Alvin Gamble grew up in the Cook Park area of Colonie, New York, where he enjoyed local community activities like playing baseball at Babe Ruth Park, bowling, and basketball at the Colonie Village Community Center. His first job with Colonie’s Parks and Recreation Department taught him lasting life skills, a role he retained each summer until graduating from Colonie Central High School in 1979.
Alvin went on to study Criminal Justice and Sociology at SUNY Brockport, graduating in 1983. He then began a union career at National Grid (formerly Niagara Mohawk), where he has dedicated 41 years to improving natural gas infrastructure across the Capital District. He is an active member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 97 (IBEW 97) and believes his infrastructure expertise is essential for state-level resilience initiatives, especially as New York addresses climate and infrastructure challenges.
Alvin is married to Abbey, a Registered Nurse, and together they have two children: Dominique, an Occupational Therapist, and Jordan, currently in college. A devoted Ordained Deacon, Alvin views service to his church and community as central to fostering a strong, compassionate society.
Property Taxes and Cost of Living
• What specific policies would you advocate to balance the need for essential public services with keeping property taxes affordable?
Keeping property taxes low is essential. Some of our communities are paying taxes higher than their peers, and we need to do more to keep taxes manageable for rural, suburban, and urban areas. With that said, we must understand funds are needed to support services such as schools, police, and other social and emergency services, such as snow removal and brush removal. As New York State Senator, I would work with my colleagues to review how state aid is allocated to schools and other services and see where we could increase state funding. This would allow local property taxes to remain at current levels or even decrease.
We should also look to increase STAR (School Tax Relief) funding for homeowners. We should complete an assessment to understand which communities are facing the burden of increased taxes so relief could be provided to residents without reducing funding to state services.
• How do you plan to address the rising cost of living in your district?
We should investigate how to utilize more local goods and services to support the different communities of our state. Wouldn’t it be great if produce and goods from local farms and communities could be used locally and regionally for school lunches and state-provided services for those suffering from hunger?
Our state should also look to elevate the economic security of our residents. Supporting our state’s current industries and remaining a welcoming area for new and emerging technology will keep (and bring in) high-paying jobs and career opportunities. We must also address the crisis of affordable housing, the elevated cost of childcare and education, and the cost of energy that our residents face every month. We must take a comprehensive view of the issues impacting our residents and take actions on each.
Affordable Housing
• How do you propose to expand access to affordable housing in your area?
We should investigate how New York State can provide more affordable housing programs and services across all areas. Rural, suburban, and urban areas all need affordable housing, and more mixed-use properties could be beneficial for everyone. New developments and buildings should include housing units along with commercial and public use facilities. These units should be accessible at affordable rates so all New Yorkers have an opportunity to live in desirable areas at rates they can afford.
• What is your stance on rent control or other measures to ensure that housing remains attainable for low- and middle-income families?
The expansion of rent stabilization to Upstate New York could be beneficial for local residents and the economy. This policy has been in place Downstate for some time, and it could be a positive program for more areas of New York. While it may not be ideal for all areas, it’s time to have a serious conversation about the cost of housing. We should better understand the economic impact of expanded rent control, potentially pegging it to cost-of-living increases.
Public Safety and Policing
• What is your vision for public safety?
Public safety is a major concern for our community. Our children and neighborhoods should be safe areas for all to learn and grow. Crime should be addressed so that everyone can live safe and prosperous lives.
With a background in policing and public safety education, I considered becoming a New York State Trooper and am still friends with many in uniform. However, I see how past events have hurt members of our community and affected many unjustly. I support the police, but I cannot ignore injustice when it arises. As a state, our policies regarding police reform should be taken seriously, without disparaging the brave men and women who serve our community. They are the best of us and should be held in high regard. In any industry, there are bad apples, and we should address them without judging the majority based on the actions of a few.
• Bail Reform and Raise the Age are “dinner table” talking points for your constituents. Is this recent legislation working, or do you see room for improvement?
I support Bail Reform and Raise the Age on a case-by-case basis. With any new policy, there is room for improvement, and we should carefully evaluate the legislation’s effectiveness, making changes as needed. Young offenders of minor and petty crimes who lack resources for bail may benefit more from rehabilitation, which can lead to better citizenship. However, if something isn’t working, we need to fix it.
Education and School Funding
• What are your priorities for K-12 education?
I support 100% funding for school-provided breakfast. If we continue to offer this vital meal only to some students, we risk creating disparities that can lead to teasing and ridicule.
Our state’s education system is among the best in the nation, but we need to address the new distractions and threats impacting our children. While devices like cell phones and tablets are useful tools, they can be disruptive in classrooms. As a state, we should work with local school districts to address this issue.
• What plans do you have for addressing mental health services and school safety?
I am passionate about mental health, and my wife is an RN in the mental health field. Greater awareness and diagnosis of mental health issues are essential, without stigmatization. Treatment for children and young people must meet their needs, and in 2024, no child should be denied mental healthcare due to economic status. This will enhance safety in our schools and the wider community.
Job Creation and Economic Development
• How do you plan to stimulate job creation, particularly in high-growth sectors like technology and green energy?
Our state should welcome innovators and businesses at the forefront of developing new technologies. We educate and employ some of the brightest minds in the nation. There should be no reason for new businesses or entrepreneurs to look elsewhere for growth and expansion. I support meeting with industry leaders, organizations, and groups representing these sectors to understand their needs and see where the state can offer support.
