Mike Blake's Unbalanced Opinions

Forget what you know

2013-05-15T04:15:00.001-04:00

Have you seen this kid yet? Jacob Barnett, an autistic 14 year old child prodigy from Indiana, who is a leading candidate for a Nobel Peace Prize. When he was in Kindergarten, he failed fingerprinting and was put into special classes.

What I find interesting about him is the way he says great minds came up with things after they stopped learning and began their own unique way of thinking. He says Albert Einstein, whose Theory of Relativity he is currently trying to disprove, began learning after he was rejected by a University (for being Jewish in pre-Nazi Germany) and was forced to work in a patent office. He says Newton discovered Physics, when his school was forced to close for two years due to the Plague.

I encourage you to listen to his 18 minute lecture. He's quite funny. He says instead of being a student in a specific field, you should "become the field." Quite brilliant, actually...

Lorraine Academy Bully Free Run this Saturday

2013-05-15T00:25:00.001-04:00

Lorraine Academy is having a run to help the school. These days, tight budgets are forcing many of the public schools to run fundraisers to make cash in order to get some extras for the students.

Race organizers are in great need of help with traffic control. Streets to be covered are the ones off of McKinley Pkwy and Hancock St. If you can help, please call Rogo at 868-8882. You will be back home in an hour knowing you did a good deed. Rogo reports that the great kids group (the South Park S.A.C.) was asked to help but not one of his fellow members would sign up. Not enough beer was offered, according to Rogo. There is a party back at the school after the run.

Coffee with Carl

2013-04-30T03:13:00.001-04:00

I stopped by the Dog Ear's Book Store last night to hear Carl Paladino speak on the upcoming School Board election. Regardless of whether you are pro-Carl or can't stand- Carl, you have to admit his candidacy has people talking.

The schools in Buffalo are a mess. That much everyone agrees upon. Some question whether Paladino's combative style is good or bad. The Buffalo News and Union President Phil Rumore are doing everything they can to label him a bigot and a racist.

Their wasting their time as Paladino is all but a lock to win the election on May 7th. I think his biggest challenge will be to convince the Buffalo teachers he is on their side. That has yet to be proven.

One thing I can say, Carl is the only candidate, incumbent or otherwise, talking about two issues that need to be addressed:

1) Getting rid of busing, Judge Curtin's dismal social experiment. He talked about how much money and time is being wasted sending students across the city. In fact, nothing has helped to make this city more segregated than busing. He mentioned families of three students, all placed on different buses headed to different schools. No wonder the parents aren't more involved in the schools.

2) Doing something about the unruly students who currently run many of the schools. If you think the principals run the lower performing schools, think again. I've subbed all over the city for years and I can tell you, their hands are tied. The do-gooders like to describe these kids as having emotional problems. The "emotional" problems stem from being raised with zero discipline or structure. Society has handed them over to these schools and placed them directly next to students who really do want to learn. Paladino wants to come up with a plan to rid the classrooms of those students intent on disrupting the educational process. In his speech, he said the Falk School model works and we need to put these problem students in a similar environment. I say do whatever it takes to get them away from those serious about getting an education.

In any event, it was a nice meeting. Unfortunately, I had to leave early after the City Hall Rooster ate all the brownies.

South Buffalo Police Report (Early April)

2013-04-12T21:37:00.001-04:00

565

Abbott

Larceny

UNK

UNK person did take compl wallet from locker at work

4/7/2013

Abbott and Red Jacket

Theft of Services

Thomas McMahon

Def did take cab, and did not pay for it, then kicked the cab causing damage

4/8/2013

197

Altruria

Harassment

KNOWN

Known susp (James "Goose") did harass via texts

4/6/2013

106

Armin

Criminal Mischief

KNOWN

Known susp shot bb gun at compl veh, and other stuff

4/9/2013

64

Bailey

Criminal Mischief

UNK

UNK person did break windows on buss (4)

4/5/2013

665

Bailey

DWI

Anthony Ferris

Def was DWI

4/5/2013

146

Baitz

Assault

KNOWN

Known susp (Luke Reinhardt) did strike compl

4/7/2013

Baraga and Hopkins

Poss of a weapon

Daniel Batherson

Def did have poss of a dagger

4/6/2013

209

Cable

Assault

Michael Johnson

SEE ABOVE. Def did point weapon at compl

4/6/2013

209

Cable

Endangering Welfare of Child

Sharika Nelson

Def did push compl daughter in front of her when another susp did point
weapon at

4/11/2013

167

Cantwell

Criminal Mischief

KNOWN JUIV

Known juiv did slash compl back tire on veh

4/6/2013

Chicago and South Park

Criminal Mischief

UNK

UNK juiv did strike compl truck with rocks

4/10/2013

1578

Clinton

Crim poss of Stolen Prop

Def did steal items from store

4/5/2013

1649

Clinton

Fraud

UNK

UNK person did use compl credit card to purchase items

4/6/2013

1918

Clinton

Larceny

KNOWN

Known susp (Keith Lazer) did steal compl furniture while moving out

4/5/2013

124

Cumberland

VOOP

KNOWN

Known susp (Robert Dwuzinie) did VOOP

4/10/2013

16

Dash

Criminal Mischief

Bradley Padovani

Def did smash compl table, and was in VOOP

4/8/2013

61

Dingens

Stolen Vehicle

Raheem Trotter

Def did steal veh, and did poss crack

4/11/2013

Durant and Sirret

Obstructing Govt Admin

Cheyenne Hinton

Def did- during traffic stop- refuse officers request for ID, and did then
refuse to exit vehicle, and became loud and abusive

4/9/2013

688

Eagle

Stolen Vehicle

Sherita Matthews

Def did steal veh

4/9/2013

182

Fenton

Larceny Vehicle

UNK

UNK person entered UNLOCKED veh and removed items

4/10/2013

280

Fenton

Harassment

KNOWN

Known susp (Janet Paradowski) did make threats to compl

4/8/2013

146

Folger

Obstructing Govt Admin

Loretta Maynard

Def did obstruct officers when they attempted to arrest another person she
knew

4/8/2013

146

Folger

Warrant

Kristen Fletcher

Def arrested on warrant. She did attempt to run from officers

4/6/2013

625

Fuhrmann

Larceny Vehicle

UNK

UNK person did break window of veh to get computer, money and other items
left in open

4/9/2013

1

Fulton

Stolen Vehicle

John Garner

Def did steal veh

4/10/2013

688

Fulton

Criminal Mischief

UNK

UNK person did damage back window of veh

4/7/2013

333

Ganson

Burglary

Joseph Robinson

PREVIOUS REPORT: Arrest for burglary and several other charges

4/5/2013

33

Garvey

Larceny

UNK

UNK removed a hub from compl veh

4/7/2013

164

Geary

Assault

Ricky Roberts

Def did choke compl, and did then fight with officers

4/5/2013

339

Germania

Larceny

KNOWN

Known susp (Stephanie McAndrews) did steal cash

4/8/2013

154

Gorski

Assault

KNOWN

Known susp (Jeffery Tredo) did strike compl in face with rock

4/9/2013

549

Hopkins

VOOP

Damon Wallace

Def did VOOP

4/11/2013

663

Hopkins

Assault

Kellen Lane

Def did choke compl to the point of almost passing out. Def did then strike
compl son

