NORWICH – Anndrea Starzak, Democratic candidate for State Senate, launched her campaign tour through the Southern Tier this week which included a noontime rally in East Park in Norwich on Wednesday.
Starzak announced her candidacy for the senate seat in June, with the backing of the Chenango, Broome, Delaware and Tioga Democratic committees. Starzak said on Wednesday that she plans to use her past experience as a school teacher and Supervisor for the Town of Vestal to advocate for statewide changes in health and education, promote good jobs and fair wages, improve infrastructure, and end corruption in Albany.
“We need a new Senator who works for all of us and who will put the needs of the people above her own,” said Starzak. “It’s time for a change.”
Starzak is running on a platform centered heavily on education and improving the local economy. “We need a senator who will fight for fair school funding from the state and make sure that our local property tax payers are given a break,” she said. “Currently, New York State owes over $20 million to Tioga County Schools and over $60 million to Broome County Schools since 2006. I will fight for fair funding for our schools.”
Starzak also promised more support for tourism, farms and small businesses. She referenced tax-free incentives for small businesses that start up near SUNY universities, saying that while it’s a good start, more needs to be done to be done to bolster the local economy.
“It’s also really important not to neglect the business that are here,” she said. “They might want to expand and they shouldn’t have to shoulder the entire burden for everyone that’s coming in tax free. They should have the ability to get a fair tax break too, especially if they’re going to expand or make new jobs that create opportunities.”
Starzak also spoke to the controversial issue of the Common Core education standards which went into effect in math and English at the start of the 2013-2014 school year. Though not denouncing the standards, Starzak did say the Common Core was rolled out too quickly, robbing teachers and parents the opportunity to ease into the transition. “Any time you do things, it’s important to introduce it in the right way. I think the biggest issue about the standards is the fact they were not introduced in the proper way,” she said. “I’m also very concerned about Common Core for students with disabilities and students who work differently ... Standards are good, but we need to work for each individual student.”
On the environmental issue of high volume hydraulic fracturing, Starzak has publically stated she’s pleased with the recent court ruling that upholds home rule and argues that the issue should be decided by individual communities. However, should the state pursue advancements in natural gas exploration, deteriorating infrastructure – primarily roads and bridges – would become a top priority, she said.
Starzak is one of two candidates challenging incumbent Republican Senator Tom Libous in the upcoming general election. Republican businessman and political newcomer Denver Jones will also appear on the ballot for the 52nd Senate District in November. The district covers Broome, Tioga, and parts of Chenango and Delaware counties.