APRIL FOOLS DAY NEWS FROM NEWWNYPOLITICS

In the process of traveling between one Dyngus Day Party and another on Monday, several highly reliable drunks....I mean sources offered this series of inside tips on condition that I not use their names.

Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz has announced that he is resigning his post to start a bi-partisan political Charm School. Says Poloncarz: “I feel that I've mastered the art of personal charm in public life and would like to share this knowledge with up and coming politicians of both parties. To me that's much more important than balancing budgets and such. Being personally liked is the key to success in politics and clearly I have mastered that skill.”

Moving on to City Hall, Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown has proposed cutting his salary in half for his third term...but with one condition.

“True these beautiful, sartorially splendid suits I wear every day reflect well on both myself and the City of Buffalo, but frankly they are getting to be too much trouble,” said the Mayor. “Besides that, it takes up half my salary to buy them and then to keep them dry cleaned and pressed. So here is my suggestion: Why not cut my salary in half if I'm elected to a third term as long as I can wear jeans every day at City Hall?...This change would save the taxpayer a lot of money and allow me to sleep an hour later every morning in the bargain.”

In diplomatic news, the White House is reporting that President Obama has appointed Erie County Democratic Chairman Jeremy Zellner to be our next Ambassador to Afghanistan.

Explains Zellner: “With all the back biting, hostility, in fighting, name calling, and character assassination and constant conflict I have to deal with as county chairman, the President explained to me that working in Kabul will be a welcome relief, for myself and my family. Both my wife and myself feel that my being Ambassador to Afghanistan will provide our new born son with a much more tranquil, less hostile environment in which to grow up.”

Meanwhile, we understand that Zellner's former rival, Cheektowaga Democratic Chairman Frank Max has hired Erie County Elections Commissioner Dennis Ward to manipulate the vote at the next re-org meeting so that Max doesn't get the job....again.

“Dennis has assured me that he can manipulate the vote so that anybody wins he wants to win,” Max reports. “Look what he did for Pope Frances...Eh,...Oops, I guess I wasn't supposed to talk about that!...Anyway, I certainly don't want the job in my right mind, so we are working to see that it goes to the most obnoxious person we can find.”

Among the possibilities are disgraced cyclist Lance Armstrong, socialist Lindsay Lohan, and the guy who was in charge of the lighting at this year's Super Bowl.

According to multiple sources, the tentative plan is to wait until County Legislator Lynn Marinelli gets re-nominated in the Sept. 10 Democratic primary, then have her resign to take the County Personnel Commissioner post (currently held by Republican John Greenan) that has coveted for so long. This way there is not much chance that her seat could fall into the hands of a rival Democratic faction.

Of course the Personnel Commish job is a great reward for any office holder in that it includes a nice salary for a 9 to 5 job that does not necessitate going to every block club meeting known to man.

Plus it offers its occupant a fixed six year term which means that you can't be fired right away, even if the post of county executive goes to the other party. So you can't blame Marinelli for wanting it.

But, getting back to the plan, of course this is all contingent on Greenan getting a cushy job of his own with the Erie County Medical Center. Otherwise , he could hold on to the Personnel job until Sept. of 2014.

Once Marinelli vacates her Leg nomination, if she does, the Dem Party Commission on vacancies will give the nomination to former Legislator Michele Iannello.

In other news, it seems likely from talking to our sources that the Democrats Party will endorse Burt Dunn for County Sheriff, though County Chairman Jeremy Zellner is willing to talk with the other Dem candidate, Dick Dobson one more time.

Finally, congratulations to Gayle Syposs on being re-elected Democratic Town Chairs Chairperson.

The Erie County Committee of New York State Independence Party consisting of the New York State Committee members elected in Erie County made the following endorsements on Wednesday.

The first was Barbara Howe for Surrogate Court. Since becoming a judge in 1988, Judge Howe has served with distinction. Holding a Doctorate in Sociology, she applies compassion, decisiveness, open-mindedness, sensitivity, courtesy, patience, freedom from bias and commitment to equal justice. Her care and enthusiasm shows every time she rules for the bench.

