July 17, 2009: Vol. 32, No. 29

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July 17, 2009 / Brooklyn news / Politics / Park Slope / The Politicrasher

Council candidate: Party boss ‘stole’ my petitions!

By The Politicrasher

The Brooklyn Paper

The Republican Party is tearing itself apart even before its City Council candidate in Park Slope can get his chance to be shredded at the polls in November.

Hours before petition signatures were due at the Board of Elections last Thursday night, GOP hopeful George Smith — running to succeed Councilman Bill DeBlasio to represent the Park Slope, Windsor Terrace, Carroll Gardens district — unleashed a wild allegation that a bipartisan political consultant was “holding more than 200 of my signatures hostage.”

The largely unknown Smith accused old hand Gerry O’Brien of taking the petitions gathered by O’Brien’s wife and another GOP operative from a Republican clubhouse to prevent Smith from reaching the ballot.

Why would O’Brien, the man who ran John McCain’s 2000 presidential operation in New York, be such a bad sport in the democratic process?

Smith’s conspiracy theory is that O’Brien was actually playing for the Democrats, scheming to clear the path to the council for his client, Josh Skaller, one of five Democrats seeking that party’s nomination in the same district.

“This is a big political backroom deal!” Smith alleged last Friday. “I, George Smith, do not stand for backroom deals.”

Smith, who lives in Borough Park and says he’s “in the party rental business,” needed about 450 signatures from registered GOP voters to qualify for the election.

In the midst of the hullabaloo, O’Brien responded coolly to the scandalous charges.

“It’s not true,” O’Brien said. “I don’t wish the guy ill will. I believe in competitive elections.”

Frankly, no Republican — aside from maybe the reincarnation of Abraham Lincoln himself — could win in this district, in which Democrats hold an approximate 8 to 1 advantage in registered voters. There are even more independents in the district than registered Republicans.

But math means nothing to Smith. He’s extremely optimistic about his odds. In fact, he answered the telephone by saying, “This is the next City Councilman from the 39th district.”

His campaign, however, is about as organized as a Ringling Brothers cat-herding act. The morning after his petitions were due, Smith didn’t even know how many signatures had been collected or even if he had surpassed the minimum threshold.

“He’s destined to get about 15 percent of the vote,” said O’Brien, “but he’s got a bad case of candidate-itis. He thinks he’s going to win. He’s already picking out the carpets for his Council office.”

The bizarre and practically unverifiable charges had confounded the top levels of the local party hierarchy.

“I don’t know what’s true,” said Craig Eaton, chairman of the Kings County Republican organization.

By late Friday morning, the controversy was dying down, but by no means settled.

Marty Cunningham, a Republican district leader from the area, said on Friday that no petitions were missing and that O’Brien hadn’t taken them.

“At the end of the day, everything was submitted. It was just a misunderstanding,” he said.

Luckily for Smith, he apparently collected enough signatures to put his name on the ballot.

May the best man win — but, frankly, given Smith’s campaign so far, it looks like the best man is a Democrat.

Wherever there is a smoke-filled backroom or a smoke-free barroom, The Brooklyn Paper’s Politicrasher will be there, bringing you the inside dope on our next generation of leaders. Got a hot tip for the Politicrasher? E-mail Newsroom@BrooklynPaper.com.

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Reader Feedback

Joe Nardiello from Carroll Gardens says:

