SHEEPSHEAD BAY'S ONLY INDEPENDENT NEWS BLOG

As long as everything posted is confirmed fact and not rumor or falsehood I’m ok with it.

While its intent is serious the whimsical approach will have the effect of drawing the curious. With little more than a month before Election Day this site should galvanize Gene Berardelli’s campaign.

I’m sure we shall be hearing from the web-savvy councilman here today.

As many of the articles on the site are recaps of linked articles from other sites authorship is not important.

Needless to say, they may be given information from a party that wishes anonymity. The campaign, if they wish to use this information, must take responsibility for its public disclosure. In essence, if they are the original source, they will.

By extension, the ultimate responsibility lies with the site owner, who acts as editor. A disclosure on the front page would be the ethical thing to do.

Sadly, not everyone in southern Brooklyn reads Sheepshead Bites. (at least not yet)

Arthur: At this point, all that has been published is synopses of articles already on the internet – many of which the Councilman has responded to in the past. All my campaign did is put them all in one place with links to the source.

If any content is generated by writers on the site, I stand behind it, and demand source materials and facts to be cited.

Lisanne: Great suggestion. I will put such a disclosure on the front page as suggested once I get a chance to log back into the site.

Frankly, posting the articles without the truth attached to it is utterly irresponmsible. Disseminating in this manner is almost beneath contempt.

I would welcome a campaign on facts and on issues, but clearly this website does not do that.

For example, the notion that I am some kind of millionaire is patently absurd, and Gene, you acknowledged it when we spoke the last time you posted something like that.

I am sure that encouraging someone to “whack me” on line will give some peoople a silly pleasure, but I doubt that my wife or kids will appreciate it.

This is irresponsible.
Period.

Lew from Brooklyn

And Ned, your point is correct as well. Re-posting the anonymous writings—which I have refuted clearly and precisely before—without the comments which refute them, and not disclosing the identity of the authors is just not fair and i am sure that people wil recognize it as such.

Where are the repleis, Gene? You say you “stand behind them?” Why not post the WHOLE truth?

And as to debates, I have in fact attended EVERY candidates night to which i have been invited and shared the podium with Mr. Berardelli. I missed ONE in late May due to a scheduling conflict. But I even attended one at the civic orgainziation of which he and his mother are Board members.

I am not sure of what kind of “confrontation” anyone here is expecting.I try to be a gentleman and won’t take this offer to travel the lowest of roads.

I will continue to talk about the issues, my record and will do so TRUTHFULLY.

I challenge Mr. Berardelli to do the same. Clearly that will require a change in tactics.

Lew from Brooklyn

Lew, the replies – including your own – are within the originally linked articles. Click through and you and all those interested will see them. Everyone can see the articles – and your responses – as they are originally presented without characterization or alteration by me or anyone affiliated with me.

And by the way, Lew – I’m not your lawyer. I’m not going to make your case for you. The site brings up questions. In some cases, you appear to answer. In others, you don’t. If it were me, I’d answer every concern with facts, not attacks.

There is no ORIGINAL content up on our site, positing original positions – only articles linking stories from other sources. As you know by now, I have no problem subscribing my name to anything that I write. And as you know by now, I have no problem with citing authority and resources in what I say.

What others write on other sites that I have no control over. Go after Room Eight for anonymous blogging – I don’t run it. Trash NYC Council Watch – it’s not my concern. All my campaign did was link what others have said.

If and when content is generated by this site, we will make sure it’s fact-checked and/or labeled as the writer’s opinion solely.

As far as not being a millionaire – at least two citywide newspapers have published that you are. If it walks like a duck, and talks like a duck… If you have a problem with those stories, I suggest you take it up with those authors. Get your retractions and let’s clear it up once and for all. Don’t let it linger – and don’t let untruths go unchallenged!

And Lew, you KNOW that candidates’ nights are NOT debates. Stop with the semantics. They are introductions to civic associations with no rebuttals, no formal questioning – and you get to make 2 or even 3 stump speeches for you and whomever you’re supporting! The only thing closely resembling a “debate” we had was a panel discussion in June where we were questioned by an audience, but no moderated debate where we are asked to explain our positions, given time to rebut the other’s positions, etc.

Let’s finally set one up – the people deserve it. Sheepshead Bites can even moderate.

I sorry that you have so many people out there that don’t like you – I guess that’s what comes with the position. All my campaign did was gather them all in one place. Blaming me for those articles is like blaming Ned for linking articles that you don’t like on here!

Gene, You are not telling the truth when you say that two newspapers said I am a millionaire. There is a financial disclosure form which categorizes people’s assets in ranges. The article in the Post even notes that it is misleading.

For the record, how many millionaires do you know who live in a fully attached one family brick house in Brooklyn? I do have a second home…a bungalow in Monticello. I had to mortgage my home to send my kids to college. I only wish I were a millionaire. And frankly, what does this have to do with anything?

For the record, YOU—not your organization but YOU—set up the candidate’s night at SBPC. Why didn’t you pick the format you preferred?

And Gene, when are you going to answer the question: Who do you support for Mayor? I see your facebook page has you as a fan of Mike Bloomberg. You are running on his ticket. What kind of bs is it that someone who is active enough to be running for office and an officer of the Young Republicans does not know enough about Bill Thompson—as you posted on GB net—to know whom you support for Mayor?

A real politician, huh.

Get your campaign up out of the gutter Gene. I don’t travel there.

Lew from Brooklyn

I find it hard to believe that Mr. Berardelli not only created but is actually defending that site….

“All my campaign did was link what others have said”… ok, so you don’t want blame for the articles… then what about the tasteless whack-a-lew game? What high minded issue is that discussing?

I volunteer to MC/Moderate as long as I dont have to wear a suit!

BMB – my campaign created the site. I gave approval for it because I believe that the Councilman is very adept at characterizing what he sees as truth and that this site acts as a counterbalance to those characterizations. Politicans and others have been the “victims” of political cartoons, satire and images for centuries. It’s part of the American fabric of politics. Ben Franklin has so many psuedonyms, I can’t remember them all! Even CNG got into the act of lampooning my “pugnacity” with a political cartoon.

The Whack-a-Lew game is clearly satirical. It is low brow humor in the “family guy” sense, but humor nonetheless. Some gasp, some gaffaw.

Perfect example of the characterizations I refer to – Lew calls me a liar for stating that two citywide newspapers call him a millionaire. Councilman Fidler’s name was indeed included in two articles about City Council millionaires.

1) “Three members are each worth as much as $1.8 million: Lew Fidler (D-Brooklyn), Melissa Mark-Viverito (D-Manhattan) and Thomas White (D-Queens).” NY POST – August 20th, 2009.

