Anatomy of a failed clotheslining June 24, 2009
Posted by downwithabsolutes in New Castle County.trackback
In wrestling, a clothesline move is generally initiated by surprise against a victim who doesn’t know it’s coming.Two individuals on New Castle County attempted a clothesline yesterday. Allow me to explain, starting with some background.
On Monday night, I received a call from former New Castle County Council aide Danielle Catarelli letting me know of a startling resolution that would be inserted — at the last minute — into the Finance Committee’s meeting the following day, Tuesday.
By the time Ms. Catarelli and I had finished our conversation, I knew I had to be at that committee meeting on Tuesday. And there I was. With an audio recorder and a voice waiting to be heard! Let me just first say that I have no complaints about Council Prez Paul Clark’s desire to be repaid for legal services. I do have issue with the investigation itself being completed by a branch of government (the Attorney General’s office) that rarely — IF EVER — finds AGAINST governmental bodies, especially those bodies under Democratic leadership. I am questioning the validity and relevance of their investigation. But their sham “investigation” revealed that Prez Clark had committed no wrong-doing, so his being repaid is a valid question.
What many of us DID question was the Council’s decision to scuttle this resolution until the absolute last minute. And that’s where this story begins.
I walked into the meeting room on the 8th Floor of the Council building five minutes before the meeting was set to start. As I Twittered yesterday, I overheard a County employee address another County employee: “What’s this?” she said.
“It’s an item J,” the co-worker responded.
“Well, this doesn’t look like an emergency.”
“Ask Paul Clark.”
Fascinating. Being the intrepid reporter that I am, I leaned over to one of the kind County employees and asked if there were any extra copies of that “Item J.” I was informed there weren’t, but the employee kindly decided to take some time and go print out a copy for me. Upon receipt, I realized I was, indeed, holding the resolution that was JUST INTRODUCED ON THE SAME DAY IT WAS TO BE VOTED ON IN COMMITTEE!
Resolution #09-105 is its name and payoff is its game! When the resolution was brought up for discussion near the end of the meeting, several of the Councilmembers seemed perplexed. I would even venture to guess that I and MY READERS knew about this resolution before SOME OF THEM DID! That’s how surprising this was.
The first person to call bullshit on this resolution was Councilman Bill Tansey. His question was simple: “Why wasn’t this reflected on our agenda?” He even went so far as to ask if this is truly deserving of “Item J” status. Committee chair, Councilman Smiley, could only muster stammering and belligerant responses to those who would dare to criticize the inclusion of this resolution without adequate public notice.
At one point, a spat between Councilman Smiley and Councilman Powers seemed to draw the line on this debate. Councilman Powers said that the public has been watching Council for a while now and has been skeptical about how it’s done business. He asserted that there’s an extreme lack of confidence when resolutions of this controversial nature aren’t given appropriate public notice.
At some point in the meeting (I suppose I could listen to the audio), Councilmen Clark and Smiley blamed a Council aide for not filing this resolution into the agenda on time. Complete bullshit. The draft date of this resolution was JUNE 23!!! Not to mention that, I’m told, this particular aide who made this “error” is actually well-aligned with the way Council Prez Paul Clark does business. I called bullshit on the whole “let’s-blame-the-aide” line from the beginning. This was one big clusterfuck to start with and Smiley was just getting pissy because he was being called on his heaping pile of bullshit.
When I got up to speak, I was a little nervous. Yes, that’s very odd for me. But I knew I had some harsh things to say to Councilman Smiley and, to a lesser extent, Council Prez Clark. I let it go. I called out Smiley for engaging in a battle of semantics when he claimed it didn’t matter that the public didn’t get notice about this resolution because they already knew about the general issue at hand. Complete bullshit. Yes, the public DOES know about Prez Clark’s alleged indiscretions. But the public DIDN’T know about this resolution that would repay Clark for his legal fees. The public DID NOT KNOW, Councilman Smiley, and you are SO FULL OF SHIT.
