Thomas Carle

Thomas Carle was born in Binghamton, New York. He earned a high school diploma from Susquehanna Valley High School and an associate degree from SUNY Broome Community College in 1981. His career experience includes working in manufacturing as a plant manager in the food and beverage industry and in corporate human resources.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a retired, former manufacturing manager/human resource professional, a father of five, and a grandfather of six. I grew up working on a dairy farm, had a paper route, have been self-employed and have worked with major corporations. I have been a Teamster and as a manager, I have negotiated multiple labor agreements with unions. Most importantly, I come from a culture of work.

I have decades of experience and a proven track record of business and company turn-arounds that I can utilize for the people of District 150 and New York State!

My maternal grandfather was a 'Rough Rider' with Teddy Roosevelt, freeing Cuba during the Spanish - American War. He was a man 'not to be trifled with' according to my family, and he held a number of elected positions after his service. My father was in the navy in WWII, also fighting for democracy, against fascism and against authoritarian forces. That is just some of my DNA!

I am running for the Assembly to ensure that our rights and freedoms are protected, just like my forefathers before me. It is time to elect thoughtful, serious and sober, servant leaders to our governmental positions. Allow me to fight for you!

I want to secure the future for our children and grandchildren, through responsible actions in government. We need experienced problem solvers and reasonable voices representing us, and legislating to our best benefit! All of this, is why I am running for office!

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?

Chautauqua County has lost people and jobs consistently under Republican leadership for the past 20 years. Our county's decline can be attributed to a lack of proper policy and perspective. While our elected leaders do little for us, they collect their own checks and prepare for their next term which is all too secure. Republican voters own our county's decline, as do their legislators, county executive, assemblyman and state senator.

The time for a positive change is now, from our legislature on up!

The decline can no longer be acceptable in Chautauqua County. We are upside down economically!

Our government and schools comprise the largest segment of the tax base at 19%! We need to grow private sector opportunities!Of the many key decisions to be made in the near future, we need to engage more forward thinking than has been demonstrated by the current leaders.

Affordable, renewable and clean energy has never been more important! We need leaders that can see a way forward that includes fossil fuels, renewables and nuclear solutions!

Controlling spending and reducing the costs of government appears to be impossible for the those we have elected. We need a change of perspective! I have saved companies millions of dollars in my career, and can help our government to do the same!

Opportunities abound nearly everywhere we travel or visit! In Chautauqua County, we lose people and businesses consistently. We need a fresh perspective and experience!How do we improve our situation in Chautauqua County?

We need wholesale change in our representation! Our elected leaders should be improving our conditions or they should be replaced, which is the case that I would make for the strangle-hold the R's have had in our region for the past 20 years of population and jobs decline!

Had I won in the race for the US Congress in 2024, we may not be facing the tariffs, the inflation, the fuel prices and the war in Iran, right now!

Had I won the race for County Executive this past year, we would not continue to grow the government while the county loses population, and my business experience might prevent companies like Bush and Absolute Care from closing.

Its up to the voters, now!

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I can help in a number of areas.

In seeking this role, I would hope to be able to employ the skills sets that I have developed throughout my career as a self-employed business owner, as a senior manufacturing manager and as a human resource manager. The areas that I believe that I could be most helpful on the state level are in efficiencies and cost controls, that can reduce the cost of government and taxes. Additionally, I would also focus on the reduction of expenses to our residents, whether it be energy/fuel, groceries, interest rates, unnecessary fees and how to improve the quality of life in our state and in Chautauqua County.

If I can successfully reduce costs, I will also address the issues of population and business retention.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

The Democratic Party and the Working Families Party have both nominated and petitioned to place me on the ballot this November. In the the 2024 campaign for United States Congress, and the 2025 campaign for the Chautauqua County Executive, I have been endorsed by multiple labor organizations and fully expect that to occur this time, though I am completing this form prior to that happening.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

My name is Tom Carle. I am a retired, former manufacturing manager, a father of five, and a grandfather of six. I grew up working on a dairy farm, had a paper route, have been self-employed and have worked with major corporations. I was a Teamster and as a manager, I have negotiated labor agreements with unions. I come from a culture of work, and respect it, with my parents often working two jobs to make ends meet. I have always worked long hours, overtime, and more than one job, when times called for it. I am a laborer and will do my best for the people of the 23rd District.

