December 2005 Meeting Report

Posted by Brooklyn Young Republican Club

New York State Conservative Party Chairman Michael Long was the featured speaker at the December meeting of the Brooklyn Young Republican Club at Peggy O Neill’s in Bay Ridge. Joining Mr. Long at the podium were 31-year old Staten Island Assemblyman Vincent Ignizio (62nd Disctrict) and surprise guest speaker Pat Manning, also a state Assemblyman (103rd District) and Republican candidate for Governor in 2006.

Hearkening back to his earliest days in New York politics when he campaigned for Barry Goldwater, Mr. Long emphasized the continuing need for grassroots level participation in the political process. He also recounted the tremendous influence the Conservative Party in New York State has had since its inception in 1962. Well-spoken, engaging, and brimming with just a touch of Brooklyn swagger, he used the experiences of his own extraordinary life to energize the attendees as well as lending his keen insight into how Republicans and Conservatives can continue to win elections in New York by not compromising their own belief systems.

Assemblyman Ignizio, too, spoke of the necessity of grassroots participation, recalling his own pavement pounding door-to-door days and encouraged everyone to take an active role in their own communities. “You look at the two parties,” he said, “And time after time, you will see that all the ideas are coming from the Republican side. Our opponents never have anything new to offer.”

Also taking the podium was Assemblyman Pat Manning, who was unscheduled to address the group, but made a surprise appearance and spoke passionately about the state’s future and his upcoming gubernatorial campaign. “I intend to make it clear that Republican values are everyone’s values, regardless of what neighborhood you live, what your background is or what your economic status is,” said Manning, who was the last speaker of the night.”