Political Pigs Suckling on the Democratic Machine Teat

It is no surprise that the political pigs are trampling over themselves in the mud to get their lips around the biggest democratic machine teat to nourish their political ambitions. These shameful opportunist would carry petitions for Fidel Castro if they though it will help their political careers. Its one hand washes the other, scratch my back I’ll scratch yours, quid pro quo politics at its worst. Therefore, finding out that the who’s who of political hopefuls were getting signatures for the brain-dead cousin of Congressman Joe Crowley should not shock anyone.

Instead it should be a stark reminder that the machine and its rusty cogs supersede the democratic process and the voters. The needs of the few outweigh the needs of the many and they will step over anyone or anything that gets in their way.

Thankfully, the voters of the 30^th District will not let pigs turn their community into a political pig sty.

Carrying For Crowley

May 7, 2008

Thumbing through several hundred pages of signatures filed by 30th CD Democratic candidate Elizabeth Crowley turned up some interesting names of people who witnessed her petitions - a number of whom don't live in the borough, but whose bids for new jobs could benefit greatly from the support of the Queens Democratic organization.

Non-Queens names include Coucilman David Yassky (Brooklyn), '09 comptroller candidate, and Councilman Dan Garodnick (Manhattan), potential speaker contender.
Hailing from Queens, with political aspirations: Coucilman Eric Gioia, '09 public advocate candidate; and Dave Kerpen, '09 Council candidate (23rd CD).

Other Queens names of potential interest: Assemblyman Rory Lancman (running for re-election this fall), George Fontas (lobbyist/consultant and ex-aide to Councilman David Weprin), Sen. Toby Stavisky (also running for re-election this fall), former Stonewall Democratic Club President Dirk McCall.

A number of Crowley's relatives also served as witnesses, as did her campaign manager, Alyson Grant. A fair number of union names appear on the petitions, too.

The power of the Queens Democratic Party aside, this race is also attracting attention from outside the district because it is seen as a precursor to the 15th SD battle this fall.

The 30th CD has long been viewed as a Republican stronghold. If the Democrats can manage to win there in June, the thinking goes, they will be able to establish a bulkhead and perhaps chip away at support for GOP Sen. Serphin Maltese, who is the Senate Democrats' top target as they try to win the majority.

Republican contenders in the 30th CD include Maltese aide Anthony Como, who has been referred to as the senator's heir apparent (assuming the GOP holds that Senate seat), and Tom Ognibene, who held the seat before his former staffer, Dennis Gallagher, who resigned after pleading guilty to sexual assault.

Vietnam Vets Sound Off On Quinn

The Patriots received this letter via e-mail from Pastor Toro Jr., President of Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter #32. In the letter, Mr. Toro expresses his concern and anger about the $422,763 being allocated to a fictitious veterans' group named the "American Association of Concerned Veterans".

Sadly, veterans often get screwed when it comes time for elected officials to put their money where their mouth is. However, when they need to parade vets in to carry a flag or to pose for that coveted photo-op, these same elected officials promise the world. But veterans realize that they have to fight for every penny they receive from the government and have the right to be incensed after finding out about the veterans slush fund that received more money than real veterans groups.

Here is the letter:

Honorable Christine Quinn

NYC Council Speaker

City Hall

New York, New York 10007

Re: The "American Association of Concerned Veterans"

Dear Speaker,

Over the past several days, I have read numerous accounts of your office having "set aside" the amount of four hundred and twenty two thousand, seven hundred and sixty three dollars ($422,763) for use by the "American Association of Concerned Veterans".

As you and I both know and as your office has already admitted, this organization does not exist and I consider it an outrage to me as a 'Vietnam Combat Veteran' and the over three hundred Vietnam Veterans that I represent that not only was this money hidden but said monies were hidden in a fictitious veterans organization.

At a time when the veterans organization of this city have to practically beg for monies to be included in the New York City Budget in order for us to assist those veterans that are in need, the conduct of those responsible in this matter is insulting.

