The correct agenda, email fun and the minority gets an attorney (UPDATED)

It has come to my attention the wrong agenda was actually sent to City Clerk Karla Guererri by Council President Rodney Wiltshire so she went ahead and sent it to the entire Council, as is part of her job. (I initially blamed Guererri for sending out the wrong agenda and then was told it should have been sent to Wiltshire for approval before the entire Council. Then I was told Wiltshire sent it to her with the expectation of sending it to the Council. I'm not sure where the wires got crossed but the fact remains the Council got the wrong agenda.)

WILTSHIRE

This morning, while trying to correct the post I wrote last night on the wrong agenda, I inadvertently deleted it in Blogger and did not have time to go back and modify the original in Word before going on the radio. Anyway, more on that later since the committee chairs really did not change at all. 

 A couple things stand out in the correct agenda: One is the Council is poised to hire an attorney for the two-member minority at a cost of $15,000; the second is the appointment of Lucille Taylor as deputy city clerk, which has at least one member projecting possible ulterior motives.

I’m not sure who Taylor is, but Councilwoman Lynn Kopka, D-At Large, who used to be president, sent an email to former Councilman Mark McGrath, R-District 2, stating that she is a friend of Councilwoman Anastasia Robertson, D-District 2, and the appointment was a way for Council President Rodney Wiltshire to buy her off.

“I think a friend of Anastasia – bought off with the appointment??,” Kopka (pictured right) wrote in an email that can be seen below. She then wrote to someone, likely Guererri, that Taylor’s voting records should be checked and gave her address. Kopka and McGrath - or at least McGrath - also had a laugh over Taylor’s resume, which can also be seen below. Others on the Council who got the wrong agenda reached out to Wiltshire too with a sense of bewilderment.

Also, the deputy city clerk position and its $40,000 salary were initially supposed to go to Lou Schneider, the assistant city clerk who makes $27,835. Schneider, who was recruited by county Democrats to run for Legislature, will remain in his current position at his current pay.

One last thing on Guererri, she had a rough start but things have been going pretty smooth of late and her not getting re-appointed has nothing to do with job performance and everything to do with politics since she is Kopka’s girl, and Kopka is Rensselaer County Chairman Tom Wade’s girl. Council President Rodney Wiltshire, however, isn’t anyone’s house … .

Politics also brings us to hiring an attorney, Kelly Cramer, for the two-member minority caucus at the same $15,000 rate as that of the attorney for the seven-member caucus, Joe Laccardi. The idea has been talked about every two years since Republican Carmella Mantello was the vocal opposition representing District 3 some dozen years ago but the majority of either party never granted the request.

It was never granted for two reasons: one, politics 101 dictates the object of the majority is to keep the minority in the minority; and two because the charter had said the Council’s attorney represents the entire body and not just members of one party. Of course, the attorney was invariably a friend of the majority so it never worked out all that well and I can see the rationale.

The differences now in Troy are twofold: The minority and majority don’t fight with each other but members of the majority are waging war amongst themselves; and the charter was changed in 2009 calling for the hire. Though, this is the first year it followed through.

In other words, it’s $15,000 of your tax money to hire an attorney for two members of the panel Councilmen Jim Gordon, R-District 1, and Dean Bodnar, R-District 3, who seem to be getting along just fine with the other seven and even got committee chairmanships. In the end, Robertson is the only one who opted not to take a chairmanship. 

Also, according to the correct agenda, Matthew Waite will replace Lucy Larner as legislative assistant at a salary of $10,000.

Back to the top, according to the wrong agenda, Councilwoman Erin Sullivan-Teta, D-At Large, (pictured right) did not head up the Human Resources Committee. Rather, it went to Councilman Ken Zalewski, D-District 5 (pictured above.) In fact, Sullivan-Teta did not chair any committee.

That, of course, in my conspiracy theory driven brain, led me to believe that Wiltshire was “punishing” her for siding with Kopka. While it may have been wrong, it would have been a whole lot more fun if it were the right one.

The Council meets Thursday for its organizational meeting and then its first regular meeting with Wiltshire as president.  

