Campaign Roundup: Senate Dems Push Ahead on Fundraising
By Mike Connery on 10/04/2010 @ 04:45 PM
DAILY CAMPAIGN ROUNDUP - Our daily roundup of campaign news.- Democrats Make Fundraising Comeback - Liz Benjamin reports that the Senate Dems have made a "fundraising comeback," outraising the GOP 3 - 1 in the latest filing.
- Susan Savage: We Need To Do Things Differently - Susan Savage's campaign released a new web video today, highlighting her work reaching out across the aisle to move legislation and lower taxes for her constituents. Watch the video here.
- Dave Valesky Leads Andrew Russo by 10 Points in 49th Syracuse.com reports on the latest Siena poll, which shows incumbent Dave Valesky up 10 points on Republican challenger Andrew Russo.
- Tight Races for Two Open Senate Seats, Says Siena - A new poll from Siena is out today, showing tight races for open seats vacated by Vincent Liebell and William Stachowski
- Fight Back New York's Next Target - Political Action Committee Fight Back New York has its sites set on taking out Frank Padavan in the general election.
- Stewart-Cousins Leads McLaughlin in Campaign Funds - LoHud reports that incumbent Andrea Stewart-Cousins has 6 times more cash-on-hand than her opponent, Liam McLaughlin.
- Avella Picks Up UFT Endorsement - The United Federation of Teachers endorsed Tony Avella today at Queens Borough Hall.
Campaign Roundup: NYLCV Endorses Three Dem Candidates
By Mike Connery on 09/24/2010 @ 05:45 PM
DAILY CAMPAIGN ROUNDUP … Our daily roundup of campaign related news.- What Would YOU Ask Susan Savage? The Albany Project continues its series of interviews with Democratic Senate candidates. This week Susan Savage will be in the hot seat. Readers are urged to submit questions here.
- Yonkers Democratic City Committee Supports Andrea Stewart-Cousins for Re-Election: The Yonkers Democratic City Committee endorsed Andrea Stewart-Cousins today, stating “Andrea understands the real problems faced by our community and her constituents and will not stop until their issues are addressed. She is one of the most influential and respected voices of our Party and in our Legislature, and we will work tirelessly to ensure that she continues to serve as our State Senator.”
- Eye on Albany Interviews Senator Valesky: Eye on Albany releases part one of a three-part interview series with Senator David Valesky. Valesky discusses taxes and creating jobs in the 49th Senate District. Watch the Video.
- Carlucci Running on Tech Record: Politics and technology website Tech President notes that David Carlucci, the Democratic candidate to replace the late Sen. Morahan, has a track record of bringing local government into the 21st Century.
- Foley, Kaplowitz, Savage Make Conservation Voters Priority List: Three Democratic candidates for state senate made the priority list of the NY League of Conservation Voters. According to NYLCV spokesperson Dan Hendrick, “In all three [races], there are clear environmental heroes and foes. Foley’s been good on energy efficiency issues for years, and this year got the Senate to pass his updated energy code bill. Kaplowitz is a former Environment & Energy Committee Chairman of the Westchester Legislature and he helped draft and pass Westchester’s Open Space Policy; Savage has an impressive record championing green jobs/clean-tech in Schenectady.
- Pols Call For Ballot Fixes Before Elections: Joe Addabbo, Chair of the State Senate Elections Committee, will hold hearings this month to address problems encountered by voters at polling places during the recent primary elections.
- Ball v. Kaplowitz Debate Showdown: The Kaplowitz campaign has Greg Ball boxed in a corner over public debates.
- Savino Blasts Paladino For "Sly Italian References" City Hall News reports on State Senator Diane Savino's reproach of Carl Paladino for his use of offensive slurs against Italian Americans.
Valesky Weighs in on the Budget, Taxes and Local Job Creation
By Mike Connery on 09/24/2010 @ 03:45 PM
Senator Dave Valesky recently sat down for a lengthy interview with Eye on Albany. In part one of that interview, he discusses taxes, the budget, and creating local jobs in Auburn, Syracuse, Rome, Oswego and all of upstate New York. Watch Part 1 of the video below:
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.”