4/10/2013

699

Hopkins

Larceny

UNK

UNK person did steal ladder from rack of truck has "COMTEC" on ladder

4/8/2013

15

Kamper

Larceny Vehicle

UNK

UNK person did go into UNLOCKED veh, and take various items left in the open

4/7/2013

27

Kamper

Assault

Enid Rodriguez

Def did strike compl in head

4/6/2013

48

Lilac

Harassment

KNOWN

Known susp (Thomas Wojnar) did cal and harass 4 times

4/11/2013

52

Lorraine

Harassment

KNOWN

Known susp (Steven Williams) did come over compl house asking for $, and did
get upset and yell, and push compl

4/5/2013

325

Louisiania

Assault

KNOWN

Known susp (Gizale) did punch compl

4/7/2013

20

Matejko

Assault

Keith Banks

Def did choke compl

4/8/2013

1028

McKinley

Criminal Mischief

UNK

UNK person did damage fence in lot of business

4/10/2013

108

Melrose

Assault

Kevin Gallagher

Def did puch compl head into wall

4/10/2013

108

Melrose

Assault

Kevin Gallagher

Def arrested on previous report

4/11/2013

282

Miami

CPCS

Marie Stebbins and Shaun Lawson

Def(s) did possess CS

4/7/2013

325

Mystic

Assault

Kadeem McWIlliam

Def did choke compl to the point where they could not breathe

4/7/2013

41

Pembina

VOOP

KNOWN

Known susp (Destiny Adams) refused to turn over child at time required by
court

4/6/2013

17

Peru

Assault

KNOWN

Known susp (juiv) did shoot BB gun at compl

4/10/2013

146

Pries

Fraud

KNOWN

Known susp (Douglas Donohue) did use compl credit card w/o permission

4/8/2013

25

Roberts

Burglary

UNK

UNK person did rummage through office, and did take metal plates

4/9/2013

46

Ryan

DWI

John Jankowek

DEF did hit pole, ran from scene. Witness(s) did lead police to def. Def was
DWI

4/6/2013

Scott and Chicago

Robbery

UNK

UNK person(s) in red veh did point gun at compl and did demand money
(0400hrs) WEIRD

4/9/2013

105

Selkirk

Trespass

Rickey Minggie

Def did trespass on Mattelico property

4/7/2013

1259

Seneca

Assault

KNOWN

Known susp (Francis Tessina) did punch compl in face

4/11/2013

1944

Seneca

CPCS

Nicole Proudman and Catherine Fleming

Def did poss Marij and a white powder

4/11/2013

1944

Seneca

Criminal Mischief

Sean Sharp

Def did smash compl items, and refused to leave compl apt

4/9/2013

2265

Seneca

Criminal Mischief

UNK

UNK person did damage items in the laundromat

4/8/2013

2344

Seneca

Assault

KNOWN

Known susp (Ava Shepard) did punch compl in face

4/9/2013

2344

Seneca

Assault

Eva Shepard

Def arrest for assault

4/11/2013

20

Sheffield

Harassment

KNOWN

Known susp (Michael Sparacino) has texted compl over 80 times unwanted

4/9/2013

126

Smith

Poss of Marij

Robert Pilat II

Def did poss marij

4/10/2013

433

South Ogden

Harassment

Henry Chowaniec

Def did throw items and shove compl against fridge

4/5/2013

451

South Ogden

Harassment

Jose Bermudez Rivera

Def did grab compl in the neck causing bleeding

4/7/2013

1460

South Park

Harassment

Alexander Shurland

Def did punch compl in face

4/7/2013

1826

South Park

Larceny

KNOWN

Known susp (under invest) did enter church, and did remove copper and other
items

4/8/2013

2201

South Park

CPCS

Kevin Kasperzyk and Robert Wilson and Sean Bauer

Def did poss heroin

4/7/2013

2263

South Park

CPCS

Michelle Burton

Def did poss CS

4/7/2013

89

Southside

Harassment

KNOWN

Known susp did make threats

4/11/2013

150

Southside

Crim Poss of Marij

Daniel Rodriguez

While officers were invest fight call at South Park HS-Def poss Marij, and
did obstruct officers.

4/9/2013

1

Spann

Poss of Marij

Michael Szaflarski and Tyler Gomez

Def were smoking marij in Park

4/11/2013

198

Stevenson

VOOP

KNOWN

Known susp (Jose Sanchez) did VOOP

4/6/2013

16

Susan Lane

Harassment

UNK

UNK person keeps calling unwanted

4/9/2013

1054

Tifft

VOOP

Michael Deneka

Def arrested on prev incident

4/10/2013

1054

Tifft

VOOP

Michael Deneka

Def did VOOP

4/10/2013

58

Trowbridge

Warrant

Victor Scott

Def did have warrant

4/10/2013

91

Trowbridge

Crim Poss of Marij

Christopher Celotto

Def did make threats, and did poss marij

4/8/2013

232

Weimar

Burglary

UNK

UNK person did enter compl apt, and take 40" TV

4/7/2013

76

Weyand

Criminal Mischief

UNK

UNK person did cut cable to TV

4/9/2013

144

Whitehall

Harassment

KNOWN

Known susp (Karen Barber) keeps calling compl unwanted

4/9/2013

Wildwood and Newman

Poss of Stole Prop

Emma Cegielski

Def arrested for previous stolen property, and had heroin

4/6/2013

1623

William

Burglary

UNK

UNK person did break window, and did then enter. Nothing taken

4/9/2013

277

Woodside

Harassment

KNOWN

Known susp (David Hens) has been calling unwanted

4/10/2013

277

Woodside

Assault

David Hens

Def arrested on previous report

4/8/2013

50

Zittle

Larceny Vehicle

UNK

UNK person did rummage through compl UNLOCKED vehicle

Blog on hiatus

2013-04-09T02:12:00.001-04:00

Don't look for too many posts in the near future. I've debated whether to stop blogging altogether, or keep writing. It can be very time consuming and I like to spend my time exercising and traveling the world. So, I've decided to write sparingly.

I expect to have things to say on upcoming elections. The School Board race, next summer's mayoral election, and the next state Senate election. I don't plan on standing on the outside and watching the Old Guard/neighborhood clique types dictate what type of leadership we get. I know many of you who read this are non-political, family types who don't have the time to keep track of these liars.

I enjoy writing, but when it feels like a job, it's time to take a step back. I plan on becoming very involved in a few upcoming elections, so please stay tuned. The people in power do not like everyday people on the outside influencing elections with the truth. At the end of the day, all we have are our reputations. I could care less about how I am perceived within political circles. The only people I care about are regular people. I think we've accomplished a lot over the last 25 years and I look forward to accomplishing more. If you read the blog regularly, please send me a friend request on Facebook or Twitter. When I do post in the future, I will go through those channels.

Bad idea

2013-04-09T00:53:00.000-04:00

It was only a late April Fool's prank. Can't people take a joke anymore? A man was charged with placing a fake bomb in front of a local business. And no, it wasn't me...

