Hamburg Town Board Election 2007

[FJB]

What would be some of your issues you would like the candidates to discuss in the upcoming election? Here are a few of my ideas.:)

http://hamburgfirst.speakupwny.com/?p=33#more-33
http://hamburgfirst.speakupwny.com/?p=16#more-16

[bjw]

I just hope there are some strong republican candidates.

[bwilson]

What would be some of your issues you would like the candidates to discuss in the upcoming election? Here are a few of my ideas.:)

http://hamburgfirst.speakupwny.com/?p=33#more-33
http://hamburgfirst.speakupwny.com/?p=16#more-16


any body check out these ideas? gotta say I think they are rather unique.

FJB...are you still seeking the IP nod for council? I have heard speculation that the major parties have picked up on your platform and have had talks with you,,,any truth to that rumor?

[bwilson]

I just hope there are some strong republican candidates.


I hope there are some qualified, dedicated, service minded candidates. regardless of affiliation. BJW...it's your parochial mindset that has a straglehold on this area

[WNYresident]

any body check out these ideas? gotta say I think they are rather unique.

FJB...are you still seeking the IP nod for council? I have heard speculation that the major parties have picked up on your platform and have had talks with you,,,any truth to that rumor?

Not to sound rude but...

I don't believe he works....

Has he generated a resume that the IP would have reviewed?

He may be having some type of custody issue with with his ex wife which will take time and energy.

[bwilson]

Not to sound rude but...

I don't believe he works....

Has he generated a resume that the IP would have reviewed?

He may be having some type of custody issue with with his ex wife which will take time and energy.


I'm quite certain he has a rather extensive resume including work at the Erie County Water authority as well as the State Dept of corrections. I Think he's between jobs right now...that's why TB would be the perfect fit...he can dedicate all of his attention to Town matters!

[FJB]

I'm not running for anything this year people. I have had talks with some people to introduce some individuals that may run for the board. These people are associated with my side of the IP and some people from Primary Challenge. Things are in the works but I'm just a supporter and not a candidate. Did that clear things up?

[bwilson]

I'm not running for anything this year people. I have had talks with some people to introduce some individuals that may run for the board. These people are associated with my side of the IP and some people from Primary Challenge. Things are in the works but I'm just a supporter and not a candidate. Did that clear things up?


Crystal


Are you disclosing the identities of your slate yet? any thought son who might be good for TB...what do you think of the recent speculation of a Smith/Tresmond Ticket on the Dem side?

or a walters/smardz ticket for the repubs?

[FJB]

Crystal


Are you disclosing the identities of your slate yet? any thought son who might be good for TB...what do you think of the recent speculation of a Smith/Tresmond Ticket on the Dem side?

or a walters/smardz ticket for the repubs?
The Hamburg Sun ran a candidate slate lately. My candidates will not be made public for a little while. The RP isn't to happy I'm willing to force a primary but if they think they are going to give us candidates who aren't any better then the Dems then they are getting a primary. I am currently talking to two Dems to run a primary as well. My people will be able to pay for the campaign themselves and have extensive resumes. One will meet the PC board for and endorsement tomorrow night. By the way res you should be there. I think you are still considered part of the board.

Max is a good kid but he would drag the Dem ticket down. Smith's voting record of years of yes votes for tax increases will hurt him. Vince has given and gotten a lot of money lately. I think he is in the mix, I think you will see Best come out as well.

I'm told the Kesner's are on a witch hunt in the PD for whom ever is giving me and Walters info.

[bwilson]

I heard Best is out...o'Connel's in.

[bwilson]

The Hamburg Sun ran a candidate slate lately..


Is the Hamburg Sun running a slate of Candidates?!!

I know they financed Walters campaign...I didn't think they were that bold to actually run a slate of candidates WOW! Is the new ownership of the Sun aware of this?

[FJB]

Is the Hamburg Sun running a slate of Candidates?!!

I know they financed Walters campaign...I didn't think they were that bold to actually run a slate of candidates WOW! Is the new ownership of the Sun aware of this?
NO, NO, NO! They listed a slate of candidates who supposedly announced their running.

[bwilson]

I think you will see Best come out as well.



you really think so?

