Andrew DiPietro's Political Career and Legislative Record
The political trajectory of Andrew DiPietro is marked by a steady climb from local municipal governance to the New York State Assembly. Known for his steadfast conservative views, DiPietro has consistently championed policies that reflect a limited-government approach and a strict interpretation of state law.
Early Political Beginnings in East Aurora
DiPietro began his public service at the local level in the Village of East Aurora. In 1999, he was elected as a trustee, providing him with foundational experience in local administration. His leadership capabilities led to his election as mayor in 2002, a position he held for six years.
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Pursuit of State-Level Office
Following his tenure as mayor, DiPietro sought to represent his constituents in the New York State Senate. He entered the Republican primary for the 59th New York State Senate District in 2008, challenging incumbent Dale Volker. He attempted another run for the same seat in 2010 against Patrick Gallivan. Although he was unsuccessful in the primary, he continued his campaign as the Tea Party candidate in the 2010 general election.
Tenure in the New York State Assembly
In 2012, DiPietro successfully won a seat in the New York State Assembly. During his time in the Assembly, he became a prominent voice for conservative legislation. One of his primary initiatives in 2013 was the introduction of legislation aimed at repealing the NY SAFE Act, a controversial set of gun control measures.
Stance on Medical Marijuana
DiPietro's voting record on the Compassionate Care Act (Bill A6357), which legalized medical marijuana, was largely oppositional. He voted against the bill on June 3, 2013, and May 27, 2014. When the bill finally passed on June 20, 2014, DiPietro was one of only 13 members to vote nay. He further opposed emergency access to medical marijuana (Bill A07060) on June 9, 2015.
However, his position evolved regarding specific medical applications. On June 6, 2018, he voted in favor of Bill A09016, which added opioid-use disorder (addiction) to the list of conditions treatable with medical marijuana.
Constitutional and Social Policy Votes
In 2019, DiPietro sponsored Bill A05498, a proposal for a constitutional amendment that would divide New York State into three autonomous regions. His legislative record also shows consistent opposition to several progressive policies, including:
- Affirmative action policies.
- Paid family leave.
- Increases to the minimum wage.
- Prohibitions on workplace discrimination based on reproductive health decisions.
Environmental and Energy Positions
DiPietro maintained a conservative approach to environmental regulation. He voted against state-funded projects designed to address climate change and opposed a three-year prohibition on hydraulic fracturing (the process of injecting liquid at high pressure into subterranean rocks to extract oil and gas).
Key Facts
- Local Office: Served as East Aurora Trustee (1999) and Mayor (2002–2008).
- State Office: Elected to the New York State Assembly in 2012.
- Gun Rights: Introduced legislation to repeal the NY SAFE Act.
- Medical Marijuana: Generally opposed the Compassionate Care Act but supported its use for opioid-use disorder in 2018.
- State Structure: Sponsored a bill to divide New York into three autonomous regions.
| Issue/Bill | Position | Year/Date |
|---|---|---|
| NY SAFE Act | Proposed Repeal | 2013 |
| Compassionate Care Act | Opposed | 2013–2014 |
| Opioid-use Disorder Treatment | Supported | 2018 |
| Autonomous State Regions | Sponsored | 2019 |
| Hydraulic Fracturing Ban | Opposed | Various |
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Andrew DiPietro serve as mayor?
Andrew DiPietro was elected mayor of the Village of East Aurora in 2002 and served in that capacity for six years.
What was DiPietro's position on the NY SAFE Act?
DiPietro held a conservative view on the matter and introduced legislation in 2013 to repeal the NY SAFE Act.
Did Andrew DiPietro ever support medical marijuana?
While he voted against the general Compassionate Care Act and emergency access bills, he did vote in favor of adding opioid-use disorder to the list of treatable conditions on June 6, 2018.
What was the purpose of Bill A05498?
Sponsored by DiPietro in 2019, Bill A05498 proposed a constitutional amendment to divide New York State into three autonomous regions.
How did DiPietro vote on minimum wage and family leave?
DiPietro voted against policies that would increase the minimum wage and those that would establish paid family leave.