This is hogwash!!!!!!Why should Mayor Pontieri pay for gas that he used to do all the wonderful things he has done in Patchogue! He must be driving all over the place to get that stuff accomplished. It's a witch hunt.

Balderdash! Rotfflmao!

I think I can c\see the DA coming

Well said Michelle!

Mayor pontieri is a wonderful person who is only trying to make patchogue a better place and has definitely done so during his tenure...I see the name Ihne on the opposing ballot....I hope people remember the state of patchogue under his watch.....homeless transients everywhere...you couldn't walk south ocean without being accosted..that should be
reason enough to re-elect patchogue
2012....but there's alot more...if mcgiff and Co only have the gas to harp on....I think were ok

George you said it,glad to see level headiness on here,thank you!!!

If stealing gas is fine by you you ARE NOT OK

George,yep,that's all they got and they are beating the dead horse to death! And we are OK and WILL be OK!!!

i have no intention of arguing with you mr barone,because you like all of the others offer no solution to your gripes...you all moan and groan about what has been done but have no suggestions of your own...as for the brett michaels concer,it was by no means free..you guys love to spout off about hearsay....give me some examples of events that ocurred prior to this adminitration..or whoever you claim is responsible..high density housing...ok..but its better than aflea infested bum following you to the mascot dock staring at your wifes posterior...that's what we had to enjoy previously...at least i can walk my neighborhood now and not need a weapon

I was a spectator at the last several Village board meetings. It is despicable that the Mayor’s family and friends sit in the back of the boardroom and shout
comments during the course of a board meeting and that the Mayor allows it. It is also disturbing that the Village Clerk is interjecting in the debate and that she has made it apparent she is one of the Mayor’s blind supporters. Pipe down lackeys.

Hogwash? Look at the records michelle. The mayor was working full time for the town of brookhaven and was obviously fueling up and charging up during town time too. The developers come to him in the village. He is lying to village residents about all of this and thinks Patchogue is his own personal piggy bank. He’s taken advantage of his position and power. Greed and power have corrupted him.

I have a question and a comment. I, too, was at the board meeting the other night and I never heard the "mayor's family and friends" shouting anything, although many in the audience were disgusted by the crean/mcgiff show.
Now to my questions...Mr. Crean said that not all the people in the village got their infamous letter because "they" ran out of money. If this letter was sent as official village, not political, business...why wasn't it written on official village stationery (not copy paper with a 'rendering' of the village seal), sent in envelopes denoting it was village business or paid for with village postage? Why are "they" paying for it?

I was at that meeting and agree with you totally thomasmcm.Why ARE "THEY" paying for it???

Can anyone tell me me from either side of the argument, for or against Pontieri, why ANY elected official should be allowed to get off the hook when breaking the law. If accusations are true, which should be brought to light pending investigation, it would be Grand Larcency. Should certain people be exceptions? Please, and I challenge you, answer the questions directly and clearly without bringing any other information - it's a yes or no. Should certain people be exempt from the standards imposed by law? Remember yes or no. The rest is just bickering. Aren't you adults?

I totally agree with George. In these hard economic times, the fact that a developer is even interested in Patchogue is amazing to me. The Residents First party has not yet provided an alternative plan to the old Sweezy's building, which means it will be empty another 10 years. Is that what Patchogue residents want?

Hey dennis...contrary to what you want to believe...i am a member of the regular paying public.In reference to the bret michaels concert,i could show you a debit from my account for 4 tickets in the amount of $230...it was not free.why do you insist that it was?..if it was though,would that make it any less of an accomplishment to get someone of that celebrity to our town?...i think not!..this is revenue for our village including other purchases which were made during the events...word of mouth...successul events like that one bring more...there was a tayor dane concert a couple of months ago too....main street was packed..i dont think that one was free either...secondly dennis...my other question was not anwered....what did the other adminitrations do to improve our village?...maybe the other mayors had no need to use gas because they didnt go anywhere...last i checked too,leasing vehicles costs money too...im not trying to tarnish the memory of anyones administration,i just think if there were some things done which can be viewed as questonable,we put a system in place to prevent any future mistakes...there should be clear guidelines for business useage of fuel and other perks..lets learn from our mistakes.....but give credit where credit is due.we would not have a 1/4.of the improvements we have now if it werent for him..PAUL PONTIERI IS A GREAT MAYOR!!!!!

