No expense is spared in 105th district race Both parties pump in cash to win Tuesday's election
By PAUL NELSON, Staff writer Click byline for more stories by writer. First published: Sunday, July 29, 2007
SCHENECTADY Rather than shy away from it, Republican George Amedore Jr. embraces his political outsider status and even fancies it as an asset. His Democratic opponent, Edward Kosiur, argues that holding public office as he has on the municipal and county levels, coupled with the fact that his party holds sway in the Assembly, means he can do more for the people of the 105th Assembly District.
With Schenectady County having the highest combined property tax rate in the region several years running, that issue has grabbed the most attention, along with jobs and the local economy in the district, which includes Montgomery County.
Money, and lots of it, mostly from the two political parties, is flowing to the campaigns in a race that will come to a head in Tuesday's special election.
Despite Democrats holding an overwhelming majority in the Assembly, the GOP, amid big losses in the November elections, is looking for any gains that could lead to some momentum.
And what better place to do it than in a district where a popular Democrat like former Assemblyman Paul Tonko held the seat for nearly a quarter century?
Schenectady County Republican Chairman Tom Buchanan called the 105th a "bellwether district."
On the flip side, the Democrats want to hold onto the coveted seat that, over the years, gained recognition from Tonko's powerful stature.
That could account for both parties sparing no expense in their fight for an office that, in the long run, won't change the landscape of the state Assembly.
As of late last week, $280,000 of the $304,855 contributed to Amedore came from the Republican Assembly Campaign Committee, according to the state election Web site.
In Kosiur's case, his total contributions stood at $217,550, of which $192,000 has come from the Democratic Assembly Campaign Committee.
The winner will succeed Tonko in representing the district that encompasses most of Schenectady County and all of Montgomery County. Tonko took a job in June in the Spitzer administration.
Kosiur, vice chairman of the Schenectady County Legislature, says the Amedore camp has twisted his record -- particularly on taxes -- while running a dirty campaign.
But Buchanan says the roughly 81,000 registered voters in Montgomery and Schenectady counties need to know Kosiur is a "habitual tax raiser."
He accused the Democrat of voting to raise taxes on home mortgages and supporting a surcharge on wireless devices. Kosiur, 51, of Schenectady, says the the mortgage tax put Schenectady County on a par with other counties in the state while the charge should be borne by cellphone users.
Schenectady County Democratic Chairman Brian Quail has said anyone who doesn't believe cellphone service should be paid for by a fee must support it with property taxes.
Kosiur says county legislators slashed property taxes this fiscal year and last. However, he acknowledges voting for property tax hikes during two years on the Schenectady City Council but blamed fiscal mismanagement by the then-GOP administration.
Kosiur cites the creation of thousands of jobs and the more than $200 million in projects that have transformed Schenectady County and downtown Schenectady as his top achievements.
"I've been a part of the leadership and making that work," he told the Times Union editorial board.
That isn't entirely true, says Amedore, 38, of Rotterdam.
"Did he go out and get the private investments? No," said Amedore, who pointed to his own business background as executive vice president of the company that worked with TV show Extreme Makeover: Home Edition to build a new home for a Colonie family.
"I have a whole lot more experience in creating jobs and also in private investments."
Amedore has pledged to hold the line on taxes. Kosiur has also faced sharp criticism and an anonymous smear campaign for a sexual offender law that he sponsored. Under the county law, sex offenders would have to leave their homes starting Oct. 1 if they live within 2,000 feet of public parks, pools and playgrounds, schools, day care centers and youth facilities. A second law says offenders cannot move within 2,000 feet of such areas.
Kosiur is proud of the legislation and calls it the toughest sex-offender law in the state.
Amedore, who on Friday unveiled his plan to track sexual predators, said his opponent's plan roils the issue.
"It's creating a problem. Now where do they go?" Amedore said. "It's not making our children any safer."
Quail disagrees.
"The law protects rural residents as much as it protects urban residents," he said.
Both Kosiur and Amedore believe that Tuesday's mid-summer special election will attract higher-than-usual numbers of voters. Political heavyweights like Assembly Minority Leader James Tedisco, R-Schenectady, and Schenectady County Legislature Chairwoman Susan Savage, a Democrat, have gotten involved with the campaign.
Quail says Kosiur is more qualified and representative of people in the 105th.
"It comes down to knowledge and ability to create jobs and control taxes and he understands what it is to be a middle-class dad," Quail said.
Buchanan says Amedore can help shake things up in Albany by bringing a fresh approach.
Amedore's message is one "that resonates with voters and will resonate in this bellwether district," Buchanan added. Nelson can be reached at 454-5347 or by e-mail at pnelson@timesunion.com.
Tuesday's special election in the 105th state Assembly district features two candidates who, for all their differences, promise to emulate Paul Tonko, who held the seat for 24 years before resigning recently to join the Spitzer administration. The voters in the district, which includes part of Schenectady County and all of Montgomery County, had best rein in their expectations. Neither Democrat Edward Kosiur nor Republican George Amedore has the stature of Mr. Tonko, a very thoughtful and skillful legislator. On balance, though, Mr. Kosiur is the more promising of the two candidates. He has an understanding of government and what it can do, having served on the Schenectady City Council and the Schenectady County Legislature. His accomplishments in the latter position include helping to consolidate the county's various economic development agencies from 31 to three, and being part of a body that's been able to increase sales tax revenue and cut property taxes.
Mr. Kosiur prides himself as someone who can work effectively with others in government and who sees that its achievements often come about by consensus. It would be an admirable trait, if he didn't take it to such an extreme.
On issue after issue, Mr. Kosiur stakes out his position -- support for the death penalty for cop killers, for example, or opposition to gay marriage but support for civil unions -- only to stress that he'd vote the opposite way if he thought that's what his constituents preferred. But that's not constituent service. It's a lack of leadership.
The issue isn't our opposition to the death penalty, or our support for gay unions. It's that the state Legislature, of all places, needs people who act on principle rather than gauge popular opinion and act accordingly. Mr. Tonko didn't represent the 105th District with his finger to the wind. Nor should his successor.
Mr. Amedore, meanwhile, lacks Mr. Kosiur's knowledge of government. It's unsettling to see him so ardently vowing to go to the Capitol, as a freshman member of a minority party yet, and turn the place on its head. Hasn't he been paying attention to what's going on there? The steamroller approach doesn't work so well.
