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Gregory R. Ball (view source)

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Assemblyman Ball serves as the ranking member on the [[veterans|Veteran's Affairs]] committee; and is also a member of the Election Law; Energy; Housing; and Social Services Committees.<ref>"[http://assembly.state.ny.us/mem/?ad=099&sh=com Committee memberships]". ''[[New York State Assembly]]''. Retrieved on February 24, 2008.</ref> He represents New York's 99th assembly district which is comprised of the towns Patterson, Mahopac, Carmel, Southeast, Putnam Lake and Brewster, in Putnam County; Yorktown, |Mohegan Lake, Somers, and North Salem in Westchester County; and Pawling in Duchess County.

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Beginning his political career in 2005, he defeated six-term incumbent Willis Stephens in a primary in September of 2006, running of a platform of reforming the legislature in Albany. Since being elected, Ball has been active in issues involving school and property tax reform, animal protection, the environment, veteran's affairs, and illegal immigration. He is often mentioned as a possible candidate for higher office.

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Beginning his political career in 2005, he defeated six-term incumbent Willis Stephens in a primary in September 2006, running of a platform of reforming the legislature in Albany. Since being elected, Ball has been active in issues involving school and property tax reform, animal protection, the environment, veteran's affairs, and illegal immigration. He is often mentioned as a possible candidate for higher office.

== Early career and background ==

Ball was born in Pawling, New York, and grew up on the Kennedy estate of Stephen and Jean Kennedy-Smith, sister of [[President of the United States|President]] [[John F. Kennedy]], where his parents were both caretakers.<ref name="feet">Klein, Benjamin. "[http://www.legislativegazette.com/read_more.php?story=1874&searchstr=Greg Ball Ball looks to hold people’s feet to the fire]". ''[[Legislative Gazette]]''. January 16, 2007.</ref> He attended the prestigious Valley Forge Military Academy before receiving an appointment to the United States Air Force Academy from Congresswoman [[Sue Kelly]].<ref name="officialbio"/> He was the first member of his family to attend college.<ref name="campaignbio">"[http://www.ball4ny.com/about.aspx About Greg]". ''[http://www.assemblymangball.com/ Ball for Assembly]''. Retrieved on February 24, 2008.</ref> Ball received a Bachelors of Arts in Government in 2001.<ref name="officialbio"/> He is currently completing a Masters thesis in International Affairs at [[Georgetown University]], and was a fellow at the Center for the Study of the Presidency from 2002 to 2003.<ref>Henderson, Robert E., ed. "[http://www.thepresidency.org/Publications/fellowspublications.html A Dialogue on the Presidency with a New Generation of Leaders: Papers of the 2002-2003 Center Fellows]". Washington, DC: [http://www.thepresidency.org CSP], 2003.</ref> Ball is a board member of the Air Force Academy Association of Graduates, and is a member of several area Chambers of Commerce and business associations.<ref>"[http://www.usafa.org/about/governance/BoardCommittees.aspx Committees of the Board]". ''[http://www.usafa.org Air Force Academy Association of Graduates]''. Retrieved on February 26, 2008.</ref><ref>Greene, Mae. "[http://www.zwire.com/site/index.cfm?newsid=18784866&BRD=1707&PAG=461&dept_id=72297&rfi=8 Chamber of Commerce awardees]". ''[http://pawlingnewschronicle.com Pawling News-Chronicle]''. September 7, 2007.</ref>

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Ball initially interned in the [[White House]] Drug Policy Office during the term of President [[Bill Clinton]] and was then assigned to the 11th Wing as a protocol officer to the Secretary of the Air Force and the Air Force Chief of Staff.<ref>"VOTER'S GUIDE: 99th state Assembly District". ''[[Poughkeepsie Journal]]''. October 29, 2006.</ref><ref>"I was honored to serve as Greg Ball’s mentor while he was in the U.S. Air Force. When Greg was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant at the United States Air Force Academy, I was honored to pin on his rank and commission him as a young officer. As Greg excelled through the ranks and was promoted to Captain, I was honored to watch Greg perform as an outstanding young officer. Greg Ball graduated from the Air Force Academy, served in the White House Drug Policy Office, lived on Capitol Hill, and served in the 11th Wing in our Nation’s capital working directly for four star generals in the Pentagon and throughout the National Capitol Region. Few Lieutenants are chosen for such a demanding position."–[[Colonel|Col.]] Joseph P. Green, [[United States Air Force|USAF (Ret.)]], [http://www.newscopy.org/2006/06/99th_balls_mili.html E-Mail to Bob Fois]. June 6, 2006.</ref> He was awarded an achievement medal for outstanding service by General John P. Jumper and was honorably discharged from active duty in January of 2005 at the rank of Captain.<ref name="officialbio"/><ref>Benson, John. "[http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=15827256&BRD=1707&PAG=461&dept_id=72297&rfi=6 Town of Pawling 2005 Year in Review]". ''[http://pawlingnewschronicle.com Pawling News-Chronicle]''. December 29, 2005.</ref> Ball remains in the U.S. Air Force Ready Reserve.<ref>Benson, John. "[http://www.zwire.com/site/index.cfm?newsid=17343190&BRD=1707&PAG=461&dept_id=72297&rfi=8 Community salutes military families]". ''[http://www.pawlingnewschronicle.com Pawling News-Chronicle]''. December 20, 2006.</ref>

