Jeff Madden, currently a Colonie Town Councilman, has announced his candidacy for the New York State Assembly in the 110th District, covering Colonie, Niskayuna, and parts of Guilderland and Schenectady. Raised in Colonie, he attended Colonie Central High School and SUNY Brockport before starting his career as a business owner. He has managed and operated several local businesses, including All Sports Café and Madden’s, and has over 20 years of experience in upper management in the automotive industry. An active community figure, Jeff has coached Colonie High School’s football and lacrosse teams and contributed to Colonie Little League and Colonie Pop Warner. Elected as a town councilman in 2021, he was the top vote-getter among town board candidates that year.
Property Taxes and Cost of Living
• What specific policies would you advocate for to balance the need for essential public services with keeping property taxes low?
The 110th Assembly district in New York State, in particular, faces significant challenges due to its aging infrastructure and shuttered businesses. I believe we need to take bold steps to revitalize these properties by making it easier for developers and business owners to invest in them. We can put these properties back on the tax rolls by lowering fees, eliminating needless regulations, and expediting the permit process. This will not only bring new life to our communities but also help keep our property taxes low.
• How do you plan to address the rising cost of living in your district?
New York State faces a crisis of affordability driven by burdensome taxes and stifling regulations that are pushing families and businesses to leave in droves. With the highest taxes in the nation and regulatory hurdles that suffocate entrepreneurship, our state has become unaffordable for hardworking New Yorkers.
With your vote, I am committed to reversing this trend. We cannot afford to lose our residents and businesses to states with lower taxes and more business-friendly environments. It’s time to enact policies that reduce taxes, streamline regulations, and encourage economic growth right here in New York.
We need to support our small businesses, the backbone of our economy, by cutting red tape and providing incentives for job creation. By lowering the cost of living and doing business, we can make New York a place where families thrive and businesses prosper.
Affordable Housing
• How do you propose to expand access to affordable housing in your area?
In order to address this problem, we should encourage the creation of mixed-use senior communities, which are walkable neighborhoods that make it simple for seniors to access the services they need. This can only happen when we tackle the affordability crisis head on. No one wants to invest or build in New York due to the high upstart costs, the longterm cost of living, and the crushing regulations and taxes handed down by Albany. Once we address these issues, it will open the flood gates to business and housing.
• What is your stance on rent control or other measures to ensure that housing remains attainable for low- and middle-income families?
While rent control aims to keep housing affordable, it can sometimes have the unintended effect of discouraging new housing development by limiting returns for developers. This can make housing shortages worse, especially in high-demand areas. It also becomes an issue when folks who don’t really need rent controlled housing continue to abuse it and those who truly need it are not able to access it. We need to reexamine the whole process and fix those glaring gaps.
Public Safety and Policing
• What is your vision for public safety?
The primary role of government is to protect citizens from harm. To fulfill this mission, we must fully support our police and first responders with the resources, training, and tools they need. Building trust between law enforcement and the community is essential, and outreach programs have proven effective in strengthening these relationships. To keep both the community and our officers safe, it’s vital that we continue advancing law enforcement training, such as Crisis Intervention Training (CIT), which helps officers recognize and respond to mental health crises and substance abuse issues with care and professionalism.
De-escalation training has also evolved with innovative technology like virtual reality (VR) and non-lethal tools, giving officers a chance to practice conflict resolution in dynamic, real-time scenarios. VR provides a controlled environment to handle high-pressure situations, while non-lethal devices, such as BolaWraps, offer safe alternatives to using force. These advancements improve officers’ ability to respond effectively, reducing the need for physical intervention and enhancing public safety.
Additionally, investing in mental health and social services allows professionals to respond to non-violent crises, freeing up law enforcement to focus on critical safety issues. Together, these efforts not only enhance public safety but can help address the root causes of crime for long-term solutions.
• 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?
My opponent will tell you he voted against bail reform initially but later supported it after changes were made. This suggests he believes the current bail reform law is working. It is not. One of the biggest failures of bail reform is that it limits the courts’ ability to get people the help they need. Before these reforms, arrested individuals had to appear before a judge, who could detain them if necessary, offering an opportunity for rehabilitation or treatment. Now, many are simply given appearance tickets, and a high percentage fail to show up, leaving the courts without the discretion to intervene and provide assistance.
Our legal system is meant to hold people accountable, but under these reforms, that’s not happening. The lack of judicial discretion and weakened enforcement are allowing repeat offenders to avoid consequences, which undermines the safety and trust within our communities.
