The State Executive Committee of the Conservative Party of NYS voted last Friday to endorse local business owner Shawn Skeele as its candidate for New York’s 111th Assembly District seat.  He will look to challenge 20 year incumbent, Assemblyman William Magee (D-Nelson).

“I am humbled and appreciative to receive the endorsement from State Chairman, Mike Long, as well as the county chairmen of Oneida and Madison County, Julie Miller and John Mulhall.  I also want to thank the hundreds of people who signed my petition that enabled me to qualify to be on the ballet come Nov. 2. Having just entered the political arena, it has been refreshing to meet so many people of outstanding character and principles.”

Skeele has been self-employed most of his life and currently a co-owner of the Skeele Agency.  It is a third generation family business.

“I have managed multi thousand dollar businesses in the 80s and 90s and manage a multi- million dollar business at present,” Skeele said. “The last thing this state needs is another 20-year career politician remaining in office or another one that has just been climbing the ranks within a party the past 17 years. We need people who have not been spayed or neutered by any political party and/or special interest groups, but who will offer a renewed commitment to the people of their district and this great state.”

“I have no desire to leave or sell the family business to make a career in Albany,” he continued.  “It’s a third generation business; I intend to pass on to another three generations. I only ask for 3 two-year terms. I tell people to “give me six to see what we can fix.”  Albany clearly demonstrates every year the need for sound fiscal management and common sense businessmen, and women who understand that the current state business model is unsustainable.  We need people who are serious about changing the process, priorities and accountability of Albany.”

“When you meet Shawn, it will become obvious that he is a man of strong moral and conservative convictions,” said Miller. “He is a principled leader that wants to offer this district and state a new vision that includes less spending, taxes and debt, term limits, stronger respect for human life, legislation that strengthens the right to bear arms, a pro-growth tax code and free market competition and solutions to issues facing today’s society.”

“Voters, and those who haven’t voted in recent years, need to believe that things are not inevitable or they have to accept the status quo,” said Skeele. “If you desire to change the process, priorities and accountability of government, you need to get out and vote for the one who will represent those principles.  I am that individual that is motivated to try and do just that.  I am asking the 111th District to send a clear resounding message to all career politicians statewide.  The budget that will be passed clearly reveals they do not fear you at the polls.  Until they do, little will change. In fact, it will get worse. It begins on Sept. 14 with the primary vote and continues Nov. 2, judgment day.”

“In the short time Shawn has entered politics, he has demonstrated a firm understanding of how Albany operates and why it is so dysfunctional even when one party controls both legislatures and the governor’s seat. “  Mulhall states, “He is an independent and forward thinking candidate that Albany is in need of.  The Conservative Party and the NYS 111th Assembly District would be fortunate to have him as their representative in Albany.”

Skeele will be forcing a Republican Primary vote Sept. 14 for the Republican nomination.

About Skeele

Since 2001, Skeele has been a co-owner and Vice-President of the Skeele Agency.  Before that, he owned several franchises in the Binghamton/Ithaca area since 1988 and served as a deacon of Union Center Christian Church. He graduated from DeRuyter High School in 1982 and Houghton College in 1986 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.

He celebrates his 20th wedding anniversary with his wife, Martha, in August. They home school their three kids in DeRuyter. Since moving back to the area in 2001, he has served as President of the Greater Sullivan Chamber of Commerce, a board member for four years, member since 2002, member of the Manlius and Cazenovia Chambers of Commerce; President of Ruritan, a board member for five years, member since 2002; a board member of DeRuyter Community Services(a food/clothing bank plus), PTO volunteer and active parent in scouting and karate with his son, Noah.

For more information about Skeele’s opinions and solutions to issues facing the district and our state, go to www.skeeleforassembly.com or email shawnskeele@skeele.com or call 315-480-2525.