Ezra Scott is NOT a victim

There has been a number of people on social media claiming that the arrest of Councilman Ezra Scott was a set-up.  The conspiracy theory goes that Scott's rise to prominence in Niagara Falls politics was a threat and he needed to be brought down.  What made it more important is Scott is black and this is another example of racism in Niagara Falls.  Interesting theory but let's examine the facts.

While I don't live in Niagara Falls, my wife has family who live there and they voted for Ezra Scott for city council in 2015.  They were not alone as Scott was either the top vote getter or had the second most votes in 35 out of the 37 election districts in Niagara Falls.  People voted for this young man because he is bright and presented himself as someone who was concerned about the city and seemed like a breath of fresh air.

In fact, Niagara Falls elected Charles Walker numerous times and (from what I have been told by my barber) elected Andy Walker to the City Council.  Walker was a top vote getter as was Scott.  Just last year, Niagara Falls voters elected Earl Bass to the Board of Education.  Charles Walker, Andy Walker, Earl Bass are all African-Americans as is Ezra Scott.  The claim of racism being behind the councilman's arrest is bogus.

What makes it more ridiculous is that this isn't the first time that the councilman has been stopped for DUI.  The difference this time was that there was property damage.  The other times were swept under the rug because he is a councilman.

Councilman Scott has changed from Candidate Scott.  While Candidate Scott was able to connect with all areas of the City as evidenced by his vote totals in 35 of the 37 election districts, Councilman Scott appears to have decided that instead of building bridges its more important to destroy them.  How about the raised fist at the City Council meeting?  It's an insult to Tommie Smith and John Carlos because Councilman Scott never has experienced what African-Americans experienced back in the 60's.

It's been reported that when the councilman got out of his car after being stopped, he had his hands raised saying, "Don't shoot".  Really!!! What an insult to the police officers at the scene.  As a councilman, if Scott believes that Niagara Falls Police treat non-white people differently then why doesn't he meet with the Mayor and the Police Chief and get to the bottom of this.  The reason is that Scott's declaration upon being stopped is more about theatrics than reality.  But it didn't end there as upon being brought to the police station, the Councilman declared, "Black Lives Matter."  I see, now Councilman Scott is Michael Brown.

Unfortunately, the arrest of Councilman Ezra Scott had nothing to do with some vast conspiracy.  Quite frankly, those spewing this crap have a highly inflated opinion of the councilman.  The fact is that Councilman Scott is the only one responsible for what happened on that night.  Those people who "stand with Ezra" maybe should be working to get this young man some help to overcome what appears to be a drinking problem and stop pointing fingers at others.

Pelosino: Man of the People or Hypocrite

Nick Pelosino is an announced candidate for Niagara Falls City Court Judge.  He faces Alan Roscetti and James Faso in what will be this year's hotly contested race in Niagara Falls.  On his facebook page, Mr. Pelosino indicates that he will not look for any party endorsements because he believes that judges need to be apolitical.  This is really a noble concept however Mr. Pelosino's recent actions tell a different story.

In looking at campaign contributions over the last few years, Mr. Pelosino donated thousands of dollars to a Supreme Court Candidate.  He also has made significant contributions to the local Democratic and Republican parties, including underwriting a Niagara Falls fundraiser for Congressman Brian Higgins.  For someone who believes that judges need to be apolitical, one could see that Mr. Pelosino's donation history would indicate that he was paving the way for some endorsements when he made his run for public office.  A classic case of "pay to play" which seems to have dominated our political process.

There is nothing wrong with Mr. Pelosino's making campaign contributions.  But what is wrong is misleading the voting public by trying to make people think that you are above politics.  People want their judges to be honest and it appears that Mr. Pelosino's actions don't match up with his words.  Just what we don't need in a judge.