Mantello will run At Large

Carmella Mantello is out of the race she was never officially in.

But, rather than run for mayor, the three-term councilwoman will take a shot at an At-Large seat on the Troy City Council.

If she did follow through and make a third attempt at mayor, something she has hinted at for months, she would have had to first primary the Republican nominee Jim Gordon, a Republican representing District 1.

And even if she managed to get by Gordon in the Republican primary, she would not have had the Conservative or Independence party lines without waging much more difficult write-in primaries for those two minor party lines. The two combined can make up 15 percent of the general election vote and it is nearly impossible for a Republican to win without them given that Democrats far outnumber Republicans in the Collar City.

While gearing up for a mayoral run, Mantello did her share of bashing Gordon. The decision to run for an At Large seat, though, has forced her to change her tune. In a press release announcing her intention, she said she have Gordon’s support as well as that of city GOP Chairman Mark Wojcik.

“I am looking forward to a “Partnership for Progress” with Jim and the Whole Republican ticket that will move our city forward in a constructive and comprehensive manner,” Mantello said in a statement.

Two years ago Mantello came in fourth by a narrow margin. She contested the election results and there are still questions as to whether she was edged out by Councilwoman Lynn Kopka, D-At-Large or not for the third and final At-Large spot.

Republican County Chairman Tom Wade, in an email to party members, called her the “strongest” At-Large candidate the GOP has this year, albeit with a hint of sarcasm.

“She is a three-time defeated candidate for citywide office and not a major threat to our campaign but will be the strongest in a field of weak Republican candidates,” Wade said in the email. “We can beat her again in her fourth try.”

Mantello will join Andrea Daley to run At-Large. The party is looking for a third. Last week former Times Union editor Bill Dowd said health reasons forced him out of his own race for an At-Large seat.

Rosamilia is out; updated odds are in

ROSAMILIA

With Mayor Lou Rosamilia’s decision to not seek re-election I guess now would be a good time to update the odds for who will run for the city's top office later this year. Vegas is a bit overwhelmed thanks to some college basketball tournament, but bookmakers were able to put together preliminary odds on potential Democratic candidates running for mayor and promised to have some odds on the Republican candidates tomorrow.

First, though, I’ve got to say the mayor’s decision came as no surprise. He was in way too far over his head to make good decisions on his own and did not have the right people giving him advice. They were either over their heads themselves (Pete Ryan, Ian Silverman and Mike Morris) or they had their own agendas (Bill Dunne and about every other department head and employee in the city.) Of the three mayors since the city changed its governing structure, Rosamilia may have been the nicest mayor but he was also the worst. 

WILTSHIRE

More on Rosamilia’s rocky one-term later. Tonight, we look to the future. The odds are known to change with the smallest of ripples or whispers or posts on Facebook but as of March 23 sometime after 9 p.m. this is where they stand on who will run, not on who will win. Those will come later too.

For the Dems:

-Rodney Wiltshire: The Times Union is reporting that the council president could announce as soon as March 4. Earlier, he said he would not primary Rosamilia but I think he gave up on that pledge long ago and had been planning to run for a while. He is a solid candidate with the Council presidency under his belt, has better than average name recognition and a good presence in front of the cameras. He will not – or very likely not – have the support of the Democratic Party proper and that means he will probably have to run a primary. He will also likely not enjoy the Independence Party backing he got from the GOP that propelled him to the presidency. ODDS of him running stand at even money.

-Ernest Everett: The little known candidate already has a Facebook page touting his candidacy and has raised some money for a run. He maintains he spent some of that money at places like Hooters and Kokopellis and other bars and restaurants to hold campaign pow wows with key advisers but it will still come back to haunt him - should he opt to continue his run. Whether or not he gets party support is up in the air but since it was the Democrats who initially leaked the campaign summits at Hooters I’m guessing not. ODDS of him staying the race stand at 5 to 1.

MANNY

Ed Manny: The county legislator wanted to run four years ago but the nod went first to Clement “Chappy” Campana and then to Rosamilia. The retired firefighter is, however, a party loyalist but the only way the Democrats pick him is if everyone else turns them down and they find themselves in a jam. Kinda like how Rosamilia got the endorsement. And Rosamilia, for better or worse, won. ODDS of him running are 7 to 1.

Cindy Doran: Another county legislator who is loyal to the party has shown an affinity for politics during her first term in office. The teacher in the Troy school district got some press – that boosted her name recognition – by calling for the chairman of the Legislature, Martin Reid, to resign and for her criticism of District Attorney Joel Abelove. ODDS of her running are 12 to 1.  

DORAN

Clement “Chappy” Campana: He was the party’s pick four years ago but his involvement in voter fraud, and more importantly his use of political influence to get his father into one of the nicer Troy Housing Authority apartments, dogged his campaign to the point that Rensselaer County Chairman Tom Wade chased him off the ballot. Wise move on Wade’s part. But, Campana does have a following, solid name recognition and, if you think about it, Wade owes him one. ODDS of him running are 12 to 1.

