| One rural county might not be a loud voice. But in the case of Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming counties, the four Democratic committees in those counties have come together to form a strong coalition - the GLOW Democratic coalition - to address issues impacting the GLOW region, which is very rural and often ignored.
Today, the GLOW coalition issued their response to Kirsten Gillibrand being named the new junior U.S. senator representing New York.
"We congratulate Senator Gillibrand on her appointment as our new Senator, and we commend Governor David Paterson on making sure that the unique interests of upstate New York are reflected at the highest levels of government. The position of Senator is of special importance to residents of the GLOW region (Genesee, Livingston, Orleans, and Wyoming Counties). Unfortunately, since almost all of our residents have no representation in the majority of the Assembly, State Senate, or House of Representatives, our federal Senators are our only majority representatives. Therefore, we are especially pleased that Senator Gillibrand comes from an upstate, rural Congressional district that is similar to our own. We are delighted to have a Senator so attuned to our issues.
These are very difficult times for everyone, but the GLOW region faces particular challenges. We are pleased that Senator Gillibrand has asked to serve on the Agriculture Committee (as she did in Congress) and mentioned 'the dairy farmers of western New York' as the first group she recognized in her remarks upon her appointment. We invite her to visit us at her earliest possible convenience and are eager to introduce our region and to work with her on its issues. Many of our leaders were privileged to meet and hear then-Congresswoman Gillibrand at last year's New York Democratic Rural Conference. We know she will be a strong advocate for the GLOW counties. Senator Gillibrand has also pledged to continue her policy of accessibility and transparency for which she has been renowned in Congress, so we are confident her "Congress on Our Corners" program will come to our communities soon. We are pleased that Governor Paterson has appointed someone who will be an upstate leader for New York."
Gillibrand will have upstate appeal, which might end up being a bad thing for her (more on that later). I will say that many Democrats here in the GLOW region are happy to see an upstate leader named to this important post. |
