BUFFALO- During the first ever State of Upstate Address delivered by Governor Elliot Spitzer today in Buffalo, investment in New York agriculture was a featured component of the $1 Billion investment plan he outlined for Upstate New York. Governor Spitzer named four members of the New York State Legislature who have made it clear that agricultural investment is vital to restoring the economy of Upstate New York. Included among those four members of the State Legislature who have made it clear to the Governor that agriculture is important to any economic revitalization plan for Upstate New York is Assemblyman Darrel J. Aubertine (D-Cape Vincent).
In addition to thanking Assemblyman Aubertine for the efforts that he has made on behalf of New York's farmers, Governor Spitzer addressed the efforts that the State of New York made in conjunction with local and Congressional leaders to help bring additonal troops to Fort Drum. The State's plan to invest and develop $10 million of new housing was reported to be integral to the effort to secure the Army's commitment to restation an additional 1900 soldiers to Fort Drum in the near future.
Governor Spitzer mentioned four cities, including Buffalo, Niagara Falls, Plattsburg, and most important locally, Ogdensburg as communities he hoped would benefit from the efforts he has proposed to attract investment from Canada.
Finally, Governor Spitzer mentioned Jefferson Community College as one of the institutions he hoped would benefit from his plan to create a $4 billion permanent endowment for the State University system.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Where's Darrel?
According to published reports on WWTI's website, Darrel J. Aubertine (D-Cape Vincent) spent the day speaking with business and labor leaders in Watertown and Alexandria Bay in Jefferson County.
Darrel plans to spend Friday campaigning in Oswego County.
According to WWTI, Mr. Aubertine's opponent plans to spend tomorrow campaigning door-to-door in Watertown. I hope Mr. Barclay doesn't knock on too many doors of the approximately 65% of voters who re-elected Darrel when he faced Scott Gray in 2004. I suspect they may be partial to the most effective Assembly member Jefferson County has seen in more than a generation, and may just tell Mr. Barclay why they won't be voting for the over privileged son of a multi-millionaire corporate banker.
Darrel plans to spend Friday campaigning in Oswego County.
According to WWTI, Mr. Aubertine's opponent plans to spend tomorrow campaigning door-to-door in Watertown. I hope Mr. Barclay doesn't knock on too many doors of the approximately 65% of voters who re-elected Darrel when he faced Scott Gray in 2004. I suspect they may be partial to the most effective Assembly member Jefferson County has seen in more than a generation, and may just tell Mr. Barclay why they won't be voting for the over privileged son of a multi-millionaire corporate banker.
Aubertine Welcomes Debates
A spokesman for the Aubertine campaign for the 48th State Senate District seat has stated that Assemblyman Darrel J. Aubertine (D-Cape Vincent) "looked forward to an opportunity to debate."
According to WWTI Aubertine said, "I look forward to any opportunity to discuss the issues. I have debated in each of my Assembly campaigns, and see no reason why this would be any different."
WWTI also reported that a spokesman for the Aubertine campaign stated that Mr. Barclay never reached out to the Aubertine campaign about debates, but issued a debate challenge through the media.
William Barclay (R-Pulaski) has called for at least one public debate in each of the three counties of the State Senate district. Mr. Barclay has also called on Governor Elliot Spitzer to quickly call the special election.
Governor Elliot Spitzer has not yet announced a date for the special election, perhaps because he had been concerned with yesterday's State of the State Address. Local political insiders speculate that the election will be held in early March to allow the local boards of elections time to prepare polling machines following the workout they will be given in upcoming Republican and Democratic Presidential primaries. Recently retired State Senator James Wright (R-Watertown) reportedly delayed his resignation to prevent problems the local boards of elections anticipated would accompany holding the special election on the same date as the Presidential primary.
According to WWTI Aubertine said, "I look forward to any opportunity to discuss the issues. I have debated in each of my Assembly campaigns, and see no reason why this would be any different."
WWTI also reported that a spokesman for the Aubertine campaign stated that Mr. Barclay never reached out to the Aubertine campaign about debates, but issued a debate challenge through the media.
William Barclay (R-Pulaski) has called for at least one public debate in each of the three counties of the State Senate district. Mr. Barclay has also called on Governor Elliot Spitzer to quickly call the special election.
Governor Elliot Spitzer has not yet announced a date for the special election, perhaps because he had been concerned with yesterday's State of the State Address. Local political insiders speculate that the election will be held in early March to allow the local boards of elections time to prepare polling machines following the workout they will be given in upcoming Republican and Democratic Presidential primaries. Recently retired State Senator James Wright (R-Watertown) reportedly delayed his resignation to prevent problems the local boards of elections anticipated would accompany holding the special election on the same date as the Presidential primary.
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Darrel Launches Website and Opens County Offices
Darrel Aubertine, (D-Cape Vincent) candidate for the 48th State Senate District, today officially launched his campaign website www.electaubertine.com and opened campaign offices in each of the three counties making up the district: Oswego, Jefferson and St. Lawrence. The campaign has hit the ground running just days after Aubertine entered the race.
The website details Aubertine's proven record of working to secure jobs, reduce healthcare costs, support quality education and lower property taxes, and shows why he is the candidate best suited to represent Central and Northern New York in the State Senate. The site will also keep residents informed about announcements, appearances and news concerning Darrel.
The campaign offices, located in the heart of each county, will be the central hubs of volunteer activity and community engagement.
“In the dairy business and as an Assemblyman from the region, I have always worked side-by-side with the people I serve,” said Aubertine, a farmer who represents the 118th Assembly District. “My campaign for the State Senate will be a reflection of that work.”
