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CCDC Newsletter Archive

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2023 Archive

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Issues Post

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Campaign Videos

<h3>Meet Meg Magnusen, running for Chemung County 9th Legislative District</h3>Fast, succinct, and to the point. That's how Meg Magnusen addresses the issues and concerns for the citizens of Chemung County. She's working for a chance to run as the Chemung County 9th Legislator. Hear her out, she makes a lot of sense.

Meg Magnusen

Home 

9 rural Democratic Committees stood together to decide THE candidate for the 2026 midterm election!

"A good life should be affordable!"

NYS 23rd District Congressional Candidate

Aaron Gies

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<h5>cHAIR</h5>KEN MARTIN

DNC

<h5>Chair</h5>JAY S. JACOBS

NY DEMS

<h5>Chair</h5>William Thickstun

NYS DRC

Org Cards

Events Post

CCDC State Committee Representatives from the 124th and 132nd NYS Assembly Districts, along with the Chair, attended the NYS Democratic Convention in Syracus. There, they voted on the State-wide candidates the Party is backing during the Midterms this year.

CCDC in Syracuse

NYS Dems Convention

Thank you Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez for this advice!With mass detentions &amp; deportations across the county it is vitally important - for both citizens and non-citizens to know their rights. You DO NOT have to speak to ICE without a JUDICIAL warrant.If they attempt to enter your home or workplace, ask to see a warrant.

Know Your Rights!

Gallery

Young Democrats

<h3>Qualities of a Candidate to consider...</h3>"It takes a "special kind" of person, dedicated and willing to serve the community to run for office. The courage it takes to step forward into public life should not be underestimated. The commitment needed to fundraise, run a campaign and stay in the public's eye is commendable and noteworthy. On behalf of the community, you have our esteemed gratitude!" ~ Chairman Jamal A. Malik ('23)<ol><li>What are your unique leadership traits?</li><li>Can you describe three main campaign goals or ideas you feel define your campaign?&nbsp;</li><li>What do you offer constituents that’s different from your opponent or the person now in office?</li><li>Do you bring a new or innovative way to approach problems?</li><li>Do you feel you have the time, energy, discipline, and vision to win?</li><li>Who is your target voter?</li><li>Can you identify your campaign team, and plan for getting elected?</li><li>What is your fundraising strategy?</li><li>Do you have a vision for improving the quality of life in your community?</li><li>What do you see as the most significant issues?</li><li>Are you prepared for a background check?</li><li>Why should the voters choose you?</li></ol>If you can answer all of these questions with certainty, then reach out to our Candidate Vetting Committee. We're here to support and help get your started. Fill out our Candidate Interest form <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd8-M9S6Sh2imUu_587HOFZJZPDBHnezIAFXvcVNB-JaXa2nA/viewform" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>.We strive to establish a strong platform, which assists our committee to develop and align our values, beliefs and goals to the Democratic Party ideals. The Chemung County Democratic Committee will recruit and elect candidates who listen to, respond, and best serve our citizens and our community.Chemung County Board of Elections: <a href="https://www.chemungcountyny.gov/1028/Running-For-Office" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Run for Office resources</a>

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Candidate Vetting Questions:

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On Monday 3-31-25 Voters of Chemung County demonstrated outside the Social Security Office in Big Flats. Originally slated to be closed, and then reportedly removed from the closure list, demonstrators demanded a definitive answer from Musk's Doge on the status, not only for recipients, but in support of the SS Office workers as well.

Hands Off Our Social Security

Hands Off our SS

Run for Local Office

Short Form

ELECTED DEMOCRATS

<h3>Bill McCarthy, Chemung County 12th District Legislator. Tried, true, and consistant!</h3>Bill McCarthy has been a steady, dependable voice for the people of Chemung County's 12th District — tried, true, and consistent since 2018. Bill has stood firm as part of the Democratic minority in the Chemung County Legislature, fighting alongside Minority Leader Brent Stermer to keep the families of our community at the center of every conversation. Now, with a major shakeup in County leadership on the horizon, Bill sees a real window for change. He's running for re-election with the same conviction he's always had: to go back to the Legislature and fight, harder than ever, for the families of Chemung County. &nbsp;

Bill McCarthy

Chemung County

Minority Leader District 11 (City of Elmira)

