Victory in defeat

Although the tidal wave of Democrat victories in New York State unfortunately included my race in the 34th Senatorial District, we were successful in many ways.

Most importantly, we changed the entire political conversation in New York State, a fact that will bear great importance in the future. When I began my race, I was the only candidate seriously discussing the abolition of failing agencies like the MTA. By the end of the campaign, my original concept had been adopted by many, if not most candidates on both sides of the political divide.

Similarly, while many candidates were discussing a tax cap, I was one of the only candidates to discuss an actual tax reduction. Eventually, many candidates adopted that position.

Throughout this race, many liberal Democrat candidates, including my opponent, pretended to adopt conservative positions. Indeed, this was a general strategy throughout the Democrat party. I intend to monitor those who did so, and expose those who (as expected) once again break their trust with the voters.

My campaign was unique in that in accepted no funds from special interests, and received almost no funds from political parties. Albany must be freed of the stranglehold of vested interests that have bankrupted the state, and made a mockery of democracy. We can, and we must, do better.

I am deeply grateful to all those volunteers who gave so generously of their time and effort. I will never forget their fighting spirit and generosity. I pledge to you that I will continue the noble battle that we began with this campaign.

Only the Issues Matter

In the final days of the campaign, a flurry of glossy mailed cards are being dispatched by the powerful Democrat fund raising machine of my opponent, incumbent State Senator and Deputy Majority Leader Jeff Klein.

This contest is not about expensively designed advertisements, however. It is about the issues, and the utter failure of incumbents, particularly those in positions of power like Jeff Klein, to address them. Here are the most important issues:

•The people of New York are the most overtaxed in the nation. Klein and his fellow leaders have utterly failed to address this at all; instead, they have lied to the voters. One of the biggest lies is that a property tax cap is all that is needed. A cap merely prevents future increases from going over a certain point. What New Yorkers need is a tax cut, not smaller increases.
•Holding every position of power in both the state and the nation, the Democrat leadership has utterly failed to address the runaway spending both in the regular budget and in the budget of "independent" agencies. They have absolutely no excuse for their failure.
•Despite record spending and skyrocketing taxes and fees, our schools, our mass transit, our services are all inadequate and getting worse. Jeff Klein and his fellow leaders have failed to address this--or even slow down the rapid deterioration in the quality of life in our state. Why do they deserve a second chance?
•The wholesale corruption of the state senate leadership has made Albany a symbol of terrible government. Senator Klein's role as the "enforcer" to insure that lobbyists contribute to the Democrat party in return for special access (as descibed by the Democrat leadership itself) leads anyone seeking to reform Albany to ask, why does Senator Klein and his allies deserve another chance?
•The complete contempt shown by Senator Klein for the people when he requested a $50,000 payoff in return for access angered even fellow Democrats. Indeed, even fellow Democrat and former NYC Mayor Ed Koch called for an investigation. Shouldn't the people of the 34th Senatorial district be spared the specter of yet another elected official facing potential indictment?

Illyria Newspaper Endorses Vernuccio

The Illyria Newspaper, America's only Albanian-American newspaper, has endorsed the candidacy of Frank Vernuccio for the 34th Senatorial District.

Noting that Vernuccio "Has gained the respect of ...Albanian-American activists," the paper stressed the candidates' record.

The support of the hard-working Albanian-American community for a candidate who does not have Albanian roots is the result of Vernuccio's strong stand on ethics, low taxes for individuals, property owners, and small business, as well as his support for the freedom of Kosova.

REPUBLICAN NATIONAL HISPANIC ASSEMBLY ENDORSES VERNUCCIO!

The Republican National Hispanic Assembly today endorsed the candidacy of Frank Vernuccio for State Senate in New York's 34th Senatorial District. The endorsement echoes Vernuccio's call for a New York State Government that works for the people, not entrenched politicians. For too long, issues such as the poor quality of public education, high taxes, diminished services by agencies such as the MTA, and the progress of New Yorkers to economic prosperity have been held hostage by entrenched politicians, particularly those in the Democrat Party. "I am deeply grateful for this vital endorsement," Vernuccio stated.

A Frightening Fundraiser

It's time to scare Albany's tax and spend, pay to play politicians !

Join our next state senator, Frank Vernuccio, in a frighteningly delightful barbeque at the beautiful (and spooky) home of Ronnie & Joseph Goubeaud, 136 Urban Street, Mt. Vernon, New York on Sunday, October 17, at 3pm. Only $75!

