2012 Voter Guide League of Women Voters of New York New York State Assembly Election on Tuesday, November 6, 2012 Polls open: 6 a.m. - 9 p.m. About this Voter Guide This Voter Guide is published through the combined efforts of the 5 Capital Region Leagues of Women Voters. The guide is intended to help citizens cast an informed vote. The League does not support or oppose any political party or candidate. An interactive online version of this guide is available on the League s Vote411.org website. Candidates who responded after October 1 st can be found there. New Legislative Districts Districts have changed! The incumbent who previously represented you may change after this year, even if the incumbent is reelected. Boundary lines and district numbers have changed. The U.S. Constitution requires that district lines be redrawn following each U.S. census. You can find your new district lines at the 2012 New York Senate and Assembly Maps of the NY State Task Force on Demographic Research and Reapportionment (LATFOR). Where to Vote Contact your County Board of Elections to find your polling place. Voting Machines Learn about the new voting machines in your county at Vote-NY.com. More Information For more information about voting, see the League of Women Voters of New York State or the New York State Board of Elections.
League of Women Voters: Voter Guide 2012 Page 2 NY State Assembly NY Assembly District 134 New district: Includes Monroe County: Towns of Parma, Greece, and Ogden. Bill Reilich Party: REP, CON, IND Candidate had no response NY Assembly District 135 New district: Includes Monroe County: Towns of Webster, Penfield and Perinton and the City of East Rochester. Mark C. Johns Party: REP, CON, IND Parties: Republican, Conservative, Independence Campaign Web Site: www.markjohns.org Education: Bachelor of Science, St. John Fisher College Experience and Qualifications: Two years in NYS Assembly, three years on Webster Town Board, 37 years as employee of Monroe County Health Department, former member of Webster Conservation Board Key Endorsements: Previously endorsed (and seeking) Locust Club, Rochester Firefighters Local 1071, Rochester Building and Construction Trades Council, Rochester Business Alliance, Greater Rochester Assoc of Realtors, BENTE Local 2419, Rochester Police PBA, IBEW Electrical Workers, NY Uprising. Also seeking several unions; including NYSUT, CSEA, SEUI and others. A: Bringing good-paying jobs to New York State and our community to improve our economy. Reforming Albany - specifically campaign finance reform and meaningful mandate relief. Consolidating and streamlining services to make government more efficient and to cut spending.
League of Women Voters: Voter Guide 2012 Page 3 A: State government must cut the red tape and unnecessary regulations it imposed on business; as well as offer incentive for good-paying jobs. A: I have voted to delay hydraulic fracturing until it can be proven to be conducted in an environmentally safe manner. We need to ensure that it can be done safely so that it will protect the health and economic well-being of New Yorkers. A: Definitely. I support current proposed campaign finance reform legislation in the State Assembly and stand ready to cast my ballot in support. David R. Koon Party: DEM Parties: Democrat Campaign Web Site: www.davidkoonforassembly.com Education: Four Year BS Degree Experience and Qualifications: 15 years in the NYS Assembly A: The most significant issues on the minds of all New Yorkers are jobs and the economy, as well as lowering taxes and cutting spending. During my 15 years in the New York State Assembly, I always supported legislation that would alleviate unnecessary regulations that had a negative impact on small businesses in order to allow them to expand their companies and hire more people. I also supported tax incentives and affordable loans for companies that would locate in our area and hire local people. A: One of the initiatives I'm already working on for my return to the Assembly is ways to reduce fraud in Medicaid, Unemployment, and Workers' Compensation that costs New Yorkers billions each year. The impact this has on businesses prevents re-investment and expansion - which translates to high unemployment rates. This is an area that should be closely examined and will result in significant savings to the taxpayers of our state. A: The majority of people in the 135th Assembly District have clearly spoken out against hydro-fracking, saying that the risks outweigh the benefits, 47% to 39%, with 14% unsure of their position. I would support the majority who favor
League of Women Voters: Voter Guide 2012 Page 4 enacting a moratorium that would prohibit the use of hydro-fracking in New York State for the next 12 months in order to further study the potential impact of this method of drilling, and vote for legislation imposing a moratorium. A: In the past, I have supported campaign finance reform, and introduced and co-sponsored several bills in the Assembly addressing this issue. The Assembly has recently announced a bill creating a voluntary public finance system for state offices. I would like to see some minor changes to this bill to make it more palatable. NY Assembly District 136 New district: Includes sections of Rochester (Monroe County). Joseph D. Morelle Party: DEM, IND Candidate had no response NY Assembly District 137 New district: Includes sections of Rochester (Monroe County). David F. Gantt Party: DEM Parties: Democratic Education: Roberts Wesleyan College Experience and Qualifications: I have served the people of the 133rd now the 137th Assembly District for 30 years. In that time I have been a strong advocate for those that are less fortunate. I have worked to bring new businesses and jobs to the region. I have also worked to make sure that our roads and bridges are repaired and structurally sound. I have secured billions of dollars for the Rochester region. My tenure and experience makes me the right person to lead the 137th District into the future. Key Endorsements: SEIU 1199, Rochester Building Trade Unions, Rochester Ministers Alliance and a host of other past and current elected officials
