The Chairman's Corner

May 2008

My fellow Republicans,

Our annual Lincoln Victory Ball, which was held on Saturday, April 12th, honored Susan Frazier our Businesswoman of the Year for 2008.  We have some photos inside our monthly newsletter.  If you are interested in purchasing any of the over 150 photos, go to www.philcosta.com.  As always it was very successful dinner.  Guests came from all over the State and even from outside New York to salute to our honoree, Susan Frazier. During her speech she offered a multimedia slide presentation of the famous women in history. Susan also received special awards from the State Senate, presented by Senator Tom Morahan, Assembly presented by Annie Rabbit, County Legislator presented by Ed Day and the County Executive presented by Scott Vanderhoef. 

Our souvenir dinner journal was also a success again this year.  I want to express my appreciation for all who bought ads and tickets this year.  My thanks also goes out to our dinner committee whose hard work made the event so successful.  A special word of gratitude goes to my executive assistant, Georgia Gentile who once again spent countless hours making it extra special.

Special events of the night included the Sheriff’s Honor Guard who presented our colors.  Scott Vanderhoef led the Pledge of Allegiance, Bobby Pace sang our National Anthem and Sheriff Kralik offered our invocation. The award winning East Ramapo Marching Band joined us once again and entertained us with a musical tribute to the 1970’s hits of the band “Earth Wind and Fire”. Band leader Mike Smith received Rockland County Legislature’s Community Service Award presented to him by Ed Day, Doug Jobson and Frank Sparaco. 

After dinner, we were honored to hear from the Chairman of the New York Republican State Committee, the honorable Joseph Mondello.  It is always a privilege to have him take time out of his busy schedule to join us.   Following his remarks Chairman Mondello introduced our keynote speaker: WABC radio personality and founder of the Guardian Angels, Curtis Sliwa. Our thanks to Curtis for an impassioned speech that was both entertaining and a bit over the top as only he can present. 

Now that our only fundraiser for the year is behind us, we will be focusing on Election 2008. We will hold our County Convention in late May (details to follow). Our regional John McCain for President Headquarters will be opening in New City soon.  Watch for our grand opening ceremony announcement.  It will serve all the counties in the Hudson Valley region. 

The Board of Elections would like to recruit registered Republicans to be certified as Election Inspectors for the Primary Election on September 9. 2008 and the General Election on November 4, 2008. Inspectors are paid $25.00 for Certification and another $25.00 for attending the Pre Election meeting. On Primary and Election Day the payment each day is $175.00, with the Chairperson earning an additional $25.00 for each day. If anyone is interested in working as an Election Inspector or knows someone who would like to work, please call the Board of Elections at 638-5172.

Once again we want to urge each of you to join our e-mail list.  In this information age, news happens fast, and we want to send out important information immediately. To join our list send us an e-mail with the subject line “list” and you name in the body of the e-mail to rocklandgop@aol.com. You can also stay informed by tuning in to our Republican Update Cable TV Show on Cablevision Every Tuesday 7:00 pm. In Ramapo on Channel 75, the rest of Rockland County on  Channel 78 and in Orange County on Channel 77.

Sincerely,

Vincent D. Reda
Chairman