Greg Ball (politician): Difference between revisions
rvv by Daniel Branda, Ball staffmember, as noted on the user talk page for his new sockpuppet. Daniel Branda, we are watching you. |
m Reverting possible vandalism by 208.81.91.190 to version by Coombsdm. False positive? Report it. Thanks, ClueBot. (618672) (Bot) |
||
Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
{{advert}} |
|||
{{Advert|date=February 2010}} |
|||
{{Fanpov|date=February 2010}} |
|||
{{overdetailed}} |
|||
{{Infobox_Politician |
{{Infobox_Politician |
||
| name = Greg Ball |
| name = Greg Ball |
||
| image =|200px |
| image =|200px |
||
Line 9: | Line 7: | ||
| caption = |
| caption = |
||
| birth_date = September 16, 1977 |
| birth_date = September 16, 1977 |
||
| birth_place = [[ |
| birth_place = [[Pawling (town), New York|Pawling]], [[New York]] |
||
| residence = [[Patterson, New York| |
| residence = [[Patterson, New York|Carmel]], [[New York]] |
||
| death_date = |
| death_date = |
||
| death_place = |
| death_place = |
||
| office = [[New York's 99th assembly district|Assemblyman, 99th District]] |
| office = [[New York's 99th assembly district|Assemblyman, 99th District]] |
||
| salary = |
| salary = |
||
| term_start = 2007 |
| term_start = 2007 |
||
| term_end = incumbent |
| term_end = incumbent |
||
| predecessor = [[Willis Stephens]] |
| predecessor = [[Will Stephens|Willis Stephens, Jr.]] |
||
| successor = |
| successor = |
||
| constituency = |
| constituency = |
||
Line 36: | Line 34: | ||
| party = [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] |
| party = [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] |
||
| religion = Catholic |
| religion = Catholic |
||
| occupation = Legislator |
| occupation = Businessman<br/>Air Force Officer<br/>Legislator |
||
| majority = |
| majority = |
||
| spouse = |
| spouse = |
||
| children = |
| children = |
||
| website = [http:// |
| website = [http://www.assembly.state.ny.us/mem/?ad=099] |
||
| footnotes = [http://assembly.state.ny.us/mem/?ad=099&sh=bio Official Biography]<ref name="officialbio"/> |
|||
| branch = [[United States Air Force]] |
| branch = [[United States Air Force]] |
||
| serviceyears=2001 |
| serviceyears=2001– |
||
| rank =[[Captain (U.S. Air Force)|Captain]] |
| rank =[[Captain (U.S. Air Force)|Captain]] |
||
}} |
}} |
||
'''Gregory R. Ball''' (born September 16, 1977) is an |
'''Gregory R. Ball''' (born September 16, 1977) is an American business executive, former active duty [[United States Air Force|Air Force]] officer and member of the [[New York State Assembly]]. He serves as the [[ranking member]] on the Consumer Affairs and Protection Committee and is a resident of [[Patterson, New York|Carmel]], [[New York]]. |
||
Beginning his political career in 2005, he defeated six-term incumbent [[Willis Stephens]] in a primary in September 2006, running on a platform of reforming the legislature in [[Albany, New York|Albany]]. Since being elected, Ball has been active in issues involving school and property tax reform, second amendment rights, animal protection, the environment, renewable energy and conservation, veteran's affairs, and illegal immigration, and was the author of the measure enacted in the 2008 New York State budget offering free college [[tuition]] to military [[veterans]].<ref>"[http://www.westchester.com/Westchester_News/Government/Veterans_To_Receive_Free_Suny_Tuition_200804159585.html Veterans To Receive Free SUNY Tuition]". ''[http://westchester.com Westchester.com]''. April 15, 2008.</ref>. He currently a candidate for higher office, and has called himself "Albany’s loudest advocate for reform."<ref>Benjamin, Elizabeth. "[http://blogs.timesunion.com/capitol/archives/4249 Reform Advocate No. 1?]". ''[[Albany Times-Union]]''. March 29, 2007.</ref> |
|||
==Background== |
|||
Ball was born in {{dn|Danbury, Connecticut|Danbury}}, [[Connecticut]]. Ball graduated from Pawling High School in 1995 and received a [[Bachelors of Arts]] in Government from the [[United States Air Force Academy]] in 2001. He is currently{{When|date=February 2010}} completing a Masters thesis in [[international relations|International Affairs]] at [[Georgetown University]]. Ball served as a Project Officer in the [[U.S. Air Force]] and was discharged from active duty in January 2005 at the rank of [[Captain (OF-2)|Captain]]. |
|||
==Early career and background== |
|||
[[Image:gregball10.jpg|220px|thumb|right|Air Force Captain Greg Ball graduated from the [[United States Air Force Academy]].<ref name="jpgreen"/>]] |
|||
Ball was born in [[Pawling (town), New York|Pawling]], [[New York]] and grew up on the Kennedy estate of [[Stephen Edward Smith|Stephen]] and [[Jean Kennedy|Jean Kennedy-Smith]], sister of [[President of the United States|President]] [[John F. Kennedy]], where his parents were both caretakers.<ref name="feet">Klein, Benjamin. "[http://www.legislativegazette.com/read_more.php?story=1874&searchstr=Greg%20Ball Ball looks to hold people’s feet to the fire]". ''[[Legislative Gazette]]''. January 16, 2007.</ref> In 1996, he was awarded the Falcon Foundation Scholarship and attended the [[Valley Forge Military Academy and College|Valley Forge Military Academy]] before receiving an appointment to the [[United States Air Force Academy]] from Congresswoman [[Sue Kelly]].<ref name="officialbio">"[http://assembly.state.ny.us/mem/?ad=099&sh=bio Official Biography of Assemblyman Greg Ball]". ''[[New York State Assembly]]''. Retrieved on February 24, 2008.</ref> He was the first member of his family to attend college.<ref name="campaignbio">"[http://www.ball4ny.com/about.aspx About Greg]". ''[http://www.assemblymangball.com/ Ball for Assembly]''. Retrieved on February 24, 2008.</ref> While at Valley Forge, Ball interned in the [[White House]] [[ONDCP|Drug Policy Office]] during the term of President [[Bill Clinton]].<ref name="campaignbio"/> |
|||
Ball received a [[Bachelors of Arts]] in Government in 2001, graduating with the highest GPA in his major.<ref name="theforge">"[http://www.vfmac.edu/pdf/TheForge_2003Winter.pdf Alumni Spotlight]". ''[http://www.vfmac.edu/alumni.html The Forge]''. December 2003.</ref> He is currently completing a Masters thesis in [[international relations|International Affairs]] at [[Georgetown University]], and was a [[fellow]] at the [[Center for the Study of the Presidency]] from 2002 to 2003.<ref>Henderson, Robert E., ed. "[http://www.thepresidency.org/Publications/fellowspublications.html A Dialogue on the Presidency with a New Generation of Leaders: Papers of the 2002-2003 Center Fellows]". Washington, DC: [http://www.thepresidency.org CSP], 2003.</ref> Ball is a board member of the Valley Forge Military Academy & College Association of Graduates, and is a member of several area [[Chambers of Commerce]] and business associations.<ref>"[http://www.usafa.org/about/governance/BoardCommittees.aspx Committees of the Board]". ''[http://www.usafa.org Air Force Academy Association of Graduates]''. Retrieved on February 26, 2008.</ref><ref>Greene, Mae. "[http://www.zwire.com/site/index.cfm?newsid=18784866&BRD=1707&PAG=461&dept_id=72297&rfi=8 Chamber of Commerce awardees]". ''[http://pawlingnewschronicle.com Pawling News-Chronicle]''. September 7, 2007.</ref> |
|||
===USAF service=== |
|||
{| class="toccolours" style="float: left; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 2em; font-size: 85%; background:#c6dbf7; color:black; width:30em; max-width: 40%;" cellspacing="5" |
|||
| style="text-align: left;" |"Learning about Hispanic-Americans year-round is important to truly understand the history and future of this country. As citizens of a global community we find ourselves engaging others across borders without the constraints of distance as in years past. Indeed, our national family is benefiting greatly from the cultural infusion of many Hispanic practices that include a strong and committed work ethic, an undying appreciation and commitment to family, sincere patriotism and respect for others. Today, Hispanic culture continues to be a growing and essential facet of the American experience. There are more than 30 million Americans of Hispanic origin and they contribute to every facet of American life. Food, art, religion, government, language, music, science, business, agriculture, education and the military are just some of the examples of how Hispanic Americans contribute to the progress of America. As citizens of an increasingly diverse national community, we knowingly and unknowingly celebrate Hispanic heritage each and every day through our growing appreciation of Hispanic art, music, food and custom. Let us all take this blessed time to gain a greater appreciation and understanding of Hispanic heritage–a shared American treasure!" |
|||
|- |
|||
| style="text-align: left;" | '''''1LT Gregory R. Ball in the Bolling AFB post newspaper,''' October 11, 2002.''<ref name="ha2">"[http://www.dcmilitary.com/dcmilitary_archives/stories/101102/19767-1.shtml Hispanic-American Heritage Month]". ''[http://www.dcmilitary.com/bolling.shtml The Beam]''. October 11, 2002.</ref> |
|||
|} |
|||
Ball was commissioned as an Air Force Lieutenant and requested an assignment with the Air Force Academy's [[Military recruitment|Diversity Recruitment Office]], and was posted in [[Philadelphia]] for a one year tour working as a [[community outreach|Minority Admissions Officer]].<ref>Vogrin, Bill. "[http://www2.gazette.com/usafa/display.php?id=1331266&secid=50 AFA wants more help recruiting minorities]". ''[[The Gazette (Colorado Springs)|The Gazette]]''. May 5, 2007.</ref> While stationed there, he created a charity polo event for underprivileged youth known as the [[Gregory R. Ball#Courage Cup|Courage Cup]], which presented $10,000 to charities in 2004.<ref>"[http://www.dcmilitary.com/dcmilitary_archives/stories/062404/29806-1.shtml Wing lieutenant hosts Va. charity polo event]". ''[http://www.dcmilitary.com/bolling.shtml The Beam]''. June 24, 2004.</ref> |
|||
Ball was then assigned to the [[11th Wing]] at [[Bolling Air Force Base]] in [[Washington, D.C.]] as [[Aide-de-camp|protocol officer]], a newly created services career field.<ref>Lopez, Todd. "[http://www.dcmilitary.com/dcmilitary_archives/stories/030603/21939-1.shtml Protocol, aide de camp special duties move]". ''[http://www.dcmilitary.com/bolling.shtml The Beam]''. March 6, 2003.</ref> The Ceremonies & Protocol office was responsible for planning, organizing and devolping projects for the [[Secretary of the Air Force]] and the [[Air Force Chief of Staff]], as well as coordinating [[honor guard]] burial services at [[Arlington National Cemetery]].<ref name="jpgreen">"I was honored to serve as Greg Ball’s mentor while he was in the U.S. Air Force. When Greg was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant at the United States Air Force Academy, I was honored to pin on his rank and commission him as a young officer. As Greg excelled through the ranks and was promoted to Captain, I was honored to watch Greg perform as an outstanding young officer. Greg Ball graduated from the Air Force Academy, served in the White House Drug Policy Office, lived on Capitol Hill, and served in the 11th Wing in our Nation’s capital working directly for four star generals in the Pentagon and throughout the National Capitol Region. Few Lieutenants are chosen for such a demanding position."–[[Colonel|Col.]] Joseph P. Green, [[United States Air Force|USAF (Ret.)]], [http://www.newscopy.org/2006/06/99th_balls_mili.html E-Mail to Bob Fois]. June 6, 2006.</ref><ref>Estrada, Louie. "[http://www.arlingtoncemetery.net/rory-crissman.htm Master of Air Force Ceremonies, Embodiment of Honor, Dignity]". ''[[Washington Post]]''. December 7, 2003.</ref><ref>"VOTER'S GUIDE: 99th state Assembly District". ''[[Poughkeepsie Journal]]''. October 29, 2006.</ref><ref>Ball, Jo A. ''[http://stinet.dtic.mil/cgi-bin/GetTRDoc?AD=ADA168427&Location=U2&doc=GetTRDoc.pdf Protocol Handbook - A Guide for the Base Protocol Officer]''. Report Number 86-0180. Air Command and Staff College, April 1986.</ref> |
|||
During his time in the Ceremonies & Protocol Office, Ball was a Project Officer for numerous events. The largest may have been the 2003 Global Air Chief's Conference, the first since 1997, which he coordinated for 90 [[List of air forces|air power leaders]] from around the world, as well members of Congress, national dignitaries, industry leaders and diplomats on the 100th anniversary of powered flight.<ref>Lopez, Todd. "[http://www.dcmilitary.com/dcmilitary_archives/stories/091803/25277-1.shtml Global air chiefs discuss air power at AFA convention]". ''[http://www.dcmilitary.com/bolling.shtml The Beam]''. September 18, 2003.</ref><ref>"[http://www.fbodaily.com/archive/2003/07-July/25-Jul-2003/FBO-00379833.htm FBO DAILY ISSUE OF JULY 25, 2003 FBO #0603]". ''Department of the Air Force, Direct Reporting Units, 11th CONS, 110 Luke Avenue (Bldg 5681) Suite 200, Bolling AFB, DC, 20332-0305.'' Retrieved June 1, 2008.</ref> |
|||
The young lieutenant was charged with directing [[National Hispanic Heritage Month]] in 2002, 2003, and 2004.<ref name="hamo">Mitenbueler, Reid. "[http://www.dcmilitary.com/dcmilitary_archives/stories/092503/25483-1.shtml Hispanic-American Heritage Month]". ''[http://www.dcmilitary.com/bolling.shtml The Beam]''. September 25, 2003.</ref> He organized special exhibits and demonstrations to recognize the many contributions made by Hispanic countries and cultures, and hosted [[Alberto Gonzales]], then [[White House Counsel]], in 2003.<ref name="theforge"/><ref name="hamo"/><ref>Oyola, Ranell. "[http://www.dcmilitary.com/dcmilitary_archives/stories/091803/25290-1.shtml Hispanics in service to the nation]". ''[http://www.dcmilitary.com/bolling.shtml The Beam]''. September 18, 2003.</ref> Along with a volunteer committee, Ball washed cars in the base parking lot to raise donations for wing wide events to celebrate and recognize Hispanic-American service members and their contributions through out history.<ref name="ha1">"[http://www.dcmilitary.com/dcmilitary_archives/stories/091203/25126-1.shtml Wing to observe Hispanic-American Heritage Month]". ''[http://www.dcmilitary.com/bolling.shtml The Beam]''. September 12, 2003.</ref> |
|||
In 2003, Ball was nominated as "Military Volunteer of the Year" for the 11th Wing.<ref>Robinson, Thom. "[http://www.dcmilitary.com/dcmilitary_archives/stories/032504/28120-1.shtml Wing taps its best from 2003 for annual recognition]". ''[http://www.dcmilitary.com/bolling.shtml The Beam]''. March 25, 2004.</ref> He was awarded an achievement medal for outstanding service by [[General (United States)|General]] [[John P. Jumper]] and was honorably discharged from active duty in January 2005 at the rank of [[Captain (OF-2)|Captain]].<ref name="officialbio"/><ref>Benson, John. "[http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=15827256&BRD=1707&PAG=461&dept_id=72297&rfi=6 Town of Pawling 2005 Year in Review]". ''[http://pawlingnewschronicle.com Pawling News-Chronicle]''. December 29, 2005.</ref> Ball remains in the [[Individual Ready Reserve|U.S. Air Force Ready Reserve]].<ref>Benson, John. "[http://www.zwire.com/site/index.cfm?newsid=17343190&BRD=1707&PAG=461&dept_id=72297&rfi=8 Community salutes military families]". ''[http://www.pawlingnewschronicle.com Pawling News-Chronicle]''. December 20, 2006.</ref> |
|||
===Business career=== |
|||
[[Image:gregball9.jpg|255px|thumb|right|While serving as a State Assemblyman, Ball maintains a commission as a Captain in the [[Air Force]] [[Individual Ready Reserve]] (IRR).<ref name="campaignbio"/>]] |
|||
Upon his separation from active duty, Ball was recruited by the [[Antioch, Illinois]] based Exceed International, a commercial development corporation with a presence in India, [[Turkey]] and [[Tunisia]].<ref>Chandramouly , Anjana. "[http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/life/2006/03/17/stories/2006031700210300.htm American dream... in India]". ''[[Business Line]]''. March 17, 2006.</ref> Placed in charge of the marketing department, he served as a team member with the Company President on a 38-company executive mission to an economic summit in [[New Delhi]], which included representatives from companies such as [[American Express|Amex]], [[Cargill]], [[New York Life]], [[Dow Chemical]], [[General Electric]], [[Bechtel]], and [[Cognizant]].<ref> |
|||
Germain, David. "[http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-29837851_ITM U.S.-India Business Council Mounts 38-Company 4-City Executive Mission to India]". ''[[US Newswire]]. March 2, 2007.</ref> Later, Exceed invested $11.1 million in India to expand operations.<ref>"[http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-14541414_ITM US-based Exceed Int'l launches India Operations]". ''[http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/browse_JJ_A181 AsiaPulse News]''. November 22, 2004.</ref> Construction began on six projects in [[Chennai]], which included the [[List of Tech Parks in Chennai|ESPEE IT Park]], and the [[List of Tech Parks in Chennai|Bascon Technology Park]], which helped Exceed establish a foothold in India.<ref>"[http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2004/11/20/stories/2004112001011700.htm US construction co Exceed to build IT park in Chennai]". ''[[Business Line]]''. November 20, 2004.</ref><ref>Ramesh, M. "[http://www.blonnet.com/2005/03/30/stories/2005033001610200.htm US construction co Exceed bags 6 projects in Chennai]". ''[[Business Line]]''. November 20, 2004.</ref> The company also invested as a joint venture partner in mixed use residential projects such as a water treatment facility.<ref>"[http://www.business-standard.com/search/storypage_new.php?leftnm=lmnu1&leftindx=1&lselect=1&autono=194032 Exceed to invest Rs 50 crore in its Indian arm]". ''[[Business Standard]]''. November 20, 2004.</ref> |
