|
This belongs to you. Take it back...
|
Upstate New York 
Wed Jun 10, 2009 at 12:45:17 PM EDT
|
|
The top three upstate newspapers - The Buffalo News, Rochester's Democrat and Chronicle and the Syracuse Post-Standard - all weighed in on the attempted takeover of the New York State Senate. I will have their respective editorials later.
But the best of the editorials came from the Post-Standard, which called the coup a "new low" and referred to it was a "cynical move" in their editorial today.
In a hastily arranged ceremony Monday, state Sen. John DeFrancisco swore in an ethically challenged colleague to be a heartbeat away from the governor's chair.
It was all in the name of reform.
First, following the Republican "coup" in the state Senate, DeFrancisco, R-Syracuse, swore in his good friend, Republican Dean Skelos of Long Island, as majority leader. Then, at Skelos' bidding, he swore in Democrat Pedro Espada Jr. of the Bronx as temporary Senate president -- putting him first in succession if something should happen to Gov. David Paterson.
Espada has been fined tens of thousands of dollars over several years for failing to disclose political contributions. At the moment, state Attorney General Andrew Cuomo is investigating Soundview Health Care Network, a nonprofit organization Espada ran until recently.
Espada's qualifications for the powerful Senate job? He was willing to throw his vote to the Republicans in return for the post -- and an apparent promise of help in next year's election from billionaire Tom Golisano. Espada was joined in his defection by fellow Democrat Hiram Monseratte of Queens, who has been indicted on felony charges of slashing his girlfriend's face with a broken glass.
Skelos, DeFrancisco and other Republicans insist they recruited these stalwart public servants to help them reform the Senate. "We were serious about all the good government reforms, the things Democrats said they would do as soon as they got the majority," DeFrancisco told The Post-Standard.
Republicans controlled the state Senate for decades, but somehow didn't catch the bug for reform until the Democrats took over in January and claimed the perks -- the plum offices and committee assignments, the fawning attention of lobbyists, and control of millions of dollars in pork-barrel grants to hand out to constituents.
It is clear that "reform" was merely a cover for Monday's coup. The Republicans wanted to get their power back, plain and simple, and they found two Democrats desperate enough to help them do it. Whether they will honor the spirit of the reforms they announced Monday has yet to be seen.
The apparent mastermind of the effort, Tom Golisano, is not an elected official at all. His main qualification is that he has millions of dollars. Golisano, who recently moved his residence to Florida to get out of paying his share of taxes under the new, Democrat-enacted surcharge for high earners, also insists it is "reform" that drives him.
GOP leaders spent weeks planning the coup -- weeks they could have spent attending to the vast problems facing their constituents. Now the chaos they created throws into doubt whether any meaningful work can be done in Albany in the final weeks of the legislative session. Once again, it is the citizens of the state who will be left behind.
Even for Albany, this is a new low. All New Yorkers should be embarrassed at what is happening in the capital this week, and all voters should take careful note of who is responsible for it.
The reason why this is important is because the upstate newspapers have been railing against the Senate Democrats ever since they took control. Having a force like the Post-Standard stand up and say that this coup is a "new low" and criticize the coup for what it is gives upstaters a better view on Albany.
Over the last several months, Republicans have tried to say that Democrats, not Republicans, are the reason why Albany is so dysfunctional. But the reality is that the Republicans, who controlled the Senate for over 40 years before losing in 2008 and also held the Governor's office from 1995 to 2007, are just as much to blame for New York's problems as the Democrats are.
But Republicans have tried to pass the blame off in the name of partisan politics. They have always put politics first. That is very apparent in this coup. There was a lot of important legislation set to be discussed on Monday and in the days ahead. But instead of doing that, the Republicans put on a chaotic show that should be proof for the rest of the state that they are part of the dysfunction, not part of the solution.
|
|
Discuss
:: (0
Comments)
|
|
Mon Apr 13, 2009 at 07:25:38 AM EDT
|
|
When the Upstate Revitalization Plan was first set up by Eliot Spitzer, that plan for upstate included a Regional Blueprint Fund. When the plan proposed by Spitzer was $1 billion, the Regional Blueprint Fund made up nearly one-third of the plan, a total of $350 million, that would be used for various projects to "take advantage of the unique assets possessed by each part of New York."
On April 9, 2008, Governor David Paterson announced that his own version of the upstate revitalization plan would be included in the budget. Instead of $1 billion, the plan was cut to $700 million. In the press release announcing the plan, the Regional Blueprint Fund is outlined:
Regional Blueprint Fund ($120 million): Reflecting the need to move away from a "one-size-fits-all" approach to Upstate economic development, the Enacted Budget creates a $120 million Regional Blueprint Fund, which will be used to take advantage of the unique assets in each part of New York. This fund will be administered by the Empire State Development Corporation and will build on Regional Blueprint sessions held last fall to identify projects that will enhance each specific Upstate area's economic advantages.
After reviewing Spitzer's upstate plan and Paterson's upstate plan, there are a couple of differences. But what was also included in Paterson's plan that received very little attention was $35 million for a "downstate revitalization fund" that was included in Paterson's upstate plan.
Why is that important? A year after Paterson announced his own plan for upstate, that $120 million that was supposed to be invested in upstate has been held up by Gov. Paterson. Instead of using it as a Regional Blueprint Fund, Paterson wants to combine it with the "downstate revitalization fund" and use those monies for projects all across the state. While all the money won't go to downstate, it all won't go to upstate either.
