From a press release:
The Bristol Democratic Town Committee will host a HeadquartersOpening and Pizza Party on Thursday, August 9, 2007 from 5 to 8 pm at the Bristol Elks Club, 126 South Street.
The Democratic Town Committeewill be renting space at the Elks Club for its headquarters operations.
Endorsed candidates Ellen Zoppo-Sassu (mayor), Bill Veits (Treasurer), City Council candidates Bruce Lydem, Frank Nicastro, Craig Minor, Cliff Block, Rich Kilby and Kevin McCauley and Board of Education candidates will be on hand. Pizza, salad and desserts will be served, along with a variety of door prizes.
Tickets are $10and children under 12 are free. For more information please call 583-7481.
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Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
The Bristol Democratic Town Committee will host a HeadquartersOpening and Pizza Party on Thursday, August 9, 2007 from 5 to 8 pm at the Bristol Elks Club, 126 South Street.
The Democratic Town Committeewill be renting space at the Elks Club for its headquarters operations.
Endorsed candidates Ellen Zoppo-Sassu (mayor), Bill Veits (Treasurer), City Council candidates Bruce Lydem, Frank Nicastro, Craig Minor, Cliff Block, Rich Kilby and Kevin McCauley and Board of Education candidates will be on hand. Pizza, salad and desserts will be served, along with a variety of door prizes.
Tickets are $10and children under 12 are free. For more information please call 583-7481.
*******
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
37 comments:
Why are they charging a fee to open up a headquarters? At least Ward's is free.
Art Ward only has pizza cutters....the Democrats are actually serving pizza. Thus, the charge. :)
I think the DTC should be paying us to come!
But then again $10 isn't enough for me to stand in a room with a bunch of 2 faced lairs.
I am a Dem. but not proud of with the crew the DTC backed.
Roger D.
Has anyone but me noticed that there is a lot of anti-endorsed, anti-Ellen, anti-anyone who likes Ellen being spouted off? There are definitely some anger issues out there. I wonder where it comes from? This is the perfect example, - Dems have run low-donor pizza and spaghetti deals all the time but this year its N.G. (no good) because Artie is not involved. Its kinda getting stupid/
Stupid? The only ones stupid are those that are even considering voting back in the blowhards - Nicastro (its all about me), Minor (Mr. Clueless), McCauley (I don't have my own voice), and Zoppo (my way or no way). Get real! Has nothing to do with Ward not being a part of that losing team!
Bill R.
I've been a member of the BPOE for 14 years. I disappointed to see the club lease space to a political party for such a long duration (from now to November).
It's ironic that one endorsed Democrat was at odds with the club over a plan to sell the lodge a few years ago. There are also many issues that the Democrat Party (on the national level) supports that contradict with traditional Elk values.
I think the whole idea is bad for business (at least my business). I am uncomfortable with the decision to allow this to happen.
As am Elk member - I highly OFFENDED they leased it to ZOPPO.
Time for a recall of votes on that issue?
Why don't you all grow up? You sound just like a bunch of children in grade school, ostracizing other children who don't meet their silly "standards". Do any of you actually even know Ellen personally? I seriously doubt it. If you did, you would know how hard she works and how fair she is. And to all of you who don't like the way the the DTC is run -- why don't you get off your butts and get involved in local politics instead of taking pot shots at those people who are working very long hours to make the City a better place to live for you and your children? Why aren't you running for office if you think you can do a better job??
Sure thing sir. Makes me want to get my nose in there a little more. Maybe Block and my friend Bill opened up a bit of a hornets nest here.
I don't want to make it about any one candidate (although the one I was referring to was Minor). But I find it inappropriate for a political HQ to be located there. I'll add that a good friend of my family Morris U. told me that the club frowns on allowing political fundraisers!
This is not an issue regarding politics. It's in regards to an oathe Elks members take when they join. Are you familiar with it? Ita states that as a member you CAN NOT "use your membership and the lodge for business, commercial, political or sectarian purposes". Unfortunately some don't seem to understand that or care. I don't blame the DTC for wanting to go there it's a great place. And please don't make this about Ellen Zoppo (I'm sick of the subject). I don't blame the local BPOE for trying to get some rent. I just think it's INAPPROPRIATE and I'd like to have some kind of explanation.
And please if you have the nerve to say nasty things in response to me put your name down.
Here's the Mission of the Elks:
"To inculcate the principles of Charity, Justice, Brotherly Love and Fidelity; to recognize a belief in God; to promote the welfare and enhance the happiness of its Members; to quicken the spirit of American patriotism; to cultivate good fellowship; to perpetuate itself as a fraternal organization, and to provide for its government, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the United States of America will serve the people and communities through benevolent programs, demonstrating that Elks Care and Elks Share."
Hmmm -- the words "brotherly love", "patriotism", "providing for government" and "serving people and communities" jump out at me. I'm not seeing a whole lot of any of those things exhibited by local BPOE members who are trashing elected officials and bickering about not wanting to rent out facilities to those who are in government serving the people and their community.
