Unshackle Upstate

Abolish the two house legislature and create a new 100 member unicameral legislature.

Gerard Parisi

NYS is no place for small business. It has been said that if you can operate a small business in NYS you can do better in another state!

Anonymous

Concerned with settling for mediocrity.

Brian Kurtz

you would be suprised how many people down state don't know about marcellus and have been laid off, teachers ,state workers, etc. Let them know there is help out there..if only NYS would use it.

Theresa Jackson

I'll only vote for candidates that know what it is to sign the front of a check, not just the back.

Scott Armstrong

I moved back to Upstate NY in 2005 after living in California and Chicago for the previous twenty years. (My mother is still a resident, living in Buffalo.) After thinking that nothing could be more zany than Chicago politics, I returned to find that nothing had changed in the past twenty years, that Upstate was still just a backwater to the thinkers of Albany, and that the citizens were still being taxed beyond comprehension or fairness. If that's not entrenched cronyism then I do not know what is. It's high time the Albany Mob start to feel the anger of all the "rest of us" out here in Upstate.

Cynthia Drozd

My tax dollars supporting NYC...

Steve Zanon

With all the "stimulus money" starting to hit the streets you would think our "leaders" would want the biggest bang for their (our) buck. The jobs to be created/maintained are to be paid Prevailing Rate/Davis Bacon dollars-this costly idea will add extra labor expense to these projects-you would think they would want competitive labor rates to keep the costs down. I am not against unions but am against the lack of competition the "stimulus projects" is promoting. NYS should demand the best prices for the work to be done-whether union or non-union. Our "leaders" should really look into this-but will they where do their votes and donations come from??

Gary Muisus

Get rid of the bicameral legislature and go with a unicameral one like Nebraska. One rep per evenly divided district (no Gerrymandering). Then cut the budget and taxes every year until NY is a business friendly state. The more businesses we have, the more employment we'll have and more people working will spend money putting more people to work (not to mention paying taxes). No work, no taxes.

Rich Ryder

I am a resident of Long Island and we pay the highest property taxes in the state. I am sick and tired of our DO NOTHING LEGISLATURE and am going to vote all of them out in the November election. They have not yet passed a budget and want to cut funds to hospitals, schools and other human services. How about cutting sdpending by cutting state jobs, suspend teachers without pay who have been accused of a crime rather than keeping them in a do nothing desk job whillle they collect their salary. Re-negotiate with the unions and take back some of the goodies they have been enjoying like free medical insurance, getting paid for accumulated sick dasysd at retirement. This should be for a limited amount of days (10) not hundreds like some state and local employees have accumulated. Pension benefits should be partly funded by the employees and not totally borne by the taxpayers. Medical payments should also be funded partly by employees--no free rides. Do aweay with those automobiles that are given to staff. There is no reason why they can't use public transportation like the rest of us. As a former gov't employee I know that many workers sit around doing next to nothing and are getting paid. Cut those people from the payroll. Get rid of all those political cronie appointments who get paid for doing absolutely nothing. Stop nickle and diming the taxpayers of this state. Cut your own damn salaries and contribute to your own benefit plans. Stop robbing the people of New York. Put the money that is made from the Lottery into the Funds for Education and not the general Fund. Am sick and tired of all the shinnegans and back door deals. You are in office because we put you there and WE CAN TAKE YOU OUt. It's about time you cared about the people of New York and worked for the betterment of us all and not your political agenda.

Angy in Copiague and going to vote current officials out come November. I urge every voter in NY to do the same. Maybe then we will be able to effect a positive change for NY.

Mary Ann Kempsey

Buffalo News about the sales tax shakedown by Albany against businesses. I believe this might be of interest to all of us. Thankyou.

Harry Snyder

We need to take back America, it is time to protect the home land.

JoAnn Calvaruso

I am appalled at the tax increase on cigarettes only!! What about alcohol or how bout our elected officals take a Pay cut wouldnt that help? I dont know I just know I am Sick to death of all these stupid taxes aimed at one are of the population only.

Michele Clark

All of you POLITICIANS in office NOW. Don't get comfortable YOU are NOT STAYING!

Debbie Preston

New York State should allow natural gas drilling.

George Miner

It is apparent that our elected officals are more concerned about their jobs than the State of New York. It is bussiness as usual If you foll0w the money you will find the corruption and labor unions who have them hog tied. they have sold their souls to big labor and the underlying corruption.

John Lamb

We need to take back our country! We need to take back Upstate New York from the ruling elitists who are only interested in empowering themselves.

Abigail Patriot

That all corp.Taxes be given a five year freeze at just12%including any small business at only 10%.

