Cornwall Democratic Committee Endorses Slate for November Election

The Cornwall Democratic Committee is excited to announce its endorsed 2023 candidates for Town offices:

Supervisor: Josh Wojehowski
Town Board: Wynn Gold & Valerie Best
Town Justice: Justin Kimple

The Committee made its endorsements at its regular meeting on February 16th. Coming on the heels of the announcement of a $4.5M grant to the Town and Village of Cornwall and Cornwall-on-Hudson, the Cornwall Democrats are thrilled to support a slate of candidates dedicated to ethical, strategic, and forward-looking stewardship of our Town.

The Committee will be gathering signatures throughout the month of March to get our phenomenal candidates on the ballot for November.

The Cornwall Democrats are organized, motivated and united behind our slate. We are excited for Josh and Wynn to continue delivering results for Cornwall, for Valerie to bring her skills and experience to the effort, and for Justin’s commitment to fairness and justice.

Preliminary Election Results

Keep watch along with us as all races are finalized and campaigns & candidates make announcements.

Orange County results: https://www.enhancedresults.com/OrangeCounty/elections/Gen2022

Times Herald-Record: https://www.lohud.com/story/news/politics/elections/2022/11/09/elections-in-the-hudson-valley-five-things-to-know/69630867007/

Relentless

Yesterday a voter at a door told two of our canvassers with a smile “you guys are relentless.” 

We have to be. Knocking, calling, post-carding, rallying, and word-of-mouthing, we’re relentless in protecting democracy. Because as we’ve pointed out in these pages, Congress is on the line, our State is on the line, and that means the rights of Americans and New Yorkers are on the line. 

  • Reproductive freedom.

  • The freedom to vote. 

  • The right to marry the person you love. 

  • The right to choose which books you read. 

  • Freedom to grow old with dignity. 

  • The right to healthcare. 

We’re relentless because generations of Americans before us fought for freedom, and we’re not about to let them down. We’re relentless in getting out the vote because we have children and they deserve to live in freedom too. We’re relentless because we want to keep Cornwall—and the rest of America—a great place to live, for everyone. 

The State and Federal opposition—election-denying, anti-choice, anti-LGBTQ, increasingly antisemitic, anti-science, anti-immigrant, pro-insurrection—are relentless too. 

So? Will you protect America, and vote? 


EARLY VOTING (Last day today, Ambulance Building) →

CONFIRM ELECTION DAY VOTING LOCATION →

Game On!

Voting has begun. Now let’s bring this home for our Cornwall Democratic candidates. Choice is on the ballot! Voting rights are on the ballot! Vote, then join us to get this done!

It Takes All of Us: Pitch In Today!

Early Voting Kicks Off!

Thirty Cornwall Democrats joined for an Early Voting rally yesterday, heading to the Cornwall Ambulance building to cast their ballots; about 500 people total voted yesterday at our location, from Cornwall and surrounding areas. Vote today, 9-5, and throughout the coming week.

These races are tight, and it’s quite likely the future of abortion rights, LGBTQ rights, voting rights, environmental stability, public safety, and economic prosperity hang in the balance. Get out, vote blue, and then pitch in, for all of us. 

Your Local Candidates (Click for info)


Five Local Candidates to Serve You

Cornwall is the luckiest community in New York, with five local candidates ideally suited for their jobs and for the moment. Meet them here: a combat veteran, former County Executive, and Congressman; a public safety professional who has led police officers across multiple agencies—and who has an unblemished record; a tireless lawmaker who advocates for Hudson Valley families, kids, seniors and workers and judiciously brings State funding to local projects; a former physics teacher and county legislator returning to public service to protect our communities; and a non-stop local organizer, booster, and volunteer whose service-oriented family chose our community out of countless options. Learn more below:

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…

The Colin-oscopy: An Examination of Colin Schmitt’s Record

After failing to represent his constituents for the last four years, Colin Schmitt feels it’s his time to go to Congress. In addition to being a reliably extreme-right Republican vote in the Assembly, Colin has never met a budget he has voted for—so any claims he makes about providing funds for his district are dubious at best.

