An informed voter is the best guardian of democracy.

Welcome to the Rhinebeck Demogram, a newsletter bringing you information and commentary about current issues, candidates and events. Published by the Rhinebeck Democratic Committee for all the people of our community.

PLEASE NOTE: Our new email address is demogram@rhinebeckdemocrats.org As always, we welcome comments, questions, suggestions and corrections.

No. 7, August 2004

IN THIS ISSUE

LOCAL

WHY ITS URGENT TO FIND DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATES FOR RHINEBECK'S TOWN AND VILLAGE BOARDS
by John C. Honey

To my mind there are four basic reasons why it is so important for Democrats to run for local government offices.

1. At every level of government Democratic officeholders tend to be strongly oriented to people and their needs; their most important constituencies include children, young adults, the needy, and the elderly. This is as true for Rhinebeck as it is for the rest of the nation. If we don't have adequate Democratic representation in our government, the important social issues related to these groups tend to be ignored.

For example, in Rhinebeck we desperately need a place where our children and young adults can gather for all kinds of after-school and weekend activities throughout the year. There is no such facility.

2. Despite the perceptions of many, it is not the case that Rhinebeck is so politically conservative and 'up-scale' that it requires only the most basic government services. It is NOT true that most of the problems of this community can be dealt with in the private sector. These are perceptions that are not supported by the evidence. We have a large number of families in which both parents work. We have a surprising number of single-parent families. We have our share of needy families and of the elderly. The concerns of Democrats with these groups is well known, and Democrats reject the slogan, "most government is bad."

3. One party and entrenched government is not productive. Community progress begins and flourishes when those who differ are able to debate and compromise on important issues. A disproportionate number of like-minded officials in positions of power makes compromise unnecessary and promotes tunnel vision. It is the give and take involved in resolving differences of opinion that leads to gradual changes in our democratic society. The capacity to change must be strengthened by promoting diversity within our government.

4. Despite what many think, it is not true that Rhinebeck is an overwhelmingly Republican community and that therefore Democrats don't stand a chance. The truth of the matter is that there are more Democrats than Republicans registered to vote in Rhinebeck town and village [see breakdown below]. The less welcome truth is that traditionally the Republicans have been more successful at enlisting citizens to run for local office than the Democrats have and that therefore there are more Republican officeholders.

Some potential Democratic candidates may decide not to put their hats in the ring because they fear the responsibility will be too time-consuming. The experience of those of us who have served is that each town or village board member controls his or her own level participation. Aside from required attendance at a reasonable number of meetings, a member will decide for him/herself how much time and effort he can give.

For all the above reasons and more, please consider contacting our Rhinebeck Democratic Party leadership, to begin discussions about running for office in 2005. Call RDC (Rhinebeck Democratic Committee) co-chair Warren Smith at 876-5707.

AN EDITORS' NOTE: Debunking the Myth of Republican Supremacy in Numbers (In Rhinebeck, At Least)

A call to the Dutchess County Board of Elections on 7/26/04 revealed the following breakdown of party affiliations among registered voters in the town (including the village) of Rhinebeck:

- Democratic 1,587 33%
- Republican 1,532 32%
- Not Affiliated 1,300 27%
- Independent 143 3%
- Conservative 59 1%
- Green Party 44 0%
- Liberal 25 0%
- Right To Life 19 0%
- Working Family 4 0%

In Rhinebeck women substantially outnumber men on the registration rolls. Of the Democrats, 965 are women and 622 men. On the Republican side, 785 are women and 747 men. And the group which cannot be forgotten, the Non Affiliated, is comprised of 688 women and 612 men.

County-wide, the figures for the three major groupings are more challenging for our party. Registered Republicans lead with 34%, followed by Democrats with 29% and Non Affiliated with 27%. As in Rhinebeck, throughout Dutchess County women lead the way, totalling 80,404 registrants in all affiliations (or non affiliations, as the case may be), while male registrants total 71,914.

A VERY SUCCESSFUL FAMILY PICNIC

On July 25 the Rhinebeck Democratic Committee (RDC) held its 3rd annual Family Day at the home of Sue and Bill Koff. 70 adults and approximately 15 children attended, enjoying the pool, hot dogs, side dishes and ice cream, not to mention good company, beautiful weather and lovely surroundings. Charles Prosser and friends donated their music and Daytop residents provided their usual support by helping with food and parking. The admission fee was modest at $10 for adults, but the RDC is now ahead by $839, which will be devoted to supporting Democratic candidates, particularly those running for local offices in 2004 and 2005.

