The Staten Island Democratic Association Records, 1961-2006
Archives & Special Collections
College of Staten Island Library, CUNY
2800 Victory Blvd., 1L-216
Staten Island, NY 10314
© 2007 The College of Staten Island, CUNY
Finding Aid by Catherine Healey
Overview of the Collection |
|
| Collection No. : | SIM-10 |
| Title: | The Staten Island Democratic Association Records |
| Creator: | The Staten Island Democratic Association |
| Dates: | 1961-2006 |
| Extent: | Approximately .5 Linear Feet |
| Abstract: | The Staten Island Democratic Association (SIDA) was founded in 1961. At that time, New York politics was characterized by local groups within parties that were organized by neighborhood, by special interest, or by ethnicity. These groups, known as “clubs,” became networks of political influence or street mobilization. The purpose of the Staten Island Democratic Association, as stated in the club’s constitution, is “to provide an independent, vigorous, liberal Democratic organization in Richmond County; to promote the basic principles of the Democratic Party on the national, state and local levels; to encourage the participation of all Democrats in the affairs of their party; to seek and support candidates for public and party office of ability and integrity who are dedicated to public service, to promote measures designed to serve all the people, and to encourage the appointment of qualified public officials and employees without regard to political sponsorship; and to further the interest and participation of all citizens in the civic affairs of our community.” |
Administrative Information
Preferred Citation
The Staten Island Democratic Association Records, Archives and Special Collections, Department of the Library, College of Staten Island, CUNY, Staten Island, New York.
Acquisition
The collection was donated by Dan Kramer on behalf of the Staten Island Democratic Association in September 2006.
Processing Information
Collection processed by Catherine Healey.
Return to the Table of Contents
Restrictions
Access
Access to this record group is unrestricted.
Copyright Notice
The researcher assumes full responsibility for compliance with laws of copyright. Requests for permission to publish material from this collection should be discussed with the Coordinator of Archives & Special Collections.
Return to the Table of Contents
Administrative History
The Staten Island Democratic Association (SIDA) was founded in 1961. At that time, New York politics was characterized by local groups within parties that were organized by neighborhood, by special interest, or by ethnicity. These groups, known as “clubs,” became networks of political influence or street mobilization. The purpose of the Staten Island Democratic Association, as stated in the club’s constitution, is “to provide an independent, vigorous, liberal Democratic organization in Richmond County; to promote the basic principles of the Democratic Party on the national, state and local levels; to encourage the participation of all Democrats in the affairs of their party; to seek and support candidates for public and party office of ability and integrity who are dedicated to public service, to promote measures designed to serve all the people, and to encourage the appointment of qualified public officials and employees without regard to political sponsorship; and to further the interest and participation of all citizens in the civic affairs of our community.”
SIDA was organized by members of the defunct Committee to Vitalize the Democratic Party who were interested in extending the spirit and meaning of the former committee by forming a new group to challenge the existing structure of the Democratic Party. Upon its formation in 1961, SIDA received its charter from the State Democratic Committee. Initially, the club named a temporary chairman, vice-president, and secretary-treasurer, with the election of a complete slate of officers to be held at its first annual meeting in January 1962. Current officer positions are President, Vice President, Executive Secretary, Corresponding and Recording Secretary, Social Secretary, and Treasurer. Officers are elected at the club’s annual meeting in January of each year and serve until the next annual meeting and until their successors have been elected and have qualified. The Executive Committee meets within 21 days following the annual meeting and thereafter once every month. In addition to the annual meeting, there are at least nine general membership meetings during each year. Special meetings may also be scheduled.
According to its Web site <http://www.sidems.org/>, SIDA is a progressive Democratic club that addresses today's political and social issues. The club holds informative meetings with experts and activists, presenting the latest information on a wide range of issues. SIDA takes positions on these issues and works to advance its positions with legislators and the community.
In 2006, the Staten Island Democratic Association celebrated its 45th anniversary.
