Ellingsworth 4 Granville

Back on the campaign trail

2010-10-16T18:08:00.000-07:00

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

2009-11-05T13:35:00.000-08:00

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!

2009-10-30T19:19:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-10-29T17:19:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-17T14:41:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-13T06:09:00.001-07:00

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

2009-10-11T18:57:00.000-07:00

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.

Nice event

2009-10-05T02:13:00.000-07:00

Sunday afternoon, after a campaign swing with Rodger Hurley through Butler Road in North Granville, we (husband and I) attended a wonderful get-together at Sheila Comar's house. There was a great group of supporters who all donated funds to help us with our mounting campaign expenses. It was truly gratifying to receive such support and encouragement. Once again, I forgot my camera, so there are no pictures to post. But I wish to thank everyone who attended for their kind words and belief in me.

Another barn dance

2009-09-28T16:46:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, we went to another barn dance, this one to benefit the Pember Museum & Library (of which I am on the Board of Trustees) and the Agricultural Stewardship Association. This dance was held at a brand-new barn in Hampton, and it's the likes of which I've never seen. The barn was a gorgeous post-and-beam structure, at least 5 stories high. The craftsmanship was unbelievable. The owners, Richard Hogan and Carron Sherry, donated use of the barn for the dance. There was an old-time fiddle band playing tunes from the 1700s and 1800s, and a "caller" to help us all with the dance steps. Little kids were dressed in period clothes, and it was truly like stepping back in time. What an amazing event.

Yesterday - after dancing all afternoon on Saturday - I went out campaigning in the village of Granville with Rodger Hurley, our town supervisor. We walked for over 4 hours, mostly in the rain. But we did meet some great people. Mid-way in the afternoon we took a break at Scottie's, and refueled with some delicious pie. Who says running for office isn't fun!

The North Granville tour

2009-09-20T17:49:00.000-07:00

This afternoon I first went to the grand opening of the Haynes House of Hope, a hospice house built entirely through the efforts of local people. It's a beautiful Greek Revival style house that will provide a pleasant home for terminal patients and even room for their families to visit and spend the night. It's a tribute to the people of Granville that something of this scope could become reality. I made a contribution because I believe in this mission.

Afterwards, I went on a tour of North Granville with Mary and Nicholas Silitch. We visited with several local residents, talked about pertinent town issues, and put out some more of my signs. While visiting Bob and Carla Johnson, who should stop by but our illustrious town supervisor Rodger Hurley, out doing his own campaigning. It was a great afternoon, and I'm learning that people in the town are hungry for some positive change that will move the town forward. I aim to be part of that goal.

Barn Dance!

2009-09-19T19:46:00.000-07:00

The Slate Valley Museum held a Polish Barn Dance, complete with Polka Band tonight at the Wing Horse Farm in Granville. It was a big time, with more than 100 people attending and getting into the polka spirit with Polish food and music. The dance floor was filled throughout the night, although I suspect that dancing was a great way to keep warm with temps in the 40s. Our town supervisor, Rodger Hurley, and his wife Ann (both in red) stepped out to the bouncy music. I even took a spin on the dance floor with octogenarian John Norton, who showed me how it's done. We sure know how to have fun around here!

Signs are here!

2009-09-18T17:22:00.000-07:00

My signs arrived the other day and they look great. Sheila took some, and I've got one outside at the end of my driveway. Tomorrow I hope to go out and put more out. Tomorrow night we're going to a barn dance that's complete with Polish food and a polka band. Should be a good time!

Big news around here is that Pres. Obama is coming to Troy on Monday, to Hudson Valley Community College. By a coincidence, the room he will be speaking in is my brother's lab. He teaches auto technology there. Yesterday he called to say he couldn't get any work done, because he was overrun by Secret Service personnel. He couldn't believe the scrutiny they were giving the place. He's not sure if he will able to be there, but I'm going to see if he can get me in. Only 250 people can get in, and I want to be one of them!