That being said, I would like to know the proper procedure for my organization to access this money so that we can put it to use in helping the veterans community throughout the borough of Queens.

Please be advised that the Vietnam Veterans of America, Queens Chapter #32 along with all veteran's organizations throughout New York City are keeping a close watch on what happens with the monies in question.

I look forward to your response and if you have any questions please feel free to contact me at the telephone number below or on ###-###-###.

Respectfully,

Pastor Toro Jr., President

Vietnam Veterans of America

Queens Chapter #32

Anthony Como Pledges Fight Against "Questionable" Bar

Middle Village could be getting an unwanted "watering hole" that will be frequented by scantly clad "go-go" dancers and rough bikers.

"Clutch" will be located at 79-56 Metropolitan Avenue and currently advertising on Craigs List for potential employees.


Anthony Como's office has sent out an e-mail regarding the issue:

Dear Neighbors,

I want to alert you about a new bar opening at 79-56 Metropolitan Avenue and the potential adverse impact in will have on our community. As you know, Metropolitan Avenue is home to many small businesses and family style restaurants; therefore, any establishment that threatens this "family" environment should be vehemently opposed.

This new establishment "Clutch" has been advertising on Craigs List and the information provided in the classified is cause for alarm.

Here is the ad:

"CLUTCH" a new american v twin biker / rock bar opening in middle village queens. lookinig for lady bartenders willing to work in boys shorts, chaps, bikini tops, etc. sexy look a must. please respond with pic if you have one. bar looking to open in the next month. looking to fill all positions. also wanted dancers no nudity just sexy outfits when bands are playing. also shot girls. for interview, any question feel free to ask................. $30 shift pay plus tips...
thank you
http://www.myspace.com/clutch_queensnyc


Middle Village residents are decent, hardworking and law abiding citizens who deserve to have their quality of life preserved and the safety of their streets protected. I pledge to work with the Middle Village Property Owners, Community Board 5, local civic associations and my fellow neighbors to fight any establishment that threatens the reputation, tranquility and safety of our community.

Sincerely,

Anthony Como

The community should join together to stop this bar from opening or compel the owner to change the "motif" of the establishment. Middle Village deserves better.

Ognibene Crying Like a Baby Again

Tom Ognibene making accusations of wrong doing against another is like Ted Bundy calling Jeffrey Damer a disgraceful murderer.

Ognilooney is angry that he decided to tee-off at 9am rather than getting to the Board of Elections on time to file his petitions like Anthony Como did. On again, Tom Ognibene is using his old dirty tricks of trying to distort the truth and manipulate the facts in attempt to mask his failures and hide his inability to be an effective leader. Ognibene should be the poster child for “old dirty politics as usual” campaign.

We should all give Tom Ognibene $1.00 and send him away to golf camp so we can be safe from his political tactics and the only thing in jeopardy of sinking would be golf balls on the back 9.

Pols in battle about ballot
BY JOHN LAUINGER
Tuesday, May 6th 2008, 4:00 AM

Tom Ognibene is charging his GOP rival, Anthony Como, with using his pull as a former Board of Elections bigwig to secure a ballot advantage in the special election for former City Councilman Dennis Gallagher's seat.

Como, the former Queens Board of Elections commissioner, secured the coveted top spot on the ballot by being the first candidate to file petitions for the June 3 special election.
Ognibene - who missed out on the top spot by a matter of minutes - claims Como beat him to the punch by using his Board of Elections clout to gain access to an agency office more than 30 minutes before it opened - thereby ensuring his petitions would be recorded first.

Ognibene is backing up his accusation with a copy of the log from the agency's office for the morning in question, April 21.

The office log at 32 Broadway in Manhattan shows Como signed in at 8:25 a.m. Ognibene's surrogates signed in at 9:15 a.m.

"I know, as an election law attorney, that this is a violation of the law," said Ognibene, who is urging an investigation.