|||
Eventually, Ball was elevated to Vice President of Exceed's Northeastern United States division and returned to New York.<ref name="exceed">"[http://www.exceedintl.com/aboutus.asp The Next Economy]". ''[http://www.exceedintl.com/ Exceed International]''. Retrieved on February 24, 2008.</ref> The [[Illinois]] based developer employs nearly 400 people in various fields such as project management, development, architecture, engineering, construction, government relations, finance, and technology.<ref>Drummond, Sara. "[http://www.ciremagazine.com/article.php?article_id=894 India calls]". ''[http://ciremagazine.com CIRE Magazine]''. January 2006.</ref><ref>Kuyper, Diana. "[http://www.exceedintl.com/News%20Sun%20Lindenhurst%2011OCT05.pdf Retail, condos encouraged]". ''[[News Sun]]''. October 11, 2005.</ref> In 2006, Exceed proposed a $75 million urban renewal project for the village of [[Brewster, New York|Brewster]] which would generate some $2 million a year in tax revenue for the town.<ref name="exceed1">"[http://www.zwire.com/site/index.cfm?newsid=16351907&BRD=1708&PAG=461&dept_id=72445&rfi=8 Plans call for $75 million urban renewal project of village's downtown]". ''[http://www.putnamcountycourier.com Putnam County Courier]''. March 24, 2006.</ref> The village's Mayor noted that "All of the infrastructure work recently completed by defining our identity within the watershed has paid off. Brewster finds itself in a situation where people are eagerly interested in working with the village in partnership to see our village revitalized".<ref name="exceed1"/> |
|||
==Political career== |
==Political career== |
||
[[Image:gregball1.jpg|thumb|280px|right|Greg Ball, a Vice President of Exceed International Corporation, during an economic development tour of India in 2005.<ref name="officialbio"/>]] |
|||
In early 2005, Ball announced his candidacy for State Assembly as a [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] and stated he would attempt to unseat the incumbent Assemblyman [[Will Stephens]] in a primary. |
|||
In early 2005, Ball announced his candidacy for State Assembly as a [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] and stated he would attempt to unseat the incumbent Assemblyman [[Will Stephens]] in a primary.<ref name="stephens1">{{ |
|||
Cite news |
|||
|url=http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,161094,00.html |
|||
|publisher=''[[Associated Press]]'' |
|||
|author=Wagenseil, Paul |
|||
|title=Politician Tells Voters They’re Idiots |
|||
|date=June 30, 2005 |
|||
}}</ref><ref>"Pawling man seeks GOP support for Assembly". ''[[Poughkeepsie Journal]]''. May 31, 2005.</ref> Stephens' family had held the seat nearly continuously for eighty years: his grandfather, [[D. Mallory Stephens]], represented the district from 1926 to 1952; his father, Willis Stephens Sr., held the seat from 1952 to 1982; and Stephens himself served from 1994 to 2006.<ref>"[http://politicalgraveyard.com/bio/stephens.html Index to Politicians: Stephens]". ''[http://politicalgraveyard.com The Political Graveyard]''. Retrieved on February 24, 2008.</ref> Ball received over $110,000 in campaign contributions for the race.<ref>Risinit, Mike. "[http://polhudson.lohudblogs.com/2006/07/17/gregs-been-spending/ Greg’s been spending]". ''[[The Journal News]]''. July 13, 2006.</ref><ref>"[http://www.elections.state.ny.us/plsql_browser/efs_summary_page?comid_in=A18887&rdate_in=15-JUL-2006&reportid_in=K&eyear_in=2006 New Yorkers on the Ball. 2006 July Periodic Report Summary Page]". ''[http://www.elections.state.ny.us/ New York State Board of Elections]''. Retrieved on February 24, 2008.</ref> He was placed on the primary ballot by the signature of over 1800 petitioners.<ref>Risinit, Mike. "[http://polhudson.lohudblogs.com/2006/07/11/balls-in-or-at-least-his-paperwork-is/ Ball’s in or at least his paperwork is]". ''[[The Journal News]]''. July 11, 2006.</ref><ref>"Pawling man sets his sights on state Assembly seat". ''[[Poughkeepsie Journal]]''. April 27, 2005.</ref> |
|||
At times Ball's campaign was noted for its unorthodoxy, including hiring a man in a chicken suit to follow around the incumbent after Stephens refused to debate him.<ref name="chicken">Risinit, Mike. "[http://polhudson.lohudblogs.com/2006/05/31/the-chicken-suit-has-been-mothballed-sort-of/ The chicken suit has been mothballed, sort of]". ''[[The Journal News]]''. May 31, 2006.</ref> Ball again garnered attention at an event in August 2006 where he carried trash bags to a press conference and drew attention to Stephens, who also served as the legal counsel to the town of Southeast, New York, for having accepted $9,355 from Waste Hauling CEO, convicted [[felony|felon]] and reputed mob boss [[James Galante]], who was later awarded a $1.5 million no-bid garbage contract by the town board on Stephens' recommendation.<ref name="stephens2">{{ |
|||
Cite news |
|||
|url= http://ncnlocal.com/archives/archives_2006/8-23-06/topstory.htm |
|||
|publisher= ''[http://www.northcountynews.com North County News]'' |
|||
|author=Barron, Sam |
|||
|title=Ball Fires at Will |
|||
|date=August 23, 2006 |
|||
}}</ref> He was joined at this event by his eventual opponent in the general election, [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democrat]] [[Ken Harper]].<ref name="stephens2"/> Both Ball and Harper referred to the State Legislature as "dysfunctional" during their campaigns.<ref>"[http://www.smartvoter.org/2006/11/07/ny/state/race/nyasm099/questions.html Candidates Answer Questions on the Issues]". ''[[League of Women Voters]]''. Retrieved February 28, 2007.</ref> |
|||
On September 12, 2006, in the [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] Primary for New York's 99th District, Ball defeated Stephens in a landslide with 70.4% (5,165 votes) to 29.6% (2,176 votes) for Stephens, the lowest vote total for any incumbent running for reelection to the State Assembly that day.<ref>Lopriore, Danny. "[http://www.northcountynews.com/Apps/FullSize.aspx?articleid=1203 Ball Rolls]". ''[http://www.northcountynews.com North County News]''. September 13, 2006.</ref><ref name="stephens3">{{ |
|||
Cite news |
|||
|url= http://www.ny1.com/ny/Election/2006primary/index.html?page_name=assembly |
|||
|publisher=''[[NY1|NY1 News]]'' |
|||
|title=Primary 2006 |
|||
|date=September 2006 |
|||
}}</ref> Stephens was the victim of a negative campaign, and cited mailings that were distributed calling him a 'country-club liberal' and highlighting his close relationship with Assembly Speaker [[Sheldon Silver]].<ref>Risinit, Mike. "[http://polhudson.lohudblogs.com/2006/08/10/strange-bedfellows/ Strange bedfellows]". ''[[The Journal News]]''. August 10, 2006.</ref><ref>Rentz, Neal. "[http://www.northcountynews.com/archives/archives_2006/8-30-06/news3.htm Nasty Race for State Assembly Seat Nears Finish Line]". ''[http://www.northcountynews.com North County News]''. August 30, 2006.</ref> However, Stephens himself drew criticism when he refused to repudiate a letter about challenger Greg Ball which falsely claimed Mr. Ball had received a dishonorable discharge from the United States Air Force.<ref>Fois, Bob. "[http://www.newscopy.org/2006/05/more_on_99th_ch.html More On 99th: Cheap Shots On Military]". ''[http://www.newscopy.org News Copy]''. May 25, 2006.</ref><ref name="five">{{Cite news |
|||
|url= http://www.thejournalnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060913/NEWS02/609130362/1020/NEWS04 |
|||
|publisher=''[[The Journal News]]'' |
|||
|title=Ball Defeats incumbent Stephens for GOP Line in Assembly Race |
|||
|date=September 2006}}</ref><ref>"Foe questions ethics of assemblyman's mailing". ''[[Poughkeepsie Journal]]''. March 8, 2006.</ref><ref>Fois, Bob. "[http://www.newscopy.org/2006/06/99th_balls_mili.html 99th: Ball's military record assailed]". ''[http://www.newscopy.org News Copy]''. June 29, 2006.</ref> Ball did not dispute that he ran hard for his seat, knocking on 10,000 doors prior to the primary.<ref name="nyt1"/> |
|||
[[Image:gregball14.jpg|thumb|right|200px|At a 2006 ''United Taxpayers of Yorktown'' event with Assembly Minority [[Jim Tedisco]], candidate Greg Ball discusses school tax reform.]]Due to New York's [[electoral fusion]] system, the Assemblyman had vowed to remain in the race on the [[Conservative Party of New York|Conservative]] and [[Independence Party of New York|Independence]] lines.<ref>Wilbur, Martin. "[http://www.northcountynews.com/Apps/FullSize.aspx?articleid=1392 Stephens drops out of race against Ball to pursue bench]". ''[http://www.northcountynews.com North County News]''. December 10, 2006.</ref> Ultimately, Stephens decided to withdraw from the race altogether, instead taking a nomination for a Judgeship on the [[New York State Supreme Court]] in [[Queens, New York|Queens]], in order to allow Ball ballot access on the Independence and Conservative lines.<ref>{{Cite news |
|||
|url= http://www.newscopy.org/2006/09/99th_assembly_d.html |
|||
|publisher=''[http://www.newscopy.org News Copy]'' |
|||
|title=99th Assembly District Race - Now the Fun |
|||
|date=September 14, 2006}}</ref> Although Stephens attempted to have his name removed from the ballot, Ken Harper, the Democratic nominee, sued the State Board of Elections claiming that Stephens had filed a certificate declining his nomination eight days too late.<ref>Risinit, Mike. "[http://polhudson.lohudblogs.com/2006/10/27/stephens-stays-off-ballot/ Stephens stays off ballot]". ''[[The Journal News]]''. October 27, 2006.</ref> The [[New York Court of Appeals]] eventually ruled that Stephens name should remain on the ballot.<ref>"[http://www.loislaw.com/ogpc/login.htp?WSRet=12&dockey=19892277@NYCASE&OLDURL=/gpc/index.htp HARPER v. NY STATE BD. OF ELECTIONS, 34 A.D.3d 919 (3d Dept 2006) No. 501448]". ''[[New York Court of Appeals|New York Appellate Division Reports]]''. November 2, 2006.</ref> |
|||
Despite Stephens name remaining on the ballot, Ball went on to win a plurality of votes in the general election on November 6, 2006.<ref name="election1">"[http://www.elections.state.ny.us/NYSBOE/elections/2006/general/2006_assem.pdf NYS Board of Elections - Assembly - Vote - November 7, 2006]". ''[http://www.elections.state.ny.us/ New York State Board of Elections]''. Retrieved on February 22, 2008.</ref><ref>Lopriore, Danny. "[http://www.northcountynews.com/Apps/FullSize.aspx?articleid=1576 Republican survives Democrat wave to win]". ''[http://www.northcountynews.com North County News]''. November 22, 2006.</ref> He was also buoyed by endorsements from the ''[[Poughkeepsie Journal]]'', [[Fraternal Order of Police]], [[Putnam County, New York|Putnam County]] [[Sheriff]] [[Donald B. Smith]] and [[Duchess County, New York|Duchess County]] [[Sheriff]] Butch Anderson prior to the election.<ref>Risinit, Mike. "[http://polhudson.lohudblogs.com/2006/10/30/sheriffs-got-their-man/ Sheriffs got their man]". ''[[The Journal News]]''. October 30, 2006.</ref><ref>"Ball has earned chance to serve". ''[[Poughkeepsie Journal]]''. October 21, 2006.</ref> Inside of the district, Ball received more votes then any other candidate, including candidates running for Governor, Attorney General, Senate, Congress, and State Senate.<ref name="election1"/> His upset victory earned him the title of "Newsmaker of the Year" from one local publication and he also shared a front-page cover ''[[The Journal News]]'' with fellow upset winner [[John Hall (New York)|John Hall]] the day after the election.<ref>Stone, Adam. "[http://www.northcountynews.com/Apps/FullSize.aspx?articleid=1701 Greg Ball, John Hall]". ''[http://www.northcountynews.com North County News]''. December 30, 2006.</ref> |
|||
====The Courage Cup==== |
|||
[[Image:gregball7.jpg|thumb|310px|right|Assemblyman Ball and supporters at his 2008 campaign kickoff in Yorktown, New York.<ref>"[http://www.midhudsonnews.com/News/March08/17/Ball_rerun-17Mar08.html Ball seeks another Assembly term]". ''[http://midhudsonnews.com Mid-Hudson News]''. March 17, 2008.</ref>]] |
|||
As the Washington Post would report in 2007, a significant portion of Ball's funds for his 2006 assembly race were raised through a charity polo match in Washington, D.C. called "The Courage Cup" in 2005. Ball had been stationed at [[Bolling Air Force Base]] in [[Washington, D.C.]], when the first Courage Cup was held in 2004, raising money for charities including nearly $8,000 for the [[Philadelphia, Pennsylvania|Philadelphia]], [[Pennsylvania]] based [[Work to Ride]] program.<ref name="polo2">"[http://polhudson.lohudblogs.com/2007/06/12/polo-anyone/ Assemblyman Ball trading shots in D.C. charity polo event debate]". ''[[The Journal News]]''. February 2, 2007</ref> |
|||
The event was created to bring together Washington professionals and the [[polo]] community together for a good cause, and a good time, and grew to become one of the largest polo events on the east coast.<ref>"[http://web.archive.org/web/20060502193810/http://couragecup.org/about-content.htm About the event]". ''[http://couragecup.org Courage Cup]''. Retrieved March 6, 2008.</ref> Ball founded the charity in 2004, prior to his run for office.<ref>"Assemblyman defends aid from fundraiser". ''[[Poughkeepsie Journal]]''. June 13, 2007.</ref> His former friends resisted his attempt to retake a leadership role in 2007, and Ball countered that he was The Courage Cup's rightful owner and that the two women stole his intellectual property.<ref name="polo1">Argetsinger, Amy and Roberts, Roxanne. "[http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/02/05/AR2007020501739.html Courage Cup Organizers Cross Polo Mallets]". ''[[Washington Post]]'', C03. February 6, 2007.</ref> |
|||
A ''[[Washington Post]]'' article from June 2007 reported that one of the event directors offered tickets at different price level with proceeds going to a [[Political Action Committee]] named Citizens United for Ethical Growth (CUEG), which Ball operated as President in Fall of 2004.<ref name="art1"/> Ball's campaign stated it had nothing to do with the fund raising and the destination of profits from the event were clearly stated in one section of an online contribution form.<ref name="polo2"/> |
|||
Several Courage Cup attendees told the Post that what they were unaware their contributions would be used for political purposes.<ref name="art1">Argetsinger, Amy and Roberts, Roxanne. "[http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/06/11/AR2007061102424_pf.html Courage Cup: Ponying Up For Whose Charity?]". ''[[Washington Post]]'', C01. June 12, 2007.</ref> Under a new President, CUEG transferred $18,000 into Assemblyman Ball's campaign fund in 2006, which included $610.09 raised from the 2004 Courage Cup event.<ref>"[http://www.elections.state.ny.us:8080/reports/rwservlet?cmdkey=efs_sch_report+p_filer_id=A18143+p_e_year=2004+p_freport_id=J+p_transaction_code=A Citizens United for Ethical Growth. January 2004 Periodic Report]". ''[[New York State Board of Elections]]''. Retrieved June 10, 2008.</ref> The Assemblyman later provided refunds to two of the seven contributors who gave money to CUEG through the courage cup.<ref>"[http://www.elections.state.ny.us:8080/reports/rwservlet?cmdkey=efs_sch_report+p_filer_id=A18887+p_e_year=2008+p_freport_id=J+p_transaction_code=M New Yorkers on the Ball. January 2008 Periodic Report]". ''[[New York State Board of Elections]]''. Retrieved June 10, 2008.</ref> |
|||
At times Ball's campaign was noted for its unorthodoxy, including hiring a man who looked like a chicken to follow around the incumbent after Stephens refused to debate him.<ref name="chicken">Risinit, Mike. "[http://polhudson.lohudblogs.com/2006/05/31/the-chicken-suit-has-been-mothballed-sort-of/ The chicken suit has been mothballed, sort of]". ''[[The Journal News]]''. May 31, 2006.</ref> On September 12, 2006, in the [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] primary for New York's 99th District, Ball defeated Stephens with 70.4% (5,165 votes) to 29.6% (2,176 votes). |
|||
===New York State Assembly (2007 – )=== |
|||
===First term=== |
|||
Ball was sworn into office on January 8, 2007.<ref>Kramer, Catherine. "[http://www.legislativegazette.com/read_more.php?story=1851&searchstr=Greg%20Ball Democrats don’t have monopoly on reform]". ''[[Legislative Gazette]]''. January 8, 2007.</ref><ref>"Valley Republicans take Assembly oath". ''[[Poughkeepsie Journal]]''. January 3, 2007.</ref> The first time Ball rose to speak in the Assembly chamber, he called the legislature "dysfunctional", and withstood boos from his colleagues.<ref>Hammond, Bill. "[http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/dailypolitics/2007/02/my-voice-will-be-heard.html My voice will be heard]". ''[[Daily News (New York)|Daily News]]''. February 8, 2007.</ref><ref>{{cite episode |