2) AMNew York has you at slightly less – between 353K and 1.2M in its June 29, 2009 article which includes Lew’s photo and name in graphics, but not in the body of the story. A scan of the article as printed can be found on my blog.

That’s two citywide newspapers including you in their list of City Council millionaires, Lew. Got a problem with that? Take it up with them and get a retraction.

——————–

For the record: You’re wrong. I didn’t set up any candidates’ night – but I did invite the Naked Cowboy! It was a candidates’ forum, not a debate. And as a candidate and a civic member, I specifically stayed out of the planning of the event.

My role in the event was to create the flyer inviting people to the event and fax the out to various people, including the Councilman, and I told Lew as much when I apologized for not getting it to him with advanced notice on behalf of the Association. the SB/PBCA President, Kathy Flynn moderated as she saw fit – there was really no plan to it.

It would have been unfair of me to coordinate a forum I was to participate in as a candidate to my whim and liking – although it’s good to know that you think that way, Lew.
——————–

And as I said on GB.net, I am on the fence as to my vote for Mayor. Yes, I am on the Mayor’s facebook group thinking it would be a good way to keep tabs on news and events from his campaign. How wrong I was – all it’s done is clog my inbox and jam up my Facebook updates!

And for the record, Mayor Bloomberg was granted permission to run on MY party’s ticket – I’m not running on his.

He may be the top line on the Republican ticket, but he isn’t leading the Republicans. He doesn’t even know who the Republican citywide candidates are – Alex Zablocki and Joe Mendola for those keeping score – so how you can say he’s “leading” the ticket is comical and shows your lack of understanding of politics!

That’s facetious also, folks. Lew knows politics, he just chooses to shade the truth, as I said earlier. Notice a theme?

(Oh, and I”m not now nor have I ever been an officer of the Brooklyn Young Republicans – I’m a member. I am a Vice Chair of the Law Committee of the Kings County Republican Committee. )

I’m starting to think that you’re not used to free-thinkers, Lew. I don’t blindly follow anyone or anything. When it comes to my vote, I choose to research the candidates carefully before making a choice. It’s more than personality, ads and mailings for me. I try to go beyond the miles-wide / inch thick view of the media.

You’re entitled to your opinion and can call it BS – I think you said that probably because you’ve been so entrenched in politics that you think most things are BS is that’s all you’re used to at this point. I call it making an informed choice.

My way of picking a candidate is probably why I took your vote in favor of overturning term limits as such an offense.
——————————————

Finally, let’s review how this new site has supposedly taken this election “to the gutter”:

1) My campaign makes the horrible accusation of calling you a millionaire, which has been already published two-times over.

Despicible! I only wish to one day be mistaken for a millionaire! To be accused of such a thing like being financially stable – the horror of it all. I don’t get why you don’t own it.

2) My campaign makes the equally horrible accusation that you are general counsel for a business.

Gasp! Many of us only hope to strive to such a similar position. In law school, I thought that being a GC would be the best job. I don’t get why you don’t own it.

3) My campaign then makes the unthinkable accusation of saying you accepted – wait for it – campaign contributions from a PAC.

Will the torture ever end? What’s the problem with saying that you did? I don’t get why you don’t own it.

4) My campaign finally makes the terrible accusation that you took the largest share of discretionary funding of any Council member.

oh my goodness, that’s… Wait, didn’t you? And aren’t you on record as saying that you’re proud of it? I don’t get why you don’t own it.

(All this typing and STILL no answer on the “debate” issue… just wanted to point that out – AGAIN.)

Shame on Gene for going negative. Shows a definite lack of maturity. Not who I’d want to represent me in the City Council!

Lew Fidler has done wonderful things for our community during the last 8 years. He cares deeply about those he represents and he is a strong voice at City Hall. Bringing home “pork” helps to fund the programs that benefit our schools and senior and youth programs. That’s the kind of man I want as my Councilman!

So, really, lets see a real debate. Moderated and everything.

in the past 8 years lew has aided the children in his district with after school programs and summer programs he has also championed the re zoning of Carnise to stop the over building of the area

Anyone who knows Lew Fidler and how he has stood up for his constituents knows this is ridiculous. He has been there with us every step of the way. He has fought for parents and children. Brought numerous benefits to our schools even while the Mayor was cuttin away at their budgets. He is not afraid to stand up to the powers that be. I He is not afraid to speak out and we will be lucky to keep him as our councilman.

Lew Fidler has faithfully served his constituents as NYC Councilman and he has a proven track record to show it. He is a champion of education, always fighting for parents and children. He works hard to bring special programs to the schools and community. He is always responsive to the difficulties of the community and advocates strongly to get quick, positive results. He is a voice of reason at City Hall and I respect him for being unafraid to challenge the powers that be. He will always have the support of me and my family to serve in this or any other elected capacity he chooses. Thank You Lew for all that you do.

Look at all the new commenters – as a shameless plug for Ned and Ray, I hope you all stay around and keep reading the good work this website has to offer.

Bringing home “pork” is short-sighted, and stifles communities. Many groups in this district have become addicted to cheap and easy money and lazy in their own fundraising initiatives. It stifles free-thinking, because no one would want to bite the hand that feeds – and is a means of control.

We need to kick the habit. Because one day, that quick fix of easy money won’t be there, and our neighborhoods will suffer.

We need hand-ups, not hand-outs. We need a system that isn’t based on the whim of politicians like Lew, but one based on need and merit. We need to encourage organizations to be pro-active, motivated, and to be self-sufficient.

We don’t need one organization getting a king-sized helping of “pork” to then run programs that may be run more efficiently had it been awarded the right way. “Pork” is about control, not compensation. We don’t need the appearance of impropriety in this district that has happened in other places all over the city.

We need to FIX the system, not “work” it.

I agree that the Councilman has done many good things – in fact, I called him an unheralded hero of children for his work on the Youth Services Committee, and that any successor should take up that mantle.

But I also see many things about the Councilman that I disagree with and believe are not so good – like his vote for term limits, like taking advantage of areas of government like the city’s “slush” funds that the public demands be fixed, like burning bridges with the Mayor to our area’s detriment, like touting his warning of the mortgage crisis when he readily admits that he closed many loans he knew would fail, like his shading of “facts” as exhibited here, like his dismissive disrespectful demeanor exhibited recently toward those who have the temerity to disagree with him – and I’m not talking about towards me.

I see him giving with one hand, and taking with the other. I see neighborhoods that receive responses, while others are ignored.

So instead of wasting our keystrokes in an unorganized, haphazard way, let’s FINALLY get an organized moderated debate together. Let’s put all cards on the table. I can’t help but wonder if the Councilman fears open discourse. If control is more important that giving the people the WHOLE truth instead of flouting perception. Avoiding me is yet another tactic to prevent the public from making an informed decision – Lew’s once again “working” the system.

