A Message from NYSYR Chairman Christopher Dziedzic

Battle stations, everyone! The first scene in the long contest with the Democrats in 2008 has been chosen.

It was the 48th Senatorial District in Oswego, Jefferson and St. Lawrence Counties.

Our candidate in that special election on February 26th was a strong one. Will Barclay is a long time friend of the Young Republicans and has a solid Republican voting record in the Assembly.

Last year, our state organization awarded Assemblyman Will Barclay the 2007 Wheeler Milmoe Award at our annual Teddy Roosevelt Dinner, naming him the Young Republican choice as Assemblyman of the Year.

It is because we are so excited about this campaign that we organized a targeted campaign weekend in Oswego, New York on Saturday, February 9th and 10th. We continue to find ways to put our resources behind this effort, and we have planned to spend NYSYR funds to feed and put up at local motels those Young Republicans who make the trip from around the state.

Regardless of what shadows are seen by any groundhog, I see many of my fellow YRs pitching in to help Will Barclay if he chooses to run again in November. In any case, whoever the Republican is, the NYSYR will work to bring eventual victory for the GOP so we can maintain a Republican majority in the State Senate and a two-party system in New York State. It’s a vision of success.

Christopher Dziedzic is the Chair of the NYSYR. Send wedding, birthday party and bar mitzvah invitations to chairman@nysyr.us.

The Case on Congestion Pricing

by Jonathan Judge, Brooklyn YRs

Former President Ronald Reagan once said, “Government's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: if it moves, tax it; if it keeps moving, regulate it; and if it stops moving, subsidize it.”

Congestion ‘pricing’ (or, more appropriately, a congestion ‘tax’), is a mechanism of imposing a per-use government surcharge for moving in a private vehicle on ordinary local public streets within a certain area.

And it may be coming to a city or town near you in the future if the State Legislature approves it for NYC on March 31st.

Why, you might ask, would our representatives vote for this. The goals articulated are many, but mainly as a government disincentive to modify your daily behavior to the way government thinks best. Some argue it is meant to reduce traffic congestion by pricing people out of their cars and on mass transit. Others argue it is the only way to reduce pollution by fining people for using private vehicles. And then many more honestly admit that it is just another means to raise revenue, particularly for already tax-payer funded transportation. Meanwhile, the revenue would not go to improve roads, but would be redistributed to mass transit improvements almost exclusively.

While congestion pricing does not exist in the United States yet, there have been certain areas with variable highway tolls, which is somewhat similar, though there is always a free alternative. Congestion pricing, however, by definition, eliminates any free alternate routes--it’s government’s way or no way.

New York City: The Test Subject

New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg (Unaffiliated), prompted by a Federal grant opportunity, has introduced a congestion pricing plan. The NYC Traffic Congestion Mitigation Commission, created by the State last year, has recommended a plan to charge all incoming drivers south of Manhattan’s 60th Street $8 a day (or $2,000 a year) between 6 AM and 6 PM on weekdays. Trucks would be charged $21 a day, or about $5,000 a year. It must be adopted by the New York City Council and the State Legislature before anyone can be charged. Furthermore, it could stand as precedent for other cities and towns in the state to begin implementing similar taxes.

New York State Highest Taxed State

The facts are out: New York State is one of the top three states with the highest tax burden in the country, according to the Tax Foundation.

But the experts don’t need to tell us that it’s expensive to live in New York, never mind to raise a family. We know it firsthand.

Pundits are already trying to figure out about how much our congressional representation might be reduced after the 2010 Census because New York is not growing at the same rates as other states.

We as Republicans have seen the error of the ways of this State and, consequently, hold dear the following two principles, which are found in our State Creed:

“I believe that while government can and should be the provider of some essential services, it should function with limited taxation, financial efficiency and the adoption of innovations to allow taxpayers to get the most for their hard-earned tax dollars”; and

“I believe that our natural environment is a precious resource for all humankind, and that citizens and government should work together to implement common-sense policies that allow for both environmental protection and economic growth.”

Our Republican principles acknowledge this, and the facts surrounding us compel us to do something about it.

