League of Women Voters of New York State Education Foundation, Inc.
	Westchester County, NY November 2, 2010 Election
	Candidates Answer Questions on the Issues State Senator; District 35

The questions were prepared by the Leagues of Women Voters of New York State and asked of all candidates for this office.     See below for questions on Economy, Budget, Campaign Finance, Redistricting, Education Click on a name for candidate information.   See also more information about this contest. 1. What measures do you support to save existing jobs and create new jobs in New York State? Answer from Liam J. McLaughlin: We must cut taxes and reduce spending and debt. Fighting corruption throughout the state also has a hand in this. Our government has completely failed New Yorkers. We must work to foster a competitive business environment and keep government in line. I'm tired of seeing businesses shut down, and friends flee our state. I will work tirelessly to change our course. New York cannot remain the 49th most attractive state for business, and Westchester cannot remain the highest taxed county in the nation. 2. How do you think New York can best deal with upcoming unsustainable deficit budgets? Answer from Liam J. McLaughlin: We must get serious about government reform. The majority's strategy of throwing money at dysfunction has cost us dearly. We must cut out the waste, fraud, and abuse. This is something often said, but rarely done. We must get serious and come through on our promises to the people. We also must authorize independent forensic audits of agencies so we can say with confidence we know how taxpayer dollars are being spent. The people of New York are adults, and deserve to be treated that way. They know that no nonsense reform is necessary and they are ready to fix Albany. I will work hard on their behalf to get the results they demand. 3. What reforms would you propose to address inadequate campaign finance rules and enforcement in New York? Answer from Liam J. McLaughlin: Recent attempts at campaign finance reform have amounted to thinly veiled incumbent protection and violated free speech rights. I am in favor of more transparency in government and the election process and would support all campaign donations being published online in real time. 4. What reforms would you support for the redistricting process? Answer from Liam J. McLaughlin: I have signed the New York Uprising Pledge to support an independent redistricting commission to take politics out of the process. Sheldon Silver and his cronies have promised to redistrict Republicans out of existence. I do not think one party autocracy is in the best interest of New Yorkers. 5. Would you support a cap on property taxes and, if so, how do you think school districts can deal with the decrease in revenue? Answer from Liam J. McLaughlin: I absolutely support a cap on property taxes. We currently have the highest property taxes in the nation and that is costing us the most valuable resource of all: people. Responses to questions asked of each candidate are reproduced as submitted to the League.  Candidates' responses are not edited or corrected by the League. The order of the candidates is random and changes daily. Candidates who did not respond are not listed on this page.