Senate District 16 – Democratic Primary 2012

Senate District 16 Map

NO PREFERENCE

TOBY ANN STAVISKY – DEM

Candidate Questionnaire
Age: N/A
Occupation: Member, NYS Senate
Education:  Syracuse University (BA); CUNY (degree not reported)

Toby Ann Stavisky has been a senator since 1999. She is proud of her record of accomplishment and is running in a newly created district that comprises 60 percent of her former district to continue serving the public though she does not currently reside in the district. She cites her experience and knowledge of the issues as distinguishing her from her competitors. On reform issues, Stavisky expressed written opposition to second passage of a constitutional amendment to implement redistricting reform because she believes the amendment is inadequate.  When pressed during the candidate interview, she reluctantly said she would likely vote for second passage. Stavisky also supports Citizens Union’s positions on campaign finance reform and wants to create a more ethical climate in Albany by strengthening penalties for misconduct. Stavisky generally supports making it easier to vote but has concerns about fraudulently submitted voter registration forms. Beyond reform issues, Stavisky will focus on increasing the minimum wage, passing the DREAM Act, reversing cuts to higher education and creating jobs for the community. She supports Mayor Bloomberg’s proposal related to Willets Point and is still forming a position on a Major League Soccer stadium in Flushing Meadows. She believes she is best suited to serve the diverse district, noting her support from elected Asian American officials including her former opponent. Although a capable legislator who has earned CU’s support in the past, Stavisky’s equivocal support for the constitutional amendment to reform redistricting prevents us from supporting her candidacy.