Friday, October 16, 2009
Addie--Helping the disadvantaged
During the budget session in Albany last winter Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell secured some individual initiative items for area food pantries. She said, “The food pantries in our region are important to many families and I am pleased to be able to assist them. It has been my focus to deliver small grants to organizations who deliver vital services directly to people.”
Assemblywoman Russell referred to a U.S. Department of Agriculture study that concluded more than two million New Yorkers, 11% of the population, do not always have enough money to meet their basic nutritional needs.
Mrs. Russell presented a $2,500 check to the LaFargeville Food Pantry. Donna Chatterton, the volunteer administrator, and Gwen Kirkby the founder received the check.
The Assemblywoman delivered a similar check to Elizabeth Lynch, administrator of the Antwerp Pantry. Melinda Gault Executive Director of the Community Action Planning Council and David Garza, Development Director of the Food Bank of Central NY also were present. Mr. Garza stated that, “The three county region of Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence Counties has seen a 25% increase in food bank deliveries this year.” Mrs. Lynch confirmed the increase by stating that she is seeing many new faces at the Antwerp location. Melinda Gault added that some of the pantries in the region have noted 50% increases in usage.
Assemblywoman Russell concluded that, “I’ve always been supportive of food pantries and I’m pleased that I was able to further assist some of them with individual member items.”
Assemblywoman Russell referred to a U.S. Department of Agriculture study that concluded more than two million New Yorkers, 11% of the population, do not always have enough money to meet their basic nutritional needs.
Mrs. Russell presented a $2,500 check to the LaFargeville Food Pantry. Donna Chatterton, the volunteer administrator, and Gwen Kirkby the founder received the check.
The Assemblywoman delivered a similar check to Elizabeth Lynch, administrator of the Antwerp Pantry. Melinda Gault Executive Director of the Community Action Planning Council and David Garza, Development Director of the Food Bank of Central NY also were present. Mr. Garza stated that, “The three county region of Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence Counties has seen a 25% increase in food bank deliveries this year.” Mrs. Lynch confirmed the increase by stating that she is seeing many new faces at the Antwerp location. Melinda Gault added that some of the pantries in the region have noted 50% increases in usage.
Assemblywoman Russell concluded that, “I’ve always been supportive of food pantries and I’m pleased that I was able to further assist some of them with individual member items.”
Darrel lays it out!
This statement came forth today from Senator Darrel Aubertine concerning fellow Senator Monserrate.
"The court has made its decision to convict Hiram Monserrate of assault and domestic violence, and I believe he should resign immediately. If he chooses not to resign, the Senate must take appropriate action immediately."
“Everyone deserves their day in court and the court found Hiram Monserrate guilty. Domestic violence cannot be tolerated, especially by a body of government charged with making fair and equitable laws for all. For the good of New York State and the Senate, he should step down.”
THE NATIONAL 'BIG BOY' BLOG DAILY KOS HAD THE STORY TOO. IT WAS WRITTEN BY THE FORMER COMMUNICATIONS GUY FOR THE SENATE BRIAN KEELER WHO IS NOW BACK TO USING HIS FORMER KOS NAME
NYbri. YOU CAN EVEN SIGN A PETITION TO OUST HIRAM
Strong thoughts on healthcare
Sackets Harbor surgeon and longtime political idealist Dr. Robert Johnson has contributed to JD another very strong piece on healthcare and the public option.
Without the public option, there is no healthcare reform. It is business as usual. What has come out of the Senate Finance committee will not accomplish universal coverage nor will it reduce costs. It is nothing less than political smoke and mirrors: an attempt to create a perception of reform without doing anything of substance
The insurance cooperatives created to cover the uninsured will turn their customers into CINOs – Covered in Name Only. Those joining, or forced to join, a cooperative don’t have the money now to afford conventional insurance. By definition, their premiums will be less and, since they will be a separate insurance pool consisting of relatively few numbers, i.e. about 15% of the total pool available, there will not be sufficient funds for meaningful coverage. If their premiums are less, the cooperative will cover less and insist upon very high deductibles.
