>>
Gary: JUST AHEAD ON "NEED TO KNOW," IT'S ONLY MAY BUT, BELIEVE
IT OR NOT TIME, TO TALK POLITICS. MONROE COUNTY'S REPUBLICAN
AND DEMOCRATIC PARTIES HELD THEIR NOMINATED CONVENTIONS LAST
WEEK TO ANNOUNCE THEIR CANDIDATES FOR THIS FALL'S ELECTION SEASON.
WE'LL TAKE YOU INSIDE THOSE CONVENTIONS AND TALK WITH MONROE
COUNTY'S POLITICAL PARTY CHAIRMAN TO DISCUSS CANDIDATES AND
ISSUES THAT WILL SHAPE LOCAL GOVERNMENT, INCLUDING ROCHESTER'S
MAYORAL RACE. IT'S ALL COMING UP NEXT ON "NEED TO KNOW."
>>
EIGHT YEARS AGO, THIS SCENE WOULD HAVE BEEN UNIMAGINABLE, AND
I WOULD HAVE HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO LEAD THIS CITY FOR THREE
TERMS.
>>
THIS IS "NEED TO KNOW," THE ROCHESTER AREA'S ONLY IN-DEPTH NEWS
PROGRAM. "NEED TO KNOW" IS A PRODUCTION OF WXXI NEWS AND PUBLIC
AFFAIRS COVERING ISSUES, POLITICS, EDUCATION AND CURRENT EVENTS.
>>
"NEED TO KNOW" IS MADE POSSIBLE BY THE DAISY MARQUIS JONES FOUNDATION,
BY DORSCHEL LEXUS, AND THROUGH THE SUPPORT OF VIEWERS LIKE YOU.
>>
Gary: THANK YOU FOR JOINING US. I'M GARY WALKER. THE NOMINATING
CONVENTIONS ARE HISTORY, AND COMING OUT OF THIS YEAR'S AFFAIRS
WE HAVE SOME INTERESTING RACES. AFTER RUNNING UNOPPOSED FOUR
YEARS AGO, ROCHESTER MAYOR WILLIAM JOHNSON WILL HAVE COMPETITION
IN HIS BID FOR A THIRD TERM. THE REVEREND LUIS PEREZ ACCEPTED
THE REPUBLICAN NOMINATION FOR MAYOR. HE'S THE FIRST LATINO TO
BE SELECTED TO RUN FOR THE POSITION. THE RACE FOR MAYOR ISN'T
THE ONLY ELECTION HEATING UP. DEMOCRATIC VINCE FAGGIANO WILL
TRY TO DERAIL REPUBLICAN UNDER SHERIFF PATRICK O'FLYNN'S BID
TO SUCCEED ANDREW MALONEY AS MONROE COUNTY SHERIFF. THE BATTLE
CONTINUES IN THE COUNTY LEGISLATURE WHERE ALL 29 SEATS ARE UP
FOR GRABS. REPUBLICANS CURRENTLY HOLD AN 18-TO-11 ADVANTAGE
OVER THE DEMOCRATS. THE LAST MAYORAL RACE SAW WILLIAM JOHNSON
RUN UNOPPOSED. BUT THIS ELECTION SEASON ROCHESTER'S REPUBLICANS
HAVE AN ALTERNATIVE OF THEIR OWN. WXXI's MATT CUMMINGS REVIEWS
THE REPUBLICAN AND DEMOCRATIC PARTY CONVENTION.
>> PLEASE WELCOME THE REPUBLICAN CANDIDATE FOR MAYOR OF THE
CITY OF ROCHESTER, LUIS PEREZ.
(Applause)
>>
Matt: WITH THAT INTRODUCTION, ROCHESTER'S MAYORAL ELECTION BECAME
A TWO-HORSE RACE WITH REPUBLICAN NOMINEE LUIS PEREZ CHALLENGING
INCUMBENT DEMOCRAT WILLIAM JOHNSON.
>>
WHAT WE HAVE FOUND IS THAT THERE ARE A LOT OF PEOPLE WITHIN
THE CITY PROPER WHO WANT TO SEE CHANGE, ARE NOT AFRAID TO PAY
THE PRICE, AND I'M EXCITED TONIGHT TO BE ABLE TO INTRODUCE TO
YOU, AS WE DID TO THE COMMUNITY THIS MORNING, OUR BANNER, "GETTING
IT DONE IN 2001."
(Applause)
LET
ME JUST SHARE WITH YOU SOME HIGHLIGHTS OF WHAT THAT MEANS TO
US IN THIS INITIAL STEP. IT'S ABOUT BRINGING A SENSE OF HOPE
AND CHANGE THAT INTRODUCES THE COMMUNITY OF ROCHESTER TO A WHOLE
NEW SET OF LEADERS, COMMUNITY LEADERS, SOME OF WHICH YOU'RE
GOING TO MEET THIS EVENING AS I INTRODUCE THEM TO YOU. IT ALSO
BRINGS A SENSE OF HOPE AND CHANGE AND INTRODUCES YOU TO A REINVIGORATING
OF OUR DEMOCRATIC PROCESS THAT GIVES CITIZENS OF THIS GREAT
CITY CHOICE WHEN THEY GO TO THE POLLS. I REMEMBER SITTING WITH
STEVEN, LETTING HIM KNOW ONE OF THE MOST FRUSTRATING THINGS
FOR ME AS A REPUBLICAN, WHO LOVES THE CITY, WAS TO GO TO THE
POLLS AND NOT HAVE A CHOICE, AND FROM THIS DAY FORWARD WE'RE
GOING TO CHANGE THAT IN THE CITY OF ROCHESTER.
(Applause)
IT'S
ALSO ABOUT BRINGING TO THIS COMMUNITY A SENSE OF HOPE AND CHANGE
THAT, TO A NEW REPUBLICAN PARTY, THAT WILL NO LONGER CONCEDE
THE CITY OR MORE IMPORTANTLY THE PEOPLE OF THE CITY, BUT INSTEAD
WILL TAKE AN ACTIVE ROLE AND BECOME A VIABLE VOICE AND CONTRIBUTOR
TO THE THINGS THAT ARE IMPORTANT TO OUR COMMUNITY. AND ALSO
IT'S ABOUT BRINGING A SENSE OF HOPE AND CHANGE THAT INTRODUCES
US TO A NEW REPUBLICAN PARTY THAT DOESN'T TALK ABOUT INCLUSION
AND DIVERSITY BUT WALKS THE TALK BY ASKING A LATINO TO RUN FOR
THE MAYOR OF ROCHESTER, NEW YORK, FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER, AND
THAT IS SOMETHING TO BE APPLAUDED.
