In this role, Byrne will lead Reclaim’s grassroots outreach and education efforts in communities across Cayuga, Oswego, Onondaga, Madison, Oneida, Herkimer, Lewis, Jefferson, and St. Lawrence counties. He will work with civic groups, and citizens to “hold government officials accountable for the affordability and corruption problems that have local families struggling, and too often leaving,” the organization said in a news release.
“With decades of experience as a local businessman and elected official, John brings invaluable expertise and enthusiasm to our citizen outreach efforts. We could not be more excited to have him represent Reclaim in these important counties,” Brandon Muir, Reclaim New York executive director said. “We look forward to working together with residents to turn back the effects of the affordability crisis, improve citizen access to government, and drive a greater level of civic engagement to advance reforms.”
Byrne grew up in the Southern Tier and started a precision mold company there. As a business owner, he “experienced first-hand how the Empire State’s countless regulations and complex tax code crush New Yorkers and our businesses,” Reclaim New York said.
Byrne later moved to the North Country where he first became involved in local government. His “frustration over the lack of transparency” in his hometown inspired him to run for town council, and he served four years on the Cape Vincent board in Jefferson County.
“I am honored to join Reclaim New York, and to bring a new approach to government reform to our region,” said Byrne. “It is past time we put citizens first, and empowered our neighbors to engage and address issues that have driven too many of our friends and family away. Albany politicians who’ve stuck to business-as-usual, instead of fixing high taxes and costly mandates, need a wake-up call.”
Byrne received his associate degree in applied science from Tompkins Cortland Community College in Dryden. He also served eight years in the New York Army National Guard and U.S. Army Reserve during the Desert Storm Era, receiving an honorable discharge.
Reclaim New York (www.reclaimnewyork.org) calls itself a nonpartisan, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that “empowers citizens, through education and civic engagement, to make New York a better place to live, work, and raise a family.”
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