There's this stark difference between the candidates as well. It's the nature of the campaigns they've run. Mr. Kosiur's has been an entirely positive one, while Mr. Amedore's has been much too negative. His ads characterizing Mr. Kosiur as a serial tax raiser are misleading and unfair. Mr. Amedore's declaration that he's never raised anyone's taxes is true enough. It's also meaningless, since he's never served in government and never had the opportunity to do so.
Our endorsement goes to Mr. Kosiur, based on the hope that in time he can fill Mr. Tonko's shoes. THE ISSUE:Who will best replace Paul Tonko in Albany?THE STAKES:The 105th district could be all the poorer without representation that's effective and principled.
Kosiur's has been an entirely positive campaign? Has this editor been hiding under a rock? Cut property taxes? Obviously he doesn't live in Schenectady county!
http://www.kosiurtaxrecord.com for the truth about kosiur tax votes. He voted to raise taxes as a schenectady county legislator and a city councilman.
Absolutely incredible / incredulous that the Gazette would not print a letter on those terms.
Ms Hickey wrote a very well worded, concise editorial letter, it should have been printed, but I'm not surprised. The Gazette is so biased it's ridiculous.
Not a surprise to me...I wrote several letters that they called me to say they wouldn't print...on one occasion I had to go to their office and show 2 forms of ID because they were worried about the mayor...they said they had to make sure because they would get a phone call complaining and had to have the the right persons address and phone number...I learned more than I wished that day about our local gov't...
I certainely hope that the Gazette wouldn't be compelled to release any of that information (other than the name of the author) to the person complaining / requesting. That is absolutely incredulous
I certainely hope that the Gazette wouldn't be compelled to release any of that information (other than the name of the author) to the person complaining / requesting. That is absolutely incredulous
I use my cell for phone service....I know they are not listed in the phone book...I got a call from the mayor about my letter...so I can only conclude they gave the number to him as that was the number I gave them...Like I said I learned more then I wanted about our local gov't...
Not a surprise to me...I wrote several letters that they called me to say they wouldn't print...on one occasion I had to go to their office and show 2 forms of ID because they were worried about the mayor...they said they had to make sure because they would get a phone call complaining and had to have the the right persons address and phone number...I learned more than I wished that day about our local gov't...
Navymom, is there anyway you can get those letters to me? I'm more than dying to start a thread titled "unpopular letters that the editors wouldn't print."
You don't need a title, to make an impact. - Sarah Palin
Jimmy Tedisco resides in Bellevue....did you expect him to pick up and move to Saratoga?
I think that's called districting. Where the electorate resides that could help an incumbent stay in office. I think they screwed up though putting Kosiur in as a "Tonko legacy." Tonko must have been on some kind of mushroom people.
You don't need a title, to make an impact. - Sarah Palin
Navymom, is there anyway you can get those letters to me? I'm more than dying to start a thread titled "unpopular letters that the editors wouldn't print."
Pat, they are in my computer in Schenectady..when I get back there I'll email them to you...sounds like a good thread...
They did print the one letter I got all the flack and questions for....
I was up only a few minutes this morning, drinking my tea, and reading the People's Gazette. I turned the page and there they were- a full page picture of the vaudeville team of Lumpy and Tonk. First thing in the morning and there they were.I nearly choked on my tea.Are these two joined at the hip????They are like Edgar Bergen and Charlie Mc Carthy. Charlie, like Lumpy, was a dummy and couldn't talk unless Edgar Bergen put the words in his mouth.
Lumpy Kosiur is Paul Tonko's hand picked successor. Kosiur has run a fabricated campaign, as a businessman, a tax cutter, someone who cares about the little people. He was masquerading and got caught red handed by Liz Bishop-TV-6.
Not worried about Montgomery County, Rotterdam and the Hill towns, City voters must come out in force for George Amedore. We will not have a similar opportunity to rage against the Savage Machine in November. George is not perfect but understands that taxes and over regulation are killing us. His plan to remove Thruway tolls to Exit 29 would open our counties up to many distribution businesses. Progressive Democrats shocked by Lumpy Kosiur's unconstitutional pedophile relocation plan also need to come out in force and vote for George Amedore.
Counties to vote in special election Communities in the 105th District will choose their next assemblyman
By PAUL NELSON, Staff writer Click byline for more stories by writer. First published: Tuesday, July 31, 2007
A month-long sprint to a special election ends today when voters in some Schenectady and Montgomery county communities decide who should succeed Paul Tonko as the representative from the 105th Assembly District.
Home builder George Amedore Jr., a Republican, faces Schenectady County Legislator Ed Kosiur, a Democrat.
Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. in Montgomery County and in Rotterdam, Duanesburg, Princetown and the majority of the city of Schenectady covered by the 105th District.
Economic development and property taxes have been focal points of the race to replace Tonko, an Amsterdam Democrat who held the post for two decades.
Though the outcome of the race will have no impact on the balance of power in the Democrat-dominated Assembly, the Republican and Democratic Assembly campaign committees have put nearly half a million dollars into the race.
Both candidates used the money to launch intense television advertising campaigns, a rarity for local Assembly races.
The seat was vacated in June when Tonko resigned to lead the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority.
I don't know where (and couldn't care less) Kosiur is having his election party, but I hear that George Amedore will be at Roman Villa on Duanesburg Road.
I hope for Amedore its a VICTORY party.
You don't need a title, to make an impact. - Sarah Palin
I don't know where (and couldn't care less) Kosiur is having his election party, but I hear that George Amedore will be at Roman Villa on Duanesburg Road.
I hope for Amedore its a VICTORY party.
They just announced results on 23, and wten online!
Time will tell.....Now that he is in office, lets see how he votes on the issues.
Amen, brother! Of course, you and I might well disagree on just how he should vote--but you are entirely correct, that until we see him actually do something as a legislator, we have purchased a pig in a poke. Better than the alternative? Yup, I think so. . .but I'm not rushing to pop the champagne cork just yet!
Amedore defeats Kosiur in state Assembly race Voters express opinions at polls
By PAUL NELSON, Staff writer Click byline for more stories by writer. Last updated: 12:00 a.m., Wednesday, August 1, 2007
George Amedore is the apparent winner over Ed Kosiur today in the 105th Assembly race - with a 2,800-vote margin.
Schenectady's numbers showed Amedore ahead, 8,027-6,877 with all 66 districts reporting.
Montgomery County numbers showed Amedore ahead, 5,639-3,978 with 48 of 49 districts reporting.
Results are unofficial. About 30 percent of the registered voters turned out.
Amedore, a Republican and home builder, faced Kosiur, a Schenectady County Legislator and Democrat.
