120th AD: Barclay, Tosh make final case to voters
Nov 5, 2018 | Matthew Reitz Owsego County News Now
If elected, Tosh says she would implement bold policies to improve the local economy and quality of life, starting with affordable health care. Tosh is a vocal proponent for the New York Health Act, a bill that would create a statewide single-payer health care system.
The formation of such a single-payer system would make the state more attractive to businesses by cutting insurance costs, Tosh argued at a recent debate between the two candidates hosted by The Palladium-Times, adding that providing affordable health care to everyone would boost entrepreneurship and remove burdens from starting businesses.
“Small business is the engine that drives our innovation, our invention and our progress, so let’s give that engine some gas,” she said. “Lets take away the fear of branching out on our own and starting a new business by not being able to supply health insurance to our families.”
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120th Assembly: Will Barclay has challenger - Gail Tosh- for first time in 10 years
Oct 23, 2018 | Elizabeth Doran Syracuse.com
What do you see as the biggest issue in your district?
Tosh: The high cost of health insurance and health care. Tosh said she supports the New York Health Act, which would establish a universal single payer health plan that would provide comprehensive health coverage for all state residents.
The New York Health Act also will help small businesses, she said. She said as an Assembly member, she would actively work to get the act passed by the state Senate and become law.
Tosh said lack of meaningful employment, the state of education and property taxes are other areas that need to be addressed.
'We need to bring jobs back, and we need to do that through more education, adult education in science, technology, engineering and math; and more vocational training,' she said.
She also advocates for improving the state's infrastructure which would help create jobs.
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Locals lambaste Gov. Cuomo's 'never that great' gaffe
Aug 16, 2018 | Brandon Wood, Palladium Times
"Lysander Democrat Gail Tosh, running against Assemblyman Will Barclay, R-Pulaski, in the 120th district — encompassing most of Oswego County — said she thinks the U.S. has always been great, but... 'racism and classism' really needs addressing.
"'We have not always been the best example, but we were the first and only democracy when our country was formed, and until most recently, we have often been a positive agent for change and human rights in the world,' said Tosh. 'Where America led, the world would follow. But this doesn't mean that I believe America is the greatest it can be.'"
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Barclay, Tosh match wits in Pall-Times Debate (+video)
Oct 24, 2018 | Matthew Reitz Palladium Times
“Mr. Barclay has a lifetime of experience as a legislator and a legal expert, but the solutions he’s offered to our community just haven’t provided the results the way that we would have liked them to,” she said. “It’s time for new ideas and a new direction. If we keep making the choices that we’ve made in the past we’re going to continue to get the same results.”
Read the full article.
Video Interview: Inspiration for the Nation's George Kilpatrick w/ Gail Tosh
Oct 23, 2018 | Facebook Live
Lysander: Farm animal ban approved
Aug 8, 2018 | Ashley M. Casey, Baldwinsville Messenger
"Gail Tosh, an Emerick Road resident who is running for New York State Assembly, said the law limits people's freedom. 'I'm surprised that as conservatives that you're passing this law,' she said. 'It seems like unnecessary, overreaching legislation.'"
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As convictions mount, reps lament Albany's sad state
Jul 16, 2018 | Staff Editor, Palladium Times
"Gail Tosh will challenge Barclay as the Democratic Party nominee for the 120th Assembly District and said 'people are fed up with government not standing up.'
"'We don’t need to be funding people’s side projects, we don’t need to be funding Governor Cuomo’s friends and cronies as they and he both get richer,' Tosh said. 'If this is the kind of government Cuomo wants, I don’t think it’ll last long.'"
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Tosh running for State Assembly
Jul 26, 2018 | Baldwinsville Messenger
"The Oswego County Democratic Committee, the Working Families Party and the Women’s Equality Party have all endorsed and designated Gail Tosh as their candidate for the 120th Assembly District.
"Tosh said she is running because she feels that the federal government has forgotten about the average American citizen and that strong state government is paramount...
"'New York family budgets are being destroyed by the demands of our current health care and health insurance systems,' Tosh said. 'It’s time that hard working families enjoy the health security they deserve.'
"Other issues voters are concerned about include gun safety, the New York State medical marijuana program, separation of church and state and tax reform, Tosh said."
Read the full press release.
