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2009 NYC Voter Guide: Candidate Profile: James S. Oddo

50th City Council District

 

CANDIDATES

James M. Pocchia James S. Oddo   

James M. Pocchia
[ D ]

James S. Oddo
[ R, I, C, WF ]

  

James S. Oddo

Republican

Party enrolled in: Republican

Occupation: Council Member

Occupational background: First elected in 1999. City Council Minority Leader since 2002

Educational background: New York Law School, JD; Fordham University, BA

Organizational affiliations: Currently a member of the Monsignor Farrell High School Board of Directors; former member of the NYS Fire Prevention and Building Code Council

Prior public experience: Chief-of-Staff to former Council Member John Fusco; Legal Counsel to former Minority Leader Thomas V. Ognibene

Email:

Website:

Email & Website links were provided by the candidate.

 

1. What is the most important issue in Council District 50 you would address if elected?

The most important issue is the economic crisis. New Yorkers continue to be overtaxed, an especially painful fact during tough economic times. I will continue to fight against tax increases that negatively affect the middle class, and in favor of cutting wasteful spending. I will also continue to ensure that my district receives its fair share of city resources, especially in the core services of police, fire, sanitation, and education. I will also continue to fight for pro-growth policies that create jobs for my constituents.

 

2. What other important issues would you address if elected?

I will continue to address our transportation woes. This includes advocating for engineering changes to our most problematic intersections and for additional resources to repair our crumbling roads.

I will also continue to address our health care crisis. The Staten Island portion of my district has been woefully underserved by the city for decades. I will continue working to procure additional resources for our hospitals and our primary care system.

 

3. What makes you the best candidate for this office?

I am the most experienced candidate and have demonstrated my willingness to do the right thing for my constituents no matter the political cost. I have been described by a local newspaper as a "smart, passionate and savvy lawmaker" whose "commitment on the issues is legendary." The same newspaper wrote that I live for my job, which "because of his ability, energy and insight he does very well. No one works harder for the people of his district or for all Staten Island than Mr. Oddo."

 

(Reprinted as supplied by the candidate.)

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PARTY KEY
C = Conservative
D = Democratic
FJ = Freedom Justice
G = Green
I = Independence
JE = Jobs and Education
L = Liberal
LBT = Libertarian Party
NV = New Voice
P = Populist Party
PSL = Party for Socialism and Liberation
RTH* = Rent is Too High Party
R = Republican
SW = Socialist Workers Party
WF = Working Families

*Rent is Too Damn High was changed by the BOE to Rent is Too High after the printed Voter Guide had gone to press.