As Yates County Democratic chairperson, I read with great interest and complete outrage Jeremy Moule's interview with David Nachbar. Mr. Nachbar refers to Eric Massa simply as a "government employee." How can he denigrate the service of Commander Eric Massa and the many thousands upon thousands of servicemen and women who have given so much for America, when he has spent the last 20 years enriching himself, and most recently in his present position shipping jobs overseas?
Mr. Nachbar goes on to say that the endorsement process is "silly," yet he has made little or no effort to meet with the county committees. Here in Yates County, we arranged two meetings at mutually agreed-upon times, although both times as the date approached, he was unable to join us. I believe it is Mr. Nachbar who shows no respect for the democratic process.
Mr. Nachbar has never been active in Democratic politics; in fact, in 2006 when he decided to run the first time, he was not even a registered Democrat. At that time, he sat in my living room and told us he had been recruited to run for Congress. His candidacy did not rise up from deeply held convictions or dedication to service then or now. Mr. Nachbar is a wealthy businessman who feels he can dismiss party leaders because he has the money to buy TV time.
Perhaps the 29th will be a testing ground for democracy. Does money buy a congressional seat, or does hard-earned grassroots support choose a candidate and elect him to office? Mr. Nachbar's candidacy is the antithesis of a voter-centered campaign. Early endorsements for Eric Massa are not "silly"; they are the result of Eric's hard work and desire to meet with the voters. Endorsements are the culmination of a healthy democratic process, of which Mr. Nachbar has no real understanding.
We in the rural counties and urban towns of the 29th District have worked hard for Eric Massa, and we will continue to support him because he brings us hope that the process can function as it was designed over 200 years ago. We are confident that Eric Massa will continue his life of service as our congressman.
Carolyn Schaeffer, Merritt Hill Road, Penn Yan
Comments for "POLITICS: Nachbar wouldn't meet with us" (2)
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Loretta M Hopkins said on Jul. 02, 2007 at 11:18am
I read with interest the really good letterfrom Carolyn. Schaeffer. It's hard to believe that Mr. Nachbar could possibly call Eric Massa "a government employee". I guess if you look at it that way then Eisenhower was "a government employee" when the Republicans ran him for president.
However, I believe that Eric Massa is a patriot! One who has faithfully served our country, one who will look out for the shrinking middle class, one who will look out for our enbironment. and one who will listen to the voices or upstate New York.
Mr. Nachbar has yet to make himself known to the voters in rural Yates County and I just can't belive if he doesn't have time to listen to us now, what will happen if he should be elected.
I will be casting my vote for Eric Massa.
Loretta M. Hokins, Guyanoga Rd. Branchport, NY
Evan Sorber said on Jul. 04, 2007 at 1:18pm
I sat in Carolyn Schaeffer's living room when David Nachbar paid a visit to Penn Yan
two yesrs ago. We had been working with Eric Massa at that time but felt that we should
listen to another candidate wishing to run for Congress in the 29th District. We were very close to endorsing Eric Massa, and shortly thereafter, we discovered that Mr. Nachbar was NOT a registered Democrat. He blamed the Election Board for the error.
Sound familiar? Who looked VERY silly?
If Nachbar enters the race, which is, of course, his perogative, he will force a Demo-
cratic Pary primary. He has no support among Democratic voters who have supported Eric Massa and although rewgistered Independents and Republicans will be unable to vote for Eric, they are already supporting him financially.
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