No, I know it’s not an election year for the county legislature, but it’s always time to campaign and this plum is too perfectly ripe, not to pick.  From yesterday’s D&C:

Monroe County leads nation in property tax burden

This year, Monroe County’s No. 1. The Tax Foundation has found that Monroe County residents pay the highest property taxes across the country when compared to home value, second to none, based on 2009 census data.

That’s right, MONROE COUNTY leads the NATION.

Now, how does that happen under the watchful eye of Maggie “I won’t raise your taxes” Brooks and her Republican led legislature?

Hmmmm…

Monday, I attend a press conference at MCDC where I met Mary, Gustavo and Bill.

Mary Wilmot, as you probably know, is running to unseat Jim Alesi in New York’s 55th Senate District.

Gustavo Rivera is the gentleman who trounced New York Senator, Pedro Espada in the Democratic primary.

Bill Samuels is the founder of the New Roosevelt Initiative, whose mission he described as creating the BEST legislature in the country.  The New Roosevelt Initiative is a non-partisan organization, formed,

“to raise money  independent of the Democratic Party and Democratic Senate Campaign Committee to aid insurgent candidates who will reform Albany- the new Roosevelts.”

Remember when all this happened?

ALBANY—Tom Golisano is not concerned about whether, in his effort to build a “reform” coalition, he cut a deal with “a thief and a thug,” as a Senate Democratic spokesman called Golisano’s partners in yesterday’s coup.

In response to this episode in New York State politics, Bill Samuels targeted Espada and Rivera won his primary against Pedro Espada with the backing of the New Roosevelt Initiative.  Rivera came to Rochester to endorse Mary Wilmot  along with Samuels who is throwing the backing of NRI behind her, as well.

Mary, along with four other Democratic women Senate candidates (Robin Wilt, included)

“brushed aside the Democratic establishment to endorse Rivera in his primary fight against corrupt Senator and Majority Leader Pedro Espada.”

When questioned, why Robin Wilt is not receiving the backing from the NRI, Samuels responded that, although he is definitely no fan of Joe Robach and he admires Robin for taking him on and for standing up against the Democratic establishment with her support for Rivera, their resources are limited.

Just heard this on my local NPR station -

Crazy Carl fresh off his Conservative party nomination had a confrontation with a NY Post editor - Fred Dicker.  Frankly, a politician doesn’t need to tell a newspaper editor “I’ll take you out”.

At issue here is Crazy Carl accusing Fred Dicker of sending reporters to gather information about his daughter.  That would be his daughter from an extramarital affair 10 years ago.    Look, I don’t really care about that but in the same breath or the same day - Crazy Carl accused Andrew Cuomo of having an affair.  Capital Tonight has more -

Well, he is the Conservative Party nominee.

Bob Herbert, the NYT columnist had this piece up on Monday on the “teabaggers” beloved Carl (H/T DG via facebook).  If I were a bagger, I would be totally embarrassed.  This man has displayed poor judgment across the board.  Here’s a taste of Carl’s emails:

Example: A photo showing a group of black men trying to get out of the way of an airplane that is apparently moving across a field. The caption reads: “Run niggers, run.”

Example: A doctored photo of President and Mrs. Obama showing the president in a stereotypical pimp’s costume holding the hand of the first lady, who is dressed as a prostitute in a grotesquely revealing outfit.

Example: A video clip of a nude couple engaged in intercourse with the title: “Miss France [expletive].” Mr. Paladino characterized it as “a keeper.”

Example: An image showing a woman performing a sexual act on a horse.

It has been acknowledged by the slime, Caputo, who is Paladino’s campaign manager that this is not rumor, that these emails were, indeed sent by Paladino.

Read the whole article and then, email it to your favorite bagger.

Sick of the Political ads yet?  I think this one is pretty effective.  Especially with the backdrop of of the negative ads about Carl Paladino or the ones running from Tom Reed.  Have you seen this one and what do you think?

In the end it really is about “us”.

That is why he ran for Governor.

In case you haven’t heard - Rick Lazio has withdrawn from the Governors race.

There are only a couple of ways to get off the ballot if dying isn’t an option - being nominated as a judge is the one that doesn’t require moving out of state.  Well, to no one’s surprise - Rick Lazio dropped out of the race and the Conservative party is set to embrace the crap that Carl Paladino is spewing (Gee, maybe they should have nominated him in the first place) and put Carl on their ballot line.  Why didn’t the Conservative party nominate him in the first place?

