Welcome
to City‘s 2002 voters’ guide. In this
issue, we meet most of the candidates for seats representing Rochester and its
surrounding suburbs in the New York State Senate and Assembly. Next week, we’ll
see what Congressional candidates vying to represent parts of Monroe County
have to say for themselves, and make more fun of the candidates for governor.
           We’ve asked all the state candidates
the same questions. In most cases, their answers have been condensed down to
their essence (you know how these people tend to prattle on and on).
Particularly illuminating quotes are also included, where available. For an
example, see Assembly District 134 candidate (and long-time Monroe County
Legislator) Fred Amato’s take on the issue of gay rights.
           We hope you’ll find this guide
useful as you prepare to go to the polls November 5. And as you consider the
candidates’ positions and ideas, keep in mind one other attribute their
inclusion in this guide represents: a willingness to share their thoughts with
the public.
           Several candidates blew off the
opportunity to present their views to you in this guide. Joe Errigo, the
incumbent Republican representing Henrietta, Mendon, and Pittsford in the
Assembly, did not return calls requesting an interview. Ditto Dean Fero and
Solomon Harris, Republican Assembly candidates vying to represent the 132nd and
133rd districts, respectively.
           It’s possible that these two
long-shot challengers to veteran Democratic lawmakers (Joe Morelle and David
Gantt, respectively) are not serious candidates, but are merely holding the
party line in this election. When we tried, unsuccessfully, to track down
Conservative Party Gantt-challenger Mark McCabe, a source suggested his
candidacy was more symbolic than substantive.
           We assume Gantt himself actually
intends to serve another term, but we also assumed he’d show up for the
interview his secretary scheduled for him. You know what happens when you
assume things…
           And speaking of pack animals, Bill
Reilich — a prominent Republican county legislator challenging his associate,
Amato, for the District 134 Assembly seat — also failed to return phone calls
requesting an interview for this guide.
           Why politicians like Errigo, Gantt,
and Reilich think taking a half hour to share their views with the people who
pay them is not worth their time is a good question. Why we should vote for
them, given their apparent indifference to us, is another.
State Senate District 56 (Greece, Brighton, Parma,
Charlotte, Rochester)
Harry Bronson (Democrat)
Personal info: 43; lives in Rochester, grew up in Windsor, N.Y.; bachelor’s in public justice
(SUNY Oswego), law degree (SUNY Buffalo); first-time candidate; executive
director, Cephas Attica (non-profit dealing with criminal justice issues)
Abortion: pro-choice, advocates public funding of women’s reproductive services
Gay rights/marriage: supports both
Should the
Rockefeller Drug Laws be reformed: yes; unlike Pataki, favors early release
for felons arrested under the laws
How can urban school
districts get more state aid: provide “equitable funding based on need” to
reduce class size, hire more certified teachers, buy supplies, maintain buildings
What pending capital
projects do you support: undecided on a performing arts center, a juvenile
justice center, and a soccer stadium pending a comprehensive, strategic plan
for all such projects
How would you address
gun violence in Rochester: require those who transport guns to keep a
detailed manifest; require licenses for all sellers at gun shows
Would you reduce
unfunded state mandates for counties: the state should fund state
legislation or analyze counties’ ability to pay for or prioritize mandated
services
How would you improve
Rochester’s economy: more government-business partnerships, more
accountability for state-funded development initiatives, market the area
outside the state
What should the
minimum wage be: “a livable wage;” no exact dollar amount, but more than
the current minimum
Given the state’s
predicted deficit, will we have to raise taxes: “We may have to,” would
first look at ways to reduce spending and spending priorities
What do you listen to
between Rochester and Albany: public radio news, classical music
Joe Robach (Republican, Conservative, Independent)
Personal info: 44; lives in Greece; grew up in Charlotte; master’s in public administration
(SUNY Brockport), bachelor’s in political science (SUNY Brockport); state
assemblyman since 1991; adjunct public policy professor at RIT
Abortion: only in
cases of rape, incest, or the physical well-being of the mother
Gay rights/marriage: supports anti-bias measures, is “reluctant to support measures that have
government condoning or condemning one’s private sexual practices”
Should the
Rockefeller Drug Laws be reformed: yes; more treatment, drug courts,
“separate drug dealers and habitual criminals from first-time offenders”
How can urban school
districts get more state aid: simplify the state funding formula based on
need
What pending capital
projects do you support: a downtown performing arts center, a juvenile
justice center, a soccer stadium downtown
How would you address
gun violence in Rochester: increase penalties for gun-related crime, crack
down on illegal guns, community awareness
Would you reduce
unfunded state mandates for counties: “We have to be more sensitive to how
we push those things down.”
