In 2000, President Clinton (while in office) stopped briefly at Johnson City in support of his wife, Hillary Clinton, who was engaged in a winning campaign for the U.S. Senate.
William Jefferson Clinton 42nd President of The United States
The visit of President Clinton was announced only two days in advance. I thought it would be great to be there.
The online newspaper stated that the appearance would be at the Holiday Inn Arena, I assumed that it was the hockey stadium.
To my surprise, it was in the Grand Ballroom in the Holiday Inn. As I sat at my desk and read this, I thought that I may as well try but, it is going to fill up almost instantly since there was a 900 person maximum occupancy.
I had the slightest amount of difficulty parking as the Holiday Inn parking lot was full. Within five minutes I was parked only two blocks away on Washington Street. As I walked toward the Holiday Inn, I saw the line extending from the building but, not too far back. I asked if anyone knew how many people were in front of us and someone responded that one of the ushers indicated that we were within the maximum occupancy of the ball room.
Everyone in line was in a jovial mood, I started to realize that I was going to be at a presidential visit. I had two cameras and an extra 2gb micro SD card. At this point, I was excited. A usher came along and asked all of us if we wanted to wear a lapel sticker in support of Maurice Hinchey; the whole line was labeled and ready!
As the line moved forward into the ballroom, we found that we were in position to observe the podium quite clearly, I took a few practice photographs before the singing of The Star-Spangled Banner. Mayor Matthew T. Ryan of Binghamton,NY made a brief introduction as did Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo of the 126th Assembly District of New York.
Finally, the big introduction was made as President Clinton and Maurice Hinchey waked into the grand ballroom. The crowd was ecstatic as the cheers and applause were waves deep founded appreciation.
The online newspaper stated that the appearance would be at the Holiday Inn Arena, I assumed that it was the hockey stadium.
To my surprise, it was in the Grand Ballroom in the Holiday Inn. As I sat at my desk and read this, I thought that I may as well try but, it is going to fill up almost instantly since there was a 900 person maximum occupancy.
I had the slightest amount of difficulty parking as the Holiday Inn parking lot was full. Within five minutes I was parked only two blocks away on Washington Street. As I walked toward the Holiday Inn, I saw the line extending from the building but, not too far back. I asked if anyone knew how many people were in front of us and someone responded that one of the ushers indicated that we were within the maximum occupancy of the ball room.
Everyone in line was in a jovial mood, I started to realize that I was going to be at a presidential visit. I had two cameras and an extra 2gb micro SD card. At this point, I was excited. A usher came along and asked all of us if we wanted to wear a lapel sticker in support of Maurice Hinchey; the whole line was labeled and ready!
As the line moved forward into the ballroom, we found that we were in position to observe the podium quite clearly, I took a few practice photographs before the singing of The Star-Spangled Banner. Mayor Matthew T. Ryan of Binghamton,NY made a brief introduction as did Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo of the 126th Assembly District of New York.
Finally, the big introduction was made as President Clinton and Maurice Hinchey waked into the grand ballroom. The crowd was ecstatic as the cheers and applause were waves deep founded appreciation.
Approximately 900 enthusiastic people are present.
President Clinton has a exceptional ability to project his perspective in a clear, reinforced manor. Before The President started speaking, there wasn't too much air conditioning. It was great to hear his voice as the cool air blew down on me.
I actually took a good exit photograph!
From The White House Office during the Clinton Years
1997-08-15
