League of Women Voters of New York State Education Foundation, Inc.
Montgomery, Schenectady County, NY November 2, 2010 Election
	Angelo Santabarbara Answers Questions Candidate for Member of the State Assembly; District 105

The questions were prepared by the Leagues of Women Voters of New York State and asked of all candidates for this office.
Read the answers from all candidates (who have responded).

Questions & Answers

1. What measures do you support to save existing jobs and create new jobs in New York State?

We must streamline state regulations that hamper efforts at economic development. By reducing the mandates and burdens on business, such as high taxes, we can make New York more business friendly and more competitive with other states and in the global market. Additionally, we must look at revitalizing our upstate cities and urban areas. In most cases, a highly efficient infrastructure system already exists in these communities. Utilizing these resources and taking the lead to rehabilitate existing facilities, we have the potential to revitalize the economy through job creation and economic development while bringing back community structure throughout upstate New York

2. How do you think New York can best deal with upcoming unsustainable deficit budgets?

In order to deal with the ever increasing budget deficits we must first deal with the unsustainable culture of spending that is plaguing Albany. The elected officials in Albany are simply out of touch with the realities of the fiscal situation we face. Families all across the 105th Assembly District and across the state are cutting back on their expenses and doing more with less. We must follow their lead and do more with less. We must make responsible and appropriate cuts in spending while also instituting a General Fund spending cap that will hold the line on unsustainable and out of control spending.

3. What reforms would you propose to address inadequate campaign finance rules and enforcement in New York?

Campaign finances should be exactly that, campaign finances. We must prohibit the use of campaign funds for personal expenses such as cars, dinners and other non political, non campaign activities. In addition, the State Board of Elections needs greater authority to enforce current and future campaign finance rules and regulations and have greater power to go after those who violate the rules. Lastly, we need to provide greater transparency and accountability just like at the federal level by disclosing contributions made by bundlers.

4. What reforms would you support for the redistricting process?

I support independent redistricting. As a hero of reform signer of the NY Uprising pledge, I am committed to independent redistricting. We need to change the culture of politics as usual in Albany and that starts by removing the partisan games that are played in the redistricting process.

5. Would you support a cap on property taxes and, if so, how do you think school districts can deal with the decrease in revenue?

Yes, working families have been paying for the out of control spending of our elected representatives long enough. Seniors and those on fixed incomes are being driven out of their homes and out of the state because of out of control property taxes. I support the Cuomo reform agenda which calls for a cap of 2% on property taxes. However a property tax cap alone is just not enough. We must make substantial changes to the culture of spending in our State Government. Additionally, we must look at the overburden of unfunded state mandates placed on school districts that do not contribute to the education of our children. By removing these mandates and focusing our full efforts on educating and preparing our kids for the global workforce of the 21st century, we can bring New York back to the forefront of educational standards and ensure a quality education for our children in a fiscally responsible manner.

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Responses to questions asked of each candidate are reproduced as submitted to the League.  Candidates' responses are not edited or corrected by the League.

Read the answers from all candidates (who have responded).

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Created from information supplied by the candidate: October 29, 2010 13:26
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