I looked around at Councilmembers and, believe it or not, made an impassioned plea to let them know that this is why the public holds them in such low regard. Because they ALLOW their leaders to act in ways that are not fully transparent and ways that hold the public in such a low regard. I know my message got through to some of them, because I swear I saw some of their heads bow in shame as I said these words.
I mixed it up a bit with Councilman Smiley, who had earlier in the meeting blamed “blogs” for spreading some of this information. I thanked him for mentioning the word “blog” in his diatribe and informed him that whenever the word “blog” is mentioned, even negatively, it makes the stock of the “blogosphere” rise considerably.
I really have nothing more to say that can’t be heard on the audio. The resolution was tabled so the public could have more time to respond. Good on Council for realizing that Councilmen Smiley’s and Clark’s attempt to clothesline them and the public was detrimental to the necessary transparency in government.
downwithabsolutes
Dominique
Mike Matthews
Matthews you are slicker than dog shit! You suckered Delaware Politics into shutdown by letting them think you were. I’ve been living in Delaware for about 6 months now and your blog is the bomb!
Be careful without Delaware Politics, Delaware Liberal will start kicking you around. However, you offer quality blogging and they only offer entertainment. Talk about day and night!
blah blah blah (at Ohio Joe). Shoot, we’ve blown more smoke up Mike’s arse than I don’t know … Valero on a typical pollution day?
Anyway, I can’t believe I have to give Powers credit (shudder), but it appears I do, based on your recap. Good on you, Powers for standing up to Smiley. EVERYONE needs to stand up to Smiley! He doesn’t give a crap about anyone but Smiley…and apparently Clark.
Good work, DWA!
Delaware Liberal will implode without DWA and Delaware Politics. Well, they always have that Hube fellow. You folks in Delaware are really wacked out and I love it.
You live in Delaware, Ohio, don’t you?
keep pokin em with a sharp stick!
(and posting audio recordings)
LOL Mike
I am proud of you! (no one could tell that you were nervous, btw).
RSmitty -
“You live in Delaware, Ohio, don’t you?”
No, I moved from Moscow, Ohio to Middletown, Delaware. I am glad DWA is more concern with politicans fucking the people than Delaware Liberal worry about who is fucking a politican from South Carolina.
Hmm…Joe from Ohio who lives in Middletown. Hmm… Wonder if…
My old handle from a couple years ago was MOTNewbie then MOTSmitty, care to guess why?
Whose Rep District are you in? Cathcart or Johnson?
How about County District? Bell or Powers? Either answer on this one makes me feel bad for you. (I am in Bell’s)
I think this is what may be turning off mike from blogging – not the sophomoric bickering – the fact that he feels he is putting so much out there to help bring things to light and NOTHING ever changes. Nothing will happen to clark, nothing will happen to KWS, the legislators will never make any hard decisions because they know they have 4 years of being able to do whatever they want without reprucussions. Now i am be competely wrong, but that is usually what happens to 20 somethings. They start out full of piss and vinegar and realize all the bitching does nothing. So they, in the words of the great Thoreau become- “the most of men lead lives of quiet desperation”
The blogs are useful and iDWA is the best one out there, but they represent and reach a vast minority of the public still. and they are but a nusance to those they fight against.
arthur – June 25, 2009
“I think this is what may be turning off mike from blogging – not the sophomoric bickering – the fact that he feels he is putting so much out there to help bring things to light and NOTHING ever changes.”
I think the fact has been established that our state government for the most part exists to serve itself. There are bright spots D’s and R’ but many are helpless in getting needed changes through legislation.
Matthews is an amazing service to the community however, he is putting himself out there knowing there could be negative social backlash on him sacrificing his future for a handful of bickering bloggers?
One thing Mike proved is that we need an unbiased man on the scene in legislative hall. We need his feedback that is in real terms and raw emotions. The reason state government has not been transparency since the end of the American Revolution is because state government prefers it that way. We have all the technology to share the data, view or listen to all government meeting but yet the government refuses. Nothing in government should be discussed behind closed doors. Mike Matthews is like an unwanted cockroach crawling throughout legislative hall. But, he is our undercover agents keeping tabs on their every move. But no matter how many friends he makes is the enemies he makes that can put the screws to future career moves.
