http://www.dailygazette.com/news/2008/sep/25/0925_mertz/

Mertz loses support of Rotterdam GOP
Thursday, September 25, 2008


Text Size: A | A | A
ROTTERDAM — The Rotterdam town Republican Committee is dropping two-term Town Board member John Mertz from its prospective 2009 ticket.

Chairman Gerard Parisi said the town committee will seek new candidates for the seat occupied by Mertz — former head of the town's failed police commission — because of the councilman’s “controversial actions” and inability to work effectively with other departments. Specifically, Parisi said Mertz was unable to work with town police.

“The town committee wants a representative who supports our police department, works cooperatively with others and focuses on the needs of our residents,” Parisi said in a statement released this morning. “In the end, we need people who are consistently striving to achieve the best results for Rotterdam.”

In making the announcement, Parisi also cited support Mertz offered last year for town board raises “without proper public participation.” The move was ultimately defeated by the board in January, when they instead decided to appoint a five-member ad-hoc committee to study the issue.

Parisi said the committee will endorse Supervisor Steve Tommasone and board member Joe Signore, who served with Mertz on the short-lived police commission in 2006. Signore also voted in support of two resolutions authorizing the town board raises.

Town officials are also engaged in negotiations with the Rotterdam Police Benevolent Association. Town police are now operating under a contract that expired Dec. 31, 2007.

Mertz expressed surprise over the statement. He said he was unaware of the committee’s apparent decision and said he would comment after reviewing Parisi’s statement.

Calls to Tommasone were not immediately returned.

I AM IN SHOCK!! Please wait while I pick my jaw up off the ground.  

The way I see it....John Mertz spoke his mind, which is clearly NOT the politically correct thing to do in Rotterdam. No different than the democratically control county legislature. Shame on Mr. Parisi. Shame on the reps. After this move...I may seriously have to re-think how I will vote in our local elections. I mean just when you think the reps have sunk to an all time low....they go even lower.

Mertz was the one who faught the hardest for Masullo ests. Now Tommasone will take the ball and run with it and receive the credit. Mertz faught the high paid cops in this town FOR THE TAXPAYERS and now he is getting the boot for it. I never thought the reps would go so far as to eat and discard their own.

I am totally and completely disappointed in our rep party!

OH I can't WAIT for Sally to chime in on this one

The Rotterdam Republicans are circling the wagons.......... Throwing Mertz under the bus, after the GOP assisted and failed attempt to change the leadership within the Schenectady Conservative Party Executive Board.  Offering Mertz as the sacrificial lamb to Hamilton and Pascarella.  

The backbone of the Rotterdam GOP has been broke.  Not showing leadership, but rather protecting themselves from the Rotterdam Cops and the Conservative Party, in fear of turning their sights on them.  

The party that once stood up to the global giant Walmart, and for reforming the traditional Rotterdam ways of rubber stamping permits for contractors who were politically connected, regardless of the developments negative impact on the town.  These actions were articulated and spearheaded by the Rotterdam outsider John Mertz,  these new ideals were the starting point which ultimately led to the Republican rise to power in Rotterdam.

The GOP used Mertz as the face of the Rotterdam Republican party during the towns fight with Walmart.  Knowing that Signore, or Tommasone couldn't verbally stutter and stammer their way out of a wet paper bag.  Mertz is the only Republican on the town board that can put 2 sentences together without my toes curling in the anticipation of embarrassment.

The fresh face of the Rotterdam Republican Party that offered a new outlook on town politics, has suddenly reverted back to its small town, don't rock the boat, cronyistic ways.  And it only took 8 years.

I believe Mr. Parisi has miscalculated when making this decision.  But time will only tell.  

You know where I stand.

There is always a 'lamb' and most sheeple wont see it coming or what to do with it.........baaaaaaaaaa

What Parisi is saying is that Mertz wasn't a puppet who went along like a sheep with the rest of the flock but instead had the stones to challenge the board when he felt that they were wrong. I know of at least 3 instances where Mertz and Tommasone butted heads because the board had done something that he felt was wrong. The residents of this town are losing someone who really cares about what happens to the taxpayers and tried to do what was best for them.