The website also features information about how to get involved. Anyone interested in volunteering who does not have access to the Internet (obviously no one reading this blog) can call the campaign directly at 315-342-1708, or stop by their county headquarters.
Oswego Headquarters
167 West First Street
Oswego, NY 13126
Jefferson Headquarters
169 Polk Street
Watertown, NY 13601
St. Lawrence Headquarters
20-22 Miner Street
Canton, NY 13607
The people reading this blog can click on the green Volunteer Button below
The website details Aubertine's proven record of working to secure jobs, reduce healthcare costs, support quality education and lower property taxes, and shows why he is the candidate best suited to represent Central and Northern New York in the State Senate. The site will also keep residents informed about announcements, appearances and news concerning Darrel.
The campaign offices, located in the heart of each county, will be the central hubs of volunteer activity and community engagement.
“In the dairy business and as an Assemblyman from the region, I have always worked side-by-side with the people I serve,” said Aubertine, a farmer who represents the 118th Assembly District. “My campaign for the State Senate will be a reflection of that work.”
The website also features information about how to get involved. Anyone interested in volunteering who does not have access to the Internet (obviously no one reading this blog) can call the campaign directly at 315-342-1708, or stop by their county headquarters.
Oswego Headquarters
167 West First Street
Oswego, NY 13126
Jefferson Headquarters
169 Polk Street
Watertown, NY 13601
St. Lawrence Headquarters
20-22 Miner Street
Canton, NY 13607
The people reading this blog can click on the green Volunteer Button below
Aubertine Visited Ogdensburg
According to a report on NorthCountryNow.com, Assemblyman Aubertine recently visited some of the 84 residents at the United Helpers Claxton residence in Ogdensburg. Darrel visited the facility to view the new construction completed during the recently concluded phase one of new construction and renvotion at the site. A second phase of construction should be completed in the early fall. The new construction and renovation project will complete additional residential accomodations, administration facilities, as well a physical therapy and kitchen facilities.
The campaign reports that Darrel visited the Claxton facility on December 27th of last year. Maybe the residents and managers were among the many people who urged Assemblyman Aubertine to run for the State Senate that were mentioned in his announcement speech.
The campaign reports that Darrel visited the Claxton facility on December 27th of last year. Maybe the residents and managers were among the many people who urged Assemblyman Aubertine to run for the State Senate that were mentioned in his announcement speech.
Is Barclay Afraid to Speak?
I've heard Barclay's first radio commercial, and I've seen the YouTube of his first television commercial. Only an announcer's voice can be heard in either commercial. At this point, I wonder why the young man appears to be afraid to speak. I suspect he isn't able to deliver his message with much conviction. It must be hard to speak convincingly to voters about how you want to go to State Senate in Albany to work for us, when it is so clear that you want the job to help yourself and your family protect their interests.
I haven't been able to secure Mr. Barclay's Financial Disclosures yet, but it is hard for me to believe that his father, who was on the Board of Directors of Key Bank, or some close relative doesn't own some insurance stock. Actually, I find it hard to believe Key Bank doesn't have some interest in the insurance business. Maybe that's because as recently as October of last year Key Bank was part of a deal to extend $575 million in credit to HCC Insurance Holdings, Inc., an insurance company involved in the health insurance industry. You can read about it here.
Let's consider the legislation that Mr. Barclay has sponsored recently in the Assembly, for example, A 03835 that amends the insurance law to allow people to cancel their health insurance on 20 days notice to their carrier, and requires the insurance company to refund the unearned premium to their beneficiary. Currently the law doesn't require insurers to provide their clients with such a mechanism, but nothing prevents insurers from providing for such a mechanism contractually. The bill looks reasonable on its face, but who benefits from this bill? Seriously, are there a lot of people worried about getting a refund from their health insurance company when they cancel the policy? Are there a lot of people worried that they will be sued by their insurer if they simply stop paying premiums during the contract period and switch to another insurer? How many people honestly believe this is necessary legislation?
Who benefits from this legislation? I could see how the insurance companies could benefit from this legislation through guile. Let's assume that you become seriously ill and will require treatment that will be expensive. Let's assume, as anyone who has seen "Sicko" might, that the insurance company doesn't want to pay for your care. Let's assume you are denied initially for a "pre-approval" of a claim for a test you need, that hasn't been performed. Let's assume appropriately, that you dispute this denial. Let's assume that included in the packet of materials sent to you to dispute the claim is a form that provides the insurer notice that you are canceling the policy. You fill out all of these mountains of forms, including the signature on this notice of cancellation. 20 days later, the insurer cancels your policy, refunds the unearned portion of your premium, and you are no longer insured against a catastrophic illness.
If you don't think the insurance companies would do this to one of their clients, you really haven't seen "Sicko," and you really should watch the documentary.
Is there an epidemic of Americans looking to cancel their health insurance, demanding a refund of the unearned portion of their monthly premiums?
Thankfully the bill was referred to the Assembly's Insurance Committee where it died.
Let's Compare That With Darrel's Insurance Reform
Darrel was the sponsor of A 01301, a bill that amended the Social Services law to allow the exclusion of certain depreciated farm assets from consideration when a self-employed farmer was applying for Family Health Plus. This bill allowed more working farmers to become eligible for Family Health Plus, dramatically expanding access to affordable health insurance for family farmers.