My maternal grandfather was a 'Rough Rider' with Teddy Roosevelt, freeing Cuba during the Spanish - American War. He was a man 'not to be trifled with' according to my family. My father was in the navy in WWII, also fighting for democracy, against fascism and authoritarian forces. I am running for Congress to ensure that our rights and freedoms are protected, just like my forefathers before me. It is time to elect thoughtful, serious and sober, servant leaders to our governmental positions.

I am running for selfish reasons - I want to secure the future for my children and grandchildren. Whether its the women's rights to control their own body, the rights of the marginalized, the economy, the environment, our foreign policy, we need reasonable voices looking out for us, and legislating accordingly. We need stability in Congress, not chaos. Simply put, I want to make our lives better.

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?

I am not a politician. I am entering politics to preserve and protect the America that I know and love.

The chaos and gridlock in Congress does not benefit the nation or our people. The Supreme Court has become compromised with the gifts, vacations for Judge Clarence Thomas, and is aligned with hyper-political beliefs, by both Judge Thomas and Judge Alito.

The Republican's Project 2025 is a partisan plan to change the laws and fabric of our Democracy - the losses of rights, the elimination of the Department of Education and the replacement of federal employees by loyalists, ensures a complete authoritarian takeover.

I will defend Democracy against the forces that threaten it - foreign and domestic.I am a fiscal conservative. I will seek out and work to eliminate wasteful spending, to reduce deficits, debt and taxes. My track record in business turnarounds has provided me with the requisite experience to outperform colleagues in Congress, in this area.I will protect and fortify the programs that we all utilize, such as Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and SNAP. Retiring with dignity and access to healthcare are vital issues to seniors. To make Social Security whole again, we must end the salary cap on contributions, that reduces revenues to the plan by higher earners. Republicans plan to privatize, reduce and/or eliminate these plans that Republicans, Democrats and Independents, all rely on.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

The public policy issues that I am most passionate about revolve around the rights of the individual and personal freedoms. The rights such as, freedom of speech, religion, assembly, voting, privacy and property, and more, are what separates us from other nations, and we must do all that we can to preserve our Democracy.

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

My first job was a paper route delivering the Binghamton Press and Sun Bulletin. Though I kept the route for 3 or 4 years, I also began working on a local dairy farm about the same time, after school and on weekends. Depending on what was happening on the farm, I sometimes had to ask a best friend to deliver the papers for me. Eventually, I gave up the paper route for the farm work, and continued until I was able to become a lifeguard during the summer, at the community pool.

The dairy farm and the family that owned it, taught me the value of hard work, doing the job right and how to love what you do! Whether it was carrying a newborn calf on your shoulders out of a muddy pasture, shoveling the 'good stuff' or baling hay, or any of the chores, there was a pride in doing the job well, and making the cows' home better for them. I owe a lot to the farm family that let me work with them - it was a great experience!

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

The House of Representatives was originally meant to be filled with everyday Americans that sought to serve their district for a period of time, and then return to their homes and occupations. True representative government can only be achieved by a regular exchange of congressional candidates, working and serving their constituents.

While previous experience in politics can be beneficial in achieving office and in becoming elected, the actual experience of being in office lends itself to influence peddling, lobbying and careerism, which is why term limits are preferable. We do not need to represented by career politicians, who are more about promoting their own career than representing us to the fullest. My opponent is a career politician. I come from a 'culture ' of work.

Campaign website

Carle’s campaign website stated the following:

Defending Women's Reproductive Rights

There is no issue of more importance than a woman's right to make her own decisions regarding her reproductive rights.

I will always advocate for this principle. All day. Every day.

According to the CDC: 86% of abortion seekers are unmarried, with 75% of abortion seekers are living below the line for poverty. Beyond denying a woman the right to manage her own body, taking reproductive rights as well as the right to choose away from abortion seekers, makes it very difficult to impossible to ever change their economic status.

Abortions have been on the decline since the 1980's, falling from over a million/yr to 625,000/yr in 2022. This decline is a result of education, training, and improved access to contraception.

93.5% of abortions occur in the first 13 weeks. Another 5.7% occur between 13 and 20 weeks. 99.2% of abortions occur in the first 20 weeks, and only 0.8% occur after 20 weeks. This data disproves the myth that late term abortions are common....they are not.