[[Image:gregball3.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Former Active Duty Air Force Captain Gregory R. Ball participates in the 2007 Veterans Day parade of {{dn|Pawling, NY}} carrying the flag of the [[POW-MIA]].<ref name="officialbio"/>]]Ball has stated that "since my election victory, we have made extraordinary progress by elevating the debate on tough issues like taxes, illegal immigration and dysfunction in Albany."<ref name="ruledout"/><ref>"GOP legislators tout 'Road to Reform'". ''[[Poughkeepsie Journal]]''. April 21, 2007.</ref> He was sworn into office on January 8, 2007.<ref>Kramer, Catherine. "[http://www.legislativegazette.com/read_more.php?story=1851&searchstr=Greg%20Ball Democrats don’t have monopoly on reform]". ''[[Legislative Gazette]]''. January 8, 2007.</ref><ref>"Valley Republicans take Assembly oath". ''[[Poughkeepsie Journal]]''. January 3, 2007.</ref> The first time Ball rose to speak in the Assembly chamber, he called the legislature "dysfunctional", and withstood boos from his colleagues.<ref>Hammond, Bill. "[http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/dailypolitics/2007/02/my-voice-will-be-heard.html My voice will be heard]". ''[[Daily News (New York)|Daily News]]''. February 8, 2007.</ref><ref>{{cite episode |
||
| title = Joint Legislative Session |
| title = Joint Legislative Session |
||
| url = http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zAojIFQczLA |
| url = http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zAojIFQczLA |
||
Line 62: | Line 140: | ||
| network = [http://www.senate.state.ny.us/senatehomepage.nsf/SenNetTV?OpenForm SenNet TV] |
| network = [http://www.senate.state.ny.us/senatehomepage.nsf/SenNetTV?OpenForm SenNet TV] |
||
| airdate = 2007-02-07 |
| airdate = 2007-02-07 |
||
}}</ref><ref>Gallagher, Jay. "[http://polhudson.lohudblogs.com/2007/03/06/different-tune-from-freshman-putnam-lawmaker/ Different tune from freshman Putnam lawmaker]". ''[[The Journal News]]''. March 6, 2007.</ref> |
}}</ref><ref>Gallagher, Jay. "[http://polhudson.lohudblogs.com/2007/03/06/different-tune-from-freshman-putnam-lawmaker/ Different tune from freshman Putnam lawmaker]". ''[[The Journal News]]''. March 6, 2007.</ref> He was unhappy because lawmakers voted to elect a colleague, [[Thomas DiNapoli]] as the new State Comptroller, disregarding the recommendations of a bipartisan panel appointed by former [[Governor of New York|Governor]] [[Eliot Spitzer]] consisting of former state Comptrollers who suggested three separate finalists and had not found DiNapoli to be qualified for the job.<ref name="gregballtruereformer">"[http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-29551972_ITM The true reformers: The 56 state legislators who refused to support Thomas DiNapoli for comptroller constitute an honor roll]". ''[[Albany Times-Union]]''. February 9, 2007.</ref><ref>Cooper, Michael. "[http://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/08/nyregion/08comptroller.html?_r=1&hp&ex=1170997200&en=f63b13cba91f4851&ei=5094&partner=homepage&oref=slogin" Legislators Pick a Comptroller, Defying Spitzer]". ''[[New York Times]]''. February 8, 2007.</ref> The next day, Governor Spitzer called Ball to express support for his sentiments.<ref name="eliotphone">Risinit, Mike. "[http://polhudson.lohudblogs.com/2007/02/09/eliots-on-the-phone/ Eliot's on the phone]". ''[[The Journal News]]''. February 9, 2007.</ref><ref>"Newcomer Ball slowly learns ropes". ''[[Poughkeepsie Journal]]''. January 17, 2007.</ref> |
||
Ball stated that "It was not easy getting up as the new guy and standing up to tell a group of people what they don’t want to hear" but his speech became so popular that soon dozens of reporters began calling, he appeared on [[Fox News]], excerpts from the floor speech popped up on numerous political blogs, his campaign web site received so many visits that its server crashed, and, a [[YouTube]] video of his remarks was ranked 80th among new videos the day it was uploaded.<ref name="nyt1">Confessore, Nicholas. "[http://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/10/nyregion/10assemblyman.html?partner=rssnyt&emc=rss&pagewanted=all Scolding Peers, Legislator Draws Notice]". ''[[New York Times]]''. February 10, 2007.</ref><ref>"Colleagues boo freshman during scolding of Assembly". ''[[Poughkeepsie Journal]]''. February 8, 2007.</ref> Although the remarks were contentious, they echoed a fifty-six page study from the nonpartisan [[New York University]] [[New York University School of Law|School of Law's]] [[Brennan Center for Justice]], which referred to the legislature as "the least deliberative and most dysfunctional in the nation".<ref>Creelan, Jeremy and Moulton, Laura. "[http://brennan.3cdn.net/1f4d5e4fa546eaa9cd_fxm6iyde5.pdf The New York State Legislative Process: An evaluation and blueprint for reform]". ''[[New York University School of Law]] [[Brennan Center for Justice]]''. Retrieved on February 28, 2008.</ref> |
|||
According to ''[[The Journal News]]'', one key to Ball's success was that his campaign identified the concern local voters cared most about: illegal immigration.<ref name="west1">West, Debra. "[http://www.lohud.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070812/OPINION/708120332/1151 The Greg Ball effect: An anti-illegal alien strategy takes root and thrives]". ''[[The Journal News]]''. August 12, 2007.</ref> The ''[[New York Sun]]'' reported that Ball defines himself as a moderate on the immigration issue.<ref>Garland, Sarah. "[http://www.nysun.com/new-york/immigration-foes-will-search-for-common-ground/78948/ Immigration Foes Will Search for Common Ground at Conference]". ''[[New York Sun]]''. May 30, 2008.</ref> |
|||
[[Image:gregball4.jpg|thumb|256px|right|Assemblyman Ball participated in [[Greasestock]], an event in [[Yorktown, NY]] to encourage the use of renewable energy sources.<ref name="greenstock">"[http://assembly.state.ny.us/member_files/099/20080212/ Fuel Prices Are Out of Control]". ''[[New York State Assembly]]''. February 12, 2008. Retrieved on February 25, 2008.</ref>]]Ball again joined Spitzer, this time calling for property tax reform, and proposed an [[Inflation-indexed bond|inflation-indexed]] cap on spending and school and [[property tax]] increases known as the "New York State Property Taxpayers Protection Act" similar to the measure adopted by [[Massachusetts]] and fourteen other states.<ref>Risinit, Mike. "[http://polhudson.lohudblogs.com/2008/01/10/ball-on-the-governors-address/ Ball on the Governors Address]". ''[[The Journal News]]''. January 10, 2008.</ref><ref>"Governor missed golden opportunity to curb spending". ''[[Poughkeepsie Journal]]''. April 6, 2007.</ref><ref>Lucas, Ashley. "[http://www.legislativegazette.com/read_more.php?story=2564&searchstr=Greg%20Ball Assembly GOP hears residents on taxing issues]". ''[[Legislative Gazette]]''. June 18, 2007.</ref><ref>Barron, Sam. "[http://www.northcountynews.com/Apps/FullSize.aspx?articleid=2364 School tax reform gains steam]". ''[http://www.northcountynews.com North County News]''. May 30, 2007.</ref><ref>Haavie, Erikah. "[http://www.midhudsoncentral.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=19514057&BRD=1706&PAG=461&dept_id=72001&rfi=6 Board encourages Assembly to focus on school tax relief]". ''[[The Register-Herald]]''. April 24, 2008.</ref> |
|||
===2008 election=== |
|||
{{See also|New York's 99th assembly district#2008 election}} |
|||
Ball was referred to as "one of the rising stars in the Republican Party"<ref>Blain, Glenn. "[http://polhudson.lohudblogs.com/2007/12/04/could-it-be-ball-vs-hall-in-2008/ Could it be Ball vs. Hall in 2008?]". ''[[The Journal News]]''. December 4, 2007.</ref> during speculation that he would run against freshman Congressman [[John Hall (New York)|John Hall]] in 2008, although he later ruled out a challenge against Hall.<ref name="ruledout">Risinit, Mike. "[http://www.lohud.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071231/NEWS01/712310377 Carmel assemblyman says he won't run for Congress in '08]". ''[[The Journal News]]''. December 31, 2007.</ref><ref>Risinit, Mike. "[http://www.lohud.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071217/NEWS04/712170350 Ball may run for House seat]". ''[[The Journal News]]''. December 17, 2007.</ref><ref>Blain, Glenn. "[http://polhudson.lohudblogs.com/2007/12/31/ball-not-running-for-congress/ Ball not running for Congress]". ''[[The Journal News]]''. December 31, 2007.</ref> |
|||
He has voted dozens of times against any bill that proposes tax increases,<ref>Wieland, James. "[http://yonkersinsider.wordpress.com/2007/06/27/news-from-assemblyman-ball-4/ News from Assemblyman Ball]". ''[http://yonkersinsider.wordpress.com Yonkers Insider]''. June 27, 2007.</ref> including opposition a measure to raise the Putnam County sales tax by half a percent from 3.5% to 4% that was supported by [[State Senator]] [[Vincent Leibell]], a fellow local legislator.<ref>Matthews, Cara. "[http://polhudson.lohudblogs.com/2007/06/21/raging-against-the-machine/ Raging against the machine]". ''[[The Journal News]]''. June 21, 2007.</ref> Ball was also dismayed when asked by Putnam county legislators to carry a bill to [[Albany, New York|Albany]] during the 2007 county "budget crisis",<ref name="taxcrisis1">Elan, Susan. "[http://polhudson.lohudblogs.com/2007/04/24/ball-calls-putnam-budget-crisis-forum/ Ball calls Putnam budget crisis forum]". ''[[The Journal News]]''. April 24, 2007.</ref> requesting a sales tax increase to 8.375%, which County Executive [[Robert Bondi]], a fellow Republican, claimed was necessary to ward off a projected 66% property tax increase.<ref>Sternberg, Margaret. "[http://www.pcnr.com/news/2007/0502/front_page/001.html Legislature Considers Alternatives Should Sales Tax Renewal and Increase Fall Through]". ''[http://www.pcnr.com Putnam County News and Recorder]''. May 2, 2007.</ref><ref>Sternberg, Margaret. "[http://www.pcnr.com/news/2007/0509/front_page/001.html County Legislator O'Dell's Commission for Fiscal Vision and Accountability Tabled While Tamagna's and Ball's Budget Forum Looms]". ''[http://www.pcnr.com Putnam County News and Recorder]''. May 9, 2007.</ref> |
|||
An oft-quoted line from his campaign literature was that "illegal immigration is illegal".<ref>Applebome, Peter. "[http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/11/nyregion/11towns.html?n=Top/News/New%20York%20and%20Region/Columns/Our%20Towns&pagewanted=all When an Election Becomes a Forum on Immigration]". ''[[New York Times]]''. November 11, 2007.</ref><ref>Risinit, Mike. "[http://www.lohud.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2007712130403 Assemblyman Ball discusses illegal immigration and public safety]". ''[[The Journal News]]''. December 13, 2007.</ref> In June 2008, Ball's campaign sent out an e-mail piece that quoted from a [[Government Accountability Office]] study on illegal aliens and crime, which alleged that 55,322 illegal alien respondents had been arrested a total of 459,614 times. A local journalist noted that the study linked in the e-mail pertained to prison inmates, and stated that 68% of the 46,023 convictions were for immigration-related crimes, followed by 21% for drug-related crimes and 11% for other offenses.<ref>Rae, Leah. "[http://immigration.lohudblogs.com/2008/06/05/fact-check-greg-balls-statistics-on-illegal-aliens-and-crime/ Fact Check Greg Ball's Statistics on Illegal Aliens and Crime]". ''[[The Journal News]]''. June 5, 2008.</ref> |
|||
Ball felt that the County legislature could have eliminated more "[[Pork-barrel spending|pork]]" from the county budget.<ref name="taxcrisis1"/><ref>Sternberg, Margaret. "[http://www.pcnr.com/news/2007/0404/front_page/001.html County Sales Tax Renewal and .5 Percent Increase Approved in Committee]". ''[http://www.pcnr.com Putnam County News and Recorder]''. April 4, 2007.</ref> Another state legislator, [[Sandra Galef]], eventually introduced the tax increase bill to the Assembly.<ref>Leiter, Maria. "[http://www.pcnr.com/news/2007/0725/Front_Page/001.html County Legislature Approves Saltes Tax Increase]". ''[http://www.pcnr.com Putnam County News and Recorder]''. July 25, 2007.</ref> Ball later joined with a [[Westchester County Board of Legislators|county legislator]] in calling on Bondi to resign, citing his "incompetence and stubbornness" in proposing a budget with a 40% increase in the property tax levy.<ref>Boisi, Patrick. "[http://www.northcountynews.com/Apps/FullSize.aspx?articleid=2882 Bondi defends 40 percent tax increase, Ball calls for his resignation]". ''[http://www.northcountynews.com North County News]''. September 12, 2007.</ref><ref name="resignnow">Anderson, Liz. "[http://polhudson.lohudblogs.com/2007/09/07/ball-to-bondi-resign-now/ Ball to Bondi: Resign now]". ''[[The Journal News]]''. September 7, 2007.</ref> Hundreds of residents of Putnam County demonstrated outside Bondi's office in opposition to the tax increase, which was defeated.<ref>Brenner, Elsa. "[http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/07/realestate/07wczo.html?partner=rssnyt&emc=rss Taxes climb and tempers flare]". ''[[New York Times]]''. October 7, 2007.</ref><ref>"[http://www.putnamcountyny.com/finance/file/budget12.pdf Budget 2008]". ''[[Putnam County, New York|Putnam County]] [http://www.putnamcountyny.com/finance/ Finance Department]''. Retrieved April 23, 2008.</ref> |
|||
In early May 2008, [[John Degnan]], the former Mayor of [[Brewster, New York]], announced he would be mounting a challenge to the freshman Assemblyman.<ref>Risinit, Michael. "[http://www.poughkeepsiejournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080512/NEWS01/805120319/1006 Ex-mayor challenges 99th's Ball]". ''[[Poughkeepsie Journal]]''. May 12, 2008.</ref> In the September 9th, 2008 primary, Ball was renominated by a 3 to 1 margin amongst Republicans voting.<ref>Risinit, Michael. "[http://www.lohud.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080911/NEWS01/809110420&s=d&page=1#pluckcomments Ball primary win upends attacks, Leibell]". ''[[The Journal News]]''. September 11, 2008.</ref><ref>Gross, Eric. "[http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=20114036&BRD=1708&PAG=461&dept_id=72445&rfi=6 Ball by a landslide]". ''[http://www.putnamcountycourier.com Putnam County Courier]''. September 10, 2008.</ref><ref>Moser, Anna Lillian. "[http://ncnlocal.com/news/ncn_news1.asp Ball crushes Degnan]". ''[http://northcountynews.com North County News]''. September 11, 2008.</ref><ref>Risinit, Michael and Rojas, Marcela. "[http://www.lohud.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080909/NEWS01/809090445 GOP voters overwhelmingly go with Ball over Degnan]". ''[[The Journal News]]''. September 9, 2008.</ref> He again faced Degnan, who had the Democratic nomination, in the general election, and was re-elected with 60% of the vote.<ref>Risinit, Michael. "[http://www.lohud.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2008809100383 Ball rolls over Degnan easily]". ''[[The Journal News]]''. September 10, 2008.</ref><ref>Gross, Eric. "[http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=20113987&BRD=1707&PAG=461&dept_id=72297&rfi=6 Ball wins big in primary]". ''[http://pawlingnewschronicle.com Pawling News Chronicle]''. September 10, 2008.</ref><ref>"[http://www.news12.com/WC/topstories/article?id=217389 Ball beats Degnan easily, but tensions persist]". [[News 12 Networks]]. September 10, 2008.</ref><ref>"[http://www.midhudsonnews.com/News/September08/10/Ball_prim-10Sep08.html Ball easily survives Republican primary challenge]". ''[http://midhudsonnews.com Mid-Hudson News]''. September 10, 2008.</ref><ref>Rojas, Marcela. "[http://www.poughkeepsiejournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080910/NEWS01/809100332 Ball defeats Degnan by 3-to-1 margin]". ''[[Poughkeepsie Journal]]''. September 10, 2008.</ref><ref>"[http://www.news12.com/WC/topstories/article?id=217291# Ball defeats Degnan, both live to fight another day]". ''[[News 12 Networks]]''. September 9, 2008.</ref> |
|||
As ranking member of the Veterans Affairs Committee, Ball announced legislation expanding the eligibility for veterans to receive tax exemption benefits, including the exemption of real property owned by certain disabled veterans from property taxation. Ball authored the bill that created the tuition remission program for veterans, offering them free tuition at both [[SUNY]] and [[CUNY]] undergraduate and graduate institutions.<ref>"[http://assembly.state.ny.us/leg/?bn=A08532 Bill Summary - A08532]". ''[[New York State Assembly]]''. Retrieved on February 24, 2008.</ref><ref>Scott, Larry. "[http://www.vawatchdog.org/08/nf08/nfAPR08/nf041608-6.htm COMBAT VETS, GOING BACK TO VIETNAM, TO GET FREE TUITION AT N.Y. STATE UNIVERSITIES]". ''[http://www.vawatchdog.org VA Watchdog]''. April 16, 2008.</ref><ref>"[http://westchester-1.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1086&Itemid=3027 Veterans To Receive Free Suny Tuition]". ''[http://westchester-1.com Westchester-1]''. April 15, 2008.</ref> Governor Eliot Spitzer included the measure in his 2008 executive [[budget]] proposal, and the measure was kept funded in Governor David Paterson's version.<ref>"[http://publications.budget.state.ny.us/eBudget0809/fy0809artVIIbills/ELFAConsBMwtoc.htm#partN Part N – Amend the Education Law in relation to tuition assistance for veterans], [http://publications.budget.state.ny.us/eBudget0809/0809_budgetPublications.html#art7 Memorandum in Support Article VII Legislation, Education, Labor, and Family Assistance], [http://www.budget.state.ny.us/pubs/enacted/enacted.html Enacted Budget], [http://publications.budget.state.ny.us/eBudget0809/ExecutiveBudget.html 2008-09 New York State Executive Budget]." ''[[New York State]] [http://www.budget.state.ny.us/index.html Division of the Budget]''. Retrieved April 11, 2008.</ref> |
|||
