Newsletter

September 2025

Join our mailing list  

THE ENDLESS SUMMER

Welcome back from the summer. We hope it was a relaxing and restorative time spent with friends and family. Unfortunately, Donald Trump did not take the summer off. He remained in overdrive, continuing his rampage against nearly everything America stands for: the rule of law, voting rights, science, universities, truth, immigrants, protecting children, and our commitments to allies abroad. His weaponization of executive power and retribution against those who oppose him make it clear: we are in a fight for the very survival of American democracy.

Fortunately, courageous individuals continue to speak out and take action. Our role is to support them—by showing up, raising our voices, and refusing to accept Trump’s behavior, or that of his enablers, as the new normal. Even voters in red states are beginning to show they’ve had enough of his excesses.

Please read on for a small sampling of news that should energize you to get involved. Then read the events calendar to find actions you can take—whether listed there or inspired by your own passions.

This will be a long fight—but not a lonely one.

With the courage that comes from working together,

Your Faithful Editor

In This Issue

• Meet Your Candidates
• Protests Growing Across the Country
• Upcoming Events
• Things You Can Do Now
• In Memoriam: David Bayersdorfer
• In Case You Missed It
• Did You Miss A Newsletter?
• Share Your News
• Tell Us What You Think
• Spread The Word
• Support Our Work - Donate

MEET YOUR CANDIDATES

One of the important functions of your Democratic Town Committee (DTC) is to nominate candidates for our municipal offices. This role is especially vital in a town like ours, where so much work is done by volunteers who serve on town and regional boards and commissions.

This year we have fielded an outstanding slate of candidates. Please mark your calendar to meet them -- as well as sitting Democratic municipal offers who are not up for election this year -- on Sunday, September 28 from 4-7pm at the Town Grove.

This is democracy in action. Bring your whole family to our free barbecue, which will include ice cream from Grassland. This event is open to the entire community regardless of party affiliation, so please spread the word.

PROTESTS GROWING ACROSS THE COUNTRY

In the face of the Trump Administration’s unrelenting attack on democracy, it’s natural to feel discouraged. But across the country, communities are organizing and joining a national movement to stand up to Trump. Here in Salisbury, citizens are showing up every Saturday morning from 11am to noon on the Town Green at the White Hart Inn. Similar protests are happening in other towns in our area (see Upcoming Events for details).

And we are not alone. Across the country, similar protests are taking place. If you live outside of Salisbury, check your local event calendars to see what’s happening in your community. Local chapters of Indivisible are often a great resource, so find an Indivisible chapter near you. Another excellent source of local events is the Mobilize site.

Don’t leave the work to others. Showing up really does matter — it’s the best way to encourage others to show up, too, and make our collective voice louder.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Monday, September 1 - ‘Workers Over Billionaires’ National Day of Action Protests. Join this national day of action, organized by several pro-democracy organizations. These peaceful protests share the goal of calling for a country that works for all of us. Key demands: stop the billionaire takeover and rampant corruption of the Trump administration; protect and defend Medicaid, Social Security, and other programs for working people; fully fund schools; provide healthcare and housing for all; stop the attacks on immigrants, Black, indigenous, trans people; and invest in people not wars.

• Torrington at 11am: Coe Park, 101 Litchfield Street, Torrington, organized by Northwest CT Take Action. Click here for details.
• New Milford at 1pm: Town Green, 10 Main Street, New Milford, organized by Indivisible Act Local NWCT. Click here for details.
• Great Barrington at 12 noon: Town Hall, 334 Main Street, Great Barrington MA, sponsored by South County Resistance. Click here for details.

Thursday, September 4 at 3pm – What’s the Plan? Weekly Call with Indivisible’s Founders. The chaos coming out of the White House is a deliberate strategy to sow confusion and make us believe we are powerless to fight back. The antidote? Coming together as a community to cut through the noise and unite around strategies for resistance. Join Indivisible co-founders Leah Greenberg and Ezra Levin each week for an hour to discuss what’s happening — and, more importantly, what's the plan. These calls can be very uplifting! Click for details and registration.

Saturday, September 6 at 11am-noon - Protest in Salisbury. Join your friends and neighbors every Saturday in standing up for democracy and against Trump's destructive policies and corruption. The event is at the Salisbury Town Green, 15 Undermountain Road, Salisbury. Bring your own signs or borrow one from the organizers. American flags are highly encouraged. We stand alongside the long-time activists of the Peace and Justice Rally, who have held vigil on the green for 40 years. Please remember: The organizers strongly encourage participants not to engage with the occasional heckler. Doing so could jeopardize everyone’s safety. Instead, simply ignore them or give a friendly wave.

