Six-month fundraising period places state Senate challenger ahead, but incumbent’s total still strong
While Democrat Susan Savage is touting her recent campaign finances filing against GOP incumbent Hugh Farley, she still has a long road ahead of her to reach Farley’s paper backing.
For the mandated July 2010 campaign finance disclosure, Savage, chairwoman of the Schenectady County Legislature, is pointing out she raised roughly $74,000 in campaign contributions since she announced on May 23 her bid for the 44th District seat in the New York State Senate. Farley raised nearly $42,000 over the last six months.
For 33 years Sen. Hugh Farley, R-Schenectady, has held his Senate position with no sign of backing down. Even though Farley might have not garnered more contributions for this filing period, he still holds just over $381,000 in total campaign finances.
Savage touts her involvement in revitalizing Schenectady County over her tenure as chairwoman of the legislature since 2004, but Farley contests her contributions.
Everything that has happened in economic development is a result of my legislation, said Farley. `She takes credit for that, which I don’t know how she can.`
Savage said she has been instrumental in bringing economic development to Schenectady County.
`It is true Sen. Farley is one of the authors of Metroplex but Metroplex didn’t really work the first five years in existence,` said Savage. `It really accomplished nothing.`
She said she was part of the effort to reorganize Metroplex and place highly professional people with the organization, which is how it was able to revitalize the economy. Thirty-five entities were combined, said Savage, to form one comprehensive and more effective agency within Metroplex.
Savage also pointed to her creating the position of commissioner of Schenectady County Economic Development and Planning, which Ray Gillen currently holds in addition to chair of Metroplex.
Some economic developments Farley said he has helped bring to the area include the New York State Department of Transportation Building in Albany, the state Lottery Building in Schenectady and the state Commission on Quality of Care and Advocacy for Persons with Disabilities also in Schenectady.
`I’m very proud of my record,` said Farley.
Farley said Savage’s fundraising holds a `New York City Flavor.` Contributions from the city equal 29 percent of her total funding, but the majority of that funding comes from fellow Democrats most likely trying to overtake the Republican held seat.
`We need some Upstate representation. Every single facet of [state] government is held by the Democrats and New York City,` said Farley.
Savage contested Farley’s suggestion that Upstate would not be her main focus.
`It is really ridiculous to think that my views are going to reflect anything other than working for the betterment of upstate New York,` said Savage. `I’ve already proven that I can create jobs, property taxes and improve the faltering downtown economy.`
According to Savage, Farley concentrated his efforts outside of Upstate needs even though the area has seen widespread foreclosures.
`I have a strong record in the area of economic development, and Schenectady is an example of what you can do in a struggling Upstate county when people work together,` said Savage.“