On July 9, The Westchester Fair Campaign Practices Committee, a group of volunteer members of the League of Women Voters, met to review a mailer distributed by the Ball campaign following complaints by his opponent. The committee claimed that 10 of 12 claims submitted were "unfair" statements made in campaign literature published in newspapers and issued as a mailer in June about his opponent, [[John Degnan]].<ref name="unfairlwvcomittee">Chase, Kelly, "[http://www.northcountynews.com/news/ncn_news5.asp Committee says some of Ball's claims unfair]". ''North County News.'' July 17, 2008.</ref><ref name="Risnit, Michael 2008">Risnit, Michael. "[http://www.lohud.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2008807090374 Fairness committee reviews Ball mailer]". ''[[The Journal News]]''. July 9, 2008.</ref><ref name="Risnit, Michael 2008"/> Following the ruling, Ball contended that the committee was biased, since it contained one registered Republican, one Independent, and eight Democrats, and has made similar rulings against other Republicans in the past.<ref name="unfairlwvcomittee"/> |
|||
According to ''[[The Journal News]]'', one key to Ball's success was that his campaign identified the concern local voters cared most about: illegal immigration.<ref name="west1">West, Debra. "[http://www.lohud.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070812/OPINION/708120332/1151 The Greg Ball effect: An anti-illegal alien strategy takes root and thrives]". ''[[The Journal News]]''. August 12, 2007.</ref> The ''[[New York Sun]]'' reported that Ball defines himself as a moderate on the immigration issue.<ref>Garland, Sarah. "[http://www.nysun.com/new-york/immigration-foes-will-search-for-common-ground/78948/ Immigration Foes Will Search for Common Ground at Conference]". ''[[New York Sun]]''. May 30, 2008.</ref> |
|||
===2010 election=== |
|||
In May 2009, Ball announced he was a candidate for Congress in New York's 19th congressional district. Ball drew some attention by raising more money than incumbent Congressman John Hall in the second quarter of 2009.<ref>http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/eyeon2010/2009/07/hall-trails-gop-challenger-in.html</ref> On November 21, 2009, Ball abandoned his Congressional run and decided to run for State Senate in District 40, the seat currently held by [[Vincent Leibell]].<ref>http://www.poughkeepsiejournal.com/article/20091121/NEWS01/91121008/Ball-to-run-for-state-Senate-in-2010</ref> |
|||
[[Image:gregball2.jpg|thumb|256px|right|Assemblyman Ball delivering a speech from the floor of the Assembly Chamber in October 2007.<ref name="gregballtruereformer"/>]] Ball made illegal immigration a focal point of his bid for office.<ref name="feet"/> In October 2007, he strongly criticized [[Eliot Spitzer drivers license controversy|Governor Spitzer's plan to give driver's licenses to illegal immigrants]].<ref>Chase, Kelly A. "[http://www.legislativegazette.com/read_more.php?story=2691&searchstr=greg%20ball DMV debate is focus of special session Cuomo set to defend state against legal challenges to new policy]". ''[[Legislative Gazette]]''. October 29, 2007.</ref><ref>Blain, Glenn. "[http://polhudson.lohudblogs.com/2007/10/01/assembly-gop-takes-aim-at-spitzer-license-plan/ Assembly GOP takes aim at Spitzer license plan]". ''[[The Journal News]]''. October 1, 2007.</ref><ref>Barron, Sam. "[http://www.northcountynews.com/Apps/FullSize.aspx?articleid=2995 Ball strikes back, threatens to sue Governor Spitzer over drivers license policy]". ''[http://www.northcountynews.com North County News]''. October 3, 2007.</ref><ref>"GOP group critical of Spitzer plan". ''[[Poughkeepsie Journal]]''. March 2, 2007.</ref> He was at the forefront of the opposition to the plan, and his Statewide petition to stop it led to the Assembly Minority Conference's decision to sue the Governor to stop the plan.<ref>"[http://westchestertimestribune.typepad.com/my_weblog/files/WTT-2-57-Web.pdf Assembly GOP to Sue Governor and Dept. of Motor Vehicles]". ''[http://westchestertimestribune.typepad.com Westchester Times Tribune]''. October 4, 2007.</ref> |
|||
==Controversies== |
|||
====The Courage Cup==== |
|||
As the ''[[Washington Post]]'' would report in 2007, a significant portion of Ball's funds for his 2006 assembly race were raised through a charity polo match in Washington, D.C. called "The Courage Cup" in 2005. Ball had been stationed at [[Bolling Air Force Base]] in [[Washington, D.C.]], when the first Courage Cup was held in 2004, raising money for charities including nearly $8,000 for the [[Philadelphia, Pennsylvania|Philadelphia]], [[Pennsylvania]] based [[Work to Ride]] program.<ref name="polo2">"[http://polhudson.lohudblogs.com/2007/06/12/polo-anyone/ Assemblyman Ball trading shots in D.C. charity polo event debate]". ''[[The Journal News]]''. February 2, 2007</ref> |
|||
[[Image:gregball6.jpg|thumb|211px|right|Former Governor [[Eliot Spitzer|Spitzer]] and Assemblyman Ball disagreed on a number of issues, but worked together on several reform packages.<ref>Stone, Adam. "[http://www.northcountynews.com/Apps/FullSize.aspx?articleid=1729 Ball pledges Albany reform]". ''[http://www.northcountynews.com North County News]''. December 27, 2006.</ref><ref>"1 in GOP welcomes Spitzer reforms". ''[[Poughkeepsie Journal]]''. March 14, 2007.</ref>]] Ball has worked to promote businesses that hire legal immigrant laborers, and has begun to create a database for usage on his campaign website.<ref name="hirelegally">Risinit, Mike. "[http://polhudson.lohudblogs.com/2007/04/25/move-over-yellow-pages/ Move over, Yellow Pages]". ''[[The Journal News]]''. April 25, 2007.</ref> His campaign headquarters in {{dn|Pawling, New York}} may have been targeted over the contentious issue, and was vandalized with [[swastikas]] in October 2006, although the person or persons responsible misspelled the word "Fascist" twice.<ref>"GOP candidate is target of vandals". ''[[Poughkeepsie Journal]]''. November 2, 2006.</ref><ref>Risinit, Mike. "[http://polhudson.lohudblogs.com/2006/11/01/definitely-a-trick/ Definitely a trick]". ''[[The Journal News]]''. November 1, 2006.</ref> An oft-quoted line from his campaign literature was that "Illegal Immigration is Illegal".<ref>Applebome, Peter. "[http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/11/nyregion/11towns.html?n=Top/News/New%20York%20and%20Region/Columns/Our%20Towns&pagewanted=all When an Election Becomes a Forum on Immigration]". ''[[New York Times]]''. November 11, 2007.</ref><ref>Risinit, Mike. "[http://www.lohud.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2007712130403 Assemblyman Ball discusses illegal immigration and public safety]". ''[[The Journal News]]''. December 13, 2007.</ref> |
|||
The event was created to bring together Washington professionals and the [[polo]] community together, and grew to become one of the largest polo events on the east coast.{{Citation needed|date=February 2010}} Ball founded the charity in 2004, prior to his run for office.<ref>"Assemblyman defends aid from fundraiser". ''[[Poughkeepsie Journal]]''. June 13, 2007.</ref> His former friends resisted his attempt to retake a leadership role in 2007, and Ball countered that he was The Courage Cup's rightful owner and that the two women stole his intellectual property.<ref name="polo1">Argetsinger, Amy and Roberts, Roxanne. "[http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/02/05/AR2007020501739.html Courage Cup Organizers Cross Polo Mallets]". ''[[Washington Post]]'', C03. February 6, 2007.</ref> |
|||
In June 2008, Ball's campaign sent out an e-mail piece that quoted from a [[Government Accountability Office]] study on illegal aliens and crime, which alleged that 55,322 illegal alien respondents had been arrested a total of 459,614 times. A local journalist noted that the study linked in the e-mail pertained to prison inmates, and stated that 68% of the 46,023 convictions were for immigration-related crimes, followed by 21% for drug-related crimes and 11% for other offenses.<ref>Rae, Leah. "[http://immigration.lohudblogs.com/2008/06/05/fact-check-greg-balls-statistics-on-illegal-aliens-and-crime/ Fact Check Greg Ball's Statistics on Illegal Aliens and Crime]". ''[[The Journal News]]''. June 5, 2008.</ref> |
|||
A [[Washington Post]] article from June 2007 reported that one of the event directors offered tickets at different price level with proceeds going to a [[Political Action Committee]] named Citizens United for Ethical Growth (CUEG), which Ball operated as President in Fall of 2004.<ref name="art1"/> Ball's campaign stated it had nothing to do with the fund raising and the destination of profits from the event were clearly stated in one section of an online contribution form.<ref name="polo2"/> |
|||
The Assemblyman supported [[Greasestock]], an yearly event held in Yorktown to showcase clean [[renewable energy]].<ref>"[http://www.greasestock.org/ Greasestock 2008]". ''[http://greasestock.org Greasestock]''. Retrieved May 20, 2008.</ref><ref>Max, Josh. "[http://www.nydailynews.com/autos/2008/05/13/2008-05-13_gasguzzlers_become_veggie_delights_at_gr.html Gas-guzzlers become veggie delights at Greasestock in Yorktown Heights]". ''[[Daily News (New York)|Daily News]]''. May 13, 2008.</ref><ref>"[http://www.greasestock.org/images/GreasestockMay08.jpg Greasestock 2008: Alternative Fuel, Fun and French Fries]". ''[http://www.naturalawakeningsmag.com/ Natural Awakenings]''. May 2008.</ref> The event was founded in 2003 by individuals interested in [[Vegetable oil used as fuel|vegetable powered]] [[Alternative fuel vehicle|vehicles]].<ref>Norman, Jim. "[http://www.nytimes.com/2007/05/13/automobiles/13GREASE.html?_r=1&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss&oref=slogin Where There’s Never an Oil Shortage]". ''[[New York Times]]''. May 13, 2007.</ref> The event now includes a number of [[alternative fuel]] exhibits, showcasing new [[green technology|green technologies]] for vehicles and other applications.<ref>Tillman, Adriane. "[http://northcountynews.com/news/ncn_news1.asp Greasestock Festival returns, bigger and better]". May 14, 2008.</ref> |
|||
Several Courage Cup attendees told the Post that what they were unaware their contributions would be used for political purposes.<ref name="art1">Argetsinger, Amy and Roberts, Roxanne. "[http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/06/11/AR2007061102424_pf.html Courage Cup: Ponying Up For Whose Charity?]". ''[[Washington Post]]'', C01. June 12, 2007.</ref> Under a new President, CUEG transferred $18,000 into Assemblyman Ball's campaign fund in 2006, which included $610.09 raised from the 2004 Courage Cup event.<ref>"[http://www.elections.state.ny.us:8080/reports/rwservlet?cmdkey=efs_sch_report+p_filer_id=A18143+p_e_year=2004+p_freport_id=J+p_transaction_code=A Citizens United for Ethical Growth. January 2004 Periodic Report]". ''[[New York State Board of Elections]]''. Retrieved June 10, 2008.</ref> Ball later provided refunds to two of the seven contributors who gave money to CUEG through the Courage Cup.<ref>"[http://www.elections.state.ny.us:8080/reports/rwservlet?cmdkey=efs_sch_report+p_filer_id=A18887+p_e_year=2008+p_freport_id=J+p_transaction_code=M New Yorkers on the Ball. January 2008 Periodic Report]". ''[[New York State Board of Elections]]''. Retrieved June 10, 2008.</ref> The controversy returned to the spotlight when it became public knowledge that [[Tareq Salahi|Tareq and Michaele Salahi]] were involved <ref>http://askmissa.com/2009/11/29/update-on-the-tareq-and-michaele-salahi-connection-to-ny-state-assemblyman-greg-bal/</ref> |
|||
In 2010, the Assemblyman has repeatedly called for a full repeal of the [[MTA Payroll Tax]], enacted by New York in 2009 to help close the budget deficit of the [[Metropolitan Transportation Authority]]. The Tax, which was applied retroactively, collected approximately 34 cents for every $100 in payroll from Employers in the MTA service area, including employers not traditionally taxed, such as non-profits, schools, local governments, and churches. Ball assembled a coalition of elected officials in the Hudson Valley and Long Island, including Senator [[Vinnie Leibell]] and Assemblyman [[Marcus Molinaro]], Putnam County Executive [[Robert J. Bondi]], Rockland County Executive [[C. Scott Vanderhoef]], and Westchester County Executive [[Rob Astorino]] to call for a forensic, "criminal audit" of the MTA and full repeal of the tax. <ref>Valenti, Ken. "[http://www.lohud.com/article/20100313/NEWS01/3130347/-1/RSS01/Ball+,othersurgeaudit+,haltofpayrolltax]". March 13, 2010.</ref> |
|||
===2008 election=== |
|||
{{seealso|New York's 99th assembly district#2008 election}} |
|||
[[Image:gregball-volunteers.jpg|206px|thumb|right|At his Pawling, New York campaign headquarters, Assemblyman Ball and campaign volunteers gear up for his reelection bid in May 2008.<ref>"[http://picasaweb.google.com/AssemblymanBall/TheBallExpressVolunteerNightAtCampaignOffice The Ball Express: Volunteer Night at Campaign Office]". ''[http://ball4ny.com/ Ball for Assembly]''. May 12, 2008.</ref>]]Ball was referred to as "one of the rising stars in the Republican Party"<ref>Blain, Glenn. "[http://polhudson.lohudblogs.com/2007/12/04/could-it-be-ball-vs-hall-in-2008/ Could it be Ball vs. Hall in 2008?]". ''[[The Journal News]]''. December 4, 2007.</ref> during speculation that he would run against freshman Congressman [[John Hall (New York)|John Hall]] in 2008, although he later ruled out a challenge against Hall.<ref name="ruledout">Risinit, Mike. "[http://www.lohud.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071231/NEWS01/712310377 Carmel assemblyman says he won't run for Congress in '08]". ''[[The Journal News]]''. December 31, 2007.</ref><ref>Risinit, Mike. "[http://www.lohud.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071217/NEWS04/712170350 Ball may run for House seat]". ''[[The Journal News]]''. December 17, 2007.</ref><ref>Blain, Glenn. "[http://polhudson.lohudblogs.com/2007/12/31/ball-not-running-for-congress/ Ball not running for Congress]". ''[[The Journal News]]''. December 31, 2007.</ref> Ball sent out a statement stating that, "I love being the assemblyman. There's a lot I'm accomplishing at the local level and there's still a lot that needs to be done."<ref>"Ball wants to stay in Assembly, forgoing challenge for Congress". ''[[Poughkeepsie Journal]]''. January 1, 2008.</ref><ref>"Hall admits '07 had its pitfalls". ''[[Poughkeepsie Journal]]''. December 27, 2007.</ref> |
|||
In early May 2008, [[John Degnan]], the former Mayor of [[Brewster, New York]], announced he would be mounting a challenge to the freshman Assemblyman.<ref>Risinit, Michael. "[http://www.poughkeepsiejournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080512/NEWS01/805120319/1006 Ex-mayor challenges 99th's Ball]". ''[[Poughkeepsie Journal]]''. May 12, 2008.</ref> In the September 9th, 2008 primary, Ball was reelected by a 3 to 1 margin amongst Republicans.<ref>Risinit, Michael. "[http://www.lohud.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080911/NEWS01/809110420&s=d&page=1#pluckcomments Ball primary win upends attacks, Leibell]". ''[[The Journal News]]''. September 11, 2008.</ref><ref>Gross, Eric. "[http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=20114036&BRD=1708&PAG=461&dept_id=72445&rfi=6 Ball by a landslide]". ''[http://www.putnamcountycourier.com Putnam County Courier]''. September 10, 2008.</ref><ref>Moser, Anna Lillian. "[http://ncnlocal.com/news/ncn_news1.asp Ball crushes Degnan]". ''[http://northcountynews.com North County News]''. [[September 11], 2008.</ref><ref>Risinit, Michael and Rojas, Marcela. "[http://www.lohud.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080909/NEWS01/809090445 GOP voters overwhelmingly go with Ball over Degnan]". ''[[The Journal News]]''. September 9, 2008.</ref> He again faced Degnan, who had the Democratic nomination, in the general election, and was re-elected wth 60% of the vote.<ref>Risinit, Michael. "[http://www.lohud.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2008809100383 Ball rolls over Degnan easily]". ''[[The Journal News]]''. September 10, 2008.</ref><ref>Gross, Eric. "[http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=20113987&BRD=1707&PAG=461&dept_id=72297&rfi=6 It wasn't event close: Ball wins big in primary]". ''[http://pawlingnewschronicle.com Pawling News Chronicle]''. September 10, 2008.</ref><ref>"[http://www.news12.com/WC/topstories/article?id=217389 Ball beats Degnan easily, but tensions persist]". [[News 12 Networks]]. September 10, 2008.</ref><ref>"[http://www.midhudsonnews.com/News/September08/10/Ball_prim-10Sep08.html Ball easily survives Republican primary challenge]". ''[http://midhudsonnews.com Mid-Hudson News]''. September 10, 2008.</ref><ref>Rojas, Marcela. "[http://www.poughkeepsiejournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080910/NEWS01/809100332 Ball defeats Degnan by 3-to-1 margin]". ''[[Poughkeepsie Journal]]''. September 10, 2008.</ref><ref>"[http://www.news12.com/WC/topstories/article?id=217291# Ball defeats Degnan, both live to fight another day]". ''[[News 12 Networks]]''. September 9, 2008.</ref> |
|||
