Where They Stand: 2026 Monroe County Candidates for Congress, State Legislature, and Town & Village races

Reconnect Rochester has run a campaign questionnaire for several years with the goal of informing our audience where candidates for elected office stand on issues related to transportation and mobility. In the past we have focused on elections in the City of Rochester Mayor & City Council, Monroe County Legislature & Executive, NY Senate & Assembly, and our Congressional District (NY-25). To match our commitment to all municipalities in Monroe County, last year we expanded the questionnaire to cover town and village races. 

For the 2026 election year, we are running two candidate questionnaires to cover the primary election and the general election. 

For the primary election, we surveyed 21 candidates from across our region. We began by referring to the list of certified candidates provided by the Monroe County Board of Elections. With a list of all primary candidates, we located campaign emails and websites to send our questionnaire. 

All candidates initially received our questionnaire in the mail. We then sent several reminder notifications to encourage candidates to participate. Candidates with functional campaign webpages and emails received at least two reminders digitally. The hyper local nature of some elections often made finding the email addresses of candidates difficult. Many candidates run campaigns from Facebook pages or through word of mouth. Candidates without clear digital contact methods received a second copy of the questionnaire in the mail to the address the candidate filed with the Monroe County Board of Elections. 

Regardless of the contact method, candidates received at least two communications explaining our questionnaire asking for responses. The majority of our outreaches were sent on the week of May 7th, May 19th and June 8th with a deadline of June 10th to give us time to upload the responses to this webpage. 

If you have any questions about our candidate questionnaire, please feel free to contact us. Thank you for taking the time to see where your candidates stand and for voting.

Political Party: Democratic

Candidate Email: campaign@robinforus.com

Website: RobinForUS.com

1.  What do you think are Rochester/Monroe County’s greatest transportation challenges?

Monroe County and Rochester have an outmoded and outdated public transportation system that is neither accessible, nor practical for many of its residents. Moreover, although slowly improving, cycling infrastructure tends to lack connectivity and sufficient safety measures to make it a practical alternative for most commuters and across all demographics. Our car-first mentality has created a mindset where increasing access to multimodal forms of transportation is an afterthought, not the priority it should be.

2. Currently, Congress is debating the details of Transportation Reauthorization, the bill which largely shapes our nation’s transportation system investments over the next 5 years. It is currently unclear if the Reauthorization bill will be passed in 2026 or 2027. Will you commit to ensuring that the following program elements are included:

– Robust funding for Transportation Alternatives 

– Legislative language of the Sarah Debbink Langenkamp Active Transportation Act and the Magnus White and Safe Streets for Everyone Act

– Reauthorization and fund for the Safe Streets and Roads for All grant program

Yes. I am familiar with Safe Streets for All initiatives and wholly back their implementation. As indicated in my previous answer, I believe that transportation alternatives should be a priority, not an afterthought, especially from intersectional and equity standpoints. I would also back the Safe and Affordable Transit Act, which aims to expand and subsidize public transit to make it more affordable and reliable including: 1) Expanding transit funding to underserved communities; Reducing fare costs for low- and middle-income riders; Supporting multi-modal transit and active transportation (walking, biking) as part of safe streets goals.

3. In the U.S., pedestrian fatalities are up 83% since 2009. In Monroe County, an average of 12 bicyclists and pedestrians die on our streets every year and thousands more are injured. Rochester recently announced a commitment to “ROC Vision Zero” aiming to eliminate traffic deaths from our streets. If elected, would you support this program and if so, how?

Yes. I was examining a Vision Zero plan for the Town of Brighton, and I would definitely support it for Rochester and Monroe County. I would spearhead efforts to expand the Vision Zero discussion from just the city to the County level, which would address some of the skepticism currently being raised.

4.  Emissions from Transportation make up over 40% of Co2 emissions in Monroe County. To meet our climate goals, personal vehicle trips will have to be reduced. How will you support transportation options such as walking, biking and public transportation in our community, and improve accessibility to jobs and resources for residents who don’t own or want to use a car?

For me, as often is the case with issues involving the environment, it is not only a matter of sustainability, but also a matter of equity to improve multimodal transportation opportunities within our community. The communities most directly impacting by CO2 emissions are often the communities most vulnerable from a wealth and ability to mitigate perspective.

5. Why should Monroe County residents who care about safer streets, better mobility, and better public transit vote for you?

As a Town Councilmember, I consistently championed safe street initiatives within the Town of Brighton, and it remains a priority for me at every jurisdictional level. I would work with my partners at all levels of government to make streets safer, improve mobility and increase public transit alternatives.

Political Party: Democratic 

Candidate Email: 

Website: 

We did not receive a response from this candidate.

Political Party: Democratic

Candidate Email: pastortraywick@gmail.com

Website: Sheritatraywick.com

1. What do you think are Rochester/Monroe County’s greatest transportation challenges?

One of the greatest challenges is the lack of reliable and equitable public transportation access, particularly for seniors, individuals with disabilities, low-income residents, and workers who depend on public transit to access jobs, healthcare, grocery stores, and essential services.

Transportation affordability is another growing concern. Rising vehicle costs, insurance rates, fuel prices, and maintenance expenses place financial strain on working families, while limited transit options leave many residents with few alternatives.

2. Currently, Congress is debating the details of Transportation Reauthorization, the bill which largely shapes our nation’s transportation system investments over the next 5 years. It is currently unclear if the Reauthorization bill will be passed in 2026 or 2027. Will you commit to ensuring that the following program elements are included:

– Robust funding for Transportation Alternatives 

– Legislative language of the Sarah Debbink Langenkamp Active Transportation Act and the Magnus White and Safe Streets for Everyone Act

– Reauthorization and fund for the Safe Streets and Roads for All grant program

Yes, I support the inclusion of these priorities in the next Transportation Reauthorization bill.

Transportation policy should be about people, safety, and opportunity. Every year, too many pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists lose their lives on roads that can and should be safer. We have a responsibility to invest in transportation systems that help people get where they need to go safely, regardless of how they travel.

I support, robust funding for Transportation Alternatives to help communities build and improve sidewalks, trails, bicycle infrastructure, safe crossings, and other projects that expand transportation choices and improve safety.

The goals of the Sarah Debbink Langenkamp Active Transportation Act and the Magnus White and Safe Streets for Everyone Act, which seek to make our transportation systems safer for pedestrians, cyclists, and other vulnerable road users.

Reauthorization and continued funding for the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant program, which provides critical resources to local communities working to reduce traffic deaths and serious injuries.

As a mother, I want my children and all children to inherit communities where they can safely walk, bike, and play. As a former school board member and community leader, I understand that transportation safety is connected to public health, educational access, economic opportunity, and quality of life.

I also believe transportation investments should be equitable. Too often, low-income neighborhoods, communities of color, seniors, people with disabilities, and transit-dependent residents bear the greatest burden of unsafe infrastructure and limited transportation options.

