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

 

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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!

Council votes to issue subpoenas; Kopka grills Wiltshire

KOPKA

The City Council voted, by a count of 6-3, to allow President Rodney Wiltshire to issue subpoenas in the ongoing investigation into demolitions on King Street and at the King Fuels site and the administration’s oversight of the Code Department.

The ordinance was passed without discussion, but Councilwoman Lynn Kopka, D-At Large, asked some pointed questions of Wiltshire at the Finance Committee meeting prior to the regular meeting. She, along with Councilmembers Erin Sullivan-Teta, D-At Large and Gary Galuski, D-District 6, voted against the ordinance.

Kopka asked how much money it was costing – mainly for the stenographer to make a record of the five public hearings - and where the money was coming from since the Council budget is already “in the red.” Wiltshire said he didn’t know. And Kopka said “I can tell you it’s over $5,000.”

“Where is the funding to pay these bills?” Kopka asked.

“We’ll have to move some money from the general fund,” Wiltshire said.

WIlTSHIRE

“So you saying the Executive Branch will be transferring the money to our budget,” Kopka said with a hint of sarcasm, alluding to the expectation that Wiltshire will subpoena Mayor Lou Rosamilia, Deputy Mayor Pete Ryan and Corporation Council Ian Silverman.

“It’s our duty to perform the responsibility as a Council and performing these hearing is something that is our right and something the citizens deserve,” Wiltshire said. “You can’t put a cost on that.”

“In other words we don’t have the funds,” Kopka fired back.   

She later asked about other agencies that are looking into the demolition projects – like the FBI, the state Department of Labor, and Department of Environmental Conservation and the Environmental Protection Agency. Wiltshire wouldn’t verify any of them, but said there are other agencies taking a look.

ROSAMILIA

“Those outside agencies have far more experience … why is the city Council continuing our own investigation?” Kopka asked.

“Our investigation is for processes and procedures that occur within city government, which is within our purview,” Wiltshire said. “The investigations that the other agencies may or not be performing are criminal in nature. And we are not conducting criminal investigations.”

“Can you verify that they are conducting criminal investigations?” Kopka asked.

 “I will not verify that at this time,” Wiltshire answered.

“In July you told us met with the FBI, can you tell us details of that meeting?” Kopka asked.

“I can tell you it occurred,” Wiltshire said.

“What other state or federal agencies have you met with?” Kopka said.

“I’m not going to answer that,” Wiltshire said.

“And who initiated the meetings?” Kopka asked.

KING STREET DEMO

“The unverified agencies initiated them,” Wiltshire said before asking if anyone else had any questions.

A Sept. 18 deadline to issue the subpoenas was also approved, adding a week to the deadline in the initial ordinance that failed to pass at a special meeting because there were only five votes in favor. Since it was introduced the same night it needed six votes and Councilwoman Anastasia Robertson, D-District 2, was absent. She joined Wiltshire and Councilmembers Jim Gordon, R-District 1, Dean Bodnar, R-District 3, Bob Doherty, D-District 4 and Ken Zalewski, D-District 5.

It remains unclear when the Council will call the next hearing.

GARRETT

In previous hearings a number of city employees testified without having been issued a subpoena thanks to a deal Rosamilia struck with Wiltshire. They include Fire Chief Tom Garrett, Planning Commissioner Bill Dunne and his assistant Andrew Kreshick. Others who testified include Don Boyajian, the owner of the now demolished King Street property, officials from the companies who performed the demolition and former City Engineer Russ Reeves, who resigned amidst the controversy.

At issue is why the emergency demolition of the King Street buildings occurred while Reeves was on vacation, and why demolition crews failed to follow engineering instructions while they knocked buildings down there. Asbestos was not abated on King Street and the adjacent Bomber’s was allowed to remain open during the demo. Asbestos was also found scattered around the King Fuels site.

