“Government’s view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it”-Ronald Reagan
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Bill O’Reilly, 212-396-9117
Bill@NovemberTeam.com
January 3, 2023
Brooklyn, NY — “Huge congratulations to Assemblyman Lester Chang (R-C, Brooklyn) on being sworn in and seated in the New York State Assembly today. Assemblyman Chang is the first Asian-American from Brooklyn to be elected to state office. The Conservative Party salutes Assemblyman Chang, a retired Navy Reservist, on his historic accomplishment. We look forward to working with him as he fights to make New York safer, more affordable, and more accountable in the years ahead.”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Bill O’Reilly, 212-396-9117
Bill@NovemberTeam.com
December 31, 2022
Brooklyn, NY — “The New York State Conservative Party had significant success in 2022, and the Party is poised for another strong year ahead.
“Our successful efforts to defeat potentially corrupting ballot proposals in 2021 directly led to the litigation that forced fair, court-ordered redistricting lines across the state. With reasonable district lines established, the Conservative Party supported 11 winning congressional candidates from New York this year, four of whom won with margins provided by line “C”. Newsmax is calling the New York State Conservative Party “The Majority Makers” for its role in the Republican takeover of Congress.
“Congressman Lee Zeldin’s determined run for governor — Zeldin was among the highest statewide vote getters in the Conservative Party’s 60-year history — played a significant factor in the historic congressional wins, helped usher in six new Party-supported Assembly members, and increased our representation in the State Senate.
“Zeldin, who garnered 47% of the statewide vote, and Attorney General candidate Mike Henry received more than 313,000 votes each on the Conservative Party line, solidly outpolling the Working Families Party and guaranteeing line-C ballot position for the next two years. Our U.S. Senate candidate Joe Pinion and State Comptroller candidate Paul Rodriquez also had outstanding vote totals on the Conservative line, approaching 300,000 votes each on the line.
“The Party’s growing influence in the five boroughs of New York City helped lead to the flipping of three Assembly seats in Kings County alone. Frank Tinari of Suffolk County, a State Vice Chairman, and Joe Lorigo, the son of Erie County Chairman Ralph Lorigo, were both elected to the State Supreme Court, adding to the number of registered Conservatives serving on the State Supreme Court.
“The Conservative Party held two successful conferences in 2022 — a State Legislative Conference in January and a National Affairs Conference in August. We also held a statewide nominating convention in February, and a number of successful receptions, including a summer reception featuring former Vice President Pence and a Fall reception featuring noted economist and radio personality Larry Kudlow. Party Leader Ross Brady served as a voice for common sense as a member of the NYS Reapportionment Commission in 2022.
“I am proud to report that the Conservative Party is on the ascent in New York, thanks to the hard work of its members and candidates. The Party’s year-over-year enrollment continued to grow in 2022, and we are excited to build on our successes in 2023.”
It was without a doubt a banner year for the New York State Conservative Party as together we delivered, and the party enjoyed one of its most successful years since our founding in 1962.
We entered 2022 with momentum stemming from our victories in 2021 defeating several ballot propositions that would have changed the way reapportionment, voting and even elections were conducted. This momentum carried us through a reapportionment litigation period in which the party played a key role in finding plaintiffs and developing arguments. Additionally, Conservative Party official, Ross Brady, served as a member of the NYS Reapportionment Commission where he provided a voice of reason within a sea of partisanship.
In 2022 we saw 11 Conservative Party endorsed candidates get elected or re-elected to Congress. From Long Island to NYC, the Mid-Hudson, Southern Tier, Central New York, The North Country and Western New York, we were victorious. We, in fact, were the actual margin of victory in four Congressional races. The New York delegation were truly the “Majority Makers.” Many, including Newsmax, have said the House Majority would have indeed been in trouble if not for the Conservative Party.
Statewide, the Conservative Party played a pivotal role in ushering in the largest freshman Conservative/GOP class in the State Assembly in many years. The Kings County Conservative Party actually flipped three Assembly seats. Many other parts of the State including Long Island, Staten Island and Rockland County can lay claim to important Legislative turnovers.
Not to be outdone, Lee Zeldin had the best showing in terms of percentage, 47%, since 2002. In fact, Lee Zeldin’s statewide vote total of over 313,000, better than twice our enrollment, is one of the highest totals in the history of the party. In nearly 200 statewide elections since 1962, the 2022 vote total ranks within the top ten results.
