The Democratic Umbrella

When we look at national elections, we can often see the divergent ideas included in the Democratic Party. As politics move left of center, personal reasons stem from intellectual philosophy, freedom from certain governmental constraints, economic issues for families, or a sense that we have necessities in life that the government must help us all meet.

In little Northern New York, we are sometimes lulled into the false belief that, "everyone is the same as me." We need to be more insightful about, and respectful of, our differences. As a group, the St. Lawrence County Democratic Party, all of those elected and non-elected members, seem to be pulling in different directions. We all try to focus on our own personal vision instead of working together to accomplish as much as we possibly can.

It really comes down to impatience. As more towns in St. Lawrence County elect Democratic leadership and the Board of Legislators has a Democratic majority, Democrats now have the responsibility of leadership rather than the burden of criticizing as part of the minority. Unfortunately, some of us have not made the transition and still continue to criticize rather than lead. With the divergent opinions all existing under a large umbrella, many Democrats find it easier to criticize people from their own party than change, be patient, take a leadership role, and wait to be heard.

I'm Voting Republican! (Ha!)

I like the sarcasm of this clip.

Can we talk?

It's Tuesday, so news of the SLC Board of Legislators has filtered out to the public. The most anticipated part of the agenda came and went with at whimper, as the Nichols resolution for open communication was tabled after only a few short minutes and a lengthy amendment from Peter Fiztrandolph. Now talk is that it might never be served from the table.

Most of the discussion forms around knuckle raps for Pat Turbett, as if Board members were parochial teaching nuns, and the Board's ineptness in addressing any issues beyond how they hate each other.

But the Board isn't inept. And they don't vote out of their personal feelings. Look at the agenda. They addressed 27 issues. Twenty-five passed unanimously. One passed with one dissension. And one was tabled for more information. Government and services still operate. Nothing has been shut down.

With that said, there is a mean-spiritedness. Too often, arguments go beyond a passionate stage and into a hateful one. Personal gripes are apparent. But this is not the primary tone of the Board nor should it be the focus.

Coincidentally, the administrator brought forward a future consideration about having cameras in the chambers to webcast the meetings or have them shown through local cable access. Now that would give residents of St. Law. Co. a completely different view of the Board, independent of a handful of reporters and their editors.

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.