Marathon Strategies New Members of The New York State Legislature 12.8.14

NEW MEMBERS
OF THE
NEWYORK
STATE
LEGISLATURE
NEW MEMBERS OF THE

NEWYORK STATE LEGISLATURE
On November 4th, NewYorkers elected 26 new
members to the State Legislature including
10State Senators and 16 Assembly Members.
OneAssembly 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,
CommonCore, the DREAM Act, fracking, a
minimum wage increase, the property tax cap and
the Womens Equality Act.
This guide introduces Albanys class of 2015.
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 Womens Equality Act. Statements made on these
eight issues are included in each member profile.
Table of Contents
THE NEWYORK STATE SENATE
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Thomas Croci (R)

Michael Venditto (R)
Leroy Comrie (D)
Jesse Hamilton (D)
Terrence Murphy (R)
Susan Serino (R)
George Amedore (R)
Richard Funke (R)
Marc Panepinto (D)
Robert Ortt (R)
THE NEWYORK STATE ASSEMBLY

Dean Murray (R)
Kimberly Jean-Pierre (D)
Todd Kaminsky (D)
Rodneyse Bichotte (D)
Jo Anne Simon (D)
Erik Dilan (D)
Latrice Walker (D)
Roxanne Persaud (D)
Charles Barron (D)
Guillermo Linares (D)
Rebecca Seawright (D)
Latoya Joyner (D)
Michael Blake (D)
Carrie Woerner (D)
Peter Lawrence (R)
Angela Wozniak (R)
38 East 29th Street, 4th Floor, New York, NY 10016
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THE
NEWYORK
STATE
SENATE
NEW YORK STATE SENATE
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, NewYork Law
School
Affiliations/Organizations: Christopher D. Smithers
Foundation; Derek Jeters Turn Two Foundation; LongIsland
Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence; Jo-Ann Croci
Foundation
Campaigned On: Creating Jobs; Controlling Taxes & Debt; Improving Education; Protecting the Environment;
Stopping Crime
On The Issues
Common 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 its a healthy and safe way to
do it, make sure youre 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 Womens Equality Act: The State of NewYork and the Republican Senate had passed nine
of the ten points on the Womens Equality Act in the State of NewYork. There was one point that they
didnt, matching up with the ideas of some great Democratic senators, one reverend who said, I dont feel
comfortable with that tenth point either. (YouTube, 4:00-4:40)
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. Johns 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; Property Taxes; Education; Superstorm Sandy
On The Issues
Common 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
programs 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 NewYork 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 Cuomos cap on property taxes. (Michael Venditto for
Senate Campaign Ad, 0:10-0:17)
Leroy Comrie (D)

Replacing: Malcolm Smith
DISTRICT: 14
Previous Position(s): Special Assistant to the Borough
President, Queens Borough Presidents Office; Deputy
Majority Leader/Councilmember, 27th District, NewYork City
Council; Chief of Staff, NewYorkCityCouncil
Education: BA, University of Bridgeport
Affiliations/Organizations: Queens Democratic Party
Campaigned On: Job Creation; Affordable Healthcare; Better Schools; Safer Neighborhoods; Lower Taxes;
Reforming Government
On The Issues
Campaign 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: Im not against lifting the [charter school] cap, the councils deputy majority leader, Leroy
Comrie of Queens, said. I just want to ensure for every school that they have equal and consistent funding.
(NewYork Sun)
DREAM Act: Comrie sponsored and voted for NewYork City Council Resolution 1671-2013, a resolution
calling upon the NewYork State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign, the NewYork State
Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act of 2013 (S.2378/A.2597) (NewYork 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 Womens Equality Act: I would co-sponsor the Womens Equality Act that is currently in the
NewYork State Legislature. (Vote 411 Voter Guide)
Jesse Hamilton (D)

Replacing: Vacant, previously Eric Adams
DISTRICT: 20
Previous Position(s): Assemblymember, 43rd District,
NewYork State Assembly; Counsel, Office of NewYork 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, LongIsland University;
JD, Seton Hall Law School
Affiliations/Organizations: Lincoln Civic Block Association;
Rosa Parks Independent Democratic Organization
Campaigned On: Affordable Housing; NYCHA Housing; Seniors; Job Creation; Labor; Public Safety;
Domestic Violence; Womens Equality Act; Universal ID for All NewYorkers; Raise Minimum Wage to $15 an
Hour; Education; DREAM Act
On The Issues
Campaign 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 NewYork. (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 Womens Equality Act: I am a strong supporter of the 10 point Womens Equality Act. (Jesse
Hamilton for State Senate)
Terrence Murphy (R)

