NYSYR Holiday Dinner 2007

A Message from NYSYR Chairman Christopher Dziedzic

Over the last couple of months, I have written at length about the plans of the new administration of the NYSYR that took office in May after our Biennial Convention. In our campaign platform we recognized that, "The continued success of the NYSYR, and in fact the entire Republican party, is based upon victory in three ongoing battles. We must be able to contribute significantly to the battle of numbers, the battle of wallets, and the battle of ideas.”

I have taken some time to discuss the battle of numbers and the battle of wallets in the last two editions of the GOPyr. This month I want to talk about the battle of ideas and the role of the NYSYR in it.

I think as activists and candidates, we have come across those in our own party who are not as well equipped as they should be for leadership. We have also come across as candidates who may not be as informed as they should be to be effective campaigners or office holders. We all want successful election results after a couple of heart wrenching campaign cycles in New York State. One of the best ways to ensure those victories in the fall of 2007, the fall of 2008 and beyond, is by ensuring our candidates, and the campaign staffers who work with them are the best trained and the best informed. Do they know the right message on the issues? Do they know how to target the right voters who will turn out to vote? Do they know the right sources for fundraising?

One of the steps the NYSYR is taking to further our efforts in the battle of ideas is by organizing and hosting a leadership conference for early 2008. We are excited to be working to bring a series of highly qualified and motivating speakers into New York, to train not only the Young Republicans, but any of our friends and colleagues. By imparting key knowledge and a blueprint for success, the NYSYR plans to be on the forefront of the Republican groundswell of success over the next couple of years. I hope you will join us in that effort!

Christopher Dziedzic is the Chair of the NYSYR. Send your questions, comments, and attempted explanations for the Scott Kazmir – Victor Zambrano trade to chairman@nysyr.us.

A Message from Executive Director Rick Cordaro

One area where we YRs can band together to support one another outside of politics is through our professional lives. Many YRs work in industry or own their own businesses. We have members who are attorneys, real estate agents, insurance sales people, engineers, consultants, and serve in many other professions. At some point, one member may need the goods or services another member provides. Shouldn't we have a way to connect them in these areas?

I think so, and so, I am going to create a portion of our web site that allows any YR to promote their products or services. If you would like to be listed in the YR professional directory, please send your name, email address, web site, and one sentence description of your product or service (for example "real estate agent in Onondaga county" or "political consulting in the New York City area") to executivedir@nysyr.us. Hopefully this will be a valuable resource for all of us.

YRs at the Plate: Tom Reed

Lives In: Corning, NY
YR Status: Member, Steuben YRs
Occupation: Lawyer & Entrepreneur
Running For: Mayor of Corning
Website: www.Citizens4Reed.com

Tom Reed is a third-generation resident of Corning, NY. His grandfather established the family in the City of Corning when he emigrated to the United States and began working at the famous Corning Glass Works factory.

Tom, who is the youngest of 12 children in his family, attended Alfred University, where he majored in Political Science. He later graduated with his J.D. from Ohio Northern University Law School.

Living in Corning with his wife Jean, and his two children, Autumn and Will, he runs his own law practice that specializes in municipal law and contracts law, and owns several businesses including a real estate development company. He is also a partner in a mortgage brokerage.

Always considering public service as an option in the future, when the Corning City Republican Party lost the Mayoralty and the Common Council after decades of victories, Tom was elected Chairman of the party and helped it recover and reorganize.

Meanwhile, the Corning press uncovered scandal after scandal with Mayor Frank Coccho, the first Democratic mayor in 50 years, not to mention reporting consistent talk from the Mayor about tax increases.

That’s why Tom decided to run for Mayor this November, with the broad support of the Corning City Republican Party. Tom is running on a platform of restoring honesty and civility to the Office of the Mayor. He advocates for a fiscally conservative and efficient government that explores sharing municipal services with neighboring towns and cities to cut costs, and he wants to preserve the city manager form of local government. Most importantly, he will establish an open door policy to increase the accessibility of the Mayor’s Office.

And as for his fellow Steuben County YRs, Tom said gratefully, “They have been extremely influential and supportive of his campaign.”

What's My Caption?

