Entrepreneur and Philanthropist Tom Golisano Takes Lead Role in Non-Partisan Effort to Change How We Elect the President
WASHINGTON, D.C., February 22, 2011 — In a press conference at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., entrepreneur and philanthropist Tom Golisano announced his role as national spokesperson for the National Popular Vote campaign.
The National Popular Vote plan would work within the Electoral College framework to ensure the presidency goes to the winner of the most popular votes in all 50 states.
The bill will go into effect when states representing 270 electoral votes have passed the legislation. The National Popular Vote bill has already been signed into law in jurisdictions representing 27% of the necessary votes for the bill to go into effect (Hawaii, Washington state, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, District of Columbia, and Maryland).
Golisano said:
"I wanted to take a leadership role in this campaign because I believe that every vote should count equally."
"The president we choose represents this entire nation, and we should all count when making that choice. Our presidential election should truly be democratic."
After the press conference, Golisano, a registered Republican and political independent will join Dr. John Koza, a registered Democrat, on a multi-state tour across the country. Dr. Koza is chairman of the National Popular Vote, and is the architect of the National Popular Vote bill.
Golisano added:
"We have a system where two-thirds of states are essentially ignored by presidential candidates. Please join me and 75% of Americans in supporting the national popular vote bill because it's the right thing to do."
Golisano explains the National Popular Vote bill in a 4-minute video (script).
American businessman and philanthropist Tom Golisano is the Founder and Chairman of Paychex, the nation's second largest payroll and human resource company which employs more than 12,000 people in the United States and Germany. Paychex has frequently been ranked among Fortune magazine’s "100 Best Companies to Work For," and was listed on the magazine’s list of America’s 1,000 largest companies in 2007. Mr. Golisano served as CEO of Paychex from its inception in 1971 until 2004.
In 1985, Mr. Golisano created the B. Thomas Golisano Foundation, one of the largest private foundations in the nation devoted exclusively to supporting programs for those with developmental disabilities. Today, the Foundation is a proactive partner with providers, organizations and the community, awarding grants to those dedicated to providing opportunities and support for people with developmental disabilities. Over the years Mr. Golisano has been a generous benefactor to numerous hospitals and universities.
A resident of Naples, Florida, Mr. Golisano was known for his advocacy of reform in New York State government. In 1994, he was the Co-Founder of the Independence Party of New York and ran as its party’s gubernatorial candidate. In 2003 when the NHL team, the Buffalo Sabres, experienced severe economic difficulties, Mr. Golisano stepped in to purchase the franchise insuring the team’s home remained in Western New York.
Mr. Golisano has often been recognized for his entrepreneurial, civic and philanthropic achievements and endeavors. He holds several honorary degrees and was listed among the Forbes top 10 bosses in the U.S. for three consecutive years.
