State Senator George Winner (R-C-I, Elmira) called on Gov. David Paterson today to immediately call a special election in New York’s 29th Congressional District to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of former Representative Eric Massa.
Winner noted that Paterson, in a meeting with the Senate Republican Conference early last week, said in response to a question from Winner that he would set a date for a special election “soon.”
In his letter to Paterson today, Winner wrote, “I was heartened by your response to my own inquiry into your anticipated timetable for calling a special election in New York's 29th Congressional District, which is currently without representation following the resignation of former Representative Eric Massa. At that time you stated that you intended to call a special election "soon" to fill this vacancy and, consequently, I was joined by many residents throughout my legislative district, which encompasses a great deal of the 29th District, in expecting that you would have officially established a date for this urgent special election at some point during the past week.”
Winner also reiterated the importance of immediately filling the vacancy.
“I recognize the myriad and pressing responsibilities facing your administration, however I will again take this opportunity to stress the urgent need for a special election in the 29th District. As you well know, communities across this state and nation are facing unprecedented economic and fiscal challenges and decisions, making it imperative for every community to have full and effective Congressional representation. The residents of the 29th District need a voice in Congress at a time when historic decisions are underway in the areas of national security, health care, economic development and job creation, education, transportation, the distribution of federal stimulus aid, and so many others. I'm confident that you share our recognition of these uniquely important times and will fully honor our right to immediate representation,” Winner wrote.