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Ball initially interned in the [[White House]] Drug Policy Office during the term of President [[Bill Clinton]] and was then assigned to the 11th Wing as a protocol officer to the Secretary of the Air Force and the Air Force Chief of Staff.<ref>"VOTER'S GUIDE: 99th state Assembly District". ''[[Poughkeepsie Journal]]''. October 29, 2006.</ref><ref>"I was honored to serve as Greg Ball’s mentor while he was in the U.S. Air Force. When Greg was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant at the United States Air Force Academy, I was honored to pin on his rank and commission him as a young officer. As Greg excelled through the ranks and was promoted to Captain, I was honored to watch Greg perform as an outstanding young officer. Greg Ball graduated from the Air Force Academy, served in the White House Drug Policy Office, lived on Capitol Hill, and served in the 11th Wing in our Nation’s capital working directly for four star generals in the Pentagon and throughout the National Capitol Region. Few Lieutenants are chosen for such a demanding position."–[[Colonel|Col.]] Joseph P. Green, [[United States Air Force|USAF (Ret.)]], [http://www.newscopy.org/2006/06/99th_balls_mili.html E-Mail to Bob Fois]. June 6, 2006.</ref> He was awarded an achievement medal for outstanding service by General John P. Jumper and was honorably discharged from active duty in January 2005 at the rank of Captain.<ref name="officialbio"/><ref>Benson, John. "[http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=15827256&BRD=1707&PAG=461&dept_id=72297&rfi=6 Town of Pawling 2005 Year in Review]". ''[http://pawlingnewschronicle.com Pawling News-Chronicle]''. December 29, 2005.</ref> Ball remains in the U.S. Air Force Ready Reserve.<ref>Benson, John. "[http://www.zwire.com/site/index.cfm?newsid=17343190&BRD=1707&PAG=461&dept_id=72297&rfi=8 Community salutes military families]". ''[http://www.pawlingnewschronicle.com Pawling News-Chronicle]''. December 20, 2006.</ref>

Upon his separation from active duty, Ball returned to New York to work for Exceed International, a commercial development corporation, eventually becoming an Executive Vice President in the Northeast division.<ref name="officialbio"/><ref name="exceed">"[http://www.exceedintl.com/aboutus.asp The Next Economy]". ''[http://www.exceedintl.com/ Exceed International]''. Retrieved on February 24, 2008.</ref> In 2006, Exceed proposed a $75 million urban renewal project for the village of Brewster which would generate some $2 million a year in tax revenue for the town.<ref name="exceed1">"[http://www.zwire.com/site/index.cfm?newsid=16351907&BRD=1708&PAG=461&dept_id=72445&rfi=8 Plans call for $75 million urban renewal project of village's downtown]". ''[http://www.putnamcountycourier.com Putnam County Courier]''. March 24, 2006.</ref> Village Mayor John Degnan noted that "All of the infrastructure work recently completed by defining our identity within the watershed has paid off. Brewster finds itself in a situation where people are eagerly interested in working with the village in partnership to see our village revitalized".<ref name="exceed1"/>

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}}</ref><ref>"Pawling man seeks GOP support for Assembly". ''[[Poughkeepsie Journal]]''. May 31, 2005.</ref> Stephens' family had held the seat nearly continuously for eighty years: his grandfather, D. Mallory Stephens, represented the district from 1926 to 1952; his father, Willis Stephens Sr., held the seat from 1952 to 1982; and Stephens himself served from 1994 to 2006.<ref>"[http://politicalgraveyard.com/bio/stephens.html Index to Politicians: Stephens]". ''[http://politicalgraveyard.com The Political Graveyard]''. Retrieved on February 24, 2008.</ref> Ball received over $110,000 in campaign contributions for the race.<ref>Risinit, Mike. "[http://polhudson.lohudblogs.com/2006/07/17/gregs-been-spending/ Greg’s been spending]". ''[[The Journal News]]''. July 13, 2006.</ref><ref>"[http://www.elections.state.ny.us/plsql_browser/efs_summary_page?comid_in=A18887&rdate_in=15-JUL-2006&reportid_in=K&eyear_in=2006 New Yorkers on the Ball. 2006 July Periodic Report Summary Page]". ''[http://www.elections.state.ny.us/ New York State Board of Elections]''. Retrieved on February 24, 2008.</ref> He was placed on the primary ballot by the signature of over 1800 petitioners.<ref>Risinit, Mike. "[http://polhudson.lohudblogs.com/2006/07/11/balls-in-or-at-least-his-paperwork-is/ Ball’s in or at least his paperwork is]". ''[[The Journal News]]''. July 11, 2006.</ref><ref>"Pawling man sets his sights on state Assembly seat". ''[[Poughkeepsie Journal]]''. April 27, 2005.</ref>

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At times Ball's campaign was noted for its unorthodoxy, including hiring a man in a chicken suit to follow around the incumbent after Stephens refused to debate him.<ref name="chicken">Risinit, Mike. "[http://polhudson.lohudblogs.com/2006/05/31/the-chicken-suit-has-been-mothballed-sort-of/ The chicken suit has been mothballed, sort of]". ''[[The Journal News]]''. May 31, 2006.</ref> Ball again garnered attention at an event in August of 2006 where he carried trash bags to a press conference and drew attention to Stephens, who also served as the legal counsel to the town of Southeast, New York, for having accepted $9,355 from Waste Hauling CEO, convicted felon and reputed mob boss James Galante, who was later awarded a $1.5 million no-bid garbage contract by the town board on Stephens' recommendation.<ref name="stephens2">{{

