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June 2023 Newsletter |
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Dear Friends,
Earlier this month, the Democratic candidates in the town of Wright had the idea of getting a third line on the ballot. Candidates can run under the Democratic or Republican line, but they can also run under a third line, such as “Keep Wright Rural.” This maneuver is not magic. Like everything else in democracy, it comes down to people doing the groundwork. In this case, they had to collect signatures.
Their idea inspired people in Gilboa to do something similar.
This is what happens when we have a functioning Democratic committee. The work people do in one town guides and inspires the work of another.
Caucuses: Now, committee members in almost every town are working together to hold and publicize their town’s caucus. Each town should have two caucuses, one Democratic and one Republican. At this meeting, people select their candidates for their town’s offices.
You should go! Attending your town’s caucus is a great way to get involved with your community. Better yet, help plan it! I can put you in touch with the people in each town, who are working to make your caucus a success.
Run for office: Have you ever considered a run for office? Do you know someone who would make a good candidate for any town office? Please reach out.
This is what Democracy looks like.
In Solidarity, Theresa Heary SCDC Chair |
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FUN AT THE SOLD OUT FDR BANQUET Krista Feezel SCDC Summit Rep
The Schoharie County Democratic Committee held the annual FDR banquet on May 11, 2023 at the family owned and operated Chieftains Restaurant and Bar in Cobleskill. We had an amazing turnout with more than a 30% increase in attendance over last year. Many generous donors sponsored seats so we could invite community members with lower incomes. We had representatives from nearly every town including farmers, teachers, small business owners, local candidates, elders and young people.
A highlight of the event was Lieutenant Governor Delgado’s return to Schoharie County and his surprise at finding his mother in the audience! His words of encouragement, positive attitude and generous spirit energized the crowd. He spoke of the need for everyone to be involved in our government’s decisions and making government accountable. Many Democrats canvassed for him during his first term as a member of Congress and he honored our commitment to shared values with his return to Schoharie County. Delgado spent more than an hour personally speaking with attendees, and encouraging engagement in public life.
Our goals for the event this year were three-fold. We aimed for a successful fundraiser, which is our traditional goal. This year we also wanted to be more inclusive and broaden participation. Our third goal, and perhaps, most importantly, we wanted to get together with like minded friends and neighbors and have fun. All three goals were accomplished! And to top it all off, the homemade desserts were amazing. Make a plan to attend next year and get your tickets early!
Organizers for the event were encouraged by how well the SCDC worked together. It truly was a team effort. We look forward to next year’s banquet and thank all those who have offered helpful suggestions! |
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WHAT IS ON YOUR VOTER WISH LIST?? S. Meredith, Gilboa Town Rep We've been posting a range of ideas on Facebook about policies and choices that fall on politicians and communities to decide. The one above is a particularly complicated one, since local residents need the same services, support, jobs and choices that migrants and asylum seekers need, and we lack so much of that here. Can we, as a community, start trying to answer these questions, or will we do as the Board of Supervisors seems to do, claiming in essence that it's not our problem, and find fault with other levels of government?
How about the lack of 911/wireless service in our rural areas, where not having GPS services and pulling in the ‘wrong’ driveway can get a person killed? If those young people had had strong GPS, or even been able to call the friends they were going to visit, the terrible events of that day might not, probably wouldn't, have happened. What can our towns do to press private broadband providers to lower prices for their services and ensure full coverage in rural, hilly places?
Then there are issues like affordable, high quality child care for everyone who wants to work. Attracting, training, housing, and credentialing, as well as providing facilities for this kind service really needs attention from the full county-wide community. Making ends meet is hard for so many families in Schoharie County. Why not work together to create l policies to make supportive services a priority, and retain more young families here in Schoharie County?
If you are frustrated by the news of what the Board of Supervisors has been deciding, you basically have two options. Vote for candidates who share your perspectives (or become such a candidate), and tell your local council members and supervisors your opinions on these matters before they pass those resolutions! Attending town board meetings, writing letters to the editor, even calling or emailing your town supervisor when an issue comes to your attention, can make a real difference. Sometimes politicians just need to know that their constituents have concerns and ideas and truly care about these matters.
