George Amedore, the Republican candidate running in the newly created 46th State Senate district, is a local builder who has a long track record in the Assembly of supporting legislation that helps developers and big real estate interests at the expense of his constituents.
Last week, we released a new analysis of contributions to his campaign – taking a close look at all donations over $5,000. When you take out donations from the Senate Republican Campaign Committee, 89% of all those big donations come from corporations, individuals, and PACs related to developers and big real estate.
It’s clear that Amedore’s votes in the Assembly were for sale, and that his votes in the State Senate, if he were to be unfortunately elected, would be too.
Here’s just some examples of votes he’s take in the Assembly:
- was one of the two Assemblymembers to vote against the State Smart Growth Public Infrastructure Policy Act, a 2010 law requiring state agencies to consider “smart growth” principles like using existing water and sewer services when undertaking construction projects;
- voted in 2011 against legislation supported by the Sierra Club and other environmental organizations to close state regulatory loopholes that exempt hazardous wastewater generated by hydraulic fracturing or “hydrofracking” — containing highly toxic chemicals like benzene and formaldehyde — from proper handling, treatment and disposal rules;
- voted repeatedly against the interests of tenants, including against legislation that would require the return of tenants’ security deposits plus accumulated interest within 30 days after the end of their leases;
- has consistently been one of only two members of the Assembly to vote against legislation to prevent lead exposure and lead-related health problems by penalizing building owners who allow this dangerous condition to exist on their properties; and
- voted against legislation to improve the accountability of contractors and subcontractors at public construction sites and ensure the payment of the prevailing wage.
It’s time for New York’s candidates to stop the big money chase. Whether or not these politicians are changing their votes in the legislature because of campaign contributions isn’t the issue – instead, it’s that those who are making the contributions expect them to do so. That expectation is the foundation for the culture of corruption that exists in the halls of our Capitol in Albany, and it needs to stop if we’re ever to have a truly representative democracy that strengthens our communities and addresses the needs of average New Yorkers.
That’s why we need Fair Elections for New York.
Click here to see our press release will full details on Amedore’s campaign contributions.