Reconnect Rochester surveyed general election candidates for US House of Representatives, NY Senate, and NY Assembly to learn where they stand on issues related to transportation and mobility.
Questions were designed to give the candidates the opportunity to share their opinions, ideas and vision for a well-connected and accessible community. We contacted every campaign by email or mail to request a response.
Click on the candidate names below to read their full, unedited responses.
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Candidates for US House of Representatives 25th District
Joe Morelle
Candidate Email: info@votemorelle.com
Website: votemorelle.com
1. What are Monroe County’s greatest transportation challenges?
Rochester and Monroe County face several key transportation challenges, including aging infrastructure, limited public transit options, and pedestrian safety concerns. Many of our roads, bridges, and public transit systems need updates and repairs to keep up with modern demands. Furthermore, residents in rural areas have limited access to reliable transit, which restricts their mobility and access to employment and services. And sadly, our streets are often unsafe for pedestrians and bicyclists, leading to too many tragic incidents each year. Addressing these issues requires a coordinated, long-term approach to make transportation safer, more reliable, and more equitable for everyone in our community.
2. In the U.S., pedestrian fatalities are up 83% since 2009. In Monroe County, an average of 10 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 am already working closely to support the ROC Vision Zero initiative. This commitment to eliminating traffic deaths is essential for improving public safety and enhancing our quality of life. I recently helped secure $23 million in federal funding for the City of Rochester’s Safe Streets for All initiative, which closely aligns with ROC Vision Zero. Through this type of coordinated collaboration with elected officials, community organizations, and local advocacy leaders, we can create safer streets and save lives.
3. Recently, the House majority leadership recently released a proposed Transportation budget that included large cuts to transit and safe streets funding that would pull back on the commitments made in the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). These cuts appear to halt efforts to repair aging infrastructure, expand transit options, and move towards a cleaner, more equitable transportation system. As THUD appropriations negotiations are continued, how will you ensure that mass transportation and safer streets continue to receive funding?
I am committed to ensuring that Monroe County receives its fair share of funding to support mass transportation and safer streets. We cannot afford to backtrack on the critical progress we’ve made in upgrading infrastructure, improving public transit, and developing sustainable transportation systems. I will continue to utilize my position on the House Appropriations Committee to deliver funding for critical infrastructure projects.
4. Why should Monroe County residents who care about safer streets, better mobility, and better public transit vote for you?
I have always been a steadfast ally in the effort to make our streets safer and more accessible to everyone. I have been proud to utilize my position to advocate for infrastructure improvements that protect pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers alike while prioritizing transportation investments that reconnect our communities and uplift underserved communities. I look forward to the opportunity to continue fighting for the needs of our community and working collaboratively to implement solutions that improve access to transportation and mobility for all.
Gregg Sadwick
Candidate Email: Not available
Website: sadwickforcongress.com
We did not receive a response from this candidate.
Luther Layne
Candidate Email: lutherlebronlayne@outlook.com
Website: lutherlebronlayne.wixsite.com
We did not receive a response from this candidate.
Candidates for NY Senate 54th District:
Scott Comegys
Candidate Email: ccomegys42@gmail.com
Website: electscottcomegys.com
1. What are Monroe County’s greatest transportation challenges?
I would say that the challenges for transportation in Monroe County stem from the disconnectedness it has due to sprawling development. Housing developments continually sprout without thought to access to basic needs like groceries, pharmacies, schools, or healthcare facilities while commercial properties were developed without thought to how communities would access them except by traversing busy roadways. Everything has been developed with the idea that everyone would have access to automobiles. Very little effort was put into past development to ensure that there were good pedestrian and bicycle friendly ways of getting from home to work to basic needs facilities to recreation. This, in turn, has also contributed to communities being cut off from each other as we place senior living in one area away from suburban middle class communities away from lower income affordable housing, resulting in the need for more public transportation systems, many of which are inefficient and expensive in their operation.
The greatest challenge Monroe County has in relation to transportation at this point is creating the connections between communities so that the people can easily go from home to all the places they need to go, whether by foot, pedal, or motor.
