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(ELECTION UPDATE: Assemblyman Greg Ball WINS!! Congrats to a fantastic candidate and staff!)
Republican Greg Ball extraordinaire, NYS Assemblyman (District 99), and candidate for NYS Senate (District 40) has a reputation for shaking things up in Albany. In the state assembly going on six years, Ball has worked tirelessly for meaningful legislation, and courageously against state corruption – Greg labels a “profit sport” for “Albany insiders.”
Fighting for a voice in an assembly that has Republicans in a super minority, Ball manages to crack down on illegal immigration, effectuate a free college tuition program for U.S. combat veterans, provide health insurance for victims of a rare autism disease, and force a moratorium on hydrofracking due to water contamination concerns, to name a few accomplishments, amidst many hurdles.
“Leadership matters,” Greg explains, “in order to get things done, officials must stay active in their community, independent-minded and prepared to challenge the establishment.”
Bucking the system
At one time holding a position on the state assembly “corporation and authorities” committee, Assemblyman Ball uncovered the unfortunate truth that IBM’s multinational, computer technology corporation is accepting taxpayer funds to create jobs for New Yorkers, yet is creating jobs overseas.
Ball called for an investigation into IBM’s layoffs and off shoring of New York jobs, The company had accepted $45 million from the state as the first installment of $75 million in taxpayer money to create 1,000 new jobs. Times Herald Record.
Sounds like a subject in need of review, right? Wrong. Officials, having their own (a-h-e-m) comfortable ($-$-$) arrangement with IBM, rejected Ball’s proposal, removed him from committee, and ended the discussion right there. This is corruption with a capital “C” folks, that Greg Ball is unafraid to expose (kudos to him!).
But this is what Assemblyman Ball does and why he is wildly popular: He listens to the people then advocates for them with consistency and common sense – it is precisely the kind of representation the people are searching for and precisely why Ball is poised to win.
Assemblyman Ball has won election after election without major party endorsement by reaching out to the voters directly and winning their support each time (72% of the vote in 06 and 75% of the vote in 08). “I appreciate the strength in grassroots volunteers. Response to my campaign has been overwhelming,” says Greg in a moment of gratitude.
Greg calls his Republican opposition, Somers Town Supervisor Mary Beth Murphy, a “warm body” and “puppet” of an entrenched political machine that needs breaking. The Republican party-backed candidate, Murphy, does not hold a candle to Ball’s principled demeanor and ability to effect positive change in Albany.
Since a puppet is easier to handle than a live wire, Party leaders and elected officials will do anything to stop Greg Ball from moving up to the Senate, and have spent hundreds of thousands of dollars smearing his good name.
Greg Ball is the only conservative Republican in the primary race
Despite being an intelligent and nice woman, Murphy does not have the same dedication and platform that makes Greg Ball the better candidate. As Town Supervisor, Murphy increased her salary by 40% and raised mortgage taxes by 240%. She is “pro-choice” and has a 10 year anti-second amendment record. Is this the marking of a conservative Republican? Hell no!
Murphy’s Democrat-like positions are a stark contrast from Ball’s Republican-like positions. Greg Ball is pro-life, pro-2nd Amendment, and supportive of smaller government and lower taxes for New York. So, when my political junkie friends ask me “Raquel, are you backing Greg Ball?” my answer is, Hell yes!
Greg is also endorsed by the NYSRPA they keep sponsoring fundrs for him at the Walkill Rife and Pistol Range. I am a life member of the NYSRPA, the NRA, and The BSA. notice no reference to high fat diets here.
Gregs a good guy.
By Mitch Schwadron on Aug 11, 2010
I was unaware that Supervisors could increase mortgage tax rates. I also am unaware of the people in Somers complaining about not being able to “bear arms” on the streets of Somers pretty sure it has never been an issue in the last 10 years. Congrats on being just another puppet/mouthpiece of Ball.
By GOP on Aug 13, 2010
GOP, just because I support Greg Ball doesn’t make me his puppet. And quite frankly if you knew me you would know I am nobody’s puppet. Records are available to the voters, they can figure it out for themselves. Thanks for your comment!
By Raquel Okyay on Aug 13, 2010
GOP …
Raquel might be a pain in the ass but she’s no one’s puppet.
Greg Ball may also be an extreme pain in the ass but he’s what we need in Albany.
The problem is that both Republicans and Conservatives are conflicted this year, on the ballot and how they are allied.
The Lazio/Hayworth/Murphy/Leibell/Borkowski ticket is running smack up against the Paladino/Di Carlo/Odell/Ball/Katz alliance in three counties. It’s a mess for a lot of people who have picked the wrong sides too many times.
But that’s the ballot on September 14th — and Ball sinks or swims depending on where the sentiments for Nan Hayworth’s and Rick Lazio’s running mates follow.
Finally, you have the Leibell/Odell primary in Putnam. Lots of fun.
What happens if the support of Lazio and Hayworth by some Conservatives undermines good candidates like Greg Ball, Mary Ellen Odell and Steve Katz?
How can Conservatives reconcile supporting so many pro-abortion candidates, Raquel? And it’s not just abortion. It’s a slew of social and fiscal issues that will decide these primaries.
GOP … explain how Lazio, Hayworth, Leibell, Murphy and Borkowski are conservatives. This is a joke of a ticket. Meanwhile, Paladino and Di Carlo will get thrown under the bus by a bunch of RINO-like Conservatives whose lack of consistency on the issues might be the reason there is no Conservative Party after November.
Conservatives did it to themselves but the Taxpayers Party line won’t solve anything either.
P.S. — They understand the right to bear arms in Somers, GOP, and you obviously don’t!
By Conservative on Aug 15, 2010
Bob you’re a big pain in the ass but you have some likable qualities. You can be very funny when you want to be and you write interesting articles at NewsCopy.org.
I am supportive of the pro-life movement in many ways, not just political (as you know).
When I cover races here I look at the whole picture, who is electable, and who has what it takes to be a strong voice in government. The candidate of choice doesn’t always fall on the side of life. That doesn’t make me supportive of abortion rights.
I’ll be the first to tell you, abortion harms women, physically, mentally, and spiritually. All of my being tells me that abortion is wrong and immoral, and I do the best I can to change hearts one at a time.
I have endorsed the following pro-life candidates: Anthony Melé, Greg Ball, Joe DioGuardi, Jay Townsend, George Phillips, Allen West, and am proud to do so!
By Raquel Okyay on Aug 16, 2010