President's Desk

Happy Fall! The frost is on the flowers and the leaves are changing, and the Hudson Valley Chapter of Log Cabin Republicans is ready for the season. Please take a look at our events calendar and join us for stimulating conversations and good times. As you know, this is an election year and we are posting endorsements for candidates on an ongoing basis. We fully support candidates that support equally rights for gay and lesbian Americans. We look forward to supporting friends like Bill Schmidt and Vinny Tamagna and others who have become friends over the years.

By the time you read this newsletter, Tuesday’s Primary Election will be over and each district will have selected their candidates. In New Rochelle, our long time friend Michael Boyle will not be running for re-election so we would like to wish him well and thank him for his years of support. I would also like to publicly thank Republican Marge Horton, a Dutchess County lawmaker, who recently voted for a county- wide domestic partner registry. Although the measure failed, Legislator Horton stood on the side of equal rights for gays and lesbians.

This Fall promises to be a very busy one for the chapter. Here is how you can get involved: First, attend an event and chat it up with other members. Second, read the newsletter and pass it on to a friend. Third, become a member. So you ask, what do I get for my membership? Well here are a few things: 1) Our chapter board works with elected officials to help move legislation; 2) Monthly events where you can meet and mingle; and 3) Great and informative web site. And this year, if you attend the Fall Barbeque for $35, you will get a year’s membership included. What could be better? See you next time. - Ingrid

President's Desk

Greetings!
“I didn’t leave the Democratic Party, the Democratic Party left me.” That was Ronald Reagan’s response to a question posed to him about leaving the Democratic Party in 1962. Reagan changed his political affiliation to the Republican Party and never looked back. More than fifty years later, the opposite is true. Recently Mayor Mike Bloomberg left the Republican Party to become an Independent and just last month, Assemblyman Michael Spano jumped ship and joined the ranks of the Democratic Party. What does all of this mean? I could take a lot of time to opine as to the reasons but I’ll leave it to our members to draw their own conclusions. While we are disappointed in Assemblyman Spano, we wish him good luck. On a more positive note, we congratulate the new chairman of the Westchester Republican Committee, Douglas A. Colety. We look forward to working with Doug.

Regardless of recent events, Hudson Valley continues to work hard and forge relationships with like-minded Republicans. Our presence at gay pride events proved that our place in the Republican Party is solid as we continue to educate gay and lesbian Americans about Republican values. Our postcard campaign for gay marriage has been very effective at these venues and as a result we have sent over five hundred cards to state elected officials. Our actions proved fruitful as the New York State Assembly passed a marriage equality bill and secured the bill’s first Republican co-sponsor, Assemblywoman Teresa Sayward, along with fellow Republicans Joel Miller (Hudson Valley), Mike Spano (Hudson Valley), and Dede Scozzafava (North County). This would not have been possible without your help, thanks.

I think these are exciting times for Hudson Valley and encourage you to be a part of it. Today we launch our first official membership drive, and want you to share our commitment to Republican values. Becoming a member is easy, so please take a few moments to subscribe online. Also, if you have any suggestions or comments on how we are doing, please contact us online. Lastly, keep checking our Event Calendar page and join us at an event soon. Stay cool and I’ll see you next time. - Ingrid

President's Desk

Greetings! As someone who works in higher education, I tend to divide the year into semesters, and as such I'll wish you all a happy summer semester. The hot and hazy days of summer have already begun, and as you scramble for relief, don't forget to help out our local candidates. It’s that time of year again, and this year we are very proud to announce that the Honorable William Schmidt was recently nominated by the GOP as the candidate for mayor of Peekskill. Bill is a friend, co-founder, and former board member of the Hudson Valley chapter. Other friends running this year include Jim Maisano for Westchester County Legislature, a longtime supporter of our chapter.

Republicans are making progress on both the national and local level. As an example, Colorado, a state whose name has become synonymous with anti-gay initiatives, recently passed legislation prohibiting anti-gay job discrimination and extending legal protection to children who have same-sex parents. On the local level, the New York City comptroller stated recently that if gay marriage were instituted here, it would boost the economy. The fight is not over and the progress is slow, but change doesn't come without hard work.

Well, it’s Gay Pride Month and while we don't need a month to remind us of our gayness or our importance as human beings, we should still attend a party or two. As you daydream about that special outfit, don't forget to join us on June 30th for our Summer Barbeque. This will be both fun and educational as we are joined by Assemblyman Joel Miller. Come join us for good drink and good food, I promise you will not be disappointed. And if you have not done so already, please renew your membership as the process has become easier with Google Checkout online. Lastly, I would like to congratulate our treasurer, Tony Simmons, on his nomination as a Republican District Leader in Peekskill. Good going, Tony. Don't forget to wear comfortable shoes when getting those signatures. Until next time, keep cool. - Ingrid

President's Desk

Happy spring! With spring in the air, summer must be right around the corner. But before we take a break from the craziness of politics, LCR HV has scheduled events throughout Pride - so come help us celebrate. These events will be listed in our online Calendar, and board members will be in attendance, so come by and say hi. Come talk with us about the chapter and share your opinions - we want to hear from you.

This past February, we held our Annual Plenary meeting and elected our board. I would like to welcome our newest director, Stuart Schefers of Cold Spring. I speak for the board in saying we look forward to working with Stuart.

As presidential candidates continue to throw their hats in the ring, the heat is on to repeal the military’s policy of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”. I ask you to call your congressional representative to encourage them to vote to repeal. Also, remind them that it was a Democrat who gave us this horrid policy that has forced thousands of gays out of the military. Don’t forget to check out our event calendar, and I hope to see you at an event soon. - Ingrid

President's Desk

Happy New Year! 2007 promises to be an interesting one, as new leaders step into positions of power. Whether you’re a Republican or Democrat, you have to appreciate the history-making event of installing the first female speaker of the House. And while Republicans lost control of Congress, we still have much to celebrate here in New York. State Senator Nick Spano came out in favor of marriage equality during his campaign, and we thank him for his continued support of the Hudson Valley chapter. We also want to thank Jeanine Pirro for all that she has done for the people of Westchester County and for her support of the Hudson Valley chapter. Jeanine continues to be a friend and to support civil unions. Our thanks to both.

In the first official work-week of the state legislature, we salute Assemblymember Mike Spano and his victory in November. Mike is a strong leader, and we look forward to his continued support of gay rights and model Republican values. We also recognize new leadership in Log Cabin’s state board and national office. We welcome David Verchere as our new state president, and Patrick Sammon as national president of LCR and LEF. I know they will both work hard in the fight for gay rights.

As is our norm, the Hudson Valley chapter will be working hard for gay equality in 2007 - but we can’t do it without your help. I encourage our readers and members to attend our plenary event on Saturday, February 3. We will be holding our annual board election and putting together our strategic plan for 2007. Please join us as we continue to fight for equal rights and spread Republican values. Take care until next month. - Ingrid