Don Barber for State Senate

Background:

I am a small business owner, farmer, and Town Supervisor. I am involved with alternative energy, environmental protection, and inter-municipal cooperation projects. In addition I am Chair of the Tompkins County Council of Governments, Secretary of the Board of Governors for NYMIR (NY Municipal Insurance Reciprocal), and I serve on the Board of Directors for both the Community Foundation of Tompkins County and Tompkins County Area Development.

Goals:

I believe it is time to end partisan gridlock and bring democracy back to state government. I am running because I have the leadership needed to accomplish things that are important to us: protecting our environment with strong responses to global warming; creating affordable, universally available health care; beginning the new advanced economy of the 21 st century right here in upstate NY; supporting education of our new leaders while teaching them skills needed for the next economy; and controlling spending while shifting the tax burden away from Property tax. These issues are important to us, but more importantly to our children.

Issues:

Economic Development
Environment
Health Care
Education

Grassroots Support:

In its first two months, this grassroots campaign has already been supported by 750 donors. We believe volunteers are as valuable as funding. We will energize and mobilize them to work on this campaign because it's something they believe in.

DFA Values:

I have protected our land and environment through both personal and legislative action. I am a strong supporter of creating diverse, interdependent local economies focused on sustainability and buying locally. Regarding fiscal responsibility, the Town of Caroline's tax rate has increased less than 1% each year and the town has not acquired debt during my 15 years tenure public service.