Dave Garretson for Assembly

Background:

I'm a lifelong resident of the Rochester area, twelve years in Greece, and a self-employed business owner my entire adult life. There is something about meeting the weekly payroll that gives one a results-oriented outlook! I have a history of service in neighborhood groups, professional groups and causes.

Goals:

Sadly, our incumbent Assembly member has been in office six years but has failed to perform. No accomplishments, no initiatives, no important projects. Meanwhile, he continues to stand in silence as his associates in The Insider Crowd make closed-door deals at taxpayer expense. Enough. We can do better! I believe I have the right mix of talents and skills to help move us in a better direction.

Issues:

HONEST GOVERNMENT - Whether it's in Albany or Town Hall, we need open and honest government from people we can trust. Specifically, I favor rules reform in the Assembly, enhanced ethics standards for all levels of government, more openness and fewer closed doors, sensible redistricting, Clean Money / Clean Elections.
JOBS & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT - At one time Kodak was the big employer in this district... we need an engine to provide great new jobs here again! I want smart growth. I'd want to work for a big eco-tech initiative to springboard us into the future and create Green Collar jobs... to recreate a dramatic impact similar to the Erie Canal when it was conceived here in NY State 200 years ago, or the space program 50 years ago. We can do it! On a day to day basis, reform of IDA's and Empire Zones, and a smarter approach to collecting our taxes fairly and spending the money wisely.
PRESERVING WHAT WE'VE GOT -- Let's pursue eco-smart preservation & development policies for Lake Ontario, Erie Cannal, Braddock's Bay, Genesee River, plus commercial & industrial sites, wetlands & farmlands, while maintaining and improving our infrastructure.

Grassroots Support:

Grassroots & Netroots will be the cornerstone of this campaign. Not only is it desireable, it's the only option when you're running things on a shoestring!

DFA Values:

Socially progressive and fiscally responsible.. that describes me, and it describes how most of us think today. I believe: What happens in your house is your own personal business, as long as no harm or risk to others results; We have the right to own firearms, but it is reasonable for the community to require safe and responsible behavior from gun owners; our first responders who protect us should be paid fairly, equipped properly, thanked frequently, and held to a high standard of performance; The best way to protect our religious freedom is to keep government and worship as far apart as possible; The everyday business of our government should be conducted in the open; We’re all in this together. It’s time for the days of “us against them” to end. All of us share this place and we must come together for the common good… regardless of who we are, where we live, how we worship, or which political party we’re in.