Three Questions: Chris Lee

Posted by Philip Anselmo on September 15, 2008 - 10:14am
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Three weeks ago, we sent out three questions to the candidates running for congress and state senate in our local districts (the 26th and 61st, respectively). Our questions were simple, straightforward, and we hoped they would be enough to paint a bit more of a detailed picture of the candidates striving to represent the people of Genesee County.

Those questions went out to every candidate running in the Democratic primaries for those races, plus the Republican candidates. We forgot to send them out to the Independents, but we rectified that this morning and sent the questions out to Michael Ranzenhofer, candidate for the 61st Senate District.

One problem. No one wrote back.

We didn't get a response from a single campaign, until this weekend. It came from Republican Chris Lee who is trying to win the seat for the 26th Congressional District.

He got us these answers:

What is your favorite thing to do in Genesee County?

Taking my son Johnathan to the Genesee Country Village & Museum.

When you meet a person who has never been to Western New York, what is the first thing you tell him or her about the region?

I normally brag about what a wonderful place Western New York is to raise a family and how friendly the people and our warm winters.

What is your favorite book about Western New York?

Window on Congress: A Congressional Biography of Barber Conable. Conable was a Republican Congressman from Western New York and President of the World Bank. This book illustrates how Conable was able to bring people together to accomplish some great things for Western New York. The book served as an insight on how to be a leader in Congress who constituents trust and admire.

Posted by Patrick D. Burk on September 15, 2008 - 10:26am
Too bad the Genesee Country Museum is in Monroe County. Chris needs a tour of our County....if he wants to represent us.
Posted by Daniel Jones on September 15, 2008 - 10:28am
Wow Pat, I just caught that, yeah if only he knew what actually comprised our community.....
Posted by Daniel Jones on September 15, 2008 - 10:32am
Ya know Pat, I'm sure that since there are plenty of old (but still fairly accurate) maps at the Genesee Country Museum that he could find a few that locate Batavia, and our proud Holland Land Office on a few of them.
Posted by Howard Owens on September 15, 2008 - 11:17am
Mumford is right on the border. It seems like an easy mistake to make. Given how large the district is, anybody from the western side of it could assume Mumford is in Genesee (and given the name of the village ... ). Do you think Kryzan knows any better? Too late to ask now.

At least Mumford, and the village, are in the 26th District.
Posted by Patrick D. Burk on September 15, 2008 - 11:29am
Howard,

I do have to give you that at least he gave a nice answer. I just am a little sensitive since I spent my 8th - 18th year growing up and living at the Genesee Country Museum. My Dad was one of the founding fathers, first employee and worked there until the day he died. To this day I go and see all the wonderful things my Dad designed constructed and built. Cool place to grow up!

Pat
Posted by Howard Owens on September 15, 2008 - 11:32am
Sounds neat. I haven't been there yet. My parents will be making their first visit to Western New York next month, and going to the village is one of the things we're planning to do.
Posted by Daniel Jones on September 15, 2008 - 1:12pm
Well, if he was just a regular guy on the street it would be forgivable, but this guy wants to be my Congressman! He should know what local tourist attractions are where in the district.
Posted by daniel cherry on September 15, 2008 - 1:29pm
I was lucky enough to go there. It is so nice at the village.Like a step back in time.Very infomative about history.I didn't know ,it was in monroe county.It's tucked away pretty good there.
Posted by Howard Owens on September 15, 2008 - 1:59pm
Daniel, do you honestly think Kryzan would do any better?

I bet we could come up with a Genesee County trivia quiz for each and see how well they do ...

1) Where is Graham Corp. based?
2) Where is the Genesee County Mall?
3) What famous food treat was invented in Le Roy?
4) What county is Attica in?
5) Who owns the Muckdogs?

Do you honestly think Kryzan knows the district any better? Neither are from Genesee County, which is a shame, but does put them on equal footing.

I'm more impressed that Lee actually knows who Barber Conable is, let alone has read a book about him. Let's hear what Alice Kryzan thinks about Barber Conable?
Posted by Daniel Jones on September 15, 2008 - 2:02pm
Howard, are we discussing Alice Kryzan? I would hope that any candidate that wants to be our congressman would be able to answer those questions, a representative in congress should not be just a regular person, they should have a deep knowledge of our community.

I'm not impressed that he knew who Barber Conable is, I would be more worried if he didn't.
Posted by Patrick D. Burk on September 15, 2008 - 2:22pm
In this area, a Republican who DOES NOT know who Barber Conable was would be a real joke. As far as Alice's knowledge....well....she didn't even answer the questions. All I was saying that if you were going to answer media questions, wouldn't you be certain, since you got them in advance that your answers would be accurate. If a candidate can not get advance questions correct what is he going to do off the cuff... but I think it is cool he answered them at least.
Posted by Conor Flynn on September 15, 2008 - 3:08pm
I don't know who he is that well. I heard something about him at a boy scout fund raising function I attended. Tell me about him.
Posted by Daniel Jones on September 15, 2008 - 3:43pm
Conor, Barber Conable was a Republican Congressman who served from 1964 until his retirement in 1990 (techinically he then served from 1965-1991), he was known for not taking contributions of over 50 dollars. He was well liked by Republicans and Democrats and frequently steamrolled to easy victories every time, he was also praised for breaking ranks with the Republicans and publicly criticizing Nixon during the Watergate scandal.

