This week you can vote in the gubernatorial primary at the Cornwall Ambulance Building on Clinton Street at the following times. If you can’t make it out early, vote on Tuesday June 28, 6am-9pm, at your usual polling place.
The Dust Clears...and Winners Emerge!
The last year has been a whirl in New York politics, most recently stirred by the redistricting drama stretching from Washington to New York City to Albany to Steuben County…to us! The good news is that the dust is settling, district lines are final, primaries are scheduled—and Cornwall has an emerging slate of amazing Democrats to support on November 8. Let’s go.
Pat Ryan for Congress
Pat is a fifth-generation Ulster County native, decorated combat veteran, small businessman, and County Executive. Pat’s life has been shaped by a desire to serve his community. Growing up in Kingston, his mom was a public school teacher at Chambers Elementary School, and his father ran a small business in Kingston. They taught Pat that we have an obligation to give back to our community and to take care of everyone in it – especially the most vulnerable. More…
Bernie Rivers for Orange County Sheriff
Bernie Rivers is a candidate who looks beyond party lines. He has proven to in the past and will continue to support your rights and the rights of all. When elected Sheriff, Bernie Rivers will be the voice of all Orange County residents, regardless of political affiliation or belief and without boundary. More…
James Skoufis for NYS Senate
In the State Assembly, James fought for the Hudson Valley’s working- and middle-classes. He’s been a champion of better schools, stronger infrastructure, leveling the playing field, and fighting corruption. Elected to the State Senate in 2018, James soon took over chairmanship of the Investigations and Government Operations Committee, where he continues to deliver results for his Hudson Valley constituents while serving with integrity. More…
Chris Eachus for NYS Assembly
“I stand for the core values of the political party I represent. Our representatives need to stand up for the middle, working class families by backing only legislation which will benefit their constituents and improve their living conditions.” More…
Brandi McLendon for Cornwall Town Council
Brandi, a 12-year resident, dedicated volunteer, girl’s coach, mom in a military family, and school advocate, believes in preserving traditions while improving conditions. Supporting local businesses to ensure a more economically vibrant Main Street, ensuring a safe, equitable community and protecting our local water sources, open-spaces and wildlife habitats are just a few of the key components to keeping our town thriving, relevant, affordable, and fun. More…
Protect All Womens’ Right to Choose
The Cornwall Democratic Committee stands with New York and America’s leaders in affirming women’s right to bodily autonomy and safe, legal access to abortion.
As Republicans continue trying to strip rights from more and more Americans and declare outright war on women, we will work to remove them from power.
Drive-Up Petition Event
Saturday, April 2, 2022
10:00 AM 3:00 PM
Cornwall Plaza, Quaker Ave
Cornwall, NY 12518 (map)
Your candidates and CDC members will hold a final-push Democratic petition “tailgate” Saturday 10-3 at Cornwall Plaza parking lot near the Subway shop. Are you a registered Democrat in Cornwall who hasn’t signed yet? Come on out and help get your Democratic candidates on the ballot!
Thanks to You, We Beat Our Goal!
The Cornwall Democratic Committee Holiday Food Fund Drive, benefitting the Food Bank of the Hudson Valley, was a resounding success, raising $2,550 against our $2,500 goal! The Food Bank can turn every dollar donated into four meals for people in need; so thanks to our local Democrats, we helped them provide 10,200 meals to families in the six counties they serve. Thank you!
Cornwall Democrats after a shift sorting donations at the Food Bank in March 2022.
Join Us: Holiday Food Fund Drive
This year, in lieu of a holiday party, we have decided to give back to the community that offers us so much by taking on food insecurity. The Cornwall Democratic Committee has partnered with the Food Bank of the Hudson Valley to make it easy for you to donate using this online fundraising site. Please join us—and stay safe, happy, and well this holiday season!
The Issues on the Table
Peruse the latest edition of The Cornwall Democrat, collecting the local political news you need to make informed decisions and to support your local candidates.
Row "A" -- All the Way!
Are You Fired Up for Change?
In celebration of the Cornwall Democratic Committee’s annual Fired Up! Fundraiser we asked our candidates what they are Fired Up about. Here are their answers:
Anthony Grice, for County Clerk
“I’m Fired Up because we have an opportunity to make the Clerk and DMV services more accessible, efficient, and friendly to all of the residents of Orange County. For too many years, the previous administration has done the minimum, offering status quo services, that have not made anything better for most people in Orange County.”
Matt Rettig, for County Legislature, District 12
“I’m Fired Up to expose and fight corruption in the Orange County government. I’m Fired Up to shed daylight on the operations of the Orange County government. I’m Fired Up to champion renewable energy development; to prevent poorly sited, high-density housing from changing the character of Orange County forever.”
Joshua Wojehowski, for Cornwall Town Supervisor
“After a decisive victory in the Democratic Primary, I am Fired Up to take my winning message into the general election and bring new energy, and new leadership to create a solid vision for Cornwall’sfuture starting on January 1, 2022. Together we can keep Cornwall affordable, modernize government, revitalize Main Street and bring much needed transparency, accountability and oversight to local government.”
Virginia Scott, for Town Board
“As a Councilwoman and long-term volunteer on Main Street and Chadeayne Circle I am Fired Up about how the pieces are coming together for the beautification of our town and improvement of our Main Street! This project is a collaboration between the Town, County, and Senator Skoufis.”
Rokhsha Michael-Razi, for Town Board
“I’m Fired Up to bring back a vibrant Main Street. I’m Fired Up to see more activities for Cornwall’s youths, to give them a Cornwall they will be able to afford to live in, and a Cornwall that they will want to raise their children in.”