AGAIN ESPECIALLY DIRECTED TO GEORGE, CAROLE, AND JOJO WHOM I DOUBT WILL BE ABLE TO ANSWER THIS DIRECTLY. I DARE YOU TO. :

Can anyone tell me me from either side of the argument, for or against Pontieri, why ANY elected official should be allowed to get off the hook when breaking the law. If accusations are true, which should be brought to light pending investigation, it would be Grand Larcency. Should certain people be exceptions? Please, and I challenge you, answer the questions directly and clearly without bringing any other information - it's a yes or no. Should certain people be exempt from the standards imposed by law? Remember yes or no. The rest is just bickering. Aren't you adults?

I don't like being dared. It is obvious to me by your postings that you have the "Mayberry RFD" mentality. Perhaps you should get out more and see how the real world works. You state that Ms. McGuire has a definite plan for this property and will make that clear before the election. The election is in March and time is ticking away. When do you think she will advise the residents of what her plan is?

hey chris......many small communities still use petty cash boxes and have small ledgers for any transactions regarding the village.but .as with most villages as they grow,there becomes a need to improve upon the ways in which we keep records and regulate spending....the cause of thes improvements is usually because of a mistake(s) made by one of its officials..the possibility for these mistakes is usually created by the lack of proper record keeping and grey areas regarding limits of official benefits..to request an investigation against a man who in my opinion has done more for our community than any other mayor (prove otherwise)over some gasoline that may or may not have been used in its official capacity is a crime in itself .11 years ago, you were only 16 when i moved into this village......im sure you dont remember the state of our town then...you most likely didnt care...sadly most of the administration.then didnt care either....the only thing Mr pontieri is guilty of is being an ambitious mayor with love for his community

George
Yes or No

Carole
Yes or No

First off where on ANY of my posts have I said anything that I know or endorse McGuire. I've even challenged Residents first as to state their exact position on Walmart (an entirely different matter) before I so much as give them $50.00 for a lunch.

JoJo, Maybe to you the real world works in terms of favors and imaginary resources but you have completely dodged my question at hand and as I knew you.

George I am all for learning from mistakes and that's why I find utterly important to have consequences for those who break them. I haven't once personally attacked the Mayor or any of his policies other then this gas use. Breaking the law is grounds enough to lose your office. We ALL must be accountable otherwise justice is a joke. I asked one question, Should certain people be exceptions? Should certain people be exempt from the standards imposed by law? Remember yes or no.

George, you may have moved here when I was sixteen but my family and I have lived here years before you have. I have worried about the state of this town probably more so then you. My mother single handedly raised 5 children in it and it has been quite amazing to see it's transformation. We had very little and we have earned what we have and been fortunate enough to have this town prosper as well. However though abuse of power usually doesn't usually limit itself. That's why there is law. So before you attempt to belittle me based on my age maybe you should check your own positions and motives and be aware of the facts given to residents to protect them against such acts. I have no reservations nor any empathy for those who do wrong and attempt to excuse themselves. If I were to steal from you, or the town, I would no doubt be pursued and punished under ever measure deserved by my conduct as to the law. I am insulted at your attempt to discredit me on the grounds of my age! Is it the fact that you cannot morally or logically present a valid argument against my well stated and presented case? You may as well said I don't know a thing because I am just a kid, you my friend are proving to be ignorant. If you are going to continue to argue in that fashion be aware it is completely invalid and bears no relation to the question at hand.

dennis...it's amazing that you know so much about a meeting you weren't even at. But perhaps "Pontieri's friends and family" and supporters shouldn't be alowed at the meetings...think of how much smoother the crean/mcgiff side show would go!
And I don't buy your answer...if it's information the residents need to know they should have ALL gotten the letter (not JUST voters), on offical village letterhead, in official envelopes with postage paid by the village. It REEKS of politics at its worse and crean and mcgiff are proving that's just who and what they are and you are quite the "mouth" piece for Residents First.

