The GOPyr

A Message from NYSYR Chairman Christopher Dziedzic

2008-12-20T13:09:00.002-05:00

There is no need to sugar coat this. This was not a fun election cycle for our party, at either the national, the state or the local level. And while we cannot deny the help that Democrats straight down the ticket received because of the celebrity status of Barack Obama, do not let anyone fool you into thinking that was the entire reason for our lack of success in November.

No, instead we have to face the reality of rebuilding the Grand Old Party from the bottom up.

Just a couple of weeks ago, I was in Seneca Falls, meeting with a newly organizing Young Republican chapter in the Finger Lakes region. I was pleased to learn how the GOP county committee in Seneca County recently experienced some turn over, with new and energetic faces in charge. These new leaders are committed to rebuilding our party from the bottom up, and that includes the creation and support of a Young Republican chapter for their county.

Here in New York State, this means fighting our increasing enrollment disadvantage. This cannot be done by setting up mindless voter enrollment drives. There has to be a commitment to educate our fellow citizens as to what our party stands for and why those policies are best for New Yorkers.

Building Young Republican chapters in all 62 counties is an important part of that effort, as they can educate the younger portion of the electorate. I am proud that since early 2007, we’ve seen unprecedented growth in our organization with SEVEN newly credentialed county clubs. That is essential for the grassroots rebuilding that I am committed to in 2009.

Christopher Dziedzic is the Chair of the NYSYR. When it comes to getting around the state to meet with newly organizing or long established Young Republican chapter around the state, “have car, will travel.”

On the Road with the Chairman

2008-12-20T13:08:00.001-05:00

Since our last issue, Chairman Chris Dziedzic has been busy in his travels around the state on behalf of the New York State Young Republicans. Is he ever glad to see gas prices falling below that peak of over $4.00 a gallon!

Stop #1: Saratoga Springs, NY
Chris drove up to Saratoga on Saturday, August 2nd for the Seventh Annual NYSYR Day at the Races. This has been one of our most successful fundraising events over the past view years, filling up the coffers in preparation for a busy fall campaigning schedule.

Stop #2: Queensbury, NY
Chris made the trip to Queensbury, New York on Sunday, August 16th to attend the Second Annual Warren County YR Family Fun Day. This is always a fun event with unlimited use of laser tag, bumper cars and go carts during the afternoon.

Stop #3: Catskill, NY
On Sunday, August 17th, Chris traveled down I-87 to Catskill, New York to meet with Eric Mortenson and Bryan Cranna, the chairs of Young Republican groups from Columbia County and Dutchess County respectively. The group in Columbia County is interested in forming into an official Young Republican chapter and getting more involved with our state organization.

Stop #4: Endicott, NY
On Thursday, August 21st , both Chris and NYSYR Parliamentarian Ed Lass attended the State Senator Tom Libous’ Annual Steak Roast at the En-joie Golf Course. This is the second year the NYSYR has sent attendees to this GOP fundraiser, one of the largest in Upstate New York.

Stop #5: Brooklyn, NY
The second YR targeted campaign weekend found Chris campaigning in Brooklyn for a slate of Republican candidates highlighted by fellow YR and State Assembly candidate Bob Capano. Young Republicans from Broome, Kings, Nassau, New York and Richmond Counties participated in this effort.

Stop #6: Utica, NY
The third YR targeted campaign weekend found Chris working neighborhoods in Oneida County for congressional candidate Richard Hanna on October 4th. Jack Karwacki, chair of the Oneida County YRs, did a great job in organizing this effort.

Stop #7: New York, NY
The fourth YR targeted campaign weekend found Chris in Manhattan helping a variety of YR candidates on October 18th: John Chromczak for State Senate and Saul Farber and Bill Buran for State Assembly.

Stop #8: Pittsford, NY
The fifth YR targeted campaign weekend found Chris working neighborhoods in Monroe County for Congressman Randy Kuhl on October 25th. Young Republicans from Broome, Monroe, Ontario and Steuben Counties participated.

Stop #9: Seneca Falls, NY
On November 25th, Chris and Executive Director Rick Cordaro travelled to meet with a new YR club being organized in Seneca County. One of the nice things about this group was that they have administration and financial support of their senior party.

Out in Right Field

2008-12-20T13:07:00.000-05:00

by Julius Ponds

The Bear went down to Georgia, he was looking for some land to steal. He was in a bind 'cos nations paid him no mind: he was willin' to bring ‘em to heel.

It is a true shame that a young budding Democracy was assaulted as it was by a larger, authoritarian neighbor. My fear is that in the future, people will be less likely to throw off the shackles of oppression in Rose Revolutions, Orange Revolutions and Tulip Revolutions. We do not want those people to resign themselves to living in the darkness and in the shadow of Russian autocracy, but rather embrace the light of political freedom.

Saakashvili’s rosin up his bow and play his fiddle hard. 'Cos hells broke loose in Georgia and the Bear deals it hard.

In a previous edition of the GOPyr newsletter, I advocated a Girondist theory of foreign policy for the United States. I continue to advocate that we need to acknowledge the effect and impact of our great 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. In practical applications, we should have stood more firmly behind a country like Georgia – as a newer democracy – and as a staunch ally in the war on terror.

Wouldn’t it have been better for humanity if the story had ended like this?

The Bear bowed his head because he knew that he'd been beat. He laid that golden fiddle on the ground at Saakashvili’s feet.

I am not confident in the incoming foreign policy team of Obama, Biden and Clinton. I would hope they see the positive value America brings to the world, but fear they share the Left’s convictions that America is a corrupting and malevolent influence on the world stage.

YR Club Notes

2008-12-20T13:04:00.002-05:00

Brooklyn YRs

Usually meet the second Wednesday of the month. For the latest meeting and events information, visit the Brooklyn YR’s website.

Contact Information:
www.BrooklynYR.com
BrooklynYR@gmail.com (Jonathan Judge, 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
pauljamison@optonline.net  (Paul Jamison, President)

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

For more information about the club, 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

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  (Stephen Canzoneri, President) 

New York YRs

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)-725-2213
jack.karwacki@gmail.com (Jack Karwacki, Chairman)

Onondaga County YRs

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

Contact Information:
www.ocyrepublicans.org
rick.cordaro@ocyrepublicans.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 Villegas, Corresponding Sec’y)

Oswego County YRs

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
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

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.freewebs.com/wcyr
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)

Moving Right

2008-12-20T13:03:00.000-05:00

by William Palumbo, New York YRs

The Republican Party should shift significantly more conservative for two important and complementary reasons.

First is the matter of statecraft. The once great Democratic Party is intellectually bankrupt and has morphed into a party of false promises and handouts – more government jobs, economically unsustainable environmental and healthcare programs, and unrestrained immorality.

The American people are smart enough to sniff out this bunk; we know that government possesses no magical powers capable of solving life’s problems and alleviating personal guilt.

The Democratic candidate poses little threat to an articulate, conservative Republican.

Republicans lost this election partially because of a cycle, but more so because our rhetoric. Even when it was clearly articulated by a largely inarticulate John McCain, it rang hollow when matched with our past actions.

Over the last eight years, the size of government expanded rather than contracted. Yes, government expansion is a threat to our economy, but more gravely its threat is existential in nature. We must reverse course or our nation will assuredly suffer decline; perhaps not with this generation, but the lessons of history foretell inevitability. Republicans must start acting as statesmen and -women and less like Democrat-lites. This is of monumental importance.

Second, while bolstering the statecraft argument, social conservatism wins elections. To say nothing of her politics, consider Ayn Rand’s refusal to support the Libertarian Party because she believed political campaigns cannot educate the public. Aside from my belief that socially conservative values, arising from the organic family, form the bedrock of a society hostile to government encroachment, they are also electorally popular. There should continue to be sufficient wiggle room for local and state candidates, but the national Republican Party must remain the party for socially conservative voters, both because of their aggression towards government growth and for practical matters of winning.

Moreover, some Republicans have taken this loss as evidence that the country has shifted leftward. Exit polls suggest otherwise. What has happened is that Republicans have shifted leftward, leaving voters with an unfortunate choice between a gradual decline in freedoms, or a swift one, camouflaged in the vagaries of hope and change. Given the choice between Republican sorrow for a once-free nation ambling slowly down the road to socialism, and a promised socialist utopia, is it any surprise whom the voters chose?

Republicans need to find a charismatic, conservative leader, well-versed in the dangers of big government and learned in the institutions and values that underpin a free and democratic society. Perhaps in four years we will have this in Sarah Palin. If not, look elsewhere. No nation, not even a great one, can exist under the insatiable demands of a government that long ago burst free from its fundamental constraints.

This election was a wake up call. Yes, we lost. But let’s not lose our way.

William Palumbo is the Publications Chair of the New York Young Republican Club.

The Change We Need

2008-12-20T13:02:00.001-05:00

by Mike Shannon, Capital District YRs

During this most recent election season we have heard both sides of the political spectrum talk about the need for change.

Barack Obama used the slogan, "Change we need". John McCain said he has been a maverick for more than 20 years and he is going to change Washington D.C.

The country is frustrated and angry with the politics and lack of action coming from our nation's capital. We all know the issues: the economy, the war, and so forth. What change are we looking for?

In 1992, Bill Clinton told us he was a new kind of Democrat and things would be different. By 1994, the nation did not like the direction the country was headed in and turned Congress over to the Republicans. In 1996, Clinton was re-elected but Congress was left to the Republicans, so apparently the people thought we were doing just fine. The economy was good and people were happy. This too would change as scandal after scandal caused anger and strife.

Along came George W. Bush in 2000, who was suppose to be able to reach across to the other side of the spectrum, be bipartisan and get things done. He told us he is a compassionate conservative and things would be different.

Now we have finished another election, George W. Bush cannot serve any longer due to the 22nd Amendment of the U.S Constitution.

The 22nd Amendment limits any individual from serving as President for more than two terms. This became necessary after President Franklin Roosevelt was elected to an unprecedented four terms in office. The United States and its allies had just finished fighting World War II. Our enemies included three of the most evil people in all of world history: Hitler, Mussolini, and Tojo. Of the three of them, two had been in power for more than 12 years. Franklin Roosevelt had also been in power for 12 years and would have been there a total of 16 had survived for the remainder of his last term in office.

With the fear of dictators fresh in their minds, the American people wanted to limit the Office of the President to just 8 years per person.

There are 37 states that currently have term limits on their Governors and some cities limit the number of terms for Mayors (New York City is one such example).

Why is this? There is a belief in America that in order for there to be progress and not an entrenchment of power restricted to just a few people, then we need to limit how long people can serve. This opens the seat to a new person who can make changes and bring fresh ideas. That sounds great: fresh ideas, a new tone. I think the American people would love a new tone coming out of Washington and Albany.

In my lifetime, there have been 7 presidents. Averaged out, that is a new President about every 5 years (yes I know terms are 4 years long but read on and learn). During the 36 years of my life, Vice President-elect Joe Biden has been a Senator for all of them. In the current 110th Congress, the average length of service for a member is 10 years or 5 terms. The longest serving member of the house is Representative John Dingell (D-MI), with 52 years. In the Senate, the average length of service is just over 12 years. The longest serving member is Senator Robert C. Byrd (D-WV) with 48 years. So what seems to be the common denominator in Washington? Change the President regularly but keep the Members of Congress.

Why do you think that is? It is quite simple; laws and Constitutional amendments start in Congress. If Americans truly want to change direction in this country then they need to start by changing who their leaders are. Change needs to happen in Congress as well. We need term limits to help force change and stop the consolidation of power. Truly, the current situation is not working.

Here is what I am proposing. Members of the House of Representatives should serve no longer than three terms, or 6 years. If during their third term they hold a leadership position like Speaker of the House, then they can run for one more term, limiting them to four terms, or 8 years. In the Senate members should be limited to 2 terms, or 12 years. Again like the lower house if during their final term they are holding a leadership position then they can run for 1 more term. This would limit them to 3 terms, or 18 years (that seems like a lot). One thing to remember is that in the Senate, one-third of Senators are up for election every 2 years so if more of those 33 seats were open races because of term limits then be might see the change we are looking for.

If we are serious about change then we need to take control of our government through constitutional change. The Constitution starts with "We the people", that means you and me. We control the government; the government doesn’t control us.

Mike Shannon is a member of the Capital District YRs.

Tusk Talk with Tusk Harper

2008-12-20T13:00:00.000-05:00

Dear Tusk,

It's that time of year and I just don't feel merry or grateful for everything I have. Perhaps it's because of the election but I am sad that I'm not my usual hopeful self. How can I get out of this funk?

From: Scrooge in Schenectady

Dear Scrooge,

Fear not, kind sir (or madam)! We are a nation that endures and strengthens. As for your personal feelings, not every year will be a banner one. But it's that uniquely American spirit that will let you lace your boots up and rebound in 2009. You were placed on this earth - and in this country - to do great things. Instead of worrying that you're not meeting those goals, just go out and strive to make the world a better place.

Dear Tusk,

I have been a proud member of the Republican party for almost 15 years and I've never seen the party holding such a minority. What happened to our complete grip on power? What's next?

From: Humbled in Haverstraw

Dear Humbled:

Dwelling on the past won't get us anywhere. Let's focus on our core principles as a party and our message will spread - this country is used to a conservative government and the next two years will be a shock to the system. We have a great group of leaders who can lead us back to greatness. Governors Pawlenty, Jindal, Sanford, Palin and Crist are just the tip of the iceberg. Let's talk up our elected officials at the next holiday dinner table.

Questions? Write Tusk at tuskharper@yahoo.com.

A Message from NYSYR Chairman Chris Dziedzic

2008-08-16T14:50:00.001-04:00

There have been lots of great things going on this summer with the New York State Young Republicans. The Saratoga County chapter hosted our SEVENTH Annual YR Day at the Races on Saturday, August 2nd. Our clubs in Onondaga and Oswego Counties coordinated a successful YR golf outing that took place on Saturday, July 19th.

Of course, we are also being contacted by numerous Assembly, Senatorial and Congressional campaigns about our involvement this fall.

Speaking of the fall campaign, many of our fellow Republicans were relishing the ongoing campaign of Hillary Clinton for the Democratic presidential nomination despite the mathematical hurdles she faced. They were hoping for chaos and division at the Democratic national convention reminiscent of 1980.

That year, Ted Kennedy correctly thought that Carter was weak and vulnerable. He challenged him in a protracted primary battle that lasted into a contentious convention in Madison Square Garden. Carter was weak, but it wasn’t another liberal Democrat that would deliver the coup de grace, but the Republican nominee, Ronald Reagan.

Why had Hillary stayed in the race so long? I attribute it to her enormous ego and unhealthy passion to be elected President. Despite all of the unpleasant facts around her, for that overwhelming ambition of hers, the work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives, and the dream shall never die. Her comments at one point suggested she’s hanging around waiting for someone to assassinate her opponent.

We cannot allow this set of circumstances to make us complacent, however, with the prospect of Republican successes this year. Instead we need to work hard, as we have started this summer, to ensure victory this fall.

Christopher Dziedzic is the Chair of the NYSYR. Long after the signs come down… and the crowds stop cheering… and the bands stop playing… may it be said of him that he kept the faith of the NYSYR.

A Night of Laughter In Suffolk

2008-08-16T14:49:00.001-04:00

by Chris Como, Suffolk YRs

The Suffolk County Young Republicans recently held their Comedy Night 2008 on April 29th at the Elk’s in Patchogue, Long Island.

The event was a huge success, raising significant money for the club as well as offering a great night of entertainment.

As a club, we are always looking for fresh ideas on how to raise money for the club and at the same time avoid the traditional chicken dinner fundraiser.

With a comedy night, we were able to attract not only our traditional Republican supporters, but also our family, friends, and co-workers who may not be extremely interested in politics.

What made the event even easier to assemble was the fact that one of our local committeemen is a professional comedian, who was able to book all the comedians for a very low fee. The five comedians performed one after another and seemed to get funnier as they went on. With the funds we raised at the events we will continue our outreach to recruit new members.

Judging by the fun that was had by the standing room only crowd and the money that was generated, we look forward to making this an annual event.