Lynn Kopka: The city councilwoman’s name was in the mix three-plus years ago, didn’t get the endorsement and ran for the legislative seat instead. She was elected president for two years and then lost that seat to Wiltshire and then nearly lost her Council seat altogether. She is however, a party proper person, which means she is in Wade’s corner and has been the front man (woman) against those Democrats who are not (i.e. Wiltshire.) ODDS of her running are 17 to 1.   

KOPKA

-Bill Dunne: The former eight-year councilman and current director of the city’s Planning Department certainly has name recognition – whether it’s for good or bad reasons is a toss-up. He is loyal to the Democratic Party, though, and he is “confident” enough to think he could win. ODDS of him running are 17 to 1.

-Pete Ryan: The current deputy mayor was elected to the Council and then the Legislature. If he should toss his hat in the ring, however, he would have a tough time – if not impossible time – distancing himself from Rosamilia’s many missteps. ODDS of him running are 20 to 1

-Ken Zalewski: During an appearance on @Talk1300, the four-term councilman said he wouldn’t mind being mayor someday but fell well short of saying he would run this year. He would have to take a pay cut, for starters, and he is a staunch supporter of Wiltshire. ODDS of him running are 25 to 1.

-Jim Conroy: The former deputy mayor under then Mayor Mark Pattison would probably like to run but he won’t run without party support and that doesn’t seem likely at this point in time. ODDS of him running are 25 to 1.

RYAN

Mayor Mark Pattison: After serving eight years in office he’s been out of the public eye for 12 years but unlike Rosamilia he did like the job and would be a formidable candidate should he opt to run. He does, however, have a cushy job at the State Comptroller’s Office so whether he wants to give that up and jump back into the lion’s den is unlikely. ODDS of him running are 25 to 1.

Tomorrow I will get the odds for potential Republican candidates and they include Councilman Jim Gordon, former Councilwoman and mayoral candidate Carmella Mantello, former Mayor Harry Tutunjian and former Councilman Mark McGrath.

If I forgot anyone from either party please let me know in the comments or drop me a line at 878-1000 or jfranco961@gmail.com

 

-

  

The Council's answer to the fiscal crisis: spend money (UPDATED)

SANZONE



The 2015 budget has two huge one-shots – one is the deferral of a $1.9 million pension payment to next year and one is the $650,000 sale of the old City Hall site – the state Comptroller said the city spent $5.9 million more than it took in from 2011 to 2013, sewer rates increased by 35 percent, all six unions are without a contract, the water and sewer funds have been raided and re-raided, there are hardly any reserves to speak of and Moody’s Investor Services just gave Troy a negative outlook.

So how does the city Council address any or all of the city’s fiscal problems? It convenes a special meeting for Jan. 22 at 7:15 p.m. with the purpose of hiring Adam Sanzone as its “confidential secretary.” Sanzone was an intern with the Council and has videotaped Council meetings free of charge so they could be broadcast on public access television.

The legal notice says the Council will set the salary at the meeting but there is no “confidential secretary” listed in the budget. There is $10,000 allocated for a “confidential assistant,” which I assume is the position the Council wants to give Sanzone, but there is no “confidential secretary.”

I don’t know the nuances of what is a proper legal notice and what isn’t but in the least the Council will have to amend either the budget or the resolution so they match up.



COUNCIL PRESIDENT  
RODNEY WILTSHIRE

This hire, should it pass, comes on the heels of the Council appointing an assistant city clerk for $27,835.

This also comes on the heels of Mayor Lou Rosamilia answering the Council’s request to make a list of cutting each department by 3 percent. It really came as no surprise when the list included laying off firefighters and police officers, and it came as less of a surprise to watch the Council punt on layoffs or doing anything else to address the financial crisis.

Actually the Council is going the other way – they are spending money. True, the two positions mentioned above are or were vacant, but you would think not filling positions would cause less pain than “unfilling” them through layoffs.

The assistant city clerk, maybe I can see but I'm not sure what a confidential assistant/secretary for the Council actually does. And if there is a job description, why does it include being confidential? Is the Council hiding something? I'm being facetious, but still. I know $10,000 isn't a lot of money, relatively speaking, but you have to start somewhere and if you add up enough $10,000 savings you close the deficit.

CORRECTION: The job of legislative liaison is currently being performed by Emily Rossier but will now be performed by Sanzone. If Sanzone's appointment isn't confirmed, Rossier will continue in the post. Also, the assistant city clerk position was open when the mayor hired Lou Schnieder to replace Kathleen Cassidy Ryan, who was working in a secretary-type position. So, as members of the Council pointed out, the mayor is just as guilty of filling vacant positions.

Also, notice the time of the special meeting … 7:15 p.m. According to the city code:  “All meetings of the City Council, regular or special, shall be held in the Council Chambers of the City hall at 7:00 in the evening unless some other place or time has been voted by a majority of the members of the Council or unless a written call for such meeting, signed by five members of the Council, is filed with the City Clerk 72 hours prior to the time of the meeting and due public notice has been given of such change or changes.”

I’d be willing to bet five members of the Council did not sign a “written call” to change the meeting time. I’d be willing to bet too that the Council will be hard pressed to get five votes to hire Sanzone – who is not really political but is tight with some Democrats.  

