SULLIVAN FOR ALBANY MAYOR MAY 2, 2005
Mayor Jerry Jennings, today, declined to accept the Republican ballot line (ROW A) in the November 8 General Election.
In so doing, Jennings made a political blunder which he may regret, should he be defeated in the September 13 Democratic Primary by the Liberal Democratic-Working Families Party Coalition (Coalition) which has taken control of the Albany City schools, elected City Court Judge Tom Keefe (2003) and Albany DA David Soares (2004).
Jerry Jennings just tossed away his political safety net (Row A) which would have assured him a prime spot on the November ballot
Now the Coalition will step up efforts to defeat Jennings in the September 13 Democratic Primary.
The Coalition can nominate a ham sandwich in a Democratic Primary. They are bright, highly organized and have a proven ability to get their voters to the polls.
In contrast, the regular Democratic organization can't even deliver a pizza in Albany.
The Party of Dan O Connell is no more. The 2005 city elections are a watershed for the City of Albany. The Democratic Party is deeply divided and the Coalition is poised to take control of the party and City government.
I was hoping to run for the citywide office of Common Council President. There is no incumbent and my chances were good, However, Jerry Jennings declination of our ballot line would leave the Republican ballot line for Mayor unfilled. I can't let that happen.
Should Jennings fall in the Democratic Primary, I will be the Republican Mayoral candidate. I will be there for the people and City of Albany to repel the Coalition in the November 8, General Election.
Make no mistake about it, 2005 is the most important city election since Dan O Connell ran for Assessor after WWI and broke Republican control of the City of Albany.
Oldtime Albany Democrats are closet Conservative, Republicans. Even Dan O Connell's family were Republicans when they ran a saloon in the South End.
It is time for Albany Democrats to take a sober look at the City of Albany and what more than 80 years of one party dominance has wrought. If they take a hard look, and like what they see, keep right on partyline voting. If they are distressed at the urban blight, crime , violence, out of control, failing public schools, and annual property tax increases to support a moribund Common Council and the failing public school system - it is time to make a change in November.
In the coming month, I will do my best to field viable candidates for the Common Council from the 15 City Wards; Common Council Presidency, City Comptroller and City Treasurer.
We can not allow the Liberal Democratic-Working Families Party to gain control of Albany City government.
If you want to become involved contact me without delay. Joe Sullivan Tel/Fax 438 5230.
Petitioning to qualify for the ballot begins June 7, 2005.
Prospective candidates should be qualified, able individuals , ideally with a track record of civic and political involvement, who have clear stands on issues vital to the City of Albany; who have a clear vision of what they hope to achieve by their candidacies and who are able to communicate effectively with the voters.
The number one priority of Common Council candidates is to effectively represent the people of their wards.
The position of Common Council President must be occupied by an individual with strong leadership abilities to shape up the moribund Common Council and to work with the Mayor to shape public policies for benefit of all the people of the city. Remember, by law, the Common Council President becomes Mayor should a vacancy occur in that office. So, the voters should pay close attention to that race and elect a person who is a leader and capable of being an effective mayor.
The Comptroller and City Treasurer positions should be filled with persons with fiscal abilities and integrity. They are guardians of the hard earned tax dollars, fees and state and federal grants which finance the operation of city government.
I advocate merging the Albany City School District with City government. The school district and school board should be disbanded. Responsibility and accountability for the City public schools should be vested with the Mayor and Common Council.
Albany should return to a K-8 neighborhood school system which is best for kids, parents and neighborhoods.
Public school funding should shift from the property to sales/income taxes so that all pay their fair share of public school support.
School budget votes should be held in conjunction with November General Elections, with vote results binding on the first round. No reruns.
I pressed the Common Council to send the necessary Home Rule Requests to the State Legislature for action on the above, this session. The Common Council failed to act! Remember that when incumbents come to your doors seeking petition signatures.
I pressed the School Board/District to put the above questions on the May 17 School Budget Vote ballot. The School Board failed to give the voters these choices. Send the School District/Board a message May 17 - let them know you are not going to enable failing city schools, beset by violence and disorderly, disrespectful behavior any longer - VOTE NO on the 157 Million dollar school budget. Serious students need safe, orderly learning environments.
The criminals and gangs that have taken over streets and neighborhoods must be disarmed and brought to heel so that our schools, streets and neighborhoods are once again safe for the majority of law abiding citizens.
Urban blight, crime, violence, disorderly conduct, litter, noise, speeding traffic, congestion and related air pollution are diminishing the residential integrity and quality of life in city neighborhoods. These issues must be effectively addressed by the Mayor and Common Council. Piecemeal neighborhood urban renewal projects like Park South must be replaced with development of a citywide master plan that is developed with the advice and consent of residents of the neighborhoods.
Voters have an obligation to make informed choices on election day. Toss away the partyline security blanket and think for yourselves. Only then will Albany pull out of it's downward spiral and once again become a city of distinct neighborhoods anchored by k-8 neighborhood schools, churches, synagogues, temples, mosques and neighborhood commercial shops and services.
Lastly, the threat of terror attacks hang over us like a dark cloud. U.S. borders and ports are not secure. Individuals, households, schools, religious institutions and neighborhoods must take emergency/disaster preparedness seriously. When adversity comes, and it will, don't count on government to save you and your loved ones. You are on your own and would be well advised to prepare for any eventualities. Be alert and watchful. We can all help root out the terrorists who lie waiting in our neighborhoods and city.
We must take extra care to make sure the criminal and gang elements in our neighborhoods and city do not become the allies of the foreign terrorists.
I will periodically update this Blog with commentaries on local political and neighborhood issues. Tell others about this Blog and check it now and again.
My incoming mail address is jpsullivan2005@yahoo.com, but I prefer phone/fax communications. The fax is always on ready to receive: 438 5230.
Sullivan Blog: http://www.journals.aol.com/lonerangeralbany/lonerangeralbany/
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