State Senatorial candidate Judy Malstrom was on hand; she spoke informally with her growing corps of Rhinebeck friends. And our County Legislator Joel Tyner, as usual, demonstrated his grasp of issues and his willingness to engage actively in creating positive change. Unable to attend, State Assemblyman Kevin Cahill sent his best wishes, as did Doris Kelly, one of three Democratic challengers for the office of U.S. Representative for the 20th Congressional District.

RDC would like to apologize for any inconvenience or disappointment caused by use of the rain date. Indeed, both Saturday and Sunday were beautiful, but Mother Nature is nothing if not quixotic and on Thursday and Friday it seemed that Saturday would not be pleasant at all.

IT'S FAIR TIME AGAIN!

And despite all that's happening on the national scene, perhaps it's the best time to begin a discussion about the pros and cons of the fair and the fairgrounds. Feelings run high in the town and the village on this subject. There are strong supporters and strong critics.

On the plus side are tradition (this is the fair's 158th year), tourism (the fair's Web site announces that over half a million visitors are expected in 2004), temporary employment for teens and other residents, education (the 4-H exhibits are superior), and recreation (many villagers and town residents enjoy attending the fair, some on a yearly basis). How much local businesses benefit from the tourism is a matter of debate; some would say that if local business can't compete with fairgrounds events at the time of their occurrence, they benefit in the long run, because fairgrounds visitors will return to Rhinebeck.

Also, throughout the year the village and town benefit from the existence of 140 well-maintained acres, serving as an effective buffer against over-development.

On the minus side are strong complaints about traffic congestion, parking, noise, and even vandalism on streets between East Market and the fairgrounds. But these negatives are all due to that energized tourism and those 500,000-plus people who come during fair week. It can, and will be, argued by some that these are necessary evils.

But there are additional and more serious criticisms; they concern the administration of the fairgrounds. Many residents feel that they are not only inconvenienced but short-changed by its operation. In addition to the fairgrounds' tax exempt status, which is not well understood, there are suspicions that village, town, and county resources are used without proper reimbursement.

Under section 501(c)(5) of the federal tax code, labor, agricultural, and horticultural organizations are exempt from taxation if their general activities are "educational or instructive, the purpose being to improve conditions of work, and to improve products and efficiency."

Now, let's look at the lineup of events scheduled for the Dutchess County Fairgrounds in 2004... Flea Market, Swap Meet and Car Show, Country Folk Art Show, Antique Machinery Show, antiques fairs (3 of those), Cancer Relay for Life, crafts fairs (2), the County Fair, Goodguys Rod and Custom Car Show, Sheep and Wool Family Festival, and Iroquois Indian festival. How many of these satisfy the conditions sketched above? Three, four, at most, out of a total 14 events?

Instructive in this regard is a case brought before the Appellate Court of Illinois against the Grundy County Agricultural District Fair, Inc. by the Illinois State Department of Revenue.** Over the course of a year, the fairgrounds in question are leased to a variety of organizations, including those sponsoring non-agricultural events which range from one-day sales to automobile races. In the opinion of the Illinois Court, the agricultural society which owns the fairgrounds qualifies for exemption if 1) the property is used primarily for the exempted purpose (agricultural, instructive) and if 2) all proceeds from non-exempt events are used to fund or support the county agricultural fair and other events which qualify as tax-exempt).

Determining if the above two conditions are met by any fairgrounds claiming exemption is a complex matter. For the present, perhaps the most important thing for us to note about the Grundy County Agricultural District Fair is that it is offered to the public FREE OF CHARGE.

This is not the case with the Dutchess County Fair. Anyone 12 years of age or over (including immediate family of the 4-H exhibiters) must purchase a "single gate admission" for $10, or $8 if they buy in advance. Admission includes the live entertainment and the agricultural, animal, horticultural and craft exhibits, but not the food concessions nor the rides, where parents can spend a small fortune.

