Joseph Lamanna
Common SenseQ1 Data centers are a controversial part of America’s growing AI industry, supporting cutting-edge innovation and potential job creation, but raising issues of resource use and utility costs. New York now has a moratorium on data center construction. At the same time, state tax law grants tax exemptions to equipment and services used by data centers, which some proposed legislation would repeal. What do you see as the right balance of costs and benefits for new data center construction in New York, and how would your policies accomplish that balance?
Data centers can play an important role in New York’s economy by supporting innovation, attracting investment, and creating jobs. But they cannot come at the expense of taxpayers, ratepayers, or local communities. Concerns about energy use, water consumption, and higher utility costs are legitimate and should be addressed before projects move forward.
I support a balanced approach: welcome data centers that provide a clear benefit to the community while requiring developers to bear the costs they create. Companies should pay for needed infrastructure upgrades, meet strong environmental standards, and demonstrate measurable local benefits such as jobs, tax revenue, and community investment.
I’m also cautious about broad tax exemptions for large, profitable corporations. Any incentives should be transparent, performance-based, and tied to benefits for local residents. If taxpayers are asked to support a project, they deserve a clear return on that investment. New York is currently considering repealing certain data center tax exemptions because of these concerns.
As an Independent, I’ll support responsible economic development that strengthens our economy without shifting costs onto families and small businesses.”
KEYWORDS: Responsible Economic Development! Protect Taxpayers and Ratepayers! Community Benefit First! Corporate Accountability!
Q2 New York currently generates about 47% of its energy from low carbon sources including nuclear, hydropower, and wind and solar, with the remainder coming from combustion sources (natural gas, oil, biofuel, and solid waste). While New York committed to shifting to low-carbon energy sources and emissions reductions in passing the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA), Governor Hochul recently moved to delay implementation of several components of the state’s climate law to December 31, 2028. As concerns about energy costs, reliability, and emissions grow, what energy sources would you prioritize, under what timeline, and what evidence would guide that decision?
I support an all-of-the-above energy strategy that keeps electricity affordable, reliable, and cleaner over time.
New York’s climate goals are important, but we can’t ignore the reality that families and businesses are already struggling with high energy costs. The transition to a lower-carbon economy must be driven by results, not arbitrary deadlines. The CLCPA set ambitious targets, including 70% renewable electricity by 2030 and 100% clean electricity by 2040.
I would prioritize preserving and expanding nuclear power, maintaining hydropower, investing in renewable energy where it makes sense, and upgrading our electric grid and energy storage capacity. At the same time, natural gas will continue to play an important role in maintaining reliability until replacement technologies are proven, affordable, and available at scale.
The evidence guiding my decisions would be straightforward: energy affordability, grid reliability, emissions reductions, and economic impact on families and employers. If a policy reduces emissions but dramatically increases utility bills or threatens reliability, it needs to be reevaluated.
As an Independent, I believe New York should pursue cleaner energy responsibly, balancing environmental goals with the need for affordable and dependable power that supports economic growth.
KEYWORDS: All-of-the-Above Energy Strategy! Affordable & Reliable Power! Preserve Nuclear & Hydropower! Practical, Evidence-Based Transition!
Q3 Young adults say that social media is their top source of science information, but acknowledge that it is less trustworthy compared to other sources. In addition, the widespread usage of social media and other sources of scientific information has resulted in the spread of misinformation that has spurred public education policies to curb it, such as a NYC vaccine misinformation legislation. What role should public education play in combatting misinformation and disseminating trustworthy, up to date scientific information to students and their families?
Public education has an important role to play in helping students and families navigate information, but it should focus on teaching critical thinking and media literacy, not deciding what people are allowed to think.
Students should learn how to evaluate sources, distinguish fact from opinion, recognize bias, verify claims, and understand the scientific method. Science is strongest when it encourages questions, evidence, and open discussion. Teaching students how knowledge is developed and updated is more valuable than simply telling them what information to trust.
Schools should also help families access reliable information from qualified experts, universities, healthcare providers, and government agencies, while making it clear when scientific understanding evolves based on new evidence.
At the same time, I believe government should be cautious about becoming the arbiter of truth. Public trust is built through transparency, open debate, and education, not censorship.
As an Independent, I support empowering people with the skills to think critically and make informed decisions for themselves. The best defense against misinformation.