Mary Carney and Deanne Tripi were endorsed for Family Court Judge.

Deanne practiced as an attorney in Family court for 17 years, receiving numerous pro bono and lawyer awards as well as writing extensively on Family Law. She serves as Chair of the Young lawyer’s Committee and the High school Mock Trial Association of the Erie County Bar Association. She serves as an instructor teaching Family Law in continuing legal education courses. Deanne frequently acts as a legal guardian for the child advising the judge as the best Interests of the Child.

Mary served as an administrator at the Gow School for Dyslexia and learning disabilities. She has practiced exclusively in Family Court over the past decade. She talks about showing respect for all citizens who place their faith and trust in our judicial system. She shows genuine concern about the families appearing in Family court.  

Multiple highly reliable sources are telling NewWNYPolitics that former Buffalo FBI Chief Bernie Tolbert will or has already filed papers with the Erie County Board of Elections indicating his intention to run for the Democratic nomination for mayor this year. They say the deed wll be done by tomorrow at the latest, but the truth is that these sources were all WRONG!!!  There is no imminent Tolbert announcement, just bunch of dedicated rumor mongers!

Moving on to the county level, we are being told that, despite a whispering campaign to the contrary, Erie County Sheriff candidate Dick Dobson is STAYING IN THE RACE even if his opponent, Bert Dunn gets the Democratic Party endorsement.

“Dick is staying in the race all the way to victory in November and that's all there is to it,” a source very close to the Dobson campaign told us on Tuesday.

The Progressive Democrats of Cheektowaga, under Chairman Frank Max, will hold their annual Spring Brunch on Saturday, April 13 from 10am to noon at the Creekside Inn at William and Union in Cheektowaga. The donation is $40 per person and $70 for couples. Sponsorship levels are: $250, $500, and $1,000. Checks can be made out to: The Progressive Democrats of Cheektowaga; 50 Redoak Dr., Cheektowaga, NY 14227. For more information, call 480-4366.

PARTNERSHIP ENDORSES BYRON BROWN

FOR RE-ELECTION AS BUFFALO MAYOR

BUFFALO–The Buffalo Niagara Partnership today endorsed Byron W. Brown for re-election to a third term as Mayor of the City of Buffalo.

“Mayor Brown has proven himself to be a valuable, reliable, and continuous partner for Buffalo’s business development,” said Andrew J. Rudnick, president and CEO of the Buffalo Niagara Partnership. “This ‘early’ endorsement directly reflects our ongoing confidence in Byron Brown and what he can continue to accomplish going forward.”

Rudnick and Brown were joined by Tim Loftis, Partnership board chair and partner at Jaeckle Fleischmann & Mugel, LLP and Jonathan Dandes, chair of the Partnership’s Government Affairs Council and president of Rich Baseball Operations, to announce the endorsement at the Partnership’s offices.

“My administration has made job creation and economic development a major priority and thanks to our strong working relationship with the Buffalo Niagara Partnership, the City of Buffalo has $1.7 billion in economic development underway. I am grateful for the Partnership’s support and faith in my administration and for the progress we are making in Buffalo,” said Mayor Byron Brown

Brown and the Partnership have been close collaborators on economic development initiatives in the City of Buffalo. Since Brown took office in 2006, the city has seen more than $1.5 billion in development activity.

“Much of the city’s current momentum - on the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, riverfront, neighborhoods and in downtown’s core - is a direct result of our positive working relationship with Mayor Brown which we look forward to continuing in his third term,” said Rudnick.

In 2009, the Partnership provided Brown’s administration with staff expertise to reengineer the city’s economic development agencies and the mayor’s own office of strategic planning. In 2010, the Partnership was a principal broker in Mayor Brown’s landmark agreement for enhanced park services and funding to the Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy. Throughout 2011, the Partnership and Brown collaborated to make downtown Buffalo more competitive for private investment via the Buffalo Building Reuse Project. In 2012, the Partnership became a key partner in the city’s Hire Buffalo initiative, which encourages businesses to hire city residents.