Saturday, September 6 at 12pm - Protest in Cornwall. Come to the Triangle at the intersection of Routes 4 & 7 in Cornwall Bridge. Bring your American flag and join in every Saturday to stand tall in defense of our democracy! If you can, bring a sign as well as your family and friends.

Saturday, September 6 at 12pm - Protest in New Milford. Join Indivisible Act Local NWCT for their weekly peaceful rally to protect democracy. The event is at 50 East Street, New Milford (next to CVS). A core principle behind all Indivisible events is a commitment to nonviolent action. All participants are expected to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with our values. Always welcome: flags, chants, outside voices, freedom songs, and signs.

Thursday, September 11 at 3pm – What’s the Plan? Weekly Call with Indivisible’s Founders. The chaos coming out of the White House is a deliberate strategy to sow confusion and make us believe we are powerless to fight back. The antidote? Coming together as a community to cut through the noise and unite around strategies for resistance. Join Indivisible co-founders Leah Greenberg and Ezra Levin each week for an hour to discuss what’s happening — and, more importantly, what's the plan. These calls can be very uplifting! Click for details and registration.

Saturday, September 13 at 11am-noon - Protest in Salisbury. Join your friends and neighbors every Saturday in standing up for democracy and against Trump's destructive policies and corruption. The event is at the Salisbury Town Green, 15 Undermountain Road, Salisbury. Bring your own signs or borrow one from the organizers. American flags are highly encouraged. We stand alongside the long-time activists of the Peace and Justice Rally, who have held vigil on the green for 40 years. Please remember: The organizers strongly encourage participants not to engage with the occasional heckler. Doing so could jeopardize everyone’s safety. Instead, simply ignore them or give a friendly wave.

Saturday, September 13 at 12pm - Protest in Cornwall. Come to the Triangle at the intersection of Routes 4 & 7 in Cornwall Bridge. Bring your American flag and join in every Saturday to stand tall in defense of our democracy! If you can, bring a sign as well as your family and friends.

Saturday, September 13 at 12pm - Protest in New Milford. Join Indivisible Act Local NWCT for their weekly peaceful rally to protect democracy. The event is at 50 East Street, New Milford (next to the CVS). A core principle behind all Indivisible events is a commitment to nonviolent action. All participants are expected to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with our values. Always welcome: flags, chants, outside voices, freedom songs, and signs.

Sunday, Sept. 14 at 2pm - Conversation with CT Attorney General William Tong.

Location: River Walk Pavilion, 11 School Street, Washington Depot CT. The Washington Democratic Town Committee is sponsoring the John Millington Community Conversation with guest speaker CT Attorney General William Tong. One of the state’s most dynamic leaders. AG Tong has kept CT in the forefront of states challenging Trump’s edicts in court and winning.

Tuesday, September 16 from 2-4pm – Write Postcards to Pennsylvania Voters to Unseat MAGA Rep. Scott Perry. Join Kathy Voldstad and Saving Democracy for another round of postcarding to constituents of US Representative Scott Perry (R-PA). These postcards will go to voters in Pennsylvania’s 10th Congressional District as part of a campaign to unseat this ultra-MAGA representative in 2026. The strategy is to keep reminding voters that Perry has voted to cut funding for Medicaid, SNAP, and childhood cancer research—while supporting tax cuts for billionaires. He was also actively involved in efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election. Perry narrowly won reelection in 2024 by just 5,100 votes in an increasingly purple district, so there is a real opportunity to defeat him in 2026—if voters understand the harmful policies he supports. Join Saving Democracy in the White Hart Ballroom in Salisbury. Everyone is welcome. Organizers will provide postcards, scripts, and address labels. Writers are asked to bring stamps for the cards they complete. Join us for this highly targeted campaign!

Tuesday, September 16 at 7pm: Salisbury Democratic Town Committee. This regular monthly SDTC meeting will be held at Town Hall and via Zoom. The SDTC is committed to promoting good government and democratic principles at every level of our civic life. The SDTC recruits candidates for local elective and appointed offices and supports the most qualified Democrats to run in municipal, state, and national elections. Meetings are usually on the third Tuesday of every month. Please email Al Ginouves to receive a copy of the agenda and the link to the meeting. All are welcome.