For instance, in recognition that making travel more expensive hurts economic growth upstate, many Republican State Legislators are aiming to fight the toll hikes on the New York State Thruway, and some local elected officials are even recommending the abolition of the tolls altogether.

The impact of a $2,000 a year tax to commute into Manhattan by car would be certainly devastating for the breadbasket of the Empire State, and the evidence shows that it would do little to advance any of the goals that it is designed to produce, except to make government more money.

Does New York City Need a Congestion Tax?

On the charge that congestion is bad now and will be getting hopelessly worse, here are the facts. The number of private vehicles in Manhattan has gone down by 20,000 over the past 20 years. Census data shows that more people each year leave their cars at home to take mass transit instead, which infuses more revenue into mass transit by the very fact of its increased demand.

Those neighborhoods where a relatively large number of people drive to Manhattan (a) have mass transit options at or exceeding capacity that cannot improve service without multi-billion dollar new subway lines, (b) are areas without any sort of local access to Manhattan-bound mass transit, (c) are located where driving is faster than any available mass transit alternatives, or (d) mass transit does not fit into the demands of the individual’s or family’s daily routine. Not surprisingly, then, the MTA, which supports congestion pricing as it would be the primary recipient of revenues collected, does not anticipate that more than 1% of these drivers will switch to mass transit.

On the charge that pollution from cars will only get worse, here are the facts.
The City of New York released last year an analysis of greenhouse gas emissions in the city. It showed that pollution from vehicles has gone down 6% from 1995 to 2005, thanks to tougher standards and fewer people driving. The State Department of Environmental Conservation revealed that enforcement of environmental standards has been significantly lax because 33% of diesel trucks surveyed entering upper Manhattan grossly violated State emissions standards. Enforce more, don’t tax more.

On the charge that more revenue is needed to improve mass transit, here are the facts. Most of the improvements, such as expanding ferry service, creating bike lanes, creating Bus Rapid Transit lines, building the Second Avenue Subway, and creating new regional commuter hubs, are already being fully funded or implementation has already begun--all without a new tax. Funding through efficient planning, Federal grants and other investments has been working quite well enough.

How Does It Work in London

London’s congestion tax scheme is similar to the one proposed in New York City. While it did out-price some people from driving into London, the level of traffic congestion in 2002 and 2006 was exactly the same--about 2.3 minutes of delay per kilometer. In the short life of the congestion tax in London, the fee has already doubled from £5 ($10) a day to £8 ($16) a day. The tax zone also doubled from 8 square miles to 15 square miles, meaning more potential drivers to tax. Now the Mayor of London wants to charge all SUVs £25 ($50) a day. Bus fares were still increased a couple of years into the tax by 10%. Furthermore, a recent poll shows three-fourths of Londoners are against the congestion tax altogether. Other local governments in the UK, because of London’s revenues, are trying to impose their own congestion taxes, but with extremely high public and business opposition due to the massive tax burden.

How Do New Yorkers Feel About It?

About two-thirds of New Yorkers have been consistently opposed to the plan since last year. They would only consider it slightly favorable if it were used to prevent mass transit fare hikes, but this is something the Traffic Congestion Mitigation Commission recommends against.

Republicans generally oppose it more than Democrats, though opposition from both sides is at or above 60%.

No wonder opposition is so high: commuters who drive into the City from the Five Boroughs have a median income of $41,000 a year. That represents the equivalent of a 172% increase in State income tax for someone earning $41,000!

The Past Becomes Our Future

In 1990, several City Council Members introduced a City Charter amendment to ban congestion pricing in New York City. It never went anywhere, and here we are.

The people of New York City and New York State would be wise to oppose this scheme and work towards better and more efficient means of improving transportation and the overall ability to live and work in our state rather than resort to the typical liberal solution: if there’s a problem, tax something.

Jonathan Judge is the Secretary of the Brooklyn Young Republican Club and the Editor-in-Chief of the GOPyr.

An Interview with Steve Neuhaus

by Chris Dziedzic, Chairman

One of the things the Young Republicans aspire to is a networking community--not just among a small circle of friends, but a vast social network across the state and across time. To build those networks, I will be sharing some interviews I have held with previous state chairs of our organization. This first one is with Steven Neuhaus, who served two terms as Chair from 1997 to 2001.