3. In the U.S., pedestrian fatalities are up 83% since 2009. In Monroe County, an average of 12 bicyclists and pedestrians die on our streets every year and thousands more are injured. Rochester recently announced a commitment to “ROC Vision Zero” aiming to eliminate traffic deaths from our streets. If elected, would you support this program and if so, how?

When elected, I would support federal funding and policies that help communities like Rochester implement evidence-based safety improvements, for example Better street lighting, particularly in high-risk corridors and intersections. Clear, visible signage, crosswalk markings, and traffic signals. Safer road designs that reduce dangerous speeding and improve visibility. Sidewalk and pedestrian infrastructure improvements in underserved neighborhoods. Protected bicycle infrastructure where appropriate.

Improved accessibility for seniors, children, and people with disabilities. Investments in Safe Routes to School programs so children can travel safely. Modernized road safety education and stronger emphasis on pedestrian and bicycle awareness in driver education and road testing.

I also believe enforcement alone is not enough. We must combine engineering, education, and community engagement. Residents often know exactly where the dangerous intersections, missing sidewalks, poor lighting, and unsafe crossings are located. Their voices should help guide transportation decisions.

As someone who has worked in education, disability advocacy, and community service, I understand that transportation safety is also an equity issue. Children walking to school, seniors crossing busy roads, people with disabilities, transit riders, and working families all deserve safe access to their communities regardless of where they live.

4.  Emissions from Transportation make up over 40% of Co2 emissions in Monroe County. To meet our climate goals, personal vehicle trips will have to be reduced. How will you support transportation options such as walking, biking and public transportation in our community, and improve accessibility to jobs and resources for residents who don’t own or want to use a car?

As a mother, this issue is deeply personal to me. I have children, and I want them to inherit an Earth that is healthy, sustainable, and safe. I don’t want future generations to face increased health risks, poor air quality, or environmental conditions that could have been prevented through thoughtful action today.

At the same time, I believe environmental stewardship and economic opportunity must go hand in hand. Families should not have to choose between protecting the environment and getting to work, school, healthcare appointments, or the grocery store. In Congress, I would support federal investments that help communities like Monroe County expand transportation options beyond personal vehicles. That includes improving public transit, creating safer sidewalks and crosswalks, supporting connected bike and pedestrian infrastructure, and ensuring transportation systems are accessible for seniors, people with disabilities, and working families.

I also believe transportation planning should focus on connecting people to opportunity. Reliable transit can improve access to jobs, education, healthcare, childcare, and community resources while reducing traffic congestion and emissions.

As the former Chief of Staff at the Center for Disability Rights, I have seen firsthand how transportation barriers can limit independence and opportunity. Any transportation system we build must be accessible and usable for everyone.

5. Why should Monroe County residents who care about safer streets, better mobility, and better public transit vote for you?

One of my main priorities is public safety. I care deeply about these issues. In Congress I will support expanding access to affordable, reliable public transportation. Investing in safer streets for drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists, and children. Improving infrastructure that connects people to jobs, healthcare, and education. Supporting accessible transportation options for seniors and people with disabilities and ensuring federal transportation dollars are spent efficiently and transparently.

Political Party: Democratic

Candidate Email: scott@electscottcomegys.com

Website: https://www.electscottcomegys.com/

1. Across Upstate New York, transit agencies are facing a fiscal crisis due to a lack of dedicated funding while the costs of operating transit continue to rise. In 2025, lawmakers fully funded the MTA while without addressing shortfalls upstate. Lawmakers have proposed raising STOA contributions from the general fund and increasing dedicated revenue streams directed to transit. Will you commit to ensuring that RGRTA and all upstate transit authorities are fully funded in your next term?

Yes. I am especially interested in making the investments to help surrounding rural counties have a better public transit system.

2. Amtrak’s Empire Service has far exceeded pre-pandemic ridership numbers and trains to and from NYC regularly sell out Thursday-Sunday. As a state supported rail service, Amtrak operates the Empire Corridor as decided by the New York State Department of Transportation. What actions by the NYS legislature will you take to support the expansion of rail service and make other improvements to inter-city travel in upstate New York?

Better rail service connecting the regions in New York State has been a goal of mine since I moved to Palmyra in 2006. This is one of the best ways we can address better public transit between communities, cut down on transportation emissions from automobile traffic, control costs, create jobs, expand markets for local businesses. As a NY State Senator I would support expanding investment in rail to have more trains running, ensuring that the schedules better coordinate with public transportation operations within the local municipalities (including making bike and car share services available), and making sure that fares were affordable so the services can be accessible to everyone. The investment would also include expanding stations in more communities so more people could access service.

3. In 2024, Reconnect Rochester successfully advocated for $18 million dollars to be included in the New York state budget to bring Inter-City buses to Louise M. Slaughter Intermodal Station. As of now, the project has not started. What will you do as a legislator to move this project forward with NYSDOT and Amtrak to ensure that intercity bus riders are given dignified amenities?

We need to see what the barriers are to the project moving forward. I know with that station there have been security concerns, traffic concerns, and capacity concerns. The capacity concerns I believe may be spurious. As with all issues, I would move forward with quickly identifying the actual barriers and proposing and funding solutions to overcome those barriers so the station can be the hub that can better serve the entire community as envisioned. That will involve working with City partners to bring about the correct solutions. I realize that this language is vague and it would be better to have specific solutions, but that will require some more investigation on my part with the station, which I will do in the near future.

4.  In 2024, a Brookings report examining state DOT planning, investment, and accountability practices ranked New York 49th in the country, only outpacing Alabama. NYSDOT continues to prioritize the flow of vehicle traffic in the majority of its projects, has slow-walked strategic reform processes/plans, and keeps data such as crash reports out of the public eye. Proposed bike lanes on state roads are often symbolic and not safe or connected. Reconnect Rochester sits on both the New York Safe Streets Coalition and the New Yorkers for Transportation Equity Coalition which are advocating for systemic NYSDOT reforms. How will you work to advance NYSDOT transparency and accountability reforms in the legislature?

There really is only one answer to this question, and that is, as a State Senator, I will commit to holding the hearings necessary and directly reporting the findings to the public in order to be as transparent as possible. Lack of transparency in our processes causes distrust in the community and that is the most significant barrier to any program being successful. Public trust in every government has eroded so much that just about every initiative and project is brought to a standstill, and that only serve s a very few parties who make money due to stagnation in our society. I would be joining a few State Senators who actively engage with the public, give out all of the information about a project or program, and build trust so those programs can succeed by demonstrating the benefit of the program. We cannot shy away from telling people when things may cost more, but should, as we reveal those costs, argue why those costs will benefit the community and actually create a more affordable society. So, unlike the incumbent in the 54th State Senate district, I will spend my time with putting out more communications about reforms, convening stakeholder groups to discuss reforms, conducting town halls about reforms, and actively engaging to make those reforms work.