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At times Ball's campaign was noted for its unorthodoxy, including hiring a man in a chicken suit to follow around the incumbent after Stephens refused to debate him.<ref name="chicken">Risinit, Mike. "[http://polhudson.lohudblogs.com/2006/05/31/the-chicken-suit-has-been-mothballed-sort-of/ The chicken suit has been mothballed, sort of]". ''[[The Journal News]]''. May 31, 2006.</ref> Ball again garnered attention at an event in August 2006 where he carried trash bags to a press conference and drew attention to Stephens, who also served as the legal counsel to the town of Southeast, New York, for having accepted $9,355 from Waste Hauling CEO, convicted felon and reputed mob boss James Galante, who was later awarded a $1.5 million no-bid garbage contract by the town board on Stephens' recommendation.<ref name="stephens2">{{

Cite news

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Ball again joined Spitzer, this time calling for property tax reform, and proposed an inflation-indexed cap on spending and school andproperty tax increases known as the "New York State Property Taxpayers Protection Act" similar to the measure adopted by [[Massachusetts]] and fourteen other states.<ref>Risinit, Mike. "[http://polhudson.lohudblogs.com/2008/01/10/ball-on-the-governors-address/ Ball on the Governors Address]". ''[[The Journal News]]''. January 10, 2008.</ref><ref>"Governor missed golden opportunity to curb spending". ''[[Poughkeepsie Journal]]''. April 6, 2007.</ref><ref>Lucas, Ashley. "[http://www.legislativegazette.com/read_more.php?story=2564&searchstr=Greg Ball Assembly GOP hears residents on taxing issues]". ''[[Legislative Gazette]]''. June 18, 2007.</ref><ref>Barron, Sam. "[http://www.northcountynews.com/Apps/FullSize.aspx?articleid=2364 School tax reform gains steam]". ''[http://www.northcountynews.com North County News]''. May 30, 2007.</ref> Ball has proposed measures to cap or eliminate the state sales tax on gasoline, and voted for the measure signed by Governor Spitzer to reform the State Budget process with more openness and transparency.<ref name="greenstock"/><ref>"[http://assembly.state.ny.us/mem/?ad=099&sh=story&story=20999 Ball Keeps His Promise – Eliminates Pork Barrel and Reforms Budget Process]". ''[[New York State Assembly]]''. January 25, 2007.</ref><ref>"[http://assembly.state.ny.us/leg/?bn=A02755 Bill Summary - A02755]". ''[[New York State Assembly]]''. Retrieved on March 23, 2008.</ref>

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He has voted dozens of times against any bill that proposes tax increases, including opposition a measure to raise the Putnam County sales tax by half a percent from 3.5% to 4% that was supported by State Senator Vincent Leibell, a fellow local legislator.<ref>Matthews, Cara. "[http://polhudson.lohudblogs.com/2007/06/21/raging-against-the-machine/ Raging against the machine]". ''[[The Journal News]]''. June 21, 2007.</ref> Ball was also dismayed when asked by Putnam county legislators to carry a bill to Albany during the 2007 county "budget crisis"<ref name="taxcrisis1">Elan, Susan. "[http://polhudson.lohudblogs.com/2007/04/24/ball-calls-putnam-budget-crisis-forum/ Ball calls Putnam budget crisis forum]". ''[[The Journal News]]''. April 24, 2007.</ref>, requesting a sales tax increase to 8.375%, which County Executive Robert Bondi, a fellow Republican, claimed was necessary to ward off a projected 66% property tax increase.<ref>Sternberg, Margaret. "[http://www.pcnr.com/news/2007/0502/front_page/001.html Legislature Considers Alternatives Should Sales Tax Renewal and Increase Fall Through]". ''[http://www.pcnr.com Putnam County News and Recorder]''. May 2, 2007.</ref><ref>Sternberg, Margaret. "[http://www.pcnr.com/news/2007/0509/front_page/001.html County Legislator O'Dell's Commission for Fiscal Vision and Accountability Tabled While Tamagna's and Ball's Budget Forum Looms]". ''[http://www.pcnr.com Putnam County News and Recorder]''. May 9, 2007.</ref> Ball felt that the County legislature could have eliminated more "[[Pork-barrel spending" from the county budget.<ref name="taxcrisis1"/><ref>Sternberg, Margaret. "[http://www.pcnr.com/news/2007/0404/front_page/001.html County Sales Tax Renewal and .5 Percent Increase Approved in Committee]". ''[http://www.pcnr.com Putnam County News and Recorder]''. April 4, 2007.</ref> Another state legislator, Democrat [[Sandra Galef]], eventually introduced the tax increase bill to the Assembly.<ref>Leiter, Maria. "[http://www.pcnr.com/news/2007/0725/Front_Page/001.html County Legislature Approves Saltes Tax Increase]". ''[http://www.pcnr.com Putnam County News and Recorder]''. July 25, 2007.</ref> Ball later joined with a county legislator in calling on Bondi to resign, citing his "incompetence and stubbornness" in proposing a budget with a 40% increase in the property tax levy.<ref>Boisi, Patrick. "[http://www.northcountynews.com/Apps/FullSize.aspx?articleid=2882 Bondi defends 40 percent tax increase, Ball calls for his resignation]". ''[http://www.northcountynews.com North County News]''. September 12, 2007.</ref><ref name="resignnow">Anderson, Liz. "[http://polhudson.lohudblogs.com/2007/09/07/ball-to-bondi-resign-now/ Ball to Bondi: Resign now]". ''[[The Journal News]]''. September 7, 2007.</ref>