What is Schmitt’s voting record? With the overturning of Roe in June, his votes on women’s health issues are more relevant now than ever, so let’s examine his record.

In Colin’s first term one of his official mailers made the claim that “Assemblyman Schmitt co-sponsored and helped pass legislation to protect local access to healthcare (A.02836A) and to ensure women have more accessible healthcare coverage. (A.5502).”

Is Colin Schmitt really protecting women’s access to healthcare? A.02836A “Provides for pharmacy benefit management and the procurement of prescription drugs,” while A.5502 requires health insurance in New York State to cover annual mammograms for breast cancer screening for covered persons aged 35 and older. Yes, these bills make healthcare coverage more accessible, but not healthcare. If that was Schmitt’s total record on healthcare that would be fine. But he has cast far more NO votes on Women’s Health issues than yes votes over his two terms.

During that first term Schmitt voted NO on S00659A, the “Comprehensive Contraception Coverage Act” that guarantees insurance coverage for FDA-approved contraceptive drugs, devices, and products. So much for access to coverage.

He also voted NO on S00660. Known as the “Boss Bill,” it would prohibit employers from accessing an employee’s personal information regarding reproductive health decision- making and ban employer discrimination based on an individual’s or a dependent’s reproductive health decisions.

But to say that one is an advocate for women’s rights (per “Women for Schmitt”) and then vote NO on the Reproductive Health Act is incomprehensible. Yet that is exactly what Colin Schmitt has done. The Reproductive Health Act, S00240, codifies Roe V. Wade, and, according to an Assembly press release, recognizes “a woman’s fundamental right to access safe, legal abortion. The bill moves abortion from the Penal Law to the Public Health Law, which removes longstanding harmful and burdensome barriers to accessing reproductive healthcare and protects New Yorkers against future federal intrusion.” It struck New York’s old pre-Roe abortion ban from the books.

After the Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision leaked in May, New York prepared for the expected ruling. Pro-active Democrats in Albany passed three bills: S9079 expands legal protections for abortion providers within New York; S9080 prohibits medical malpractice insurance companies from taking punitive actions against abortion providers; and S9077 establishes legal protections for abortion providers from out-of- state laws, including protection from extradition to another state.

Legislative Democrats also secured the first passage of an amendment to codify the right to abortion and the right to contraception in the State Constitution. (A proposed amendment must pass two consecutive legislative sessions before a public vote can be held for final approval.) According to a Senate statement, “This amendment would also update the existing Equal Rights Amendment to extend current protections to several new classes, including on the basis of sex, disability, national origin, ethnicity, and age.” Of course, Colin voted NO on all.

But it’s not surprising, given his radical-right views. When confronted with a photo of his address to a busload of people on their way to Washington in the early morning of January 6, 2021, Colin’s only response was that it was a group of anti-abortion activists on their way to a rally. Colin apparently felt that was a safer choice than calling them a group of insurrectionists on their way to a coup.

Prevent Schmitt from joining his anti-women, anti-democracy allies like Marjorie Taylor Greene and Lauren Bobert in Congress: what you can do.


News from Pat Ryan

Hello New York 18! 

Well, it’s official! We have a Congressman in the house (also in the House). Pat Ryan was sworn in last week and is now serving as the Representative for NY-19. A big congratulations to Pat and the whole campaign team. Now let’s do it again in NY-18!

[photo description: Pat Ryan (foreground) poses with his favorite truek. Pointy building(?) in background]

Pat Ryan (foreground) poses with his favorite truck. Pointy building(?) in background


News

News you ask? News about Pat Ryan? Oh, you mean other than getting a standing ovation from House Democrats on Wednesday after being sworn in? Yeah, there’s some other news.

