Author Archives: Diner Dialogues

About Diner Dialogues

Didi Barrett was elected to the New York State Assembly in a special election in March 2012 and re-elected to a full term in November 2012. Her district, the 106th AD, covers some of the most beautiful parts of Columbia and Dutchess Counties. She has deep roots in the Hudson Valley and came to elected office after a career as a community activist, writer and longtime leader of not-for-profit organizations. Didi is passionate about the agricultural, natural, cultural and historic resources of the Hudson Valley and their critical importance as economic engines and job generators. She is also a great fan of the iconic diners that dot the region. As a member of the Assembly she serves on the Committees on Aging; Agriculture; Economic Development, Job Creation, Commerce and Industry; Mental Health and Veterans Affairs.

One Year in Office

April 17 marks one year since I began serving our region in the New York State Assembly. This past year has been extraordinary on many fronts:  Being sworn in that day to the Assembly, working with my diverse colleagues from … Continue reading

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Celebrating New York Women

Women’s History Month, celebrated each March, is a time to remember the women who helped shape our nation’s history and to shine a spotlight on those women who continue that progress today. In the best of all possible worlds, women’s … Continue reading

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FDR @ 131

This past week I had the great honor of being the guest speaker at the birthday commemoration for President Franklin Delano Roosevelt held in the Rose Garden at the FDR Presidential Library and Museum in Hyde Park. The following are … Continue reading

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Bullish on the Hudson Valley. Bullish on New York.

The new year has kicked off in extraordinary fashion, beginning with our district swearing-in — with 200 friends and supporters – as Member of the New York State Assembly representing the new 106th AD. Held at the historic  Franklin D. Roosevelt … Continue reading

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Victory in New York’s 106th AD!

 Tuesday was, quite simply, a great night — for our country, for the Hudson Valley and for our campaign to win a full term in the New York State Assembly. Our victory was truly a team effort and I am … Continue reading

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Senior Moments

“One of the many things no one tells you about aging is that it’s such a nice change from being young.”  Will Rogers It has been a privilege and a learning experience to be a member of the New York … Continue reading

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Diner Dialogues Gets Real

A little more than a year ago when I first launched this blog, Diner Dialogues: Talk of the Hudson Valley, I envisioned a community conversation that spanned the range of issues many of us care, think, and talk about here … Continue reading

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Member of the Assembly

It is hard for me to believe that six weeks has already passed since April 17th when I was officially seated in the New York State Assembly as the representative for the Hudson Valley’s  103rd Assembly District.  The unanimous resolution … Continue reading

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Sweet Victory

It’s official!  All the absentee ballots are counted and the results certified.  We can now truly say we have WON the March 20th special election.  The people have spoken and we have nearly doubled our lead since election day. I … Continue reading

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All Our Daughters

As we embark on Women’s History Month this year, I can’t help but look at the annual commemoration through the lens of the March 20th New York State Assembly special election campaign that I embarked upon just five weeks ago. … Continue reading

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