MY PLATFORM
I believe in some basics when it comes to governing: 1) Listen and serve the people; 2) spend less than you take in, 3) seek bipartisan solutions, and 4) fight for what you believe -- despite the odds.
Read my platform.

Join us at our fundraiser Sept. 19!
The Tonello for Senate campaign is hosting the event from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 19, at Corning's Radisson Hotel. Tickets are $53. Please contact us for details.

If you can't make it, we could still use your financial support. Please consider giving online today!

Tonello signs 'Divided We Fail' pledge
John Tonello, Democratic candidate for the 53rd State Senate seat, announced today that he has signed the AARP's "Divided We Fail" pledge that calls for bipartisan efforts to ensure New Yorkers and all Americans have access to quality, affordable health care. Read more

Tonello commits to at least two Senate debates; urges Winner to agree to more
Democratic 53rd State Senate candidate John Tonello has agreed to two independent debates with Republican George Winner Jr. in October, and said he is working to have at least two more forums so that all residents across the 2,500-square-mile district have a chance to participate. Read more

City of Elmira excluded from local meeting with senate majority leader
Elmira city representatives, including Mayor John Tonello, candidate for the 53rd State Senate seat, were excluded from an important visit to Elmira by one of the state’s three most powerful lawmakers Wednesday. Read more

Join the Tonello for Senate group on FaceBook
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'Three men in a room' is no way to cut taxes or govern, Tonello says
The governor and legislative leaders' latest meeting behind closed doors to strike a deal on a property tax cap is a disgraceful display of what passes for "normal" in Albany -- no transparency, no public dialogue, and no comprehensive solutions, said John Tonello, candidate for the 53rd State Senate seat. Read more

Tonello calls for school tax relief that addresses spending, ensures aid to classrooms
ELMIRA -- 53rd District State Senate candidate John Tonello today called on the New York State leaders to return to Albany shortly after the July 4 holiday to enact school property tax relief that helps districts curb spending, and ensures funding makes its way to classrooms where it's needed most. Read more

Senate 'plan' to eliminate local school tax underscores need for real reform, Tonello says
ELMIRA -- A one-house bill passed by the New York State Senate this week that seeks to allow local school districts to replace local property taxes with additional state aid will do nothing to ease the burden on taxpayers and underscores the need for true reform in Albany. Read more

Elmira Mayor John Tonello to seek 53rd District senate seat
ELMIRA -- Second-term Elmira Mayor John Tonello announced Thursday he is running for the 53rd District state senate seat, seeking to challenge the status quo in Albany, and bring a nonpartisan approach to the state capital. Read more