Senate Republicans Already Breaking Their Promise
By Josh Cherwin on 03/01/2011 @ 01:50 PM
New Yorkers want to see real change in Albany; but it's only a few months into the new year and we're seeing the same broken promises from Senate Republicans.
Prior to the 2010 elections, every Republican candidate for State Senate made a promise to work with Democrats to clean up Albany. Less than two months into the start of the new legislative session, those same Republicans are breaking their promise, abandoning the reforms Albany needs and the public expects. Today former Mayor Ed Koch called on Albany legislators to act on their promise and pass a bill for independent redistricting. Members of the NY State Senate Democratic Conference joined him in this effort. The Albany Times Union was there to cover the story. Here's an excerpt from the Capital Confidential blog "Koch: Skelos is reneging on redistricting promise"
...Koch said he had just met with Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos, R-Long Island, who said he would not back a bill currently wending its way through the Senate because he believes changes to the redistricting process — currently handled by representatives of both legislative houses, and resulting in districts often derided as gerrymandered — require amendments to the state’s constitution.
“We now know where stand, which ain’t too good,” Koch said. “The reason he gives is it’s not constitutional to do this…this is, of course, not acceptable to us. We believe it is simply an effort to derail the operation.”
At its most rapid, a constitutional amendment could not be in place until 2013 — after lines are drawn for the five election cycles starting with 2012.
The former mayor, now 86, traveled the state during the last election cycle to rally support for candidates who agreed to sign on to independent redistricting and other reform measures. Skelos and all members of the Republican conference, publicly, signed onto his pledge.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo last month submitted a bill to the legislature that would take redistricting out of the hands of legislative leaders, and vowed to veto any lines drawn under the current system.
Cuomo’s bill was introduced in the Assembly by Speaker Sheldon Silver, D-Manhattan. The sponsor of a similar measure, Assemblyman Hakeem Jeffries, said Silver has “at least expressed an interest in changing the procedure…he’s said he will not stand in the way of reform.”
He expressed that commitment before Cuomo’s State of the State PowerPoint presentation. Koch had once labeled Silver the biggest enemy of reform, but said this when asked: “He’s come a long way. He may be the leader of reform.”
Skelos has blocked Democrats trying to co-sponsor Cuomo’s measure in the Senate. Senate Democrats attacked the Republicans who bounced them from the majority last year as hypocrites. There are more Democrats than Republicans in New York, and Democrats charged that Republicans are clinging to their control of the redistricting to draw lines that will allow them to continue in the majority.
Senate Minority Leader John Sampson said Skelos’ reversal was the “height of hypocrisy” and showed “selective amnesia.” Sen. Mike Gianaris, D-Queens and the sponsor of a bill similar to Cuomo’s, said the Republicans’ new position was “shameful” and a “disgrace.”
“Not since the first President Bush told us to read his lips have we seen a more dramatic turnaround on a campaign promise,” Gianaris said.
Koch’s group, New York Uprising, committed to funding 100,000 robocalls and patch-through calls targeting those standing in the way of the bill. A release on that is after the jump.
Below is a clip of Senator Mike Gianaris at the Koch Press Conference on Independent Redistricting 3/1/2011
Freshman Senators Promote Albany Reforms
By Mike Connery on 01/11/2011 @ 10:50 AM
Four of our freshman Senators, including new DSCC Chair Mike Gianaris, appeared last week on State of Politics with Liz Benjamin. Check out the video as they discuss positive changes in the Democratic conference and promote much-needed Albany reforms.Frank Padavan Lied About His Role in the State Senate Coup
By Mike Connery on 10/22/2010 @ 04:45 PM
No One Cares Less Than Frank Padavan
By Mike Connery on 10/14/2010 @ 12:05 PM
Women for Tony Avella launched a new video today, highlighting Frank Padavan's atrocious record on women's issues and featuring women from the district calling for the election of Tony Avella.Hitting a similar theme today, Planned Parenthood takes political protection to a new level. The group is distributing condoms at bars in the 11th Senate District warning voters to protect themselves from incumbent Frank Padavan.
