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The questions were prepared by the League of Women Voters of Buffalo/Niagara and asked of all candidates for this office.
See below for questions on
Rockefeller Drug Laws,
Gambling Revenue
Click on a name for candidate information. See also more information about this contest.
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1. There is growing support for reform of the Rockefeller drug laws. What will you do to: a.) Initiate significant reform of these laws; b.) Provide adequate financial support for programs, on the community level, designed to cope with the impact of such reform?*
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Answer from Sam Hoyt:
I sponsored initial reform legislation, which doesn't go far enough, and will co-sponsor future reform. I would support the reinvestment of savings accrued by implementing reform into community-based programs that are dedicated to treating and rehabilitating drug users.
Answer from Rus Thompson:
A) Reforming these laws could save the taxpayers $200 million a year and free up prison cells for real criminals. The intent was to stop the drug king pins, it has done the opposite and has instead imprisoned first timers for up to 20 years for minor amounts of drugs.
B) Alternatives are available that would help cut crime, save money, and rebuild individual lives and communities at a much lower cost to the taxpayers. The cost of most drug free outpatient care runs between $2,700-4,500 per person per year Vs Prison at $32,000 per year.
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2. What programs and actions will you support to protect communities from the negative consequences of the state’s increasing dependence on gambling revenue?*
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Answer from Rus Thompson:
Any type of revenue is an addiction to politicians especially from gambling. Until we can start replacing the incumbents with fresh faces and fresh ideas we will continue down the same destructive path.
Answer from Sam Hoyt:
As one of the State's leading opponents of gambling revenue, I have and will sponsor legislation that curbs gambling opportunities, including bills addressing its societal costs. I annually provide financial support to the Jewish Family Service's compulsive gambling program and understand that the state's reliance on gambling revenue harms communities.
Responses to questions asked of each candidate
are reproduced as submitted to the League.
- Original answers for a published Voters Guide
were limited to 50 words and are presented as submitted. Candidates have
since been invited to supply answers of any length for the Web.
The order of the candidates is random and changes daily. Candidates who did not respond are not listed on this page.
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League of Women Voters of New York Education Foundation
