(The term “white paper” has also come to refer to documents used by politicians as marketing tool for campaigning. These types of white papers are almost always marketing communications documents designed to promote a specific candidates solutions or policy. As a marketing tool, these papers will highlight information favourable to the candidate authorizing or sponsoring the paper. Such white papers are often used to generate support, establish leadership, make a business/government case, or to educate the electorate.)

In the “White Paper” posted above by Ms Rogers, her use of the term “collective” is soon turned into “I” did, “I am,” “I this,” “I that” resume for her presumed run for Ellicott District Council. Who she runs against is too early to say, but it’s going to be a very heated and tough run for anyone.

Maybe the Mayor and his stooges will enlist the strategic and financial assistance of former ECDem Chair Steve Pigeon, who brings with him “Daddy Big Bucks” Golisano, and a host of other political miscreants to help/manage her campaign. I can see the Hoyt/Kavanaugh race debacle all over again. I say, go for it, sell your soul, girl. Make your friends proud.

To me, it seems ironic that I am on the viewing screen here while there are others whose motivation I would question, myself.

I was hired by a gentleman I got to know through serving on the Citizen’s Planning Council – and that was an appointment – through the Common Council. In this decision regarding my hiring (which, by the way, is not under BMHA), my background in Housing, multiple dwelling law, research of Housing Law and other experience in reengineering systems and operations played heartily in my obtaining the position. In his due diligence, the manager took references from approximately five or six individuals. Two of these knew of my work with Housing Court from my efforts in working with the Law Department and the Common Council and other departments and responded in kind. The rest were personal references.

The oddest thing I find in all of this discourse is the fact that I have considered a run but have yet to determine if I want to. I have tremendous support and urging from the Lower West Side and also a number of folks living in the Fruitbelt and the Northampton/Jefferson area of the East Side. The same East Side folks I have been working with on various issues for approximately five years and the same West Side folks I have worked with for eight years.

So, you tell me, if I haven’t announced except for an interest in a possible run, why the severe attacks? It makes no sense to me. A friend recently commented that it seems I need to be “put away” before anyone else feels they have a chance. I can’t exactly see that. Never thought of myself as such a threat.

As far as my statement from 2008 when I wrote that I believe Byron Brown is a good mayor, well my response is the same. We have lower crime and have had so many more Clean Sweeps through Citizen Services and comandeered by Nicole Drye; when people ask for meetings with the mayor or his staff they get seen; neighborhoods are changing – maybe not all – but the ones that take the bull by the horn do; all these things have allowed many of my neighbors and me to say, Yeah, Brown seems to have addressed issues that have languished for many years.

If people are not allowed to have faith and are critiqued for having that faith under the cover of being bought and paid for, we’ll never rise above the crap that causes Buffalo to endlessly slide into oblivion. Do I agree with every thing the city and its current administration does? A flat “no” is my answer. But, at least we’re out there trying to establish constructive dialogue in order to assue the voices are heard that need to be.

Just recently four of my neighbors met personally with the mayor and some of his staff regarding what we percieve as inequitable property assessments, providing essential feedback and ideas for our future. We did not agree with the way the assessments were done and, instead of allowiing the status quo and bitching about it on a website, proactivity reigned and we went to the source to open discussion and provide our ideas. And, guess why I couldn’t attend – I had to work, something I do every day.

We have taken two properties in our neighborhood and turned them from vacant herois sales sites to owner occupied homes. We have fought irresponsible businesses and developed a district-wide citizens deli task force. We knew we weren’t getting answers from our Councilmember regarding the deli issues and rooming house issues and sent direct communication to all other councilmembers and spoke at open council meetings BEFORE anyone else even cared to become involved. We’ve researched the law and worked with the city to revamp Chapter 269 of the City Charter. This was all done by an all-volunteer group of citizens who really care about and are passionate about their city. When the city or an official gets in the way, we turn the page on the atlas and find another route. If we go underground, we go underground. But, we never give up.

Yeah, I have a few good ideas to make the Ellicott District better and more constituent-inclusive. But, why bring that into the equation? Might make too much sense and blow these errant theories right out the window.

To attempt to derail an individual or group during a political fray, even before the position is open makes one wonder what really is up. Easier to slap the crap against the wall and see what sticks than use common sense approaches and due diligence. Nope, I, personally, would like to go through the proper channels and, if that fails, go through the overt exercizes when the time is right.

