UNYTEA chairman to step down

Mark Barie, the outspoken chairman of the Upstate New York Tea Party, will step down from his position early next year.

In a letter to UNYTEA's steering committee, sent to the regional press this morning, Barie said he's still recovering from a brain aneurism and three strokes, which he suffered nearly two years ago.

I first met Mark while covering the special election in New York's 23rd Congressional District in 2009, and I've kept in touch with him constantly ever since.

Please don't take this as an endorsement of UNYTEA, because it's not, but I like Mark Barie and have a tremendous amount of respect for him. He's a sharp guy with a great sense of humor. As a political reporter, he made covering North Country elections fun, and I'm sad to see him leave the fray.

I reached out to Mark to see who might be in line to replace him as UNYTEA chairman. I'll add that to this post when I hear back.

I've posted his entire letter below.

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Dear Friends:

It is with regret that I announce my intention to step down as Chairman of the Upstate New York Tea (UNYTEA ) party, effective Jan 15, 2013.

As you may know, I am still recovering from the effects a brain aneurism and three strokes, which occurred some 18 months ago.

The constant fatigue and other medical problems make it impossible for me to carry on in the fashion that I would like.

Nevertheless, I hope you will agree with me when I say that UNYTEA has made a difference.

Since that day in Trinity Park some 4 years ago, we have been able to give voice to thousands of people who might otherwise have remained silent in the face of higher taxes, bigger government, and out-of-control spending.

Because of UNYTEA, a host of federal and state wide candidates have made the North Country a mandatory stop in their campaigns for public office.

We have informed the general public and our friends in the media of the dangers faced by our nation as a result of decades of tax and spend policies in Washington.

UNYTEA has also spawned a new generation of political activists and candidates all across the North Country, who believe as we do, that our taxes are not too low. Our spending is too high.

And finally, while we have yet to celebrate a victory in the NY 21st Congressional District, I think it fair to say that we have at least elevated the debate and forced all of the candidates to seriously consider our mantra of “lower spending, reduced taxes, and limited government.

As I slide into political retirement, it occurs to me that once again we should thank Jonathan Nelson, who fathered the Tea party movement in the North Country.

I would also like to thank my son Oliver, who will be leaving the Steering Committee to pursue a promising career in business. His work has been critical to our success.

And finally, I would like to thank each of you and all of our 1000 plus members, who have been so helpful and so generous with wise advice, moral support, and financial backing.

UNYTEA would not have been successful without your help and their support.

Thank you for the privilege of serving as your Chairman.

Sincerely yours,

Mark L Barie