I am writing this letter on behalf of Joe Mesi, candidate for the 61st State Senate. Many know him as “Baby Joe Mesi”, former heavyweight contender in the world. I simply know him as Joe Mesi, candidate for State Senate, a man that is looking to make a change for the betterment of Western New York. Impressions are lasting, and I’m thankful my opportunity to meet him wasn’t based on just the notion of the “famous boxer”, but rather a man that has great humility, integrity, compassion, genuineness, and intellect he clearly demonstrated upon meeting him. After discussing some of the issues we all face, my impression of Joe Mesi, is a man that truly wants to step into the political ring and do what comes so natural to him, fight. I believe that Joe will fight for jobs, fight to lower our taxes, fight for universal healthcare that is affordable for all, fight for accountability how our money is spent, and bring fresh and new ideas to Albany. In order to change Albany, we’re going to need a fighter, someone that won’t back down from the political pressures of any majority, someone that has the stamina to go several rounds if needed, someone that is determined to win, and that would be Joe Mesi. I believe he will be our voice in Albany, and make the changes “we” so desperately need. We can’t afford to put in office another yes man, a man that will misrepresent you, a man that might cost you your job and higher taxes. This year’s election is not about voting Democratic or Republican, but rather about voting about economical sound issues, change, and restoration for all. With our economy in such distress, it will take a true fighter to restore the true meaning of the “American dream”. On November 4th, do not vote on your party affiliation, but vote for the person that is truly going to represent you and your family. Let’s get Albany back on track. If you really want change, the opportunity is here, vote Joe Mesi!
Sincerely,
Raelene Christian
I too support and will vote
I too support and will vote for Mesi, however I am appalled at one of the campaign ploys by some of those ringing the door bells and dropping off info for him.
I live in a senior community complex. There is a specific rule against door to door solicitation - not only by residents but by outsiders as well.
Imagine my surprise when I found a Vote for Mesi card under my door.
I wonder if they checked with the office first and received permission to distribute campaign material?
To make this even more disturbing, the material they were distributing was outdated. It was encouraging people to vote in the Sept. primary.
Did Mr. Mesi approve of this tactic? Who is responsible for violating the privacy of an entire complex?
Sorry that you were
Sorry that you were interrupted Bea, I can tell you that none of that was in coordination nor approved of by the Mesi campaign, there are just so many volunteers that are excited about Joe's campaign that someone may have done a literature drop in your place of residency.
Sorry again, and thanks for your support!
I can appreciate the
I can appreciate the excitement generated by volunteers when they feel they are working for good of their candidate.
This is more than an inconvenience, it is an invasion of the privacy of those who live in this complex. I know that the senior complexes, in Batavia, are secured by a "buzz in" system. The visitors are allowed in by a resident. That visitor is NOT permitted to use that entrance to distribute political material. If it is good for one candidate then it would stand to reason that all candidates be given the same privilege. That is NOT the case.
From what I understand, those distributing the material were closely connected to the campaign and not just mere over excited volunteers. The two women who distributed the material, door to door and floor to floor, were trespassing.
Frankly, I believe that Mesi is the best person for the job. I also believe that those connected with his campaign need to follow good campaign practices. Their overzealous attempt did Mr. Mesi little good.
Bea, Can you tell me who
Bea, Can you tell me who those women are? I'll personally make sure they are informed of the rules of your complex. I believe all rules should be followed during campaigns. I want to make sure these individuals know where and how in future campaigns. You can e-mail me at timpaineforbatavia@yahoo.com and we can keep out of the media if you like. Just from talking with you at the Muckdog games you seem to be the type that doesn't want to embarrass anyone publicly. But, I also got the impression that you like things kept fair and honest. I'll be more than happy to help you.
Tim, Thanks for the reply.
Tim,
Thanks for the reply. Check your email.
Bea
Bea, I’d like to set the
Bea,
I’d like to set the record straight. First, Bea, you seem to be so upset over this one little flyer for a man that you’re supporting anyway, but I feel the need that clarity is needed at this point. The two ladies that you are referring to are my mom Rose Mary Christian and Raelene Christian (myself). First, let’s start with trespassing. We in no way trespassed in the 400 Towers on October 18th, as Rose Mary Christian has many friends in your building, and they buzzed us in. We were trying to help the seniors by giving them information regarding Joe Mesi because we do believe in him, and wanted the seniors, “YOU” to receive this information. We in no way rang your doorbell that night, and that was an absolute blatant lie by you. We would not do such a thing, as we have the upmost respect for people’s privacy. We decided to slide the literature under the door, and not disrupt anyone. This way, everyone could read the flyers at their leisure and not knocking on their doors. I’m not afraid to come forward and to tell you it was us, we didn’t violate any laws, trespass, or hurt anyone last Saturday, if a friend of my moms let us in the building, then that is not trespassing. You seem to contradict yourself, you say you support Joe Mesi, but you’re SO upset you received a flyer for him. My mother is also your Councilwoman, and represents the whole sixth ward, which includes, the 400 Towers. Also, to set the record real straight, my mom in the past has received numerous calls to go to the 400 Towers when people have different issues, and she has NEVER refused to come. Let it go Bea, and Mr. Paine, we are informed of the rules of campaigning. After all, Councilwoman Christian has only been in office since 1992. If there is further questions Bea, call my mother, here is her number 344-0276. We have nothing to hide, or to feel ashamed about. I didn’t even want to honor your first comment, but this last post by Mr. Paine, I just realized that this is getting to be too much, and ridiculous. As I stated, if you any questions, feel free to call my mom, she’s your Councilwoman after all. Also, remember Bea, if you’re going to post, please make sure it’s true, because we NEVER rang your doorbell, nor did we knock on any doors. Have a great day Bea.
