|
“Today I am proud to announce that I will seek an eleventh term in the New York State Senate, to continue serving the people of Central New York, the Finger Lakes Region and the Mohawk Valley,� said State Senator Nancy Larraine Hoffmann.
Hoffmann presently represents all of Madison County, much of Cayuga and Onondaga Counties and the western end of Oneida County. The district includes the heart of downtown Syracuse, part of the cities of Auburn and Rome, and all of the city of Oneida.
Initially elected in 1984 as a Democrat, Hoffmann became a Republican in 1998, has chaired the Agriculture Committee since 1999, and presently serves on the Finance, Rules, Tourism, Environmental Conservation, Housing, Consumer Protection and Local Government Committees.
“I know that Nancy Larraine Hoffmann would have been an outstanding U.S. Senator, because she is an outstanding State Senator,� Senate Majority Leader Joseph L. Bruno said.
“I am extremely pleased that she has decided to run for re-election to the State Senate where she can build on the tremendous record of leadership she has established on so many issues including agriculture, government reform, economic development, health care and civil rights. Not only is Senator Hoffmann a strong voice for the people of Central New York, but for all New Yorkers and I am looking forward to her continued service in the State Senate.�
Senator Hoffmann says that she has been encouraged by the growing interest in budget and legislative reform in Albany. Once a voice in the wilderness, Hoffmann has now been joined by many of her colleagues in demanding a change in the way the state budget is enacted and how the legislature controls the flow of bills.
She has been recognized by numerous organizations as a champion of reform who bravely launched a crusade to reform state government in the early 1990s. Senator Hoffmann began to achieve her goals after becoming a member of the Senate Majority where the Senate leader, Joseph L. Bruno, is equally committed to legislative and budget reform.
“There are many opportunities for us to expand on our upstate regional economy with high-tech and manufacturing job creation activities. I’ve been pleased to tap into the budget to provide stimulus packages to many local companies and we have several more on deck,� said Hoffmann who created the Central New York Strategic Investment Project to target job development in distressed areas.
“Senator Hoffmann has helped small minority firms in the inner city that foster the employment of area residents. I wholeheartedly agree with the Senator’s decision to stay in our district, and she has been very helpful to my company,� said Emo Henderson, President, JHP Industrial Supply Co., Inc.
A member of the Tourism Committee since her arrival in Albany, Senator Hoffmann has also pioneered Agri-Tourism activities through the creation of a pilot program now covering a 22 county area.
“One of my goals is to provide each school child in New York State--including New York City--with an on-farm visit each year. We need to shape policy makers who understand the relationship between production agriculture and food in the supermarkets,� said Hoffmann who sits on the governing body of several national organizations and is a member of the National Cattlemen’s Association.
“Nancy Larraine Hoffmann’s success in promoting key women’s issues ever since joining the majority in Albany has been nothing short of remarkable. We owe her a great debt of thanks for obtaining passage of the Women’s Health and Wellness Act. It probably never would have happened had she not changed parties,� said Karen DeCrow, former President of the National Organization for Women and once a candidate for Mayor of the City of Syracuse.
“One can only imagine how hard she lobbied within that Republican Conference to finally obtain health insurance to cover contraceptive care, early breast cancer detection and other issues important to women,� DeCrow added.
In addition, Hoffmann is credited with the success of the Hate Crimes and Clinic Access Bill and she was the sponsor of New York State’s Sexual Orientation Nondiscrimination Act, all of which were given little chance of success prior to her party switch.
Hoffmann remains a strong supporter of the environment and has been in the forefront of shaping realistic policy for farmers and sportsmen. She has been given awards from Farm Bureau, Cornell University and the New York State Rifle and Pistol Association, all honors that reflect her grasp of the balance between sportsmen, agriculture and environmental issues.
Cayuga County Legislature Chairman Herb Marshall said, “I am pleased that Senator Hoffmann is going to seek re-election to represent us again. This decision is good for Cayuga County. We’ve developed a good relationship with Senator Hoffmann, and she’s helped us accomplish so many of our goals.�
Dave Felton, President of Community Memorial Hospital in Hamilton, said, “I think it’s important for our area, the Madison County area, that Senator Hoffmann is running for re-election. She has some strong, even vehement supporters here. Her contributions to health care have been critical. We’re very excited about her campaign. We need her.�
Chancellor of Syracuse University Kenneth A. Shaw, was also pleased with the news that Senator Hoffmann would run for re-election. “Senator Hoffmann has represented the needs of the University quite well. I’m delighted that she will continue to be interested in our affairs here,� said Shaw, who is also president of the Metropolitan Development Association.
“Wearing my MDA hat, I repeat my appreciation because the Senator has done so much to enhance economic development,� Shaw added.
Rocky DiVeronica, Chairman of the Madison County Board of Supervisors was also delighted to hear of the Senator’s plans.
“Senator Hoffmann has supported Madison County in the past, and we expect the same from her in the future. She’s been a champion for our county on many issues: Empire Zones, Stockbridge school, Indian land claims, Agri-Tourism. She comes to the aid of the people here.� “Senator Hoffmann and her staff have been a great link between the community and state services. She’s been a Godsend for us. The community of color really needs Senator Hoffmann,� said Jesse Dowdell, Executive Director of Southwest Community Center.
John Lincoln, the President of New York Farm Bureau, said, “As a non-partisan organization, New York Farm Bureau cannot endorse candidates for office. However, we make it a point to recognize our representatives who have supported agriculture in New York State. Senator Nancy Larraine Hoffmann has consistently earned our ‘Circle of Friends' award through a positive voting record and leadership on state and national issues of concern to New York’s agricultural community.�
Bill Pomeroy, founder and president of CXtec, formerly Cable Express said, “I’ve got a ‘Senator Hoffmann Takes the Bull by the Horns’ coffee cup right here on my desk, and that about says it all. I’m just delighted that Senator Hoffmann is running for re-election. |
