The Connecticut Young Democrats

New Blog! Update your Bookmarks!

2007-11-19T16:52:00.000-05:00

After many years with blogger we are moving our blog to a new home!

The blog will now be at:

http://yd.dems.info/blog

Our RSS feed will now be at:

http://yd.dems.info/blog/?feed=rss2

April Capone Almon Wins in East Haven!

2007-11-15T08:36:00.001-05:00

The Connecticut Young Democrats congratulate April Capone Almon on her historic win in East Haven! A recount concluded last night which confirmed April's 25 vote victory over the incumbent!

Courtesy of East Haven Politics, watch April hear the news and speak with members of the press:

Senator Dodd on "Letters to Nuremberg"

2007-10-23T21:37:00.000-04:00

Senator Dodd came to Congregation Beth Shalom Rodfe Zedek earlier this month to talk about his new book Letters from Nuremberg, which was co-authored by Lary Bloom.

Here are the Senator's remarks, it's well worth the 17 minute run time:

Hartford Courant Endorses Brennan, Slifka, Thornberry

2007-10-19T19:55:00.000-04:00

The Hartford Courant today endorsed three of our endorsed candidates for the West Hartford City Council, calling the city one of the "one of the state's best-run inner-ring communities:"

Scott Slifka, 33, is a Democrat and a lawyer. Mayor since 2004, Slifka has emerged as one of the top municipal leaders in the state. He is a poised, he listens and he thinks creatively.

Carolyn Thornberry, 59, a consultant, is a Democrat running for her third term. She was behind elderly tax relief, a new senior center and new playing fields, among other things.

Tim Brennan, 37, is a Democrat seeking office for the first time. He is a lawyer and the son of two local teachers, and has a strong interest in schools, senior issues and energy policy.

The full endorsement article can be ready by clicking here.

Geoff Luxenberg's Announcement

2007-07-26T00:38:00.000-04:00

The Connecticut Young Democrats made an early endorsement for our male Young Democrat of the Year, Geoff Luxenberg. Our cameras traveled to Manchester July 12th as Geoff kicked off his campaign for the Manchester Board of Education:

Trailer and ABC Clip on 18 in '08

2007-07-23T19:22:00.000-04:00

David Burnstein, director and producer of 18 in '08, came to a YD General Meeting last fall to film us. He did one-on-one interviews with the Danbury Chapter and Geoff Luxemberg, as well as filmed our meeting. The hype surrounding his movie is building and ABC recently did a spot. He also has 2 trailers up which give some great insight to the film and how it will turn out. We're so excited for David and even more excited about the prospect of his film inspiring and turning out young voters.

Here's some links:
http://abcnews.go.com/Video/playerIndex?id=3405568

Short Trailer:
http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid607507101/bclid1119262109/bctid1119179937

Long Trailer:
http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid607507101/bclid1119245570/bctid1119288152

Joe Courtney on Student Debt

2007-07-15T23:52:00.000-04:00

Our own Congressman Courtney speaks on the College Cost Reduction Act of 2007 (H.R. 2669). From their YouTube posting:

"The bill was approved by the Education and Labor Committee on June 13, 2007 and was passed by the House on July 11, 2007. It will provide the single largest increase in college aid since the GI bill. And it will do so at no new cost to taxpayers, by cutting excess subsidies paid by the federal government to lenders in the student loan industry."

Thinking of Running for Office?

2007-06-27T10:33:00.000-04:00

If you're thinking of running for office, now is the time to get moving on your potential candidacy! Democratic Town Committees with November municipal elections have until July 24th to nominate their candidate slates.

In a few weeks the Connecticut Young Democrats will once again renew our endorsement program to assist young candidates with resources, training, and advice. Sign up for our email list to stay up-to-date!

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have questions about serving as a young elected official.

YDA National Convention Information - Join Us in Dallas!

2007-06-18T08:31:00.000-04:00

The Connecticut Young Democrats will be sending delegates to the 2007 YDA National Convention taking place in Dallas, Texas from July 18th – July 21st. This year Connecticut must fill 17 delegate slots in order to maximize our 85 votes at the convention. Delegates must be in Dallas and checked in by Friday, July 20th at 11 p.m. to receive credentials. A full schedule and additional information about the convention can be found at ydadallas.org.

Delegates are selected on a first-come-first-serve basis. Unfortunately due to the high cost of hotel rooms, registration, and airfare, the Connecticut Young Democrats must require all delegates be responsible for their own expenses. We have in the past subsidized a portion of this trip but we cannot guarantee our ability to do so this year.

Delegate positions are available on a first-come-first-serve basis. The only requirements are that you are under 36 and a registered Democrat in Connecticut.

In order to apply to be a delegate, simply email Co-President Lon Seidman at lonseidman@gmail.com with your name and contact information including a cell phone number to reserve your spot. Once you receive a confirmation you will need to register at the YDA Dallas website, ydadallas.org. Delegates are expected to attend all general session meetings and other activities where representation from Connecticut is required.

Please feel free to contact Lon with any other questions you may have about the upcoming convention.

An Important Message From Your Co-Presidents

2007-05-31T10:35:00.000-04:00

Fellow Connecticut Young Democrats,

Four years ago we gathered in Bridgeport with Young Democrats throughout the Northeast Region to put the finishing touches on the newly reinvented Connecticut Young Democrats. We adopted a new constitution and bylaws, and you elected us along with a new Executive Board to lead the organization in a new direction. The vision was to create a new organization with strong local chapters to ensure the energy of our young leaders is put to use on the ground in their home communities.