Stephen Ryan

I agree with Frank Argondizzo. The mess that is the government of NYS is not an upstate/downstate issue - the insanely high taxes (and the reasons for them) are a New York Stae wide issue. Why divide along geography? We need a strong unified base of private sector taxpayers to work together for reduced spending and lower taxes across the entire state.

Dave Smith

My idea is for the government to dig in their pockets and for once leave our's alone. they got us into this mess and now they want us to pay for it again.enough is enough.we don't even have jobs. you let our industry turn to other countries. plus your selling the United States to other countries. they are buying what we have left which isn't nothing. You all got raisesof thousands of dollars and took our ssi away from us the next day. what is up with that???.we are so taxed out it isn't funny. dig in your pockets not ours.

Jo Ann Syracuse

NYS is no place for small business. It has been said that if you can operate a small business in NYS you can do better in another state!

Anonymous

Why don't these elected officials use some of the same ways to make money like the other states do rather than coming to the taxpayers once again....o..I know why...it is easy for them that way.

Kathleen Stevens

As our children grow up they are leaving NY.That means so far 5 children left along with their children . So 5 children and 12 grandchildren have left NY State. We have two children and 9 grandchildren left here in NY State.Eventually they will probably leave also as the others seem to be doing better where they have moved to.

Sharon Foultz

NOT RIGHT NOW

ARTHUR VONA

Audit the MTA and make it pay for itself, stop adding taxes to those who don't need or use the system.

Work to stimulate the economy instead of hurting it. Make companies like IBM hold up their end of the bargains and keep jobs in NYS instead of giving them huge incentives to stay while they continually lay people off and move jobs overseas and out of state.

Anonymous

concerns are state taxes, politicians & high unemployment.

William Larkin

Thank you Brian Sampson for sharing your thoughts at Rotary

Richard Adams

New York has overspent since Nelson Rockefeller. Now look at us.Grossly overtaxed.

Clinton F. Ivins, Jr.

we need to fix the rules of govt.

Kevin Gross

If New York wants to save money, stop starting at the bottom, go from the top where there is more money to be saved !!

Richie King

What can small business do to influence Western New York assembly members and state senators? I don't see anything being done that has resulted in any substantial improvements concering taxes, workers' compensation reform, tort reform, hydro-power or jobs.

We have a small business with six employees, which could easily be moved out-of-state; but, this is where my partner and I live and want to stay. So, what are you folks doing to put a lot of pressure on Silver and his cronies?

Edward Duetsch

I am 6 credit hours shy of my associates degree and I am leaving the state for good. I love my home and my hometown but I am hurting...we have no industry. The state needs an electoral college. There needs to be a balance in this state. We are not being represented fairly, so I choose to leave.

Craig White Jr

stop helping NYC with our taxes, Make NY a north and a south

Elden Cater

rid ourselves of the education bureacracy Opt In:

paul kloeblen

We should be able to kick official's out of office for not supporting the wishes of those who elect them for office.

Charles Byrd

There is not a single legislator that has earned re-election. We should wipe the slate clean!

Bill Wilkinson

Lets just show our government how to say you will do something and just do it!!!

Kevin Lent

To start drilling natural gas in new York ASAP......take a ride to Pennsylvania's northern tier its a gold rush! Every day NY wastes another job or bussiness is lost.

Jason Stuart

i feel that the rich get richer and the poor get poorer and i am in the poor part just as much as half of ny is with the high taxes something and or someone should do something about it

nichole hayes

almost everyone needs a car upstate, why do they keep adding fees, etc to us!! downstaters dont care, they can take a bus, taxi or limos we pay for!

Leo Holland

Remove the politicians, we need men and women willing to be of service to the people and govern by principal and not by law. Being of service to the people is a privilege not meant to be a stepping stone to wealth and fame. Managing our resource wisely for the benefit of all the people of this state.

Carl Hicks

Being a resident of New York, I find its future frightening. Living in NYC is a nightmare, but I do feel absolute sympathy for those in NYS as well. But please, do not think that NYC is the problem.

The problem is the politicians, who make back door deals to illegals to come to this country, this state especially. The problem lies with the multi-million dollar corporations and their greed, outsourcing to third world countries instead of giving residents the job security they promised BEFORE they planted their businesses here when they couldn't do it anywhere else.

The problem lies with lazy parents, who ship their chiildren off to schools as a means to "get rid of them for the day". The education of this state is failing. Not because of the teachers, but the parents who fail to do anything to raise concerns about their child's future.

The problem is with the unions, who use we residents as leverage to get contract bids, yet keep their money and companies in-house. Instead of being concerned with residents, they are more concerned with their power and their money, which brings you right back to the politicians!

