For those gazing from afar, here is a political guide to some of today's scheduled performers, as listed on the state's Inauguration Web site: Judy Collins: Wouldn't it be funny if she sang, "Send in The Clowns"? Natalie Merchant: First became famous with the band "10,000 Maniacs" - which might or might not have referred to the annual descent of lobbyists on the Capitol. Willie Colon: A well-known innovator, producer and performer of Latin Jazz.
And, he's dabbled for real in politics - not only composing Michael R. Bloomberg's Spanish campaign jingle for mayor but once himself running for New York City public advocate. Dance and music groups from SUNY schools at Brockport, Geneseo, Buffalo, Purchase and Fredonia: Not expected to raise tuition issues on stage.
James Taylor: He could make news by dedicating the lyrics "When you're down and troubled and you need a helping hand" to former Comptroller Alan Hevesi, whose resignation and conviction bumped him from today's swearings-in. By the way, a lot of this glitz comes from groups funded by what some derisively call the state's "pork barrel" - the New York State Theatre Institute, the Ice Theatre of New York and the Empire State Youth Orchestra, to name a few. Others on the program include: Garth Fagan Dance, Drumcliffe Irish Arts; Dance Theatre of Harlem; Dan Zanes, Skidmore College Dance Ensemble, Steamer No.
10 Theatre - Puss in Boots; Alex Torres and His Latin Orchestra; the Albany Symphony Brass Quintet; Perry Ground, Native American Storyteller; Galumpha (acrobatics and dance) and the Mendelssohn Club of Albany. Dan Donnelly conceded no loss last week to Smithtown Conservative Party Leader Jimmy Tsunis, after lawsuits filed by the party's rival local factions were dismissed in court two weeks ago. It means only that he now shares the leadership with his rival, Donnelly said - whose foes called his assertion absurd.
Acting State Supreme Court Justice Gary J. Weber had dismissed a lawsuit by Elinor Braitman, the former party secretary, seeking to void the party's October convention, at which Tsunis was re-elected as chairman of the party. A countersuit filed by Tsunis and the Conservative Party also was dismissed.
In that move, Tsunis sought a ruling on a subsequent meeting held by Braitman, at which Donnelly was elected chairman. "We have to decide whether to ..
. go to the Appellate Division - or there will be two chairmen in Smithtown," Donnelly said. Tsunis said he feels vindicated by the decision, which he said clearly states the meeting that elected Donnelly was illegal.
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