City of Rensselaer Republican Committee

07/21/2026

Common Council Meeting/hearing 7/15/26

Agenda -https://rensselaerny.gov/application/files/1217/8405/1717/...

07/10/2026

“Always playing the blame game”


The facts matter. Let's talk about the SRO agreement.
The current administration wants residents to believe the SRO payment dispute was inherited from the last administration. In reality, this issue predates Mayor Stammel. It was Mayor Stammel who inherited it from the previous Mooney/DeFrancesco administration, where oversight of the SRO contract broke down. Rather than eliminate an essential safety resource for our students, Mayor Stammel pursued payment through the appropriate legal channels while ensuring the School Resource Officer remained in our schools. He understood that the safety of our students should never become a bargaining chip.
Now the current administration wants to rewrite history by acting as though this problem suddenly appeared under the previous administration. Their own letter confirms the SRO agreement has existed since September 21, 2016, was renewed for years, and that they intended to continue the program under a new agreement. WHAT CHANGED?
The timeline is clear. The documents speak for themselves. Residents deserve facts—not political revisionism.
It is also worth asking why this situation was allowed to continue for so long. The Common Council votes to approve contracts, but effective governance also requires ensuring those contracts are administered and monitored according to their terms. When oversight breaks down, problems don't appear overnight—they grow over time ( like multiple years of failed audits ).
Perhaps the most telling part of this entire situation is the administration's response. Instead of taking responsibility and working toward solutions, they issue a press release that attempt to shift blame onto others. Yet, when the timeline is examined and the facts are laid out, the story keeps leading back to decisions and oversight failures that occurred under the Mooney/DeFrancesco administration ( think of the Dunn Landfill agreement).
This press release is another example of an administration more focused on political finger-pointing than accountability. Residents deserve leaders who own problems and solve them—not leaders who rewrite history when the facts tell a different story.

07/07/2026

70% increase in water and sewer rates!
( oh in addition to 3% property tax)



Here we go again. Another major decision that hits the wallets of Rensselaer residents, and most people had no idea it was even happening.
On July 1st, the Common Council approved a massive increase in water and sewer charges. Residents are now looking at an increase of about 70% in the combined cost per 1,000 gallons.
What's even more frustrating is that this didn't have to happen this way. During Mayor Stammel's administration, he repeatedly addressed the Common Council about the growing debt in the Water and Sewer Department—a problem that had been building for years. His position was that the city should begin addressing it sooner rather than later so residents wouldn't be hit with one large increase all at once. Instead of taking action then, the Council chose not to address the issue.
Now residents are paying the price for years of inaction.
This administration talks constantly about transparency, but when it comes to informing residents about a public hearing and a vote that will significantly increase their utility bills, there was little effort to make sure people knew what was happening. They have no problem posting political victories, photo ops, and updates that benefit them, but somehow a vote affecting every household didn't receive the same attention.
Rensselaer residents should be asking hard questions. Why weren't we clearly informed? Why was this allowed to grow into such a massive increase? Why are families now expected to shoulder the burden of decisions that could have been addressed years ago?
Our city deserves leadership that plans ahead, communicates honestly, and respects the people paying the bills. Residents have every right to be upset and to demand accountability. Remember 136!!! We warned you!!!!

07/03/2026

CITY BUDGET 3% INCREASE
( And how informed were YOU!)
Council passes Johnny Ds and Richard’s budget

So lets get this straight…

The “public hearing” on a budget with a 3% tax increase is scheduled right before the Common Council meeting ( July 1st). Because that’s obviously the best way to encourage public participation—give people less time, less notice, and then act surprised when turnout is low.

It’s almost impressive how the process always manages to be “technically public” while still being completely inaccessible to most working residents.

But sure, call it transparency.

At this point, it feels less like engagement and more like performance. The hearing happens, the boxes get checked, and the outcome doesn’t change—no matter what residents say or don’t say.

And let’s be honest… this administration doesn’t seem particularly concerned about trust or participation. The direction is set, and everything else is just window dressing to make it look like input mattered.