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.
Daily Campaign Roundup: Endorsements Continue To Pile Up
By Mike Connery on 07/23/2010 @ 04:46 PM
TODAY'S CAMPAIGN ROUND-UP.... Today's installment of campaign-related news. Numerous Democrats endorsed by Human Rights Campaign New York. Tony Avella received major union endorsement. Republican incumbent Stephen Saland spends $19,000 on dinner.
- Human Rights Campaign New York endorses Democratic candidates for State Senate - The Human Rights Campaign New York endorsed numerous Democratic challengers and incumbents who are all supporters of marriage equality and whose election will "put New York on a path to fairness and equality for same-sex couples in the state." They endorsed incumbent Senators Brian Foley, Craig Johnson, Tom Duane, and Dave Valesky -- and Democratic candidates Dave Mejias, Tony Avella, and Regina Calcaterra. Not a single Republican was endorsed by the group.
- Democratic Candidate Tony Avella endorsed by major retail union - Tony Avella, running against 38-year Republican incumbent Frank Padavan, was endorsed Thursday by a massive retail union yesterday. The Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union, which represents 100,000 workers across the United States and Canada, gave Avella the nod Thursday, calling him “an independent voice for working New Yorkers and taxpayers.” “He’s exactly the kind of reformer we desperately need in Albany right now,” said Stuart Applebaum, the union’s president.
- Republican senator Stephen Saland spends $19,000 on dinner - Showing just how out of touch he really is, Saland attended a $19,000 black-tie dinner for his re-election campaign that was thrown by a politically connected couple in April at their Rhinebeck, Dutchess County, estate. The $19,000 dinner was listed as an in-kind donation to Saland's campaign. That means it was for services rendered for a political function, but not a direct monetary contribution. "There's a lot of trust with the reporting by the campaigns," said Dick Dadey, executive director of Citizens Union, a good-government group. "There's very little if any verification."
Daily Campaign Roundup: Endorsements, Endorsements, Endorsements
By Mike Connery on 07/20/2010 @ 02:26 PM
TODAY'S CAMPAIGN ROUND-UP.... Today's installment of campaign-related news. Tony Avella gets major endorsement. Sens. Dave Valesky and William Stachowski receive the backing of Independence Party.
- Democratic candidate Tony Avella receives important endorsement – Tony Avella, running against 38-year Republican incumbent Frank Padavan, received the endorsement of City Council Member Margaret Chin - the first Asian American and the first Chinese American elected to represent New York City's Chinatown in the city council, and the first Asian American woman elected to the city council. “Tony Avella is the kind of elected leader that we need in Albany,” stated Council Member Chin, standing in front of the Flushing Public Library. “He has remained a champion for good government and consistently fought for his constituents while a member of the New York City Council. The residents of the city and the state need someone like Tony to stand up for the best interests of his community and to demand that other elected officials do the same instead of looking out for themselves.”
- Sen. Dave Valesky gets backing of Independence Party; accuses little-known pianist Andrew Russo of “sour grapes” and “paranoia”– Independence Party Chairman Frank MacKay overruled local endorsements and gave his party’s line to Sen. Valesky. After his opponent reacted with an angry and hate-filled press release, Sen. Valesky’s campaign responded: “Apparently our opponent is having an extra large serving of sour grapes this morning, sprinkled with misguided paranoia. The fact is that while our opponent was actively seeking the Independence line from the same leaders he now condemns, Sen. Valesky was collecting signatures from rank and file members of the party, gathering almost twice the required number from the party’s grassroots. New York State faces real problems and Sen. Valesky has been working to clean up Albany, protect farmers and sportsmen, and bring good jobs back to our community.”
- Sen. William Stachowski receives Independence line endorsement – In an important step to help aid his reelection efforts, the state Independence Party decided to give their ballot line to Sen. William Stachowski. The state party overruled the local Erie County endorsements, which were surrounded with rumors of dirty politics and quid-pro-quo dealing. “In overruling the decision of Erie County Independence Party Chair Sandy Rosenswie, state Chairman MacKay has sent a strong message: quid pro quo deals aren’t how you win nominations,” Sen. Stachowski said.