Replacing: Greg Ball
DISTRICT: 40
Previous Position(s): Councilmember, Town of Yorktown;
Owner & Operator, Murphys 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
Campaigned On: Tax Cuts; Job Creating Projects; Traffic & Flood Mitigation; Infrastructure Improvements;
Increase Sewer Capacity; Combat Illegal Drugs; Hold Public Utilities Accountable
On The Issues
Campaign 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
necessarychanges. (Poughkeepsie Journal)
DREAM Act: Murphy says he is not anti-immigrant but feels its 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
donecorrectly. (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 Womens Equality Act: Murphy supports nine of the 10 planks of the Womens Equality Act, but not
the provision to codify the elements of Roe v. Wade in NewYorks abortion law. (Journal News)
Susan Serino (R)

Replacing: Terry Gipson
DISTRICT: 41
Previous Position(s): Legislator, 4th District, Dutchess County
Legislature; Board Member, HydePark TownBoard; Owner,
Century 21 Serino Realty
Campaigned On: Dutchess County Energy Tax; Taxes;
Job Creation; Common Core; Defending Taxpayers;
SecondAmendment
On The Issues
Campaign Finance Reform: Serino said the public financing of campaigns would increase taxes. Wheres
that money going to come from? she asked. (Poughkeepsie Journal)
Common Core: Common Core has been a mistake. NewYork 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 NewYork 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 Im
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 Womens Equality Act: The way [the Womens Equality Acts] written, its very open ended. You
dont 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 cant fathom it. Id definitely vote against it. (YouTube
Video of Dutchess Tea Party Meeting)
10
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, NewYork
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
On The Issues
Campaigned On: Property Tax Relief; Job Creation/Economic

Development; Education; Energy; Restoring the Public Trust;
Womens Equality; Rural Resurgence Initiatives
Campaign 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 dont 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
[NewYork is Home Bill]. (Note: The NewYork 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: Im 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 Womens Equality Act: We need to immediately vote to enact a nine point womens 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)
11
Richard Funke (R)

Replacing: Ted OBrien
DISTRICT: 55
Previous Position(s): News Anchor, WHEC-TV; Sports
Director, WHEC-TV; Sportscaster, WTVJ Miami; News Director,
WAXC Radio; Disc Jockey, WBTA Radio, LongIsland Radio
News Network
Education: BA, Adelphi University
Affiliations/Organizations: Cancer Action; Eddie Meath
All-Star Football Game; Monroe County Sheriffs Foundation;
Rochester Press Radio Club; Ronald McDonald House
Campaigned On: Reducing Property Taxes; Creating New Jobs; Quality Schools; Progress and Equality for
Women; Increasing the Minimum Wage
On The Issues
Common Core: Ill 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 theyll allow fracking.
(RochesterCityNewspaper)
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 laboralong with state governmentin 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: Ill vote to make the 2% property tax permanent, to help rein in spending and keep taxes
down. (Richard Funke for State Senate)
10-Point Womens Equality Act: I will act immediately to reach across the political aisle and pass a sensible
Womens 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)
12
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: Establishing and Maintaining a Living Wage; Ending Corporate Tax Breaks and Creating
Jobs; Strengthening Worker Safety Laws; End Privatization of Public Education; Womens Equality Act
On The Issues
Campaign 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 nations 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, Im 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 Womens Equality Act: In Albany, I will join my Democratic colleagues in continuing to push that
the full 10 point Womens Equality Act be brought to the floor for a vote. (Panepinto for State Senate)
13
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, NewYork Army
NationalGuard
Education: BA, Canisius College
Affiliations/Organizations: United States Army
Campaigned On: Repeal SAFE Act
On The Issues
Campaign 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. (NewYorkers
Family Research Foundation 2014 Voter Guide)
Charter Schools: I think we have enough (charter schools). Ive seen some recent data that charter schools
have not performed very well. At this point, with that data, I dont think its wise to spend more public dollars
on charter schools that arent meeting the needs of their students. (Buffalo News)
Common Core: Ortt responded, Its 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 NewYork. (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. (NewYorkers 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 Womens Equality Act: Does the candidate support or oppose the proposed Womens Equality
Act Robert Ortt: Oppose. (NewYorkers Family Research Foundation 2014 Voter Guide)
14
THE NEWYORK STATE ASSEMBLY
THE
NEWYORK
STATE
ASSEMBLY
NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY
Dean Murray (R)