If you remember, Councilwoman Lynn Kopka, D-At Large, made a stink about the time of a special meeting once and the majority – an odd mix of four Democrats and two Republicans - were forced to reschedule.  Let’s see what she does this time.

CORRECTION: The Council did get the five required signatures: Rodney Wiltshire, Ken Zalewski, Dean Bodnar, Gary Galuski and Bob Doherty.  

The odds are in for Troy mayoral candidates (UPDATED)

I took a couple weeks off as kind of a mental health vacation. Didn’t work. I get drawn back to #troycrazy like a moth to a flame; like Sen. Chuck Schumer to a TV camera; like Mayor Lou Rosamilia to a misstep; like Carmella Mantello to an election; like Fire Chief Tom Garrett to overtime; like Councilwoman Lynn Kopka to feral cats;  like Bill Dunne to … never mind; and like Kevin McCashion to Twitter.

Over the past few weeks I missed some stuff, but not much. It’s a slow time of year. And, since it is 2015 and there is a mayoral election year in the Collar City, I spent some time talking to the guys in Vegas on the potential candidates for the city’s top spot.

They do a pretty good job of setting the odds on paper, but they grudgingly accept my input on the web of inter-personal relationships, that have been known to cross political lines, and the tit-for-tat grudges that can span years and sometimes snowball for as long.

So, after inputting all the information, these are the odds the super computers in Vegas spit out on who will run for mayor. By run, we mean the candidate will publicly announce an intention, at least make an effort to raise money and, when the time comes, collect the necessary signatures.

First the Democrats (GOP coming tomorrow):

-Mayor Lou Rosamilia: There is no disputing the incumbent has had a tough three years. From new sidewalks in North Central built outside the scope of federal funding; to an arsonist still on the loose; to the ill-conceived appointment of a police commissioner; to the still-being-investigated demolition projects on King Street and the King Fuels site; to the embarrassing Council hearings on the same; to the finances – which might not be all his fault but he is the mayor so the buck (or lack thereof) stops at his desk.

There have been some good things under his watch like new businesses sprouting up and new development in downtown but the age-old complaint that the neighborhoods are being ignored have never been screamed louder or with as much truth.

Plus he makes a good pension from Hudson Valley, is getting up there in age so why would he want to put himself through another four years? Because he is malleable, and the Democrats may beg him until he agrees.

Odds of him running again are 15 to 1.

 

-Council President Rodney Wiltshire: There is no doubting he wants to run, and was setting himself up for a solid independent candidacy by spearheading the abovementioned investigation into the Rosamilia Administration and the demolition projects. Plus, he has a formidable following and some pretty smart political people (Sarah Couch and the Working Family Party types) around him.

But, he didn’t show up for the last two budget votes, the Council, under his leadership, failed to do anything about the financial crisis that will get nothing but worse and the much anticipated report on the demolition projects is still not done. Also, he broke from the party ranks and allied himself with the two GOP members – a move that did help him grab total control of the Council, a power he didn’t handle all that well. And hard line Democrats don’t like it much when one of their own plays footsie with the opposition.  

Odds of him running for mayor are 5 to 1

 

-Brian Howard: The former acting Superintendent of the Enlarged City School District of Troy got his name out there by running a suicide mission against Sen. Kathy Marchione and his name has been floated by Democratic insiders as a candidate untouched by the last three years of chaos.

He doesn’t need a job, obviously likes politics, is well-spoken and is probably looking for something to do. But, it all depends on if Rosamilia runs again or not.

Odds of him running 15 to 1.

 

-Councilwoman Lynn Kopka: She will be the first to say she doesn’t want to be mayor but she is as sly as one of the feral cats she chases around the city. If you remember, she was actively seeking the post four years ago when the nomination went to Clement Campana, who was later forced out of the race when the party decided he had too much baggage and went instead with Rosamilia. She also remained loyal to the party and the party apparatus does have some juice in the city.

But, she did lose the Council presidency she held for two years to Wiltshire which means her city-wide appeal might not be what it once was. Plus, after the last election and the chaos of the last three years, her claims of not wanting the headache do have a ring of truth

Odds of her running 15 to 1

 

-Clement (Chappy) Campana: The former Council president secured the nomination four years ago but was talked out of running by the ever-astute Rensselaer County Democratic Party Chairman Tom Wade because of allegations Campana used his influence to secure an apartment in Troy Housing Authority for his aged father. That hurt him more than voter fraud – a years-long scandal where the charges brought against Campana were later dropped.

That said, he has been out of the scene for a the last four years, which can do nothing but help him, he was elected Council president so he can get votes city-wide, the Democrats have a decisive enrollment advantage, he bowed out gracefully four years ago so he could argue the party owes him one, and the Campana name is still solid.

Odds of him running 25 to 1

-Pete Ryan: As the deputy mayor, the number two man to Rosamilia, Ryan could be in a good position to take over for his current boss should said boss bow out for other reasons than those mentioned above.

But, as the number two man in what is widely seen as a three-year disaster puts him in the same boat as Rosamilia – except worse. Who is he going to blame when taxes are jacked by double figures next year or the year after? The administration he supposedly plays a major role in? Plus, while he is a party loyalist, I don’t think he has the political acumen to run a city wide campaign – the party can only do so much – and that puts him at a distinct disadvantage to someone like Wiltshire or even Kopka.