The five upstate Democratic senators - Sen. Neil Breslin, Sen. Darrel Aubertine, Sen. David Valesky, Sen. Bill Stachowski and Sen. Antoine Thompson - came together with Senate Majority Leader Malcolm Smith to write a letter to Governor Paterson calling on him to release these funds that were promised to upstate. You can read the letter here.
This is important and this won't be the last time you hear about this issue during the week. When last year's budget was announced, Governor Paterson took advantage of the $700 million he set aside for upstate and used it for his political gain. There were conference calls (which I took part in at the time) where Paterson touted this plan for upstate. In that plan was the Regional Blueprint Fund, which he said would be in the 2008-09 budget and in the 2009-10 budget.
But now, Paterson is trying to play games with the funds. That $120 million could go a long way for upstate New York. It could also help Paterson at a time when he is struggling throughout the state and in upstate New York.
Release the funds, Governor Paterson. Upstate needs them. This money was promised to upstate by you in last year's budget. Don't go back on your word.
|
|
There's More...
:: (2
Comments, 263 words in story)
|
|
Fri Feb 27, 2009 at 15:00:00 PM EST
|
|
On Wednesday, it was announced that Sen. Darrel Aubertine would serve as the new chairman of the New York State Legislative Commission on Rural Resources.
Today, I had an opportunity to conduct a phone interview with Sen. Aubertine to discuss his vision for the commission, whether or not high speed rail fits into the infrastructure equation of the commission's goals and his joint effort with Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand to make sure that locally grown foods end up on the lunch trays of local students.
 The goals of the commission were outlined in a press release Wednesday, which were the following: Research and draft legislation regarding farm-to-fork programs, green energy, green jobs and green partnerships, re-thinking upstate infrastructure and rural health care. While he reinstated his support for those being the goals of the commission, Aubertine offered his own vision.
"The level of activity (of the commission) may increase a bit in large part because of the economy," Aubertine said. "Though agriculture is an important issue of mine, there are a lot of other issues. Rural health care is a huge issue. This commission could serve as a clearinghouse for a lot of discussions, whether it's agriculture, energy, green jobs. We can use this commission as a point of contact between the legislature and advocates."
Aubertine also stressed the importance of education in the process, listing several upstate New York colleges and universities like the University of Rochester, SUNY Morrisville and others who can help in areas like agriculture, researching green energy and green jobs, among other things.
In talking about infrastructure, I brought up high speed rail to Aubertine. He said that this has "been part of the dialogue with the stimulus package and in this state for a long time." And while he certainly wouldn't brush it off, Aubertine said his focus would be on providing more transportation for the disabled and seniors in rural areas where such transportation now is not readily available.
"The infrastructure now is lacking," he said. "We need more bus routes for seniors and enhance existing bus routes. Buses are a way of lessening the burden of cost and impact on the environment. It is more cheaply, with less cost to the environment. With biofuels, there are a lot of possibilities."
When asked what he thought the commission could do in terms of development, Aubertine argued that the commission could certainly be an important part of revitalizing upstate.
"[The commission] can play a pivotal role as a clearinghouse for advocates and looking at the legislature who may deal with land use development, energy and serve as a touch point for advocates for additional funding," he said.
Aubertine added: "The commission has been successful in the past. There is a real possibility of advancing issues and this commission can be a positive influence."
In addition to the news about the commission this week, Aubertine has joined Sen. Gillibrand in writing a letter to USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack asking Vilsack to review an interpretation of processed foods to allow local produce be bought and used by local school districts. In a press release today (which you can read below the fold), Aubertine had this to say about the provision that currently prevents local produce to be used in schools because of its "processed foods" label.
"The program requires these healthy snacks be served outside of the school meal programs, so where is the logic in calling fruits and vegetables 'processed' simply because they come to the school ready to be served and eaten outside of the lunchroom?" Sen. Aubertine added.
Aubertine is certainly making a name for himself and fighting for his rural district in the process. Kudos to him for his efforts and congratulations to Aubertine for being named the latest chair of the Rural Resources Commission.
|
|
There's More...
:: (3
Comments, 775 words in story)
|
|
Fri Feb 27, 2009 at 10:24:08 AM EST
|
|
The next three upstate town hall meetings have been announced for Governor David Paterson's upstate tour.
The next town hall meeting will begin at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Niagara Falls Housing Authority's Doris W. Jones Family Resource Building, 3001 9th Street, Niagara Falls. The doors open at 4:30 p.m., so get there early to get a seat.
The following Wednesday, Governor Paterson will be in Rochester. That event will also begin at 5:30 p.m. with the doors opening at 4:30 p.m. The town hall will be held at the Rochester Riverside Convention Center's Lilac Ballroom, 123 East Main Street, Rochester.
On March 12, the day after the town hall in Rochester, Governor Paterson will hold his second student town hall meeting at SUNY Geneseo. That will take place on the campus of SUNY Geneseo inside the Wadsworth Auditorium. The doors open at 10 a.m. and the event starts at 11 a.m.
Governor Paterson acknowledged how important these town halls are for the public and for his own enrichment.
