Marathon Strategies New Members of the New York State Legislature 12.8.14

NEW MEMBERS OF THE NEW YORK STATE LEGISLATURE

NEW MEMBERS OF THE NEW YORK STATE LEGISLATURE

Marathon reviewed published remarks made by new legislators on the following issues: charter schools, Common Core, the DREAM Act, fracking, minimum wage, the property tax cap, campaign finance reform and the Women’s Equality Act. Statements made on these eight issues are included in each member profile.

On November 4th, New Yorkers elected 26 new members to the State Legislature – including 10 State Senators and 16 Assembly Members. One Assembly race has not been called.

With so many fresh faces, many are wondering where these lawmakers stand on key state issues such as campaign finance reform, charter schools, Common Core, the DREAM Act, fracking, a minimum wage increase, the property tax cap and the Women’s Equality Act.

This guide introduces Albany’s class of 2015.

THE NEW YORK STATE SENATE Thomas Croci (R) 5Michael Venditto (R) 6Leroy Comrie (D) 7Jesse Hamilton (D) 8Terrence Murphy (R) 9Susan Serino (R) 10George Amedore (R) 11Richard Funke (R) 12Marc Panepinto (D) 13Robert Ortt (R) 14

THE NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY Dean Murray (R) 16Kimberly Jean-Pierre (D) 17Todd Kaminsky (D) 18Rodneyse Bichotte (D) 19Jo Anne Simon (D) 20Erik Dilan (D) 21Latrice Walker (D) 22Roxanne Persaud (D) 23Charles Barron (D) 24Guillermo Linares (D) 25Rebecca Seawright (D) 26Latoya Joyner (D) 27Michael Blake (D) 28Carrie Woerner (D) 29Peter Lawrence (R) 30Angela Wozniak (R) 31

Table of Contents

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THE NEW YORK STATE SENATE

Campaigned On: Creating Jobs; Controlling Taxes & Debt; Improving Education; Protecting the Environment; Stopping Crime

On The IssuesCommon Core: “Tom opposes Common Core. Tom will empower parents and teachers to make local education decisions – not some big government bureaucrat with a political agenda in Washington or Albany.” (Tom Croci for State Senate)

Fracking: “I think we have a responsibility to look at [fracking], make sure that it’s a healthy and safe way to do it, make sure you’re disposing of the wastewater properly. And then if we can do it safely, we should.” (YouTube, 4:40-5:30)

Minimum Wage Increase: “Tom Croci believes that the average Suffolk family can live on $16,000 a year and does not support raising the minimum wage above $8.00 per hour.” (SuffolkElection.com)

10-Point Women’s Equality Act: “The State of New York and the Republican Senate had passed nine of the ten points on the Women’s Equality Act in the State of New York. There was one point that they didn’t, matching up with the ideas of some great Democratic senators, one reverend who said, ‘I don’t feel comfortable with that tenth point either.’” (YouTube, 4:00-4:40)

Thomas Croci (R)Replacing: Lee Zeldin

DISTRICT: 3

Previous Position(s): Town Supervisor, Town of Islip; Vice President and Partner, V1 Analytical Solutions; District Office Director, Office of Senator Lee Zeldin; Deputy Executive Secretary, Homeland Security Council; Senior Duty Officer, National Security Council; Intelligence Officer, US Navy

Education: BS, James Madison University; JD, New York Law School

Affiliations/Organizations: Christopher D. Smithers Foundation; Derek Jeter’s Turn Two Foundation; Long Island Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence; Jo-Ann Croci Foundation

NEW YORK STATE SENATE


Campaigned On: Job Creation; Property Taxes; Education; Superstorm Sandy

On The IssuesCommon Core: “As with any new program, it is important that the new Common Core Standards be implemented in a fair and manageable manner, and that teachers receive our full support during the program’s implementation. We need to be reasonable and fair when it comes to teacher evaluations, and we need to make sure educators have all our support behind them.” (Valley Stream Herald)

Fracking: “The method of hydraulic fracking is currently under review by the New York State Department of Health. When this review is completed and released, we will have a better understanding of the risks associated with this method of production and will be able to make a fully informed decision as to whether or not this method is right for our state.” (Valley Stream Herald)

Property Tax Cap: “Venditto supports Governor Cuomo’s cap on property taxes.” (Michael Venditto for Senate Campaign Ad, 0:10-0:17)

Michael Venditto (R)Replacing: Vacant, previously Charles Fuschillo

DISTRICT: 8

Previous Position(s): Legislator, Nassau County Board of Legislators; Counsel to the Town Board, Town of Hempstead

Education: BA, Hofstra University; JD, St. John’s University School of Law

Affiliations/Organizations: Columbus Lodge #2143; Order Sons of Italy of America; Nassau Lawyers Association; Old Harbour Green Civic Association; Saint Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church, Massapequa



Campaigned On: Job Creation; Affordable Healthcare; Better Schools; Safer Neighborhoods; Lower Taxes; Reforming Government

On The IssuesCampaign Finance Reform: “Campaign finance should be made as transparent as possible to ensure that all campaign transactions are unambiguous. There should be a conversation about all aspects of campaign finance.” (Vote 411 Voter Guide)

Charter Schools: “‘I’m not against lifting the [charter school] cap,’ the council’s deputy majority leader, Leroy Comrie of Queens, said. ‘I just want to ensure for every school that they have equal and consistent funding.’” (New York Sun)

