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Get out and vote! November 5, 2007
Voter turnout tomorrow, which was dismal in the September primary elections, is again expected to be low. That's because, in spite of all the media surrounding the Erie County executive race, virtually all other races are not competitive - that's an explanation; it's certainly not an excuse.
At the same time, this situation presents a particular opportunity for the business/employer community - if WE get out and vote and have our work associates, family, and friends do the same - to have OUR voices heard at the polls.
As I noted in last week's email to you, I hope the basis for your vote is (in addition to whatever other motivation/interest you may have) where the candidates stand on issues of importance to the business community. In that regard, I again ask you to review the INCUMBENT SCORECARDS AND CANDIDATE QUESTIONNAIRES regarding the Erie County legislature races. Take particular note of the Partnership's extreme disappointment in the inaction by the Legislature's Democratic leadership regarding the dedication of the bed tax to the CVB.
Regarding the Erie County Executive race, below is a summary of the candidates' positions on all of the Partnership's priority county government related issues. An editing error in my email last week left out my citing a major policy difference between Mr. Collins and Mr. Keane on one of those issues - apprenticeship programs, which the Partnership opposes. Mr. Collins also opposes them while Mr. Keane supports them.
By the way, Time Warner Cable will re-broadcast the Partnership's County Executive Candidates' Forum tonight (Monday) at 8 p.m. on Time Warner Channel 13. ISSUE | CHRIS COLLINS | JIM KEANE | Apprenticeship Law | Repeal it | Keep it | Improved Management of County Government | • Six Sigma • TQM • Employee empowerment | • "ErieSMART" • Performance-based budgeting • "Pay as you go" capital spending | IDA Merger | For it | For it | CVB/Bed Tax Dedication | For it | For it | Framework for Regional Growth | For it | For it | Planning Board | For it | For it | ECFSA | It's necessary (for now) | It hasn't been tough enough (on Giambra) | Economic Development Priorities | • Broader use of incentives • Branding the region ("back office capital" of America) • BNMC | • BNMC • Waterfront Development | Working with Partnership | Unclear - more focused on marketing/branding | Partnership definitely will be "at the table" |
With the above information in mind, PLEASE get out and vote tomorrow. Thanks.
Andrew J. Rudnick President & CEO
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GOTV