There's another GOP candidate -- one who has worked with Mayors David Dinkins & Giuliani economic development teams, the Council and 5 boro Presidents, and can best work with Mayor Bloomberg through this Recession. One who puts public service over self-interest (and has reached-out to GOP Party leaders to demonstrate the difference he could make). He's outworked the GOP candidate by ringing 1,000s of doorbells without enjoying the help of the local GOP system -- and has been resolute in striving for something THE VOTERS could benefit from in 2009 -- the first primary in the 39th District well, since the time of Lincoln and TR. Purposefully, he's not taken "a dime" for his campaign, but his volunteers are devout, truly grassroots and unpaid. He's as unbiased and un-bought as humanly possible. He's also gained support from Democrats everywhere he's gone -- engaging anyone who'd scoff at a Republican's chances, because he embodies what other candidates TALK about, and can give any voters who think independently a completely new option. He's tried to show the GOP leadership that a Republican in the older-sense (of focus on the disadvantaged, using gov't for greater good, breaking-up bloated Authorities, working with the Mayor, but holding local pols' feet to the fire) is what's needed right now, and more than ever. He volunteered for the Park Slope Food Co-op for 5 years, lived in 3 neighborhoods of the District and has actually spoken to 1,000s of voters himself in an old-school approach to seeing what people actually think without filters or "people doing it for him". He's an independent, 47-yr. resident of the district (born at LICH) that may in fact, be one of the GOP's strongest new prospective candidates in Brooklyn and can/will elevate the debate across many issues (and as a resident of the District, is known to the rank/file members of Brownstone Republicans and Young Republican groups, and now to many Republicans who he's met door to door). He's taken the hardest-path to this election to prove himself, to 'walk the walk' vs. talking or posting YouTUBE self-lauding videos -- and because he's an 'outsider' and wanted to understand this process completely. To be honest, he wouldn't want it any other way. He's also finished talking in the 3rd person, because that candidate is me -- Joe Nardiello. And I'm right here, and ready to make an honest difference.

July 19, 2009, 12:25 pm

RESIDENT OF BORO PARK from BORO PARK says:

WHO ARE YOU ? Where did you come from ? in case you didn't know George Smith is the endorsed republican candidate. I live in Boro Park and never had you knock on my door but George Smith knocked on my door, I see him all the time in his district working hard for his community, organizing food drives, spending money in small local buisinesses also you claim you worked for the mayor so should I thank you for raising my taxes, closing much needed local hospitals, fire houses and raised parking fees to an all time high! were you standing right next to him when he decided to have all the councilman who were about to be termed out make a back room deal by getting them to vote for themselves instead of the districts of which they represent. Are you with Gerry o'brien trying to keep George Smith off the ballot? I also never seen you in my neighborhood people I know in other neiborhoods who are republicans and demorcrats have never seen you either, so maybe 1 door but definately not 1000s!!!!!!

July 19, 2009, 3:06 pm

Jane Ausiello from Sunset Park says:

George Smith doesn't live on 44th Street.

He really lives out on Long Island.

No one is keeping George off the ballot but himself.

July 19, 2009, 8:09 pm

True Brooklyn Knight from Boro Park says:

What a man can't own more then one house. People these days. I have seen Mr.George at tons of events. He has ran fundraisers with William Guadarrama (student government leader) for St. Jude's Cancer Research Hospital and raised 1,000's of dollars and didn't ask for a penny and other fundraisers for different causes. Mr. George was born and raised in Brooklyn there is not doubt to that. I support Mr. George because I know he will make a difference, I have seen him do many events with many different charities. And Jane ausiello you say noone is trying to keep him off the ballot, it has been proven and quoted in many newspapers, where have you been? I SUPPORT GEORGE SMITH FOR CITY COUNCIL 1000% Because I have seen him out there ringing door bells himself, raising money for people in need, helping the disabled and standing up for people who are unable to stand up for themself.

July 20, 2009, 9:47 am

Valerie from Carroll Gardens says:

WoW this is alll crazyyyy, as a small business owner in brooklyn I know Mr. George lives in Brooklyn because I hired his rental company before for one of my events. On behalf of me I believe Carroll Gardens supports Mr. George Smith for Council

July 20, 2009, 9:53 am

Izengabe says:

Sounds to me like this George Smith guy is a political genius. If not for this manufactured "he stole my petitions" story who would have heard of this guy?

He got way more attention out of this story then he probably will get for the whole campaign!