Odds of him running are 20 to 1.

Cindy Doran: The county legislator can get votes city wide and as a former teacher she has a solid base. But, she lacks any sort of executive experience in the private or public sector so should she run she would almost have to announce the members of the administration – and they would have to be well known and respected municipal administrators – and then run as a team rather than her trying to sell her record to the ever-astute voters of Troy.

Odds of her running are 15 to 1.
Ernest Everett: Thanks to an astute reader, I was told I left out this potential candidate who has already had a fundraiser. The little known potential candidate who recently moved back to the area is one step ahead of the rest of the field in that he has begun to raise money and he has a Facebook Page announcing his intentions.

I don't know much about him, but he was a Republican who switched to the Democratic Party. He is also a black man, who could be a thorn in the party proper's side should he have the guts to stay in the race and run a primary.

Since these odds are about who will potentially run, according to the abovementioned criteria, and after consultation with the stunned brokers in Vegas, we have no choice but to give Everett the odds of even money.  

The odds of rest of the field, which includes county Legislator Ed Manny, who expressed an interest four years ago, Legislator Peter Grimm, who has never expressed an interest, former Mayor Mark Pattison, who loved the job but was term limited out, former Deputy Mayor Jim Conroy, who has always wanted the job stand at 50 to 1.

Tomorrow I will post the Republican odds and candidates include former Councilwoman Carmella Mantello, Councilman Jim Gordon, former Councilman Mark McGrath, former Mayor Harry Tutunjian, former deputy mayor Dan Crawley and mad tweeter Kevin McCashion.          

The unspoken items on some gratitude lists

It’s Thanksgiving Eve and I’m sure the elected officials and appointed officials in the Capital Region all have something – family, friends and other loved ones – for which to be thankful.

I’m sure too there are those things they are nearly as thankful for, and for which they mutter a quick prayer to the God of their choosing as they walk to the car after a day’s work or perhaps as they lie in bed waiting for sleep to end the day.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone.

-Mayor Lou Rosamilia: I am thankful I only have 13 months and three days left in this gig.

-Deputy Mayor Pete Ryan: I am thankful I only have 13 months and three days left in this gig … now if only the governor’s office would call me back so I can land over in Albany somewhere. If Mirch can get a job over there I can, damn it.

-Planning Commissioner Bill Dunne: Thank God we have 13 months and three days left. Think of the fun we can have. Come on guys, we have to get Mayor Lou re-elected.

-Fire Chief Tom Garrett: I am thankful the city is in such dire financial straits because nobody has mentioned King Street (outside of FBI, DEC and EPA agents Johnson, Johnson and Johnson … no relation) in at least a month.

-Police Chief John Tedesco: I am thankful the weather is getting cold and crime is back down to normal.

-Take Back Troy (collectively): We are thankful that someone just spit on the sidewalk so we can post about it on Facebook and then fight about who we’re supposed to call.

-Kevin McCashion: I am thankful I live in Troy and will never have a shortage of things to Tweet about because there is always something going on that is #troycrazy.

-Carmella Mantello: I am thankful the Board of Elections screwed up the 2013 election because now I can say I may have won and still be a viable candidate for mayor. I am also thankful the Republicans have all but thumbed their nose at me so now I can run a primary against whoever they put up and not feel at all bad about it.

-Rensselaer County Democratic Party Chairman Tom Wade: I am thankful for … well I’m not thankful yet but I will be thankful when Mayor Lou opts not to run again.

-Council President Rodney Wiltshire: I am thankful I’m not mayor and can blame the financial mess on Mayor Lou. At the same time, I can plead ignorance of the whole thing and get away with it, and I can hold hearings to get to the bottom of who knew what when about the King Street demolition. It’s good not to be king … yet.

-Lynn Kopka: I am thankful I’m not Council president any longer because these guys are harder to corral than feral cats.

-Rev. Willie Bacotte: I’m thankful I no longer live in Troy … those folks caught onto my scams pretty quick.

Former Police Benevolent Association President Bob Fitzgerald: I'm thankful I'm no longer president for the same reason Bacotte is ... except it took them a little longer.

-County Executive Kathy Jimino: I am thankful for Mayor Lou because he makes me look good. Or, if not good, then everyone just ignores me and that’s even better.

- Assemblyman Steve McLaughlin: I am thankful for Gov. Andrew Cuomo … since I live upstate all I have to do is mention his name and I get votes.

-Rensselaer County District Attorney-Elect Joel Abelove: I am thankful for the same thing McLaughlin is.

-City Court Judge-Elect Jill Kehn: I am thankful for Rich Crist and his ability to get me the minor party lines. Without them, the fact I practiced law without a license for six years probably would have kept me off the bench.

-Councilman Gary Galuski: I am thankful this is my last term on the Council. It’s a pain in the butt and the paycheck got me in all sorts of trouble with the state Department of Labor – it seems like they frown on collecting unemployment while earning money.

-Chairman of the Legislature Martin Reid: I’m glad to be a Republican but because I am one I am on the front page of the Times Union for the same thing Galuski got jammed up for and all he got was a passing mention.

