Backroom Deal Breaker

Democrats Eerily Silent on Hevesi

2006-10-24T12:05:00.000-04:00

While Republicans lack all sorts of moral authority on matters of scandal, the extent to which New York Democrats have so wrongly played the Hevesi card is astonishing.

Unlike scandals of past, Hevesi provided Democrats a clear opportunity to show the world that they actually understand right from wrong. He did this by confessing to his own wrongdoings, at least $83,000 worth, and that should have been the end of it!

But no. In what seems a concerted effort to run out the clock on this election, Democrats would rather let all sorts of backroom "when should Hevesi resign" -processes play out first then take Alan Hevesi at his confession now.

Where are the Democratic reformers? Why has not one Democrat called for Hevesi's immediate resignation?

Instead, all we've gotten is this party line from Herman Denny Farrell, Chair of the NY Democratic Party:

“Alan Hevesi is a good comptroller who said today he is sorry for his mistake and will continue to cooperate fully with any inquiry,” Mr. Farrell said in the statement. “Voters will have an opportunity to make a judgment about him this November on the basis of his performance as Comptroller and his 35-year record of dedicated public service to the people of New York.”

Now, Roomie's read a bunch of crap, but this has to be one of the crappiest statements ever.

Imagine what would happen if Roomie or anyone of us sorta ... unknowingly ... you know ... stole $83,000 from wherever; and then, after being caught, tried to just go on with life with a simple apology. LOL. We'd be in the pokey so fast, it's not even funny. No LOL.

And then you have party line towers like consultants Jef Pollock and Howard Wolfsen who reiterated Farrell's argument on Inside City Hall last night, that this is a matter for the voters to decide.

Are you guys kidding us? This is no longer a matter for the voters to decide. This is a matter for the courts to decide. Your comptroller admittedly picked your pockets and ours - what else do you need?

Not only did Alan already confess to at least $83,000 worth of wrongs, he's already written a check to us in an effort to make it all go away. What is Roomie missing?

And then we have Eliot Spitzer whose mealymouthed inability to demand Hevesi's resignation is frightening. If this is what the maverick of Wall Street has planned for Albany, then looks like New York State's government will top the dysfunction list for at least four more years.

Driving Mr. Hevesi To The Slammer?

2006-10-23T16:54:00.000-04:00

Somebody, Puh-lease!

Roomie's been way deep in slumber lately, very much enjoying the hiatus. But, even Roomie couldn't help but get a wee bit excited about our NYS Con-Troller.

There's nothing more Roomie loves than pols who so brazenly disrespect the voters. Luvs it!

The way you had your wife driven around, Mr. Hevesi - 'twas super-fly (er, sly?)! The way you didn't even think about paying us back until after your opponent raised the issue - balls to the fucking wall!

And today, the way you just spat in the face of the State Ethics commission, despite their new, rather alarming findings - pure, unadulterated genius!

You, King Comptroller, are the man!

So, on behalf of all the voters, Mr. Hevesi, Roomie would like to extend to you a big FU for caring ... about the keeping of your job!

Quinn's Hillary Gambit

2006-08-31T11:35:00.000-04:00

Quinn Lends Staffer to Hillary

Because Hillary needs the help? Or, b/c ... Ramon Martinez's work at the City Council is done?

Roomie's confused, Ms. Speaker. Prey tell what you've done with this $180,000 resource.

Surely there's work on term limits to be done, no?

Bored At Work?

2006-08-21T17:07:00.000-04:00

State Comptroller Hevesi says that the State of New York is currently holding billions of your dollars in unclaimed funds - ranging from wages of yesteryear, to old bank accounts to security deposits, trust funds, estate proceeds, etc.

Does any of this cash belong to you?

Search away !

Search for yourself; search for your parents or partner; search for the putz in the cubicle next to yours ... just search!

A Quinn-Quinn Here...

2006-08-02T13:26:00.000-04:00

...and a Quinn-Quinn There

Nothing like not quite doing the peoples' biz - and circuitously, at that. Predecessor Miller was a pro at this, and his successor Quinn - not so shabby herself.

First it was the kissing of the ass (may he RIP). And now, it's the revengeful kicking of the ass.

Word on the street: the mighty Quinn is letting out her more political personnel to tackle all sorts of annoyances; one major one being maverick Council Member and Queens County hater, Hiram Monserrate.

