Now that Council President Rodney
Wiltshire is officially a candidate for mayor he is, in my opinion, the
frontrunner.
That could change depending on who
the Democrats pick but as of right now, when compared to the other names out
there, the race is his to lose.
Here are some pros and cons as I
see them.
PROS
-Solid name recognition, elected
citywide twice.
-Successful small business owner.
- Family man
-Well-spoken with a solid presence
in front of the cameras.
-Bi-racial. On the one hand I’m
not sure why that matters one way or another but on the other he could be the
first person of color to ever be Troy’s mayor.
-Will have Working Families Party
support and does have some pretty smart political people around him.
-Has a Council record to run on
including holding hearings into an administration for the first time in 36 years.
CONS
-Will not have the support of the Democratic
Party proper or its Chairman Tom Wade. While being an “outsider” can play well in
certain circle he will also not have a proven organization and/or all its
workers.
-That same organization will see
its demise for all practical purposes should Wiltshire and company beat whoever
it is it picks as a candidate. Desperation is a wonderful motivator.
-Will have a Council record to run
on which includes going on vacation for two budget votes, the city’s dire
fiscal condition which occurred under his watch on the Council and striking
deals with the GOP members. That last part doesn’t sit well with many old time,
old fashioned Democrats. But, then again, he upset most of them by waging a run
without the party’s support anyway so it’s a wash.
I will add some more pros and cons as they come to me. Feel free to weigh in by adding your own to the comment section or drop me a line at jfranco961@gmail.com or at 878-1000.
"Will have a Council record to run on which includes going on vacation for two budget votes, the city’s dire fiscal condition which occurred under his watch on the Council and striking deals with the GOP members. That last part doesn’t sit well with many old time, old fashioned Democrats. But, then again, he upset most of them by waging a run without the party’s support anyway so it’s a wash."
ReplyDeleteSeeing how the vote was postponed twice and the date they originally chose would have meant the absence of Erin and Anastasia, Rodney did the council a solid by making sure there would be 8 members present and not 7 members. And it's not the council's fault for the late start for the budget vote AND there is a reason why the position president pro tempore exist, in case the president is absent.
Ah Rodney's defenders already lying. Check the budget schedule. Nov. 13th schuduled vote. Also that was the second year he missed it.
DeleteHow is this a problem? Simply bad timing. Think Rodney would purposely miss the meeting? No. Unfortunate circumstance. He would make a great mayor!
DeleteHow is it a problem that he missed the BUDGET VOTE two years in a row? It's the most important vote the Council makes! He's the President. He knows the budget deadline for God's sake. To miss it for vacation two years in a row is disgusting. Says a lot about his character and commitment to Troy.
DeleteBut thanks for playing, Jolene.
Sir, I am not of that class!
DeleteConsider the following: Look at what he has done for the city council rather than two votes he missed due to family obligation and one of them being pushed back way past it's due date.
What has he done? Enlighten us.
DeleteVacation is not "family obligation". Nice work ethic, you must be a member of the WFP.
DeleteAhh, yes it is.
DeleteI will not be voting for Rodney.
ReplyDeleteMe either. He sells his soul to whomever he can get a political favor. Patronage jobs for all his supporters--mark my words. It will be a mess.
Delete@3:15 Patronage jobs? You talking about Lou, Pete and the family employment operation thats going on in city hall right now? Yea, its a mess all right!
DeleteLet's see he hired Anastasia's job-hopping friend as the Deputy Clerk-- then hired his wife's best friend as the Deputy Clerk's assistant. Following me? Let us not forget the Emily Rossier mistake. Now he has Adam Sanzone in that spot. No other resumes or interviews were given-- I'd say they were patronage jobs wouldn't you? Disgusting.
DeleteDidnt the common council vote on the clerk jobs? Rodney cant hire people with out a thumbs up from the others on council. Same does not apply to mayor and espeically deputy mayor. Theres no council vote for most of the mayors employeess. Lots of friends and political party people. Disgusting.
DeleteEmily was not a mistake. Just because she didn't come to work she was Rodney's appointee and in WFP mindset was owed her tax payer funded paycheck. And good ole Rodney signed for her every two weeks. That's not just disgusting but criminal.
