Tuesday, October 27, 2015

Letter to the editor: Support Woman’s Equality ticket



Editor:



Statewide 53,802 votes were cast in
2014 on the governor's line under the Women's Equality Party Line, hence
New York state's Board of Elections recognizes this party in New York
state.

Candidates: Larry Cleveland for sheriff, Claudia Braymer
Glens Falls Ward 3 county supervisor, Jennifer Switzer Queensbury Ward 4
councilwoman, and Rick Garrand Queensbury Ward 3 councilman were vetted
and endorsed by the Women's Equality Party as well as the Democratic
Party here in Warren County.

The chairman of the Warren County
Republican Committee sued to keep the line off the ballot this year in
Warren County. The court challenge prevailed on a technicality.
Interesting enough, the Women's Equality Party does appear on this
year's ballots in neighboring counties.

A vote for Cleveland,
Braymer, Switzer and Garrand is a vote for Women's Equality here in
Warren County. Their names appear on Row A. Please support these fine
candidates.

LYNNE C. BOECHER




Letter to the editor: Support Woman’s Equality ticket

Friday, October 23, 2015

Thoughtful genuine voices offering positive choices for Warren County

Ron and Marty Newell generously opened their home Tuesday night for a Meet The Candidates Night featuring Family Court candidate Rob Smith, Supreme Court candidate Julie Garcia, Supreme Court candidate Judge Mark Blanchfield, Glens Falls City Assisant Judge Nikki Moreschi, Glens Falls Third Ward Supervisor candidate Claudia Braymer, and Queensbury 3rd Ward Council candidate Rick Garrand and 4th Ward Council candidate Jennifer Switzer. A large crowd filled the Newell home as County Chair Lynne Boecher introduced the candidates. A very special guest was Washington County Chair and now new State Democratic Party Chair Sheila Comar.



Julie Garcia & Rob Smith

Claudia Braymer & Friends

Wanda & Rob Smith

Rob Smith, Rick Garrand and Dave O'Brien

County Chair Lynne Boecher, Julie Garcia, Warren County Elections Commissioner Beth McLaughlin and Jennifer Switzer

Ron Newell, former GF Mayor and County Treasurer Frank O'Keefe and Claudia Braymer

Judge Nikki Moreschi and Julie Garcia

Jennifer Switzer, Rob and Wanda Smith


Lynne Boecher introduces the candidates

Claudia Braymer, Judge Nikki Moreschi and Judge Mark Blanchfied

Rob Smith with his dad Ray

Thursday, October 22, 2015

Cleveland For Sheriff Campaign Holds Fundraising Reception

Larry Cleveland has devoted himself to Warren County's safety, security and most importantly, integrity. That's why a capacity crowd came to Lake George Friday night, Oct. 16 for a fundraising reception for Warren County's next sherriff. Also greeting voters were judicial candidates Rob Smith, Julie Garcia and Mark Blanchfield.
Larry Cleveland greets guests

County Chair Lynne Boecher introduces Cleveland
The large crowd listens
Mark Blanchfield speaks
Julie Garcia talks with audience


Larry Cleveland and friend










Queensbury Democrats & Friends Rally For Jennifer Switzer

A large crowd turned out for a reception and fundraiser for Queensbury 4th Ward Town Council Candidate Jennifer Switzer Thursday night, October 15th, at Bogey's Pub & Grill at the Bay Meadows Golf Club.

Jennifer Switzer Welcomes supporters

Queensbury Chair Mike Parwana and Lisa Adamson

Family Court Judge candidate Rob Smith & Friends

Queensbury Supervisor-At-Large candidate Dave Strainer with Mike Parwana and Lisa Adamspn


Warren County Democratic Treasurer Dave O'Brien with former GF Mayor & County Treasurer Frank O'Keefe


Former Glens Falls Chair Roy Thomas with Rob Smith
Harrison Freer with Warren County Democratic Vice Chair Tom McDonough and John Reilly

Monday, September 7, 2015

County Committee Meeting

The Warren County Democratic Committee will hold our organizational meeting on Wednesday, September 16, 2015 at 7:00 at the Fort William Henry Conference Center in Lake George.

 Written notice will be mailed to each of you who circulated petitions with bylaw changes for your review.

The meeting should be under one hour but is important.
Candidate signs and informational brochures etc. will be available for you.

