Sound of door-knocking:
“I’m going for my fifth term on the legislature. Here’s my card with my number on it if you need me for anything. We’re going to give you a property tax decrease and we also have sheriffs patrolling the city. If you need me give me a ring.”[Jim DiBlasi]
That’s Republican Jim DiBlasi making his routine pitch at the doors of voters in the County Legislature’s 7th District. DiBlasi is the incumbent, seeking — as he reminds everyone who answers his knock — his fifth term. It’s part of his grassroots approach of campaigning for re-election. DiBlasi is running for county legislature against Democratic challenger Tom Buckel.
Sound of door-knocking:
DiBlasi says he’s going to pound on about 1,500 doors by Election Day. And at each door he talks to potential voters about three things: tax cuts, public safety and accessibility.
First up: Tax cuts.
“This year we’re going to give you a 4 percent property-tax rebate from the county. Alright.” [DiBlasi]
That tax cut is in the 2008 county budget. The Onondaga County Budget Offices says the property-tax cut means home owners are going to pay 4 percent less on property tax this year than they did last year if their house is assessed at the same amount.
After DiBlasi has come and gone, one voter admits to some concern about how the tax break is going to work. Tom Stono is a voter in his early thirties and lives on Grant Boulevard between James Street and Teall Avenue. His doubts about the tax cut are these:
“I think it would be a great idea. But where will the money come from? Is it going to come from schools? Is it going to come from roads? [Tom Stono]
Public safety is the second issue.
Sound of door-knocking:
“We got the sheriffs patrolling the city with the black and gold cars.” [DiBlasi]
DiBlasi is talking about Operation Impact. Operation Impact was approved in the budget to keep 9 County Sheriff’s deputies on the streets in the city.
One voter says the increase in deputies makes her feel safer. Kathy Wilcox is a self-proclaimed, apolitical potential voter in her mid forties. She also lives on Grant Boulevard between James Street and Teall Avenue.
“The more there are, hopefully the more protected you feel.” [Kathy Wilcox]
DiBlasi’s third pitch: His accessibility.
Sound of door-knocking:
“My number’s on the card if you need me for anything.” [DiBlasi]
To each voter, DiBlasi hands a card that includes his home phone number.
“I just want to be accessible, I think it is a personal touch. I think it is important.” [DiBlasi]
He gets through his message of all three issues in less than 30 seconds. His speed makes an impression. At least to Irving Chatterton, who is in his mid sixties and says he votes in most elections. He’s another resident of Grant Boulevard between James Street and Teall Avenue.
“He did everything so fast. I was sort of stunned. It was like the white tornado appearing on your doorstep.” [Irving Chatterton]
DiBlasi says he will be knocking on doors right up until Election Day on November 6th.
Sound of footsteps
For Democracywise, I’m Richard Zussman
(Richard Zussman is a broadcast journalism graduate student)
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