DREAM Act: Comrie sponsored and voted for New York City Council Resolution 1671-2013, a “resolution calling upon the New York State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign, the New York State Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act of 2013 (S.2378/A.2597)” (New York City Council Legislative Research Center)

Fracking: “‘Against fracking and for casinos,’ [Comrie] said.” (Queens Chronicle)

Minimum Wage Increase: “I support a living wage that is indexed to inflation to ensure that working people can afford their basic needs.” (Vote 411 Voter Guide)

10-Point Women’s Equality Act: “I would co-sponsor the Women’s Equality Act that is currently in the New York State Legislature.” (Vote 411 Voter Guide)

Leroy Comrie (D)Replacing: Malcolm Smith

DISTRICT: 14

Previous Position(s): Special Assistant to the Borough President, Queens Borough President’s Office; Deputy Majority Leader/Councilmember, 27th District, New York City Council; Chief of Staff, New York City Council

Education: BA, University of Bridgeport

Affiliations/Organizations: Queens Democratic Party



Campaigned On: Affordable Housing; NYCHA Housing; Seniors; Job Creation; Labor; Public Safety; Domestic Violence; Women’s Equality Act; Universal ID for All New Yorkers; Raise Minimum Wage to $15 an Hour; Education; DREAM Act

On The IssuesCampaign Finance Reform: “[Hamilton] supports reducing individual campaign contribution limits, only if public financing of campaigns is implemented. [He] supports instituting a public-matching campaign-financing systems statewide.” (Gotham Gazette)

Charter Schools: “Hamilton said he opposed increasing the number of charter schools and is against co-locations.” (Brooklyn Daily Eagle)

Common Core: “[Hamilton] opposes implementing Common Core state standards.” (Gotham Gazette)

DREAM Act: “I support the DREAM Act and will continue to support efforts to make the DREAM Act a reality in New York.” (Jesse Hamilton for State Senate)

Fracking: “[Hamilton] opposes hydrofracking in NYS. [He] stated that municipalities should decide, via zoning processes, whether hydrofracking occurs in their jurisdiction.” (Gotham Gazette)

Minimum Wage Increase: “I fully support the Fair Wage Act to lift the minimum wage to $15 an hour.” (Jesse Hamilton for State Senate)

10-Point Women’s Equality Act: “I am a strong supporter of the 10 point Women’s Equality Act.” (Jesse Hamilton for State Senate)

Jesse Hamilton (D)Replacing: Vacant, previously Eric Adams

DISTRICT: 20

Previous Position(s): Assemblymember, 43rd District, New York State Assembly; Counsel, Office of New York State Senator Eric Adams; President, Crown Heights School Board; Employee, NYC Department of Finance; Vice President, Community Board 8; Vice President, Community Board 17

Education: BA, Ithaca College; MBA, Long Island University; JD, Seton Hall Law School

Affiliations/Organizations: Lincoln Civic Block Association; Rosa Parks Independent Democratic Organization



Campaigned On: Tax Cuts; Job Creating Projects; Traffic & Flood Mitigation; Infrastructure Improvements; Increase Sewer Capacity; Combat Illegal Drugs; Hold Public Utilities Accountable

On The IssuesCampaign Finance Reform: “The ongoing De Blasio shakedown scandal engulfing my opponent demonstrates why I want campaign finance reform. This means better enforcement and tougher penalties for those who abuse our laws.” (Facebook)

Common Core: “Murphy says he wants to repeal the Common Core education standards and, in fact, is on the Stop Common Core ballot line, he also talked about delaying the implementation and making necessary changes.” (Poughkeepsie Journal)

DREAM Act: “Murphy says he is not anti-immigrant but feels it’s a matter of fairness that students be required to come to the country through legal means.” (Journal News)

Fracking: “On the fracking debate, Murphy said he still has homework to do, but believes it can be done correctly.” (Mahopac News)

Minimum Wage Increase: “Murphy was initially unclear about whether he would support an increase of the minimum wage to $10.10 an hour, as Gov. Andrew Cuomo and others have proposed. (Ultimately, he said he would support such a proposal.)” (Poughkeepsie Journal)

Property Tax Cap: “Both [Murphy and opponent Wagner] support making the current property tax cap permanent; both back a ‘circuit breaker’ formula that would cap the amount of property taxes paid by an individual at a certain percentage of their income.” (Journal News)

10-Point Women’s Equality Act: “Murphy supports nine of the 10 planks of the Women’s Equality Act, but not the provision to codify the elements of Roe v. Wade in New York’s abortion law.” (Journal News)

Terrence Murphy (R)Replacing: Greg Ball

DISTRICT: 40

Previous Position(s): Councilmember, Town of Yorktown; Owner & Operator, Murphy’s Irish Restaurant; Owner & Director/Chiropractor, Yorktown Health & Wellness Center

Education: AS, Westchester Community College; BS, Life Chiropractic College; DC, Life Chiropractic College

Affiliations/Organizations: Make-A-Wish America; Yorktown Elks Lodge; Friendly Sons of St. Patrick; Keeping Westchester Safe; Relay for Life; Lustgarten Foundation



On The IssuesCampaign Finance Reform: “Serino said the public financing of campaigns would increase taxes. ‘Where’s that money going to come from?’ she asked.” (Poughkeepsie Journal)

Common Core: “Common Core has been a mistake. New York needs to withdraw from Common Core and start over on education reform.” (Sue Serino for State Senate)

DREAM Act: “As a member of the State Senate, I will stand up against the liberal New York City politicians and stop them from spending taxpayer money on the DREAM Act and free college education for convicts.” (Sue Serino for State Senate)