-The Record editors: We are happy nobody reads our newspaper any longer because at least now nobody will know how bad it really is.

-Councilman Jim Gordon: I am thankful for Mayor Lou because now a Republican has a shot at becoming mayor. Now if only Carmella would go away the nomination will be mine by default.

-Councilwoman Erin Teta-Sullivan: I'm thankful nobody knows who I am.

-Former Mayor Harry Tutunjian: I’m thankful I’m not in Mayor Lou’s seat right now because there really isn’t anything anyone could do about the financial mess.

 -The UFA and the PBA (collectively): We are thankful nobody in government has a spine or they would take the next logical step and lay some of us off.

-Jim Franco: I am thankful that people still read my stuff.

-The Friends of 112^th Street (Collectively): For all the above mentioned characters for giving us limitless material for jokes.

This list will be added on throughout the Thanksgiving Day and please feel free to add your own.

Happy Thanksgiving!

A police complaint, a notice of claim and there is still a deficit

ZALEWSKI

I was writing a Councilman Ken Zalewski vs. Councilman Gary Galuski column along the same lines as ChrisChurchill at the Times Union, but he beat me to it. And did a good job with it too.

Still, the one unanswered question – in addition to the fact the Troy City Council is squabbling over petty stuff rather than dealing with what is a major financial situation in the city – is why are they even filling a vacant position. Any vacant position. With anyone. It's in the budget, but so what. Spend it somewhere else. 

You can read Zalewski’s account of what transpired by clicking here.

Basically, the argument was about who the Council should hire as the assistant city clerk for $27,000 a year, Rebecca Sweeney or Rhonda Reed. The first is daughter to Board of Elections employee Mary Sweeney who is a loyalist to Democratic Party Chairman Tom Wade. The second is friend of Council President Rodney Wiltshire, or at least his wife. The first ran for a committee seat in District 8 and beat both Wade and Wiltshire (which is still kind of funny to me.)

GALUSKI

During the public debate, Zalewski said the last city clerk, Bill McInerney, was touted by members of the Council, including Galuski, as a hard working member of the Democratic Party. Little did anyone know at the time the hard work he was doing included forging absentee ballots.

Galuski didn’t much like that since he was indicted in the scandal. The charges were later dropped but still, it must have hit a nerve, because he allegedly said to Zalewski: “If you ever embarrass me like that again I’ll take you out.”

According to the Times Union, Zalewski filed a complaint with the Troy Police Department. Now that crime is down in Lansingburgh – history tells us the wanna be gangsters who kept shooting everything up this summer don’t like the cold weather – the TPD detectives I’m sure will send this squabble to the top of their “to do” list.

KOPKA

And still the question remains … why not leave it vacant for a while, save a little bit of money and maybe help close the deficit a little. Instead, both sides were hell-bent on getting their own person into a job.  

The latest complaint comes on the heels of Councilmen Jim Gordon and Dean Bodnar filing a notice of claim against another member of the Council, Lynn Kopka, for an email that hinted the two may have not gone along with a piece of legislation because they were bought off.

Meanwhile, the city spent $6 million more than it took in over the past three years and is staring at what could amount to an $800,000 deficit this year.

The asinine notice of claim and the bogus complaint to the Troy Police Department are indicative of where everyone’s focus is – on petty BS and personal agendas rather than the big picture and what is actually good for the city.  

Kopka grew a set (WITH EMAILS)

KOPKA

As if to answer the immortal challenge put forth by Parks and Recreation head George Rogers – Councilwoman Lynn Kopka, D-At Large, is the only I know of who looked at Troy's fiscal dilemma and grew a set.

She is not afraid to look at the deficit (which, according to the state Comptroller, is currently $6 million and climbing) and look at where the most money is spent (51 percent of the budget on pubic safety) and put two and two together.

It’s kind of like legendary thief Willie Sutton. When the FBI asked him why he robbed banks he said:  That’s where the money is.”

Politically, to even look at cutting public safety takes guts or, as Rogers said, “balls.” But what are the alternatives? Jack taxes through the roof? That just chases some people out and deters others from moving in. I’m sure there are other spots in the workforce or the budget that can get cut too, but public safety is the big enchilada and it’s always been sacrosanct.

Sutton didn’t rob quicky marts.

I’m not even sure if she proposed the idea of closing the Fire Department’s North Station, but the fact she supported at least talking about what is a pretty decent idea brought down a flurry of nasty emails from her colleagues on the Council.

They can be read below since I generally get the juicer ones sooner or later.

(My favorite is from Councilman Bob Doherty, D-District 4, asking why Kopka is sending former Councilman Mark McGrath the emails.  “As has happened before when you email speculate using our communications to Mark they wind up in Franco’s [hands] with accusations of black people colluding or other’s alleged criminal behavior,” Doherty wrote on Nov. 9. I really have no idea what he’s talking about when he says “black people colluding” but I’ve been called worse. At least I think I’ve been called worse.)

Back to the issue … What Kopka is proposing, or supporting, makes at least some sense since the North Station is tiny with only one door and is home to just one pumper truck - although, someone did send me a photo of an ambulance sitting outside the station at the corner of North and River streets on Sunday. Provided the ambulance will find a permanent home along the curb of North Station, I can’t help but wonder what will happen should it get called out in January at, say, 3 a.m. Let’s hope the patient can wait while firefighters scrape the windows.

