After many months on the campaign trail, the hard work has paid off. Last night the voters of this great River District chose me as their Assemblywoman. I cannot tell you how honored I am to have been elected. Thanks go out to so many people, hundreds, who worked on this campaign, making calls, knocking on doors, putting up signs, hosting meet and greets, and so many other things. Your generosity of time and resources will remain with me for life.
As we have traversed this large district day after day, right up to, and including election day, when I went from town to town checking on voter turnout right up to the close of polls, I couldn't stop thinking about the great people of the North Country. Whether you voted for me or for my opponents, I thank you for exercising this important right. And whether you supported me or not, please know that I will be your Assemblywoman and work for everyone, regardless of party. It will be my honor to do so and I look forward to getting to work.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart,
-Addie
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Monday, November 3, 2008
Final Hours
Well, this is it. The final hours. I have spent the last two days on my community tour, stopping at diners, dinners, gas stations, grocery stores, and other venues meeting more and more voters. I've had a lot of great conversations with many people. It has been a truly exhilarating experience for me and has given me a huge adrenalin shot. Why? Because rather than the announced campaign meet and greets, speaking engagements, and other 'scheduled' appearances, I visited with people who had a lot on their minds, those who traditionally voted for the other party, and those who were concerned about our future and needed to let me know about it. And you know what? I had the chance to really talk to them about all of these things and they had the chance to see that I really understand the tough economic times we're in. They shared their pain of trying to make ends meet, worried about their jobs, or trying to find a new one because of being laid off. I knew what they were going through and shared with them my family stories. I talked about my plans to bring better jobs to our area and my vision for our future.
As I stood at those markets and gas stations, I could see what's really needed - more people being able to make purchases, which brings in necessary revenue for these small businesses to be able to operate. That's what they need and they need it now, not just a few hundred dollars in tax credits in April. Businesses can only survive if people have money in their pockets to spend it. And not just a couple of dollars more, but a steady increased wage. Hard working people deserve good pay. Its the only way to restart our economic engine.
Aside from those stops, I had the honor to visit a 101-year old woman in Alexandria Bay who still lived in the house she was born in! She was a delight to meet and to talk with. She's voted since she was about 18 or 19 so you can imagine how many candidates she's voted for in her lifetime.
Thanks to all who met me out on the trail and those who helped organize activities along the way. I'll be swinging through Canton, Potsdam, Antwerp, Philly, Theresa, Pamilia, and finally ending up in Watertown tonight at the State Office Building. Then on election day, I'll vote in Theresa, and spend some time with family before making one more swing throught the entire district before ending up in Canton when polls close, and then driving back to Watertown for the returns.
If there is anyone who I didn't get a chance to meet, please know that we did our best to be in every district numerous times from June through November and that they can always call my office at 777-4900 and I will certainly give you a call back.
Please remember to vote on Tuesday.
I ask for your vote so I can be your Assemblywoman and I promise I'll work hard for you each and every day.
May all the best come to you,
-Addie
As I stood at those markets and gas stations, I could see what's really needed - more people being able to make purchases, which brings in necessary revenue for these small businesses to be able to operate. That's what they need and they need it now, not just a few hundred dollars in tax credits in April. Businesses can only survive if people have money in their pockets to spend it. And not just a couple of dollars more, but a steady increased wage. Hard working people deserve good pay. Its the only way to restart our economic engine.
Aside from those stops, I had the honor to visit a 101-year old woman in Alexandria Bay who still lived in the house she was born in! She was a delight to meet and to talk with. She's voted since she was about 18 or 19 so you can imagine how many candidates she's voted for in her lifetime.
Thanks to all who met me out on the trail and those who helped organize activities along the way. I'll be swinging through Canton, Potsdam, Antwerp, Philly, Theresa, Pamilia, and finally ending up in Watertown tonight at the State Office Building. Then on election day, I'll vote in Theresa, and spend some time with family before making one more swing throught the entire district before ending up in Canton when polls close, and then driving back to Watertown for the returns.
