Vote Ognibene! Ready to Be Corrupt On Day One

At a recent Community Board 9 meeting, Tom Ognibene touted his ability to shift, shuffle and skew the City Council budget process for his own benefit.

Ognibene stated, "I know where things are included in the budget, and I know how to shift things around in the budget."

Tom Ognibene knows because he was the chair of the finance committee when the practice of creating fictional groups to hide tax payer money began. Under his watchful blindfolded eye, millions of taxpayer money began to be stored in slush funds and used at a later date for the sole purpose of political corruption and payola.

Looks like Tom Ognibene will fit right in on day one.

Lantazio Rats on Ognibene in Court Testimony

Here is an excerpt from the testimony provided by corrupt Department of Buildings employee, Ron Lantanzio detailed in The People of the State of New York v. Barry Cox, October 1999, Judge E. Torres, Prosecutor Cort, and Indictment # 63112000.

Looks like Mr. Ognibene has some serious explaining to do.

For your reading pleasure….

Lantanzio / Direct / People

THE COURT: All right, deemed marked in evidence, cooperation agreement.

Q. What crimes did you - - did you eventually plead guilty to any crime?

A. Yes.

Q. What crimes did you plead guilty to?

A. Bribery of a City councilman and staff and also tampering with physical evidence.

Q. What was the illegal conduct in which you engaged underlying your plea of guilty to bribery? Did you plea guilty to bribery in the third degree?

A. Yes.

Q. What was your conduct; what was the illegal conduct in which you engaged underlying your plea of guilty to bribery in the third degree?

A. I had given a councilman and his staff a number of gifts. I upgraded a trip for him to Hawaii. I gave members of his staff a trip to Florida and to Vermont. I bought them fishing poles and golf clubs. I paid for numerous lunches and I did a number of fundraisers for them in hopes that they would in turn reciprocate by helping me with certain business issues I might have in terms in getting things through the city for my clients.

Q. What councilman was this?

A. Tom Ognibene

THE COURT: Spell that.

THE WITNESS: I believe it's O G N I B E N N E

MR. CORT: I think there's only - - if I can just say - - there's only one N, it's not N N E

THE COURT: OGNIBENE

THE PATRIOTS: How do you spell Corruption?

A. O G N I B E N E

Ognibene and Ober Put the "O" in Coward

Last night Ognibene and Ober shamefully attacked their political opponents without them being there to defend themselves. Ognibene obviously doesn't practice what he preaches because at a different candidate's night chastised Surachi for attacking individuals who were not present.

This is just another shameful act by Ognibene and Ober to discredit and defame. They united previously for the "plant and rant" operation when the created an anti-homosexual letter, distributed the letter to voters, laid blame on their opponents and denounced the tactics. It was beautifully executed but dishonorably transparent.

These two make Bob Holden and Tony Nunziato look like political infants.

Crowley and Como Stay Strong and Tell Holden "So Long Sucker!!!"

The Juniper Park Patriots have received information from a member of the Juniper Park Civic Association Executive Board. In the e-mail, the JPCA member stated that Robert Holden and other select individuals decided to "stack the deck" against Crowley and Como in a feeble attempt to discredit their candidacies. However, the two candidates flip the script on clueless Holden by not showing up and making the maniacal civic despot look stupid. It is being reported that the two candidates accepted an invitation from a newspaper to participate in a "fair and balanced" round table discussion instead of walking into the JPCA sanctioned firing squad.

It is clear that the JPCA is supporting both Ognibene and Ober. Tony Avella, a councilmember who has had Holden's lips surgically attached to his ass for years has endorsed Ober and it is no secret that the love affair between the corrupt Ognibene and Holden the opportunist continues.

In the Land of the Stupid, the Man with the 1 Point IQ is King

30th District Campaign Slogans

Here are a few campaign slogans that readers have sent in:

Vote Ognibene! Ready To Be Corrupt on Day One.

Vote Crowley! She's Not Just Another Pretty Face, She's Dumb Too.

Vote Ober! He'll Never Cheat on His Wife.

Vote Como! Big Head.... Big House.

Vote Surachi! Why? We Have No Idea.

Famous Queens Resident Series, Part XXXVII

Diamond Jim Brady

Diamond Jim Brady - The famous salesman, promoter and celebrity, who spearheaded the changeover to safe steel railroad cars, once lived on Union Turnpike near the Nassau County line.

James Buchanan Brady (12 August 1856–13 April 1917), also known as Diamond Jim Brady, was an American businessman, financier, and philanthropist of the Gilded Age.

