With Republicans back in control of the Ulster County Legislature, it appears former Ulster County Legislature Chairman Richard Gerentine has announced his intentions to reclaim his old post.Figures that Gerentine would crawl out of the shadows as soon as Republicans finally dug themselves out of the large hole he put them in in 2005.
UC Mojo has a message to re-elected and newly elected Republican Legislators - putting Gerentine back as the Chairman would make as much sense as Catholics making Eliot Spitzer the Pope!
Let's look at the lowlights of Gerentine's Chairmanship:
- Gerentine was in charge when the jail project was being mismanaged. He was famously quoted in a local paper at the time as saying he wasn't "paid enough" to babysit jail construction.
- Gerentine proposed a 39% property tax increase right before the 2005 election, causing the end of 30 years of Republican Legislative control.
- Gerentine and henchman Frank Felicello also made a deal with Democrats to give them self a favorable election district at the expense of other Republicans.
- Gerentine was thisclose to being indicted by a Grand Jury for his role in the jail fiasco.
- Gerentine hired incompetent relatives to important county jobs.
Let's also not forget Gerentine's disloyalty to the Republican Party (eg joining with Dems to put Danny Alfonso in as Chairman, although the GOP supported Phil Sinagra & his non-support of Len Bernardo last year).
Plus, Gerentine is a not very smart (aka dumb) and a poor communicator. Therefore, Gerentine is ill-equipped to match wits with the Mighty Heiny.
Gerentine is the "poster boy" for Republican incompetence that GOP Legislators should run (make that sprint) from. He is a relic of a by-gone Republican era of secret, closed, failed government. Republicans must show voters they have learned from the past and select a leader with no connection to the jail or the 39% property tax increase.
Making Gerentine Chairman would be an epic public relations disaster.
59 comments:
Gerentine is a scumbag that should have gone to jail along with Ward Todd and uncle Al over jail debacle. Believe me, they were sweating thier balls off during the public outcry and investigation that ultimately got it wrong.
How many people can fit in the 6th floor?
Gerentine controls Marlboro. Marlboro went for Hein. What does that say?
Felicello is a complete moron who is a bigot. Send that jerk packing!
Mojo - how about the State job that Gerentine got himself fired from??? That's a pretty low point for that jerk.
Mojo, you got this one right. Gerentine is a tool. Is he fucking delusional? He is part of the past that the voters tried to get rid of, but because HE personally ensured that his district enrollment was overwhelmingly Republican, at the expense of other Legislative Districts, he, for the most part, doesn't have to lift a finger, or spend much money to get re-elected each year. The best thing about the charter is that when we go from 33 to 23, hopefully both he and that fat fuck Felicello will be gone. The only support he may get is from the Hein Democrats because Gerentine is up Hein's ass. Dems and Republicans beware of this snake and his fat friend.
If not, then who?
Wadnola for Chairman
Ronk for Majority Leader
I think the Democrats love this idea. Go ahead, Gerentine Chairman, Wadnola Majority leader, shit maybe you can somehow get Ward Todd back on the Legislature!
Wadnola? Please, he was the one who started the whole jail thing with the property purchase.
Anyone who goes back to the past is getting what they ask for. He is a fucking idiot and he will be a no show for his term. Mark my words.
Well the public just elected the republicians to be in charge and what do you think your going to get the same old thing you had before the democrates took control. So your getting what you deserve.
If the Republicans want Gerentine and Felicello to carry the party's banner for the next two years I am sure the Democrats will be reinvigorated by the knowledge that they will be back in control after the next election. The problem in voting out the incumbents is that the only alternative seems to be the incumbents you voted out the last time. Ulster County needs fresh leadership.
Wadnola for Chairman, Hansut for Majority Leader.
The Fact Of The Matter Is We As Republicans need new faces that represent the people of this country not party and if the Republicans intend to keep control the good old boy system need to be done with or this will be a short lived victory.
