SYRACUSE, NY - Onondaga County Comptroller Robert E. Antonacci, CPA, Esq., today officially launched his campaign for New York State Comptroller, saying he has the experience and skills necessary to watch over the taxpayers' hard-earned money.

Elected twice by Onondaga County voters, Comptroller Antonacci brings a wealth of experience and a solid reputation for helping to create government efficiency to this statewide contest.

"In Onondaga County, I've proven I'm not afraid to stand up and fight against government inefficiency.  I've performed countless audits and have worked with officials of both parties to find solutions.  I want to take this experience and bring it to our state government," Antonacci said.

"Right now, there are far too many New Yorkers that are worried about our economy, our future and the path of New York State.  Together, we can help change New York and get our economy back on the right track."

Comptroller Antonacci is an accomplished certified public accountant, attorney and community leader who has dedicated much of his professional career to the residents of Onondaga County.  He was first elected Comptroller in 2007 and re-elected in 2011.

"Bob Antonacci may very well be the most qualified person to ever seek the office of State Comptroller.  As a CPA, tax attorney, municipal finance expert and a no-nonsense auditor, he is well equipped to serve the best interests of all New York State taxpayers," said New York State Republican State Committee Chairman Ed Cox.    

"Bob Antonacci has been a successful watchdog of the taxpayers' money in Onondaga County; he clearly is the watchdog needed to protect the taxpayers in all of New York State," said New York Conservative Party Chairman Mike Long.

He is a lifelong resident of Central New York and a graduate of Le Moyne College, where he received honors while studying accounting.  After receiving his bachelor's degree, he began working for the prestigious accounting firm Ernst & Young.  He later attended Syracuse University School of Law and graduated cum laude.

"We are excited that Bob Antonacci has accepted this invitation from state leaders to represent the Republican Party as their New York State Comptroller candidate. Once the voters get to know Bob like the people of Onondaga County already do, they will see that his qualifications are extraordinary and his integrity is unmatched.  He is a perfect fit for this job and a candidate that will bring us together to get New York State back on the right track and I am confident Bob Antonacci will be the next New York State Comptroller," said Onondaga County Republican Committee Chairman and New York Republican State Committee First Vice Chairman Thomas V. Dadey, Jr.

Comptroller Antonacci and his wife Michele, a registered nurse, are the proud parents of two children, Robert III (17) and Jacqueline (13).  He is a regular, blue collar guy who came up from humble roots.

"My mom, a small business owner, and dad, a UAW electrician, taught me to work hard, spend wisely and save for the future.  Those lessons have served me well - - in life and in government," Antonacci concluded.

Antonacci is expected to be the Republican choice to face Tom DiNapoli, a former Assemblyman and County Democratic Party boss who was selected by the State Legislature in 2007 to fill a vacancy.

A full bio for Comptroller Antonacci is available here.