I See a Scandal EMERGEing

Dana Marie Kennedy is challenging Sal DiCiccio for the Phoenix City Council.  Normally it's tough to take on an incumbent, but Kennedy has instant credibility because she's the Director of Emerge Arizona.

Our mission is to identify, educate and inspire Democratic women who want to pursue elective office at the local and state level in Arizona.

DiCiccio for his part thinks that Kennedy and Emerge are a bit too close.  In fact, it looks like Emerge has morphed into a campaign committee disguised as a non-profit.  Since non-profits can take corporate contributions and since they themselves are actually corporations, the IRS doesn't appreciate it when non-profit corporations morph into campaign committees.

So DiCiccio has filed a complaint with the IRS.   I'm sure Kennedy will say that the complaint is purely political, but even a glance at the packet shows that the complaint isn't frivolous.  Here's a screen shot of one of the key pages.

 

Comments

[Travis]

Obviously trained by ACORN...

[North Valley Republican]

Is there no limit to the depth of ethic avoidance in today's politicians? This organization is clearly a sham designed for one person - the candidate. Where are voters outraged at this type of polotics?

[Conway]

Just the sort of left-wing, union-style ethics we can expect if Dana Marie Kennedy is ever elected to public office.

Preserve Arizona, reject thugs like Kennedy.

[Amazed]

Oh please - now I can't stop laughing...

[Jim Torgeson]

Imagine the outrage if she were a straight, white male Republican running for Council.

Certainly worth a solid examination.

[Maria]

Hey thanks for the link to the Emerge website. Their program is outstanding and really has motivated women to get involved in the political process. Thanks!!

[Dana Marie Kennedy]

This is laughable, since 2004 we have trained 90 women to run for office. 2 have been elected to the state legislature, one city council and a three to school boards, we have RESULTS! Are you suggesting that 24K with no benefits for an Executive Director is a scandal? It does take a lot of work to run the 6 month program and to keep the expanding alumni connected and we continue to recruit for the next class.

Let's talk about the REAL scandal as this is just a diversion from the 202 freeway conflict of interest story. Most people following this race can tell you that is the scandal. Check out www.freewaysal.com
Sal still has not answered these questions:

Questions Sal DiCiccio Needs to Answer

1. Did he disclose to his committee that he stood to gain from the alignment being moved to the move and to move the alignment of the highway?
2. Who are the people that are on this 202 committee? The names have not been disclosed.
3. Why were the meetings not public?
4. Did he use any city funds, staff or resources to set up and staff the committee?
5. Did he use email using the city server?
6. Did any District 6 staffers attend the meetings?
7. Since being in office has he had any conversations with ADOT, MAG, City Staff or the Gila River Indian Community about moving the highway onto the reservation?
Inquiring minds are still waiting to know!!

Well, I am off to knock on doors....

[Solutions]

Now your talking - the scandal is that this man is a sleazeball using the city council position to enhance his bank account and connections. The Emerge organization works hard to train women to run for office and be unafraid of sleazy campaign efforts like Sals Pals are runniing. Emerge never endorses or financially helps any candidate. We TRAIN them to run a strong public service minded campaign, which must really freak out people like Sal.

[Bill Bryans]

I don't think I'm following this. How is it a campaign committee? I checked the website and they've been around since like 2004. How are they working for Kennedy.

This doesn't make a lick of sense, in fact. Kennedy's a radical who won't be getting my vote, but it doesn't surprise me that Sal's pulling something so weird. We've got a liberal and a liberal RINO to vote for in this race; one's a lefty and the other's probably a crook.

"If God wanted us to vote he would have given us candidates"

[Lena]

The allegation against EmergeAZ Ex. Director Dana Kennedy would indeed be laughable if it wasn’t so absurd.

As an EmergeAZ Graduate of 2006, the training enabled to mount an effective and winning campaign. Dana Kennedy was there every step of the way. She gave her time and expertise for my efforts and that of others.

For years, the Emerge grads urged Dana to run for office. We are very proud of her and gladly volunteer our efforts for her campaign. We know that she will be serve the City of PHX. She will be a great asset. For those of us that know her, we can say without a doubt that Dana's only agenda is the City of PHX.

She is by far the best candidate for PHX.

[Sal Dispicable]

Why did Sal put it as an anonymous complaint due to fear? Sal?...Sal? You out there Sal?

[I'd Vote For A Yellow Dog Before I'd Vote For Sal]

More importantly, why did Greg disclose that it was Sal, since Sal wanted to be anonymous?

Methinks a certain blogger is going to get a stern talking-to by Jason Rose.

[OMG!]

Has Greg put Sal DiCiccio in mortal danger?!!

On the very first page of the complaint we noticed that Sal indicated that he wanted to remain anonymous because "I am concerned that I might face retaliation or retribution if my identity is disclosed"

Who knows what Dana Kennedy's vicious union goons might do now that Sal's anonymity has been compromised?

It will be on your head, Mr. Patterson, if anything happens to Sal.