Additionally, the ‘Raise the Age’ law has effectively given offenders under 18 a free pass, further restricting judges’ ability to properly address repeat criminals. These laws must be repealed and we have to come back to the drawing board with input from all sides of the justice system.
Education and School Funding
• What are the priorities for K-12 education?
Only about half of the students in New York State are testing at a proficient level in math and reading, which means it’s time to refocus on the basics. In the 1970s, before the Department of Education was created, the U.S. ranked #1 in the world for education, but today, we’re 31st. The idea of a “one size fits all” education system hasn’t worked. I support giving local communities more control over their schools, focusing on core subjects like reading, writing, and math, while also integrating modern technology to enhance learning.
Some additional ideas would include:
Adaptive Learning Platforms: These are AI-driven systems that adjust to each student’s individual learning style and pace. By personalizing education, students can understand concepts better and stay more engaged. Using data analytics, we can create custom learning paths that match students’ interests and career goals, helping them stay motivated.
Life Skills Curriculum: We should add courses that teach practical skills like financial literacy, entrepreneurship, critical thinking, and problem-solving. This will help students be better prepared for real-life situations.
In New York, education funding is based on a “student-based formula.” This means there is a set base amount of money assigned to the education of a student without special needs. Additional funds are provided for students who need extra support. Local school districts are expected to contribute to the funding based on property values and residents’ incomes. I believe this is a fair and equitable system.
• What plans do you have for addressing mental health services and school safety?
Addressing mental health and school safety needs a team effort that includes educators, mental health professionals, families, law enforcement, and community organizations. School safety isn’t just an issue for schools. It’s something the whole community needs to be involved in. By bringing together parents, students, teachers, mental health experts, and police to create safety plans, we can come up with better and more complete solutions.
I think every school should have trained resource officers to keep students safe, but it’s important to make sure these officers are trained to work with students in a supportive, non-threatening way. There should be clear rules and accountability to make sure resource officers act responsibly.
Job Creation and Economic Development
• How do you plan to stimulate job creation, particularly in high-growth sectors like technology and green energy?
• What role should local government play in attracting new businesses and supporting small businesses?
I came across an idea that I really like called ‘regulatory sandboxes.’ Basically, they give startups in tech and green energy the freedom to test out new products and services without having to jump through all the usual regulatory hoops right away. This helps break down barriers, sparks innovation, and speeds up the development of new technologies, which means more jobs.
We also need to make it easier and quicker for new businesses to get permits and licenses, especially in industries that are growing fast. On top of that, we should invest in things like high-speed internet, renewable energy, and better public transportation while updating zoning laws so startups have more flexible, affordable places to work.
We can do more without adding extra costs, such as making tax credits and incentives easier to find and apply for. This way, businesses can take advantage of financial benefits without increasing government spending. Speeding up environmental reviews for green energy projects while keeping standards high would get these projects up and running faster, which means more jobs in the green sector.
Another idea is to create an online hub where entrepreneurs can easily access all the forms and resources they need to start and grow their businesses. This cuts through the red tape and saves everyone time. And by promoting underused or vacant properties to small businesses, we can breathe new life into communities without a big government price tag.
Finally, local governments should be advocating for policies at the state and federal levels that make it easier for small businesses to succeed and regularly reviewing outdated rules that might be holding them back.
Health Care Access
• What initiatives would you support to improve access to quality health care, particularly in underserved areas?
Many New Yorkers are frustrated with the state’s healthcare exchange due to high premiums, limited provider networks, and confusing enrollment processes. These challenges, along with high out-of-pocket costs, make care feel inaccessible, even for those with insurance. Small businesses also struggle with navigating the system, and many are unclear on how to access financial help. While the system aims to be affordable, it’s often seen as too complicated and costly.
To improve access, affordability, and quality, I support expanding telemedicine, reducing regulatory barriers, and allowing the purchase of health insurance across state lines to increase competition. Telemedicine, in particular, would expand care in underserved areas and lower costs by reducing the need for physical visits.
I also advocate for direct primary care practices, where patients pay a flat monthly fee for routine care. This eliminates insurance for everyday healthcare and improves care quality by reducing administrative burdens. Promoting price transparency among providers would further empower patients to compare costs and drive down prices through competition.
Additionally, expanding Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) would allow more people to save pre-tax dollars for medical expenses, giving them greater control over their healthcare spending.
Developing affordable retail clinics with transparent pricing would also offer convenient care for minor illnesses and preventive services.
Transportation and Infrastructure
• How do you plan to address transportation issues, including public transit options, road maintenance, and infrastructure upgrades?
