Mark McGrath is running for his old seat

MCGRATH

Mark McGrath, the spirited eight-year former councilman from District 2 who was term limited out two years ago, is running for his old seat.

“It’s been difficult watching the Council and the administration become the focal point of failure and ridicule around the Capital District,” he said when asked why he was running again. “People are disgusted.”

McGrath interviewed with the Republican Party Selection Committee Monday night. The enrolled Conservative Party member needs the GOP’s permission to run on their line as he did in each of his four successful elections.

The incumbent, Anastasia Roberston, a Democrat, has not announced her intention to run again but she is stepping up her public appearances by holding marches in response to the recent shootings in her neighborhood.

ROBERTSON

Although Robertson ran with Democratic Party support two years ago, she has since aligned herself with Council President Rodney Wiltshire, who is running for mayor. Wiltshire has been at odds with the Democratic Party proper, namely Rensselaer County Chairman Tom Wade.

Wiltshire did interview in front of the party’s Selection Committee, but that body picked Troy Rehabilitation and Improvement District Executive Director Patrick Madden. Wiltshire, though, has said he will take his case to the full committee in hopes of getting their support and has vowed to run regardless of that committee’s decision.

That’s the long way of saying Robertson will likely not get the Democratic Party support should she opt to run again in District 2.

Two mayoral hopefuls, former Councilwoman Carmella Mantello and Councilman Jim Gordon, R-District 1, also interviewed in front of the Republican Selection Committee Monday. McGrath had also toyed with running for mayor but the GOP would not give him the Wilson Pakula - the party's permission - to run on its line.

All nine Council seats are up this year with Districts 5 and 6 being vacant as their respective represenatives – Ken Zalewski and Gary Galuski – are term limited out. Wiltshire’s vacated his At Large seat to run for mayor and should Gordon pursue his mayoral aspiration his District 1 seat will be vacant as well.     

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”

 

City hires law firm to investigate Councilwoman Robertson's complaint

TEDESCO

Appearing on Talk1300 Saturday, Police Chief John Tedesco said the city hired an independent law firm to investigate a complaint filed by Councilwoman Anastasia Robertson, D-D-District 2, against Police Benevolent Association President Tom Hoffman.

The complaint revolves around statements Hoffman made at the September Council meeting. During the public forum section, Hoffman said Robertson was part of a crowd that was attempting to incite officers to use violence while they were recording the scene on their cell phones.

However, his rendition of the episode was debunked when Robertson produced her actual cell phone video showing that while tensions between the officers and the crowd were thick, Robertson was trying to calm things down. She released the video first to News Channel 6 and then held a press conference days later.

Tedesco said he was at the Council meeting and as such would be a witness in the investigation so the city opted to hire an outside law firm – Bailey, Kelleher and Johnson – rather than have Internal Affairs conduct the probe. Mayor Lou Rosamilia was also present.

ROBERTSON

He added that he hopes part of the investigation includes an attempt to locate additional video footage of the Aug. 30 incident.

On that day, officers were at a domestic incident involving a white woman and a black woman. Upon their arrival, the white woman left the scene while officers questioned the black woman in an effort to find out what was going on.

The crowd in the North Central neighborhood interpreted that as officers allowing the white woman to walk away while placing the black woman under arrest. Hoffman, who took over as president of the PBA when Bob Fitzgerald retired, said members of the crowd spit at officers and “tried to bait officers into a physical confrontation.”

Hoffman called on the city to investigate Robertson and Robertson filed her own complaint against Hoffman. The Times Union says she claimed Hoffman engaged in official misconduct, which is a misdemeanor.

Days earlier, Robertson enraged many by a posting on Facebook that stated there is a concerted and organized effort by white people to exterminate black people. She referred to this country as AmeriKKKa.

 

 

Video contradicts PBA president's statement

ROBERTSON

After watching the nearly10-minute video of the incident on Aug. 30 involving Councilwoman Anastasia Robertson, D-District 2, I have to say Police Benevolent Association President Tom Hoffman was given bad information, greatly exaggerated the story or outright lied to the Council.

At Thursday’s Council meeting, he called out Robertson for trying to bait police into a physical confrontation while officers were investigating a disturbance in North Central.

As Hoffman tells it, two cops heard a disturbance near Fifth Avenue and 101^st Street at around 5 p.m. – people yelling and what not. When they arrived they found two women in a fight or just ending one. One woman took off, she was white. The other stayed around, she was black.