Quoted from CICERO

  And it only took 8 years.

Excuse me, I meant 4 years.

Good post Cicero!

So that's how the reps made their alliance with the consers/cops. The reps just bought themselves the conserv line at John Mertz's expense. This pathetic sell out will guarentee Tommasone and Signore the conserv line. Thank you Mr. Parisi. You just sold out the rep party. Guess it won't take a rocket scientist to figure out who the mole was, huh?

Quoted Text

In making the announcement, Parisi also cited support Mertz offered last year for town board raises “without proper public participation.” The move was ultimately defeated by the board in January, when they instead decided to appoint a five-member ad-hoc committee to study the issue.

First, it would have been 'tommasone's' responsibility to bring it to the public for public discussion. HE chose not to do that. Instead Tommasone skirted the issue and a so called committee was created. I'd like to know what ever happened to that. As soon as Mertz brought it up, it then became Tommasone's supervisory responsibility to bring it to the public for public discussion. Why didn't he?

And as far as the rest of the town board defeating the idea of the raise....let me remind you that Mr.Silva went on and on and on about how the supervisor's position should be full time and with a much higher pay due to the large population being governed. He didn't vote 'against' the raise idea in itself. He voted 'no' because he thought it should be discussed even further.

Sorry but Tommasone gets the big goose egg for this one.

Well indeed here is the low - down. I hear the conservs arent happy with some of theings that happened last month and all. The war that was started with Miss Rhinestone as the spearhead was launched a few years ago over here by Johhny boy Mertz. I like him but he knows how to rile th e boys in blue and that isnt something the town needs right now. Also John wasnt born and raised here and like Dianney Marco said he is an outsider which is a problem if you want to get a leg up over here in politics. Being an ousider cost Lazzari the election and almost cost Joe Suhrada the election a few years ago. You need to be born and raised in this here town to get the handle on how the things gotta' work over here. Johhny's kids maybe will be elected but not Johnny anymore. When you arent a life long Rotterdam guy you run the risk of turning people off when you have the big mouth like the other 2 I mentioned plus a few more who arent elected like Madam Rhinestone and Bradly Littlefield too. Most of you paisans know what I mean about our town. All and all its the best for the town when there isnt the controversy with the police whose toes need to be not stepped on here.

Quoted from bumblethru

Good post Cicero!

So that's how the reps made their alliance with the consers/cops. The reps just bought themselves the conserv line at John Mertz's expense. This pathetic sell out will guarentee Tommasone and Signore the conserv line. Thank you Mr. Parisi. You just sold out the rep party. Guess it won't take a rocket scientist to figure out who the mole was, huh?

THE MOLE WILL NEVER BE DISCOVERED.  HE IS IN WAY TOO DEEEEEEP!

Quoted from papanetta67

THE MOLE WILL NEVER BE DISCOVERED.  HE IS IN WAY TOO DEEEEEEP!

Moles always come to the surface for air ... and to feed. It won't be long before it comes to light.

http://www.dailygazette.com

Quoted Text

ROTTERDAM
Republicans drop board candidate
Committee chairman says Mertz won’t get backing in ’09
BY JUSTIN MASON Gazette Reporter

