Green Party Gubernatorial candidate Howie Hawkins will be making appearances in Orange and Dutchess Counties on Saturday, April 28. He will be joined in both counties by HVGP Secretary and active Fair Vote member Dave Heller, and in Dutchess by HVGP member and Green Party candidate for Congressional District 19, Steve Greenfield.
Here's the schedule:
11am to Noonish - Howie will be participating in the weekly picket organized by Protect Orange County against Competitive Power Ventures (CPV) Power Plant off County Route 6 in the Town Of Wawayanda near Slate Hill (just look for the humongous polluting smokestacks).
12:30 to 2 pm - Join Howie, Dave Heller, and other members of HVGP for lunch at the Saffron Indian restaurant, 130 Dolson Ave (Playtogs Plaza), Middletown. [Important: Out of consideration for the restaurant staff, please reserve your space by calling or texting Andrew at 845-699-3051 by noon on Fri Apr 27, if at all possible].
Howie will make a brief presentation on his platform, on how Green leads to Green, meaning that environmental sustainability leads to good economic outcomes, as well as ecological and public health benefits, followed by conversation. Additionally, Dave Heller will lead all who would like in an enjoyable activity to demonstrate the process and benefits of Ranked Choice Voting, now to be used in Maine, and being seriously considered in Dutchess County. RCV guarantees that in a election with more than two candidates, the winner needs to gain at least 51% of the vote. (In contrast, when, for example, three candidates run, our current electoral process allows the winner to accrue no more than 33.3% of the vote).
Basic all-you-can-eat buffet costs about $15, and a la carte menu items are also available. Beyond the cost of your lunch, a $5 to $20 donation is suggested (but not required) for the RCV activity. Proceeds will be given to the Howie Hawkins campaign.
3:30 to 4:15 pm - Repair NY! - outside the Rhinebeck Repair Cafe - Rhinebeck Town Hall, 80 East Market St., Rhinebeck. Meet and greet with Howie, Steve, and Dave. Learn about the candidates' ideas and positions on issues and, from Dave especially, about the benefits of Ranked Choice Voting.
5 to 6:30 pm - Presentations by Howie and Steve on their platforms, Q & A. Dave Heller will lead an enjoyable group activity on the process and benefits of Ranked Choice Voting. We'll all be at the Traghaven Irish Whiskey Pub, 66 Broadway, Tivoli, and we may be able to sample and rate draft beers as part of the RCV activity (non-alcoholic options for that activity will also be available). Beyond the cost of your tab, a $5 to $20 donation is suggested but not required for the RCV activity. Proceeds to be split between the Howie Hawkins and Steve Greenfield campaigns. HVGP's Andrew Dalton & Barbara Kidney may burst into some traditional Celtic music - bring your instrument if you'd like, or your voice for a pub sing number or two!
Hope to see you Saturday! Please spread the word!
For further info, contact Andrew at 845-699-3051.