"During this economic crisis, we as citizens have the responsibility to work together towards achieving a brighter future for our State," said Governor Paterson. "These Town Hall meetings have provided New Yorkers with a forum to share thoughts, ideas and suggestions on ways we can improve the economic outlook for New York. I look forward to hearing directly from New York's residents and students as we work together to emerge from this crisis and place New York State on the road towards fiscal recovery."
If you are interested in attending, you can RSVP here. An RSVP is not required to attend. You can also submit your questions here.
I will be attending all three of those meetings, so if you are in the area of any of these, I'd gladly meet up with some fellow TAP community members for a coffee shop visit or dinner. Feel free to e-mail me at robert.harding22@gmail.com if you are interested.
|
|
Discuss
:: (0
Comments)
|
|
Wed Feb 25, 2009 at 15:21:57 PM EST
|
|
Under the Democratic majority, the New York State Senate along with their partners in the Assembly have stressed the importance of "One New York." At times, certain outside (and inside) influences can divide this state into multiple parts. But that is not how the leaders in this state want the state to function.
Today, it was announced that Sen. Darrel Aubertine will serve as the chairman for the New York State Legislative Commission on Rural Resources. This commission is in place to develop economic development policies that will spur growth in rural upstate New York.
Under the leadership of Aubertine and Vice-Chair, Assemblyman David Koon (D-Perinton), the Commission will be dedicated to creating policies that will boost economic revitalization in rural communities throughout Upstate. The commission works directly with a network of more than 10,000 rural residents, advocates, researchers and community and business leaders across Upstate.
"Because of his personal and legislative experiences, Senator Aubertine is a natural choice to lead this commission and help us in our efforts to promote policies that will benefit Upstate New York," said Senate Majority Leader Malcolm A. Smith. "For the long-term economic growth and revitalization of rural New York, we need a strong commitment to job creation and sound economic development. This commission, driven by substantive public policies initiatives will help cultivate a new economy for Upstate New York," said Smith.
This is the second leadership post for Senator Aubertine, who in January, was chosen to lead the Senate's standing Committee on Agriculture.
"Certainly, I'm honored to have been chosen by the leader to head this commission," Sen. Aubertine said. "As chair of the Agriculture Committee and now as chair of this Commission on Rural Resources, I will continue to promote our state's agriculture industry and advocate for the day to day needs of our rural communities. But in addition, this Commission can play a tremendous role in creating policy and legislation to get our green economy, the industries of the future, up and running."
With Assemblyman David Koon serving as the vice-chair of the commission, Aubertine will be charged with pushing ideas that will lead to economic growth and job creation in rural New York.
According to the press release, the commission will be charged with creating legislation that focuses on these areas:
1) Farm to Fork: This Commission will promote programs which build bridges between our state's farmers and organizations, such as schools, colleges, nursing homes and correctional facilities. This opens up new markets for our state's agriculture industry and provides healthy, local food for these organizations.
2) Green Energy: Agriculture and rural New York can play a key role in the development of alternative energy technologies, manufacturing and production of wind, nuclear, hydropower, solar, biodiesel, cellulosic fuels including ethanol, and other clean energies. With global warming and international conflict forcing our nation to look beyond foreign oil and other fossil fuels, Upstate New York can capitalize on this market trend to create jobs.
3) Green Jobs/Green Partnerships: In addition to green energy, Upstate has a growing industry for environmentally sustainable products which we need to cultivate. By developing incentives for these industries to locate here in New York, working with local small businesses, and through partnerships with SUNY and private universities to advance these innovations, this Commission will work to bring manufacturing jobs back to Upstate.
4) Re-thinking Upstate Infrastructure: If Upstate New York's economy is going to grow, we need to make sure we can by laying the necessary groundwork for economic viability. This includes maintaining and improving infrastructure for water, sewer, roads, and mass transit, as well as broadband Internet.
5) Rural Healthcare: A key component for improving the quality of life for rural New Yorkers and enticing business investment is improving access to healthcare through programs to recruit more doctors to rural areas, telemedicine and increased awareness of programs available to maintain demand for specialized services.
|
|
Discuss
:: (1
Comments)
|
|
Mon Feb 23, 2009 at 08:13:20 AM EST
|
|
As one, the GLOW Democrats have been a strong voice for Democrats in Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming counties.
Today, the chairs from the four Democratic committees in the GLOW region wrote a letter to Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand and Sen. Chuck Schumer thanking them for their support of the economic stimulus package.
The GLOW Democratic Committees have released the following open letter to our Senators, Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand.
Dear Senators Schumer and Gillibrand:
We, the Democratic Committees of the GLOW region (Genesee, Livingston, Orleans, and Wyoming Counties), are writing to congratulate you on the successful passage of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. We are grateful that you successfully fought for the funding New York state needs to helps us retain and create jobs, fund education, and meet our Medicaid needs. We note with special satisfaction the White House projections that this new law will create 7,800 jobs in the the 26th Congressional District, which is the district of the vast majority of our residents. However, we would note that our member of the House, Congressman Chris Lee, was opposed to this bill, despite the many benefits it will bring us. Therefore, we would like to point out how important our federal Senators are to our counties: we have no representation at the state or federal level in the majority other than you. We understand that the relief we get from this new law is due to the efforts of you and your fellow Democrats, and we hope your offices will get the credit for the coming aid we most surely need.
