The Next Steps Show – Election Day Special

Host: Peter Vazquez
Guest: James VanBrederode, Monroe County GOP Vice Chair

Opening

Peter Vazquez:
In a world that changes daily, what will you do next? Welcome to The Next Steps Show with Peter Vazquez—your starting point for discussion y un poco de dirección.

Buenas tardes, ladies and gentlemen. It is Election Day, November 4th, 2025. Polls opened at 6:00 a.m. and remain open until 9:00 p.m. If you go to the Monroe County Board of Elections website—just Google “Monroe County BOE”—you can find your polling place by entering your name, address, and date of birth.

And remember, you do not have to vote straight down the party line. Ask yourself why you are where you are politically, and whether your choices reflect your values today.

Setting the Stage

Peter:
We’ll have complete election coverage tonight from 9 to 11 p.m. right here on the Voice of Liberty Network. It is always exciting to see the results come in—especially for those who’ve worked hard all year.

James VanBrederode:
It is great to be back on the air. A year ago, you and I were candidates waiting for results ourselves. It is a big day for anyone running for office—nervous, but exciting.

Peter:
Exactly. Win or lose, the effort itself matters. When you run a race, you touch lives, shape opinions, and move hearts—especially as a Republican focused on God, country, and family. That impact lasts far beyond Election Day.

On Leadership and Integrity

Peter:
For those just tuning in, my guest is James VanBrederode, Vice Chair of the Monroe County Republican Party. A retired police chief, former Senate candidate, and a man who stayed active long after election season ended.

James:
I spent 37 years as a police officer—dealing daily with poverty, crime, and the failures of bad public policy. Even after my race for State Senate, I could not sit home quietly. People need a voice. Victims of crime in Monroe County have no one fighting for them. Taxpayers have no one defending them. So I use my platform to call out the truth.

Peter:
That honesty matters. Too many politicians talk about “authenticity” while peddling falsehoods.

James:
Exactly. When you have been on the inside, you know when you are being sold a line of nonsense.

The Media and Public Perception

Peter:
It seems politicians today—Republican or Democrat—often sound the same. Voters hear them like Charlie Brown’s teacher: “wah-wah-wah.” How did the conversation get so empty?

James:
Much of it comes from the media. For years Democrats have painted Republicans as racist or heartless, and people start to believe it. But I worked in Republican-led communities like Gates and Greece. There was never bias—only service. People came first.

Peter:
“MAGA” has been twisted into a slur, yet what could be wrong with Make America Great Again? Or as Scripture says, “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”

On American Values

Peter:
I came across a quote: “We have to make sure the American dream is accessible to everyone, not just the top.” That was Julian Castro—a Democrat. Yet the dream he describes is universal. Opportunity, not handouts. Hard work, not dependency.

James:
Exactly. The American dream is not about equality of outcome—it is about equality of opportunity.

Party Principles and Strategy

Peter:
Jim, after running twice, you stayed involved and helped shape the Monroe County GOP. How has the party changed?

James:
When Bernie Iacovangelo became chairman in 2021, we shifted from simply accepting whoever wrote the biggest check to actively recruiting principled candidates. We now look for people whose hearts align with our values—God, family, country, and service.

Peter:
That is encouraging. Candidates need both integrity and resources.

James:
Correct. With our new chairman, Peter Elver, the party is focused on giving candidates the tools and tactical support they need. Public financing laws have also leveled the playing field.

On Welfare Reform and Responsibility

Peter:
Let us talk about policy. SNAP and Medicaid reform often spark debate.

James:
Republicans are not trying to starve anyone. We just believe work should be part of the equation. Government aid should be temporary—a bridge, not a lifestyle.

Peter:
Exactly. Give people the chance to build businesses and hire others. Remove the red tape that holds communities down.

On Local Elections and Candidates

Peter:
Tell us about the city races—Marcus C. Williams and mayoral candidate Sabo.

James:
Both are running on the Conservative line and have campaigned tirelessly. They give Rochester voters a true choice—something the city has lacked for years. Whether voters take that opportunity is up to them.

Peter:
And the Conservative Party’s recent move not to endorse certain Republican candidates—what happened there?

James:
Frankly, I am disappointed. The town of Greece is critical to Monroe County, and failing to support strong conservatives there undermines everyone.

On Voter Turnout and Fear

Peter:
Democrats outnumber Republicans by tens of thousands in Monroe County, and independents now surpass us. Why?

James:
Fear. Some Republicans will not even put a yard sign up because they have been threatened or vandalized. People are tired of the hostility. Others have walked away from both parties.

Peter:
Early voting numbers show low turnout among conservatives. That must change if we want results to change.

Caller Segment: Marcus C. Williams

Peter:
On the line we have Marcus C. Williams, candidate for Rochester City Council. Marcus, how is Election Day looking?

Marcus:
Turnout in the city is around 6.5 percent, but I feel strong. We are working to get every vote.

James:
Marcus, we are proud of you. You have been a powerful voice for your community and a model of servant leadership.

Peter:
Marcus, critics in the city say you are “too conservative” for a Black man. What do you say?

Marcus:
Most Black Americans are conservative. We believe in family, faith, and limited government. The Democrat Party has failed the inner city with empty promises. We deserve better.

Peter:
Amen to that.

Judicial and Local Races

James:
Our judicial candidates—Sheldon, Kitty, Carly, and Melody—are phenomenal. Melody especially has cross-party respect. These are not career climbers; they are people of integrity.

Peter:
That is leadership rooted in service.

James:
Exactly. And local leaders like Bill Smith in Pittsford and Jeff Leenhouts in Penfield show what steady, principled governance looks like.

Final Thoughts

Peter:
Jim, why should people vote Republican today?

James:
Because our candidates stand for accountability, less government, lower taxes, and law and order. Democrats have to fly in big names like Hochul and Morelli to push their ticket. That should tell you everything. Our people are here year-round, working for you.

Peter:
Amen. As Abraham Lincoln said, “America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves.” Do not let that happen. Vote today—by 9:00 p.m.—for faith, family, and freedom.

James:
And remember, government belongs to the people, not the politicians.

Peter:
Be a leader. Be a voice of liberty. God bless the United States of America.

End of Transcript