You Elks members ought to be ashamed of yourselves. The DTC puts money in your coffers for you to stay afloat with building expenses. The political fundraisers bring people into your facility who would otherwise never stop by. That exposure could not only generate interest in attendees to become BPOE members, but also bring in additional revenue thru future hall bookings. Talk about biting the hand that feeds you!!
Sue G.
Sue,
Your argument is ignorant, childish and obnoxious. You have no right to make such statements. You are the one who should be ashamed of yourself. I'll be sure to bring this up at a meeting in the future and report your comments to the proper people in your party and the Elks.
Ms Sue G (who ever you are): Politics at the magnitude of locating a HQ, along with the signs, etc., associated with such activities have no business being at the BPOE. Please don't go to the Elks website, take things out of context and try to use them to argue for the obvious inpropriety being commtted here. All you do is bring embarassment and shame upon yourself.
Alex, if you disagree with the decision by the Elks officers, then I suggest you take it up with them or else leave the club if you feel the organization has betrayed you.
Old Reason not to participate with Bristol Elks: James G Doyle
New Reason: This BS (the new tenants)
1)"To inculcate the principles of Charity, Justice, Brotherly Love and Fidelity"
-You're not my brother Sue!
2)to recognize a belief in God
-Democrats are the most secular of the parties, besides being the most socialist (Elks swear they are not communists upon becoming members, which would leave out a number of people on the far left of the Democrat Party).
3)to promote the welfare and enhance the happiness of its Members;
-I am a member and the fact the the Democrats are setting up camp here irritates me considerably.
4)to quicken the spirit of American patriotism;
-The party of Howard Dean, Harry Read, Nancy Pilosi and Dennis Kiscinich viloates this totally.
5)to cultivate good fellowship;
-Not happening with this move (unless you're a big Dem)!
6)to perpetuate itself as a fraternal organization,
-Read: "FRATERNAL" Sue. Also as far as your marketing analysis goes, just look at Cactis (out of business)
7) and to provide for its government
-Sorry to disappoint you Sue, but the Democrats are a political party, not the government. (DUH!)
Anon:
Please see the inappropriateness in your "suggestion" (statement).
I have been an Elks members since approximately 1993. I will not leave this Lodge because of this one violation of appropriateness on the part of others.
According to a Democrat Register of Voters in another city whom I am an acquaintance with, letting the Democrats have their HQ at the Lodge is "controversial" and possibly a violation of the Elks oathe (when becoming a member).
Since you Ms Anon (I would assume "Sue G") have the gall to make the suggestion that I leave the club (I think it's safe to assume you're not a member), I would hope that you'd have the back-bone to state your name. I will certainly bring this up in a complaint regarding the inappropriate action to allow the Democrats to have thie HQ at the lodge, along with your suggestion that I leave based on my honest, proper and dignified oppostion to this action. I think it's safe to assume that the Exaulted Ruler would not approve of one of the tenants suggesting that I leave the lodge.
Sue G et al:
Sorry to disappoint you, but I am not leaving the Elks. I am going to make sure this innappropriate action never happens again. I will go through all the proper and necessary channels to make sure of this. Enjoy your stay but don't make any long term plans for that location. I will make sure Mr. Block and Mr. Veits understand their error in judgement and my opposition (as well as many others).
Alex, if I bring you a pizza cutter from Art Ward's HQ will you quit your whining?
I can remember Barbara and Jim Doyle having a fit when Paul Kelley was going to put his election sign on the lawn of the house next to the Elks that the Elks owned. As a result Paul was told by the Elks that he couldn't do it because it violated the bylaws.
How has the rule changed?
1st Anon: No and what I am doing is not "whining", it's pointing out an error in judgement on behalf of a person or people at MY lodge (the one in which I pay dues to. Do you?).
2nd Anon: I guess the Doyles understand good etiquette and appropritateness regarding the Elks Club. Thank you for pointing that out. The answer to your question is that nothing has changed. Why this is happening is unknown to me and many others.
Dumb-o-crats: Remedy the situation. Find another place for your "HQ".
I hear the Democrats have some great drinking songs, they'll be good tenants in the club. Alex should stop complaining and join in the fun.
It's no fun if you're sick to your stomach.
Anon:
I'm sure they're fine tenants where ever they go.
Unfortunately there seems to be some misunderstanding. A BPOE Lodge is not a place for political partisans and their campaign propoganda, beyond some friendly small talk at the bar. Perhaps allowing a fundraiser is acceptable, but ceratinly not an HQ and the signage, etc, associated with it.
I'm amazed that the Bristol BPOE is allowing this. It's frankly an unacceptable activity, period. I'm sorry.
If the tenants were Republicans I doubt people like Alex would be complaining. If you have space to rent, then you cannot discriminate.
