Friday, March 30, 2018

The outrageous behavior by the Brooklyn DA and the criminal courts in Brooklyn continues in the John Giuca Case



Not only did an appeals court overturn a verdict in the Mark Fisher murder case  ---  DA and court misconduct in the first prosecution has left "The People" with no case to try against John Giuca  ---  And that will be litigated as part of a much more active defense if there is any attempt at a second trial


Recent article ties Hynes-era misconduct to the current DA and his handling of the Fisher-Giuca case review


According to a local government, criminal courts and community interest  “Free Paper for a Free People” & its associated blog,  “The Indypendant”  ---  There’s not much left in the DA’s original case against Giuca: no physical evidence placed him at the murder scene, three of the four key witnesses recanted, and the alleged motive — a gang-initiation rite — has little substance. What hovers over the proceedings, however, is the legacy of Joe Hynes. Under Ken Thompson and now Gonzalez, the DA’s Conviction Review Unit has issued 23 exonerations — but almost none have involved leading prosecutors from the Hynes era. And like Gonzalez, many of the key players in the Giuca case spent the bulk of their careers in the Hynes administration….   In fighting to maintain what appears to be the very shaky conviction of John Giuca, Gonzalez and his administration seem unable to escape the ghost of Joe Hynes….”  (See “Why Is The Brooklyn DA Still Keeping John Giuca Behind Bars”  by Theodore Hamm,  3/29/18,  The Indypendant/  New York   [https://indypendent.org/2018/03/why-is-the-brooklyn-da-still-keeping-john-giuca-behind-bars/]).  Mr. Hamm,  who is the Chairman  for Journalism and New Media Studies at Saint Joseph’s College in Brooklyn went on to say this:   “Meanwhile, as the DA’s office concocts its retrial strategy, John Giuca, now approaching 35, awaits his fate in the hellhole otherwise known as Rikers Island. Many people watching the case closely suspect that Gonzalez and company are hoping to grind down the defendant in order to make him accept a potential plea offer; one possibility is that he could be released with time served (but a murder conviction on his record and no recourse to sue for damages). In any event, Rikers is a “madhouse,” says Giuca, wearily….” 
DEFENSE READY TO BARE ALL IN FUTURE PR PUSH AND PRE-TRIAL LITIGATION,   IF THE DA CONTINUES TO PERSECUTE GUICA   
Clearly, the defense in the event of any attempted new trial will seek to remove any of the pro-prosecution-biased judges that dominate in the Brooklyn Criminal Courthouse.  Most likely, this will first be raised during the pretrial motions phase.  

Also,  the inappropriate the actions of the prosecutors repeatedly will be put before the public,  the trial court, the jury and the appellate courts if this three-ring circus of a prosecution goes forward.

Tuesday, March 27, 2018

FORMER BROOKLYN DA HYNES --- TAKES A DEAL FROM THE NYC CONFLICTS BOARD FOR A LARGE FINE


ONCE THE REPUBLICAN AND CONSERVATIVE PARTY ENDORSEE FOR RE-ELECTION AS DA  ---  IN THE END, HYNES WAS A FAR-BEHIND LOSER IN A MISGUIDED ATTEMPT TO HOLD ONTO HIS LOST POWER AS THE  DEMOCRAT DA, HYNES RAN ONLY AS THE REPUBLICAN-CONSERVATIVE NOMINEE FOR DA AND LOST BADLY


Former DA Hynes admitted that he misused his office as Kings County District Attorney for political purposes  and will have to pay a fine of  $40,000 to the NYC Conflicts of Interest Board for activities in 2013 when some of the worst Republican-Conservative stuff also went down


The New York City Conflicts of Interest Board announced the highest fines in the Board’s history for violations related to the campaign activities of former District Attorney Charles Hynes.  They included , a $40,000 settlement with former Kings County District Attorney Charles Hynes.  With the fines to several of Hynes' top assistants,  the total of fines exceeded $50,000

In the settlement of the charges against him,  Charles “Joe” Hynes admitted to the routine and extensive use of New York City resources for his 2013 reelection campaign (the “Campaign”) and to having his City subordinates use City time and City resources for activities related to the Campaign.   (FYI  ---  that was this abortive 2013 campaign wherein Hynes, Mike Ling and others agreed that the Hynes campaign would continue campaigning after he had lost the Democratic Primary  ---   even though Hynes knew that he had virtually no chance of winning in November.

