|
Faso, Suozzi discuss upstate at Depew 'Town Hall' meeting
By John J. Hopkins
Two candidates hoping to become the next governor of New York State spent more than one hour discussing their platforms at a "Town Hall" style meeting Tuesday in the auditorium at Depew High School.
Republican candidate John Faso was joined by Democratic candidate Tom Suozzi. The leading candidate, Democrat Eliot Spitzer, was unable to attend, a spokesperson told the event organizers. Faso is a former New York State
assemblyman who served from 2003-2006 as a member of the Buffalo Control Board. He was considered by many to be the leading fiscal conservative in the State Legislature.
Suozzi is Nassau County Executive and was named Governing magazine's 2005 Public Official of the Year. He serves as president of the New York State County Executives Association.
Faso said that the "fundamental issue" facing New York State is how to make the state more competitive. He mentioned that he had an opportunity before the meeting to walk through the hallways in Depew High School, where pictures of graduating classes hang.
"It made me think how many of those graduates from 15 or 20 years ago are still here in Western New York, living, working and raising their families," Faso said. "I venture to guess, based upon statistics, that many have left for greener pastures."
Suozzi said that property taxes must be addressed, noting that New York State's property taxes are 72 percent above the national average. He added that Western New York has the same property tax problems as does Nassau County.
"But those problems are multiplied by the fact that there are not enough jobs here," Suozzi said. "People are leaving in droves because they can't find a job here."
Both candidates said that they support "Unshackle Upstate," a program sponsored by dozens of chambers of commerce, including the Cheektowaga chamber.
They both additionally said they would support legislation that would exempt upstate New York from certain laws and policies if statewide reform does not happen.
Faso said that the Wicks Law- which mandates public construction projects use three separate contractors for heating, plumbing, and electrical duties on projects larger than $50,000- should be abolished.
Suozzi said that New York State is one of the most hostile environments toward business. However, he noted that because New York City is home to Wall Street, the insurance industry and entertainment, many downstate politicians don't realize the disadvantage faced by upstate residents.
"Those economic engines (in New York City) are so powerful that they cover up the fact that the business climate is so hostile," Suozzi said. "The power base of politicians don't realize that a problem exists."
Responding to a question about whether lawmakers in Albany are "tired of hearing the truth," both candidates agreed that the needs of upstate residents are being ignored.
"A lot of the political structure in this state, in both parties, is living in some type of parallel universe to where the reality is in our economy," Faso said.
Suozzi added that the voters need to take a stand if they want real change, because there is a 98 percent retention rate for state senators and assemblymen regardless of their performance.
Neither candidate wished to use the popular local buzz word "regionalism," but they both suggested that there are too many layers of government in New York State.
Suozzi said that there are more than 900 governments on Long Island. In Nassau County alone there are three towns, two cities, 64 villages, 58 school districts, and countless sewer, water, fire and lighting districts.
"The problem is this happened over a long period of time, and people are fiercely loyal to their individual governments," Suozzi said. "Montgomery County, Maryland is considered one of the best counties in the country. It's one government."
As a start, Faso suggested "significant moderate relief," such as school districts consolidating non-instructive services, which is successful in the private sector.
Faso also agreed with Suozzi that residents are possessive of their schools and home rule. He pointed to his hometown of Kinderhook, where there are 8,500 residents in one town and two villages, as an example.
"When the town supervisor proposed that the three highway departments merge, it was like the Hatfields and McCoys," Faso recalled, sarcastically adding that plow drivers from the villages wouldn't know how to plow town roads.
Addressing concerns from small business owners- especially offering their employees health insurance- both said that insurance reform is necessary.
Faso favors small businesses providing health savings accounts, which allows paying for routine medical expenses with pre-tax dollars.
"When your employer buys your health insurance today, they are deducting the cost of that insurance," Faso said.
Suozzi said he favors universal health care, but added he wasn't sure "if it's doable" in New York State.
Discussing election reform, Faso said he favors term limits and redistricting reform to eliminate gerrymandering.
"Redistricting reform is most important," agreed Suozzi.
The event attracted approximately 60 persons and was sponsored by the Western New York Chamber Alliance, an organization comprised of the chief executive officers of 26 regional chambers of commerce.
| 
