A Message from NYSYR Chairman, Christopher Dziedzic

We have been fond of saying for the last four years that the New York State Young Republicans and its efforts are only as strong as our constituent parts, namely the individual county chapters. Because that is certainly true, I am thrilled by the growth we have already seen, with FIVE newly credentialed county chapters in 2007 (Chemung, Ontario, Queens, Warren and Washington). I’m looking forward to continuing that growth throughout 2008. Among other things it means:

• Maintaining a commitment to travel around the state to meet with the officers of current Young Republicans county chapters and with the leaders of prospective Young Republican groups. In this age of modern media, cell phones and e-mail allow for convenient and cheap communication across the state. However, nothing can replace the proverbial road trip in establishing a good rapport with fellow YRs and showing them a commitment that the state organization exists for their benefit, and not the other way around.
• Continuing the $1,000 grant program by the State Chairman to county chapters to reimburse them for outlays towards membership recruitment activities. Over the past two years, the Young Republican clubs in Kings, Onondaga, Steuben, and Westchester counties have availed themselves of this opportunity to fund targeted mailings and hold membership recruitment events. Since our state organization is financially strong, our best use of funds is to reinvest them into our member clubs to make them stronger. We will be developing an action plan for those county chapters who are interested in utilizing this resource.
• Advertising county YR chapter events through our State YR venues to maximize outreach. The NYSYR has a variety of outlets in which we can advertise county chapter meetings and activities. We have our website, www.NYSYR.us, our listserv, NYSYR@yahoogroups.com, our blog, NYSYR.blogspot.com, and, of course, our newsletter, the GOPyr. A proven method of outreach to potential new members is posting information about upcoming county club events in these forums. Our current state officers will assist our county organizations with how best to employ these outlets to their advantage.

Christopher Dziedzic is the Chair of the NYSYR. Send your criticisms and witticisms to chairman@nysyr.us.

Mr. November

by Anthony J. Romeo

When Reggie Jackson hit three homeruns in the 1977 World Series, he was going against great odds, but was still able to overcome and stand out from all the rest. Hence, he was nicknamed Mr. October.

There are many great candidates in the 2008 Presidential race, but I believe Rudy Giuliani will stand out from the rest. Hopefully, if all goes well next year at this time, we can refer to him as not only the President, but as Mr. November for Republicans.

Once I heard Mr. Giuliani was going to be in the presidential race for 2008, I knew he was going to get my first vote ever. I missed my first two chances to vote because of my own youth and ignorance.

But after all my travels and experiences abroad in the Navy, I now see, as an American, how important it is to vote. As a native New Yorker, I am convinced that Mr. Giuliani will have no problem facing our nation’s issues and executing an effective plan of action. America is the greatest nation in the world to me, as I am sure it is to all of you. That is why, back in December of 2004, I enlisted in the Navy. While traveling to many countries, I have seen first hand why our voting system should not be taken for granted.

I also know how vital it is to know the history of the candidate whom you are supporting.
Growing up in New York, I can remember Mr. Giuliani serving as the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York City. If you did not know, he secured over 4,000 criminal convictions. I also remember how he changed the NYC Taxi & Limousine Commission, where he made the emissions test more stringent for the thousands of cabs that roam through New York City each day. This was a great achievement because if you were living in the city during the late 80’s and early 90’s, you would recall too many of those taxi cabs breaking down on the side of the road or polluting the air with abandon when they were up and running.

If you look at Times Square now, compared to 20 years ago, it has made a complete 180-degree turn around for the better. I can remember walking through Times Square as a boy in broad day light, seeing all the peep shows, smut shops and prostitutes right on the street. It was down right disgusting for a young boy to see. Then Mayor Giuliani forced out the smut shops and increased the manpower of the New York City Police Department and the NY/NJ Port Authority to enforce the law. This led to a number of big corporations like Planet Hollywood, ESPN Zone, Olive Garden, The W Hotel, MTV's TRL, Toys R' Us and many others to set up shop in Times Square. This is just one of many reasons tourism has grown in New York City since Giuliani’s administration. Now, I look at Times Square in a completely different light.

I am sure he has not done everything right throughout his career, but what President has not made mistakes in office? Problems will always occur throughout time, but instead of avoiding an issue, Mr. Giuliani has and, I believe, will continue to face the issues head on.

On top of that, Mr. Giuliani is glorified for his actions during September 11th, as he rightfully should. Because of his cool, calm, collective thoughts and quick planning, he and his admirable staff were able to organize rescue crews, security units, as well as clean up crews for the after effects in less than a day.

