Archive for June 16th, 2008

Telling The Truth The First Time Would Eliminate This Mess

Monday, June 16th, 2008

Dear Amherst Democratic Committee Member

I’d like to begin by thanking those of you who have been carrying my petitions, for your hard work and personal time that it involves.  I also want to acknowledge those of you who are carrying the petitions of the other candidates as we all need help in getting on the ballot.

I have said it before, that while I am from Kenmore, I consider Amherst to be my second home. I have received tremendous support from family, friends and new people that I have met since announcing my candidacy for the NYS Senate 61st District.

This election season has been particularly tough on many of us, but I have never backed down from a little adversity.  I have faced much bigger challenges in my life and I will prevail in this one just as I have in my previous elections.

By now you should have received your meeting notice and information regarding a vote that will be taken at your next committee meeting on Wednesday night.  On the agenda is a resolution proposed by Dan Ward to only allow him to have the use of the ADC Headquarters.

This has compelled me to do some explaining regarding the withdrawal of my name for consideration of the recommendation from the Amherst Committee to the County Executive Committee. This also affects the choice of which candidate or candidates should use the ADC Headquarters.

At that time of the meeting for the recommendation for the party’s endorsement, I had already received the recommendations of the Genesee County Democratic Committee, Clarence Town Democratic Committee and the City of Tonawanda Democratic Committee.  I received a call from our County Chairman, Len Lenihan asking me to withdraw my name from consideration of your recommendation so not to upset Dan in his home committee.  It was represented to me that I would be receiving the endorsement that is granted by the chairs of the two counties.

After speaking to the members of the committee, it was apparent to me that I had a substantial majority of support from the committee for its recommendation. However, for the sake of party harmony I did what the County Chairman asked me to do.

  Had it been represented to me that there was a possibility of no endorsement from Erie County, I would have never withdrawn my name. I would have won the recommendation and I would essentially be the recommended candidate for most of the district.

Given the fact that there is no endorsed candidate fore the 61st Senate District, I would like to request permission to use the ADC HQ from now until the primary and would help share in the expenses.

I thank you again for your continued encouragement and support and I look forward to representing you in the NYS State Senate. 

Very truly yours,

Michele M. Iannello

Democratic Candidate

~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~ 

It’s very difficult to believe Michele wrote this letter because she is saying, “Yes I lied for personal gain, I lied to my supporters, friends and most of all my family.” 

As Editor of the Amhersttimes I had a talk with Lenihan and he said he never talked to Michele concerning any endorsement.

The following part of her letter (BELOW) in no way sounds like Michele.  It sounds like a child who believes the bad man lied to her when she could have been a contender for prom queen, who believed everyone loved her so she couldn’t lose being voted Prom Queen; a princess who lived in a world where she married the King so everything was hers.

Breaking down parts of this letter:

M said - After speaking to the members of the committee, it was apparent to me that I had a substantial majority of support from the committee for its recommendation. However, for the sake of party harmony I did what the County Chairman asked me to do?

As Editor of the Amhersttimes I had a talk with Lenihan and he said he never talked to Michele concerning any endorsement.

M said -  It was represented to me that there was a possibility of no endorsement from Erie County, I would have never withdrawn my name. I would have won the recommendation and I would essentially be the recommended candidate for most of the district. (Would Michele be so calculating after being shot down by Lenihan?) 

M said - Given the fact that there is no endorsed candidate fore the 61st Senate District, I would like to request permission to use the ADC HQ from now until the primary and would help share in expenses.

M said – I thank you again for your continued encouragement and support and I look forward to representing you in the NYS State Senate.

Congressman Higgins Presents Service Medals to WWII Vet

Monday, June 16th, 2008

Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-27) presented World War II veteran Thomas M. Norton with the service medals he earned over sixty years ago.  Drafted six months before the attack on Pearl Harbor, Mr. Norton served in the United States Army from June 13, 1941 to December 22, 1945.  As an infantryman, Norton fought in the New Guinea and Philippine Liberation Campaigns and reached the rank of Corporal before his honorable discharge. 

“It is truly my honor to present Mr. Norton with these long-overdue medals recognizing his brave and selfless service to this nation,” said Congressman Higgins.  “Our military heroes, past and present, provide an immeasurable service that protects the freedoms Americans enjoy.

On Mr. Norton’s behalf, Congressman Higgins’ office contacted appropriate federal departments requesting the medals.  Mr. Norton received the Bronze Star, Good Conduct Medal, American Defense Service Medal, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign medal with two bronze service stars, World War II Victory Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge 1st Award, Philippine Liberation Ribbon with one bronze service star, WWII Honorable Service Lapel Button, Expert Badge with Carbine Bar and Marksman Badge with Rifle Bar. 

Mr. Norton, a Buffalo resident who goes by the nickname “Tucker,” was married for 58 years to the late Ruth McKinivan.  He has a long family history of military service and is proud to have his grandfather’s Civil War discharge papers in his possession. 

The Congressman complimented Jack Mulderig, a member of the Bison City Rod and Gun Club along with Mr. Norton, for bringing Mr. Norton’s heroic service to his attention.

Obama Calls for More Responsibility From Black Fathers

Monday, June 16th, 2008

Father’s Day was the platform Barack Obama used to address an issue that is a sesnsitive one for the black community.  He chose to address the congregation of the 20,000-member Apostolic Church of God.   He invoked his own absent father to deliver a sharp message to black men, saying “we need fathers to recognize that responsibility doesn’t just end at conception.”

“Mr. Obama, the presumptive Democratic nominee, laid out his case in stark terms that would be difficult for a white candidate to make, telling the mostly black audience not to “just sit in the house watching ‘SportsCenter,’ ” and to stop praising themselves for mediocre accomplishments.”

““Don’t get carried away with that eighth-grade graduation,” he said, bringing many members of the congregation to their feet, applauding. “You’re supposed to graduate from eighth grade.””
[read whole story]

F.C.C. Chief Backs XM-Sirius Deal

Monday, June 16th, 2008

The merger of XM radio with Sirius has been floating around for months.  Now there seems to be a bit movement and the possibility of action.

Sunday FCC Chairman Kevin Martin recommended the merger move ahead in exchange for a number of concessions, including turning 24 channels over to noncommercial and minority programming. That sets the stage for a final vote that could occur any time after Martin’s recommendation is circulated among his fellow commissioners.

“The provision on noncommercial and minority programming along with several others — including a three-year price freeze for customers — persuaded Martin to support Sirius Satellite Radio Inc.’s buyout of rival XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc.
[read whole story]

The Amherst Poll Shows Kathy Konst is Well Known

Monday, June 16th, 2008

The Amhersttimes ran a small 100 phone call poll with only two questions asked.  The poll was between Friday morning and Saturday evening.  All of the people polled live in Congressman Reynolds District ?

Question 1: Do you know the names of any of the candidates who are seeking Congressman Tom Reynolds vacant seat?”  Top three responses ~

1). Jack Davis – 38

 2) Jon Powers – 32

 3) Kathy Konst – 25

All 3 of the top names mentioned are Democrats.  Fewer than 4% knew the Republican candidate.

Question 2:  If you had to vote today, do you know who you would vote for ?

32 – YES

42 – NO

26 – UNSURE