Election endorsements

November is just around the corner and that, of course, means that election time is once again upon us. As is the practice of this paper, that also means it’s time for us to make our candidate endorsements, our picks of those we think would best serve our communities.

The race that’s garnering the most attention this year is, understandably, the gubernatorial race. And it’s no surprise as it’s not only the most important position in the state but it also has some, or at least one, of the most colorful candidates running this election season. Carl Paladino, the Republican candidate with Tea Party support, has captured the spotlight with outrageous statements and a history of politically incorrect antics. But those actions, ranging from expressing disgust at homosexuality to admittedly sending pornographic images over the Internet, clearly beg the question of whether Paladino has the moral compass and rational thought process of one who should be the head of state.

What seals the successful Buffalo businessman’s fate is that his opponent, Democrat Andrew Cuomo, presents such a stark contrast. Cuomo is the state’s attorney general and has a reputation as a public advocate who fights fraud and corruption, whether by big business or government. He’s served as secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) under President Clinton and founded an organization to work on behalf of the homeless (Housing Enterprise for the Less Privileged). His plans to get New York in shape and its “fiscal house in order� are sound; Paladino, meanwhile, tends to spout off, sounds erratic and does little to earn voters’ confidence. There is little difficulty in making the decision to back Cuomo in his run for governor in 2010.

Both United States Senate seats are open this year: one held by Sen. Charles “Chuck� Schumer and one held by Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand. Both incumbents are Democrats. Schumer’s seat is for the standard six-year term. Gillibrand’s seat is for an unexpired two-year term; that’s because she was appointed to the position after it was vacated by Hillary Clinton when she was appointed secretary of state by President Obama.

This paper is supporting both incumbents for re-election. Schumer has been senator for 12 years and has done much in that time for the state — including creating a college tuition tax deduction for families; working to keep veterans hospitals open and providing improved care for returning troops; and garnering $20 billion for New York City for its renewal in the aftermath of Sept. 11. Gillibrand, too, keeps in close touch with her New York constituents and has been an asset in Washington. She’s focused on job creation, developing green energy and providing economic and medical relief for returning veterans. She’s also determined to stop lawmakers on Capitol Hill from giving themselves raises. Both senators are genuine in their concern for our state and get results that make a difference in our lives. They have earned our endorsements.

In the 20th Congressional District, incumbent Scott Murphy, a Democrat, is being challenged by Republican Christopher Gibson. Murphy has done much in his tenure worthy of praise and would likely continue to work hard if re-elected. He’s introduced legislation to increase educational opportunities for veterans and relief for dairy farmers — both great measures.

Gibson, on the other hand, is a veteran who has been deployed overseas and has much experience and interest in national security. His goals include lowering taxes and health-care costs, getting rid of bureaucracy and regulations and growing jobs. This is a tough one to call, and either way you go, it seems like you’ll be in good hands, but we endorse Murphy.

The 40th District in the state Senate race, which is being vacated by Sen. Vincent Leibell as he makes a run for Putnam County executive, has been fiercely contested; it’s between Democrat Mike Kaplowitz and Republican Greg Ball. Ball is an assemblyman covering Westchester and Putnam counties, Kaplowitz a legislator in Westchester.

Kaplowitz has done some great things during his time in office, not the least of which was helping save the county roughly $110 million in wasteful spending. Ball has worked to promote businesses that hire legal immigrant laborers, also important. But he’s also been plagued by personal problems, including reports that he once stalked an ex-girlfriend. When drawing comparisons, it’s Kaplowitz who takes the lead and earns our endorsement, for many reasons, including his determination to cap property taxes and strengthen the STAR program and for his dedication and experience in helping small businesses.

The 41st District in the State Senate race has also been pretty active, with Democrat Didi Barrett facing off ag ainst longtime incumbent, Republican Stephen Saland. Barrett has been touted a “citizen candidate,� and has been active in nonprofit work for more than two decades. Her goal is to alleviate the burdens of property taxes; she also wants to work on the “dysfunctional culture� in Albany. Barrett also plans to cut waste, before slashing important services. Her work with women’s groups has also been vitally important and the role she’s set for young girls throughout the region is to be lauded. Saland, meanwhile, has served in office for 22 years. During that time he has accomplished much, including securing millions for economic development, infrastructure and for local schools and libraries. But while Saland has an impressive track record, it’s not perfect. He voted against raising minimum wage (while increasing his own annual salary by $36,000) and voted against the Domestic Workers Bill of Rights. Yes, Saland has done much for the region, but our endorsement is for Barrett — given the chance we believe she could make life in the Hudson Valley even better. The fact that she’s from Millbrook, and will bring more focus to the northeastern part of the county, only adds to her appeal from our point of view.

Lastly, there is the race in the 103rd District in the State Assembly. Incumbent Marcus Molinaro, a Republican, is facing newcomer, Susan Tooker, a Democrat. Tooker is a nurse and union member who is also a working mother. She is in a tough position, as Molinaro is the easy favorite. The two-term incumbent has been involved in Hudson Valley politics for many years, first as the youngest mayor in the country while serving Tivoli back in 1995 at the age of 19. Since then he’s also served in the Dutchess County Legislature. His goals include growing the economy, cutting spending, saving energy, creating jobs and more. He’s a constant presence around the Harlem Valley, showing up at our libraries, our firehouses, our schools, our Legion Halls, our parades — basically he’s there when we need him. He has earned this regions’ appreciation and this paper’s endorsement.

Remember, these candidates are going to be working for you, on your behalf, once elected. The key, at this point, is to head to the polls. That is where your power lies. So come Tuesday, Nov. 2 — VOTE!