In Case You Missed It…
Last week was a difficult one for those of us engaged in the political arena. To no one’s surprise life goes on. The Massa story continues to play out. But there were other stories. The mayoral control debate is heating up and there is posturing, poor decisions on projects like Medley Centre and the Rochester Soccer Stadium are coming back to bite tax payers.
Let’s start from the top.
Federal level
The dust is now covering the onlookers after last week’s implosion of Eric Massa: Last week in the ICYMI, I wrote (prior to appearances on his last radio show, Beck, King) that Massa helped push the conversation in Washington. Something, as a freshman Congressman, I suspect it is difficult to do. I still believe that and appreciate that in a politician.
Over the weekend, Massa supporters planned and scheduled Monday as Massa solidarity day suggesting that lawn signs be displayed. An innocent event showing appreciation for someone who spoke his mind that was overshadowed by the Massa’s Sunday radio show. A show I still haven’t found time to listen to but it wasn’t good. The major theme was that the Democratic leadership got rid of the feisty Congressman. Then Massa went on Glenn Beck and Larry King. Stories about Rahm wagging his, um, finger, at Massa over a vote, Massa bunking with staff members, there was a claim about emails, and stories from the Navy. Ugh. The stories never seemed to end. The appearances - made travel through the stages of grief difficult. In the end, as Ladkiddo wrote, time to remember what Massa brought to the district and to Congress. A story that is overshadowed by Massa’s nationally televised implosion.
Meanwhile looks like Tom Reed is locking up the GOP line as one by one Randy Kuhl, Jill come lately County Executive Maggie Brooks drop out of consideration.
The Dem line? Well, they still need a candidate. Shawn Hogan is out, as is Mike Green, David Koon,
Meanwhile, national Democratic Committees are going into debt.
Looking West from Albany
Who exactly is Richard Ravitich? A good read with links.
Local Scene
There were anti-Morelle robo calls - probably linked to his position in Mayoral Control.
Rochester City School graduation rates drop. Or do they? Again, it depends on what and how you measure.
ROBUTRAD - charges against Andy Moore were dismissed.
Looks like Scott Congel, Medley Centre developer wannabe is going to get away with not paying his obligations. No surprise here.
City News has a good article on the Rochester Soccer Stadium. The City and Sports Authority say no, yet Albany lawmakers say yes, and guess what? The stadium is in debt.
The Greece Police Chief is working to restore public trust - what exactly will it take?
Quick Clicks
Wingnuts continues - Terrorist lovers, Tom De Lay and some women singing in front of the White House (well a picture of the White House)
Save the Date: Howard Dean, March 25th - Geneva, NY
Terrorist trials - Military or Civilian courts? Civilian courts of course. What, exactly, are we afraid of?
RIP Granny D - @ 89, this women walked across the country to raise awareness for campaign finance reform. Upset about Massa or anyone else on the long list of politicians who disappoint? Well, look to Granny D as an example. In the the end, you have the be the change you want to see in the world (H/T Ghandi).
Related posts:
What about Nora Bredes for the 29th? Though she won’t make it through the southern tier, I suppose, and the district will probably be eliminated some time in the future after redistricting.