Sean M. Ryan PO Box 457 Buffalo, NY 14213 josh@seanryanassembly.

com 881-0650 or 585-233-3239 Member of Assembly for District 149 Democrat Working Families 1) I am an attorney and have spent my professional career involved with public interest law and have been deeply involved with community development. During that time I have worked for District Council 37 Legal Services program where I represented NYC municipal workers, Neighborhood Legal Services where I represented tenants faced with eviction and victims of housing discrimination, and the Learning Disabilities Association of WNY where I represented disabled children. Most recently I have been the director of PUSH Buffalos housing development arm where I have secured more that $3.5 million in funds and developed a job training program, a housing rehabilitation program and a vacant lots management program. I have also been active in the Democratic and Working Families Party and have proudly helped to elect several progressive candidates to office. When I chose last year to run for office, I saw it as a logical extension of my public service work. I am convinced that I have had a greater impact and have achieved a greater number of positive results as a New York State Assembly Member than I would have if I had remained doing community development work. 2) I believe that a truly progressive candidate for office must seek and receive the endorsement from the Stonewall Democrats of WNY. The work your organization has done establishes you as a seal of approval for progressive candidates in Western New York. I seek your endorsement because I believe your values of equality and across-theboard fairness are in line with my own beliefs and the manner in which I will serve in the State Assembly. 3 a) New York State has made strides in the past year to close the income gap among New Yorks richest and its struggling middle class. By enacting a fairer tax code, the state began a process by which it will require those who have benefited from living in New York to pay a fair share. This tax system also lowered taxes on individuals who do not receive a million dollars. I voted for the enactment of this legislation and, if re-elected, would push to further eliminate this gap by increasing the minimum wage. b) True economic development comes from securing the middle class, not subsidizing businesses that provide low quality jobs. The Industrial Development Agencies of Erie County are broken. The power they wield and the business opportunities they pursue must be brought in line with regional development and providing jobs which provide a living wage. I have introduced legislation that will reign in the town IDAs so that

they are prevented from taking businesses, tax dollars, and opportunities from other Erie County municipalities. c) The waterfront is one of the true gems of Western New York. It is a valuable piece of real estate, not only financially, but as an area which the citizens of this community can boast on and be proud of. Restoring the waterfront is vital to the future of this city. As the representative of the Waterfront District, I will ensure that this area is developed in a responsible way that benefits the citizens of Western New York. I have already begun this process by pressuring the NFTA to relinquish control of the Outer Harbor and turn it over the land to a developer that will ensure public access and a unified vision of the waterfront. 4) a) It made me proud of New York when this state because one of a handful of states to recognize same sex marriage. While this was a momentous step, it is not the end of the journey to equality. There are serious conflicts with how marriage is recognized at the federal level and at the state level. As an attorney, I understand that these conflicts disadvantage same sex couples. There are hurdles to overcome at the federal level before all New York marriages are treated equally. b) The safety and freedom from discrimination is essential to all people. I cosponsored the GENDA bill this year in the Assembly and plan to do so again next year. This is an important next step in ensuring equality. This country has continued its slow march towards truly exemplifying the idea everyone is equal under the law. Discrimination in any form is unacceptable and I will fight to ensure that GENDA is passed as well as support other legislation that attempts to eliminate discrimination. c) While I find that my ideals are in line with those of the Stonewall Democrats of WNY, I also find that the needs of the LGBTQ community are, at times, the same as any member of the community. Ensuring high quality jobs which allow our fellow community members and their children to remain in Western New York is essential. Making sure that workplaces are safe and provide a living wage will assist in this endeavor. All people need to have a good place to educate their children. The dignity of employees in the workplace and children in school is imperative. 5) I intend to conduct my campaign in the only way that I know how: discussing issues and presenting myself as the candidate that will work the hardest for Western New York. I pledge to conduct myself in a fashion that is civil and issue-driven. 6) I will proudly list the endorsement of the Stonewall Democrats of Western New York throughout my campaign. 7) I have attended many LGBTQ events in the past and will do so in the future. 8) I will support measures that are important to the LGBTQ community. Talking about these issues will, hopefully, more fully engage LGBTQ community members. Through this

engagement, the LGBTQ communitys voice can carry even greater weight at the voting booth and with local elected officials. 9, 10, 11) I have not advertised on any homophobic web site and do not intend to do so during my campaign or my time in office. 12) I look forward to speaking with members of the LGBTQ advocacy community to discuss any issues that are importance to your group. The chief role of an elected official is to represent his or her constituents. I hope that you will speak to me anytime you have an issue of concern. 13) I have spent my professional career fighting for those that have not been provided with equal rights. Whether indigent people in need of legal representation, special needs students who are not provided with the necessary instruction, or individuals who faced housing discrimination, it has been my pleasure to ensure equality and fairness. My support of marriage equality is an extension of this life-long pursuit for equality and fairness. I support Marriage Equality in New York and believe that anything less than total protection of these marriages at the federal level is wrong. 14) AIDS continues to pose a serious health risk in nearly all communities around the world. While progress has been made, more must be done to combat this disease. I am a supporter of health insurance for all New Yorkers and believe that treatment of AIDS will allow those who live with this disease to continue to live long and prosperous lives. A 5039/Gottfried | S 06349/ Squadron) Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA): SPONSOR A 10712/ ODonnell | S 7740/ Saland Prohibits bullying and cyberbullying in public schools: SPONSOR New York State Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA): OPPOSE