Since then, a few people here on The Albany Project and others through e-mail or other communications have said that this would spell doom for the Democratic takeover of the New York State Senate in November.
I'm not ready to jump off the ship just yet.
Yes, what happened yesterday was devastating to our party and more importantly, to a once promising and great politician who could have been more than just a one-time customer of Emperors Club VIP. But I can remember a certain special election in recent history where people were also spelling doom for a Democratic candidate because of Gov. Spitzer's attempt at reforming our driver's license policies a number of months ago. That didn't work out too bad, I must say.
The irony of yesterday's events is that I found out about Spitzer's "purchases" upon leaving an interview with SD-61 Democratic candidate Dan Ward. (Note: I will have the interview up after the smoke clears from this scandal, which could be a few days.) Dan is a great candidate, and joins a small list of candidates I have spoken to who are very qualified to become a New York state senator.
We must not let yesterday's events shake our resolve and send us into a boiling pot of pessimistic thoughts. We have a lot of great Democratic candidates to offer. The elections are less than eight months away. We have a long time to hop over this hurdle and move onto the next one.
So I ask - just calm down. This isn't the end of the world. It might be the end of Spitzer, but it's definitely not the end for the New York State Democratic Party.
I've been tracking the rumor mill this afternoon and all the rumors about Spitzer resigning trace back to one source: FOX News. Therefore, I'm not ready to call it a foregone conclusion. If it happens, it happens. But I don't want to call it an open and shut case.
That being said, I must add that once the dust settles, we have to look at what Spitzer did wrong. He cheated on his wife by hiring a prostitute, using his own funds on a Valentine's eve trip to Washington D.C. trip. It's not like we haven't seen this before.
I know people are willing to jump to conclusions and argue for his resignation, but consider the magnitude of the crime. If he was the operator of this ring, that's a different story. But he was, by all accounts thus far, a one-time customer. I'm not saying that I condone such actions, but it's not like he was a regular - at least not that we know of.
This woman was obviously willing to provide her services and Spitzer was willing to pay for it. This woman seemed to describe her services in almost philosophical terms as well. I think he was not smart in his decision-making and this event is absolutely deplorable.
While this is a public matter involving the trust of New Yorkers, he must answer to his three daughters and First Lady Silda Wall Spitzer. Family comes first, so he must face the music with them and then come back and look New Yorkers in the eye and see if he can regain our trust.
Whether he can or not remains to be seen. Wall Street would love to see him resign. I, on the other hand, believe he can continue, albeit with a shaken reputation and, as it stands, little chance to be reelected in 2010.
Over the past nine years, eight as Attorney General and one as Governor, I have tried to uphold a vision of progressive politics that will rebuild New York and create opportunity for all. We sought to bring real change to New York, and that will continue.
Today I want to briefly address a private matter. I have acted in a way that violates my obligations to my family, and violates my -- or any -- sense of right and wrong. I apologize first and most importantly to my family. I apologize to the public, whom I promised better. I do not believe that politics in the long run is about individuals. It is about ideas, the public good and doing what's best for the state of New York.
I have disappointed and failed to live up to the standard I expected of myself. I must now dedicate some time to regain the trust of my family. I will report back to you in short order.
Here is the full complaint regarding the case that has now included Gov. Eliot Spitzer. Below the fold is the part of the complaint that pertains to Client Number 9 - Spitzer.
PLEASE NOTE THE ADDITION OF THE 12:45 CONFERENCE CALL
Governor Eliot Spitzer is in Monroe, Genesee, Erie and Niagara Counties.
8:30 AM Hosts Event with Advocates Supporting Upstate Revitalization Plan
Downtown Campus of SUNY Brockport
Metro Center
55 St. Paul Street
Rochester
OPEN PRESS
UPDATED ADVISORY
FOR
FEBRUARY 14, 2008
Thursday, February 14
Governor Eliot Spitzer is in Washington, D.C.
7:00 AM Interviewed Live on CNBC's "Squawk Box"
11:30 AM Testifies Before the Congressional Subcommittee on Capital Markets, Insurance, and Government Sponsored Enterprises
Room 2128
Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C.
OPEN PRESS
The night of Feb. 13 was when he was in Washington D.C. The next day, he was testifying before Congress.
The Smoking Gun has documents about this ring. The details about "Client Number 9," which is said to be Gov. Eliot Spitzer, are included in the documents.
