Labor Day Parade

Labor Day Parade

Monday, September 3 at 11am
East Ave and Main Street
Downtown Rochester

Green Party chooses Chicago for 2008 national convention

GREEN PARTY OF THE UNITED STATES
http://www.gp.org

For Immediate Release:
Thursday, August 30, 2007

Contacts:
Scott McLarty, Media Coordinator, 202-518-5624,
mclarty@greens.org
Starlene Rankin, Media Coordinator, 916-995-3805,
starlene@gp.org
Patrick Kelly, Media Coordinator for the Illinois
Green Party, 773-203-9631, media@ilgp.org


Green Party chooses Chicago for 2008 national
convention


WASHINGTON, DC -- The Green Party of the United
States will hold its 2008 national nominating
convention in Chicago, Illinois.

Delegates from state Green Parties and caucuses
in the party's National Committee completed their
vote yesterday, with Chicago taking the lead over
Detroit, Minneapolis, and Oakland.

Greens from all four cities had submitted
proposals for the 2008 convention.  The National
Committee chose the site using ranked choice
voting (also called instant run-off voting)
<http://www.fairvote.org>, a voting reform the
party also recommends for single seat offices
like governor or mayor.

Chicago's proposal can be read at
<http://www.greenconvention2008.com>.  The
convention will take place July 10 to 13, 2008.

"We're very proud that Greens will choose our
2008 presidential nominee in Chicago," said
Patrick Kelly, media coordinator for the Illinois
Green Party and coordinator for the Chicago bid.
"Our Green candidate for Governor of Illinois,
Rich Whitney, drew over 10% in the 2006 election
-- after Gov. Blagojevich spent $800,000 in
taxpayers money trying to keep the Green Party
off the ballot.  The 2008 convention will show
Chicago that we're here to stay."

"Our intention is to run a strong presidential
campaign with our nominee on every ballot line in
the country," added Phil Huckelberry, co-chair of
the Green Party of the United States and
Chicagoan.

Green leaders are planning a press conference in
Chicago next week, at which they will discuss the
convention site and the Green Party's plans for
2008 in greater detail.  Press conference details
will be announced soon.

"We were quite impressed with the presentations
from all four cities, and we know Greens faced a
hard choice," said Ruth Weill, co-chair of the
Green Party's Annual National Meeting Committee.
"We thank all of them and congratulate Chicago,
and we look forward to seeing everyone -- and the
media too -- in Chicago next summer."

The Green Party held its 2007 national meeting in
Reading, Pennsylvania, in July.  Several
candidates for the Green presidential nomination
introduced themselves to the party during the
meeting, and more candidates are expected to
announce soon.


MORE INFORMATION

Green Party of the United States
http://www.gp.org
202-319-7191, 866-41GREEN
Fax 202-319-7193
• Green Party News Center
http://www.gp.org/newscenter.shtml
• Green Party Speakers Bureau
http://www.gp.org/speakers
• 2007 national Green Party meeting in Reading,
Pa.: video footage, blog and media coverage
http://www.gp.org/meeting2007/

'Open Letter to Michael Moore' from the Green
Party on 'Sicko,' health care reform
http://www.gp.org/press/pr_2007_07_09.shtml
http://www.commondreams.org/news2007/0710-03.htm
http://www.gp.org/organize/sicko.html

Regional Anti-War March: September 29, Syracuse

Upstate Regional Anti-War March & Rally
Soldiers and Civilians Unite
Bring the Troops Home Now
Saturday, September 29, 1 pm
Everson Museum of Art, 401 Harrison St., Syracuse
The Rally will be followed by a march to Syracuse University for a closing rally.

Security & Prosperity Partnership Summit

Our own Julia Willebrand, co-chair of the

International Committee, did a radio interview on
the 'Security & Prosperity Partnership' summit
<http://www.gp.org/press/pr_2007_08_15.shtml>
with a reporter from Workers Independent News
today.

The interview should be posted at the latter's
web site <http://www.laborradio.org> Friday
morning.

Unifying Economic Development and the Environment Conference

September 27-28, 2007
Burgundy Basin Inn
Pittsford, NY

Co-sponsored by: The Finger Lakes Institute at Hobart and William Smith
Colleges, www.fli.hws.edu
Finger Lakes-Lake Ontario Watershed Protection Alliance, www.fllowpa.org

The program highlights the relationship between the regional economy and
the environment. Discussion will also explore pathways to sustainability
through collaboration and innovation at the community, watershed, and
regional levels. Local elected officials, public agencies, business
owners, tourism representatives, environmental and civic organizations,
planners, agricultural producers, landowners, and academia are
encouraged to attend one or both days.