Full moderated debate!! It’s what the voters want !

Yeah, let’s see an exercise of how democracy works. Let’s lay everything on the table so people can compare and decide.

I vote for a debate.

BTW, Fidler doesn’t fight the powers that be to get things accomplished. He plays along to get what he wants. Which means that while local organizations are getting money they do so at the risk of having some of their concerns compromised as Fidler votes in a way that pleases people like Christine Quinn. Those who won’t play, like Tony Avella, are penalized.

So in essence, this is sleeping with the devil.

First, thank you to the commenters who have supported me. I know that Gene’s website has in fact incited many of my supporters, so thank you too Gene.

BTW counselor, I am sure that as an attorney you are aware that there are TWO sides to a real estate closing. The seller’s lawyer is not in fact “closing the mortgage”. I have conducted a very limited real estate practice over the past 8 years. Fewer than a dozen closings I believe, all 1/2 family homes and co-ops. Most were for clients of long standing who were selling. I did tell a story about a woman that I represented on a purchase who was in fact taking a gimic loan with little equity. I warned her of the consequences, but lawyers advise and clients decide. She chose to move forward as this was the only way she could conclude a purchase of a home. Isn’t that the way it works in your practice, Gene?

So, try as you might to impugn my integrity and my work in having predicted the sub prime lending crisis and having done something about it. I was not out there “closing” sub prime loans for a living…just one more irresponsible and unsubstantiated thing you have on your blog.

Oh, and this Mayor that you say I have cut off from our community—I guess your working the sytem arguments don’t apply to the Republican Mayor—has worked WITH ME to create the Center for NYC Neighborhoods, growing out of MY initiative, helping thousands of New Yorkers avoid foreclosure.

Those Sir are the facts and they are uncontroverted.

Lew from Brooklyn

I’ll simply respond with your own words.

“Fidler estimates that 85 percent of the real estate closings he participated in before he got to the City Council involved some type of sub-prime or balloon rate loan.
“We were encouraging people to do it,” he said.”

-CITY HALL, January 14, 2008

Actually counselor, there are THREE sides to many closings – seller, buyer and bank. And the article addresses the work you did BEFORE you got to City Council, not the eight years you’ve been there.

Nice double-speak and deflection.

if you read the excerpt on this oh-so-damaging site, it states that the campaign excepted an article from another site, and used the first two paragraphs that appeared in the City Hall news! And then the site paraphrases the next paragaph and provide TWO links to the original content IN BOLD CAPITAL TEXT!

Wow, the nerve of me! Your critical reading skills and your responses are not inspiring my confidence!

I also said you burned a bridge with the Mayor and that is to our district’s detriment. Everytime I hear you address anything with the Mayor, the snide comments and back-handed compliments come out. Yet, you use his name in campaign literature.

Wouldn’t it be great if we had a councilman who could be critical without getting personal, engaging without getting arrogant, that won’t let personality rule over policy? That ship sailed with you and Mayor Bloomberg long ago. That’s why it takes leaders like Marty Golden to step in to engage the Mayor, like he did in bringing the Mayor to Sheepshead Bay to address re-zoning in 2005.

Oh, and Lew… way to avoid the whole pesky moderated debate question… AGAIN! That is truly deft political manuevering! Isn’t talking so much better than typing? You talk about me avoiding questions – I bow to your mastery of that skill!

Lew, That City Hall News piece linked to on the “The Flidler” presents facts without editorializing, and in fact, the writer had talked to you in its preparation. It contradicts the notion that you had limited experience in the area of real estate transactions and that you saw from that perspective how troublesome sub-prime loans were. One must assume that your enlightenment came from a significant number of experiences.

So why downplay that now?

From that article. http://www.cityhallnews.com/news/128/ARTICLE/1379/2008-01-14.html

“Fidler estimates that 85 percent of the real estate closings he participated in before he got to the City Council involved some type of sub-prime or balloon rate loan.
“We were encouraging people to do it,” he said.

Later, Fidler represented some of those same clients at foreclosure proceedings.

“I saw the beginning, I saw the process, I saw the end, and I think I saw reality setting in,” he said.”

(note to Ned: Is there any way of doing HTML code in comments?)

One point you made in this article was that council members should be able to maintain their outside careers while being members. That the council position should be considered a part time job.

It’s hard to live on $112,000 a year.

A lot of attorneys have trouble making even that much money these days. The competition is intense, there are too many people out there with law degrees.

And the argument that one gets off the fast track while performing government service doesn’t hold up well either. It’s experience which is definitely a career builder.

I’m sure that even if the council were a full time position one would have little trouble getting a respectable position afterwards.

Lisanne, the point is that Gene is using half truths to suggest something tawdry. Yes, before I was a Councilmember I had a more active legal practice. I NEVER represented a BANK. I guess Gene is not prqacticing long enough to have represented someone who closed with a sub prime product. To suggest that I “profited” from the crisis, is not only absurd, but an insult. My work in this area has been laudedby HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan, leaders o fthe Soros Foundation, the NY Observer and yes, the man that Gene refuses to say if he will suport, Mike Bloomberg.

Further Lisanne, the artices that Gene links to on his website have been refuted and debunked. Even Gene knows that they are not true. Claiming that I am a millionaire….something Gene has previously admitted to me he KNOWS IS NOT TRUE..is just one of them.

As to avoiding debates, I have been to foru or five of them already. Including the one that GENE SET UP at his home civic association. [Don't deny that again Gene...lest the truth come out.]

I have in fact spoken to Ned about what an appropriate format for a debate that would deal with issues going beyond Sheepshead Bay [this district runs to East 108th Street in Canarsie and onlyincludes a small portion of the Bay], with a moderator of unquestioned credentials and appropriate forum andmedium for getting it out would be.

But I will not indulge if this campaign continues to descend into the gutter. Its not my job to make my opponents case either.

Lew from Brooklyn

Oh, and one more thing, Gene. When are you going to CURE YOUR VIOLATION OF CAMPAIGN FINANCE LAWS by filing your missing report which is now past overdue, which would contain the report of the money you raised at your Curtis Sliwa fund raiser?

Just asking.

Lew from Brooklyn

Home sick tonight so I obviously have too much time on my hands. But I wa wondering what defense you have for this post on your blog which comes with strong anti-Semitic undertones.

Marine Park is a community divided? Says who?

Change the face of Marine Park? How? By running a charitable organization that feeds hungry families?

This one was worse than ahalf truth. It was vulgar and offensive.
Lew from Brooklyn

See below:
Fidler Chooses His Side in Marine Park
Sunday, 27 September 2009 12:07 | Written by TheFidler.com Staff |
We all know and accept that over time, communities change. But, not every neighborhood is being forced to accept change forced by a political action committee advocating one community group over another.