Our membership is at its strongest level ever, with increasingly active chapters doing some amazing work throughout Connecticut. Regular meetings and events are being sponsored by our chapters in Bridgeport, Danbury, eastern Connecticut, Fairfield county, Hartford, Manchester, Middletown, New Haven, and Waterbury. Young leaders in a number of other communities are busy organizing new chapters as we speak!

One of the key things we've talked to our chapter leaders about from day one is continuity. And it is to that end that we are announcing today that we will not be seeking a third term as your Co-Presidents. We are very excited about the amazing talent at work in this organization and have no doubt the next Executive Board will continue growing the organization all of us throughout Connecticut have built together.

Elections for officers will be taking place on Sunday, August 12th at our third Connecticut Young Democrats convention. The positions up for election include the Co-Presidents and Vice President positions (Organization and Development, Political Affairs, and Finance).

For a description of each position and its responsibilities as well as the election rules and application forms, please click here and visit our website.

Please note that the deadline for filing candidacy papers is Wednesday, June 13th at midnight! Per our bylaws, nominations cannot be made from the floor. We encourage anyone running to announce their candidacy, start campaigning (positively of course), and have fun with it. Holding a leadership position with the Young Democrats will open many doors and give you the skills necessary for serving on a board or commission and running for public office.

Thank you for all of your support during this very exciting time for our organization. We have been honored to serve as your co-presidents and look forward to working with all of you to continue the important work of this very important organization.

Sincerely,

Lon Seidman & Kerry Szeps
CT Young Democrats Co-Presidents

Important Election Information!

2007-05-30T20:48:00.000-04:00

Election Rules and Information
Elections for Executive Board positions will be taking place Sunday, August 12th at our bi-annual convention. Details about the location and time of the convention will be coming soon.

In order to run for an Executive Board position, you must download the official candidacy form by clicking here and returning it to the Connecticut Young Democrats Secretary by June 13, 2007 at midnight. Late applications will not be accepted!! You will receive confirmation of your application from the Secretary.

Voting at our convention is limited to voting members only. Eligible to vote are sitting Executive Board members, representatives of official chapters (two from each chapter), and at-large members (pending an upcoming constitutional change). Once your candidacy is confirmed you will receive a list of eligible voting members from the Secretary. Note that individual chapters may rotate their official representatives to the state chapter, so we suggest you get in touch with the Presidents of each to meet with those chapters prior to the August convention.

Up for election are the following positions:

Co-Presidents (one male, one female)
Vice President of Organization and Development
Vice President of Finance
Vice President of Political Affairs

Full descriptions of each of the positions can be found below.

If you have any questions regarding the process, please contact CT Young Democrats Co-President Lon Seidman by clicking here.

Position Descriptions
Here are the descriptions of each Executive Board position and their responsibilities from our bylaws:

Section 1: The officers of this organization are defined in Article V, Section 1 of the Constitution.

Section 2: All elected and appointed officers shall:

A. Always act in the best interest of the Connecticut Young Democrats in carrying out the duties of his/her office.

B. Appoint a Deputy State Vice President who will act as the assistant to the State Vice President. This officer will maintain the Committee and officiate events and meetings in the absence of the State Vice President.

C. Deliver oral reports at each State Caucus meeting.

D. Attend all meetings and special activities necessary for the effective operation of the State Caucus.

E. Ensure all state committees and subcommittees, standing and ad-hoc, submit minutes to the State Secretary within ten (10) days of said meeting.

Section 3: The State Co-Presidents of the Connecticut Young Democrats shall:

A. Be the official representatives of the Connecticut Young Democrats.

B. Preside over all meetings of the State Caucus and Executive Board. At least one (1) of the two (2) must be present to officiate the Executive Board meeting.

C. Be the ex-officio members of all committees, with the exception of the Ethics and Elections Committee.

D. Initiate, within the powers at his/her disposal, actions necessary for the execution of all resolutions passed by the State Caucus.

E. Appoint, with the advice and consent of the Executive Board, Chapter Representatives to Committees.

F. Prepare an agenda for each meeting of the State Caucus and Executive Board.

G. Assign certain responsibilities not specifically detailed in this document or the bylaws to the State Vice Presidents or Chapter Representatives.

H. Appoint, at their sole discretion, any Connecticut Young Democrat member as a representative to external organizations or committees.

I. Draft a letter to the entire Connecticut Young Democrat membership, in consultation with the Executive Board, which will outline goals for the coming year. This letter should be delivered no later than January 31.

J. Appoint the positions of State Secretary.

K. Appoint from the State Caucus Membership, in consultation with the appropriate State Vice President, the committee members for the State Finance Committee, the State Organization and Development Committee and the State Political Affairs Committee. No two (2) members of the same Chapter may be appointed to the same committee.

L. Appoint any administrative or executive assistants, as they deem necessary to carry out the daily functions of the Connecticut Young Democrats.

Section 4: The State Organization and Development Vice President shall:

A. Inform, advise, and assist the State Co-Presidents on all Connecticut Young Democrats matters.

B. Be responsible for the administration of the State Caucus, Constitution and Bylaws.

C. Be responsible for enforcement and oversight of rules pertaining to local chapters, Convention and Election rules, and the State Ethics and Elections Committee.

D. Ensure advance notice of committee meetings.

E. Ensure all candidates for State Caucus offices receive a list of delegates as soon as those delegates are submitted to his/her office.

