Griffo Seeks State Senate Seat
Campaign Seeks Change in Albany;
Promotes Reform, Results, Relief, Respect

Citing the need for effective leadership in Albany, Oneida County Executive Joseph Griffo today announced that he is seeking the Republican nomination to represent the 47th State Senate District.

“State government has tremendous power to help this region take its economy to the next level by implementing policies that keep taxes down, attack fraud and inefficiency, and reform the way government does business,” Griffo said. “Through support for education, including higher education, and targeted assistance that helps develop stronger communities, decisions made in Albany will help shape the future of Oneida, Lewis and St. Lawrence Counties.”

“We need a change in Albany. State government overtaxes and overspends. It has become a dysfunctional government where the debt keeps going up, the costs keep going up and the results keep going down. We are all frustrated at watching this system get worse, at hearing the same old sound bites and seeing our hard-earned tax money wasted on secret deals instead of being used to grow jobs.”

Griffo outlined his philosophy of reform, results, relief and respect at events in Utica, Lowville and Massena.

• Reform: “Although the state has begun to change the way it works we need a Legislature where adopting the budget on time happens in the open and on time as a matter of course, not as something startling. I support full open meetings of all committees and all sessions. The progress made in creating and using conference committees need to be expanded. Above all, we need effective government that is built on sound ethics.”
• Results: “While we try to build a better, fairer system, we also need to secure every possible dollar for our communities, to attract new jobs, to improve public safety and to maintain our infrastructure. Whether leading Rome or the county, I have fought for funding and shown the ability to secure resources for vital projects. At a time when our schools and communities need every possible dollar, I have a track record of being involved on behalf of our area, not sitting on the sidelines. I have learned that majority and minority status does not matter as much as persistence and commitment.”
• Relief: “As an experienced leader in local government who has lived every day with the consequences of decisions made in Albany, I know the extent state mandates and policies increase the combined state and local tax burden. We have to cut costs and cut taxes, not just move the costs and burden around. I have fought to hold down taxes during my entire career in public service. As Rome Mayor, 8 of my 11 budgets froze or reduced taxes. As Oneida County Executive, property taxes rose only 3% while many counties had double-digit increases that will remain in effect long after our temporary sales tax increase has been rolled back.”
• Respect: “Voters want leadership, and they want the people they elect to act like leaders, not like a bunch of kids who can’t all play in the same sandbox. In the statewide Medicaid reform campaign I helped lead, in my efforts to work with state leaders to secure needed resources, and in my efforts to help our area twice save jobs by staving off the BRAC process, I have shown an ability to represent the needs of our area and work with state and federal political leaders on both sides of the aisle to get results. I can fight just as hard for my beliefs as anyone else, but I reject the politics of name-calling and alienation because I have seen the damage done to our region by that kind of action. We can disagree without being disagreeable. Voters have seen enough bickering. They need and deserve results.”

Griffo noted that his philosophy for the Senate is consistent with his record throughout his public service career. “Many years ago, I chose a career in public service because I saw the power of government to shape communities for the better. I still believe that is the mission of government at all levels, and it is a belief I have implemented as Rome Mayor from 1992 to 2003, and as Oneida County Executive for the past three years. I believe that government should serve as a leader in economic and community development, but work in partnership with both public and private entities to provide essential services while holding down costs. I’ve made those words a reality,” he said.

Griffo also noted that his extensive experience in working with state government to help the region has created extensive contacts that can help the region. “I have solid relationships in place that I can build upon, as well as a history of forming partnerships for progress while others practice the politics of alienation. I have the experience in Albany’s ways to hit the ground running while also providing a new perspective that can bring change and reform to state government,” he said.

“As a senator, Ray Meier has provided our region with respected leadership and persistent advocacy that has helped bring jobs to our region and develop partnerships that produce long-term support for vital community projects,” Griffo said. “I will continue that tradition of fighting for the school aid our communities need while also fighting against the taxes that our businesses do not need.”

“New York State needs bold steps and decisive action to add jobs, keep down taxes and uphold our mission to help vulnerable seniors and families. Throughout my commitment to public service to provide leadership to communities and governments facing the impacts of crushing blows from Albany and Washington, I have set a course that has shown results. My first commitment is to the people who pay taxes so that our employers can grow and our homeowners can hang on to their piece of the American Dream,” Griffo said. “I believe we need to re-make New York’s image as a new Empire State in which innovation, creativity and hard work will create a never-say-die spirit that will move New York forward to regain its growth and vitality.”