According to a witness, the device appeared to be several sticks of dynamite tied together. The Bomb Squad was in to remove it. Late Monday, Police announced that 36-year-old Titus Tallchief of Kenmore has been charged with an E Felony, "placing a false bomb or hazardous substance".
http://www.wgrz.com/news/article/209715/1/Man-Charged-With-Placing-Fake-Bomb-in-Buffalo

Paladino's opponent offered a job by the mayor

2013-04-08T03:17:00.000-04:00

From the strange bedfellows department: Many people are talking about the Buffalo News story on Carl Paladino's school Board opponent, "Yo" Adrian Harris, being offered a recreation position by the mayor. Accepting the 2-10PM position would make it impossible for Harris to attend Board meetings, which are routinely scheduled at 7PM.

Besides it being more strange behavior by Mayor Brown, I don't make much of this story. I don't know anyone in South Buffalo who has ever heard of Adrian Harris. I give him credit for running, but I don't give him much of a shot of defeating the well known (and well funded) Paladino. The only votes he will get are from teachers, worried that Paladino might try to have them work 16 hour days and on Christmas Eve.

Paladino is viewed as an anti-establishment politician, which will sell to the many people currently fed up with the current state of government. Paladino is having a free party at the Ironworker's Hall in a few weeks. Half of South Buffalo will be there, many of them simply to enjoy the free food. Parties like this are unprecedented for a School Board race. I plan on going and asking him for $10 in exchange for voting for him. Hey, a guy has to make a buck any way he can these days.

That Brown or Paladino would be worried about Harris is a stretch, and I honestly don't think they are. Although being in the business world, I'm sure Carl knows to always respect your opponent. I heard him on the radio, and Harris sounds like a nice, well spoken guy. A nice, well spoken guy with little chance of winning. But, to his credit, he is continuing on with the campaign. My advice to him would have been to take the recreation job (if he is unhappy at his current gig.)
http://www.buffalonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130407/CITYANDREGION/130409326/1002

What was he thinking?

2013-04-07T17:34:00.000-04:00

WBEN's Tom Bauerle described me on the radio as a "crazy Left Wing blogger." Bizarre, since most of my posts lean slightly to the right.

Here's Tommy Boy unveiling his new look to his Facebook friends. This isn't as much of a hairstyle as it is a cry for help. None of us are perfect, including myself. But I've heard this new look described as "creepy" by more than one female observer. Zoolander on crack?

I guess there's a reason why some people are on the radio and others are on television. Somebody needs to explain to Thomas Aquinas that he's a zookeeper talk show host in Buffalo, NY and not a Hollywood starlet. I am reminded by what Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart once famously said on the topic of obscenity: "I can't describe it, but I know it when I see it."It doesn't get any more obscene than this.

South Buffalo Police Report (late March/early April)

2013-04-07T03:36:00.002-04:00

845

Abbott

Harassment

KNOWN

Known susp (Erric Jones) is calling store and harassing

3/30/2013

140

Arbour Lane

Burglary

KNOWN

Known susp (Thomas Szynanski of 274 Barnard) did force his way into compl
apt, did strike compl, and did then steal numerous items

3/31/2013

1

Buffalo River Place

Burglary

POSS KNOWN

Poss known susp did enter buss with key, and did damage to office

3/31/2013

Caz Casino

Burglary

UNK

UNK juiv did enter casino, and did damage to a fence and door

4/4/2013

1220

Clinton

Burglary

UNK

UNK person did enter basement, and did remove ladder

3/31/2013

1926

Clinton

Harassment

KNOWN

Known susp (Kyle Crawford) keeps texting unwanted

3/31/2013

Clinton and Cliff

CPCS

David Acker

Def did poss CS

4/1/2013

140

Coolidge

VOOP

KNOWN

Known susp (Arvin Romero-Diez) did call compl phone in VOOP

3/30/2013

297

Dingens

Larceny

UNK

UNK person did steal compl plates

4/4/2013

Dingens and Ogden

Warrant

Gabriel McCraver

Def had warrant

3/29/2013

865

Elk

Larceny

Brian Skinner and Steven Krajnik

Def and friends did dismantle alum dock, and did try to scrap

4/3/2013

43

Emslie

Robbery

Sean Austin

Def arrested from previous incident

3/29/2013

25

Ensign

Burglary

UNK

UNK w/m's did enter garage, take items, take keys and drive vehicle around
damaging veh. Has video

3/29/2013

1200

Fuhrmann

Larceny Vehicle

UNK

UNK person did break into compl veh and did remove numerous items left in
open (computer, $)

4/4/2013

333

Ganson

Burglary

KNOWN

Known susp (under invest) did enter building and did remove various items

3/29/2013

30

Harvey

Larceny

KNOWN

Known susp (Anthony Blackman) did steal compl TV

4/2/2013

31

Hillside

Burglary

UNK

UNK b/m in Jeep did enter compl vacant prop and did remove copper

4/2/2013

320

Holly

Assault

KNOWN

Known susp (Louis Pelino) did break into compl apt, and did assault

4/2/2013

32

Hollywood

Assault

Adam Porzio

Def did strike compl

3/29/2013

78

Hollywood

Larceny

KNOWN

Known susp (Kristen Hempling) did steal compl visa card, and did use several
times w/o permission

4/1/2013

78

Hollywood

Larceny

Kristen Hempling

Def arrested on previous reported incident

4/3/2013

112

Imson

Harassment

James Brown

Def arrested on previous incident

4/3/2013

50

James E Casey

Harassment

Portta Lalier

Def did make threats to compl

3/31/2013

185

Kentucky

Harassment

POSS KNOWN

Poss known susp did punch compl in face

4/1/2013

83

Krakow

Assault

Bebjamin Hasturter

Def did drag compl across the living room

3/29/2013

28

Lilac

Harassment

Shannon McCann

Def (roommate) did punch compl in face

4/2/2013

207

Lockwood

Criminal Mischief

UNK

UNK person did scratch veh

4/4/2013

Mackinaw and Alabama

Criminal Mischief

Mark Husar

Def (always being arrested) did damage compl phone

3/31/2013

396

Marilla

Robbery

KNOWN

Known susp (Matthew Macauley of 396 Marilla) did grab compl from veh, and
did pull necklace from neck

4/4/2013

McKinley Circle

Fraud

UNK

UNK person did write check w/o compl permission

4/2/2013

28

Mineral Springs

False Personation

Deandre Coreen

Def was pulled over in veh for plates being suspended, and def gave false
name to officers

4/4/2013

Mystic and Abby

Poss of Stole Prop

Daniel Degnan and Richmond Gibson

Def did poss ATV at this location, and it was found stolen from Lack

4/1/2013

15

Newmann

Harassment

Christopher Shenk

Def did harass compl, refused to coop with officers, and did then fight
officers when being placed under arrest

3/29/2013

698

Ogden

Larceny

KNOWN

Known susp (Rebecca Misenheimer) did steal items from store.