CD: How did you first become involved in the Young Republicans?
SN: I became involved right after Bush lost to Clinton in 1992. I ran into an elderly couple that I used to work for in my teens. We started talking politics, and I expressed my disappointment in the GOP’s loss. They mentioned that I should join the YR's. I joined the Orange County YRs a month later and took over as chair within a year. The rest is history.

CD: When did you first become involved in the NYSYR?
SN: After taking over as Chair, I decided to bring the organization into the fold with the State YR's. We did that, and soon thereafter, we got involved in the YRNF as well. Both the YRNF and the NYSYR offered great opportunities to my members.

CD: How did your involvement in the Young Republicans escalate into serving as State Chairman?
SN: By working with other YR's around the state, we decided that change was needed. We fielded a ticket made up of YR's from around the state and despite being long shots, we won.

CD: What was the biggest challenge to overcome as NYSYR Chair?
SN: Bringing the whole state together after the race. Some of our ticket wanted to write off the losing side. Thankfully we didn't do that and for the most part, everyone had a seat at the table. We were all Republicans and didn't need to fight amongst ourselves. That's what the Democrats are for.

CD: What accomplishment as NYSYR Chair are you most proud of?
SN: I think that bringing all parts of the state together was the biggest accomplishment. By doing that we were able to cultivate the talent that the YR's attracted. Look at some of the key YR's from my administration today. Holly Tanner from Columbia County is the County Clerk, Matt Sciarrino is a Judge in New York City, Dan Birmingham is the Putnam County Legislative Chairman, Karl Brabenec is a newly elected Deerpark Councilman, Brandon Neilson is newly re-elected Blooming Grove Councilman, and I was just elected Chester Town Supervisor by a 2-1 margin. There are more out there as well. Most of the YR's I know from my time as Chair are currently GOP Committee members throughout the state. Our involvement in the YR's had everything to do with all of our successes in politics.

CD: What have you been doing both professionally and politically since your term as State Chair?
SN: During and immediately after my time in the YR's, I worked in the City Management Field. Since then, I was twice elected as Chester Town Councilman, and last month I was elected by the highest margin of any other candidate as Chester Town Supervisor. I also serve as my town GOP Chairman and sit on the OC GOP Executive Committee. In addition to my elected service, I currently serve as the HV Director to the NYS Assembly Minority Leader, James Tedisco. I also served 4 years in the Army and was just commissioned as an Officer in the US Navy Reserves.

CD: What parting advice would you like memorialized for future YR leaders over the next five, ten and twenty years?
SN: I would have to emphasize that we are all Republicans. Internal squabbles do and will happen. The quicker we can hash them out, the quicker we can get back to doing what we are supposed to do. . . getting Republicans elected. It's easier said than done, but it’s the only way for the Republican Party to be successful. “A house divided cannot stand” is as true as it gets.

Out in Right Field

Out in Right Field
by Julius Ponds

One of the recurring topics of this presidential election cycle is American foreign policy. What is the United States’ proper role in Iraq? What is the United States’ proper role towards other dictatorships around the globe? And this is not just an issue between Republicans and Democrats, but even an issue of contention among Republicans. You have some presidential aspirants who definitely question our role in the world. What direction should our Republican Party advocate in the field of foreign policy?

Let me give a little guiding quote…

“We declare, in the name of the people, that we will accord fraternity and assistance to all people who wish to recover their liberty, and we charge the executive power to give to the generals the necessary orders to protect these peoples and to defend our citizens who may have been or who may be harassed for the cause of liberty. The present decree shall be translated and distributed in all languages.”

Is this a quote from some neoconservative submission to the Weekly Standard? Or a resolution drafted by a hawkish portion of the current congressional Republican minority? No, instead it was a decree by the French National Convention on November 19, 1792. Yeah, yeah, all chuckles aside due to the French authorship, there is merit to prevailing attitude behind it.

