I'm Terry Gipson and I'm running for the New York State Senate in the Hudson Valley. At the moment, Rhinebeck, where I live, is in the 41st District, just so you can get your bearings. Who knows what the redistricting map will eventually look like... and that's really the subject of this diary. It's my first here at The Albany Project, but, rest assured, it won't be my last.
I've actually been very busy these last seven months. I've been traveling all around Dutchess and Columbia counties listening to voters' concerns. They aren't happy, and this campaign will be about protecting the middle class from the constant assault from the power elite in our state government. I was talking about the 99% long before that phrase reached the headlines...and I'm sure glad that it has.
I hope you will take a minute to check out my web site to find out more about me and the campaign. First, I want to share with you an article of mine that was printed in the Hudson Valley News about my testimony before the LATFOR committee hearing on Long Island.
I'd also like to hear from you, so drop me a line and let me know what's on your mind and how the people can finally occupy our state government in Albany.
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The Game is Rigged
GUEST COLUMN
by TERRY GIPSON
Recently I testified at a hearing of The New York Legislative Task Force on Demographic Research and Reapportionment, also known as LATFOR. This task force is supposed to produce new district maps for all U.S. Congressional, NYS Senate and NYS Assembly Districts in New York. Our United States Constitution requires that all states do this every ten years in conjunction with new U.S. Census results.
LATFOR is composed of State Senators and Assembly Members, which is the equivalent of putting the wolf in charge of the hen house. The very idea that elected officials should have the opportunity to draw their own district lines works against the democratic principles that they are elected to uphold.
LATFOR is one of the most effective incumbent protection programs in this country. It has been around since the 70's and I would encourage everyone to visit the Senate and Assembly websites to see how many officials have been in Albany since the 70's, 80's and 90's. I know we like to think that this is a result of their hard work and diligence. The truth, however, is that this occurs more often than not because districts are drawn to favor incumbents, special interests, and the reigning majority in both houses. This will not change until we remove politics from the process - and LATFOR is politics at its most political.
We need redistricting that is fair, transparent, and independent. During the last election cycle, it looked like we might be headed in that direction when many Legislative members signed the New York Uprising Pledge. This pledge promised support for the creation of an independent, non-partisan Redistricting Commission and the entire Republican Senate block, signed it. But that was as far as they were willing to go.
In a cynical move last session, the Republican Senate majority turned their backs on the pledge and broke their promise. This includes Mid-Hudson region Senators Saland, Larkin, Seward and Ball. As a "cover", they created the concept that fair redistricting requires a constitutional amendment. They proposed a constitutional amendment "redistricting bill", knowing full well that amendments require action by two successive legislatures and a public referendum. They did this knowing that it would delay any redistricting until at least 2022, and there would be no guarantee that those future legislative bodies would even take the necessary action to approve the amendment and set a public referendum.
In other words, the reigning Senate majority came up with an idea that would make fair redistricting impossible. They quickly put that idea into a bill and passed it. In doing so, they blew a historic opportunity to show America that New York is above all the partisanship that has paralyzed this country, and LATFOR is now in the process of doing their partisan business as usual. It is completely unfair to every voter in this state.
I, for one, refuse to stand by for another minute and let our democracy be held in jeopardy by a process that routinely allows our State Legislators to select their voters instead of the voters selecting them. It is exactly this type of self-serving behavior that has inspired me to take on the enormous challenge of running for the State Senate myself. My goal is to help finally end this type of political gamesmanship.
Hopefully my actions will influence others across the state to not wait another minute to campaign for office against entrenched career politicians at both the state and federal level. "Waiting" is exactly what they hope we will do, and this partisan redistricting process is just another wall incumbents have created to protect themselves.
There is an important state and federal election just 13 months ahead. Every day that goes by without new and fairly drawn district maps increases the weighted chance of an incumbent's re-election. Just imagine how difficult it is to get to know one's constituents and raise the necessary funds without knowing where the district lines are or when the primary will take place.
LATFOR is not only engaging in partisan gerrymandering, they are also discouraging many highly qualified candidates from running for office - for both parties. New York deserves to be represented by the best and brightest among us. We deserve a non-partisan process that encourages all citizens to come out and take part in their government. If LATFOR represents the best we have to offer, then it is a sad day indeed for all New Yorkers.
During my testimony, I asked that they halt the LATFOR proceedings immediately and go back to Albany to pass the independent redistricting legislation that was promised to the people of New York last year. "Stand up for democracy", I said. "Tell your respective leaders what all New Yorkers already know: This game is rigged! Tell them you refuse to take part in this embarrassing process any longer. Wouldn't you rather be remembered as those who took part in a historic movement to make New York a shining example of democracy?"