Pat has been busy as always, campaigning hard while working the new job. In his first week he joined the Pro-Choice Caucus, was appointed to his first committee (House Armed Services Committee), and successfully navigated the corridors of power to find the coffee machine. In local news, he was recently hosted at the Dutchess Democratic Women’s Breakfast. Pat was also listed as a Candidate for the Common Good and attended the Arlington street fair in beautiful Dutchess County, where we can only assume he ate his weight in funnel cakes (waiting for full confirmation from HQ).

Pat with Democratic Women from Dutchess.

Pat with Democratic Women from Dutchess.

What’s Next

Thank you to everyone who took part in the Weekend of Action. Canvassing is so vital to this campaign. That kind of 1-1 contact has been proven to be the best, most reliable method to increase voter turnout. And in a Midterm election, turnout is basically the whole ballgame. If you’ve canvassed for Pat before, fantastic! If this will be your first time ever, also great! Sign up for a shift today, and let’s knock those doors!

Northern Dutchess County

  • Poughkeepsie: Saturday, September 24th, 11:00-2:00 pm RSVP HERE!

  • Town of Poughkeepsie: Saturday, September 24th, 2:00-5:00 pm RSVP HERE!

  • Hyde Park: Sunday, September 25th, 11:00-2:00 pm RSVP HERE!

Southern Dutchess County

  • Beacon: Saturday, September 24th, 11:00-2:00 pm RSVP HERE!

  • Fishkill: Saturday, September 25th, 2:00-5:00 pm RSVP HERE!

  • Wappingers Falls: Sunday, September 25th, 11:00-2:00 pm RSVP HERE!

Orange County

  • Woodbury: Tuesday September 27th, 5:00-8:00 pm RSVP HERE!

  • Cornwall: Saturday, October 1st, 11:00-2:00 pm RSVP HERE! 

  • Washingtonville: Wednesday, October 5th, 5:00-8:00 pm RSVP HERE!

Phone Banks (join from anywhere!)

Get Involved 

Grab a buddy and sign up for a canvassing shift, or grab a drink and sign up to phonebank. We need all hands on deck, so pitch in where and when you can.

For even more options, fill out a volunteer Sign-up form HERE. Or if you happen to have more time to dedicate to the work of democracy, fill out the Campaign Fellowship/Internship application HERE. 

We need to keep fuel in the engine of this campaign–help us out by donating HERE. And pick up a Pat Ryan Yard Sign for your yard. Talk to your friends and neighbors. Pat has never been shy about the fight he’s fighting for us–let’s not be shy about ours either.

 (Democratic) Party Girls!

 (Democratic) Party Girls!

Contact

Ulster County Field Organizer: Ariel Schwartz, ariel@nydems.org
Northern Dutchess County Field Organizer: Zach Brower zbrower@dccc.org
Southern Dutchess Field Organizer: Nick Shimkin shimkin@dccc.org
Orange County Field Organizer: Nate Depaul depaul@dccc.org
Orange County Field Organizer: Logan Gonzalez logan@nydems.org
Student Outreach Program Director/Dutchess Lead: Amir Turner turner@dccc.org
Campaign Coordination/Orange & Ulster County Lead: Leah Goldman leah@nydems.org
Organizing Director: Katey Sabo sabo@dccc.org

Questions about how to vote? Where to go? Unsure about the lines? Call NY Voter Protection Hotline.
Main Line: 1-888-369-8683 (888-3NY-VOTE)
Spanish Line: 1-888-369-8682 (888-3NY-VOTE)

Mon-Fri: 9am-8pm
Sat-Sun: 10am -7pm
Election Day (August 23rd): 6am-9pm

TL:DR

Fight on!

—Valerie from HQ

Cornwall Democratic Committee Reorganizes

CORNWALL, NY July 21, 2022—The Cornwall Democratic Committee thanks Jonathan Chase, Esq., District 1 representative, for eight years of dedicated service as Chair (2014-2022) and Acting Chair and Secretary in prior years. During Jon’s Chairmanship the Committee grew to its full complement, Democratic registration rose town-wide to unprecedented levels, and the Town of Cornwall Council attained a Democratic majority—while the Committee contributed to Democratic election victories up the ballot. Mr. Chase serves as District 1 representative, as a Vice Chair of the Orange County Democratic Committee, and was elected in June as one of two Party Delegates to the New York State Democratic Committee from the 99th Assembly District. The Committee is grateful for his past, current, and ongoing expertise, judgment, and advocacy for Democratic candidates and principles.

