Independent Political Organization Supporting Joe Griffo and Peter Oberacker for State Senate and Marianne Buttenschon in Assembly, Noting Strong Support for UJP Platform

Albany, NY – Upstate Jobs Party (UJP) founder Martin Babinec today announced 2020 endorsements including strong support for New York State Senator Joe Griffo and Candidate Peter Oberacker, as well as New York State Assembly Member Marianne Buttenschon. UJP announced these endorsements and support for these candidates as the right choices for the Mohawk Valley to reform our education system, realign economic development policy, boost the innovation economy, and lead holistic government reform in the State.

UJP recognized Griffo’s steadfast commitment to supporting private investment and job growth, and long-standing dedication to nonpartisan problem-solving, as well as Oberacker’s business acumen and commitment to supporting broadband expansion in rural areas to improve education and business outcomes.  UJP also noted that Buttenschon has been one of the more committed advocates for education reform in the legislature, while also showing regular willingness to reach across the aisle to drive results for the region.

Martin Babinec said, “The Upstate Jobs Party looked across the State for the right kind of candidates to support and we’ve found an ideal slate in my home region of the Mohawk Valley.  Having known Joe’s dedication to job growth for many years, learning Peter’s business and innovation economy background, and Marianne’s steadfast efforts to realign our education system to the reality of today’s workforce, I know we have the right bipartisan team to lead the region forward.  Each candidate has embraced UJP’s platform to reverse the outmigration of our talent and is committed to developing policy to enable private investment in our economy and reform State government.”

For 2020, UJP has launched a platform with 4 main areas of focus – reforming a broken economic development system, overhauling our education system to empower teachers and students, supporting the innovation economy, and seeking holistic government reform.  UJP believes this focus will help stem the outflow of our young talent, getting government out of the way of investors and entrepreneurs, and fully reforming New York State government.  That platform can be found at www.UpstateJobs.org/platform.

New York State Senator Joseph Griffo said, ““I am proud to have received the endorsement of the Upstate Jobs Party. The party is focused on creating a better future for Upstate New York by supporting economic innovation and development with less government interference, creating jobs and financial independence and building a strong and resilient upstate economy. I share this philosophy and will continue to be a strong advocate for Upstate New York in the Legislature.”

New York State Senate Candidate Peter Oberacker said, ““Upstate Jobs embodies the same principles that I have used in building my business and returning it back home, to New York. Through innovation and the entrepreneurial spirit, we can lead our State to a more prosperous future with more jobs and opportunities for all New Yorkers. I’m proud to have their support.”

New York State Assembly Member Marianne Buttenschon said, “The Upstate Jobs Party focuses on stimulating our economy while promoting and supporting entrepreneurs and innovating thinking in our businesses and communities.  During these challenging times this approach is crucial to ensure steady economic growth in upstate New York.”

Founded in 2016, the Upstate Jobs Party built support through the platform put forward by Martin Babinec, a successful Silicon Valley entrepreneur who has helped hundreds of others start and grow companies in Upstate NY. Supporters of his independent Congressional bid came together following the 2016 election with commitments to stay involved in advancing UJP.

In 2017, Upstate Jobs Party supported independent candidate Ben Walsh, who successfully upset the political establishment by winning election as Syracuse Mayor on an Upstate Jobs Party line. In 2018 State Elections, three of the four candidates supported by UJP were elected, with six out of seven elected in local races in 2019.  Today’s announcement is one of several UJP endorsements for State offices statewide.

“As we continue to spread our message, we find more and more candidates and elected officials who believe that fostering an environment where new companies in innovation industries can succeed is the surest path towards creating a stronger economy in Upstate NY,” added John Bullis, UJP Chairman.

Significant resources, from the Independent Expenditure committee – Upstate Jobs Committee – will be committed to support the elections of candidates that believe in real policies to grow the Upstate economy in the 2020 campaign cycle. Volunteers interested in joining the effort to create more jobs in Upstate NY, keep our best and brightest talent from leaving to pursue opportunities elsewhere, and build a strong economy throughout the region are encouraged to visit www.UpstateJobs.org or www.VoteUpstateJobs.org to learn more.