City of Rensselaer Republican Committee

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

05/16/2026

Where does Mayor DeFrancesco stand on this now? Residents deserve a clear answer.
John DeFrancesco and Richard Mooney were both part of the city leadership when these dump and waste facility approvals moved forward in Rensselaer. Now, once again, they are back in leadership roles — and once again they remain silent while residents continue raising concerns about environmental impacts, truck traffic, and quality of life.
The people of Rensselaer deserve transparency and accountability. If this administration wants the public’s trust, then they should explain where they stand today on the very projects they helped approve in the first place.
Will they finally stand with residents, or continue defending decisions that many believe have turned the city into a dumping ground for the region?

05/16/2026

Director of operations Mooney….” I ASSUMED IT ( 2006 resolution) COVERED EVERYONE “…


For those of you who have been following the news regarding the comp payout to former DPW commissioner Brady, it is just another example of the Mooney/Defrancesco playbook of picking and choosing who they want to go after. It’s not so much about Mr Brady as it is about the obsession they have with attacking Mayor Mike and trying to damage his reputation. Poor Richard is still sulking over his 2 time defeats.
Now , as Common Council President Endres and his council voted unanimously to send a letter to the AG looking into the comp payout they forgot to add THEMSELVES to the letter. Yes , Thats right. Look in the mirror Mr Endres before you rush to judgment and attack someone’s integrity and credibility. Shame on the entire council for not standing up and doing their own homework.
You see folks what you don’t hear is that every two weeks the common council approves the paying of bills and PAYROLL! Hmmm, so you approved Mr Brady’s payout! Are you going to reach out to the AG and add yourselves to the letter Mr Endres? There are supposed to be checks and balances over seeing the city’s finances. City Treasure ( chief fiscal officer), City Comptroller , Council Auditing Committee, etc. now , did they or didn’t they do their job? Because no one questioned Mr Brady’s payment before Council APPROVED it!
As for the comp time issue. First the 2006 resolution Richard/ John are using is irrelevant.it says nothing. Even if it was did Mr Endres go back and look at the Comp payouts to other former and current employees. Did Mr Endres get all the monthly reports regarding comp time over the last 16 years before he agreed to Target Mr Brady? Of course not. Hypocrites. But this is signature Mooney/Defrancesco 2.0. Folks , there is more to come.
As for the loud mouth town choir and face of the Democratic Party T Diddy Rutecki do your homework . Before you point fingers and accuse Mayor Mike of committing a felony why don’t you and Mr Endres sit down with Richard and John to discuss the Relentless payouts. Nah, we don’t want to go there , hell no! Because that is bad. Actually maybe include that file with the letter to the AG Mr Endres.
We will not allow for Mayor Mike or Mr Brady to be dragged through the mud and have their image tainted by these incompetent people….Remember 136

05/07/2026

Rensselaer Common Council meeting 5/6/26

Agenda -https://rensselaerny.gov/application/files/5817/7800/3950/AGENDA_AND_RESOLUTIONS_5-6-2026_CCM.pdfWARD Map - https://rensselaerny.gov/application/file...

04/21/2026

Susan raises serious concerns

Dear Members of the Rensselaer County Civil Service Commission,

I hope this message finds you well.

I am writing to formally express my concerns regarding the appointment of Mr. Richard Mooney to the position of Director of Operations within the City of Rensselaer.

As you are aware, the City of Rensselaer is a small municipality with a population of fewer than 10,000 residents. Historically, our City has operated under a structure led by a part-time Mayor elected directly by the voters. This model has served the community since the city's incorporation in 1898, and no previous administration has required or established a position such as Director of Operations, City Manager, or any comparable role. Notably, this position does not exist within the City Charter.

Despite this, Mr. Mooney has been functioning in the capacity of Director of Operations since January 1, 2026, following an appointment by Mayor John DeFrancesco. This occurred prior to any approval by the Common Council and without authorization from the Civil Service Commission. In practice, Mr. Mooney has been performing duties that appear to be executive in nature—many of which seem to directly overlap with, or extend from, the responsibilities of the Mayor.

