Green Candidate Challenges 16-Year Incumbent For East District City Council Seat

Green Party candidate for City Council Jason Crane filed nominating petitions today for the East District City Council race, becoming the first person in memory to earn the right to challenge the incumbent by mobilizing supporters in every area of the East district. <!--break--> Independent City Council Candidate Enters East District Race Jason Crane Files Petitions To Challenge 16-year Incumbent ROCHESTER (August 19) – Green Party candidate for City Council Jason Crane filed nominating petitions at the Monroe County Board of Elections today for the East District City Council race, becoming the first person in memory to earn the right to challenge the incumbent by mobilizing supporters in every area of the East district. Crane turned in more than 1,000 signatures, eclipsing the roughly 750 needed to appear on the ballot. He was joined at the Board of Elections by his wife Jennifer and their 9-month-old son, Bernie. “The people of this district want a choice & they deserve a choice. The citizens who signed my petitions are calling for an activist councilor who understands residents' needs and will take action on their behalf – something that's been missing in this district for a long time. As a council representative, I will focus on bringing rewarding jobs, healthy neighborhoods and innovative ideas to the citizens of the East District. I pledge to work hard to serve the people of my community,” said Crane, who is the station manager of 90.1 FM WGMC and also the chair of the Green Party of Monroe County. Crane is seeking the endorsement of the Rochester Labor Council, following up on his work as a former union organizer and representative of area service employees. “Working families need a voice in local government, not one that votes to limit citizen participation,” said Crane referring to the recent controversial vote in City Council that banned the ability of any Rochester City School District employee of being able to hold a City Council seat. Crane added, “We need more participation from everyday citizens, not less.” “This is about a new direction for City Council,” said Crane. “City Council has watched, in near silence, as the City’s unemployment rate has risen to 10.1%, while studies are released documenting the inadequacy of local health care delivery and access to healthcare for African-American and Hispanic residents. The current conditions also demonstrate a disconnect between City Council and the needs of our neighborhoods.” Crane’s platform covers a broad spectrum of issues from unemployment to healthcare to housing. Among other things, the platform calls for: -- The creation of a Community Enrichment Index to tie corporate tax relief to such factors as job creation, wages, provision of health care, and safety standards. -- Expanded incentives for healthcare workers to remain in Rochester. -- Traveling city council meetings that will go where the people are and see neighborhood issues first-hand. -- The use of property tax relief for low-income families who need affordable housing. -- The repeal of current legislation barring Rochester City School District employees from serving on city council. Crane has also pledged to help redefine a clean campaign by refusing to accept party money, union money, business money, or individual contributions larger than $100. He has also pledged to focus on the issues, not on personal attacks. For more information on the campaign and a more detailed description of the platform, visit www.jasoncrane.org.

<p>Green Party candidate for City Council Jason Crane filed nominating petitions today for the East District City Council race, becoming the first person in memory to earn the right to challenge the incumbent by mobilizing supporters in every area of the East district.</p> <!--break--><p>Independent City Council Candidate Enters East District Race<br /> Jason Crane Files Petitions To Challenge 16-year Incumbent</p> <p>ROCHESTER (August 19) – Green Party candidate for City Council Jason Crane filed nominating petitions at the Monroe County Board of Elections today for the East District City Council race, becoming the first person in memory to earn the right to challenge the incumbent by mobilizing supporters in every area of the East district.</p> <p>Crane turned in more than 1,000 signatures, eclipsing the roughly 750 needed to appear on the ballot. He was joined at the Board of Elections by his wife Jennifer and their 9-month-old son, Bernie.</p> <p>“The people of this district want a choice &amp; they deserve a choice. The citizens who signed my petitions are calling for an activist councilor who understands residents' needs and will take action on their behalf – something that's been missing in this district for a long time. As a council representative, I will focus on bringing rewarding jobs, healthy neighborhoods and innovative ideas to the citizens of the East District. I pledge to work hard to serve the people of my community,” said Crane, who is the station manager of 90.1 FM WGMC and also the chair of the Green Party of Monroe County.</p> <p>Crane is seeking the endorsement of the Rochester Labor Council, following up on his work as a former union organizer and representative of area service employees.</p> <p>“Working families need a voice in local government, not one that votes to limit citizen participation,” said Crane referring to the recent controversial vote in City Council that banned the ability of any Rochester City School District employee of being able to hold a City Council seat. Crane added, “We need more participation from everyday citizens, not less.”</p> <p>“This is about a new direction for City Council,” said Crane. “City Council has watched, in near silence, as the City’s unemployment rate has risen to 10.1%, while studies are released documenting the inadequacy of local health care delivery and access to healthcare for African-American and Hispanic residents. The current conditions also demonstrate a disconnect between City Council and the needs of our neighborhoods.”</p> <p>Crane’s platform covers a broad spectrum of issues from unemployment to healthcare to housing. Among other things, the platform calls for:</p> <p>-- The creation of a Community Enrichment Index to tie corporate tax relief to such factors as job creation, wages, provision of health care, and safety standards.<br /> -- Expanded incentives for healthcare workers to remain in Rochester.<br /> -- Traveling city council meetings that will go where the people are and see neighborhood issues first-hand.<br /> -- The use of property tax relief for low-income families who need affordable housing. -- The repeal of current legislation barring Rochester City School District employees from serving on city council. Crane has also pledged to help redefine a clean campaign by refusing to accept party money, union money, business money, or individual contributions larger than $100. He has also pledged to focus on the issues, not on personal attacks.</p> <p>For more information on the campaign and a more detailed description of the platform, visit <a href="http://www.jasoncrane.org">www.jasoncrane.org</a>.</p>