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Our newly elected Town Board members John Casey (2nd from left) and David Sauter (2nd from right), pose for pictures with our newly reelected State Senator Pamela Helming (far right) and Town Supervisor Jared Simpson (far left) and our Town Clerk Jean Chrisman (middle).
The ceremony was presided by the Hon. William F. Kocher at the Canandaigua Town Hall on Dec 31st, 2022 and sponsored by the Town of Canandaigua Republican Committee. It was a wonderful, intimate ceremony with family and friends in attendance. Senator Helming gave an inspiring speech about this small gathering holding special meaning for her in putting the oath they all took to heart while looking into the eyes of the family that means the most to her.
Click the button below to see more pictures from the Swearing-In Ceremony and other events in our Photo Gallery!
Mike Murphy - MPNnow
Oct 19, 2022
CANANDAIGUA — Two people with experience in Canandaigua town government are running to fill two spots on the Town Board.
Republicans John Casey and David Sauter are running to fill the unexpired terms for two council seats.
Typically, a Town Board term runs four years; both are running for one-year terms this year and would run again next year for a full term. Councilmembers are set to make $5,532 in 2023
Click button below to read the rest of the story.
This is a HUGE win for New York State voters!! The highest court in the state of New York has struck down the state legislature’s prospective congressional and state senate maps.
Read the full story by clicking on the link below. Read the NEXT story to see how it affects Candidates and voters!
New York’s Highest Court Strikes Down Democrats’ Gerrymandered Congressional, State Senate Maps | The highest court in the state of New York has struck down the state legislature’s prospective congressional and state senate maps. In a 4-3 majority ruling, New York State Court of Appeals said that the maps, redrawn by the Democratic majority in the state legislature, violated the New York state constitution because they failed to (ussanews.com)
April 27, 2022 at 3:03 PM - The Court of Appeals today confirmed what we already knew—the redistricting process was compromised. I am thankful for this ruling and look forward to maps that are fairly and independently drawn. New Yorkers deserve to have their best interest put before political agenda.
Times Union article:https://www.timesunion.com/state/article/Court-of-Appeals-throws-out-New-York-s-17127915.php?IPID=Times-Union-HP-CP-spotlight
A New York judge ordered Friday that the state’s congressional and state Senate primaries be delayed until Aug. 23 to provide enough time to replace district maps that were ruled unconstitutional this week.
State Judge Patrick McAllister moved the primaries back from their original date of June 28. He said the independent expert he tasked with helping him craft new maps, special master Jonathan Cervas, will finish drawing districts by May 20.
In the meantime, state and local election officials will prepare to once again hold separate primaries in June and August. Lawmakers in 2019 consolidated the primaries to save money, increase voter turnout and make the process less confusing for the public.
New York is set to hold gubernatorial and state Assembly primaries in June, unless lawmakers decide to delay.
New York’s highest court rejected Wednesday new congressional and state senate maps that had widely been seen as favoring Democrats.
The majority decision largely agreed with Republican voters who argued the district boundaries were unconstitutionally gerrymandered. More on court decision:
Court of Appeals strikes down NY's redistricting maps. What happens now?
State Senator Pam Helming has been working extremely hard to protect our interests, here in Canandaigua and the Finger Lakes region. Please watch 2 short videos as she discusses important business on the Senate floor. The links are below.
Those were the words of my colleague when I asked if there was anything in the Governor's original budget, or the Senate one-house budget, about bail and discovery reform. And "late in the game" seems to be a theme throughout this budget process."
Senator Pam Helming on Facebook Watch
"This week on the Senate floor, I introduced an amendment to repeal NY's bail and discovery reform laws. It was not supported by the Senate Majority. I will keep fighting to repeal these misguided policies that do nothing to support crime victims and their families or keep our communities safe."
https://www.facebook.com/SenatorHelming/videos/714309566416916
Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
CANANDAIGUA — Jared Simpson’s father Robert Simpson served as Canandaigua town supervisor.
