NORWICH – The Chenango County Republican Committee held the grand opening of their election headquarters at noon Tuesday, and several state and local officials were there to celebrate.
“At this time of year, I get excited,” said Republican Chairman Thomas Morrone. “I’m proud to open our headquarters and to have so many people here to show their support.”
Morrone said he thinks this year’s Republican ticket is exciting, and he is hopeful that the Republicans will carry New York State. This year, several state seats will be up for election. Attending the event were Assemblyman Cliff Crouch (R-Bainbridge), Assemblyman Pete Lopez (R-Schoharie) and Assemblyman Gary Finch (R-Springport).
Representatives for Richard Hanna, a candidate running for congress against Michael Arcuri, and Senator James Seward, also attended the event.
Crouch, who is running unopposed, said he thinks big issues during this election season will be property taxes, energy costs and the state budget. “A lot of people are concerned about the state budget and its potentially negative effect on property taxes,” Crouch said.
He explained that he hopes cleaning up the corners in Albany will help to eliminate some of the state spending. “We need to take a look at the administrative levels and look at what positions weren’t there two years ago. A lot of positions were created that we got along fine without before,” Crouch said.
With the effects of the Wall Street economy taking a toll on the state’s revenue, Crouch said state spending has to be addressed. “New York doesn’t have a revenue problem. It has a spending problem.”
Lopez, who is also running unopposed, cited property tax relief as one of his top priorities as well. Other priorities for Lopez include farms and small businesses, creating jobs, and energy independence. According to Lopez, the issues are interrelated. “Farms and small businesses are our economic backbone. We need property tax relief to help the local businesses and create jobs to keep the young people in this area,” Lopez said.
Lopez added that local sources of energy need to be developed, including wind, solar, bio-diesel and hydro energy. “In Albany, I attend to those issues and those that are equally important to the people in my district, including those in Chenango County.”
For Finch, in addition to the issues of property taxes, the most important issues this year are the local issues effecting the district, such as the proposed New York Regional Interconnect power line. “NYRI is an issue. It’s certainly the most local issue and it’s an ongoing situation,” Finch said. “We’ll gain nothing from this in our area. It will lower property values, increase utility bills and possibly pose health and safety issues. I support putting it underground, which is probably cost prohibitive, or not putting it through the area at all,” Finch said.
To deal with property taxes, Finch said he supports a tax cap. “We need to cap spending in New York State.”
Although Senator Seward was unable to attend the event, his Press Secretary Duncan Davie attended on his behalf. Davie said Seward is focused on property tax relief, relief for high fuel costs, jobs and economic development. “Senator Seward has a record of getting results in his district,” Davie said. The press secretary added that Seward is also looking at the natural gas drilling situation.
Don Leonard, a representative from Richard Hanna’s campaign, said the candidate for congress is focused on the economy and jobs. “People still need jobs. Jobs are the number one priority.” Leonard said. Hanna’s representative added that Hanna is running on the Republican and Independent tickets, and would represent the cross section of the district, not just one party or another. “He is a moderate voice.”
Morrone thanked all of the elected officials and local residents who attended the opening of the headquarters and said he is excited about the political season. This year’s election will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 4.