Colonie GOP sees ‘a real shift’ in voters

July 20, 2010

Colonie GOP sees ‘a real shift’ in voters

Published: Thursday, July 08, 2010

By Jennifer Dugan
Latham Life

COLONIE — The Chairman of the Colonie Republican Committee, John Graziano, Jr., says that he has noticed a call for change coming from voters in recent months and that the committee is gearing up to meet that call. “I think there’s definitely been a real shift in the mood of voters at the local, state and national levels toward a desire for more fiscal responsibility and accountability. People are nervous about the economy and are concerned about our current elected leaders’ preferences to spend money we simply don’t have.” Graziano said.

Graziano said he has seen an increase in political interest locally which he hopes will continue to build as they head into upcoming elections. “We’ve seen an uptick in the number of individuals interested in participating in the committee and in running for local offices. Right now we’re in the process of collecting signatures on petitions to ensure Republican candidates are on the ballot and we’ve received extremely positive feedback as we go door-to-door. I think we’re going to see that mood reflected in the upcoming elections.”

Graziano has also been working hard to reinforce the community minded message of the Colonie Republican Committee. “My goal has been to refocus the committee on being a community- oriented organization where people can come and participate in a meaningful dialogue on issues that are important to us but also provide an atmosphere for people in town to get to know each other through informal and fun activities with their friends and neighbors.” He says.

On July 16, the Colonie Republican Committee will be hosting two events that are open to the public, a golf tournament at the Colonie Town Golf Course and a family picnic at the Grove at Midway Firehouse.

Registration for the golf tournament begins at 8:15am and the $90 entrance fee ($80 for seniors) includes 18 holes of golf with a cart, breakfast and lunch. It also includes dinner at the family picnic at the Midway Firehouse immediately following the event. Graziano said that a number of local businesses have stepped up to sponsor prizes for the event, including a hole-in-one contest to win a new car.

While the family picnic is an annual event, Graziano says that they have added several new features this year, including a live band and many activities for children. Admission to the picnic, which runs from 5:00pm to 8:00pm, is $25 for adults and free for kids under ten. The admission price includes an all-you-can-eat- bbq as well as refreshments.

In addition to hosting these events, the Colonie Republican Committee is reaching out to the community in many other ways as well. “We have created a number of new informal ways for anyone who’s interested to participate in committee events that are no or low cost.

Events include monthly networking events, meet-the-candidates outings, our upcoming golf tournament and family picnic, and in August we’ll be hosting an ice cream social. We’ve also established a web and a Facebook page to provide new ways to communicate our message and keep people informed.” Graziano said. “And I’m always happy to talk to anyone who’s interested in learning more about the committee or who wants to get involved in town issues.”

Additional information can be found at www.coloniegop.com.

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