We continue our series of conversations with candidates running for office.
We sit down with Jeremy Cooney, who is seeking re-election in the New York State Senate. We discuss his priorities for District 56.
Our guest:
- Jeremy Cooney, candidate for New York State Senate District 56
Key issues raised by candidate during "Connections" appearance:
- When asked about his top priority, Cooney said, "It's about thinking bigger." He noted that locally, we often are "maintaining and just kind of chugging along and trying to fix some holes along the way." He said we should be thinking about creating an environment that's going to attract and retain people, including great job opportunities, having housing stock, having great public school systems and taking care of our aging population.
- During a discussion about bail reform, Cooney said he's often talking to voters about public safety. He noted that he was not an elected state official when the original bail reform legislation was voted on and added that he has voted for "changes to the legislation to make it work better based on the response of local communities."
- On criminal justice reform, Cooney said his approach is about "the three Ps": prevention, policies and punishment. Prevention involves investing in organizations that are working with young people in schools, going into hospitals and dealing with gang intervention. Policies must be clear, he said, so judges and other officials know what the law is in New York state. As for punishment, Cooney said, "There have to be consequences for your action."
- Regarding taxes, Cooney acknowledged that the state has the highest real estate taxes in the nation, but those are the decision of local governments. He noted that at the state level, they voted on a middle-class tax cut during the past legislative session. "And so this is actually the lowest tax rates in the state of New York in70 years," he said.
- Cooney believes transportation "can really open up New York state." He said he wants more direct flights out of Rochester and a "real conversation" about connecting Toronto to New York City with high-speed rail.
*Notes: Cooney's opponent, Jim VanBrederode, declined the invitation to appear on this program.
You can read more about this race and others you'll see on your ballot in the WXXI Local Elections Guide.
