2018 Voter Guide

NYSUT’s guide to union-endorsed candidates in the Nov. 6 mid-term elections

Thomas DiNapoli Letitia James

Christine Pellegrino John Mannion Keith Batman

Patrick Burke Monica Wallace Letter from the officers

Andrew Pallotta Jolene T. DiBrango Paul Pecorale J. Philippe Abraham President Executive Vice President Second Vice President Secretary-Treasurer

Dear NYSUT member: Up and down the ballot, there are candidates who will support students and public education, who will stand We are pleased to provide this Voter Guide so with working families, and who will fight for the issues and YOU and your VOTE on Nov. 6 can help guide values that we share. This guide provides the complete list the state and the nation. of NYSUT-endorsed candidates. Please take the time to read Your VOTE is Our Voice for and consider this information before you cast your ballot Nov. 6. Our Union and Our Values. In addition to statewide candidates Tom DiNapoli, comp- troller, and Tish James, attorney general, we are proud to feature NYSUT members who are running for office: state Senate hopeful John Mannion; Assembly incumbents Christine Pellegrino and Monica Wallace; and Assembly challengers Patrick Burke and Keith Batman. It is up to each of us to exercise the awesome power of our vote ... and to support those candidates who will support us. Make a plan to vote, and make sure that your friends, family, and colleagues remember to vote, When Republican voters are most enthusiastic, as well. Republicans win elections. When Democrat voters are most enthusiastic, Democrats win elections. But this fall, VOTE Nov. 6 — Our Voice, let’s make sure NYSUT voters are most enthusiastic. Then Our Values, Our Union! students, educators, health care professionals and ’s public education system, from pre-K through higher In Solidarity, education, will be the big winners! Our state and our country are clearly at a crossroads, and the decisions we make this fall will impact what happens from the halls of power in Washington, D.C., to the Capitol in Albany and in each and every community in New York.

2 NYSUT 2018 Voter Guide Inside: DiNapoli and James ...... 4–5 The NYSUT 2018 Voter Guide Congressional endorsements...... 6–7 is made possible by voluntary What’s at stake nationally...... 8 contributions to VOTE-COPE, What’s at stake in NYS ...... 9 NYSUT’s political action fund. To download a copy, visit State Senate endorsements....10–11 www.nysut.org/voterguide. Assembly endorsements...... 12–15 Union Value Give to VOTE-COPE ...... 16

Using an exhaustive, democratic process, NYSUT endorses Republicans and Democrats who share our commitment to public education, health care, retirement security, the right to bargain collectively and a strong middle class. While this is a “mid-term” election year, much has hap- pened to make this one of the most important elections in recent memory — as important as the last presiden- tial election two years ago. Powerful corporate special interests take every opportunity to strike at unions, pub- lic education and public services. They scheme to en- rich themselves on the backs of middle-class families. survey, and members of the Political Action Committee “We demonstrated the voting strength of the union last interview them. The PAC submits its recommendations fall when we overcame a vast polling deficit to defeat the during a three-day endorsement conference where they Constitutional Convention referendum by a percentage of are reviewed with local leaders in thorough discussions. 83 to 17,” said NYSUT President Andy Pallotta. Participants review the candidates’ positions, voting “That caught their attention!” he said. “Now, we must records and reputations for accessibility and responsive- speak out again to oppose the lawmakers who sold out ness. Once the proposed slate of endorsed candidates is the clean bill to fix teacher evaluations, which stalled in the set, it is submitted to the NYSUT Executive Committee for state Senate last spring, and to support those who share discussion and then to the entire Board of Directors for our union values.” discussion and final approval. The union communicates its endorsements to all mem- “It’s a long process, but it is the best way to ensure the bers. Not all of you will agree with them, but the process endorsed candidates have truly earned our support,” reflects the opinions of members’ representatives. Pallotta said. “We use our union voice to support those who Candidates seeking NYSUT’s endorsement first fill out a stand for good jobs, public schools, health care and justice.”

