Justin Rooney, a deputy supervisor in the Town of Newstead, announced Saturday that he will challenge incumbent Michael Ranzenhofer in the new 61st Senate District.
Appearing in his native Batavia on his second campaign stop of the day, Rooney was surrounded by local Democrats and joined by his wife, Sarah, and his children.
Rooney pledged support for school teachers and to fight unfunded mandates on local governments.
He said he would bring the same spirit of cooperation to Albany that helped the village and town governments in Newstead save taxpayers money on a consolidated court and shared services in the highway departments.
He contrasted that with votes by Ranzenhofer to hold separate state and federal primaries, costing taxpayers $50 million, and Ranzenhofer's vote to create another Senate district.
"At a time when New York is trying to decrease the number of politicians, he's voting to increase the number of politicians," Rooney said.
Rooney knocked Ranzenhofer as an Albany insider and promised that he would never become an Albany insider.
Lorie Longhany, county chair or the Democrats, said Rooney was just the person who could make a difference in Albany.
"He’s really one of us," Longhany said. "He’s a rural guy who understands the rural issues. He’s going to make a great representative."
Well, I can agree that of all
Well, I can agree that of all the things NY does and does not need, we most assuredly do not need any more politicians. Good luck Mr. Rooney, a change in representation is usually a good thing.
Dave - How is he not a
Dave - How is he not a politician? Are we so caught up in our own cynicism that we are unable to separate good politicians from bad ones? Are all used car salesmen crooks? No. Neither are all politicians. I think that Mr. Rooney is one of the good ones, one who has a record of government service that he can be proud of and that's what I want to send to Albany. We need to emphasize statesmanship, rather than attack the notion of political service.
I was referring to the
I was referring to the additional senate seat, Sen. Ranzenhofer voted for and Mr. Rooney says he's against.
"At a time when New York is trying to decrease the number of politicians, he's voting to increase the number of politicians," Rooney said.
Had you bothered to read the article and considered what I was referring to, instead of just reading the comment and assuming you had to retort, you'd not be looking so foolish right now.
LOL Dave I was thinking the
LOL Dave I was thinking the same thing..... Biggest clue being the well wishes and comment on change with Rooney being the NON incumbent and all.