Serendipity in Schodack

Several  Schodack Democrats attended the Castleton Fire Company’s fund-raising breakfast on Sunday, as they usually do.  The early-risers found themselves in a sea of Republicans. But a couple who decided to sleep in and make it a “brunch” got a wonderful treat – Congressman Paul Tonko showed up to support the fire company. 

After saying hello to everyone in the room, Congressman Tonko sat with Schodack Democratic Chair Elizabeth Gable, committee member Linda Underwood and lifelong Castleton Democrats Florence and Martin Ray.  Joining them a bit later was fire company member and staunch Democrat Kelly Travers-Main who, along with her daughter, flipped pancakes and French toast.

Congressman Tonko participated in a lively discussion with his supporters. 

Later, even the most ardent Republicans wanted their picture taken with the Congressman.

Congressman Tonko is a great supporter of local Democratic committees. He rarely misses a fund-raiser or get-together. And he is one of the hardest working progressives in Congress.  Those of us who are represented by him are very lucky, indeed.  

Not so lucky are those in Rensselaer County who are represented by Tea Party Congressman Chris Gibson …

Congressman Paul Tonko with Elizabeth Gable, Kelly Travers-Main and Linda Underwood.

Bagels and politics go well together

In Southern Rensselaer County, 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 Saturday, March 5, in Nassau.

About 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. 

The uplifting message was: being active in the community will lead to wins at the polls. 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.  

“We can’t just come out from under a rock before elections and expect to win,” Underwood said. “We have to be out in the community, supporting the fund-raising breakfasts and pizza nights. We have to pick up trash on the side of the road and collect food for the local food pantries. We have to be visible all year if we want to be taken seriously.”

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 and Elizabeth Gable were pleased with the turnout and the enthusiasm of the group. 

“I like the simpatico our committees are developing,” Berger said. 

We like it, too. And hope it spreads throughout the county.

Mark Berger and Rain Worthington welcome the group and discuss current events in Nassau.

Peter Grimm and Linda Underwood listen to other speakers at the Bagel Breakfast.

Tony  Kirby speaks about commercial design standards for Schodack and the Southern Rensselaer County area.