Steck Calls for More Urban Funding

Press Release

Steck calls for more urban funding

By LAUREN STANFORTH, Staff writer

Standing outside boarded-up buildings on Third Avenue, 21st Cngressional District primary candidate Democrat Phil Steck outlined his campaign priorities Friday that specifically deal with urban areas.

Steck, an Albany County legislator who represents Colonie and part of Watervliet, said he wants to restore funding to the federal Community Development Block Grant program, money that benefits low- to moderate-income residents in municipalities.

He said if the military pulls out of Iraq and tax cuts are eliminated for the wealthy, there will be enough money to put back into the CDBG program.

"The cost of sprawl, the high cost of living and the high cost of petroleum make it a great opportunity for redevelopment in urban areas," Steck said.

He also said he wants to make it easier for municipalities to acquire vacant homes and resell them to families who will commit to rehabilitating the structures.

And, if elected, he wants to start town hall-style meetings through the district, which includes parts of Fulton, Rensselaer and Saratoga counties and all of Montgomery, Schenectady, Albany and Schoharie counties.

Albany Common Council members Dominick Calsolaro, Carolyn McLaughlin and Barbara Smith and Troy City Council member John Brown joined Steck.

Steck faces Tracey Brooks, a former Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton regional director, Darius Shahinfar, a former aide to U.S. Rep. Kirsten Gillibrand, former Albany City GOP Chairman Joseph Sullivan and former state Assemblyman Paul Tonko in the Sept. 9 Democratic primary. Republicans Jim Buhrmaster and Steven Vasquez are also facing off in a primary.

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