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.
Avella: I’m Running to Take on the MTA
By Mike Connery on 09/13/2010 @ 04:00 PM
The MTA is holding public hearings this evening to discuss another round of fare hikes and proposed route cuts. Although the MTA has already implemented service cuts and layoffs, the authority says the hikes are necessary to close its budget gap, but hard working New Yorkers are feeling the burden of higher fares and decreased service in their daily lives.
Gene Russianoff of the Straphangers Campaign advocates participation in these hearings, saying “you can’t win it if you’re not in it.” Tony Avella, for one, is stepping forward to take on the MTA to fight for the rights of commuters and New Yorkers. Watch Avella’s statement on the MTA and why he’s running for state senate:
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.
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.
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.
Tony Avella To Shake Up Albany
By Mike Connery on 08/05/2010 @ 02:56 PM
Tony Avella was the subject of a glowing profile by Nathan Duke, of YourNabe.com, titled " Avella promises to shake up Albany politics." Avella is running against Republican incumbent Frank Padavan, who has routinely raised taxes and increased state spending in his nearly four decade tenure in the Senate.
Duke highlighted Avella's determination to "push the envelope in Albany" and clean up a government that has become defined by dysfunction. “I think a lot of people are turned off and disgusted by what they see,” Avella said. “There is dissatisfaction with the government. I tell people you can’t not vote because then the system will keep going along. I think we should shake it up.
Avella described how he views himself as more of a “civic member" than as a politician. “I think I bring an ethical standard to government,” he said. “I had a 100 percent attendance record [on the Council]. When I ran for mayor, I still did my job. I have a real dedication to being an elected official.
This profile comes on the heels of The Albany Project's positive profile of Avella and his campaign, which was posted earlier this week. In that interview, Avella declared that he believes that "it is essential to place limits on the ever increasing property taxes and address increases from annual property tax assessments." On the way the Senate operates, he said that "clearly, the Senate must have greater transparency, allow members greater opportunities for input and have much stronger ethics rules."
The district Avella is running in, SD-11, covers a number of Queens neighborhoods, including Bayside, Douglaston, Queens Village, Bellerose, Flushing, Whitestone, Little Neck, College Point, Hollis, Jamaica Estates, Glen Oaks and Floral Park.
Daily Campaign Roundup: Empire State Pride Agenda Endorses Slew of Democratic Candidates
By Mike Connery on 08/03/2010 @ 04:17 PM
TODAY'S CAMPAIGN ROUND-UP.... Today's installment of campaign-related news. The Empire State Pride Agenda endorses a slew of Democratic incumbents and Democratic challengers -- and not a single Republican. Democratic Candidate Mike Kaplowitz gets independence line.
- The Empire State Pride Agenda endorses a slew of Democratic candidates - The Empire State Pride Agenda, the statewide, bi-partisan civil rights and political advocacy organization dedicated to winning equality and justice for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) New Yorkers, endorsed seven incumbent Democratic Senators and four Democratic challengers in their second round of 2010 endorsements. Not a single Republican was endorsed by the group. “These endorsements are the product of careful consideration by the Pride Agenda’s staff and Political Action Committee,” said executive director Ross Levi in a statement. “Our decisions are not based on a single issue, but a comprehensive review of a candidate’s positions and record, as well an assessment of his or her leadership qualities.”
- Democratic Candidate Mike Kaplowitz gets Independence line - Mike Kaplowitz has secured the Independence Party line in the November election. He was chosen after an interview and endorsement process. “Voters in the Hudson Valley have shown time and again that they want to be represented by legislators who are independent of the special interests as well as the Albany leadership of both the Republican and Democratic Parties,” Kaplowitz said in a statement. “As an Independent Democrat on the Westchester Board of Legislators, I have been able to lead the way toward cutting millions in waste from the budget, consolidating departments to save money, and reforming pensions.”
