Everyone Quit...Really.

Would this be seen as irresponsible, selfish, last option or the right thing to do? This week, in Ringling, Oklahoma, all of the town's police force, mayor and city attorney have quit. How, what and why did this happen? This is like a story out of a movie. Ringling, Oklahoma was founded by John Ringling of the Ringling Brothers in 1914. It's a small town with a population of 1,200, a police force of about 10 and a tight-knit political community where everyone knows everyone. The former Police Chief, Jeremy Wilson, resigned along with his 8 other police officers after being on the job for less than 6 months. Mayor Jerry Reid followed resignation as well. Their reason is that the town is simply too corrupt. Ever since Wilson started his job, there have been some city council meetings on how the city can fire Wilson. Wilson and Reid claims that they have been targets because they were getting in the way of a few of the city's drug businesses. Wilson has stated that he and his staff have done all they can, and that this was the only option left. Leaving. For now, the Jefferson County Police Department is taking over until further notice. I think the Police Chief and Mayor are making a point and turning much attention towards the town of Ringling, as it needs, by quitting all together. This will put the town and it's officials into a spotlight and hopefully cause some good ruckus to get the town back to some sort of democratic shape. We'll see in the upcoming weeks as the truths start to come to surface how this will pan out.

Seeing Green ... Again

Mark Green announced his candidacy for the office of New York City Public Advocate on February 10, 2009. The Public Advocate is the one of the 3 top posts in the City (under the Mayor and next to the Comptroller; also next in line to succeed the Mayor). The Public Advocate is usually described as the "omsbudsman" of the City. He/she is the "watchdog" for New Yorkers and direct link between the people and the City government. So what is it about Mark Green running for New York City Public Advocate that's making people do a double take? Maybe because he was elected as the first ever Public Advocate (2 terms, 1994-2001)? Or maybe because the last time he ran for office and lost(the primary to Andrew Cuomo for State Attorney General in 2006) he said he would never run for office again? Mark Green has always been politcally active and is curerntly the President of Air America Radio. He's won primaries for the Democratic nomination in a few elections (such as the mayoral election against Mike Bloonberg in 2001), but never won the general election. He has also worked hard to support those who are running for office and shares his beliefs. Now that he is back in the "game" again, he has until November 3rd to convince New Yorkers he's good for the job. Again.

Just saying a goodbye

In the middle of the cold winter nights that are here with us now, I am sure that everyone longs for the day when we are able to pack away our bulky winter wear! Most everyone will welcome the summer days with wide open arms. The green markets will come back, the Naked Cowboy will be singing his tunes, the summer festivals will be packed, and the Coney Island hot dog competition will wonder if Kobayashi will ever leave. All these things/people will come back and maybe be better than ever, with the exception of Mr. Joe Ades. If you hang around Union Square or midtown often, you've probably met him before. He is the British vegetable peeler salesman. Mr. Ades always knows how to attract a crowd! And he only sells one kind of vegetable peeler that works very well, from what I've heard before. It's made in Switzerland. He always makes sure that you think of your friends and family when you you want to buy a peeler. And then you'd walk away with 4 peelers instead of one. He was quite the salesman. Not just any salesman, but a New York salesman (from the UK). I've always seen him around and I've always stopped for at least a minute just to listen to him even when I'm in a hurry. He always cracks me up, haha. I never bought a peeler from Mr. Ades, but am glad that many did. Mr. Ades died on Sunday, February 1, 2009 at the age of 75. He was a New York icon and he will be missed by many.

Joe Ades: You only want one? You have no friends!

Bill Thompson, Candidate for Mayor announces Campaign Manager

Bill Thompson, the current New York City Comptroller, has just announced his campaign manager to lead his run for New York City Mayor. Thompson chose Eduardo Castell, a long time aide, friend and a current deputy comptroller. Mr. Castell will resign his current city position to take on the duties of campaign manager this week. I've worked with both Bill and Eduardo during Bill's re-election 2005 campaign for Comptroller and both are very dedicated to this city and to the people who work for and with them. Best of luck! I'll have more updates on this campaign soon.