Spaghetti Dinner with County Executive Candidate Joe Ruggiero

Save the Date!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

October 28th, 2007

Meet town and county candidates, including Joe Ruggiero.

They will be there to serve you!

Details to follow.

John Hall Event (He's Still The One)

The Dover Democratic Committee held it’s first annual fundraiser, on Saturday, Sept. 15th, at the historic Old Drovers Inn.

Approximately 60 people turned up to enjoy the food, wine, ambiance, silent auction, and guest speaker Congressman John Hall provided some great insight into DC government and politics.

In addition to Representative Hall, Democratic County Chair & County Executive candidate Joe Ruggiero, County Clerk candidate Richard Anderson, County Comptroller Diane Jablonski, Election Commissioner Fran Knapp, Deputy Commissioner Dan French, and other county legislators and candidates from various towns were also there to join in the festivities.

In attendance where the following Dover nominees for the upcoming election:

Pete Wassell - County Legislator, 24th district
Ryan Courtien – Town Supervisor
Chris Galayda – Town Council
Cathy Frame – Town Council
Maria Russo – Town Clerk
Joanne Graham – Highway Superintendent

A wonderful time was had by all.

Thanks to all who helped make this day special.

Dover Democratic Caucus 2007 Success!

This years Democratic Caucus was a resounding success. There were 129 people in attendance, the largest Democratic turnout that anyone there could remember in a long time. Thanks to Fran Knapp, Democratic Commissioner of Elections, for performing the role of Parliamentarian.

The results were:

• Ryan Courtien for Town Supervisor by a vote of 118-10
• Chris Galayda for Town Council unopposed
• Cathy Frame for Town Council unopposed
• Maria Russo for Town Clerk unopposed
• Joanne Graham for Highway Superintendent unopposed
• Kate Hale for Tax Collector unopposed
• John Fusco for Town Justice unopposed

Pete Wassell, our next county legislator, was also in attendance.

The democrats have a full slate for the upcoming election on November 6th!

Thanks to all who attended.

Heated Town Board Meeting

The Dover Town Board Meeting was heated yesterday, and it's the members of the Board feeling the heat.

The board again only allowed for public comment rather than answering the questions of the people they supposedly represent. They limited the public comment to end at 7:30 pm so they can go into executive session to discuss five pending legal actions.

They used an egg timer set to 3 minutes to limit discussion. At one point the timer went off as someone was speaking and Supervisor Way told the person we had to move on. Way said, "I wish I could give you more time." Right. Because she's the supervisor; the only person who could give someone more time. When someone wanted to ask a question, Councilman Jim Johnson told them to write a letter.

The members of the Dover Town Board are always lockstep. As evidenced last night they try to suppress critism but not answering questions and limiting public discourse. The real town meeting took place at 7:31 when the Town Board was in executive session and the Town People were meeting outside to bring about a change in our town.

The next town board meeting will be July 25th at 6:30 pm. Everyone should attend to see what the town board is giving (frustration) and what you are getting; bad government.

John Hall now member of Board of Visitors for USMA

Congressman John Hall (D-Dover Plains) has been doing a lot for our veterans. Now he is going to help the United States Military Academy as a member of the Board of Visitors.

"The board ... shall inquire into the morale and discipline, curriculum, instruction, physical equipment, fiscal affairs, academic methods, and other matters relating to the academy that the board decides to consider."

Important Note About Lyme Disease

Senator Schumer got lyme disease while checking dams after recent flooding. He was accompanied by Dover's own Congressman John Hall. The story can be read here. Information on lyme disease can be found here.

Food a focus of Dover’s 200th anniversary

When we see a story about local businesses taking part in community activities, we want as many people to know as possible:

DOVER PLAINS — Area chefs will contribute to Dover’s 200th anniversary by providing a taste of a signature dish.

After the bicentennial opening ceremony Saturday, the Old Drovers Inn, La Famiglia, Il Compare and Buttonwood Cafe will each cook up a dish the restaurant is known for, said bicentennial cochairwoman Caroline Reichenberg.