DeleteThe problem is, Rodney's patronage hires will be stupider (and smellier) than Lou's. Scary, isn't it?
DeleteJim you are a funny F#%K. Rodney I front runner! Hahahahah. First I turn the news on and there is Rodney standing with Russell "stop the world I want to get off" Ziamba then there's Jim Gordon who looks like he just stuffed a girl in his car trunks only the to go to Carmella who looks like she just got out of Jims trunk. Tom Wade buried Rodney with his quote " run as a republican you sold your soul". Do you remember Jim he barley beat Teata-Sullivan and she the Hellen Keller of the council.
ReplyDeleteTom Wade did Rod a favor by shunning him. Wade can't win the big ones anymore, DA, Judge, etc.
DeleteHis choice to deliberately be absent and on vacation two years in a row when the budget vote was held tells me everything I need to know about his sense of commitment.
ReplyDeleteRodney sucks!
DeleteIf Rodney wins I will have to move out of Troy. Think Obama is bad for America, Troy will be in flames with Rodney.
ReplyDeleteWhat does Rodney have to do with Obama ? oh I get it they are both half black. Troy doesnt need your negative attitude. If he wins,, I'll help you move!
DeleteI'll help you move to! Wiltshire 2015!
DeleteWe would like all non-like-minded people to move out of Troy. Wiltshire 2015!
DeleteTroy needs a hard working Mayor committed to Troy. Not a shirtless idiot posing on a beach shirking his duties while everyone else does his job.
DeleteMy money is on Doran
DeleteJim... I just read your comment on Wiltshire and have to agree with your mention of two missed budget votes. I have to say that these are the two most important votes you cast. Troy needs someone to right the ship and be a leader 24/7. I cannot support someone who appears to put pleasure before business.
ReplyDeleteThere for I am making my announcement for mayor of Troy. Tom Wade hates me less than Rodney.
DeleteTime for Wade to move on.
DeleteFrank, I'm sorry you think family does not come first, but it does for Rodney. No wonder you were a terrible leader in Troy and lost the respect of democrats from South Troy to Lansingburgh. I know this because Wade and the rest of the chairs of the Dems told me.
DeleteImportant votes yes, but there are many reasons why he wasnt there, and postponing a budget vote until the end of the year is one. Not his fault. Bad timing.
Again, Rodney defenders trying to deceive the voters. I believe Frank was termed out so if he was such a bad leader the voters didn't think so. Frank's expulsion from the party came when he wanted the voter fraud gang thrown out. Wade, Pete Ryan and a host of others had a presser that blamed Mirch. Rodney became council president because he accepted the independence line from Rich Crist. Without the line he quite possibly would be off the council completely. Just look at the numbers on that line. And finally @10:08 you summed up what people like Rodney and Kenny are all about."Not his fault" means never taking responsibility for your actions. Rodney's a clown and you sound like part of the clown posse.
DeleteBad timing? The budget has to be in by a specific date by Charter. How about scheduling your vacation AFTER that date? You know, just in case!? He's had YEARS to figure this out. How about the fact that he misses meetings for his birthday and anniversary? What is he, six years old?? This is a Council President. Rod, put your shirt on and man up. You have obligations. Wtf.
DeleteThis lazy ass idiot would be a disaster as Mayor.
Hey ace
DeleteFrank you have been a democrat and republican. What are you this week?
DeleteLaPosta for Troy 2015!
DeleteNo more pasta in Troy...there's so much pasta in Troy.
DeleteCity Hall desperately needs someone who looks good in a skirt
DeleteMonica 2015
DeleteCould someone interpret the 2;37 AM post for me. Or is that normal monkey talk that only people in Troy understand?
ReplyDeleteRodney barely beat the unknown, ineffectual Sullivan-Teta last election, so his citywide electability against a strong candidate is questionable. Jim Gordon is... a strange man. Let's just leave it at that.
DeleteWiltshire and Doughtery both wanted to fry the TPD after seeing a 5 minute video from the a cell phone. Neither know how to police a city. They jump to conclusions before knowing the facts. If this guy becomes mayor we're all screwed.