The 105th district covers Montgomery County and Rotterdam, Duanesburg, Princetown and the majority of the city of Schenectady.
Economic development and property taxes have been focal points of the race to replace Tonko, an Amsterdam Democrat who held the post for two decades.
Though the outcome of the race will have no impact on the balance of power in the Democrat-dominated Assembly, the Republican and Democratic Assembly campaign committees have put nearly half a million dollars into the race.
Both candidates used the money to launch intense television advertising campaigns, a rarity for local Assembly races.
The seat was vacated in June when Tonko resigned to lead the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority.
Absentee ballots aren't expected to make a difference. About 1,450 absentee ballots were sent out in the two counties; with 1,068 returned.
AT THE POLLS
At Schenectady City Hall, Vernon Bhagwandin, 50, said he was voting for Kosiur, noting that Kosiur promised to bring more jobs to the area.
"He promised to lower taxes and help working families and lower health care costs," said Bhagwandin, a clerk for an insurance company and a married father of five from Guyana.
Heather Wilson, 37, an independent Schenectady resident, said she voted for Amedore. Wilson is married with two children, ages 13 and 19.
"Certainly the sex offender law that Kosiur initiated I have some issues with it. I think it's not really the answer to the issue we have, and Mr. Amedore is not political. He's a fresh face with fresh ideas and somebody who's not connected."
Doug, 39, and Debbie Stefaniak, 40, parents of two boys, voted for Kosiur.
"He's been in politics longer and I like what he stands for. He's a family type guy," Doug Stefaniak said.
"I understand they are people and they have to live somewhere but at the same time I thin keeping them away from children and school districts is a good idea," said Debbie, a registered Republican who voted for Kosiur along with husband, a registered Democrat. "Amedore was overconfident and didn't have a whole lot of experience."
Lorenzo Williams, 66, of Schenectady both voted for Kosiur. He's a retired US Air Force veteran who has voted Republican most of his life.
"This Republican guy (Amedore) is making promises that he can't do. He's talking about making tolls free - sounds good but he can't do it. He's one person and you've got to work with other people," Williams said. He said he was turned off by Amedore's numerous campaign mailings.
AMEDORE'S COMMENTS
"I'm not supposed to be standing here," Amedore said at the JG Roman Villa Restaurant in Rotterdam, expressing surprise over a victory in his first campaign for public office. "What I plan on doing is to roll up my sleeves, get my hands dirty and serve the people," he continued to applause.
Amedore will take oaths Wednesday in Schenectady and Montgomery counties. A formal swearing-in ceremony will be held Thursday at the state Capitol.
FROM KOSIUR'S CAMP
Kosiur did not immediately return a call for comment.
Brian Quail, chairman of Schenectady County Democratic party, said Amedore's message was a simplistic message around taxes.
"The people have spoken. George Amedore has promised a bill of goods he can't deliver and we'll remind the people of that over and over again."
If anything some people may fault Kosiur for running too much of a positive campaign, Quail said.
Kosiur's campaign tried to get negative with Amedore, but came up short. The worst thing they could come up with was that he wasn't a politician? Sounds like a plug for Amedore, not a criticism. Sour grapes, Mr. Quail...and you should be personally embarrassed, losing by so much in Schenectady County.
I'll have the bottle chilled when you're ready to party KM
Well, push it to the back of the fridge, because that'll be at least two years--we have no idea how he will behave as a legislator--and as a freshperson legislator, he can't do much anyway. I want to see two years of voting records before I form a judgement.
However, that said: Politicians--and those deeply involved in the political process, or in political parties-- have NO clue what the real world is like. ". . . some people may fault Kosiur for running too much of a positive campaign" ??? I rest my case!
Sure, Dave, but do you actually believe there is a snowball's chance in, er, heck, that he won't be elected to another term? Well, yeah, I suppose if he refuses to go along with the public sector union lobbyists, he might get voted out. Of course, if he refused to go along with the public sector union lobbyists, I'd be asking HostPC to break out the champagne in under a year. . .in fact, I'd supply the champagne in that case. Don't see it happening, though (I only bet on sure things!)
As I recall, Kosiur was elected to the County Legislature in 2003, making 2007 a re-election year for him. Did the Dems put him on their petitions to run with Gary Hughes this November, or did someone else get the designation? Did Kosiur even carry his own county legislative district?
Oh, and count on this - you won't see the Assembly Democrats coming around again for this seat in 2008. If Kosiur runs then, he's on his own. The Dems already have 108 seats, 8 more than they need for a 2/3 veto override. There's no marginal utility for the Assembly Dems to put good money after bad in acquiring this expensive-to-defend seat once it has passed into Republican hands. The Assembly Majority is nothing if not cold-blooded and calculating - just like their counterparts in either party of both houses. Whatever promises they made to Eddie are off the table as of 9:01 PM tonight.
I wouldn't have ventured a guess about Amedore's reelection chances in 2008, Kathryn, but Taxcutnow makes some very valid points about that upcoming election. For all we know, Amedore may find assembly politics is not his cup of tea and not run in 2008. Taxcutnow, Kosiur is not running for reelection to the County Legislature for District 2. I'm fairly certain we'll hear from him politically sooner than later.
Mr. Freedgood: Thanks for the information. My uneducated guess is that we will hear from Mr. Blanchfield long before we hear from Mr. Kosiur. That being said, there's always the possibility of a ballot switcheroo, wherein the county legislature candidate designated in Mr. Kosiur's place declines nomination, and the committee to fill vacancies names Mr. Kosiur in the previous candidate's stead.
Byzantine? Yes. Underhanded? Perhaps. However, who here would be willing to say "That'll never happen!" Political figures, once out of office, have a half life - those whose last campaign ended in defeat have a much shorter half life. If Mr. Kosiur is going to climb back on the merry-go-round, time's a'wasting. Four years ago, Mr. Guidarelli was flavor of the month, now it's "Peter Who?" to many of those unaffiliated with this board. (Not a personal smack at Peter, but an expression of political reality.)
A lot, of course, has to do with how Mr. Kosiur ran within the ED's contained in his County Legislative district. Unless he did well there, we may not have "Lumpy" to kick around any more.