Barclay, Tosh square off for state Assembly seat
May 31, 2018| Matthew Reitz, Palladium Times
"An Onondaga County language specialist, Tosh says improving the local economy and ensuring people have access to quality, affordable health care would be her top priorities if elected...
"'I’m just like everybody else and I’m facing the same struggles,' Tosh said. ;It’s time that things need to change for everybody. I know what need to be fixed and what needs to be fixed quickly.'
"With previous management experience and running her own business, Tosh said she knows what it’s like to be an entrepreneur and can relate to the experiences many people and business owners face. Tosh also said social justice and equality are passions she wants to bring to Albany.
"The high-cost of health care and a struggling local economy has put people in 'heartbreaking positions,' Tosh said, adding she wants to use her experience, motivation and education to 'go out there and make a change for people.'"
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County Democrats make several endorsements for November elections
May 23, 2018 | Brandon Wood, Palladium Times
"[Oswego County] Democratic Committee Chairman Gordon Prosser said Tuesday the committee endorsed Gail Tosh in her run for the 120th state Assembly District...
"'Our endorsements are on behalf of the entire committee,' said Prosser. 'We are very enthused with who we have running this year.'
"Tosh, an entrepreneur and local farmer from Lysander, said she is running for assembly because she’s 'fed up with the things we see on TV from the federal government.' She noted the importance of state government to 'lead us into the future,' with so much uncertainty at the national level.
"The endorsement from the Oswego County Democratic Committee is 'extremely important,' she said, adding she’ll be working 'hand-in-hand' with them moving forward.
"'It’s good to have a little bit of competition in the 120th,' said Oswego City Democratic Chairman and county Legislator Tom Drumm. 'I think we’ve seen the assemblyman and his family for the most part have control for some time and I think it’s kind of good to see some different perspectives and at least open up the debate.'"
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Radio Interview: Barclay facing first Assembly challenger in 10 years
July 5, 2018 | Payne Horning, NPR on WRVO
"'Something’s wrong with our economy,' Tosh said. 'We need to make some changes. People are desperate for advancement. They want freedom, they want opportunity, they want security and it’s obvious just from driving through the area that they’re just not getting it and we need to put up a candidate that can offer some hope, and I think I’ve got that. I’ve got some ideas.'"
Listen to the full broadcast.
Lysander residents speak out against proposed chicken ban
Jun 26, 2018 | Ashley M. Casey, Baldwinsville Messenger
"Gail Tosh, a Lysander resident who is running for State Assembly, said she does not live in Seneca Estates but she does raise chickens.
"'What I’m hearing here is a lot of hardworking families trying to play by the rules,' she said. 'Now they’re being told they can’t pursue their life, liberty and pursuit of happiness.'
"Tosh echoed other speakers’ comments that the issue would be best addressed on the HOA level and is not a town issue.
"'How long before we start changing agricultural districts just because we want to?' she said. 'We live in an agricultural town.'"
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LETTER: Our right to own guns needs to be ‘well-regulated’
Jun 07, 2018 | Op-Ed, Baldwinsville Messenger
Gail Tosh writes:
"We need gun laws that protect the safety of all citizens of New York. Our nation is suffering an epidemic of child on child massacre and we need to do something before it reaches our hometown.
"I’m a gun owner. As such, I know there are ways we can keep to our traditions, and still make our state safer...It’s important to remember that no one law will make things better. We will need a comprehensive look at the safety measures in place to find ways to improve upon them."
Read the entire letter.
LETTER: Barclay’s domestic violence ‘solutions’ don’t go far enough
Mar 31, 2018 | Op-Ed, Baldwinsville Messenger
Gail Tosh writes:
"A few weeks ago there was a column by State Assemblyman Barclay, 'Time to change the laws to better protect victims of domestic violence,' in which Barclay voices his opinion that state laws against domestic violence need to be changed to better protect victims. While I agree wholeheartedly with the premise, I found the solutions presented by Barclay to be inadequate and do not go far enough to effect real and positive change in this area.
"Anger management and counseling should be required for the violent party, with appropriate mental health services available to all of the victims. Without interrupting the cycle of abuse and offering a way out, many families will stay stuck in the vicious rut of violence. Barclay points out the services available in our community but offers no real solution to the original problem of domestic violence.
"Let’s get ahead of the issue and stop the cycle altogether. I’m Gail Tosh and I’m running for State Assembly. We can enact change together."
Read the entire letter.