The Village Independent Democrats (VID) held its monthly meeting on Thursday, December 10th. Nadine Hoffmann, President of VID, started the proceedings by giving her President’s report. She announced that a forum dealing with gun safety and regulation is being planned for March in conjunction with the Chelsea Reform Democratic Club and possibly with other reform clubs. She proudly stated that our own Senator Brad Hoylman was honored by the EPL/Environmental Advocates as the Legislator of 2015 for his stance in Albany against polluters and their allies. A letter has been sent to Congressman Jerrold Nadler commending his brave position on admitting Syrian refugees.
District Leader Keen Berger could hardly contain her anger as she spoke to the demagoguery against immigrants and Muslims demonstrated by the Republican candidates for U.S. President. However, she also emphasized how proud she was of our Congressman, Jerry Nadler and the rest of the Democratic Party for standing up to the Republican xenophobia.
Former District Leader Jonathan Geballe reported on the status of the Voter Empowerment Act, which would, among other things, automatically register 18 year olds, but is languishing in Albany. Jonathan and newly elected VID Vice President Erik Coler are organizing a panel that will discuss and solicit ideas from the public on how to mobilize people to push their legislators to act on this bill.
The next order of business was the election of VID officers. Nadine Hoffmann ran unopposed for VID President and will serve a second term. In a contested election, Erik Coler, Barbara Ruether, and Linda Jacobson were elected to the three vice president positions.
The highlight of the evening was the United States Democratic Presidential endorsement process. VID members had forty-five minutes to speak for their candidates, or alternately, for the Club not to endorse at this time. After a lively airing of all positions, it came time for the secret ballot. On the first ballot no candidate received a majority. After a second ballot, again no candidate received a majority. Therefore, the position of the VID is “No Endorsement” for now.
The meeting ended with a resolution asking the Democratic National Committee to hold at least three more presidential debates.
—Tony Hoffmann
