Mayor’s Impact Team: More to It
Is Bill Buyers from the Mayor’s Impact Team a sinner or a saint?
In response to my post about him yesterday, “Viking” posted this comment:
Is this the same Buyers who allegedly donates his pay to charity, and volunteers his time to the needy and homeless. The political hack who can get more done with a strategically placed phone call, then all most any elected local official. The guy every politically ambitious individuals takes counsel from and panders to. The old man, who you see sweeping the streets and shoveling snow in the winter with two bad knees. The former deputy sheriff, public safety officer, councilman, deputy human resource commissioner and human resource commissioner. Holy shit, the nerve of this guy to take advantage of his position, you’d think he’d know better.
Viking posted the same comment at Artvoice’s blog here.
Buyers is accused of having city workers use city equipment and vehicles to do private work in his backyard. That is an obvious and grave violation of the law and the public trust. I don’t care how much of his pay he “allegedly donates” to charity (proof, please - and the “allegedly” says it all). I don’t care how much time he volunteers to anyone. Does that somehow entitle him to a pass when violating the law? Oh, Bill cost the city hundreds of dollars in public time, fuel, and money, but he’s generous to charitable causes, so it’s ok. Doesn’t work that way. The rest of it sounds pretty much like any other person who avoids the dreaded private sector like the plague.
In any event, Geoff Kelly was thereby prompted to reveal the rumor he’s investigating:
I heard that the Mayor’s Impact Team has used public money to purchase goods for private use.
I don’t know if Buyers is a good guy or not, or how much good work he’s done. I know he’s been in government a long time. If he’s cheating the taxpayer, being a good guy is no defense. And if an audit shows that the Mayor’s Impact Team does this sort of thing regularly and suggests that higher-ups in the administration have turned a blind eye to the practice, then those higher-ups have no defense either.
Precisely.
While the Big Dig was being dug, a contractor was accused of stealing tile to use in his home. Damned if I can find anything about it now on Google, but I remember it distinctly. God only knows how much of that goes on in this area.
Howard Goldman Says:April 30th, 2008 at 9:47 am
Carl Paladino and James Williams are two of my biggest personal heroes. I know that both of these gentlemen deeply care about our community.
I’m glad that we have Dr. Williams no matter how we got him.
Mr. Paladino is justified in his frustration with the failure of the public school system. Dr. Williams is not the problem, he is the solution… if there is one that is.
If racism was used in the hiring practice then that should be corrected going forward. No reparations. Let’s move on.
Personally I would be in favor of paying the current state public school system their $22 billion per year and reach a contract with them where they agree to stay home and simply collect their money. I think that may be the fastest way to get rid of our failed educational system. I would rather pay them to do nothing than pay them to help us loose another generation, or another minute for that matter.
I would be in favor of privatizing the entire public school system even if it meant almost doubling our current budget. Half would go to the current socialist model to stay home. Heck, we used to pay farmers not to grow things, right? The other half of the budget would come out of our pockets to teach our kids in the new privatized schools. Your first two children in school are paid for by the taxpayers. After that you pay.
The state would oversee performance standards and testing. I say we put Carl Paladino and James Williams in charge of that.
Russell Says:April 30th, 2008 at 10:26 am
It’s good to know that a young, upstart politician is following in the shoes of so many politicos before him. Sure, campaign contributions are not taxpayer dollars, but using those funds to pay housing expenses is just as illegal and quite analogous to this situation. I just wonder why I haven’t read anything about that on here or why you haven’t turned your self-righteous, accusatory finger towards him. It can’t be because he’s a nice guy or does nice things. You said that doesn’t cut. What could be the reason for his free pass?
Buffalopundit Says:April 30th, 2008 at 10:38 am
Probably, Russell, for these reasons:
1. I was out of town when the news hit, and didn’t post anything that week. By the time I returned, it was already old news.
2. Powers reported it, admitted his mistake, and repaid it. Taking ownership and responsibility for a mistake = leadership. Making believe no one ever makes mistakes is just that. He didn’t make excuses, and he didn’t blame anyone else but himself. That is a rarity in politics today.
3. It’s not like he’s Tom Reynolds, who continued to collect a federal paycheck while being a full-time candidate, or Jack Davis, who’s a multimillionaire, or Alice Kryzan who is a retired lawyer.
Russell Says:April 30th, 2008 at 10:43 am
So, according to #3, it’s justified if you need the money and #2 it’s okay if you admit it after you’re caught? Spitzer took ownership and responsibility, but I don’t think anyone is calling him a great leader. By your definition, that’s precisely what makes a leader.
Buffalopundit Says:April 30th, 2008 at 10:52 am
No and no. I didn’t say it was justified, I was making the point that it’s extraordinarily difficult for a person to run for office if they’re neither independently wealthy nor already a public employee. Do you disagree?
