“Government’s view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it”-Ronald Reagan
For Immediate Release
February 12, 2021
Contact: Shaun Marie
518-356-7882
www.cpnys.org @cpnys
Statement by New York State Conservative Party Chairman Gerard Kassar on Growing Cuomo Nursing Home Death Scandal
“Andrew Cuomo has been caught in a lie of dastardly dimension.”
Brooklyn, NY – “Governor Cuomo’s cover up of nursing home deaths was a concerted scheme orchestrated at the very top level of his administration, Secretary to the Governor Melissa DeRosa has now confirmed, and the governor’s blatant deceit is now laid bare for all to see.
“We have said before that an honorable governor would resign his position over a revelation of this magnitude, and we reiterate it now. How this governor can continue holding his position after such scandalous behavior has been revealed is beyond the comprehension of anyone of good will. Andrew Cuomo has been caught in a lie of dastardly dimension.
“It’s crystal clear that Governor Cuomo and his highest appointed official, Secretary DeRosa, along with New York State Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker, among others, formed a clique within state government dedicated to burying the awful truth about preventable nursing home deaths. The pain they have caused families of the deceased, and the disgrace they have brought upon the State of New York through their scheme, is indefensible.
“What’s more indefensible, still, is Governor Cuomo’s refusal to hold himself accountable for his actions. Like we said, an honorable governor would resign.”
For Immediate Release
February 9, 2021
Contact: Shaun Marie
518-356-7882
www.cpnys.org @cpnys
CUOMO FATIGUE: STATEMENT FROM NEW YORK STATE CONSERVATIVE PARTY CHAIRMAN GERARD KASSAR
Brooklyn, NY — “Almost half of New York State voters (47%) indicated in a Zogby poll released today that it’s time for someone new to serve as the state’s next governor. These survey numbers come as no surprise to millions of New Yorkers who have watched New York fall further and further behind other states economically under Governor Andrew Cuomo. Even voters who have supported Governor Cuomo in the past now say it’s time for him to go, the Zogby poll reveals. Mr. Cuomo’s scandalous behavior in covering up thousands of nursing home deaths, recently uncovered by New York’s Democrat Attorney General, also demonstrated an arrogance of power that voters won’t put up with indefinitely.
“The Conservative Party is speaking with several strong and viable potential candidates for the 2022 gubernatorial race, each of whom could offer New Yorkers fresh new leadership to move this state and it’s economy forward for a change. The race is just around the corner, and we’ll be ready for it.”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 2, 2021
Contact: Shaun Marie
518-356-7882
www.cpnys.org @cpnys
NEW YORK STATE CONSERVATIVE PARTY RELEASES 2021 LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM
Brooklyn, NY – New York State Conservative Party Chairman Gerard Kassar today released the Party’s 2021 Legislative Program. The Conservative Party publicly submits its Program each year to make clear its beliefs and priorities for the annual legislative session in Albany.
“Political parties have a duty to spell out the ideas and legislative measures they support, and we are pleased to do so again in 2021,” Mr. Kassar said. “Unsurprisingly, we continue to call for fiscally sound, pro-economic-growth policies; respect for human life; strong public safety laws; religious and other constitutional freedoms; free-market solutions to healthcare and housing shortages; accountability in education, and government reforms, including the return of powers to the State Legislature, a co-equal branch of New York State government. We urge that members of all political affiliations review and consider these prescriptions for a better state.”
You can access the full 2021 Legislative Program on our website or click here.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 28, 2021
Contact: Shaun Marie
518-356-7882
www.cpnys.org @cpnys
Statement on Attorney General Nursing Home Report by New York State Conservative Party Chairman Gerard Kassar
“An honorable leader would resign under such circumstances.”
Brooklyn, NY — “Attorney General Letitia James’s damning report on New York nursing home deaths has exposed one of the most egregious cover ups in New York State history. There must be a price to pay.
“The report confirms what millions of New Yorkers already suspected: Governor Andrew Cuomo and his administration willfully manipulated data to hide the number of deaths caused by their inexplicably foolish policy decisions.
“The pain suffered by thousands of New York families who lost loved ones because of the Governor’s poor decisions, compounded by Mr. Cuomo’s appalling braggadocio over the past year about his handling of the Covid-19 crisis, is made more painful still by this report. The Governor tried to wash his hands of their deaths, and now he has been found out.
“An honorable leader would resign under such circumstances.”
For Immediate Release
January 11, 2021
Contact: Shaun Marie
518-356-7882
www.cpnys.org @cpnys
Statement by Chairman Gerard Kassar on Governor Cuomo’s State of the State
Brooklyn, NY – Governor Andrew Cuomo’s State of the State was a pure political speech that failed to address the structural fiscal situation that multiplied the costs of the COVID-19 pandemic.
