Where dead letters get a post-mortem.

February 8, 2007 — Today's autopsy is performed on Beware of the hidden agenda, a comment posted by Joanne Still on DailyFreeman.com.

Ms. Still's letter is in blue. The report is still in red.

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The articles by Josh Rinaldi include comments from the Town of Rochester attorney (very appropriately, in this case), from the so-called victim, from the head of the Rochester Conservative Committee, and two prominent and highly vocal members of the Rochester Republican Club.

Obviously you don't care about the so-called victim. Do you care about the so-called criminals?

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What I find very curious is the fact that there have been no quotes from the official legal entity that represents the Republican Party in the Town of Rochester, and that would be the Rochester Republican Committee.

Funny! I find very curious the fact that you find very curious the fact that the reporter did not produce any quotes from the INVISIBLE "legal entity" that fakes representing the Republican Party in the Town of Rochester. While your "legal entity" has some followers, their number — including next of kin — is at least 30 times smaller than Rochester Republican Club's membership. You have no use for facts, but here are two: some members of the Rochester Republican Committee are members of the Republican Club, all others are Republicans in name only. The talking points given to you notwithstanding.

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Carl Chipman and Alysse Ricks are what might be called "Rogue Republicans" — their Web site name "RochesterRepublicans.com" suggests that they represent the Republican Party. Ask the Republican Committee members — do Chipman and/or Ricks speak for the Republican Party?

Any brain activity behind slapping labels on Carl and Alysse? I didn't think so... As for the poll, I have a better one: ask the Republicans in town if the "legal entity" speaks for them...

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My point is this: the Rougues [sic] are trying to make it appear that the controversy over Manuela Mihailescu's interview by the Town Board is based on political differences. It's not. The controversy is purely personal.

Ms. Still, you are very articulate. So it's my elbow, but it wouldn't tell a lie. You couldn't tell the truth to save your life.

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If Mr. Rinaldi had attended Town Board meetings for any length of time, he undoubtedly would have recognized the Rogue Regulars by their behavior at the meetings. Sitting in the public gallery with them at Town Hall is like sitting in a middle-school study hall with unruly, bratty children.

Tell Max, Zali and Stuart: this paragraph stinks.

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It is clear to me — and countless other citizens of this town — that the Republican Club (not the Republican Party — they are NOT the same thing) exists to taunt, divide, and mislead, because their friends lost the last town election.

Joanne, does your hate for the Republican Club have anything to do with the fact that your spouse lost in the last elections? I thought so...

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For example, ask Alysse Ricks what her relationship is to Shane Ricks, who used to be a big shot on the Planning Board but isn't anymore — the "fault" of the Democrats.

Hold on a second!

Alysse, what is your relationship to Shane? We are married... Thank you, Allyse! Is he still on the Planning Board? Oh, he is. Thanks again, Alysse! And thank God...

Your turn Joanne... Joanne, what is your relationship with Mary Mendola, the NYS Democratic Committee member? How about Mary Mendola, formerly on the Rochester Democratic Committee? Or Mary Mendola, the unsuccessful candidate for the Ulster County Legislature? We are married... Thank you, Joanne!

Joanne Still, left, and Mary Mendola

After all, you are part and parcel of the Democratic Committee's inner circle... After all, you are the designated hit person on their damage control A-team.

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Anybody who's paying attention would have immediately recognized what this so-called controversy is all about. Mihailescu and her cohorts created a non-issue that should have faded out as soon as it happened — with the same non-impact of the childish anti-Town Board road signs that mysteriously appear on Route 209.

Wishful thinking Joanne... Look at your friends... Is that frantic activity the sign of a non-issue?

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I urge the Freeman reporter to really investigate and clarify what's going on here.

Careful what you ask for... your wish might be granted...

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First, he should read the letters on the Club's Web site showing how the Club members have tried to wrest power from the Republican Committee Chairperson (to no avail, of course). Then he should interview the Chairperson of the Republican Party in this town.

First? Then? Pretty please, at least let him pick the order in which to execute your orders...

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Then he should report this story as what it really is: a few pea-brained big mouths with a hidden agenda making a big noise over a big nothing.

Joanne Still
Accord

Joanne! Joanne?
I don't know how you convinced him,
but that's exactly what he did.
While you refused to look in the mirror.

Jon Dogar-Marinesco
Kerhonkson