It was pointed out to me that Mr. Amedore's Facebook page lists him as a fan of the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. This organization states that is purpose is for ensuring protection of female health rights. Sounds good. But, one of their statements is: "the availability of safe, legal abortion remains of vital importance to the health of women."

Isn't this the man that campaigned on the platform that he was a deeply religious conservative? I think Mr. Amedore owes some answers.

Quoted from greenlantern

It was pointed out to me that Mr. Amedore's Facebook page lists him as a fan of the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. This organization states that is purpose is for ensuring protection of female health rights. Sounds good. But, one of their statements is: "the availability of safe, legal abortion remains of vital importance to the health of women."

Isn't this the man that campaigned on the platform that he was a deeply religious conservative? I think Mr. Amedore owes some answers.

Anyone in government office can have their own religious convictions....such as abortion rights. But as long as you are in a government job, you are there to serve the people according to the law....ALL of them.

I am 'personally' against abortion...but it IS legal according to the united states of america. Does that mean that if I were a heart surgeon, I wouldn't do open heart surgery in a hospital, such as albany med, cause they perform abortions? Get real here!

I don't get it...GL didn't say Amedore was AGAINST abortion, or FOR it.  He simply said Amedore owes us answers...don't you agree, Bumblethru?  Don't you want to know where your rep stands on abortion?

Amedore's a state representative not a U.S. Congressman.  I don't know if there is much he can do to overturn Roe V Wade.  What he can do is lower our damn taxes in New York State.  His stance and actions on taxes would be more relevant in proving his conservatism in the office he currently holds.

It's the No New Tax Party.  Not the No More Abortions Party.  Good try though.  This isn't about social issues.

Assemblyman Amedore's ranking by the Conservative Party of New York State is among the highest of all of the State Senators and Assemblyman.
He scores a 75 on his voting record.  Compare that to the others who were elected to represent us.  The scorecards are available at the CPNYS
web site:

http://www.cpnys.org/node/63

Although I disagree with his vote (and that of Senator Farley and Assemblyman Tedisco) on increasing the Metroplex bond cap and extending
their charter, I agree with his positions on most of the other legislation on which he voted.

Makes you wonder who those guys answer to...I hear you on this Brad.  Wonder if Amedore's cousin Peter Guidarelli gets help from Metroplex from his business dealings?

TBV,

There are many who are prominent in local politics of both parties who have benefitted financially from the Metroplex.  There are also
many well off businessmen who have received Metroplex support though they certainly could have financed their projects without
accepting "corporate welfare".  I am sure that you know the names.  That is one of my (many) objectives to the existence and operations
of the Metroplex.  It seems to benefit primarily those who are politically "connected".

Back to the topic of Amedore.  He will have my support in his reelection bid.  Though some on this board degrade him by calling him a
"dolt", I believe that George is the best candidate to represent the interests of the 105th Assembly District.  


Though many expressed false interest and support in me challenging Amedore for the Assembly seat, their interest was only in
seeing me split the vote leading to a Democrat victory.  I never considered challenging George.  He is a conservative.  If I ran it
would have been based on self-promotion not interest in promoting conservative values.

If and when I choose to run in the future, it will be against a liberal, not a conservative.

Quoted from 78

Though many expressed false interest and support in me challenging Amedore for the Assembly seat, their interest was only in
seeing me split the vote leading to a Democrat victory.  I never considered challenging George.  He is a conservative.  If I ran it
would have been based on self-promotion not interest in promoting conservative values.

Brad, you never cease to amaze me...you, more than most, know how to hit the nail on the head.

Why the bid against two endorsed Republicans, one of whom was a member of the Conservative Party, in the 2009 County Leg. elections, then?  Because if I'm not mistaken, Viscusi lost by 300-400.  Looks like the vote was split, leading to a Democrat victory.

Two considerations TBV.  

First, there were two legislative seats up for election in District 4.  Secondly, you assume that because one is a member of
the Conservative Party that he or she is conservative in his or her values and positions.  I believe that I was the candidate in the race
with the traditional conservative values.  I didn't have a party endorsement, I didn't have the financial backing, and I didn't have the
political connections.  I do believe, however, that I had the right message and the support of 1700 voters who wanted change.

You are correct that Mike lost by 300 to 400 votes.  I don't know that many of those who voted for me didn't also vote for him.

Either way, despite what others suggest on this board, I try to let my principles and convictions guide me.  There is nothing that states that
a candidate must be either an endorsed Republican or an endorsed Democrat to run for office.

I encourage everyone who has genuine interest in serving the public to run for elected office.  The voters will decide who they want to represent them.

Thanks for the civil debate TBV.  Time for me to log off for tonight.

Perhaps this is the wrong thread to ask you...but are you indicating that Mike Viscusi or Mary Barrie do not possess traditional conservative values?  If so, which one?  Or is it both?  No obligation to answer, obviously.  However, it would seem to me that there is either something more to your not primarying Amedore...or something more to the purpose of the NNTP.

OK, TBV, one more for the road.

Yes, I am suggesting that I believe that the other two candidates had (some) positions that were not conservative.  For example, all of
my opponents supported the involvement of government, the Metroplex, in private industry/enterprise.  I am and have always been
fundamentally opposed to the concept of the Metroplex.  I said it before I ran.  I said it during the campaign.  And, I continue to say it today.  

I also disagreed with the proposal to give tax breaks to residents with in-law apartments in their homes.  In my assessment, this is little more
than redistribution of the tax load.  All residents in Schenectady County need property tax relief.  The treatment under the tax code should be
"fair" and "equitable" and should not be managed like a shell game.  

As much as I personally came to like Mary Barrie and believe her to be a sincere and genuine person, it is my assessment that her environmental
positions may not be balanced with the need for economic development.  That said, she would be an asset on a town environmental commission.  She has the knowledge and the passion.  IMHO

I believe that if this county is to ever return to prosperity, that difficult decisions regarding the appropriate level of social services, the proper size
and cost of county government, the lucrative union contracts, political patronage, etc. must be made.  Those who are too invested in party politics
have not exhibited the ability to bring about agreements or the necessary independence to make these choices.  I never cared about being reelected.  I cared more about doing what was in the best interests of the people who elected me.

Contrary to what some have suggested on this forum, I stood to gain nothing by serving other than the satisfaction of working to better my
community.  I own no company that will benefit from my serving in government.  I pledged to donate 1/2 my legislative salary to charity.  And,
I have no interest in a political appointment or running for higher office as I am employed full time in the private sector.

Finally, here's a bonus for all of those who post to this board and who have opposed my involvement in local politics.

Next month (February), my family and I will be moving from Duanesburg and Schenectady County to the 20th Congressional District.
As such, I will not be campaigning or running for office in the future in Schenectady County.  I will, however, continue
to support the No New Tax Party candidates across Schenectady County and beyond (in the NNTP "Eastern Region office".  
I will also have significant involvement with Tea Party organizations and in support of conservative candidates running for state
and national office.  There are many others who have expressed interest in running for political office on the NNTP ballot line.
(Some of) The names may change, but the movement will continue to grow and strengthen.

I have enjoyed participating in this forum, sharing ideas, some in agreement and some not.  I hope that in the future, those who
choose to "spar" do so in a productive manner and without the personal attacks.  As the saying goes, "A House Divided Cannot Stand"

So, I challenge each of you to look deep into yourself, set aside the animosity, and work for a better community.  After all, we're all we've got!

Good Luck Brad!

Thanks Papa.  And, to you, I owe an apology for some of the things said and done in the past.  Life is a continuous learning event.

Brad sorry to hear you are moving out of the county....good luck and keep in touch