With this result the Party comfortably held onto Row C.
Our party also enjoyed close to home victories as State Vice Chair Frank Tinari of Suffolk County and Joe Lorigo, son of Erie County Chairman Ralph Lorigo, were both elected to the State Supreme Court.
Finally, I am proud to announce, once again, that our enrollment year-over-year continues to grow around the state.
With all that said, it is clear that the party remains strong on a local, state and national level. The upcoming year will be about local elections, party building and our issue agenda that our Members of Congress and the State Legislature advocate for.
From all of us at the Conservative Party we wish you Happy Hanukkah, a Merry Christmas, and a wonderful New Year. Some are already on their holiday vacation while others will be starting very soon. Wherever you are, we wish you a peaceful, safe and exciting holiday season with your family and friends.
2022 was a banner year for the Conservative Party throughout New York State. Together, we fought for our state and achieved many great things. I made a promise to move us in a winning direction and with your help, we remain on that path.
While 2023 will surely bring its new challenges, I look forward to seeing you all in the New Year and continuing our work together for a better New York. But first—enjoy your time away. We deserve this well-earned break with the people who matter to us most.
These two articles, (from Empire Center) NY lawmakers want to be nation’s highest-paid and the (New York Post) Albany Dems introduce bill to raise legislative pay before likely special session this week shine the light on the absolute arrogance of the democratic “leadership” in New York State. If they had an iota of a backbone, this would have been announced prior to the elections, but they don’t. Nor do they have any empathy for the taxpayers who pay their salaries and are currently trying to make their own salaries (average salary in NYS according to ZipRecruiter is $51,453 for full time work) cover the inflation experienced this year. $142,000 for a part time job is ludicrous; making it full time is also ludicrous, as the idea of the legislative body was to have part time legislators working in other jobs, to understand the impact of the legislation they passed. This is a perfect example of how the government has (and continues) to run amok.
NY plans to change the way you heat your home. Gas, oil, propane furnaces to be phased out. From Politico’s article: The Climate Action Council, dominated by executive administration officials, on Monday OK’d a final roadmap to cut emissions to 50 percent of 1990 levels by 2030 and 85 percent by 2050. So, the question I have is this: Since the CAC was dominated by executive administration officials, is the roadmap realistic and financially sustainable for those who , or is it just a roadmap to please the administration?
Woman pleads guilty after being charged with sex trafficking alongside GOP strategist Most of the repulsive things occurring in today’s world is that people lack a moral compass. And when lacking a moral compass abhorrent actions permeate throughout society without regard to consequences because for the most part there are very little consequences.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Bill O’Reilly, 212-396-9117
Bill@NovemberTeam.com
December 20, 2022
Statement From New York State Conservative Party Chairman Gerard Kassar On Devious Albany Pay Raise Scheme
Brooklyn, NY — “Democrat leaders in the State Legislature are once again breaking the public trust by sneaking through a massive pay raise for themselves during the holidays when the fewest number of New Yorkers are watching. The proper time to have proposed a pay increase would have been during the elections when the public could weigh in, but, of course, that’s not how Albany works under one-party Democrat rule. The whole thing stinks of corrupt intent, frankly.
“The Conservative Party also opposes Democrat efforts to make state legislative offices full-time positions. If this change is forced through, New Yorkers will have to pay more for the same substandard government they get now. And God knows what other foolishness a full-time legislature could impose on us.
“New Yorkers are cynical about their state government for a reason. It reeks of self-interest year in and year out. The public deserves better.”
One of the most humble and generous people in show business (and a great actor) talks modestly about his Gary Sinise Foundation .org. This isn’t an advertisement for money, just an interview with Neil Cavuto last week, one that is uplifting and wishful that more people would emulate Gary Sinise.
The Legislature is planning on returning soon to vote themselves a more then 18% pay raise
bringing their salaries to $130,000 a year for a part-time job. The Conservative Party remains
opposed to any pay increase for its part-time Legislature.
Our opposition is based on both an objective and subjective view of the Assembly and Senate.
Subjectively, they do an awful job. Frankly, the party does not want to pay them more for giving
us unsafe streets, a sour economy, depopulation of entire regions, infringements on second
amendment rights, suppression of individual rights through mandates just to make a few points.
