Rodney vs. Galuski

Dear Council Member,
I am forwarding an email sent to me by incoming Council President Rodney Wiltshire because it should be seen by all majority members of the Council.  After reading the entire piece, I'm sure you will agree that he owes me an apology as well as others offended by his insensitive and distasteful choice of words.
I am entering my fourth and final term on the city council.  In all of my prior terms, the incoming majority has met to collectively decide committee assignments and committee chairmanships. Never have I or any of my colleagues been submitted to the type of threat incoming Council President Wiltshire issued to me with a guarantee of no chairmanship simply because I asked when we will caucus to conduct such business.  Additionally, he is pretending to grab control of the entire process by handing out committee chairs to his favorites while ignoring senior members of the council.
Recently, he even announced he plans to "give" the Public Safety committee chairmanship to newly elected Republican Jim Gordon.  Two years ago, he opposed giving committee chairmanships to Republicans when Council President Kopka raised the idea which we voted down.
You should be aware that this process deserves and requires the input of all majority members---ALL SEVEN DEMOCRATS.  I urge you to remind incoming Council President Wiltshire he was not elected Emperor and Committee members shall be nominated by the President and confirmed or rejected by a majority of the members of the Council at each organizational meeting. Each committee, if possible, shall have at least one member from a minority political party. (City of Troy Charter Section C-15) He campaigned with promises of transparency in government but, before being sworn into office, projects a closed door style of "my way or the highway" bossism.

In closing, I want you to know I wish to remain as the chair of the Recreation Committee where I feel my background and skills can be full utilized and I will be reaching out to each of you for your support for the position of Council President Pro-Tempore.
Sincerely,
GG

Below is the e-mail sent to Gary Galuski, Robert Doherty, Ken Zalewski on December 9th 2013

Guys,

    Gary earlier today around 11AM, very rudely, hung up the phone on me after my 5th or 6th attempt to meet up with him and discuss the transition of the council.

    His behavior was and is bizarre, unprofessional, discourteous, and dis-respectful.  Despite what he may believe, I have never disrespected him in that or any manner.

    I am continually shocked by the manner in which some he behaves.

    I am not Lynn, and I don't wish to be compared to Lynn.  I clearly indicated to him before him hung up on me that I am trying to meet with each councilperson in person (as was done 2 years ago) and we would have our caucus meeting after.  Probably this week.

    I specifically had wished to discuss his committee preferences and also have a serious conversation about the perceived slight that I am told that he has felt from me 2 years ago surrounding the courthouse and the pro-tempore vote.  I had wanted to discuss that with him in person and clarify and apologize for my insensitivity.  Since we are not meeting, I guess he will not receive my apology for that behavior.

    However, it is clear, that he is unwilling to meet me, and discuss things.  He has also not responded to my request for committee preferences.  I had assumed that he would have wished to continue as Parks and Rec chair.

    I am not giving him a chair.

    I have just spoken to Cheryl Christiansen about her proposed appointment and confirmed that Gary's behavior will not and does not reflect on her.  She said that she doesn't share his views on things, and is happy to be professional and keep the affairs separate.

    I have a call and an email into Jack McCann regarding both this and Lynn's behaviors and attitudes, I will insist that he publicly support me and my position.

    Let me be very clear, I am not happy with our phone call, and I will not be treated or addressed in that manner.

    This boat has sailed, I am not trying to fix issues that aren't my doing or responsibility.

    I am going to be making some very hard, serious, and possibly controversial decisions in the following days concerning all of these appointments.  I absolutely need YOUR support and confidence.

    I am not his boy, or the house nigger.

Rodney

Rodney G. Wiltshire Jr.
At-Large Councilman

Phone (518) 279-7134
Fax (518) 270-4639
Email: [email protected]

Sent from Windows Mail

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