Here we go again,more of the same bullshit that made this county one of,if not the MOST corrupt going! AS soon as possable I will take my family out of here for good.What a circus this county is when it comes to politics.The best thing that could happen to Ulster county is an accidental nuclear bomb being dropped on it.
The most level-headed and rational legislator on both sides of the aisle is Wayne Harris. With a Democrat-controlled executive, you need a legislative leader willing to work outside traditional political boundaries. You'd be hard-pressed to find a Democrat legislator who doesn't get along with Harris. But, in reality, he probably wouldn't take the job and Republicans will ruin a great chance to actually pick a qualified leader. Gerentine is a nice guy, but he ain't the brightest bulb. They should make a drinking game where every time Gerentine uses the phrase, "There in, again," you down a shot. Except Gerentine pronounces it, "Derinagain."
Wayne Harris is a spineless pussy who takes his marching orders from Gerentine & Felicello. Name one thing he's accomplished? Dems like him because he's the one Republican they can count on to vote with them if they need it.
Gerentine is a borderline simpleton who only got elected because he's related to half of Marlboro. Here's another drinking game, take a shot every time Gerentine says "ly-berry" instead of "library."
Fuck Wadnola, he is a sneaky bastard who would cut his fellow teamate's throats without any hesitation or mental reservation. He is Albert Spada's boy and that says it all.
Gerentine and Wadnola? Talk about turning back the clock. Besides, the charter emasculated the legislature. What about County Exec? The County Exec needs to be likeable and that leaves out Bernardo and Hein. How about Elliot Auerbach for County Exec? Nice goes a long way in politics.
WTF are you smoking 9:34?? Wadnola despises Spada.... now Gerentine... that's another story... slime likes slime.
10;04, Wadnola was caught at a local establishment 2 days ago sitting down with Spada and Jim Sottile getting warm and fuzzy... yeah, I know, it blew the elected official's mind that walked in on them too!Freddy boy is right up Spadas decrepit ass.
Here is a chance for Heinie to make some cuts in his over-weight staff lineup to prove his commitment to an responsible fiscal future! Cut those "assistant's assistant's'' AKA Assistant Deputies. They are useless, clueless and unnecessary and if the Republican's are going to be busy with their heads up their derrieres with Gerentine, here's a chance for Hein to steal the spotlight with voluntary cut-backs (of staffers that no-one will miss anyway)!!! He'll come out smelling like roses.
If you don't think Wadnola is one of the good old boys, you are on crack, meth, or whatever the fad drug is today. He is a sneaky, dirty, dishonest, backstabbing scumbag. Wait a minute, I just described Nicky Woerner! Funny how they have the same friends isn't it? Don't ever forget Wadnola's first and only reason to be in politics, himself. I know, I served with him and I know his M.O., it won't change. It has to be his failing restaurant.
Wadnola, Spada and Sottile were all having Ice Cream at Boice's Dairy the other day. Politics makes for strange bedfellows. Wonder what they were discussing.
They were discussing how Fred can help keep his good friend ALBERT out of the spotlight much the same as Hein has. Hinchey, Sottile, Woerner, Wadnola, Hein, Nina.... Do they think people are that stupid? The not so secret society of the Ulster County Good Old Boys Power Players (UCGOBPP). You watch, Zweben will work his way into something. He is inside and they will not throw him to the curb as quickly as they have Nickie.
Wadnola was on the radio, which is his every week promoting the WGHQ Happy Christmas Fund, it was Nov 5, and Yes, Al Spada did stop in and make a donation, but it was not some sort of "secret" meeting between the two. Sottile was on the show immediately after Wadnola. Nice Try.
And they all went for Ice cream after that?
That meeting may not have been secret, but those are sure to follow with backroom Wadnola.
The promotion was being done at Boices
Ronk for Majority Leader? Please!
Republicans need someone with a job and pubic hair - neither of which Ronk has. Ask the people in the Town of Ulster about putting very young people with no life experience into positions of power.
What kind of power position is legislative majority leader other than keeping the party faithful in line when it comes time to vote?
