BACALLES, O'MARA,
Two Republican Assembly members vying for the same state 53rd Senate District seat tried to differentiate themselves from each other in a debate Wednesday night.
The debate between Tom O'Mara of Big Flats and James Bacalles of Corning at the Clemens Center's Mandeville Hall was broadcast live on WETM2.
"I think the distinct difference between Tom and myself is my local government experience," Bacalles said, citing his 10 years as a Steuben County legislator and his four years as Corning mayor, along with the changes he instituted when he held those positions.
O'Mara said he has county-level experience as a prosecutor and district attorney, and county attorney, and said the Chemung County's Medicaid crisis was his impetus for seeking an assembly seat six years ago.
"I have the energy and enthusiasm to get this done, to take it head on," O'Mara said of how he would reform Albany.
The first question posed was if it would be fair to say both candidates have no differences on major issues.
"I think there are differences between Mr. O'Mara and myself, but on major issues, probably not," Bacalles said.
"Jim and I have similar conservative fiscal trends that we've had in dealing with state government," O'Mara said. "I feel that I provide a more enthusiastic approach to attacking ... out-of-control spending."
The 53rd district covers Chemung, Steuben, Yates, Schuyler and parts of Tompkins counties.
O'Mara won a coin toss for the right to make the first statement.
"Every place I've gone, I've heard the same thing," O'Mara said. "People are sick and tired of the out-of-control state spending in Albany ... the culture of corruption in Albany that has led to an extreme lack of confidence in our state government."
O'Mara said he would vote to dramatically cut state spending to enable tax cuts for employers, including small businesses. He said he would vote to cut and cap property taxes and eliminate unfunded state mandates for local governments.
Bacalles, in his opening statement, said it was time for New York to refocus on its core responsibilities, which he defined as education, libraries, health, transportation infrastructure, public protection, economic development and protecting the environment.
"Any program that's outside those core responsibilities should be evaluated," Bacalles said. "We must look at eliminating programs as well as reduction. We must focus our limited resources ... and direct the funds from programs outside these very critical needs."
Both candidates said the state Medicaid system needs reform.
Bacalles said he would not continue to seek the seat if he loses the Republican primary.
O'Mara was not as absolute. "I certainly would have to weigh the results of this Republican primary," he said, noting that he would not want to jeopardize the possibility of a Senate with a Republican majority by running as a conservative.
Around 40 people attended the debate, which was sponsored by WETM and The Corning Leader.
