tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14017062735171371942024-02-28T03:15:39.522-08:00Campaign NotebookJim Francohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03602292961039342088noreply@blogger.comBlogger114125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1401706273517137194.post-68851398185519522582011-11-03T09:46:00.000-07:002011-11-03T09:56:56.346-07:00Mantello: Keep state jobs in downtown Troy<span style="font-weight: bold;">Press Release:<br /><br /></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>TROY, NY</b></span><span style="font-size:85%;"> – Carmella Mantello, candidate for Mayor, has called for putting an end to any plans to move state workers out of Downtown Troy.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:10.0pt"><span style="font-size:85%;">Her request pertains to a recently announced plan to consolidate state offices and employees over the next eighteen months in the Corning Tower and other existing space. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:10.0pt"><span style="font-size:85%;">“I understand and laud the efforts to make government more efficient and provide the taxpayers with services at the lowest possible cost. However, taking jobs from downtown Troy and moving them to Albany would only serve to harm our local economy,” Mantello said.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:10.0pt"><span style="font-size:85%;">“These public servants provide a much needed boost to our local merchants, occupy office space that helps attracts other business activity, and generally make a positive contribution to our tax base,” Mantello continued.</span></p><a name='more'></a> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:10.0pt"><span style="font-size:85%;">She also request that the New York State Office of General Services(OGS) provide an accounting of how many state workers presently working in Troy are slated to move to Albany, and the time frame for that move.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:10.0pt"><span style="font-size:85%;">“While the absence of these state employees will be felt in every corner of Troy, the larger issue is the state’s abandonment of a successful public policy that holds that state investment and workers can help revitalize our inner cities. I have worked with small cities and towns up and down the Hudson River and across the canal system and have experienced first- hand how important it is to create a critical mass for merchants and small businesses,” Mantello said.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">She also criticized her opponent for not taking a stand on the issue and giving up on the people of Troy. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">“My opponent, through his spokesperson said there is nothing we can do about this situation. Well, as Mayor, I will never let anyone come into our City and take jobs away without a fight,” Mantello said.</span></p> <span style="font-size:85%;">“My opponent has been silent on ethics, he’s been silent on double dipping, he’s been silent on a location for City Hall and now he’s silent on protecting jobs,” Mantello concluded.</span><br /><a title="View Letter to Commissioner Destito on Scribd" href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/71455318/Letter-to-Commissioner-Destito" style="margin: 12px auto 6px auto; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; -x-system-font: none; display: block; text-decoration: underline;">Letter to Commissioner Destito</a><iframe class="scribd_iframe_embed" src="http://www.scribd.com/embeds/71455318/content?start_page=1&view_mode=list&access_key=key-1kp2kdbysz3usc0d0tu6" ratio="0.772727272727273" id="doc_4816" frameborder="0" height="true" scrolling="no" width="100%"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">(function() { var scribd = document.createElement("script"); scribd.type = "text/javascript"; scribd.async = true; scribd.src = "http://www.scribd.com/javascripts/embed_code/inject.js"; var s = document.getElementsByTagName("script")[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(scribd, s); })();</script>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1401706273517137194.post-34686749051699114312011-10-31T11:47:00.000-07:002011-10-31T13:45:22.329-07:00Mantello: No “Double Dipping” at City Hall<span style="line-height:115%;font-size:100%;color:black;" ></span><span style="line-height:115%;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">PRESS RELEASE:</span><br /><br />TROY—Carmella Mantello, candidate for Mayor, said today that as Mayor she would not permit any appointed City employees to receive more than one taxpayer funded paycheck, including government funded pensions. This practice is commonly known as “double dipping.”</span><span style="line-height:115%;font-size:100%;color:black;" ></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:13.0pt;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:100%;color:black;">“In my Administration, I will make it a condition of employment that no Mayoral appointees will be allowed to double dip,” Mantello said. “In these challenging economic times, with so many families struggling to make ends meet, it is only right that public servants draw only one taxpayer funded paycheck.”</span><span style="font-size:100%;color:black;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:13.0pt;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:100%;color:black;">Congressman Chris Gibson, recently retired from the United States Army, suspended his pension while he is serving in Congress. </span><span style="font-size:100%;color:black;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;color:black;">“The Congressman’s proud example is one all public officials should follow,” Mantello said. “I call on my opponent to join with me and pledge to the people of Troy that double dipping will not be tolerated in City Hall.”</span><span style="font-size:100%;color:black;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;color:black;">When asked in the past about his own opportunity to “double dip”, Rosamillia has refused to answer. See here: </span><span style="font-size:100%;color:black;"><a href="http://troy.wnyt.com/news/politics/troy-has-new-democratic-mayoral-candidate/68438" target="_blank">http://troy.wnyt.com/news/<wbr>politics/troy-has-new-<wbr>democratic-mayoral-candidate/<wbr>68438</a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;color:black;">With only a week before the election, it's time Lou made his intentions clear to Troy taxpayers.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold;">UPDATE:</span></p><p class="MsoNormal">At a press conference this afternoon, Lou Rosamilia released a letter from James J. LaGatta, Hudson Valley Community College's vice president for administration, which stated the following:</p><p class="MsoNormal">"At their October 25, 2011 meeting, the College's Board of Trustees were informed of your approved request for an unpaid leave of absence from your duties as Professor, Accounting, effective for the Spring 2012 Semester.</p><p class="MsoNormal">So that we may properly plan our staffing needs, please notify my office, in writing, by April 1, 2012 as to whether you intend to return to active employment status at the end of your leave."<br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1401706273517137194.post-83133123045144945912011-10-28T14:18:00.000-07:002011-10-28T14:28:56.954-07:00Community Leaders and Elected Officials Come Together to Defend Mantello’s Record Against Opponent’s Attacks<p style="font-weight: bold;">PRESS RELEASE<br /></p><p>TROY - “I drove 5 hours, one way, to stand here on behalf of dozens and dozens of elected officials and community leaders to support Carmella Mantello and her stellar record as Director of the New York State Canal Corporation,” Michael Tucker, Mayor of Lockport said today at a rally for the Troy Mayoral Candidate.</p><p>“It is sad that her opponent would resort to bold face lies about her record when everyone in the State of New York who has ever worked with her knows it is completely false,” he continued.</p><p>Tucker was joined by a group of leaders including: County Executive, Kathy Jimino; current Mayor of Troy, Harry Tutunjian; New York State Assemblyman Steve McLaughlin; and Mayor Bert Mahoney of Waterford. Also submitted were dozens upon dozens of other statements of support from community leaders across New York State in support of Mantello and her record of experience and accomplishment.<br /><br />A visibly moved Mantello said she was humbled by the outpouring of support and thanked her many colleagues from over the years for rallying to her defense. </p><p>“I am humbled by all of the statements that I have received over the last week. I am proud of my record as Director of the New York State Canal Corporation and Executive Director of the Hudson River Valley Greenway. My opponent’s feeble attempt to defame my record will not stand with the people who I have worked with and the people of Troy certainly will not stand for it as well,” Mantello said.