YRs at the Plate

2008-08-16T14:46:00.001-04:00

Bob Capano

Lives In: Brooklyn, NY
Occupation: Civil Servant/Professor
Running For: State Assembly, 46th AD
Website: www.CapanoForAssembly.com

A life-long resident of Bay Ridge, Bob is the President of the 68th Precinct Youth Council, a former leader of the Bay Ridge Community Council, a member of the 68th Precinct Community Council and a former VP of the Bay Ridge Consumer Federation.

Bob attended St. Patrick’s Elementary School and Xaverian High School. Bob is a former Brooklyn high school social studies teacher and currently an adjunct Professor of Political Science. Bob has a Master’s Degree in Urban Policy and Administration from Brooklyn College.

For nearly a decade, Bob has worked across party lines to fight for his community, first as a Senior Advisor to Democratic Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz, then as Director of Brooklyn Operations for Republican Congressman Vito Fossella.

Bob has been at the forefront of Bay Ridge’s biggest battles, such as fighting to revitalize the Shore Parkway bike path, eliminating homeless encampments, and saving Fort Hamilton and the Brooklyn VA Hospital from closure. Bob will lead the charge for dramatic reforms in Albany, fight to reduce taxes on working families, enhance benefits for our seniors and veterans and expand access to healthcare in our community.

He will be running on the Republican, Conservative and Independence lines this fall.

Rob Biagi

Lives In: Westchester, NY
Occupation: Lawyer
Running For: State Assembly, 91st AD
Website: www.BiagiForAssembly.com

Rob Biagi was born in Mt. Kisco, New York in 1972, and raised in Shrub Oak, New York. He graduated from SUNY Oswego with a BA in Political Science in 1994, and Brooklyn Law School in 1997. Rob started working as an Assistant District Attorney with the Bronx District Attorney’s Office, where he prosecuted all manners of felony and misdemeanor crimes and spent the last year in the Narcotics Division.

In early 2001, he joined the law firm of Ohrenstein & Brown, LLP. After the firm’s office was destroyed in the 9/11 Terrorist Attacks, Rob continued to work at its Midtown office as an Associate. He left in 2005 and went to The Hartford Insurance Co., where he continues to work today as a Senior Staff Trial Counsel.

Rob now lives in New Rochelle just off Pelham Road. He co-founded the Greater Pelham Road Association, a community organization of local coop and condo board representatives organized to share common ideas and concerns among neighboring co-op apartment buildings. He also became a District Leader in the New Rochelle Republican City Committee and is also currently a member of its Issues Committee. In 2007, Rob was appointed by former City Councilman Mike Boyle to a term on the New Rochelle Traffic Advisory Committee.

He and his wife, Flora, were married in 2007.

John Chromczak

Lives In: New York, NY
Occupation: Medical Technologist
Running For: State Senate, 25th SD
Website: www.JohnC4Senate.com

John G. Chromczak was born in Utica, New York in 1970. Shortly after John was born, his father, Archie, died of melanoma, and his mother, Virginia, raised all five of her children while working full-time and putting herself through school.

In 1994, John began his studies at SUNY Potsdam, studying music performance and biology. Through his church, he became active in several volunteer organizations, including the American Red Cross.

After receiving his degree in 1998, John returned to Utica. He worked for several years as a medical technologist. He also served as a substitute teacher. In 2005, John moved to New York City. Since then, he has worked at New York University Medical Center/Bellevue Hospital Center as a licensed medical technologist, specializing in clinical laboratory testing for bleeding disorders and red cell disorders.

He is currently a member of SEIU 1199 and for several years was a member of the United Food and Commercial Worker’s Union Local 1 and the American Federation of Musicians Local 51. He is currently an active member of the New York YRs, the Brooklyn YRs and the Log Cabin Republicans.

John currently lives in lower Manhattan with his partner Andre and their dog Bono.

Saul Farber

Lives In: New York, NY
Occupation: Recent College Graduate
Running For: State Assembly, 75th AD
Website: www.SaulFarber.com

Saul was born in Miami Beach, Florida on December 20, 1985 and grew up surrounded by politics. He attended Greenfield Day School, a Jewish primary school and Miami Killian Senior Public High School. In the summer of 2003, he worked on the re-election campaign of a New York City Councilman, handling all of the campaign’s financial reporting.

Saul graduated high school with an A average and completed the most rigorous Advanced Placement curriculum the school offered.

He entered New York University in the fall of 2004, actively involved with the NYU College Republicans. Saul completed his undergraduate degree in 2008, with an A- average, from the College of Arts and Sciences, double-majoring in Politics and History.

Saul is an active supporter to Senator John McCain, in his current bid to become the next President of the United States and an active member of the New York Young Republican Club, Inc. He is currently running for New York State Assembly in the 75th District, which encompasses the West Side of Manhattan.

Saul is an avid Yankees fan, likes to fish and play baseball. He currently lives in Midtown West with his girlfriend, Amber, and his cat, Enid.

Bill Buran

Lives In: New York, NY
Occupation: Marketing
Running For: State Assembly, 72nd AD
Website: www.BillBuran.com

Born and raised in the Binghamton region of Upstate New York, Bill quickly learned that personal responsibility and self reliance are the principles that make this country great.

Bill attended Manhattan College in Riverdale section of the Bronx. There he studied Finance and Economics while volunteering his time as the Baseball Team Manager and working for the Sports Media Relations office.

Upon graduating college, Bill stayed in New York and built his career in Advertising and Marketing. After a few years living in Brooklyn, Bill moved to Inwood in 2005. During this time, Bill and his business partner Vidura Barrios created a new media company called Inner Splendor Media, which employs three people and utilizes many of the other small businesses in the Inwood/Washington Heights area.

Politics entered Bill’s life in August of 2007 during the Presidential primaries. Bill’s belief in limited government, free markets, low taxes, civil liberties and strong property rights lead him to Congressman Ron Paul’s campaign. Bill comes to the Republican Party from the traditional conservative wing such as President Taft, Reagan and Senator Goldwater.

Bill currently is a proud resident and business owner of Upper Manhattan.

95th Annual New York YR Club Alumni Dinner

2008-08-16T14:45:00.001-04:00

by Jimmy Toussaint, Brooklyn YRs

In a roomy Manhattan penthouse, the New York YRs get together for their alumni dinner each year.

The atmosphere was full of refreshing conservative energy that is normally waterd down in the blue state of New York.

While looking over the city, people from different backgrounds and ages mingled before the dinner. From the self-made business man to the politically-active college student, everyone came together to support the NYYRC awardees and most importantly, they came to re-affirm commitment to the conservative movement.

This particular event featured prominent Republican speakers like Bill Kristol of the Weekly Standard and Fox News, Fran Townsend, former Presidential Assistant for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism, and Rick Lazio, former New York Congressman and 2000 U.S. Senate candidate.

Other notable attendees at the dinner were Edward Cox, Chairman of John McCain's Presidential Campaign in New York, Republican State Senate candidate John Chromczak and Republican State Assembly candidate Saul Farber.

There is nothing like re-affirming Republican values with a nice glass of wine, a multi-course dinner and camraderie with fellow and distinguished Young Republicans.

During the dinner, New York YR President, Lynn Krogh, presented awards to Fran Townsend, Rick Lazio and NYYRC alumnus Charles Moerdler.

Krogh did an excellent job with this event and the club's officers really pulled together an exceptional evening experience. If they continue on this path to bringing New York Republicans together, we will be a stronger political force in New York City for it.

Jimmy Toussaint is the Chair of Fundraising & Events for the Brooklyn Young Republican Club, and a recent attendee at this year’s NYYRC 95th Alumni Dinner.

YRs Helping Congressional Candidate Bob Straniere

2008-08-16T14:43:00.001-04:00

by Kara Donnelly, Staten Island YRs

Bob Straniere is a former New York State Assemblyman who represented Staten Island and Brooklyn for 24 years in the 60th District. He was also a past President the Staten Island Young Republicans. Chris Hellstrom, former VP of the Richmond County Republicans, is the Staten Island campaign manager. Bob is certainly a friend to the YR organization and could really use our help.

Bob is a proud husband, father and grandfather, successful business man, and a committed public servant. While Bob was in the New York State Assembly, he fought for lower taxes and less government.

Straniere has a common sense energy plan that combines federal relief at the pump now while investing in wind and solar technology so we can be energy independent in the future. Because of this, I believe Bob has the experience we need to reform Congress.

The 13th Congressional District includes all of Staten Island and the neighborhoods of Bay Ridge, Bensonhurst, Dyker Heights, and Gravesend in Brooklyn. For more than 27 years, this Congressional District has been represented by Republicans. Congressman Vito Fossella currently represents the 13th Congressional District but is retiring after more than a decade of public service.

This is the only Republican Congressional seat in the City of New York, and we have to fight to keep it Republican.

His campaign will be holding a massive outreach event, particularly with an eye towards getting more Young Republicans involved in his campaign. Anyone interested in helping Straniere’s campaign with event on August 23rd, starting at 11 AM, contact me at 718-494-8410 or karamdonnelly@hotmail.com. Lunch and dinner will be provided.

Disclosure: The NYSYR does not endorse in primary elections, and will publish information for any Republican candidate upon request.

Randy Kuhl’s Gearing Up For a Fight

2008-08-16T14:42:00.000-04:00

By Peter Halliday, Steuben YRs

Looking at the number of Republicans that are in Congress from New York is a depressing act.

In a Republican-friendly upstate area, that should be different, but it isn’t. And even though Steuben County is an area where Republicans out-number Democrats, the congressional districts that neighbor us are slowly being lost.

Enter Randy Kuhl. Randy Kuhl is a local guy. He was a lawyer that represented us in Albany first as an Assemblyman and then in the Senate. One of the hallmarks of Randy Kuhl during his career has been constituent service. There’s no one who fights harder for the citizens whom they represent.

Here we are after a year and a half since Democrats reassumed control over Congress, you would think things should be easier. The other party has lower poll ratings than the President they so quickly criticize.

The opponent who ran against Kuhl in 2006 even came close. He’s a professional politician who can’t decide what party he belongs to. He used to be registered Republican, and then registered Democrat around the time he moved here. Most of his money is coming from outside of the district. The Democratic leadership seems committed just to knock off one of the last Republicans in the House in our area.

But Representative Kuhl isn’t going without a fight. He’s revamped his website, www.kuhlforcongress.com, and he is making a lot of changes that many of us Young Republicans had made. He’s using other sites like Facebook, MySpace, and Twitter.

During his last race, there were dozens of people who came into our district from downstate to help him out. This was before the Democrat leadership really cared about the race. This could mean a standoff in our district for one of the last Republican seats this way.

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

The More Things Change: The War Presidency Won't Necessarily End with Bush

2008-08-16T14:41:00.001-04:00

by Tom Qualtere, Saratoga YRs

As the final six months of President Bush’s administration appear on the horizon, Americans must remember that the global war on terror has no realistic end in sight. Iran’s volatile past—both distant and recent—is intensely relevant to our military’s future. Voters would do well to start studying up on it.

Over the past several years it has been made very clear that an American victory in Iraq is directly tied to standing up to Iranian hostility throughout the region. As the 2007 troop surge continues to pave the way for an historic peace and stability in Iraq, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and his regime in Iran continue to train and finance terror against coalition and Iraqi forces. Many have declared the Iranian Revolutionary Guard’s Quds Force’s support for the dying insurgency in Iraq a “proxy war” against the United States. However, the gruesome truth in the matter is that Iran has been waging war on our country for almost thirty years.

In November 1979, Iran’s new Shia Islamist government supported the now infamous attack and seizure of our embassy that led to 52 of our countrymen being held hostage for 444 days. In April 1983, 63 Americans were murdered when Iranian-sponsored terrorists bombed our embassy in Beirut, Lebanon. Six months later, U.S. Marine barracks located in Beirut were destroyed by Muslim extremists leaving 241 servicemen dead. Once again, the attackers were sponsored by the Islamic Republic of Iran. The attack on a U.S. Air Force housing complex in Saudi Arabia (the Kolbar Towers) in 1996 that killed 19 Americans is suspected to be the indirect work of the Iranian mullahs as well. In fact, without direct funding, arming and training from Iran, the terrorist organizations Hezbollah, Hamas and Islamic Jihad would see their strength and influence decrease dramatically. Our own attackers—Osama bin Laden’s al Qaeda network—would see their power (that which they’ve yet to lose to American forces) rapidly dwindle as well. Nevertheless, Iran’s greatest disturbance to world peace and the immediate safety of us and our allies is not its Taliban-like policies or alliances.

Unlike the old regimes of the Taliban in Afghanistan or Saddam Hussein in Iraq, the current government of Iran is developing vast nuclear technologies, and at a rate nobody in the world community thought possible. Considering the value of a democratic peace in Iraq for American security and interests, as well as the safety of our most vital Middle Eastern ally Israel—whose very existence has been taunted by Iran’s leadership, America must prepare itself to face down Iranian aggression by any means necessary.

The facts emanating from our current bases of military operation tell a much different story than the hard-spun political fantasies being churned by many here on the home front. It will be up to Americans to decide which narrative of our current conflicts we wish to follow, and which conclusion to the crises at hand we ought to ensure. It will be up to Republicans to bring accuracy and, yes, optimism to the debate. After all, the initial decision over how to deal with Iran will soon rest with the American electorate. Needless to say, with one candidate already planning for lunch with their tyrant-in-chief, our work is cut out for us.

Tom Qualtere is Chairman Emeritus of the Saratoga County YRs.

How to Solve The Gas Crisis

2008-08-16T14:40:00.001-04:00

By Jack Karwacki, Oneida YRs

A two-phase process that provides a short term and long term solution needs to be implemented immediately. In the short term we begin to tap our domestic oil reserves, increase our refining capacity, and lift the burdensome tax and regulatory impediments that stifle the creativity and competition created through free enterprise. In the mean time, the private sector would be able to continue to invest in and develop alternative fuel and energy sources that can replace oil in the long term; or at the very least, provide consumers with the cost effective choices that are created in a competitive, free market environment.

I find it amazing that Mike Arcuri and the majority of Congress can’t understand a simple concept that a twenty-seven year old gets; then again, I’m not a Nancy Pelosi zombie either. Do yourselves and your wallets a favor and vote Hanna this fall.

Jack Karwacki is the Chairman of the Oneida County Young Republicans.

Club Notes

2008-08-16T14:35:00.001-04:00

Brooklyn YRs

The Brooklyn YRs are making great use of this year’s election hype to show off more of our local candidates and discuss hot-topic issues. In May, the Brooklyn YRs heard from the Bay Ridge Rod & Gun Club’s Andrew Windsor and Michael Colihan, experts on Second Amendment legal and legislative issues. John Chromczak, candidate for the 25th State Senate district also spoke, discussing, among other matters, how the Republican Party is the only party who will stand up for the individual’s right to bear arms.

In June, the YRs heard from Alex Carabelli, Deputy Director of the Grassroots Initiative (http://www.gograssroots.org) about how everyday citizens can run for office and get on the ballot in New York City, especially if they have limited resources and a shoestring budget. Finally, the YRs had a discussion about various activities they can organize to support John McCain among younger voters, such as voter registration drives, rallies, and phone banking.

Usually meet the second Wednesday of the month. For the latest meeting and events information, visit the Brooklyn YR’s website.

Contact Information:
www.BrooklynYR.com
BrooklynYR@gmail.com
(Jonathan Judge, 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
pauljamison@optonline.net
(Paul Jamison, President)

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
(Angela Flesland, President)

Livingston County YRs

For more information about the club, 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

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
(Stephen Canzoneri, President)

New York YRs

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

As their core membership continues to expand, so has its ability to assist local candidates this election cycle. In addition to assisting Richard Hanna in his bid for the 24th Congressional seat, three members have taken up prominent positions within Kevin McDonald’s campaign for the 116th Assembly District. JP Kidwell has been named McDonald’s Campaign Manager, Lou Parrotta has been named Press Secretary and Jack Karwacki will be his Treasurer.
Anyone interested in helping with any of the aforementioned campaigns or are just interested in their group, contact Chairman Jack Karwacki at (315)-725-2213 or at jack.karwacki@gmail.com.

