PLATTSBURGH — Former Town of Plattsburgh Republican Party Chairman David Kimmel has announced a campaign for the 114th State Assembly seat now held by Janet Duprey.
The Cadyville resident said he decided to run because he sees Albany currently engaged in what he compared to World War I trench warfare. Once in a while, someone makes an ineffective attempt to get something done, Kimmel said, but for the most part the two sides simply watch each other across the line.
“The problem is if you are comfortable in your trench, nothing gets accomplished,” he said. “We need someone from the North Country who will fight and give businesses what they need to be successful.”
Albany and its spending and taxation are like a car headed for a brick wall at 150 miles per hour, Kimmel said, adding it is too late to emerge from the looming disaster unscathed.
If no one slams on the brakes, there will be nothing left, he said. Even if the brakes are applied, the car will hit the wall, but at least it can be repaired.
The idea that government could reach a state of gridlock evidenced by last year’s State Senate power struggle is outrageous, he said.
“It’s time for Albany to remember the words ‘We the People,’” Kimmel said. “Last year in Albany, we, the people, lost.”
One of the problems is the whole idea of the “other side” between the two parties, he said. If more would talk with the members of the other party and engage in dialogue, they might find they have more in common than differences.
“In Albany, politicians don’t seem to have any problem with being nasty to each other and not working with each other,” Kimmel said. “They are going after their own interests and not the interests of the people they represent.”
He said politicians claim they are working together. If that means taxing the North Country to oblivion and driving thousands of businesses out of the state, Kimmel said, that model can’t be sustained.
As a small-business owner, Kimmel has seen firsthand the effects of excessive state spending and taxes. He would work to shrink the size of state government, reduce its spending and reduce taxes.
“These are the enemies,” Kimmel said. “What we want to defeat is big government.”
His military career includes being one of the first responders during the 9/11 attacks. That experience showed him that when people work together they can overcome anything.
“That spirit of teamwork and vision is intrinsic to the people of the North Country. It is who we are,” he said in a statement.
“I am convinced that if our people, our businesses and our government work together now, the way we did then, we would be unstoppable — and we can do it.”
When contacted Thursday, Duprey said she welcomed the challenge. She has already committed to run for office next year.
“This is what sets our country apart from the rest of the world,” Duprey said. “Anyone who wants to can run for public office. The voters have a right to choose.”
Albany is sometimes frustrating, she said, as she is only one of 150 votes in the Assembly. It’s important to remember last year’s gridlock was a result of Senate actions, Duprey added.
“I feel that I represent this area well in Albany,” she said. “I believe I am as fiscally conservative as anyone down there.”
Duprey said she will continue to work with people throughout the district to address their issues. It makes her happy to see the results of those efforts when she travels through the area.
“I believe I have accomplished a lot for the constituents throughout the district,” she said.
The 114th district covers Clinton County, Franklin County and the Town of St. Armand in Essex County. Kimmel’s announcement sets up a primary vote before November’s election.
E-mail Dan Heath at:
dheath@pressrepublican.com
Local News
Related Photos
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Challenger David Kimmel and NY Assembly incumbent Janet Duprey. (P-R File Photos)
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