</p><a name='more'></a><p>Following are the actual statements submitted by the community leaders:</p><p>“I had the pleasure of working with Carmella Mantello during her entire tenure at the NY State Canal Corp. She knows what it takes to work across all levels of government for the good of all communities. Here in Waterford we have realized the potential of the canal system for economic growth in our village and are thankful for Carmella’s hard work in promoting the true economic engine of the NY State Canal System. I know Carmella will make a great Mayor and wish her well.” <span style="font-style: italic;">Bert Mahoney, R-Mayor Village of Waterford, Saratoga County</span></p><p>“Carmella’s record of building stronger waterfront communities across New York will be a great asset for the City of Troy, when she becomes Mayor. Her passion and love for our great City coupled with her plan for keeping Troy on the right track is exactly who I want t pass the torch to.” <span style="font-style: italic;">Harry Tutunjian, R-Mayor of Troy </span></p><p>“Carmella Mantello has a strong record of accomplishment that is a testament to the leadership and management skills she has shown throughout her career and that makes her the right choice to be our next Mayor of Troy. I am certain once elected she will do a great job on behalf of the residents of Troy tackling the issues head on to ensure an even safer, and economically stronger Troy.” <span style="font-style: italic;">Kathy Jimino, R-Rensselaer County Executive</span></p><p>“I appointed Carmella to serve as both the Executive Director of the Hudson River Valley Greenway and Director of the New York State Canal Corporation because of her reputation as hard worker, skilled leader and ability to bring people together to work toward a common goal. She never disappointed. I am proud of the work she did on my behalf for the State of New York, I'm proud to call her my friend, and I'll be proud to call her Mayor." <span style="font-style: italic;">Former New York State Governor George E. Pataki</span></p><p>"As a former Lieutenant Governor, I am proud to support Carmella Mantello in her bid to be Troy's next Mayor. I worked with Carmella in her position(s) as Director of both the Canal Corporation and the Hudson River Valley Greenway. Her record is unmatched and Troy will only benefit from her hard work and waterfront expertise." <span style="font-style: italic;">Former New York State Lieutenant Governor and Troy Native Mary Donohue </span></p><p>"As Onondaga County Executive, I proudly support Carmella Mantello for Troy Mayor. As Director of the Canal Corporation, she was a great partner for us, working hand in hand to ensure that our waterfront, especially the Syracuse Inner Harbor, was put on the path of revitalization." <span style="font-style: italic;">Joanie Mahoney, R-Onondaga County Executive</span></p><p>"Carmella's work as Director of the Canal Corporation was superb. She proudly represented this state under four Governors, both Republican and Democrat, and her ability, skill and leadership will make her a great Mayor for Troy." <span style="font-style: italic;">Maggie Brooks, R-Onondaga County Executive</span></p><p>"Over the years, Carmella provided exemplary leadership improving the canal way in Oneida County. Carmela Mantello was always there when called on and I know she will make a great Mayor for the City of Troy,” <span style="font-style: italic;">Tony Picente, R-Oneida County Executive </span></p><p>“I wholeheartedly support Carmella Mantello for Mayor of Troy. As Chairman of the Cayuga/Seneca Canalway Trail Association, I have had the privilege of working with Carmella on many occasions in her capacity as Director of the NYS Canal Corporation. I found her to be enthusiastic, attentive and supportive of our mission. She is a great “people” person, listener and hard worker who will provide the citizens of Troy with proven leadership and a friendly and cooperative spirit so much needed in our society today.” <span style="font-style: italic;">Vincent J. Scalise, Chairman Cayuga/Seneca Canalway Trail Association</span></p><p>“During her 5+ years as Director of the Canal Corporation Carmella proved to be a great hands-on advocate for the canal system and an excellent partner for NYS tourism initiatives. Any organization, public or private, that is lucky enough to gain the advantage of her management and leadership skills will be well served.” <span style="font-style: italic;">David Turner, Director Community Development, Tourism & Planning, Oswego County</span></p><p>“The Village of Lyons, a canal town located approximately half way between Rochester and Syracuse has received the benefit of Carmella’s professionalism and enthusiasm in promoting the New York State Erie Canalway across this great state of New York. Carmella has been instrumental in bringing this canal system to visitors from every corner of the world to see what the great state of New York has to offer. As Director, the responsibility for the maintenance, operation and tourist promotion of this historic corridor were her duties and she managed 524 miles with 100% vision as to the need to maintain this legacy for all of us. She worked with us in helping with NY Canal Grants which provided Lyons with canal parkland, dockage, landscaping. And economic promotion of the area surrounding our historic canal village. We are now realizing the benefits of the Canal from tourists as far away as Japan and, an added benefit we now have a significant place of local activity and socialism. Just this weekend we had pumpkin races on our canal.</p><p>“Carmella was always here for us when we had ideas and promotions for the Erie Canal. “NO” is not in her vocabulary when it is time to sit down and discuss proposals. Lyons urges the Troy residents to take advantage of this talented and dedicated public official and elect her Mayor in November.” <span style="font-style: italic;">Corrine Kleisle, R-Mayor, Village of Lyons, Wayne County</span></p><p>“As Mayor of North Tonawanda, I had the pleasure of working with Carmella in her capacity as Canal Corporation Director. She took a genuine interest in Canal communities like ours, and I know as Mayor of Troy, she will bring the same passion, work ethic and leadership to make Troy a better City.</p><p>“Carmella has the experience of working with Democrats and Republicans and getting results for the taxpayers. That is the kind of experience that people want and that makes her the best choice to be the next Mayor of Troy.” <span style="font-style: italic;">Robert G. Ortt R-Mayor, City of North Tonawanda, Niagara County </span></p><p>“As former Director of the NYS Canal Corporation, Carmella Mantello has always been a close partner with the Village of Phoenix as we identified our revitalization plans to her. Carmella made us realize even more, the critical role our canal system plays in the economic revitalization in our community and in the tourism industry all over Oswego County. Her knowledge and resourcefulness helped to obtain grants, which in turn created a new dynamic in our community along the Phoenix waterfront by increasing the utilization of our canals and waterways, which in turn has helped to change our business climate. Joint projects with Carmella's help allowed us to offer amenities, which in turn made a significant change to the revitalization of our historic village.”</p><p>“Carmella has always been very accessible and easy to speak with regarding the needs of our canal community. We are a much stronger and vibrant village because of our close relationship with her and her willingness to visit us and listen to what we had to say and then respond. Her exemplary level of service to the Office of NYS Canal Director and our community of which I speak for is a testament to the type of person she is a clear thinker and a good listener.” <span style="font-style: italic;">Tony Fratto, D-Mayor Village of Phoenix, Oswego County </span></p><p>“I was elected Supervisor of the Town of Whitehall for the 2 yr term 2010 and 2011. At that time Carmella was the Director of the NYS Canal Corp. There were several unresolved issues that concerned the Town of Whitehalls responsibility with the Park and pavilion, built by the Canal Corp. Carmella made three trips to Whitehall to settle these issues. She accomplished this with authority, finesse and complete understanding of the needs of the residents of the Town of Whitehall.</p><p>“I thank Carmella for the professional and authoritative way in which she resolved these issues. I have the utmost respect for Carmella and have no reservations that she would be an asset to the City of Troy and the Great City of Troy would only prosper under her leadership.” <span style="font-style: italic;">Richard “Geezer” W. Gordon Jr., D-Supervisor Town Of Whitehall, Washington County</span></p><p>“Carmella was a true advocate on behalf of the Village of Herkimer working tirelessly to assist the village in getting approval to move forward with the second phase of our Canal Port Project. Her ability to bring together all parties involved while focusing on the final goal truly demonstrates her leadership capabilities.” <span style="font-style: italic;">Dr. Mark Ainsworth, D-Mayor Village of Herkimer, Herkimer County</span></p><p>“The Village of Newark is the only Village in Wayne County that was founded because of the building of the Erie Canal. During the years that Carmella Mantello was the Director of the New York State Canal Corporation she visited or Village many times. Carmella is an excellent leader and motivator. There is no doubt that many of the improvements that were made at our Port of Newark was because of her guidance and enthusiasm with projects that improved our Port of Newark. Carmella always encouraged Communities to work together toward a common goal that would help promote our Communities and the Erie Canal.</p><p>“If ever there were any issues to do with the Canal System that affected your area Carmela would find a way to talk to you personally and in many cases make you a part of a conference call that allowed you to have up to date and accurate information. She had a way that always exhibited a totally upbeat and positive attitude that led the way of all that can be accomplished when we work toward a common goal. That common goal was to promote the wonderful resource we have in the Erie Canal.</p><p>“Through the leadership, assistance and guidance from Carmella and the NYS Canal Corporation Administration our Village was successful in our Greenway Grant Application that brought major improvements to our Port of Newark.