Starting today, Quinn is committing some of her government folk to support Monserrate's State Senate opponent, John Sabini.

We say: Way to take it to your membership!

We ask: Speaker Quinn, do you care to disclose where else you're parlaying your/our resources?

We also ask: As you pursue further special interest/lobbying reform (and we strongly suggest you do - cuz simply pushing your lobbyists onto the steps of City Hall ain't gonna cut it), how about requiring Council Members, you included, to disclose loud and clearly when staffers do double duty?

Roomie's Take Home Pay

2006-07-12T15:41:00.000-04:00

So Let's See....

Where would Roomie rather work?

The East Wing of New York's City Hall or the West Wing of the White House?

Ummm. Hmm....

Well, if it pays to play (so to speak), then looks like Roomie would most definitely opt for that part-time gig in lulu-ville ... yeah, you remember the one ...

Cuz, take for example the role of Chief of Staff:

At the White House, the job of managing POTUS's rinky dink crew (which, btw, runs the US of A) earns Josh Bolten $165,200;

But at the Council, running Speaker Quinn's empire (which runs ... eh ... the East Wing of City Hall) earns the yet unchucked Chuck Meara $175,000. BAM!

Or take Karl Rove. Perhaps you've heard of him? He's that brainy little Senior Advisor/Deputy Chief of Staff dude who also earns $165,200;

Compare that chump's change to Speaker Quinn's First Deputy Chief, one Ramon Martinez III (perhaps you've heard of him as well???). Homey earns a cool $180K. ISHK!! Roomie likey this trend!

So, let's see ... New York City Council? White House? ... Council? White House?

The list of incomparables goes on, but Roomie will not bore you further with the sordid details.

Full list of White House salaries viewable right here.

Why Mommy Is Full of Shit!

2006-07-08T11:39:00.000-04:00

... and a Democrat As Well?

Excerpts from Why Mommy is a Democrat follow:

Note to Self: Remember what Roomie says - that if mommy ever, ever tries to brainwash impressionable little me like this - to just punch her in the face! One little memorable punch ... that's all.

Dem and Dumber

2006-06-15T12:56:00.000-04:00

Hold tight - cuz the asylum is about to get a bit more insane.

It's lookin' like the last bit of sanity (Rodney Capel) will soon be fleeing the coup, and that the State of NY's Dem-a-goguery is bound for even more misery.

Hard to believe that's possible, right?

One would think that Herman D. and Co. would take this precious opportunity to scout some new, fresh talent ... or just to scout - period.

But one would so obviously be wrong. For the second time in as many years, it appears the shit's just gonna continue to sail downstream, to the next puppet in line.

Now, Frank Hoare, could very well be a great guy; but, what the fuck??? Herman D. should at least pretend to work a bit harder.

Otherwise, we're not really sure how HDF can justify the oodles of duckets he pulls from the State Dem. Committee ($50,000+ in 2004, and that's in addition to his take as an Assemblyman)???

Problem is, Republicans a floundering does not a strong Democratic Party make.

A Mean Green Fighting Machine

2006-05-31T11:58:00.000-04:00

Come Again...??!?!?!?

So here's what the little shots would like to know:

Yesterday, embattled AG candidate Mark Green griped that party boss deals and threats cost him his support; and then went on to accuse the Cuomo machinery of threatening one East Side committee member with the loss of a valuable insurance contract.

Problem is, when pressed further to clarify his very public criminal accusation, the attorney-general-wannabe balked.

Apparently, all Mark could do was backtrack .... saying that it was a private contract, and a private conversation?!?!

Ahhh, we lovey the fresh smell of legal irony!!

Why Sylvia Friedman Should Lose!

2006-05-19T12:52:00.000-04:00

Two Words: Shelly Silver!

Sources say that at last night's Tilden Democratic Club endorsement meeting, (s)elected East Side Assemblywoman Sylvia Friedman was giddy with anticipation for her June 6th fundraiser in Albany, which will be hosted by ... Assembly Speaker Shelly Silver.

Apparently, Friedman - whose version of reform probably escapes Victor Hugo - told a little tale about how she "wasn't sure how she was going to get along with Shelly Silver when she went up to Albany," but then assured the crowd that she has found him to be an incredibly affable, "charming" man. Phewwwww!

Kudos to Silver for doing what he does best; settin' the Assembly's pimps and hoes straight. In very short order he's managed to collar the likes of Jonathan Bing and now, Sylvia Friedman. Who's gonna be next?