Rsvp:
914-664-4198

Send checks, made out to Friends of Vernuccio, to: Friends of Vernuccio, 3148 Fairmount Avenue, Bronx, NY 10465. Please include your name, address, and employer/business information,. as required by law.

I look forward to seeing you there!
Frank V. Vernuccio, Jr.
Paid for by Friends of Vernuccio

RIVERDALE REVIEW ENDORSES VERNUCCIO

The Riverdale Review, one of the most respected newspapers in the region, has endorsed Frank Vernuccio's candidacy for the 34th Senatorial District.

"Frank Vernuccio is a man of great integrity and deep knowledge of government...in this race it is Frank Vernuccio playing the good government role of Fiorello LaGuardia and Jeffrey Klein [the incumbent] epitomizing the morals of Plunkitt of Tammany Hall."

STOP USING TAXPAYER DOLLARS TO CAMPAIGN!

Citing a reelection rate “That closely resembles that of the former Soviet Union,” State Senate Candidate Frank Vernuccio called for the enactment of ethics legislation that would stop the abusive practice by some incumbent legislators of using the taxpayers money for their campaigns. “My opponent, Deputy Majority Leader Klein, has sent out two mailings using taxpayer dollars which masquerade as official business, but which in reality are nothing more than campaign literature. This is an affront to the whole process of fair elections. Further, in this time of financial crisis, it is an excusable waste of scarce funds which could be used for our schools, law enforcement, road repair, and other vital needs. Klein has refused my request to cease this practice; legislation is needed to stop this plundering of the state treasury.”

Klein lied to Journal News

In an endorsement interview with the Journal News yesterday, Jeff Klein, Deputy Majority Leader of the New York State Senate, denied ever having supported the "Soda Tax." Jeff Should have checked the newspaper archives first. On May 19, 2009, as reported in the NY Daily News and other newspapers, Senator Klein was the leader who unveiled the concept, and served as its chief advocate. He emphasized that that the soda tax would generate $100 million annually.

In a second lie, Klein denied having voted against funding that would allow bus service to continue unreduced in parts of NYC and Westchester. Once again, he should have checked his own record. The Daily News reported on March 10, 2010, that Klein killed funding for the buses. In fact, Klein was given the nickname "Transportation weasel" for his actions in voting against mass transit, then complaining about the very cuts he voted for.

ZERO TOLERANCE FOR CORRUPTION

The long-term, iron fisted control by Sheldon Silver has long harmed New Yorkers. His emphasis on the political power of the Democrat Party and his own power over the good of all New Yorkers has been one of the foremost reasons why our state has deteriorated so sharply. At a recent City Hall Press Conference, I refused to allow Silver to be defended at a "reform" meeting. You can review the video, which aired today on NBC, at this link:

http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local-beat/Koch_Throws_Out__Hero__From_Rally_New_York.html

Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month--Don't destroy research

September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. Please do all that you can to promote research that will lead to a cure to this deadly disease. Americans should be proud that our nation leads the world in medical research. We should also be concerned that the Democrats radical plans to turn our health care system into a format that will decrease funding for future research and reduce quality of life for most who need medical care could go forward unless voters make their wishes known this November.

SAVE THE TREES!

The essential problem with government, both in New York State and throughout the nation, can be summarized by saying that what was supposed to be a representative government has morphed into a ruling elite that ignores the wisdom of the citizenry. This can be seen in the issue of the trees on Pelham Parkway.

The trees in question are truly beautiful, mature specimens, beloved by the local community. However, city officials, who have been on an anti-car campaign for years (yet simultaneously slashing bus service) now say that they are a road hazard, and propose destroying them. They use questionable statistics to back up their case.

Common sense compromises such as protective barriers that do not require destroying the trees have been ignored. It's time the wisdom of the citizenry trumped the arrogance of government.

ASSEMBLY SPEAKER SHELDON SILVER MUST RESIGN

Recent revelations that Sheldon Silver will personally profit from the 9/11 suit payouts clearly indicate that he is in an untenable and blatant conflict of interest position.

It is unthinkable that any public official would profit from the greatest single tragedy ever to hit the people of New York State. This is not a first for the powerful Speaker of the State Assmbly. His long standing opposition to tort reform, which would affect the profits of his private law practice, has been a constant roadblock to vital legislation on this key issue.

This time, however, his personal profiteering on a national tragedy has reached new depths. Speaker Silver must choose: either resign from his law firm and withdraw from any investment position of personal profit on 9/11, or resign from public office. It is inappropriate to remain active in both positions.

