And the Nominees Are

Well, it’s time for the North Greenbush version of the Oscars where leaks begin flowing out of town hall operatives maneuvering to stop one candidate or another from getting an appointment that infuriates the delicate balance of power that occurs when the two major political parties attempt to sleep together in the same bed.

We have to admit that some of the potential appointments which follow did more than confirm our earlier predictions that this new political marriage of the Evers-Casey Republicans and the Spain-Connolly Democrats has those opposing the Evers slate of 2005 under his new bed sheets. That fact was first evidenced by the presence of Lou Desso as Evers new running mate in 2007 after Democratic endorsed candidates defeated Desso and running mates Robert Ashe and Joe Styczynski.

Now Evers, the developer's Supervisor, is openly aligned with Desso, now a councilman-elect and apparently in favor of appointing Joe Styczynski, the other defeated GOP candidate from 2005 on the Town Planning Board.That will certainly stick a wicket in Katie Connolly’s disposition as no one, but no one, did more to destroy Katie Connolly in 2005 than then Councilman Joe Styczynski who regularly chided her at Town Board meetings and was involved behind the scenes in efforts to get the goods on the town clerk. He was especially effective at making the case to remove her from office after records obtained from her “locked” records room, showed she failed to sign the oath book for the term she was serving thereby vacating her office. Joe was also the point man in trying to keep the town clerk’s role at Board meetings confined to taking minutes rather than becoming so vocal that he began to refer to her as a “sixth board member”.

Joe Stycznski

In any event, Joe is on the top of the list now to be appointed to the Planning Board where his presence is sure to expose Evers as a tool of the development community. Again, its just bad policy to appoint anyone to a planning board who works for a company that profits from development, be it selling concrete or services used by developers. Styczynski, last we knew, works for BBL, a major contractor, which could profit from development decisions of a Planning Board. Imagine, Lou Desso and Joe Styczynski, defeated by the Evers slate in 2005, now elected or appointed by this new board majority. Let’s not forget that this is the same Joe Styczynski who voted to appoint Linda Mandell Clemente and Jim Reid to the Planning Board as a parting gift to Evers and company in 2005. Even Jeff Spain ought to figure this one out and start complaining for this is the last guy a real Democrat would support after “winning” an election for Republicans! This is almost as good as re-appointing Clemente to the Planning Board and will have the same effect politically. As a side note, if you missed the Board meeting Wednesday night, Joe was lavishing praise on Bill Madsen as if he could taste his pending appointment.

Then how about Town Attorney? Our sources say former Town Attorney William Fox and IDA Attorney Matthew Hug are on the short list of those being considered for the top job after political attorney Josh Ehrlich lost support. The situation has not set well with GOP Chair Jack Casey who forwarded the name of a GOP Troy City Councilman, Hank Bauer who briefly toyed with running for District Attorney after his removal from the bench as Troy City Court Judge. Casey was also turned down on a request to place assistant DA Joe Ahern on the town payroll.

On the short list for Special Districts attorney is a stunning surprise with John Hicks, the former Corporation Council in Rensselaer. These are the folks suing the town to annex our land. Great choice boys! Hicks had the same conflict when he worked in Troy's Corporation Council Office while also serving in Rensselaer's legal office. Remember Rensselaer owed Troy a million bucks for water and somehow Troy never sued? Wonder why?

Our sources also say that Evers wants the job Alan Michaels has had for the past two years Chairing the town IDA and that Jim Flannigan will play second fiddle to Evers in the new IDA which will include newcomer Joe Casale, an RPI student and Mark Streb who was appointed to the IDA by this town board majority. (He's probably a relative to our WD 14 contractor, hey?)

For Zoning Board, we hear an ally of Bill Madsen, who is Germano's new choice for Planning Board Chairman, has the nod for a seat on this board. The ZBA appointment will go to Joseph Mazoway. Joe is also a bowling partner of Madsen which of course enhances his qualifications.

William C. Madsen Felix J. Germano

Also, there is going to be a new Comptroller and the big surprise is that another Republican connected employee has the juice with her husband in the early lead to replace Leah Valente who despite her performance, has been informed of her status. Sean Kirwin, spouse of Janice Kirwin is Evers choice for Comptroller. We hear it will be a part time position which will see a shift in one of the current clerks in the Building Department heading to Comptroller's Office as a Deputy Comptroller. At least we can be sure that Katie Connolly won’t be running the Comptroller’s Office in 2008 or be allowed to prepare another town budget.

Legal Council for the Planning Board has two names in the mix. Charles Sarris and William Fox. No one has apparently committed. Also engineering firms in the mix are LaBerge, Clough Harbor and Frazier Associates.

Well, those are the early predictions. Get the Oscars shinned and ready for the Organizational Meeting in early January which Evers forgot to schedule at the last town board meeting. OOPS!

What, no job yet for Democratic Vice Chair Ed Cassino or Judy Wos? Better pay back the gang or else!

Another Town Board Meeting
A request was filed yesterday afternoon by two council members for a special meeting of the town board with the Supervisor's Office. Apparently no one was home yesterday at 3:15 when the request was brought to the town offices. The Supervisor's Office was closed for business as was the "over worked" Town Clerk's Office. Two people were wandering aimlessly in the hallway seeking a marriage liscense. We can't let love get in the way of of jobs now, can we?

Happy New Year North Greenbush.