Albany County Legislature Chairman Shawn Morse wants Sen. Neil Breslin’s Senate seat. Morse, D-Cohoes, announced his run for the newly redrawn 44th Senate District on Wednesday, May 2.
“I think it’s time we have some change,” said Morse. “As a legislator I’m watching as county government is eroded from unfunded mandates, which are programs created by state senators and assemblyman.”
Morse pinned unfunded mandates at the top of his issues list, saying they’re the key to lowering property taxes and improving residents’ way of life.
“The American dream has eroded away. People are living on the edge, people are losing their homes,” said Morse. “I think it’s quite simple. Unfunded mandates are what’s eroding our ability to have some type of control over property tax.”
Breslin, who has represented the 46th Senate District since 1996, announced his reelection campaign on April 19 and has already garnered support from Congressman Michael McNulty, Albany County Democratic Committee Chairman Matt Clyne, Albany Mayor Jerry Jennings, Assemblymen Ron Canestrari, Jack McEneny and Bob Reilly, among others. U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand threw her support behind him with her May 3 endorsement.
The 44th Senate District Breslin and Morse are vying to represent was redrawn and includes Bethlehem, Colonie and the Cities of Albany, Troy and Rensselaer.
“Neil comes from a family dedicated to service. He is a real leader in our community and the New York State Senate. The Capital Region and the people of New York State know they can count on Neil Breslin to stand up for true Democratic values on key issues such as health care, education and workers’ right,” said Gillibrand in a statement.
But Morse said he thinks constituents can better count on him to get the job done.
“I think what sets me apart is I’m out here on the streets fighting every day to find solutions to the problems. … I think that my opponent has been up at the Senate for a long time and I think when you’re away from people for a long time you lose touch with what’s really happening,” said Morse.
Morse said his eight years as a county legislator proves he’s been a “strong, independent voice for the people” and he wants to bring that muscle to the state level.
“It’s time for someone to go up to the state and yell, scream, kick, fight and do whatever they have to do until someone listens and helps fix the problems and I’m going to be the one to go up there and deliver that message loud and clear,” said Morse.
He said he wants to restore the quantity and quality of services taxpayers get for their money.
“When they walk out the door, someone’s there to pick up the trash and potholes don’t swallow your car and snow is removed from your street and the fire department has enough people to protect your life; all those services are what matter most to people,” said Morse. “What happened is we’re paying more and getting far less.”
Morse said he also wants power in the Senate to be evened out.
“I think they’ve spent a lot of time embarrassing us when they grapple over who’s going to be the most powerful person in the Senate and leave the little guy brushed aside,” said Morse. “It’s all about the people; it’s their turn to elect someone, it’s their turn to find some relief.”
With the Primary election not until September, Morse is hitting the streets.
“I’m going to get out there and knock on doors all across this county of Albany and Rensselaer and deliver the message that there’s hope, that it’s their turn to put someone in office that’s going to be there for them and we’re going to work hard … until the job is done,” said Morse.
Meanwhile, Breslin said having an opponent won’t change how he approaches his campaign or service.
“I tend to work very hard for every election. I don’t think it’ll change what I do, I’ll continue to work hard,” said Breslin. “I’ll do what I’ve done in the past, which is to protect working men and women, support education that’s fair and also have healthcare available for all.”
