Daily Campaign Roundup: Cross Endorsements For Gianaris And Espaillat
By Mike Connery on 09/01/2010 @ 02:45 PM
TODAY'S CAMPAIGN ROUND-UP.... Today's installment of campaign-related news. Assemblymen Mike Gianaris and Adriano Espaillat endorse each other in their respective State Senate campaigns. Sen. David Valesky passes expansion of historic rehabilitation tax credit. Robin Wilt and her campaign are profiled by City Hall News.
- Mike Gianaris and Adriano Espaillat receive eachother's endorsement- Espaillat and Gianaris have cross-endorsed one another in their respective bids to become State Senators. Gianaris is running unopposed for the 12th SD seat being vacated by retiring Queens Sen. George Onorato. Espaillat is running in the 31st SD that Sen. Eric Schneiderman is giving up to run for state attorney general.
Gianaris noted that Espaillat has been a lead co-sponsor of his independent redistricting bill, while Espaillat also praised Gianaris, whose "commitment to independent redistricting speaks to his commitment to reform Albany so as to ensure that New York has a State Government that is fair, transparent, effective and responsible." - Sen. Dave Valesky passes expansion of rehabilitation tax credit - Legislation sponsored by Sen. Valesky that expands the Historic Preservation Tax Credit was signed into law. The expansion allows banks and insurance companies to claim the tax credit, which will have a positive effect on commercial development efforts of historic structures across the state.
“Continued economic development is integral to the growth and expansion of our Upstate communities,” said Sen. Valesky. “By allowing banks and insurance companies to utilize the HRTC, we are creating more incentive for companies to invest in larger projects in Upstate New York, which will spur economic growth and development.” - Robin Wilt has winning strategy against her opponent- Robin Wilt, running against 20-year Albany insider Joe Robach, was profiled by City Hall News. The article describes how Wilt was first pulled into politics by Progressive Democrats for America and their activist work in opposition to George W. Bush’s war in Iraq and controversial wiretapping program. Today, however, her concerns are focused on her Senate district. “I’m disturbed when I see the talent that leaves this area,” Wilt said. “I’m concerned that, despite the fact that we have a lot of good institutions of higher learning, we can’t claim that power because of the lack of economic opportunity.”
George Sava: Dean Skelos Asleep at the (LIRR) Switch
By Mike Connery on 08/31/2010 @ 02:26 PM
Geoge Sava, a military veteran and lawyer on Long Island, is running against thirteen-term incumbent Dean Skelos. Like so many in Nassau County, decades of rising property taxes are pricing George out of his community, prompting his run against long-time Albany politician and Republican "Leader" Dean Skelos.
Yesterday, George Sava called out Dean Skelos for his part in creating the current problems with LIRR that have caused crippling delays.
“Skelos has been asleep at the switch and ignoring the LIRR”s outdated equipment in dire need of replacement for the 10 years he oversaw MTA capital spending.”
Skelos, as Sava points out, never spoke up about the potentially dangerous outdated parts. He should have fought to replace the switches installed decades ago.
“Skelos can’t evade responsibility for the management - or mismanagement - of the railroad. We never heard him sounding the alarm about the perilous state of the railroad’s equipment.”
As Sava points out, Dean Skelos has had the opportunity to do something about the state of the LIRR while he oversaw MTA capital spending. Instead, he did nothing. What does this say about Skelos’ dedication to his constituents who travel on the LIRR daily?
Pam Mackesey on Women in Politics, Ninety Years After Women's Suffrage
By Mike Connery on 08/27/2010 @ 02:24 PM
90 Years After Women's Suffrage, We Still Have a Ways to Go
By Mike Connery on 08/26/2010 @ 04:33 PM
Today commemorates the anniversary of the passage of the 19th Constitutional amendment, which granted suffrage to women in 1920. In 1971, the US Congress declared August 26th Women’s Equality Day to mark the occasion and “call attention to women’s continuing efforts toward full equality.”
Ninety years after being given the right to vote, women are still not wholly equal. They are vastly underrepresented in the workplace and in the government. New York State, where Susan B. Anthony spent most of her life, once pioneered women's rights. Now, we rank 24th in the nation in the number of elected representatives who are women.
Here in the state senate, just 10 senators out of 62 are women - only 16% in a state where women make up 52% of the population.
It's time to put an end to this era of inequality.
This year, the New York Senate Democrats are running 10 women candidates - if each of them defeated their opponent, we would double the number of women in the State Senate.