Como called Ognibene's charge "ridiculous" and said his opponent is just looking "to find something to complain about."

A Board of Elections official told Queens News that the waiting room opens at 8 a.m., though official business hours begin at 9 a.m.

"Anyone who views my petitions can see that they were stamped in at 9 or thereafter," Como said when asked to respond to Ognibene's charge.
Como has been endorsed by the Queens Republican Party. He resigned as Queens Board of Elections Commissioner on April 18 - the day Gallagher's resignation took effect, triggering the nonpartisan special election.

Ognibene, a Middle Village Republican, served in the Council from 1991 to 2001.

Como, also a Middle Village resident, accused Ognibene of attacking him with "misinformation" out of anger that he was spurned by party leaders.

"He owes an apology not only to me, but also to the Board of Elections," Como said.

The special election is being held in the 30th Council District, which includes Middle Village, Glendale and Ridgewood, along with parts of Richmond Hill, Woodhaven and Forest Hills.

Labor Unions Have Short Memory Regarding Liz Crowley

It is a shame that unions continue to make blind endorsements without really understanding the ramifications of their support. The Patriots just read that Long Tall Lizzy has received some union support despite her "involvement" with one of the biggest looters (Brian McLaughlin) of union funds in recent history. We felt it our duty to remind our labor friends that birds of a feather do lay eggs together. One of his close political pals is former City Council candidate Elizabeth Crowley, the 28-year-old cousin of Congressman Joseph Crowley (D-N.Y.).

McLaughlin ran her unsuccessful campaign in 2001, going door to door urging constituents to vote for her, one source said. Elizabeth Crowley has worked as a public-school teacher, decorator and painter.


DIRTY CASH OFPOL-LOOTER
FEDS: HE PLUNDERED $2M FROM UNION - & LITTLE LEAGUE
By KATI CORNELL, SELIM ALGAR and MARSHA KRANES


October 18, 2006 -- Labor leader and Queens state Assemblyman Brian McLaughlin lined his pockets with more than $2.2 million by ripping off the state, his union, his political club, his campaign, contractors and even a Little League program, prosecutors charged yesterday.
McLaughlin, president of the New York City Central Labor Council, was hit with 44 charges, including racketeering, mail and bank fraud, embezzlement, money-laundering and labor bribery. A federal indictment charges him with receiving $400,000 in payments and other items from companies that employed Electrical Workers Union members he represented.

McLaughlin, 54, of Flushing is accused of using his ill-gotten gains to fund an opulent lifestyle. The feds say he spent some of his loot to help build a sprawling house in tony Nissequogue, L.I., to pay off credit-card bills and country-club initiation fees, to buy his wife an $80,000 Mercedes-Benz, and to pay for his son's wedding rehearsal.

Among those benefiting from the proceeds of his rip-offs were three women with whom he had "personal relationships," the indictment charges.

"This case lends new meaning to the term 'hand in the till,' " said U.S. Attorney Michael Garcia of the 186-page indictment.

McLaughlin surrendered at 8:35 a.m. and was released on $250,000 bail after a brief appearance in Manhattan before U.S. Magistrate Judge James Francis.

Asked how he pleaded, he told the judge, "Not guilty, Your Honor."

He declined to comment as he rushed from court into a waiting car.

If convicted of all charges, he faces up to 500 years in prison.

The Forum Crap Chooses Interesting Picture

Robert Holden and the Forum West (Crap) decided to use this interesting picture for the

District 30 Race Turns Dirty…

The story reports on the disgraceful anti-homosexual letter that was recently distributed by an anonymous source in attempt to discredit and destroy Charles Ober. We find it odd that Holden would choose two young boys dressed in their underwear to highlight the story.

Ognibene and Ober Use the “Plant and Rant” Play

Tommy Ognibene and Charlie Ober have manipulated the press and residents with the impressive use of the political game called the “plant and rant”. This is when an individual or group knowing circulates anonymous “disgusting, disgraceful and cowardly” claims against their opponent, deny they know the origin or author and then emphatically denounce its message.