After he retired from the congress, he was appointed President of the World Bank.

Also, the post office in Batavia is named after him.....I have no life :).
Posted by Patrick Weissend on September 15, 2008 - 3:54pm
Conor: You can also learn more about him at the Holland Land Office Museum and the exhibit: A Citizen in Public Service: Barber Conable
Posted by lazario ladou on September 15, 2008 - 6:18pm
I did not think this could get any lamer till I read a post

OH NOidonotlikethatbookhechose

He picked choice #1 out of 3? Who gives a &$*#?
LOL what are the odds a dude hoping to go into congress chooses this book

The museum not being in Gen County? Phewwwwwww oh boy

How come nobody makes a dig at this (^$%*(#)8393(#(* for not knowing that winters are COLD cold WINTERCOLD
winter cold mommy dress me funny


Stop asking these people to be fake
STOP ASKING THEM TO BE
Posted by John Roach on September 16, 2008 - 4:28am
See how easy it is to be set up?
There is no "Genesee County Mall". There is a City Center now. Why would anyone need to know who owns the Muckdogs? Most people in Batavia can not answere that and what would that have to do with her job? This proves how silly some of you are getting to be.

Could you answer the same type of questions about business in Erie County and the City of Buffalo. I bet I could find some fact about some business thee you didn't know about. What would that prove and who would care?

How about asking her what program she will cut? Which department or agency will she cut. How about asking much she thinks your tax rate should be? Where she stands on taxing Native Americans?

Wake up and get a life.
Posted by Bea McManis on September 15, 2008 - 6:39pm
Daniel wrote: "Conor, Barber Conable was a Republican Congressman who served from 1964 until his retirement in 1990 (techinically he then served from 1965-1991), he was known for not taking contributions of over 50 dollars. He was well liked by Republicans and Democrats and frequently steamrolled to easy victories every time, he was also praised for breaking ranks with the Republicans and publicly criticizing Nixon during the Watergate scandal.

After he retired from the congress, he was appointed President of the World Bank.

Also, the post office in Batavia is named after him.....I have no life :). "

You forgot to mention (since Genesee Country Village is part and parcel of this thread) that Barber Conable also read the Declaration of Independence, on July 4, there for many years.
Each year, he read it as if it were the first reading to the public.
PS: I have no life either, lol.
Posted by Howard Owens on September 15, 2008 - 7:07pm
John, you completely miss the point of those questions. I was making a point -- can't believe I've got to explain this -- that getting such minor points wrong is something both of these candidates are likely to do, given the chance. I can't believe you got so bent out of shape over that. Gish.

And asking politicians off beat questions has been something I've done my entire journalism career. It can be amazing sometimes what the unexpected question can reveal. It's not a matter of doing the "gotcha" thing like many journalists (see Charlie Gibson), but trying to better understand the person. Politicians are so used to answering policy and political questions, that they have the answers down pat. I like to ask questions they don't expect.
Posted by lazario ladou on September 15, 2008 - 7:56pm
I think it's great you ask him different questions
I just don't think you went deep enough into him for these questions to do us any real good



get these guys talking more philosophically and intimately
I want personal &*(t!
GRILL these people
I don't care whether they say a few things I totally disagree with or makes them sound dumb
I want to see their fight and that they're willing to give it their best -and time- no matter what is being asked or whom is asking

Ain't got time? ..kick rocks


"This book illustrates how Conable was able to bring people together to accomplish some great things for Western New York. The book served as an insight on how to be a leader in Congress who constituents trust and admire"


Ask -specifically- how one goes about becoming a leader
Why does he withold that very important aspect?
bringing people together isn't an answer


I give him credit for responding
see if he does it again
Posted by Jerome Grasso on September 15, 2008 - 10:18pm
Dan: go out... get some coffee....see a movie....nobody should have that many details in their head!
Posted by Daniel Jones on September 15, 2008 - 10:58pm
Sorry if I do, of course I do regular things, but man do I love politics and history, so I balance both.

I like to play outside AND study.
Posted by Jerome Grasso on September 15, 2008 - 10:58pm
Studying is fine...freeze tag is better....And why the heck are we on our computers at 11:56pm? We all need hobbies. Good night.
Posted by John Roach on September 16, 2008 - 4:31am
Dan,
You are good. You know what needs to be asked and what is just stupid. If you are asking questions, ask the ones that really matter and do not let them get around a real answer. Anything other than that is a waste.
Posted by Maryann Gray on October 14, 2008 - 11:58am
I was so pleased to read the responses to the ?s as they are truly interested in Batavia....espcailly Chirs lee and mike Ranzenhofer....

They are amamzingly fine candidates.