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

Contact Information:
(315)-725-2213
jack.karwacki@gmail.com
(Jack Karwacki, Chairman)

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 Villegas, Corresponding Sec’y)

Oswego County YRs

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
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

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

The Warren County Young Republicans Family Fun Day 2008 at the Adventure Racing Family Fun Center located on 1079 Route 9, Lake George Road in Queensbury, N.Y. will take place on August 16th from 4:00pm - 7:00pm. Registration will be $20.00 per person. Registration can be received either by mail or at the door. Registration forms sent by mail must be postmarked by August 12th. The event includes unlimited use of the rock climbing wall, unlimited use of both the inside and outside go-karts, unlimited use of the bumper cars, and unlimited laser tag. We are also going to have a bouncy house for young kids. Food and refreshments will be provided.

If you have any questions, please feel free to call Chairman Gabe Bedore at (518) 798-1622.

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.freewebs.com/wcyr
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)

Out in Right Field

2008-08-16T14:34:00.000-04:00

Earlier this summer, I saw the newest installment in the Indiana Jones franchise, “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull,” and was thoroughly disappointed.

Take a moment and consider the character played by John Hurt. You may remember him as Caligula from the “I, Claudius” series. He plays Professor Harold Oxley, and his acting talent is wasted in most of the picture in incoherent babbling. Even worse, the other characters equate his insane ramblings as wisdom. This is worse than the dystopia envisioned by Kurt Vonnegut in his short story, “Harrison Bergeron.” At least in that story, the leftists needed hundreds of constitutional amendments and numerous technological handicaps to enforce their rabid egalitarianism. In the Indiana Jones movie, the other characters simply consent to that equalization.

At the end of the movie, there is a scene with Indiana Jones and Marion Ravenwood tie the knot at the altar. This is totally out of character with the Indy we’ve grown to know and love in the previous three movies. There is no explanation given for this alteration. Just as Democrats from Jimmy Carter to Barack Obama are deluded into thinking terrorist sponsors like Syria and Iran will suddenly become cooperative and civilized with the appropriate amount of hand holding. We’re just as likely to see Kim Jong-Il cease claims that he aced five holes and finished thirty eight under par on the links.

This movie was a disappointment on multiple levels. It lacked the great stunt work of the previous chapters, and relied too heavily on computer generated imagery. The entire UFO plot line was threadbare and unconvincing. Worst of all, there were these none too subtle leftist underpinnings. My evening of escapism was stolen, instead, by an extended Mark Shields column.

The Humor About Hillary

2008-08-16T14:30:00.003-04:00

A Hillary-ous Take on Everyone’s Favorite Democrat

by Jonathan J. Judge, Editor-in-Chief

Most politicians are the butts of many jokes, and the sources of many gaffes that, however scandal-scarred and despised one may be, immortalize their impact in that political era.

However, people in both parties have not been so in love with ridiculing a candidate as much as they are with Hillary Clinton.

This book, written by Robert Myers, successfully captures the humor behind the anti-Hillary movement of American society.

There’s a bit of anecdotal sentiments about the Senator from New York, such as a barber--also a registered Democrat--offering that he prefers John Kerry because “he only has two faces.”

Then there are the celebrity takes on Hillary, such as Joan Rivers, who quipped, “I think Hillary Clinton’s It Takes a Village refers to the number of people needed to do her makeup.”

Of course, no such book would be complete without countless slip-ups and self-deprecating one-liners from Her Aspiring Highness, like this one on her media strategy: “If I want to knock a story off the front page, I just change my hairstyle.”

All in all, it’s an entertaining read on the Democrat whom red and blue-state Americans love to loathe.

Amazon.com, $9.95, by Outskirks Press

Tusk Talk with Tusk Harper

2008-08-16T14:30:00.001-04:00

Dear Tusk,

I consider myself to be a very fair, loyal employee. While most people see me and immediately think of my former employer, I’ve been completely shocked by the complete cold shoulder that some of my old coworkers have shown me since I came public with some constructive criticism of the company’s practices and personalities. Is there something I’m missing?

From: Hopeless on Houston St.

Dear Hopeless,

It seems to me like you may have bitten off more than you can chew. Unless you are disclosing illegal or unethical behavior, nobody likes a snitch. Even fewer people respect former employees who stand up to criticize after-the-fact, particularly with a holier-than-thou attitude. My instinct tells me that you may not have been such a great steward for your former company after all, and then you have nobody to blame but yourself.

Dear Tusk,

My girlfriend and I have been together for the past three years. I have been thinking about marrying her until we last week when we had a discussion about whether or not she would have an abortion. She said that if a pregnancy was not planned she would consider it and that goes against my values. Can she still be the one?

From: Pro-Life in Poughkeepsie

Dear Pro-Life,

I applaud your strong sense of values and can understand your concerns. However, why did it take three years to first have this conversation? By that point you should have known her deepest feelings and this topic would not have been so surprising to you. Your worry has merit except for one fact – you’ve been together for so long that, if things were to progress, within two years this won’t be an issue. I would look deep inside and ask yourself whether her stance on abortion is truly the area of anxiety or whether there is something greater. If you both agreed on the life issue, would she have a ring on her finger? If the answer is yes, then start saving your money. If the answer is no, then you should sort out your relationship priorities and determine whether she truly is the one for you. Be careful of making this issue the scapegoat, though.

Questions? Write Tusk at tuskharper@yahoo.com.

A Message from NYSYR Chairman Christopher Dziedzic

2008-05-26T07:46:00.001-04:00

I initially intended to talk about our recent Leadership Conference in Albany featuring a fundraising class.

I would be remiss, however, if I did not take a few minutes and talk about Client #9 and the impact the recent scandal will have on New York State and the GOP.

On one level, this will be good for New York State. The removal of the antagonistic Spitzer should mean that the Second Floor will spend more time governing the state and less time trying to smear Senate Majority Leader Joe Bruno with various allegations. That is good news for all New Yorkers.

On another level, this will also be good for the Republican Party. The Democrats, especially those in the Senate, have lost their primary fundraising cash cow. The Democratic Party will be in chaos for some time as the various leaders in the party jockey for positions. Silver, Cuomo and Paterson will each envision himself as the leaders of their party over the next couple of years.

The voters of New York have now seen two out of the four statewide elected officials from 2006 resign under the cloud of disgraceful and criminal scandal. That is not a good average. The Republican Party must effectively present a different model of responsible and proud governance.

We have an opportunity here, and we cannot let it pass. This fall, with the Democrats discredited and demoralized, we must work to strengthen our majority in the Senate and enlarge our numbers in the Assembly.

Christopher Dziedzic is the Chair of the NYSYR. He will not be taking questions. Thank you very much. He will report back to you in short order. Thank you very much.

Governor Spitzer Resigns

2008-05-26T07:39:00.003-04:00

On March 12th, Christopher Dziedzic, Chairman of the New York State Young Republicans, released the following statement:

“Today is bittersweet. We have just learned that Governor Spitzer will step aside effective Monday, March 17th. These past few days have certainly been the darkest in New York’s long history.

“I do want to thank the Governor for sparing us any more of the torture that we have already endured.

“An impeachment procedure would have derailed our elected officials even more, causing an even later budget -- it is best that the Empire State moves on and away from another Albany scandal, for the good of its constituents. I paraphrase President Ford when I say that our long nightmare is over.

“This nightmare began on Day One when Governor Spitzer stated that everything was going to change, and it certainly did. A plan for drivers licenses for illegal aliens, improperly using state employees to discredit the Senate Majority Leader, the new ‘crack tax’ initiative, and many other conflicts are all apart of this 14 month-long embarrassment known as the Spitzer Administration.

“I, again, wish to state that all of our prayers are with Mrs. Spitzer and her three daughters as they, too, try to move forward, out of the public’s eye.

“We must look ahead to the new administration, pass a smaller state budget, on time, and get back to working on the real issues affecting the Citizens of New York State.”

The NYSYR conducted an online petition drive among New York’s Young Republicans to tell the Governor to resign. Within the first 48 hours, about 700 signatures were gathered statewide.

On the Road with the Chairman

2008-05-26T07:30:00.001-04:00

Stop #1: White Plains, NY
On Wednesday, February 6th, Chris traveled to White Plains, New York to drop in on the Westchester Young Republicans monthly meeting. Under new chair Rob Biagi, the Westchester YRs are looking to rebuild their chapter into one of the long established bedrocks of the state. The monthly meeting was held at Westchester GOP headquarters on Mamaroneck Avenue at 8:00 PM. Joseph Acocella, Harrison Town Clerk, was the guest speaker.

Stop #2: Oswego, NY
On the weekend of February 8th and 9th, Chris was up in Oswego, New York along with many other YRs for a targeted campaign effort – this one in Senate District 48, to help Will Barclay in that well publicized special election. YRs from Albany, Broome, New York, Onondaga, Oswego, Saratoga and Washington Counties traveled out to pitch in. You can see some photos of the effort on http://www.newzjunky.com/news/0210barclay3.htm

Stop #3: Albany, NY
Chris traveled out to Albany on the weekend of February 29th to March 2nd. That weekend was the NYSYR Leadership Conference and Spring Board Meeting at the Hilton Garden Inn. The focus was on a fundraising school put together by the Leadership Institute. The annual Teddy Roosevelt Dinner was highlighted by Wheeler Milmoe Award winner Assemblyman Lou Tobacco. On Sunday, the board meeting had three congressional candidates, Lee Zeldin (CD 1), Sandy Treadwell (CD 20), and Mike Rocque (CD 20), address the assembled YRs.

Out in Right Field

2008-05-26T07:29:00.000-04:00

by Julius Ponds

Back on March 1, 2008, the Colombian military crossed over the border into Ecuador to take out an encampment of FARC (Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia) terrorists. That action caused a short-term diplomatic crisis and Venezuelan dictator Hugo Chavez used the action to engage in some saber-rattling and anti-American propaganda.

First, the United States should support a fellow democratic nation that has implemented the Bush Doctrine. Colombia also has the right to treat nations that harbor or give aid to terrorist groups as they would the terrorists themselves, just as we have done with the Taliban in Afghanistan. Colombia also made the wise decision to pursue its interests in a unilateral, military strike. It did not waste time spinning wheels in the Organization of American States (OAS) or Rio Group meetings while terrorists were receiving sanctuary just across the Colombian frontier.

Secondly, in a South American climate that sees the leftist tyrant Hugo Chavez constantly raising his profile and building connections throughout the hemisphere, it is all the more important to cement our support and friendships with those nations, like Colombia, who seek it.

The United States should stand behind Colombia whole-heartedly. That means giving it the diplomatic support in its drive to suppress terrorists groups and to stand up to regional delinquents like Hugo Chavez. It also means approving the free trade agreement with Colombia. As we have learned the hard way over the past eight years, in times of trouble, the true friends of the United States are few and far between. We must stand shoulder-to-shoulder with a true friend like Colombia.

NYSYR Leadership Conference

2008-05-26T07:24:00.002-04:00

As history teaches us, a groundswell of popular support or opposition can make the difference on any political issue. The grassroots are the key to affecting change at the local level.

The events of the New York State Young Republicans Spring Board Meeting & Leadership Conference sought to improve the grassroots-organizing skills of New York State’s Young Republicans and recognize those Republicans who have made a difference in the past year.

The Arlington, V.A.-based Leadership Institute joined us for the weekend, bringing some well-seasoned grassroots and fundraising experts to share their knowledge with us.

Nancy Bocskor kicked off the school with her thorough seminar on effective fundraising techniques and strategies.

Ms. Bocskor is a nationally recognized educator, speaker and author, named a “Rising Star in Politics” by Campaigns and Elections magazine, and profiled in the Wall Street Journal as one of the “top PAC-party organizers,” has now been tagged an international Democracy Coach by Die Welt. Having worked on numerous campaigns helping candidates achieve their financial goals, she works to inspire citizen activists to take the proven path to positive politics: Passion Driven Leadership.

She emphasized the need to understand your constituency, particularly what attracts wealthy donors, medium-dollar donors, and low-dollar donors.

Organizing a Finance Committee whose members are skilled at salesmanship is ideal, plus they should know how to work their contacts effectively for the candidate.

The Leadership Institute’s Chris Malagisi and Jennifer Hoff also presented strategies on how to organize campaigns and utilize new media, such as blogs and YouTube, to succeed in 21st century politics.

Both brought their own extensive political experience into their presentations.

Malagisi, the grassroots coordinator for the Leadership Institute, most recently served as the National Youth Director for Fred Thompson’s Presidential Campaign.

Hoff currently serves as the public affairs liaison for the Michigan Townships Association where she develops and maintains a strong public image for township government in Michigan. Previously, she served as a regional communications manager for the Michigan State Legislature’s House Republican Communications Services.

Teddy Roosevelt Dinner

2008-05-26T07:16:00.003-04:00

The New York State Young Republicans completed their productive day at the Grassroots School with their annual Teddy Roosevelt Dinner in Jack’s Oyster Bar & Steak House on Albany’s State Street.

Among the guests that evening included candidate for the U.S. Senate seat in Delaware, Christine O’Donnell, who spoke about staying true to conservative values in her race against incumbent Democratic Senator Joe Biden.

Besides juicy steak, open bar, and conversation with YRs from around the state, one of the main highlights of the evening was the annual awards ceremony.

The first award is for Club of the Year, which was awarded to the Steuben County YRs.

The second award is for New York State Young Republican of the Year, which was awarded to Secretary of the Brooklyn Young Republican Club and Editor-in-Chief of the GOPyr, Jonathan Judge. Judge thanked all the YR clubs from around the state, saying that it was due to their ingenuity and activism that we are able to brag so proudly about the many accomplishments of New York’s Young Republicans in our newsletter.

The final and most distinguished award is for New York State Assemblyman of the Year, which was awarded to Assemblyman Lou Tobacco of the 62nd A.D. in Staten Island. Assemblyman Tobacco was particularly grateful for this award and spoke about the common sense ideals he and his Republican colleagues have been trying to push in the State Assembly.

The night was complete with after-dinner socializing at a couple of the local pubs in the area, reveling in what turned out to be a wonderful evening for the State YRs.

Steuben YRs: Club of the Year

2008-05-26T07:11:00.002-04:00

by Peter Halliday, Steuben YRs

The Steuben County Young Republican Club has been recognized as the Club of the Year by the New York State Young Republicans this past March.

“Steuben County is leading the way for small counties in terms of campaign involvement and positive impact for local Republicans,” said NYSYR Chairman Chris Dziedzic.

“Through blogs, podcasting, and videos, President Peter Halliday and his team are also using the Internet to multiply their impact. That is impressive, particularly in a rural county.”

Dziedzic also cited the successful state board meeting that was held in Riverside last September as well as the increase in membership and activity for the club during 2007.

“We were able to put 30 Young Republicans on the ground working to elect one of our own members, Tom Reed, as an upset winner for Mayor of Corning,” commented Halliday when asked what the most exciting accomplishment of the year was. “To win what many people consider the most prestigious award the state gives out is something that really caps off a great 2007 for our group.”

Halliday credited the leadership and members of the club for the award. “We have a great group, but there is always room for more young professionals who want to get involved in local and county politics.”

In the last two years, the group has kept growing. The vast majority of the people that are members are new to the world of local politics. Halliday looks forward to focusing on creating a legacy of an active Young Republican club in the county for many decades to come.

The advice that Halliday gives other small clubs is that any club can accomplish what the Steuben YRs have.

“We have a very rural county that is spread out, and it is one of the largest in the state. We have people willing to cross the county and drive 45 minutes each month to attend meetings. We credit that with keeping our meetings interesting. We try to focus on action; giving people something they can do afterwards. We try to cast a vision that’s bigger than the group. If it can be accomplished by the group alone, then the vision isn’t big enough for us.

“Most of it is just working really hard, staying focused, and never giving up.”

NYSYR Spring Board Meeting

2008-05-23T14:47:00.002-04:00

The State YRs had a full agenda at its board meeting on Sunday, March 2nd.

The Livingston County Young Republicans, represented by Cricket-Ellen Knight and Aaron Galvin presented their application to join the Association of New York State Young Republican Clubs, Inc., as did Terry Wilbur and Scott McManus from the Oswego County YRs.

However, it was clear that they did not have to do much convincing, as they were both unanimously welcomed into the New York State Young Republican family.

In addition, we had quite a few distinguished guests address us. Christopher Nixon Cox, Executive Director of Senator John McCain’s Presidential Campaign in New York State, talked about his job to make sure that McCain wins New York in November. Additionally, Luke Mroz spoke briefly about Ron Paul’s campaign for the Republican nomination.

Chris Callaghan, former candidate for New York State Comptroller, also stopped by to offer his famous humorous commentary on the state of politics in Albany.