Daily Campaign Roundup: League of Conservation Voters Endorses Numerous Democrats
By Mike Connery on 08/02/2010 @ 03:23 PM
TODAY'S CAMPAIGN ROUND-UP.... Today's installment of campaign-related news. The NYLCV endorses 14 Democratic incumbents and five Democratic challengers. New York in contention for Race To The Top Funding because of leadership of Sen. Sampson and Senate Democrats. Democratic Candidate Tony Avella speaks of tax caps and a more transparent Senate in an interview with The Albany Project. Democratic Candidate Regina Calcaterra bringing a "different style" in her campaign out on Long Island.
- New York League of Conservation Voters endorses a slew of Democrats - The NYLCV, a non-partisan, policy making and political action organization that works to make environmental protection a top priority, announced their support of numerous Democratic Senators and candidates this morning. They endorsed 14 incumbent Democrats and 5 challengers - Dave Mejias, Susan Savage, Joanne Yepsen, Kathleen Joy, and Mary Wilmot. NYLCV President Marcia Bystryn had this to say specifically about Savage: “Susan Savage is exactly the kind of 21st century leader that New York needs. Susan knows that a healthy environment, green jobs and clean energy are not luxuries for the good times – they are the ways forward to a stronger, more economically vibrant New York.”
- If New York wins $700 million in Race To The Top funding, Senate Democrats are to thank - Joe Williams, Executive Director of Democrats for Education Reform, wrote an op-ed in The New York Daily News today that argued the leadership of Senate Majority Leader John Sampson and his fellow Democratic senators are responsible for New York still being in the race for federal dollars. Going forward, Williams argued, "the commitment the Democrats demonstrated for reform needs to be matched by elected officials, school districts and unions across the state."
- Democratic Candidate Tony Avella interviewed by The Albany Project - Tony Avella, running against 38-year Republican incumbent Frank Padavan, was interviewed by The Albany Project. Readers were free to send in questions in advance to ask the former City Councilman. When it came to taxes, Avella declared that he believes that "it is essential to place limits on the ever increasing property taxes and address increases from annual property tax assessments." On the way the Senate operates, Avella said that "clearly, the Senate must have greater transparency, allow members greater opportunities for input and have much stronger ethics rules."
- Newsday: Regina Calcaterra brings "different style" in State Senate Race - Dan Janison, of Newsday, profiled the race between Regina Calcaterra and 34-year Republican incumbent Ken LaValle. He mentioned that Calcaterra is" hailed by her supporters as a sharp, energetic fighter" and mentioned her work representing the state's pension system in the high-profile lawsuit against WorldCom.
Daily Campaign Roundup: Tony Avella is Taking Questions
By Mike Connery on 07/29/2010 @ 04:13 PM
TODAY'S CAMPAIGN ROUND-UP.... Today's installment of campaign-related news. Tony Avella is taking questions at The Albany Project. Republican challenger Anthony Como forced to return misused campaign cash. Republican incumbent Martin Golden drops petty petition challenge of Democratic challenger Mike DiSanto.
- What would you ask Democratic Candidate Tony Avella? - In their second installment of interviews of Democratic State Senate challengers, The Albany Project will be interviewing Tony Avella, who is challenging 38-year Republican incumbent Frank Padavan. Padavan scraped by in 2008, defeating Councilman Jim Gennaro by only 480 votes after a lengthy recount. Everyone is encouraged to send in questions for Avella here.
- Martin Golden drops petition challenge - Incumbent Republican Martin Golden, facing his first election contest in years, has dropped his challenge of Democratic Candidate Mike DiSanto's petitions. DiSanto declared that he was not surprised by the Golden campaign’s challenge, adding that it is not unusual for “entrenched” incumbent politicians to challenge opponent petition signatures. “Everyone in the community knows my signatures are valid,” said DiSanto. “We live in a democracy and do not crown kings in America. I will not be intimidated by those who seek to undermine the political freedom that our country was founded upon,” With 2,100 signatures, he collected over twice the number required.