When Powers made a mistake, he paid his campaign back. When Spitzer made his mistake, it wasn’t like he could un-fuck his hooker.
Also, I didn’t intend to suggest that the sole definition of “leader” means taking ownership of, and rectifying one’s mistakes. It is just one of many ways of showing leadership. My apologies for being so confusing.
Buffalopundit Says:April 30th, 2008 at 10:59 am
Also, going back to pre-threadjack, I’ll also add that you indicate that Mr. Buyers is a “young, upstart politician”. He’s at least 60 or 70 years old, and has been working for the city for years. He’s also a repeat offender.
Russell Says:April 30th, 2008 at 11:10 am
The young, upstart politician was a reference to Powers, not Buyers. You seemed to have picked up on the reference, but at the same time, you didn’t. Sorry, didn’t mean to be so confusing.
And you gave #3 as a reason why you didn’t say anything about it. In that context it seems like a justification, even moreso than the alledged charity was in what Viking wrote.
But had Spitzer given the hooker her money back, would that have just made it sex between two consenting adults? That way it wouldn’t have been illegal, right?
I never said your definition was the sole definition, but when you said that equals leadership, I had to question it. I wasn’t confused. It seems like you were. You won’t even stand behind your own statement.
Buffalopundit Says:April 30th, 2008 at 11:18 am
I thought you had made an attempt to remain on-topic or to segue from the topic at hand to another. I didn’t realize it was a jack ab initio. Well played.
Sorry, did you say whether you agreed or disagreed? Because that was the question.
I think the Spitzer analogy is a faulty one. Unless what Powers has done is a violation of a criminal code rather than an election law.
Yes, you did:
By your definition, that’s precisely what makes a leader.
Except that I did.
Russell Says:April 30th, 2008 at 11:36 am
I didn’t answer the question because it’s irrelevant. It’s not a justification or an excuse.
Sure, the Spitzer analogy is a bit faulty because election law isn’t as strict. Politicians are always sure to leave themselves an out on laws that pertain mainly to them. It’s nice to see a fresh-face already taking advantage of those systemic outs. Where else can you pay something back after you’ve been caught by the authorities and it’s treated as nothing ever happened?
I don’t think I entirely hijacked the thread. I was just wondering why you’re quick to jump on some people but willing to ignore others for similar situations. It was related to the topic.
Buffalopundit Says:April 30th, 2008 at 11:50 am
You’re right. It’s much more than that. A societal, structural advantage given to the rich and politically connected. I think it’s wholly relevant.
Let’s be clear here - Powers didn’t steal money from anyone. This isn’t a shoplifting or a larceny. He paid money for the rental of an office in his home by his campaign. He paid money people had donated to him. It was wrong. He paid the campaign back. But it wasn’t a theft.
I disagree. It’s a complete tangent only speciously connected to the Buyers matter.
Again - Buyers is accused of the theft of time, equipment, fuel, and labor from the people. Powers has admitted mistakenly and illegally using funds from his own campaign to pay for campaign use of his home. It’s wrong, but he didn’t steal anyone’s money or resources.
Chris Smith Says:April 30th, 2008 at 11:57 am
Hey, when is Hudson gonna show up so we can call each other names and really distract from the point of the article?
Chris Smith Says:April 30th, 2008 at 12:07 pm
Also, I don’t know all of the details of the Powers thing and I’m not familiar with that section of election law, but what exactly is the problem with paying for use of the home if it is used even partially for campaign purposes? Was that the sum total of his offense?
I remember some similar kerfuffle about Kevin Gaughan paying himself out of campaign funds when he was running for Mayor and was similarly non-plussed. If I give a candidate $500 to support his run for office, I don’t ascribe a use for the money, I just give it. If he uses it to pay for pizza for campaign workers or pay his gas bill so he can run, what’s the difference/big deal? People who are employed by private sector interests or quit their job to run are at a massive disadvantage to those drawing public pay or are wealthy, it’s near impossible to compete for a seat when you have a 9-5, 8-6, 0r 8-8 type of job and I don’t want to exclude people from the electoral process because they are otherwise employed.
The comparison between Buyers/Powers seems a little too apples/oranges for me as Buyers was using taxpayer money and resources intended for public use.
Russell Says:April 30th, 2008 at 1:00 pm
He paid about $500 a month for the rent on his apartment. You don’t make the rules Chris. At the federal level it is illegal for candidates to use campaign funds for personal reasons, including gas bills or other housing expenses.
The justification that both of you keep trying to offer that it’s difficult for the common man to run for office so this is okay is just as bad if not worse than what Viking said to justifiy Buyers and BP took exception to.
Misappropriation of funds/resources is misappropriation. The details may be different, but we’re not talking apples to oranges. If a politician cannot be trusted to legally spend the funds he’s given, why should we trust him with taxpayer funds?