Our women candidates have strong records for creating jobs and strengthening local economies, and are ready to clean up Albany and put New York's economy back on track. To highlight just a few: Susan Savage, who is running against Hugh Farley in District 44, helped bring $400 million in new investments and created close to 3500 private sector jobs in Schenectady. Mary Wilmot is tuned in to the needs of working parents of upstate New York and is ready invest in green jobs. As the former Regional Director for the Governor and the New York State Senate, she is familiar with the issues plaguing the government of New York.
These are precisely the kinds experience we need to bring change to Albany. Our women candidates are prepared to shake up the State Senate and put an end to the decades of dysfunction. New Yorkers deserve better a stronger voice and a more transparent, effective government, and these women candidate stand ready to deliver it.
Help us do better for women and, ultimately, for the state of New York.
Tax Man Padavan Misleads Voters On His Record
By Mike Connery on 08/26/2010 @ 04:24 PM
Tony Avella has his opponent, Albany politician Frank Padavan, running scared and misleading voters on his 38-year record as a tax, borrow and spend Republican.
In a recent interview with Yournabe.com, Padavan said he is proud to be running on his record and that "I don’t know of any senator [that] can point to that many accomplishments in their tenure."
What exactly is Padavan's record? Here are some highlights of Padavan's "accomplishments" that span the over-three decades he helped his Republican Majority cohorts turn Albany into a den of rampant irresponsibility and excess:
- Padavan raised taxes hundreds of times, costing hardworking New Yorkers billions of dollars. Padavan has voted to increase personal income taxes, business taxes, professional taxes, sales taxes, user fees, hotel taxes and vehicle registration taxes -- among many others
- Along with convicted felon Joe Bruno and the Republican Majority, Padavan voted to nearly double the size of the state budget -- from $62 billion to $121 billion -- in just 12 years, between 1996 and 2008
- Padavan and his Republican cohorts also saddled New Yorkers with a massive debt load -- increasing it from $31 billion to $54 billion between 1997 and 2008
- Padavan has refused to clean up the ethical mess in Albany and make the Senate more transparent, opting instead for business as usual. He has voted against bills that included numerous campaign finance reforms and good government practices
- Padavan opposed an amendment to the 2006-2007 budget which would have increased school aid to NYC schools by $1.25 billion
With these kinds of "accomplishments," is it any wonder that Padavan has decided to mislead voters on his record?
Tony Avella, on the other hand, has an actual record to be proud of. As a city councilman, he opposed every property tax increase during his tenure in office, supported an extension of property tax rebates for middle-class families and voted for tax credits which spurred business growth. He refused the “lulu,” an additional taxpayer funded salary increase and fought against and subsequently refused the 25% City Council pay raise -- both of which he considered to be unethical.
Seeing this, Celeste Katz, of The Daily News, called Avella a “die-hard maverick reformer" in her recent profile of the campaign.
Avella's campaign to change Albany and provide real tax relief and jobs for New Yorkers has Padavan scared. His desperate turn to Albany style political tricks won't work this time; New Yorkers are tired of a dysfunctional Albany and are ready to say "38 years is enough" to Tax Man Padavan.
New York Receives $700 Million In Race To The Top Funding
By Mike Connery on 08/25/2010 @ 12:24 PM
New York has placed second among 16 states in the federal Race To The Top funding competition, awarding the state with $700 million over four years to help build a statewide system for tracking student progress and implementing a new statewide curriculum.
The hard work of the Democratic Senate Majority is largely responsible for New York attaining these funds. After placing 15th among 16 finalists in the first round, The New York Senate Dems passed legislation that lifted the cap on charter schools to 460 from 200, links teacher evaluations to student performance, and brings more local school districts and unions on board.
Senator Suzi Oppenheimer who chairs the Senate Education Committee, sponsored the landmark reforms that paved the way for the victory."I was confident that if we all came together, we could transform our state’s educational policies to enrich the learning experience for all students, while bolstering our application for this extremely competitive grant program. Achieving consensus on the necessary reforms was not easy," Sen. Oppenheimer said.The announcement that New York State will receive funds means public school districts throughout the entire state will see increased funding. New York City's public schools are set to receive hundreds of millions of dollars, while schools upstate will receive much needed cash as well.
“This funding could not come at a better time considering the difficult decisions made to close a $9 billion budget gap. Add that to the $600 million from the federal government’s jobs bill and we are looking at significant restorations for our schools,” said Sen. Darrel Aubertine.
