|
"A site designed to share your News with the Community" Send your News to:
Dems invoke spirit of Kennedy at kickoff rally By Felix Hoover
Photo By Terry Gilliam
Columbus-The day America bid farewell to Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, local members of his party held a rally and volunteer drive to kick off the campaigns for three City Council members and other Democratic candidates. Much of Saturday's rally was devoted to Priscilla R. Tyson, Eileen Y. Paley and A. Troy Miller and efforts to keep them on City Council. "We need you not only to vote for us, but give us support and give us money," Tyson said. "It takes money to run a race." Miller said that Democrats can't afford to take anything for granted in the November 3 election, but if he's retained, he wants to us his experience as a planner to work for job creation and retention. Paley, who is party vice chair, cited the openings of Audubon Park and the Lincoln Theatre as examples of what makes Columbus "a great place to work and raise a family." Other Democratic candidates also took part in the kickoff at Franklin County Democratic Headquarters, including Hanifah Kambon, Ramona Reyes and Carol Perkins, who are running for the Columbus Board of Education. "I am educating the public to write my name," said Perkins, who is running as a write-in candidate for the two-year unexpired term.. Magistrate Mark Hummer, who is seeking a seat on the Franklin County Municipal Court, said that rules of the judicial race prohibit him from mentioning his party affiliation, "but' I'm sure you know what party I belong to." Words of inspiration came from several county and city Democratic leaders who recalled memories of Kennedy and his legacy of public service. In 1980, when City Council President Mike Mentel was an intern with U.S. Sen. John Glenn, he worked on Kennedy's presidential campaign. "For me, back then he was very inspiring, not just his oratory, but his actions," Mentel said Saturday, Aug. 29, to candidates and volunteers. "He was principled. He took stances on issues that were not popular issues." Mentel didn't claim a first-name relationship with the one known as the "Lion of the Senate," but Kennedy definitely was aware of the intern who "worked for the astronaut". "With that big Kennedy grin, he was never too busy to stop and say hi," Mentel recalled. Saturday's meeting provided an opportunity to recognize veteran officer holders, including City Auditor Hugh Dorrian and City Attorney Richard C. Pfeiffer; to encourage candidates seeking election or re-election; and to spur volunteers into action. Chairman Bill Anthony cautioned the Democratic faithful not to rest on gains made in recent elections, including the Special Election this month that gained a half-cent increase in the city income tax.
Click on MSN to view National News, videos, Music and Movies |
