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The Buffalo News had a story on billionaire Tom Golisano’s political efforts (headed by notorious reformer Steve Pigeon) using a Democratic mailhouse (Atlas Direct) that sent out mailings that violated the league of woman voters fair campaign pledge earlier this year on behalf of RIChard Dollinger and David Nachbar.

Don’t get us wrong, we are not defending Assemblyman Sam Hoyt, a married guy who “dates” interns, but it is ironic that Golisano is using underhanded tactics in the name of reform. That sort of sounds like something former reformer Elliott Spitzer would do.

According to the Buffalo News:

Responsible New York — the B. Thomas Golisano-funded, G. Steven Pigeon-managed political organization — has been linked to a spate of political attacks against incumbent Assemblyman Sam Hoyt despite efforts to hide their involvement.

A group calling itself Mothers and Fathers Demanding Answers has mailed a provocative piece of campaign literature and launched a Web site that assails Hoyt in harsh terms for past sexual relations with an Assembly staff member.

The Web site is registered through a service in Australia. The return address on the flyer is a direct mail service in Long Island City. The owner refuses to say who paid the bill.

The flyer, however, uses the same bulk mail permit issued to Responsible New York.

Is Golisano’s organization behind the effort?

“I’m not going to comment,” Pigeon said.

(snip)

Responsible New York operates as an “independent unauthorized committee,” which allows it to operate without many of the limitations placed on other political committees. But state election law prohibits it from coordinating its activities with the campaigns of candidates.

Both Pigeon and Barbra Kavanaugh, Hoyt’s opponent in next Tuesday’s Democratic primary, maintain that Responsible New York and the campaign are not coordinating efforts. Responsible New York, however, has mailed a series of flyers attacking Hoyt, and Golisano is one of Kavanaugh’s largest financial contributors.

Golisano’s involvement in this still doesn’t make any sense.  Maybe it’s tough being a billionaire.  Nothing to do all summer but wait until the hockey season starts. My guess is that Hoyt is toast.  But Golisano’s enabling Steve Pigeon to be a major power broker is very disturbing.

Tags: Dirty Tricks, The Equalizer, Tom Golisano by The Equalizer
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The Democrat and Chronicle reports today that Rochester area billionaire Tom Golisano will be supporting RICHard Dollinger and Baby Joe Mesi for the state Senate.  This almost sounds like a bad joke. Supporting Dollinger, who had the Senate job and ran for judge while he had it, then quit to run for judge again (and lost a second time), then ran for Democratic Party Chair, was elected party chair and then quit to run for Brighton Town Judge, which he just quit so he could run for the Senate doesn’t make sense.

Neither does supporting Baby Joe Mesi, a guy who had difficulty being approved to box in New York because of brain bleeds.  Being a successful businessman, Golisano is probably used to delegating authority to people and letting them do their job.  But his political advisor, Steve Pigeon, doesn’t seem to have Golisano’s best interests at heart.

Here is my public letter to Mr. G:

So Mr. Golisano, how in the world does teaming up with the guys who are supported by the Working Families Party make any sense?  These leftists are committed to maintaining the special interest’s strangle hold on our state.  Why would you help elect people running on their line.

As we have mentioned before, you are a brilliant businessman — one of the best.  But when it comes to politics, your record is terrible.  That party you started back in the 1990’s and walked away from is an embarrassment.  You’ve spent more money per vote in one of you unsuccessful campaigns than anyone in the history of our country.

Please, reconsider you actions.  I’m not a billionaire — or a millionaire.  If you help elect these guys and things get even more screwed up (did you catch our post on Malcolm Smith the other day?) I’m might have to join the millions who have already left our state.

Please, save your money and buy the Buffalo Bills or donate to more worthy charities, but please recognize your shortcomings and stay out of politics!

Yours Truly,

Cincie

Tags: Articles, Cincinnatus, Richard Dollinger, Tom Golisano by Cincinnatus
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Former Erie County Democratic Chairman Steve Pigeon must have a Svengali type hold over Rochester billionaire Tom Golisano.  How else would you explain Mr. Golisano’s decision to donate $1 million to the Democratic National Convention?

According to the New York Times:

 Tom Golisano, the Rochester billionaire and registered Republican, donated $1 million on Friday to the host committee of the Democratic Party’s convention in Denver, making him one of the largest donors to the planning efforts surrounding the expected coronation of Barack Obama as the party’s nominee next week.

(snip)

Mr. Pigeon is the former chairman of the Democratic Party in Erie County and joined the Obama campaign’s finance committee a few weeks ago; he subsequently played a key role in soliciting the donation from Mr. Golisano. Mr. Pigeon recently co-hosted a fund-raiser for Mr. Obama in San Francisco and said he would probably organize future events in New York.