I’m sure a lot of people might say or think that he just did his job. If you could remember the one-day black out in New York City in the late 70's, killings, riots, and chaos took over the city. All this lunacy erupted from a temporary loss of electrical power on that particular night!

You may think that this is an outdated example of the worst-case scenario, but then think about what happened after Hurricane Katrina in Louisiana. Remember all the unfortunate riots, lootings, and killings in the aftermath? I understand that September 11th was horrific, but the aftermath could have been so much worse.

In my opinion, if Mr. Giuliani were not there to take the proper actions that he did, there would have been a much greater disaster after September 11th. To me, he was a great attorney and a fabulous Mayor, so I have absolutely no doubt he would make an outstanding President for our great nation.

Anthony John Romeo is a sailor in the U.S. Navy who plans to get more active with the YRs and the Republican presidential campaign when he returns to New York.

Thanks to GOP, Spitzer’s License Plan Got Steamrolled

by Bob Capano, Brooklyn YRs

I am not quite sure what part of “illegal” Governor Spitzer and other advocates for giving driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants do not understand.

Under Governor Spitzer’s original announced plan for New York, which unfortunately is a reality in some states, one would have been able to apply for a driver’s license without having to prove their legal status. Those applying for licenses in New York State would no longer have been required to provide Social Security numbers and instead, would have allowed applicants to provide foreign passports or other forms of ID.

Therefore, illegal immigrants would have been eligible for the same license as legal immigrants and citizens under this plan.

The Brooklyn Young Republican Club began an on-line petition drive to stop this controversial Spitzer plan (go to www.brooklynyr.com for more information on the Club).

Indeed, nearly 400 individuals from Brooklyn and beyond signed this petition, including residents from throughout New York State, as well as from Wisconsin, Georgia, Nebraska, and Florida. This demonstrated the wide-spread disagreement with this plan, including by many Democrats like former NYC Mayor Ed Koch. The Brooklyn YR Club was proud to be a part of the large grass-roots effort that ultimately forced Spitzer to recently withdraw this plan.

In addition to all of the other potential security threats posed by this policy, including the fact that terrorists could have potentially obtained this new watered down driver’s license to allow them to operate more freely here, this plan could have forced us all to get passports to fly within the United States. This is because our licenses under Spitzer’s plan may not have met federal security requirements (REAL ID Act) and therefore, they would have been de-valued as proof of our identity and status in the United States. It is still unclear why our Governor proposed such a plan that would have burdened legal, law-abiding New York residents with additional costs and inconvenience by forcing us to get a passport in order to allow illegal immigrants to have a driver’s license.

Then, Governor Spitzer announced a new version of his original ill-conceived plan. He wanted to create a three-tier licensing system. Two of these licenses would have been available only to citizens and legal aliens and would have met the new federal security requirements. However, there still would have been a license available to illegal immigrants, which would still have raised the security threat mentioned above relating to terrorists potentially being able to obtain one. Once again, it is unclear why our Governor proposed creating any type of identification for people who are here illegally. Indeed, we should not be overlooking, bypassing, excusing or forgetting the fact that people are here illegally, and this is precisely what we are doing when any state provides them with a privilege like a driver’s license.

Some argue that Republicans and those who are opposed to giving illegal immigrants driver’s licenses are anti-immigrant. Nothing could be further from the truth. We support legal immigration and those who follow the law to become part of our great country. Think about it- how can we as a society look those in the eye who waited many years to become a part of our country legally, while we excuse and reward those who came here illegally by providing them with a driver’s license. I cannot support such unfairness, and I do not understand how Governor Spitzer and supporters of this type of plan can.

Although Governor Spitzer did withdraw his plan, there are still states that currently allow illegal immigrants to get driver’s licenses.

There are also those, including many Democrats running for President, who support this idea or can’t articulate where they stand. Thankfully, in New York, we were able to stop this plan; however, one state in our country allowing policies that threatens our security is one too many.

This is why I am pleased that two New York Members of Congress, Vito Fossella and Peter King, are taking the lead in Washington, D.C. to deter and prohibit states from issuing driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants.

Bob Capano is the President of the Brooklyn Young Republican Club.

YRs at the Plate: Bill Beale & Tara Thomas

William H. Beale

Lives In: Wappinger Falls, NY
Occupation: Business Owner & Media
Elected: Councilman, Ward 1, Town of Wappinger Falls
Website: www.TheFirstWard.org

William Beale, 30, has lived in the Town of Wappinger since moving there with his parents, John and Katherine, from Putnam County in 1982.