5. Many residents of the Rochester area either can’t, or can barely afford to own a car. Before the war in Iran caused gas prices to skyrocket, AAA estimated that car ownership costs over $11,500 a year. How will you support affordable transportation options such as walking, biking and public transportation in our community, and improve accessibility to jobs and resources for residents who don’t own or want to use a car?

We must get back to the idea that our communities should have services local to the communities and reduce the need for automobiles in the first place. This will not be an especially popular view, but it is the most realistic view. We need to encourage community development plans that ensure that grocery stores, pharmacies, healthcare facilities, schools, hardware stores, clothing stores, and other retail are within easy walking distances. At the same time we should make public transportation more accessible and reliable for people, which can be readily accomplished through expanded use of developing technology with cell phone apps and better planning for routes and stops.

We can invest in infrastructure to make bike travel (both standard and electric) safer, with better barriers to keep cars out of bike lanes and having more bike paths that don’t involve shared traffic space with automobiles. However, this will require some enforcement of bike safety laws on bike riders as well, but I feel this can be accomplished in a way that encourages a better relationship with bikers rather than an antagonistic one. Investment in communication infrastructure, specifically broadband internet communication, is one of my top priorities. Making sure that every area, regardless of population density or economic vitality, has access expands the ability for people to engage in remote work. During the COVID pandemic we witnessed that we can have more people be more productive with remote work, saw a sharp decrease in traffic, and, to the dismay of a few people with obsessive need for personal control, revealed a way for people in communities far and wide to have expanded access to jobs that previously were inaccessible to them. Someone working in Lyons may now consider a job in Rochester, Syracuse, or even Los Angeles, California, a job they can have locally. By encouraging remote work we actually create opportunities for people, reduce costs for both people and companies, and create opportunities to turn previous commercial areas into walkable, mixed use communities. Ultimately, it makes life more affordable.

6. Why should Monroe County residents who care about safer streets, better mobility, and better public transit vote for you?

I am someone who is dedicated to sustainability for our communities, and the most sustainable communities are those where services, goods, and jobs are available locally, where people are able to safely walk, bicycle, or drive safely, and where more options exist for when people need to travel farther for whatever reason they need. We have been living for a long time in a world created to divide us – home developments cut off from one another and often not allowing for a mix of age, income, racial, spiritual, or other demographics, abandoning communities to create commercial zones miles away from residential zones, and not connecting urban and rural communities in ways that make the best use of both regions.

Yet we have the potential to connect everyone while at the same time recognizing and respecting a person’s choice to live where they do, work as they want, and be a vital part of the community in their own way. By making the sorely needed investments to redesign our communities and how we develop, in the infrastructure necessary to support and connect people and services, and by encouraging different approaches to service and goods delivery, we can become a better, more sustainable, more affordable society. We can become the United States we are meant to be.

Political Party: Democratic 

Candidate Email: 

Website: 

We did not receive a response from this candidate.

Political Party: Democratic

Candidate Email: friends@friendsofbutch.com

Website: fitzsimmonsforassembly.com

1. Across Upstate New York, transit agencies are facing a fiscal crisis due to a lack of dedicated funding while the costs of operating transit continue to rise. In 2025, lawmakers fully funded the MTA while without addressing shortfalls upstate. Lawmakers have proposed raising STOA contributions from the general fund and increasing dedicated revenue streams directed to transit. Will you commit to ensuring that RGRTA and all upstate transit authorities are fully funded in your next term?

Yes, I commit to that — and I want to explain why this is not just a transit issue, but a fundamental question of fairness.

The numbers tell a clear story. Upstate transit aid has grown 115% over the past 15 years while downstate aid grew nearly 150%. Non-MTA systems like RGRTA receive state revenue that is 80% lower per resident than what the MTA receives. In the most recent budget, downstate systems received a 7% STOA increase while upstate got 3.4% — less than half. And RGRTA is staring down a structural deficit that will balloon over the next several years if state assistance stays essentially flat, potentially forcing service cuts to the people who need it most.

That is not an accident. It is the result of upstate transit having far fewer dedicated revenue sources. The MTA has 18 dedicated funding streams. Upstate systems have four. Closing that structural gap — through increased STOA, new dedicated revenue streams, and equitable capital investment — will be a legislative priority for me.

I also want to be direct about the path this investment should take: I support transitioning RGRTA’s bus fleet to electric vehicles as part of this funding effort. The state has already invested in non-MTA zero-emission programs, and RGRTA should be a full beneficiary of that pipeline. Electric buses cost more upfront, but reduce long-term operating costs and align with the state’s own climate commitments. Funding upstate transit and electrifying it at the same time is not a contradiction — it is the smarter long-term investment.

But I want to go further than buses. Rochester once had something remarkable: a subway system built in the bed of the old Erie Canal that opened in 1927 and connected the city with surrounding communities — Greece, Brighton, Pittsford — running on electric overhead wires for nearly 30 years. It was abandoned in 1956, not because it failed the public, but because highway policy and the politics of the automobile era made it easier to fill the canal bed with expressways than to invest in what we already had.

We made that mistake once. I don’t think we should accept it as permanent.

Modern light rail — the kind operating today in Buffalo, Seattle, and dozens of other cities — is exactly the subway-style rapid transit Rochester once had, updated for the 21st century. A well-designed light rail corridor connecting Rochester’s core to surrounding towns would reduce traffic, serve residents who don’t own cars, and give car owners a genuine alternative for commuting and recreation. It deserves serious study and serious advocacy at the state level, and I will bring that to Albany.

Fully funding RGRTA, electrifying the fleet, and beginning the long work of building rapid transit that extends into the surrounding towns — these are connected goals, not competing ones. The question is whether we have the political will to pursue all three.

2. Amtrak’s Empire Service has far exceeded pre-pandemic ridership numbers and trains to and from NYC regularly sell out Thursday-Sunday. As a state supported rail service, Amtrak operates the Empire Corridor as decided by the New York State Department of Transportation. What actions by the NYS legislature will you take to support the expansion of rail service and make other improvements to inter-city travel in upstate New York?

Thank you for raising this — rail service between upstate New York and NYC is something our family knows well. We’ve taken the Empire Service many times over the years and have always appreciated the convenience and scenery. I’ll admit, we do miss the dining car experience from years past — there was something special about having a proper meal while watching the Hudson Valley roll by!

You’re absolutely right that the Empire Service’s ridership numbers tell a compelling story. When trains are selling out Thursday through Sunday, that’s the market speaking loudly, and Albany should be listening.