The Committee welcomes new Chair Matthew Rettig (D13) for the new two-year term. Mr. Rettig, a commercial airline pilot, musician, union negotiator, Cornwall library board member, and past candidate for Assembly and County Legislature, joined the Committee in 2017 in a wave of new volunteerism. He has demonstrated tremendous energy in campaigning and articulating Democratic values at the local level, while serving the community as a volunteer. Matt’s vision for a vigorous, agile, and transparent Committee will be instrumental in November victories and beyond.

The Committee also welcomes Barbara Smith Gioia as the new Vice Chair. Ms. Gioia has served as District 5 representative since joining the Committee in 2017. Barbara is an artist, arts educator/administrator and community volunteer who over the course of her 30 years living in Cornwall has supported, and continues to support, many local non-profit institutions such as the Grail, the Hudson Highlands Nature Museum, and Garrison Art Center. She was a member of the Cornwall Conservation Advisory Council and she currently serves on the Village of Cornwall-on-Hudson Tree Conservation Committee. Ms. Gioia was nominated by outgoing Vice Chair (2018-2022) Bill Braine, a businessman and Cornwall-on-Hudson Village Trustee who joined the Committee in 2017 and whose communications and technological skill will continue to benefit Cornwall’s Democratic voters and candidates in his role as District 5 Representative and member of the Orange County Democratic Executive Committee.

Christian Brunelli was unanimously elected Secretary following the resignation of Cari Griffin (2020-2022). Ms. Griffin (D12) is a four-year veteran of the Committee who brings consummate attention to the order, procedures, timeliness and accurate recording of Committee business, which has been a foundation of the Committee’s success—skills honed during seven-plus years on staff at our largest community nonprofit. Mr. Brunelli, representing District 11, is a Business Teacher at Roy C. Ketcham High School in the Wappingers Central School District.  He is a past volunteer with New Windsor Volunteer Ambulance, a successful high school debate coach, Eagle Scout, past associate of Harvard’s Center for International Affairs, and recipient of the U.S. Department of Education’s Robert C. Byrd Scholarship.

The Committee’s new Sergeant at Arms is Bill Clark (D8), a former educator and longtime Cornwall Democratic Committee stalwart, succeeding Edward Warren (D2). Claudia Depkin (Associate Member), a public library director and community volunteer, was unanimously re-elected Treasurer, rounding out a leadership team that will continue to represent Cornwall’s Democratic voters—and all of Cornwall—with respect, energy, and professionalism.

Summary

The Cornwall Democratic Committee elected the following officers during its July 21 reorganization meeting:

Chair: Matthew Rettig, D13
Vice Chair: Barbara Smith Gioia, D5
Secretary: Christian Brunelli, D11
Sergeant at Arms: Bill Clark, D8
Treasurer: Claudia Depkin (Associate Member)

Hochul, Delgado Win Nominations—One More Primary to Go!

Governor Kathy Hochul and Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado handily won this week’s primary to become the Democratic nominees for their offices—two more outstanding Democratic public servants to add to the big November 8 ballot.

Cornwall Democrats will have one more chance to return to the polls BEFORE November, with a second primary election to choose a Congressional candidate for the new 18th District, where Ulster County Executive Pat Ryan is facing Aisha Mills of Newburgh and Moses Mugulusi of the Village of Florida. That primary is August 23, with early voting from August 13-21.

Statewide June 28 primary results.

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.

President Biden

Governor Hochul

Senator Schumer

Senator Gillibrand

Congressman Maloney

State Senator Skoufis

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.

What you can do.

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!

Five Democratic Party volunteers pose smiling for a photo after their shift at the food bank of the Hudson Valley.

Cornwall Democrats after a shift sorting donations at the Food Bank in March 2022.