If there is anyone who I didn't get a chance to meet, please know that we did our best to be in every district numerous times from June through November and that they can always call my office at 777-4900 and I will certainly give you a call back.
Please remember to vote on Tuesday.
I ask for your vote so I can be your Assemblywoman and I promise I'll work hard for you each and every day.
May all the best come to you,
-Addie
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Community Tour
With five days left, we're all working hard to make sure our message is out. I'm going to hold a press conference today to talk about my support for minimum wage increases so that workers here in our area can make a better wage. That's really what it's all about - putting dollars in the pockets of our working families so that they can buy things they need like groceries and clothes for their kids. And that helps our economy more than anything else - people being able to spend money so that our local business have revenue coming in the door. This is the cornerstone of American economic policy.
We've also announced a weekend community tour that will continue through Monday night. On the main page of my website, you'll find the schedule. I hope you'll take the opportunity to come out and talk with me, ask questions, and support our campaign. We'll hit 23 locations in three days. Its my last chance to get to every single town and village in the River District.
I hope to see you somewhere on the campaign trail this weekend.
-Addie
We've also announced a weekend community tour that will continue through Monday night. On the main page of my website, you'll find the schedule. I hope you'll take the opportunity to come out and talk with me, ask questions, and support our campaign. We'll hit 23 locations in three days. Its my last chance to get to every single town and village in the River District.
I hope to see you somewhere on the campaign trail this weekend.
-Addie
Monday, October 20, 2008
Ecomomy, Debate and More
The economy is on the minds of Northern New Yorkers. Walking door-to-door, talking with folks from all over the district, has brought up many good questions about where our country, state, and localities are headed. This is going to be my focus if I get the opportunity to represent the River District in Albany. Last Wednesday I had the opportunity to address this issue in a candidate forum at the Northside Improvement League in Watertown, hosted by AAUW. John Deans did a fantastic job of moderating the debate, asking the questions that were on the minds of North Country residents. Issues ranged from renewable energy and the need to keep more of the energy created in the North Country local in order to power homes and businesses, reducing taxes, and creating jobs. I thank the other candidates for participating in this forum and look forward to addressing the issues with them again tonight at Snell Hall on the Clarkson University Campus in Potsdam.
See you somewhere along the campaign trail.
-Addie
See you somewhere along the campaign trail.
-Addie
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Constituents, Colleges, and Candidate Forums
These past weeks, I've been in every corner of the district, meeting lots of folks who are struggling to make ends meet each month. The national financial crisis has certainly made its impact here. That's why I think it is so important to bring more good-paying jobs to the North Country and to take advantage of our great colleges and universities. I've met with the leaders of those institutions and they are anxious to partner with New York State to create opportunities for new businesses to locate here. I am ready to work with them to promote these opportunities.
We opened our Canton office recently and have had a tremendous outpouring of help - volunteers calling to get yard signs or to help in any way. That is very humbling, and my message to them is that I'll work hard every day as their Assemblywoman because they are working hard every day on my campaign. I can't thank them enough.
The St. Lawrence County Democratic Committee held their Annual Dinner on Tuesday night, honoring Labor. I've been blessed to receive the endorsement of many Labor organizations around the District and held a press conference to formally thank them. Those organizations represent many employees around the North Country and hard-working trades laborers who produce high-quality work, on-time and within budget. They know they will have a representative who will listen to their concerns and fight for fairness in Albany.
I will be participating in the first of three candidate forums. This one will be at 7PM Tonight (Thursday, October 16th) at the Northside Improvement League. I hope that many of you will come out to support me and to listen to my ideas and how I want to lead this district as Assemblywoman. Next week there is another on October 22nd at Clarkson University and then in Massena on the 23rd.
See you tonight or somewhere along the campaign trail.
-Addie
We opened our Canton office recently and have had a tremendous outpouring of help - volunteers calling to get yard signs or to help in any way. That is very humbling, and my message to them is that I'll work hard every day as their Assemblywoman because they are working hard every day on my campaign. I can't thank them enough.