(Applause)
>>
Matt: INCUMBENT MAYOR JOHNSON WELCOMED THE REPUBLICAN CHALLENGE,
CAME OUT FIRING AT THE DEMOCRATIC CONVENTION.
>>
THE REPUBLICANS ON THURSDAY NOMINATED A SLATE FROM CITY OFFICERS
AND ANNOUNCED THEIR INTENTIONS TO MOUNT A VIGOROUS CAMPAIGN.
I, FOR ONE, WELCOME THAT OPPORTUNITY TO TAKE OUT MY RECORD BEFORE
THE PUBLIC AS WELL AS MY PLANS FOR THE FUTURE. WHILE IT IS NICE
TO RUN UNOPPOSED, THE COMMUNITY BENEFITS FROM A CAMPAIGN THAT
ALLOWS FOR AN EXCHANGE OF IDEAS AND A COMPARISON OF PLANS AND
PROGRAMS. THIS CAMPAIGN WILL BE ABOUT THE REPUBLICAN PARTY TAKING
RESPONSIBILITY FOR WHAT IT HAS NOT DONE FOR THE CITY.
(Applause
and Cheering)
THAT
IS WHAT THIS CAMPAIGN IS GOING TO BE ABOUT, NOT THEIR POLITICS
BUT THEIR POLICIES; THEIR POLICIES THAT IGNORE LEGITIMATE SOCIOECONOMIC
TRENDS; THEIR POLICIES THAT DIVERT MONEY FROM LEGITIMATE AREAS
OF NEED TO DUBIOUS VENTURES; THEIR POLICIES THAT TURNED THEIR
BACKS AND DEAF EARS TO CITIZENS THAT QUESTIONED THEIR ACTIONS;
THEIR POLICIES WHICH ARE INTENDED MERELY TO PERPETUATE THEIR
POLITICAL ADVANTAGE RATHER THAN ADVANCE THE BEST INTERESTS OF
OUR COMMUNITY; THEIR POLICIES THAT VALUE NO TAX INCREASE AS
THE ONLY THING THIS COMMUNITY WANTS OR CARES ABOUT. BUCKLE UP
YOUR SEAT BELTS, Mr. MINARIK AND Mr. DOYLE AND REVEREND PEREZ.
YOU'RE IN FOR A LONG, HARD RIDE.
(Cheering
and Applause)
>>
Matt: PATRICK O'FLYNN ACCEPTED THE REPUBLICAN NOMINATION FOR
MONROE COUNTY SHERIFF.
>>
I'M CONVINCED THAT THE SHERIFF CAN AND SHOULD USE HIS OFFICE
IN THE FORCE FOR POSITIVE CHANGE, AND I INTEND TO DO JUST THAT.
I'M PREPARED TO BE SHERIFF BECAUSE OF THE THINGS THAT I'VE LEARNED
DURING THESE PAST 26 YEARS WITH THE MONROE COUNTY SHERIFF'S
OFFICE. THIS, ALONG WITH MY PLEDGE OF COMPASSION AND CARING
ABOUT PEOPLE, WILL BE THE CORNERSTONE OF MY ADMINISTRATION.
>>
Matt: VINCE FAGGIANO ACCEPTED THE DEMOCRATIC NOD TO CHALLENGE
O'FLYNN FOR COUNTY SHERIFF, CITING A NEED FOR CHANGE AT THE
TOP.
>>
THIS CAMPAIGN IS CRITICAL TO THE FUTURE OF OUR PARTY AND TO
THE FUTURE OF PUBLIC SAFETY IN MONROE COUNTY. RECENT NEWS STORIES
REVEAL A SHERIFF'S OFFICE THAT IS ASLEEP AT THE SWITCH. THERE
IS A CLEAR VOID IN LEADERSHIP AND A CLEAR VOID IN MANAGEMENT.
YOU NEED LOOK NO FURTHER THAN THE JAIL, FOR PLANNING AND OVERCROWDING
HAVE LED TO INHUMANE CONDITIONS FOR INMATES AND UNSAFE CONDITIONS
FOR THE BRAVE MEN AND WOMEN THAT WORK THERE DAILY. WE CANNOT
AND WE WILL NOT ALLOW PATRICK O'FLYNN TO CONTINUE TO STAND IN
THE SHADOWS AND DO NOTHING. WE MUST USHER IN A NEW ERA OF LEADERSHIP.
>>
Gary: JOINING ME IN STUDIOS TO DISCUSS THE CANDIDATES AND ISSUES
COMING OUT OF THE CONVENTIONS ARE DEMOCRATIC PARTY CHAIRMAN
TED O'BRIEN AND CONSERVATIVE PARTY CHAIRMAN TOM COOK. GENTLEMEN,
THANK YOU BOTH FOR COMING. NOW LET ME ADD QUICKLY THAT REPUBLIC
PARTY CHAIRMAN STEVE MINARIK WAS LINED UP TO ATTEND THIS MORNING
BUT, DUE TO HEALTH REASONS, HE HAD TO DECLINE AT THE LAST MINUTE.
NOW ONE CANNOT REALLY REPLACE STEVE MINARIK; WE'RE NOT GOING
TO TRY, BUT THE NEXT BEST THING IS TO HEAR FROM HIM. SO HERE
IS STEVE MINARIK AT LAST WEEK'S MONROE COUNTY REPUBLICAN PARTY
CONVENTION.
