(PITTSFIELD, Mass.) – The newly established Catskill Freedom Network will hold its first public event, an ice cream social and fundraiser, at the law offices of Sherwood Guernsey, located at 69 East Housatonic Street in Pittsfield, on Thursday, July 27, from 5pm to 7pm.  Guernsey, the founder and chair of the Catskill Freedom Network, is a former member of the Massachusetts House. Tickets are not required, but donations to the Catskill Freedom Network are encouraged.

The Catskill Freedom Network is an all-volunteer, grassroots Democratic Political Action Committee whose aim is to elect a Democrat and defeat Republican Congressman John Faso in New York’s 19th Congressional District when he runs for re-election in 2018. Congressman Faso has gained notoriety in CD-19 for his role as a sponsor of and apologist for the Republican efforts to repeal the Affordable Care Act and for his refusal to meet with his constituents.

This man must be defeated (John Faso, CD-19, R)

The Catskill Freedom Network was created by longstanding Berkshire Democratic activists from the Berkshire Democratic Brigades working in partnership with CD-19 leaders. It is part of and takes its inspiration from a national movement to “flip” Congress. The movement intends to make the Democratic party the majority party in Congress by coordinating the activities of Democrats from neighboring districts to more effectively challenge vulnerable Republicans in the mid-term elections.

In a statement of support, Massachusetts State Senator Adam Hinds noted, “By now everyone is painfully aware that elections have consequences. Dire consequences. That’s why it is so critical to do all we can to swing districts in Congress. The Catskill Freedom Network is on the front lines of that battle and needs our support now.”

The “Flip the House Porch Party” will be a family-friendly event with food and entertainment. Organizers will serve ice cream from Berkshire purveyors to attendees gathered on the lawn and front porch of attorney Guernsey’s law office. RSVPs are requested. To RSVP email lbflint2@gmail.com.

Donations to the Catskill Freedom Network may be made online here:  donations to the Catskill Freedom Network, or via checks payable to the Catskill Freedom Network, mailed to 69 E. Housatonic St, Pittsfield, 01201.