Conference Program 9/27

8:00 a.m. Registration, Exhibit Setup

9:00 Welcome
Scott Ingmire, Finger Lakes-Lake Ontario Watershed Protection Alliance
(FL-LOWPA)
Marion Balyszak, Finger Lakes Institute

9:15 The Pulse of the Region
Rochelle Ruffer, Associate Director of Economic Analysis, Center for
Governmental Research

9:40 City of Auburn’s Blue Print for Economic Revival
Dan Fessenden, Executive Director, Fred L. Emerson Foundation

10:05 People and the Land: Impacts on Water Quality
Joseph Makarewicz, Professor, Biological Sciences, SUNY Brockport

10:30 Break/Exhibits

10:45 Lake Ecosystems as an Indicator of Health and Change
Ed Mills, Professor, Cornell University Biological Field Station

11:10 Invasive Species: They’re Here, They’re Coming … Now What?
Chuck O’Neill, Coastal Resources Specialist, NY Sea Grant

11:35 Local Action to Sustain Watersheds
Scott Ingmire, Chair, FL-LOWPA

12:00 Lunch
Keynote Address: Upstate Now
The Honorable Michael F. Nozzolio, New York State Senate

1:30 Municipal Wastewater and Stormwater Management in Upstate NY: Aging
Infrastructure, Dwindling Federal Dollars
Libby Ford, QEP, Sr. Environmental Health Engineer, Nixon Peabody, LLP

1:55 Forging Our Energy Future
Larry Simpson, Director, RENEW NY

2:20 Connecting Community and Agriculture
David Evans, Executive Director, SUNY Morrisville’s Nelson Farms
Diane Picard, Program Director, Growing Green of the Massachusetts
Avenue Project, Buffalo

3:10 Tourism and Environment: A Winning Combination
Sally Berry, Program Director, Finger Lakes Tourism Alliance

3:35 Break/Exhibits

3:45 Liabilities Turned Opportunities: Transforming Brownfields and
Toxic Waste Sites
Kenneth Kamlet, Director of Legal Affairs, Newman Development Group

4:10 Building Sustainable Communities
Chris Resig, Project Architect, Stantec Inc.

4:35 Closing Remarks: Upstate Looking Forward
Dan Gundersen, Upstate Co-Chair, Empire State Development Corporation

5:00 Reception
Join Mr. Gundersen and guests for an informal dialogue

Sustainability Tour 9/28
The second day of the conference features a guided tour allowing
participants first-hand experience of some representative regional
assets unifying economic development and environmental protection.
Themes include: smart growth, revitalized brownfields, energy efficient
businesses and local market development. See Sustainability in Action!
Transportation and meals provided. Space is limited.

8:00 a.m. Continental Breakfast
9:00 a.m. Depart Burgundy Basin Inn
4:00 p.m. Return Burgundy Basin Inn
Frito Lay, Inc.: This distribution center was built to meet LEED Gold
certification with implemented high-performance technologies, such as a
PV system, high efficiency HVAC, and lighting and control measures.

Wegmans Food Market: Ranked #3 on FORTUNE magazine's 2007 list of the
100 Best Companies to Work For, Wegmans prides itself on having a strong
connection with local farmers and community organizations.

Monroe County Recycling Center: Equipped with new technologies, the
enhanced recycling program now accepts all clean paper and receives 175
tons of recyclable material per day.

Chevy Place: This 77-unit, mixed-income apartment development on an
urban renewal site includes an art deco, historic landmark building
which was converted into a coffee bar and bistro.

The Vineyard: Once a neglected area for illegal dumping, this 2.7 acre
sustainable urban farm is now a community respite and the last remaining
agricultural land in the city of Rochester.

Newcroft Park: Once called a disaster, this former 7 acre brownfield,
cleaned up and approved for residential reuse, is now a subdivision in a
city neighborhood.

Funding for conference provided through the advocacy of Senator Michael
F. Nozzolio, NYS Legislature and NYS Environmental Protection Fund

About the Sponsors
Finger Lakes Institute
at Hobart and William Smith Colleges
The Finger Lakes Institute is dedicated to the promotion of
environmental research and education about the Finger Lakes and
surrounding environments. In collaboration with regional environmental
partners and state and local government offices, the Institute fosters
environmentally-sound development practices throughout the region, and
disseminates the accumulated knowledge to the general public.

Finger Lakes-Lake Ontario
Watershed Protection Alliance
The purpose of the Finger Lakes - Lake Ontario Watershed Protection
Alliance is to protect and enhance water resources by promoting the
sharing of information, data, ideas, and resources pertaining to the
management of watersheds in New York's Lake Ontario Basin; fostering
dynamic and collaborative watershed management programs and
partnerships; and emphasizing a holistic, ecosystem-based approach to
water quality improvement and protection.

Acknowledgements
City of Rochester
Empire State Development Corp.
Finger Lakes Tourism Alliance
Frito Lay, Inc.
Geneva Area Chamber of Commerce
Genesee/Finger Lakes Regional Planning Council
Hobart and William Smith Colleges
Madison County Planning Department
Monroe County Planning and Development
Monroe County Environmental Services
The Vineyard
Tompkins County Planning Department
Wegmans Food Market, Inc.