Ognibene and Ober pulled the “plant and rant” off brilliantly as they postured, protested, and proselytized in front of the cameras. It would have been perfect if it wasn’t so transparent and an unbelievable flagrant use of the “plant and rant”. It was extremely coincidental that the two self-proclaimed anti-party candidates were united hand in hand to condemn the hateful letter. Ironically, both tried to lay blame on their respective rogue party machine to admonish their shameful tactics and a feeble attempt to bolster support for their stumbling campaigns. It is very sad to watch two men resort to such childish antics to save their candidacy.

However, it was heart warming to see that for one day, Ognibene and Ober were able to put aside their differences and their vitriolic hatred for each other for their own personal preservation. Does anyone have a tissue?

Ognibene Stands By His Man

Yesterday Tom Ognibene embraced Charles Ober in a show of solidarity against homophobia and anti-homosexual rhetoric.

Charles Ober - an openly gay candidate running for the City Council seat formerly held by Dennis Gallagher - said Wednesday he has been smeared by a nasty anti-gay screed.

But Ober, a Democrat, was not alone in denouncing the hateful anonymous missive.

He was joined at a news conference by a potential rival from the opposite side of the political spectrum: Republican hopeful Thomas Ognibene.

Residents get gay-bashing letter aimed at candidate Ober in City Council race

BY JOHN LAUINGER
DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITER

See the Channel 7 Video here.

Colonel Sanders or Tom Ognibene?

There have been reported sightings of a strange visitor entering the home of civic maniac Robert Holden. Under the cover of dark, neighbors have seen a man that resembles either Colonel Sanders or very gaunt Tom Ognibene.

There has been speculation that Robert Holden is Christina Wilkinson's personal Kentucky Fried Chicken dealer. Ms. Wilkinson is prohibited by city law from buying buckets of fried chicken within the five boroughs because of the grotesque way she eats through hundreds of pounds of fowl in one sitting. During one such sitting, she mistakenly took a small white poodle for a wayward chicken and began to eat the pet.

Could Colonel Sanders be visiting Robert Holden and sneaking extra crispy chicken legs to satiate the enormous appetite of Christina Wilkinson?

There also has been speculation that Tom Ognibene is trying to curry favor with Egomaniac Holden. Ognilooney may once again be hiring the evil dictator to create campaign lit in his illegal basement using taxpayer money. Not since Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette has there been such an abhorrent union that seeks to destroy the common man. When asked about residents concerned about his suspicious dealings with Department of Buildings employees, Ognibene defiantly stated, "Let them eat cannoli's!"

Could it be true that Ognilooney and Pol Pot Holden are having clandestine meetings in the middle of the night in an illegally converted basement plotting to take over the world?

Elizabeth Crowley Behaving Badly

In another surprising twist, opposing political ideologues, Tom Ognibene and Charles Ober are creating a one-time unholy union to denounce the despicable letter that is being circulated around the 30th district bashing Mr. Ober because he is gay. The two are speculating that it was Elizabeth Crowley and the Queens Democratic Machine that authored the anti-gay manifesto in attempt to undermine Mr. Ober's candidacy.



April 29, 2008
The Daily Politics
Elizabeth Benjamin
Ober, Ognibene Decry Anti-Gay 'Hate Mail' In The 30th (Updated)


Two anti-establishment 30th CD candidates - Democrat Charles Ober and Republican Tom Ognibene - will team up tomorrow to denounce an anonymous letter recently received by residents throughout the Queens district that attacks Ober because he is gay.

Ober's campaign alleges that the letter, which employs the word "faggot" multiple times, is part of a "dirty tricks" effort to undermine his candidacy.

In a brief phone interview, Ober, who says he is the first openly-gay candidate for office in the 30th CD, declined to say who he thought was behind the letter, but did note that he is not being supported by the Queens Democratic Party, which is backing Elizabeth Crowley, cousin of Rep. Joe Crowley, the party chair.