Mike puts the government bullshit out there on a silver platter for all to see but yet the lazy people all stand by and think Mike will take down the goliath called state government himself. So why shouldn’t he be discouraged and want out?
So why shouldn’t he be discouraged and want out?
==> Because more of us should support him?
Paul
I want to thank Ohio Joe for mentioning “Delaware Liberal” in his diatribe and would like to inform him that whenever “Delaware Liberal” is mentioned, even negatively, it makes the stock of “delaware Liberal” rise considerably.
BTW – Great Blogging Mike.
jason330
“would like to inform him that whenever “Delaware Liberal” is mentioned, even negatively, it makes the stock of “delaware Liberal” rise considerably.”
Yea bubba, DL is right up there on the $$$ list with Waste Management! Now if you can turn your trash into cash you might have something to brag about. Tell me, are you from what they call slower Delaware. I could never figure out where that line started. I think I am safe in Middletown!
“BTW – Great Blogging Mike.”
Well, at least you know greatness when you see it………
lol! I guess you didn’t read Mike’s post. Your loss.
Anyway, have a happy life Ohio Joe.
Peace out!
[...] Down With Absolutes factual account of Tuesday’s Council Meeting, and join me in wishing to slam some Councilpersons faces into [...]
transparency is cool:
nothing will happen to KWS,
EXCUSED ME?
You have something to say then fuckng say it bitch.
What did Karen DO EXACTLY, Asswipe fuck.
Sorry but what you don’t know is that the gaii fucking community sought to destroy KWS in hopes of their fave fag, John Brady would gain that post. And Cassandra – YES – I am talking to you,
There’s no excused for me…but then you knew that.
Note to John…did you really get ELECTED to my CSD Board? or are you someone else….just WONDERING.
Ruh Roh, I have had a long day in DC rallying and meeting with an obtuse Sen. Carper who proceded to kick sand in our lame-ass face. You know, cuz Unions and ACORN and APRI and Familes and small business people just don’t rate with the Senior Senator from DE and I am in one pissy mood.
Mike puts the government bullshit out there on a silver platter for all to see but yet the lazy people all stand by and think Mike will take down the goliath called state government himself. So why shouldn’t he be discouraged and want out?
MIKE WAS NOT THERE BY HIMSELF and I honestly don’t know why he decided to ‘ignore’ me. I was right there to support the fucker.
I am the same who was elected. I am not sworn in until July 14th meeting. Technically term begins July 1. I sense from your note above you are angry/concerned about something? If so, feel free to contact me over at my blog or at lps2001(at)aol.com
Nancy,
Come again? In a previous post I mentioned that you were there. I’m really confused by some of your obviously late-night ramblings above. You OK?
somebody’s off their meds…..
Actually, I think I am right on target with this shit, not that it makes any difference to me what orientation a person has. It does fill in the wonderment of why the fuck Cass and RedWater Lily were on the attack. For some reason, I have been hearing that Cass is gaii over the last few weeks from a variety of sources so it just blurted on out last night…apologies if more than usual offense is generated by it.
I see that LG has now made my untoward comment here front and center on DL AND I CAN;T COMMENT on it over there. D’OH.
Of course, Miss Cassandra recently outed Liz Allen as the author of an anonymous post…the sin I was supposedly banned for having done with the witch Ingrid who posts evil lies about KWS under several pseudonyms. . The hypocrisy~! Steve Newton carried that convo HERE –
http://delawarelibertarian.blogspot.com/2009/06/comment-rescue-er-maybe-comment.html
Me: An anony OUTING riff ~
Besides what a great post Cassandra wrote, one of the things that jumped out at me was that Cassandra went ahead and ‘outed’ Liz Allen on that comment…FWIW.
And now you have done the same, prof. Perhaps it is Liz wanting to be anonymous. What hypocrits some of you are –CASS–.
Liberal Geek did that to me once when I didn’t attach my name to a comment –deliberately. LG decided to attach my name to the post ‘for me’.
Liz may well have written that post on DL but she knows how to include her name should she choose to do so.
Steve: Mea culpa, Nancy.