League of Women Voters: Voter Guide 2012 Page 5 A: 1. To secure more dollars to renovate old school buildings so our children can have a safe place to learn and play. 2. To Empower Parents through Parents Rights Legislation because parents are the child's first teacher. 3. To create new job opportunities for people who live in the 137th Assembly District. This will give people the ability to take care of their families. A: The State should look at becoming the national hub for Green Energy and Green Jobs. The world is looking for more efficient and effective was to operate businesses and communities. Rochester would be a great place to promote these opportunities because of our educational institutions. A: Not at this time. I do not believe there is enough information on the long term health effects of hydrofracking for me to support it at this time. A: - no response Andrew P. Langdon Party: GRN Parties: Green Campaign Web Site: www.drewlangdon.org Education: Houghton College, English & Sociology; Empire State College, Social Theory & Change Experience and Qualifications: Citizen Activist; Co-Founder, Rochester Organization for Workplace Democracy Key Endorsements: National Lavender Green Caucus A: The planks of my campaign boil down to three priorities: environmental sustainability and regeneration, citizen participation in a grassroots democracy, and a cooperative economic system. These pillars of the Green Party are sorely lacking in our state government at the moment, and my election would mean that these necessary systemic changes would finally be addressed in Albany, as well as in Rochester. A: Our governments must end the subsidization of Wall Street, and instead build an economy that puts the people and planet before profits. Using the Mondragon Cooperative in Spain as our model, I would work to establish a fund for the development of worker-owned cooperatives across the state, as well as provide for the buy-out of existing businesses by their employees. Introducing
League of Women Voters: Voter Guide 2012 Page 6 democracy into the workplace will ensure that decisions are for the good of the community rather than a few. A: This question really needs no other answer than no. An absolute ban on hydraulic fracturing must be instituted until the unlikely event that this process can be proven safe for our ecosystems and water supplies. Instead of putting our energy into developing natural gas, a limited resource, we should instead be focusing on building our capacity for renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, geothermal, hemp biofuels, etc. A: I support full public financing of election campaigns. Currently we have a system where candidates are required to spend their time fundraising, and then once in office answering to those who have funded their campaigns. This has led to the sale of our government to the highest bidder, locking out the voices of ordinary citizens and minority parties. If every ballot-qualified candidate were given a set level of funds for their campaign, they could return to real issues, such as ending poverty. NY Assembly District 138 New district: Includes sections of Rochester (Monroe County). Harry B. Bronson Party: DEM, WF, IND Parties: Member of Democratic Party. Also appearing on the Working Families Party and Independence Party. Campaign Web Site: www.bronsonforassembly.com Education: J.D. University at Buffalo, Law School Experience and Qualifications: Harry's passion for social justice, equality and fairness has defined both his public service, legal and business careers. Service to community was instilled into Harry at an early age, and as one of twelve children, he knows what is is like for a families to make sacrifices. He also knows that working together is how a community and family grow. Harry brings with him years of dedication as a business owner, attorney and public official to the families of Monroe County. Key Endorsements: Monroe County Democrat Party, Independence Party, Working Families Party, NYSUT, Rochester Building Trades, SEIU 200, SEIU 1199, United Auto Workers Region 9, Public Employees Federation, Plumbers and Pipe fitters Local 13, NARAL Pro-Choice New York, New York State Nurses Association, Planned Parenthood, Victory Fund, Empire State Pride Agenda, Monroe County Patrolman s Benevolent Association
League of Women Voters: Voter Guide 2012 Page 7 A: Harry s priorities for our region are to foster growth in private-public investment and build on the successful high-technology employment opportunities such as the securing $68 million for 100 economic development projects, continue the reduction in the tax burden that stifle growth, create greater transparency and accountability at the state and local level and fight for the state to recommit to its obligation to fund public education as well as our institutions of higher education. A: The strength of our region is our local economic diversity ability to see occupational trends. Harry would build on state actions that he supported such as investing in our roads and bridges, lowering the cost of energy for businesses, and deliver tax credits that encourage hiring of our youth. He will fight to give tax breaks to small businesses for hiring new workers, eliminate tax breaks for companies that ship jobs overseas, expand investment in hightech optics and bioscience programs. A: Assemblymember Bronson has met with many groups and individualsregarding this issue and is proud of his record on environmental issues having receiving the highest score from Environmental Advocates of any legislator in the Finger Lakes Region. Harry has taken steps to ensure that all necessary steps to protect New Yorkers are at the forefront of this decision that is currently before us. Harry will continue to monitor the discussion and work with my colleagues to ensure a responsible outcome. A: Fair elections are the heart of this country s democracy and fundamental to preserving good government. The Supreme Court s Citizens United decision has had devastating effects on federal elections, shining light on the need for New York to reduce the influence of money in our own state elections. That s why Harry supports legislation that would establish New York State as a national leader in campaign finance reform. The legislation provides a regulatory system of optional public financing. Peterson A. Vazquez Party: REP, CON Parties: Republican, Conservative Campaign Web Site: www.vazquezforassembly.com Education: Master of Strategic Leadership, Bachelor of