Below is the email between Kopka and McGrath as well as Taylor’s resume

On Friday, January 3, 2014 10:53 PM, lynn kopka <lkopka@earthlink.net> wrote:

you got that right

-----Original Message-----
From: Mark McGrath
Sent: Jan 3, 2014 9:25 PM
To: lynn kopka
Subject: Re: question

Haaaa, she evidently has a hard time keeping a job!  Look at the dates. Haaa

 

Troy, NY

-

To embark on a career that will combine my educational knowledge and work experience in a way
that will provide me with the opportunity to commence working in the public or legal administration
field.

 

Legal Assistant

Persing & O'Leary, LLP

-

Latham, NY

-

September 2013 to December 2013

Responsibilities
Maintained all client case files using tickler.
Managed and maintain attorney’s calendar
Scheduled, set up and notify clients and opposing counsel of upcoming EBT’s
Notarized in house staff Affidavit of Services when necessary
Finalized documents for mailing to opposing counsel for service and court for filing
Communicated with clients and court personnel with regard to upcoming court appearances

Skills Used
Notary Public
Machine Transcription
Calendaring, scheduling,
File and case management

Administrative Assistant

NYS Dept. of Health

-

Albany, NY

-

July 2011 to August 2013

Kelly/AccuStaff
• Managed the daily operations of grant contract processing from input to approval process
• Corresponded and speak to different program representatives regarding contract information
• Maintained all incoming grant contracts and renewals for different state and municipal entities
• Managed and train incoming staff either state workers or temps with regard to Contract Management and Audit
• Audited all grant contracts to process in SFS system after full review and documentation is received
• Requested Charities Registration for all non-profit organizations, except exempt organizations
• Input multi-million dollar grant contract information into Access database, creating purchase orders,
headers & denoting encumbrance amounts for AG and OSC processing
• Followed up with program department to gather missing information to complete contract package using Lotus Notes

Legal Secretary Assistant

Friedman & Molinsek, P.C

-

June 2011 to June 2011

Transcribed legal documents using electronic Dictaphone using two monitors
• Transcribed testimony and information for use in child custody cases
• Prepared all legal documents and case files for upcoming trials
• Maintained correspondence, scanned and emailed copied documents to clients

Cashier/Sales Associate

Sears Corporation

-

September 2010 to February 2011

Greeted customers and offered credit offers, SYWR, Kid Advantage program and Sears Purchase Protection plans
• Handled cash and credit cards for purchases, payments and layaway transactions,
• Performed MMR transactions for stolen property, reporting to Loss Prevention manager

Legal Secretary/Keyboard Specialist

NYS Division of Parole

-

September 2007 to July 2010

Maintained Inmate Appeals in the legal office of the NYS Division of Parole by comparing the • information received to the information in the system using FPMS and PARMIS, Access and Excel;
• Requested and maintained inmate records for upcoming inmate appeals, or forwarded to
DCJS/AG's office or representing attorney's office as requested
• Checked parole hearing dates and input the new data to start the appeal process;
• Sent correspondence to inmates/attorneys regarding upcoming appeal deadlines;
• Opened and input briefs received as approved by either attorneys or inmates (pro se);
• Pulled files to complete appeal process, placed appropriately to be reviewed by the
Board Members for decision making; answered incoming calls accordingly and/or relayed to proper attorney

Information Tech Assistant

NYS Dept. of Corrections/Attentive

-

January 2007 to August 2007

Handled individual user access forms (IUA's) for all correctional facilities via mainframe
• and deleted and changed user access for facility users
• Answered emails to grant access needed for users who changed positions and/or facilities
• Installed Lotus Notes enabling user access, utilized Bluezone and Console to add
fileshare access; utilized a ghost program such as Citrix Applications along with Microsoft Word and Excel

Legal Secretary

Assaf & Mackenzie, LLP

-

August 2006 to December 2006

Legal Ease
• Assisted with editing all documents relative to matrimonial law, i.e., actions for divorce, agreements
• for separation/custody; asset division;
• Opened files in TIPS and maintained calendar schedules for attorneys
• Prepared welcome packets and retainer agreements as well as prepared SNW
• Prepared affidavits of service, and filed papers at several area courts
• Greeted visitors and directed them to conference room for EBT's and other client conferences
• Prepared and organized file folders for trial preparation; opened mail and directed to paralegals handling case, and handled the checks and bank deposits when necessary

