Saturday, May 30, 2015

Dems pick slate in Troy; 30 candidates now running for 10 seats


The Democrats endorsed their slate of candidates Saturday, bringing the total number running for the 10 open seats in the City of Troy to 30.
Yes, you read that right – 30 candidates running for 10 seats.
It will make for a crazy election season even by #troycrazy standards. And that is saying something. Politics has been a full contact Collar City sport dating to at least the 1870s and Bartholomew “Bat” Shea.
In addition to making things a whole lot of fun – and giving me something to write about – it’s refreshing. We live in an era where just 50 percent of the people eligible to vote actually exercise that war-given right, and there are far fewer taking an active role in their community or their government. And whoever does get elected won’t have an easy go of things. The budget is a mess, unions are screaming for contracts, infrastructure is crumbling and let’s not forget the federal probe going on right now.   
And yet, 30 people step up to the plate.
Like them, hate them, tolerate them or never heard of them until now … hats off to the 30 people listed below.
Since the Dems were the latest to endorse I’ll start with them. According to Rensselaer County Chairman Tom Wade, the endorsed candidates were unanimous – with the exception of District 4 - in that only they were nominated.
Topping the ticket is, of course, Patrick Madden, who the party picked to replace outgoing mayor Lou Rosamilia. As it stands now – provided everyone gets enough signatures after petitioning begins on Tuesday - he first have to get by a primary with fellow Democrats Council President Rodney Wiltshire and newcomer Earnest Everett.
As an aside, the Democrats are not running a candidate for sheriff, Wade said during an appearance on Talk 1300, while the Republicans have three candidates vying for the spot: Pat Russo, Scott Ryan and Bob Ashe.

Those endorsed by the Democrats on Saturday

MADDEN
Mayor:         Patrick Madden

At Large:      Erin Sullivan-Teta

                       Carol Weaver

                       Cary Dresher

District 1:     Laurie Ryan

District 2:     Pamela Troue

District 3:     Charlie Clifford

District 4:     Barbara Jones Higbee

District 5:     Lynn Kopka

District 6:     Wayne D’Arcy

Those endorsed by the Working Families Party (with their party enrollment next to their name)

Mayor:         Rodney Wiltshire (D)

At Large:      Peggy Kownack (D)

WILTSHIRE
                       Anasha Cummings (D)

                       David Martin (blank)

District 1:     Jessica Ashley (G)

District 2:     Anastasia Robertson (D)

District 3:    

District 4:     Bob Doherty (D)

District 5:     David Bissember (D)

District 6:     Corey Jenkins (D)

Those endorsed by the Republicans:

GORDON
Mayor:         Jim Gordon

At Large:      Carmella Mantello

                       Kim McPherson

                       Andrea Daley

District 1:     Jim Gulli

District 2:     Mark McGrath

District 3:     Dean Bodnar

District 4:    

District 5:     Tom Casey

District 6:     John Donohue

Those not endorsed by anyone:

Mayor:         Ernest Everett (A Democrat)

                       Jack Cox Jr. (Revolution Party)

Here is a breakdown of the likely major and minor party primaries. Get your score card out because you’re going to need it. While the September primary is going to be as confusing as it is interesting, the results, regardless of what they are, could leave nearly all 30 candidates on the ballot come November.

MAYOR

Patrick Madden, the longtime head of the Troy Rehabilitation and Improvement Program, received the Democratic Party endorsement and will make an official announcement Monday. Council President Rodney Wiltshire did interview with the screening committee, and was at the committee meeting Saturday, but did not nominate himself. He is though, unlike Madden, an enrolled Democrat and is gearing up to primary Madden. Wiltshire also received the Working Families Party endorsement so he will be on the ballot in November regardless of September’s primary results.

Ernest Everett, also a Democrat, is a newcomer and provided he gets on the ballot he will likely siphon votes from Wiltshire in September’s primary. Jack Cox Jr., who tried to run four years ago but was bounced off the ballot, said he is going gather petitions to start his own party, the Revolution Party. 

Waiting in the wings as the Dems battle it out is Councilman Jim Gordon, the Republican nominee.

AT LARGE


MANTELLO
They may as well take all nine candidates, put them in a cage and let them have at it. For starters, Sullivan-Teta is the only incumbent. The enrolled Independence Party member has permission to run in the Democratic Party primary. Her running mates, Cary Dresher and Carol Weaver are both enrolled Democrats and making their first run at office.