(Applause)
>>
I THINK CLEARLY PEOPLE ARE TIRED OF ONE PARTY GOVERNMENT IN
THE CITY OF ROCHESTER, AND I THINK THAT'S WHY WE HAVE DECIDED
TO RUN SO MANY CANDIDATES, NOT JUST LOU PEREZ BUT PEOPLE FOR
CITY COUNCIL AND PEOPLE FOR SCHOOL BOARD AS WELL, SO WE'LL GIVE
IT OUR BEST SHOT. THE MOST IMPORTANT THING THIS YEAR IS THAT
WE'RE GOING TO PROVIDE A CHOICE FOR PEOPLE, THAT WE'RE GOING
TO SEE WHAT -- PEOPLE CAN ACTUALLY SEE WHAT BILL JOHNSON HAS
DONE AND WHAT LOU PEREZ IS GOING TO TALK ABOUT. I'M GOING TO
TELL YOU, THIS HORSE RACE THIS YEAR FOR THE MAYOR'S RACE, WE
ARE NOT SECRETARIAT. WE ARE NOT ZIPPY-CHIPPY EITHER, AND I THINK
THAT WE'RE GOING TO RAISE SOME EYEBROWS IN THIS YEAR'S ELECTION.
FIRST LATINO I THINK TO RUN FOR MAYOR EVER IN THIS CITY. I THINK
HE IS DEDICATED TO THE NEIGHBORHOODS. HE'S A MAN OF CHARACTER
AND INTEGRITY. WHEN HE GOES TO NEIGHBORS AND TALKS TO PEOPLE,
PEOPLE ARE GOING TO RESPECT HIM. I'D SAY PATRICK O'FLYNN IS
GOING TO SPEND AN INORDINATE AMOUNT OF HIS TIME DEALING WITH
THE DRUG ISSUE. I THINK HE'S EMPHASIZED THAT IN HIS CAMPAIGN,
NOT ONLY THE INCARCERATION BUT ALSO DRUG TREATMENT, THE OTHER
SIDE OF THE EQUATION. I THINK THE SCALES HAVE BEEN ALTERED A
LITTLE BIT. WE'VE GONE FROM JUST FOCUSING ON LOCKING PEOPLE
UP FOR DRUGS NOW TO ALSO TREATING THEM, AND I THINK THAT IS
AS IMPORTANT IF NOT MORE IMPORTANT AS WE MOVE FORWARD IN GOVERNMENT,
AND I THINK PATRICK O'FLYNN IS SO PROPERLY POSITIONED AS --
YOU KNOW, AS THE NUMBER TWO PERSON. I MEAN, HE'S BEEN RUNNING
THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE. HE KNOWS WHAT THE DEAL IS. HE KNOWS HOW
HE HAS TO GET THINGS DONE, AND I'M VERY PROUD THAT HE'S OUR
CANDIDATE THIS YEAR. LET ME TELL YOU SOMETHING: WE WILL MAINTAIN
CONTROL OF THE LEGISLATURE BECAUSE WE'RE RUNNING ON THE RECORD
OF ACCOMPLISHMENT WHERE WE HAVE EIGHT YEARS OF NO TAX INCREASE
AT ALL. PEOPLE ARE VERY HAPPY WITH OUR COUNTY GOVERNMENT, HOW
WE CONTINUE TO PROVIDE GOOD SERVICES FOR THE VOTER, WHILST KEEPING
TAXES FLAT, AND THAT'S A GREAT ACCOMPLISHMENT.
>>
Gary: NOT SECRETARIAT BUT NOT ZIPPY-CHIPPY. THOSE ARE THE WORDS
OF STEVE MINARIK, REPUBLICAN PARTY CHAIRMAN WHO COULD NOT BE
HERE THIS MORNING. GENTLEMEN, THANKS FOR BEING HERE. WE DO WANT
TO DISCUSS THE MAYOR'S RACE, THE SHERIFF'S RACE, THE LOCAL ELECTIONS,
BUT WE DID HAVE TO TAKE A QUICK STEP BACK AND LOOK AT THE EARTHQUAKE
THAT HAPPENED TODAY IN WASHINGTON D.C. WITH THE ANNOUNCEMENT
OF SENATOR JEFFORDS TO STEP OUT OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY, BE
AN INDEPENDENT AND BACK THE ORGANIZATION EFFORTS OF THE DEMOCRATS.
I HAVE TO ASK YOU, I MEAN, WHO WOULD HAVE THUNK? TOM?
>>
THE RAMIFICATIONS OF THAT ARE HUGE WHEN YOU HAVE 100 SENATORS
AND ONE OF THEM CAN CHANGE AND THE CONTROL GOES THE OTHER WAY.
IT'S UNBELIEVABLE FOR THE STAFF, FOR THE JUDICIARY, FOR THE
COMMITTEE CHAIRMANSHIP, AND VERY SURPRISING AND I THINK SOMEWHAT
DISAPPOINTING. HE RAN AS A REPUBLICAN. HE'S ALWAYS BEEN A REPUBLICAN.
HE HAS THIS TREMENDOUS POWER AND THEN HE BECOMES AN INDEPENDENT
AND VOTES FOR A DEMOCRAT. SO I FIND IT DISAPPOINTING AND SOMEWHAT
NOT EXACTLY HONEST TO THE VOTERS AND THOSE WHO HAVE SUPPORTED
HIM AS A REPUBLICAN ALL THESE YEARS.
>>
Gary: TED O'BRIEN, YOU HAVE TO BE HAPPY.
>>
HE RAN AS A -- THE REPUBLICAN PARTY MOVED AWAY FROM HIM. AND
HIS COMPLAINT IS THE REPUBLICAN PARTY'S MOVED FAR, FAR, FAR
TO THE RIGHT, AND HE'S ALWAYS BEEN A MODERATE AND I THINK HE'S
BEING TRUE TO HIMSELF. THE INTERESTING THING WILL BE WHAT THE
SIGNIFICANCE WILL BE FOR US IN NEW YORK THAT BOTH OF OUR U.S.
SENATORS BEING DEMOCRATS, AND NOW YOU HAVE CANDIDATES CHANGING,
COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS AND THE MAJORITY LEADER. I THINK IT MIGHT
BE A VERY GOOD THING FOR NEW YORK AND SENATOR CLINTON AND SENATOR
SCHUMER.
>> BUT IT COULD CHANGE BACK. I MEAN, ZELL MILLER IN GEORGIA,
BREAUX IN LOUISIANA. YOU HAVE TREMENDOUS POWER IN ONE INDIVIDUAL.
