Just kidding.
Of course he didn't.
The Common Sense - Independence slates swept.
Big time.
David Sutz beat Ralph two to one.
And Ralph knows exactly who's to blame.
Manny Mangual, who wasn't able to stop the Democrats from nominating someone to run against Ralph.
So, at this very minute, Ralph is planning his come back.
As soon as he can arrange to run unopposed again.
To read other posts by Uncle Betty click here.
Tomorrow we vote for the Town and Village Boards.
I'm guessing you knew that.
You may already know the rest of this, but let's review anyway. OK?
The Town Board
Caruso is running for re-election.
The only difference from last year was that he couldn't arrange to run unopposed.
The best laid plans of mousy men...
Caruso currently controls two votes on the board, his own and Lyn Prestia's.
Why Lyn, a seemingly intelligent and well-spoken person, would give up independent thought and vote with Ralph on everything, including things she opposed before he became Supervisor, is a mystery.
However the other three members of the Board, Republican Tim Arone, Democrat Bob Hunter and independent Frank Palermo, have denied Caruso's moves to consolidate power.
So, even if, heaven forfend, Ralph wins reelection, he will continue to be impotent.
The Village Board
Of far greater importance is the Village election.
First of all, villages can over-rule towns on matters such as zoning.
Second, under New York State law, village mayors have far more independent power than town supervisors.
This hasn't come up before in Woodbury, because Mayor Queenan and majorities on both boards have worked sanely together.
Ralph's chosen candidate for mayor could change that.
"Working sanely" isn't Ralph's strong point and Tommy Burke will do as Ralph says.
And what makes me call Tommy Burke Ralph's pawn?
First of all, Ralph's proxies and Manny Mangual's proxies control the Democratic Committee. That's how Tommy was chosen.
Then, as soon as he had the Democratic nomination, Tommy Burke carried petitions for Ralph's Perversion of Woodbury Party for himself and for opponents to his Democratic running-mates.
Petitions notarized by Ralph.
And now Ralph and Tommy are walking, hand-in-hand, campaigning together through Woodbury.
If Tommy becomes Mayor, Ralph will have more control over Woodbury then he's ever had.
This stuff matters.
To read other posts by Uncle Betty click here.
Based on reports from the Pieman:
At last Monday night's meeting of the Woodbury Democratic Committee (theoretically separate from the Woodbury Republican Committee) Swiller (theoretically sweet as pie) pointed out to the committee members that Tommy Burke (theoretically the Democratic candidate for Mayor) was walking door to door in Strawtown with Ralph Caruso (theoretical friend to all and prince among men) campaigning against David Sutz, (actual Democratic candidate for supervisor).
Willa Frieband (theoretically chair of the Democratic Committee) wasn't at all concerned. "We're not interested in personalities. We're only interested in five issues."
If the party isn't interested in personalities, why does it have candidates (some of whom may actually have personalities)?
And as to those "five issues."
Robin Crouse asked what they were.
Willa couldn't say.
As Rick Perry would say: "oops"
To read other posts by Uncle Betty click here.
The Uncle just got a robo-call advising a "vote for Row A all the way."
Democrats were never mentioned.
Ashamed?
When it comes to the Democrats' candidates for the Village a robo-call is most appropriate.
Tommy would definitely be Ralph's robot all the way.
The candidates' Q and A was not terribly well attended.
As it began there seemed to be more candidates on stage then folks in the audience.
By the end there were about 75 people there.
It is doubtful that anyone who went didn't have their votes decided before-hand.
"Highlights" might be too strong a word, but here are a few noticeable moments:
Jim Freiband told us "I've been attending Town and Village Board meetings." He didn't name the town and village he was talking about, but it hasn't been Woodbury.
Matt Higgins thinks that we can make money by putting ads on the channel 22. Could someone please explain Public Access channels to him?
Richard Mednick wants the Village to fix Route 32. Apparently the town planning background he touts never covered that towns and villages can't repave state roads.
Lyn Prestia said "I am not associated with unknown, questionable leadership." True enough. Caruso is known, questionable leadership.
Tommy Burke told us "I am not beholden to anyone." One hopes that Ralph gave him permission to say that.
In his closing statement, Bo Haviland said: "I am fortunate to be running with a team who work well together." Considering that his running mate, Tommy Burke, is campaigning for Bo's opponents, this has to be the funniest line of the night.
To read other posts by Uncle Betty click here.
While, due to unforeseen circumstances and the World Series, the Gazoo was unable to attend the candidates Q and A, we are pretty sure that Ralph Caruso was the best one there, that his answers were perfect, brilliant and beautifully sung and that he was the handsomest looking man on the stage.
More as this story develops.