Also, while there is just one pumper truck – and possibly an ambulance – it has to be manned with two firefighters 24-7, which equals the full time equivalent of 14 shifts.  And when one of those 14 firefighters calls in sick or goes on vacation, that shift is filled with another firefighter on overtime.

It was closed down in 1993 when Central Station was opened on Sixth Avenue, the 14 shifts were disbursed to other stations and it was re-opened for political reasons a few years later. Then it was closed again, and then opened again. I don’t think many knew if it was open or closed for the last two decades.

Troy currently has 133 cops, which is the most since I’ve been at The Record. And shortly before I started covering Troy it was under 100. And Troy just hired 14 new firefighters. Not everyone loves cops but everyone loves firefighters.

It takes a “set” to even talk about cutting the Fire Department.  

Without further ado, here are the emails (I just cut and pasted them so I can’t take credit for the typos):

From Councilman Jim Gordon to Kopka on Nov. 7 at 5:40 p.m.

“I'm hearing that you and Erin are in favor of closing the North Central fire station. This would be a huge hit for this community, loosing it's police substation and now you want to close its fire house. 

I'm sure you're well aware of the minimal manning clause in the UFA agreement, are you willing to layoff firefighters to be able to realize any cost savings from this closure - after just hiring 14? Are you aware of how operationally this rig works with engine 1 in Lansingburgh? Would there be a public safety and first responder safe concern?

There has been no constructive bargaining sessions with the UFA, why aren't you calling on the mayor to initiate constructive negations. This could address cost savings and open the door for discussion on FD operations. Just like with the PBA contract, efficiencies can be had if we had the leadership in our administration to properly negotiate.

Additionally, you voted in support of the purchase of a new fire truck and two new ambulances, now what do you do with equipment such as this, that I believe is in the process of being ordered at a hefty price tag, and the debt it creates.

While I applaud your ambition it sounds like this proposal wasn't that well thought out before making public statements. Is the mayor supportive of your proposal? Is there more to the story than we are understanding? Please enlighten us.”

From Kopka to Gordon on Nov. 7 at 10:59 p.m.

“Rodney does not speak for either Erin or me. If you wish clarification on our suggestions, please contact us directly.”

From Councilwoman Anastasia Robertson to Kopka on Nov. 7 at 11:50 p.m.

“Regarding the suggested closure of any FD house is not a viable option especially in the North Central community.

Concerns addressed by Council Gordon are definitely issues that should be researched before any such closure were to be suggested let alone take place. North Central has minuscule resources and cannot afford to have more deflected to Lansingburgh or any other community.

Both Lansingburgh and North Central seem to shoulder the bulk of both fires and crime. Would you consider the FD house servicing your area for closure as the need appears to be less? I don't believe you would see that as a viable option.

I realize the constraints and fiscal responsibility we are facing there are many things to consider but to suggest taking resources out of a suffering community is not right or responsible.

On another note I also do not agree with decreasing the NI Grants to 6500 from 9k. This grant though small in scale serves many communities with an opportunity to beautify and in a small way bring a touch of sunshine and neighborly cohesion. If there were other grants for communities to draw from I might begin to understand, however this is not the case. The NI Grant is a viable and necessary grant toward the building and bridging of positive communities.

If you believe there are one or two who failed to utilized their grants, then next year deny those applicants.

Just my thoughts. ...”

From Kopka to Robertson on Nov. 8 at 1:02 a.m.

“Anastasia - Had you participated in the Wednesday caucus, you would know that I did not suggest that we close a firehouse. I did suggest that Troy adopt the Albany model of identifying savings in the public safety area (where the OT is creating problems) thru joint efforts - the administration and the police and fire work together to identify achievable savings.

Again, had you participated in Wednesday's caucus, you could have voiced your opposition to the NIP cut.

In order to accomplish the ads that many members wanted (Code Inspector, Grant Writer, Comptroller, Powers Park, etc), reductions in expenditures must be found. As it is, the majority submitted $47K in ads (not including fringe benefits for the positions) and has not identified a like amount in expenditure reductions.”

From Doherty to Kopka on Nov. 8 at 5:47 a.m.

“If there is a concerted effort to manage and reduce personnel costs, it must target the workforce in its entirety. Assuring management effectiveness to accomplish budgeted targets is our core responsibility of stewardship and accountability to Troy’s citizens. Because the uniformed Public Service sectors are our largest costs does not mean they become the sole target of attention and actions. Given the fundamental critical support of safety to citizen’s wellbeing, we should not speculate on drastic proposals, unless and until our reviews efforts are universal. The only effective effort will be a shared one with Administration. If there is not willingness on all of our parts, that must be addressed and remedied.

Passing our budget and acknowledging the content of the State Comptroller’s communications is the immediate challenge. Our next responsibility is to gain accurate and timely reporting of fiscal performance. We must start gaining the tools we need that will lead to control and stability. Controls and varied effective administrative actions to produce necessary outcomes need to be applied forthwith and continually throughout the year.

Speculative targets that gain attention for discussion don’t get us nearer to accomplishing our tasks.”