2. In the U.S., pedestrian fatalities are up 83% since 2009. In Monroe County, an average of 10 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?
After reviewing the initial proposals I would support this initiative by finding funding resources in the state budget that could support the design and infrastructure costs necessary. Bear in mind that the state cannot fully fund the initiative just for the city, but should create a program to fund these types of initiatives for many different areas around the state. My district is largely a rural district, but has some other urban areas that could benefit from similar programs. Monroe County can be the test subject and success can be beneficial to many areas in the district. I am particularly supportive of the bicycle network idea as that can also create safe ways to connect the city with rural areas. I am leery of the automated traffic enforcement proposal and would have to see what exactly that entails. While I agree that reduced speed also reduces accidents and fatalities, I worry that the automation would not have the intended effect and may cause more expensive legal battles than cause better traffic behaviors.
3. The Governor’s pause of congestion pricing has put the MTA in a financial emergency and has threatened jobs across our region. When the MTA is in trouble, Albany often prioritizes downstate before addressing upstate transit needs. How would you work to find a reliable funding source for capital and operating costs of public transportation in Monroe County?
This is where building a stronger upstate coalition is necessary with the goal of reminding the State of NY that the Finger Lakes Region, as well as Upstate and Western NY Regions, contribute a great deal to the state and deserve equitable distribution of resources. If, in order to ensure the resources get to our region as well, we need to insist on the congestion pricing being put in place, that is one avenue. However, perhaps the better option is to invest more in our transportation infrastructure and public transportation services so we can better market our areas as places that can provide more of what NYC is famed for and create a shift that brings more people and commerce to our area, ease some of the burden NYC is dealing with, and create a healthier, stronger economy statewide. We have to do better marketing the Finger Lakes as a better region to live, work, do business in, and play to entice people here, and those resources the state can provide will have a better impact if invested here.
4. Amtrak’s Empire Service has far exceeded pre-pandemic ridership numbers and trains to NYC regularly sell out Thursday-Sunday. 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?
Ultimately the answer here has to be more investment in the infrastructure surrounding rail service, ensuring that stations are found in more communities, are easily accessible, and working to ensure that operations are run convenient to the public. What I would really like to see in NYS is a high speed rail system, which I believe will become more of a priority if we are increasing the use of rail in the state as it is, supporting that system with better stations, more convenient ways of accessing the system, and keeping the ticket prices affordable. Naturally, partnering with federal government partners increases the likelihood of this happening, so I would also assist in efforts making the case to those federal colleagues.
5. Many residents of the Rochester area either can’t, or can barely afford to own a car. 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?
This gets into my first statement with the challenges that Monroe County (and to be honest every county) faces with regards to transportation. To be more environmentally friendly and sustainable, which helps to meet our climate goals, we have to look at redesigning neighborhoods to ensure that resources are within the neighborhoods, that we are not creating so much division between demographics (such as the separation of senior living, affordable housing neighborhoods, and random cul de sacs), that the spaces are walkable and bikeable, have public transportation that can run efficiently and with vehicles that are not powered by fossil fuels.
While we are supporting this redesign we should make more of an effort to increase education about the benefits of connected communities. If any of this is to work we have to have the people supporting the effort, and they won’t so that unless we demonstrate the benefits they will enjoy. Sadly, at this point people need to be convinced that being more connected physically is actually healthier, more affordable, and more secure than having jobs and resources being located 5 or more miles away from home and cars being a necessity for survival.
Lastly, let’s talk about public transportation again in a broader county and district sense. We are aware that we can run buses in a city an they will get regular ridership. The farther out we go the ridership numbers go down both due to fewer people living in concentration as well as the frequency for need of transportation and the increase in distances between homes and access points for public transportation. I will be honest in that I don’t have a real solution for making public transportation accessible in these types of areas, but I believe that if we had a better system of light rail, buses, and on demand public transportation we could reduce the need for everyone to have an automobile. I realize that is an incredibly safe thing to say, but I am willing to commit time and resources to create a good solution.
6. Why should Monroe County residents who care about safer streets, better mobility, and better public transit vote for you?