KEYWORDS: Critical Thinking & Media Literacy! Teach How to Think, Not What to Think! Evidence-Based Decision! Making Informed and Educated Citizens!
Q4 Pesticides are widely used in food production to help manage pests and support crop yields, but ongoing debates over their safety have raised questions about their long-term use and led to proposals to restrict certain pesticides. What data and evidence will you use to weigh the role of these products in food security against safety concerns when shaping policy on their use in New York agriculture?
Agriculture is the backbone of Wayne County’s economy, and any decisions on pesticide use must be based on sound science, not politics.
Farmers rely on pesticides to protect crops, maintain yields, and keep food affordable. At the same time, we have a responsibility to ensure these products are safe for farm workers, consumers, wildlife, and the environment.
When evaluating restrictions or regulations, I would look to independent scientific research, real-world field data, recommendations from agricultural universities and extension services, and assessments from state and federal regulatory agencies. I would also want input from the farmers who use these products every day and understand the practical impacts of policy decisions.
If evidence shows a pesticide poses an unacceptable risk, we should take appropriate action. But if restrictions would significantly reduce crop yields, increase food costs, or put family farms at a competitive disadvantage, those impacts must also be considered.
As an Independent, I support a balanced, science-based approach that protects public health while ensuring New York farmers have the tools they need to remain productive, competitive, and sustainable.
KEYWORDS: Science-Based Decision Making! Protect Family Farms! Balance! Safety and Food Security! Farmer Input Matters!
Q5 New York has the second largest international student population of any U.S. state, the majority of which study in STEM fields. The federal government is pursuing largescale changes to student visa approval, including increased visa denials, revoking existing visas, restricting travel from certain countries, and decreasing student visa durations. How, if at all, should New York respond to federal visa changes affecting international STEM students and researchers, and the resulting projected changes in the scientific workforce supply?
New York benefits from having world-class colleges, universities, and research institutions that attract talented students from around the world. International students, particularly in STEM fields, contribute to scientific research, innovation, and our economy. At the same time, immigration and visa policy are federal responsibilities, and national security concerns must be taken seriously.
As a state legislator, my focus would be on ensuring New York remains a place where universities, research centers, and businesses can attract and retain talent while also creating opportunities for New York students. We should continue investing in STEM education, workforce development, apprenticeships, and partnerships between schools and employers so we grow our own talent pipeline.
If federal visa changes lead to workforce shortages in critical research, healthcare, engineering, or technology fields, New York should work with educational institutions and employers to assess those impacts and respond accordingly. Policy decisions should be guided by workforce data, economic impact, and the needs of key industries.
As an Independent, I believe the goal should be balanced: support innovation and economic growth, respect federal authority over immigration, and ensure New York students and workers are well-positioned to fill the jobs of the future.
KEYWORDS: Strengthen New York’s STEM Workforce! Support Innovation & Research! Grow Local Talent Pipelines! Evidence-Based Workforce Planning!
Q6 Extreme weather events are increasingly impacting farmland and food supplies across NY, including up to 30 million dollars in damages to farmer livelihoods. This has prompted the USDA to designate 30 counties in New York as Natural Disaster Areas. What policies, if any, would you support to help farmers adapt to and prepare for increasingly erratic weather?
Agriculture is the backbone of Wayne County, and our farmers are already dealing with unpredictable weather, flooding, drought conditions, crop disease, and rising costs. When disaster strikes, family farms can’t simply pass those costs on the way many large corporations can.
I support practical policies that help farmers become more resilient while keeping farms productive and profitable. That includes investing in drainage and water management systems, supporting soil health and conservation practices, expanding access to crop insurance and disaster assistance, and strengthening agricultural research through Cornell Cooperative Extension and other agricultural partners.
We should also review state regulations to make sure they don’t create unnecessary barriers for farmers trying to adapt to changing conditions. Every farm is different, and policies should provide flexibility rather than one-size-fits-all mandates.
Most importantly, farmers need a seat at the table. Those who work the land every day understand better than anyone what challenges they face and what solutions will actually work.
As an Independent, I support a commonsense approach that helps protect family farms, strengthens our food supply, and ensures agriculture remains a vital part of Wayne County’s economy for generations to come.
