Re Sept. 21 Viewpoint by Christopher Chichester, “Tonko will be just one more do-nothing congressman”: Three cheers for Chichester: Tonko was my Assembly representative his whole tenure. Chichester could not have said it better. What did Tonko do? Nothing. His reward was a plum job as an energy czar. What did he do while sitting on 500-plus trillion cubic feet of New York state natural gas? Nothing. I wrote to Tonko a number of times asking for his support on issues of concern. The response — nothing. I did not ever get a response to any of my letters to Tonko. So Tonko, the popular Democratic candidate, may very well get elected. Guess what all of you who vote for him will get? Nothing!
ya'll can cling to whatever you think is real.....we all know that money is not real......and the tread mill continues without straw for the bricks.....
GET IT TOGETHER FOLKS.....BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH.....................................
ya'll better pick the system and support it yourselves AND educate the public how to rape it too......... >
...you are a product of your environment, your environment is a product of your priorities, your priorities are a product of you......
The replacement of morality and conscience with law produces a deadly paradox.
STOP BEING GOOD DEMOCRATS---STOP BEING GOOD REPUBLICANS--START BEING GOOD AMERICANS
For Tonko, energy is what it's all about Former assemblyman sees himself as change agent in Washington
By IRENE JAY LIU, Capitol bureau First published in print: Sunday, October 12, 2008
If you've got someplace to be, don't get Paul Tonko talking about public service or policy — especially when it comes to energy.
"This stuff, I could talk about all day," said the Democratic candidate in the 21st Congressional District. "Because it's such a passion in life. … It rules."
Tonko's enthusiasm didn't wane during a 90-minute interview (that was supposed to be 45 minutes) crammed between campaign events.
"It pushes you to work inordinate hours, to sleep three, four hours a night," he said. "Not just in campaign season, but just to be everywhere and be with everyone."
After more than three decades in the bruising world of state politics, Tonko is still a true believer.
He was born in 1949 in Amsterdam, where he still lives. His grandparents were Eastern European immigrants who passed through Ellis Island before settling in the area.
Tonko takes on an almost Pollyanna-like tone when he talks about the district. "There's a pioneer spirit that's undeniable," he said.
Trained as a mechanical and industrial engineer, Tonko entered politics after college — not with a career in mind, but to "feed a curiosity, to get it out of my system." At age 22, he was elected to the Montgomery County Democratic Committee.
At 26, Tonko was elected to the Montgomery County Board of Supervisors. It was a job "where I wouldn't have to speak in public," he said. "That was like the engineer side of me, that was analytical and kind of frightened by the stage."
In 1983, Tonko won an Assembly race in the 105th district, a seat he held for 24 years.
In the Assembly, Tonko tried once again to use his engineering background to take a more analytical approach to problem-solving.
As an engineer, "You're trained to pick what's good, that works," he said. Politics, on the other hand, is a "profession that says, 'We can support good, bad, innocent, guilty.' "
Tonko said engineers look at problem-solving in a different way. "We'll take maybe five solutions that actually fit, and then from there determine which is the best solution," he said. "I'm not saying we're better than other professions, but we're different."
In the Assembly, Tonko has brought his analytical side to bear on a number of issues. He pushed for appointments of state Regents who would prioritize recruiting women and minorities to the field of science, and advocated on behalf of the Campaign for Fiscal Equity, which aims to increase equity in school funding across the state.
Tonko said he is "tremendously proud" of the passage of Timothy's Law, which requires health insurers to cover mental health treatment. The law is named after Timothy O'Clair, a Schenectady 12-year-old who hung himself in 2001. The boy, Tonko said, was a constituent, but also someone "who I knew, who I loved."
But energy policy is the issue Tonko has spent the bulk of his career pursuing, and the one his congressional campaign is largely staked on. For Tonko, most of the nation's most pressing challenges — from the economy to national security — relate directly to energy, and he wants to go to Washington to help shape the solutions. In 1992, he became chairman of the Assembly Energy Committee. Tonko left the Assembly last year to become president and CEO of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, a public benefit corporation that works to find ways to reduce oil consumption in the state.
At NYSERDA, Tonko worked to establish the carbon cap-and-trade program and strengthen the relationship between the authority and legislators. He called the job a "hand-in-glove fit" — but after less than a year, he resigned to run for Congress.