In the legislature, I will actively support and advocate for:

• **Increased state funding** for the Empire Corridor through the DOT budget, ensuring New York lives up to its obligation as a state-supported service and doesn’t leave federal matching dollars on the table.
• **More daily frequencies** — the current schedule leaves too many travelers without options. Adding runs, particularly mid-week and early morning departures, would reduce sellouts and open the service to more commuters and occasional riders alike.
• **Station improvements** across upstate cities like Rochester, Buffalo, Syracuse, and Albany — modernizing platforms, improving accessibility, and creating true multi-modal hubs that connect to local transit.
• **On-time performance accountability** — working with NYSDOT to hold Amtrak and CSX (which owns much of the corridor track) accountable for delays that undermine ridership confidence.
• **Empire Corridor High Speed Rail** — continuing to push for the long-planned upgrades that would dramatically cut travel times and make rail genuinely competitive with driving and flying.
• **Restored dining and amenity services** — I’ll advocate with our federal delegation to pressure Amtrak to restore meaningful on-board service, because the experience matters for ridership retention.

Robust intercity rail is an economic development issue, a climate issue, and a quality-of-life issue for upstate New York. I’m fully committed to using every legislative lever available to move this forward.

3. In 2024, Reconnect Rochester successfully advocated for $18 million dollars to be included in the New York state budget to bring Inter-City buses to Louise M. Slaughter Intermodal Station. As of now, the project has not started. What will you do as a legislator to move this project forward with NYSDOT and Amtrak to ensure that intercity bus riders are given dignified amenities?

Reconnect Rochester did exactly what civic advocacy is supposed to do — organized, petitioned, and won. $18 million in the state budget is a real victory, and the community deserves to see it become a reality.

I’ll be honest: I’m coming to this fresh, and one of my first priorities will be to formally request the complete project plan and budget documents behind that $18 million allocation. The public should know exactly what was designed, what the timeline was supposed to be, and who is responsible for each step.

What I’ve learned is that the stall comes down to a specific structural problem: NYSDOT holds the money, but Amtrak owns the station. Neither agency has a signed agreement assigning clear responsibility, and no developer has even been selected. That is a coordination problem, not a funding problem.

As your representative I would work to:

• Use budget hearings and DOT committee oversight to bring NYSDOT and Amtrak to the table and produce a public project timeline with real milestones and named responsible parties
• Advocate for a formal interagency agreement between NYSDOT and Amtrak so the project has clear ownership and can move forward
• Maintain an ongoing relationship with Reconnect Rochester so community advocates have a direct line into the process

Intercity bus riders have been waiting in a rundown trailer since 2012. The funding exists. I want to help make sure it gets used

4.  In 2024, a Brookings report examining state DOT planning, investment, and accountability practices ranked New York 49th in the country, only outpacing Alabama. NYSDOT continues to prioritize the flow of vehicle traffic in the majority of its projects, has slow-walked strategic reform processes/plans, and keeps data such as crash reports out of the public eye. Proposed bike lanes on state roads are often symbolic and not safe or connected. Reconnect Rochester sits on both the New York Safe Streets Coalition and the New Yorkers for Transportation Equity Coalition which are advocating for systemic NYSDOT reforms. How will you work to advance NYSDOT transparency and accountability reforms in the legislature?

Being ranked 49th in the country is not a statistic to debate — it is a call to action. And it should embarrass Albany.

I want to share something about where I come from on this. Much of my professional background has been in research design and development across clinical products, health sciences, telecommunications, and robotics — work that led to holding several patents. In every one of those fields, the principle is the same: you cannot make sound decisions without reliable data, and withholding data doesn’t protect anyone — it protects bad outcomes. The fact that NYSDOT keeps crash reports out of public view is not just a transparency failure, it is an engineering failure. You cannot fix what you cannot measure, and communities cannot advocate for solutions they cannot see the evidence for.

So I want to ask you the same question you’re asking me: which specific reform processes do you believe NYSDOT has slow-walked most harmfully? I have identified two that stand out and would like to work with Reconnect Rochester and the coalitions you’re part of to prioritize them.

The first is NYSDOT’s Active Transportation Strategic Plan. Their current pedestrian and bike plan dates to 1997. A replacement has been in development for years and was projected for release in early 2026 — decades overdue and still not final. That delay has real consequences for how projects get designed and funded across the state.

The second is the NYSDOT Transportation Master Plan 2050, which advocates have noted still lacks clear, measurable commitments on Complete Streets funding, active transportation infrastructure spending, and vulnerable road user safety — despite extensive public comment pushing for exactly that.

On the legislative side, I will support the NY Safe Streets Coalition’s reform package, specifically:

• DOT Crash Data Transparency — requiring public access to the crash location, time, and cause data NYSDOT already collects but does not release. This data exists. There is no legitimate reason it should require a fight to make it public.
• Complete Streets Fiscal Reporting — requiring clear accounting of how Complete Streets project funds are actually spent, so we can hold NYSDOT accountable to its own stated commitments.

But I want to be clear: I would rather arrive at these priorities with you than hand you a predetermined list. If you can walk me through where you believe the most critical reform processes have stalled, I will bring that into the legislative work with me. That kind of partnership between advocates with deep knowledge and legislators with access to oversight tools is exactly how reform actually happens.

5. Many residents of the Rochester area either can’t, or can barely afford to own a car. Before the war in Iran caused gas prices to skyrocket, AAA estimated that car ownership costs over $11,500 a year. How will you support affordable transportation options such as walking, biking and public transportation in our community, and improve accessibility to jobs and resources for residents who don’t own or want to use a car?

The $11,500 annual cost of car ownership is not just a statistic for many Rochester-area residents — it is an impossible number. And it doesn’t get easier as you move into Wayne County, where the distances are greater and the alternatives are fewer. This is fundamentally an equity issue, and it requires a regional solution, not just a city one.

But I want to say something to everyone in this room who does own a car: this conversation is also for you. A well-connected trail network, a reliable regional bus system, a safe walking route to a local restaurant — these are not consolation prizes for people who can’t afford a car. They are amenities that make a region more livable, more enjoyable, and more economically vibrant for everyone. When you park the car on a Saturday morning and ride the Erie Canal trail to a coffee shop in a neighboring town, or take the bus to a Rhinos game without worrying about parking, that is the same infrastructure. The investment serves all of us — it just becomes essential for some of us.

I want to be direct about something else: the infrastructure we’re talking about — connected walking and biking paths, reliable transit routes, safe access to jobs and services — also happens to be good economic development. When you build a path that links a neighborhood to a coffee shop, a health clinic, a bus stop, and eventually a train station, you are building a corridor that serves people without cars and also draws people out of cars. Those are the same investment.

On the transit side, RGRTA already operates RTS Wayne serving Wayne County and RTS Monroe serving the city and suburbs — but the connections between them for people trying to reach Rochester, the train station, or the airport are limited and infrequent. That gap matters enormously to someone who depends entirely on public transit. I will advocate for increased state operating support for RGRTA to strengthen those cross-county connections, with particular attention to routes that link Wayne County residents to the Louise M. Slaughter Intermodal Station and the airport.

