| SD-25 Democratic challenger Dan Squadron kicked off his "Summer of Accountability: A Difference Between Democrats" campaign today to show how he is different from incumbent primary opponent Sen. Martin Connor.
From the first of two e-mailed press releases:
"The Summer of Accountability will demonstrate how important it is not just that Democrats take back the State Senate-but that State Senate Democrats are truly innovative, progressive and independent," said Squadron. "The days of checking a box at election time and sitting on your hands when it comes time to lead are numbered."
"I know it's a novel idea in state politics, but this is about being held to account for 30 years as part of a broken system," Squadron continued.
"Inaction bought and paid for by corporations and lobbyists is the old way of doing business in Albany - and it's exactly why I'm running to shake things up."
The series of issue contrasts in the Summer of Accountability campaign will highlight the backroom dealing and special interest bidding that too often blocks important progressive change that would make a real difference to New Yorkers. The Accountability campaign will offer a contrasting independent vision that can deliver real results on these issues, free from special interest influence.
Squadron is not accepting corporate, lobbyist or PAC contributions in his campaign for the 25th State Senate District.
In his first part of his "Summer of Accountability", Squadron expressed the need for a stronger Bottle Bill that would save the state $140 million.
"The Bigger, Better Bottle Bill would generate $140 million in revenue each year and allow 3 billion bottles to be recycled," Squadron said. "Only in Albany would such a proposal languish for years-it's a case study in what's wrong with the status quo. Legislators may check the right boxes but the bill never moves because a high-paid lobbying operation showers legislators with campaign cash."
In 2004, NYPIRG identified more than $1.2 million in campaign contributions from industry opponents to the Bigger, Better Bottle Bill, which this year once again failed to be included in the state budget. In the State Senate, most of the opponents' contributions have been directed to Republicans, but Squadron's opponent, 30-year-incumbent Martin Connor, took $23,100 from opponents of the bottle bill and lobbyists who have represented them.
"I'm not taking contributions from lobbyists, corporations or PACs, including the very interests that have killed the Bigger, Better Bottle Bill," said Squadron. "If I'm elected I won't owe them a thing, and I won't be afraid to stand up and call attention to this massive failure by the State Legislature."
Squadron also said he would co-sponsor Senate Bill 03272, the Senate Democratic version of the Bigger, Better Bottle Bill, which Senator Connor does not co-sponsor.
Many of the same lobbying groups fighting the Bottle Bill also opposed the New York State Clean Indoor Air Act - the statewide smoking ban - which Senator Connor was one of four Senate Democrats to vote against.
Squadron is ready to go. Below the fold is the aforementioned campaign contributions that Connor has received from companies who would be impacted by the Bottle Bill.
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