Meet Didi Barrett
By Mike Connery on 08/25/2010 @ 10:28 AM
Didi Barrett had her campaign in the 41st SD profiled by The Albany Project yesterday.
Barrett has been a longtime leader in the not-for-profit community for more than two decades whose family roots in the 41st SD go back to the 1930s. She had this to say on why she is running:
"New York State is the most dysfunctional state in the United States, according to the Brennan Center, and we can't expect those who brought us into this mess to bring us out. As a founder of several thriving not-for-profits, now serving tens of thousands of people, I have extensive experience in building organizations, monitoring budgets and positioning these groups for growth. I am an accomplished planner, strategist and coalition builder and longtime community activist (please see my bio on www.didiforsenate.com for a comprehensive outline of my experience.) I was urged to run by people familiar with my skills and experience, and obviously, I feel I can use my strengths to create positive change in Albany. I not only know how to get things done, I would also offer a fresh perspective."
On how to to tap the 41st district's agricultural production into the downstate economy:
"We need to create markets for Hudson Valley products that will keep local farms in business, and allow young farmers to literally put down roots here. One way to do this is to create incentives for consumers downstate to buy local, in-state produce. We also need to protect the natural resources that make this region such abundant farm country. There are successful local efforts in place, such as Columbia County Bounty and Hudson Valley AgriBusiness Development Corporation, that are creating new markets for local farm products and promoting our agricultural industry. We need to support these efforts in whatever ways we can, and look into how their efforts can be expanded. We need to be encouraging our schools, food markets, and other institutions to tap into the regional bounty."
Barrett's campaign against 30-year Albany politician Stephen Saland has steadily been gaining momentum since she declared her candidacy a few months ago. She has been endorsed by both Eleanor's Legacy and The Women's Campaign Forum and recently released a new campaign video where she described her vision to use new, common sense solutions to lower property taxes and bring jobs back to her district.
You can check out the rest of the interview here.
Mike Kaplowitz Unveils Plan To Save New York's Lakes
By Mike Connery on 08/20/2010 @ 10:18 AM
Mike Kaplowitz unveiled a Lake Improvement Plan that would channel funds from the state’s Environmental Protection Fund to help protect and preserve the Hudson Valley region’s lakes.
"This is a vital program that will improve the quality of life for thousands of residents living within our region’s lake communities, who are already financially stressed with high property taxes. The Hudson Valley has one of the most pristine natural environments in the state and the protection and preservation of the many lakes in the region are essential to our overall quality of life," Kaplowitz said.
Kaplowitz, a Westchester County Legislator, is the first politician in the state who has tried to tap into the environmental fund for lake remediation, which includes a line for water quality improvement. His proposal would offer communities choices from a toolbox of lake-restoring techniques including aerating, dredging, cutting weeds, removing debris, introducing weed-eating carp, improving deteriorated dams and others.
"Restoring these lakes will protect drinking water quality because some lakes flow into reservoirs. It will improve property values in the lake communities, enhance our environment and quality of life, and increase the recreational use of the lakes," Kaplowitz continued.
Kaplowitz's Lake Improvement Plan is only the latest policy initative from his campaign, which was recently profiled by The Albany Times-Union. Kaplowitz has also proposed a pension reform plan that could save taxpayers billions of dollars and has continued to fight hard for a property tax cap that New Yorkers desperately want and need.
Siena Poll: Two-Thirds of New Yorkers Reject GOP Control of the Senate
By Mike Connery on 08/18/2010 @ 03:24 PM
The latest poll from Siena College shows an anti-incumbent mood in New York directed primarily at upstate Republicans and the Party of No.
According to the poll's findings, 67% of New Yorkers reject a GOP-controlled Senate, preferring to see the Democrats make gains in the chamber (33%) or see the Senate remain closely divided (34%) among the parties. Anti-incumbent sentiment was directed primarily at upstate Republicans, where 58% of voters preferred "someone else" to their current representative, vs. 52% in the suburbs and just 43% in New York City.
Stan Greenberg of Siena puts the numbers into perspective:
“Republicans and independent voters are much more negative toward their incumbent senators than are Democrats, and upstaters and downstate suburban voters are much more negative than are voters in New York City."
This is the third poll from Siena to show that New Yorkers are overwhelmingly ready to kick Republican incumbents out of office. This poll is the latest in a string of bad news for Republicans, including lackluster fundraising numbers, a small and underwhelming class of candidates, and a particularly vicious and divisive primary battle in SD-40.