Empire State Pride Agenda Releases First Round of Endorsements
By Mike Connery on 07/13/2010 @ 02:58 PM
Empire State Pride Agenda has announced their first round of candidate endorsements, and a number of New York Senate Dems candidates made the list, including Regina Calcaterra, Brian Foley, Tony Avella, Mike Gianaris, Mike Kaplowitz, Didi Barrett, and Dave Valesky.
Statement from Empire state Pride Agenda below:
New York, NY, July 13, 2010— The Empire State Pride Agenda, New York’s statewide lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, has announced today its first round of endorsements for the 2010 Primary and General Elections. The 20 candidates endorsed have either been strong allies of the LGBT community in the New York State Legislature on issues at the top of the Pride Agenda’s public policy agenda, or have pledged their support on such issues including marriage equality for same-sex couples, ending legal discrimination against transgender New Yorkers and increasing funding for LGBT health and human services providers. The complete list of issues that candidates were questioned on can be seen on the Pride Agenda’s candidate questionnaire at:
http://prideagenda.org/Portals/0/campaigns/Pride%20Agenda%20State%20Legislative %20Candidate%20Questionnaire-2010.pdf.
“We view this election as a crucial step toward accomplishing our governmental priorities for New York’s LGBT community,” said Executive Director Ross Levi. “We need—and will only be endorsing—candidates who already are or will be unabashed legislative allies who demonstrate their support for LGBT equality and justice with complete clarity.”
Daily Campaign Roundup: Democrats On Top Of Ethics Reform
By Mike Connery on 06/24/2010 @ 02:45 PM
TODAY'S CAMPAIGN ROUND-UP.... Today's installment of campaign-related news. Sen. Craig Johnson and Regina Calcaterra commit to comprehensive ethics reform. Sens. Valesky and Stewart-Cousins helping New York's citizens and businesses. GOP-linked BP to be sued by State of New York
- Sen. Craig Johnson and Democratic Candidates Regina Calcaterra and Didi Barrett sign New York Uprising pledge - Sen. Johnson, Calcaterra, and Barrett signed the New York Uprising pledge yesterday, committing to bring reform to Albany. Sen. Johnson said "If sunshine is the best disinfectant, then these common sense proposals are the solar flare that is needed to truly reform Albany." Calcaterra added: "State government is a mess created by decades of bad decisions... These pledges represent an honest step toward improving New York's government, and I proudly sign my name to them." Barrett explained: “Albany is in desperate need for reform. The Brennan Center for Justice describes New York State government as one of the most dysfunctional in the nation. I decided to become a candidate because I have the skills and determination to change the way things are done, or not done, in Albany.”
- Sen. Andrea Stewart-Cousins pushes Small Business Energy Assistance & Advocacy Services Program through Senate - Legislation to reduce energy costs on small businesses, sponsored by Senator Stewart-Cousins, passed in the Senate yesterday. The bill is part of a legislative package that will significantly reduce the costs of energy for homeowners and businesses, putting money back into the pockets of families and making businesses more competitive.
- Senate Passes Sen. David Valesky's legislation that creates system to locate missing vulnerable adults - Legislation sponsored by Senator Valesky that will create a “Gold Alert” adult alert system for vulnerable and elderly New Yorkers passed the Senate yesterday. “Too many lives have been lost as a result of adults with cognitive impairment wandering from home,” Senator Valesky said. “The Gold Alert puts their safety, and the peace of mind of their families, at the forefront.”