chris...there was no attempt made to belittle you because of your age and i commend your mother for her success....i dont know what your positioning was then and maybe i did make an unfair assumption....i'm just speaking on behalf of someone whom i find exceptional and trustworthy...any "misappropriation".would seem to me to be an oversight at best...it has been exaggerated immensely by his opposition to advance their own political careers...i try not to be involved in politics because it is a dirty business but i know Mr pontieri to be a genuine human being with others interests before his own...if you think im being ignorant then enlighten me with proof....not speculation and hearsay

Hey George, JoJo, Carole Thomasmcm and the rest............The Mayor has violated the public trust. Don’t forget that Trustees McGiff and Crean were a big part of all the projects the Mayor takes sole credit for, and they never once abused their privileges. How do you think they felt when they learned of his unauthorized and illegal activity? Why is it he will take all the credit for the work of his team and no responsibility for his own mistakes? The trustees were making $12,000 per year and the Mayor was making $36,000 per year. In the four years he was stealing gas, the Mayor earned about $144,000. He couldn’t afford gas for his family? Give me a break. They tried to counsel Pontieri for over a year to stop making unilateral decisions and back room deals. He refused to listen and thought he was accountable only to himself. Doing his job in a Tropical Storm doesn’t begin to make up for his abuse of power as Mayor. We deserve better. This isn't a witch hunt folks....Still no answer to the question

Should certain people be exempt from the standards imposed by law?

yes or no

The mayor himself released a letter basically admitting it, but if you have read anything I have posted, or comprehending it. I have simply said it should be investigated and proper punishment to the full extent of the law. You are being ignorant to the fact that ALL of us should be held to the same standard as the law. I am again not attacking the man, his accomplishments, or the state of the village. I am saying the law should be upheld against all who oppose it. There are several items of code which may have been breached and if an investigation were to take place and he found guilty of such should he not be punished. You have not answered that at all and have repeatedly attempted to dodge my question or throw it's direction off course. That is why I used the word ignorant. You are being ignorant to the fundemental injustice here. So once again I will ask you, and any who would defend such actions. Should the Mayor or any elected offical be allowed to break the law and have the consequences lifted? Should certain people be exceptions? Should certain people be exempt from the standards imposed by law? Please state your exact answer without a side show. I don't think you are capable.

I don't understand what basis you are arguing against this question. I think you're fighting a different argument then I am presenting. Please read it, take time if you need, and then state a direct non personal response. This is not a personal question nor should it's outcome be determined by personal motives.

so dennis...if those things that the mayor did were just "what he was supposed to do", why didn't anyone before him do it?...at the very least....the things you find unimportant that he did are significantly more than anyone else...thus he is significantly more involved than others were..i hate politics because its all about digging up dirt on your opponent....can you fill me in on what mrs mcguires contributions to our town are?prior to her political aspirations i had never heard of her....i saw her husband everywhere...not her...show me a more involved mayor or candidate than mr Pontieri.........ive wasted enough time on this...you will hear no more from me...i just hope my neighbors dont wish to revert to the past

Just avoid that one I guess. It's impossible to argue with reason when presented with it?

PAUL PONTIERI is and will continue to be a GREAT MAYOR!!!!!!!!!!

Carole, I dare you to answer the question...

You can't either.

That is the beauty of a moral and sound argument, though it is the one least fought it is the only one that can withstand opposition by any means. The fact that we as people allow our officials to use any type of argument other than a moral one is why we are in the shape we are in both locally and nationally. What happened to standards? A 26 year old should not be lecturing others on such but learning from their example.

George: There is no evidence or allegations of any kind that any other mayor broke the law by stealing gas. Pontieri has admitted it, and the records make it clear he has stolen a substantial amount of gas. That’s why a call is being made for him to be investigated.

Carol: I don't understand why you are turning a blind eye and still supporting a corrupt mayor that stole from the taxpayers. Are you one of the friends or relatives that the mayor allowed to fill up? Is it because you're afraid you'll have to start paying for your own gas?

carole

Should certain people be exempt from the standards imposed by law?

yes or no

Maybe her answer is that only "wonderful" and "great" mayors should be exempt?

