Saturday, June 13, 2009

DARE Graduation at Chambers School... Proud Grandma... Congratulations... Thank You...

The photos from the Waterfront celebration aren't ready yet, so for tonight you get some photos from a proud grandmother! Dare I (smile) say more?

[A Proud (Sweet, Smart and Beautiful!) DARE Graduate!]

[Chambers School, KC School District; Photo by NS]

[DARE Graduation Ceremony at Chambers School I; Photo by NS]

[DARE Graduation Ceremony at Chambers School; Photo by NS]

Thank you for investing in our children and grandchildren! Thank you for investing in our future! Congratulations to all of the graduates! Keep the lessons learned close to your heart!

Peace, Love, Equality and Humane Justice,

NS

Friday, June 12, 2009

Passing This On... Gov Paterson Announces Transportation Projects‏... Congressional statements re "same"...

The following is longer than what I usually post, but I felt it was important to simply copy and paste this (with a minimum of editing for inclusion here) - rather than leave anything out:

"Dear New Yorker,

Governor Paterson announced the certification of an additional $94.9 million for highway and bridge improvements this afternoon. A copy of the press release is below...

- The Office of Governor Paterson

GOVERNOR PATERSON ANNOUNCES $94.9 MILLION IN STIMULUS FUNDING FOR TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS ACROSS THE STATE

New Projects to Enhance New York’s Highways and Bridges; Create More Than 2,200 Jobs

Governor David A. Paterson today announced the certification of an additional $94.9 million for highway and bridge improvements through the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The funding will allow 43 new projects to move forward, creating an estimated 2,277 jobs across the State, according to the Federal Highway Administration. Today’s announcement brings the total number of ARRA-certified transportation projects to 217, for which the federal stimulus package will provide $617.8 million of the $777 million in total project costs.

"The ARRA funding provided for these projects will create safer roads, better bridges and a stronger infrastructure across the state," said Governor Paterson. "As we create our New Economy, it is imperative that businesses and residents have access to reliable, efficient transportation. I thank the President and the New York State Congressional Delegation, who fought to secure this critical funding. This summer New Yorkers will see crews at work in every region of New York, making lasting improvements to our State’s infrastructure.”

Some of the projects in today’s certification announcement include:

$11 million in ARRA funding for a project to resurface State roadways in Albany, Rensselaer, Saratoga and Schenectady counties.
Locations include:
State Route 9 in Halfmoon, Clifton Park and Malta between State Route 146 and Crescent Avenue
State Route 20 in Guilderland between State Route 146 and west of Johnston Road
State Route 155 in Colonie between Shaker High School and east of State Route 9
State Route 4 in North and East Greenbush between State Routes 43 and 151
State Route 50 in Ballston and Ballston Spa, between the southern and northern intersections with State Route 67
State Route 914D, Broadway, in Schenectady near Interstate 890 Exit 5.
Construction is expected to be completed in the summer of 2010.

$7.1 million in ARRA funding for a project to repair deficient bridge conditions in Bronx, Kings, New York, Queens and Richmond counties. The project will extend the service life of various bridges by performing concrete, steel, and joint repairs at locations exhibiting structural deterioration.
Locations Include:
In Bronx County, work will be done on the Bruckner Expressway, Cross Bronx Expressway and Major Deegan Expressway
In Kings County, work will be done on the Belt Parkway and Brooklyn - Queens Expressway
In New York County, work will be done on the FDR Drive and Harlem River Drive
In Queens County, work will be done on the Belt Parkway, Brooklyn-Queens Expressway, Grand Central Parkway, Jackie Robinson Parkway, Long Island Expressway and Van Wyck Expressway
In Richmond County, work will be done on the Korean War Veterans Parkway and Staten Island Expressway.
The project will also include replacement of the Waterbury Avenue pedestrian bridge span over southbound Interstate 95.
The project is scheduled for completion in December 2011.

$6.5 million in ARRA funding for a project to resurface State Route 17 between the Chemung County Line and Sackett’s Creel in the Village of Waverly and towns of Barton and Nichols, Tioga County. This project will improve 40 miles of pavement, rehabilitate eight large culverts and upgrade guide railing. Work is expected to be completed in spring 2010.

$4.1 million in ARRA funding to replace the County Route 39 bridge over the Grasse River in the town of Louisville, St. Lawrence County. This project involves removing the historic stone arch bridge and building a new steel structure adjacent to the existing bridge. A plaque will document the history of the stone bridge and a retaining wall will be constructed using stones from the original bridge. Construction is expected to be completed in the fall of 2011.

