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.”
GOP Pit Bull or Just Plain Bully? DeFrancisco Votes Against Schoolchildren
By Mike Connery on 06/23/2010 @ 01:25 PM
15-year Republican incumbent John DeFrancisco is in unfamiliar territory.
While the Senate was under the Republicans control of convicted felon Joe Bruno, DeFrancisco was the “go-to guy for people seeking money” and became accustomed to doling out “tens of millions of dollars of pork.”
Now, with the Democrats in the majority and attempting to clean up the GOP mess, DeFrancisco has taken on another reviled role: that of “GOP pit-bull.”
DeFrancisco may take pride in being a pit-bull, but his constituents need a real representative, not a rabid dog on Dean Skelos' leash. As the GOP pit-bull, and prime spokesperson, DeFrancisco will have to defend numerous questionable activities – such as voting 12 times to shut down state government by opposing recent budget extenders, and masterminding last year’s GOP Senate coup that paralyzed government for over a month.
Most recently, this GOP pit-bull turned into a flat-out playground bully. This week, Derancisco was one of only three senators – to vote against legislation that will protect school students from bullying.
Thankfully, it's hard to teach an old dog new tricks, and the residents of Onondaga county may finally get the representation they deserve. This year, DeFrancisco faces his “first serious contender in years” in the form of Democratic candidate and Syracuse Councilor-at-Large Kathleen Joy.
Onondaga County residents need and deserve a leader that will fight to lower taxes and protect their children -- not a GOP attack dog doing the bidding of Dean Skelos, and certainly not a school-yard bully like John DeFrancisco.
Daily Campaign Roundup: Kathleen Joy vs "the Pit Bull"
By Mike Connery on 06/21/2010 @ 04:22 PM
TODAY'S CAMPAIGN ROUND-UP... Today's installment of campaign-related news. Democratic contenders Kathleen Joy and Mary Wilmot continue to receive attention; Democratic challenger Mark Coppola take stance against 'fusion' voting
- Kathleen Joy dubbed serious contender against "pit-bull" John DeFrancisco - Kathleen Joy has been called the "first serious contender in years" against 17-year incumbent DeFrancisco by local Syracuse media. DeFrancisco is referred to as a "pit-bull" who will have to defend some questionable activities- such as opposing 12 budget extenders in the curent budget negotiations, and pushing the coup that shut down government for over a month last year.
- Democratic Candidate Mary Wilmot's campaign announcement still receiving attention- Mary Wilmot's entrance into the race in SD-55 against incumbent James Alesi has continued to garner press. Wilmot officially entered the race this past weekend.
- Democratic Candidate Marc Coppola promoting reform, shuns minor party lines - Former State Senator Marc Coppola, currently running against incumbent Republican Michael Ranzenhofer in SD-61, made the bold announcement that he will not seek any minor lines on the election ballot this November. Coppola wishes to end 'fusion voting,' as he explains: “We’re in just a small minority of states that still engage in it,” he said. “[The minor parties] hold a disproportionate amount of influence, and it’s high time we get away from this breeding ground for corruption.”
- Sen. Andrew Stewart-Cousins protecting children's health and nutrition - The Yonkers Insider ran a release from Sen. Stewart-Cousins hailing legislation she pushed through the Senate that will preserve good health and nutrition as part of early childhood development.
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.
Kathleen Joy to Challenge John DeFrancisco
By Mike Connery on 05/11/2010 @ 12:07 PM
Syracuse Common Counselor-At-Large Kathleen Joy announced this morning that she will challenge 18-year incumbent John DeFrancisco for New York's 50th Senate District.
KATHLEEN JOY ANNOUNCES CANDIDACY FOR 50TH STATE SENATE DISTRICT City Councilor-At-Large Will Bring Fresh Perspective to the 50th District (Syracuse, N.Y.)--Kathleen Joy, Syracuse City Councilor-At-Large, announced that she is officially a candidate to represent the 50th District in the New York State. The 50th district comprises parts of both Onondaga County and the city of Syracuse.
“The people of the 50th Senate District are hungry for a change in the way we do the people’s business in Albany. I am ready to bring public service back to the community, making decisions which serve our community, not serve personal political gain,” Kathleen said.
She will be joined by City of Syracuse Mayor Stephanie A. Miner, Onondaga County Democratic Chairwoman Diane Dwire and dozens of supporters at Onondaga Lake Park today to kick off her candidacy.
“As Chair of the Economic Development Committee, Kathleen has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to advocating for smart economic development policies designed to create
Kathleen Joy is a serious candidate with a history of working across the aisle to get things done for her community. She has regularly sponsored legislation to promote green infrastructure, building standards and open space, and she also initiated many of the housing programs embraced by the Syracuse City Administration and adopted by the Common Council.
