Politics on the Hudson

Yonkers City Council as Theater

Posted by: Len Maniace - Posted in Charles Lesnick, John Murtagh, Phil Amicone, Yonkers, Yonkers City Council on May 28, 2008

There was a time when raucous Yonkers City Council meetings were the best show in town. But what made for good for political theater, probably didn’t contribute much to good governance. Last night’s City Council meeting was a bit of a throwback. The meeting was enlivened by an unusual appearance there by Mayor Phil Amicone, who unsuccessfully called upon the City Council to enact a resolution urging the state Legislature to reform the state education funding formula and boost aid to Westchester’s biggest city. Read story.

It also featured a verbal dust-up between City Council President Chuck Lesnick and Councilman John Murtagh. Lesnick said Murtagh’s impassioned support for his fellow Republican’s request was more inspired by his run for the state Senate in the 35th District. (The Councilman won Westchester Republican Committee backing for the race last night.) That comment brought a low grumble of boos from the public and the call of “low blow” from one person. But if Lesnick started it, Murtagh didn’t let it die – though perhaps he should have.

“I resent any implication that I would play politics,” Murtagh protested, to which Lesnick said “Councilman Murtagh play politics? Never.”

Come to think of it, I had already seen the show.

 

 

 

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5 Responses to “Yonkers City Council as Theater”

1. pinochio May 28th, 2008 at 3:30 pm

   Typical shenanigans by a bunch of worthless scum…

2. Wahoo May 28th, 2008 at 5:07 pm

   I think in an earlier life Lesnick was either Mister Ed or Francis the Talking Mule. Which part of said talking animals will remain unspoken.

   Murtagh is no prize, but compared to Stewart-Cousins and Lesnick, he’s like Teddy Roosevelt.

3. the consultant May 28th, 2008 at 6:29 pm

   the issue in both the 35th district and the 37th where feld
   is challenging oppenheimer..is why elect a democrat to
   a republican majority senate when they get bupkis for
   their constituents….it makes a lot more sense
   to send a republican senator to albany

4. pinochio May 29th, 2008 at 9:37 am

   “it makes a lot more sense
   to send a republican senator to albany”

   had one for 20 years. didnt do jack…

5. the consultant May 29th, 2008 at 9:47 am

   that would be your opinion…the 37th has had the same
   senator for 11 terms….their property taxes have gone through the roof during that time
   the 35th district got plenty of money in additional aid
   which is now going to long island because a democrat
   represents the district and because nick is no longer
   there…kneejerk democratic voters are costing the
   rest of the taxpayers real money