| Mesi decided to run for office because the "time is best now." He has been approached about running for political office in 2000 but it was not a good time for him. He was still in the middle of his successful boxing career and he was happy where he was. But that did not stop him from supporting several political candidates and campaigns.
Mesi, who has his own foundation, decided that this year was his calling. One of the motivating factors, Mesi said, was his brother losing his job at American Axle. That really hit close to home for Mesi and it showed him that one of the pivotal issues in Western New York is jobs.
On the subject of jobs, Mesi said that there is a "lack of opportunity" here and that we must "create jobs to stimulate the economy because we have a lot to offer."
He also gave the reason why he ran for New York State Senate. He said he was approached about running for Erie County Legislature and for a town supervisor's seat but decided that being a state senator would make him "most effective" in that post.
"We need to provide the most assistance," Mesi said. "I will provide the strongest voice. We should have a trickle down effect from Albany to counties and towns."
Even though Mesi has never ran for political office or held any elected seat, he touted one unexpected (but strong) factor: Experience.
He spoke of bringing "a lot of life experiences" to this race and being an "expert negotiator," stating that he once sat down and negotiated a deal with legendary boxing promoter Don King. Mesi said that he knows negotiation tactics and can make a deal. But he also talked about being a businessman, having his own foundation and called himself a "people person." He hopes to take those skills to Albany.
"I hope to bring leadership to a place that needs it - Albany," Mesi said. "I will fight to fix the status quo in Albany and change the three men in a room tactics there."
On the issue of health care, Mesi said he supported a universal health care system, citing Massachusetts as an example of a state that has implemented such a program. He also argued for more oversight of Medicaid to rid the program of waste and fraud.
Mesi, while saying that he agrees with taxing cigarettes, doesn't see the immediate gains that can be made from increasing the tax on cigarettes. He said that in the long run, "maybe you will see a difference" but it does not provide a "quick answer" to any of our problems.
Empire Zones and IDAs are huge topics in the 61st. IDAs have been a huge issue in Erie County, specifically in the Town of Amherst. Mesi said that he would support the consolidation of IDAs instead of IDAs driving the opportunities away.
"Right now, IDAs are fighting against each other," he said. "We must provide oversight and make sure that they (IDAs) are doing the right things with tax incentives."
I also asked Mesi a question that was posed by stevenman5000 earlier. Steven asked where Mesi stood on marriage equality.
Mesi told me that he would support a strong civil union that would "[respect] the fact that they can get benefits like Medicaid."
What makes him the strongest candidate? Mesi argues that it is because he is not a career politician and that he would bring an "independent voice to Albany."
"I will look at things through the average person's point of view," he said. "We should be ridding the status quo from Albany, takeover what is happening there and get rid of the wate and fraud in Albany."
As for his last words, Mesi said he would appreciate any support and that he is "very fair, open minded and willing to listen."
"I am willing to do my best to meet their concerns," Mesi said.
MY TAKE: Mesi was very impressive. The candidates in this race that I have met thus far have all been impressive. Mesi comes with immediate name recognition, but must also be willing to work for this seat. He was very pleasant to sit down with and he does understand the issues.
He is also a consumer of The Albany Project, which is why I was happy to hear the "three men in a room" reference. He understands what is going on.
The 61st will have a tough decision to make. All these candidates bring something different to the table. As one person said to me in a phone conversation today, "I wish we could just put all four together into one."
After meeting these candidates, I can see why. The Democrats can't go wrong in the 61st. |
Mesi enters the race in New York's 