"I can only suspect," Ober said when asked who might have sent the letter. "But it is part of a pattern of intimidation."

Ober said his supporters have received calls pressuring them to drop their backing of him (from whom he wouldn't say), and that people carrying his petitions were followed, harassed and had doors slammed in their faces.

Ober, who has been endorsed by the Stonewall Democratic Club, insisted he will not be frightened out of running. He intends to file petitions tomorrow at the Board of Elections.

Ober said he learned of the letter when people who had received it began calling his campaign HQ and faxing over copies. He professed not to have read the whole thing.

According to Ober, Ognibene, who did not receive the backing of the Queens County GOP, (the party endorsed Anthony Como, an aide to Sen. Serf Maltese, although the Conservatives are supporting Ognibene) called out of the blue to offer to join him in denouncing the letter.

The two candidates are holding a press conference at 11:30 a.m. tomorrow at the war memorial at Myrtle and Cooper avenues in Glendale.

UPDATE: Crowley's campaign manager Alyson Grant e-mailed over the following statement:
"These flyers should be investigated and the perpetrators should be prosecuted. However, the cheap political theatrics of Charles Ober and Tom Ognibene do a disservice to the people of Queens.

It's outrageous that Charles Ober is allowing himself to be used by Tom Ognibene and the Republicans, since Ognibene's entire career has been an affront to everything Ober claims to stand for.
Rather than standing with Republican Tom Ognibene, Charles Ober should work with other Democrats to take back this seat for the party."

Ognibene Resumes Feud with Ober?

Looks like former council member Tom Ognibene has not forgotten his feud with council member wannabe Charles Ober that stemmed from Ognilooney's participation in the redistricting effort in 2003. Tom Ognibene was the prime proponent and the chief architect of the gerrymandering plan that created a lot of resentment and opposition between party factions. According to political insiders, Charles Ober stood up against Ognibene because he felt the redistricting was unfair and that Tom and his buddies were trying to "stack the deck" in their favor. Unfortunately, for Mr. Ober, Ognibene and his "friends" have long memories.

There is a disturbing letter being circulated about Mr. Ober that is offensive, ignorant and hateful. It attacks Mr. Ober's sexuality and it verbally assaults all homosexuals. We refuse to reprint the letter in its entirety because it is a vicious and disgusting attempt to discredit a person based sole on hi sexual preference.


Here are two quotes from the letter:

"We already have too many faggots trying to change the laws"

"Imagine the village here in Glendale or Middle Village. Queerville U.S.A"


As a conservative there are many issues that I do not support regarding the gay and lesbian community. However, I respect their right to voice their opinions and desire to run for elected office without fear of discrimination or violence.


Some have speculated that this mean-spirited letter was created by the Ognibene campaign to exact retribution for Olber's opposition and verbal assaults against the Ognibene crew's gerrymandering scheme.


Is it possible that Ognibene would stoop this low?

Elizabeth Crowley’s Campaign Goes to the Dogs

Warning. This video is painful to watch and the poor dogs had to listen as Liz Crowley howl through the English language. Maybe my hearing is going in my golden years, but Ms. Crowley sounds a bit “slow” and strikes me as having some sort of mental difficulties while thinking and speaking simultaneously. But don’t take my word for it, see and hear for yourself.



PS. The only reason League of Humane Voters of NYC endorsed Elizabeth Crowley is because her cousin is Congressman Joe Crowley. They have no idea (and wouldn’t care) that she put a puppy in a microwave to dry it off after a bubble bath. Sadly for the pup, Ms. Crowley did not use a microwave safe bowl.

Political Patronage at Christ the King

The Patriots just received this e-mail from a person claiming they have information that supports the claim that Ognibene is using Christ the King Regional High School as a political tool. The Board of Trustees must look into this matter to ensure that the integrity, honor and reputation of Christ the King are not tarnished by a few individuals abusing their position for personal gain.