- BP getting sued by New York State over pension funds - State Controller Thomas DiNapoli announced that he is suing BP on behalf of the state pension fund. In a statement, DiNapoli accused BP of misleading investors about its safety procedures and its ability to respond to events like the ongoing oil spill. "We're going to hold it accountable. It's my duty to protect the interests of the fund and the retirees and employees who rely on it," DiNapoli said. This is more bad news for the Senate GOP, whose extensive ties with GP we already exposed
Daily Campaign Roundup: Democrats Stand Up To Bullies
By Mike Connery on 06/23/2010 @ 02:45 PM
TODAY'S CAMPAIGN ROUND-UP.... Today's installment of campaign-related news. Democrats in Senate pass comprehensive anti-bullying legislation, while some Republicans object. Stachowski stands up for firefighters. Avella speaks out against Flushing Commons Project.
- Three lone Republicans oppose anti-bullying legislation in Senate - The Senate passed the Dignity For All bill yesterday, which will combat bias-based bullying, harassment and discrimination in the state's public schools. Amazingly, three Republicans - John DeFrancisco, George Maziarz, and Dale Volker - found themselves incapable of supporting schoolchildren and voted against the bill.
- Sen. William Stachowski helps Armor Volunteer Fire Company survive- Senator William Stachowski sponsored legislation that passed through the Senate which releases the Armor Volunteer Fire Company in Hamburg from the requirement that states that no more than forty-five percent of the company's members can be non-residents. “In this economic climate, it is very difficult for some volunteer fire companies to recruit new members to replace those who may have to move out of the district,” he said.
- Senate unanimously passed bill sponsored by Sen. David Valesky banning use of embalming fluid as a recreational drug - Senators voted to make it a misdemeanor yesterday to possess embalming with the intent to inhale it, ingest it or sell it to someone to do so. The vote was 61-0, and the legislation was sponsored by Sen. Valesky.
- Democratic Candidate Tony Avella speaking out against Flushing Commons Project - Tony Avella, running against Republican incumbent Frank Padavan in Queens- is leading a rally today opposing the Flushing Commons Project . Avella believes that the project will overwhelm an already dense downtown area. He explained: ”The project is way too large for the proposed location, and given that, and its history, the site may be a once and future graveyard for the Flushing community and the small businesses that make it such a unique destination for people all over the city.”
Daily Campaign Roundup: Republican Disunity Deepens
By Mike Connery on 06/16/2010 @ 02:45 PM
TODAY'S CAMPAIGN ROUND-UP.... Today's installment of campaign-related news. Republican disunity deepens, and the praise for Dutchess/Columbia County Democratic Candidate Didi Barrett continues to grow.
- The Republican party to become even more divided- Conservative Carl Paladino – scorned by the GOP as he sought their nomination for governor– is now using his millions to form a new right-wing party and is deciding what to name it. We can think of some ideas…
- Possible split between Bloomberg and Senate Republicans- The Senate Republicans' refusal yesterday to support the microstamping bill may cost the desperate bunch the financial support of New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg. Bloomberg traveled to Albany to lobby for the bill's passage. “I would say the relationship suffered a major setback,” said a source intimately involved in the debate. “The mayor cares very much about guns. If the Republicans couldn’t give him three votes on a microstamping bill, what does that mean if they take back the majority? They’ll never put a gun bill on the floor.”
- SD 41 Democratic Candidate Didi Barrett continues to draw attention- Room 8 New York Politics ran a glowing piece on Barrett, who they say “brings a breath of fresh air to New York State's insular politics that will surely work to clean up the mess that Albany now finds itself in.”
- Sen. Dave Valesky helps orchard, vineyard owners- Sen. Valesky is receiving praise for pushing a law that streamlines a property tax exemption for new or replanted vineyards or orchards. The law will promote growth and investment in vineyards and orchards throughout New York.
- The American Farmland Trust is applauding recently passed state legislation that was co-sponsored by Sen. Darrel Aubertine- Sen. Aubertine’s legislation, signed into law on May 25th, makes it easier for farmers to participate in New York’s Farmland Protection Program. “This will expand the opportunities for farmers throughout the state by enabling land trusts to help farmers apply for preservation grants,” Sen. Aubertine said.
The Dominoes Continue to Fall - Republicans Contend with Primaries and Retirements
By Mike Connery on 06/06/2010 @ 01:14 PM
Another day and another domino falls in a chain reaction of events that looks to dash GOP hopes of retaking the State Senate in November. Three stories this weekend continue the trend we've been monitoring for weeks.