Objectively, the job is part-time despite efforts to eliminate outside income which will result in a
Legislature devoid of members who are part of the actual work force. This loss to the Legislature
of individuals who work at regular jobs or own businesses will do significant harm to a body that
strives to be representative of the government. The planned salary increases to $130,000 annually is
better than double the average salary of a single New Yorker working full-time.
We should call this what it is, a heist. But instead of ski masks, they’re wearing suits and dresses.
Lame Duck Session
The House of Representatives, controlled by the Democrats for less than two more weeks, is
moving full speed during its final days to pass spending legislation filled with numerous
programs that would go nowhere in the Republican controlled House that was recently elected by the
people of the United States.
It is not certain if the current Republican membership of the House operating in a tight minority
can win the day. What we do know is that the current 50/50 Senate can prevent the House Democrats
and Schumer from moving forward.
Our Conservative Party-endorsed delegation of eleven House members who will be taking office
on January 3rd understand and agree with our position. However, to win and get to next year we
need the US Senate to stand up.
At the moment, it does not look like that will happen. Put one more check mark next to a reason
why Mitch McConnell needs to go.
Executive Director Shaun Marie Levine to Retire
They say all good things must come to an end, in this case good is an understatement.
After more than twenty-seven years of steering the Conservative Party on a day-to-day basis our
Executive Director, Shaun Marie, has informed me that she plans to retire effective December 31st.
Shaun has worked tirelessly on behalf of the Party for Mike Long, for me and most importantly for you.
Frankly, she is irreplaceable.
The good news is that she will remain the Executive Vice Chairman of the State Party and as
such she will continue to play a key leadership role.
We will have much more to say about Shaun Marie in the weeks to follow as her service is worthy of
being recognized on its own. For now, allow me on your behalf and mine to say THANK YOU!
The Party is now taking on the enormous task of interviewing a successor to Shaun Marie for the position of Executive Director. I hope to have an announcement soon.
We heard throughout the just ended 2022 political cycle that democracy is in danger. The following FEE article is an appropriate inclusion in today’s blog as we celebrate the 231st anniversary of the signing of the Bill of Rights that confirms the fundamental rights of American citizens. Celebrate the genius of our Founding Fathers and all those who have sacrificed so much for the greatest nation ever created by man. We have struggled and continue to struggle to keep this young nation what our Founding Fathers envisioned; it is up to us as we approach another crossroads in America’s journey.
Eric Adams seeks $1B from Biden as NYC migrant crush swells to 30K. “Mayor Eric Adams has asked the federal government for $1 billion to handle the crush of migrants who’ve surged into the Big Apple this year — but the cost was calculated when the population was far less than it is now and before a judge decided to open the floodgates at the southern border, The Post has learned.” We all understand the cost that NYC is hammered with by the crush of migrants; however, does anyone consider the cost that has been placed on the southern border towns…ever since Biden took office? Do they care?? Certainly, the Biden Administration doesn’t care…unless they are bussed to Martha’s Vineyard. President Joe Biden has made a mockery of our immigration laws; it is his legacy and a very discouraging one at that. The fact that the President of the United States of America does not respect the law, is disgraceful, especially knowing how many lives have been sacrificed to keep America the greatest nation ever created. The financial burden being placed on our citizens is appalling.
James E. Hanley, reports in Empire Center: The Market Can Drive Electric Vehicle Sales. It’s summary: it appears that the market will work in meeting the state’s long-term climate goals, insofar as light-duty vehicles are concerned, and will do so without imposing costly mandates on individuals who cannot afford them. That’s why it should be allowed to work without interference and the state should repeal its 2035 zero-emission vehicle mandate.
Saving Lives or Ruining the Neighborhood? East Harlem Locals at Odds as America’s First Safe Injection Site Turns One. (I sincerely believe giving drugs, in the name of saving lives, only sends the wrong message to America’s youth.)
Senate Poised to Vote on Whether to Protect Charter Schools. “Although the Biden administration may not like them, charter schools are welcomed in blue states and cities because they serve students, including minority students, so well.” Let’s see if the Senate will do right for our children, or cave to those opposed to Charter Schools.
Leor Sapir writes in City Journal, about The Placebo Is the Point/A new paper highlights the fundamental bias in the world of “gender-affirming” research.
Richard K. Vedder, writes in American Spectator about The Most Selfish Generation/ Americans today can’t match the achievements of the Greatest Generation.
Book Review in Washington Free Beacon: Coming to America (Unfortunately, this happens when people move within America, they flee big cities and bring their voting habits – what caused them to flee—with them.)