I know that I would, and for the sake of our great state, I hope that LATFOR will return our state government to its rightful owners, the people of New York.
STATE SENATE DISTRICT 11 IN QUEENS Tony Avella, a former city councilman and an independent-minded Democrat, is challenging Frank Padavan, a Republican who has served in the State Senate for almost 40 years.
Mr. Avella supports women's rights and promises to champion ethics reform. He is particularly interested in ending gerrymandering, citing his district as a poster child for the way electoral borders are drawn to ensure incumbents keep getting elected. Although Mr. Padavan has fought admirably against casinos and human trafficking, he has also fought against women's reproductive rights, same-sex marriage and immigration reform.
We support Tony Avella, the Democrat, in District 11.
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STATE SENATE DISTRICT 40 IN WESTCHESTER, PUTNAM AND DUTCHESS COUNTIES This is a rare open seat to replace Senator Vincent Leibell, a Republican who is retiring. Michael Kaplowitz, a Democratic legislator in Westchester County, has promising ideas about property tax relief for seniors, pension reform for unions and cutting Albany sleaze. His Republican opponent, Assemblyman Greg Ball, has shown that he knows how to fight, but not how to win legislative victories.
We support Democrat Michael Kaplowitz in Dist. 40.
STATE SENATE DISTRICT 41 IN DUTCHESS AND COLUMBIA COUNTIES Didi Barrett, a community activist, is challenging Senator Stephen Saland, a Republican who has been in the Legislature for 30 years, the last 20 in the Senate. Ms. Barrett supports a long list of reforms that Senator Saland has rejected. She promises to push for real ethics reform and real campaign finance reform, including public financing, and to protect women's reproductive rights.
We support Didi Barrett, the Democrat, in District 41.
Millbrook, NY - June 24, 2010 - Today, Didi Barrett, candidate for the 41st New York State Senate district, signed New York Uprising's pledge calling for sweeping reforms in both houses of the legislature in Albany.
New York Uprising is a non-partisan, independent coalition that advocates for meaningful government reform across New York State. The pledge focuses on three areas: non-partisan independent redistricting, ethics reform and budgetary reform.
"Albany is in desperate need for reform. The Brennan Center for Justice describes New York State government as one of the most dysfunctional in the nation," said Barrett. "I decided to become a candidate because I have the skills and determination to change the way things are done, or not done, in Albany."
When I worked on my friend Brian Keeler's race back in 2006, it was widely rumored that SD-41 incumbent, Steve Saland, had actually wanted to retire in 2004, but Joe Bruno had begged him stick it out. He did the same thing in '06 and in the lead up to this year's race. It was obvious to many in the district that Saland's heart just wasn't in it anymore. Of course, he still beat us, but it's awfully hard to compete with all that taxpayer funded mail as well as an incumbent stomping across the district handing out millions of dollars of other people's money all the while claiming credit for it.
Liz is reporting about the rumors surrounding an impending retirement by Saland. I'm here to tell you tht all the denials coming from both the Saland camp and from his self groomed heir apparent Marc Molinaro are bullshit. (Molinaro will be a tough opponent, but check out the registration numbers in SD-41. It's a PDF file, btw. This a very, very winnable seat, Messrs Espada, Diaz et al.) He's already told the local GOP folks that he's done. Steve Saland is simply not going to continue in a job he doesn't want anymore as part of the Senate minority. Period.
Add to that the rumors swirling around Senate franking king Hugh Farley as well as Owen Johnson and others, and well, you can see the problem now faced by the so called "Gang of Four." If GOP senators, none of whom have ever spent a day a in the minority and have no desire to do so, start jumping ship, the influence of the "gang" is greatly diminished in short order.
Saland is as good as gone, folks. Farley will not be far behind.
If I were one of the gangsters, I'd be cutting my deal with the new majority right this second. The rug is about to be pulled right from under their feet.
My money is on Saland as the first to jump ship because, well, he's already all but officially done so.
Ken Dow is running in a tough race against Sen. Stephen Saland in the 41st Senate District. But he received a boost yesterday when he was endorsed by New York's senior senator, Sen. Chuck Schumer.
Senator Charles Schumer has announced his endorsement of Ken Dow, Democratic candidate for the NY State Senate in the 41st District (Dutchess and Columbia Counties).
Senator Schumer said, "Ken Dow understands the strains facing working families and businesses, and he is prepared to lead New York forward in these difficult and changing times. Ken is committed to the serious steps we need to keep New York moving forward, such as reforming our burdensome tax structure and modernizing our infrastructure and energy systems. Ken Dow is the kind of thoughtful, progressive, and hard-working leader we need in the State Senate, and I am happy to give him my support."
