This Friday, at 9 AM, Judge Stephen Baratta has scheduled a hearing on the lawsuit that Green Hornet Ron Angle and I filed last week, seeking to invalidate 8,267 of the Gracedale Initiative Petition's 19,650 signatures. If we succeed with just 20, we win. I found out this morning, and went to work notifying 9 of the 15 witnesses we plan to call. The rest will be notified today.In the meantime, pro-initiative lawyer Larry Otter has given Ron and me just 8.56 hours to withdraw our lawsuit or pay him over $14,000. "Seems a tad high," suggests Ron. "Do you think he'll take 8?" I doubt it. He's an Otter, and sushi is awful expensive.
In between swims tonight, the Otter peppered me with email after email. Apparently, we can't sue under The Elections Code. We can't sue under the Home Rule Charter, either. Basically, we can't sue and have no rights. When he makes this argument to Judge Baratta Friday, I'll be watching carefully to see if he can keep a straight face.
Otter also gave me some advice. "make sure you wear a clean shirt and tie." That was very thoughtful of him, so I felt obliged to give some advice of my own. "make sure you have an extra pair of underwear." The barrister asks, "boxers briefs or depends?"Otters do have a sense of humor.
In the meantime, I understand that the County is preparing a declaratory judgment action, and it may be filed as soon as tomorrow.
You might consider this a foregone conclusion, but if you do, you don't know County Exec John Stoffa. Contrary to popular opinion, he makes his own decisions and actually resents being told what to do. Before giving a green light to a lawsuit, he actually pulled out a copy of his oath and read it. That's classic Stoffa. It might drive us all nuts, but he takes his job seriously, and you have to respect him.
He is now convinced that what the Elections Commission did is an assault on our County Constitution, the Home Rule Charter, and he has an obligation to seek judicial review.
Judge Baratta wants everyone in front of him on Friday, from the Otter to the Green Hornet & Kato to the County's legal team.
63 comments:
I will be there as a witness for Bernie as I saw the insanity that passed for a petition. I have never met Ron Angle, but since I have admired his stance in council, I'm anxious to see him in action.
Bill, I will appreciate having you as a witness.
I will be there as a witness for the Coalition to save Gracedale affirming the truthful and proper manner I observed the petition proceedings.
We also will be sure to point out that Mr. Coker is a regular contributor to this blog and his bias has been noted.
Stoffa is again placing the Hamlet, "Oh woe is me, what to do". Sorry Johnny boy your bullshit no longer sells with the people. You have been in on this sale since day one. Amazing that after all this agonizing over the "right thing" to do, you do what you always planned to do. You and Angle make quite a pair. Once Stoffa claimed if enough signatures were collected he would hold off on a sale. another Stoffa promise that must have been misunderstood, like all the promises he made to unions to get elected.
Many of the signatures the computer disallowed will be allowed by a Judge after we are finished with our appeals.
So Mr. I wanna be an attorney O'Hare. You can mock and make fun of the only "real" attorney at the hearing but your smug bs and Angles denigration of the Court is not forgotten.
So what will the Yellow Horndog and Yuko do when the judge bids you ado.
The Supreme Court. Democracy is challenged by the likes of Angle, Stoffa and O'Hare but the will of the people will fight on for freedom. God Bless America.
"WE The People!"
Bernie, you should go to a registered posters only format. So some of these nutjobs have to take off their 1970's luke skywalker cape and come back to reality...
Bernie,I'm sure the Fuhrer would have been proud of you. you would make an excellent Nazi.
Stoffa is full of empty promise's ...he and you keep saying this is about the taxpayer , why then isn't anyone listening , the answer is a simple one .... because it's about what stoffa, angle and bo want ...
Are the items Steve Barron Controller mentioned in his article true? Does he have these items documented?
It is always nice to see the language of the illiterates and the ranting of the fools. Obviously Anonymous 2:21AM is unaware of the fact that the Judge is not a union member like the slimy commissioners who got kicked back into line by the union bosses. He is also to be the recipient of the facts that there is a strict legal way to fill out said petitions. The ill-mannered louts who roam among us are in for a large surprise
Mr. Coker thank you for being a witness and thanks to all the others who have volunteered to speak the truth on this matter.