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He has voted dozens of times against any bill that proposes tax increases, including opposition a measure to raise the Putnam County sales tax by half a percent from 3.5% to 4% that was supported by State Senator Vincent Leibell, a fellow local legislator.<ref>Matthews, Cara. "[http://polhudson.lohudblogs.com/2007/06/21/raging-against-the-machine/ Raging against the machine]". ''[[The Journal News]]''. June 21, 2007.</ref> Ball was also dismayed when asked by Putnam county legislators to carry a bill to Albany during the 2007 county "budget crisis",<ref name="taxcrisis1">Elan, Susan. "[http://polhudson.lohudblogs.com/2007/04/24/ball-calls-putnam-budget-crisis-forum/ Ball calls Putnam budget crisis forum]". ''[[The Journal News]]''. April 24, 2007.</ref> requesting a sales tax increase to 8.375%, which County Executive Robert Bondi, a fellow Republican, claimed was necessary to ward off a projected 66% property tax increase.<ref>Sternberg, Margaret. "[http://www.pcnr.com/news/2007/0502/front_page/001.html Legislature Considers Alternatives Should Sales Tax Renewal and Increase Fall Through]". ''[http://www.pcnr.com Putnam County News and Recorder]''. May 2, 2007.</ref><ref>Sternberg, Margaret. "[http://www.pcnr.com/news/2007/0509/front_page/001.html County Legislator O'Dell's Commission for Fiscal Vision and Accountability Tabled While Tamagna's and Ball's Budget Forum Looms]". ''[http://www.pcnr.com Putnam County News and Recorder]''. May 9, 2007.</ref> Ball felt that the County legislature could have eliminated more "[[Pork-barrel spending" from the county budget.<ref name="taxcrisis1"/><ref>Sternberg, Margaret. "[http://www.pcnr.com/news/2007/0404/front_page/001.html County Sales Tax Renewal and .5 Percent Increase Approved in Committee]". ''[http://www.pcnr.com Putnam County News and Recorder]''. April 4, 2007.</ref> Another state legislator, Democrat [[Sandra Galef]], eventually introduced the tax increase bill to the Assembly.<ref>Leiter, Maria. "[http://www.pcnr.com/news/2007/0725/Front_Page/001.html County Legislature Approves Saltes Tax Increase]". ''[http://www.pcnr.com Putnam County News and Recorder]''. July 25, 2007.</ref> Ball later joined with a county legislator in calling on Bondi to resign, citing his "incompetence and stubbornness" in proposing a budget with a 40% increase in the property tax levy.<ref>Boisi, Patrick. "[http://www.northcountynews.com/Apps/FullSize.aspx?articleid=2882 Bondi defends 40 percent tax increase, Ball calls for his resignation]". ''[http://www.northcountynews.com North County News]''. September 12, 2007.</ref><ref name="resignnow">Anderson, Liz. "[http://polhudson.lohudblogs.com/2007/09/07/ball-to-bondi-resign-now/ Ball to Bondi: Resign now]". ''[[The Journal News]]''. September 7, 2007.</ref>

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Ball pledged to deliver an Empire Zone to Putnam County during his campaign, and this became a reality in February of 2008.<ref>"[http://www.assemblymangball.com/BlogEntry.aspx?entryID=73 Empire Zone comes to Putnam County]". ''[http://ball4ny.com Ball for Assembly]''. Retrieved on February 24, 2008.</ref><ref>"[http://www.midhudsonnews.com/News/PC_EZ-08Feb08.html State approves Putnam County Empire Zone]". ''[http://midhusonnews.com Mid-Hudson News]''. February 8, 2008.</ref> Advantages of an Empire Zone include offering up to 100-percent state subsidy of a business' real estate taxes for up to 10 years, state tax credits up to $3,500 for five years for each new employee, a waiver of sales tax on certain business purchases and sales tax credits for contributions to 501c3 non-profit groups.<ref>Gross, Eric. "[http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=19289190&BRD=1708&PAG=461&dept_id=72445&rfi=6 Empire Zone becomes reality in Putnam County]". ''[http://www.putnamcountycourier.com Putnam County Courier]''. February 14, 2008.</ref> Ball has also delivered dozens of grants for organizations throughout the 99th Assembly District, including the American Red Cross.<ref>"[http://www.northcountynews.com/Apps/FullSize.aspx?articleid=3580 Ball provides $10,000 to American Red Cross emergency preparedness program]". ''[http://www.northcountynews.com North County News]''. February 13, 2008.</ref><ref name="vol1iss3">"[http://assembly.state.ny.us/member_files/099/20070926a/ A Community News Letter: Pawling]", vol 1., Issue 3. ''[[New York State Assembly]]''. October 2007.</ref><ref>Foley, Kevin. "[http://www.pcnr.com/news/2008/0206/Front_Page/006.html ARC in Greater NY Receives Grant for Computers at New Putnam Office]". ''[http://www.pcnr.com Putnam County News and Recorder]''. February 6, 2008.</ref>