SO IT MIGHT BE A CHANGE FOR A WEEK OR TWO WEEKS AND THEN SOMETHING
MIGHT HAPPEN.
>>
THIS CHANGE MIGHT HAVE COME ABOUT BECAUSE SOME OF THE MOST SENIOR
MEMBERS OF SENATE, MAYBE FOR HEALTH REASONS, AND THEY HAPPEN
TO BE IN STATES WHERE THEIR DEMOCRATIC GOVERNORS MAKE AN APPOINTMENT
TO A DEMOCRAT. YOU KNOW, YOU'RE RIGHT. I DON'T KNOW THAT WE'RE
NOT NECESSARILY THROUGH SEEING THE SHIFT OF POWER. I DON'T KNOW
WHERE IT'S GOING TO END.
>>
Gary: I WAS GOING TO SAY, IF I WAS SENATOR JOHN BREAUX, LOUISIANA,
OR ZELL MILLER IN GEORGIA, WOULD I BE ANSWERING MY PHONE TODAY?
(Laughter) THE PRESIDENT WOULD LIKE TO SEE YOU. BUT LET ME JUST
-- BEFORE WE LEAVE THIS, JUST LET ME ASK, AND I KNOW IT'S THE
INSIDER POLITICAL QUESTION, BUT I HAVE TO ASK: YOU HAVE A 57-YEAR-OLD
SENATOR FROM A LIBERAL STATE AS IT IS ANYWAY. HE'S ALWAYS BEEN
A MODERATE. HE'S BEEN COMPLAINING OF TREMENDOUS PRESSURE AND
SLIGHTS FROM THE WHITE HOUSE. IF YOU'VE GOT FIVE YEARS LEFT
IN HIS TERM, IS THAT THE KIND OF GUY YOU WANT TO PUT THE SQUEEZE
ON? WHY WOULD THE WHITE HOUSE DO THAT?
>>
I THINK THE PRESIDENT MADE A BIG MISTAKE. YOU KNOW, YOU TRY
TO KEEP YOUR PARTY UNDER CONTROL, BUT WHEN IT'S 50-50 AND YOU
LOSE THOSE KIND OF LEVERAGES NOW, AND EVERYBODY BECOMES VERY,
VERY SIGNIFICANT NOW. EVERY VOTE IS SO IMPORTANT, AND I THINK
THERE'S A MISCALCULATION MADE THERE BY THE BUSH ADMINISTRATION.
>>
IF IN FACT THAT HAPPENED, IT WAS A BIG MISTAKE BECAUSE THE RAMIFICATIONS
ARE HUGE. I DON'T KNOW THE DETAILS, WHETHER THEY SLIGHTED HIM
OR WHAT, BUT...
>>
Gary: LET'S TALK ABOUT SOME LOCAL RACES RIGHT NOW. THERE'S GOING
TO BE A NEW SHERIFF IN TOWN, ONE WAY OR THE OTHER. AFTER 20
YEARS, ANDY MALONEY STEPS DOWN, AND WE HAVE I THINK TWO, YOU
KNOW, SIGNIFICANT CANDIDATES HERE IN Mr. FAGGIANO AND PATRICK
O'FLYNN, WHO'S BEEN THE UNDERSTUDY FOR Mr. MALONEY FOR SO MANY
YEARS. AND I JUST HAVE TO PUT IT OUT THERE. AND, TOM, I'M GOING
TO LOOK AT YOU FIRST.
>>
OKAY.
>>
Gary: AS A PERSON WHO REALLY HAS KIND OF NOT BEEN A BIG PATRICK
O'FLYNN FAN OVER THE YEARS OR EVEN ANDY MALONEY FAN IN THAT
SENSE. I'M NOT SAYING PERSONALLY; I'M SAYING AS FAR AS POLITICS
GOES AND YOUR SUPPORT, ARE YOU GOING TO ENDORSE Mr. O'FLYNN
OR ARE YOU GOING TO ENDORSE Mr. FAGGIANO?
>>
WE HAVE OUR CONVENTION ON SATURDAY, JUNE 2nd. WE HAVE A 34-MEMBER
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. WE'RE ALL GOING TO MEET THERE.
>>
Gary: I'VE HEARD YOU SAY THIS SO MANY TIMES BEFORE. (Laughing)
I CAN ALMOST REPEAT IT FOR YOU.
>>
I'LL GIVE YOU THE PUNCH LINE AT THE END. WE'VE INVITED Mr. FAGGIANO
TO MAKE A PRESENTATION. WE'VE INVITED PATRICK O'FLYNN TO MAKE
A PRESENTATION. THEY'RE BOTH GOING TO APPEAR, AS FAR AS I KNOW,
AND WE'RE GOING TO VOTE. BUT I WILL TELL YOU CANDIDLY, I THINK
THE SHERIFF'S RACE IS GOING TO BE THE PREMIER ELECTION IN MONROE
COUNTY THIS YEAR. I WILL TELL YOU CANDIDLY THAT, PERSONALLY,
I HAVE MADE UP MY MIND, AND I'M GOING TO RECOMMEND TO OUR COMMITTEE
THAT WE ENDORSE VINCE FAGGIANO. I'VE LOOKED AT HIS R‚SUM‚. I'VE
LOOK AT WHAT HE DID IN THE CITY OF ROCHESTER. HE'S NOT A POLITICIAN
IN THE ANDY MALONEY MOLD OR THE PATRICK O'FLYNN MOLD, BUT HE'S
A PROFESSIONAL, AND I THINK THAT THE MONROE COUNTY SHERIFF'S
DEPARTMENT DESERVES AND NEEDS A PROFESSIONAL. I KNOW MANY OF
THE DEPUTY SHERIFFS, THEIR MORALE IS LOW, AND I THINK HE CAN
DO VERY GOOD THINGS FOR THE COMMUNITY. NOW PATRICK O'FLYNN WAS
A REGISTERED CONSERVATIVE FOR THREE YEARS, '89 TO '92. HE IS
I THINK A FRIEND OF MINE. HE'S A VERY NICE GUY, VERY CONGENIAL
PERSON. BUT FAGGIANO, WHO I DON'T KNOW AS WELL, I THINK IS A
PROFESSIONAL AND I THINK HE'LL DO WONDERS FOR THE MONROE COUNTY
SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT. SO I'M GOING TO RECOMMEND TO OUR COMMITTEE
ON JUNE 2nd THAT THEY ENDORSE FAGGIANO. USUALLY THEY FOLLOW
MY RECOMMENDATION, BUT THEY ARE NOT POTTED PLANTS BUT WE'LL
SEE WHAT HAPPENS.