Raelene Christian
Raelene, Relax. Nice way to
Raelene, Relax. Nice way to keep a voter happy by attacking them and calling them a liar. I asked a very simple question. I didn't know who or where.
Mr. Paine, I am very
Mr. Paine,
I am very relaxed. It was Bea McManis who did in fact lie, and say we were ringing her doorbell and others (read her first post), and I am not about to have someone lie about my mother and me. I was just clarifying, because it was getting ridiculous. You wrote: “I'll personally make sure they are informed of the rules of your complex. I believe all rules should be followed during campaigns. I want to make sure these individuals know where and how in future campaigns”. No offense and with all do respect, who are you, the campaign police? I will not honor anymore of your posts either. Don’t turn this around on me, this was all Bea McManis who started this whole thing, and you two, were gonna keep it hush hush through e-mails. I pull no punches, and when they say, the apple didn’t fall from the tree, it is very true! Have a great day Mr. Paine.
Raelene Christian
Raelene, in fact I was so
Raelene, in fact I was so bothered by how you attacked Bea in just went down to 400 Towers to ask them about their policy. In FACT, Bea is right! 400 Towers has a rule against door-to-door solicitation. You must register and then they allow a meeting in a common area. If a friend buzzes you in you are not allowed to go roaming door-to-door. No I'm not the"campaign police", but I would think someone with your moms expirience would know the rules of a complex she represents and abide by them. So, with all due respect, I will have a great day. With all due respect, you now know the rules.
Raelene, let's disect my
Raelene, let's disect my post.
I too support and will vote for Mesi,
This is entirely true. He will get my vote.
however I am appalled at one of the campaign ploys by some of those ringing the door bells and dropping off info for him.
Those who volunteer for a campaign are known as 'bell ringers'...it is what they do. I didn't say that a bell ringer actually rang my doorbell. I wasn't home on the 18th. It was just a way of describing those who volunteer.
I live in a senior community complex. There is a specific rule against door to door solicitation - not only by residents but by outsiders as well.
If you or your mom had checked, you would know that this is not a false statement.
Imagine my surprise when I found a Vote for Mesi card under my door.
Yes, it was a surprise based on the rules of the complex.
I wonder if they checked with the office first and received permission to distribute campaign material?
Did you?
To make this even more disturbing, the material they were distributing was outdated. It was encouraging people to vote in the Sept. primary.
I found the literature to be outdated. The primary (the reason for that particular literature) took place the month before.
Did Mr. Mesi approve of this tactic?
Is breeching the security of a senior complex an approved tactic by Mr. Mesi or those who run his campaign?
Who is responsible for violating the privacy of an entire complex?
I guess it was you and your mom. Whomever buzzed you in did not have the authority to permit you to go floor to floor and door to door. It would appear that your anger and lashing out at someone who felt that you overstepped the bounds of good election practices is your only defense for your actions.
Hello Ms. Christian: Bea
Hello Ms. Christian:
<b>Bea said:</b>
<i>"I too support and will vote for Mesi, however <b>I am appalled at one of the campaign ploys by some of those ringing the door bells and dropping off info for him."</b></i>
<b>She did not say that you rang her doorbell.</b>
(Does the fact that a Salvation Army 'bell ringer' is not ringing her/his bell make him/her no longer a 'bell ringer'? - it was a figure of speech - she meant people going door-to-door)
To which you replied:
<i><b>"We in no way rang your doorbell that night, and that was an absolute blatant lie by you."</b></i>
Ms. Christian, there is clearly a misunderstanding here and I think you may owe someone an apology. The lady already said Mr. Mesi has her vote. I appreciate that you are a passionate supporter of a candidate you hold in high esteem, but we must be careful just how passionate we become. As for me, I remain undecided in regard to the NY State Senate race.
If you must, you have my permission to refer to me as the 'comment police'.
Sincerely,
Kelly Hansen
Thank you Kelly. One has to
Thank you Kelly.
One has to remember that there is no defense for the indefensible - ergo, the only defense is to attack.
I would like to add:
1. Even an elected official, in this case a councilwoman, is still required to abide by the rules of the various households she represents. Her status, by her daughter's rationale, does not exempt her from respecting them.
2. We may be 'seniors' but we are not senile. We understand the voting process; the issues at hand; and the candidates running.
We are also literate. Even if permission was granted (which it wasn't since they arrived on a weekend when the office is closed) then handing out literature that was outdated and inviting the 'seniors' to vote in a primary that took place a month ago was insulting.
3. The fact that they may have 'many' friends in the Towers does not give them permission to pass out literature to every apartment in the complex. If one candidate's volunteers feel it is their right to do so, then what is to stop all the other candidates from demanding equal access?
I will extend an apology to the readers who find this boring. It was an eye opening experience to learn how a city elected official reacts when challenged and the level one stoops to degrade the person who brings forth the information. The school yard tactic of name calling and the attempt to shift focus speak more words than I could possibly pen.