Sincerely,
Lorie Longhany
Genesee County Democratic Committee Chair
Phil Jones
Livingston County Democratic Chair
Jeanne Crane
Orleans County Democratic Chair
Harold Bush
Wyoming County Democratic Chair
The chairs make a great point: The senators are our only representatives in the majority. We need those representatives to be strong for us and to represent us well in the U.S. Senate. To date, they have. And as a GLOW Democrat, I am confident in saying that our senators will continue to represent us well in the future.
|
|
Discuss
:: (0
Comments)
|
|
Sun Feb 08, 2009 at 09:10:22 AM EST
|
|
I am represented in the New York State Assembly by Republican Assemblyman Steve Hawley. Assemblyman Hawley, while I disagree with him on plenty of issues, has always had an open door policy and has never been one to avoid a constituent.
But in a Batavia Daily News story this weekend, Assemblyman Hawley reveals something he is considering.
Hawley last month sent a letter to seven universities in the state, asking them to consider the potential political and financial pitfalls of separating upstate from New York City, and creating two different states. The divergent interests of rural upstate and the city of 8 million people makes it difficult to govern the state, and create laws and regulations that work for both regions, Hawley said.
He isn't necessarily pushing for an upstate-New York City separation, he just wants some facts on the long-simmering issue. He knows many upstaters would like to divorce NYC.
"Can there be a new New York and a New York? I don't know," Hawley said. "But it would be foolish to introduce some legislation without knowing the impact."
He sent letters to universities across the state, from the University at Buffalo to Columbia University in New York City, seeking their help with the study.
Now, I don't believe Hawley is coming out and saying he favors seceding from downstate New York and having upstate New York be one state, but he certainly doesn't seem like he would be opposed to that idea.
If you thought that the New York Republican playbook had changed, it hasn't. The New York Republicans have continually claimed that an upstate-downstate divide exists, making such calls for secession almost expected. If you believe so strongly that there is such a divide, then you probably would be supportive of separating the state into two parts.
As for the assertion that "many upstaters" want to separate from New York City, that is incorrect. The reality is that upstate can't survive without downstate. And downstate can't survive without upstate. We are one New York for a reason. This state's rich history goes back 400 years. We should not be thinking about destroying that history for political gain.
|
|
Discuss
:: (50
Comments)
|
|
Fri Jan 30, 2009 at 10:06:15 AM EST
|
Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand will be busy in her first weekend as New York's junior U.S. senator. The New York Daily News has the story.
Kirsten Gillibrand goes from Senate seat to on the stump
Gov. Paterson may have handed Kirsten Gillibrand her U.S. Senate seat, but she plans to keep it the old-fashioned way - by campaigning relentlessly.
In office only since Tuesday, Gillibrand has already booked a Hillary Clinton-sized "listening tour" this weekend, taking her from Buffalo to Brooklyn - with a fund-raiser, two round tables and meetings with at least four ethnic groups sprinkled in along the way.
The stated purpose? To show that Gillibrand is on the job and willing to make new friends, aides say.
But the unstated message is clear: Gillibrand will be a tenacious opponent for anyone, Democrat or Republican, mulling a run against her in 2010.
Whether it works, of course, remains to be seen. Rep. Carolyn McCarthy (D-L.I.), whose husband was killed by a crazed gunman in 1993, has said she is prepared to run against Gillibrand, whose pro-gun record earned her an A rating from the conservative National Rifle Association.
And many immigrant advocates remain furious over her past support for laws they see as anti-immigrant, among them a bill that would bar employers who hire illegal immigrants from getting federal contracts.
"The jury is definitely still out on her," said a Hispanic lawmaker expected to meet with her this weekend.
According to the article, Sen. Gillibrand will be meeting with a few groups in Manhattan today before holding a Gillibrand for Senate fundraiser later in the day. Tomorrow, Gillibrand will travel upstate for meetings in Buffalo and Rochester. And on Sunday, Gillibrand will have a meeting with Hispanic lawmakers in Brooklyn. Gillibrand will also meet with the head of the New York Immigration Coalition and attend a parade in Chinatown.
It is great to see Gillibrand out and about this early. She will need to do this often in order to win over this diverse state. It will be interesting to see how the next 20 months play out.
|
|
Discuss
:: (3
Comments)
|
|
Wed Jan 28, 2009 at 14:05:49 PM EST
|
|
I wrote yesterday about the lack of upstate town hall meetings that were promised in place of a State of Upstate Address. So far, only one town hall meeting has been held (in Watertown) and until today, there were no updates about when the next town hall meetings would take place.
Today, the Governor's press office announced the next three upstate town hall meetings that will take place later this week and next week.
Governor David A. Paterson today announced the dates of three State of the State Town Hall meetings that he will host in the next week. The meetings will be held in Johnstown, Auburn and Binghamton, and will be open to the public. On January 5, Governor Paterson announced that he would hold a series of town hall meetings across Upstate New York to give the public a chance to discuss New York's fiscal crisis and the themes of the Governor's State of the State address. The first of those meetings was held in Watertown on January 11.
"Now is the time for State government to take action and confront the worst fiscal crisis since the Great Depression. It is equally important that we take the time to hear directly from New York residents about their concerns as we move to address these problems," said Governor Paterson. "The opinions and suggestions I have heard during these town hall meetings have helped to shape state policy, and I look forward to hearing from more New Yorkers as we move forward in this unprecedented time."