F. Be responsible for the State web page which includes (but is not limited to):

1. Appoint an official Young Democrat Webmaster

2. Links to all regional, municipal or collegiate sites

3. Email addresses for all regional, municipal or collegiate Chapters

4. All State Caucus documents, including, but not limited to, meeting minutes, PAC reports, calendar of events, membership lists and Officer contact information

5. Online information security measures which include securing membership lists and member contact information

a. Membership lists and personal contact information collected by the Connecticut Young Democrats shall not be shared with outside organizations or individuals.

b. Membership lists and personal contact information may not be used for any purpose other than Young Democrat business.

G. Monitor all Chapters for compliance with rules outlined in the Constitution and Bylaws.

H. Officiate State Caucus meetings in the absence of the State Co-Presidents.

I. Exercise the necessary diligence to learn and understand Robert's Rules of order and train other members if necessary.

J. Answer questions involving regions and boundary enforcement.

K. Enforce State Caucus rules and issue necessary notifications of warnings and penalties.

L. Preside over all meetings of the State Organization and Development Committee, the duties of which shall be responsible for (but not limited to):

1. Oversight and guidance for all existing and potential regional, municipal and collegiate Chapters of the Connecticut Young Democrats.

2. Connecticut Young Democrats' Constitution and Bylaws maintenance and changes.

3. Oversight and guidelines for the Ethics and Elections Subcommittee.

4. Managing and executing enforcement and notification of warnings and penalties to Chapters out of compliance with the Constitution or Bylaws.

5. Availability to all members, copies of Robert's Rules of Order, the Connecticut Young Democrats' Constitution and Bylaws.

M. Appoint a Committee Secretary from the membership of the Committee.

N. Create as many Subcommittees as deemed necessary, including, but not limited to, an Ethics and Elections Subcommittee which shall:

1. Consist of five (5) members, two (2) of whom shall be Chapter Representatives to the State Caucus, and three other Connecticut Young Democrat members who do not currently serve as State Caucus Representatives.

2. Be responsible for the biannual elections, which take place at the State Convention.

3. Formulate Convention rules, procedures and agendas.

4. Collaborate with the State Political Affairs Committee to develop the Connecticut Young Democrat platform.

5. Upon receiving a formal written complaint from a member, investigate potential violations of the Connecticut Young Democrats' Constitution or Bylaws by any member.

6. Enforce all rules and regulations pertaining to elections as defined in this document.

7. Recommend impeachment proceedings by a two-thirds (2/3rds) vote of the State Organization and Development Committee, when sufficient evidence of a violation is found

Section 5: The State Finance Vice President shall:

A. Inform, advise, and assist the State Co-Presidents on all Connecticut Young Democrat financial matters.

B. Be responsible for maintaining all matters related to the finances of the State Caucus.

C. Appoint an official Postal Communication Director for this organization from the State Finance Committee.

D. Exercise the necessary diligence to learn and understand all laws related to campaign finances and to train other members if necessary.

E. Act as the Connecticut Young Democrats' treasurer for any Political Action Committees (PACs) filed by the State Caucus with the State of Connecticut.

F. Be responsible for the internal State budget in coordination with the State Finance Committee.

G. Be responsible for all fundraising.

H. File PAC information and expenses with the Office of the Secretary of the State as required by Connecticut State Law.

I. Shall be personally responsible for any fines or penalties related to election enforcement violations in accordance with Connecticut Election Laws.

J. Coordinate finance training for the newly recognized Chapters.

K. Monitor and receive quarterly finance reports and donations from all Chapters.

L. Preside over all meetings of the State Finance Committee, the duties of which shall be responsible for (but not limited to):

1. Oversight, execution, and recommendation of financial appropriations.

2. Oversight, execution, and recommendation of distribution of PAC funds.

3. Planning and executing Connecticut Young Democrats fundraisers and/or similar events for endorsed political candidates.

4. Any other matters related to the finances of the organization.

M. Appoint a Committee Secretary from the membership of the Committee.

N. Create as many subcommittees as deemed necessary.

Section 6: The State Political Affairs Vice President shall:

A. Inform, advise, and assist the State Co-Presidents on all Connecticut Young Democrat political matters.

B. Be responsible for monitoring and making recommendations on the political activity in the State of Connecticut.

C. Be responsible for all publicity, and work with other Officers to ensure proper notification and advertisement of upcoming events.

D. Upon consultation with the State Co-Presidents, regularly advise, through channels and devices of his/her choosing, Democratic elected officials on Connecticut Young Democrats matters.

E. Maintain a database of media outlets in Connecticut.

F. Distribute press releases and other related communications from the Connecticut Young Democrats upon approval of the State Co-Presidents.

G. Preside over all meetings of the State Political Affairs Committee, the duties of which shall be responsible for (but not limited to):

1. Publicity of all Connecticut Young Democrats' endorsements and events.

2. Recommendation for endorsements of Democratic candidates (following the rules set forth in Article XI of the Constitution).

3. Identify and recommend Democratic campaigns in need of help.

4. Development and execution of membership recruitment drives.

5. Organization of volunteers and workers on campaigns.

6. Candidate development.

7. Development and recommendation of issues for the State platform.

8. Recommendation for awards and recognition.

9. Connecticut Young Democrats' communications and public relations.

H. Appoint a Committee Secretary from the membership of the Committee.

I. Create as many Subcommittees as deemed necessary.

J. Offer an annual platform for the State Caucus at the organization's January meeting.

Again, if you have any questions, please contact CT Young Democrats Co-President Lon Seidman by clicking here.