Directions
Burgundy Basin Inn
1361 Marsh Rd.
Pittsford, NY 14534
http://www.burgundybasin.com

From Rochester: Take 490 East to Exit 27, turn right, go to 3rd light
turn right onto Marsh Rd., over bridge to the 1st building on left.

From Thruway: Take I-90 to Exit 45 to 490 West, to exit 27, Turn right,
go to 3rd light turn right onto Marsh Rd., over bridge to the 1st
building on left.

Overnight Stay
A block of rooms are reserved for conference participants at a
discounted rate. Call (585) 248-9000 to reserve a room by Sept. 1.

The Brookwood Inn
800 Pittsford-Victor Rd.
Pittsford, NY 14534
www.thebrookwoodinn.com

From Thruway: Take I-90 to Exit 45. 490 West to Exit 27 (Bushnell's
Basin). Take a right on Pittsford-Victor Road. Hotel is located on the
right.

From Burgundy Basin Inn: Head southeast on Marsh Rd, over the bridge.
Take a left onto Rt. 96/Pittsford-Victor Rd.
Conference Registration
Participants may register for individual conference days.
9/27: Registration is $40 and includes continental breakfast, lunch and
breaks.
9/28: Registration is $25 and includes breakfast, lunch, and transportation.

Exhibits are encouraged!
To reserve a table, check box below. No fee for non-profit
organizations. Vendors please add $15 to registration fee.

Questions?
Call Water Resources Board (585) 313-7119 or Finger Lakes Institute
(315) 781-4390
------------------------------------
Name(s) _________________________

Organization ______________________

Address __________________________

City _____________________________

State/Zip ________________________

Telephone ________________________

E-mail Address ____________________

-------------------------------

# Attending 9/27 ____ X $40=____

â–¡ Vendor Exhibit? +$15
â–¡ Non-Profit Org. Exhibit? + $0

# Attending 9/28 ____X $25=____

Total Enclosed $ _ ____

Send this completed form and check payable to Water Resources Board, 309
Lake Street, Penn Yan, NY 14527 by Sept. 14.

Join the GPoMC Myspace page

The Green Party of Monroe County now has a Myspace page. If you currently have a Myspace page please add us.