League of Women Voters: Voter Guide 2012 Page 8 Organizational Management with Business Emphasis, Various Military and Civilian Leadership Development Certificates Experience and Qualifications: Servant leader with an eye for analyzing and improving complex operational structures. Driven strategist with a proven track record of developing and installing multi-tiered strategies that lead to long-term success. Well-rounded candidate with adept experience in variety of key fields, including tax laws, legal compliance, personnel development and contractor coordination. Organized communicator with unique ability to manage crossfunctional teams of employees with various skill sets. A: Education Reform, Economic Development, Protecting Employees A: Begin by eliminating overreaching regulations, eradicate duplication, reduce mandates, and ensure unintended consequences of proposed laws are thoroughly explored. Place formal and informal education in the forefront by working with school administrators, parents and students to find solutions that best fit the educational needs of the community while making NYS an attractive environment for businesses by reducing taxes, encouraging growth and promoting innovation. A: I am in favor of reducing our reliance on foreign fuel imports, but the cost associated with environmental and infrastructure requirements, waste management and public safety must be at the expense of the organization acquiring the permit. To ensure laws are passed for the benefit and safety of our community, I will sponsor legislation which prohibits law makers from benefiting financially or otherwise from any Hydraulic Fracturing activities. Transparency is key to ensuring safety. A: I am committed to proposing legislation which allows the common person to run for elected office as well as holds elected officials accountable when accepting campaign funds with the intention of providing a favor once elected. Enforcement is essential in maintaining a government that is transparent and corruption free. NY Assembly District 139 New district: Includes Genesee County.Orleans County: All except the Town of Shelby. Monroe County: Towns of Hamlin, Clarkson, Sweden and Riga.
League of Women Voters: Voter Guide 2012 Page 9 Mark E. Glogowski Party: LBT Parties: Libertarian Campaign Web Site: www.glogowskiforassembly.com Education: BS degree, University of Rochester, 1967; MS degree, Rochester Institute of Technology, 1972; Ph.D., University of Arizona, Tucson, 1976. Experience and Qualifications: A retired professional with 47 years of experience in chemical, biochemical, environmental, agricultural, bioelectromagnetic, and refuse conversion research; developed a set of political tools for voter s so they can determine their Worldview and the candidates that share that Worldview; published in The Political Primer: Fundamentals of Politics, Trafford Publishing, Inc, 2011. Held leadership positions in many organizations, clubs, and committees, including as Republican Town Leader. Key Endorsements: Looking forward to the endorsement of those individuals that embrace the Libertarian Worldview. A: 1. Eliminate the income tax, it is unconstitutional; replace it with a sales tax. 2. Eliminate the real estate tax, it prevents you from enjoying your constitutional right to own property; denies you the security you should enjoy from private property ownership. 3. Remove the undesired features in society s structure that these taxes promoted: Over compensated public servents, restrictions on homeowners, barriers to businesses, ineffective school districts, legislative system out of control. A: Address the following issues: - Since 1913, when the 16th amendment authorized the income tax, governments have just taken what they wanted from business profits, causing many businesses to fail. - Lotto is an aid to localities in reverse program. it negatively impacts the economy. - The Thruway toll is a barrier to doing business in upstate NY. - Business regulations & zoning codes produce empty buildings across the state, cause productive people to give up, and businesses to leave NY A: Hydrofracking offers the promise of large amounts of clean, inexpensive energy. Where appropriate steps are taken to protect the environment, such as recycling waste water, I support the implementation of the technology. But, as are many, I am skeptical. Have all negative environmental impacts have been disclosed? Will it increase or decrease earthquake damage? Now is the time to study these issues, as the technlogy is carefully implemented, not later with first hand crisis produced information
League of Women Voters: Voter Guide 2012 Page 10 A: Remove contribution limits for individuals donating to candidates in the political district they live in. [it is their money, their representative]. Do not allow candidates to accept out of district donations from individuals, organizations, or companies. Allow NY state wide unions and NY corporations to donate only to state wide races. Let them donate without limit. Prohibit all donations from all nation wide unions and out of state (foreign) corporations. Stephen M. Hawley Party: REP, CON, IND Candidate had no response Responses received after October 1, 2012 may be viewed online at Vote411.org The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan, volunteer organization working to promote informed and responsible participation of citizens in government. The League neither supports nor opposes any political party or candidate.