• What role should local government play in attracting new businesses and supporting small businesses?
Local governments should welcome new businesses to ensure residents have access to well-paying jobs, expanded services, and access to necessities. In doing so, they should also take steps to protect small businesses and the jobs they provide to our state’s residents. Policies that work well in one locality may not be ideal for another, and this flexibility is essential. Taking a case-by-case approach will help attract new businesses and jobs while protecting Main Street and staple small businesses.
Health Care Access
• What initiatives would you support to improve access to quality health care, particularly in underserved areas?
Improving access to quality healthcare, especially in underserved and rural areas, is a priority. Many communities face challenges related to healthcare access, including shortages of providers and long travel times to medical facilities. I support the following initiatives:
I advocate for expanded tele-health services, a vital tool for underserved communities, especially rural areas lacking nearby facilities. Tele-medicine allows residents to receive virtual consultations with doctors and specialists.
Additionally, investing in the development and expansion of community health centers and rural health clinics offers a permanent solution, though it may take time to implement.
Lastly, Mobile Health Units could provide immediate relief by bringing primary care, vaccinations, cancer screenings, and other services directly to underserved areas, particularly benefiting elderly residents or those lacking reliable transportation.
• How would you address the mental health crisis and ensure that services are accessible and affordable?
Addressing the mental health crisis and ensuring accessible and affordable services is a top priority. Rising mental health challenges, particularly in underserved and rural areas, require a multifaceted approach integrating healthcare, education, community services, and policy reforms. I would support the following initiatives:
Increased funding for community mental health centers, especially in rural and underserved areas, to expand capacity, reduce wait times, and provide comprehensive care.
Support for expanded training programs and increased funding to hire school counselors, social workers, and psychologists, as school-based professionals are often the first point of contact for youth experiencing mental health challenges.
Efforts to ensure mental health services are culturally aware and accessible for all populations to improve patient outcomes.
Transportation and Infrastructure
• How do you plan to address transportation issues, including public transit options, road maintenance, and infrastructure upgrades?
Our state’s infrastructure would benefit from extensive inspection, maintenance, rehabilitation, and expansion. Many heavily used roads and bridges have served New York for a century and are vital lifelines for our local and regional economy. If additional funding is needed, the state should provide it. Listening to the advice of engineers and construction workers will ensure the necessary work is completed, creating new jobs across the state.
• What is your stance on building sustainable transportation options, such as bike lanes or electric vehicle infrastructure?
Many municipalities and public agencies are increasing their use of EVs for their fleets and public transportation. I believe New York State should continue supporting these initiatives, providing incentives for environmentally and socially conscious actions.
Environmental Concerns
• What actions will you take to combat climate change at the local level?
I support expanding green energy usage and technology development in New York State. As with the adoption of cars in the past, the shift to renewable energy will take time, but over time more businesses will recognize its benefits. With innovation, clean energy technology will improve, making it accessible and beneficial to the average person. This shift can include EVs, solar, wind, and geothermal energy.
• How do you plan to promote clean energy projects and ensure environmental justice in communities disproportionately affected by pollution or climate change? Equity must be central in the rollout of clean energy and sustainable development. Regardless of economic status, communities must be equipped with resilient and transformative technologies that protect the environment and support a clean economy. This approach can stimulate new manufacturing and skilled labor opportunities across the state, providing all areas with a healthier, more robust environment and economic improvement.
Opioid Crisis and Addiction Services
• What policies would you implement to combat the opioid crisis?
To combat the opioid crisis, I would expand access to treatment by supporting increased funding for addiction treatment programs and prevention education in schools and communities. Partnering with local health agencies and organizations would allow the state to launch campaigns on addiction risks and safe prescription use.
• How would you improve access to addiction treatment and support services for affected individuals and their families?
We can no longer demonize addiction; it is a disease. Ensuring that law enforcement and the judicial system focus on treatment over incarceration allows us to turn the page on outdated practices that have harmed communities. As a New York State Senator, I will engage with local leaders, non-profit organizations, healthcare providers, and law enforcement to develop regional strategies that deliver the right resources where they are needed.
Equity and Social Justice
• How do you plan to promote equity and inclusion?
Promoting equity and inclusion will be a critical focus of my legislative work. We must create equitable opportunities and inclusive environments for all residents, ensuring that individuals of all races, genders, and socioeconomic backgrounds are valued. This diversity strengthens our state. Intentional policies and actions are essential to ensure everyone has the opportunity to succeed and live prosperous lives.
Additionally, the state should elevate the importance of education, including funding for residents to pursue trades and continued education. Equity and inclusion mean equal opportunity for all to pursue their dreams and receive fair treatment in their chosen fields.
• What specific policies would you advocate for to address systemic inequalities in areas such as housing, education, and criminal justice?
I would support policies increasing access to affordable, safe housing across the district. Promoting homeownership opportunities for underserved communities, with down-payment assistance and affordable mortgages, would benefit more residents. In education, I advocate for equitable funding for public schools to ensure quality education for all students, regardless of their zip code.
In criminal justice, I support policies expanding diversion programs, de-escalation training, and anti-bias practices in law enforcement, along with increased funding. I also advocate for police accountability so that a few bad actors do not undermine the work of many. This approach will help build trust and respect for law enforcement in all communities.