Dear Patriots,

I just read your article, “Ognibene Persuades Teachers to Petition” and wanted to provide you with additional information to substantiate this claim. Tom Ognibene and Mike Mischel have conveniently appointed a special committee to appoint Assistant Principals for each grade level. As you can imagine, these highly coveted positions are desired by many of the hard-working teachers employed at Christ the King.

However, it is to no one’s surprise that teachers who are working for Ognibene’s campaign will be given preferential treatment and a patronage appointment. Therefore, it was no shocker that Mrs. Veronica Oswiecimski-Arbitello has been appointed as the 11^th Grade (junior class) Assistant Principal. Her husband, Joe Arbitello has been working hard for the Ognibene campaign and securing the assistant principal appointment for his wife (Joe’s father was given a lucrative custodial and security position by Mike Mischel). As you can imagine, many teachers are concerned that political nepotism will supersede professionalism, hard-work and dedication to the students.

Thank You.

Concerned Educator

It appears that Ognilooney just can’t help himself and it should be clear to the community that we can’t afford to elect self-serving, manipulative and corrupt individuals to public office.

Ognibene “Persuades” Teachers to Petition

Rumor has it that Elizabeth Crowley is not the only candidate strong arming people to get petition signatures for the upcoming June 3^rd special election. It appears that Mr. Ognibene and friends are vigorously “persuading” Christ the King teachers to hit the pavement. Some have said that the carrot promises to be fresh and nutritious while the stick promises to be large and heavy.

Teachers feel “obligated” and “pressured” to “volunteer” because as Vice-Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Ognibene has power on “decisions” that could impact a teacher’s career at the school. In addition, Tom’s good friend and political ally Mike Mischel (Board of Trustee President) has also been “actively recruiting” Christ the King personnel to help Mr. Ognibene in his quest for political ascendancy making individuals even more uncomfortable and “willing” to “volunteer”.

The Patriots feel that politics should be banned from the Christ the King Board room and that individuals are allowed to volunteer on their own volition without fear of reprisals.

"Liberty may be endangered by the abuse of liberty, but also by the abuse of power."

-James Madison

NOT GUILTY

From Deborah Feyerick

NEW YORK (CNN) -- A judge acquitted three New York Police Department detectives of all charges Friday morning in the shooting death of an unarmed man in a 50-bullet barrage, hours before he was to be married.

Detectives Michael Oliver, left, Gescard Isnora and Marc Cooper were accused in the 50-bullet barrage.

Detectives Michael Oliver and Gescard Isnora were found not guilty of charges of manslaughter, assault and reckless endangerment in the death of Sean Bell, 23, and the wounding of two of his friends.

Detective Marc Cooper was acquitted of reckless endangerment.

Justice Arthur Cooperman issued his verdict in the bench trial. There was no jury.

Hundreds of people gathered outside the Queens courthouse in anticipation of the verdict.

The Rev. Al Sharpton called for calm Wednesday. He was accompanied by Bell's fiancee and other supporters on the steps of City Hall.

Bell, 23, was killed just before dawn on his wedding day, November 25, 2006. He and several friends were winding up an all-night bachelor party at the Kalua Club in Queens, a strip club that was under investigation by a NYPD undercover unit looking into complaints of guns, drugs and prostitution.

Undercover detectives were inside the club, and plain-clothes officers were stationed outside.

Witnesses said that about 4 a.m., closing time, as Bell and his friends left the club, an argument broke out. Believing that one of Bell's friends, Joseph Guzman, was going to get a gun from Bell's car, one of the undercover detectives followed the men and called for backup.

What happened next was at the heart of the trial, prosecuted by the assistant district attorney in Queens.

Bell, Guzman and Trent Benefield got into the car, with Bell at the wheel. The detectives drew their weapons, said Guzman and Benefield, who testified that they never heard the plain-clothes detectives identify themselves as police.

Bell was in a panic to get away from the armed men, his friends testified.