After admitting to twenty (20) different factual categories showing that he violated various different of rules of  the NYC Conflicts of Board,  former DA Charles Hynes agreed to the following:

“….
a. I agree to pay a fine of Forty Thousand Dollars ($40,000.00) to the Board by money order or by cashier, bank, or certified check, made payable to the '·New York City Conflicts of lnterest Board," at the time of my signing this Disposition.

b. l agree that this Disposition is a public and final resolution of the Board's charges against me.

c. I knowingly waive on my behalf and on behalf of my successors and assigns any rights to commence any judicial or administrative proceeding or appeal before any court of competent jurisdiction, administrative tribunal, political subdivision, or office of the City or the State of New York or the United States, and to contest the lawfulness, authority, jurisdiction, or power of the Board in imposing the penalty which is embodied in this Disposition, and I waive any right to make any legal or equitable claims or to initiate legal proceedings of any kind against the Board, or any members or employees thereof relating to, or arising out of this Disposition or the matters recited therein.  [and]

d. I confirm that I have entered into this Disposition freely, knowingly1 and intentionally, without coercion or duress and having been represented by attorneys of my choice; that I accept all terms and conditions contained herein without reliance on any other promises or offers previously made or tendered by any past or present representative of the Board; and that I fully understand all the terms of this Disposition. c. I agree that any material misstatement of the facts of this matter, including of the Disposition, by me or by my attorney or agent shall, at the discretion of the Board, be deemed a waiver of confidentiality of this matter….”

TOP ASSISTANTS ALSO FINED

One of Hynes’ top assistants,  Jerry Schmetterer,  agreed to pay a fine of $6,000;  Chief ADA,  Amy Feinstein,  agreed to pay a fine of  $4,500;  Joanna Zamuewski,  a Principal Administrative Associate agreed to pay a fine of  $3,000;  and Lance Ogiste,  ADA and former “Counsel to the District Attorney,” agreed to a fine of  $1,000….   All of these were involved in the furtherance of the Hynes 2013 campaign for re-election.

State Senator Marty Golden’s 2018 campaign just took a major hit in the form of an unforced error by one of his top aides and political gurus --- Golden and his staff DITHER and DISCEMBLE on the first day of this CRISIS in leadership



Anthony Testaverde compared Democrats to  (WAIT FOR IT)  >>>  ADOLPH HITLER  ---  and  ---  the students protesting the killing of high school students to  >>>  HITLER YOUTH


 ANTHONY TESTAVERDE IS A LONG-TIME MEMBER OF REPUBLICAN STATE SENATOR MARTIN GOLDEN’S STAFF  AND  AN EXECUTIVE MEMBER OF THE KINGS COUNTY REPUBLICAN ORGANIZATION PUT IN BY MR. GOLDEN AFTER A SERIES OF COURT FIGHTS AND CONTESTED BROOKLYN GOP CONVENTIONS


 OUTRAGED DEMOCRATS CALL ON GOLDEN TO FIRE TESTAVERDE IMMEDIATELY  ---  AS OUTRAGED REPUBLICANS AT THIS INDEPENDENT BLOG,   WE COULDN’T AGREE MORE



HERE’S THE NY POST VERSION OF THE STORY:

“A longtime aide to Brooklyn state Sen. Marty Golden is under fire for comparing students protesting gun violence to Adolf Hitler in a Facebook posting….   Anthony Testaverde posted a photo of Stoneman Douglas High School student David Hogg pumping his right fist into the air in front of a “MARCH FOR OUR LIVES” logo….   Next to Hogg is a photo of Hitler raising his hand in a “heil Hitler” salute….   In a second comparison, Testaverde posted and shared a photo of Hogg with a black mourning band on his arm, next to a picture of a Nazi solider with a swastika on his arm….   Testaverde also shared a post that said: “The Democrats are doing Exactly what Hitler did . . He used the Youth to disarm and Control the People This is scary!’     ( See   State senator’s aide compared student protester to Hitler  by  Kirsten Conley & Carl Campanile,  3/26/18,   NY Post/ Metro   [https://nypost.com/2018/03/26/state-senators-aide-compared-student-protester-to-hitler/]).

