By Joyce Kryszak
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wbfo/local-wbfo-923850.mp3
Cheektowaga, NY – Veteran New York Senator William Stachowski was trounced Tuesday night by Erie County lawmaker Tim Kennedy in a powerful expression of anti-incumbency voter anger.
A few bunches of lonely balloons floated sadly near the podium where Stachowski stood to concede defeat. It was not even ten o'clock and all the votes were not yet in. But with Kennedy winning by more than two one, Stachowski didn't prolong the inevitable. The 29-year veteran told supporters he leaves knowing he served them well.
"I still remain the same way," said Stachowski. "The only people I ever cared about in this whole process are the people who lived in the district."
Stachowski said he's not sure what's next. He remains on the ballot in November on the Independence line. But Stachowski says voters have made it clear they want change. He blamed most of it on two difficult budgets and Albany dysfunction. Some say that Stachowski's failure to hold out for UB 2020 also hurt him. He disagrees.
"Since we're still negotiating now, we may not have a budget now and [do] you think that would have been easy to run on with no budget. That wopuldn't overcome holding out for UB 2020," said Stachowski.
And he said a framework for the law is in place. But for voters it was all apparently too little too late. Kennedy seized their message.
"And we're going to take that message into Albany. It's a message of change. It's a message of taking on the status quo," said Kennedy.
But some lawmakers worry there will be too much change in Albany. Senator Dale Volker - another veteran wny lawmaker - did not run for re-election. WBFO asked Stachowski if he'd help Kennedy learn the ropes, if he wins in November. Stachowski says Kennedy doesn't want his advice.
"The answers I heard from him during the debate - he doesn't need any help from me, or from people like me, he already has a plan. And he's going to turn Albany upside down and carry out his plan - I wish him luck," said Stachowski.
Kennedy still faces Republican candidate Jack Quinn III in the general election.