NYSUT 2018 Voter Guide 3 ‘Stand up, and I will stand with you’

State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli There’s a reason Comptroller Tom DiNapoli gained more state- wide votes than any other can- didate in 2014, and it’s not just because he has been a champion labor and cause harm to for pensions, fiscal responsibility public schools. and public integrity. “Public education is People like him, and they trust the pathway to the mid- him to do the right thing. dle class,” DiNapoli said. A longtime NYSUT ally, DiNap- “Public education is the oli has been working with labor door to economic security to mitigate the damage of the and a successful life, and negative Janus v. AFSCME ruling in the teachers hold the key.” U.S. Supreme Court last spring. And he It is time, he said, to fight back against pledged to defend against any attack attacks on public employees, against on defined pension plans of which the DeVos agenda, and against those NYSUT members are a part. working to dismantle defined benefit “No way,” DiNapoli told delegates to plans. And, it is time to fight for safe the NYSUT Representative Assembly schools and sensible gun legislation. earlier this year. “Not on my watch!” The comptroller said while today’s na- “It is time to stand up. tional news is dominated by stories of And I will stand teachers in West Virginia, Arizona and with you.” — DiNapoli Oklahoma rising up and fighting for fair pay and basic job protections, he takes solace in knowing “Tom has been a wonderful ally through thick and thin,” New York is home to NYSUT — the nation’s strongest teach- said NYSUT President Andy Pallotta. “We need him. And he ers union. And he urged NYSUT delegates to use that power needs our support now.” to wage war against those seeking to weaken organized

4 NYSUT 2018 Voter Guide An independent, strong advocate

Letitia James State Attorney General NYSUT endorses Public Advocate Letitia “Tish” James for state attorney general on Election Day, Nov. 6. James easily won a wide-open “At a time when our constitu- Democratic primary election in tional rights are under attack, September, leaving no doubt she was the party’s choice. the attorney general’s office must be occupied by some- “She has been a steadfast ally during her time in the City Coun- one who will be an advocate cil and as public advocate,” said for everyday New Yorkers and UFT President Michael Mulgrew. stand up for all of our rights.” “She has shown herself to be an independent, strong advocate for — James public schools and the working people of New York City.” “Throughout my career,” James said, “I have been driven by the basic belief that “That’s exactly what we need in a the law is the most powerful and effective state attorney general,” said NYSUT tool in our quest for progress and equality. President Andy Pallotta. I have used it to defend our most vulnera- Anti-worker, anti-public education activ- ble communities, to uplift our working fam- ists have been emboldened by backing ilies and to ensure that no New Yorker lives from right-wing billionaire radicals. They beyond the protective shade of justice.” continue to undermine the pillars of James is running to succeed Attorney fairness and due process in the state. General Barbara Underwood, who was “The election of a strong ‘top cop’ in chosen by the state Legislature to finish Tish James is crucial for the protection the term of Eric Schneiderman, the former of the professions and careers of NYSUT attorney general who resigned in May. members,” Pallotta said.

NYSUT 2018 Voter Guide 5 U.S. House of KEY PARTY AFFILIATIONS: Representatives D - Democrat R - Republican C - Conservative G - Green W - Working Families I - Independence WE - Women’s Equality RF - Reform To find your district, T - Tax Revolt go to https://voterlookup. elections.state.ny.us/ 2121 votersearch.aspx

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1616 Produced by NYSUT Research New 1616 U.S. House of and Educational Services York 1818 1313 Representatives 1313 1515 1414 City 33 DISTRICT/ NAME/ 1212 1717 66 (PARTY AFFILIATIONS) 1010 77 1616 55 11 1 Perry Gershon (D) 99 131315151414 33 1212 66 88 1010 66 77 55 22 1111 99 44 22 2 Liuba Grechen Shirley (D-W-WE) 88 1111 3 (D-W-I-WE-RF) 4 (D-WE) 5 (D) 6 (D-W-RF) 13 (D-W) 20 (D-W-WE-RF) 7 Nydia M. Velázquez (D-W) 14 Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D) 21 Tedra Cobb (D-W-WE) 8 (D-W) 15 José Serrano (D-W) 22 Anthony Brindisi (D-W-I-WE) 9 Yvette D. Clarke (D-W) 16 Eliot L. Engel (D-W-WE) 24 Dana Balter (D-W-WE) 10 Jerrold Nadler (D-W) 17 Nita M. Lowey (D-W-WE) 25 (D-W-I-WE) 11 Max Rose (D-W-WE) 18 (D-W-I-WE) 26 (D-W-WE) 12 (D-W-RF) 19 Antonio Delgado (D-W-WE) 27 Nathan McMurray (D-W-WE)

6 NYSUT 2018 Voter Guide Key U.S. House races

Perry Gershon Antonio Delgado CD1 CD19 Gershon says those who are Delgado advocates investment in committed to tolerance, decency, public education and making col- progress, science and democracy lege more affordable for all, includ- must step forward. Decent em- ing high school kids and folks who ployment, good health care, education and a se- want to go to college later in life. cure retirement are the rights of every American. He also supports training and apprenticeships as ways to the middle class.