As for Assemblyman-elect Amedore, why should he remotely consider giving up his Assembly seat, even if it proves to be not quite his cup of tea? He's in the minority, so he is free to take whatever political position resonates with the voters of his district (Assembly Republicans are so marginalized that I can't imagine the circumstances under which Jim Tedisco would _need_ anyone's vote, except for Leader). He has a short trip to Albany for session days, whenever those may occur. His is an occupation which does not appear to present a significant conflict of interest with his duties as a legislator. His party leadership will doubtless be flexible in meeting any needs he has for staff, etc, due to: his closeness to the current leader; his status as the one bright light since the last election cycle; and, the knowledge that it is always cheaper to keep someone _in_ a seat than it is to run a new candidate. I believe he's more likely to leave the Assembly upon election to the State Senate than to retire from public office.
It's Assemblyman Amedore "Extreme Makeover" builder offers message of change in GOP win
By PAUL NELSON, Staff writer Click byline for more stories by writer. First published: Wednesday, August 1, 2007
Republican George Amedore Jr.'s victory Tuesday over Edward Kosiur ends at least two dozen years of Democratic dominance over the Assembly seat representing Montgomery and Schenectady counties. Unofficial results show Amedore, 38, outpolled Kosiur, 51, a Schenectady County legislator, in both counties by a total of about 2,800 votes. Amedore led Kosiur by 13,666 to 10,855.
Absentee ballots won't make a difference: About 1,450 were sent out in the two counties. Turnout was about 31 percent.
"I'm not supposed to be standing here," Amedore said at the JG Roman Villa Restaurant in Rotterdam, expressing surprise over a victory in his first campaign for public office. "What I plan on doing is to roll up my sleeves, get my hands dirty and serve the people," he continued to applause.
Amedore will take oaths today in Schenectady and Montgomery counties. A formal swearing-in ceremony is Thursday at the state Capitol.
The Rotterdam resident became a household name in the Capital Region earlier this year when his company built a home for a Colonie family as part of the season finale of "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition."
Politically, Amedore built enough of a base -- in a campaign of only a few weeks -- to take the seat held for 24 years by Democrat Paul Tonko of Amsterdam. Tonko stepped down to lead the New York State Energy Research Development Authority in June, forcing the special election.
Recruited to run by Assembly Minority Leader James Tedisco, who represents part of Schenectady, Amedore parlayed his national television appearance into a candidacy, though he will be a minority Republican in an Assembly controlled by Democrats. Tedisco lauded Amedore as a "natural public servant," adding "he's there because he wants to serve the people and he cares."
Without a record to run on, Amedore, almost on a daily basis, unveiled initiatives to deal with everything from convicted sexual predators to senior citizens issues.
His message was particularly resonant in Montgomery County, which comprises the western half of the district. After promising an "economic makeover" there, Amedore won by a margin of 17 percent compared to 7.7 percent in Schenectady County.
Kosiur did not immediately return a call for comment.
Brian Quail, Schenectady County Democratic Party chairman, said Amedore's tax-cutting message was simplistic.
"The people have spoken. George Amedore has promised a bill of goods he can't deliver, and we'll remind the people of that over and over again."
At the polls, feelings were mixed.
At Schenectady City Hall, Vernon Bhagwandin, 50, said he was voting for Kosiur, noting that Kosiur promised to bring more jobs to the area.
"He promised to lower taxes and help working families and lower health care costs," said Bhagwandin, a clerk for an insurance company and a married father of five from Guyana.
Heather Wilson, 37, a Schenectady resident, said Amedore is not political. "He's a fresh face with fresh ideas and somebody who's not connected," Wilson said.
Lorenzo Williams, 66, of Schenectady, voted for Kosiur.
"(Amedore) is making promises that he can't do. He's talking about making tolls free -- sounds good but he can't do it. He's one person and you've got to work with other people," he said.
The seat covers all of Montgomery County and the Schenectady County towns of Rotterdam, Duanesburg, Princetown and part of the city of Schenectady. Paul Nelson can be reached at 454-5347 or by e-mail at pnelson@timesunion.com.
Kosiur did not immediately return a call for comment.
Brian Quail, Schenectady County Democratic Party chairman, said Amedore's tax-cutting message was simplistic.
"The people have spoken. George Amedore has promised a bill of goods he can't deliver, and we'll remind the people of that over and over again."
Quail is setting Kosiur up for the next election. But Quail is the Democrat Commissioner.
Yes Brian Quail, the people have spoken. Taxes are OUT OF CONTROL! And Kosiur himself said that "he can't promise not to RAISE our taxes."
You are a BIG PART OF THE PROBLEM here Brian Quail. Don't even try to assume that you can remind me of anything. All I need is reminding that the Democrat Dictatorship here is Schenectady has made our quality of life much harder.
You don't need a title, to make an impact. - Sarah Palin
The "measure of worth" of a state assembly representative is how much money she/he can bring back from the state funds to the local district. My guess is that assembly republicans in general and new members in particular don't do well in this area. I would also guess that a new member of the assembly would be disinclined to help a Democratically controlled local government. Let's see how Schenectady County fares with all republican representation in the New York legislature. The assembly republicans were certainly there with the money for the campaign--but with an overwhelming majority of Democrats in the assembly, we're in a new phase. Bruno and Farley do a pretty good job in the Senate of bringing the money to their districts---but, republicans hold a thin majority in the Senate.
"So we beat on, boats against the current, bourne back ceaselessly into the past." F. Scott Fitzgerald (The Great Gatsby)
A complete victory for George Amedore, this website, the people of Schenectady, Montgomery Counties and humiliating defeat for the Savage led Democratic "machine". Large celebrations throughout the County.
"Machine" was the termed coined by Merv Cermak of the TU to described the Sue Savage led Democratic Majority. He also had the unmitigated gall to compared them favorably to the Albany/O'Connell Corning Machine. To Merv and all other Democratic stooges don't think you are popular because the other side decided to commit suicide. The obits for the Sch'dy GOP were premature. Two party democracy has returned to Schenectady. How many days before Kosiur's stupid relocation law is dumped? How about tonight?
Two quotes in the Gazette were spot on. First from Mr. Vanderveen, a Duanesberg farmer, " I can't stand city slickers like Kosiur. He knows nothing about us rural folk. He passes (authored) that sex offender residency law, and that law hurt him all right." Then from Joe Suhrada, "This is a clear denunciation of the Democratic majority's reckless tax and spend policies".Amen. This rout is sending shock waves through the arrogant Schenectady Crats.
Must take a victory lap on this and thank everyone here that told it like it is. Thanks Max for the return link. Of course, turnout was HEAVY as predicted by moi, over a month ago. Kate and Dr. Alan Chartoff should stick to writing disinformation pieces minimizing the Troopergate Scandal and leave election and turnout predictions to the expert, all knowing, Salami.