The Code Department came under fire when 51 Third St. was shuttered for not having a Certificate of Occupancy while the building was being used as a meeting place for people planning to protest allegations of police brutality during the Kokopellis melee. The building had been occupied for about a decade prior.  

 

 

Wiltshire doesn't get the votes to issue subpoenas

KOPKA

The Troy City Council failed to give President Rodney Wiltshire the authority to issue subpoenas because it only got five votes.

The ordinance was introduced Thursday, and as such needs a two-thirds majority to pass. But, Councilwoman Anastasia Robertson, D-District 2, was out of town and Councilmembers Lynne Kopka, D-At-Large, Erin Sullivan-Teta, D-At Large and Gary Galuski, D-District 6, voted no leaving the majority with just five votes.

If the ordinance was allowed to sit for seven days, it would only have needed five votes to pass. But, since it was introduced the same night as the special meeting called for just that purpose, according to the Charter, it needed six votes.

It did pass the Finance Committee meeting held prior to the special meeting by the same vote of 5-3, as did an amendment setting a Sept. 11 date for when the subpoenas had to be issued.

But at the special meeting, after it was declared passed by Wiltshire, Kopka pointed to a section of the charter that outlines the process for introducing and passing ordinances. Nobody, including the Democrats attorney, Joe Liccardi, had any choice but to agree with her since it is in black and white.

The five who voted in favor were Wiltshire and Councilmembers Jim Gordon, R-District 1, Dean Bodnar, R-District 3, Bob Doherty, D-District 4 and Ken Zalewski, D-District 5.

WIlTSHIRE

Sources close to the Wiltshire camp say the plan was to subpoena Mayor Lou Rosamilia, Deputy Mayor Pete Ryan and Corporation Counsel Ian Silverman in the Council’s ongoing probe or two controversial demolition projects and the administration’s oversight of the Code Department.

While Rosamilia did strike a deal with Wiltshire, and agreed to have members of his administration testify without subpoenas, he fell short of saying he would testify. The mayor is duly elected, and does represent a separate and distinct branch of government so whether or not the Council has the authority to compel him to testify is not clear.

Silverman is running in a three-way Democratic primary for two seats on the City Court bench. And many feel the timing of Wiltshire’s decision to re-start the hearings after more than a month of dormancy is to embarrass him before he faces incumbent Judge Chris Maier and attorney Keith Gorman.

The Council previously heard testimony from Fire Chief Tom Garrett, who ordered the buildings on King Street demolished by emergency decree while City Engineer Russ Reeves was on vacation. Reeves, who has since resigned, also testified as did Planning Commissioner Bill Dunne. Others, either employed by the city or who have or had a stake in the projects, also gave sworn testimony.

ROSAMIlIA

The FBI, the federal Environmental Protection Agency and the state Department of Environmental Conservation and Health Department are also looking into the King Street demolition as well as one at the King Fuels site.

Code Enforcement came under the gun after 51 Third St. was shuttered for lack of a Certificate of Occupancy. The building, which was occupied for about a decade, was being used as a staging ground for people planning to march in protest of alleged police brutality at Kokopellis night club.   

It’s unclear what Wiltshire will do. As it stands the earliest he could call another meeting is a week from Thursday, but Robertson is due back from vacation early next week so he could call another special meeting provided he gives each Council member 24 hours notice.

Council to vote on issuing subpoenas

WILTSHIRE

The city Council will hold a special meeting tomorrow night for the sole purpose of voting to give President Rodney Wiltshire the power to issue subpoenas in the ongoing investigation of two demolition projects and other actions by the administration.
According to sources, three people are in line to get subpoenas, Mayor Lou Rosamilia, Deputy Mayor Pete Ryan and Corporation Counsel Ian Silverman.

“Ordinance authorizing the city council president to issue legislative subpoenas to conduct the continuing investigation of city conduct and processes concerning the following: Demolition in and around the King Fuels site, demolition in and around the King Street site and oversight and direction of the Code Department,” is the lone item on the agenda.