And by the way tell Mary Jane B. Grube that no one is going to be tossed out of Gracedale and have her explain while the number of folks at Gracedale has dropped. Could it be because it is cheaper at other care homes?
Barron's article is nothing new. Anyone who has talked to him about it knows he has been saying this from day one. He also has been saying that Gracedale has only lost 3 to 4 million in 2010 so Gracedale has made $1 million between 2005 and 2010 over the time it was predicted to loose over $40 million. Nothing is denied by the administration. Didn't Angle even say Gracedale would loose 6 to 8 million this year just like the administration? I have also seen print outs from what looks like financial statements he has handed out to people. I believe they look like the counties accouting system I have seen members of the administration use.
His staff, the real accountants, won't have a thing to do with him or his goofy numbers.
You and Angle if a person does not agree they are goofy or foolish.
His numbers are goofy bc they are inaccurate.
"Stoffa is full of empty promise's ...he and you keep saying this is about the taxpayer"
Actually, first and foremost, this is about the resident. Second, it is about the taxpayer. The unions come in third, but would like to be first.
"Bernie, you should go to a registered posters only format."
Would you still comment?
Filleted and grilled otter is considered a delicacy in some countries. I've heard it tastes like chicken. Good luck Bernie.
Sincerely,
We The Rest Of The People
"Obviously Anonymous 2:21AM is unaware of the fact that the Judge is not a union member like the slimy commissioners who got kicked back into line by the union bosses."
BCF,
Unless you have proof of this, as I said to Bernie, it is an uncalled for attack on the commission.
I agree with the fact that if people are going to spew bullsh*t at least spell things properly.
There is no proof of any union involvement. It is purely the opinion of Bernie and some others. It is not fair to these people to have such accusations put out there.
When you have proof, I would be happy to entertain it.
I think everyone has their own opinion on just about any subject and one should be respected for that. Whether their right or wrong its still their opinion. The problem i have is that some of the people who leave comments on here feel it necessary to resort to some type of name calling or bashing of someone else's view on a topic. My question is Can people discuss a topic civily without the derogartory name calling or inuendos?
I would comment more if you did bernie, because then i would know who was commenting back, and i wouldn't have to worry about anonymous attacks. I could stand there at 6'3 and stare my naysayers down when they got out of line... With anonymous commenting, people can take potshots all day, and i dont really have the patience for that.
"With anonymous commenting, people can take potshots all day, and i dont really have the patience for that."
It is a fact that far less people will comment for one reason or another. You will always have your share of those that will hide behind their keyboard and throw blows. It is just part of the way the internet is.
One more thing about this union tie allegation.
Where does it stop, I mean if the Judge rules as the commission did, and he happens to drive a union made car is that the reason he ruled that way? Or is it because his office and courtroom were build by union workers?
Neither is the case, because he will rule based on the facts, and arguments presented.
If we want to we can find a grassy knoll argument for every decision we don't like, on every topic.
union goon,
Sometimes less is more...
As far as how far will it go, i think if a judge looks at this and decides in favor of the petition being on the ballot, alot of people will eat crow and the sky may or may not fall.
"Bernie, you should go to a registered posters only format. So some of these nutjobs have to take off their 1970's luke skywalker cape and come back to reality..."
Let's get one thing straight: Luke Skywalker didn't have a cape. He wore a pancho on Tatooine, and later a Jedi robe once he became a Jedi.
Enough is enough.
Oh look bernie wants to be a lawyer again how cute
So now we have Luke Skywalker involved in the conversation. LOL
I think you are jealous that you can no longer command these types of fees BO
explain while the number of folks at Gracedale has dropped. Could it be because it is cheaper at other care homes?
I would enjoy hearing the true reason population dropped at Gracedale
Be careful what you wish for Bernie
Of course the Judges ruling will be honored just like the Judges ruling was honored in the will debacle
Those types Judges don't like Ron and he won't stop sueing until he finds one that does
The real reason the number of residents dropped at Gracedale is because of a few factors. In order to fix the windows vacancies were not filled so the workers could get to the problem. Once fixed the Administration(Stoffa, not Gracedale) sabotaged efforts to refill the beds.