Fracking: “Serino stressed the importance of clean drinking water and a clean environment but said ‘I’m always for economic development’ — if fracking can be done safely.” (Poughkeepsie Journal)

Minimum Wage Increase: “Serino said the impact of raising the minimum wage on small businesses needs to be considered. She also said a minimum wage job should be viewed as a ‘steppingstone’ and that more emphasis should be placed on job training.” (Poughkeepsie Journal)

Property Tax Cap: “The Property Tax Cap was an important first step. Now, we need real unfunded mandate relief so that we can provide real property tax cuts.” (Sue Serino for State Senate)

10-Point Women’s Equality Act: “The way [the Women’s Equality Act’s] written, it’s very open ended. You don’t have to be a doctor to perform an abortion and the woman could actually have an abortion up until the ninth month. No idea why they even came up with this, I can’t fathom it. I’d definitely vote against it.” (YouTube Video of Dutchess Tea Party Meeting)

Susan Serino (R)Replacing: Terry Gipson

DISTRICT: 41

Previous Position(s): Legislator, 4th District, Dutchess County Legislature; Board Member, Hyde Park Town Board; Owner, Century 21 Serino Realty

Campaigned On: Dutchess County Energy Tax; Taxes; Job Creation; Common Core; Defending Taxpayers; Second Amendment



On The IssuesCampaign Finance Reform: “As someone who saw firsthand the effect outside money can have on an election, I understand the need for campaign finance reform. But I cannot support public financing that will use hard-earned taxpayer dollars to pay for the phone calls, commercials, and mailers that people don’t like. I do believe that greater transparency and additional reporting requirements, including more real time reporting, would be greatly beneficial. For any reforms to have a real effect, we need stronger enforcement at the Board of Elections to root out and penalize violations of the system.” (Vote 411 Voter Guide)

Common Core: “The implementation of Common Core was deeply flawed. While we need to ensure high standards in our classrooms, those standards should be developed with local input from parents, teachers, and administrators.” (George Amedore for State Senate)

DREAM Act: “Early this morning, Amedore took the opportunity to play himself up in a statement, saying that while Tkaczyk votes with her ‘NYC colleagues 97 percent of the time’ and has voted in favor of the DREAM Act, he opposes the [New York is Home Bill].” (Note: The New York is Home Bill contains provisions of the DREAM Act) (Capitol Confidential)

Fracking: “Amedore said he wanted to wait for the DEC study, and said it was best to defer to technical experts on the agency staff. He has voted against a bill that would subject drilling fluids to hazardous waste regulations (if they meet the necessary thresholds) as well as a measure that would allow localities to zone for any drilling within their boundaries.” (Albany Times-Union)

Minimum Wage Increase: “Amedore said now is not the time to raise the minimum wage, but he could support it as part of a larger package that included business and payroll tax cuts.” (Albany Times-Union)

Property Tax Cap: “‘I’m particularly proud of the property tax cap that we have,’ [Amedore] said. ‘I elevated the cause of getting the property tax cap made into law.’” (Daily Mail)

10-Point Women’s Equality Act: “We need to immediately vote to enact a nine point women’s agenda that would: Ensure pay equity; Protect women against sexual harassment; Protect against discrimination in the workplace; Strengthen domestic violence protections; Crack down on human trafficking; Require pregnancy accommodations; Prevent employment discrimination based on family status; Stop housing discrimination, and Strengthen orders of protect for abused women.” (George Amedore for State Senate)

George Amedore (R)Replacing: Cecilia Tkaczyk

DISTRICT: 46

Previous Position(s): President, Amedore Group, Inc.; Vice President, Capital Construction Services of NY Inc.; Member, GGMP Two, LLC; Assemblymember, 105th District, New York State Assembly; Vice President, Amedore Construction Company; Executive Vice President, Amedore Homes

Education: Schalmont High School

Affiliations/Organizations: Schenectady Christian School; Calvary Tabernacle Assembly of God Church; Montgomery Chamber of Commerce

Campaigned On: Property Tax Relief; Job Creation/Economic Development; Education; Energy; Restoring the Public Trust; Women’s Equality; Rural Resurgence Initiatives



Campaigned On: Reducing Property Taxes; Creating New Jobs; Quality Schools; Progress and Equality for Women; Increasing the Minimum Wage

On The IssuesCommon Core: “I’ll fight work to deliver our fair share of school funding, and to replace the failed Common Core program by bringing parents and teacher together to find a better way to improve our schools.” (Richard Funke for State Senate)

Fracking: “Regarding fracking, [Funke] said he supports developing natural resources ‘in an environmentally friendly way,’ and says local communities should decide whether they’ll allow fracking.” (Rochester City Newspaper)

Minimum Wage Increase: “I can support an increase in the minimum wage that will help low-wage workers. But no one benefits if a higher wage leads small businesses to reduce jobs or employee hours. The solution is to include small business as well as labor—along with state government—in discussions on the minimum wage, so that we can achieve both: protecting jobs and ensuring a fair wage.” (Richard Funke for State Senate)

Property Tax Cap: “I’ll vote to make the 2% property tax permanent, to help rein in spending and keep taxes down.” (Richard Funke for State Senate)

10-Point Women’s Equality Act: “I will act immediately to reach across the political aisle and pass a sensible Women’s Equality Agenda that: Guarantees equal pay for women (sign the petition), Stops sexual harassment in the workplace, Ends pregnancy discrimination, Strengthens domestic violence protections, Cracks down on human trafficking, Insists on pregnancy accommodations, Prevents employment discrimination based on family status, Stops housing discrimination, and Strengthens orders of protection for abused women.” (Richard Funke for State Senate)