I agree with November 6, 2009 7:04 AM
Wadnola is well liked but has the backbone to stand up to Hein.
Hansut would be my second choice for chairman - for the same reasons – but Fred has more time to devote to the job.
BUT Ken Ronk would make a GREAT majority leader. Young, well spoken, well liked - he puts a new face on the GOP and, Lord knows, they need that. Wake up – Old men! You need someone fresh and young who doesn’t have all your baggage!
Sorry, Richard - Gerentine had his chance - he looks good in the suits but missed many obvious opportunities and in many ways let the taxpayers down. Mojo called that right.
Let the egos begin.
I disagree 4:09. Sounds like you are a little jealous! Ronk put up with Noonan's BS and kicked his @$&.
Republican's with "life experience" haven't done so well either - you haven't been paying attention. Besides - with the current form of government - just how much independent "power" does the Majority Leader have. With a County Executive, the Chairman is really less powerful than the Majority Leader - was a Legislative Government.
The Majority Leader is a figure head. Listening to Ronk on local TV - he is just the one Republican's need out in front.
I for one - am tired of listening to all you old men.
I like Wadnola from the north and Ronk from the south.
Ronk is a nerd! He doesn't come across good at all. He'd make big-time mistakes that would hurt the party. Maybe Republicans should look at newcomers like Terry Bernardo & Mike Sweeney (he who slayed Gary Bischoff). Both are young, charismatic and excellent communicators. Plus, they both have the cojones to stick it to Hein.
I have to disagree with most comments here, I'd like to see Jim Maloney as Chairman, Jim is hard working and not know for loyalty to anyone in particular. He has proven his worth time and again in a tough district. He has faced down the likes of Woerner, when his actions are questionable to say the least and possibly illegal. He is a defender of lower taxes and will easily garner support from the rank and file.
Anyone who thinks Geritol, I mean Gerentene, deserves a second bite at the apple is out of their cotton pick'n minds, the man is a 4 faced ass and cost the GOP the last 2 elections and the executive.
He is also more responsible for the jail fiasco than anyone and if the Republicans choose him for any seat of authority they will surely lose the next election, remember only 23 seats!
Good point, 8:08pm. The southern Republicans ruled the roost for so long, maybe it's ok to have the Chairman & Majority Leader from the same area. Maybe we should at it from a viewpoint that the best person should be chosen regardless of region. Maloney would be a solid choice.
I just pray they Republicans don't pick Robin Yess to be clerk of the legislature. She messed up the petitions in District 1 so badly she almost single handedly destroyed Mario's deal. Unless that was Mario's plan all along and he just used her as a scape goat.
Then she messed up the endorsements everywhere. She almost cost Nina Postupack the Independence endorsement - because of that screw up.
Yess comes off as stuck up and arrogant. She doesn't know what she is talking about - but comes off like she knows it all. With friends like her – they don’t need Democrats to make them look bad.
You got to be kidding 8:01pm, jealous of Ronk? Oh yeah, I want to work in my parent's religious ice cream store full time!
OMG - you have to be kidding me - Maloney is a power hungry egocentric. Doesn’t make him a bad person – but would make him a bad leader. Once Hein discovered how to massage Maloney’s ego – he would be making back room deals that would bring the entire house of cards down around our necks.
Not Maloney!
I agree with those who question Maloney as Chairman. I don't think he would be good.
I like Hansut. If he has the time, he would be very good.
I like Bernardo for Majority Leader.
At least Ronk has a job, 8:20. A job many voters and taxpayers can identify with.
Lets see...Gerentine has a cushie Government job, as does, Felicello,Provenzano, Dart, Cummings...
To listen to Noonan, he is living on his $10,000 legislative salary + the highest mileage in the county. (He was touting that he needed the job as legislator to survive) I understand his wife is the bread winner.
Then you have Bob Aiello who may have his own business but cannot show up to a legislative session. I know he is sick - but he is working.
Working in a family business is the American Way. Something to be proud of. ROnk as a good work ethic and I add my vote for him to be majority leader.