Tedra Cobb Anthony Brindisi CD21 CD22 Cobb is committed to increasing In the state Assembly, Brindisi funding for education, from pre- led successful fights to increase school to postsecondary, improv- educational funding to lower- ing equity and resisting all efforts income school districts, bolster to dismantle public education. She also pledges apprenticeship programs, increase job training, to protect and promote the industries that drive and bring high-tech manufacturing and econom- the region’s economy. ic development to the Mohawk Valley.

Dana Balter Joseph Morelle CD24 CD25 Balter vows to work for adequate, Morelle, the longtime majority affordable health care; equitable, leader in the Assembly, says he high-quality education for every is running to work for universal child; economic justice and health care; to defend women’s meaningful employment; racial justice and equal equality; to keep our streets and children safe treatment under the law; protection of natural from gun violence; to boost economic opportuni- resources; and respect for democratic institutions. ties; and dismantle racial inequities.

NYSUT 2018 Voter Guide 7 What’s at stake nationally?

he leadership in the House of Quality of education T Representatives and the U.S. Senate The DOE supports plans to has distinguished itself in recent years allow unqualified educators by its ability, more than anything else, to to be locally certified in many block legislation, stifle debate, stonewall charter school systems. appointments and get very little done. Student loan rights Ignoring voters, they seem to respond Making college less affordable only to deep-pocketed donors who is the wrong direction for the want to privatize and polarize to the country today. detriment of education and health care. Social Security This year, voters have a great oppor- and Medicare tunity to send a message to Washing- The current leadership in Con- ton, D.C., that they expect more — more gress has made no secret that leadership, more progress, more responsive- Kirsten it intends to cut these earned ness and more transparency. Gillibrand benefit programs to help them U.S. Senate “Our endorsements in Congress this year pay for their unaffordable tax reflect the voter discontent in the state,” said U.S. Sen. Kirsten cut that benefits the wealthy. Gillibrand has NYSUT President Andy Pallotta. “We support Retirement security always worked incumbents who help fulfill our collective obli- The federal agenda targets gations to help students succeed and com- closely with NYSUT members defined benefit pensions for munities thrive. We support many challengers public- and private-sector who would represent our values in Congress.” and has advocat- ed in Washing- employees. ton, D.C., for issues important to The Affordable Care Act Here are some of the federal issues: union members. She works to ACA withstood repeal attempts strengthen public schools by The education agenda in 2017, but opponents in investing in education, ensuring The Department of Education is aggressively Congress are still trying to peel access and equity in colleges pushing an anti-public, anti-union education off key programs that will strip and universities, and giving a agenda that presents an existential threat to affordable health insurance our professions. powerful voice to unheard victims. from millions of Americans.

8 NYSUT 2018 Voter Guide What’s at stake in New York State?

ne of the biggest and held students and educators O issues in the state per- hostage in hopes of dealing for tains to unfinished business more charter schools — are now from the 2018 legislative being held accountable for their session: Annual Professional vote.” Performance Reviews or teacher evaluations. Here are some key issues: Last spring, the Assem- Funding for education bly passed a bill to fix the The state must provide more fund- state’s flawed APPR law ing to guarantee a fair and equita- with no strings attached. ble education for all students. It would have ended the Public higher education link between high-stakes State funding for public higher standardized tests and education continues to lag behind evaluations and restored what it must be to ensure quality, local control through accessibility and affordability. collective bargaining for performance reviews. Labor rights New York’s Taylor Law is being The Senate had a match- challenged in the wake of the ing bill, S.8301, with 87 per- Janus v. AFSCME decision in cent of the senators signing the U.S. Supreme Court. on as co-sponsors. But it never got to the floor for a Charter schools vote. The Senate majority had its own bill, S.8992, that would Corporate backing for charters have enriched the privateers in the charter school industry, moves some legislators to advance the industry’s agenda which they knew was a deal breaker. in exchange for unlimited campaign donations. “In endorsing for state Senate, we stand with those who Health care have stood consistently with us,” said NYSUT President Andy NYSUT backs candidates who support improved access to Pallotta. “We made clear to the entire Senate and its leaders health care, who value the SUNY medical centers and who that S.8992 carried serious consequences. Those senators support commonsense legislation, such as safe staffing. who turned their backs on teachers and public education —

