 |
| WADE (Times Union photo) |
It looks like there is going to be
a good old fashioned battle over the Democratic Party committee seats as
petition forms recently handed out did not include the names of Council
President Rodney Wiltshire, his wife Jolene, Councilman Ken Zalewski,
D-District 5, or Robert Martiniano.
While a committee battle may seem
like inside baseball, the fact Rensselaer County Chairman Tom Wade opted to
publicly challenge Wiltshire is a precursor to next year’s mayor’s race and, if
you take it a step further, control of the Democratic Party.
 |
| WILTSHIRE |
It’s no secret Wiltshire has higher
political ambitions and one of them is mayor should incumbent Mayor Lou
Rosamilia opt not to run for another term. I’m still of the belief Rosamilia
will not run again so that opens the door for Wiltshire – a door Wade would
just as soon slam shut.
Wiltshire alienated the party
proper by accepting the Independence Party line last year, which helped him
knock Councilwoman Lynn Kopka – a Wade loyalist - out of the presidency. He is
also upset the apple cart by killing a deal, backed by Rosamilia, to sell the
former Scolite site to R.J. Valente and by spearheading the investigation into
two demolition projects and other workings of the administration.
 |
| ZALEWSKI |
In other words, Wiltshire is not
Wade’s top pick to replace Rosamilia as the county’s most high profile
Democrat. In fact, he’s not even on Wade’s list to remain a committeeman and as
such I don’t see any way Wade can back him for another run at Council.
But all that may not matter to
Wiltshire. Given the small number of petition signatures needed to get on a
committee ballot to force a primary and the small number of voters needed to
win the seat in the election the Wiltshires and Zalewski could still win their committee
seats and that sets the stage for another coup. Plus, Wiltshire is making quite
a name for himself as president and may not need Wade’s support for anything –
at least he must not think so.
But, Wade is a shrewd politician
and successfully fought off M. Lynne Mahoney, his co-chair at the time, to win
the chairmanship more than a few years ago and then fought off a spirited coup
two years ago by Robert “Rabbit” Riley – a coup backed by Wiltshire and
Zalewski.
Safe to say, Wade knows how to
count.
 |
| ROSAMILIA |
As an aside, Martiniano is a
member of the “Delusional Bunch.” A group of Democrats Wade nicknamed by Wade
who were also in Riley’s camp two years ago and while they are somewhat
disorganized they are still Democrats.
But, for Wade to take on the
sitting Council president and one of the most popular councilman the Democrats
have is unprecedented. (Zalewski is term limited out but was elected four times
and I can’t remember the last time he had a serious opponent.)
More on this, like who Wade is running
in the primaries against the Wiltshires and Zalewski and how the committee process
works, later today.
A real leader would fix the problem, not continue his childish actions. If Wade can't control you he pushes you away. His backers better get a clue soon.
ReplyDeleteA real Democrat would not endorse a Republican or sell out to the Republicans to win the council presidency.
DeleteMayor Pattison endorsed Joe Bruno, Joe Manupella endorsed both Bruno and Sen Roy
DeleteDid anyone really expect Wade to support the people who tried to turn him out?
DeleteWhen has that ever happened in politics, anywhere?
Wade fought with Bugbee. Wade fought Mahoney . Wade fought with Pattison.. Wade fought with Robinson. Wade fought with LaPosta. Wade fought with Mirch. Wade fought with Campana. Wade fought with Smith. Wade fought with Wiltshire. Wade fought with Zalewski Wade probably fought with you if you are reading this. Can we see the common denominator ?
ReplyDeletewade
don't forget Tom Connolly
DeleteVery well put, your 100% right. Wade thinks he is Fat Ed, never had Fat Ed's brains and never will!
DeleteSo true, I am reading this and yes I had a battle with him as well, and you missed Dick Weaver!
DeleteToo funny...I am reading this as well, and I also had a battle with wade. BEST POST!!
DeleteHe fixes the problem by getting rid of disloyal Dems. If you don't like it, head over to the R side. The losing side.
ReplyDeleteHe IS the problem!
DeleteWho you got to replace him?
DeleteI guess no one told you. If you shoot at the king, you better not miss.
Yeah...like Zalooski. He works for the Republicans in the Senate and can be fired in a heartbeat. Needless to say, he carries their agenda for them.