But transit alone won’t solve this. Here is how I see the broader picture:

• Multi-county planning coordination. City, town, and county planning across Monroe and Wayne counties needs to work together on a shared mobility vision — not separately. Active transportation paths that dead-end at a municipal boundary serve no one. I will push for joint planning requirements and funding structures that incentivize cross-jurisdictional coordination.
• Paths that go somewhere people actually want to go. A bike lane that leads nowhere useful is not infrastructure — it is decoration. Planned routes need to integrate local destinations: small businesses, restaurants, coffee shops, parks, employment centers. That kind of planning builds both ridership and community economic vitality for car owners and non-car owners alike.
• Longer-distance active transportation corridors linking Wayne County to Rochester. The Erie Canal trail and existing rail corridors offer real potential as spine routes that Wayne County residents could use to reach transit hubs — and that families could use for weekend recreation. • Supporting the Lake Avenue Bus Rapid Transit study. State funding has already been secured to study BRT on one of Rochester’s busiest and most dangerous corridors. I will support moving that from study to implementation.
• Expanding fare accessibility. Monroe County’s EBT bus fare pilot — which lets transit-assistance recipients tap their EBT card directly instead of waiting for a bus pass in the mail — is the right idea. I will advocate for expanding that model region wide, including Wayne County.

And then there is the question of culture — because infrastructure alone does not change behavior. In the early days of aviation, it wasn’t just the planes that built public enthusiasm for flight. It was the barnstormers and the air shows: events that brought ordinary people face to face with something new, made it exciting, and invited them to imagine themselves participating. We need the same energy around active transportation and trails.

That means organizing signature community events — trail openings, guided group rides along the Erie Canal corridor, walking festivals connecting neighborhoods to local businesses, ‘try the bus’ days with incentives for first-time riders. Not one-off gestures, but a sustained regional effort to make these options visible, fun, and socially normal. Small businesses along planned corridors should be partners and beneficiaries in that effort, not afterthoughts. When a coffee shop on a new trail route sees weekend foot traffic triple — from cyclists and walkers who drove there to start their ride — that story spreads faster than any public service announcement.

Finally, I want to say plainly: this region has under invested in the people who need these options most for far too long. Making this work requires treating mobility as infrastructure with the same seriousness we give roads and bridges — because for residents without a car, it is. And for everyone else, it makes this a better place to live.

6. Why should Monroe County residents who care about safer streets, better mobility, and better public transit vote for you?

Because I’ve spent this entire conversation doing something that doesn’t always happen at candidate forums: telling you what I don’t know yet, and what I intend to find out.

I haven’t promised you that I’ve been fighting for these issues for years. What I’ve promised is that I will show up with the right questions, the right tools, and a genuine commitment to getting to answers — and then act on them.

My background is in research and development — clinical products, health sciences, telecommunications, robotics — work that led to holding several patents. In every one of those fields, the discipline is the same: you define the problem clearly, you gather the data, you let the evidence point to the solution, and you build something that actually works. That approach doesn’t change when the problem is a stalled bus terminal, an underfunded transit agency, or a NYSDOT that ranks 49th in the country while keeping crash data out of the public eye.

Here is what I’ve committed to in this conversation:

On rail: I will advocate for more Empire Service frequencies, better on-time performance, and restored on-board amenities — because we use this train and we know what it used to be.

On the intermodal station: I will request the full project plan behind the $18 million allocation, identify who between NYSDOT and Amtrak is responsible for the stall, and use every legislative oversight tool available to break that logjam.

On NYSDOT reform: I will support crash data transparency, Complete Streets fiscal reporting, and hold the agency accountable to its own stated plans — because you cannot make sound decisions without data, and withholding it protects bad outcomes, not people.

On mobility: I will push for multi-county planning coordination across Monroe and Wayne, paths that connect to real destinations, longer Erie Canal corridor routes, and the kind of sustained community events that make these options visible and exciting — not just functional.

On transit funding: I will commit to full and equitable STOA funding for RGRTA, advocate for electric bus fleet transition, and carry into Albany the case for the light rail Rochester once had and gave up too soon.

But here is the deeper reason to vote for me. Every one of these issues — the stalled terminal, the underfunded buses, the missing crash data, the disconnected bike lanes — has the same root cause: decisions made without the right data, without real coordination, and without someone willing to ask the uncomfortable questions publicly and on the record.

That is what I do. It is what my career has been built on. And it is exactly what this work requires.

I’m not asking you to trust that I already have all the answers. I’m asking you to trust that along with you we will go get them — and bring them back to enable progress.

Political Party: Democratic

Candidate Email: joe@electlamanna.com

Website: https://www.electlamanna.com

1. Across Upstate New York, transit agencies are facing a fiscal crisis due to a lack of dedicated funding while the costs of operating transit continue to rise. In 2025, lawmakers fully funded the MTA while without addressing shortfalls upstate. Lawmakers have proposed raising STOA contributions from the general fund and increasing dedicated revenue streams directed to transit. Will you commit to ensuring that RGRTA and all upstate transit authorities are fully funded in your next term?

I believe upstate transit systems deserve fair and reliable funding. In 2025, the MTA was fully funded while upstate agencies like RGRTA were left facing major gaps, and that imbalance needs to be corrected. More of the state’s $3 billion in transit funds must be directed to rural communities like those in the 130th Assembly District, where smaller systems are essential for connecting people to work, medical care, and daily needs. I support increasing STOA contributions and strengthening dedicated revenue streams so RGRTA and all upstate transit authorities receive the stable funding they need to operate safely and sustainably.

2. Amtrak’s Empire Service has far exceeded pre-pandemic ridership numbers and trains to and from NYC regularly sell out Thursday-Sunday. As a state supported rail service, Amtrak operates the Empire Corridor as decided by the New York State Department of Transportation. What actions by the NYS legislature will you take to support the expansion of rail service and make other improvements to inter-city travel in upstate New York?

I believe rail service is essential for Upstate New York’s future. The Empire Corridor is already over capacity, and we need to expand service not only there but also east–west through rural areas, with more frequent stops in smaller communities. Rail access would strengthen local economies and improve mobility for workers, seniors, and students.

In the Legislature, I would support and introduce legislation for increased state investment in inter‑city rail, including funding for new routes, upgraded infrastructure, and expanded service. Rural regions like the 130th Assembly District must be included in New York’s long‑term transportation planning, not left behind as it has been.

3. In 2024, Reconnect Rochester successfully advocated for $18 million dollars to be included in the New York state budget to bring Inter-City buses to Louise M. Slaughter Intermodal Station. As of now, the project has not started. What will you do as a legislator to move this project forward with NYSDOT and Amtrak to ensure that intercity bus riders are given dignified amenities?

I’m grateful that $18 million was secured in the state budget to bring inter‑city buses to the Louise M. Slaughter Intermodal Station, but it’s unacceptable that the project hasn’t moved forward. Riders deserve safe, dignified, weather‑protected amenities.

As a legislator, I would press NYSDOT and Amtrak for clear timelines, regular progress updates, process gates, and accountability for the funds already appropriated. I would work to ensure this project moves forward and that upstate and rural riders receive the quality of service they’ve been promised but yet received.

