The Buffalo Chronicle Stop bashing teachers, says Senator Thompson outlines bold plan Al Coppola, on brink of primary win on property tax reforms Senator Al Coppola, the De- Rarely does one come across a mocrat running for State Senate politician whose plan is fresh, against , is dis- bold, uncompromising , and gusted with the way that to- catalytic. day’s political discourse has Former Senator An- wrongly bashed teachers in the toine Thompson has a plan that media, often using hard work- would eliminate the property ing career professionals as po- tax’s investment penalty — and litical scapegoats — for pur- could breath new life into all of poses that often have little to do our neighborhoods. with education and more to do Mr. Thompson is chal- with privatizing public services lenging longtime Assembly- and school district dollars, he woman Crystal Peoples-Stokes says. in the Democratic Party pri- “It is deeply offensive mary on September 9th. He that politicians and real estate knows that a subtle policy developers use teachers as po- change in how we tax property litical punching bags for their could wildly change how home- own self interests. When I hear owners behave and how our it, it instinctively disgusts me,” neighborhoods develop.

Continued on page 2 Continued on page 7 Panepinto’s Stocker to re Grisanti’s be PeoplesStokes campaign cash peal Cuomo’s trayal of West blamed for no raises eyebrows YSAFE Act Side Italians Eastside money

State Senate candidate Marc Former Town Prosecutor Kevin infuriates base Not quite four years ago, a Panepinto, a Buffalo Democrat Stocker is dead set against Gov. newly elected Governor An- who was once convicted of ’s NYSAFE The historic neighborhoods of drew Cuomo promised to make election fraud and whose li- Act, which was pushed through Columbus Park and Prospect Buffalo boom — even dedicat- cense to practice law was sus- the State Senate Hill have deep Italian American ing $1 billion over his first term pended, is expecting that the swiftly and secretly — with roots. State Senator Mark Gri- for economic development in- New York State Union of Sen. Mark Grisanti’s help. santi continues to maintain a vestments that, he said, would Teachers (NYSUT) will be Stocker is vowing to repeal the law office on Niagara Street turn the city around. bankrolling his campaign. Pan- law as soon as he gets in office. near Jersey, where he is a 3rd Crystal Peoples-Stokes epinto said as much in a meet- Stocker is a long time generation criminal defense represents the 141st Assembly ing with the Erie County De- gun enthusiast, recreational attorney. district, the poorest in New mocratic Party’s Executive hunter, and card carrying mem- Upon his taking office, York State, and ranking first in Committee earlier this summer, ber of the National Rife Asso- it was thought that he would be population loss. Since 2006, she where he effectively bullied ciation. With many second an advocate. The Columbus has represented the most eco- Laura Hackathorn out of the amendment activists, Stocker Park Association had high nomically devastated and so- Senate race — despite the com- has been waging the most ag- hopes that a Senator Grisanti cially distraught assembly dis- mittee working closely with her gressive grassroots primary in would call attention to the pub- trict in New York State, where for months. the state this election cycle. lic health crisis in the West Side all major indicators on crime,

Continued on page 2 Continued on page 2 Continued on page 2 Continued on page 3 Panepinto not worried about All eyes on Dr. evergold, as Sampson attempts to his election fraud conviction build a lasting coalition on Buffalo School Board Despite being dogged with New York State Supreme ethics’ criticisms that identify Court Justice, Catherine Nu- Political observers have their being very well funded. Dr. Nev- deep character flaws, Democ- gent Panepinto. eyes on Dr. Barbara Nevergold, ergold is close to Hernandez. rat town zone chair Marc A small number of the former President of the “If Sampson is able to Panepinto continues to chal- operatives argue that — be- School Board. Dr. Nevergold is build a good working relationship lenge former Senator Al cause of the union money the African American commu- with Nevergold, that would go an Coppola, who has been that is backing him — he is a nity’s leading voice on educa- enormous way in defusing the pulled out of retirement by relevant (if not a potent) poli- tion issues and has robust politi- overtly racialized politics on the various factions of the party. tician who must be acknowl- cal support. Despite press re- school board,” explains a recent Panepinto’s exten- edged in the political dis- ports championing the recent school board candidate who asked sive involvement in labor course. election of Quinn and Pierce, it not to be named. “If Sampson organizing includes a long- In 2001 he was was the black community who instead aligns himself closely time relationship with the charged with Criminal Pos- voted in record numbers — but with Paladino, Nevergold could mafia-affiliated International session of a Forged Instru- was thwarted because so many choose to exercise her political Laborers’ Local 210. Report- ment in the second degree, a black candidates split the com- muscle — actively leading the ers have just begun digging Class D felony. That felony munity’s vote. Board’s opposition bloc while into a jaw dropping history of complaint reads that Mr. Pan- Nevergold was re- organizing the black community racketeering allegations, in epinto, “knowing [the docu- cently elected to an at-large 5 and building political relation- the midst of which both the ment] to be forged, and with year term. During that time, ships that oust Sampson in the elder and younger Panepinto intent to defraud, deceive, or Paladino, McCarthy, and West District and perhaps even find themselves. injure another, possessed a Sampson will all be up for re- McCarthy in the North District.” Most political ob- forged instrument to wit: pe- election. Sampson, who is As the de facto leader of servers dismiss Panepinto as titions for the designation or elected in the West District, is the black community on educa- a “disgraced, wannabe Mafi- nomination of a candidate for the most vulnerable. He nar- tion issues — in a majority black oso” who fancies himself as a public office.” rowly defeated Ralph Hernan- school district — she could very Westsider, despite graduating dez by a couple dozen votes, well be the most influential mem- from a leafy suburban high Continued on page 3 and could only muster himself ber of the school board, despite school and now married to a fewer than 450 votes despite losing the presidency. September 2014 Top 10: Who will be Buffalo’s next Mayor? (page 6) Page 1 are upset with Grisanti because date for months and that he too next reorganization meeting. they opposed Zellner’s recommendation). Panepinto ex of his sponsorship of a Tuition serves as a Town Chair. Zellner is a divisive figure in They figured that Zellner was be- Tax Credit support for the Many sources say that the party who has lost support holden to the teachers, and they were be- pects big special Common Core standards that Panepinto was acting arrogant, from a multitude of party fac- holden to Zellner, so there was nothing they interest money were poorly rolled out by the condescending, and mean.There tions. could do about it. The next day, Laura “Not if he’s not en- Hackathorn was thrown under the prover- Continued from page 1 Cuomo Administration last were widespread feelings of year. sadness for Hackathorn, many dorsed, no; I wouldn’t” Pane- bial bus. There was an enor- worried “what are we going to pinto responded to their sur- Still though, some political opera- Several sources say that Pane- mous amount of pushback on tell Laura?” prise. tives continue to speculate that Panepinto is pinto threatened to run without the committee, because the Committee members They suspected Zell- running as a placeholder candidate who the endorsement and guaranteed Town Chairs had worked for were shocked because just the ner’s hands were tied because intends to help Republican Mark Grsianti that he would win because months organizing the cam- night before Chairman Zellner the NYSUT has donated to the run for office on the Democratic line, after Mike Deely (of NYSUT) com- paign of Hackathorn, a popular hosted a fundraiser for Erie County Democrats heavily his widely expected defeat in the GOP pri- mitted to delivering “hundreds Hamburg Village Trustee who Hackathorn, where he gave no in the past, and just two years mary. of thousands of dollars” to his was encouraged to run by for- indication that he would be ago spent staggering sums on They are baffled why Zellner campaign. mer Rep. Kathy Hochel. introducing Panepinto as the Zellner’s efforts and gained would endorse a weak and deeply flawed Marc Panepinto is Hackathorn was well liked by party’s candidate the next night. very little to show for it. The candidate who cannot possibly win with a married to New York State Su- the Town Chairs. They asked So understandably — executive committee then re- history of election fraud hanging around his preme Court Justice Catherine why Panepinto didn’t inform suspecting a conspiracy was signed themselves to voting the neck. Nugent Panepinto, who for- the committee of his intentions afoot — Panepinto was asked if way that they were told (as merly served on the Buffalo sooner — knowing that they he would be supporting Jeremy many hold patronage jobs that Do you have an investigative Board of Education. had been searching for a candi- Zellner’s Chairmanship at the they believe would be lost if The teachers’ unions tip? Call us 7165483371.

