Jim Bobreski of Penn Yan is running for the 58th New York State Senate District seat now held by Republican state Senator Tom O'Mara, according to a campaign announcement submitted to this publication. Bobreski is seeking the Democratic nomination and said he wants to challenge O'Mara on agriculture, energy, health care, immigration and data center policy.
Bobreski's campaign described him as an inventor, process engineer, former nuclear power worker and farmer. He said rising fuel, fertilizer, labor and equipment costs are putting pressure on family farms and argued that Albany needs leadership with experience in farming and energy systems.
The campaign release said Bobreski is not aligned with a political machine and does not owe favors to special interests. It said he supports sound fiscal management, regular availability to constituents, labor rights, human rights, STEM and trade education, and health care focused on prevention, early detection and education.
Bobreski criticized O'Mara's energy record, including legislation related to renewable-energy recycling, NYSERDA oversight and nuclear energy development. The release said Bobreski supports battery storage, grid modernization, distributed renewable generation and efficiency before committing ratepayers to nuclear projects.
The release also said Bobreski wants earlier public notice before data center companies seek major electric, water, sewer and land-use commitments. "I favor progress," Bobreski said in the release, "but progress has to benefit the public, not just the developer."
On immigration, Bobreski criticized O'Mara's support for legislation that would require New York law enforcement and courts to notify U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in certain cases involving noncitizens. "We are a community, and we should work together to make life livable for everyone," Bobreski said.
Bobreski also called for an investigation into why parts of the Finger Lakes region have high cancer rates. The release said he wants the state to review possible links among groundwater contamination, landfill leakage, historic industrial pollution and public health outcomes while following the evidence.
Bobreski's campaign said he supports an ability-to-pay universal health coverage model such as the New York Health Act. The campaign is seeking volunteers and financial support and said Bobreski welcomes a debate with O'Mara on issues facing the district.
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