HUNTER - The message was one of coming together when the Greene County Democratic Party hosted a get-out-the-vote fundraiser, last week, attended by Congressman Josh Riley, New York Senator Michelle Hinchey and a slate of State and local candidates.
“That’s why we’re here,” said Party co-chairwoman Lori Torgersen, also serving as Master of Ceremonies for the October 20 event in Hunter.
As the November 3 election draws near, “I keep coming back to something pretty fundamental, the ideals on which the United States of America was founded, and what it means for us to be united,” Torgersen said.
“Lately, division seems to be everywhere, The constant noise, the anger, the cruelty. But there’s a little observation about the word united that I think is especially meaningful right now,” she continued.
“There’s only one small difference between the words united and untied. It’s where you put the letter i,” Torgersen said.
“I love that. It’s such a simple reminder that where we place ourselves, our individual interests, our egos, our need to be right, can make all the difference between coming together and falling apart,” Torgersen said.
Riley was one guest speaker, running for re-election in District 19 versus State Senator Peter Oberacker, currently representing the 51st District.
“These elections really, really matter, especially in a tough District like the 19th,” Riley said. “As Democrats, we have to be united.
“We know what’s at stake. We can continue one Party Republican national rule or we can make a change,” he said.
“I refuse to allow one ounce of complacency in this election,” Riley said. “This is the type of district that is going to control the House [of Representatives]. Collectively we have to put in the work.
“We have to get out our voters. Thank you for being in this fight with me. Step up, keep fighting, double down on your hopes for the future,” Riley said.
Hinchey, also invited to speak, is running in the 41st District for a 4th term against Republican Patrick Sheehan, a repeat of the 2024 vote.
“It feels especially good to be with you all tonight. I can feel the energy in the room. That is a testament to all of you, the work you are doing in your communities,” Hinchey said.
“I am so proud to be in the trenches with you. We are all coming together and that’s what we have to be proud of,” Hinchey said.
“We live in a society that has consolidated power. But we have one important thing that is equal to board rooms,” she said.
“Each one of us has one vote. It matters how we vote. That’s how we change the dynamic in our communities and our country. We have a responsibility to tell people that really matters,” Hinchey said.
Special recognition for volunteerism was accorded Kathie Mock, recipient of the “Heart of the Greene County Democratic Party Award,” noted by Torgersen for being “soft-spoken with a smile always on her face.”
“I’m not exceptional as a volunteer,” Mock said. “I am very appreciative of this award but there are many others who do a great deal.”
Speeches were offered by well-known poet and writer Esther Cohen as well as Windham town supervisor candidate Connor Exum.
Party co-chairman Marc Czermerys, closing the evening, urged his fellow Democrats to also begin focusing on 2027 when voting will take place for the county legislature, currently dominated by Republicans.
Pictured: Greene County Democratic Party candidates and leaders include (left to right) co-chairman Marc Czermerys, incumbent Cairo town councilman David Fisher, Cairo town supervisor candidate Stephanie Fisher, incumbent Cairo tax collector Sue Hilgendorff, Windham town supervisor candidate Connor Exum, incumbent Athens town supervisor Michael Pirrone and co-chairwoman Lori Torgersen.
