Marc Butler (Incumbent for 13 years)

Daniel Carter

Republican, Conservative, Independence

Democratic

http://assembly.state.ny.us/mem/?ad=117

dancarter117@yahoo.com

Experience is beneficial

  As a state legislator, one of my goals is overcoming a certain cynicism about our future. Yes, we've had setbacks. But historically, the Mohawk Valley in down times has always found individuals with the leadership skills and the vision to re-invent and re-invigorate our region.

    We can do that again. And my life experiences have given me the tools to be a part of that needed transformation.

    As a former newspaper reporter, I was trained to analyze and evaluate information quickly and accurately. I learned the political dynamics of Herkimer County and the region, and became acquainted with its leaders.

    As a writer for the Utica National Insurance Group in New Hartford, I sharpened my communication skills and involved myself in many community activities. As a result, I remain active with the United Way, the Red Cross, the Herkimer Area Resource Center, Hunger Coalition, veterans' activities and other community affairs.

    As one who worked in the private sector, and who also served in the Herkimer County Legislature, I often heard the complaints that state government was remote and unresponsive.

    I resolved, when I was first elected, to be available and accessible as a legislator. I believe my role is to tell Albany what my constituency desires, not to tell my constituency what Albany demands.

    As the ranking Republican on the Assembly's Economic Development Committee, I continually remind my colleagues that economic development is more than bricks and mortar — it's also things like agriculture and tourism, two of the mainstays of our local economy. Each year since my election, I have been named to the Farm Bureau's “Circle of Friends.”

    I have fought for the rights of our sportsmen, defending on the Assembly floor their Second Amendment rights against a barrage of bad legislation. Those efforts have brought to me the endorsement and support of the National Rifle Association and the New York State Rifle and Pistol Association.

    And finally, let me say that in politics, seniority brings with it respect and added clout. I am at a point where I believe my district can most benefit from both my life experiences and my legislative background.

Reduce expensive energy

   I'm running for state Assembly because I'd like to get government back on track. For too long, New York state government has been a runaway train. The budget has doubled since 1995, while the upstate economy has declined and population has stagnated or actually decreased.

    My view of a democratically elected government is that it is essentially a co-op — people working together, and pooling our talents and resources to make our stay here on earth as pleasant and as productive as possible.

    But our state has strayed far away from the ideals of our founding fathers. Nearly all of New Yorkers' basic needs have been hijacked long ago by profiteers. Insurance, energy, communications, housing, transportation, food, employment and retirement are now driven by one thing — profit.

    From cradle to grave, nearly all of us constantly owe our soul to the company's store. Monopolies and government indifference are putting the screws to all of us.

    As a Herkimer County legislator, I've introduced two proposals:

* To consider allowing ATVs and golf cart-type vehicles to use some, or all, of our highways to cut down on petroleum demand. Then for longer trips you'll be able to afford gas for your two-ton metal chariots.

* To create a rural electric co-op that already has existed in Delaware and Otsego counties since World War II. I'm still researching this, but my goal to create a system where our proposed wind farms and future hydro plants directly benefit us, Upstate New York.

    Expensive energy is a main reason for the decline of the upstate economy. My candidacy will focus most of my attention on this issue.

    The human race has so rapidly evolved that without electricity, complete chaos is only a few days away.

    As county legislator, I will be attending the New York State Association of Counties seminar in Niagara Falls, the last week in September. The subject will be wind and water power.

    My goal if elected as assemblyman will be to create a realistic energy plan for the future of our beautiful Empire State, so we all can find peace and prosperity while we are still here.