Peggy Knowack and Anasha Cummings are enrolled Democrats so they can, and will, run a primary for the Democratic Party nod. Martin isn’t enrolled in a party and will not be able to run in the primary. All three, though, were endorsed by the WFP.
CUMMINGS

On the Republican side, Carmella Mantello, who toyed with the idea of running for mayor, Kim McPherson and Andrea Daley, have Republican Party support and will all get a Wilson Pakula – the party’s permission – from the Independence and Conservative parties. But, expect Sullivan-Teta to also get Independence Party signatures so there will be a four-way primary for the three seats on that line.

(Just as a brush up for those who may not know: To run in a primary, you either have to be an enrolled member of that particular party or get the party’s permission, known as a Wilson Pakula. Either way, a candidate must get the required number of signatures. Another way to enter into a primary is an opportunity to ballot and that means a candidate has to get enough signatures to open the ballot up to a write in and anyone enrolled in that party can write in anyone’s name. It’s a difficult, nearly impossible, way to go about it.)

DISTRICT 1

Incumbent Jim Gordon is running for mayor and the Republicans picked Jim Gulli to run in his spot. He will also have the Independence and Conservative party lines. Jessica Ashley is enrolled in the Green Party and has the Working Families Party nomination. Laurie Ryan was nominated by the Democrats Saturday.

DISTRICT 2

Incumbent Anastasia Robertson interviewed with the Democratic Party Screening Committee but the nomination went to Pamela Troue.  Robertson, however, is an enrolled Democrat so she will run a primary for that line and already has the Working Families Party support. Waiting in the wings is Mark McGrath, an enrolled Conservative who has GOP and Independence Party support.

BODNAR
DISTRICT 3

Incumbent Republican Dean Bodnar will have that party’s blessing as well as the Conservative and Independence Party lines. The Democrats nominated Charlie Gifford, an Independence Party member who will likely primary Bodnar for that line. The Working Families Party did not endorse anyone.

DISTRICT 4

Bob Doherty, the Democratic Party incumbent, will face a primary by Barbara Jones Higbee. Doherty will also have the WFP line and be on the ballot in November regardless of how he fares in the primary.

KOPKA
DISTRICT 5

Lynn Kopka, who currently serves At Large, received the Democratic Party endorsement but David Bissember, also a Democrat, will primary Kopka. Tom Casey will have the Republican, Conservative and Independence party lines. The seat is open because Councilman Ken Zalewski is term limited out.

DISTRICT 6:

The Democrats endorsed Wayne D’Arcy but the WFP endorsed Democrat Corey Jenkins while John Donohue will run on the Republican, Independence and Conservative party lines. The seat is open because Councilman Gary Galuski is term limited out.

 

 

       

80 comments:

  1. Two people shot on old 6th Ave. I wonder how Rodney will blame the police for this one.

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    Replies
    1. Rodney is no public supporter of the Troy Police Department.

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    2. Jim Gordon arranged it so he could blame the Mayor.

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    3. He has Anastasia and Dave Martin to help him blame the police. If that doesn't work Jessica Ashley will put up another fake poll with her Watervliet PO Box. If all else fails he'll let Doherty babble on and on a bit.

      True Story.

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  2. This could be more entertaining than a steeple chase race at Saratoga.

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  3. When you blow off two budget votes two years in a row so you can go on vacation when you are being paid to be at the council meetings as President of the Council then this is what happens. Upsetting your county chairman doesn't help any either.

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  4. The fucking city is like the wild wild west, and you people are worried about pretty pics and drawings of a plan that will never happen Keep voting Row A you fucking sheep. Many of these wannabe's are dangerous. And some like Guluski are just crooks.

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    1. Please. Row A? Get a clue. How much money was the city forced to pay out under Tutunjian and Mirch?

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    2. Why don't you tell us? Less than the Realize Troy Comprehensive Plan I bet. Probably less than a knee replacement too.

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    3. I think Mirch had a surgery or two more than Pete. Not to mention his three job pension.

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    4. is that because galuski has stolen money from the people of ny for the false unemployment claims, yea i'll vote for whoever he endorses

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    5. Payouts are still happening and both Bob and Harry are gone. Does no one on the council look at Payroll? How is it certain city employees salaries increased by at least 18,000.00 without taking exams and no contract and no overtime

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    6. Oh, let's talk payouts. Why were county positions created for Harry and Fran Tutunjian? Don't we pay enough in taxes without having to carry these two? Has the wife passed that civil service test yet? Have they paid their back taxes???? What a joke that county building is. Republican patronage parking lot and Jimino pays Crist $100,000 to park the cars.