Born in New York City to a modest household, Brady worked his way up from bellboy and messenger. After gaining employment in the New York Central Railroad system, he became the chief assistant to the general manager by the age of 21. At 23, Brady parlayed his knowledge of the railroad industry and its officials to become a highly successful salesman for Manning, Maxwell and Moore, a railroad supply company.

Known for his penchant for jewels, especially diamonds, he collected precious stones and jewelry in excess of US$ 2 million (adjusted for 2005 dollars, approx. $50 million).

Brady's enormous appetite and resultant girth were as legendary as his wealth. It was not unusual for Brady to eat enough food for ten people at a sitting. George Rector, owner of a favorite restaurant, described Brady as "the best 25 customers I ever had." A typical Brady breakfast would be: eggs, pancakes, pork chops, cornbread, fried potatoes, hominy, muffins, and a beefsteak. For refreshment, a gallon of orange juice—or "golden nectar", as he called his favorite drink. Lunch might be two lobsters, deviled crabs, clams, oysters and beef, with a few pies for dessert. The usual evening meal began with an appetizer of two or three dozen oysters, six crabs, and a few servings of green turtle soup, followed by a main course of two whole ducks, six or seven lobsters, a sirloin steak, two servings of terrapin and a host of vegetables. For dessert, the gourmand enjoyed pastries and a two pound box of candy.

"Diamond Jim" is also known for his romantic association with singer Lillian Russell, a famously voluptuous beauty of the era. It is said that her eating habits were a perfect match for his own.

A gregarious man, Brady was a mainstay of Broadway nightlife. He often dined with popular society. After further investments in the stock market, Brady accumulated wealth estimated at $12 million. He was also known for being the first person in New York City to own an automobile (in 1895).

Brady donated a significant sum in 1912 to Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland, where he had once been treated. The hospital created the James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute in his honor.

Brady never married, and after his death his estate was distributed to many institutions

Jack Valenti: Political Consultant and Dog Lover

In 1952, Jack Valenti co-founded "Weekley & Valenti", an advertising/political consulting agency. Valenti's agency, was in charge of the press during the November 1963 visit of President John F. Kennedy and Vice-President Lyndon Johnson to Dallas, Texas. Following the assassination of President Kennedy, Valenti was present in the famous photograph of Lyndon Johnson's swearing in aboard Air Force One, and rode with the new president to Washington. He then became the first "special assistant" to Johnson's White House. He lived in the White House for the first two months of Johnson's presidency. Valenti was so loyal to Johnson that it was once said of him "If LBJ dropped the H-bomb, Valenti would call it an urban renewal project."

However, Jack Valenti's second love was for his chocolate lab, Mimi. According to Hollywood insiders, Mimi Valenti was Jack's pride and joy. He would lavish the dog with expensive toys and outfits costing thousands of dollars. In addition to living a life of luxury, Mimi was given guest roles in various Hollywood movies. Some speculated that Jack used his considerable influence and position as President of the Motion Picture Association of America to pressure producers and directors into giving Mimi a role in their pictures.

Mimi Valenti is buried next to her owner Jack Valenti and on her tombstone it reads"

Here Lays Mimi, One Spoiled Bitch.

An open letter to 30th District City Council Candidates:

Sadly, the public has become bombarded with reports regarding the infidelity of elected officials. Eliot Spitzer, Vito Fossella, David Paterson, and Jim Mcgreevey have all been strewn across the pages of the newspapers because of their extra-marital exploits. The public seems to have had enough and are becoming increasingly tired of the immorality of elected officials on both sides of the isle. Republicans being the worst of the lot, because they constantly run on the lofty platform of family values and religious morality while simultaneously running around with cocktail waitresses on Sunday afternoons.

Therefore, we want to ask Ms. Crowley, Mr. Ober, and Mr. Como and Mr. Ognibene if they ever indulged in any exploits that could be deemed extra-marital indiscretions. Is there a man or men, woman or women who will emerge claiming that any of you were their part-time lover?

Would their be a disgruntled employee of a particular union, agency or school that is so annoyed that your concubine has held many prestigious positions because of his or her intimate involvement with you?

Did a particular man or woman, who you are extremely fond of, assist any of you in your campaign(s)? And because he or she magnanimously and vociferously wanted to help his or her powerful girlfriend or boyfriend that he or she knowingly lied about his or her legal residence?

Enquiring minds want to know.

Dominick Casalino and Francesco Calvagna

The Italian Crash Test Dummies

Shrillary Clinton Will Screw the Democratic Party

Imelda Clinton will screw the Democratic Party if she doesn't get the nomination by running as an independent in the upcoming presidential election. As we all know, Shrillary only cares about her own political ascension and to hell with anyone one who gets in her way.

