From Associated Press, via Yahoo News:

HARRISBURG, Pa. – U.S. Rep. John Murtha, an influential critic of the Iraq War whose congressional career was shadowed by questions about his ethics, died Monday. He was 77.

The Pennsylvania Democrat had been suffering complications from gallbladder surgery. He died at Virginia Hospital Center in Arlington, Va., spokesman Matthew Mazonkey said.

Another sad loss, of the worst kind, for the Democrats.

Rest in Peace, Congressman.

I meant to write about this a few days ago, but got distracted.  If the Democrats are serious about reversing what seems to be a negative national trend they need to ensure that Wall street doesn’t act above the rules - either the rule of law or the rule of common sense.

So, imagine the smile on my face when Andrew Cuomo charged Bank of America Chief Executive Ken Lewis and Chief Financial Officer Joseph Price a few days ago. (Via Washington Post)

New York Attorney General Andrew M. Cuomo filed fraud charges Thursday against Bank of America and two of its former top executives, alleging that they lied not only to investors but also to government officials who were orchestrating a massive bailout of the bank in the final months of 2008.

…

The lawsuit alleges that the deception was part of a successful effort to trick the officials into providing an additional infusion of bailout money.

I found this graph especially damning,

Bank of America first settled SEC allegations by agreeing to pay $33 million last summer. But a federal judge rejected the settlement, saying it left too many questions unanswered, punished the very shareholders who were injured and let top executives off the hook.

The SEC announced Thursday that the bank has now agreed to pay $150 million to settle the charges and make a host of changes in how the company is run. The agency said it would come up with a plan to ensure that the money goes to injured investors. A judge must still sign off on the agreement.

Quite the difference between 33 million and 150 million, huh?

FDL has a nice summary as well.

Go get ‘em Cuomo.

The duality of Republicanism in this country is just amazing.  It’s painfully present within our own county legislature.  Complain about the president’s stimulus plan as wasteful spending that is adding to our national debt at the same time complaining that we’re not getting enough of it.  It’s like the joke about the two little old ladies in the dining area of the nursing home, where they live. The first lady says, “Don’t you think the food here is terrible?” and the second lady says, “Yes, and such small portions!”

Counties received millions in Medicaid reimbursement funds through the federal stimulus package that was passed in February 2009, and they could be used for nearly any purpose.”Medicaid is such a burden on counties in New York state,” said Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks.

“It’s certainly welcome news.”

In Monroe County, however, the anticipated Medicaid funds won’t close even half of a projected deficit in 2011, thus leaving open the possibility of the sale of county assets.

The county is in line for $17.6 million next year; the deficit is projected to be about $46 million.

“One-shots aren’t out of the picture with $17 million,” said county Finance Director Scott Adair.

The $66 million in stimulus funds that Monroe County received bridged deficits in 2009 and 2010, but the imbalance between expenses and revenues remains, and is projected at $109 million when gaps from 2011 and 2012 are combined.

“It’s almost impossible to reduce that gap without mandate relief and structural reform in Albany,” Brooks said.

So, our deficit is Albany’s fault?  One wonders how much of the budget gap could be bridged by reining in our COMIDA program and actually collecting tax revenue from the companies who build here?  Albany is trying to shore up it’s Empire Zone program.  Maybe Monroe County needs to take a lesson from that.

I’m pleased the Saints won yesterday’s game and am more pleased that the game was entertaining. There is a lot of buzz about how the New Orleans Saints players  help the City of New Orleans in the long wake of Katrina.

Well, remember Anthony Hargrove?

See Anthony Hargrove was a Buffalo Bill before be was traded to the New Orleans Saints.  He had all kinds of issues in his career and in 2007 pushed a cop and was arrested in Rochester for disorderly conduct. Well, he was sentenced to 200 hours of community service and had to pay a $300 fine.   He was going to perform some local community service with the Boys and Girls club.