Thursday, September 18 at 3pm – What’s the Plan? Weekly Call with Indivisible’s Founders. The chaos coming out of the White House is a deliberate strategy to sow confusion and make us believe we are powerless to fight back. The antidote? Coming together as a community to cut through the noise and unite around strategies for resistance. Join Indivisible co-founders Leah Greenberg and Ezra Levin each week for an hour to discuss what’s happening — and, more importantly, what's the plan. These calls can be very uplifting! Click for details and registration.

Saturday, September 20 at 11am-noon - Protest in Salisbury. Saturday, September 6 at 11am-noon - Protest in Salisbury. Join your friends and neighbors every Saturday in standing up for democracy and against Trump's destructive policies and corruption. The event is at the Salisbury Town Green, 15 Undermountain Road, Salisbury. Bring your own signs or borrow one from the organizers. American flags are highly encouraged. We stand alongside the long-time activists of the Peace and Justice Rally, who have held vigil on the green for 40 years. Please remember: The organizers strongly encourage participants not to engage with the occasional heckler. Doing so could jeopardize everyone’s safety. Instead, simply ignore them or give a friendly wave.

Saturday, September 20 at 12pm - Protest in Cornwall. Come to the Triangle at the intersection of Routes 4 & 7 in Cornwall Bridge. Bring your American flag and join in every Saturday to stand tall in defense of our democracy! If you can, bring a sign as well as your family and friends.

Saturday, September 20 at 12pm - Protest in New Milford. Join Indivisible Act Local NWCT for their weekly peaceful rally to protect democracy. The event is at 50 East Street, New Milford (next to CVS). A core principle behind all Indivisible events is a commitment to nonviolent action. All participants are expected to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with our values. Always welcome: flags, chants, outside voices, freedom songs, and signs.

Thursday, September 25 at 3pm – What’s the Plan? Weekly Call with Indivisible’s Founders. The chaos coming out of the White House is a deliberate strategy to sow confusion and make us believe we are powerless to fight back. The antidote? Coming together as a community to cut through the noise and unite around strategies for resistance. Join Indivisible co-founders Leah Greenberg and Ezra Levin each week for an hour to discuss what’s happening — and, more importantly, what's the plan. These calls can be very uplifting! Click for details and registration.

Saturday, September 27 at 11am-noon - Protest in Salisbury. Saturday, September 6 at 11am-noon - Protest in Salisbury. Join your friends and neighbors every Saturday in standing up for democracy and against Trump's destructive policies and corruption. The event is at the Salisbury Town Green, 15 Undermountain Road, Salisbury. Bring your own signs or borrow one from the organizers. American flags are highly encouraged. We stand alongside the long-time activists of the Peace and Justice Rally, who have held vigil on the green for 40 years. Please remember: The organizers strongly encourage participants not to engage with the occasional heckler. Doing so could jeopardize everyone’s safety. Instead, simply ignore them or give a friendly wave.

Saturday, September 27 at 12pm - Protest in Cornwall. Come to the Triangle at the intersection of Routes 4 & 7 in Cornwall Bridge. Bring your American flag and join in every Saturday to stand tall in defense of our democracy! If you can, bring a sign as well as your family and friends.

Saturday, September 27 at 12pm - Protest in New Milford. Join Indivisible Act Local NWCT for their weekly peaceful rally to protect democracy. The event is at 50 East Street, New Milford (next to CVS). A core principle behind all Indivisible events is a commitment to nonviolent action. All participants are expected to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with our values. Always welcome: flags, chants, outside voices, freedom songs, and signs.

Saturday, Sept. 27 at 3pm - CT Attorney General William Tong Talks About Stopping Trump. Hear directly from CT Attorney General William Tong about what it’s like on the front lines of fighting the Trump administration in the courts. Sponsored by the Democratic Coalition of Northwest CT. This event, sponsored by the Democratic Coalition of NW CT, will be at the home of Liz Piel, 286 Gay Street, Sharon. To RSVP email cbingoshen57@gmail.com.

Sunday, September 28 from 4-7pm: Salisbury Democratic Candidate Meet and Greet. Join the Salisbury Democratic Town Committee for a free Sunday afternoon barbecue at the Town Grove. This is a great opportunity to talk to our candidates for municipal offices. Please bring the whole family! This event is open to the entire community regardless of party affiliation.

THINGS YOU CAN DO NOW

At the risk of repeating a message from previous issues of this newsletter, we are re-posting some of the ways you can contribute to the growing groundswell of citizens making our collective voice heard. With the increasing recklessness of the Trump administration, it's more important than ever to take a stand. Channel your anxiety, depression, frustration, and anger into meaningful action.