How would you improve
Rochester’s economy: rehab abandoned industrial buildings with tax breaks,
attract more residential development downtown
What should the
minimum wage be: has supported increases, not sure of dollar amount
Given the state’s
predicted deficit, will we have to raise taxes: “It’s going to be a
challenging year,” depends on size of deficit
What do you listen to
between Rochester and Albany: “It can range from a Weezer tape to books on
tape — Tolkien, it could be almost anything.”
State Assembly District 130 (Henrietta, Mendon, Pittsford)
Christine Saltzberg (Democrat)
Personal info: 52;
lives in Pittsford; grew up in Texas; bachelor’s in nursing (Alfred University),
master’s in nursing (UR), PhD in education (Cornell); first-time candidate;
consultant on education and public policy, staff nurse at a terminal care home
Abortion: “I
support men’s and women’s access to the full range of reproductive services.”
Gay rights/marriage: supports anti-discrimination measures; regarding gay marriage, “I don’t know
that that’s something that’s going to pass in New York State any time soon.”
Should the
Rockefeller Drug Laws be reformed: they need to be “revisited” and changed
where appropriate; no specifics at this point
How can urban school
districts get more state aid: supports more aid, universal pre-K education
What pending capital
projects do you support: a downtown performing arts center, a juvenile
justice center, a soccer stadium
How would you address
gun violence in Rochester: keep kids in school, focus on preventative
services for addicts and the mentally ill
Would you reduce
unfunded state mandates for counties: yes; have the state cover the
county’s portion of Medicaid costs by renegotiating with the federal government
for more federal aid
How would you improve
Rochester’s economy: bring more job-creating businesses into the region, go
forward with pending capital projects, retrain workers, make Rochester a
biotech center
What should the
minimum wage be: “I believe we should raise the minimum wage and I believe
we should do it right away;” would support the Assembly’s $6.75 proposal
Given the state’s
predicted deficit, will we have to raise taxes: “I think we’re going to
have a lot of tough decisions to make about how to address the budget deficit
[and] how to meet the state’s responsibilities.”
What do you listen to
between Rochester and Albany: Tracy Chapman, The Eagles, Harry Chapin, The
Beatles, Mozart
Charles Eames (Independent)
Personal info: 49; lives in Henrietta; grew up in Penn Yan; holds technical certificates, no
college degree; first-time candidate; RTS bus driver
Abortion: believes the issue should be decided by a statewide, citizen-initiated ballot
referendum
Gay rights/marriage: “Keep the government out of everything.”
Should the
Rockefeller Drug Laws be reformed: yes; repeal them in cases involving
marijuana offenses, consider regulating other illegal drugs
How can urban school
districts get more state aid: “I don’t think more money is the answer.”
What pending capital
projects do you support: a downtown performing arts center, a juvenile
justice center, a soccer stadium
How would you address
gun violence in Rochester: better enforcement of current laws, increase
sentences for gun-related offenses
Would you reduce
unfunded state mandates for counties: yes; don’t pass them, “If you don’t
ante up, you can’t set the rules.”
How would you improve
Rochester’s economy: cut taxes, reduce regulations on businesses, make the
entire state an Empire Zone, no sales tax on products made in New York
What should the
minimum wage be: “Leave it to the market [to determine].”
Given the state’s
predicted deficit, will we have to raise taxes: “That’s the last thing you
should do.”
What do you listen to
between Rochester and Albany: classic rock, blues
Assembly District 131 (Chili, Riga, Rochester, Rush,
Wheatland)
Susan John (Democrat)
Personal info: 44; lives in Rochester; grew up in Chicago; bachelor’s in public affairs
(George Washington University), law degree (Syracuse); member of Assembly since
1990
Abortion: pro-choice
Gay rights/marriage: supports, including gay marriage
Should the
Rockefeller Drug Laws be reformed: yes, and more money for treatment
How can urban school
districts get more state aid: eliminate the cap on aid increases
What pending capital
projects do you support: a downtown performing arts center, a juvenile
justice center (based on neighborhood input), a soccer stadium
How would you address
gun violence in Rochester: look into increasing penalities for marijuana
trafficking involving guns, and making “multiple violations of [possession of]
small amounts of marijuana a more serious offense”
Would you reduce
unfunded state mandates for counties: yes; would like to revisit past
efforts calling for the state to cover more Medicaid costs, wants New York’s
“fair share” of Medicaid funding from the federal government
How would you improve
Rochester’s economy: attract more funding from the National Institutes of
Health; more proactive efforts to keep twenty-somethings in town
What should the
minimum wage be: “A living wage, but that will probably never happen;”
supported a raise to $6.75
Given the state’s
predicted deficit, will we have to raise taxes: “I don’t think New York
will be raising taxes next year.”