New Yorkers remember well what four decades of Republican deals, deficits and dysfunction did to our state. They don't want to return to the bad-old-days and are ready to empower Democrats to continue our work of reforming Albany.
Full cross tabs embedded below:
Daily Campaign Roundup: More Endorsements For Democratic Candidates
By Mike Connery on 08/18/2010 @ 02:43 PM
TODAY'S CAMPAIGN ROUND-UP.... Today's installment of campaign-related news. Mike Gianaris endorsed by United Federation of Teachers and Teamsters. Mike DiSanto gains the support of Planned Parenthood of New York City. Susan Savage slams her opponent for misusing state funds -- to complain about wasteful state spending. SRCC pours money into defeating one of its own.
- Mike Gianaris scores major endorsements from United Federation of Teachers and Teamsters - Mike Gianaris received big endorsements from The United Federation of Teachers (UFT) and the international Brotherhood of Teamsters Joint Council 16. The UFT has a membership of approximately 200,000 education professionals. Joint Council 16 encompasses 30 Teamster local unions in New York City and has about 120,000 members. “I am honored to have the support of the working men and women represented by these organizations,” said Gianaris in a statement. “I look forward to continuing my advocacy for working people in the State Senate, as we strive to create more jobs, improve our schools and reform state government.”
- Mike Disanto endorsed by Planned Parenthood of NYC - Mike DiSanto, running against Albany politician Martin Golden in SD-22, received the endorsement of the Planned Parenthood of New York City. “I thank Planned Parenthood for entrusting me with the task of defending women's reproductive rights. For more than 90 years, Planned Parenthood of New York City has been a beacon of hope for women, and today, I am committed to the next generation of women,” DiSanto said. “The State that started the Women's Rights Movement has failed to provide women with adequate protections and advance women's rights into the 21st century. My opponent is wrong on women's rights, just as he is wrong on so many issues. Reform and progress on public policy is clearly absent from my opponent's agenda.”
- Susan Savage slams her opponent for wasting state funds to complain about wasteful state spending - Susan Savage criticized a mailer that her opponent, 34-year Albany politician Hugh Farley, sent using state funds. The mailer ironically talks about how the state is in money trouble. "This is an outrageous example of what’s wrong with Albany and why voters should fire a 34 year politician who is out of touch, out of ideas and electorally, out of time,” said Savage campaign strategist Doug Forand. “In his letter, Mr. Farley states ‘During difficult economic times, families and businesses tighten their belts and make needed and sensible changes to their spending habits. Government should do the same.’ We couldn’t agree more, and the first place to start would be with his self-promoting, taxpayer-funded mailings.”
Savage says he was using taxpayer dollars on the last possible day he can use his Senate funds before the Sept. 14 Conservative primary between a write-in (Savage) and himself. - SRCC decides to dump money into messy internal battle -The GOP continues to eat its own. The City Hall News reports that the SRCC is pouring money into the SD-40 primary, where Republican Assembly Member Greg Ball is taking on party favorite Mary Beth Murphy. The SRCC spent $55,922 in shared expenditures over the past month on top of $32,608 already spent. Murphy and Ball are involved in a bloody and divisive primary fight. Whoever comes out of the fight will have to face Mike Kaplowitz, who has secured the Democratic nomination and been running a strong campaign in the district for months now.
Didi Barrett Talks About More Jobs And Lower Taxes For Hudson Valley
By Mike Connery on 08/16/2010 @ 01:22 AM
Didi Barrett released a new campaign video where she described her desire to use new, common sense solutions to lower property taxes and bring jobs back to the 41st Senatorial District. On her priorities, she said:
"Jobs, jobs and jobs…. I think that, combined with the runaway property taxes, the burden that all of the people in our district share and are struggling with – it is my goal to get our neighbors working again in a way that protects and sustains our beautiful Hudson Valley. "
Barrett has been a longtime leader in the not-for-profit community for more than two decades. She is looking to oust 30-year Albany politician Stephen Saland. Her family roots in the district go back all the way to the 1930s.
Barrett is conducting an upcoming interview with The Albany Project. You can send questions in for Didi here. Check out the campaign video below and share it with your friends on Facebook and Twitter.
