“Government’s view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it”-Ronald Reagan
What happened earlier today in Washington, DC is a really shameful, mindboggling mess. When I listened to the Speaker of the House, her voice dripping with honey- coated sincerity, wrapping herself in honoring what America is, describing America as a Democracy while America is a Republic. In a republic, the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights, prohibits the government from limiting or taking away certain “inalienable” rights of the people, even when the government is voted for by a majority of the people. In democracies, those elected have almost limitless power over the minority (think Venezuela). This explains why Ms. Pelosi believes America is a democracy (trying to convince Americans that she knows best), while we know America as a Republic that places the Constitution and Bill of Rights as laid out by our Founding Fathers to limit the role of government. Eventually every elected official must and will answer to the people who placed them in office, hopefully it will not be by a kangaroo court.
Those who think America is a pure democracy do not only serve on the federal level. New York is now in the hands of Governor Andrew Cuomo and he also thinks and acts like New York is a democracy. Political theater: Public Financing Commission overshadowed by party politics. Lucky for us, New York is part of the United States and is subject to the laws of the land. Thus, we are in court to remind everyone in government that we are not a pure democracy.
Normally when a conservative hears the words “sanctuary city” their blood pressure rises a bit because of the lack of respect for the US Constitution, however, these “sanctuary cites for the unborn” will cheer your heart.
Statement by Conservative Party Chairman Gerard Kassar
October, 29, 2019
Note: New York State Conservative Party Vice Chairman and Erie County Chairman Ralph Lorigo today revealed at a meeting of Governor Andrew Cuomo’s Public Finance Commission in Buffalo that Commission members never took an Oath of Office which is required of them by State Law within 30 days of their appointment (30 days is long past.) As a result, all previous Commission business is legally impermissible (documentation below.) This is yet another embarrassing blow to Mr. Cuomo’s Commission.
“Andrew Cuomo’s commission to exact revenge on political foes is now officially a disaster. It’s been obvious since the commission was authorized by the state budget that this slapstick assemblage was all about Mr. Cuomo’s political grudges and nothing to do with public policy or sentiment. Today we learned that his commissioners, including State Democratic Party boss Jay Jacobs, were so rushed to do Mr. Cuomo’s bidding that they failed to even take an Oath of Office, a strict requirement of New York State law. What an incredible waste of money: All of the commission’s previous votes, hearings, and activities have now been rendered null and void. Mr. Cuomo should shut down this charade before it becomes even more embarrassing and stop interfering with state Election Law that is the express purview of the duly elected Legislature.” — Gerard Kassar
The Washington Post changes Baghdadi Obit headline to read “Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, extremist leader of Islamic State, dies at 48” after backlash. The original full obit headline read: Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, austere religious scholar at helm of Islamic State, dies at 48.” The NY Post editorial hit the nail on the head; Rot in Hell, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. Is there any wonder why people have lost their trust in journalism?
60 Minutes showed last night, that the myth of making marijuana legal will end the black market and produce lots of tax revenues isn’t true, in fact, the black market is stronger than ever in California and tax revenues are far less than promised.
Let me begin this week’s wrap up with a very sincere thank you to all who attended our 2019 Fall Reception held last night in Manhattan. The Conservative Party exists because you make it possible with your financial support.
Those in attendance had the opportunity to hear from a republican rising star: Lt. Gov. Jeannette Nuñez, who gave a rousing speech that certainly invigorated the already energized crowd. Lt. Gov. Nuñez, whose husband is a native New Yorker, relates to the problems we have with our Mayor being tone deaf, when she recalled how he praised Che Guevara in Miami (a strong hold of Cubans who escaped from the Cuban Revolution) while campaigning for president. Her genuine warmth and connection with those present explains why her star is rising.
I was especially happy to see Chairman Emeritus Mike Long along with Governor George E. Pataki who also wowed the crowd. You know he made a difference in New York when two of the bartenders’ present asked to have their picture taken with him. They were so excited when Gov. Pataki stood with them while many recorded the moment.
