A special session of the state legislature has been scheduled for next week Monday to deal with a budget deficit that NYS Comptroller Tom DiNapoli has described as $4.1 billion. However, there still seems to be some question as to whether the legislature will actually return to Albany for the session.
For us, this is unacceptable. As the budget grows, the state legislature has refused to weigh in at all. To his credit, the governor has put forth a deficit reduction proposal - and also to his credit, it avoids tax increases. While the Partnership and Unshackle Upstate coalition have presented some alternative specifics, in principle we've acknowledged the governor's spirit in getting down to business without resorting to the awful budget-balancing tactics that have plagued business and personal taxpayers in New York State since earlier this Spring.
In fact, really the only response we've seen by the state legislature is a series of staged hearings throughout the state. Unshackle Upstate was present and delivered testimony at two so far: One in Syracuse where our executive director was booed when he suggested - get this, that the state has to control spending - and the chairman of the State Senate committee hosting the hearing was overheard saying, "How did this guy get on the speakers' list?" and the second here in Buffalo held at a UAW hall. How can our state reps look taxpayers in the eye and tell them they're genuinely concerned about - and focused on - righting the state's financial ship when they're conducting official state business in a lobbying group's facilities? Doesn't give much credibility to their intentions.
Yesterday, the Partnership sent a letter to the WNY state delegation reemphasizing our call for them to return to Albany to deal with the state budget deficit - and do so with Unshackle Upstate's proposed spending reductions and reforms in hand. I also encourage you to get involved in the discussion by sending a VoterVoice message to the state legislature urging them to get back to the job you hired them to do.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Hardwick, Dixon & Fudoli Win
In October, the Partnership made the decision to endorse in three of the Erie County Legislature races. While we don't always make endorsements at this level, we were spurred to engage by an issue before the legislature in July where the legislature majority had the opportunity to support a job-creating initiative and instead turned its back on taxpayers.
As a result of the Legislature's action, work on important not-for-profit expansion projects remains dormant and unavailable to Erie County's workforce. With that blatant example by sitting Erie County legislators of putting special interests ahead of taxpayers, the Partnership endorsed three challengers for various seats - each of whom we believe have a much clearer understanding of the challenges facing employers in the Buffalo Niagara region.
In addition, we felt that the make-up of the county legislature prior to the election, 12-3 with the Democratic Party holding the majority, inhibited the ability of County Executive Chris Collins to propose and pass pro-business legislation.
Therefore, we endorsed Kevin Hardwick in the 10th Legislative District, Lynne Dixon in the 12th Legislative District and Dino Fudoli in the 5th Legislative District.
We are pleased to announce that each of the Partnership-endorsed candidates for Erie County Legislature did win their respective races.
It is our hope that Mr. Hardwick, Ms. Dixon and Mr. Fudoli will support intiatives that will allow our economy to flourish, while giving Mr. Collins the ability to promote an agenda that isn't impeded by the threat of a veto at every turn.
Congratulations to the winners. The easy part is over - now it's time to go work.
As a result of the Legislature's action, work on important not-for-profit expansion projects remains dormant and unavailable to Erie County's workforce. With that blatant example by sitting Erie County legislators of putting special interests ahead of taxpayers, the Partnership endorsed three challengers for various seats - each of whom we believe have a much clearer understanding of the challenges facing employers in the Buffalo Niagara region.
In addition, we felt that the make-up of the county legislature prior to the election, 12-3 with the Democratic Party holding the majority, inhibited the ability of County Executive Chris Collins to propose and pass pro-business legislation.
Therefore, we endorsed Kevin Hardwick in the 10th Legislative District, Lynne Dixon in the 12th Legislative District and Dino Fudoli in the 5th Legislative District.
We are pleased to announce that each of the Partnership-endorsed candidates for Erie County Legislature did win their respective races.
It is our hope that Mr. Hardwick, Ms. Dixon and Mr. Fudoli will support intiatives that will allow our economy to flourish, while giving Mr. Collins the ability to promote an agenda that isn't impeded by the threat of a veto at every turn.
Congratulations to the winners. The easy part is over - now it's time to go work.
Friday, October 30, 2009
"Dedicated" Highway and Bridge Fund
Yesterday, NYS Comptroller Tom DiNapoli released a startling, but not surprising, report, detailing how since 1991 only 1/3 of the state's Dedicated Highway and Bridge Trust Fund has actually been spent on transportation infrastructure. Startling, in the sheer amount of money that has been swept away from essential services to pay for the cost of big government in Albany. Not surprising in the sense that that attitude is status quo in Albany.
