|
I would like to shed some light on what is going on with the Republican Committee Primary in the Town of Rochester.
The Rochester Republican Club launched a campaign several weeks ago to run candidates for the committee in the five districts in our Town. This is in accordance with a unanimous vote by the general membership of the club with over 100 members present, back in January of 2006. The club at that time voted to seek a change in the Committee so that Republican candidates and elected officials would get the support
necessary to uphold traditional values in our Town.
Over six months ago we asked for the 3 vacant seats on the committee in lieu of a primary run and were rebuffed more than once. We then did what we said we would do and launched the primary run for committee seats. Now Marijane Knudsen offers a 3-seat deal. Who's the one playing games?
The truth of the matter is that I brought the 3-seat offer back to members of the Executive Board and received a resounding "NO" to the deal from everyone. I had told Marijane Knudsen that I would bring it back to them and that I thought it would be difficult for them to accept it in light of the fact that the process for running for committee seats had already begun. It's very difficult to pull horses back once they come out of the gate. I also had told Marijane Knudsen that I work with a consensus of opinion of the Executive Board and the general membership as well. As president it would have been wrong for me to make any kind of deal or give assurances without getting a consensus from the people I represent. That is the way I do things. I do not issue edicts as I believe in democracy. I try to use a guiding hand but always respect the will of the people.
It would have made life much easier for me as a candidate if a deal was made. Possible consolidated support instead of battling on so many fronts would allow me to focus on defeating Zali Win, Pam Duke, and the gang. Saving our town is of paramount concern to me. Unfortunately the easy path is seldom the correct path. Out of my own convictions I chose what I believe is the correct path.
We need change both in our party and in our local government. The time has come for fresh ideas from committed people without personal agendas. We need an open and embracing committee that will really serve the values that we as Republicans profess to have.
I believe the first step is to bring in some new blood to revitalize the committee.
Then we need to open meetings up and bring people in to get them involved in the political process.
Personally I feel that there should be competition for seats at each opportunity that we have. This way we keep electing those who are the most committed to our values and who will work hard to support our candidates and elected officials.
No person should ever take their seat on the committee for granted. This is not a monarchy where one rules for life. They serve at the will of the people they are elected to represent. Do a good job and you get re-elected. Don't represent those you are elected to serve and then someone else — who will — gets elected. I believe the Greeks called this process DEMOCRACY. Every seat on the committee belongs to the people and not to the seat holders. If you want positions for life not based on merit then move to a Communist country.
Manuela Mihailescu has the same right to run in District 4 as Elbert Dejager does to run in District 1. Marijane Knudsen's and Alan Levine's seats are no more sacred than anyone else's. I'm proud of Manuela Mihailescu for acting on her convictions, especially in light of what she has already been through.
All the people I spoke to in District 4 were happy that we were trying to elicit change for the better — for our Party as well as for our Town. Most of the people I spoke to offered help by suggesting who else Manuela might visit to get signatures.
Carl Chipman
President — Rochester Republican Club
Candidate for Town of Rochester Supervisor
|