ReplyDeleteRodney is all flash and no substance. He and Ken think that the more they talk the better the sound. Truth be told the more the talk, the dumber they sound. Pay attention to him over the next few months at the Council meetings Mr. Franco. You will see how he changes the rules week week to week to set up his agenda. He is not acting in the best interest of Troy. He is acting in his own self interest to get elected. Watch how rude he is to other members that disagree with him. We need a mayor that has substance, not just flash.
ReplyDeleteHe has flash? Since when?
DeleteIncredible the man does not even show for budget votes!
ReplyDeleteRodney will not get my vote or anyone in my families vote
ReplyDeleteBig burg developer
DeleteHow many times has Rodney made a fool of himself on social media?
ReplyDeleteWe will soon count the ways.
PLEASE run Jim Gordon for mayor so we can all wet our pants laughing.
ReplyDeleteYou should run! 😀
DeleteWhat I find baffling is this: why does this city of less than 50,000 residents need a Mayor and a City Council?
ReplyDeleteAnd God knows 20 or more cop cars and 100 some policemen with 20 making over 100 k
DeleteTPD is the lowest paid agency in the area. No cop is making 100k except the Chiefs.
DeleteSomeone showmthis rookey the OT totals, and perhaps give him a few hours, he is being left out! Your not saying base pay are you?????
DeleteSomeone print the salaries! With OT.
DeleteUnderstandable that the "Chief gets it" problem is we have too many chiefs and a number of Indians getting it!
DeleteUnderstandable that the "Chief gets it" problem is we have too many chiefs and a number of Indians getting it!
DeleteThe Chief doesn't get OT that IS his base salary. The officers under him get the OT when there are problems like 7 murders and arsons and understaffing. Hello look beyond the numbers!!!!
DeleteLook at what Schenectady Police make and you will laugh at what Troy Cops make.
DeleteYou mean other than the basic principles of democracy? You need a legislative and an executive branch of government.
DeleteFranco...As I said some time ago the mayors race in Troy is a two horse race. The interesting thing is that one party that appeared to be weak has become the favorite.Updated odds Mantello 2-1 versus Wiltshire.4-1. The field is now 5-1. We are watching this very closely so will be updating odds weekly. Signed Vinny Vegas.
ReplyDeleteMantello isn't 2-1 in her own home.
DeleteAgain, the fact he takes his family out of town during city budget votes shows everything. He has school aged children, when they are not in school, they are truant, and we pay taxes to schools.
ReplyDeleteWho ever runs against him has to beat the drum that Witshire has abandoned Troy when it was time for him to vote on the budget.
Good God - gordon, that phoney Mantello, and shirtless Rod. Draft McGrath!
ReplyDeleteHey McGrath stop posting!
DeleteHow is Mantello a phony? I worked for the Thruway and I have to tell you the Canal Corp staff loved her as did the boaters. Hardest working executive I have seen in my tenure with NYS. Not from Troy but think she would make a great mayor.
ReplyDeleteCarmella is a strong individual but she is very influcenced by desperation for the mayor's seat ever since she lost her job. I rather see someone also active not during a campaign season. She's usually dormant if she's not running for anything. She's finally going to council meetings again.
DeleteHug the Mayor!
ReplyDeleteRodney is a fake lets face it. Here is a guy who supported taking millions of dollars away from his own children's school to keep a failing Charter School open.
ReplyDeleteAll the same. Education is education. Not right what happen to the charter and..the public schools aren't doing a whole lot better.
Delete@11:43 Is that the Ark charter school that you are talking about? If so, good for Rodney to stand up for them! I can't see how you can call him a Fake for supporting a school in the poorest section of the city. With a $95 million budget and average schools at best, Troy school district does not give me a big bang for my taxpayer buck. I had one child in Troy High and one in CCHS. No comparison.
DeleteTroy Schools suck
DeleteRodney just say you will rid us of Dunn and more checks will come!
DeleteHow come Rodney always snubs his nose at the TPD? Look what happened in NYC when DeBlasio did the something. Learn from their mistake. This guy has more skeletons in his closet than kokopellis had underage drinkers.
ReplyDeleteRodney is anti-cop. In his screwed-up view, the police are always wrong. Never interested in the truth. Makes you wonder.
Delete6:58 the thin blue line won't forget Rodney's backing of Kokopelli's and other issues. Trust me.
