Chris Jacobs Interview
Yesterday in Robert McCarthy’s piece about how important turnout is to tomorrow’s election, The News published a cursory issue comparison of the two candidates for State Senate in the 60th District. We hoped to offer an expanded comparison of the issues that define the respective candidacies of Marc Coppola and Christopher Jacobs. We extended invitations to both campaigns for a podcast but unfortunately Al Cappola due to illness was unable to take advantage of the opportunity.
So here’s Chris Jacobs in his own words in an on-the-spot interview conducted by Rich Wall. We hope this helps when you go to the polls tomorrow to determine who will represent you in the State Senate.
Also see Dave Staba’s piece in the New York Times.
I like Jacobs. Maybe it's just me, but I feel like Capolla will act like just another cog in the machine. Jacobs seems like the kind of Barry Goldwatter fiscal conservative Republican that I really like.
And like me, Jacobs sees that the facts surrounding the Buffalo Casino do not add up to anything positive, and speaks out strongly against the Buffalo Casino. While in Niagara Falls the Casino has at least some potential to promote tourism, even if it hasn’t materialized thus far.
Jacobs is also somewhat of a political outsider meaning he still sees things as they should be, like if the system doesn’t make sense, change it. Instead of seeing each issue through the oppressive lens of bureaucracy and patronage, as is the case with most seasoned politicians. Just my opinion… but I do vote.
An insightful interview of a very capable candidate.
What a shame Mr. Coppola was unavailable to let us hear his views.
Long before running for any government office, Chris Jacobs was busy creating environments where businesses can thrive. Isn't this part of what government is SUPPOSED to do?
The proof is located at 737 Main Street between Goodell and Tupper, in the Stoke Seed building. Beautifully restored by Jacobs, this structure is a cornerstone of what is quickly becoming a revitalized section of Main Street.
There are now seven small businesses in this building. All are start-ups that are quickly becoming successful – a dot com, a hair salon, a sales consulting firm, settlement consultants...a great group of neat little up and coming businesses, at least some of which have benefited enormously from a sort of "sliding scale" rent that started low and has gradually increased as the business has grown and become able to afford more overhead.
Rory Allen, founder of Document Advantage, loved the building but couldn't imagine being able to affort to move in. He needed a smaller space than the 2500 sq ft minimum. "Most landlords would have said sorry," recalls Allen, "but Chris offered to do a custom build out – he was so flexible,. He was more interested in seeing a small business grow than in turning a profit. He saw my vision and belived in me enough to give me a chance."
The seven tenants have even formed a valuable social and business network. For instance, a marketing class offered by the Schaeffer Group has really helped Allen get Document Advantage off the ground and growing.
This business-incubator environment in a restored building in a revitalized part of downtown was created by Chris Jacobs. He is doing things like this without being appointed or elected to do them. Just imagine what he could do were he in public office with a mandate and the proper tools.
Think about it, and then go to the polls. Don't think red, don't think blue. Think Buffalo and vision and a business-friendly place to live and grow.
If we are not supposed to think red or blue, why doesn't Mr. Jacobs do that? Why is he running as a Republican? Why not be independent?
Wow, now thats a handsome man.
Im listening......Mr Jacobs.....now we'd really appreciate a picture of you running shirtless through Delaware Park.
I have to add a comment in favor of Marc Coppola (not Al, as was stated in the original post). My Block Club is in the Delaware District. It is no exaggeration to say that every time we have contacted him about an issue he (or someone on his staff) has responded to our concerns and has followed through on it. Regardless of the magnitude of the concern, it was handled quickly and professionally. Because of the Coppola legacy in the city, I too first thought he was just part of the machine. But, I am not politically connected in any way and I could not be more impressed with his responsiveness to his constituents.
I was not sure who my State Senate Rep. was, so I went to look online and typed in my zip - 14222 - and it said that it was EITHER the 58th or the 60th District. Ok, so I go to the 60th seat website, click on district map - and it says "coming soon". Now I have to go to the polling place and see which district I am in (and I really hope it is the 60th because I find this and every vote to be critically important). PLEASE NYS - make it easy for us to find information like this and get the maps up and running!