Delete@ June 6, 2014 at 12:38 PM
DeleteHow is getting rid of "disloyal Dems" fixing the problem? Especially since those "other Dems" are crooked and corrupt? At least the "disloyal Dems" have a sense of decency, honesty and "justice for all" attitude. They do not believe in rewarding "critters" that perpetrate crimes against their constituency. Change is in the air, can you feel it?
Many of us supported all of these people when they ran for council. The hard work that was done by Wade at the beginning of their tenure to divide them and sacrifice their work time on council to party machine issues instead of Troy improvement makes Wade a contemptible figure for many ordinary Troy citizens.
ReplyDeleteWade did nothing to divide them. Some of them were slaves to their ego and divided themselves. Ask Kevin McGrath. Where is he now?
DeleteOrdinary Troy citizens want lower taxes and less crime. If you think they sit around plotting the demise of Tom Wade, you should seriously consider a lobotomy. The only figure they reliably find contemptible is Harry Tutunjian, which is why they boot him from office at every available opportunity.
Think again on that...people ARE looking at the City...like a hawk...we are all tired of the same old same old...Wade needs to go
DeleteOrdinary Troy citizens want lower taxes and less crime
DeleteWhat and when did taxes go down and when is crime going down what a jack ass you are Murders and mayhem grows since the 70s
Get a grip on that hockey stick
Perhaps I shouldn't have use the word "ordinary". It's not very descriptive. What I meant was people who are not elected officials. Some of us ordinary citizens are hoping for a city that continues to attract and keep energetic people with knowledge, great ideas, and energy. I, for one, am willing to pay taxes to make that happen. What I am not willing to pay for are mediocre schools, machine politics, and a city that can't figure out how to get into the 21st century.
DeleteWell, 6:50... here's the thing.
DeleteAnyone who wants a city that continues to attract and keep energetic people shouldn't stage a series of 'hearings" to embarrass the sitting administration and draw bad press to the city in general. Anyone who cares about the city of Troy shouldn't be voting against progress and alienating legitimate businesses and private investors for his own political ambitions.
But that's exactly what Rodney and Ken are doing.
They will get in the way of ANY progress that they can't claim as their own, even if it is to the detriment of their constituents. And you think Wade is the problem? Wake up and smell the coffee. These two are snakes, dishonest, self-absorbed and utterly lacking in character. The sooner Troy is rid of them the better.
What has this council done?
Deletealienating legitimate businesses and private investors
DeleteYou mean like H&V getting an inside deal for a property worth 300K for 31K
And that scam about no pollution no body shop creates 0 pollution these people insiders got special treatment harry s people who one of there drivers was seen pulling harry s opponents signs out of the ground
At 8:42....the administration brought it on themselves, they all have to go,not just those,elected in,there are permanent exempt employees that are not playing by the book and need to be held accountable for their actions . The council is doing what they are suppose to, its just we aren't used to seeing people with real balls to take the corruption head on
Delete@ 8:42 when the administration is too focused on politics and not the people of troy then they embarrass themselves. When public safety isn't even a drop in the bucket of consideration the administration embarrasses itself. When the mayor hides behind incompetent self absorbing jerks like Pete Ryan, Mike Morris and Bill Dunne...it again, embarrasses itself.
DeleteThat's when people like Zalewski, Wiltshire, and anatasia come in...to protect the people's interest. and that is just what they have done. You can all spin this whatever way you want. the argument at the end of the day is that the mayor fu@$ed up and now Rodney is cleaning up his mess.
@ June 7, 2014 at 8:42 PM or should I call you by your real name, bill dunne?
DeleteOn the surface, you're putting a "sour" spin on the reality of the situation. You're trying, but not succeeding, to make this look real bad for Troy. The truth is that it's a clear sign to the people of Troy that the current Council is trying to straighten out the corrupt mess we've been in since the first Tutunjain term as City Council President started and continued for 2 mayoral terms. The people were hoping for "change" since electing a Democrat for Mayor but all they have seen is more of the same old crap and corruption. Honestly? You do not belong in any position which puts you in charge of anything except, maybe, cleaning the commodes.
Funny this Irish Mick is not on any parole yet I see him stuffing cash in peoples shirt pockets
ReplyDeleteSomething bigger that any one can see is involved here
When you got cancer years ago they cut it out this is a cancer with no cure
It lives it breads more cancer it keeps mutating
This "Irish Mick"? From the fingers of keyboard cowards.
DeleteI have to wonder what is a disloyal Dem? Is it a person who does the right thing or is it the person who does what the Democratic party wants?