NYSUT 2018 Voter Guide 9 New York State KEY PARTY AFFILIATIONS: Senate D - Democrat R - Republican C - Conservative G - Green W - Working Families I - Independence WE - Women’s Equality 4848 4545 RF - Reform T - Tax Revolt

Produced by 4747 NYSUT Research and 4949 Educational Services 4949

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5454 5454 5050 6161 6161 5353 5555 6363 6060 5959 4444 5151 4343 5858 4646 5757 4646 5252

3535 3737 4242 New 4141 New York State York To find your district, 3636 Senate City 3939 go to https://voterlookup. 3131 3333 3434 4040 elections.state.ny.us/ 55 DISTRICT/ NAME/ 3030 3232 votersearch.aspx 3737 2929 77 (PARTY AFFILIATIONS) 77 3838 2828 1313 1313 1111 3535 2727 1212 1616 3636 22 11 66 313133333434 55 2 Kathleen Cleary (D-WE) 2626 66 32323434 2626 30302929 1818 30302929 77 1818 1313 1111 2727282812121313 1111 1414 27271212 1616 33 2525 1414 2626 1515 66 2525 262618181515 1414 3 (D-W-WE) 20252025 44 1515 21212020 1010 88 17171919 99 88 2020 2323 171719 99 2020 1010 2323 2222 88 2424 2121 88 2424 4 Louis D’Amaro (D-W-WE) 1717 1919 2323 99 35 Andrea Stewart-Cousins 2222 5 (D-W-WE) 2222 (D-W-I-WE-RF) 7 (D-W-WE) 2424 36 (D-W) 8 (D-W-WE) 37 (D-W-I-WE) 9 Todd Kaminsky 38 (D-WE) (D-W-I-WE-RF) 16 Toby Ann Stavisky 26 Brian Kavanagh (D-W) 39 (D-W-WE-RF) 10 James Sanders Jr. (D-W-WE) 27 (D-W) 41 Karen Smythe (D-W-WE) (D-W-RF) 18 (D) 28 (D-W) 42 Jennifer Metzger (D-W-WE) 11 (D) 19 (D-W) 29 Jose Serrano (D) 43 Aaron Gladd (D-W-WE) 12 Michael N. Gianaris (D-W) 20 (D-W) 30 (D-W) 44 Neil D. Breslin (D-W-I) 13 (D-W) 22 Andrew Gounardes 31 Robert Jackson (D-W) 50 John Mannion (D-W-WE) 14 (D-W-RF) (D-W-RF) 32 Luis Sepulveda (D-W) 53 (D-W) 15 Joseph P. Addabbo Jr. 25 Velmanette Montgomery 33 J. Gustavo Rivera (D-W) 63 Timothy M. Kennedy (D-W) (D-W) 34 (D-W) (D-W-I-WE)

10 NYSUT 2018 Voter Guide Key state Senate races

Andrew Monica Jim Gaughran Anna Kaplan John Brooks Gounardes Martinez SD3 SD5 SD7 SD8 SD22 An immigrant, Gaughran’s expe- Kaplan is com- Brooks is a volun- Gounardes says a teacher and a rience positions mitted to working teer firefighter and public schools Suffolk County him to take on the with constituents has served on the and subways have legislator, Martinez special interests and standing up in Seaford Board of been shortchanged vows to pass pol- in Albany. Elected unity against hate Education. His leg- millions of dollars icies that provide to the Huntington and prejudice. She islative priorities in- in funding for years. better opportu- Town Board at age backs common clude government He vows to bring nities for all New 26, he wrote one of sense gun reform, corruption, public funding back to Yorkers. She will the state’s first eth- protecting child education, taxation, schools and sub- work for gun-safe- ics laws requiring victims, early vot- hunger, opioids, ways, make streets ty, support public officials to disclose ing and campaign and making Long safe for pedestrians, education and all outside income. finance reform. Island an affordable and protect against protect women’s place to live. unfair taxes and health care. rent increases.