Replacing: Edward Hennessey
DISTRICT: 3
Previous Position(s): Founder, D&S Advertising;
Assemblymember, 3rd District, NewYork 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
Campaigned On: Common Core; Job Growth; School Tax Relief
On The Issues
Charter Schools: Murray voted for a bill to increase the number of charter schools in NewYork 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 years historic property-tax cap, a check on sky-high
LongIsland 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 Womens Equality Act: Im for nine of the ten points and all of the Republican colleagues Ive
spoken to are also for nine of the ten points. (News 12 LongIsland Election Q&A)
16
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: Jobs; Taxes; Womens Issues
On The Issues
Charter 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: Shell also fight to increase the minimum wage because hardworking families
shouldnt have to struggle to get by. (Kimberly Jean-Pierre for Assembly)
10-Point Womens 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)
17
Todd Kaminsky (D)

Replacing: Harvey Weisenberg
DISTRICT: 20
Previous Position(s): Assistant US Attorney, LongIsland,
Brooklyn and Queens; Acting Deputy Chief, Public Integrity
Section of US Attorneys Office; Prosecutor, Queens District
Attorneys Office
Education: Bachelors Degree, University of Michigan; JD,
NewYork University
Affiliations/Organizations: Received the Community Service
Award from the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Eastern District
of NewYork and the Long Beach Martin Luther King Centers
Sandy Relief Service Award for his efforts to bring relief funds
to South Shore residents in the wake of Hurricane Sandy
Campaigned On: Rebuilding After Sandy; Taxes; Education; Womens Rights; Israel; Protecting the
Environment; Community Priorities
On The Issues
Campaign 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 NewYork City to tap it, which could
lead to saltwater intrusion. (LongIsland Herald)
Property Tax Cap: Kaminsky supports the property tax cap and would vote for extending it in 2016, as
long as it didnt get in the way of adequate education spending. (LongIsland Herald)
10-Point Womens Equality Act: Todd believes that starts with full support for NewYorks Womens Equality
Act, in its entirety. (Todd Kaminksy for Assembly)
18
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 Universitys Kellogg School of
Management
Affiliations/Organizations: De Blasio Inaugural Committee;
Habitat for Humanity; Turning Point; NAACP; Delta Sigma
Theta Sorority
Campaigned On: Immigration; Unemployment; Education Reform; Health Care Access; Senior Citizen
Centers; Affordable Housing
On The Issues
Campaign 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 Womens Equality Act: One of the key issues I will be focused on will be to help ensure the
passage of the Womens Equality Act. (Ditmas Park Patch)
19
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, NewYork State Democratic Committee Progressive
Caucus
Education: BA, Iona College; MA, Gallaudet University; JD,
Fordham Law School
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 Issues
Campaign 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
NewYork. (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 NewYork 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)
20
Erik Dilan (D)

Replacing: Vacant, previously Rafael Espinal
DISTRICT: 54
Previous Position(s): Councilmember, 37th District, NewYork
City Council; Community School Board Member, District 32;
Member, Community Board 4
Education: AS, St. Johns University
Campaigned On: Affordable Housing; NewYork City Infrastructure; Campaign Finance Reform; Economic
Development; Health Care
On The Issues
Charter Schools: People on both sides of the charter school fight are not happy about a hefty City Council
earmark thats going to the teachers unions charter school. The funding, sponsored by City Councilman
ErikDilan and approved last month in the councils annual capital budget allocations, gives the union
$2million to develop a plan for moving its charter school out of the two East NewYork buildings it shares
and into space of its own. (Chalkbeat NewYork)
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. (NewYork City Campaign Finance Board 2009 Voter Guide)
21
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
ofLaw
Affiliations/Organizations: Progressive Democratic Political Association; Black NewYorkers 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 Issues
Campaign Finance Reform: We need greater transparency in our states election process and that
means, publicly financed campaigns. I will fully support campaign reform if elected in November. (Vote 411
VoterGuide)
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)
22
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, PaceUniversity; Community Board 18
Education: MSE, Pace University
Affiliations/Organizations: Canarsie Lions Club
Campaigned On: Childrens Community Services; Fair Share of Resources for Brooklyn
23
Charles Barron (D)

