Better Know A Member

So today we have Shamil Rodriguez, Chair of the Hispanic Caucus of the College Democrats of America sitting down with me for our latest installment of Better Know A Member.

CP: So Shamil, why did you decide to become a democrat?
SR: My father went to Iraq and came back injured and he wanted me to go more on the education route. And he was afraid that I would be treated the same way he was, so for me, I just saw the war and I said why couldn’t I be one of those decision makers. Why can’t I be one of those guys that makes the decisions.

CP: So, you were president of College Democrats two years ago, what was it like 2 years ago?
SR: We used to have two meetings, it was a lot of infrastructure development. Our biggest concern was just being able to have consistent meetings and being able to have a few programs a year and increasing membership. We were unknown to everyone, people didn’t even know if there was a college democrats chapter on campus.

CP: So what was your biggest obstacle then?
SR: Increasing members, and increasing the active membership and developing infrastructure. Our executive board saw first hand what could happen to an organization if the entire e-board graduates. We had to literally re-create the wheel.

The Race Seen Around the State

In the roughly 40 years that Republicans have dominated New York State politics, never have the Democrats been so close to finally taking back the notoriously Blue state. The fight won’t be easy, but it will be won in the most unlikely place; Suffolk County Long Island.

 

Brian Foley never expected to be watched by so many eyes in the state, but this Brookhaven native went from local hero to statewide tie breaker. He served as a Suffolk County Legislator until he was term limited out and now serves as Brookhaven’s Town Supervisor. Brian has worked to bring comprehensive tax reform to the area; which is stereotypically what the Republicans campaign on (whether or not they actually do it)He helped end decades of corruption in Brookhaven brought about by the well-entrenched Republican machine. As one supporter puts it: “Under the Republican leadership Brookhaven became Crookhaven, but with Brian, we finally have our Safehaven.” Mr. Foley is now looking to bring this mentality to Albany by running for State Senate in the 3rd District.

To put it into some perspective: Suffolk County Long Island has not elected a Democrat into the State Senate in…and I’m not exaggerating…108 years.  The gridlock has gained National attention, as New York’s government has been ranked the most gridlocked in the entire nation. For Governor Patterson and New York State to finally be able to get things done, and finally get help to the people who need it most, we need to have Brian Foley win this seat. It is imperative as New Yorkers that we finally have our proper representation in our government and have the Democrats run the show for once. In my personal opinion, the coming months will see a lot more of Brian X. Foley.