What do you listen to
between Rochester and Albany: books on tape, NPR, talk radio
Michael Slattery (Republican, Independent, Conservative)
Personal info: 37; lives in Chili; grew up in Rochester; studied civil engineering in college,
no degree; Chili Town Councilman since 2000; works in the Monroe County
Department of Transportation
Abortion: pro-life
Gay rights/marriage: opposes discrimination, does not support gay marriage
Should the
Rockefeller Drug Laws be reformed: yes; more discretion for judges, lower
sentences for some crimes
How can urban school
districts get more state aid: would rather examine how the city and
surrounding districts are spending their money now, with an eye for
efficiencies
What pending capital
projects do you support: a downtown performing arts center, a juvenile
justice center, a truly multi-purpose soccer stadium
How would you address
gun violence in Rochester: crack down on illegal guns, more resources and
tools for law enforcement
Would you reduce
unfunded state mandates for counties: yes, in part through better
communication between state and local officials
How would you improve
Rochester’s economy: lower taxes, more tax incentives and breaks for
businesses
What should the
minimum wage be: supports a gradual rise in the minimum wage; expressed
concern over the impact on small businesses
Given the state’s
predicted deficit, will we have to raise taxes: suspects the deficit will
be much larger than the $4 billion projection; “I think you have to look at all
[options].”
What do you listen to
between Rochester and Albany: CDs, the radio, “all kinds of music”
State Assembly District 132 (Irondequoit, Brighton)
Joe Morelle (Democrat)
Personal info: 45; raised and currently lives in Irondequoit; bachelor’s in political science
(SUNY Geneseo); Monroe County legislator for seven years, state assemblyman
since 1991; president and CEO of MMI Technologies (software development
company), president of Home Star Management (home improvement/maintenance
company)
Abortion: pro-choice
Gay rights/marriage: supports anti-discrimination and domestic-partner benefit measures, undecided
on gay marriage
Should the
Rockefeller Drug Laws be reformed: yes; give judges more discretion in
sentencing, more money for treatment; remain harsh on career drug dealers and
dealers selling to children
How can urban school
districts get more state aid: change funding formula to one based on
computer profiles of districts’ individual student needs and the costs of
meeting them
What pending capital
projects do you support: prefers a broader approach to fostering the arts
than a downtown performing arts center (interested in the potential of the
Auditorium Theatre building), supports a juvenile justice center, a downtown
soccer stadium if the Rhinos take on the bonding risk
How would you address
gun violence in Rochester: increase penalties for crimes involving guns,
address urban poverty, provide more employment and educational opportunities
Would you reduce
unfunded state mandates for counties: yes; will look into a short-term cap
on Medicaid costs to counties, increasing the state’s share of Medicaid costs
How would you improve
Rochester’s economy: foster new technological development at universities,
encourage technology transfer from universities to the market (create better
access to capital), more job-skills training in new technologies
What should the
minimum wage be: “Higher than it is now;” would be “comfortable” with
$5.80-$6 per hour, plus an annual cost-of-living adjustment
Given the state’s
predicted deficit, will we have to raise taxes: there will “probably not”
be an increase in broad-based taxes (corporate, personal income, sales tax
rates), some fees may be adjusted
What do you listen to
between Rochester and Albany: cell phone conversations by day, old Elton
John CDs or instructional tapes at night
State Assembly District 134 (Greece, Ogden, Sweden)
Fred Amato (Democrat, Working Families, Right to Life)
Personal info: 60; lives in Greece; grew up in Rochester; associate degree in applied science
(RIT); Monroe County legislator since 1985, assistant Democratic leader;
planner in Kodak’s fire and security systems group
Abortion: pro-life
Gay rights/marriage: “They should have the same rights …. I don’t agree with their lifestyles and I
don’t support any special legislation for them. But I think they should treated
like human beings, like everybody else is, the same way we treat blacks and
Asians and anybody else that may be around.”