ROSAMILIA

Previously, Rosamilia agreed to have members of his administration testify in front of the Council without a subpoena. Planning Commissioner Bill Dunne, Fire Chief Tom Garrett and others did answer questions regarding the three areas mentioned above.

But, while the Charter does give the Council power to conduct hearings and compel testimony from anyone working in city government - as well as get documents via a subpoena - the mayor is an elected official and as such represents a distinct and separate branch of government.

Also, Silverman is the city’s attorney answerable to the mayor so he could invoke the sacrosanct attorney/client privilege if he is called to testify. On the other hand, technically, he also works for the Council so, he could answer questions by virtue of the fact his boss is telling him to.

RYAN

According to the charter, anyone who fails to answer a subpoena and refuses to testify is guilty of a misdemeanor and can be punished with up to $1,000 fine and a year in jail. But the legal quandaries involving the mayor and corporation counsel have not been tested since this is only the second time in 36 years the Council has invoked its investigatory powers.

In addition to the Council investigation, the federal Environmental Protection Agency, the state Department of Environmental Conservation, the state Health Department and the FBI have also made inquiries about the demolition projects.

GARRETT

Last month, the two investigators from the EPA paid a visit to the home of former City Engineer Russ Reeves asking about the demolition projects. He and his assistant in his newly formed private practice, Barbara Tozzi, who retired from the city shortly after Reeves resigned, also answered questions from FBI investigators.

The buildings on King Street, which are owned by attorney Don Boyajian, were knocked down at the direction of Garrett – who deemed it an emergency - while Reeves was on vacation. Reeves, during his own testimony in front of the Council, said Boyajian previously asked the city could declare them a hazard and knock them down in the interest of public safety but was denied.

The wrecking ball swung prior to any asbestos abatement and while Bombers Burrito Bar, located next door, remained open.

Reeves also said the demolition at the King Fuels site was shut down because construction activity came dangerously close to a natural gas main and because the demolition crew ignored engineering opinions while knocking down buildings. Later, asbestos was discovered littering the site.

REEVES

During the previous hearings, the city’s decision to shut down 51 Third St. also came under fire. The building is owned by Igor Vamos, a professor at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and a member of the YES Men. It was used as a gathering place for people who were set to march in protest of alleged police brutality in the wake of the Kokopellis melee. There were questions as to who ordered the Code Department to shutter the building when it had been occupied for years.

The special meeting is slated for 7 p.m. in City Hall. More information as it becomes available.    

 

 

EXCLUSIVE: EPA, DEC investigators met with former city engineer

REEVES

Representatives from the criminal investigation units of the federal Environmental Protection Agency and the state Department of Environmental Conservation visited with former City Engineer Russ Reeves earlier this week.

Barbara Tozzi, who was Reeves assistant in City Hall before he resigned and she retired, was also present. She now works for Reeves in his private engineering practice.

The focus of the nearly three-hour meeting was controversial demolition projects at the King Fuels site and on King Street.

Sources said the two investigators inquired about who paid for what, but were more concerned with the procedures that were followed - or not followed. Sources said both investigators showed up at Reeves house armed and wearing badges.  

KING STREET DEMO

The names discussed with Reeves and their activities regarding both projects, according to sources, were Mayor Lou Rosamilia, Deputy Mayor Pete Ryan, Corporation Counsel Ian Silverman, Planning Department Commissioner Bill Dunne, attorney Don Boyajian, who owns the King Street buildings, Fire Chief Tom Garrett and others.

It's unclear where the investigation is headed but sources said the two agents were "well versed" on the two projects and already had a firm grip on what transpired.   

When contacted, Reeves said he could not comment.

According to the Times Union, the city Council turned over transcripts from its investigation to the EPA. Reeves was previously questioned by the FBI and sources say the three agencies are now working together in a joint federal/state effort to uncover what actually transpired in the Collar City.  At a hearing in front of the city Council in its ongoing investigation into the demolition projects, Reeves said Boyajian had come to the city looking for permission to take the buildings down by emergency decree. He was denied under the administration of then Mayor Harry Tutunjian.

