Wednesday, February 23, 2011

It's all about the beer

Senator Chuck Schumer wants to cut federal excise taxes on microbrewery small businesses so that they can grow and create jobs.

There are more than 60 microbeweries in the state where he could have announced that proposed bill. He chose to come to Brown's Brewing Company on River Street in Troy Tuesday.

The Record was there http://www.troyrecord.com/articles/2011/02/23/news/doc4d63fad56acb9965975186.txt) and quoted Schumer saying, "It’s the new economy, right here."

Aside from its popular microbrewery/restaurant on River Street, Brown's is planning to open a new brewery production facility in Hoosick Falls.

Brown's President Garry Brown welcomed Schumer's constituent service.

"This bill will help us be a more profitable brewery down the road. If we can get our excise tax reduced, we can reinvest that money into our business, more equipment, more jobs, more beer gets into the community, and it’s all good.”

Indeed, it is, whether you drink Brown's beer or not. Because more jobs in Rensselaer County, thanks to Senator Schumer's proposal, would obviously be a good thing.
 Full disclosure: we at RenssCoPolitico do, in fact, enjoy Brown's fine beer.

Friday, February 18, 2011

Nassau and Schodack Dems host Bagel Breakfast

This in from Nassau Town Chairman, Mark Berger:

Second Bagel Breakfast
Saturday, March 5, 9:30 AM, Nassau Reformed Church 

Co-sponsored by the Nassau and Schodack Democratic Committees

As We Salute Two Local (political) Heroes

            Peter Grimm, a two-term Rensselaer County Legislator and a one-person band when it comes to starting vital community organization.  He will share some of the secrets of his success. 

            Linda Underwood, our dear Schodack friend. When Linda’s not out campaigning for good government, she’s still doing the good work. Linda will share her insights.

            Like the first bagel breakfast, there will be time for discussions to take place. 

            Let’s get together, enjoy each other, grab a bagel, get a cup of coffee, and have some meaningful conversation. For five bucks, how can you go wrong?
ALL INTERESTED INDIVIDUALS ARE WELCOME!

Over the last few years, Nassau and Schodack Democrats have been working together on issues of common interest.  Joint fund-raisers and social get-togethers are a great way to bolster our enthusiasm and network with like-minded people. Especially in off-year elections, Democrats need to focus on local issues and helping each other make in-roads into predominantly Republican towns.

Saturday, February 12, 2011

Won't you be my neighbor?

It is great news for county residents to learn Senator Gillibrand will be calling Rensselaer County home.  While we knew she would be coming back to the Capital District to be closer to family and friends, her choice of Rensselaer County was a closely-guarded secret until today's announcement to Rensselaer County Democrats by County Chairman Tom Wade:

"I am pleased to announce Senator Kirsten Gillibrand found the home she and her husband Jonathan have been looking for in Brunswick.  She has spoken to me in the past about settling in the Brunswick area of Rensselaer County in order to be closer to family and basic conveniences. 
I am happy she has chosen to make Rensselaer County the residence of one of our two great United States Senators."

When you think about it, the Senator knows what the rest of us know about Rensselaer County - it is a great place to live. Rural Rensselaer County has stunning views and any commuter knows it is far easier to get to downtown Albany from here thank from the suburbs of Saratoga County.  Downtown Troy has much to offer from funky little shops to wonderful eateries. And you can't beat the acoustics of Troy Music Hall.

In a way, the fact that the Senator chose to buy a home in the Town of Brunswick is almost like a home-coming. She spent a great deal of time here as a student at Emma Willard .

We here at RenscoPolitico are proud and pleased to call our wonderful Senator "neighbor." 

You can read more about it in the Times Union.

Sunday, February 6, 2011

Senator Gillibrand not only fighting the "good fight" but also staying close to supporters

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, favorite of county and Capital Region Democrats, was recently in the area touching base with small businesses. It is this personal touch that helped her easily defeat challengers for the Democrat nomination and trounce right-wing Republican Joe Dioguardi.

One thing the Senator never forgets to do is thank her supporters. After her tour of the businesses, she had a get-together with her long-time supporters, many of whom hail from Rensselaer County. She worked the room, chatted casually, and told everyone how much she appreciated their continuing support.  Before leaving to race off to her next event, Senator Gillibrand conducted a short Q & A.

Being thanked for one's hard work does wonders for volunteers. Senator Kirsten Gilliband knows this and keeps her earliest supporters informed and  feeling valued. It makes them worker even harder for her. It is this wonderful grassroots organization that will make her hard to beat in two years.