There is nothing on this earth to be prized more than true friendship. If it happens that your friends would stand up for the same principles as yours – then you are double blessed. For too long I neglected to thank Tavi Cilenti and Diana Puglisi for showing others that I’m not alone.

Thank you, Tavi!
When Len Bernardo asked David O’Halloran to call a meeting of the Rochester Republicans – to discuss the nomination of legislative candidates – Tavi Cilenti answered:

From: Tavi Cilenti
Date: June 10, 2009 10:58:13 PM EDT
To: David O’Halloran
Cc: Jon Dogar-Marinesco
Subject: Bernardo

David,

Although I am not a member of the Executive Board, I have a strong opinion about your e-mail. WHY would Republicans want to hear an Independence Party member explain the actions of Republicans. The state of our political system is as it exists today, because the concept of winning above principles has eroded politicians’ moral character. I do not believe it is worth winning the legislature if we do not have true Republicans in the seats but only those that can win by making deals.

We would be better to have democrats in the legislature’s seats who are true to THEIR party and their principles. At least we can trust that they will do what their conscience dictates. I believe I am a true Republican and will speak out against “deals” of any kind.

PS — I am copying Jon for publication if so he wishes.

Tavi Cilenti

Thank you, Diana!
When a back room deal was made between the major parties to cross-endorse – thereby deciding to go around the voters completely and make sure the ‘right’ people won the election without any of that disturbing democracy business getting in the way – Diana Puglisi sent this email:

From: Diana G. Puglisi, M.D. [DocP001@aol.com]
Sent: Tuesday, July 07, 2009 12:26 AM
To: Linda Berns
Subject: Client services

Dear NYCLU Advocate,

I feel that I am among roughly 18,000 voters in my District (District 1-comprised of the Towns of Rochester and Wawarsing in Ulster County) who have been deprived of their right to choose a legislator this coming election.

The “short version”:
There are 4 legislative seats open this election. The Chairman of the Republican Party apparently made a deal with the Democrats to cross-endorse their 3 candidates (incumbents) in exchange for the Democratic endorsement of 1 Republican candidate. Furthermore, they have agreed that NO OTHER candidates but those 4 will be nominated for the 4 openings. Essentially, these 4 candidates have been appointed! What motivation do I and the other 18,000 voters have now to go to the polls this election? We don’t even get the courtesy that the Communist countries get to vote “Yes or No”.

Minority party lines won’t provide much more choice either, since the Chairman of the Independence Party was also a part of this deal – agreeing to endorse a Republican ONLY IF that Republican was his wife! Another highly qualified Republican candidate was turned down by the Republican Chairman and not allowed to run at all – in fact reports that the Republican Chairman threatened “I will destroy you if you try to run and ruin this deal”.

Please let me know if there is any assistance that you can provide.

Respectfully yours,
Diana G. Puglisi, M.D.

– Jon Dogar-Marinesco