But that’s what’s happening in Marine Park – and Councilman Fidler apparently has no problem accepting its support. AND ITS MONEY.

In July, Fidler was the beneficiary of a fundraiser run by the Marine Park Jewish Political Action Committee, the political arm of the Jewish Community Council of Marine Park, a new “civic” organization.

Let’s be clear – THIS ISN’T ABOUT ETHNICITY OR RELIGION. We also know that changing communities mean that people have to become more tolerant of new neighbors, and I think we’re all for promoting community harmony.

THIS IS ABOUT POWER. This political action committee’s apparent goal is to change the face of Marine Park.. And they credit Councilman Fidler and one of their first and biggest supporters. In effect, some can say that they have purchased an advocate.

We here at TheFidler.com don’t think we’d be comfortable with a group influencing politicians and giving money to support their forced agenda when it comes to a community divided. A real advocate would support both sides and fight for the whole community without prejudice. But Lew took the road more traveled.

The article appearing in Yeshiva World News states that “Councilman Fidler promised to continue to do everything he could to ensure the growth of the community and spoke of his efforts fifteen years ago to keep shuls in Marine Park from closing.”

So apparently, community harmony comes with a price. And Lew has apparently chosen his side.

Last Updated (Sunday, 27 September 2009 12:49

Disgusting, Gene, simply disgusting.

Isn’t this the height of arrogance? Lew know more about the organization of the SB/PB Civic Association than I do.

And threats don’t look good on you, Lew – it makes you look defensive, paranoid and just bad in general. But such is your mentality, so what should I expect at this point.

So here are the details: My mother, Barbara Berardelli, is head of the Programming Committee on the Board of Directors. The Candidates’ Forum was agreed upon and scheduled. My mother could not contact many candidates timely because at the time, my father was in the hospital with gall stones, a condition complicated by his COPD and congestive heart failure.

So, a week before the meeting was scheduled, there were only two candidates officially scheduled – Me and the Naked Cowboy, who I had invited after meeting him at a mandatory class at the CFB.

So a few nights before the meeting, emails went out to all citywide candidates inviting them. Few responded (Mark Green’s campaign inquired further, as did Norman Siegel’s). The day of the meeting, I faxed a flyer to Councilman Fidler’s office. When he showed up, I apologized to him for such late notice, and explained the situation with my family. He accepted my apology, explaining that the meeting is always on his calendar.

That evening, I assisted in setting up the chairs, wrote down everyone’s name for our President, and suggested to our President to let the citywide candidates’ and/or representatives speak first.that was the extent of my involvement. I did not insist on format or even set up a format.

And if you’re saying that I did, then I submit that I am a total dumbass!

For those who didn’t attend, I spoke before the Councilman. If I would have set it up, why disadvantage myself? He had the opportunity to rebut all I said, and I had no such opportunity – because it wasn’t a debate, it was a forum.

And to my credit, it was the worst speech of my campaign, as my mind was on family, not politics. Dad was in the hospital, and Mom was at home too tired from all the running back and forth to attend.

Thus, the whole sordid story.

Now please, Lew. Do your worst. After all, I’m sure you know about what REALLY happened than I do.

Oh, and my mistake in filing an overdue filing is in process of being corrected.

I readily admit that I filed improperly my first time. I’m also actually working on Filing #12 right now as we speak.

See, Lew? A simple, direct response. Try it some time.

Thanks for caring.

Lew, the article that impressed me was the one from the City Hall News. They had no axe to grind, and their interview with you was the main focus of the article. As this interview was given at a time when your future plans were uncertain I believe that you spoke honestly.

The article was linked to, and one could read it and draw more than one possible conclusion from depending on one’s own perspective.

Some of the writing on the site is very strong. I wish that politics were otherwise but it is a area where passions lead to strong words.

I do not see concern about a group which seeks to increase their numbers in a community as necessarily an anti-Semetic thing. When one sees a civic group that identifies itself as Jewish, there is a question as to why such separatism needs to exist. I do believe that these people have been made to feel unwelcome,. so what is on the table here? I’m not comfortable with any religious group seeking political influence as a collective. I do favor all religious groups working as a singular entity to protect the rights of practitioners of all faiths.

I do believe this concern is not singular. Nor is it limited to those who might vote for Gene.

Apologies for misspelling Semitic. I used to have double vision, it still affects how I spell. Words with double “I”s and “L” are particularly problematic.

And finally, the Marine Park posting – that I didn’t write.

Is it so disgusting to say that there is a division between the Marine Park civic organizations? I know many residents in Marine Park have spoken to me and others about divergent agendas in Marine Park. Opinions on Zoning being one of them:

“The JCC is also going to advocate on issues of concern to the community, such as zoning and quality of life.” http://www.jewishpress.com/pageroute.do/34192/.

Is it so disgusting to say that one of them is affiliated with a PAC dedicated to changing the character of Marine Park?

http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/article.php?p=36481

Is it so disgusting to say that you support that organization and its PAC?

Is it so disgusting to say that you accepted money from the PAC that supports that organization? You do accept their support and their money, didn’t you?

It’s obvious that you have a problem with opinions that aren’t your own. Seems like a personal problem to me.

I am the furthest thing from anti-Semitic: if Catholic Charities or a secular organization or any group you can think of did the same thing – a PAC connected to a new civic group with divergent interests from the existing community association where a politician took money – a similar article about divided communities would appear. So please don’t muddy the waters with dangerous accusations that you can’t back up with any foundation.

By the way, I just lost a gentleman’s wager – There was a concern within my campaign that such an accusation would come from you, but I said that you wouldn’t go there. Looks like I over-estimated you.

And while you may not believe my sincerity with this comment, I do hope you feel better.

Oh, it’s filing #13, not 12 that’s due, and that I’m working on, for those keeping score! Sometimes I type faster than I think! :-)

I really appreciate all of the time both Lew and Gene are putting into an ongoing dialog on these websites. I feel that I (hopefully all) are more involved in local politics. I thank you both for that.

Although I will say in regards to what Lew said “Marine Park is a community divided? Says who?”

Marine park is absolutely a community divided. Between all of the new construction, families, and synagogues people are seeing a rift.

The problem is that Orthodox Jewish communities are not inclusive. They are very exclusive. When they move into an area and start building their community it’s all they are concerned about. I don’t think they stop to consider what they are doing to the community that already exists.

I must say that the public face these organizations put on is very different then the one you see behind closed doors. Being Jewish myself (well, an American Athiest Russian Jew) sometimes I see “the face behind the face” and frankly It’s not a good one.

