By Michael J. Hennessy
(April 2014) After traveling throughout the 121st Assembly District and talking to residents from all three counties I am convinced the voters of this district are looking for real change in Albany. With that said and knowing that I offer the type of change that can best lead this area forward. Today, I am officially announcing my candidacy for the 121st Assembly seat.
As a former three term Oneida County legislator I clearly demonstrated my financial background, as a fiscal watchdog, for the taxpayers of Oneida County. With fellow legislators we led the charge to reduce the highest upstate sales tax from 9.5 percent to 8.75 percent. I voted against budgets that raised property taxes above the rate of inflation and took revenues away from local town and city governments. Over a four year period, even the Oneida County Conservative party recognized my efforts by ranking me either first or second most fiscally responsible legislator out of twenty-nine members.
On farming issues I worked with fellow members to support efforts to change the archaic milk pricing formula. By jawboning and supporting our junior U.S. Senator in building an inflation adjustment to the pricing system. I supported the rural areas by working with others to create a new position of county rural planner.
In reform efforts I helped in reducing the size of the board from 29 to 23 legislators, eliminated health benefits for part-time politicians and open up our caucuses to the public.
While I failed in my attempts in term limits I fully believe that those efforts need to be completed on all levels of government.
Furthermore, it’s time that term limits is not a political sound bite but the law of this state. Yes, it’s also time we implement campaign financing laws that gives everyone a chance to participate. The good old boys club needs to be challenged and changed.
We need to protect our environment and prevent fracking from becoming part of our majestic landscape. Our children’s future is dependent on how we address our current environmental concerns.
To the Honorable Assemblyman Magee it’s time we debate our differences, enlighten the voters and strengthen our party by having five debates throughout the district. Let’s make this a positive experience for all and begin to instill the energy to make this a better place to live.
John F. Kennedy once said,” I would rather light a candle then sit in the dark,” I say it’s time our candles of economic opportunity are lit for the entire 121st Assembly District.