of Grisanti’s support for the Frank Collucci, 63, a resident of Stocker making overnight legislation, many Linden Avenue. “He thinks he’s leaders in the community were a Mafioso and then he votes big inroads with stunned. against gun rights,” he laughs Italians on guns “It was a moment that fiercely. Continued from page 1 made clear to everyone that Stocker has been very Grisanti was a Cuomo puppet attentive to the North Buffalo Stocker is Kenmore attorney in who couldn’t say no,” says An- constituency, which was once private practice, who formerly thony Perino, 26, a resident of Grisanti’s based but has since served as the Town Prosecutor Norwalk Avenue. “We still turned sour on the incumbent. and Village Prosecutor in Tona- can’t understand what Cuomo Stocker was raised by wanda and Kenmore, respec- has on him that would cause an Italian-American woman. tively. him to be under his thumb like His positions on lower taxes, a “I’ve owned a gun for this.” more functional government, over 40 years,” says Al Grisanti has encoun- real ethics reform, and the ag- Coppola, who was elected to tered considerable hostility, gressive prosecution of crooked represent North Buffalo on the especially from GOP primary politicians, have all earned Common Council 8 consecutive voters. He be being badly Stocker considerable credibility times. “Some men carry guns beaten in the polls; several have among Republicans. and some don’t. I do.” him trailing over 20 pts. Grisanti is know for Stocker’s staunch and “Mark Grisanti walks his slick and calibrated style, vocal support of gun rights has around this city with Joel Giam- which has been off putting to earned him a surprisingly warm bra as if they’re Stefano Mag- some political factions. Rumor reception in the district’s Italian gadino running the remnants of has it that Grisanti uses the community, which overwhelm- the West Side mafia. Then he same jet-black hair color as his ingly supports seconds amend- votes against gun rights — he wife. looks like a damn fool,” said

His constituents are grams to first learn English?” and self-aggrandizing political culture as On Peace infuriated — not only for lying Coppola under Coppola asks. of late. Coppola represented North Buf- about the Peace Bridge’s air “Of course, we all falo on the Common Council in the 1990s Bridge, Grisanti quality scandal, but also for stands plight of support accountability and per- and is a longtime fixture in Buffalo’s ac- lied about public representing a known heroin district teachers formance reviews, but what we tivist communities — especially on envi- dealer who has been terrorizing Continued from page 1 do has to make sense and has to ronmental and energy issues. health risks the Lower Westside’s Latino have legitimate, deliberate, pro- After leaving the State Senate Continued from page 1 community. says Coppola. “I know how ductive outcomes. If we are disgusted by its culture of corruption and “I’m not going to pick hard the vast majority of teach- simply rewarding teachers who self dealing, Coppola founded the Energy which includes epidemic levels and choose who my clients ers work — I’ve seen it my are lucky enough to have great Cooperative of America and still sits on of childhood asthma and se- are,” Grisanti is quoted as say- entire life.” students from good families, its Board of Directors, even well into his verely elevated rates of cancer, ing. Coppola’s late wife, then we’re creating a lot of per- retirement. stroke, an neurological disor- “Not only is Grisanti Carol, was a teacher in the Buf- verse disincentives,” he ex- Perhaps the characteristic he is ders, which have been defini- refusing to stand up for us dur- falo Public Schools for over 30 plains. most known for is his fierce independ- tively linked to the diesel car- ing this enormous public health years. Coppola, who graduated “When you tell people ence, never bowing down to special inter- cinogens that emanate from the crisis that he refuses to even from Lafayette High School their jobs are on the line based ests or political puppet masters. For in- Peace Bridge’s truck traffic. acknowledge — but he is also and now resides in North Buf- on some metric that doesn’t stance, he is the only candidate running Instead, Grisanti has fighting against us, literally falo, says he is “a staunch and fully get at what’s going on in a for State Senate in the 60th district who is served only as a mouth piece trying to keep heroin dealers on proud advocate for public edu- classroom, then you invite a unequivocally opposed to the natural gas for Governor Andrew Cuomo’s the streets,” said one Italian cation.” culture of cheating and decep- industry’s push to authorize hydraulic administration, pushing aggres- American resident of Connecti- Since Carol’s passing tion. We’ve seen in other states fracturing in New York State. sively for massive plaza expan- cut Street, age 32, who asked a few short years ago, Al has massive cheating scandals on If he were in politics for money, sion, wider onramps, and the not to be named. rededicated himself to defend- standardized tests for precisely he would be sucking up that industry’s demolition of more historic It is widely thought ing the plight of teachers, often this reason.” campaign contributions like wildfire — properties, including the Epis- that the Cuomo Administra- recalling her career in tribute to “We need to build a but such behavior violates the ethics and copal Church Home. tion’s motivation for expedi- her memory. Listening to Al performance review system that integrity that he holds himself to — re- Even after it became ency on the Peace Bridge con- recall those stories, one is quick creates the behaviors that we gardless of how his opponents continue to clear earlier this year that fed- struction projects is contracting. to recognize the extraordinary are trying to encourage,” he behave. eral officials at the General The Governor is known for his love that he still has for her. concludes. “As a management Grisanti, who chairs the Envi- Services Administration con- transactional dealings, often While he supports a principle, I believe in positive ronment committee, has been working for spired to circumvent federal trading policy positions and more professional pay scale, reinforcement, because manag- four years with the now disgraced Senator environmental laws, Grisanti political muscle for campaign performance based bonuses, ing by negative reinforcement George Maziarz, who chairs the Energy continues to advance the long contributions. and wants to help teachers earn is just bullying, which is how committee, on rewriting the state’s drill- debunked lie that the Peace PIKE, a construction their PhDs free of tuition — he teachers are treated, frankly.” ing regulations. Both men are known to Bridge’s truck traffic poses no contracting firm based in Roch- has some serious issues with Coppola supports a hobnob for special interest contributions, threat to public health. ester that has made large contri- how the media has pointed fin- performance review system that and have accepted massive sums from the “He is a bold faced butions for Cuomo’s reelection gers rather than spotlighting is rooted in faculty mentorship drilling industry. liar,” an environment who is campaign, was awarded the solutions. programs and peer-to-peer Coppola isn’t afraid to buck his familiar with the Peace Bridge contract to expand the bridge’s “If you have a class- evaluations rather than strictly own party, either. situation says. approach and to contract high- room full of children who have on the basis of standardized He is a defender of the second The neighborhood, way onramps. newly arrived in America and testing. amendment, for instance. But Al has which is far more diverse today Suspiciously, the same cannot speak English, does it The former Senator, never been afraid to have conversations than it was when Grisanti’s firm was awarded the Canalside make sense to punish that who retired after serving in the with people who might disagree with him family lived there, a working construction contracts after teacher with poor performance State Senate a single term, is — and never afraid to disagree with party class Italian American commu- DiPizio, a local firm, was ille- evaluations? Or does it make remembered widely for his hu- dogmas, mak- nity still forms the neighbor- gally thrown off the project. more sense to give these chil- mility, honesty, and unassum- ing him a rare Sept 2014 hood’s backbone. DiPizio alleges that she refused dren the resources and pro- ing style — which still stand in breed among to pay a requested bribe. stark contrast to the narcissistic politicians. Page 2 her district. It’s what any other Well, they had five courses and As upset as many tricts and encourage businesses to emerge.” On Buffalo Billion politician would have done. took the cake, while we got older members of the African Senator Thompson has a plan to exclusion, Black How much did she end up get- stuck with the crumbs that fell American community’s politi- access what little is left of the Buffalo Bil- ting for Buffalo’s Eastside? from the table.” cal power structure are, younger lion for neighborhood quality of life im- community is irate Next to nothing. Prominent leaders black voters express outright provements in our most economically dis- Continued from page 1 “Crystal got — maybe from the black community are outrage towards the Assembly- traught neighborhoods and investments in — $5 million in total for a privately infuriated with the woman. They blame her for a public transit, especially light rapid rail. jobs, graduation rates, and qual- handful of pastors’ projects on Assemblywoman, whom they lack of job opportunities, crum- “All along, we should have been ity of life have all continued to the eastside. It was all little blame outright for such a poor bling streets, dilapidated sew- investing this money where is does the most fall markedly since she took piecemeal stuff; nothing that performance in securing state age infrastructure, staggering good,” he says. office. helps the people,” said former investment dollars from a Gov- population losses, and the dys- Thompson is running an aggressive cam- Assemblywoman Peo- State Senator Antoine Thomp- ernor with whom she is ex- functional school systems that paign with a presence in every election ward ples-Stokes is so closely con- son, who is challenging Peoples tremely close. often leave young people with- within the district. No professional polling nected to Governor Andrew -Stokes in the Assembly. “We “It makes no sense. out the skill sets that they need has been conducted in the race, but political Cuomo, who is currently being got excluded from Governor The only answer is that she was to make work for themselves. operatives expect the black vote to split rela- investigated for public corrup- Cuomo’s Billion for Buffalo in lazy for the last four years and “Frankly, if I were still tively evenly across the eastside, with North tion by the US Attorney’s Of- a deliberate, egregious, and wasn’t doing what she should in the State Senate, we would Buffalo being a determinative swing con- fice for the Southern District of extraordinary way.” have been doing to secure some not be in this situation — be- stituency. New York, that she serves as The bulk of that Buf- of Cuomo’s Billion for our cause I would have stood up Some political operatives are ex- the statewide Co-Chairman of falo Billion should have gone community,” said one elder and fought and made sure that pecting Governor Cuomo to swoop in at the his campaign. into this Assembly district. statesman of eastside politics, our seat at the table meant last minute to save his Assemblywoman With that kind of po- When Governor Cuomo setup who asked not to be named for something,” Senator Thompson friend — perhaps even announcing major litical clout with the Governor his table of oligarchs to divvy fear of political retribution. “It said. “At the very least, I would spending projects on the eastside, surely — at a time when he was shov- up the state money, Crystal got was a once in a lifetime chance have secured funding to rebuild with all the pomp and circumstance that the eling money into the economic a seat at that table,” Senator for this community and we the Kensington-Bailey street- propaganda pages of the Buffalo News will development of Buffalo — the Thompson says, noting her ap- missed out. Apparently she had scape. Jefferson Avenue, Fill- allow. black community expected Peo- pointment to the WNY Devel- more important things to get to more Avenue, Broadway, Main ples-Stokes to deliver big opment Council led by Cuomo- — and communities of color Street; we need to rebuild our Do you have an investigative tip? money in meaningful ways to financier Howard Zemsky. were thrown under the bus.” neighborhood commercial dis- Call us 7165483371. Panepinto received nobid legal work from the County; admits election fraud was an effort to get his brother a job

Continued from page 1 voting and running for political office in the future. Marc Panepinto’s attorney, Joel Daniels, penned this letter to the judge, offering mitigating circumstances: He was also charged with a Many observers have second count: Misconduct in asked how Panepinto was privi- Relation to Petitions, an unclas- leged enough to be extended sified misdemeanor — a viola- such a gracious plea deal and tion of Section 17 of the New many suspected it was because York State Election Law — for of his close political connec- making a false affidavit. As part tions. of a plea deal, he pled guilty to In court documents, the lesser of the two charges to Panepinto’s attorney repeatedly avoid a felony conviction at offered his motivation for com- trial. mitting the fraud as a mitigating His license to practice factor. law was subsequently sus- It turns out that he pended. produced the petitions because Some are aghast that he wanted to impress then Panepinto could sign such obvi- Mayor Anthony Masiello, in an ously fraudulent signatures — effort to get his brother a job as including that of his wife, Cath- a firefighter. He figured that erine Nugent — in a hand writ- providing the Mayor’s reelec- ing that strongly resembles his tion campaign with lots of sig- own and is consistent from sig- natures would impress him and nature to signature. Take a look would be rewarded with patron- at the petitions age perks. Panepinto’s close as- Some are wondering sociation with County Execu- how such a material fact of the tive Mark Poloncarz has also case could be offered as a miti- raised eye brows. Panepinto has gating circumstance. Shouldn’t donated nearly $2,000 to Polon- election fraud be aggravated carz and has received lucrative when it’s motivated for finan- legal work for the County, as cial gain? WGRZ’s Jeff Preval reports. Shockingly, the Mayor There is a deep dis- came to Panepinto’s defense taste for Panepinto on the De- and penned a letter of support mocratic Party’s Executive to the judge, on official govern- Committee, which is mostly ment letterhead. attributable to his arrogant and Some observers pre- gruff demeanor, sources say. sume that Panepinto was let off When he appeared with a relatively brief suspen- before the party’s Executive sion of his license to practice Committee last June, he was law and a mere $500 fine be- quickly dismissive of concerns cause of his entrenched in- relating to the election fraud in volvement in local politics. It his background. “No one cares seems they have reason to be about that,” sources quote him suspicious. as saying. They say that someone When Marc Panepinto without his connections would was charged with a Class D have likely been indicted by a felony in 2001, he quickly Grand Jury and then convicted plead the charge of Criminal of a Class D felony at trial. He Possession of a Forged Instru- should have faced jail time and ment to a lesser misdemeanor, potential disbarment, they posit. involving tampering with peti- Mr. Panepinto is refus- tions. The plea deal allowed ing to debate Senator Al Panepinto to avoid indictment Coppola, whom he is challeng- by a Grand Jury and a felony ing in the September 9th pri- conviction at trial — which mary. Be sure to watch host John Di Sciullo welcome guests from the world of news and politics could have prevented him from in Western ew York every Thursday at 9am and Sunday 11am on WBBZ Channel 5. Sept 2014 Do you have an investigative tip? Call us 7165483371. Page 3 The Buffalo Chronicle

Matthew J. Ricchiazzi Peter T. Saks GENERAL MANAGER PUBLISHER

K. Martin-Bordeaux Elliot H.W. Frist ASSOCIATE EDITOR EDITOR IN CHIEF

T.W. Hewitt OPINION EDITOR Carmen Palma (left), Chairman of the Italian Festival and Hertel Business Association, is backing former Senator . Anna Marie Sina tra (right) and Jim Matina (center) are staffing the Hertel field office. Senator Coppola takes courageous stand as Antoine Thompson’s influence would only unequivocal novote on fracking be valuable for Western ew York

Perhaps no other issue has riled ment Committee — and he ware a suit. The truth be told, Antoine Thompson Only one thing is certain: environmentalists more fever- should act like it,” Senator Buffalo-area Democrat was an extremely effective State Sena- that Antoine Thompson would be a ishly than the prospect of large Coppola says. “It’s been fours Marc Panepinto, who two years tor who was capable of building rela- more effective Assembly member for scale hydrologic fracturing in years and he still hasn’t given ago raised over $50,000 for a tionships inside the Democratic the 141st district than the incumbent, New York. The natural gas ex- us a clear answer whether he supposed candidacy, claims he Party’s downstate-centric caucus. who has had too many terms in office traction process known collo- supports or opposes hydrofrack- is running again despite seem- He still has those relation- to prove her worth. quially as “fracking” shatters ing.” ingly lackluster support. Two ships with powerful downstate De- Thompson has always been a the earth’s deep rock sediments, For the last four years, years ago he withdrew from the mocrats — who, by all accounts, will committed advocate on the environ- unleashing natural gas wells State Senator Mark Grisanti has race quickly after being bogged control the Senate chamber after this ment and green initiatives, job train- that seep to the surface through served as Chairman of the Envi- by questions relating to a previ- upcoming election. ing, infrastructure investment, and has wells that are drilled deep be- ronmental Committee — and ous election law conviction that Governor Andrew Cuomo pushed hard for economic investments low ground water. has largely avoided the issue