• What is your stance on building sustainable transportation options, such as bike lanes or electric vehicle infrastructure?
Transportation and infrastructure have long been approached with short-term fixes instead of 21st-century solutions that focus on sustainability and efficiency. Today, we can use recycled materials like plastics and rubber in road construction, which reduces landfill waste while creating more durable surfaces.
With the $1.2 trillion Infrastructure and Jobs Act, we have a unique opportunity to make lasting improvements. For instance, divided roads with bike lanes covered by solar panels can encourage alternative transportation and generate renewable energy. Expanding electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure is also essential for supporting cleaner transportation options.
Public transit systems need modernization to reduce congestion, improve accessibility, and lower emissions. It’s not just about repairs. It’s about rethinking how we move people and goods in a more efficient and sustainable way.
One major community concern is the lack of sidewalks and bike lanes, but the cost is often seen as too burdensome, especially in tough economic times. To address this, we can use modular materials to cut construction time and costs. Public-private partnerships and state or federal grants can help fund these projects without overburdening local taxpayers. Starting with high-traffic areas or school routes and integrating bike lanes into existing roads by reallocating space are cost-effective approaches. Combining these efforts with smart traffic systems can further enhance safety and traffic flow without raising taxes.
Environmental Concerns
• What actions will you take to combat climate change at the local level?
First, it’s important to distinguish between environmental conservation and climate change at the local level. During my time as liaison to the Colonie Conservation Advisory Board, I was honored to accept the Tree City USA award on behalf of the Town of Colonie for our conservation efforts. Every year, our board distributed hundreds of tree saplings on Earth Day, promoting clean air and water—values important to all of us.
Educating students from an early age about sustainability, energy efficiency, and environmental responsibility helps build a generation that values and demands innovative solutions to environmental challenges. While there is broad agreement that climate change is occurring, the complexity of its causes, which include both human activity and natural factors, adds nuance to the conversation.
At the local level, communities can combat climate concerns through education and incentives without relying on burdensome regulations or increased taxes. By encouraging clean energy adoption, reducing pollution, and fostering environmental stewardship, small communities can contribute to global climate solutions in a sustainable and resilient way.
Opioid Crisis and Addiction Services
• What policies would you implement to combat the opioid crisis?
• How would you improve access to addiction treatment and support services for affected individuals and their families?
The opioid crisis needs a multifaceted approach, starting with attacking the source. I believe dealers of fentanyl should face the same punishment as those who commit murder, as research shows the average dealer is responsible for up to five overdose deaths.
Beyond harsher penalties, we need to expand access to non-taxpayer-funded recovery programs by partnering with nonprofits and private organizations. These programs can offer treatment and support without burdening taxpayers. Additionally, workforce and housing solutions for those in recovery can help them reintegrate into society and reduce relapse rates, with local businesses playing a key role in creating recovery-friendly workplaces.
For low-level offenders, diversion programs can guide individuals into treatment rather than jail, focusing on rehabilitation instead of punishment. Expanding Naloxone access and training for both first responders and community members can save lives by reversing overdoses in real-time.
To prevent addiction before it escalates, we should implement data-driven early intervention systems that identify at-risk individuals and offer support early. Lastly, targeted public awareness campaigns will educate people on the dangers of opioid use and the importance of seeking help, using community influencers and local media to spread the message.
This combination of prevention, intervention, and recovery-focused initiatives offers a comprehensive solution to the opioid crisis without placing a tax burden on our community.
Equity and Social Justice
• How do you plan to promote equity and inclusion?
Promoting equity and inclusion starts with ensuring everyone has equal access to opportunities, regardless of their background or circumstances. My approach focuses on removing barriers that prevent people from reaching their potential. By investing in quality education, job training programs, and economic development, we can create a level playing field where merit and hard work are the keys to success. I’m committed to fostering a society where diversity thrives because everyone has the chance to excel based on their abilities and efforts.
To address systemic inequalities, I would advocate for policies that ensure fairness in housing, education, and criminal justice. In housing, enforcing anti-discrimination laws and investing in infrastructure to revitalize underserved communities can create equal access and better opportunities for all residents. In education, expanding school choice allows parents to select the best learning environment for their children, while raising academic standards ensures every student is prepared for the future. In criminal justice, community policing strategies can foster trust between law enforcement and the public, and reentry programs can provide former inmates with job training and education, helping them reintegrate and reduce recidivism. These policies aim to create a society where everyone has an equal chance to succeed based on merit.
