The enterprising Carle has a difficult job as a candidate | News, Sports, Jobs

Candidate Tom Carle of Fredonia marches with his wife Sarah in the Mayville parade.

Congressional candidate Thomas Carle sees himself as a problem solver. During his years as a leader of large and small companies in the private sector, his actions were driven by the desire to produce results that benefited both management and workers.

For more than two decades, Carle's leadership and hands-on approach have turned large companies and manufacturing facilities around in a positive direction, including partnerships with Walmart and Gatorade, helping to grow sales to over $150 million at some locations. He has even had success with small businesses, operating a pizza parlor and bar in tiny Conklin, Broome County.

“I just always worked,” he said in a recent interview. “I delivered newspapers … worked on the farm, then I was a lifeguard. … I left college with no debt because I worked the whole time.”

Now retired and living in Fredonia, he has turned his attention to a dysfunctional and incompetent Congress — and is running against a formidable incumbent, U.S. Rep. Nick Langworthy of the 23rd District, who has a full campaign arsenal that includes more than $1.4 million raised over the past two years. The former state Republican chairman is in the final quarter of his first term, which brings with it a high profile that is earning him plenty of support from the Southern Tier.

Carle understands the daunting struggle. He is severely underfunded and understaffed. On top of that, he faces one of the most pressing disadvantages facing many in rural New York: He is a registered Democrat in a district the same color as a tomato.

Two years ago, Max Della Pia traveled tirelessly across the district for more than seven months. At the time, he was facing two elections. One was a special election to represent the district for former U.S. Rep. Tom Reed's final four months in office in 2022. The second election against Langworthy in November.

Della Pia narrowly defeated Joe Sempolinski in August, but lost to Langworthy by a clear margin of over 87,000 votes in November. This is the harsh and insidious reality facing Carle, who was a short-term and hopeless candidate in 2022.

Although his constituency often leans left, Carle comes from a conservative background. He wants to eliminate wasteful spending and reduce deficits, debt and taxes. He also believes his track record in corporate turnarounds has given him the experience to outperform his colleagues in Congress in this area.

In addition, he promises to protect and strengthen the programs that are so important to the District's elderly and vulnerable, including Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

“I can feel the pain of everyone in this district. I see the poverty. I see the lack of infrastructure. I see the lack of representation,” he said. “I know we can do better. I'm a guy who's not afraid to talk to anyone about anything, especially when it comes to business. … They know I'm going to keep a close eye on the money.”

That background of looking at the bottom line in the economy, something he believes career politicians like Langworthy have not had to worry about, demonstrates an ability to lead and work with others. He also believes it's an area that continues to be forgotten by the federal government.

He says most of the support the region receives, particularly the Southern Tier, comes from state, county and local budgets. “From a government perspective, it makes sense to have a congressman who works with the state government rather than being in conflict with it,” he said.

Partisan differences aside, Carle believes the government has a responsibility to help those who have worked but are struggling to make ends meet, especially when it comes to health care. “When people who have worked all their lives reach retirement age, Social Security and health care must be provided,” he said. “(That) brings us to 'elder care' and child care, which also need attention. These concepts and improving human living conditions are important to all of us, and especially to me.”

With the campaign season in full swing right after Labor Day, Carle knows he'll have to take a back seat to the high-profile Langworthy, who is firmly in the driver's seat in this race.

“He's a follower. He's not a leader. He's not going to represent this district effectively,” he said. “I know I'm outnumbered by Republicans, but most of the things I stand for … (like) the social safety net, Republicans use them just as much or more than Democrats and independents.”

“We need someone who can work effectively for us and with others. We need to solve problems, not play politics.”

John D'Agostino is editor of The Post-Journal, OBSERVER and Times Observer in Warren, Pa. Send comments to [email protected] or call 716-487-1111, ext. 253.