Candidates for the 20th Congressional District Sandy Treadwell and Mike Rocque spoke about their respective campaigns and what they will bring to the table if nominated to challenge first-term incumbent Kirsten Gillibrand.

Lee Zeldin, running for Congress in the 1st Congressional District against incumbent Democrat Tim Bishop, argues that Long Island needs a “bulldog” to fight for a more affordable Long Island, to improve national defense and secure our borders while taking better care of our veterans, and doing more for our senior citizens.

Finally, the Staten Island Young Republican Club presented an impressive proposal to host the NYSYR’s Summer Board meeting in June. More details on the summer board meeting will be forthcoming.

YR Club Notes

2008-05-23T13:59:00.008-04:00

Brooklyn YRs

The Brooklyn YRs hosted Christopher Nixon Cox, grandson of President Richard Nixon and Senator John McCain’s Executive Director for his campaign in New York at their March meeting. Heavily attended, Brooklyn learned that it would be host to a satellite McCain campaign office and New York City will be targeted by McCain’s campaign to deliver a win for the Senator this November.

At its April meeting, the club unanimously elected a new slate of officers for the 2008-2009 year: Jonathan Judge, President; Samuel Rivera, Vice President; Christina Bennett, Secretary; and Alex Buchholz, Treasurer. Past-President Bob Capano was elevated to Chairman of the club’s Board of Directors.

Usually meet the second Wednesday of the month at 7:00 PM. For the latest meeting and events information, visit the Brooklyn YR’s website.

Contact Information:
www.BrooklynYR.com
BrooklynYR@gmail.com
(Jonathan Judge, 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

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
(Angela Flesland, President)

Livingston County YRs

The Livingston County YRs, whose application was presented by Vice President Cricket-Ellen Knight and President Aaron Galvin (pictured to the left), were formally credentialed at the Spring 2008 Board Meeting in Albany. Congratulations and welcome to the NYSYR family!

For more information about the club, 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
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

The New York YRs are holding their Annual Alumni Dinner on June 25, 2008. Tickets are on sale at www.nyyrc.com.

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 Villegas, Corresponding Sec’y)

Oswego County YRs

The Oswego County YRs, whose application was presented by Terry Wilbur (l) and Scott McManus (r) (pictured to the left), were formally credentialed at the Spring 2008 Board Meeting in Albany. Congratulations and welcome to the NYSYR family! 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
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 Staten Island YRs were unanimously chosen to host the NYSYR’s Summer Board meeting. More information will be available shortly.

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 County YRs were named the YR Club of the Year at the NYSYR’s annual Teddy Roosevelt Dinner. Congrats!

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.freewebs.com/wcyr
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)

Profile: Christine O'Donnell for U.S. Senate in Delaware

2008-05-23T13:49:00.002-04:00

Christine O’Donnell joined the New York State Young Republicans at our annual Teddy Roosevelt Dinner as our special guest speaker.

She’s running for the Republican nomination in Delaware to challenge incumbent Democratic United States Senator, Joseph Biden.

She first ran in 2006 for United States Senate against Senator Tom Carper as a write-in candidate, gaining almost 12,000 write-in votes, or 5% of the total votes cast, according to the Delaware Department of Elections.

Christine is no stranger to the world of government and politics. Most recently, she appears frequently as a commentator on Fox News, CNN, C-SPAN, FNC’s O’Reilly Factor, Hannity & Colmes, MSNBC’s Hardball with Chris Matthews, and others.

In her twenty year career, Christine has served as a social advocate in Washington, D.C., participating in regular White House and Capitol Hill strategy meetings, and leading delegations to the United Nations to lobby on behalf of pro-family global policies. She’s successfully debated Cabinet members, Congressmen and international leaders.

In the early 1990’s, Christine worked at the Republican National Committee developing the marketing strategy that then-Chairman Haley Barbour directly credited as having a key role in the historic ’94 Republican Congressional sweep.

Christine also serves as a marketing and media consultant to various clients such as Mel Gibson’s Passion of the Christ, Natalia Tsarkova, the Vatican’s first female portrait painter, and non-profit organizations such as the World Education and Development Fund, a charity that provides scholarships to children in poor communities throughout Latin America.

She strongly believes that the Republican Party’s ability to win victories depends on strong advocacy of its core values, because the party has won in the past precisely because it has stood as the party of principle. As such, she has made four pledges to the people of Delaware as their United States Senate candidate. She will (1) never vote to increase taxes, (2) limit herself to two terms in office, (3) never vote for “pork barrel spending” or corrupt “favors”, and (4) will always vote in favor of life and in support of families. On this platform, Christine expects a good fight for the Senate seat, but one which will resonate with the voters of Delaware and will lead to Republican victory in the Fall.

(Photo: Christine O’Donnell, candidate for United States Senate in Delaware against incumbent Democratic Senator Joseph Biden, with NYSYR Chairman Chris Dziedzic)

Tusk Talk with Tusk Harper

2008-05-23T13:48:00.001-04:00

Dear Tusk,

I need help. Just a few months ago it felt like everyone loved me, and yet I've become the butt of jokes. It might be related to my tendency to go on power trips, or perhaps my gigantic ego, but I think it has something to do with my tendency to pay for intimate evenings with women other than my wife. What should I do?

From: Easy on the East Side

Dear Easy,

You seem to be in a bit of a pickle, but in all honesty I think it's of your own creation. It doesn't feel so good to be publicly steam-rolled, huh? You need to face facts: you will drop out of the spotlight in shame and your career (and life) has been altered. Plot comebacks all you want, but the people of New York state have been paying for a lot more than a fun night since you took office.

Dear Tusk,

My roommate is a horrible snorer. I can barely get two hours' sleep some nights. Short of physical violence, which is quickly becoming an attractive option, what can I do to get some badly needed REM shut eye?

Sleepless in Sleepy Hollow

Dear Sleepless,

It's fascinating how the people who snore the loudest also happen to be the ones who fall asleep the quickest. I have had many situations where I have been tempted to take my pillow and smother the snorer next to me, but that would be uncivilized. (Besides, Tusk Talk does not condone homicide.) My recommendation would be one of two things: either find a new roommate or encourage him to buy those adhesive things to stick on his nose to limit the snoring. If all else fails, perhaps you should invest in some sleep medication for yourself. (But Tusk Talk also does not condone sleeping medication addiction.) Go count some sheep!

Questions? Write Tusk at tuskharper@yahoo.com.

A Message from NYSYR Chairman Christopher Dziedzic

2008-02-29T21:41:00.000-05:00

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

2008-02-29T21:39:00.000-05:00

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

2008-02-29T21:38:00.000-05:00

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

2008-02-29T21:36:00.002-05:00

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

2008-02-29T21:36:00.001-05:00

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

2008-02-29T21:35:00.000-05:00

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.

NYSYR Spring Board Meeting & Leadership Conference

2008-01-27T22:30:00.000-05:00

For more information about the NYSYR Spring Board Meeting & Leadership Conference on February 29th - March 2nd in Albany, visit the NYSYR website at NYSYR.us.

A Message from NYSYR Chairman Christopher Dziedzic

2008-01-27T22:25:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year, my fellow Republicans!

As we enter into 2008, there are lots of reasons to be excited as a Republican in New York State.

First, Spitzer has disgraced himself with a couple of scandalous missteps.

There was Troopergate, an attempt to misuse the state troopers in order to smear Senate Majority Leader Joe Bruno. This boomeranged on him and disgraced members of his staff, leading to some high profile resignations.

Later, Spitzer overreached himself in Licensegate. This misguided attempt to issue driver’s licenses to illegal aliens was eventually withdrawn after widespread opposition.

December polls by both the Siena Research Institute and Quinnipiac University show the governor’s approval rating dropping below 40%. As the Democratic standard bearer in the state, this bodes well for our Assembly and Senate candidates in the autumn of 2008.

Also, we have multiple New Yorkers running in the presidential content. Former Mayor Rudy Giuliani is one of the strong and viable candidates viable for the Republican nomination. Many Republicans can only imagine how much less blue our state would be wit a prominent fellow New Yorker on the top of the ballot. Our New York State Young Republican organization does not endorse individual primary candidates, but we do distribute information to our membership to help them get involved if and how they so choose. We were all honored to have representatives from five different presidential campaigns attend our Annual Holiday Dinner back in mid-December.

I am asking each of you to resolve as we begin the new calendar year, to work hard with me to help our entire Party throughout the year. It promises to be one of great opportunities, so let’s ensure it ends as one of our great successes.

Christopher Dziedzic, pleased by the return of the McRib, even if only for a limited time and only at selected locations, is the Chair of the NYSYR.

Will Barclay for State Senate

2008-01-27T22:24:00.000-05:00

YRs at the Plate: Lee Zeldin & Dan Schorr

2008-01-27T22:15:00.000-05:00

Lee Zeldin

Lives In: Shirley, Suffolk County, NY
Occupation: Lawyer & Captain, U.S. Army Reserves
Running for: U.S. House of Representatives, 1st Congressional District
Website: www.Zeldin08.com

New York's First Congressional District promises an exciting and action-packed race this year as an Army paratrooper, federal prosecutor and military magistrate all join the race on the Republican ticket--and as one person: Lee Zeldin.

Lee, a Shirley resident and an Army JAG and Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran with Fort Bragg's 82nd Airborne Division, says he's running for Congress in order to restore "the Suffolk County Dream."

Born in 1980 in East Meadow, New York and raised in Shirley, New York, where he attended William Floyd High School, Lee earned his bachelor’s degree, cum laude, from the State University of New York at Albany, majoring in Political Science, and his Juris Doctorate from Albany Law School all in five short years.

His campaign’s priorities include cutting taxes to make raising a family more affordable and to help create jobs, decrease the cost of health care for seniors, support our troops in the field, secure our borders and take care of our military veterans who have served our country admirably.

He recently left his position as Counsel for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, in order to practice law at Raiser & Kenniff, P.C. and devote most of his time to his run for the United States Congress. He previously served as an aide to State Senator Kenneth P. LaValle.
Lee lives with his wife, Diana, and their twin one-year-old daughters, Mikayla and Arianna.

Special thanks to Suffolk County YR President Chris Como for this information.

Dan Schorr

Lives In: White Plains, Westchester, NY
Occupation: Lawyer & Prosecutor
Running For: District Attorney, Westchester County
Website: www.ElectDanSchorr.com

“Serving as District Attorney can help so many people and keep so many safe—there’s no better way to improve people’s lives,” says Dan Schorr, 35, candidate for Westchester County D.A.
Though the race isn’t until 2009, Schorr is looking to get an early head start to take back the D.A.’s office. Until current D.A. Janet DiFiore switched party affiliation from Republican to Democrat in 2007, Republicans had held the seat for the past 100 years.

Dan was born in New York, attended the University of Pennsylvania majoring in English. After graduating from UPenn, he went directly into Harvard Law School to earn his J.D and focus particularly in criminal law.

Once out of law school, his passion to serve the public as a prosecutor was realized. He was first hired as an Assistant District Attorney in the Queens D.A. Office in the Domestic Violence and Homicide Investigations Bureau. In 2001, Dan was hired as an A.D.A. in the Westchester County D.A.’s office in its Domestic Violence and Sex Crimes Bureau.

In 2005, Dan received an offer to teach judicial and legal reform as an Adjunct Professor in Criminal Law and Trail Advocacy in Tsinghua University and Zhongshan University to Chinese judges and lawyers for the better part of a year in Beijing.

Now, he is an Adjunct Professor teaching Criminal Law and Legal Writing in Pace University Law School.

In his free time, he has coached a local youth basketball team, serves on the White Plains Planning Board, and is active in the Westchester YRs.

A Weekend in New Hampshire

2008-01-27T22:13:00.000-05:00

by Rich Alicea, Queens YRs

Growing up and spending my entire life in New York, I have grown accustomed to seeing presidential candidates skip over our state, in favor of those states that are more competitive.
Because of this, I have never had the opportunity to take part in any aspect of a presidential campaign, let alone actually traveling to other states to campaign for a candidate.

Luckily, presidential candidate and former mayor of New York City Rudy Giuliani has made New York a priority, keeping his national headquarters in Manhattan. As he has said in the past, he is making his presidential campaign a 50-state race, unlike in the past, where candidates would pass over states like New York, which frequently sway to the left.

The Queens County Young Republicans, as well as several other groups in the area, as well as YRs from across the state, including former state Chair, Jason Weingartner, have taken advantage of the opportunities afforded by this campaign strategy to become more active.
For months, volunteers have been working out of Giuliani’s Manhattan phone bank, making calls to Iowa and New Hampshire.

However, during the weekend of January 5th, we got a small taste of life on the campaign trail, making a trip to New Hampshire to campaign for Rudy during the final push before the primary, along with groups from across the five boroughs and Long Island.

Arriving in Manchester, NH on Saturday, we were immediately thrust into what was a hotbed of political activity.

Campaign workers for virtually every candidate, Republican and Democrat, were present, doing things from simple sign waving, to going door-to-door with campaign literature, which is what we spent most of our time doing. In contrast to the first trip we made to NH, back in November, the streets were packed with campaigners and journalists.

The bulk of our time in NH was spent talking with New Hampshirans about the policies we saw enacted by Rudy Giuliani during his tenure as Mayor. Because most of us lived in New York City during the Giuliani years, we were in a good position to speak of the great changes implemented under his administration, from tax cuts to the massive drop in crime rates to welfare reform. Many of the people we spoke to were very receptive to the issues we spoke to them about, particularly tax cuts.

They were impressed by the fact that many of us came up from New York City to talk about the candidate we know very well through our own experiences, rather than some candidate whose policies we learned about on the bus ride to NH.

As one would imagine, the days were long, and there was never a dull moment.

At the same time, it can be exhilarating, knowing the difference you are making on the campaign trail.

Even though the results of the primary may not have been ideal, our time was not spent in vain. According to the campaign, the volunteers from NYC accounted for visits to almost 10,000 New Hampshire homes and several thousand phone calls in only two days, making it one of the largest grassroots operations in the days before the New Hampshire primary.

With similar commitments in other states, especially those whose primaries take place on February 5th, we can hope to see much more encouraging results. Only then will the volunteers who are spending countless hours making phone calls, attending events and traveling to early primary states truly see the effect of their work.

Rich Alicea is the President of the Queens County Young Republicans.

Fundraiser - February 27, 2008 for Dan Schorr, Candidate for Westchester County D.A.

2008-01-27T22:12:00.000-05:00

It’s Not Heaven, it's Just the Iowa Caucuses!

2008-01-27T22:09:00.000-05:00

by Rick Cordaro, Onondaga YRs

I was born, raised, and educated in Iowa. When I tell people this, they assume I'm a farmer (I'm not. I grew up in suburban Des Moines, a city roughly the size of Syracuse, but with a much brighter economic future).

People figure Iowa is merely a patchwork of farms and hog lots somewhere "out west" with lots of flat land and very few people. Or they think Iowans grow potatoes (yes, people confuse Iowa and Idaho even though they are nearly 1,000 miles apart).

But every four years, Iowa becomes the center of attention for the media, presidential candidates, and the news consuming public. So, let me share with you a bit about the place.

First, some background: This is a state that has never had a female governor, never had a female member of Congress, and never had a female Senator. One current Senator is a Democrat, the other a Republican, and both are two of the most powerful Senators in Washington. Senator Tom Harkin (D) chairs the Agriculture Committee and Senator Chuck Grassley (R) is the ranking member and former Chairman of the Finance Committee.

The Governor's mansion has been occupied by both a Republican and a Democrat in just the last 10 years. President Herbert Hoover was from Iowa. And thanks to federal subsidies, 89 octane gas (that's the "mid-grade" gas here in New York, not the cheapest 87 octane or the premium 92 octane) is actually cheaper than the low- end stuff because it contains corn-based ethanol.

Now that you're up to speed, let's talk caucuses. By now, you know the Democrats have a wacky, drawn-out process of standing in groups horse-trading candidates and that Republicans simply cast a vote. But what is that like?

I spoke to my dad (a Republican) who caucused this year. He mentioned that it took 40 minutes, start to finish, to complete the process. That's because the Republicans give anyone in the room a chance to speak before the votes are cast. Joining my father was a United States Senator, several local elected officials, and a handful of regular citizens. My parents don't live in a high profile district, but the caucuses draw out all the big guns. Iowa is the first race in the country and no matter how many times New Hampshire negates the results of Iowa, it's a major political market that first week in January.

