Meet The Candidate: Weber For State Senate In District 38
HUDSON VALLEY, NY - New Yorkers will choose their representatives for the New York State Senate Nov. 3 in the 2020 general election.
In anticipation of the election, Patch asked candidates in the contested races to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.
Republican William Weber, Jr. is seeking election to the State Senate in District 38. His opponents are Elijah Reichlin-Melnick on the Democratic line and Justin Sweet for the Working Families Party.
The district covers most of Rockland County plus Ossining, on the other side of the Hudson River.
Weber, 51, is a Certified Public Accountant. He has been the CFO of a privately held company since 2000. His wife, Lisa Weber, is the acting superintendent of the Suffern Central School District.
Check out his campaign website.
Read Patch's full Q&A with Bill Weber:
Why are you seeking elective office?
For the foreseeable future, our state will be faced with the daunting task of rebuilding our economy, all while being faced with billions of dollars of debt and revenue shortfalls. My experience and skills are uniquely suited for this job and if elected, I would be the only Certified Public Accountant serving in the state legislature. As billions get spent and there are talks of bailouts and federal aid being procured and distributed, my experience as a finance professional and forensic auditor will be essential to ensure our tax dollars are being spent correctly and that our district is receiving it’s fair share.
Public service and community involvement have been important to me throughout my entire life. From advocating for my town, serving as a member of the Board of Directors of the Mental Health Association of Rockland and the Rockland County Youth Bureau, or as Cubmaster to my kids’ Boy Scout Troop, my desire to serve has always been strong. Now, I’d like to take my experience and commitment to serve to Albany and represent you as our next Senator.
The single most pressing issue facing our nation/state/community is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.
The single most pressing issue facing NYS is the health and financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
New York State was not ready to protect its citizens from that health crisis. We need to re-evaluate what went wrong and why, and ensure it doesn't happen again.
New York State also had massive budget deficits and high taxes before the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The deficits are now massive and I have the financial and real life experience as a CPA and CFO to make sure that we come out of this stronger than ever. We can't elect people who think the same as the current politicians in Albany; the same politicians who got us into the predicament that we are currently in.
What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
I have decades of experience in the private sector as a CPA and as a CFO. Like many business owners in the district, I know what it takes to manage a company, to make payroll each week, to deal with all the regulatory issues, and to make hard decisions.
I have 4 children in the Public School System. I know what it is like to pay a mortgage, put food on a table, pay taxes, and save for my kids college educations.
I have run for office in the past and have been an activist fighting for honest, fair, and transparent government for many years.
In what way has the current officeholder failed the community?
The current officeholder, David Carlucci, is not running for re-election.
David voted for the disastrous bail reform bill last year, which put our law enforcement and families at risk.
David has not fought hard enough for school funding in this district. The most recent state budget cut school funding for many schools districts here in Rockland and Westchester.
Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform
The main issues that define my campaign platform are the following:
Focus on a Regional Economic Response: As a finance professional and forensic auditor, I will fight for the resources we need and keep a watchful eye over funds designated for recovery.
Ensure Federal Recovery Funds Reach Local Governments and Businesses.
End Dangerous Bail Reform: Put families over felons!
Promote Responsible Development and Reduce Traffic Congestion: Ensure adequate infrastructure is in place before approving new projects.
Fight For Lower Taxes: End costly unfunded mandates and focus on a fair and equitable tax system.
Improve Our Schools: Reduce unfunded mandates, revise accountability measures, and fight for our fair share of state aid for our schools.
What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
I am confident that I can handle the job of being a NYS Senator. My decades of private sector business experience have provided me with a keen understanding of how government operates and the legal process locally and in Albany. I also have record of putting politics aside and reaching across the political isle to get things done.
As an activist for many years, I attended more board meeting than I can remember. I was persistent that the government in the Town of Ramapo make fundamental changes in their accounting and budget reporting. That persistence, in part, paid off with the Town now reporting their financials and budget in a timely manner.
The best advice ever shared with me was:
Always mean what you say and say what you mean. Be honest and trustworthy. Don't be afraid to tell people how you really feel. Be a good listener.
What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
Cubmaster for Pack 94 - Suffern & Airmont
Board of Directors of the Mental Health Association or Rockland
Board of the Rockland County Youth Bureau
Enjoy being a dad
Avid golfer
This article originally appeared on the New City Patch
