I'll be there tonight, too. I wasn't really sure up until now, but I think I'll be able to make it. Anybody have an idea how long this is supposed to be or what's going to be there?
The wings at Scarboroughs are to die for. Actually all of their food on their menu is great. But the wings are some of the best in town. And I do agree with you René. At least the reps are starting to wake up and will need support and input. I do hope it is productive and encouraging for all of our sakes.
Due to recent budget cuts and the rising cost of electricity, gas, and oil, The Light at the End of the Tunnel has been turned off. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Yesterday, I was informed of this evenings event, but thought it inappropriate for me to participate since I don't belong to the Republican party. I thought it to be an internal matter. However, I spoke with Art Brassard tonight after the meeting concluded, when RSVPing for the Lincoln Day Dinner/Fundraiser, and was told that the membership in the club will be open to those who are enrolled in other parties and who share "Republican values".
Considering the state of Schenectady County under the control of the Democratic party, I suggest that we all have an interest in strengthening the opposition party(ies). The residents can no longer tolerate the arrogant disregard that the Democratic politicians have for their constituents. The tax and spend policies of the majority party, the redistribution of public revenues to private individuals and businesses who are aligned politically with the Democratic party, and the creation of patronage jobs for their friends and peers are bankrupting the taxpaying residents of the county and lowering the standard of living. Crime is rampant and lawlessness is tolerated.
I will lend my voice and offer my hand to the effort to revive and strengthen the Republican party provided that it embraces the traditional conservative ideology.
I will lend my voice and offer my hand to the effort to revive and strengthen the Republican party provided that it embraces the traditional conservative ideology.
Brad, I would do the same if and when the time should arise. It sounds like they are attempting to get their party in order. I hope that they can reach a point where they can step up to the plate and face the issues at hand and hopefully change the landscape of our present county majority.
Brad, Very well said. I left the meeting refreshed. I am optimistic that Mr. Fitzpatrick, the new club leader, will give his all. He had great ideas and will need an enormous amount of help to implement them The important thing everyone in the county has to remember is one person does not a club of any kind make. I see a lot of criticism and bashing of single individuals within the party. If that person has soooo much power then shame on us for allowing it. If that person is not effective then also shame on us for either not stepping up to the plate to cover their butt, or replacing him/her. It seems as though everyone wants to criticize but no one wants, or for what ever reason can't step up. The success of the club and the party will stem on getting the platform out there, drawing people in, and putting them to work. It is basically a networking thing. If we can find people interested, they know people, and those people know people. Next thing you know, you will have candidates for positions who are not only willing, but anxious to run. There are so many untapped people out there we are bound to find some. It is work, but it should also be fun too. A social event, somewhere for people to go and discuss their ideas and their ideals. To me it is a chance to build and be a part of the discovery of new people in the county to run for positions, both town wide and county. The more people in the club the more the committee will have to draw from for endorsements at election time. I would ask that everyone who reads this tries to attend atleast a couple of the meetings to see what will occur in the coming months.
Rene, it was refreshing to hear your candidness on last nights meeting. I think that for everyone that is seriously wanting to see change, this is the chance to make it happen. And to quote Brad:
Quoted Text
I will lend my voice and offer my hand to the effort to revive and strengthen the Republican party provided that it embraces the traditional conservative ideology.