“Byron Brown is the right person to continue as Mayor of Buffalo,” said Tim Loftis, Partnership board chair. “Over two terms, he clearly has earned this support from the region’s business community. The City of Buffalo is the heart of Buffalo Niagara, and we are committed to creating jobs and private investment in the city, to further that impact across our region.”

Some additional thoughts related to Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown's impressive announcement of candidacy presentation last Saturday. The event attracted 7out of 9 City Councilmembers, including Council President Rich Fontana and Councilmember David Rivera, neither of whom endorsed the Mayor for re-election in 2009. Rivera particularly had been thought to be a member of a competing Democratic Party faction. In fact, he is a Vice-Chairman of the Erie County Democratic Committee.

Rev. Darius Pridgen, also a Councilmember, would have come to show his support for Mayor Brown, but was out of town that day.

Assemblyman Mickey Kearns, the Mayor's 2009 Democratic primary opponent and Assemblyman Ryan, thought to be close to former Brown rival Sam Hoyt, sent reps to the event. In fact, some observers remarked that the Mayor might be the only candidate who could get Cong. Brian Higgins, Assemblyman Kearns and NYS Senator Tim Kennedy all on the same side.

Both Higgins and Kennedy were present at the Brown announcement.

Among other notables on hand was Erie County District Attorney Frank Sedita whose presence was a strong affirmation of Mayor Brown's public safety record and achievements over the past eight years

Also Tom and Mike Agostino from the Delaware Club in North Buffalo who both have strong ties to the Erie County Democratic Committee.

Finally, insiders are telling us that former NBA Security Chief Bernie Tolbert WILL announce his candidacy for Mayor sooner or later. They say he will do it on a timetable known only to him, for strategic reasons only he understands, and in a way of his own choosing...But he will do it...eventually.

Clearly, Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown's re-election announcement ceremony on Saturday at the Bennett W. Smith Family Life Center was highly impressive, both for the examples of progress the Mayor was able to cite in the city and also for the large crowd of over 400 that was on hand. Especially noteworthy was the presence of Cong. Brian Higgins. This guarantees the Mayor the backing of the very powerful pro Higgins operation, especially South Buffalo.

Yet another especially powerful presence was that of highly successful WNY businessman Jim Eagan.

Speaking of mayoral contenders, our sources are telling us that the claims of would be Republican City Hall candidate Sergio Rodgriguez to the effect that high ranking local Republicans have tried to get him out of the race, even supposedly offering inducements, are overblown at best. These highly reliable sources remind us that, as was pointed out in this space the other day, the local GOP won a County Sheriff's race in 2005 with Kevin Helfer running as the Republican nominee for mayor. Then there's the fact that Erie County Republicans elected a comptroller last year even as Barack Obama swept to a re-election victory in November as our first African-American President.

In view of this record of success, are WNY Republicans really supposed to be afraid of Sergio?

On the subject of exaggeration, some backers of New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo are crying foul over claims made by the Buffalo's News' Tom Precious and others that the Gov. somehow “blinked” by accepting an adjustment of the number of allowable rifle clips from seven to ten in his SAFE Act. They contend that this represents a minor adjustment at best in the law and that Andrew is contemplating no major changes in more substantial parts of the law such as universal background checks and the assault weapons ban itself.

Actually, the law's many fervent critics seem to agree since the clip change does not seem to have assuaged their indignation one bit.

Finally, whatever happened to those reports that County Legislator Lynn Marinelli was just about to resign to take over as county personnel commissioner as soon as current Personnel Commish John Greenan takes a big job with ECMC, which was supposed to be imminent? Whatever happened to that big job as county Real Estate head honcho that former County Comptroller Dave Shenk was supposed to have already accepted?

Do inquiring minds still want to know?

Is it true that the local GOP establishment doesn't want Republicans running against Dems in Buffalo for fear that this will drive Democratic voter turnout up in the city, thus hurting Republican candidates in county-wide races?...Many assume it is. However, one highly placed GOP source told NewWNYPolitics on Thursday that it just isn't true.