[bwilson]

NO, NO, NO! They listed a slate of candidates who supposedly announced their running.
Oh yeah I saw that article. I didn't think anybody anounced their candidacy.

Do you think they will give "grace periods" for payments for advertising to their favored candidates this year or will they apply their policies to all candidates? Do you think they will actually write checks to candidates this year?

I would definitely get your slate hooked up with the Sun ASAP FJB!

[FJB]

I think it's in the RP's best interest to have him on the ticket. He will definately win and will lend weight to who ever is running with him. My candidates will make O'Connell look like he is in the wrong arena. My guys have a resume that will turn heads and they have never been in politics before.

[bwilson]

I think it's in the RP's best interest to have him on the ticket. He will definately win and will lend weight to who ever is running with him. My candidates will make O'Connell look like he is in the wrong arena. My guys have a resume that will turn heads and they have never been in politics before.

Who will definitely win? Best? What's your problem with DannyO? You still hooked up with Smardz?

[FJB]

Best will win, I have no problem with Dan O. other than I don't think he is town board material. He hasn't made me think he will stand up and reduce the size of government, that could change, we will have to wait and see. I haven't even looked at Smardz. I want a town board who will cut spending 10% the first year and 25% within 4 years. I'm not so sure Dan is that guy and the Dems sure as hell won't do it. I don't know Dan real well, I met him a couple times but I have done some research to form my opinion. He is a nice guy but we need an ass hole to cut spending, someone who can look you in the eyes and say go find a new job.

[bwilson]

I'm not so sure Dan is that guy and the Dems sure as hell won't do it. .

Because they are DEMS they must be bad.....you are as bad as BJW when it comes to that parochial mindset

[bwilson]

but we need an ass hole to cut spending, someone who can look you in the eyes and say go find a new job.

I hear you might know a few people who have done just that.

[FJB]

Are you talking about Tom Smardz or his kid Kevin?

[bwilson]

The Hamburg Sun ran a candidate slate lately. My candidates will not be made public for a little while. The RP isn't to happy I'm willing to force a primary but if they think they are going to give us candidates who aren't any better then the Dems then they are getting a primary. I am currently talking to two Dems to run a primary as well. My people will be able to pay for the campaign themselves and have extensive resumes. One will meet the PC board for and endorsement tomorrow night. By the way res you should be there. I think you are still considered part of the board.

.

Alright Ford what happens if your Dems and your Repubs all win their primaries...who will you support then?

[FJB]

Because they are DEMS they must be bad.....you are as bad as BJW when it comes to that parochial mindset
Well lets just be honest here, if the Dem candidate comes from the committee then he has to protect union jobs. If he doesn't he might have a chance. Sorrentino will plow over anyone not on the committee and you know it.

[bwilson]

I'm told the Kesner's are on a witch hunt in the PD for whom ever is giving me and Walters info.

Bingo! Joan's pissed. She is on a head hunting mission within the PD. Stay tuned for more.


Is that your source???The other thread?

[FJB]

Alright Ford what happens if your Dems and your Repubs all win their primaries...who will you support then?
I'll just be playing in the race with Liegl at that point. My town support will go to the person who pledges to reduce the size of town goverment.

[bwilson]

Are you talking about Tom Smardz or his kid Kevin?


The one that is running for Hamburg TB

[FJB]

Is that your source???The other thread?
No but I made calls because of it. It was confirmed.

[bwilson]

I'll just be playing in the race with Liegl at that point. My town support will go to the person who pledges to reduce the size of town goverment.

I thought all of your candidates were going to reduce the size of government...or are you going to actually run candidates that want to increase the size of government?

[bwilson]

No but I made calls because of it. It was confirmed.

oh alright then

[FJB]

I thought all of your candidates were going to reduce the size of government...or are you going to actually run candidates that want to increase the size of government?
OK you have me confused. You asked what I would do if my candidates lost the primary and I gave you a response as to where my support would go. What am I missing here?

[bwilson]

OK you have me confused. You asked what I would do if my candidates lost the primary and I gave you a response as to where my support would go. What am I missing here?

no no no i asked you what you would do if all of your candidates won their primaries. Your two dems you are talking to would be matched up against the two repubs you are talking to about running...who do your suppor then?