Well - no surprise, it didn’t happen. He skipped town, his lawyer petitioned the court that his service was performed in Florida and a local Judge accepted the argument.

Push a cop,  plead and perform community service on your own terms?  Sounds fair to me if you are a football player.  Can you imagine that happening to a “regular” person?

It just strikes me wrong.  That’s all -

From our very own David Cay, about whom we have posted before, comes this interview by Amy Goodman:

3:30: He talks about starving our public parks for money while we subsidize the “Big Four”.

4:20: He speaks to how a deficit of publicly sponsored  youth activities has led to an increase in urban and suburban gang membership.

5:40: Bush-Baby and the Texas Rangers, Eminent Domain, and our money in W’s pocket.

Hope you enjoyed the Super Bowl yesterday.  Apparently we’re all paying for it.

Well, this can’t be good.  A charity was set up, people paid in in belief that monies were going to assist the victims of Hurricane Katrina and it appears monies never got paid.  Oh, two NY politicians are involved - State Senator Malcolm Smith and  Rep. Gregory Meeks (NY-6) although I doubt they were in the day to day operations.  Still their names are on this.

Via NY Post

Devastated Hurricane Katrina survivors from New Orleans were left high and dry by a charity set up to help them by state Sen. Malcolm Smith and Rep. Gregory Meeks of Queens.

Only $1,392 of at least $31,000 raised to help Katrina families was paid, tax records show, and just about everybody involved with the charity — including the two Democratic pols — claim ignorance as to where the rest of the money went.

Meeks said in a statement that “the funds were utilized to help sustain displaced evacuees,” but refused to provide further detail. He said money was administered by an unidentified director and that “a committee of community representatives functioned as advisers to the fund.”

…

The Post reported last week that NOAH-F was under the auspices of a charity called New Direction Local Development Corp., based in Springfield Gardens, Queens, which was started with the help of Meeks and Smith.

The New Direction Web site says the mission of NOAH-F was to raise $270,000 for hurricane evacuees. Donations were directed to the offices of Meeks, Smith or Clark, whose photos still appeared on the site last week.

“NOAH-F plans to provide up to 30 families with full rent and utility payments for six months,” it says.

Last week Sarah complained about Rahm Emanuel’s use of the word “retarded”(f**king retarded, to be specific)for which I commended her.  She was right.

This week, she is wrong, because apparently it’s ok to use the “R” word if you are an overweight, right-wing, hate spewing talk show host.  Yep, you guessed it-it’s ok for Mt Rushmoran.  He was probably just being mavericky.

… On Chief-of-Staff Rahm Emanuel, she said his comments calling liberal groups “f-ing retards” was “indecent and insensitive” and cause for his dismissal.

But the former governor went to great and sometimes awkward lengths to insist that when conservative talk show host Rush Limbaugh used the same exact term to describe the same exact group, it was simply in the role of political humorist.

“They are kooks, so I agree with Rush Limbaugh,” she said, when read a quote of Limbaugh calling liberal groups “retards.” “Rush Limbaugh was using satire … . I didn’t hear Rush Limbaugh calling a group of people whom he did not agree with ‘f-ing retards,’ and we did know that Rahm Emanuel, as has been reported, did say that. There is a big difference there.”

Nope, he wasn’t being mavericky, he was just being all kooky, also, too.

Well - what’s up with this?  I suppose we have to wait until tomorrow.  Via Huffpo

UPDATE: Business Insider now reports that a Paterson official denies that the governor will resign. The same source also says that while a “New York Times story is in the works,” it will not run Monday.

*******

Just days after rumors of a Paterson scandal hit a fever pitch, new reports claim the New York Times will publish their bombshell story on Monday.

Writes Business Insider

We’ve now heard from a single source familiar with the goings on at the Governor’s office that the story will likely drop on Monday, and that the governor’s resignation will follow.