</p><p>“When I first met Carmella I was amazed at her complete knowledge and understanding of the Erie Canal System and the importance of the Canal Trails and how our Community could benefit from this valuable resource. It was very easy to see that Carmella had a vision and a plan to help make the Erie Canal a valuable asset for our State.” <span style="font-style: italic;">Peter Blandino, R-Mayor Village of Newark, Wayne County</span></p><p>“I had the pleasure of working with Carmella during my last three terms as Mayor of the Village of Middleport. Her work ethics, enthusiasm and professional abilities were outstanding. Carmella was instrumental in helping Middleport complete several canal projects. I have been working on various canal oriented projects for the past twenty years and received more support and input under her tenure than with any other canal official. Her willingness to go the extra mile was very much appreciated.” <span style="font-style: italic;">Mayor Julia A. Maedl, R-Mayor Village of Middleport, Niagara County</span></p><p>“As the mayor of Pittsford, one of the first communities in New York to rediscover the Erie Canal, I fully appreciate the leadership Carmella Mantello exhibited as the director of the New York State Canal Corporation. Carmella brought effective management, seemingly unlimited energy, and a genuine passion to her position. Camella is one of those people who manages to be in five places at once, on time, and fully informed and prepared. Her "can do attitude" changed the culture of the Canal Corporation. Repeatedly I was impressed to see how her words actually translated into action, quick responses, and productive changes. For Carmella, no issue was too small, but she always kept the larger picture in her sights. She is a careful listener who quickly utilizes the information she gains. Although Carmella is an excellent manager, I am most impressed by the effects her contagious optimism and enthusiasm had on the people around her. Although I miss working with Carmella, I know she will be an outstanding leader for the city of Troy.” <span style="font-style: italic;">Robert Corby, D-Mayor Village of Pittsford, Monroe County</span></p><p>“During the development of the Western Erie Canal Alliance Carmella proved to be focused on all aspects of the Canal. From my area of economic development, her ability to connect the best people and assets of the Canal Corporation with the demands of a project, like the proposed multi modal site in Lyons, was critical. She learned Wayne County’s section of the Canal early on, from Macedon to Clyde, and was a champion for connecting the Canal with associated downtowns through both water based and land based projects.” <span style="font-style: italic;">Peg Churchill, Executive Director, Wayne County Economic Development/IDA</span></p><p>“Carmella will bring to the position of Mayor the same qualities and attributes that made her an outstanding Director of the NYS Canal Corporation - expertise, dedication, ability to work with people, work ethic and a vision of what could be, which, when combined, made good things happen. That happened in Palmyra and it will in Troy.” <span style="font-style: italic;">Vicky Daly, D-Mayor of Palmyra, Wayne County</span></p><p>"As the New York State Canal Director, Carmella was instrumental in helping the Village of Baldwinsville maximize its waterfront assets. She not only recognized the importance of the canal she supported activities that had significant economic impacts on our community".</p><p>"As the New York State Canal Director, Carmella always took the time to acquaint herself with the needs of the Village of Baldwinsville. She provided us with ideas and concepts that helped our community continue with its waterfront revitalization". <span style="font-style: italic;">Joe Saraceni, Village of Baldwinsville, Onondaga County</span></p><p>“Carmella has the leadership, vision and energy to make things happen. As director of the NYS Canal Corporation, she was able to elevate the profile of this historic waterway to international levels, taking small communities like Fairport along. She was always accessible, forever supportive --- she was our ambassador and partner.” <span style="font-style: italic;">Kal Wysokowski, Executive Director Fairport Office of Community and Economic Development IDA, Monroe County</span></p><p>"Carmella can best be described as a dedicated great professional. My involvement with the NYS Canal Corporation continues, but it just isn't the same without her. She has passion in what she does and will make a great leader for the City of Troy." <span style="font-style: italic;">Peter Same, D-Town Supervisor Town of Seneca Falls, Cayuga County</span></p><p>“It is with great pleasure and enthusiasm that I endorse the candidacy of Carmella Mantello for Mayor of the City of Troy. I have interacted with Carmella on numerous occasions during her tenure as Executive Director of the NYS Canal Corporation. Lysander is three quarters surrounded by the Seneca River/Barge Canal and is home to a regional Canal Corporation maintenance facility. I must say what a pleasure it has been working with Director Mantello. During my 16 years in office I have not often seen the levels of energy and enthusiasm in a Public Official that I have seen in Carmella. She has always responded promptly, and been most helpful, whenever I have requested her assistance. The citizens of Troy would be well served by Carmella Mantello as Mayor. I would most assuredly vote for her if I could.”<span style="font-style: italic;"> Barry Bullis, Supervisor, R-Town of Lysander, Onondaga County </span></p><p>“As Director of the New York State Canal Corporation, Carmella Mantello exhibited great leadership in creating economic development opportunities for riverfront communities during a time of great uncertainty. By fostering partnerships and collaborative thinking Carmella displayed her ability to attack a problem head on and solve it to the benefit of all. Carmella Mantello’s great leadership, her problem solving ability, personal value system and commitment to public service are all attributes that are desperately needed during these turbulent times. These are just a few of the qualities that will make Carmella Mantello an outstanding Mayor for the City of Troy.” <span style="font-style: italic;">Bill Peck, R-Supervisor Town of Northumberland, Saratoga County</span></p><p>"It's been a pleasure to work with Carmella. She has a deep understanding of how important waterfront revitalization is to a community, and she has the leadership, vision, and experience to move projects forward and get results." <span style="font-style: italic;">Mayor Frederick "Fritz" Mayor R-Village of Fairport, Monroe County</span></p><p>"I am honored to support Carmella Mantello as she works to become Troy's next Mayor. Carmella's passion and vision for the City of Troy, coupled with her experience as the Canal Director make her the best choice and I look forward to continuing to work with her once she's elected." <span style="font-style: italic;">Anthony Sylvester, D-Mayor of Mechanicville, Saratoga County</span></p><p>“No one knows partnerships like Carmella Mantello. The combination of her strong leadership and her desire and ability to forge and continue partnerships is one of the key reasons she has been so successful. From one-on-one partnerships to large-scale regional projects, Carmella knows what it takes to get the job done!“ <span style="font-style: italic;">Mary Gulino, Former Executive Director of the Hudson River Valley Greenway</span></p><p>“Carmella was instrumental in helping the Town of Pittsford move forward on an important Erie Canal Trail Re-Alignment Project involving the Canal Corporation, the NYSDOT and the Town of Pittsford,” Carpenter says. “The result was a wonderfully revitalized section of the canal trail which greatly improved upon accessibility, safety and convenience for neighbors and canal trail enthusiasts alike. It’s an example of Carmella’s responsive and inclusive problem-solving ability, which allows her to bring groups together and accomplish the task at hand.” <span style="font-style: italic;">Bill Carpenter, R-Supervisor, Town of Pittsford</span><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1401706273517137194.post-1061296921835586132011-10-14T11:29:00.000-07:002011-10-14T11:33:19.743-07:00Carmella Mantello's campaign commercial<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='420' height='366' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyemhmdYzblDfYXpyQc6tcCj7nP6LyQtyAE5oAixjRWL2sD9f1XH5JJC43v1YzQgNmCIrXVr_s2H5J5nVUlVw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1401706273517137194.post-49181165840306743582011-10-14T11:26:00.000-07:002011-10-14T11:28:51.225-07:00Lou Rosamilia's campaign commercial<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/c7hipbPFFMc" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1401706273517137194.post-14918945192198346762011-10-11T14:11:00.000-07:002011-10-11T14:13:33.806-07:00Mantello: Expand city quality of life services<p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; font-weight: bold;">PRESS RELEASE:</span><b><span style="font-size:8.0pt"></span></b><span><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b><span>TROY, NY</span></b><span> – Carmella Mantello, candidate for Mayor, today unveiled her plan to expand the ‘Troy Action Line’ to increase accessibility for more residents. </span></span></p><p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span>“As Mayor I will improve communication with our residents through our plan to better address quality of life issues and increase the methods use to communicate,” Mantello said.</span></span></p><p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span>The plan is to build on the foundation of the ‘Troy Action Line’ created by Mayor Harry Tutunjian. The current Action Line is an online service request system that allows residents to submit requests for service. Requests can range from garbage and recycling collection, pothole reporting, snow removal, street and traffic light problems and codes complaints to name a few.</span></span></p><p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span>Mantello has proposed the following changes to the current system:</span></span></p><ul style="margin-top: 0in; font-family: arial;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b><span>Creation of an Action Line Phone Number</span></b><span> – this will allow residents the option of calling in requests for services. This will accommodate requests when online services are not available.</span></span></li></ul><ul style="margin-top: 0in; font-family: arial;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b><span>Creation of a Smartphone Application</span></b><span> – this will allow residents the ability to submit requests directly from their smartphone while they may be away from their home and see something in the city that needs to be addresses.</span></span></li></ul><ul style="margin-top: 0in; font-family: arial;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b><span>Enhanced Promotion of the Troy Action Line</span></b><span> – contact information for submitting request will be made more readily available to residents through promotional materials and a direct link on the city’s website.