Rob Ortt

Rob Ortt is an American politician and military veteran currently serving as a member of the New York State Senate, representing the 62nd district. Elected in 2014, he is affiliated with the Republican, Conservative, and Independence parties. Ortt has held various positions in local government prior to his tenure in the state legislature, including mayor of North Tonawanda and city treasurer. He has also gained recognition for his military service, having served in the New York Army National Guard and deployed to Afghanistan. As a legislator, Ortt has focused on issues such as mental health, addiction, and public safety, while also navigating a complex political landscape marked by challenges and controversies.

Early life and career

Rob Ortt was born on May 23, 1979. He completed his early education at St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute in Buffalo, New York, before pursuing higher education at Canisius College, where he earned a degree in international relations and political science. Following his academic pursuits, Ortt enlisted in the New York Army National Guard in October 2001, motivated by the events of September 11, 2001. His military service included a deployment to Afghanistan from March to December 2008, where he worked as a combat mentor and advisor to the Afghan National Police in Kandahar City. For his service, he received several military honors, including the Bronze Star Medal and the Combat Infantryman's Badge, and achieved the rank of first lieutenant.

Ortt's political career began in local government when he was appointed as the City Treasurer of North Tonawanda on April 3, 2007. He was subsequently elected to a four-year term in November 2007, which commenced on January 1, 2008. During his tenure, the city underwent a restructuring that combined the roles of City Clerk and City Treasurer, leading to Ortt being the first individual to hold the newly created position of Clerk-Treasurer. His political ascent continued when he was elected mayor of North Tonawanda, serving from January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2014. He succeeded Democrat Lawrence V. Soos and was later followed by Arthur G. Pappas.

Legislative service

In 2014, Rob Ortt transitioned to state politics by running for the New York State Senate seat in the 62nd district, which encompasses Niagara and Orleans counties, as well as parts of Monroe County. He entered the race after the incumbent, George Maziarz, chose not to seek reelection. Ortt won the election, defeating Democratic candidate Johnny G. Destino, and began his legislative service in the Senate.

Once in office, Ortt was appointed as the chairman of the Standing Committee on Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities. He also co-chaired the Senate's Joint Task Force on Heroin and Opioid Addiction, reflecting his commitment to addressing critical public health issues. In May 2015, he was part of a group of senators who called for the resignation of Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos amid corruption charges against Skelos. This action demonstrated Ortt's willingness to engage in the political dynamics of the Senate and advocate for accountability within the leadership.

In July 2016, Ortt, alongside Assemblyman Raymond Walter, urged the New York State Comptroller to investigate the state contracting process, particularly focusing on the Buffalo Billion initiative, which aimed to stimulate job creation in the Buffalo area. This request highlighted Ortt's interest in transparency and fiscal responsibility in government operations.

Policy focus and district

Throughout his legislative career, Rob Ortt has maintained a focus on various policy areas, including public safety, healthcare, and economic development. As a candidate in 2014, he expressed opposition to abortion, allowing exceptions only in cases of rape or incest, while also supporting several women's equality initiatives proposed by then-Governor Andrew Cuomo. Ortt's legislative actions have included introducing a bill aimed at repealing the NY SAFE Act, a significant gun control law, in all areas of New York except New York City.

Ortt's environmental stance has evolved over the years, as evidenced by his improved score on the Environmental Advocate's Environmental Scorecard. In 2018, he sponsored legislation to include geothermal heating systems as eligible for financing in New York State, reflecting a growing interest in renewable energy solutions. However, he has also voted against several significant pieces of legislation, including the Reproductive Health Act, the New York State Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, and the Driver's License Access and Privacy Act, which expanded access to driver licenses for undocumented immigrants.

In the realm of healthcare, Ortt has consistently advocated for joining the Nurse Licensure Compact, a proposal aimed at streamlining nursing licensure across states. Despite his repeated efforts to advance this initiative, it has faced opposition from various unions and has not progressed through the Democratic-led committees.

Ortt's political journey has not been without controversy. In March 2017, he was indicted on corruption charges alongside his predecessor, George Maziarz. The allegations included offering a false instrument for filing, related to a purported no-show job for his wife. However, all charges against Ortt were dismissed in June 2017, allowing him to continue his legislative work without the burden of legal issues.

As a member of the New York State Senate, Rob Ortt continues to represent the interests of his constituents in the 62nd district, navigating the complexities of state governance while addressing the challenges facing his community and the state at large. His legislative focus and background in local government and military service inform his approach to policy-making and constituent engagement.