Two candidates seek NYS 115th Assembly seat

PLATTSBURGH | Two candidates are running to represent Assembly District 115 in the New York State legislature. The position opened when Billy Jones resigned last summer. Michael Cashman is on the Democratic and Working Families Party lines with Brent Davison running as a Republican and Conservative. The 115th District encompasses all of Clinton County and five towns in Essex County: St. Armand, Wilmington, North Elba, Jay and Keene. Candidates responded to questions presented by The Sun. Responses are in alphabetical order. Michael S. Cashman Party Affiliation: Democratic, Working Families Party Age: 44 Education: Bachelors and Masters Degrees from SUNY Plattsburgh. Occupation: Supervisor, Town of Plattsburgh. Government/Civic Experience: Current: chair, NYS Commission on National and Community Service (AmeriCorps); vice president, Association of Towns Executive Committee; member, SUNY Plattsburgh University Council; member, CV-TEC Advisory Council; UFirst Federal Credit Union Supervisory Committee; member, United Way of Adirondack ALICE Steering Committee; Clinton Community College Center for Governance Steering Committee; Clinton County Local Emergency Planning Committee; Honorary Rotarian. Past: Flight leader, North County Honor Flight; municipal liaison, Clinton County Incident Management Assistant Team; co-chair, United Way Day of Caring; president/founding member, Adirondack Young Professionals; Clinton Community College Foundation Board; NYS Young Leaders Congress; town councilmember, Town of Plattsburgh; former member, Town of Plattsburgh Zoning Board of Appeals. What is the most pressing challenge facing the 115th Assembly District in the coming term? These are divisive times and we need someone who will bring people together and put results above all else. The 115th District faces the need to grow our economy while protecting the quality of life that makes the North Country unique. That means we need good-paying jobs, lower costs for housing, utilities, and other necessities, and reliable infrastructure. How will you address it? I'm proud to have the bipartisan support of outgoing Assemblyman Billy Jones and former Assemblywoman Janet Duprey, and I'll carry that collaborative spirit forward. If North Country families know one thing, it should be that I'll always have their backs. When it comes to affordability, families across the district are struggling. I'll work to expand affordable childcare, fight heating and electricity rate hikes, prioritize housing affordability through programs for first-time homebuyers and seniors, and support small businesses through lower costs and reduced red tape. I'll also push back against federal healthcare funding cuts that would shift costs to patients. With an eye toward the future, we need to invest in education, particularly in trades training, and expand access to high-speed broadband to ensure the next generation can thrive. And our families need to be safe. I'll always support our police, first responders, and correction officers, fix Raise the Age to ensure people are held accountable for crimes they commit, stem the flow of opioids, and strengthen addiction and recovery resources to help the countless families across the region who have been impacted by the opioid epidemic. We need to stay focused on results, not politics, to create solutions that make sense for families, businesses and communities. Is there a comment you would like to share with Assembly District 115 voters? As the Town of Plattsburgh supervisor, I was successful in enacting policies that cut housing costs, fought utility rate hikes, and brought transparency and accountability to our town's finances so it could better serve our families. I'll bring that same energy to Albany to make sure North Country voices are heard loud and clear as we work toward policies that strengthen our great community and bring it into the future without sacrificing our values. Brent Davison Party Affiliation: Republican, Conservative Age: 53 Education: Associate of Applied Science Degree, Clinton Community College; attended FBI National Academy at the University of Virginia. Occupation: Veteran of both the United States Army and United States Army/National Guard; former correctional officer, Shawangunk Correctional Facility; 30-year veteran of the New York State Police, where I obtained the rank of major and was commander of Troop B; Deacon, Diocese of Ogdensburg. Previous Government/Civic experience: I have served my country in the military, my state in the state police, and my community as a Deacon. What is the most pressing challenge facing the 115th Assembly District in the coming term? I think much of what Gov. Hochul and one-party-ruled Albany is pumping out is bad for the community, but to name some specific examples, the CLCPA and green energy mandates are really hurting us, not only are they driving up energy bills, making it harder to put food on the table, but they are unreliable. A fully electric grid just doesn't work in the North Country, especially during the winter, this could lead to dangerous blackouts, which pose a significant safety concern during freezing temperatures. How will you address it? I will be a common-sense voice for the people of the North Country, making sure we are truly heard, and I will push back on any policy that will hurt the North Country. However, I am committed to working across the aisle to find common ground whenever possible. As a state trooper, I have experience working and interacting with people from all different walks of life, I know what it means to be part of a team and put aside differences for the betterment of everyone. I also have experience working with lawmakers and stakeholders in Albany from my time as a troop commander, so I am ready to build on those relationships and hit the ground running. Is there a comment you would like to share with Assembly District 115 voters? It often seems the North Country is forgotten by Albany, but I can assure you I will show up to work every day with a single mission in mind: make life better for the people of the North Country. Service is in my blood; I have done it my whole life, and I am ready to continue that service by serving you, the people of the 115th Assembly District. If you feel forgotten and think Kathy Hochul and one-party rule just aren't working for you, please consider voting for me, Brent Davison, this November.

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Two candidates seek NYS 115th Assembly seat

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