</span></span></li></ul><p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span>Mantello also added that residents who submit any request will have a response within 24 hours. </span></span></p><p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span>Mantello also announced that she will institute an Emergency Alert System to better inform residents during emergencies and to inform residents of other non-emergency situations that may cause inconvenience or difficulty to residents.</span></span></p><p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span>Residents will have the ability to sign up to receive alerts via e-mail or text message. Alerts can range from public safety messages, traffic problems, construction or weather related events. </span></span></p><p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span>“While Director of the Canal Corporation, I worked with Emergency Management Coordinators to initiate an E-Alert System to inform people of situations occurring along the canal system,” Mantello said. </span></span></p><p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span>“As I continue to knock on doors and listen to the people, it is clear we need to find more ways to increase communication between our residents and the city. Our plan to enhance the Action Line and create and E-Alert System will improve the quality of life for the people of Troy,” she continued. </span></span></p><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">“This is one more example of how my real world experience will be put to work for the people of Troy,” Mantello concluded.</span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1401706273517137194.post-46200227986480743902011-10-04T13:04:00.000-07:002011-10-04T13:06:07.786-07:00Mantello wants the Yankees in TroyCarmella Mantello, Republican candidate for mayor, today wrote to Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman to urge that he work to schedule games in 2012 at the Joseph L. Bruno Stadium for the AAA Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees.<br /><br />Scranton/Wilkes-Barre will play all 72 home games at alternate locations next year while its ballpark undergoes $40 million in upgrades. The majority of the games are to be played in other upstate New York minor league ballparks including Frontier Field in Rochester, Coca-Cola Field in Buffalo and Alliance Bank Stadium in Syracuse.<br /><br />However, the team is also scheduled to play eight games in Allentown, Pennsylvania and four in Pawtucket, Rhode Island.<br /><br />"The Yankees are New York’s premier sports franchise, and their top level minor league team should be playing in front of New York crowds," Mantello wrote to Mr. Cashman. "The Joe is a first-class stadium, and the people of the Capital Region are first class fans. This is an opportunity to bring the Yankees back to the region that Bernie, Andy, Jorge and Derek proudly once called home."Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1401706273517137194.post-6904392661053470972011-10-02T10:54:00.000-07:002011-10-03T11:04:38.858-07:00Mantello's record at the Canal Corporation deserves a closer look<span style="font-weight: bold;">PRESS RELEASE:<br /><br /></span><span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span><span style="font-family:arial;">By Jack McCann, Chairman, City of Troy Democratic Committee</span></span></span></span><br /><br />Since announcing her candidacy for Mayor of Troy earlier this year, Ms. Mantello has cited her tenure as head of the state's Canal Corporation as the experience that qualifies her to chart the course for our city's future. However, after researching the finances of the Canal Corporation, we found that many of the claims being made illustrate that after her appointment by Governor Pataki, Ms. Mantello's record is one of huge budget deficits and poor administrative oversight.<p>According to audits by the Office of the State Comptroller, the Canal Corporation under Ms. Mantello’s direction ran annual budget deficits of in the tens of millions of dollars. During her tenure, the Canal Corporation ran in the red in the hundreds of millions dollars. These deficits had to be made up by the taxpayer, and contributed to the need for successive toll hikes on New York's bridges and highways, including the Thruway regularly traveled by thousands of city residents.</p><p>The Comptroller attributed some of the deficits to continuous cost overruns on capital projects, noting that the Canal Corporation had a deficient project management system that lacked critical information necessary to protect taxpayers from cost overruns. One example of such a failed project was the attempt to privatize part of Syracuse's inner harbor area. After spending $15 million on the project the Canal Corporation under Ms. Mantello failed on three occasions to complete the project prompting Syracuse Mayor Stephanie Miner to ask that the City be allowed to take it over. In response Ms. Mantello said she was not opposed to Syracuse managing the project's completion explaining that "we are not economic development specialists". The City of Troy cannot run the risk of having its finances managed by a career politician with a record of large deficits and deficient management skills.</p><p>Ms. Mantello's real record is one of political appointments - she has never held anything but appointed positions since 1987, deficit spending and project mismanagement, and the only qualification we're aware of is her affiliation with the Republican Party, as she refuses to release her academic credentials.</p><p>Link to one of the audits:</p><p><a href="http://www.osc.state.ny.us/reports/thruwayauthauditsumrecomactions01-25-08.pdf">http://www.osc.state.ny.us/reports/thruwayauthauditsumrecomactions01-25-08.pdf</a></p><p>Syracuse Post-Standard story:</p><p><a href="http://www.syracuse.com/news/index.ssf/2010/11/syracuse_mayor_stephanie_miner_11.html">http://www.syracuse.com/news/index.ssf/2010/11/syracuse_mayor_stephanie_miner_11.html</a><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1401706273517137194.post-54479747291039914082011-10-01T10:44:00.000-07:002011-10-04T13:09:12.500-07:00Coalition of women join together to back MantelloPRESS RELEASE:<iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Tc2dq81Jp0A" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560"></iframe><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><p style="margin: 0px; font: 11px arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><strong>TROY, NY</strong> – A coalition of women voters in the City of Troy have come together in support of Carmella Mantello for Mayor. The grassroots coalition consists of women from all walks of life, ethnicities, professions and political affiliations.</span></span></p><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"> </span></span><p style="margin: 0px; font: 11px arial; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></span></p><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"> </span></span><p style="margin: 0px; font: 11px arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">"Throughout her career Carmella Mantello has established a strong record of leadership and willingness to work with all interested parties to achieve success making her the clear choice for Mayor of the City of Troy. With her service on the Troy City Council, the Hudson River Valley Greenway, and the New York State Canal Corp she has proven herself and I am certain once elected she will do a great job on behalf of the residents of Troy," said Rensselaer County Executive Kathleen M. Jimino.</span></span></p><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"> </span></span><p style="margin: 0px; font: 11px arial; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></span></p><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"> </span></span><p style="margin: 0px; font: 11px arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">“As an independent voter, small business owner and women I am proud to support Carmella for Mayor. Troy needs the type of leadership that she has to continue to work to move Troy in the right direction,” said Patti Testo-O’Brien, Co-founder of Women for Carmella. “It’s also exciting to have the opportunity to elect the first women Mayor of Troy,” she continued.</span></span></p><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"> </span></span><p style="margin: 0px; font: 11px arial; min-height: 13px;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></span></p><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"> </span></span><p style="margin: 0px; font: 11px arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> “Since the beginning, our campaign has never been about republican or democrat, but about the people. Our message is resonating with all the people of Troy and much like my experience as Director of the Canal Corporation and the Hudson Valley River Greenway, I am building partnerships and working with people regardless of political party. I intend to do the same as Mayor,” Mantello said.</span></span></p><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"> </span></span><p style="margin: 0px; font: 11px arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> </span></span></p><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"> </span></span><p style="margin: 0px; font: 11px arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Anyone who wishes to join Women for Carmella can stop by the campaign headquarters located at 115 4</span><span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; -moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; letter-spacing: 0px;font-size:7.3px;" ><sup>th</sup></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> Street or call 238-3585. </span></span></p><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"> </span></span><p style="margin: 0px; font: 11px arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> </span></span></p><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"> </span></span><p style="margin: 0px; font: 11px arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Mantello, a lifelong resident of Troy, is former Director of the New York State Canal Corporation and Executive Director of the Hudson Valley River Greenway. She and her husband Paul Laviano are raising their two sons, Paul Jr. and James.