Up to 20% of pregnancies end in miscarriage, and many require medical care, which may not be provided due to the illegality of abortive care in some states. With over 3.5 million births annually in the USA, that places approximately 700,000 women at risk, potentially requiring emergency reproductive health care.

63% of Americans are in favor of legal abortion services.

Congress must legislate to restore proper reproductive health care, and a woman's right to choose. Based on the data above, I fully support a woman's right to choose and have complete autonomy over her own healthcare decisions. The government needs to stay out it.

The Economy

Today's economy is strong, with steady job growth, the lowest unemployment in decades, increased private/corporate spending, teamed with bi-partisan bills, that will continue to stimulate the US economy for years to come! The latest GDP growth of 4.9%, in the third quarter of the year, and 3.3% for the fourth quarter, are beyond forecasts! The first quarter of 2024 witnessed continued growth at 1.6%, followed by 2.7% in the second.

We are the leading economy in the world, and have recovered from the pandemic better than every other major nation!

The Inflation Reduction Act has many aspects to it that will strengthen all businesses, promote employment, increase wages and develop needed infrastructure. The CHIPS Act is bringing the micro-chip and associated technologies home from overseas - which will be a huge addition to our overall GDP. These types of stimulus came from 'good government', that worked to build the new economy from the 'bottom up, and the middle out' and they are already working for us, with much more to come! And, more than 200 billion in private investment for these acts has already happened!

Inflation has dropped into the 3% range due to actions taken by the Biden administration and the FED, now, outpaces wage growth. Though it continues to be a concern and is part of the world-wide conversation, we can see some light at the end of the tunnel. As you know, the FED has raised interest rates for the past 2 years to cool the economy and bring inflation under control. It is working, with inflationary rates dropping closer to pre-pandemic levels. However, we are not where anyone wants us to be just yet, the great news is that a recession no longer appears inevitable. As inflation stabilizes, interest rates will continue to be brought down.

The causes of the inflation that we have experienced, began pre-pandemic, with the trade wars with China, de-regulation in the banking sector, supply chain breakdowns during the pandemic, and the corporate tax cuts of the last administration, when the economy and Federal debt did not warrant it. Adding the stimulus packages on top of all else, created inflation.

The pandemic's impact on the global supply chain caused businesses to close, consolidate, lose employees and disrupt their supply. As these businesses continue to recover, supply is affected negatively, though demand is increasing. It takes a minute to disrupt a supply chain and it sometimes takes years to repair it. There has been great improvement in the past 2.5 years.

Trade wars initiated by the last administration contributed to the inflation problem. Tariffs levied on imports created disruptions and shortages, as those companies that were impacted changed suppliers and/or customers. "America First' is a great catch-phrase if implemented properly, taking into consideration that no country exists by itself, and that supply chains do not change to your benefit with the mere declaration. Planning for shortages and bridging the gaps, while converting to a more internal-supply-economy would have made more sense, and likely have reduced the shortfalls we experienced, that is all improving today. Fair trade policy, in combination with 'free' trade is my preference.

Fuel prices are linked to every cost and they have been artificially inflated by the oil companies and the suppliers, such as Saudi Arabia. The largest companies are posting record profits and have not increased production. Though we favor a free market in the best of times, it works against us during a crisis. The 'practice of gouging the consumer'(inflating profits) whenever there is the opportunity, as was the case during the pandemic and the first weeks of an overseas war, created a need for legislation to prevent it. As with big oil, they raised their prices prior to any increase in their cost and the supply is lower because they are keeping it that way. Their strategy of maintaining a short supply now(Saudi Arabia), is intended to drive the price up, after two years of high supply during the pandemic, which created lower demand and lower prices. The last administration worked with Saudi Arabia to reduce production to elevate prices, and the Saudis continue to keep the production lower than pre-pandemic, to maintain the margins of profit. The current administration has helped our own oil companies increase production, which keeps our pricing stable, as compared globally.

Across the board, we need to work to increase competition in the industrial sector to allow the law of supply and demand to work as it was designed. Competition is good for everyone. Employers need to make their profits, of course, though without taking advantage of supply shortages and outside circumstances(gouging). Supply issues due to global sourcing, the scarcity of raw materials and 'just in time' inventory practices can cause delays on vital goods, such as in the micro-chip sector, and its impact on new and used vehicles. 'Made in America' is a good thing and the CHIPS Act is key to the future of industry! With additional manufacturing also comes distribution opportunities and a whole host of other supporting businesses.

