WHY I AM RUNNING
Because I agree with
most New Yorkers that state government,
as represented by Albany and particularly the State Senate,
is totally dysfunctional. I want to work with like-minded
elected officials to reform the culture and procedures of
the Senate so that we can address the many critical needs
of the citizens of the 54th District who are now being ignored.
• First
priority should be on-time State budgets. Late budgets
defer difficult choices but they also hurt local agencies
and school districts financially.
• Work towards greater participation
by Senators in the legislative consultation process as
demanded by state constitution. End decision making by only
three state officials.
• Distribute state funding (so-called
“earmarks”) equitably to all legislative districts.
Presently 43 of 62 Senate Districts receive less than $1.2
million, the amount each district should have received if
funds were distributed equitably (D&C 3/28/10)
• End gerrymandered redistricting
through use of an impartial redistricting commission or similar
body.
• Ethics Reform. Senate
Bill S6457 passed by the Senate in January, 2010 but vetoed
by the Governor is a move in the right direction. It requires
greater disclosure of outside income by legislators, activities
of lobbyists and establishes a bipartisan group within the
New York State Board of Elections to enforce strict adherence
to campaign finance laws. This Bill or one like it needs to
be enacted into law.
• Establish a Citizen’s
Advisory Board tapping expertise in 54th from industry,
business, education, farming, tourism, and the arts to construct
an economic master plan for the 54th District. The Board will
address in a global way critical needs not being addressed
adequately: job creation, relocating business and industry
in Upstate, green energy development, stabilizing or reducing
taxes.
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