Then there are the commercials. I was back in Iowa over the Christmas holiday. I am not exaggerating when I tell you that three of every four commercials on network TV are for a presidential candidate. All those commercials we watch on YouTube and hear about on the news - they are running in Iowa. Going to Iowa makes me glad the candidates neglect New York! It is a constant, 24-hour, endless barrage of advertising.

And of course, there are the phone calls. Several times a day, the phone rings with another friendly voice chatting up their candidate. After a while, you just stop answering.

What does this all mean? If a candidate is not viable in Iowa, will they be viable anywhere else? Can they win nationally? Should you or I or anyone contribute to a candidate that is not electable nationwide? Any why do small states like Iowa and New Hampshire get to decide the fate of a candidate who may one day run the entire country? Do these states reflect the national interest? Is the process broken?

I don't know the answer to any of these questions, but I will be casting my vote on Super Tuesday! You should too. Vote for your favorite candidate in the primary and vote Republican in November.

Rick Cordaro is the Chairman of the Onondaga County Young Republicans and serves as Executive Director of the New York State Young Republicans.

One "Huck" of a Candidate

2008-01-27T22:07:00.000-05:00

by Guy Amisano, Steuben YRs

It has been a long and winding road to the 2008 Republican Presidential nomination, one which has not yet been fully traversed. As we in New York prepare to cast our ballots on February 5th, the time seems to be appropriate for a review of the nomination race as it has developed so far and as it is likely to develop going forward.

By 2006, a consensus seemed to have developed among the political punditry that the nomination would be contested between a couple of Republicans whom social conservatives may have some reservations about supporting wholeheartedly.

One candidate, however, did emerge from the contenders who has supported many issues important to social conservatives consistently throughout his career; this is former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee.

Though deviating from the conservative line on economic and foreign policy issues, Huckabee has impeccable credentials as a social conservative. Buoyed by strong debate performances and the support of Evangelical Protestants, Huckabee won more votes than the much better financed Romney in the Iowa Caucuses. This disrupted Romney’s strategy of leveraging wins in the early states of Iowa and New Hampshire to capture the nomination.

Further, McCain was able to claim the New Hampshire primary in large part by taking advantage of Romney’s loss of momentum in Iowa.

In my view, the Republican contest will soon prove to be a two-man race between Huckabee and McCain. Romney needs to win Michigan to resurrect his campaign, but I don’t believe that is likely to happen considering the negative momentum working against him after performing below expectations in Iowa and New Hampshire.

One-time frontrunner Giuliani paid little heed to early states while focusing on larger and later-voting states, and this strategy seems to have doomed him. Giuliani must win Florida to stay in the race, but he may be unable to do that after losing primary contests leading up to Florida. Fred Thompson needs to win South Carolina, which figures to be a friendly Southern state, but he has polled so low recently that a win in any state seems improbable.

That leaves Huckabee and McCain. I expect that McCain will win Michigan and then face a battle with Huckabee in Evangelical-rich South Carolina.

If McCain wins Michigan and South Carolina, I believe the nomination is his. If Huckabee wins South Carolina, then I expect that Huckabee will also win Florida and he will be a slight front-runner over McCain going into “Tsunami Tuesday” on February 5th.

YR Club Notes

2008-01-27T22:05:00.000-05:00

Brooklyn YRs

The Brooklyn YRs made a last-ditch mobilization effort to help Rudy Giuliani in the New Hampshire primaries earlier this month. President Bob Capano went up to New Hampshire for several days to help out with door-to-door campaigning. Back home in Brooklyn, Vice President Britta Vander Linden and Secretary Jonathan Judge helped to staff the local Brooklyn phone bank with YR volunteers, reaching out to a couple of thousand voters within the last 72 hours.

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

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
(Angela Flesland, President)

Livingston County YRs

Young Republicans are working together to form a club in Livingston County. They held an organizational meeting on Sunday, January 20th in Geneseo, NY. 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

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

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 are working to establish a YR club. They will be holding an organizational meeting on Tuesday, January 29th, 2008 at 6:00 PM in Chubby's, Fulton, NY.
For more information, please contact Terry Wilbur at tmwilbur1@hotmail.com or Scott McManus at scottmcm@twcny.rr.com.

Queens YRs

The Queens YRs now have a Facebook group, which can be located by searching for “Queens County Young Republicans”.
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

Rockland YR President, Frank Sparaco, was successfully elected to the Rockland County Legislature this past November. Congrats Frank!

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

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

On January 11, 2008, the Warren County Young Republican Club of Upstate New York celebrated their one year anniversary since their re-establishment in 2007. They have successfully recruited over 30 members to their group, and held their first fundraiser, the Annual Warren County Family Fun Day. The group has also helped out in various state, county, and local elections such as the 105 Assembly District special election, the Warren County officials’ elections, the Town of Queensbury elections, and the City of Glens Falls elections. Currently, the group is preparing for the upcoming 20th Congressional election, which is one of the most highly anticipated elections in New York State.

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.freewebs.com/wcyr
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

Next meeting: February 6, 2008 at 8 PM in the Westchester GOP Headquarters, 214 Mamaroneck Avenue, White Plains.

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

1-800-JOE4CHAVEZ

2008-01-27T22:02:00.000-05:00

by Fernando Villegas, Orange County YRs

We should embrace Joe Kennedy’s call to accept free oil from Venezuela after he spends one winter night in a cold house of his own.

“Some people say that it is wrong to take this oil, I say it would be wrong not to.” Once again, a Kennedy is trying to undermine our national security interests and trying to be a hero doing it.
Not since Senator George Voinovich’s tearful opposition to John Bolton’s nomination for Ambassador to the UN have I been so entertained by a man whining for all the wrong reasons.

Although Voinovich eventually did a 180-degree turn-around when it was trendy to support the stellar job Bolton did while at the UN, I won’t hold my breath for the same with Joe Kennedy. With the Kennedys, however, it doesn’t matter how many people oppose their destructive ambitions. They are motivated by one thing, and that is permanent memorials built in their honor by the “little people” that they have kept down, while convincing them they have helped.

I have yet to hear from one person that came from modest means that credits liberal democratic policies for their rise to wealth (this excludes trial lawyers, of course). The fact of the matter is we defeat poverty with free market economics and capitalism not with so-called “free” or “low cost” oil, complements of Socialism or Communism.

If Joe is really interested in helping make home heating oil more affordable he would spend his time lobbying for the oil industry, instead of taking the easy way out as most liberals do. By “easy”, I mean parading “victims” of our cruel society or as Joe says, “the ones left behind.” The oil companies of this country are begging to explore for oil in places like ANWR and off the coast of the United States. The costs of exploration would be wholly paid out by the oil companies, not the taxpayers.

With the class of Michael Moore, we see Joe salivate over real, heart-wrenching stories. “Wait, wait, wait, you can’t afford heating oil AND your kid has a medical condition, AND you own a smoky wood burning stove? Are you available for a photo op tomorrow at 5, I’ll be the guy in the blue jacket--see you then.”

A carrot on a stick never kept anyone fed, let alone warm. Liberals enjoy walking around with carrots on sticks, leading the poor of this nation around for their amusement. Every once and a while they will let a carrot drop to the ground so the poor continue to trust that the leadership that they perceive to be “for them.” The truth is, if the poor in this country didn’t have the Democratic Party offering handouts instead of incentives, highlighting victims instead of opportunities, then the poor and even maybe the Democrats may just realize what this country has to offer. Ok, possibly not the Democrats, but definitely the poor!

Joe Kennedy boasts how his non-profit helps the people of the Northeast, close to if not in the very geographic area he represented while a member of Congress. Instead of creating jobs while he was in Congress so that people could pay for their heating oil, he would rather undermine our foreign policy to be called a hero again. While in Congress, had Joe focused on economic growth he would have had the ability to help many more people than what he claims to be doing now. Maybe Joe should travel to the outskirts of some Venezuelan cities and personally thank them for the heating oil. After all, isn’t this a gift from the people of Venezuela?

Wait a minute Joe….

Fernando Villegas is the President of the Orange County YRs.

Out in Right Field

2008-01-27T22:01:00.000-05:00

by Julius Ponds

Some nights ago, I took time to watch the results from the Iowa caucuses and New Hampshire primary roll in.

It was especially entertaining watching Ed Rollins get really punchy with Chris Wallace on Fox News. Many of us will remember Ed Rollins for his high-level involvement with K.T. McFarland’s senatorial campaign in 2006. Now Rollins is serving as national campaign chairman for Mike Huckabee. He was a very sore winner, as noted later by Brit Hume. I would strongly suggest that, instead, they role out more Chuck Norris and less Ed Rollins for these high-profile television appearances. Otherwise, the campaign of the former Arkansas governor could quickly become a Hucka-been.

Over on CNN, as I was munching on my McRib, Anderson Cooper was presiding over so many guest panelists and talking heads as if he were now hosting Hollywood Squares. “Donna Brazile is correct, so circle gets the square.” “OK, Anderson, I’ll take Bill Bennett in center square for the block.” And how did David Gergen feel about being relegated to the “kiddie” table? When you have so many analysts that you need a “kiddie” table for the overflow, it’s time to rethink your format.

Speaking of rethinking one’s format, one has to wonder how the Giuliani campaign is feeling. True, Rudy has a sizable war chest, and has still been polling well in the bigger states with February primaries. But how long will his polling remain high when other candidates are racking up victories in early primaries states and Rudy’s campaign is only giving marginal efforts? It’s going to get harder and harder to motivate volunteers for phone banks and door-to-door efforts for a candidate who is only pulling single-digit leads in high profile contests.

The following Tuesday, I watched the results come in from the New Hampshire primary. I tried to broaden my perspective by watching a little of the coverage on MSNBC. I found it extremely problematic. First off, they featured that shrew, Katrina vanden Heuvel, editor of The Nation. I find her so annoying. Among other things, she never uses the word liberal, but instead chooses to call her favored left-of-center positions progressive. Secondly, I found it disappointing that so much of the MSNBC coverage centered on making jokes at the expense of John McCain’s victory speech. It was as if, they slipped into a broadcast of one of the Dean Martin Celebrity Roasts.

Earlier that Tuesday, I had an e-mail exchange with fellow Young Republicans, and discussed Hillary Clinton’s choking up episode. One of these was convinced that this was a calculated effort to win her some sympathy and show her in a more human and less calculating light. I disagreed. I could not think of a way in which showing weakness on television… crying or choking up or loosing one’s cool…could be spun into something positive. I felt that was especially true for a female candidate who would probably be fighting against latent misogynist biases in the electorate. I was expecting this to be an Ed Muskie moment, not a pivot for Hillary’s campaign to rebound.

In any event, a Republicans, we have an exciting winter head of us. With each of Huckabee (Iowa), Romney (Wyoming) and McCain (New Hampshire) having each won a state contest thus far, the field is wide open.

Tusk Talk with Tusk Harper

2008-01-27T22:00:00.000-05:00

Dear Tusk,

All of my friends are Republicans. The last time I was amicable with a Democrat was in high school and she moved to Berkeley. Is it OK that I only associate with like-minded individuals, or am I constantly in a “spin zone?”

From: One Sided in Oneida

Dear One Sided,

You need to ask yourself some questions: why is it that you only associate with Republicans? Is it because, geographically, you can’t meet any Democrats or is it because you choose not to? Do you find that you get frustrated easily in debates? It is completely understandable that you do not want to waste conversation with some hippie from Berkeley, but the larger issue is determining whether you are specifically looking for liberal acquaintances or if you feel guilty that you “have to” have these friends. As long as you are secure in your own values, you shouldn’t have to worry about who you associate with.

Dear Tusk,

I am concerned about my weight. Doctors tell me to eat salad but I crave steak. I still live at home with my mother and she feeds me enough pasta for an army. Are there any good meals to eat? Help!

From: Dieting in Delmar

Dear Dieting,

Weight loss programs are often a hoax. Don’t believe all of the hype of avoiding carbohydrates while gorging on bacon and ricotta cheese. At the same time, be aware of portion control and try to stop yourself from taking that second helping. I am not a doctor, but I think that the McRib sandwich is small enough to meet your one-course requirement while also satisfying the primal urges for taste with a hint of mystery. It’s a meal worth driving two hours for.

A Message from NYSYR Chairman, Christopher Dziedzic

2007-12-26T20:49:00.000-05:00

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

2007-12-26T20:48:00.000-05:00

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

2007-12-26T20:45:00.000-05:00

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

2007-12-26T20:44:00.000-05:00

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

2007-12-26T20:42:00.000-05:00

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

2007-12-26T20:41:00.001-05:00

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

2007-12-26T20:27:00.000-05:00

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

2007-12-26T20:24:00.000-05:00

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.

NYSYR Holiday Dinner 2007

2007-10-28T14:14:00.000-04:00

A Message from NYSYR Chairman Christopher Dziedzic

2007-10-24T23:00:00.000-04:00

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

2007-10-24T22:57:00.001-04:00

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

2007-10-24T22:56:00.001-04:00

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?

2007-10-24T22:56:00.000-04:00

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

2007-10-24T22:55:00.000-04:00

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

2007-10-24T22:52:00.000-04:00

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

2007-10-24T22:50:00.000-04:00

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

2007-10-24T22:40:00.000-04:00

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

2007-10-24T22:30:00.000-04:00

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

2007-10-24T22:20:00.000-04:00

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.

A Message from NYSYR Chairman Christopher Dziedzic

2007-09-11T03:00:00.000-04:00

Last month, I started to expand on some of the main goals the current Executive Board has for the NYSYR. Earlier this year, I wrote 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.”

It is nice rhetoric, but how do Young Republicans put it into practice? How does the NYSYR contribute significantly to Republican efforts in the "battle of wallets?" We do it with the financial support of our Republican candidates.

During the 2006 election cycle, I am proud that our organization was able to hold successful fundraising events for our statewide Republican candidates that generated roughly $8,000 for gubernatorial candidate John Faso and approximately $6,000 for comptroller candidate, Chris Callaghan.

We also made significant donations to a variety of fellow Young Republicans who ran for office themselves. Congressional candidates Richard Hoffman and Italo Zanzi, State Senate candidates Flip Pidot and Viviana Hernandez, State Assembly candidates Yvette Bennett, Bill Faulk, Robert Heim, Patricia Laudano, Marcus Molinaro, Dan Panico, Chemung County Legislature candidate Chris Friend, and, in my own Town of Wappinger, Council candidate William Beale all received support in their bids—many of them successful.

However, as a wise man once said, any fool can spend money; it takes someone with smarts to raise money. As Young Republicans, we need to give a great deal of credit to former NYSYR Chair Jason Weingartner (2003-2007) who helped change the culture of the organization to one that aggressively fundraises. Jason instituted a pair of annual events to serve as fundraisers for our state federation. The Annual Holiday Dinner in Manhattan each December and the Annual Day at the Races in Saratoga Springs each August have successfully established revenue streams to give the NYSYR the solid financial foundation to take part in “the battle of wallets.” I have sought to build upon that developing a third annual fundraising event, an Annual Golf Outing, that we held in late May.

I’m enthusiastic about our financial strength and would encourage all of our county chapters to look at various fundraising options to establish themselves as local powerhouses, just as the NYSYR is now a statewide powerhouse.

Christopher Dziedzic is the Chair of the NYSYR. Send your questions, comments, suggestions and great chili recipes to chairman@nysyr.us.

YRs Beat Young Democrats; Win for Fallen Heroes Charity

2007-09-11T02:50:00.000-04:00

by Lynn Krogh, New York YRs

The New York Young Republican Club showed the Manhattan Young Democrats just exactly how kickball is played, winning an extra-inning (10) match 6-4 on Saturday, August 11th, on Central Park's Great Lawn. The much-anticipated match-up was for charity, with all the players paying a fee to participate and donations were also taken. It was agreed in advance that the winner would donate the money to the charity of their choice.

Rather than see the winnings go to yet another environmental group of the YDs’ choosing, Club members put their best effort into the game, donating the day’s money to the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund. Fallen Heroes provides grants to the families of military personnel who have given their lives in defense of America. Unlike many charities, Fallen Heroes gives 100 percent of its donations to military families, taking no money out for administrative costs, which are underwritten by the Fund’s trustees.

