Cahill, Hayes cite ethics reform as key concern

Despite the differences Assemblyman Kevin Cahill, D-Kingston, and conservative challenger Jack Hayes have, both cite ethics reform as being a top priority.

"The most important thing is getting back to Albany to restore the public's faith and trust in operation of government," Cahill said. "Expanding ethics law, expanding campaign finance laws, and insisting on stricter compliance on the part of the my colleagues."

Cahill, 60, has represented the 103rd Assembly district, which includes much of Ulster County and the towns of Rhinebeck and Red Hook in Dutchess County, since 1999 after serving a single term in 1993 and 1994.

Hayes, a retired New York State Police sergeant, said that sort of long-term hold on public office something he would push to change, looking to create "a term limit situation, that would put people on notice and clear the field."

"Ethics reforms is the major issue. Almost everything else revolves around it. There just seems to be a total corrupted system. The pay for play is dominating how our bills and laws are made," said Hayes, 73.

Hayes, formerly town supervisor of Gardiner and an Ulster County legislator, said "whether the county and the towns can set a temporarily sales" is a key issue, and he would fight to give Ulster County the authority to set tits sales tax rate, rather than having it set by the state legislative district.

Additionally, Hayes said public school curriculum set at a federal level is "unacceptable" and "detrimental" to the students. Rather, the board of education and the school district themselves should decide on curriculum content.

For Cahill, preventing the anchoring of "sludge barges along the Hudson," providing adequate resources to each community, and increasing school aid to keep property taxes lower are all on his agenda if re-elected.

"I've been very honored to serve the people of my district, and I think I share their values. I've been very honored they’ve returned me and I hope they do so again," he said.

Abbott Brant: abrant@poughkeepsiejournal.com; 845-437-4809; Twitter: @AbbottBrantPoJo

Assemblyman Kevin Cahill, D-Kingston

Age: 60

Occupation:  Legislator, Attorney (not practicing).

Party: Democrat.

Jack Hayes

​Age: 73

Occupation: retired New York State Police sergeant. 

Party: Conservative.