Jamaal Bailey James Skoufis Jennifer Aaron Gladd John Mannion SD36 SD39 Metzger SD42 SD43 SD50 Bailey believes In the Assembly, Known as a A combat military A high school education must Skoufis fought for compassionate veteran who has science teacher focus on the whole working- and mid- community leader, vast government and president of child and provide dle-class citizens Metzger is progres- experience and the West Genesee academic, social who are often over- sive, principled and whose wife is a Teachers Associa- and emotional looked by govern- independent. She teacher, Gladd has tion, Mannion says assistance to stu- ment. He’s been a insists New York helped fight pover- we have to prepare dents from early champion of better can create a clean ty and deliver relief students for careers childhood through public schools, energy economy, to struggling com- we cannot even graduation and stronger infrastruc- improve the health munities, including imagine today. college enrollment. ture and leveling care system and universal broad- We need smaller We also need to the playing field. bring thousands of band, tackling the class sizes and offer technical skills good-paying jobs opioid epidemic more pathways and job training. to the region. and women’s for all students to equality. achieve.

NYSUT 2018 Voter Guide 11 KEY New York State PARTY AFFILIATIONS: D - Democrat Assembly R - Republican 115115 C - Conservative G - Green W - Working Families 116116 I - Independence WE - Women’s Equality RF - Reform 118118 114114 136 117117 T - Tax Revolt 138 135 134 137137 129 120120 145 146 140

144144 139139 119119 141141 139139 127127 141141 130130 127127 113113 112112 112112 110 149142149 128128 143143 149 133133 131131 121121 108 126126 147147 109109 107107

125125 102102 132132 122122 101101 150150 148148 124124 123123 106106 To find your district, 103103 Produced by NYSUT Research go to https://voterlookup. and Educational Services 100100 elections.state.ny.us/ 104104 9090 105105 votersearch.aspx New 90 8888 9191 New York State 78 York 8989 8181 9999 9494 Assembly City 72 8383 9898 95 8080 9393 8686 9696 7171 8282 717777 8787 92 DISTRICT/ NAME/ 7979 7070 8585 7070 8585 9191 11 8484 97 90908888 9191 11 90908989 (PARTY AFFILIATIONS) 69696868 8989 44 22 6868 81818383 1212 78788080 1313 88 717172728686787880808282 88 6767 71717779777987878282 1010 55 7373 67677676 3636 3535 2626 707084848585 1616 1515 1010 55 7373 3535 2626 6969706868 33 4040 6767737376763636 40402626 1919 66 3434 7575737376763435343527274040 7575 3434 66667474373730303934393427272525 7575 2727 666566657474505053532828 24243333 1111 27 6565535328283838 3333 17171111 1 Fred Thiele Jr. 3737 3939 525257575656555455543838323229292222 1818 77 3737 3939 2525 5151434355556060 21211818 77 2525 51514444424258586060 3131 2121 99 66667474 6161 494948484242 3131 1414 99 66667474 3030 6363 4646474741415959 2020 1414 3030 2424 6363 464647474545 2323 2828 6464 2323 (D-W-I-WE-RF) 6565 5050 2828 6262 5353 3333 6262 3838 5252 56565454 3838 3232 2 Anthony Palumbo 575756565454 2929 4343 5555 23 Stacey Pheffer-Amato 5151 4343 6060 4444 58586060 3131 (R-C-I) 6161 4242 6161 4848 (D-W-I) 464649494848 4646 4141 5959 4747 3 Joseph DeStefano 6363 47474545 24 David I. Weprin (D) (R-C-I-RF) 6464 2323 25 (D-W-WE) 4 Steven C. Englebright 6262 26 Edward C. Braunstein (D-W-I-WE) (D-W-I-WE) 5 Doug Smith (R-C-I-RF) 11 Kimberly Jean-Pierre 16 Anthony D’Urso 27 Daniel Rosenthal (D-W) 6 Philip Ramos (D-W-I-WE) (D-W-I-WE-RF) 28 (D-W) (D-W-I-WE-RF) 12 Andrew Raia (R-C-I-RF) 17 (R-C-I-RF-T) 29 (D-W) 7 Andrew Garbarino 13 Charles D. Lavine 18 Taylor Raynor (R-C-I-WE-RF) 30 (D) (D-W-WE-RF) (D-W-WE-RF) 8 David Morrissey (D) 31 (D-W) 14 David McDonough 19 Edward Ra (R-C-I-RF) 32 Vivian E. Cook (D) 9 Christine Pellegrino (R-C-I-RF-T) 21 (D-W-WE-RF) (D-W-I-WE) 15 Michael Montesano 22 Michaelle Solages 33 (D-W) 10 (D-W-I-WE) (R-C-I-RF) (D-W-I-WE-RF) 34 Michael G. DenDekker (D)

