Never before has New York State Society of Professional Engineers endorsed a candidate, but at the June 12 meeting the group decided to endorse Santabarbara in his bid for the 105th Assembly District.
NYSSPE was established 84 years ago and Norris said to the best of (her) knowledge the group never supported any candidate. Although, she knew no candidate for state government was supported by NYSSPE in the last two decades.
`We believe engineers are fair and thoughtful leaders and we encourage them to get involved in the local community,` said Norris. `(Santabarbara) has been an active leader in the organization for several years he has been very active in his community.`
Santabarbara severed as president of the NYSSPE Capital District Chapter and held other leadership positions in the group for several years, said Norris.
`It is both humbling and thrilling to receive this incredible honor,` said Santabarbara in a statement. `As an engineer, you devote yourself to making sure something works properly and efficiently, which is exactly what I intended to do in Albany.`
Executive Director Kelly Norris cited the strong ethics group members must practice in order to join the organization and how this transfers well to serving the public.
`It was a natural choice for us to support him in his campaign,` said Norris.“