On July 9, The Westchester Fair Campaign Practices Committee, a group of volunteer members of the League of Women Voters, met to review a mailer distributed by the Ball campaign following complaints by his opponent. The committee claimed that 10 of 12 claims submitted were "unfair" statements made in campaign literature published in newspapers and issued as a mailer in June about his opponent, [[John Degnan]].<ref name="unfairlwvcomittee">Chase, Kelly, "[http://www.northcountynews.com/news/ncn_news5.asp Committee says some of Ball's claims unfair]". ''North County News.'' July 17, 2008.</ref><ref name="Risnit, Michael 2008">Risnit, Michael. "[http://www.lohud.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2008807090374 Fairness committee reviews Ball mailer]". ''[[The Journal News]]''. July 9, 2008.</ref><ref name="Risnit, Michael 2008"/> Following the ruling, Ball contended that the committee was biased, since it contained one registered Republican, one Independent, and eight Democrats, and has made similar rulings against other Repbulicans in the past.<ref name="unfairlwvcomittee"/> |
|||
===T.P.O. controversy=== |
===T.P.O. controversy=== |
||
On August 26, 2008, a local newspaper known as ''The Putnam Times'' published court documents surrounding the break up between Ball and a Washington, D.C. woman in 2003. Ball blamed his Democratic challenger John Degnan for hiring private investigators for the newspaper article, a charge which Degnan denied.<ref>"[http://www.news12.com/WC/topstories/article?id=216472 Westchester pol cries foul at alleged smear campaign]". ''[[News 12 Networks]]''. August 26, 2008.</ref> Ball stated both he and the woman both filed for orders of protection following the end of their relationship. In November 2003, both Ball and the woman asked the court to dismiss their complaints against each other, which was done without determining whether what they claimed in their complaints was true, or just two people "venting after the messy breakup of a romantic relationship."Rojas, Marcela.<ref>"[http://www.poughkeepsiejournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080826/NEWS01/80826038 Ball denies violating court order]". ''[[Poughkeepsie Journal]]''. August 26, 2008.</ref> Ball told ''The Daily News'' that "It was just a heartfelt breakup where both parties jointly requested a 'cooling off' period, and the entire matter was mutually dismissed. My life is an open book, and always has been."<ref>Blain, Glenn. "[http://www.nydailynews.com/news/2008/08/26/2008-08-26_upstate_assemblyman_greg_ball_accused_of.html]." ''[[Daily News (New York)|Daily News]]''. August 26, 2008.</ref> |
On August 26, 2008, a local newspaper known as ''The Putnam Times'' published court documents surrounding the break up between Ball and a Washington, D.C. woman in 2003. Ball blamed his Democratic challenger John Degnan for hiring private investigators for the newspaper article, a charge which Degnan denied.<ref>"[http://www.news12.com/WC/topstories/article?id=216472 Westchester pol cries foul at alleged smear campaign]". ''[[News 12 Networks]]''. August 26, 2008.</ref> Ball stated both he and the woman both filed for orders of protection following the end of their relationship. In November 2003, both Ball and the woman asked the court to dismiss their complaints against each other, which was done without determining whether what they claimed in their complaints was true, or just two people "venting after the messy breakup of a romantic relationship."Rojas, Marcela.<ref>"[http://www.poughkeepsiejournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080826/NEWS01/80826038 Ball denies violating court order]". ''[[Poughkeepsie Journal]]''. August 26, 2008.</ref> Ball told ''The Daily News'' that "It was just a heartfelt breakup where both parties jointly requested a 'cooling off' period, and the entire matter was mutually dismissed. My life is an open book, and always has been."<ref>Blain, Glenn. "[http://www.nydailynews.com/news/2008/08/26/2008-08-26_upstate_assemblyman_greg_ball_accused_of.html]." ''[[Daily News (New York)|Daily News]]''. August 26, 2008.</ref> |
||
While ''The Putnam Times'', a local paper incorrectly reported that Ball violated the order of protection by following the woman to Israel on July 20, ''News Channel 12'', a regional network, pointed out that order of protection was filed six days earlier on July 14, and court records state Ball traveled to Israel on June 20.<ref>''News 12'' reported that "In addition, Ball wants the FBI to step up an investigation of allegations he made last year, accusing Leibell of publishing a newspaper article, which incorrectly claimed Ball violated an order of protection brought by a former girlfriend after they broke up.</ref><ref>[http://www.news12.com/WC/topstories/article?id=216958 WC pol levels new charges against opponent]". ''[[News 12 Networks]]''. September 3, 2008.</ref> ''The Poughkeepsie Journal'' also later pointed out that there was never a criminal restraining order, and the documents printed by the ''Times'' was actually a [[Injunction|temporary |
While ''The Putnam Times'', a local paper incorrectly reported that Ball violated the order of protection by following the woman to Israel on July 20, ''News Channel 12'', a regional network, pointed out that order of protection was filed six days earlier on July 14, and court records state Ball traveled to Israel on June 20.<ref>''News 12'' reported that "In addition, Ball wants the FBI to step up an investigation of allegations he made last year, accusing Leibell of publishing a newspaper article, which incorrectly claimed Ball violated an order of protection brought by a former girlfriend after they broke up.</ref><ref>[http://www.news12.com/WC/topstories/article?id=216958 WC pol levels new charges against opponent]". ''[[News 12 Networks]]''. September 3, 2008.</ref> ''The Poughkeepsie Journal'' also later pointed out that there was never a criminal restraining order, and the documents printed by the ''Times'' was actually a [[Injunction|temporary order of protection]], which anyone can request.<ref name="pj1"/> |
||
===Smear campaign allegations=== |
===Smear campaign allegations=== |
||
Following the revelations that Ball's ex-girlfriend filed for an order of protection against him in 2003, on September 3, 2008 the ''Journal News'' reported that a former member of Ball's staff had accused him of sexually harassing her in a letter sent to Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver detailing the incident.<ref>"[http://www.lohud.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2008809030427 Former staff member says Ball sexually harassed her]". ''The Journal News.'' September 3, 2008.</ref> Perrault's accusations were later found to be fabrications and Ball was exonerated |
Following the revelations that Ball's ex-girlfriend filed for an order of protection against him in 2003, on September 3, 2008 the ''Journal News'' reported that a former member of Ball's staff had accused him of sexually harassing her in a letter sent to Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver detailing the incident.<ref>"[http://www.lohud.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2008809030427 Former staff member says Ball sexually harassed her]". ''The Journal News.'' September 3, 2008.</ref> Perrault's accusations were later found to be fabrications and Ball was exonerated.<ref>Gormley, Michael. "[http://www.newsday.com/news/local/wire/newyork/ny-bc-ny--albanyethics1023oct23,0,2221599.story NY Assembly committee: No sex harassment by Ball]". ''[[Newsday]]''. [[October 23]], [[2008]].</ref> |
||
Initially, ''News 12'' analyst Mike Edelman called the report "not credible," and many questioned the timing of the complaint, as the former staff member waited a year to write the letter until a few days before the primary election.<ref>Risinit, Mike. "[http://www.lohud.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2008809070344 Attacks, accusations build in primary battle]". ''[[The Journal News]]''. September 7, 2008.</ref><ref>Risinit, Michael. "[http://polhudson.lohudblogs.com/2008/09/04/more-on-the-sex-harrassment-accusation-in-the-99th/ More on the sex harassment accusation in the 99th]". ''[[The Journal News]]''. September 4, 2008.</ref> The previous day, Ball had released e-mails from his former Chief of Staff, which stated that Perreault was ready to "go forward with a lawsuit and 'embellish' some of the details," calling the letter to Silver into question.<ref>Risinit, Mike. "[http://www.lohud.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2008809040447 Ball alleges smear, denies harassment.]" ''[[The Journal News]]''. September 4, 2008.</ref> Ball said the letter was part of a "smear campaign", and that the ex-Chief of Staff was a "mole" for State Senator Vincent Leibell, who was backing his primary opponent. Ball released a taped phone conversation between the ex-Chief of Staff and a local political candidate, where his former deputy stated he was working for "the senate" to "neuter" Ball.<ref>Risinit, Michael. "[http://lohud.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080903/NEWS01/809030427/-1/SPORTS Former staff member says Ball sexually harassed her]". ''[[The Journal News]]''. September 3, 2008.</ref> Although at first, the ex-Chief of Staff denied working for the senate to ''The Journal News'', the next day, he admitted it in another article, but Leibell denied any conspiracy.<ref name="pj1">Risinit, Michael. "[http://www.poughkeepsiejournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080907/NEWS01/809070341/1001/news GOP primary candidates locked in bitter spat]". ''[[Poughkeepsie Journal]]''. September 7, 2008.</ref> |
Initially, ''News 12'' analyst Mike Edelman called the report "not credible," and many questioned the timing of the complaint, as the former staff member waited a year to write the letter until a few days before the primary election.<ref>Risinit, Mike. "[http://www.lohud.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2008809070344 Attacks, accusations build in primary battle]". ''[[The Journal News]]''. September 7, 2008.</ref><ref>Risinit, Michael. "[http://polhudson.lohudblogs.com/2008/09/04/more-on-the-sex-harrassment-accusation-in-the-99th/ More on the sex harassment accusation in the 99th]". ''[[The Journal News]]''. September 4, 2008.</ref> The previous day, Ball had released e-mails from his former Chief of Staff, which stated that Perreault was ready to "go forward with a lawsuit and 'embellish' some of the details," calling the letter to Silver into question.<ref>Risinit, Mike. "[http://www.lohud.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2008809040447 Ball alleges smear, denies harassment.]" ''[[The Journal News]]''. September 4, 2008.</ref> Ball said the letter was part of a "smear campaign", and that the ex-Chief of Staff was a "mole" for State Senator Vincent Leibell, who was backing his primary opponent. Ball released a taped phone conversation between the ex-Chief of Staff and a local political candidate, where his former deputy stated he was working for "the senate" to "neuter" Ball.<ref>Risinit, Michael. "[http://lohud.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080903/NEWS01/809030427/-1/SPORTS Former staff member says Ball sexually harassed her]". ''[[The Journal News]]''. September 3, 2008.</ref> Although at first, the ex-Chief of Staff denied working for the senate to ''The Journal News'', the next day, he admitted it in another article, but Senator Leibell denied any conspiracy.<ref name="pj1">Risinit, Michael. "[http://www.poughkeepsiejournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080907/NEWS01/809070341/1001/news GOP primary candidates locked in bitter spat]". ''[[Poughkeepsie Journal]]''. September 7, 2008.</ref> |
||
The Assembly Ethics committee met in October 2008, reaching a ‘not guilty’ verdict<ref>"(10/24/08) YORKTOWN - The Assembly Ethics Committee reached a ‘not guilty’ verdict in the case of Assemblyman Greg Ball (R), who was accused of sexually harassing a former staffer."—"''[http://news12.com/WC/topstories/article?id=219773 News 12]''. Retrieved October 25, 2008.</ref><ref>Risinit, Michael. "[http://www.lohud.com/article/2008810240377 No evidence sexual harassment by Ball, Silver says]". ''[[Journal News]]''. October 24, 2008.</ref> and ruling that no harassment ever occurred, and unanimously voted to throw out the frivolous charges against Assemblyman Ball.<ref>http://www.poughkeepsiejournal.com/article/20081023/NEWS12/81023030</ref><ref>"[http://www.poughkeepsiejournal.com/article/20081024/NEWS/810240332/1006/NEWS11 Ball did not harass staffer, panel decides]". ''[[Poughkeepsie Journal]]''. October 24, 2008.</ref><ref>Karlin, Rick. "[http://blogs.timesunion.com/capitol/archives/9063 Ball cleared of harassment charges]". ''[[Albany Times-Union]]''. October 23, 2008.</ref> The accuser, the 60-year-old Perrault, had been the target of numerous sexual harassment allegations at a prior job, where she was a supervisor.<ref>Spector, Joseph. "[http://www.lohud.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080925/NEWS01/809250487/1019/NEWS03 Ball calls for quick decision in possible ethics probe]". ''[[Journal News]]''. September 25, 2008.</ref><ref>"[http://www.midhudsonnews.com/News/October08/24/Ball_clear-24Oct08.html Ball cleared of sexual harassment charges]". ''[http://midhudsonnews.com Mid-Hudson News]''. October 24, 2008.</ref> It was noted that Ball's accuser had herself settled four lawsuits for an undisclosed sum, at least three of which accused her of sexual harassment.<ref>Spector, Joseph. "[http://polhudson.lohudblogs.com/2008/10/23/ball-cleared-in-sexual-harassment-case/ Ball Cleared In Sexual Harassment Case]". ''[[Journal News]]''. October 23, 2008.</ref> |
The Assembly Ethics committee met in October 2008, reaching a ‘not guilty’ verdict<ref>"(10/24/08) YORKTOWN - The Assembly Ethics Committee reached a ‘not guilty’ verdict in the case of Assemblyman Greg Ball (R), who was accused of sexually harassing a former staffer."—"''[http://news12.com/WC/topstories/article?id=219773 News 12]''. Retrieved [[October 25]], [[2008]].</ref><ref>Risinit, Michael. "[http://www.lohud.com/article/2008810240377 No evidence sexual harassment by Ball, Silver says]". ''[[Journal News]]''. [[October 24]], [[2008]].</ref> and ruling that no harassment ever occurred, and unanimously voted to throw out the frivolous charges against Assemblyman Ball.<ref>http://www.poughkeepsiejournal.com/article/20081023/NEWS12/81023030</ref><ref>"[http://www.poughkeepsiejournal.com/article/20081024/NEWS/810240332/1006/NEWS11 Ball did not harass staffer, panel decides]". ''[[Poughkeepsie Journal]]''. [[October 24]], [[2008]].</ref><ref>Karlin, Rick. "[http://blogs.timesunion.com/capitol/archives/9063 Ball cleared of harassment charges]". ''[[Albany Times-Union]]''. [[October 23]], [[2008]].</ref> The accuser, the 60-year-old Perrault, had been the target of numerous sexual harassment allegations at a prior job, where she was a supervisor.<ref>Spector, Joseph. "[http://www.lohud.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080925/NEWS01/809250487/1019/NEWS03 Ball calls for quick decision in possible ethics probe]". ''[[Journal News]]''. [[September 25]], [[2008]].</ref><ref>"[http://www.midhudsonnews.com/News/October08/24/Ball_clear-24Oct08.html Ball cleared of sexual harassment charges]". ''[http://midhudsonnews.com Mid-Hudson News]''. [[October 24]], [[2008]].</ref> It was noted that Ball's accuser had herself settled four lawsuits for an undisclosed sum, at least three of which accused her of sexual harassment.<ref>Spector, Joseph. "[http://polhudson.lohudblogs.com/2008/10/23/ball-cleared-in-sexual-harassment-case/ Ball Cleared In Sexual Harassment Case]". ''[[Journal News]]''. [[October 23]], [[2008]].</ref> |
||
===2010 election=== |
|||
In May of 2009, Ball announced he was a candidate for Congress in New York's 19th congressional district. Ball drew some attention by raising more money than incumbent Congressman John Hall in the second quarter of 2009.[http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/eyeon2010/2009/07/hall-trails-gop-challenger-in.html] On November 21, 2009, Ball abandoned his Congressional run and decided to run for State Senate in District 40, the seat currently held by [[Vincent Leibell]]. [http://www.poughkeepsiejournal.com/article/20091121/NEWS01/91121008/Ball-to-run-for-state-Senate-in-2010] In a letter to his supporters, Ball stated that the job of reforming Albany has not been completed, saying, "From property tax reform to corruption in government, the job I set to do in 2006 is still incomplete, and it can only be accomplished by continuing to tackle our nation’s most dysfunctional legislature." [http://http://ball4ny.com/on_the_ball/press-releases/ball-runs-for-senate] |
|||
===Electoral history=== |
|||
{{Election box begin | title=[[New York State Assembly]], [[New York's 99th assembly district|99th district]], 2008 – [[General Election]]<ref name="election1"/>}} |
|||
{{Election box candidate with party link| |
|||
|party = Republican Party (US) |
|||
|candidate = Greg Ball |
|||
|votes = |
|||
|percentage = 63% |
|||
|change = Republican '''hold''' |
|||
}} |
|||
{{Election box candidate with party link| |
|||
|party = Democratic Party (US) |
|||
|candidate = John Degman |
|||
|votes = |
|||
|percentage = 37% |
|||
|change = |
|||
}} |
|||
{{Election box end}} |
|||
{{Election box begin no party |
|||
| title=[[New York State Assembly]], [[New York's 99th assembly district|99th district]], 2008 – [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] [[Primary election|Primary]]<ref>[http://www.elections.state.ny.us/NYSBOE/Elections/2008/Primary/2008PrimaryReturns.pdf 2008 Primary returns]. ''[[New York State Board of Elections]]''. Retrieved October 2008.</ref><ref>In the Independence Primary, Ball received 239 votes (80.3%), Degnan received 59 votes (19.7%)</ref> |