VIDEOS: Connecticut Young Democrats Endorse HOMEConnecticut Initiative

2007-05-23T10:52:00.000-04:00

HOMEConnecticut is proposing the Connecticut Housing Program for Economic Growth to foster housing and economic growth based on responsible planning and local control.

Housing affordability is a crucial element in Connecticut's efforts to remain economically competitive and preserve the quality of life that has drawn population and businesses to the state. The ability of the state to attract the workers, young professionals and investment necessary to provide jobs and revenues is clearly dependent on its ability to provide the range of housing opportunities and choices needed by a full spectrum of citizens.

HOMEConnecticut's voluntary plan encourages participation by municipalities and provides a common sense method to increase the supply of such housing. It will provide revenues to the state that will far exceed its costs. Most importantly, it will allow Connecticut to compete with other states and regions that, faced with a similar shortage of housing affordable to workers, families, young professionals and the elderly, are already taking steps to meet the acute housing demand.

The CT YDs have been supportive of HOMEConnecticut from its inception. In order to keep young people in this state, we must provide housing that is affordable and work to reduce property taxes statewide.

Here's Connecticut Young Democrats Co-President Kerry Szeps providing an overview of the impact high housing costs are having on young people statewide:

The full press conference (approximately 1 hour) can be found here:

Connecticut Post: Housing too high for young buyers

2007-05-22T09:31:00.000-04:00

By: KEN DIXON

HARTFORD — Astronomical house prices may be good for longtime property owners, but it's discouraging the state's 25- to 34-year-olds, according to a new study that says 10 percent of that age group is moving out of state.

In fact, Connecticut leads the nation in the portion of its young-adult population that has decamped the state, searching for a more affordable life, said the study's author, Bruce Bluestone, director of the Center for Urban and Regional Policy at Northeastern University. Bluestone said that more housing stock, especially affordable homes for young families, is a key to the state's future.

"The high price of housing is indeed a significant factor in the decline in employment and population in Connecticut," Bluestone said. "An increase in housing supply could actually 'inoculate' Connecticut homeowners against the possibility of a long-term precipitous decline in housing values." During an extended presentation in the Legislative Office Building on Monday, aimed at increasing legislative support for a bill that would give towns and cities a flexible and more affordable way to create housing units, Bluestone joined lawmakers, young adults, housing experts and economists in warning about potentially dire economic consequences.

And if more affordable housing units were built, the economic spin-offs would resound positively through the local and state economies, giving employers a skilled work force while generating sales, personal income and
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property taxes, they said.

Those new revenues would more than offset the additional local cost of educating children in towns that have balked at new housing from concerns that it might affect their school systems, said Bruce G. Blakey, a consultant and former corporate economist for Northeast Utilities.

"There is a real problem with lost jobs and lost income due to affordable housing," Blakey said.

Susan Coleman, an economics professor at the University of Hartford, said it's a common complaint among recent college graduates, many of whom have hefty loans to pay off and $25,000-to-$35,000 entry-level salaries.

"They find it virtually impossible to cover all their expenses," she said. "It seems overwhelming to them."

And after years away, living independently in college, they're not happy bunking back home.

"They don't want to live with their parents indefinitely and their parents don't want to live with them indefinitely," Coleman said.

She said that if their friends find more affordable places in other states, word gets out.

"If they get the feeling that young people are moving elsewhere, they'll move, too," Coleman said.

Kerry Szeps, a graphic designer who lives with her parents in Rocky Hill, said housing costs are prohibitive for people beginning their careers.

"The problem right now is there are just too few homes for us to buy," she said. "There's a lot of high-end development going on but not enough affordable housing."

Nicholas Perna, chief economist for Webster Bank, said while local towns and cities have their zoning powers, the state can't do much but provide potential economic incentives like those contained in the pending legislation.

"It seems that the Legislature has very few levers it can pull," Perna said. "But this is one of the things that can have a potent impact."

"It's not a problem in the future," said Peter Gioia, chief economist for the Connecticut Business & Industry Association. "The problem is now."

Under the legislation, up to $10 million of the current surplus, which was projected Monday at about $850 million, would be used as seed money as part of an optional program for new-housing creation. Called the HomeConnecticut bill, it would be financing through the so-called tax-incremental financing, using sales and income-tax revenue from new jobs to help fund it.

Sen. Eric Coleman, D-Bloomfield, the chief legislative sponsor of the bill, said that local zoning rules prohibit the density of some affordable housing proposals, so the flexibility of the pending bill is an advantage to its possible adoption before the June 6 adjournment deadline.

Sen. John McKinney, R-Fairfield, said the proposal should find many supporters in both towns and cities and the General Assembly. "I think it's an understatement to say it's one of the most-innovative, progressive and important initiatives that I've seen in the nine years I've had the privilege to serve in the state Senate," he said. "It's important because it breaks down all the barriers to creating affordable housing that we see in so many of our towns and cities, towns that I represent." Municipalities could obtain incentives of $2,000 for every unit created in targeted zones; up to $5,000 for every new building; and grants for excess education costs. Local officials would decide on the density.

By the projected 18th year of the program, new revenue to the state should exceed $230 million, according to Bill Cibes, the state's former secretary of the Office of Policy and Management who led Monday's discussion for the nonprofit Partnership for Strong Communities.

