My mother once told me, “Show me your friends and I’ll tell you who you are.” I first met Cait Conley at a No Kings rally on the Ossining waterfront two summers ago. I had read about the candidates who were running for NY-17’s Congressional House seat, and I was struck by her story and her record of service. She was the sort of candidate who I thought could win the seat. I even found my daughters’ old art supplies and made a sign: “Cait Conley for NY-17!” with “(Drop the Mike)” below it—cliche, yes—I’d never made a campaign sign. But, I was so fed up with where the administration was taking us—a feckless Congress, a reckless, haphazard administration—a sign seemed like a small gesture. Cait spoke of her upbringing in the Hudson Valley, how she was inspired to follow a path of service after the 9/11 attacks, a path that took her through West Point and then to combat leadership roles in Afghanistan and Iraq, commitments that earned her three bronze stars. Her speech was bright, determined—a voice that heralded the promise of something better, something good.
I was never inclined to volunteer for a campaign, but I had never felt more disillusioned about our country’s future. If there was ever a time to actually do something, it was then, and I’m glad I did. It’s incredible to reflect now on how this movement has grown, and on the many people I’ve met who have become a part of it.
I began helping out. There were postcards to write. Then, there was a February post-snowstorm meet-and-greet to host, where our co-workers, friends, and neighbors came, despite the snow, and heard Cait share her story. There was the first commercial to help with, street fair table-tending to do, then door knocking and gathering signatures to get Cait on the ballot. Then, after she won the Primary, we saw campaign offices being opened across the district. Then, there were street signs to plant on the roadsides and canvassing on train platforms. Events multiplied and grew in size and enthusiasm. There was a packed house for Cait at the Tarrytown Music Hall, a rally with the NYSUT, SEIU, and CSEA unions and then, this past weekend, a rally with Hakeem Jeffries on a beautiful fall day on the river in Peekskill. I know that these are only a few of the many memorable campaign moments I recall. Hundreds of other volunteers could likely add far more.
I’m proud of Cait, and I know I share that feeling with so many others. Here is a proven leader who has always faced forward in her life and her service to our country. In her stump speech, speaking about what it means to be a part of this moment, Cait said, “No one is coming to save us. We are the cavalry. We are who we are waiting for.” Now, she is carrying the hearts and minds of thousands of us into the final days of an exhilarating campaign anchored in integrity, honesty and hope (One quite different from some of her opponents). In deeds more than in words she has shared her passionate desire to serve our communities. And friends, she is one of us, all of us. Here is a star to hang our hopes on. Time to vote. Let’s go
Clenn Reed
Ossining, NY