The Comptroller's announcement yesterday is nothing new for New York State taxpayers - this year's budget included just about every kind of "cash grab" initiative one could imagine (I'm being facetious, of course - I'm sure they can think of more!). From the "Bigger Badder Bottle Bill" (which kicks in tomorrow), to new taxes on health insurance and energy usage, to requiring every vehicle owner in NYS to incur the expense of a new license plate - Albany wants your money.
It'd even be a little easier to live with if the money was being used in an effective way - which it's not. We continue to support a government that has proven unable to cut (or control) costs, refuses to address expensive and out-of-control personnel costs, and hasn't put forth any plan for the future other than "we are facing a $44B budget gap over the next five years." The fact that "dedicated" highway funding is used for other things is a poster child example of Albany's lack of focus.
Today the Partnership will be presenting testimony before the Senate Transportation Committee regarding the governor's recent announcement that the state's Upstate transportation funding package is "unaffordable." This is particularly disconcerting because earlier this year, our Upstate representatives supported the $2.4B Metropolitan Transportation Authority bailout - which was unprecedented because generally the funding for Downstate and Upstate is handled at the same time. We had a promise that our infrastructure needs would be dealt with later in 2009, and now our employers and workforce are victims to a political budget battle, with Upstate's funding being held as leverage to get the state legislature to the table.
As Unshackle Upstate has pointed out many times, there are much more effective areas in which to frame the budget debate. We will be urging the governor and State Legislature to fund the Upstate infrastructure package.
The Comptroller's announcement yesterday is nothing new for New York State taxpayers - this year's budget included just about every kind of "cash grab" initiative one could imagine (I'm being facetious, of course - I'm sure they can think of more!). From the "Bigger Badder Bottle Bill" (which kicks in tomorrow), to new taxes on health insurance and energy usage, to requiring every vehicle owner in NYS to incur the expense of a new license plate - Albany wants your money.
It'd even be a little easier to live with if the money was being used in an effective way - which it's not. We continue to support a government that has proven unable to cut (or control) costs, refuses to address expensive and out-of-control personnel costs, and hasn't put forth any plan for the future other than "we are facing a $44B budget gap over the next five years." The fact that "dedicated" highway funding is used for other things is a poster child example of Albany's lack of focus.
Today the Partnership will be presenting testimony before the Senate Transportation Committee regarding the governor's recent announcement that the state's Upstate transportation funding package is "unaffordable." This is particularly disconcerting because earlier this year, our Upstate representatives supported the $2.4B Metropolitan Transportation Authority bailout - which was unprecedented because generally the funding for Downstate and Upstate is handled at the same time. We had a promise that our infrastructure needs would be dealt with later in 2009, and now our employers and workforce are victims to a political budget battle, with Upstate's funding being held as leverage to get the state legislature to the table.
As Unshackle Upstate has pointed out many times, there are much more effective areas in which to frame the budget debate. We will be urging the governor and State Legislature to fund the Upstate infrastructure package.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Public Hearing Follow-up
We mentioned last week that Tuesday, October 20 was going to be a big day for public hearings - and the Partnership took advantage of all of them, testifying in three separate places on three separate issues. I wanted to share with you the testimonies that were given:
Testimony to the NYS Assembly Standing Committee on Economic Development, Job Creation, Commerce and Industry regarding "the future of economic development in New York State."
Testimony Before the NYS Senate Standing Committee on Environmental Conservation regarding proposed wetlands legislation.
In addition, the Partnership was well represented in the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation's public hearing on the Generic Environmental Impact Statement (GEIS) for the Inner Harbor "Canal Side" project. We're pleased that the comments given at the event were so positive and supportive of the work that's happening on the waterfront. A special thanks to the following Partnership members who took the time to testify:
Testimony to the NYS Assembly Standing Committee on Economic Development, Job Creation, Commerce and Industry regarding "the future of economic development in New York State."
Testimony Before the NYS Senate Standing Committee on Environmental Conservation regarding proposed wetlands legislation.
In addition, the Partnership was well represented in the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation's public hearing on the Generic Environmental Impact Statement (GEIS) for the Inner Harbor "Canal Side" project. We're pleased that the comments given at the event were so positive and supportive of the work that's happening on the waterfront. A special thanks to the following Partnership members who took the time to testify:
- Jon Dandes, Pres., Rich Baseball Operations
- Mike Sendor, Pres., Nussbaumer & Clarke
- Rick Smith, Pres., Rigidized Metals
- John Stanfill, Pres. Pres., Northrop Grumman
- Ann Mestrovich, Project Manager Buffalo Niagara 360
- Andy Kucserik, Manager, Synacor and BN360 "young professional"
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Partnership Announces Endorsements
Partnership Announces Endorsements in Erie County Comptroller, Legislature Contests
October 23, 2009
BUFFALO - The Buffalo Niagara Partnership today announced the organization’s endorsements in three Erie County Legislature races and the Erie County Comptroller election.