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Ball pledged to deliver an Empire Zone to Putnam County during his campaign, and this became a reality in February 2008.<ref>"[http://www.assemblymangball.com/BlogEntry.aspx?entryID=73 Empire Zone comes to Putnam County]". ''[http://ball4ny.com Ball for Assembly]''. Retrieved on February 24, 2008.</ref><ref>"[http://www.midhudsonnews.com/News/PC_EZ-08Feb08.html State approves Putnam County Empire Zone]". ''[http://midhusonnews.com Mid-Hudson News]''. February 8, 2008.</ref> Advantages of an Empire Zone include offering up to 100-percent state subsidy of a business' real estate taxes for up to 10 years, state tax credits up to $3,500 for five years for each new employee, a waiver of sales tax on certain business purchases and sales tax credits for contributions to 501c3 non-profit groups.<ref>Gross, Eric. "[http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=19289190&BRD=1708&PAG=461&dept_id=72445&rfi=6 Empire Zone becomes reality in Putnam County]". ''[http://www.putnamcountycourier.com Putnam County Courier]''. February 14, 2008.</ref> Ball has also delivered dozens of grants for organizations throughout the 99th Assembly District, including the American Red Cross.<ref>"[http://www.northcountynews.com/Apps/FullSize.aspx?articleid=3580 Ball provides $10,000 to American Red Cross emergency preparedness program]". ''[http://www.northcountynews.com North County News]''. February 13, 2008.</ref><ref name="vol1iss3">"[http://assembly.state.ny.us/member_files/099/20070926a/ A Community News Letter: Pawling]", vol 1., Issue 3. ''[[New York State Assembly]]''. October 2007.</ref><ref>Foley, Kevin. "[http://www.pcnr.com/news/2008/0206/Front_Page/006.html ARC in Greater NY Receives Grant for Computers at New Putnam Office]". ''[http://www.pcnr.com Putnam County News and Recorder]''. February 6, 2008.</ref>

====Reaction to Governor Spitzer's resignation====

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| author=Eliot Spitzer

| title=Full Text of Spitzer Resignation| journal=New York Times

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| ~~year~~=March 12, 2008

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| date=March 12, 2008

| url=http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/03/12/full-text-of-spitzer-resignation

| accessdate= 2008-03-12

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====Committee work and legislation====

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As ranking member of the Veterans Affairs Committee, Ball announced legislation expanding the eligibility for veterans to receive tax exemption benefits, including the exemption of real property owned by certain disabled veterans from property taxation.<ref name="vol1iss3"/> Ball also authored the bill to create a tuition remission program for veterans, offering them free tuition at both SUNY and CUNY undergraduate and graduate institutions.<ref>"[http://assembly.state.ny.us/leg/?bn=A08532 Bill Summary - A08532]". ''[[New York State Assembly]]''. Retrieved on February 24, 2008.</ref> Although the first bill did not make it out of committee, after Governor Spitzer called on the Assembly to pass such a measure, Ball reintroduced the legislation and has gained thirty-one cosponsors.<ref>"[http://assembly.state.ny.us/leg/?bn=A09701 Bill Summary - A09701]". ''[[New York State Assembly]]''. Retrieved on February 24, 2008.</ref> State Senator Vinnie Leibell, whose Senate district encompasses the 99th Assembly District, announced the Senate would begin working to pass a similar measure.<ref>"[http://senatorvincentleibell.com/40/news/07-03-01/making_college_education_more_affordable.aspx Making college education more affordable]". ''[http://senatorvincentleibell.com New York State Senate]''. March 1, 2007. Retrieved on February 24, 2008.</ref> Currently, the State of New York Higher Education Services Corporation only offers tuition awards of $1000 per semester for military service.<ref>"[http://www.hesc.com/content.nsf/SFC/2/Veterans_Tuition_Awards Veterans Tuition Awards]". ''[http://www.hesc.com New York State Higher Education Services Corporation].'' Retrieved on February 25, 2008.</ref> Numerous members of the New York Veterans of Foreign Wars, including the State Commander, spoke in favor of the bill before the Assembly in February of 2008.<ref>"[http://www.vfwny.com/WHOVILLE/Whoville.pdf The Whoville Legislative Register]". ''[[New York]] [[Veterans of Foreign Wars]]''. Vol. 5, No. 6. February 5, 2008.</ref>

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As ranking member of the Veterans Affairs Committee, Ball announced legislation expanding the eligibility for veterans to receive tax exemption benefits, including the exemption of real property owned by certain disabled veterans from property taxation.<ref name="vol1iss3"/> Ball also authored the bill to create a tuition remission program for veterans, offering them free tuition at both SUNY and CUNY undergraduate and graduate institutions.<ref>"[http://assembly.state.ny.us/leg/?bn=A08532 Bill Summary - A08532]". ''[[New York State Assembly]]''. Retrieved on February 24, 2008.</ref> Although the first bill did not make it out of committee, after Governor Spitzer called on the Assembly to pass such a measure, Ball reintroduced the legislation and has gained thirty-one cosponsors.<ref>"[http://assembly.state.ny.us/leg/?bn=A09701 Bill Summary - A09701]". ''[[New York State Assembly]]''. Retrieved on February 24, 2008.</ref> State Senator Vinnie Leibell, whose Senate district encompasses the 99th Assembly District, announced the Senate would begin working to pass a similar measure.<ref>"[http://senatorvincentleibell.com/40/news/07-03-01/making_college_education_more_affordable.aspx Making college education more affordable]". ''[http://senatorvincentleibell.com New York State Senate]''. March 1, 2007. Retrieved on February 24, 2008.</ref> Currently, the State of New York Higher Education Services Corporation only offers tuition awards of $1000 per semester for military service.<ref>"[http://www.hesc.com/content.nsf/SFC/2/Veterans_Tuition_Awards Veterans Tuition Awards]". ''[http://www.hesc.com New York State Higher Education Services Corporation].'' Retrieved on February 25, 2008.</ref> Numerous members of the New York Veterans of Foreign Wars, including the State Commander, spoke in favor of the bill before the Assembly in February 2008.<ref>"[http://www.vfwny.com/WHOVILLE/Whoville.pdf The Whoville Legislative Register]". ''[[New York]] [[Veterans of Foreign Wars]]''. Vol. 5, No. 6. February 5, 2008.</ref>