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  5. Those are slim pickings.

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  6. You have three slates of candidates with republicans being led by career losers Gordon and Mantello, Rodney's group being led by the man himself who skips out on budget votes, candidates who get evicted for non payment of rent and career race baiters and cop haters. Just when you think there's hope with the Wade democrats you get a group desperately recruited from Troy's local bars. Wade's decision to not run a candidate for sheriff is the handwriting on the wall. H'e went from the most powerful to desperate to soon to be gone. As for the residents of Troy, God help you all.

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    Replies
    1. Its ok, take a breath. Buy some longer pants and a hat for yourself. Just because things aren't going according to your plan does not mean the sky is falling.

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    2. Who got evicted for non-payment of rent ?
      That is someone that should not be on a council that has a budget, or spending issues.

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    3. Lol. Why don't you run, big shot?

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    4. Politics have been the same for over 100 years...not much changes - no matter who is an office. It's just a game. Relax.

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    5. The Democratic party stiffed people dor rent under this dirt bag wade

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  7. Did Rodney's wife ever return the stolen cell phone she bought?

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    Replies
    1. Do City employees report their outside income and does the Mayor know you advertise during work hours for your outside employer on social media all day

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    2. Why should they have to report outside income penny?

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  8. Have candidates for County Legislature been decided?

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    Replies
    1. County Legislature doesn't run until 2017. Expect Mantello to be running again after another loss in 2015.

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    2. County Leg not up this year.

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    3. YES. Anyone who gives Rich $2000 and will do everything he tells you to do from now on can run. Hope for the reach-around!!!

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  9. Tom Casey said I don't have to hook up my smoke detector if I vote for him.

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    Replies
    1. Did he have the baby yet?

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    2. You let him in your house?

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    3. Who's hose was used for that one???

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    4. Better than hiring another DAVIS family member, what are we up to now, 6-7???

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    5. That kid meeds and attitude adjustment. Your an engineering aid. Don't forget that

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    6. The other one isn't an aid. He has it

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    7. Nice picture of big sue Davis and pat Russo and Kathy j floating around online Bet Lou missed that before the last hire

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    8. They hire because she has access to all computers and the info

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  10. The "F" word? Really? You must have graduated super stupid dumb lotto!
    Probably a burgher

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  11. That "All For Troy" WFP slate is a wacky bunch for sure (with the possible exception of Peggy Kownack). Talk about cutural marxists. They might as well parade around wearing Lenin and Trotsky tee shirts. Forget about Troy being the new Brooklyn. If that red brigade comes into power, Troy's new nickname will be "Moscow on the Hudson" What a crew...crazy even by Troy standards.

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    1. Stated so accurately. 8:59 AM must have seen the rag tag crew backing Wiltshire. It speaks volumes about his candidacy.

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    2. Exception of Peggy? She's so far out there you can only see her with a telescope.

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    3. Seem the Team Troy picture? looks like the Hollywood Squares. I'll take Paul Lind to block.

      https://www.facebook.com/team4troy/photos/a.1636012899945320.1073741827.1636004549946155/1636012903278653/?type=1&theater

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  12. Caitlyn' s available to join your circus Rodney.

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  13. The primary will be fun this year, you have to think that there are enough Democrats to say no to Rodney, if someone cannot show up for the vote on the budget two years in a row, they do not deserve to be mayor.

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    Replies
    1. Showing up to vote on the budget, for which you are paid a salary, is an obligation. Not showing up for two years in a row because you are on a family vacation is insulting to the taxpayers of Troy.

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    2. This says it all for Rodney.

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  14. Wow, Pioneer pulled out, say they are Dunne in Troy!

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    Replies
    1. trooper's daughterJune 6, 2015 at 11:18 AM

      dunne is done

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    2. Wade will keep him on with Jimino as part of the deal, wait and see! Good reason to vote against Jimino!

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    3. Prediction Jimino will vote herself another raise soon

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  15. Rodney for Mayor man!

