"A government big enough to give you everything you want,
is big enough to take away everything you have"
Thomas Jefferson
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Jefferson County Legislative District 4 Successor
Allen T Drake
Theresa, NY
Pending a vote by the Jefferson County Board of Legislators reports are the successor to Addie Jenne Russell's seat will be Mr. Drake.
A retired teacher and current Town of Theresa Supervisor, Mr Drake appears to be an amenable choice of both Democrats and Republicans.
60 comments:
Except he's a "retired teacher". I'm sure Mr. Drake is a wonderful individual, but we need fewer (read that as: NONE) government employees serving on our governments.
I think the county needs Young blood
where do you get your reports from?
Retired teachers and government employees are the only ones left in NNY. I understand the sentiment, but hey, we gots what we gots. At least he won't let money or taxes stand in the way of good emotional decisions.
Mr. Drake served 3 terms as a Village Trustee, Odd he hasn't been in politics for a long time, Same good ole boy system. Hope he does more for the district than Addie did.
He is the democrate pick, but any word on if the republican's have picked anyone?
Addie Jenne didn't do much for the other areas of her legislative district except she had all these plans on how to expand growth in Theresa.
So .... it saddens me to see that we still won't have someone who cares about our village and we won't receive representation for our concerns because you are selecting another person who's primary cause is 'Theresa'.
and I believe he is Addies uncle.
Yep, nepotism At it's greatest.
Anon 7:23 said "He believes Drake is Russell's uncle."
Anon 9:21 says, "Yup ...believes it to be true."
My Q: Is Drake her Uncle or not, for sure, not rumors, BS or guesswork - a simple yes or no.
If so, he should not be appointed and Sean H. should step down from his perch as JDCC (if he knew that Drake was her Uncle) ... if true, nepotism MUST stop now, whether here, in Illinois, NY, TX or CA and esp in DC ... enough is enough, IF TRUE.
We need facts on this...
~ dmf
Uncle?
Belief or fact.
Her mother is Susan Drake Jenne
Continuing another great North Country tradition: first, Darrel's sister, now Addie's uncle.
It's not what you know, it's who you're related to!
If Drake is Addie Jenne's Uncle he should remove himself from consideration. This is pure BS. Go to WWNY and watch Jenne's comments. So much for an open and honest government. Jenne first appoints 2 people to her staff that don't even live in the assembly district and now this!
Dan Francis is right.
I Spoke to TF - he does not /did not know whether this is true or not ...
Hahahahahaha
None of this dishonest crap surprises me. And the fact that Sean Hennnneessyyyy has his disgraced name involved with this doesn't surprise me either. Does he really think that ALL NNYers are this stupid, or just enough to get by?
First: The suggestion that government employees are somehow disenfranchised from serving roles in government is pure HORSE HOCKEY. They are taxpaying members of our society, and are as entitled to serve on Boards (other than their own employer) as any other citizen of this County. For that matter, they at least know the mechanics of how government works.
Second: Appointing a relative of ONESELF is called nepotism. Appointing someone who happens to be related to a former officeholder IS NOT Nepotism. Where the Hell in this area can you find two people who are not somehow related??? And why would that be any criteria for selection to public office?
Dumbest suggestion I have heard in ages.
OMG - relationship has nothing to do with the job!!! Look around there are relations that have appointed jobs everywhere you look. I guess it is okay if you are registered as an "R". I have heard nothing but positive comments about this man and his career. I guess when you can not find fault in him one looks for other areas to bash!!! If nepotism is wrong I can think of a good many positions to post! I think his career gives this guy the nod over many others. Give him a chance. However, I would imagine you all will be busy shooting the negative ads for the next election on this subject.
allen is her mothers brother, her grandmother is madelyn drake and there is a one other daughter but her name escapes me. Madelyn drake's brother is Frank Robinson.
Nepotism or appointing a friend of a relative or a relative of a friend, is still wrong in my view.
But, I'll say this for that process: it sure saves time and effort to screen out good potential employees or elected or appointed officials for the same job, doesn't it?
~ scurry on.
My last word, maybe, on this topic:
"If you don't mind which party or candidate lies, cheats, or is corrupt the most, then the truth won't matter much, either."
~ dmf
IMHO this would have been a non issue if Hennesy and Jenne-russell had made a full disclosure of the relationship. There certainly an apperance of trying to slip something past the legislature. This man be a great guy, but he is not scared.