Get Timely Updates on Important Actions From These Sources

Because we publish only once a month, there are many events during the month that never make it into our pages. To keep informed about those events, we strongly suggest that you subscribe to some of the excellent, more frequent sources that are listed below.

• 5 Calls - Elected officials really do care what their constituents think. That's why calls to officials' offices are impactful. Every day staffers compile and report on all the calls that their offices receive. Making a call takes just a minute using the short scripts on key issues and telephone numbers they provide. 5 Calls researches key issues, drafts scripts, and provides contact info for elected officials. Go to the 5 Calls website and choose an issue you care about. Enter your zip code and the system will provide you with the telephone numbers of your senators and representatives along with the relevant scripts. Subscribe to 5 Call’s weekly newsletter for emails with the latest updates.

• Jill Drew’s Today's Action Daily Blast – This six-days-a-week email suggests a single, focused calling action to our public officials each day, most often providing carefully-researched sample scripts along with the contact information for calling US senators and representatives serving Northwestern Connecticut and the adjoining area of New York’s Hudson Valley. To sign up email jill@jilldrew.com.

• Saving Democracy email - Indefatigable activist Kathy Voldstad provides announcements of actions for people in and around Salisbury and elsewhere. Kathy's emails also provide inspiration that we all need in times like these. To sign up, email kathyvoldstad@gmail.com.

• Jessica Craven's Chop Wood, Carry Water – This is one of our perennial favorites. Activist Jessica Craven provides daily suggestions on easy actions that each of us can take. Read it here and subscribe free for her daily dose of actions.

IN MEMORIAM: DAVID BAYERSDORFER

Longtime Salisbury Democratic Town Committee member David Bayersdorfer passed away on August 18 at Noble Horizons. David’s auctioneering skills—often infused with topical stand-up comedy—made our Democratic fundraising auctions unforgettable. His presence will be impossible to replace. Our hearts go out to his wife, Nancy, their children, and grandchildren. A Lakeville native, Nancy was the one who brought this wonderful man to the Northwest Corner. Thank you, Nancy.

After college and service in the United States Marine Corps, David was hired as a history teacher and multi-sport coach at Housatonic Valley Regional High School. Over three decades, he went on to serve as Vice Principal and Interim Principal.

David was always ready to roll up his sleeves for the community. He served as an elected official on the Salisbury Board of Education and the Planning & Zoning Commission. He volunteered with so many boards, churches, and community groups that it's easier to list the few he wasn’t part of. Some of the organizations he served include: St. John's Episcopal Church, the 21st Century Fund, the Taconic Learning Center, TriArts, and the Salisbury Youth Summer Jobs Program. He even ran the weed harvester on Lake Wononscopomuc. A true renaissance man. For a full obituary and a list of ways to commemorate David's life click here.

--- Al Ginouves

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

Trump’s Enemies List Is Growing — and So Is the Danger. Donald Trump’s threats aren’t just bluster — they’re turning into action, according to an alarming editorial by the New York Times. In a disturbing escalation, the editorial says, the federal government has taken real steps against several of Trump’s political enemies. The IRS launched rare audits of Rep. Adam Schiff after he helped lead Trump’s first impeachment. New York Attorney General Letitia James — who is currently prosecuting Trump for business fraud — faces mounting federal scrutiny and ongoing threats of retaliation. And in a shocking development, federal agents reportedly raided the home of former National Security Adviser John Bolton, seizing documents as part of a revived criminal inquiry — a move widely viewed as politically motivated. As Jeffrey Toobin lays out in his New York Times opinion piece, and as the Times editorial board echoes, this isn’t just about political grudge matches — it’s about the transformation of US law enforcement into a tool of personal revenge. These are the early signs of authoritarian governance — and a warning of what the second Trump term is already bringing.

