BINGHAMTON – State Senate hopefuls Fred Akshar and Barbara Fiala are touting pledges to be the voice of Southern Tier economic development in the state’s Capitol.

Akshar (R) announced Tuesday his “Fair Share for the Southern Tier” plan which he says will kick-start the Souther Tier’s economy, provide a boost manufacturers and small businesses, and create jobs in the sluggish Southern Tier region.

Akshar is proposing demand for more economic development aid from Albany to support existing businesses and attract new ones. He’s also calling for a tax cut by eliminating a state imposed energy surcharge for business owners, as well as extension of the STAR tax relief program for property owners.

Other proposals of his include investing in job training programs and capitalizing on resources at Binghamton University and SUNY Broome.

Said Akshar, “The most critical issue facing our region is a lack of good jobs and a stalled economy that’s affecting every family and community. But while the career politicians and Albany insiders like to say that ‘jobs, jobs, jobs’ is their priority, the truth is that Binghamton and the Southern Tier are being left behind.”