"Everything is impacted by energy policy," Tonko said. "And when I looked at it through an energy lens ... there isn't a comprehensive energy plan on a national level."
On his campaign Web site, his policy statement on energy runs more than twice as long as any other issue summary. Its high points: funding research and development of alternative technologies, training workers for a green economy, and increased regulation of traditional energy producers.
Tonko said he believes the national plan has concrete benefits for the district he hopes to represent. Investing in a green economy will bolster the manufacturing base and increase economic development opportunities for the region, he said.
Tonko resists the notion that he's nothing more than a "career politician." In fact, he said his long career in politics gives him the experience to bring about change in Washington.
"I'm about change, he said. "I can show you change. I've delivered change."
And for those who think that government is dysfunctional?
"When I hear of dysfunction, I say, 'Tell Timothy's parents,' " Tonko said, referring to the parents of the boy who inspired Timothy's Law.
There are, he said, always flaws in the process, but "that shouldn't stop our desire to produce change (that's) meaningful in the lives of people."
"When you can create policy that outlives you, that's powerful."
Irene Jay Liu can be reached at 454-5081 or by e-mail at iliu@timesunion.com.
Share your concerns
WMHT-TV and the Times Union will co-sponsor a debate between 21st Congressional District candidates Paul Tonko and Jim Buhrmaster, to be aired at 8 p.m. Thursday on WMHT Ch. 17. We invite you to submit questions on the issues most important to you as a voter by logging on to http://www.timesunion.com/politics or calling 454-5619. Please include your name, phone number and hometown.
Buhrmaster runs on his business record Experience making payrolls, cutting waste needed in Washington
By LAUREN STANFORTH, Staff writer First published in print: Sunday, October 12, 2008
From his grandfather's time pushing a milk cart to his family's role today as bankers and energy suppliers, 63-year-old Jim Buhrmaster's name is well-known in his native Schenectady County.
The Republican's recognition factor is less certain in other parts of the heavily Democratic 21st Congressional District, where Buhrmaster is running an uphill battle against Paul Tonko, a former assemblyman.
In an effort to get his message out, Buhrmaster, the president of Buhrmaster Energy Group, has launched an ad campaign that paints himself and his Democratic opponent in broad strokes.
Buhrmaster, who entered politics just four years ago as a member of the Schenectady County Legislature, said Tonko served his own best interests by making politics his occupation for 24 years in the state Legislature. Tonko, who has known Buhrmaster for years, has defended himself, saying Buhrmaster is criticizing the government he wants to join. Buhrmaster has said he wants term limits, perhaps 12 years maximum for a congressman.
The Republican says he's someone new and different, a small businessman who wants to tighten spending in the midst of a national economic crisis. He's confident some 87,000 unaffiliated voters and what would have to be a good share of frustrated Democrats will come to his side on Nov. 4 in a district that covers Albany, Schoharie, Schenectady and Montgomery counties and parts of Fulton, Saratoga and Rensselaer counties.
"I very much like my chances," said Buhrmaster, who has temporarily handed off much of his business to two of his four sons while he attends events such as senior citizen forums and goes door to door on weekends. "From what I'm hearing, what I'm seeing, the people are ready for somebody who's willing to go down there not for a career, but to stand up for the people back home and make a change."
Buhrmaster, whose family has owned Buhrmaster Energy Group for 95 years and First National Bank of Scotia for 85 years, said he's been courted in the past to run for various political offices. He's served in community roles, including as chairman of the Chamber of Schenectady County. His former sister-in-law, Republican Margaret "Mugsie" Burhmaster, was a longtime Schenectady County legislator who once unsuccessfully challenged Rep. Michael McNulty. a Green Island Democrat.
. Buhrmaster said his brother, nephew and two of his sons approached him about running for Congress after McNulty announced he would retire a year ago.
Buhrmaster considered it, in part, because there is no incumbent in the race. Only one other Republican, young Ballston Lake entrepreneur Steven Vasquez, sought the seat. He lost to Burhmaster by 38 percentage points in the Sept. 9 primary.
When Buhrmaster announced his candidacy in March at his Glenville business headquarters, he was adamant that although he's running as a Republican, he's an independent thinker.