Brent StermerLEGISLATURE

District 12 (Town of Southport)

William McCarthyLEGISLATURE

Chemung County Family Court

Judge Richard Rich

Elmira City Court

Judge Daniel Cain

Elmira City Constable

Willie Owens

Elmira City Council Dst. 1

Nick Grasso

Elmira City Council Dst. 2

Rev. Corey Cooke

Elmira City Council Dst. 4

Rev. Gary Brinn

Elmira City Council Dst. 5

Jackie Wilson

Town of Elmira Board

Al Lucarelli

Justice Town of Elmira

Kim Middaugh

Minority Leader&nbsp;District 12 (Town of Southport)

District 11 (City of Elmira)

New York State

GOVERNOR

Kathy Hochul

LT. GOVERNOR

Antonio Delgado

Secretary of State

Walter T. Mosley III

ATTORNEY GENERAL

Letitia James

COMPTROLLER

Tom DiNapoli

ASSEMBLY SPEAKER

Carl Heastie

SENATE MAJORITY LEADER

Andrea Stewart-Cousins

<h3></h3><h4 style="text-align: center;">See the job description and salary requirments in the flyers below.</h4>

Red Box

Bluesky

Committees in Chemung County

Here are actions you can take!

<h2>Chemung County Youth Football League</h2>So, we did a thing! The Chemung County Democratic Committee and The Chemung County Republican Committee looked past all the party politics and division to jointly help the kids of this county! We competed against each other at the Chemung County Youth Football League Fundraiser and raised over $1,000 each doing it. We did it for the kids. You see, this is how we're going to have to change the scenario, the landscape. We're going to have to do it together. Sure we didn't win the match, heck, who won the game wasn't important. What was important is that we worked together for a common good. In spite of all the name calling and political backstabbing in other parts of the country. We worked together. See ya next year!

Announcement

POLITICAL CALENDER 2026

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Podcasts

Registered Voters

registered DemocratS

Working Families

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Put something inspirational here, about what the County Party stands for.

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<h2>Working to build a better community!</h2><img src="https://run.imgix.net/94c92664-0a6b-4f87-8755-76df653ac4d4/ab296239-1819-4416-8426-c8d4c005b1fe/ab296239-1819-4416-8426-c8d4c005b1fe.png?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C950%2C823&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="right" alignwidth="42" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed"><h4>The mission of the Chemung County Democratic Committee is to recruit candidates for all elective offices representing, but not limited to Chemung County. The committee works to strengthen the community by connecting citizens to the political process through voter outreach and education. We strive to be open, inclusive, and accessible to all individuals who share fundamental Democratic beliefs and values.</h4>

<h3>Meet John Boire, running for Chemung County 2nd Legislative District</h3>Candidate hopeful John Boire, sits down with host Ed Bond to discuss his newly announced bid as Legislator for the 2nd Legislative District of Chemung County. John brings a lot of experience and passion to the table and wants to make the 2nd District, and Chemung County overall, a great place to live.

John Boire

CCDC - Working 4 All!

138 like minded people gathered to raise funds for local Democratic candidates. Lt. Governor Antonio Delgado &amp; Dr. Basil Smikle, Jr. gave us words of inspiration. Each candidate introduced themselves, and spoke a little about their campaign platforms. Area Democrats won gift certificates from local businesses and bid on baskets. It was awesome!

CCDC Annual Fall Fundraiser

Annual Fall Fundraiser

Thank you Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez for this advice! With mass deportations starting across the county it is vitally important - for both citizens and non-citizens to know their rights. You DO NOT have to speak to ICE without a JUDICIAL warrant. If they attempt to enter your home or workplace, ask for a warrant.

Check if you are registered to vote

<h2>Voter Resources</h2><h3>VOTE like your Democracy depends on it. It does!</h3>

Check if you're registered to vote

Register, or update your registration to vote

Request a mail ballot

Early voting locations

Resources

Upcoming Events (click to enlarge)

Volunteer to join team DiNapoli. Help out texting each Wednesday night, from 6pm to 8 pm. Click the link below to join.

Call to Action

<h3>Meet Aaron Gies - Candidate for NYS 23rd Congressional District</h3>Declared Candidate for the NYS 23rd Congressional District, Aaron Gies sits down with our CCDC Podcast host Ed Bond for an informal discussion on why he's running, his unique perspective, and his political platform. This podcast gives us an in-depth look at Gies, and why he believes he can win your vote in the Primary Election in June of 2026.