Governor Paterson will continue to travel throughout Upstate New York, and will hold additional town hall meetings and other public events as part of his State of the State tour. In addition to these stops in Fulton, Cayuga and Broome Counties, Governor Paterson plans to hold State of the State Town Hall meetings in Western New York and the Finger Lakes region. The time and location for those meetings will be announced at a later date.
The Johnstown town hall will take place at Fulton Montgomery Community College, 2805 State Highway 67 on Friday, January 30. Doors will open at 2:00 p.m., with the event scheduled to begin at 3:00 p.m.
The Auburn town hall will take place at the Irene A. Bisgrove Community Theatre at Cayuga Community College, 197 Franklin Street on Saturday, January 31. Doors will open at 11:00 a.m., with the event scheduled to begin at noon.
The Binghamton town hall will take place at the West Gym at Broome Community College, 901 Upper Front St. on Wednesday, February 4. Attendees should enter through the North Entrance. Doors will open at 4:30 p.m., with the event scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m.
If you are interested in attended any of those town hall meetings, you can register here.
This is a great chance for upstaters to have their voices heard and to let Governor David Paterson know what parts of the budget we agree with, disagree with and what would make for better alternatives in place of those issues we disagree with.
Let your voices be heard. Go to the town hall meetings, ask questions and show the governor you are a concerned citizen.
|
|
Discuss
:: (1
Comments)
|
|
Tue Jan 27, 2009 at 11:34:20 AM EST
|
|
On January 5, Governor David Paterson's press office announced that he would travel throughout upstate New York after the State of the State Address to hear the concerns of upstate residents and receive their input on the budget and his approach to the economic crisis we are living in.
On January 11, Governor Paterson did hold a townhall meeting in Watertown - the first stop of what was supposed to be his upstate tour. But since then, there have been zero townhall meetings. In fact, the Governor's townhall page has not been updated since that Watertown meeting.
In the January 5 press release I referenced to above, there is this paragraph about the townhall meetings and when they would be announced.
Governor Paterson will travel throughout Upstate New York in the next six weeks, and will hold at least four town hall meetings and other public events. In addition to Sunday's Watertown meeting, Governor Paterson plans to hold State of the State town hall meetings in Western New York, the Finger Lakes region and the Southern Tier. The full Upstate travel schedule will be announced after the Governor's State of the State Address.
The emphasis on that last sentence is mine. I emphasis that last sentence because the State of the State Address was given almost three weeks ago on January 7. Today is January 27 and over the last 20 days, there has been no updates given regarding the upstate townhalls. That schedule that was to be released following the State of the State Address has not been unveiled. And Paterson traveling "throughout Upstate New York in the next six weeks" has not happened.
Tomorrow will mark the third week since Paterson gave his State of the State Address. He said (or the press office did) that instead of having a separate address for upstate, these townhalls would be his way of communicating with residents of upstate to hear their concerns and allow them to voice their opinions. Three weeks in, with the exception of the Watertown meeting, he has failed to do that.
It has been acknowledged by many that this state's power structure resides in New York City. Governor Paterson hails from New York City. Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver is from New York City. Senate Majority Leader Malcolm Smith is from New York City.
If we are truly one New York, we need to be shown that this is one New York. I would hope that the schedule for the upstate townhall meetings will be unveiled soon so that we know that this wasn't just an empty promise given to us prior to the State of the State Address.
|
|
Discuss
:: (1
Comments)
|
|
Fri Jan 23, 2009 at 09:53:49 AM EST
|
|
One of the big criticisms of Rep. Kirsten Gillibrand as she becomes the junior U.S. senator from New York is that she is pro-gun rights. Gillibrand has received an "A" rating from the National Rifle Association and her pro-gun stance has already drawn criticism from Rep. Carolyn McCarthy, who is a well-known gun control activist and member of Congress who lost her husband in the Long Island Railroad massacre 15 years ago. McCarthy has even threatened to primary Gillibrand in 2010 if she is indeed the one being appointed by Governor David Paterson.
But this is an issue that is very different in rural and urban areas. In rural areas, guns aren't associated with violence. Guns are associated with sport. I hail from a very rural county where hunting is a family event for some. I can remember only two murders that occurred involving a gun during my lifetime here. So in the rural areas of this state, guns aren't used for violent purposes. Guns are used for hunting and for sport.
In urban (and even suburban) areas, the issue is much different. I live an hour away from Buffalo and Rochester - two cities that have had their share of homicides involving the use of a gun. In urban areas, guns aren't associated with hunting. Instead, guns are associated with violence.
I understand where both sides are coming from because in a rural setting, this issue is a much different one than it is in the suburbs and cities.
There are some things not to like about Gillibrand's pro-gun position. Gillibrand opposes any sort of ban on the sale of semiautomatic guns or the infamous "cop-killer" bullets, according to Village Voice reporter Wayne Barrett.
What Gillibrand needs to understand is that there are people like Rep. McCarthy out there. People who have lost loved ones and friends to gun violence. There are many people like that in New York and many throughout the United States. That's why the Brady Campaign's efforts are important.
But how do we balance those efforts with protecting hunters and their right to bear arms? That is the question. Gillibrand will need to address that question if she plans on representing the interests of all New Yorkers. In cities like New York City, Buffalo, Rochester, and Syracuse, guns are a problem, not something that is used for leisure. Gillibrand will need to understand that and be prepared to have a much more moderate position on guns going forward.