Benny, you highlight what will be the "next" story on this race. The 105th District has "country mice" in Duanesburg and Montgomery County and "city mice" in Amsterdam and Schenectady. Amadore has to deal with his district and in particular with a Democratically controlled Schenectady County Legislature, which (if history is any guide) will be in "snipe" mode. Can he please the "country mice" without offending the "city mice" (and vice versa)? Can he deal with a county legislature that is "out to get him"? ...and he has to run again soon--he is not (apparently) an "experienced" politician and he has little time to hit the right course.
"So we beat on, boats against the current, bourne back ceaselessly into the past." F. Scott Fitzgerald (The Great Gatsby)
N-Zone, first good to have you back, you are a truly an independent Democrat, not in the Gringo-stooge mode. What you state is accurate but don't worry about George. He is extremely popular in all of Montgomery County, including the City of Amsterdam. The fact that Kosiur wanted to expand Metrograft to Montgomery County speaks volumes about how out of touch he was with Montgomery County voters. He will not be the Democratic candidate in 1 1/2 years.
The Democratic County Legislature in Schenectady has hit its high water mark. The pedophile law was its Waterloo. The County GOP will pick up a seat or two and would have taken the whole thing back but for complete political incompetence in not running a full County Slate in the City. Rev. Jim Murphy, former County Legislator, and long time progressive leader urged all Dem's to vote for Amedore. Jim never voted GOP in his life. He will also be running against Sue Savage in a primary in 2 years. The pressure that Savage put on fellow Dem's to support the pedophile relocation to the towns, only to help Kosiur, is now coming out. Many elected Democrat's have completely disgraced themselves by supporting Kosiur's law and infuriating Progressive Democrats. Watch for more infighting and finger pointing.
I think Kosiur ran a good CLEAN campain. He'll be back stonger than ever. Yes, I agree the sex offender law hurt him, but I give him credit for trying to protect our children all over, not just in Schenectady as so many have said. I have no small children where it would affect me, but I work atschools and I am all for the law,so be it if fighting for our children didn' get him elected,in my book he WON any way.
N-Zone, simply, the Democratic majority in the Assembly has the quandry of trying to find ways to funnel money to the County and City Dems without it going throught the hands of Jimmy T or George Amedore. They can't monetarily starve the Democratic Machine in the County or City, although a little puishment for failing to deliver the majority vote in a community where they have a majority enrollment is certainly in order. An 1150 vote loss margin for Democrats in Schenectady County in a special election? Perhaps Brian Quail should be updating his resume. The fact of the matter is that even Paul Tonko, while a member of the Assembly's Democratic majority, didn't deliver that much pork for his district, unless it was on the coattails of bigger name politicos. Paul did do a great job helping to rescue the school district a few years back, but come flood time, it was the Senators Shumer and Clinton who were bringing home the recovery funds, and come the Beechnut move, it was State Senator Farley who came through bigtime there. See Benny, you're not the only one who can mix their metaphors.
Benny, Jim Murphy is a truly good guy. He has been for a long time. I have great respect for him and I would take anything he says seriously. While the final figures are not in, the republicans appear to have outspent the Democrats. I'm pretty amazed that a "special" election would draw 1/2 a million dollars from the already elected assembly members. Where do they get this kind of money---and I mean both parties--with the republicans sending Amadore $300 K and the Democrats sending Kosiur $200 K.? I think the Democrats stumbled on the sex-offender question. I am surprised that localities have much say in this area--much like "group homes", the state makes those decisions and the localities don't have much input. Most of what I've read indicates that sex-offenders are repeaters. Prison, counselling, rehabilitation, and other methods used to "treat" sex-offenders are rarely effective, hence, the "registry" and the publication of the location of convicted sex-offenders in all communities.
"So we beat on, boats against the current, bourne back ceaselessly into the past." F. Scott Fitzgerald (The Great Gatsby)
Amedore is ready to serve 105th in Assembly Republican newcomer says much needs to be done in Albany as Democrats lick wounds
By PAUL NELSON, Staff writer Click byline for more stories by writer. First published: Thursday, August 2, 2007
SCHENECTADY -- Fresh off his watershed victory, Assemblyman-elect George Amedore Jr. on Wednesday laid out his vision for the 105th District as Schenectady County Democrats struggled to come to grips with the defeat of Edward Kosiur in their backyard. "There is so much to say, but better yet, so much to do," Amedore said during an appearance at the state Capitol with Assembly Minority Leader James Tedisco, who represents the other side of Schenectady and recruited Amedore.
Amedore, 38, of Rotterdam, a luxury home builder who won in his first try for elected office, then repeated familiar themes that helped him cruise to a 13,666-10,855 win in Tuesday's special election. He will replace former Assemblyman Paul Tonko, the Amsterdam Democrat who had held the office for 24 years. Amedore's victory breaks the long-held Democratic party control of the seat.
The district includes all of Montgomery County and parts of Schenectady County. Amedore took both counties.
Although the election results must still be certified, the 1,450 absentee ballots won't change the outcome. Turnout was pegged at 31 percent, which both parties agreed was extraordinary for a mid-summer election.
Addressing the district's out-of-control property taxes and the economic plight will top his agenda, Amedore said. He railed against the "dysfunction" in Albany.
"We need to reform, to cut taxes, create jobs and work for the needy," Amedore said, conceding that change will not happen overnight.
Tedisco said the win shows that local Republicans are still viable.
"It moves us in a proper and positive direction and shows that the Republican Party and its agenda can resonate," Tedisco said, acknowledging that the party heavily subsidized Amedore.
Republicans estimate they spent about $500,000 on the race while the Democrats invested about $750,000, officials said.
"This was a race between two different people who were going to succeed Paul Tonko and the best man won based on the Republican agenda," Tedisco added.
Kosiur, 51, did not respond to several calls Wednesday to his cell phone or a message left at his home seeking comment.
Some prominent Democratic Party leaders who campaigned for Kosiur weren't in a talking mood either.
"It's a shame his tax record was distorted, that's the piece that has to do with the Legislature," said Schenectady County Legislature Chairwoman Susan Savage. "These races were run by RAC (Republican Assembly Committee) and DAC (Democratic Assembly Committee), not by me but by these entities."
Savage, however, declined to comment on whether the sexual offender legislation which Kosiur sponsored and the county legislators passed was a factor in the race. It takes effect October 1.
Niskayuna Supervisor Luke Smith said he believes that law -- which bans convicted sexual offenders from within 2,000 feet of a school, playground, day care center and and other places children congregate -- may have backfired on Kosiur.