LIST OF PAST PRESIDENTS, 1961-2006
1961 Terence Benbow
1962-1963 Claude Campbell
1964 Dan Davis
1965 Rudy Ripp
1966 John Soldini
1967 Mark Herman
1968 Edwin Mishkin
1969-1970 Bill Kenney
1971-1972 Tom Murphy
1973-1974 Bob Tirone
1975 Vincent Montalbano
1976 Phil Blitz
1977 Mark Canu
1978 Richard Mudgett
1979 Mark Herman
1980-1981 Chris Benbow
1982 John W. Lavelle
1983-1984 Bob Domina
1985-1986 Peggy Johnston
1987-1988 Joe Knowles
1989-1990 Bob Dunne
1991-1992 Helen S. Settles
1993 Cindy Voorspuy
1994 Dave Poleschuk
1995-1996 Tyrone Butler
1997-1998 Chris Bauer
1999-2000 John F. Lavelle
2001-2002 Joy Robins
2003-2004 Anne Taylor
2005-2006 Shawn Dwyer
Return to the Table of Contents
Scope & Content Note
The Staten Island Democratic Association (SIDA) records consist of approximately .5 linear feet of material covering the years 1961 to 2006. The collection contains organizational records, minutes, agendas, reports, membership lists, correspondence, candidate questionnaires, position papers, newsletters, and news clippings. While each of the series has significant time gaps, the collection also has several areas of strength. Most notable are the organization’s position papers and newsletters. The position papers, dating from 1982 to 2006, provide insight into timely Staten Island concerns and broader regional and national issues. The newsletters, dating from 1977 to 2006, contain an overview of relevant topics and activities. The material in this collection is of particular relevance to those interested in grassroots politics, local political organization and activity, and the history of the Democratic party on Staten Island.
The organizational records contain two folders that relate to the group’s formation. The most significant papers in this part of the collection are the minutes of the two organizational meetings held in October and November 1961 which, along with early reports and notes, document SIDA’s beginnings and the shaping of its purpose and functions. Also included are copies of a 1964 petition to amend the SIDA constitution, a proposed 1975 amendment of Democratic Party County Committee by-laws, and a copy of the SIDA revised constitution from July 17, 1979.
The administrative records comprise the majority of the collection material. Although chronological coverage is incomplete, the administrative records document the organization’s history and activities over the years. Meeting minutes are a large part of the administrative records, with executive committee and general meeting minutes constituting the most useful source of the activities of the organization during its early years, 1962 to 1971. There are no general meeting minutes after 1968, and no executive committee minutes for the year 1969 or after 1971, with the exception of the January 1998 and August 2005 executive committee meetings. There are also several agendas for executive committee meetings held in 2003 and one meeting in 2004. Other committee meeting minutes, reports, and resolutions are sporadic. The newsletters, which provide monthly news and updates, are a good resource for filling in more recent gaps (2003 to present) created by the absence of meeting minutes.
As mentioned earlier, the position papers address timely concerns directly impacting Staten Island as well as broader issues. Position papers from the 1980’s include national topics such as nuclear war and nuclear weapons, nuclear waste disposal, economic issues, income distribution, public elementary and secondary education policy, and plant closing legislation. Local issues include the Stapleton Navy Base, air pollution, homeless shelters, land development, public transportation, garbage disposal, and the Rossville Prison. In the 1990’s there are position papers on local issues of public transportation and Staten Island secession, as well as comments on the Quality Housing and Work Responsibility Act of 1998. On the national level, social security reform, health care, and the illegal immigration reform and immigrant responsibility act of 1996 are addressed.
Also within the administrative records are candidate questionnaires and the organization’s correspondence. The questionnaires relate to the 1998 election and were completed by candidates running for local and state-wide office. There are also lists of questions for city council, state, and federal candidates in the 2003-2004 elections, which were developed for use during candidates’ forums.
The correspondence file is mostly comprised of monthly member meeting notices with agendas and several miscellaneous letters. There are wide gaps between correspondence items, with monthly meeting notices for most of 1965, 1966, 1967, and 1968. After that time, there are a scant number of items from 1969 through early 2006.