A crowd gathered and the officers called for backup. There were six police cars at the scene. Among the crowd that gathered was Robertson and she did indeed have a cell phone and was taking video.

That’s pretty much the end what Hoffman said that is backed up by the video Robertson provided Channel 6 news. You would think, after being told there were people videotaping, he would have fact checked his story before he told it … or maybe even looked at some of the video.

Hoffman said the officers were spit on and were being prodded into getting physical with the residents – many of whom were black – while attempting to capture it all on video. A member of the crowd was Robertson, he said, and pointed her out as one of the antagonists.

“Councilwoman Robertson assisted and incited and encouraged public unrest and anti-police sentiment, all while not knowing all the facts of the case,” Hoffman told the Council in dramatic fashion. “Councilwoman Robertson was unethical, unprofessional and acted in a manner detrimental to her position on the city council and to the residents of this city. You can’t talk about public safety and aid in public unrest.”

Spend 10 minutes and watch the video by clicking here. As near as I can tell, there was some tension and the situation could have gotten out of hand but neither side crossed the line as the black women told officers she and her domestic partner had had a fight. There was one cop kind of being a jerk and one in the crowd too … there are jerks all over the place and they are the ones who usually cause all the problems.

Anyway, on the video you hear what sounds like Robertson’s voice telling people to “calm down” and “don’t make it worse.”

Robertson, who left the chamber as Hoffman was giving his speech, didn’t want to comment but said she will at a later time. She did tell the reporter nothing of consequence happened off camera and what she provided was what transpired. She didn't say why she was videotaping.

It was a rough week for Robertson. Before Hoffman spoke on Thursday, she addressed the crowd regarding comments she made on Facebook about the race riot happening in Ferguson, Missouri. On one of the posts she spelled America, “AmeriKKKa” and said there is an orchestrated effort by whites to exterminate blacks.

There is racism and there will be racism as long as there are bigoted, narrow-minded people – back and white. Racism goes both ways. I’m guessing, though, the vast majority of people are not racist. Like anything, it’s the fringe thinkers on both sides who cause all the trouble.

 

PBA president: Councilwoman Robertson race baited officers



ROBERTSON

In his first public appearance since becoming president of the Police Benevolent Association, Sgt. Tom Hoffman called on the Ethics Committee to investigate, and possibly remove, Councilwoman Anastasia Robertson, D-District 2, for trying to incite white police officers into becoming physical with a group of blacks.

Many residents were outraged by Robertson’s comments regarding the race riots in Ferguson Missouri, but that’s not why Hoffman was upset.

Hoffman relayed a story that happened on Aug. 30, at about 5 p.m.

He said officers on patrol first heard a disturbance – yelling and screaming and what not - in the area of Fifth Avenue and 101^st Street. When they pulled over to find out what was going on, one woman took off while one stayed. The woman who ran was white and the woman who stayed was black, he said, and she was upset “and could not calm down.”

As officers were learning from the woman she was having a domestic dispute with her female partner, a crowd began to gather and “became unruly towards them (the officers) with insinuations of racial bias because the young lady who stayed at the scene was black and the young lady who left was white.”

He said many of the bystanders had their cell phones out, and tried to “bait the officers into a physical confrontation.”

“Because of the professionalism of our officers they remained calm and inverted in a potentially dangerous situation,” he said.

He said one of the bystanders with their cell phones “in the face” of officers was Robertson.

“’This is why the black community doesn’t respect the police,’” he said she told one of the officers. “’You only go after black people.’”

“Councilwoman Robertson assisted and incited and encouraged public unrest and anti-police sentiment, all while not knowing all the facts of the case,” Hoffman said. “Councilwoman Robertson was unethical, unprofessional and acted in a manner detrimental to her position on the city council and to the residents of this city. You can’t talk about public safety and aid in public unrest.”

As Hoffman was finishing his speech, Robertson packed up her things and left the chamber – which was met with a mix of catcalls and applause from the audience.

“I have been a proud member of the Troy Police Department for almost 25 years,” Hoffman continued, “and I have never witnessed more disrespect towards the group of men and women who put their lives on the line every day for the members of this community.

Unlike Councilwoman Robertson, members of the Troy Police Department do not see black and white.”   

Earlier this week, many residents were upset with Robertson’s comments that included spelling America, “AmeriKKKa” and for stating that there is a concerted effort by whites to exterminate blacks.

