidee3@hotmail.com and let us know if your inquiry was deemed "genuine."
A few other points, Bo:
"Our rural way of life" ended long before you, Levine, Burke, Mangual, Donnelly and Caruso moved into to your 1/2 acre (or less) properties.
That aside, did anyone ever mention to you that the Town Board has nothing to do with planning and zoning? A basic working knowledge of the function of the Town Board may come in handy at some point
By the way, as to "obtaining the needs of the Woodbury." The Woodbury (as you call it) already has plenty of needs, why don't you go to work on obtaining solutions to those needs?
So, someone sent out lies, signed your name to them and then, when you found out (whenever the hell that was), you never felt it was worth looking into? When your running mate took responsibility you saw no reason to address that publicly - even though it made you look like a liar? You saw no reason to make a statement to the people who were lied to in your name?
And, what about the fund raising letter that your campaign sent out accusing your opponents of being puppets of the developers. Your name was on that lie too. Aren't you getting at all tired of your allies putting out falsehoods and signing your name to them?
And, two years ago, when you accused Sheila Conroy of taking bribes, was that actually the act of an evil ventriloquist?
At what point do you begin taking responsibility for what goes out over your name, or publicly take to task the evil-doers responsible?
As to this being "the last time I will respond on this matter," your bosses may have something to say about that. Or have you forgotten that you work for the people of Woodbury?
It's nice that you "will always be eternally grateful." That is so much better than temporarily being eternally grateful.
Nonetheless, it was very nice of your wife Lynn to take time out from her meal to congratulate you.
And Now For Home Movies.
Tonights show is "The Fifth Amendment Follies." Count the number of times Burke, Haviland and Levine refuse to answer questions (hint - pay particular attention to Queenan's, Capriglione's and Crouse's snippets).
Conroy Instructs
Capriglione Questions
Crouse Asks and Suggests
Gerard Gushes
Hunter Is Disgusted
So what is the plural of "no?" I've seen "nos" and "noes" and "no's." The Uncle opts for the middle ground.
In any case, when it comes to "no" Bo has got a lot of them.
...No proof that the lying flyer had an effect on the election.
...No connection between Bo and the flyer.
...No more discussion of the matter
Photo News > Opinion
A thank you note to the people of Woodbury
Published: January 10, 2008
To the editor:
I recently attended a function at a local restaurant and was approached by a constituent who had gone out of her way to congratulate me on my being elected to the Woodbury Town Council. I, to say the least, was deeply grateful for her kind words.
It then occurred to me that I hadn’t publicly thanked those who saw fit to come out during election time and voted for me. I wish to rectify that with this public acknowledgement (sic) of my gratitude for all of you out there who felt that I am the right person for the position of Town Councilman for the Town of Woodbury.
I also wish to thank the town’s Democratic and Conservative parties who believed me worthy of this job by endorsing my candidacy.
As I take the oath of office, I wish to reiterate that it is still my goal to get the biggest bang for every dollar spent while obtaining the needs of the Woodbury (sic) at the level of quality requested, to plan and execute a continual improvement of the town’s infrastructure on a yearly basis in a way that it (sic) will be affordable to the taxpayer, to favor those plans that will result in controlled communal growth and to resist any action that would jeopardize our rural way of life from either external or internal forces.
I welcome any recommendations or comments on how I may accomplish this vision during my time in office. If any of you wish to contact me in order express questions or concerns, please do so at Amidee3@hotmail.com. I will do my best to answer all genuine inquiries in a timely manner.
Finally, there has been some controversy concerning apparent misinformation that was introduced into the past election. Unfortunate as it was, there is, to date, no intrinsic data that this misinformation had a direct effect on the overall outcome on the results (sic).
However, I want to say publicly that I personally ran my campaign solely on the issues noted above. I, at no time, personally engaged in the creation of or the dissemination of any misinformation or derogatory information upon (sic) my opponents.
This will be the last time I will respond on this matter.
Again, I thank all those out there who believed in me enough to vote for me. I will always be eternally grateful.
