It seems only fitting that we are celebrating this historic inauguration the day after Martin Luther King Day.  The barriers that were lifted by many hands, including the likes of Abraham Lincoln, Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King Jr, and all of the people who stepped forward and stood up, helped pave the way for President Barack Obama's momentous and historic swearing in as our 44th President today.  Only because of the unrelenting determination and unceasing struggle for the causes of human dignity and fairness during the tumultuous years since the beginning of the Civil Rights movement are we able to appreciate in President Obama that unique pragmatic quality of a true uniter, a quality that can reach past any divisions of black, white or any of the other shades that make up the tapestry that is America.  We are witnessing in President Obama a leader who will not only reach across the boundaries of race, but also extend a hand across the political divide with a genuine intellectual curiosity to understand all sides of the very complex and daunting issues that confront all Americans in the difficult days ahead. 

It is with great pride that I speak for Genesee County Democrats to declare that while we are  extraordinarily proud to celebrate this memorable day as a political organization, today is not about any one political party. As President Obama said in his speech at the 2004 Democratic convention;  "There is no red America and no blue America. There is only the United States of America".  Today is a wonderful day to drop all the color barriers -  black, white, red and blue - that divide us and celebrate what makes America great – the smooth, peaceful and celebratory transition of power and share in the hope that all of us have for a better tomorrow. 

Yes we can. And yes, we will.

This is an impressive booklet to say the least.  Joe Mesi has put out a very detailed plan for the 61st Senate District.  Job creation, investing in our colleges and property tax reduction are just a few things that he touches on in this 17 page plan for change.

http://votejoemesi.files.wordpress.com/2008/10/plan-for-change.pdf

Please join the Genesee County Democratic Committee for an open house meet and greet this Thursday, October 16th from 5 - 7 PM at the Democratic headquarters.   The office is located at 10 City Centre (across from Sunny's). We are pleased to welcome all of our 2008 candidates -- with the exception of  the top of our ticket, Senator Barack Obama.

Alice Kryzan -26th Congressional candidate

Joe Mesi - 61st Senate candidate

Phil Jones -147th Assembly District candidate (representing the southern parts of Genesee County)

Judge John Michalek -Incumbent State Supreme Court Justice candidate

Judge Tracey Bannister -State Supreme Court Justice candidate

Judge Larry Stabell -Darien Town Justice candidate

Councilman Tom Stella -LeRoy Town Council candidate

Everyone is welcome and encouraged to come by and meet the Democratic  candidates.    Refreshments will be served.

Obama/Biden lawn signs are now available beginning Monday at our office in the City Centre.  There is a great demand for signs and we will distribute first to our volunteers and folks that have come by and signed up ahead of time and then to the public on a first come first serve basis.

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The Genesee County Democratic Committee

Cordially invites you to a meet the candidates open house

Alice Kryzan - US Congress

Joe Mesi - State Senate

Phil Jones - Assembly (147th)

Judge John Michalek - State Supreme Court

Tracey Bannister - State Supreme Court

Judge Larry Stabell - Darien Town Justice

Councilman Tom Stella - Le Roy Town Council

GCDC Headquarters

10 City Centre (across from Sunny's)

Thursday    October 16th    5 - 7 PM

free and open to the public

refreshments will be served

A visit Saturday to the LeRoy Farmer's Market yielded more than the fresh produce that I brought home.  This is a community gathering that brings together neighbors and friends along with our local growers.  We purchased goat milk soap from Darien, rhubarb chutney from Hill and Hollow in Pavilion (delicious, by the way), my friend Mary Margaret's yummy pumpkin bread, sweet corn from a farm a mile from my house and the sweetest cantaloupe that I have ever tasted.  I also learned about heirloom tomatoes which have more nutrients than the genetically altered tomatoes that we grow today.  It was fascinating to interact with the vendors and learn about the foods and homemade items that are produced in our own neighborhoods.  I also ran into many friends and enjoyed the camaraderie of being part of a community.

As the movement to eat local and sustainable food grows in popularity, the more we will learn how valuable this is. The "buy local --buy fresh"  movement creates a low carbon footprint that fits into a sustainable renewable lifestyle that is one of the good consequence of the end of cheap oil.  It will benefit our farmers and producers. It also provides nutritional value which promotes a healthier alternative to eating processed foods or foods shipped in that may lose nutrients on route.  A tomato picked in the morning and eaten the same day is far better than one that has been in cold storage for a week or more. Eating local protects us from bio-terrorism.  Food with less distance to travel from farm to plate has less susceptibility to harmful contamnination. Finally, purchasing locally conserves energy on a large scale as the produce is not packed and shipped from far off places.  I would much rather buy my corn from MacKenzie's or Pullyblank's -- growers that I know -- than from hundreds or perhaps thousands of miles away. A win-win for everyone.

Kudos to the LeRoy Farmers Market steering committee.  The Farmer's Market operates every Saturday in the parking lot behind Pontillo's from 8:00 until noon. This is truly a community venture that the farmers and the local consumers will benefit from greatly.  I also would encourage people to stop in at the permanent farm markets and stands.  These established stands need our support, too, and provide the same local flavors.

I am proud to represent Genessee County on the Women for Powers committee. Our women volunteers here in Genesee County have been meeting each Tuesday evening reaching out to other women by telephone about the issues that are important to them and their families here in Genesee County. What is clear about the conversations that we are having is the need for real change in Washington. Women here in Genesee County are concerned about gas prices, education, health care and the environment -- to name a few. A dialog like this is vital and represents a true women to women outreach about issues that matter to us most. We are then able to pass these concerns to Jon Powers and his campaign. What is unique about this is the conversation. 

          POWERS CAMPAIGN ANNOUNCES WOMEN FOR POWERS COMMITTEE    WILLIAMSVILLE, NY – The Powers for Congress Campaign is pleased to announce the formation Women for Powers. As a dedicated group of volunteers, Women for Powers works tirelessly to help elect Jon by calling other women voters, knocking on doors, and introducing Jon and his campaign to their friends and neighbors. "I am supporting Jon because he knows the needs of Western New York and the changes that need to take place," said Molly Ciocca, Chairwoman of Women for Powers. "He's the one that can get us there." "I am thrilled to have the support of everyone involved in Women for Powers," said Powers. "These ladies are community leaders, professionals and tireless advocates for a safer and stronger Western New York. They have been integral to the success of our grassroots campaign. I value their friendship and support."