ReplyDeleteScroll up to pictures of Wiltsheer and Putin. You'll see two supposed Dems who sold their souls to the Republicans last year in exchange for giving appointments to Republicans this year and actually giving them the majority on the city council. The Republicans could never win a majority on their own in Troy---they bought one thanks to Wiltsheer and Zalooski.
DeleteA true Democrat does the right thing, bends no rules, works for the residents of Troy
Deleteto: June 6, 2014 at 6:20 PM
DeleteAnd if brains were explosives you wouldn't have enough to blow your nose, but if dishonesty and corruption were explosives you'd be able to blow up the entire Country!
Team sport. You want the D, you do what Tom Wade say. You vote what he tell you to vote. you get elected to work for Wade. He is real king and leader Rosemiller is parsty
ReplyDeleteWade is the man! Don't try and pull another Rabbitt out of your "Born in the Burgh" hats.
ReplyDeleteIf you work against Democrats, stab colleagues in the back, and collude with Republicans, you have no business being a Democrat. We don't want you. Head over to the losing side and enjoy yourself.
ReplyDeleteRodney and Ken have made the fatal mistake of thinking they can win elections by popular vote without influential party support. It's a common frailty among egomaniacs. It rarely works, and on the rare occasions it does, it's with candidates much stronger than they can ever hope to be.
But by all means, they should give it a shot. Ask Carmella how that goes.
"If you work against Democrats, stab colleagues in the back, ..." I think you're describing Wade and his clueless loyals!
Deletethe irony is it already worked lol....Rodney hasn't had the support of the committee from day one because tom wade said so. But yet, he has one two elections, the last one handily. Wade has been out maneuvered and is now crying about it.
DeleteWiltshire had proved twice he can win elections, even with the county chair ACTIVELY working against him in both elections. The county chair should be tried for treason...he supported Carmella in the last election.
Time to grow up. If you pride yourself on not being a team player, then don't whine when they kick you off the team. You shouldn't even want to be on the team, right? Yet ironically, you do.
ReplyDeleteStand on your own and run by yourself... no one's stopping you. Good luck. You'll need it.
OMG!!!! He doesn't need your incompetent support. He has never once had it. Not one committee person has helped (excluding those who hate the chair) because Tom wade has not allowed them too.
DeleteWiltshire has run COMPLETELY on his own twice. He doesn't care about your defective team. He built a new team, one with respect and loyalty to the democratic values, one with a real democracy. You don't have that now.
No, Wiltshire has run as a D endorsed candidate without party pushback. He won't have that luxury if he tries to run for mayor. In fact, there are quite a few things he had that he will not have again. It will be a very different ballgame. Interesting to watch.
Deleteto: June 10, 2014 at 12:08 PM
DeleteYou're wrong! Wade tried his best to not give Rodney the endorsement. But because Rodney, before his first run, was President of the Rennselear County Young Dems and a registered Dem, he really had no other choice than to let Rodney run. Wade tried his best to make sure Rodney wouldn't get enough votes to win. The true Democratic voters saw in Rodney an opportunity to have a true representative and not just a party "shill" like Kopka and Galoosky.
Wade is just a man who bleeds like any of us
ReplyDeleteIt isn't like he is some alien whose blood is green and burns through steel
Just an old fat man with a lot of cell phone numbers in his phone he is constantly calling some one to call in a favor
Eventually he will run his course and a new person woman or man will take over
Its going to happen soon and I will be privy to it
Wiltshire needs to recognize he's in a shooting war now. He can't be taken seriously if he lets Tom get away with this.
ReplyDeleteThe solution?
Find a candidate and circulate petitions in Good Old Tom's election district. Get his neighbors to sign and then beat him in a primary.
Rodney is a likable, accomplished guy who knows how to treat people. He is everything Tom isn't. If he commits the time, he can rid us of this scourge on Rensselaer County politics once and for all.
Do I really need to list all of the things that Tom Wade has done to hurt his fellow Democrats?
No committee seat, no chairmanship.
Get to work, Rodney.
Lol good luck
DeleteAccomplished at driving business from Troy.
DeleteAccomplished at touching his belly button with his amazing tongue
DeleteHe'll get the female votes. Probably some twerking men too.
DeleteCan anyone just start a petition for Rodney ...I'll do it...
DeleteSpot on, TW is angry jerk. Go away before there is no party left!
DeleteI guess this sums up the real problem in Troy. Both parties will endorse their prospective candidates but if they vote or endorse someone or something outside of the party stance they are ostracized. It's apparent to most that Rodney and Ken both have a severe case of selfishness and a grandiose opinion of themselves. But, is it better to have a Kopka and Jim Gordon who's blind loyalty ignores corruption and poor management?