She responded to critics prior to the public comment period of Thursday’s Council meeting.

“When I responded I was, like many other people, struggling, trying to understand what was happening in Ferguson and other situations throughout the country,” she said, adding the comments were made as an individual and not in her capacity as councilwoman. “I do recognize that my word choice was unfortunate and offensive to some of the citizens of Troy. That was not my intent to be offensive or alienate anyone.

“I am looking to create a more stable environment in a community where we can all live in peace together. I only want what’s best for the residents and the citizens of Troy.

It’s unclear if the Ethics Committee will investigate Hoffman’s claims. Earlier this year, the Ethics Committee opted not to look into a complaint about another Facebook post Robertson made urging residents to sue the city in light of the melee at Kokopellis and accusations of police brutality.   

 

 

Only in AmeriKKKa (WITH VIDEO)

Wow. After being all but invisible during her first nine months in office, Councilwoman Anastasia Robertson, D-District 2, certainly raised some eyebrows – and the tempers of more than a few – with her public comments about the riots in Ferguson Missouri.

Robertson's post on Facebook

“This is a deliberate action of force … the end means does (sic) in fact seem to be leading to rounding up and executing us as a people … Does America want to have a race war? Or are we baited for a systematic change in how blacks are dealt with in this country,” she said in an Aug. 19 post on Facebook.

In another post on the same day, she refers to this country as AmeriKKKa and goes on to say “at what point to we simply face the facts that AmeriKKKa has no love for the black nation.” Later in the same post she says: “Does AmeriKKKA want a race war??? What other message can be ascertained from the directives of militarization against our people irrespective of circumstance or statute, simply by virtue of being BLACK … we are hogs to the slaughter … I am saddened.”

The posts were first reported by The Mental Recession.

Wow.

Robertson's post on Facebook

And the scary part about it is she really believes there is a vast conspiracy by whites to “execute” blacks. At least Al Sharpton, and even Rev. Willie Bacote, promoted and then extorted the black/white divide to make a buck and satisfy some sort of weird messiah complex.

But to really believe there is a coordinated effort by whites to execute blacks is scary on the one hand and counterproductive on the other in that it just propagates the whole "I'm a victim" mindset.

Yes, there is racial profiling by some police departments (below is an interesting video on the topic and the idea of victimhood) and there are some who continue to violate the Civil Rights of black people. That doesn't mean all whites don't like all blacks. That is narrow minded and, quite frankly, offensive.

ROBERTSON

I’m not going to pretend to know what’s going on down in Ferguson and the racial tension Robertson was commenting on, but I do know that there isn’t any orchestrated efforts by whites to keep the black man down. If there is, nobody filled me in on it and last time I checked I was a white guy.

Wait, I just saw on the news AmeriKKKa elected a black president, so at least 50 plus 1 percent of the population must have been left out of the loop too.

That said, I’m sure there are some people who don’t like black people because they are black. Just like there are some people who don’t like Jews, Italians or Germans because of where their ancestors were born or their choice of God.

I don’t like people like that. That’s my opinion and my choice. It's AmeriKKKa and I have the freedom to like or not like what I want. Not liking is one thing, but there are laws in AmeriKKKa passed nearly five decades ago protecting everyone's rights.

Robertson is in also in AmeriKKKa - much to her obvious chagrin - so she too is entitled to her own opinion. It’s her choice. She is, though, an elected representative on the Troy City Council. Voters made that choice. And they will have that choice again about 14 months from now.  

The politics of Scolite

WILTSHIRE

Now that the dust is settling on what was a pretty dusty deal to sell the Scolite property to RJ Valente one thing is clear: Council President Rodney Wiltshire is setting himself up for a mayoral run.

True, the dynamics changed a bit since Wiltshire was one of six votes to move the deal out of committee two weeks ago, but if he wanted to play nice with Mayor Lou Rosamilia and the rest of the Democratic Party proper, he would have tabled it as the mayor wanted to do Thursday morning.

The dynamics I’m referring to, of course, are the FBI making inquiries and a strongly worded letter written by the attorney representing one of the bidders - a conglomerate of companies including Don Fane - not awarded the South Troy chunk of land which indicated a lawsuit was coming should the Council approve the deal.