This situation raises serious concerns. It is difficult to reconcile how an individual can serve in what is clearly an executive role—particularly one aligned with a civil service title—without formal approval, and now under the assertion that he is merely “volunteering.” The concept of volunteering in such a high-level executive capacity, while performing the same duties as a paid civil service position, appears inconsistent with both the intent and the letter of civil service law.

Additionally, this matter carries significant public sentiment. Mr. Mooney has previously been rejected by voters on two separate occasions for elected office. His current role, operating with full access to City Hall and the executive office, gives the appearance of circumventing the will of the residents.

If it is determined that such a position is truly necessary for the operation of the City, I respectfully submit that the proper course of action should involve the residents directly. Given that this role effectively expands the executive function of local government, its creation should be subject to a public referendum. Furthermore, any such position should be filled through a transparent and lawful process that allows for public participation, whether by election or proper civil service procedures.

The events that have unfolded since January 1, 2026 suggest a deviation from established processes and raise important questions about governance, accountability, and adherence to civil service law. The residents of Rensselaer deserve clarity, transparency, and assurance that all actions taken are both lawful and in the best interest of the community.

I respectfully request that the Commission review this matter thoroughly and provide guidance or intervention as appropriate.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
Susan B.

04/16/2026

COMMON Council Meeting 4/15/26

Meeting - 4/15/2026

04/15/2026

The first round of the Civil Service position review regarding Richard Mooney's role ( Director of Operations) took place yesterday, resulting in a ruling in favor of the position. The commission's decision was limited to the scope of the position itself and refrained from involvement in local politics. The matter now proceeds to the state for approval. During the meeting, Scott Rogers was the sole individual present to express concerns and comments regarding the position. Notably, none of the Common Council members, who will play a significant role in this matter, attended the meeting. Scott presented the commission with several questions, some of which were unanswerable. We commend Scott for advocating on behalf of the residents. If finalized, this position may raise substantial concerns regarding the city Charter and future governance, which will be discussed further. Johnny D and his attorney were reportedly pleased with the outcome. It is worth noting that this plan was not disclosed to voters . As a result, Johnny D can continue his no show job as Mayor and begin his summer hours at DOT, ending his workday at 3PM daily, leaving the reins to his sidekick Richard, who you voted out TWICE! This raises questions about accountability and transparency in leadership. Citizens were lied to and misled.. this may be a win for Team Johnny D but it was a huge loss to the residents! Remember 136..more to come. Stay tuned!

04/02/2026

I would like to provide a formal update regarding the unauthorized position of Director of Operations held by Richard Mooney. The most recent Rensselaer County Civil Service meeting has been postponed once again. Three months into this situation, Richard continues to conduct official business on behalf of Johnny D, who is largely absent. The city's liability remains at risk until this matter is resolved. Unfortunately, we have yet to receive a response from Council President Endres. Not he nor any council member were present. We have submitted numerous Freedom of Information requests for documents related to Richard's position, as residents have a right to this information. One of these requests pertains to Richard's phone records, which reveal that taxpayers are paying for a phone for a non-employee. Notably, the call history contains numerous blank spaces. We were informed by City Clerk Hardt that Richard's personal calls were omitted due to privacy concerns. However, it is unclear who authorized this decision and when the FOIL attorney, Jack Spath, approved it. Omitted information should be included and blacked out. We intend to appeal this decision ( don’t laugh, the council is the appeals officer). Does Nancy consider a call home about picking up milk the same as Richard calling his buddies at Relentless. We have a right to know! He’s not a CI for deputy Barney Fifth. Richard, since being improperly appointed, has been conducting business in a clandestine manner. These phone records substantiate this claim. It appears that only we are holding him accountable. Unfortunately, this lack of transparency is concerning.
The FOIL process in our city is extremely flawed , biased and corrupt. Sad.