Continued on our sister blog
Without the public option, there is no healthcare reform. It is business as usual. What has come out of the Senate Finance committee will not accomplish universal coverage nor will it reduce costs. It is nothing less than political smoke and mirrors: an attempt to create a perception of reform without doing anything of substance
The insurance cooperatives created to cover the uninsured will turn their customers into CINOs – Covered in Name Only. Those joining, or forced to join, a cooperative don’t have the money now to afford conventional insurance. By definition, their premiums will be less and, since they will be a separate insurance pool consisting of relatively few numbers, i.e. about 15% of the total pool available, there will not be sufficient funds for meaningful coverage. If their premiums are less, the cooperative will cover less and insist upon very high deductibles.
Continued on our sister blog
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
A grateful Kirsten
A loyal group of you checked out Jefferson Democrat last week:
Page Views
Total ....................... 39,301
Average per Day ................. 72
Average per Visit .............. 1.3
This Week ...................... 503
th-th-th-th-thanks fo-fo-lks
Monday, October 12, 2009
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Real news from Assemblywoman Russell
ADDIE CRITICAL OF GOVERNOR PATERSON'S SNUB OF UPSTATE
This statement is directly from the computer of the Assemblywoman:
“I am extremely disappointed in the decision by the governor not to address the transportation infrastructure needs of upstate and the North Country. Making critical repairs to our transportation system and expanding our infrastructure is critical to our economic recovery and growth. The legislature was promised that we would be provided with a plan for funding upstate and North Country transportation infrastructure projects by this month, and the state budget was passed based in part on this promise.
“While we are in difficult economic times, not investing in our transportation system is wrong. We have known for some time now that the state’s fiscal situation was grim, but the agreed upon framework for addressing our infrastructure needs was targeted to communities who were most in need and whose local economy would benefit the most from the upgrades. It is disingenuous to have made such an important agreement with such little effort from the governor to keep his side of the bargain. I expected that funding the plan would be difficult. However, not to support a plan with some funding for our needs over the next several years is a snub to our entire region and will cost us more in the long run.
“We cannot afford to let this inaction continue. I will continue to push vigorously for an agreement that addresses our most urgent transportation needs and demonstrates a vision for future investment to aid in our economic sustainability.”
This statement is directly from the computer of the Assemblywoman:
“I am extremely disappointed in the decision by the governor not to address the transportation infrastructure needs of upstate and the North Country. Making critical repairs to our transportation system and expanding our infrastructure is critical to our economic recovery and growth. The legislature was promised that we would be provided with a plan for funding upstate and North Country transportation infrastructure projects by this month, and the state budget was passed based in part on this promise.
“While we are in difficult economic times, not investing in our transportation system is wrong. We have known for some time now that the state’s fiscal situation was grim, but the agreed upon framework for addressing our infrastructure needs was targeted to communities who were most in need and whose local economy would benefit the most from the upgrades. It is disingenuous to have made such an important agreement with such little effort from the governor to keep his side of the bargain. I expected that funding the plan would be difficult. However, not to support a plan with some funding for our needs over the next several years is a snub to our entire region and will cost us more in the long run.
“We cannot afford to let this inaction continue. I will continue to push vigorously for an agreement that addresses our most urgent transportation needs and demonstrates a vision for future investment to aid in our economic sustainability.”
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Addie and Bill
This afternoon the Rivertown Democrats held a wine tasting at the Bonnie Castle Rec Center. Area wineries presented samplings of their product. It became a wonderful schmoozefest with many candidates and lots of ideas. Assemblywoman Addie Russell introduced NY23 Congressional candidate Bill Owens to the gathering.
BY THE WAY, BILL HAS A NEW AD OUT
And it doesn't attack anybody or call names or demean another candidate. It targets the dairy industry.
BY THE WAY, BILL HAS A NEW AD OUT
And it doesn't attack anybody or call names or demean another candidate. It targets the dairy industry.
Friday, October 9, 2009
Random Thought Department
A friend of the JD blog who chooses to remain anonymous came up with the following quote, "Darrel Aubertine successfully used the phrase 'One of Us'. After I looked at Bill Owens financial disclosure form its pretty obvious Bill can't use that phrase.
Actually he is about fifteen of me."
Actually he is about fifteen of me."
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Fellow blogger Grindstone Financial put this photo up.
Four-year-old Paige Bennethum really, really didn't want her daddy to go to Iraq.
So much so, that when Army Reservist Staff Sgt. Brett Bennethum lined up in formation at his deployment this July, she couldn't let go.
No one had the heart to pull her away."
Four-year-old Paige Bennethum really, really didn't want her daddy to go to Iraq.
