Orleans county man seeks assembly seat

Gary Kent has been a social studies teacher and Orleans County Legislator and he has now set his sights on representing the 139th district as the Democratic candidate for assembly.

Following the resignation of former Assemblyman Charlie Nesbitt, who left to take a position with NYS Governor George Pataki's administration, the seat has been vacant. It is being sought by both Kent and Steve Hawley, whose father, Stephen Hawley Sr. served in that role prior to Nesbitt taking the helm.

Harry Butler, vice chairman of the Orleans County Democratic Committee, said Kent is the best candidate for the seat as he can bridge party lines. "He (Kent) has shown he can work across party lines when he served as a legislator," he said. "The other reason is that the NYS Assembly is dominated by Democrats and if you want to get anything done it's easier accomplished when you are in the majority party."

When he served as a high school teacher, Kent was well known for getting his students involved in the political process. "For years, he would bring his students to political meetings and he would get them involved in the process," Butler said.

Former Congressman John LaFalce recently put his support behind Kent's bid for election to the seat.

"I've known Gary since I first represented Orleans and Monroe counties. Gary attended virtually every town meeting I hosted throughout my congressional district," LaFalce said. "I've always been impressed with his demeanor, knowledge, objectivity and his reasoned approach to the issues."

LaFalce said that in the political world, it is virtually certain the Assembly will remain predominantly Democratic. "The way the legislature works, if you want something done in the Assembly, you're better off being a Democrat," he said. "The district will be infinitely better served and more effective to have a Democratic assemblyman and Kent would be my choice." Kent ran for Albion Town Board, unsuccessfully, in 2001 and ran for, and was victorious in his bid, for the Orleans County Legislature in 2003 but lost his re-election bid by 29 votes.

When asked why he was running for the Assembly seat, Kent said it was a new challenge and a new opportunity to help the constituents.

"I get a lot out of helping people and I have a suspicion that my no nonsense approach to doing things and being an independent thinker will help me in my election bid," he said. "I vote my conscience and what I believe in, not what may be the popular opinion vote."

Kent said he has his finger on the pulse of what various areas of the district are seeking. "Issues like the veteran's cemetery in Alabama, variances being sought for the (Orleans County) jail, construction of a new technology park (in Batavia) and issues of importance to senior citizens are on my agenda."

Why vote for Kent? He said, "I am my own man, I'm going to do what's right for the constituency, regardless of the consequences."

Kent thanked his dedicated staff of volunteers who have worked with him doing everything from stuff envelopes, posting signs and hosting meet the candidate events.

The special election for the Assembly seat will be February 28. The district covers all of Orleans County and parts of Genesee, Monroe and Niagara counties.

Note: An article on the candidate Stephen Hawley is planned.

February 5, 2006