"We lead the nation in a dangerous statistic," Cibes said. "If that supply of 25- to 34-year-olds isn't here, it's a problem."

The bill has passed three committees and the majority Democratic budget has approved start-up money in the pending budget.

Future Majority on Next Steps for New Media and Youth

2007-05-18T15:54:00.000-04:00

Future Majority follows up on the success of our YouTube web ad and asks how other youth organizations can find similar success getting their message out:

The media life of the CTYD YouTube video was informative to watch. It's the first time (that I can think of) that a democratic youth operation successfully used new media and the blogs to get out a story that didn't have a coordinated national push already behind it.

The story started as a press release about a CT House vote, leaked into a local media outlet, became a YouTube video, found its way into more local media including a CT blog, became a blog topic here on Future Majority, got diaried at the Daily Kos where it was front paged, and then traveled into more national blogs. What could have been a one day local story was potentially seen by a large swath of online progressives and CT residents, and it worked because CT Young Dems delivered a creative message and also because the story cycled through the local and national blogs. It's a model to replicate, and has been promoted as such both here and on the Young Democrats Blog.

So how we can make it even more replicable? How can local youth organizers increase the reach of their stories? When best practices like this arise, how can they get in front of as many of the relevant eyeballs as possible?

We are more than happy to help other youth organizations with similar campaigns. Feel free to contact me through my personal blog.

DNC Blog Covers Our Web Ad

2007-05-18T09:58:00.000-04:00

The DNC has a short piece on our web ad on their blog today:

Earlier this month, there was a new effort to allow 17-year-olds to vote in Connecticut primaries if they will be of voting age once the general election approaches. Ultimately, the vote fell short of the three-quarters required to pass a constitutional amendment, but what ensued during the vote was nothing short of comical.

We're talking Dean-on-Colbert-Report funny, and it has been YouTubed by the CT Young Democrats:

Our May 21st meeting will be held at the City Council Chambers in Middletown. We will review where we've been at with the bill and where we're going next.

Response from Rep. Klarides

2007-05-17T15:23:00.000-04:00

OrangeTownBlueDem over at MyLeftNutmeg received the following response from Representative Klarides about her flip-flop on H.J. 11. Quite a long winded response if you ask me.

thank you for taking the time to contact me regarding my
vote against hj 11: A Resolution Proposing An Amendment to the State
Constitution to Allow 17 year old persons who will be 18 years of age at
the next regular election to vote in primaries related to such election.
I am happy to let you know some of the factors that contributed to my
vote.
First, it was widely recognized from the outset that the actual piece of
legislation itself had been poorly crafted. In fact, the first time it
came before us the Democratic supermajority was forced to use the
uncommon option of passing it temporarily so that it could be made fit
for action on the House floor. When it did come time to amend the bill,
two different versions of the same amendment were circulated within an
hour of each other, giving the legislation feeling of shoddiness and
haste. Frankly, none of these things helped to inspire faith in this
legislation on our side of the aisle.
Second, there was such a substantial amount of confusion among both
Democratic and Republican members of the House as to the exact procedure
and the necessary thresholds for this bill to pass that the speaker was
forced to clarify the rules immediately following the vote.
Finally, a Democratic representative sponsored this bill and if the
Democrats felt strongly about passing this it would have passed. In
order for the bill to pass it would require one hundred and fourteen
votes (a 3/4 majority). There are 107 Democrats and 44 Republicans in
the House. 6 Democrats voted against the bill and 8 Democrats did not
even bother to show up for the vote! If the Democrats were truly behind
this measure, then all they would have needed was 7 Republican votes for
the bill to meet the 3/4 threshold. 12 Republicans voted for this bill!
Simple math shows that if the Democrats really believed in this piece of
legislation, they would have had their supermajority lined up, and with
12 Republican votes the measure would have easily met the constitutional
threshold.
I voted against this bill because I did not, and do not, feel that it is
a good piece of legislation. However, the bill did, in fact, pass and
will appear on eh 2008 House Calendar where it will only need a simple
majority to appear on the 2010 ballot.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me, and I hope that our
paths cross soon.

This much is clear: These Republicans recognized an opportunity to kill this bill and they went for it.

FutureMajority Covers our YouTube Coverage

2007-05-14T16:34:00.000-04:00

Special thanks are in order for Mike Connery over at the FutureMajority blog. First of course he should be thanked for blogging about youth involvement in government, but also for his effort to draw attention to our HJ 11 campaign.

Mike wrote up an excellent case study that's the made the rounds throughout the blogosphere on our recent YouTube video and it's related press coverage. You can find the case study on the FutureMajority blog by clicking here!

NewsTimes: Democrats object to vote switch

2007-05-12T11:41:00.001-04:00

By Dirk Perrefort
THE NEWS-TIMES

HARTFORD -- Several lawmakers, including state Rep. David Scribner of Brookfield, were called onto the carpet recently for changing their votes on legislation that would allow 17-year-olds to vote in a primary.

Members of the Connecticut Young Democrats voiced their objection to six Republican lawmakers who switched their votes from yes to no during a vote on the legislation Wednesday.

The proposal would create a constitutional amendment allowing 17-year-olds to vote in a primary if they turned 18 by the November election.

"They saw an opportunity to kill the bill and that's why they switched their votes," said Lon Seidman, co-president of the Young Democrats. "And that's exactly what they did."

