The Commission matter involving Russotti, Todaro, and Fat Tony Salerno would give some credence to the idea that there continued to be some involvement between the two groups, friendly or not, which would seem inevitable given their proximity and history. As MD said, the Commission assigned Valenti to Milano when he moved west but would be curious if the other Rochester members were assigned to Buffalo at some point, or if this is where the murky Bonanno situation comes in.
So Russotti is looking to step down, there is a dispute related to this involving Joseph Todaro, and Salerno is sending a message, allegedly to Russotti, about the Commission's ruling. This is the same conversation where Salerno said his famous "big boys" line about dealing with the Commission. Given what Capeci said about the Commission not recognizing Rochester as a family, we could interpret these vague comments to mean Russotti was stepping down and Salerno was sending word that they should fall in line under Todaro. Just one interpretation but would fit with other context.The Justice Department said the dispute involved reputed Buffalo boss Samuel Rossetti and underboss Joseph Todaro Sr. It apparently was over Rosetti's intention to step down and who would replace him.
John Tronolone, a leader of the Cleveland family, formerly with the Buffalo organization, was with Salerno, hearing out a problem from Joseph Pieri, a counselor from Buffalo.
When the Salerno and Tronolone heard the problem, not spelled out on the tape, nor explained through corroborating testimony, Salerno said, 'Give him (believed to be Rossetti) the word from the commission.'
Not that Rochester "fell in line" with Buffalo at this time, only that they may have been directed to do so.
