Contact: Mike Fraser, office: (518) 455-3751; cell: (518) 859-8518
Assembly Minority Leader Brian M. Kolb (R,C,I,Ref-Canandaigua) today welcomed two new members to the Assembly Minority Conference after a pair of special-election victories were finalized in Upstate districts. Chris Tague, representing the 102nd Assembly District, and Jake Ashby of the 107th Assembly District were formally seated in the Assembly Chamber during their first day at the Capitol.
"It is with great excitement that I welcome Chris Tague and Jake Ashby to the Assembly Minority Conference," Leader Kolb said. "Their victories were both hard-fought and well-deserved, and I know they will do great work for their constituents. I extend my congratulations and look forward to working alongside them on common-sense policies to create jobs, make New York more affordable and clean up Albany corruption."
Focused on supporting local farmers, lowering taxes, combating the state's devastating opioid epidemic and improving Broadband internet access, Assemblyman Tague will represent Schoharie and Greene counties and parts of Delaware, Columbia, Ulster, Otsego and Albany counties. His blue-collar roots and experience began on his family farm. He worked at Cobleskill Stone Products for 25 years, starting out as a laborer before working his way up to become general manager. He has also served as Schoharie County town supervisor since 2015.
Ashby, a veteran who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, will represent parts of Rensselaer, Columbia and Washington counties. He is an ardent supporter of Second Amendment rights and plans to work to improve opportunities for service members returning from duty. He will also work to fix New York's infrastructure and improve the state's business climate. Previously, he served as a Rensselaer County Legislator representing District 4; currently, he works as an occupational therapist and rehabilitation director and educator.
Assembly members Tague and Ashby join Assemblyman Doug Smith of the 5th Assembly District and Assemblyman John Mikulin of the 17th Assembly District as the newest members of the Assembly Minority Conference. All four won special election victories last month. Smith and Mikulin were seated in the Assembly Chamber on April 30.
Assemblyman Jacob Ashby, 107th Assembly District
Assemblyman Chris Tague, 102nd Assembly District