http://www.myspace.com/gpomc

Canadian and US Green Parties blast secretive NAFTA-Plus trade-security deal

Press Release Home | Press | Print

Canadian and US Green Parties blast secretive NAFTA-Plus trade-security deal Green Party of Canada www.greenparty.ca Green Party of the United States www.gp.org Wednesday, August 15, 2007 Contacts Green Party of Canada: John Chenery, Director of Communications, 416-452-6016, jchenery@greenparty.ca Green Party of the United States: Scott McLarty, Media Coordinator, 202-518-5624, mclarty@greens.org Starlene Rankin, Media Coordinator, 916-995-3805, starlene@gp.org National Green parties join forces to fight North American Union Canadian and US Greens campaign against 'Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America' and plan cross-border Counter Summit when heads of state of Canada, US, and Mexico meet in Montebello, Quebec, August 20. Secretive deal between Prime Minister Harper, President Bush and President Calderón is a blueprint to further integrate the three countries' trade, economic, energy, defence and security policies, and which is being implemented undemocratically by bureaucratic committees with no public oversight. During one-day Counter Summit, Greens from the US and Canada will discuss the history, mechanics, and implications of the Security and Prosperity Partnership, and plan strategies for opposition WASHINGTON, DC/OTTAWA, ONT. -- Green Party leaders in Canada and the US are alerting their respective parties and the public about the 'Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America' (SPP), a secretive deal between President Bush (US), Prime Minister Harper (Canada), and President Calderón (Mexico). Green Party of Canada leader Elizabeth May stated, "The SPP is integrating the military, security, trade, economic, regulatory, and foreign polices of Canada, the US, and Mexico without public input or Parliamentary or Congressional scrutiny. The threat of widespread surveillance of citizens, greenhouse gas emissions from tar sands development and 'super-corridors,' increased fossil fuel dependence, privatization of water, erosion of food safety and environmental regulations, and expanded corporate power at the expense of economic stability for working people -- these are some of the reasons we oppose the SPP." North American Green Parties are calling for transnational opposition, beginning with a 'Counter Summit' teach-in and strategy session August 20 in Ottawa to coincide with a meeting of the leaders of Canada, the US, and Mexico at the third annual summit in Montebello in nearby Quebec. The Green Party of the United States has endorsed the Counter Summit and will send representatives. Greens will also participate in civil society opposition to the Montebello Summit, with two days of activites planned for August 19 and 20. Dr. Janet M. Eaton, International Trade Critic with the Green Party of Canada, who spoke about the SPP at the annual meeting of the Green Party of the United States in Reading, Pennsylvania, in July, said: "The SPP, also called 'NAFTA-Plus' within a 'security trumps all' framework, is the next big step in moving from a free trade agreement to a customs union and some suggest common market and eventually a union like the European Union." "But we should heed the words of the Secretary General of the European Greens, Juan Behrand, who said that the process for North American integration does not resemble the democratic and consultative European Union model." Eaton said that the so-called North American Partnership is fraught with profound implications for sovereignty and Constitutional and Charter rights. "The Bush, Harper, and Calderón administrations are taking their countries down a dark road to a future where decisions are made in virtual secrecy by undemocratic supranational organizations such as the North American Competitiveness Council. This group of powerful corporate leaders represents the large transnational companies that stand to profit from the SPP's globalist economy, an economic model which has been largely recognized as a failure when it comes to protecting working people and the environment," said Dr. Julia Willebrand, co-chair of the US Green Party's International Committee and co-president of the Federation of Green Parties of the Americas. Greens dispute claims by NAFTA proponents that NAFTA has proved successful and that the SPP is the logical and necessary next step. Green Parties have called for withdrawal from and renegotiation of NAFTA, and for enactment of 'fair trade' policies where economic, social and ecological justice take precedence over corporate profit and privilege and the short term economic demands of investors. ""Security and Prosperity are attractive goals. The use of these words disguises that the Harper-Bush agenda undermines true security by imperiling global eco-systems, revving climate change into over-drive, and ignoring the needs to protect true peace and prosperity through flourishing, open democratic process. The 'Security and Prosperity Partnership' scheme deserves widespread public exposure and opposition," said Elizabeth May. Greens warn of numerous dangers if SPP remains unchallenged, including: Super-corridors lined with oil, gas, and water pipelines, which will carve up arable land, damage biodiversity across North America, and increase fossil fuel consumption and emission of greenhouse gases. Military and security integration of the US, Canada, and Mexico, with an expansion of surveillance over private citizens and forced forced subordination of Canada and Mexico to imperial US military goals. Privatization and unconstrained exploitation of natural resources for the benefit of US-based corporations, e.g., Mexico's state-owned oil industry and Canadian watersheds. Erosion of food safety standards Empowerment of the North American Competitiveness Council (NACC), which gives corporate leaders access to government information and resources while denying the latter to civil society leaders. MORE INFORMATION Green Party of Canada http://www.greenparty.ca Green Party of the United States http://www.gp.org 202-319-7191, 866-41GREEN Fax 202-319-7193 Green Party News Center http://www.gp.org/newscenter.shtml Green Party Speakers Bureau http://www.gp.org/speakers 2007 national Green Party meeting in Reading, Pa.: video footage, blog and media coverage http://www.gp.org/meeting2007/ Green Party to Host SPP Counter-Summit http://www.greenparty.ca/en/node/2467 [Counter-Summit agenda included] The Security and Prosperity Partnership: Why We Need to Take a Closer Look at Continental Integration [displaying a map of North American Super-corridors] http://www.greenparty.ca/en/policy/documents/deeper_look_spp Security and Prosperity Partnership Q&A http://www.greenparty.ca/en/policy/spp_FAQ "Green Party of Canada Takes on the SPP Alerting US Greens and Planning Cross Border Summit!!" By Dr. Janet Eaton, International Trade Critic, Green Party Shadow Cabinet http://www.greenparty.ca/en/newsletter/august2007/B "Threats to Our Water: NAFTA, SPP, Super-Corridors, Atlantica" By Dr. Janet Eaton, PhD. Power Point with images and photos http://www.greenparty.ca/files/Threats_to_our_Water.ppt search: gbl, ecpol, cpr, evpol

___ Disclaimer: State, local, and candidate press releases made available here represent the opinions of the original source only. Opinions expressed by a state party or candidate do not necessarily represent the views of the Green Party of the United States. State party contact information, when provided with candidate releases, does not imply state party endorsement of the opinions expressed nor of the candidate (prior to gaining formal nomination by the party). ___ Office: PO Box 57065 Washington, D.C. 20037 Email: office@gp.org 202-319-7191 or toll-free (US): 866-41GREEN

Green Party urges quick repeal of bill expanding Bush Administration's surveillance powers