Administrative Assistant

Value Options/Linium Staffing

-

April 2006 to August 2006

Filed, copied and scanned customer and client related documents into CSR folders on database
• Gathered EOB's as needed and forwarded them to correct representatives
• Assisted with the call line with overflow calls and merged client information as needed
• Ordered supplies and assisted the medical records department with overflow maintaining the files in Excel

Legal Secretary

Thuillez, Ford, Gold

-

September 2005 to February 2006

Johnson & Butler
• Transcribed, edited and finalized motions and pleadings relative to civil litigation and medical malpractice issues;
• Composed and mailed correspondence; scheduled depositions with plaintiff's attorneys, doctors, hospital personnel, correctional facilities
• Maintained contact with plaintiff's attorneys to verify requested records via subpoena duces tecum, filed motions with court via mail and calendared upcoming conferences and set up reservations for hotel stays
• Opened new files using TABS III, finalized and filed stipulation of discontinuances with court
• Maintained and pulled files for incoming mail and backup reception area when needed

 

Masters of Public Administration in Government & Policy

Grand Canyon University

August 2012

Bachelors of Science in Business Organizational Management

The Kings College

May 2005

Associates in Administrative Occupational Studies

Olean Business Institute

 

On Friday, January 3, 2014 9:19 PM, lynn kopka <lkopka@earthlink.net> wrote:

as discussed. check to see if she is a registered voter. 78 6th ave

-----Original Message-----
From: Mark McGrath
Sent: Jan 3, 2014 9:10 PM
To: lynn kopka
Subject: Re: question

What? Who is she?

 

On Friday, January 3, 2014 8:57 PM, lynn kopka <lkopka@earthlink.net> wrote:

yes. i think a friend of anatashia - bought her off with the appointment???

-----Original Message-----
From: Mark McGrath
Sent: Jan 3, 2014 8:24 PM
To: Lynn Kopka
Subject: question

Who's Lucy Taylor? Deputy clerk?

Wiltshire's e-mail, five votes and the GOP

WILTSHIRE

As I’ve been writing for nearly a month, the new dynamic on the Troy Council is going to be interesting - little did I know it would become so interesting so fast.

On Dec. 9, Council President-elect Rodney Wiltshire sent a strongly-worded e-mail to three other councilmen blasting Councilman Gary Galuski for hanging up on him and other perceived acts of disrespect.

In the e-mail, which can be read below, Wiltshire, who is bi-racial, said: “I will not be his (Galuski’s) boy or house nigger.” Yes, the word distasteful, but focusing on just that is a superficial reading of what is really going on.

GALUSKI

While the email is directed at Galuski, one can’t help but wonder if Wiltshire is referring to county Chairman Tom Wade. Wiltshire was one of many Democrats who tried to take Wade out last year with Robert “Rabbit” Riley and there is no love lost between the two. Now that Wiltshire is Council president, he does have some juice and part of that juice comes in the way of appointments – both to committees and to paid positions within City Hall.

WADE

Not surprisingly, who Wiltshire wants and who Wade wants are not the same people.

Perhaps the most high profile is that of City Clerk. As I reported nearly two weeks ago (and The Record reported today) Wiltshire wants to replace the current city clerk, Karla Guererri, with Cheryl Christianson, who happens to be Galuski’s sister in law.

I initially wrote that it could be interpreted as an attempt to buy off Galuski, but given the email exchange that obviously didn’t work and Galuski remains squarely in Wade’s corner. And by extension that of current Council President Lynn Kopka, who brought her friend Guererri aboard and would just as soon see her stay in the $54,800 a year job.

In other words, the divide I mentioned before between Wiltshire and company and Kopka/Wade and company is reaching the size of the Grand Canyon.

FIVE VOTES

While Wiltshire said there is no way he will nominate Galuski to chair the Parks and Recreation Committee, which he holds now, Galuski points out it takes a majority to approve any appointment. That much is true, but what’s also true is the nomination has to come from Wiltshire.

Furthermore, given his familial ties, Galuski should abstain so that leaves Kopka (pictured left) and Wiltshire vying for five votes out of eight.

What few may know, if it’s a four-for tie, Guererri remains clerk until a five-vote majority is reached, whenever that may be.