4/1/2013

33

Olson

CPCS

Damica Luciano

Def did poss CS

4/1/2013

39

Parkview

Theft of Services

KNOWN

Known susp (Mayesha Reese) did use compl name to get cable service (now ows
$800.00)

4/1/2013

305

Perry

CPCS

Ronald Hillard

Def did trespass on BMHA property, and was found in poss of CS

4/4/2013

365

Perry

Harassment

Latrice Gilbert

Def did shove compl and make threats

4/1/2013

93

Pulaski

Assault

Louis Bodine

Def did verbally and physically assault compl and refused to allow compl to
leave

4/4/2013

1944

Seneca

VOOP

Anthony Bradley

Def of 48 Zittle did VOOP

4/4/2013

1989

Seneca

Larceny

Anthony Bradley

Def arrested on previous incident

3/29/2013

2277

Seneca

DWI

Joseph Adam

Def was involved in multiple car accident. Def ran from scene, but was
caught and charged

3/31/2013

Seneca and Indian Church

VOOP

Roger Buckland

Def did VOOP

3/29/2013

89

Sheffield

Burglary

UNK

UNK person (while compl was moving out) did steal items from apt

4/2/2013

116

Smith

Larceny

UNK

UNK person did steal compl bike from yard

4/4/2013

Smith and Fillmore

Crim Poss of Marij

Demario Robbins

Def while driving was smoking marij (passed over double yellow line several
times)

4/3/2013

390

South Park

CPCS

Reshawn Pennik and Jasmin Carson and De'Shawn Pennik

Def did poss marij and cocaine

3/31/2013

816

South Park

Assault

KNOWN

Known susp (Roman Kelley) did punch compl in the face numerous times

3/30/2013

1460

South Park

Larceny

Mary Kemnitzer

Def did steal items from Tops

3/31/2013

1460

South Park

Larceny

UNK

UNK person did steal compl wallet while at check-out

3/29/2013

1460

South Park

Robbery

UNK

WEIRD: Unknown H/m's did cut compl with knife and did take compl benefit
card and $ (vic from orchard park)

3/29/2013

1831

South Park

Harassment

KNOWN

Known susp (Thomas Derring) did make threats with knife. Susp has warrant

3/30/2013

1951

South Park

DWI

Michael Paler

Def was driving drunk

4/2/2013

1971

South Park

Larceny

UNK

UNK person did steal 12 pack of beer from store

3/31/2013

2113

South Park

Disorderly Conduct

Jason Hamilton

Def was kicked out of business, refused to leave, then tried to run from
officers after being arrested

3/30/2013

2263

South Park

Criminal Mischief

UNK

UNK person did damage real window of apt

3/31/2013

South Park and Botanical Gardens

Criminal Mischief

Tyeisia Hicks

Def had warrant

4/4/2013

South Park and Red Jacket

Burglary

Jason Cummings and Jeffrey Ray, Jr, and Cody Nugent and John Nugent and
Thomas Mosley and Nicholas Nugent

ALL def(s) did enter trailer at 47 Ensign and did remove 1500 lb blocks of
lead worth 3-4K

3/30/2013

325

Southside

Criminal Mischief

UNK

UNK person did throw rock through kitchen window

4/2/2013

50

Thielman

Larceny

KNOWN

Known susp (under invest) did steal approx 20k of items from business over a
period of time

4/4/2013

792

Tifft

Criminal Mischief

UNK

UNK person did damage windshield of veh

4/3/2013

1054

Tifft

VOOP

KNOWN

Known susp (Michael Deneka) did send photo to compl phone in VOOP

3/29/2013

33

Weyand

Harassment

Angel Lozada

Def did shove compl

3/31/2013

146

Weyand

Harassment

KNOWN

Known susp (Melissa Chadwick) did punch compl in face

4/2/2013

168

Woodside

DWI

Andrew Siwy

Def did get into accident, leave scene, was followed, and placed under
arrest

4/4/2013

2

Zittle

Assault

KNOWN

Known susp (Duaen Martin) did choke compl, and destroy some property, and
did steal compl phone

Meet West Seneca's Meegan family: An entire family of scammers

2013-04-03T02:35:00.001-04:00

One week after the new Executive Director announced a new way of doing business, the Erie County Water Authority hired the son of West Seneca Supervisor Sheila Meegan at $41,000/year.

While all Erie County residents should be appalled at this blatant nepotism, West Seneca residents should be particularly outraged. Timothy Meegan represents three generations of government scamming by the Chris Walsh family. While your kids are being forced out of state to find decent employment, this political family was able to create a no-show unnecessary position for their little snowflake. Grampa Walsh is one of the biggest scam artists in WNY, and now it looks like his daughter is carrying on the family tradition. And the entire family obviously has no shame.

This position wasn't advertised, because it was created specifically for Meegan's son. The only public official I see questioning it is Erie County Comptroller Stefan Mychajliw, who is publicly calling for the Authority to be audited. West Seneca residents: Remember this nonsense when Meegan tells you she represents the people. Total scam artist.

http://www.wgrz.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=208815

Small field

2013-04-02T02:40:00.000-04:00

Two men in their 90s compete in the 100 yard "dash"...

Teacher of the Week

2013-03-29T22:04:00.001-04:00

Congratulations to Robert Smith from Sweet Home Middle School on being selected our Teacher of the Week. Smith and his students received pizza and chicken wings courtesy of La Nova Pizza. Here he is demonstrating his unorthodox way of completing lesson plans at home.

South Buffalo police report (Late March)

2013-03-29T16:48:00.002-04:00

323

Abby

Larceny

UNK

UNK person did steal solar lights (0300hrs)

3/22/2013

43

Aldrich

Larceny

KNOWN

Known susp (Robert Crossman) was seen stealing washer

3/24/2013

151

Amber

Stolen Vehicle

UNK

Compl left veh in front of house, when compl came out it was gone

3/25/2013

25

Archer

Burglary

UNK

UNK person did break into apt, and did steal ipod and other type items

3/22/2013

39

Ashton

Harassment

KNOWN

Known susp keeps sending text threats.

3/24/2013

198

Babcock

Assault

Christopher Roche

Def did strike compl, and then destroy items

3/25/2013

208

Babcock

Harassment

KNOWN

Known susp (Jamie Maund) did make threats to compl.

3/24/2013

164

Barnard

Criminal Mischief

Gregory Martis

Def did break items in house as officers were invest domestic

3/25/2013

183

Cable

Assault

Bertram Cambridge

Def did enter compl apt and did steal wallet, and did then throw compl to
floor and refused compl to leave

3/27/2013

185

Cazenovia

Assault

Victorio Lugo

Def did get into fight over money, and did strike compl

3/27/2013

Cazenovia Casino

Trespass

UNK

UNK person did enter casino

3/25/2013

1025

Clinton

CPCS

Daniel Cimino

Def did poss CS

3/25/2013

1125

Clinton

Burglary

UNK

UNK person did break into clinton Auto Wrecking and did throw stuff around
office

3/25/2013

1755

Clinton

Harassment

POSS KNOWN

Poss known susp (we have plate) did make threats to compl

3/26/2013

1880

Clinton

Larceny

KNOWN

Known susp (Tonya Chase) did remove $ from compl purse.