Mr. Golisano’s $1 million donation is far above the $2,300 limit for donors to the Obama campaign itself and is one of the largest “soft money” donations made to the convention committee.

(snip)

“We think one of the things New York needs to come back is a strong relationship with the federal government,” Mr. Pigeon said. Mr. Golisano, he added, “is looking at Obama’s message of change and hope and is very down on the last eight years of what the Bush administration has done, especially the Iraq war.”

I thought John McCain, not George Bush, was the Republican candidate.

Having Golisano’s money being used to advance Democratic talking points really hurts Golisano’s credibility.  If Golisano is committed to reform, the first thing he should do is dump Pigeon!

Tags: Articles, Barack Obama, Cincinnatus, Tom Golisano by Cincinnatus
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We’ve commented many times about how liberals like taxes.  One of my favorites was a recent post on rochesterturning calling taxes an “investment.” 

Let me start by saying I believe taxes are an investment in the future. They fund infrastructure, they pay into accounts (like Social Security), and can be a huge lever that everyone helps with to do things we just can’t do on our own.

Yes, exactly — an investment in the future.  That’s why our state is doing better than any other in the nation.  We invest 79% more than the national average through property taxes. 

Well now, the Working Families Party, the people supporting millionaires RICHard Dollinger and David Nachbar, are airing television commercials against Governor Patterson’s property tax cap. According to a source no less reputable than the liberal standard bearer the New York Times, which had this article:

Starting on Tuesday, the left-leaning Working Families Party and the education advocacy group Alliance for Quality Education began broadcasting commercials in the state’s biggest television markets that assail the governor for his support of a cap in property tax increases.

The commercials, which are being broadcast at a cost of $1.5 million and will run repeatedly on cable and network television from now until Aug. 19, the day the Legislature convenes for a special session, refer to the cap as a “gimmick” and a “scheme.”

(snip)

Mr. Paterson’s office responded to the advertisement on Tuesday in a written statement calling the cap plan “sensible” and citing progress by students in Massachusetts, where a cap on increases was put in place. It also tied the cap in with the governor’s plan to turn New York’s economy around.

“There is widespread recognition among New Yorkers that runaway increases in property taxes are deeply hurting our state,” the statement said. “Anyone who does not acknowledge this trend is out of touch with working families. The longer we wait to approve a property tax cap, the more we will hamstring New York from reaching its full economic potential.”

And rumor has it Tom Golisano wants to help these same Democrats totally take over state government?

It truly is galling that Dollinger and Nachbar received the support of this union special interest group and they have the nerve to claim their opponents have done enough to control property taxes. 

We at monroerising.com are commited to getting the truth out on this subject.  We mentioned an e-mail we received earlier from a reader about the Working Families Circuit Breaker property tax cap.  Take a look at their website.  Use their calculator.  Let’s just say you are one of those really wealthy families making a total family income of $60,000 and you are paying a total of $3700 in property taxes.  Their plan would save you an amazing $100 per year — a little less than $10 per month. That would make quite a difference in your life wouldn’t it?

The Working Families Party is nothing more than a front for organized labor.  They are using our kids to protect their union members. You would think that the public would see through this, but who knows?  $1.5 million dollars in special interest money could have a significant impact on the public.   

Tags: Articles, Cincinnatus, David Nachbar, Richard Dollinger, Tom Golisano by Cincinnatus
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Most people probably do not realize that the Independence Party is the third largest party in the state.  Amusingly, most members of the IP do not realize that they are members, and the ones that do cannot articulate the principals that they support.

Before I commence ranting, let me say that I am not opposed to third parties.  They can serve a critical role in our political system by giving voice to a group of people who care passionately about a particular set of issues.  For instance, if you smoke copious amounts of weed and worship shrubbery, the major parties are probably not for you, and you should join the Green Party.

My principal problem with the Independence Party is that it cannot articulate its core principals.  It has vague notions about the lack of “real choice” in our electoral process, but that is not exactly a platform.  The party also supports balanced budgets, a “world class” education system, a criminal justice system that keeps violent felons off the street, sunshine, and puppies.

And I hate to break it to you, but the growth of the IP was not some romantic grass-roots response to corruption in government.  The IP became prominant because a couple of billionaires (first Ross Perot and then later, Tom Galisano) dumped a ton of money into the process.  It should tell you something about the party and its principals, however, when one of its founding fathers (Mr. Golisano) quit the party to become a Republican, and then, a few short years later, joined with the former Democratic chair of Erie County to create a fund to support largely democratic candidates.  [Read more →]

Tags: Articles, Occam, Tom Golisano by Occam
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The Buffalo news has a story on foes of Erie County Independence Party Chairman Anthony Orsini calling for his resignation over the payoff his wife received from Democratic Congressional candidate Jack Davis.

