Back on the campaign trail

Linda riding Sailor Moon

Well, it was totally unexpected, but due to the untimely death of our Town Supervisor Rodger Hurley, I am once again running for a seat on the Town Board of Granville. Rodger had accomplished much during his first term and the first two months of his second term, and it would be devastating for Granville if that momentum was lost. So Tom Scott, the former mayor of the village of Granville, is running for Town Supervisor to continue Rodger's work. I hope to be elected so that Tom and I can work together to bring more funding and new projects to the town. As mayor, Tom was instrumental in develping a Master Plan for the village, which is a requirement for many federal and state grants. The village has benefited tremendously from that plan, and he hopes to do the same for the town. We were going in the right direction under Rodger. Let's continue the progress and Rodger's legacy with new, energetic leadership!

The results

Well, in spite of an all-out effort, my campaign fell short and I didn't win a seat on the town board. For someone who was virtually unknown in town just a few months ago, I did get a respectable number of votes (443). But the Republican machine was impossible to overcome, as they had more registered voters and many more thousands of dollars to spend on the campaign. All in all, though, it was a very positive experience and I wouldn't do anything different. I now have a wonderful new network of friends, and their support and hard work was very gratifying. Thanks to all who worked so hard for me and for our town supervisor Rodger Hurley. Rodger is currently ahead by 15 votes, but there are still more than 60 absentee ballots to be counted next week. So anything could happen there.
Again, thanks to everyone, and this blog is a wrap!

Me and Kirsten!

After an afternoon of campaigning in the cold on a dreary, windy afternoon, I got a surprise phone call Washington County Democratic Chairman Sheila Comar. Seems NY Senator Kirsten Gillibrand was making a surprise stop at Carl R's in Queensbury - and would I like to attend? It took me all of 2 seconds to say yes, that my husband and I would be there. We went, and I met our senator for the first time. She graciously posed for a picture with me. What a thrill! Our Congressman Scott Murphy was also there, and I met him for the first time as well. What a great way to end the week!

I'm a Lion - hear me roar!

On October 20, I was inducted into the Granville Lions Club by District Governor Ed Stano. I'm very excited to be part of this group, which is a great group of energetic people who do wonderful things in Granville. In the photo are Sheila Comar, President of Granville Lions, me, and Dist. Gov. Ed Stano.

We're coming down to the final days of the campaign. I've covered a lot of ground going door to door, and have met some terrific people. Everyone has been very supportive and kind. Tomorrow will start the final push, and I have a feeling I'm going to be exhausted by Election Day. But I'm giving it my best shot!

County Rt. 17 today

This morning Rodger and I drove the length of County Route 17, meeting lots of people and discussing town issues. We ran into one woman who had lived in Rodger's house when she was a little girl! It was enjoyable to hear her talk about the old Hulett farm, and how things were many years ago. Tomorrow we're off again - not sure where - but Rodger always comes up with a great itinerary.

North Granville swing

Yesterday Rodger and I spent the afternoon traveling the entire length of New Boston Road, where we met some very nice people. Some folks had great ideas for the town - like bringing in a Christmas Tree Shop - which would probably be a big hit for the entire area. It might be a long shot, but it's certainly something to pursue. The fall colors are hanging on, and we were treated to some gorgeous scenic views during our tour. I'm spending my off time completing questionnaires for the local newspapers, and coming up with ad copy. Being a candidate is reallly a full-time job! Today it's back to reality, to my "real" job at the bookstore. I'm hosting an author event tonight, so I will be busy.

Big campaign day

Today I did a marathon campaign walking tour in the village of Granville with Rodger Hurley and former mayor Tom Scott. We covered a huge amount of ground, and met many wonderful people. A special shout-out goes to Ed Warner, who served us freshly-made peanut butter fudge. Delicious! Tom was the perfect tour guide, introducing me to his neighbors and life-long friends. Even though there was a little chill in the air, the weather cooperated and the sun even came out. Thanks to everyone for being so welcoming and gracious. Rodger and I hit the road again tomorrow, possibly up in North Granville.