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March 2023 Newsletter |
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Dear Friend,
It is a new month, and we are ready for Spring!
I am so grateful to our Communications Committee, and this month’s contributors, Jennie Mosher, Martin Messner, Sarah Meredith, Joe Bozicevich and Bobbi Wilding for contributing articles to this newsletter. Scroll down to find articles about public health, education, town Democratic Clubs and THE AUCTION.
Schoharie County Democrats are rocking it, planning social events, producing the newsletter, posting on social media and organizing THE AUCTION.
Did you notice my mention of THE AUCTION? Bidding starts March 27th at 7 am. We are hoping to raise at least $5000 to support our local candidates this election season. Read more about it below. If you have goods or services to donate, please reach out to Joe Bozicevich at fundraising.scdc@gmail.com. Donate a weekend at an AirBnB, in Schoharie or anywhere! Offer something of value (art, furniture, etc), that no longer fits into your life.
Why do we need money? Because Democrats have to run competitive races in 16 different towns. Odd years (2023) are those when local offices are up for election. We have strong candidates in many towns, and if we want them to win, we have to help them.
Speaking of candidates, would you like to be one? We can help. Please reach out to me at info@schohariedemocrats.org, if you have any interest in running for a town or county office.
In Solidarity, Theresa Heary SCDC Chair |
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(Town Government Matters: Good candidates make a difference Jennifer Mosher, President, Town of Schoharie Democratic Club
The phrase “All politics is local” is attributed to former Democratic House Speaker Tip O’Neill. It’s true that what is decided at high levels can affect people on the local level, and decisions made at the local level can travel upward with far-reaching consequences as well.
In the Town of Schoharie, the Democratic Club’s goal has been to have at least one candidate for Town Council (4 year term) and Town Supervisor (2 year term) in each election cycle. Over the last few years, Town Democratic Club members have run for office and reached out to those they know in the community, and have done extensive outreach to increase participation in the Democratic Caucuses. This year, they plan to contact Democrats who have consistently voted in local elections over the last few years, using public voter rolls provided by the Board of Elections and lists from the Voter Action Network (VAN).
Town Supervisors not only make decisions at the town level, but have responsibilities for the county budget. They have a say in what happens with county agencies, as we have seen with the recent decision regarding Public Health Director Dr. Amy Gildemeister. In effect, the Board of Supervisors acts as a legislature at the county level.
It’s crucial to elect town officials who are personable, competent, forward-thinking, responsive, ethical, and who research their decisions carefully. There is no one formula for a good candidate, but it makes a big difference to elect people who are well-known and engaged in the community, with relevant expertise, some administrative or oversight experience, and deep commitments to serving the public and not just one group. It takes time and energy to run for office, and though paid a small stipend, most are truly public service positions.
The Schoharie County Democratic Committee’s social events in each town can help bring people together who are interested in becoming more involved with local elections. With in-person gatherings and phone calls, the Town of Schoharie Democratic Club looks forward to making more connections and seeing increased Democratic participation in town government. There are so many ways to be involved, including gathering to discuss ideas, showing up at town council meetings, knocking on doors to help get candidates’ petitions signed (this enables them to get on the ballot), or to help turn out the vote on election day. Even passing along factual reporting on your social media can help. Everyone can play a part.
Schoharie County towns and villages deserve to have local governments that reflect our priorities, and appropriately address the needs of our communities. One important way to ensure our voices are heard is to put forward candidates for local office who listen to many views and try to represent them. Democrats getting involved in local policy making and connecting to the larger community can offer so much. Positive growth and improvements in local life can offset the negativity of partisanship since a job well done in public office will speak for itself. Our next Club meeting is via ZOOM on March 13, for information contact: townofschohariedemocrats@gmail.com
Town and County Offices up for Election in 2023 https://www4.schohariecounty-ny.gov/PdfFiles/BOE/2023ElectionOffices2.pdf |
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Update on County Director of Public Health
According to the Times Journal, our Schoharie County Board of Health has appointed an experienced and well known doctor to keep tabs on public policies, services and the health of our residents. Dr. Susan Franco accepted temporary leadership while our BOH searches for a qualified permanent candidate for the post. Dr. Franco is also on staff at Cobleskill Regional Hospital and Bassett Healthcare. She is not looking for another job, and has made it clear that she is not interested in this position permanently. Apparently, after two rounds of advertising there have only been two applicants, neither of whom has had experience in public health. This lack of candidates may fall into the category of "good luck with that," after the Schoharie County Board of Supervisors disregarded and clearly violated legal protocol and personnel procedures by defunding the approved contract for our former Director, Dr. Amy Gildemeister. Dr. Gildemeister has since been hired by the State Board of Health, which makes it seem fairly clear that there were no serious issues in her personnel file, nor substantiated claims for which she deserved to lose her county job. A third round of advertising has recently begun. Kudos to Schoharie County Board of Health for supporting Dr. Gildemeister, and now Dr. Franco. |
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Your New Auction Items will be the WINNERS!
As most of you already know, our online auction is accepting items, services, certificates, and experiences to help support Democrats in our towns and villages in this year of local elections. Funds raised will help promote local candidates and inform the public about issues, voter registration and early voting access.
YOUR DONATIONS CAN REALLY HELP. It might surprise you to know, that your duplicate tools or impulse buys can help us raise money.