Join the GOPyr in its caption contest for the picture above featuring our State Chairman Chris Dziedzic!

All you have to do is submit your clever caption for the above picture to Editor-in-Chief Jonathan Judge at JJJudge@gmail.com by November 4th. The winning caption and the two runners-up will be printed in the November 2007 issue. Happy captioning!

Why the YRNF Needs a Change

by Lynn Krogh, NYSYR Vice Chair

YRs across New York State have seen, on our website and Yahoo groups, that the NYSYR Executive Board unanimously passed a resolution at our Fall Executive Board Meeting, regarding our participation in the Young Republican National Federation (YRNF). As Vice Chair of the NYSYR and former Communications Director of the YRNF, I thought it appropriate that I write for the GOPyr, bringing you up to speed on our reasons behind this important act.

First, I'd like to give you a bit of history, on the relationship the YRNF and the NYSYR have had for these last years.

Back in the 1990s, under former NYSYR Chairman Sal Calise, New York was famous for throwing parties and exciting affairs during YRNF functions, particularly meetings.

At the same time, the YRNF had exciting speakers, fantastic seminars and campaign schools, worthwhile trainings, and much larger turnouts, allowing more people to network and giving attendees something to actually write home about.

It was also a time where the YRNF had clout. It was a time where the Republican National Committee and the YRNF worked together, actually communicating about campaigns and upcoming conferences.

When I began participating in 2001, my first meeting was in Jacksonville, FL and it was a fantastic time. While meeting many people, I began to understand how these meetings ran and how the YRs in New York were really a great group, but most of all, I realized that we had more YRs there than any other state, typically more than the host state, and this trend continued up through March of 2007.

Over the years, 2001 to 2007, I missed two meetings: Fall 2002 for a friend's wedding and Spring 2003 because of a death in the family. Most recently, I opted to save money and skip the 2007 Convention, (which I'm told from some YR friends around the country, was a good move).

I have been to about twenty different states, often more than once, to help YR candidates, help campaign for their candidate, attend a YRNF Meeting or just to visit. I'm certain that there are others who have attended more and spent more money on these types of activities.

I know that I've spent thousands of dollars on these "meetings". I know the NYSYR has also spent in the thousands, hosting parties (typically the best ones) and paying for our Chairman, National Committeeman, and National Committeewoman to participate in these "meetings".

Now many of us are asking the question, is it worth all this money? What is the cost-benefit analysis of this participation level?

Let me explain why it's NOT worth it.

Over these last years, the NYSYR, one of the largest, most prominent, most active state organizations in the nation, is consistently supporting the YRNF financially, through "meeting" attendees, through participation in recent initiatives like "Support Our Troops" and "Community Service Day," and by crossing our state lines to aid in campaign efforts, time and time again.

Simply put, the NYSYR gets nothing in return. We've been trashed, called every derogatory name in the book, but most of all, we're given no respect. And those who have continued to participate at the very high level, that many of us have, find it extraordinarily difficult to continue to give, and give, and give when there is no reciprocation.

(As I'm sure you've noticed, I've put the word meeting in quotes, and for good reason. For the last 2 years, these meetings have been a joke. Orchestrations made up of silly PowerPoint presentations, reports filled with nonsense, and positions doled out to those with the brownest noses--typically with no mention to that person's State Chair, mind you.)

It’s been the mantra of the YRNF to take from the states, making for a stronger YRNF. They have it backwards and don't see the value of investing in the state organizations, which ultimately makes for a stronger YRNF.

Alongside a cost-benefit analysis, you must factor in the political, and I'm not talking straight politics, Republican versus Democrat. I'm talking the politics of politics, Republican vs. Republican. The underbelly of the YRNF is ugly. It’s hideous and frankly speaking, it's getting uglier.

The YRNF takes no responsibility for its leadership, allowing it to steamroll states, and take advantage of them financially, for example, charging $2,500 to have the YRNF advertise your state as part of their campaign blitz and "help" with campaign efforts.

The leadership, especially as of late, certainly helped the NYSYR to make such an easy decision regarding our participation. When former Chairman Murphy resigned and a new Chairman assumed the role, the first act of the new Chair was to appoint a new Co-Chair with the consent of the YRNF Executive Boar--an act that left the position of Vice Chair at-Large open and an act in violation of the YRNF's governing documents.