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry if this is tough for you, but anyone with an interpersonal IQ higher than a kleenex understands the difference between respectful disagreement and political treachery. Rodney and Ken have no respect for the party, period. They've demonstrated it time and again. If they have such disdain for the Democratic party, why do they even want the endorsement?
DeleteBill, your hatred of Rodney and Ken is understandable. In a little more than a year and a half you will be unemployed and quite frankly....unemployable. Between foreseeable indictments and your interpersonal lack of respect for women you'll soon see all doors closed. Your only hope would be working for Sheldon Silver. Good luck.
DeleteIf Harry can find work, anyone can.
DeleteCan't agree there, never knew Harry to sexually harass women. Just sayin.
DeleteHe left that to Jack Mahar.
DeleteI don't understand why the people commenting in this blog spew such hatred for republicans. Why don't you try to work with everyone to better the city. It sounds like you have personal agenda and forget you were elected to represent the people of Troy! I am a registered democrat and it sickens me to read all the hatred. I have always taught my children that they will always have to work with some people they don't like, but they have to learn to get along and respect everyone. Grow up people! All Republicans are not evil! Remember the job you were elected to do and don't be blind to what's going on in this city!
ReplyDeleteRight, there's NEVER any anti-Democrat sentiment on this blog or other social media. Republicans are NEVER negative. Right?
DeleteYou're whining because you're not used to Dems fighting back. Get used to it.
Shut the f^€k up. If this is to strong for you then go away.
DeleteNothing says immaturity like e-Muscles Dem or Rep.
DeleteI'm a democrat too and finding out that alot of dems that work for the City AND republicans as well are quite crooked and harass people like me that question them...that's correct I get harassed...we need someone to stop the corruption
Delete@9:52 and @1:16 Thanks for proving my point. You're nasty people who can't comment intelligently! All you can do is be vulgar and attack, attack, attack! I was merely expressing my observation, NOT whining. And @1:16, learn how to spell!
Delete8:27 blue me you farging ice hole.
Deleteat 1:21 PM
DeleteWow! That sounds very childish and similar to "yo momma wears combat boots".
Seen troy edition: several city hall employees enjoying anericade. Bring it to troy keep tax dollar here keep your minions here Louie
ReplyDeleteSo people can't go beyond city limits to enjoy themselves. Give me a break, Americade has been in Lake George for years and should stay there. Quit tipping the bottle you just sounded like a complete idiot.
DeleteGet over it dunne. You have no chance. Pay attention to theresa
DeleteDrunk at americade none the less ....but they'll get away with it
DeleteGet over it man
DeleteBlame Tutunjian
ReplyDeletefor everything in your life that is wrong.
As Mayor, Tutunjian was direct responsible for every disappointment to your entire life.
Your unhealthy obsession with Tutunjian is make you to get the red-face right now as you read the name Tutunjian
because you are true evil superviolion.
Who's mentioned Tutunjian? We're talking about Ken and Rodney. Get back to us when you're sober.
DeleteDon't blame Tutunjian; he's a sad sack idiot who is who he is. Blame the moronic voters of Troy who elected him... twice!
DeleteThe democrats care about YOU.
ReplyDeleteYour FEELINGS are what matters to the Democrat team!
We just want to coddle and protect you. Nurture you like a little BABY.
Because you can't take care of yourself, WE will!
Our team is expert at acting like we care, as we systematically bankrupt everything around us, stabbing each other in the back, while smiling to your clueless Troy Democrat voting faces.
And the Republican team is expert at acting like they care about lower taxes while letting employees steal hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars and padding the payroll with a new Chief of Used Auto Parts and Assistant Deputy Director of Sandwiches. What was your point again?
DeleteCase in point, Bill Dunne.
DeleteTook my orange bune duggy out for ride tonight. Was real kool tooling around Troy. Had important eyeball to eyeball meeting with some big shots who can make things happen. Studying land bank laws and inside deal with city and HandV to buy south troy garage, Junior wanted garage for science laboratory. Nose always in books that junior. Met with Father and Sons Engineering company too. They designed my dune buggy with parts from brother Jack's scrapyard. we scratched of vin numbers first so we are cool as school.
