George Amedore, Jr.
Age: 41
Occupation: Home Builder
Residence: Rotterdam
Political Affiliation: Republican
Biography/Introduction:
George Amedore was elected Assemblyman of the 105th Assembly District by special election on July 31, 2007 and is now finishing his first full term in office. George also serves as Vice President of Amedore Homes, a locally owned and operated second-generation family business. Born and raised in Schenectady County, George Amedore understands the importance of providing a quality product, meeting a payroll and most importantly, giving back to his community. He is a recipient of the Business Reviews’ prestigious 40 Under Forty award, named a Guardian of Small Business, by the National Federation of Independent Businesses and inducted into the, `Circle of Friends,` by the New York Farm Bureau. George resides in the Town of Rotterdam with his wife Joelle and three children, George, Anthony and Bria.
Why do you want to sit on the New York Assembly?
I am a taxpayer that is fed up with the state of our state. The 105th needs a strong and rational voice to combat years of poor choices and taxpayer abuse. We need more representatives that will stand up and fight, not make taxpayers their ATM.
How do you plan to deal with the current budget and how would you ensure this year’s budget fiasco doesn’t repeat itself?
Continue to vote no on out-of-control spending. The state needs to live within its means. Reinstate conference committees, which would include all representatives in the process, not just three men from New York City. If they continue with the same old tactics we will get the same terrible results.
What are your thoughts/ideas on how to give New Yorkers property tax relief?
State spending and property tax caps to hold the line on outrageous increases. Eliminate unfunded mandates, encourage consolidation in schools and municipalities, tackle Medicaid abuses, and bring in a circuit breaker to prevent people from getting taxed out of their homes.
Many New Yorkers are fleeing upstate, families and young adults alike. What will you do to encourage them and/or give them a reason to stay here?
We need to make NY more affordable to live and do business, creating a healthy and robust economic and business climate. We must offer more hope than despair.
Does anything need to change with the way state government functions? If so, what would you do to bring about change?
Yes, many of these issues can to be permanently addressed through a Constitutional Convention, which would put the power in the hands of the people. Enacting term limits, debt reform, pension reform, a state spending cap, and Medicaid reform would be a good starting point for realigning how government functions.
Additional Comments:
It is an honor and privilege to serve the constituents of the 105th District for the past 36 months. I have kept my promise to vote against new taxes and fees, which have totaled over $13 billion in the past two years alone, as well as leading the charge for a much needed property tax cap.
We are starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel, but cannot quit now. New York holds so much promise, but government is tying up the creative and entrepreneurial spirit that built this great state and nation. The best, most permanent solution is to free the private sector to create jobs, not create another taxpayer-funded program. I have proven that I am not bound by party ideology or influenced by political bosses, my only bosses are the taxpayers; they have the first and final say.
Angelo Santabarbara
Age: 38
Occupation: Professional Engineer
Residence: Rotterdam
Political Affiliation: Democrat
Biography/Introduction:
Angelo Santabarbara, is a first generation Italian-American, born in Schenectady and raised in Rotterdam, where he currently resides with his wife Jennifer and their two children. After graduation from Schalmont High School, Angelo served in the US Army Reserves and earned a Bachelor of Science from SUNY Albany. He is a Professional Engineer, and a past President of the Capital District’s NYS Society of Professional Engineers. He is currently employed by The Chazen Companies as a Senior Project Manager and Engineer. He served as past Chairman of the Rotterdam Industrial Development Agency. His memberships include: the American Society of Civil Engineers, National Society of Professional Engineers, NYS Society of Professional Engineers, Cornell Cooperative Extension Board of Directors, and Albany Chapter Autism Society of America Board of Directors. He is a recipient of the Capital District Business Review’s 40 Under Forty Award, the Schenectady County Human Rights Award.
Why do you want to sit on the New York Assembly?
Coming from a family of Italian immigrants, who sacrificed so that I may have the opportunities I have, I see those opportunities being lost. As an engineer I have a history of working with people to solve problems and I want to bring that experience to the state level.
How do you plan to deal with the current budget and how would you ensure this year’s budget fiasco doesn’t repeat itself?
Address the culture of out of control spending by capping spending and property taxes. Move to a GAPP based system, look to consolidate services, eliminate wasteful spending, reign in fraud and work together to stop petty bickering and work across party lines like I have done in the County Legislature.
What are your thoughts/ideas on how to give New Yorkers property tax relief?
A property tax cap to start, but a cap by itself will not work. A tax cap must be done in conjunction with a General Fund spending cap which would move us in the direction of being able to cut taxes and provide meaningful relief homeowners so desperately need.
Many New Yorkers are fleeing upstate, families and young adults alike. What will you do to encourage them and/or give them a reason to stay here?
New Yorkers are fleeing because of high taxes and unemployment. Unemployment is a consequence of losing business to other states. In order to be competitive, NY needs to streamline regulations and become business friendly. NY must move in a positive direction that will attract business and retain business.
Does anything need to change with the way state government functions? If so, what would you do to bring about change?
State Government is a mess. Dysfunction and corruption is rampant. We must institute stricter ethics standards and increase disclosure requirements. We must institute a property tax cap and general fund spending cap. We must end the partisan games and finger point and work together to Change Albany Now.
Additional Comments:
Angelo Santabarbara inspires family, friends and colleagues with his devotion to helping students and enriching his community. His parents were Italian immigrants who taught him that if he worked hard, success would follow. He is a recipient of the Capital District Business Review’s 40 Under Forty Award, Autism Society of America’s Distinguished Leadership Award, and the Schenectady County Human Rights Award. He created the Santabarbara Scholarship Award for graduating seniors pursuing a degree in engineering and founded the Santabarbara Cheese Company, which donates all profits to children’s charities. In 2010, he was inducted into the Schalmont High School Wall of Distinction.“