While the legislation did pass the state House with a vote of 105-36, the bill didn't garner enough votes to create a statewide referendum on the measure in 2008. A proposed constitutional amendment has to pass both the state House and Senate with a 75 percent majority.

Scribner said Friday that while he supports the measure, he changed his vote because he had concerns about language in the bill that would restrict some 18-year-old residents from voting in certain referendums.

"There were some problems with how the bill was drafted that I had some concerns with," he said. "This was a vote on a constitutional amendment that changes the state's voting laws. I wanted to make sure we got it right."

State Rep. Arthur O'Neill, R-Southbury, said the original language of the bill that would have allowed 17-year-olds to vote in a primary would have also allowed them to vote in local referendums prior to their 18th birthday, which was not the intent of the bill.

That language was changed to say the 17-year-old allowed to vote in a primary would not be allowed to vote in other matters until the November election. That, however, excludes some teens from voting in referendums if the primary was in February and they turned 18 shortly after.

O'Neill said the problem was corrected shortly before the vote, but there wasn't much time to inform lawmakers about the change.

"The language in the bill was different from what was originally called up for a vote," said O'Neill, who voted in favor of the measure. "It was such a complete change in style and structure that I could see how some lawmakers could become confused by it.

"To blame the Republicans is ludicrous. There were also a lot of Democrats who voted against the legislation."

The lawmaker noted that while the bill did not pass with a 75 percent majority, it could still come back next year if it passes the state Senate with a simple majority.

The legislation would again need to pass both the state House and Senate by a simple majority next year for a statewide referendum to be held on the measure.

Contact Dirk Perrefort at dperrefort@newstimes.com

When it Comes to Voting for Young People Six GOP Members are All Thumbs

2007-05-10T22:02:00.000-04:00

When it Comes to Voting for Young People Six GOP Members are All Thumbs

Cafero says he pushed the wrong button when voting against important youth voting bill

(Hartford, May 9, 2007) The Connecticut Young Democrats today called upon five Republican caucus leaders, who each flipped their votes from "yes" to "no" on a bill important to young voters, to confirm they all coincidentally made the same 'mistake' claimed to be made by Rep. Larry Cafero.

Cafero told WTNH-TV's Mark Davis yesterday that his initial vote in favor of the measure to allow seventeen year olds to vote in primaries if they will be eighteen in time for the general election was "totally a mistake." Cafero told the same story to the Stamford Advocate adding that he voted "yes wanting to vote 'no'." Video of the WTNH story can be found at http://blog.dems.info along with the Stamford Advocate article.

"There are two voting buttons on each legislator's desk, approximately a quarter inch apart. One is colored green for 'yes' and the other red for 'no,'" said Lon Seidman, Co-President of the Connecticut Young Democrats, "The buttons even light up on the desk after a vote is cast, so I find Rep. Cafero's excuse that he and five other experienced members of his leadership each pushed the wrong button simply not believable and downright insulting to young voters statewide."

A photo of the buttons legislators push to register their vote is attached.

Cafero switched his vote approximately three minutes into the tally, followed quickly by Caron. Klarides, Labriola, and John Ryan switched their votes simultaneously a minute later. Scribner changed his "yes" vote to "no" six minutes into the vote. The most astonishing flip flopper of the day was Rep. John Ryan, who switched his vote at least four times before finally settling on a "no" vote.

The Connecticut Young Democrats are calling on Representatives Caron, Klarides, Labriola, John Ryan, and Scribner to publicly explain their actions during the May 3rd vote. So far none have responded to constituent and media requests.

Seidman maintains his earlier position that these six Republican leaders, amidst confusion over exactly how many votes were needed for the measure to pass, decided to switch their votes to prevent the bill from moving to the statewide ballot in 2008.

The media attention comes as the result of a video the Connecticut Young Democrats released Monday on the popular website "YouTube" showing the vote switching taking place.

The Connecticut Young Democrats represents the interests of young people in the political process and provides resources for young candidates seeking elected office. The organization's website is located at http://yd.dems.info.

WTNH Reports on Young Democrats Webad

2007-05-08T22:26:00.000-04:00

The following story led the 5:30 p.m. news on WTNH today:

Quick-change artists: Legislators switch positions even after casting their votes

2007-05-08T09:55:00.001-04:00

Quick-change artists: Legislators switch positions even after casting their votes
By Brian Lockhart
Staff Writer - Stamford Advocate

May 8, 2007

The term flip-flopper is often used against politicians accused of saying one thing then later reversing their position.

But many Connecticut residents may not know that when their representatives in the General Assembly vote on bills, they are able to change their votes as often as they can in the minutes before it is recorded.

"You could switch it 19 times," said House Minoritay Leader Lawrence Cafero, R-Norwalk.

State legislators cast votes by pushing buttons at their desks that correspond to large electronic tally boards hanging above the House and Senate floors. A "no" vote is represented by a red light blinking next to the politician's name. A green light indicates "yes."

But sometimes a vote is held open for a few minutes before the voting system is locked and tallies are counted. The voting equipment allows state representatives and senators to alter their votes during that time.

This results in scenarios like the May 3 action by the House of Representatives on a constitutional amendment that would have allowed 17-year-olds to vote in state primaries. When the voting began, a few Republicans, including Cafero, hit their green light, then their red light a few minutes later.

And in the case of state Rep. John Ryan, R-Darien, the vote light by his name alternated several times, finally settling on "no."

The Connecticut Young Democrats has circulated video footage of the May voting, criticizing Cafero and Ryan as flip-floppers on what the group's members considered an important bill.