[Jim Torgeson]

I'm not trying to be a schmuck here, but "since 2004 we have trained 90 women to run for office. 2 have been elected to the state legislature, one city council and a three to school boards, we have RESULTS!"

So, you're saying you have a 6.66% success rate?! Please tell me you'll do better with council issues.

[I'd Vote For A Yellow Dog Before I'd Vote For Sal]

It would be a 6.6% success rate, Jim, if every one of the 90 women has run for office since doing the training.

Plus I'm not trying to be a schmuck here but your own batting average, election-wise, is nothing to write home about either.

[Dana Marie Kennedy]

Jim, we prepare women to run, not all have run. Some are still making their plans to run, when seats open up, after redistricting. etc. Emerge is simply the first step. Many help others with their campaigns. Some will decide not to run, and over 1/2 are on boards and commissions. When we started Emerge we thought we would see success in 5 years, but we were pleased it didn't take that long. There is a similar organization with the Republican Party.

[Cheryl Cage]

There is not a person in the world that is more dedicated to working for the public good than Dana Kennedy.

Dana started EmergeAZ because of her belief that there were many talented women who could become great community leaders if they developed the skills required to manage an effective campaign.

The support she receives is simply a response to the tremendous time, energy, expertise and dedication she has given to others.

I am proud to be a 2006 graduate of EmergeAZ and a strong supporter of Dana Kennedy. She is smart, knowledgeable and compassionate. She is going to be a tremendous asset to the City of Phoenix.

[Benson]

Great, now one of my favorite blogs has turned into Dana and her multiple personalities' chat room. Thanks Greg!

[Jim Torgeson]

Dear "I'd Vote For A Yellow Dog Before I'd Vote For Sal";

Don't be a tool. 6.66% is poor, but, if it's about planting seeds for the future, it will take time. I'd just think more would have run/won over the 5 year history. I guess the other 84 are waiting in the wings.

Also, my .000 batting average is not something I make a living from, but I did do it without $120,000 of Nappy funds. :)

Finally, only cowards use screen names to hide behind. I use my name because I'm not afraid of answers or to be called out.

[OMG!]

I hope Sal will do something about those obnoxious sign walkers if he's elected. I also got hit by one of those idiots spinning his sign. There ought to be a law!

[Sal Dispicable]

"I'm not trying to be a schmuck" You should be proud that you are a schmuck without even trying...most have to work hard at it.

[I'd Vote For A Yellow Dog Before I'd Vote For Sal]

So you're saying that Sal should file IRS complaints under his own name, right?

[Jim Torgeson]

I actually agree that throwing those signs in the air is reckless! I don't let my crews do it, so have at it.

Hopefully, you weren't hurt by the guy.

How many screen names do you have?!

[Vote NO on Dana "The Union Goon" Kennedy]

Funny how EP posts involving Dana "The Union Goon" Kennedy always seem to have a dozen comments from Dana and her "supporters." I think the sad reality is that she is posting multiple comments under different, phony names to create the false impression of grassroots support. Saul Alinsky would be proud of her. Take your meds, Dana and put the other personalities to rest.

[I'd Vote For A Yellow Dog Before I'd Vote For Sal]

Funny how Sal filed an anonymous complaint to the IRS because he was sooooooo scared and Greg turned around and outed him.

Oops.

[Jim Torgeson]

"I'd Vote.."

We got you point the first couple of times... geez.

Retire the screen names and be real.

[Jim Torgeson]

Sloutions,

You wrote "We TRAIN" in your defense of Emerge. The question is, who are you really? :)

This is so obvious, that I am saddened.

[Amazed]

Jim:

As always, you are missing the point.

Many of these women have gotten involved in helping others run campaigns, become PCs, State Committeemembers, Democratic Party leaders, delegates to conventions and become more active in their communities thanks to the great training and skills emerge Arizona provides these women.

Dana went years without taking any pay from emerge, she is a wonderful mentor to women of all ages and backgrounds. She is a true inspiration.

[Jim Torgeson]

I'm not missing any point. The point I made is that the same anonymous people post the same things and that "solutions" referred to herself as "we" meaning she's Dana (as she changed from 3rd to 1st person).

I don't miss much, especially multiple screen names. I also asked the initial question, but you read it how you like. I even stated that it's worth looking in to (without condemning her as guilty).

On top of that, why do PCs, State Committee members, "leaders", delegates and active community members need "candidate training?"

You are either a candidate or not. You may wait a cycle, but people don't "candidate train" a decade before running and they don't do it to go get 12 signatures to be a PC.

Don't misunderstand me; I'm not flying a huge Sal flag either. He seems like he's real nimby. His emails are all about flyers left on your door and trivial things in a world of huge issues.

I don't get to vote in Ahwatukee, so my opinion means squat, but my observations are obviously unnerving you.

[WJ]

Dana Kennedy is a carpetbagging Marxist twit who isn't qualified to be dogcatcher much less a city councilperson. Go back to Frisco!