Richard Funke (R)Replacing: Ted O’Brien

DISTRICT: 55

Previous Position(s): News Anchor, WHEC-TV; Sports Director, WHEC-TV; Sportscaster, WTVJ Miami; News Director, WAXC Radio; Disc Jockey, WBTA Radio, Long Island Radio News Network

Education: BA, Adelphi University

Affiliations/Organizations: Cancer Action; Eddie Meath All-Star Football Game; Monroe County Sheriff ’s Foundation; Rochester Press Radio Club; Ronald McDonald House



Campaigned On: Establishing and Maintaining a Living Wage; Ending Corporate Tax Breaks and Creating Jobs; Strengthening Worker Safety Laws; End Privatization of Public Education; Women’s Equality Act

On The IssuesCampaign Finance Reform: “I support public finance because it levels the playing field, takes special interests out of the equation, and enables civic-minded community activists to engage in the process.” (Vote 411 Voter Guide)

Charter Schools: “We are currently headed down a road that could cause us to lose our public education system to private interests. More and more of the nation’s wealthiest philanthropic organizations are steering their resources towards challengers of public education such as charter schools or voucher systems. This trend is hurting our public education system by removing resources from the shared pot and prioritizing certain schools and, by extension, certain children over others.” (Panepinto for State Senate)

Common Core: “I oppose the Common Core.” (Buffalo News)

Fracking: “The present configuration of hydraulic fracturing is dangerous and is a potential environmental nightmare. Until they can do it safely, I’m opposed to it.” (Buffalo News)

Minimum Wage Increase: “Raising minimum wage is not enough. We need a living wage. Going to $8.75 to $9 still will have a family of four living in poverty working full-time at that wage. A living wage is $11.30 an hour. It should be higher.” (Buffalo News)

10-Point Women’s Equality Act: “In Albany, I will join my Democratic colleagues in continuing to push that the full 10 point Women’s Equality Act be brought to the floor for a vote.” (Panepinto for State Senate)

Marc Panepinto (D)Replacing: Mark Grisanti

DISTRICT: 60

Previous Position(s): Partner, Dolce Panepinto PC; Union Organizer, Laborers International Union of North America; Construction Worker, Local 210 Laborer

Education: BA, University at Buffalo; MA, University of Illinois; JD, University at Buffalo School of Law

Affiliations/Organizations: City Honors High School Volleyball Team; Elmwood Village Association; Garden Walk Buffalo; North Buffalo Community Center



Campaigned On: Repeal SAFE Act

On The IssuesCampaign Finance Reform: “Does the candidate support or oppose the proposed Fair Elections Act, which would provide partial public funding for certain political campaigns? Robert Ortt: Oppose.” (New Yorker’s Family Research Foundation 2014 Voter Guide)

Charter Schools: “I think we have enough (charter schools). I’ve seen some recent data that charter schools have not performed very well. At this point, with that data, I don’t think it’s wise to spend more public dollars on charter schools that aren’t meeting the needs of their students.’” (Buffalo News)

Common Core: “Ortt responded, ‘It’s hard to be critical of the Common Core and support the people who gave it to us.’ He identified those ‘out-of-touch politicians’ as Cuomo, Silver and Obama, and said the Common Core should be repealed in New York.” (Buffalo News)

DREAM Act: “Does the candidate support or oppose the proposed DREAM Act, which would provide publicly-funded financial aid for the higher education of certain qualifying illegal immigrants? Robert Ortt: Oppose.” (New Yorker’s Family Research Foundation 2014 Voter Guide)

Fracking: “Ortt said fracking needs to be ‘very seriously looked at’ and said he would support it if the natural gas extraction method were shown to be environmentally safe.” (Buffalo News)

Property Tax Cap: “Republican nominee Robert G. Ortt said, ‘I do support the property tax cap as it is.’” (Buffalo News)

10-Point Women’s Equality Act: “Does the candidate support or oppose the proposed Women’s Equality Act… Robert Ortt: Oppose.” (New Yorker’s Family Research Foundation 2014 Voter Guide)

Robert Ortt (R)Replacing: George Maziarz

DISTRICT: 62

Previous Position(s): Mayor, City of North Tonawanda; City Treasurer, City of North Tonawanda; Clerk-Treasurer, City of North Tonawanda; First Lieutenant, New York Army National Guard

Education: BA, Canisius College

Affiliations/Organizations: United States Army



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THE NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY

Campaigned On: Common Core; Job Growth; School Tax Relief

On The IssuesCharter Schools: Murray voted for a bill to increase the number of charter schools in New York and regulate these schools. (A11310)

Common Core: “This is a ‘one-size-fits-all’ solution that will, in my opinion, compound and multiply our problems instead of fixing them. … We need to put the brakes on the implementation of Common Core.” (Dean Murray for Assembly)

DREAM Act: “To make matters worse, in the case of the DREAM Act, while our tax dollars will go toward helping the children of illegal immigrants, the children of hard working, taxpaying, legal residents are NOT eligible.” (Dean Murray for Assembly)

Fracking: Murray voted against a bill to suspend fracking. (S8129B)

Minimum Wage Increase: “Assemblyman Dean Murray, R-East Patchogue, noted research has shown there has been no correlation between previous increases in minimum wage and economic growth.” (The Legislative Gazette)