There were no details as to when he intends to return control of the government back to its duly elected representatives, nor when businesses can return to their normal operations, in fact, he noted that further business closings may be needed.
Gov. Cuomo’s reliance on the federal government bailout is as shortsighted as his reliance on the sale of recreational marijuana and the institution of mobile sports betting. Bad ideas remain bad ideas even if it helps you gain revenue.
New Yorkers need a Governor that is willing to make the structural changes necessary and show the leadership to provide a path to economic recovery, not the Pollyanna statements made to placate progressives.
For Immediate Release
January 5, 2021
Contact: Shaun Marie
518-356-7882
www.cpnys.org @cpnys
STATEMENT BY CONSERVATIVE PARTY OF NEW YORK STATE ON OBJECTIONS TO THE ELECTORAL COLLEGE CERTIFICATION
Our Founding Fathers’ insight when creating the new United States of America continues to astound today’s citizens when we are faced with extraordinary circumstances that need to be resolved. It is a constitutional obligation to be certain that our elections take place as laid out in Article II of the US Constitution, and as of this date, questions remain that Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin, Georgia, Arizona and Nevada followed or supplanted the election law laid out by the Constitution and/or the legislatures of each of these states.
The 74+ million people who voted for President Donald J. Trump have the right to have their representatives in Congress question the certification of the November 3, 2020 elections, and the votes cast by the members of the Electoral College, as liberals did in January, 2017. Which, by the way, wasn’t the only time objections were made regarding the certification of the votes cast by electors to the Electoral College.
Earlier, in 2005, Ohio Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones, said at a press conference with Sen. Barbara Boxer, “How can we possibly tell millions of Americans who registered to vote, who came to the polls in record numbers, particularly our young people … to simply get over it and move on,” while questioning Ohio’s 20 electoral votes that a report by the Democrats on the House Judiciary Committee found “numerous, serious election irregularities” in Ohio that led to “ significant disenfranchisement of voters.”
Much has been reported how the COVID-19 pandemic led to various changes in election laws that were not passed, as required by the US Constitution, by state legislatures. Every citizen who cast their vote in the 2020 elections has the right to know that their vote was cast according to the Constitution and/or state laws — passed by their legislature and signed into law by their governor — of their home state and not supplanted by those who did not have the authority to do so.
The government of these United States is run by its people; who elect representatives to speak for them; it is the obligation of these elected congressional representatives to be certain that every vote cast, was cast in good faith that the laws of the states were meticulously followed.
For Immediate Release
December 10, 2020
Contact: Shaun Marie
518-356-7882 www.cpnys.org
Conservative Party Issues Opposition Memo on Government Mandating COVID-19 Vaccine
Brooklyn, NY (12/10/2020) – Conservative Party Chairman Gerard Kassar has issued the following legislative memo to the Legislative Members stating opposition to government mandating that New Yorkers receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
The full memo follows:
CONSERVATIVE PARTY of NEW YORK STATE 486 78th Street, Ft. Hamilton Station, NY 11209 (718) 921-2158 Voice * (718) 921-5268 Fax
2020 Legislative Memo…
In Opposition to…
11179 – Rules (at the request of M. of A. L. Rosenthal)
Purpose: An Act to amend the public health law, in relation to administering a COVID-19 vaccine.
Party Position: The Conservative Party of NYS is committed to the health of its citizens. With that being said, we firmly oppose the mandatory use of the COVID-19 vaccine, that this proposed bill calls for.
There is no doubt that a vaccine will be useful in stemming the spread of this dangerous and deadly virus, and those who want to or need to have it, should be able to access the various COVID-19 vaccines that will be available. However, government must not make the mistake that a new, albeit FDA approved, vaccine should be mandated.
The first wave of COVID-19 was certainly deadly and a vaccine to prevent the devastating disease is welcome news. Much has been learned about COVID- 19 and while many New Yorkers welcome the new vaccine, some people have concerns on getting the vaccine that requires two doses. Government should not be taking on the role of mandating vaccines as a “protective measure” when people have legitimate concerns on being vaccinated.
The Conservative Party believes that people should have the right to decide if they want the COVID-19 vaccine, and if they do, it should be available to them, but government must not take on the role of mandating it.
For Immediate Release
November 3, 2020
Contact: Shaun Marie
518-356-7882
www.cpnys.org @cpnys
Statement by Conservative Party Chairman Kassar on the Party’s Maintaining Its Legal Status
Brooklyn, NY – Chairman Gerard Kassar thanked the voters throughout New York State for making a statement by voting for President Donald J. Trump on the Conservative Party Line.
