News Articles & Press Releases

November 2, 2008 - Red Hook, NY

Anne Rubin called on Assemblyman Molinaro to remove the misleading flyers he spent the day putting up, which imply that he is endorsed by Congresswoman Kirsten Gillibrand. The flyer lists a number of endorsements, as well as a quote from the Congresswoman alongside her picture. The flyer fails to mention that Kirsten Gillibrand has endorsed Anne Rubin in the race for the 103rd NYS Assembly, and never granted permission to Mr. Molinaro to use her image or to quote her.

Anne Rubin's campaign manager Pat Kelly stated, "This is a bald-faced attempt to mislead the voters of the district. Apparently he is so desperate to win, and so scared to run on his record, that he has to resort to this kind of trickery. I really would have expected better from Mr. Molinaro."

Pat Kelly added, "This is particularly surprising from a Republican who spent the morning at a rally for Sandy Treadwell, the Congresswoman's opponent, and who accepted $3800 in contributions from him. I wonder what else he has misled the public about."

For additional information, or a copy of the poster, contact Pat Kelly at 845-325-2659 or Pat.Kelly.RH.gmail.com

October 13, 2008 - Red Hook, NY

Anne Rubin, candidate for the 103rd NYS Assembly and Red Hook community activist, issued a statement this evening supporting the Dutchess County Legislature in their opposition to a Commuter Tax. The Legislature passed a resolution Thursday evening urging state officials to oppose any reinstatement of the recently repealed Commuter Tax.

“Families are facing a crushing financial burden as they struggle to pay for gas, heating oil, and ever rising property taxes. Many of our residents must commute into New York City in order to work in their chosen profession. In these troubled times, a Commuter Tax would impose an unreasonable and unnecessary burden on families who are already struggling with the increased costs of commuting.”

“This issue also underscores the necessity of promoting sustainable economic development and job growth in the Hudson Valley. We should be creating well-paying jobs right here in our own towns, so that hard working residents don’t need to be commuting two hours each way to Manhattan. We need tax incentives and real leadership to attract the renewable energy industries of the future. Hand in hand with that is the need to expand educational programs in these areas, so that our young people can have the training to take advantage of these opportunities, and afford to live and work in this area.”

October 13, 2008 - Red Hook, NY

(Red Hook, NY) Anne Rubin stated today that she appreciated WVKR's hosting of a debate between herself and Mr. Molinaro this past Friday, and that she looks forward to additional opportunities in the near future.

Anne Rubin said, "This kind of joint appearance allows us to really put our ideas out there so that the public can make an informed decision. Elections should be about how we plan to address the challenges facing our communities and how we will serve the people of this district. In the face of an economic crisis, the people of the Hudson Valley need to hear how we will secure prosperity and sustainability for our future."

She continued,"I am campaigning because we need immediate and meaningful tax reform, and because I have a vision for this district. The current crisis presents an opportunity for our region to move away from an economy built on air, and create a regional economy centered around the research and manufacturing jobs that will come with the industries of the future. From solar to wind to biofuels, we need to be paying ourselves to produce our own energy. I have two young children, and we cannot in good conscience leave the problems of today for the generation of tomorrow. We cannot find ourselves in the same position in five years, not having taken the first steps toward this vision."

After the debate, campaign manager Patrick Kelly stated, "I would really consider this debate a win for Anne. For those listening, I believe that the difference between the candidates was clear. Anne presents a positive vision for the future, and the drive to provide the leadership our region needs if we are to come out of the current crisis. She is fighting for the seniors and working families of our region, not the developers and corporate executives at Red Wing and Bottini, and I think she did an excellent job on Friday of drawing that contrast."

Future debates are in the process of being scheduled. Anne Rubin is scheduled to appear on Meet the Leaders, on Cablevision and Time Warner Cable, on October 20th.

For more information, contact Pat Kelly at 845-325-2659 or Pat.Kelly.RH@gmail.com

October 12, 2008 - Red Hook, NY

Anne Rubin's New York State Assembly Campaign announced today that in the period from July 15 to September 28, they had raised $21,732.25. According to New York State Elections filings, Mr. Molinaro's campaign committee, MJM 4 NY, raised $16,720 in the same period, a difference of $5,012.25.