The event came together through the work of Community Outreach Chairmen Sean White and Alanna Crawford, Membership Chairman Craig Schwartz, and Board of Advisors Chair Sharlene Santercole. Zog Sports, a charity-focused sports league, sponsored the game and provided umpires to explain the rules and officiate the game.

The YR group was made up of people who have never played kickball and people who haven’t played since elementary school. In the end, experience didn’t matter, just the will to prove that the Democrats don’t hold a monopoly on victory in this town.

The New York Sun and FoxNews.com reported on the game and both the YRs and the YDs look forward to doing similar events in the future.

Lynn Krogh is the President of the NYYRC and Vice Chair of the NYSYR.

A Grand Old Party on a Midsummer’s Eve

2007-09-11T02:40:00.000-04:00

by Jonathan Judge, Brooklyn YRs

It was the mystery event of the New York City Republican summer season—the Senate Summer Social on August 21st at Spiegeltent in Manhattan’s South Street Seaport.

Some of the local news blogs were chattering away about the speculation, saying that it might be the party’s substitute for former New York Governor George Pataki’s annual birthday fundraisers at the Seaport.

However, I only knew it as an e-mail invite I received from Scott Sala, of Urban Elephants.com fame, which billed the event as a FREE invitation-only “Exclusive New York City Networking Event” where one can join “Young Professionals in Politics, Business & Media for an evening of cocktails & conversation.”

While the word “Republican” was not to be seen so easily on the invite itself, as for the organizers, it could not be clearer for whom they planned this spectacular soiree. The event was the brainchild of Lisa Black of Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno’s Public Affairs office and Dana Weisberg of Park Strategies, LLC, which is the government relations firm founded by former U.S. Senator Al D’Amato.

Young professionals and lots of Republicans: you bet that this was my kind of event!

Thought the skies were gray, the many canopies of Spiegeltent were filled with over 300 people, an air of conviviality, a spectacular view of the Brooklyn Bridge and the New York harbor, and, of course, politics.

I had just barely made my way towards the festivities with fellow Brooklyn YR Samuel Rivera, when I immediately came across Brooklyn’s State Senator Marty Golden and Staten Island District Attorney, Dan Donovan, both of whom were event sponsors. I also briefly chatted with J.C. Polanco, State Assembly Minority Leader Jim Tedisco’s New York City Regional Director.

When I signed in at the door, I was given two free drink tickets and I was asked to drop my business card in the glass jar to be eligible to win some raffle prizes, which included dinners, shows, baseball, and some other nifty things.

Looking around, I noticed the Brooklyn Young Republican Club was well represented. Our President, Bob Capano was there with our Executive Director Georgea Kontzamanis, as well as Vice President Britta Vander Linden and her husband, Luke Vander Linden, who himself is a former President of the BYRC.

Naturally, it was a bit after 6 o’clock, and I was a little parched and hungry. So I headed straight for the bar, utilized one of my drink tickets, and then browsed the delectable sea-themed hors d’oevres, such as jumbo shrimp with cherry tomatoes, grilled tuna on cucumber, and slices of a smoked salmon and cream cheese wrap, which I guess is a variation of the New York’s favorite lox and shmear. Of course, I sampled each of them with delight.

Anyway, while enjoying the light fare, I bumped into AlarmingNews.com blogger and public relations consultant Karol Sheinin, with whom I had a pleasant chat about, among other things, the ongoing Renaissance of our hometown, Brooklyn.

Mingling a bit more, I had a rather engaging discussion about the upcoming Republican presidential primary with Avery Knapp, a spirited gentleman who has taken up the Ron Paul crusade in New York City, most recently by painting a rooftop in the East Village to read “Google Ron Paul”, as was noted by the Washington Post a few weeks ago.

However, Rudy Giuliani’s Presidential Committee was certainly not going to pass up an event like this in the Mayor’s hometown. “RUDY” stickers were abounding on lapels, dresses and bags throughout the event, and even Giuliani’s New York State Executive Director, Mario Bruno, was to be seen among the guests.

It wasn’t long before I came across Assistant Director of Tedisco’s NYC office, Robert Hornak, and a fellow Republican colleague of his, Daniel Peterson, who has been a candidate for local office and currently serves as President of a Manhattan Republican club.

The event was suddenly interrupted by Senator Golden’s booming voice, ushering everyone to the front for the main event: the raffle. It was at that point that I spotted newlywed Staten Island YR President, Anthony Reinhart, whom I gave a hearty congratulations. As they were calling out the various raffle prize winners (of which I was not one), I heard a familiar name called, and it was BYRC VP Britta Vander Linden, who won a prize!

After they finished giving out prizes, I spotted New York Sun columnist, Alicia Colon, whom I had to meet and thank for her many inspiring and spot-on columns that I’ve read over the past couple of years.

Finally finishing my first drink, I went back to the bar for a refill only to find former NYSYR State Chairman Jason Weingartner, and my counterpart in the New York YRs, Kellen Giuda, who serves as Editor of the NYYRC’s newsletter, the Record. We talked shop for a bit, and then I met Molly Casey, a Bruno staffer, who also helped with putting together this excellent event.

Though the event ended at 8 PM on the dot, people (like myself) spent a few more hours talking and mingling amongst ourselves.

I know it may seem like a lot of name dropping, but it’s necessary to convey exactly how unusual a turn out this event had. Among the many elected officials, businesses and independent political organizations that came together to fill this event, each one represents a distinct part of New York City’s young professional Republican make up, and frequently one would only come to expect to find certain groups of Republicans only at certain events.

This time, Ms. Black and Ms. Weisberg managed to break that mold and brought Republicans of all sorts throughout the city together in order to meet other Republicans and have a great time doing so.

I spoke with Ms. Weisberg recently about the event. She said that she and Ms. Black, who have been friends for some time now, got the idea from several young professional events that presidential candidates had been putting together, and they decided that there ought to be an event for young professional Republicans, conservatives and libertarians, regardless of candidate preference.

Ms. Weisberg said that Senator Bruno has been eyeing ways to reach out to younger Republicans, and was glad to help sponsor the event.

So, she and Ms. Black went ahead with the idea and began putting together a host committee, to which Ms. Weisburg commented: “We had a great group of diverse people, not only in government, but in the media and business as well, who were very eager to help.” They finally chose Spiegeltent, as the venue because, as Ms. Weisberg said, “You have to have it at a place that young people want to go—some place fun.”

After proving to be a tremendously successful event, she said that Senator Bruno thought it went wonderfully and that there is discussion about putting together another event like this in the near future.

I, for one, certainly wish them lots of luck in keeping Republican social life in New York City thriving, and I think they’re off to a great start doing just that!

Jonathan Judge is Secretary of the Brooklyn YRs and Editor-in-Chief of the NYSYR GOPyr Newsletter.

YRs at the Plate

2007-09-11T02:33:00.000-04:00

Brendan Lantry

Lives In: Staten Island
YR Status: Chairman, Board of Directors, Staten Island YRs
Occupation: College Student
Running For: State Committee, AD62

Brendan was born and raised on the South Shore of Staten Island, in the town of Eltingville. He is currently a Senior at St. John’s University in the Peter J. Tobin School of Business. He is currently preparing for the LSAT exam and plans to attend law school in the Fall of 2008.

Since early 2005, he has been working for now State Senator Andrew J. Lanza, first when Senator Lanza was a NY City Council Member from 2005 to 2006. He then left to work on Lanza’s Senate campaign where he served as Campaign Coordinator. He now serves as his Legislative Aide in Staten Island.

In reflecting on his burgeoning political career, Brendan had this to say: “As YR President, it took a while to gain the respect and trust of some people in the party. The Staten Island YRs didn't always have a great track record on Staten Island, and a lot of people in the party still remembered that. Once they realized that we were trying to bring about positive reform in the SIYRs, we gained respect for our campaign activities and growth in membership. I think the SIGOP feels that I can bring some of that enthusiasm to the Executive Committee, and that's probably why I have their support to be District Leader.”

Frank Sparaco

Lives In: Rockland County
YR Status: President, Rockland YRs
Occupation: Entrepreneur, U.S. Navy (Ret.)
Running For: County Legislator, 11th District, Rockland County
Website: www.FrankSparaco.com

Thoughts from a New York Sailor

2007-09-11T02:30:00.000-04:00

by Anthony J. Romeo

When I enlisted in the U.S. Navy in early 2005, I was rather confused, at first, and a little nervous not knowing what to except from this new lifestyle.

Also, joining the military at the age of 24, it was a little harder to adjust, mainly because most of the great men and women of the United States Armed Forces either joined right out of high school at the young age of 18 or 19.

I had to deal with a lot of issues at first, and so, during my deployment, I took time to think long and hard about all the things people normally take for granted.

I would try to go to church as much as I could, and while the chaplain would attempt to deliver his mass over the enormous bangs of the flight deck catapults, I would hear that horrible bang as the mass would continue and I would think to myself how I would love to be back home at church listening to a baby’s constant cry and shushing by its mother instead.

Being away from my true Love, Lauren, was the hardest thing for me to cope with, but I feel it made our relationship so much stronger being away from one another for such a long period of time. Every night as I was reading my war time prayer book by author Father Fulton Sheen, I would use one of Lauren’s pictures as a bookmark, so that last thing I saw before I fell asleep was her beautiful face.

In the little free time I had, when I knew the ship was pulling into a port, I would inquire with my command’s religious department how I could help the people of whichever country we were visiting.

In Dubai, U.A.E., I volunteered twice to help handicapped children play different types of sports, including wheelchair basketball and soccer.

Another time I visited Dubai, I led a team to build a garden for a group of women who had been victims of human trafficking. They were recently rescued and needed a place of sanctuary, which we helped make into a more livable and beautiful home.

I did not do any of these things for a ribbon, medal or a plaque; I simply did them because they needed to be done.

There are so many great people overseas that just want the same thing we Americans want out of life, and that is good schools for our children to attend, as well as safe neighborhoods to live in and raise a family in.

The people over there are no different than you or I. They value family and their religion more than anything. I constantly tell people you should be happy for what you have, not be upset for what you don’t have, because when could a person ever be happy if you constantly wanted something bigger or more expensive? The answer is never.

A person should be grateful for the country we live in, the government we elect, and just for being alive. So many people take the most precious thing we have for granted too much, and that is life itself.

I remember as a young boy going to church, the priest once said, “Do not be upset you do not have a new pair of sneakers to play in, but be happy that you have feet and you are able to run and play with other children.”

I think people just need to take a second and look at the bigger picture, because, going away for so long, I learned not to complain, since no matter how much you complain, the situation does not change unless you do something about it yourself.

Anthony John Romeo, 27 of Brooklyn, New York, enlisted into the United States Navy on January 9, 2005.
During his service, he has been awarded the Blue Jacket Sailor of the Month twice in his department on the U.S.S. Dwight D. Eisenhower, the Aviation Warfare Specialist, two Global War on Terrorism Medals, the Sea Service Medal, the National Defense Medal, and assisted his command to obtain the Battle of Excellence for 2006 during Operation Enduring Freedom & Iraqi Freedom from October of 2006 to May of 2007.
When he returns to New York, he plans to get more involved as a Young Republican.

On the Road with the Chairman

2007-09-11T02:29:00.000-04:00

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: Albany, NY

Chris traveled to Albany to attend the Capitol District Young Republican’s July monthly meeting, on Wednesday, July 25th. It was held at Legends on Lark Street in Albany at 7:00 PM. R.A. De Prima, a Republican county legislative candidate for one of the districts within the city of Albany, was the guest speaker.

Stop #2: Amsterdam, NY

That weekend, Chris was up in Amsterdam, New York along with many other YRs for one of he targeted campaign efforts – this one in Assembly District 105, to help George Amedore to win a special election. While in that part of the state Chris has a chance to meet with the head of the newly organizing Montgomery County Young Republicans. Chris had a chance to sit down with Karl Baia at the Crystal Restaurant in Amsterdam on the afternoon of Saturday, July 28th. It was a productive meeting, and the Montgomery County YRs are looking to join our larger statewide network.

Stop #3: Saratoga, NY

The next big event was the 6th Annual Day at the Races on Saturday, August 4th. While Chris did not make a big profit from his bets at the track, everyone in attendance profited from hearing Chris Callaghan’s beautiful new song about Eliot Spitzer and Troopergate, which you can watch here: www.nysyr.us/gallery.htm.

Stop #4: Lake Como, NJ

On Saturday, August 11th, Chris and National Committeeman Ed Torres traveled down to Lake Como, NJ (formerly known as South Belmar), to attend the annual New Jersey Young Republican Federation Summer Splash. The YRs from New York and New Jersey have a long history of supporting and attending one another’s events and activities, and the current NYSYR administration strives to maintain those ties.

Stop #5: Endicott, NY

Chairman Dziedzic, Corresponding Secretary Bryon McKim, Executive Director Rick Cordaro and Parliamentarian Ed Lass attended Senator Tom Libous’s Annual Steak Roast and Thursday, August 16th in Endicott, New York. It was a great time at one of the largest Republican fundraisers in the state, with an annual attendance of three to four thousand people.

YR Club Notes

2007-09-11T02:26:00.000-04:00

Brooklyn YRs

During the month of August, the Executive Board of the Brooklyn YRs met with the leadership of the Rudy Giuliani Presidential Committee at its National Headquarters in Lower Manhattan to discuss ways in which the YRs can help Rudy’s efforts in early states like Iowa and New Hampshire. The Brooklyn YRs were one of the first Republican organizations in New York to endorse Rudy Giuliani for the Republican nomination earlier this year.

Next Event: Wednesday, September 12th with Mario Bruno, New York State Executive Director for the Rudy Giuliani Presidential Committee
Peggy O’Neill’s, 8123 5th Avenue, Brooklyn

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
(718) 360-9583

Capital District YRs

Though the Capital District YRs are celebrating their successful efforts to getGeorge Amedore elected to the State Assembly in the 105th District’s special election this summer, they nevertheless strive to bring more Republican victories to the area. They are currently actively supporting the campaigns of R.A. De Prima for Albany County Legislator and Mike DeMartino, a Capital District YR himself, for Colonie Town Board.

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

The Nassau County YRs recently elected a new President, Andrew Stream, during a special election on Thursday, August 23. Stream was elected to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of former President Michael Kaplan, who left to take a job with the U.S. House Committee on Homeland Security in Washington, D.C.

Stream says that there are two campaigns in particular that the Nassau YRs are supporting: John Carway, a former Nassau County YR Chairman, is running for Town Supervisor of North Hempstead, and fellow YR Donald X. Clavin, who is running for re-election as the Town of Hempstead Receiver of Taxes.

Next Meeting: Thursday, September 27th

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

The New York YRs were the proud victors of the Young Republican vs. Young Democrat Charity Kickball Game on August 11th in Central Park, where they beat the YD’s 6 to 4! For more details about their success, read President Lynn Krogh’s article.

Beyond the usual political tasks, the NYYRC is also planning spend a day lending a helping hand to fix up community schools by organizing a team to take part in NY Cares Day on Saturday, October 20th.

Next Meeting: Thursday, September 20th with columnist, author and policy expert John Lott.

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)

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

The Saratoga YRs were hosts to one of the biggest New York State YR events of the summer, the annual Saratoga Day at the Races on August 4th. In addition to the usual festivities, attendees were treated with a special performance by 2006 Comptroller candidate, Chris Callaghan, who performed quite the satiric song about Governor Spitzer’s Troopergate scandal to the tune of Bob Dylan’s How Does It Feel? For your viewing pleasure, you may access the video at http://www.nysyr.us/gallery.htm.

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

Staten Island YR President Anthony Reinhart married his high school sweetheart, fellow YR and SIYR Events Chairwoman, Nicole Martingano, on Sunday, July 22nd. After the wedding, which was well attended by the SIYR Board of Directors, the happy couple departed for Hawaii, where they explored several islands, enjoyed many adventurous activities and spent a day aboard the USS Missouri at Pearl Harbor. The new Mr. & Mrs. Reinhart plan to continue living in the New Dorp section of Staten Island, where they both grew up.

As for the newlywed politico, Reinhart commented, “Now that wedding planning is over, I hope to devote more time to the YRs—with a well balanced amount of time spent with my wife, of course!”

We wish them the best of luck and a whole lifetime of happiness together!

