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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 Michael W. Cole:
There should be additional reform to the archaic Rockefeller Drug Laws. I would want assurances from the law enforcement community that any changes would not cause the early release of inmates likely to offend. I support increased funding to the various drug rehabilitation centers in Western New York.
Answer from Laura Monte:
We need to initiate legislation that will not undermine the hard work of police, judges and prosecutors to remove violent drug dealers from our streets and neighborhoods. We should enact legislation that won't overload the already limited resources of our courts and prosecutors with retroactive sentencing for previously convicted felons.
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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 Laura Monte:
Pataki has relied on gambling revenue to plug holes in the budget. If elected, I will work with Spitzer to find ways to boost NY's economy by revitalizing our manufacturing and agricultural industries, investing in new industries, like alternative fuels and biotechnology and promoting our state's travel and tourism.
Answer from Michael W. Cole:
With one casino already in Niagara County and a proposed casino in Erie County the number of gambling addicts will undoubtedly rise. That is why I support legislation that will provide greater access to treatment and services for gambling addicts in Western New York.
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
