Capital District Interfaith Alliance
Interfaith Alliance of New York State



Capital District Chapter TIANYS Meeting Report
June 12, 2006

Members present: Aryeh Wineman, Carol Tyrell, Lou Ismay, Anne Marfey, Bernard Fleishman, Linda Rackliffe, Deborah Byers, Shirley Drake Byers, Patricia Beetle, Harriet Warnock-Graham, John Amidon, Paula Weiss, Mark S.. Pattison, June Gurnett, Nina Pattison, Jean Cowan, Ed Bloch, Florence Skiff.

The meeting was called to order by B. Fleishman, The invocation was given by Rabbi Aryeh Wineman.

Minutes of May 8 were approved.

Treasurer's Report. Carol Tyrell reported that there are 43 paid members. Copies of the detailed report were distributed. The May 18th bank balance was $4579.58. Balance at present is $4138.32.

The agenda. Pat Beetle said she had announcements. Agenda approved.

Committee Reports

Economic/Criminal Justice No report. Rev. Joyce Hartwell was absent because of health problems.

Violence/Anger Management: John Amidon said Peace Action and Veterans for Peace put up crosses a the Kateri Shrine representing those killed in action since 9/11. The display got good coverage by the media.

Executive committee Report

Support for Big Brothers Big Sisters grant application. The Executive Committee sent a letter of support for their grant application to help Prison Families of N. Y.

Harriet Warnock-Graham reported on the "Barmen Conversation." Barmen refers to a town in Germany where a meeting was held and the Reforming Church was organized in response to Hitlers/nazi actions. Ralph Ahlers () spoke on the structure of Barmen. Mark Taylor spoke from a socialist perspective about the romanticism of militarism. He said there was a need for healthy heros. They did not consider our present situation as dangerous as Germany but damage has been done to our democratic institutions by "quasi-governmant" agencies (groups started with government money and led by persons active in government) There is a video game for teens being promoted through the right wing churches where the player either kills or converts the opponent to Christianity. (see: talk2action.org) It is called "Left Behind: Eternal Forces" published by Tyndale House.

There has been a recent rise of Neo-Nazi and Klu Klux-Klan activity.

John Amidon pointed out there is training for violence in the armed services. Congress is considering limiting access to the Internet by turning it over to corporations like the TV and radio stations, which would put it under the control of corporate interests.

Rabbi Wineman said that the interfaith Alliance radio program is on from 5-6 p.m. on Sundays. There is no local station but it can be accessed by computer (written instructions on how to do this were provided).

Our attention was also directed to a program by Bill Moyers on WMHT "Faith and Reason" which will be starting Friday June 23 from 10-11:00 p.m.

Harriet suggested we might ask WRPI to carry the Interfaith Alliance program.

Mark Pattison, Deputy Comptroller of NYS presented a discussion of a New York State Agenda for reform: A copy of the reform Agenda is available at www.osc.state.NY.US

It covers lobbying, redistricting, campaign finance, auditing of public authorities , etc. Comptroller Alan Hevesi feels that we now have a window of opportunity to work on a number of improvements. Politicians are talking about reform, fixing Albany. More transparency is needed. The Comptroller is the chief financial officer. He writes the checks, approves the contracts, is the treasurer and the State Auditor. He also oversees accounts of local governments and is sole trustee of the state retirement fund. He is concerned with corporate reform. There needs to be more oversight. In many cases there is no audit of public authorities. In most cases the authorities are well managed but occasionally one is corrupt.

In budget discussions the governor and legislature now have several different sets of revenue figures. This leads to late budgets. One set of revenue figures developed by an independent person would be better. Also suggested: July fiscal year, public multi year planning, balanced budget, open committee meetings.

Public authorities have $48 billion in debt, only $7 billion of which is voter approved. There is no oversight.

Lobbying reform is needed. Some reform plans have been passed. NY is second highest of the states in per capita debt: $100 billion debt bill, 81 billion without public approval.

Redistricting occurs after the census. Next census 2010.

Schools need to be audited. Oversight finds problems. They have started a training program for school board members.

Pat Beetle told us about the Eyes Wide Open display of boots of combat casualties. Albany Friends are having Children's Peace Week August 1-25 (2-8 grade).

Harriet Warnock-Graham is calling a meeting of committee to plan action on "Christian Right" on June 22, 6:00 pm.

Annual peace event at Kateri Shrine will be August 18-19.

Meeting adjourned.

Respectfully submitted,
Florence Skiff

Next Executive Committee Meeting: 9:00 a.m Monday, July 24th at Friendlys on Rte 7.

Next Membership Meeting: 9:00 a.m August 14th , 2006 at Latham Community Baptist church.



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