So, I still haven’t made up my mind, but this whole process has really given me time for great pause and meditation. I’m no puppet to anything or anyone and I’ll be damned if I would be if I were to run. But, that’s not what No Joke/better buffalo/csense/nickel city and or a few other monickers this individual has used to attempt to derail a run that hasn’t yet been announced wants to hear. Actually, if this is politics, we certainly do not live in a country that is free and it most certainly shows why so many good people aren’t in community/public service.

It is both distracting & hypocritical for anonymous posters to repeatedly attack posters ethical enough to use their real names.

Whatever Marilyn Rodgers’ “political” motivation, she has repeatedly done important community work & taken personal responsibility for her words & actions.

Here is helpful information she posted on SpeakUpWNY about what the Common Council should do about the Brian Davis atrocities.

Concerned citizens should pressure the Council to take action authorized in the City Charter . . . & take further action to address obvious ‘ethics & accountability’ vacuum in city govt.

And pressure the Comptroller’s “Fraud, Waste & Abuse” officer to do finally something . . even when it may be polically risky.

COPY: (posted by Marilyn Rodgers)

http://www.speakupwny.com/forums/showthread.php?p=479923#post479923

City Charter – Article 3 – Common Council

——————————————————————————–

3-11. Rules of Procedure.
The council shall determine the rules of its own proceedings; shall keep a journal of its proceedings; shall have authority to compel the attendance of absent members and to punish its members for disorderly behavior and suspend any member with the concurrence of two-thirds of the council
members present.

Isn’t it about time that we first focus on getting Davis out and then focus on helping our community?

Better buffalo

When will Davis Go?

WHO’S COACHING …Davis??

——————————————————————————–

Brian Davis And The Art Of The “Non Denial Denial”
Written by Glenn Gramigna, Editor
DAVIS FACE BOOK RANT OFFERS SKILLFUL VACATION FROM FACTS, ACCORDING TO SOURCE

According to a reliable source, the recent Brian Davis rant in Facebook represents a skillful contribution to the art of what he calls, “the non-denial denial,” first pioneered by another beleagured politician, former US President Richard M. Nixon.

“It’s a tried and true tactic,” he declares. “When faced with accusations of ethical lapses which you can’t’ refute, you issue a general denial such as Davis calling the recent News story about him “filled with slander”, without taking up any of the accusations in particular….That way, you never have to answer for what you have done. Then you try to change the subject to get the reader’s attention off the substance of the charges. Hey, it almost worked for Tricky Dick, why shouldn’t it work for Brian?”

Speaking for himself, however, our source isn’t buying it for a minute.

“Of course, Davis takes plenty of time to attempt to organize a boycott of the News,” he explains, “but none to refute any of the allegations, which involve everything from multiple legally documented cases in which he has been sanctioned for not paying his bills to revelations that he tried to use his influence to get a known drug dealer out of jail. Did he really do these things? Did he really stiff numerous deli owners by passing rubber checks? Instead of responding to any of these accusations, Davis hides behind a generality, just like Nixon and his Vice President, Spiro Agnew did before they were forced to face their evil deeds.”

Our guy especially appreciates what he feels is Davis’ pitiful attempt to use his children to dodge the change that he is a “deadbeat.”

“Davis condemns the News’ attempt to ‘put (him) off as a deadbeat’ and then goes into a rant about how much he loves his children,” our know it all explains. “But, the charges have nothing to do with being a ‘deadbeat dad’ and definitely nothing to do with how much or how little he loves his kids. So clearly this is an attempt by Davis to emotionally anipulate his readers into allowing him to change the subject from his own misdeeds, by blatantly trying to exploit his own kids!”

As for Davis’s playing of the race card?

“Once again, Davis is using the classic Nixonian tactic of trying to change the subject, rather than face the facts,” our guy adds. “Naturally, he has done nothing wrong. The problem is that everyone is a racist but him…Instead of trying to blame everyone else in the world for his problems, maybe it’s time for him to look in the mirror.”

As for Davis’ choice of tactics, our expert can’t help but admire the Councilman’s nerve.

“Nixon and Agnew would be proud,” he concludes.

It really wasn’t an accusation. I heard that Blasdell already was working on the noise ordinance issue and also a couple of years ago had heard from someone that actually posted here today that he lived in Blasdell. I thought that, maybe, there was a connection as a citizen of Blasdell and their ordinance.