Thank you again in advance for your support of the committee.
Please note: There is NO democratic primary in this county.

Best,
Lynne Boecher, Chair

Thursday, August 27, 2015

SUNY Adirondack Alumni News Features Rob Smith

The SUNY Adirondack Alumni News Features Rob Smith


"My mom is the reason I'm taking the next step."    
Rob Smith, '90, is running for Warren County Family Court Judge


Robert Smith, '90, is a native of Queensbury and recently announced his intention to run for Warren County Family Court Judge.

Rob earned a business administration degree from SUNY Adirondack and a bachelor's degree in economics from SUNY Albany. He is an honors graduate of Albany Law School and began his legal career working for the late Richard J. Bartlett, at the firm of Bartlett, Pontiff, Stewart & Rhodes, PC in Glens Falls. Rob later took employment with attorney Stan Pritzker, now a justice on the New York State Supreme Court.

We spoke with Rob over lunch at The Docksider in Queensbury.



Q: Why did you choose to start your education at SUNY Adirondack?
A: After graduating from Queensbury, I really didn’t know what I wanted to do. I had three careers in mind – an elementary school teacher, a lawyer, or an FBI agent. The FBI involved legal issues, so I thought I could become a lawyer and then move into the FBI with a law degree. It also just sounded cool to me at the time.  On the other hand, I always loved kids and loved working with kids. When I graduated high school, the Queensbury School District had possibly one to two male teachers in the elementary school. I felt that the school needed more male teachers, and would be a good way to find a job relatively easily just out of college.
SUNY Adirondack was affordable and close to home. I didn’t have that need or desire that most kids have to get away from my parents and hometown. I loved the area. I also came from a family of five kids. My parents just couldn’t afford to pay for the rising costs of college, even back then. My parents worked very hard to provide for us, so I was not going to burden them with my education expenses. I also wasn’t sure what I wanted to become. So my thought was this: Why waste the money when I’m not sure what I want to do? One of the best parts about the school was the college’s open door policy – that is, if you wanted to speak to a professor, the door was always open. I had a much different experience at SUNY Albany – there were 50 to 200 people in one class, and you always wound up speaking to teaching assistants.
SUNY Adirondack is a hidden gem in this area.  It really bothers me that the college is still looked at as “Bay Road Tech,” or a place where kids go because they couldn’t get into a “real college.” But it was very good to me, and for me. To date, it’s the best schooling I’ve received. I hear kids say, “I’m just gonna go to (SUNY Adirondack)” and I stop ‘em and I say, “If you are unsure of what you want to do, this will be the best decision you’ll ever make for your education. Period.” My oldest son will be taking classes there next year.

Q: Who inspired you at SUNY Adirondack?
A: I can honestly say I didn’t have a bad professor here. Drew Bonacic was a good professor and he dealt with students well. John O’Kane and Richard Tarantino, instructors in the criminal justice program, were great teachers. John was retired from the NYPD and Dick was a Glens Falls City Court judge – he taught a lot of classes and guided me toward a law degree. Tarantino preached that a law degree was self-sustaining, and made me understand that it was better to get the degree while you’re young rather than try later when life becomes a little more complicated.

Q: What motivated you to transfer to SUNY Albany, and then move on to Albany Law?
A: I was fascinated by economics and understood it well. By the time I graduated from SUNY Albany, though, I had made up my mind to take Mr. Tarantino’s advice and go to law school. My uncle, G. Emmett Smith, went to law school and I followed in his footsteps.

Q: What has changed in the practice of law since you earned your degree?
A:  I have worked for the Warren County Court System for most of my legal career, so my opinion will lean more towards what I see the courts doing. The court system today recognizes the need for treatment. It has finally realized that it’s cheaper to treat someone as opposed to incarcerating them. Judges also recognize the need to get a real understanding of why people are appearing before them.  Mental health is another area that needs immediate attention.  