ReplyDeleteBig things coming to 112 street. You see soon. No body keeps Cox famly down. WE Coxs our sorry we supported Lou and Bill dunne. My neighbor Dohurty came up lame to like the California Chrome. Why does every body treat us so bad. WE gonna fix this real quick, thats a fact jack
Now that we have the attention of all sects of democrats on this blog remember one thing, "don't lie to the FBI". Rodney is the man.
ReplyDeleteOh yes. Posing on social media shirtless with his tongue hanging out, muscle shirts, and going to meetings in board shorts and backwards baseball hats. Quite the statesman
DeleteThe FBI doesn't care about his selfies or attire when going to meetings. BOOM, Rodney will bring this administration to it's knees. You angry dems can threaten and insult all you want. When Rodney meets with agents Johnson and Johnson (no relation) he will bury you. BOOOOM
DeleteSeems to have a racist overtone. We all are from different cultures and thus dress differently. This is suppose to be the party of inclusion. But not if you are Tom Wade.
DeleteAgain with the race card? Every time someone criticizes Rodney it's "racist". Get over yourselves, what a bunch of whiners.
DeleteIt doesn't matter if you're black, white, yellow or green. Professionals should dress like professionals.
We really need Mark McGrath.
ReplyDeleteThe last thing we need is any more McGraths.
DeleteHave You Seen Mark Lately? He'sGetting Shorter By The Day. He Looks Like A troll
DeleteWe need someone who actually has an education in government
DeleteHe's a stupid angry little freak. Bet he'd fit right in at Kokopellis
DeleteMark McGrath is gorgeous. Always has been, just ask half the women in Troy.
DeleteAsk half the men too
DeleteIs Mark part of that circle "twerk" crowd at Kokopellas?
Deleteat 4:05 AM
DeleteNo, he was actually part of the drug investigation in city hall.
How come there isn't drug testing for City employees?
DeleteThe funniest thing about this for me, when I step back and look at the irony of Wade and his Democratic minions who carry his water, is that I thought the Democratic party was supposed to be progressive, all about hope and change, and help out the underrepresented... What does he do, kicks out a minority, a female, and 3 gay guys.
ReplyDeleteVery progessive....
I guess these old white men, just can't stand the reality that their time is over, and anyone who supports their legacy won't have many friendly faces soon either.
Wake up, it's 2014...
Times are changing
you are all wrong 8:28. You must be confusing Wade with Mirch---the backward conservative who jumped the fence from Dems to Reps when he couldn't have total control. Wade is a progressive with no apparent tolerance for phonies like Wiltshire and Zalewski.
DeleteThe only phonies here are Wade, Dunne, Galooskie, Chamberlain, Kopka, Ryan, Vandenberg, Vito, You and all the rest of the no crowd.
DeleteHere's a fact that may have escaped you, Mirch and Wade were once best friends. They both made their bones under Eddie Mac.
DeleteAnother Phonier than now is Denova
DeleteWow bobby. Something better than these damn pills?
DeleteI have seen friendlier faces on poison bottles than these old broken down old white men
ReplyDeletewhat a bunch of pasty faced SOBs
Well since you brought race into it I feel it only fair to ask, would we be all better off with the " Angry Africans" in charge? Again, you played the race card, I trumped.
DeleteOh I'm so sorry...I actually work for a living and then go hone to take care of my home...I don't have time to go get "sprayed" tan or tanning booths...the pasty white means hard working
DeleteTo: June 7, 2014 at 8:42 PM
ReplyDeleteSnakes can only describe others as snakes, they have a different outlook than the rest of the "normal humans". So, how well do you know the head snake? You must be as dirty as he is to call others "snakes". What's the matter? Did Ken and Rodney shine a light in the dark hole, under the rock you call home? As was heard at the City Council meeting when Gary asked why 5th Ave. properties were going to be included in the hearings, "It's about OPEN GOVERNMENT, do you have a problem with being honest"? After that was said Gary turned beet red in the face, can you say EMBARRASSED? Can you say someone got caught with their hand in the cookie jar? Can you say someone got caught kissing Wade's south end while Wade was heading north?
Hey everybody...wake up and smell the coffee! Why is it Wade's choice to decide who he will run if Lou does not run again? Why is everyone so afraid of this guy? Are you afraid you or your family members will not get a job if you go against him? So be it..this is not the early 20th century when immigrants paid bully mobsters for the right to live in America. Think of it as standing up to the bully in school...trust me, if enough stand up, he will run and you will feel much better about yourself.
ReplyDeleteGo for it, Gomer. Try another coup. It worked so well the last time.
Delete