Property Tax Cap: “Following the passage of last year’s historic property-tax cap, a check on sky-high Long Island property taxes which I enthusiastically supported, there was a great deal of concern over whether our schools could successfully craft a budget that came in under the cap and what would happen to those that could not.” (LIpolitics.com)

10-Point Women’s Equality Act: “I’m for nine of the ten points and all of the Republican colleagues I’ve spoken to are also for nine of the ten points.” (News 12 Long Island Election Q&A)

Dean Murray (R)Replacing: Edward Hennessey

DISTRICT: 3

Previous Position(s): Founder, D&S Advertising; Assemblymember, 3rd District, New York State Assembly

Education: Broadcast Institute of Maryland

Affiliations/Organizations: Patchogue Medford Youth and Community Services; Focus East Patchogue Civic Organization; Suffolk County Police Reserves; Suffolk County Workforce Investment Board

NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY


Campaigned On: Jobs; Taxes; Women’s Issues

On The IssuesCharter Schools: Newsday Editorial: “Her opposition to a charter school in Wyandanch is troubling, but she has what it takes to grow in the job.” (Newsday)

Fracking: “I support the further moratorium on fracking and believe the time and energy used on that debate should be used in researching and discussing alternative energy sources.” (Vote 411 Voter Guide)

Minimum Wage Increase: “She’ll also fight to increase the minimum wage because hardworking families shouldn’t have to struggle to get by.” (Kimberly Jean-Pierre for Assembly)

10-Point Women’s Equality Act: “I support the WEA and I am extremely disappointed it has not been fully considered and passed in the State Legislature.” (Vote 411 Voter Guide)

Kimberly Jean-Pierre (D)Replacing: Robert Sweeney

DISTRICT: 11

Previous Position(s): Director, Town of Babylon Wyandanch Resource Center; Vice President of Properties, Town of Babylon Industrial Development Agency; Community Outreach Coordinator, Office of Congressman Steve Israel; Legislative Aide, Suffolk County Board of Legislators

Education: BA, Brooklyn College; MS, Stony Brook University

Affiliations/Organizations: Hunger and Homeless Campaign; Haitian Americans United for Change; Haiti Relief Project



Campaigned On: Rebuilding After Sandy; Taxes; Education; Women’s Rights; Israel; Protecting the Environment; Community Priorities

On The IssuesCampaign Finance Reform: “Ethics and transparency in government and campaign finance reform go hand in hand, and it is important that we ensure that transparency exists not just in elected offices, but during elections as well.” (Vote 411 Voter Guide)

Fracking: “Kaminsky is opposed to a proposed liquid natural gas terminal off Long Beach, but wants to invest in wind and solar energy, and protect the Lloyd Aquifer from any effort by New York City to tap it, which could lead to saltwater intrusion.” (Long Island Herald)

Property Tax Cap: “Kaminsky supports the property tax cap — and would vote for extending it in 2016, as long as it didn’t get in the way of adequate education spending.” (Long Island Herald)

10-Point Women’s Equality Act: “Todd believes that starts with full support for New York’s Women’s Equality Act, in its entirety.” (Todd Kaminksy for Assembly)

Todd Kaminsky (D)Replacing: Harvey Weisenberg

DISTRICT: 20

Previous Position(s): Assistant US Attorney, Long Island, Brooklyn and Queens; Acting Deputy Chief, Public Integrity Section of US Attorney’s Office; Prosecutor, Queens District Attorney’s Office

Education: Bachelor’s Degree, University of Michigan; JD, New York University

Affiliations/Organizations: Received the Community Service Award from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York and the Long Beach Martin Luther King Center’s Sandy Relief Service Award for his efforts to bring relief funds to South Shore residents in the wake of Hurricane Sandy



Campaigned On: Immigration; Unemployment; Education Reform; Health Care Access; Senior Citizen Centers; Affordable Housing

On The IssuesCampaign Finance Reform: “I support matching public financing systems for state legislative and statewide races because this will enable more people to run for elected office.” (Vote 411 Voter Guide)

DREAM Act: “We need better funding, lower college tuition, and the passage of the Dream Act.” (Vote 411 Voter Guide)

Minimum Wage Increase: “I will also fight for a higher minimum wage and more opportunities for minority- & women-owned businesses.” (Vote 411 Voter Guide)

10-Point Women’s Equality Act: “One of the key issues I will be focused on will be to help ensure the passage of the Women’s Equality Act.” (Ditmas Park Patch)

Rodneyse Bichotte (D)Replacing: Rhoda Jacobs

DISTRICT: 42

Previous Position(s): District Leader/State Committee Member, 42nd Assembly District; Corporate Investment Banker; Public School Teacher

Education: BS, SUNY Buffalo; MS, Illinois Institute of Technology; MBA, Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management

Affiliations/Organizations: De Blasio Inaugural Committee; Habitat for Humanity; Turning Point; NAACP; Delta Sigma Theta Sorority



Affiliations/Organizations: Boerum Hill Association; Downtown Brooklyn Coalition; Council of Brooklyn Neighborhoods; Friends of Douglas/Greene Park; Hoyt-Schermerhorn Task Force; Downtown Brooklyn Traffic Calming Task Force; Gowanus Community Stakeholder Group; Gowanus Expressway Community Coalition; Association on Higher Education And Disability (AHEAD); ARISE Coalition; Everyone Reading, Inc.; Independent Neighborhood Democrats; Central Brooklyn Independent Democrats; Lambda Independent Democrats of Brooklyn; 504 Democrats