Ken Dow said, "It is an honor to receive the support of Senator Schumer. No one works harder or more effectively for the people of New York, and I look forward to following his example in my service to the people of our district and state."
While Sen. Schumer is busy trying to increase our majority in the U.S. Senate, he is also doing his part to help New York Democrats take back the New York State Senate. This endorsement is just one example of his efforts, but he has been more than willing to reach out and endorse state senate candidates who are in close or competitive races.
I really like this from our candidates. Following last week's event here at City hall in NYC, a number of our upstate candidates are holding another event in Rochester. It's a great way to score some free media at a time when interest in these races is really beginning to pick up steam. (And trust me, that interest really is picking up. My server logs don't lie. Google action on these races is through the roof in the last few weeks.)
From an emailed release:
Upstate Democratic Senate Candidates Blast Republicans for Failing New York State
(Rochester, NY) Throughout their 40 years in control of the State Senate, Republicans have failed to meet the needs of working class New Yorkers and revitalize the Upstate economy. With a struggling economy statewide, rising energy costs and crumbling housing market in Upstate communities, New York can no longer afford the unfulfilled promises of Senate Republicans. Democratic candidates for the State Senate are holding a press conference to blast Republicans for failing to make the changes needed to get New York back on track.
Invited:
I made it down to City Hall today to meet a good number of state Senate candidates today. They were joined by Minority Leader Smith as well as Senators Klein and Savino. They were assembled there on the City Hall steps to call out the Senate Republicans who, when faced with yet more problems with the city and state's economy, still don't believe they need to come back to Albany to address it and still are offering up the same tired and discredited solutions they always do, the ones we've learned time and time again don't work.
I was able to speak with a number of them after the press conference and I'll have video shortly of Joe Mesi, Kristen McElroy and Jim Gennarro as well as many more pics. Here's McElroy for now. I have to say that I was quite impressed with both McElroy and Mesi as it was the first time I had met either one.
Jim Gennarro, Dan Squadron, Kristen McElroy and Joe Addabbo.
Democratic Senate Candidates Blast Republicans for Failing New York
(New York, NY) Throughout their 40 years in control of the State Senate, Republicans have failed to meet the needs of working class New Yorkers. With a struggling economy, rising energy costs and the potential loss of jobs in the financial sector, New York can no longer afford the unfulfilled promises of Senate Republicans. Democratic candidates for the State Senate are holding a press conference to blast Republicans for failing to make the changes needed to get New York back on track.
Ken Dow, who is challenging Sen. Stephen Saland in SD-41, has filed over 2,800 signatures to ensure his place on the Democratic line in November. Dow actually submitted more pages of petitions than Saland did, but what that means for Saland's petition signature performance is uncertain.
Dow is in an interesting district that our very own NYBri contested in 2006. The Democratic and Republican enrollment is nearly identical, with 61,786 Democrats and 61,855 Republicans. There are also 54,195 Blanks in the district, making this one that Dow has a shot at winning.
Dow issued this statement about his petition signature success and the support he has received to date:
We are gratified by the broad support we received in both Dutchess and Columbia Counties, and very pleased with the results we achieved, in obtaining over 2800 petition signatures. Our objective was not to make a show, but to collect a large enough number to secure our presence on the ballot and to ensure that any challenge would be futile. That we so easily accomplished that reflects very well on the underlying organizational support that we can rely on to achieve victory in November.
Dow sent me a video of his nomination address to the Dutchess County Democratic Committee. You can get a feel of what kind of candidate Dow is from this video:
Tuesday, February 26
10:00 AM
County Courthouse, Hudson
We hope you will join us. Please pass this invitation along to your friends.
On Tuesday, February 26, Ken Dow, former Columbia County Democratic Chairman, will announce his candidacy for New York State Senate, 41st District, Columbia and Dutchess Counties. The announcement will take place at 10 a.m. on the front steps of the Columbia County Courthouse, 401 Union Street, Hudson, NY. He will be running for the seat currently held by 18-year Republican incumbent Steve Saland.
As many of you know, I worked on a campaign against Saland last cycle, the campaign of our own NYBri. I'll just say we softened him up for ya, Ken. Go get him!
I'm Terry Gipson and I'm running for the New York State Senate in the Hudson Valley. At the moment, Rhinebeck, where I live, is in the 41st District, just so you can get your bearings. Who knows what the redistricting map will eventually look like... and that's really the subject of this diary. It's my first here at The Albany Project, but, rest assured, it won't be my last.
Senator Charles Schumer has announced his endorsement of Ken Dow, Democratic candidate for the NY State Senate in the 41st District (Dutchess and Columbia Counties).