To bad. First day in office and Jennie Russell had her first screw-up
Most of the Positive comments seem to be coming from relatives. What's he done as town Supervisor? same old status quo.
DFM, who does not hail from around here, is always willing to squeal FIRE in a theater, if he thinks it will get him a better seat for the show.
Let's see: eliminate all relatives, friends, friends of relatives, relatives of friends. Who does that leave? Exactly: self serving passers-by, just like him.
LEARN what nepotism actually means. Make INFORMED decisions.
Nepotism means your views are clouded as the " Best Person" for the job, There were a few folks interested in this job, just as they were interested in the Town Supervisors job, But Addie would have none of it.
Allen Drake is not Addie's uncle.
nepotism: noun. the practice among those with power or influence of favoring relatives or friends, esp. by giving them jobs.
(disclaimer: that's the definition straight out the built-in dictionary on my mac, and everyone knows that the mac is the liberal elitist's computer of choice. can't wait to start hearing those charges of bias!)
As I stated right up front before in my 9:40 post: My Q: Is Drake her Uncle or not, for sure, not rumors, BS or guesswork - a simple yes or no.
I guess no one knows for sure?
Can we just go to Henneseehorscript.com and find the truth? I mean, that's where I go to get good information.
It will be interesting to hear what the mouths have to say.
Maybe the Times should do a story on it, find out how he was selected for the job.
Monkey in the wrench, or something like that...
Favoritism, cronyism, and nepotism ALL interfere with fairness because they give undue advantage to someone who does not necessarily merit the treatment, appointment or hiring, etc.
In the public sphere, favoritism, cronyism, and nepotism also undermine the common good.
When someone is granted a position because of connections rather than because he or she has the best credentials and experience, the service that person renders to the public may be inferior.
Also, because favoritism is often covert (few elected officials are foolish enough to show open partiality to friends, and family), this practice undercuts the transparency that should be part of governmental hiring and contracting processes.
So, many elected officials, rather than doing the deed themselves, "will make sure their friend or relative is picked, behind the scenes of course, thus, they can say 'I never appointed them or gave them the job,' and they are correct (fingers cross behind their back, natch)."
So take your pick; it may not be nepotism, per se, but it still stinks if Allen Drake is indeed her uncle ... we shall see.
~ Soapbox away now ... I'm done.
To 2:52 p.m.: "They at least know the mechanics of how government work" LOL! Yeah, just look at our bloated school budgets and all of the teacher's union nonsense!!
I guess there were some folks who will feel betrayed by Mr. Drake, He was selected by Addie as Town Supervisor, Ran on the Democratic ticket, And now was selected again by Addie.
Addie's maternal great great grandfather and Al Drake's great grandfather was David Henry Drake.
All this family tree, genealogy and ancestry stuff is getting out of hand.
How about a simple yes or no answer: "Is the subject Mr. Drake Addie J. Russell's uncle or not?"
Hey, Dan Francis....I believe that Anonymous 7:48 AM answered your question. It would appear that the answer is a no, but rather they are very distant cousins. But, if you are still confused about the entire situation, why don't you call Al or Addie. They are both listed in the phone book.
He's his own grandpa...
...and they went to different schools together
"How about a simple yes or no answer: " Did you screw up enough courage to call Addie to get the answer, Danny? Or are you only a roaring tiger on your keyboard?
Illustrative of how effective a CONGRESSMAN you would be.
waiting . . .
I grew up with Susie Drake Jenne on the same street. She had one brother Les (not Allen) and a sister. She and Allen might be distantly related but if you've lived in the North Country any length of time and your family has roots here, you know that many of us are related someway somehow, it is a double edged sword of small town life.
I told you all above that I called Ted Ford and he said it was news to him, but not a big deal...
Addie is on her way to Albany and out of reach.
The Q is fair: is he her relative, yes or no?
According to DMF: "Addie is on her way to Albany and out of reach."
According to JeffDem: "Addie will be sworn in as 118th Assemblymember on Saturday. We at Jefferson Democrat hope to see all of you at 3:30 Saturday at the State Office Building."
DMF caught in another fabrication. What a surprise.
Dear Anonymous 6:41 PM....what about me? Susie has one brother (Les) and two sisters....and I'm one of them. But in all fairness, I am much, much younger than my siblings are so often I am forgotten...or people don't know I exist at all...and if you are a Kavanaugh or a Purcell, you are in BIG trouble for forgetting me.
I'm AUNT KAREN.
