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NY 123rd Assembly District: What to know about Lupardo, OKeefe race

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3 weeks ago

October 30, 2024

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NY 123rd Assembly District: What to know about Lupardo, OKeefe race

On Election Day, New York State Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo will face off against Lisa OKeefe to represent New York’s 123rd district.

Lupardo has served as representative in the New York State assembly since 2005, and currently serves as Chair of the Agriculture Committee, a position she was appointed to in 2019.

OKeefe served as the representative for the 15th District in Stamford, Connecticut, and has served as the president of Science-A-Peel, Inc., a public charity program.

Donna Lupardo (D)

One of the issues Lupardo has emphasized is bettering the area’s economy, and how it fits into the state and regional economy.

According to Lupardo, a key piece of building a thriving economy is the development of work sectors, something Lupardo says she has been working on, citing examples in the advanced manufacturing, battery, tourism and agricultural industries. In order to create a “vibrant economy,” all of these pieces and more must come together — something Lupardo said she has worked on and will continue to address throughout her tenure in the Assembly.

“We are trying to develop the workers that we need for this vibrant economy,” said Lupardo. “Workforce development for the BOCES trade complex, trying to get SUNY Broome more funding so they can complete training that they are willing and able to do. Training for nurses, childcare workers and people that we need over in advanced manufacturing and battery industries.”

Lupardo also said her focus as a representative is in increasing quality of life for her constituents, an issue she says is closely related to the creation of a vibrant economy. Some key factors Lupardo mentioned include housing, public safety and mental health and addiction treatment.

“We need housing for all demographics — affordable housing, but also middle- and upper-income housing,” said Lupardo. “Right now there is a dramatic need for affordable housing and shelter for our homeless.”

Part of an increased quality of life comes from public safety, specifically EMS, fire and police services — which Lupardo says she will continue to focus on if she is elected. Lupardo referenced her participation in the Rescue EMS effort to push for legislation supporting EMS service providers.

Lisa OKeefe (R)

OKeefe said one of the primary focuses of her campaign centers around economic revitalization for the area. OKeefe said over the past few decades, opportunity in the area has declined, while poverty and homelessness rates have increased — something she would address if elected.

“We have some of the most brilliant minds here, and yet they take roads out of here,” said OKeefe. “They may go up to Rochester for the health tech hub, Syracuse for the manufacturing hub or downstate for the financial hub. We can easily go ahead and change things back and make us the health tech, finance tech and manufacturing hub of New York.”

OKeefe said she plans to create new jobs in the area, and ensure that people growing up, as well as students who go to school in the area are able to remain and have ample job opportunities when they are ready to work. As a consequence of this, OKeefe said the local economy would thrive, creating more income for local businesses as well as nonprofits and social organizations.

Another key issue for OKeefe comes down to the relationship between government and local residents, which she says has been dishonest and too focused on personal gain.

“For too long, there hasn’t been enough transparency or accountability with our government,” said OKeefe. “They have always been focused on their own wants over the needs of the people, and that has become bigger and bigger.”

OKeefe said as a result of this misplaced focus, groups such as veterans, the aging, the working class and those with mental health and substance abuse issues have suffered. Holding the government accountable would address those issues, making it easier for everyone to thrive, OKeefe said.