- Republican challenger forced to repay improperly used campaign funds - Former New York City Council Member Anthony Como, a Republican running for State Senate against Sen. Joe Addabbo, has been ordered to repay nearly $13,000 in unspent and misspent funds to the New York City Campaign Finance Board. The charges stem from his losing 2008 general election Council loss to Elizabeth Crowley. The repayment includes $6,800 that was spent impermissibly on phone and copy machine contracts for his campaign office that spanned well beyond Election Day, repayments of unspent campaign funds, and $100 spent on a newspaper ad for the Holy Child Jesus Team Drama Club that the CFB deemed not campaign related.
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.
Daily Campaign Roundup: Independence Line in Doubt for Some GOP
By Mike Connery on 07/14/2010 @ 01:54 AM
TODAY'S CAMPAIGN ROUND-UP.... Today's installment of campaign-related news. Sen. Darrel Aubertine receives education award, called a "hero" by state's largest farmer advocacy organization. Democratic Candidate Regina Calcaterra slams her opponent for deceiving voters about his record. Republican Candidates Frank Padavan and Andrew Como to possibly lose important Independence Line ballot access.
- Independence Party divide threatens to boot Republican Candidates Frank Padavan and Andrew Como from ballot line – Dysfunction within the Independence Party could cost two Republican State Senate candidates the crucial Independence line this fall, according to State Independence Party chair Frank MacKay. 38-year Republican incumbent Frank Padavan, who is being challenged by former New York City Council Member Tony Avella, and Anthony Como, who is challenging Democratic Sen. Joe Addabbo, have been using signature gatherers from the State Independence Party’s rival New York City faction to help them petition onto the Independence line. “This certainly doesn’t help their cause with the executive committee,” said MacKay.
- Democratic Candidate Regina Calcaterra slams opponent for playing politics as usual and voting to kill small business fund he is now praising – Calcaterra criticized her opponent, 34-year Republican incumbent Ken LaValle, for knowingly deceiving voters on Eastern Long Island about his support for jobs creation, saying he supports a measure to fund small businesses even after he voted to kill the legislation. In a press release dated July 9, LaValle touted the recently funded Small Business Revolving Loan Fund as "a valuable resource for small businesses and entrepreneurs" that "encourages job creation." He boasts, “I have always supported creating and protecting jobs throughout the state and, more specifically, our local region." However, LaValle omitted the fact that he voted against that very program by voting against the 2010-11 state budget. “Newsflash for Mr. LaValle: press releases do not create jobs, actions do," said Calcaterra. "This is the worst kind of hypocrisy, taking credit for a program you voted against. Once again we see Republicans playing political games that are typical of an Albany insider. We need honest representatives in the Senate who vote their convictions, not try to score points by playing with people’s jobs.”
- Sen. Darrel Aubertine receives Rural Schools Association ‘Appreciation Award’, deemed a ‘hero’ by New York Farm Bureau – The New York State Rural Schools Association honored Sen. Aubertine with its annual Appreciation Award for his work on behalf of rural schools. “We’d like to acknowledge the contributions the Senator is making as chair of the Rural Resources Commission and his continued support for both the Center for Rural Schools at Cornell and the Rural Education Advisory Committee,” said Lawrence A. Kiley, executive director of the Rural Schools Association. “It’s all indicative of the support the Senator is showing the small and rural school districts of New York State. Particularly in times like these, our association is appreciative of the fact that we have someone who advocates for and understands rural New York.”
Sen. Aubertine also received strong backing from the New York Farm Bureau this week after his Republican challenger, Patricia Ritchie, attacked Democrats for cutting funds for agriculture programs over the past two years. The state's largest farmer advocacy organization came to Sen. Aubertine’s defense and consider him to be "a hero," said Peter Gregg, a New York Farm Bureau spokesman. "Agriculture was almost exclusively the only portion of the state budget that was able to restore at least partial funding," he continued. "We are extremely grateful for Sen. Aubertine. He worked miracles to get the funding restored at the levels at which he did. There was absolutely no money and he somehow found it… He worked really hard this spring and this early summer on this farm labor that would have really wiped us out if it passed," Mr. Gregg said. "He fought for us tooth and nail. And for that, we consider him a hero."