Governor Eliot Spitzer proposed legislation today to address the subprime mortgage crisis that has hit, not only New York, but our country very hard.
From the governor's press release:
Governor Eliot Spitzer today unveiled a far-reaching proposal to address the current mortgage crisis and bring relief to thousands of New York homeowners who have fallen victim to predatory lending and the proliferation of subprime loans. With the federal government failing to reach agreement on a meaningful package to remedy the problem, New York and other states have stepped in to provide solutions.
The Governor's proposed legislation is designed to offer meaningful assistance to New Yorkers who are at risk of losing their homes. It would also enhance the protections in New York's Anti-Predatory Lending statutes to prevent a similar crisis in the future while limiting regulatory impacts that could restrict the availability of mortgage options for qualified borrowers.
The Governor's proposal will assist people at risk of foreclosure by helping open a dialogue between the borrower and lender to discuss loan modification or repayment plans. This is a critical step since homeowners in this position rarely embark on such discussions. The bill would also make it easier for law enforcement to prosecute mortgage fraud and target foreclosure rescue scams operated by those who seek to take advantage of homeowners in default.
The proposal was developed with input from industry groups, non-profit organizations and government agencies to ensure the legislation reflects the current lending landscape and gives consideration to possible impacts on the industry and consumers.
Spitzer saw this as a way to address the problem while also bringing about reforms to the current practices.
"With thousands of New Yorkers impacted by this crisis, we must enhance protections against predatory lending practices while continuing to make credit available to borrowers who have the ability to repay," said Governor Spitzer. "This proposal strengthens consumer protections, gives law enforcement the tools it needs, and also recognizes that we must retain the vitality of the mortgage financing industry."
The proposed legislation includes:
• Mandatory Pre-Foreclosure Notice: Requires lenders to send a pre-foreclosure notice to homeowners at least 60 days before initiating legal action against the homeowner. The notice must include a list of HUD-approved housing counselors in the homeowner's area, who may be able to help homeowner reach resolution with their lender as an alternative to foreclosure. If the homeowner reaches out to the lender to work out a resolution within 30 days of receiving the notice, the lender will be precluded from initiating a foreclosure action against the borrower for 60 days in order to facilitate a resolution.
• Mandatory Settlement Conferences: Requires borrowers and lenders to participate in a settlement conference at the beginning of the foreclosure process. For those homeowners who do not appear in court with an attorney, the court may waive certain procedural requirements or even assign counsel.
• Expansion of Consumer Protections: Expands and strengthens the New York State Anti-Predatory Lending Law to protect a greater number of borrowers from evolving predatory lending practices. Under the bill, lenders would be required to make a determination of the borrower's reasonable ability to repay the loan when making lending decisions. The bill would also establish a set of responsibilities and duties for mortgage brokers in their dealings with borrowers.
• Registration of Servicers: Requires mortgage loan servicers servicing loans on residential property in New York State to be registered with the Banking Department.
• Residential Mortgage Fraud: Defines the crime of mortgage fraud under the Penal Law to make it easier for prosecutors to prosecute this type of fraud.
• Rescue Scams: Establishes measures to protect distressed homeowners from falling prey to rescue scams by, among other things, requiring that all contracts to be in writing, providing homeowners with the right to cancel the contract under certain circumstances, and prohibiting payment prior to the performance of promised services.
This was a necessary step by Spitzer. I think we also need to consider a freeze on foreclosures and a mortgage rate freeze. It's a short-term solution, but then we can take the time to develop a long-term solution to this issue, including addressing the predatory lending practices by some loan companies.
Governor Eliot Spitzer issued a press release today saying that he has joined with other governors from throughout the country in demanding action on the subprime mortgage crisis which has swept through our country.
From an e-mail press release:
The Governors, who are in Washington for the annual National Governors Association Winter Meeting, said federal efforts have failed to offer substantive relief to the majority of distressed homeowners. The two plans offered by the Bush Administration fall short of delivering a comprehensive solution because they exclude the majority of homeowners who need help. One plan includes only homeowners who are at least 90-days delinquent but who are not within 30 days of home sale in the foreclosure process, while the other makes no provisions for homeowners who were more than 30 days in default, close to foreclosure, or who have entered the foreclosure process (therefore helping only 15 to 20 percent of those in need).