As for taxes, yes, they need to decrease taxes, bring business back to the state where they can thrive, get rid of unions and decrease salaries for those in office who clearly don't deserve it. Just like how they expect us to work, survive and travel on an average of $30,000 a year, they should be able to do the same. I'm just saying.

Donneitha Reed

Here's the problem with no solution-----It's really understandable if you just analize it. We are controlled by the Civil Employees Unions. All are under their rule and dictatorship.. No elected official has the power that these union possess. We all work for them, no if, ands or buts. Just look at the pensions that 100's of thousands of them have. Retire after you turn 50 with at least 20 years of service. Full health insurance with all their perks. Nothing changes when they die, their widow or widower get the full benefits until they die. Just how much (%) of NYS yearly budget is eaten up by our civil employees pension each year and also growing each and every year. I heard that when you qualify to retire after 50 years old + 20 years of service that you add 3% a year you will retire at 60% of your last years salary. So say you decide to retire after 30 years you now retire at 90% of your last years salary. Say your salary is $100,000, your retirement package will be roughtly $90,000 per year plus fringes like health. If the state spends no more on services they will still have to create more money just to keep up with the basic services and pay our retired civil servants. They keep growing each year while they all are living longer. Please someone explain how this will all end???????

Bill Curtin Sr.

Can we find a legislator that can think beyond the next election - probably we could through term limits.\

Christine Mesick

Where's our voice? Just because we don't live in NYC or Albany no one hears us! We need jobs, we need tighter controls on state spending and we need state leaders that are willing to stand up for us and do the right things.....

Karen Poserow

Fire all of them pick 5 men or women by election if they screw up eliminate them one by one look at all the money we could save by not paying out pork barrels

Charles Lloyd

Here's my 2 cents:

Unshackle Downstate. We can take better care of ourselves than the menagerie of stuffed shirts in Albany. The counties of Queens, Kings, Bronx, Richmond, New York, Nassau, and Suffolk would thank you as we get to keep the extra billions upon billions of tax dollars that get wasted on Upstate.

Welfare reform now! You think welfare is a downstate issue? Albany is like welfare mecca! Anyone that receives public assistance must work/volunteer for the State min 10-hrs/week(those that are physically challenged or mentally ill are exempt). Any action, whether reading a book to a child or picking up litter is fair game. we are doling out millions upon millions to able-bodied people (citizen and alien alike) just for sitting around doing nothing but collecting checks and food stamps. That has to end.

We need to revive the industrial engine that provided many solid jobs in the past. NY must take a pro-manufacturing approach in order to attract industry back to the Rust Belt. Not everyone deserves to be a doctor, but everyone deserves an opportunity to make decent living.

Streamline the army of civil servants.

Eliminate redundacies amongst state agencies.

Consolidate congressional districts

Stop wasting resources!

Create more agricultural hubs that help local farmers compete effectively against national and international players (e.g. New Zealand) and limit local losses (Nassau County needs a food terminal. No reason food from Long Island have to travel to hunt's point, then back to Long Island).

Beyond that, we all need to help ourselves. We need to limit the State's reach into local affairs. Fewer tentacles, fewer tax avenues the state can wrangle.

Frank Argondizzo

It is no longer a privalige to drive here in NYS. When one has no one else to rely on for transportation but himself and money is tight as we all know, it has become insanely easy to have your license suspended for reasons that are completely sensless. I am a partially disabled man living on Comp and unemployment and I get just enough to pay the basic living expenses. I recently got a ticket for a loud muffler, my original muffler had a small hole in it, I was ticketed and now since, I was fined 45 dollars plus their mandatory surcharge of 55$ I owe NYS a 100 that has to come out of my rent money making me late on rent, and now I have to pay a 22 dollar late fee because of it, and if I can't pay the fine by the 15th of April my license will be suspended, now to me that seems like Blackmail, explain to me how it is not. And now If I get pulled over I'll be arrested and my car will be towed, All because I couldn't afford a muffler, I'm being taught a lesson, my only choice is to give them my rent money and suck up the pain, When will NYS stop taking what we haven't been able to go earn yet. Driving is a necessity, literally, I will die without being able to drive to the store for food, god knows I can't get a ride from anyone. Make it harder for them to suspend my License for non moving violations.

Cut all social programs known to be of a duplicate nature. Then take a sharper course and revamp our safety nets.

Stephen Ryan

Lets do what New Jersey has done,have courage and depose these liberals from office.

Stephen Ryan

Too many consultants up in Albany.