    The chairman of Rotterdam’s Republican Committee has announced that the party is dropping two-term Town Board member John Mertz from their prospective 2009 ticket.
    Gerard Parisi, who also serves as an attorney to the board, said the GOP will seek a new candidate for the seat now occupied by Mertz. He said this was because of Mertz’s “controversial actions” and inability to work effectively with other town departments.
    Parisi said Mertz was unable to work with the Rotterdam police. Mertz was the leader of the former police commission, which attempted to establish oversight of the department but proved unpopular and was dismantled quickly.
    “The town committee wants a representative who supports our police department, works cooperatively with others and focuses on the needs of our residents,” Parisi said in a prepared statement released Thursday morning. “In the end, we need people who are consistently striving to achieve the best results for Rotterdam.”
    Mertz said he was surprised by Parisi’s statement and was unaware of the committee’s apparent decision. He offered no further comment Thursday evening.
    In making the announcement, Parisi also cited the support Mertz offered last year for Town Board raises “without proper public participation.” The move was ultimately defeated by the board in January, when they instead decided to appoint a five-member committee to study the issue.
    Parisi said the GOP will endorse Supervisor Steve Tommasone and board member Joseph Signore, who served with Mertz on the shortlived police commission in 2006. Signore also voted in support of two resolutions authorizing the Town Board raises.
    The announcement suggests a developing schism among the board’s Republicans. Seldom have they dissented on resolutions since the GOP took a 4-1 majority in November 2007.
    Town officials are now negotiating with the Rotterdam Police Benevolent Association, which was at odds with Mertz over his involvement with the commission. Rotterdam police are now operating under the previous contract, which expired on Dec. 31, 2007.
    Tommasone was perplexed by Parisi’s statement and suggested that the issue might be between the attorney and Mertz, rather than the committee as a whole. He said the differences between Mertz and the party wouldn’t prevent the Town Board from acting in the best interests of Rotterdam.
    “Quite frankly, in my view, this is nothing more than a distraction,” he said.
    private Karp, the committee’s vice chairman, said he was also shocked by the abrupt announcement. Although he acknowledged that Mertz is a “lightning rod” on several town issues, he said the Town Board member always seemed approachable and loyal to the party.
    “This is kind of a surprise to me,” he said. “I hadn’t heard anything about it.”
    Tracy Donovan, a 15-year veteran of the GOP committee, said she was unaware of any recommendation from the executive board. And even if they had suggested dropping Mertz from the ticket, she said the committee as a whole would need to vote on endorsements.
    Donovan assured Mertz that he would receive a nomination from one of the 50 members of the committee. She said the affair is almost certain to spur a party primary for the seat in September 2009.
“It’s probably going to be a battle,” she said.

Well the conservs will stop Metz from winning since there is no question indeed that the conservs have the power, and I dont think Johnny Boy has enough people and connections over here to win the thing if the repubs and conservs dont back him up. What I said over here is that he doesnt have the family and friends a lot of the conservs know he isnt part of the town which is the issue since he doesnt know how the town really works.

I am changing my party affiliation today. REALLY! I will be registering as a BLANK. There is not ONE party that I want my name associated with. I would strongly suggest that everyone do the same. It is the only way to send a message to these manipulating political parties. I don't know about anyone else...but from the local level all the way to the top.....I'M SICK AND TIRED OF THE BS!

Yes friends....I am now a registered BLANK!!

By registering as a blank you are giving up your right to vote in ANY primary. Mertz might need you in a GOP Primary. Please reconsider as we need you to fix our Party. If Mertz is as popular as some here state he can still primary next September. What this indicates is a very divided Committee.

     Sal has it right that this is a bone to the old guard Conservatives, guaranteeing other GOP cross endorsements. As far as life long residents Sal do you support Hillary Clinton? Or is it just GOP that have to live here for generations? In the City, most of the all Democratic Council and Mayor who is from Bethesda, Maryland would not qualify.

You are a blank, but you are not a registered blank until next year

Quoted from benny salami

By registering as a blank you are giving up your right to vote in ANY primary. Mertz might need you in a GOP Primary. Please reconsider as we need you to fix our Party. If Mertz is as popular as some here state he can still primary next September. What this indicates is a very divided Committee.

     Sal has it right that this is a bone to the old guard Conservatives, guaranteeing other GOP cross endorsements. As far as life long residents Sal do you support Hillary Clinton? Or is it just GOP that have to live here for generations? In the City, most of the all Democratic Council and Mayor who is from Bethesda, Maryland would not qualify.

I can help Mertz in other ways for sure! But I would much rather be registered a blank along with the other 20,000+ county residents.  It is shameful what has happened to our local major parties. I would be embarassed to say I belonged to any of them.

