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Home > ADVOCACY > Political Action > 2008 Elections > Ranzenhofer - Mesi Evaluation

61st State Senate District - Partnership Evaluation

In the 61st SD, former boxer Joe Mesi and current attorney/Erie County Legislator Mike Ranzenhofer are vying for the seat being vacated by Senator Mary Lou Rath. Mesi did not return the questionnaire, but did meet with Partnership staff earlier this year. Mesi has the Democratic & Working Families lines. His endorsements include most local unions: Communication Workers of America District 1 and Locals 1122 and 1168; United Autoworkers Region 9; Teamsters Joint Council No. 46 and Locals 264, 449, 118, and 275; Buffalo Teachers Federation; Rochester Regional Joint Board and the Hotel Trades Council; American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, Council 35.

Dave Chudy, Vice-Chair of the Working Families Party’s Western New York Chapter said “Joe Mesi is one of us. He understands firsthand the issues and struggles that are affecting working families. Whether it be fighting for living wage jobs or Paid Family Leave, Joe Mesi will fight for us in the State Senate and the WFP is proud to stand with Joe as we work to reclaim and reform Albany.” This platform obviously conflicts with a number of Partnership positions.

Ranzenhofer has served in the Erie County Legislature for 19 years. He says that his top state priorities are reducing taxes, reducing spending and regulation and mandate reform. Legislator Ranzenhofer believes that taxes are the top issue facing employers in his district. He would like to serve on the Commerce, Economic Development & Small Business and Local Government committees. He has the Republican, Conservative & Independence Party lines.

Ranzenhofer believes that employers should support his campaign because he will propose a 15% across the board spending cut and will return money to taxpayers in the form of a 10% income tax cut.

During his time in the Erie County Legislature, Ranzenhofer has:

  • Been the Legislature’s most vocal opposition to apprenticeship requirements (sponsored various legislation)
  • Never voted for a tax increase, sales or property
  • Supported the “hybrid” county manager position
  • Supported 100% dedication of “bed tax” revenues to CVB for tourism marketing (sponsored legislation)
  • Supported dedicated infrastructure improvement and maintenance funding (sponsored legislation)
  • Supported ECFSA borrowing
  • Supported performance-based budgeting
  • Supported Framework for Regional Growth
  • Opposed union hand-outs in exchange for contract negotiations