DeleteBen Brucato will be Rodney's campaign manager. Heard it here first
DeleteRodney has a campaign manager, and has had HIM on staff for months. You people are idiots. It's not Ben Brucato.
DeleteBuy Brucato and his cop hating ass are in Rodney's corner.
DeleteRodney loves GOOD cops. But they are in short supply. Violence is NEVER the answer.
ReplyDeleteIf Vic Christopher doesn't recognize that many families are effected by drug use and that accessible treatment centers are necessary I won't recognize the Charles Lucas Confectionary to sell me $16 glasses of wine any longer.
ReplyDeleteDidn't he have some issues of his own a few years back.
DeleteWhat about gradients cousin and quayside apartments 911 call. Dune has the record It's was used to coerce him to resign
DeleteWell we know he has sticky fingers when it comes to city owned property.
DeleteI can't get my methadone but it's ok for him to sell an amusing $16 glass of Chianti and an ounce of cheese for $12?
DeleteI doubt Vic will miss your patronage. Something tells me you'd be more comfortable at the methadone clinic or walking the streets across Verdile's.
Delete4:32 -Hey Ben. You're head is leaning so far to the left it's clouding your thinking. Rehab my ass
DeleteHey ace bill dune. Why did Kevin's family members stop tweeting. Just curious
ReplyDeleteHe was told to stop
DeleteRealized pretending to be a woman didn't help his cause. Gonna run in d4 against Fred gwyne
DeleteI don't think being half black is the problem. I think it's the failed democratic/socialist policies that these city/state administrations implement are the problem. Rodney your agenda isn't what this city needs.
ReplyDeleteDoesn't Rodney own a small business and aren't small businesses the foundation of our capitalist society? Calling a small business owner a socialist is like calling southern baptist an atheist.
DeleteRight..solar energy. I forgot. Here's an idea, instead of aligning himself with the far left.. Why not instead work on behalf of the men and women who start up businesses and give those and others incentives on the benefits of starting businesses.. Maybe tax breaks? Instead of taxing those people who become successful and give it to those unwilling to work. It's people like u Rod who keep the people down and our cities in disarray. Look at the failed democratic administrations and their policies throughout the country
DeleteLet's not forget last year when rod took it upon himself to fill 5 gallon pails of city sand and salt mix on his own and loading in them in his non earth friendly SUV. When confronted by employee of department of public works he said I am the council president. Now I beg to question can any taxpayer go load his or her own vehicle with sand salt mix? My guess is no. Also he blows sidewalk snow into the street creating dangerous road conditions
ReplyDeleteHalf and half.
DeleteWow what a horrible person! Did you happen to photograph these atrocities? My guess is no. Probably because they never happened. Next we will hear that Rodney dumps car oil into the gutters and steals florescent bulbs from city hall.
Deletesounds plausible to me.. why would anyone make up such a stupid story? take your blinders off 4:51
DeleteI've seen the pics I remember the chatter when it happened
DeleteA lower level employee took the pics. A supervisor has them now. Just a matter of time.
DeleteI work for dpw. I seen this happen
DeleteRonny jr
Just the principle he thinks he's above the law
DeleteEver hear of a camera on a phone 4;51? They also take video. Wouldn't it be fun to watch it on all the stations? Live from the DPW Garage - heeeeeeeeeere's Rodney.!!!
DeleteA taxpayer by all legal rights is allowed to take sand and salt for his or her own property within the city they pay taxes
DeleteUmm no Jolene. Take 5 bucks and buy salt like the rest of us
DeleteDPW did you know mandatory drug and alcohol testing is coming soon to City employees AND background checks. Those who live in glass houses should not throw stones.
DeleteThose who live in glass houses should not take off their clothes and get in bed with others either.
DeleteThis is the guy who wanted to spend $14,000 on a table for the city council members at public meetings. We are drowning in debt, the administration has bonded projects, and $14,000 for a raised table for council meetings.
ReplyDeleteMeanwhile he is on vacation for the budget vote.
Don't forget Chairgate.
DeleteHe should have just called a King Street-style emergency and just bought the table...
DeleteThis ain't the student council at Bayside High,
ReplyDeleteAC Slater. You're in too deep bubba
Principle belding Donovan
DeleteSo is mike Morris screech?