His positions, however, draw heavily from the Republican platform, including support for off-shore drilling and the reduction of congressional earmarks. He recently released a TV ad calling his opponent "Taxin' Tonko" for his votes on state tax increases.
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"I don't look at it as Republican, I look at it as Jim Buhrmaster, a business person, a community person,'' he said of his campaign and platform. "In my business, if we can't afford it, we don't buy it. If we have waste, we correct it. That has nothing to do with a party affiliation." Burhmaster sometimes votes with Democrats, and rarely speaks during meetings, but when he does, you know it will be a strong and thoughtful position, said Robert Farley, a Republican who is the minority leader of the Schenectady County Legislature.
"Jim's perspective is that of a businessman. He's not a partisan person," Farley said.
John Faso, a former state Assemblyman and 2006 Republican gubernatorial candidate, has been a big Buhrmaster backer, sending letters to his supporters asking them to contribute to the congressional candidate. Faso said Buhrmaster can connect with the middle class despite the fact Buhrmaster's family owns multiple businesses, and Buhrmaster personally loaned $100,000 to his own campaign.
"He's got real-life experience ... running a business, making payrolls, dealing with government regulations, dealing with providing health insurance to employees and surviving in a very hostile business environment," said Faso, who now works as an attorney in Kinderhook. "In Congress, candidly, we need more people who have real-world business experience."
Buhrmaster said he wants to approach government spending as he has in his own business, which has grown and shrunk over its history. The company once employed more than 100 workers during highs in the late 1970s and early '90s. But the energy group shed side projects, like investments in convenience stores, when they didn't prove to be profitable, he said. Buhrmaster Energy Group now employes 50 people.
"We've got plenty of money in Washington if we control spending and really attack the waste," Buhrmaster said. "It's there."
Lauren Stanforth can be reached at (51 454-5697 or at lstanforth@timesunion.com.
SCHENECTADY Candidates emphasize differences Buhrmaster, Tonko hone criticisms as election nears BY MICHAEL LAMENDOLA Gazette Reporter
Republican congressional candidate James Buhrmaster called Democrat opponent Paul Tonko a career politician beholden to special interests during a candidates’ forum Wednesday night at the Schenectady County Public Library main branch. Buhrmaster and Tonko are seeking the seat in the 21st Congressional District to be open, since Rep. Michael McNulty, D-Green Island, is retiring in January after 20 years. Also attending the forum, with 13 days remaining before Election Day Nov. 4, were candidates for the 44th Senate District, the 105th Assembly District and Schenectady City Court Judge Vincent Versaci, who is running unopposed. The League of Women Voters and the American Association of University Women sponsored the forum. Candidates answered five questions from an audience of more than 50 people. During his appearance with Tonko, Buhrmaster said, “There is a clear difference between us.” Buhrmaster called himself a small business man who will represent “you, the people, and not these special interests,” referring to Tonko’s support among labor unions. Tonko has received $138,000 in campaign contributions from political action committees out of $451,000 raised, according to the latest financial disclosures with the Federal Election Commission. Buhrmaster has raised $351,000, of which $214,000 is from individual contributions. “I am running a campaign for the people and by the people,” Buhrmaster said. Tonko, a 25-year state assemblyman who represented the 105th District until last year, said he’d bring great skills to Washington, gained during his political career. “I have advanced my resume and have proven myself to be a passionate person who has built partnerships,” he said. He left the Assembly in the middle of his 13th term. During the forum, Tonko took his own shot at Buhrmaster. Answering a question about reform of campaign finance laws, he said rules allow some people to put “six figures of their own money” into campaigns. Buhrmaster, who is president of Buhrmaster Energy, has loaned his campaign $125,000. “There are a growing number of millionaires in Washington,” Tonko said. On other issues, Tonko supports universal health care while Buhrmaster is opposed. Tonko favors government support for Head Start, prekindergarten and child care programs, while Buhrmaster says government is not the answer. Both support tax cuts, but Buhrmaster wants an across-the-board approach while Tonko supports cuts for the middle class. Buhrmaster wants the United States to maintain a military presence in Iraq until the job is done while Tonko wants troops out immediately. 