These political parties have to gain my respect and confidence. At this time I have no respect or confidence in any of them. It has clearly become all about greed, political/personal motives and agendas without the least concern for us, the taxpayers. And I am clearly not the only one who feels this way.

bUMBLE:

You say you have no confidence  in the major parties- You should join the Conservatives...

indeed they welcome all real conservs so join us

No thank you to all suggestions and invitations. Locally speaking.... The dems are too liberal and are mirroring a total socialist dictatorship. The Metroplex, Proctors, Kosiur's created position, government handouts, lack of law enforcement oversight,  and lack of not only fiscal inability but also lacking in the ability to  govern the people. Clearly not a party I want to be associated with.

The reps do nothing. Their last stunt with John Mertz pushed me right out of the republican ball park. The reps just shot themselves in the foot and sold their soul to the devil. (conservs) Cicero's assessment was correct when stating that they threw Mertz under the bus and was used as the sacrificial lamb to gain a foothold with the consv (cops) party. It WAS Mertz who helped the reps gain control of Rotterdam. Tommasone owes Mertz a debt of gratitude for getting elected in the first place. Clearly not a party I want to be associated with.

The conservs just switched alliances from the dems to the reps...for the time being. Just to negotiate the police contract. There are clearly no loyalties here. It is nothing more than a bunch of thugs strong arming and manipulating the political system for their own motives and political and personal gain. Clearly not a party I want to be associated with.

Rotterdam has a new set of cowboys in town now, only reminiscent of the 'good old days'. Been there..done that...Thanks but 'no thanks'.

You've correctly identified the problems but the solution to change enrollment to Blank is counter productive. What you are doing is allowing others to pick your candidates. You are knowledgeable on local issues and fiscally Conservative. Maybe the Conservative Party is for you. In many districts one vote mattered. As far as the GOP cannot disagree with you. This not the first time they have eaten their young. John Mertz needs you in the coming GOP Primary.

Quoted from benny salami

. You are knowledgeable on local issues and fiscally Conservative. Maybe the Conservative Party is for you.

THE CONSERVATIVE PARTY??? Of course you are kidding, right? Wait while I catch my breath on that one.

You bet I have conservative views, and they are MINE! Why would I even align myself with a bunch of thugs who are as far from conservatism as the earth is from the sun? And for every REAL CONSERVATIVE registered out there, they should abandon the party NOW. Those that remain will just be the remains of the big 'boys in blue machine'. Now THAT is how to deflate the present local conservative party. No one, no way, no how is going to break down or through that BIG BLUE WALL! Don't even kid yourself on that one. Even the reps figured that out. Like I said...they made a deal with the devil and will pay for it dearly in the end. Because of this last move regarding Mertz by the reps....Rotterdam WILL sooner than later end up under democratic rule once again, and the boys in blue will be able to breath just a little bit easier. And let's all give Mr. Gerard Parisi a hand!

It is all just shameful and disgraceful at best!

I have read and followed most of your posts on both forums Benny and admire your insightfulness, straight forwardness and passion. But how long have you been trying to change things around? You are correct on ALL of your assumptions and ideas. And I agree with ALL of them. But they are not working. These political parties are too greedy and power driven. I believe the general concensus is 'screw the taxpayers'. No one is going to change any of these political parties around. That's a no brainer. WE have to abandon the party...in registration only, not ideology and screw the primaries. Sorry Benny....we gotta take the risk. DEFLATE THE PARTY!

Quoted from benny salami

  Mertz might need you in a GOP Primary. .

News Flash----- Mertz is Bumble

Quoted from bumblethru

So that's how the reps made their alliance with the consers/cops. The reps just bought themselves the conserv line at John Mertz's expense. This pathetic sell out will guarentee Tommasone and Signore the conserv line.

It's going to be the same deal as Tommasone's initial run for Supervisor.  The Conservative Party line went to Tommasone, as long as the Republicans promised to appoint a Conservative Party member to Tommasone's vacant seat.  And who did Rotterdam get?? Mr. Joey Guidarelli!  I can only imagine what Conservative Party approved Republican will run against Mertz if he choses to force a Republican primary.  People are crazy to think that the sacrifice of Mertz is all it's going to take to get the Conservative line.  I think the COPservatives are  going to hand pick a Republican candidate, who they would like to run for Mertz's seat.  