AND HERE IS WHAT THE NY DAILY NEWS HAD TO SAY ABOUT IT:

Brooklyn State Sen. Martin Golden came under fire Monday after an aide shared Facebook posts that compared Democrats and gun control advocates — including a survivor of the Parkland, Fla., school shooting — to Nazis….   Golden staffer Anthony Testaverde on Saturday shared Facebook posts that included one from the group The Common Sense Conservative with a picture of a Parkland survivor with his right arm extended placed next to a picture of Adolf Hitler in the same pose with the caption: ‘I knew something was off about this kid.’…   Another post [by  Testaverde] said, “The Democrats are doing exactly what Hitler did…He used the youth to disarm and control the people. This is scary!’…”   (See  “Brooklyn State Sen. Martin Golden under fire after aide compares Dems, Parkland survivor to Nazis”  by  Glenn  Blaine, 3/26/18,  NY Daily News/ Politics   [http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/n-y-senator-aide-compares-dems-parkland-survivor-nazis-article-1.3897512]).
The News article went on to make these damning observations:   Golden, a Republican, initially declined to speak to a Daily News reporter about Testaverde’s posts when he was approached outside the Senate chamber Monday. “I got a meeting,” he said before ducking into a lounge for Senate members only….   Later, Golden issued a statement through his reelection campaign criticizing the posts….   ‘The views expressed in this social media post are as wrong and offensive as they are misguided,’  he said.  ‘At my direction the post that was 'shared' has been deleted.’…   [Golden’s formal statement] did not mention any discipline for Testaverde….”  

The News article also tied Testaverde’s remarks and Golden’s unsure and tepid reaction to other recent gaffs by the State Senator and his staff that involved the Senator’s own racist comments and abuse of his official ID during a road rage incident.   


Both the News and the Post articles did have strong statements by Democrats Andrew Gounardes and Ross Barkan,  condemning both Testaverde and Golden.   If you want to see what they had to say,  please,   look at the articles cited above for yourself…..

SACK TESTAVERDE NOW  !!!!!

Almost everybody that I have spoken to says that they think that Golden’s staffer Anthony Testaverde needs to get the sack immediately.

Saturday, March 24, 2018

Protestors Asked --- Why does State Senator Golden work so hard to protect sexual predators ???


Similar legislation to this year’s "Child Victim’s Act" has had the support of both the NYS Governor and the NYS Attorney General, and routinely has passed in the NYS Assembly  ---  and year after year after year,  it has been blocked in the Republican controlled NYS Senate


John Quaglione, State Senator Martin Golden’s deputy chief of staff and his chosen spokesperson on this issue,   said that Golden and his fellow Republican State Senators are fully committed to helping victims of child sex abuse obtain justice  ---  in spite of the fact that Marty Golden, his boss, is absolutely opposed to the best piece of legislation for giving sexual abuse victims justice


GOLDEN’S LONG OPPOSITION TO THE  “CHILD VICTIMS ACT” AND SIMILAR LEGISLATION IS REASON ENOUGH TO VOTE AGAINST HIM  FOR RE-ELECTION


 

Maybe you missed it,  but victims of child sex abuse rallied last month outside state Sen. Martin Golden's office in Bay Ridge….   The demonstrators voiced their anger at Golden for his refusal to support a proposed piece of legislation to extend the time victims have to report such crimes. They claim he is protecting abusers and failing victims….   The Child Victims Act would give victims of child sex abuse more time to come forward and file charges against their alleged abuser. Currently, most victims have until the age of 23 to come forward….   ‘We are losing the vast majority of victims because the courthouse is shut before they're even ready to come forward,’ said Marci Hamilton, CEO of Child USA….   Survivors of child sex abuse say it could take decades to grapple with the pain and come forward….   ‘Why should predators be protected by the passage of time, but victims continue to suffer endlessly?’ ask[ed] Kathryn Robb, a child sex abuse survivor. ‘It's insanity.’…"  (See  Child sex abuse survivors rally in Bay Ridge”  by  Staff writers/producers,  2/26/18,  News12Brooklyn,   [http://brooklyn.news12.com/story/37596250/child-sex-abuse-survivors-rally-in-bay-ridge]).

As part of his response,  John Quaglione  said this:   “….   Everyone agrees that everything should be done to help those who have been sexually abused from being a victim to being a survivor [sic]….”   After that,  Marty Golden’s communications guy,  this time referred to only  as a    “spokesperson,”   quickly descended into dissembling,   and doing what he seems to do best,   being a big blathermouth…… 

In another article about that rally outside SSMG’s office on Fifth Avenue in Bay Ridge,   the key proponent of the most current version of the proposed legislation was quoted by Paula Katinas,  as follows:   Marci Hamilton, a founding member of New Yorkers Against Hidden Predators and the CEO of the group CHILD USA, said New York State has among the most restrictive child sex abuse laws in the country. As a result, Hamilton said, the law offers more protection to sexual predators than to victims….   ‘The Child Victims Act will break the hidden culture of abuse that plagues our communities, while also giving victims their day in court. The state Senate should follow Gov. Cuomo’s lead in embracing the importance of this bill and putting it up for a vote. The Child Victims Act will shine a spotlight on thousands of New York's hidden predators and put power back into the hands of victims,’  Hamilton said in a statement….”  ( See “Sex abuse survivors demand GOP support for bill”  Paula Katinas,  2/27/18,  The Brooklyn Eagle   [http://www.brooklyneagle.com/articles/2018/2/27/sex-abuse-survivors-demand-gop-support-bill]).