Press Release Home | Press | Print

Green Party urges quick repeal of bill expanding Bush Administration's surveillance powers Green Party of the United States www.gp.org Tuesday, August 14, 2007 Contacts: Scott McLarty, Media Coordinator, 202-518-5624, mclarty@greens.org Starlene Rankin, Media Coordinator, 916-995-3805, starlene@gp.org Greens blame Democratic Party leaders for the bill's passage, and warn that mounting 'police state' measures are nullifying the Constitution and basic civil liberties WASHINGTON, DC -- Green Party leaders called on Congress to repeal recently passed legislation expanding the White House's surveillance powers, and urged all Americans concerned about the Bush Administration's abuses of power to express their outrage to their Senators and Representatives. "Congress should be impeaching President Bush and Vice President Cheney for shredding the US Constitution and other high crimes and misdemeanors. Instead, Republicans and Democrats have rewarded Mr. Bush and Mr. Cheney for warrantless wiretapping by giving them even greater extra-constitutional power," said Sarah 'Echo' Steiner, co-chair of the Green Party of the United States. The 'Protect America Act of 2007' allows the federal government, without a court-ordered warrant or minimal oversights enacted under FISA, to listen in on communications between people inside and outside the US. Greens are demanding immediate repeal of the bill, in advance of its six-month expiration. "The responsibility for this assault on the Fourth Amendment doesn't only lie with the Democrats and Republicans who voted for it. It also lies with Democrats like Sen. Harry Reid who claim to have opposed it, but declined to block the bill with a filibuster," said Carl Romanelli, 2006 Green candidates for the US Senate in Pennsylvania. Greens have accused Democratic leaders of posing as an opposition party while giving President Bush a free pass on much of his agenda, especially continued funding for the Iraq war and confirmation of extreme right-wing ideologues and operatives for the Supreme Court, Justice Department, and other key positions. Green Party leaders expressed alarm that measures like the surveillance bill and USA Patriot Act, in combination with the Bush Administration's loose interpretation of prohibitions against torture, use of 'signing statements,' executive order criminalizing antiwar protest <http://www.gp.org/press/pr_2007_07_26.shtml>, and doctrines of unitary executive power, executive privilege, and official secrecy may be setting the stage for a greater collapse of US democracy and the rule of law. "If another attack similar to 9/11 occurs in the US, the White House is already armed with a dozen different ways to override the US Constitution, crush dissent, and turn the US into a police state," said Kristen Olson, co-chair of the Green Party. "We've already witnessed the breakdown, thanks to Republican officials, of fair and accurate elections in Florida in 2000 and in Ohio and other states in 2004. It's time for Americans to stand up and defend our freedoms, before both Republicans and Democrats abolish them in the name of security and patriotism." MORE INFORMATION Green Party of the United States http://www.gp.org 202-319-7191, 866-41GREEN Fax 202-319-7193 Green Party News Center http://www.gp.org/newscenter.shtml Green Party Speakers Bureau http://www.gp.org/speakers 2007 national Green Party meeting in Reading, Pa.: video footage, blog and media coverage http://www.gp.org/meeting2007/ 'Open Letter to Michael Moore' from the Green Party on 'Sicko,' health care reform http://www.gp.org/press/pr_2007_07_09.shtml http://www.commondreams.org/news2007/0710-03.htm http://www.gp.org/organize/sicko.html search: rgt, lwcj, trr

___ Disclaimer: State, local, and candidate press releases made available here represent the opinions of the original source only. Opinions expressed by a state party or candidate do not necessarily represent the views of the Green Party of the United States. State party contact information, when provided with candidate releases, does not imply state party endorsement of the opinions expressed nor of the candidate (prior to gaining formal nomination by the party). ___ Office: PO Box 57065 Washington, D.C. 20037 Email: office@gp.org 202-319-7191 or toll-free (US): 866-41GREEN

After I-35W bridge tragedy, Greens call for major public works effort

After I-35W bridge tragedy, Greens call for major public works effort

Green Party of the United States
www.gp.org

Thursday, August 9, 2007

Contacts:
Scott McLarty, Media Coordinator, 202-518-5624, mclarty@greens.org
Starlene Rankin, Media Coordinator, 916-995-3805, starlene@gp.org

Greens express sympathy for bridge collapse victims and the people of Minneapolis, call for a major investment in public works and safety

Statement from Green Minneapolis City Council Member Cam Gordon (Ward 2)

WASHINGTON, DC -- Green Party leaders expressed sympathy and support for the people of Minneapolis, especially the families of victims, in the aftermath of the collapse of the I-35W Bridge, and called for a new era of investment in infrastructure and public safety to prevent future tragedies.

Greens also noted the quick response and leadership of Minneapolis Ward 2 Council Member Cam Gordon <http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/ward2/>, a member of the Green Party, after the bridge collapsed last week.

A statement issued by Mr. Gordon, in whose ward the disaster occurred, is excerpted below. The Green Party of Minnesota has also issued a statement <http://www.mngreens.org/I35W>.

"In the wake of the terrible Minneapolis bridge collapse, Cam Gordon has rolled up his sleeves and dived straight into the trenches," said Adri Mehra, one of Mr. Gordon's constituents and a member of the Fifth Congressional District Green Party's Steering Committee. "The day of the bridge collapse, Cam participated in the Emergency Operations Command Center discussions, which resulted in a decision to call off the divers searching the river on their rescue and recovery mission. After that, Cam spent hours in the family service center set up at the Holiday Inn Metrodome. He spoke with families and friends missing loved ones, connected with Red Cross volunteers, and filled in on the hotline phone for the team of chaplains while they conducted a meeting."