3/26/2013

1880

Clinton

Robbery

UNK

UNK b/m 6' thin with red,white,black plaid shirt and blue jeans did attempt
to take $ from compl and then stabbed compl.

3/25/2013

Clinton and Fillmore

Warrant

Randy Holloman

Def did have warrant

3/28/2013

Clinton and Ogden

Harassment

Jeffrey Fypa

Def was following compl (and wife), and made threats

3/26/2013

11

Downing

Assault

KNOWN

Known susp (Michael Daruszka) did grab compl by neck, and refuse compl to
leave

3/27/2013

89

Duerstein

Assault

KNOWN

Known susp(under invest) was arrested on previous incident

3/25/2013

654

Elk

Burglary

UNK

UNK person did enter South Buffalo Auto Parts, and did take 50" TV

3/24/2013

278

Fenton

Assault

KNOWN

Known susp (John Gonzalez) did punch compl

3/25/2013

127

Fillmore

Burglary

UNK

UNK person did enter Mettallico and did throw items around office and did
steal some items

3/25/2013

41

Fredro

Criminal Mischief

KNOWN

Known susp (Sherri McCoy) threw bottle through window

3/26/2013

1

Fulton

Crim Poss of Forged Instru

KNOWN

Known susp (under invest) did poss counterfeit money

3/27/2013

1

Fulton

Crim Poss of Forged Instru

Susp not charged

Customer of Seneca Casino did present a counterfeit bill. Susp did
unknowingly use at casino

3/24/2013

35

Geary

Assault

KNOWN

Known susp (Herbert Sample) did punch compl

3/27/2013

36

Harvey

Larceny

UNK

CRIME OF THE DAY: Compl gave Unknown person permission to go into house and
take washer. Susp did then take other items.

3/28/2013

87

Hayward

Crim Poss of Weapon

Calvin Lockhart

Def did poss knife (after call from 911)

3/25/2013

59

Heussy

VOOP

Charles Hoeflich

Def did VOOP

3/27/2013

673

Hopkins

Crim Poss of Marij

Ernest Fuller

Def did poss marij

3/24/2013

Hopkins and Pembina

Harassment

KNOWN

Known susp (Danny Degnan) did reach into compl veh and did punch compl

3/26/2013

112

Imson

Harassment

KNOWN

Known susp (James Broen) did make threats over phone

3/24/2013

11

Indian Church

Burglary

UNK

UNK person did pull out back door, enter apt, and id take necklace

3/25/2013

82

Milford

Burglary

KNOWN

Known susp did enter compl apt, and did steal items

3/24/2013

82

Milford

Larceny

KNOWN

Known susp (William Clemmons) did steal keys from compl

3/27/2013

9

Mineral Springs

Burglary

UNK

Compl was sweeping hall, when compl went back into apt, noticed license and
$ gone.

3/22/2013

328

Mineral Springs

Larceny

UNK

UNK person did cut fence, then did cut copper wire at tower

3/27/2013

73

Pawnee

Assault

KNOWN JUIV

Known juiv did punch compl and grab hair

3/22/2013

41

Pembina

Burglary

UNK

UNK w/m did enter compl apt through window and did remove items

3/25/2013

52

Princeton

Larceny

KNOWN

Known susp (Amanda Renza) did steal compl cell phone

3/25/2013

Reading and South Park

CPCS

Jacob Hunter

Def did poss CS

3/23/2013

96

Rejtan

Assault

Muvany Ezekiel

Def did slam aunt to the ground

3/26/2013

72

Remoleno

Assault

Benathan Cook

Def did hold brick over compl head, and make threats

3/28/2013

63

Ryan

Burglary

UNK

UNK person did go into compl apt and take xbox and related item

3/22/2013

350

Seneca

Forgery

KNOWN

Known susp (Under invest) did forge compl name on checks

3/22/2013

1037

Seneca

Criminal Mischief

UNK

UNK person did cut fence.

3/22/2013

1037

Seneca

Larceny

UNK

UNK susp did cut copper wires and did take batteries

3/28/2013

1529

Seneca

Crim Poss of Marij

Randy White

Def did poss marij

3/22/2013

2163

Seneca

Larceny

UNK

UNK person did steal plate from veh

3/23/2013

2168

Seneca

Harassment

KNOWN

Known susp (Susan Reese) keeps texting unwanted

3/27/2013

89

Sheffield

Forgery

Shalena Freeman

Def was arrested for previous crime

3/24/2013

148

Sidway

Harassment

Jason Klein

Def did make threats to burn house down

3/23/2013

211

Smith

Burglary

KNOWN

Known susp is making threats, and did admit to burg compl home

3/24/2013

589

South Park

Assault

Teresa Dolan

Def did stab compl with scissors

3/27/2013

1037

South Park

Burglary

UNK

UNK person did break into trailer and remove item

3/27/2013

1105

South Park

Crim Poss of Marij

Christopher Orazio

Def arrested for poss of Marij

3/23/2013

1685

South Park

Larceny

Juan Rodriguez

Def id hop fence, and did steal tire and rim

3/22/2013

1847

South Park

False reporting Incident

KNOWN

Known susp (Shalena Freeman) did make false report to police about VOOP

3/26/2013

2104

South Park

Larceny

UNK

UNK person did steal dealer plate (# 8192117)

3/25/2013

South Park and Lee

Crim Poss of Marij

Dennis Cohey

Def did poss marij

3/24/2013

South Park and Michigan

Larceny Vehicle

UNK

UNK person did break compl window, and did then steal various items out of
veh

3/25/2013

150

Southside

Harassment

Maurice Howie

Def did come into classroom and make threats, and did shove teacher

3/26/2013

101

Spaulding

Criminal Mischief

UNK

UNK person did damage compl door

3/22/2013

386

Swan

Harassment

William Lacey

Def did make threats while intox and

3/27/2013

16

Trowbridge

VOOP

Angelina Monaco

Def did VOOP by following compl

3/27/2013

116

Trowbridge

Harassment

Nathaniel Mercado

Def arrested for grabbing compl

3/23/2013

123

Unger

Larceny

KNOWN

Known susp (Charles Hoeflick) did take compl credit card, and cash

3/24/2013

334

Weimar

Larceny

UNK

UNK person did steal compl bike from yard

3/23/2013

153

Weiss

Trespass

Raymond Malacitowski

Def was trespassing on property, and then ran, and was later seen
trespassing again

3/26/2013

21

Wildwood

Burglary

KNOWN

Known susp (under invest) did admit to burglary

3/25/2013

21

Wildwood

Larceny

KNOWN

Def did steal compl ipod

3/28/2013

William and Bailey

Falsely reporting incident

Jamie Cornea

Def did get into accident and then falsely reported the vehicle stolen

3/25/2013

59

Zittle

Larceny

KNOWN

Known susp (Raquel Renfro) did steal $ out of compl apt

3/22/2013

112

Zittle

Larceny Vehicle

UNK

UNK person did enter compl UNLOCKED veh and did remove items (loose change)

3/22/2013

113

Zittle

Larceny Vehicle

UNK

UNK person did enter compl veh and did remove radio

3/24/2013

141

Zittle

Criminal Mischief

UNK

UNK person did key vehicle

Traitors amongst us

2013-03-29T03:29:00.002-04:00

I'll tell you what's going on, but it's up to you to act on it...

