SARATOGA
TODAY
Friday, October 22, 2010
9
NY State Assembly (109th District) Bob Reilly
Jennifer Whalen
Ticket: Democrat Qualifications/Bio: Each year I have kept these three simple promises: donate my Assembly salary to local charities, visit each community in the district twice yearly, and be independent of party politics. I have owned a small business for 33 years, served eight years in Albany County Legislature, was the director of public television and chaired two non-profit organizations. I’ve had some success in making Albany more open and accountable by supporting budget, ethics and authority reforms– but there’s much more to do. End Albany’s dysfunction: I am committed to ending the dysfunction in Albany. That is why I am leading the fight to strip politicians of their pensions if they are convicted of a felony, and prohibit using campaign funds for personal use. I have zero tolerance for unethical behavior in government. Creating jobs in the Capital District: We need to encourage more university and business collaborations to help create high-tech jobs and an economy where businesses can grow. That’s why I was supportive of the State’s plan to bring the SEMATECH nanotechnology operation to SUNY Albany. I also support Andrew Cuomo’s NY Works plan, especially tax incentives to hire unemployed New York residents. Easing the tax burden on homeowners: Property taxes are a burden for many of my constituents and it is our number one issue. That’s why I support a two percent cap on property tax and in 2008 voted for a circuit breaker tax cap. These measures along with targeted mandate reforms will help lessen the property tax burden. Supporter: Bill Gardiner, volunteer firefighter “Ever since he took office, Assemblyman Reilly has been a big supporter of the volunteer fire departments and all public service. He is not afraid to stand alone on issues, which is why he’s really represented us. He’s also really accessible. If you call him or write to him, he will get back to you himself. Bob really cares.” For more information about Bob Reilly’s campaign, visit his website: bobreilly.com/, or call his headquarters: (518) 813-9631
Ticket: Republican Bio/Qualifications: Jennifer Whalen owns a real estate firm, and lives in Colonie with her husband, veteran and gastroenterologist Dr. Matthew Ben, and their two sons. She served as Assistant Counsel for the New York State Racing and Wagering Board for seven years, and for two years as an Assistant Attorney General for the State Department of Law. She was an associate with Roemer and Featherstonhaugh, P.C., in Albany. Revitalize Economy/Create Jobs: We need a more comprehensive approach in creating a business-friendly environment. Rising production costs, coupled with increases in state spending and higher tax rates are driving businesses away. We need to lower tax rates, reduce healthcare and utility costs for employers and create economic development programs that guarantee job creation. Cut Taxes: We need to cut taxes and enact a property tax cap to provide financial relief to families and businesses. We also need to combat Medicaid fraud and spending, which drive up local property taxes. Additionally, we need to cut taxes on utilities, healthcare and lower sales tax rates. Reform: A repeat of the 2010-2011 state budget gridlock is simply not acceptable. I support changes to make late budgets history, including prohibiting the Legislature from going into an early recess. I also want to cut spending and hold the foot-dragging politicians that create late budgets and revenue gaps accountable. Supporter: Anne Morris, from the Latham area (she frequents Saratoga Springs!) “Jennifer has proven herself in all the most important areas. I’m so impressed with how hard she works, and what she has accomplished. If we are ever going to get a handle on our state finances, we need a clean slate; new people with the knowledge, experience and the fire in their belly to really get the job done, and she has what it takes.” For more information about Jennifer Whalen’s campaign, visit her website: www.Whalen2010.com/ or call (518) 438-3830.
NY State Assembly (110th District) James Tedisco Ticket: Republican Bio/Qualifications: Assemblyman Tedisco has been a leader and outspoken advocate for reforming state government and the budget process. He has authored numerous bills designed to make government more accountable to the people and bring about an ontime budget. In 2007, Tedisco led the national charge to stop our former governor’s dangerous plan to hand out driver’s licenses to those here illegally. Tedisco is the author of the first property tax cap bill this decade, the Property Taxpayers Protection Act (A.2796) to put a lid on rising property taxes. Taxes: I’m the first legislator this decade to author property tax cap legislation to put a lid on high taxes. We need a “circuit breaker” tax cut to help those who pay high property taxes as a percentage of income. We must eliminate unfunded mandates that cause property taxes to soar. Private Business and Jobs: I’m calling for tax credits and incentives for businesses that hire unemployed New Yorkers and are willing to provide employee health insurance. I’m the sponsor of the Alternative Fuels Incentive Fund to invest in long-term, environmentally-friendly solutions to our energy needs and create green jobs. Reform: We can achieve budget reform by enacting a spending cap, a pay penalty to dock legislators one day’s pay for every day the budget’s late, redistricting reform, limiting state borrowing, and a law to give voters power to recall elected officials who are derelict in their duties. Supporter: Clark Brink, a business owner from Saratoga Springs. “Assemblyman Jim Tedisco is a true leader who has always been the one voice to stand up for Saratoga County and all taxpayers. Tedisco’s been a champion for small businesses by calling for property tax relief and cutting the reckless spending and taxes that are hurting job creation in our state. Most importantly, Jim Tedisco actually listens and actively responds to the taxpayers he represents.” For more information about James Tedisco’s campaign, visit his website: www.jimtedisco.com, or call (518) 377-9818.
BK Keramati Ticket: Democrat Bio/Qualifications: BK Keramati came to the US from Iran in 1966 for college education. After obtaining a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Penn State, he worked for 28 years at GE Global Research as an engineer, team leader, and manager. He has taught as an adjunct professor at RPI and Union Graduate College. He has been active in his community, volunteering for Habitat for Humanity and mentoring at Schenectady High School. He lives in Galway with his wife, Ruth Andrea Levinson. Government dysfunction: I would work to overhaul campaign finance laws, use non-partisan commission for redistricting and eliminate wasteful spending from the top down. Money has corrupted our political process. Legislators are beholden to those who donate large sums of money to their campaigns. We must reform campaign finance, require term limits, eliminate “member items” or “pork,” and institute non-partisan redistricting. High Property Taxes and Public Education: I would work to reduce property taxes by funding public education through an income tax. New Yorkers should not be asked to pay more in taxes than they are paying today; if anything they should be paying less. Reducing property taxes makes New York more competitive and more attractive to people and to businesses. Job creation and supporting businesses: I will look to create jobs by investing in renewable energies and making the state more business-friendly. New York should invest more in propagating the use of renewable, or green energy such as solar and wind in homes and businesses. In the new economy, a greener New York will be a more competitive New York. Supporter: Kevin Waters of Glens Falls “The New York Assembly needs more people that think like BK Keramati does. We need representatives that understand that the answer is running a more efficient government, not raising taxes or cutting spending. I believe BK Keramati will work to bring smart government back to New York.” For more information about BK Keramati, visit his website at www.bkforassembly.com