The change of the season from summer to fall never fails to make me reflective, and as I think back on this year, I’m grateful for the opportunity to represent you as your State Senator. Before party or politics, I am first and foremost your voice in Albany, and I never forget that.
I finished this years’ legislative session with 88 of my sponsored bills passing the Senate – the highest of any lawmaker in the state. These ranged from increased transparency from public utilities, tax reforms, local government support, election integrity, all the way to prescription drug affordability measures. I voted against increasing taxes 27 times, and voted independent of my party 127 times, the most of any State Senator.
This CV doesn’t always make me the most popular Senator in the Capitol, but that’s far from my concern. My mandate as your representative is to do just that – represent you. So, when I can see that a bill or a budget item won’t serve the residents and taxpayers of Orange County, I say so. I fight against it, and I often stand alone. I am proud of my record in the Senate as a productive member, and I’m just as proud of my reputation as an independent voice.
It’s an honor to represent this district, and I’m proud to be a strong voice in Albany for Orange County residents and communities.