Susan Savage Outlines Vision For Economic Resurgence In New Campaign Video
By Mike Connery on 08/12/2010 @ 11:18 AM
Susan Savage is receiving great coverage on her newly released campaign video, where she outlined a positive vision to lower taxes, create jobs, and foster economic development in the 44th Senatorial District
"The most important thing to people who live in upstate New York in the 44th District is jobs. Jobs mean opportunities and for too long jobs have left the area. In Schenectady County, I’m proud of the fact we have been able to create thousands of jobs… Jobs, economic development, and taxes – those are the issues we need our State Senate and state government to focus on," Savage said in the video.
As Schenectady County Chairwoman, Savage created over 3,000 jobs and attracted $400 million in private investment capital to the area. YNN ran a piece this week detailing titled "More downtown growth as Schenectady transformation continues," which detailed this incredible transformation that Savage spearheaded.
In her new video, Savage speaks of her long-time ties to, and passion for, upstate New York. Check out the video below and share it with your friends on Facebook and Twitter.
Daily Campaign Roundup: Sens. Aubertine And Valeseky Stand Up For Farmers
By Mike Connery on 08/11/2010 @ 03:43 PM
TODAY'S CAMPAIGN ROUND-UP.... Today's installment of campaign-related news. Sens. Aubertine and Valesky deliver for farmers. Tony Avella catches attention of The New York Daily News. Didi Barrett is hearing the concerns of voters in her district. Joanne Yepsen expresses optimism over Aqueduct's bid being approved by Senate. Kathleen Joy endorsed by colleagues. Robin Wilt profiled by The Albany Project.
- Sens. Darrel Aubertine and Dave Valesky praised for standing up for farmers – Farmers across New York applauded Sens. Aubertine and Valesky for leading the effort to defeat the Omnibus Farmmworker Labor Bill that would have had catstrophic effects for farms across the state. Dean Norton, president of New York Farm Bureau, said he was grateful for Sen. Aubertine’s hard to educate other Senators on “the devastating effects this bill would have on agriculture and the rural economy.” He also praised Sen. Valesky for recognizing “that the bill was totally incompatible with farming today, which depends on unreliable weather to plant and harvest crops. He cast his vote in favor of our local farmers and the future of local foods and the rural economy.”
- Tony Avella’s campaign catches attention of The Daily News – Celeste Katz of The Daily News ran a piece on Tony Avella and his campaign to unseat 38-year Albany politician Frank Padavan earlier today. Katz referred to Avella as a “die-hard maverick reformer.” Avella had to say this about his vision for Albany: “We need new leadership in Albany and we need fresh voices and we need reform, and I think Sampson understands that. As I say, I've spoken to a number of the incumbent Democratic state senators and they look forward to having me up there. They want another voice to speak out and say we need change."
- Didi Barrett listening to voters, addressing their concerns – Michael Boyajian, of Room Eight Politics, trailed Didi Barrett as she knocked on doors in her district introducing herself to voters. Boyajian reported an overwhelming anger with the politics of Albany and described voters who liked that Barrett “was not a politician but a concerned citizen called to duty because of what was happening in the state capital” and who were happy they “someone like Didi who was listening” to their concerns. You can read Boyajian’s full account here.
- Aqueduct deal a step closer to completion after Senate Democrats accept bid - Genting New York LLC's status as the likely vendor to build and operate an Aqueduct racino is closer to completion Senate Democrats accepted the Division of Lottery's recommendation. This was welcome news to Democratic Candidate Joanne Yepsen, who has been outspoken in demanding a timely consideration of the bid. “The VLTs have been an issue for many years, but it’s especially stressful right now because everyone’s out of money,” said Yepsen. “If the deal doesn’t go through this year, New York State will have to find another industry to bring to the forefront, because people are at the end of their economic ropes.” Yepsen has been underscoring the impact a struggling racing industry. “The industry alone provides 35,000 jobs, to say nothing of all of the spin-off business it generates,” she said. “This isn’t just a Saratoga issue, or a Queens issue.”
- Democratic Candidate Kathleen Joy endorsed by local politicians, declares herself an independent voice – Kathleen Joy was endorsed by some of her colleagues on the Syracuse Common Council earlier today. Joy declared that she will be a voice of independence in Albany, despite pressures that may exist to vote with her party. She pointed to this year's budget negotiations as a perfect example in demonstrating the need for such a perspective. "This was not the best way to go. If I were in Albany, I would have done things differently. Again, it goes back to collaboration. Let's work hard. Let's sharpen up our pencils. Let's get something done," said Joy.