The strategy was actually brilliant. Because it was not a permanent reduction, staff levels were left high. The loss of filled beds dropped revenue. Add to that the cost of windows(actually reimbursable costs) added to low occupancy and same number of staff and you get a poor baseline dollar figure. That is what the $18.00 folks based their bogus 10 year projection on.
Folks in the know, know that Stoffa and Company gamed the system to sabotage Gracedale to set-up this sale. Hey people, Atiyah's Drug rehab emporium isn't cheap the money has to come from somewhere.
Knowledge is Power!
I love Ron Angle if he were gay we could be together!He does resemble serial killer John Wayne Gacy though, i'd let him lock me in his basement anytime.
Given the imbecilic nature of the pro-union comments, is it any wonder these birdbrains can't organize a one-car parade without government help? Twelve years of free education and this is what comes out the other end. Public schools and public unions are pathetic anymore.
free education! last i checked we al pay school taxes, and the same gov't institutions which run the courthouses also run schools so who exactly are you blaming. and what private school did you go to
"we all pay school taxes"
Not true, a large portion of americans rent property, thus go to school for free...
It's part of their rent numbnuts!
Based on both your track records lately, you and Angle have no shot. Highly unlikely a Democrat judge doesn't side with the Otter and COAFSCME. I suppose it will be entertaining anyway.
This will mark the beginning of the end for this administration. EPIC FAIL.
"I would comment more if you did bernie, because then i would know who was commenting back, and i wouldn't have to worry about anonymous attacks."
Every now and then, I use the DISCUSS system and it's dead. I would be happy with 1/3 the comments I get now of they weren't the usual mindless trolls. But people hate putting in even a small amount of information, and it has not worked well. I am seriously considering it.
Anon 12:42, I agree. Then if I didn't like what I heard I could stand there at 6"8" and stare down my naysayers when they get out of line.
Always a bigger Fish in the Pond!
>I am seriously considering it.
Hmmm, so Bernie, if you did put this in effect, you'd have your say and those who loathe your opinions & comments would just have to let stand whatever it is that you said (while it festers in their craw).
Maybe we'd all get lucky and some would finally decide to identify themselves - just so they could try to get the last word in.
As previously seen in this forum, folks who identify themselves are usually more interesting (and more civil) and that makes for a more enjoyable debate.
Why not try it for a week and see what happens. Watch your readership counts and see if folks still tune in.
I'll try it next week on a trial basis.
Every Time you do it, it bombs. You will get the same people who generally agree with you.
So go ahead. I see different headers but not many actual names.
In the end its your blog to do with as you wish. I guess even you are now being given a litmus test by the baggers.
In the end, registration may moderate views but the comments will decrease by over 80%. That's been your history as well as any other outlet that did the same.
Reality Jones
It might very well be worth it.
What's wrong Bernie Bin Laden, can't take a little criticism ?
Change the name when you change to discuss
"As Bernie Sees It"
Or
"My Way Or The Highway"
or
"Lonely Old Man And His Rusty Computer"
or
Is Your Fly Open Again Or Is It Time For The Green Hornets Banana"
I actually enjoyed seeing the 3 of you "discuss" the last Ron Angle story
"We also will be sure to point out that Mr. Coker is a regular contributor to this blog and his bias has been noted."
Being a contributor to this blog is a negative? Aren't you a contributor and we can't tell if you are regular or not as you contribute anonymously.
Certainly I have a bias on the subject, don't you?
I understand if you do it. But I'm out, due to the nature of my job. I'll still visit, though. Your brass balls in permitting this blog's brutal, unwieldy nature, and the quality of your content, make this the best blog around.
anon 7:16, you're on my page!
At least people would think before they spewed out garbage...btw carp are usually among some of the biggest fish in the pond, and their about as fierce as a roadkill kitten...
>Every time you do it, it bombs. You will get the same people who generally agree with you.
Hey! That's a great point to ponder.
Why is it that people who agree with Bernie (along with his "defective" views) aren't afraid to identify themselves while commenting...while those who don't share the same opinion hid with anonymity!?
Surely there must be someone holding an opposing view who has the cajones (and conviction) to sign their name to what they say.
If what you want to say is TRUE, then what do you have to be afraid of?