Welfare is killing our economy. I know that some people truly need the help, but WAY too many people live off of it indefinitely. It's a tradition passed down from generation to generation. We can cut a ton out of welfare and put those people to work. We also need to cut property and school taxes for property owners and increase the sales tax a bit. Let everyone pay for these things...not just property owners.

Daniel O'Keefe

My suggestion would be to create a committee of business leaders, non profits, average citizens and a few political leaders and go over the top ten issues that affect the economy in New York State. Let this thinktank put together suggestions that can make major overhauls to the system, and actually implement them. No corporate interference and lobbying allowed. Let it focus on smaller businesses, not major corporate interests. Then focus on the next ten issues, and so forth. Maybe there should be a public comment period on these proposals? Probably. But get it done within a nine month period rather than a five year, sit around and wait and wait to do anything period like what is happening now.

Ricardo Sierra

We have to take back control of our lives.we've let them get away with this for far too long.Our children and grandchildren are already paying the price.New york will be nothing but a desolate wasteland soon.

Donna Raabe

Welfare reform, kick the career politicions out of office, and everyone else who votes to give them self a raise. This is rediculous, and needs to stop.

Top heavy jobs in NYS government need to be pared back & brought back to reality for state

I am a single parent of 2 children and I am worse off now than I was 10 years ago. I lost my job in November when the company I worked at for 12 1/2 years filed bankruptcy and closed due to the economy. I am currently living with my parents because I can not afford to live and I can not find a job in this great state that will pay me even close to what I was making when I was working. I am so irritated with our government and the fact that our governor wants to tax everything making it even more impossible to live! NY is not the place to be!!!

NY is going to "hell in a hand basket"

Struggling now with property taxes and can't bear the burden of more.

Unshackle the legislature and Governor from control by the public sector employee unions. Until that is done there will be no success in bringing New York back from the financial abyss.

It is my belief that in order to reduce taxes, Albany needs to plan both reducing taxes as well as increase jobs. To increase jobs, you need to make NY state a less hostile environment for businesses to start or grow. The outdated laws the burden small business needs to also become more a priority as to stabilize the economy of what we have currently, rather than driving them out of the state or out of business.

Kristopher Kratky

I am concerned with the lack of morality in doing business. Our communities are suffering. We are a second generation dairy farm that has no debt other than property taxes and we are hanging on by our fingernails. "The person that owns the breadbasket controls your destiny" think about it.

I think that we should purge Albany of the dysfunctional government that is in place now. It is clear that they cannot make decisions that benefit the good of the people. They only support their own agenda and are only concerned with reelection.

Kenneth Gaylord

I am a recently re-elected school board member who was removed from office for refusing to approve tenure,refusing to keep contract negotiations secret, and for revealing the dirty dealings of executive session.

I am inside the public education system, and I am totally disgusted by what I see.

It is time to stand up and fight against the gangster tactics of the public education unions.

Francis Hoefer

Property taxes

Business and home owners can not continue to pay the high taxes being assessed by Albany. No one wants cuts in our back yard, but it is time for Albany to make those difficult decisions, regardless of the politice. We sent you to Albany because we thought you were smart. Please recognize the trust we put into our votes and represent our best interests. I'm sure each of you have said no to your children. It's time to say no to these services which we can't afford.

Best Regards,

David Bray

Put the tap program unhold for a year like Michigan or reduce awarded by $500 per year

When a business is in the red, raises are out of the question. Instead we look to see where we can cut expenses, not pass the deficit on to the consumer. Thank is always the last resort. It is time our legislators run the government like a business. Cut the waste with duplication of services. Do time studies to see what can be eliminated. Get rid of the surplus people and high salaries; make people accountable for their work. Stop using the "what can we tax now mentality."

Joan Horton

How about not giving 30 year tax breaks to guys like Bob Congel and his DestiNY project, which after only a couple of years into construction seems to be belly up. That doesn't effect the tax break for Congel, nor his ability to bury all of his assets into it.

Shane Sloan

I am also a pretty firm believer that "progress" is an overrated concept. We spend a load of money on making things "better." Why? What's wrong with what we have? I think that this mentality has complicated things to the point where nothing is self-sustainable yet will eat itself alive. Am I alone in thinking that if most R&D in areas outside of healthcare were to stop, that I would be able to live just fine with things the way they are? I have an iPod. Why do I need an iPad? I don't. Same goes for most other things getting government money for R&D and using our money on wall street for funding.