Should the
Rockefeller Drug Laws be reformed: Concentrate on “the pushers,” consider
stiffer penalties for distributors; “People caught with small amounts of
marijuana, we still need to be tough on [them], because if we just allow them
to get off the hook, they’re going to be trying to use it more and more.”
How can urban school
districts get more state aid: believes there should be more accountability
in school districts’ spending and more parental involvement
What pending capital
projects do you support: a downtown performing arts center, a juvenile
justice center, and a soccer stadium (downtown or in Greece)
How would you address
gun violence in Rochester: restore Christian, family values through
church-school-parent partnerships; state involvement when parents aren’t
raising their kids responsibly; increased law enforcement visibility
Would you reduce
unfunded state mandates for counties: yes, by providing most, if not all,
of the funding for most mandates
How would you improve
Rochester’s economy: increase the number of free trade zones; expand
government-supported, low-cost energy initiatives for businesses; reduce
regulatory red tape
What should the
minimum wage be: supports $6.75, but acknowledges it’s not enough for some
people
Given the state’s
predicted deficit, will we have to raise taxes: “We have to do all we can
not to raise taxes.”
What do you listen to
between Rochester and Albany: “easy-type music,” cell phone conversations,
Rush Limbaugh and Bob Lonsberry on occasion
State Assembly District 135 (Webster, Penfield, Perinton,
Victor)
Clyde Benoy (Republican, Conservative)
Personal info: 76; lives in East Rochester; grew up in Columbus, OH; attended Ohio State
University, no degree; East Rochester School Board (1978-1981); retired,
director of the Monroe County Water Authority
Abortion: “I wish
that every abortion was an adoption;” favors parental notification
Gay rights/marriage: “I think they benefit from all our laws right now. I don’t see a need for any
special laws;” opposes gay marriage
Should the
Rockefeller Drug Laws be reformed: “They need to be revised. Some of them
are too strict. The punishment doesn’t fit the crime in some cases.”
How can urban school
districts get more state aid: the state aid funding formula is “fine the
way it is,” though there could be some revisions (no specifics)
What pending capital
projects do you support: a downtown performing arts center and a juvenile
justice center; “I think private industry — soccer is a business — should
build their own stadiums.”
How would you address
gun violence in Rochester: “Certain people have to clean up their own
neighborhoods;” more police won’t solve the problem
Would you reduce
unfunded state mandates for counties: “All mandates should be funded. If
you’re not going to fund it, don’t start it.”
How would you improve
Rochester’s economy: “We’ve got enough [economic development] programs
going right now.”
What should the
minimum wage be: not in favor of an increase because “it’s unfair to the
small entrepreneur.”
Given the state’s
predicted deficit, will we have to raise taxes: “They might have to, but in
my opinion, the size of the state government could be reduced appreciably,”
such as the Education Department
What do you listen to
between Rochester and Albany: “I like old tunes, being an old guy myself,”
such as Glen Miller, news radio
David Koon (Democrat, Independent, Working Families)
Personal info: 55; lives in Perinton; grew up in West Virginia; bachelor’s in engineering
(Vermont State); state assemblyman since 1996
Abortion: pro-choice
Gay rights/marriage: favors equal rights, undecided on gay marriage
Should the
Rockefeller Drug Laws be reformed: yes, more judicial discretion
How can urban school
districts get more state aid: “I’m in favor of changing [the school aid
funding formula] so I can understand it;” make formula more fair
What pending capital
projects do you support: a downtown performing arts center and juvenile
justice center (pending specifics), a soccer stadium
How would you address
gun violence in Rochester: bullet fingerprinting of suspicious guns
collected by police; get illegal guns off the streets; continued collaboration
between city, county, and state police
Would you reduce
unfunded state mandates for counties: not sure the state can afford to pay
a larger share of Medicaid expenses
How would you improve
Rochester’s economy: keep current efforts going, look at tax credits for
expanding businesses, expand Empire Zones
What should the
minimum wage be: $6.75 over three years, as previously proposed in the
Assembly
Given the state’s
predicted deficit, will we have to raise taxes: “If [the deficit] is $12
billion, we’re probably going to have to raise taxes. If it’s $2 billion, I
think there are other ways of solving it.”
What do you listen to
between Rochester and Albany: CDs by train, talk radio in the car
This article appears in Oct 23-29, 2002.