|||
}} |
|||
{{Election box candidate no party with winner |
|||
| winner = ✓ |
|||
|candidate = Greg Ball (I) |
|||
|votes = 5,113 |
|||
|percentage = 73.1% |
|||
|change = |
|||
}} |
|||
{{Election box candidate no party with winner |
|||
| winner = |
|||
|candidate = John Degnan |
|||
|votes = 1,921 |
|||
|percentage = 26.9% |
|||
|change = |
|||
}} |
|||
{{Election box turnout no party |
|||
| votes = |
|||
| percentage = |
|||
| change = |
|||
}} |
|||
{{Election box end}} |
|||
{{Election box begin | title=[[New York State Assembly]], [[New York's 99th assembly district|99th district]], 2006 – [[General Election]]<ref name="election1"/>}} |
|||
{{Election box candidate with party link| |
|||
|party = Republican Party (US) |
|||
|candidate = Greg Ball |
|||
|votes = 20,956 |
|||
|percentage = 50.8% |
|||
|change = Republican '''hold''' |
|||
}} |
|||
{{Election box candidate with party link| |
|||
|party = Democratic Party (US) |
|||
|candidate = Ken Harper |
|||
|votes = 17,155 |
|||
|percentage = 41.4% |
|||
|change = |
|||
}} |
|||
{{Election box candidate | |
|||
|party = Independence, Conservative |
|||
|candidate = Willis Stephens, Jr. (I) |
|||
|votes = 3,228 |
|||
|percentage = 7.8% |
|||
|change = |
|||
}} |
|||
{{Election box end}} |
|||
{{Election box begin no party |
|||
| title=[[New York State Assembly]], [[New York's 99th assembly district|99th district]], 2006 – [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] [[Primary election|Primary]]<ref name="primary1">"[http://www.elections.state.ny.us/NYSBOE/elections/2006/Primary/2006PrimaryAD.pdf September 12, 2006 Primary Vote Assembly Districts]". ''[http://www.elections.state.ny.us/ New York State Board of Elections]''. Retrieved on February 22, 2008.</ref> |
|||
}} |
|||
{{Election box candidate no party with winner |
|||
| winner = ✓ |
|||
|candidate = Greg Ball |
|||
|votes = 5,165 |
|||
|percentage = 70.4% |
|||
|change = Challenger '''pickup''' |
|||
}} |
|||
{{Election box candidate no party with winner |
|||
| winner = |
|||
|candidate = Willis Stephens, Jr. (I) |
|||
|votes = 2,176 |
|||
|percentage = 29.6% |
|||
|change = |
|||
}} |
|||
{{Election box turnout no party |
|||
| votes = 7,341 |
|||
| percentage = |
|||
| change = |
|||
}} |
|||
{{Election box end}} |
|||
==Notes== |
==Notes== |
||
{{ |
{{reflist|3}} |
||
==External links== |
==External links== |
||
{{ |
{{portal|United States Air Force|Seal of the US Air Force.svg}} |
||
{{commons}} |
{{wikiquote}}{{commons}} |
||
*[http://assembly.state.ny.us/mem/?ad=099 Official Homepage: Assemblyman Greg Ball, 99th District of New York] |
*[http://assembly.state.ny.us/mem/?ad=099 Official Homepage: Assemblyman Greg Ball, 99th District of New York] |
||
*[http:// |
*[http://ball4ny.com Ball for Assembly Campaign Website] |
||
*[http://www.GballEvents.com Campaign events for Assemblyman Greg Ball] |
|||
*[http://picasaweb.google.com/AssemblymanBall Picasaweb Albums for Greg Ball] |
|||
*[http://www.thepresidency.org/Publications/publications.html#Fellows Center for the Study of the Presidency Fellows Publications] |
|||
*[http://www.hirelegally.com Hirelegally.com - Ball campaign website that encourages legal hiring practices.] |
*[http://www.hirelegally.com Hirelegally.com - Ball campaign website that encourages legal hiring practices.] |
||
*[http://vote-smart.org/bio.php?can_id=MNY90112 Project VoteSmart - Assemblymember Ball] |
*[http://vote-smart.org/bio.php?can_id=MNY90112 Project VoteSmart - Assemblymember Ball] |
||
*[http://www.smartvoter.org/2006/11/07/ny/state/vote/ball_g/ League of Women Voters Smart Voter Guide: Greg Ball] |
*[http://www.smartvoter.org/2006/11/07/ny/state/vote/ball_g/ League of Women Voters Smart Voter Guide: Greg Ball] |
||
{{ |
{{start box}} |
||
{{incumbent box|title=[[New York's 99th assembly district|New York State Assembly<br/>99th District]]|before=[[Will Stephens|Willis Stephens, Jr.]]|start=2007| }} |
{{incumbent box|title=[[New York's 99th assembly district|New York State Assembly<br/>99th District]]|before=[[Will Stephens|Willis Stephens, Jr.]]|start=2007| }} |
||
{{ |
{{end box}} |
||
{{New York State Assembly}} |
|||
{{Persondata |
{{Persondata |
Revision as of 15:17, 11 May 2010
![]() | This article contains content that is written like an advertisement. |
Greg Ball | |
---|---|
Assemblyman, 99th District | |
In office 2007–incumbent | |
Preceded by | Willis Stephens, Jr. |
Personal details | |
Born | 200px September 16, 1977 Pawling, New York |
Died | 200px |
Resting place | 200px |
Political party | Republican |
Parent |
|
Residence(s) | Carmel, New York |
Occupation | Businessman Air Force Officer Legislator |
Website | [3] |
Military service | |
Branch/service | United States Air Force |
Years of service | 2001– |
Rank | Captain |
Official Biography[1] | |
Gregory R. Ball (born September 16, 1977) is an American business executive, former active duty Air Force officer and member of the New York State Assembly. He serves as the ranking member on the Consumer Affairs and Protection Committee and is a resident of Carmel, New York.
Beginning his political career in 2005, he defeated six-term incumbent Willis Stephens in a primary in September 2006, running on a platform of reforming the legislature in Albany. Since being elected, Ball has been active in issues involving school and property tax reform, second amendment rights, animal protection, the environment, renewable energy and conservation, veteran's affairs, and illegal immigration, and was the author of the measure enacted in the 2008 New York State budget offering free college tuition to military veterans.[2]. He currently a candidate for higher office, and has called himself "Albany’s loudest advocate for reform."[3]
Early career and background
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/ec/Gregball10.jpg/220px-Gregball10.jpg)
Ball was born in Pawling, New York and grew up on the Kennedy estate of Stephen and Jean Kennedy-Smith, sister of President John F. Kennedy, where his parents were both caretakers.[5] In 1996, he was awarded the Falcon Foundation Scholarship and attended the Valley Forge Military Academy before receiving an appointment to the United States Air Force Academy from Congresswoman Sue Kelly.[1] He was the first member of his family to attend college.[6] While at Valley Forge, Ball interned in the White House Drug Policy Office during the term of President Bill Clinton.[6]
Ball received a Bachelors of Arts in Government in 2001, graduating with the highest GPA in his major.[7] He is currently completing a Masters thesis in International Affairs at Georgetown University, and was a fellow at the Center for the Study of the Presidency from 2002 to 2003.[8] Ball is a board member of the Valley Forge Military Academy & College Association of Graduates, and is a member of several area Chambers of Commerce and business associations.[9][10]
USAF service
"Learning about Hispanic-Americans year-round is important to truly understand the history and future of this country. As citizens of a global community we find ourselves engaging others across borders without the constraints of distance as in years past. Indeed, our national family is benefiting greatly from the cultural infusion of many Hispanic practices that include a strong and committed work ethic, an undying appreciation and commitment to family, sincere patriotism and respect for others. Today, Hispanic culture continues to be a growing and essential facet of the American experience. There are more than 30 million Americans of Hispanic origin and they contribute to every facet of American life. Food, art, religion, government, language, music, science, business, agriculture, education and the military are just some of the examples of how Hispanic Americans contribute to the progress of America. As citizens of an increasingly diverse national community, we knowingly and unknowingly celebrate Hispanic heritage each and every day through our growing appreciation of Hispanic art, music, food and custom. Let us all take this blessed time to gain a greater appreciation and understanding of Hispanic heritage–a shared American treasure!" |
1LT Gregory R. Ball in the Bolling AFB post newspaper, October 11, 2002.[11] |
Ball was commissioned as an Air Force Lieutenant and requested an assignment with the Air Force Academy's Diversity Recruitment Office, and was posted in Philadelphia for a one year tour working as a Minority Admissions Officer.[12] While stationed there, he created a charity polo event for underprivileged youth known as the Courage Cup, which presented $10,000 to charities in 2004.[13]
Ball was then assigned to the 11th Wing at Bolling Air Force Base in Washington, D.C. as protocol officer, a newly created services career field.[14] The Ceremonies & Protocol office was responsible for planning, organizing and devolping projects for the Secretary of the Air Force and the Air Force Chief of Staff, as well as coordinating honor guard burial services at Arlington National Cemetery.[4][15][16][17]
During his time in the Ceremonies & Protocol Office, Ball was a Project Officer for numerous events. The largest may have been the 2003 Global Air Chief's Conference, the first since 1997, which he coordinated for 90 air power leaders from around the world, as well members of Congress, national dignitaries, industry leaders and diplomats on the 100th anniversary of powered flight.[18][19]
The young lieutenant was charged with directing National Hispanic Heritage Month in 2002, 2003, and 2004.[20] He organized special exhibits and demonstrations to recognize the many contributions made by Hispanic countries and cultures, and hosted Alberto Gonzales, then White House Counsel, in 2003.[7][20][21] Along with a volunteer committee, Ball washed cars in the base parking lot to raise donations for wing wide events to celebrate and recognize Hispanic-American service members and their contributions through out history.[22]
In 2003, Ball was nominated as "Military Volunteer of the Year" for the 11th Wing.[23] He was awarded an achievement medal for outstanding service by General John P. Jumper and was honorably discharged from active duty in January 2005 at the rank of Captain.[1][24] Ball remains in the U.S. Air Force Ready Reserve.[25]
Business career
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/65/Gregball9.jpg/255px-Gregball9.jpg)
Upon his separation from active duty, Ball was recruited by the Antioch, Illinois based Exceed International, a commercial development corporation with a presence in India, Turkey and Tunisia.[26] Placed in charge of the marketing department, he served as a team member with the Company President on a 38-company executive mission to an economic summit in New Delhi, which included representatives from companies such as Amex, Cargill, New York Life, Dow Chemical, General Electric, Bechtel, and Cognizant.[27] Later, Exceed invested $11.1 million in India to expand operations.[28] Construction began on six projects in Chennai, which included the ESPEE IT Park, and the Bascon Technology Park, which helped Exceed establish a foothold in India.[29][30] The company also invested as a joint venture partner in mixed use residential projects such as a water treatment facility.[31]
Eventually, Ball was elevated to Vice President of Exceed's Northeastern United States division and returned to New York.[32] The Illinois based developer employs nearly 400 people in various fields such as project management, development, architecture, engineering, construction, government relations, finance, and technology.[33][34] In 2006, Exceed proposed a $75 million urban renewal project for the village of Brewster which would generate some $2 million a year in tax revenue for the town.[35] The village's Mayor noted that "All of the infrastructure work recently completed by defining our identity within the watershed has paid off. Brewster finds itself in a situation where people are eagerly interested in working with the village in partnership to see our village revitalized".[35]
Political career
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4a/Gregball1.jpg/280px-Gregball1.jpg)
In early 2005, Ball announced his candidacy for State Assembly as a Republican and stated he would attempt to unseat the incumbent Assemblyman Will Stephens in a primary.[36][37] Stephens' family had held the seat nearly continuously for eighty years: his grandfather, D. Mallory Stephens, represented the district from 1926 to 1952; his father, Willis Stephens Sr., held the seat from 1952 to 1982; and Stephens himself served from 1994 to 2006.[38] Ball received over $110,000 in campaign contributions for the race.[39][40] He was placed on the primary ballot by the signature of over 1800 petitioners.[41][42]
At times Ball's campaign was noted for its unorthodoxy, including hiring a man in a chicken suit to follow around the incumbent after Stephens refused to debate him.[43] Ball again garnered attention at an event in August 2006 where he carried trash bags to a press conference and drew attention to Stephens, who also served as the legal counsel to the town of Southeast, New York, for having accepted $9,355 from Waste Hauling CEO, convicted felon and reputed mob boss James Galante, who was later awarded a $1.5 million no-bid garbage contract by the town board on Stephens' recommendation.[44] He was joined at this event by his eventual opponent in the general election, Democrat Ken Harper.[44] Both Ball and Harper referred to the State Legislature as "dysfunctional" during their campaigns.[45]
On September 12, 2006, in the Republican Primary for New York's 99th District, Ball defeated Stephens in a landslide with 70.4% (5,165 votes) to 29.6% (2,176 votes) for Stephens, the lowest vote total for any incumbent running for reelection to the State Assembly that day.[46][47] Stephens was the victim of a negative campaign, and cited mailings that were distributed calling him a 'country-club liberal' and highlighting his close relationship with Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver.[48][49] However, Stephens himself drew criticism when he refused to repudiate a letter about challenger Greg Ball which falsely claimed Mr. Ball had received a dishonorable discharge from the United States Air Force.[50][51][52][53] Ball did not dispute that he ran hard for his seat, knocking on 10,000 doors prior to the primary.[54]
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3b/Gregball14.jpg/200px-Gregball14.jpg)
Due to New York's electoral fusion system, the Assemblyman had vowed to remain in the race on the Conservative and Independence lines.[55] Ultimately, Stephens decided to withdraw from the race altogether, instead taking a nomination for a Judgeship on the New York State Supreme Court in Queens, in order to allow Ball ballot access on the Independence and Conservative lines.[56] Although Stephens attempted to have his name removed from the ballot, Ken Harper, the Democratic nominee, sued the State Board of Elections claiming that Stephens had filed a certificate declining his nomination eight days too late.[57] The New York Court of Appeals eventually ruled that Stephens name should remain on the ballot.[58]
Despite Stephens name remaining on the ballot, Ball went on to win a plurality of votes in the general election on November 6, 2006.[59][60] He was also buoyed by endorsements from the Poughkeepsie Journal, Fraternal Order of Police, Putnam County Sheriff Donald B. Smith and Duchess County Sheriff Butch Anderson prior to the election.[61][62] Inside of the district, Ball received more votes then any other candidate, including candidates running for Governor, Attorney General, Senate, Congress, and State Senate.[59] His upset victory earned him the title of "Newsmaker of the Year" from one local publication and he also shared a front-page cover The Journal News with fellow upset winner John Hall the day after the election.[63]
The Courage Cup
As the Washington Post would report in 2007, a significant portion of Ball's funds for his 2006 assembly race were raised through a charity polo match in Washington, D.C. called "The Courage Cup" in 2005. Ball had been stationed at Bolling Air Force Base in Washington, D.C., when the first Courage Cup was held in 2004, raising money for charities including nearly $8,000 for the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania based Work to Ride program.[65]
The event was created to bring together Washington professionals and the polo community together for a good cause, and a good time, and grew to become one of the largest polo events on the east coast.[66] Ball founded the charity in 2004, prior to his run for office.[67] His former friends resisted his attempt to retake a leadership role in 2007, and Ball countered that he was The Courage Cup's rightful owner and that the two women stole his intellectual property.[68]
A Washington Post article from June 2007 reported that one of the event directors offered tickets at different price level with proceeds going to a Political Action Committee named Citizens United for Ethical Growth (CUEG), which Ball operated as President in Fall of 2004.[69] Ball's campaign stated it had nothing to do with the fund raising and the destination of profits from the event were clearly stated in one section of an online contribution form.[65]
