A Ballston Spa resident is seeking the Democratic nomination for state Senate in the 44th district, challenging incumbent Hugh Farley, R, C, I-Schenectady.
Bahram BK Keramati, 59, said that he would join the race to fix the taxing structure in New York.
`I think in New York we pay way too much in taxes and we’re not getting what we deserve,` he said in a March 8 written statement.
He said he would work to restructure the state’s property tax system, which hurts schools with budgets based on the property tax levy.
Keramati explained that several areas are not rich in property, which prevents schools from collecting taxes to fund their budget.
He said he is seeking, `a system that is more fair and equitable to schools.`
Keramati said people care about taxes, the quality of education, and the cost of living.
`The Legislature really affects people,` he said in a later interview.
Keramati said he wants to be involved in issues where he can have an impact. While he said he has views regarding the war in Iraq, he said he would not be sharing those because the state Legislature does not have control over those issues, and that he is focused on the issues facing New Yorkers.
He has lived throughout the district for 32 years. He moved to Schenectady in 1976 and began his career at GE Global Research. He retired in 2004, after working in both technical and managerial positions. During his time at GE Global Research, he played a significant role in introducing more efficient and environmentally friendly products according to a press release announcing his candidacy.
He has also been involved with several community organizations during his time in the district, including the Princetown Planning Board and the Board of Directors for Habitat for Humanity in Schenectady County.
Keramati resides on a farm with his wife, Ruth Andrea Levinson. He said Farley, who has served the Senate for 32 years, is going to be tough to beat.
`I need money so I can at least get my campaign started,` he said.
Keramati filed his campaign committee, `Citizens for BK,` with the Board of Elections in Albany, allowing campaign fundraising to begin.
An advocate for Clean Money, Clean Elections, Keramati said he would probably contribute something to his campaign, although he would not divulge the amount.
`I can’t choose my opponents,` said Farley, when asked about Keramati’s bid for his seat. `I’m sure he has great qualifications. I’m sure he’ll give a significant challenge.`
Although Farley has not officially announced his intent to run, he said he expects to run for the Senate seat again this year.
`He [Farley] is a very entrenched politician and a lot of people owe him favors,` said Keramati of the difficulty in challenging an incumbent.
However, Keramati said he has a fantastic campaign team.
`I think we have a message the voters like,` he said.
Tom Buchanan, GOP chair for Schenectady County said, `Senator Farley is very popular. He has done a fabulous job over the last several years.
He said he expects Farley to be re-elected resoundingly
The 44th Senate district encompasses all of Schenectady, Montgomery and Fulton counties.
In addition, it covers the towns of Ballston, Charlton, Wilton, Galway, Providence, Edinburg, Greenfield, Corinth, Hadley and Day, as well as, a portion of Saratoga Springs in Saratoga County.
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