As of Jan. 1, it’s a case of “like father, like son,” as Simpson is the new office-holder.
“I’m honored and humbled to be in this same position and same spot,” Simpson said during a swearing-in ceremony New Year’s Day.
And if Simpson’s son, Ammon, a sixth-grader, has his way, he, too, will someday join the family “business.” Ammon, who along with other family members stood by as Simpson was sworn in, served as his father’s junior campaign manager during the 2021 campaign. He said that he wants to serve as town supervisor when it’s his time.
Until that day, Simpson — the dad and Canandaigua social studies teacher — said he is looking forward to working with the “great” residents in town as he continues along this “journey.”
“My goal going forward is to continue to listen — and continue to care — to the people who might not ordinarily have a voice,” Simpson said.
Simpson, a Republican who defeated challenger Sam Casella in the November general election, takes over for former Supervisor Cathy Menikotz, who did not seek re-election. Simpson praised her as a “great mentor and a great leader with a strong moral compass.”
Simpson was among several town officials sworn into office during the ceremonial event. State Sen. Pam Helming, a former Canandaigua town supervisor, handled the swearing-in duties, and recalled how Robert Simpson helped her get into town government.
“He’s going to be an amazing leader,” Helming said of Jared Simpson.
Incoming Councilmember Adeline Rudolph, who is a caseworker in Helming's office, was elected to the Town Board in November in her first attempt at public office. She joins Councilmember Terry Fennelly, who has served on the Town Board since January 2010.
Town Clerk Jean Chrisman, who ran unopposed in November, also was sworn into office.
Link to story on Rochester Democrat & Chronicle site:
New Canandaigua supervisor Jared Simpson follows in dad's footsteps (mpnnow.com)
Picture: PFC Andrew HerrGesell charges forward with his machine gun during an exercise in Korea.
HerrGesell, stationed in Alaska, received Christmas packages for his squad sent by the Town of Canandaigua Republican Committee. HerrGesell also received a baby care package for his squad Sgt's newborn son! Andrew is one of many active duty personnel from Canandaigua.
Please let us know if your enlisted son or daughter would like to receive a thoughtful package as our way of saying thanks for their service!
State Sen. Pam Helming, R-Canandaigua, issued the following statement in response to Gov. Kathy Hochul's State of the State address Wednesday:
“Speeches like the State of the State are meant to be hopeful, and I am hopeful for the future. The devil is always in the details, and I’ll be looking at them closely.
“There are things we need to do immediately, including stabilizing our health care system and hospital and nursing home workforce, and finally getting our rural communities the public health resources they need. The state has just expanded COVID testing sites to SUNY campuses. How about a testing site at Finger Lakes and Cayuga community colleges?
“I share the commitment to boosting our economy and workforce. This should include significantly reducing unemployment costs for small businesses, and manufacturing more critical products in New York State, including PPE.
“Accelerating the scheduled middle class tax cuts is great — let’s also provide additional meaningful relief to taxpayers and homeowners.
“In the face of rising violent crime across our state, it is more important than ever to protect public safety and back our law enforcement and first responders.
“Our children’s mental health is another priority for me and I was pleased to hear the Governor mention this in her speech. We must keep our kids in school and support all aspects of their health and well-being.
“As we begin a new legislative session, I will keep fighting for the 54th District and a stronger New York.”
Helming represents the 54th state Senate district, which includes Seneca and Wayne counties and portions of Ontario, Monroe, Tompkins and Cayuga counties.
Link to story on Messenger Post Media:
https://www.mpnnow.com/story/news/2022/01/06/helming-responds-state-state-address/9117337002/
Click the link below:
A failing economy, rampant crime, and a covid testing and staff shortage crisis of her own making are plaguing our state. It's no wonder we are seeing a mass exodus of New Yorkers who are fleeing to other states with more opportunity and freedom. Watch Chairman Langworthy tear apart accidental Governor Kathy Hochul's State of the State in the official Republican response.