An alert reader pointed out to me that Tim "Hortons" Kennedy was not the only South Buffalo Judas on the stage during mayor Brown's reelection announcement. Abbott Road Councilman Christopher Scanlon, the son of privilege, was hiding in the far corner. He's the man who swore he would be an independent voice when his father bought his council seat for him. So far, not so good.

Speaking of Scanlon, he was recently spotted on a milk carton at Wegmans. Ever since his seat was purchased for him, he has been nowhere in site.

Schroeder supporters: I hope you guys are paying attention to Kennedy and Scanlon. They sold out the entire neighborhood to the mayor. Both are deserving of competition when reelection time comes. Remember, before Scanlon's father purchased his seat, he was a bartender/college dropout with at least one DWI and zero work experience. Must be nice to be born into a life of privilege.

Crazy Russians climb great pyramid

2013-03-28T08:42:00.001-04:00

How come whenever a crazy story takes place these days, Russians seem to be at the center of it? The other day, a group of Russian teenagers illegally climbed one of the Egypt's great pyramid and took these incredible photos. They could receive 1-3 years in jail for their stunt.

http://gawker.com/5992398/the-unbelievable-photos-taken-by-the-crazy-russians-who-illegally-climbed-egypts-great-pyramid

Attention Mark Schroeder supporters:

2013-03-25T13:22:00.001-04:00

When Mayor Brown announced his reelection plans last Saturday, the only South Buffalo politician standing behind him on the stage was none other than Tim "Horton's" Kennedy. I wonder how the friends and family of rumored mayoral candidate Mark Schroeder felt about this? I guess we'll find out next summer, when little Timmy asks them to vote for HIM. That's a lot of South Buffalo Democrats Timmy was willing to offend in order to obtain his 30 pieces of silver from Mayor Urkel.

I spoke to one high ranking South Buffalo political type who told me that more than a few former supporters were livid at Kennedy for putting himself ahead of the neighborhood yet again. "Please don't mention my name. But I can tell you, there will be retribution when Kennedy goes up for reelection. He's really gone too far this time."

Even members of Kennedy's beloved South Buffalo clique have seen enough of Corky.

Battling the elements

2013-03-23T01:54:00.003-04:00

It'll probably be awhile before the US Soccer Federation schedules another World Cup qualifier in Colorado in March. Also, the players wore white jerseys, which I'm sure made finding their teammates on the field fun. The USA won 1-0 and will play Mexico on Tuesday night in much warmer conditions, I'm sure...

South Buffalo Police Report (mid March)

2013-03-22T16:27:00.003-04:00

3/16/2013

453

Abbott

Criminal Mischief

POSS KNOWN

Poss known susp (under invest) did damage compl garage door.

3/16/2013

565

Abbott

Larceny

Ryan Noreck

Def did steal prescription drugs from cart in Mercy Hospital

3/15/2013

21

Alamo

Harassment

Stephen Raven

Def did push compl to couch after argument

3/18/2013

25

Alamo

Harassment

Lynette Ksjazek

Def did strike BF in face.

3/18/2013

137

Aldrich

Larceny

KNOWN

Known susp (Cheryl Tobin) did forge compl name on check and did cash

3/16/2013

160

Altruria

VOOP

KNOWN

Known susp (Latika Hawkins) did VOOP and did damage compl property

3/18/2013

1

Andrew alley

Assault

Brian Boylin

Def did punch compl over beer

3/19/2013

1

Andrew alley

Burglary

Kermit King

Def did break into compl apt

3/18/2013

435

Bailey

Assault

KNOWN

Known susp (Stephan Reska) did throw table at compl injuring same

3/19/2013

435

Bailey

Larceny

KNOWN

Known susp (Aubly Simbeck) did enter compl room and did remove items

3/19/2013

435

Bailey

Larceny

Stephen Reska

Def was in poss of numerous stolen items

3/20/2013

435

Bailey

Burglary

KNOWN

KNOWN susp (Gary Barowick) did enter compl apt and did remove items

3/16/2013

727

Bailey

Poss of Stole Prop

Steven Werts

Def was in poss of stolen property

3/19/2013

875

Bailey

Stolen Vehicle

KNOWN

Known susp (Mark Reska from Paul Place) did steal compl motorcycle.

3/16/2013

54

Baitz

Harassment

Jimmy Marion

Def did throw compl to ground

3/18/2013

335

Barnard

CPCS

Scott Sweeney

Def was in poss of CS while in veh

3/15/2013

139

Cantwell

Harassment

KNOWN

Known susp (Kenneth Bienko) did make threats to compl. Compl does not wish
to press charges

3/17/2013

186

Choate

Criminal Mischief

UNK

UNK person did damage compl basement window

3/19/2013

1725

Clinton

Assault

KNOWN

Known susp (Tony Winas) did punch compl in face

3/17/2013

1914

Clinton

CPCS

Meghann Reedy

Def was in poss of CS while in veh

3/20/2013

Clinton and Fillmore

False Impersonation

Crystal Buck

Def was stopped for V&T, and then gave officers false name

3/17/2013

140

Culver

Assault

Julie Lobianco

Def did slap compl in face and did cause bruise

3/16/2013

28

Downing

Larceny Vehicle

UNK

UNK person did enter compl veh and did remove power machine with cables

3/20/2013

89

Duerstein

Assault

KNOWN

Known susp (Patrick Cannan) in VOOP did strike compl

3/20/2013

57

Dundee

Larceny Vehicle

UNK

UNK person did steal tools out of van

3/19/2013

871

Eagle

Larceny

UNK

UNK person did remove inspection sticker from veh

3/19/2013

999

Exchange

CPCS

Ronald Hartel

Def did have crack pipe and open container of beer

3/17/2013

43

Folger

Harassment

KNOWN

Known susp (Lamar Eubanks) did choke compl

3/14/2013

1

Fulton

Larceny Vehicle

UNK

UNK person did smash compl window while at casino and did remove tote bag

3/17/2013

550

Fulton

Harassment

KNOWN

Known susp (Kimberly Hannah) did leave notes on veh that made threats

3/15/2013

Fulton and Chicago

Stolen Vehicle

KNOWN

Known susp (Antoine Wright) did steal compl keys and did then take compl veh

3/19/2013

27

Glenn

Fraud

UNK

UNK person did remove $ from compl account to pay DTV

3/18/2013

73

Good

Criminal Mischief

UNK

UNK person did throw rock through window of apt

3/19/2013

80

Good

Fraud

UNK

UNK person from out of the US did hack compl account and did remove $

3/19/2013

Hamburg and South Division

Stolen Vehicle

KNOWN

Known susp (AJ) did steal compl veh

3/19/2013

7

Harvey

Harassment

UNK

UNK person in green veh did harass

3/15/2013

91

Heussy

Stolen Vehicle

KNOWN

Vehicle returned by Boyfriend

3/21/2013

363

Hopkins

Robbery

UNK

UNK w/m 5'7" grey hoodie with black stripes on arms did demand $, the compl
did turn and fight with suspect. Susp had knife and compl hand was cut. Def
ran away