Every Conservative Party event is distinct, last night continued the tradition with Lt. Gov. Jeannette Nuñez and Governor George E. Pataki, Chairman Emeritus Mike Long, the many elected officials who traveled from near and far and most of all to those who make it possible for us to continue our work.
ATTORNEY GENERAL OPENS CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION INTO RUSSIAGATE’S ORIGINS
The hammer might be getting ready to fall on the government officials who have waged a coup against President Donald Trump, as Attorney General William Barr has announced that a criminal investigation regarding the origins of the Russian collusion investigation is underway.
U.S. Attorney John Durham has led the probe into the origins of the Russian collusion investigation, and it was revealed yesterday that the probe has become a criminal investigation. This suggests that evidence has been found that serious wrongdoing was committed by federal officials as they attempted to railroad President Trump and undo the results of the 2016 presidential election.
DOJ Inspector General Michael Horowitz will be releasing a report on the FBI’s surveillance on Trump in the near future that is likely to show evidence of serious criminal acts. Democratic Party leaders, who have promulgated a scandal regarding Trump and Ukraine out of whole cloth in recent weeks, are already crying foul as they worry about the bombshell revelations that may emerge.
“These reports, if true, raise profound new concerns that the Department of Justice under AG Barr has lost its independence and become a vehicle for President Trump’s political revenge,” House Judiciary chairman Jerry Nadler (D-NY) and House Intelligence Committee chairman Adam Schiff (D-CA) said in a joint statement.
“If the Department of Justice may be used as a tool of political retribution, or to help the President with a political narrative for the next election, the rule of law will suffer new and irreparable damage,” they added.
After replacing Jeff Sessions as Attorney General, Barr is showing what can be accomplished with a man willing to use his power to fight back against institutional corruption.
GOV. CUOMO TAKES A BEATING ON GAS SHORTAGE, ROAD FUNDING WOES
Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s bureaucratic incompetence bubbled to the surface yet again this week, as a gas shortage and road funding woes have put the Democrat’s mismanagement on full display.
“Work also continues on a detailed engineering design report which I will share with you in the coming weeks, but in the interim, it has become abundantly clear from an engineering perspective that the underlying concrete base is in far worse condition than we had anticipated,” Driscoll explained.
Cuomo, of course, passed the buck and blamed the Seneca Nation for the delays on the N.Y.S Thruway. Unfortunately for New York residents, they will inevitably have to pay higher tolls to pay for Cuomo’s poor leadership.
He also weaved some ridiculous conspiracy theories in a letter addressed to Public Service Commission John Rhodes in order to shift the blame regarding a Long Island natural gas shortage as well.
“The fact that National Grid has consumers in a position whereby National Grid gets what it wants or consumers are punished is unconscionable. A utility does not have license to harm customers because it believes it has an irrevocable franchise and is immune from effective regulatory oversight. I will not allow that situation to continue,” Cuomo wrote.
However, the gas shortage is happening because one of Cuomo’s agencies blocked a key pipeline over phony environmental concerns. Cuomo’s unwillingness to take any accountability for the decisions made under his own regime show why his popularity ratings are beginning to fall among New Yorkers fed up with the aggressive nanny stater.
While this article is a year old, it is still will worth the read. My personal favorite quote is the 6th one down beginning with “Those who seek absolute power, even though they seek it to do what they regard as good, are simply demanding the right to enforce their own version of heaven on earth…”
The Tax Foundation released its 2020 state business climate index, and unfortunately, NYS is winning the race to the bottom again. Governor Cuomo, despite all the economic accolades from your press office about how great our economy is, this analysis shows that New York is not heading in the right direction.
Ken Girardin explains in his Empire Center column how Gov. Cuomo makes case against PLAs.
George J. Marlin opines on the need to keep fusion voting in New York.
The Ulster County District Attorney issued a press release on October 7, 2019 on the Bail Reform Bill. Please read it through to understand the problems New York is facing and will continue to face under total democrat control of the Executive and Legislative Branches of government. Is this what we want for New York State? Or is this the reason why New Yorkers are fleeing New York. Unfortunately, not everyone is in the position to move out of state, so those of us who are left must do all we can to regain control of our government.