Click the link below:
Take Back New York Agenda 2022 Press Conference - YouTube
The New York State Senate Republican Conference officially released its “Take Back New York” 2022 legislative agenda. A response to the neglect and decline of our state created by Democrat one-party rule, Take Back New York would restore balance and common sense to government while vigorously rejecting the extreme policies of the past three years.
The Town of Canandaigua Republican Committee donated dinners to the night staff at Thompson Hospital in November!
These dedicated workers have little access to food during their breaks, due to the cafeteria being closed at night and the lack of delivery services available later at night! They were extremely grateful, just as we are to them for all that they do to take care of the people in our community!
Thank you, Thompson Hospital Staff!
Pictured at left - from l to r, Pam Ruschak, Crystelyn Laske and Patrick Vimislik with the table full of the boxed dinners.
We are very pleased to endorse Jared Simpson for Canandaigua supervisor.
Jared took the time a few weeks ago to meet with our family and a few neighbors who were interested in his views. He is an excellent leader who shares our passion about protecting our lake and its watershed, which we believe is desperately in need of protection. He has a record of actively supporting and voting to protect our green space from overdevelopment. His deep roots and pride in Canandaigua are evident in his genuine concern for our town and its unique character.
Canandaigua is an integral part of Ontario County. Agriculture and its infrastructure and related industries account for a major percentage of our county's lands and revenue. Jared has a clear vision that retains our green space and rural appeal while promoting responsible growth and development.
This is a critical election for our town. We cannot regrow our woodlands and green space once destroyed. Please join Mark and I in voting for Jared Simpson, a supervisor who will help our town keep our water, farmlands and air clean and safe.
Mark and Karen Blazey
Canandaigua
CANANDAIGUA — Town of Canandaigua residents can vote for two of three candidates who are seeking two open seats on the Town Board.
Incumbent Councilman Terry Fennelly and running mate Adeline Rudolph are running on the Republican Party line. Both won primary elections in June. They also were endorsed by the Ontario County Conservative Party, and they are also running on the independent Chosen Spot line.
Read the rest of the article at
Three people running for Canandaigua Town Board (mpnnow.com)
It was great having Canandaigua's annual July 4th parade back for 2021. This year we were very happy to have a heavy presence of Republican Town of Canandaigua elected officials and candidates be part of the festivities. The above picture was taken as they were getting ready to walk in the parade to show our pride in our great country!
The parade was a great spectacle and the warmth we got from everyone along the parade route was fantastic. Everyone seemed to have a great time and the kids especially loved getting handed toys or flags, or just getting a high-five from our State Senator!
Thank you for all the support we received, and a big thanks to everyone that made that parade a great success!
From Left to Right:
Gary Davis - Current Town Board Member
Adeline Rudolph - Candidate for Town Board
Jared Simpson - Candidate for Town of Canandaigua Supervisor, current Town Board member
Senator Pam Helming - NY State Senator, 54th Senate District
Terry Fennelly - Current Town Board Member up for re-election
By STEVE BUCHIERE sbuchiere@fltimes.com
Mar 31, 2021
CANANDAIGUA — With the town’s supervisor opting not to run for a second term, its deputy supervisor is now vying for the seat.
Jared Simpson announced Monday that he plans to run for town supervisor.
Current Supervisor Cathy Menikotz, citing personal and family reasons, decided not to run for reelection.
“I am grateful for Cathy’s leadership and guidance,” said Simpson, who on Saturday was unanimously nominated by the Town Republican Nominating Committee to fill Menikotz’s spot on the ballot. “It has been a pleasure to work with her for the past year, and I look forward to working with her for the remainder of her term.”
According to the Republican Committee, Simpson was elected to the Town Board in 2019. The committee said he is leader of the town’s Environmental Conservation Board and also has re-written the town’s Code of Ethics, clearing the way for a permanent Board of Ethics to “help ensure the integrity of town government.”
