“As free citizens in a political democracy, we have a responsibility to be interested and involved in the affairs of the human community, be it at the local or the global level.”
This famous quote from the late Paul Wellstone of Minnesota (introduced by master of ceremonies Anthony Sarnicola of Stanford) was the underlying theme of the NDD’s first event of the critical midterm election season—our annual petition party for gathering signatures to get our candidates on the ballot for the upcoming election. Approximately 75 Democrats from all over Northern Dutchess County crowded into the meeting room at the Pine Plains Presbyterian Church on Saturday, March 14, to enjoy a glass of wine and mingle with the candidates.
In addition to introducing the quote from Wellstone, emcee Anthony Sarnicola kicked off the event with a passionate speech and set the tone for a series of rousing presentations by eight of our candidates: Supreme Court Justice Maria Rosa, Congressman Pat Ryan, Senator Michelle Hinchey, Assemblywoman Didi Barrett, Assembly candidates Sam Hodge and Brooklyn Talarico, and Legislators Eric Alexander and Chris Drago.
A common thread running through the candidates’ comments is that we must embrace Wellstone’s sentiment and stand up for what’s right, particularly in these challenging times when democracy is under assault. Referring to the gathering’s raison d’être, Congressman Ryan described signing petitions as an “act of hope” as Democrats stand together against the Trump regime and promote a positive agenda. Senator Hinchey encouraged Democrats to make the impossible possible by showing up for each other. Assemblywoman Barrett urged Democrats to promote their narrative on issues they care about. And Assembly candidate Hodge insisted that democracy can be a force for justice and change.
In his farewell remarks to the boisterous crowd, emcee Sarnicola reminded the attendees to attend the No Kings Rally at Fountain Square in Amenia (corner of Routes 22 and 343) on March 28th to make it clear to any would-be king that we will do everything we can to remain free citizens in a political democracy.
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