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Reported by: Jason Frazer
Tuesday, Oct 14, 2008 @08:56am EDT
You could say that Dale Sweetland has the ultimate connection to New York. The married father of two kids has a family connection to New York that dates back to 1793.
"I've lived in Onondaga County all of my life," said Sweetland. "I grew up in southern Onondaga County on a dairy farm and I raised my family and my kids there, and we still live there."
After attending Fabius Central High School, Sweetland decided to continue his passion for farming by studying agricultural economics at SUNY Cobleskill. He left before graduating to help manage his father's dairy farm.
That's when his love of community service and helping others developed.
In 1988, He ran and won the Fabius Town Supervisor's position, but Sweetland says he didn't do it for the money.
"They are all part time positions. In fact, the town supervisors position paid $3,500 a year that was what that job paid that time. When I became a county legislator, the job paid $16,000 a year," Sweetland said.
Because of the low pay, the self labeled pro-business politician had to hold two jobs simultaneously. While managing the agricultural business, in 1994, he ran for and won a Onondaga County legislature seat. He served seven terms. In 2002, his dedication for public service would be rewarded.
"The legislature elected me their Chairman. They elected me twice and the first time it was party line vote. I served two years and then the second time it was a unanimous vote with Republicans and Democrats alike," said Sweetland, "so I think I have a good basis in saying I can work across party lines."
Sweetland has also had his share of political setbacks. A year before announcing his candidacy for his congressional district, Sweetland ran for Onondaga County Executive. It's a race he'll never forget.
"I learned that every vote counts. I lost by 21 votes and I learned that if you go out and vote, your vote really will count. It's the most important thing you can do."
With the economy on the minds of many voters this election, Sweetland is hoping his business experience in the private sector will be an asset to voters.
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