ICYMI: 5.8.2025 Monthly Committee Meeting Recap
Meeting Highlights
1. Guest Speaker – Sen. Gillibrand’s Staff
A longtime staffer for Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand spoke on her behalf.
They addressed concerns about ICE militarization, public broadcasting cuts, and national security.
Emphasized bipartisan legislative victories like the PACT Act and military sexual assault reforms.
Acknowledged constituent frustration with Sen. Gillibrand’s visibility and media strategy.
2. Community Frustration & Feedback
Multiple attendees voiced dissatisfaction with perceived inaction or low visibility from Gillibrand.
Urged her to be more vocal, confrontational, and visible in the face of rising and ongoing threats to democracy.
Called for leadership that reflects the urgency of the political moment.
3. Fear of Retaliation
Attendees cited fear of retaliation—locally and politically—as a barrier to speaking out.
Emphasis on collective action and supporting each other to reduce individual risk.
4. Local Issues and Organization
Concerns about transparency in local governance (e.g., cell tower siting, library closure, zoning).
Frustration over lack of accessible information from village officials.
5. Committee Strategy & Participation
Call for more grassroots participation, especially on social media and canvassing.
Urged broader engagement across Milton, Ballston, and beyond.
Plans to issue a formal statement to Gillibrand.
6. Political Campaign Updates
Town board candidate discussed tentative plan to run again, and run an independent party line.
Others are encouraged to step up as candidates—4 open seats noted (two town, two village).
7. Operational Updates
T-shirt ordering is being coordinated, with potential local alternative offered.
Committee now has liability insurance for events.
Website hosting plan has been renewed.
Caucus planning set for mid-June.
8. Upcoming Events & Actions
Adopt-A-Highway scheduling discussed, plus school board votes, zoning board hearings, and upcoming Pride month events.
Participation is encouraged for June 14th anti-authoritarian action and community parades.
9. Guest Appearance – Sheriff Candidate
Candidate detailed legal and personal challenges from running for office in a hostile environment.
Shared insights on judicial bias and voter suppression tactics.
Running on the Democratic line, urging continued support.
10. Final Remarks
Emphasis on unity, continued advocacy, and turning passion into action.
Multiple calls to stay engaged and support committee work in between monthly meetings.
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Our next monthly committee meeting will be June 12th at 7pm - Join us!