From Kopka to McGrath on Nov. 8 at 9:25 a.m.

“Mark - here is why it would be difficult to close a firehouse.”

From Robertson to Kopka on Nov. 8 at 11:10 a.m.

“Is there a reason why the council's communications are being shared with Mr. McGrath?”

From Kopka to someone on Nov. 8 at 12:19 p.m.

“I wanted to let him know about the feasibility of closing a firehouse”

From Doherty to Kopka on Nov. 9 at 8:22 a.m. (my favorite)

“Then please write your own communications and do not use mine. Adding Mark to our communications render them subject to hyperbole and insult.  As has happened before when you email speculate using our communications to Mark they wind up in Franco’s with accusations of black people colluding or other’s alleged criminal behavior.

Sincere interest in solving problems or even being thoughtful of the interests of Troy become an opportunity to scorn.

I’m disappointed you continue this behavior in spite of the chilling effect it has on your participation and reputation.  The answer to the question “Do you ever embarrass yourself?”  Is  apparently never.  It is impossible to know when you are being your usual contemptuous hurtful self or when you might actually want to be taken seriously.  I had hope you might collaborate and dialogue about City finances, but disruption is more to your liking.  Bob”

 

Troy's North Station was closed before and few even knew

NORTH STATION

In a scathing audit, the state Comptroller said Troy has run a $6 million deficit over the last three years.

That’s not a slight miscalculation – that’s a structural problem. In other words there is no money from anywhere to continue operations as they are now. The water and sewer funds are tapped to the max, the contingency fund has been spent down and the capital fund was spent on operational costs rather than things like paving roads.

KOPKA

The city has to cut expenses or raise more revenue and it doesn’t appear anyone has any idea how to go about doing that.

Mayor Lou Rosamilia has ignored the problem and his proposed 2015 budget includes massive one shots on each side of the ledger, a $650,000 source of revenue for the sale of the old City Hall site and he proposes to defer $1.9 million of pension costs until 2016.  That’s just pushing the problem off and will make things worse.

Council President Rodney Wiltshire, appearing on Talk1300, said Trojans can expect a tax hike. That’s pretty much a given at this point in time but the revenue generated could be offset by people moving out.

WILTSHIRE

Councilman Jim Gordon has the most creative idea – eliminate public safety from the budget and charge everyone a fee, including the non-profits which currently don’t pay taxes. But, that’s years out since it would take participation from the state Legislature and turn the entire taxing structure on its head.

One proposal, though, that makes sense and supported by Councilwoman Lynn Kopka, is closing the Fire Department’s North Station. It would bring immediate and long term relief, but for some reason her Council colleagues crucified her for even talking about cuts to public safety.

Here’s a bit of history.

ROSAMILIA

The Fire Department’s central offices were located in the Police Department building and while it wasn’t practical or efficient it was crowded. So, the city set out to find a new home and set its sights on what was then Bloomfield’s junkyard on Sixth Avenue.

Part of the justification behind building a new station was the savings generated by closing the North Station at the corner of North and River streets. It’s a small station with only a pumper but it is manned 24-7 and that constitutes some 14 shifts that have to be filled by firefighters. And the city just hired 14 new firefighters ... get the possible correlation?

In 1993 Central Station was open and, with the union’s blessing, North Station was closed. As an aside, at the time Gary Favro was head of the Uniformed Firefighters Association and there is no one I know of who is more of a union guy than Favro.

GORDON

Skip ahead four years, Mayor Mark Pattison had been in office about a year and a half. In an effort to help an ally on the Council, Christine Stone, win re-election in District 2 Pattison re-opened North Station. Stone lost anyway.

Skip ahead a few more years, the station was close for about 18 months for repairs that included a new roof and other structural work. I’m guessing nobody noticed.

And nobody would notice if it were closed now. Central Station is blocks away and was designed to handle the calls taken by North Station.

Kopka has the the wherewithal to realize the city is in deep trouble and the guts to say public safety is not sacrosanct.

Public Safety constitutes 51 percent of the city’s budget. A bank robber goes to the bank for one reason – that’s where the money is. If you want to fix structural deficiencies in the budget – you have to look in the same place.  

You can't make this up: Councilmen files notice against fellow councilwoman (with EMAILS and DOCUMENTS)

KOPKA

In all my years of covering the Capital Region, in all the arguments, name calling, finger pointing and backstabbing I’ve seen nearly countless members of elected boards engage in with each other, I’ve never seen one sue another one.

But, this is Troy and the electeds here tend to set the bar for everyone else.

Last week, Republican councilmen Dean Bodnar, District 3, and Jim Gordon, District 2, filed a notice of claim against Councilwoman Lynn Kopka, D-At Large, for allegedly libelous comments she made in an email.

What makes it even funnier, Kopka inadvertently sent the email where she allegedly slanders Bodnar and Gordon to Bodnar and Gordon – and who knows who else. Honestly, you just can’t make this stuff up.

The email in question was about a piece of legislation that would require any contractors doing a project for the city worth more than $250,000 to implement an apprenticeship program. The non-union shops are against it while the unions – and by extension the shops that hire union help – are in favor of it. The program would make projects more expensive for the city because the contractors would be required to hire the apprentices. On the flip side, it does provide young people an opportunity to learn a trade.

