Postscript

The long, seemingly endless election season has come to an end. Working families saw great wins and some unsettling losses in terms of supportive candidates, but the results of the Presidential election have made it clear that the people of this country want change. President-elect Barack Obama has outlined on his new website his agenda for the when the new administration takes office next January. High priorities on the list are matters of the economy, health care, and energy, issues that have become so important to working families across the country. His plans to support our workers, revitalize the economy, phase in reforms to our health care system, and reduce our dependence on foreign oil will be steps in the right direction to provide some relief to the tough financial problems faced by working families every day.

But our fight is not over.

According to the American Automobile Association, Western New York has the highest gas prices of anywhere in the continental US; only Alaskans and Hawaiins pay more per gallon. Congressman-elect Chris Lee wants the market to control our health care system, to deregulate business even further, and will cut government spending for vital social programs that working families here in WNY rely on. Though this was a long campaign cycle that left so many of us very tired of politics, we must still stay vigilant. It is our duty to make sure Congressman-elect Lee takes on our concerns and represents everyone here in the 26th districts - businesses as well as working families.

Deceptive Literature

We've received word from The Albany Project that a piece of literature is being circulated today that contain misleading information about Alice Kryzan's environmental policies. The piece contains no "paid for by..." information, which is a violation of federal election law. You can find out information about her actual positions on the Kryzan for Congress website, which also notes that she is supported by the NY League of Conservation Voters and the Sierra Club.

While WFW doesn't endorse any candidates, we always strive to get the truth about their policy positions out there so that voters can make informed decisions. Please pass along this note if you come across any of the misleading literature. We shouldn't let dirty politics confuse voters, especially not today!

Rock The Vote!

Despite the cold, almost a hundred Western New Yorkers came out yesterday to Rock The Vote with us at the Albright Knox. It was a really fun event, and I think our message about voting and getting involved really came across well. Five different local bands performed: Type Relevant, Davey O, The Found, Redwater, and The Thermidors. There was a little something for everyone, ranging from jazzy hip hop to folk to rock to some classic sounding rock and roll. The music pulled in quite a few people from the park who hadn't heard about the event, even well after the dark and cold set in, which was great in helping to pass along the message.

It was a busy last weekend before the election, but a number of political figures took the time to stop by to talk to the attendees. Congressional candidate Dan Humiston stopped by early on in the event to chat with people. Chairman Len Lenihan of the Democratic Party really got the crowd geared up taking about how important this election is, and how critical it is for everyone to get out there and vote. Alice Kryzan's son Sam stopped by on her behalf (she was out campaigning in another county) to talk about how beneficial grassroots campaigning and the involvement of ordinary community members has been this year. Comptroller Mark Poloncarz and NYS Assembly candidate Jerry Schad also mingled with attendees at the event.

Check out some photos of the day's festivities below. You can see many more over at our Flickr photostream.





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You can also watch video of some of the bands' performances below!







For those of you who were there, what did you think of Rock The Vote? Post your comments here!