[FJB]

OK my bad, it's getting late. If my guys win then they are on their own. I will applaud who ever wins.

[bwilson]

I'll just be playing in the race with Liegl at that point. My town support will go to the person who pledges to reduce the size of town goverment.

wha's liegl running for?

[FJB]

wha's liegl running for?
Still waiting on the RP EC exec selection committee to decide if Jim is their guy. If not he will take on Reynolds again for the 12th Leg seat.

[bwilson]

so what's your beef withg the Smardz's?

[FJB]

so what's your beef withg the Smardz's?
No beef, just don't know them. I didn't hear about it until you told me tonight. I know who they are but not enough to make any kind of decision.

[bwilson]

No beef, just don't know them. I didn't hear about it until you told me tonight. I know who they are but not enough to make any kind of decision.


you didn't know he was running?

[FJB]

you didn't know he was running?
nope, i've been busy putting my stuff together and haven't talked to Steve or Mark about the race in a month. I need to downtown tomorrow and get the updated committee list for the RP, DP and CP. Then I will have an idea who is who in this race. I really have been busy with my own stuff. Anyone else I should know about?

[FJB]

The Frontier School Board race is coming up in a month and I have been getting people for that as well. I have considered a run there because there isn't much advertising, it's only 60 signatures, and the 2 or 3 seats will go to someone new after the pedifile fiasco the system has. I think someone can win just on name recognition. I go back and forth on that race every day. Who knows at this point.

[bwilson]

nope, i've been busy putting my stuff together and haven't talked to Steve or Mark about the race in a month. I need to downtown tomorrow and get the updated committee list for the RP, DP and CP. Then I will have an idea who is who in this race. I really have been busy with my own stuff. Anyone else I should know about?


Kevin filed papers for a finance committe in January, he is also keeping up with the Hamburg Repub Pol tradition of having his family write mean-spirited letters to the local papers...so he is definitely a candidate. Other candidates are certainly out there. I think there is a long list on the Dem side. People talk as if it is a forgone conclusion, I think that the Hamburg Democratic Party will take their time and choose a qualified candidate...a true asset to the Town. They certainly have some great people to choose from so far. The repubs have a few good ones too, I just hope the pick some positive people rather than the mukrackers that have had success as of late. They have served thir purpose...it's time to move forward in a positive direction now.

[FJB]

Kevin filed papers for a finance committe in January, he is also keeping up with the Hamburg Repub Pol tradition of having his family write mean-spirited letters to the local papers...so he is definitely a candidate. Other candidates are certainly out there. I think there is a long list on the Dem side. People talk as if it is a forgone conclusion, I think that the Hamburg Democratic Party will take their time and choose a qualified candidate...a true asset to the Town. They certainly have some great people to choose from so far. The repubs have a few good ones too, I just hope the pick some positive people rather than the mukrackers that have had success as of late. They have served thir purpose...it's time to move forward in a positive direction now.
I agree and If the dems would reduce the size of the town government I would help them as well. As a matter of fact I ran the dem petitions the last three times out. They have disappointed me and lied to me so it's hard to stay with them. They have proven to me that it's all about them and not about the town. Just the fact they protected Mary Rose Gaughan is a testimate to that.

[bwilson]

I agree and If the dems would reduce the size of the town government I would help them as well. .


They have

[FJB]

Kevin Smardz is only 31-32 years old. What kind of background does he have to run for the board? Is this just a kids wishful thinking? Kind of like Max, but Max has Sorrentino as a family member backing him. Different situation but makes a difference in the outcome.

[FJB]

They have
Yep and I helped them and then they increased spending again and had to increase taxes to cover it. Makes no sense to cut jobs and then spend more.

[My2cents]

They have
Explan this one.

[FJB]

Dan will you PM me again, I forgot your screen name.

[PaulJonson]

Kevin Smardz is only 31-32 years old. What kind of background does he have to run for the board? Is this just a kids wishful thinking? Kind of like Max, but Max has Sorrentino as a family member backing him. Different situation but makes a difference in the outcome.

Kind of like Max???