4.  In 2024, a Brookings report examining state DOT planning, investment, and accountability practices ranked New York 49th in the country, only outpacing Alabama. NYSDOT continues to prioritize the flow of vehicle traffic in the majority of its projects, has slow-walked strategic reform processes/plans, and keeps data such as crash reports out of the public eye. Proposed bike lanes on state roads are often symbolic and not safe or connected. Reconnect Rochester sits on both the New York Safe Streets Coalition and the New Yorkers for Transportation Equity Coalition which are advocating for systemic NYSDOT reforms. How will you work to advance NYSDOT transparency and accountability reforms in the legislature?

New York’s ranking in the Brookings report shows how urgently NYSDOT needs reform. For years, the agency has prioritized traffic flow over safety, transparency, and real community needs…and rural areas like those in the 130th Assembly District have consistently been left behind. Upstate communities deserve real investment, not symbolic or disconnected projects.

As a legislator, I would push for stronger NYSDOT accountability, public access to crash data, and clear timelines for long‑delayed safety and planning reforms. I would also support legislation requiring NYSDOT to prioritize complete‑street design and meaningful bike and pedestrian infrastructure. Rural communities deserve the same transparency, safety, and investment as the rest of the state, and I will work to ensure they finally receive it.

5. Many residents of the Rochester area either can’t, or can barely afford to own a car. Before the war in Iran caused gas prices to skyrocket, AAA estimated that car ownership costs over $11,500 a year. How will you support affordable transportation options such as walking, biking and public transportation in our community, and improve accessibility to jobs and resources for residents who don’t own or want to use a car?

*This section was left blank by the respondent*

6. Why should Monroe County residents who care about safer streets, better mobility, and better public transit vote for you?

As a legislator, I would support investments that expands affordable transportation options including safer sidewalks and crossings, connected bike routes, and a much stronger rural public transit service. I would also push for better coordination between transit providers and local employers along with car-pooling systems so residents without cars can reliably reach jobs, healthcare, and essential services. Everyone deserves access to opportunity, whether they drive or not, and I will work to ensure our rural communities finally receive the transportation support they need.

Political Party: Democratic

Candidate Email: teammeeks2026@gmail.com

Website: https://votedemondmeeks.com/

1. Across Upstate New York, transit agencies are facing a fiscal crisis due to a lack of dedicated funding while the costs of operating transit continue to rise. In 2025, lawmakers fully funded the MTA while without addressing shortfalls upstate. Lawmakers have proposed raising STOA contributions from the general fund and increasing dedicated revenue streams directed to transit. Will you commit to ensuring that RGRTA and all upstate transit authorities are fully funded in your next term?

Yes. Public transportation is a lifeline for many residents in Rochester and communities across Upstate New York. I will continue to advocate for fair and sustainable transit funding that ensures RGRTA and other upstate transit authorities have the resources necessary to provide reliable, accessible service for the people who depend on it every day.

2. Amtrak’s Empire Service has far exceeded pre-pandemic ridership numbers and trains to and from NYC regularly sell out Thursday-Sunday. As a state supported rail service, Amtrak operates the Empire Corridor as decided by the New York State Department of Transportation. What actions by the NYS legislature will you take to support the expansion of rail service and make other improvements to inter-city travel in upstate New York? 

As ridership continues to grow, New York must invest in a transportation network that meets the needs of residents across Upstate communities. I support efforts to expand rail service, improve reliability and accessibility, and make strategic infrastructure investments that strengthen connections between Rochester and the rest of the state while creating economic opportunities for local residents.

3. In 2024, Reconnect Rochester successfully advocated for $18 million dollars to be included in the New York state budget to bring Inter-City buses to Louise M. Slaughter Intermodal Station. As of now, the project has not started. What will you do as a legislator to move this project forward with NYSDOT and Amtrak to ensure that intercity bus riders are given dignified amenities? 

Securing funding is only the first step; delivering results for the community is what matters. I will advocate for timely action from NYSDOT and Amtrak, monitor the project’s progress and work with local partners to ensure intercity bus riders have access to safe, comfortable and dignified amenities at the Louise M. Slaughter Intermodal Station.

4.  In 2024, a Brookings report examining state DOT planning, investment, and accountability practices ranked New York 49th in the country, only outpacing Alabama. NYSDOT continues to prioritize the flow of vehicle traffic in the majority of its projects, has slow-walked strategic reform processes/plans, and keeps data such as crash reports out of the public eye. Proposed bike lanes on state roads are often symbolic and not safe or connected. Reconnect Rochester sits on both the New York Safe Streets Coalition and the New Yorkers for Transportation Equity Coalition which are advocating for systemic NYSDOT reforms. How will you work to advance NYSDOT transparency and accountability reforms in the legislature? 

New Yorkers deserve a transportation system that is transparent, accountable, and responsive to community needs. I support efforts to improve public access to transportation data, strengthen oversight of state transportation investments, and ensure that safety, accessibility and equity are central considerations in project planning and implementation.

5. Many residents of the Rochester area either can’t, or can barely afford to own a car. Before the war in Iran caused gas prices to skyrocket, AAA estimated that car ownership costs over $11,500 a year. How will you support affordable transportation options such as walking, biking and public transportation in our community, and improve accessibility to jobs and resources for residents who don’t own or want to use a car?

Transportation should never be a barrier to opportunity. I support investments in reliable public transit, safer streets for pedestrians and cyclists and transportation infrastructure that connects residents to jobs, schools, healthcare and essential services while providing affordable alternatives to car ownership.

6. Why should Monroe County residents who care about safer streets, better mobility, and better public transit vote for you?

Monroe County residents deserve a transportation system that is safe, accessible, and works for everyone. Throughout my time in office, I have fought to expand opportunity, strengthen communities and ensure that working families have access to the resources they need. I will continue to support investments that improve safety, mobility and transportation access for all residents.

Political Party: Democratic 

Candidate Email: 

Website: 

We did not receive a response from this candidate.

Political Party: Democratic 

Candidate Email: 

Website: 

We did not receive a response from this candidate.

Political Party: Democratic 

Candidate Email: meheyman87@gmail.com

Website: 

1. What are your town’s greatest transportation challenges? Why should town residents who care about safer streets, better mobility, and better public transit vote for you?

In speaking with residents of Rush the greatest concern is speed on the connecting main streets that may not have a significant amount of traffic but above the posted speed limit.

I plan to collaborate with the Monroe County Sherriff Office to review these locations for a more consistent and reasonable speed limits to be posted. There is no public transportation in Rush which does not seem burdensome to anyone. I believe residents would appreciate less speeding.

2. The United States has 3 times the motorist fatality rate compared to 18 other developed countries (2019, CDC data). In the U.S., pedestrian fatalities are up 75% since 2010. In Monroe County, an average of 13 bicyclists and pedestrians die on our streets every year and thousands more are injured. Across the country, municipalities are embracing Vision Zero as well as the Safe System Approach. How would you work with other town officials, County and State DOTs to improve road safety in your town?

