News roundup: In the end, city may just nix the ethics board

Posted by Philip Anselmo on September 9, 2008 - 7:12am
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Batavia's City Council met for a brief session last ight in City Hall and in that time unofficially decided to nix the city's ethics board and rely on the county's one if needed—though I imagine any formal vote on it would come at the next meeting, according to WBTA's Dan Fischer. Council also decided to switch the meeting schedule so that council will only meet once a month on alternating Mondays. Council will continue to meet twice a month, but its meetings will be split. That means one Monday will be a business meeting and another will be the conference meeting.

In other news, City Council President Charlie Mallow has decided to step down as chairman of the Genesee County Democratic Party. Mallow will give up the post on September 17, though he plans to remain active in the group. He was chairman for a year and a half.

Posted by Charlie Mallow on September 9, 2008 - 7:30am
Council will still meet twice a month as normal. The only change will be that instead of breaking the normal meeting into two pieces and having one short business meeting followed by a short conference meeting we will separate them on a bi-weekly basis. Our business meetings have been very short this year with lots of near unanimous votes and little discussion. It makes sense to give our conference meetings a full night since most of our discussion takes place during them. If something important comes along we can always schedule a special meeting.
Posted by Philip Anselmo on September 9, 2008 - 9:15am
I'm still a little confused. This means that one night per month will be the business meeting, and one night per month will be the conference meeting. That's right?
Posted by Charlie Mallow on September 9, 2008 - 9:22am
Yes, you got it. Council will still meet twice a month for normal sessions. Every other Monday council will have either a conference or business meeting. This goes back to the way it was 3 years or so ago.
Posted by Philip Anselmo on September 9, 2008 - 9:38am
Thanks for the clarification, Charlie. While we have you on here: any particular reason why you're stepping down as party chair?
Posted by Charlie Mallow on September 9, 2008 - 10:12am
Ray Yacuzzo was our chairman for many years and did a fantastic job. When he stepped down our committee needed someone to step in and fill his shoes and that was me. The committee has grown over the last 18 months and become more active. With that came good people who have the ability and desire to bring our party to the next level in this county. My term is up and it’s someone else’s turn to take on that role. I am a strong believer in term limits in everything, change is good and it helps organizations stay on top by bringing in new ideas. I love my Democrats and will always be there to support and help whoever they choose to lead.


Besides, I think it’s time for a strong woman like Lorie Longhany to come from behind the curtain and lead this party. Go Girl!