Maybe I'm missing something here, are you saying that Kevin Smardz, someone who you know nothing about, at the age of 31-32 has no background (according to you) to run for a Town Board seat, but Max Tresmond, an 18-year-old college freshman had the credentials to run for New York State Assembly because his uncle is The Town of Hambug Democratic Chairman??

Correct me if I am wrong here but I don't think that Kevin could have any worse a showing than Tresmond who got killed in the election.

[bwilson]

Kind of like Max???

Maybe I'm missing something here, are you saying that Kevin Smardz, someone who you know nothing about, at the age of 31-32 has no background (according to you) to run for a Town Board seat, but Max Tresmond, an 18-year-old college freshman had the credentials to run for New York State Assembly because his uncle is The Town of Hambug Democratic Chairman??

Correct me if I am wrong here but I don't think that Kevin could have any worse a showing than Tresmond who got killed in the election.

I don't think that's wha he's trying to say....I'm not quite sure what he's trying to say

[FJB]

Kind of like Max???

Maybe I'm missing something here, are you saying that Kevin Smardz, someone who you know nothing about, at the age of 31-32 has no background (according to you) to run for a Town Board seat, but Max Tresmond, an 18-year-old college freshman had the credentials to run for New York State Assembly because his uncle is The Town of Hambug Democratic Chairman??

Correct me if I am wrong here but I don't think that Kevin could have any worse a showing than Tresmond who got killed in the election.
No, let me try this again. I'm saying that at 31 years old just how much political background and other experience can he have? He may have a lot for all I know but usually young men like Kevin at 31 are just getting settled down.

Max even younger has far less accomplishments but he has a family member (Sorrentino) who will guide him through the muck. I think both right now might be better off giving it a few more years before jumping in this race.

I offered Kevin the option of interviewing with Primary Challenge for a possible endorsement and he turned us down. He doesn't want anything to do with PC and seemed resentful of us. That shows me he's inexperienced in politics because if you can get a group like PC on your side it helps a lot during the campaign. Why? Well because during Walters and Liegl's campaign (they shared a campaign office), Primary Challenge had more volunteers out helping Jim and in some instances Walters, than Walters and the RP did for themselves.

By the way, I don't think an 18 year old Democrat with little political experience and with the town looking to replace the supervisor with a republican gets killed when he pulls 30%. I thought he did well for the circumstances.

[PaulJonson]

Max even younger has far less accomplishments but he has a family member (Sorrentino) who will guide him through the muck.

So you are saying that Sorrentino can help him in some way? Could Sorrentino help Max protect the patronage train in Hamburg?

Could he help Max turn a blind eye to the fact that the town board offered a contract to be the town attorney to Sorrentino just after he retired from the position?

Maybe Max could learn about open government from his uncle?

Did Max opt for a Primary Challenge endorsement?

By the way, I don't think an 18 year old Democrat with little political experience and with the town looking to replace the supervisor with a republican gets killed when he pulls 30%. I thought he did well for the circumstances.

First--For the Democratic candidate to garner 30% in a district with a higher democratic enrollment is not a good showing.

Secondly--I'm glad to hear you believe the 30% is a good showing, because if Leigl is a County Executive candidate that is exactly the ballpark he will be in.

[My2cents]

I think that at 31 Kevin would be a good candidate for the board. We have yet to see his credentials and his platform, but his youth could be a very positive thing to help shape this area. People like to see things come to fruition within their life time and with the same old, same old in this area that does not happen. Someone who wants to improve the area they live in for themselves and their children is a refreshing alternative to the "what can you do for me government" we have at the current time.

[FJB]

I think that at 31 Kevin would be a good candidate for the board. We have yet to see his credentials and his platform, but his youth could be a very positive thing to help shape this area. People like to see things come to fruition within their life time and with the same old, same old in this area that does not happen. Someone who wants to improve the area they live in for themselves and their children is a refreshing alternative to the "what can you do for me government" we have at the current time.
Your absolutely right, lets see his credentials and platform. As I said I know little about the guy. I wish he would have an open mind about PC, it could be beneficial to him. He is about the same age as Walters and that could play to his advantage. Dan O'Connell has a lot of political experience and that could hurt him. Time will tell.

