Who?

In yet another bold move, the Bernardo Regime has hired an independent budget analyst -- who doesn't have any experience in accounting:

ULSTER COUNTY LEGISLATIVE CHAIRMAN TERRY BERNARDO ANNOUNCES HIRING OF INDEPENDENT BUDGET ANALYST

Ulster County Legislature Chairman Terry Bernardo announced today that Saugerties resident, Frank Reggero has been hired as the Independent Budget Analyst in the Office of the Ulster County Legislature.

A Veteran, Frank completed 24 years of service with the U. S. Army, gaining upper-level manager status. Reggero has decades of leadership experience with expertise in human resource management, operations management, information technology, staff development and training, and policy development and implementation.

A graduate of Ulster County Community College, Frank is nearly finished pursing his Bachelors Degree in Political Science from SUNY Albany. He recently worked in the Office of Senator Grisanti.

“I am pleased that Frank has decided to join our team,” said Chairman Bernardo. “I’m sure everyone will agree that a veteran with Frank’s experience and enthusiasm will be an asset to our office.

So, let me see if I have this straight. Reggero, who I'm sure is a swell guy, has a two-year degree from SUNY Ulster. Well, he must have majored in accounting, right? Err, no:

Retired U.S. Army First Sergeant, Frank Reggero, has decided that after giving to his country for 24 years, what he’d most like to do is continue giving by advocating for Veterans Benefits and higher education for all Americans.

After graduating from SUNY Ulster with a 3.81 GPA, Frank’s now taking SUNY Albany by storm, where he’s majoring in Political Science with a minor in Economics and a concentration in Public Law. It’s a big dream, but Frank has his family to help see him through. “My daughter and I study together most weeknights. She practices her third grade spelling, reading and arithmetic skills while I study public law, climate change and economics.”

Here at Ulster, Frank was the President of the Student Veteran of America (SVA) chapter, an admissions student aide and a Student Admissions Ambassador. He also actively assisted the admissions staff at seminars addressing the concerns of returning adult students and Veterans. “If you’re serious about attending college and want to get the most for your money, then SUNY Ulster is the place to start or return to. I literally applied and was accepted the same day. The Admissions staff walked me though the entire process from meeting with my advisor to processing my GI Bill through the financial aid office.”

What’s Frank’s next move? He’s applied for internships in the New York State Assembly and Senate for the spring 2012 semester. “If everything works out,” adds Frank, “I’ll be experiencing the American political system first hand.”

Frank Reggero
Class of 2011
Humanities & Social Science Major

So, he's a veteran with years of experience in human resources. How is he qualified to do budget analysis? According to SUNY Ulster, Reggero is minoring in economics at his four-year program at SUNY Albany, but the man is still nothing more than an undergrad.

As for political experience, he's cut from the Bernardo cloth all the way. Reggero spent time clerking for this clown:

A New York state senator and his wife were jumped by a pair of Seneca nation businessmen last night during a wild brawl in a Niagara Falls Indian casino following a black tie gala where the lawmaker had been a guest.

Republican State Sen. Mark J. Grisanti was punched in the ribs and back of the head, and his wife Maria was beaten so severely about her head and face that she sought medical attention.

According to witnesses, the melee that erupted when the Senator attempted to make peace between two Native American businessmen who were loudly arguing in a lobby bar after the event at Seneca Niagara Casino and Hotel Events Center.

Trying to break up a fight, was he? Yet another swell guy.

There were, however, a few people who didn't buy Grisanti's tall tale:

What actually happened at the Seneca Niagara Casino? The world may never know, but it also seems like the Buffalo senator isn’t quite clear on the story himself. That, along with conflicting eyewitness accounts, has cast doubt on the story that Grisanti was merely trying to break up a fight and then defend his wife. It might be too muddy to end up hurting his 2012 re-election effort – but it hardly helps.

The world may never know? More like we here in the U.S. will never know -- at least if we don't read overseas newspapers, which actually often do a much better job of covering events in this country. From the UK's Daily Mail:

New York state senator Mark Grisanti wrestles on the floor with security guards before being pinned to the wall in a choke hold in shocking video footage taken in the aftermath of a vicious brawl at an Indian casino.

Senator Grisanti, who was attending a charity event at the Seneca Niagara Hotel in Niagara Falls with his wife Maria, claims he had stepped in to try and break up a heated argument between two men when one of them suddenly attacked him.

The newly released video, taken with on a cell phone camera, shows Grisanti struggling as he is held down on the floor by security guards before eventually staggering to his feet.
He can then be seen shouting furiously while punching the air with his fist.

Things appear to settle down but barely a minute later another scuffle breaks out.

A man is seen being helped to his feet before the camera swings round and the senator is shown being pinned to the wall by his throat as he is restrained by five burly security staff.

At the end of the video he is seen being escorted out of the casino by a security guard.

According to a report in the Buffalo News a witness claims he heard the Senator make a racist remark at a black security guard while he was being restrained.

Ross L. John Sr., a former member of the Senecas' Tribal Council, said he is certain he heard Grisanti yelling a racial slur 'at least twice' at a black security officer who had subdued him.

John, who said he would report the matter if he becomes a witness in the case, told the paper: 'I was maybe 15 feet away. I heard it.

'[Grisanti] yelled, "Don't you know who the **** I am, you *****?"'

So, this is the extent of Reggero's political experience, working for a racist, rage-monkey lunatic who will be bounced from office later this year (if there is any justice in the world).

And, of course, Grisanti was endorsed by the Independence nuts, a political party that seems to prize unhinged behavior above all else. In fact, it appears to be a prerequisite.

But I'm sure Reggero work out just fine given his amazing credentials.

I have an idea. Why not hire an actual accountant -- you know, someone who has an actual degree in accounting -- rather than another Independence Party flack who's only goal is to live off the taxpayers' dime?

Watch the video below if you would like to see distinguished gentleman Grisanti in action (sorry about the stupid ad).