>>
Gary: CAN YOU GIVE ME ONE INSTANCE WHERE THEY DIDN'T FOLLOW
YOUR RECOMMENDATION?
>>
BACK IN '87, THERE WAS SOMETHING THAT THEY DIDN'T DO. (Laughter)
LET ME JUST EXPLAIN THAT.
>>
...OUT OF CONTROL.
>>
GONET ONCE SAID, GEE, HE PUTS HIS FRIENDS AND ALLIES AND SUPPORTERS
ON HIS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. AND I SAID, I SHOULD PUT MY ENEMIES
THERE? I MEAN, THIS IS POLITICS.
>>
Gary: OKAY.
>>
BUT, I MEAN, WE PROBABLY HAVE THREE OR FOUR DOCTORS ON THE COMMITTEE,
FIVE OR SIX LAWYERS. THEY'RE INDEPENDENT PEOPLE, BUT USUALLY,
THROUGH THE POWER OF PERSUASION, I CAN GET THEM TO SUPPORT WHO
I'D LIKE TO SUPPORT, AND I HOPE THAT HAPPENS ON JUNE 2nd.
>> Gary: I AM NOT EVEN LOOKING AT TED O'BRIEN, BUT I CAN FEEL
THE WARMTH AND GLOW OF HIS SMILE.
>>
IF YOU SEE US HOLDING HANDS, I'M NOT STEVE MINARIK.
>>
YOU KNOW, I THINK THERE'S SOMETHING INTERESTING HAPPENING IN
THE COUNTY NOW. IT'S BEEN A LONG TIME SINCE THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY
HAD TWO DIFFERENT CANDIDATES SEEKING THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY ENDORSEMENT.
WE HAVE TWO TERRIFIC CANDIDATES. THERE'S GOING TO BE A PRIMARY
THERE WITH ---
>>
I CERTAINLY HOPE NOT. I DON'T KNOW, YOU KNOW. IT'S TOUGH TO
PRIMARY. TOM RAN HARD AND TRIED HARD AND MADE A GOOD EFFORT
TO GET OUR ENDORSEMENT, BUT I THINK, YOU KNOW, VINCE FAGGIANO
IS A PERSON WHO CAN WIN THE SHERIFF'S RACE. LIKE I SAY IT'S
BEEN A LONG TIME SINCE THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY WAS IN A POSITION
TO SAY WE CAN FIELD A CANDIDATE WHO CAN WIN IN THE SHERIFF'S
RACE. I'M EXCITED ABOUT THAT RACE. OBVIOUSLY TOM'S HELP, AND
THAT WOULD BE APPRECIATED AND SOMETHING THAT I THINK MAKES THE
CANDIDATE MUCH MORE VIABLE. BUT WHEN YOU LOOK AT THE SHERIFF'S
DEPARTMENT, WE'VE GOT THE LARGEST SINGLE BUDGET ITEM, EVEN MORE
THAN THE ROAD PATROL, IS THE JAIL; AND I THINK THERE'S BEEN
SOME PROBLEMS THE WAY THE JAIL'S BEEN HANDLED. WE'RE NOW LOOKING
AT INVESTIGATING WHAT'S TAKEN PLACE THERE AND SO ON. I THINK
THOSE ARE THE KIND OF TIMES WHEN PEOPLE START THINKING MAYBE
IT IS TIME FOR NEW LEADERSHIP, AND THAT'S THE KIND OF THING
VINCE FAGGIANO'S GOING TO PROVIDE.
>>
Gary: YOU HEARD IT HERE FIRST, SIGNIFICANT DEPARTURE BETWEEN
THE USUALLY CLOSE RELATIONS BETWEEN THE CONSERVATIVES AND THE
REPUBLICAN PARTY, BUT YOU HAVE GONE WITH DEMOCRATS IN THE PAST
AND NOT SO MUCH RECENTLY, BUT THIS IS A BIG ONE, TOM.
>>
SEE, THE BEAUTY IS WE CAN INTERVIEW THE REPUBLICAN, THE DEMOCRAT,
THE CONSERVATIVE AND WE THINK PICK THE BEST CANDIDATE. THIS
YEAR WE'RE GOING TO ENDORSE LET'S SAY 115 TO 120 PEOPLE. PROBABLY
100 OF THEM ARE GOING TO BE REPUBLICANS, SUPERVISORS, HIGHWAY
SUPERINTENDENTS, TOWN COUNCIL; SO WE CAN PICK AND CHOOSE. AND
THIS YEAR WE'RE GOING TO DO SOME CONSERVATIVES. WE'RE GOING
TO DO A CONSERVATIVE FOR SUPERVISOR IN HENRIETTA. WE MAY RUN
A CONSERVATIVE IN THE MAYOR'S RACE IN THE CITY OF ROCHESTER.
>>
Gary: REALLY? INTERESTING.
>>
YES. WE'RE GOING OVER SOME NAMES AND DOING SOME INTERVIEWS.
WE WANT SOMEBODY WHO IS NOT GOING TO WIN BUT IS GOING TO BE
AN ARTICULATE SPOKESMAN FOR OUR PHILOSOPHY, AND WE'LL PROBABLY
VOTE ON THAT ON JUNE 2nd.
>>
Gary: LET'S TALK ABOUT THE CITY. IF STEVE MINARIK WERE HERE,
I WOULD CONGRATULATE HIM AND TELL HIM THAT HE HAS, IN THE PAST,
SAID HE WANTS TO STEP UP AND START RUNNING SLATES IN AREAS WHERE
THEY HAVE JUST ABANDONED IN THE PAST. I'VE MET Mr. PEREZ. HE'S
BEEN ON THIS PROGRAM. HE'S ARTICULATE. HE'S SMART. HE'S GOT
A LOT OF SUBSTANCE TO HIM. HE'S A LEGITIMATE CANDIDATE. HE'S
VERY ARTICULATE, AND THEY'RE ALSO RUNNING THREE OUT OF THE FIVE
CITY COUNCIL SEATS AND TWO OUT OF THE THREE SCHOOL BOARD SEATS
IN THE CITY. SO THE REPUBLICANS ARE MAKING A LEGITIMATE EFFORT
TO HAVE AT LEAST A VOICE IN THE AFFAIRS OF THE CITY.