The ceremony begins at 10 a.m. at Dover Middle School. The food tasting, along with displays of historic photographs and documents, will take place at 11:30 a.m.

The school is located at 2368 Route 22. Call 845-832-6111.

John Hall's Contact Information

U.S. Rep. John Hall, D-Dover Plains
n 1217 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
1-202-225-5441
Web site: johnhall.house.gov

Local Oil Company Going Green

We need to see more of this in Dover. The whole article from the Poughkeepsie Journal can be accessed by clicking on the link above. An excerpt regarding Taylor Oil is below:

Kevin Taylor of George M. Taylor & Son oil company in Dover Plains said they have been selling the B20 blend of biodiesel in Dutchess, Putnam and Columbia counties since September.

The B20 blend means it's 20 percent soybean oil and 80 percent petroleum-based fuel.

"It's more environmentally friendly and it's lessening our dependency on foreign oil by 20 percent," Taylor said. "Other than that, it burns cleaner. I have it on my personal truck and all our fuel oil trucks, and I think it runs better."

He said the biodiesel adapts instantly in conventional diesel or fuel oil applications.

"Anything that can take diesel can take biodiesel," Taylor said, depending on the blend. "If you go for B20, no adjustments are needed. If we went B50 or B100 blends, there are significant changes you have to make to vehicles and home heating equipment. I don't think you'll see that happen for a while."

Hall gains leadership spot on vets panel

John Hall is the Chairman of the Veteran Affairs Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Services. Hall identified four initial priorities for the subcommittee:

• Reducing the backlog of hundreds of thousands of claims that have been submitted to the Veterans Administration.
• Reducing funeral costs for veterans’ families.
• Educating veterans about the programs and assistance available to them.
• Allowing more time for injured combat veterans to submit claims for assistance.

“I will devote myself to living up to this honor,” Hall said. “No matter your view on a particular conflict, we all agree that those who serve their country deserve the best possible care upon their return home.”

The entire article can be found here.

Hall serves on Veterans Committee and will actually serve veterans

John Hall met with some of the 50,000 veterans who live in the 19th congressional district yesterday to hear their concerns and bring them back to Congress. The link above gives the full article from The Journal News.

Grant and Donation for Astor House

Astor Home for Children's Wingdale Early Childhood Center received a grant for $15,000 for a playground and $15,000 donation from Ronald McDonald House Charities to furnish a classroom.

Ladies and Gentlemen, Congressman John Hall

No longer Congressman-Elect, John Hall is the official representative for the 19th congressional district for New York.

Here House Speaker Nancy Pelosi performs a ceremonial swearing-in of Rep. John Hall, D-Dover Plains, surrounded by his family, at the Capitol in Washington on Thursday. Representatives were sworn in on the House floor earlier in the day.

We congratulate our committee member on his success. The above link takes you to the Poughkeepsie Journal article about the Hudson Valley's Congressional Delegation.

Brunch a Success

Brunch with John Hall brought out over 100 people to the American Legion Post in Wingdale earlier today. John spoke and then took questions for over an hour.

Brunch With Congressman-Elect John Hall

John Hall will be at the American Legion Post in Wingdale tomorrow morning at 11:00 am to meet with constituents as part of a "Listen Tour" before heading to Washington D.C. to be sworn in next week.

New County Legislator and Town Councilman

Town Councilman Tim Bastings has replaced Brad Kendall as county legislator. Brad Kendall has become the new County Clerk.

Jim Johnson will be taking Tim's place on the Dover Town Board.

The Peter Principle come to mind.

Quaker Hill with Congressman-Elect

Last week we had a good time with our Pawling counterparts at Loretta Henry's home on Quaker Hill. John Hall was there and answered questions. A good time was had by most. The full article from the Pawling Chronicle can be read by clicking on the link above.

John Hall Election Roundup

Orleans Cheers Co-Founder
Talks about the history of Orleans and what they are currently doing.

How Hall won: Iraq, GOP scandals, energized volunteers
Kelly spokesperson said that the reason for her loss was Iraq but the article brings up a lot more.

"John Hall has won." said Sue Kelly.