In high school, William devoted much of his free time towards the community. As a Boy Scout at the Knights of Columbus in Wappingers Falls, he attained the rank of Eagle Scout after completing a walking trail restoration project at Reese Park on Creek Road. William also joined the 100% volunteer Hughsonville Fire Department on Old Hopewell Road at age 16. He rose through the ranks to become Chief of Department in 2001 and 2002.

William attended Dutchess Community College studying government and criminal justice earning an A.A.S. He went on to Marist College where he completed studies in political science.

After initially running against an 18-year incumbent with the vote tied, William was elected in 2006 and subsequently re-elected Councilman of Ward 1 in 2007 to serve another two years in the Town Council of Wappinger Falls.

William currently resides on Marlorville Road adjacent to the Obercreek Farms (Reese) Estate. He owns a small business and is employed full time by Pamal Broadcasting, Ltd., located in the Town of Fishkill.

Tara Thomas

Lives In: Malta, NY
Occupation: Marketing & Government
Elected: Councilwoman, Town of Malta
Website: www.TaraThomas4Malta.com

Tara Thomas, a proud, lifelong resident of Malta, was just elected to the Malta Town Council this November.

Tara is dedicated to making Malta an even better place to live, learn, work and raise a family and will focus on advancing a common sense, family-friendly agenda designed to preserve Malta’s quality of life for future generations.

Tara believes in giving something back to the community, as evidenced through her volunteer work with the American Red Cross, the Round Lake Youth Baseball League, Project Yellow Ribbon/Adopt-A-Soldier, the Saratoga County Arts Council and as an Aqua Fitness instructor working with senior citizens at the YMCA.

Tara presently works for Assembly Republican Leader James N. Tedisco in the Office of Member Services. Previously, she was employed with Fortitech, Inc. as its Senior Marketing Coordinator where she assisted the promotion and implementation of the company’s various national and global marketing initiatives.

Tara graduated from Alfred University’s School of Ceramic & Art Design, earning her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with a concentration in Graphic Design and Communications.
Tara and her husband of four years, Keith, reside in the Town.

October What's My Caption Results

The results of the October 2007 GOPyr
Caption Contest are tied!

Here are the two winning entries:

“Well, you have neither a social security number nor a pulse, but I'm sure Governor Spitzer will issue you a driver's license anyway.” – Chris Dziedzic

“NYSYR Chris Dziedzic examines the new five-foot tall action figure of Jonathan Judge in pirate garb outside of the new Lego store in Binghamton. The pirate garb figure is the latest in a series of hot-selling, giant-sized action figures of New York State Young Republicans. The first figure, of Chairman Dziedzic in construction garb, flew off the shelves. In a related story, producers of “Bob the Builder” are now suing Dziedzic, saying that the Dziedzic action figure too closely resembles its trademarked character.” – Tim Kolpien

Thanks to all for playing and look out for the next Caption Contest coming soon!

On the Road with the Chairman

This fall, the NYSYR was as busy as ever with a variety of targeted campaign efforts all across the state. I traveled around the state to participate the New York State Young Republicans targeted campaign efforts on various fall weekends. And who said this was an off-year election?

Stop #1: Corning, NY
On Friday, September 14th, there was a fundraiser at the Radisson for Young Republican Tom Reed, the mayoral candidate for Corning. The next day, 25 to 30 YRs spent a couple of hours in the afternoon doing a targeted literature drop in the 2nd and 6th Wards in Corning for fellow YR and newly-elected Mayor of Corning, Tom Reed. We also carried literature for Mike Morrongiello in the 2nd Ward and George Spisak in the 6th Ward for their City Council campaigns.

Stop #2: Saratoga Springs, NY
On Saturday, October 13th, the Young Republicans helped support Saratoga YR Matt Veitch, candidate for Supervisor, and Skip Scirocco, candidate for Commissioner of Public Works in the City of Saratoga Springs. YRs from five different county chapters (Albany, Broome, Saratoga, Warren and Washington) participated. Later the Saratoga Springs GOP provided the volunteers with lunch at the campaign headquarters.

Stop #3: Troy, NY
On Sunday, October 14th, the YRs walked the 5th and 6th Council Districts in the City of Troy in support of candidates Carlyn Collier and Bob Krogh, Troy Mayor Harry Tuntunjian, and District Attorney candidate Greg Cholakis. Nearly forty volunteers walked the streets for the slate, including YRs from Albany, Broome, and Rensselaer. Afterwards, the campaign treated the volunteers to lunch at the Red Front Restaurant in Troy. I just wished we were given a chance to try the famous COB pizza (cheese on bottom).

