Unless noted, all BTD meetings take place at 7:00pm at the Trumansburg Fire Hall , Route 96/Main Street (click here for a map).

All BTD meetings are FREE and open to all. Handicap accessible. Parking in the Fire Hall lot, but please do not block the firehouse doors. We are all volunteers, so donations are appreciated.

Friday, October 10: Eric Massa
Candidate for New York's 29th Congressional District
(running against Randy Kuhl)

Here's your opportunity to meet the person who will finally unseat Randy Kuhl, who has been a reliable source of aid and comfort to the people who have occupied the White House for the past eight years and who have done so much to harm this country. Massa has been a strong and consistent opponent of the Iraq occupation and a supporter of fair trade and universal healthcare. He understands the danger of global warming and our need for energy independence. Come out and show your support. All donations go to the Massa for Congress Campaign.

Massa's stand on issues (from his website).

Donate to Eric Massa through ActBlue.

Here is Eric's statement in response to our request for a bio:

A New Direction for Western New York

My name is Eric Massa and I'm running for Congress because I know there is a better tomorrow for the Western New York. As I've campaigned, I've learned that families of this district are ready for change rather than more of the same from typical Washington politicians. It is time for someone to step up and fight for our families, not the corporate special interests. From creating jobs, to lowering gas prices, to supporting our troops, to making health care affordable — I will stand up for you.

Creating good jobs with benefits. Middle class American families are the backbone of this country and when they prosper, so does the United States of America. Under the Bush-Kuhl administration American families have struggled while thousands of jobs have been shipped overseas. Unlike my opponent, I would not support CAFTA, NAFTA and unfair free trade deals with China. The people of Western New York need a leader who will create good jobs with solid benefits and fight to bring businesses back home. By partnering our local educational institutes with private industry and the State/Federal government, we can rebuild our economy by ensuring that college graduates that grew up in New York can stay here by creating stable 21st Century jobs.

Energy Independence and Lowering Gas Prices. These days, working Americans are having trouble affording the fuel they need to get to work and are worried about how they will afford to heat their homes this winter. Everyone is feeling the pain at the pump, but the current administration continues to sit idle, voting for Big Oil tax handouts and against middle class tax cuts. In Congress, I will fight to expand domestic drilling, fund renewable energy initiatives, and create green jobs right here in the Southern Tier. My vote will never be sold to Big Oil. That's why I've never accepted any money from corporate special interests, unlike my opponent who has taken over $1 million from them. The only people I will owe my loyalty to are the families of our district.

Standing up for our Veterans. As a 24 year US Navy veteran, I will also fight for veterans benefits. The men and women who sacrifice their lives for our freedom deserve the utmost respect, but Washington politicians continue to dishonor veterans and their families. As a Congressman, I will put our veterans and their health first. I will vote for full funding for the Veterans' Administration. I will also lead the fight to provide our returning veterans with all of the resources that they need to find good jobs and successfully transition from military to civilian life.

Fighting for quality, affordable healthcare. American families should not have to choose between putting food on the table or filling their prescriptions. Each and every citizen of Western New York deserves quality, affordable health care. Unfortunately, today's Washington politicians have failed to take action and American families continue to feel the pain of skyrocketing health care prices. In Congress, I will lead the fight for health care reform and I won't back down until all Americans have access to the same affordable, quality health care that every member of Congress has already voted to give themselves.

This district deserves a new standard of independent leadership in Washington. We need a representative who will stand up to the special interests and work for the families in Western New York. I believe that we can improve America now and for our children's future and that's why I'm running for Congress. I hope you will join me in our cause and vote for a new direction on November 4th.

Thursday, October 16 7pm :
Ulysses Town Justice Candidate Forum

In addition to all the other important offices on the November 4 ballot, Ulysses residents will see choices for the position of Town Justice. If you are not familiar with the candidates -- Tom Schlee is the incumbent, and Charles Wolff is the challenger -- Back to Democracy is sponsoring a forum to allow you to meet and interact with them. Candidates will introduce themselves, say why they are running, discuss the competencies they belive qualify them for the position, and what issues they find important. Members of the audience are then free to ask questions of one or both candidates.

Don't go blindly into the voting booth and just vote for a name. This is an important and interesting race in its own right -- one that affects the quality of the justice that citizens receive and how legal disputes are settled in our community. Come out and listen to the candidates and see what they have to say for themselves.

Background Info: What do judges do?

Friday, November 14:
Election Recap with Linda Robertson
of Plato's Cave