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VIEW UCDW Senate Seat Recommendations from members and friends UCDW LETTERS TO THE EDITOR AND NEWS STORIES OCT 2010 Gas companies disparage ordinary people who question the safety of hydraulic fracture drilling and are worried about their families’ health. But reports from environmental organizations confirm exposure to some of the chemicals used in “fracking” causes brain and organ failure, respiratory and neurological harm as chemicals become airborne, and birth defects in livestock. David Sager, a Sullivan County legislator, running for NY State Senate asks, “Do we really want industrial gas wells right next to our houses of worship, our schools, or in the middle of our residential neighborhoods?” Sager is consistent and outspoken in his commitment to protect our state’s water, air and public health. Sager wants regulation based on science, not on company promises. A recent state Senate bill imposing a moratorium on hydro-fracking only postpones drilling — it does NOT call for further research, or even waiting for results of an EPA study. The moratorium has been called an “incumbency protection program” designed to help long-term Senators, like John Bonacic, appear sympathetic to people concerned about the risks of frack drilling. We can’t trust Bonacic with our natural resources. BUT we can trust David Sager to protect our forests, air, water, and health now and for the future. JoAnn Chamberlain JAN 16, 2009 Daily Freeman Democratic Women want female in Clinton's seat Letter to Governor Paterson from Ulster County Democratic Women, Re: New York State's next SenatorJanuary 14, 2009 Governor David Paterson Dear Governor Paterson, We applaud your determination to confront the complex issues facing NY in these difficult times. As you navigate the challenges presented by the budget and economy, and manage the political pressures that accompany them, we offer you our support. We are also confident that you will continue to act on your often-stated commitment to equal representation by women and minorities in public office. The unprecedented national excitement that greets the impending inauguration of President Obama demonstrates the importance we place on the principle of inclusion of all who are well qualified, and our nation’s joy at its validation. It's a great honor that NY Senator Hillary Clinton has been nominated to be the next Secretary of State. Her anticipated confirmation presents you with the opportunity and responsibility to name her successor. Our next Senator should be of unquestioned qualifications, highest ethical standards, and one who embraces the ideals and commitments to social justice that Senator Clinton has embodied. With Hillary Clinton, the US Senate currently includes only 17 women—17%. Only 37 women total have served in the Senate, of more than 1600 since our nation was founded—2%. As you know, we have no shortage of qualified, successful women statewide, of all ethnicities and from many professional realms, who contribute much to our great state. Our energetic and diverse population is a great asset. With many working mothers, female heads of household and women business leaders it is vital that we are adequately represented in our government. Yet, according to Eleanor’s Legacy, the US ranks only 69th world-wide in women office holders. Surprisingly, NY is only 23rd in the nation, not the standard of leadership that Democratic women, the majority of our party, have a right to expect. Women's voices must be heard during the deliberations of the powerful. Democratic women should be better represented at all levels of government. The Governors of Illinois, Delaware and Colorado did not take the opportunity to add to that number. We do not write to press for a particular candidate--many are qualified, but to ask you not to go backwards by replacing the first woman elected by the people to serve as Senator from NY with another man. Respectfully,
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