I like Dave, we have some items we totally agree on. I appreciate his candor and support for Deli Legislation and Common Council approval of renewals. And, although the perception is that the Common Council is split between the two factions, I love working with my councilmember and many of the other seven besides David and Brian.

You see, collectively, we can get a helluva a lot done. I used to be very politically active then a friend of mine and I had a falling out due to different sides. That’s not what the US is based on, just what it has become.

As far as Kavanaugh vs. Hoyt, that’s my choice, not yours, not even a family member. My son’s a Republican, something my ex-husband and I still cannot understand – maybe a recessive gene, but I still love him. He has a right to his opinion as I do mine.

What’s wrong with believing in something? Without labels, without political affiliation? I BELIEVE Byron Brown is a great mayor. You can disagree, you can even laugh or call me stupid, but just because I BELIEVE in what he has done is no reason to do so or slam me or others like me. I don’t have to be politically connected to believe, just willing to work with and find solutions. If someone gives me lip-service and does nothing – then I’m outta there. The belief is gone like a wisp of smoke.
__________________

Apparently after a year of lip service, Rodgers was not “outta there….like a wisp of smoke”…… more BS behind closed doors….. And I had hopes…..

But back room divisions and silent conversations while playing Hamlet are not what we need…..

Again, What about the woman who could be any of our grandmothers looking through her change purse to see if she had enough money simply to feed herself and the damage that Davis has done.

Okay, I’m willing to let people know who I am – but you are still hiding behind your veil – my responses in BOLD.

And then this by the respondent

I take it back, you’re a natural. You only answered one thing. You’d be a great pol. You got the no answer thingy down pat.

Let’s try a second time maybe you can answer the questions and not go around in a circle…..

1) I’ll agree with you on the tragic part. After considering the fact that the mayor knew and did nothing about it, it is tragic. Buffalo now has to deal with an outgoing lame councilmember and an incumbent lame mayor.

2) Again, are you or are you not an activist? Maybe you are a part-time activist depending on the mayor’s wishes. Nonetheless, where were you in the last year? Where was the press conference, the acknowledgment on this site or even a tiny weeny e-mail to someone other than your little group that Davis was languishing his responsibilities?

How scared are you that will find a support letter or event where you backed Davis in the last year?

3) Apology for a long response? Who requested a response by the West Village Renaissance Group?

4) How will you remain neutral (objective) in light of your current position and utter loyalty to the mayor? It’s not as if you claimed that he might or could be a good mayor, you claimed that he is a GREAT mayor. How do you represent you constituency with starting off with the wrong foot.

You said maybe, I heard otherwise. Will you not accept money and support from the mayor?

5) Will you admit that the mayor gave you the job? Simple really, yes or no.

6) Your lame attempt to answer your Blasdell statement on Dave is comical. I really don’t care if you ever try to explain yourself, it would just be a lie anyway.

PS – I do not play a “community activist” or pretend to one day run for office.

Better buffalo

Let’s not be ignorant here, the Mayor knew of Brian’s transgressions. This has been going on for some time. Of course he didn’t acknowledge it, he needs the vote on the council. He could care less of Brian as long as he can get that vote via some lackey, aka Marilyn Rodgers or some other turd ball.

I’m not going on a support mission here but at least Tresavant (spelling) and McIntyre aren’t bought and paid for by the second floor. Smooth sounds like a good candidate too.

Better buffalo

Whaaat? Saddened? Somebody die? Tragic? One would have to fall from heroic grace, are you saying Brian Davis actually accomplished something? Oh you probably mean being the mayor’s piss boy on the council.

So for one year your group had problems w/Brian Davis but this is first mention of it, How thoughtful of you. Maybe it could be the close relations between the Mayor and Brian? You aren’t so independent after all, must look out for the guy on the second floor. So you’re an activist and you wait one year to notify anybody, I’m assuming (actually know) you’re not so good at it.

So is this all an attempt by Marilyn Rodgers to maybe take a stab at a possible run. Our Apologies? Really, for what? MerlJ please ask Marilyn to say it ain’t so. Tell us how she will remain an objective councilmember after admitting that she feels Byron is a great mayor.

http://www.speakupwny.com/forums/sho…7&postcount=37

…and that she took a position from the mayor, via BMHA. Will she admit that the Mayor actually spoke to her about taking the job?

…or how Marilyn tried to create doubt about Dave Franczyk’s residency, Blasdell. Is this the make up of a councilmember?