MINUTES JANUARY 22, 2005 MEETING OF LIADA

In attendance: Edith Pollack, Lita Kelmensen, Manny Kelmensen, Muriel Finkel, Mary McWilliams, Judith Maxwell, Norm Maxwell, Helen Maxwell, and Scottie Coads.

Meeting called to order at 10:45.

Note, Bea Mc Nanie is home now and doing better.

Treasurer's Report: Bank account not yet, changed to Astoria. Money from dissolution of NY State ADA was $652.76. Motion to accept report by Manny Kelmensen; seconded by Muriel Finkel.

Bush's State of the Union address, (most did not listen or watch it), again stressed Social Security reform/changes.

Judith Maxwell stated that according to the radio station “Air America” an economist says Social Security is secure until 2025 or 2030, but benefits might need to be cut by 20% at that time.

Action item: Resolution opposing President Bush’s attempt to destroy the Social Security Fund to be drafted by Edith after research obtained by Judith and Scottie.

Edith Pollack suggested that Howard Dean could be the next Democratic party leader.

Action item: Vote on whom to support as the candidate for LI Attorney General will be held at the February meeting. Right now it appears that Cynthia Kouril will have opposition in the Democratic Party, (information from Scottie Coads) and that Dillon will again be the Republican candidate.

County Legislator David Denenberg was scheduled to attend the January meeting, but telephoned to advise that he was stuck at Public Works Department meeting due to the impending blizzard and therefore, would have to come to another meeting. He is receiving much negative publicity for signatures on his petitions.

Lita Kelmenson has contacted Charles Lavine for June 5, 2005 meeting.

Judith Maxwell to contact Howard Weitzman for February and Spitzer for June meeting.

Muriel Finkel to contact T. Bishop to attend an executive board meeting and possibly the June meeting.

Question to Board: Is Tom DiNapoli running for statewide office?

Helen Maxwell to contact Pat Maher for March 26, 2005 meeting and Howard Dean’s LI rep to have someone speak at one of our meetings and to develop links between our organizations.

Judith Maxwell suggested that LI needs a study of water quality. Tom DiNapoli as chair of Water and Environmental Committee in Albany may be a resource.

Manny Kelmenson did research on oil and gas prices and advised that one group reported that prices at the pump do follow changes in the barrel prices. When the barrel price goes up, the pump price goes up the next day. However, when the barrel price goes down it takes months for the change in price to be reflected in the pump prices.

Edith asks to invite Michelle Schimel, Town Clerk to meeting. Election for the position of Town Clerk had changed to every 4 years for Town Clerk.

Meeting adjourned at noon.

Submitted by Helen Maxwell