Don't Build the Ground Zero Mosque

There is probably no issue which better highlights the huge chasm between the elitist political leadership of our state and nation on one side, and the average American on the other, than the Ground Zero Mosque debate. Indeed, many union members have expressed their refusal to work on this project.

There is no question that mainstream Muslims are peaceful, or that they have a right to pray as they see fit. However, placing a mosque on the Ground Zero site is an intentional provocation by extremist muslems whose goal is not to provide a place of prayer, but rather to commemorate what they believe, in a truly warped way, to be a "victory" over America. Building it is a blatant insult to all the victims of the 9/11 attack, to all Americans, and, in fact, to all muslims who have been terrorized or killed by the radical islamofacists, such as those who want to build this mosque.

The political leadership on the city, state and federal levels appear to care little for the sensitivities of the average American, and they fail to acknowledge the reality of the threat facing our nation.

Why has a small Greek Orthodox Church that was directly across from the Ground Zero site before the 9/11 attacks been given the bureacratic run around in its attempts to rebuild, at the same time that this controversial mosque has attracted powerful political supporters? Could it be that it does not have the advantage of mysterious imams who disappear in the middle east, in the presence of hyper-wealthy backers?

Proposal For State Budget Reform

As New Yorkers tighten their belts to keep food on their tables and a roof over their heads, the New York State budget raises taxes. As New Yorkers face an economic crisis greater than any since the Great Depression, the New York State budget makes it harder for small businesses to survive, and chases jobs out of our state. As local county, town and city budgets strain to make ends meet, the New York State budget continues to pressure them with unfunded mandates. The wild spending increases in the newly enacted budget--over EIGHT TIMES the size of the Consumer Price Index--is an insult to every hard-working New Yorker. The continued failure to reign in out-of-control agencies like the MTA is an exercise in political malfeasence. The only people who gain from this budget are incumbent politicians, who used your tax dollars to appease pressure groups to support their re-election. This abuse must stop. I propose the following reforms: 1. Establish publicly announced priorities--and stick to them. An open, public discussion of budgetary priorities will shed light on attempts to use the state budget for purely partisan political goals. 2. Amend legislative rules to empower individual legislators to have more of an impact on the state budget process. Currently, only the governor, and a small number of legislative leaders--including Speaker Silver, and Senators Smith and Klein, have much of a role. Allowing individual legislators to play their proper part will open up the process. 3. Bring the spending and funding of all state agencies and quasi-public organizations, such as the MTA and the Port Authority--into full public view, and public control. 4. Keep taxes low enough to be competitive with neighboring states and other regions that seek to capture our businesses. Provide significant tax credits to retain and gain jobs. Our individual and business taxes are already too high; lower them now. 5. Insure that all funds are used for the public good, not for public relations by elected officials hoping to gain an edge in their re-election campaigns. Q:What's the difference between Lindsay Lohan and the New York State Legislature? A: Lindsay Lohan has more self control. Contact the campaign at: vernuccio4senate@gmail.com, or (347) 582-2708

New State Budget is a Disgrace

The budget released passed in Albany represents one of the lowest points in the history of our state government. As families struggle to make ends meet, it increases taxes; as businesses try to remain afloat, it chases shoppers away from our borders, and further hampers their ability to maintain jobs. How many will lose their homes or their jobs due to this disgrace? The utter incompetence of our elected officials has become terribly clear.

TWU HURTS COMMUTERS....AGAIN!

The TWU, which has a history of illegal and strategically timed strikes, has again moved to harm the riding public. Following the recent move by the MTA (itself an arrogant organization) to slash bus routes, private van operators set up service to provide transportation to New Yorkers stranded by the MTA's inappropriate changes.

In response, the TWU, which sees threats to its members under every rocked, sued. Apparently, this militant and extremist organization cares nothing about depriving the riding public from access to work, medical care, and other essentials. The TWU should be chastised for this foul assault on the public.

The first fundraiser for the Vernuccio for State Senate campaign was a sold out success! State and local leaders from the Republican and Conservative parties were joined by several prominent former Democratic Party elected officials in calling for the election of Frank Vernuccio. Prominent members of civic organizations both attended and called for the election of Vernuccio this November, also.

ABOLISH THE MTA!

July 28, 2010

Once again, the MTA has called for fare increases at a time when service remains deficient. The Authority still has not been honest with the public about its true financial situation.

Over the years, I have repeatedly called for MTA reforms, and demanded also that elected officials take their oversight responsibilities seriously.