I am standing up, as an ordinary citizen, to put in the hard work to find the solutions to all of these questions about transportation and every other priority the state has, rather than behave as those who have served this district in the past who have focused on coming up with reasons for why we can’t move forward with solutions. My focus on what we can do and finding ways for how our goals can be accomplished is what we need right now if we want a state that is more affordable, more vibrant, and more secure and fulfills its potential as being a place where everyone can live the life they choose as their genuine self with dignity, prosperity, security, and justice. That is what you are voting for by voting for me.
Pamela Helming
Candidate Email: pamhelming@gmail.com
Website: helmingforny.com
We did not receive a response from this candidate.
Candidates for NY Senate 55th District:
Samra Brouk
Candidate Email: info@samraforsenate.com
Website: samraforsenate.com
1. What are Monroe County’s greatest transportation challenges?
The greatest transportation challenges facing Rochester and Monroe County are equity, justice, and vision. Equity involves ensuring that communities receive the necessary state and federal funding, as well as making investments in transportation that prioritize a multi-modal focus. It also pertains to which communities receive funding, linking directly to the challenge of justice. Justice means addressing the historical wrongs of transportation design and implementation that have left communities scarred and divided. It requires ensuring that new investments do not replicate past harms. Ultimately, we need a vision for transportation that serves everyone and every community—a vision capable of withstanding the climate crisis, healing the wounds of a century of transportation decisions, and empowering our community in every facet.
2. In the U.S., pedestrian fatalities are up 83% since 2009. In Monroe County, an average of 10 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?
I will support ROC Vision Zero. Communities across the United States and around the world have successfully committed to Vision Zero, and it is crucial for Rochester to join them. As an elected official, I will advocate for ROC Vision Zero by ensuring that the state provides the necessary resources to implement policies such as traffic calming measures, equitable investments, and enforcement support.
3. The Governor’s pause of congestion pricing has put the MTA in a financial emergency and has threatened jobs across our region. When the MTA is in trouble, Albany often prioritizes downstate before addressing upstate transit needs. How would you work to find a reliable funding source for capital and operating costs of public transportation in Monroe County?
Since taking office, I have advocated for an independent and reliable funding source for upstate transportation in each state budget process. Monroe County and the greater upstate transportation network would greatly benefit from a dedicated revenue source. While there are multiple possibilities for this funding, it is essential that we do not impose another tax burden on residents. Instead, we should explore the largely untapped potential of taxing the ultra-wealthy and mega-corporations to finance the transportation improvements we need and contribute as it directly contributes to a more mobile and productive workforce as well.
4. Amtrak’s Empire Service has far exceeded pre-pandemic ridership numbers and trains to NYC regularly sell out Thursday-Sunday. 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?
While in Albany, I was proud to help pass train safety legislation through the Senate and pleased to see some of that legislation signed into law. However, this is only the first step in bringing New York’s train infrastructure into the twenty-first century. I will support initiatives that increase state involvement in expanding our rail services in Upstate New York, whether through studies on new routes, additional funding for existing corridors, or partnerships to ensure federal investments reach Upstate New York, where we see firsthand the demand for enhanced rail services.
5. Many residents of the Rochester area either can’t, or can barely afford to own a car. 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?
Supporting investments, such as the newly funded long-distance bus terminal included in this year’s state budget, will continue to be a priority of mine in every budget cycle. Transportation dollars should not be allocated solely for private vehicles; they must be used in a diverse and multi-modal fashion. By funding a range of transportation options, we can encourage more individuals to forgo driving while simultaneously improving the essential public transit services that many people across the economic spectrum rely on every day. Transportation justice and climate justice go hand in hand, and our actions must reflect this connection.
6. Why should Monroe County residents who care about safer streets, better mobility, and better public transit vote for you?
As a parent, I understand the statistics that highlight the dangers of vehicle-related accidents for children. We owe it to not only the children in our communities but also to everyone who travels by bike, bus, train, on foot, or private vehicle, to create safer streets. Safer streets are essential not only for our climate future but also in our pursuit of justice. Addressing the wrongs of past transportation development and investments requires a committed approach that centers on multi-modal and community-focused design. I am dedicated to making these investments as an elected official.