Several Courage Cup attendees told the Post that what they were unaware their contributions would be used for political purposes.[69] Under a new President, CUEG transferred $18,000 into Assemblyman Ball's campaign fund in 2006, which included $610.09 raised from the 2004 Courage Cup event.[70] The Assemblyman later provided refunds to two of the seven contributors who gave money to CUEG through the courage cup.[71]
New York State Assembly (2007 – )
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f4/Gregball3.jpg/300px-Gregball3.jpg)
Ball has stated that "since my election victory, we have made extraordinary progress by elevating the debate on tough issues like taxes, illegal immigration and dysfunction in Albany."[72][73] He was sworn into office on January 8, 2007.[74][75] The first time Ball rose to speak in the Assembly chamber, he called the legislature "dysfunctional", and withstood boos from his colleagues.[76][77][78] He was unhappy because lawmakers voted to elect a colleague, Thomas DiNapoli as the new State Comptroller, disregarding the recommendations of a bipartisan panel appointed by former Governor Eliot Spitzer consisting of former state Comptrollers who suggested three separate finalists and had not found DiNapoli to be qualified for the job.[79][80] The next day, Governor Spitzer called Ball to express support for his sentiments.[81][82]
Ball stated that "It was not easy getting up as the new guy and standing up to tell a group of people what they don’t want to hear" but his speech became so popular that soon dozens of reporters began calling, he appeared on Fox News, excerpts from the floor speech popped up on numerous political blogs, his campaign web site received so many visits that its server crashed, and, a YouTube video of his remarks was ranked 80th among new videos the day it was uploaded.[54][83] Although the remarks were contentious, they echoed a fifty-six page study from the nonpartisan New York University School of Law's Brennan Center for Justice, which referred to the legislature as "the least deliberative and most dysfunctional in the nation".[84]
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/24/Gregball4.jpg/256px-Gregball4.jpg)
Ball again joined Spitzer, this time calling for property tax reform, and proposed an inflation-indexed cap on spending and school and property tax increases known as the "New York State Property Taxpayers Protection Act" similar to the measure adopted by Massachusetts and fourteen other states.[86][87][88][89][90]
He has voted dozens of times against any bill that proposes tax increases,[91] including opposition a measure to raise the Putnam County sales tax by half a percent from 3.5% to 4% that was supported by State Senator Vincent Leibell, a fellow local legislator.[92] Ball was also dismayed when asked by Putnam county legislators to carry a bill to Albany during the 2007 county "budget crisis",[93] requesting a sales tax increase to 8.375%, which County Executive Robert Bondi, a fellow Republican, claimed was necessary to ward off a projected 66% property tax increase.[94][95]
Ball felt that the County legislature could have eliminated more "pork" from the county budget.[93][96] Another state legislator, Sandra Galef, eventually introduced the tax increase bill to the Assembly.[97] Ball later joined with a county legislator in calling on Bondi to resign, citing his "incompetence and stubbornness" in proposing a budget with a 40% increase in the property tax levy.[98][99] Hundreds of residents of Putnam County demonstrated outside Bondi's office in opposition to the tax increase, which was defeated.[100][101]
As ranking member of the Veterans Affairs Committee, Ball announced legislation expanding the eligibility for veterans to receive tax exemption benefits, including the exemption of real property owned by certain disabled veterans from property taxation. Ball authored the bill that created the tuition remission program for veterans, offering them free tuition at both SUNY and CUNY undergraduate and graduate institutions.[102][103][104] Governor Eliot Spitzer included the measure in his 2008 executive budget proposal, and the measure was kept funded in Governor David Paterson's version.[105]
According to The Journal News, one key to Ball's success was that his campaign identified the concern local voters cared most about: illegal immigration.[106] The New York Sun reported that Ball defines himself as a moderate on the immigration issue.[107]
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b6/Gregball2.jpg/256px-Gregball2.jpg)
Ball made illegal immigration a focal point of his bid for office.[5] In October 2007, he strongly criticized Governor Spitzer's plan to give driver's licenses to illegal immigrants.[108][109][110][111] He was at the forefront of the opposition to the plan, and his Statewide petition to stop it led to the Assembly Minority Conference's decision to sue the Governor to stop the plan.[112]
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e6/Gregball6.jpg/211px-Gregball6.jpg)
Ball has worked to promote businesses that hire legal immigrant laborers, and has begun to create a database for usage on his campaign website.[115] His campaign headquarters in Pawling, New York [disambiguation needed] may have been targeted over the contentious issue, and was vandalized with swastikas in October 2006, although the person or persons responsible misspelled the word "Fascist" twice.[116][117] An oft-quoted line from his campaign literature was that "Illegal Immigration is Illegal".[118][119]
In June 2008, Ball's campaign sent out an e-mail piece that quoted from a Government Accountability Office study on illegal aliens and crime, which alleged that 55,322 illegal alien respondents had been arrested a total of 459,614 times. A local journalist noted that the study linked in the e-mail pertained to prison inmates, and stated that 68% of the 46,023 convictions were for immigration-related crimes, followed by 21% for drug-related crimes and 11% for other offenses.[120]
The Assemblyman supported Greasestock, an yearly event held in Yorktown to showcase clean renewable energy.[121][122][123] The event was founded in 2003 by individuals interested in vegetable powered vehicles.[124] The event now includes a number of alternative fuel exhibits, showcasing new green technologies for vehicles and other applications.[125]
In 2010, the Assemblyman has repeatedly called for a full repeal of the MTA Payroll Tax, enacted by New York in 2009 to help close the budget deficit of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. The Tax, which was applied retroactively, collected approximately 34 cents for every $100 in payroll from Employers in the MTA service area, including employers not traditionally taxed, such as non-profits, schools, local governments, and churches. Ball assembled a coalition of elected officials in the Hudson Valley and Long Island, including Senator Vinnie Leibell and Assemblyman Marcus Molinaro, Putnam County Executive Robert J. Bondi, Rockland County Executive C. Scott Vanderhoef, and Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino to call for a forensic, "criminal audit" of the MTA and full repeal of the tax. [126]
2008 election
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c3/Gregball-volunteers.jpg/206px-Gregball-volunteers.jpg)
Ball was referred to as "one of the rising stars in the Republican Party"[128] during speculation that he would run against freshman Congressman John Hall in 2008, although he later ruled out a challenge against Hall.[72][129][130] Ball sent out a statement stating that, "I love being the assemblyman. There's a lot I'm accomplishing at the local level and there's still a lot that needs to be done."[131][132]
In early May 2008, John Degnan, the former Mayor of Brewster, New York, announced he would be mounting a challenge to the freshman Assemblyman.[133] In the September 9th, 2008 primary, Ball was reelected by a 3 to 1 margin amongst Republicans.[134][135][136][137] He again faced Degnan, who had the Democratic nomination, in the general election, and was re-elected wth 60% of the vote.[138][139][140][141][142][143]
On July 9, The Westchester Fair Campaign Practices Committee, a group of volunteer members of the League of Women Voters, met to review a mailer distributed by the Ball campaign following complaints by his opponent. The committee claimed that 10 of 12 claims submitted were "unfair" statements made in campaign literature published in newspapers and issued as a mailer in June about his opponent, John Degnan.[144][145][145] Following the ruling, Ball contended that the committee was biased, since it contained one registered Republican, one Independent, and eight Democrats, and has made similar rulings against other Repbulicans in the past.[144]
T.P.O. controversy
On August 26, 2008, a local newspaper known as The Putnam Times published court documents surrounding the break up between Ball and a Washington, D.C. woman in 2003. Ball blamed his Democratic challenger John Degnan for hiring private investigators for the newspaper article, a charge which Degnan denied.[146] Ball stated both he and the woman both filed for orders of protection following the end of their relationship. In November 2003, both Ball and the woman asked the court to dismiss their complaints against each other, which was done without determining whether what they claimed in their complaints was true, or just two people "venting after the messy breakup of a romantic relationship."Rojas, Marcela.[147] Ball told The Daily News that "It was just a heartfelt breakup where both parties jointly requested a 'cooling off' period, and the entire matter was mutually dismissed. My life is an open book, and always has been."[148]
While The Putnam Times, a local paper incorrectly reported that Ball violated the order of protection by following the woman to Israel on July 20, News Channel 12, a regional network, pointed out that order of protection was filed six days earlier on July 14, and court records state Ball traveled to Israel on June 20.[149][150] The Poughkeepsie Journal also later pointed out that there was never a criminal restraining order, and the documents printed by the Times was actually a temporary order of protection, which anyone can request.[151]
Smear campaign allegations
Following the revelations that Ball's ex-girlfriend filed for an order of protection against him in 2003, on September 3, 2008 the Journal News reported that a former member of Ball's staff had accused him of sexually harassing her in a letter sent to Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver detailing the incident.[152] Perrault's accusations were later found to be fabrications and Ball was exonerated.[153]
Initially, News 12 analyst Mike Edelman called the report "not credible," and many questioned the timing of the complaint, as the former staff member waited a year to write the letter until a few days before the primary election.[154][155] The previous day, Ball had released e-mails from his former Chief of Staff, which stated that Perreault was ready to "go forward with a lawsuit and 'embellish' some of the details," calling the letter to Silver into question.[156] Ball said the letter was part of a "smear campaign", and that the ex-Chief of Staff was a "mole" for State Senator Vincent Leibell, who was backing his primary opponent. Ball released a taped phone conversation between the ex-Chief of Staff and a local political candidate, where his former deputy stated he was working for "the senate" to "neuter" Ball.[157] Although at first, the ex-Chief of Staff denied working for the senate to The Journal News, the next day, he admitted it in another article, but Senator Leibell denied any conspiracy.[151]
The Assembly Ethics committee met in October 2008, reaching a ‘not guilty’ verdict[158][159] and ruling that no harassment ever occurred, and unanimously voted to throw out the frivolous charges against Assemblyman Ball.[160][161][162] The accuser, the 60-year-old Perrault, had been the target of numerous sexual harassment allegations at a prior job, where she was a supervisor.[163][164] It was noted that Ball's accuser had herself settled four lawsuits for an undisclosed sum, at least three of which accused her of sexual harassment.[165]
2010 election
In May of 2009, Ball announced he was a candidate for Congress in New York's 19th congressional district. Ball drew some attention by raising more money than incumbent Congressman John Hall in the second quarter of 2009.[4] On November 21, 2009, Ball abandoned his Congressional run and decided to run for State Senate in District 40, the seat currently held by Vincent Leibell. [5] In a letter to his supporters, Ball stated that the job of reforming Albany has not been completed, saying, "From property tax reform to corruption in government, the job I set to do in 2006 is still incomplete, and it can only be accomplished by continuing to tackle our nation’s most dysfunctional legislature." [6]
Electoral history
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Republican | Greg Ball | 63% | Republican hold | ||
Democratic | John Degman | 37% |
Candidate | Votes | % | ± | |
---|---|---|---|---|
✓ | Greg Ball (I) | 5,113 | 73.1% | |
John Degnan | 1,921 | 26.9% | ||
Turnout |
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Republican | Greg Ball | 20,956 | 50.8% | Republican hold | |
Democratic | Ken Harper | 17,155 | 41.4% | ||
Independence, Conservative | Willis Stephens, Jr. (I) | 3,228 | 7.8% |
Candidate | Votes | % | ± | |
---|---|---|---|---|
✓ | Greg Ball | 5,165 | 70.4% | Challenger pickup |
Willis Stephens, Jr. (I) | 2,176 | 29.6% | ||
Turnout | 7,341 |
Notes
- ^ a b c d e "Official Biography of Assemblyman Greg Ball". New York State Assembly. Retrieved on February 24, 2008.
- ^ "Veterans To Receive Free SUNY Tuition". Westchester.com. April 15, 2008.
- ^ Benjamin, Elizabeth. "Reform Advocate No. 1?". Albany Times-Union. March 29, 2007.
- ^ a b "I was honored to serve as Greg Ball’s mentor while he was in the U.S. Air Force. When Greg was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant at the United States Air Force Academy, I was honored to pin on his rank and commission him as a young officer. As Greg excelled through the ranks and was promoted to Captain, I was honored to watch Greg perform as an outstanding young officer. Greg Ball graduated from the Air Force Academy, served in the White House Drug Policy Office, lived on Capitol Hill, and served in the 11th Wing in our Nation’s capital working directly for four star generals in the Pentagon and throughout the National Capitol Region. Few Lieutenants are chosen for such a demanding position."–Col. Joseph P. Green, USAF (Ret.), E-Mail to Bob Fois. June 6, 2006.
- ^ a b Klein, Benjamin. "Ball looks to hold people’s feet to the fire". Legislative Gazette. January 16, 2007.
- ^ a b c "About Greg". Ball for Assembly. Retrieved on February 24, 2008.
- ^ a b "Alumni Spotlight". The Forge. December 2003.
- ^ Henderson, Robert E., ed. "A Dialogue on the Presidency with a New Generation of Leaders: Papers of the 2002-2003 Center Fellows". Washington, DC: CSP, 2003.
- ^ "Committees of the Board". Air Force Academy Association of Graduates. Retrieved on February 26, 2008.
- ^ Greene, Mae. "Chamber of Commerce awardees". Pawling News-Chronicle. September 7, 2007.
- ^ "Hispanic-American Heritage Month". The Beam. October 11, 2002.
- ^ Vogrin, Bill. "AFA wants more help recruiting minorities". The Gazette. May 5, 2007.
- ^ "Wing lieutenant hosts Va. charity polo event". The Beam. June 24, 2004.
- ^ Lopez, Todd. "Protocol, aide de camp special duties move". The Beam. March 6, 2003.
- ^ Estrada, Louie. "Master of Air Force Ceremonies, Embodiment of Honor, Dignity". Washington Post. December 7, 2003.
- ^ "VOTER'S GUIDE: 99th state Assembly District". Poughkeepsie Journal. October 29, 2006.
- ^ Ball, Jo A. Protocol Handbook - A Guide for the Base Protocol Officer. Report Number 86-0180. Air Command and Staff College, April 1986.
- ^ Lopez, Todd. "Global air chiefs discuss air power at AFA convention". The Beam. September 18, 2003.
- ^ "FBO DAILY ISSUE OF JULY 25, 2003 FBO #0603". Department of the Air Force, Direct Reporting Units, 11th CONS, 110 Luke Avenue (Bldg 5681) Suite 200, Bolling AFB, DC, 20332-0305. Retrieved June 1, 2008.
- ^ a b Mitenbueler, Reid. "Hispanic-American Heritage Month". The Beam. September 25, 2003.
- ^ Oyola, Ranell. "Hispanics in service to the nation". The Beam. September 18, 2003.
- ^ "Wing to observe Hispanic-American Heritage Month". The Beam. September 12, 2003.
- ^ Robinson, Thom. "Wing taps its best from 2003 for annual recognition". The Beam. March 25, 2004.
- ^ Benson, John. "Town of Pawling 2005 Year in Review". Pawling News-Chronicle. December 29, 2005.
- ^ Benson, John. "Community salutes military families". Pawling News-Chronicle. December 20, 2006.
- ^ Chandramouly , Anjana. "American dream... in India". Business Line. March 17, 2006.
- ^ Germain, David. "U.S.-India Business Council Mounts 38-Company 4-City Executive Mission to India". US Newswire. March 2, 2007.
- ^ "US-based Exceed Int'l launches India Operations". AsiaPulse News. November 22, 2004.
- ^ "US construction co Exceed to build IT park in Chennai". Business Line. November 20, 2004.
- ^ Ramesh, M. "US construction co Exceed bags 6 projects in Chennai". Business Line. November 20, 2004.
- ^ "Exceed to invest Rs 50 crore in its Indian arm". Business Standard. November 20, 2004.
