Bill Owens For Congress Welcomes Endorsement From Senator David Valesky

Bill Owens, endorsed Democratic Congressional candidate in New York's 23rd District, today welcomed the endorsement of Senator David Valesky (D-Oneida), Vice President Pro Tempore of the New York State Senate and a powerful advocate for job creation and economic development.

Senator Valesky offered his endorsement to Bill Owens' campaign for Congress at the opening of a Democratic Field Office in Oneida this weekend, expressing strong words of encouragement and noting Bills commitment to creating jobs in Upstate New York.

"Bill has the strongest record of job creation of all the candidates in this race," said Senator Valesky. "Bill has the real-world experience that will make him a valuable asset in Congress to help push Upstate New York's economy forward."

"In these tough times, we need someone in Congress who will fight every day for Upstate New York," said Owens. "I've helped create over 2,000 jobs over the course of my career, and in Congress I will continue to support the Upstate economy by fighting for lower taxes and incentives that will entice businesses to our area. Senator Valesky has been a champion of these efforts, and it is an honor to have his support."

Bill Owens recently unveiled a seven point plan for how he will continue supporting job creation as a Member of Congress. These initiatives include:

· Leading the Way on Green Energy:

Upstate New York has already taken strides to promote a green energy economy, and that's creating good paying jobs for working families across the state. Whether it is solar, wind, biomass or other technologies, our Congressional District is already up and running with a green energy industry. We need to promote more of this kind of investment so we can continue to create better paying jobs for Upstate New York.

· Recruiting Canadian Investment:

Throughout my career, I have worked to bring investments from Canadian businesses to New York to help create jobs. In all, I've helped create over 2,000 jobs for Upstate New York. Just recently, the Watertown Daily Times reported efforts are underway by St. Lawrence County and Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority to entice Canadian business and show that it is more cost-efficient for many Canadian businesses to manufacture their products here -- these are exactly the kinds of steps we need to take to strengthen our local economy, and I will champion these efforts in Congress.

· Keeping Fort Drum Strong:

The talent, workforce and resources housed at and around Fort Drum make the base a tremendous economic engine for the region. As a Member of Congress, I will fight to keep Fort Drum strong so it can continue to be the engine of our local economy for years to come.

· Job Training for Recent Graduates and America's Veterans:

Recent college graduates and our veterans returning home from overseas are entering the civilian workforce in the midst of a troubled economy unlike anything Americans have seen in decades. Moreover, recently unemployed workers, especially older workers, need a way to quickly retrain and reenter the workforce at a job that pays as well or better than the one they lost. In Congress, I will work to invest in jobs programs at our local colleges and technical schools and create job training and job placement programs for our veterans.

· Protecting and Improving Local Infrastructure:

Upstate New York is blessed with an extraordinary workforce, but to attract businesses and create jobs for our region we have to maintain and expand our infrastructure to further incentivize the creation of businesses in Upstate New York. I strongly support the improvements necessary to keep the Port of Oswego moving forward, and as a Member of Congress I will fully support efforts to construct I-98 so we can move people and goods more efficiently through the state.

· Making Our Universities a Part of the Solution:

We have some of the best colleges, technical schools and universities in the country right here in Upstate New York. By supporting institutions of higher education here at home, we can continue to attract talent to our area that will support businesses large and small for years to come. Moreover, our colleges and universities are tremendous economic engines for the community, creating jobs in the short term and helping promote technological advances that will bring investment to Northern and Central New York in the long term. As a Member of Congress, I will work to ensure increased funding for higher education so that today's graduates can become tomorrow's leaders.

· Protecting Our Farms Today and for the Future:

Agriculture is important for our entire economy, and is a critical component of the markets that affect all of us. If farmers, including dairy farmers, aren't getting a fair price for their product, it's bad for everyone in Upstate New York. That's why I support Senator Chuck Schumer's call for an investigation into why dairy farmers are getting paid lower and lower prices for their milk, while the price of milk remains high in stores. We need farm policy that benefits producers as well as consumers, so we can keep our economy strong for all the hardworking families of Upstate New York.

Bill Owens has devoted his life to creating jobs, bringing economic development to the North Country, and serving his country. As a Captain in the United States Air Force, he proudly served at Plattsburgh Air Force Base. When the base was closed he helped create the Plattsburgh Airbase Redevelopment Corporation to ensure the land was used to create jobs, and currently there are more than 500 jobs based there as a result of his leadership. He has also served his community on the boards of many civic and non-profit organizations. He is a Managing Partner at Stafford Owens Piller Murnane & Trombley, PLLC. Owens currently lives in Plattsburgh with his wife Jane where they raised three children. He is the proud grandfather of three with a fourth due this fall.

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