No Reform, No Raise: Assemblyman Koon responds
Well, I know this is kind of after the fact, since the State Leg has closed down for the
year, but I wanted to report back on what my Assemblyman said to me when I asked him if he supported the payraise, and if so, if he’d be willing to enact the Albany Project Reforms. Here’s what he said (emphasis mine):
Thank you for your recent e-mail regarding a potential raise for state legislators. I appreciate you taking the time to express your opinions to me.
As you know, there are rumors that we will be voting on a pay increase before the end of the year. Although this is not a sure thing, I can tell you for certain how I feel about it. I find it to be extremely irresponsible. I am elected by the people to represent their interests, not my own. I work very hard in my district office all year plus working in Albany for six months. I enjoy the privilege and appreciate the trust the voters have had in me over the years. It is quite simple, it is an honor to serve and I will not vote for a pay increase.
Again, thank you for your thoughts. If you should have any further comments or questions, please feel free to contact me.
Sincerely,
Assemblyman David Koon
Needless to say, I’m all jazzed since this response, to me, kicks serious butt. He could’ve been all mealy-mouthed and said generic politician-speak, but instead he was refreshingly clear and direct. As Rochester’s Man About Town said in his 2006 endorsements on Roch-a-Cha Rant:
State Assembly - 135th District
David Koon (D, I, WF) - Want to know how a Democrat can stay in power for so long in such a Republican-dominated district? By being an excellent representative who is both responsive to his constituents and true to his beliefs. Koon is a man of integrity and vision, and one of the few members of the Assembly who can point to real tangible successes in his life. Koon was one of the brave few who stood up to Speaker Silver, which makes him one of the incumbents friendly to reform in Albany. Plus, he’d make a heck of a County Executive.
Monroe County Exec Koon. Now there’s an interesting idea.
Exec. Koon…… Hmmmmm…..
interesting indeed. He has the political chops and name recognition to make a race of it, I think. I wonder about resources, though, either personal or fundraising. I believe the powers-that-be in the county party would be very partial to a candidate with personal money. Doh. I’m guessing it would be about a half-million dollar race, to be competitive.
And while Johnson lost to Brooks by a big number, I don’t think a different dem would have the same kind of baggage. I’ve looked at the numbers from 03, and it’s not out of the question. Brooks is in no way as alienating as Doyle, or rather JohnsonDoyle, was, with fewer negatives, but still, not invulnerable; I sense significant discontent, still, at least judging from D&C LTE’s and personal word of mouth.
Brooks v Koon could indeed be a fun race.
as far as word of mouth goes, i can share that dave koon is always very direct and honest in dealing with folks. he seems very down to earth as well. as for beating brooks, that is uphill, but it would be nice to see a race in this county, for once, that would pit 2 figures that are popular in their own right so that we could have an actual election without polarizing candidates.
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