"A particular high point for Cam during his time at the Holiday Inn was when he was able to help one of his constituents -- a Riverside Park neighbor of his -- locate a loved one on the phone. In the days since the bridge collapse, Cam has toured the accident site with other elected officials, and last night he helped to lead a moment of silence on the Mississippi river with a West Bank National Night Out party," Mr. Mehra added.

Green Party leaders said that the bridge collapse proved the need for greater investment in public works and the improvement of deteriorating infrastructure.

"With a fraction of the money the US is spending on the Iraq occupation and on porkbarrel military contracts, we could launch a nationwide public works program to restore crumbling bridges and other structures, ensure public safety, improve and expand public transportation, develop sustainable alternative energy sources, and reduce the need for car traffic," said Budd Dickinson, co-chair of the Green Party of the United States.

"We should begin in places like New Orleans, where the levees were unable to withstand Katrina, and Minneapolis, where the bridge collapse showed what might happen as structures built decades ago continue to age. Such a program would create millions of new living wage jobs. Most importantly, we'd save lives by preventing future disasters," added Mr. Dickinson, an engineer who has worked on infrastructure and has witnessed the reduction of infrastructure budgets.

---

Council Member Cam Gordon's statement on I-35 Bridge Collapse [excerpted]

August 6, 2007

The media and City staff, particularly our Communications Department, have been working hard to provide information and access to information about the tragic I-35W bridge collapse over the Mississippi. I would like to offer some of my own comments and observations.

First and foremost, my thoughts go out to all who have lost loved ones, who are missing family and friends and who are suffering because of the collapse. I hope that you and your family, friends and loved ones are safe and unharmed after this catastrophic event. For all of us, as individuals and as a community, this has been a shocking experience and a devastating loss. While things may seem stable now and in many ways our community is coming to terms with this shock, let's not forget that some are still caught in the moment, grieving the loss of family members, co-workers and friends, in anguish for loved ones who are still missing, or struggling to recover and survive from injuries resulting from the fall. Please keep these people, as well as our recovery workers still on the scene, in your thoughts and prayers and wishes.

Second, I want to share a little of how proud I am of our City, our community and all the personnel of the City and other government agencies, volunteers and others who were able to respond quickly and competently to this disaster. City staff and elected officials are, and have been, fully engaged in doing everything we can to respond to this terrible disaster. From courage and competence on the street in the actions of the scores of first responders to the highly skilled and focused leadership at the Emergency Operations Command Center, we have a lot to be proud of.

We also have so much to be grateful for. The outpouring of support from the emergency response teams from all over the County and State, the chaplains, Red Cross personnel, those who have donated food and supplies, all must be acknowledged.

As we enter the recovery phase we are just beginning to get a sense of the difficult work ahead. Divers, structural engineers, and other recovery experts are checking vehicles that are still submerged in the Mississippi River following the accident. Currently the site is under the command of the Minneapolis Police Department and will likely remain so until all vehicles have been checked and all bodies recovered.

We are in discussions with other agencies, including the County, the National Transportation Safety Board, Army Corps of Engineers, Coast Guard and others to develop a plan and unified command and control structure for after the recovery phase is complete. A clean-up plan is also being developed to address the styrene monomer spill from the train car that was crushed under the bridge....

From the reports I have seen, I believe we should be grateful that this collapse did not result in more loss of life. We should take this opportunity to remind ourselves to cherish those around us.

Lastly, I am hopeful that in the months and years ahead, this catastrophe will help refocus our attention on maintaining our infrastructure, so that nothing like this happens in our city, our state or our country again.

[Distributed by]
Robin Garwood
Council Aide, Second Ward Council Member Cam Gordon
612.673.3654 (office)
651.338.7699 (cell)
http://secondward.blogspot.com

---

MORE INFORMATION

Green Party of the United States
http://www.gp.org
202-319-7191, 866-41GREEN
Fax 202-319-7193
o Green Party News Center http://www.gp.org/newscenter.shtml
o Green Party Speakers Bureau http://www.gp.org/speakers
o 2007 national Green Party meeting in Reading, Pa.: video footage, blog and media coverage http://www.gp.org/meeting2007/

Green Party of Minnesota
http://www.mngreens.org/

Links to information on the response to the I-35W Bridge tragedy
http://pages.e-democracy.org/35W#Government

'Open Letter to Michael Moore' from the Green Party on 'Sicko,' health care reform
http://www.gp.org/press/pr_2007_07_09.shtml
http://www.commondreams.org/news2007/0710-03.htm
http://www.gp.org/organize/sicko.html

search: ecpol, bpol

___ Disclaimer: State, local, and candidate press releases made available here represent the opinions of the original source only. Opinions expressed by a state party or candidate do not necessarily represent the views of the Green Party of the United States. State party contact information, when provided with candidate releases, does not imply state party endorsement of the opinions expressed nor of the candidate (prior to gaining formal nomination by the party). ___ Office: PO Box 57065 Washington, D.C. 20037 Email: office@gp.org 202-319-7191 or toll-free (US): 866-41GREEN

Congressman Packing Heat at Packett's Landing

Congressman Kuhl after protesters visited his Packett's Landing office in Fairport he "thought about packing." This is the same congressman that allegedly pulled a shotgun on his ex-wife.