The investment in the labor force is key to the economic health of our nation. The number of people that have made career changes as a result of the pandemic-effect is driven by the need for higher wages and better benefits. Key industries with content and well-compensated employees, still require supply chains to function. Many of the supply chains are still rebounding and adjusting to the new employment concerns. In every aspect of the economy - manufacturing, supply chains, service - these concerns are real, and change must continue to occur to keep all of the sectors healthy.

I see incredible opportunity for District 23 to grow and expand in agriculture, manufacturing, business and tourism, with a representative that can align with local, state and federal majorities.

The Truth about the American Economy.....

We always hear that the economy could be better, when it is as good as it has ever been! The GDP was 4.9%, 3.3% and 1.6% for the last three quarters, and the forecast remains strong for 2024!

The economy was not better under the previous administration. In fact, it was ranked 7th against economic metrics of the last half century.

Some other economic factoids:

-The USA GDP increased by 6.1% in 2023 and stands at 27.36 trillion/year.

-We have the world's largest economy, which emphasizes private ownership,

-10 of the last 11 recessions were under a Republican President,

-GDP growth averages just 2.5% under Republicans, and 4.3% under Democrats,

-The only Presidents that have lowered the annual deficit are Democrats: Clinton, Obama and Biden.

-Of the 7 Presidents with the highest job creation numbers since 1945, 6 were Democrats,

-8 of the 10 poorest states in America are controlled by Republicans,

-Our government is smaller at 38% of GDP than European governments that range between 44% and 57%,

-Americans have a higher pre-tax reward and higher per capita income than all other developed nations.

We have a tremendous economic system, that can continue to be improved upon through education to target future skills sets, well-thought-out tax and regulatory legislation and proper policy-making.

We need representatives that know how to solve problems, and have their eye on the future of America!

Employment

As the pandemic wound down to an endemic, we entered a correction phase in the labor market with many leaving jobs that have not provided healthcare or a living wage, creating openings in the labor market in the vacated positions. Record numbers of people have been retiring. Despite all of the changes, unemployment has returned to pre-pandemic levels of less than 4%, and has been as low as 3.5%, with wages increasing.

Unemployment has been under 4% for more than two years straight!

In order to attract additional employers to our district, our regional industrial development agencies have rightly focused on infrastructure development adjacent to the 86/17 and 90 systems. If we build it, and prepare, there is an improved chance that business will come! The groundwork must be laid! Across our district, we need to continue water and sewer system upgrades, ensuring energy grids and distribution patterns are able to serve the needs of future business expansion. In Chatauqua County, we have two industrial zones that are expanding, which is fantastic!

Combining with infrastructure and opportunities to attract business, we need an educated and qualified workforce. That includes skilled, trades-people!

The development of our residents through vocational training and education programs is exactly what we need. When companies are looking for places to land their business, they look for primed and ready locations and the availability of a well-trained, talent pool. I can aid and support the counties/municipalities that have existing industrial development teams, and assist those that do not.

We cannot wait for business to come knocking on our door - we need to prepare and then seek it!

Similar to what I have done in my career with private companies, I will collaborate with the economic development teams of each county and municipality, and with the industrial leaders in the district to determine their needs and do my best to help them achieve their goals.

Preparation in combination with effective representation, will make all the difference!

The pre-work gets you the 'work-work'.

Border Security

Facts:

1) We all want secure borders. Ok, maybe not all! The Republican House of Representatives is turning down 'the best deal on the border' in a generation, due to their wanting to keep it as an election issue, at Donald Trump's request! The bi-partisan deal that is currently on the table was created in the Senate. This includes an additional 1,300 border patrol agents, 375 immigration judges, 1,600 asylum officers, and over 100 cutting-edge inspection machines to help detect and stop fentanyl at our southwest border. With a Democratic majority in the House, this would be voted on, pass and be implemented, and be a serious step to resolving the border crisis!

2) Let's go back a step - The US Border is not an ‘open border’. Both the number of border agents and the use of technology to secure our southern border are at an all time high. Laws are being followed. New legislation and funding(as described in #1) are required.