- ^ "The Next Economy". Exceed International. Retrieved on February 24, 2008.
- ^ Drummond, Sara. "India calls". CIRE Magazine. January 2006.
- ^ Kuyper, Diana. "Retail, condos encouraged". News Sun. October 11, 2005.
- ^ a b "Plans call for $75 million urban renewal project of village's downtown". Putnam County Courier. March 24, 2006.
- ^ Wagenseil, Paul (June 30, 2005). "Politician Tells Voters They're Idiots". Associated Press.
{{cite news}}
: Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=
(help) - ^ "Pawling man seeks GOP support for Assembly". Poughkeepsie Journal. May 31, 2005.
- ^ "Index to Politicians: Stephens". The Political Graveyard. Retrieved on February 24, 2008.
- ^ Risinit, Mike. "Greg’s been spending". The Journal News. July 13, 2006.
- ^ "New Yorkers on the Ball. 2006 July Periodic Report Summary Page". New York State Board of Elections. Retrieved on February 24, 2008.
- ^ Risinit, Mike. "Ball’s in or at least his paperwork is". The Journal News. July 11, 2006.
- ^ "Pawling man sets his sights on state Assembly seat". Poughkeepsie Journal. April 27, 2005.
- ^ Risinit, Mike. "The chicken suit has been mothballed, sort of". The Journal News. May 31, 2006.
- ^ a b Barron, Sam (August 23, 2006). "Ball Fires at Will". North County News.
{{cite news}}
: External link in
(help); Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=
|publisher=
(help) - ^ "Candidates Answer Questions on the Issues". League of Women Voters. Retrieved February 28, 2007.
- ^ Lopriore, Danny. "Ball Rolls". North County News. September 13, 2006.
- ^ "Primary 2006". NY1 News. September 2006.
{{cite news}}
: Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=
(help) - ^ Risinit, Mike. "Strange bedfellows". The Journal News. August 10, 2006.
- ^ Rentz, Neal. "Nasty Race for State Assembly Seat Nears Finish Line". North County News. August 30, 2006.
- ^ Fois, Bob. "More On 99th: Cheap Shots On Military". News Copy. May 25, 2006.
- ^ "Ball Defeats incumbent Stephens for GOP Line in Assembly Race". The Journal News. September 2006.
{{cite news}}
: Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=
(help) - ^ "Foe questions ethics of assemblyman's mailing". Poughkeepsie Journal. March 8, 2006.
- ^ Fois, Bob. "99th: Ball's military record assailed". News Copy. June 29, 2006.
- ^ a b Confessore, Nicholas. "Scolding Peers, Legislator Draws Notice". New York Times. February 10, 2007.
- ^ Wilbur, Martin. "Stephens drops out of race against Ball to pursue bench". North County News. December 10, 2006.
- ^ "99th Assembly District Race - Now the Fun". News Copy. September 14, 2006.
{{cite news}}
: External link in
(help); Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=
|publisher=
(help) - ^ Risinit, Mike. "Stephens stays off ballot". The Journal News. October 27, 2006.
- ^ "HARPER v. NY STATE BD. OF ELECTIONS, 34 A.D.3d 919 (3d Dept 2006) No. 501448". New York Appellate Division Reports. November 2, 2006.
- ^ a b c d "NYS Board of Elections - Assembly - Vote - November 7, 2006". New York State Board of Elections. Retrieved on February 22, 2008.
- ^ Lopriore, Danny. "Republican survives Democrat wave to win". North County News. November 22, 2006.
- ^ Risinit, Mike. "Sheriffs got their man". The Journal News. October 30, 2006.
- ^ "Ball has earned chance to serve". Poughkeepsie Journal. October 21, 2006.
- ^ Stone, Adam. "Greg Ball, John Hall". North County News. December 30, 2006.
- ^ "Ball seeks another Assembly term". Mid-Hudson News. March 17, 2008.
- ^ a b "Assemblyman Ball trading shots in D.C. charity polo event debate". The Journal News. February 2, 2007
- ^ "About the event". Courage Cup. Retrieved March 6, 2008.
- ^ "Assemblyman defends aid from fundraiser". Poughkeepsie Journal. June 13, 2007.
- ^ Argetsinger, Amy and Roberts, Roxanne. "Courage Cup Organizers Cross Polo Mallets". Washington Post, C03. February 6, 2007.
- ^ a b Argetsinger, Amy and Roberts, Roxanne. "Courage Cup: Ponying Up For Whose Charity?". Washington Post, C01. June 12, 2007.
- ^ "Citizens United for Ethical Growth. January 2004 Periodic Report". New York State Board of Elections. Retrieved June 10, 2008.
- ^ "New Yorkers on the Ball. January 2008 Periodic Report". New York State Board of Elections. Retrieved June 10, 2008.
- ^ a b Risinit, Mike. "Carmel assemblyman says he won't run for Congress in '08". The Journal News. December 31, 2007.
- ^ "GOP legislators tout 'Road to Reform'". Poughkeepsie Journal. April 21, 2007.
- ^ Kramer, Catherine. "Democrats don’t have monopoly on reform". Legislative Gazette. January 8, 2007.
- ^ "Valley Republicans take Assembly oath". Poughkeepsie Journal. January 3, 2007.
- ^ Hammond, Bill. "My voice will be heard". Daily News. February 8, 2007.
- ^ "Joint Legislative Session". New York State Assembly. 2007-02-07. SenNet TV.
{{cite episode}}
: External link in
(help)|network=
- ^ Gallagher, Jay. "Different tune from freshman Putnam lawmaker". The Journal News. March 6, 2007.
- ^ a b "The true reformers: The 56 state legislators who refused to support Thomas DiNapoli for comptroller constitute an honor roll". Albany Times-Union. February 9, 2007.
- ^ Cooper, Michael. "" Legislators Pick a Comptroller, Defying Spitzer". New York Times. February 8, 2007.
- ^ Risinit, Mike. "Eliot's on the phone". The Journal News. February 9, 2007.
- ^ "Newcomer Ball slowly learns ropes". Poughkeepsie Journal. January 17, 2007.
- ^ "Colleagues boo freshman during scolding of Assembly". Poughkeepsie Journal. February 8, 2007.
- ^ Creelan, Jeremy and Moulton, Laura. "The New York State Legislative Process: An evaluation and blueprint for reform". New York University School of Law Brennan Center for Justice. Retrieved on February 28, 2008.
- ^ "Fuel Prices Are Out of Control". New York State Assembly. February 12, 2008. Retrieved on February 25, 2008.
- ^ Risinit, Mike. "Ball on the Governors Address". The Journal News. January 10, 2008.
- ^ "Governor missed golden opportunity to curb spending". Poughkeepsie Journal. April 6, 2007.
- ^ Lucas, Ashley. "Assembly GOP hears residents on taxing issues". Legislative Gazette. June 18, 2007.
- ^ Barron, Sam. "School tax reform gains steam". North County News. May 30, 2007.
- ^ Haavie, Erikah. "Board encourages Assembly to focus on school tax relief". The Register-Herald. April 24, 2008.
- ^ Wieland, James. "News from Assemblyman Ball". Yonkers Insider. June 27, 2007.
- ^ Matthews, Cara. "Raging against the machine". The Journal News. June 21, 2007.
- ^ a b Elan, Susan. "Ball calls Putnam budget crisis forum". The Journal News. April 24, 2007.
- ^ Sternberg, Margaret. "Legislature Considers Alternatives Should Sales Tax Renewal and Increase Fall Through". Putnam County News and Recorder. May 2, 2007.
- ^ Sternberg, Margaret. "County Legislator O'Dell's Commission for Fiscal Vision and Accountability Tabled While Tamagna's and Ball's Budget Forum Looms". Putnam County News and Recorder. May 9, 2007.
- ^ Sternberg, Margaret. "County Sales Tax Renewal and .5 Percent Increase Approved in Committee". Putnam County News and Recorder. April 4, 2007.
- ^ Leiter, Maria. "County Legislature Approves Saltes Tax Increase". Putnam County News and Recorder. July 25, 2007.
- ^ Boisi, Patrick. "Bondi defends 40 percent tax increase, Ball calls for his resignation". North County News. September 12, 2007.
- ^ Anderson, Liz. "Ball to Bondi: Resign now". The Journal News. September 7, 2007.
- ^ Brenner, Elsa. "Taxes climb and tempers flare". New York Times. October 7, 2007.
- ^ "Budget 2008". Putnam County Finance Department. Retrieved April 23, 2008.
- ^ "Bill Summary - A08532". New York State Assembly. Retrieved on February 24, 2008.
- ^ Scott, Larry. "COMBAT VETS, GOING BACK TO VIETNAM, TO GET FREE TUITION AT N.Y. STATE UNIVERSITIES". VA Watchdog. April 16, 2008.
- ^ "Veterans To Receive Free Suny Tuition". Westchester-1. April 15, 2008.
- ^ "Part N – Amend the Education Law in relation to tuition assistance for veterans, Memorandum in Support Article VII Legislation, Education, Labor, and Family Assistance, Enacted Budget, 2008-09 New York State Executive Budget." New York State Division of the Budget. Retrieved April 11, 2008.
- ^ West, Debra. "The Greg Ball effect: An anti-illegal alien strategy takes root and thrives". The Journal News. August 12, 2007.
- ^ Garland, Sarah. "Immigration Foes Will Search for Common Ground at Conference". New York Sun. May 30, 2008.
- ^ Chase, Kelly A. "DMV debate is focus of special session Cuomo set to defend state against legal challenges to new policy". Legislative Gazette. October 29, 2007.
- ^ Blain, Glenn. "Assembly GOP takes aim at Spitzer license plan". The Journal News. October 1, 2007.
- ^ Barron, Sam. "Ball strikes back, threatens to sue Governor Spitzer over drivers license policy". North County News. October 3, 2007.
- ^ "GOP group critical of Spitzer plan". Poughkeepsie Journal. March 2, 2007.
- ^ "Assembly GOP to Sue Governor and Dept. of Motor Vehicles". Westchester Times Tribune. October 4, 2007.
- ^ Stone, Adam. "Ball pledges Albany reform". North County News. December 27, 2006.
- ^ "1 in GOP welcomes Spitzer reforms". Poughkeepsie Journal. March 14, 2007.
- ^ Risinit, Mike. "Move over, Yellow Pages". The Journal News. April 25, 2007.
- ^ "GOP candidate is target of vandals". Poughkeepsie Journal. November 2, 2006.
- ^ Risinit, Mike. "Definitely a trick". The Journal News. November 1, 2006.
- ^ Applebome, Peter. "When an Election Becomes a Forum on Immigration". New York Times. November 11, 2007.
- ^ Risinit, Mike. "Assemblyman Ball discusses illegal immigration and public safety". The Journal News. December 13, 2007.
- ^ Rae, Leah. "Fact Check Greg Ball's Statistics on Illegal Aliens and Crime". The Journal News. June 5, 2008.
- ^ "Greasestock 2008". Greasestock. Retrieved May 20, 2008.
- ^ Max, Josh. "Gas-guzzlers become veggie delights at Greasestock in Yorktown Heights". Daily News. May 13, 2008.
- ^ "Greasestock 2008: Alternative Fuel, Fun and French Fries". Natural Awakenings. May 2008.
- ^ Norman, Jim. "Where There’s Never an Oil Shortage". New York Times. May 13, 2007.
- ^ Tillman, Adriane. "Greasestock Festival returns, bigger and better". May 14, 2008.
- ^ Valenti, Ken. "[1]". March 13, 2010.
- ^ "The Ball Express: Volunteer Night at Campaign Office". Ball for Assembly. May 12, 2008.
- ^ Blain, Glenn. "Could it be Ball vs. Hall in 2008?". The Journal News. December 4, 2007.
- ^ Risinit, Mike. "Ball may run for House seat". The Journal News. December 17, 2007.
- ^ Blain, Glenn. "Ball not running for Congress". The Journal News. December 31, 2007.
- ^ "Ball wants to stay in Assembly, forgoing challenge for Congress". Poughkeepsie Journal. January 1, 2008.
- ^ "Hall admits '07 had its pitfalls". Poughkeepsie Journal. December 27, 2007.
- ^ Risinit, Michael. "Ex-mayor challenges 99th's Ball". Poughkeepsie Journal. May 12, 2008.
- ^ Risinit, Michael. "Ball primary win upends attacks, Leibell". The Journal News. September 11, 2008.
- ^ Gross, Eric. "Ball by a landslide". Putnam County Courier. September 10, 2008.
- ^ Moser, Anna Lillian. "Ball crushes Degnan". North County News. [[September 11], 2008.
- ^ Risinit, Michael and Rojas, Marcela. "GOP voters overwhelmingly go with Ball over Degnan". The Journal News. September 9, 2008.
- ^ Risinit, Michael. "Ball rolls over Degnan easily". The Journal News. September 10, 2008.
- ^ Gross, Eric. "It wasn't event close: Ball wins big in primary". Pawling News Chronicle. September 10, 2008.
- ^ "Ball beats Degnan easily, but tensions persist". News 12 Networks. September 10, 2008.
- ^ "Ball easily survives Republican primary challenge". Mid-Hudson News. September 10, 2008.
- ^ Rojas, Marcela. "Ball defeats Degnan by 3-to-1 margin". Poughkeepsie Journal. September 10, 2008.
- ^ "Ball defeats Degnan, both live to fight another day". News 12 Networks. September 9, 2008.
- ^ a b Chase, Kelly, "Committee says some of Ball's claims unfair". North County News. July 17, 2008.
- ^ a b Risnit, Michael. "Fairness committee reviews Ball mailer". The Journal News. July 9, 2008.
- ^ "Westchester pol cries foul at alleged smear campaign". News 12 Networks. August 26, 2008.
- ^ "Ball denies violating court order". Poughkeepsie Journal. August 26, 2008.
- ^ Blain, Glenn. "[2]." Daily News. August 26, 2008.
- ^ News 12 reported that "In addition, Ball wants the FBI to step up an investigation of allegations he made last year, accusing Leibell of publishing a newspaper article, which incorrectly claimed Ball violated an order of protection brought by a former girlfriend after they broke up.
- ^ WC pol levels new charges against opponent". News 12 Networks. September 3, 2008.
- ^ a b Risinit, Michael. "GOP primary candidates locked in bitter spat". Poughkeepsie Journal. September 7, 2008.
- ^ "Former staff member says Ball sexually harassed her". The Journal News. September 3, 2008.
- ^ Gormley, Michael. "NY Assembly committee: No sex harassment by Ball". Newsday. October 23, 2008.
- ^ Risinit, Mike. "Attacks, accusations build in primary battle". The Journal News. September 7, 2008.
- ^ Risinit, Michael. "More on the sex harassment accusation in the 99th". The Journal News. September 4, 2008.
- ^ Risinit, Mike. "Ball alleges smear, denies harassment." The Journal News. September 4, 2008.
- ^ Risinit, Michael. "Former staff member says Ball sexually harassed her". The Journal News. September 3, 2008.
- ^ "(10/24/08) YORKTOWN - The Assembly Ethics Committee reached a ‘not guilty’ verdict in the case of Assemblyman Greg Ball (R), who was accused of sexually harassing a former staffer."—"News 12. Retrieved October 25, 2008.
- ^ Risinit, Michael. "No evidence sexual harassment by Ball, Silver says". Journal News. October 24, 2008.
- ^ http://www.poughkeepsiejournal.com/article/20081023/NEWS12/81023030
- ^ "Ball did not harass staffer, panel decides". Poughkeepsie Journal. October 24, 2008.
- ^ Karlin, Rick. "Ball cleared of harassment charges". Albany Times-Union. October 23, 2008.
- ^ Spector, Joseph. "Ball calls for quick decision in possible ethics probe". Journal News. September 25, 2008.
- ^ "Ball cleared of sexual harassment charges". Mid-Hudson News. October 24, 2008.
- ^ Spector, Joseph. "Ball Cleared In Sexual Harassment Case". Journal News. October 23, 2008.
- ^ 2008 Primary returns. New York State Board of Elections. Retrieved October 2008.
- ^ In the Independence Primary, Ball received 239 votes (80.3%), Degnan received 59 votes (19.7%)
- ^ "September 12, 2006 Primary Vote Assembly Districts". New York State Board of Elections. Retrieved on February 22, 2008.
External links
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/fa/Wikiquote-logo.svg/34px-Wikiquote-logo.svg.png)
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/4/4a/Commons-logo.svg/30px-Commons-logo.svg.png)
- Official Homepage: Assemblyman Greg Ball, 99th District of New York
- Ball for Assembly Campaign Website
- Campaign events for Assemblyman Greg Ball
- Picasaweb Albums for Greg Ball
- Center for the Study of the Presidency Fellows Publications
- Hirelegally.com - Ball campaign website that encourages legal hiring practices.
- Project VoteSmart - Assemblymember Ball
- League of Women Voters Smart Voter Guide: Greg Ball
- Members of the New York Assembly
- 1977 births
- Living people
- Georgetown University alumni
- United States Air Force Academy graduates
- Putnam County, New York politicians
- Republican Party (United States) politicians
- New York Republicans
- United States Air Force officers
- Businesspeople in real estate
- Veterans' rights activists
- American business executives