Though I did not have anywhere near the infrastructure to get ballot signatures as Zephyr Teachout did for a Statewide race, I commend her for challenging the status quo in the upcoming Democratic gubernatorial primary. I encourage people to vote for her, not as a protest vote, but as a legitimate option to our Governor.
There are many issues, but let me describe the status of the three current Statewide office holders on Fracking. In 2012, during the time I tried to run against Senator Gillibrand, I reported in Daily Kos the donations she received from THE WORST POLLUTERS IN THE ENTIRE WORLD to her campaign. Here is the link: http://www.dailykos.com/... By no means can you legitimize these donations if you are truly against more nukes, more fracking, etc. She is for fracking 'if it's done safely'. Right.
Senator Schumer, who I would like to unseat in the next election cycle, has been quoted as follows: "Well, I haven't stepped on the governor's issue on this one. He's being very, very careful because there are environmental concerns," Schumer said. "But overall, the Democrats throughout the country have supported fracking. The president has, most of us have, and it's worked quite well." So, he is out of the closet on supporting Fracking.
Lastly, in Huf Post online, Gabe Elsner, Executive Director, Energy and Policy Institute, reported natural gas industry contributions to State Officials. In 2010, "Governor Cuomo received $153,816.06 from companies ranging from Constellation Energy to Consolidated Edison while running for governor in 2010". The bottom line is that on a Statewide basis, Zephyr Teachout and myself have unequivocally stood for a ban on fracking. I support it as a national ban like France has done.
Zephyr has a great platform on other issues and we'll see how she fares in any debate if the Governor shows up. I support her based on her anti-fracking platform, as well as numerous other issues that she seems to be very progressive on. The only other progressive in this race is Howie Hawkins on the Green party ticket, but that will be in the General Election. Make sure you vote! Sincerely, Dr. Scott Noren of Ithaca, NY.