Galuski also said he would lobby for the position of Council pro temp, which also needs five votes. Wiltshire, however, would like to see the No. 2 spot go to Councilman Ken Zalewski, D-District 4. As you know, he has always been an independent voice on the Council and also supported Riley over Wade.

Which brings us back to the Great Divide.

Zalewski is squarely in Wiltshire’s corner. I’ve heard Councilman Bob Doherty, D-District 4, is too but his support tenuous at best. I’m less sure of Councilwoman-elect Anastasia Robertson, but I understand she is too.

That said, Wade has the clout the chairmanship brings, and there is also Mayor Lou Rosamilia (pictured right) to think about. I’m not saying it would happen now, but I know in times past which streets get paved, plowed and swept in which district has been tied to how the representative votes on certain issues. The two entities combined can clearly apply some pressure if they so choose.

In the Kopka/Wade corner is Galuski and Councilwoman-elect Erin Sullivan-Teta.

THE GOP

That leaves the two Republicans – Councilman Dean Bodnar, District 3 and Councilman-Elect Jim Gordon, At Large, with a surprising amount of clout on a Democratic Party dominated Council.

Galuski said Wiltshire is ready to nominate Gordon for the high-profile position of Public Safety Committee chair and who knows what else the two may get or want. As an aside, I’m not sure who else would want to chair that committee because the controversy in the TPD is unlikely to go away anytime soon but it is one of the more coveted positions on the Council.  

In the end, the Council is starting off way more interesting than the last one and it’s not even the New Year yet.

THE EMAILS

 

 

Dec. 9 e-mail from Wiltshire to Gary Galuski, Robert Doherty, Ken Zalewski

Guys,

    Gary earlier today around 11AM, very rudely, hung up the phone on me after my 5th or 6th attempt to meet up with him and discuss the transition of the council.

    His behavior was and is bizarre, unprofessional, discourteous, and dis-respectful.  Despite what he may believe, I have never disrespected him in that or any manner.

    I am continually shocked by the manner in which some he behaves.

    I am not Lynn, and I don't wish to be compared to Lynn.  I clearly indicated to him before him hung up on me that I am trying to meet with each councilperson in person (as was done 2 years ago) and we would have our caucus meeting after.  Probably this week.

    I specifically had wished to discuss his committee preferences and also have a serious conversation about the perceived slight that I am told that he has felt from me 2 years ago surrounding the courthouse and the pro-tempore vote.  I had wanted to discuss that with him in person and clarify and apologize for my insensitivity.  Since we are not meeting, I guess he will not receive my apology for that behavior.

    However, it is clear, that he is unwilling to meet me, and discuss things.  He has also not responded to my request for committee preferences.  I had assumed that he would have wished to continue as Parks and Rec chair.

    I am not giving him a chair.

    I have just spoken to Cheryl Christiansen about her proposed appointment and confirmed that Gary's behavior will not and does not reflect on her.  She said that she doesn't share his views on things, and is happy to be professional and keep the affairs separate.

    I have a call and an email into Jack McCann regarding both this and Lynn's behaviors and attitudes, I will insist that he publicly support me and my position.

    Let me be very clear, I am not happy with our phone call, and I will not be treated or addressed in that manner.

    This boat has sailed, I am not trying to fix issues that aren't my doing or responsibility. 

    I am going to be making some very hard, serious, and possibly controversial decisions in the following days concerning all of these appointments.  I absolutely need YOUR support and confidence.

    I am not his boy, or the house nigger.

Rodney   
      

Rodney G. Wiltshire Jr.

At-Large Councilman

 

Dec. 12 response from Councilman Gary Galuski

Dear Council Member,

I am forwarding an email sent to me by incoming Council President Rodney Wiltshire because it should be seen by all majority members of the Council.  After reading the entire piece, I'm sure you will agree that he owes me an apology as well as others offended by his insensitive and distasteful choice of words.

I am entering my fourth and final term on the city council.  In all of my prior terms, the incoming majority has met to collectively decide committee assignments and committee chairmanships. Never have I or any of my colleagues been submitted to the type of threat incoming Council President Wiltshire issued to me with a guarantee of no chairmanship simply because I asked when we will caucus to conduct such business.  Additionally, he is pretending to grab control of the entire process by handing out committee chairs to his favorites while ignoring senior members of the council.

