We have come a long way in two years

Assemblyman John D. Ceretto

I’m your Assemblyman, John Ceretto. Two years ago, I ran for Assembly because Albany was broken and wasn’t working for taxpayers. I ran to fix the problems.

As a father, husband, taxpayer, homeowner, Town Councilman and County Legislator, I was horrified at the direction New York State was headed. State Government was dysfunctional. It was broken. There was out of control spending, always rising taxes, jobs and families were leaving, state budgets were chronically late, deficits and debts were exploding, political partisanship was poisonous and people lost faith in their government and many of those serving in it. It seemed like Albany’s only so called “solutions” were raising taxes, increasing spending and ducking responsibility. In short, our State Government was in crisis and New York was at a crossroad.

That was then and this is now.

Less than two years later, New York State is working again and I am proud to contribute to this turn around. We have passed two budgets, on time. We have reduced spending by $13 billion. We passed a property tax cap and the largest middle class tax cut in 58 years. We’ve reduced the Medicaid burden on local governments to the tune of $170 million.

I’ve worked hard and in a bipartisan fashion, with Governor Cuomo and Senator Maziarz; to see that we benefit more from our unique resources. I cosponsored the Power Proceeds Bill, keeping more low cost power made in Western New York in Western New York. I worked hard with Senator Maziarz to secure $25 million for Niagara Falls State Park and to pass the legislation that allowed Nik Wallenda to traverse the falls, putting Niagara Falls on television screens and the front page of newspapers across the world. Tourism is up 30% and I’m just getting started.

Locally, I worked with Empire State Development Corporation legal counsel to expand USA Niagara Development Corporation’s economic footprint, paving the way for expansion efforts at the Aquarium of Niagara. I appointed Renae Kimble to the Niagara Falls Public Water Board, who voted to ensure Niagara Falls water supply would be safe of dangerous chemicals. I’ve been a leading advocate in the expansion of Niagara Falls International Airport and NFIA is growing and growing, adding flights and destinations on a regular basis.

Perhaps most importantly, I am beholden to no one. No downstate political boss controls my vote, I answer to the people of my district only. I vote my conscience, always.

We have come a long way in two years, but have more work to do. Niagara Falls still needs more jobs, a stronger, more competitive economy, more opportunities and lower costs to keep our kids here. After years of false starts and broken promises, we’re beginning to see change.

You elected me just two years ago. I know there is more work to be done, but I am just getting started.