A party divided, a city in chaos, a fight for a future

On November 4, 2008 history was made. Not simply because the first African-American, Barack Obama, ascended to the highest ranks of this country’s political leadership, but because a new grassroots movement was born that has already begun to transform the Democratic Party. I am convinced that this movement is destined to transform this country, Orange County, and yes, even the City of Newburgh.

As an activist within the Democratic Party, I was drawn early to President Obama’s new model of grassroots organizing. I was inspired by his refusal to play politics as usual or make backroom deals that would compromise his integrity and values. His victory signaled a revolt within the Democratic Party that has resonated across the country where a new generation of Democrats has risen to challenge politics as usual.

Nowhere in Orange County is the fight for the Democratic Party’s future – indeed for its very soul – more alive than in the City of Newburgh. Today, the Democratic Party in Newburgh is a house divided with five Democrats running for two City Council seats. But there is much more at stake on Tuesday, September 15^th, than just who the Democratic Candidates for City Council will be. Fundamentally, what is at stake is the future of the City and the Democratic Party in Newburgh.

September’s primary is a contest between the past and the future, with the City’s destiny hanging in the balance. Three of the five Democratic candidates currently running for City Council – Angelo, Dickinson and Cracolici – have already had their shot at the City Council and actually served together for several years. The result? Four years of bitter infighting, lax government oversight, more crime and crumbling buildings. Two of those candidates – Cracolici and Dickinson – have sparked outrage among rank and file Democrats who have accused them of betraying the Democratic Party by actively seeking and accepting the endorsement of the Republican and Conservative Parties in Newburgh; parties that oppose immigrants’ rights, women’s rights, affirmative action, affordable housing and healthcare reform. In doing so, they have demonstrated that they have very little loyalty to any larger cause other than their own ambitions and narrow self-interests.

But this is nothing new for Newburgh. For the last three decades, many politicians in Newburgh have shamelessly changed parties nearly as often as they have changed shirts. Collectively, they’ve used both parties – not to advance any broader political or policy agenda – but to gain and maintain personal political power. Perhaps that is why Newburgh today finds itself in a state of chaos. It has and continues to suffer from a profound leadership crisis. Its collective political leadership lacks a unified vision for the City or a coherent strategy for achieving it. Instead of standing for something, many just resign themselves to oppose everything – from the appointment of a new City Manager to Charter Reform- knowing full well that this is simply a strategy for maintaining the status quo and preserving their own political power.

That is why I am proud to be standing with Karen Mejia – a new breed of Democrat – for Newburgh City Council. Unlike many of her opponents, Ms. Mejia represents a breath of fresh air, an independent Democrat who has already proven that she has the courage of her convictions and is not afraid to challenge the status quo. Mejia represents the new generation of Democrats that believes power comes from the people and their grassroots movement; not from the power brokers and special interests.

The City of Newburgh deserves new leadership with honest fundamentals to represent the people.

Sonia Ayala

Former Obama Delegate (represented the 19 Congressional District) & Campaign Manager for Karen Mejia, Town of Blooming Grove