ALBANY — Former Rep. Marc Monlinaro entered into the state assembly race and said that cost of living is his top priority for residents of the district in an interview this week.

Molinaro said that the “decision making in Albany is unbridled” and cited increased spending in the state capital and New York, and the role of taxes and regulatory effects on the cost for local families.

Molinaro has previously served as village trustee and mayor of Tivoli, in the state legislature, as Dutchess County Executive, one term in Congress, and recently as Administrator of the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) in Washington.

“I have a passion to serve,” he said. He added that he wants to “lift up the families, farmers, and small businesses” of the area. 

Molinaro cited increases in cost of living. Between his level from the village to county to state to federal level, he said he hopes that his extensive contacts will be able to “leverage state and federal partners.” This includes working to “make life better for my community and for families across this district.”

During his time in Congress, he was ranked as its fourth most effective member, he said. This includes the time working on “bridging partisan divides.” 

Molinaro said that understood where constituents were coming from, since his personal electricity bill has tripled recently.

“The single-party rule in Albany has resulted in corruption,” increasing costs, and more, he said. Molinaro’s hope is that he can give a voice to families who are struggling with their bills. This includes speaking to the large corporations, public utility commissions, and the Democratic majority in Albany to advocate for local families.

The state has made decisions that have “driven down supply, driven up demand,” said Molinaro.

He said that the state doesn’t have a proper energy plan, and instead it often increases subsidies for lower-energy supply and shutting down existing energy supply, and restricting potential future energy supply. The plan to ban natural gas and oil furnaces will “only undermine the electric grid and devastate real estate costs…and drive up electricity bills.”

He hopes to “give voice to those families…to make a difference.”

When he was Dutchess County Executive, it was the only county to take part in almost every public service commission decision. The county won several victories forestalling rate increases, for utilities to invest locally, and to conserve local natural resources.

The former Rep. said that he plans to assist with public safety and aiding those with disability, but recognizes the burden on “those who pay the bills.”

Molinaro said that he decided to give up his position in Washington, and credited both President Trump and Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy. He asserted that these actions have driven down costs and hopes to bring his experience to the area. Molinaro said that he “believes in the concept of public service.”

He said that some people believe that “public service is a ladder.”

The current path of New York is “not sustainable,” he said.

“The fight is here,” he said.