3) There is an unprecedented surge of migrants and asylum seekers due to harsh conditions in Central and South America. Long-term, we need to aid Central America in ways that stabilize their governments and economies.

4) The Trump administration dismantled the infrastructure that was working well for the USA, and the asylum seekers, and had achieved record numbers of deportations under Obama. The Trump administration reduced the number of judges and those processing applications for immigrants, breaking down a well-functioning system. Obama's administration deported more people in each term,(3.1 and 2.1 million) than Trump(2.0) in his one term.

5) The Republican-led, majority in the House of Representatives could reform immigration and resolve the issues surrounding the border, if they chose to. The House Republicans have chosen to keep the immigration issue alive because the former President is telling them to.

6) President Biden has enacted an executive order due to the House decision to 'not do anything'.

My interpretation of the border issue, is that our current representative does not tell the whole story on the border and immigration issues.

My opponent Nick Langworthy is a member of a Republican majority in the House, yet no meaningful legislation has been offered up by the House and they are stonewalling the 2024 border proposal from the Senate.

My opponent also knows that he has not supported legislation to correct the border crisis. He has not supported legislation to reform immigration policy, nothing to protect the “Dreamers’, nothing to certify immigrants into any status of legal work to alleviate our unemployment numbers to boost the economy.

He also knows that the border wall does little to reduce any migration,

Nick Langworthy knows that we have more border agents and surveillance technology in operation than ever before, yet, he acts like there is not.

He knows that the last administration reduced border protections and the numbers of judges to process illegal immigrants, dismantling a functional and effective asylum/deportation process, and that more is being done than ever before, yet he will state falsities about the situation.

He knows that everyone in law enforcement is focused on child trafficking, yet, he acts like they are not.

Generally speaking, our Congressman, and representatives like him are the biggest part of the problem with Congress and they are certainly not the solution. Nick Langworthy knows the truth, yet does not say it. He would rather complain than do the work necessary to sponsor proper and effective legislation to resolve the border immigration issue, once and for all!

It comes down to this - Nick Langworthy and the Republican politicians in the House of Representatives have said that they DO NOT want to work with Democrats to resolve border issues prior to the 2024 elections.

The reality is that with a group that represents all of the border stakeholders, a process to improve all aspects could be developed, legislated, passed and put into action. If the Republican majority in the House of Representatives wanted to correct the problem, they would. The Senate has a well-thought out plan that could be voted on, passed and implemented, yet the House does nothing.

Bottom line - my opponent supports the strategy of blocking comprehensive resolution to the border crisis. He will not stand up to his leadership and he will not stand up for you!

I would vote for the immigration/southern border bill that has been presented to the House and would also support the Democratic coalition led by Representatives Suozzi and Cuellar, for increased border security, including limits, shutdowns and increased funding.

Social Security

We have to protect Social Security! Republicans from George Bush to Donald Trump to Senator Rick Scott, and the recent presidential candidates from that party, have all proposed the cuts/elimination and/or the privatization of our Social Security Administration. They would love to get their hands on that fund, which would be the end of this program that benefits senior citizens, orphans and the disabled!

The Social Security Administration provides monthly benefits to over 65 million Americans, including the disabled and children. Seniors, especially the 'Boomers' live off and support themselves through their Social Security checks.

Social Security has never missed a payment! Legislation to protect this valuable government program needs to be enacted prior to its trust fund 'zeroing out' in approximately 10 years. If we do not act on the SSA funding, benefits will have to be reduced to continue based on current projections. And worst yet, would be the move to privatize it!

Whether it is raising the earnings cap for contributions that is in place, or another solution, or a combination of incremental changes, I will support well thought out measures to protect this incredible and necessary program.

The Social Security Administration has been in place for 80 years and is the sole source of income for many Americans. We must protect it.

Healthcare

Access to affordable Healthcare should be available to everyone, not just those employed by a company that provides it. In the industrialized world, the USA is the only country that has thousands of bankruptcies each year due to medical debt.

I will support initiatives aimed at addressing our healthcare system to ensure affordable coverage for all. No one should have to worry about coverage and care. For those with employer-sponsored healthcare that is adequate, no change is necessary, other than making plans more portable and affordable.

We have some of the best medical facilities and personnel in the world, and it is time for the system to catch up to the level of care possible for all of our citizens! And yet, with some of the very best medicine and medical abilities, we have regions, like ours, that are under-fund