 Bernardo - getting high-level party support |
KINGSTON – As candidates seeking elected office, both on the national and local levels, make a push during the final week before next Tuesday’s general election, Frank MacKay, the national and state chairman of the Independence Party, visited Ulster County Monday to stump for Len Bernardo, the party’s candidate for county executive.
MacKay was also stumping for James Quigley, who’s seeking the seat of county comptroller.
“I think the two of them are worthy of our support,” said MacKay.
MacKay said the Independence Party in New York State has about 366,000 members, and its political philosophy is about reform – and not one that focuses on social issues.
“Plain and simple, we are the party of political reform. We want electoral reform. We’re proud to say we don’t take a stance on social issues. Issues such as abortion, same-sex marriage or school prayer, it’s none of our business what any of you feel about those issues,” he said. “What we care about is electoral reform. Initiative and referendum is at the top of our list and certainly developing another major party that allows a candidate to speak to the people is our priority at this point.”
Since the early part of this decade enrollment in the Democratic Party and those preferring to be considered as non-enrolled or independents in the Hudson Valley has continued to rise.
But MacKay said this works against them and for his party’s efforts to get Bernardo elected against Mike Hein, the Democratic candidate for county executive.
“I think Len Bernardo has a fantastic chance as does Jim Quigley. It’s certainly as major uphill battle against the organization that the Democratic Party has at this point,” he said. “I think the Democrats and the Republicans in the County of Ulster will have a great representative for the independent voice out there, and I think Len Bernardo would be a great choice for that.”
And it is Bernardo’s background as a businessman in which MacKay thinks the candidate would be viable as an elected official.
“He’s a businessman coming from outside the political world, and I think that is very important to attract people coming in from the outside. We don’t need lifelong politicians,” he said.
Story is from MidHudsonNews.com
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2 comments:
Hein has much to worry about! And now, the State chief comming to Bernardo's side, speaks volumes for Len. Gonna be a good Election Day.
Who did Hein get? Kiss of death Schumer. He backed Spitzer, gone. He backed Sennett, LOSER!
MINORITY LEADER LENDS SUPPORT TO KEY POSITIONS
Minority Leader Glenn Noonan reminds Ulster County residents that history is about to be made in Ulster County when voters elect our very first County Executive and County Comptroller on Election Day. The voters of Ulster County demanded change when they approved the charter form of government in 2006. Noonan stressed that it is important to be educated and informed on what these two positions stand for as they relate to reforming county government. Noonan reminded the voters that the Comptroller has the authority to investigate and conduct audits of all county departments and will have to work very carefully with the County Legislature to maintain trust and balance. Only one of the candidates has an extensive background in auditing and accounting, as well as being a certified CPA. Noonan lends his support to James Quigley because in these difficult economic times, it is important that Ulster County have someone at the wheel who has the ability to protect the taxpayers from wasteful spending and fraud. It would be Ulster County’s loss if Mr. Quigley were not elected because his experience speaks volumes. However, Noonan agreed that Auerbach was working very hard and is a very politically savvy candidate who worked very hard in his campaigning for his beliefs. Noonan wishes Elliot and his lovely wife the best in their future and hopes they stay involved in county politics. Noonan says he has heard from many people thru out the county about the need for a change, the fact is that we are changing to a new form of goverment
Noonan believes the County Executive race needs a fresh, new face (even eyes) to step up to the plate, roll up his sleeves and take over how Ulster County’s government will be run on a daily basis. The people of Ulster County are having a hard time meeting every day expenses. They are dipping into their savings and are afraid of losing their homes and everything they have worked hard and long for. Noonan believes that new leadership is necessary to move the County forward. During this transition process, it is paramount that we have someone that will “right the problems of the past.” Noonan believes Len Bernardo is that new face that can lead Ulster County into the future.
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