SCHENECTADY COUNTY Political parties resume clubs Young Democrats, GOP Club plan social activities BY MICHAEL LAMENDOLA Gazette Reporter
Schenectady County’s two main political parties are awakening long-dormant social clubs, hoping to recharge and expand their memberships. Republicans resurrected the Schenectady GOP Club on Wednesday, drawing approximately 40 people to an organizational meeting, most of them “fresh faces,” said Tom Buchanan, chairman of the Republican Committee. The Schenectady County Young Democrats will hold its first meeting Tuesday in more than four years. The meeting is set for 8 p.m. at the Ancient Order of Hibernians Hall. To Buchanan, the interest in the political process is refreshing. “There is too much apathy out there, so this is good,” he said. Buchanan said the GOP Club has an illustrious history, beginning 75 years ago. It served as a mechanism to recruit new members and help promote the party’s image in the community. Buchanan plans to continue these activities, holding monthly meetings as well as special events. The club plans to waive its annual dues to encourage people to join, he said. “We have got to put the pieces back together and rebuild the party. This is a necessary component of rebuilding the party,” Buchanan said. Republicans lost control of the Schenectady County Legislature to Democrats in 2003 after 37 years in power. Democrats dominate city politics to a point that Republicans could not mount a strong challenge for mayor and City Council and for county legislative seats last November. A county judge is Republican; all other countywide offices are held by Democrats. Republicans, however, remain strong in Rotterdam and the hill towns and are working to retake control of Glenville, which they long controlled but lost to Democrats several years ago. Buchanan said the club’s first special event is scheduled Tuesday at Scarborough’s Restaurant to watch live returns of the Republican presidential primary. “Republicans from across Schenectady are welcome to join us at our free event,” he said. “There will be plenty of good food and great political conversation.” Several state and local elected Republican officials are expected to attend, he said. Buchanan said anyone can attend a function, but only Republicans may join the club. “Independents are more than welcome to come,” he said, adding with a laugh that every effort will be made to get them to enroll as Republican. DEMOCRATIC PLANS David Fronk, 24, is an organizer of the Young Democrats. He said he is starting the club to get more young people involved in the political process. “We are planning a series of social events to help people network, education events and efforts to get them involved in the election process,” he said. “By involving young people in campaigns and elections, we train a whole new generation of civic leaders.” The club can’t endorse candidates in primaries, Fronk said. “It is more about getting them informed.” The club is open to people ages 16 to 35; the age guidelines are set by the Young Democrats of America. Once the local club reaches 25 members, it can obtain a state charter. Approximately 10 people are involved in the club currently, but Fronk expects that number to increase. “The group joins the growing youth movement in politics,” he said. The youth vote in 2006 played a critical role in Democrats capturing Congress for the fi rst time in 12 years, Fronk said. “This year, the youth vote has more than doubled from 2004 Primary elections in Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina,” he said. Fronk works as director of operations for the Schenectady County Legislature. Democrats hired him last June after he graduated from UAlbany with a degree in political science.
David Fronk, 24, is an organizer of the Young Democrats. Fronk works as director of operations for the Schenectady County Legislature. Democrats hired him last June after he graduated from UAlbany with a degree in political science.
What responsibilities does the Director of Operations of the Schenectady County Legislature have?
Perhaps another 'created cushey Kosiur' postion?....Except much younger AND comes with an education.
Due to recent budget cuts and the rising cost of electricity, gas, and oil, The Light at the End of the Tunnel has been turned off. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Might I respectfully suggest that those who have besmirched the Schenectady County Republican Party leadership and who want to see change in the party become engaged in the game rather than heckle the participants from the bleachers? Change is most likely to occur from within.
While disgruntled Republicans argue about party event venues and flat soda, the Democratic party is gaining strength and cementing one party control in Schenectady County. Though I am not a member of the Republican party, I urge you to find ways to repair the rift that exists between the factions of the party and mount some unified opposition to the oligarchy that rules Schenectady county.
Might I respectfully suggest that those who have besmirched the Schenectady County Republican Party leadership and who want to see change in the party become engaged in the game rather than heckle the participants from the bleachers? Change is most likely to occur from within.
While disgruntled Republicans argue about party event venues and flat soda, the Democratic party is gaining strength and cementing one party control in Schenectady County. Though I am not a member of the Republican party, I urge you to find ways to repair the rift that exists between the factions of the party and mount some unified opposition to the oligarchy that rules Schenectady county.
Brad, That just really deserved a reprint!!!!!!!!!! I may even do it again in the future. If those who are besmirching attend the next meeting I hope they leave their grudges at the door. There isn't room for it in the meetings.
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