In fact, there appears to be substantial profit-making within the Dutchess County Fair itself, let alone during the other money-making events throughout the year. The question arises, as it did in Illinois--are these cumulated profits used exclusively for maintenance of the fairgrounds and for expenses incurred in providing the county fair and other educational events?

In order to satisfy those who feel that the taxpayers of Dutchess County, but particularly those of Rhinebeck village and town, are subsidizing the fairgrounds without satisfactory return, it seems incumbent upon the administrative board of the fairgrounds to be more transparent about their operations. Here are some of the questions which might be asked and should be answered.

Who serves on the governing board of the fairgrounds? What percentage of the board members are residents of Rhinebeck town and village? Are the books of the fairgrounds administration open to the public? Does the administration communicate frequently with the appropriate village, town and county authorities? Are these communications and/or meetings available to the public? What public resources are used throughout the year to support the fairgrounds activities? What remuneration, in the form of monies or services, is received for this support?

Currently there are many unanswered questions. They have been out there for some time, and they rankle in the minds of many residents. Surely it would be in the interests of the fairgrounds administration to answer them, demonstrating clearly that the benefits of their operation outweigh the costs to the community.

Please send your comments to demogram@rhinebeckdemocrats.org

**
http://www.state.il.us/court/Opinions/AppellateCourt/2004/3rdDistrict/March/h tml/3020727.htm

NATIONAL

NUMBERS THAT COUNT

1,124 pounds of mercury were released by power plants into New York State's air in 2001, making it the 26th state in a ranking of air quality. Mercury has particular impact on children, impairing memory, vision, language development, and fine motor coordination. Its evils have long been recognized. Contemporary readers of ALICE IN WONDERLAND knew without being told that the hatter was mad because hatmakers used a mercury compound in their work which ultimately impaired their cognitive and motor skills. Nevertheless, the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) has recently proposed mercury standards which are weaker than those in place in 2001and even allow some plants to avoid reducing mercury pollution by buying emission reduction credits. For more information, consult the Web site of NYPIRG (New York Public Interest Research Group) at http://www.nypirg.org

8,180 miles have been covered during the 15 days since the Democrat's convention by John Kerry and John Edwards. On the tour from Boston to Portland, Oregon they traveled through 22 states--on 43 buses, 17 train cars, 7 helicopters, 3 airplanes, and even one boat--taking their plan for a better America directly to communities across the country. Small gatherings in middle class neighborhoods have marked their 'front porch' or backyard approach to the proven town-hall style of campaigning. Check for a fuller account: info@johnkerry.com and The New York Times, 8/17/04, Section A, page 19.

QUOTE OF THE MONTH: HISTORY REPEATS ITSELF

"Whether it is a democracy or a fascist dictatorship... all you have to do is tell them they are being attacked and denounce the pacifists for lack of patriotism and exposing the country to danger. It works the same in any country."

The advice of Hermann Goering to rulers seeking to buttress and enhance their power, quoted by Senator Robert C. Byrd in his recently published book, Losing America: Confronting a Reckless and Arrogant Presidency.

KERRY-EDWARDS HOUSE PARTIES: SERIOUS FUN

People ask, How can I help the Kerry-Edwards ticket? Answer: Give a house party.

A house party is a fund raiser given at your own home. The purpose is twofold: to raise money for the campaign and to have fun. The party can take any form that the host or hostess is comfortable with. Some party givers hold simple backyard get-togethers, some elaborate cocktail parties, and some family-oriented events with hot dogs and games for the kids.

Everyone who's given a house party agrees that its a rewarding experience. They share the satisfaction of helping the cause, and the fun of meeting people and talking about the campaign.

Dutchess County house parties have already raised about $20,000 for the ticket. Clare Brandt, house party coordinator for Dutchess County, encourages everyone to consider hosting a party between now and election day. For more information and support, email Clare Brandt at clareb@hvc.rr.com or call her at 876-6581.

YOU'RE RIGHT TO VOTE (AND THE TIME FOR ACTION STARTS NOW

REGISTER TO VOTE. It's too late now to register to vote in the primary elections on September 14, but you have until October 13 to send or carry your completed registration form to the Dutchess County Board of Elections so that you can vote in the general election on November 2. There are ample opportunities to register, with very little effort. Forms can be obtained at post offices, village or town halls, and even in some commercial establishments. Civic activists, like those manning the Farmers' Market tee shirt booth every Sunday at the Rhinebeck municipal parking lot not only provide the form, but will mail it for you.