Instead of making right, the current board rallied around the their decision, calling State Chairs, and (lying to many of them) speaking of nonsensical "emergency powers" and the urgency of filling a position that has no specific powers, while leaving open a spot that has specific duties outlined for it.

Now, the position of Vice Chair at-Large will have an election, at the next YRNF. Meeting and frankly, most New Yorkers could care less. The difference between the YRNF of 1993 and 2007 is simple. The YRNF of 1993' actually had something to offer, had respect for its states and was a YRNF you actually liked to participate in. Now, the YRNF is too busy ensuring that "their people" are in power of this useless organization. They're more concerned with the internal politics that come with any organization, than with the external, more important politics of electing Republicans.

Until the YRNF cleans up its act, starts to hold its leadership accountable and makes it a priority to focus on the real elections, not the next National Chair’s Race, the NYSYR will not actively participate in its activities.

We'll continue, however, to invest our money in the YR county chapters that we've worked so hard to build up in New York State over these last 6 years.
Lynn Krogh is the Vice Chair of the NYSYR and President of the NYYRC.

The Resolution Regarding the Young Republican National Federation

WHEREAS, the Association of New York State Young Republican Clubs, Inc. (NYSYR, Inc.) is affiliated with the Young Republican National Federation (YRNF); and

WHEREAS, the NYSYR and its members have been regularly involved with the activities of the YRNF; and

WHEREAS, the NYSYR is the credentialed, recognized and affiliated Young Republican State Organization in New York; and

WHEREAS, the NYSYR recognizes the vital role of New York in the upcoming 2008 Presidential and Congressional races; and

WHEREAS, the NYSYR values the Republican principles of accountability and taking responsibility for one’s actions; and

WHEREAS, the NYSYR does not approve of the methods by which the YRNF has addressed the resignation of YRNF leaders and YRNF’s failure to hold said leaders accountable.

IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED THAT:

The Executive Board of the NYSYR has determined that NYSYR will concentrate its efforts on helping the Republican party within the State of New York, and other specific efforts to help the party nationally, and it will no longer proactively participate in YRNF functions, including, but not limited to (1) withholding any and all contributions to the YRNF other than mandatory dues and (2) not funding travel or expenses for any NYSYR member who attends a YRNF event.

DULY ADOPTED by the Executive Board of the Association of the New York State Young Republicans this 15th day of September, 2007.

On the Road with the Chairman

Since the last issue of the GOPyr newsletter, Chairman Chris Dziedzic has been busy in his travels around the state on behalf of the New York State Young Republicans.

Stop #1: Queensbury, NY

“I traveled to Queensbury, NY on Saturday, August 25th. The Warren County YRs hosted WCYR Family Fun Day 2007 as their first major fundraising event. It was held at Adventure Racing in Queensbury, NY. Activities included go-karts, Star Wars Laser Tag, bumper cars, and rock climbing. Food and refreshments were provided as well, all for very reasonable $15 a person.”

Stop #2: Tuxedo, NY

“A number of us were in Tuxedo, NY on Saturday, September 8th for a NYSYR Leadership Retreat and Social. Those who attended were Vice Chair Lynn Krogh, National Committeeman Ed Torres, National Committeewoman Kristin Coffey, Parliamentarian Ed Lass, Chief of Staff Brian Graybow and myself. Some great team building and networking took place.”

Stop #3: Corning, NY

“On Friday, September 14th, I traveled out to Corning. That night there was a fundraiser at the Radisson for Young Republican Tom Reed, the mayoral candidate for Corning. Having spent four years in the Elmira-Corning area while at Elmira College while earning my BA, it was a treat to be able to reconnect with old friends.

“The next day was the NYSYR Fall Board Meeting at the Corning Country Club. It was a productive meeting with a lunch highlighted by Assemblyman Jim Bacalles and former Congressman Amo Houghton. After the meeting and lunch, the YR spent a couple hours doing a targeted literature drop in Corning for YR and mayoral candidate Tom Reed. A bused winery tour along Keuka Lake was capped by a sit down diner featuring Steuben GOP Chairman Bill Hatch and Congressman Randy Kuhl.”