>>
IF THAT'S WHERE WE ARE, I THINK THAT'S A GOOD THING. I BECAME
A COUNTY CHAIRMAN OF THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY BECAUSE, COUNTYWIDE,
I WAS AFRAID THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY WAS GETTING WIPED OUT AND
THAT THE REPUBLICAN PARTY WAS TOO STRONG COUNTYWIDE. I THINK
WE'VE MADE GREAT ADVANCES IN MAKING SURE WE'VE RESTORED TWO
PARTY GOVERNMENTS AT COUNTY GOVERNMENTS. THE SAME THING HAS
BEEN TO BE TRUE IN THE CITY. I THINK THE MAYOR HAS DONE A WONDERFUL
JOB. BUT BY THE SAME TOKEN, NO MATTER HOW GOOD YOU ARE, IT'S
GOOD TO BE TESTED, I THINK, AND HAVE TWO-PARTY GOVERNMENT. I
BELIEVE IN TWO-PARTY GOVERNMENT. THAT BEING SAID, AND I AGREE
WITH YOUR ASSESSMENT. I'VE UNDERSTOOD THAT Mr. PEREZ IS A GOOD
MAN AND SO ON. I HOPE, HOWEVER, AND THIS IS THE CYNICAL SIDE
OF ME, THAT HE'S NOT BEING USED SOMEWHERE, YOU KNOW -- THE REPUBLICAN
STRATEGY HAS BEEN IN THE PAST, LET'S KEEP VOTER TURNOUT LOW.
IT WILL HELP OUR COUNTYWIDE CANDIDATES NOT TO DRIVE TURNOUT
IN THE CITY, SO LET'S RUN NO ONE AGAINST THE MAYOR AND NOT DRIVE
THAT TURNOUT. NOW I THINK THAT THE MAYORS -- AND THE REPUBLICANS
HAVE RESEARCHED AND DO ALL KIND OF POLLING AND STUFF. I'M SURE
THEY'RE FINDING THAT HIS POSITIVES, THE MAYOR'S POSITIVES ARE
EXTREMELY HIGH. HIS NEGATIVES ARE VERY LOW, AND THEY'LL BE WORRIED
ABOUT WHAT HE'S GOING TO DO DOWN THE ROAD. I'M WONDERING IF
MAYBE THEY'RE NOT RUNNING A CANDIDATE THIS YEAR TO DRIVE UP
HIS NEGATIVES. I DON'T KNOW THAT Mr. PEREZ WOULD HAVE THAT AS
AGENDA, BUT I'M CONCERNED ABOUT WHAT THE REPUBLICAN PARTY AGENDA
MAY BE.
>>
Gary: WHAT DO YOU MAKE OF THAT?
>> WELL, I WAS A LITTLE BIT SURPRISED ON STEVE'S STRATEGY, THE
STRATEGIST. IF YOU RUN SOMEBODY FOR MAYOR AND SCHOOL BOARD AND
THIS IN THE CITY COUNCIL AND THEY'RE NOT GOING TO WIN. LET'S
AGREE, THEY'RE NOT GOING TO WIN. DO YOU DO IT TO SHOW THE FLAG
OR DO YOU RISK A DANGER? IF YOU'RE PATRICK O'FLYNN AND THE CITY
TURNOUT IS EIGHT, TEN, 12,000 MORE, MOST OF THOSE PEOPLE EVENTUALLY
ARE NOT GOING TO VOTE FOR PATRICK O'FLYNN. THEY'RE GOING TO
RETURN TO THE DEMOCRATIC LINE. SO I THINK STEVE IS RISKING SOMETHING
HERE BY DOING THIS. NOW, I GUESS YOU CAN SAY WE'RE GOING TO
OFFER A CHOICE, WHICH IS NICE, BUT IF IT COSTS HIM THE SHERIFF'S
RACE, MAYBE THE STRATEGY BACKFIRES.
>>
YEAH. IF IT'S GENUINELY TO RESORT TWO-PARTY GOVERNMENT TO THE
CITY, THEN THAT'S A GOOD THING. SEE POSITIVE CAMPAIGNS, THEN
THEY'VE DONE WHAT THEY SAID THEY'RE GOING TO DO. IF IT'S AN
ATTEMPT JUST TO THROW MUD AT THE MAYOR, I THINK THAT WOULD BE
A VERY NEGATIVE THING AND HOPEFULLY THAT WON'T HAPPEN.
>>
Gary: WELL, Mr. PEREZ HAD SAID THIS IS ABOUT THE REPUBLICANS
TAKING SOME RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE FUTURE OF THE CITY. AND I
THINK AT THIS POINT, WE NEED TO TAKE HIM AT HIS WORD. QUICK
QUESTION FOR YOU, Mr. O'BRIEN: YOU HAD A MILD UPSET IN THE CITY'S
SCHOOL BOARD. ONE OF YOUR INCUMBENTS DID NOT MAKE PAST MUSTER.
PROFESSOR JIM BOWERS, CITY RESIDENT AND PROFESSOR AT THE St.
JOHN FISHER, UPSET WILLA POWELL. THEY'RE GOING TO BE A PRIMARY?