- Robin Wilt profiled by The Albany Group - Robin Wilt had her campaign in the 56th SD profiled by The Albany Project. She described her candidacy for the State Senate as a “natural extension of the experiences I have accrued over the past several years as a small business owner, a parent, and a community activist advocating for policy that will help working families.”
Wilt also explained how an economic resurgence in Rochester is possible: “Rochester is blessed with a highly-educated population that historically has been very entrepreneurial. With targeted development funds, Rochester could become a center for green-based technologies, and we could create opportunities in educating a work force trained in implementing those technologies." You can check out the rest of the interview here.
Meet Democratic Candidate Robin Wilt
By Mike Connery on 08/11/2010 @ 12:28 PM
Democratic Candidate Robin Wilt had her campaign in the 56th SD profiled by The Albany Project yesterday.
Wilt had this to say on why she is running:
"My candidacy for State Senate is a natural extension of the experiences I have accrued over the past several years as a small business owner, a parent, and a community activist advocating for policy that will help working families. Between his tenures in the State Assembly and Senate, my opponent has represented Monroe County residents in Albany for almost 18 years. However, in that time frame, our region has experienced a loss of 32% of its manufacturing base, a decline in population, and a steady increase in its tax burden. As someone who has experienced first-hand the travails of a stagnant economy, I will bring a perspective to Albany that will guide my policy-making in a way that my opponent cannot appreciate as a career politician. Unlike my opponent, I will not displace blame for the lack of progress in our region on other law makers, rather I will take responsibility for ensuring that policy is implemented that helps constituents in the greater Rochester area."
On how to create a much-needed economic resurgence in Rochester:
"Rochester has an aging infrastructure that is not as environmentally-sensitive as it needs to be for our evolving energy reality. Proactive initiatives to implement more energy-efficient building technologies have the dual benefit of saving money on utility expenditures, while being homegrown. Jobs greening our infrastructure cannot be shipped overseas, and by becoming leaders in the development and implementation of these technologies, Rochester-based contractors can become a resource to other communities. Rochester is blessed with a highly-educated population that historically has been very entrepreneurial. With targeted development funds, Rochester could become a center for green-based technologies, and we could create opportunities in educating a work force trained in implementing those technologies."
Wilt's campaign against 18-year Albany politician Joe Robach has steadily been gaining momentum since she declared her candidacy a few months ago. She has recently been endorsed by both Eleanor's Legacy and The Women's Campaign Forum.
You can check out the rest of the interview here.
Mary Wilmot Fights For Job Creation, Releases New Campaign Video
By Mike Connery on 08/11/2010 @ 11:28 AM
Mary Wilmot released a new campaign video earlier today where she discussed the issues her district is facing and outlined her ideas to combat them.
I grew up in my district. I would like to partner with the business community, the health care community…. I want to take the community’s ideas to Albany and work together on resolving on some of our problems… I believe we need to cap property taxes, talk about mandate relief, and work on job creation.”
Wilmot is running in the 55th Senatorial District against 14-year Albany politician Jim Alesi. Wilmot's campaign has been gaining momentum and she has recently been endorsed by Eleanor's Legacy, The Women's Campaign Forum, and The New York League of Conservation Voters
Wilmot's video can be found below. Check it out and pass it on.
Campaign Roundup: Susan Savage Oversees Resurgence In Schenectady
By Mike Connery on 08/10/2010 @ 04:45 PM
TODAY'S CAMPAIGN ROUND-UP.... Today's installment of campaign-related news. Democratic Candidate Susan Savage oversees downtown transformation in Schenectady. Democratic Candidate Tony Avella receives major endorsement and releases new campaign video. Quick resolution seen in Aqueduct deal, much to the delight of Democratic Candidate Joanne Yepsen.
- Democratic Candidate Susan Savage oversees transformation in Schenectady - YNN ran a piece today titled "More downtown growth as Schenectady transformation continues". Schenectady has seen over $400 million in private investment over the past few years, due in large part to the efforts of Democratic Candidate and Schenectady County Chairwoman Susan Savage. As Savage put it: "It has the wow factor. What it is is a community that did not look great six years ago. The buildings were literally falling apart in the streets. Now they look like this."