Recently, he even announced he plans to "give" the Public Safety committee chairmanship to newly elected Republican Jim Gordon.  Two years ago, he opposed giving committee chairmanships to Republicans when Council President Kopka raised the idea which we voted down.

You should be aware that this process deserves and requires the input of all majority members---ALL SEVEN DEMOCRATS.  I urge you to remind incoming Council President Wiltshire he was not elected Emperor and Committee members shall be nominated by the President and confirmed or rejected by a majority of the members of the Council at each organizational meeting. Each committee, if possible, shall have at least one member from a minority political party. (City of Troy Charter Section C-15) He campaigned with promises of transparency in government but, before being sworn into office, projects a closed door style of "my way or the highway" bossism.

 

In closing, I want you to know I wish to remain as the chair of the Recreation Committee where I feel my background and skills can be full utilized and I will be reaching out to each of you for your support for the position of Council President Pro-Tempore.

Sincerely,

GG

 

 

 

 

 

Kopka, the city clerk and Wiltshire UPDATED

KOPKA

I said I would weigh in on the last two years of Lynn Kopka’s tenure as Troy Council president so here it goes.

Let me start by saying it was no surprise when she got the most votes two years ago to become Council president, and it was hers to lose again. But, she had some missteps that resonated with the voters and now she is facing a court challenge by Carmella Mantello for the third At Large seat.

Her problems started right out of the gate with a number of screwed up meeting notifications causing the meetings to be postponed, including the first organizational meeting in 2012. However, there is learning curve with any new endeavor, it really didn’t impact real people and it’s unclear if it was Kopka’s fault or newly appionted City Clerk Karla Guererri’s.

ROSSIER

(As an aside it will be interesting so see if Guererri hangs onto her job now that Rodney Wiltshire will be president on Jan. 1. One name being floated to replace Guererri is Emily Rossier, who was a non-campaigning candidate for the Working Families Party in District 6. She and other in the WFP worked hard for Wiltshire.)

Then, in March of this year Kopka penned a letter “on behalf of the citizens of Troy” in favor of Gov. Mario Cuomo’s SAFE Act and sent it to the rest of the Council asking for their signatures. While the Council is elected to represent the people of Troy there was never an official resolution passed in favor of or opposed to the SAFE Act, just the letter. The SAFE Act is a controversial gun control law that certainly has people up in arms, particularly in upstate, but given Troy’s demographic shift to the left, I don’t know how much that hurt her either.

-One thing that hurt in South Troy is her vote to create an adult business district along the waterfront. Personally, I think the entire thing was blown way out of proportion but don’t tell that to the people in South Troy – they’re not known as an open minded, easy going bunch.

The two things I think hurt Kopka the most, however, is what every Trojan can relate to – taxes.

The assessment on her Washington Park home was $250,000 before reassessment, $408,000 after reassessment and then it dropped down to $346,000 without her having to go through a formal grieving process. To be fair, some 1,400 other Trojans followed the same procedure with the majority of them getting their new assessments lowered shortly after GAR – the company that conducted the reassessment – was paid $1 million to assess all the properties at a supposed fair market value.

(Lynn informs me GAR overestimated her property by some 1,200 square feet, which is why her assessment was lowered.)

Also, during the reassessment process the city determined Washington Park should be a taxable property since it is not open for the general public to use. Only those living in the neighborhood have a key to the gated little wonderland so I have to agree with the city on this one. The proposed assessment is nominal and would equal about $2,200 in taxes to be paid by the some 50 households. But, rather than just pay it, the neighbors are fighting it in court. Kopka, of course, is the face of the Washington Park Association.

Let me add, I’ve known Kopka since she worked for then Mayor Mark Pattison and I’ve always liked her spunk and inexorable energy. She does, however, toe the party line and in this case it’s the one drawn by county Chair Tom Wade. Wiltshire does not. And where Kopka tried to keep Council Democrats in a semblance of a cohesive body, I don’t think Wiltshire (pictured above) will care one way or another. Right off the bat I can see the seven-member majority breaking into camps of four and three, respectively. More on that later.