Gary Dickson

Gary Dickson was born in Los Angeles, California. Dickson served in the U.S. Army from 1978 to 1985. He earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Maryland in 1986 and a graduate degree from George Mason University in 2014. His career experience includes working as a government administrator and a law enforcement officer.[1][2]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a veteran (US Army 6 years), a retired FBI Special Agent (27 years), and current Town Supervisor (like a mayor) of West Seneca, NY. Throughout my career I have always sought to do what was right and what was fair to everyone. I was first elected in 2019 as the first Republican Supervisor in 50 years, in a town where Democrats enjoyed a 2:1 enrollment advantage. I was reelected in 2023, winning by 18 points. In my time in office West Seneca's finances have improved, our credit rating was increased, and services are better than ever. I treat everyone equally regardless of who they are, how much they earn, where they live, what they look like, or what party they belong to.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

New York State spending is out of control and taxes are too high. However, the massive amount of spending is often wasted while critical issues like lead water pipes, sewer overflows to local rivers, and poor educational outcomes fester. We need to stop throwing money at New York City and solve problems in Western New York.State mandates are the main source of increasing electricity costs. Even the state has admitted that full implementation of the climate law will increase many people's costs by over $4,000 a year and gasoline will increase by over $2 a gallon. We are the highest taxed state and taxpayers are fleeing to other states. We have to make the state affordable to live in.Term limits are very popular among voters. We had a referendum sponsored by the town board and it passed overwhelmingly. Term limits should be in a proposed NY constitutional amendment; that way the public would get to vote on them.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Spending, public safety, and economic development in disadvantaged neighborhoods.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a U.S. Army veteran, retired federal law enforcement officer, and current Supervisor (similar to a mayor) of the Town of West Seneca. Democrats enjoy a substantial registration advantage in town, but in 2019 I overcame that and became the first Republican Supervisor in fifty years. I successfully campaigned on a promise of fiscal responsibility, respect for residents, and an end to favoritism. I was overwhelmingly re-elected in2023. Redistricting and the retirement of the Democratic incumbent earlier this year opened up this seat and I decided to go for it. I am married and have two sons and two grandchildren.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

One-party rule in New York has resulted in out-of-control budgets at the local and state level. Federal spending is also out of control. The government tells us things are good, but our day-to-day experience tells us otherwise. Inflation is crazy and our kids can't afford to buy houses. My opponent is a career politician who thinks nothing of throwing money at any and all problems, regardless of outcome or effectiveness. This must stop. I will bring a voice for fiscal sanity to Congress.Despite what the government tells them, citizens are feeling more and more vulnerable to crime. I will advocate for police and for prioritizing the interests of victims over those of criminals.We must get immigration under control. We are a nation of immigrants, but most of us or our ancestors followed the rules and came here legally. In 2009 Democrats recognized that 500,000 people a year was too much, and walls were a good thing. Now they say that 2 million is OK and walls are bad. I disagree.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Education. All children deserve a good education regardless of where they live, how much their parents make, and the color of their skin.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

Abraham Lincoln, for his integrity. Franklin Roosevelt for his wise leadership in WWII.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

I love the series West Wing and Tom Hanks's character in Saving Private Ryan. The Wire is one of the best series ever, especially the first season. The characters are ordinary people trying to do the right thing.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Honesty, integrity, and humility. Honesty because how you live your life is how you will serve in office. Integrity because you must be true to yourself, always voting you conscience and beliefs. And humility, because I don't have all the answers and most members of the public are very smart.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

Honesty, integrity, and humility.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

To serve all the residents of the district equally and fairly. To vote for what is right. To try to accomplish something of substance before leaving this world.

What legacy would you like to leave?

Making the House a little bit better. Setting an example that we can disagree without being disagreeable.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

The assassination of Martin Luther King. I remember everyone driving with their headlights on.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

I worked at McDonalds when I was in high school for about two year.

What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?

Incredible power and influence. Other than that, it is not much different than most state legislatures.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?

YES! Especially local government experience. At the local level you always hear more feedback from the public than other levels. You are acutely aware that your actions impact people's lives.

What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

We must fix the way we interact with each other. The federal government won't solve any of our problems if the Democrats and Republicans keep shouting at each other. As always, the answers are somewhere in the center. I would prefer right of center, but I will be only one of 435 members in the House.

Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?

Yes

What are your thoughts on term limits?

Absolutely! None of us are irreplaceable. Do your best in the time you are allotted then move on so someone else can give it a try. Five terms for the House (for a total of 10 years) and two terms for the Senate (12 years) seems reasonable.

Is there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

Jack Kemp

Both sitting representatives and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

Not one particular one, but I hear from many residents about how much high taxes have impacted their lives, especially seniors. We must get government spending under control.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

It is extremely rare that one party has both houses and the presidency. Not only both houses, but a filibuster-proof majority in the Senate. So compromise is almost always necessary. And there is nothing wrong with that. There are 330 million people in the U.S., and we should try to meet the needs of as many as possible, within the law and the Constitution. This does not mean we compromise our core beliefs, but most disagreements are not black and white; there is plenty of gray in the world.

The Constitution says that all bills for raising revenue must originate in the House. What role would this power play in your priorities if elected?

Every bill for spending must be scrutinized carefully to ensure it is spent wisely and achieves the intended results.

How should the U.S. House use its investigative powers?

It is the House's duty to investigate, both to fulfill its oversight responsibilities and to uncover malfeasance. Congress must exercise its powers as envisioned in the Constitution.

What committees interest you?

Education, Intelligence

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

Financial transparency and government accountability are critical, and I brought that to my time in office.