And I must make another correction. (We need a post posting edit function as well, especially as I think much faster than I type.)

What I meant earlier was that I do NOT see any indication that Jewish people are made to feel unwelcome.

But if they plan to live in a community and separate themselves from the rest of it, while seeking to increase their numbers, they will meet with suspicion and distrust. Affiliating with such a group by allowing them to raise money for you is not a good sign, Lew. And accusing people of antisemitism because they are concerned is patently unfair.

To Sitting at the Towne Cafe and to everyone else who has read this posting up until now:

Thank you for caring enough to read it all!

Your well wishes, opinions and criticisms are all well appreciated.

Sometimes I sit here and type and type and type and wonder “who the heck is going to read all of this?!?” :-) I’m so glad that you are reading and thinking.

Keep telling us what you think – you’re the boss!

I understand that the Marine Park articfle was written by the “staff” and I also understand that Gene “will stand behind” anything put up on his blog.

Fact is that the JCC leaders participate fully with the Marine Park Civic. These very comments about how Jews live trouble me greatly as well. Don’t any of you see that?

Just substitute your own ethnicity or religion and see if the comments wouldn’t rub you just a little the wrong way.

Further, the accusations that the Jews are responsible for overbuilding in Marine Park are based upon what?

BTW, I think folks will find that leaders in Marine Park of all religions will be supporting me for the hard work that I have done fighting for this community…and delivering.

Stay tuned.

Finally, Gene, you have an awful haughty attitude about your non-compliance with simple campaign finance laws designed to let the public know and ensure fair elections. You spend a lot of time putting up questionable blog sites….maybe a little more time complying with the law.

And sorry…it was your MOM that set up the rules for the SBPC candidates night as the Programming Committee Chair. A distinction without a difference.

Lew from Brooklyn

Well I just got back from the CFB, and according to my assigned campaign liaison, I was NEVER out of compliance with any filing. Now if the tables were turned and I had even intimated such a thing, I’d be called despicable, a liar, he’d bring my mother into it, and probably a host of other personal insults.

I simply chalk it up to you being mistaken.

By the way, speaking of the CFB and your “gluttonous” ways.

http://www.nydailynews.com/opinions/2009/10/02/2009-10-02_gluttons_liu_and_fidler_shooin_candidates_are_gaming_the_campaign_finance_system.html

“gaming” the system… is that anything like “working” the system?

So much for that.

The fact that organizations that you fund with your “pork” would come out to support you is hardly a surprise. One even said to me recently before a meeting. “Please don’t talk badly about Mr. Fidler, we’ll lose our funding – he’s our biggest contributor.”

I am asking no leader for vocal support. I won’t put them in such an awkward position. Their friendship and ” ‘atta boy” comments under their breaths is more than enough for me.

But I shall stay tuned nonetheless, and I will say, the conversations I’ve had with people in Marine Park – not necessarily just leaders, but people – have been very positive. I put my stock in people, not titles.

You accuse me of taking this campaign to the gutter, but you call me and other Anti-Semitic for questioning matters involving a Jewish organization. Critical reading skills, Lew – read the big capital letters where it says that the issue is power, not race or religion.

And what is this I see? Conditions on a debate? Credible moderators? I think he just insulted the owner of the site! What is this, a hostage negotiation? You’re holding up democracy again, Lew?

You trying to “work” another system. Well, I won’t let you “work” me. I won’t let you handpick people and try to control this like you try to control everything else.

Is it possible to contact a group like The League of Women Voters and get some assistance in setting up a debate?

If both campaigns could work together on this the whole community benefits. Debates make the community a part of the process, and give them a chance to make a choice based upon knowledge and insight.

Sure, incumbents have an advantage to start. They also have a advantage in a debate. It’s the opposition that usually has to prepare the better case.

……………….

As Gene has pointed out, a special interest group is a special interest group. This special interest group has an interest in increasing their numbers, and therefore their political viability. And your presentation has the suggestion that you will enable them to do so in some fashion, as if they needed some special help. Could it be that this special help involves changes in the zoning laws that would allow them to build larger housing units?

See, it’s not about religion, it’s about goals.

There’s been a great deal of opposition to the Hebrew Language Academy. I’m sure that you would not be calling those opposed to it antisemitic. As this issue raised quite a political storm in the neighborhood it would have been inexpedient to do so.

As Gene has put it, its about power and who controls the destiny of a community. Any community would have to be out of their collective mind not to object when people move in and decide that they want to impose their needs upon the community’s agenda, taking it into a direction that redefines that community.

Doesn’t matter what group of people decides to impose in this way. It’s still going to meet with a lot of resistance.

Gene, the basis of my receipt of funds fromthe CFB was that I was facing a competitive challenge. do you agree or disagree with that assertion?

If so, then you agree that the editorial you just cited is incorrect.

If not, then what is the big deal about our “debate”?

And frankly, whatever you were told about not being in compliance, you missed at LEAST one filing deadline, coincidentally the one AFTER your much ballyhooed Curtis Sliwa fund raiser, where I assume you expected to raise significant money.

Complying with the law is not a hard thing, especially for an attorney such as yourself.

Glad you finally found the time to get to the CFB in time for the NEXT filing deadline [today] to get your LAST filing in. Hope you got today’s in too.

Lew from Brooklyn

Lew, I missed no filing deadline at all. Not one. Filing #12 was NOT mandatory to file. Filing #13 – today’s filing – was. You simply just don’t get it.

Keep insisting though…

As far as the editorial is concerned – competition have nothing to do with your gluttony. You’re “working” another loophole in government. And again, you simply just don’t get it.

You’re taking taxpayer money – more money than our residents in the district see in a year – that you don’t need.

It personally pains me to ask friends and family – let alone strangers – for campaign donations because I see what they’re going through in these harsh economic times. And I’m so thankful for every single dollar given.

Then I see you snub your nose at thousands of dollars of taxpayer money because you think it’s not enough to take me on. It’s obscene. It’s wasteful. It’s inefficient.

But it’s par for the course for you.

Oh yes, Gene has acquired a absolutely fortune through his fund raising efforts. According to the Daily News article Lew is receiving far more in taxpayer funding than Gene has raised. I doubt the latest filings will change the proportions all that significantly.

Lew is taking no chances. He makes jokes about how insignificant the Republican challenge is. But he knows that a lot of people are ticked a the City Council in general. Even more people are apathetic or cynical, and probably won’t vote.

Lew also finds every excuse possible not to hold a debate. I suppose that such an exercise in democracy is one he can’t excel at. Some people won’t play unless they are assured that they win.

Maybe Election Day isn’t a sure thing for Lew anymore.