Paula K.  also reported on Quaglione’s  blather in defense of the indefensible.

BROOKLYN PAPER  TOOK THE GLOVES OFF FOR ITS COVERAGE OF THE ANTI-GOLDEN PROTEST

According to Julianne McShane,  writing in the  Courier Life’s  “Brooklyn Daily”  ---  ”….  One of the survivors protesting at the Fifth Avenue office of state Sen. Marty Golden (R–Bay Ridge) said Golden’s continued opposition to a bill combatting sexual abuse is particularly egregious on the heels of the national #MeToo movement….   ‘As the rest of America continues to decry sexual abuse and harassment, Golden remains firmly planted on the wrong side of history, allowing hidden predators to continue inflicting pain and damage on our communities,’ said Steve Jimenez, a founding member of New Yorkers Against Hidden Predators, which organized the demonstration. ‘The inaction of him and his Republican colleagues in the Senate is a disgrace, and New Yorkers are making it known they have had have enough.’…”  ( See  “Locals call for Golden to support legislation protecting victims of child sex crimes”  by Julianne  McShane,  3/2/18,  Courier Life’s Brooklyn Daily   [https://www.brooklyndaily.com/stories/2018/9/br-golden-child-victims-act-protest-2018-03-02-bk.html]).


Wednesday, March 21, 2018

It’s time to stop the crap about the Angel Guardian Site --- It’s not the nuns who are trying to be greedy…..



It’s greedy developers with  >>> connections to Marty Golden <<<  other local pols  ---  And oh yes,  Nicky Mars, the fat guy with the funny hat and clothes  (I’d call him a “fat fuck,” but he is my supposedly “celibate” Bishop) 


This headline tells it all,  the way the REAL BAD GUYS  want to say it  >>> “Deal with the devil: Nuns rejected bid to save, landmark Angel Guardian property”  ---  this is part of an orchestrated PR blitz by a witches brew of opportunistic developers,  craven politicians, and certainly the very corrupt Bishop of Brooklyn Nicholas DiMarzio.

NOTHING BUT A  >>>HIT PIECE <<<  AGAINST THE GOOD NUNS

According to a report last week in the Brooklyn Paper,   “They’ll have nun of that!...   The Sisters of Mercy rejected a bid for Dyker Heights’ beloved Angel Guardian home from a developer who would have kept the more-than-century-old structures standing, put in affordable or senior housing and maybe even a school, and supported landmarking the property — all of which locals and pols have passionately called for — according to the real-estate agent who represented the failed bidder….   The irate realtor said the nuns picked the richest bid without giving the other bidders a fair shot, adding that avarice was the only logical explanation….   “It’s greed,” said Gregory Bartlett, the head of RBM Brokerage. “It goes without saying that they picked the highest bidder.”…  Bartlett represented a private-development firm — which did not want to be named in this story — that submitted an initial $16-million bid for the property between 63rd and 64th streets, bound by 12th and 13th avenues, the day before last year’s Oct. 25 deadline….”  ( See  “Deal with the devil: Nuns rejected bid to save, landmark Angel Guardian property” by  Julianne McShane,  3/16/18,  Brooklyn Paper/  Brooklyn news / Development / Dyker Heights / Changing Brooklyn  [https://www.brooklynpaper.com/stories/41/11/br-angel-guardian-failed-bid-2018-03-16-bk.html]).
Can Julianne McShane and the Brooklyn Paper seriously think that this is journalism ?????   This article is based 99% on the remarks of two very interested hacks  ---  one a real estate “agent,” very loosely referred to as a “realtor,” named Gregory Bartlett  ---  and the other,  one of State Senator Marty Golden’s regular hacks & flacks,  Fran Vella-Marrone  (who is also the unofficial spokesperson and poster-girl for the “butt-fuck-end of Dyker Heights). 
If you read the article in the Brooklyn Paper,  you’ll see that some undisclosed  >>> DEVELOPER <<<  made a very low  “offer” on the last day of bidding.  That offer was REJECTED by the owners of the Angel Guardian site,  the Sisters of Mercy;   and the reason is as plain as the nose on Fran V-M’s face.   The  >>> DEVELOPER <<<  “…  came in a day late and a pound short…” 
At first blush,  Ms. V-M  did seem to get it;   according to a quote of Fran in the Brooklyn Paper article,   “The only reason I would imagine is that they were looking for the highest bidder, the most amount of money that they could get, because that’s what they were going after[sic]….”   That’s right,   Fran,   this is America…..   However,  then a weird new left-wing sensibility pops up in our turned-around Dyker Heights girl,  who oddly is also  a Vice Chair of the Conservative Party,   “Why not take the  [‘offer’]  that’s going to preserve the legacy [of the Angel Guardian home]?”