But a few Democrats, including state Rep. Carlo Leone of Stamford appeared equally indecisive, reversing their votes from "no" to "yes" in the same time frame.

"This happens periodically," said Christopher Barnes, a longtime political observer and former director of the University of Connecticut's Center for Survey Research and Analysis. "There have been times when they hold the vote for a long time because senator-so-and-so is in the bathroom. . . . It's been used most controversially in the past for arm-twisting.

"You'll see swarms of key staffers going to people with their light in the wrong direction, saying 'what the hell?' "

Ryan did not return a telephone call seeking comment. Cafero said his changed vote exemplifies why legislators need a few minutes to reconsider - because they sometimes accidentally push the wrong button.

"I voted 'yes,' wanting to vote 'no.' Somebody said, 'Larry, you voted yes.' I said 'Oh my, God,' I went back and voted 'no,' " Cafero said. "Nobody twisted my arm."

But Cafero said there is nothing wrong with legislators changing their views on a bill and revoting.

"What's wrong with two minutes to reflect on what you've just done?" Cafero said.

Gary Rose, professor of politics at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, said the practice is not uncommon among state assemblies and he does not have a problem with allowing a few minutes to reverse votes.

"A lot of lobbyists do approach lawmakers during that period, but it does allow for citizen input and the input of people who represent large and sometimes small organizations," Rose said. "I think in the end it does result in a little more deliberation, which is a good thing."

But Susan Kniep, president of the Federation of Connecticut Taxpayer Organizations Inc., said she was unaware of the practice. She said allowing legislators the opportunity to switch their initial vote is wrong.

"I would have assumed when they vote it's set in stone," Kniep said. "One would think before our legislators vote on any item they have thought about that issue independently, weighed the pros and cons and have come to the table to vote their conscience."

According to House Speaker James Amann, D-Milford, who presides over House votes, it becomes more complicated during the hustle and bustle of the session, when daily agendas are long and 151 state representatives are milling about.

Amann said there is no limit on how long he can keep a vote open, "but you don't want to overdo it." He said he frequently consults the tally board to see whether individuals he knows are present have voted and, if not, tries to determine why from other legislators.

"They'll tell me right away 'Slow it down a little, let's find them' (or) 'So and so went home or are skipping a vote because they're in the middle of a meeting,' " Amann said.

The speaker said colleagues sometimes hit the wrong vote button and need to correct the mistake. Others, he said, change votes because they learn something new about a bill or realize colleagues they trust voted differently.

"There's thousands of issues that come through the legislature every year. Not everyone sits on every committee. Even as speaker of the house, I'll say 'What bill is this?' " Amann said.

Leone said in the time between voting "no" then "yes" for the constitutional amendment May 3, he spoke to a sponsor of the legislation, who allayed some of his concerns about letting 17-year-olds vote in state primaries.

"Some votes are not clear-cut," Leone said. "It's nice to have that little extra opportunity to talk to someone before you make that final decision. Sometimes your gut reaction is a good one, sometimes it's not."

And sometimes, he said, vote switches are part of the political gamesmanship surrounding controversial bills.

"We ask a guy 'Can you go from red to green for us? We need one for the team,' " Amann said. "The Republicans counter and one guy goes to a 'no.' That's politics. It's a chess game."

State Sen. Bob Duff, D-Norwalk, who also has served in the House, said vote switches are more common there because of the number of members. There are 36 state senators.

"I don't think it's a real issue," Duff said. "We don't have a gray button. It's only green or red. And sometimes we're not sure."

Despite his criticism of vote changes by Cafero and Ryan last week, Lon Seidman, co-president of the Connecticut Young Democrats, said he would not alter the process.

Neither would Phil Sherwood, legislative director of the Connecticut Citizen Action Group.

"I think there's many reasons why legislators switch votes. Some might be noble, some might not be so noble. If things like this happen and it works in our favor, it's beautiful. If it works against you, it's an ugly thing," Sherwood said. "But we should be concerned the concentration of power at the Capitol doesn't fall into too few hands."

ACTION ALERT: Connecticut Young Democrats Launch First Web Ad

2007-05-06T23:37:00.000-04:00

First watch our new web ad:

Now, help us get the word out.

Some Connecticut House Republicans flipped their "yes" votes to "no" in the middle of a vote in order to kill a piece of legislation important to young voters.

Share this YouTube link with your friends through email, Facebook, Myspace, your own blog, and everywhere and anywhere else you can. Help us show how Republican priorities are the wrong priorities for young people in Connecticut.

Hartford Courant Article on Yesterday's Vote

2007-05-04T10:53:00.001-04:00

Plan To Let Some 17-Year-Olds Vote In Primaries Fails In House

By COLIN POITRAS
Courant Staff Writer

May 4 2007

A move to amend the state constitution to allow some 17-year-olds to vote in primary elections fell nine votes short Thursday of the number needed to place the question before voters next year.

The House of Representatives voted 105-36 in favor of the resolution. But 114 affirmative votes - a super-majority of the 141 members voting - were necessary to place the amendment on municipal ballots in 2008.

The amendment, if ultimately adopted, would allow 17-year-olds who turn 18 before a general election to vote in the local, state or national primary leading up to that election. Currently, 17-year-olds are only allowed to preregister for general elections. The earliest that the amendment resolution could be reconsidered by the legislature is in 2009, too late for the 2008 presidential election.