105TH ASSEMBLY DISTRICT In the 105th Assembly District race, Republican incumbent George Amedore Jr. is facing Democrat Mark Blanchfield. Amedore is vice president of Amedore Homes. He is seeking a full two-year term, having won a special election 16 months ago to fill the remainder of Tonko’s term. Blanchfield is a Schenectady city councilman and attorney. Amedore said he is seeking reelection to reduce taxes, to provide affordable health care and to invest in education. “People are hurting, people are worried, people are wondering about jobs,” he said. “We need to continue to have economic success, to dream those dreams.” Amedore said as a first-year assemblyman, he sponsored 17 bills and that the “105th Assembly District is a better place since I first took office.” Blanchfield said he would bring strong leadership to Albany. “We need someone to bring the legislative issues of the area to the forefront,” he said. “I can get things done. I can make connections to other people.” Both want to control taxes but have different plans to achieve the goal. Blanchfield supports capping taxes of low-income residents fi rst and then controlling taxes progressively. Amedore supports legislation to cap school taxes at the rate of inflation or at 4 percent. They differ on local Medicaid costs. Amedore said the state should go after fraud in the multibilliondollar program. Blanchfield wants the state to begin taking over local Medicaid costs “percentage by percentage.” The state pays 25 percent of local costs, counties pay 25 percent and the federal government pays 50 percent. 44TH SENATE In the 44th Senate District, Democrat Fred Goodman is facing Republican incumbent Hugh Farley. Goodman, of Glenville, is an attorney for Schenectady County. Farley, of Niskayuna, is seeking his 16th consecutive term. Farley said he remains enthusiastic about his job and is eager to tackle the challenges facing the state. “We have to work together and put party politics aside to resolve these problems,” he said. Goodman said he would reduce taxes, develop a “Marshall Plan” for upstate New York, in which the state would match local governments dollar-for-dollar on economic development projects, and help reduce state mandates. Farley said his priority today remains the same as when he first ran for office — promoting economic development for upstate, now focusing on high-technology industries.
BRUCE SQUIERS/GAZETTE PHOTOGRAPHER James Buhrmaster, left, and Paul Tonko, vying to represent the 21st Congressional District, speak during a forum Wednesday night at the Schenectady County Library.
BRUCE SQUIERS/GAZETTE PHOTOGRAPHER Josh Fitzpatrick of Rotterdam listens during a candidates forum Wednesday at the Schenectady County Library.
21ST CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT Buhrmaster, Tonko bring different approaches to challenges BY MICHAEL LAMENDOLA Gazette Reporter
Washington is broken and the nation is heading in the wrong direction, say the two candidates for the open seat in the 21st Congressional District. But they differ in how to fix the problems they have identified. Republican candidate James Buhrmaster wants less government regulation and lower taxes and says he has the skills, developed through decades of running a small business, to be effective in Washington. Democratic candidate Paul Tonko wants government to help people and thinks he can hit the ground running on ways to move the country away from its dependence on fossil fuels. Both are seeking the seat of U.S. Rep. Michael McNulty, D-Green Island, who is retiring in January after 20 years. HEEDING THE PUBLIC’S CALL Tonko was CEO of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority when he heard McNulty’s announcement to retire. At the time, he had no thought of running for Congress himself, saying he was focused on keeping with his agenda at NYSERDA. However, as time passed and the field of candidates grew (at one point, there were 11 Democrats), Tonko said “more and more people suggested I look at it.” In April of this year, he listened to his supporters and announced his candidacy, resigning from NYSERDA. He became the sole Democratic candidate following the September primary. Buhrmaster said he also decided to enter the congressional race at the urging of family and supporters. “They told me to look at it. They said we need another businessman there,” he said. Buhrmaster is president of Buhrmaster Energy, a fuel oil business based in Glenville that opened in 1913. He said that he doesn’t need the job of congressman but that he wants the job “because we aren’t representing the people, and I don’t want to leave a tax-and-spend legacy for my four children and six grandchildren.” He added that he also enjoys public service, citing years of in- volvement with the Boy Scouts, the Boys & Girls Clubs and the YMCA. Tonko and Buhrmaster both have deep connections in the 21st District, which covers portions of Fulton, Rensselaer and Saratoga counties and all of Albany, Schenectady, Schoharie and Montgomery counties. As an assemblyman, Tonko, 58, represented Montgomery County and portions of Schenectady County for 25 years. He has been in public office since 1975, first representing Amsterdam’s 1st Ward on the Montgomery County Board of Supervisors. He was elected to the state Assembly in 1983. He resigned from the Assembly in July 2007 with one year left in his term to take the NYSERDA position as former Gov. Eliot Spitzer’s appointee. Buhrmaster, 62, is serving a second four-year term on the Schenectady County Legislature, representing Glenville and Niskayuna. Both congressional candidates are championing the message of change in Washington, and both call themselves energy experts. But there the similarities end, according to the candidates. Buhrmaster calls himself “fiercely” independent, and he points to his voting record in the county Legislature as proof. He has voted with majority Democrats on issues