Fred Akshar

Frederick J. Akshar II is a former American politician affiliated with the Republican Party, who served as a member of the New York State Senate representing the 52nd District from 2015 to 2022. Following his legislative career, he transitioned to law enforcement and has been serving as the Broome County Sheriff since January 1, 2023. Akshar's background in law enforcement and his political career are marked by various roles and responsibilities that reflect his commitment to public service.

Early life and career

Fred Akshar was born on November 29, 1978, in Afton, New York, located in the Southern Tier region of the state. He pursued higher education at Broome Community College, where he obtained an associate degree. In addition to his academic achievements, Akshar attended the FBI Academy, which provided him with specialized training in law enforcement practices.

Akshar's professional career began in law enforcement, where he dedicated 15 years to serving in various capacities. He worked at both the Chenango County Sheriff's Office and the Broome County Sheriff's Office. His tenure at the Broome County Sheriff's Office culminated in his role as Captain of the Law Enforcement Division, where he was responsible for overseeing law enforcement operations. His leadership skills and experience in law enforcement led to his appointment as undersheriff of Broome County in June 2015. Throughout his career, Akshar was involved in several community initiatives, including serving on the Crime Victims Assistance Center Board and the Broome Opioid Abuse Council, which aimed to address pressing issues related to crime and substance abuse in the region.

Legislative service

In 2015, Fred Akshar entered the political arena following the vacancy created by the resignation of long-serving State Senator Tom Libous, who was convicted of lying to federal authorities. The Republican Party nominated Akshar to contest the special election for New York's 52nd Senate District. He faced significant competition from the Democratic Party, which nominated former Broome County Executive Barbara Fiala. Despite the challenges posed by his opponent, Akshar secured a substantial victory, receiving nearly 78% of the vote.

Following his initial election, Akshar was re-elected in subsequent elections in 2016 and 2018. His time in the Senate was marked by various legislative activities and committee assignments. In December 2018, he was appointed chair of the Senate Republican Campaign Committee, a position that involved strategizing for the party's electoral efforts.

During his tenure, Akshar was involved in several notable legislative discussions. For instance, he expressed opposition to the NY DREAM Act, which aimed to provide state financial aid to undocumented immigrant students. His voting record included a vote against this legislation, which ultimately passed both houses of the State Legislature. Additionally, Akshar publicly voiced his concerns regarding the legalization of recreational marijuana in New York, citing potential increases in traffic accidents and other social issues in states where marijuana had been legalized.

In June 2021, Akshar announced that he would not seek re-election for his Senate seat, opting instead to run for the position of Broome County Sheriff in the 2022 election. His decision to transition from the Senate to a law enforcement role reflected his ongoing commitment to public safety and community service.

Policy focus and district

Throughout his legislative career, Akshar's policy focus was influenced by his background in law enforcement and his experiences within the community. He prioritized issues related to public safety, crime prevention, and community health. His involvement in local initiatives, particularly those addressing opioid abuse, highlighted his dedication to tackling pressing social issues within his district.

As a representative of New York's 52nd Senate District, Akshar's constituency included a diverse population with varying needs and concerns. His legislative actions were often aimed at addressing the specific challenges faced by residents in the Southern Tier region. Akshar's law enforcement background informed his approach to policy-making, as he sought to implement measures that would enhance public safety and support law enforcement agencies.

In addition to his focus on public safety, Akshar's tenure was marked by engagement with various community organizations and stakeholders. His involvement in the Crime Victims Assistance Center Board and the Broome Opioid Abuse Council demonstrated his commitment to collaborative efforts aimed at improving community welfare.

Akshar's political career was not without controversy. During his time in office, he faced allegations regarding personal relationships and conduct, which he consistently denied. These controversies did not overshadow his legislative work but did contribute to the complexities of his public persona.

In summary, Fred Akshar's career has been characterized by a blend of law enforcement and public service. His transition from the New York State Senate to the role of Broome County Sheriff marks a continuation of his commitment to serving the community. As he moves forward in his career, Akshar's experiences in both law enforcement and politics will likely influence his approach to leadership and community engagement.