We're Here!

The Adams County Democratic Committee Headquarters in East Berlin, Pennsylvania officially opened its doors on June 28. There are still a few minor kinks to iron out, but by and large thanks to the hard work and enthusiasm of delegate Patricia Manning, office manager Jamie Antoun, and members of the greater ACDC, we are up and running! I'm also happy to report that we are in all likelihood one of the greenest offices in the state, due to our temporary lack of electricity (we liberals have a way of finding the silver lining), and as of today, our recycling receptacle. East Berlin borough has no municipal recycling program, so we're proud to be one of the first in town to set an example and make a change.

These past few days our primary goal has been to let the community know that we're here. Jamie has already acquainted herself with the Republican antiques dealer across the street, who has a wonderful sense of humor and already concedes McCain's defeat in November. We bought a mirror from him, so I think as long as we keep going over there, he won't mind having Democrats across from him. We've also been taking advantage of the weather lately to go outside and greet citizens as they pass. We've received encouraging support from the people on the street, be it through a wave, a smile, a honk of the horn, or words of enthusiasm. In fact, out of the hundreds of people who have passed our office and saw us outside, only two have had any words of discouragement. Unfortunately, both comments were quite wretched, and one of them was disgustingly racist from a man driving a John Parichuk Paving truck. I'll do his words no justice by repeating them, but I would advise local consumers, liberal or conservative, to be careful which companies they patronize. Such intolerance shouldn't go rewarded. Despite these isolated displays of ignorance, though, the people of East Berlin seem excited that we're here, and we undeniably share in that excitement.

Over the coming months, our goal is to bring liberals and moderates alike out of the woodwork and get progressive hearts and minds back into office at every level of government. Our office will be working closely with Neil Clifford, who is running for the PA State House of Representatives. We will also be working to ensure that Todd Platts is finally sent home and that Phil Avillo can take his place as someone who listens to his constituents and votes for their best interests. Obviously we are thrilled to support Barack Obama in his bid for the Presidency, but it's also important to pay attention to the other candidates running for other democratic offices; it's far too easy to overlook them in a Presidential election cycle.

We promise to keep you updated on local ACDC events, as well as developments on a national scale. Our own Patricia Manning will be attending the Convention next month, so I'm sure she will have several amazing experiences to share with us. In the meantime, stop in to say hello or to pick up bumper stickers and yard signs for a small donation (everything is non-profit--your donation covers the cost of the merchandise). We have a shipment of Obama apparel on the way as well, and it should be in any day now. Also, volunteers are always needed--the more the merrier! So stop by, pick up a snazzy t-shirt, and sign up to help out! If there was ever a time to get involved, this is it.