- Democratic Candidate Tony Avella receives major endorsement, releases campaign video - Tony Avella was endorsed by The Planned Parenthood of New York City earlier today. The rights group predicts there will be heavy independent expenditure involvement on behalf of the Queens Democrat. “Whatever it takes,” said Dana Czuczka, the group’s associate vice president of government affairs, explaining what Planned Parenthood is prepared to do on Avella’s behalf. “This is really one of our priorities.” Avella is running against 38-year Albany insider Frank Padavan, who voted against the Women's Health and Wellness bill that ensured contraceptives would be covered by insurance plans, and that established minimum coverage requirements for mammograms in helping to detect breast cancer.” “We really believe for too long this pro-choice district has been misrepresented, and we’re excited to have someone like Tony Avella who is willing to stand up for the women of Queens,” Czuczka said.
- Quick resolution seen for Aqueduct deal - Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce President Todd Shimkus praised Senate racing committee chairman Eric Adams for seeking a quick resolution of the Aqueduct gaming selection. Sen. Adams and two downstate senators heard a formal presentation from Genting New York LLC in Manhattan Monday.
Democratic Candidate and Saratoga Springs Supervisor Joanne Yepsen hosted a roundtable with Sen. Adams last week to highlight the racing industry's importance to local businesses. “When the deal is sealed, hopefully later this week, not only will the racing industry benefit drastically, but the taxpayers of New York state will be the winners,” she said. “I applaud Sen. Adams for making the final step of the process fully transparent. Good government will produce good results.”
Democratic Candidate Tony Avella Receives Major Endorsement, Releases New Campaign Video
By Mike Connery on 08/10/2010 @ 02:56 PM
Democratic Candidate Tony Avella received the endorsement of the Planned Parenthood of NYC Action Fund this morning.
"Tony Avella has returned a 100% pro-choice questionnaire and has pledged to be a leader on women’s health in the New York State Senate,” said Joan Malin, president & CEO of the Action Fund. “In the New York City Council, Tony Avella was known for his independence, tenacity and passionate advocacy. Avella has pledged to use that same energy to advocate on the behalf of reproductive rights and health in the NYS Senate.”
Avella is running in the 11th Senatorial District against 38-year Albany politician Frank Padavan, who has voted against legislation such as the Women's Health and Wellness bill that ensured contraceptives would be covered by insurance plans, and that established minimum coverage requirements for mammograms in helping to detect breast cancer.
Avella also released a new campaign video today, which does a great job outlining his background, why he is running to reform Albany and how he'll serve the residents of Queens. Check it out and pass it on.
Daily Campaign Roundup: Kaplowitz Fights For Property Tax Cap
By Mike Connery on 08/09/2010 @ 04:45 PM
TODAY'S CAMPAIGN ROUND-UP.... Today's installment of campaign-related news. Democratic Candidate Mike Kaplowitz fights for property tax cap. Democratic Candidate Joanne Yepsen leading the way to save New York's racing industry. Republican Senator puts personal profit ahead of public health.
- Democratic Candidate Mike Kaplowitz fights for property tax cap – Mike Kaplowitz denounced The State Assembly for failing to pass the property tax cap that the Democratic Majority in the State Senate passed last week. “It is disappointing that the Assembly left town for the summer without also passing the property tax cap. This is Albany dysfunction at its worst. There is no excuse for the Assembly’s failure to enact the cap into law.” Kaplowitz brought attention to the fact that New Yorkers pay the highest property taxes in the country and that local property taxes in New York grew by 73% from 1998 to 2008 -- more than twice the rate of inflation. “Unless the Assembly enacts a property tax cap immediately, more New Yorkers will lose their homes, more families will be forced to leave our state, and more jobs will be lost,” Kaplowitz said.
- Democratic Candidate Joanne Yepsen on Aqueduct Deal: Seal It Now - Joanne Yepsen is urging the state to act quickly on New York State Lottery Division’s recommendation to award the Aqueduct Race Track video lottery terminal contract to Genting Inc. “New York state is losing $1 million a day in revenue until the VLTs are up and running at Aqueduct, forcing taxpayers to pick up the difference in funding state programs. Tragically, this nine-year delay has cost $2.5 billion in revenue to New York state, all at a time when our deficit and unemployment rate are of great concern,” Yepsen said.