Give him a call at: 585 223-4760

Editorial Board Blog
Here Editorial Board members can get away from the newspaper's institutional view and express their personal opinion about, well, whatever. Feedback is welcome and may be posted unless you request otherwise. Send comments to dceditpage@democratandchronicle.com or to the individual Editorial Board member.
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
That's so Kuhl
I met Congressman Randy Kuhl for the first time today and I have to admit he came off not so much in President Bush's pocket as I thought he was. Don't get me wrong, he is firmly a Republican with his emphasis on market forces and gun ownership rights, but several times he spoke of how he differed with the president. Here's a few tidbits:

1. The Iraqi War

Kuhl said that the war was in progress before he came into office but that he is "pleased as pleased can be" that the president is now employing more of the Hamilton/Baker strategy.

Kuhl also said he believes that we should engage in talks with Syria and Iran, saying "Absolutely, why not?"

2. Gun control

Kuhl does not believe we need more gun laws on the books in New York state. In terms of curbing urban violence, he seemed as mystified about what to do as anyone else. When I asked him about his opinion on closing gun show loopholes, he was somewhat vague as to what he would do.

3. Protesters

Kuhl said that he wasn't at his offices when the protesters in Bath and Fairport were there. When I asked him if he had ever protested, he said "Yes, when I walked off the floor in Congress recently." I asked if that means he thinks the protesters have a right to do so and he again said "yes, just not over the line." He said that the types of protests have caused him to rethink security at his offices and that means securing doors. He said they are "more protective now" and that he "thought about packing."

He also said that most of the protesters were not from the district but that he offered to meet them at a later time.


Dramatization: kuhl to constituents, “Say hello to my little friend!”

Don't Just Vote - Run For Office!

we need YOU to run for office

The deadline to decide to run for office is fast approaching, we have until August 21st to collect and submit petitions for Green Party candidates.

Click here to find out how many signatures are required for each election


Signature requirements range from 79 signatures in Rush to 1,500 signatures for County Executive.

Click here if you are unsure of a district


Call us at (585) 234-6470 or e-mail Jason at J_Nabs at hotmail dot com if you are interested.

The following candidates will be uncontested in the November elections by the one of the two big parties:

Monroe County
• County Executive: Maggie Brooks (R)
• Supreme Court: Judge John Ark (R)

County Legislature
• LD 5: Mark Cassetti (R)
• LD 9: Tony LaFountain (R)
• LD 12: Jeff Adair (R)
• LD 22: Glenn Gamble (D)
• LD 25: Calvin Lee (D)

Brighton
• Clerk: Susan Kramarsky (D)
• Justice: Karen Morris (D)

Chili
• Clerk: Richard Brongo (R)
• Justice: Patrick Pietropaoli (R)

Clarkson
• Supervisor: Paul Kimball (R)
• Clerk: Sharon Mattison (R)

East Rochester
• Justice: Victoria Argento (R)

Greece
• Justice: Charles Schiano (R)

Hamlin
• Supervisor: Dennis Roach (R)
• Clerk: Kathi Rickman (R)
• Justice: Paul Rath (R)
• Council: David Rose (R)
• Council: Thomas Breslawski (R)

Henrietta
• Supervisor: James Breese (R)
• Supervisor: Michael Yudelson (R)
• Justice: James Piampiano (R)
• Justice: Steven M. Donsky (R)
• Justice: LaMarr J. Jackson (R)
• Justice: John G. Pericak (R)
• Council: Catherine McCabe (R)
• Council: William Mulligan (R)
• Council: Anthony Pirrello (R)

Mendon
• Supervisor: Jeffrey Babcock (R)
• Clerk: James Merzke (R)
• Justice: William Fletcher (R)
• Highway: William Smith (R)

Ogden
• Clerk: Lynn Bianchi (R)
• Justice: Michael Schiano (R)

Parma
• Highway: Brian Speer (R)

Penfield
• Council: Jim Mulley (R)
• Council: Linda Kohl (R)

Perinton
• Clerk: Susan Roberts (R)
• Justice: Thomas Klonick (R)

Pittsford
• Supervisor: William Carpenter (R)

Riga
• Supervisor: Kenneth Kuter (R)
• Justice: Louis Amarosa (R)
• Council: Robert Ottley (R)
• Council: David Smith (R)