I was not reading carefully–saw Cass respond to the previous comment and did not note is was unsigned. Liz often posts under anonymous but then signs her name.
I have corrected the post, although you cannot unfire a weapon.
I didn’t notice the Dellies putting that little gem front and center! Fucking hypocrits.There, that feels so much better.
Cassie-gal baby girl!! You know your hard on for KWS is part of the slimey war teh gays committed on behalf on Master Brady.
But I do admit to some regret for blogging-while-in-my-cups. Bad day yesterday.
Here’s PussyGeek’s post http://www.delawareliberal.net/2009/06/27/mind-lost/
NOTE TO NANCY WILLING:
Shut your damn homophobic mouth, and stop your bullshit about my friend Ingrid who has nothing to do with my blog comments. You ask what did KWS do??? You know damn well and you’re covering for her doesn’t fool anyone. For the benefit of all who read this, here is just a partial list of the facts: She lied her way into office. None of her supposed qualifications exists. She’s an uneducated near-illiterate who’s hasn’t worked in insurance since she worked for the insurance commissioner’s office because of her relationship with Levinson in the late 80s, until Donna Lee Williams fired her for incompetence as soon as she took office in 1992. She’s been mostly unemployed and was nearly destitute when she was elected commissioner. My friend Ingrid brought her into the “Fortune 500 company” (RSI) where she bragged during her dirty campaign about having been a VP. Six months later, instead of being grateful for the $90K a year job that she got because neither Ingrid nor RSI checked out her false resume, KWS defamed Ingrid to her boss and got her fired so she could have Ingrid’s VP job, but she got fired herself as soon as they found her out because Ingrid wasn’t there to cover for her any more as she had done so as not to look bad herself for having recommended her. KWS got most of her campaign money from insurance interests, although only some of it directly and the rest from their lawyers and lobbyists. She was guilty of taking the same contributions she got on Gene Reed’s case for although she was able to hide that fact. You are a piece of lowlife trash just like KWS, and what both of you and KWS’s stooges she hired to do her job for her really are is well known in all of Delaware. None of your and Elliotts protestations to the contrary will convince anyone because all you dirtbags have already proven what you are many times over.
A little addendum for clarification: KWS cutlivated all her many insurance contacts when she joined the NAIC and other industry associations, right after she was fired from the insurance commissioners office in 1992, by misrepresenting herself as the owner of an insurance consulting business that existed only on paper, The Weldin Group. She had plenty of time over the past 20 years to attend their meetings and to develop political contacts by working on other people’s campaigns because she was unemployed except in occasional menial retail sales jobs. Ask her for the tax returns for her supposed business, if she even filed any, if you have a problem with that. We all know her loyalty is not to the people of Delaware but only to herself and to those who put her in office.
Nancy – I’ve read some vile things on blogs before, but you’re far worse than Venables or the other haters around. What the fuck is your problem? Didn’t your parents love you? Did Uncle Bob make you touch his willy and now you’re taking it out on everyone else? I don’t like using this term, but you are an A-1 See You Next Tuesday.
Nancy,
I don’t quite know what to say in response to your comments. Sometimes I seriously don’t understand you. They are truly vile, offensive statements that don’t take into consideration facts or known, verifiable truths, let alone people’s feelings. I don’t know how you are able to come to all of these conclusions and maintain a straight face.
Seriously, Nancy, please chill the fuck out. You took a thread on County politics and turned it into something that has now gone way off topic. You turned a flippant, who-gives-a-fuck, casual KWS comment from arthur into some ridiculous bullshittery. Give it up, Nancy. KWS is a lackey. She won the job only because of the “D” next to her name. You’re defending her because the two of you are friends who’ve been involved in issues and groups in the past. I don’t begrudge you for defending a friend. But you really do piss me off when you begin to defend that friend via outrageous accusations and smears.
I have shown much restraint in responding to your comments. I will continue to offer that restraint, but I can only hold back so much. Just please chill the fuck out.
And, Nancy, just for future reference, I am thisclose to putting your comments in moderation for several reasons. The least of which is they’re terribly off topic. The fact that they’re filled with salacious, unverifiable, questionably-inauthentic material just makes my decision that much easier.