3/16/2013

615

Hopkins

Criminal Poss of Weapon

Rodney Warren

Def was in poss of a gun, marij, pills he lives at 213 Cedar street

3/20/2013

43

Houston

Harassment

KNOWN

Known susp (Richard Dorman)is making threats

3/18/2013

36

Kentucky

Criminal Mischief

Jason Covell

Def did break numerous items in house during domestic, then ran from
officers

3/19/2013

57

Kirkover

Warrant

Robert Bruckman

Def did give false name, and was found to have warrant

3/20/2013

20

Lakewood

Criminal Mischief

KNOWN

Known susp (Robert Braughler) did harass compl, and did then smash veh
window

3/21/2013

77

Lakewood

Harassment

KNOWN

Known susp (Michelle Tasseff) keeps texting unwanted 100 times

3/19/2013

115

Lockwood

Harassment

Gary Fitzpatrick

Def did push compl to ground during argument

3/16/2013

384

Louisiania

Larceny

UNK

UNK person did make purchases on compl visa card

3/19/2013

384

Louisiania

Larceny

UNK

UNK person did use compl visa card to make unauth purchases

3/15/2013

36

Magnolia

Burglary

POSS KNOWN

Poss known susp did break into compl apt and remove items

3/18/2013

88

McKinley

DWI

Kevin Shanhan

Def was DWI and struck vehicle

3/19/2013

9

Mineral Springs

Criminal Mischief

Justin Dobbs

Def did break door after domestic, and was found in poss of CS

3/18/2013

66

Mineral Springs

Assault

Tina Madar

Def did report a fake BIP to police, and when police arrived, def did attack
BF

3/19/2013

Mineral Springs and Hillary

CPCS

Pamela Giamballuca

Def did have in poss CS

3/19/2013

331

Mystic

Disorderly Conduct

Mindy Jernigan

Def did leave her pitt bull dogs on porch while they continued to bark

3/17/2013

339

Mystic

Larceny

UNK

UNK susp did remove Wii from house. Many juiv go in and out

3/15/2013

30

Paul Place

Crim Poss of Marij

Joseph Noworyta

While looking for lost juiv, officers did discover a marij grow operation at
address

3/18/2013

73

Pawnee

Harassment

KNOWN

Known susp (under invest) did grab juiv by arm and did then throw against
wall.

3/21/2013

305

Perry

Assault

Julious Huntley

Def did VOOP and did strike compl

3/21/2013

312

Perry

Assault

KNOWN

Known susp (Palmer DeMarcus compl BF) did smash face into ground

3/21/2013

Perry and Hayward

Assault

Julius Huntley

Def in VOOP did smash a beer bottle in compl face

3/16/2013

37

Peru

Burglary

UNK

UNK susp did force his way into compl apt and demanded $. Compl gave susp
morphine pills and then the susp left (WEIRD!!!)

3/21/2013

17

Pomona

Robbery

KNOWN

Known susp (lauren Huss) did steal $ from compl

3/20/2013

85

Potters

Assault

KNOWN

Known susp (Richard Chmiel) did punch compl in face

3/20/2013

93

Pulaski

Harassment

KNOWN

Known susp (Louis Bodine) did shove compl and compl son

3/15/2013

54

Remoleno

Larceny Vehicle

UNK

UNK person did break into veh and did remove drain cleaner (roto Rooter)

3/17/2013

77

Remoleno

VOOP

Raymond Jackson Jr

Def did VOOP

3/19/2013

62

Republic

Criminal Mischief

UNK

UNK person did damage windows on the Community Center, and did damage TV

3/16/2013

13

Roseville

Criminal Mischief

UNK

UNK person did throw rock through window of apt

3/17/2013

12

Ryan South

Harassment

Jeffrey Dawidowicz

Def did make threats and did push compl

3/20/2013

45

Sage

Larceny Vehicle

UNK

UNK person did "slip" lock on veh, and did remove items

3/17/2013

1115

Seneca

Assault

Richard Cryan

Def did punch compl in head causing bleeding

3/19/2013

1120

Seneca

Stolen Vehicle

William Matthew

Def did steal rental vehicle

3/17/2013

2191

Seneca

Assault

KNOWN

Known susp (Lisa Janicki) did slap compl and did bite compl

3/21/2013

89

Sheffield

Fraud

Shalena Freeman

Def did steal checks, and did write for withdrawl

3/17/2013

Sidway and O'Connell

Stolen Vehicle

UNK

UNK person did steal compl red truck (under invest, as it was determined
that it was in an accident on the thruway...weird!)

3/17/2013

223

Smith

Harassment

KNOWN

Known susp (boyfriend) did push compl.

3/14/2013

Smith and Prenatt

Assault

KNOWN

Known susp (Richard Crull) did punch compl in face

3/15/2013

443

South Division

Harassment

Lamar Young

Def did strike compl, and while leaving did damage back door

3/19/2013

South Division and Fillmore

Disorderly Conduct

Gene Koszute

Def was arrested for Discon

3/14/2013

368

South Ogden

Crim Poss of Marij

Joseph Folgert and Heavenleigh Becht

Def were in poss of marij

3/19/2013

423

South Park

Harassment

KNOWN

Known susp (Lyleto Stallworth) has been harassing compl, and even going to
compl work-place

3/21/2013

547

South Park

VOOP

Curtis Jimerson

Def did VOOP and did harass compl

3/19/2013

561

South Park

Harassment

Alan McNight

Def did make threats to compl and pounded on door

3/14/2013

619

South Park

Harassment

KNOWN

Known susp (Chris Walters) did text threat

3/15/2013

1460

South Park

Larceny

Tania Harzynski

Def did steal items from tops

3/15/2013

1605

South Park

Robbery

UNK

UNK w/m in black hoodie did come into store with knife and demand money.
Compl yelled and suspect left

3/21/2013

1762

South Park

Larceny

UNK

UNK person did steal compl registration sticker

3/20/2013

1847

South Park

False reporting Incident

Brittanie Montroy and Joseph Krywalski

Def did false report incident to police

3/18/2013

1971

South Park

Larceny

UNK

UNK w/m did come into store and steal Mike Hard Lemonade

3/21/2013

2263

South Park

Burglary

POSS KNOWN

Poss known susp (under invest) did break into compl apt and did remove Wii

3/19/2013

South Park and Bailey

Crim Poss of Marij

Kisk Garcia

Def did have in poss Marij

3/16/2013

41

Stevenson

Harassment

KNOWN

Known susp (Teccia Orgurani) EX-GF did make threats

3/19/2013

41

Stevenson

Harassment

Ticcia Orguan

Def arrested on previous incident

3/14/2013

80

Stevenson

Harassment

KNOWN

Known susp (Daneshea Dantzler) did VOOP by harassing compl

3/20/2013

103

Stevenson

Assault

Jason Suchocki

Def did shoot a 12 guage shotgun round through compl window

3/18/2013

357

Swan

Larceny

POSS KNOWN

Poss known (under invest) susp did reach in truck and did steal numerous
cartons of ciggs

3/17/2013

123

Trowbridge

Harassment

George Mosorley

Def, after hours of drinking, did harass compl and did damage desk

3/21/2013

37

Unger

Burglary

Joshua Loster

Def did break into compl home, and did steal tools

3/20/2013

45

Van Rensselaer

Harassment

KNOWN

Known susp (Michael Bobbitt) is calling compl unwanted

3/14/2013

91

Vandalia

Assault

Lindsey Howell

Def did bite compl left breast and left arm.

