HOLY FUCKING SHIT

my sister and her friends, representing the green party in new paltz, ny, just won the town mayorship and seats on the board of trustees!

from aliza:

To all my dear friends who I have not been in touch with for a while...I have some great news to share...

I have been working with some old friends who are activists in the New Paltz area where I live and went to college...Recently, I became the treasurer of a campaign in which my peops, Jason West, Julia Walsh and Rebecca Rotzler ran for Mayor and Trustees of the Village of New Paltz.....on Tuesday, all three GREEN PARTY candidates were elected, and they begin their four year term on July 1...WE WON!!!

New Paltz has long had a reputation for having a progressive, liberal minded community...In its heyday, Janis Joplin and Hendrix raged in SUNY's Tripping Fields, and young people are constantly found playing music and drums on the streets of the downtown area. Yoga studios, helath food stores and colorful vibes are in abundance. Over the past decade, the Spirit of New Paltz has begun to shift, with the political focus turning primarily to development and tourism...however, the creative and healing spirit of the community has remained strong. Seeking a government that represents the PEOPLE of the village, rather than those with private interests and MONEY, West, Walsh and Rotzler decided to run only 5 weeks before the election. They perceived that if significant changes were not made quickly, we could look forward to New Paltz turning into another overdeveloped suburb, instead of the unique, spiritual mountain town it has always been...

And so, with plans to make New Paltz an environmentally sustainable community, the group will utilize alternative energy sources in the Village, including solar power, windmills, artificial wetlands for sewage control, and bio-diesel fuel. They also plan to keep small businesses from being threatened by large corporations such as Starbucks and The Gap. The Village government will become more accessible, and will support the healing arts community. Along with the 333 Artist Collective, there are many people who see this inspirational moment as a great step towards the common good.

I am very proud to have been part of their success, and I see this as only the beginning...I hope you will come visit soon.......MUCH LOVE!!!!!!

more here, here, here, & here.