“Look, we won an Erie County Sheriff's race in 2005 despite the fact that Kevin Helfer was running as the Republican nominee for mayor against Byron Brown,” he points out. “Last year we won the county comptroller's race in a presidential year in which a Democratic President who is also an African-American was running for re-election! So why should we be afraid of someone like Sergio Rodriguez or any other Republican running for mayor of Buffalo in November?”

Speaking of the 2013 GOP nomination for mayor of Buffalo, we understand that another young Republican may be considering a run for that office. Imagine a Republican primary for mayor of the Queen City! It could happen if GOP activist Matthew Ricchiazzi decides to challenge already announced candidate Rodriguez in September.

Finally, in what could only be described as a desperation move to further increase the Democrats' party registration edge in Erie County, we understand that County Democratic Chairman Jeremy Zellner and his wife, Carrie Beggett-Zellner have successfully conspired to bring yet another local Democrat into the world, 10lb, 7 oz. Rory Joseph Zellner, who was born on March 20. We understand that Rory is planning to fill out his registration form as soon as he can. 

Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown will announce his candidacy for a third term at the Bennett W. Smith Family Life Center, 833 Michigan Ave. this coming Saturday. The doors open at 9am.

A number of observers are telling us that the battle over nominees to the Erie County Legislature between competing groups within the Democratic Party will probably come down to two races, those in the 7^th and 8^th districts. In the 7^th, former Cheektowaga Town Board Member Rick Zydel is mounting a strong challenge to Legislature Majority Leader Tom Mazur. Zydel, who has won elections that cover large parts of this far flung district in the past, will be a formidable contender who will use the gun issue against Mazur.

Mazur voted against the resolution in the county leg that asked the NYS Legislature to repeal Gov. Cuomo's Safe Act, which appears to be very unpopular in the district. (Mazur did vote for a resolution asking that the law be amended.) The result is that Zydel, an opponent of the Cuomo gun law, will be able to accuse Mazur of not being a dependable advocate of the views of the people of the 7^th. Most likely this will mean that the district's many pro gun activists could be mobilized to actively support Zydel with signs, get out the vote campaigns etc. Considering the impressive fervor with which these activists have promoted their views in the past, this could be a major factor in the race.

In the 8^th district, groups opposed to incumbent County Legislator Terry McCracken are supporting financial professional Wes Moore. A major private sector success, Moore will be able to make the argument that what the Legislature needs is a successful businessman who will apply sound business principles to the county budget, not the re-election of another professional politician.

Both campaigns will be hard fought, with the future of the local Democratic Party hanging in the balance. 

Highly reliable sources are telling NewWNYPolitics that successful WNY businessman Jim Eagan is close to taking on a major role in the campaign of Erie County Sheriff candidate Dick Dobson. If he does so, Eagan's participation would clearly represent a major boost to the Dobson candidacy both financially and in terms of political organization and leadership.

Former Cheektowaga Town Board Member Rick Zydel announced his candidacy for the Democratic nomination for the county legislature seat currently held by Tom Mazur on Tuesday night, pledging to offer “better representation” to the people of the 7^th district.

“I want to use the experience I gained from serving five years on the Cheektowaga Town Board to be a better advocate for the people of this district,” Zydel told NewWNYPolitics shortly after his announcement. “Right now I don't think they are being represented well. I like Tom Mazur. I consider him a friend. But, for example, he supports Gov. Cuomo's gun legislation, which most residents of this district don't. I support Gov. Cuomo, but I feel that this bill was not well thought out. It actually hurts the law abiding citizen, not the criminal.”

Zydel added that he has found that most residents of the district, especially in South Buffalo,  don't even know who their county legislator is. He pledges to change that if elected.

Rick Zydel, who is of Polish, German, and Irish descent, addressed a packed crowd when he made his announcement that included Cheektowaga Democratic Chairman Frank Max, Town Board Members Jim Rogowski and Charley Markel, and Town Board candidate Tim Miers.