The Democratic Party has been reborn in the Town of Crawford. We took the opportunity to ask Chair Andrea Nilon why the Democrats are needed now.

Andrea Nilon: Why resurrect the Democratic Party?  Perhaps we should have simply retained a monarchy?  People need a choice and the Republican Party in the Town of Crawford needs competition.

When I moved here 35-plus years ago, this community was essentially rural, but certainly not sleepy.  There was a strong sense of community through numerous organizations, and I was fortunate to become involved with the local Girl Scout Unit, even then there was much migration from other areas.  In fact, my hometown was in Morris County, New Jersey.

Since that time, the fabric of Crawford has been enriched by the influx of individuals and families from many areas.  Much of our employment base travels 30 minutes or more to get to their place of work leaving little time for attending town meetings.  These people need accessibility both online and via our local cable station so they can be informed. Crawford's web site needs expansion to provide town meeting schedules and minutes.  Our citizenry wants to be informed; it's just a matter of time management and employing technology to do that.

Ellenville Journal: How about the issue of property taxes?
AN: Having been in the assessment profession for half of my life, the issue of property taxes is my area of expertise.  Yes, people came here hoping to avoid high property taxes, but more importantly they came here for the quality of life Crawford can provide.  Of course, our school district is one of the primary considerations, but obviously this is not the only component of our population.  We have an active cultural community, strong feelings about the environment and land use, and, as mentioned before, ­ a strong sense of identity in spite of our differences.  This is probably what compels our newly formed committee which is a melding of natives, transplants, and 'newbies' who found common ground and whose purpose is to educate, unify, and provide a sense of fairness to all who live here.  Local government is at the heart of this mission.  Active participation in local government is mandatory to its implementation.

EJ: Are we on the verge of a major political realignment? Are the Democrats taking over?
AN: Our group appeals to everyone who believes government should be an open process which operates with a sense of fairness and equity for all.  This simply goes to the heart of democracy: government by and for all the people ­ not just some of the people. Confidence in government has been shaken by many events in the past; particularly the federal administration's handling of global issues and the national economy. Change starts at the grass roots and we must build this confidence by beginning here in our own town.  For the first time in many years, Orange County is on the verge of having Democrats in the majority.  The County Legislature is evenly distributed between Republicans and Democrats with one Independent Party member as the remaining member ­and they are working together in harmony for the greater good. At the state level, the senate is only a few members away from a Democratic majority; we have a Democratic Governor, and Democratic Assembly.  This looks like a sea change to me.

Of course it's not enough to claim majority, it's what we can do for the disenfranchised. Yes, historically, Democrats have been viewed as the party robbing from the rich and giving to the poor.  However, we now know the trickle down theory doesn't work. Of course, nationally it's more about our global image and sustaining our own population. As Friedman concludes, "the world is flat," and we're all in it together.

This is my theory as to why political races have been so close.  People are looking for real leadership and it's been so long since we've seen such a thing that people have a difficult time recognizing it by simply tuning in to media sound bites.  As to Pine Bush residents, we can assure them a real voice in decisions involving their money.  Major ticket items should be decided openly. Every nickel spent comes from taxpayers and there needs to be a balanced spending plan to provide services to all in an even-handed manner.

The Republican Party in Crawford has had its own issues over the years, and there is definitely a faction that believes the current administration needs to listen more closely to those they serve.  We can offer that ear.  We need an open exchange of ideas to propel us forward.  There is a feeling of stagnation in this community and we aim to dispel it and let in some fresh air!

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