[Sal Dispicable]

There you go again Jim. "I'm not trying to be a schmuck" and you do so well at it without trying. Give yourself a pat on the back.

[Dana Marie Kennedy]

Dana is the hardest working, most dedicated human that I have ever known. She has inspired thousands of women and changed the course of history. I am awestruck by her, if I don't say so myself.

[Jim Torgeson]

Sal;
Now what did I say?
Pointing out the harsh reality that not everyone falls for a screen name? Silly child.

Dana;
Love your last post. 3rd person is always so effective. :)

[Dana Marie Kennedy]

Dana can run a 4.28 40yd dash. On her hands.

[Jim Torgeson]

C'mon.. stop goofing on her.

[Dana Marie Kennedy]

WOW! Sal's pal's have really gone to an all time low, now they are posting as if they are me. Just for the record someone seems to enjoy being me, not sure why. Wonder if the readers of this blog can tell who the real Dana Marie Kennedy is. I started with this was laughable and I will end with this is laughable.

[Steve F.]

This comment thread is epic.

Can't wait to see someone post a "Top 10 Facts about Dana Marie Kennedy" list.

[Jim Torgeson]

1) Dana has more screen names than Carter's got pills

[Jim Torgeson]

Wait, the million dollar question:

If you don't want the freeway on Indian land, do you want it to tear through Ahwatukee homes?

I would think putting it on the reservation may spare a few homes.

Please educate me on the subject.

[Sal Dispicable]

Please educate me on the subject. You are officially a schmuck which goes quite nicely with being a Tea-bagger

[Nick]

Sal,

In October you were foolish.

November 1st you are offensive!

[Jim Torgeson]

"Sal";

Why the hostility? I asked to be educated, but it seems people like you don't need education, you follow blindly.

I'd love to get a quick pros/cons of reservation land vs. Ahwatukee homes. There may be a great reason not to put it on reservation land, but I'd like to know.

It's amazing you think anyone is a schmuck for asking a legitimate question. Now, you sink to "tea bagging?" So you're homophobic too? Get a grip.

[beautifulday]

I have a question.

According to the campaign finance reports, it appears as though one candidate, despite having received large sums of money from out of state, kept a good percentage of that money in the local economy...even utilizing a local, unionized printer (local small business).

The other candidate, who collected more local money, and who says her campaign is small business friendly, sent quite a large amount of that money out of state to another printer. I'm not sure how that benefits the local situation? You can lift red tape, but it doesn't matter if there's no red tape and no business to do.

Maybe there is a completely reasonable and understandable explanation for this. Here is the opportunity to provide it.

[Amazed]

Jim:

I suggest you pick up a new hobby. I check this blog maybe once a day if I am lucky because I enjoy politics, but for some reason I can picture you hitting "refresh" over and over all day long. It's gotta be hard not to have any friends... maybe you should go out and find someone to throw Loan Shark or New Home Starting in the 90,000.00s Signs into the air with.

[Jim Torgeson]

Amazed;

I suggest an entirely new life fo you! You hide behind a screen name and think you have a clue.

I, too, enjoy politics and especially trainwrecks like I am watching here.

Try to enjoy the show and pass the popcorn.

[Dana Marie Kennedy]

beautiful day, it was a local printer that printed the mail. Very good question and I do appreciate that someone cares where the money goes. I pay the company that pays designs the mail and they pay the local printer.

[Aaron]

I happen to think both candidates are decent people. I think Sal needs to answer some of the questions Dana mentioned. I don't think either candidate should be called names or demonized personally. Dana is not "union goon". She is a hard worker and should be very proud of the campaign she has run.

While I think Sal sometimes can be a little strange, I think overall he is a decent guy. It comes down to what kind of council member you want. Come Wednesday morning we must come together and support the next council member and Phoenix during these tough times.

[Sal Dispicable]

"So you're homophobic too?"
No, I am actually all for tea-bagging of whichever gender you prefer. You, very early on, called yourself a schmuck and said you weren't trying to be one. After reading your posts, I am just affirming your state of being. And, with all due respect, it is commendable that you are able to reach a hightened sense of being without effort. Kudos!

[Jim Torgeson]

Man, I come in to the office a get another Sal greeting! It's gonna be a wonderful day!

Let's recap what I said:
"I'm not trying to be a schmuck here, but 'since 2004 we have trained 90 women to run for office. 2 have been elected to the state legislature, one city council and a three to school boards, we have RESULTS!'

So, you're saying you have a 6.66% success rate?! Please tell me you'll do better with council issues."

I actually stated that without the intention of being a "schmuck" but rather to point out that it's a pretty poor looking showing.

I am well aware that some may not appreciate my humor, but to watch this train wreck makes me split my sides.

Dana had still not answered the question of what to do with the freeway if not Indian land.

Whoever you are, it's easy to be anonymous, so keep that in mind. I prefer to be me all the time.

[Conway]

I do hope that Dana and her multiple personalities will continue to grace us here even after she loses tomorrow.