Here's what the Daily Smith had to say...

We Luvvv The NYC Council

2006-05-09T15:46:00.000-04:00

State This!

Perhaps love goes too far on the sarcasm scale, but ...

Here's the deal for tomorrow's Stated City Council Meeting:

First, Council Member Vallone will be re-re-re-introducing a bill for New York City to secede from the State; or at least to form a Commission that will look into said matter. We likey!

Second, Council Member Oddo will be triple-re-introducing a bill to prohibit the use of non-wooden bats. Apparently, they hurt less?!?!

Thirdly, our esteemed Public Advocate will be expressing her concerns by seeking to restrict the use of tanning beds in tanning salons. That is way too smart for us to understand...

Fourth, Council Member Fidler, he's looking into creating a joint taskforce on sidewalk maintenance. That's a JOINT TASKFORCE!

But all sarcasm aside, we do like Avella's direction. He'd like to prohibit elected officials (aight colleagues???) from using taxpayer funds for holiday, anniversary and congratulatory greetings in newspaper advertisements. TWO F*#KIN' THUMBS UP FROM US!

Suozzi to Silver & Bruno: YOU'RE FIRED!

2006-05-09T12:18:00.000-04:00

A Man After Our Hearts

This just off the wire: gubernatorial candidate Tom Suozzi just called for the wholesale firing of Assembly Speaker Shelly Silver and Senate Majority Leader Joe Bruno.

"We must demand that the Speaker of the New York State Assembly and the Majority Leader of the New York State Senate be replaced, because they have failed to fight for the reforms that we seek," said Suozzi.

Nuf' freakin' said!

Now, we are curious ... Mr. Spitzer, what say you?

Thug-Gate

2006-05-03T00:37:00.000-04:00

Catch Him, If You Can!

Kimberley Strassel, Wall Street Journal edit head, thinks lil' Eliot has some explaining to do.

Here's how she starts her piece in today's Opinion Journal:

New York Attorney General Eliot Spitzer appeared on Comedy Central late last year, admitting to host Stephen Colbert that as a kid he was the "enforcer" on the soccer team, the guy who "took people out." "You play hard, you play rough, and hopefully you don't get caught," he said. The AG was trying for a laugh, but it may have been one of the more revealing insights into his career...

Read more...

NO, You Show Me The Money!

2006-04-22T10:37:00.000-04:00

So Says Speaker Quinn

Hmmmm .... forget what we said the other day. Quinn just wants more money - period.

No mention of givebacks, no mention of Council Members paying for more of their healthcare coverage, no mention of pension adjustments or agreement to work additional hours, and no mind the working New Yorkers who have seen little to no quality of life improvements over the past decade.

Quinn wants a raise for Council Members and apparently, that's that!

Alrighty....

Show Us The Money!

2006-04-21T09:47:00.000-04:00

Or Not?

Since the establishment (especially ours) tends to move in lockstep, should be interesting to see whether or not the Mayor's salary panel, the City Council Speaker and our other elected officials follow Hillary's lead on this one:

Sen. Clinton wants no raise without a minimum wage boost

Questions is, what can Council Members, BPs, the Public Advocate and others offer New Yorkers first, before suckin' on the public trough?

Curious minds (and taxpayers) want to know...

Fresh Kill

2006-04-17T15:48:00.000-04:00

Have At It!

Alright all you salary pimps and whores.

The 2006 list of all city employees and their salaries (as of April 1, 2006) was just released.

Your tax dollars hard at work ... or not.

Enjoy!

Last names A-L, click here

Last names, L-Z, click here

Salary Scheming

2006-04-16T09:14:00.000-04:00

Deal or No Deal?

The edit heads at the Daily News vote No Deal today for City Council pay raises (of which, Barry Popik reminds us).

But we here at Backroomie, we're in to matters even more ludicrous. And that's the panel that Mayor Bloomberg created to render advice on this matter.

Frank Lombardi of the said News recently reminded us that this panel historically is but a facade for money-hungry lawmakers, and that in the past 23 years they have never NOT recommended a salary increase. OK.

But here's what we'd also like to know. Have the panelists' interests and/or conflicts thereof been fully disclosed. B/c, if so, we certainly haven't been privy to that information.

