On Monday, Oct. 29, Options for Independence joined together with Auburn/ Cayuga NAACP and Cayuga/ Seneca Community Action Agency to host our annual 2007 Candidates Forum at the Holiday Inn. Candidates for City of Auburn Mayor, Auburn City Council, Cayuga County Legislator and District Attorney were on hand to answer questions from the audience. The forum was moderated by Jeremy Boyer, executive editor of The Citizen.
The Candidates Forum allowed each candidate a chance to express their platform on issues regarding our community. Topics ranged from asbestos, mental health and public hearings to job development.
The joining together of Options for Independence, Cayuga/Seneca and the Auburn-Cayuga NAACP as co-sponsors of the candidates forum was not accidental. The groups of individuals that our agencies represent (individuals with disabilities, low income individuals, and minorities) have traditionally been disenfranchised either through blatant denial of the right to vote or because of access issues or other barriers. Even today, after the passage of HAVA (Help America Vote Act), we are struggling to ensure equal opportunities for voting for all.
At different times in our country's history, individuals have fought for their right to exercise self-determination. Single, white males with no ownership of land were not allowed to vote at one time. Women like Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Caddy Stanton fought long and hard to gain the right to vote on the same terms as men. Before the 1965 Voting Rights Act was passed, African Americans were forced to take literacy tests and other exams before they were given the right to vote, developing barriers between them and voting. Individuals with disabilities still face barriers, particularly at the polling sites. Despite the passage of HAVA, New York has failed to meet their needs in a timely manner by not providing accessible, private and independent polling booths. Each groups struggle to gain the right to vote has been a turning points in our country's history.
American citizens have the power to control the direction of their local, state and federal government. Understanding the direction of our country and the policies that hold it together is our responsibility as citizens. Critical issues such as health care Social Security, education, and crime need to be addressed.
Voting is our fundamental right as Americans, and the most basic means by which we have a voice in how our government works. By voting, we participate in a process that determines who will represent us, our family, and our neighbors in our community, state, and country. Today, the polls are open. Your vote will help decide who will be elected to manage the city and county.
Every vote makes a difference. One vote can sway an election from one side to the other. Support our democracy by making an informed decision and voting.
Quote of the week:
“For time and the world do not stand still. Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or the present are certain to miss the future.”
- John F. Kennedy
Amanda Derby is the housing advocate for Options for Independence, located at 75 Genesee St., Auburn. She can be reached at Options at 255-3447.
The joining together of Options for Independence, Cayuga/Seneca and the Auburn-Cayuga NAACP as co-sponsors of the candidates forum was not accidental. The groups of individuals that our agencies represent (individuals with disabilities, low income individuals, and minorities) have traditionally been disenfranchised either through blatant denial of the right to vote or because of access issues or other barriers. Even today, after the passage of HAVA (Help America Vote Act), we are struggling to ensure equal opportunities for voting for all.
At different times in our country's history, individuals have fought for their right to exercise self-determination. Single, white males with no ownership of land were not allowed to vote at one time. Women like Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Caddy Stanton fought long and hard to gain the right to vote on the same terms as men. Before the 1965 Voting Rights Act was passed, African Americans were forced to take literacy tests and other exams before they were given the right to vote, developing barriers between them and voting. Individuals with disabilities still face barriers, particularly at the polling sites. Despite the passage of HAVA, New York has failed to meet their needs in a timely manner by not providing accessible, private and independent polling booths. Each groups struggle to gain the right to vote has been a turning points in our country's history.
American citizens have the power to control the direction of their local, state and federal government. Understanding the direction of our country and the policies that hold it together is our responsibility as citizens. Critical issues such as health care Social Security, education, and crime need to be addressed.
Voting is our fundamental right as Americans, and the most basic means by which we have a voice in how our government works. By voting, we participate in a process that determines who will represent us, our family, and our neighbors in our community, state, and country. Today, the polls are open. Your vote will help decide who will be elected to manage the city and county.
Every vote makes a difference. One vote can sway an election from one side to the other. Support our democracy by making an informed decision and voting.
Quote of the week:
“For time and the world do not stand still. Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or the present are certain to miss the future.”
- John F. Kennedy
Amanda Derby is the housing advocate for Options for Independence, located at 75 Genesee St., Auburn. She can be reached at Options at 255-3447.
Citizen
Hot Jobs
New! Off the Menu
The Citizens' Say
Post your comment - click hereThere are No comments posted.