Campaigning

2009-09-11T08:07:00.000-07:00

I started campaigning in earnest this week. Washington County's Democratic chairperson, Sheila Comar, was kind enough to take me out and introduce me to several prominent Granville Democrats this week. Several people said they would put my sign up, which is much appreciated. The signs arrive next Tuesday, so I'll be eager to get them out.

Last night JD and I attended a delicious turkey dinner at the United Methodist Church in North Granville. We met some neighbors - hi to the Leahy's - and bumped into some friends like Phil and Bunny Hodge from Hartford. Phil is my hay supplier, and it's always great to see him. We bumped into a family friend - JD's sister's good friend Sally, who was enjoying the meal as well. Great people, great food, and a very nice time.

After the dinner I headed south to Moreau for an interview with the Glens Falls Labor Council, who is considering endorsing me. Met fellow Granville resident Patty Goyette, Saratoga County Democratic chair Larry Bulman, and several other local union presidents. It turns out the format of this event was not what I had expected, but I did my best considering I was not prepared for an 8-person interview. Coming from a family of union workers (my husband is a member of IAFF 2230, local firefighters), I believe in the importance of unions and am supportive of their work. I'll have to wait and see if the Labor Council feels I can help their cause.

Howard and me

2009-08-31T06:51:00.000-07:00

Yesterday at the Northshire Bookstore, we hosted former Vermont Governor Howard Dean, who spoke about health care reform. His new book is Howard Dean's Prescription for Real Health Care Reform, and in it he lists the common sense things that need to be done so all US citizens can have affordable health care. More than 250 people turned out to hear his inspiring talk and to ask questions, which he ably answered. It was a wonderful event, and I was honored to be able to meet him and work with him. He is genuine, a down-to-earth guy who is passionate about the health care issue.

Here I am as we finished up the booksigning portion of the event. As a fledgling politician, it was a thrill to get my picture taken with him.

Working at the Fair

2009-08-25T19:11:00.001-07:00

Today in my first official appearance as a candidate for Granville Town Council, I worked the County Democratic Booth at the Washington County Fair. It was very busy, probably because today was sunny and the nicest day we've had in a long time. I met lots of people from Washington County, and even from far-flung counties like Columbia and Queens. It was HOT in the Commercial Building, but we got through it. Here I am at the end of my shift with Nicholas Silitch and Mary Todd. Earlier in the afternoon I worked with our town supervisor Rodger Hurley. At the conclusion of my shift I went to the horse ring, where I got to watch the Adirondack Cowgirls drill team do a performance. They practice at Burchland Farm in Hartford. They looked really sharp in their royal blue sequined blouses, and their horses performed very well. I was envious! Someday, maybe, my mare Sailor and I will work well enough together to try something like this.

The card is here

2009-08-20T17:03:00.000-07:00

I picked up my "palm card" campaign piece yesterday. It looks great. Turns out the guy at Express Copy in Manchester (VT) who did the job lives in Granville. It's a small world around here. Next Tuesday I'm working the Democratic Booth at the Washington County Fair, so I'll bring my cards to display. Maybe I'll convince someone to take one!

Working on campaign materials

2009-08-15T11:18:00.000-07:00

Got my photo taken, and Heather B. is finalizing my "palm card" that will be my primary campaign piece. She's also incorporated the same design to be used as a yard sign. It's really great. I'm just trying to decide whether to use the 'posterized' effect photo she put in the design. It's cool looking, but I think I should look more like myself for this. Or more like a better-looking version of myself!

Run Linda Run!

2009-07-27T18:05:00.000-07:00

To follow in the days ahead is the chronicle of my newest life adventure - running for Town Councilman in my home town of Granville, NY. Although I've been a member of our local Democratic committee, this is new territory for me. So my plan is to talk about what it takes to campaign and become known throughout the town, and what I'll learn along the way. Here we go!