Kelly concedes defeat
“John Hall has won. I congratulate him and wish him well as he endeavors to serve our nation and the people of the Hudson Valley,” said Kelly.

Kelly Will Probably Retire To Fantasy Land

Sue Kelly still waits for total ballot count
"Rep. Sue Kelly’s hopes for a miracle comeback look increasingly far-fetched."

Letter to the Editor - Committee Member Jackie

Poughkeepsie Journal
This time, Kelly wants all the votes to count
Ironic, isn't it? Had Sue Kelly insisted on counting every vote in Florida in 2000 or in Ohio in 2004, there might not be an anti-Bush backlash to sweep her out of Congress and into retirement.

I believe in democracy —every year. Count the votes, do the math and then disappear. John Hall and the Democratic Congress have a country to fix.

Jackie McNeil, Dover Plains

Election Update

John Hall has been down in Washington for the past two days at Freshman Orientation. Sue Kelly has yet to concede.

Pop musician Hall is ready to be a player in the House
Baltimore Sun - Article discusses the evolution John's campaign

Mike Kaplowitz thanked everyone who supported him. He received approxiamtely 42% of the vote, a record high against Libell.

Lewisboro carries Democratic candidate in every race
In related news, Ed Brancati won a seat on the Lewisboro Town Board.

John on the Brian Lehrer Show on WNYC

Brian Lehrer - Click on this link and then click on "Listen to the whole show" to hear the interview from Friday.

John - "I believe in every vote being counted."

John - "The top agenda for the whole country is Iraq."

Brian - "What would you call yourself"
John - "I'm a Pragmatic Progressive. I'm a Fiscal Conservative."

John talks about education, healthcare, energy independance, the first 100 hours, and homeland security.

The interview finishes with Brian and John talking about the departing Congresswomen and a video of her running away from the press. Below is that video.

John on the Colbert Report Again

John is interviewed again by Stephen Colbert about the win.

Then they sing the National Anthem.



"Somewhat? ... Allwhat."

Offical Results / Concession Not For Weeks

Hall holds lead over Kelly
Hall's lead is currently 4,272. There are 8 to 10 thousand paper ballots (Why can no one say exactly how many of these exist.) Kelly will not concede until the official result is known.

"The official result might not be known for several weeks." Great.

Math of John's Win

John Hall currently has 94,524 votes.
Sue Kelly currently has 90,269 votes.
John is leading by _____4,255 votes.

For Sue Kelly to win she would need over 7000 of the 10000 paper ballots to go her way (7128 for Kelly, 2872 for Hall). Sue Kelly has yet to concede and has actually hired an election lawyer.

This means that while only 49% of people who showed up on election day voted for Kelly, the Republicans think that over 70% would have mailed in a vote for her.

All votes should be counted not just because it is the democratic and Democratic way but also we would like to know by just many votes Representative-elect John Hall won.

Senate Allen (VA-R) Concedes, Departing Congresswoman Kelly Hires A Lawyer

Allen concedes, giving Senate control to Dems http://www.cnn.com/2006/POLITICS/11/09/va.senate/index.html

Kelly hires Spano election attorney http://www.midhudsonnews.com/News/Elec06_Kelly_atty-09Nov06.html

What, Me Worry?

Alfred E. Kelly or
Sue E. Nueman?

Our congresswomen has still not conceded the races she has clearly lost.

No Kelly concession till all votes counted - Times-Herald Record

Kelly to wait for final count before conceding - Journal News


Kelly is not ready to concede defeat - Midhudsonnews.com
Kelly talks about what she did for the last 12 years, "...I have also left the Treasury Department in Washington, DC with a crackerjack operation..." At the bottom of that crackerjack box .... a record deficit and a temporary tattoo.

Rummy, You Did A Heckuva Job!

The Secretary of Defense is resigning. The Democrats haven't actually taken over Congress yet and we are already getting what we want.

Craig Ferguson with a Rumsfeld Remembrance (Requires Quicktime)

Ungracious in Defeat

No concession for Kelly
Jackie sent me an email pointing to this article.

We want all of the votes to be counted also. This way we know exactly how well John Hall beat Sue Kelly.