AND THEN THERE’S  “NICKY MARS”

Lurking behind all of this “other developer” business is none other than Nicholas DiMarzio,  the Catholic Bishop of Brooklyn & Queens.  What people need to know about this guy is that he is a wannabe mobster that spends most of his time trying to protect several pedophile priests and monsignors,  and turning the properties of the Diocese of Brooklyn into a profitable real estate empire  (all with the close assistance of "Cathedral Clubbers," folks like State Senator Martin Golden;  and others like Mike Long, Jerry Kassar and even the all-turned-around little Fran Vella-Marrone, each and every one of them from the so-called Conservative Party [except for SSMG,  who is only “endorsed” by the so-called Conservative Party]).




Sunday, March 18, 2018

Three Candidates seeking New York State Reform Party nomination debate --- event streamed on ABC’s Facebook page


Reform Party Thinks It's  >>>  “the first gubernatorial debate of the 2018 election cycle featuring candidates of different parties”  <<<



According to a Reform Party press release,   a lively debate covering issues ranging from the SAFE Act and guns to marijuana reform and public corruption  was held between these three candidates for Governor: former Erie County Executive Joel Giambra;  business consultant,  Larry Sharpe;   and former state Housing Commissioner,  Joe Holland.   The spirited debate was moderated by WABC political editor Rita Cosby and the New York State Reform Party Chairman Curtis Sliwa.   The entire debate was streamed live on the WABC Facebook page,  where it can now be viewed.

Prior to the actual debate between the candidates,  former New York State Governor David Paterson gave some advice to the candidates,  along with an overall history lesson on the reform movement in the State of New York.


DEBATE LOOKED AND SOUNDED LIKE IT WAS HELD ONLY AMONG “FRINGE” CANDIDATES


Just take a look at the following items that the Reform Party release characterized as “debate highlights”:

-All three candidates indicated the parole board decision should stand on the Herman Bell case and they would not second guess that decision (releasing the cop-killer on parole).   Larry Sharpe, who is also seeking the Libertarian nomination particularly noted that “…   a cop’s life is worth no more or less than anyone else’s”;  and he also said that he would pardon all non-violent drug offenders currently in New York State prisons.

-All of the candidates indicated that they would support >>> SANCTUARY CITIES <<< including the possible GOP candidate Joe Holland. 

-Two of the candidates,  Holland and Giambra,  said they would consider raising the age to purchase rifles from 18 to 21 in light of the Parkland FL high school shootings.

-Two of the debaters said they would push to legalize recreational use of marijuana;  whereas  Holland opposes any moves towards legalization.   Giambra said such legalization would be a great source of additional taxation.  However, , Larry Sharpe said marijuana should be taxed  >>> “…like onions or any other vegetable…” <<<.

-All of the debating candidates gave Trump, Cuomo and DeBlasio  bad marks for their performances in their respective offices.

The last item on the Reform Party release was that the Reform Party achieved ballot access in 2014 as the "Stop Common Core Party";  and that was before it changed its name in 2014;  and that Curtis Sliwa was elected party chairman in September, 2016…..



Monday, March 12, 2018

Hey, listen-up back there in the cheap seats !!! This is important >>> The right Republican Candidate can get elected Governor of New York in 2018



REMEMBER  ---  YOU HEARD IT HERE FIRST…..


DEMOCRAT CYNTHIA NIXON’S RUN AT INCUMBENT DEMOCRAT GOVERNOR  ANDY-BOY CUOMO MIGHT BE A NATIONAL GAME CHANGER  ---  AND THE FALLOUT COULD BE BIGGER THAN THE INITIAL BLAST AND HAVE VERY STRANGE SIDE EFFECTS


The Daily News might have put a very strong dose of lighting in a bottle yesterday  >>>  with Ken Lovett’s Sunday News article  “CUOMO HAD ‘FREAKOUT’ MOMENT OVER CYNTHIA NIXON’S POSSIBLE GOVERNOR RUN”