>>
I WAS SPEAKING TO WILLA OVER THE COURSE OF THE LAST FEW DAYS,
AND SHE HASN'T COME TO A CONCLUSION LIKE THAT. I THINK SHE'D
REALLY NEED TO FEEL THAT THERE WAS REALLY A GROUNDSWELL OF SUPPORT
BEHIND HER. IT WAS AN INTERESTING VOTE. ON THE FIRST BALLOT,
SHE ACTUALLY FINISHED AHEAD OF Dr. BOWERS, BUT THEN ON THAT
CONCLUDING BALLOT FELL BACK BEHIND. AND I'M NOT SURE WE UNDERSTAND
ALL THE REASONS FOR THAT. I THOUGHT WILLA DID A GOOD JOB, BUT,
YOU KNOW, PEOPLE CONSIDER EDUCATION TO BE SUCH A HIGH PRIORITY
IN THIS CITY AND ARE VERY CONCERNED. MAYBE THERE'S JUST A SENTIMENT
THAT THERE NEEDS TO BE A LITTLE CHANGE THERE, THAT CHANGE CAN
SOMETIMES BE GOOD, AND SHE WAS A VICTIM OF THAT. I DON'T THINK
IT WAS AN ANTI-WILLA POWELL VOTE. BUT I DO THINK PEOPLE THOUGHT
LET'S TRY SOMEONE NEW.
>>
Gary: I THOUGHT PERHAPS THERE WAS SOME DISSATISFACTION AMONG
DEMOCRATS IN THE CITY'S SCHOOL BOARD. YOU MENTIONED AND YOU
MAY CROSS AND RUN YOUR OWN CANDIDATE FOR MAYOR.
>>
FOR MAYOR, YES.
>>
Gary: MAYOR OF ROCHESTER. TELL ME ABOUT THE CONSERVATIVES IN
THE CITY.
>>
WELL, WE HAVE CERTAIN STRENGTHS THROUGHOUT THE COUNTY. THE CITY
IS NOT ONE OF THEM. THERE'S PROBABLY ABOUT 1,100 REGISTERED
CONSERVATIVES IN THE CITY. IN COMPARISON TO THAT, WE PROBABLY
HAVE 1,400 IN THE TOWN OF GREECE, SO THE CITY IS NOT OUR STRONG
PLACE. BUT THERE ARE PEOPLE THAT ARE ARTICULATE, REGISTERED
CONSERVATIVE BECAUSE THEY BELIEVE IN THE PHILOSOPHY IN THE CITY,
SO WHILE WE DON'T DO AS WELL IN THE CITY AS OTHER PLACES, THE
REASON WE WOULD RUN OUR OWN CANDIDATE IS TO ARTICULATE WHAT
WE BELIEVE IN. I DON'T KNOW Mr. PEREZ AT ALL. I'VE NEVER MET
HIM. HE HASN'T CALLED US FOR OUR ENDORSEMENT. WE MAY GO WITH
HIM. I DON'T THINK WE'LL LEAVE IT BLANK BECAUSE IT'S GOING TO
BE A HIGH-PROFILE RACE, AND WE VERY WELL COULD FIND AN ARTICULATE
PERSON TO HOPEFULLY GET OUR VIEWS ACROSS.
>>
Gary: OKAY. LET'S TALK A LITTLE BIT ABOUT THE MONROE COUNTY
LEGISLATURE. IT IS OVERWHELMINGLY REPUBLICAN AT THIS POINT.
IS THERE GOING TO BE ANY HEADWAY MADE BY DEMOCRATS? AND ALSO
WITH THE NEW LINES BEING DRAWN. BUT TELL ME ABOUT THE COUNTY
LEGISLATION.
>>
I DO THINK WE DO HAVE A HIGH-PROFILE RACE IN THE SHERIFF'S RACE.
WHEN YOU GET BEYOND THE SHERIFF'S RACE, I THINK WHERE THE RUBBER
MEETS THE ROAD IN THIS YEAR'S ELECTION CYCLE IS THE COUNTY LEGISLATURE.
19 REPUBLICANS, 10 DEMOCRATS. I'M SURE THE REPUBLICANS WOULD
LOVE TO GET TO 20 OF 29, HAVE THAT TWO-THIRDS MAJORITY SO THAT
THEY DON'T NEED DEMOCRATIC...
>>
Gary: SUPER MAJORITY, YEAH.
>>
AND SO ON. BUT I THINK WE'RE GOING TO MAKE SOME INROADS. I THINK
CARLA PALUMBO IS RUNNING THE 28th LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT. SHE'S
A HARD WORKER. SHE IS AN INTELLIGENT ATTORNEY, ARTICULATE PERSON.
I SEE A REAL OPPORTUNITY TO PICK UP A SEAT THERE. WE'VE GOT
MITCH ROWE RUNNING IN THE 26th LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT. I THINK
AGAIN A REAL OPPORTUNITY TO PICK UP A SEAT THERE. AND THEN,
YOU KNOW, WHO KNOWS WHAT HAPPENS? THERE'S ALL KINDS OF THINGS
INVOLVED WITH HOW THE COUNTY'S GOING TO BE EXERTING ITS INFLUENCE
OVER THE PEOPLE OF CHILO WITH RESPECT TO THE THROUGH EXIT AND
SOCCER FIELDS. I THINK TRACY LOBLE COULD BE VULNERABLE THERE.
WE HAVE A GREAT CANDIDATE IN GEORGE MANCUSO RUNNING THERE. WE
HAVE A WHOLE FLOCK OF PEOPLE. I THINK IRONDEQUOIT IS IN PLAY,
HENRIETTA POTENTIALLY. THEN THERE'S THE WHOLE EASTERN SUBURBS,
THE RING OF GREAT CANDIDATES THAT ARE REALLY WORKING HARD THERE.
I'M NOT SURE WE WON'T PICK UP THREE OR FOUR, MAYBE EVEN FIVE
SEATS IN THE CYCLE.
>>
Gary: PRETTY HEADY TALK. TOM?
>>
I THINK, ALTHOUGH ALL 29 ARE UP, THERE'S PROBABLY ONLY FOUR
OR FIVE OF THEM THAT ARE IN PLAY, PROBABLY THE TWO CITY SEATS
AND PROBABLY THE TWO IN IRONDEQUOIT. IN IRONDEQUOIT, THERE'S
TWO LADIES RUNNING, STACY ROMEO AND CHERYL DINOLFO WHO WE WILL
PROBABLY ENDORSE WHO ARE VERY GOOD CANDIDATES, VERY ARTICULATE.
OF COURSE THEY'RE BOTH LAWYERS AND YOU NEVER HAVE ENOUGH LAWYERS.
