Political update

Some of you have asked me what the new political landscape will look like next week. I can't say with certainty, but I have idea.

My understanding is that most incumbent Councilmen will be retaining the same positions/roles as each held during the current term (Dec 1, 05 to Nov 30, 07). That is, Matt Hall will remain Council Chair, Ecke Vice Chair... and committee chairmanships/membership will remain largely intact. I'm guessing that Laura DeCaprio will fill the roles held by Diane Visconti (Planning & Solid Waste) and Jimmy Sima and Tim Slocum will presumably take seats on Ord Review (previously Orsini) and Planning (previously Schrumm).

As for me, I spoke with Tom Ruocco and he'd like to be on the Budget Committee, so I hope he's seated on that committee. I figure that I'll be going to all of the meetings on the operating and capital budgets anyway... and if something is of particular interest to me, or if I feel I can really add value... I'll still attend and can always vote via the full Council. Perhaps Tom and I will switch roles with me going on Solid Waste with... Chairman DeCaprio?

And for those of you who are wondering about the rules governing all this... I believe it starts with a vote for Council Chairman... and I'm pretty sure that Matt Hall has five votes for that. Then the Council Chair decides all committee memberships, including Chairmanships... though that's all done with input from Council members, particularly the caucus of the majority.

I imagine Steve Mrowka will remain the BOE Chair, but don't know for sure.

And I'm assuming that PZC will soon have a Republican Chairman. Though due to some odd circumstances, the ND meetings will likely continue with Dem majorities (Flynn Harris, Kardaris, Maye, Coburn, Todisco) and a Republican Chair (chosen from Dawson, Kurtz, Marinaro, Strollo). And be on the lookout for a replacement for Tim Slocum's PZC seat.

Only other political note... look for Elizabeth Esty to vie for the Dem nomination to challenge Al Adinolfi for the 103rd (assuming Al runs). Why do I say "vie?" My guess is that she'll run and that due to public funding, you'll see candidates coming out of the woodwork this year... particularly Dems in the 103rd... which is one of the (if not the) most heavily registered-Dem districts in the state that is held by a Republican.... my money though? I like Elizabeth, but incumbency matters and no one works harder than Al. Look for Al to be reelected, regardless of his opponent.

Signing off for tonight.

Tim White
Town Council, ??? Committee