Campaigning 101: The Do’s & Don’ts

by Chris Friend, Chemung YRs

Running for political office can be a daunting task. The road up to the day of the election is long and you will question if you are doing enough to reach the voters. I have compiled a few tips that I felt were important during my successful run for a seat on the Chemung County Legislature last year.

Candidacy

Before announcing your intention to run, make sure you have the support of your family and friends. They will also be making sacrifices during this process. The next group you need to contact is your local GOP committee members. They can provide you with invaluable advice. They have interacted with many candidates and know both what is successful and what needs to be done in your district. Be sure to send a thank-you letter to your local GOP members who were able to help you out.

Petition Phase

Although you do not need to fill in the vacancy committee on your petitions, you should consider filling this committee with at least one representative from each district you are hoping to represent. Also, you should personally carry your petition in each district and obtain the required number of signatures for your name to appear on the ballot. This is a time consuming process. However, the voters want to meet the candidate running for office and this provides them with an opportunity to speak with you directly on a one-to-one basis. It is a good idea to send a letter thanking each member of your vacancy committee as well everyone who signed your petitions. If you had a conversation with an individual, you will want to include a note about that discussion.

You will also want to leave a palm card or small informational flyer with each person you interact with. This card should have your background information, experience, and a statement about why you’re running for office. This card should include the date of the election as well as a statement asking them to vote for you. While walking the district, if no one is home, leave your flyer with a note stating that you were sorry to have missed them.

Campaign Phase

Focus on your experiences and local issues. Do not focus on the other candidate or even bring up the other candidate. The voters need to learn about you and why you are running. They want to know what motivates you and how you will behave in office. Be sure to discover and listen to their concerns and keep records of these conversations.

Signs

When signs go up this is another chance for you to interact with the voters. Don’t be content only to put a sign next door or across the street from your opponent’s sign. Talk to the person who has your opponent’s sign. They may be willing to put up your sign, but more importantly they may be willing to vote for you.

Mailings/Block Parties

You may need to have neighborhood or block parties in districts where it is difficult to meet the voters. Also consider interacting with local service organizations and clubs or having a meet and greet at a local park, restaurant or store.

Mass mailings are also effective close to the election. Two mailings are probably sufficient. The first mailing should occur about one month prior to the election. This should be an informative mailing to let the voters know who you are and why you’re running. Schedule the second mailing to arrive about five days prior to the election to remind voters of the upcoming election and ask for their support by voting for you.

Media

Press releases, announcements, TV, radio, and billboards will need to be decided on a case by case basis. These can be time-consuming and expensive. You can probably do without these unless there is a major issue that you need to address. You may be more effective walking the district and talking to the voters on an individual or small group basis.

Election Day

The weekend prior to the election consider having a phone bank of volunteers to remind people to vote. You will want to keep the phone call short and try to have the volunteers call those voters that they know personally. On Election Day have poll workers collect sign in sheets. Cross reference these with your list of anticipated voters and call those people who have not voted.

Just remember, your election depends upon the voters.

I would like to thank the NYS Young Republicans, the Steuben YR Club, the voters of Chemung County Legislative District 2, my family and especially my wife, Renée. It has been an honor to serve in our democratic process.

NYSYR Fall Meeting in Steuben County

by Peter Halliday, Steuben YRs

The Fall Board Meeting for the New York State Young Republicans was hosted this year in beautiful Steuben County from September 14th to September 16th. The weekend contained a perfect mix of business, socializing, and political activity.

It started off with a fundraiser for Tom Reed, a member of the Steuben County Young Republicans who is running for Mayor of the City of Corning. The fundraiser was a stellar event with twelve Young Republican members showing their support for our candidate.

The next day we were in for a real treat. We started the day at the Corning Country Club, which hosts the annual LPGA Corning Classic golf tournament.

During the business portion of our meeting, we heard reports from various county clubs, NYSYR officers, and discussed issues concerning the NYSYR’s involvement with the Young Republican National Federation and a resolution adopted by the NYSYR Executive Board that morning.

After the business portion of our meeting, we were treated to a scrumptious lunch while hearing from Assemblyman Jim Bacalles, and former Congressman Amo Houghton. Both hit home great lessons from their years in office as well as offering advice on how to succeed in politics.