But she's going to need help to defeat an 18 year incumbent in what will surely be a tough-fought race. You can sign up to volunteer, or make a small donation to her campaign at http://kathleenjoy.org.
Big Announcement Tomorrow in SD-50
By Mike Connery on 05/10/2010 @ 03:26 PM
The Onondaga County Democratic Committee is set to make a big announcement tomorrow about SD-50. Details below. We'll have a lot more about this tomorrow.
DATE: May 10, 2010
CONTACT: Diane Dwire, Onondaga County Democratic Committee, 315-422-0345 or onondagadems@gmail.com
***MEDIA ADVISORY*** The Onondaga County Democratic Committee will make a MAJOR announcement about an official candidate for the 50th State Senate District.
WHERE: Sawmill Pavilion, Willow Bay Picnic Area, Onondaga Lake Park, Liverpool
WHEN: 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, May 11
DETAILS: The 50th State Senate district comprises parts of both the city of Syracuse and Onondaga County. At the announcement, the candidate will be joined by supporters to introduce themselves to the district and to outline their candidacy. A media availability with the candidate will be held after the announcement. Please direct media inquiries to Diane Dwire at 315-422-0345.
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The Truth About Budget Extenders
By Mike Connery on 04/27/2010 @ 12:18 PM
Yesterday the Democratic Majority Conference passed another round of budget extenders. The extenders are receiving the lion's share of media attention this morning, so it's worth taking some time to know what exactly is included in the extender, and why Republicans who vote against the extenders are not only hypocritical, but also working against the interests of the public, who rely on the jobs and services the extenders provide.
First, a look at what, exactly, the extender's fund:
- $2.57 billion mandated payments to schools for General Aid Payments not associated with the Executive’s delays of school aid payments.
- $2.5 billion for local providers of the Medical Assistance Program including:
- $1.45 billion for payments to Medicaid providers including:
- $900 million for medical services provided by State facilities operated by OMH, OMRDD and OASAS.
- $311 million for nursing home services.
- $261 million for managed care services.
- $234 million for long term care services.
- $172 million for hospital inpatient services.
- $137 million for pharmacy services
- $67 million for non-institutional and other spending.
- $30 million for outpatient and emergency room services
- $29 million for clinical services
- $12 million for transportation services
- $7 million for dental services
- $40 million for contracts approved prior to April 1, 2010 where payments must be made during the period from April 1, 2010 to May 2, 2010.
- $40 million for contracts approved in the period from April 1, 2010 to May 2, 2010 where payments must be made during the same period.
As is readily apparent, these are all vital services that New Yorkers rely upon, and represent thousands of jobs that are putting food on the table and a roof over the heads of New York families. Those who support this extender are supporting our troopers, guardsmen, corrections officers, nurses, and social service workers who care for our veterans, the homeless, and mentally disabled.
Which leads me to my next topic. Seventeen Republicans voted against the extender: DeFrancisco, Flanagan, Golden, Hannon, O. Johnson, Larkin, Libous, Marcellino, Maziarz, Nozzolio, Ranzenhofer, Seward, Skelos, Volker, Griffo, Winner and Young. Many of these Republicans have been in office for a decade or more. They had no problem voting for budget extenders when they controlled the chamber.
- 2008: 9 days late/ 2 extenders
- 2004: 133 days late/ 12 extenders
- 2003: 42 days late/ 5 extenders
- 2002: 42 days late/ 8 extenders
- 2001: 125 days late/ 12 extenders
- 2000: 39 days late/ 3 extenders
- 1999: 126 days late/ 19 extenders
- 1998: 14 days late/ 4 extenders
- 1997: 126 days late/ 10 extenders
- 1996: 104 days late/ 14 extenders
- 1995: 68 days late/ 10 extenders
Plainly, Republican opposition to the budget extenders isn't about taking a principled stand. It's about showboating for voters and shirking tough decisions. It's playing politics with people's lives and jobs. New Yorkers deserve more.
Poison Party?
By Mike Connery on 04/21/2010 @ 11:10 AM
Helping children is usually about as uncontroversial an issue as you can find in politics. Children are our future. Everyone is for children. Unless you're in the New York GOP.
Yesterday, as part of a package of Earth Day related legislation, the State Senate passed a bill sponsored by Brian Foley that prohibits the use of certain toxic chemicals for pesticide and weed control at schools.
Bill Before New York State Lawmakers Would Ban Use of Pesticides on School Playing Fields
Chemical companies are pressing lawmakers to vote against the bill. They say pesticides are highly regulated and safe to use.
Children are especially susceptible to pesticides because of their small size and still-developing organs, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Rather than a purely chemical approach, the agency recommends schools use Integrated Pest Management, which combines several more organic and less toxic techniques to manage pests and weeds, such as overseeding, mowing grass taller, watering less and applying “compost tea,” a liquefied form of compost.
