Last week’s election proved many things, including people really don’t care about Jim Lawrence and the Democrat and Chronicle Board’s opinions.  The only Republican County Legislative incumbent they endorsed, Chili’s Mary Valerio, won big.  But so did every other  Republican incumbent.  So did the Republican Supervisor Candidates of Penfield, Gates, Mendon and Irondequoit, despite the editorial board’s endorsenments of their opponents.

I have a theory on why people don’t care about the editorial board.  Newspapers used to be the major news source for people wanting to stay informed.  Thanks to the internet, opinions are a dime a dozen.  Another equally important point is the double standard Lawrence has, particularly when it comes to African-American elected officials like Assemblyman David Gantt.

There is a front page story on the D&C about Albany lawmakers collecting $171 a day for Albany expenses and receiving reimbursements for milage and other travel costs.  Did you see Assemblyman Gantt’s quote?  Here it is:

Assemblyman David Gantt, D-Rochester, denied that his party’s leadership made lawmakers wait for long periods.

“Republicans will tell you anything. Don’t call me about that kind of stuff. I hear that kind of stuff all the time. They were having meetings and we were having meetings,” Gantt said.

But Gantt said he didn’t know how much of the special session was spent in the chambers.

“I don’t want to talk to you,” Gantt told a reporter.

Asked why, he said: “Because that’s me.”

I’m betting Jim Lawrence won’t have much to say about Gantt’s conduct.  He didn’t say anything about Gantt blocking legislation allowing cameras to be installed at intersections to catch violations until the company selling the cameras hired Speaker Silver’s favorite lobbyist Patricia Lynch.

Lawrence wrote an editorial last November 11th claiming Gantt has repeatedly shown an ability to work across the aisle.

I’ve got to stop — I’m starting to get aggravated.  Take a look at our David Gantt category to get a better appreciation for him.  And just remember, Jim Lawrence and the Democrat and Chronicle editorial board won’t  have anything to say about his latest outburst.