The Conservative Party has maintained its status as an official political organization in this first test of the law written and signed by Governor Cuomo, that attempts to eliminate third parties in New York State. The new law requires political parties to reach 130,000 votes or 2% of the total vote cast for President. The new law also subjects political parties to the same requirement in gubernatorial election years.
Chairman Kassar said “New Yorkers who chose to vote on the Conservative Line are making a statement that fiscal responsibility, law and order, less government involvement, and adherence to the values of our Founding Fathers, is what makes America the greatest nation in the world; knowing that, I was certain we would maintain our official status.”
The New York State Conservative Party is the third largest political party in New York State with over 150,000 members. In 2016 President Trump received 292,392 votes on the Conservative Party line.
Statement by Conservative Party Chairman Gerard Kassar: The Release of Bellamy, Convicted of Setting Up the Murder of State Parole Officer Brian Rooney by the NYS Parole Board Is an Affront to the Safety of New Yorkers.
Brooklyn, NY – Yesterday, we learned of three convicted felons (here, here, here) being set free by the New York State Parole Board. Especially egregious is the release of Perry Bellamy, convicted of setting up the murder of one of their own.
Voters in New York State will soon be choosing who will represent them in the Legislature by making their choice. Voters have an absolute right to know where candidates stand on the current trend of letting violent convicted felons out on parole.
In the last two years, New York’s citizens have watched while the NYS Legislature has amended its criminal justice system to allow those convicted of killing law enforcement officers, rapists, and deranged murders out on parole. Cashless bail has become the norm and so has the most egregious discovery reform that endangers innocent victims again after the alleged crime has occurred. New Yorkers must know where all legislative candidates stand on protecting victims and keeping convicted violent felons in prison.
For Immediate Release
October 13, 2020
Contact: Shaun Marie
518-356-7882
www.cpnys.org @cpnys
CONSERVATIVE PARTY RATES 2020 LEGISLATIVE SESSION;
Assemblyman David J. DiPietro Scores 100%
Brooklyn, NY – The Conservative Party’s 2020 legislative ratings for the shortened COVID-19 legislative session are available on the Conservative Party’s website (www.cpnys.org) today to allow voters in New York state to be informed and knowledgeable of how their state legislators voted on 20 key bills that passed both Houses.
Keeping with tradition, the Conservative Party tracked legislation throughout the session, issued support and opposition memos, and determined, at an executive committee meeting, which key issues would be used. The Bills considered comprise a variety of issues including, but not limited to economics, health, safety, and pro-life issues that affect the lives of all New Yorkers. “We believe that it is necessary to keep the public informed of key votes and let the taxpayers be aware of how elected officials spend our hard-earned money. Every Bill is considered, and then we narrow the number to give voters a fair assessment of what transpires in Albany,” said Gerard Kassar, State Chairman. “A review of the Bills used this year will show New Yorkers how out of touch the legislature is with the average citizen; many are costly, sometimes unwarranted, and some will show how they help New Yorkers.” said Kassar.
Assembly Member, David J. DiPietro (147th AD) was the only legislator to score a perfect 100%.
The overall Senate ratings have consistently dropped since the Democrats took total control. In 2018 the average was 55%, in 2019 the average was 40%, and this year the overall Senate rated a meager 35%. In 2018 the Democratic Senate average was 41%, in 2019 the democratic average plummeted to 14%, and slightly improved to 17% in 2020. Republican Senators averaged 71% and Conservative endorsed legislators in the Senate averaged 69%.
The Assembly’s overall rating remained at 36% same as 2019, but down from their 2018 rating of 42%. The Democrats in the Assembly averaged 19%, up slightly from 17% in 2019, but down significantly from their 28% rating in 2018. Republican Assembly members averaged 79%, while Conservative Party endorsed Assembly members remained steady with an average of 79%.
We encourage voters to review the ratings and vote accordingly. Send a message by voting on the Conservative Party line that conservative fiscal policy and principles make New York business friendly. New York needs to reestablish a friendly place for entrepreneurs to open businesses and most importantly to create new jobs for those who have been forced out of work due to COVID-19. The current trends adopting progressive ideology only increases the exodus; families want a safe place to live, and a resurgence of business opportunities that made New York the beacon of hope and prosperity.
(Ratings are online here. If you have a problem downloading, please call 718-921-2158 or 518-356-7882 for a copy.)
For Immediate Release
October 7, 2020
Contact: Shaun Marie
518-356-7882
www.cpnys.org @cpnys
CONSERVATIVE PARTY MOURNS THE DEATH OF SENATOR JOSEPH L. BRUNO
Brooklyn, NY – Chairman Gerard Kassar, speaking on behalf of the NYS Conservative Party, mourns the death of Senator Joseph L. Bruno, the long-time NYS Senate Majority Leader. “Senator Bruno was a leader that served New Yorkers well. He understood the problems that New Yorkers faced in business and everyday life. His passion for doing what was best for New Yorkers was well known as was his passion for getting things done right.