July 20, 2009, 11:12 am

Jane Ausiello from Sunset Park says:

George Smith didn't even register to vote in Brooklyn until after the petition period began.

July 20, 2009, 2:49 pm

Robert Gordon from Sunset Park says:

How is this manufactured if everyone is talking about and it quoted in a number of newspapers and the payments to this O'Brien from Josh Skiller. Hello you think about that and you tell me what it looks like in big words. Go to the board of elections finace page and it says in plan sight the underground deals that are going on.

July 20, 2009, 6:15 pm

Jane Ausiello from Sunset Park says:

It's manufactured if:

a) Smith has no proof. And it's intellectually dishonest for him to insist that this consultant prove he doesn't have more signatures. How do you prove a negative?

b) a consultant is legally and ethically allowed to work for candidates in any party he or she chooses. Just think how many Democratic consultants are currently working for Bloomberg: There's nothing wrong with it. Besides, it's about time Democrats started hiring Republicans.

c) Skaller does not benefit from Smith being removed from the ballot. In fact, it actually helps Skaller if there is a Republican candidate on the ballot in November, because he then would receive additional matching funds for his campaign.

July 20, 2009, 8:43 pm

Nancy D. from Cobble Hill says:

OK- I just checked the nyccfb website and it says George Smith has raised $1050.00 and has spent $511.31 on food.

July 20, 2009, 11:01 pm

Robert Gordon from Sunset Park says:

Jane Ausiello, where have you been at there is proof. Do you forget anyone can challenge anyone running against them. And the signed petitions will be shown to the candidate, also the one in which George Smiths name was crossed out. Then there will be proof, there is proof of everything and at that time the people involved with the stolen signatures should be kicked out of the election. And duh it does help Skaller for George being off the ballet, because everyone know George is a strong community leader and works very hard. I just think it is a conflict of interest for a Republication working for a Democratic in the same district, I'm not against people working for different party's, but that's not the case here, the case here is that the Mr. O'Brien was paid to steal the signatures from a candidate.

July 21, 2009, 8:33 am

Valerie from Carroll Gardens says:

Yea what you think events are free, it cost money for the food for these events. The money is raised for the people, why not spend it on the people. People need to remember these candidates are not higher then the people. They actually work for the people of every part of the district. That's why I support Mr. Smith cause he makes it very clear that his only here for the people and always says he is working for the people.

July 21, 2009, 8:37 am

Valerie from Carroll Gardens says:

July 21, 2009, 8:38 am

mike from Carroll Gardens says:

The vetting teams responsible for bringing these two candidates should verify the following:

1) A copy of their birth certificates to see if their names appear on the certificates.

2) The top portion of their federal 1040 to see if their primary residences are in the district.

3) Military service to our nation (If any).

4) Highest educational level achieved and field of study.

5) Last five year work history.

6) Religious affiliations.

At this point, I don’t have enough information to make a selection.

P.S. The best man may well be a democrat.

July 21, 2009, 2:57 pm

Jennifer Cruz from Carroll Gardens says:

I'm pretty sure all those are reviewed before a person runs for a position but I don't think some of those questions are improtant. 1,2,6 are improtant. Number 3 you don't need to serve your country to be a good leader. 4 education can only get you so far, real word skills are more improtant. 5 people could own their own business so theres no way reason for this question.

P.S. I feel the best man to win is the a man that could help the people the most. All people from alll the wide ranges in the district because its a very diverse district

July 21, 2009, 6:43 pm

THE PLEOPLE VOICES says:

The comment that "George Smith", candidate for the 39th district "is sitting on is butt." Is completely untrue and totally off base. Mr. Smith has been working tirelessly on a daily basis for the past several weeks meeting folks, shaking hands, and getting the word out that he is the "Voice of the People" of Brooklyn's 39th District and working hard to get signatures which will allow him to get on the ballot.