The Girondist theory of foreign policy, which is exemplified in this decree, is one that speaks loudly to the current position of the United States. The Girondists recognized the important role of revolutionary France in Europe at that time, a position of hope and encouragement to others across the continent desiring to throw off the repressive shackles of absolute tyranny. They paid special attention to the effect and impact of their experiment in human freedom on foreign peoples. Likewise, we need to acknowledge the effect and impact of our even greater American experiment in human freedom on foreign peoples. We should neither turn our back on the world, nor coddle repressive regimes out of fear of appearing arrogant.

Few times in human history do both MIGHT and RIGHT reside in the same global power. The United States should not betray our duty and responsibility, but remain actively engaged in the world as a strong and powerful force for freedom and liberty. We should make sure that as Republicans, our party’s presidential candidate shares that view.

YR Club Notes

Brooklyn YRs

The Brooklyn YRs, as did many YRs throughout the state, got press during the pre-Super Tuesday media blitz. Secretary Jonathan Judge (above) was interviewed by CNN and News 12 Brooklyn about the Giuliani campaign and what young voters are looking for in candidates when it comes to the economy and the War on Terror. Though the Brooklyn YRs were saddened by Giuliani’s departure from the race, they are ready to pound the pavement to help make John McCain, the likely party nominee at the convention, the next President of the United States.

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 worked hard gathering volunteers for Assemblyman Will Barclay’s special election campaign for State Senate in the 48th SD.
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 e-mail them.

Contact Information:
www.DutchessYR.com
angelaflesland@yahoo.com

Livingston County YRs

Young Republicans are working together to form a club in Livingston County.
For more information about the club-in-formation, e-mail Aaron Galvin at agalvin@frontiernet.net.

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

Nassau YR President Andrew Stream spoke out again Governor Spitzer’s “Crack Tax” in a press release to local papers in late January. He particularly condemned the plan because he sees it as one step toward legalization and a way for the state to profit from harmful drug use.

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

New York State Senator Marty Golden and conservative author and legal analyst Mark Smith both spoke at the February Monthly Meeting of the NYYRC. Senator Golden spoke about Will Barclay’s special election campaign and urged everyone to volunteer upstate if possible, and he addressed several issues, including the Governor’s proposed “Crack Tax”. Author Mark Smith gave a rousing chat about simple arguments that can be used to counter (politely of course) any senseless liberal statements that you come across.
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
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

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

Contact Information:
www.ocyrs.com
www.myspace.com/ocnyyr
Lorena609@gmail.com
(Lorena Becerril, Corresponding Sec’y)

Oswego County YRs

Our fellow young Republicans in Oswego County (some of who are pictured to the left) are working to establish a YR club. For more information, please contact Terry Wilbur at tmwilbur1@hotmail.com or Scott McManus at scottmcm@twcny.rr.com.

Queens YRs

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

Contact Information:
www.qcyr.org (Under Construction)
info@qcyr.org
(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

The SIYRs just had their elections and all the current officers were re-elected to another term. Congrats!

They also got quite a bit of pre-Super Tuesday press as well. President Anthony Reinhart (left) was interviewed by London’s SkyNews about the race and he comments about the potential power of Obamamania in this upcoming election. During the Florida primary, the New York Times covered their primary watching party, quoting SIYR VP Rich Hoffman, Assemblyman Lou Tobacco Chief-of-Staff Michael Coppotelli, and members Mike Law and Ryan Osborn.

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
SteubenYR.blogspot.com
phalliday@steubenyr.com
(Peter Halliday, Chairman)

Suffolk County YRs

Usually meet last Thursday of the month (except in July & August), Bobbique, 70 W. Main St. in Patchogue, 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

Usually meet on the 1st Friday of the month. For the latest meeting and events information, please e-mail the Warren County YRs.

Contact Information:
www.wcyr.org
Warrencountyyrs@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

Contact Information:
www.WestchesterYRs.com
robdokwon@hotmail.com
(Rob Biagi, Chairman)

Tusk Talk With Tusk Harper

Our dear friend, Tusk Harper, has informed the GOPyr that he is on holiday this month (in Aruba, in case you were wondering), and unfortunately will not be gracing our pages with the wisdom and wit that we have all grown to love.

However, he did tell us that he and his counsel will be back in March, a bit more sage--and a little tanner.

Questions? Write Tusk at tuskharper@yahoo.com.