Issues.
Small Business.
As a small business owner, I know first hand the hard work and dedication that goes into running a small business. As we enter this time period of recovery, we must ensure that our small businesses are helped and supported. This could include rolling back and easing many of the restrictions and mandates that were already over-burdening these folks.
2nd Amendment.
I fully support the 2nd Amendment and have been a pistol permit holder for more than 30 years. It is our constitutional right for law-abiding citizens to safely and responsibly carry a firearm. I will fight against any unconstitutional legislation, like the SAFE Act, which was poorly written, hastily passed, and horribly implemented. All this mess did was turn law abiding New Yorkers and even law enforcement into criminals. As an avid sportsman, I believe New York State should also be supporting our hunters, fishermen, and trappers
Public Safety.
New York needs to put families over felons and work first and foremost to protect our residents not put them in jeopardy. Bail reform is nothing less than a dangerous plan that puts criminals back on our streets. Judges need discretion when using bail as a measure to protect society and criminals need to be put behind bars. As a volunteer first responder myself, I will go to Albany and fully support our Police and all of our critical emergency personnel.
The Economy.
New York was facing a close to $10 billion deficit before the COVID-19 outbreak. We were unprepared to face this. We need to make sure all federal money goes to where it belongs: local governments. We cannot allow this money to get doled out by Albany. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to unprecedented jobless claims. New York State must work to get New Yorkers back to work and to do that we must put our economy back on track. As a small business owner and someone who has created jobs, I know we must eliminate the undue burden put on our businesses so they can be successful and create more jobs.
Protect Our Farms.
Our farmers are another group taking the brunt of the COVID-19 pandemic. We need to ensure our farmers get the financial rescue program they need. I support Assemblyman Chris Tague’s “No Farms, No Food Act” that will ensure our farmers get the help they need at this time. New York has one of the most vibrant farming industries in the world and we need to bring that back, for food security and national security.
Broadband Access.
There’s been a lot of talk and no action on expanding broadband. I live in an area with limited access to high speed internet and we have waited too long to have this technology brought to us. I’ve been a strong advocate and been on the front lines to bring high-speed access to all parts of New York. As a local elected official, I’ve negotiated the deals with utilities to get more equipment on towers and expand service and I’ve held utilities accountable.