You can still support gun rights for rural people who use guns only for hunting, but you need to understand that if there is a gun in New York City or Buffalo, chances are the owner of that gun isn't using it to nab a 12-point buck.
|
|
Discuss
:: (18
Comments)
|
|
Wed Jan 14, 2009 at 22:06:24 PM EST
|
|
Upstate Democrats serving in the New York State Assembly, New York State Senate and the House of Representatives have come together to create an Upstate Majority Caucus. The caucus consists of 36 members (eight from the House of Representatives, 23 from the New York State Assembly and five from the New York State Senate) who represent districts in upstate New York. They are all Democrats and all 36 serve in Democratic majorities in their respective houses.
Here is the list:
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES: Rep. Michael Arcuri, Rep. Kirsten Gillibrand, Rep. Brian Higgins, Rep. Maurice Hinchey, Rep. Dan Maffei, Rep. Eric Massa, Rep. Louise Slaughter and Rep. Paul Tonko
NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY: Ron Canestrari, Joan Christensen, Francine DelMonte, RoAnn Destito, Dennis Gabryszak, David Gantt, Tim Gordon, Sam Hoyt, Susan John, David Koon, Barbara Lifton, Donna Lupardo, Bill Magee, William Magnarelli, John McEneny, Joe Morelle, Bill Parment, Crystal Peoples, Bob Reilly, Addie Russell, Robin Schimminger, Mark Schroeder and Al Stirpe
NEW YORK STATE SENATE: Darrel Aubertine, Neil Breslin, Bill Stachowski, Antoine Thompson and David Valesky.
Here is a statement regarding the group's first meeting:
Upstate Majority Legislators Meet to Discuss Economic Revitalization
Upstate Democratic legislators representing a "Conference of Majorities" convened this weekend in Rochester to discuss a unified effort to jumpstart the struggling economy of Upstate New York. The unprecedented meeting, hosted by Congresswoman Louise Slaughter (D-Fairport) and Assemblyman David Gantt (D-Rochester), brought together representatives from Democratic majorities in the United States House of Representatives, the New York State Assembly and the New York State Senate.
When President-Elect Barack Obama is sworn in on Inauguration Day, Democrats will control the executive office and both houses of the legislature at the Federal and State level. The last time Democrats held similar control of so many levels of government was amidst the Great Depression. In 1933, Franklin D. Roosevelt entered the White House with a Democratic Congress in power and concurrently, in New York, Democrats had just won the majority in the State Senate.
With a federal economic stimulus package expected in the coming weeks and the federal transportation reauthorization bill slated for later this year, the legislators discussed several ways to revitalize the Upstate economy, including high-speed rail and alternative energy sources.
In these trying times, elected leaders must unite in the spirit of hope and cooperation. The Upstate Majorities Conference will not stand by and allow the Upstate economy to continue to decline.
The group plans to meet again soon and will reach out to business and community leaders throughout our region to push a concise and concrete agenda for Upstate New York.
This is going to be a great group for upstate New York. All of these leaders represent upstate districts that need economic development and job growth. Together, they can have a real impact in Albany and in Washington D.C.
|
|
Discuss
:: (3
Comments)
|
|
Mon Dec 29, 2008 at 11:49:11 AM EST
|
|
About a week and a half ago, I had the opportunity to sit down with Assemblyman Sam Hoyt, who represents the 144th Assembly District in the New York State Assembly.
I have interviewed Assemblyman Hoyt before and he was a great interview. He provided me with a lot of his positions on issues like Empire Zone and IDA reform, as well as his position on smart growth and his support of charter schools.
 One issue we didn't talk about is high speed rail, which is an issue that Assemblyman Hoyt has long been a supporter of. On Christmas Day, he wrote an op-ed in The Buffalo News discussing how federal stimulus money promised by the incoming Barack Obama administration should fund the construction of high speed rail here in New York.
During my interview with Hoyt, he discussed high speed rail and what it could mean for upstate New York.
"High speed rail would connect the three greatest cities: New York City, Buffalo and Toronto as well as all the cities in between," Hoyt said. "It would lead to explosive growth in industry and population. The economic stimulus package will be in the several billion dollar range and one of the central infrastructure needs is high speed rail."
I asked Hoyt whether he saw real support for high speed rail and he said he did. He made the case for high speed rail.
"I think you will see real growth and environmental benefits," Hoyt said of high speed rail. "Our highways are reaching their capacity. Airports are bursting at the seams. There are stories about delays at major airports and you can't just build a new terminal."
Hoyt added: "The current administration has said that the Empire State Corridor qualifies as one of 11 high speed rail corridors that is being looked at for development of a high speed rail system."
I discussed other issues with Hoyt, including the recent Executive Budget proposal put forth by Governor David Paterson, property taxes and what his legislative goals for the next session will be.
You can read the rest of the interview below the fold.
|
|
There's More...
:: (5
Comments, 1070 words in story)
|
|
Fri Dec 05, 2008 at 15:40:44 PM EST
|
|
I have heard from friends, former candidates for New York State Senate and concerned citizens today about what the "Gang of Three" deal means for upstate. After all, one of the senators that took a hit because of the deal was Sen. Bill Stachowski, who was in line to become chair of the powerful Finance Committee, got passed over the post in favor of "Gang of Three" member Sen. Carl Kruger.