Last Friday, Yepsen met with Sen. Eric Adams, chair of the Senate Racing Committee, to talk about the Aqueduct Race Track bidding, argue for the necessity of capital investment in the Saratoga Race Course, and highlight the local jobs and economic activity tied to such a project. Yepsen has been leading on this issue for quite some time and has continually stressed the importance of this revenue stream, “not just to Saratoga but to our entire state." - Republican Senator George Winner deemed “poster boy for Albany ethics mess” – Republican George Winner failed to disclose “a glaring, previously hidden conflict of interest on an issue of grave concern to all water-drinking New Yorkers.” The issue is hand is permitting hydrofracking in New York -- something Winner is a vocal proponent of. It was revealed that Winner’s his law firm has done work for some of the very companies who are seeking to make millions off the process and are lobbying the Senate to be able to drill upstate. In a true act of political cowardice, Winner is refusing to say who exactly his clients are -- or how much they are paying him. This led The New York Daily News to call this a “slam-dunk example of why the state Legislature needs ethical scrubbing.” Democrat Pam Mackesey is running to replace Winner, who is retiring, in the 53rd Senatorial District. Mackesey supports a moratorium on hydrofracking until all New Yorkers can be assured that it will not negatively impact their health in any way.
Republican Senator Puts Profits Ahead of Public Health
By Mike Connery on 08/09/2010 @ 03:36 PM
Republican corruption and ethical violations in the State Senate are nothing new. So what did it take for Republican incumbent Senator George Winner to be coined the “poster boy for Albany ethics mess” by The Daily News?
New Yorkers know that Winner is one of the most vocal supporters of permitting hydrofracking - a controversial and dangerous method of extracting natural gas from a miles-deep rock formation known as the Marcellus Shale. What New Yorkers didn’t know was that Winner’s law firm has done work for some of the very companies who are seeking to make millions off the process and who are lobbying the Senate to be able to drill upstate.
For a slam-dunk example of why the state Legislature needs ethical scrubbing, look no further than state Sen. George Winner.
The Daily News' Ken Lovett reveals that Winner has a glaring, previously hidden conflict of interest on an issue of grave concern to all water-drinking New Yorkers.
A Republican from upstate Elmira, Winner has been one of the Legislature's most outspoken proponents of opening New York to hydrofracking - a controversial and dangerous method of extracting natural gas from a miles-deep rock formation known as the Marcellus Shale.
What Winner managed to keep secret until now is that his law firm has done work for some of the very companies hankering to drill upstate.
Winner says that he is for full disclosure, but he failed to mention his stake in the outcome of the hydrofracking debate when it came up in the Senate last week. And in a true act of political cowardice, Winner is refusing to say who exactly his clients are -- or how much they are paying him. The Daily News put it mildly when they said this kind of corruption is simply “unacceptable, given the high stakes for New York's water quality. Not when one bad well sunk too close to New York City's reservoirs could ruin the drinking supply for millions.”
Fortunately, Winner is retiring at the end of his term. Republicans are locked in a primary to determine who will run for his open seat, but the Democratic candidate is already chosen, and she's ready to protect our environment and our drinking water. Pam Mackesey is running a strong campaign in the 53rd Senatorial District. Mackesey supports a moratorium on hydrofracking until all New Yorkers can be assured that it will not negatively impact their health in any way.
Democratic Candidate Joanne Yepsen: Seal The Aqueduct Deal Now
By Mike Connery on 08/09/2010 @ 02:56 PM
Over the past few years, with incumbent Roy McDonald representing the 43rd Senatorial District, the bidding process for the Aqueduct Race Track has been plagued by nightmarish delays and resulted in lost revenue for the state.
Now, Joanne Yepsen is taking action – and urging the state to act quickly on New York State Lottery Division’s recommendation to award the Aqueduct Race Track video lottery terminal contract to Genting Inc.
“New York state is losing $1 million a day in revenue until the VLTs are up and running at Aqueduct, forcing taxpayers to pick up the difference in funding state programs. Tragically, this nine-year delay has cost $2.5 billion in revenue to New York state, all at a time when our deficit and unemployment rate are of great concern,” Yepsen said.
Last Friday, Yepsen met with Sen. Eric Adams, chair of the Senate Racing Committee, to talk about the Aqueduct Race Track bidding, argue for the necessity of capital investment in the Saratoga Race Course, and highlight the local jobs and economic activity tied to such a project. Yepsen is fighting for small businesses in the area that say without the tourism associated with the track, their bottom lines would take a 20% hit and force them to close.
“We had a very productive meeting. Senator Adams understands I’m speaking on behalf of thousands of industry workers, small businesses and families who depend on the significant income they receive from our racing season and hopes to act as early as next week,” Yepsen said.
Yepsen has been leading on this issue for some time and often stressed the importance of this revenue stream, “not just to Saratoga but to our entire state.”