His support for pro-agricultural legislation, including creation of measures to establish a $30 million Dairy Assistance Program, as well as providing financial assistance to counties for farmland protection and for the construction of greenmarkets, among others, earned him an award from the New York Farm Bureau.<ref>"[http://www.nyfb.org/nyfbnews/2007/pr091107.htm New York Farm Bureau names 'Circle of Friends' in the State Legislature]". [http://www.nyfb.org/ New York Farm Bureau]. September 11, 2007. Retrieved on February 24, 2008.</ref> He was also named as the [[National Rifle Association|New York State Rifle & Pistol Association]] "Assemblyman of the Year" for his dedication toward advocating for outdoor sports and sportsmen’s rights.<ref name="vol1iss3"/>

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====Illegal immigration====

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According to ''The Journal News'', one key to Ball's success was that his campaign identified the concern local voters cared most about: illegal immigration.<ref name="west1">West, Debra. "[http://www.lohud.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070812/OPINION/708120332/1151 The Greg Ball effect: An anti-illegal alien strategy takes root and thrives]". ''[[The Journal News]]''. August 12, 2007.</ref> He was joined by former INS agents in a rally protesting a proposed work shelter for illegal immigrations in the village of Brewster.<ref>Risinit, Mike. "[http://polhudson.lohudblogs.com/2007/06/26/just-say-no/ Just say no]". ''[[The Journal News]]''. June 26, 2007.</ref> Ball made illegal immigration a focal point of his bid for office.<ref name="feet"/> In October of 2007, he strongly criticized Governor Eliot Spitzer's plan to give driver's licenses to illegal immigrants.<ref>Blain, Glenn. "[http://polhudson.lohudblogs.com/2007/10/01/assembly-gop-takes-aim-at-spitzer-license-plan/ Assembly GOP takes aim at Spitzer license plan]". ''[[The Journal News]]''. October 1, 2007.</ref><ref>Barron, Sam. "[http://www.northcountynews.com/Apps/FullSize.aspx?articleid=2995 Ball strikes back, threatens to sue Governor Spitzer over drivers license policy]". ''[http://www.northcountynews.com North County News]''. October 3, 2007.</ref><ref>"GOP group critical of Spitzer plan". ''[[Poughkeepsie Journal]]''. March 2, 2007.</ref> An oft-quoted line from his campaign fliers was that "Illegal Immigration is Illegal".<ref>Applebome, Peter. "[http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/11/nyregion/11towns.html?n=Top/News/New York and Region/Columns/Our Towns&pagewanted=all When an Election Becomes a Forum on Immigration]". ''[[New York Times]]''. November 11, 2007.</ref><ref>Risinit, Mike. "[http://www.lohud.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2007712130403 Assemblyman Ball discusses illegal immigration and public safety]". ''[[The Journal News]]''. December 13, 2007.</ref> He was named "Albany's most ardent supporter of legal immigration" when he was appointed State Chairman of the national immigration reform group State Legislators for Legal Immigration.<ref>"[[http://www.statelegislatorsforlegalimmigration.com/ Lawmakers for Legal Immigration]". Retrieved March 23, 2008.</ref><ref>"[http://www.assemblymangball.com/BlogEntry.aspx?entryID=83 Ball Named States Chairman of National Legal Immigration Group]". ''[http://www.assemblymanball.com Ball for Assembly]''. Retrieved on February 24, 2008.</ref><ref>Rae, Leah. "[http://immigration.lohudblogs.com/2008/02/14/greg-ball-joins-national-lawmakers-against-alien-invasion/ Greg Ball joins national lawmakers against alien ‘invasion’]". ''[[The Journal News]]''. February 14, 2008.</ref> Yet Ball declined to speak at an anti illegal-immigration forum in Danbury, Connecticut sponsored by [http://www.uscfile.org/ United States Citizens for Immigration Law Enforcement, calling the group's rhetoric "over the top."<ref>Homayonpour, Marietta. "[http://72.14.205.104/search?q=cache:W2k7P7nKUDEJ:www.newstimes.com/ci_7848096?source%253Dmost_emailed.26978592730A3B8C7F471EACE0DA4EF2.html+site:newstimes.com+"Immigration+Law+Enforcement"&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=3&gl=us Should Danbury partner with ICE?]". ''[[Danbury News-Times]]''. December 31, 2007.</ref><ref>Risinit, Mike. "[http://polhudson.lohudblogs.com/2007/04/30/not-visiting-connecticut/ Not visiting Connecticut]". ''[[The Journal News]]''. April 30, 2007.</ref><ref>"[http://www.uscfile.org/ United States Citizens for Immigration Law Enforcement]". Retrieved March 23, 2008.</ref>