in opposition to other Republicans. “I will vote for the people, not with the party. My answer is what I think is right for them,” he said. Buhrmaster points to his business experience as a distinction from Tonko. “I am on the end that does it, and I am not on the side that creates regulations that hurt businesses,” he said. LIVELY CONTEST When Buhrmaster entered the race, many assumed that a Democrat would easily take the seat. The 21st District has 50,000 more Democrats than Republicans and has been in Democratic hands for a half-century. McNulty held it for 20 years. Sam Stratton, D-Schenectady, held it for 30 years prior. Buhrmaster, however, believes that he has a shot because of the large number of independent voters — approximately 90,000 — who can tip the election either way. Since the primary, Buhrmaster has set his sights on Tonko, a formidable opponent. In campaign ads, he has attacked Tonko as a “career politician” — a phrase that has gained a negative connotation — and has tried to link him to Democrats who have done wrong, such as U.S. Rep. Charles Rangel and Assemblyman Anthony Seminerio of Queens. Rangel is undergoing an ethics investigation by fellow lawmakers, while Seminerio was charged with taking more than $500,000 in illegal payments over the past eight years from entities doing business with the state. “People want to see a change. With my opponent, there will be no change,” Buhrmaster said. “Congress is a forum where I can make changes.” Tonko dismisses the “career politician” charge, saying, “if you do your job and you do it well and you help people and your community, and you are sensitive and listen and you empathize with their message, that is a plus. Many people assume a career; it is how you perform in your career that matters.” Buhrmaster said he and Tonko differ on energy policy — Buhrmaster favors drilling for oil in Alaska and on the continental shelf, and he also wants to expand geothermal and hydroelectric capabilities. Tonko supports the development of green power, sources of power not connected to fossil fuels, and reducing the carbon footprints of vehicles and buildings. If elected, Tonko says he would take the area’s strengths and create a high-tech mecca, linking area research and educational institutions with start-up and established energy businesses, like GE Wind Power, to create what he calls green jobs. These offer high pay and good benefits, he said. Buhrmaster and Tonko also differ on workplace regulations. Buhrmaster does not support the Employee Free Choice Act, also known as HR 800, while Tonko supports it. HR 800 allows unions to be certified once a majority of employees have signed union authorization cards, without the need for a secret ballot. They also disagree on Timothy’s Law, which requires small businesses to provide coverage for inpatient and outpatient mental health services. Tonko sponsored the bill. Buhrmaster calls it costprohibitive to small businesses. BUSINESS AND LABOR Perhaps the most telling difference is that Buhrmaster has the support of small business associations while Tonko has the support of unions. Buhrmaster said while union leadership may support Tonko, union workers support him: “I am talking to working families, and they say Tonko has done nothing to limit government, taxes and regulations.” Tonko said he supports working families “who have been ignored too long. I know the need for sound jobs with good benefits and appropriate working conditions.” He also calls himself pro-business, saying he wants to ensure that businesses have an environment that helps them compete efficiently in a global market. Tonko has spent less than $100,000 on campaign ads since the September primary, relying on name recognition established through years of good will and personal connections made through countless events he attended. “When you socialize and meet people on their turf, it builds partnerships and builds relationships with their extended families,” Tonko said. According to the September filings with the Federal Election Commission, Tonko has raised $451,467, of which $138,000 has come from political action committees. Buhrmaster has raised $351,481. He loaned his campaign $125,000 and raised $214,353 from individuals. In many regards, Tonko is following the same strategy he followed as an incumbent in the 105th Assembly District — he is staying positive, is staying on topic and is letting his opponent do the attacking. It is a strategy that made him unstoppable in the 13 races he ran during his 25-year career in the state Assembly, when he smothered Republican candidates under an avalanche of votes. “Accessibility is something I am proud of. The human connection is key to quality representation,” Tonko said. “The dynamic that is most important is to be a good listener.” Tonko said that in his brief tenure at NYSERDA, he worked to “move along a lot of things. We really advanced the governor’s Renewable Task Force, we advanced efficiencies, we are leaving a solar legacy, we advanced policies from a new perspective.” Buhrmaster said that Tonko had coveted the NYSERDA job and that when he left, he had accomplished little: “He is a political opportunist who took credit for things that were in place.” Tonko said NYSERDA was a lure after serving on Assembly energy committees for years and was a “great place to be.” But he said the chance to be in Washington is an excellent opportunity to “formulate energy policy that this country needs.”