This here would be aweful if Merrtz was indeed Bublethrough. Why are you doing this to us over here? Why would you go out and change the party on your form?

Quoted from CaptainAmerica

News Flash----- Mertz is Bumble

Thanks for the compliment, but I assure you that I am not Mertz. I've said it a million times....if I WERE Mertz...the police commission would be in existence today!. Got it?

Like I said....DEFLATE THE PARTY! No members = No money = No power!!! It's a no brainer!

The SHEEPLE need to SEE AND HEAR...........folks pay attention to the opposite and sometimes argee........but, FREAKIN' PAY ATTENTION........

Quoted from bumblethru

Thanks for the compliment, but I assure you that I am not Mertz. I've said it a million times....if I WERE Mertz...the police commission would be in existence today!. Got it?

Like I said....DEFLATE THE PARTY! No members = No money = No power!!! It's a no brainer!

I have to disagree here.  All that registering as a blank will do is strengthen the one party rule in the county.  You don't like the direction the party is going?  That's fine.  But don't just go off in a huff.  That doesn't help or change anything.  Work to change the party.  Gather up other people who agree with you.  Challenge the status quo.  It doesn't always work right away (see the Conservative Party fight), but it gets things going.  It's almost impossible in this day and age to start a new party from the ground up.  Too much has been invested in the big two to get any sort of real backing.  

I agree with you in theory only. What you suggest is the way it 'should' work. But it doesn't. Abandoning a party, registering as a blank and yet still 'voting' your ideology, is clearly the only way to go. It would only take ONE year to accomplish a change. And during this process, there should be NO monetary contributions to any particular party. Instead, contributions should be given to the candidate you support only. (just think of the campaign mailers that action would eliminate ) Collectively....it would work! Let them chase us 'blanks' around for our vote.

Our political parties are lacking in leadership, vision and governing ability. They are greedy and power driven by political and personal motives.  And we the taxpayers are literally getting screwed over. WE MUST TAKE BACK OUR GOVERNMENT....DEFLATE THE PARTY!!!

Quoted from CaptainAmerica

News Flash----- Mertz is Bumble

Really......what was the 1st clue????  

Bumble is not Mertz - get over yourselves. Your detective skills suck guys.

please pass the popcorn and this time the 3D glasses too.......

Quoted from bumblethru

Thanks for the compliment, but I assure you that I am not Mertz. I've said it a million times....if I WERE Mertz...the police commission would be in existence today!. Got it?

Like I said....DEFLATE THE PARTY! No members = No money = No power!!! It's a no brainer!

Ya the police commission    that was a good thing!!!!

this will require a full sherlock homes treatment over there since I would like some more facts too

Quoted from bumblethru

I agree with you in theory only. What you suggest is the way it 'should' work. But it doesn't. Abandoning a party, registering as a blank and yet still 'voting' your ideology, is clearly the only way to go. It would only take ONE year to accomplish a change. And during this process, there should be NO monetary contributions to any particular party. Instead, contributions should be given to the candidate you support only. (just think of the campaign mailers that action would eliminate ) Collectively....it would work! Let them chase us 'blanks' around for our vote.

Our political parties are lacking in leadership, vision and governing ability. They are greedy and power driven by political and personal motives.  And we the taxpayers are literally getting screwed over. WE MUST TAKE BACK OUR GOVERNMENT....DEFLATE THE PARTY!!!

The problem with this is that the candidates are still going to come out of the existing party structures.  Worse, it will only impact the Republican party.  the democrats are not going to chase your vote.  They'll just rely on the same people they always do, those who blindly and blanketly vote for whoever is on the democratic line.  The part leadership (such that it is), is not going to change unless someone, or some poeple, from with in challenge the existing power people.  All this ends up doing is emasculating the Rpeublican Party to the point of being unable to do anything more than run out some scaraficial candidates just to maintain a presence.  In addition, with out that Party support, even fewer qualified candidates will even bother to seek office.  I only see this sort of action as doing more harm than good.

I also heard (and this can just be rumor) that Mr. Parisi made this press release to the gazette without the knowledge of the the entire GOP committee.