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The questions were prepared by the League of Women Voters of the Capital District and asked of all candidates for this office.
See below for questions on
Member Items,
Redistricting,
Opportunity for Youth
Click on a name for candidate information. See also more information about this contest.
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1. "007" accounts, better known as member items, account for $200 million in tax payer dollars doled out to individual legislators each year. These pork barrel funds are not covered under New York State's Freedom of Information Laws. Do you support efforts to make the distribution of these funds public record?*
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Answer from Roy J. McDonald:
All Member Item allocations should be made open to the public. I would actually go one step further and say that I believe that a new more formal grant application process should replace the current system. I have always released all member information through official press releases to the media.
Answer from David J. Carter:
Yes, I support making these funds public record. We need to have accountability of all the tax dollars,
and people need to know why this money is being spent and where it goes. We need to represent "us" the people, not just a choice few.
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2. Legislative district boundary lines are drawn by the legislators themselves and are tied directly to the advantages of party politics. Would you support the establishment of an independent commission as a more open and ethical way to create districts?*
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Answer from David J. Carter:
Yes, It's not about the politics, it's about the people. The districts being set by legislatures keeps the rich, rich and the poor, poor. We need to have a government by the people and for the people. Let's stop the reckless self centered politicians.
Answer from Roy J. McDonald:
Yes I have always supported the establishment of an independent commission, and will continue to do so.
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3. Amid the recent reports that more and more young people are leaving upstate cities for better opportunities, what would you propose to reverse this trend?*
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Answer from Roy J. McDonald:
Controlling taxes, economic development projects, getting tough on crime and clean up neighborhoods. Recovery efforts in Saratoga Springs and Troy are perfect examples of this approach. However, it is important to note that the unparalleled success of Saratoga County is a major reason that anybody is staying or coming to this particular area.
Answer from David J. Carter:
We need to revitalize the economic development in the area to provide decent well paying jobs, with new technology and versatility to keep our youth here and bring back the vibrance to our communities. To start, we need to correct the taxes.
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
