NY CU Association Endorses Tedisco for Congressional Seat

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ALBANY, NY (02/20/2009)(readMedia)-- The board of directors of the Credit Union Association of New York has unanimously voted to endorse James Tedisco (R-Capital) for U.S. Congress in the 20th District, a seat recently vacated by now Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-New York).

"I am thankful to have received the endorsement and support of the Credit Union Association of New York as a candidate for New York's 20th Congressional District. Credit unions play an invaluable role in helping millions of American consumers achieve their goals and realize their dreams. As a victim of identity theft, I especially appreciate the strong partnership I have forged with the Credit Union Association of New York in working to increase public awareness on preventing the occurrence of ID theft."

Tedisco is a longtime friend of credit unions, cultivating strong relationships with the credit unions in his district. Throughout his career in public service, he has always had a keen awareness and understanding of the issues credit unions face. This past fall, Tedisco participated in an ID theft prevention campaign, filming a series of public service announcements for television that aired across the state. The program was an initiative of the New York Credit Union Foundation, the charitable arm of the Association.

"James Tedisco believes in the value credit unions bring to their communities as local financial institutions, owned and operated by the members that use their services," said William J. Mellin, president/CEO of the Association. "Our credit unions, and the members they serve, need a strong voice like Tedisco's in our nation's Capitol. We believe that he will be a great addition to the New York delegation and to the U.S. Congress."

Tedisco was first elected to the state Assembly in 1982. In 2005 his colleagues elected him Minority Leader. Throughout his tenure, Tedisco has been a leader and outspoken advocate for reforming state government and the budget process. He has also authored numerous bills designed to make government more accountable to the people.

The Credit Union Association of New York has served as the trade association for the state's credit unions for 92 years. It is the fifth largest association in the country. New York credit unions have assets of more than $43 billion and 4.2 million members. To learn more about the Association, visit www.cuany.org.

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