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  16. Anasha Cummings' election run is just another example of how some of the newer residents of Troy are just simply arrogant and way, way over their heads. His head PR person needs an attitude-adjustment and personality make-over as well. They are rude, filled with hubris and disrespectful. Kiddies, you really did not discover Troy. We built this city, and we can make it very, very uncomfortable for you to earn a living here. Also, Cummings, drop the downwardly mobile persona. It's actually creepy.

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    Replies
    1. Straight fro a dope dealers mouth why do they call it dope !~~!

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    2. I know --they should just call it Cox --same thing

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  17. You know that thing which sits on the side of fish tank to the algae and the poop--Its been renamed Troy NY WFP!

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  18. Rodney can't even control the City Council meetings. There is clapping and yelling from the audience. Last night he let one of his cronies, talk from the back to correct the city clerk. If he can't keep order in a meeting, how will he be able to keep order for the city?

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    1. Thanks Harry why don't you and Bill Dunn both go Un Fu$$k Your Selves

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    2. Council meetings are a circus with Rodney @the helm. And that's a fact Jack - - And I'm not Harry

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    3. Rodney is selective as to who he allows to talk and what they have to say.

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    4. All losers, Mickey Mouse Politics for dirt bags that get peanut pay!

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  19. Kathy Jimino must think that we voters of this county are stupid. Do you really think that we really believe that she is not going to be supporting her brother. The picture in the record with her brother and father come on Kathy really.

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    1. Kathy at her brother's mayor annoucement yesterday trying to hide from press. it was laughable. If you can't support your own family you aren't worth dirt anyway. Of course she will support Pat, Jim Gordon is a joke candidate, the Republicans obviously do not expect to win this one!

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  20. I bet he can balance the budget on that head. Wow

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  21. He loses if he keeps dunne and Monica

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    Replies
    1. Monica's continued involvement with the Farmers Market, is a clear conflict of interest with her city position. The way she continues to screw over the businesses along lower River St, every Saturday, is a news story in itself - too bad we're now stuck with amateurs, covering Troy at both local paperst

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    2. The entire downtown is booming, and it's just killing you Republicans, isn't it? Lol

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    3. Harry layed the groundwork for downtown. His planning board was conductive to helping business. Not a et up 30 roadblocks because missing bike babs Say so

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    4. Whatever you say 6:22. Laughably weak.

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    5. Harry laying the ground work? Now that's funny!

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  22. I don't kown about the "WE" voters, but I'm pretty sure about the "YOU" voter. None of Jack Maddens 4 daughters were in that picture but I bet they were there. Good man with a great family.

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    Replies
    1. Kathy Jimino was there, cowering in a corner keeping a low profile. And since when does she ever do that?

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  23. The last thing that Rodney cares about is the taxpayers in Troy.
    Taxpayers are his means to redistribute wealth and to provide health insurance benefits to part time employees at the expense of the taxpayers.

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  24. At least Cohoes voters were smart enough to reject the creation of a library taxing district. Too bad Troy voters did not do the same. Troy library director does not even live in Troy, but taxes Troy homeowners.

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    Replies
    1. But, that makes sense then he doesn't have to pay the taxes.

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  25. This has to be one of the weakest slates of candidates (overall) put forth for Troy elective office in quite sometime. Who ARE some of these people anyway? Also, when you go through the list and MOST of what you see are the "lesser of two evil" type candidates across the board, it's just depressing.

    That being said, WOE to the Troy citizenry (as if they already don't have enough problems) if that wacky Working Families Party (aka "Team Troy") bunch--Wiltshire, Doherty, Anastasia Robertson, Anasha Cummings, etc.--prevails on any level. As was mentioned earlier, what a bunch of politically correct leftist clowns they are. If this crowd takes charge, the people of Troy will be hearing about the "real important" issues they care about--like composting and solar power--until it's coming out their ears! Cop bashing will also be on the menu--on a regular basis. I doubt economic development or reducing taxes will be anywhere near the top of that "Team Troy's" list.

    When a total phony and "over eager beaver" like Carmella Mantello ("booyah!") looks like a sparkling diamond in a patch of sand (as she does with this bunch) you know that the list of hopefuls is lacking...a lot.

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    1. Any political organization that picks Jim Gordon to head its ticket is circling the drain and needs to have its collective head examined.

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    2. There are some hope Kim Ashe McPhearson is one.

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  26. District 5 on both sides of the coin should be ashamed......you kidding me.

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  27. I hear there's already discord in the ranks of Team Troy. Guess Rodney's over promised regarding the Independence line.

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