And here’s the real question: if the administration can make sure residents hear about political “wins,” ribbon cuttings, and who’s meeting with Albany officials—or even every waterline break when it fits the narrative—don’t you think they could also make sure people are properly informed about something as important as a tax increase and budget decision?

Residents deserve better than a rubber-stamp version of public process dressed up as transparency. No where is there any communication from the 2 mayors office and Council President Endres to the taxpayers regarding the budget . All silence.
We encourage you, the taxpayer , to review the budget on the city website.

07/02/2026

We support Kris!!!

New Youth Director misleads then doesn’t
Hire back longtime summer employee.

The City of Rensselaer Youth Department has long depended on people who care deeply about this community.

One longtime employee Kris K. served for several years helping at the city pool and supporting summer recreation programs. She was then contacted by the new director to get acquainted with his new position and operation of the summer program. Kris was more then glad to help. This naturally gave the impression that she would continue to be part of the summer program.

Instead, she was not asked to return.

This is not just about one summer job. It is about how this new administration ( team John/ Richard) appears to treat people who have given their time, energy, and dedication to the residents of Rensselaer.

Kris also works for the school district and, like many school employees, is laid off during the summer. A summer position is not just extra money. For many people, it is needed income.

When someone has shown up for the city year after year, helped serve families, supported children, and contributed to the community, they deserve basic respect, communication, and consideration.

Rensselaer should value the people who have invested in this city — not make them feel disposable. Mayor Mike didn’t hesitate to keep Kris on his staff. She has been an outstanding representative of our community . We understand new department heads have a right to bring in their own staff. But how Kris was shown such disrespect is unacceptable. Did Council President Endres and his council stand up for Kris? Doesent seem it.

06/12/2026

Meet "Superhuman" Silverman!

Superhuman Ian Silverman will soon hold FOUR, that’s right FOUR jobs at the same time during the same working hours. He works full-time for New York State, full-time for the City of Rensselaer, and has now been gifted a no show, do nothing position by the City Council of Troy. This latest role is a part-time position with a salary of $50,000 per year. A full time salary for many municipal employees.

We are also told that he maintains a private practice. If that's the case, many taxpayers may wonder how one person can effectively balance so many professional responsibilities at once. Is he truly Superhuman Silverman or perhaps, is shirker a more fitting term for this? Perhaps theft of services? We can think of many things. Maybe it’s time we start to FOIL some of these time cards. We need to see this amazing superhuman power for our own eyes.

For context, full time at NYS is 70 hrs a week. Full time for City of Rensselaer is also 70. His hours with Troy, of course have not been defined and the private practice will vary. Do the math! That’s well over 140 hrs a week. Amazing!

For those who may have forgotten who this man is, we've attached a clip from one of his more forgettable moments on Facebook where he mocked the appearance of a man who asked a simple question. Body shaming him.

Silverman has also run unsuccessfully for political office multiple times and is the husband of a potential (if her party allows it) 2027 candidate. Also a two time unsuccessful candidate. Is this a favor for all their failed efforts?

The taxpayers should be asking tougher questions about how this position was filled and why the need for it. Are your tax dollars truly being spent appropriately?

Either way, taxpayers deserve transparency and answers.

We actually have two words for you Ian… “give up” or maybe even “move on”

06/04/2026

Common Council Meeting 6/3/26

Agenda -https://rensselaerny.gov/application/files/1817/8034/1517/...

05/21/2026

Common Council Meeting 5/20/26

Agenda -https://rensselaerny.gov/application/files/1617/7929/5178/...

05/16/2026

As a follow up to previous post on comp time…

Let’s really look at how the council has opened up a can of worms with their own hands. First , Mayor Mike actually saved the city cash. When you look at ( which the council didn’t do) whst Mr Brady was paid and what he could of gotten it is significant. We are talking thousands. There is a formula used to determine comp time and it looks as though The lesser payout was used. So, Team Rutecki ( 🐀) may have opened the door to potential lawsuits etc from Mr Brady. Who could blame him. All because of narrow minded politicians . When will someone step up and say enough is enough not anytime soon. Sad