WADE

But still, Wiltshire could have tabled the ordinance. Instead, in an email to his Council colleagues Thursday, he said he was pushing it to a vote and it ended up getting shot down by a 5-4 count. Wiltshire and Councilwoman Anastasia Robertson, D-District 2, changed their votes and Councilman Dean Bodnar, R-District 3, who was absent from the committee meeting also voted no.

Thursday morning saw a flurry of activity. First Rosamilia wanted to amend the ordinance to remove the licensing provision extended to Valente and convert it to a straight sale pending state approval. But, that would have needed six votes that obviously weren’t there. Then the mayor wanted it tabled, but since it was already on the agenda it was Wiltshire’s call and he refused. He really couldn't orchestrate the administration's unorganized efforts but he certainly took advantage of them.

KOPKA

It’s a pretty gutsy move by Wiltshire because he did make Rosamlia look bad - and weak - and he further alienated himself from the party and that includes Chairman Tom Wade.

If you remember, Wiltshire got the Independence Party line thanks to the GOP and he used that along with Working Families Party support to wrest the Council presidency away from Councilwoman Lynn Kopka, D-At Large, a party loyalist. True, Kopka came in third behind Erin Sullivan-Teta, but she too is loyal to the Dems. In other words he made no friends by playing footsie with the GOP and lost even more by butting heads with Rosamilia.  

Wiltshire has said he wants to run for mayor but won’t primary Rosamilia should the mayor opt to run again. I don’t think he will, and I don’t think the Dems will support Wiltshire. That means there could be a primary – the first for a major party line since the city changed to this form of government nearly 20 years ago – if Wiltshire continues down the path he’s started to clear.

ROSAMILIA

In fact, I’m told the last time there was a mayoral primary for a major party line was when Republican Neil Kelleher Sr. defeated Frank Pop in 1959 before the city changed from an elected strong mayor form of government to an appointed city manager. It changed back for the election of 1995. Pop, by the way, was the party’s choice and Kelleher went on to win the general election.

I’ve been trying to get in touch with Vegas to get some odds on potential mayoral candidates and hopefully they get back to me sometime over the weekend. When they do, I will post.

Councilwoman calls for class action lawsuit against the city she represents

I’ve seen officials accuse other officials of “working against the city’s best interest” before but it was usually from a mayor trying to stifle a member of the Council for one reason of another.

But, what newly elected Councilwoman Anastasia Robertson, D-District 2, posted on Facebook is beyond any measure of petty political bickering.

She wrote: “Power in CLASS ACTION SUITS.....victims can band together and file in the federal courts.....POWER in CLASS ACTIONS SUITS......”

ROBERTSON

Her post was in response to one started by Rev. Willie Bacote, presumably addressing comments made by Tina Urzan during Wednesday’s Public Safety Committee meeting where the proprietor of Olde Judge Mansion said racism didn’t exist in Troy until Bacote showed up.

Bacote wrote:

“Racism did not exist until I got here?

INTERLOPER ?

Tactics of the devil, We The Troy African American Pastoral Alliance are now more United than ever before because you attack one, you attacked Us All!!
Pastor Willie is not the Problem In Troy, NY”

I suppose his post could also be in response to Police Benevolent Association President Bob Fitzgerald, who on Wednesday called on Bacote to resign from the alliance.

Either way, urging alleged victims of police brutality to ban together and sue the city she was elected to serve – and swore an oath reflecting as much – is just beyond the grasp of any rational person.

If Robertson, who is black, believes racism exists within the TPD, there are ways to go about trying to fix it without urging the alleged victims to sue the city for what could be millions of dollars.

First, she can help find out what actually happened. Yes, the videos show a disturbing scene where officers enter the establishment when everyone seemed to be leaving in an orderly fashion. Then all hell breaks loose when they attempt to arrest Rashwon Donley. The officer clearly hit Donley with a nightstick while others were restraining him. Police claim Donley hit the officer first and force was justified.

Police also released video of the scene outside the bar and it did look pretty crazy. In the end five people were arrested and eight officers were injured, six needing hospital care. But, while Bacote and others claim police inflamed the situation, police say the situation was already an inferno.

I don’t know. I wasn’t there. I’m not sure if Robertson was there or not.

The only way to find out to the satisfaction of everyone involved is to have an outside entity examine the videos frame by frame and find and talk to some people actually involved in the ruckus.

Until that happens, Robertson would better serve her district and the by doing about anything but advocating for class action lawsuit.

