BengalNews Reporters
North District Common Council Member Joseph Golombek Jr. is throwing his hat into the ring a second time for a seat in Albany in what is set to be one of the most hotly contested political races in the state. The seat is now occupied by Sam Hoyt, long time standing state Assemblyman of the 144th District.
Golombek, who was sworn in as Common Council Member for the North District in January of 2000, declared his long-awaited candidacy in front of more than 300 supporters at the American Legion Post on Amherst Street. The building resonated with cheers and applause as Golombek delivered a 15-minute speech that laid out his campaign promises and his disdain for Hoyt.
“My opponent Sam Hoyt has been in the State Legislator for over 18 years. He views himself as a reformer but the facts speak for themselves,” said Golombek. “To get real reform in Albany we need to sweep the incumbents out of office. Reform will only happen if new people go to Albany. Sam has had his chance and failed.”
Golombek’s criticism of Hoyt’s run in office was echoed by many of his supporters.
“I’m supporting Joe 100 percent. I’ve known Sam for a long time but eventually enough is enough. It’s time for some new blood. I’m very much looking forward to Sam leaving office,” said Robert Franke, the executive director of the Grant-Ferry Association.
“Sam Hoyt has done nothing. Nothing but what he’s doing right now. He just stands there and smiles,” said Marie Woodman, a longtime Buffalo resident.
When Golombek ran for the seat back in 2004 he garnered 46 percent of the vote while Hoyt achieved 54 percent, winning the race buy 760 votes.
“In 2004 I ran for New York State Assembly and I narrowly lost. It was a very close election. I did well then and I know this time I can do better now,” said Golombek.
Golombek, who is a part-time history professor at Buffalo State College, said he was spurred on by the outcome and believes that this time he will rally enough support to come out on top.
“No one is going to outwork me going door to door. I’ve already lost five pounds doing it and I’m looking forward to doing more,” said Golombek.
Franke along with many of Golombek’s supporters have dubbed this year’s election too close to call. Others believe that this year Golombek will come out on top.
“Joe’s going to win this election. The constituents, the tax payers - SP of this state are fed up. It’s time for Sam to go,” said David Masse, a Riverside resident.
“Joe came so close to winning last time and he was relatively unknown and I think with the fiscal crisis going on right now, he’s got a terrific shot,” said Luci Buell, a Buffalo public school teacher.
“I know Joe has a lot of friends, a lot of people that work behind him and he’s a hard worker so I think it’s going to be very close but I think he he’s got a good chance,” said David Coaster, standing in the middle of the tightly packed room.
Golombek says if elected, he will bring reform and change to Albany.
“For a start, I’m going to vote against Sheldon Silver for speaker of the assembly. He has had too much power for too long and he needs to go,” said Golombek.
Golombek also believes a law needs to be passed that punishes elected officials when they don’t pass the budget on a time.
“There needs to be a provision in State law that allows incumbents to be recalled if the budget is not passed in time. Also when a budget is late, not only should the Assemblymembers and Senators not get paid, they should not get that money back once the budget is passed,” said Golombek.
The announcement was held at the American Legion Club on Amherst Street in front of a packed crowd of more than 300 people. The atmosphere in the building was very energetic, optimistic and proud. The room in the building looked like a sardine can. Everyone was so tightly packed in there you couldn’t even move an inch in any direction.
ReplyDeleteEveryone was so excited that Joseph Golombek Jr, “one of them”, was running for office. The other thing that added to the excitement was the open bar at the event. Golombek announced that there was an open bar towards the end of his speech and the crowd just exploded.
I’m pretty sure that Golombek hopes they explode like this at the polls. --John Fetter
“He’ll get the job done,” was a popular refrain at the American Legion Post on Amherst Street after Joseph Golombek Jr. announced his run for the 144th District seat in the state Assembly.
ReplyDeleteHere's what supporters said:
“Joe delivers. He delivered for us as our Common Council Representative and he’s going to deliver in Albany,” said David Masse, Riverside resident.
“If he says he’s going to do something, he’ll do it,” said John Gurbacki.
“We’ve seen what he’s done in city hall and he’s going to be the guy that gets the job done in Albany,” said Robert Franke, the executive director of the Grant-Ferry Association.
Why do the people of the 144th District have so much faith in Joe Golombek?
“I’ve known him for 16 years. He’s never been vengeful or vindictive. He’s just honest and upfront,” said Dave Coaster, local supporter.
“He’s just a very honest man. He’s from a good family, a good father and a good mother, and he’s married to a wonderful lady,” said Irene Lsarz, longtime Buffalo resident.
“Joe’s one of the most admirable and honest guys. He was a Buffalo public school teacher and his wife is a lecturer at my church,” said Luci Buell, Buffalo public school teacher. “He’s just one of us.” --Kyla Goodfellow