</span></span></p><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; font-family:arial;" ></span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1401706273517137194.post-64484312844227996652011-09-30T10:51:00.000-07:002011-10-03T10:52:56.572-07:00Smith accepts debate invitation<span style="font-weight: bold;">PRESS RELEASE: <span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span><div style="font-family: arial; font-weight: bold;"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><strong><span style="font-size:13.5pt"></span></strong></span></p></div>Charles Smith, candidate for North Greenbush Town Supervisor, has accepted an invitation to attend a debate forum moderated by the Rensselaer County League of Women Voters on October 17th at 7PM at St. Timothy's Church. <br /><br />Last week, Smith challenged his opponent to a debate, making this invitation an excellent opportunity for each candidate to present themselves and their vision for the town to the voters. <br /><br />"I am grateful to town voters who went to the polls on Primary Day to ensure voters would have a choice in the race for Supervisor", stated Smith. I look forward to taking this test before the voters and urge my opponent to accept this offer in the spirit of an informed electorate". <br /> <br />Smith also announced that each of the Democratic candidates for town offices will accept the invitation to debate and will be present that evening.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1401706273517137194.post-44448669282193253662011-09-30T10:48:00.000-07:002011-10-04T12:56:34.550-07:00Desso announces his candidacy in North GreenbushIncumbent Lou Desso announced he will seek a third term on the North Greenbush Town Board.<br /><br />"I ran on a promise that reducing the financial burden carried by tax payers would be my number one priority and that I would work hard to ensure budget stability. I believe I have made good on that promise and will continue to do so if re-elected," Desso said.<br /><br />Some of his accomplishments Desso points to is working in a bi-partisan manner no tax increases for the last fout years, eliminating $400,000 in debt and renegotiating the sales tax formula which is worth some $200,000 more a year for the town.<br /><br />Desso also worked to revitalize the town’s youth and summer camp programs, staged a series of summer concerts that brings the community together, and worked in a cooperative and non-controversial manner.<br /><br />"We are proud that we have been able to protect taxpayers, provide and improve needed services and protect the special qualities that make North Greenbush such a great place to live. We have done this by focusing on the needs of the people, not the politicians," Desso said. "That sums up my philosophy in governing. It’s about people, not politics."<br /><br />Desso and his wife Deb have been proud to call North Greenbush home for three decades.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1401706273517137194.post-83210227050322034762011-09-28T10:42:00.000-07:002011-10-04T13:42:21.241-07:00Mantello endorsed by Uniformed Firefighters Association<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ0R8rqfQgIQKdXXgcRIwQeZGM-d9Piyd_IKWhHty9dO8SKb5DYcmNj9cr9_V7DloJSyqkAgH2fIGWY3GfzRRHhOwQaG_O8aZ8VeAUNmxfMDSQo3Mj8WfKwRS6_RVIfmhBW2yxtpPrcSU/s1600/Group+FF+sm.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ0R8rqfQgIQKdXXgcRIwQeZGM-d9Piyd_IKWhHty9dO8SKb5DYcmNj9cr9_V7DloJSyqkAgH2fIGWY3GfzRRHhOwQaG_O8aZ8VeAUNmxfMDSQo3Mj8WfKwRS6_RVIfmhBW2yxtpPrcSU/s400/Group+FF+sm.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659739937144918594" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; -moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; letter-spacing: 0px;font-family:arial;font-size:100%;" ><strong>PRESS RELEASE:</strong></span></span><p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; font: 11px arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; -moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; letter-spacing: 0px; font-family:arial;font-size:100%;" ><strong><br /></strong></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; font: 11px arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; -moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; letter-spacing: 0px; font-family:arial;font-size:100%;" ><strong>TROY, NY</strong> – </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Carmella Mantello, candidate for Mayor of Troy, today received the endorsement of the Troy Uniformed Firefighters Association (UFA). Mantello was joined today at press conference surrounded by members of both the UFA and Troy Retired Firefighter Association who had previously endorsed her.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; font: 11px arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Members from both groups cited her strong background on public safety issues and operations.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; font: 11px arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">“Carmella is clearly the only candidate with the experience to end our City’s bickering and unite us, regardless of politics. She has worked under four different governors of both political parties, she has managed an $80 million budget and supervised 600 employees,” said Eric Wisher, President of the Troy UFA.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; font: 11px arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">“She is the only candidate with a record of not only supporting public safety, but understanding how it works,” he continued.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; font: 11px arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">The Retired Firefighters Association also spoke to having seen Carmella serve the public with a straight forward approach to accomplish positive goals.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; font: 11px arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Troy Retired Firefighter Association President Phil Quandt said. “We, as Firefighters, have witnessed her work ethic and capabilities on a variety of state and local municipal matters and we have the confidence that she can do great things as Mayor of Troy.”</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; font: 11px arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">“Troy needs a Mayor with energy, vision and the ability to make things happen. We believe Carmella is the Trojan to do it,” Quandt concluded.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; font: 11px arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">“I am pleased to have the endorsement from the Uniformed Firefighters Association along with the Troy Retired Firefighter Association. I have always been a strong advocate for public safety and as mayor I will work with all of our City’s public safety agencies to ensure that Troy is a safe place to live and work,” Mantello said.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; font: 11px arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Mantello, a lifelong resident of Troy, is former Director of the New York State Canal Corporation and Executive Director of the Hudson River Valley Greenway. She and her husband Paul Laviano are raising their two sons, Paul Jr. and James.</span></span></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1401706273517137194.post-71135251714373200452011-09-28T10:28:00.000-07:002011-10-21T10:30:50.071-07:00Mantello endorsed by New York Leage of Conservation Voters<span style="font-weight: bold;">PRESS RELEASE:<br /></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Calibri Bold","serif"">TROY, NY</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%"> – </span>Carmella Mantello, candidate for Mayor of Troy, today received the endorsement of the New York League of Conservation Voters. Mantello was joined by NYLCV Capital District Board Member, Larry Schillinger at a press conference in River Front Park this afternoon.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">“We are pleased to endorse Carmella Mantello for Mayor of Troy. Her impeccable record as Director of the New York State Canal Corporation and Executive Director of the Hudson River Valley Greenway makes her the most experienced and able candidate in the race. Throughout her career she has always been a friend to the environment. Additionally, she knows how to revitalize waterfront communities and we have seen her do so all across the state. She will be a great Mayor for the people of Troy,” Schillinger said.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">“I am pleased to have the endorsement of the New York League of Conservation Voters. I am proud of my record as Director of the New York State Canal Corporation and Executive Director of the Hudson River Valley Greenway. I am please that the NYCLV recognizes my record for what it is. The people of Troy see through the same old politics as usual displayed by that my opponent and they will recognize that my experience is what Troy needs to keep our city moving in the right direction,” Mantello said.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Mantello, a lifelong resident of Troy, is former Director of the New York State Canal Corporation and Executive Director of the Hudson River Valley Greenway. She and her husband Paul Laviano are raising their two sons, Paul Jr. and James.</p> <span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%">###</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1401706273517137194.post-91631975118622641062011-09-26T10:32:00.000-07:002011-10-03T10:42:11.533-07:00Mantello endorsed by retired firefighters<span style="font-weight: bold;">PRESS RELEASE:<br /></span><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 11px/normal 'lucida grande';"><span style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'lucida grande'; letter-spacing: 0px;"><strong></strong></span></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; font: 11px arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; -moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; letter-spacing: 0px; font-family: arial;font-size:100%;" ><strong>TROY, NY</strong> – </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Carmella Mantello, candidate for Mayor of Troy, has received the endorsement of the Troy Retired Firefighters Association. The Association’s members overwhelmingly endorsed Mantello citing her strong background on public safety issues and operations.