KEYWORDS: Protect Family Farms! Farm Resilience & Disaster Preparedness! Practical, Farmer-Led Solutions! Strengthen Local Food Security!
Q7 Law enforcement agencies across New York have contracted with Flock to install Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) cameras as a public safety tool. The technology is receiving pushback over concerns over privacy and data sharing, resulting in city councilors in Syracuse voting to remove Flock cameras. What are your views on accessibility and utilization of ALPR data by local and federal law enforcement, and what legislation, if any, would you propose governing how ALPR data is collected, stored, shared and retained?
Public safety and personal privacy are both important, and we shouldn’t have to choose one over the other.
Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) technology can be a valuable tool for locating stolen vehicles, finding missing persons, and helping law enforcement solve serious crimes. However, its use must be limited, transparent, and subject to clear oversight to protect the privacy rights of law-abiding citizens.
I would support legislation that establishes statewide standards for how ALPR data is collected, stored, shared, and retained. Data should only be accessible for legitimate law enforcement purposes, retained for a limited period of time, and protected from unauthorized access. There should also be transparency requirements so the public understands how the technology is being used.
I do not support the creation of a mass surveillance system that tracks the movements of citizens who are not suspected of criminal activity. Access to data should be restricted, audited, and subject to strict penalties for misuse.
As an Independent, I believe we can strike the right balance: give law enforcement effective tools to keep our communities safe while protecting the constitutional rights and privacy of the people they serve.
KEYWORDS: Public Safety & Privacy! Limited Government Surveillance! Transparency & Accountability! Protect Constitutional Rights!
Q8 Smoke from Canadian wildfires in recent summers has pushed New York air quality to unhealthy levels. The long-term consequences, if any, of these wildfires are unknown: Short-term data show a rise in asthma-related emergency department visits during smoke events, though some studies suggest the increase is comparable to that seen on high-pollen days. With extreme wildfire seasons projected to become more frequent as global temperatures rise, what measures, if any, do you think New York should invest in to prepare for future smoke events?
The Canadian wildfire smoke events we’ve experienced are a reminder that public health emergencies don’t always begin within our borders. While researchers continue to study the long-term impacts, we know these events can worsen air quality and increase respiratory problems, especially for children, seniors, and individuals with asthma or other lung conditions.
New York should focus on practical preparedness measures. That includes improving air quality monitoring and public notification systems, ensuring schools and public buildings have effective air filtration, supporting emergency planning for vulnerable populations, and providing clear public health guidance when smoke events occur.
We should also continue supporting scientific research so future decisions are based on evidence rather than speculation. Any investments should be targeted, cost-effective, and focused on protecting public health.
As an Independent, I believe government’s role is to provide accurate information, prepare communities for known risks, and protect vulnerable residents while avoiding unnecessary mandates. The goal should be resilience and preparedness, ensuring New Yorkers can respond effectively when these events occur.
KEYWORDS: Public Health Preparedness! Protect Vulnerable Populations! Air Quality Monitoring & Alerts! Practical, Evidence-Based Response!
Q9 New York is the second largest recipient of funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Proposed federal budgets would significantly reduce NIH funds going to New York hospitals, universities, and research institutions. Where do you stand on the proposed changes to NIH funding levels, and what steps, if any, would you take to address their potential effect on New York’s research sector?
New York is home to some of the world’s leading hospitals, universities, and research institutions, and NIH funding plays a critical role in supporting medical research, innovation, and high-quality jobs. New York is one of the largest recipients of NIH funding, with billions of dollars supporting research and hundreds of organizations across the state.
I’m concerned that significant reductions in NIH funding could slow medical breakthroughs, weaken our research institutions, and negatively impact jobs and local economies. Business groups, universities, and healthcare organizations have warned that these cuts could have substantial consequences for both research and economic development in New York.
While the federal government determines NIH funding levels, New York should continue advocating for stable research funding, support partnerships between universities and private industry, and prioritize workforce development to retain researchers, physicians, and scientists. We should also carefully evaluate state investments in research that generate economic growth and improve public health.
As an Independent, I support responsible investment in scientific research because it saves lives, strengthens our economy, and helps keep New York a leader in innovation and medical discovery.
KEYWORDS: Protect Medical Research! Support Innovation & Jobs! Invest in Life-Saving Discoveries! Strengthen New York’s Research Economy!