First up, Capital News reports that a contentious Republican primary between between concert pianist Andrew Russo and East Syracuse Mayor Danny Liedka is setting up the GOP for a repeat (defeat) performance in the district currently represented by Democrat David Valesky:
Six years later, Republicans appear to have a shot at retaking the seat from Valesky, which would considerably bolster their odds of winning back the upper chamber. But a potentially divisive Republican primary between East Syracuse Mayor Danny Liedka and Andrew Russo, a concert pianist, threatens to again thrash GOP hopes.
In addition, Russo has already gotten the Conservative Party’s endorsement to run on its line in November, which would present problems for Liedka and the GOP if he emerges as their nominee. Russo said that he would run an active general election campaign on the Conservative line regardless, unlike Dadey, who Russo said did not actively campaign on the Independence and Conservative lines in 2004.
The primary was sparked, in part, because local Republican county chairs have unable to pick a candidate in the race, announcing in mid-March that they were deadlocked. (Russo won the backing of Onondoga County, which has the highest Republican registration in the district, while Russo took Madison County, which has the second highest registration.)
This local primary is microcosm of a larger trend we've seen among the GOP across the state. New York Republicans are in chaos, unable to field strong challengers from within the party ranks, short on cash and facing primary challengers from the right and left. Indeed, the SRCC appears to be supporting Russo over one of their own purely because of his cash-on-hand advantage over Leidka:
But fearing the consequences of a heated primary in a district they have serious hopes of winning, the Senate Republican Campaign Committee has made no such promises, announcing in mid-May the unusual decision to back Russo in the intra-party struggle. Leadership of the SRCC says that it will be willing to put staffers into the district and recruit elected officials to campaign on Russo’s behalf.
Fundraising was a major factor in the SRCC’s decision: Russo had $96,000 cash on hand as of the January campaign finance filing, while Liedka acknowledges he has raised far less, though he has not made any official financial disclosure.
Meanwhile, both the Ithaca Journal and Democrat and Chronicle published stories examining the difficulties Republicans face due to the large number of retirements. Every week, it seems, brings news of another GOP senate retirement, each of which requires an expenditure of resources to defend previously safe seats and draws the GOP's attention away from top tier races.
Republicans are eagerly hoping they can win back the majority in the state Senate this year, but they unexpectedly face having to defend four seats in which veteran GOP lawmakers are leaving office at year's end.
The four departures complicates Senate Republicans' goal of flipping the tenuous 32-30 seat Democratic majority and regaining control of a chamber the GOP held for more than 40 years before the 2008 elections.
One domino at a time, Republican hopes of recapturing the chamber are fading. While GOP candidates are dropping like flies (or in-fighting like the Lord of the Flies), Democrats are fielding strong challengers in more districts than ever before.
New Yorkers still remember well what 44 years of Republican control of the senate was like. That's why anti-incumbent sentiment is directed strongly at upstate Republicans - holdovers from the reign of Joe Bruno - and why 3/4 of New Yorkers reject Republican control of the Senate.
And that's why 2010 is shaping up to be a good year for Democrats.
What Danny Liedka Really Believes About Dave Valesky
By Mike Connery on 04/23/2010 @ 01:26 PM
It tells you something about a person's character and convictions when someone isn't willing to stand behind their words. It tells you even more when that person actually pretends to be someone else to hide their words.
Earlier today, Liz Benjamin reported that East Syracuse Mayor Danny Liedka sent a dishonest attack into Senator Valesky's district. The attack - a letter - was printed on letterhead made to look like it was issued from Valesky's office and it was written as if it was a personal letter from the Senator. It was even signed "Dave."
The message was quite different from another letter sent out by Liedka's office almost exactly one year ago. In a letter to the editor sent to the Syracuse Post-Standard, Liedka rightly praised Senator Valesky for his extensive work to bring good government to Albany and serve his constituents.