I’m a bit late in weighing in, but Marine Park is definitely NOT a divided community. It is a community comprised of many ethnic, religious and racial groups, who are united to create a better community, city, state and country. We are all Americans. Lew Fidler has received suppport from a wide variety of groups, regardless of their backgrounds. As Councilman, he has worked for the betterment of all his constituents, including those who have not supported him. Lew has done a wonderful job, and certainly deserves another term.

I’m a little late as well, my apologies but this thread was long :). Thefidler.com is a great demonstration of free speech in this country. If Mr. Fidler has a problem with it, frankly, too bad. I think it is great that Mr. Berardelli’s campaign came up with the idea. Yes, parts are in bad taste but as long as the articles presented are backed up in factseverything is backed up with facts I see no problem with anything. As for all of the people who feel Mr. Fidler has done such a magnificent job, I disagree. Mr. Fidler may have been great in your communities but I live in Sheepshead Bay/Plumb Beach and have seen his failings in my community. He neglected our rezoning by telling the community he’d get back to us – we’re still waiting for his response. The community had to band together with our civic association and have a special community meeting with Mayor Bloomberg who at the meeting said he would make sure our elected officials took care of it and, if memory serves, he mentioned Mr. Fidler by name when saying this. Oh yeah, he’s a joy. He also told us our park on Brigham St. was a pipe dream mainly because he was upset that he couldn’t use the land for a restaurant on that lot (everything I say comes from articles I’ve read in local papers sorry that I don’t have the exact quotes or links but feel free to look it all up). Our park was such a pipe dream that Mr. Fidler, in an election year, decided to give some of his money, gee thanks. Also fattacking Mr. Berardelli about campaign financing on this board is like grasping at straws. Fight your competition on the issues not on financing. Lord, Mr. Fidler you have plenty of it! Is it really productive to come on here and tell an opponent to settle their campaign issues?? Why not question him on an important topic and force him to answer you? Ridiculous! To end my rant I will say that Mr. Fidler undermined the vote of the people. He voted for term limits, no matter what he thinks of them as OUR elected official he should have listened and respected our opinions and stepped down. My community as well as the other communities in the district deserve change and I think that Gene Berardelli is a good fit and I appreciate all of his honesty in this forum as well as on the other internet sites he posts on.

Lew has raised a lot more money than Gene. His attack on Gene’s punctuality in filing with the CFB is an exercise in avoidance. It was nothing about nothing, lots of candidates miss important CFB deadlines, including the last. It’s worked out.

I’d dig up a list of names but as I said, this is nothing about nothing.

Linda, I think you meant that WE voted for term limits. Fidler and all the other incumbents who voted to overstay their welcome betrayed us.

“Oh, but it was an emergency” Oh, please!

Linda, I’m glad you found us.

I did mean WE thank you for that :) and I’m happy to be here to support a great site!

When I type the words are often totally different than the ones I’m thinking of. I have no idea why. And I miss some of those errors and confuse people terribly.

So this weekend, I finally decided who I’m voting for in the Mayoral election. As promised, I am letting everyone know what I think.

After looking at both candidates’ platforms, I’d decided to cast my vote for Mayor Bloomberg.

Even though Bill Thompson is a staunch ally with Councilman Fidler, I wanted to give his campaign every benefit of the doubt. Ultimately, I feel that Mr. Thompson’s campaign would be a step backwards, not forward, for the city.

I was young, but I remember when a year when less than 2000 murders was a good year, I remember when the city was old, breaking down both in structure and in system. I compare today to yesterday, and I think that Mayor Bloomberg has done much to turn this city around. He inherited a city in disarray post-9/11, and with his leadership we came out stronger. Think of the innovations, like 311, and remember how things were without it. His commitment to improving the city’s environment with bold visions like PlaNYC also appeal to me.

His position on term limits should not be ignored. If I thought that Mr. Thompson was a better alternative than Mayor Bloomberg, my vote would’ve gone to him. But he’s not, in my opinion, so I have to swallow that bad with the good.

So that’s where my vote is going – I leave you to decide where yours goes.

I think 311 is one of the best goddamned things to happen to this city. It’s getting better all the time. Last week the city released a 311 iphone ap so we can finally send pictures of problems tagged with a GPS location.

HOW AWESOME IS THAT!

There are a lot of things I hate Bloomberg for. Particularly all the pedestrian worship. All the street closures and redesigns and medians and dividers going up everywhere really piss me off to no end.

Despite all the things he does that I don’t like, he’s done more good things. The net effect is positive. Thompson hasn’t convinced me for a second that he’ll be a positive effect on the city.

In fact he gives me the same vibe I get from the city council and state legislature. He’s gonna pay back his supporters before he ever gets around to doing something of net benefit to the city.

Bloomberg is very fond of saying that he is for the middle class. However, I believe the words “Bloomberg” and ” for the middle class” do not belong in the same sentence. He bullied the city council into overturning term limits so that he could run for a third term. Restricting time in office to two terms was voted on by the people of New York but, in one fell swoop it was rescinded so that King Bloomberg could use his financial “wisdom” to “save” the city. Take a look at your real estate taxes. Mine increased $800 last year even though the value of my property decreased. It is punitive and unfair and totally out of touch with what it’s like to be middle class and live and work in this city. Million Tree Program…tourists sitting on crappy lawn chairs in the middle of Broadway….fuggedaboutit

I’m not saying you’re wrong or anything like that and maybe this is starting to go off topic, but….

Where exactly is the city supposed to get the money it needs to fulfill its obligations?
The City has to fund Schools, Emergency Services, Sanitation, Teachers, etc etc. Add to that Health Care and Pensions. Add all the things that the population wants funded on top of things that NEED to get funded and it all balloons into astronomical amounts.

How many times has Bloomberg implored everyone to cut their budget themselves? When our local city council members are busy taking 80k in campaign funds and 1.3 million to fund community projects who exactly are we supposed to upset at?

Its weird, Bloomberg is such a goddamn contradiction to me. The guy made billions of dollars from a start of nothing, he doesn’t accept any money from the city, doesn’t accept a dime in public campaign financing or private for that matter. He KNOWS how to manage the books and how to spread money around so its used best. His track record speaks for that so I’m going to trust that as far as the city budget goes I’m going to take his word for it.

As great as spending money on the local community is, sometimes our leaders need to step back and say “Now is not the right time to fund this project, the city needs it to pay cops and firefighters.”. As hard as it is to say no to taking care of the elderly or giving money to various civic organizations or whatever else, but isn’t that what we elect leaders for? To look at the big picture and make the HARD choice that we wouldn’t make?

Yea, Bloomy raised property taxes, raised cig taxes and raised whatever. My rent and bills went up too. We all feel similar pain. But seriously. When we sit back and look at the great big picture that is New York City. That has a budget that exceeds that of multiple foreign nations combined, shouldn’t we wonder who’s really to blame?