Hall in the Media

Major Papers in Area:

Poughkeepsie Journal - Hall tops veteran Kelly in tight race
Early results suggest Democrat John Hall pulled off an upset Tuesday in the 19th District, defeating incumbent U.S. Rep. Sue Kelly, R-Katonah, to win his first two-year term in Congress.

Times Herald Record - John Hall headed for win
Buoyed by a wave of anti-incumbency that swept the nation in yesterday’s elections, Democratic challenger John Hall seemed to eke out a victory over six-term Rep. Sue Kelly, R-Katonah, last night.

The Journal News - Hall beats Kelly for U.S. House
Democratic congressional challenger John Hall appeared to ride opposition to the war in Iraq and a wide margin of victory in Westchester County to defeat Republican Rep. Sue Kelly in a race that was among a dozen across the country seen as pivotal to the Democrats' taking control of the House of Representatives.

New York Times - G.O.P. Loses 4 House Seats in New York Region
In perhaps the night’s biggest surprise, John Hall, a singer and Democratic activist, narrowly defeated Representative Sue Kelly, the Republican incumbent representing New York’s 19th District, with 97 percent of the precincts reporting.

John Hall Wins!

Dover's Own John Hall defeated Sue Kelly and he will be our next Congressman.

Ryan was helping the media find and interpret the election results from the five board of elections websites: Dutchess, Putnam, Westchester, Orange, Rockland

Currently John has a lead of about 3500 votes. Sue Kelly will have to concede soon.

Congressman John Hall

Here at the Colonial Terrace we are looking at the results as they come into the five boards of elections. John is ahead by 3000 votes. He is going to win.

No one has said anything official but with all of the information, John Hall is going to be our next Congressman!

Meeting Tonight

The Dover Democratic Committtee will be meeting tonight at 7:30 at Gloria's house. We will be discussing John Hall, Mike Kaplowitz and Virginia Martin.

Candidates for Dover Voters

United States House of Representatives

Dover's Own John Hall vs. Bush Lackey Sue Kelly

United States Senate

Senator Hillary Clinton vs. John Spencer

Governor

New York's Favorite Son Elliot Spitzer vs. John Faso

State Attorney General

Andrew Cuomo vs. Jeanine "AG is my Second Choice" Pirro

State Senate

Mike Kaplowitz vs. Pataki Lackey Vincent Libell

State Assembly

Virginia Martin vs. Marc Molinaro

From Take 19

You can see this original post at the Take 19 website, Sue Kelly seems scared:

"Sue Kelly" appeals to "supporters." Protect me from the "bloggers."

Sue Kelly's latest missive to her supporters is out and it's a hoot. Sue's all afraid of the big bad "liberal" "bloggers" (the air quotes are hers, you can't make this stuff up folks).

And of course, we'll need your financial support to counter what
promises to be a hard-hitting campaign. Thanks to the concerted
effort of the 'bloggers' to 'nationalize' this race, I fully expect
my democratic opponent to be the best funded Democrat I have ever
faced. As thousands of dollars pour into their coffers from Howard
Dean Democrats from around the country, I'll need your help to fight
back.

"Nationalize??" Do you think she might be referring to the failure of her political bosses who took a surplus and turned it into trillions in debt, a robust economy and turned it into recession and took us into the quagmire of Iraq while failing to secure the Homeland and capture the real perpetrator of 9/11?

Could be.

Change Albany Now! Video

A commerical for Mike Kaplowitz, State Senate Candidate endorsed by the Dover Democrats. Visit his website to give your support.

Want to Help?

The Dover Democratic Committee sent letters to all registered Democrats encouraging them to vote in the primary this Tuesday and to attend Dover Day on Saturday September 16th. If you would like to help the Dover Democratic Committee please email us at doverdemocrats@gmail.com. Thank you.

Dover Democratic Committee Endorsements

The Dover Democratic Committee Endorses the following candidates:

Governor - Elliot Spitzer

Congress - John Hall

State Senate - Mike Kaplowitz

The Dover Democrats urge you to support your candidates for high office by visiting their websites and giving your time and effort. Visit their websites by clicking on their name.