They literally can't. It would shatter their perception and force them to accept something they don't want to. They do have a moral concious and that is why its impossible to get a direct and honest non personally bias response. If this were not the conversations topic I'm sure the ability would differ. Be it a drunk driver they would not be so understanding even if 'no one was hurt'.

The mind resists logic if it risks comfort.

Well said, Chris. How come the mayor's puppets are so quiet all of a sudden? Carole? JoJo? Marilyn? Lori? Care to comment?

I don't know them qnd if they do read I hope you do not consider a personal attack. I am sorry if anything has come across as such. While I do not make any apologies for my arguement I may have let my delivery cloud its interpretation. I again merely want a future and unlike most I grew up with I want that to be patchogue. I am not so concerned how attractive patchogue is to the outside as I am how it is for those that are HERE. I want to be able to have children who can see where I went and grew up. I just think if those who are supposed to be entrusted incur misconduct we should all be angry and act as to preserve our state of being. It has been said that Liberty requires constant vigilance. We should be watching ALL who sit in these positions. Our country as a whole will not be stronger until its citizens, villages to states, be more aggressively involved.

Hear, Hear!

You make a good argument Chris. I believe that if a crime was committed, justice should be done. No, people are not exempt from laws, and if someone committed a crime, they should be held accountable and given due process.

That being said, don't you think the timing of this issue is a bit convenient? McGiff is up for reelection and is campaigning with Residents First, and exactly two months(!) before the election, this scandal pops up. Something that has apparently been happening for four years is now a huge issue.

This whole thing reeks of political mudslinging. If the mayor is guilty of wrongdoing, he should be held accountable, but not like this. If there is a legal case, bring it to the proper authorities. If there isn't a case, then this is just a political smear job that coincides with the election. Doesn't the phrase "innocent until proven guilty" have a lot to do with Liberty as well?

If this is a legitimate case, I would rather see it shelved if until after the election. There is no way that the punishment for the crime includes loss of political sway, but I'm sure there is a fitting punishment that can be administered if and when guilt is found (regardless of the results of the election).

I have NOT stated he is ABSOLUTELY guilty of breaking the LAW. Wrongfully taking from tax payers yes; as per his admittance. Until the COURTS determine him guilty of legal infraction no man should condemn him of such, even if he did take the gas. In the event that no LAWS were broken I believe we should refine the process in which we administer gas ‘keys’ or usage and make it more transparent. But trust me when I say this…

Regardless of who is in the position, or any position of power, unless we the people hold them to a fire this will happen and continue to happen in different regards.

That being said I do not think the charges should be shelved. I think they should be pursued how and in the time the investigators feel they should. When you ‘shelve’ a possible crime you allow time for cover up, evidence tampering, or other problems when pursuing a conviction.

Thank you for taking the time to read it and seem to understand at least my intentions by it. No one is exempt.

That being said though the timing isn’t perfect and may prove beneficial for opponents of the Mr. Pontieri the facts still stand. I was unaware of this issue before it being brought up recently so I am impartial to that reasoning. If it were noticed before and not mentioned then I believe it should be investigated and pursued as to find if any laws were broken by the people who held such information. After all it wouldn’t have amounted to such a figure if it were stopped promptly when some one was made aware.

In any event these are all matters for our legal system to decide and there is no particular way in which ANYONE should be held accountable. If there isn’t a case Mr. Pontieri should pursue charges such as deformation of character rather then sling the ‘mud’ back.

I will side with you that it doesn’t sound exactly right but I cannot account for that through speculation so in answer to your question yes, Liberty does include innocence of one until proven guilty.

The Mayor has used gas and illegal or not if this really was not the proper procedure. HE should not have handed his opponents such ammunition. People do not like the idea that some one they trust will, and ‘did’, take from them. The ACTIONS have drawn the attention, had it not been done these people would not have anything to harp about.

So far as a punishment being administered after the election, if found guilty I believe he should then resign and we find a replacement we trust to continue guiding this village. A slap on the wrist never keeps ones hand from the cookie pot; you’ll just wait till mother has left the room.

