The Citizen
A decade ago, James DiStefano resolved that it was not enough to simply decry the high tax burden placed on central New York families or the escalating costs of the state government.
Rather than sit on the sidelines and complain about myriad issues he felt were important to the people of the region, DiStefano decided in 1998 to run for public office - a seat in the state Assembly - for a chance to effect change.
Although he went on to lose that race, he received the opportunity to serve his community two years later, elected as DeWitt Town Supervisor, a duty he will perform until January.
DiStefano believes few things have changed in the years since he first vied for a role in state government.
“Ten years ago I was a voice crying in the wilderness,” he said. “I don't know if I'm still a voice crying in the wilderness, but something has to be done with a really dysfunctional state Legislature that seems to look the other way on the high cost of government.”
And as in 1998, DiStefano said he felt compelled to take action, challenging incumbent David Valesky (D, WF) in the Nov. 4 election for a seat in the state Senate, representing District 49, which encompasses Madison County and parts of Onondaga, Cayuga and Oneida counties.
DiStefano (R, C, I), who grew up in Tupper Lake and lived above a bar his parents owned, views the economy and taxes as the two issues most paramount to his campaign.
He believes taxes are “choking taxpayers,” including, but not limited to, farmers. Placing emphasis on agriculture, DiStefano contends that central New York's farming community could generate food for much of the Eastern Seaboard. But in order for that to happen, the state Legislature must invest in transportation and eliminate the Ton-Mile Tax, or TMT, which places a tax on truckers - and thereby farmers - transporting goods in and out of the state.
DiStefano understands how difficult a task it is to unseat a sitting legislator, and is realistic of his chances.
“If I lose, but these issues I'm talking about come to the forefront, I haven't lost at all,” he said. “If I lose, but the people who get in to office do these things, I've accomplished what I wanted. I'm not looking for a job for life.”
Valesky said he has always been interested in serving his community, an enthusiasm that was only reaffirmed when his father was elected to sit on Oneida's Common Council.
Now a sitting state Senator, Valesky is vying for a third, two-year term in Albany to continue advocating for the people of central New York. But while he enjoys his time in Albany fighting for real change and for openness and transparency in government, Valesky said there is nothing better than directly impacting the lives of others.
“One of the most rewarding things for me in this job are the day-to-day, constituent service functions that this office provides that you don't read about in newspapers, you don't hear about on television or on the radio,” he said. “People call in or write about issues they are having and need some help resolving them, and those kinds of things are the most satisfying, when you are able to make a real difference in the lives of people.”
While Valesky deems the last four years a success - reforming the legislative process, making the member item process transparent, and, with the exception of this year, passing on-time budgets - he believes his work is still unfinished.
“There is always more to be done; that's the bottom line,” he said. “Certainly the pace of change and reform in the Senate's far slower than I want it to be, and certainly I will continue to fight for the kind of openness, transparency and accountability that I've really fought for from day one.”
Curbing taxes and jump-starting central New York's economy are issues for which Valesky espouses and considers immediate priorities.
“I think the economy, economic development, jobs and the tax burden affects beyond upstate,” he said. “We need to keep fighting for those issues in Albany every day that we are there and make sure we're moving forward in terms of an economic recovery.”
Staff writer Alyssa Sunkin can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 239 or alyssa.sunkin@lee.net
The issues
Where do you stand on a statewide property tax cap?
Valesky: I voted in support of a property tax cap during the August special session of the Senate, in addition to supporting a series of proposals to relieve school districts of costly, unfunded mandates.
DiStefano: I support the property tax cap. Taxes are too high in New York.
Where should the state look to cut spending?
Valesky: During the August special session, the Legislature cut $1 billion in state spending. We are scheduled to return in a November special session for additional spending reductions. We should review each agency, line by line, for cuts, as well as look at consolidation of state agencies for savings. I also believe we must look squarely at our Medicaid program, not just to root out fraud but also to have a serious discussion about what services the state can no longer afford to provide.
DiStefano: We have to reduce the size of state government, incrementally, freeze hiring, offer retirement incentives, cut waste and fraud in Medicaid.
What changes would you make to the member item system in the state legislature, which allocates most legislator-sponsored grants to lawmakers in majority parties?
Valesky: While we have made progress in reforming the member item system, much more needs to be done. In fighting for openness and transparency, member items are now itemized in the state budget. I also worked with Attorney General Cuomo on Project Sunlight, a user-friendly Web site that lists all items sponsored by legislators. But clearly, a fairer distribution of resources between majority and minority members should be found.
DiStefano: This cuts both ways, Assembly and Senate. Member items allow for funds for much needed local projects. For example, local municipalities need CHIPS funding for needed infrastructure, roads & bridges.
Should state legislators get a pay raise?
Valesky: No.
DiStefano: NO WAY. I have consistently opposed pay raises for all local officials as well. Put it on the ballot next to the name of those who want the pay raise. It will never be next to my name.
