Michael Trueworthy--Leader of the Rat Pack!

FRANKSMITHSAYSNB EDITORIAL:

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If you are tired of the constant bickering, childish games, and sleazy partisan politics that plague the city council, there is no better place to lay most of the blame, than on the Majority Leader of the council, Michael Trueworthy.

As the leader of the gang of 13, they spend more time trying to block the mayor from accomplishing anything that might make the Mayor look good, and in the process, destroying progress for the city.

I could offer examples all day, but let's start with just a few:

The most recent that I recall is the childish attacks launched by the Council Democrats against the proposed developer of the Pinnacle Heights property. The most bizarre` conduct over this matter was when they scheduled and then continued with a meeting to supposedly discuss the development with the proposed developers long after they were made aware of the fact that the developer was out of the country on vacation. The meeting amounted to what one could describe as "staged theater" led by Trueworthy and his minions criticizing the developer for not attending a meeting they knew in advance he was unavailable to attend. At a subsequent meeting that the developer was able to attend, the Council Democrats criticized the developer for not being able to tell them exactly what tenants he would secure for a property he didn't even have control of, and a Herald article even quoted one of Trueworthy's cohorts, Alderman Phil Sherwood, as asking the developer "Where's the beef?" (Pinnacle Heights sale moves ahead; by James Craven, August 4, 2009. The only surprise about this proposed development, is that the developer didn't pick up his $5 million and look for another city to invest it in.

Another recent obstructionist move was proposed by Aldermen Trueworthy and Hermanowski. A measure that would require purchase and sale agreements for city property that have been approved by the council to be completed within 90 days of the approval. (Hot topics on council's agenda this week; by James Craven, Sepetember 7, 2009). What legitimate purpose could such a measure have, other than to obstruct the Mayor from being able to sell city property to developers and to prevent progress? How many people are able to complete their house purchase in 90 days from the date they sign the purchase agreement? How can anyone possibly expect the developer of multi-million dollar projects to secure the needed financing and complete the sale within 90 days?

Even more bazaar is the wild conspiracy accusations that Trueworthy and his faithful gang have launched against the Mayor and the city audit firm, BlumShapiro. Two Herald Articles on August 5 and August 6 report some amazing statements from Trueworthy and some of his followers. Trueworthy reportedly questioned the legality of some actions by BlumShapiro and the city. Trueworthy also reportedly said he had been trying to get questions answered for a year and a half and still didn't have any answers. In response to Trueworthy's claims, Mayor Stewart reportedly responded by saying "Alderman Trueworthy is a liar" and that Trueworthy is questioning the very things that he authorized as a council member. Mayor Stewart also reportedly said "He seems to have conveniently forgotten that" and "That's not uncommon these days." Alderman Bernacki was also quoted as saying that it was time for some members of the council to "take their ACORN agitator hat off and become a community leader" (Aldermen claim possible auditing conspiracy; Wednesday, August 5, 2009, and Dems charge mayor with conspiracy over auditor; August 6, 2009, both by: James Craven).

There has been other talk of bazaar behavior by Alderman Trueworthy. Here is what some of his fellow Aldermen have been quoted as saying:

Democratic Alderwoman Shirley Black said Trueworthy has changed in the last year, going from a very eloquent and clear speaker to someone who rambles disjointedly. "I think it's something we've all noticed" and "He was very focused and punctual, but seems more confused now. He's late to meetings now when he was always on time in the past" (Councillors concerned over Trueworthy's behavior; by James Craven, May 12, 2009).

Alderman Larry Hermanowski reportedly also noticed changes that have left him concerned with the party leadership on the Common Council. "He is not the Mike Trueworthy that I knew four or five years ago" Hermanowski said. Hermanowski said his major concern was Trueworthy's inability to finish a complete thought while addressing the council or any other group. Hermanowski said he dismissed any rumors of drug or alcohol abuse by Trueworthy, but referred any questions on that matter to Alderman Phil Sherwood, because of their friendship (Councillors concerned over Trueworthy's behavior; by James Craven, May 12, 2009).

Alderman Phil Sherwood was quoted as saying: "I categorically deny that Mike Trueworthy is doing any kind of drugs" (Councillors concerned over Trueworthy's behavior; by James Craven, May 12, 2009).

Even Herald reported James Craven has been critical of Trueworthy: "In a long and at times erratic diatribe against Stewart in a telephone interview,...(Trueworthy fires first in budget war; by James Craven, May 12, 2009).

Trueworthy has also accepted the endorsement of the radical ACORN front group: Working Families Party. According to the political watchdog web site Discoverthenetworks.org, The Working Families Party is a front group of ACORN, is an outgrowth of the socialist New Party, and acts as a political party in Connecticut and New York to run radical candidates who conceal their extremism beneath a veneer of populist rhetoric, promising bread-and-butter issues designed to appeal to union voters. The site quotes Bertha Lewis, who moonlights as both WFP Co-Chair and New York ACORN Executive Director as saying "Candidates know that when they're on our line, they're committed to certain things."

Here's what Bertha Lewis was quoted as saying about the endorsement: Speaking days before Hillary won her Senate seat in 2000, Lewis noted, “Hillary knows that if she wins, we’re going to be knocking’ on her door. She won’t be able to hide.” (Quoted in the Village Voice, November 1-7, 2000). Do you really want the leader of your city council beholden to Ms. Lewis when she comes knocking on his door?

In closing, if you think that the city council has been performing the way it should, then vote to re-elect the Majority Leader who controls much of the activities of the council. If you are tired of the divisiveness, and childish partisan games, then consider voting for change.

I believe a change is long overdue.