In this space I'll try to add some perspective to the local media scene in Buffalo.

Whether robbing a bank, securities fraud (both brought jail terms) or declared bankruptcy and unpaid bills all over town, money and Joe Illuzzi don't mix well. Well, we should say other people's money and Joe Illuzzi don't mix well!

Publishing fraud Illuzzi was convicted yet again, this time for being a deadbeat dad. The report from the Buffalo News on May 9, 2003 sums it up completely.

5/9/2003

Joseph J. Illuzzi, 55, of North Street, publisher of a political Web site, PoliticsWNY.com, pleaded guilty in Cheektowaga Town Court on Thursday to a contempt of court charge stemming from his failure to pay child support. Erie County prosecutors said Illuzzi pleaded guilty to the misdemeanor before Town Justice Ronald E. Kmiotek. The charge carries a maximum penalty of one year in jail, but prosecutors said the plea agreement calls for no jail time if Illuzzi pays $5,040 to the Erie County Department of Social Services within six months. He was accused of disobeying an Erie County Family Court order to make support payments between Jan. 17, 1999, and May 30, 2000, for his daughter. Prosecutors said the total amount was about $22,000, and said the Department of Social Services could pursue the remaining $17,000 in civil court. Illuzzi's attorney, David G. Jay, said: "It was always Joe's position that he did make payments to the grandparents. In his mind, the reason he wouldn't pay (Social Services) is they would send it right to the mother. It would never go to the child." The mother has since died.

You can read this article at the News site http://www.buffalonews.com/editorial/20030509/3043374.asp.

Of course you won't see in that article anything about the money that Illuzzi never paid the News for ads he placed, then stiffed them on.

Other people's money and Joe Illuzzi - worse then gasoline and a match.