"I think there was some hope it would help him, but I think it hurt him, but there are other factors that contribute to the enormity of the loss," said Smith, a Democrat.
Republicans pointed to Kosiur's record of raising property taxes and the sexual offender legislation as fatal to his campaign. Privately, some Democrats are expressing those similar sentiments, noting those negatives led to his loss.
Schenectady County Democrat Chairman Brian Quail said the Democrats may have made some political miscalculations and just ran out of time.
"We had a difficult time getting traction with a number of issues because the responses are more complicated," he said, specifically mentioning the cellphone tax and the sex offender law. "They were very effective with the 10-second tear-down and we didn't have enough time to build up," he said, referring to Amedore's contracting work in the "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" national TV show.
Schenectady County Republican Chairman Tom Buchanan said there a buzz around Amedore's candidacy that got people working to get him elected.
"We were able to get the bodies and organization and we implemented an intense get-out-the-vote effort we've never seen before," Buchanan said, adding they targeted voters three times within the last 48 hours. "This is a huge win." Nelson can be reached at 454-5347 or by e-mail at pnelson@timesunion.com.
Oath caps Amedore's election win Assemblyman sworn in, putting 105th District seat in Republican hands
By PAUL NELSON, Staff writer Click byline for more stories by writer. First published: Friday, August 3, 2007
SCHENECTADY -- Surrounded by his family and with his wife, Joelle, holding the Bible, George Amedore Jr. took the oath of office Thursday to be the new representative for the state's 105th District. The 38-year-old Republican bested his Democratic opponent, Edward Kosiur, by 2,811 votes in Tuesday's special election to fill the seat vacated by Paul Tonko, D-Amsterdam, who took over as president and CEO of the state Energy and Research Development Authority.
"What an amazing, amazing turnout for a special election in the middle of the summer," said Amedore, whose Amedore Homes company gained prominence earlier this year in connection with an "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" project in Colonie. Voting in the district, which includes a large swath of Schenectady County and all of Montgomery County, saw about 31 percent turnout.
During brief remarks at the morning ceremony at Veterans Park across from the Schenectady County Courthouse, Amedore, an Amsterdam father of three, said the turnout and his win signals that people are ready for change. Tonko, who had spent more than two decades in the Assembly, had supported fellow Democrat Kosiur for the seat.
"As a businessman, as a public servant, I bring change and I look forward to serving all the people," Amedore said.
Judge Vito C. Caruso, administrative judge for the 11-county Fourth Judicial District, which includes Schenectady and Saratoga counties, administered the oath of office.
Assembly Minority Leader James Tedisco, R-Schenectady, was among those in attendance Thursday savoring Amedore's win in the Democratic-majority district.
Amsterdam Mayor Joseph Emanuele III presided over a second swearing-in ceremony at City Hall in the Montgomery County community.
Paul Nelson can be reached at 454-5347 or by e-mail at pnelson@timesunion.com.
Gee, HostPC, why so tense? Try some decaf, and try taking a joke. Not so much fun when the shoe's on the other foot, is it?
However, and only because you brought up the notion of "his job", the campaign is over. Mr. Amedore said, and not for the first time, that he wants to "bring change" and he looks forward to "serving all the people." He campaigned with the endorsement of certain prominent or elected Democrats, and it's likely that at least a few Democratic votes were contained in his margin of victory. So, in his first official act, that of being sworn into office, who surrounds him? Republicans Caruso, Koppel and Emanuele.
No one would expect to see Mr. Amedore's arms draped around a bunch of Dems on Election Night - that's the time for full-throated partisan celebration, whether there's a D or an R or any other letter after your name. Wouldn't it have "brought change," though, to have a few of those helpful Democrats with him yesterday as he savored the fruits of their support? That said, I'm confident Mr. Amedore is a man of his word and that "all the people" he serves will, by November 2008, include a circle larger than Messrs. Farley, Tedisco and Cuevas. Mr. Amedore is, by all acounts, a sincere and genuine young man. I hope he seizes the opportunity to chart his own path and eschews the status of partisan errand boy.
With the attitude of Brian Quail, would you reach out to spend a celebratory slap on the back with the opposing party? He'll work for ALL his constituents, that doesn't mean he has to go to bed with them. Maybe he invited Lumpy and Quail - maybe they didn't show up or even return his phone call? How do you know there weren't other dems at the swearing in? I believe Emaunele WAS there, as a matter of fact.
Mr. Taxcut, on Election night, Democrat Leader Tom DiMezza WAS at Amedore's side all night, reading results from over the phone from Mont. County and making speeches.. The only other prominent Democrat who was anyway supportive of Amedore was Rotterdam Zoning Board Member Dave Leon, who was there as well at the Amedore Headquarters. Now you are accusing him of being ungracious. Somehow, I think it is interesting that you should mention that kind of behavior. Ed Kosiur still hasn't called to congratulate him yet...
I think your fears are unfounded. George will work with all, regardless of party affiliation. And as far as him representing the city of Schenectady- I KNOW you won't hear Amedore making a statement this week paraphrasing Kosiur when he was elected saying "It's time for the CITY to GIVE IT UP!"
Check into it, Ed said something similar to that to the Gazette 3 and a half years ago when he won his seat. "It's time for the 'burbs to give it up!" Now THAT'S what I call working together!!!! !!!!
N-Zone the Crats outspent the GOP by $250,000 much of it totally wasted on huge signs and full page ads of Lumpy with Paul Tonko. All the money in the world couldn't make this cloth coat into a mink.
Taxcutnow is a complete joke. Change your handle to Another Machine Stooge. George just got sworn in and the Assembly is not in session. What do you want him to do? He challenged me before the election to cite Counties that had unconstitutional ordinances where penalities were imposed. Sent him 6 separate recent instances and never heard boo back. Another Helen DeFosses, who is worried about George surviving swarms of Dems voting in 2008. Don't worry so much, George has tremendous popularity in both parties. George is the genuine article and was very modest in his complete destruction of the well funded machine stooge. Kosiur lacks the basic decency to make a phone call. Anyone who could support Ed Kosiur for dog catcher after this shocking display should have there head examined.
Ed Kosiur will be back on the County Legislature by the end of the year. They need another reliable yes man. Voters be damned, taxpayers go to hell.
Mr. Salami: Thanks for your comments. Because I posed my question to you in a public forum, I anticipated that you would respond in kind. I checked my private mail here for the first time after reading your last message. Yes, you did send one email, not six, noting instances where local ordinances were found unconstitutional.
