Nearly two dozen people gathered in front of the County Office Building on Market Street in the City of Poughkeepsie on Monday, Dec. 15, joining the 13th annual holiday interfaith candlelight vigil for economic justice.
“Never turning back, work for change together, heal this Earth together,” were lyrics sung by those in the vigil’s circle, many of whom were concerned that the proposed 2009 county budget would cut funding from the Human Rights Commission, among other proposed areas.
As it turned out, County Exectutive Williams Steinhaus did not veto line items the Democrats restored to his original budget plan, including money for the 21-year-old Human Rights Commission. But on the eve of Steinhaus releasing his vetoes and the Legislature subsequently considering them (see coverage of the Legislature on page 5), people gathered at the vigil were still worried about the commission’s future.
“It’s just a matter of time. Mr. Steinhaus, he may need this commission,” said Brenda Moore-Frazier, commissioner of the Human Rights Commission. “I believe when people find out who didn’t support the Human Rights Commission, and other services, they’re going to be history.”
Legislator Joel Tyner (D-Rhinebeck/Clinton), who organized the event, and supporters also addressed proposing a $10/hour living wage law for the county, as is offered in San Francisco, Calif. Tyner also said that finding a cost-savings health care plan would save the county millions of dollars.
In a Dutchess Health Access Plan Petition drafted by Tyner, he states: “According to San Francisco County Supervisor Tom Ammiano, San Francisco Health Access Plan could save taxpayers $8-24 million annually by requiring employers to share the costs of health care.” Tyner stressed the plan would save money by “re-diverting money spent on very expensive care for the uninsured in clinics and hospitals to preventive care – and by making sure that profitable large employers are paying for their employees’ health care as well.”
Shining through the mist
Despite a light rain, the outpouring of support was enough to keep candles lit and passion burning in those who attended the event.
Poughkeepsie-based Vassar Temple Rabbi Paul Golomb described what the vigil has meant to the attendees each year.
“By lighting the lights, we dispel darkness because we learn not to despair,” Golomb, the former president of the Dutchess County Interfaith Council, said to a circle of listeners. “We live in a world where the number one thing to do is light candles against despair and worldliness.”
All ages made up the circle, and every voice counted. Matthew Hahn of LaGrangeville, said “taking care of others” and “the economy” were two topics of interest for him. Emily Forschler of Clinton, who attended with Hahn, said she was impressed with the vigil’s turnout. Hahn said he heard about the vigil through a radio announcement.
Several alluded to the idea that fortune isn’t just about how much one has in their pockets, but about doing more with less and doing it together.
“We’re suffering, but we’re used to it. The ones who are suffering have it, but are losing it,” said Mae Parker-Harris, a resident and community activist within the City of Poughkeepsie.
“I urge you to keep your hopes and spirits up,” Tyner said in conclusion.