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All politics — and fishing — is local June 8, 2006
When it comes to fishing buddies, Rick Stotz has hooked an influential one. After years of lobbying in Albany and in his home district, Stotz, a remedial math teacher at Cleveland Hill Elementary in Cheektowaga, has gained political know-how. "I've been attending the Committee of 100 (NYSUT's grass-roots lobbying effort in Albany; see article on the back page) for over 20 years," said Stotz. "I remember the first years when we stayed at the old Thruway House and had no hot water on the morning we were heading to the Capitol ... Dale Volker has become more than just a state senator; he's become a good friend." Volker, R-Depew, represents Wyoming County and parts of Erie, Livingston and Ontario counties. "His door is always open. Even though we may find him late for a committee meeting in Albany, he always manages to take a few minutes to discuss matters of education with NYSUT members from home," said Stotz, a member of the Cleveland Hill Education Association and NYSUT political action coordinator for the 59th Senate District. Last August, Stotz and Volker joined two other men on a four-day fishing trip to northern Ontario. "It was not uncommon to catch 40 to 50 large fish per day," Stotz said. They spent hours discussing education and labor issues — and not always agreeing, Stotz noted. "Through Committee of 100 and other events, our members and PAC coordinators build relationships with lawmakers," said Alan Lubin, executive vice president of New York State United Teachers. "These personal relationships help to make sure lawmakers maintain ties with their communities." Their friendship allows the men to express their opinions even when they stand on different sides of an issue, Stotz said. "Some of my friends might call the time spent in Albany lobbying," Stotz said. "I've always referred to it as chatting about educational issues with a good friend and a good friend of public education." |
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