</span></span></p><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"> </span></span><p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; font: 11px arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">“Carmella was instrumental as a lead Troy Councilperson in establishing the Troy Fire Department ambulance operations in 1995 which has been a productive, revenue producing and life saving service for the people of Troy,” Association President Phil Quandt said.</span></span></p><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"> </span></span><p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; font: 11px arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">The Retired Firefighters Association also spoke to having seen Carmella serve the public with a straight forward approach to accomplish positive goals.</span></span></p><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"> </span></span><p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; font: 11px arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">“We, as Firefighters, have experienced her work ethic and capabilities on a variety of state and local municipal matters and we have the confidence that she can do great things as Mayor of Troy,” Quandt continued.</span></span></p><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"> </span></span><p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; font: 11px arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">“Troy needs a Mayor with energy, vision and the ability to make things happen. We believe Carmella is the Trojan to do it,” Quandt concluded.</span></span></p><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"> </span></span><p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; font: 11px arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">“I am pleased to have the endorsement from the Troy Retired Firefighters Association. I have always been a strong advocate for public safety and as mayor I will work with all of City’s public safety agencies to ensure that Troy is a safe place to live and work,” Mantello said.</span></span></p><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"> </span></span><p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; font: 11px arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Mantello, a lifelong resident of Troy, is former Director of the New York State Canal Corporation and Executive Director of the Hudson River Valley Greenway. She and her husband Paul Laviano are raising their two sons, Paul Jr. and James.</span></span></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; font: 11px arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></span></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1401706273517137194.post-54020909414712192222011-09-23T12:58:00.000-07:002011-10-04T12:59:55.789-07:00Rosamilia plans to appoint a Parking CommissionDemocratic mayoral candidate Lou Rosamilia says he will appoint a Parking Commission to assess parking issues throughout the city and study creative solutions to parking problems identified by commission members and the public. <br /><br />Potential areas to be explored are all current parking and towing regulations, the use and placement of metered parking, implementation of a residential parking permit program and the creation of a city-wide Parking Authority to address larger volume parking issues.<br /><br />For example, Rosamilia would explore the possibility of using vacant lots for parking. <br /><br />"One thing we need to do is hold landlords more accountable for making provisions for adequate off-street parking." Rosamilia said, "One idea shared with me was converting abandoned property into neighborhood parking lots. With proper, tasteful lighting and sufficient screening through greenery, these lots need not be eyesores."Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1401706273517137194.post-16591909218587860092011-09-21T10:27:00.000-07:002011-10-03T10:41:10.369-07:00Democrats join together to back Mantello<span style="font-size:85%;">9/21/11 - <span style="font-weight: bold;">PRESS RELEASE: </span><br /><br /></span><p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; font: 11px arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><strong>TROY, NY</strong> – A group of Democratic voters in the City of Troy have formed a coalition in support of Carmella Mantello for Mayor of Troy. The core group consists of more than a dozen registered democrats.</span></span></p><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"> </span></span><p style="margin: 0px; font: 11px arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">The early members of the grassroots coalition consist of the following Troy Democrats:</span></span></p><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"> </span></span><p style="margin: 0px; font: 11px arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Matt Blaauboer<br /></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font: 11px arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Donna Clement<br /></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font: 11px arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Barry Considine </span></p><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"> </span></span><p style="margin: 0px; font: 11px arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Damien Constantine</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font: 11px arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> Fran Duffy<br /></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font: 11px arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Leonard Duffy </span></p><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"> </span></span><p style="margin: 0px; font: 11px arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Wayne Foy<br /></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font: 11px arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Diana Malkonian<br /></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font: 11px arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Craig Mantello</span></p><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"> </span></span><p style="margin: 0px; font: 11px arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">John Rehonis<br /></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font: 11px arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Ronald St. Pierre<br /></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font: 11px arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Joe Strain </span></p><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"> </span></span><p style="margin: 0px; font: 11px arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Emilio Thornton<br /></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font: 11px arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Bob Yasier<br /></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font: 11px arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Patricia Yasier </span></p><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"> </span></span><p style="margin: 0px; font: 11px arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Rosann Yaiser</span></p><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"> </span></span><p style="margin: 0px; font: 11px arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span></span></p><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"> </span></span><p style="margin: 0px; font: 11px arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Damian Constantine said, "I am a Democrat, but I always support the best person to represent me, regardless of political party. Carmella brings a fresh perspective and the energy needed to keep Troy moving forward."<br /></span></span></p><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"> </span></span><p style="margin: 0px; font: 11px arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Wayne Foy said, "This election is not about party labels. It is about who is best able to lead our City. Carmella has the vision and experience to make Troy an even better place to live.<br /><br />Barry Considine said, "I have seen the work Carmella did when she was the head of the Canal Corporation. She helped to revitalize a number of communities and their waterfronts. She can do the same for Troy." </span></span></p><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"> </span></span><p style="margin: 0px; font: 11px arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> </span></span></p><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"> </span></span><p style="margin: 0px; font: 11px arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Emilio Thornton said, "For me there is only one choice in the race for Mayor. Carmella Mantello has a true passion for Troy, where she was born and raised. I like her ideas and I know that she will work hard to improve the quality of life in all of our neighborhoods."</span></span></p><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"> </span></span><p style="margin: 0px; font: 11px arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> </span></span></p><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"> </span></span><p style="margin: 0px; font: 11px arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">“Since our campaign began I have worked hard to gain bipartisan support for my run for Mayor. Our message is resonating with all the people of Troy and much like my experience as Director of the Canal Corporation and the Hudson Valley River Greenway, I am building partnerships and working with people regardless of political party. I intend to do the same as Mayor,” Mantello said. </span></span></p><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"> </span></span><p style="margin: 0px; font: 11px arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> </span></span></p><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"> </span></span><p style="margin: 0px; font: 11px arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Anyone who wishes to join Democrats for Carmella can stop by the campaign headquarters located at 115 4</span><span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; -moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; letter-spacing: 0px;"><sup>th</sup></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> Street or call 238-3585. </span></span></p><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"> </span></span><p style="margin: 0px; font: 11px arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> </span></span></p><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"> </span></span><p style="margin: 0px; font: 11px arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Mantello, a lifelong resident of Troy, is former Director of the New York State Canal Corporation and Executive Director of the Hudson Valley River Greenway. She and her husband Paul Laviano are raising their two sons, Paul Jr. and James.