Aaron Gies

Your contributions help us reach more voters.

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<h4 style="text-align: center;">Duties of the NY‑23 Congressional Representative</h4>(Serving Chemung, Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Tioga, and parts of Steuben, Schuyler, Erie, and Niagara Counties)The Representative for NY‑23 is responsible for making federal laws, shaping the national budget, overseeing federal agencies, and advocating for the needs of the Southern Tier. Rep. Langworthy’s committee roles give him particular influence in energy policy, government oversight, and House procedural rules.<h5>Base salary: $174,000</h5><h5>US 1. Federal Lawmaking</h5>Your congressional representative is one of 435 voting members of the U.S. House of Representatives. Core responsibilities include:• Introducing bills on national issues (economy, health care, agriculture, energy, veterans, etc.).• Debating and voting on legislation that becomes federal law.• Amending bills in committee and on the House floor.• Shaping national policy through hearings, investigations, and oversight.<h5>💰 2. Federal Budget &amp; Appropriations</h5>Members of Congress help determine how trillions of federal dollars are spent. This includes:• Voting on the federal budget, appropriations bills, and tax policy.• Advocating for funding that benefits NY‑23, such as infrastructure, broadband, agriculture, manufacturing, and rural development.<h5>🏘️ 3. Representation of the 23rd District</h5>NY‑23 is a large, mostly rural district with major population centers like Elmira and Jamestown. The Representative’s district duties include:• Advocating for local needs in Washington—jobs, agriculture, energy, transportation, and rural health care.• Helping residents navigate federal agencies, including Social Security, Medicare, VA benefits, IRS issues, and immigration cases.• Responding to constituent concerns through meetings, town halls, and district office services.<h5>🏛️ 4. Committee Assignments (Specific to Langworthy)</h5>Langworthy serves on several influential House committees that shape national policy:• Committee on Energy and Commerce – oversees energy policy, telecommunications, consumer protection, public health, and environmental issues.• Committee on Rules – controls which bills reach the House floor and under what procedures.• Committee on Oversight and Government Reform – investigates federal agencies and government operations.These assignments give him direct influence over energy policy, regulatory oversight, and national governance.<h5>🗳️ 5. Constituent Services &amp; Community Engagement</h5>A major part of the job happens outside Washington:• Maintaining district offices to assist residents.• Attending local events, meetings, and community discussions.• Advocating for district priorities such as agriculture, manufacturing, rural broadband, and economic development.<h5>📣 6. Advocacy &amp; Public Communication</h5>The Representative also:• Issues public statements on national and local issues.• Communicates through newsletters, press releases, and social media.• Highlights local achievements and concerns in Washington.<h5>📅 7. Term &amp; Legal Requirements</h5>• Members of Congress serve two‑year terms with no term limits.• They must maintain residency in the state and represent their district year‑round.

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<h2 style="text-align: center;">Meet your Host...</h2><img src="https://run.imgix.net/94c92664-0a6b-4f87-8755-76df653ac4d4/78976307-c175-4d08-a2c2-c2240257e52b/c21091d4-6f91-4cbc-bd55-32a3609476af.webp?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C2852%2C4096&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="left" alignwidth="25" variant="framed">Ed Bond - Host is a former journalist, who has written for the Star-Gazette in Elmira, The Asbury Park Press, The Indianapolis Star and the Los Angeles Times. He is also the author of a book, "SAVE DOGS FROM DISTEMPER: The ‘Impossible’ Cure of Dr. Alson Sears" and co-wrote an episode of "Star Trek: Voyager." Today he lives with his family in Horseheads, NY where he invents games and toys and creates laser-cut art through his business, MetaDreams LLC. He has run twice for Chemung County Legislature as a Democrat.<h2 style="text-align: center;">...&amp; Producer</h2><img src="https://run.imgix.net/94c92664-0a6b-4f87-8755-76df653ac4d4/1ef01faa-5f63-4bd9-9bf7-cb843a17b94a/a05f8689-895f-473e-bbc0-9fbef52bd686.webp?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=126%2C40%2C3122%2C4023&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="right" alignwidth="25" tiltdirection="right" variant="framed">Bay Malik - Producer (&amp; occasional Fill-in Host) is a former radio broadcast manager, with over 25 years experience, both in the US and abroad. Now retired, she's worked in both commercial, and non-traditional radio, and taught Public Affairs instruction to aspiring broadcasters at NC A&amp;T State University. She's worked 15 years in station network management, promotions &amp; marketing in Dubai, UAE. Today, she resides with her husband in Elmira NY, and currently serves as the Media Chair for the Chemung County Democratic Committee.

