Text of Kathleen Joy's Announcement Speech
By Mike Connery on 05/11/2010 @ 07:07 PM
Here's the full text of Kathleen Joy's announcement speech this morning, in which she talks about reviving a spirit of collaboration to achieve real results for the citizens of New York:
Thank you Mayor, I am honored to have you here with me. Thank you for those kind words.
Stephanie and I have worked together for many years both as Common Councilors and as Mayor and Majority Leader, and the direction she’s taken the City is a good example of a new style of leadership. And that has been a welcome change. Thank you again for your support here today.
This morning, I am here to officially declare my candidacy for the New York State Senate, for the 50th District.
I intend to unseat an 18 year incumbent, because it's time for a new perspective.
That New Perspective is based on an old concept, but one that some politicians have gotten away from.
My perspective is one of public service, not politics.
It’s about making decisions that serve our community, not serve personal political gain.
Some politicians are in office for so long that they forget that its not about them, its about US.
I want to bring that perspective of pubic service back to Albany, NO, it’s not just Albany, I’ll bring that service back to YOU- our community.
My New Perspective is one of dialogue, not disagreement; collaboration, not competition; results, not restrictions; and possibilities, not power plays.
For too long, the voters in this community have not had an opportunity for change in the Senate’s 50th District.
Today, we do.
I know that the people standing behind me, and the people in this community are ready for that change.
Between now and November, I’ll be sharing my perspective with the voters throughout the district & I’ll be hearing yours.
You’ll learn more about me as I learn more about you.
You will discover that I am just like most people in this district:
I’m tired of politics as usual. Labels of Democrat or Republican, Liberal or Conservative have put up barriers to reaching the real goals of this community.
I am a voter, frustrated with the gridlock in Albany & I want to do something about it, not be part of it.
I am a parent, concerned about the well being of my children. I want to make sure they have every opportunity to succeed & to stay in this area as adults.
I am an employee. I go to work every day and worry about having a job tomorrow.
I was a small business owner, who had to close its doors. I know about the challenges of doing business in New York State and I can use that experience to promote a better business climate.
I live in the City and I love living there, but I have rural roots that I’m very proud of. I grew up on a farm, growing grapes, corn and other crops. I share the values of family farmers and of a rural community.
I might not have all the answers today, but that’s what a New Perspective is all about. Learning, Listening and carrying your message to Albany as part of the solution.
I chose to make my announcement at Onondaga Lake because it is a symbol of a New Perspective.
Onondagas regard this lake as sacred. Their perspective on Service to their community is to make decisions based on the experience of 7 generations past & the opportunity for 7 generations in the future.
My public service comes from my ancestor’s too. Ethan Allen of the Green Mountain Boys on my mom’s side and my grandfather on my dad’s side was the mayor and trustee for 22 years in the small town where I grew up. I come from a long line of revolutionaries who had a New Perspective and the courage to do something about it.
This lake is also a symbol of the New Perspective of collaboration and results.
Once one of the most polluted lakes in the world, today, because of a common goal, it’s turning around. For the past 20 years, I’ve worked together with all levels of Government, representatives of the Onondaga Nation, citizens and scientists to come up with a solution. We have collaborated toward a common goal to clean up the lake & promote green technologies – and we’re getting results.
The waters of Onondaga Lake & its tributaries run through the 50th Senate District. The dialogue that I continue to have about a community wide perspective crosses political boundary lines. Leadership should break down those restrictions and work toward the results.
That attitude that has been missing in the 50th District.
We need a new way of doing the people’s business in Albany. The people want a new perspective and for that reason, I am running for State Senate.
Thank you.
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