•In the race for Erie County Comptroller, the Partnership has endorsed Philip Kadet, who is challenging incumbent Mark Poloncarz.
•In the 10th Legislative District, the Partnership has endorsed Kevin Hardwick, who is challenging incumbent Michele Iannello.
•In the 12th District contest, the Partnership has endorsed challenger Lynn Dixon, who is facing incumbent Robert Reynolds.
•For the 5th District seat, the Partnership has endorsed Dino Fudoli for the seat that has been vacated by incumbent Kathy Konst.
In choosing to endorse Kadet, the Partnership pointed to his nearly four decades of private sector accounting experience as the driving factor.
“Phil Kadet has been a Certified Public Account and a private sector auditor for the last 30 years,”said Buffalo Niagara Partnership President & CEO Andrew J. Rudnick. “He brings the qualities of independent accounting expertise and experience that are critically important in overseeing the county’s finances. Considering the fact the county’s control board recently went advisory, it is imperative that we have such an experienced fiscal professional as Comptroller.”
Rudnick also stated that the Partnership’s endorsement of Kadet was by no means intended to disparage Poloncarz. “Mark has done a good job during his tenure,” said Rudnick. “However, given the resume of his opponent, we simply cannot ignore what Mr. Kadet brings to the table- his experience and qualifications are incomparable.”
“As someone with 40 years of experience in the private sector, I understand the economic challenges facing the Buffalo Niagara business community,” said Kadet upon receiving the Partnership’s endorsement. “I want to thank the Partnership for its faith in my candidacy. I believe that I will bring strong private sector experience, financial discipline, independence and management skills to the office of Erie County Comptroller.”
The Partnership, in announcing the organization’s three legislature endorsements, pointed to the anti-economic growth records of the incumbents they are opposing.”
Said Rudnick, “Mr. Hardwick, Mr. Fudoli and Ms. Dixon have a clearer understanding of the issues facing employers in the region and are better prepared to cultivate an environment that is conducive to job creation and business growth.”
October 23, 2009
BUFFALO - The Buffalo Niagara Partnership today announced the organization’s endorsements in three Erie County Legislature races and the Erie County Comptroller election.
•In the race for Erie County Comptroller, the Partnership has endorsed Philip Kadet, who is challenging incumbent Mark Poloncarz.
•In the 10th Legislative District, the Partnership has endorsed Kevin Hardwick, who is challenging incumbent Michele Iannello.
•In the 12th District contest, the Partnership has endorsed challenger Lynn Dixon, who is facing incumbent Robert Reynolds.
•For the 5th District seat, the Partnership has endorsed Dino Fudoli for the seat that has been vacated by incumbent Kathy Konst.
In choosing to endorse Kadet, the Partnership pointed to his nearly four decades of private sector accounting experience as the driving factor.
“Phil Kadet has been a Certified Public Account and a private sector auditor for the last 30 years,”said Buffalo Niagara Partnership President & CEO Andrew J. Rudnick. “He brings the qualities of independent accounting expertise and experience that are critically important in overseeing the county’s finances. Considering the fact the county’s control board recently went advisory, it is imperative that we have such an experienced fiscal professional as Comptroller.”
Rudnick also stated that the Partnership’s endorsement of Kadet was by no means intended to disparage Poloncarz. “Mark has done a good job during his tenure,” said Rudnick. “However, given the resume of his opponent, we simply cannot ignore what Mr. Kadet brings to the table- his experience and qualifications are incomparable.”
“As someone with 40 years of experience in the private sector, I understand the economic challenges facing the Buffalo Niagara business community,” said Kadet upon receiving the Partnership’s endorsement. “I want to thank the Partnership for its faith in my candidacy. I believe that I will bring strong private sector experience, financial discipline, independence and management skills to the office of Erie County Comptroller.”
The Partnership, in announcing the organization’s three legislature endorsements, pointed to the anti-economic growth records of the incumbents they are opposing.”
Said Rudnick, “Mr. Hardwick, Mr. Fudoli and Ms. Dixon have a clearer understanding of the issues facing employers in the region and are better prepared to cultivate an environment that is conducive to job creation and business growth.”
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Brownfields Revisited
I wanted to share with you a great article on brownfield redevelopment in the Buffalo Niagara region from a magazine called Brownfield Renewal - yes they have magazines for everything! This is a neat on-line version of the magazine that you can flip through - take a look at pages 10-14. Very forward-thinking, very positive.