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According to ''The Journal News'', one key to Ball's success was that his campaign identified the concern local voters cared most about: illegal immigration.<ref name="west1">West, Debra. "[http://www.lohud.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070812/OPINION/708120332/1151 The Greg Ball effect: An anti-illegal alien strategy takes root and thrives]". ''[[The Journal News]]''. August 12, 2007.</ref> He was joined by former INS agents in a rally protesting a proposed work shelter for illegal immigrations in the village of Brewster.<ref>Risinit, Mike. "[http://polhudson.lohudblogs.com/2007/06/26/just-say-no/ Just say no]". ''[[The Journal News]]''. June 26, 2007.</ref> Ball made illegal immigration a focal point of his bid for office.<ref name="feet"/> In October 2007, he strongly criticized Governor Eliot Spitzer's plan to give driver's licenses to illegal immigrants.<ref>Blain, Glenn. "[http://polhudson.lohudblogs.com/2007/10/01/assembly-gop-takes-aim-at-spitzer-license-plan/ Assembly GOP takes aim at Spitzer license plan]". ''[[The Journal News]]''. October 1, 2007.</ref><ref>Barron, Sam. "[http://www.northcountynews.com/Apps/FullSize.aspx?articleid=2995 Ball strikes back, threatens to sue Governor Spitzer over drivers license policy]". ''[http://www.northcountynews.com North County News]''. October 3, 2007.</ref><ref>"GOP group critical of Spitzer plan". ''[[Poughkeepsie Journal]]''. March 2, 2007.</ref> An oft-quoted line from his campaign fliers was that "Illegal Immigration is Illegal".<ref>Applebome, Peter. "[http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/11/nyregion/11towns.html?n=Top/News/New York and Region/Columns/Our Towns&pagewanted=all When an Election Becomes a Forum on Immigration]". ''[[New York Times]]''. November 11, 2007.</ref><ref>Risinit, Mike. "[http://www.lohud.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2007712130403 Assemblyman Ball discusses illegal immigration and public safety]". ''[[The Journal News]]''. December 13, 2007.</ref> He was named "Albany's most ardent supporter of legal immigration" when he was appointed State Chairman of the national immigration reform group State Legislators for Legal Immigration.<ref>"[http://www.statelegislatorsforlegalimmigration.com/ Lawmakers for Legal Immigration]". Retrieved March 23, 2008.</ref><ref>"[http://www.assemblymangball.com/BlogEntry.aspx?entryID=83 Ball Named States Chairman of National Legal Immigration Group]". ''[http://www.assemblymanball.com Ball for Assembly]''. Retrieved on February 24, 2008.</ref><ref>Rae, Leah. "[http://immigration.lohudblogs.com/2008/02/14/greg-ball-joins-national-lawmakers-against-alien-invasion/ Greg Ball joins national lawmakers against alien ‘invasion’]". ''[[The Journal News]]''. February 14, 2008.</ref> Yet Ball declined to speak at an anti illegal-immigration forum in Danbury, Connecticut sponsored by [http://www.uscfile.org/ United States Citizens for Immigration Law Enforcement, calling the group's rhetoric "over the top."<ref>Homayonpour, Marietta. "[http://72.14.205.104/search?q=cache:W2k7P7nKUDEJ:www.newstimes.com/ci_7848096?source%253Dmost_emailed.26978592730A3B8C7F471EACE0DA4EF2.html+site:newstimes.com+"Immigration+Law+Enforcement"&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=3&gl=us Should Danbury partner with ICE?]". ''[[Danbury News-Times]]''. December 31, 2007.</ref><ref>Risinit, Mike. "[http://polhudson.lohudblogs.com/2007/04/30/not-visiting-connecticut/ Not visiting Connecticut]". ''[[The Journal News]]''. April 30, 2007.</ref><ref>"[http://www.uscfile.org/ United States Citizens for Immigration Law Enforcement]". Retrieved March 23, 2008.</ref>

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In February of 2008, Ball hosted a summit on the Immigration and Nationality Act Section 287(g) program for law enforcement and elected officials from New York, Connecticut and New Jersey, co-hosted by co-hosted by Jim Pendergraph, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Executive Director from the United States Department of Homeland Security Office of State and Local Coordination.<ref name="ice1"/><ref name="summit">Driscoll, Eugene. "[http://www.newstimes.com/ci_8249912?source=most_viewed N.Y. lawmaker wants ICE in jails]". ''[[Danbury News-Times]]''. February 13, 2008.</ref> He talked at length about the measure during a Fox News interview with [[Neil Cavuto]].<ref>{{cite episode

