Party On
TWU Local 100 President Roger Toussaint reports to jail (“. . . he’ll have to live on the jail’s schedule of 5 a.m. wakeups and 11 p.m. lockdowns, as well as random searches and jailhouse food — like the hot dogs and baked beans that await him . . .”), but not before commemorating the event last Friday:
“Now I’m going on vacation,” a surprisingly jovial Toussaint declared to the crowd of more than 100 supporters gathered at the Midtown offices of the powerful health-care union Local 1199.
Toussaint and his fans were treated to an elaborate spread of Spanish and Italian food on balloon-adorned tables. DJ Willove mixed reggae from the TWU boss’ native Trinidad with electronic and pop tunes that lured the big man onto the dance floor.
The alcohol flowed at the open-bar party, which kicked off at about 6 p.m., and plenty of the labor-loving supporters stumbled out late into the night.
“It was a good crowd,” DJ Willove said after the music was turned off at 10:30 p.m.
The Post witnessed Toussaint — sporting a huge grin and dressed in a union-monogrammed polo shirt — dancing before a reporter was kicked out.
“His spirits are good. He’s ready to go,” said one happy reveler.
And that was only the beginning:
Roger Toussaint spent his last day of freedom drinking and dining around Brooklyn with fellow union officials and supporters.
Union toughs stood guard at the entrances of a restaurant and a tavern in Boerum Hill while the TWU boss was inside.
The Trinidad native feasted on a lunch of curried chicken, accompanied by rice and beans and spicy cabbage at the West Indian home-style favorite Stir It Up on Atlantic Avenue.
“Are you looking to get hit?” one of the toughs yelled as a Post photographer and reporter tried to enter the restaurant.
Earlier, Toussaint enjoyed a glass of Merlot with about eight pals at the dive bar — and union hangout — Hank’s Saloon.
The Post describes what awaits Toussaint in the pokey:
No orange jumpsuits are necessary, as inmates are permitted to wear their own clothes — although he might opt for something more casual than his usual suit. He will have his own 6-by-8-foot cell, which is locked only from 11 p.m. until 4 a.m., Department of Correction spokesman Mike Saucier said.
A breakfast of cereal, fruit, bread and jam is served at 4:30 a.m. Lunch and dinner feature heartier fare, such as chicken, potatoes and pasta.
Toussaint will have access to the basketball and handball courts and the weight room for an hour each day. Alternatively, he can study the Taylor Law in the library.
Ouch!
Posted: April 24th, 2006 | Filed under: Tragicomic, Ironic, Obnoxious Or Absurd