×

Workers, Unite!

Democrats Salute American Labor In Falconer

From left to right, Ryan Quinn (Deputy Campaign Manager, Tracy Mitrano), Judge Paula Feroleto (NY Supreme Court), Joe Gerace (Chautauqua County Sheriff), Judy Einach (Candidate, NY Assembly 150th Seat), and Tom DiNapoli (NYS Comptroller). Submitted photos

FALCONER — “Count me in!” said New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli.

Many supporters, along with Democratic candidates who are running for various seats attended the Salute to American Labor Event Saturday at the Falcon’s Nest Catering Hall, 2001 East Main St.

DiNapoli, also keynote speaker, talked about the importance of protecting retirement pensions along with ensuring the solubility of the pensions now and in the future.

DiNapoli said that since his time as comptroller, the pension fund is 98 percent funded. “We’re going to keep our commitment to our public retirees and public workers today, and in the future,” he said.

Judy Einach is running for the New York State Assembly150th seat, and her previous campaign experience included a run for Buffalo mayor in 2005.

Judy Einach talking about her campaign.

“The experience from running for mayor helped me become a better candidate for this race. This is a completely different experience this time.”

When asked about why she decided to run again this year, she said, “I was asked. I wasn’t sure I wanted to do it. I had to look at myself very carefully. I have the energy and the brains to do this. And then I looked at my opponent’s voting record, and looking at that, there was no question in my mind that I was going to run.”

One of her main issues are apprenticeships.”I hear about how important apprenticeships are, so lifting up the trades for young people is one of my highest priorities.”

Being an event in support of the various labor unions in the area, Einach was not alone with her priorities.

“Organized labor has been at the forefront of change” said Ryan Quinn, the Deputy Campaign Manager for Tracy Mitrano, candidate for the U.S. Congressional 23rd District. “Tracy has been talking with farmers, union leaders, manufacturing workers, teachers, service employees local grassroots activists, and hearing the needs of the people within this county and this district. She stands up for the working people. And her number one asset is connecting with people,” he added.

Mitrano is a native to Rochester and Western New York. Though this is her first time running for public office, she has an extensive history in cyber-security, serving as Cornell University’s director of information and technology policy.

Joe Gerace, running for his seventh term as Chautauqua County Sheriff, talked about the emergency medical technician program that he has implemented.

“I would hear a fire department dispatch, no EMT. Second dispatch, no EMT. Third dispatch, no EMT. That’s not okay. Now we have 20 full-time deputies, responding to calls, providing life-saving procedures and treatments.” He added that it is not a slight against volunteer EMTs, but acknowledged that their numbers are dwindling, and the requirements to become an EMT continue to grow. Additionally, he said that there are now 30 trained forensic experts on staff as well.

DiNapoli also talked about the 2016 election, and what he felt had happened in regards to the democratic voting base.

“They voted the other way. They were angry, and with good reason about this economy. They felt left out of the conversation. Everybody is talking, and no one is talking to us.”

These voters that he was referring to were along the rust-belt, in Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. He stressed the importance of reaching out, particularly by the part of labor leaders.

“It’s human nature that we want to talk with people who agree with us. But when you get into that echo chamber, when you are talking with those you agree with, it’s a very easy conversation. And you don’t really understand what is happening out there. We can’t leave them outside of the conversation, we have to reach out,” DiNapoli said.

DiNapoli said also the “people” element was emphasized throughout this labor event.

“What I don’t like about politics is that everyone has to raise a ton of money, have several TV appearances, seemingly to win. We don’t make it personal anymore.”

Einach provided some advice to anybody looking to get more involved in politics, or potentially run in the future.

“Be determined to remain yourself. Don’t be afraid of your principles and beliefs. Because if you are truly an honest person and interested in public service, the voters will embrace you. If you have lived an honorable life, you have nothing to be afraid of,” she said.

Local Representatives of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Civil Service Employees Association, New York State Public Employees Federation, United Steelworkers, Ironworkers, and Sheet Metal Workers unions were also in attendance.

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today