The remainder of the collection is made up of event invitations, membership
contact lists, poll watcher instructions and checklists, and news clippings.
While there are only a handful of news clippings, a September 2001 copy of
an article from the Staten Island Register is of particular interest because
it looks back at the history of the Staten Island Democratic Association on
the occasion of its 45th anniversary.
Return to the Table of Contents
Arrangement
The Staten Island Democratic Association Collection has four series, one of which has several subseries, as follows:
ORGANIZATIONAL
RECORDS
ADMINISTRATIVE RECORDS
Return to the Table of Contents
Index Terms
This collection is indexed under the following terms. Manuscipt collections are not included in the College of Staten Island's library catalog at this time.
Subject Topics
Return to the Table of Contents
Series Descriptions & Container Listing
| Series 2: Administrative Records, 1962-2006. 17 folders. | |||||||||||
| Series 2 - Subseries A: Meeting Minutes, Agendas, Notes & Reports, 1962-2006. 9 Folders. | |||||||||||
| Arranged alphabetically. | |||||||||||
| This subseries of 9 folders includes minutes and agendas of executive committee meetings; general, annual and special meeting minutes; and minutes of the issues and nominating committees, all arranged in chronological order. There is also a notebook with hand written notes, with entries spanning the years 1984 to 1997. | |||||||||||
| Box# | Folder# | Title | |||||||||
| 1 | 3 | Executive Committee Minutes, 1963-2005 | |||||||||
| 1 | 4 | General Meeting Minutes, 1962-1968 | |||||||||
| 1 | 5 | General Meeting Minutes, 1970-1998 | |||||||||
| 1 | 6 | Annual Meeting Minutes, 1966-1967 | |||||||||
| 1 | 7 | Special Meeting Minutes, 1962-1971 | |||||||||
| 1 | 8 | Issues Committee Minutes, 1982-2006 | |||||||||
| 1 | 9 | Nominating Committee Minutes, 1972-1976 | |||||||||
| 1 | 10 | Meeting Notes, 1984-1997 | |||||||||
| 1 | 11 | Treasurer’s Reports, 2003-2004 | |||||||||
| Series 2 - Subseries B: Action Items, 1968-2006. 4 Folders. | |||||||||||
| Arranged alphabetically. | |||||||||||
| Action items comprise 4 folders consisting of resolutions,
position papers, and candidate questionnaires. All materials are arranged
chronologically. There are two resolutions: an endorsement of support
for delegates to the Democratic National Convention dated April 1968
and a nuclear non-proliferation resolution dated April 1995.
Position papers in the collection span the time period February 1982 to September 2006. They are a good source of background information, as well as the organization’s views on timely local and national issues. Papers from the 1980’s address national topics such as nuclear war and nuclear weapons, nuclear waste disposal, economic issues, income distribution, public elementary and secondary education policy, and plant closing legislation. Local issues from that decade include the Stapleton Navy Base, air pollution, homeless shelters, land development, public transportation, garbage disposal, and the Rossville Prison. Papers from the 1990’s focus on the local issues of public transportation and secession, as well as comments on the Quality Housing and Work Responsibility Act of 1998. On the national level, social security reform, health care, and the illegal immigration reform and immigrant responsibility act of 1996 are addressed. The candidate questionnaires folder contains questionnaires for the
1998 election completed by candidates for local, state, and federal
candidates and lists of questions used for the 2003-2004 election
forums. This material provides valuable information on the campaign
issues of the time, candidates’ viewpoints, and insight into
the candidate endorsement process. |
|||||||||||
| Box# | Folder# | Title | |||||||||
| 2 | 1 | Resolutions, 1968-1995 | |||||||||
| 2 | 2 | Position Papers, 1982-1999 | |||||||||
| 2 | 3 | Position Papers, 2000-2006 | |||||||||
| 2 | 4 | Candidate Questionnaires, 1998-2006 | |||||||||
| Series 2 - Subseries C: Special Events, 1977-2005. 2 Folders. | |||||||||||
| Arranged alphabetically. | |||||||||||
| The special events subseries comprises two folders. The annual banquets folder includes several invitations for the organization’s yearly dinner, where the Paul O’Dwyer Humanitarian Award is bestowed on a public official and the Peggy Johnston Club Service Award is given to an active member of the Staten Island Democratic Association. There is a very wide gap in material. The earliest invitation is for the 1977 banquet; the other invitations are from 2003, 2004, and 2005. The other social events folder also has wide gaps. It contains material related to a pool party held in 2003 and an attendance list for a picnic held in 2004. | |||||||||||
| 2 | 5 | Annual Banquets, 1977-2005 | |||||||||
| 2 | 6 | Other Social Events, 2003-2004 | |||||||||
| Series 2 - Subseries D: Correspondence, 1965-2006. 1 Folder. | |||||||||||
| Arranged alphabetically. | |||||||||||
| The correspondence folder spans the time period January
1965 to February 2006.