As we tweeted (@cpnys) on Saturday: Gov Cuomo, now would be a good time to reconsider your bill that allows abortion through the 9th month that you signed with such fanfare last January. Cuomo huddles with Catholic leaders to honor Mother Cabrini.
CONSERVATIVE PARTY FALL RECEPTION TO TAKE PLACE THIS COMING THURSDAY
The 2019 Conservative Party of New York fall reception will take place on Oct. 24 and feature a keynote speech from Jeanette Nuñez, the Lt. Governor of Florida. It will also feature a celebration of the 25th anniversary of New York Governor George Pataki’s historic electoral victory.
“Jeanette M. Nuñez was born and raised in Miami, Florida. She was elected as Florida’s First Hispanic Female Lieutenant Governor of Florida in 2018. She previously served as a State Representative of the Florida House of Representatives from 2010 to 2018 and was named Speaker Pro Tempore from 2016 to 2018,” the keynote speaker’s bio reads.
Nuñez is a rising star in the Republican Party, serving under Gov. Ron DeSantis in Florida. Gov. DeSantis is a favorite of President Donald Trump, and he has risen to become one of the most conservative heads of state in the entire nation following his electoral victory last year.
“If he was doing a lousy job, I probably wouldn’t have shown up today. But he is doing one of the best jobs in the whole country — Ron DeSantis,” President Trump said during a rally earlier this month.
The event will also honor former Governor George E. Pataki, who was the last Republican elected to lead the state of New York. He defeated Mario Cuomo, the father of the current New York Governor, and served three terms in office from 1995-2006.
Pataki’s valiant leadership helped New York get through the attacks of 9/11, as he and America’s Mayor Rudy Giuliani set an example for strength in the face of tremendous national adversity. He will be honored during the event.
Tickets are still on sale. The event takes place on Thursday, Oct. 24 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel New York Ballroom on the 3rd floor. The address is 811 7th Avenue (between 52nd & 53rd Streets), New York, NY 10019. Please R.S.V.P. as soon as possible. For additional information, you may call 718-921-2158.
You can buy tickets online as well at this link. Don’t miss this incredible event to have a great time with like-minded folks and support the conservative movement in the Empire State!
CONSERVATIVE PARTY POSITIONS ON NEW YORK CITY 2019 BALLOT PROPOSALS
On Proposal 1, the Conservative Party believes that each portion of this proposed amendment should be a separate proposal. It should be noted that in the past, the ranking system was used in NYC School Board elections which created confusion and lent itself to fraud, therefore a NO vote is strongly recommended.
On Proposal 2, the Conservative Party is opposed to the CCRB and believes that each of these proposed changes to the Civilian Complaint Review Board only further empowers it, therefore a NO vote is recommended.
On Proposal 3, the Conservative Party believes that some of these proposals contained in this initiative have merit and should be adopted, however, it also includes that the citywide director of the Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprise program report directly to the Mayor and be supported by a mayoral office of M/WBE’s and therefore we recommend a NO vote on this proposal.
On Proposal 4, the Conservative Party supports the idea of a “rainy-day fund,” however, to establish a minimum budget for the office of Public Advocate and Borough President eliminates the need to find ways to streamline and cut expenses, we therefore recommend a NO vote on this proposal.
On Proposal 5, the Conservative Party supports government transparency and therefore recommends a YES vote on this proposal.
GOV. CUOMO CONTINUES HIS ATTACK ON THIRD PARTIES IN NEW YORK
Gov. Andrew Cuomo is waging war on influential third parties in the state of New York, making an appointment to his nine-person panel that is reforming state campaign laws that is a long-time opponent of Fusion Voting.
Fusion Voting allows Republican and Democratic candidates to appear as third-party candidates in certain situations. This keeps the major parties honest and more accountable to their bases. Cuomo appointed Jay Jacobs, who serves as chairman for the Nassau County and state Democratic parties, on the new bureaucratic board.