You did not, however, respond to the point of my inquiry, which was to ask if you had any examples where a court found an ordinance unconstitutional and, as a result, imposed monetary damages against the local legislative body. Prior to the election, it was frequently posted that the sex offender ordinance would bankrupt Schenectady County because it would be found unconstitutional. All I asked for was an example to substantiate the allegation. Can you offer one, or was it just campaign rhetoric?
In the same vein, I've been trying to piece together the cost of this election. You noted that the Dems outspent the Republicans by $250,000. Wow, that's a lot of money in a short time. I don't think Peter Guidarelli's mayoral campaign spent as much for his campaign alone during an entire season, including all the Giuliani ads. Did you see this in a newspaper article somehwere, or was it the Board of Elections, or is it campaign rhetoric?
And, Mr. Salami, if I was Another Machine Stooge, I'd sink to your level of playground namecalling. If the Democrats have Lumpy, then the Republicans have Greasy. Or is it Swarthy? Or is it Mr. Five O'Clock Shadow? Or is it Sockless George, the Barefoot Boy from Rotterdam? And, yes, Mr. Kosiur is a poor sport for not having made the call. It's not as though the issue were in doubt - it was a blowout and the paper ballots wouldn't have changed a thing. Man, I'd like to have been in _their_ church the Sunday after election. "Peace be with you," indeed.
Mr. Suhrada: Thanks for clearing up my impression about Election Night - I didn't read anything in the papers about Mr. Amedore's Democratic supporters having been with him then. I certainly must concede it possible that a simliar lack of reporting took place regarding Mr. Amedore's swearing in. You're also spot on about the "burbs" remark. I cringed when I read it at the time, and when this campaign got underway, I expected to see it all over again. Between that and the sex offender law, this outcome shouldn't have been a surprise. The city of Schenectady is but a fraction of the Assembly District. People either forgot that, or figured the city would magically make up the difference.
Incidentally, Mr. Suhrada, you consistently conduct yourself in a courteous and professional manner at all times, even when pressing partisan arguments. I appreciate that, and attribute it to both a sound upbringing and your status as an actual practicing poltician. You make your points deftly, often with humor, and don't take yourself too seriously, even as you are passionate about your beliefs. Thank you.
You know, Mr. Salami, there was a time when a "nice, respectable cloth coat" was good enough for Republicans. Glad to see that tastes have changed with the times.
Mr. Freedgood: Thank you for noting implications I did not contemplate. Not being in the habit of employing "negative ethnic characterizations" here or elsewhere, I didn't view my comments through that prism until you held it to my eye. I offer my apology and consider myself properly chastized.
Of course, the larger points I sought to make will be studiously ignored. But, what the hey, this is "Rants and Raves," just another name for "playground", right?
Hey Taxcutnow, I understood the point you were attmpting to make, but I was concerned about the way you attempted to make it. You owe me no apology and I am happy to help. I also appreciate your comments to Joe Suhrada. As politicians go, he is one of the best public servants we have. His actions have always been colored by conscience and humility. And I only get called Mr. Freedgood by my kids' friends. You can call me Dave.
Dave: I'm sure there were others who felt as you did, but who remained silent. My apology was directed to them as well as to yourself. Thanks again. As for Mr. Suhrada, let me say that although his politics are unlikely to win my vote, his conduct and his intellectual integrity merit my respect. He's an example of the minority party at its best - keeping the majority "honest", while refusing to cut deals and sell out for a little personal comfort. If sex offender relocation was indeed "billnapped" from him, I'll bet he's happy that a) it was Kosiur and not him and b) that it was Amedore and not Kosiur.
Bush for Amedore? No thanks, says GOP. from TU: Local politics by Mike Goodwin, Staff writer
Tomorrow morning, Columnist Marv Cermak will report:
After political heavyweight Hilary Clinton did a robo call backing Democrat Ed Kosiur in that heated Assembly race, Republicans were in a quandary.
A GOP attempt to counter attack by getting well-known Rudy Guiliani to support George Amedore via a robo call ran into some snags early on.
Republican leaders upset over the potential Guiliani flop couldn’t think of another national big name GOPer to do the job. I kiddingly suggested asking President Bush, who has had big poll rating troubles.
“You’ve got to be joking,” a Republican activist retorted. “Instead maybe we can get Bush to endorse Kosiur.” For obvious reasons, the GOP wiseguy didn’t want credit for poking Bush.
Reporting on the election, Paul Vandenburgh, outspoken WROW-AM talk show host, apparently inadvertently called Chris Gardner the Schenectady County Democratic chairman.
In reality, Gardner is Schenectady County attorney and the ex-Democrat chairman. However, Vandenburgh’s label may have been a Freudian slip. It’s no secret that even without the chairman title Gardner remains the party capo.
Unofficial Customer Service Help Desk For City of Schenectady At the Daily-Soviet-Gazette, It Reads You Welcome to Schenectady, GMT -200 yrs and -5 hrs. Who is this Todd? Joe 'the Vote Machine' Allen, 07/2008 Welcome to Schenectady, Socialism for the Connected (tm), and Capitalism for Everyone Else
Mr. Salami: No need to look for other entities in New York State which have adopted sex offender location legislation. I'm asking a much more fundamental question, which should be easier to answer. There are those on this board who claim that the County will have to pay financial damages if one of ite local laws is adjudicated unconstitutional. I'm looking for examples where any United States jurisdiction was required to pay monetary damages because a Federal court found that one of its laws was unconstitutional. Thanks.
Taxcut-thanks for the compliment. Better put scotch tape on the hood of your car now that you said something nice about me. A lot of people will hate you now. (You have to be over 40 to have remembered Buford Pusser in Walking Tall)...
Somebody said something funny to me the other day. They made me chuckle. Maybe you will like the analogy. Something that I might have heard when I spent the summer on a ranch in Montana when I was 21. Old cowhands and Crow Indians talked this way...that "I lead Ed's horse to poison water." The old Indian cowboy might have said it was because I was green. Sometimes things just work out that way.
JJS: Yes, Joe Don Baker, the true Buford Pusser; not that comic book character played by The Rock. Not to worry, I already maintain an extensive staff of food tasters, letter openers and car starters agaisnt just such an eventuality.
HostPC: Your "start" is actually a finish.