According to the Buffalo News:

Just days after the chairman of the Monroe County Independence Party resigned over charges that his wife accepted what critics called “bribe” money from the campaign of Democratic congressional candidate Jack Davis, top members of the party in Erie County are demanding the same from Anthony L. Orsini, their chairman.

(snip)

“It’s very improper. It stinks,” said Koziol, the retired chief custodian for the Lackawanna School District. “It smells of bribery.”

“He gave the perception that the endorsement was for sale,” added Gaughan, a registered nurse. “That’s a poor way of moving government forward here.”

But unlike Colon, Orsini said he is not going anywhere. He described Koziol and Gaughan as an integral part of an attempt by Erie County Democrats to take over the Independence Party. He also charged that through the influence of Democrats, Koziol received Erie County Water Authority jobs for children of his girlfriend while Gaughan recently got a state Health Department job.

This story is really showing the Independence Party as the farce it really is.  It stands for nothing and it appears that Democrats across the state are trying to infiltrate it so they can control the endorsements.  A few years ago, Republicans controlled the party to a point where former Governor George Pataki received the party’s designation over party founder Tom Golisano.

That’s quite a political legacy Tom Golisano has left us with.  And now after creating this mess and walking away, he’s going to help the Democrats try to take over the state Senate?  Go figure!

Tags: Cincinnatus, Jack Davis, Tom Golisano by Cincinnatus
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I’m really starting to believe that Tom Golisano is going down the road of Jack Davis — a guy with too much money and not enough to do. I say this as someone who has about $15 in my checking account until I get paid this Friday.

Did you see the article in the business section of the Democrat and Chronicle about Tom Golisano trying to steal the show at the RBA press conference on a property tax cap with Tom Suozzi? Sandy Parker is lucky the Steamroller isn’t still Governor — if she allowed Golisano to do this while he was Governor he wouldn’t talk to her for the rest of his term.

First, the article states:

In crafting a cap on school-related property taxincreases, already a controversial idea, Thomas Suozzi learned Tuesday that some people are hard to satisfy.

Appearing at an event sponsored by the Rochester Business Alliance, Suozzi, chairman of the state Commission on PropertyTax Relief, invited Rochester-area businessman Tom Golisano to speak.

But Suozzi got a surprise dose of tax-related anger from someone he expected to be an ally on the issue.

(snip)

Golisano strode to the podium at SUNY Brockport’s downtown MetroCenter and said that Suozzi’s proposal was too timid, that tougher controls on spending — even spending reductions — are needed.

Golisano said a 4 percent cap would mean that New Yorkers would still be much more highly taxed than residents and businesses in many other states and cities. A 4 percent cap, he said, would take “100 years” to lower taxes to the level in Columbus, Ohio.

“The cap does not stop the bleeding,” said Golisano.

I agree with Mr. Golisano so far. But if he really believes what he is saying, then why would he want to get involved in the Albany “reform movement”, and back candidates endorsed by the Working Families Party? That would be like owning a hockey team, saying you want to have a winning team, and then letting Danny Briere and Chris Drury get away.

Take a look at the Working Families Party website. Then go to their “Tax Plan Calculator.” A reader sent us this link a couple of weeks ago pointing out that a family with a combined income of $60,000, paying $3500 in property taxes would not benefit from their plan. Take a look for yourself.

So, these are the people Tom Golisano is teaming up with to straighten up New York State? That’s plain crazy.

Tom, please stop what you’re doing. You have proven yourself to be a successful business (one of the top in the world) and you are a tremendous asset for western New York. But please, please stay out of politics. You’ve already given us a political party that stands for nothing, isn’t that enough?

Tags: Articles, Cincinnatus, New York State, Tom Golisano by Cincinnatus
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We at monroerising.com have written about all the good things Tom Golisano has done for the Rochester region.  Donating to hundreds of worthwhile causes. 

Mr. Golisano’s record in politics is less distinguished.  Take his three failed runs for Governor.

These efforts led to the creation of the Independence Party of New York State.  It is a great name for a political party, but  unfortunately, most people registered in it don’t even realize they are enrolled in a political party. After his unsuccessful campaigns he abandoned politics and the Independence Party and let the chips fall where they may.

Well, take a look at the Buffalo News’ story (again Jill Terreri and the folks at the D&C are asleep at the wheel) detailing what appears to be political corruption in the Independence Party on a level unmatched by either of the major parties.

According to the Buffalo News:

Jack Davis has paid $5,000 each to the wives of the two men who will determine the Independence Party nomination for the 26th Congressional District.