Truth and this blog are pure coincidence. Also, I have seen good people savaged when O'Hare has one of his hissy fits. Usually if someone challenges his view on one of his mancrushes, he becomes as mean as a rattlesnake in heat. He will go out of his way to publicly humiliate the person. Truth or no truth.
No thanks.
Why is it that people who agree with Bernie (along with his "defective" views) aren't afraid to identify themselves while commenting...while those who don't share the same opinion hid with anonymity!?
I'll ID myself when the Gracedale debacle is over as I plan to run what will be viewed by narrow minded BO as negetive attacks on Angle for the upcoming primary. They of course will only state the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, a concept both of them are unfamiliar with. The only way I can secure billboard space on 191 is by identifying myself. Thanks for asking though.
Bill Coker,
All this talk about "bogus petitions" and you take the stand and can't even say what the petitions you saw at the voters place or the clubs were for.
Again when you come with facts make your accusations. Until then your posts are nothing.
Bill Coker = fool
Union Goon,
Apparently you were in court, too.
My testimony indicated that I could identify which particular petitions were there, not whether they concerned Gracedal or not. I certainly don't mind you disagreeing with me (everyone has an opinion and it's valid) but please state the facts and in context.
Anonymous said...
Bill Coker = fool
Not worth a more lucid response.
"We also will be sure to point out that Mr. Coker is a regular contributor to this blog and his bias has been noted."
Please note that neither happened.
Union Goon,
My previous post had a grammatical error. I meant to say I could not discern which particular Gracedale petition was unattended but I could discern that they were Gracedale petitions.
Sorry.
"I certainly don't mind you disagreeing with me (everyone has an opinion and it's valid) but please state the facts and in context."
I misstated my point, you said it how I wanted to.
My point was you were here earlier saying that they were invalid, yet today you said you did not know if the petitions you saw concerned Gracedale or not. If you did not know whether they concerned Gracedale or not you should not have been calling them bogus.
Union Goon
Certainly I understand your point, but the bottom line is that I knew that were Gracedale petitions. I just didn't which ones of the many presented to the court.
understood
Union Goon,
Since you were there and I failed to sequester you, give me your take. I know you favor the County's retention of Gracedale, but wouldn't you agree that the petition has problems? Two of the biggest sworn circulators had to admit they did not circulate the petitions claimed. One circulator is not a registered voter. Union guys Gerry Green and Tim Rehrig are noncounty residents. Mary Ann Schmoyer admitted handing out as many as 15 petitions at one time, and there is no way she could see every person signing at the same time. Bill Coker did see petitions languishing in bars.
By your standard every candidate who has put petitions in Bars and Diners over the years violated the Law. We will be watching carefully next election and will be very selective and quick to bring to the courts attention those petitions that we must go after.
Please take note Mr. Mazziotti. By the way if you get one signature on a petition before you resign your County job you violate the Hatch Act, we checked it out. It will be our civic duty to report such an occurrence to the Federal Attorneys office.
Thank you for you attention to this matter.
Love that Law!
These are not my standards. This is what is required by the Election Code. Any candidate foolish enough to allow a petition to languish in a bar or club is asking for trouble.
"By your standard every candidate who has put petitions in Bars and Diners over the years violated the Law."
Yes, what is the problem?
"I know you favor the County's retention of Gracedale, but wouldn't you agree that the petition has problems?"
I wasn't there, but I heard how things went. I favor what is best for the County in the long run. I agree the petitions had some problems, but the whole situation has had its problems from the beginning.
The biggest problem with the entire Gracedale situation is the lies the sale is based on. Before Stoffa, Gracedale netted a profit over time. After Stoffa, huge deficits. Both Stoffa and Angle saw Gracedale as a cash cow to solve some immediate budget problems. They don't care about the future or the elderly, neither of them ever have.
So they buy some consultant numbers claiming this mysterious $60 million dollar bill and a 20% tax increase that every independent fiscal and care expert can't figure out. When those phony numbers start falling apart they quick switch to the better care argument.
They are a slippery pair old Angle/
Stoffa. With O'Hare as their minister of propaganda they soldier on. Of course the anti-government Express is working overtime pushing this nonsense.
Unfortunately when Angle is up on his farm herding sheep and Stoffa is in his gentleman's farmhouse collecting his hundreds of public pensions, ordinary folk will be up a creek without a paddle.
So much for care.
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