of caused him to lose his law li- and Senator Jeffery Klein (D-Bronx), in . Geological scientists hydrofacking. Of course, the cense for a year. He has said who leads the Independent Democ- Thompson will even admit attribute recent earthquakes that industry has been lobbying hard publicly that he regrets produc- ratic Caucus (IDC), announced an himself that his upset in 2010 was a have rocked Oklahoma to the for the entirety of his short ten- ing fraudulent voter petitions. agreement in June to rejoin the De- fluke caused mainly by the loss of a drilling process. In Pennsyl- ure. Lots of campaign cash and Panepinto is married to State mocratic Caucus, presumably under key staffer, John Duke, and with him vania, the wide-scale adoption the finest wining and dining Supreme Court Justice Cath- the leadership of Andrea Stewart- the support of The First Amendment of the process has lead to seri- that Albany can offer is surely erine Nugent Panepinto. Cousins (D-Yonkers) who currently Club. “The Club,” as it is known, is a ous contamination of the state’s heading Grisanti’s way — so Operatives expect that serves as the Senate’s minority leader. powerful and shadowy political group watershed. the morally challenged among the conviction for election fraud Western New York would headquartered in Blackrock. In the State Senate’s us can understand Grisanti’s will again haunt his chances of have only a single Democrat in that Thompson is deserving of 60th district, Senator Al reluctance to vote no on the getting through a tough Democ- governing caucus: likely, Senator Tim this Assembly seat because he is hon- Coppola is the only unequivo- issue. ratic primary against Coppola, a Kennedy from South Buffalo. est, hard working, and in politics for cal no-vote on the issue. The Republican Kevin known and experienced elder That’s what makes former the right reasons — which is very long-retired Senator and Dela- Stocker, an attorney in private statesmen of local politics. Senator Thompson so valuable for hard to say about most members of ware district councilman repre- practice who formerly served as There is also wide- Western New York: if elected to the the New York State Legislature. sented his North Buffalo a Town Prosecutor, is open to spread suspicion that Panepinto Assembly, he would yield the influ- Despite Buffalo’s turnaround neighborhood for over 20 years, considering the process, if may be planning on vacating ence of an additional Senator. in recent years, he East Side has con- and was widely regarded as heavily regulated. Stocker has the ballot, so that his committee Thompson was a key figure tinued to struggle and is desperate for “Buffalo’s last honest politi- been leading in all polling con- on vacancies could appoint Gri- in the Democratic caucus’ governing fresh, energetic, and inspired leader- cian.” ducted for the primary contest santi as the Democratic Party’s coalition under former Governor Elli- ship. Coppola co-founded since the passage of the so- nominee in the general election. ott Spitzer. We could have that with An- the Energy Cooperative of called NYSAFE Act, which But Panepinto must first win Some political operatives toine. We’re not getting it with Crys- America, and continues to serve Grisanti was instrumental in the primary. wonder if Thompson would have even tal. on its board of directors even helping the Governor to pass. Grisanti’s consiglio, greater influence as a lobbyist with the Senate leadership than the re- Do you have an investigative tip? into retirement. He has been a Since then, Grisanti the lobbyist Joel Giambra, has Call us 7165483371. longtime environmental advo- has been deeply unpopular — traditionally brokered these gion’s Senators themselves. cate who helped residents of the especially among GOP primary types of political dealings for Columbus Park neighborhood, voters. Among most political the Senator. In light of the re- with Dr. Jameson S. Lwebuga- observers he is expected to lose. cent announcement that Senator ECHDC should work with General Mukasa, expose a staggering But then enters Rus Thompson, Jeff Klein, who chairs the Inde- public health crisis that the the Tea Party organizer and pendent Democratic Caucus, Mills on children’s museum concept Peace Bridge Authority didn’t political protégé of Carl Pala- will rejoin the Democratic cau- For years the Erie Canal Harbor De- Mills, which sits directly across the want residents to know about. dino, a registered Independent cus, the GOP will likely be- velopment Corporation (ECHDC) has river. The plant produces the firm’s Many of Coppola’s with the authorization of Chair- come the minority party after intended to construct a vaguely de- iconic Cheerios brand. opponents stand in stark policy man Nicholas Langworthy to the next election. Both men are fined “children’s museum” concept on In broad strokes, the concept contrast. run on the GOP line (in an ap- inclined to follow the money a prime parcel along the newly con- is in three parts: 1) amusement exhib- “Mark Grisanti has parent attempt to play defense that comes with caucusing in structed canal-scape. The concept is its built around General Mills’ brands; refused to address the plastic for the incumbent by siphoning the majority: staff allocations, an effort to appeal to families and at- 2) interactive programing and produc- micro-beads that are polluting votes from Stocker). Grisanti is earmarks, special interest tract visitors to Buffalo, mainly from tion tours; and 3) retail and site exclu- the Great Lakes. He won’t look still likely to lose, but the race money, and the salary add-ons within a day’s drive. sive merchandizing. at the issue until next year. He may become a close one if and other perks that come with Some observers who watch Imagine traveling from a is the Chairman of the Environ- Thompson ever learns how to committee chairmanships. the urban development process closely Lucky Charms’ world to Fruit Loops think the concept hasn’t been suffi- world, while passing by characters ciently evolved and could be better like Count Chocula, Capitan Crunch, sited. They say that the Canalside dis- and the Pillsbury Doughboy. trict should be more focused on build- Of course, General Mills ing out entertainment and dinning would have to consent to allowing its venues. brands to be used to theme the mu- Just behind the First Niagara seum — but if state funds construct Center is the NFTA-owned structure the visitors center at the DL&W Ter- that was formerly part of the DL&W minal or on the General Mills com- Terminal. Developers and preserva- plex, then a public private partnership tions have long pointed to the Termi- could be possible. nal, which sits tightly along the Buf- The DL&W Terminal’s sec- falo River in the Cobblestone District, ond level is 80,000 square feet and the as a prime redevelopment opportunity first level (which is currently used as slightly removed from the former Aud an NFTA train shed) is over 100,000 block. square feet. The Terminal also has an Now, planners and activists outdoor train lot at the crux of Michi- are demanding a better concept that gan Street and the Buffalo River, would serve as a more effective an- which could accommodate additional chor-destination, and have begun ad- development or active public space. Senator Alfred T. Coppola is remembered as a maverick Senator who pledged to retire after serv vancing the concept of a public- ing only one term. He was a beloved Councilman representing orth Buffalo and elected eight private partnership with General Sept 2014 consecutive times. Various factions of the Democratic Party have pulled him out of retirement. Page 4 Cuomo angers the antigovernment Opinion Page counter culture, on right and left

Andrew Cuomo’s excruciat- sonhood — Cuomo is quickly Panepinto’s election fraud con ingly obvious political maneu- making enemies across the po- vering — aimed at watering litical spectrum. viction disqualifies candidacy down the marijuana legalization On the right, small bill advanced by Senator Diane government groups and liber- Few behaviors are more de- Savino (D-Staten Island) — has tarians bemoan Cuomo’s heavy monstrative of a willingness to Marriage raises infuriated groups on the right handed regulatory approach — betray the public’s trust than to and left. designed to restrict individuals’ knowingly commit election conflicts of inter Cuomo — who last free will and ability to make fraud so egregiously that one’s year attempted to decriminalize their own decisions for them- license to practice law gets sus- est concerns marijuana for drug peddlers in selves. pended. Over the last two months, some New York City who, when On the left, liberals That is precisely State “stopped and frisked,” would be want fewer people incarcerated Senate candidate Marc Pane- of the most prominent members forced to empty their pockets in prisons and they see sense- pinto’s background in politics. of Buffalo’s legal community Democrat Committeeman Mark Panepinto on the street. They would then less prohibition style laws as He is a longtime member of the have been raising questions privately about the propriety of was convicted of election fraud. be charged with low-level pos- being deeply harmful to minor- Democratic Party committee, State Supreme Court Justice session offenses. Cuomo thinks ity communities in particular. even serving as a “town