Rush
• Supervisor: William Udicious (R)
• Clerk: Pamela Bucci (R)
• Council: Richard Anderson (R)
• Council: Thomas Doupe (R)
• Highway: Steven King (R)

Sweden
• Supervisor: Nat Lester (R)
• Justice: Carl Coapman (R)
• Council: Thomas Ferris (R)
• Council: Patricia Connors (R)
• Police Justice: Mark Depferd (R)
• Receiver of Taxes: Sherri Lee Bryant (R)
• Highway: Frederick Perrine (R)

Webster
• Supervisor: Ron Nesbitt (R)
• Justice: David Corretore (R)

Wheatland
• Supervisor: Linda Dobson (R)
• Town Clerk: Nancy Jo Conrad (R)
• Justice: Harold Litteer (R)
• Council: Rodger DeWitt (R)
• Council: Tammy Spear (R)

NY Green Fest, August 10-12

Next weekend is NY Green Fest: Click here for all of the information.



* Lois Hilton's Earth Oven
* Map of Downtown Ithaca
* Activists Share Sustainability Skills




Friday, August 10
2:00 — Cayuta Sun open to set up camp sites, Cayutaville
Evening program at Community School, Ithaca
6:30 — Green Fest Registration
7:00 — Opening and welcome
7:15 — 9:00 pm - The Politics of Sustainability
Art Weaver, Renovus Energy, Social Change and Its Connection to Renewable Energy
Virgina Rasmussen, Program on Corporations, Law and Democracy
Dan Hill, Cayuga Nation rep to the Haudenosaunee Environmental Task Force

Saturday, August 11
At Cayuta Sun Permaculture Homestead, Cayutaville
7:00 am — Sunrise Yoga, Ann Eagan, Sunnyside, Queens
8:30 am — Early Bird Workshop: Baking in an Earth Oven
Lois Hilton, Tickletown Trust & Trade, Humphrey
10:00 am — Opening and welcome
10:15 am — Grassroots Organizing for Sustainability
Gay Nicholson, Sustainable Tompkins, Ithaca
Anthony and Mary Lipnicki, First Fridays, Andover
Mike Sellers, Sustainable Cobleskill, Mayor, Cobleskill
10:15 am — Cob for Kids Workshop
11:45 pm — Building a Local Food Network
Lois Hilton, Tickletown Trust & Trade, Humphrey
Gwen Quigley, Keuka Cookin, Hammondsport
Matt and Liz Glenn, Muddy Fingers CSA, Ithaca Farmers Market
Michele Danels, East New York Food Coop, Brooklyn
Josh Dolan, EcoCity Ithaca
11:45 pm — Job Free Living
Ed Haffmans and JoAnn Myers
1:00 pm — Lunch, Deborah Magone sings
1:45 am — Permaculture Workshop
Michael Burns and Steve Gabriel, Finger Lakes Permaculture
1:45 pm — Living off the Grid
Steve Nicholson, Ithaca, NY*
Tony Moretti, Hammondsort, NY
3:00 pm — Getting Media Access for Alternative Viewpoints
Bill Huston, Binghamton, NY*
Carl Lawrence, Producer, Green Vision, BCAT, Brooklyn
Deborah Magone, Green Cable Producer, Rochester
Sander Hicks, VoxPop, Brooklyn
3:00 pm — Make Your Own Wind Turbine
Barry Miller, Hinsdale
4:15 pm — Native Earthling Band on Solar Stage
5:15 pm — Old Growth Award Ceremony
5:30 pm — Native Earthling Band on Solar Stage
6:00 pm — Dinner
7:00-9:00 pm — Liberation Ecology: Refusing to Choose Between Social Justice and Sustainability
Rafter Sass, Germantown Community Farm
9:00 pm — Burnin' Hearts Band

Sunday, August 12
At Ithaca Commons, downtown Ithaca
10:00 am — Opening with music
10:15 am — Green Roof Demonstration
Lexie Hain, Motherplants, Ithaca
10:45 am — Music
11:00 am — Building New Media Outlets
Ilonka Wloch, Positive News, Ithaca
Craig Seeman, Third Planet Video
Cyril Mychalejko, Upside Down World, Vermont
12:00 noon — Political Songs by Peacesmiths
Helene Williams, Susan Blake and Leonard Lehrman
1:00 pm — Creating Change through Third Party Politics
Howie Hawkins, 2006 Green Party candidate for US Senate, Syracuse
SKCM Curry, Green Party candidate for Vice President, CA
Anthony Gronowicz, author Grand Illusion: American Democracy
Jason Nabewaniec, Co-Chair, Green Party US, Batavia
2:15 pm — Music
2:30 pm — Campus Organizing for Sustainability
Ethan Rainwater, Cornell Sustainability
Peter LaVenia, Albany U Campus Greens
Krista Carlson, Alfred U Campus Greens
3:45 pm — Closing with music