Good for the nation, but not for NNY

This post is also on NNYbluedog.blogspot.com

When seeking the highest office in the land, you have to expect a primary. Many Democrats in NNY supported Senator Clinton as our own representative from New York. She has supported the region despite its red tint during her terms. Even as many people call for her withdrawl from the race, she still has strong support in NNY from people who understand that the primary process is still going (and people who remember when a convention actually meant something.) The Democrat's nominee will be stronger because of the chance to hone a message before the general election.

In the 118th Assembly district, a registered Democrat (though it won't be "official" until after this general election) is seeking a spot in a Democratic primary and must be given special dispensation from the Jefferson and St. Lawrence County Democratic Committee Chairs.

Sean Hennessey, JCDC Chair, stated, even before the petitioning period begins, that he supports Jefferson County cadidate Addie Jenne Russell and would not approve Tim Currier's attempt for inclusion.

Mrs. Russell seems like a great candidate. I was completely impressed with her knowledge and ability to answer direct questions. I think, based on first impressions and second-hand knowledge, that she would be a very good, if not great Assemblywoman. This is not an indictment of her at all. That being said, I shouldn't (and neither should anyone else) have a singular say in this.

Isn't it a disservice to the 118th to unequivicolly say no so early? You have no reason to say no other than that you can. I could understand it if Tim Currier couldn't garner support in Jefferson County during the petitioning process. That seems like evidence enough for the JCDC Chair to say for the best of the whole 118th and Jefferson County, I refuse to let Tim Currier on the line for a primary.

From what I hear, some in St. Lawrence County will see this move as disenfranchising. It will leave a bad taste in the collective mouths of many people in strong Democratic areas of the 118th where Tim Currier is known.

Board of Legislators dysfunctional?

I think we've missed the definition of dysfunctional. To me it connotes an inability to function. That's pretty far off the mark. The Board has actually accomplished a lot. Not much of it gets talked about because all of the fighting gets reported on more than anything else.

The Board has dealt with

• expanding broadband services, especially as an economic development move with the Newton Falls Paper Mill
• updating an ethics law
• negotiating contracts with County union workers
• saving tax dollars by purchasing a gravel pit to cut materials cost for county projects
• taking a negative stance toward the IJC's Plan 2007
• building a new jail (with the first PLA north of Syracuse)
• planning for long-term budget implications including the fund balance

That sounds like a functional, working Board to me. Maybe they don't always like each other, but they are getting things done.

Also, I would be wary of Tom Nichols trying to stir the pot. The dramatics make headlines, and they take away from the real business at hand. It seems like a political maneuver, trying to make a talking point for Republican campaigns in 2010. If the Democrats are seen as caring more about fighting with each other than serving, it could be detrimental.

Calling all St. Lawrence County Democrats

Follow the Democratic Party in St. Lawrence County online.

Democrats in St. Lawrence County have been amplifying their voices. The 48th State Senate District, the last Assemblyman from the 118th, the DA and the majority of the Board of Legislators all use the donkey for an emblem.

The 48th was key to showing that St. Lawrence County matters. Oswego and Jefferson were a wash and the margin of difference for Senator Aubertine was the margin of difference in St. Lawrence County.

Let's build on that and show our importance in November.