The Administration's proposed rate freeze does not make clear who would qualify for the freeze. In addition, the request for mortgage providers to work with homeowners was not coupled with any reporting system to monitor participation and efficacy. Finally, while the plans are steps in the direction of addressing the problem, they do not offer real guidelines for what types of modifications or workouts will be offered to homeowners -- guidelines that experts believe would ensure a higher success rate.
In addition to demanding a comprehensive plan, the Governors are calling on the federal government to deliver meaningful financial assistance to communities and borrowers. The Administration should also take responsibility for the role of federal regulators and national banks in this crisis, and engage in greater collaboration with states in the development of a solution to this problem and a preventive strategy for the future.
Spitzer added: "Homeownership is a cornerstone of the American Dream and serves as a basic foundation for our local, state and national economies," said Governor Spitzer. "The federal government has failed to offer a solution that is broad enough and swift enough to aggressively stop this crisis from escalating."
The governors of many states, including Gov. Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Gov. Ted Strickland (D-OH) are calling out the Bush Administration and telling them to do more about the subprime mortgage crisis. More does need to be done and while the Republicans are in bed with the loan companies, the Democrats want change.
This issue shouldn't go away and won't go away, especially if I have anything to say about it. This is how it all started:
For those of you in New York's 20th Senate District, that would be your state senator, Eric Adams, making a fool out of himself. I contacted Adams via e-mail immediately after viewing this video in December. I've yet to receive a response.
But an article in yesterday's New York Times gives us a more clearer picture of what these legislators are making now, and what they hope to make in the (near) future.
But an examination of state records shows that most make considerably more than their base salary. With extra pay for chairmanships and other posts, they earn just over $90,000, on average, for what is widely considered a part-time job; the Legislature is in regular session for 63 days a year.
And more than a third earn more from outside employment, often as lawyers in their hometowns, but they are not required to disclose how much or from what clients.
The lawmakers also have enviable health insurance and pension plans. They get $154 per diem when they travel to Albany. Some also spend from their campaign accounts on meals and other expenses.
It shouldn't be a huge secret that they get benefits galore. The $154 per diem when they have to report to Albany is very generous, considering they already make a base salary of $79,500 plus the bonuses.
So we live in tough times. The deficit is just a small part of it. The overall economy, the tax situation in this state at the local and state level as well as the troubles of upstate are at the top of the list.
But instead of our legislators sacrificing, they are asking us to break them off some more.
I'm sure Colbert will nail him on the "driver's licenses for illegals" affair as well as other issues that the people Colbert imitates on a nightly basis have hit Spitzer on.
Governor Eliot Spitzer met today with New York's Congressional Delegation and presented his list of federal legislative priorities.
From an e-mailed press release:
Governor Eliot Spitzer today presented the New York Congressional Delegation with his list of federal priorities for Federal Fiscal Year 2009, asking the state's representatives in Washington to push for federal legislation to help fuel economic growth and opportunity in New York State. Traveling to Washington just days after President Bush released his federal Budget, the Governor offered a critique of the administration's spending priorities and the devastating impact they will have on New York State. The Governor encouraged Congressional members to fight back against cuts that would wreak havoc on the state's health care and educational systems, homeland security and economic prosperity.
"President Bush has shown, through his misplaced priorities, that we cannot count on the White House for a federal budget that offers real solutions for the serious problems facing our state," said Governor Spitzer. "As we weather this national economic slump, New York needs innovative solutions from Washington to help combat housing shortages, high energy and health care costs, security threats and other serious challenges. The growth of our economy depends in part on this work being accomplished during this Congress and I look forward to working closely with the state's Congressional Delegation on initiatives of critical importance to New Yorkers."
The federal priorities outlined by the Governor today complement his recently released state budget proposals to strategically invest in education, health care, economic revitalization and housing. Each of these priorities furthers Governor Spitzer's goal of making New York the best place in the world to live, work, and raise a family - to make it, once again, the center of economic growth and opportunity.
Gee, I wonder if Tom Reynolds was in the room when Spitzer was talking about President Bush? Or how about Randy Kuhl? Vito Fossella? Any takers?
In any event, Spitzer's priorities are important ones. In his meeting with the delegation, he outlined several key points. Namely:
Health Care: Congress should secure a moratorium preventing the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services from adopting rules that would dramatically reduce Medicaid funding to New York State and hinder the state's ability to provide quality health care services for our most vulnerable populations.