Luis A. Martinez
Candidate Email: LuisMartinezforNYSenate@gmail.com
Website: luismartinezforsenate.com
This candidate declined to return our survey.
Candidates for NY Senate 56th District:
Jeremy Cooney
Candidate Email: cooney@nysenate.gov
Website: jeremycooney.com
1. What are Monroe County’s greatest transportation challenges?
Access to public transportation is one of the region’s greatest transportation challenges. I believe RTS and the RTS drivers do a great job with the resources they have available. However, we can greatly increase ridership, and to do that we must increase route frequency and dependability. The only way RTS can achieve this is with increased STOA funding, and I commit to fighting for a significant STOA increase next year as Chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee.
2. In the U.S., pedestrian fatalities are up 83% since 2009. In Monroe County, an average of 10 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?
Increasing pedestrian and bicyclist safety is a priority of mine as Transportation Chairman, and as a Senator for the 56th District. Earlier this year, I secured a state grant for Reconnect Rochester to support their bicyclist safety programs. I stand ready to support the City of Rochester with their ROC Vision Zero program in any way I can be helpful.
3. The Governor’s pause of congestion pricing has put the MTA in a financial emergency and has threatened jobs across our region. When the MTA is in trouble, Albany often prioritizes downstate before addressing upstate transit needs. How would you work to find a reliable funding source for capital and operating costs of public transportation in Monroe County?
Upstate transit agencies need a dedicated revenue stream. In the 2024 State Budget, I advocated for dedicated revenue to support STOA, such as a tax on rental cars. I will continue this fight with the 2025 budget. Upstate deserves it’s fair share.
4. Amtrak’s Empire Service has far exceeded pre-pandemic ridership numbers and trains to NYC regularly sell out Thursday-Sunday. 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?
Passenger rail is an issue I care deeply about. I recently met with the NYS Department of Transportation on this subject and expressed my support for increased routes. My staff have also met with Amtrak on several occasions and expressed a need for increased routes. Additionally, I am always pleased to work with the Empire State Passengers Association on improving passenger rail and finally implementing higher speed rail across Upstate.
5. Many residents of the Rochester area either can’t, or can barely afford to own a car. 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?
While some aspects of this question are answered above, I would like to focus on the job connection piece of the question. I have had discussions with RTS about developing dedicated routes going from the bus depot to major employers outside the City of Rochester, such as the new T-Mobile Call Center in Henrietta. Unfortunately, many major economic development happens outside areas typically accessible by public transit. Attracting new employers is important, but we must also remember access to public transit in new projects.
6. Why should Monroe County residents who care about safer streets, better mobility, and better public transit vote for you?
Seeing transportation as more than roads and bridges has always been a priority of mine. Last year I was proud to lead the push with Reconnect Rochester for phase two of the Louise M. Slaughter Intermodal Station. We were successful in this push, securing $18 million to construct a long-distance bus terminal. In May, I was named Chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee, because of this, Monroe County residents can look forward to many more transportation accomplishments to come.
Jim VanBrederode
Candidate Email: jvb@jimvanbrederode.com
Website: jimvanbrederode.com
We did not receive a response from this candidate.
Candidates for NY Senate 62nd District:
Robert Ortt
Candidate Email: info@robortt.com
Website: robortt.com
We did not receive a response from this candidate.
Candidates for NY Assembly 130th District:
Brian Manktelow
Candidate Email: bdwlmank@gmail.com
1. What are Monroe County’s greatest transportation challenges?
- Non medical appointment transportation for those without vehicles.
- Safe and affordable transportation to and from work during off peak hours.
- Residential parking, on street.
2. In the U.S., pedestrian fatalities are up 83% since 2009. In Monroe County, an average of 10 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?
Absolutely, bringing the right players to the table and take a hard long look at identifying possible solutions. Also putting a financial component to the solutions, short term and long term goals.
3. The Governor’s pause of congestion pricing has put the MTA in a financial emergency and has threatened jobs across our region. When the MTA is in trouble, Albany often prioritizes downstate before addressing upstate transit needs. How would you work to find a reliable funding source for capital and operating costs of public transportation in Monroe County?