The bill was so correct in its approach that fellow St. Lawrence and Jefferson county Assembly member Dede Scozzafava (R-Gouverneur) co-sponsored the legislation along with several other members of the assembly. Noticeably absent from such co-sponsorship was Assembly member Barclay, who has allegedly garnered support from a lot of farmers in the 48th State Senate district. Maybe they are pretend farmers like President Bush, who his family has supported with many campaign contributions.
Thankfully Mr. Barclay did do the right thing when it came time to vote, along with another 140 of the 150 Assembly members and voted to pass the bill that Darrel sponsored, which has since been signed into law by Governor Spitzer.
I haven't been able to secure Mr. Barclay's Financial Disclosures yet, but it is hard for me to believe that his father, who was on the Board of Directors of Key Bank, or some close relative doesn't own some insurance stock. Actually, I find it hard to believe Key Bank doesn't have some interest in the insurance business. Maybe that's because as recently as October of last year Key Bank was part of a deal to extend $575 million in credit to HCC Insurance Holdings, Inc., an insurance company involved in the health insurance industry. You can read about it here.
Let's consider the legislation that Mr. Barclay has sponsored recently in the Assembly, for example, A 03835 that amends the insurance law to allow people to cancel their health insurance on 20 days notice to their carrier, and requires the insurance company to refund the unearned premium to their beneficiary. Currently the law doesn't require insurers to provide their clients with such a mechanism, but nothing prevents insurers from providing for such a mechanism contractually. The bill looks reasonable on its face, but who benefits from this bill? Seriously, are there a lot of people worried about getting a refund from their health insurance company when they cancel the policy? Are there a lot of people worried that they will be sued by their insurer if they simply stop paying premiums during the contract period and switch to another insurer? How many people honestly believe this is necessary legislation?
Who benefits from this legislation? I could see how the insurance companies could benefit from this legislation through guile. Let's assume that you become seriously ill and will require treatment that will be expensive. Let's assume, as anyone who has seen "Sicko" might, that the insurance company doesn't want to pay for your care. Let's assume you are denied initially for a "pre-approval" of a claim for a test you need, that hasn't been performed. Let's assume appropriately, that you dispute this denial. Let's assume that included in the packet of materials sent to you to dispute the claim is a form that provides the insurer notice that you are canceling the policy. You fill out all of these mountains of forms, including the signature on this notice of cancellation. 20 days later, the insurer cancels your policy, refunds the unearned portion of your premium, and you are no longer insured against a catastrophic illness.
If you don't think the insurance companies would do this to one of their clients, you really haven't seen "Sicko," and you really should watch the documentary.
Is there an epidemic of Americans looking to cancel their health insurance, demanding a refund of the unearned portion of their monthly premiums?
Thankfully the bill was referred to the Assembly's Insurance Committee where it died.
Let's Compare That With Darrel's Insurance Reform
Darrel was the sponsor of A 01301, a bill that amended the Social Services law to allow the exclusion of certain depreciated farm assets from consideration when a self-employed farmer was applying for Family Health Plus. This bill allowed more working farmers to become eligible for Family Health Plus, dramatically expanding access to affordable health insurance for family farmers.
The bill was so correct in its approach that fellow St. Lawrence and Jefferson county Assembly member Dede Scozzafava (R-Gouverneur) co-sponsored the legislation along with several other members of the assembly. Noticeably absent from such co-sponsorship was Assembly member Barclay, who has allegedly garnered support from a lot of farmers in the 48th State Senate district. Maybe they are pretend farmers like President Bush, who his family has supported with many campaign contributions.
Thankfully Mr. Barclay did do the right thing when it came time to vote, along with another 140 of the 150 Assembly members and voted to pass the bill that Darrel sponsored, which has since been signed into law by Governor Spitzer.
Monday, January 7, 2008
Senator Wright Officially Resigns
WATERTOWN -A spokesperson for State Senator James Wright (R-Watertown) announced that the Senator officially resigned the position he has held since 1992 today by turning his letter of resignation into the Secretary of the Senate.
Senator Wright said the biggest challenge of the office is making sure that the North Country and Central New York are heard on important issues.
Senator Wright, I couldn't agree with you more, which is why electing Darrel Aubertine, a man who will continue to work hard for the constituents of the district, while giving the district a stronger voice by upsetting the status quo, and shifting the balance of power in the Senate is vitally important for the future of the North Country and Central New York.
While Assemblyman Aubertine's announcement this weekend, and the resignation mean that the race is officially on, only Governor Spitzer's announcement of a date for the Special Election remains for all of the pieces to be in place for what may be the most important election in North Country history.
This election marks the first chance in a long while for North Country and Central New York voters to unclog the arteries of the 48th State Senate district that have been hardened by years of opportunities wasted because of conflicts the opportunities presented for the "old moneyed" interests that have long dominated North Country and Central New York politics.
Senator Wright said the biggest challenge of the office is making sure that the North Country and Central New York are heard on important issues.
Senator Wright, I couldn't agree with you more, which is why electing Darrel Aubertine, a man who will continue to work hard for the constituents of the district, while giving the district a stronger voice by upsetting the status quo, and shifting the balance of power in the Senate is vitally important for the future of the North Country and Central New York.
While Assemblyman Aubertine's announcement this weekend, and the resignation mean that the race is officially on, only Governor Spitzer's announcement of a date for the Special Election remains for all of the pieces to be in place for what may be the most important election in North Country history.
This election marks the first chance in a long while for North Country and Central New York voters to unclog the arteries of the 48th State Senate district that have been hardened by years of opportunities wasted because of conflicts the opportunities presented for the "old moneyed" interests that have long dominated North Country and Central New York politics.