I wonder if there were any interesting quotes from Conservative party members from which they will now have to back away.

I found this at the Sierra Atlantic Summer, 2010.  I thought it went a long way in explaining the politics of Hydrofracking:

worth 1,000 words...

Thank you empirewire.com-I get it now.

One more thing-

Check out the Wilt Campaign - letter re the WDKX mess and organizing a rally in front of the WDKX station on Saturday.

Here in Rochester, it is widely known that WDKX-FM(103.9), the locally-owned, minority-owned radio station whose call letters honor civil rights icons Frederick Douglass, Martin Luther King, Jr., and Malcolm X, has allowed my opponent to sit in as a guest on their Memory Lane radio show for years.

…

At this point, we believe we have exhausted all efforts to engage WDKX constructively. Faced with such passive opposition, some political candidates would quietly give up and try to get their message out in other ways. But if there is one thing I have learned in my advocacy for progressive causes over the years, it is this: you can’t afford to wait to be seated. Sometimes you have to take a seat at the table. How could the people of the 56th District expect me to fight for them, if I won’t even take a stand for myself?

Did anyone catch this recently?

WDKX airs a weekly radio show with Senator Joe Robach called Memory Lane.   Senator Robach’s opponent, Robin Wilt has asked for equal time on WDKX.  Saturday, there was a demonstration and press conference outside the WDKX station by the Wilt Campaign reinforcing the unfairness at WDKX.

The radio station’s position?  They have offered the Wilt campaign the opportunity to purchase advertising on the station but extra time because of Sen Robach’s show is off limits.

Remember way back when Hollywood actor then President Reagan was running for President either as a challenger or as President?  Yeah, the one in all those movies?  Well, during the campaign season, TV stations did not show his movies.  Why?  They would have to provide equal time to his opponents.

So, what is WDKX going to do?  Apparently nothing.

The D&C provided some coverage.

WDKX officials said they abide by the law. “As required by the Federal Communications Commission, WDKX offers Ms. Wilt equal access to the audience her opponent, New York State Senator Joseph Robach, currently receives at the same rate Sen. Robach pays.” No one could be reached at WDKX Friday evening to clarify whether Robach pays to be on Memory Lane or whether the station’s statement refers to political ads.

I think WDKX is missing the point.  Senator Joe Robach has a weekly radio show.  It is very gracious of WDKX to skirt the issue and offer paid time slots for advertising.  They are supposed to do that anyway.

Time should be found, in addition to any paid advertising the Wilt campaign wants to purchase on WDKX to make up for the Memory lane show (or take it down during the campaign).

Here is an idea - interview Robin Wilt on one of the shows.  Heck, sponsor a series of Robach/Wilt debates.

Sadly, I see WDKX taking a status quo path out of this and basically doing a whole lot of nothing.

My first thought was more comedy sketches coming to SNL but moving beyond humor - this is serious.

After 12 years, NYS judges haven’t had a pay raise.  12 years.  Apparently, NYS can provide funds for Empire Zones, baseball stadiums and all the rest, but not merit increases for judges. That is just wrong so, as a result, judges look elsewhere for supplemental income.  However,

What kind of second job will a judge do?  Hmmmm

• Walmart greeter?
• Landscaper?
• ebay reseller?
• something to do in the legal industry?

I’m guessing that something in the legal industry would be appropriate with key conflict of interest safeguards but how exactly is that done anyway?

Still, do we want our judges moonlighting?  Shouldn’t they be studying and improving their skills or resting up so they can clear their dockets?

One more thing - If you read this report.  You will see the different salaries, the increased workload, and how the number of judges has increased, albeit not at the same pace. You will also see that NY is ranked 48th in judicial compensation given the cost of living.  So, we have more work, less pay.

The only thing the judges generally have is some level of security.  Off shoring isn’t an option - yet.

Judges are supposed to operate outside the political sphere, yet are dependent on the political sphere for pay increases.  Seems a bit odd doesn’t it?

Sitting with the husband, who is home from work, sick today, discussing politics over a cup of coffee, we decided that a post about the spoiled American voter was in order.  The discussion about the Progressive Dems (me included) who are disappointed in Obama’s lack-luster performance.  Those of us who feel that we have been thrown under the bus in the administration’s (read Rahm Emanuel’s) quest for the ever illusive bi-partisanship have become disenchanted with the political process and have lost the “fire in the belly” that we once held upon the triumph of hope over despair as our candidate became the President of the United States.  We wanted change and we wanted it yesterday.