"This is a grassroots campaign, and these contributions are coming from individual citizens and local organizations who believe in the ideas we are fighting for. This money did not come from outside developers, from mining companies, from fuel oil companies, or from the New York State Party system, and that is an important contrast between my campaign and that of my opponent," said Anne Rubin.

Elisa Sumner stated, "For a challenger like Anne to outraise an incumbent Assemblyman is a huge accomplishment. It shows a real drive and sense of commitment, and reflects how hard she will work for us in Albany. The momentum shown by this fundraising difference could prove to be a real bellwether for this race come November 4th." Elisa Sumner is Vice Chair of the Dutchess County Democrats and Chair of the Town of Dover Democratic Committee

Anne Rubin's filing can be found here.

Mr. Molinaro's filing can be found here.

For more information, contact Pat Kelly at 845-325-2659 or Pat.Kelly.RH@gmail.com

September 18, 2008

On Tuesday evening, the Dutchess County Democratic Committee crowded the Polish Club in the City of Poughkeepsie and unanimously endorsed Anne Rubin for the 103rd Assembly. The motion was made by Dan French and seconded by Vicky Perry.

Dan French, Town Councilman from Beekman and treasurer of the Dutchess County Democrats, said, "Anne Rubin has proven herself to be a very exciting and hardworking candidate. She truly cares about her community, and has a vision for the Hudson Valley which will bring prosperity to all of our residents, not just a few special interests."

Rest of story here.

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Delivered 9/1/2008 at the Dutchess County Labor Day Rally in front of the Poughkeepsie Post Office

This beautiful Post Office behind us was dedicated in 1937 by Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Franklin Delano Roosevelt, 32nd president of the United States of America, born and raised in Hyde Park, New York, just 4 miles from where we stand today. Franklin Delano Roosevelt, born and raised in a family of wealth and privilege, but a man of high ideals. A man who was responsible for finally passing into federal law, the eight hour workday, the great triumph of a struggle that had gone on since before the very first Labor Day, in 1882.

President Roosevelt proved to us that our elected officials, indeed a president, can look beyond the wishes of the special interests and see clearly the needs of the average citizen. The need for fairness - fair working conditions, fair wages, fair taxes.

The generations of workers who came before us secured for us all the rights that we take for granted today - the 8 hour workday, worker safety, an end to child labor, a minimum wage. To all the people who fought for these basic rights of workers, we give our profound thanks today. We are here to celebrate this day, Labor Day, by looking at where we have come from, how far we have travelled, and where we still need to go.

I look forward to the future of labor and I see a world where mothers and fathers don't have to worry about getting fired because they need time off to take care of their newborn babies. I see a world where everyone is guaranteed access to healthcare, and a regular vacation each year. I see a world where the minimum wage is enough to actually live on. I see a world where women are paid the same as men, not just some of the time, but all of the time, by the force of law.

This year the New York State Assembly overwhelmingly passed the Fair Pay Act, guaranteeing equal wages for equal work. It outlaws wage discrimination based on gender, race, or nationality. This bill passed the Assembly by a vote of 113 to 30. It was promptly sent to the New York State Senate, who must also approve it before it can become law. The Senate, controlled by Republicans, did the same thing to this bill that it did last year - it sent it to committee, where it is collecting dust in a deep drawer.

This is not 1808 or 1908 and we must send a strong, 21st century message to our government. We must elect representatives who will pass the Fair Pay Act, and other bills that will guarantee the rights of workers.

My opponent voted against the Fair Pay Act. But next year, as your Assemblywoman from the 103rd District, I will vote for it. And when we take control of the Senate, these bills will move forward to Governor Paterson's desk to be signed into law.

We have come a long way since the first Labor Day in 1882, but there is still much more to be done. Fairness and equality must come before special interests and lobbyists. The rights of people must come before the rights of corporations!

This is our time, this is our year. We can take back control of Albany right here and right now, by putting people in office, who put people first. If you want real change, and not more of the same, if you want Albany to work for the people of this state, and not just the entrenched special interests, then get out there and vote on November 4th, and spread the word.

We are on the brink of a momentous changing of the guard in our beautiful state, and with your help, we can and we will take back our government and create a bright, and sustainable future for all of our citizens. Thank you for coming out today, and for all of your hard work to secure good working conditions for all of us.