U.S. Senator Charles Schumer Endorses Aubertine
FULTON -U.S. Sen. Charles E. Schumer (D-New York) endorsed Darrel Aubertine's campaign for the State Senate today during a visit to Fulton. Aubertine officially announced his candidacy for the 48th State Senate seat during a series of rallies this weekend, with stops in Oswego County, Jefferson County and St. Lawrence County.
"When I need to know how an issue is going to affect the people of Central and Northern New York, I call Darrel Aubertine," said Sen. Schumer. "And Darrel knows, because he's experienced many of the same challenges as the people he represents. That experience drives him to be a hard working representative of this region, and I am pleased to give him my enthusiastic endorsement."
Schumer and Aubertine were in Fulton today to meet voters and to talk about local issues. It was the second time in three weeks that Sen. Schumer and Assemblyman Aubertine discussed local issues in Oswego County. In late December, the two toured the Port of Oswego. While in the Assembly, Aubertine has built a strong partnership with Sen. Schumer, as the two worked together on a host issues.
"We worked together to expand Fort Drum and to improve its impact on the regional economy," said Sen. Schumer. "We worked to fight against the influx of foreign milk protein concentrates that hurt our local dairy farmers. And, most recently, we worked to help save over 900 jobs at the Alcoa plant in Massena. Darrel knows what it takes to represent the people of this region because he has been there, and I look forward to working with him on even more local issues when he is elected to the State Senate."
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Senator Schumer Supporting Aubertine
Tomorrow, Monday January 7th at 9:30 a.m. at Mimi's Drive Inn, located at 201 N. 2nd St. in Fulton, U.S. Senator Charles Schumer (D-New York) will be campaigning with Assemblyman Darrel J. Aubertine (D-Cape Vincent) in support of the Assemblyman's bid to win the State Senate seat for New York's 48th Senate District. Mr. Aubertine hopes to represent the district which includes Oswego, Jefferson, and northwestern St. Lawrence counties. There will be an announcement at the campaign stop followed by an opportunity for the media to ask questions.
The Difference Between the Candidates
As an alumnus of Syracuse University who spent a little time working at the law school snack bar while I was an undergraduate, I understood the greatest difference between Darrel and his opponent William Barclay in an instant. It is easy to understand the difference for anyone who has done an honest day's work -at least if you have ever met Darrel.
Mr. Barclay is the son of former State Senator H. Douglas Barclay and heir apparent to a considerable fortune, earned through family connections and his father's work as an investment banker/lawyer/politician, but don't take my word on that, you can read about it here. The former Senator Barclay was the General Counsel and a Board Member of Key Bank which he helped become one of America's leading banks during his tenure. It is unclear if this was during his tenure as a State Senator or following it, but I suspect regardless of the timing, his political connections were vital to that success.
Mr. Barclay the younger claims to be the Eighth Generation of his family to grow up in Pulaski, of course most people from Pulaski don't attend a private high school in New Hampshire as Mr. Barclay's father did, but then again, don't take my word on that, you can read about it here.
There are certain things I suspect Mr. Barclay doesn't want most of Northern and Central New York to know about his family, for example, given the approval rating of President Bush, I doubt Mr. Barclay would want you to know that his father was the New York State Chairman for George H.W. Bush's 1988 Presidential campaign. Don't believe me? You can read about it, here, at least until the former Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Syracuse University tells the school it might be better for them to take down the article. Yes, in case you were wondering, that former Chairman is Mr. Barclay's father H. Douglas Barclay, I wonder if his father being the Chairman of the Board of Trustees helped him get into the law school?
I also suspect that Mr. Barclay doesn't want you to know that his father and the Barclay family contributed $7,000 to the Bush-Cheney campaigns, and that between 1999 and 2004 the family contributed $216,300 to the GOP and its candidates. Again, don't take my word on that, you can read about it here. For all of those contributions to the Republican party, H. Douglas Barclay was made the United States Ambassador to El Salvador in 2003 by President George W. Bush. Again, you don't have to take my word on that, you can read about it here.
How many families in Northern and Central New York have $216,300 to give to a political party? I suspect that isn't your typical Pulaski family, and if it is, I've been living in the wrong part of the Senate District.
What I also suspect Mr. Barclay the younger wouldn't want you to know is that regardless of what you believe, he is important, and this is his Seat in the Senate. He is entitled to it as a birthright. Kind of like another politician we all know too well. You know that error that is scheduled to end at noon on January 20, 2009. The mistake that has been residing at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington since the 2000 election debacle.
Speaking of the 2000 election debacle, I doubt Mr. Barclay would want you to know that the Barclay family gave $2000 to the Bush-Cheney recount fund to help subvert the will of the people in Florida, but again, don't take my word on that, you can read about it here.
I realize that I said Mr. Barclay the younger wouldn't want you to know that he is certain that he is important because of his birth, but I haven't really shown you the proof. May it please the court, I present to you, Exhibit A, his wedding announcement in The New York Times.
Yes, I know what you are thinking, there are a lot of young men from Pulaski who have their wedding announcement placed in the New York Times. That doesn't mean anything. To be fair, his wife's father was a Reverend from Massachusetts, with a 3rd in his name, so "blue blood" might run on both sides of the family.
I must admit, I'm not certain that I have Mr. Barclay's full resume in front of me, but from what I can tell, his first real job was as an intern in the White House Office of Political Affairs during George H.W. Bush's presidency. You can read about that
here.