Your skills in salsa dancing, yoga, pottery, joinery, computer technology, baking cakes, cooking gluten free, arranging bridal showers, fixing small engines, or walking dogs can support local Democrats running for office.
Your time asking friends, family and local businesses to donate will help us get bidders excited and promote democracy in Schoharie County.
To donate items or services, please send a description in about 25 words with a minimum bid if there is one. Photos, in jpg form, really help attract bidders and reveal what's special about your offering, If you need help with this, let Joe know!
To offer something for auction: email : fundraising.scdc@gmail.com
If you’d like to help solicit donations from others, let Joe know!
You can donate right up until April 5th! Bidding starts at 7AM. on March 27!
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Education is a Priority in Hochul’s Proposed Budget Martin Messner, SCDC Schoharie rep
The proposed 2023 New York school budget, under the leadership of Governor Kathy Hochul, represents an important investment in the state's children, with a massive 10% increase. The allocation of this state aid is determined through a formula considering factors such as a district's property wealth, student population, and other demographic data. Though complex, this ensures that schools with the greatest need receive the most support, and makes education more accessible and equitable for students throughout the system. It can sometimes happen that in the same time period, based on these calculations, one school district in Schoharie County gets more state aid and another district receives less.
If approved, the budget will allocate funding for specific programs and targeted initiatives, such as special education services, COVID learning loss, technology upgrades, and professional development programs. These resources will help schools address the unique needs of their students and provide a comprehensive and well-rounded education. Exactly how the money is allocated is often a local decision. There are categories of aid that go towards certain areas but for the most part individual school districts make the final choices.
Schools will have a great deal of flexibility to use these funds and prioritize their perceived needs. State level funding helps reverse the trend of having local taxpayers pick up an increasing share of their local school budget. The Governor’s budget doesn’t dictate local district decisions. It’s just a starting point, and must be approved by the state legislature before schools will begin using the proposed budget to estimate tax levies and kick off their own school budget season.
The 2023 budget is also a testament to Governor Hochul's commitment to education. The use of a formula-based approach demonstrates the governor's dedication to creating a fair and equitable education system, where all students have the opportunity to succeed. Governor Hochul's leadership and determination are ensuring that the state's education funding system is providing the resources necessary for students all over the state to receive a quality education, and compete on an increasingly competitive world stage. This matters to our schools in Schoharie County.
The Governor’s proposed budget will now go in front of the state legislature to be negotiated and debated. We would urge everyone to support this historic increase in education funding. |
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A Look Towards the Future Bobbi Wilding, SCDC Seward rep
The Schoharie County Democratic Committee is considering possibilities! A group of interested committee members have started mapping out our 10 year plan, including envisioning what the county will be like when more Democrats are represented in local offices. By thinking about the future we want to see, we can prioritize our actions now to help propel us there. Look for a survey coming soon so you can share your thoughts on what change you want to see over the next decade. |
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When Democrats Gather… S. Meredith, Gilboa town rep
Our first social gathering of 2023, with a dozen people present, took place on February 18, in Schoharie, at the Apple Barrel. This family run shop and restaurant is a local establishment that offers a wide assortment of local products, with plants and outdoor dining in summer, and a menu to accommodate everyone, from beef eaters to vegans, from homemade potato chips to the awesome daily dessert, raspberry swirl cheesecake!
In attendance were members of the Schoharie County Democratic Committee from Conesville, Wright, Gilboa, Richmondville, Cobleskill, and Schoharie, plus active Democrats from Esperance and Schenevus including our 2022 102nd Assembly District candidate, Nick Chase!
Conversations sprouted quickly in all directions, with serious discussions about local development, social media, and possible nominees for the presidential race in 2024! Strategies for running local elections and county-wide candidacy was discussed. (Four attendees had run for office.) New York State matching funds for registered state office candidates (NYS senate or assembly) was explained. Of course there were dietary discussions, talk of recent news and environmental issues with a firm focus on community-based solutions.
The next gathering will be in Middleburgh on March 24 at 6pm at the Green Wolf Brewing Co., 329 Main Street. Check your calendar and do try to make it to one of these informal gatherings. Next month we meet in Jefferson. It lifts the spirit and raises some energy in this year of local elections! It is not always required to RSVP, but it is appreciated! socialcommittee.scdc@gmail.com
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TOWN HAPPENINGS:
Date: MONDAY, MARCH 13, 2023 Town: Middleburgh: Middleburgh Democratic Club meeting, the Middleburgh Library on Main Street, 7pm-8pm. Meetings will be monthly on the 2nd Monday of the month at the Library through May. Questions? Call Jim Buzon: (518)827-6643
Date: TUESDAY, MARCH 14, 2023 Town: Schoharie: Town of Schoharie Democratic Club meeting, VIA ZOOM 6:30pm for information email: townofschohariedemocrats@
Date: TUESDAY, MARCH 21, 2023 Town: Schoharie: Schoharie County Democratic Committee regular meeting, County office building, downstairs. For details, email: info@schohariedemocrats.org
Date: FRIDAY, MARCH 24, 2023 Town: Middleburgh: Democrats Gather at Green Wolf Brewing Co. 329 Main Street at 6PM. Pay-as-you-go, no purchase necessary! RSVP optional but appreciated: socialcommittee.scdc@gmail.com
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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: |
