First the monthly meeting of the Saratoga Springs Housing
Authority was today. The corrective action plan for the Office of the State
Comptroller was not discussed in public. It is my understanding it is still in
draft form and was debated in Executive session. There have been three dangerous
fires in Jefferson Terrace in the last few weeks. The cause of one that the
SSFD labeled possibly electrical in nature is being disputed by Ed Spychalski,
director of the housing authority. He said “the fire took place in a newly
renovated unit. I believe the fire department was premature in its evaluation”
Regardless of its cause two families are homeless as there
are no vacancies to relocate them. That is a sad thing.
In other news, well placed sources tell me that Sister Charla
Commins has asked the Mayor not to be reappointed when her term is up in March.
A well know local women is said to be the early favorite for the spot. She is feisty
and outspoken and should be a good fit. Time will tell. Johanna Dushlek/Vice
Chairperson/Resident Commissioner, term is also up in March. This is an elected
position and she is being challenged by Rev Peter Barrios. Barrios was
instrumental into organizing the children’s Christmas Party in the Rec Center. I
will have much more on this election in the coming weeks.
In SPA city election news.
Three term Mayor Scott Johnson is said to be still undecided
about running for a fourth term. He has told city hall insiders that he will
make his intentions known within 45 days.
Popular Retired High School teacher Dave Patterson is
waiting in the wings to run if Johnson retires. Patterson was a very popular
teacher with students and parents alike. Many democrats also speak highly of
him. I hope that if Johnson runs Patterson might consider running for another
open office.
Joanne Dittes Yepsen, one of two Saratoga County supervisors
is the Democrats candidate for Mayor. Yepsen has been hitting up many people in
town for cash. Her last campaign filing shows three thousand in red ink. She
will need to raise some serious change. After her embarrassing loss to then Senator
Roy McDonald in 2010 the state democratic
committee is in no hurry to throw good money after bad.
That brings us to Billy McTygue and Anthony "Skip" Scirocco,
Commissioner of Public Work. McTygue after showing early interest in running against
"Skip" Scirocco is said to be stepping away to manage Yepsen’s
campaign. That will leave McTygue yelling and groaning from the peanut gallery
for another two years. Some Republicans are so disgusted by the city Dems
giving "Skip" Scirocco another free pass that they might primary him.
I’ll believe that when I see it.
Commissioner of
Finance Madigan so far has no opponent. Commissioner of Accounts John Franck
has at least one republican waiting in the wings to challenge him. Ken Ivins
has been quoted saying he is keeping his options open.
Commissioner of Public Safety Christian “ Toothy” Mathiesen is said to be “low
hanging fruit” Several republicans have expressed an interest in running
against him but Rick Wirth has the inside tract.I understand that this year with
Yepsen, out as one of two Saratoga
County supervisors both parties are looking to run someone. Peter Martin the
retired Wall Street attorney is said to be interested in the democratic nod. All
eyes will be on Eddie Miller, county chair of the independence party to see who
they endorse this year.
South Broadway alcohol, drug, mental health and future
methadone clinic one step closer to reality
The Clinic is on the
city's Planning Board Agenda for Wednesday at 7pm.
4. 13.008 135 South Broadway Redevelopment, 135 South
Broadway, special use permit for office, medical offices/clinics in the
Transect-5 District.
I plan to be there to speak publicly against it. Those of
you who wake up on one day and say “how the fuck did this happen” speak up now or shut the fuck
up later.
Finally I have a busy week. Tomorrow I will be doing another
Marcia White screws the public story. All across the city on the eve of White’s
“Dallas” gala, members of SPAC are opening up there 2013 benefit pacts to find
there shitty perks have been cut once again. Many members weren’t even aware
until AFTER they sent in the renewal money.
Sunday is my pound on the head fundraiser with a NXIVM
update with exclusive, until now unseen pictures inside a NXIVM center.
Monday night I follow the cruel and sadistic horse
abuser Ann Arnold in Moreau Town Court to see if “noballs” DA Murphy will do
anything about her.
Remember this is my fundraising week and I keep soldering on
Saratoga In Decline
We never Sleep
Because now the Spotlight paper is gone.
38 comments:
We have already lost a major business entity from serious consideration of opening an unit on South Broadway and any type of restaurant or fast food will never consider a move there. This could endanger safety of the public as described in the latest article in the Saratogian. There is no guarnatee that anyone can keep these people needing assistance on their meds. That could make them function in an abnormal way. This could endanger the public. This should all come up before Bpard. Can't attend but John you can carry this message to the Board. This will imperil any smart prospective business from moving to this area. A short term gai hopefully for the County will be a long term loss for the City. The only benefactor is the current owner and his business partners. This petition should be denied.