Catherine Nugent Panepinto that’s unfair and racially biased While Cuomo did al- chair,” (albeit a sluggish one, — which is not an uncommon low for some oil-based mari- party insiders say). He prefers sitting on the bench while her opinion downstate — so he juana to be used to treat serious long summers at his Canadian husband, Marc, engages in wanted to make the offense like health conditions like cancer beach house, they mummer. heated partisan political activ- ity. a parking ticket. and epilepsy, most observers Perhaps that was what Both are known as But this year, he went view the strict regulatory ap- led to his conviction. Petitions fierce political animals within to great lengths to keep the proach and the years-long im- are circulated during the sum- smoking of marijuana illegal — plementation as being a regres- mer months — and who doesn’t the Democratic Party’s union- a swift change in policy posi- sive bill. prefer to be at the beach? wing, which has some attorneys and judges wondering how the tions for which he has offered Once again — like the Still, it is hard to un- couple will handle the inevita- little logic publicly. SAFE Act and others before it derstand how an attorney who ble conflicts of interest that are It seems he wants to — Cuomo wants a very expen- is deeply familiar with the law make it easier for minority sive political photo op, for a bill — a party insider who circu- sure to emerge. youth in New York City to that does more harm than good; lated petitions for decades — In a city as small as smoke marijuana, but is unwill- because it was architected could be so stupid. Buffalo, nearly all of the cases that Justice Panepinto will hear ing to amend the law for re- around Cuomo’s political ambi- He forged the signa- will involve parties who ac- sponsible adults. tions rather than around expert tures of good, honest, law abid- tively contribute to local politi- In the contemporary knowledge, or the desires of the ing Democrats — out of lazi- political climate — with deep electorate as expressed by their ness and political lust — so that cal campaigns. Many of them distrust of the government, poli- legislative representatives. he could avoid the trouble of may decide to contribute to her ticians, and law that aggres- That’s not leadership. asking you for your support. husband’s campaign for less than ethical reasons, they Zephr Teachout is the liberal challenging sively inserts itself into the lives It’s not democracy. It’s tepid Our democracy is frag- worry. Governor Cuomo in the Democratic Pri of adults who believe they are hackery. ile, and Albany has long been in For fear of being ostra- mary. She supports marijuana legalization. exercising natural rights of per- shambles, beleaguered by cor- ruption and a culture of self cized by their colleagues, many dealing. attorneys would not go on re- To undermine the me- cord for comment. A war Carl started: Is McCarthy fit for office? But behind closed chanics of our democracy so doors the Panepinto marriage is egregiously, so blatantly, so Continued from page 1 publication enormous American contingent is, versy. It seems that he was fundamentally — should dis- the talk of the town. They won- reputational damage — indeed, more qualified communicating privileged qualify that convict from hold- der how often Panepinto will If she is well advised and in addition to charges of and competent than personnel information relat- ing high elected office. recuse herself when conflicts organizes a deliberate racism, bias, and Paladino’s — and they ing to former Superintendent arise. The honorable thing strategy, she has the po- “failure of journalistic may be right. Pamela Brown to Business It is unclear whether for Mr. Panepinto to do would litical leverage to either integrity.” Dr. Barbara First’s Dan Miner almost the Justice has already presided be to step aside and resign his drive or halt the board’s Paladino’s criticism of Nevergold, who led the immediately after accessing campaign for New York Senate. over any cases involving con- agenda. what he, in blanket former majority, is a the information in a closed But in a political cul- tributors to her husband’s Sena- Will Sampson terms, refers to as “the career educator who door executive session. The ture like ours, accountability is torial campaign. reach out? Knowing both sisterhood,” has re- holds many advanced information pertained to Given the corruption demanded of no one — so long Mr. Sampson and Dr. volved around the claim degrees, including a Brown’s separation agree- scandals that have been plagu- as they have the money to dupe Nevergold, I find that they that the former board doctorate. Dr. Theresa ment. ing the State Legislature and the the voter like lemmings on a have a very similar tem- majority was incompe- Harris-Tigg also holds a The former major- cliff. Cuomo Administration, it is perament: experienced tent — despite offering doctorate and is a Pro- ity argues that this is a pat- Mr. Panepinto has imperative that the propriety of expertise, learned and no evidence for the fessor of Education at tern of behavior that makes already shown us his willing- their relationship becomes part calm, strong communica- rhetorical flourish. And Buffalo State College. McCarthy “unfit for office.” of the public discourse, they ness to deceive us — even to tors, deliberately deep given the local media’s Mary Ruth Kapsiak is a Political operatives say. forge the signatures of fellow thinkers, and willing to (perhaps unconscious) career educator who now speculate that the for- The situation makes Democrats onto a legal docu- receive feedback. I am racial biases, there holds two masters de- mer board majority led by ment. It is a fact: he is willing itself too ripe for potential cor- inclined to think that these never seems to be any grees. Sharon Belton- Dr. Nevergold, will make to lie to the public for self gain. ruption, and some attorneys two people could form the pushback on the claim. Cottman is a mortgage McCarthy’s lack of qualifi- think that it might be appropri- To send him to Albany backbone of a governing Political observers on banker. cations to serve on the ate to introduce new state legis- — where the temptation to lie, coalition on the School the right and left say In contrast, the Board a point of political lation that bans a Justice’s cheat, and steal will wildly in- Board that moves the dis- that Paladino was play- new “white majority” is rhetoric in the same way that tensify — would be an utterly spouse from serving in public trict forward quickly. ing deliberate (and led by James Sampson, Paladino would demean and self destructive miscarriage of office, for obvious reasons. But the political some say, astute) race- who holds a masters defame “the sisterhood” for democracy. Considering the Pane- observer in me knows that baiting politics. The degree in social work. its alleged lack of compe- pinto’s close relationship with If Marc Panepinto a governing bloc that ele- strategy elected new- and Larry tence. the International Laborer’s Un- lacks the class and integrity to vates Mr. Paladino on the comers Larry Quinn Quinn are both busi- Observers think it ion Local 210 — which has step aside — whether out of right, could alienate others and Patricia Pierce, who nessmen who have no could be an effective strat- narcissism or stubborn denial long been the target of racket- on the left — who could now have delivered experience in educa- egy — and that it puts the — then he should at least eering cases — it is an impor- be far more valuable po- Paladino a white board tion, and whose insights North District is in play, apologize for committing the tant conversation to have ahead litical allies to Mr. majority. are questionable and when McCarthy runs for of a State Senate primary. acts of fraud to each voter Sampson. Now, the war unproven. Patricia reelection. whose name he falsified on Carl Paladino’s that Paladino started Pierce was a district Sources say that election petitions. brute demeanor, un- has come back to bite attorney. And Jay Dr. Nevergold is planning tempered style, and lack him. McCarthy is a bartender on picking up two seats in of any background in edu- His harsh to the wealthy and well the next school board elec- cation has shaped the judgments of African connected patrons of tion: the West district, now Be sure to read online at city’s political discourse American women have Hutch’s, the swanky held by Sampson; and the on school reform for many political opera- Delaware Avenue es- North district, now held by years. Presumably be- tives insisting that Pala- tablishment. McCarthy. BuffaloChronicle.com cause he ran dino’s white majority Tensions on (haphazardly) for gover- should endure the same the board are escalating nor, the Buffalo News has level of media scrutiny. and the North District’s And keep independent journalism thriving! offered him an unfiltered They say that Jay McCarthy is at the platform that has done the the Board’s African center of the contro- Sept 2014 Page 5 Graber. In 1977, when he was after the coming the election. Top 10 contenders for 17, Pigeon began working on Connections like that could Jimmy Griffin’s successful make Kennedy a political dy- “Politics is a Mayor in 2017 campaign for Mayor, with namo if he proves himself capa- whom enjoyed a long relation- ble of raising downstate money