Albany County Politics Are A Sideshow

In listening to the mayor’s radio show last week, it was evident, almost comical the way Jerry tried to sidestep the question as to whether or not he will run for re-election this time around. He indicated that he would announce, one way or the other, by next month. Well, Mr. Mayor, tomorrow is next month. I believe that most of us would understand that twenty years running our fair city was enough, but most old school Democrats — who still make up the majority of the voting population — won’t be to happy about handing over the city to what would amount to a bunch of progressive Democrats led by Kathy Sheehan. By the way Kathy, do you work anymore? You’re always out campaigning at this breakfast or that lunch. C’mon, Jerry. Let’s get into this thing. The Progressives can talk all they want to about how they will change the city (ie. one of my pet peeves is the abandoned building issue. Every candidate says that they can do something about it, but nobody has a clear idea how to do it. And don’t start with the Landbank again.) While were at it. It was nice to see that the people who count, are coming out to endorse John Marsalais for the seat of Common Council President. ……….The situation concerning the Albany County Nursing Home is bordering on the side of ridiculous. Legislator Tim Nichols, the yes man for Legislative Majority Leader King Frank Commisso, is saying that the hiring of Upstate Services Group, the vendor that county Exec. Dan McCoy is seeking to lease the home to, would be ”unconscionable” in light of a report concerning the former Julie Blair facility in Albany, which the vendor took over in 2011. Nichols was not taking into affect that the home has been doing a major turnaround since being taken over by USG. All these goings on is probably going to delay once again the vote by the entire legislature which is scheduled for May 13. He (Nichols) and Commisso are going to argue that the other proposal which involves two Bronx based nursing home operators hasn’t been properly vetted. Although Commisso will say otherwise, this proposal has been only around since he has run out of reasons for not approving USG for the privatization. Supposedly, the new proposal will involve them taking over only the management of the home, therefore keeping the workers under the control of the county. Even though nobody knows anything about these two gentlemen from the Bronx, what do you think would happen if the full legislature goes to a vote on the matter? Would the county continue to leak money to the tune of $1 million a month? This is what’s going to happen: In the time between now and the 13th of May, King Commisso is going to work the phones talking to all the Democrats he can get in contact with — that would be all of them, because you do not refuse a call from Frank — reminding them what would happen to their legislative careers if they don’t go along with his wishes. The vote on May 13 will be a no on privatization. The aftermath being the home ripe for closing, and a takeover by the state. That’s what you’re going to get, Frank. One of these days, the people of Albany county are going to realize that enough is enough when it comes down to one person having so much influence on a body of government. But then again, there are hangers on like Nichols and others who will be ready to step in. Term limits people. Term limits.……….I see that a historic building — they’re all historic in downtown Albany — came down the other day. One day, Historic Albany and it’s leader Susan Holland are praising the city for hiring Jeff Jamison to direct the new Buildings and Regulatory Compliance unit, and the next they’re ripping him for saying it’s OK to demolish the building. Albany’s engineer said the building was unsafe and had to come down. But HAF’s architect said it could be saved. That’s the difference Susan. To an architect — who actually know very little about structural issues — everything can be saved. Next time you go out and make a decision about structural stability of one of these old homes, bring along an engineer. ……….So we have a gay basketball player in the NBA. He being a 34 year old, at the end of his career, free agent. Good luck to you, my man. Yes, you will find a job with another team. Don’t think, however, for one minute that this is going to be easy. Tell you what, though. If they have an award for a person with the most guts in professional sports, you got my vote.