Woerner fights for a strong middle class ALBANY — State Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner was making history before she even moved into her office. Woerner is one of eight women starting Assembly terms this year who, for the first time, outnumber their male counterparts. The strong showing for women in state politics is notable since, as Woerner points out, men and women run and lose campaigns in equal measure, but women lag behind when it comes to running again. “I tell anyone running for office to plan to do it twice,” said Woerner, who added that she never minds talking about losing her first Assembly race because it laid the groundwork for victory. “I met so many people and learned so much during that first campaign,” said Woerner from her office in the Capitol’s Legislative Office Building. Woerner said she appreciates the help of campaign volunteers, who logged many hours with her on the trail but also shared their perspective on issues of importance. Some campaign workers, like CSEA Capital Region activist John Ellis, really stand out. Woerner recalled the first time she met Ellis. “He showed up at my house, before we even had an office,” said Woerner, smiling. “And he kept coming back.” “Talking with CSEA members throughout the campaigns, spending time with them, really helped me to learn about issues union members are facing,” said Woerner. Meeting with CSEA activists also helped shape Woerner’s goals for her time in office. “Creating activist John Ellis at her office in the state Capitol. stability and security for workers means they can focus on making sure they deliver the best services.” Woerner said that her interest in “security” and a “strong middle class” closely align with the goals of labor. And, with a background in business and management, she sees the benefits and possibilities Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner, left, meets with CSEA Capital Region for both sides. ‘“Creating stability and security for workers means they can focus on making sure they deliver the best services,” Woerner said. Woerner has a passionate desire to bring about programs and legislation that “lay the foundation for strong companies that recognize that social contract.” “Anything less is breaking the social contract,” Woerner said. “I don’t want to live in a world where people have no security.” With a historic start to her first term and the vision and energy to match, Woerner will undoubtedly prove to be a force in the New York State Assembly. Woerner’s district, the 113th Assembly District, covers parts of Saratoga and Washington counties. Woerner serves on the Assembly’s Agriculture, Local Governments, Racing and Wagering, Small Business and Tourism, Parks, Arts and Sports Development committees. — Therese Assalian Serino brings new energy to Albany State Sen. Sue Serino got her first job at age 15 and hasn’t stopped working since, a background that gives her firsthand experience as she advocates for middle class Hudson Valley families. Starting out as a waitress in a small local restaurant and going on to own a home child care business, Serino later entered the real estate business. The tireless work ethic needed for entrepreneurship prepared Serino for the fast pace of State Legislature sessions in Albany. Goals for her first term include improvements in mental healthcare access, infrastructure and services for the aging. Cuts in public mental health care, including closure of the former Hudson River Psychiatric Center campus in Poughkeepsie and the downsizing of Dutchess County-run mental health services, left a void in the community, Serino said. “My brother committed suicide,” Serino said. “I know firsthand we don’t have enough services in our area. I want to see money go toward mental health.” After a rough winter with numerous water main breaks in aging systems and serious damage to roadways, Serino’s goal of bringing dollars back to her district for infrastructure fixes is one that will likely please CSEA members working on area highway crews. Serino, who also served on the Hyde Park Town Board and Dutchess County Legislature, recently met with local highway superintendents to see how she could help. “I need to know what they need and want to be sure I can help them,” Serino said. With a large aging population in her district, Serino is also looking to improve services for senior citizens. She is chairing the Senate Standing Committee on Aging. Serino is also serving on the following committees: Children Serino and Families; Cultural Affairs and Tourism; Education; Higher Education; and Judiciary. — Jessica Ladlee April 2015 The Work Force 13
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