Education: Congress must fully fund No Child Left Behind, including increased funding for Reading First and 21st Century After-School Programs, while improving teacher quality standards. Congress must strengthen higher education programs and funding provided through the Higher Education Act reauthorization.
Environment: New York needs the passage of the Clean Water Restoration Act which preserves the intent of the federal Clean Water Act to broadly protect the nation's waters. In addition, federal funding for upgrading sewage treatment plants needs to be significantly increased. New York State, like many other states, needs billions of dollars to upgrade sewage treatment plants that discharge into the Long Island Sound and other important water bodies.
Civil Rights: The Americans with Disabilities Act should be improved with the passage of the ADA Restoration Bill, which would bring the language of the act in line with the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and other civil rights laws.
There were several others. For a full list, come over the flip.
(Note: Gov. Spitzer was not in attendance to make this announcement in Rochester today due to the weather.)
Governor Eliot Spitzer announced today a $17.8 million affordable housing project for the city of Rochester.
From an e-mailed press release:
"Projects such as The Mills at High Falls should be commonplace throughout Upstate New York," said Governor Spitzer. "If we are going to revitalize and reinvigorate our Upstate communities, it is going to take a significant commitment and that is why it is so important that we enact the Upstate Revitalization Fund. It's also why community, business, labor and advocacy groups throughout Upstate are joining us in calling for this historic investment."
The Mills at High Falls project targets a unique niche audience interested in living in a historical Riverside neighborhood in downtown Rochester. The project features 67 units that will provide rental opportunities for a wide range of household incomes. Initial occupancy is anticipated for Spring 2009.
The $17.8 million dollar project includes more than $3.9 million in New York State Housing Finance Agency tax exempt bonds, a $2.6 million low interest second mortgage from the New York State Housing Finance Agency and $7.1 million in investor funds generated by both Federal and New York State tax credits.
Senator Joe Robach said: "I was very happy to advocate for the success of, and State participation in, this project which will create affordable housing in Rochester- it will strengthen our downtown community and provide quality housing opportunities for our residents. I applaud the collaborative effort between the Urban League, Eastman Kodak, Mayor Duffy, and the State for putting together another winning project for the Rochester area."
Assemblymember David F. Gantt said: "This is an example of the kind of progress that can be made when the State, city, private and not-for-profit sectors come together in a shared effort to move our city forward. Expanding available housing options, as The Mills at High Falls will do, is critical to Rochester's revival."
Rochester Mayor Bob Duffy said: "The Mills at High Falls will spur economic development in our region. I want to thank the New York State Housing Finance Agency, New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal, the Dean of our Assembly Delegation David Gantt, Senator Joe Robach, the Urban League of Rochester Economic Development Corporation and Eastman Kodak for their tremendous dedication and commitment to this project. This type of collaborative effort is the formula that will revitalize Rochester."
This is the type of project that Gov. Spitzer was referring to in his State of Upstate Address. Providing affordable housing in upstate, especially in cities like Rochester, is important. Of the $1 billion Upstate Revitalization Plan, $100 million of that was dedicated to housing and community development. As you can see, this is just one part of the plan, but a great start.
Governor Eliot Spitzer today announced the availability of the New York Giants Super Bowl XLII Champions custom license plate for fans throughout the State. The custom plate features the NFL New York Giants' big blue NY logo with the words "Super Bowl Champions XLII" underneath in the official Super Bowl colors of red and blue.
"What better way to celebrate the Giants fairy tale season and Super Bowl victory than by letting every driver on the road know what team you support," said Governor Spitzer. "The Giants showed the true New York spirit: digging deep and delivering when it meant the most. We are all proud to welcome home our State's home team as national champions and to commemorate their extraordinary achievement."
New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Commissioner David J. Swarts said: "While we have been offering the New York Giants plate since 1993, we are proud to feature this new plate that recognizes the heart and gritty determination that brought the championship to a great football team this year."
Pretty cool. What better way to remember perhaps the greatest Super Bowl victory of all-time?
Governor Eliot Spitzer announced a huge transit funding package today. A total of $30.7 million will be dispersed throughout New York for several different areas, both upstate and downstate.
Governor Eliot Spitzer today announced $30.7 million in state and federal transit funding for urban and rural public transportation systems to purchase new, clean-fuel buses and support infrastructure improvements to transit facilities. Collectively, these systems help transport more than 240 million passengers annually.