The St. Lawrence County Democratic Committee held their Annual Dinner on Tuesday night, honoring Labor. I've been blessed to receive the endorsement of many Labor organizations around the District and held a press conference to formally thank them. Those organizations represent many employees around the North Country and hard-working trades laborers who produce high-quality work, on-time and within budget. They know they will have a representative who will listen to their concerns and fight for fairness in Albany.
I will be participating in the first of three candidate forums. This one will be at 7PM Tonight (Thursday, October 16th) at the Northside Improvement League. I hope that many of you will come out to support me and to listen to my ideas and how I want to lead this district as Assemblywoman. Next week there is another on October 22nd at Clarkson University and then in Massena on the 23rd.
See you tonight or somewhere along the campaign trail.
-Addie
Sunday, September 21, 2008
A Great Weekend
We wrapped up a great weekend of fundraising events. Saturday, we had a nice crowd in Clayton for a pig roast and some great music from Mike White. This event was for Darrel and me and the food was delicious. I had a chance to meet some new friends as well as to see some long time friends and supporters. Darrel gave a great speech about changing the way the Legislature does business and that is what we're going to do. Partisanship shouldn't get in the way of good policymaking and I couldn't agree more.
Today, the weather cleared and we boarded the Bonnie Belle for a beatiful cruise on the St. Lawrence River. Again, I met more new friends and supporters but I also had a chance to bring along Jamie and Aaron. The Blogger ABAY CIRCUS, aka Mr. Cummings joined us today (he was also at the Pig Roast yesterday. DANGER DEMOCRAT, aka Ted Ford also attended both events. As we cruised down the River, I talked about the importance of the St. Lawrence as an asset to the district and how we must continue to promote tourism as a principle industry in the North Country. Thanks to all for coming out to support me.
I'll be sure to let everyone know through my blog what the campaign is doing in the upcoming week and for the next six weeks. Thanks for visiting my blog.
See you on the campaign trail.
-Addie
Today, the weather cleared and we boarded the Bonnie Belle for a beatiful cruise on the St. Lawrence River. Again, I met more new friends and supporters but I also had a chance to bring along Jamie and Aaron. The Blogger ABAY CIRCUS, aka Mr. Cummings joined us today (he was also at the Pig Roast yesterday. DANGER DEMOCRAT, aka Ted Ford also attended both events. As we cruised down the River, I talked about the importance of the St. Lawrence as an asset to the district and how we must continue to promote tourism as a principle industry in the North Country. Thanks to all for coming out to support me.
I'll be sure to let everyone know through my blog what the campaign is doing in the upcoming week and for the next six weeks. Thanks for visiting my blog.
See you on the campaign trail.
-Addie
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Pig Roast Saturday and a Boat Cruise Sunday
Hi Everyone,
I've been so busy meeting with people and groups from Massena to Cape Vincent that I haven't sat down to blog in a while. I promise to keep up with the blog, even if I just write a couple of sentences about where I have been, where I will be, and other interesting things that are happening on the campaign trail.
I have agreed to be interviewed for the Candidates Defined Project coordinated by Political IV and Danger Democrat. I believe that will be happening next week.
These past couple of weeks have been very intense, but so interesting as I have been touring our colleges and universities and talking about the important relationships we can build in our District with these institutions. Amid some wonderful house parties (THANKS everyone for hosting!) and the regular door to door visits I have been doing, I always try to make time for requests for community group meetings. If you know of a group that would like me to visit, please call the campaign HQ office at 777-4900. By the way, our Canton campaign office at 49 1/2 Main St. has opened up as well. Stop in and say hello and if you want to volunteer, we'd love your help.
I will be off to Clayton for a Pig Roast fundraiser for both Darrel and me today so if you have a chance, come on out for some great food and conversation.
On Sunday afternoon, we'll be boarding the Bonnie Belle at Bonnie Castle for another fundraiser. If you're in the mood for a beautiful cruise through the Thousand Islands and want to support my campaign, its only $30 per person or $50 per couple. The boat leaves at 4PM, so come and enjoy the scenery, some finger foods and there will be a cash bar as well.
