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The questions were prepared by the League of Women Voters of New York State and asked of all candidates for this office.
See below for questions on
Property Taxes,
Redistricting,
Alternative Energy
Click on a name for candidate information. See also more information about this contest.
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1. In spite of school tax rebates, income tax credits for school age children and increased STAR rebates, property taxes continue to rise for most New York homeowners. What do you propose to curb this rate of escalation that is fair and equitable to all property owners?*
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Answer from Malachy McCourt:
People should not have to pay more than 20% of income for property taxes repairs heating insurance. Profit making entities should pay 20% of profits or 20% of valuation whichever is more. Money spent on so called defense should be allocated to defend people's homes against taxes & deterioration.
Answer from John J. Faso:
My plan caps the allowable growth in local school taxes, reforms mandates that drive up local spending without improving education, and consolidates of non-educational functions like payroll processing at the BOCES level. I would double the current STAR exemptions, if we enact a tax cap and mandate relief.
Answer from Eliot Spitzer:
My property tax relief program would provide $6 billion in relief over 3 years, concentrated on the middle-class New Yorkers who need it most. Our 3-year $11 billion savings plan would pay for this program and leave sufficient additional savings to pay for other critical spending items I have proposed.
Answer from Maura DeLuca:
The resources exist to fund schools, health care, and other social needs without taxing workers. My party calls for a massive federally funded public works program to put millions to work at union scale. No cuts in present or future Social Security benefits, Medicaid programs, or workers compensation.
Answer from John Clifton:
Clifton plans to BRING BACK FREEDOM TO NEW YORK by immediately capping property taxes, Step 1 towards eliminating the tax and restoring complete sovereignty to homeowners. He also will eliminate state income taxes, beginning with elimination of the tax for all making under $75,000
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2. Will you support the establishment of an independent commission on redistricting? Please explain your answer.*
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Answer from John Clifton:
Clifton plans to BRING BACK FREEDOM TO NEW YORK by supporting an independent commisson whose mission is to END ALL GERRYMANDERING or other vote-rigged structures in the state, so more voters will be freed to vote in more naturally defined and competitive districts. He also supports PAPER BALLOTS and will resist all voting schemes based solely on electronic devices.
Answer from Maura DeLuca:
The debate on redistricting is between the rulers' capitalist parties--the Democrats and Republicans--over who will continue to represent the interests of the wealthy. My party is a working-class alternative that supports workers' fights against the bosses' drive for profits, which threatens our jobs, safety, and lives.
Answer from John J. Faso:
I support redistricting reforms that promote transparency in the process and include statutory standards that take into account existing communities of interest and jurisdictional boundaries. As governor, I would veto any plan that is a partisan gerrymander regardless of which party benefits.
Answer from Eliot Spitzer:
Yes. Having the Legislature draw the district lines for their own elections is a classic conflict of interest. It has significantly reduced electoral competition and it runs counter to our basic democratic principles. We must end this conflict of interest by transferring redistricting authority to an independent, non-partisan commission.
Answer from Malachy McCourt:
Yes. I support such a commission which should have as members agronomists judges accountants writers construction workers clergy naturalists all from out of state. No politicians allowed!
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3. What role do you see wind power, ethane and other renewable energy sources playing in alleviating the high cost of energy in New York State?*
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Answer from John Clifton:
Clifton plans to BRING BACK FREEDOM TO NEW YORK by supporting the decentralization of the power generation and distribution systems, and development of all feasible or alternative energy sources.
Answer from Maura DeLuca:
The energy industry should be nationalized in order to stop gouging and provide affordable, reliable power for all working people. This is an international question, as much of humanity lives in darkness. We support the right of all nations to develop whatever energy sources they deem necessary, including nuclear power.
Answer from Malachy McCourt:
New York State is blessed with natural resources sun wind water. All government transportation schools hospitals & buildings must use alternative energy sources. All buildings must have automatic shutdowns when not in use.
Answer from John J. Faso:
Maintaining and promoting a diverse energy supply helps safeguard against future shortfalls in individual energy sources and reduces our dependency on foreign oil. Renewable energies play a vital role in diversification. We must also reauthorize the Article X process to speed development of new energy generating facilities.
Answer from Eliot Spitzer:
Investing in clean, renewable energy to reduce pollution and energy costs -- and to diversify our energy supply -- is a key part of my energy plan. On June 25, David Paterson presented our comprehensive clean energy proposal. However, for wind projects, we must respect communities' concerns about turbine siting.
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