It is clear that the MTA is beyond reform. The only practical solution remaining is to abolish this failed organization and replace it with a new, more open, efficient, and effective structure.

If you believe that New York can be great again if we lower taxes, fire pay to play politicians, end tolerance for illegal immigration, oppose senseless regulation and excess spending, and protect all of our Constitutional rights, (yes, even the 2nd, 9th, and 10th Amendments) and bring jobs back to our Empire State

join the

VERNUCCIO FOR STATE SENATE CAMPAIGN

Come to our first fundraiser

Tuesday, July 27 at 7pm

Spotos Restaurant

4005 East Tremont Avenue, Bronx NY 10465

$100 includes a full meal and great conversation

with community leaders

Please come!

Checks should be made payable to Friends of Vernuccio

Pay at the door or send your contribution to:

Friends of Vernuccio 3148 Fairmount Avenue

Bronx, NY 10465

Frank has signed the “Stand with Israel Petition.” Israel is America’s firmest ally, and the inexcusable position taken by President Obama and the Democrat party to not stand by Israel during our ally’s time of greatest need is both inexplicable and extremely dangerous. The USA and Israel must stand shoulder to shoulder, both to protect the people of Israel and to defeat international terror and the Iranian nuclear threat.

Another budget season has passed, and once again the utter incompetence and self interest of the Albany establishment is leading to higher taxes, lesser services, and a complete failure to address major issues facing the state. The key problem: The priorities of men like Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and Deputy Majority Leader Klein have nothing to do with needs of the people and the state. This is the reason New York is close to bankruptcy. It must end, and I will do everything possible to stop when I go to Albany.

The refusal by Mr. Malkin, owner of the Empire State Building, to acknowledge Mother Teresa with a traditional light show atop the famous NYC landmark is both inexplicable and a direct slap against New York State’s Albanian community. Malkin has also refused to honor the United States Marine Corps, but had no problem commemorating the anniversary of the Communist regime of China. This is an individual with a warped value system that should disqualify him from owning New York’s most distinctive building.

The Vernuccio Campaign is in solidarity with the people of Arizona in their effort to halt illegal immigration. "Immigration is essential to renew the American spirit, but illegal immigration is a threat to american soverignity, and is a crucial problem for state and local government budgets in all fifty states." Throughout the world, people seeking to make a new life want to come to the United States. Most play by the rules. But thanks to federal government policies designed to pander to pressure groups, Washington has failed to staunch the flow of illegal immigration. Due to this misfeasence, criminals have easily hidden among individuals and families merely attempting to better their living conditions, and these criminals are wrecking havoc across the nation, and particularly in the southwest. The Arizona law is an appropriate response to that problem. Here in New York, concerned organizations such as NY ICE have scheduled demonstrations to air their support for the people of Arizona. The latest one is scheduled for July 29, 11:30 a.m., at Foley Square in Manhattan. Contact progressrose@yahoo.com for details.

Commuters in Westchester and the Bronx are continuously subjected to irrational and unnecessary measures. Ongoing attempts to impose schemes such as congestion pricing and new tolls must be fought. Another example of the persistent war against commuters came this week. As New York City slashed bus service, private businesses sought to fill the gap with private bus lines. The city's reaction? Get a court order to shut them down! Without commuters from Westchester and the Bronx, the city's economy, and the economy of our entire region, would be devastated. This nonsense must stop.

Frank Vernuccio has joined veterans and others in NEW ROCHELLE protesting the attempt to give the Armory to a real estate developer with a questionable record. "The Armory should be used in a manner that benefits the entire comunity. The attempt to give the Armory to a developer for luxury housing does nothing to enhance the community, create jobs, or otherwise benefit the area."

The Bronx Tea Party, Led by Robert Diamond, has Endorsed Frank Vernuccio for New York State Senate in the 34th Senatorial District.

Frank Vernuccio is one of only 4 New York candidates to date to have signed the national "No Tax Increase Pledge!"

The reform organization, "New York Uprising," a nonpartisan organization led by New Yorkers of all different political parties, including such distinguished leaders as former mayors Rudolph Guiliani and Ed Koch, has called Frank Vernuccio "A hero of Reform" in New York State.

BOTH THE REPUBLICAN AND CONSERVATIVE PARTIES HAVE GIVEN THEIR NOMINATIONS TO FRANK VERNUCCIO FOR STATE SENATE IN THE 34TH SENATORIAL DISTRICT!