pendulum ship, but also initiating a dec- to build a citywide political As Deputy Mayor Steve Casey political leadership. Termini is ades long feud with Joseph F. machine. Though he is close to whose swings prepares to leave City Hall, something of an activist, play- Crangle, the notoriously hard longtime Congressman Brian political observers expect ing a pivotal role (with Buf- nosed head of the Tonawanda- Higgins, who has been called a Mayor to forgo a falo’s Young Preservationists) based faction of the Democratic Democrat-in-Name-Only, Ken- between anar- fourth run for the office. It has in saving the Trico Building, Party. At 24, Pigeon managed nedy has taken far more liberal been long rumored that Brown advocating for reforms to the Gary Hart’s presidential cam- positions on reproductive chy and tyr- will pursue a lucrative position State’s Historic Preservation paign in New York. He served rights, marriage equality, and in the private sector. With his Tax Credits, searching for a in the Erie County Legislature, waterfront development. top political operative on his way to bring back the AM&A’s and as a special assistant to anny are fu- way out, who many referred to building, and taking a pioneer- Health and Human Services as “the Mayor’s iron fist,” those ing approach to preservation- Secretary Donna Shalala in the 9. Jordan Levy, eled with per- rumors are only reinforced. oriented development in the Clinton Administration. Politi- Venture Capitalist A native of Philadel- Pierce Arrow neighborhood of cal insiders say that Pigeon has petually reju- phia, Casey was known across Blackrock. Termini is broadly enormous experience in inter- Despite recent controversy over Buffalo for his hard charging popular, has a well known pub- governmental affairs and an his Chairmanship of Synacor, a tactics and was thought to be lic profile, and has the re- extraordinary network of rela- publicly traded technology venated illu- Brown’s most trusted advisor. sources and relationships to tionships that could yield Buf- company located in the Water- The organization fund a competitive campaign. falo legitimate national influ- front Village, Jordan Levy is an sions.” known as Grassroots, which ence. Political insiders say that enormously wealthy and suc- was long considered the politi- 3. Bernice Radle, Pigeon has created more jobs in cessful venture capitalist with a Albert Einstein cal power structure in the Afri- the private sector, lobbying on pro-Buffalo posture. He is a - can American community, is in Development Guru behalf of clients, than Mayor partner at Softbank Capital and chaos and resentment of the Brown in all three terms com- founder of Seed Capital Part- Mayor has been inflamed by The recently wed preservation bined. But he doesn’t gloat. ners. He formerly chaired the various factions. They say that power couple Jason Wilson and That’s not his style. Erie Canal Harbor Develop- “Democracy the Mayor has done very little Bernice Radle tied the knot in a ment Corporation, but after to help the black community — style all their own: at Silo City years of a delayed Bass Pro even at a time when Governor along the Buffalo River. The 6. Joe Golombek, project, his chairmanship ended is the bludg- Cuomo has been shoving two founded Buffalove Devel- Councilman in a lackluster way. Still, Levy money into Buffalo’s economic opment and are inspiring an moved on to fight hard for Buf- eoning of the comeback. urban reinvestment movement His constituents know him as falo on his next project: the So understandably, all on the West Side, as they save the honest and hardworking founding of z80 labs, a state people, for the eyes are on who might fill the one historic property after the Councilman who has provided funded tech incubator located at Mayor’s office at this inflection next. In a ew York Times arti- real leadership on citywide is- Canalside, where Levy mentors point in our economic come- cle Ms. Radle expressed her sues ranging from air quality on young entrepreneurs and helps people, by the back. Will the powers-that-be interest in running for Mayor. the West Side, investigating the finance the launch of new start- coalesce around a seasoned She has a robust following of Obama Administration’s cover ups. He also helped architect people.” politician, look to the private planners, preservationists, and up of a frivolous federal envi- the StartUp New York business sector, find an intergovernmen- environmental activists who are ronmental review document, plan competition. tal affairs expert, or embrace an foot soldiers in the Do-it- and providing a visionary voice -Groucho Marx activist outsider? Yourself preservation move- on issues like highway removal 10. Rev. Pridgen, Only time will tell, but ment that is sweeping the West and the Scajaquada redesign. here are the people who the Side on the tails of a residential He has often been called “the Council President politicos are talking about. real estate boom that they have Maverick on the Common “I have come in part created. Council,” as he avoids the un- The bookies have selected Rev- thinking political alliances that erend Darius Pridgen, founder to the conclu- 1. Kathy Mecca, 4. Michael Kearns, tie his colleagues hands like of True Bethel Church as the most likely next Mayor, but Community Organizer Assemblyman puppets. His independence, his comfort bucking the powers some controversies are emerg- sion that poli- ing that throw the entire pros- Kathy Mecca is universally that be, and his grounded char- Assemblyman Mickey Kearns pect into doubt. Pridgen spear- recognized as Buffalo’s best acter are what we should all is the most popular Irish politi- headed the construction of an tics is much community organizer. For look for in politicians. cian from South Buffalo since affordable housing project on a nearly two decades, the Colum- former Mayor Jimmy Grifin. former industrial site adjacent too serious a bus Park Association has fought He took his Assembly seat after 7. Jill Jedlicka, to his ministry. Residents are the Public Bridge Authority’s a special election landslide in now getting very sick and a relentlessly foolish effort to Riverkeeper matter to be which he trounced the estab- playground has been boarded demolish broad expanses of the lishment-backed challenger, up. Some congregants are start- historic West Side neighbor- As the Executive Director of Rep. Brian Higgins’ staffer ing to ask why the Church is left to the hood where her family has lived the Buffalo Niagara Chris Fahey, despite running on profiting off a development for generations. With a team of Riverkeeper, Jill Jedlicka has the Republican line in an over- project that has been making her friends an neighbors, made the region’s water quality politicians.” whelming Democrat enrolled people sick, and why proper they’ve mobilized the commu- central to our policy discourse. district, the Congressman’s remediation work wasn’t done nity around the city’s most The organization played a key Charles de Gaulle taxpayer funded political ma- before housing grants for the - pressing environmental justice role in the dredging of the Buf- chine, and over $150,000 from project were issued. issue. Since the passage of falo River, launching of innova- Speaker Sheldon Silver. His tive storm water retention ini- NAFTA in the mid-1990s, truck performance was so strong — traffic at the Peace Bridge has tiatives, and has aggressively and his base of support so deep educated the public on the sew- skyrocketed, and with it, has — that he doesn’t even have a pushed tons of diesel carcino- age discharges that are common challenger this year. place with our antiquated com- gens into a largely poor and Delta Committee is dedicated to minority community that now bined sewage system. Jedlicka suffers from a childhood 5. Steve Pigeon, is widely respected and well supporting young, forward thinking asthma epidemic along with Political Operative plugged into political circles. elevated rates of cancer, stroke, leadership — especially in disad and neurological disorders. Gerald Steven Pigeon has been 8. Tim Kennedy, Mecca has been a passionate, a political professional all his State Senator vantaged communities that are in articulate, and tireless leader. life. As a young man, he was