Campaigned On: Health Care; Education; Transportation

On The IssuesCampaign Finance Reform: “I will continue to work for key reforms like public campaign financing, overhauling the administration of elections, and voter reforms like early voting and no-excuse absentee voting.” (Vote 411 Voter Guide)

Charter Schools: “I believe that is not good public policy – charter schools must demonstrate ability to pay rent in order to get their charter. … I do not favor increasing the current charter cap.” (KidsPAC Candidate Questionnaire)

Common Core: “Conceptually, a ‘common core’ of knowledge that all our children will be taught makes sense– the problems in the implementation of the Common Core has been particularly problematic in New York.” (KidsPAC Candidate Questionnaire)

Fracking: “There can be no question that high-volume hydraulic fracturing (‘fracking’) poses enormous risks to the approximately 9 million people of New York City and tri-state area who rely on clean water from the Catskills and reservoirs upstate.” (Jo Anne Simon for Brooklyn Press Release)

Minimum Wage Increase: “I support an increase in minimum wage, and allowing localities like NYC to set a local minimum wage.” (Vote 411 Voter Guide)

Jo Anne Simon (D)Replacing: Joan Millman

DISTRICT: 52

Previous Position(s): Democratic District Leader and State Committee Member, 52nd Assembly District; Attorney at Law, direct representation to people with disabilities; Adjunct Assistant Professor of Law, Fordham University; Staff Attorney, Hofstra Law School, Disabilities Law Clinic; Co-Founder and Secretary, New York State Democratic Committee Progressive Caucus

Education: BA, Iona College; MA, Gallaudet University; JD, Fordham Law School



Campaigned On: Affordable Housing; New York City Infrastructure; Campaign Finance Reform; Economic Development; Health Care

On The IssuesCharter Schools: “People on both sides of the charter school fight are not happy about a hefty City Council earmark that’s going to the teachers union’s charter school. The funding, sponsored by City Councilman Erik Dilan and approved last month in the council’s annual capital budget allocations, gives the union $2 million to develop a plan for moving its charter school out of the two East New York buildings it shares and into space of its own.” (Chalkbeat New York)

DREAM Act: “Both Council and Dilan said they support the passage of the DREAM Act, a bill to grant undocumented youths a path to citizenship provided they achieve a college degree or serve two years in the military.” (Times Newsweekly)

Minimum Wage Increase: “He supports a $10 minimum wage with in increases indexed to inflation and affordable housing, and has said he would have second thoughts about increasing the number of casinos.” (Brooklyn Daily Eagle)

Property Tax Cap: “My focus specifically would be targeted to the following: … Maintain or reduce the property tax rate.” (New York City Campaign Finance Board 2009 Voter Guide)

Erik Dilan (D)Replacing: Vacant, previously Rafael Espinal

DISTRICT: 54

Previous Position(s): Councilmember, 37th District, New York City Council; Community School Board Member, District 32; Member, Community Board 4

Education: AS, St. John’s University



Affiliations/Organizations: Progressive Democratic Political Association; Black New Yorkers for Fair Redistricting; Ocean Hill-Brownsville Coalition of Young Professionals; Wayside Baptist Church

Campaigned On: Helping Seniors; Improving Public Safety; Fixing NYCHA; Jobs; Affordable Housing; Education

On The IssuesCampaign Finance Reform: “We need greater transparency in our state’s election process and that means, publicly financed campaigns. I will fully support campaign reform if elected in November.” (Vote 411 Voter Guide)

DREAM Act: “As your Assemblywoman, Latrice will continue to improve workers’ lives by fighting for equal pay for men and women, supporting the Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors Act (DREAM Act), and working to raise the minimum wage.” (Latrice Walker for Assembly)

Minimum Wage Increase: “As your Assemblywoman, Latrice will continue to improve workers’ lives by fighting for equal pay for men and women, supporting the Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors Act (DREAM Act), and working to raise the minimum wage.” (Latrice Walker for Assembly)

Latrice Walker (D)Replacing: Vacant, previously William Boyland Jr.

DISTRICT: 55

Previous Position(s): Advisor/Counsel, Coalition of Black Brooklyn Legislators; Counsel, Office of U.S. Representative Yvette Clarke; Treasurer and Campaign Advisor, Letitia James for Public Advocate 2013 Campaign; Campaign Manager, Representative Yvette Clarke; Brownsville Election Day Site Coordinator, Bill de Blasio for Mayor; Vice President and General Counsel, Vanguard Independent Democratic Association (VIDA)

Education: BA, SUNY Purchase; JD, Pace University School of Law



Campaigned On: Children’s Community Services; Fair Share of Resources for Brooklyn

Roxanne Persaud (D)Replacing: Vacant, previously Alan Maisel

DISTRICT: 59

Previous Position(s): President, 69th Precinct Community Council; Registrar, St. Francis College; Commissioner, NYC Districting Commission; Director, Student Account And Registration Services, Pace University; Community Board 18

Education: MSE, Pace University

Affiliations/Organizations: Canarsie Lions Club



Campaigned On: Affordable Housing; Alleviating Poverty; Economic Development; Education Reform

On The IssuesCampaign Finance Reform: “I support early voting; same-day registration; matching public financing for state positions with a restriction on accepting corporate funds; extending the state term from a two-year to a four-year term; better ballot design, including a font size that is easily visible, and a consistent left to right progression, (not the wrap-around format) and use of technology to encourage greater voter participation.” (Vote 411 Voter Guide)