It is widely believed that Jacobs, who has waged war against Fusion Voting for years, is going to serve as Cuomo’s henchman to do the hit on third parties after Cuomo was angered by the left-wing Working Families Party endorsing his primary opponent Cynthia Nixon in last year’s election.
“It looks pretty obvious to me what’s going on here,” said New York State Conservative Party Chairman Jerry Kassar in a press release.
“Governor Cuomo is furious at the Working Families Party for endorsing Cynthia Nixon instead of him for governor in 2018, so his legislative mechanics cooked up a way to let his handpicked Democratic Chairman put a shiv between the third and fourth ribs of the WFP. Thankfully, though, the plot is unraveling as members of the public and news media are catching onto what they’re up to,” Kassar added.
Cuomo, of course, is denying that he is conspiring to consolidate power with his new commission.
“Yeah, I know — and people think there’s still a Santa Claus, and people believe in the Easter bunny,” he said when he was questioned about his motives during a September radio interview.
The Conservative Party, Working Families Party, and Republican Party are filing lawsuits in an attempt to prevent Cuomo’s attacks on Fusion Voting with his bureaucrat coup attempt.
“New York’s third parties, whether they be progressive or conservative, foster crucially important debate in New York and serve as incubators of ideas,” Chairman Kassar said. “We should be promoting as much free speech and political diversity in New York as possible, not working cynically to repress it. What Governor Cuomo and Chairman Jacobs are saying simply doesn’t pass the laugh test. They need to come clean about what they’re up to.”
Proposal # 1: This proposal seeks to eliminate the separate run-off primary elections for Mayor, Public Advocate, and Comptroller (by a convoluted system based on ranking your choice and eliminating the candidate with the lowest vote until a candidate has the majority); Extend the time period between the occurrence of a vacancy in an elected City office and when a special election must be held to fill that vacancy. Special elections would generally be held 80 days after the vacancy occurs, instead of 45 days (for Public Advocate, Comptroller, Borough Presidents, and Council Members) or 60 days (for Mayor); and Adjust the timeline of the process for drawing City Council district boundaries so that it is completed before City Council candidates start gathering petition signatures to appear on the ballot for the next primary elections. This process occurs every ten years. The Conservative Party believes that each portion of this proposed amendment should be a separate proposal. It should be noted that in the past, the ranking system was used in NYC School Board elections which created confusion and lent itself to fraud, therefore a NO vote is strongly recommended.
The Conservative Party recommends a NO vote on Proposal # 1.
Proposal # 2: This proposal seeks to increase the size of the Civilian Complaint Review Board (CCRB) from 13 to 15 members by adding one member appointed by the Public Advocate and adding one member jointly appointed by the Mayor and Speaker of the Council who would serve as chair, and to provide that the Council directly appoint its CCRB members rather than designate them for the Mayor’s consideration and appointment; Require that the CCRB’s annual personnel budget be high enough to fund a CCRB employee headcount equal to 0.65% of the Police Department’s uniformed officer headcount, unless the Mayor makes a written determination that fiscal necessity requires a lower budget amount; Require that the Police Commissioner provide the CCRB with a written explanation when the Police Commissioner intends to depart or has departed from discipline recommended by the CCRB or by the Police Department Deputy (or Assistant Deputy) Commissioner for Trials; Allow the CCRB to investigate the truthfulness of any material statement that is made within the course of the CCRB’s investigation or resolution of a complaint by a police officer who is the subject of that complaint, and recommend discipline against the police officer where appropriate; and Allow the CCRB members, by a majority vote, to delegate the board’s power to issue and seek enforcement of subpoenas to compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of records for its investigations to the CCRB Executive Director. Increase the size of the Civilian Complaint Review Board (CCRB) from 13 to 15 members by adding one member appointed by the Public Advocate and adding one member jointly appointed by the Mayor and Speaker of the Council who would serve as chair, and to provide that the Council directly appoint its CCRB members rather than designate them for the Mayor’s consideration and appointment; Require that the CCRB’s annual personnel budget be high enough to fund a CCRB employee headcount equal to 0.65% of the Police Department’s uniformed officer headcount, unless the Mayor makes a written determination that fiscal necessity requires a lower budget amount; Require that the Police Commissioner provide the CCRB with a written explanation when the Police Commissioner intends to depart or has departed from discipline recommended by the CCRB or by the Police Department Deputy (or Assistant Deputy) Commissioner for Trials; Allow the CCRB to investigate the truthfulness of any material statement that is made within the course of the CCRB’s investigation or resolution of a complaint by a police officer who is the subject of that complaint, and recommend discipline against the police officer where appropriate; and Allow the CCRB members, by a majority vote, to delegate the board’s power to issue and seek enforcement of subpoenas to compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of records for its investigations to the CCRB Executive Director. The Conservative Party is opposed to the CCRB and believes that each of these proposed changes to the Civilian Complaint Review Board only further empowers it, therefore a NO vote is recommended.
