Exit interview: Billy Jones reflects on political polarization

Assembly Member Billy Jones will be missed. The North Country Democrat, who had been talked about as a congressional candidate back when it looked like Rep. Elise Stefanik was heading to the U.N., announced recently that he would leave the state Legislature. After years as the lone Democrat in the Assembly representing the region, he now plans to lead Clinton Community College’s Institute for Advanced Manufacturing.

Jones began his Assembly career in 2017 and eventually became the chair of the lower chamber’s Committee on Local Governments and the Task Force on New York Canada Relations, an increasingly important position given the ongoing trade war. While in office, he has seen two governors, two presidents and the state Capitol adding Herbie's Burger to the concourse. How times have changed. Like many who leave office, Jones is looking forward to spending more time with his family, but he said another factor in his decision to leave was the increasing hyperpolarization of politics. When he entered the Assembly, swastikas being taped to the Albany GOP headquarters would have been unfathomable, but now it’s simply upsetting.

Jones will miss passing important legislation, performing constituent services and the Albany nightlife. He might miss the late budgets and associated pauses in pay less. City & State caught up with Jones recently for a chat as he contemplated the end of his time in Albany. This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

After all this time in office, what made you realize now was the time to leave?

I mean, it wasn't an easy decision, but it was the right decision for me. Now, it was the right decision for my family. I have a 12-year-old daughter, and I think this is a critical time to spend with her. It's been a great run. It really has. I appreciate working with all the great people in Albany, appreciate the speaker's support, but this was just the right time to do it, and an opportunity came up.

You probably have one of the roughest drives to the capital of anyone.

Yeah, and you know what? That didn't bother me. I mean the length away from family, I think it bothers a lot of people. But yeah, I'm pretty far up north here, but certainly, I enjoyed the job, you know, tremendous collaborations with people and organizations and local governments here.

How has the Assembly changed from when you first joined to now?

Well, I think politics has changed. It's just gotten so nasty and angry. You know, the sides – you can't disagree with anyone anymore without totally trying to obliterate their persona and their personality. And I never got into that, which I'm very proud of. I focused on the issues and people and everyone involved and tried to work with people. But there certainly is a deep political, not only a political divide, but socially, we're divided. I think that comes a lot from politicians and officials involved in it. And I'm proud of our work here. I'm proud that I never went down that road.

Everyone has their own ideological beliefs. I certainly think that is key to our democracy or any unique democracy. But it's just the nastiness of how we go about it. People go on Twitter and Facebook and social media, and just really try to blast one another just because you disagree with them. It's not the same political environment that I started out with, and I think that resonates with people. I just never wanted to go down that road.

Is that part of the reason why you didn't have much interest in running for Stefanik’s seat, if she were to leave?

You know the game before you get into it, I guess, and a lot of that is already put out there. Believe me, I can take criticism, taken it my whole career, and that's fine and everything. I just don't want to contribute to the nastiness, and really, (it’s) just not, not a good environment to try to get anything done. 

What would you say is your favorite memory from your time in office? 

Oh, that's tough to say. I will say I've met a lot of amazing people, I really have. In Albany, I've gotten to know some great people. I've become great, lifelong friends with some of my colleagues there, and I would say the greatest experience, and I don't think it's just one experience, it's just meeting people, because I've met a lot of fascinating people and hearing their stories, it's been a great ride. Also, constituent services – I mean, everybody can go to a ribbon-cutting and get their picture taken. That's what politicians do, right? Go to an event and get good press. But I'm just proud of my staff. What they do behind the scenes with constituent services, fulfilling the needs of people in our community, that's something I'm most proud of.

And worst memories?

With every job, there come challenges. Certainly, over my last several years, there have been a lot of challenges. We've dealt with a global pandemic. You always take tough votes on bills that sometimes your constituents don't agree with, and they're going to let you know about it and give you the business. But I wouldn't say there's any worst moment that really sticks out. 

There is likely going to be a special election to replace you. Is there anyone that you would like to see step into your role?

We're awfully early in the process on that, and I'll certainly let my feelings be known in the next several weeks here.

I mean, do you have any fear that the seat could flip to Republicans once you go?

Well, there's always the chance of that, and I just feel that you put up a good candidate, you put up a candidate that can connect with people, that listens to people, and this district in particular, someone that gets out and meets their constituents and talks with them, not to them. I think there are certainly good candidates out there who will step up.

Do you have any advice for new members in the Assembly?

It's a lot of work, and it's a lot coming at you at the beginning. It takes a little while to figure things out, but you know, there are capable people who will step up. I guess what I would say is everyone has to learn their own path. I would just tell anybody that's coming in, maybe for a little while, just learn and observe, and I think they'll be all right.

As I'm sure you're aware, Stefanik is likely to announce a gubernatorial run. Is there anything you would want to say to her, especially if she does become governor? 

I'm not going there right now. We have a long political season ahead of us, too long. I had my own humble opinion, but we'll see. We'll see who the candidates are, and we'll have plenty of time to talk about that.

What was your favorite restaurant or bar in Albany?

Oh my goodness, we spent some time at the Vic because my hotel was right across from there. I will say I experienced a lot of great places, great establishments in Albany, and in the region, and met a lot of great people. Met a lot of great business owners there as well. It was a great time to actually talk to people, and I wouldn't be honest if I didn't say I would miss it.