Senator Bruno was the same person when meeting with constituents or meeting with national leaders, a gentleman who used all the skills he learned through life, as a veteran of the Korean War, as a boxer, a successful businessman and as your next-door neighbor, to help make the world a better place.”
Our thoughts and prayers to Kay, Susan, Kenneth, and Catherine.
For Immediate Release
September 27, 2020
Contact: Shaun Marie
518-356-7882
www.cpnys.org @cpnys
Brooklyn, NY — Conservatives meet in Washingtonville, NY (Orange County) on September 26, 2020 to reorganize, adopt rules and regulations and elect officers to serve for a two-year term as required by Election Law.
Gerard Kassar (Kings County) was unanimously re-elected to serve as Chairman for the two-year term. Regional Vice Chairman James Thomas accurately portrayed Chairman Kassar’s leadership in nominating him when he said, “Jerry has only been chairman a short time but it’s been a busy time. Lawsuits and a pandemic and virtual meeting. But even then, he was able to move the party forward – reaching out to new audiences and expanding the party.” Reid Robbins, Ontario Chairman noted that “There are very few reasons I would leave my family early on a Saturday morning and be gone all day. The leadership of Jerry Kassar and his ability to eliminate distance among county leaders to advance conservative principles across the state, makes the trip pleasurable,” when he seconded the nomination.
Chairman Kassar, in accepting, said: “I wish to thank our State Committee for placing the faith in me to serve a second term. Together with the officers, Executive Committee, and members we will meet the challenges of the next two years as we met the many challenges of the past two. I am confident we will see victories and with that a much-needed impact on government.”
The following officers were also elected yesterday, Shaun Marie Levine (Albany County) as the Executive Vice-Chairman, Howard Lim, Jr. (Westchester County) as Secretary and Frances T. Vella-Marrone (Kings County) as Treasurer.
Eight State Vice-Chairmen, Daniel F. Donovan, Jr. (Nassau County), Hugh Fox (Westchester County), Thomas M. Long (Queens County), Ralph C. Lorigo (Erie County), James F. Quinn, Jr. (Wayne County), Gregory S. Rigby (Cayuga County), Allen Roth (New York County) and Frank Tinari (Suffolk County), and seven Regional Vice-Chairmen were also elected. The Regional Vice-Chairs are: In the Capital District – Brian Gardner (Columbia County), in the Northern Region — Henry “Hank” Ford. (St. Lawrence County), in the North Central Region — H. Leonard Schick (Oswego County), in the South-Central Region – James M. Thomas (Broome County), in the Mid-Western Region — Jason McGuire (Livingston County), in the Western Region — Arthur Munger (Genesee County) and in the Hudson Valley – William Beckmann (Rockland County).
The Officers above also serve as the officers of the State Executive Committee. The following are At-Large Members of the State Executive Committee: Vincent Arcuri (Queens County), Stuart Avrick (New York County), James J. Barrett, Jr. (Schenectady County), Carol Birkholtz (Warren County), Ross Brady (Kings County), Michael Buttino (Greene County), Thomas M. Casey (Queens County), David M. Curcio (Richmond County), Chung Dick (Kings County) Louis DeCicco (Chemung County), John P. DeLessio (Orange County), John E. Flynn, (Suffolk County), Robert Fois (Westchester County) Edward J. Gaddy (Ulster County), Michael Garlock (Wayne County) John J. Hayes (Ulster County), Eileen Johnson (Kings County), Christopher J. Kendall (Madison County), Jim M. Kerr (New York County), Paul Kosowski (Nassau County), Edward A. Magilton (Sullivan County), Charles R. Mancabelli (Onondaga County), James Maxwell (Putnam County), Donald S. Mazzullo (Monroe County), Patrick McManus (Bronx County), Donald Minichino (Dutchess County), Christopher Mistron (Nassau County), Scott D. Nasca (Monroe County) Demitry Edward Naemit (Rockland County) Reid W. Robbins (Ontario County), Laura A. Schreiner (Suffolk County), John Seravalli (New York County) Michael E. Torres (Suffolk County), Robert E. White (Franklin County), Anna M. Wilcox (Chautauqua County) and Robert Zordan (Saratoga County).
The Members of the State Executive Committee serve as the governing body when the full state committee is not convened. All members serve a two-year term. The Members of the State Executive Committee appointed Ralph C. Lorigo, Esq. as Party Counsel, Eileen Johnson as the Assistant Secretary, Shaun Marie Levine as the Executive Director and Michael R. Long as Chairman Emeritus, for a term coterminous with the elected members.