Amidee T. (Bo) Haviland III
Woodbury Town Board
So Bo, you'll answer those emails that contain "genuine inquiries."
I take it that a genuine inquiry would be Grace Gerard asking "how is it possible for a mere mortal to be as fine and generous as yourself?"
A non-genuine inquiry is one that asks you to be accountable to the people of Woodbury.
The Uncle proposes a contest:Send a question to Amidee3@hotmail.com and let us know if your inquiry was deemed "genuine."
A few other points, Bo:
"Our rural way of life" ended long before you, Levine, Burke, Mangual, Donnelly and Caruso moved into to your 1/2 acre (or less) properties.
That aside, did anyone ever mention to you that the Town Board has nothing to do with planning and zoning? A basic working knowledge of the function of the Town Board may come in handy at some point
By the way, as to "obtaining the needs of the Woodbury." The Woodbury (as you call it) already has plenty of needs, why don't you go to work on obtaining solutions to those needs?
As to those noes:
"no intrinsic data that this misinformation had a direct effect on the overall outcome on the results."
How about some extrinsic data, such as the signed statements Mickey O'Brien has collected from Timber Ridge residents stating that the lies changed their votes?
Further, are you saying that it's fine and dandy to lie to the voters if the lies are unsuccessful? If the people realize that you're lying and ignore you, then you did nothing wrong?
By the way, there is a bit of a difference "some controversy concerning apparent misinformation" and a full blown scandal (remember the Times Herald Record demanding your resignation?) about out-right lies.
"I, at no time, personally engaged in the creation of or the dissemination of any misinformation or derogatory information upon my opponents. "So, someone sent out lies, signed your name to them and then, when you found out (whenever the hell that was), you never felt it was worth looking into? When your running mate took responsibility you saw no reason to address that publicly - even though it made you look like a liar? You saw no reason to make a statement to the people who were lied to in your name?
And, what about the fund raising letter that your campaign sent out accusing your opponents of being puppets of the developers. Your name was on that lie too. Aren't you getting at all tired of your allies putting out falsehoods and signing your name to them?
And, two years ago, when you accused Sheila Conroy of taking bribes, was that actually the act of an evil ventriloquist?
At what point do you begin taking responsibility for what goes out over your name, or publicly take to task the evil-doers responsible?
As to this being "the last time I will respond on this matter," your bosses may have something to say about that. Or have you forgotten that you work for the people of Woodbury?
It's nice that you "will always be eternally grateful." That is so much better than temporarily being eternally grateful.
Nonetheless, it was very nice of your wife Lynn to take time out from her meal to congratulate you.
And Now For Home Movies.
Tonights show is "The Fifth Amendment Follies." Count the number of times Burke, Haviland and Levine refuse to answer questions (hint - pay particular attention to Queenan's, Capriglione's and Crouse's snippets).
Queenan Demands An Answer
Haviland and Levine Are Grateful
Swiller Demurs
Conroy Instructs
Capriglione Questions
Crouse Asks and Suggests
Gerard Gushes
Hunter Is Disgusted
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
As Requested
As requested, here's John Burke's car in Ralph Caruso's driveway, mid-afternoon, Tuesday, July 25th, 2006.
By the way, you might want to guess how the "high-density" developments (.8 to 2 acres), that Ralph decries, compare to his own palatial estate.
Sunday, January 06, 2008
Something Worthwhile!
Michael Kling said...
Folks,Looking at all the posts here, this is probably the wrong place to ask for assistance to help another human but I am going to give it a shot. A volunteer firefighter from Salisbury Mills has been diagnosed with myeloma (cancer of the bone marrow). His son, who happens to be a Boy Scout, has come up with an Eagle project to help his father. He is holding a blood/red blood cell drive and bone marrow screening on January 26 at the Salisbury Mills Fire House on Rt. 94. If you are interested in donating, please email Ian at eagleprojectblooddrive@yahoo.com. Thanks for your consideration and letting me put this advertisement out there.