Maloney has loyalty to one person... Maloney!
Yes, jealous. 8:20, You are old and out of touch.
I like Bernardo for Chairman and Hayes for Majority leader - a Republican and a Conservative. Then leave Lomita as Chair of the Ways and Means and you could really have a fresh approach to government.
Right on 8:18...derinagain...LOL
8:24pm, you are young and smoke crack.
Maloney's ethics are questionable. He had that problem with the petitions. He is not well liked. We need a Chairman that will bring people together - not be a club where only a chosen few are allowed to participate. That's what it would be like under Maloney as Chairman.
I agree that Ronk is too young. When you are 24, you think you know everything. When you get past about 45 - you realize that you didn't know jack shit when you were 24.
The first poster is right. Gerentine was in charge when the Republicans lost the Legislature and gave us the 39% tax increase. Republicans would be the laughing stock of the County if they put back Gerentine as Chairman. I think the voters were pretty clear with their displeasure over what happened when Gerentine was in charge.
Paul Hansut is a good choice. He stood up to Hein when he tried to sweep the jail sexual harassment lawsuit under the carpet, or should I say tried to explain why the fax got lost.
Cathy Terrizzi is a strongly quiet woman who I think would be good in a leadership role.
I also like Fred Wadnola. He was Majority Leader in 2001. He has the experience and seems to get along with everyone. He maintains a relationship with Glenn Noonan and can still be friends with everyone else. That says a lot, there are not a lot of people who will even speak to Noonan any longer.
Frank Felicello is a smart guy and knows is stuff, but has a problem with racism and anti gay bigotry. That pretty much rules him out for anything.
I have to agree with the few comments about Maloney as Chairman, the fact that he has pissed off a few people over the years is a good quality, we don't need a yesman we need a guy who will stand up for what's best for the residents and the county as an entity, MAloney has no problem calling a spade a spade and as far as dirty tricks are concerned, let's be honest, every legislator, dem or rep has tried to pull off a coup of his or her own, the fact that Maloney was successful makes him a better man. besides Cahill would have lost even with the conservative line.
Terry bernardo would make a good majority leader, but finding an honest man to chair 'Ways & Means might be a stretch, lets face it when push comes to shove we don't have too many honest men out of the 33, when you eliminate the democratic thieves it still leaves you with 18 questionable characters. Here in lies the problem.
PS It's time to bring the power of the party up north, those southern districts screwed the pooch once too often. After all isn't the town of Ulster the machine that pays the county tab anyway?
Now that they got rid of that clown woerner, they are the catbird seat.
GO GO GO MARIO!
And that earlier commenter should apologize to Robin Yess, she worked her butt off for those guys, and it ain't easy herding cats.
DID YOU KNOW:
If you have just one legislator in a room he wouldn't be able to agree with any idea, even his own!
It is very clear the Republicans had not planned for this victory. They are as shocked as the Democrats are.
So far, the only people not mentioned for a leadership position are Laura Petit and Bob "no show" Aiello.
Have any of you ever heard Maloney, Hansut or Ronk "debate"? They are fucking idiots, all of them.
I can tell you, even with the new blood, the Republicans still suck ass. There is no one that should be considered for Chairman besides Wayne Harris. As for Majority Leader, good luck!
WAYNE HARRIS IS A SPINELESS PUSSY!!!
PUSSY!
PUSSY!
PUSSY!
HARRIS = P U S S Y
Tough call to make. Nobody from Saugerties shows up so that eliminates them. They can get elected because can claim they do nothing. wadnola and Maloney to close to Catalano. like wise with Bernardo. Ronk is just a kid he changed more votes in the committees and on the floor not learning what he talks about(he is pretty dumb) Harris no balls will not touch the pot of Gerentines gold. Felicello that would be interesting LOL Who is left Hansut not a bad call, Terrizzi???? Petit, Belfiglio, Hayes( he screwed up when there a supervisor and got the door)Maio. Not much talent to work with Could be a problem.
