NORWICH – The Chenango County Republican Party held its annual fund raiser on Sunday, and one question seemed to be on the minds of the more than 400 people in attendance: The power struggle in Albany and what it will mean for Chenango County.
Several state and local politicians attended Sunday’s event, and each had something to say about the recent stalemate in Albany and what upstate residents should expect.
Senator Thomas Libous (R-Binghamton) said the situation in Albany is about fighting against high taxes and resources going to New York City. “We’ve been able to make some reforms and that has been huge,” Libous said. He explained the reforms have leveled the playing field for all 62 senators, allowing minority senators to be able to introduce legislation to receive resources.
In addition, Libous said he would continue to fight against high tax increases for his constituents in Chenango County and all of upstate New York. “I’m as fired up as I’ve ever been. Sometimes you have to stand up for what’s right; lower taxes and less spending.”
In addition, Libous said locally he is still trying to get a response from the health commissioner about the future of the old Veterans’ Home in Oxford. “We want answers,” he said. “It’s a beautiful facility, and it could be used for a number of productive things.” Libous said he sent a letter to the health commissioner on June 12 and still has received no response.
“Everyone wants to hear about the state senate’s efforts to change leadership and bring reform,” said Senator James Seward (R-Oneonta). “The leadership didn’t change, but we were able to win significant reform to give our areas a stronger voice about what goes on at the capital,” Seward said. He explained that the changes should help bring additional resources to upstate New York.
Going forward, Seward said, dealing with the state budget situation is going to be a priority. “State revenue is down 35 percent below projections,” Seward said.
“The revenue is down because the economy is too slow. We need to take steps to rev up the economy.” Seward said currently, New York has no emphasis on economic development or job creation. “We need to have healthier economic policies to create jobs,” Seward said.
Assemblyman Clifford Crouch (R-Guilford) said he is expecting to return to legislative session to address several issues, including the state budget. “When we closed session, there were many issues that were unresolved,” Crouch said, pointing to issues like property tax relief and a long term energy plan that allowed manufacturers to be competitive on the market. In addition, Crouch said, issues related to agriculture need to be addressed as well.
“Property tax is the biggest issue. We need to look at reasonable ways to provide relief and restore the Star program,” Crouch said.
Assemblyman Pete Lopez (R-Schoharie) discussed failures in Albany and what he sees as the misuse of the stimulus funding. “Albany is asleep at the switch,” said Lopez. “The transition we’re waiting for from Washington is not changing the way Albany does business.”
Lopez explained he fears the federal stimulus funds are being used in ways that will do little to help the economy. He explained that instead of using the funds to make changes that could help the state move forward, they’re primarily being used to prop up existing programs and fill holes in the state budget. “In the last budget, which I voted against, there were $7 billion in new taxes and fees,” Lopez said. He explained $6 billion in stimulus funds was added to the budget to fill gaps. With one more round of stimulus funds on the way, Lopez said, “ Albany can do that one more time and then they’re out of gas.”
Instead of using the funds to back fill the budget, Lopez said it should be used to make necessary transitions. He suggested using the money to upgrade the power grid, making it more readily accessible for hydro, solar and wind energy sources.
Lopez also addressed the agricultural situation, explaining that if stimulus funds were used for agricultural markets, more of the money would stay in the local economy. The assemblyman explained that 480 billion gallons of milk protein are imported from unknown sources every year, while we are putting our own farmers out of business. “There is an economic argument and a food safety argument here,” Lopez said. “We need to keep the agriculture here on our own soil.”
Assemblyman Gary Finch (R-Springport) agreed that economic development is the number one issue that needs to be addressed in New York. “The political power is diverting to New York City,” Finch said, “and when that happens upstate New York will be left in a sad state of affairs.” Finch said changes need to be made to help local businesses stay in New York and keep the commitment they’ve made to their employees. “We want to make this an even playing field,” Finch said.
In addition to the other issues, he explained state mandates need to be addressed. “If Albany is going to mandate local governments to do something, they should provide the funding to do it,” Finch said.
Approximately 400 people attended this year’s Lobsterfest and had the chance to talk with politicians about the current issues.