By the way....Addie is on her way to Albany??? Really? I could have sworn I was just standing at the kitchen counter with her preparing vegetables and such for her swearing in ceremony at 3:30 tomorrow afternoon. Please, feel free to join us.
And for those of you who don’t understand how Addie’s great-great grandfather and Allen’s great grandfather being the same person answers the question to whether Allen is Addie’s uncle, please let me clarify it now. NO! They are cousins (seventh degree of relationship as defined by law).
I believe this puts this issue to rest. See you at the swearing in!!
Cousin, Uncle, there's no difference, if the question was are they related then there's a problem. Look at the bright side at least he didn't get the ATV Job.
IV: this post seems to be setting records - interest is high, or just plain old silliness?
Let me defend myself with this:
Anonymous 9:02 and 9:37
I didn't “fabricate” anything and I resent your remarks...
I obviously misread the swearing in part location details. I thought or falsely assumed it was in Albany ... not any fabrication at all - a simple mistake. Had I said I called Addie and someone told me she was not avaiable, in Albany, on her way back, etc., and it was not true THAT would have been a fabrication.
I guess you never make mistakes, right Anonymous – besides I have no reason to call her to verify anything about this story or rumor -– that is not my duty.
And, besides, who would ever hide behind a silly-ass label like Anonymous, right Anonymous?
It takes a lot of skill to fabricate a name on these forums like Anonymous, doesn't it?
Why don't you sign on properly, use your own name and face the music – I do, even the screechy tune you sing.
I always try to not attack or get angry here at this “trough of enlightenment,” but a couple of Anonymous notes take their toll – the insults are low – but, if that’s their goal, then they take the cake.
~ Scurry on Anonymous, and take your other brother or sister, Anonymous with you.
Oh, hell, that clarifies things just dandy: from a certain ANON 9:37 calling herself Aunt Karen these pearls of wisdom:
"... [as to] the question to whether Allen is Addie’s uncle, please let me clarify it now. NO! They are cousins (seventh degree of relationship as defined by law)."
So the same law that allows "cousins" to be appointed or whatever doesn't prevent nepotism, favoritism or cronyism?
I see, I see ... um... neat little law isn't it - but it kinda shows "favoritism, too" doesn't it?
Allow me to post this very good link to understanding "nepotism" for those who are unsure what it means in regards to one's relative getting public office above others: Nepotism Explained Here
Nepotism, according to the Sixth Edition Black's Law Dictionary, is:
"Bestowal of patronage by public officers in appointing others to positions by reason of blood or marital relationship to appointing authority."
Therefore, patronage is determined by who is blood related or married to the appointing authority.
Who is the appointing authority?
Assemblywoman Russell did not make the appointment, did she?
Is the Jefferson County Chairperson married to, or related by blood, to Mr. Drake?
(chuckle)
What is the deal with this Dan Francis guy? Doesn't he have anything else to do? He obviously doesn't get his facts straight or he just lies on purpose. His credibility rating is dropping fast. Or was it already in the cellar?
More and more interesting, isnt' it?
Fire, away, JC/PQ - take your best shot ... I know Addie didn't appoint or recommend her cousin, or whatever relative he is, for her seat, right? I mean you know that, too, right? We all also know that she didn't know he was a relative, right -- it just happened to have turned out that way after the fact when someone raised the issue at this trough forum, right? (a bunch of rights do not necessarily correct a single wrong).
So, tell me, JC/PQ, or anyone else interested in this whatever we want to call it little mess (if it's a mess at all), assume that the aforementioned Mr. Drake is Addie’s relative [any kind of relative] and that Addie never mentioned to anyone like, "Sean H., I know you have the appointing authority to fill my seat, but I'd like to tell you, he is my xxx-kind of relative – will that cause a problem for me or you?"
But, no one said anything like that - it just happened? Like it just happened that a certain sister just happened to have been appointed/given a taxpayer-funded job for a certain Senator that took some time for him to acknowledge and straighten out for the public right?
Criticize me all you want, I can take it; but I'm not the one embroiled in this mess, if it's a mess as some here seem to think it is. I question - you criticize ... that's okay, too.
I asked a long time ago, “Is Drake her relative or not?” Aunt Karen (or whomever that poster was) said, “No, not her Uncle, but a 7th DEGREE cousin or something like that according to law.”
