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Canandaigua Republican Brian Kolb will run for NY Governor next year

Canandaigua Republican Brian Kolb says he will be running for New York Governor next year .

Kolb spoke with WXXI News Tuesday morning, saying he believes his blend of private and public sector experience make him the best candidate.

"Going forward, you really have to want to make the dedication and sacrifice required to serve our state on a 24/7 basis."

Kolb says he believes New Yorkers want a governor who will listen to them despite party affiliation, and that most are worried about the same issues.

"I think bottom line it’s about appealing to people’s pocketbooks and the kitchen table issues. I think that’s the most important thing that transcends party registration."

Kolb said experience and passion are key for this role.

When asked about Democratic Governor Andrew Cuomo, Kolb said he’s done good work in some areas, but could have improved in others such as economic development.

Kolb says New York deserves a governor who is invested in improving the state, rather than eyeing a seat in Washington.

"Especially now I think Governor Cuomo’s focus is on trying to go to Washington and run for president rather than focusing 24/7 on certainly how we can fix New York State."

Kolb has led the GOP minority in the state Assembly for eight years and was first elected in 2000.

Copyright 2017 WXXI News

Caitlin Whyte
Caitlin joins WXXI after working down the street at Stephens Media Group where, she co hosted a children's radio show, "Saturday Morning CarTunes" on WARM 101.3 and worked as a traffic reporter for various affiliates.