Replacing: Vacant, previously Inez Barron
DISTRICT: 60
Previous Position(s): Councilmember, 42nd District,
NewYork City Council; District Leader, NewYork State
DemocraticCommittee
Education: AA, NewYork City Community College;
BA,HunterCollege
Campaigned On: Affordable Housing; Alleviating Poverty; Economic Development; Education Reform
On The Issues
Campaign 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 NewYork)
DREAM Act: Barron sponsored and voted for NewYork City Council Resolution 1671-2013, a resolution
calling upon the NewYork State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign, the NewYork State
Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act of 2013 (S.2378/A.2597). (NewYork City
Council Legislative Research Center)
Fracking: So Im here today to say we need to ban hydraulic fracturing, hydrofracking, as the shorter term
iscalled. (Capital NewYork)
Minimum Wage Increase: Fifteen dollars isnt 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 states property tax. Before the governors
speech, Barron was critical of Cuomos strategy to get the state back on solid financial ground. It is cutting
us to the bone, Barron said. Tax the rich. Dont come to the table saying the only thing youre going to do
iscut. (Huffington Post)
10-Point Womens Equality Act: Barron voted for a resolution to call upon the NewYork State Legislature to
pass, and the Governor to sign, the Womens Equality Act. (NewYork City Council)
24
Guillermo Linares (D)

Replacing: Vacant, previously Gabriela Rosa
DISTRICT: 72
Previous Position(s): Assemblymember, 72nd District,
NewYork State Assembly; Commissioner of Immigrant Affairs,
City of NewYork; Councilmember, 10th District, NewYork City
Council; Community Board 12
Education: BA and MS, City College; Professional Diploma,
Fordham University; Doctorate, Columbia University
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
MinimumWage
On The Issues
Campaign Finance Reform: I support campaign finance programs such as the one in place in NewYork
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 NewYork State. I favor legislation to ban it outright unless
technological advances make it environmentally safe. And, in my view, were a long way away from that point
right now. (League of Women Voters of NewYork 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)
25
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 ofLaw
Affiliations/Organizations: Chair, Board of Directors of the
Feminist Press; Chair, Board of Visitors of the CUNY School
ofLaw
Campaigned On: Affordable Housing; Campaign Finance Reform; Job Creation; Public School Funding;
Womens Equality Act/Womens Rights
On The Issues
Campaign 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 NewYork 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 Womens Equality Act: Rebecca will work tirelessly in Albany to make sure that all 10 ten points of
the Womens Equality Act become law in NewYork State. (Rebecca Seawright Democrat for Assembly)
26
Latoya Joyner (D)

Replacing: Vacant, previously Vanessa Gibson
DISTRICT: 77
Previous Position(s): Court Attorney, NewYork City Civil
Court; Community Liaison, Office of Assemblymember Aurelia
Greene; Intern, NewYork 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;
NewYork State Bar
Campaigned On: Affordable Housing; Education Reform; Housing Reform; Job Creation; Services For
Seniors
On The Issues
Campaign Finance Reform: What is your position on establishing a matching public financing system for
state legislative and statewide races similar to the NewYork City model? [Joyner]: Support. (Citizens Union
2014 Questionnaire for Candidates for NewYork State Legislature)
DREAM Act: She has also been a strong advocate of passage of the DREAM Act. (Latoya Joyner Democrat
for Assembly)
27
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 NewYork; Alpha
Phi Alpha Fraternity; United Methodist Church
Campaigned On: Affordable Housing; Education; Gun Control; Improving Financial Literacy; Job Creation
On The Issues
Campaign Finance Reform: Public financing, like we have in NewYork 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)
28
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,SantaClaraUniversity
Affiliations/Organizations: Malta Sunrise Rotary Club;
Townof Malta Planning Board; Saratoga Arts Board of
Directors; Saratoga P.L.A.N; Susan Schiffer Stautberg
LeadershipFoundation
Campaigned On: Fostering Entrepreneurship In Technology and Agriculture; Job Creation; Protecting the
Environment and Agriculture Industry; Responsible Development
On The Issues
Campaign 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.
(AlbanyTimes-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 its 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 states 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
SAFEAct passed. (Post Star)
10-Point Womens Equality Act: The women of NewYork deserve all 10 points of the WEA including the
10th plank, which enshrines Roe vs. Wade in state law. (Albany Times-Union)
29
Peter Lawrence (R)