Next Meeting: Tuesday, September 18th , 8:30 PM

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

Our hosts for the upcoming Fall Board meeting on September 15th have been hard at work preparing a spectacular event for us. The guest speaker list has been growing, and now includes State Assemblyman James Bacalles, Steuben County GOP Chairman Bill Hatch, former U.S. Congressman Amo Houghton, and current U.S. Congressman Randy Kuhl. In addition to a great slate of speakers, the lunch and dinner menus are equally appealing.

One of the activities during the weekend will include helping out with a campaign event for Steuben YR and Corning City Mayoral candidate, Tom Reed. Reed has recently entered the world of YouTube with his own campaign video, which highlights his platform.

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

During the month of August, several officers of the Suffolk County YRs also met with the leadership of the Rudy Giuliani Presidential Committee at its National Headquarters in Lower Manhattan to discuss ways in which the YRs can help Rudy’s efforts in early states like Iowa and New Hampshire.

Next Meeting:
Thursday, September 28th

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

On August 25th, the Warren County YRs hosted WCYR Family Fun Day 2007 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 $15 a person (or $17 at the door).

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

2007-09-11T02:20:00.000-04:00

with Tusk Harper

Dear Tusk,

I think my dog is a Democrat. He always seems to go around the neighborhood, giving all of the other pets the bones that I give him. Let’s face it: I work hard to make money to buy Sir Mortimus the bones, and yet he prances around giving it away like these other pooches are entitled. How do I teach my dog to avoid the entitlement mindset?

From: Flippin’ in Fulton

Dear Flippin’,

Ah, here we go again: the old liberal vs. conservative, dog vs. cat debate. Call me overly optimistic or simple, but I genuinely believe that every pooch placed on this planet has the right to the pursuit of his or her own happiness. Freedom, treats, and belly rubs are not just for humans. I suggest calling a local conservative dog trainer and allowing this person to use gentle force in training Sir Mortimus that we can never be free if we’re giving hand-outs to some poodle from across the border. Worst case scenario: you can always build a fence.

Dear Tusk,

My Republican friends always seem to make fun of me for loving the song “Don’t Stop (Thinking About Tomorrow).” Is it heresy to be a Fleetwood Mac fan?

From: Rocker in Rochester

Dear Rocker,

There are many “rumours” about whether or not Republicans should listen to hippie music. I, personally, don’t think it is such a dire situation that a “landslide” will bring you down. However, I think such notions are but a “mirage.” Take it from Tusk – you’re better off listening to Fleetwood Mac than you are listening to that “black magic woman” Celine Dion.

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

A Message from NYSYR Chairman Christopher Dziedzic

2007-08-02T23:59:00.000-04:00

I am very excited to see the return of the GOPYR newsletter. This was a labor of love for Brian Graybow for a couple of years. With his recent elevation to NYSYR Chief of Staff, I am grateful that Jonathan Judge has volunteered to step in with his experience and creative ideas as the new Editor-in-Chief.

When Jonathan asked me to pen a few words for this issue, I thought this would be an appropriate time to expand on some of the main goals the current Executive Board has for the NYSYR. Early in 2007, when I announced my candidacy for State Chair, I spoke of how, "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.”

But what does that actually mean? How does the NYSYR contribute significantly to Republican efforts in the "battle of numbers?" The first, and most obvious, way our organization contributes is by getting bodies out on the streets in targeted election efforts.

Looking at 2007 alone, we can be proud of our additions to the special election efforts in Senate District 7 in Nassau County, Assembly Districts 61 and 62 in Richmond County and, most recently, Assembly District 105 in Montgomery and Schenectady Counties. For the fall, we plan to build on these efforts with similar targeted campaign weekends throughout September and October. We know, in hotly contested local races, that the energy and enthusiasm of a block of Young Republican volunteers can infect a campaign down the home stretch.

The “battle of numbers”is not only about providing volunteers. It is also about ensuring we have strong, viable candidates for all levels of office on our party line. Young Republicans are now at the forefront. Whether as candidates for United States Congress, New York State Assembly, county or municipal office, Young Republicans are stepping forward. As is often said, we are not the future of the party, we are the present of the party. And our continuing contributions on multiple levels in the “battle of numbers” is evidence of that.

Christopher Dziedzic is the Chair of the NYSYR. When all of his political work is done, he falls to sleep dreaming of a rotation of Drabek, Deshaies, and Tewksbury pitching the Yanks to a couple of pennants in the late 1980s.

A Message from Editor-in-Chief Jonathan J. Judge

2007-08-02T23:58:00.000-04:00

It is my pleasure to introduce to you the latest issue of the GOPyr Newsletter, and my first one as Editor-in-Chief.

I am very excited about the prospect of continuing the past successes of the GOPyr under former Editor-in-Chief and our current Chief of Staff, Brian Graybow, and working to expand its content, readership and influence among YRs and the New York State GOP at large.

In order to do that, I have the following plan for the GOPyr:

Created GOPyr Blog: As any major publication does today, this issue and every future issue will be simultaneously published via the GOPyr Blog at http://GOPyr.blogspot.com. Now, it will be easier to read each issue, backtrack on previous issues, and there will be a comments feature that will allow you to give your feedback on the newsletter’s content.

Created Club Notes Section: A whole section of this newsletter will be dedicated exclusively to sharing the wonderful accomplishments and happenings in your clubs each month. You may have experiences and ideas that the rest of us ought to know about about, and we want to make sure that everyone does.

Create YRs at the Plate Section: YRs are, as our Chairman states in his message, the present, not the future, of the party, and we are running for office. We want to make sure that other YRs gain from their experiences and motivations in the hopes to inspire other YRs to do the same, or at least lend a helping hand wherever they can. So, each month, we will feature YRs running for office and highlight those key points of their campaigns that are of value to New York State Young Republicans and their lives as public servants and engaged citizens.

Create YR of the Month Section: Each of us, as citizen activists, perform generous and sometimes tremendous deeds for our clubs, our party, and our country. Those deeds need to be recognized by our YR community. Therefore, I will be asking each club to nominate one of their members as a YR of the Month, one of whom will be featured in the newsletter each month. More details on the selection process itself will follow shortly.

With that, I look forward to working with you on the next issue and feel free to contact me if you have any questions, comments, or ideas. See you next month!

A Message from Rick Cordaro, NYSYR Executive Director

2007-08-02T23:57:00.002-04:00

I am honored to serve as Executive Director of the NYSYRs. My role is "multi-disciplinary" and involves just about any task the elected leadership throws my way. I'm more than happy to oblige! My latest accomplishment is our new web site. Please check it out at www.nysyr.us. You will find much the same content, but in redesigned form. If you have suggestions, want something posted, or spot an error, please let me know!

A Message from Brian Graybow, NYSYR Chief of Staff

2007-08-02T23:57:00.001-04:00

I am honored to have taken the reins as the next Chief of Staff for the New York State Young Republicans (NYSYR) under Christopher Dziedzic and his administration. The role of Chief of Staff is primarily to serve as confidential advisor to the Chair and to aid in the transition from one Administration to another. In addition to these duties, I have assisted in outreach to various county chapters. The NYSYR has forged significant contacts as a result of the widely popular New York State GOP Dinner, attended by both John McCain and Rudy Giuliani. In June, I represented the NYSYR at the Nassau County Young Republicans’ annual beach party and enjoyed spending time with the club. With the transition to the new Administration complete, we can now focus our efforts on building stronger clubs and adding new county organizations to the fold. I look forward to being a part of it.

Ontario Gets a YR Club At Last

2007-08-02T23:57:00.000-04:00

by Jonathan Judge, Editor-in-Chief

With the help of the New York State Young Republicans and the Ontario County Republican Committee, Ontario County finally has a Young Republicans (YRs) chapter.

The Ontario YRs held its first membership happy hour on Thursday, July 19, 2007 at McGregor's Grill & Tap Room in Canandaigua, NY, with special guest Jay Dutcher, Chairman of the Ontario County Republican Committee.

Ellis M. Oster, Chairman of the Ontario County Young Republicans, said, “I’m very pleased with the interest already generated within the last month to start this YR chapter, and I look forward to adding more members over the next few months.”

The Ontario YRs will also host a membership table at the Ontario County Republican Committee’s Annual Picnic, being held on Saturday, August 18, 1:00pm to 5:00pm, at the John Brown Memorial Park in Clifton Springs, NY, which is expected to attract 750 to 1,000 people, making it an ideal location for attracting new YR members. The Ontario YRs chapter is expected to be fully credentialed by the New York State Young Republicans at its next statewide meeting in September.

Oster said that it is “essential” for Ontario County to have a YR chapter, for both the upcoming local elections and the 2008 election cycle. In fact, despite Ontario County having one and a half times more Republicans than Democrats, Oster pointed out that U.S. Rep. Randy Kuhl (R-NY) won Ontario County by only 702 votes, a margin of 2.4%.

“If we want to have Republicans control Congress again in 2009, we must work together to ensure that candidates like Congressman Kuhl get reelected next year, especially since various liberal organizations have already started airing attack ads against the Congressman,” continued Oster.

Membership to the Ontario YRs is only $15 per person, per year, and $25 per married couple, per year. Associate members, i.e., those who are not between 18 and 40 years old and/or do not live in Ontario County, may join the Ontario YRs at $10 per year.

Oster himself is hardly new to the world of politics. Prior to his current occupation as a lead attorney for RJS Abstract Corporation in Fairport, NY, he served as a summer law clerk at the Republican Governors Association and the Center for Individual Rights, both in Washington, D.C. While attending Cornell Law School, he founded the Cornell Law Republicans, a student chapter of the Republican National Lawyers Association. During his undergraduate studies at Catholic University in Washington, D.C., Oster was a research assistant in the Political Analysis Department at the Republican National Committee. His duties primarily focused around compiling and analyzing election results for the RNC and the White House. Before working at the RNC, he served as an intern for then U.S. Rep. Benjamin A. Gilman (R-NY).

Urban Planning for Republicans

2007-08-02T23:54:00.000-04:00

by Steven Eiselen, Nassau YRs

A certain Republican elected official from Long Island, whom I heard speak recently, made the following comment:

“There are two Communist islands in North America; the island of Cuba, and the island of Manhattan.” Obviously, this claim is not only credible, but shockingly true when you think about it.

The heavy regulation, taxation, restrictions, social engineering, plus the otherwise negative effects of the City’s uncommitted and oligarchic leadership are killing development and economic progress in New York City and the greater metropolitan area at large. This trend should provoke us to wonder where this quasi-socialist government will take us next.

Our solution lies in the core of our biggest problems. The current dystopia that New York City and the surrounding area is merely the product of the policies, powers, and authorities that are the urban and suburban planning processes.

Not only is this an area that Republicans should be active in, but one that we must be active in. Indeed, we cannot have a future unless we plan one, especially in a field largely dominated by left-leaning city planners. This way, we can turn New York City around towards true growth versus the misleading and meager advances of the current approach.

Below are three basic policies that can be the hallmarks of a conservative Republican-planned city:

1. Deregulation: The 1916 New York City Zoning Resolution was about 35 pages. Today, it totals about 2,500 pages. Republicans must not only strive to simplify the Zoning Text, but every kind of regulation on development, condensing rules wherever possible, and removing unnecessary ones. The end result should be regulations that exist only out of necessity to maintain and protect the greater public good, and leave the rest for individuals and businesses to decide for themselves.

2. Cut Fees & Taxes: Republicans should conduct a study of how much every kind of tax or fee can be cut that interferes with private sector development projects. These, too are currently out of control, especially as congestion pricing looms over the horizon.

3. Invest with Private, not Public, Capital: Republicans ought to fight for policies that stress the use of corporate or private initiatives and funding for any redevelopment and revitalization projects, using limited taxpayer funds only as an absolute last resort.

“Beautification” projects should be done in concert with individual property owners, or perhaps coordinated through local Chambers of Commerce and other such associations. A policy also ought to be developed directing the prudent and economical use of public funds for streetscapes and other public property.

Republicans also ought to insist on stricter enforcement of competitive bidding rules, establishing value in public projects while spending as little as possible in the process of redeveloping a particular area.

Through policy and planning steps like these and others, we can take New York well on its way towards a more Republican and freer “free market” system of progress and urban development. Our ports will bustle, our skylines will rise, and our quality of life and liberty will steadfastly increase. Imagine the possibilities...

Spitz’ Fits Put “Day One” on Fritz

2007-08-02T22:43:00.000-04:00

by Rich Alicea, Queens YRs

On a cold, winter day in January, New York State Governor Eliot Spitzer (D) stood on the steps of our State Capitol and declared that the "Rip Van Winkle" days in Albany were over. He declared that he would usher in a new age of ethics in the state. He declared that everything would change beginning on "Day One."

But seven months later, Governor Spitzer has accomplished little more than bullying and compromising those "ethics" that he promised to promote. His hypocritical "do as I say, not as I do" attitude has become the norm, as he publicly criticized Republicans throughout the state for actions that not only are lawful, but actions that the Governor himself has been doing.

His now infamous outburst to Assembly Minority Leader James Tedisco (R), in which he described himself as an “f*****g steamroller”, was only the first of a series of schoolyard bully tactics that Spitzer has utilized to create a double standard in our Capitol.

He chastised the Republican-controlled State Senate for its refusal to, without question, adopt his version of campaign finance reform. At the same time, the Governor, with the practice of bundling, sold access to himself and his office to the tune of tens of thousands of dollars a person, as reported in April by New York State Republican Party Chairman, Joseph Mondello. Is this reform? Instead of leading by example, Governor Spitzer has chosen to lead by public posturing and grandstanding. But, the hypocrisy continues.

As Governor Spitzer publicly criticized Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno (R) for using public aircraft, he traveled around the state lambasting Republican Senators for ending its legislative session on the scheduled date and not kow-towing to his demands, according to a July 2, 2007 New York Daily News article. In effect, he campaigned for any Democratic challenger to a Republican incumbent, all on the taxpayer's dime. To add insult to injury, the Governor's office leaked police records about Sen. Bruno's travel, for political gain, to the Albany Times Union. The Steamroller's response: "I didn't know it was happening."

In his first several months in office, Governor Spitzer has only proven that his ego trumps all, and that we, the taxpaying citizens, must suffer the consequences. Allowing his feud with Sen. Bruno to get the best of him, he has demonstrated that he either cannot be trusted to monitor what's going on in his own office, or cannot be trusted to tell the truth when it comes to his own office's manipulation of its authority. Either way, this type of behavior is unacceptable.

Rich Alicea is the Chairman of the Queens County YRs.

In SiCKO, Dr. Moore Proves Himself to be the Biggest Quack

2007-08-02T21:50:00.000-04:00

by Samuel M. Rivera, Brooklyn YRs

There is no doubt that the healthcare system in America is imperfect at the very least, and one can read about the downfall of Medicare almost daily in the national newspapers. Thus, one can hardly ignore a film with healthcare as its major theme, especially when the creator of such a film is a lightning rod for controversy. Most recently, Hollywood’s latest concoction with this formula is “SiCKO,” a two-hour diatribe against the status of US healthcare.

A quick check of the renowned “RottenTomatoes.com” film review website counsels viewers that “SiCKO,” Michael Moore’s “documentary” (an increasingly tainted genre) about the American health care system, is “fresh” and earns 91% of positive ratings from 151 film critics nationwide. If you believe individuals such as Bill O’Reilly, you might think that this is due to a perplexing ideological imbalance in the media favoring the Left. However, this fact cannot explain the critics’ irrational love of “SiCKO” alone. Such socialist charlatanry can only convince the dumbest omadawn that Cuba and France are utopias and Hillary Clinton is “sexy.”

Yet, these are just a few of the claims that Dr. Moore makes as part of his prescription for a better life. “SiCKO” starts off by telling viewers that this film is not about those in America who are without healthcare but those that have it. Then come the litany of complaints from “real people” who have suffered (even died, Moore claims) because of the horrid nature of our health care system in America. This part of the film is the most human and emotional part. Moore transitions from these individual horror stories to muckraking. At least, one presumes this is muckraking, yet no citations are visible during much of the film.

This is Moore’s most overwhelming mistake. Here is a film made by a man whose last film accused the government of orchestrating the September 11th terror attacks. After his mockumentary on gun control (“Bowling for Columbine”) and producing the grotesque “Fahrenheit 9/11,” Michael Moore expects his viewers to trust his numbers? Since citations are seriously lacking, a reasoned viewer is left to guess which numbers in the film are cherry-picked and which are true.

