Draft Ron Canestrari for Congress

In 2008, for the first time in 20 years there won't be an incumbent running in the race for New York's 21st Congressional District. This is our chance to send a strong advocate for working families and progressive values to Washington, DC. Ron Canestrari is just the guy for the job, but first he needs to hear from all of us that we want him to get in the race!

A product of the Cohoes public schools and the Christian Brothers Academy, Ron has spent his entire life working for the people of Upstate New York. As Mayor of Cohoes for 13 years and a former President of the New York State Conference of Mayors, Ron understands the challenges facing the towns and cities of the 21st Congressional District.

And he has the record to prove it. From the creation of the Albany International Airport Authority and the Watervliet Arsenal Business and Technology Partnership to the launch of the one-of-a-kind Tech Valley High School, Ron has always been a leader on economic revitalization in Upstate New York, and if we can convince him to run he'll bring that same experience and commitment to the U.S. Congress.

Serving his 10th term in the New York State Assembly, Ron has built a strong record as an advocate for higher education and a leader on reform in Albany, fighting for transparency and throwing open the doors of state government to increased scrutiny.

As Chairman of the Assembly's Higher Education Committee, he fought Governor Pataki's efforts to cut funding for higher education, standing up for our students and our future. He even passed a much-needed 5 year capital plan for maintenance and construction at schools in the SUNY and CUNY system.

Ron's commitment to education is underscored by his chairmanship of the Assembly Internship program, which he has made into one of the top legislative internships in the country.

Ron has a proven track-record as a reformer and believes in using technology and innovation to do it. He chairs the Assembly Working Group on Television Coverage, where he spearheaded the drive to broadcast Assembly Sessions on cable television and over the internet.

In 2006, Assemblyman Canestrari became Majority Leader Canestrari, the second highest ranking member of the Assembly leadership, responsible for the day-to-day management of the legislative session on the floor of the Assembly, including overseeing debate and voting.