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In February 2008, Ball hosted a summit on the Immigration and Nationality Act Section 287(g) program for law enforcement and elected officials from New York, Connecticut and New Jersey, co-hosted by co-hosted by Jim Pendergraph, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Executive Director from the United States Department of Homeland Security Office of State and Local Coordination.<ref name="ice1"/><ref name="summit">Driscoll, Eugene. "[http://www.newstimes.com/ci_8249912?source=most_viewed N.Y. lawmaker wants ICE in jails]". ''[[Danbury News-Times]]''. February 13, 2008.</ref> He talked at length about the measure during a Fox News interview with [[Neil Cavuto]].<ref>{{cite episode

| title = Assemblyman Ball on Neil Cavuto

| url = http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xVq_9x_FNLE

Line 120: Line 120:

| network = ''[[Fox News]]''

| airdate = 2008-01-01

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}}</ref> The 287(g) partnership, which includes training on how to avoid racial profiling, allows local law enforcement officers to work as ICE agents and file immigration violation charges, so that an illegal immigrant charged with crime in would have deportation papers filed immediately.<ref name="ice2">Hughes, Jennifer. "[http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/24/nyregion/nyregionspecial2/24immigwe.html?_r=1&ref=nyregionspecial2&oref=slogin Police Seek Help in Criminal Deportation]". ''[[New York Times]]''. February 24, 2008.</ref> Ball believes that correctional officers should receive immigration law enforcement training under the 287(g) program, and has promised to work with the ICE branch of the Department of Homeland Security by signing up counties which have their own correctional facility for the training.<ref name="ice1">Gross, Eric. "[http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=19317567&BRD=1708&PAG=461&dept_id=72445&rfi=6 Ball criticizes immigration law enforcement training for local police forces]". ''[http://www.putnamcountycourier.com Putnam County Courier]''. February 21, 2008.</ref><ref>"Pawling forum offers info on rape cases probe". ''[[Poughkeepsie Journal]]''. December 16, 2007.</ref> Ball announced another regional summit that would be held in April of 2008.<ref>Rae, Leah. "[http://lohud.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080210/NEWS01/802100352#pluckcomments Brewster, Suffern pursue immigration enforcement role]". ''[[The Journal News]]''. February 10, 2008.</ref>

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}}</ref> The 287(g) partnership, which includes training on how to avoid racial profiling, allows local law enforcement officers to work as ICE agents and file immigration violation charges, so that an illegal immigrant charged with crime in would have deportation papers filed immediately.<ref name="ice2">Hughes, Jennifer. "[http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/24/nyregion/nyregionspecial2/24immigwe.html?_r=1&ref=nyregionspecial2&oref=slogin Police Seek Help in Criminal Deportation]". ''[[New York Times]]''. February 24, 2008.</ref> Ball believes that correctional officers should receive immigration law enforcement training under the 287(g) program, and has promised to work with the ICE branch of the Department of Homeland Security by signing up counties which have their own correctional facility for the training.<ref name="ice1">Gross, Eric. "[http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=19317567&BRD=1708&PAG=461&dept_id=72445&rfi=6 Ball criticizes immigration law enforcement training for local police forces]". ''[http://www.putnamcountycourier.com Putnam County Courier]''. February 21, 2008.</ref><ref>"Pawling forum offers info on rape cases probe". ''[[Poughkeepsie Journal]]''. December 16, 2007.</ref> Ball announced another regional summit that would be held in April 2008.<ref>Rae, Leah. "[http://lohud.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080210/NEWS01/802100352#pluckcomments Brewster, Suffern pursue immigration enforcement role]". ''[[The Journal News]]''. February 10, 2008.</ref>

He has noted that illegal immigrants are not always automatically deported despite facing criminal charges.<ref name="ice2"/> Ball has opposed similar programs enrolling local law enforcement officials in the training, stating that "most local police agencies don't have the resources or the time to dedicate themselves to immigration law enforcement" and that starting a jail house program where names of suspected illegal aliens would be screened by a federal database would be more effective.<ref name="ice1"/> Ball said that "the key in this is that you need a jail, because you can wait weeks to determine someone's immigration status and then trigger the deportation procedure."<ref name="summit"/>

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Ball has worked to promote businesses that hire legal immigrant laborers, and has begun to create a database for usage on his campaign website.<ref name="hirelegally">Risinit, Mike. "[http://polhudson.lohudblogs.com/2007/04/25/move-over-yellow-pages/ Move over, Yellow Pages]". ''[[The Journal News]]''. April 25, 2007.</ref> His campaign headquarters in Pawling may have been targeted over the contentious issue, and was vandalized with swastikas in October of 2006, although the person or persons responsible misspelled the word "Fascist" twice.<ref>"GOP candidate is target of vandals". ''[[Poughkeepsie Journal]]''. November 2, 2006.</ref><ref>Risinit, Mike. "[http://polhudson.lohudblogs.com/2006/11/01/definitely-a-trick/ Definitely a trick]". ''[[The Journal News]]''. November 1, 2006.</ref>

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Ball has worked to promote businesses that hire legal immigrant laborers, and has begun to create a database for usage on his campaign website.<ref name="hirelegally">Risinit, Mike. "[http://polhudson.lohudblogs.com/2007/04/25/move-over-yellow-pages/ Move over, Yellow Pages]". ''[[The Journal News]]''. April 25, 2007.</ref> His campaign headquarters in Pawling may have been targeted over the contentious issue, and was vandalized with swastikas in October 2006, although the person or persons responsible misspelled the word "Fascist" twice.<ref>"GOP candidate is target of vandals". ''[[Poughkeepsie Journal]]''. November 2, 2006.</ref><ref>Risinit, Mike. "[http://polhudson.lohudblogs.com/2006/11/01/definitely-a-trick/ Definitely a trick]". ''[[The Journal News]]''. November 1, 2006.</ref>

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