John Sharon thinks a one-on-one race will give him a better shot at winning a seat in the New York State Assembly.
Two years ago, Sharon was one of four candidates vying for the 119th Assembly District. Democrat Sam Roberts emerged the winner.
But this year Sharon, a Republican, will try again -- though in a slightly different district. After redistricting, the 119th has become the 128th, but still encompasses the eastern part of Syracuse and its eastern suburbs. That includes Dewitt, where Sharon lives.
"Running against an incumbent is always on the uphill side," Sharon said at a press conference this morning. Assemblyman Roberts, a Syracuse resident and former auto worker and county legislator, is finishing up his first term in Albany.
Sharon worked for Onondaga County for 34 years and is a lawyer. He says he wants to be an ambassador for the residents in central New York.
"I want to be the voice that reports back to this community," he said. "What’s going on, what do I think, what have I found out in my investigation."
Sharon listed taxes, the economy, Medicaid reform and veterans' issues as the areas he would focus on as an assemblyman.
"I really don't want to live off a 3x5 card," Sharon said. "When people ask me questions at events, I'd like to give them thoughtful and complete answers. I'm going to try to do that."