Replacing: Vacant, previously Bill Reilich
DISTRICT: 134
Previous Position(s): United States Marshall, Western District
of NewYork; Staff Inspector, NewYork State Police
Education: BA, SUNY College at Brockport
Affiliations/Organizations: Assistant Wrestling Coach, SUNY
Brockport; Founder, Peter Lawrence ALS Golf Classic
Campaigned On: Cutting Spending; Job Creation; Public Safety; Smaller Government; Tax Reform
On The Issues
Charter 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)
30
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, DYouville College
Campaigned On: Ethics Reform; Education Reform; Smaller Government; Tax Reform; Term Limits for
ElectedOfficials
On The Issues
Campaign Finance Reform: Campaign finance regulation and enforcement in NewYork 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. Thats 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)
31
38 East 29th Street, 4th Floor

New York, NY 10016
212-960-8120
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Marathon Strategies New Members of The New York State Legislature 12.8.14

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NEW MEMBERS

NEW MEMBERS OF THE

Thomas Croci (R)

THE NEWYORK STATE ASSEMBLY

38 East 29th Street, 4th Floor, New York, NY 10016

NEW YORK STATE SENATE

Thomas Croci (R)

38 East 29th Street, 4th Floor, New York, NY 10016

NEW YORK STATE SENATE

Michael Venditto (R)

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

38 East 29th Street, 4th Floor, New York, NY 10016

NEW YORK STATE SENATE

Leroy Comrie (D)

38 East 29th Street, 4th Floor, New York, NY 10016

NEW YORK STATE SENATE

Jesse Hamilton (D)

38 East 29th Street, 4th Floor, New York, NY 10016

NEW YORK STATE SENATE

Terrence Murphy (R)

38 East 29th Street, 4th Floor, New York, NY 10016

NEW YORK STATE SENATE

Susan Serino (R)

38 East 29th Street, 4th Floor, New York, NY 10016

NEW YORK STATE SENATE

George Amedore (R)

Campaigned On: Property Tax Relief; Job Creation/Economic

38 East 29th Street, 4th Floor, New York, NY 10016

NEW YORK STATE SENATE

Richard Funke (R)

38 East 29th Street, 4th Floor, New York, NY 10016

NEW YORK STATE SENATE

Marc Panepinto (D)

38 East 29th Street, 4th Floor, New York, NY 10016

NEW YORK STATE SENATE

Robert Ortt (R)

Campaigned On: Repeal SAFE Act

38 East 29th Street, 4th Floor, New York, NY 10016

THE NEWYORK STATE ASSEMBLY

NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY

Dean Murray (R)

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

38 East 29th Street, 4th Floor, New York, NY 10016

NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY

Kimberly Jean-Pierre (D)

Campaigned On: Jobs; Taxes; Womens Issues

38 East 29th Street, 4th Floor, New York, NY 10016

NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY

Todd Kaminsky (D)

38 East 29th Street, 4th Floor, New York, NY 10016

NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY

Rodneyse Bichotte (D)

38 East 29th Street, 4th Floor, New York, NY 10016

NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY

Jo Anne Simon (D)

Affiliations/Organizations: Boerum Hill Association; Downtown Brooklyn Coalition; Council of Brooklyn

38 East 29th Street, 4th Floor, New York, NY 10016

NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY

Erik Dilan (D)

38 East 29th Street, 4th Floor, New York, NY 10016

NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY

Latrice Walker (D)

Affiliations/Organizations: Progressive Democratic Political Association; Black NewYorkers for Fair