There is a special election for Assemblyman Paul Tonko's seat on July 31. Tonko has resigned his seat to take a position at NYSERDA, that would allow him to oversee New York's energy technology development agency.

Ed Kosiur is one of two candidates running for Assembly to replace the legendary Paul Tonko. He for many reasons is the superior candidate in this race, providing the leadership that the Mohawk Valley needs to grow in ways that are desirable to the entire community as a whole.

When elected, Kosieur will serve as part of the Democratic Majority in the Assembly. With soon to be 109-seats controlled by Democrats and 41 by Republicans, it seems that the only way to have an effective voice in the Assembly is to be a Democrat. Their conference allows members to have a voice, regardless of their ideological perspective on the issues.

He also will reflect many of our values as an elected officials. He will continue his work to clean up Schenectady, and find ways to reduce crime in our cities. He will work to bring industry back to Schenectady, and revitilize it's downtown. He will continue Paul Tonko's legacy.

The changes that Paul Tonko brought to the Mohawk Valley should not be under estimated. Despite a sagging tax base as the area evolved with changing patterns of economic development, he worked with other leaders in Albany to revitalize the canal system as an important recreational resource, brought new life and vitality to our downtowns, and started what I believe to be a major upswing for that area.

Now I don't agree with everything that either Tonko or Kosiur has done through their terms in elected office. They are people, and they make mistakes. Yet, they have constantly proven to be good for the area, and working for the interest of the people living in the Mohawk Valley.

In contrast, George Amedoure has done little for the area. He has never served in elected office, or even held a real job. He works for his daddy's luxury homes construction company, as a business manager. It's unlikely he has ever done any work, or will do anythnig useful in his term at the Assembly.

Taxes remain a real problem that Kosiur will have to address when he's elected. Simply said government costs too much, and the state is largely to blame. I hope that when he is elected, that he will push for the kind of changes like Governor Spitzer is supporting, that will reduce the cost of governing and ensure the long-term sustainability of our great state.