"Does Probate = Masterb-te," or "Are We Getting Jerked Off by the Judge?"

What's the deal with this primary for Probate Judge? Have you ever seen such energy put into an election campaign (Oops - I mean other than this spring's budget referendum)? Why are New Milford Republicans putting so much energy behind Judge Marty? Who stands to lose here - probate should be pretty simple, right? Would the losers be the people of New Milford? Or a privileged few who might benefit from having a buddy on the bench? (What - me cynical? Nah.)


The Elephants have been working on electing Marty since the beginning of the year. There were plenty of meetings at a Town Councilman's private office, multiple fundraisers, and meet & greets covered by the press (if you can call the Spectrum "press"). There was even a last minute dirty trick by local leader Rog Szendy. Yet, Marty lost the endorsement at the local nominating convention - he only had the support of the New Milford delegates. Apparently the other town delegations were pissed off at Szendy's dirty politicking, and they all supported William DeFeo of New Fairfield. Good job, Rog.


This election was deemed "so important" by the local Elephants that Board of Ed member Lynette Rigdon skipped her BOE obligation (the Education Connection Board of Directors Meeting) in order to be at the nominating convention. Yep - she deemed attending a local probate nominating convention more important than carrying out her duties as an elected member of the BOE. But, worse than that, she didn't want to admit to the public why she missed the meeting. In the minutes of the May 11, 2010, BOE meeting, "Ms. Rigdon said she was unable to get to the last meeting..." Pretty pathetic. But, then again, it shows the importance these clowns have put on this minor election. Still confused? Me too.


The Mayor even got her boyfriend, State Rep. Clark Chapin, to write a letter to the local rags endorsing Marty. Why would he suddenly publicly endorse a candidate - he doesn't put in the same effort for his "partner," much less higher profile offices like Town Council. Why, Clark? Why now?


A few of the New Milford politico's who know both men say DeFeo is honest and acts with integrity. They also like Marty as a person, but are wary of his key backers - the shady NM Republican cabal. Not to be cynical, but the politico's are whispering.


So let's review: DeFeo wins nomination with support from all other towns in the district. New Milford carries on the fight, pouring a great deal of energy and $$ into a fight against a loyal, long standing fellow Republican. Then, throw in that the New Milford Repubs are famous for throwing dirt and dirty tricks, and you get a recipe for skepticism.


Luckily, I can't cast a vote in this primary. If you are an "R," don't blindly follow your local leaders. Ask some questions before you pull the lever on Tuesday. I'm not sure who the best candidate is - but I wouldn't defer to Rog Szenmaster's judgement.

Village Idiot Days

Tomorrow is the annual town get-together, Village Fair Days (Friday and Saturday, July 30 & 31). Local and regional politicos will be there, so make sure to ask them some "real" questions, as the local media doesn't seem to know what those are. Come back and post your findings here - I'd love to hear it!


If you can't come up with any questions for Village Idiot Days, try a few of these.

• Bob Guendelsberger: Was Terry Pellegrini correct? Are you driving "home" to Brookfield tonight?
• Roger Szendy: You and Beth Falder seem to be good friends; is that why she's now on the Board of Finance? BTW: That's Abe Lincoln's statue - not you.
• Ray O'Brien: If you think it's time for new ideas, then isn't it time for you to go? Have you been on the town council for 30 years?
• Walter Bayer: You don't have email? I'm so glad you're making technology decisions... not! You're a DINO and a dinosaur.
• Lynette Rigdon: Who writes your comments for BOE meetings?
• John Lillis & Liba Furhman: Do you do anything for local Dems? Kissing Chris Murphy's butt does not count, however.
• Clark Chapin: How many of your relatives work in town government (don't include your "girlfriend")?
• Bill Wellman: What do you do on the BOE other than complain? You don't volunteer for any "real" work. And who writes your comments?
• New Milford First: Without Bob Kostes, are you relevant?
• Peter Mullen and Mary Jane Lundgren: Why don't the local Dems have a website? Pull the plug on your current leadership - life support is too expensive for the rest of us.
• Any Democrat on the Town Committee: When have you last run a candidate between the ages of 21 - 50?
• Mayor Murphy: The town finished with a surplus last year (2008 - 2009), so why did you act as if the sky was falling during budget season? Shouldn't town employees be ticked off they didn't get some sort of raise? If I were a town employee I'd be very upset!
• Ray Jankowski: Speak up, Mumbles!

Have fun at Village Idiot Days! And remember to come back and share your experiences.

Is Walter Bayer a DINO?

Walter Bayer was at the Republican fundraiser for Probate Judge Martin Landgrebe last night. He appeared to be meeting and greeting like a member of the "R" crowd. And you can sometimes find him tipping back a beverage with Roger Szendy and other "R's" at local watering holes.

Considering how easily he has rolled over for town council business from "R" Mayor Murphy, is he just a lap dog for the RTC? Seems like a DINO (Democrat In Name Only) to me.

Hey Bayer: Start Drinking Liberally.