We in Western New York are a community of values. We raise our families here.  We work here.  We educate our children here. We have a multitude of cultural resources from professional sports teams to world class museums.  We enjoy natural wonders that few other communities offer. Yet our community is often said to be a community in decline.  One only has to ask… why?  I believe the answer lies within our state political establishment.  

New York State spends too much, taxes too much and institutes too many mandates our local governments, who instead of providing local services often become tax collectors and reporters to state government. For too long, politicians have gone to Albany where they either lose track of their values, or are coerced by special interests.  For too long, state representatives have not been held accountable for their decisions and actions.  

For too long, Western New York has experienced continual economic decline and fewer opportunities for our children and grandchildren to stay and prosper here. For too long, state government has lost sight of its purpose to serve the needs of the taxpayer first.  

I stand here as a full-time mother of three, a community volunteer and a former businesswoman -- not a career politician -- who is tired of the status quo. I share the disappointment of my neighbors that, in Albany, divisive partisan politics and special interests now trump public good.

I am concerned about a dysfunctional state government that has continuously resisted reform and failed to create economic opportunity for our residents.  

That is why today, I am announcing my candidacy to serve as the next Assemblywoman representing New York’s 142nd district in the State Assembly.  

I am taking this step because state government needs to be reformed.

Last year voters recognized that Erie County was in serious need of reform.  That is why County Executive Chris Collins won because his campaign was about standing up for taxpayers and taking a business-like approach to government.  His first one hundred days have demonstrated the type of success that can be achieved when voters and their political leaders work together and take their government back from the career politicians.

Building on my private sector experience, I will carry this theme with me to Albany.

Rational decision-making, balancing short term spending and long term investment, creating efficiency, and measuring return on investment are some of the skills I will use to maximize value for all taxpayers and maintain economic vitality as we move forward.  

The foundation on which I am running is centered upon three principles:  holding the line on spending with a goal of cutting taxes; eliminating unfunded state mandates which drive up local property taxes; and creating an environment that attracts businesses to the region.  

But we must begin with reforming the way Albany operates.  By doing so, we will reduce the cost of government.  Reducing the cost of government will allow us to cut taxes.  And by focusing on economic development, we’ll bring jobs back to Western New York and rebuild our economy.  

I see bright future where we have jobs and opportunities for our children and grandchildren to stay right here at home.  That’s why my husband Phil and I are raising our family here.  That is why I am running for the Assembly.

I ask for your support as I begin my campaign to bring a voice of reform to Albany.  Our future and prosperity depend on change.

Thank you.