12 NYSUT 2018 Voter Guide 35 Jeffrion L. Aubry (D) 123 (D) 36 (D-W) 124 Christopher Friend (R-C-I) 37 Catherine T. Nolan (D-W) 125 Barbara Lifton (D) 38 Michael G. Miller (D-C) 126 Keith Batman (D-W-WE) 39 (D) 68 Robert J. Rodriguez (D) 94 Kevin Byrne (R-C-RF) 127 Al Stirpe (D-W-WE-RF) 40 (D-W) 69 Daniel O’Donnell (D) 95 Sandra Galef (D-W-WE-RF) 128 (D-W-I-WE) 41 Helene E. Weinstein (D-W) 70 (D) 96 Kenneth Zebrowski 129 William Magnarelli (D-I-WE) 42 Rodneyse Bichotte (D-W) 71 (D-W) (D-W-WE-RF) 131 (R-C-RF) 43 Diana C. Richardson (D-W) 72 (D-W) 97 Ellen Jaffe (D-W-WE-RF) 132 Philip A. Palmesano 44 Robert C. Carroll (D-W) 73 (D-W) 98 Karl Brabenec (R-C-I-RF) (R-C-I-RF) 45 Steven Cymbrowitz 74 (D-W) 99 Matthew Rettig (D-W-WE) (D-W-I-WE) 134 Peter Lawrence (R-C-I-RF) 75 Richard Gottfried (D-W-WE) 100 (D-W-I) 47 (D-W) 135 Mark Johns (R-C-I-RF) 76 (D-W) 101 Chad McEvoy (D-W-WE) 48 (D-C) 136 Jamie Romeo (D-W-I-WE) 77 (D) 103 Kevin Cahill (D-W) 49 Peter J. Abbate Jr. (D-W-I) 138 (D-W-I-WE) 78 Jose Rivera (D) 104 (D) 140 Robin Schimminger 50 Joseph R. Lentol (D) 106 (D-W-I) 79 Michael Blake (D-W) (D-C-I) 51 Félix W. Ortiz (D) 108 John McDonald III (D-I) 80 (D) 141 Crystal Peoples-Stokes (D) 52 (D-W) 109 (D-W-I) 81 (D-W-WE) 142 Patrick Burke (D-W-RF) 53 (D-W) 110 Phil Steck (D-W-I-WE-RF) 82 (D) 143 Monica Wallace 54 Erik Dilan (D) 83 Carl E. Heastie (D) 111 Angelo Santabarbara (D-W-I-WE) 55 (D-W) (D-W-I-WE-RF) 85 (D) 144 Joseph DiPasquale 56 (D-W) 112 Mary Beth Walsh 86 Victor M. Pichardo (D-W) (D-W-WE) 57 Walter Mosley (D-W) (R-C-I-RF) 87 (D-W) 145 Angelo Morinello 58 N. Nick Perry (D-W) 113 (D-I) (R-C-I-RF) 88 Amy R. Paulin (D-W-WE-RF) 59 (D-W) 114 Daniel Stec (R-C-I) 146 Karen McMahon 89 J. Gary Pretlow (D) 60 (D) 115 D. Billy Jones (D-W-I) (D-W-WE) 90 Nader Sayegh 116 Addie Jenne (D-W) 148 (R-C-I) 61 Charles D. Fall (D-RF) (D-G-W-I-WE-RF) 117 (R-C-I) 62 Michael Reilly (R-C) 91 (D-W-WE) 149 Sean Ryan (D-W-I-WE) 120 William Barclay (R-C-I-RF) 65 Yuh-Line Niou (D-W) 92 Thomas Abinanti (D-W-RF) 150 (R-C-I) 121 Bill Magee (D) 66 Deborah Glick (D) 93 David Buchwald 67 Linda B. Rosenthal (D-W) (D-W-I-WE-RF) 122 Clifford Crouch (R-RF)