Liedka actually put his name on that letter. I think we all know which one represents an accurate depiction of Senator Valesky and his record.
To the Editor:
Your editorial suggested state Sen. David Valesky, D-Oneida, no longer deserves his title of poster boy for reform because he didn't prevent a closed budget process in Albany. As leaders of municipalities within his district, we intend to keep up his poster.
Since being elected in 2004, he has risen to the heights of the state Senate because of tenacious advocacy for his community and passion for good government. His is an example to emulate.
These are tough economic times that call for tough choices. Like you, our constituents look to Washington and Albany for leadership and direction. To suggest one person could influence an entrenched Albany political institution is misleading. If Sen. Valesky could have, he would have.
Your editorial noted the senator's discouragement over the process, and that he didn't point any fingers. Having known Sen. Valesky over the years, we can assure you finger-pointing isn't his style. Rather, he fights tenaciously for good government and his community.
John Becker, chairman, Madison County Board of Supervisors
John Heindorf, mayor
North Syracuse
Chet Dudzinski, supervisor
Town of Cicero
John Klink, supervisor
Town of Owasco
Mark Tetley, supervisor
Town of Manlius
Dan Liedka, mayor, East Syracuse
Quick Hits from the Trail: Valesky Gets Endorsed, Three-Way in SD-40
By Mike Connery on 04/22/2010 @ 04:08 PM
A few quick hits from the campaign trail today:
- Yet another Republican - Jim Borkowski - is throwing his hat into the ring to replace Senator Vincent Leibell. That makes this a three-way primary.
- Madison County Democrats met and endorsed the reelection of Senator Dave Valesky.
- The Oswego Tea Party does not like Pattie Ritchie.
- Mike DiSanto announced that he is running to take out Brooklyn's last Republican, Martin Golden.
- More press coverage of Breslin's reelection campaign launch.
Oppenheimer, Valesky and Klein Bring Sunshine to Albany
By Mike Connery on 04/19/2010 @ 01:26 PM
The Siena Poll I blogged earlier today had some interesting findings on what New Yorker's think about the possibility of reforming Albany. According to the findings, 83% of New Yorkers believe that Albany can be fixed if the right legislators are in office. Along those lines, I want to highlight some recent work by sitting Democrats that will deliver more transparency and efficiency to our capital.
The first items are pieces of legislation, sponsored by Suzi Oppenheimer and Dave Valesky, during March's "Sunshine Week:"
It may not be the dawning of the age of Aquarius, but state government has taken welcome action recently to let the sun shine in.
During Sunshine Week last month, a time set aside to promote open government, the state Legislature passed a bill strengthening the Open Meeting Law, sponsored by Assemblywoman RoAnn Destito, D-Rome, and Sen. Suzi Oppenheimer, D-Mamaroneck.
Another bill, sponsored by Destito and Sen. David Valesky, D-Oneida, would set guidelines for audio or video recording of all public meetings. A third measure, sponsored by Valesky and J. Gary Pretlow, D-Mount Vernon, directs local government bodies to make sure their meeting rooms are large enough to accommodate the public.
This week, Gov. David Paterson signed all three bills into law. “As a responsible government, we have the duty to inform the public of the state’s business, and these new laws will help to do just that,” Paterson said.
The second is a new website created by Jeff Klein and the Senate Task Force on Government Efficiency to aid whistleblowers in calling out government waste, and crowdsource ideas on how to make government more efficient:
NEW YORK, NY –State Senator and Deputy Majority Leader Jeff Klein (D-Bronx/Westchester) announced Monday that the Senate Task Force on Government Efficiency has launched a new webpage where New Yorkers can anonymously submit their ideas, suggestions and feedback on how the state can conserve resources in this tough fiscal time, as well as to report any suspected wasteful government spending or abuse of tax dollars.
http://www.nysenate.gov/committee/task-force-government-efficiency
These are just a few more small steps that Democrats are taking on a long road towards reforming Albany's dysfunctional culture. By replacing some of the old-guard Republicans that have been in office for decades, we can do even more in the months and years to come.