Now, I am far from an Obama apologist, but let’s look at the big picture.  And since, what is often the case happened again today and Tom Degan and I, apparently had the same thought at the same time, I will let Tom’s thoughtful rant speak the volumes that we need to acknowledge:

Americans are undergoing another case of the mass amnesia for which they’re justifiably famous. I suppose “amnesia” it too kind a term. So distracted are they by their technological toys and reality TV shows, they can’t be bothered to pay attention to the things that matter. That aloof and unknowable segment of the American electorate that describe themselves as “moderate” are telling pollster after amused pollster that they are unhappy with the way the Democrats have responded to the economic catastrophe that was visited upon this country two years ago. Their solution? Putting the people who are responsible for that catastrophe back in power. I’m not making this up.

Then there is the core of the Democratic vote, the so-called “base”. Like the half-witted six-year-old who didn’t receive the toy he wanted for Christmas, they’re in the process of having a blue-faced tantrum. Because they didn’t get all of that nice hope and change stuff that Barack Obama promised them two years ago, they’re just going to stay home and sulk on Election Day.

Now, let’s all just take a deep breath, shall we?

And, yes, I know, I’m one of those who said that a third party has to be created, but unfortunately I think the third party is the Tea-Party and I’m NOT there.

The Tea-Party, courtesy of Koch Industries, is not who I want running this country.  That means, that all of you out there who think that voting third party is going to make a difference, and maybe that will teach the government a thing or two, are going to allow the rest of us to suffer with the Carl Paladinos and Christine O’Donnells who are elected as a result of your protest vote, or your choice to stay home on election day.  In Degan’s words:

And to the base: What good will staying home on Election Day do? Is it your intent that the economy be sent even further into the hole just so you can make a stupid and worthless point? What possible sense does that make? I know! I know! Barack Obama has not turned out to be the liberal firebrand that we were all praying for when he was elected two years ago. The guy has been positively tepid in too many areas to count. I guess it was foolish - and maybe even racist - to assume that because he is black he would be a reliable progressive.

But we should not dismiss him as a total failure! He has quite a few accomplishments under his belt that he (and you) can look on with pride. By staying home on Election Day you are virtually guaranteeing that the extreme right wing will seize the moment in January, and that nothing will be accomplished to your benefit between then and 2013. They are already saying out in the open that they plan on doing to him what they did to Bill Clinton: They plan on persecuting him by opening up endless investigations and issuing countless subpoenas. As they did twelve years ago, they will paralyze the executive branch of our government. I don’t think we can afford to go through that again, do we? By staying home on Election Day you are also assuring that Obama will be a one-term president. Is that what you want? Think about it.

Staying home, or voting for the third party candidate, well, that’s just what the Baggers want you to do.

Let’s work for our favorite Democratic candidates and make sure they win.  This is our country that we are talking about.

Yesterday, it was my plan to get out in the garden and clean my house.  You know, open the windows and mop the floors, hang out laundry, dust- that kind of thing.  Really, I had meant to do my work, but the sky was golden with an Autumnal glow, so…

I took my mother and my sister and her friend on a ride through the Finger Lakes- from Honeoye To Keuka.  While riding through Naples, a pit stop was required and facilities were found at the Naples Hotel.  As I waited for the friend, I picked up some reading material in the sitting room, in front of the bar.  What I picked up was a flier from the Nature Conservancy, announcing a celebration of preservation.

We’ve talked before about the New York State land acquisition of Hemlock and Canadice Lakes when plans were being made to sell the lakes and surrounding land to the state.

I’m a big fan of this area and was excited to know that next weekend, I could attend this celebration in Hemlock where I can learn the story of Hemlock and Canadice Lakes and also enjoy activities like kayaking, birdwatching and wine tasting at Eagle Crest Viinyards.

Here’s a look at the itinerary:

Date:
Saturday, September 25, 2010

Time:
9:30 am - 2:30 pm

Overview:
The Central & Western New York Chapter will be celebrating the permanent protection of Hemlock and Canadice Lakes, the only undeveloped Finger Lakes.

Activities include mountain biking, hiking, canoeing, kayaking, birdwatching, wine-tasting and more!