So, for starters, here are some things you may want to know about your salary judges:

1. Tom A. Bernstein, president and co-founder of Chelsea Piers, has made campaign contributions to the following pols: Public Advocate Betsy Gotbaum, Comptroller Bill Thompson, Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer and Council Member David Yassky; and also to Attorney General candidate Mark Green.

2. G. G. Michelson also contributed to the coffers of Public Advocate Gotbaum.

3. Stephanie Palmer, of the New York Mission Society, contributed to former Manhattan Borough President C. Virginia Fields.

Someone want to check if either Chelsea Piers or the New York Mission Society receive City funding?

Oink! Oink!

2006-04-07T17:43:00.000-04:00

The Council's Phat Pork

EJ McMahon of the Manhattan Institute did a very good thing last week in releasing his research of all that is Albany's pork. Simply put, that shit was so obviously fat and yuuuuuuuummmy!

We were inspired. So we thought we'd give you a glimpse of all that is the Council's pork. Because we know that shit is just as yummy.

What's most interesting, though, is to really see one's truest "priorities". And it appears that Giffie's priorities were the gay community (Hetrick Martin Institute got $229,000), some Jews (United Jewish Organization of Williamsburg got $350,000) and of course, the High Line - of which he's a very good friend (they got $250,000).

Interestingly, the Hetrick Martin Institute alone received more money than all the organizations with the word "Harlem" in their names combined. Go figure!

UFT's A Foot Drag

2006-04-07T11:00:00.000-04:00

Let Stossel Teach

It wasn't so long ago that we reported on Randi's Pavlovian response to John Stossel's "Stupid in America" segment on ABC's 20/20.

After ABC aired this controversial piece, Randi brought out the troops to bash Stossel and ABC. But remarkably, Stossel responded by going outdoors to face the angry mob. At the protest, he also accepted what was then a very loud invitation to teach for a week at a school of the UFT's choosing.

But, predictably...

Like most of our dealings with the union, nothing was easy. It took weeks of phone calls to make any sort of progress. I suspect this will not surprise public-school parents.

...Then there were more meetings. Finally, four days before what was supposed to be my first day of class, they canceled. Officially, "they" were the public school administrators who said it might be "disruptive" and that it might "set a precedent" that would open their doors to other reporters.

Too bad. Letting cameras into schools would be a good thing. Taxpayers might finally get to see how more than $200,000 per classroom of their money was being spent.

I wonder why the union even made the challenge. I suspect the UFT didn't expect me to say yes. When I turned out not to be easily intimidated, the teachers' union and the government school monopoly folded. Perhaps there's a lesson there.

Quinn, A Yankees Fan?

2006-04-05T09:50:00.000-04:00

That's The Word

Today's a big day at the Council. A sold out crowd is anticipated in the Council Chambers as Members, lobbyists and Yankee fans anxiously await the Council's approval of the Yankee stadium deal.

And from what we hear on the proverbial street, la Speaker Quinn has no intention of disappointing.

Quinn has taken the not-so-unusual, Giffie-style-step of warning her rogue-est of Members - Barron, Avella and James, to be exact - that should they fail to fall in line with the Yankee deal that they might as well kiss their sweet pet projects good-bye.

Ahhhhhh ... nothin' like the sweet smell of reformia!

[and to keep ourselves in check, we hereby resolve to publish any response la Speaker Quinn would like to send in - publicsway@yahoo.com]

A Mean Green Fighting Machine?

2006-04-03T13:29:00.000-04:00

That's How We Like Our AG's

Fred Dicker of the New York Post really stuck it to a man today. And that man? Attorney General Candidate Mark Green.

Not only did Dicker humiliate Green by highlighting what appears to be his all but inevitable failure to get onto the ballot by way of backroom Democratic politicking, but he continued to sucker punch Green with these nasty blind quotes:

"Green will have a hard time getting to 25 percent - that's become clear," said one of the state's most important Democrats, who is neutral in the attorney general's race.

"People just don't like him. He's obnoxious. And while Cuomo is arrogant, too, he is able to hide it.

"He's turned on the charm and is more compelling and seemingly sincere. Mark is forced. He can't mask it," the insider added.

Journalistically, not such an impressive feat on Dicker's part; but what is of interest to us is how Green will respond, if at all, and why he hasn't already. Because we can't imagine an Attorney General candidate simply rolling over... especially one that seems to grasp the potential of the blogosphere.