Is it Bloomberg? Is it the City Council? Is it State Legislature? I really don’t know what else to say. What are we supposed to do? Who are we supposed to trust. If not Bloomberg and his proven track record with money the who? Bill Thompson certainly hasn’t proven he’s a genius with money. Is there anyone else out there willing to try that has the skill necessary?

I really don’t want this to sound like I’m pushing for Bloomy, or for Gene or for anyone else. I’m trying to be as objective as I can.

What are we supposed to do? Tell me! Point me at the solution. Give me the information, convince me, anything. I’ve got an open mind and I’m willing to listen.

You know what I think the real problem is? The real real problem? Apathy. It’s pure Apathy. Not enough people give a shit. Our elected officials are supposed to be answerable to the public. But when the MAJORITY of the voting public DOESN’T VOTE, or worse yet votes but does so without all the information they need to make an educated decision is the real problem.

Everytime I think about it I get so uttery ANGRY!

GAH!

I’m gonna go kill some stuff cause I’ve worked myself up into such a mood. :-(

Err. I don’t mean for real! I mean in a video game! Champions Online FTW! :-D

Fact: Lew Fidler allegedly puts out a delicious spread after the elections.

Source: Some old bitties in Midwood.

Bloomberg promised to rid city agencies of corruption. He made a good start, but there has been a lot of backsliding since then. He lowers taxes, especially for the top 1% of income earners (if taxes were raised they would leave, he says( and makes up for it by increasing user fees, which hurt average income earners and small businesses. He flip-flops on community development issues, Coney Island being a good example.

Thompson.is not going to make the dynamic changes we really need right now. Or least it appears so. But he’s more in touch with the realities average New Yorkers have to deal with. The economy is probably not going to improve dramatically, and we need a mayor that would recognize the practicality of getting revenue from those who can better afford to support our city.

So Gene, not to beat a dead horse, but just to be clear, your position is that extending term limits is not sufficient reason alone to defeat an incumbent. Just want to be sure.

Lew from Brooklyn

And a bold prediction….Bloomberg will be endorsing Gene in the very short term future.

A little birdie told me.

Lew from Brooklyn

Lew, my position on term limits doesn’t matter – the people decided. And thus far, term limits plays a major part in people’s decision. Ask your dethroned buddies in City Council about that.

And just to be clear, because as shown here, your reading comprehension skills are a little dull: no one issue is the end-all and be-all – and each voter has their own reasons. I don’t tell people what to think, I present a case. As I said, your term limit vote was the impetus for my run. Voters vote for different reasons.

I want people to know that you trashed their votes on term limits by voting for your own self-interest. But I also want people to know how you “work” the system to maintain control. Like your vote in term limits. Like the use of discretionary funds. Like your campaign finance gluttony.

So are you sure about what I’m saying now?

And by the way, I only play semantic games on Thursdays. Stop insulting the intelligence of the people around here by politicking and get real.

As far as your prediction, I hope your little birdie is right – an endorsement from the Mayor for a first-time candidate with no money like me would be quite a boost. I doubt my criticisms of him recently helped my chances. But, maybe like my view of him, the pluses outweigh the negatives.

http://www.yournabe.com/articles/2009/09/10/kings_courier/news/kings_courier_newsqmptxxp09102009.txt

And by the way Lew, did you happen to see what I said about the Mayor and term limits earlier? I’m guessing no.

Either that, or that selective reading kicked in again. Or you were deliberately trying to mislead people.

Gene. I noticed Lew has a Wikipedia Page and you do not. Might I suggest you get someone from your campaign to rectify that?

When he gets elected someone will write one for him.

No reason he shouldnt have one now though. A neutral site with a list of facts and truths that can’t be politicized is a good thing.

LOL Lisanne! Thanks for the vote of confidence! I must remain humble and will wait for what happens on Election Day.

Arthur: I really don’t frequent Wikipedia and don’t ever cite it as a source. I believe that anyone can put just about anything up there. My bio on the campaign site will suffice for now!

Lew,

I don’t think Gene played politics here. As a Republican he’s not bound to support the Democratic candidate. To do so,of course, would be an act of independence. So your party would have to nominate a really compelling candidate. Gene doesn’t believe Thompson meets that criteria.

I’m sure if Tony Avella had won the Democratic nomination Gene would have supported him, as they have similar views on many issues. I’m also sure that you would be supporting him as well, despite your differences. Because that’s politics. And that’s the Democratic party in NYC. Oh, I am sure you wouldn’t have exercised much energy in helping him get elected. But you wouldn’t have endorsed Bloomberg.

I have to say that I do not participate on blogs so that my opponent can flame and talk trash and talk down to me. It does nothing to elevate the debate.
As to a public debate, I have told Ned what it would take to get one done and its pretty simple. A moderator of impeccable public respect and reputation, with an understanding of city wide issues and not just those restricted to one neighbhorhood when the district covers many neighborhoods and a properly controlled environment which would allow public dissemination.

I feel that the tenor of Gene’s comments at least border on if not surpass disrespectful. I will dialogue with anyone so long as it is respectful.

All I posted —and there is no selective reading here—-that it was now clear that for Gene, the Mayor’s role on term limits did not disqualify him.

Gene has now confirmed that this is the case.

Interestingly enough, Gene’s other issue appers to be discretionary funding. Interesting because the Bloomberg Administration was caught doing the exact same thing—even though it is a violation of the law for the Executive Branch to do it. Don’t take MY word for it….see the newspaper articles on it, including the one from last month in the NY Times.

And this coming from a candidate who has truly re-defined pay to play. He has bought all the players. In fact, today we learned that the $50,000 payments to each County Republican Party were just the first round…and that at least one county has already acknowledged receipt of a second helping.

So I guess Gene has his own double standards as well. Becoming quite a deft politician.

Finally, I wrote that Gene can expect the Bloomberg endorsement because someone connected with his campaign bragged about it….interestingly just days before Gene announced his Mayoral preference.

I will now return to running my own re-election campaign and hope that the level of dialogue appreciates from whack a Lew games, personal insults and closely veiled appeals to anti-Semitic feeling.

Lew from Brooklyn

Dude, seriously.

Why the hell do you keep bringing up Anti-Semitism? Nobody here has done or said anything Anti-Semitic. If you cry Anti-Semetism one more time you’ll be like the Jewish Al Sharpton. Knock it off man! It’s a phrase that gets tossed around WAY to much, especially when it’s not deserved.

As far as public debate, I too have told Ned what it takes to get one done – give me time and place. No conditions.