Once again, no mention of me as Mayor.
You just better hope I'm not your cabbie the next time you call for a ride, John Tighe.
This posting is more like a "Sound Off", but well done.
Most of us don't have the guts to stand up and speak in front of their peers, as you do. We honor you for your perseverence and fortitude.
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forget it and take up jogging
So JT I hope you don't seriously think Berrios is a REAL candidate for SSHA board. Now he is a Reverend. Last month a Pastor. Since he has no flock or no church and is illiterate(that's right he cannot read or write) I am certain he is NOT qualified. Not to mention a whole laundry list of reasons why he shouldn't be considered.
Thanks funny I've always found him to be intelligent and sincere.Sounds like someone is worried.
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The pay really sucks.
No worries here. Just cracks me up, that is all. Dishonest and delusional is closer to the truth. Let's just say Citizen Clancy is a better candidate and that is as sincere as it gets.
Those fires at the Terraces are under investigation and are both suspicious. One was called in as a stroller on fire in basement which eventually burned up the electrical. The other was from a suspect fleeing the scene by a witness that stated to authorities he had thrown something through the window. The first fire victim has been offered a place but has not excepted it as of yet. Another person has renters insurance and as of yet has no unit available to them. The first person is single so it is easier to house. The second needs a 3 bedroom which there are none available.
Tell us more about this Dave Patterson. I heard his name a few years back running for office. Haven't heard it since.
You ALMOST had me John. You had me thinking your fever had wracked your brain and left it like the little shreds and shards of the Mayor's beard trimmings. I asked myself HOW on EARTH you became so obsessed with your speculation on mayoral wannabes.
WHY were you so obsessed on Brent-as-Mayor when it was NEVER a possibility?
And now WHY are you obsessed on Yepsen-as-Mayor... even when she is miles beyond Broadway in the Kirsten-sphere?
And it dawned on me-
YOU are bedazzled by the insignificant Mayor of a quiet town because The Mayor has huffed and puffed himself into such a position of power, drama, and intrigue... ALL of it illusory--
The CourtWar over the Charter existed because HE made it so. The CourtWar over 66 Franklin exists because HE ordered all City Experts to back off and stay away from testimony. The CouncilWar over the "Plan" exists because HE swirled His cape and cast His spell. Those are just three simple examples of how Hizzoner has made Hizzoffice a place for theatrics.
We'll never know if Brent wanted to be Mayor under "his" new Charter... but I say it was a never-gonna'-happen.
Let's see about Supervisor Yepsen. The tale of money and McTygue has drawn you in...and it DOES make for good reading...
...but I think you've fallen under the spell of the long towering shadow of The Mayor standing in His backlit sea of tobacco smoke and mirrors.
THAT SAID...
you've picked two great battles on the great Southern Battlefields of SPAC and South B'way. Unlike the small muddy hole dug at Broadway and Lake, they are two REAL cesspools in need of attention, change and your tenacious focus.
And Citizen Clancy stays!
I would like to nominate my good friend Kyle for the board of SSHA. I would nominate Clancy but she is kind of busy.
Kyle - The corner of Broadway and Lake isn't a cesspool. According to the Saratogian this morning, they want a QUARTER OF MILLION DOLLARS more so that the Turds in the basement can float upstairs.
Joanne won't be elected Mayor. There just ain't enough time for her to get that many voters to "stuff her ballot box." But she's tryin', she's tryin'.
Kyle-Your hatred of the Mayor is well known. It is quite apparent you have been wrong on every issue since you have been commenting and that your warped mind which probably could utilize the new mental health clinic needs specialize care. Your support or lack of support effect no one but your self indulgent self. Go back to daddy's camp and stay there. The smoke and mirrors belong to the Democratic Committee and Commissioners and not where the Mayor who defines his points very clearly. They nay be hazy to you because the scotch is getting in the way.
Pastor Peter Berrios is quite intelligent and can read and write. I have witnessed this myself.I think soemone way be concerned that if he gets enough votes from the several concerned residents of Stinequest and the Terrace rises to the occasion he might just replace the current idealougue who holds that seat. I have always believed there should be one resident commissioner for the Terrace and one from Stonequest. Why should the Terrace not have their own representation??he is getting my vote and several other I know at Stonequest. The core group of 30 will soon lose their honeymoon.
Sir Kyle has been nominated..do I hear a second?
