(just add links (I could do this later, but I'm rushing a bit right now))
From Tarik's FB page:
We all know the top concerns on the minds of Broome County residents: jobs, taxes, services, flood recovery and safety, and gas drilling.
The question is who has the leadership, vision, and solutions to best address these concerns, and achieve lasting, positive change in this special place we all call home? And just as important, who should Broome residents trust to make the right decisions over the next four years on issues that will impact the health, safety, and opportunity of our families and loved ones?
Tarik Abdelazim has shown strong leadership in building inclusive partnerships around forward-thinking policies and real solutions that benefit all residents. He has a promising, hopeful vision for Broome's future, a commitment to get there, and an impressive track record of success.
Below you can find Tarik's positions on some key issues that he has shared with the public: SENIORS, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, and FRACKING. As Tarik publicly releases his platform and priorities on other issues, like reforming government and a neighborhood recovery strategy, we will add them here so you have one central spot to review all of his positions and priorities.
JOBS: "A PLAN FOR PROSPERITY"
Democratic candidate for Broome County Executive Tarik Abdelazim's four-point economic plan, entitled the "Plan for Prosperity," was recently unveiled at a special lunch event of young professionals, labor leaders, small business owners and farmers.
"My economic development plan is a focused vision of real solutions that are consistent with regional priorities, build on my record of success at the city, and reflect my values. It is a common sense approach that will create jobs, position the region for long-term success, and strengthen the health, security and well-being of all Broome residents," said Abdelazim. "My 'Plan for Prosperity' is a clear and compelling alternative to Preston's empty campaign promises and eight months of opportunism. She has made no progress on her promises, and instead has consistently taken credit for the good work of others, which I find both dishonest and disrespectful."
To read more about the specific priorities in The Plan for Prosperity, please click here.
SENIORS: "SENIORS DESERVE SECURITY"
The "Seniors Deserve Security" Plan reflects Abdelazim's strong commitment to the security, health, and opportunity of all seniors, and builds on his direct involvement over the last five years with the County's premiere senior advocacy collaboration, Aging Futures Partnership.
"The anniversary of Social Security is a reminder of how principled, courageous leadership can protect and strengthen the dignity, security, and comfort of millions of American seniors and families," said Tarik Abdelazim. "Here in Binghamton, I've met seniors displaced by floods and torn from families. I've talked with senior homeowners on fixed incomes struggling to pay the bills. I've met seniors facing extreme uncertainty and anxiety about real and proposed cuts to health care and transportation services. It is unacceptable to turn our backs on those who have been there for us over the years. Whereas some may throw up their hands and say we have no choice, I have always been and will always be a strong champion to find creative ways to help our seniors and aging loved ones achieve a greater sense of security, dignity and comfort."
Abdelazim outlined his "Seniors Deserve Security" Plan, which focuses on health care, housing, transportation, and community design. To see the specific proposals, click here.
FRACKING:WHERE I STAND
Tarik has been deeply engaged in the subject of high volume hydrofracking for more than four years. He has a consistent track record of raising serious concerns about moving forward with this heavy industrial activity before communities are provided comprehensive information on the potential environmental, economic and public health impacts.
Whether talking with proponents or opponents of fracking, Tarik has given a consistent answer, clearly defining his position and approach instead of hiding behind "vague" commitments of "safe and responsible drilling." If elected County Executive, he commits to the following:
His decisions won't be bought nor influenced by money from gas industry
The safety and health of our families and residents will always come first
There will be no leasing of County parks and other County lands
Respecting "home rule" authority, in which each local community has the power to determine whether fracking will be allowed within their borders
Encouraging local officials to pursue a referendum on the "home rule decision," to truly represent the will of the people, as well as to avoid potential conflicts of interest from board members who may be in landowner coalitions or already in gas leases
Will advocate strongly for use of local labor and strong worker safety standards should drilling go forward
Commit County expertise and resources from all relevant departments—legal, planning, health, highway and roads, and emergency services—to assist all towns and villages with development of necessary measures to protect safety and health of their residents, and to safeguard local taxpayers from footing the bill of damage done by out-of-state companies
As Tarik shares that last point with the public, he gives a helpful analogy of how he sees the County Executive's role on this controversial issue.
"The County Executive should act like a new homeowner, taking all the necessary steps to protect the safety and health of their loved ones. Carry out a home inspection report. Install a carbon monoxide detector and a smoke alarm. Put a fire extinguisher under the sink. And install appropriate security systems. That's what the County Executive should be doing right now—lending support to local officials to plan and prepare so we can better protect our loved ones and this special place we all call home.
"Unfortunately, the current administration has done nothing to help prepare our communities for the prospect of fracking, even though Ms. Preston made this promise on the campaign trail last year. It is irresponsible and unacceptable. Instead, she's hosting summer press conferences in Albany with Senator Libous saying, "Broome County is ready for drilling." She's accepting major contributions from gas companies, according to her own campaign finance reports. And from what we hear, she's hosting closed-door meetings with gas companies to discuss potential gas lease deals on County lands. The residents of Broome deserve better."
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