FOR AUNT KAREN (a bit off topic, but in the ball park): Third-cousins are 7th-degree relatives (according to this definition: Consanguinity), and share approximately 0.78% (1/128) of their genes in common. Each of their children will have a general risk of being genetically identical in about 0.39% (1/256) of the genetic material. Thus, the chance to have a child with a birth defect, mental retardation, or genetic disease based upon this degree of relation is not likely to be significantly increased over the 3-4% general population risk.
FYI from this site Ask the Geneticist Here
Mr.Drake....having not given this much thought,we could be related, as well as members already serving in politics. As to the comments regarding your ancestors, as well as Addie Jenne's, it is surpising as to how many people know your history. Geneology, tells us one way or another, we are all related. As a quote I once read, people can get so involved in their opinions they lose sight of logic. In my opinion, and knowing him, he will do his best in serving the people as a whole, with his logic and honesty.
If Addie's GG Greandfather and Mr. Drake's Great Grandfather are one and the same then Addie & Mr. Drake are 2nd cousins once removed (Addie's Mother & Mr. Drake being full second cousins, children of full 1st cousins)
That is the accurate relationship
---a true genealogist
Anon: 7:55 -- you posted in part: "In my opinion, and knowing him, he will do his best in serving the people as a whole, with his logic and honesty."
No one here that I can see is questioning Mr. Drake's honesty or logic in is approach to problems etc., the issue my friend is nepotism, favoritism and cronyism in government (public) service appointments.
It must not stand nor be allowed, period. That's the issue. We simply need to know whether or not he is a relative of Mrs. Russell (now Assemblywoman Russell) or not? That's all.
This is pathetic - over 50 comments on a non-issue. DMF is just plain wrong. First, many folks are distant cousins and are often unaware of it. It doesn't rise to nepotism. Second, the Assembly and the Jeff County Legislature are two completely different entities, thus no one is being hired by the Assemblywoman to her office that is a relation to her. Rather a person is being recommended to the Jeff County Legislature who is a distant cousin of someone in another department AND level of government. Not nepotism. Third, many times when someone vacates an office in mid-term to move to another level, the spouse is often recommended. No one ever considers that nepotism. In this case, her husband already works in government at the County Jail, so that recommendation didn't happen. But if he worked outside of government, it could've happened and he could be recommended and approved by the Legislature and would serve out the remainder of her term. Again, its done all the time and no one considers that nepotism.
There is no 'mess' here.
Third, many times when someone vacates an office in mid-term to move to another level, the spouse is often recommended. No one ever considers that nepotism.
Sorry little lady, but that usually occurs when someone dies. Not when someone moves to another level.
In a game of hand grenade toss maybe you would be close enough, but not here.
The only "mess" was created when they were both elected.
Anon: 6:58: As long as folks like you keep this issue alive, I'll chime in ...
BTW: I am NOT "plain" wrong - plain perhaps, wrong sometimes, yes; but not in this case until someone says with authority whether or not Mr. Drake is her relative. I don't know, but it damn sure makes for good forum fodder, doesn't it?
Tell me, did anyone tell Sean H. before he made the recommendation for Mr. Drake to take Mrs. Russell's job that he was a relative, and I don't care how distant of a relative, either?
A simple yes or no will suffice and while you're at it ... did Mrs. Russell know he was a relative, or is he too distant for that, too?
Or if she knew, did she bother to mention that to anyone?
And, yes, it matters - maybe not Earthquake mattering, but it matters.
HEY Danny you NUMBSKUL, get over it will ya. You don't even know the facts, if you read and comprehended u'd know it is totally up to the county legislature and NO ONE ELSE
Anon 12:21. No I will not drop it until IV pulls the plug on this dirty sink.
Sure the legislature votes to pick or not... but the name(s) before them are kinda limited I'd say, eh?
Must be a DEM, yes. If the vacancy were a GOPer, then a GOPer; we all agree on that, but a family member - no matter how distant or removed? I think not.
But, hey that's just me, right -- posting away like a numbskull right in toon (I know, I know, tune) with the other numbskulls (or numskulls) here.
It has two "LL's" ANON, two "LL's" either way you spell it.
~ scurry on
IV: I think it looks like no one with any authority can prove/disprove that Mrs. Russell is/is not a relative (distant or otherwise) of her replacement Mr. Drake, or if she is, no one apparently gives a damn.
So, I suggest you pull the plug on this topic - I think it's run its course.
~ Then we can continue to crony on...
Hey DF
iv is not pulling the plug.
I guess no one listens to anything u say.
Is that surprising?
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