With a smile across his face, my son says "Look Dad, look", as he's pointing out the kitchen window. I stare in disbelief as yet another snow storm begins to fall. It means another school "Snow Day" for him, though for me it's the sixth morning this season shoveling out of the driveway. The entirety of the scene is a bit daunting. Gazing beyond the snowy flakes I see huge icicles hanging from my neighbors house, they look like stalactites. Several of them well over six foot long, grow closer to the ground with every evening freeze. We're not even half way through winter's coldest part and the storm sequels repeat endlessly. When you live in upstate New York, clips of Jack Nicholson in The Shining come to mind about the same time every mid-February. As to say, "I'm back" old man winter sets his sight on my little Village of Saugerties. Cabin fever has taken hold. The only way I'll survive till warmer weather is with vivid recollections of my spring garden, and anticipation of the Village election in March.
Old Farmers' Almanac explains that the particularly rough winter we've been experiencing is due to "two huge weather patterns tag-teaming us - the La Nina and the Artic Oscillation (AO)". Since 1792, the Almanac has predicted the weather to an 80% accuracy. It's the oldest continuously published periodical in North America. By the way, it's predicting that a warm spring will follow this year's frigidity. I'm really longing for a warm March. When crocus break the ground is around the same time that Village elections take place across the state of New York. Both signify hope that "winter's cold spring erases". Typical turnout is low. Some years as little as 50 votes are counted in a community of 2500 registered voters. Not surprising, years that my name appears on the ballot, election inspectors are busy with upwards of 50% casting their vote. Last year was the best thus far, including a referendum to abolish the Village Police Department. Seeing new faces standing in long lines through the doors of Village Hall to the polls is always a very good sign.
Being covered in snow four months of the year can make you introspective. Any hint of sunny weather in February teases of spring. I imagine all of us "upstaters" look at sunlight breaking through winter clouds as an epiphany of sorts. It reminds us that we need to rise from our warm comfort zone and take on a new challenge. After my first year of living through a Saugerties' winter I had my own revelation. Looking around my community, I knew I wanted to change the status quo. This is my community and wanted to have a say in how my taxes are being spent. Forcing the courage to stand up at board meetings and community groups, I made my voice heard. Though politics in a small Village can be tightly knit.
In the Village of Saugerties alliances have existed for centuries. Alliances that may be based on ancestry, membership to an organization, church fellowship or businesses interests. American Legion, Knights of Columbus, Kiwanis and Lions Club are a few of the many community groups that have an influence on local elections. Patronage is also a serious consideration and is the essential glue that holds all of it together. Loyalty is sometimes earned through favors, special treatment and job security. Those in charge of hiring can wield their power at the ballot box and can be the most difficult obstacle to breach.
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| 2002 campaign photo with my running mate. |
Peculiar as it may seem, New York state villages typically hold their local elections on the third Tuesday of every March. In order to have your name on the ballot you must collect enough signatures on a Designating Petition for nomination and submit them to the Village clerk for approval. Rules are detailed and vary based on whether you're running as an Independent or a recognized Political Party. My first two attempts for Village trustee was as an Independent and last year I ran as a Democrat. In the latter case, the required procedure was to form a Village Democratic Party (http://bit.ly/saugerdems) which had not existed, and then hold a caucus in order to be nominated. New York State Village election law is unique and has its own rules which are specified in The Election Law, Article 15. When YOU choose to run [as I know you will] for office, you'll need to carry a copy of Election Law with you at all times. Don't take for granted that the Village clerk, or for that matter, the Board of Elections will know every legal detail. The reality is that you need to be familiar with New York election law and be willing to persist, be tenacious and sometimes forceful when you feel that you are not being listened to. Remember that government officials have at their disposal attorneys and usually a well-rehearsed repertoire that may be used to dissuade you from challenging the incumbency. This is not to say all election officials are the same nor do they have ill-intentions. It's just natural order and we're all just human.
You are like a hibernating bear, for the past several months you've been sheltered from the cold. Even though your reserves may be near exhausted, you have undoubtedly built up a lot of nervous energy. Get online and remind your friends that Village elections are on Tuesday, March 15. Attend local Village Board meetings and stand-up, introduce yourself to all your neighbors. Let them know the importance of voting in the upcoming election. There may not even be any challengers this year. However, the incumbents need to know that you are watching them closely. This is no time for complacency, especially with a struggling economy. Remind them that you will hold them accountable. And, then hold your head high and tell them in a matter of fact way, that you've been considering running in next year's primary.
David Radovanovic
Creative Director
www.whatsthebigidea.com
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