(WEST SENECA) - Erie County Legislator Tim Kennedy wouldn't have had it any other way - officially kicking off his campaign for the New York State Senate at Iron Workers Local 6's West Seneca Union Hall, which is smack dab in the middle of the 58th District seat he seeks.
"I chose the Iron Workers Union Hall for several reasons," Kennedy told WNYLaborToday.com Thursday evening prior to today's announcement and campaign kick-off event. "I'm a member of a Labor Union (Service Employees International Union Local 200) and a Democrat who has fought for the rights of Working Men and Women for the past five years as a member of the county legislature. I thought it just made sense, especially since (the Iron Workers Union Hall) was representative of Organized Labor here in Western New York - and the fact that I'm proud of the work I've done on behalf of the Iron Workers and the entire Buffalo Building and Construction Trades Council."
The South Buffalo/pro-Labor lawmaker will officially announce his decision to challenge incumbent William Stachowski for his State Senate seat, which will be decided in a September primary, at the West Seneca Iron Workers' Union Hall this evening during a kick-off rally.
"I'm expecting a packed house. The Union Hall is located right in the heart of the district and West Seneca is a big part of the district. I'm looking forward to the privilege of serving the constituency of the district," said Kennedy of the 58th State Senate District - which stretches from South Buffalo in Buffalo's West Side and through Lackawanna, Hamburg, Eden and then back into Cheektowaga and West Seneca.
"People just want to see progress. They don't care if you're a Democrat or Republican. If I (am elected), I'll stick to my philosophies and continue to pull myself up by the bootstraps every day because like Working People here in the district, I get it. We're all in this together. We've got to ensure the Middle Class does not fall through the cracks as taxes are driven up and Working People are driven out of Western New York and New York State. I'm a man of my word and I'm willing to put my foot down and fight for the people who go to work every day. Talk is cheap. I've delivered (as a county legislator) and I'm confident in my ability," Kennedy said.
Kennedy will face Stachowski, a 28-year state representative who has also historically been heavily supported by Organized Labor, in a September primary battle. Interestingly enough, Kennedy - a fellow Democrat - took the high road and said he personally met with Stachowski in order to make him aware of his decision.
"Out of respect, I sat down with Bill, face-to-face and man-to-man, to let him know of my intention, so all of this would not be treated as some kind of secret. (Stachowski) has been in office for twenty-eight years and people are looking for change," he said.
Saying that only one of nearly four individuals stay in Western New York after graduating college, Kennedy pointed to a "real need" to change the mindset in Albany.
"My generation's grown up in this community and, unfortunately, many of my family and friends have left. We need to create opportunities and jobs that will allow my and our children and grandchildren to get good jobs, stay here, raise their families here and enjoy a quality of life," said Kennedy, a self-proclaimed "family man and father of two."
As previously reported by WNYLaborToday.com, Kennedy said he discussed his decision to seek Stachowski's Senate seat with a number of Labor Unions and their leadership, as well as with the local chapter of the Working Families Party.
Kennedy's established background of supporting issues important to Working People and Organized Labor is well-known - from Apprenticeship Utilization Language in the county's construction bidding process to Lowest Responsible Bidder Language - two issues Erie County Executive Christopher Collins has historically fought the Legislature tooth and nail on.
"I've received a lot encouragement from a number of individuals and groups within the community and Organized Labor, including the Buffalo Building Trades Council and their member Unions. The reaction has been extremely positive. I have a one-hundred-percent Labor voting record and if I am lucky and privileged enough (to win) I will continue to place the issues of Working People first and foremost in my agenda," Kennedy said.
Kennedy was re-elected in November to a two-year term and should he be unsuccessful in his run for the state Senate, he would retain his District 2 seat.