[crabapples]

Your absolutely right, lets see his credentials and platform. As I said I know little about the guy. I wish he would have an open mind about PC, it could be beneficial to him. He is about the same age as Walters and that could play to his advantage. Dan O'Connell has a lot of political experience and that could hurt him. Time will tell.

FJB,

How many candidates have won a general election with the endorsement of PC? I am not attacking, I just am not sure who has run with PC support and who has won. I hear a lot about PC but other than the occasional press release or Lenny Roberto on tv, I do not know much else about you guys.

What is PC's endorsement process and when are you doing the interviews?

Thanks

[FJB]

FJB,

How many candidates have won a general election with the endorsement of PC? I am not attacking, I just am not sure who has run with PC support and who has won. I hear a lot about PC but other than the occasional press release or Lenny Roberto on tv, I do not know much else about you guys.

What is PC's endorsement process and when are you doing the interviews?

Thanks
Two endorsed candidates won the primaries they ran, Liegl and Locklear. Locklear won the general election. Satish Mohan was an assisted candidate of PC and as we all know he won as well.

PC will start the interviews for endorsements on March 20th. We will continue to interview right up until petitioning is about to start.

[MaxTresmond]

Maybe Max could learn about open government from his uncle?

He is not my uncle.

[bjw]

bwilson....it seems a tad bit presumptive of you to assume anything about me from my one innocuous post. Now that you have a firm understanding of my "parochial mindset", please elaborate on how my thinking has helped create a stranglehold on this community. Please enlighten me on how my mindset, as opposed to the democratic town board, has led to years of bigger government, higher taxes, and overall stagnation. Please explain how me hoping for a strong republican candidate is bad when we have a democratic board majority that refuses to work with their republican supervisor.
In reality bwilson, you have absolutely no idea what my mindset is. You know nothing about me, my political views, my party affiliation, or anything else. I am sure you know the saying about when one assumes something and you have nicely proven it simply by commenting on one small post of mine.
If you want to debate an issue with me, I would be more than happy to do so. I am very confident that if you got to know me and my thinking, you would realize I am far from what is putting a stranglehold on this community. Of course, that would require you to put your assumptions and judgements away for a second or two.

[FJB]

Oh yeah I saw that article. I didn't think anybody anounced their candidacy.

Do you think they will give "grace periods" for payments for advertising to their favored candidates this year or will they apply their policies to all candidates? Do you think they will actually write checks to candidates this year?

I would definitely get your slate hooked up with the Sun ASAP FJB!
I learned today what you meant by this comment. It had escaped me but now I see the conection. I was asked to explain to you and the rest of the public that Steve Walters had a golf tournament as a fundraiser and the Sun took out 4 spots and sent 4 people to play golf. That was the only contribution Steve Walters recieved from the Hamburg Sun. Also people here keep suggesting he recieved special treatment in his advertising, I wasn't aware of anything special but it was explained to me that the Sun let him take out ads and then billed him for it later. Supposedly the Dems were upset that their candidates were pay in advance for their ads but that isn't entirely true. Tom Quatroche was billed for his ads just as Walters was.

[FJB]

bwilson could you please send (PM or e-mail) me the contact info for all the Dem candidates for town board this year. I have been asked to invite them to interview with Primary Challenge for a possible endorsement just as we are inviting every candidate to interview. We don't want to appear as if we are not willing to consider everyone. PC has decided to open the doors this year in the hope of finding the best possible candidates to represent the towns.

[bwilson]

I learned today what you meant by this comment. It had escaped me but now I see the conection. I was asked to explain to you and the rest of the public that Steve Walters had a golf tournament as a fundraiser and the Sun took out 4 spots and sent 4 people to play golf. That was the only contribution Steve Walters recieved from the Hamburg Sun. Also people here keep suggesting he recieved special treatment in his advertising, I wasn't aware of anything special but it was explained to me that the Sun let him take out ads and then billed him for it later. Supposedly the Dems were upset that their candidates were pay in advance for their ads but that isn't entirely true. Tom Quatroche was billed for his ads just as Walters was.

This went beyond a simple billing procedure for Mr. Walters. Check his financials. His account was well short of his bill months after the election, as a matter of fact it would appear as though Mr. Walters had to wait until his first town paycheck until he was able to pay off the DEBT in its entirety. I'll have to check his finacials again to see how it was accounted for. The sun does have a policy on paper regarding political advertising. I understand that policy...it only makes sense, but to allow exceptions to that policy is unfair....much the same way they allow exceptions to their letters to the editor policy by allowing Supervisor walters' daddy-in-law to slander the TB.