Anon:
You may be right. But if I was the TC chairman I would not propose it. Again if you read my past post, I stated that a former Exaulted Ruler of the Bristol Lodge, Morris Euley and I had the conversation in 1998. He told me then that the Elks frowned on hosting political events. I decided then that I wouldn't burden the club with that request. I guess the Democrats felt less selfless than I.
On the other hand, I'm sure if the BPOE was renting to the Republicans for more than one night (or even for one night) someone from the Democrat side would make an issue. As a matter of fact, it sounds like primary candidate Kelly was not allowed to post signs on the Lodge's property.
But hypotheticals are irrelevant. The DTC HQ should not be at the BPOE. Association with a political party is inappropriate according to the norms of this situation.
PS: It's a BPOE Lodge. It's not a multi-family home nor is it a business rental property. There is no law in the land that says the Elks can not dis-allow political parties from renting their space. Your premise is absolutely ridiculous.
Alex, then you are a hypocrite, because you admit that you wouldn't complain if the Republicans were renting the space. Whether or not you would rent the space personally is irrelevant, because you say it yourself that if Republicans rented the space you wouldn't complain. So just give it a rest.
It's not about Alex. It's about the BPOE Lodge. Please don't name-call. It's classless. But you obviously have no class or guts either.
It's classless to point out the truth?
Her name is Sue Gorski another pawn of Ms.ZOPPO not to mention she has probably promised her a job, WAKE UP SUE I thought you were more intelligent!
Who cares? LOL
No Anon, it's classless to call me a hypocrite not only because I'm not, but because I'm correct. Are you afraid to state your name after you call me a slanderous name?
As far as being hypocritical, I never asked for, applied for or took lease at the Elks for political purposes (like the Democrats are doing). I inquired about it (I must repeat, since you seem to have ignored what I wrote), and after consulting with a past Exaulted Ruler (friend of my family, Morris Euley who has since passed away) I decided not to pursue it.
I admit that I stated here that if the local GOP tried to set up their HQ, I probably wouldn't complain too vocally (which I haven't really at this time anywhere relevent anyway). But since I'm on the GOP Town Committee and it's againt the by-laws of that committee to be publicly in oppostion to the committee, I wouldn't have personally opposed the move for that reason. I probably would have simply waited for thjose "sitting on the chairs" and the Democrats to oppose it and the decision. But again this is totally hypothetical and if I sat on the chairs of the Elks or was in any excutive function of the Elks, I would then oppose it. So finally I am not a hypocrite.
As far as the situation goes at this time, I have been informed by people within the Elks that I am friends with, am related to or just am friendly with that it is against the by-laws to discuss politics at the Lodge. Therefore the Democrats will not be able to post signs on the yard or in the window. I have been informed that if signs are posted they will be removed in one way or another. I have been told that there is "office space" in the top floor of the lodge that can be rented without possibly violating Elks code of conduct. But I think the Democrats won't have much of an HQ in the traditional sense, therefore it is a bad decision for them to have pursued this. The Democrats who are not members of the lodge will not be allowed in member areas without a guest.
I am somewhat happy with that decision although I and many others still think it's inappropriate for the Dedmocrats to have their HQ at the lodge.
I think if I was a real estate sales person, I wouldn't engage in negative comments about people in town. She must be either class-less, brainless or has a mental problem.
Alex, you admitted to personally having a double standard when it comes to the idea of Republicans renting the club space rather than Democrats. To you it would be acceptable for Republicans to rent it but not Democrats. Sorry, but that makes you a hypocrite.
Anon: That's a complete fabrication. You are incorrect. I never "admitted" what you are saying. You are a liar and a coward. Why not post your name? I don't have a "double standard". I wrote that one "may be right" that I may not be complaining. But I haven't complained to anyone. I've just posted my feelings here. Where do you get this dillusion of yours? What's your problem?
As I've stated time and time again, I and many others know it's inappropriate for a political HQ to be at the Elks Lodge. You're making this up about a "double standard". I nor anyone else I've ever known has proposed such an action as to have a GOP HQ at the BPOE Lodge. I'd never do it. That's all there is to it. Wake up and smell reality.
Again, I've been told by an executive at the BPOE that there will be no political signs allowed on the property. Any attempt to post signs will result in the signs being removed. The Bristol Dems are being allowed to rent office space on the 2nd floor. However no window signs will be allowed. That sounds like a pretty lousy HQ set up to me. I was also told that non-member tenants will not be allowed in the member area. As I've stated before, it's against the by-laws to discuss politcs at the lodge, so these measures reflect the norms and values of traditional BPOE.
Again, I'm sorry to have to convey the truth to some who may not appreciate the reality of this. But it's time to back off and stop trying to defamate me, write lies about what I wrote here, write lies about my actions and feelings, etc. And as another wrote, this isn't about me. It's about the inappropriateness of the Democrats using the BPOE as their HQ.
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