2008 New York Senate Endorsements
Brian Foley
SD 3
For thirty-five years State Senator Caesar Trunzo has been part of the Albany gridlock that held up for 13 years the critical funding that would have guaranteed every public school student a “sound basic education.” In Senate District 3, we endorse challenger Brian Foley, who, as Chair of the Higher Education Committee in the Suffolk County Legislature and then as Brookhaven Town Supervisor, has demonstrated a strong commitment to improving public education so all students have access to a first-rate education. In the State Senate, Brian Foley will continue to be a leader in the fight to fully fund New York’s schools, and to make higher education more accessible by increasing TAP funding.
SD 6
Kristin McElroy
For Kristin McElroy, this year’s state senate race isn’t just politics, it’s personal. She’s challenging State Senator Kemp Hannon in the 6th Senate District because she says when it comes to dealing with the critical issues facing Long Island families, his partisan style of politics “isn’t working.” As a mother with three young kids in public schools, McElroy knows the importance of investing in our children’s future. In the State Senate, she’ll lead the fight to ensure that New York State keeps its promise to fully fund last year’s commitment of $1.2 billion in increased education funding. A refreshing challenger sure to shake up a stagnant legislature, Kristin McElroy gets our endorsement for State Senate in the in the 6th District.
SD 15
Joseph Addabbo
Councilman Joseph Addabbo is troubled by what he sees as an increasing problem throughout his Queens community: families packing up and moving out because of poor school quality. To start improving educational outcomes for Queens families and for all of New York’s public school children, Addabbo is working to increase parental involvement in the decision-making process- hosting town hall meetings in the district to gather input from the parents, teachers, and students fighting on the front lines for better schools. Addabbo believes the mantra of the 2009 New York State Legislature should be “education first.” We couldn’t agree more. We endorse Joseph Addabbo for State Senate in the 15th District.
SD 35
Andrea Stewart-Cousins
State Senator Andrea Stewart Cousins is a passionate legislator with over twelve years experience fighting for parity in New York’s classrooms, and we endorse her re-election bid in the 35th State Senate District so she can continue to deliver results for children and families across the state. Senator Stewart-Cousins has been a leading voice for underserved schools, assembling a Task Force of prominent stakeholders to examine alternative methods of funding for public education. Throughout this year’s budget process, she fought hard for additional State funds for Yonkers schools, averting a financial crisis that prevented lay-offs and cutbacks in services. She also ensured that State foundation aid to Westchester schools increased an average on ten percent per school – the highest increase in the last decade.
SD 37
Suzi Oppenheimer
State Senator Suzi Oppenheimer stood up to special interests and voted against the Senate Majority’s property tax cap gimmick because it didn’t guarantee adequate education funding for New York’s school kids. That’s the kind of gutsy leadership children and families need and deserve. Oppenheimer stood up for public schools — so education advocates are standing up for her. We enthusiastically support State Senator Suzi Oppenheimer’s re-election to the 37th State Senate District because she has been, and will continue to be, a leading voice for fair education funding in the New York State Senate.
SD 55
Dave Nachbar
Dave Nachbar says he’s challenging entrenched incumbent Marc Alessi because “We need real change in how Albany does business.” After a decade long battle in Albany over fair education funding for all children, we agree that we can’t wait any longer for his opponent to see the importance of a sound, basic education. We endorse Dave Nachbar in the 55th Senate District to transform under-performing high schools and reduce the SUNY/ CUNY tuition burden.
SD 56
Richard Dollinger
Richard Dollinger is a progressive reformer who will lead the fight for public school kids in the State Senate. He is staunchly committed to ensuring parity in New York’s classrooms, saying that his “top priority is resolving funding inequalities.” Dollinger also wants to ensure that higher education is affordable and within reach for any student who wants to go to college. We support his call to dramatically increase funding for public universities and support for the Tuition Assistance Program, and we enthusiastically endorse Richard Dollinger’s candidacy for State Senate in the 56th District.
SD 61
Joseph Mesi
Challenger Joseph Mesi says “Legislatures need to make responsible decisions. Cutting our children’s education cannot be a solution.” In tough fiscal times, New York’s families need a passionate, courageous leader who won’t back down when it comes to our children’s future. In the State Senate, Mesi has vowed to be a tireless advocate for public school children, fighting for increased education funding with strict accountability measures. He’ll bring his prize-winning fighting style to a legislature in desperate need of new energy. Public education needs a no-holds-barred leader. In the 61st State Senate District, we endorse Joe Mesi.