NYSUT 2018 Voter Guide 13 Key state Assembly races

Christine Pellegrino Steve Stern AD9 AD10 A proud NYSUT member, Pellegri- Stern previously served as a Suf- no works for families and business- folk County legislator. In addition es to create better opportunities to representing the community on . She wants to ease with a commitment to outstand- the property tax burden and ensure schools get ing constituent services, he has authored several their fair share of state school aid. groundbreaking legislative initiatives in the state.

Matt Rettig Didi Barrett AD99 AD106 As a community organizer in Corn- Barrett came to the Assembly in wall and the former vice chairman 2012 after a career as a communi- of the American Eagle Airlines ty activist, writer and leader of not- pilot union, Rettig is committed to for-profits. She is passionate about improving schools, instituting ethics reforms and the region’s agricultural, natural and cultural making the health care system more affordable. resources and their value as economic engines.

Angelo Santabarbara Carrie Woerner AD111 AD113 A lifelong resident of Schenectady Woerner has advocated for re- County, Santabarbara attended sponsible spending and is focused public schools and earned a bach- on improving the business climate elor’s degree from SUNY Albany. for small businesses and farms, He worked in civil engineering for more than 15 strengthening public schools and protecting the years before taking office in the Assembly. traditions, heritage and culture of Saratoga and Washington counties.

14 NYSUT 2018 Voter Guide Bill Magee AD121 Recognizing the importance of edu- cation, Magee has consistently fought to bring a fair share of state funding to local schools. He has fought for addi- tional funding to ensure schools can provide a quality education while holding the line on taxes.

Keith Batman Al Stirpe AD126 AD127 A higher education NYSUT member Stirpe crafted the legislative fix to with administrative and board of allow districts to submit final cost education experience, Batman has reports for past approved school a rich background of public service. capital improvement projects with- He vows to represent the district, obtain funding for out penalty. He has been a steadfast supporter of projects and find solutions to local problems. strengthening education in Central New York.

Pamela Hunter Patrick Burke AD128 AD142 Hunter says good jobs, improved schools A member of United University and increased public safety will enhance Professions and NYSUT, Burke quality of life and lead to stronger lists water quality, job creation and communities. She is the only female campaign finance reform among his veteran in the Legislature, serving as chair of the Assembly priorities. He also stresses keeping kids safe, sup- Subcommittee on Women Veterans. porting education and growing the economy.

Monica Wallace Karen McMahon AD143 AD146 A member of United University Profes- McMahon says the district de- sions and NYSUT, Wallace’s legislative serves a representative who will be priorities include strengthening public a tireless advocate. She will work education, standing up for working to bring state dollars for projects to families, creating jobs by supporting economic devel- improve quality of life and will advocate to make opment, upgrading local infrastructure and restoring the community healthier and safer. integrity to government.

NYSUT 2018 Voter Guide 15 THIS 2018 VOTER GUIDE IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY VOTE-COPE (Voice of Teachers for Education — Committee on Political Education) 800 Troy-Schenectady Road Latham, NY 12110-2455

VOTE-COPE is NYSUT’s Political Action Committee. VOTE-COPE funds are used in federal, state and local elections. Contributing to VOTE-COPE is voluntary, and NYSUT members and their immediate family members may refuse to contribute to VOTE-COPE without reprisal. Contributing to VOTE-COPE is not a condition of membership in any labor organization. Contributions to VOTE-COPE will be screened, and any unauthorized contributions will be returned. Contributions to VOTE-COPE are not deductible as charitable contributions for Federal income tax purposes.

VOTE Nov. 6 Make a difference!

Where do I vote? If you live in New York State, double-check your polling place at https://voterlookup.elections.state.ny.us/. What time can I vote? All polling sites in New York State must be open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. for the general election. If you live out of state, check with your board of elections. Do I need ID? New York State has not adopted a voter identification law, but if you are among the many NYSUT retirees who live in other states, you should check your state’s requirements.

16 NYSUT 2018 Voter Guide