By: Times Telegram

UTICA — Martin Babinec, a candidate running for the 22nd Congressional district, announced Thursday the creation of a new independent party line — Upstate Jobs.

“The Upstate Jobs Party will breathe new life into the American Dream for so many New Yorkers who have been betrayed by the empty promises of politicians on both sides of the aisle who say they will create jobs — but never do,” Babinec said in a news release.

“We need to stop repeating the mistakes of the past and end crony capitalism, corporate giveaways and so-called billion-dollar top down economic development slush funds, and replace it with a sustainable economy powered by growth in innovation industries attractive to our region’s best talent,” he added.

The line will be organized and chaired by John Bullis.

Bullis is a 33-year higher education professional who currently chairs the Bassett Healthcare Network – Little Falls Hospital Board of Trustees and serves as the chairman of the Human Technologies Corporation Board of Directors in Utica.

“We can’t stand by anymore and watch our best and brightest flee upstate New York to pursue opportunities in new industries they don’t find here in our region. I’m honored to chair the Upstate Jobs Party and support our candidate, Martin Babinec, who I know has the right ideas to help create jobs, transform our region and keep our families together,” Bullis said in the release.

The petition process, which begins on June 21, requires at least 3,500 signatures of registered voters, of any party or blanks, throughout the district who have not signed another congressional petition this election cycle. There are approximately 435,500 registered voters in the 22nd Congressional District.

Other candidates up for Richard Hanna’s seat include state Assemblywoman Claudia Tenney, R-New Hartford, Republican Cazenovia businessman Steven Wells, Democratic Broome County Legislator Kim Myers and former Broome County Legislator George Phillips, a Republican.