Seriously, I keep re-reading your comments and I’m thinking to myself over and over: “WTF?” They’re seriously infuriating me.
Nancy,
I don’t know why I keep coming back to this. You have so thoroughly flustered me that I’ve put two of your most vile comments into moderation. They’re rife with potentially libelous statements, misinformation, and sheer bullshittery that I feel I could not let them remain. Seriously, Nancy, clean your act up.
I can’t wait to wrap this shit up on Wednesday. It can not come soon enough.
Matthews….
Thank you. I am glad you are at least continuing your invaluable work on Twitter, and I hope you don’t mind that we link to your tweets on occasion.
I heard at the Stonewall Event yesterday that Nancy ” Go have Another Drink” Willing was running her mouth about me too?
WTF did I do to her — oh wait, I forget, she is totally infatuated with our IC and I am not.
Drinking doesn’t make Nancy be vile and disgusting. She’s just naturally that way and alcohol makes her let it out into the light of day.
yeah, like you know me, In***d.
But I do know a few things about you. Your meatspace circle isn’t all that big. Perhaps I will front-page your miserable life’s story, girlfriend. WHOOO HOOO now wouldn’t that be fun. I think after the filth you have spewed for close to a year on these blogs you deserve a little frank attention all of your own. The little mistress of the panhandle. Stay Tuned. I understand you have been emailing Elliott with tales of what’s up with you lately. I only know about your sorry ass past.
For the rest of you, I responded to the new meme that I am Karen Stewart’s lackey over on Slower Lower’s blog where he/she front-paged me as such.
I did develop some sympathy for the Brady Bunch, though, seeing that it is easy to peg one’s political supporters as always carrying water for them. I am sure that Karen’s work will speak for itself over the next few years.
Anyway, I had a long talk with many of my friends and family about how consequences are worn once made and I accept full responsibility for my mistake. I don’t expect the hardcore haters around here to grant me my mea culpa.
I spoke to Karen the other day, to give her a heads up on what I did and to apologize in advance for the flak that was bound to come. SL actually wrote that he/she? stood ready to ‘call her out’ in person about what I wrote.
We got around to talking about some of the blog posts from DL, RWL and here about the RFP.
Mike, I wonder why you never bothered to check and see if the suppositions published on your blog, were in fact, REAL. I don’t expect the Dellies to bother repairing the lies they print or amending the bad information they publish but you? I used to expect more out of you.
Nancy, what SUPPOSITIONS? It was an off-the-cuff, flippant remark to which you took to your usual ad hominems and bullshittery whenever anyone EVER makes a nasty comment about KWS. Get over it and stop turning every anti-KWS comment into some international incident.
Nancy I defintely know you better than you know me because you don’t know me at all. And your information about my source, plus every other piece of filth you’ve written, is as whacked as you are. The only thing you do know for sure is that everything I wrote about KWS is the truth, and your attacks do nothing to change the fact that everyone else knows that, too. It’s just a shame that the rest of us have to come across pigs like you in the public forum. I’m surprised Mike still allows you on here.
In this battle of wits, I am definately the Man in Black and you are Vizzini:
Man in Black: All right. Where is the poison? The battle of wits has begun. It ends when you decide and we both drink, and find out who is right… and who is dead.
Not that I wish harm upon you, just perhaps a bit of insight, Miss Gings.
Mikey lurves me. We be buds.
NW
so you point is that you are immune to the poison you share with the rest of us…
oh please.
as I said on slower lower, the perjoratives were out of line but they were used in describing players dirty politics. It had nothing to do with what you are getting a chubby over.
jason: slower lower Del begins outside Newark, and below Rt. 40 at BJ’s.
Mike: get the hell off these blogs and run for Helene Keeleys seat. We need someone we can actually TRUST. If not her seat…GO FOR MARSHALL’S SEAT! He has done absolutely nothing for our citizens, and is another double dipper. Lets get rid of every double dipper in this State!.
Mike in the legislature?
That idea is…freaking me out in a real cool way!