So much so, that when Army Reservist Staff Sgt. Brett Bennethum lined up in formation at his deployment this July, she couldn't let go.
No one had the heart to pull her away."
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Five Hearts for Youth
.JPG)
Jefferson Democrat is truly pleased to report that come spring sports minded kids in the Town of Alexandria will have some improvements to their fields.
During the Albany budget negotiations this past Winter Addie Russell fought for a
five thousand dollar legislative grant for Hearts for Youth. That is an organization dedicated to maintaining viable summer recreation facilities for kids in the Town of Alexandria and the communities of Redwood and Alexandria Bay.
From left to right Martha Millett, of course Addie, Julia Erck, Gayle Hunneyman and Kim Duellman are the driving forces behind the Hearts for Youth project.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Martha gets a little help from her friends
This was the sign that greeted everybody at the Pig Roast Sunday for incumbent Supervisor candidate Martha Millett in the Town of Alexandria.
Some of the good connections stopping by to wish Martha well included Margaret and State Senator Darrel Aubertine.
Of course, both Assemblywoman Addie Russell and County Clerk candidate Gertrude Karris enjoyed the ambiance. Is ambiance the right word to use for a pig roast? Sure, of course it is. Martha has a nice collection of friends all of them enjoyed each others company.
We'll have more about this later on Jefferson Democrat, but the next day (Monday) Addie Russell presented Martha with a check for the 'Hearts for Youth' program in the Town of Alexandria and the communities of Alexandria Bay and Redwood. (Photos courtesy of Jim Cummings from the Abaycircus blog.)
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Conversation on the national blog Daily Kos about NY 23
In this post Robert Harding divulges Bill Owens positions.
click here for it.
And if you want to think 'mainstream' here is the weekly report from Dem party central.
click here for it.
And if you want to think 'mainstream' here is the weekly report from Dem party central.
Saturday, October 3, 2009
A strong local comment on healthcare
Dr. Bob Johnson, a Sackets Harbor native and the sole thorasic surgeon in our northcounty, cares deeply about healthcare both locally and nationally. This blog happens to share his point of view. It would be tremendous if each of the three candidates for Congress would take the time to carefully read it.
Unlike abortion or same sex marriage, the solution to the healthcare crisis is not based on a belief system or ideology. Rather, its solution is based on hard fact and common universal goals.
Almost all of us can agree on the goals of healthcare reform. Very few would have the audacity to deny that everyone should be covered: that in the 21st century in the wealthiest nation in the world that everyone should have access to healthcare. Very few would argue that healthcare should not be affordable. These are common goals to which we can agree. Once having agreed on these, the only thing that remains is to design a solution that will provide, in the most efficient way, a roadmap to these goals. Bob's essay continues here.
After you have read Bob's essay come back and watch this and be prepared to be pissed off.
Next up--President Obama and the weekly report. He too talks about healthcare.
Unlike abortion or same sex marriage, the solution to the healthcare crisis is not based on a belief system or ideology. Rather, its solution is based on hard fact and common universal goals.
Almost all of us can agree on the goals of healthcare reform. Very few would have the audacity to deny that everyone should be covered: that in the 21st century in the wealthiest nation in the world that everyone should have access to healthcare. Very few would argue that healthcare should not be affordable. These are common goals to which we can agree. Once having agreed on these, the only thing that remains is to design a solution that will provide, in the most efficient way, a roadmap to these goals. Bob's essay continues here.
After you have read Bob's essay come back and watch this and be prepared to be pissed off.
Next up--President Obama and the weekly report. He too talks about healthcare.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Proud to be a NYS Democrat
Yesterday at the Democratic Party State Committee meeting in Buffalo one of the biggest parties in the union of the USA did absolutely the right thing.
Robert Harding reports on Daily Kos:
The New York State Democratic Committee held their fall business meeting yesterday and today in Buffalo. One of the things that came out of the meeting was the passage of a resolution that expresses support for a strong public option and calling on Senator Chuck Schumer and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand to oppose Senator Max Baucus's health care plan.
Robert Harding reports on Daily Kos:
The New York State Democratic Committee held their fall business meeting yesterday and today in Buffalo. One of the things that came out of the meeting was the passage of a resolution that expresses support for a strong public option and calling on Senator Chuck Schumer and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand to oppose Senator Max Baucus's health care plan.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)