<h2 style="text-align: center;">Higher Education!</h2><img src="https://run.imgix.net/94c92664-0a6b-4f87-8755-76df653ac4d4/90882d3e-2ce4-4db8-a547-81cc3d586cd9/90882d3e-2ce4-4db8-a547-81cc3d586cd9.png?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C471%2C263&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="left" alignwidth="40" variant="framed"><h2 style="text-align: left;"></h2> The <a href="https://hesc.ny.gov/">New York State Higher Education Services Corporation</a> (HESC) hosts <a href="https://hesc.ny.gov/events">events</a> to help students and families understand the financial aid available to them and navigate the FAFSA and TAP application processes. These events provide one-on-one support, expert guidance and resources to maximize financial aid opportunities. CUNY launched a <a href="https://www.cuny.edu/news/cuny-launches-financial-literacy-video-series-for-students/">Financial Literacy Video Series for Students</a> and student financial services resource centers across CUNY campuses are open to provide one-on-one in-person or virtual assistance.As part of its continued efforts to improve access to financial aid information and support, HESC launched new tools and enhanced services designed to support students, counselors, financial aid professionals and partners. These include:<ul><li><a href="https://hesc.ny.gov/financial-aid-navigator">Financial Aid Navigator:</a> A step-by-step tool that guides students through a series of questions about their academic plans, residency, and household information to generate a personalized list of New York State financial aid programs they may be eligible for, including grants, scholarships and tuition assistance opportunities.</li><li><a href="https://hesc.ny.gov/about/fafsa-completion-dashboard">FAFSA Completion Dashboard:</a> An interactive dashboard that provides a monthly snapshot of FAFSA completion rates among New York’s high school seniors and serves as a key tool for tracking progress statewide. Users can compare New York’s cumulative completion rate to the national average and explore data at the high school, school district, regional and legislative district levels to support targeted outreach and student success efforts.</li><li>Modernized Call Center: HESC enhanced its call center operations, ensuring students and families have the opportunity to connect directly with representatives, eliminating the need for appointments, and making it easier to get timely answers to financial aid questions. Students wishing to speak with HESC can call <a href="tel: 18886974372">1-888-NYSHESC</a> (<a href="tel: 18886974372">1-888-697-4372</a>).</li></ul><h4 style="text-align: center;">Fulfilling the need to provide educated future politicians!</h4>

Higher Ed Opps

<h3>Meet Andy G. Fagan -Candidate for NYS 124th Assembly District</h3>Andy Fagan is a Cornell Grad with a BS in Animal Sci &amp; MAT in Agriculture. He's the former Executive Director of Cornell's Cooperative Extension Program for both Tioga &amp; Chemung Counties, and serves as a member of the Board of the Food Bank of the Southern Tier.

Andy G Fagan

Local Happenings

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The Party who always fought for the American people!

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<h2 style="text-align: center;">Democracy Summer 2027</h2>The Democracy Summer project trains and deploys the next generation of Democratic organizers and leaders to win elections all over America. Founded by Congressman Jamie Raskin, backed by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, and buoyed by thousands of supportive alumni across the country, Democracy Summer engages high school and college-aged young people in state-of-the-art tactics in voter registration, canvassing and digital political organizing. Moreover, through on-line seminars with leading historians, law professors, political organizers and union and elected leaders, it provides an intensive education in the historical struggle for democratic freedom and essential lessons for effective political leadership today. Find out more about this fantastic opportunity, scholarships and applications here. <img src="https://run.imgix.net/94c92664-0a6b-4f87-8755-76df653ac4d4/4b302724-5029-4c4a-88d1-d47837759dfa/4b302724-5029-4c4a-88d1-d47837759dfa.png?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C748%2C430&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="left" alignwidth="40" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed"><a href="https://democracy-summer.breezy.hr/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Set your goals on applying for 2027.</a>

Democracy Summer

<h3>CCDC Chair Jamal Malik featured on WETM's "Talk of the Tiers"</h3>Chairman Malik had the opportunity to be a guest on WETM's Talk of the Tiers, a weekly community affairs show hosted by WETM's News Director, Jim Turpin. He was asked questions about the political landscape of Chemung County, what the CCDC does, the Elmira City Council, the importance of getting young people involved in the political process, and more. We think The Chair represented the CCDC pretty well. (PS: Double click to go into full screen mode, to click the sound on).