Simpson is a teacher in the City School District, where he has served 22 years. He teaches government, U.S. history and global studies. He also is a football and girls lacrosse coach in Canandaigua.
Simpson said he is excited for the chance to serve the rapidly growing town as supervisor.
“Sometimes unexpected opportunities arise,” said Simpson, a lifelong resident of the town. “Now is the right time to do the right thing for the residents of the town of Canandaigua and run. I look forward to representing each and every taxpayer in this great community, and continuing to do what I enjoy most — working for the residents of the town of Canandaigua. As supervisor, my focus will be on ensuring that town government listens to taxpayers and uses our tax dollars wisely.”
Simpson and his wife, Kellie, have four children.
Link to story on FLTimes.com: Jared Simpson to run for Canandaigua town supervisor after current Supervisor Cathy Menikotz opted not to run for another term
From Senator Helming's Senate website:
On January 11, I spoke on the Senate floor asking my colleagues to end the Governor's emergency powers and restore the State Legislature's role as a co-equal branch of government. The Legislature should have a say in the critical decisions that are being made that affect New York's small businesses, our children and families, and our seniors. We must put our constituents first and do the work they elected us to do.
Please follow the link to hear her impassioned speech. Also, we encourage you to subscribe to her Youtube channel.
Meet the new Assemblyman from the 131st Legislative District, Jeff Gallahan!
Jeff Gallahan was elected to the New York State Assembly on November 3, 2020. His district is comprised of Ontario County and parts of Seneca County.
Jeff believes that his real-world experience will be beneficial to the people of his district and throughout New York. He is a believer in the “American Dream” and has raised his children to be hard-working while leading by example. As an Assemblyman, Jeff will fight to hold the line on taxes and push for an end to recently enacted bail reform measures. He believes this is a critical time in history when it comes to police and community relations, and we must ensure law enforcement has all the tools necessary to keep our communities safe. Jeff is committed to standing up for middle-class values, small businesses and our important agricultural community.
-- See the rest of Jeff's Biography, and connect with him through his State website:
Jeff Gallahan - Assembly District 131 | New York State Assembly
New York Now from wmht
By Dan Clark
• Published on July 2, 2020
State Sen. Pamela Helming, a Republican from the Finger Lakes region of upstate New York, has been chosen to lead the campaign efforts of Republicans running this year for State Senate, which is currently controlled by Democrats.
Helming is the second woman, ever, to hold the position, which was previously held by former State Sen. Cathy Young in 2018 before she left office.
“There’s a clear choice between the Senate Democrats’ radical vision of bail reform or victims’ rights, of defunding the police or public safety, and of raising taxes or creating an environment where small businesses can thrive,” Helming said.
Senate Minority Leader Robert Ortt, R-Niagara, said their goal from now through November is to convince voters that having Democrats in control of both the Legislature and governor’s office disenfranchises individuals who don’t agree with their priorities.
“There’s no one better to deliver the message about the destructive policies of One Party Rule than Senator Helming,” Ortt said. “Together, we will fundraise and forge ahead to November to flip the Senate red. We must restore balance and common sense to the Legislature.”
The pick is the first of several expected by Ortt in the coming months as he settles into his new role. He was chosen in June to lead the Senate Republican Conference after former Senate Minority Leader John Flanagan announced his retirement.
Helming replaces state Sen. Fred Akshar, R-Broome, as head of the SRCC. Ortt hasn’t yet announced his choice for deputy minority leader, a position currently held by state Sen. Joseph Griffo, R-Oneida.
Story link: Sen. Pamela Helming Picked to Lead Senate Republican Campaign Efforts
Rochester Business Journal
By: Diana Louise Carter, April 25, 2019
Pamela Helming is known for doing her homework.
The state senator representing the 54th District- which spreads from Webster in the west past Fair Haven, Cayuga County, in the east to the town of Lansing, Tompkins County in the south- has been known to consult a tablet in the middle of a legislative debate to buttress her argument.