The two women are his “consultants,” says Davis, a wealthy Democratic businessman who seeks the often crucial Independence line in his bid to succeed Rep. Thomas M. Reynolds in Congress.

(snip)

Davis paid $5,000 to Costal Consulting South of Venice, Fla., for “campaign consulting,” according to Federal Elections Commission records. The company is based in the mobile home owned by Orsini and is headed by his wife, Judith A. Orsini, public data base records indicate.

Davis also paid $5,000 to Blanca Semidey, of 2 Loring Ave., Rochester, also for being a “campaign consultant,” the FEC records indicate.

Blanca S. Colon is registered as a member of the Independence Party at that address, as is Rafael Colon, Monroe County Independence chairman, according to the Monroe County Board of Elections.

Rafael Colon did not return a call to comment. But Anthony Orsini said his wife’s company, incorporated in Florida earlier this year, has earned the money by providing names of friendly Democrats to the Davis campaign. [Read more →]

Tags: Articles, Cincinnatus, Jack Davis, Tom Golisano by Cincinnatus
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“Republicans are for the rich — they just don’t relate to the little guy like me.”  How many times have you heard that from some misguided liberal?  An article in yesterday’s Democrat and Chronicle about campaign finance really has me wondering.  How is it that the Democrats are running so many millionaires? Just look at this:

Dollinger raised money from people in Rochester and outside the district, and lent his campaign $12,500.

(snip)

Dollinger’s mother is part of the Wegman family and she contributed $9,500, while Danny Wegman contributed $6,000.

(snip)

In another competitive race, in the 55th Senate District, Democratic challenger David Nachbar has raised $50,866 and contributed $175,000 to his account

This is unbelievable.  Do you, or anyone you know, have an extra $175,000 laying around so you can run for public office?  How about an extra $12,500?  Could you go to your mother and ask her for $9,500?  Would your stepbrother kick in $6,000? My answers would be: no, no, no and no.  My guess is that you would answer the same way.

And now a billionaire (Tom Golisano) wants to throw his money around to help these guys get elected.

What makes this even more incredible is that the sellouts in the Working Families Party are so desperate to get rid of Republicans, they will dump on people like Jim Alesi (who is a successful, selfmade businessman) and Joe Robach who grew up in Charlotte for these mamby-pambies.

I can’t believe that if these guys were ever to get elected they would adopt the soak the rich philosophy that the Working Families and Democratic Parties have adopted.  I hope the Republicans point this out in the upcoming election.  The fate of our state depends on it.

Tags: Articles, Cincinnatus, David Nachbar, Democrat and Chronicle, Jim Alesi, Joe Robach, Richard Dollinger, Tom Golisano by Cincinnatus
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Wow.  Right out of the shoot it seems that the Million(s) Dollar PAC that Billionaire Tom Golisano will create to bankroll political campaigns this year is illegal under NYS Election Law. 

Liz Benjamin over at the NY Daily News reported on this yesterday.

You remember the story.  Democrats (obviously) leaked to the press that Golisano was going to fund Democrat Senate candidates with millions of dollars so Golisano can presumably control the NYS Senate.  We hear some politicos believe this was a calculated leak by former Buffalo-area Democrat Chairman and Golisano advisor Steve Pigeon.  Pigeon seems to be the latest and greatest Democrat Dirty Trickster who seems to have the ear of a very rich man. 

We don’t know if Golisano sanctioned the leak or if Pigeon (if it was him) acted on his own to manipulate the media into believing that Golisano was only going to support Democrat candidates.  Pigeon is one of two people controlling who gets Tom’s money.  However, Pigeon must be pretty good if he has indeed found a way to make Golisano bankroll Democrat political candidates.

To Golisano’s credit, he took control of the situation and now says he will make this a fair and open process that gives equal consideration to all candidates.  We anticipate Golisano will remain true to his word and give everyone a fair shake, probably much to Pigeon’s chagrin.

Back to the issue of the PAC.  It needs to first get off the ground.  Here’s a snippet from Benjamin’s article:

Trying to avoid the legal restrictions of a political action committee, Golisano plans to amend his filing with the state Board of Elections to create a different kind of entity that will enable him to spend unlimited amounts for or against - but not on behalf of - state legislative candidates, according to his top advisor Steve Pigeon.

Instead of a PAC, Golisano will create an unauthorized multi-candidate political committee, which will act independently of all candidates (and still be called Responsible New York), Pigeon said. This committee will not make any direct contributions.

The Golisano camp had already filed paperwork with the state yesterday to create the PAC he unveiled this morning and said he would seed with $5 million.

We’ll see where this whole thing goes.

Developing…

Tags: Articles, InsidePolitics, Tom Golisano by InsidePolitics
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