But the detectives thought Bell was trying to run down one of them, according to their lawyers, believed that their lives were in danger and started shooting.

In a frantic 911 call, police can be heard saying, "Shots fired. Undercover units involved."

A total of 50 bullets were fired by five NYPD officers. Only three were charged with crimes.

Oliver, who reloaded his semiautomatic in the middle of the fray, fired 31 times, Isnora fired 11 times, and Cooper, whose leg was brushed by Bell's moving car, fired four times, the NYPD said.

No gun was found near Bell or his friends.

Soon after his death, Sean Bell's fiancee, Nicole Paultre, legally changed her name to Nicole Paultre Bell. She is now raising the couple's two daughters, ages 5 and 1.

"I tell [them] that Daddy's in heaven now," she said. "He's watching over us. He's our guardian angel. He's going to be here to protect us and make sure nothing happens to us."

Detectives Endowment Association President Michael Palladino said forensic and scientific evidence presented during the seven-week trial contradicts the testimony of prosecution witnesses.

But Paultre Bell's father, Lester Paultre, said, "For those naysayers who say the police was doing their job, they should imagine their child in that car being shot by the police for no reason."

Paultre Bell, Guzman and Benefield have filed a wrongful-death lawsuit in federal court that has been stayed pending the outcome of the criminal trial. Guzman was shot 16 times, and four bullets, too dangerous to remove, remain in his body, according to his lawyer, Sanford Rubenstein.

Federal prosecutors in the Eastern District of New York have been monitoring the trial. In the event of an acquittal, it is likely authorities would conduct a review to determine whether there were any civil rights violations. All three victims were African-American

Courtesy of CNN.com

Robert Holden and the JPCA Exploit Alleged Victim

Robert Holden and the Juniper Park Civic Association will stoop to an all-new low as they cordially invite Gallagher's alleged victim to speak at their upcoming meeting. Sadly, Robert Holden is trying to disguise his disgraceful exploitation as an informational presentation on the affects of alleged criminal acts, alleged criminal investigations and the outcome of alleged criminal proceedings. However, it is perfectly clear that Robert Holden and Juniper Park Civic Association are shamefully exploiting the alleged victim to prolong their personal vendetta and attack on the former councilman.

This decision will ultimately backfire on Holden and the alleged victim. It is rumored that many reporters will be in attendance to ask the alleged victim some difficult questions about the alleged crime and the circumstances surrounding that Sunday afternoon and evening. Even more tantalizing is the rumor that "close" family members and "acquaintances" are eagerly awaiting their chance to paint a different picture of the alleged victim by sharing their stories of past "indiscretions" and similar "accusations" that may drastically sway public opinion.

This invitation by Holden and the Juniper Park Civic Association also raises questions about Holden's and other JPCA executive board members' involvement in the case. People have speculated for months that Holden's blind hatred for Gallagher caused him to solicit the help of a con artist to set the former councilman up for a fall. It also makes it clear that the alleged victim is preparing her civil case and getting ready for a payday.

We hope someone takes a picture of Holden's face as the victim tells her story. Once again, let us see the sick and perverse pleasure he gets from other people's misery.

"Karma is a real bitch" - Ghandi

DOB Commissioner Resigns

Do we think this was a voluntary resignation or an amicable firing?

What say you?

Lancaster Out as DOB Commissioner
by Azi Paybarah | April 22, 2008

Patricia Lancaster is out as the commissioner for the city's Department of Buildings.
Michael Bloomberg announced her departure in a statement just now.

From Bloomberg:

“This morning, I met with Patricia Lancaster at Gracie Mansion and accepted her resignation as New York City’s Buildings Commissioner. Over the past six years, Patricia has moved the Department of Buildings a long way forward by fighting corruption, strengthening inspections and oversight, increasing the public’s access to information, and bringing increased levels of professionalism and integrity to all levels of her agency. Patricia led a comprehensive overhaul of the City’s byzantine building code, the first in 40 years, which will make the construction of homes, schools, stores and offices in New York City safer, more affordable, and more environmentally friendly for years to come. Patricia leaves a strong foundation of reform and improvement for her successors to build on, and I thank her for her dedication to making New York City a far better place to live, work, and visit.”

