ONEONTA – State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I-Oneonta) has filed more than 5,500 signatures on nominating petitions for re-election as state senator representing the 51st senatorial district.
Seward filed 4,522 signatures for the Republican party nomination alone; 712 for the Independence party nod and 326 for the Conservative party designation.
“I am truly energized by the outpouring of support I have received for my candidacy,” said Seward. “As I meet with people from across the seven county district I am excited to hear the astounding level of support- it is the enthusiastic encouragement from the constituents that keeps me going.
“New York, especially the upstate region, is faced with a great number of challenges and the broken system in Albany is not offering any suitable solutions. Those who have been in power the past two years have failed to respond to the real world problems our working families, small business owners and senior citizens face every day. I am deeply disturbed by the lack of urgency and understanding  constantly displayed by too many state leaders.  
“Now, more than ever, Albany needs leaders with a proven track record who can also offer innovative new ideas to reinvigorate our state. I have both the experience and the vision to move our state forward.”
“Senator Seward may represent a small part of Chenango County, but he knows our citizens well and understands their concerns. He has backed meaningful property tax relief, supported our schools, and was among the first to join the fight against the NYRI power line. Come November, Jim Seward will have a big win and help return the senate to the Republicans, ending one party rule and  restoring the checks and balances we need in Albany,” said Tom Morrone Chenango County Republican chairman.
Seward was first elected in 1986 and has been a strong advocate for the communities he represents. He is known for championing firefighters’ needs, helping local governments and partnering with local IDAs and communities to promote business growth and development. Seward has also ensured that communities he represents are not left out in funding for economic development, infrastructure and quality of life enhancements.
 Seward has fought for the agricultural industry as a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, winning aid for the state’s dairy farmers and helping develop and fund life-saving farm safety initiatives. He has also called on the state attorney general to launch a full scale investigation into the dairy industry with particular attention toward possible violations of price gouging and/or anti competitive laws.
“I look forward to continuing to partner with local officials and community leaders to meet the needs of those of live and work in our beautiful stretch of central New York. I believe the stage is set for state government on the whole, and the senate in particular to shift gears and usher in landmark changes that will reinvigorate the Empire State,” Seward concluded.