I’m not saying she should just roll with everything that is going on by any stretch. She was duly elected to not be a robot, but to speak her mind and take a stand on things. She is doing that and for that I give her credit. (Though, she did pass on chairing a committee, which is part of being on the Council and all eight of her colleagues accepted that responsibility.)

She would be wiser, however, to march with Bacote, speak against any injustices she sees or has seen, work with Police Chief John Tedesco to implement the structural changes he was talking about Wednesday night or maybe even get to know some of the cops she and others have already indicted for heinous crimes.

Or, since many of the crowd at Kokopellis on Jan. 25 were black and are, for right or wrong, probably leery of police, she could even facilitate bringing the two sides together so the minority voice is heard where it matters rather than through papers filed by attorneys looking for a third of the settlement.   

The Troy Council committee chair chess game

WILTSHIRE

As reported in the Times Union, the Troy Council has agreed on which members will serve as chair to which committees.

Generally, it’s not huge news, but the political intrigue behind the picks this year can’t be ignored. Ken Crowe, of the TU, did a pretty good job addressing it in a straight up news story but since I have the luxury of expressing opinion as well as reporting news, I will expound on Crowe’s astute observations.
For starters, two Republican councilmen were given committees to chair – Jim Gordon, R-District 1, who was elected in November, will chair the Law Committee and Dean Bodnar, R-District 3, who will enter his third term, will chair the Planning Committee.

KOPKA

Despite reports to the contrary, Gordon will not chair the high-profile Public Safety Committee. Rather, that will go to Bob Doherty, D-District 4, and with it comes the unenviable job of dealing with the Troy Police Department drama. And, despite Council President-elect Rodney Wiltshire’s pledge to not give Councilman Gary Galuski, D-District 6, a committee to chair, he now has two – the Parks and Recreation and Public Works Committees. Council President Lynn Kopka, who will be a straight up At Large representative come Jan. 1, will chair the Public Utilities Committee and not the Planning Committee as she wanted.

A few things stand out.

One giving two minority members their own committees to chair just does not happen and is indicative of the fractured majority caucus. Sure, it’s easy to hide true motives behind the guise of starting the New Year with a “bipartisan spirit” but I’ve been around long enough to know there is more to it.

And that is, quite simply, Wiltshire wants a couple things – a new city clerk and Councilman Ken Zalewski as pro temp - and is unsure he can get five Democratic votes so he needs the two Republicans.

Wiltshire wants to elevate Cheryl Christianson to clerk but the current city clerk, Karla Guererri, is Kopka’s girl. To replace her, Wiltshire needs five votes and since Christianson is Galuski’s sister in law he has to abstain so Wiltshire needs the two Republicans to ensure he has the votes. If it’s a four-four tie, which was a real possibility, Guererri would remain clerk until the tie is broken.

The same goes for pro temp. Galuski (picture left), in an email, said he was going for the job and could have gotten enough votes to put a monkey wrench in Wiltshire’s plans to give it to Zalewski but instead now has two committees to chair.

Another point worth mentioning is, as Crowe points out, Wiltshire and Galuski seemed to have buried the hatchet after a nasty email exchange last week where Galuski said he would vie for pro temp and Wiltshire said he would not be Galuski’s – or anyone else’s – “house nigger.” Nasty stuff, without a doubt, but this is Troy.  

Finally, by not giving Kopka the Planning Committee, Wiltshire sends a clear and distinct message to Kopka and by extension Rensselaer County Democratic Committee Chairman Tom Wade that he is the president, he has some juice and is not afraid to use it.

All in all, it’s pretty savvy chess moves on Wiltshire’s part, unless of course hard core Democrats start getting upset with him playing footsie with the GOP again like he did by accepting the Independence Party line earlier this year to ensure him the presidency. One such Dem is Wade (pictured right) and another is Kopka, and you can bet both are already starting the “treason” whisper campaign among the party faithful. Honestly, I can't say as I blame them.

To wrap up, according to the Times Union and not The Record, Councilwoman-elect Erin Sullivan-Teta, I-At Large, will chair the Human Resources Committee; Wiltshire by default will chair the Finance Committee, Zalewski will chair the Technology Committee and Councilwoman-elect Anastasia Robertson, D-District 2, opted not to accept a chairmanship at all, which is kind of odd but I can’t blame her for avoiding the fray.

The respective committees and the chairs will be formalized on Jan. 9 during the Council’s organizational meeting.

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