I hope to see you all on the campaign trail.
-Addie
I've been so busy meeting with people and groups from Massena to Cape Vincent that I haven't sat down to blog in a while. I promise to keep up with the blog, even if I just write a couple of sentences about where I have been, where I will be, and other interesting things that are happening on the campaign trail.
I have agreed to be interviewed for the Candidates Defined Project coordinated by Political IV and Danger Democrat. I believe that will be happening next week.
These past couple of weeks have been very intense, but so interesting as I have been touring our colleges and universities and talking about the important relationships we can build in our District with these institutions. Amid some wonderful house parties (THANKS everyone for hosting!) and the regular door to door visits I have been doing, I always try to make time for requests for community group meetings. If you know of a group that would like me to visit, please call the campaign HQ office at 777-4900. By the way, our Canton campaign office at 49 1/2 Main St. has opened up as well. Stop in and say hello and if you want to volunteer, we'd love your help.
I will be off to Clayton for a Pig Roast fundraiser for both Darrel and me today so if you have a chance, come on out for some great food and conversation.
On Sunday afternoon, we'll be boarding the Bonnie Belle at Bonnie Castle for another fundraiser. If you're in the mood for a beautiful cruise through the Thousand Islands and want to support my campaign, its only $30 per person or $50 per couple. The boat leaves at 4PM, so come and enjoy the scenery, some finger foods and there will be a cash bar as well.
I hope to see you all on the campaign trail.
-Addie
Monday, August 4, 2008
Meeting constituents
Everywhere I go, I have the privilege of meeting so many wonderful people in the River District. I so enjoy the grassroots campaigning of attending events and always look forward to being invited to meet and greets, parades, and BBQs. There is never enough time to meet everyone and try to be at every single event. That is what's great about our area- every weekend in the summer there are events that people can enjoy. With 20 towns and 2 cities in this district, there is a lot of ground to cover.
I appreciate invitations to events, group meetings, and any place where there is a gathering of people so I can have the opportunity to meet and them and talk to them about their concerns. I will try to announce here on my blog where I will be going so people can have the chance to see me. I know that this week, I'll be in Gouverneur on Wednesday for some meetings and then get to walk around the Fair. On Thursday, I will be participating in a candidates forum in Clayton. We're also finalizing plans for the weekend and will that up on this blog too.
Of course, those are just the public events. I am in a lot of meetings and doing other campaign related work on the days I am not scheduled to be somewhere. Campaigning is truly a full time job, and I thank everyone who has helped me coordinate appearances, walk with me in parades, and set up meet and greets and house parties for me. If I miss an event that you would have liked me to have been at, please know that its only because of keeping a busy schedule and not because I didn't value that event any less. For example, I had too many conflicts to get to the Waddington parade. I hope I can come to Waddington for a special event soon and get the chance to say hello to folks I missed. The same goes for every part of the district. As the campaign races towards Fall, we'll be out and about more and more. That is my favorite part of the campaign - coming to your neighborhood and talking about issues you care about most. You'll hear about my ideas and solutions as well.
Take care and I'll see you on the campaign trail,
-Addie
I appreciate invitations to events, group meetings, and any place where there is a gathering of people so I can have the opportunity to meet and them and talk to them about their concerns. I will try to announce here on my blog where I will be going so people can have the chance to see me. I know that this week, I'll be in Gouverneur on Wednesday for some meetings and then get to walk around the Fair. On Thursday, I will be participating in a candidates forum in Clayton. We're also finalizing plans for the weekend and will that up on this blog too.
Of course, those are just the public events. I am in a lot of meetings and doing other campaign related work on the days I am not scheduled to be somewhere. Campaigning is truly a full time job, and I thank everyone who has helped me coordinate appearances, walk with me in parades, and set up meet and greets and house parties for me. If I miss an event that you would have liked me to have been at, please know that its only because of keeping a busy schedule and not because I didn't value that event any less. For example, I had too many conflicts to get to the Waddington parade. I hope I can come to Waddington for a special event soon and get the chance to say hello to folks I missed. The same goes for every part of the district. As the campaign races towards Fall, we'll be out and about more and more. That is my favorite part of the campaign - coming to your neighborhood and talking about issues you care about most. You'll hear about my ideas and solutions as well.
