Campaigning at Town-sponsored Events

I just sent the following email to:

klangley@eastgreenbush.org

DDiMartino@eastgreenbush.org
mamatters@eastgreenbush.org
pmalone@eastgreenbush.org

If you concur, let our Supervisor and Town Board Members know.  

Let's hope that action is taken. 

* * * * *

 



Jessica Lansing did a fabulous job of organizing the event and should be congratulated, as should all of the Town's employees who were involved in making the event a success.

Yesterday at the Town Festival, Supervisor Candidate Mike Poorman set up what could be best described as a campaign headquarters.  Many, including myself as Chair of the EGDC, were upset by this.

I first heard about Mr. Poorman's booth when I asked Jessica if it would be alright for us to provide Voter Registration Forms and Absentee Ballot Applications to those in need of same.  She appeared to be rather upset about Mr. Poorman's exhibit when she mentioned it. 

I attempted to locate DPW Commissioner Corellis, who has jurisdiction over the physical parks, and who I had seen moments before seeing Mr. Poorman's booth from a short distance, but was unable to find him.

I called Deputy DPW Commissioner Fiacco who, although not at the Town Festival, had admitted seeing Mr. Poorman's booth and being upset.

As you may know, Town-sponsored events, such as yesterday's Town Festival, Music in the Park and the former Saturday in the Park, have long been considered by convention and practice, rather than by explicit Town Policy, to be campaign free or neutral territory.

I've taken the liberty of drafting the attached resolution for your consideration, however, I'll naturally defer to your judgment and that of Town Attorney Gruenberg as to whether or not to introduce same. 

I also am wondering whether this would be more appropriately addressed in the form of a local law.

I sincerely hope you act in one manner or another to formalize this convention and practice.

Sincerely,

Pete Stenson

* * * * * 

XXX-2015 Resolution Prohibiting Active Political Campaigning, Display of Campaign Signs and the Distribution and/or Availability of Political Campaign Literature on Town of East Greenbush Property During Town-Sponsored Events

 WHEREAS, the Town of East Greenbush sponsors numerous events for the public’s entertainment and enjoyment, including but not limiting Music in the Park and the Town Festival, formerly called Saturday in the Park; and 

WHEREAS, such events are conducted for the public benefit using Town resources, including staff and their time in the Town’s employ; and  

WHEREAS, such events have long been considered by convention and practice, rather than by explicit Town Policy, to be campaign free or neutral territory insofar as active political campaigning, the display of campaign signs and the distribution and/or availability of campaign literature, now therefore be it  

RESOLVED, it is hereby determined to be Town Policy that active political campaigning, including the display of campaign signs and distribution and or availability of political campaign literature at Town-sponsored events is hereby prohibited; and be it further

RESOLVED, that the provisions of this Resolution shall not prohibit the display of a singular banner displaying a political party’s or political organization’s name or the provision of oral information when asked by a member of the public attending such events; and be it further 

RESOLVED, that the provisions of this Resolution shall not apply to events sponsored by a political party or candidate provided that the political party or candidate has properly rented Town property for such event.

The foregoing Resolution was duly moved by ____________ seconded by ______________ and brought to a vote resulting as follows:

 

Supervisor Langley                       VOTED                  _________

Councilperson DiMartino              VOTED                  _________
Councilperson Malone                  VOTED                  _________
Councilperson Matters                  VOTED                  _________