"George is a breath of fresh air, he's young, concerned, enthusiastic and filled with energy which he is directing to his campaign to obtain signatures to be the "Voice of all the People." Mr. Smith laughed when he learned about the comment. "I guess they are worried about me more than they want to admit." Mr. Smith's charisma and appeal to youth, across party lines seems to be getting more attention than is opponents have thought. "This race can prove to be interesting” commented one of his supporters. "He (George Smith) really appeals to the young people who are tired of business as usual. And word is out that George's appeal is high among youth and senior citizens.”

His toll free hotline, whereby citizens can phone him directly with there local concerns and problem seems to be attracting lots of attention. Expect to see more of George Smith on political scene.

July 21, 2009, 7:18 pm

THE PLEOPLE VOICES from 39TH DISTRICT says:

July 21, 2009, 7:20 pm

Pat K from Park Slope says:

Let me see if I got this right:

1. Smith has only $500.00 in his treasury.

2 Smith is not a legal Brooklyn resident.

3.Smith is saying the dog ate his homework

Where did they find this clown?

July 21, 2009, 10:15 pm

Mik from Carroll Gardens says:

Really Pat, that's not called for. In item #1, it is over $1,000 so that is wrong. In item #2, He is in the district more than at home (Wherever that is). How do you know that he is not a legal resident? Where do you get your information? Forget item#4 and your final comment. I'm a republican and hope that the republican leadership has done its job in vetting these two candidates. It is nice to be able to choose from one of these two. I can't remember when we last had a primary in this district. I say good luck to both our candidates.

July 22, 2009, 3:51 pm

Tom Mc from South Slope says:

Buh!

July 22, 2009, 11:22 pm

pearl from carroll gardens says:

Yes you are right it is 8 to 1 for anyone who is not a democrat to win in this district. But ask yourself this question? If the same group of people has stood up for the people this long and you ask anyone in the street, Do they ever see their Council man in the street? or is there any thing they think needs to be done in the district? Their answers are always either we dont even know who our Council man is or we never see him walking the street talking about issues that are on the minds of the people the Council man work for, those people are each and everyone of us.....I think, no rather I know its time for a change, if the leadership that is in office cant take care of the problems the people have then its time for a different type of change. Time to pick another party.

p.s. I dont take sides, I stand up for whoever helps the PEOPLE the most

July 23, 2009, 7:50 pm

I know the truth from NYC says:

George Smith is a convicted felon. Someone should inquire about that. Not that he would win any way, but do you really want this Skell in any type of office??

Aug. 13, 2009, 3:18 pm

michelle from bed stuy says:

Please help Us .I was a victim of domestic violence 5 years ago and finally got out now I am a single mother to a 12 yr old and a 6 yr old. I have always worked and made good money. When I had my son he was often sick and I lost my job with the LIRR. I went into a shelter and received work advantage, I did find other jobs but lost them for missing days because of my son even when I had FMLA my last job I was laid off for Christmas, I am not working now I a collecting unemployment for the first time in my life, and my work advantage is up. There is no way I can pay 1500 rent.Please refer me to low income or affordable housing. I did all the lottery and applied for years We have no family my childrens father is in prison. I have tried applying for low income housing to no avail .Looks like my only option is to go back to a shelter. My kids have been through so much we need a stable home we can afford. I was denied housing .My advantage is up in May I did the two years in which I did get a good job and did save money but I lost the job laid off and I spent the savings to survive. I dont qualify for feps I am not on pa. My landlord has us living like animals here this apartment is in terrible shape in a terrible neighborhood I took it to get out the shelter. This is affecting my 12 year old she lives in fear because we live on the same block as a men shelter they always stare at her and there are over 2000 pedophiles living at the shelter so I really need help to get out of here and be able to afford something. My daughter is very distraught and it has affected her school work she does not want to go through a shelter we need affordable housing,

March 24, 2011, 11:53 am

hobo from marine park says:

this guy is a clown

Jan. 18, 7:45 pm

hobo from marine park says:

clown

Jan. 18, 7:45 pm

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