This would be very bad thing if Gerintine comes back as Chairman. I bet the Democrats would like this to happen it would almost gurantee that in two years they would take over again.
The southern Ulster Republicans are nuts if they let Wadnola and Maloney take over the leadership of the legislature. What is wrong with them?
Woerner Won't Go Quietly Into That Good Night!
Just a few minutes into Thursdays Town Board Meeting was all one needed to see this is going to be a rough transition for Supervisor Elect Jim Quigley. Nick Woerner is already attempting to 'have it his way', behind closed doors, like most of his tenure as Supervisor. Fortunately Mr. Quigley intends on living up to his campaign promise of 'Transparency' and quickly put Mr. Woerner in his place.
Woerner's decision to have Councilman Joel Brink assist in the transition can only make the process more complicated than instructions for a backyard 'Jungle Gym' as Joel knows little of what's what, where it is and what it's for! Apparently Nick is reinforcing the voter's decision to replace him by acting as pompous and detached from the needs of the town as he was while in office.
Furthermore, Mr. Woerne's inviting former Town Attorney Andy Zweben to assist Mr. Quigley's transition team on a pro bono basis makes about as much sense as his voting 'NO' for his own budget proposal! It begs to question does he really think people are that naive?
I'm sure issues will arise, and with Mr. Zweben not being under oath, one must wonder if there will be more questions after his responses than before!
In any event, Mr. Woerner should look at the outcome of the election, (almost 2:1 against), and reflect on his actions as supervisor, he can choose to remain arrogant and angry or accept and learn from his mistakes. The latter would make a successful return to local politics more possible than the attitude he has adopted and the behavior he is determined to display.
After congratulations are conveyed and accepted it is clear the real winners are the residents of the town of Ulster.
Good Luck, Mr. Quigley, Mr. Morrow, Ms Baldeli-Hendrick & Judge Kesick.
As for Mr. Woerner, a Mortician's License is in order, you've shown a real aptitude for burying things, a political career for starters and sadly the Town of Ulster and the people who entrusted it in your care.
What do you expect in Ulster county..It is the ASSHOLE of the universe..The 48th highest taxed county in the entire nation..( NO JOBS to pay those taxes though) AND BROKE.. The few remaining "natives" re elect the LOCAL village idiots (to government) to tax and spend them out of their homes..and the CITY PEOPLE Are even more clueless and could care less and don't vote upstate and the schools and government blood sucking paraistes know this and only want to live like KINGS and QUEENS and they ARE!! What a SHIT HOLE!! Business after business FAILING and for sale..The tax base decimated.. and the city people broke and no longer willing or able to pay for this SCAM!!! Guess what Ulster County.. YOUR SCREWED..and economists projecting NO JOBS for the next 10 years and the ALBANY SCUMBAGS HAMMERING the state with more JOB KILLING TAXES..You ARE SCREWED.. ENJOY the SHIT you made and are sitting in!!!! GREAT INVESTMENT .. Ulster County..LOL!!
Who EVER controls the legislature should have the TRUE qualities that make Ulster what it is.. So whoever got the most friends , relatives, cronies, hacks, lackys on the pay roll should be LEADER..Who ever gave away the most to the unions should be LEADER.. Who ever raised taxes and borrowed the most should be LEADER.. The LEADER needs to exibit the most desirable qualities the voters and residents NEED and DESERVE and LUST for in ANY New Yuck politician..Nastrovia Comrades..The ONLY good job is a GOVERNMENT JOB!!! Or SCHOOL job of course.. It that fails..Collect welfare.. NASTROVIA!!!
NEWS FLASH MR. HEINS HEALTH DEPT DR. DOES NOT HAVE A LISENSE TO PRACTICE IN NEW YORK STATE. UNLESS HE IS COVERING THIS UP RIGHT NOW. THE INTERVIEW THE DR. DID NOT QUALIFY.
9:24,
In the meeting where the resolution to hire this guy was presented, I heard Brian Cahill ask about that and someone told him it would be taken care of before he took office. Well what happened, did he get his license.
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