Is not being part of the problem. So, I’m running for office – specifically Onondaga County Legislator, 6th District.
I’d much appreciate your support if you are so inclined – please follow on Twitter and Facebook. We’re also fundraising and accepting contributions here.
Why am I running?
One reason – our area (Syracuse New York and surrounding communities) is the worst in the nation in terms of economic opportunity.
Yes, Onondaga County has been hammered by things beyond our control – as have many cities and counties. But unlike Buffalo, South Bend or Fort Wayne Indiana, our leaders have done little but watch and squabble and talk as our communities have deteriorated, businesses moved out, and jobs disappeared.
I see the history here- a community that created an entire industry and supplied the entire country with a critical resource – salt.
A community where innovation and creativity built a hugely successful foundry – Crucible. Where giant companies built big businesses and employed thousands in well-paying jobs in autos, electronics, chemicals, heavy industry here – in Onondaga County – because they needed committed workers, robust infrastructure, and can-do government. We have one of the world’s leading research universities, and in our community we have businesses like Tessy Plastics and Welch-Allyn, two innovative, successful businesses that prove you can prosper here.
Onondaga County can – must – get back to what it was – a high-energy, powerful, creative and can-do community.
County Legislators are supposed to manage a $1.4 BILLION budget, oversee County operations, and set priorities for the County. For this they get paid about $30,000 a year (which is about the average income here), AND get New York State health and retirement benefits. All that – taxpayer paid – for going to three or four meetings a month – if they even bother to schedule and show up to those meetings (many times they don’t).
As some of my most discerning readers may have noticed, my political leanings tilt Democratic – but old party definitions don’t mean much any more. Back in the day no Democrat would take $250,000 to speak to a huge investment bank, or forgive an entire industry for causing the worst recession since 1929, or ignore what’s been happening to working class families.
And Republicans wouldn’t have dreamed of trade protectionism or violating states’ rights by forcing them to comply with other states’ laws.
Yes, I’m going to continue my day job – working with workers’ comp companies to improve patient outcomes and reduce costs for employers and insurers. I love what I do, and I really enjoy helping companies get better.
One simple and greatly appreciated way to show support if you are so inclined would be to follow on Twitter & and Facebook. We’re also fundraising and accepting contributions here.
Mail me one of those classic “Paduda for Progress” T-Shirts ( XL please), and I’ll send you a campaign contribution or is that illegal to do? Although I usually meet you in the middle of the road with most your political views, I’m inspired by your commitment to try. Go Joe, go…..
will get you one when we do the next batch – all are made in USA and locally printed!
thanks Brian!
Go get ’em Joe!
Congratulations Joe! Showing us all that it’s better to walk the walk than just talk the talk. Your county will be better for having you in leadership.
Best of luck Joe. Getting involved and lending your time to getting the business of local and higher level government is a great public service. My wife ran for election 4 times serving as chair of our School district for 13 years.
You CAN make a difference and a connection to find common ground whether door-knocking, town meetings, at the grocery store.
Avid reader in Buffalo- Syracuse deserves better! Good luck and agree that the solution to progress and the future isn’t defined by party ideology
Great observation on traditional Dems and GOP. Go get ’em.
Wow – very very proud of you! Congratulations and knock then alive!!!!!
Avid reader here in FL. I am always inspired when people step up willingly to attack difficult issues. I wish you the best of luck and will follow you on Twitter and FB.
Joe,
Congrats on your campaign. Running for office is not for the faint of heart and I view my experience as one of the defining periods of my life. Best of luck.
thanks much Brian – it’s been a lot of fun so far and we’re only getting started
Joe,
Good luck with the campaign, we expect nothing less than victory.
Very impressed with your platform that you outlined on your website, as always you studied the issues and made it clear for people how things need to change.
I also like your take on the political parties – seems like everyone is forgetting about what government is about. Doesn’t it start with “We the people …”. I wish you success in getting everyone back to working for the people of Onondaga County.
The contribution is in the electronic in-box.
Congratulations Joe! I have always told you, you are my “managed care idol”, now I can really appreciate you stepping in the political arena (a place in which I long to partake in the future.) Hope you go far beyond Onondaga County! Will follow you on Facebook, Twitter and send in a campaign donation too! Much success!!
Nancy – I sincerely appreciate your support – thanks very much. Alas we have enough problems to solve here that I think this is work enough for me for the foreseeable future!
best Joe
Congratulations Joe! I have complete confidence that you will hit this out of the park and make a huge difference in the lives you will touch.
Way to go, Joe! We made the donation, but have to get a Paduda for Progress t-shirt (XL). Will be in north-central NY at the end of the month, and look forward to seeing the campaign billboards on the highway!
Go get ’em, Joe! Best of luck to you. I serve on City Council in Charleston, WV, and plan on campaigning for a bigger role soon.
Thanks cousin! Much appreciated. So far having a ball.