I support the Safe System Approach and value the shared responsibility aspect of the plan. It is difficult to regulate others and our safety begins with each of us in the community. This would be a great way to open discussions and improve over all safety in the Town of Rush.

3. What steps are you taking to fund key active transportation improvement projects outlined in your town planning documents? Do you plan to  and take advantage of matching funds such as the Monroe County’s Municipal sidewalk funding?

If elected I would identify and apply for all funding available to our community, including Municipal Sidewalk funding. It would be targeted and improve walkability and accessibility for both required use and recreational use.

4. Roughly 11% of Monroe County Households do not have access to a car and rely on public transportation and active transportation to get around. What land use and economic development policies would you pursue to encourage job creation and development along existing transportation corridors and traditional main streets?

*The response to this question was left blank*

Political Party: Democratic 

Candidate Email: heidiforfairport@gmail.com

Website: Heidi for Fairport or Fairport Rising on Facebook

1. What are your town’s greatest transportation challenges? Why should town residents who care about safer streets, better mobility, and better public transit vote for you?

The greatest transportation challenges for the Village of Fairport include a lack of access to a larger public transport system with more frequent schedules and a lack of enough safe bike trails, bike boulevards and bike lanes connecting suburban areas which are largely car centric. I am a cyclist, and an avid one when my schedule allows. I don’t think that everyone should have to own a car to access work or recreation. When elected, would like to work with RTS, ReConnect Rochester and other community partners to facilitate bringing these resources to the Village of Fairport and connecting to a larger transportation network. Providing alternate forms of accessible and safe transportation will not only improve the bike-ability and walkability of suburban towns and villages, it will improve overall safety, decrease pollution and help local businesses.

2. The United States has 3 times the motorist fatality rate compared to 18 other developed countries (2019, CDC data). In the U.S., pedestrian fatalities are up 75% since 2010. In Monroe County, an average of 13 bicyclists and pedestrians die on our streets every year and thousands more are injured. Across the country, municipalities are embracing Vision Zero as well as the Safe System Approach. How would you work with other town officials, County and State DOTs to improve road safety in your town?

As an elected village official and a human, Vision Zero is that standard that we should all be striving for. As mayor, I would be focusing on 3 of the objectives where I think we could make the biggest impact for residents of the Village of Fairport. Safer Speeds by asking DOT to allow us to decrease the speed limit on main roads and in neighborhoods. I am currently working with representatives from FCSD to improve safety and awareness for students and drivers at all school crosswalks, particularly with the school time changes coming this fall. Safer Roads would be accounted for whenever we have the opportunity to add traffic calming features to roads that are being repaired, repaved or are in need of increased safety. We can encourage the Safer People objective thru targeted education cooperating with schools and our police department to encourage safe, responsible driver behavior.

3. What steps are you taking to fund key active transportation improvement projects outlined in your town planning documents? Do you plan to  and take advantage of matching funds such as the Monroe County’s Municipal sidewalk funding?

The Village of Fairport has planned sidewalk replacement in different areas of the village each construction season included in our yearly budget. We recently completed a $5 million Streetscape project on our Main street through a TAP grant that included new ADA compliant sidewalks, new trees, new signage, new lighting and complete electrical upgrades. Beacon activated crosswalks have been added throughout the village and I’d like to see more added to allow for safe crossing and connection of different neighborhoods. There are a few areas in the village where sidewalks simply end and one of my goals is to extend these sidewalks to completion. We have measures included in our budget as finances allow and will continue to pursue grant opportunities to assist with our transportation safety goals.

4. Roughly 11% of Monroe County Households do not have access to a car and rely on public transportation and active transportation to get around. What land use and economic development policies would you pursue to encourage job creation and development along existing transportation corridors and traditional main streets?

I would pursue policies that prioritize accessibility and safety for residents and visitors wanting to have a less car centric experience while living, working or traveling in the Village of Fairport. I will work with community partners, experts and residents to determine what would best suit the needs of our village.

Political Party: Democratic 

Candidate Email: 

Website: 

We did not receive a response from this candidate.

Political Party: Democratic 

Candidate Email: adam.bonosky@gmail.com

Website: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61586635224657; and https://www.facebook.com/adamforfairport

1. What are your town’s greatest transportation challenges? Why should town residents who care about safer streets, better mobility, and better public transit vote for you?

We currently have been working to improve our pedestrian infrastructure. Main Street has received new sidewalks and we continue to repair and replace sidewalks annually. That being said, streets that better slow down traffic to improve walkability, along with bike infrastructure to make it more comfortable for parents to bike with their children would be a great step forward. Our entire region could benefit from more frequent transit to better connect and improve the economic sustainability of our communities.

My background in helping other communities enhance their walkability and bikeability enables me to bring the most current best practices to the village. For example, I have been working with residents to determine test installations for enhanced walkability to slow down cars, reduce the distance for crossing, and perhaps find locations for temporary bike infrastructure tests.

2. The United States has 3 times the motorist fatality rate compared to 18 other developed countries (2019, CDC data). In the U.S., pedestrian fatalities are up 75% since 2010. In Monroe County, an average of 13 bicyclists and pedestrians die on our streets every year and thousands more are injured. Across the country, municipalities are embracing Vision Zero as well as the Safe System Approach. How would you work with other town officials, County and State DOTs to improve road safety in your town?

Improving our options for ways to get around is a quality of life issue. I would continue to work with people in our neighborhoods to find ways to enhance our walkability and bikeability through tests that engage neighborhood residents. I will highlight other areas where it is uncomfortable to walk, or where sidewalks are still needed and include their installation during our budgeting process. I will continue to advocate for enhanced regional transit from our County, State, and Federal representatives

3. What steps are you taking to fund key active transportation improvement projects outlined in your town planning documents? Do you plan to  and take advantage of matching funds such as the Monroe County’s Municipal sidewalk funding?

I continue to fund our sidewalk maintenance and replacement program each year in the budget, having doubled our efforts in the past two years. I am working with our various departments to determine the timelines and costs involved for installing new infrastructure, from pedestrian to bicycle. There are few Monroe County roads in Fairport, but where they do exist, I will work to get grant funding for sidewalks.

4. Roughly 11% of Monroe County Households do not have access to a car and rely on public transportation and active transportation to get around. What land use and economic development policies would you pursue to encourage job creation and development along existing transportation corridors and traditional main streets?

Fairport recently passed an updated zoning code, allowing for a greater range of housing types in the Village along with more opportunities for housing in our downtown. This will help support our local businesses, enabling them to expand and provide more jobs, and make it easier for entrepreneurs to start their own venture. More housing options will also make it easier for our residents to also work in the village, encouraging more people to walk provide a greater range of options to get to work.

Political Party: Democratic 

Candidate Email: 

Website: 

We did not receive a response from this candidate.

Political Party: Democratic 

Candidate Email: 

Website: 

We did not receive a response from this candidate.