This Patterson may be an interesting choice. Is he a Republican or a democrat?
Johanna Dushlek thinks Eric Weller walks on water and is his biggest supporter. She was the only board member to attend his press conference to the state audit. She honestly believes that there are no problems at the Housing Authority, Ed is under paid and is doing a great job.
The only way to see any kind of change at the Housing Authority is to elect someone else who clearly sees the problems and is willing to make change.
Busy week John. Thanks for keeping up on so many issues, including the horse case.
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6:02-
I liked the Mayor just fine back when he was a normal fellow. I supported him on these blogs and was honored to be among his supporters in his hotel suite after his first two election victories... ask him. But something happened as he grew more comfortable with his power. He became imperious and aloof, antagonistic and confrontational. And for some, that's what you want to see in a mayor. In our polarized political world, I'm not afraid to keep an open mind. I've seen our mayor change and I think it is not for the better. I can only hope the small army that elected Mathiessen have been as honest to recognize that they were wrong. Keep an eye on that countdown clock... and don't be afraid to take a good look at our mayor's record.
Kyle york is one of the most decent man I know.Despite our political differences such as Brent Wilkes and Charter Change Kyle has been one of my loyal and consistent backers.
He has asked for nothing in return.That is a true sign of class.
I admit that Kyle isn't the only one but I have refused and even given back contributions from people who thought they could "buy me"
No one from mayor to his office, staff or family have ever given me a dime or even comped me a meal.
That is the way it should be.I have and will continue to call them the way I see them.
Weller has no use for audit reports. Weller has his own set of rules.
Ken Ivins would never run against John Franck for two reasons. The first is he could not win and the second they are very close and always share information for political reasons. Ken only worries about Ken. Look for a possible run for County Supervisor so he can rejoin his puppetmaster John Herrick.
Patterson would be a great candidate for Finance or possibly Accounts. He comes from the education field and would be more comfortable there. Not sure he could deal with this bunch of mudslingers. Think Finance may be the position. he has great budget knowwledge, has dealt with tough budgets and is a great people person. His background is far superior to Madigan.
Johnson. Wirth, Scrocco and Patterson would reflect a strong field for the Republicans assuming they get the job done supporting their candidates.
Kyle's dislike of the Mayor has everything to do with the Franklin Street House. It doesn't take a lawyer to see how fucked up the arguments have been by "city experts" and those that added fraud to their defense. No mayor wants to get behind that.
As for his loyalty, he has sucked up to many people till they disagree with him then its FY.
Franklin St. property pretty hard to demolish with a court order protecting it. This could go on for a long time. Maybe Kyle is unaware as he comes and goes and may not have been updated.Property should be demolished. Too many special interest groups in this city trying to show their muscle. Court orders, solar panels built over methane gas filled land and now windmills for the windbags.Where is the Audobon Society for the dead birds if windmills show up. Madiagn's solar program will result in noting but a headache. Who is responsible for maintenance?
JT - This may be coincidental but if my memory serves me correct when the Maple/Dell zoning was changed was not the zoning for South Broadway changed as well?Something smells here. If accurate who gains here. Something smells here other than the decision to expose the city to a possible clear and present danger.
Maple/Dell zoning change was brought forth by John Franck-- check council minutes
I didn't want to bring the issue to where 9:08 brought it but there are business connections involved possibly. In either case the decision is a poor one and I don't see any reason while the City should assist the County in overcoming their numerous poor business decisions when three years ago a request was turned down by the leaders of the Republican party for a County increase in sales tax whixh would have been more than enough to help the County overcome their problems. All counties except seven I believe are still under 8%. This was a no brainer if all cities and towns involved were in favor. There would have been no trade off from area to area. Simple solution to complex problems. That's all I can say.
Patterson for Accounts or Finance would be a big upgrade either way. Madigan's only experience was in Brotherhood Park in Watervliet. Frank is a loser who works out of his house now that West & Co. cut ties with him. His mishandling of the accounts dept. is probably why they booted him.
3:05 AM - That special interest group saved this city 30 years ago. Move to Mechanicville or Schylerville or Cohoes or anyplace that didn't create early zoning to protect lasting resources from demo. Every building down for a lot means higher taxes for you Bro.
If John franck is working from his home why were the dogs still in the office window on Thursday. That may not be accurate.
Funn thing Franck still owns the building that West & co. is in on Broadway. He isn't with them anymore but they have a lease on the space so he is stuck with them. Also his ex is married to E. Stewart Jones who also holds an office there. Strange. Sure is strange.
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