By Anthony Rifilato
After former County Executive Tom Gulotta, a Republican, ran the county's finances into the ground, Bonilla said "a lot of people lost faith in us. He hasn't been around for years and his name still comes up."
The party needed to become the "party of inclusion," said Bonilla, explaining that it was critical to reach out to church groups, minorities and other organizations in order to convey the party's family-oriented values.
"We're not making a serious plug for the minorities [now]," Bonilla said. "The Hispanic vote is the vote."
Both of his parents are Democrats, he told members, because the Democratic Party reached out to them very early when they came to the U.S. as immigrants.
Baldwin's Republican Club, which will celebrate its 80th anniversary next year, is already one step ahead, and while it is a politically based organization, members said the aim of the club is to always go "beyond politics." The organization has its share of minority members, but it is best known for its community advocacy. "They don't use the politics of things to help anybody at all," said Dee Cruz, president of the Baldwin Community Association (BCA) and Baldwin Little League. "When someone goes to them for help, they don't ask people what party they belong to. They're very community minded."
Nationally, it's not a popular time to be a Republican, but the club - which meets once a month at the American Legion on Grand Avenue - is strong, and boasts approximately 200 volunteer members. Its aim is to improve the quality of life in town, and while the organization still maintains its Republican ideals, Doug Diana, executive leader, said the community comes first , and the group is more than just politics.
"I don't like everything Republicans do - I'm my own person," said Diana, who also sits on the Town of Hempstead's Board of Zoning Appeals. "The presidential election, the war and the economy are big issues. And while those are important, local issues are what affect us the most. With talk of change at the national level, our organization remains committed at the local level, and quality-of-ife issues are always a concern."
When it comes to the redevelopment project on Grand Avenue and Merrick Road, Diana said the club is committed to working with town officials to ensure that the result is a walkable downtown with a viable business base, something other organizations have called for as well.
"If it wasn't for Doug Diana and his role in the party, the chamber would not have had access to many of the politicians and projects that they do," said Baldwin Chamber of Commerce Co-President Ginny Foley. "It's allowed us to have input. Without his link, we wouldn't be in the loop, and we appreciate that immensely." Diana, who also serves on the chamber's board, believes that by working closely with service organizations such as the BCA, it helps bridge political gaps in town, and is in keeping with the Baldwin Republican organization's grassroots approach.
The group often advocates for residents who want issues addressed, ranging from clean streets to taxes, among others, Diana said. The club has helped the Little League secure state grants for its Challenger Program for physically challenged players, something Cruz said demonstrates the club's community outreach.
"The perception people have is that it's the Republican Club, and that the reason they are doing anything is because of Republicans," Cruz said. "A lot of people think they're doing it with a vote motive. The people who I have been involved with, it's not a criteria for them to help somebody."
Diana said he believes many local political organizations tend to be inaccessible to residents, and added that the Baldwin GOP has been taking a different approach.
"We work very closely with them to assist with their programs," Diana said of the club's work with groups like the BCA and Little League. "You have to constantly reach out. In order for us to reach non-members - look around and see what your party affiliation has been doing for you, and then look at what we've been doing for 80 years. I think we can do better."
Diana said he has seen a boost in membership. And with town officials touting the downtown project as an economic engine that will revitalize Baldwin's business district, interest in the project among residents has remained high, Diana said.
"In the last year, I've seen more people calling up who want to become members," Diana said. "People want to see results, to be a part of it. We're trying to unite the town."
Comments about this story? Baldwineditor@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 207.