Following lunch, we went door to door to help two City Council candidates and Tom Reed for Mayor. The literature drop was targeted with precision, so people were able to deliver the materials quickly to key voters. It was a great chance for Republicans from around the state to help Republicans in Corning win back the Mayoralty and the Corning City Council, both of which were under Republican control until recently.

However, the pinnacle of the experience was, undoubtedly, the winery tours. While tasting wines, we enjoyed some live music at Heron Hill Winery, which was a blast. Bully Hill Winery has certainly left an unforgettable impression as the son of the owner treated us to a tasting that was the most fun you could have at a winery--more so than even tasting the wine! We then concluded the evening with another hearty meal as we heard from the Chairman of the Steuben County Republican Party, Bill Hatch and Congressman Randy Kuhl.

I’m sure that many can tell you who were there that it was a stellar event that few will forget.

Peter Halliday is the Chairman of the Steuben County Young Republicans.

YR Club Notes

Brooklyn YRs

The Brooklyn YRs have been actively working for their Presidential candidate of choice, Rudy Giuliani. On September 26th, they held a House Party Fundraiser to help boost Mr. Giuliani’s third quarter numbers, raising over $500 for his campaign!

Next Event: Wednesday, November 14th at 7:30 PM with WABC’s Curtis Sliwa, location to be announced. Visit BrooklynYR.com for the latest details.

Usually meet the second Wednesday or second Thursday of the month at 7:30 PM. For the latest meeting and events information, visit the Brooklyn YR’s website.

Contact Information:
www.BrooklynYR.com
BrooklynYR@gmail.com
(Bob Capano, President)
(718) 360-9583


Capital District YRs

For the latest meeting and events information, visit the Capital District YR’s website.

Contact Information:
www.CapitalYR.org

Dutchess County YRs

DCYR County Legislature candidate Angela Flesland won her Independence primary with over 80% of the vote. Jeff Magee, also running for County Legislature, won his Independence Primary by a significant margin as well.

There are quite a few other DCYRs who are running for local office. John Tkazyik is running for Mayor of Poughkeepsie, Erik Haight is running for re-election to the Poughkeepsie City Council, and Bill Beale is running for re-election to the Wappingers Town Council.

Usually meet on the fourth Wednesday of the month at 7 PM in the Poughkeepsie Grand, 40 Civic Center Plaza, Poughkeepsie NY. For the latest meeting and events information, visit the Dutchess County YR’s website or call them.

Contact Information:
www.DutchessYR.com
bryancranna@dutchessyr.com
(845) 264-5269
(Bryan Cranna, President)

Monroe County YRs

Usually meet on the third Thursday of the month (except July & August), Spot Coffee, 200 East Avenue, Rochester. For the latest meeting and events information,
please e-mail the Monroe County YRs.

Contact Information:
pkgullo@yahoo.com
(Paul Gullo, Chairman)

Nassau County YRs

Usually meet the fourth Thursday at 8PM of the month at Mineola Knights of Columbus Hall, 186 Jericho Turnpike, Mineola. For the latest meeting and events information, please visit the Nassau County YR’s website or e-mail them.

Contact Information:
www.NassauYRs.com
NassauYRs@gmail.com
(Andrew Stream, President)

New York YRs

Usually meet every third Thursday at 7 PM, Union League Club, 38 East 37th Street, New York, NY. Usually host socials the first Wednesday of the month. For the latest meeting and events information, please visit the New York YR’s website.
Contact Information:
www.NYYRC.com
info@nyyrc.com

Oneida County YRs

The Oneida YRs are working to re-elect their County Executive, Tony Picente. Oneida YR Chairman, JP Kidwell, has volunteered to spearhead the campaign’s phone banks and “Get Out The Vote” (GOTV) efforts.

For the latest meeting and events information, please call the Oneida County YRs.

Contact Information:
(315) 542-1974 (JP Kidwell)

Onondaga County YRs

For the latest meeting and events information, please e-mail the Onondaga County YRs.