Political insiders and strategists are beside themselves with the idea that Clinton will break from the democrats and run as a maverick independent. Clinton will disguise her blind political ambition and disloyalty behind the smoke screen, "I find it more important and vitally crucial that I save American and Israel than be concerned with saving the Democratic Party from collapsing."

The question is whether Clinton would have enough backing among fundraisers to continue her campaign even after loosing the Democratic nomination in August. It is an open secret that the stream of money flowing to her campaign has been much narrower since Barack Obama began its impressive blitz. But the former first lady has proved that she can reinvent herself and loan herself mounds of cash in an instant just like she has done on a number of occasions since January.

Just goes to show that you can't kill the devil even when she wears Prada pantsuits.

Robert Holden Weeps over Losing Turf War

Adrian Benepe beats the crap out of Robert Holden once again making the cry baby civic leader weep even louder. In a feeble attempt to discredit NYC Parks Commissioner, Holden has started a crusade against turf fields stating that the fields cause cancer, skin rashes, rocky mountain fever, herpes and causing some individuals to believe they are Joe DiMaggio.

Unfortunately for Bob, the NYC Health Department has concluded that the chemicals in the turf won't harm you.

The Score:

Benepe – 3 Holden – 0

Here is the NY Daily News Article: Turf War Sizzles at City Parks

Ognibene Accuses Gallagher of Political Attacks and Global Warming

Either Gallagher is the best actor since Sir Lawrence Olivier or Tom Ognibene is the worst judge of character known to man kind. Wasn't Gallagher his chief of staff for the entire time Ognibene was city Councilman? Didn't Tom Ognibene vigorously defend Gallagher during his legal tribulations resulting from a tryst with an intoxicated woman?

The above statements are categorically true, but now the Daily Politics is reporting that Ognibene has changed his tune

""That is absolutely, 100 percent, 1,000 percent Dennis Gallagher," Ognibene said of the mailer, which he rejected as "absolutely ridiculous.

"He has totally lost control. He resents the fact that I'm running for his seat," Ognibene added. "When you're dealing with a deeply neurotic person, I don't even try to explain his conduct."

Elizabeth Benjamin also reached out to Dennis "the puppet master" Gallagher to get his thoughts on the matter:

Gallagher, meanwhile, called Ognibene's accusations "absolutely, unequivocally untrue."

"I think the candidates ought to focus on the issues that are pending in the district and stop dragging this race into the mud," Gallagher said. "I consider Tom Ognibene a friend. He's a good man. If there's a falling out, then I think it's on Tom's side."

You can read Elizabeth Benjamin's entire story on the Daily Politics

Queens Crap Calls Maspeth Residents Full Of Crap

Robert Holden and The Queens Crap are once again belittling the little people for protesting a problematic bar in Maspeth. Robert Holden and his fecal minions harbor bitter resentment against those peons who seek to undermine their monopoly on protesting. Instead of applauding the Maspeth residents who came out to voice their concern regarding the excessive noise coming from Hush Café Lounge and Garden, Holden and his morons belittle their efforts. Holden and the Pooper Troopers also try to demean the efforts of Maspeth residents and COMET by claiming the rally was nothing more than a political stunt orchestrated by Crowley and Como. This is a perfect example of how the JPCA, Robert Holden and the Queens Crap only care about their own narrow-minded agenda and don’t give a sh$t about the community.

Thankfully, Donald Betrand reported on the rally…

Here is the despicable Queens Crap story

The Crowley Crusaders Crusade Continues

Looks like the Crowley Crusaders have mounted their steeds again to launch their next volley against the evil Ognibene. The Crusaders are laying siege to the Christ the King Castle and the many peasants Ognibene has conscripted into his evil army.

We are still a little confused because Crowley accusing Ognibene of illegal practices is like Al Franken accusing Wesley Snipes of tax evasion. Either way it makes for great political drama. Enjoy!

Dear Friends,

We are writing once again to provide you with information about Elizabeth Crowley’s opponent Tom Ognibene. Mr. Ognibene has the audacity to portray himself as the honest candidate who rises above the fray and immediately exposes “dirty tactics”. The truth is that Tom Ognibene is the “king” of dirty politics and the “duke” of the abuse of power.