DeleteI'm sure it was just a coincidence that Mark McGrath and Boss Wade were both on the radio yesterday attacking Wiltshire. Mark will be Wades next candidate. Heard it here.
ReplyDeleteLMAO - Boss Tweed would be Weak Bully Wade still can't get an actual candidate and even the weak ones he can get and control are so bad even he is worried - this is fun to watch.
ReplyDeleteAs a former councilman, I am used to being attacked by unnamed sources. That being said, it is important to vote on city budgets because that is the major legislation of the year. I am aware of family commitments but remember, the budget vote is always cast in November or at the latest early December. Besides that, every two weeks there is a deposit in your bank account called a Paycheck. So I stand by my concerns about Mr Wiltshire.
ReplyDeleteFrank gets kudos for posting under his real name.
DeleteBeing Frank LaPosta I'm sure you're used to getting attacked by named and unnamed sources.
DeleteWhat a bunch of losers posing this crap. Does anyone care about Troy? Both Carmella and Rodney are good canidates as well as good people. The losers sending These posts are nobodys getting political scraps. Do someting with your lives you idiots!
ReplyDeleteWasn't Rodney one of those who ran for city council back in 2011 with the promise of getting Troy to own their own city hall? Wasn't he also one of the council members who voted for a police commissioner when we didn't need one?
ReplyDeleteWatervliet OT for Cops and Firemen is in TU today! Microcosum of the Troy mess! Unions arebkilling these old cities!
ReplyDeleteHe's sold his soul to the Work Families and the Unions.
ReplyDeletehow do you sell your soul to something you believe in? Jesus, you political hacks are that scared of him?
DeleteLiking demonizing the police department for doing their job. Remember Wiltshire was quoted "I saw the video and I didn't like what I saw. It upset me." Oh I didn't know you had experience in law enforcement Mr. Wiltshire. Stick with solar and flying kites.
DeleteNobody liked seeing what they saw on those videos. If you did, you are true evil.
DeleteOff topic but just wondering, Did Abelove start the Reid prosecution yet?
ReplyDeleteDid anyone go after Galuski? There lies your answer. NYSUI department is handling it.
DeleteI will vote for whoever has the guts to close a couple of Fire houses
ReplyDeleteI am withnthat,mget rid of all the ot
Deletelol that means central station will be real crowded. 24 men a day every day 365 days a year. you tool bag!
DeleteAll those firemen? Wow you're right Troy has too many firemen. And to watch the the TFD union kiss Rodney's ass shows what you greedy bastards are all about. Stop the postings about TFD and TPD cause Rodney screwed them yet you support him. How low can you guys go?
DeleteThe tools are the idiots who want to put a cap on public safety--yet they are the first ones to cry when people are dying in shootings, stabbings, fires and other mayhem. Stupidity, no wonder Troy is a joke.
DeleteStop lumping in police and firemen. There's not enough police and too many firemen. That's a fact Jack.
DeleteWhy are we using firemen to man the ambulance service?How much is that costing taxpayers?
DeleteAlbany doesn't do it.Have private companies take care of it.
It is just another pension padding revenue stream for the firemen who mostly reside in Brunswick
The ambulance in troy fire generates money for the city you moron.
DeleteTroy doesn't need firemen, it's not like there were even any fires last year... oh wait...
DeleteThe ambulance service in troy is actually costing taxpayers about 1 million dollars a year.That is a fact Jack!
DeleteWith the increase in police force and so much OT, why is crime still high in Troy? One would think it would have gone down by now, not get worse. THIS is WHY contracts are being held up so long, the Mayor expects MORE for the money.
DeleteI suppose Troy could always go back to the good ol' days of waiting 15 - 20 mins for an empire or Mohawk ambulance to come from Albany. Private companies would just love to take over Troy EMS, but ask them if they will guarantee to keep their ambulances in Troy for Troy use only. Then watch them laugh in your face. But I guess watching your loved one dying on the floor, waiting 20 minutes for an ambulance, is better than those darn union thugs showing up in 3 minutes and saving them, right??
DeleteBottom line is the cost of providing this service is unaffordable.
