Above photo: Finneran (right) with Cari Gardiner.

DURHAM — Mary Finneran launched her campaign for NYS Assembly in Durham Sunday, surrounded by dozens of supporters. Despite the brutal cold, a large crowd packed the room as Finneran announced her second run for the Assembly in two election cycles. 

Finneran is a retired educator and artist, as well as a prominent local union organizer and environmental advocates. She also has served five years on the Cairo Library Board and 11 years on the executive committee of the Coxsackie-Athens Teachers Association, and separately as the K-12 Art Department Chair.

Finneran started her speech discussing the “first day of Irish spring, the day halfway between the solstice and the equinox, and the time when the light starts to win against the darkness.” Her entire speech was sent to us and is printed as a letter to the editor in this week’s edition.

“Being also the day of the full snow moon, this day is full of light and I chose this day to celebrate our campaign to win against the march toward fascism,” she said.

The candidate tied her campaign to three major issues: human needs, human rights, and a habitable planet.

Regarding human needs, she said, “Human Needs:  People should not have to decide between food and water, shelter, heat, or healthcare needs because of cost. We must tax the rich to meet all the needs of the people. And remember human needs include the capacity to enjoy life not just survive.   In other words “the pursuit of happiness” is a human need.”

Regarding human rights, she said that “the Bill of Rights designed to protect our Liberties are being smashed, first, second, fourth, and more in this country” due to actions by “ICE and the threat of martial law.” She argued that events nationwide and overseas are “human rights violations.”

“We must create legislations that not only protect our liberties, but legislation that stops the funding of violence,” she said.

“Our home is having it’s life destroyed by energy combustion, consumerism, and waste. We must stop the sources of climate change, the fossil fuel industry, militarism, the massive over production and now energy sucking data and crypto mining centers,” Finneran said.

She also stated her strong opposition to PFAS-laden sewage sludge used on local farm fields.

“We need to give new life to stuff instead of throwing away! repair, reduce, reuse, repurpose!

We need to pass many legislations to save our lives and all life on this planet,” she said.

“My three issues in a nutshell? Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.  Let’s win!”

Voters can change their registration until Feb. 14 in order to vote in this year's primary. Finneran is seeking both the Democratic and Working Families party lines. The primary itself is June 23.

Finneran's sister Ann said "A vote for Mary is a vote for all of us."

Finneran is seeking the seat against two Democratic candidates: Thomas Boomhower and Michele Frazier. Republican Windham Supervisor Tommy Hoyt announced his candidacy for the seat last year. Current Assemblyman Chris Tague is seeking a term in the State Senate after current State Sen. Peter Oberacker announced a run for the 19th Congressional District last year.

Finneran after finishing her campaign launch speech.

Finneran helps a supporter sign a petition.

Finneran with Stephanie and David Fisher.

Mary and Ann Finneran during the well-attended campaign launch Sunday.