Rather than sit on the sidelines and complain about myriad issues he felt were important to the people of the region, DiStefano decided in 1998 to run for public office - a seat in the state Assembly - for a chance to effect change.
Although he went on to lose that race, he received the opportunity to serve his community two years later, elected as DeWitt Town Supervisor, a duty he will perform until January.
DiStefano believes few things have changed in the years since he first vied for a role in state government.
“Ten years ago I was a voice crying in the wilderness,” he said. “I don't know if I'm still a voice crying in the wilderness, but something has to be done with a really dysfunctional state Legislature that seems to look the other way on the high cost of government.”
And as in 1998, DiStefano said he felt compelled to take action, challenging incumbent David Valesky (D, WF) in the Nov. 4 election for a seat in the state Senate, representing District 49, which encompasses Madison County and parts of Onondaga, Cayuga and Oneida counties.
DiStefano (R, C, I), who grew up in Tupper Lake and lived above a bar his parents owned, views the economy and taxes as the two issues most paramount to his campaign.
He believes taxes are “choking taxpayers,” including, but not limited to, farmers. Placing emphasis on agriculture, DiStefano contends that central New York's farming community could generate food for much of the Eastern Seaboard. But in order for that to happen, the state Legislature must invest in transportation and eliminate the Ton-Mile Tax, or TMT, which places a tax on truckers - and thereby farmers - transporting goods in and out of the state.
DiStefano understands how difficult a task it is to unseat a sitting legislator, and is realistic of his chances.
“If I lose, but these issues I'm talking about come to the forefront, I haven't lost at all,” he said. “If I lose, but the people who get in to office do these things, I've accomplished what I wanted. I'm not looking for a job for life.”
Valesky said he has always been interested in serving his community, an enthusiasm that was only reaffirmed when his father was elected to sit on Oneida's Common Council.
Now a sitting state Senator, Valesky is vying for a third, two-year term in Albany to continue advocating for the people of central New York. But while he enjoys his time in Albany fighting for real change and for openness and transparency in government, Valesky said there is nothing better than directly impacting the lives of others.
“One of the most rewarding things for me in this job are the day-to-day, constituent service functions that this office provides that you don't read about in newspapers, you don't hear about on television or on the radio,” he said. “People call in or write about issues they are having and need some help resolving them, and those kinds of things are the most satisfying, when you are able to make a real difference in the lives of people.”
While Valesky deems the last four years a success - reforming the legislative process, making the member item process transparent, and, with the exception of this year, passing on-time budgets - he believes his work is still unfinished.
“There is always more to be done; that's the bottom line,” he said. “Certainly the pace of change and reform in the Senate's far slower than I want it to be, and certainly I will continue to fight for the kind of openness, transparency and accountability that I've really fought for from day one.”
Curbing taxes and jump-starting central New York's economy are issues for which Valesky espouses and considers immediate priorities.
“I think the economy, economic development, jobs and the tax burden affects beyond upstate,” he said. “We need to keep fighting for those issues in Albany every day that we are there and make sure we're moving forward in terms of an economic recovery.”
Staff writer Alyssa Sunkin can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 239 or alyssa.sunkin@lee.net
The issues
Where do you stand on a statewide property tax cap?
Valesky: I voted in support of a property tax cap during the August special session of the Senate, in addition to supporting a series of proposals to relieve school districts of costly, unfunded mandates.
DiStefano: I support the property tax cap. Taxes are too high in New York.
Where should the state look to cut spending?
Valesky: During the August special session, the Legislature cut $1 billion in state spending. We are scheduled to return in a November special session for additional spending reductions. We should review each agency, line by line, for cuts, as well as look at consolidation of state agencies for savings. I also believe we must look squarely at our Medicaid program, not just to root out fraud but also to have a serious discussion about what services the state can no longer afford to provide.
DiStefano: We have to reduce the size of state government, incrementally, freeze hiring, offer retirement incentives, cut waste and fraud in Medicaid.
What changes would you make to the member item system in the state legislature, which allocates most legislator-sponsored grants to lawmakers in majority parties?
Valesky: While we have made progress in reforming the member item system, much more needs to be done. In fighting for openness and transparency, member items are now itemized in the state budget. I also worked with Attorney General Cuomo on Project Sunlight, a user-friendly Web site that lists all items sponsored by legislators. But clearly, a fairer distribution of resources between majority and minority members should be found.
DiStefano: This cuts both ways, Assembly and Senate. Member items allow for funds for much needed local projects. For example, local municipalities need CHIPS funding for needed infrastructure, roads & bridges.
Should state legislators get a pay raise?
Valesky: No.
DiStefano: NO WAY. I have consistently opposed pay raises for all local officials as well. Put it on the ballot next to the name of those who want the pay raise. It will never be next to my name.
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