Folks,Looking at all the posts here, this is probably the wrong place to ask for assistance to help another human but I am going to give it a shot. A volunteer firefighter from Salisbury Mills has been diagnosed with myeloma (cancer of the bone marrow). His son, who happens to be a Boy Scout, has come up with an Eagle project to help his father. He is holding a blood/red blood cell drive and bone marrow screening on January 26 at the Salisbury Mills Fire House on Rt. 94. If you are interested in donating, please email Ian at eagleprojectblooddrive@yahoo.com. Thanks for your consideration and letting me put this advertisement out there.
Saturday, January 05, 2008
The Pieman Breaks His Silence
I had my own reasons for not saying what was on my mind at the Board Meeting. For one thing, I wanted to give the new members a chance to apologize. That they didn’t and in fact repeatedly refused to answer questions that were very germane to their being in office tells me that I was overly generous and that Sandy, Robin, Maria and Kieran were fully justified in their comments.
As to the presence of children - bringing them there was the decision of Levine and Haviland, just as it was their choice to hand out that vile flyer. Choices have consequences.
Shortly after the election I met with Levine and asked him to make a public apology. I pointed out that this issue was not going to go away and that it would certainly be brought up, at least as a warning to voters, before every town and village election. I told him that as his kids grew up, they would hear about this again and again and that he might be able to explain it away while they were young, but eventually they would be old enough to think for themselves and to understand corrupt campaign practices for what they were. I told him that he had to decide now how his children would see him in years to come.
The fact that the three of them sat there and, in effect, "took the Fifth Amendment" again and again and again, shows that they have no intention of facing up to their own bad acts - the fact that Bob Donnelly, a pathetic and discredited puppet of Caruso and Burke, continued the malicious and dishonest campaign to smear their opponents - all of this tells me that this group has reconsidered nothing, regretted nothing, learned nothing.
Jonathan Swiller
As to the presence of children - bringing them there was the decision of Levine and Haviland, just as it was their choice to hand out that vile flyer. Choices have consequences.
Shortly after the election I met with Levine and asked him to make a public apology. I pointed out that this issue was not going to go away and that it would certainly be brought up, at least as a warning to voters, before every town and village election. I told him that as his kids grew up, they would hear about this again and again and that he might be able to explain it away while they were young, but eventually they would be old enough to think for themselves and to understand corrupt campaign practices for what they were. I told him that he had to decide now how his children would see him in years to come.
The fact that the three of them sat there and, in effect, "took the Fifth Amendment" again and again and again, shows that they have no intention of facing up to their own bad acts - the fact that Bob Donnelly, a pathetic and discredited puppet of Caruso and Burke, continued the malicious and dishonest campaign to smear their opponents - all of this tells me that this group has reconsidered nothing, regretted nothing, learned nothing.
Jonathan Swiller
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
A Little Bit Of The Story and More Fun Videos
It's a two-part post, boys and girls. Here's The Times Herald Record's semi-courageous take on Woodbury politics, followed by video's from the last town board meeting of 2007.
Woodbury's topsy-turvy politics
By John Sullivan
January 01, 2008 Times Herald-Record
WOODBURY — It's not always easy to know who your friends are if you're a politician in this town. Where else would you find a Democrat shouting at her own party committee boss for allegedly working with Republicans? Republican Committee members campaigning for Democrats? And Republicans and Democrats attacking their own party heads for suspected involvement in a misinformation campaign to oust two Town Council members?
Crossing party lines is not uncommon at the municipal level, but current and former elected officials claim that the two-party machine in Woodbury has been replaced by a practice of backroom deals.
The culprits, these critics say, belong to an old guard of power brokers in Republican and Democratic parties.
Sparking the outrage was the distribution of fliers meant to smear Republican council incumbents Michael Aronowitz and Lorraine McNeill. Supervisor John Burke, a Democrat, has taken responsibility for the fliers, which falsely blamed Aronowitz and McNeill for raising tax assessments in a populous town-house complex.