My first priority has been and will continue to be proper funding for upstate transportation. We must come up with a fair and equitable solution that makes all of our highly populated cities more self sufficient. Leaving our hard earned dollars upstate, thus allowing for local control, not Albany controlled.
4. Amtrak’s Empire Service has far exceeded pre-pandemic ridership numbers and trains to NYC regularly sell out Thursday-Sunday. 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?
By adding back the third railline adjacent to the current CSX lines. Dedicating that railline to passenger travel. Having travelled by rail in Europe, understanding the possibilities of safe and efficient travel by rail should be considered a possible long term solution. Also looking at the possibilities of powering this line by electric power.
5. Many residents of the Rochester area either can’t, or can barely afford to own a car. 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?
We could take a look back at how carpooling was done many years ago to help save energy. We could look at ways of improving our bicycle lanes, making them safer for the rider. Thinking outside the box for other solutions, looking how other states and countries do it.
6. Why should Monroe County residents who care about safer streets, better mobility, and better public transit vote for you?
Having the experience, understanding and the ability to think and look forward to solutions that are both, safe and affordable. Also having the trust and respect from legislators across New York State to sit down and brainstorm with them why Monroe County’s transportation needs are important and necessary for the success of our part of New York.
James Schuler
Candidates for NY Assembly 133rd District:
Colleen Walsh-Williams
Candidate Email:wwforassembly@gmail.com
Website: walsh-williams.org
1. What are Monroe County’s greatest transportation challenges?
- We need more public transportation in rural areas
- Maintaining our infrastructure
- Making our roads safer and more accessible to pedestrians and bicyclists
2. In the U.S., pedestrian fatalities are up 83% since 2009. In Monroe County, an average of 10 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?
I absolutely support ROC Vision Zero. I would support public awareness, funding for research, and safety improvements. I would sponsor legislation to further this cause.
3. The Governor’s pause of congestion pricing has put the MTA in a financial emergency and has threatened jobs across our region. When the MTA is in trouble, Albany often prioritizes downstate before addressing upstate transit needs. How would you work to find a reliable funding source for capital and operating costs of public transportation in Monroe County?
I would seek out state and federal grants and network with colleagues at all levels of government to reach every dollar available to us.
4. Amtrak’s Empire Service has far exceeded pre-pandemic ridership numbers and trains to NYC regularly sell out Thursday-Sunday. 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 advocate for expanding rail service. We need more trains to NYC and more trains to more destinations.
5. Many residents of the Rochester area either can’t, or can barely afford to own a car. 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?
I support building the infrastructure we need to accommodate pedestrians and cyclists safely.
6. Why should Monroe County residents who care about safer streets, better mobility, and better public transit vote for you?
I understand the vital role of safe, accessible transportation in our communities. I’m a strong advocate for improvements that reduce our reliance on fossil fuels. We will build the neighborhoods our children and grandchildren inherit, and I’ll work hard to make them better, safer, more accessible, and environmentally friendly.
Andrea K. Bailey
Email: abailey4assembly@gmail.com
Website: andreabailey4assembly.com
We did not receive a response from this candidate.
Candidates for NY Assembly 134th District:
Josh Jensen
Email: jensenfornewyork@gmail.com
Website: jensenforassembly.com
We did not receive a response from this candidate.
Candidates for NY Assembly 135th District:
Jennifer Lunsford
Candidate Email: jen@votejenlunsford.com
Website: votejenlunsford.com
1. What are Monroe County’s greatest transportation challenges?
Our public transportation system is woefully inadequate. Outside of the city, the bus runs on such an infrequent loop as to be virtually useless for many residents. The bus that runs from Penfield, through ER and into Fairport is on a 2 hour cycle. I have tried to use this bus myself on several occasions and could literally walk where I needed to go faster than the bus would take me. You also can’t go north-south in my district, you can only go east-west, into the city and out. This prevents people from choosing the bus when they have other options. Until our system is robust enough for people to opt-in we won’t have the ridership we need to truly impact our reliance on cars.