As a student at, I suspect, St. Lawrence University when he got the job, I doubt the fact that his father was George H.W. Bush's State Campaign Chair had anything to do with his getting the job. From there Mr. Barclay went on to clerk for the Honorable Roger J. Miner on the US Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. Again you can confirm that here. Again, I doubt his father's political connections in any way influenced the hiring process.
According to his wedding announcement, Mr. Barclay went on to work as an associate at Bond, Schoeneck & King, a large Syracuse corporate law firm, before becoming a partner in the corporate law firm of Hiscock & Barclay. Yes, the same Hiscock & Barclay law firm in Syracuse that had been renamed for his father, a partner in the firm. Again, don't take my word for it, read about it here. I wonder if his family connections helped him get the job?
According to his biography on the Assembly website, Mr. Barclay joined the New York State Assembly at the same time that Darrel was elected to the Assembly. You can review Mr. Barclay's official biography here. I don't doubt that he was elected entirely on his own merits, and not because his father pulled any strings to help secure him the Republican nomination and the seat in an Assembly District where Republicans outnumber Democrats almost 2 to 1. But then again? In case you were wondering, you can check out the party enrollment for the 124th Assembly District at the New York State Board of Elections Website.
You may be wondering what Mr. Barclay does when he isn't working in the New York State Assembly. According to the biography on his law firm's website, he is the Chair of the Lobbying and Election Law Compliance Practice Area. Is it just me, or does a Member of the Assembly providing legal advice to Lobbyists sound like a conflict of interest? Don't believe me, again, you can review his law firm bio here.
According to the Hiscock & Barclay website:
You can review what Mr. Barclay's law firm has to say about this area of practice here.
There is conflicting information in Mr. Barclay's Assembly and law firm biographies about his involvement with QMP Enterprises, Inc., which his law firm biography categorizes as "Civic Activities," yet which his Assembly biography more correctly categorizes as a business activity. A search of the New York State Division of Corporation's website revealed that QMP Enterprises, Inc. is a New York Business Corporation, of which David H. Barclay is both the Chairman and CEO. Candidate Barclay's biographies reveal that he is a Member of the Board of Directors. You can visit the State Division of Corporations here to perform your own search, and you can review Mr. Barclay's biographies here and here to confirm his involvement.
Again, there is conflicting information in Mr. Barclay's biographies regarding another of Mr. Barclay's activities. His Assembly biography correctly lists his work with Panthus Corporation as a business activity while his law firm biography again lists it as "Civic Activities." This regards his involvement with Panthus Corporation, or more correctly stated, Panthus Capital Corporation, according to a search of the New York State Division of Corporations website. Again, David H. Barclay is the Chairman and CEO of this company, and candidate Barclay is a Member of the Board of Directors.
I think by now it is clear that Mr. Barclay has lived a privileged life as the son of a wealthy and politically powerful father. I believe most people would understand that wealth and political power has provided Mr. Barclay's family not only the obvious advantages of nepotism, but that the family has used their wealth and power in a symbiotic relationship to secure more money through the use of their political power, and then used that new money to continue to grow their political power, which again helps to grow the family fortune.
I haven't yet explained the difference between Mr. Barclay and Darrel Aubertine that lies at the heart of this article, but the difference is simple, and it is striking. I first met Darrel a few years ago, shortly after his election to the New York State Assembly. When I shook his hand, I felt the callouses that accompany a lifetime of hard work, and I felt the grip of a man who had spent his life earning a living from an honest day's labor. Unlike Mr. Barclay who was born with the proverbial "silver spoon" in his mouth, Darrel Aubertine is a working man who represents his fellow working men and women in the New York State Legislature. When he states that he knows what life is like for most of the people in the 48th State Senate District, you need only to shake his hand to confirm he is telling the truth.
I can't say that I knew Mr. Barclay while I was at Syracuse University, although I may have had the chance to serve him a meal while I was a student working my way through school. We were both on the SU hill during the 1994-1995 school year, but I began this article by explaining I understood the difference between Darrel and Mr. Barclay instantly because of my experience working at the Syracuse University law school snack bar. While I have told you what I knew about Darrel the moment I met him, what I haven't told you about Mr. Barclay is what I understood about him, without having met him. I understood that he was the beneficiary of the nepotism and privilege I have described throughout this article, without having met him.
I understood that about Mr. Barclay because the Syracuse University Law Library is named the H. Douglas Barclay Law Library, and I saw that name at the entrance to the law library every day that I went to work in the law school snack bar. This again is easily confirmed here. What I still have been unable to discern is whether that law library was named for his father because he spent a lot of his own money building a library at my private alma mater, or whether that libary is named in honor of his father because he secured state funding for its construction. You may understand why that question remains unanswered for me if you read this article.
I would urge the voters of the 48th State Senate District, if nothing else, to consider the life experience of the two men who seek to represent them in the State Senate, and vote for the man who will best understand their problems and concerns. I would also ask the voters to consider this question: Why, when a family with so much wealth and power resides in this Senate District, have they been unable, or unwilling to use that wealth and power to build a stronger economy in the region? I would also ask voters to consider another question: Why has Darrel, a man without the same privileged background, been able to help improve the economy of the "River District," and it's surrounding area in such a short period?
I think the answer is obvious. Darrel, has spent his time in the Assembly working to help us, while the Barclay family has spent their time in political life, primarily working to help themselves.
Mr. Barclay is the son of former State Senator H. Douglas Barclay and heir apparent to a considerable fortune, earned through family connections and his father's work as an investment banker/lawyer/politician, but don't take my word on that, you can read about it here. The former Senator Barclay was the General Counsel and a Board Member of Key Bank which he helped become one of America's leading banks during his tenure. It is unclear if this was during his tenure as a State Senator or following it, but I suspect regardless of the timing, his political connections were vital to that success.