$4 million in ARRA funding to rehabilitate the roadway pavement and make needed drainage improvements on:
County Route 67 between I-495
The Long Island Expressway
County Route 17 in the town of Islip, Suffolk County.
Construction is expected to be completed in summer 2010.

$3.6 million in ARRA funding to replace two bridges on State Route 90 in Cayuga County.
The first bridge is over Little Salmon Creek in the town of Genoa.
The second is over Paines Creek in the town of Ledyard.
The project will remove these bridges from the deficient bridge inventory. Construction is expected to be completed in 2011.

$1.8 million in ARRA funding for a project to repave a two-mile section of Townline Road in the towns of Pendleton and Wheatfield in Niagara County to address deteriorating pavement conditions. The project is expected to be completed in spring 2010

$1.4 million in ARRA funding to replace the bridge carrying Caretaker Road over the Walloomsac River in the town of Hoosick, Rensselaer County. This bridge, built in 1900, accesses a historic site, the Bennington Battlefield. Without this work, the bridge would be closed, causing inconvenience to motorists who would have to travel a lengthy detour. A bridge closure also would cause an increase in response times for local emergency service providers. Construction is expected to be completed by the end of 2009.

The economic recovery funds New York will receive for transportation projects must follow the same process required for distributing all federal transportation funds. The funds are allocated to projects that are selected by the 13 regional Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) across the State, which are comprised of local elected officials, local transit operators and New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) representatives. MPOs vote unanimously on projects for their Transportation Improvement Program, and the projects then are eligible to receive economic recovery funds.

Similarly, regions of New York State without MPOs are served by NYSDOT, which consults with local elected officials and selects projects for the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program. The department is working with local officials and the Governor’s Economic Recovery Cabinet to identify priority shovel-ready projects eligible for recovery funds. For more information, please visit: http://recovery.ny.gov/...

The following quotes were provided in support of the economic recovery infrastructure projects:

U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer said: “This funding from the economic recovery package is much-needed and a wise investment for our State’s transportation infrastructure. These projects will help jumpstart the economy by creating and retaining jobs, and make critical upgrades to our decaying roads and bridges to make travel safer and easier. This is the best way to put federal dollars to work for New York’s economy because it will modernize infrastructure, create jobs and promote economic development.”

U.S. Senator Kirsten E. Gillibrand said: “Today’s announcement by Governor Paterson that stimulus funds we passed in Congress will be used to upgrade New York’s roads and bridges is great news for the safety of our residents and for continued economic recovery in the region. More than just making needed upgrades to our State’s transportation infrastructure, the investment of these critical federal dollars will create hundreds of good paying jobs. I will continue to work with Senator Schumer and our entire Congressional delegation to ensure that New York gets its fair share of federal dollars.”

NYSDOT Acting Commissioner Stanley Gee said: “The jobs retained and created by economic-recovery funding are crucial to strengthening New York State’s economy, and it has been Governor Paterson’s dedication to using these essential federal funds that has both produced and secured steady paychecks for many New Yorkers. The lifespan of Western New York’s transportation infrastructure will be extended and the safety of many highways and bridges enhanced through these important State and local projects.”

Congressman Michael Arcuri said: “This funding will be critical to towns and counties across Central New York as they continue to see recovery bill money for much needed upgrades and repairs to aging roads and bridges across the region. I join the Governor in offering my continued support to these projects and look forward to continued progress across Central New York thanks to the Recovery Bill.”

Congressman Eliot Engel said: “These roadside guardrails will make life safer for drivers and pedestrians throughout Rockland. This will be $1 million well spent, and I thank the Governor for acting to get federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act projects started. When we in Congress passed this legislation, this is what we wanted to happen – necessary projects quickly funded and work quickly started.”

Congressman Maurice Hinchey said: “These federal economic recovery funds will help improve public safety, enhance the quality of life for area residents, and promote economic growth. I am grateful that Governor Paterson has decided to allocate part of the State's share of economic recovery funding for these very worthwhile projects. In addition to paying for much-needed projects, these federal funds will spare local taxpayers from much of the cost.”

Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney said: “I’m delighted that this $7.1 million federal investment will help repair New York City roads and bridges and create 170 jobs. This transportation funding will boost our city’s economy and benefit entire communities, not just drivers. I applaud Governor Paterson for his wise stewardship of ARRA funding, and I’m grateful to President Obama and my colleagues in the New York Congressional Delegation for helping deliver this much-needed funding for our city.”