One Big Thing: Sudden Democratic Hope. While Democrats remain divided over how to rebuild a party reeling after the 2024 losses, one thing is lifting spirits: 2026 looks surprisingly promising, according to Axios’ Alex Thompson. He reports that top Democratic strategists see a clear path to retaking the House. Here’s why: First, Trump’s so-called “big, beautiful bill” is polling terribly. Second, proposed cuts to Medicaid and the ACA could make it even more toxic. Third, despite his promises, prices remain high, eroding Trump’s once-solid economic edge. Fourth, Trump’s aggressive deportation push is backfiring. And finally, Democratic voters are more fired up than Republicans heading into the midterms. Read the full story in Axios. Political strategist Mike Lux also provides a new, upbeat take on the 2026 elections in his Substack Soul of the Party. He notes that the conventional wisdom at the start of this election cycle was bleak: Democrats may have had a path to flip the House, but the Senate looked out of reach. Now, he says that’s changing fast. With Donald Trump’s support slipping—even among Republican voters—and a wave of strong, compelling Democratic candidates emerging nationwide, the path to a Senate majority is suddenly within reach. Key developments to watch: Former North Carolina governor Roy Cooper, who has a strong electoral record, is running for the open Senate seat and is viewed as a strong frontrunner. Meanwhile, a Democrat has just won an upset victory for a state house seat, breaking the GOP's supermajority. In Ohio, the popular former senator Sherrod Brown, who has strong working-class support, is aiming to fill JD Vance’s former seat. In Nebraska, Dan Osborn, a working-class independent challenger who nearly upset the incumbent last year, has a strong shot, even in this red state. With Senator Susan Collins’ approval ratings at historic lows, newcomers are lining up to challenge her in a state primed for a progressive upset. In Alaska, former Congresswoman Mary Peltola could mount a formidable bid for Senate, capitalizing on Alaska’s shifting urban demographics and growing Democratic-plus-Independent coalitions.

Governor Pritzker Calls Out Trump on Sending Troops to Blue Cities. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker delivered a searing speech recently in response to Donald Trump’s reported plan to deploy federal troops to Chicago—without consultation, invitation, or justification of local officials. It’s worth 15 minutes to listen to the speech or read the transcript. Echoing the clear, urgent voices of Governors Gavin Newsom (CA), Wes Moore (MD), and Kathy Hochul (NY), Pritzker rejected Trump’s claim that the deployment is about crime, citing sharply falling violence statistics in Chicago and other blue cities and calling the move what it is: a dangerous power grab meant to intimidate political opponents and lay the groundwork for authoritarian rule. He condemned Republican governors aiding the scheme by sending their National Guard troops from their states and he reminded federal officials—bureaucrats, appointees, military commanders—that complicity with unlawful orders will not protect them from eventual justice and accountability. 

Where Have FEMA Grant Programs in CT Been Cancelled? The federal government recently cancelled a disaster relief grant program and discontinued another, leaving some projects stuck in various stages — without full funding. The Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program has officially ended and is canceling all grants from 2020 to 2023 that have not already been distributed. In CT, only 22% of all BRIC projects have been funded. The rest will remain unfunded. The Flood Mitigation Assistance program also has been removed from the 2025 grant cycle, halting new grant applications. Read more in CT Mirror. Meanwhile CT Attorney General William Tong is suing the Trump Administration over the cut off of FEMA funds.

DID YOU MISS A NEWSLETTER?

The entire archive of past newsletters is available at the Salisbury Democratic Town Committee website.

SHARE YOUR NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

Please send us any news or announcements that you would like us to share with our community. We publish on the first of each month, so please send us any submissions at least one week in advance. Please submit to the editor at salsdemsnews@gmail.com.

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK

We love hearing from you, our readers. Every edition of our newsletter is created with you in mind — to inform, engage, and inspire. But your feedback helps us do our job better. Drop us a note — even a few lines can make a big difference. Reach us anytime at salsdemsnews@gmail.com.

SPREAD THE WORD

If you've read this far, it's probably because you like this newsletter. Please feel free to forward it to your friends and family. Let them know that they are welcome to join our mailing list no matter where they live. We are delighted to have readers from anywhere – Salisbury, the Northwest Corner, or elsewhere in the world. They can sign up with the QR code or click here to sign up or go to salisburydemocrats.com and click below to join our mailing list.

SUPPORT OUR WORK - DONATE

When democracy is under attack, local action becomes essential. That’s why the Salisbury Democratic Town Committee is stepping up and fighting back — and why your financial support is so critical right now. We’re mobilizing our community to protect democracy.

You can donate by credit card at salisburydemocrats.com/donate or use this QR code.

Please give generously — the stakes couldn’t be higher this year. The STDC has no paid staff, so every dollar you contribute goes directly to supporting our critical work.

If you have already given, thank you for your generosity.

Paid for by the Salisbury Democratic Town Committee,

PO Box 465, Salisbury CT 06068, Pamela Kelley, Treasurer

Editor: Lee Greenhouse, salsdemsnews@gmail.com

Associate Editor: Sally Andre

Website: http://salisburydemocrats.com