Here are a few Schoharie County Voter Wish List items. How many are on YOUR list? Comprehensive 911/GPS/Broadband Technical assistance to retrofit existing housing and businesses for Complete range of accessible medical services Affordable child care for all parents Upgrading EMS & service coordination Small business incubators to develop jobs Subsidized flood and fire insurance for low income homeowners Housing with services for homeless people in Schoharie County Funding & support for migrants and displaced people Transparency in board of supervisors decision making Solar lighting at important rural intersections Universal charging stations in all our communities Subsidized gas credits for working farms during growing and harvest Simplified work permits for migrant farm workers Towns budget lines for community building events Excuse-free absentee ballot options for voters in all elections Let us know what's on YOUR VOTER WISH LIST! info@schohariedemocrats.org and consider filling in the 10-year vision survey https://forms.gle/
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What Do You Want the Future to Look and Feel Like? Take the survey! Participate in the SCDC 10-year planning process. Bobbi Wilding, SCDC Seward rep What are you wishing for in life here in our county?
Fill out the survey by clicking here: https://forms.gle/ |
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Affordable Connectivity Program + NYS ConnectAll Internet Survey This information is taken directly from the FCC website https://www.fcc.gov/acp to apply and get all the information about the Affordable Connectivity Program "The Affordable Connectivity Program is an FCC benefit program that helps ensure that households can afford the broadband they need for work, school, healthcare and more. The benefit provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward internet service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers if they contribute more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase price. The Affordable Connectivity Program is limited to one monthly service discount and one device discount per household. Who Is Eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program?A household is eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program if the household income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, or if a member of the household meets at least one of the criteria below:
Two Steps to Enroll
Some providers may have an alternative application that they will ask you to complete. Eligible households must both apply for the program and contact a participating provider to select a service plan." The ConnectALL office is the NYS agency in charge of managing the distribution federal money for broadband and is gathering info to identify where it’s needed.To take the survey bit.ly/connectall-survey. For more general information about this visit: broadband.ny.gov
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GATHERING IN MIDDLEBURGH
Our social gathering in May was a relaxed bowling party at Middleburgh Lanes on Saturday afternoon, May 21st. Good thing we didn't have to guess how many fries would be consumed! People came with their kids and had a good time. Each time Democrats gather, there is good conversation and fun to be had. These social opportunities happen in different parts of the County, supporting small businesses while building our community. On June 16 at 5:30 pm we'll meet at The Biergarten at Weiss Ferments, 240 Bohlen Road in Conesville, and in upcoming months we’ll gather in Jefferson and Fulton! |
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UPCOMING TOWN HAPPENINGS:
CHECK THIS LINK TO THE CALENDAR FOR YOUR TOWN & VILLAGE BOARD AND COUNCIL MEETINGS EVERY MONTH
June 6, 7:00 PM TOWN OF SCHOHARIE DEMOCRATIC CLUB In Schoharie, Town Office, 300 Main Street. For information: townofschohariedemocrats@gmail.com
June 12, 7:00-8:00 PM, MIDDLEBURGH DEMOCRATS In Middleburgh, Middleburgh Library, 323 Main Street, Middleburgh
June 15, 6:00 PM, TOWN OF COBLESKILL DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS In Cobleskill, Community Library, 110 Union Street.
June 16, 5:30 PM DEMS SOCIAL GATHERING In Conesville Weiss Ferments Biergarten, 240 Bohlen Rd, Gilboa https://www.weissferments.com/ No RSVP necessary but appreciated: socialcommittee.scdc@gmail.com
June 26, 7:00 PM TOWN OF SCHOHARIE DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS All registered Democrats living in the Town or Village of Schoharie are welcome to participate. We encourage anyone considering a run for office to attend. For information or to discuss a nomination, contact townofschohariedemocrats@
June 30, 6:30 PM TOWN OF GILBOA DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS Location being determined (awaiting Town Board decision about use of Town Hall). Mark your calendars, check your email, and look for notices in local papers. Only Democrats can nominate and vote, but all are welcome.
July 11, 7:00 PM TOWN OF WRIGHT DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS Gallupville House, 913 NY 443, Gallupville. All are welcome; only Democrats can nominate and vote. |
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CONNECT & FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA SCDC Website - to get involved, with links to all our social media Schoharie County Democratic Committee on FB - for issues, events, inspiration @SchoharieDems on Twitter for breaking news and commentary schohariecountydems on Instagram Your likes and comments are inspiring! |
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Chairwoman: Theresa Heary- info@schohariedemocrats.org SCDC Committees: |