Mr. Barclay the younger claims to be the Eighth Generation of his family to grow up in Pulaski, of course most people from Pulaski don't attend a private high school in New Hampshire as Mr. Barclay's father did, but then again, don't take my word on that, you can read about it here.
There are certain things I suspect Mr. Barclay doesn't want most of Northern and Central New York to know about his family, for example, given the approval rating of President Bush, I doubt Mr. Barclay would want you to know that his father was the New York State Chairman for George H.W. Bush's 1988 Presidential campaign. Don't believe me? You can read about it, here, at least until the former Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Syracuse University tells the school it might be better for them to take down the article. Yes, in case you were wondering, that former Chairman is Mr. Barclay's father H. Douglas Barclay, I wonder if his father being the Chairman of the Board of Trustees helped him get into the law school?
I also suspect that Mr. Barclay doesn't want you to know that his father and the Barclay family contributed $7,000 to the Bush-Cheney campaigns, and that between 1999 and 2004 the family contributed $216,300 to the GOP and its candidates. Again, don't take my word on that, you can read about it here. For all of those contributions to the Republican party, H. Douglas Barclay was made the United States Ambassador to El Salvador in 2003 by President George W. Bush. Again, you don't have to take my word on that, you can read about it here.
How many families in Northern and Central New York have $216,300 to give to a political party? I suspect that isn't your typical Pulaski family, and if it is, I've been living in the wrong part of the Senate District.
What I also suspect Mr. Barclay the younger wouldn't want you to know is that regardless of what you believe, he is important, and this is his Seat in the Senate. He is entitled to it as a birthright. Kind of like another politician we all know too well. You know that error that is scheduled to end at noon on January 20, 2009. The mistake that has been residing at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington since the 2000 election debacle.
Speaking of the 2000 election debacle, I doubt Mr. Barclay would want you to know that the Barclay family gave $2000 to the Bush-Cheney recount fund to help subvert the will of the people in Florida, but again, don't take my word on that, you can read about it here.
I realize that I said Mr. Barclay the younger wouldn't want you to know that he is certain that he is important because of his birth, but I haven't really shown you the proof. May it please the court, I present to you, Exhibit A, his wedding announcement in The New York Times.
Yes, I know what you are thinking, there are a lot of young men from Pulaski who have their wedding announcement placed in the New York Times. That doesn't mean anything. To be fair, his wife's father was a Reverend from Massachusetts, with a 3rd in his name, so "blue blood" might run on both sides of the family.
I must admit, I'm not certain that I have Mr. Barclay's full resume in front of me, but from what I can tell, his first real job was as an intern in the White House Office of Political Affairs during George H.W. Bush's presidency. You can read about that
here.
As a student at, I suspect, St. Lawrence University when he got the job, I doubt the fact that his father was George H.W. Bush's State Campaign Chair had anything to do with his getting the job. From there Mr. Barclay went on to clerk for the Honorable Roger J. Miner on the US Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. Again you can confirm that here. Again, I doubt his father's political connections in any way influenced the hiring process.
According to his wedding announcement, Mr. Barclay went on to work as an associate at Bond, Schoeneck & King, a large Syracuse corporate law firm, before becoming a partner in the corporate law firm of Hiscock & Barclay. Yes, the same Hiscock & Barclay law firm in Syracuse that had been renamed for his father, a partner in the firm. Again, don't take my word for it, read about it here. I wonder if his family connections helped him get the job?
According to his biography on the Assembly website, Mr. Barclay joined the New York State Assembly at the same time that Darrel was elected to the Assembly. You can review Mr. Barclay's official biography here. I don't doubt that he was elected entirely on his own merits, and not because his father pulled any strings to help secure him the Republican nomination and the seat in an Assembly District where Republicans outnumber Democrats almost 2 to 1. But then again? In case you were wondering, you can check out the party enrollment for the 124th Assembly District at the New York State Board of Elections Website.
You may be wondering what Mr. Barclay does when he isn't working in the New York State Assembly. According to the biography on his law firm's website, he is the Chair of the Lobbying and Election Law Compliance Practice Area. Is it just me, or does a Member of the Assembly providing legal advice to Lobbyists sound like a conflict of interest? Don't believe me, again, you can review his law firm bio here.
According to the Hiscock & Barclay website:
"The Lobbying & Election Law Compliance Practice Area assists clients in maximizing the benefit of their political contribution efforts while ensuring compliance with all applicable state and federal election laws, rules, and regulations. The practice specializes in both lobbying and political fundraising compliance at the state and federal level. In particular, our areas of expertise include: lobbying prohibitions and requirements for corporations and their employees; political action committee (“PAC”) activities including formation, strategy, and compliance; political contributions by corporations; and the ethical guidelines and prohibitions governing public officials and government employees."
You can review what Mr. Barclay's law firm has to say about this area of practice here.
There is conflicting information in Mr. Barclay's Assembly and law firm biographies about his involvement with QMP Enterprises, Inc., which his law firm biography categorizes as "Civic Activities," yet which his Assembly biography more correctly categorizes as a business activity. A search of the New York State Division of Corporation's website revealed that QMP Enterprises, Inc. is a New York Business Corporation, of which David H. Barclay is both the Chairman and CEO. Candidate Barclay's biographies reveal that he is a Member of the Board of Directors. You can visit the State Division of Corporations here to perform your own search, and you can review Mr. Barclay's biographies here and here to confirm his involvement.