Chair Jamal Malik on WETM

PRIVACY POLICY

Elected Officers

Chemung County Towns

City of Elmira

State Committee Representatives

Chemung Co. Board of Elections

Chemung Co. Board of Elections

These are the local Democratic candidates running in your Legislative districts!

Running for Chemung County Legislators

District 2

John Boire

<a href="https://edbond.com/elected" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Website</a>

DIStriCt 5

Ed Bond

<a href="https://susanwilks.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Website </a>

District 7

Susan Wilks, J.D.

<a href="https://www.megmagnusen.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Website</a>

DISTRICT 9

Meg Magnusen

<a href="https://cubaforchemungcounty.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Website</a>

District 14

Jharmi Leach

Peaceful Resistance!

Know your rights

5 Calls.org

News One

Human rights campaign

Indivisible corning elmira

Moms Rising

Citizens for a better Southern Tier

Testimonials

ACTIONS YOU CAN TAKE

<h2>FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:</h2><ul><li>How do I become a member of the Democratic Committee? Prospective members must fill out a questionnaire. The New Member committee will reach out to the prospective member to review the role of membership, discuss the CCDC organization and answer any questions you might have? You can <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdhDuLwjFMfximaan9i2cvMTWT0ftaHXuEvjHJs7S12QspuxQ/viewform" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" style="color: var(--color-text-accent-secondary); color: var(--color-text-accent-secondary)">fill out an on-line questionnaire here:</a></li></ul><ul><li>What is an Election District? An Election District is the smallest breakdown of a voting district. It consists of the legislative district and ward.</li></ul><ul><li>What is a Legislative District? The Chemung County Legislature is composed of 15 legislators, who each represent a district. That district is called the legislative&nbsp; district. <a href="https://chemungcountyny.gov/450/District-Maps" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" style="color: var(--color-text-accent-secondary); color: var(--color-text-accent-secondary)">Find out your legislative district here</a>.</li></ul><ul><li>What is a District Leader? A District Leader is a member of the Executive Committee. Responsible for communicating and organizing voter registration, voters and other community activity in their respective regions.</li></ul><ul><li>Do I have to petition to be on the Committee? Every 2 (two) years, Committee members are asked to canvass in their voting districts and have registered Democratic voters sign a petition agreeing to have the committee member represent them on the Chemung County Democratic Committee. The Chairperson of the Committee has the option to waive certain members who may be too old, have disabilities, or other extenuating circumstances that prevent them from petitioning. All Committee Members are expected to petition and support Committee endorsed candidates.</li></ul><ul><li>How many meetings do I have to attend? Committee members are required to attend at least 4 (four) meetings per calendar year.</li></ul>

F.A.Q.'s

They have relentlessy defended New Yorkers!

Standing strong for the state of New York!

State Team

We strongly support

Chemung County Legislator
Incumbents

Brent Stermer

Legislative District 11
incumbent

Bill McCarthy

Legislative District 12
incumbent

We also strongly support these candidates

Running for Chemung County Legislators

John Boire

District 2

Ed Bond

DIStriCt 5

Susan Wilks, J.D.

District 7

Meg Magnusen

DISTRICT 9

Jharmi Leach

District 14

See the job description and salary requirments in the flyers below.

Chemung County LegislatorIncumbents

Brent Stermer

Legislative District 11incumbent

Bill McCarthy

Legislative District 12incumbent

We also strongly support these candidates

Running for Chemung County Legislators

John Boire

District 2

Ed Bond

DIStriCt 5

Susan Wilks, J.D.

District 7

Meg Magnusen

DISTRICT 9

Jharmi Leach

District 14

See the job description and salary requirments in the flyers below.

Chemung County Legislator
Incumbents

Legislative District 11
incumbent

Legislative District 12
incumbent