Charter Schools: “Barron is hoping to distinguish himself as the most staunch supporter of public schools in the three-way race, and has criticized Towns’ other primary challenger, Assemblyman Hakeem Jeffries, for supporting charter schools.” (Capital New York)

DREAM Act: Barron sponsored and voted for New York City Council Resolution 1671-2013, a “resolution calling upon the New York State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign, the New York State Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act of 2013 (S.2378/A.2597).” (New York City Council Legislative Research Center)

Fracking: “So I’m here today to say we need to ban hydraulic fracturing, hydrofracking, as the shorter term is called.” (Capital New York)

Minimum Wage Increase: “‘Fifteen dollars isn’t even enough,’ said Councilman Charles Barron, running for State Assembly.” (The Epoch Times)

Property Tax Cap: “Cuomo has also pushed for a cap on the state’s property tax. Before the governor’s speech, Barron was critical of Cuomo’s strategy to get the state back on solid financial ground. ‘It is cutting us to the bone,’ Barron said. ‘Tax the rich. Don’t come to the table saying the only thing you’re going to do is cut.’” (Huffington Post)

10-Point Women’s Equality Act: “Barron voted for a resolution to call upon the New York State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign, the Women’s Equality Act.” (New York City Council)

Charles Barron (D) Replacing: Vacant, previously Inez Barron

DISTRICT: 60

Previous Position(s): Councilmember, 42nd District, New York City Council; District Leader, New York State Democratic Committee

Education: AA, New York City Community College; BA, Hunter College



Affiliations/Organizations: Audubon Partnership for Economic Development; Community Association of Progressive Dominicans; Council of Latin American, Latino and Caribbean Studies at CUNY Graduate Center; CUNY Dominican Studies Institute; Juan Pablo Duarte Foundation; NYC School Board 6

Campaigned On: Affordable Housing; DREAM Act; Education Reform; Job Creation; Raising the Minimum Wage

On The IssuesCampaign Finance Reform: “I support campaign finance programs such as the one in place in New York City. … I was a sponsor of the proposed legislation in the NYS Assembly during my tenure (2011-12) and intend to make this a high priority in the next legislative session.” (Vote 411 Voter Guide)

DREAM Act: “As original sponsor of the NYS Dream Act, I will work aggressively for its passage.” (Vote 411 Voter Guide)

Fracking: “I strongly oppose hydraulic fracturing in New York State. I favor legislation to ban it outright unless technological advances make it environmentally safe. And, in my view, we’re a long way away from that point right now.” (League of Women Voters of New York 2012 Voter Guide)

Minimum Wage Increase: “I would support the Local Wage/Municipal Wage Act which attempts to combat wage stagnation, income inequality and boost local economies by setting a minimum wage above the state wage.” (Vote 411 Voter Guide)

Guillermo Linares (D)Replacing: Vacant, previously Gabriela Rosa

DISTRICT: 72

Previous Position(s): Assemblymember, 72nd District, New York State Assembly; Commissioner of Immigrant Affairs, City of New York; Councilmember, 10th District, New York City Council; Community Board 12

Education: BA and MS, City College; Professional Diploma, Fordham University; Doctorate, Columbia University



Campaigned On: Affordable Housing; Campaign Finance Reform; Job Creation; Public School Funding; Women’s Equality Act/Women’s Rights

On The IssuesCampaign Finance Reform: “I support public matching funds to increase the value of small contributions from individuals. … Furthermore, the ‘pay to play’ system must end in Albany by lowering contribution limits for corporations and individuals who do business with New York State.” (Vote 411 Voter Guide)

Charter Schools: “[Seawright] supports maintaining the cap on charter schools. [She also] stated that government should not pay for location of charter schools in private space or for co-locations of charter schools in public school buildings.” (Gotham Gazette Voter Guide)

Common Core: “[Seawright] supports implementing Common Core state standards with changes.” (Gotham Gazette Voter Guide)

DREAM Act: “[Seawright] would vote yes on the DREAM Act.” (Gotham Gazette Voter Guide)

Fracking: “[Seawright] opposes hydrofracking in NYS.” (Gotham Gazette Voter Guide)

Minimum Wage Increase: “Rebecca believes that municipalities should be able to set their own minimum wage.” (Rebecca Seawright Democrat for Assembly)

10-Point Women’s Equality Act: “Rebecca will work tirelessly in Albany to make sure that all 10 ten points of the Women’s Equality Act become law in New York State.” (Rebecca Seawright Democrat for Assembly)

Rebecca Seawright (D)Replacing: Micah Kellner

DISTRICT: 76

Previous Position(s): Assistant District Attorney, Brooklyn District Attorney Office; Fundraiser, former Texas Governor Ann Richards; Community Board 8

Education: BA, Tarleton State University; JD, CUNY School of Law

Affiliations/Organizations: Chair, Board of Directors of the Feminist Press; Chair, Board of Visitors of the CUNY School of Law



Campaigned On: Affordable Housing; Education Reform; Housing Reform; Job Creation; Services For Seniors

On The IssuesCampaign Finance Reform: “What is your position on establishing a matching public financing system for state legislative and statewide races similar to the New York City model? [Joyner]: Support.” (Citizens Union 2014 Questionnaire for Candidates for New York State Legislature)

DREAM Act: “She has also been a strong advocate of passage of the DREAM Act.” (Latoya Joyner Democrat for Assembly)