Also, upon reviewing the committee list, it appears that upstate Democratic senators will not be chairing any of the important and powerful committees.
So I must ask Sen. Malcolm Smith: Where's that "One New York" you were talking about?
Sen. Smith deserves credit where credit is due. He reached an agreement with three senators who demanded certain concessions and threatened to vote for the other side if Smith didn't do it their way. Sen. Smith can't please everybody, but it seems this deal only pleased the "Gang of Three."
Upstate Democrats do have a presence in the Senate. One of the biggest races of the year was in late February when Sen. Darrel Aubertine won in a special election and then defended the seat last month. You also have senators like Stachowski, Sen. Antoine Thompson, Sen. David Valesky and Sen. Neil Breslin. Those are some big names and all are deserving of an important post in the Democratic Senate. But because of this deal with three senators, upstate might be shut out of the whole process.
I see Sen. Smith's "One New York" a shattered concept that will need serious repair moving forward. If this is truly going to be one New York, upstate needs to see that. It is in Sen. Smith's hands to make sure that it happens and he follows through with his promise to make it happen. If he doesn't, he will have failed as a leader and he will only make the Republicans case that the "New York City Democrats" rule the state a stronger one. If the idea of "One New York" is to give in to three renegade senators, we need to take a look at the deal and ask ourselves if we are better or worse off with this deal than we were before.
We have very good Democratic senators from upstate. It is about time they are recognized in the New York State Senate and I hope our Democratic caucus realizes that. Buffalo, like New York City, needs strong representation in the upper house of the New York State Legislature. Albany, Rochester, Syracuse, Watertown and all of the rural counties in between need representation too. I hope this is reflected in the New York State Senate come January 1.
|
|
Discuss
:: (14
Comments)
|
|
Thu Nov 06, 2008 at 10:15:08 AM EST
|
(Excellent. - promoted by phillip anderson)
We recently discussed the general idea of branding and developing upstate New York as a "Silicon Valley" for alternative energy production. There was a variety of interest on this subject, and I'd like to develop this issue further. Specifically, Robinia mentioned dividing upstate regions to develop specialties for different upstate cities and rural areas. Such a plan would be tangible to elected officials and allow New York to present a unified front. We can then lobby the Obama administration for federal dollars to get the ball rolling.
It seems to me that we should look at production already occurring in these areas, figure out the major specialties, and push those areas for each region. So let's look at a logical division.
|
|
There's More...
:: (13
Comments, 837 words in story)
|
|
Sun Oct 19, 2008 at 22:06:59 PM EDT
|
|
"Downstate Democrats." "New York City Democrats." These are the words usually used here in upstate to describe Democrats who just happened to reside in the southern parts of New York. The Republicans have used the "upstate-downstate divide" as a way to, well, divide us. During the Joe Mesi-Mike Ranzenhofer debate today, Ranzenhofer threw around the same downstate labels that have come to divide us as if we were two separate states.
Sen. Malcolm Smith was joined by Democratic incumbents and challengers to reaffirm their commitment to rebuilding upstate and the upstate economy.
Jobs gone, homes lost and high property taxes for working families- that is the Republican record in Upstate New York. Senate Democratic Leader Malcolm A. Smith was joined by Congress members Louise Slaughter and Brian Higgins, State Senators Bill Stachowski, Ruth Hassell-Thompson, Antoine Thompson, Bill Perkins and John Sampson, Assemblywoman Annette Robinson, and Democratic Senate candidates Rick Dollinger, Joe Mesi and Kathy Konst to discuss the benefits a Democratic-controlled Senate would bring to Upstate New York. In 40 years of controlling the State Senate, Republicans have failed to meet the needs of working class New Yorkers, leaving Upstate New York with a crumbling economy that no longer works for its people. But change is coming.
"Fighting to protect the special interests over working families, Republicans have raised your taxes, spent your money and shipped away your jobs from Upstate New York- that's the Republican record in Albany," said Democratic Senate Leader Malcolm A. Smith. "40 years of failure is enough, it's time for change. A Democratic Majority will reduce the growth of property taxes, create and protect jobs through economic development and slash wasteful government spending," said Smith.
On a three-day trip to Upstate New York, Smith, joined by his Democratic Senate colleagues and candidates met with labor and clergy leaders to discuss their commitment to repairing the decimated Upstate economy. With various stops in Rochester and Buffalo, Smith assured families that a change in the Senate would bring a much-needed change to Upstate New York where factories have closed and jobs have been lost to overseas markets.
This past year, Senate Democrats attempted to revitalize the struggling Upstate economy and protect the homes of working families by introducing legislation to eliminate tax breaks for companies that outsource jobs and by proposing a moratorium on home foreclosures. Though families are losing their jobs and homes as the financial crisis worsens, Senate Republicans blocked both measures to protect working families.
"Special interests still control Albany and spending is out of control, but the only jobs Senate Republicans have fought to protect are their own. That ends on Election Day. Republicans have had their chance and failed. It's time for a change because New Yorkers deserve better," said Democratic Senate Leader Malcolm A. Smith.
Coming from upstate, I have heard the Republican talking points on what Democrats will do once they are elected. The hypocrisy of that is the Republicans have made Long Island their base, yet have used the downstate label against the Democrats because of New York City.
