BK Keramati for State Senate

Background:

I received advanced degrees in mechanical engineering and began working at GE in 1976. I retired from GE Global Research in 2004 after a 28-year career. Since then, I have been an activist advocating and lobbying for full public funding of elections with Citizen Action of NY. My GE career gave me experience in engineering, leadership, management of global teams, and project management. I became familiar with many facets of industry, especially those involving technology, as in the fields of energy, medical systems, transportation, and materials. Since becoming interested in public affairs and politics, I have found that much of my work experience is relevant and applicable to the political arena. I live in Galway, NY with my wife and together, we are blessed with being close to our children, grandchildren, and enjoy our farmland, gardens, and animals.

Goals:

I have benefited from the opportunities available in this country and in the State of New York to lead a meaningful life. I got an education, raised a family, and made contributions to society through my work and through my involvement in my community. As I enter this phase of my life, I am concerned about the direction of our State government, and I want to do my share to make this an even better State for my children and grandchildren. Our State government is not serving my fellow New Yorkers fairly. It has been hijacked by a system that has been set up over time by our legislators that primarily caters to special interests. It has become a government of special interests, by special interests, and for special interests. There is something wrong when we have the highest per capita taxes and the largest and the most expensive legislature in the country even as we lose high tech jobs. There's something wrong when we have to borrow a million dollars per job to lure businesses to our area and increase the sprawl we all want to avoid. There's something wrong when we keep electing the same people to represent us, over and over, to make the kind of decisions that got us here. So, I am running for NYS Senate to bring fresh ideas, fair representation, and accountability to our government. New Yorkers deserve no less.

Issues:

1. Tax fairness - considering all tax categories: income, sales, property, and other loal taxes.
2. Campaign Finance Reform - allow full public funding of elections, e.g., Clean Money, Clean Elections.
3. Accountable and transparent economic development to create, and encourage creation of good jobs for our district.

Grassroots Support:

I expect grassroots organizing to play a large role. I must receive recognition to compete with the 32-year incumbency of my opponent. I am hoping that DFA endorsement will help me in this process.

DFA Values:

I share the fundamental democratic values of DFA - representative government that works for its citizens at all levels, protects our environment, and works to create a better world for our children.