the quintessential activist, first Senator Tim Kennedy has clas- need of energy and new ideas. 2. Rocco Termini, stuffing envelopes for the 1972 sic strengths as a politician: Assembly campaign of Vincent he’s likable, he’s down to earth, Developer Graber. In 1977, when he was he treats each voter like they 17, Pigeon began working on matter, and he has worked hard If you are interested in supporting They say that no other devel- Jimmy Griffin’s successful oper in Buffalo carries himself to reach out to diverse constitu- campaign for Mayor, with encies, even attending Sunday out mission, please contact with the sense of civic responsi- whom enjoyed a long relation- bility that drives Rocco Ter- mass at various eastside ship, but also initiating a dec- churches. Kennedy has been Katrinna at (716) 6093738. mini. The guy who restored the ades long feud with Joseph F. Lafayette Hotel to its original loyal to the Senate Democrats Crangle, the notoriously hard and has built a very close rela- grandeur is beloved by the pres- nosed head of the Tonawanda- ervation community, a formida- tionship with Sen. Andrea based faction of the Democratic Stewart-Cousins who leads the ble movement that has been Party. At 24, Pigeon managed searching — desperately — for Democratic caucus and is ex- Sept 2014 Gary Hart’s presidential cam- pected to lead the State Senate Page 6 California has a simi- Thompson to lar property tax structure that Fake endorsements, a was put into law by voter refer- protect families endum. pattern for Grisanti “This protects poor from taxes, dis neighborhoods from gentrifica- Two years ago, the embattled State Sena- tion; it protects wealthy tor Mark Grisanti falsely claimed to have placement neighborhoods from uncer- Are you a business the endorsements of several groups that Continued from page 1 tainty; and it gives all families never endorsed him, including the First the stability and fairness that Amendment Club (which endorsed him “If we tax homes only at their they need to build real estate looking to reach a hy only in his 2010 upset election). last transacted value and ban wealth for themselves,” he says. He was even so bold as to claim reassessments, then we can “This legislation will per local audience of the endorsement of the Seneca Nation of eliminate the property tax’s breath incredible energy into Indians — even after his alcohol induced investment penalty,” Senator our neighborhoods.” bar fight at the Seneca Niagara Casino Thompson explains. “Right Preservationists think Buffalonians? with a prominent Seneca businessman now, we penalize you when you that the legislation could restore and his wife. Time Warner broadcasted a renovate or put on an addition tens of thousands of homes and story, with journalist Ryan Whelan inves- by slapping you with a higher structures, and would be cata- tigating. tax bill into perpetuity.” lytic in rebuilding the West and Advertise with the This election cycle, Grisanti is “That’s backwards. East sides of the city. doing the same thing: continuing to We should be encouraging peo- Under the plan, a prop- fraudulently claim the endorsements ple to invest in their homes and erty’s tax bill would only in- This month, the Shooters Com- rebuild our neighborhoods — crease after the property is mittee on Public Education (SCOPE) and not punishing them for it,” he transacted. More tax revenue the Erie County Republican Committee Buffalo forced Grisanti to remove his fraudulent says staunchly. would be collected in the long “Don’t penalize sweat term because the properties claim that they either endorsed him or equity; don’t penalize invest- would be worth more after they gave him an “A” rating. ment,” the Senator says. upon their eventual sale.. SCOPE members in particular Chronicle! are infuriated given Grisanti’s support of Thompson’s policy Critics say that the proposal would also protect legislation could strap munici- the NYSAFE Act, which severely in- longtime homeowners from palities’ hands and would force fringes on the second amendment. The gentrification in neighborhoods them to look elsewhere to raise group has been mobilizing feverishly to oust Grisanti from office. They are sup- that are likely to see rapid in- new revenues. Supporters say, creases in property values over so be it. porting Kevin Stocker, a former Town the next few years; such as the Political analysts from Prosecutor and card carrying member of Fruit Belt and, to a slightly both the right and left agree that Call today! the National Rifle Association. lesser extent, Hamlin Park. the policy would do more to Along with SCOPE and the Under Thompson’s reign in the local property tax ECGOP, at least 15 other groups were plan, homeowners would have burden than Governor Cuomo’s listed on a 2014 election website that he property tax stability and the so-called “property tax cap.” 716-548-3371 maintains to “educate” voters. incentive to improve and ex- Mr. Thompson expects “This kind of behavior by Gri- pand their home. State legisla- broad bi-partisan support for santi is a repeated behavior and is the tion would be needed to allow the measure in both the Assem- Print and Online Platforms reason he has been rejected by most for the change. bly and the Senate. groups and no longer is able to attend Republican events – he has been ostra- cized due to his lies,” explains Mike Madigan, a prominent local Republican who was the party’s nominee for Con- gress in 2012. “Such behavior will be soundly rejected by a strong majority of Republicans in the September primary. Grisanti’s actions are driven by polls showing him sinking.” While Grisanti enjoys consider- able anti-gun special interest contribu- tions from New York City based support- ers (including billionaire Bloomberg himself), he has very little support within the 60th Senate district, where he remains more deeply unpopular than he was two years ago. “Expect him to lie profusely about his opponent and about his posi- tions in a repeat of his 2012 election — amed “Buffalo’s Most Friendly eighborhood Tavern.” Located at 797 iagara where his commitments to voters were worthless,” Madigan says. “Grisanti is a Falls Blvd, “The Jug” is family owned and operated since 1971. Open noon to liar and should not be allowed to deceive 2am, all week long. Stop in for Football Sundays! his voters in this manner. We should not allow such dishonest individuals in of- fice.” Some prominent local attorneys think that there could be cause for dam- ages. “If Senator Grisanti has been publicly promoting endorsements that materially harm the brands, reputation, and mission of these organizations and businesses, then yes — they have been harmed and can seek damages,” said an attorney who has given money to Gri- santi’s reelection campaign. “As a friend, I’m concerned.” Time will tell if any of the or- ganizations that were victimized by the behavior will pursue legal action. And even if they do, securing damages through the courts could be tricky. How does an organization put a price tag on a damaged reputation as a result of a Senator’s slanderous claims? SCOPE’s fundraising may have been impacted by Grisanti’s misrepresen- tation, but how can you value energy.

Do you have an investigative tip? Call us 7165483371. Sept 2014 Page 7 Senator Coppola calls for a Great Lakes Restoration Act If he is reelected to the water infrastructure for “We need to fix our sewer construction jobs that last GLERA would also intro- one cause of Great Lakes’ New York State Senate, several days. Algae plums systems. And it can’t be 10 to 15 years. duce a handful of new contaminants. The tax retired Senator Alfred have consumed the West- paid for in increased water Though Coppola’s regulatory compliance credit is expected to spawn Coppola is pledging to ern corner of the Lake. bills; the State needs to legislation is still in draft measures, to be enforced private sector construction introduce the “Great Lakes Agricultural chemicals, step up.” form, and he is open to by the State’s Department spending across the state’s Environmental Restoration from pesticides to livestock Buffalo’s sewer amendments, he outlined of Environmental Conser- rural communities. Act” (GLERA) to address feces, are to blame. system was built at a time GLERA in broad strokes. vation (DEC): Coppola is running against several ongoing threats to The solution, en- when technology had not The legislation • Ban on plastic micro- two term incumbent Mark the Great Lakes’ ecosys- vironmentalists and plan- advanced to separating calls for $3 billion in capi- beads from consumer Grisanti, Chairman of the tem. ners say, is to adopt runoff wastewater from your toilet tal spending projects, in- products; State Senate’s Environ- “There is no water retention strategies from runoff water on the cluding: • Requirement that all mental Committee. Gri- greater natural resource on that mitigate non-point street. Modern systems do • $2 billion in infrastruc- counties and munici- santi is supportive of hydro this continent than the source pollution. If runoff not combine those water ture upgrades to met- palities develop annual -fracking and has refused Great Lakes. In the absence water is retained onsite, flows and treatment proc- ropolitan sewer sys- action plans for im- to ban plastic micro-beads of a bold, bi-national strat- then these chemicals will ess each separately. tems within the Great proved watershed from consumer products. egy that addresses runoff not enter the watershed, The Democrats Lakes’ watershed, management. Coppola is an unequivocal contamination and non- eventually ending up in are likely to take the New including Buffalo, no-vote on fracking. point source pollution in a Lake Erie and flowing York State Senate after the Niagara Falls, Roches- GLERA also calls for the A little known serious way, then we must down the Niagara River. coming election cycle, and ter, and Syracuse, introduction of a new town zone chair named provide that leadership at “In 20 years we a downstate-centric leader- among others; $50,000 refundable tax Marc Panepinto is waging the State level,” Senator should have a robust local ship could be inclined to a primary effort against $500 million in estuary credit for farms and agri- Coppola says. “So today, freshwater seafood industry pass bold — and expensive • Coppola, but Panepinto’s and hatchery construc- cultural businesses, de- I’m pledging to introduce that is the envy of the — legislation on environ- candidacy has been