Ask Brandon Williams This One Question

Today we have one big ask for everyone who has a Republican Member of Congress--whether that's Brandon Williams or Elise Stefanik--following the arraignment of Trump in Miami. 

• Please call Williams (or Stefanik) at 1-855-973-4252 and ask them: "Will you support Trump as the nominee while he is under indictment for crimes against our national security?" (Hint: Use that wording as it is the best way to get them on record where they can't wiggle out it).  Once you find out where your representative stands, then share it with the world, whether on your social media accounts or just by email with family and friends. It’s important that everyone gets the chance to see whether Republicans will actually stand against Trump’s gross negligence and arrogance or whether they will allow him to do whatever he wants regardless of the safety of our country. 

• Check out this guide if you need more information or support to capture your MOC's position and publicize it.  Whether you want to call them, tweet at them, post on their social media, or ask them in person, use this guide to get the full rundown on how to hold our Republican MOCs accountable. 

• Use this birddogging guide to ask your representative (or their staff) their position in person. If you get the chance to see your Rep in person or visit their district office, get them on the record!  Make sure to have another person with you who can record your question and their response. We heard that BW was at Jewtica this past Sunday, and unfortunately, we didn't get video of him answering (or ducking) this question.  Keep your eye out for him, because he needs to answer the question as asked above.  

 GOTV (Get Out the Vote) for Celeste Friend for Utica Mayor

Early voting starts tomorrow!  Who do you know in Utica who is a registered Democrat? It's time to remind them to go to the polls and vote for Celeste.  If you live in Utica, the best practice is to vote the first weekend so that the campaign does not have to spend precious time and energy trying to make sure you vote for the next ten days. They can check you off their list.

Oneida County early voting locations and times have been updated for this 2023 primary. Please check here before you go, and share with friends and family so they know the information as well.  

Thank you to everyone who came to our June IMV meeting last Sunday at Schuyler Commons.  Several members brought friends to meet Celeste, and then pairs of canvassers helped her make up some ground in North Utica canvassing. Here is a message that Team Celeste (AKA Purple Posse) sent out after the meeting: 

"At our campaign, we prioritize collaboration and working hand-in-hand with our allies. We proudly partner with local unions, neighborhood activists in Cornhill, and the regional Indivisible chapter, Indivisible Mohawk Valley. This week, SEIU 1199 and IMV volunteers called and canvassed hundreds of voters right when we needed a little extra energy.

We revel in this collective effort because it matches our shared values and vision for a stronger and more connected community. Together, we are working towards a future where collaboration and unity propel us towards meaningful change. Thank you for being a part of this incredible alliance."

At Tuesday's special Utica Common Council Celeste's primary opponent, Frank DiBrango and his old boy allies, pulled a bizarre move, apparently purely out of spite that Celeste is running for mayor and allied with Katie Aiello, who does a stellar job representing Ward 1.  He made a motion to ban all bike lanes in the city of Utica and in spite of the many members of the public who spoke at the meeting in favor of bike lanes and road safety, he got a majority of the council to go along with him. His actions can only be described as selfish, cynical, and malevolent.  So it is all the more urgent that Celeste wins this primary. 

So, in order to save Utica from DiBrango's hurt and harm, please find a way to volunteer for GOTV for Celeste, even if only for a couple of hours.  GOTV for Celeste for Mayor starts on Monday, June 19th. This will be a big, robust, fun GOTV campaign to turn out all the voters we know want a better Utica For All of Us. To volunteer for GOTV any day between June 19 and June 27, please email CelesteFriend@gmail.com.
 

What is Happening in Albany?

As you may have heard, the NYS Assembly will head back next Tuesday and Wednesday to pass a bunch of bills, so there have been a lot of asks for support of progressive legislative priorities in the past few days.  

IMV signed a letter from Strong Economy For All, the American Economic Liberties Project and Fight Corporate Monopolies to urge passage of five anti-monopoly/pro-worker/pro-tenant/anti-corporate-giveaway pieces of legislation that still have a good chance to move forward. 

            — A ban on noncompete agreements (S3100A/A1278)
            — The LLC Transparency Act (S995B/A3484)
            — The Warehouse Worker Injury Reduction Act (S5081A/A3309A)
            — A ban on nondisclosure agreements in economic subsidy deals (S545/A211A)
            — Repeal of the Opportunity Zone tax subsidy (S543/A2170)

These pieces of legislation together would increase worker mobility and safety, increase transparency, lower prices for consumers, and ensure that public dollars support public goods, not the investments of out-of-state billionaires. In addition to signing the letter, IMV encourages everyone to call your assembly members and ask them to support these bills. 

We also signed a letter opposing a monopoly plan by National Fuel, which was not in compliance with the spirit of NYS's climate legislation. Please be ready to respond to urgent action calls to assembly members in the coming week and stay tuned for next week when we should be able to provide a recap of NYS legislative session results.  
 

Tabling Update with a Brandon Williams Spotting

Thanks to the IMVers who staffed a table at the popular Jewtica event on Sunday.  We heard that quite a few of the elected officials in attendance took a detour to avoid walking near our IMV table, and made a point not to wave or say hi.  The leader of that pack was Republican MAGA MOC Brandon Williams, who parked in a handicapped parking spot in front of the event.  That's a no-no, BW.  But are we surprised that from his arrogant, privileged perspective, he is more deserving than someone with a handicapped sticker/hang tag?  Call his office and tell him that from now on, you don't want to see him parking in spaces designated for people with disabilities. Just as a reminder, let's see what the NYS government website says:

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"It is illegal to park in a parking space reserved for persons with disabilities if you do not have the correct vehicle plates or parking permit." 

Please stop by at Proctor Park in Utica on Saturday afternoon. IMV will have a table at Juneteenth. So will Celeste Friend for Utica--so that is two reasons to go plus the energy, music, and food!

Finally, we have had a request from the Herkimer County Pride Alliance for volunteers to help with the first ever Old Forge Pride. If you can help Abby with that effort, please email herkimercountypride@gmail.com. 
 

What's Ahead?

IMV Steering Committee is currently planning our annual July Potluck Picnic and will have a date to you soon. As always, we will invite candidates, allies, and everyone in our political corner to join us in a fun community building event.  We are also organizing an NY22 Candidate Forum in August at MVCC, similar to the one we held last summer, but this time well in advance of the congressional Democratic primary.  We want to get to know the candidate, meet them in person and hear from them.  A date and details are coming soon!

Please make your call to Brandon Williams (or Elise Stefanik). 1-855-973-4252 and ask them: "Will you support Trump as the nominee while he is under indictment for crimes against our national security?” Remember, the most important part of this action is posting on social media or sharing to your networks that you asked the question and what you got for an answer.  It's the "pics or didn't happen" but for politics.  

Then, look at your calendar and pick some days when you can volunteer for Celeste Friend for Mayor GOTV.  Because... Democracy is not a spectator sport.  

Follow us on Twitter using @indivisiblemv and of course our Facebook page and IMV Activism Group.