Archive

2012

Some succeeded, some fell short in November

Summer Food Drive

Schodack Democrats summer food drive on Saturday, July 28 brought in hundred of pounds of food and helped fill the shelves of The Anchor Food Pantry in the Village of Castleton. Summer is a particularly hard time for families. Children are out of school and have no access to the school breakfast and lunch programs that so many families depend on so many rely on food pantries to help them out.

Our Summer 2012 Food Drive took place in the areas of Sunset Hills, Doelner, Byers and Golf Estates, Brookview, Schuurman, Sunset, Western and Stony Point roads. We thank residents in this area of town for their generosity.

Our next food drive will be held in October. The date and area of town will be posted. Don't forget to bring a non-perishable food item to the Picnic on Saturday, Sept. 15

NYS Assembly Candidate Cheryl Roberts with Nassau Town Democratic Chair Mark Berger. For more photos, go to our Photo Gallery Page.

Nassau and Schodack Dems host Meet the Candidates Bagel Breakfast Aug. 25

Nassau and Schodack Democrats, along with County Chairman Tom Wade and East Greenbush Democrat Mike O'Brien hosted a morning Meet the Candidates Bagel Breakfast at the East Schodack Fire House. More than 60 residents from the Southern Rensselaer County turned out to meet Julian Schreibman, candidate for the newly-drawn 19th CD, NYS State Senate Candidate Robin Andrews, NYS Assembly Candidate Cheryl Roberts and candidates for County Judge - Chris Mairs, Brain Primo, and Carmello Laquidera.

Schodack and Nassau Democrats hold Bagel Breakfast to talk politics

          The Nassau and Schodack Town Democratic Committees have forged an alliance that is working to inform and motivate Democrats in both towns.
          Their second co-sponsored event (the first being a victory celebration a couple of years ago) was a Bagel Breakfast held recently in Nassau.
           More than 60 people showed up to chat and discuss local politics as well as hear Rensselaer County Legislator Peter Grimm and Linda Underwood, former Schodack school board member and two-time political candidate, speak about community and grassroots activism.
           Peter Grimm arrived at running for office after years of helping in numerous community projects in Troy. Linda Underwood arrived at the same conclusion after years of grassroots activism and community involvement in Schodack.
Several others spoke about community projects that Democrats are involved in - Rain Worthington explained how the Nassau Sunshine Fund works (mini-loans to Nassau residents in need), Sam Whaley told the group about the Nassau Food Compact (devoted to providing a local market for food from local farms), and Tony Kirby from Schodack spoke about commercial design standards, not only for the Town of Schodack, but also the entire area.
           Besides Grimm, elected officials in attendance included Nassau Town Board Members Sue Hains and Ray Seney and Castleton Mayor Joe Keegan. Former county legislator Brian Zweig was also there.
          Town chairs Mark Berger (Nassau) and Elizabeth Gable (Schodack) were pleased with the turnout and the enthusiasm of the group.

Democrats vote to elect officers for 2012

The Schodack Democratic Club held its annual election of officers and discussed the local election results at its December meeting.

“Though this year's election results were not the victory we hoped for, there is definite cause for optimism in the final tallies,” said Town Democratic Chair Elizabeth Gable. “Frank Curtis was believed to be invincible because of his years in service to the Town and his long-time incumbent status. He and Linda were lined up head to head on the ballot and Linda only lost by 214 votes, which in our traditionally Republican town is a very good showing for the Democrats, especially up against the incumbent we assumed was bullet-proof.”

The final numbers were: Linda 1467, Frank Curtis 1681, Mike Kenney 2068.

The Schodack Democrats thank the many residents who supported Linda Underwood’s campaign with their donations, volunteer time and votes and extend their congratulations to both Mr. Curtis and Mr. Kenney on their re-election.

Club members held their annual election of officers. Retaining his seat as Club president was Ray Ludwig. Olaf Stackleberg and Linda Underwood also retained their positions as treasurer and secretary respectively. Joe Grimaldi took over the reins as Vice President for his first time as an officer and Mickey Doyle was elected as Assistant Secretary, also her first time as an officer.

Club members unanimously voted to make Dev Tobin, a Rensselaer City resident, an honorary club member to thank him for his three years of service as Linda Underwood’s campaign manager and treasurer.

Schodack Dems attend picnic at
Kirsten Gillibrand's

Schodack Democrats turned out for the recent picnic at Senator Kirsten Gillibran's home in Brunswick, Rensselaer County. See more photos of this terrific event on our Photo Gallery page.

Spring Fling - good eats and a great time

Schodack Democratic Club members had a wonderful time at their first “Spring Fling” dinner at Samson’s on Route 9 in Schodack. The gathering was purely social, giving the group time to enjoy each other’s company without political issues being on the front burner, according to Schodack Democratic Club President Ray Ludwig.

