In a rematch of 2014, Republican Pete Vroman is challenging Democratic incumbent Angelo Santabarbara in tomorrow’s race for New York’s 111th state Assembly District seat.
Seeking his third term in the Assembly, Schenectady Democrat Santabarbara touts his work on education, infrastructure and the opioid crisis. He loves being on the road, making public appearances, meeting constituents and pushing sponsored legislation. Santabarbara also advocates for people with developmental disabilities. His daughter takes classes in public school; his son, who is autistic, is a student at Wildwood.
Speaking at a mid-October rally at the capitol before developmentally disabled people and their caregivers, Santabarbara advocated for more money in the state budget to pay caregivers a living wage."We need a fair wage for our direct care workers. These are the people that are changing lives. These are the people that need a fair wage."
The 111th district covers parts of Albany, Montgomery and Schenectady counties.
Retired U.S. Marshal Republican Peter Vroman of Canajoharie battled Santabarbara for the seat two years ago, losing by approximately 1,000 votes. "All of those things that he and Paul Tonko do are what our local representatives should be doing. We should be out, they should be at events, they should be working media, because that's their job, that's what we pay them to do, to be involved. I also have a 12-year-old with autism and it taught us how to love in a different way, so I know exactly the hardships of that as well. I'm received very well at the thousands of doors that I have knocked on, and people have responded very positively to my message. As a matter of fact, I'm out right now, knocking on doors."
The father of six says jobs are his number one priority. Optimistic about his chances, Vroman says he's enjoyed campaigning leading up to this “second shot” at the seat: "Well, it's been a positive race, it's been a lot of fun, I've met a lot of good, good, good people. Listen, I would recommend to just about anybody to get involved in their local elections and get involved in their local government."
Vroman doesn't support the SAFE Act, citing the 2013 gun reform law’s hasty passage. Santabarbara, himself a gun owner, is comfortable with the law.
Santabarbara was "out campaigning in Montgomery County" and was unavailable for an interview Monday.
The Assemblyman was quick to see the forthcoming Rivers Casino as a catalyst for economic and social revival not only for Schenectady, but the entire Capital Region. "It's going to really encourage people to come back to upstate cities, give them a second look, and see all that we have to offer."
Santabarbara's name will also appear on the Working Families, Independence and Women’s Equality lines. Vroman will also be on the Conservative and Reform lines.