Stop #4: Yonkers, NY
On Saturday, October 20th, I traveled out to Westchester County, and got to enjoy the beautiful leaves in full autumnal color along Route 17 through the Catskills. Previously, NYGOP had informed us that the Yonkers mayoral race was a targeted effort this fall. YRs from Broome, Manhatan and Westchester distributed literature door-to-door in the City of Yonkers in support of Mayor Phil Amicone and a slate of three City Council candidates.

YR Club Notes

Brooklyn YRs

The Brooklyn YRs held a meeting with Guardian Angel’s founder and former WABC’s Radio Host Curtis Sliwa on November 14th.
In what turned out to be a full house of eager Republicans and reporters, Curtis spoke about the major issues affecting local, state and national government, the need for Republicans to assume more control over the destiny of their own party, to cultivate Young Republican leadership, and to spread the Republican message to all communities. He also hinted that he may be considering a possible run for public office in the future. However, he did mention with certainty that he would commit to helping the Republican Party achieve the necessary changes to compete more effectively in the marketplace of ideas.
At the end of Curtis’ speech, the Brooklyn Young Republican Club’s officers presented Curtis with a certificate granting him Honorary Membership to their club.

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

The Capital YRs now have a Facebook presence, where you can find out more about their activities and events. You can visit and join their group on Facebook by searching for “CapitalYR: New York's Capital District Young Republican Club”.

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

Contact Information:
www.CapitalYR.org
Dutchess County YRs

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

Here’s a report from Nassau YR President Andrew Stream:

Monday, October 29th marked the Nassau County Young Republicans' first annual Pizza & Politics night. Many candidates and elected officials took part in the meeting, which was attended by over 20 YRs. The 2007-2008 Executive Board was also installed.

In attendance were NYS Assemblymen Tom McKevitt and Dave McDonough, candidates for Nassau County Legislature Harry Demell and Lee Tu, County Court Judge Jerald Carter, Supreme Court Judge Robert Schmidt, Acting Supreme Court Judge Jack Galasso, candidate for Town of North Hempstead Receiver of Taxes Peter Pinto, as well as several executive leaders from all over the County.

Assemblyman Dave McDonough swore in 3rd Vice President Evan Dackow at the start of the meeting. After all of the formalities, each candidate spoke for a few minutes about the importance of staying involved in the political process and the difference that the YRs have made in the past and continue to make. Pizza and soda were served and the YRs got to personally meet all of the elected officials and candidates in attendance.

After the meeting was adjourned, a few of the YRs as well as candidate for North Hempstead Receiver of Taxes Peter Pinto decided to head to a local pub for some milk and cookies. All in all, the meeting was a huge success.

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

Oneida County Executive, Tony Picente, was overwhelmingly elected on Election Day. He was victorious over local attorney Leon Koziol by over 8000 votes! Their phone bank targeting was critical and they are thrilled by the results. They only lost two of their targeted municipalities.
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

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

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

Orange County YRs

The Orange County YRs are in the process of reorganizing their activities. They will be holding their next meeting on Wednesday, January 9th at 7:30pm at the GOP HQ, 75 Main Street, Goshen, NY 10942.

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

Contact Information:
Lorena609@gmail.com
(Lorena Becerril, Corresponding Sec’y)

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

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

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

The Steuben YRs won all the County Legislator seats except for one. In Corning, Republicans regained control of the City Council and won the Mayor's race. The Steuben YRs played a critical role in the mayoral race in Corning, and the 59% to 41% victory certainly is very rewarding for them.

The Steuben YRs have also entered the blogosphere, which you can check out by visiting SteubenYR.blogspot.com.

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
SteubenYR.blogspot.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,

I am seriously considering supporting Barack Obama for President. Is that wrong?

From: Fuhklempt in Fulton

Dear Fuhklempt,

Oy, what a shandeh! Supporting Mr. Obama is a terrible idea! While I certainly understand the feeling of wanting a fresh, young, good looking candidate, I urge you to do your research. Is America’s best foreign policy one in which we embrace those who hate us? Is a state Senate position a good training ground for the Presidency? Should he be revered for only passing one bill into law during the 109th Congress? The choice is yours.

Dear Tusk,

This is the time of year for serious reflection. What are you, personally, thankful for this holiday season?

From: Curious in Canarsie

Dear Curious,

There is so much to be thankful for; it’s almost hard to know where to begin. First, I am so grateful for the consistent support that everyone at the New York State Young Republicans has given me – I may not make it to all of the events but my heart is there. I am happy to have found a good niche in the Bronx and hope to stay here for awhile. I love my family back home – my “herd” as I like to call them. Finally, I am thankful that the Almighty has blessed me with the ability to write “Tusk Talk” each edition, and for you reading it. Have a wonderful holiday season!

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