We live in troubling economic times. We have seen Wall Street titans, irresponsible lenders and career politicians lead our economy into a deep hole. It seems that almost everyone in Scotia and the Capital Region shares this anxiety. As retired citizens who do not know what will come next, and in a time of such uncertainty, there is one thing of which we can be certain: Jim Buhrmaster is the right choice for Congress. Jim Buhrmaster is exactly the kind of leader we need to send to Washington. He is not a career politician. He is a small business owner who knows what it takes to create jobs, balance a budget and find innovative solutions to serious problems. Better yet, Jim’s business is energy, and he has a background in fi - nance. These are exactly the areas that present the greatest challenges. Nobody is better equipped to go to Congress and work for common-sense solutions to these problems than Jim Buhrmaster. RAYMOND AND MARYANN GAWLAS Scotia
Tonko cruises to win in 21st Congressional District Democrat goes to D.C. with handy win over Buhrmaster
By LAUREN STANFORTH AND CAROL DeMARE, Staff writers First published in print: Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Former state Assemblyman Paul Tonko continued the 50-year tradition of Democrats controlling the 21st Congressional District seat, winning Tuesday's election with ease to succeed retiring U.S. Rep. Michael McNulty of Green Island.
Republican challenger and energy company president Jim Buhrmaster couldn't overcome the 29 percent Democratic enrollment advantage over the GOP in the district that comprises all of Albany, Schoharie, Schenectady and Montgomery counties and parts of Fulton, Rensselaer and Saratoga counties.
"Obviously, my first thought," said Tonko, "is to get the best assignments to committees based on my resume so we can address those issues important to the 21st District."
He listed such issues as universal health care, withdrawing troops from Iraq and energy reform.
"Undeniably, overlaying all of that is repairing the fragile economy that is essential if we are going to go forward with any of these opportunities," Tonko said.
With 67 percent of the vote in, Tonko, 59, of Amsterdam, with the Democratic and Working Families lines, was leading Buhrmaster 105,313 to 57,086. Buhrmaster, who is a Schenectady County legislator, had the GOP and Conservative lines.
Philip Steck of Loudonville, an Albany County legislator, who after losing the Democratic primary didn't campaign, received 5,025 votes on the Independence Party line. Tonko's entry into the race didn't come until May, after Democratic candidate after Democratic candidate began announcing intentions to run for the seat McNulty held for 20 years. He made it known last fall he would not seek re-election.
Tonko bested four other Democrats in the Sept. 9 primary, by huge margins in Schenectady and Montgomery, the counties he represented for two dozen years in the Assembly.
Buhrmaster had a primary as well, but handily won against young entrepreneur Steven Vasquez.
Buhrmaster, who is relatively new to politics other than serving in his second-term in the Schenectady County Legislature, went aggressively after Tonko in television ads and debates, saying Tonko is a "career politician" who looked out for his own interests in the Assembly and not the people's.
Tonko's name recognition was likely too difficult to overcome. Tonko stuck to his messages of accomplishment in the Legislature, such as the passage of mental health parity legislation, and his record as chairman on the Assembly's energy committee and his most recent post as president of the New York state Energy, Research and Development Authority.
Carol DeMare can be reached at 454-5431 or cdemare@timesunion.com.
I say that we start making sure to contact our new Congressman as soon as he takes office to make sure he knows what his constituents want. 202-224-3121
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454-5697 or at lstanforth@timesunion.com.