Victor Town Supervisor Jack Marren, who is the chairman of the Ontario County Board of Supervisors, one threatened to cut off internet access during board meetings so Helming – then the supervisor of the town of Canandaigua- couldn’t “stump the supervisor” with the contemporaneous research she was obtaining with her tablet.
Now in her third year and second term as a state senator, the Republican Helming can-without consulting her notes or staff- tell a visitor where the Waterloo Girls’ cross-country team stands in sectional, regional and state competitions. A former cross-country athlete herself, Helming took pleasure in recognizing the championship team one recent morning.
Before she ran against a Democratic incumbent for the position of Canandaigua town supervisor some years ago, the then town board member asked local political parties for time to speak with them about their concerns.
“I sent a letter to every political party involved in the town of Canandaigua,” she recalled. She was working without a tablet at that time, having lost her company-owned tablet, laptop, smart phone and car when she was laid off as an environmental compliance manager from a landfill-operating waste company. So she made a daily habit of walking four miles from her home outside the city of Canandaigua to the Wood Library downtown for the computers and printers.
The Republicans, Democratic, Independent and Conservative parties all endorsed her.
“I beat a Democrat on his own line,” said Helming with a note of pride in her voice.
Helming, who comes from the Midwest but has lived in Canandaigua for more than 35 years, first became active in public affairs after her daughter was born in 1990; becoming a mother made her focus on the future of the environment. At the time, development of Canandaigua Lake was becoming a much-discussed environmental issue, she recalled. She found a seat on the zoning board of appeals and then moved up to town board.
“I never had a plan laid out,” Heling said about her political career during an interview in her downtown Geneva district office.
As a town supervisor she worked to make town government more transparent, creating a community newsletter and putting information on the town’s website where people could see it without having to visit town hall. She pushed for a greenway plan for the town, trying to balance environmental concerns while encouraging economic development.
Similarly, she had no designs on running for state office, even after longtime state Sen. Michael Nozzolio announced he would not run for re-election in 2016.
In fact, instead of making political plans, she went on vacation with her husband, Gary, who sells snow-making equipment for ski areas. Helming wasn’t answering her cellphone, so two people who had worked with her and for the Ontario County Republican Party ended up calling Gary Helming to get Pam on the line so they could try to persuade her to run.
Both Kristine Singer and Doug Finch had been hired by Helming to work for the town. Singer, who worked in bookkeeping for Canandaigua, is town supervisor for Canadice. Finch is town manager for Canandaigua.
“We got to see how dedicated she was to her constituents. And she took a very personal, active role in everything that was coming before her,” Singer said. “Pretty much anything that came before her, she did her homework, she dug into it and… she didn’t just pass it off to staff to do.”
Helming didn’t go for the idea at first, Singer recalled. “She thought we were nuts.”
But Singer and Finch felt she was better than anyone else running. “We know nobody can push her around,” Singer said. “She’s not easily influenced.”
Helming said recently she had a hard time thinking of herself in the same category as Nozzolio, with his Ivy League education. Nozzolio holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Cornell University and a law degree from Syracuse University.
“I’m the first person in my family to go to college,” Helming said.
“She’d be the first to say she used to be a little shy in front of a microphone,” Marren said. At an appreciation event she emceed recently, she laughed at herself for repeatedly breaking a promise to her staff that she would not hug everyone who came forward for a certificate, as well as all their family members.
Marren added that she relates to people genuinely and compassionately, which serves her well as a senator.
Away from the mic, Helming is a problem solver. She brings to bear her experiences from working in direct care right out of college, to marketing for care agencies, to working in environmental compliance for a multi-state corporation, to more than a decade in municipal government.
“I don’t think the public realizes how much case work” is involved in government, Helming said. “I’m able to help a lot of people solve problems.”
Marren said her experience at the town level really helps her in her newer role of state representative.
“Those are pretty big shoes to fill,” Marren said. “Not to disrespect Sen. Nozzolio. He had his ways. Supervisor Helming has filled those shoes and she’s done it in a whole different way.”