Counties, cities and Upstate regional transportation authorities in urban areas will receive $16 million in state-funded Transit Capital grants. An additional $14.7 million in federal funds will be provided to smaller public transportation systems in the state's rural areas.
"This significant investment in transit will help provide more efficient, reliable bus, rail and ferry services to residents all across New York State," said Governor Spitzer. "The funding will also encourage transportation agencies and municipalities to reduce pollution by using clean-fuel vehicles while also supporting regional economic vitality by providing consumers greater access to businesses for needed goods and services."
This is huge for the urban and rural areas of New York State. In the urban areas, this will help cities purchase clean-fuel buses and improve railways and ferry systems. Overall, not only does this help improve infrastructure, but it also promotes utilizing clean energy in transporting citizens of a city.
I speak from experience how important this funding is for the rural areas is as well. We have a state highway in the Town of Shelby/Village of Medina, Route 31, which is seeing more and more business growth. We have an ethanol plant, a brand new Aldi grocery store, and then a plethora of other businesses (Valu, Dollar General, Pizza Hut, McDonald's, another pizza place, insurance agency, and a Tops plaza).
This is the list of cities and counties receiving this transit funding. Not only will this promote cleaner energy and improved transit systems, but it will also help spur economic development.
The State Legislature's top Democrat last week gave a spirited defense of efforts to raise the salaries of 212 state lawmakers and added that Gov. Eliot L. Spitzer is "not adverse" to backing a pay hike this year.
"I'm proud to say I support it," said Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver of Manhattan. Last month, lawmakers said Silver told colleagues that Spitzer would send a pay increase bill to the Legislature.
Asked if he thought voters would be excited about legislators backing a pay raise during an election year, Silver said, "I'm not shy about putting the issue out front." He said voters would be more angry if lawmakers pushed through a pay raise after the elections.
On a personal note: I posted a letter I wrote to Gov. Spitzer about these pay raises. I oppose them, especially when we're dealing with our share of economic problems upstate and the legislators we pay are part-time.
The possibility of pay raises have received bi-partisan opposition. I find it troubling, however, that the Republicans opposed to this raise have been quiet in their opposition - unlike when they were very noisy in regards to Gov. Spitzer's DMV policy change.
Now, local governments criticizing Spitzer's budget proposal:
Silver's remarks came after he and other state leaders appeared before a skeptical audience of county leaders from around the state, who say the governor's new budget plan hurts local finances. A year ago, Spitzer stood before the same group and told them the days of governors shifting costs onto counties to help Albany balance its books were over.
But on Tuesday, Spitzer acknowledged to the county leaders that this year he is "pushing back some costs to you." Angry local officials say Spitzer is trying to force about $80 million onto them; Spitzer insists the counties have a "net" win in his budget of more than $500 million. But $390 million of that is from a Medicaid cap already in state law.
County officials say the Spitzer budget will force higher property taxes if it stands.
High property taxes? Really? I know Orleans County's contingent was in attendance and they have no place to talk. Check out Orleans County's property tax rates which were set well before Spitzer's budget proposal. These counties are looking for a scapegoat with their own property tax problems. The state is the last place to go to point the finger.
Governor Eliot Spitzer and Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick announced a friendly wager today for Super Bowl XLII.
From an e-mailed press release:
GOVERNOR ELIOT SPITZER AND GOVERNOR DEVAL PATRICK ANNOUNCE SUPERBOWL XLII WAGER
New York Governor Eliot Spitzer and Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick today announced that they have placed a friendly wager on Superbowl XLII which will take place this coming Sunday in Glendale, Arizona.
The governors have each wagered two dozen servings of New York and Massachusetts specialties. Governor Spitzer has wagered Dinosaur's Barbeque and world famous Junior's cheesecake. Governor Patrick has wagered New England Seafood dinnerS - including scrod, scallops, and clam chowder from Legal Sea Foods - as well as Brigham's "Boston, You're My Home" ice cream. Both governors agreed that regardless of the game's outcome, the wager should provide an opportunity to help a deserving cause. The winning governor will donate the meals to a local charity.
"The Giants look unstoppable and Eli Manning is playing the best football of his career," said Governor Spitzer.
Governor Patrick said: "We've been waiting for this all year and I know our team is ready. Go Pats!"
