On March 12th the Village Independent Democrats held their monthly meeting in St. John’s Church on Christopher Street.
President Nadine Hoffman and District Leader Keen Berger gave reports on a variety of local political issues, including the appointment of Buxton Midyette as a State Committee representative.
Club member Sharon Woolums reported on a recent forum on small businesses which was co-sponsored by the VID. Steve Null, a long-time activist in this area, called for action in the form of a petition drive to support legislation now in the City Council to control business rents, and the club set up a committee to begin this petition drive.
State Assembly member Deborah Glick and Senator Brad Hoylman gave detailed reports on legislative activity in Albany, especially on the upcoming budget, along with issues related to LGBT homeless youths and rent control issues.
President Hoffman announced that this year’s fund raising and awards gala will be held on Thursday, April 30th at Tio Pepe’s restaurant and will be honoring recent Democratic primary candidates Zephyr Teachout and Tim Wu, among others.
Other on-going club activities include working with the Coalition to Stop Port Ambrose LNG terminal and supporting the Candles for Clemency which is requesting that Governor Cuomo begin to use his clemency power for some state prisoners, which he has not yet done. The last activity was supported by a unanimous resolution passed by the club members along with a demonstration in front of the Governor’s home on April 18th.
The next meeting will be on Thursday April 9th at the same location. The scheduled guest speaker is Zephyr Teachout.
Alec Pruchnicki is a member of the VID executive committee.