Laura Delacruz, for Town Clerk
“I am Fired Up about serving the people of Cornwall! I am fired up to give the people of Cornwall all of my attention and energy and to provide the service they want and deserve!”
Dina Ronsini, for Receiver of Taxes
“It is not easy to get Fired Up about paying your taxes. If elected, I will bring my 30 years of customer service experience in the foodservice industry and as a small business owner to the duties of Receiver of Taxes. I will treat the residents of Cornwall with the respect and consideration you deserve.”
Now, aren’t you Fired Up to elect the Democratic Team? Vote “Row A” all the Way October 23 - October 31 or on Election Day, November 2.
CDC Scholarship Applications Due May 30
Do you have a graduating CCHS senior in your life? Share the Cornwall Democratic Committee Scholarship application with them—$500 for school-related expenses.
https://www.cornwalldems.org/scholarship-application
CORNWALL DEMOCRATS ENDORSE TOWN CANDIDATES
-Three Community Leaders Recommended for November Election-
FEBRUARY 18, CORNWALL, NY—The Cornwall Democratic Committee has endorsed three candidates for Town of Cornwall offices on the November 2021 ballot: Councilman Joshua Wojehowski for Supervisor; Councilwoman Virginia Scott for re-election to the Town Council; and first-time candidate Rokhsha Michael-Razi for Town Council. The candidates offer a range of experience across government, small business ownership, education, recreation, and volunteer community service. [Since the endorsement meeting, two additional Democratic candidates have announced for Town positions: Laura Delacruz for Town Clerk, and Dina Ronsini for Receiver of Taxes.]
“As volunteer elected representatives of our Town’s registered Democrats, we Committee members are dedicated to lively debate, diverse opinions, and fairness,” commented Jon Chase, Chair of the Committee. “Our endorsement process reflects those values. Each endorsee has shown deep dedication to our community’s success, and their wide-ranging expertise can make us all confident that every Cornwall resident will be ably represented on the ballot both this June and in November.”
About the Candidates
Joshua Wojehowski is a current Town Councilman. He is liaison to the Cornwall Economic Development Advisory Committee with a focus on Main Street viability and revitalization. He is also Director of Development for Legal Aid of Rockland County, where he manages fundraising, communications, and government relations for the nonprofit. During his time on the Town Council, Josh has prioritized community engagement, advocacy for the Town’s small businesses, Main Street revitalization, and preserving future local opportunities for Cornwall residents—especially parents and families. He is also liaison to COVAC and the Town’s Purchasing and Lighting management.
Before serving as Councilman, Josh opened and ran Fresh restaurant on Main Street. A graduate of both the Culinary Institute of America and Pace University, he began his career as a program manager for New York City’s Human Resources Administration, and then became legislative and budget director for a New York City Council member, helping manage the agenda of the Council’s Economic Development Committee. Josh was then director of public affairs for the YMCA of Greater New York while also leading its grant management efforts, securing or renewing $30 million+ funding annually. Josh’s family has lived in Cornwall for generations, and he and his wife Heather have two children in the Cornwall schools.
Virginia Scott serves with distinction on the Cornwall Town Council. Ginny is Council liaison to the Cornwall Conservation Advisory Council, the Moodna Creek Intermunicipal Watershed Council, the Youth Committee, and the Town Water and Cable management. As Councilwoman, Ginny has elevated the voices of constituents, especially those of limited means or fixed incomes, and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for all residents, including through a focus on public health.
Ginny is a life-long resident of Orange County, mostly in Cornwall with her husband Mark and two sons—the entire family are CCHS graduates. Ginny has taught science in Washingtonville for 27 years and has volunteered in the community for 28 years, where she has led work in the Cornwall Garden Club (as co-chair of Main Street Beautification), youth sports, women’s organizations, the Downing Park Planning Committee and Balmville Grange in Newburgh, and as a citizen advocate for fair taxes. Ginny believes that careful stewardship of our natural resources, especially our water supply and air quality, is integral to Cornwall’s affordable and livable future.
Rokhsha Michael-Razi has lived in Cornwall for 22 years with her husband; their daughter, an attorney, graduated from CCHS. As a USPTA-Certified Tennis instructor, Rokhsha has been lead instructor and coordinator for the Cornwall Jr. Tennis Club for the past 10 years, and is Head Tennis Coach of the boys and girls varsity team at Highland Falls High School. She has two decades experience teaching hundreds of local youth over the years. Dedicated to community health, Rokhsha has been instrumental in securing USTA grant funding for local tennis programs and the ongoing renovation of the Cornwall tennis courts. She is fluent in four languages and holds a black belt in Japanese Shorinji Kempo.
Rokhsha is also a passionate hiker who adores Cornwall's scenic beauty and miles of wonderful hiking trails. As a Town Board member she pledges to bring fresh perspectives and energy to advance veterans and youth services, expand walkability to support a healthy community, and find creative solutions to longstanding local challenges. She will come to the position with a broad perspective, a longstanding commitment to Cornwall, and a positive outlook—with a commitment to work collaboratively and promote transparency and accountability in local government.
NYT: Why Thousands of Republicans Are Leaving the Party
The Times reports: “Voting registration data indicates a stronger-than-usual flight from the G.O.P. since the Capitol riot, with an intensely fluid period in American politics now underway.”
Locally it’s trending true as well, as some regional politicians embrace conspiracy theories, militias, and insurrection while agitating for their right to spread Covid and worshipping a twice-impeached criminal grifter. Many local Republicans are changing their registrations.
Those who choose to register Democratic are welcome, and they can be sure that they’re affiliating with a movement that places country over party. This is our flag:
Get the News—it's the way to win
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