Congressman Eric Massa said: “My primary focus is on job creation and tax relief. Because of the Recovery Package, we are now rebuilding our local roads and bridges, while at the same time putting people back to work. I voted for the Stimulus because it was projected to create and protect 7,500 jobs right here in New York’s 29th Congressional District and get our economy back on track.”

Congressman Michael E. McMahon said: “There isn’t a better place that the next phase of transportation funds from the economic recovery package could be directed than to revitalize the Korean War Veterans Parkway and southern part of the Staten Island Expressway. I applaud the Governor for directing this funding provided by the Federal government to Staten Island. Now, the persistent traffic congestion on the South Shore will be alleviated and the commute of all those who live on that side of the Island will be made easier. These funds, coupled with the earlier funds designated to rehabilitate the northern part of the Staten Island Expressway is the beginning of what will hopefully be a quicker and more pleasant commute for all Staten Islanders.”

Congressman John M. McHugh said: “Infrastructure funding is critically important in the North Country and I am very pleased that federal funding is being directed to a variety of transportation projects in the 23rd Congressional District. This funding provides the resources necessary for local communities to make much-needed improvements that will benefit local residents and businesses. I want to thank Governor Paterson for selecting these vitally needed initiatives for the North Country.”

Congressman Scott Murphy said: “This funding will provide critical improvements to our aging roads and bridges, putting shovels in the ground and people back to work while making our roads and bridges safer. I look forward to continuing to work with Governor Paterson to implement the recovery funds to create jobs and turn our economy around.”

Congressman Jerrold Nadler said: “An investment in our infrastructure is an investment in our future. I’m overjoyed to support stimulus funding for our local transportation projects. In addition to the jobs that these ARRA funds will pay for, this money is desperately needed to help improve New York City’s roads and bridges. I know that the BQE and Belt Parkway in my district will be particularly well served by new maintenance and improvements funding.”

Congressman Paul Tonko said: “When we passed the Recovery Act in Congress we promised that the money would be put to work quickly to create jobs and repair our infrastructure – and that’s just what is happening. These newly certified projects will soon get underway, people will be put to work, and dollars will be spent in our local communities. In partnership with Governor Paterson and local officials, we are taking steps towards improving our roads and bridges and strengthening our economy.”

Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez said: “The State is moving quickly to put New Yorkers back to work using Economic Recovery funds. These infrastructure projects will make necessary repairs to many of our bridges, including the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway, while at the same time, putting money in the pockets of working families.”

Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver said: “It is crucial that we invest in New York’s roads and bridges, critical components of our transportation infrastructure. These projects will not only improve transportation across the State, but will employ skilled workers and boost local economies. I commend President Obama and our Congressional Delegation for their dedication to providing the resources necessary to see these projects through.”

Senator Martin Malavé Dilan, Chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, said: “I want to thank Governor Paterson, our Congressional Delegation as well as the Department of Transportation for helping to secure these funds for New York State. The projects announced today will help to improve the safety and efficiency of our roads and bridges while putting hundreds of people to work. It is important that we begin these types of projects as soon as possible so we are able to carry New York State's infrastructure into the future.”

Assemblyman David Gantt, Chair of the Assembly Transportation Committee, said: “These projects are critical to ensuring the safety and efficiency of the roadways, railways, ports and aviation systems New Yorkers rely on. We must continue to invest in the construction, reconstruction and improvements to highways and bridges.”

From: News from the Governor's Office (news@ny.gov); "Gov. Paterson Announces Transportation Projects‏"; The New York State Executive Chamber, State Capitol, Albany, NY 12224.

Respectfully posted by,

NS

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Rollin on the River... You Tube... Waterfront Events... Correction Associated with Previous Posting... Planting Idea for Next Year...

I picked the following video out of a host of You Tube videos featuring "Rollin' on the River" for a few different reasons:

1. I would like to honor Tina Turner (Always a WOW!) - as well! AND take the opportunity to honor a beautiful, compassionate, strong and inspirational "Tina" (LOVE YA KID!) in my own life!

2. The local "river" was doing a bit of "rolling" (and rocking) last night...; and

3. There were some interesting [One makes me growl, but you'll have to guess (lol) "who"...] attendees at this particular (check out the video) concert...