DeleteSome sacrifices have to be made,lets face it most of the time the police who are already on the road are the first ones to respond.They are saving more lives than the fire dept
@ 3:53 YOU ARE A COMPLETE IDIOT!
DeletePolice don't respond to every medical emergency. Only overdoses, shootings, stabbings, or other assaults. And I was unaware that TPD were now paramedics and capable of transporting a dying patient to the hospital while administering medications, interpreting EKGs, and all the other many tasks that go into medical care. But hey, I guess you're the expert.
DeleteMr Wilshire is some big solar business man promoting his business but doesn't have solar installed in his own home..class act. Watch out for this guy..
ReplyDeletenot every home is equipped to have solar. wow. the level of stupidity is ridiculously high. will you all stop at nothing to try and ruin him. Why not embrace the candidates that have come forward and start having conversations about moving this city forward.
DeleteGo fly your fishes you two
DeleteIf not equipped make it equipped.
DeleteWent to Pat Russo fundraiser with an open mind. I like Russo and I like Ashe. After seeing what was going on with Pat I am now convinced that Russo has something going on with the Dems. Every election Merola and Jimino run unopposed. I am a committee person and I am standing with Ashe. Hey Bob don't give into these people.
ReplyDeleteOk Gary Gordon I won't.
DeleteGet
A
JOB
Bob As he is going to win, no doubt.
DeleteMerola and Jimino won't let it happen. They are afraid of him
DeleteRound and round we go. It will only be more of the same regardless of who wins. That includes the mayor and the council. Troy politics at their best.
DeleteLooks like cabbage patch kid that Rodney boy
ReplyDeleteRodney Cristshire sold his soul
ReplyDeleteNot long ago u could buy him. I'm not the house boy by the way
DeleteWiltshire's campaign manager and Kokopellis race baiter Ben Brucato would call you a house cracker and a pig if you're white or support the Troy police. Say NO to COP HATERS.
DeleteI'm voting for colonel lingus
ReplyDeleteI'd vote for for a ferrel cat over Rodney Wiltshire. Go wear your skittles shirts some place else Rodney. You've had vacant buildings across from your business on Brunswick Rd since 2011 and Ya haven't done anything about them. Oh that's right no soap box to stand on or TV cameras to lie in front of with those properties.
ReplyDeleteYou idiot 937, anyone who knows that are knows the hill behind is shifting. Have you ever been behind those buildings? It's all mudslide. The basement apartments in there have weird looking crunchy worms crawling all over. Code would know this. Those apartments have been like that for decades. Go after code and the mayor's office on this one, trust me.
DeleteSo then why were those apartments evacuated after the mud slide from Irene if they've been like that for "decades?" And your English is deplorable.
DeleteI will vote for the Candidate who makes Drug testing and Living within the City of Troy for anyone drawing a Check from the City Mandatory. NO GRANDFATHERING.
ReplyDeleteHow about drug testing for people who receive food stamps, rent subsidies, WIC or any other form of "entitlement"?
DeleteYou mean code enforcement office?
DeleteWho goes to a B and B in north central. I mean seriously
DeleteI second that. What a business plan. Bahahahah
DeleteIt's always full you fool. Next question?
Delete8:24 many people do. Tina's place is gorgeous.
DeleteNo not just code. ALL employees that way there is no discrimination. If you have nothing to hide, there is nothing to fear. AND employees backgrounds should be checked right ? City employees should at LEAST be held to that much of a higher standard. I'm sure cops and firemen get tested right?
DeleteHow about drug testing for those wishing to be mayor? Hmmmmmmmmmmm
ReplyDeleteI agree..As soon as they are hired, all must pee in a cup. And surprise tests should be done too.
DeleteI agree..As soon as they are hired, all must pee in a cup. And surprise tests should be done too.
DeleteAnd employees should have to pay the initial fee. Troy School District charges for background checks and no one complains.
DeleteThat would have kept the deputy out a few years ago! Now he has a bigger job!
ReplyDeleteHUG THE MAYOR
ReplyDeleteI hear Gordon is getting financed by some Silicon Valley group.
ReplyDeleteHeard Bill Dunn may be Done! They are working on getting rid of him, finally!
ReplyDeleteYeah something went bad today!
Delete