(It’s odd in that a liberal Democrat like Kopka would be staunchly against a piece of legislation favored by the unions and seemingly go out of her way to stop it while two Republicans voted for it. Again, you can’t make this stuff up.)

Kopka, in an email note, to Josh Reap, legislative representative to the Associated Builders and Contractors of New York State, said:

“I thought the 2 republicans - Dean Bodnar and Jim Gordon - were leaning toward a no vote. I think the unions bought them off somehow. They do not have any of the info you provided to me. If you approach them, please do not mention my involvement - just tell them that you represent various contractors, etc and are aware of the legislation.

Your info and a call from a Troy contractor may push them to call the mayor to veto. Time is ticking thought. Keep me posted.”

Bodnar was infuriated and sent this scathing email to Kopka:

“It's 7:50 am on Saturday, and I'm seeing this for the first time. When you phoned me yesterday you didn't mention exactly what you'd written in this email which you'd sent to Jim "by mistake". You just said you sent him something and that now Jim had probably sent it on to everybody in the world...

BODNAR

REALLY? You're accusing Jim and me of being "BOUGHT OFF" on this issue? Do you have any idea what you've said here? Damn it Lynn, I want you to march right over to your acting district attorney and insist he impanel a grand jury to look into this. How can you possibly assert something like this when all we did was disagree with you on a legislative issue. I'm shocked and disgusted--what the hell kind of person are you? I'm copying Kelly Cramer on this---Kelly, please inform us if we have legal grounds for a suit for slander.

Jim's right--the ABC and anyone else who opposed the apprenticeship resolution had every opportunity to speak to all councilmembers for weeks prior to the vote. Where the hell were they? In fact, Jim and I had many conversations during that period in which we actually solicited opinions from local contractors to get their input on this. We honestly studied the issue, presented concerns in public forums on two occasions, sought dissenting views, and ultimately voted in favor based on the information provided. Isn't that what legislators are supposed to do? And because our vote was at odds with yours, WE WERE BOUGHT OFF???

Lynn, I really don't get upset very easily, but if you smear my reputation, or try to hurt my family--that gets me upset. You've got some serious backtracking to do here. If Jim and I decide to go public with this, you've got one hell of a PR problem 
. And maybe a legal one.”

Gordon too took exception. Here is his email to Kopka:

“This is an interesting thread. Interesting that you suggest that we were "bought off somehow". That's is a very serious accusation especially in the word of public service and ethics. I don't know who Joshua Reap is, but he along with anyone else had the opportunity to express their concerns during the two council meetings this was debated at for several hours. I did have a number of concerns with the original draft and those concerns were mitigated. Additionally, we were assured that any non-union contractor, through their association with the ABC had access to the AP and therefore would be a "qualified" contractor with the city.

GORDON

Finally, I am assuming my eyes were never intended to read this email. And you simply where attempting to make claims regarding myself and Dean privately and suggesting Mr Reap lobby and pressure us to change our mind long after the fact. The issue has passed and is over.

I wonder how many other people may receive this email accidentally...”

 The two Republicans, in turn, filed a notice of claim against Kopka. The opening paragraph of the draft notice of claim states: … “the claimants, Bodnar and Gordon, hereby claim and demand from respondents, Kopka and the City of Troy, monetary compensation for the compensatory and punitive damages sustained by reasons of respondent Kopka’s malicious composition and publication of an electronic email containing numerous libelous statements made of and concerning the claimants.”

  In the end, at the July 10 meeting, the legislation passed by a vote of 6-2 with two other Democrats, Gary Galuski, District 6, and Erin Sullivan-Teta, At Large, voting no and Kopka being absent.

And finally, here are texts of the emails between Kopka and Reap prior to the one Kopka sent to Bodnar and Gordon where she is trying to steer Reap into the best way to get the mayor to veto.

Kopka to Reap on July 24:

“I have not spoken to the mayor yet. will do so later today.”

From Reap to Kopka later that day:

“It was a very good opportunity to voice some concerns and share with the mayor the potential legal problems this legislation may cause both for the city and the many contractors who currently do work for Troy but would no longer be able to do so, should this bill become signed into law.

I have reviewed the legislation you sent me last night and I'm drafting a letter which will highlight our position as well as some of our concerns with the legislation. I will be happy to share a copy with you once its complete. I also got to speak with Bill; it was productive.

I want to thank you for inviting me to that meeting.”

From Kopka back to Reap:

“Josh - get the letter to the mayor (and me) as soon as you can. He only has a day or so before he must act. Happy to include you. All the material presented prior to today's meeting was one-sided.”

Reap to Kopka:

“You got it; letter will be shared tomorrow.”

Kopka to Reap:

“I am not optimistic that the mayor will veto - he is concerned that the council will override (currently split 6 for; 3 against).”

Back to Kopka:

“Thanks. Are there members of the council who voted "yes" but were on the fence?”

And that’s when Kopka sent the email to the world – where she accuses Gordon and Bodnar of being bought off - she thought she was sending just to Reap.

And here is a draft of the notice of claim:

 

Notice of Claim