“The Schodack Democratic Club is primarily interested in coming together as like-minded people and helping our community,” Ludwig said. “This dinner was a wonderful get-together. Samson’s was a great location and they could not have been more accommodating. The food and service were fabulous. We look forward to doing it again.”
In addition to the cost of the dinner, members donated a non-perishable food item that will be donated to the food pantry at The Anchor in Castleton. For more photos of the Spring Fling, go to our photo gallery page.

Senator Gillibrand Has Meet-up in Albany

Senator Gillibrand came home to Albany recently and several Schodack Democrats (Steve Roth, Linda Underwood, Bettyann Johnsen and Dev Tobin) were on hand to hear what her initiatives are. Discussing health care reform and the supreme court, real jobs and infrastructure repair bills, Senator Gillibrand was happy to be back among friends and family. For more photos of Senator Gillibrand's event in Albany, go to our photo gallery page.

Congressman Paul Tonko guest speaker at Annual Wine Tasting Fundraiser at Goold's

Congressman Paul Tonko spent some quality time with Schodack Democrats and other supporters at the Schodack Dem's Annual Wine Tasting Fundraiser At Brookview Station Road Winery at Goold Orchards on Sept. 16.

More than 50 people turned out to hear the Congressman, nibble on tasty hors d'oeuvres, sample the wonderful, award-winning wines of the Brookview Station Winery and talk politics.

"Our annual wine tasting is always a great time," said Elizabeth Gable, town chair. "The Brookview Station Winery is such a beautiful, intimate venue. We are lucky to have such a wonderful place in Schodack."

Congressman Tonko spoke at length about the hardships suffered by those in the 21st Congressional District who were devastated by hurricane Irene and tropical storm Lee.

In addition to the congressman, the event was attended by candidates DA Rich McNally; Judges Ray Elliot and Tom Breslin; John Snezick who is running for Sand Lake town board; and Schodack Town Board candidate Linda Underwood.

Tom Wade, Rensselaer County Democratic Chair and Castleton Mayor Joe Keegan were also in attendance.

See more pictures on our Photo Gallery page.

Campaign 2011

Linda Underwood for Town Board

Meet the candidate drew a good crowd

Linda Underwood, the Democratic candidate for a seat on the Schodack Town Board, held an informal meet and greet on Tuesday, October 25 at 7 p.m. at the Peter Andrews VFW Hall on Scott Ave. in the Village of Castleton. The event was organized by the Schodack Democratic Committee after a Meet the Candidates Night sponsored by the non-partisan Schodack Planning and Development Association and moderated by the League of Women Voter’s was cancelled because the Republican candidates declined to participate.

“It is troubling that the incumbents didn’t wish to speak with and listen to the residents of Schodack, but their decision did not stop me from following though with such an important event,” Underwood said. “I welcome the opportunity to speak with community members because I feel the foundation of Democracy is an informed electorate. It is important for residents to get to know the candidates, question their stand on the issues and express their concerns about the direction the town is going in."

While the Democrats invited the incumbents to the event, they were all no-shows.

Underwood explained her positions on issues ranging from planning and zoning to the use of fund balance and contingency funds to pay regular, recurring bills. She explained how she would engage residents in two-way communication through regular weekend informal meetings, TV coverage of meetings through public access TV and more open discussion.

Residents also shared their frustrations with the status quo, the appointment and hiring of less competent people because they are politically connected, and ever-raising taxes and expenditure.

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The people have spoken and I have lost my bid for a seat on Schodack Town Board by the smallest margin yet, this time against the stronger incumbent. Even though I didn't win, I hope the results show our elected officials that almost half the voting public don't support their closed-door policies. Hopefully, they will use it as a wake-up call and change the way they do business.

Many thanks to all of my supporters, friends and volunteers. Thanks to all who gave a donation and worked so hard going door-to-door, doing lit drops and phone calls.

Most of all, thanks and much love to my family. They have been going through three campaigns in three years - putting up with my absence, my running around and totally ignoring them and their needs for months.

I love you very much and could not have pursued my interest without your love and encouragement.

How is the current administration
Failing the residents of Schodack?

Lack of transparency: Board members meet behind closed doors to make decisions. Those who attend board meetings hear no discussion related to how or why they reached their decisions. In addition, while no law forces them to provide a full agenda to the public prior to the meeting, the board posts an incomplete agenda - leaving off items that may be controversial - to keep public participation at a minimum.

Lack of accountability: As a result of the above stated closed-door meeting each board member and the town supervisor are not on record for having voiced their opinions about anything. They have "plausible deny-ability" for every action taken, including appointments and employment.

Frivolous spending: Our taxes continue to increase to cover expenses that are easily avoidable. For instance - did the town really need to spend about $5,000 to landscape the town hall, especially when so many residents are struggling to make ends meet? Was it really necessary to purchase several new vehicles at a cost of more than $100,000 each? Should the town spend thousands of dollars to train and educate our new assessor when it is almost certain he will retire within three years?