…

In the past few weeks Paterson has allegedly been spotted “nuzzling” and “neck-kissing” with a woman not his wife, as well as allegedly getting caught in a compromising situation by a state trooper. The latter accusation is reportedly the reason behind Paterson’s decision to ban state troopers from the Governor’s Mansion.

Welcome to another week that was on Rochesterturning.  It was groundhog week and it seems we’ve been here before as, lots of money spent on overtime, Local Dems get a black eye as Carmen Gumina switches parties,  Empire Zones are actually held accountable after they milk the taxpayers.  There was the DNC and OFA pushing for real health Care reform while funding Ben Nelson.  Finally, Karl Rove endorsed Harold Ford.

Deja Vu all over again.  let’s get started.

Local Scene

The City of Rochester spent $6.5 million dollars on police overtime last year.  WOW.

Who exactly is the boss?:  (Via Wham13) Lovely Warren works for Assemblyman David Gantt.  David Gantt is a supporter of mayoral control of the Rochester City Schools.  Lovely Warren is the President of City Council.  Conflict of interest?

De-zoned.  Remember the debate of the value of Empire Zones?  How various newspapers covered it?  Well, the state finally took action and locally, Wilmorite Corp loses a 3.1 million dollar tax break for a shopping mall because they failed to meet the job creation standard.  it isn’t like they have to retroactively pay anything, of course.

Some things don’t change:  (Via Wham13) The embarrassed, but not charged, GOP fundraiser Irene Matichyn, whose name appears all over the ROBUTRAD indictment, still collects a commission on monies she raised for the GOP.  She has been collecting since the local GOP severed ties with her.  Hum -

But the biggest story has to be former Democratic Legislator Carmen Gumina’s party switch to join the GOP caucus.  Maggie Brooks and the GOP get a former member of the Democratic caucus to endorse their fiscal ideas all the while watching egg drip off of the local Democratic leadership.   It appears, via the statements, that Democratic party chair Morelle and legislature minority leader Bronson were taken by surprise.   Remember this video of Carmen on the campaign trail?  Was this a precursor?  Nevertheless, we detail our thoughts on the winners and losers.

A view from the State

Gov Paterson floats a good idea - cut the number of state parole board members.  Will it get done?

Cutting to the bone?  (Via City News) Why are we cutting Department of Environmental Conservation 54 more slots on top of the 450 slots cut over the past 2 years?  Sorta makes environmental enforcement difficult doesn’t it.

The GOP forms a partisan Medicaid fraud committee.  How about just hiring more investigators?

A teabagger may run for governor.  Oh boy.

Meanwhile, AG Cuomo brings Espada’s problems to light much to the chagrin of Pedro Espada.

Federal level

Massa crushes opponent Reed in Fundraising.   There is an opportunity to vote for Massa in a contest on Progressive website FDL.  10K to the winner.

Don’t Ask Don’t Tell - now that it is on the front burner - We point out that change is difficult, but the sooner we start, the sooner we change.  Blacks in the same unit?  The unit got over it.  Women?  The unit got over it.  Gays?  The unit will get over it.

Quick Clicks

NYT Columnist Frank Rich says The State of the Union is Comatose

The irony of different strokes - Jersey Shore or Howard Zinn?

H1N1 and pigs flying to the money, or better said, because of it.

Ladkiddo says Sarah Palin is right this time with regards to Rahm Emmanuel.

Obama’s call for bipartisanship goes unheeded by Sen Shelby.  Big surprise.

Then there is this from the Corporations are people too department - except when they aren’t.

Wednesday Wingnuts covered commando journalist O’keefe, Rudy G and Reagan.

That’s it - see you next week…

Here is video of Gumina’s new conference - certainly worth the watch.  Well, I think Gumina’s switch makes perfect sense, except when it doesn’t  Here is the deal…

It makes sense because there is no power in the minority.   Let’s face it, the local Democratic minority, because of the established rules, simply can’t get anything done.   Only those in the majority are able to do what they want.

