May 18, 2010

Madelyn DiMartino led the Club in the Pledge of Allegiance at the May meeting of the Evans Democratic Club.  Candidates for area elective offices spoke about their goals and campaigns.  Christopher Sadiadek of East Aurora, a new media manager for a business software company, discussed his run for State Senate - 59th District.  Attorney Ken Case, former Assistant District Attorney and current head of the Legal Aid office, spoke about his run for County Court Judge.  Hamburg Town Clerk Cathy Rybczynski addressed the Club on behalf of her son, State Assembly candidate Brad Rybczynski.

Other candidates have contacted the Club this month about their campaigns.  This includes Hon. Jeannette Ogden, a City court judge running for State Supreme Court.  Also, Hon. Eugene Fahey, a State Supreme Court Justice presently sitting on the Appellate Division of the Fourth Department, who is running for re-election.

In town hall news, the town court is now able to accept payments by VISA, Mastercard and Discover card.  Reports of elected officials were presented by Town Clerk Jonica DiMartino and Deputy Supervisor Paul Cooper.  DiMartino discussed changes made as part of the consolidation of the offices of Town Clerk and the former office of Tax Receiver.  Cooper talked about steps the Town Board took to be prepared for flash flooding, including the purchase of sand bags.  He noted a resolution passed by the Town Board, opposing a New York Power Authority proposal to construct wind towers in Lake Erie.  "We have million-dollar sunsets in the Town of Evans.  Let's protect tourism by making sure nothing comes in to block them," outlined Cooper.

Tom Marks, club member and Chair of the Evans Conservation Advisory Commission, spoke about his efforts directed to county and state elected officials.  "There's no benefit, except to the foreign owners of the towers.  Meanwhile, Evans lakefront property values will diminish, boaters will encounter no-navigation zones, and the fishery will be harmed by the constant level of vibration."  Marks is continuing his efforts to educate the public and elected decisionmakers about the downside of putting the turbines in Lake Erie.

Town Chair Robert "Bob-Cat" Catalino discussed upcoming plans for the candidate petition drive.  The Club's picnic will take place on Sunday, August 8 at the Evans Town Park.  Neno LaRusso, Chair of the Town's Veterans Affairs  Committee, invited everyone to the annual Memorial Day observation at the Town Hall.  This willl take place on Sunday, May 30, at 2 p.m.  Veteran of the Year Bud DeJohn will be honored; he is a decorated WWII veteran, who received a Silver Star and was awarded a Purple Heart.

The Club congratulates member Cindy Latimore on her re-election to the Lakeshore School Board.  In other matters, the Boys and Girls Club of Lakeshore is holding a golf fundraiser at Rosebrook on Monday, August 2, with a shotgun start at 9 a.m.  For information, call Cindy Latimore at 549-6063.

The June meeting will be held at the VFW on Tuesday, June 15, at 7:30 p.m