This is a great way for people to hear from the Democrats in New York and how they will approach upstate issues. We need to strive for ridding these labels from our politics, but that will take time. Right now though, we need to have the best candidates who will do the best job for New York, whether it's upstate or downstate.
|
|
Discuss
:: (3
Comments)
|
|
Mon Jun 30, 2008 at 13:21:13 PM EDT
|
(Truly excellent. - promoted by phillip anderson)
Robert posted an important entry yesterday regarding the current leadership of New York State. In sum, Albany is now controlled by downstate politicians. Upstate New York is woefully underrepresented. In a comment, I stated that New York Democrats need to find new leadership from their upstate members in order to represent the region in the most direct way. In the following entry, I'd like to look at a few individuals who I believe could rise to prominence as upstate leaders in the Democratic Party.
|
|
There's More...
:: (16
Comments, 414 words in story)
|
|
Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 02:57:55 AM EDT
|
|
Roatti earlier stated what the budget included (and excluded) this year. As we all know, the deal has been made.
First, the news for upstate. I took part in a conference call with Dan Gundersen, chairman of the upstate Empire State Development Corporation. The verdict is that upstate will receive $700 million in this year's budget. The original Upstate Revitalization Fund called for $1 billion, so the $300 million is a pretty serious cut into this funding. That said, one of the positives here is that the Regional Blueprint portion of the plan (worth $120 million in this year's budget) will be in next year's budget as well. It will be a recurring part of the budget, which wasn't the original plan. So the $350 million that was first set for the Regional Blueprint may still happen.
According to Gundersen, there will be $5 million for broadband in upstate and another $40 million for the agribusiness fund. There is also $10 million set aside for more Fort Drum housing.
Sandy Parker of the Rochester Business Alliance had this to say about today's announcement.
"We applaud Governor Paterson for his focus on upstate," Parker said. "We are very pleased."
Governor David Paterson also announced that for the first time in 40 years, New York will see an overhaul of Wicks Law.
Governor David A. Paterson today announced the overhaul of the Wicks Law in the 2008-09 Enacted Budget. This historic reform is part of an overall effort to reduce local mandates and lower local property taxes. The change, which will cut public construction costs for State and local governments, marks the first restructuring of that law in more than 40 years.
"Wicks reform is an essential part of relieving the crushing burden of local property taxes afflicting our State," said Governor Paterson. "Today's reforms, which were many years in the making, prove that when we work together, we can get real results for the people of New York."
...
These reforms will exempt more than 70 percent of public works projects from Wicks mandates and provide real savings for schools, local governments and other public entities. For New York City, this legislation will reduce the City's long term capital construction costs by more than $200 million in its upcoming City Fiscal Year (CFY) 2009 Capital Plan, and will carry annual debt service savings of $14 million by CFY 2012. Localities across the State will also realize millions of dollars more in savings.
Other efforts in the Enacted Budget which will help relieve pressure on local property taxes include:
- Aid and Incentives for Municipalities (AIM): Municipalities outside of New York City will receive $767 million in total AIM funding, a $67.5 million (9.7 percent) increase from last year. This includes the $55.9 million in additional aid proposed in the original Executive Budget plus another $11.6 million in new special assistance for certain cities. Notable changes include: Buffalo (10.8 percent); Rochester (17.4 percent); Syracuse (10.8 percent); Albany (13.3 percent); and Binghamton (10.8 percent).
- Local Government Efficiency Grants: The Enacted Budget includes $29.4 million in grants to encourage local government consolidation and shared services, a $4.4 million increase from last year.
Very impressive. I'm slightly disappointed with the upstate fund, however. Make no mistake, $700 million will go a long way. The city-by-city investments will be fully funded, but the Regional Blueprint took a big chunk of the cuts. It's comforting to know that it will be in the budget next year, but what about years to come?
I also would like to know if the New York Farmer's Market is still in the works for New York City where upstate farmers could sell their produce to downstate consumers. I hope that idea didn't die here. I really want to see that happen.
|
|
Discuss
:: (1
Comments)
|
|
Wed Jan 16, 2008 at 14:53:37 PM EST
|
|
First off, let me say that being in attendance at the State of Upstate was a great experience. Buffalo State President Muriel Howard delivered the opening remarks and introduced Governor Eliot Spitzer, who got a great ovation in a room with what I gathered to be a mix of Democrats and Republicans.
I saw the local state representatives in attendance, as well as other local dignitaries. Former Erie County Executive Joel Giambra was also there. So the room was a variety of people.
As for the speech, some of the things I mentioned in my preview of the speech earlier this week were mentioned, such as universal broadband, taxes and alternative energy. Overall, I like what Spitzer outlined.
More on the flip.
|
|
There's More...
:: (4
Comments, 1658 words in story)
|
|
Mon Jan 14, 2008 at 15:17:42 PM EST
|
|
I was originally going to post this tomorrow, but I have some plans and my contributions to the Internet might be limited.
I will be in attendance at Rockwell Hall on the campus of Buffalo State College Wednesday when Governor Eliot Spitzer gives his State of Upstate Address. I'm looking forward to the overall event and to the governor's speech.
After hearing his State of the State Address last week, I was encouraged by what Gov. Spitzer had in mind in regards to improving the upstate economy.
More on the flip.
|
|
There's More...
:: (2
Comments, 1272 words in story)
|
|
|
|
|
|
