Don Barber

James Seward (Incumbent for 20 years)

Democratic, Working Families

Republican, Conservative, Independence

barberforsenate.com

senatorjimseward.com

I am a small business owner, farmer, and Town Supervisor. I am involved with alternative energy, environmental protection, and inter-municipal cooperation projects. In addition I am Chair of the Tompkins County Council of Governments, Secretary of the Board of Governors for NYMIR (NY Municipal Insurance Reciprocal), and I serve on the Board of Directors for both the Community Foundation of Tompkins County and Tompkins County Area Development.

Goals:

I believe it is time to end partisan gridlock and bring democracy back to state government. I am running because I have the leadership needed to accomplish things that are important to us: protecting our environment with strong responses to global warming; creating affordable, universally available health care; beginning the new advanced economy of the 21st century right here in upstate NY; supporting education of our new leaders while teaching them skills needed for the next economy; and controlling spending while shifting the tax burden away from Property tax. These issues are important to us, but more importantly to our children.

Education/Degrees: Alfred University - BS & MS in Ceramic Engineering

Experience: Supervisor, Town of Caroline 1998 - present, Caroline Town Council 1994 - 1997, Owner of Sunny Brook Builders

Endorsements: The Working Families Party, Citizen Action, United Auto Workers, Communication Workers of America, United Food and Commercial Workers, Teamsters, Democracy for America, New York League of Conservation Voters, The Democratic Committees of New York State, Greene, Schoharie, Otsego, Herkimer, Chenango, Cortland and Tompkins Counties

   Senator Seward has been a consistent advocate for education, securing state aid for local districts to offset rising taxes and to support technology and special education initiatives within his schools. He strongly supported enactment of the STAR school tax relief program and has championed property tax relief.

   Seward is an advocate for more jobs and business growth. In his district, Seward is a partner in local economic development. He works to save and create jobs in his district through state grants and loans to businesses and partnerships with local economic development agencies and local governments.

   Responsiveness to his constituents through personal contact and district office hours is one of Senator Seward's strengths and his highest priority. He has been recognized for his advocacy and responsiveness by the Farm Bureau, the United Mine Workers, local chambers of commerce and many community organizations.

Home City: Milford, NY
Education: 
BA, Political Science, Hartwick College
Attended, Nelson A. Rockefeller Institute of Government, State University of New York Albany.

Political Experience:
Majority Whip, New York State Senate, 2007-present
Senator, New York State Senate, 1986-present
 Endorsements: Conservative Party, Independent Party, United Mine Workers (Remington Arms), PEF, CSEA, "Responsible New York"