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July Newsletter |
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Are you concerned about women’s access to reproductive rights? Affordable insulin? Imbalances between the branches of government? Public health and school safety? ACTION ITEM: PREPARE TO VOTE! Meet the candidates before the August 23rd primary and special election.
Come to the Green Wolf Brewery in Middleburgh on Friday, July 15th to meet Democrat Matt Castelli 4:30-5:30 pm, who is running in District 21 (our new Congressional district) against Elise Stefanik and is endorsed by the Schoharie County Democratic Committee; and meet Democrat Pat Ryan at 6-7 pm, who is running in a special election to fill Antonio Delgado’s District 19 vacancy (still our responsibility). There will be postcards to write and information about how you can get more involved. Come out and learn how we are going to rock these elections. Also make note that Democrat Matt Putorti, running for the District 21 Congressional nomination, will be at the Green Wolf Brewery in Middleburgh August 29, 5:30 to 7:00. |
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These past two weeks have been a trial for the human spirit, as the Supreme Court stripped away layers of protections for our fundamental rights. I am furious and sad, and I imagine that you are, too. Even now, women are struggling to access reproductive health care in conservative states throughout the country. I am afraid for all of our futures.
The next five months will determine if we are able to retain and increase Democratic control of the House, which will lead directly to whether or not we can retain control of our bodies.
This drama is going to be played out in districts all over the country, but the one we can most substantially influence is the district that we live in. Up until January 1, we are in NY 19. With the new year, we become members of NY 21.
We have two big jobs.
-Get out the vote for August 23. On August 23, we have to help get Pat Ryan into office as the representative for NY 19 (which we will remain a part of until January 1). While we are not going to be in his district for long, momentum is important in these races. We have to keep this seat in Democratic hands. There is also a primary vote that day, in which Matt Castelli will face Matt Putorti.
-Get out the vote on Tuesday, November 8th. After the primary on August 23rd, we will have more information for you.
How do you get someone in office?
This is, of course, the great question of all democracies. In short, campaigning works. Of all the various forms of campaigning, mailings, commercials and social media posts all help, but the ground game is what matters most. Every minute you spend talking to a voter increases the likelihood that this person will vote.
Come out and get involved! Come to our informational session on Friday, July 15th 4:30-7 at the Green Wolf Tap Room. Meet candidates, fellow curious citizens, and find ways to be involved that suit you. See the note at the head of this newsletter for details.
Need information about NY Voter registration, absentee ballots, or change of address? https://www.elections.ny.gov/VotingDeadlines.html
In solidarity, Theresa |
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FDR Banquet Report from Sarah Meredith |
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For local Democrats, what could be nicer than the pleasure of fine company, common purpose, good food, inspiring candidates and solidarity of cause? This made for a marvelous time at the Schoharie County Democratic Committee’s (SCDC) annual FDR banquet at Chieftan’s Restaurant & Bar in Cobleskill on June 30. Aside from raising funds for continuing the work of the SCDC, a strong sense of community emerged among the almost one hundred attendees, representing the 16 towns and 6 villages that make up Schoharie County.
Welcomed by SCDC Chairperson Theresa Heary, we heard a quick report of how much this community has been able to accomplish in recent times. So many signatures have been collected, so many doors opened, and new energy brought to bear on issues of equality, fairness and democracy’s future in these difficult times. Drawn together in support of democracy from the ground up, conversations at the tables ranged widely from food, family and local events, to the recent Supreme Court decisions, world events, hopes for the future of Ukraine and the nuts and bolts of the upcoming primary on August 23. Bread was broken and good times shared among longtime members of the community and newcomers. |
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Matt Castelli, a strong Democratic candidate running for the Congressional seat in District 21, which now includes all of Schoharie County, hopes to unseat Elise Stefanik. He joined the party for over half an hour via ZOOM, complimenting Schoharie Democrats for their actions on behalf of his predecessor, Antonio Delgado, and in support of getting himself on the primary ballot as a Democrat and on the November ballot on a new independent Moderate Party line. He described his family’s deep background of community service, his own career in the CIA and in counterterrorism at the National Security Council and in non-profit work promoting health service access for veterans and rural folk. What pushed him to run for political office? His sworn oath to defend the Constitution and the United States was invoked and activated by the attack on the U.S. Capitol during the peaceful transfer of power on January 6, 2021. Continue reading |
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Zoom call with Matt Castelli |
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Online Auction Report from Joe Bozicevich |
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Our party ran its first online auction and, we succeeded by bringing $1,979.94 to our Democratic Committee.
I thank all those who donated money, items, and time to this first-time auction for our party. I especially wanted to recognize Gail Wilkins for all of her efforts. Her diligence, intelligence, and astuteness were major factors in the success of this auction.
We are still getting receipts and gift cards and mailing them out to the winners. Two items are at my house have yet to be picked up, or I can deliver. Call me and we will coordinate. 518.275.7471.
Please send me your suggestions about new ideas, mistakes, and corrections to the online auction.
Also, please send me your ideas on fundraising which we can put in our toolbox. Joe Bozicevich 518.275.7471 and fundraising.scdc@gmail.com. |
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Dems of Schoharie County Energized
Every two years, the Schoharie County Democratic Committee reorganizes its leadership among its members, who are regular citizens nominated by a petitioning process to represent the Towns and Villages of Schoharie County. These folk were officially elected by Democratic voters in the statewide June primaries. We volunteer our time and energy to encourage voter participation, raise awareness of policy choices, push for targeted, inclusive and just distribution of services and resources.
At the recent biennial organizational meeting, Democratic Town Representatives from around the County stepped up for leadership roles in the DCSC. Of course all County residents are encouraged to participate in the activities of the Committee, serving as community members and volunteers.
The new officers and committee chairs represent for the next two years are: Theresa Heary, of Wright, Chairperson Jessica Hartjen, of Cobleskill, Secretary Jean Burton, of Wright, Treasurer Jim Buzon, of Middleburgh, 1st Vice Chair Scott Bennett, of Richmondville, 2nd Vice Chair Sarah Meredith, of Gilboa and Greg Bucking, of Jefferson, Co-Chairs Communications Committee Kristin Williams, of Cobleskill, and Miriam McGiver, of Schoharie, Co-Chairs Social Committee Jen Stinson, of Summit, and Tim Knight, of Middleburgh, Co-Chairs Data and Membership Committee Joe Bozicevich, of Schoharie, Chair Fundraising Committee
For more information about representing your town, contact: info@schohariedemocrats.org. |
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Chairwoman: Theresa Heary- info@schohariedemocrats.org SCDC Committees: |
