John Mertz
Here’s the verdict: In our judgement, this judge and career government leach / “public” official has never served in government for “we the people” but rather for the bank account and benefit of John Mertz! This RINO only cares about himself - whether it’s screwing other Republicans out of town board seats, a town judgeship or a supreme court race - it’s never been about Republican values or the greater good. It’s just John standing there with his hand out pouting, crying, stomping his feet, and demanding to know “what’s in it for me?!”
When this RINO doesn’t get his way he tries his damndest to make sure real Republicans aren’t in office! SAD! A RINO doesn’t change its spots - and in 2009 this RINO Mertz was described by the Rotterdam Republican Chair at the time as a “chronic liar” who also described his time in public service as “erratic, controversial and disruptive.” What a glowing endorsement. (Times Union: https://www.timesunion.com/local/article/incumbent-battles-her-own-549624.php)
Fast forward and the same RINO has not changed one bit. Only cares about himself, doesn’t actually care about Republicans. Republicans = good only when he says so - Republicans bad when they don’t solely care about helping him. “Me Mertz, me know best.” Total fraud.
As party boss, when Mertz’s chosen candidate - Joseph Menu Snatcher Mastroianni posted on Facebook “9/11 is a lie” and “How much proof do you need to admit 9/11 was an inside job?” (https://www.timesunion.com/news/article/Rotterdam-town-board-candidate-posts-9-11-COVID-16542944.php)
Mertz could not have rushed to the phone faster to defend his guy. Not one to let human decency or common sense get in the way of politics Mertz proudly proclaimed: it’s “not uncommon for many of us to provoke intellectual debate” on Facebook. Not only is this selfish piece of scum anti-Republican when it benefits him, apparently he’s also anti-American.
Bringing judgement such as this to the bench, is appalling. God help anyone arrested in Rotterdam.
John Mertz the $154,000 man
John Mertz was an incumbent Town Judge in 2025. He was also the only Republican defeated in that election. This is due to his long history of division and bluster withing town and Schenectady County Politics. As a consolation prize for his loss, John Polimeni appointed him Town Attorney for a staggering $154,000 a year. That made Mertz the highest paid municipal attorney in Schenectady County (other than the County Attorney). Mertz needs this pay to up his retirement income you see.
Why did Mertz get this job? Polimeni owed him big time. Mertz cut a deal with the Conservative Party to run Polimeni for Supervisor in Rotterdam. In exchange Mertz and his cohorts got the Conservative line in Town elections, and Mertz would get some future consideration to be a supreme court judge.
Disgusting
Since becoming Town Attorney Mertz has proven himself a true political hack, doing whatever Polimeni tells him to do. He also stole the Rotterdam GOP Facebook page and converted it to some asinine Reagan Council page with no formal power and no formal position whatsoever.
We will continue to update you on this swap dweller’s antics as things develop