3/14/2013

22

Weyand

Larceny

Johnathon Scott

Def did steal compl cell phone

3/20/2013

Weyand and Seneca

Assault

UNK

Compl states that he witnessed a b/m grab a person's purse, he helped, and
the susp punched compl

3/19/2013

150

Woodside West

Burglary

UNK

UNK person did enter compl apt and did remove items

3/20/2013

201

Woodside West

Harassment

UNK

UNK person is texting compl with their stolen iphone

What the?

2013-03-22T00:44:00.001-04:00

It's always funny when someone screws up and unintentionally causes an uproar. You may not have seen it yet, but the character of Satan from the History Channel's The Bible bears an uncanny resemblance to President Obama. I'm sure the conspiracy theorists amongst us will read more into it than it deserves. Even I thought it was a little suspicious when I heard the documentary was being produced by Karl Rove.

International update: Japan

2013-03-21T03:41:00.001-04:00

Here's a bizarre story from Japan about a city Councilman banned from meetings for refusing to take off his pro wrestling mask...

Japan's Oita City Council knew what it was getting when Skull Reaper A-ji was voted into office: a grown man who wears a "lucha libre"-style wrestling mask at all times. But the less-awesome politicians who attend the meetings have banned him until he removes his mask.

"If I take my mask off, I'm an entirely different person," he said. "I will not take it off." He says his mask makes average citizens more comfortable when they talk to him.

I say let him wear his mask. Western New York has a lot of politicians who should wear masks when they go out in public.

http://now.msn.com/skull-reaper-a-ji-banned-from-city-council-meetings-because-of-wrestling-mask#scptmd

You paid for it

2013-03-20T08:49:00.003-04:00

If you're like me, yesterday in the mail you probably received a slick flier from Mickey "Call me at the office tomorrow" Kearns/Paladino. What you may not know is that this free advertisement for Mickey was mailed at taxpayer expense. You know how expensive it is to mail letters these days. Imagine mailing one to everyone in your district. This is one of the scams New York State lawmakers use to keep themselves in office for decades at a time. People are so uninformed, they will almost always vote for the person with name recognition. And don't think these used car salesmen don't know it.

It's one of those Albany tricks Mickey campaigned against when he ran for office as a "reformer". The purpose of the flier was for Mickey to "introduce" himself to residents. No introduction necessary. Kearns is the same guy we had in there before him and the guy we had in before that guy. Status quo 100%.

With email and Facebook and Twitter, there is no need for taxpayers to pay for nonsense like this to arrive at your door step. What a complete waste of our money, a paid advertisement for an incumbent. As a man who campaigned against the Albany insiders, Kearns/Paladino should apologize and use his campaign money to reimburse the taxpayers.

2013 Mayor's race

2013-03-19T02:25:00.001-04:00

I don't know who WGRZ is hearing rumors from regarding this year's mayoral race. We've all heard the speculation that City Comptroller Mark Schroeder might be throwing his hat into the ring this September, but Mickey Kearns?

-Had they done their homework, WGRZ would realize that Carl Paladino recently patched things up with Mayor Casey and is moving ahead with his big hotel plans. For Mickey Paladino to run, he'd have to get permission from his Godfather, and that would kill the golden goose.

-I'd like to see Schroeder run, but I have a feeling he won't. Mayor Casey and company are going to give him the keys to City Hall in exchange for him not running. In other words, all the perks of being mayor with none of the stress that accompanies the job. I'm hoping I'm wrong and Schroeder gives it a shot.

-Unlike Kearns, Schroeder is a guy who understands how business works. When he works on something with someone, he looks at how it can benefit both parties and the community. He builds relationships that way. Mickey just looks out for Mickey, and that's a fact more and more people are starting to realize. A friend of mine, who recently went to Kearns about something, said I should refer to him as Mickey "Give me a call tomorrow at the office" Kearns. In other words, "I'm not going to help you now. Hopefully, you won't care enough to call me tomorrow. If you do, I'll have one of my secretaries take your call. And in a few days, you'll forget about the issue."

-I remember when Mark Schroeder ran the Bishop Timon Lawn Fete. He knew how to organize and create a buzz. I remember him sponsoring one of our youth teams and putting the date of the lawn fete on the jerseys. He also handed us the $125 check on that day. In the years after Schroeder gave up the lawn fete, it dwindled down and now is no more.

-Contrast that with Kearns, who promised the great staff at Tosh Collins a new television for their game room. Three years later, no television. Schroeder gets things done. Kearns makes promises he has no intention of keeping, and that's the word on him.

-During Kearns' mayoral run, we gave each player in the 4/5 yr old age group a soccer ball, courtesy of Mickey Kearns. We're still waiting for that check. Little things like this differentiate people in my eyes and I'm going to keep calling it as I see it.

-Then, there's Sergio. He's in for a rude awakening as to how politics works in these parts. You have to have money or at least know people who have money. People with money do not spend it on long shots. Ever. My advice to him would be to take a no-show job from the Republicans and not waste his summer.
http://www.wgrz.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=206524

St. Patrick's Day Parade

2013-03-18T21:52:00.003-04:00

A lot of people like this photo by my brother Patrick, a self taught photographer. I take pictures and you can usually see my thumb in the upper left hand corner. And that's if I remember to take the lens cap off. Notice even the traffic lights are green.

Shouldn't they be in Albany?

2013-03-16T19:10:00.005-04:00

I've been saying for years how irrelevant our NY State delegation is. Here's a perfect example. Channel 2's Dave McKinley traps down Assemblyman Mickey Paladino and State Senator Tim "Hortons" Kennedy at the annual St. Patrick's Day Luncheon at the Buffalo Irish Center. He reminds them that state budget talks are underway in Albany and questions why they are at a party and not doing the people's work.

Neither one knows what to say and Kennedy comes across sounding particularly stupid. He goes into his cheerleader mode and begins talking about the importance of Irish heritage. McKinley reminds him that he is the chair of the Finance Committee and asks him if this means he should be taking part in budget talks. Kennedy continues in his cheer leading mode and dodges the question yet again.

Kearns describes himself as a "Freshman Lawmaker" and says he has no role in the budget process. This is in stark contrast to the man who said he was going to turn Albany upside down. It's just more of the same nonsense from these guys. Paid $80,000 to drink beer and eat corn beef and cabbage while the downstate lawmakers decide how much money WNY won't be getting this year. I recommend you watching this short clip. These are the guys you entrusted to send to Albany. Thank God this is the last Irish luncheon Kennedy will be attending as an elected official...

http://www.wgrz.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=206140