But some Republicans say they believe that members of their own party had a hand in the plot. Aronowitz said he believes that the chairman of the town Republican Committee worked directly or indirectly with Burke to oust him and McNeil. He is joined by Republican Town Board members Geraldine Gianzero, Mike Queenan and former Republican Supervisor Sheila Conroy in condemning what they believe has been a practice of quarterbacking elections by a small group of power brokers in both parties.
Manny Mangual, the town Democratic chairman, denied any knowledge of such cooperation among members of his committee. Ralph Caruso, head of the Woodbury Republicans, could not be reached.
But Gianzero, who is former vice chairwoman of the Woodbury Republicans, said the latest elections wouldn't have been the first time that members of the Republican and Democratic committees worked together. "We call them the Republicrats," said Gianzero. "They are a few Republicans and a few Democrats, who have joined forces to get only their own people, whether Republican or Democrat, elected."
Some in the town talk of mutiny by several Republicans, as well as a few Democrats, against their party leaderships over the issue of development.
On one side is a new generation of politicians led by Gianzero and Conroy, who claim that the older, entrenched group of town leaders want control of both town and village governments and will use any tactic to get their puppets into power. On the other side are leaders, including Burke, Caruso and former town Democratic Committee Chairman Bob Donnelly, who view a new group of leaders as too accommodating to developers. "
From now on, it's going to be who represents the developers and who represents the people who live here," Donnelly said.
And now for fun with videos. The Uncle's favorite is Mike Aronowitz's clip - keep your eyes on John Burke as he attempts to shrink away into invisibility.
Woodbury's topsy-turvy politics
By John Sullivan
January 01, 2008 Times Herald-Record
WOODBURY — It's not always easy to know who your friends are if you're a politician in this town. Where else would you find a Democrat shouting at her own party committee boss for allegedly working with Republicans? Republican Committee members campaigning for Democrats? And Republicans and Democrats attacking their own party heads for suspected involvement in a misinformation campaign to oust two Town Council members?
Crossing party lines is not uncommon at the municipal level, but current and former elected officials claim that the two-party machine in Woodbury has been replaced by a practice of backroom deals.
The culprits, these critics say, belong to an old guard of power brokers in Republican and Democratic parties.
Sparking the outrage was the distribution of fliers meant to smear Republican council incumbents Michael Aronowitz and Lorraine McNeill. Supervisor John Burke, a Democrat, has taken responsibility for the fliers, which falsely blamed Aronowitz and McNeill for raising tax assessments in a populous town-house complex.
But some Republicans say they believe that members of their own party had a hand in the plot. Aronowitz said he believes that the chairman of the town Republican Committee worked directly or indirectly with Burke to oust him and McNeil. He is joined by Republican Town Board members Geraldine Gianzero, Mike Queenan and former Republican Supervisor Sheila Conroy in condemning what they believe has been a practice of quarterbacking elections by a small group of power brokers in both parties.
Manny Mangual, the town Democratic chairman, denied any knowledge of such cooperation among members of his committee. Ralph Caruso, head of the Woodbury Republicans, could not be reached.
But Gianzero, who is former vice chairwoman of the Woodbury Republicans, said the latest elections wouldn't have been the first time that members of the Republican and Democratic committees worked together. "We call them the Republicrats," said Gianzero. "They are a few Republicans and a few Democrats, who have joined forces to get only their own people, whether Republican or Democrat, elected."
Some in the town talk of mutiny by several Republicans, as well as a few Democrats, against their party leaderships over the issue of development.
On one side is a new generation of politicians led by Gianzero and Conroy, who claim that the older, entrenched group of town leaders want control of both town and village governments and will use any tactic to get their puppets into power. On the other side are leaders, including Burke, Caruso and former town Democratic Committee Chairman Bob Donnelly, who view a new group of leaders as too accommodating to developers. "
From now on, it's going to be who represents the developers and who represents the people who live here," Donnelly said.
And now for fun with videos. The Uncle's favorite is Mike Aronowitz's clip - keep your eyes on John Burke as he attempts to shrink away into invisibility.
Lorraine McNeill
Mike Aronowitz
Lorraine Redux
Jonathan Swiller
Sandy Capriglione
Kieran Conroy
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)