Collectively, we have created a new era in politics in New York State, a ground breaking event which brought an end to Republican control in Albany and heralded a new Democratic majority. Time is of the essence as we move our state forward,  and resolve to meet the opportunities and challenges of a new year. We renew our resolution to learn from past failures and commit to the improvement of our neighborhoods, cities and State, and fight for a better quality of life and solutions to our community's problems.

We must continue to fight for our collective interests, protect our kids, working families and seniors, fight for better education, public safety, wages, jobs and health care, be more responsive to our friends in need, and be better stewards of our environment and neighborhoods.

With the many lows, such as the plummeting of the real estate markets, increased costs of living and prescription drugs, the high foreclosure rate due to mortgage failures, the highest unemployment rate in recent years, huge and painful financial bailouts for mismanaged industries and the collapse of our financial institutions due to predatory lending, it is hard not to acknowledge that 2008 was perhaps the most dreadful year for most of us. Families and small businesses in our local communities are hurting big time. With the state budget crisis, pending increases in property taxes, MTA fares, tuition costs, utility costs, and the introduction of new taxes, such as music and obesity taxes, and budget cuts in health care, schools, police and the fire department, New Yorkers are urged to keep the faith and fight and pray for a brighter and better 2009.  Democrats, the ball is in our court. Let us seize this moment, together! 

Charles Mohan

Secretary

UNITED COMMUNITIES DEMOCRATIC CLUB