(Laughter) AND THEY SHOULD BE HIGHLIGHT RACES. FRILEKA AND RUSCH
SHOULD BE HIGHLIGHT RACES. OUTSIDE OF THAT, IT'S GOING TO BE
THE STATUS QUO, THE INCUMBENCY; SO THERE'S FOUR OR FIVE THAT
ARE IN PLAY.
>>
Gary: DEMOCRATS PICK THEM UP?
>>
I WOULD THINK THEY'D HAVE A GOOD CHANCE IN THE CITY. THERE'S
INTERESTING DEVELOPMENTS IN IRONDEQUOIT THAT TED AND I ARE AWARE
OF. STEPHANIE ALDRETSLIE MAY MOVE OUT OF HER DISTRICT TO MOVE
NORTH, WHICH IS SUPPOSED TO BE A SAFE REPUBLICAN DISTRICT, SO
THERE'S A LOT GOING ON IN IRONDEQUOIT. I WOULD THINK THE DEMOCRATS
PICK UP ONE, TWO OR THREE BUT THEY'RE NOT GOING TO TAKE CONTROL.
>>
WHICH, YOU KNOW, IS A BIG SUCCESS FOR DEMOCRATS IN LIGHT OF
THE FACT WE DON'T HAVE THE MONETARY RESOURCES THE REPUBLICAN
PARTY HAVE AND WE DIDN'T TAKE CONTROL OF THE REDRAWING OF THE
DISTRICT LINES. SO IF WE PICK UP ONE, TWO OR THREE, I THINK
THAT'S A SOLID VICTORY FOR DEMOCRATS THIS YEAR.
>>
Gary: LET'S FINISH UP WITH TALKING A LITTLE BIT STATEWIDE. WE
HAVE GOVERNOR GEORGE PATAKI; WE HAVE TWO DEMOCRATS, VERY STRONG
RIGHT NOW, AND THE POLLS ARE SHOWING THAT THEIR RACE IS TIGHTENING
UP BETWEEN ANDREW CUOMO AND... (Talking simultaneously)
>>
CARL McCALL
>>
STEVE MINARIK.
>>
Gary: HE'S INVOLVED. I KNOW. THROWING THINGS AT ME. CARL McCALL,
IF YOU'VE EVER MET HIM, VERY IMPRESSIVE INDIVIDUAL AND HAS A
GREAT BUSINESS BACKGROUND. VERY TIGHT RACE BETWEEN Mr. CUOMO
AND Mr. McCALL RIGHT NOW. AND WE'VE SEEN SOME VULNERABILITY
IN POLLING ON GOVERNOR PATAKI, AND THE CONVENTIONAL WISDOM IS
THAT THE CHANGING UPSTATE VOTER IS GOING TO MAKE HIM VULNERABLE
NEXT YEAR.
>>
WELL, YOU KNOW, IF YOU LOOK AT THE MOST RECENT U.S. SENATE RACES
WITH D'AMATO BEING DEFEATED BY CHUCK SCHUMER. AND YOU HAVE HILLARY
CLINTON, A WOMAN WHO COMES IN IN THE SPRING AND HAS 43% NEGATIVES
AND YET WINS THAT RACE SOUNDLY, I THINK IN A STATEWIDE RACE
NOW, YOU CAN'T DISMISS THE DEMOCRATIC CHALLENGER TO THE GOVERNOR.
I THINK TO A CERTAIN EXTENT, THE GOVERNOR HAS DONE HIMSELF A
DISSERVICE WITH RESPECT TO HIS OWN BASE THAT HE CAN COUNT ON.
HE'S KIND OF MOVED AWAY FROM HIS BASE. HE'S TRIED TO BE EVERYBODY'S
GUY. TO A CERTAIN EXTENT HE MAY BE MOVING AWAY FROM SOME OF
HIS SUPPORT ON THE RIGHT.
>>
Gary: OKAY. FOR THE TIME LEFT, I'D LOVE TO TURN TO Mr. COOK.
CONSERVATIVES HAVE NEVER BEEN, YOU KNOW, RESOUNDINGLY GEORGE
PATAKI FOLKS.
>>
WE NEVER HAVE, AND HE'S ENGAGED IN REVERSE TRIANGULATION, WHERE
CLINTON COULD MOVE TO THE MIDDLE AND STAY TO THE LEFT, WHERE
ARE YOU GOING TO GO? PATAKI'S MOVED TO THE LEFT AND SAID TO
THE RIGHT, WHERE ARE YOU GOING TO GO? THAT'S A GOOD QUESTION.
IT'S A FASCINATING QUESTION. I WROTE AN ARTICLE, TOOK NINE ISSUES,
CONSERVATIVE ISSUES, AND I HAD GOVERNOR PATAKI'S POSITION ON
IT, AND HE IS NOT A CONSERVATIVE. HE MIGHT NOT EVEN BE A MODERATE,
BUT TO ENDORSE THE LESSER OF TWO EVILS AND THE TITLE OF THE
ARTICLE IS, "IS HE CONSERVATIVE ENOUGH?" DO WE GO WITH OUR OWN
CANDIDATE AND ELECT ANDREW CUOMO OR DO WE GO WITH PATAKI BECAUSE
HE'S MORE CONSERVATIVE THAN McCALL?
>>
Gary: WHAT IF IT'S CARL McCALL?
>>
THE SAME THING. THEY'RE BOTH VERY LIBERAL. PATAKI'S OBVIOUSLY
MORE CONSERVATIVE, BUT IS HE CONSERVATIVE ENOUGH? I MEAN, THE
HUNTERS AND EVERYBODY, HE CERTAINLY THINKS HIS RIGHT FLANK IS
SECURE, AND IT MAY BE BUT IT MIGHT NOT BE.
>> Gary: ALL RIGHT. YOU JUST HAD THE LAST WORD, TOM COOK. MY
THANKS TO OUR GUESTS FOR JOINING ME. IT WILL CERTAINLY BE AN
INTERESTING ELECTION SEASON TO WATCH. I KNOW I'M LOOKING FORWARD
TO IT, AND THAT'S ALL THE TIME WE HAVE FOR THIS WEEK'S EDITION
OF "NEED TO KNOW." WE'LL SEE YOU AGAIN HERE NEXT WEEK.
(Music)