LET’S START WITH THE LOVETT ARTICLE

According to the Lovett who ain’t Lyle  ---  “While actress Cynthia Nixon continues to mull a Democratic primary challenge against Gov. Cuomo, her team believes the possibility has already put fear into the two-term governor, a source said Sunday….   ‘They're very encouraged by the way Cuomo reacted this past week,’ the source within Nixon's orbit said. ‘They called it a meltdown. A freakout.’…   The source added that ‘I don't think a final decision has been made (whether to run), but they thought that the week was very encouraging based on how he responded.’…   A day after NY1 reported Nixon was ‘poised’ to enter the race, Cuomo was asked Wednesday whether he believed Mayor de Blasio, a political foe and Nixon friend, was behind her possible run. He laughed and said it was either the mayor or Russian President Vladimir Putin….”  [Boy, Mario Cuomo’s kid sure is a laugh riot !!!  --  GM]  (See  Cuomo had ‘freakout’ moment over Cynthia Nixon’s possible governor run” by Kenneth Lovett,  3/11/18,  NY Daily News/ Politics  [http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/cuomo-freakout-moment-cynthia-nixon-gov-run-article-1.3868894]).

The problem is that after what is quoted above,  Ken’s Lovett’s analysis veered off into the weeds  ---  trying to make any challenge by Cyntia Nixon,  who is an LGBTQ activist,  look like some kind queer crusade or leftish lesbian lament about the sitting governor,  when there is nothing to indicate that Ms.  Nixon’s pushback against Andy-Bboy isn’t about lots of other shortcomings of Andrew C.  as a  “progressive”  governor.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON THE DONUT  AND  NOT THE GROMMET IN THE MIDDLE OF THE DOUGH

This was carefully explained to me;  so,  I’ll explain it equally carefully to you my loyal readers  ---  especially the one’s sitting way back in the “cheap seats.”

This all matters because of the following factors:
a)     If Cuomo loses the Democrat primary; for sure,  he'll still be running in the November general election on other lines (Wow !!!  Maybe, even the Reform Party.....  Won't that beat all ?????) ; 
b)     The numbers being touted by the press about the 2014 Cuomo v Teachout primary are not only wrong,  they are completely and intentionally misleading  (The  MSM  keeps saying that Zephyr Teachout got 34%, when she got over 35%, but, there’s also  something that’s always left out  ---  there was a 3rd candidate in that primary race  ---  and that candidate,  Randy Credico,  got 4%. The real numbers out of the 2014 Democratic gubernatorial primary were that  >>> 40% of Democratic voters said no to Cuomo.  Also,  please note that in the two person race for lieutenant governor,  Hochul v Wu,  the result was also 60% v 40%);  and

c)     There are still corruption trials ongoing that involve Cuomo’s closest cronies and money people  (So far,  they haven’t had any political traction against the governor).

So I put it to you  ---   is there no Republican in the State of New York who can get elected governor with the scenario of a very progressive Cynthia Nixon being the Democratic  Party nominee,  Andrew Cuomo trying very hard to hold on as the incumbent governor, but only as a third party candidate,  and corruption scandals in the Cuomo administration finally getting some traction in the press and with the folks   ?????


Friday, March 9, 2018

Theodore Ghorra’s > open and notorious < deficits as Brooklyn GOP Leader are tied directly to his practice of law


Let’s start by saying that Ted is altogether too proud that he’s a partner in some law firm named “Nixon  Peabody”  ---  he’s a “partner” with an inflated sense of self in a firm with an inflated sense of itself…..  (Here’s a hint about that  ---  guess who thinks they rate an “A”  when the industry they’re in  says they’re a  “B-"…..)


Next,  we ALL pretty much agree that Ted Ghorra is the Brooklyn GOP “Chairman” in name only  ---  but who can tell you why ?????   Of course,  it’s the one and only independent GOP blogster for the well informed in Brooklyn,  and that other place with the big buildings that sure ain’t Staten Island, The Bronx or Queens


Except for a few lesser ancillary activities,  Teddy G never ever did the real grunt work of party organizing at the district, and then the county-wide level, that people like Lucretia R-P, Clorinda A, Gladys P, Celeste A, Phyllis C, Beth B, Joan B  and Diane H-R did so often that they had it deep in their bones;  so deep that it was all the way down into the marrow inside their bones…..  (BTW,  here’s a hint how you know who’s done the real work  ---  when there are election cases,  look who gets called in as witnesses by the opposition and/or who has all the notes to prompt the attorneys for their side what to ask the witnesses on the other side  ?????)


 So,  what say we get into this Ted Ghorra lawyering stuff a little bit…..


Ted Ghorra ?   Nixon Peabody ???  ---  You gotta be kiddin’ me !!!

Let’s start with they’ve referred to themselves as a  “Millennial”  law firm…..   

Seriously ?   ---   I mean SERIOUSLY !!!!!   As if that were a GOOD thing.   