Late last summer, Reeves went on vacation and the buildings were condemned by Fire Chief Tom Garrett and taken down. There was no asbestos abatement done and the building next door occupied by Bombers was allowed to remain open and patrons were seen walking in and out while the wrecking ball swung.

Buildings at the King Fuels site were taken down without following the recommendations of a licensed engineer. In addition, there are questions about improperly demolishing the buildings without conducting asbestos abatement.

The project was temporarily shut down when crews came dangerously close to a gas main that runs through the site.

Below is a video depicting the demolition of a building at the King Fuels site. It's relevant to the investigation and just too funny not to post again. Warning: it contains graphic language.

 

Good move by Mayor Lou; ball is in Wiltshire's court

ROSAMIlIA

Mayor Lou Rosamilia put the ball back in Council President Rodney Wiltshire’s court by saying any member of his administration will voluntarily testify so there is no need for the Council to issue subpoenas.

It was a good move by Roasmilia. He avoids looking like he was fighting the inquiry – as opposed to when he vetoed the ordinance allowing the Council to issue subpoenas – and rather makes it look like he and his administration are being nothing but open and transparent and willing to cooperate with the process.

WILTSHIRE

Plus, and perhaps more importantly in the grand scheme of things, by hearing from the players directly involved in the demolition on King Street and on the King Fuels site, we are all closer to knowing who did what and why. Rosamilia - whether he knows or not or whether or not he wants to know or not - can say he and his have nothing to hide and if something untoward is revealed he can claim ignorance and be just as shocked and surprised as anyone else. Even Wiltshire, while on Talk1300, said he thinks Rosamilia was not aware of what actually transpired prior to the demolitions.

In other words, look for someone to be the “fall guy.” But the thing with “fall guys,” is sometimes they are the ones responsible and should be held accountable.

Anyway, some say the agreement waters down the investigation because as Wilford Brimley said in Absence of Malice: “Wonderful thing a subpenee.”

GARRETT

With a subpoena, the testimony is automatically under oath and the Council can also demand to see records like contracts, emails and other exchanges related to the two demolition projects.

Wiltshire can still put those giving testimony under oath, can still demand the related documents and proceed as if he were issuing subpoenas but he really had no choice but to accept Rosamilia’s fig leaf. If he didn’t, he ran the risk of appearing to politicize the process and so far he has kept the inquiry above the fray – which is no easy task in a city like Troy.  

In the end, Rosamilia had nothing to lose by offering up members of his administration. If he didn’t Wiltshire would have just overrode the vetoes, issued the subpoenas and they would be forced to testify anyway. Let’s see if they are under oath and if the Council also has access to all the relevant documents and communications.

  According to the Times Union, the eight who will testify are:

RYAN

Fire Chief Tom Garrett, who ordered the demolition of the King Street buildings, a row of buildings owned by attorney Don Boyajian, Bill Dunne, the planning commissioner who is at the center of the King Fuels demolition, his assistant Andrew Kreshik, Dave Sheeran, a code enforcement officer, Andrew Peterson, an employee in the planning department, Corporation Counsel Ian Silverman, Mike Hayner, who is heading up the Department of Public Works and Deputy Mayor Pete Ryan.

Obviously Rosamilia has no control over those who probably have something to offer but are not employed by the city. They include Boyajian, J.R. Casale, the proprietor of Bomber’s and a representative from Ditano and Sons.   

This will be the third hearing held by the Council. The first featured former City Engineer Russ Reees and his assistant Barbara Tozzi. Both of whom have since left city employment. During the second, the Council heard testimony from four individuals who do not work for the city.  

Council should remember to KISS

WIlTSHIRE

The Council is making this a whole lot more complicated than it has to be.

