James Alesi
Encyclopedia
James S. "Jim" Alesi is a New York State Senator
, representing parts of Monroe County
, and a member of the Republican Party
.
. In 1977 he made an unsuccessful bid for a seat in the Monroe County Legislature against Louise Slaughter. He won on his second attempt twelve years later. In 1992, Alesi was elected to the New York State Assembly
, where his colleagues named him President of his class of freshman legislators. He was elected to the New York State Senate in a special election in 1996, and has been re-elected every two years since.
In January 2008, Alesi illegally entered an unfinished Perinton home, mistakenly believing it to be on sale, and broke his leg while climbing a ladder. The front door of the home was locked, but Alesi managed to gain entry through an unlocked back door. He did not have permission from either the builder or the homeowners to enter the house. The owners and builder declined to press charges for trespassing. On January 18, 2011, the same day the statute of limitations for any potential trespassing charges expired, Alesi filed a lawsuit against the owners and the builder alleging an unsafe environment at the home site. After criticism from members of the public and other Republicans, Alesi withdrew the suit.
In 2011, Alesi became the first Republican to announce his support for a new same-sex marriage bill. On June 24, 2011, Alesi was one of four Republicans to vote in favor of the Marriage Equality Act
.
New York State Senate
The New York State Senate is one of two houses in the New York State Legislature and has members each elected to two-year terms. There are no limits on the number of terms one may serve...
, representing parts of Monroe County
Monroe County, New York
Monroe County is a county located in the U.S. state of New York. As of the 2010 census, the population was 744,344. It is named after James Monroe, fifth President of the United States of America. Its county seat is the city of Rochester....
, and a member of the Republican Party
Republican Party (United States)
The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Democratic Party. Founded by anti-slavery expansion activists in 1854, it is often called the GOP . The party's platform generally reflects American conservatism in the U.S...
.
Early life
Before entering office, Alesi ran a firm that operates washers and dryers in apartment complexes and colleges.Political career
Alesi began his political career as the Republican Deputy Town Leader for Perinton, New YorkPerinton, New York
Perinton is a town in Monroe County, New York, United States. The population was 46,090 at the 2000 census.The Village of Fairport, New York is within the town on the Erie Canal. Perinton is adjacent to the village of East Rochester , and the towns of Victor , Macedon , Pittsford , and Penfield...
. In 1977 he made an unsuccessful bid for a seat in the Monroe County Legislature against Louise Slaughter. He won on his second attempt twelve years later. In 1992, Alesi was elected to the New York State Assembly
New York State Assembly
The New York State Assembly is the lower house of the New York State Legislature. The Assembly is composed of 150 members representing an equal number of districts, with each district having an average population of 128,652...
, where his colleagues named him President of his class of freshman legislators. He was elected to the New York State Senate in a special election in 1996, and has been re-elected every two years since.
In January 2008, Alesi illegally entered an unfinished Perinton home, mistakenly believing it to be on sale, and broke his leg while climbing a ladder. The front door of the home was locked, but Alesi managed to gain entry through an unlocked back door. He did not have permission from either the builder or the homeowners to enter the house. The owners and builder declined to press charges for trespassing. On January 18, 2011, the same day the statute of limitations for any potential trespassing charges expired, Alesi filed a lawsuit against the owners and the builder alleging an unsafe environment at the home site. After criticism from members of the public and other Republicans, Alesi withdrew the suit.
Same-sex marriage legislation
In 2009, Alesi voted no on same-sex marriage legislation despite being considered the Republican most likely to support the legislation. He is seen on video from the New York Senate floor casting his no vote with his head in his hands, and later admitted that he struggled with his decision to vote against the legislation.In 2011, Alesi became the first Republican to announce his support for a new same-sex marriage bill. On June 24, 2011, Alesi was one of four Republicans to vote in favor of the Marriage Equality Act
Marriage Equality Act
The Marriage Equality Act is a 2011 New York State law that allows gender-neutral marriages for both same- and opposite-sex couples, while prohibiting state and local courts and governments from penalizing religious and religious-supervised institutions, their employees, or clergy for refusing to...
.