The environment is still a key issue for Helming and played a role in her deciding to run for Nozzolio’s former seat. The district includes four Finger Lakes and the shoreline of Lake Ontario.
“I was concerned our lakes wouldn’t get the attention we need,” she said.
Singer said Helming was instrumental in getting state funding to combat algal blooms in the Finger Lakes, including Honeoye Lake. Though Canadice isn’t in the 54thdistrict, it benefitted from the legislation Helming promoted.
Helming’s was also one of the louder voices opposing the creation of a waste-fueled power plant in Romulus at the former Seneca Army Depot, a project that appears stalled now because of the passage of legislation that would prevent such an incinerator in the Finger Lakes watershed. Helming co-sponsored the legislation.
She said she hopes Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, who has supported banning the project, will visit the
Finger Lakes to sign the legislation into law.
“I encourage him to sign it here, where all the people who’ve been a part of it can see him,” Helming said. “Grassroots efforts can and do make a difference.”
On other issues, though, Helming is critical of the governor’s stances, particularly his penchant for creating policy by way of budget funding. Though the proverbial “three men in a room” making decisions for the state (the governor and legislative branch leaders) is now two men and a woman, she notes: “That excludes hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers and those of us who represent them.”
A gun owner herself, Helming is opposed to the Safe Act gun control law Cuomo enacted several years ago. She also supports lowering taxes in the state.
Helming began her work as a senator by methodically doing her homework once again. In her first two years, she held 30 town hall meetings all over the district. And she introduced more legislation than any other member of her freshman Senate class, she said. “A lot of it came out of the town hall meetings.”
Like many upstate office holders, Helming feels the region does not get the attention it needs or deserves. She points to roads and bridges that fail to earn state transportation dollars for needed repairs, and the lack of sufficient broadband service in rural areas.
“There are so many areas that have sketchy service,” she said. While many people seek internet service at local libraries, Helming notes that there’s even a library in southern Cayuga County that doesn’t have reliable service.
Such issues form the backbone of the 54th District and Helming’s role in the Senate. “I’m the spokesperson for our rural communities in central New York,” Helming said.
During her initial year in the Senate, Helming kept the office in Seneca Falls that Nozzolio, a native of Seneca Falls, had used. Then she moved it to Exchange Street in Geneva to be more centrally located, to take part in the renaissance of downtown Geneva, and to be closer to conveniences. She holds business meetings in a nearby Lyons National Bank office, she said, and larger gatherings in the new state visitor’s center on the edge of Seneca Lake, she noted.
The office also happens to be about 10 miles closer to her home. She has a satellite office in Wayne County.
These are terribly negative political times, Helming said. And in reaction, she’s become a one-woman band of positivity.
“I have made a real attempt to highlight and spotlight positive things happening in the 54thSenate District,” she said. Her schedule, when she’s in the district, is filled nearly daily with recognition events, like greeting the cross-country runners and a classmate who won a wrestling championship. She has established regular recognitions for veterans in her district, too.
At each event with youngsters, as she did with the Waterloo athletes, Helming makes sure to ask the young people if they’ve ever considered a life in government. She usually gets a negative answer, but then she tells the teenagers how such work is a job for people who like to help people.
Later on the day she met with the runners, Helming would champion not one woman of distinction for her senate district, but all 25 nominees for that title with a reception at Ventosa Winery on the east side of Seneca Lake. The event drew about 200 people, giving attention to women who quietly go about their business, as Helming said, and might not otherwise get recognized.
If there’s any doubt that women sometimes lack the recognition and status they’re due, consider this: Helming represents the senate district that includes the place where the women’s rights movement was born in 1848. And yet 168 years later, she became the first woman to hold that seat.
dcarter@bridgetowermedia.com/(585) 363-7275
Link to the article: https://rbj.net/2019/04/25/helming-focuses-on-the-positive-face-of-government/
Pamela Helming - State Senator, 54th District
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