(BUFFALO) - Amid concerns from across the local Labor Community that have been fueled by media and blog reports of a connection to Responsible New York, Tom Golisano and Steve Pigeon, Erie County Legislator Tim Kennedy - who is challenging incumbent State Senator William Stachowski for his 58th District Seat - tells WNYLaborToday.com he will let his "votes do the talking" when it comes to anyone questioning his commitment to Organized Labor, Working People in general and the Working Poor.
During an interview with the Regional, On-Line Labor Newspaper, Kennedy also addressed concerns voiced in the Labor Community regarding his alignment with a nine-member block of elected representatives in the Erie County Legislature - which is now heavily weighted with six Republicans and led by new chairwoman Barbara Miller-Williams (who is also a Democrat) - especially when it comes to standing up to the anti-Union and anti-worker programs proposed and pushed for by Erie County Executive Christopher Collins.
"No matter what people are saying, I am the same Democrat I've been over the past five years and I will let my votes do the talking. At the end of the day, those in the Labor Community will see I am the same Democrat I've been and one who has supported Organized Labor," Kennedy told WNYLaborToday.com. He pointed to last week's vote in the Legislature to extend child care subsidies for low-income families - which went against Collins' wishes - as one example. "Democrats led the charge on that vote to overwhelmingly overturn the county executive's veto that fought cuts to child care subsidies for working mothers who depend on it," he said.
Recently a number of local Internet/Blog sites have published their take on what's transpired in the Erie County Legislature, the Democratic Party, the power shift involving the new alignment and what might play out. Included in that Republican-led alignment is Kennedy, who holds a long track record of being a staunch supporter of Organized Labor and standing up to County Executive Collins' attempts to circumvent what many believe are beneficial measures and laws that benefit all Working People. On one web site, Kennedy's commitment to Labor itself was questioned and subsequently several Labor Leaders wondered aloud how the South Buffalo Democrat could align himself in a group predominately made up of Republicans - who do not share a track record of supporting Organized Labor or countering County Executive Collins' many moves to dismantle rights and protections aimed at Working People and the Working Poor.
Local media and blog reports also raised the question of an alleged working connection between Kennedy and Responsible New York, its millionaire founder Tom Golisano and its his front person, Steve Pigeon, whose dubious reputation precedes him, as well as the Independence Party - which Golisano reportedly also controls. WNYLaborToday.com was also made aware by several Western New York Labor Representatives that Responsible New York has targeted the Working Families Party (WFP), which counts a number of major Labor Organizations as supporters, and has taken the WFP to court in New York City. Kennedy has traditionally received the local WFP endorsement in past campaigns.
"(Reports that) I have made an 'unholy alliance' (with Responsible New York, Golisano and Pigeon, as well as Erie County Executive Collins) are totally and utterly false. I've never met Tom Golisano, and Steve Pigeon had no bearing in my decision to support Barbara Miller-Williams (for chairperson position in the Erie County Legislature). I have not been offered or taken (a campaign donation) from Responsible New York. For anyone who's concerned and wants to know where my campaign donations are coming from - as they can with anyone else who is running for public office - can go on-line with the New York State Board of Elections and see who is giving money to whom," Kennedy said.
However, Kennedy added in regards to his campaign for Stachowski's Senate seat: "I am not ruling out taking money from anyone. I would consider taking donations from 'any' supporter who believes in my message, wants a voice in Albany and seeks new leadership and vision. I'm looking forward to 'their' support and they certainly can contribute to my campaign."
Shifting gears, Kennedy also revealed his thought process to WNYLaborToday.com as to why he chose to join this new block of three Democrats and six Republicans in the Erie County Legislature, as well as what went into his personal decision to support Barbara Miller-Williams over past chairwoman and current Legislator Lynn Marinelli:
"I felt the Legislature needed new leadership under a new chairperson. Barbara Miller-Williams is a Democrat, a Union Member and has had a one-hundred-percent Union voting record (in the Legislature). My decision to support her was because there is a lack of leadership (in the Legislature) and I believe she will deliver for Organized Labor. This decision was made by me and me alone. To those who think I will promote the policies of Republicans is not only (wrong), but does not reflect on my voting record. Democrats continue to have leadership under Barbara Miller-Williams and we will do what is necessary to move the people's business forward. Democrats hold leadership positions on all committees. There is not one Republican who does. People are trying to smear my integrity in the Labor Community and they are the same people who are in positions of authority."