The idea of taking dilapidated, contaminated properties that are currently sitting devoid of use and off of the tax rolls, cleaning them up and using them for renewable energy component manufacturing is something about which we should all be excited. Take a look at this article, and you'll see there's great opportunity for Buffalo Niagara in this regard - economic stimulus we can definitely use!
The idea of taking dilapidated, contaminated properties that are currently sitting devoid of use and off of the tax rolls, cleaning them up and using them for renewable energy component manufacturing is something about which we should all be excited. Take a look at this article, and you'll see there's great opportunity for Buffalo Niagara in this regard - economic stimulus we can definitely use!
Monday, October 19, 2009
Young Professionals and Politics
Ann's great post on Friday about 360ers getting involved in volunteerism and community boards sparked some thought on what is a favorite topic of mine - young professionals and politics. As important as it is for young professionals to be engaged in their community through programs such as Buffalo Niagara 360, it's equally as important for us to know what's going on around us in politics.
As a campaign consultant in a previous life, I can assure you that when candidates and parties get in those final days of an election and start panicking over a few percentage points, it's not young adults that they target for their get-out-the-vote efforts. Election strategies are scientifically done, and are designed to put the candidates in contact the most with voters who have the best chance of bringing home the bacon - a vote. Besides the anomaly of the Obama election, young people have not shown that they are a reliable voting block, so in those final days of campaigns, targeted mail and phone calls pretty much go to everyone but.
That's a problem for two reasons: First, the fact that young people don't reliably vote means everyone else is making all of the leadership decisions for the community. Second, since that's the case, and since re-election is without question an important goal of any elected official, those who vote drive the policy debate. I would contend that's why we're hard-pressed to find any government at any level that is doing any long-term planning for the future: because the voting block most concerned about the future doesn't show up to the polls.
Now, that's not to say that all of us have to be political wonks, reading blogs all day and falling asleep at night to CNN. But paying attention to what's going on, and most specifically, finding your way into the voting booths each November, will go a long way in ensuring that decisions made in government reflect this generation's needs.
Beyond that is "getting involved," which is an overused phrase sometimes when it comes to politics. I would say that no generation has ever had the demands on its time that we do. Investing time to build a career, then having a family where both parents work - it's time consuming. It can be a heavy lift for members in the business community to "get involved." But it's important - mainly because our generation is poised to become the caretakers of our community. Soon enough, that time will be upon us, and we need to have leaders ready to take the reins.
If you follow local politics, you know that there's not a lot of pop in this year's elections. The Mayor's race is already decided and there's not much else to get your blood flowing - the Sheriff's race is probably the sexiest one out there because of the controversies. It's in a year like this where any voting block has the opportunity to make a real impact - and there are lots of town races where good grassroots efforts can make the difference. I encourage you to start "getting involved" this November 3 - and each year you vote makes it more certain you'll show up on campaigns' radar screens in the future.
As a campaign consultant in a previous life, I can assure you that when candidates and parties get in those final days of an election and start panicking over a few percentage points, it's not young adults that they target for their get-out-the-vote efforts. Election strategies are scientifically done, and are designed to put the candidates in contact the most with voters who have the best chance of bringing home the bacon - a vote. Besides the anomaly of the Obama election, young people have not shown that they are a reliable voting block, so in those final days of campaigns, targeted mail and phone calls pretty much go to everyone but.
That's a problem for two reasons: First, the fact that young people don't reliably vote means everyone else is making all of the leadership decisions for the community. Second, since that's the case, and since re-election is without question an important goal of any elected official, those who vote drive the policy debate. I would contend that's why we're hard-pressed to find any government at any level that is doing any long-term planning for the future: because the voting block most concerned about the future doesn't show up to the polls.
Now, that's not to say that all of us have to be political wonks, reading blogs all day and falling asleep at night to CNN. But paying attention to what's going on, and most specifically, finding your way into the voting booths each November, will go a long way in ensuring that decisions made in government reflect this generation's needs.
Beyond that is "getting involved," which is an overused phrase sometimes when it comes to politics. I would say that no generation has ever had the demands on its time that we do. Investing time to build a career, then having a family where both parents work - it's time consuming. It can be a heavy lift for members in the business community to "get involved." But it's important - mainly because our generation is poised to become the caretakers of our community. Soon enough, that time will be upon us, and we need to have leaders ready to take the reins.
If you follow local politics, you know that there's not a lot of pop in this year's elections. The Mayor's race is already decided and there's not much else to get your blood flowing - the Sheriff's race is probably the sexiest one out there because of the controversies. It's in a year like this where any voting block has the opportunity to make a real impact - and there are lots of town races where good grassroots efforts can make the difference. I encourage you to start "getting involved" this November 3 - and each year you vote makes it more certain you'll show up on campaigns' radar screens in the future.
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