Where it doesn’t make sense is that Mr Gumina is now aligning himself with those who brought us the sound fiscal policies of Monroe County.  Yeah, that would include the FAIR plan.  something that Mr Gumina railed against in his running for election in the first place.  I suppose that also includes the huge budget gap that we are running out of one shot wonders to fill.

The question is, why switch at all?  The question to ask is, how many times in the past two years has Carmen Gumina voted with the Republicans?    I’m guessing not that many, so why the switch and the sudden proclamation that all is well in GOP land?  That doesn’t make sense to me.

Winners and losers:

Obviously the winners are the local GOP.  Maggie Brooks scores a huge propaganda victory.  What did she say again about the switch, it  “affirms the fiscal policies of her administration and the GOP caucus.”  Brilliant.  If you watch Gumina’s video he clearly says that Maggie and the Republican Majority have made protecting taxpayers their top priority.  Local GOP leader Reilich has to be looking good as well.  I actually agree with Philbrick over at Mustard street who said, regarding this coup, “A smart move for a capable and admired legislator, and another milestone in the success story of Chairman Bill Reilich’s leadership of the Monroe County Republican Party. “  Yeah a little GOP love fest going on there but in the end, Reilich not only maintained the GOP majority in November but expanded it in February.

Carmen Gumina is also a winner.  yes - one switches because something is in it for them, otherwise they could stay where they are and vote as they feel.  Perhaps there was dissension within local Democratic circles/leadership that Mr Gumina no longer has to deal with.  Maybe - but I do suspect Webster will be well taken care of in the future. I’m guessing that he will get electoral help as well.  Access to a war chest and ability to say he is part of the governance.

Losers are obvious -

Harry Bronson and the Democratic Minority.  Sorry Harry - you lost one of your caucus members.  I’d have to add Joe Morelle as well.  When this is coupled with the absolute failure of the local Democratic party to win control of an additional seat in the legislature, it does not bode well for his stewardship of the Democratic party.  I think MCDC has to relook at everything now - the strength of town committees, candidate recruitment and the all important message.

What do you think?

In case you are interested I received statements via email from both Chairman Morelle and Minority leader Bronson’s office.  One can surmise form both statements that they didn’t see this coming.  The statements follow.

Here is Monroe County Democratic Chairman Morelle statement

(Rochester, NY - February 6, 2010) - A statement from Chairman Joseph D. Morelle in response to County Legislator Carmen Gumina joining the Republican Caucus:

“I am obviously deeply disappointed in Mr. Gumina’s decision, and that he did not have the courtesy or courage to notify me in advance of today’s  announcement.

“While I may only speculate about his motivations, I find it extremely odd that an educator would join the party that attempted to illegally take millions of  dollars away from local school children in 2007.

“I also find it laughable that Mr. Gumina would claim that he has changed affilations on the basis of fiscal conservatism, when two years ago he campaigned against the current administration on the basis of its fiscal mismanagement. The fact is that were it not for federal stimulus funds, county government would be drowning in red ink.

“Clearly, the reason for Mr. Gumina’s change of heart lies elsewhere. He owes the citizens of Webster and of Monroe County a plausible explanation. I don’t  believe we have heard one so far.”

Minority Leader Bronson’s statement

Democrats: Gumina Needs to Answer to Community, Not GOP

Rochester, New York – February 6, 2010.  *Democrats in the Monroe County Legislature expressed obvious disappointment with the news that Carmen Gumina will join the Republican Caucus in the Legislature. However, Democrats added that because Gumina was elected as a Democrat, he will need to explain to his constituents why he voted against so many Republican proposals.

Democrat Leader Harry Bronson (D-Rochester) said, “Of course we are feeling more than a bit betrayed by Carm Gumina’s decision to abandon not only our caucus but his own constituents who elected him into office as a Democrat.  Carm Gumina needs to explain to his constituents why he has taken this action.  Frankly, it defies logic how a person who has dedicated his life to education, who had Republicans campaign against him regarding his performance in the field of education is now leaving the party that has championed services for children and education.”