As my great friend Horcrux Assassin says, "Wow a threat to sue... big deal." Where were all the hardcore conservatives when Governor Dukakis refused to sign what his lawyers told him was an unconstitutional law mandating the recitation of the pledge of allegiance? Oh, yeah, that's right - outside throwing rocks. So, you'll forgive my raised eyebrow over the sudden concern.
That said, there's nothing in the letter which speaks to the original red flag waved prior to the election - we'll get sued - we'll lose - we'll pay damages and go bankrupt! Now folks are reduced to waving an ACLU letter that says "We'll sue, and the County will have to pay for lawyers." Well, that's a million miles from the pre-election claim that a successful constitutional challenge to Kosiur's Law would require payment of damages by the County. Let's consider that part of the argument disposed of in the negative, accept the word of our ACLU puppetmasters, and move on to exciting new frontiers of invective.
I fail to see why anyone thinks this law will be held unconstitutional. What part of it is unconstitutional? ... oh yeah the part that some people don't like and whenever they don't like it, it must necessarily be unconstitutional.
In a July 25 Times Union article, staff writer Paul Nelson quoted liberal columnist Libby Post, who lives in Menands, as saying, George Amedore is "not in tune with the electorate," because he said he would vote against same-sex marriage legislation. So, Libby, what do you say now? If he's so not in tune with his electorate, then why did he win the election? I don't think you, Libby Post, are in tune with the majority.
Dare I say that the majority of the American people still holds to the value of marriage between one man and one woman, the way our creator intended it to be?
Congratulations, George Amedore Jr. Thank you for taking a stand for what is right and not compromising to win an election. That's what won you this election.
At $37 a vote, it got pricey Amedore, Kosiur camps combined to spend nearly $1 million in 30-day election for Assembly seat
By PAUL NELSON, Staff writer Click byline for more stories by writer. First published: Friday, September 7, 2007
-- With just 30 days of hard-nosed campaigning, Democrat Edward Kosiur and Republican George Amedore Jr. combined to spend almost $1 million -- or an of $37 a vote -- to get their messages across in the 105th Assembly District race. "It was important to get out the message, but unfortunately it got out to the wrong voters," said Kosiur, 51, half-jokingly on Thursday.
The Schenectady County legislator was on the losing end of the 14,178 to 11,186 vote on July 31, falling to Amedore, 38, the luxury home builder who worked with "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" in the spring to complete a residence for a local family. Amedore then launched his first foray into politics.
The Assembly seat opened when Democrat Paul Tonko left to join the Spitzer administration.
Data from the state Board of Elections Web site show the Kosiur camp spent about $430,862 to Amedore's $511,576 outlay.
But Assembly Minority Leader James Tedisco and Amedore both say those numbers don't tell the whole story.
"The thing you don't see is all the special interest money (Democrats) spent," said Amedore, of Rotterdam. "I didn't have any help from any special interest, nor was I endorsed by any, so we had to to get out our message in a way that was competitive and effective."
Kosiur said any campaign literature or radio ads run on his behalf by unions or special interest groups were on their own.
He said the 30-day window the candidates had during the special election, for the seat covering all of Montgomery County and part of Schenectady County, brought pressures that wouldn't have been there in a regular November election. He said the "majority of his expenses were on TV and radio ads," which are "very costly."
"You normally do not see television and radio ads in a November campaign," he said, noting that candidates in November spend about $200,000 per candidate. "For every commercial they aired, we had to come back with one of our own and vice versa."
Still, Tedisco believes Amedore's win will help the GOP cause in a big way.
"We didn't spend more than the Democrats, we stayed with them," he insisted. "The win will help us raise money."
New York Public Interest Research Group Legislative Counsel Russ Haven said the huge sums of money buy public interest groups more access to politicians.
"It was a staggering amount of money spent in a compressed time frame," Haven said. "The big money didn't come from people who live in the 105th District, that's a safe bet."
He said that's bad for democracy. "At the minium, it creates an appearance that people are certainly getting access beyond what the average New Yorker may get."
At the same time, Amedore contends that money, while important, isn't everything.
"You need support, you don't necessarily need a lot of money or personal wealth," he said. "You need to gain the support of voters and the support of the party." Nelson can be reached at 454-5347 or by e-mail at pnelson@timesunion.com.
Costly campaignCandidates in the 105th Assembly District spent about $942,000 in their short campaign leading up to the July 31 vote. Here are highlights from their campaign finance reports: GEORGE AMEDORE JR. Contributions: $514,632 Top contributor: Republican Assembly Campaign Committee, $306,500 Expenses: $511,576, most of which went to media advertising and consulting, and campaign literature Closing Balance: $3,057 EDWARD KOSIUR Contributions: $432,468 Top Contributor: Democratic Assembly Campaign Committee, $350,809 Expenses: $430,862, most of which went to media advertising and consulting costs Closing Balance: $1,606
Democratic insiders say Schenectady City Council President Mark Blanchfield wants the nomination to run against Republican Assemblyman George Amedore next November.
They said he hunted party support to oppose Amedore in the recent special election to fill the seat vacated by Democrat Paul Tonko. Instead, leaders nominated Ed Kosiur, who lost to Amedore.
Blanchfield is finishing his third one-year term as council president. According to the insiders, Councilwoman Peggy King has enough votes to be elected council president next month.
except kosiur, do the democrats local/state/national have any candidates who are not lawyers?
Unofficial Customer Service Help Desk For City of Schenectady At the Daily-Soviet-Gazette, It Reads You Welcome to Schenectady, GMT -200 yrs and -5 hrs. Who is this Todd? Joe 'the Vote Machine' Allen, 07/2008 Welcome to Schenectady, Socialism for the Connected (tm), and Capitalism for Everyone Else
George Amedore should be jumping up and down over this. The Democrats have acknowledged they have no electable candidate for this District. Mark must be remembered not just for supporting huge tax increases but for silencing the people at City Council meetings. Can't wait to see the Hilltowns and Montgomery County results roll in on Election night. Only question can he carry the sheeple in Schenectady? Doubt it...
Quote of the year by Mr. Quail, Mark Blanchfield "understands the importance of high taxes,...of creating job (sic)." Come again?
Don't forget Mark's answer to those complaining about the 10th highest in the Nation burden, "get a second job." Another compassionate liberal? Machine City Council and Machine County Legislators need to forget about running for higher office. Learn from Kosiur. The gig is up.
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Lumpy Kosiur is Paul Tonko's hand picked successor. Kosiur has run a fabricated campaign, as a businessman, a tax cutter, someone who cares about the little people. He was masquerading and got caught red handed by Liz Bishop-TV-6. 
YIM
!!!!