Press Release, August 7, 2008

The record shows that Sal Cascino has illegally dumped large amounts of toxic materials on a number of his properties, including sites in the Towns of Copake and Dover. The residents of these towns have a right to clean drinking water, and we have a duty to protect this natural resource for future generations. The role of government should be to stand up for the welfare of the community when it is threatened by the illegal activities of a single business or individual.

Taxpayers invest a tremendous amount of money in the state government, with the reasonable expectation that their elected officials will not just write laws to protect them, but will actively enforce them. Unfortunately, in the case of Sal Cascino, we have seen a blatant violation of local, state, and federal regulations, which continues unabated. This matter calls for the active engagement of our public, our press, and our elected officials, which is why I stand firmly in support of the Independent editorial of July 25, and the letter written by Copake Councilman Bob Sacks on July 26.

As Councilman Sacks states, we have seen a lack of meaningful results from our elected officials at the state level. It is the responsibility of the state legislature to provide the DEC and Attorney General with the necessary enforcement tools to address issues such as these. Likewise, it is the role of our elected state officials to effectively advocate for the citizens of affected communities, so that these agencies understand the gravity and urgency of the situation at Copake Valley Farms.

I applaud the citizens and elected officials of Copake who have been engaged in this issue from the beginning, especially the residents who came out on Thursday, August 7, to attend a public hearing. While seemingly a local concern, Mr. Cascino’s actions seriously threaten the long term health of the residents of Copake, and his illegal dumping extends to other towns in the area, such as Dover. This blatant flaunting of local and state laws sets a dangerous precedent, and it is urgent that local, county, and state officials send a clear signal deterring any future activity of this kind.

Having extensively researched water quality issues as a member of the Town of Red Hook Conservation Advisory Council, I fully understand how easy it is to irreversibly pollute our water supply. We must take proactive steps to protect our drinking water, as was accomplished in Amenia with the adoption of the Dutchess County Model Water Ordinance. Once contamination occurs, it is already too late. By taking aggressive steps ahead of time, we prevent grave health risks, and save tremendous amounts in taxpayer money which would otherwise go to remediation and legal costs.

As your Assemblywoman, I will work to coordinate the efforts of the villages, towns and cities of the Hudson Valley, and provide the means to protect our drinking water and other natural resources. Moreover, I would ensure that the enforcement branches of the state government both possess and actively utilize the tools necessary to prevent the kind of activity we have seen in Copake. This is what our legislators should be doing all along, not just when it is time for them to run for re-election.

Mr. Cascino’s illegal dumping needs to be stopped immediately, and he must be held accountable for all cleanup costs. The taxpayers of these towns should not be made to pay the price for his illegal dumping, nor can we abide an ongoing threat to the water supplies of these communities.

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The Independent Online, July 20, 2008

HUDSON - The Columbia County Democratic Committee has unanimously endorsed Anne Rubin as the party's candidate 103rd Assembly District. The committee made its decision at a meeting Wednesday, July 16, in a unanimous vote.

If Ms. Rubin, a Dutchess County resident, is not challenged in a primary, she will face first-term incumbent Marcus Molinaro, a Tivoli Republican, in the November election.

The 103rd District includes the City of Hudson, the towns of Ancram, Austerlitz, Canaan, Claverack, Copake, Ghent, Greenport, Hillsdale and Stockport in Columbia County, and most of eastern Dutchess County stretching south the Putnam County border.

Although Mr. Molinaro went on to win the Assembly seat in the 103rd District in 2006 after a bruising primary against incumbent Pat Manning, Democrat Virginia Martin out-polled Mr. Molinaro in Columbia County that year.

A press release from the Columbia County Democratic Committee said Ms. Rubin told their gathering, "As a mother of two, I look around and I see that we can be doing more, and must be doing more, to make sure that our residents, farms, and small businesses, are not paying an unfair amount of their income to property taxes."

Victor Mendolia, chairman of the Hudson City Democratic Committee, said in the release that the party is enthusiastic about Ms. Rubin. He said she had gathered over 1,000 signatures on petitions to run for the office in just over a week, adding that her ability to gather that much support in such a short time showed her campaign had momentum.

The leadership of the Democratic Party in both counties has already gone on record in support of Claverack resident Ken Dow for state Senate in the 41st District, which includes all of Columbia and much of Dutchess County.