Again, there is conflicting information in Mr. Barclay's biographies regarding another of Mr. Barclay's activities. His Assembly biography correctly lists his work with Panthus Corporation as a business activity while his law firm biography again lists it as "Civic Activities." This regards his involvement with Panthus Corporation, or more correctly stated, Panthus Capital Corporation, according to a search of the New York State Division of Corporations website. Again, David H. Barclay is the Chairman and CEO of this company, and candidate Barclay is a Member of the Board of Directors.
I think by now it is clear that Mr. Barclay has lived a privileged life as the son of a wealthy and politically powerful father. I believe most people would understand that wealth and political power has provided Mr. Barclay's family not only the obvious advantages of nepotism, but that the family has used their wealth and power in a symbiotic relationship to secure more money through the use of their political power, and then used that new money to continue to grow their political power, which again helps to grow the family fortune.
I haven't yet explained the difference between Mr. Barclay and Darrel Aubertine that lies at the heart of this article, but the difference is simple, and it is striking. I first met Darrel a few years ago, shortly after his election to the New York State Assembly. When I shook his hand, I felt the callouses that accompany a lifetime of hard work, and I felt the grip of a man who had spent his life earning a living from an honest day's labor. Unlike Mr. Barclay who was born with the proverbial "silver spoon" in his mouth, Darrel Aubertine is a working man who represents his fellow working men and women in the New York State Legislature. When he states that he knows what life is like for most of the people in the 48th State Senate District, you need only to shake his hand to confirm he is telling the truth.
I can't say that I knew Mr. Barclay while I was at Syracuse University, although I may have had the chance to serve him a meal while I was a student working my way through school. We were both on the SU hill during the 1994-1995 school year, but I began this article by explaining I understood the difference between Darrel and Mr. Barclay instantly because of my experience working at the Syracuse University law school snack bar. While I have told you what I knew about Darrel the moment I met him, what I haven't told you about Mr. Barclay is what I understood about him, without having met him. I understood that he was the beneficiary of the nepotism and privilege I have described throughout this article, without having met him.
I understood that about Mr. Barclay because the Syracuse University Law Library is named the H. Douglas Barclay Law Library, and I saw that name at the entrance to the law library every day that I went to work in the law school snack bar. This again is easily confirmed here. What I still have been unable to discern is whether that law library was named for his father because he spent a lot of his own money building a library at my private alma mater, or whether that libary is named in honor of his father because he secured state funding for its construction. You may understand why that question remains unanswered for me if you read this article.
I would urge the voters of the 48th State Senate District, if nothing else, to consider the life experience of the two men who seek to represent them in the State Senate, and vote for the man who will best understand their problems and concerns. I would also ask the voters to consider this question: Why, when a family with so much wealth and power resides in this Senate District, have they been unable, or unwilling to use that wealth and power to build a stronger economy in the region? I would also ask voters to consider another question: Why has Darrel, a man without the same privileged background, been able to help improve the economy of the "River District," and it's surrounding area in such a short period?
I think the answer is obvious. Darrel, has spent his time in the Assembly working to help us, while the Barclay family has spent their time in political life, primarily working to help themselves.
Saturday, January 5, 2008
Aubertine a Candidate for State Senate
WATERTOWN -Today New York State Assemblyman Darrel J. Aubertine (D-Cape Vincent) announced his candidacy for the New York State Senate seat being vacated by retiring Senator James Wright. The initial announcement came to a crowd that was spilling out the door at 10 o'clock this morning in Oswego, and was followed up by an announcement at the Aubertine for State Senate office at the Marcy Building in Watertown shortly after noon.
Somewhere in the neighborhood of a hundred supporters gathered at what quickly became a cramped Watertown office to listen to Assemblyman Aubertine announce his candidacy for the 48th State Senate seat. Assemblyman Aubertine's announcement and his message drew a stark contrast with his opponent William A. Barclay (R-Pulaski). The video on Mr. Barclay's website suggests that he delivered his announcement to an empty room, while Assemblyman Aubertine drew a packed house in both Oswego and Watertown.
Supporters chanted "Darrel" as the Assemblyman entered and made his way across a nearly standing room only crowd shaking hands and saying "hello" before walking to the podium. Jefferson County Democratic Committee Chairman Sean Hennesey introduced Darrel as reporters from various news organizations, and supporters gathered near to hear the Assemblyman speak.
During his introduction Chairman Hennesey drew a stark contrast between the candidates for anyone familiar with Mr. Barclay's background. Assemblyman Aubertine was introduced as a Sixth Generation farmer who understood what it meant to work for a living, and the problems facing the ordinary people living in the district, a theme that Mr. Aubertine would echo in his announcement.
During his introduction, Mr. Hennesey explained that Darrel was first encouraged to run for the Town Board in Cape Vincent by a Republican friend who felt he would do a good job. From there, Mr. Aubertine became a member of the Jefferson County Legislature, where as one of only 3 Democrats in the legislature, he was elected Chairman.
Mr. Hennesey went on to praise Assemblyman Aubertine for the work he has done in the "River District" representing Northern Jefferson and St. Lawrence Counties, including securing millions of additional dollars in state aide for local schools. During his introduction, Mr. Hennesey reminded supporters of the little reported fact, that Assemblyman Aubertine is not only a member, but the Chairman of the Sportsman Caucus in the Assembly.
After thanking Mr. Hennesey, Assemblyman Aubertine told the packed house that he had decided to run for the State Senate at the urging of friends, family, and supporters because he felt he could be of service to the North County and Central New York community.
