Vote Early and Often III

I meant to get these last endorsements for some Staten Island races up yesterday but Blogger has been so beset with technical problems lately that I suspect they are run by the Republican Party.

So how about that election? I voted this morning and the flow of people into the polling place was steady at 6:30a.m. No problems to report with the machines. Apparently the turn-out in Connecticut is higher then for the presidential election two years ago. My (shrinking) gut tells me this is good for Lamont, as well as the other Congressional Democrats in the race, but it is going to be a long day.

Without further delay, in local elections on Staten Island, the Patriot supports:

Steve Harrison (D) for Congress. Steve is running against the dirty Republican Vito Fossella. Remember reading about Fossella in the Times? He was the one who printed up campaign literature showing Harrison’s face next to Osama Bin Laden. That pretty much tells you all you need to know about the kind of person he is. Steve has and continues to be a leader and activist, addressing numerous challenges in his local community. Steve Harrison opposes the war in Iraq and calls for the withdrawal of forces as soon as it is consistent with the safety of our troops. Steve is a medical malpractice lawyer and a very nice guy.

For State Senate I endorse Matt Titone (D), a former Legal Services attorney and only openly gay candidate running for State Senate. He is running to take the place of John J. Marchi who retired this year and was connected enough after 50 years in politics to get a Staten Island Ferry named after him. Throughout his career, Matthew consistently provided pro bono services to those who couldn't afford legal representation. His efforts aided Project Hospitality in creating a full-time professionally staffed legal service department. Matthew serves on the Board of Directors of Community Health Action of Staten Island (f/k/a the Staten Island AIDS Task Force), and has also served on the Board of Trustees for Legal Services of New York providing oversight on the Legal Aid Society, amongst others.

“Matt Titone will continue to fight for the people of Staten Island. He will tackle Staten Island's TRAFFIC, TRANSPORTATION and OVER-DEVELOPMENT crises, fighting for our fair share of EDUCATION FUNDING, improving HEALTH CARE services on Staten Island, and fighting for meaningful TAX RELIEF for our seniors, veterans and middle income families.” O

For Civil Court Judge Richmond County: Kim Dollard (D). In her own words, “I have worked in the Court System for 12 years as Law Clerk to Judge Thomas Aliotta. Six of the 12 years were spent in Civil Court. I can offer the people of Staten Island my extensive legal and courtroom experience. I also bring my life experience as a wife, mother, volunteer and former claims representative in the Social Security Administration for twelve years. I have demonstrated my ability to accept new challenges, not having attended law school until age 40.” I know Kim professionally, having appeared before Judge Ailiotta many times and I have conferenced numerous cases with her. She is fair minded and intelligent and will make an excellent Civil Court Judge for Staten Island.

Now go vote.