WPCNR CAMPAIGN 2010. From the Thomas Roach Campaign. August 10,2010 (Edited):

Assembly Candidate Tom Roach (D, I WF) issued a news release Monday that  said  his campaign for the 89^th Assembly District will focus on ways to reform Albany. “Like everyone else in New York, I am fed up with Albany dysfunction.  That’s why I am running for the Assembly. I’ve signed a number of pledges prepared by independent organizations that share my concerns and want to see business as usual in Albany brought to an end.”  

“I am committed to working for an on-time and balanced state budget without any increases in taxes, fees, assessments or borrowing as well as no unfunded mandates that would cause local property taxes to rise. This can only be accomplished by a real reduction in state spending.”

Mr. Roach faces Harrison attorney Mark S. Jaffe in the September 14 Democratic Primary for the opportunity to run against Robert Castelli, the Republican incumbent who won the 89th District seat by soundly defeating Peter Harckham of Katonah last February to replace former Assemblyman Adam Bradley.

Roach said that he believes that the state should use performance budgeting and outcomes measurement to be sure that the programs and services funded are not redundant and are meeting stated goals.

He has also signed pledges for independent redistricting. “Incumbent re-election is something to be deserved; it is not an automatic right. Gerrymandering districts to keep the status quo has only perpetuated the problems we now face. Enough is enough,” he said.

Roach noted that the first step in the process has to be the creation of an independent, non-partisan redistricting commission that is free from legislative and partisan influence.  In signing pledges sponsored by the Westchester County Association as well as NY Uprising, Roach is committed to working for a diverse commission whose members are not elected officials, not relatives of elected officials, not lobbyists, or party representatives.

Roach also signed a pledge to further transparency in government and promised to vote for ethics reforms regardless of the position of the leadership in the state legislature.

“The public has the right to hold their elected officials to the highest standard. This means that state legislators should be required to file a comprehensive annual disclosure form, available to the public, to disclose any outside income as well as any relationships or associations that may involve government interests or issues.”

Roach noted that the pledges he signed are the requirements of good and responsive government. “I have seen first hand, as president of the White Plains Common Council, how a dysfunctional Albany negatively impacts local government and our residents. I take these pledges seriously…because that’s how we can begin to reform Albany,” he said.

NY Uprising is a non-partisan, independent coalition started by Ed Koch to seek government reform in Albany. Roach is listed on its website as a “hero of reform”.