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By Christine D'Agostino, Hudson-Catskill Newspapers, July 12, 2008

"I truly believe I can make a difference."

These were Anne Rubin's words to the Register-Star Thursday, as she discussed why she decided to make a last-minute push for the 103rd District Assembly seat currently held by Marc Molinaro, R,I,C-Tivoli.

Rubin is a registered member of the Green Party and is running on the Democratic Party line. She's hoping to increase her presence throughout the district, which is comprised of 22 cities and towns from Columbia and Dutchess counties. "I'm going to be attending events and meeting with as many people across the entire district as possible."

Everyone throughout the district needs to be represented, Rubin explained, not just the special interest groups. Property tax reform and the environment are the main issues that concern Rubin. "I think the basis of what I want to do is create economic engines all over the district."

According to Rubin, "families in distress are being crushed by unfair property taxes." She also seeks to strengthen the foundations of local communities and their economies by supporting local farms and businesses. Rubin feels that people of the 103rd District want to see property tax reform, the stimulation of the local economy, and the creation of jobs. "A lot of working families are struggling to make ends meet."

She also noted the lack of jobs in the area. "I'm seeing it everywhere," Rubin said. "It's a sign to me that local businesses need our support." Creating support for local businesses and farms will benefit all families in the district, because they won't have to travel so far to get what they need. "That becomes more and more important with rising fuel prices."

For Rubin, the environment is also key.

"Albany needs to be doing more to create infrastructure for innovative ways of doing business," she said. "We need to step back from the old ways of doing business and create new kinds of business."

She said the so-called innovative businesses strive towards many goals, including reducing our carbon footprint, stimulating the economy, and creating environmental savings.

Rubin feels that there needs to be better opportunities to save money by helping the environment. "More needs to be done at the state level so there are incentives for that."

One of Rubin's goals is to work with the existing community base to make the 103rd District — as well as the entire state of New York — a place that not only attracts green businesses but also provides education for the green-collar sector at local colleges and universities.

Rubin currently resides in the village of Red Hook with her husband and two children. She serves as a member of Red Hook's Conservation Advisory Council (CAC), as well as the Zoning Review Committee, where she works on zoning issues as they arise.

As a member of the CAC, Rubin has been researching Red Hook's water resources, including a study of the ground and surface water in the area. "I've been doing it with the goal of having our town adopt the Dutchess County Model Water Ordinance."

Within the last year, the Dutchess County Water and Waste Authority developed the ordinance, which Rubin explained provides more regulation of land use and is meant to be adopted by towns in the county. The town of Amenia is so far the only one that has adopted it.

Rubin has done research on the town's aquifer, met with multiple watershed groups, and has also attended various conferences on the topic. "I have been working very diligently to get this model water ordinance adopted in Red Hook."

These are issues that Rubin hopes to bring to Albany. "I'd like to see the state being supportive of these air and water quality initiatives," she said.

"Anne Rubin's grasp of the issues that people are concerned about in the Hudson Valley is phenomenal. Her energy and deep understanding of the environmental and economic issues we face will make her a great advocate for us in the Assembly," said Victor Mendolia, Chairman of the Hudson City Democratic Committee, in a prepared statement.

Candidates' petitions were due Thursday, and Rubin decided only last week to throw her name into the ring. In just nine days, she collected 1,072 signatures — more than double the 500 that are required by state election law.

She'd been mulling over the possibility of running for the Assembly seat, but initially held off because there were other candidates in the race.

"I didn't want to put the Democratic party through a difficult primary," she said. Once it appeared as though Molinaro would not have an opponent, Rubin decided to move forward with her campaign.

In a prepared statement, Columbia County Democratic Committee Chair Christopher Nolan said, "Anne has really hit the ground running. In just a little over a week, she has been able to gather the hundreds of signatures to get on the ballot. We are very impressed with her energy and commitment to doing the job."

Rubin is equally impressed with the efforts of those who assisted her.

"It was really astounding the number of people who came out and got involved in order to make this happen," she said. She was surprised at the number of signatures she was able to collect, only because candidates generally have a month to do what she did in just over a week.

Rubin herself also put in a lot of work gathering the necessary signatures. "I was out for five to nine hours every day."

