Wednesday, January 31, 2007

You go, Eugene!

Last year when we elected Eugene DePasquale to the State House we knew we were sending him to a place with a history of financial self-dealing. Pennsylvania residents were ticked off that our state representation chose to circumvent the intent of the law and take advances on the pay raises they voted for themselves. Some of the folks we drummed out of office in the November elections took their last swipes at our wallets by taking tens of thousands of dollars in "expenses" on their way home.

Well, Eugene has provided an itemized list of his expenses right out of the gate - what a concept! At last somebody understands the accountability we want to see from the legislators who work for us. None of this tiptoeing out the door with a check in hand. Full accountability. Way to be a role model, Eugene!

Tuesday, January 30, 2007

Welcome to The Kicking Donkey!

My dad was a dyed-in-the-wool Massachusetts Democrat who taught me a lot about speaking my mind even when my views were unpopular. Little did he know just how much my perspective on government and its proper role in our lives would indeed reflect the minority view in my community - at least until now.

We have a resurging Democratic party now in York County, with strong leadership and a growing Grassroots effort. Just last night we brought our local Grassroots organization under the official party umbrella to enable its energy to continue to move us forward. Kudos to Ron Toomey, Mary Toomey, and Betty Marshall for providing that place for like minds to gather. During the past three years we've organized to better promote candidates, and we've gotten more informed about the issues that are affecting us at a national, state, and local level. We've had more solidly competitive candidates in more races. And we're building our network of community volunteers to get people registered and participating in the process of democracy.

If things go according to plan you'll see posts from various members of our York area community of Democrats - some to inform you, some to inspire, and some to do some ranting and rabble-rousing. Please add your voice to the mix - this is what the American way of government is all about!