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: Wilmot Fights For Schools
By Mike Connery on 06/29/2010 @ 02:45 PM
TODAY'S CAMPAIGN ROUND-UP.... Today's installment of campaign-related news. Mary Wilmot fights for mayoral control of schools while Republican James Alesi refuses to take stand. Tony Avella continues to stand up for Queens residents while Republican incumbent Frank Padavan is AWOL from Senate. Sen. Andrea Stewart-Cousins pushes more legislation through Senate.
- Democratic Candidate Mary Wilmot comes out in favor of mayoral control of schools - Wilmot announced yesterday that she is in favor of mayoral control of city schools. Such a bill is close to passage in the Senate. Her opponent, Republican James Alesi, has been too afraid to take a position on the issue yet. The time is now to stand up for the children of the Rochester City School District,” said Wilmot. “Our City School District children and their parents deserve better than the silence and indecision coming from Mr. Alesi’s office. … New York taxpayers spend $18,000 a year per student, we graduate only 46% of our incoming kids, … the silence is deafening, his year long indifference defends an unacceptable status quo.”
- Democratic Candidate Tony Avella slams Frank Padavan for missing budget session – Avella rightfully criticized Republican incumbent Padavan for opting to campaign in his district rather than travel to the Capitol for the Senate’s budget session. “Padavan’s Albany absence is a slap in the face to the hardworking taxpayers in our district,” Avella said. “When he should have been working to resolve the budget crisis and education funding, he was too worried about his own political future.”
Avella also has continued to receive press for leading a protest against MTA service cuts in Queens. One of the most controversial changes was with the Q15A, a new alternate route of the Q15 bus meant to pick up riders stranded by the elimination of the Q14. The route has now routed down a residential stretch of 10th Ave. that residents say is too narrow. - Sen. Andrea Stewart-Cousins pushes safe distance law through Senate - A bill sponsored by Sen. Stewart-Cousins requiring a requiring safe passing distance as a motorist passes a cyclist was passed by the Senate. The bill was introduced after Merrill Cassell was struck and killed by a Bee-Line bus Nov. 6, 2009, in Greenburgh. “The buffer zone is a reasonable and necessary safety precaution for cyclists that often need to maneuver around cracks, potholes or the hazards that cycling on our roads can present,” Stewart-Cousins said. “This legislation will serve to educate the public about the need for motor vehicles and bicyclists to share our roads safely.”
Democrats Help New Yorkers While GOP Helps Themselves
By Mike Connery on 06/28/2010 @ 11:45 AM
TODAY'S CAMPAIGN ROUND-UP.... Today's installment of campaign-related news. Regina Calcaterra fights for higher quality and lower tuition at SUNY schools. Tony Avella stands with Queens residents in protesting MTA service cuts. Democrat Edward O'Shea to run against Republican incumbent Michael Nozzolio. Steve Levy and Senate GOP still desperately plotting. Sens. Aubertine and Johnson passing comprehensive legislation that will help New Yorkers across the state.
- Democratic Candidate Regina Calcaterra assails opponent’s support of SUNY tuition hikes while fighting reform – Calcaterra criticized her opponent, 34-year Republican incumbent Ken LaValle, for fighting much-needed reforms throughout SUNY while being on record as supporting regular tuition hikes for students and their parents. "Before students and their parents have to pay one more additional dollar in tuition at SUNY, we need to institute major accounting and oversight reform throughout the entire state university system," she said. "Ken LaValle has it exactly backwards. He's fighting reforms even though he's previously said publicly he'd be OK if SUNY increased tuition on a regular basis."