Gov. Spitzer should put up some of AnchorBar's world famous chicken wings as well. After all, it is the home of the chicken wing. Dinosaur BBQ is pretty good though too. And Junior's Cheesecake? I'm speechless. I could live off that stuff.
And it's all for a good cause too. The food going to charity is a very nice thing to do.
In what looks suspiciously like an attempt to pacify a rambunctious Legislature, Gov. Eliot L. Spitzer is reportedly ready to agree to pay raises for its members, even though they are already among the country's most highly paid state lawmakers and they have done virtually nothing to merit an increase.
It's a bad move for Spitzer. He may win a little love from the Legislature, but he risks further distancing himself from the source of his power: New York voters, who are already suspicious of the governor's priorities and who overwhelmingly oppose giving lawmakers a raise.
Lawmakers can make two claims for increased pay, neither of them persuasive. First is that they haven't had a raise since 1999, but that's the argument that takes no account of performance. They already earn a base pay of $79,500 a year, third highest in the country, trailing only Michigan and California. What is more, many lawmakers earn about $100,000 or more when stipends for leadership positions or committee posts are added. This is for a part-time job.
The key words: part-time job. Plus, they are the third highest paid state legislators in the country. $79,500 is quite a sum of money to pay for part-time legislators and the raise they could receive might be huge - possibly putting their salary near $100,000.
Here's more from the editorial:
As to the internal changes, both legislative leaders still control what gets voted on and, therefore, what will pass. Both limit the power of committees and rank-andfile members to introduce new ideas into the Legislature. Both remain committed to gerrymandering political districts to diminish the prospects of serious electoral opposition.
Spitzer has only just begun to recoup the public standing he squandered last year. Support of a raise for lawmakers could quickly undermine that recovery. The Siena New York Poll for December showed that voters oppose a pay raise for legislators by a margin of 67 percent to 28 percent. That's because voters, the victims of the Legislature's dysfunctions, know where the bodies are buried. The governor should try not to be one of them.
With odds like that, the governor should not be on board with this. Keep in mind that this is not a formality, but it won't be easy for Spitzer to say yes or no to pay raises. If he says yes, he has the voters (and taxpayers) of New York to answer to, and the polls suggest that most of them would oppose such a pay raise. If he says no, all he has to do is put up with a bunch of overpaid, part-time state legislators.
(Note: I sent this to Gov. Spitzer's office via e-mail.)
Gov. Spitzer,
I'm writing to you to express my opposition to any pay raises that would be granted to members of the New York State Legislature.
According to published reports, you may send a pay hike bill to the Legislature for a vote next month. I'm pleading with you not to follow through with this.
As a Democrat, I have supported you for the last year. When many of my fellow New Yorkers claimed that you were advocating driver's licenses for illegal immigrants, I was writing on The Albany Project and in my weekly column for The Journal-Register that such mischaracterizations were wrong. I voted for you in November 2006 and thought that your first year in office, contrary to public opinion, was a strong one.
As a resident of upstate, I was also encouraged when you took the initiative to give the first State of Upstate Address at Buffalo State College. I was in attendance that day, Mr. Spitzer, and I found your Upstate Revitalization Plan to be the key to unlocking the potential here in upstate New York.
But raises for our legislators I cannot support. Maybe it's the rumored size of the pay raises (The Buffalo News reported that it could be in the double-digit range, making up for the cost of living since their last pay raise) or maybe it's the economic condition upstate is in.
As a working class citizen and a college student who will graduate in May with my degree in political science, I also found the words of Senator Eric Adams very offensive. He wondered to his colleagues on the Senate floor, "I don't know how some of you are making it." He also made his case by saying, "Show me the money."
Mr. Spitzer, this isn't the movies. This is not "Jerry Maguire." This is New York. We are having tough times in upstate New York. The county I live in (Orleans County) has a per capita income in the mid-$20,000 range. And Mr. Adams and the rest of his colleagues serving the people of New York in Albany are asking for a raise?
As an avid supporter of yours Mr. Spitzer, I would have to respectfully say to the Legislature that they must sacrifice first. We need to improve the New York economy, lower taxes and improve upstate before it mirrors Appalachia.
Mr. Spitzer, please do not support pay raises for state legislators. Ask them instead to sacrifice. Ask them to think about the sacrifices the people of New York would have to make in order to pay their salaries.
Governor Eliot Spitzer presented his 2008-09 budget today which, according to the governor's website "closes the deficit, protects priorities and invests in economic growth."