Take care and I'll see you on the campaign trail,
-Addie
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Summer parades and events
Saturday night and my family and I just got back from Wellesley Island. Jamie and I attended the TILT event and had a wonderful time. My mother informed me that Aaron fell alseep almost immediately, so he didn't even miss us. The food was spectacular, and the setting, Mrs. Taylor's house, was perfect for the outdoor event. The only unfortunate part was that we were still full from our chicken BBQ in Hammond, so I could not try all of the offerings. There were a lot of people in attendance and it was nice to see many people that I don't get to see that often, at least in a social setting. It has been a busy day.
Hammond was the start of the second half of the day. I was able to catch up with old friends from high school, and we were able to drop in on my Great Aunt and Uncle a few doors down and chat with the house full of cousins. There were at least four generations there and some had not met Aaron yet. We gave my sister and brother-in-law the night off so they could be in the pre-school float in the Hammond parade instead of the Addie for Assembly group. Although we wanted to go back for the dance....Jamie had to work the next morning.
Saturday started in Sackets Harbor, which is not in the River District, but so many people visit the Can-Am Festival and enjoy the parade that I thought it would be good to walk in that parade to say Hello. It is always a great parade and I saw lots of friends their, and of course I have family there as well. I am beginning to feel like I am back in marching band, I know just about every parade route in the district. Thankfully I do not have to wear the hot uniforms anymore.
From Sackets we were off to Ogdensburg, to take in the Founders Day festivities. We watched the reenactments at Fort LaPresentation. They will be hosting the 250th French and Indian War Celebration in 2010 and I have my "to-do" list to help them get underway. Aaron, being French, Indian and English did not seem conflicted at all about the fighting. I wonder which side he will cheer for when he gets older? I have been in Ogdensburg a few times in the last week or so, with a fundraiser being planned in few weeks. I truly appreciate the planning efforts and help from so many people there.
My final stop this weekend will be Clayton on Sunday and I will be in their parade. I hope to see many supporters and meet some new folks as well. I truly enjoy getting out, going to anyone of the 22 towns in the River District and talking to people.
UPDATE: The Clayton Parade was cancelled. You all experienced the down pours, too. Do not worry, I will be at the KOC on August 7th. You all are welcome to come!
Hammond was the start of the second half of the day. I was able to catch up with old friends from high school, and we were able to drop in on my Great Aunt and Uncle a few doors down and chat with the house full of cousins. There were at least four generations there and some had not met Aaron yet. We gave my sister and brother-in-law the night off so they could be in the pre-school float in the Hammond parade instead of the Addie for Assembly group. Although we wanted to go back for the dance....Jamie had to work the next morning.
Saturday started in Sackets Harbor, which is not in the River District, but so many people visit the Can-Am Festival and enjoy the parade that I thought it would be good to walk in that parade to say Hello. It is always a great parade and I saw lots of friends their, and of course I have family there as well. I am beginning to feel like I am back in marching band, I know just about every parade route in the district. Thankfully I do not have to wear the hot uniforms anymore.
From Sackets we were off to Ogdensburg, to take in the Founders Day festivities. We watched the reenactments at Fort LaPresentation. They will be hosting the 250th French and Indian War Celebration in 2010 and I have my "to-do" list to help them get underway. Aaron, being French, Indian and English did not seem conflicted at all about the fighting. I wonder which side he will cheer for when he gets older? I have been in Ogdensburg a few times in the last week or so, with a fundraiser being planned in few weeks. I truly appreciate the planning efforts and help from so many people there.
My final stop this weekend will be Clayton on Sunday and I will be in their parade. I hope to see many supporters and meet some new folks as well. I truly enjoy getting out, going to anyone of the 22 towns in the River District and talking to people.
