As most of you know I am leaving the blog. I posted what was to be my last post http://www.newrochelletalk.com/node/2159 and had every intention of keeping my word. I post this because a scumbag has taken low life to the absolute bottom of the barrel. I had a debate/dispute in which my “adversary” made statements that if followed through on could jeopardize my family, home & health. Those being my top priorities in life made it evident that I should no longer participate in New Rochelle issues. While I didn’t take them as a credible threat the fact that this mindset could even exist shocked me. That said, I never involved my family in issues nor did I inform my family that I would no longer fight the good fight.

Today, July 2, 2010, at approximately 11 AM my wife received an anonymous call at her place of employment telling her to read Talk of the Sound and then that anonymous scumbag hung up. My wife called me after reading the site and questioned what was going on.

To the coward scumbag who doesn’t have the balls to identify themselves be it male or female, pray for two things.

1) that I never find out who you are

2) that you atone before meeting your maker

To all of my friends, foes, supporters and people I have met and helped along the way. I would like to thank you for helping to mould me into the person I’ve become. This morning on WVOX a person took a shot at me. I have no problem with that, I am a big boy with broad shoulders and never claimed to be able to walk on water. Being the up front, in-your-face person I am, I called them and needless to say a very heated debate took place. During that exchange my residency, health and disability came into question with this person saying I should be investigated. My residency is a tactic used to cloud the issue or divert the debate away from the facts I present. My heath and disability is another story. After ending the conversation I realized that an honest debate based on issues and facts will never be a realistic possibility. While I have always said politics is all about power and money when we cross the line into ones health to the point of investigation then I must withdraw to protect myself and my family.

I cherish my days battling for the Armory and will continue to do what I can quietly. I have fully enjoyed participating on WVOX and on New Rochelle Talks.

As co-chairperson of the Save Our Armory Committee I and our secretary Lorraine Pierce sat in Senator Klein’s office to garner his support to save the New Rochelle Armory. Without hesitation or a second thought, Senator Klein pledged his wholehearted support and a few days later memorialized his support in a letter dated October 25, 2006. Senator Klein states; “I am writing this letter in support of your group’s effort to save the New Rochelle Armory. The Armory is a site of significant historical importance to the City of New Rochelle and should be preserved”. Now, less than four years later, Senator Klein has stabbed his New Rochelle constituents in the back by co-sponsoring a bill with Senator Suzi Oppenheimer (S08307) which would allow Mayor Bramson “to sell, alienate and convey waterfront real property”. The Armory is not mentioned by name but if you read the entire bill the coordinates include the Armory. This legislation comes on the same day (6/22) of the special election where Sheila Marcotte, a republican, decisively defeated Greg Varian, a democrat, for Vito Pinto’s vacant county legislator seat.

I have taken Greg Varian to task because when push comes to shove Greg always folds to the demands of the Democratic Party. Greg took issue with this in a recent phone conversation. I noted that he refused to take a position on the lawsuit being considered by the democratic majority on the county board against County Executive Astorino. Greg said, obviously you didn’t watch the Journal News candidates interview, which I didn’t as I was attending a funeral, so I took Greg at his word and said ok this is the first time you have bucked the party. After that conversation I went to the Journal News website and watched the interview. To my astonishment Greg lied to me. Maybe this isn’t astonishing to anyone else but I respect those who respect me and although Greg and I differ in philosophy neither of us has had the disrespect to lie to make a point, gain an upper hand in a debate or attain office. Let me quote Greg Varian’s response as to whether he would support the pending legal action being considered by the democratic county legislators; “I would urge my fellow democrats not to pursue litigation”.

Danny Grosso better known as Mr. Boys Club or “the Pope” to family and close friends passed away at the age of 95. Danny was a retired railroad worker who devoted his energies to raising his family, supporting St. Joseph’s Church and was a tireless fixture at the Feeney Park Boys Club. Danny is one of dying breed of volunteers who dedicate their lives to helping our youth long after their children matured. My fondest memory of Danny is as emcee of the annual Feeney Park Roller Skating Shows; Dan was always decked out in his plaid jacket, burgundy trousers and white shoes. Dan would always open the show with a; why did the chicken………. joke. As a team Dan and his wife, Grace, raised two boys, Dan Jr. and Dom Grosso, in the west end of New Rochelle. In this age of townies and heroes Dan stands heads above as the quintessential quiet volunteer who never got involved in the petty politics but rather took action to solve problems and serve as a role model for all who knew him. To say Danny will be sorely missed is a gross understatement.

Arrangements are being handled by Lloyd Maxcy & Sons Beauchamp Chapel Inc., 16 Shea Pl., New Rochelle, NY 10801. Visiting hours are Tuesday 2-4 PM and 7-9 PM.

God bless Danny and the Grosso family!