Stony Point Councilman Tom Basile launches state senate campaign

NEWBURGH — With state Sen. William J. Larkin Jr. by his side and surrounded by supporters from all three counties in the 39th Senate district, Councilman Tom Basile launched his campaign for the New York State Senate on Saturday, May 5, promising to fight for taxpayers.
“For nearly 30 years, the people of our area have trusted Bill Larkin to fight for them in the Senate at a time when our state government too often works against the success of our families and businesses,” said Basile, who is in his second term as a Stony Point Town councilman. “I will serve as he served – putting people and common sense over politics and division to ensure we all can live, work and raise a family here.
‘We’re all in this together’ “When I say ‘we’re all in this together,’ I mean it,” Basile added. “As a husband and a father, a small-business owner and an elected official, I know how hard it is to make it in our area,” he told a crowd that was waving orange and blue pompoms and holding signs thanking Senator Larkin.
Basile’s previous government service includes the administrations of Gov. George Pataki and President George W. Bush, including as an advisor to the coalition government in Baghdad, Iraq. For his work in Iraq, he was awarded the Joint Civilian Service Commendation. Basile has owned his own business for more than a dozen years, is a published author, has taught at Fordham University and was also managing director of a New York City-based public relations firm.
Larkin: ‘I trust Tom Basile’ “I’ve been privileged to serve the people of our area for many years,” Larkin said. “I’ve been honored to have your trust – and I trust Tom Basile. Tom will be a champion for people from all walks of life and all backgrounds. Tom is a tested leader and he’ll put people first, not government. He will be a tireless advocate for taxpayers and fighter when some in Albany look to do nothing but raise taxes and spend more we don’t have.”
Basile and Larkin were joined by Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus, Rockland County Executive Ed Day, town supervisors, county legislators from across the 39th Senate District as well as State GOP Chairman Ed Cox and party chairs from the Conservative, Independence and Reform Parties.
Basile and his wife, Carrie, reside in Stony Point with their three young children and a Golden Retriever.
The district, potential opponentsThe 39th senate district represents parts of Orange, Ulster, and Rockland counties, including the Orange County towns of Newburgh, Montgomery, Cornwall, Crawford, Highlands, Woodbury, New Windsor, Chester, Monroe and Blooming Grove and the City of Newburgh.
Assemblyman James Skoufis (D-Woodbury) is expected to make a decision on whether to run within two weeks.
Orange County Legislator Mike Anagnostakis (R-Town of Newburgh) also plans to take the next two weeks to weigh his options on running.