2. In the U.S., pedestrian fatalities are up 83% since 2009. In Monroe County, an average of 10 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. As a long-time personal injury attorney, I have seen the impact of pedestrian accidents up close. Deaths aren’t the only issue. I have represented dozens of people who live with life-long injury and trauma from these accidents. I would provide funding to help the county realize this vision.
3. The Governor’s pause of congestion pricing has put the MTA in a financial emergency and has threatened jobs across our region. When the MTA is in trouble, Albany often prioritizes downstate before addressing upstate transit needs. How would you work to find a reliable funding source for capital and operating costs of public transportation in Monroe County?
We need to find a dedicated funding stream built upon growing interests to support non-MTA transit so we aren’t dipping from the same bucket every year. The current funding sources for non-MTA transit are long-distance telephone lines and oil interests. This isn’t sustainable any longer. I support taxing short term rentals and using that funding for local transit. I am open to other ideas as well.
4. Amtrak’s Empire Service has far exceeded pre-pandemic ridership numbers and trains to NYC regularly sell out Thursday-Sunday. 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 LOVE to be able to take a train to Albany every week, but the trains run at very inconvenient times and take LONGER than driving! As the mother of a young son I need to be able to leave Albany on short notice in case of emergencies. Our current train schedule doesn’t allow for that. We also need to create a reliable system along the I-90 corridor to support Micron and the boom in semiconductor related jobs we expect to see between Batavia and Clay. A high speed rail connecting the cities and technical schools along this corridor would help alleviate the anticipated work force shortage. Tell me where to put the money and I will fight to get it there!
5. Many residents of the Rochester area either can’t, or can barely afford to own a car. 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 seen in answers above, we need reliable dedicated funding for non-MTA transit to be able to expand our existing bus service. We also need safer streets to allow for biking. People often think of my district as a suburban utopia, but we have a serious sidewalk problem. Between Pines of Perinton (now known as Evergreen East), one of the poorest parts of my district) and the Penfield Target, a major retail zone and bus hub, there is no sidewalk along 250. I regularly watch a blind man with a cane traversing the shoulder of this road on this way to Wegmans. This is wholly unacceptable. This past year I funded sidewalk improvements in the village of Honeoye Falls, but one-off projects funded member by member aren’t going to make a big enough dent. We need a serious infrastructure investment to complete our streets.
6. Why should Monroe County residents who care about safer streets, better mobility, and better public transit vote for you?
Over the past 4 years I have been a staunch supporter of public transit, fighting for overall increases in STOA and other lines of funding for non-MTA transit, but also worked hard with my colleagues to secure funding for Monroe County and Rochester City priorities, including the transportation hub and intermodal station, filling in the inner loop, and funding upgrades at RGRTA to support their transition to a ZEV fleet.
Kimberly DeRosa
Email: hello@voteKimberlyDeRosa.com
Website: kim4commonsense.com
We did not receive a response from this candidate.
Candidates for NY Assembly 136th District:
Sarah Clark
Orlando Rivera
Email: rivera4stateassembly@gmail.com
The candidate decided to provide the following statement in response to our questionnaire.
Statement on Transportation and mobility
As a candidate for State Assembly, I believe that improving transportation and mobility in Rochester, NY, is essential for fostering economic growth and enhancing the quality of life for our residents. Our city deserves a transportation infrastructure that is efficient, reliable, and responsive to the needs of all citizens.
We must prioritize investments in our roads and bridges to ensure safe travel and reduce congestion, while also advocating for responsible public transportation solutions that respect taxpayer dollars. Encouraging private sector partnerships can lead to innovative transit solutions and improved accessibility for everyone, including our seniors and those with disabilities.
Moreover, promoting policies that support safe biking and walking routes can enhance mobility while reducing our carbon footprint. By focusing on practical, fiscally responsible solutions, we can create a transportation system that works for all Rochesterians and strengthens our community for future generations.
Orlando Rivera
New York State Assembly Candidate 136th District
Candidates for NY Assembly 137th District:
Demond Meeks
Marcus Williams
Candidates for NY Assembly 138th District:
Harry Bronson
Tracy DiFlorio
Website: votediflorio.com
Email: VoteTracyDiflorio@gmail.com
We did not receive a response from this candidate.