Download the event brochure for more information about this event.

Registration/Fee:
$25 per person. Kids under 12 are free. See the brochure on how to register.

Location:
Hemlock Fair Grounds
Commercial Building
Fair Street
Hemlock, NY

Go Deeper:
Learn more about Hemlock and Canadice Lakes.

Maybe I’ll see you there?

Former high-ranking officials of New York State have banded together to condemn Carl Paladino for the scum that he is. (H/T to c2knox):

(WBEN/CBS)  Former Senator Al D’Amato, former Mayor Ed Koch and former State Comptroller Carl McCall issued an open letter to New Yorkers declaring Republican Carl Paladino unfit to be governor.

Michael Caputo, Paladino’s campaign manager, had this to say:

“You would expect that kind of rhetoric from pigs whose heads are being pulled from the trough.,” Caputo said.

Mmmm, nice.  Class act there, Mr Caputo.  Wonder if any of these gentleman will be finding a severed horse’s head in bed next to them within the next few days.

A passage from the letter to whet your appetite:

There’s a reason why even the chairmen of the Republican and Conservative parties disavowed Mr. Paladino’s candidacy, noting that he “stands in stark contrast to what the Republican party stands for,” that Paladino is a “dangerous candidate,” and that he “tries to appeal to the mean spiritedness” of people.

We have a commenter, or two out there who seem to think that Carl’s the right man for the job.  To them I say:

Really???

Vanity Fair has a great article about the O’Donnell and Paladino (?!??) wins last night.  About Paladino:

Yesterday’s primaries proved a stunning victory for the Tea Party—no, Democrats!—no, Tea Party? Notably, New York and Delaware saw the ascendency of anti-establishment, Tea Party–backed candidates Carl Paladino and Christine O’Donnell, respectively. Paladino, a wealthy Buffalo businessman who will now lose to attorney general Andrew Cuomo in the general election, characterized his opponent, former Congressman Rick Lazio, as an Albany insider. Most notably, he did this by using scented mass-mailings, delivering to his would-be constituents paper that smelled of rotten vegetables. Last night, they rewarded him handsomely for his efforts. And Paladino, if governor, will reward New York with original turns in policymaking—original turns like housing welfare recipients in prison and ordering them to take classes on hygiene. But the Paladino reforms are unlikely to see the light of day; Cuomo is expected to crush whomever is pitted against him this November. Indeed, that the attorney general’s opponent happens to be Paladino is fine with the Cuomo Camp. “Paladino flunks the threshold test of credibility and will drive many traditional Republican voters to Andrew; that’s the bottom line,” a Cuomo insider told the New York Post in August.

The rest goes on to talk about O’Donnell in Delaware.  This could all bode very well for the Democrats in the November election.  The more that the Sarah Palin endorsed candidates get the nod, the less likely the moderate Republicans and Independents are to vote for them.  I mean, the Democrats don’t look so good to them, but, at least they aren’t bat-shit crazy.

I wonder if I could coin the phrase, “Going guano”?

It does make good fertilizer

As the Great “Dumbing Down” continues, Merica gets another teabagging candidate in the form of  Christine O’Donnell:

WASHINGTON – Virtually unknown a month ago, Christine O’Donnell rode a surge of support from tea party activists to victory in Delaware’s Republican Senate primary Tuesday night, dealing yet another setback to the GOP establishment in a campaign season full of them. A second insurgent trailed narrowly in a long, late count for the GOP nomination in New Hampshire.

Makes me almost feel sorry for the Republicans, but as a wise Adirondacker used to say, “if you burn your own ass, you’re going to have to sit on the blister.”  And, my, what a size-able blister that is!  From HuffPo:

In the end, however, all the talk about the tactical acumen of Tea Party candidates and the political enthusiasm of conservatives voters seems likely to distract from the larger, more critical point. The Republican Party has thrown gradualism to the wind, adopting policies unlikely to appeal to moderate voters in hopes that a base-driven tidal wave and general distaste with Democrats will sweep them into power. The strategy was a gambit when conservative leaders began preaching it last year. Now, with the primary season over, it seems likely to pay off — but the pitfalls are even clearer.

“The Republican Party has a serious problem,’ said Celinda Lake, a prominent Democratic pollster. “The Tea Party is like nitroglycerin, and juggling it can blow yourself up.”