Following the House vote, members of the Connecticut Young Democrats charged six House Republicans of flip-flopping at the last minute to sabotage the resolution.

House Minority Leader Lawrence F. Cafero Jr., R-Norwalk, and Republicans Michael Caron of Killingly, Themis Klarides of Derby, David Labriola of Naugatuck, David Scribner of Brookfield and John Ryan of Darien each changed their "yes" votes to "no" when it appeared the measure would pass, according to Lon Seidman, co-president of the young Democrats group.

"There was some confusion about how many votes were needed for it to pass," Seidman said. "But this was not a matter of ... people changing their mind, it was clearly an effort to kill it."

Cafero and Ryan could not be reached for comment late Thursday. Neither could the House Republican Chief of Staff George Gallo, or the House Republicans' press secretary, Pat O'Neil.

Rep. James F. Spallone, D-Essex and one of the measure's co-sponsors, said he would like to see the state constitution changed to allow eligible 17-year olds to vote in a primary.

"If they are going to vote in the general election, let's let them have a choice in selecting the candidates," Spallone said Thursday.

The resolution still must go before the Senate, where it is expected to pass. If it does, state law requires that the issue automatically be taken up again in 2009 after a new General Assembly is elected.

Only a simple majority vote would be required of both chambers for it to pass in 2009. The resolution would be placed on local referendum ballots in 2010. If it is approved statewide by simple majority, 17-year-olds would become eligible to vote in primary elections in 2011.

Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz, who supports the effort, said that about 10,000 of the state's approximately 45,000 17-year-olds would become eligible to vote in a local, state or national primary if the amendment passes. Nine states already have passed measures allowing 17-year-olds to vote in primaries, most recently Maine, she said. The others are Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Mississippi, Nebraska, North Carolina, Ohio and Virginia.

"It has been more than 35 years since we lowered the voting age to 18, and I argue it's time to tweak it again," Bysiewicz said Thursday.

Supporters of the measure believe that allowing 17-year-olds greater access to the electoral process will increase voter turnout among young people and their parents, supplement civics curriculums in local high schools and fix an inequity in state law that allows 17-year-olds to enlist in the armed services but denies them the right to vote.

The measure limits voting by 17-year-olds to primary elections. It would not allow them to vote at local town meetings or in local referendums.

State Rep. Pamela Z. Sawyer, R-Bolton, opposed the resolution. She said 18 is the more appropriate age for young people to enter the electoral process.

"It's an honor to vote," Sawyer said during the House debate. "I think you should study the issues before you vote, study the candidates before you vote. Some things are worth waiting for. It's a rite of passage. Eighteen is 18 is 18."

Cafero, Five Other Republicans Flip "Yes" Votes to "No" to Defeat Important Youth Voter Legislation

2007-05-03T17:35:00.000-04:00

Cafero, Five Other Republicans Flip "Yes" Votes to "No" to Defeat Important Youth Voter Legislation

(Hartford, May 3, 2007) The Connecticut Young Democrats are today calling the flip flopping votes cast by six Connecticut House Republicans on an important piece of youth voting legislation "appalling."

Acting on cue from Minority Leader Lawrence Cafero, Republican Reps. Michael Caron, Themis Klarides, David Labriola, David Scribner, and John Ryan each changed their "yes" votes to "no" while the machine was open to vote on H.J.R. 11.

H.J.R. 11 is a constitutional amendment to allow seventeen year olds to vote in primaries if they will be eighteen in time for a general election. The measure needed three fourths of the members of the House and Senate to make it onto the statewide ballot in 2008. When it began to appear the measure might pass by that margin, six Republican members flipped their initial "yes" votes to "no" in an effort to keep the measure off the statewide ballot in 2008. Members are not given a running tally as the votes are cast.

Cafero switched his vote approximately three minutes into the tally, followed quickly by Caron and Rep. John Hetherington. Klarides, Labriola, and John Ryan switched their votes simultaneously a minute later. Scribner changed his "yes" vote to "no" six minutes into the vote. Hetherington later switched his vote back to "yes" just moments before the machine was locked.

The most astonishing flip flopper of the day was Rep. John Ryan, who switched his vote four times before finally settling on a "no" vote.

"This amendment is an important piece of legislation designed to allow seventeen year olds who will be eligible to vote in a general election the right to choose candidates for that election," said Lon Seidman, Co-President of the Connecticut Young Democrats, "The appalling actions made by these Republican members shows that their priorities are more about playing political games than expanding opportunities for youth to get involved with their government."

Although the bill did not garner enough votes to get on the ballot in 2008, it did pass the chamber. Should it pass the Senate by a majority this session, the bill will come back next year where a simple majority of both the House and Senate will be all that is needed to get it on the statewide ballot in 2010. Constitutional amendments need to be approved by voters statewide in order to be enacted.

The Connecticut Young Democrats represents the interests of young people in the political process and provides resources for young candidates seeking elected office. The organization's website is located at http://yd.dems.info.

A setback for HJ11

2007-05-03T13:18:00.000-04:00

Although HJ11 passed the house today, we didn't get the votes we needed to ensure it gets on the ballot in 2008. 3/4s of both chambers are required to get it on the ballot in 2008. The bill will come back to the house in 2009 where a simple majority of both houses is all that is needed to get it on the ballot in 2010.

We are disappointed with those Democrats who did not support the amendment despite our advocacy and equally disappointed with the Republicans including Minority Leader Cafero who switched his vote from yes to no in order to kill it.

We will have a list of the roll call vote posted later today.