The Bulletin -- February 17, 2010 (#1029)

ABOVE: ASSEMBLYWOMAN JANET DUPREY SPEAKS WITH JOHN PRIM.

Program: Assemblywoman Janet Duprey—Statewide Constitutional Convention

It was no surprise when Assemblywoman Janet Duprey lamented about government shenanigans taking place in Albany. Like many people in the room, she too is fed up with the political process which is holding up legislation.
In an attempt to move toward positive changes, a statewide convention could be used as a means for sharing ideas and information about the political process with citizen delegates.

The convention is not a place for politicians or lobbyists. It is simply a call to interested citizens to develop potential solutions to the problems they see impeding progress.

The convention is a two year process. Although the convention is scheduled to take place in 2017, it has to get past legislation, which Assemblywoman Duprey said will be a heavy lift. If it is passed, it will go on the ballot in November (2010) and voters will decide if the convention will move forward.
Assemblywoman Duprey got involved with the convention after learning about the results of a Chamber of Commerce survey. Ninety-six percent of respondents wanted a Property Tax Cap, and 87 percent wanted to see a State Spending Cap. Debt reform, elimination of unfunded mandates, independent redistricting commission, and succession planning all require discussion.

“We have an unelected Governor, an unelected Lieutenant Governor, an unelected Comptroller and an unelected United States Senator,” said Duprey. “Something is wrong with this.” The statewide convention would hopefully address some of these issues.

DOUG KASHOREK GIVES HIS NEW MEMBER TALK WITH THE HELP OF “GRANDPA.”

New Member Talk – Doug Kashorek Doug Kashorek was born in Long Beach, CA in 1971. As part of a military family, Doug grew up in Scotland and then in Illinois before settling down in his parents’ hometown, Bath, N.Y. Doug puts his faith first and is proud to be married to Laurie Saeth (17 years). He is also a proud father of three children. After teaching English at Beekmantown for five years, Doug went back to college for a second bachelor’s degree in Bible Studies. He became a preacher at the Church of Christ, but continues to teach writing classes at Clinton Community College. Doug is the author of a recently published book that will be out next summer. With his puppet entourage, Doug performs enthusiastic comedic shows for children in schools and churches. At age 17, Doug spent a year in Japan as a Rotary International exchange student. He is pleased to be involved in Rotary once again.

This Week:

• Colin Read stood in for President Bonnie Black.
• Dues are overdue! Please pay ASAP.
• Make note of the Rotary Foundation and Benefactor Forms on the tables. It is easy to give.
• Rotaract is having a meeting today (2/17) at 5:30 p.m. in Redcay 215, at SUNY Plattsburgh.

Visiting Rotarians: David Malone (Watertown Sunrise)

Guests: Larry Pickereign (John Bernardi), Janet Du-prey & Jill Abdallah (Paul Sands), Larry Goodman (Jack Prim), Peggy Eaglefeather (Erik Eaglefeather) and Dave Kimmel (Roger VanGuilder).

Announcements:

• There is no meeting on Wednesday, March 10. The club will meet instead on Thursday, March 11, at the Elk’s Lodge with the Kiwanis Club.
• The 25th Annual Fishing Tournament will be heldJune 4 - 6 on Lake Champlain.
• Wednesday, June 9, is the Rotary Golf Tournament.

Committee Moments:

Food Shelf—Elle Berger: January’s collection totaled $410 with $205 going to the Salvation Army and $205 going to the Food Shelf. The total included a $100 special gift. Thank you contributing members!


Senior Citizens Committee—Ellie Murray: The nursing homes received their gifts, which took care of 41 people who have no relatives. $600 was giving to CVPH, $250 to Meadowbrook, $400 to Clinton County Nursing Home and $250 to Evergreen Nursing Home.

Ski Day Committee—John Bernardi: Wednesday, March 10, is ski day at Whiteface. Lift tickets are $35, and group rates for lessons and equipment are available if needed. The clubs from Clinton, Essex and Franklin counties are all invited to attend.

Colin’s Cash:

• Ellie Murray thanked Jay Kerley for co-chairing the Senior Citizens Committee.
• Past Pres. Steve Frederick thanked Dr. Erik Eaglefeather for allowing his aspiring veterinarian daughter, Megan, to visit with her dog, Bear. You are an inspiration.
• Dave Malone gave $5 to announce some things going on in Watertown. The Sunrise Club is working on a big Haiti relief effort that includes five shelter boxes and over $8,000. He had a tax tip: There is a $2,500 tax relief for people with students in college. He also said Bob Smith’s Inn at Smithfield has a new conference room. Verizon Wireless will be holding two free seminars there on Tuesday, March 2, (am/pm). Contact Dave Malone for more information.
• Bill Rowe invited everyone to First Thursday, March 4 at Merons at 5 p.m.
• Rick Leibowitz gave $5. He dined recently with Paul Grasso and John Cooper. He never laughed more!

Another Candle Burning For: Bob Kidwell (2/25) and Peter Cadieux (2/26).

TRIVIA
Did you know…?
The Rotary Club in Kelowna, British Columbia, Canadaa, raises funds for polio through their “Peaks for Polio” program. Members climb the world’s tallest peaks with the goal of raising $50,000 each for a $1million total.