Richard Marra
- for Schenectady Co. Legislature -
District 2, City of Schenectady
I was born at the tail end of the depression, arrived in the Schenectady area at the age of about two. We moved to the city after a few years and I've been living here since except fora short period in Watertown, NY. Presently I live about five blocks from where I grew up and have been here for the past 44 years.
I attended Christian Brothers Academy, Albany and went on to Siena College to study with a major in Economics. I worked for several national companies as a sales rep before joining with my father in building new homes which spanned some thirty years of all phases of construction.
I have been actively involved in my community as a Founding member and served as member of the Board of the Schenectady East Rotary Club. I headed up the Construction Committee for Schenectady Habitat for Humanity, served on their Board, and volunteered on several other community projects. I also serveed as as a member of the Schenectady Block Grant Committee and Vice Chair, Commissioner on the Schenectady Planning Commission.
I'm the father of a son, Scott, who lives in Texas and works for the US Government, and have a wonderful granddaughter, Piper Joan.
I previously ran for Highway Superintendent in Rotterdam several years ago and look forward to the opportunity to work on behalf of City residents to promote a more progressive and responsive county government.
I intend to be a voice for independence that represents the people.
BIO
Two issues I hope to work on if elected to the County Legislature are:
1) increasing the minimum wage to a liveable wage by enacting a local ordinance that requires all county contractors to pay their employees at least $15 per hour with benefits and
2) To emulate what New York City did by allocating funds to support the creation of Worker Cooperatives that benefit the community and keep money in the local economy. In addition to allowing workers to start and own a business, worker coops also provide a way for business owners to transfer ownership to employees rather than completely shut down an operation.
Examples of success include Cooperative Home Care Associates based in the Bronx -- which created more dignified, higher paying jobs while having a positive impact on an industry. CHCA’s 2000+ home care providers’ wages and benefits have risen more than 40% in the past five years, and their turnover is 15% in an industry with 60%+ annual turnover.
Similarly, Sà Se Puede Women’s Cooperative – a 60-women cleaning company based in Sunset Park -- has enabled members to raise their wages and move from a position of precarious employment to small business ownership.
I would also like to see a regular user of CDTA public transportation represent Schenectady County. The current designee resides in the Town of Princeton and does not experience what regular riders experience on a daily basis. My goal would be to advocate for better public transportation in our community.
I hope you will support my campaign!
MY ISSUES
I need volunteers to help with distributing campaign literature door-to-door in Niskayuna, making phone calls prior to the election, helping with mailings and providing rides to the polls on election day. We can also use help with staffing a Green Campaign Information table at events​ like Farmer's Markets and concerts in Central Park.
If you or someone you know would like to volunteer, complete the volunteer application and I'll be in touch soon!
Thanks for your interest in my campaign!
-Rich
HOW TO HELP