[bwilson]

bwilson could you please send (PM or e-mail) me the contact info for all the Dem candidates for town board this year. I have been asked to invite them to interview with Primary Challenge for a possible endorsement just as we are inviting every candidate to interview. We don't want to appear as if we are not willing to consider everyone. PC has decided to open the doors this year in the hope of finding the best possible candidates to represent the towns.


sure it will take me a little while to get all the info

[FJB]

This went beyond a simple billing procedure for Mr. Walters. Check his financials. His account was well short of his bill months after the election, as a matter of fact it would appear as though Mr. Walters had to wait until his first town paycheck until he was able to pay off the DEBT in its entirety. I'll have to check his finacials again to see how it was accounted for. The sun does have a policy on paper regarding political advertising. I understand that policy...it only makes sense, but to allow exceptions to that policy is unfair....much the same way they allow exceptions to their letters to the editor policy by allowing Supervisor walters' daddy-in-law to slander the TB.
Well did Tom Quatroche get the same consideration from the Sun? I can ask Dan at the Sun why they allowed either to have special treatment if you would like. Sounds like a good story for Hamburg First.

[PaulJonson]

Well did Tom Quatroche get the same consideration from the Sun? I can ask Dan at the Sun why they allowed either to have special treatment if you would like. Sounds like a good story for Hamburg First.

Ford while yer at it, ask the Sun why they will not allow Supervisor Walters to have the same access to getting his message out to the public that Pat Hoak was able to obtain in his Supervisor's Corner column.

Thanks.

[bwilson]

Ford while yer at it, ask the Sun why they will not allow Supervisor Walters to have the same access to getting his message out to the public that Pat Hoak was able to obtain in his Supervisor's Corner column.

Thanks.

wow paul you go back about 10 years and two editors ago.

[PaulJonson]

wow paul you go back about 10 years and two editors ago.

Well, if we're going back even longer than that to dredge up candidates to maintain the status quo in Hamburg it only seems fair.

[bwilson]

Well, if we're going back even longer than that to dredge up candidates to maintain the status quo in Hamburg it only seems fair.

the two things don't SEEM to have anything to do with each other.

[PaulJonson]

the two things don't SEEM to have anything to do with each other.

Or is it so possible that the two things do SEEM to have something to do with each other that you just blew your mind...

[bwilson]

Or is it so possible that the two things do SEEM to have something to do with each other that you just blew your mind...


nope not possible

[My2cents]

Well, if we're going back even longer than that to dredge up candidates to maintain the status quo in Hamburg it only seems fair.

Dick Smith? Going to the bullpen for the old knuckleballer.

[FJB]

Dick Smith? Going to the bullpen for the old knuckleballer.
I don't think Dick Smith has a chance in hell of getting elected to the Town Board. Believe me when I say that I will make sure every resident in Hamburg knows he voted yes to raising taxes every time he voted in the state legislature.

[PaulJonson]

nope not possible

It's not? Or is it so possible that your head is spinning like a top?!

[bwilson]

It's not? Or is it so possible that your head is spinning like a top?!


yeah...you're probably right

[FJB]

bwilson, I have a question that's a little off topic, I hope you don't mind. Today I went and got the petition packet for my people running for Frontier School Board and they gave out a questionnaire asking several things. The one that caught my attention was if you hold a position within the school system then you aren't allowed to run for school board. Isn't that against a persons civil rights? I always thought the only thing prohibiting someone running for office was the Hatch Act and residency, otherwise anyone could run. Do you know if what they are doing is proper? None of it effects my candidates but I'm still curious.

[bwilson]

Good question...I wish I had a good answer for you, I think the law is due to the conflict of interest a person would have in regards to voting on the budget or other legislation that pertains to their department or duties as a n employee of the municipality or district. I know that the same holds true for employees of local governments...they can't run for office in the government they are employed by...but they can run in other governments ie. a town employee may run for county leg, or a county employee may run for town council...and vice versa.