As an aside, Adam Nagourney of the Times wrote an interesting piece this past weekend on how politics and politicians are facing sweeping changes by way of the net. The question for Green, then, is will he get swept under this wave or find a way to surf it?

Hopefully Green won't go the way of Dicker by stickin' it to himself!

'Tis All About Degrees of Separation

2006-03-29T14:11:00.001-05:00

Oh Let Us Count 'Em

Some New Hires at the City Council:

Jeffrey Baker: $65,000

John Collins: $46,000

Jonathan Ettricks, $100,000 (a recent increase)
A lot of moola for a Legislative Policy Analyst, wouldn't you say? Perhaps the fact that Ettricks comes from the Anoroc Democratic Club, home of Queens Chief Tom Manton, didn't hurt his cause?

Ronnie Franks, Jr.: $38,000

Laura Gordon: $42,000
Legislative Investigator

Keith Gugliuzza: $90,000

DeNora Johnson: $60,000
Counsel to the Committee on Governmental Operations

Scott Kirkland: $44,000

Omar Lopez: $45,000

Omany Luna: $60,000

Sylvia Maraia: $8,345

Ululy Martinez: $145,000
Former aide to Bronx Dem Boss, Jose Rivera, who had front row seats at Quinn's inauguration. Also serves as the proud pappa of Council Member Joel Rivera.

Lucy Mayo: $95,000
Quinn confidant; now Policy Director

Brian Nahman: $45,000

Robert Newman: $140,000 (recent increase)
Council's Legislative Director

Troy Outlaw, Jr.: $40,000 (recent increase)

Shauneeq Owusu: $45,000

Desiree Pagan Venegas: $50,000

Richard Persky: $53,000

Christopher Riley: $80,000
Former Spokesperson for the Board of Elections

Antonio Rodriguez: $95,000
Husband of Assemblywoman Naomi Rivera who is the sister of Council Member Joel Rivera, both of whom are the children of Bronx Chief Jose Rivera (see above).

Paul Thomas: $60,000

Ricardo Trinidad: $30,000

Maribel Valencia: $70,000 (recent increase)

Angelisa Ramirez: $30,000
Here we go again: daughter of Roberto Ramirez, famed puppetmaster of Freddy Ferrer and the Bronx gang.

Rangel's Roundin' Up the Troops

2006-03-29T01:26:00.000-05:00

For DeBlasio

Looks like the Harlem Charlester is whippin' up the troops for the soon-to-announce Staten Island Congressional candidate Brooklyn Council Member Bill de Blasio. How's that for a triple play?

In a note that went out to the NY Congressional Delegation yesterday (click here to view), Dean Rangel directs his colleagues to "indicate to me what your level of support will be if Bill should decide to run," and concludes by saying that "...I am certain that Bill is deserving of our support."

Doin' the yeomen's work, we tell ya ... luvin' it!

The Council's White Fudge

2006-03-28T01:19:00.000-05:00

Yummy!

Ok. Roomie's back.

And here's the deal. We are now fully rested individuals ... and are ready to talk turkey.

As promised (tho it took longer than we ever expected), we ran some numbers regarding Quinn's firing techniques ... and we'll gladly share with you what we discovered.

But first, we must mention this one caveat ... that unlike the Council, we DID NOT have access to Council records, and only had limited access to Council staff. And so, our numbers are only as good as we think they are. But we will share with you our calculations anyway, and they follow:

On February 22, 2006, Quinn staff said:

1. That 46% of staffers fired were people of color.

We agree; 45.9% to be exact.

2. That 43% of staffers fired were women.

Ummm ... apparently ... genitalia ... not the Council's strong suit. 44.26% were women, to be exact. And we're not sure how we could give the Council any leeway here.

3. That before the firings, 45% of the Council's central staff was female.

Again, off on the genitalia tip; 46.4% is our answer.

4. That before the firings, 43% of the Council's central staff were people of color.

And we say - NO WAY! Our number is 39.21%. And under our most generous of scenarios, the Council only gets up to 40.6%.

Under the most generous scenario, the numbers would look like this:

Non-Hispanic White: 165 (59.35%)
Non-Hispanic Black: 52 (18.71%)
Hispanic: 41 (14.75%)
Asian: 20 ( 7.19%)

Feel free to talk amongst yourselves...

In Case You Haven't Noticed!

2006-03-21T17:55:00.000-05:00

Roomie Is On Hiatus...

At least for the next few days...

Will be back soon with gusto!