Latoya Joyner (D)Replacing: Vacant, previously Vanessa Gibson

DISTRICT: 77

Previous Position(s): Court Attorney, New York City Civil Court; Community Liaison, Office of Assemblymember Aurelia Greene; Intern, New York State Division of Human Rights in the Bronx; Associate Editor, Buffalo Journal of Gender, Law and Social Policy; Community Board 4

Education: BA, Stony Brook University; JD, University of Buffalo Law School

Affiliations/Organizations: Neighborhood Advisory Board; New York State Bar



Campaigned On: Affordable Housing; Education; Gun Control; Improving Financial Literacy; Job Creation

On The IssuesCampaign Finance Reform: “Public financing, like we have in New York City, both allows fresh faces to enter politics and it gives incentives for politicians to play by the rules.” (Vote411 Voter Guide)

Common Core: “I think Common Core in principal is a good thing, but it is not being implemented well.” (Bronx Net)

Minimum Wage Increase: “Michael will fight to make this a reality -- and push for a $15 minimum wage.” (Vote Michael Blake)

Michael Blake (D)Replacing: Vacant, previously Eric Stevenson

DISTRICT: 79

Previous Position(s): Director of Outreach to Minority Businesses, African Americans, and State and County Elected Officials, the White House; Associate Director of Public Engagement, the White House; Senior Advisor, Operation HOPE; Director of Public Policy & External Affairs, Green for All; National Deputy Director, Obama 2012 Re-election Campaign

Education: BA, Northwestern University

Affiliations/Organizations: 100 Black Men of New York; Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity; United Methodist Church



Campaigned On: Fostering Entrepreneurship In Technology and Agriculture; Job Creation; Protecting the Environment and Agriculture Industry; Responsible Development

On The IssuesCampaign Finance Reform: “Woerner supports public support for campaigns, but without using taxpayer money -- such as possibly setting lower rates for political ads as a condition of broadcast licensing.” (Albany Times-Union)

Common Core: “‘I am not a teacher, and I do not have children in school, so I started doing roundtables with teachers to ask them what is working and what is not,’ she said. ‘They do think it’s important to keep raising standards, but they are dissatisfied with the curriculum and the testing program.’” (Post Star)

Fracking: “When it comes to another common topic — hydraulic fracturing, or fracking — Woerner said that if it is determined to be safe, it should be allowed in areas where it would be effective, but only in towns that welcome it.” (Post Star)

Minimum Wage Increase: “Woerner backs increasing the state’s minimum wage to $8.50 per hour and pegging future increases to inflation.” (Albany Times-Union)

Property Tax Cap: “She said [Governor Cuomo] has made some smart decisions, such as the 2 percent property tax cap and maintaining fiscal discipline, but she did not like the methods he used to get the SAFE Act passed.” (Post Star)

10-Point Women’s Equality Act: “The women of New York deserve all 10 points of the WEA including the 10th plank, which enshrines Roe vs. Wade in state law.” (Albany Times-Union)

Carrie Woerner (D)Replacing: Vacant, previously Tony Jordan

DISTRICT: 113

Previous Position(s): Vice President, MeetMax Conference Software for The Wall Street Transcript; Executive Director, Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation; Member, Village of Round Lake Board of Trustees

Education: BA, Carnegie Mellon University; MBA, Santa Clara University

Affiliations/Organizations: Malta Sunrise Rotary Club; Town of Malta Planning Board; Saratoga Arts Board of Directors; Saratoga P.L.A.N; Susan Schiffer Stautberg Leadership Foundation



Campaigned On: Cutting Spending; Job Creation; Public Safety; Smaller Government; Tax Reform

On The IssuesCharter Schools: “The one thing I would say is that there has to be is a standard. Every standard that a public school has to meet should be enforced as well as the charter schools… We have to keep a level playing field.” (WXXI News)

Common Core: “I will fight to improve our education system and eliminate Common Core so that our children can realize their true potential.” (WHEC Rochester)

Fracking: “Based on the little bit that I know, I would probably vote for fracking, but that would be in deference to the people of the Southern Tier.” (WXXI News)

Property Tax Cap: “Peter Lawrence supports a comprehensive property tax relief combined with unfunded mandate relief in order to relieve the burden placed on our overtaxed families.” (Peter Lawrence for Assembly)

Peter Lawrence (R)Replacing: Vacant, previously Bill Reilich

DISTRICT: 134

Previous Position(s): United States Marshall, Western District of New York; Staff Inspector, New York State Police

Education: BA, SUNY College at Brockport

Affiliations/Organizations: Assistant Wrestling Coach, SUNY Brockport; Founder, Peter Lawrence ALS Golf Classic



Campaigned On: Ethics Reform; Education Reform; Smaller Government; Tax Reform; Term Limits for Elected Officials

On The IssuesCampaign Finance Reform: “Campaign finance regulation and enforcement in New York State needs stricter regulations on reporting expenses, greater penalties and accountability for those that violate finance in order to end the existence of illegally funded campaigns.” (Vote 411 Voter Guide)

Common Core: “As a mother, Angela is deeply concerned about the flawed rollout of the Common Core. That’s why Angela supports and will co-sponsor the Assembly Minority APPLE Plan. The APPLE plan slows down Common Core implementation and will get testing right by relying on real educators.” (Wozniak for Assembly)

Angela Wozniak (R)Replacing: Vacant, previously Dennis Gabryszak

DISTRICT: 143

Previous Position(s): Council Member, Cheektowaga Town Board; Founder, the Angela Wozniak Agency

Education: BA, D’Youville College



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Marathon Strategies New Members of the New York State Legislature 12.8.14

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