Lack of oversight: As the recent settlement with a "former employee" shows, our elected officials OK expenditures without really monitoring them. How did this "former employee" manage to rack up tens of thousands of dollars in over-time and still soak the town for more by claiming he was not paid for all the over-time he did but failed to put down on his time sheet?

When I am elected, I will be your voice, your eyes and ears on the town board. I pledge to monitor all expenses, appointments and contracts and voice my concerns openly in public session.

And that will be a big change from what has been going on in Schodack for decades.

Thoughts on planning and development

One of the biggest challenges facing our town is our high property tax rate. Everywhere you look, homes are up for sale because people just can't keep up.

We can help lower taxes on the average homeowner and on family farms through good, smart, green development. But that won't happen under the current administration and with the current, antiquated laws that have been in place for more than a half-century.

Over the years, town officials have spent tens of thousands of dollars on "Master Plans" that are little more than a collection of flowery buzz words but with nothing to back them up. Town officials want the current patchwork of zoning and planning laws and regulations - it gives them the freedom to pick and choose who gets to develop their land and what projects move ahead while others are left to wither on the vine.

Our town needs to over-haul the planning and zoning laws so they clearly spell out what kind of development can take place in which area of town so those who wish to locate in the town do not leave in frustration.

We need to adopt commercial design standards so we can make sure that new projects conform with what we want our town to look like. And that will help us preserve the character that we enjoy so much about Schodack.

What is an "At Large" Election?

The November 2011 election of town board members will be an "at large" election. What this means is, the top two vote-getters will be elected. So no matter how the ballot is set up, a voter can vote for ANY TWO people to sit on the board even if the ballot makes them look as if they are running against each other.

We hope you will choose Linda Underwood to be one of those people.

Only Linda is completely free from ties to special interests.
Only Linda is truly independent.
Only Linda will put the people of Schodack before any personal or political relationship.
Only Linda will speak up and question why the majority is proposing resolutions and actions.

If you want a voice on the Schodack Town Board remember, only Linda will put YOU first!

Why wouldn't the GOP incumbents attend the SPADA Meet the Candidates Night?

Every elected office in America exists so the people are represented in their government. But here in Schodack, our elected officials don't represent the residents of Schodack, they represent their friends, family members and cronies.

You can see this in the appointments they make, who they hire, and planning decisions that are based on connections, not sound planning and zoning principles.

Our taxes have continued to escalate, pushing many people out of their homes because they can't keep up. In an election year, our elected officials tout how they keep the tax increase low, but they neglect to mention they did that by using savings (fund balance) for operating expenses rather than by cutting spending.

And we all know the result of emptying our bank accounts to pay monthly bills -- the bills are still there to be paid the next month and our savings are gone.

The town board incumbents claim to be "fiscal conservatives," so why has spending continued to escalate? Why did the town board allow a police officer nearing retirement to rack up annual pay of almost $140,000 thanks to unregulated overtime? And why was town record-keeping so shoddy that the same now-retired police officer was able to sue the town for additional overtime, reaching a settlement that cost taxpayers $120,000 more?

It is time for a change in Schodack. It is time for the rest of us to have a real voice on the board. It is time for someone to speak for those of us who are not connected to town power-brokers. It is time for good, clean commercial development that will help lower property taxes on homeowners and farmers. It is time for planning decisions to be based on solid planning standards and not who stands to profit from a project.

Only I will be the independent voice on the town board who will hold elected officials accountable.

My plan for greater transparency, accountability & responsive government

It is easy to claim you are a "good government team" and to say to you govern in an open, honest and accountable manner. Words are cheap, as they say. The proof is in the pudding. The incumbents claim all these things and more but their record does not support their claims.

If elected, I will hold monthly "town board on your corner" meetings on the weekends so residents can touch base with me while they run errands. I will be available to hear suggestions, complaints and concerns.
I will advocate for town boards to be broadcast on public access TV for those who can't make meetings. I will also fight to have all minutes and important town documents put online so residents don't need to take the time and pay for FOIL requests.

I will fight for open and honest discussion prior to votes so residents can determine how decisions were made and what town officials really think about projects.

This November 8, residents have a choice between reality and empty campaign slogans - the choice between a real vision for the future of out town and the status quo which has brought us high taxes, cronyism and patronage.

Underwood tapped to run for town board

On Tuesday night Schodack Democrats chose their candidate for town board. Linda Underwood was unanimously elected by those in attendance at the Democratic caucus held at the Peter Andrews VFW Post in Castleton. Underwood vowed to work to represent the residents of Schodack by debating the merits of all expenditures.

"Resolutions are passed at every meeting without a single question from board members," she said. "Our elected officials rubber-stamp proposals without explaining their thinking or debating the merits of what they are doing. Residents need to know how and why our hard-earned tax dollars are being spent. It is time for someone to ask tough questions and hole our elected officials accountable for their actions and I pledge to do that."

Underwood is running on the Democratic line against two Republican incumbents in a three-way at-large election where the two highest vote-getters will be elected.