Carmen Gumina’s switch - my thoughts
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?
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Stlo:
You hit the mark with the losers except that you need to add of ua county residnets republicans democrats and independnets will be losers here .Unles of course you are one of the few republican cronies.
But really, no personal animosity intended, wither Morelle has to go or there has to be a real change in direction. Unfortunately I think the only change in direction our dem leadership will take is to move to the right . See Joe’s support of the Mayors plan as an example.
That is both strategically and morally wrong. So I thin if we are progressive we better push for real change here or either form a new party or take an extra parliamentary direction.
With regards to county residents - I agree as switching perpetuates the turn-off of politics and subsquent disengagement by voters. I mean in theory - Republicans and Democrats have platforms and the members of those parties and the elected officials subscribe to that platform (well, at least most of it). Now we have a respected community person who after two years of railing against the fiscal policies of the administration - in fact is elected because of it - joins the very folks who he railed against.
Sounds like politics not really standing for anything which again, turns off people and reinforces why they remain disengaged.
What do I think? It’s a bummer and a further indication of Democrats losing their grip across the country.