["Beyonce Honors Tina Turner"; as submitted to You Tube by pr1ncess2007 on 2/20/08; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BXGFdLvahQQ]

My husband and I (with my camera in tow) went down to the waterfront last night to take in some of the historical (a recreation of) events taking place; after which, we took a trek over to Kingston Point beach - and returned (to the Roundout area) to spend part of the the evening at a local bar/restaurant that has Karaoke (Wed nights) and various other forms (other nights) of entertainment...

It was a great night (photos pending) overall! And I've got to say that I'm amazed how many people came out - on a somewhat gloomy (weather-wise) night - for all of these (boats coming in; bands playing; volleyball at the beach; ball-games at the field; loads of diners; some enthusiastic singers...) events...

Leading me to believe that the City of Kingston is a bit more "hopping" in some regards than I (previously) thought...

Lending some real credibility (in my eyes) to the idea that the Kingston Waterfront "could" really become a big (community wise, economic-engine wise) deal!

Thank you to all who contributed to last night's events! Thank you to those that are (obviously) taking time to seriously clean up the Kingston Point Beach (also crowded) and associated children's playground! And thank you to the gracious hosts at the Steel House - who really have (as do a bunch of other establishments in the Roundout area) a good thing going!

More (with photos) on this (The ships were awesome!) later!

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A ways back in the thread/positing list - when referring to a community garden idea - I discovered I made a big "oopsy"! I posted a correction there - but will do so here - as well.

"The community garden idea should say 'YMCA' (Ward 5) - not 'YWCA' (Uptown/Clinton Avenue)! My apologies!

Maybe that (lol) is why I didn't get any responses?

Perhaps next year?

The YMCA youth rec program participants might enjoy a project such as this - and there seems to be some on-site property that could (along with the general environment) use a little TLC!

It wouldn't even have to be a vegetable garden... The YMCA could order trees (real cheap) from the Arbor Day Foundation (I got ten baby trees for 10 dollars!) and use them as a teaching tool (?!?)

That sounds like a win-win-win-win [a little less mowing - a little more (not overly demanding) landscaping] - some learning and some fun for the young folks - to me!

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Peace, Love, Equality and Humane Justice,

NS

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Great Music Video... Doublebinds and Depression... Womens Issues... Empowerment... More

I was going through a magazine at a Doctor's office yesterday - and I came upon a list of what was defined as "inspirational" songs. I checked these out - and only (personally) found that I really liked two out of the seven: 1. "Life is a Highway" (one of my favorites / by Chris LeDoux) and (New to me / pretty awesome!) the following.

["Angels - Jessica Simpson"; as submitted to You Tube by vaivai78 on 9/30/07; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1rLfmCJg6pI]

The other thing on my mind this am - with depression (Anyone identify?) giving me the grand slam (leading me to seek out "inspirational" songs...) - is the concept of the "doublebind" - a term that others may or may not be familiar with - defined by the "The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language" as:

"A psychological impasse created when contradictory demands are made of an individual, such as a child or an employee, so that no matter which directive is followed, the response will be construed as incorrect. A situation in which a person must choose between equally unsatisfactory alternatives; a punishing and inescapable dilemma" [Fourth Edition; 2009; Houghton Mifflin Company; Dictionary.com; http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/double%20bind]

I have my own reasons for being focused on this "topic" - which I came across during my college days (Doesn't it seem like the world is chock full of contradictory - "damned if you do, damned if you don't" - messages right now?) - and there is no doubt in my mind that being caught up in a doublebind situation (or feeling like you are) is probably linked to feeling depressed [i.e., What is the use in even trying?] in a big way.

Anyhoot, this thinking trend I'm caught up in (Time to get the body moving...) is not very productive - so I'll take you where my morning's search took me - which is to:

1. A book (Looks like a winner!) on Amazon.com, titled, "Learned Optimism: How to Change Your Mind and Your Life", by Martin E. P. Seligman [http://www.amazon.com/dp/1400078393/?tag=googhydr-20&hvadid=3123652401&ref=pd_sl_75bag7m1kl_b#]; and

2. To a video that some folks (particularly women who are trying to climb the ladder / seeking empowerment / seeking leadership positions) might find interesting:

["Unshackling the 'double bind' of the female leader"; as submitted to You Tube by inseadofficial
on 8/22/08; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LhScxbnSOLY]

That is it (I have to sign off quick / company!) for now...