Jeb 08!
ddoerr - I live in 14222 and vote at the Unitarian church on Elmwood and W. Ferry. I don't know if that applies to all of 14222, though.
I was on my way to the polls to vote this morning when I saw this article and discussion posts. Very helpful to talk over issues with others.
I feel much the same way as others here. I know people who are friends of his family and watched him grow up. They say he is a fine young man.
Woopie!
My problem is while he appears progressive and seems to have a short-term local agenda that I favor, he is still a republican!
My problem with republicans is their self-help standard operating procedure (SOP). What about those who cannot help themselves?
I got an automated call from Brian Higgins endorsing Copolla yesterday. I like Higgins and Hoyt but Copolla "seems" like a machine democrat to me. Is Higgins endorsing him because he has no option or does he really like Marc Copolla?
Bottom line is my needs as a voter is I want someone who is able to bridge the gap between the democratic ideal of helping others and the little guy to the republican desire to encourage progress for business (small business). Also, I want effective and non-secular social policy and environmental sustainability!
So where do I vote???
New York State is a bloated bureaucracy, a declining empire of capitalism. Who is going to re-wire our system?
I was on my way to the polls to vote this morning when I saw this article and discussion posts. Very helpful to talk over issues with others.
I feel much the same way as others here. I know people who are friends of his family and watched him grow up. They say he is a fine young man.
Woopie!
My problem is while he appears progressive and seems to have a short-term local agenda that I favor, he is still a republican!
My problem with republicans is their self-help standard operating procedure (SOP). What about those who cannot help themselves?
I got an automated call from Brian Higgins endorsing Copolla yesterday. I like Higgins and Hoyt but Copolla "seems" like a machine democrat to me. Is Higgins endorsing him because he has no option or does he really like Marc Copolla?
Bottom line is my needs as a voter is I want someone who is able to bridge the gap between the democratic ideal of helping others and the little guy to the republican desire to encourage progress for business (small business). Also, I want effective and non-secular social policy and environmental sustainability!
So where do I vote???
New York State is a bloated bureaucracy, a declining empire of capitalism. Who is going to re-wire our system?
Hi Cynthia - I vote at Brentwood Manor - I showed up there and found out that I was in the 60th district - thanks for the help!
Further to my previous post, well, I talked to more people about Chris Jacobs. He is pro charter school and pro-progress and I voted for that Republican. First time crossing party lines!
Still would like to know the practical or philosophical reasons for his running as a Republican.
Practical reason: he gets the party to help support him financially and through endorsements.
If he ran independent he'd be on his own and fighting someone funded by another big party
A much higher percentage of Republicans favor charter schools than do Democrats.
Since that's one of his major policy positions, why should it be surprising that Jacobs is running as a Republican?
Personally, I think all Republicans shouldn't even bother ever running in Buffalo - why bother when you're guaranteed to lose big time? Leave the city to the Democrats to run at every level.
Yeah - vote republiCON:
Forget PEACE HOPE & PROSPERITY with SURPLUSSES when DEMOCRATS last ruled.
Forget the Incompetance and CRIMINAL NEGLIGENCE, CRONYISM, and CRIMINALITY since the republiCONs took control of ALL 3 Branches.
Yeah - let's have more ILLEGAL WARS, CORRUPTION, LIES and DEFICITS!
Yeah - vote republiCON!
Sorry, but it starts at the local level. republiCONs have proven they can't govern.
Time to bring back SANITY.
Don't be fooled by a wolf in SHEEP's Clothing or an EMPEROR with NO CLOTHES!
I think it's time for a change at all levels...you have one chance to do it right and if you don't...time to go...marc might be a great guy...but where is the value added over the past years?? I went to school with Chris...he's a stand up guy and at the very least some fresh new ideas that are non political...does not owe anyone anything...can anyone really make it any worse in office??/ he is a business minded man and a good person...and he understands both sides of the street...