The 46th Senate district’s Conservative candidate dropped out of the race to throw his support behind retired Army Colonel Robert Domenici last week.
Domenici, who formally announced his candidacy Monday, June 7, is planning to run a neutral campaign focusing on revitalizing New York’s economy. He has served on the South Colonie Central School Distrcit Board of Education for 12 years.
Joseph Vitollo was the Conservative Party’s choice, but is stepping down to back Domenici, who he said has what it takes to get he job done in Albany.
Domenici is seeking the backing of the Conservative Party he said.
`Today, I am proud to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Republican Bob Domenici and support him in his bid for New York State Senate,` said Vitollo. `Bob Domenici is conservative in the 46th district Senate race that I encourage all Conservatives across Albany County to support.`
Vitollo said the move is what is best for taxpayers, and will give residents a voice.
`As a Conservative, I am doing what I feel is in the best interest of the people of Albany County,` said Vitollo. `By withdrawing from the 46th district Senate race and backing Bob Domenici, I feel it gives ordinary taxpayers in Albany County the best possible chance to return our government back into the hands of the people.`
Domenici said he is planning on a self-imposed three term limit if elected, and said if he cannot effect positive change in three terms, then it is time to call it quits.
`I’m not a politician,` Domenici said. `We are going to do what the career politicians have failed to do and that is act in the best interest of the people.`
Domenici is especially interested in the New York state budget, redundancy in management positions, building up the private industry, capping property assessment increases and expanding the STAR exemption.
He said a lack of planning is to blame for the poor position the state is in.
Domenici is a service disabled veteran who founded Strategic Response Initiatives, LLC, a Homeland Security and Department of Defense based company in the Watervliet Arsenal.
Domenici served 22 years in the Army as a Lieutenant Colonel and was on the receiving end of the Legion of Merit and The New York State Conspicuous Service Cross, as well as other decorations.
Domenici resides in South Colonie with his wife Virginia and has three children.
`As a small business owner, I understand the importance that small businesses play in our community,` said Domenici. `Small businesses are the backbone of every community. Without small businesses there are no jobs. Where there are no jobs there is fiscal disaster. It is so hard to survive as a small business up here.`
He said he was ready to retire when the Republican committee approached him to run, and now his campaign is starting out in full swing.
`I’ve been running flat out non-stop,` Domenici.
Domenici is going to focus on non-partisanship, and he said he has already pulled in a number of contributions from Democrats and Republican’s alike.
Domenici said he is less interested in political parties and more concerned with the `economic survival of the state and our children’s future.`
`There’s a lot anger out there,` he said. `We’re going to make this a neutral platform.`
Domenici’s son, who is serving in Afghanistan, helped Domenici decide to run, he said. He said his son was contemplating another tour or coming home to New York, but said he may stay overseas with the lack of work in the states.
Domenici plans on drawing on all his experiences as a military leader, school board member and small business owner if elected.
He has two master’s degrees, one from Marist College in public administration and one from the U.S. Army War College in International Strategic Studies.
Sen. Neil Breslin, D-Delmar, holds the 46th Senate seat.
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