Begets this question. New Rochelle Republican Party do you not think it is time to change your message because it is not working.
As a North Ender I want to tip my hat to Steve Mayo and Illysse Spertus for they went out and gave it more than their best. By no means do I cast aspersions on them because the people were better than the party they represented.
Elections are every 4 years but the campaigning and reengineering of the republican message should start right now. First thing to do if this party is serious about ever gaining a foothold in New Rochelle outside of its closed circle is to start embracing the North End instead of ignoring it. How about employing a strategy instead of throwing a hodge podge of ideas out there that do not resonate with HALF of the city. How about incorporating new people and ideas. This is not the way to win elections.
Someone has to say it so I guess I will, the Republican Party in New Ro needs an overhaul and 20 years of democratic control is the proof. I will probably take a lot of heat for these comments and if I have to turn in my NR Republican card just let me know. I am a Republican and will continue to be but it just ain’t working in New Rochelle and we have to find out answers as to why. And then take action immediately
Lost Opportunity
I have been watching and learning the reality of New Rochelle politics for the past four years and have been personally affected by the majority rule which, sadly, will continue for another four years. That an opportunity to atleast remove this majority from power (let’s face it, the Republicans had four years to organize their effort) was squandered calls for the immediate removal of Colety. There are enough North enders who used to be South enders that would support a new leader with vision and a set of cahonas . . . Mr. Trangucci would be a perfect choice.
I certainly hope that Mayo and Spertus stay involved. Kudos, and a big thank you to them for representing fed up people like myself who, by the way, is actually a Democrat . . . although I don’t think much longer. We must learn from their campaigns. Look at the numbers, the election was actually closer than most expected. Unfortunately, it won’t scare the Democratic majority because, as I’ve learned, they don’t care. But wake up, New Rochelleans, because Lou almost lost to Lopez!
Probably the saddest part of this election is that, with so much at stake, just under 6,000 people voted representing a city of 80,000. Democrat or Republican, shame on anyone who did not exercise their right to vote. That so many people have been ignored by New Rochelle City Hall is part of the problem. We need to change that.
There was a time when New Rochelle Republicans were actually liked and respected in the North End because they represented real New Rochelleans. Party affiliation was secondary. Don Zaccagnino and Len Paduano come to mind, and that wasn’t so long ago. So the sooner the (New)Republican Party reaches out to fed up North enders, the better. There’s certainly more than 6,000 people in New Rochelle that feel this way, aren’t there?
There are lots of people with lots of great ideas that need to be brought together, one step at a time. When’s the first meeting?
I agree with both of you
Now that these councilman know that they hold their seats I implore them to make the trek up north. My house is open to them for any type of neighborhood meeting. There are so many dissatisfied people up on the north end looking for a voice but they are not going to come to you unfortunately. You have to go to them. I think having Al and Lou come to the “country” as a pair is a great idea for they are a good balance and again are better represenatives of the people of New Rochelle than the party they are part of. It has to start at the top.
I have attended numerous Republican meetings and have never counted more than 4 people from the Northern side of Eastchester Road. And it is a great mystery as to why Republicans don’t win up there.
If you want to convert the masses someone has to start preaching to the masses.
Bruce; I couldn’t agree with you more
Right to the point. Lou and Al need to trek northwards to protect their party and themselves. I had previous to the election invited both and Richard St. Paul to an event at the reform congregation there. Not one would go! Not even with me holding their hand(s).
It is “enemy-occupied territory” and we must be bold enough to express and represent our philosophies up there or be prepared to disappear permanently into the “political bone yard.”
There are many sensible people in “six.” They just need more work by these and their brave antecedents like Gerry Ziering, Myles Ehrenkranz and you to shake off their reticence and habitual ideological affinities and embrace natural conservatism.
I must agree also.The New
I must agree also.
The New Rochelle Republicans have Sequestered themselves as South Enders.Although I did see Lou T one day driving around checking services up North to make sure his constiuents were getting a fair share. Whats’s up with that we like Italians in the North End. In fact some of us are Italians in the North End. Clearly NY State is Democratic how else would we get Nita Lowey and Chuck Schumer and lets not forget the likes of Charlie Rangel… That said come on up to the Country walk around bring your dog and visit a few places. I think Spertus and Mayo were harmed by the party. They had no other choice cause lets face it the Dem’s were not going to fix themselves and have a primary. The bad news is with Bramsons super vote he will slam it all home and the Tax Payer will get screwed Royal.
I couldn’t agree with you more.
No heat from my side & I couldn’t agree with you more.
A good place to start the change would be at the top of the party & put in either Lou or Al. I know they’re south-enders but they are the defacto party leadership now & would be smart enough to embrace the north-end.