The Conservative Party recommends a NO vote on Proposal # 2.
Proposal # 3: This proposal would amend the City Charter to: Prohibit City elected officials and senior appointed officials from appearing before the agency (or, in certain cases, the branch of government) they served in for two years after they leave City service, instead of the current one year. The proposed change would be applicable to persons who leave elected office or City employment after January 1, 2022; Change the membership of the Conflicts of Interest Board (COIB) by replacing two of the members currently appointed by the Mayor with one member appointed by the Comptroller and one member appointed by the Public Advocate; Prohibit members of the COIB from participating in campaigns for local elected office, and reduce the maximum amount of money that members can contribute in each election cycle to the amounts that candidates can receive from those doing business with the City ($400 or less, depending on the office); Require that the citywide director of the Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (M/WBE) program report directly to the Mayor and require further that such director be supported by a mayoral office of M/WBEs; and Require that the City’s Corporation Counsel, currently appointed by the Mayor, also be approved by the City Council. The Conservative Party believes that some of these proposals have merit and should be adopted, however, it also includes that the citywide director of the Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprise program report directly to the Mayor and be supported by a mayoral office of M/WBE’s and therefore we recommend a NO vote on this proposal.
The Conservative Party recommends a NO vote on Proposal # 3.
Proposal # 4: This proposal seeks to amend the City Charter to: Allow the City to use a revenue stabilization fund, or “rainy day fund,” to save money for use in future years, such as to address unexpected financial hardships. Changes to State law will also be needed for this rainy-day fund to be usable; Set minimum budgets for the Public Advocate and Borough Presidents. The budget for each office would be at least as high as its Fiscal Year 2020 budget adjusted annually by the lesser of the inflation rate or the percentage change in the City’s total expense budget (excluding certain components), unless the Mayor determines that a lower budget is fiscally necessary; Require the Mayor to submit a non-property tax revenue estimate to the City Council by April 26 (instead of June 5). The Mayor may submit an updated estimate after that date, but must explain why the updated estimate was fiscally necessary if the update is submitted after May 25; and Require that, when the Mayor makes changes to the City’s financial plan that would require a budget modification to implement, the proposed budget modification shall be submitted to the Council within 30 days. The Conservative Party supports the idea of a “rainy-day fund,” however, to establish a minimum budget for the office of Public Advocate and Borough President eliminates the need to find ways to streamline and cut expenses, we therefore recommend a NO vote on this proposal.
The Conservative Party recommends a NO vote on Proposal # 4.
Proposal # 5: This proposal seeks to amend the City Charter to: For projects subject to the Uniform Land Use Review Procedure (ULURP), require the Department of City Planning (DCP) to transmit a detailed project summary to the affected Borough President, Borough Board, and Community Board at least 30 days before the application is certified for public review, and to post that summary on its website; and Provide Community Boards with additional time to review ULURP applications certified for public review by DCP between June 1 and July 15, from the current 60-day review period to 90 days for applications certified in June, and to 75 days for applications certified between July 1 and July 15. The Conservative Party supports government transparency and therefore recommends a YES vote on this proposal.
The Conservative Party recommends a YES vote on Proposal # 5.