The file is mainly comprised of monthly member meeting notices and several miscellaneous letters. Meeting notices are informative in that they summarize actions undertaken at previous general meetings and include the agenda for the upcoming meeting. This is useful in filling in some of the blanks created by missing meeting minutes. However, wide gaps between correspondence items exist, with monthly meeting notices for most of 1965, 1966, 1967, and 1968. After that time, there are a scant number of items from 1969 through early 2006. |
|||||||||||
| Box# | Folder# | Title | |||||||||
| 2 | 7 | Correspondence, 1965-2006 | |||||||||
| Series 2 - Subseries E: Membership Lists, 1973-2005. 1 Folder. | |||||||||||
| Arranged alphabetically. | |||||||||||
| Records in the membership lists file contain contact information for members of the organization dating from the 1970’s and 1980’s, as well as more recent 2003 and 2005 lists. The most notable gaps are that there is neither membership information from the organization’s inception nor from its progression over the years. | |||||||||||
| Box# | Folder# | Title | |||||||||
| 2 | 8 | Membership Lists, 1973-2005 | |||||||||
| Series 3: Publications, 1968-2006. 6 folders. | |||||||||||
| This series of 6 folders includes detailed instructions
for poll watchers, including a description of duties, ballot procedures,
fraud and irregularities, and handling voting machine malfunctions and
voting challenges; newsletters; and a 45th anniversary journal.
The newsletters range in date from February 1977 to October 2006. There are significant gaps in coverage, with only three issues from the 1970’s (February, March, and June 1977) and no newsletters from the 1980’s. There is only one newsletter issue from the 1990’s (August 1998), and none from that time until January 2003. Beginning with January 2003, nearly every monthly newsletter issue is available through November 2006. The newsletters offer a wealth of information. First, each includes timely committee reports, minutes of the most recent general meeting, upcoming events, and updates. Second, the newsletters provide another link to missing information about the organization’s past activities. For example, each issue reprints minutes from general meetings that took place decades previously. The commemorative journal marks the 45th anniversary of the founding of the Staten Island Democratic Association and was distributed at an anniversary banquet held on September 28, 2006. |
|||||||||||
| Box# | Folder# | Title | |||||||||
| 2 | 9 | Poll Watcher Instructions, Check List, & Petition, 1968-1977 | |||||||||
| 2 | 10 | Newsletters, 1977-2003 | |||||||||
| 2 | 11 | Newsletters, 2004 | |||||||||
| 2 | 12 | Newsletters, 2005 | |||||||||
| 2 | 13 | Newsletters, 2006 | |||||||||
| 2 | 14 | Anniversary Journal, September 2006 | |||||||||
| Series 4: Printed Materials, 1965-2006. 1 folder. | |||||||||||
| The printed materials folder contains several news clippings ranging in date from January 1965 to September 2006. While the 8 clippings relate mostly to issues of interest to SIDA, a September 2001 copy of an article from the Staten Island Register is of particular interest because it looks back at the history of the Staten Island Democratic Association on the occasion of its 45th anniversary. | |||||||||||
| Box# | Folder# | Title | |||||||||
| 2 | 15 | News Clippings, 1965-2006 | |||||||||