According to the Times Union, Mayor Lou Rosamilia vetoed an ordinance authorizing the Council to issue subpoenas in its ongoing investigation into two controversial demolition projects and other things.

For starters, I don’t get why the Council sent the legislation to Rosamilia for his approval. The Charter clearly gives the Council the authority to conduct an investigation into any city activity and/or department. The mayor has no say in the matter because the Council is a separate and distinct branch of government with rights and duties exclusive to that branch.

It would be similar to the mayor vetoing the Council’s pick for City Clerk. He can’t. It’s a Council appointment.

That said, if he did have the authority to veto, it’s pretty apparent he has a valid reason. The process the Council approved to issue individuals subpoenas is either do it at a public meeting by majority vote or by five member signing a document.

ROSAMILA

The first makes perfect sense and is the process that should be followed. I’ve never heard of the second and nobody I talked to has either.  

It’s unclear why Wiltshire doesn’t just ask each member of the Council who they want to question, put it all on a big list and then pass the entire list. It doesn’t mean everyone on the list has to get called to testify but that is by far the simplest way to go about it and one that has the best chance of withstanding any legal challenge.

Then again, Rosamilia said subpoenas are not necessary should the Council want to question anyone in his administration. If that’s the case, why issue the veto? Obvious employees include Bill Dunne, commissioner of planning, his assistant, Andrew Kreshick, Fire Chief Tom Garrett and Deputy Mayor Pete Ryan.

I’m a big fan of the acronym KISS, or Keep It Simple Stupid. And that’s from a guy who can complicate tying a shoe – even if it comes with Velcro. Wiltshire and some of his colleagues on the Council have thus far done an admirable job in trying to find out what happened at demolitions on King Street and at the King Fuels site.

The first two hearings went off without a hitch and some good information was gathered. Now, though, it's getting down to the bottom of things and while the Council conducts its investigation there are no less than three federal agencies and a state agency looking into things too.

There might not be any easy answers to the questions, but it doesn’t mean the process has to get bogged down.

Just remember: KISS.

Council to vote on issuing subpoenas tonight

At a special meeting tonight, the city Council will vote on whether or not to issue subpoenas for its ongoing investigation of controversial demolition projects in the city.

According to the notice, the Council will hold a special Finance Committee meeting and then a special meeting of the Council to “discuss and act on an ordinance to issue subpeona’s (sic) for the Council’s investigations.”

The Finance Committee will meet first following the 6 p.m. hearing tonight where four people will answer questions from the Council and the special meeting will convene shortly thereafter.

There are no names associated with the legal notice and it’s unclear if any names will appear on the actual ordinance the Council will vote on tonight.

Obvious names include Fire Chief Tom Garrett, Planning Commissioner Bill Dunne, Deputy Mayor Pete Ryan, Assistant Planner Andrew Kreshik and possibly Mayor Lou Rosamilia.

It’s unclear how the Council will vote but I’m hearing it won’t be unanimous.

The special meetings follow last week’s hearing that included testimony from former City Engineer Russ Reeves - who resigned amid the King Street demolition and demolition project at King Fuels in South Troy – and his assistant Barbara Tozzi, who submitted her retirement papers earlier this week.

Tonight, the Council will hear from four people: Mike Cristo, who owns the company that demolished the King Street buildings; Flora Carr, who was the point person for Bethel Baptist Church when it wanted to buy land behind Bomber’s Burrito Bar on King Street; Jack Haley, an engineer who was initially called to inspect the common wall between Bomber’s and the buildings that were demolished but was called off at the last minute; and Ryan Preston, who was described to me as an engineer working for the Troy Local Development Corp.

Those four witnesses are testifying of their own volition and were not issued subpoenas. 

The FBI is investigating the King Street demolition as well as the proposed and squashed sale of the Scolite property and the installation of sidewalks in North Central. The King Fuels demolition was shut down while state and federal agencies investigate the discovery of asbestos at the site.