Contact Information:
www.ocyrepublicans.org
rick.cordaro@ieee.org
(Rick Cordaro, Chairman)

Ontario County YRs

The Ontario YRs have been formally credentialed at the NYSYR’s Fall Meeting this September. The new club has grown over the past two months to a membership of 12, and has already held a social event and a summer picnic in August.

For the latest meeting and events information, please e-mail the Ontario County YRs.

Contact Information:
OntarioYRs@gmail.com
(Ellis Oster, Chairman)

Rockland County YRs

For the latest meeting and events information, please e-mail or call the Rockland County YRs.

Contact Information:
www.rcgop.org/Young_republicans.html
frankieps3@aol.com
(Frank Sparaco, Chairman)
(845) 323-9099

Queens YRs

For the latest meeting and events information, please e-mail or call the Queens YRs.

Contact Information:
www.qcyr.org (Under Construction)
ralicea@gmail.com
(Rich Alicea, Chairman)
(718) 418-7873

Saratoga County YRs

Meet usually at 7:30 PM at Saratoga GOP Headquarters, 77 Van Dam Street, Saratoga Springs, NY. For the latest meeting and events information, please e-mail the Saratoga County YRs.

Contact Information:
SaratogaCountyYoungRepublicans.org
mveitch201@hotmail.com
(Michael Veitch, Chairman)

Staten Island YRs

Usually meet the third Tuesday of every month at Canlon's Restaurant, 1825 N Railroad Avenue, Staten Island, NY. For the latest meeting and events information, visit the Staten Island YR’s website.

Contact Information:
www.YoungRepublicans.info
info@youngrepublicans.info

Steuben County YRs

Usually meet last Thursday of Every month at 7 PM upstairs at Captain Morgan's at 36 Bridge St., Corning, NY. For the latest meeting and events information, visit the Steuben YR’s website.

Contact Information:
www.SteubenYR.com
phalliday@steubenyr.com
(Peter Halliday, Chairman)

Suffolk County YRs

Usually meet last Thursday of the month (except in July & August), Dave & Busters, 1856 Veterans Highway, Islandia, NY

7:00 PM – Networking/Social
8:00 PM – Meeting

For the latest meeting and events information, please visit the Suffolk County YR’s website.

Contact Information:
www.SuffolkYoungRepublicans.com
chrscm@gmail.com
(Chris Como, Chairman)

Warren County YRs

For the latest meeting and events information, please e-mail the Warren County YRs.

Contact Information:
www.freewebs.com/wcyr
Bedoreg18@gmail.com
(Gabe Bedore, Chairman)

Washington County YRs

For the latest meeting and events information, please e-mail the Washington County YRs.

Contact Information:
myspace.com/washingtoncountyyrs
WCYRepublicans@gmail.com

Westchester County YRs

For the latest meeting and events information, please e-mail the Westchester County YRs.

Contact Information:
www.WestchesterYRs.com
info@westchesteryrs.com

Tusk Talk with Tusk Harper

Dear Tusk, There is a cute intern working at my office. What are the rules for me asking her out? Is that still taboo? How should I open a set with her? There is a 10 year age difference, but because I am demonstrating higher value, she is flirtatious and friendly with me. From: Interested in Islip

Dear Interested,

Interns … where have I heard this story before? Your situation is one that poses many moral questions. There’s quite an age difference there but what you need to ask is: how appropriate is it to date someone at a significant age and maturity difference? If you have no qualms about the dating, then my suggestion is to begin your set with asking if she saw the fight outside over some guy named George.

Dear Tusk, Love your column! It’s been than Ann Landers and “Dear Abby” combined. What are you planning on dressing up as for Halloween? Any great conservative costume ideas you can recommend? Thanks as always! From: Dressing Up in the Garment District

Dear Dressing,

Thanks for the kind words. I’m of the belief that Halloween is not a holiday that good-natured Christians should partake in. However, I understand its mainstream significance. Costume shopping for a woman is difficult; you can’t dress up without looking like you belong on the street. If you’re a man, might I suggest dressing up as the 40th President of the United States, the Great Communicator himself, Ronald Reagan? Your friends would love to win one for the Gipper. Just be safe and be the same person you are on Saturday night as you are on Sunday morning.

Have a question? Write to Tusk at tuskharper@yahoo.com.