James S. Alesi
James S. "Jim" Alesi (born 1948) is a New York State Senator, representing parts of Monroe County, and a member of the Republican Party.
Early life
Before entering office, Alesi ran a firm that operates washers and dryers in apartment complexes and colleges.[1]
Political career
Alesi began his political career as the Republican Deputy Town Leader for Perinton, New York. In 1977 he made an unsuccessful bid for a seat in the Monroe County Legislature against Louise Slaughter.[2] He won on his second attempt twelve years later.[1] In 1992, Alesi was elected to the New York State Assembly, where his colleagues named him President of his class of freshman legislators. He was elected to the New York State Senate in a special election in 1996, and has been re-elected every two years since.
In January 2008, Alesi entered an unfinished Perinton home, mistakenly believing it to be on sale, and broke his leg while climbing a ladder. The front door of the home was locked, but Alesi managed to gain entry through an unlocked back door. He did not have permission from either the builder or the homeowners to enter the house. The owners and builder declined to press charges for trespassing. On January 18, 2011, the same day the statute of limitations for any potential trespassing charges expired,[3] Alesi filed a lawsuit against the owners and the builder alleging an unsafe environment at the home site.[4] After criticism from members of the public and other Republicans, Alesi withdrew the suit.[5]
Same-sex marriage legislation
In 2009, Alesi voted no on same-sex marriage legislation despite being considered the Republican most likely to support the legislation.[6] He is seen on video from the New York Senate floor casting his no vote with his head in his hands,[6][7] and later admitted that he struggled with his decision to vote against the legislation.[8]
In 2011, Alesi became the first Republican to announce his support for a new same-sex marriage bill.[7][8] On June 24, 2011, Alesi was one of four Republicans to vote in favor of the Marriage Equality Act.[9]
See also
References
- ^ a b "GOP's Alesi Wins Hard-Fought Race", The Rochester Democrat and Chronicle, pp. 2A, 1989-11-08
- ^ "Democrats Win County Legislature, 1st Time Since '35; Keep City Control", The Rochester Democrat and Chronicle, pp. 1A, 1977-11-09
- ^ Evan Dawson (2011-01-21). "Senator Alesi Sues Couple that Declined to Press Charges Against Him". Rochester, New York: WHAM-TV.
- ^ "James Alesi Sues Over Broken Leg at Construction Site", The Rochester Democrat and Chronicle, 2011-01-21
- ^ Alesi withdraws lawsuit
- ^ a b Liu, Irene Jay (December 2, 2009). "Video: Alesi votes no". Times Union. Retrieved June 26, 2011.
- ^ a b Barbaro, Michael (June 25, 2011). "Behind N.Y. Gay Marriage, an Unlikely Mix of Forces". New York Times. Retrieved June 26, 2011.
- ^ a b Spector, Joseph (June 16, 2011). "James Alesi's gay marriage decision brings relief and risk". Democrat and Chronicle. Retrieved June 26, 2011.
- ^ Epstein, Reid J. (June 24, 2011). "Cuomo signs New York gay marriage bill". Politico. Retrieved June 26, 2011.