<br /></span></span></p><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><br /></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1401706273517137194.post-89203032369187677062011-09-12T11:25:00.000-07:002011-09-12T11:37:20.047-07:00Schodack Republican Committee endorsementsSCHODACK – Schodack Republican Committee chairman Richard Crist announced last week the party’s endorsements for town races, saying in a press release that the candidates will "continue with the fiscally conservative policies that produced an upgrade in the town’s bond rating and protected the town’s quality of life."<br />Town Supervisor Dennis Dowds, Councilman Frank Curtis, Councilman Mike Kenney, Town Clerk Donna Conlin, Receiver of Taxes Kathy Lubbers and Town Justice Paul Peter, all incumbents, have been endorsed for reelection. All six candidates have also received endorsements from the conservative and independence parties.<br />Crist said this current GOP group has ushered in the aforementioned Moody’s bond rating upgrade, from A1 to Aa3, as well as stabilized taxes, maintained town services and helped work to keep the Schodack Island State Park open after a planned state closure. If reelected, the leadership will work to expand the town’s tax base through marketing the Exit 12 area and participating with the governor’s Regional Economic Development Council, Crist said.<br />In addition to endorsements for town races, the Schodack Republicans also announced their support for the reelection of Surrogate Court Judge Chris Hummel and Rensselaer County Sheriff Jack Mahar, as well as the election of Joel Abelove for Rensselaer County District Attorney.<br /><br />-- Katie Nowak RobertsUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1401706273517137194.post-75579214008871977112011-09-01T12:57:00.000-07:002011-10-04T12:58:29.528-07:00Rosamilia announces Healthy Neighborhoods Action PlanDemocratic mayoral candidate Lou Rosamilia today said when elected he will implement a comprehensive review of city services and analyze the method, timing and frequency of their delivery, as the next piece of his Healthy Neighborhoods Action Plan.<br /><br />"It's become increasingly clear in conversations I'm having with residents, that many feel their neighborhood is the forgotten neighborhood in Troy." Rosamilia said. "When I asked why, one theme repeated itself - a lack of basic city services like street sweeping, snow plowing, response to complaints about troublesome or vacant properties and the clean-up of trash in the alleys."<br /><br />Rosamilia also said he would work to rectify complaints about some areas of the city that see services like trash collection and street cleaning more frequently than others.<br /><br />"Clearly, there is no reason some areas see the street sweeper daily while others see it once a year," he said. "We need to implement a more equitable and cost effective approach to these basic city services."Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1401706273517137194.post-417699524024443842010-10-28T08:14:00.000-07:002010-10-28T08:15:54.795-07:00Gibson energy policy: Saying one thing, doing another<p><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">PRESS RELEASE:</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Today, Democrats blasted Chris Gibson for saying one thing, and doing another on energy policy. Opposing cap-and-trade is a cornerstone of Gibson’s campaign, yet Gibson has hired a lobbyist to run his campaign who made thousands pushing to get cap-and-trade through the congress. </span></span> </p> <p><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Gibson insists he’s “stridently opposed to cap-and-trade,” predicting that it would “raise the price of everything, which would make us less competitive in the world market and basically drive all food production from the state and the country.” (Post-Star, 9/9/10, <a href="http://poststar.com/app/blogs/?p=51759&cat=259" target="_blank">click</a>; Times-Union, 6/26/10, <a href="http://www.timesunion.com/news/article/Gibson-Energy-plan-too-costly-562426.php" target="_blank">click</a>) </span></span> </p> <p><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Yet, after his last Tea Party</span></span><span style="color:#000080;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size:100%;">-</span></span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size:100%;">affiliated campaign manager left, Gibson handed the reins over to lobbyist William Teator, the President and CEO of Capital Advocates LLC (Times Union, 9/28/10, <a href="http://blog.timesunion.com/capitol/archives/32291/gibson-campaign-manager-departs/" target="_blank">click</a>). According to lobbying disclosure forms, Energy East Corporation paid Teator $20,000 to lobby for the Waxman-Markey Clean Energy Legislation, the leading cap-and-trade proposal before Congress. (Lobbying Disclosure Form, <a href="http://soprweb.senate.gov/index.cfm?event=getFilingDetails&filingID=BF612F29-618A-456E-938B-46C1B9EA2A38" target="_blank">click</a>)</span></span></p> <p>“<span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size:100%;">If Chris Gibson’s Campaign is known for anything, it’s the candidate’s willingness to say or do anything to get elected. Initially, Gibson was pro-choice, and then he hooked up with an anti-choice zealot, refused requests to clarify his abortion position, and secured the backing of an extreme anti-abortion PAC. It was a similar story with the Small Business Jobs Bill. Gibson first opposed it, and then, after getting heat for it, said that, come to think of it, he supports the jobs bill. Now, comes the latest: after months of talking about how a cap-and-trade bill would kill U.S. competitiveness, we learn that Gibson hired a pro-cap-and-trade lobbyist as his campaign manager,” said Jay Jacobs, chairman of the NYS Democratic Committee. </span></span> </p> <p>“<span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Washington is already full of politicians like Chris Gibson who say one thing, but do another. The last thing we need is one more,” concluded Jacobs</span></span>.<br /></p> <p align="CENTER"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size:100%;"># # # </span></span> </p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1401706273517137194.post-76522246558854271212010-10-27T10:19:00.000-07:002010-10-27T10:20:32.945-07:00"Small Business Endorses Chris Gibson for Congress"<span style="font-weight: bold;">Press Release:<br /><br /></span> <p style="margin-left: 0.2in; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b>WASHINGTON</b></span></span><b>, D.C</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">.</span><b> Oct. 25, 2010</b> – <span style="font-family: times new roman;">Today the National Federation of Independent Business, America’s leading small business association, announced its full support and endorsement of Chris Gibson for election to the U.S. House of Representatives in New York’s 20th District.</span></p> <p style="margin-left: 0.2in; margin-bottom: 0in;">“<span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Chris Gibson is clearly the candidate in this race who will best represent the interests of America’s small businesses,” said Lisa Goeas, NFIB vice president of political operations, noting that he supports many of the association’s priorities including lowering the cost of healthcare, cutting wasteful government spending and opposing pro-labor “card check” legislation that would eliminate secret-ballot elections to ease union organization of small firms.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 0.2in; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Gibson’s tax reform stances are closely aligned with the small business community which has long called for lower levels of taxation to help reduce financial burdens and allow the growth of their enterprises, she said. “He is a strong believer that tax and regulatory burdens on small business prohibit them from growing and hiring, and we know he will make that a top priority in Washington.”</span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 0.2in; margin-bottom: 0in;">“<span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Chris Gibson supports repealing the new healthcare law, opposes tax increases on small business owners, and believes the federal government—like small businesses and families—should live within its means,” said Mike Elmendorf, NFIB New York state director. “America’s small business owners can count on him to support policies that will help them do what they do best: create jobs and restore the economy.”</span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 0.2in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-weight: normal;"> <span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size:100%;">In New York, there are more than 440,000 small employers. Nationally, small businesses create more than half the nation’s gross domestic product and have created more than 60 percent of net-new jobs in the U.S. over the past 15 years.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 0.2in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-weight: normal;"> <span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Small business owners and their employees vote in large numbers and are known for actively recruiting friends, family members and acquaintances to go to the polls. NFIB will encourage its members in New York to help turn out the small business vote on Gibson’s behalf of Election Day.