Political Party: Republican

Candidate Email: campaign@votegeorgedobbins.com

Website: votegeorgedobbins.com

1. Across Upstate New York, transit agencies are facing a fiscal crisis due to a lack of dedicated funding while the costs of operating transit continue to rise. In 2025, lawmakers fully funded the MTA while without addressing shortfalls upstate. Lawmakers have proposed raising STOA contributions from the general fund and increasing dedicated revenue streams directed to transit. Will you commit to ensuring that RGRTA and all upstate transit authorities are fully funded in your next term?

First, upstate taxpayers shouldn’t subsidize MTA failures. I would support targeted, accountable funding for RGRT A and upstate agencies with strict performance metrics, efficiency reforms, and no new taxes. Full funding requires results. No more blank checks for Albany insiders!

2. Amtrak’s Empire Service has far exceeded pre-pandemic ridership numbers and trains to and from NYC regularly sell out Thursday-Sunday. As a state supported rail service, Amtrak operates the Empire Corridor as decided by the New York State Department of Transportation. What actions by the NYS legislature will you take to support the expansion of rail service and make other improvements to inter-city travel in upstate New York? 

I would support expanding reliable Empire Corridor service to boost upstate jobs and tourism, but only with cost controls, federal/private partnerships, and measurable returns. We must cut red tape and prioritize maintenance over wasteful projects.

3. In 2024, Reconnect Rochester successfully advocated for $18 million dollars to be included in the New York state budget to bring Inter-City buses to Louise M. Slaughter Intermodal Station. As of now, the project has not started. What will you do as a legislator to move this project forward with NYSDOT and Amtrak to ensure that intercity bus riders are given dignified amenities? 

The stalled $18M project is unacceptable. I would demand immediate accountability from NYSDOT and Amtrak with firm timelines and transparent spending. We need efficient, dignified amenities for riders without cost overruns or more delays on the Wayne County and Webster taxpayers’ dime.

4.  In 2024, a Brookings report examining state DOT planning, investment, and accountability practices ranked New York 49th in the country, only outpacing Alabama. NYSDOT continues to prioritize the flow of vehicle traffic in the majority of its projects, has slow-walked strategic reform processes/plans, and keeps data such as crash reports out of the public eye. Proposed bike lanes on state roads are often symbolic and not safe or connected. Reconnect Rochester sits on both the New York Safe Streets Coalition and the New Yorkers for Transportation Equity Coalition which are advocating for systemic NYSDOT reforms. How will you work to advance NYSDOT transparency and accountability reforms in the legislature? 

New York’s 49th-ranked DOT is unacceptable. I will push legislation for full transparency on spending, crash data, and project timelines. We must prioritize safe, efficient roads for vehicles over symbolic bike lanes and “equity” coalitions. Focus on results, not mandates that hurt rural counties like Wayne and clog up developing towns like Webster.

5. Many residents of the Rochester area either can’t, or can barely afford to own a car. Before the war in Iran caused gas prices to skyrocket, AAA estimated that car ownership costs over $11,500 a year. How will you support affordable transportation options such as walking, biking and public transportation in our community, and improve accessibility to jobs and resources for residents who don’t own or want to use a car?

The best way to improve mobility is growing our economy so families can afford reliable cars. I support practical, cost-effective public transit where demand exists, but reject anti-car policies. Safe roads, lower gas taxes, and job growth beat expensive walking/biking mandates for upstate realities.

6. Why should Monroe County residents who care about safer streets, better mobility, and better public transit vote for you?

My district includes only Webster in Monroe County. Webster residents deserve safer streets through proven road improvements and traffic enforcement, not failed progressive experiments. I would demand accountable transit, lower costs, and real mobility that works for workers and families. We can and should do this without raising taxes or ignoring car-dependent voters in Wayne and surrounding areas.

Political Party: Republican

Candidate Email: 

Website: 

We did not receive a response from this candidate.

Political Party: Democratic 

Candidate Email: 

Website: 

We did not receive a response from this candidate.

Political Party: Working Families

Candidate Email: nickcoffee@gmail.com

Website: 

1. What are your town’s greatest transportation challenges? Why should town residents who care about safer streets, better mobility, and better public transit vote for you?

Winter transportation is a huge problem for both the residents of Gates and the workers here.  For whatever reason the Town has decided to not care for sidewalks during the winter months leaving people trudging through snow and slush on the shoulder to try and reach buses.  When they arrive they frequently are greeted with no shelter and no safe space to stand.  Howard Rd which is a huge connector is not pedestrian friendly.

2. The United States has 3 times the motorist fatality rate compared to 18 other developed countries (2019, CDC data). In the U.S., pedestrian fatalities are up 75% since 2010. In Monroe County, an average of 13 bicyclists and pedestrians die on our streets every year and thousands more are injured. Across the country, municipalities are embracing Vision Zero as well as the Safe System Approach. How would you work with other town officials, County and State DOTs to improve road safety in your town?

3. What steps are you taking to fund key active transportation improvement projects outlined in your town planning documents? Do you plan to  and take advantage of matching funds such as the Monroe County’s Municipal sidewalk funding?

As a challenger, I haven’t yet been empowered to embrace sidewalk funding.  However when Hinchey Rd was recently redone I was very upset to learn that sidewalks weren’t included.  When I reached out to the county to complain I was told that the town government actively refused the funding from a desire not to have to maintain sidewalks.  I find this completely unacceptable.

4A. While your town [Chili, Gates, Greece, Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Brighton, Henrietta, Pittsford, East Rochester] does not have control over RTS bus service, your town does control considerable parts of the public right-of-way such as town roads and sidewalks. How do you plan to improve bus amenities to make riding the bus a more comfortable experience in your town?

Working to add new shelters and crosswalks will be a focus of my campaign.  While I’m aware that in this venue it seems self serving to say that, watching our residents stand in the rain where shelter could easily be provided has one of the inhumantites that inspired my run.

4B. [Ogden, Clarkson, Sweden, Chili, Gates, Greece, Irondequoit, Webster, Penfield, Brighton, Henrietta, Pittsford] Last year, RGRTA launched significant changes to its On Demand service across Monroe County. What steps will you take to advocate for improved transit service in your community? 

Public education is, in my opinion, the key to improving access to this program.  I’d like to particularly attack Howard Rd with a signage program designed for those who currently walk that route in frequently unsafe conditions.  We see wide ridership on the East West Routes but seemingly less on the connecting routes.

5. Roughly 11% of Monroe County Households do not have access to a car and rely on public transportation and active transportation to get around. What land use and economic development policies would you pursue to encourage job creation and development along existing transportation corridors and traditional main streets?

The Town of Gates lacks identity and a sense of center.  By building attractive and friendly transportation hubs we can make the idea of using public transit accessible for all of our residents.  I’m also excited to experiment with programs targeted at the growing group of E-bike riders,

Political Party: Working Families

Candidate Email: 

Website: 

We did not receive a response from this candidate.