Winner falsely attempting to take credit for local economic growth, Tonello says

John Tonello, Democratic candidate for the 53rd District state Senate seat, today said his opponent George Winner in his campaign commercials, print ads, and speeches is trying to take credit for creating local jobs that had nothing to do with him or the state Senate.

"Time and again, Mr. Winner has suggested to voters that he is responsible for jobs at Sitel in Corning, Sikorsky and DeMets Candy Co. in Big Flats, Restore New York projects in Elmira and Montour Falls, the Harbor Hotel in Watkins Glen and other regional economic development efforts," Tonello said. "The truth is, these are the result of local economic development professionals and Empire State Development Corp., not Mr. Winner."

Tonello said that while the Senator Winner may indeed support these projects, his direct involvement has been little more than cutting the ribbons at their openings.

"Stop taking credit and stop misleading voters, Mr. Winner," Tonello said. "Citizens of the 53rd district will soon be going to the polls and however they choose to cast their votes, their decisions should at least begin with the facts."

Restore New York grants that are being used to rebuild downtown Elmira and Montour Falls were secured through teamwork between the city, village, county, and Empire State Development officials, and are not political, Tonello said.

"These grants were given out on their merits," Tonello said. "Sikorsky and DeMets were a direct result of Southern Tier Economic Growth's efforts, which included IDA funding and local tax breaks. Mr. Winner provided no referrals, no member-item money, and none of the heavy lifting, yet he's quick to take credit for others' work."

Tonello said as state Senator he will work with Empire State Development Corp. to expand regional job-growth strategies and boost jobs based in the green economy. Today, the lack of comprehensive economic development strategies and partisan politics are keeping employers out of New York, he said.

"New Yorkers need an honest business-like approach and need incumbents' egos left out of it," Tonello said.