“Put simply, IPM is a safer, and usually less costly option for effective pest management in a school community,” EPA regulators said.
It's not just safer, though. It could also save schools money in the long term:
Schools would see a slight increase in cost during the first two years of IPM, but after the third year, the price would fall about 25 percent below the costs of chemical lawn treatment, according to a study by Grassroots Environmental Education, a nonprofit public health advocacy group in Nassau County. That group has offered free training to school groundskeepers on ways to care for fields without pesticides.
Keeps kids healthy? Check. Fiscally responsible? Check. So why are 22 GOP Senators opposed to this again?
Would Senate Republicans Prefer a Government Shutdown?
By Mike Connery on 04/20/2010 @ 01:26 PM
Yesterday the State Senate voted to pass budget extenders that will fund the essential functions of government and protect vital services on which millions of New Yorkers depend. The budget extenders allow the state to continue paying our troopers, guardsmen, corrections officers, nurses, and social service workers who care for our veterans, the homeless, and mentally disabled. They provide funds for Medicaid, Social Security, and Unemployment.
Without these extenders, the state cannot function, and New Yorkers already struggling to make ends meet with take yet another hard hit. This is a big deal, with an immediate impact on the lives of hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of the state's residents. So it's worth noting that 16 Republicans - as they have so often since they lost the majority - said 'No' to a functioning government, 'No' to services for their constituents, and 'No' to paying the first responders we rely upon in emergencies by voting against the budget extenders.
Here is the list of Republicans who voted against yesterday's bill. It's a wall of shame if ever there was one:
- John DeFrancisco
- John Flanagan
- Martin Golden
- Joe Griffo
- Kemp Hannon
- William Larkin
- Ken LaValle
- Tom Libous
- Carl Marcellino
- Michael Nozzolio
- Michael Ranzenhofer
- James Seward
- Dean Skelos
- Dale Volker
- George Winner
- Catharine Young
Here's my question. With so many New Yorkers struggling, and the state facing one of the biggest fiscal crises in recent memory, does this gang of 16 really think shutting down parts of the government and letting vital services lapse is a good idea? I wonder if their constituents would agree with their answer.
DeFrancisco Flips Out, Derails Budget Debate
By Mike Connery on 04/20/2010 @ 10:52 AM
John DeFrancisco is not one for nuance.
Yesterday, DeFrancisco took to the Senate floor to rail against Democrats for a robocall fielded in his district over the weekend. Unfortunately, DeFrancisco failed to make a crucial distinction. The call was fielded by the New York Senate Dems, not the Senate Majority Conference. The two have completely different staffs, and not a single minute was taken away from budget negotiations or other Senate business to work on the calls.
The same could not be said for DeFrancisco's politically-motivated tirade, which directly took time away from an important debate on the budget extension passed yesterday. The extenders provide crucial funding for our troopers, guardsmen, corrections officers, nurses, and social service workers who care for our veterans, the homeless, and mentally disabled.
The irony of the situation was lost on DeFrancisco, but that's not suprising. The economic well-being of New Yorkers was far from his mind - he was one of 14 16 Republicans to vote against the budget extenders.
New York Senate Dems Hits Republicans on Taxes and Budget
By Mike Connery on 04/16/2010 @ 05:26 PM
Yesterday was tax day, and once again hard-working New Yorkers sent too much of their tax dollars to Albany.
While New Yorkers continue to pay more than their fair share, Republicans are sitting on the sidelines, running from decades-long record of taxing, spending and borrowing away the financial stability of our state. To add insult to injury, they are refusing to participate constructively in the current budget process, and trying to blame Democrats for their own mess.
New York Senate Dems are determined to hold Republicans accountable for these actions.
Today we launched a series of robocalls into the districts of 14 Republicans who are ducking and dodging their record on taxes while the people of New York foot the bill. Calls were placed into the districts of Dean Skelos, Steve Saland, Hugh Farley, Roy McDonald, Owen Johnson, Kemp Hannon, John DeFrancisco, Tom Libous, Joe Robach, Michael Ranzenhofer, Ken LaValle, James Alesi, Frank Padavan and Joe Griffo.
Voters in each of those districts received a call informing them of their Senator's record on the budget and taxes, and asking them to call and ask their Senator to work with Democrats to resolve our state's budget crisis.
You can listen to a few of those calls below:
Dean Skelos
Kemp Hannon
Owen Johnson
Senate Republicans bear the brunt of responsibility for landing us in our current fiscal straits. They owe it to their constituents, and to all New Yorkers, to engage in good faith negotiations to help fix their mess.
We're not going to let them run from their record any longer.
Ed Note - We're still in beta and working out the hiccups, and this post was accidentally deleted from our system on Monday April 19th. A new copy was uploaded on Tuesday April 20.