Q: You were instrumental in creating the first Treatment Court in Warren County, right?
A: Yes – Warren County Court Judge John Austin and I created the first treatment court. We worked in collaboration with our District Attorney, Kate Hogan, Director of Probation Robert Iusi, the defense bar and various treatment agencies to create the first felony treatment court in Warren County’s history. It was a felony treatment court, designed for recidivists who continue to commit crimes due to substance abuse related issues. The idea behind the court was quite simple: Help these people with their addiction and decrease the likelihood of them committing new crimes. If you cure the addiction, you stop the criminality. I am proud to say that we have had a lot of success in that.
We’ve had over 200 graduates of the Treatment Court and approximately 75 are currently in the program now. But it’s not easy. A person really has to want to make the necessary changes in order to graduate. It’s very intensive and takes one to three years to complete. There’s a lot of random drug testing, a lot of meetings, and scheduled court appearances.
Family court has an adult family treatment court and a juvenile treatment court that were both modeled after ours. Although these programs have not seen as much success as ours, I do believe that my extensive knowledge and experience in this area can turn those programs around.  Understanding the nature of addiction and obtaining the proper treatment is critical in assisting addicts to live more productive lives, and more importantly, maintain healthier and safer relationships with their children, family members and other members of society. Unfortunately, substance abuse issues are all too prevalent in many Family Court cases. After hearing the speakers at the recent “Hometown v. Heroin” presentation at SUNY Adirondack, I am convinced that a juvenile treatment program is critical in halting the spread of drug and alcohol use among our youth. I would take the necessary steps to regenerate the somewhat “defunct” Juvenile Treatment Court Program in Warren County.

Q: Why did you decide to run for Family Court Judge?
A: The main reason is quite simple: I really enjoy helping people solve problems and working with kids. I have worked with kids, in some capacity, my entire life. I have coached hundreds of kids in our community in various sports. I am a board member of Big Brothers and Big Sisters and was recently assigned a new “little.” Seeing the impact that I can have on a child’s life is very gratifying to me. Being as involved in the community as I am, however, has also allowed for me to see the many different family dynamics that exist, and the many problems associated with those dynamics. Families are struggling, and if I can provide them with a map to a safer and healthier place, then I feel that it is my obligation as a member of this community to do so.
I have also seen far too many cases come to county court where the individual has an extensive family court file. These individuals have now graduated from PINS and Juvenile Delinquency proceedings to adult felons. Part of me wonders if something is getting missed. Having two Judges will allow them each to spend more time with each file and hopefully stop this trend.
I also believe that my knowledge and experience with treatment court can have a tremendous impact on many of the families and kids in Family Court. You have to understand, the Treatment Courts in the Warren County Court System can have a positive impact not just on the participants, but their families and our community as a whole. The problems in Family Court – substance abuse and addictions – are similar to those in other courts. If you can beat the addiction, life becomes as little less chaotic. It effects positive change.
I have 16 and 14 year old boys.  Raising kids today is so different than it was even 10 years ago. I think Family Court needs a Judge who is young enough to understand today’s kids and families and strong enough to handle the issues. I feel I have both qualities.

Q: One of the biggest reasons you are embarking on this campaign is in memory of your mother, Joann.
A: My mom passed away 15 years ago. She’s one of the reasons I’m taking the next step. She loved kids. Both she and my father continue to have a tremendous impact on my life and how I view things.                     
Both of my parents grew up in Glens Falls, my mother on Third Street and my father on Cherry Street. My father lost his dad when he was 6 years old. He was a worker and helped take care of his mom at a very young age. He has one of the brightest minds and a memory which I envy. He worked seven days a week to provide for his family and showed me how important it was to take care of your family.
My mom grew up in Glens Falls and loved kids. I am confident that is where my love and passion for kids comes from. She always tried to see the best in everyone, and instilled that belief in me. She understood that things aren’t always what they appeared to be, and always tried to not judge a book by its cover.
My mother was very handy and loved to reupholster furniture. I remember her and I driving around Glens Falls one day and she saw a ratty old couch sitting on a curb. When she stopped to look at it, I was embarrassed. Then she started to explain to me why she had stopped.  She said, “You look at this piece of furniture and you see a ratty old couch. I look at it and see the study frame that’s hidden underneath. It’s the frame that makes the couch, not the cloth.” We ended up taking that couch home. Mom re-upholstered it and made it brand new again. That was always one of her many talents, taking something old and making it new again.
I view kids and people in a similar light. I don’t judge people because they dress differently or look different than I do. I try to see the good in everyone and try to bring the best out of everyone. It is one of the reasons why I love coaching kids.  Perhaps my ideas and suggestions can take these broken families and kids and make them new again.
I’m hoping my story will send a message to kids in the area. I started from simple beginnings, went to SUNY Adirondack, and now I’m running for Family Court Judge. The sky’s the limit.
For more information on Rob Smith, go to www.robsmithforjudge.com or visit his Facebook page at RobSmithforJudge.