Unfortunately due to the scale of this village and the close knit ties many of us do share this is an impacting subject with people on both sides of the issue in the wrong as well as the right. It is with that reasoning I implore people to put aside ALL other information when contemplating this matter and draw their conclusion based on moral standard, reason, and rationality. Arguing amongst ourselves defeats the purpose both sides are stating they wish to accomplish.

This is a wonderful village with amazing people with different viewpoints, we must agree to compromise on our feelings but NEVER on the conduct of those we place in power over us. Regardless of beliefs, ties, friendships, personal feelings. Justice serves to protect us all and as it is carved in the Supreme Court building there should be Equal Justice Under Law.

“Law and Order exist for the purpose of establishing justice and when they fail in this purpose they become the dangerously structured dams that block the flow of social progress”
- Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

“Justice cannot be for one side alone, but must be for both”
-Eleanor Roosevelt

“JUSTICE IN THE LIFE AND CONDUCT OF THE STATE IS POSSIBLE ONLY AS FIRST IT RESIDES IN THE HEARTS AND SOULS OF IT’S CITIZENS.”
-Plato

“The administration of Justice is the firmest pillar of Government”
-George Washington

Well cited Pat and thank you I have in fact learned something from that and am greatful. Ulterior motives however, and I'm not saying this was your statement, are irrelevant. Legality is my issue.

Just because they are bringing these charges doesn't mean people should rally behind them. It actually means they should be more cautious especially with information like this coming to light. However that is a matter for each individual to contemplate and levy with their support.

As far as not incorporating the details, all parties and persons running for office are an open book - that's the point. That's why it is very important they watch their step.

Sorry on a phone and it doesn't allow me ease of response but as for the plans... This mud slinging doesn't prevent a fair election. It is the people that would do this. It is up to them to review and process the information presented to them regardless of what it is. It is up for them to demand plans and NOT be satisfied otherwise.

Most importantly however they should not just accept a plan because it's a plan and there are no others. If need be the residents should start making some demands whether it be more involvement or proposals. That is the correct way to proceed regardless of who is running and what they are saying. Just electing and then trusting is the most foolish position one could take on either side if they expect the whole village to gain.

Dennis Barone, You have violated the public trust more than Cod has liver pills! You are one to talk! Please stay out of this campaige to elect a new mayor..no ones gonna give you a job. you don't deserve it

Jojo, please. You've said this a dozen times and it's still not sticking. If
Tritec doesn't pack 291 apts into the 4 corners it will remain empty for another
10 years? How'd you come up with that figure? Talk about scare tactics. Maybe
with Pontieri still at the helm you are right. He became trustee in 2001 and 10
years later....nothing there. Time for a change. Get rid of the man that can't
manage his own checkbook or his failed Quickway Courier business and get in some
people who can manage both dollars and sense! Oh and don't go there with me
about the Keegan administration. You wouldn't have our precious theater without
them and Swezeys would be under no matter what. They would never have survived
against the box stores. Nice try though. And as for plans? Pontieri's only plan
is not his at all but Tritec's. What are his ideas apart from theirs? Do I hear
silence?

George said, "if mcgiff and Co only have the gas to harp on....I think were ok"
Who is were?
So you say it is OK to be a thief? As mayor? Mcgiff and Crean presented a very clear picture of what was going on with facts to back it up. All we have in response from "gas can" Pauli is some deflecting comments. I want to see a mileage log of every meeting he is claiming gas use for....period. Unless he is driving a frieght train he is stealing and a coomon low life thief stealing from all taxpayers....period.

All this talk about "that is all they got" implies there is more they haven't got?
Grand Larceny???? That is all?

JoYo,
You say, I totally agree with George. In these hard economic times, the fact that a developer is even interested in Patchogue is amazing to me.
Really? You are so naive......rental real estate is booming, Lesko needs a dumping ground for low income housing, and this is worth a fortune to Tritec with much reward to Pauli baby to come.
I also resent your reference to even being interested in Patchogue......why wouldn't developers be interested? Can you please answer that?