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 0.2in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-weight: normal;"> <span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Today’s endorsement comes from NFIB’s Save America’s Free Enterprise (SAFE) Trust, the association’s political action committee, and is based on candidates’ positions on key small business issues including healthcare, taxes and labor and regulatory issues.</span></span></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1401706273517137194.post-27648515734226429352010-10-21T11:45:00.000-07:002010-10-21T11:51:56.545-07:00Live Blog: Gillibrand and DioGuardi debate in TroyIncumbent Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-NY, will debate Republican challenger Joseph DioGuardi tonight at Sage College's Bush Memorial in Troy.<br /><br />Check back here at 7 p.m. for a live blog of the debate by reporter Dave Canfield.<br /><br /><iframe src="http://www.coveritlive.com/index2.php/option=com_altcaster/task=viewaltcast/altcast_code=4a985ca70c/height=550/width=470" allowtransparency="true" width="470px" frameborder="0" height="550px" scrolling="no">&amp;amp;lt;a href="http://www.coveritlive.com/mobile.php/option=com_mobile/task=viewaltcast/altcast_code=4a985ca70c" &amp;amp;gt;Gillibrand - DioGuardi debate&amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;gt;</iframe>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1401706273517137194.post-26631334325794912862010-10-18T12:00:00.001-07:002010-10-20T13:05:26.278-07:00Editorial board w Paul TonkoEdited HD video:<br /><embed id="player_swf" src="http://media.vmixcore.com/core-flash/UnifiedVideoPlayer/UnifiedVideoPlayer.swf" name="UnifiedVideoPlayer" play="true" loop="false" quality="high" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" wmode="transparent" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" flashvars="player_id=63c8695054b9318eabf5fbdd954801ec&token=44859025be0cb929d77eeffbe666a548&auto_play=0" pluginspage="http://www.adobe.com/go/getflashplayer" width="460" align="middle" height="292"></embed><br /><br />Full recorded live stream:<br /><br /><object classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" id="utv326580" name="utv_n_796333" width="608" height="368"><param name="flashvars" value="loc=%2F&autoplay=false&vid=10286890&locale=en_US"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><param name="src" value="http://www.ustream.tv/flash/video/10286890?v3=1"><embed flashvars="loc=%2F&autoplay=false&vid=10286890&locale=en_US" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" id="utv326580" name="utv_n_796333" src="http://www.ustream.tv/flash/video/10286890?v3=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="608" height="368"></embed></object><br /><br /><iframe src="http://www.coveritlive.com/index2.php/option=com_altcaster/task=viewaltcast/altcast_code=d770e2e16d/height=550/width=470" allowtransparency="true" width="470px" frameborder="0" height="550px" scrolling="no">&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://www.coveritlive.com/mobile.php/option=com_mobile/task=viewaltcast/altcast_code=d770e2e16d" &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Editorial board with Paul Tonko&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;</iframe>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1401706273517137194.post-14278152132778814632010-10-18T07:27:00.000-07:002010-10-20T13:13:15.203-07:00Editorial board with Scott MurphyOur editorial board will sit down with Congressman Scott Murphy, D-NY, who currently represents the 20th congressional district and is seeking re-election to that seat in November in a race against Republican challenger Chris Gibson.<br /><br />Watch the live blog here and, as always, you can follow along with a live video stream at <a href="http://ustre.am/nVKE">http://ustre.am/nVKE.</a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Update:</span><br />Full recorded live stream:<br /><object classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" id="utv937471" name="utv_n_890497" width="608" height="368"><param name="flashvars" value="loc=%2F&autoplay=false&vid=10283983&locale=en_US"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><param name="src" value="http://www.ustream.tv/flash/video/10283983?v3=1"><embed flashvars="loc=%2F&autoplay=false&vid=10283983&locale=en_US" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" id="utv937471" name="utv_n_890497" src="http://www.ustream.tv/flash/video/10283983?v3=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="608" height="368"></embed></object><br /><br />Edited HD video:<br /><br /><br /><br /><iframe src="http://www.coveritlive.com/index2.php/option=com_altcaster/task=viewaltcast/altcast_code=cab46f6d3c/height=550/width=470" allowtransparency="true" width="470px" frameborder="0" height="550px" scrolling="no">&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://www.coveritlive.com/mobile.php/option=com_mobile/task=viewaltcast/altcast_code=cab46f6d3c" &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Editorial board with Scott Murphy&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;</iframe>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1401706273517137194.post-6538833307055315462010-10-15T06:07:00.000-07:002010-10-15T06:08:21.288-07:00Emily's List Endorses Yepsen<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">PRESS RELEASE:<br /></span></span> <p lang="en">Saratoga Springs, NY – EMILY’s List, the nation’s largest political action committee and financial resoure for women running for elective office, has thrown its support behind Joanne Yepsen in her campaign for the 43<sup>rd</sup> Senate District.</p> <p>“<span lang="en">Joanne Yepsen is a highly respected member of the community with a proven record of integrity that focuses on the issues and needs of her constituents,” said Jonathan Parker, Political Director of EMILY’s List. “As a small business owner with 25 years of experience in fiscal management and strategic planning, I have no doubt that she will be a strong advocate for the people of New York. EMILY’s List is proud to endorse Joanne Yepsen as the next State Senator for the 43</span><sup><span lang="en">rd</span></sup><span lang="en"> District.”</span></p> <p>Joanne Yepsen currently serves as Saratoga Springs County Supervisor where she has focused on listening and delivering results for her constituents. She is committed to a bipartisan and transparent legislative process and has no interest in the partisan politics that have stood in the way of open, honest, and efficient government. </p> <p>“It is truly an honor to have earned the support of EMILY’s List,” said Yepsen. “I am excited to join the State Senate, so I can be a strong voice for all of the women, children, and families of the 43rd district.”</p> <p lang="en">Yepsen is running against a lifetime politican who has failed to represent the constituents of his district. “Roy McDonald has been serving his downstate Republican leaders instead of doing what is best for the people in his own district,” Yepsen says. “New Yorkers deserve better representation, and with the support of EMILY’s List, I will be able to offer a better choice.” </p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0.17in;">EMILY’s List mobilizes women voters to help elect Democrats up and down the ticket and across the country. <span lang="en">With more than 100,000 members, it is the largest political action committee in the nation. EMILY, an acronym that stands for “Early Money Is Like Yeast,” was chosen as part of the organization’s name in the recognition that, just as yeast was essential to making dough rise, early money was the key ingredient to a successful campaign. Since it’s founding in 1985, EMILY’s List has raised over $81 million to elect 80 pro-choice Democratic women members of Congress, 15 senators, 9 governors, and hundreds of women to state and local office. </span> </p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1401706273517137194.post-51144819487072244912010-10-14T07:46:00.000-07:002010-10-15T13:02:30.733-07:00Editorial board with Joanne YepsenOur editorial board will sit down with Joanne Yepsen, Democratic challenger for the state senate seat currently held by Roy McDonald.<br /><br />Follow along with a live chat below, as well as a live video stream at <a href="http://ustre.am/nVKE">http://ustre.am/nVKE</a>.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Update: </span>Recorded live video:<br /><br /><object classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" id="utv87766" name="utv_n_250339" width="480" height="386"><param name="flashvars" value="loc=%2F&autoplay=false&vid=10197558&locale=en_US"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><param name="src" value="http://www.ustream.tv/flash/video/10197558?v3=1"><embed flashvars="loc=%2F&autoplay=false&vid=10197558&locale=en_US" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" id="utv87766" name="utv_n_250339" src="http://www.ustream.tv/flash/video/10197558?v3=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="480" height="386"></embed></object><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">HD Video:<br /><embed id="player_swf" src="http://media.vmixcore.com/core-flash/UnifiedVideoPlayer/UnifiedVideoPlayer.swf" name="UnifiedVideoPlayer" play="true" loop="false" quality="high" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" wmode="transparent" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" flashvars="player_id=63c8695054b9318eabf5fbdd954801ec&token=564ecf7a5d8166f8dcf6db80b7f6012e&auto_play=0" pluginspage="http://www.adobe.com/go/getflashplayer" align="middle" width="460" height="292"></embed><br /><br /><br /></span><br /><iframe src="http://www.coveritlive.com/index2.php/option=com_altcaster/task=viewaltcast/altcast_code=537b40d3b1/height=550/width=470" allowtransparency="true" width="470px" frameborder="0" height="550px" scrolling="no">&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://www.coveritlive.com/mobile.php/option=com_mobile/task=viewaltcast/altcast_code=537b40d3b1" &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Editorial board with Joanne Yepsen&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;</iframe>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0