Professional Documents
Culture Documents
I request the endorsement of the Stonewall Democrats arid look forward to meeting with
you and members of your organization on June 26.
I am seeking the office of Brie County Clerk because I believe the voters deserve the
most qualified, experienced person for the position of Erie County Clerk. My qualifications are
second to none -- as Dave Swarts' first deputy for four years, I was charged with running the
operations—personnel, budget, legislation, annual reports and media relations. Following the
red budget/green budget fiasco, we faced serious challenges, but through it all, the Clerk's Office
emerged as the voice of reason cautioning that you can't cut one of the prime revenue generators
for the County. I know this job; I've been doing the job exclusively since January 2 without
missing a beat. That is why, based upon my experience and qualifications, Governor Spitzer, on
April 16, 2007, appointed me Erie County Clerk to fill the vacancy created when Dave Swarts
was appointed NYS Commissioner of Motor Vehicles
As I travel throughout New York State, I am constantly reminded that the Erie County
Clerk's Office is a role model for innovation, efficiency and technological advancement across
the state. I am not one to rest on those laurels; therefore, I will continue to build upon our
reputation. I am pleased to report that with 1/3 of the year behind us, the Clerk's office is
averaging about 34% of our revenue targets, which demonstrates sound budgeting practices.
I am convening an ad hoc financial advisory group to take a took at our cash management
practices and principles to ensure that we are doing everything we can to earn extra dollars
through investments with the Comptrollers office,
I will continue to fight the Thruway tolls, Everyone ls.happy to take credit, but every
movement begins with someone who is willing to fight the status quo. Over the past decade, I
have been the leading force mobilizing community, political and medical support for the removal
of the tolls. -
As County Clerk, I am devoted to the simple principle that all customers are entitled to
outstanding service, regardless of race, religion or sexual preference. I am proud that I have
succeeded in building a reputation based on fairness and professionalism. My staff is directed to
treat everyone equally well and in fostering this climate, I have not received complaints of
discriminatory treatment based upon sexual preference from members of the public. Sexual
orientation is a non-issue in the realm that I oversee in the County Clerks Office,
I agree that there are many issues left unresolved that face the gay, lesbian, bisexual and
transgender community that must-be addressed at the County, State and Federal levels of
government. While I do not have direct influence over public policy. I will certainly use any
influence I have to accomplish objectives identified by the Stonewall Democrats of Western
New York, Extending benefits to domestic partners at all levels of government, including
bereavement leave, adoption, workers compensation, crime victims' benefits and giving
domestic partners protection against domestic violence are all areas where I support legislative
solutions. Most of the issues outlined in your questionnaire. I wholeheartedly support, although
there are some that I am not as familiar with.
I will be happy to sign a pledge to conduct my campaign in a truthful, fair and clear
manner and will, as always, conduct myself in a manner conducive to a civil, issue-oriented
debate. Further, I will be pleased to attend any forums within the GI,BT community
Sincerely,
PajtyAft1liation: Democrat
Please submit you typewritten responses to the following questions on a separate sheet.
Although the office you seek has no direct authority in local or state legislative matters, if elected you will have the ability to
indirectly influence the region's local, state and federal elected officials. Please indicate your support or opposition for:
I attest that this questio maire rep is my opinion of the issues on this questionnaire:
Please complete the attached issues surveys, sign below and return questionnaire, surveys and your rdsun to-
Stonewall Democrats of WNY
PO Box 857
Buf alo, NY 14205-O 57