Would you rather focus on the prospect for federal bailout funding arriving to Yonkers? Certainly not! Let’s prepare to relish in the blood letting antics of the candidates planning to consume us in their public debauchery. Those lucky enough among us might even consider assisting in the duplicity, skullduggery, and most of all, the back-stabbing antics of each of the protagonists.
As economic constraints grab each household by the scruff of their necks, is there a more propitious time than now to bring up the prospect of rescinding term limits? The public said, “No!” Councilmember Dee Barbato didn’t hear us the first timeor the second time. Neither did Minority Leader Liam McLaughlin. Majority Leader Sandy Annabi evidently didn’t get the memo. Initially encouraged by Mayor Phil Amicone, the political stew cooked up in Barbato’s kitchen has produced a heady fragrance of deceit. Truth be told, Yonkers cannot afford four more years of any one of them. Mayor Amicone evidently agrees, preferring to shrink from his initial support for rescinding term limits to backing yet to be divulged candidates for specific elected offices. These publicly ordained “has beens” have seen their day; it is time for each one of them to move on.
The issue has divided the Yonkers City Council. If Barbato, McLaughlin, and Annabi had their druthers, they would prefer to rescind term limits so that they may have the opportunity to serve another four years. Opposed to rescinding term limits are Councilmembers John Murtagh, Joan, Gronowski, and Patrica McDow. The swing vote resides with Council President Chuck Lesnick.
Speaking behind closed doors, Lesnick supports rescinding term limits. His rationale is self-serving. By supporting the rescinding of term limits initiative, Lesnick would relieve himself of a possible adversary in Barbato challenging him for the Yonkers City Council President seat.
Annabi and McLaughlin have yet to show their political hand. Suffice it to say they would prefer to stay put. In the end, they will be forced to move on.
The prospect for the political parties robbing the public of choice by resorting to and resurrecting their non-aggression pact tactics is a deflecting prospect.
The public be damned by their elected officials who would attempt to overturn their mandate to impose term limits and the public be damned by the self-serving agendas of the political parties who operate within Yonkers borders for their respective party, all too often unconcerned about serving the public good.
Next: Economic Decay and Potential Economic Stimulus Package - Part 2