He told the crowd that a lot of people would want to distract them from the issues that concern him and the citizens of the 48th Senate District. He said that some people would suggest this race is about a battle for power between upstate New York and downstate New York, but for him it was clearly a battle to bring positive change to the North Country and Central New York, and a battle to make life on all of the Main Streets in the 48th Senate District a little better.
In talking about the work he had done that helped him decide to take on the bigger challenge of representing approximately 300,000 New Yorkers in the State Senate he said that his proudest accomplishment, helping to save almost 900 jobs at the Alcoa factory in Massena had been important. Mr. Aubertine said he felt he could be more effective at keeping good jobs in the North Country and Central New York and bringing new jobs to the region by changing the status quo in the district's State Senate representation.
Mr. Aubertine told the packed house that he understood the value of hard work from a life time of hard work on his family farm, that he understood their concerns about rising tax rates, which he joked he first learned about at 17, when he was the only student paying school taxes after he purchased his first farm. Mr. Aubertine explained that he understood families concerns about financing higher education for their children from his own experience educating his three children. He joked that he understood what a FAFSA was and he had filled a few of them out with a little help from his wife, Margaret. He explained that experience is one reason he has worked hard to ensure that public funding for higher education is available.
Mr. Aubertine thanked his supporters in Watertown before taking a few questions from reporters. When asked why he wanted to make what many would consider a lateral move from the Assembly to the Senate, Mr. Aubertine explained that the pay scale would be lateral, and that he loves working for the citizens of his Assembly District, but that the opportunity to represent many more of his fellow citizens meant an expanded opportunity to help his community, and he felt his experience made him ready for the challenge.
Assemblyman Aubertine spent a few minutes talking with individual supporters before leaving to address another crowd of more than 100 supporters at the campaign offices in Canton to make his official announcement to St. Lawrence county.
Somewhere in the neighborhood of a hundred supporters gathered at what quickly became a cramped Watertown office to listen to Assemblyman Aubertine announce his candidacy for the 48th State Senate seat. Assemblyman Aubertine's announcement and his message drew a stark contrast with his opponent William A. Barclay (R-Pulaski). The video on Mr. Barclay's website suggests that he delivered his announcement to an empty room, while Assemblyman Aubertine drew a packed house in both Oswego and Watertown.
Supporters chanted "Darrel" as the Assemblyman entered and made his way across a nearly standing room only crowd shaking hands and saying "hello" before walking to the podium. Jefferson County Democratic Committee Chairman Sean Hennesey introduced Darrel as reporters from various news organizations, and supporters gathered near to hear the Assemblyman speak.
During his introduction Chairman Hennesey drew a stark contrast between the candidates for anyone familiar with Mr. Barclay's background. Assemblyman Aubertine was introduced as a Sixth Generation farmer who understood what it meant to work for a living, and the problems facing the ordinary people living in the district, a theme that Mr. Aubertine would echo in his announcement.
During his introduction, Mr. Hennesey explained that Darrel was first encouraged to run for the Town Board in Cape Vincent by a Republican friend who felt he would do a good job. From there, Mr. Aubertine became a member of the Jefferson County Legislature, where as one of only 3 Democrats in the legislature, he was elected Chairman.
Mr. Hennesey went on to praise Assemblyman Aubertine for the work he has done in the "River District" representing Northern Jefferson and St. Lawrence Counties, including securing millions of additional dollars in state aide for local schools. During his introduction, Mr. Hennesey reminded supporters of the little reported fact, that Assemblyman Aubertine is not only a member, but the Chairman of the Sportsman Caucus in the Assembly.
After thanking Mr. Hennesey, Assemblyman Aubertine told the packed house that he had decided to run for the State Senate at the urging of friends, family, and supporters because he felt he could be of service to the North County and Central New York community.
He told the crowd that a lot of people would want to distract them from the issues that concern him and the citizens of the 48th Senate District. He said that some people would suggest this race is about a battle for power between upstate New York and downstate New York, but for him it was clearly a battle to bring positive change to the North Country and Central New York, and a battle to make life on all of the Main Streets in the 48th Senate District a little better.
In talking about the work he had done that helped him decide to take on the bigger challenge of representing approximately 300,000 New Yorkers in the State Senate he said that his proudest accomplishment, helping to save almost 900 jobs at the Alcoa factory in Massena had been important. Mr. Aubertine said he felt he could be more effective at keeping good jobs in the North Country and Central New York and bringing new jobs to the region by changing the status quo in the district's State Senate representation.
Mr. Aubertine told the packed house that he understood the value of hard work from a life time of hard work on his family farm, that he understood their concerns about rising tax rates, which he joked he first learned about at 17, when he was the only student paying school taxes after he purchased his first farm. Mr. Aubertine explained that he understood families concerns about financing higher education for their children from his own experience educating his three children. He joked that he understood what a FAFSA was and he had filled a few of them out with a little help from his wife, Margaret. He explained that experience is one reason he has worked hard to ensure that public funding for higher education is available.
Mr. Aubertine thanked his supporters in Watertown before taking a few questions from reporters. When asked why he wanted to make what many would consider a lateral move from the Assembly to the Senate, Mr. Aubertine explained that the pay scale would be lateral, and that he loves working for the citizens of his Assembly District, but that the opportunity to represent many more of his fellow citizens meant an expanded opportunity to help his community, and he felt his experience made him ready for the challenge.
Assemblyman Aubertine spent a few minutes talking with individual supporters before leaving to address another crowd of more than 100 supporters at the campaign offices in Canton to make his official announcement to St. Lawrence county.
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