Comments on: The Spanoistas: It’s All in the Family

By: Resident

Resident — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 12:19:23 +0000

I didn’t think it was possible Ed, but what’s happening in Albany makes Westchester politics seem downright utopian.

By: ed1

ed1 — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 16:29:20 +0000

Nice trees being identified and described, but we’re wandering naked through the forest. Our entire political class is making a mockery of efficient governance. And each day it deteriorates further. What adds insult to injury is that they have come to the point in the year 2009 where they answer this charge with the response, “So?”

By: Paula

Paula — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 20:49:26 +0000

You’re welcome.

By: Phil Reisman

Phil Reisman — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 20:29:42 +0000

Thanks!

And, fair enough.

But really, no ax to grind..just “afflicting the comfortable” as they say.

By: Paula

Paula — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 20:18:07 +0000

While I am an avid fan of yours and read your column and blog often, I just felt the need to respond to this one because your blog definitely seemed to me that you just had an ax to grind with the “Spano’s”. I agree with you in regard to the IP Party being shady but each time I vote, I notice that the Dems also always hold their line. I don’t know either whatsoever so your guess would be as good as mine.

By: Phil Reisman

Phil Reisman — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 20:01:15 +0000

I find everything odd with the Indpendence Party, a sham outfit if ever there was one and I’ve said so many times in print. As for the Democrats usually getting the IP’s endorsement, I don’t think that’s an accurate statement…
It seems it’s often Republicans, who are outnumbered and desperate for any and all cross-party endorsements.
You are correct, however, that the IP endorsement comes with some kind of Faustian deal, but to compare Astorino with the high-level power brokering being done on behalf of Andy Spano, a three-term incumbent, hardly seems fair to me.
It would be interesting to know, however, how Spano and Cavallo may have had a falling out. Were they buddies and now they’re enemies?
Maybe you know?

By: Paula

Paula — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 19:45:33 +0000

I really do appreciate your response but you don’t find it equally as odd that Astorino was just endorsed by the Independence Party (who usually endorses Democrats) when Andy got it in 2005 (hmmm, there’s some back-scratching)? I’m just saying that if you’re gonna report on something, might as well report on it all.

By: Phil Reisman

Phil Reisman — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 18:13:09 +0000

It is an unpaid position…thanks for reminding me.
Alas, the theory is solid, based on the word of some good sources. I wish everthing in politics was decided on principles of merit, but anyone who thinks it is…well, I’ve got a bridge in Tarrytown I’m willing to sell them.
I’m not sure how the ethics appointment fits into the mutual back-scratching puzzle, if at all, but it should give everyone pause for the reasons I’ve already stated.

By: Paula

Paula — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 18:02:04 +0000

Is the Ethics Board a paid position – if not, I guess I’m confused by the big deal since Len Spano devoted over 30 years to helping the county residents. In regard to your apparent conspiracy theory – that seems a little outlandish dont you think?

By: ed1

ed1 — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 17:18:51 +0000

And all the players snicker, make more and more money and assume more power while all of us Louie Lunchboxes try to figure out a way to pay all the escalating taxes and fees that keep their charade fed.

By: Walter

Walter — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 15:47:46 +0000

Westchester cannot afford four more years of Spano rule. They have to go.