widely tion projects sited signed to mitigate the costs legislation that takes the world,” he says. “But’s it’s mental protection. discredited due to his past across the Great of implementing new pol- decisive action that this going to take long term Political opera- conviction for election Lakes’ watershed, lution control strategies, situation demands.” thinking and expensive tives expect that the local fraud and his relationship designed to regenerate including the construction “We can’t wait for investment in our water construction and contract- with International Labor- natural eco-systems; of retention ditches, drain- other States to act. We infrastructure that only the ing industries will support age wells, and other tactics ers’ Union Local 210, • $500 million in grants need to take the first move, State can afford.” Coppola’s lobbying effort that prevent agra-chemicals which has long been the for county and munici- and then drag them along,” “In the modern in Albany. The legislation from entering the water- target of racketeering alle- pal runoff retention he insists. era, it is unconscionable could provide the region an shed. gations. projects within the Coppola’s pledge that untreated sewage unprecedented pipeline of Runoff from The Democratic Great Lakes’ water- comes months after pollu- could be dumped into the state funded sewer-related chemicals used in indus- Party primary is next shed. tion near Toledo, OH shut Niagara River in periods of construction projects that trial scale agriculture are Tuesday, September 9th. down that city’s drinking peak rainfall,” he says. could provide full time thought to be the number PeoplesStokes defends Moreland corruption Palma backs Antoine, Assemblywoman Crystal you’re looking for, there’s Commission, “apparently, Peoples-Stokes is perhaps a program out there. Let’s she’s not worried about They see Mr. as Crystal falls flat in the only elected official in find it.” talking to people like Thompson’s youth and New York State who is “We were looking they’re stupid.” vigor as a sharp contrast to orth Buffalo willing to go on record in for a more positive forward A number of East- Peoples-Stokes, who some santi later said that he cut defense of Gov. Andrew looking vision that Antoine side powerbrokers are have called “lazy.” Thomp- Carmen Palma — one of the earmark for political Cuomo’s interference with seemed to have,” said one coming to the consensus son’s energy means more the most politically influ- reasons. the Moreland Commission, lifelong Eastside resident, that Assemblywoman Peo- state money, they say. ential community leaders Mr. Palma re- which has now been widely age 24. “Here was this old ples-Stokes’ ineffective “I’ve always in the city — is giving for- members how loyal a discredited as a political woman telling us that if service in office renders known Antoine to work mer Senator Antoine friend that Mr. Thompson farce, and for which we’re poor, it’s because be her reelection pointless — very hard and put 210% of Thompson a big boost in a was to all of his district’s Cuomo is under investiga- can’t ‘fit in.’ It was really especially when it comes to his energy into the job that part of the 141st Assembly neighborhoods, including tion by the US Attorney’s offensive.” the objective of securing he was doing,” a local Dea- district where the incum- North Buffalo. Office and the FBI. “There are no more public investment in con tells me. “Imagine how bent Assemblywoman is Peoples-Stokes is “I think if Gov. jobs, no development on marginalized communities. much of that Buffalo Bil- deeply unpopular. doing very poorly in those Cuomo could start the the Eastside, the streets are Sources tell me that a lion money that Antoine Palma, who chairs same North Buffalo elec- Moreland Commission, unsafe, the schools are fal- group of older leaders in could have gotten for us if the Italian Festival and is tion districts that, in a close then he should be able to ling behind — she has been the black community are he was still in the State President of the Hertel race, could determine who disband it,” the Assembly- there for 12 years and noth- recognizing the energy that Senate.” Avenue Business Associa- wins the Democratic pri- woman said to gasps of ing seems to change,” he Mr. Thompson has mus- “Jefferson would tion, has endorsed Mr. mary. The 141st district is disbelief at last Tuesday’s said. “That’s not because tered among younger vot- be beautiful,” he said. Thompson and is currently mainly on the Eastside, but debate with challengers we can’t ‘fit in,’ it’s be- ers — who see him as the Experienced op- rallying support for the includes areas West of Antoine Thompson and cause she hasn’t done her relatable, trustworthy, lika- eratives recognize how Mr. likably imperfect former Main Street, including the Veronica Nichols. job.” bly imperfect champion of Thompson’s prior service Senator, whose energy and Parkside, Central Park, and The debate was Attendees seemed their interests. in public office could yield passion have long been his North Park neighborhoods. held at the Burchfield to agree that former Sena- This cadre of dividends for the black hallmark. The Assembly- Penny Art Center and tor Antoine Thompson prominent black leaders — community. Thompson enjoys woman has been unable to hosted by the Western New decisively won the debate, including deacons and pas- Sen. Thompson’s nearly universal name rec- deliver state funding to York Association of Black and kept on a disciplined tors, operatives and retired relationships with senior ognition across North Buf- neighborhoods on both the Journalists. It was moder- message: that we need to office holders — have been members of the Democ- falo, which he represented East and West sides of ated by WIVB’s Al create high paying jobs coalescing around Mr. ratic Party’s NYC-based in the State Senate for four Main. It’s rumored that Vaughters. through solid workforce Thompson, as Peoples- leadership are still quite years. Urban legend has it Palma, who always puts his Her comments come at a training programs and that Stokes makes phone calls strong. His influence would that Palma is able to de- neighborhood first and who time when so few elected we need neighborhood looking for public political yield the Eastside the influ- liver North Buffalo’s Ital- sees enormous opportuni- officials have been willing oriented development that backing. ence of an additional Sena- ian vote with little more ties for the Hertel Avenue to publicly defend the Gov- revitalizes community But her election tor, they say. than an afternoon of phone business district, has been ernor, calling into question commercial districts. time honorariums aren’t Given that the calls. concerned with Peoples- the Assemblywoman’s Peoples-Stokes enough to satisfy her con- Democrats are expected to Senator Thomp- Stokes’ underperformance judgment. has been bogged by the stituency, which is angry takeover the Senate next son had long been a friend for years. In the following criticism that so little of the that it has been so deliber- year, that could mean real to Mr. Palma while in of- Mr. Thompson is days there have been un- Cuomo Administration’s ately excluded from the resources for neighbor- fice, and delivered state also fielding an aggressive comfortable sentiments that “Buffalo Billion” has been Cuomo Administration’s hoods that have been ig- funding for his annual Ital- ground game in North Buf- have been lingering among invested on the Eastside, Billion for Buffalo. nored in Mr. Cuomo’s first ian festival each year. That falo, and enjoys the support prominent black political despite her apparent clout Sources are telling term. funding started to dry up of two of the neighbor- power brokers. Her com- as Co-Chair of his state- me that some are even ex- Ironically, the day when Mark Grisanti was hood’s most prominent ments just didn’t sit right, wide re-election campaign. pressing offense to what after the Assemblywoman elected, forcing Mr. Palma activists: Anna Marie Sina- and struck a nerve. “The truth is that they call “piecemeal elec- was a no-show at the de- to change the dates of the tra and Jim Martina. He “You have all the no one is working,” Sena- tion time honorariums,” bate, the Buffalo News festival. also opened his second naysayers, but while some tor Thompson said. “She that have long been com- endorsed her with the head- And in Niagara field office on Hertel Ave- people are trying to figure wants you to think every- monplace on the Eastside. line “accomplishments Falls, deep resentment still nue. out how they fit in, others thing is great and wonder- They are wonder- justify reelection,” without lingers from two years ago, naming a single accom- when Grisanti began refus- are fitting in,” she said in a ful, but the obvious truth is ing where the big money is Do you have an investi seemingly condescending that no one is working.” — the kind of money that plishment in the endorse- ing to fund that city’s Ital- ment article. ian Festival — which now gative tip? Call us 716 and aggressive tone, to a A Senate staffer could rebuild streetscapes 5483371. mainly African American said afterwards, about her and expand the light rail Most of her con- happens only once every audience. “Whatever defense of the Moreland system. stituents can’t name any two years as a result. Gri- either. Sept 2014 Page 8