Keep an Eye on Your Local Governments

August 5, 2020

We have so many local governments in NYS. If you live in a town in Saratoga County you have a Town Council with a Supervisor. That supervisor also represents your Town as a member of the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors. And then you have a school district with a school board. And most likely you have a fire district, water district, sewer district and maybe even a park district. And every one of those districts has a board that meets periodically. Cities and villages have a more unified government, but they do have at least a council with a Mayor and a separate school district. And all those governments could benefit from watching! But it is sure hard for one person to watch all those local governments. That’s why the League encourages you to become an observer of ONE of your local governments.

Right now, in the time of COVID-19, it is easy to become an observer. That’s because many of these governments are making it possible for the public to attend meetings remotely. The Saratoga County Board of Supervisors has arranged a phone line for the public to listen in on their meetings. This month it is 1-978-990-5145 and the access code is 1840389. So you can be doing the dishes or knitting and know what is happening. The City of Saratoga Springs has for years broadcast City Council meetings live. Use their website http://www.saratoga-springs.org/ to access the meetings. Or https://townofwilton.com/government/town-board/town-board-meeting-videos/. Or your own Town’s Council or your School District. Just by being “present” you improve the quality of your government.

Linda Gush coordinates our Observers, so contact her for more information on being an observer at president@lwvsaratoga.org and also let her know what government you will be observing.

by Barb Thomas, Steering Committee of the League of Women Voters of Saratoga County

Coronavirus, COVID 19, and YOU

April 20, 2020

Social distancing and wearing a mask are getting to be a habit. We tend to think that these are things we are doing to protect others from sickness and death – without squarely facing the fact that we, ourselves, really could die. And soon – if we get the coronavirus. Have you made plans for that contingency?

League members support Medical Aid in Dying, but we don’t yet have it in NYS. However, many of us have completed health care proxies and advanced directives that will help us achieve the kind of death we desire. But will your survivors be able to find them when the time comes? Will they know where your will is, and how to access your financial accounts? As the old adage goes, “Don’t put off till tomorrow, what you can do today.”

There are some special things to think about with the coronavirus. What kind of care do you want? In a hospital or at home? The League’s lobbying partner for medical aid in dying, Compassion and Choices, has put together a tool kit specific to choices with respect to coronavirus care. Find it at
https://compassionandchoices.org/resource/covid-19-understanding-your-options/ and while you are at it poke around on that website.

Barb Thomas

Time for Caring

This Is A Time For Caring For Each Other

How are you? This is a time for caring for each other. Personally, I have been in frequent contact with my family and friends to assure myself of their well-being. These conversations also bring the added benefit of knowing I am not alone.

The LWVSC is a group of neighbors who come together to make a better community. Each time I see a message from one of our members I am grateful for the information but also rejoice in the feeling of connectedness.

Combatting COVID-19 brings challenges and also opportunities to strengthen our relationships. We have been strong in our mission to strengthen democracy so let us now resolve to stay strong as we help each other. If you need anything, reach out by emailing me or another member of the steering committee. We will find assistance for you.

Linda Gush, On Behalf of Your BOD 3/18/20

COVID19: Cancellations of League Events

The League of Women Voters of Saratoga County is concerned for the safety and well being of our members and community therefore we find it necessary to cancel or reschedule our upcoming events. As you are aware, this is an evolving situation and we will follow the advice from our Public Health agencies to contain the COVID 19 virus. Please check our website and social media for updates. Look for our emails for more information.

At this point, we are cancelling or rescheduling, when possible, the following events:
• Petticoats of Steel, 3/16
• Meetup: Lobbying-It's Not a Dirty Word, 3/18
• Going For It, 3/24
• Write the Vote, 3/29 (keep an eye out for a future date)
• Earth, Wind and Fires, 4/2 (keep an eye out for a future date)
• Meetup: Fighting Climate Change with Climate Justice, 4/15 (keep an eye out for a future date)
We have already been able to reschedule our Famous Person Fundraiser, with Kim Wafer portraying Shirley Chisholm, from March 14 to July 18, at The Inn at Saratoga.

Regarding Voter Registration, this will depend on the venue for the community event. If you have questions regarding voter registration please contact us.

We'll miss you during this time but stay in touch. You can find us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram as well as our website. Stay well.

3/14/20

The Census is Coming!

Every 10 years the U.S. Census takes on the enormous task of counting every single person living in the United States. For the first time this year, the Census will be encouraging people to respond online. The Census is mailing letters to every household between March 12th and 20th with a code for the online questionnaire.

Getting an accurate count is vitally important. The Census count determines how many Congressional seats our state will have, affects the distribution of federal and state dollars in our community, and influences business and community planning decisions, such as where to locate new businesses. We need an accurate count to ensure that New York and our local communities get their fair share of the billions of dollars in federal funding that go to hospitals, fire departments, schools, roads, and other resources based on census data.

New York is one of eight states expected to lose at least one congressional seat after the 2020 Census count, and possibly more, as our population has grown at a slower pace than other states. An accurate count will give New York the best chance of keeping as many of our Representatives as possible. Census results also determine how many votes New York gets in the Electoral College, which selects the President.

The League of Women Voters of Saratoga County is contributing to the complete count effort. Please consider volunteering with us as we hold community outreach events this spring to raise awareness and help people without internet access be counted. If you would like to volunteer, please email us at president@lwvsaratoga.org.

You count! Make sure you respond to the Census by Census Day (April 1, 2020).