Thursday, July 2, 2015

Have A Safe & Happy 4th!

Wishing you all safe travel, good weather and a Happy Fourth of July from the Warren County Democratic Committee!

Wednesday, June 17, 2015

Glens Falls Democratic Committee Spring Picnic

A Reminder:   You're Invited! The Glens Falls Democratic Committee will hold its Spring Picnic this Saturday, June 20th from 4-6pm at the Lawrence Street Tavern on the corner of Lawrence & Cooper Streets, across the street from the Post Star. 

Come and meet the Democratic candidates running for office in the City this year.  Candidates scheduled to be present include State Supreme Court, 4th Judicial District candidate Julie Garcia,  Warren County Family Court Judge candidate Rob Smith, Warren County Sheriff candidate Larry Cleveland, Assistant Glens Falls City Court Judge and candidate Nikki Moreschi, 1st Ward Supervisor and candidate Dan Girard, 2nd Ward Supervisor and candidate Peter McDevitt, 3rd Ward Supervisor candidate Claudia Braymer and 5th Ward Supervisor candidate Ben Driscoll.

A $10 donation will be accepted at the door.  Refreshments will be served:  attendees are invited to bring a dish if they choose.  There will be a cash bar.

Thanks,

Lynne

Monday, May 11, 2015

Queensbury Democrats Hold Meet The Candidates Night

On Wednesday May 6 the Queensbury Democrats held a Meet The Candidates Night at the Sweet Basil Restaurant on Rt.9.  Queensbury Dem Co-chair Mike Parwana introduced canidates John Strough, for Town Supervisor, Jennifer Switzer and Rick Garrand for Town Council and Dave Strainer for Supervisor at Large.



Co-Chair Mike Parwana introduces candidagtes

Dave Strainer

Dave Strainer, John Strough and Bill Mason listen

Rick Garrand

Jennifer Swizter

County Chair Lynne Boecher and Mike Parwana

Kim Ross, Beth McLaughlin and Julie Garcia

Vice Chair Tom McDonough with Sheriff Candidate Larry Cleveland

2014 Congressional Candidate Aaron Woolf with Lynne Boecher

Family Court Judge Candidate Rob Smith with friends

Rob Smith and Ralph Farrell

Glens Falls City Chair Margaret Farrell
John Strough and Lisa Adamson


Sunday, April 26, 2015

Democrats Come Out For NAACP Scholarship Dinner and Gov. David Paterson!

The Glens Falls Branch of the NAACP was singularly honored Saturday, April 25th, to have former Gov. David Paterson as its special guest speaker for its bi-annual Scholarship Dinner.

In attendance were many area Democrats including Warren County Family Court Judge Candidate Rob Smith and his wife Wanda, Queensbury Supervisor John Strough and Chris Strough, Glens Falls Assistant City Court Judge Nikki Moreschi and her husband Bill and Warren County Sheriff Candidate and former Sheriff Larry Cleveland. 

Guests were welcomed by NAACP Branch President and Democratic Committee Member Mary Gooden and Vice Chair and Democratic Committee Member Lee Braggs.




Warren County Family Court Candidate Rob Smith with Governor Paterson and Glens Falls Assistant City Court Judge Nikki Moreschi


Queensbury Supervisor John Strough and Gov. Paterson
Sheriff Candidate Larry Cleveland and Gov. Paterson


Rob Smith, Gov. Paterson and Judge Moreschi
Rob and Wanda Smith with Gov. Paterson

Rob Smith with Gov. Paterson

Rev. Leonard Oates and Supervisor John Strough

Gov. Paterson Speaks to the guests
Rob Smith talks with Ernest Gooden
Larry Cleveland with Bill McCoskery

Glens Falls City Chair Margaret Farrell and Judge Moreschi

Warren County Chair Lynne Boecher with United Association Political Director Larry Bulman

Bruce Reese with Dennis Tarantino

Mrs. Oates and Judge Moreschi


Larry Cleveland and Rob Smith
Mary Gooden introduces Gov. Paterson

Mary Gooden and committee presents Gov. Paterson with a thank you gift

Gov. Paterson and Lee Braggs

Larry Bulman is introduced to Rob Smith by Lynne Boecher
Judge Moreschi and Gov. Paterson