UPDATE: The Clayton Parade was cancelled. You all experienced the down pours, too. Do not worry, I will be at the KOC on August 7th. You all are welcome to come!
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Lots of Activity
There has been a lot of activity since I last posted, and we' ve been so busy with organizing our campaign committee, getting our office, set up, getting petitions signed, and of course, being out in the District, that I haven't posted in a long time. I've been in numerous parades in Jefferson and St. Lawrence Counties, lots of communities, and have had a number of meet and greet events.
The folks in St. Lawrence County held a meet and greet in Canton and I had the opportunity to meet a lot of hard working labor representatives as well as some new volunteers for my campaign. I was also in Ogdensburg and Massena several times to meet petitioners, march in parades and talk to some UAW retirees. I also met some representatives on the Alliance for Municipal Power board, and we discussed their initiative to get power generation and delivery to be owned locally, as well as their ideas on alternative energy.
In Jefferson, I have been talking with people from throughout the District and was recently invited as a guest on the WOTL Radio Show, "The Hotline" with Jeff Graham. I'll be busy with appearances, parades, and other events for the rest of the summer, right through to Election Day. This week, I will be in the Jefferson County Fair parade, the Can-Am parade in Sackets Harbor on Saturday, the Clayton parade on Sunday, and in Hammond as well.
I want to thank everyone that carried petitions for me this past month. We collected more than double the number of signatures required - over 1,000! I am most grateful to you and to all that signed for me as well. This is an exciting time and I am looking forward to meeting and talking with many people in our great District and talking about what I believe are the critical issues facing our area and what my plans are to address them as your next Assemblywoman in the 118th District. I am looking forward to meeting you on the campaign trail. In the meantime, stay tuned to my blog and I promise I'll post more often!! - Addie
The folks in St. Lawrence County held a meet and greet in Canton and I had the opportunity to meet a lot of hard working labor representatives as well as some new volunteers for my campaign. I was also in Ogdensburg and Massena several times to meet petitioners, march in parades and talk to some UAW retirees. I also met some representatives on the Alliance for Municipal Power board, and we discussed their initiative to get power generation and delivery to be owned locally, as well as their ideas on alternative energy.
In Jefferson, I have been talking with people from throughout the District and was recently invited as a guest on the WOTL Radio Show, "The Hotline" with Jeff Graham. I'll be busy with appearances, parades, and other events for the rest of the summer, right through to Election Day. This week, I will be in the Jefferson County Fair parade, the Can-Am parade in Sackets Harbor on Saturday, the Clayton parade on Sunday, and in Hammond as well.
I want to thank everyone that carried petitions for me this past month. We collected more than double the number of signatures required - over 1,000! I am most grateful to you and to all that signed for me as well. This is an exciting time and I am looking forward to meeting and talking with many people in our great District and talking about what I believe are the critical issues facing our area and what my plans are to address them as your next Assemblywoman in the 118th District. I am looking forward to meeting you on the campaign trail. In the meantime, stay tuned to my blog and I promise I'll post more often!! - Addie
Friday, June 6, 2008
On the Campaign Trail
Welcome to my blog, where I will be posting information about my travel thoughout the River District, appearances, stories from constituents, and anything else that I need to tell you as we embark on this journey to November and to becoming the 118th River District's Assemblywoman.
Today I will be at the Jefferson County Dairy Festival in Watertown and tomorrow at the Dairy Festival in St. Lawrence County.
If you want to volunteer to help us with this campaign, just send an email to: volunteer@addie08.com.
If you would like to make a financial donation to our campaign, you'll see a box at the top of my website, www.addie08.com where you can click and make your contribution.
Thanks and we'll see you down the road!
-Addie
Today I will be at the Jefferson County Dairy Festival in Watertown and tomorrow at the Dairy Festival in St. Lawrence County.
If you want to volunteer to help us with this campaign, just send an email to: volunteer@addie08.com.
If you would like to make a financial donation to our campaign, you'll see a box at the top of my website, www.addie08.com where you can click and make your contribution.
Thanks and we'll see you down the road!
-Addie
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