Overall, Rubin believes that the entire country is facing a crucial time, Rubin said. "We need to think about the ways we're doing things and look at ways of doing things that will help make this region more affordable for families and allow people to remain."

"The Hudson Valley is a wonderful place to be; I love the Hudson Valley," Rubin said. "I want everyone in the district to be able to remain here."

July 12, 2008 - Poughkeepsie Journal

Red Hook resident Anne Rubin has announced she collected 1,072 signatures to secure her place on the Democratic ballot line for the 103rd state Assembly District.

Rubin needed 500 signatures in order to be placed on the ballot.

Rubin, who has received the support from both the Columbia County and Dutchess County Democratic committees, will run against incumbent state Assemblyman Marc Molinaro, R-Tivoli. The 103rd state Assembly District encompasses 10 municipalities in Columbia County and 12 municipalities in Dutchess.

Rubin, who is married and has two children, is a member of the Town of Red Hook Conservation Advisory Council and Zoning Review Committee.

More information about Rubin can be found at www.annerubin.net

Press Release, July 10th 2008

Anne Rubin announced today that she has collected 1072 signatures to secure her place on the Democratic ballot line for the 103rd Assembly District. Only 500 signatures were required by New York State Election Law.

Anne has also received authorization to run on the Democratic line from the chairs of the Democratic Party in both Columbia County and Dutchess County. "Anne has really hit the ground running. In just a little over a week, she has been able to gather the hundreds of signatures to get on the ballot. We are very impressed with her energy and commitment to doing the job," said Chris Nolan, Chairman of the Columbia County Democratic Committee.

"It was very exciting that we were able to overcome the challenge of collecting so many signatures in just nine days, especially with many people away over a holiday weekend. We had dozens of volunteers helping us, and I am looking forward to continuing to work with them on an energetic, grassroots campaign," said Anne Rubin.

For more information, contact Pat Kelly at 845-325-2659 or Pat.Kelly.RH@gmail.com.

 

Press Release - August 8th 2008

It is with great honor and enthusiasm that Anne Rubin announces her candidacy for the 103rd Assembly District. Anne is a longtime Hudson Valley resident and working mother who lives in the Village of Red Hook with her husband and two young children. She is a local community activist and member of Red Hook's Conservation Advisory Council and Zoning Review Committee. In both her community work and family life, she has demonstrated a strong work ethic and a drive to overcome obstacles.

In the coming months, Anne looks forward to introducing herself to the residents of her district, hearing their concerns and ideas, and presenting her own ideas for making the Hudson Valley more affordable for working families and more supportive for local businesses.

"I am running for office because I believe that everyone should have the promise of opportunity to make a good life for themselves. My first priority will be making sure that no one in our district has to pay an unfair share of their income for property taxes. We need to be doing more to find alternatives to property taxes, to promote our local businesses, and to develop an economic base which can profit from our tremendous agricultural resources and the rise in environmentally centered industries like alternative energy," said Anne Rubin.

She continued, "I decided to run because I believe that politics should be about communities working together to grow and prosper. I see all around me the consequences of business as usual in Albany, and am convinced that we need to find new ways of growing our local economies, keeping our farms viable, and making the Hudson Valley affordable for all our families."

Candidates for the Assembly must collect 500 signatures to get on the ballot in November. In less than a week, through her own drive, and by inspiring dozens of volunteers, Anne has exceeded this number. It is virtually unprecedented for a candidate to gather this many signatures in such a short time.

"Anne Rubin is exactly the kind of candidate that the Democratic Party and the people of the district need in the race for New York's 103rd Assembly seat. Her work on the Conservation Advisory Council in the Town of Red Hook gives her the insight necessary to help maintain the Hudson Valley's character while investing in new infrastructure and economic growth," said Ira Margulies, President of the Dutchess County Young Democrats.

"Anne Rubin's grasp of the issues that people are concerned about in the Hudson Valley is phenomenal. Her energy and deep understanding of the environmental and economic issues we face will make her a great advocate for us in the Assembly", said Victor Mendolia, Chairman of the Hudson City Democratic Committee.

An official signature count will be released Wednesday night, after all petitions have been collected and gathered in one place.

For more information, contact Pat Kelly at 845-325-2659 or Pat.Kelly.RH@gmail.com.