Here are a few topics we will be covering over the next several weeks:

• Tom Ognibene has “strong armed” Christ the King High School teachers to “volunteer” for his campaign.
• Ognibene rewards teachers for their “volunteering” by promoting them or providing family members with profitable jobs.
• Tom Ognibene’s associates and friends are using the school parking lot to store used cars for future sales.
• Ognibene created anonymous letters attacking homosexuals and placing the blame on others.
• Ognibene has placed signs on Crifasi owned buildings without the proper Department of Buildings permit.
• Ognibene helped Crifasi family members “get rid of” building violations regarding illegal conversions.
• We will provide disturbing testimony by corrupt Buildings employee Ron Lantanzio explaining Ognibene’s complicity in political grafts.

It is extremely important that voters are provided with information to assist them in making the right choice on June 3^rd. We feel that the information listed above proves that Tom Ognibene is the wrong man to represent us in the City Council.

Anonymous Ognibene Gone Wild

Tom Ognilooney has been a busy little beaver writing secret attack letters, unidentified self-deprecating blog posts and now he is sending anonymous complaints to city agencies claiming wrong-doings by his opponents. Anonymous Ognibene must be very scared that his “checkered” past will most likely cause him to lose yet another bid for elected office that he is resorting to “despicable” and “cowardly” (words Anonymous Ognibene loves to use to describe his many detractors) acts of deception and political smear.

Anonymous Ognilooney and his mini-me troll Eric Ulrich are running scared and will do anything to try to save their sinking campaigns. Ognibene and Ulrich have both exploited their positions for personal gains and are now trying to discredit their opponents by making false claims against people they desperately fear. It is a shame that Ognilooney and Ulbitch vigorously fight to promote “fear and loathing” instead of “positivity and unity”

Here are the two stories that were created by Anonymous Ognibene’s recent letters:

NY Post

Daily News

An Open Letter to Mr. Ognibene...

We recently received this letter from a pair of local guys looking for some answers.

The Patriots would love to hear these answers as well, but we won't hold our breath waiting on them.

An open letter to Tom Ognibene,

As the June 3^rd Special election draws near, there are few things that I would like you to explain to the general public. Your platform, "experience counts" is very catchy but it also has a darker connotation. Some feel that the "experience" you so proudly proclaim could be the familiarity with corruption and willingness to bend the rules for self-preservation. Is this true?

There is speculation that you illegally accepted an all expense paid trip to the Caribbean. The trip in question was paid for by a local civic leader who was repaying your efforts in getting his wife a political job. Is this true?

It has been reported that you illegally used your influence, power and position to assist a corrupt Department Buildings employee. Your illegal efforts helped get violations lifted, projects approved and people hired for good paying jobs. Is this true?

It is believed that you use Christ the King for your own personal benefit and political expediency. Many are saying that teachers are being forced to work on your campaign because they fear retribution or they are trying to earn you admiration for your help in advancing their position. Also, a portion of the school parking area is being utilized as a used car lot to sell pre-owned vehicles. Is this true?

I think the residents of the 30^th Council district deserve truthful answers to these questions.

Dominick Casalino and Francesco Calvagna

Ognibene Hits the Campaign Trail Today

That's right folks you read it here. Tom Ognibene has finally decided to get out in the 3oth District to meet the common folk. he was spotted for a split second running across the street wearing a purple beanie cap, sweater vest and plaid pants ducking into a nearby pharmacy.

Sounds promising? Excited? We are sorry that we must expose the truth. Ognibene is not campaigning nor is he meeting and greeting the little people. The sad reality is that the Forest Park Golf Course is closed due to rain and Ognilooney was forced to relinquish his 9 iron to Mike Mischel, who was his caddy for the day.

Tip O'Neill once said, "All politics is local"

Tom Ognibene once said "All politics can be put off until I finish two rounds of golf at my local course."

Corrupt Crowley Denied Matching Funds

It seems that wherever Liz Crowley goes the cloud of corruption looms ominously over her empty head. The Campaign Finance Board is reporting that Elizabeth Crowley is not eligible for matching funds because she still has outstanding penalties that were imposed in 2001 for campaign fraud.

Crowley was not eligible for matching funds because of outstanding fines from campaign finance violations committed by her campaign during her bid for City Council in 2001 against ex-councilman Dennis Gallagher, whose April 18 resignation necessitated the special election.

According to a CFB audit, the Crowley campaign was required to pay $56,267 in penalties, $22,207 of which was for exceeding expenditure limits. Another $20,000 was for failure to adequately explain allegations of money order fraud — allegations the campaign denied. The penalties are currently being paid on an installment plan.

Liz Crowley has no problem raising money because Lizzy ignores all the rules and violates all the campaign finance laws. You go girl!

ELECTION KICKS INTO HIGH GEAR

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?