For example, viewers are led to believe that the United States ranks 37th in health care performance, “just above Slovenia.” It sounds like a rather remarkable statement, considering the wealth and power of the United States. This, Moore says, is what makes “SiCKO” a comedy— a comedy about the failings of the richest nation in the world. Moore’s number is from the World Health Organization’s (WHO) World Health Report, a seemingly unbiased source (then again, it is the U.N.). However, a glance at the American Journal of Public Health underscores the inherent unfairness in this number. The WHO does not count as part of that ranking the tens of billions of dollars the US spends on research and on medicinal advances. He fails to note that over 60% of Americans rank their health as “excellent” or “good” and only 2.2% rank their own as poor. Additionally, the US ranks first in healthcare responsiveness and also deals with an impressive amount of lawsuits and malpractice claims that drive up insurance prices. But to Moore, reporting these facts and maintaining this standard of accuracy must be confusing and boring to his viewers, since he would much rather play an embarrassing clip of his favorite President, George W. Bush.

Next up, Moore does what those on the Right consider the unpardonable sin: praise anything of Hillary Clinton’s. More shockingly, he actually praises her 1993-1994 push as First Lady for universal national health care reform (perhaps her biggest weakness in her bid for president). One is forced to view a barrage of old Clinton photos, all while Moore claims that she was once “sassy” and “sexy.” Moore claims that when she pushed what conservatives appropriately called “HillaryCare,” she was proclaiming the civil right of health care. But now that she has become a big time senator, he says, she has betrayed her principles. No complaints there.

Not quite done sickening viewers, “SiCKO” travels to Canada, and then the UK and France on a bizarre European road trip to solidify Moore’s thesis that America sucks—I mean, America’s healthcare system sucks. The end result: we the viewers are subjected to the ramblings of expatriate Americans in a French bistro, a solo doctor in the UK who believes doctors should take pay cuts on principle (but somehow drives an Audi), and Dr. Moore’s logic that it’s true Europeans pay taxes (how much he never reports) but insists that healthcare’s still “free.” Moore suggests that the government should, while they’re somehow (taxes) managing to support the bureaucratic nightmare that is universal healthcare, also hire government nannies (I’m serious, he praises this) to take care of our kids. Government does so well hiring people like teachers with only minor setbacks (fondling, having sex with students and, of course, not teaching well—this last part being the most widespread), why not let them rock the cradle?

Not surprisingly, the last and most obtuse segment of the film is his use of ill 9/11 workers to make a grotesque statement about Cuba’s “superlative” healthcare system. Always the master manipulator, Moore and a posse of unfortunates (you do feel sorry for the 9/11 workers—at first) sail to Cuba and then to Gitmo, where Moore extols our healthcare for terrorists and our treatment of inmates. Suddenly, I feel as though I’m watching an EIB skit for Rush Limbaugh (“Club Gitmo,” anybody?). Of course, they do not get into Gitmo, but Dr. Moore has succeeded in his purpose: he has insulted America using a play out of the conservatives’ handbook and has managed to hide behind the 9/11 workers. Can you imagine how the US would look if they prosecuted 9/11 workers who went to Cuba illegally looking for adequate healthcare? What trickery!

Then, when they fail to get anything at Gitmo, Dr. Moore’s troops head back to Cuba, where Moore claims that there is a pharmacy on every corner! That’s better than New York! The sick folks find their way to a hospital (from my research, one of the better ones in Cuba), where they pay next to nothing to be treated. After brief interview with Che Guevara’s daughter, we see the SiCKOs (just examined and released with prescriptions) meet with a government fire department official and are saluted by Cuban firefighters, whom one of the healed SiCKOs calls their “brothers…”

…And then Elian Gonzalez came out arm in arm with Fidel Castro and healed the sick and the blind. Ok, just kidding. Roll credits.

This is what the emcee of healthcare reform, Dr. Michael Moore, has prescribed for us. No wonder the film has made far less money than “Fahrenheit 9/11.” But Moore does open some wounds that are sure to infect the 2008 presidential election. With healthcare costs on the rise and dire predictions concerning the future of Medicare, Moore takes the lazy socialist’s way of handling the issue by saying that if we just do what France does, death will end and life expectancy will increase exponentially. Yet consider this: for France’s entire universal healthcare, 5 hour work week (I’m joking—I hope), government-subsidized everything—they only live a few years more than the average American! That’s right! All our supersized, transfatty, obeseity-causing foods and stressful work weeks do not kill us much sooner than the French! Imagine if we all lived a little healthier?

Does this mean that the high insurance premiums and doctors living in fear of the next lawsuit are not problems? No, but thinking logically will dispel the notion that we must throw away the baby with the bathwater. Our healthcare system is flawed, yes, but it is not insurmountably flawed. Lawmakers—being led by their constituents’ demands and not the demands of special interests— can cause change without creating a class of American do-nothings who sit in their government-subsidized apartment houses with their food stamps and weekly trips to the government-paid doctors. Before you accuse this advice as outlandish, take a look at Europe’s average unemployment rate: double digits.

But forget that! We could just remake our money, increase taxes severely and form an economic and healthcare union with Canada and Mexico. Then maybe we can hire one of those government nannies to nurse Dr. Moore’s next communist pet project. However, I think not.

Hillary-ous Hypocrisy

2007-08-02T21:49:00.000-04:00

by Bob Capano, Brooklyn YRs

In the beginning of July, Senator Clinton (D) expressed all kinds of outrage over President Bush’s decision to commute the sentence of I. Lewis “Scooter” Libby. However, to this day, she has not expressed the same outrage over any former President Clinton’s many questionable pardons and commutations during his last days in office.

The most outrageous was her husband’s decision on August 11, 1999 to commute the sentences of 16 members of FALN, a violent Puerto Rican nationalist group that set off 120 bombs in the U.S., mostly in New York City and Chicago, who were convicted for conspiracies to commit robbery, bomb-making, and sedition, as well as for firearms and explosives violations.

Whether or not one agrees with President Bush’s decision relating to Mr. Libby, it seems clear that at least the same outrage, and I certainly believe more, should have been expressed by Senator Clinton regarding President Bill Clinton’s decision to free these members of FALN. As I noted in 1999 in a “letter to the editor” to various local newspapers, President Clinton’s decision was opposed by the two U.S. attorneys in the jurisdictions where the FALN members were convicted, and Justice Department officials who reviewed the case.

Of course, Hillary probably thought that doing so would cost her the Puerto Rican vote in New York for her first Senate race. America needs leaders who will do the right thing for the country and not a Senator (or President) who will offer commutations and pardons, or condemn them, for purely political reasons. Clearly, Hillary Clinton with her actions this week once again proves that she is not one of these leaders.

Bob Capano is Recording Secretary of the NYSYR and President of the Brooklyn Young Republican Club.

Tusk Talk

2007-08-02T21:20:00.000-04:00

with Tusk Harper

Dear Tusk,

After changing jobs a few months ago, I find myself spending a lot more time at home now. I get so frustrated with all of the trash on television these days. Where can I find some good, wholesome, conservative shows?

From: Questioning in Queens

Dear Questioning,

I understand your dilemma. Touched by an Angel is no longer on so parents should turn off their televisions whenever a child is in the room. What are the options? American Idol teaches people that pessimism is fun, Desperate Housewives continues its risqué romp, and anything on VH1 nowadays is just trashy. Perhaps the Spelling Bee could save our society from ruin – anything hosted by Joey Fatone is sure to be a success.

Dear Tusk,

Who are you supporting for President?

From: Curious in Chappaqua

Dear Curious,

Tusk Talk does not make formal endorsements in presidential primaries. One thing is for certain, though: I’m certainly not voting for the person hailing from your home town.

Have a question? Ask Tusk at tuskharper@yahoo.com.

Club Notes: August 2007

2007-08-02T21:17:00.000-04:00

Brooklyn YRs

The Brooklyn YRs have been occupied, like many YRs throughout the state, with petitioning, particularly for County Committee and State Committee. Several of their members are running for the Kings County Republican Committee, and a couple of their members, Yvette Velázquez Bennett and Viviana Hernandez, are running for District Leader/State Committee.

At their July meeting, their guest speaker was J.C. Polanco, New York City Regional Director of Assembly Minority Leader James N. Tedisco. He gave a rousing discussion about the good government reforms that the Assembly Minority has been working to push, but have been facing opposition from Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and the rest of the Assembly Democrats as well as Governor Spitzer.

In other, more cheerful news, one Brooklyn YR, Major John McBride and his wife, Keeia welcomed Maximillian Henry Earl McBride into the world on July 12th at 4:30am. Arriving seven weeks early (and mere hours after John attended their July monthly meeting!), Baby Max weighed in at a mere 5.2 pounds! Mother and baby are well. Congratulations, John!

Next Event: Summer Social
Thursday, August 9th at 7:30 PM
200 Fifth, 200 Fifth Avenue, Brooklyn, NY

Usually meet 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
(718) 360-9583

Capital District YRs

The Capital District YRs have been putting special effort towards the special election in the 105th Assembly District for Tuesday, July 31st. Republicans have chosen George Amedore, Jr., 38, from Schenectady to be their candidate to replace former Assemblyman Paul Tonko (D), whom the Governor appointed to be the President and CEO of the NYS Energy Research and Development Authority. Since a victory for the GOP there means a small, but significant blow to the Democratic Majority in the State Assembly, we congratulate them and Mr. Amedore on his successful election!

Monroe County YRs

The Monroe County YRs are neck-deep in campaigning for local Republicans, or are busy running for office themselves!

Their Executive Director, Brian Callahan, is running for Rochester City Council. Paul Gullo, the Monroe County YR’s Chairman, is the Campaign Chairman for Joe Nesser, who is running for Family Court Judge, and their Treasurer, Mike Roberts, is Mr. Nesser’s Deputy Campaign Manager.

As a club, they are all doing their best to support Maggie Brooks, Monroe County Supervisor, who is up for re-election this year, as well as many other county legislators.

Next Meeting:
Thursday, September 6th

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)

New York YRs

The New York YRs are keeping very social this summer. Firstly, they hosted their 95th Annual Dinner on July 11th, which was very well attended. They are having their annual Summer BBQ on August 8th and the first ever Young Republican vs. Young Democrat Kickball Game on August 11th. Members are asked to donate cash to play in the game. If the YRs win, the proceeds will go to the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund, but if the YDs win, the money will go to the Council on the Environment.

Next Meeting: Thursday, August 16th with Mark Krikorian, the Executive Director of the Center for Immigration Studies.

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:

NYYRC.com
info@nyyrc.com

Oneida County YRs

Young Republicans of Oneida County Chairman, Josh Piersall, has decided to step down after two years in office. The club is currently in the process of electing new officers. For more information about the Oneida County YRs, contact JP Kidwell at (315) 542-1974.

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)

Rockland County YRs

The Rockland County YRs are busy with local campaigns, particularly for their Chairman, Frank Sparaco, who is running for Rockland County Legislator in the 11th District.

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

Suffolk County YRs

Perhaps the club’s most noteworthy accomplishment for this issue is as the recipient of the 2007 Young Republican Organization of the Year Award at the Annual New York State Young Republican Convention in Saratoga Springs this past May.

Recently, the Suffolk County YRs have hosted representatives of Rudy Giuliani’s Presidential Campaign to discuss Rudy’s plan for the Republican primary and for the Republican Party in New York State. Suffolk County Chairman, Harry Withers, and former Republican Senate candidate, K.T. McFarland, also spoke at their meetings recently.

The club also has continued its tradition of awarding scholarships annually to Republican college and graduate students. This year’s recipients were Brittany DeLuca, who will be attending Arizona State University in the Fall, and Deanna Scorzelli, who will be attending St. John’s Law School in the Fall.

Next Meeting:
Thursday, September 28th

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

Contact Information:

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

Queens County YRs

The Queens YRs have hit the ground running during their first year.

Having only hosted their first event in May, their members are very committee to being young Republican activists and candidates.

Eric Ulrich of Ozone Park filed over 1,000 signatures for District Leader/State Committee in the 23rd Assembly District, and Queens YR President, Rich Alicea, filed petitions for Queens County Committee in the 1st ED of the 30th Assembly District. Other members that are running for Queens County Committee include Queens YR Secretary, Gabrielle Sfera, and Tara Woebbe.

During their May 3rd social, they enjoyed the company of over 50 other Young Republicans from Queens as well as past New York State Young Republican Chairman, Jason Weingartner, Brooklyn YRs Luke & Britta Vander Linden, State Senators Serf Maltese and Frank Padavan, and Queens Republican Chairman, Phil Ragusa.

Not missing an opportunity to do good for the community, a portion of the proceeds from their event went to the City Parks Foundation, which works to improve and rebuild parks and playgrounds, offer recreational, horticultural, cultural and environmental education programs for people of all ages in New York City.

The Queens YRs are currently planning to host a food drive, in conjunction with the Queens Women's Republican Club, sometime in September.

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

The Saratoga County YRs and the State Young Republicans have teamed up once again this year to host the annual “Day at the Races” at the historic Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs. This event will take place on Saturday, August 4th, and will include a wonderful breakfast followed by an exciting day at the track afterwards.

The SCYR’s have also volunteered this month by assisting the Saratoga GOP with working the Republican booth at the Saratoga County Fair.

Additionally, they were also pitching in to support George Amedore for State Assembly in the special election that took place for the vacant 105th Assembly District seat. Fellow YRs Matthew Veitch, who is running for Saratoga Springs Supervisor, and Tara Thomas, who is running for Malta Town Board, are getting plenty of energy and time for their campaigns from the Saratoga YRs as well.

On a very significant note, their previous Chairman, Tom Qualtere, has spent his summer at an internship in Washington, D.C. with the Young America’s Foundation. Tom has had the exciting opportunity to appear on C-SPAN and Hardball with Chris Matthews to ask a question of Ann Coulter.

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)

Steuben County YRs

The Steuben County YRs are preparing to be our hosts for the Fall Meeting of the New York State Young Republicans on September 14th to 16th. Highlights of the meeting including lunch at the Corning County Club (where the LPGA tournament is hosted each year), a literature drop to help GOP candidate for Mayor of Corning, Tom Reed, a tour of a local winery, and possibly a word or two from former Congressman Amo Houghton, State Senator George Winner, and current Congressman Randy Kuhl.

As a club, they are expanding as well. They have 42% more dues paying members than they had over last year and the year is half over. They’ve had more people help with petitions, more people serving on local city committees across the county, and they had more people attend state events.

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)

Staten Island YRs

The Staten Island YRs should be proud of the fact that their borough is the most Republican borough in New York City, and they often have the chance to revel in Republican victory. Recently, they had to ensure that their State Assembly seat remained in the hands of the Grand Old Party, which they did with the election of Assemblyman Lou Tobacco.

Now, they have the distinct honor of their former Chairman, Brendan Lantry, running for District Leader of the 62nd Assembly District, the only one with a Republican representing it in the entire delegation from the City of New York, which altogether has 64 Assembly Members. Congrats and good luck to Brendan on his election!

As a testament to their success and influence in Staten Island Republican politics, the SIYRs had Staten Island District Attorney, Dan Donovan, who is up for re-election this year, SIGOP Chairman, John Friscia, Assemblyman Lou Tobacco, and City Council Minority Leader James Oddo's Chief of Staff, Steve Matteo in attendance at their recent meeting on July 17th.

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

Warren County YRs

The Warren County YRs were re-established this year, and they are at 20 active members, many of whom are active participants in local Republican efforts. Their club even has a few of their members serving on the Warren County Republican Commitee, and they report that their County Chairman, Mike Grasso, has been extremely supportive of their efforts to revive the YR club.

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:

westchesteryrs.com
info@westchesteryrs.com

New GOPyr Edition Coming Soon!

2007-07-06T17:25:00.000-04:00

Dear GOPyr readers,

This upcoming August 2007 edition of the GOPyr will be the first to have a print and a blog edition. So please keep checking back for the latest about the GOPyr, and if you have any questions or would like to write for the GOPyr, just send me an e-mail at JJJudge@gmail.com.

Sincerely,

Jonathan J. Judge
Editor-in-Chief
New York State Young Republicans