You feel disrespected as a councilman. I feel disrespected as a citizen for the past eight years. So do a lot of other people.

Playing the victim does nothing for nobody, least of all a two-time incumbent.

One reason I feel disrespected is you continually try to put your words in my mouth – you paraphrasing me is ridiculous. People can read what i wrote for themselves without your spin!

I have stated that discretionary funding needs to be re-worked – that includes all levels of government. I then point to how your use of discretionary funding is especially harmful to communities, causing reliance on local politicians, stifling creativity and self-sustainability, and creating fear that talking out of turn will hurt organizations.

By the way, I’m your opponent – not the Mayor. Isn’t it amazing that the Mayor plays the game, but Lew give me the name. I only wish I had $50,000 or more to throw around.

You know, like you do now since you “gamed” taxpayer dollars from the Campaign Finance Board.

I love how the deals cut with each County Committee is pinned on me – I never knew what power I had in this city until Lew told me about it! It’s comical.

I never sat in on one meeting with the Mayor and the County Chairs, and made no such deal. I did not know of any funding when I voted to let the Mayor run on the Republican line back in March, but I was not so naive to think that he was going to get something for nothing.

As far as any endorsement, that’s great news, if true. No one has told me. The Mayor taking notice of my little campaign and approving is a great boost, and energizes me to double and triple my efforts.

Finally, this is now the second time that you have insinuated that I am perpetuating some kind of anti-Semitism. As I said, this unfounded accusation is dangerous because it comes with a stigma that is hard to shake. There is nothing anti-Semitic about questioning you siding with a special interest group with views contrary to that of the neighborhood’s civic association. Frankly, I just think your “If I were King” mentality resents being questioned about anything you do.

I ask everyone what’s more disrespectful – a satirical game or throwing around terms like “anti-Semitic” without foundation.

If anyone deserves to be King it’s me. I have the name to go with it!

Gene, it’s not just you. It’s anyone who has said on this thread that they are discomforted by the creation of an exclusionary “civic” group.

Arthur, Read the article about a “divided” Marine Park community on Gene’s website written by his staff. It is not now nor has it been a community divided…until this article. What is the subtle appeal here? Lew is with the Jews so….
Trust me that Jews that I know who have read it feel the vibe strongly. I have stood up to hate in ALL of its forms. I am no less likely to do it when it is directed at my own religion.

The fact that some including Gene can’t see it is their own insensitivity. Frankly, I don’t think Gene wants to see it.

And Lisanne, what right do you have to refer to this group of people as exclusionary?

The JCC ofMarine Park is a council of Jewish community groups and organizations brought together largely for charitable purposes. Their Project Chazon which provides bags of food to hungry people and is non-sectarian has been their most significant activity.

I would call the group more like Catholic Charities, a great social services group in this City, than a civic group.

And yes, this exclusionary group stood side by side with their neighbors in opposing an unwanted charter school at IS 278. BTW, it was the Hebrew Language Academy for those who do not recll.

Arthur, I never use the terms of hate lightly. I have a long record on the issue regarding many ethnic groups and religions.

But if you read that article and read it carefully, for all the literal protestations about what it doesn’t “say”, it has a clear purpose.

And for the record, I have received more campaign contributions from residents of Marine Park who are unaffilliated with Marine Park JCC than the other way around.

And as to my horrific quote in the paper that I want to help them grow and flourish as a community, it is a remark that I have made to other groups seeking to build a better community in our City rather than flee to the suburbs.

I’ll pick this up when Ned is able to put the together a debate as opposed to what would now appear to be a kindergarten “no you” fight.

Lew from Brooklyn

No one is saying anything about the work of any organization. That is not the issue.

Once again, race, ethnicity and religion has nothing to do with pointing out that you took money from a special interest group with different objectives than those of the neighborhood civic association, namely zoning, as cited earlier. You are trying to deflect that fact by attacking the messenger.

As far as whether Marine Park is now or is becoming a divided community, I refer you to comments on this very site agreeing with me.

Just because you say something over and over again doesn’t make it undisputed, Lew. And differences of opinion between us on you choosing to take money from a special interest doesn’t make me or anyone I work with “anti-Semitic”.

For you to throw around a phrases like ‘anti-Semitic’ is irresponsible and divisive in and of itself. Those words leave a lasting stigma, even on those who have done nothing wrong. And to be so cavalier in labeling someone with hate is beyond repugnant.

Lew, this group calls itself the Jewish Community Council of Marine Park. Far as I know they are not a registered chartable concern. They are a community group composed of Jewish members of the community. I see that as exclusionary. Much as I would if there was any group that was activist in a community and yet not representative of its totality.

Regardless of any charitable work they might be engaged in they are also seeking to be a political presence in the community. It is that aspect which is potentially troubling.

I’m sorry but when groups seek to make changes which suit their purposes and might infringe on the rights and privileges of other I feel that the term exclusionary is proper and correct. Especially as it precludes the possibility of interaction within this group by anyone who is outside their definition.

“extending term limits is not sufficient reason alone to defeat an incumbent”

Hell yeah it is. The spineless city council succumbed to the king’s financial threats and granted him and themselves another term.

The city council is supposed to enact the will of the people. Not subjugate it!

I am not voting for anyone who voted to extend term limits.

Throw the bums out!

I’ve poked in a few times here to check out the discussion… quite a response.

I’m a little confused tho. I realize that Mr. Berardelli has been criticizing Mr. Fidler for taking additional money from the Campaign Finance Board. But, as I understand it, they only give that money on the assumption that there is a race with a credible opponent. So, if Mr. Fidler was granted that money then that means Mr. Berardelli was judged by them as sufficient opposition as to warrant funding – right? So, it seems to me, that criticizing the extra money is the equivalent of Mr. Berardelli arguing that he is in fact not a serious challenger for the council seat.

I’m sure that’s not what he means, but I don’t see how someone can have it both ways – criticizing the money implies there’s no real race, yet saying there’s a race implies a candidate might reasonably want extra money

Oh, and btw…
@Arthur B: Ending your post with… “I’m gonna go kill some stuff…” Wow. I’m just glad you amended that! =P Enjoy Champions Online.

BMB – You’re half-right, in a way, it’s a knock and boost for me. Remember, there’s only a month left to campaign (actually, less now, but when the Councilman submitted his letter, there was little more than a month left to campaign) – to demand an additional 63K – more money than the average working person in our district sees in a year! – when he was already receiving for 21K is not only gluttonous and wasteful in these economic times, but is yet another example of how the Councilman “works” the flawed system to his advantage.

Just like he did with term limits.

Just like what he does with discretionary “pork”.

Other politicians, like Bill Di Blasio, recognized that and gave the money back to the taxpayers. But Lew has stayed true to his pattern.

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