The other day, Tom Degan commented on  one of our posts.  Attached to his comment was a link to his blog.  Jumping over there, I was pleasantly surprised and I would like to share his take of the SCOTUS ruling on free speech as it relates to corporations.  He questions weather they really are persons by asking:

Do corporations think?

Do corporations weep?

Do corporations fall in love?

Do corporations grieve when a loved one dies as a result of a lack of adequate health care?

Do corporations have loved ones?

Are corporations even capable of loving?

Do corporations sometimes lose sleep at night worrying about disease, violence, destruction, and the suffering of their fellow human beings?

Do corporations feel your pain?

Can a corporation run for public office?

Is a corporation capable of having a sense of humor? Is it capable of laughing at itself? (EXAMPLE: “So these two corporations walk into a bar….”)

If a corporation ever committed an unspeakable crime against the American people, could IT be sent to federal prison? (Note the operative word here: “It”)

Can a corporation register to vote?

We all know that corporations have made a shit-load of cash throughout our history by profiting on the unspeakable tragedy of war. But has a corporation ever given its life for its country?

Is a corporation capable of raising a child?

Does a corporation have a conscience? Does it feel remorse after it has done something really bad?

Just something to think about this Saturday evening as you’re getting ready to sit down in front of the news.  They go on, but I wanted to give you just a few to whet the appetite.

I’m also wondering if the reverse is true: Has anyone ever fallen in love with a corporation?

The Wilmorite Corporation will be loosing their 3.1 million/year tax  credit which they were receiving as part of the Empire Zone program, sponsored by state taxpayers.  The reason being, the jobs created did not measure up to program’s criteria.

ALBANY — The state’s beleaguered Empire Zone program continues to purge businesses that receive tax breaks without creating jobs, announcing this week that 93 companies are being removed.

Affected Rochester-area projects include The Mall at Greece Ridge, one of three regional malls owned by Wilmorite Management Group.

Thomas Wilmot, chairman of Wilmorite, said his company hadn’t received notice from the state about losing the tax credit, so he couldn’t comment on the issue. Wilmorite has been receiving a credit of about $3.1 million a year for The Mall at Greece Ridge — making it the largest of the 93 projects statewide losing Empire Zone status.

Not to worry, though, I haven’t heard anything about COMIDA pulling it’s support.  Wilmorite still has friends in high places in the county.  Somehow, I don’t think 3.1 mil is going to break them.

Yep, I’ve been told that Carmen Gumina will leave the Democratic Party and join the Monroe County Republicans @ 10am today.  Supposedly there is a press conference where such things are announced.

Unfortunately,  I’m on the road, so will get back to you.

Update:1  Well - I’m back on line -

First off, here how the  local news is covering it:

The D&C

“There are many reasons I have made this change, but they all go back to my single most important priority as an elected official: being the best possible representative for my constituents in the town of Webster,” Gumina said during a news conference at GOP headquarters on State Street. “A bright future for Webster depends on a county government that believes in fiscal conservatism and protecting taxpayers.”

City News

“This is a change I needed to make,” Gumina said. “I needed to make it to stay true to my core beliefs.”

County Executive Maggie Brooks said the switch affirms the fiscal policies of her administration and the GOP caucus. And Gumina, she said, will now have a stronger voice he can use on behalf of his constituents.

The Minority leaders office had this to say (via MPN)

“Of course we are feeling more than a bit betrayed by Carm Gumina’s decision to abandon not only our caucus but his own constituents who elected him into office as a Democrat,” said Minority Leader Harry Bronson, D-Rochester, Brighton, Henrietta.

I’ll have more in a follow-up post but this doesn’t bode well for the local Democrats.