Peace, Love, Equality and Humane Justice,

NS

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Child Health Care and Related Info... Governor Paterson... Child Health Plus... Federal Stimulus Package... Federal Reinvestment... More

["Whitney Houston - Greatest love of all"; as submitted to You Tube by savorations on August 22, 2008; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1KjpyHX7X-o]

Sleepless night, so I though I would do some research and pass some information on:

"Governor Paterson Establishes Task Force to Prevent Childhood Lead Poisoning..."

"Governor David A. Paterson... announced the issuance of an Executive Order to establish the Governor's Task Force on the Prevention of Childhood Lead Poisoning to further the State's efforts to eliminate childhood lead poisoning in New York State. Lead continues to be the leading environmental poison of young children in New York State. The creation of the Task Force, together with the dedication of additional funding to support targeted prevention efforts, demonstrates the Governor's continued commitment to forever eliminate childhood lead poisoning in the State" [New York State Department of Health and Human Services; "Health News"; 6/2/09; http://www.health.state.ny.us/]

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"Child Health Plus... [New York State] Who is eligible?"

"To be eligible for either Children's Medicaid or Child Health Plus, children must be under the age of 19 and be residents of New York State. Whether a child qualifies for Children's Medicaid or Child Health Plus depends on gross family income. Children who are not eligible for Medicaid can enroll in Child Health Plus if they don't already have health insurance and are not eligible for coverage under the public employees' state health benefits plan. Some children who were covered by employer-based health insurance within the past six months may be subject to a waiting period before they can be enrolled in Child Health Plus. Determining whether your child is subject to a waiting period will depend on your household income and the reason your child(ren) lost employer-based coverage. Check the... income charts [at http://www.health.state.ny.us/nysdoh/chplus/who_is_eligible.htm] to see whether your child will most likely qualify for Children's Medicaid or Child Health Plus." [New York State Department of Health; http://www.health.state.ny.us]

-------------------------------------------------------

"What the Federal Stimulus Package Means [I selected the items that focus on child health issues and programs - and/or low income family health initiatives and funding] for New York State Department of Health Programs..."

"Early Intervention Program (EIP)..."

"The Early Intervention Program provides speech, hearing, and other therapies to developmentally delayed children from birth to the age of 3. It is run by the Department of Health and local health departments. Services are provided by agencies and individuals in local communities who have been approved by the Department. Over 70,000 children and their families are served by the Early Intervention Program.

New York State's Early Intervention Program received $11.8 million in funding and will receive an additional $11.8 million later in 2009.

What this means for New Yorkers...

The added funding will be used to pay for improvements to the information systems and operations of the Early Intervention Program. This will help to better coordinate the services families receive.

ARRA national funding: $250 million in each of next two years...

NYS share: $11.8 million per year..'


Medicaid Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP)...

Medicaid is a health insurance program for people with limited income or who are elderly or disabled. It is paid for by a combination of federal, state, and county dollars. Until December 31, 2010, the federal government will increase its Medicaid contribution by a minimum of 6.2%. For New York State, that increase is expected to total $11.1 billion. States qualify for this increase if they had increasing unemployment after October 31, 2008. This will mean that the state and county governments will contribute a smaller percentage as their shares to fund the costs of Medicaid..

What this means for New Yorkers...

Medicaid services will not be cut or limited. The state and counties will be able to afford their share of Medicaid costs without increasing taxes or cutting programs. This will be true even if more people need Medicaid because they have become unemployed. People who are moving from welfare to employment will be able to stay on Medicaid for a longer time while they are waiting for employer-sponsored health insurance to start.

WIC...

The Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants, and Children, known as WIC, provides coupons for nutritious food for lower-income pregnant and breastfeeding women, infants, and children up to the age of 5. WIC is run by the Department of Health in partnership with over 100 local agencies, such as county health departments, clinics, and hospitals. Funding for WIC comes from both the state and federal governments.

For New York State, the increase in federal funding for WIC from the stimulus package is currently estimated at $28.6 million. To date, $5.5 million has been awarded to meet food costs related to increased WIC caseload.

What this means for New Yorkers...

It's expected that more women and children will become eligible for WIC as more families face unemployment. The increase in federal funding will help cover the costs of food and of administering the program for a larger number of people. The state may also apply for up to $4 million for upgrades to the WIC computer system, which would lead to more efficient processing of benefits."

"ARRA national funding: $500 million..."

"$400 million for cost due to increased caseload or food costs over budgeted levels...

$100 million for competitive MIS improvement grants...

