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Local Republicans Need to Change Their Ways
To the Editor:
If Republicans are serious about building a viable twoparty system in town, they might take lessons in social graces from local Democrats.
On election night Democrats gathered at a hospitable home where donated wine and food were served, while Republicans were herded into a local tavern owned by a Republican activist to buy their own drinks. By the way, I speak as a neutral, being a registered Conservative.
I was moved at the Lions Club's election day luncheon to be approached by a Democrat supporter who assured me there were no hard feelings about my opposition to one of their candidates, A day later a prominent Republican snubbed me and my husband (the latter a registered Republican) because I had opposed two of the three contested Republican candidates. This man had no knowledge of how my husband voted.
I revert to when we moved here, both of us rock-ribbed Republicans. Then, as now, the Philipstown Republican leadership froze out new blood, fearful of someone grabbing the reins of power. By contrast, Democrat Councilwoman Betty Budney sought us out and invited me to non-political community events (we then had a hospital) to get acquainted. Republican officials then in power harassed us on property matters in which the town was legally in error and could have been sued - and would have been if I had it to do again.
When Abby Hartman died and her gracious Republican pre-election parties ceased, a Republican committeeman asked if we would host their pre-election party for that one year. My husband, still a registered Republican, agreed to do so for that occasion, as I had done for Democrats when The Rock burned and they were seeking a place on short notice for their pre-election party (now ably and graciously hosted by Libby Healy.) Linda Schmitt, then Republican chairman, failed to present the offer to the Republican Committee and took it upon herself to spurn it. Another example of a Republican fear of someone moving onto her turf.
If Republicans this year held anything but high stakes fundraising events, my Republican husband did not hear of them. By contrast, the Democrats' pre-election party always functions as an appreciation party, open to all at a modest fee.
It's obvious why the town lacks a viable two-party system. As one esteemed prophet said, "Those who do not learn from history are destined to repeat it." Republicans, take note.
Catherine Portman-Laux
Garrison
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