James S. "Jim" Alesi (born 1948) is a New York State Senator, representing parts of Monroe County, and a member of the Republican Party.
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Before entering office, Alesi ran a firm that operates washers and dryers in apartment complexes and colleges.[1]
Alesi began his political career as the Republican Deputy Town Leader for Perinton, New York. In 1977 he made an unsuccessful bid for a seat in the Monroe County Legislature against Louise Slaughter.[2] He won on his second attempt twelve years later.[1] 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,[3] Alesi filed a lawsuit against the owners and the builder alleging an unsafe environment at the home site.[4] After criticism from members of the public and other Republicans, Alesi withdrew the suit.[5]
In 2009, Alesi voted no on same-sex marriage legislation despite being considered the Republican most likely to support the legislation.[6] He is seen on video from the New York Senate floor casting his no vote with his head in his hands,[6][7] and later admitted that he struggled with his decision to vote against the legislation.[8]
In 2011, Alesi became the first Republican to announce his support for a new same-sex marriage bill.[7][8] On June 24, 2011, Alesi was one of four Republicans to vote in favor of the Marriage Equality Act.[9]
| Political offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by John D. Bouchard |
Monroe County, New York Legislator, 11th District January 1, 1990 – December 31, 1992 |
Succeeded by Pieter Smeenk |
| New York Assembly | ||
| Preceded by James F. Nagle |
New York State Assembly, 135th District 1993–1996 |
Succeeded by David Koon |
| New York State Senate | ||
| Preceded by Mary Ellen Jones |
New York State Senate, 55th District 1996 – present |
Incumbent |
| Political offices | ||
| Preceded by William Stachowski |
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce Economic Development and Small Business 2011 – present |
Incumbent |