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The questions were prepared by the Leagues of Women Voters of New York State and asked of all candidates for this office.
See below for questions on
Economy,
Budget,
Campaign Finance,
Redistricting,
Education
Click on a name for candidate information. See also more information about this contest.
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1. What measures do you support to save existing jobs and create new jobs in New York State?
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Answer from George Amedore:
The only permanent solution is to free the private sector from a sluggish, unresponsive and unreliable bureaucracy, not create another program. Lowering the cost of doing business in New York would enable the creation of jobs and produce economic stability. State mandates, fees, out-of-control workers compensation and health insurance costs, high energy costs, and high property, business and incomes taxes are just some of the job-killing factors faced by New York’s businesses. We are at a competitive disadvantage compared to other states and the world. We must resolve these issues, especially for small businesses, which provide the majority of new jobs. In addition, fast tracking development, licensing and registration would reduce the lag in starting a new business, shortening the time it takes to get up and running and for hiring to begin.
Answer from Angelo Santabarbara:
We must streamline state regulations that hamper efforts at economic development. By reducing the mandates and burdens on business, such as high taxes, we can make New York more business friendly and more competitive with other states and in the global market. Additionally, we must look at revitalizing our upstate cities and urban areas. In most cases, a highly efficient infrastructure system already exists in these communities. Utilizing these resources and taking the lead to rehabilitate existing facilities, we have the potential to revitalize the economy through job creation and economic development while bringing back community structure throughout upstate New York
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2. How do you think New York can best deal with upcoming unsustainable deficit budgets?
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Answer from Angelo Santabarbara:
In order to deal with the ever increasing budget deficits we must first deal with the unsustainable culture of spending that is plaguing Albany. The elected officials in Albany are simply out of touch with the realities of the fiscal situation we face. Families all across the 105th Assembly District and across the state are cutting back on their expenses and doing more with less. We must follow their lead and do more with less. We must make responsible and appropriate cuts in spending while also instituting a General Fund spending cap that will hold the line on unsustainable and out of control spending.
Answer from George Amedore:
There is an obvious spending problem in Albany and our recent economic troubles have done little to stop the madness. In just 10 years, the budget has increased about 72%. If we had spent at or below the rate of inflation during these 10 years, we would have had a budget surplus now and not a budget gap. If lawmakers cannot restrain their penchant to spend on their own, then a state spending cap must be put in place in the interest of all of New York's taxpayers.
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3. What reforms would you propose to address inadequate campaign finance rules and enforcement in New York?
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Answer from Angelo Santabarbara:
Campaign finances should be exactly that, campaign finances. We must prohibit the use of campaign funds for personal expenses such as cars, dinners and other non political, non campaign activities. In addition, the State Board of Elections needs greater authority to enforce current and future campaign finance rules and regulations and have greater power to go after those who violate the rules. Lastly, we need to provide greater transparency and accountability just like at the federal level by disclosing contributions made by bundlers.
Answer from George Amedore:
As a relative newcomer to the political stage, I have seen lawmakers abuse the rules in order to gain an advantage. There must be a greater ability for the Board of Elections or another entity to enforce violations to the election law, especially when it comes to reporting and disclosing sources of donations and expenditures. I have supported New York Public Interest Research Group's (NYPIRG) recommendations for how to accomplish this. Whether it be donor limitations or increased transparency, it is vital that every candidate participate on a level playing field and do so with the highest integrity.
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4. What reforms would you support for the redistricting process?
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Answer from Angelo Santabarbara:
I support independent redistricting. As a hero of reform signer of the NY Uprising pledge, I am committed to independent redistricting. We need to change the culture of politics as usual in Albany and that starts by removing the partisan games that are played in the redistricting process.
Answer from George Amedore:
It is important that we take the politics out of representation. Gerrymandered districts only serve the interests of politicians and political parties, not the community they are supposed to serve. I would support the creation of a non-partisan Redistricting Commission that would have the interests of voters and communities as their core mission, not the retention of one political party. Geographic continuity is vital, especially upstate, where districts can span hundreds of miles.
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5. Would you support a cap on property taxes and, if so, how do you think school districts can deal with the decrease in revenue?
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Answer from Angelo Santabarbara:
Yes, working families have been paying for the out of control spending of our elected representatives long enough. Seniors and those on fixed incomes are being driven out of their homes and out of the state because of out of control property taxes. I support the Cuomo reform agenda which calls for a cap of 2% on property taxes. However a property tax cap alone is just not enough. We must make substantial changes to the culture of spending in our State Government. Additionally, we must look at the overburden of unfunded state mandates placed on school districts that do not contribute to the education of our children. By removing these mandates and focusing our full efforts on educating and preparing our kids for the global workforce of the 21st century, we can bring New York back to the forefront of educational standards and ensure a quality education for our children in a fiscally responsible manner.
Answer from George Amedore:
Yes, I support a property tax cap. Taxpayers have been subject to outrageous increases in their tax bill and in some cases, can no longer afford to stay in their homes. That is simply unacceptable. School districts will be able to increase taxes, but at smaller increments than they have in the past. This is going to require the participation of all parties to bring down the non-discretionary costs of education faced by the school district. For example, unfunded state mandates add a considerable cost to schools, so they must be responsibly funded or eliminated.
Responses to questions asked of each candidate
are reproduced as submitted to the League.
Candidates' responses are not edited or corrected by the League.
The order of the candidates is random and changes daily. Candidates who did not respond are not listed on this page.
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League of Women Voters of New York State Education Foundation, Inc.