REQUEST AN ABSENTEE BALLOT if you cannot vote in person on November 2. It's important to remember that in this process you will be submitting two documents--an application for an absentee ballot and the ballot itself. Request the application (right now) the easy way by calling the Dutchess County Board of Elections (BOE) at 845-486-2473. Your completed application must be mailed back to the BOE (at 47 Cannon Street, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601) no later than October 26. Once you receive your ballot, it must be mailed back to the BOE by November 1. The Rhinebeck Democratic Committee (RDC) strongly recommends that you submit your application and ballot as early as possible; seven days is a tight window when relying on the busy postal service.

ASSIST-A-VOTER. Is there anyone you know who wants to vote but has difficulties doing so? Help with voter registration, with absentee voting, and even a lift to the polls and back can be arranged. Again, the earlier you reach out, the better. Call Tess McKellen at 876-884 for more information.

BRIEFS

RDC ENDORSES DORIS KELLY

The Rhinebeck Democratic Committee (RDC) is pleased to endorse the candidacy of long-time community activist Doris Kelly, who is running for the U.S. House of Representatives, 20th District.Doris taught elementary school students in Hyde Park and Poughkeepsie for over 30 years. During that time she also served as a Hyde Park Councilwoman, a member of the Hyde Park Planning Board, both secretary and vice-chair of the Hyde Park Democratic Committee, a member of the NYS Democratic Committee Reform Caucus, and a volunteer for numerous campaigns. Her contributions to her community also include her involvement in the Hyde Park Visual Environment Board, various state, county and local teachers' associations, and in providing food to the needy through Food Pantry collections. Join us in voting for Doris Kelly in the September 14 primary election and again in the November 2 general election, so that we can send a truly caring representative of the people to Congress.

VILLAGE ELECTIONS: MARCH 2005 IS CLOSER THAN WE THINK

Almost lost in the frenzy leading up to the all-important general elections on November 2 is the fact that our quiet little village election comes up again very quickly, in March 2005. The positions up for election this coming spring are those of the mayor and two trustees, as well as that of village justice. Present incumbents are John Costa, Mayor, Richard Cunningham and Jim Closs, Trustees, and William Sanchez, Justice. The mayor and trustees serve for two years and the justice serves for four. Think about John Honey's comments earlier in this issue and consider running for these important positions. Call Warren Smith, Co-Chair of the Rhinebeck Democratic Committee, for more information (876-5707)

DUTCHESS DEMOCRATIC WOMENS CAUCUS

The Dutchess Democratic Womens Caucus will hold its inaugural membership meeting on Sunday, September 26, 2004, at 3 p.m. at the Poughkeepsie Day School. ALL ENROLLED DEMOCRATS ARE INVITED.

DDWC is an independent, grassroots organization devoted to bringing more women into the political process and electing well-qualified Democratic women to public office. It welcomes as members women and men from Dutchess County and beyond who share its goals.

Go to ddwc.org for further information, to sign up for the meeting and to get directions. Or call Clare Brandt at 876-6581. The meeting is free of charge. A one-year membership in DDWC is $25.00.

TWO FESTIVE EVENTS FOR KERRY SUPPORTERS

Following up on a successful event last year, local Democrats are staging the 2ND ANNUAL LABOR DAY PICNIC ON THE HUDSON, on Monday, September 6. The site is a beautiful location in Barrytown overlooking the river. Entertainment will be top-line, with Malkhine and Horowitz, political satirists and musicians. Local Democrat lights will shine (speak) and a major Kerry campaign figure is in the cards. Admission is $25 per person or $50 for families. Please call ahead for details: 758-4492 or 758-8455.

Following hard on the picnic is the HARDSCRABBLE DAY PARADE on Saturday, September 11, in Red Hook. Democratic organizers are urging Kerry supporters from all the surrounding communities to march in the parade en masse and make a strong statement for our candidate. All Kerry-ites are invited! Carry a banner (the funnier the better) and wear a Kerry tee shirt. If you dont have one, improvise-- a dark blue or purplish tee shirt adorned with a Kerry bumper sticker will do the job nicely. Call 758-3401 for the time and meeting place.

CALENDAR