Is this somebody’s idea of a joke over there at N-P ???  ---  NOT LIKELY,  the place is notorious for having absolutely no sense of humor  ---  what a bunch of  “Glum Gusses  and Gwendolines”…..  And don’t get me started on when and where the firm actually WAS established  (hint,  it ain’t in this millennium,  nor even in the last century  [check out “Peabody & Brown” and Boston];   so math,  vocabulary and accuracy might not be their strongest suits at N-P,  whether it’s in Boston, New York or any place else).   Who knows, maybe,  the “Millennial” rebrand was an attempt to get away from Ghorra's firm's hide-bound,  stuck in the mud,  and Boston-culture reputation.....


More about the firm in a bit…..   Let’s talk some about Ted…..

Ted Ghorra just ain’t one of your typical “Bay Ridge Lawyers,”  with all THAT means.   Don’t get me wrong,  I used to be a Bay Ridge lawyer and I still use one.   I’ve had many friends, and even more acquaintances,  who were presidents of the Bay Ridge Lawyers,  etc.,  etc.,  etc…..   No,  Ted is definitely much more “White Shoe,” with all THAT means…..   (Now,  don’t get me wrong,  I have a few friends and even a relative or two who are at  some  “White Shoe”  shops.   At my last couple of Met games,  I was in the company of a lawyer who is at the #5 law firm in the country,  and is up for partner there.  And what I like most about those big firms,  if you have business there,  you can get free Danish and coffee  ---  and stare at the younger attorneys just taking the free bottles of Poland Spring).

There’s the rub  ---  Teddy G. was an associate at  >>> Proskauer Rose <<<  and I’m pretty sure that I had Danish and coffee there a couple of times over the years.

Now, that’s very good indeed…..   So,  why did Teddy G pack all his boxes,  leave P-R and show up with his hat in his hand at N-P (Okay,  maybe he didn’t have a hat…..),  but why did he make the move  ?????      I guess,  Ted will have to tell you that,  himself…..   (BTW,  to put all this in a little perspective,  Proskauer was ranked 27th  by Bloomberg News in 2017  ---  while Nixon Peabody came in at “78” [not shabby at all  ---  but definitely not “27th”]).   At any rate,   unless Ted Ghorra is a big-time “rain maker,”  he has to keep his billables up,  even if he is some kind of a partner.   In other words, he just doesn’t have enough available time to be a good Kings County Republican Chairman.


Back to Peabody...  Whatever

I had lots more detailed dirt  about Ghorra’s latest law firm,  but I didn’t dig it up myself;  so,  I can’t vouch for it.   Nonetheless, there do appear to be lots of stories to tell about good old  >>> Nixon Peabody <<<  …..   Start your own search on Google or any other search engine using these terms:  “Nixon Peabody”  and  “Above the Law, ”   maybe even throw in  "Joe Patrice."   I’m sure you’ll find some interesting morsels there,  as well as leads for other good stuff…..

Tuesday, March 6, 2018

What to do ? What to do ?? What to do ??? --- About Ted Ghorra



People have called me and THEY seemed to be extremely concerned  ---  TED GHORRA has suddenly turned up among the  “MISSING”  ---  I have to assume that the folks who called me are close friends and family


WHAT MAKES THIS ALL SEEM SO SUSPICIOUS IS THIS:     IT APPEARED TO ALL THE WORLD THAT TED GHORRA VERY MUCH  >>> WANTED <<<  TO BE THE KINGS COUNTY REPUBLICAN CHAIRMAN  ---  BUT HE HASN’T SHOWED UP AT IMPORTANT EVENTS AND MEETINGS INTRINSIC TO THAT KEY PARTY POSITION IN THE NYC AND STATE GOP



WHAT FOLLOWS IS OUR PLAN OF ACTION…..


A)       Put Ted Ghorra’s picture and vital information on the sides of all waxy milk cartons…..
B)      Organize a Ted Ghorra memorial fund  (too bad that Larry Morrish is no longer around to run it)…..
C)      Organize a search party  ---  and then plan to hold that party at the Bay Ridge Manor…..   AND
D)      Tell Ted that we love him,  please come back,  and that all is forgiven.....

Friday, March 2, 2018

What’s going on here --- Is Gounardes turning his sights from Marty G’s seat to the bruised bum of Pam Harris



Frankly,  sinking one's chops into the  pendulous chocolate hind quarter of a supine,  wounded filly politico sounds like a lot more fun than into the rump of a rotten-Irish-skinned old warhorse


 Well, talk of all bums aside,  what is Andrew Gounardes going to do ?????