NYS share: $28.6 million estimated..." [New York State Department of Health; "What the Federal Stimulus Package Means for New York State Department of Health Programs"; http://www.health.state.ny.us/regulations/arra/department_of_health_programs.htm]

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In general, New York States portion of the Recovery and Reinvestment Act (in regard to child health care, safety, housing, education and related items...) has been laid out like this [The following report (shortened and modified for placement here; bold print mine] is from recovery.ny.com / Governor David Paterson... New York State Recovery and Reinvestment Cabinet...]:

"New York's Share... [Major Spending Provisions That Impact New York (preliminary state/local two year estimates, $ in thousands)]

State Fiscal Relief New York Medicaid - FMAP Increase... $11,100,000
State Fiscal Stabilization - Education Restoration... $2,469,000
State Fiscal Stabilization - Other Government Services... $549,000
State Fiscal Stabilization - Education Incentive Grants... TBD

Sub-total... $14,118,000..."

"Health and Human Services..."

"Public Health Programs... $60,000
IDEA for Infants & Families... $23,400
Food Stamp Benefit Increase... $1,289,000
Food Stamp Administration... $25,000
WIC Program Administration... $28,600
Senior Nutrition Program... $6,000
Homeless Assistance... $142,000
Child Care Block Grant... $97,000
Child Support Administration... $34,000
Title IV-E Programs (Foster Care/Adoption Assistance)... $107,000
Community Service Block Grant (CSBG)... $87,000
SSI - One-time Payment... $166,000
Workforce Investment Act (WIA)... $169,000...
Employment Services... $23,000...
Vocational Rehabilitation (Title I)... $26,000
Rehabilitation Services & Disability Research... $7,600...
HOME Investment Partnerships-Tax Credit Assistance... $253,000
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)... $92,400
Public Housing Capital Fund... $502,000...
Project Based Rental Assistance (Section 8)... #235,000
Lead Hazard Reduction... $2,000
Native American Housing Grants... $2,672
Community Health Centers... $19,000
Commodity Assistance Program... $9,000
TANF Block Grant - Emergency Fund... $7,000"

"Education"

"Title I... $1,168,000
IDEA/Special Education... $794,000
Head Start & Early Head Start... $130,000
Pell Grant Increase... $180,000
Federal Work Study... $20,000
Enhancing Education Technology... $55,500
Education for Homeless Children & Youth... $6,000...
National School Lunch Program Equipment Assistance... $6,000"

"Public Safety..."

"Violence Against Women Prevention... $7,400
Crime Victims Compensation and Assistance... $4,600
Internet Crimes Against Children... $1,600"

[Please note that this is not an all inclusive listing; for additional information please visit the site]

"* Does not include certain federal spending items included in the Act which do not impact New York or cannot be quantified..." [http://www.recovery.ny.gov/DirectAid/aidnewyork.htm]

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Respectfully submitted [Mostly copied and pasted / Please visit respective sites for more information] by N.S.

Monday, June 8, 2009

Democratic Convention... Just Notes...

[Photo by NS]

I attended the Democratic Convention tonight, and I have to admit that I found it a lot more "comfortable" (If that is the right word?) than I expected. I'm grateful to Jen (Ward 5 Working Party Nominee supported by the Democratic Party) for the heads up as to whether the Convention was open to the public or not. And I'm grateful that the general public was allowed to attend.

Kudos!

I'm not going to write about the events of the night. I'll leave that to other bloggers. I simply want to state that I think this would be a good experience for folks that haven't attended such an event - on the next go 'round - because we tend (or at least I have tended...) to put our politicians on pedestals - and really? I think they are a whole lot just like the rest of us!

I have spent a lot of time at Common Council meetings over the last year or so... I've gotten to know a couple of Council members fairly well. And they are, for the most part (we all have our favorites, I guess) pretty likable "people."

There was a disappointing outcome (for me) tonight. And lots of good stuff. All told, I guess the "race" (for some) has just begun... and only effort invested and the passage of time will tell who is lined up (Council / County) for the next couple of years.

One current Councilwoman said that they see so much of me that I ought to join them....

And maybe, in a couple of years, I will give that - or a bid for the Legislature (a bit more my style, I think...) - a shot.

At this point, I still have some work to do on myself - and a lot of learning (that is what I'm working on now, in a multitude of ways) to do.

Good luck to all! May the best man or woman (whatever Ward or District) win!

Peace, Love, Equality and Humane Justice,

NS