All over Binghamton’s 52nd district, residents pass dozens of lawn signs bearing the names of Democratic challenger Anndrea Starzak and Republican incumbent Tom Libous. On Tuesday, Nov. 4, those same people will head to the polls to cast their votes for an election that will determine the direction of the district and likely of the entire state as well.
While Democrats hold the majority in the State Assembly, there is a lack of clarity as to which party actually controls the State Senate. While the numbers point to Democrats holding the majority by a count of 32-29, a small alliance headed by Republicans and a few conservative Democrats has formed the Independent Democratic Conference. While working closely with Gov. Andrew Cuomo, this conference has done everything in its power to keep the Senate’s influence on the right. The candidates running for this seat offer voters a rare chance to swing the pendulum further to the right with the re-election of Libous or to reset the trend by swinging it to the left with a win for Starzak.
Born in Vestal, NY, Anndrea worked for 20 years as special education and English teacher. She later became Town of Vestal supervisor and held the position for three terms. She later went back to Binghamton University to obtain her master’s degree in public administration, an experience which inspired her to further serve her community. While on the campaign trail, Starzak has said she will support the passage of all 10 points of the Women’s Equality Act because it promotes equal pay for women. The act will help reduce discrimination in the workplace against survivors of domestic violence. She also supports the measure because it would give women stronger controls over their health choices. The Women’s Equality Act must come to a vote in the Senate and she will fight to make it a reality.
As a former BU student, Starzak wants to give every student a chance to achieve their dreams. In the aftermath of the recession, tuition costs and student loans are keeping young people from fully realizing their potential. With this issue gaining more prominence in the election, Starzak wants to keep rates as low as possible because she believes that “you have more potential than a piece of property.”
While it is common to think that voters prefer someone new in office after being represented by the same person for almost 20 years, some voters could send a message by re-electing Libous for a 14th term as senator. Libous began his political career in 1984 when he was elected to the Binghamton City Council. In 1988 he was elected to the State Senate replacing Majority Leader Warren M. Anderson. Even though Libous has a conservative record on both social and economic issues, some voters might be inclined not to “change horses” just yet.
While the results of this election will do little to change the partisan gridlock in Washington, they are certain to cause a ripple effect across the state of New York as both candidates seem to offer suitable options for the coming years. The decision ultimately rests with the residents in the 52nd district as this race is sure to be one of the state’s most hotly contested battles.
– Zachary Borodkn is a graduate student pursuing a Master’s of Public Administration