According to “City & State—New York”  ---  Bay Ridge Democratic state Senate candidate Andrew Gounardes is considering dropping out of the race to run for indicted Assemblywoman Pamela Harris’ seat instead. Gounardes is currently running in state Senate District 22, a seat currently held by Republican state Sen. Martin Golden that stretches across Southern Brooklyn from Bay Ridge to Marine Park….”   (See  “Golden challenger Gounardes considering Assembly run instead” By Jeff Coltin,  3/1/18,   City & State – New York/  Campaigns & Elections   [https://www.cityandstateny.com/articles/politics/campaigns-elections/golden-challenger-gounardes-considering-assembly-run-instead]).

Mr. Coltin’s  piece in  “City & State…”  goes on to say this:   “….[A ] run for Harris’ Assembly seat could be a much easier way for Gounardes to get to Albany. Harris was indicted on fraud charges in January, and Brooklyn Democratic Party County Leader Frank Seddio said he doesn’t expect her to run again, even if she avoids a conviction. While that District 46 seat, which stretches from Bay Ridge to Coney Island, has traditionally been held by a Coney Islander, Bay Ridge native Gounardes would likely become an immediate front-runner if he ran, thanks to his fundraising and political connections...."


A WORD FROM THE WISE

Folks, this seems like anything but a done deal yet.   However,  some of my more in-the-know chirpers posted comments about this just last week;  and  >>>  VOILA !!!! <<<  now it's in some political grass-eater's column..... 

Thursday, March 1, 2018

Mighty oaks can emerge from tiny acorns --- MAYBE --- That applies to Joel Giambra and his INDEPENDENT run for Governor of New York


JOEL GIAMBRA:  “INDEPENDENT VISION NEEDS AN INDEPENDENT PATH”


>>> Media across New York State picks up the story and runs with it <<<


Since Joel Giambra announced an  >>> “INDEPENDENT” <<<  run for GOVERNOR of NEW YORK, we tend to like that because  “INDEPENDENT”  is part of the name for this blog


Giambra says his main message is  >>> REFORM <<<  and  >>> CHANGING THE WAY BUSINESS IS DONE IN NEW YORK <<<


Conservatives, please note  >>>  UPSTATE REPUBLICAN GIAMBRA also signals his intent to seek out the top of the Reform Party ticket in NY State in 2018 <<<


  

From the 3/1/18  “Giambra for Governor” press release :

“Candidate for Governor and former Erie County Executive Joel Giambra announced today his intent to suspend his run for the Republican nomination and instead focus his efforts on an independent campaign….    ‘My message of reforming and changing the way business is done in New York has been resonating with voters across the political spectrum and while I remain a Republican, I don't think my independent message has connected with state Republican leaders who seem intent on continuing the losing formula that all but guarantees a third term for Democrat Andrew Cuomo.’…    The former two-term Erie County executive will continue his discussions with the state Reform Party with the intent to be that party's nominee….   ‘It is definitely time for a change in Albany. The two major parties are resistant to the idea of change despite the corruption and high taxes that have become a way of life in this state,’  Giambra said….   ‘My message of change has received widespread support from the public, which includes a real plan to reduce the size of government through consolidation, reform the MTA which presides over the crumbling and most expensive subway system in the world, and legalize the adult use of marijuana to raise billions of dollars in new revenue,’ Giambra continued….   Giambra says that while he respects both major parties, he said there is an unwillingness to confront the idea that there is a better way to spend taxpayer money and that both parties seem content to maintain the status quo….   ‘We did not become the most taxed state in America by accident, it is due to a systematic break down caused by politicians beholden to big donors and party leaders rather than the people. We need to stop running a government that is fueled by the kind of pay-to-play tactics that have helped Gov. Cuomo raise $31 million in campaign money and fostered a climate of corruption currently on display in a Manhattan court room’  Giambra said….   ‘The real fix starts at the top and can only happen with a Governor who is independent of the corrupt Albany culture. That is what my campaign has been about since day one and this is now why I believe my message will be best heard and responded to as an independent candidate,’  GIambra concluded….”


EARLY MEDIA COVERAGE OF "INDEPENDENT" RUN

The following news outlets immediately covered the Giambra announcement:  the Auburnpub.com;  usnews.com;  Newsday.com;  NYStateofpolitics.com;  buffalonews.com;  nyupstate.com;  timesunion.com;  wibv.cm;  ballot access.org;  dailygazette.com;  sfgate.com;  thedailystar.com;  democratandchronicle.com;  nydailynews.com;  syracuse.com;  fbherald.com;  newstral.com  ---  And of course,  NOW:   “The Brooklyn Independent GOP Fountainhead".....