Kathy Konst

Kathy Konst is a legislator in western New York state, currently representing Erie County's 5th District, and is also a candidate for the 59th Senate District in the 2008 General Election.

Issue positions

One of Konst's main advocacy issues is government reform, particularly term limits for state and local officials, and balancing the budget of Erie County, which was in a financial crisis in 2005. As chair of the Finance and Management Committe, she opposed the siphoning off of money from the Upstate Revitalization Fund to pay for projects in New York City.

Children and seniors issues are also heavily emphasized, ranging from education and lead-poisoning prevention to heating and energy assistance for low-income families and the elderly.

Prior to being elected, Konst had pursued both teaching and ownership of an advertising business. She is currently head of the Lancaster Area Chamber of Commerce, in addition to her legislative responsibilities.

Electoral history

Konst was first elected to the Erie County legislature in 2005, in an upset victory against incumbent Denise Marshall, and won reelection in 2007.

In the 2008 primary election, she defeated Tim Pawarski in the Democratic primary by margins greater than three to one, despite the latter's endorsement by the party machine. She will go on to face incumbent Dale Volker in the general election on November 4th.

External links

* [http://www.konstforsenate.com Konst for Senate site]
* [http://www.votesmart.org/bio.php?can_id=91673 Project Vote Smart]
* [http://www.actblue.com/entity/fundraisers/21074 ActBlue fundraising site]