| We Dems in Red Hook are trying to get the word out about Molinaro's unseemly campaigning in the High Schools.
Last week, Feb. 1, Assemblyman Molinaro was "sent-off" to Albany at a ceremony at the Red Hook High School assembly. We strongly disapprove of this unseemly politicizing of our children's educations.
If we do not stop this today, it will continue all across the district time and time again. Molinaro cannot have carte-blanche to cross the line that separates school from politics.
And if we don't stop it now, it'll make our work this fall just that much harder!!
The issue:
- Manipulation of the schools -- yes.
- Staging a fake event with no civic or educational value -- yes.
Captive student audience -- yes.
- Failure to include non-Republicans made this by definition a partisan and political event -- yes.
Facts about the Red Hook High school ceremony/assembly.
Here are the facts/talking points we can bring to bear on this issue so as to effectively put a stop to this abuse of the schools:
- Molinaro's first significant act as Assemblyman in Red Hook has been to stage a partisan politically-charged appearance in our high school.
- For forty minutes, he had a captive audience. This is unlike a send-off at the Elks of Chamber of Commerce where we can elect to go or not. The school assembly was mandatory unless a student had a pass. Classes were shortened to allow for it at the end of the school day.
- Taxpayer-supported. Molinaro's office paid for (with our taxes) invitations mailed out to announce this event. The building facilities were of course paid for with our school tax money. The video "roast" was made on school equipment.
- This was campaigning. The theme was not any particular issue or civic topic, it was Molinaro himself and his career. It was billed as a "send-off ceremony ". Question: If this was about "local boy makes good" then why did the High School never stage a similar recognition of our historic Supervisor and home-town girl who was the first woman Town Supervisor?
- The event was inititated by Molinaro's camp - not by the High School.
- Dramatic flourishes lifted this event away from the typical event where a politician (like Cahill) might visit a school or class to explain an issue. For example, a 5-minute video, edited on school grounds with school equipment served as a humorous "roast" of Molinaro. Color guard provided visual pomp & ceremony.
- The assembly sought to gain future voters for this politician and other Republicans. These kids have fairly "virgin" political sensibilities. Although it was never explicitly stated, when Molinaro tells the students to register and vote while the kids are being treated to a ceremony about "how great he is", a good guess is they will be likely to vote for him. After all, no alternative candidates or alternative party was even visible!
- The student representative who was also on stage was a student who interned for Molinaro last summer during his campaign against Pat Manning. They staged a mock swearing-in ceremony.
- Molinaro took time and recognized Town Board members Lisa Pullaro and Harold Ramsey seated in the first row, who waved.
- Molinaro took time and recognized Dave Cohen, Red Hook Mayor, who waved.
- Molinaro also recognized Dave Seymore (appointed to replace Molinaro in the county legislature) seated in the first row; Seymour got up and turned and waved to the rest of the assembly.
- No Dem leaders or elected officials were recognized; none present.
- Molinaro has also done an assembly at Taconic Hills H.S. in Columbia County.
- Unpublished, candid student reaction was "What a waste of time" and "this was just a publicity stunt". (as I said - the kids aren't stupid)
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