Local Organizer Throws in Her Beret for Assembly

ASSEMBLY DISTRICT 102 — With the endorsement of the Working Families Party, Cairo resident Mary T. Finneran, retired art teacher, environmental and social justice advocate and longtime union member, is running as a Democrat for the Assembly District 102 seat held by Republican Chris Tague.  

“Mary’s honesty and integrity would be a breath of fresh air in this district,” said Elliott Adams, former mayor of Sharon Springs, Schoharie County, and past president of Veterans for Peace.  

Finneran is ready to take on the challenges in her rural district, such as adequate and truly affordable healthcare (“Greene County doesn’t have a hospital!” she noted) and state help for farmers and farm workers. “Not to forget the housing crisis and dearth of public transportation,” she added, “and still ongoing broadband/cellular issues.”

Many have been working, so far without enough progress, on these issues. “As a majority member of the Assembly,” said Finneran, “I’ll be able to get more things done for this rural district than Tague could.”

“We’re so excited about Mary Finneran’s run for NYS 102 AD,” said Jeannette and William Rice of Rensselaerville, Albany County. “She’s intelligent, outspoken and kind. She demonstrates strong leadership and organizing skills. The people of our district need Mary as our representative!” 

Another major concern for Finneran is the unpreparedness of the district and state for the weather events caused by climate change. “These weather events, besides causing chaos, impact our farms and tourism trades,” said Finneran. “I hope to introduce and support legislation that aids locals as we transition to a ‘new normal’.” 

Besides existing climate legislation that must be enforced, Finneran points to the Environmental Rights Amendment in the NYS Constitution guaranteeing clean air and water for all. It affects nearly every project, including the enormous waste disposal issues, including the toxic PFAS (“forever chemicals”), plastics, and sewage sludge.

Finneran has led efforts to keep all such pollution out of our air and water, as well as our food stream. “Maine and Michigan farmers are in crisis,” she said with alarm. “New York farmers must be saved from the same toxic paths.”

NYPAN (New York Progressive Action Network) also endorsed Finneran. Cari Gardner vice chair of NYPAN residing in Athens, NY, is equally excited about Finneran’s candidacy. “I don’t know anyone who is more dedicated to working toward a just and sustainable world,” said Gardner. “Mary’s integrity, in all matters, is unquestionable.”

Finneran is aware of the uphill battle of this campaign.  "The campaign finance law helps make this possible for me; local donations may be amplified by up to twelve times,"  she says." But more, because of the strong support I have, the many concerns and needs of the district’s people and the regional beauty that we so want to preserve, I am compelled to run,"  she said  ”I believe one of the top ways to effect positive change is by writing and passing meaningful legislation. I want to help do that.”