Statement by Commissioner Patricia J. Lancaster:

“Today I submitted my resignation, which Mayor Bloomberg accepted. It has been an honor serving in his Administration and I thank the Mayor for this opportunity. After six years in public service, I made this decision because I felt it was time to return to the private sector. I am proud of the groundbreaking work the department has done during my tenure to root out corruption, increase transparency, overhaul the building code, and increase safety for workers and the public alike. My message today to the talented and capable staff at the Department of Buildings is to keep up the hard work: you’ve made so much important progress. It has been my distinct pleasure working with you.”

http://www.observer.com/2008/lancaster-out-dob-commissioner

Ognibene Lies To Priest

The Patriots were alerted that on Sunday April 20^th during a Romanian Orthodox celebration of Pascha (Easter), Ognibene intruded on the religious observance to get petition signatures. This intrusive act would be vulgar enough but telling the head priest that the petition sheets were "voter registration" forms is despicable. Dmitri Constantinescu stated, "We felt that our kindness and unfamiliarity with the election process was taken advantage of. Thankfully, this will only happen once."

Once again Tom Ognilooney is bending the rules to suit his own needs while he manipulates the community. Does Ognibene have any shame? Lying to constituents, lying to the media, lying to investigators and now shamefully lying to members of the clergy! Oh the indignity!

Let the War Begin! Special Election set for June 3rd

The Board of Elections says Mayor Michael Bloomberg set June 3rd for a special election to fill the Queens City Council seat for the 30^th district.

Get ready for fast and furious campaigning and mud-slinging.

Reports state that the election will cost the city around $400,000. The person elected to fill the seat will finish out the remainder of the year. In November, there will be another election to determine who will serve out rest of Gallagher's term, which expires at the end of 2009.

Crowley in Hot Water with Campaign Finance (again)

Elizabeth Crowley has angered her union brothers and sisters of DC 9. They are annoyed that they are being forced to go out and campaign for Dizzy Ms. Lizzy and for the fact that they never observed hold a paint brush, open a paint can or paint a wall.

Brothers and Sisters in solidarity,

Stand up and say something. I am in the painters union DC9. We were told a few days ago that we have to take a personal day to go out and campaign for Liz. Liz is the one with the no-show job that her cousin the congressman got her. She is the laziest person we have ever met and we all do not like her yet we are being forced to go out and get signatures for her so she can run for election. We had to do this for her in 2001 and I'll be damned if any of us are going to do it now for her.

Many other guys on this job site have been told by their shop stewards that they have to go out also. Like the plumbers and the sheet metal guys. Now think of this, they are coming here telling us that we have to go out or we are not going to be working here any longer.

Many of us say this is crap. So some of us took the liberty of calling the elections office and they told us to call the campaign finance and we did. They are investigating this. They said that this is a serious allegation. They also want to hear from other guys that are in similar situations. The lead investigator assigned to this case is Eric at 212-306-7147. He said that anyone that calls will remain anonymous.

They also said that this is a crime. That we can go to jail for participating in this type of action. They also said that anyone who signs the petitions can be called into court to testify and when the feds start investigating this we will have to give sworn statements to them. I do not know about anyone else, but I am not going to jail for anyone.

So some of us are going to call in sick to get out of this mess. But I thought everyone should know exactly what is going on and how serious this matter is and that we have reported it to the authorities and it is seriously being investigated. Beware, this could come back to hurt us all later. Let her go get her friends to go out not us. We make over $100,000 a year not to go out and get petitions for Crowley, I don't care who her cousin is.

We wonder what Crowley’s Crusaders have to say about this. Looks like they should be crushing corruption in their own camp!