Buffalopundit Says:April 30th, 2008 at 1:10 pm
Intentional misappropriation of public resources is quite obviously not the same, and hardly as egregious as the negligent misappropriation of campaign resources. If you think they’re equivalent, then the argument’s pretty much “all done”, as my 22-month old would say.
Also, the common man argument is hardly offered as a justification. Merely as an observation.
You’ve made your point about Powers, right Russell? I mean, you weren’t going to support him or vote for him anyway, right? So, this is all academic, I’ve taken your bait, and it’s over.
In other news, Powers just got the EC Dem endorsement, thus wrapping up the endorsement of all of the counties in the 26th.
Meanwhile, it looks like your side has a possible primary of its own between a couple of millionaires. Must be nice.
Mike In WNY Says:April 30th, 2008 at 1:57 pm
Surely you jest! Powers violated federal law. At worst he is a theif, at best incompetent. A leader would have anticipated a possible problem with a $4000 payment to oneself and sought legal advice. With all the endorsements he has received, I’m sure someone would have been familiar with election law.
Russell Says:April 30th, 2008 at 1:58 pm
I wouldn’t say it’s just academic. It’s the same as what a good proportion of your posts are about. It’s a discussion about politics. You don’t only post about people you’re supporting or voting for. Neither do most people commenting on here, so why should I be held to that?
And my point wasn’t only about Powers. It was also about the interesting pattern of news that catches your eye and news that doesn’t. You hold some people to certain standards you don’t hold others to, or you give others passes you don’t allow from some. Your outrage is very selective.
Mike In WNY Says:April 30th, 2008 at 1:59 pm
Back to the original topic. The 15 day suspension Buyers received was too lenient, he should have been terminated. Once again, the taxpayers get slapped in the face.
Buffalopundit Says:April 30th, 2008 at 2:07 pm
And has been since I started doing this. What else is new?
Chris Smith Says:April 30th, 2008 at 2:28 pm
I’m not saying the rules aren’t clear about what he did was wrong, in fact I said I was unclear on exactly what those rules were. I am equivocating on a personal level because I don’t see the rule as fair. Does it excuse Jon from breaking rules? No. But personally, I really don’t give a shit and it wouldn’t influence whether or not I voted for him (which I can’t because I live in the 27th).
Timothy Domst Says:April 30th, 2008 at 8:39 pm
Campaign contribution laws are tortuous, and he’s a newbie. Politicians of all stripes are always giving money back for some reason or another. It’s like a traffic ticket.
As for Viking, I would bet 20 bucks he works for the city and/or Democratic party.
viking Says:May 1st, 2008 at 12:47 am
You got a bet Tim Domer, donate the money you owe me to Hospice, their receipt will prove your a man of your word. Back to the bet, I’m a conservative, independent, liberal, who has registered both as a republican and democrat at different times in the past. I do not work for any city, county, state or federal entity.
I will tell you this, I know Buyers, and respect him, I’ve heard most all of the Wild bill stories, both the good and the bad, but in balance he does fair more good than bad, as demonstrated by his ability to hang in in-spite of the controversy. He pisses people off, but continues to make more friends than enemies. this I also know from years of observation.
Here’s an analogy — women goes to butcher shop, sees a sign advertising cheap chicken ( Buyers under paid over qualified) examines chicken from top and bottom ( investigation ) smells chicken underside, and exclaims the reason it’s cheap because it stinks, butcher responds, do you think you could pass that test.
Al Bundy Says:May 1st, 2008 at 8:59 am
First of all, Bill Buyers has no relationship with the County Democratic Committee, at least since Len Lenihan became chairman in September 2002. Buyers is one of the older political types still ensconced in city government and someone that should have been removed for cause years ago.
Let’s not forget that about 3-4 years ago, a Buffalo TV station (I think Channel 2) caught Buyers driving a marked city pickup truck during his workday, and he was walking his dog from the truck.
Timothy Domst Says:May 1st, 2008 at 4:27 pm
I didn’t say I’d bet you, but I’ll donate 20 bucks to “Hospice” after I figure out which one you mean. When you say he does “fair more good than bad” does that mean 40 weeks out of the year he’s not using city vehicles for private business? Sticking around Buffalo government for so long doesn’t make someone a good person.
Timothy Domst Says:May 1st, 2008 at 4:58 pm
OK I have a screenshot of my 20 dollar donation to http://www.hospicebuffalo.com/ Green Fund, whatever that is.
George Winfield Says:May 14th, 2008 at 10:34 pm
Another example of Geoff Kelly selectively targeting a black official while ignoring a major story of how Forest Lawn Cemetery, a 501 (c)(3), has racist/discriminatory hiring practices against blacks in the City of Buffalo. I have had a complaint filed about this with the City of Buffalo, NYS Office of Human Rights and the Attorney General’s office since November 2007 and I have, now, stated it publicly at artvoice.com and this blog, yet, Mr. Kelly still only wants to go after Mayor Brown.