- Democratic Candidate Tony Avella stands with Queens residents in protesting MTA service cuts – Avella is standing with the residents in Queens who are irate over the recent MTA service adjustments that severely effect the country’s service. One of the most controversial changes was with the Q15A, a new alternate route of the Q15 bus meant to pick up riders stranded by the elimination of the Q14. The route has now routed down a residential stretch of 10th Ave. that residents say is too narrow. Avella stood with dozens of Queens residents yesterday in front of one of the Q15A buses in a show of solidarity and support.
- Edward O’Shea to challenge 18-year Republican incumbent Michael Nozzolio in SD-54- O’Shea, the vice chairman of the Wayne County Democratic Committee, announced he is running against Nozzolio - only the third person to do so in the past 18 years. O'Shea is an English professor at the State University of New York at Oswego. "When our main government agency, our legislative body, is not working for us, that's a major problem," he said. "Senator Nozzolio has been in office for 18 years, and if he were a reform-minded person, he would've done something about this already."
- Steve Levy continues desperate political maneuvers, teams up with Senate GOP – Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy, who left the Democratic party in a failed effort to win the GOP gubernatorial nomination, is now looking to remain politically relevant by working with incumbent GOP lawmakers, Liz Benjamin of Capital Tonight reports. As she writes: “The point here really isn’t what the party-switching county executive is calling for, but rather that he’s continuing to stand with the Republicans even after their county leaders rejected his effort to run on their line for governor.” Levy’s presence continues to be a potentially divisive issue for Republicans as he has not yet endorsed GOP candidate Rick Lazio, nor has he ruled out running on a third party line.
- Sen. Craig Johnson passes legislation that will improve quality of life for seniors, upgrade New York’s infrastructure- Sen. Johnson was successful in pushing two integral legislative packages through the Senate last week. Sen. Johnson passed a comprehensive legislative package that will expand and increase access to services for seniors on Long Island and across New York. “After a lifetime of hard work and providing for their families, our seniors deserve fundamental protections and services in order to continue to lead healthy and active lives,” he said. “My legislation would expand the opportunity for seniors to get the tax relief for which they are entitled. While more needs to be done, this package will help more seniors stay in their homes and in their communities.”
Sen. Johnson was also responsible for the passage of a comprehensive strategy to build safer roads and highways which will cut costs for municipalities and improve the quality of life for residents throughout the state. “This is a blueprint that will help Long Island and the rest of New York State plan better and plan smarter,” he said said. “I am proud of this legislative package, which will help make Long Island more pedestrian friendly, less congested and more environmentally sustainable.” - Sen, Darrell Aubertine fights to restore crucial agriculture funding and pushes local trade benefits for district – Sen. Aubertine continued to fight for the additional funding and support of local businesses in his district last week. Aubertine first made sure that the most recent budget moved around limited revenue for agriculture programs to better target essential programs, while also restoring key funding the governor’s budget would have omitted. “This budget agreement restores more than $2.5 million in local funding for agriculture and reprioritizes funding to help our state’s number one industry,” Sen. Aubertine said.
Also, a bill sponsored by Sen. Aubertine that would extend Foreign Trade Zone benefits from Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority's industrial park and port to businesses throughout St. Lawrence County passed the Senate last week. This was a step officials said would be required to argue for the change to the U.S. Foreign Trade Zone Board, who makes the final decision. "We need to give our communities the ability to create and sustain jobs, and this legislation is part of a larger effort to grow the economy of St. Lawrence County," he said. - Sen. Brian Foley hosts forum to educate school administrators about addressing bullying – Sen. Foley hosted a forum for school administrators his school district to inform them on how to best address the issue of bullying within their schools. "Bullying is something that cannot be tolerated among our students, whether it occurs within the four walls of the school or within the limitless walls of the internet after school hours," said Foley. "The goal of today's event is to give school administrators the most up-to-date information about the known dangers and effects of bullying, the legal aspects of it and how administrators can best work with parents to address concerns.”