Shane Sloan

I travel extensively throughout the state, the country and the world. Increasingly, New York State (especially Upstate) appears to be deeply depressed compared to other places. This is because jobs are vanishing and people are feeling the increased burden of high taxes given their decreased or nonexistent incomes. I believe New York State would flourish if it were in the middle third of all states in government spending per capita. I think corporate relocations, jobs and people would flow back into the state due to its well trained workforce, natural resources, colleges & universities, etc. My proposal is for New York State to reduce its overall budget by 5% a year for as many years as it takes until it falls in the middle third of all states in government spending per capita. High taxes drive businesses, jobs and people out of the state. More reasonable taxes will enable New York State to achieve its former greatness again. Any state legislator who stands in the way of this should be held personally accountable for our state's demise.

Brad VanAuken

The state government should learn to live within the same tight means that the citizens are forced to live within. Tighten up spending and differentiate between "needs" and "wants". The answer to high expenses isn't higher borrowing! It's less expenses! SyntaxError

Eve Ryan

Our government has over spent for far too long. It is time to stop.

Jeffrey Prescott

Need to take our rights back, ABOLISH APA

LeRoy Douglas

My family of 5, my sister's family of 5, and my other sister's family of 5, and my 76 year old father are thinking of relocating to a more affordable state...too many taxes and too much welfare to pay for here!

Ellen Russell

Out of control spending which is being forced onto the tax payers.

Joseph McPheter

My daughter has no future in this state after graduation - and that is sad - and I want to change it!

Michael Sweet

Unseat just one of those who don't understand that they MUST reduce spending starting with Shelly Silver!

Rita McCarthy

Why don't I give up on upstate NY. I will tell you why. When my parents are old, I want to be close enough to check on them and when they can no longer care for themselves I will care for them. When my children are grown I don't want them to have to run off to a far away place just to find a job. When I have grandchildren I want to see them everyday. I want them to ride their bike to my house and I want to teach them things that I have learned from my lifetime of experience. I would rather make cuts to our school system so that we can cut taxes for businesses so that my children can find a job or create a business of their own without moving away. If something does not change we will be moving away so my children can have a hopeful future.

Nola Pellegrini

What we need to do is cut down on the police force. We have Sheriffs, Troopers and local police, all covering the same territories and all wasting tax dollars. Many areas are already consolidating their police forces, but that doesn't go far enough.

Mort Funil

Stop the State from spending.

Glenn Nealis

Cut pay of all elected and appointed officials. Let them feel some of the pain. Fire unions if they will not cooperate. Hire those who will be happy to work.

Lynne Viverito

I am a small biz man and having a bad time keeping up

Albert Waffner

Good work

Dorothy Forcina

My main concern is the continual increase of property taxes versus the value of my total home equity.

How much money is needed to make Upstate the majority, not the minority in Albany politics

Kevin Barr

MTA tax

Valerie Hovasapian

We had the choice to ut South Carolina on our census so we did...we just can't afford NY any more...when the housing market recovers we will sell our home in NY. we voted with our feet!

Kathy Cleary

Oh how I wish I could be a government employee. Why does everyone feel sorry for teachers? What a pension! And don't get me started on welfare. A family of 4 on welfare in good old NYS gets far more money for groceries than I spend on my family and I PAY FOR THEIR FOOD MYSELF. There is so much wrong here, it makes me ill...

Janet L

Give me a reason to stay here in NY soon! Why do the reasons to leave out weigh the reasons to stay by so much? My wife and I are professionals. I am an engineer, and she is a RN. Can NY afford to have us leave? Every year it seems like the answer is yes.

Roland Jamieson Jr.

Concern: I'm a second generation businessman and I'm concerned there will not be a third. I have no desire to put my kids through what I have had to deal with. My goal as was my parents, to provide a better lifestyle/living for my children and hopefully leave them in a better place than where I began. Unfortunately, that place is worse not better. I will encourage them to make their living in a state where the burden of increasing taxes, increasing health care cost and decreasing population work against us. It won't be long before I also sell our business and move on as well. We have already sold one in 2009 and plan on selling the rest.

John Billone

I have now heard everything....$778,000 to buy trailers for Five Points Correctional Facility inmates so they can have conjugal visits????????? You have got to be kidding! Are we taxpayers stupid or what? I'm sure they will all get their taxpayer paid Viagra before those visits too!

Linda DeMarco

Unions in NY and across the country must go. I found it quite irresponsible for the teachers not to take a salary freeze when so many other workers and companies are doing the same thing.

Ursula Gray

The latest increase in the electric tax will cost my business over $16,000 this year alone. Moving south looks better and better along with the 200 jobs my company has here

Don Edman

How Albany seems to think that every where south of them doesnt deserve a fair shake in road works and other infrastructure projects..Our roads are crumbling here in the Valley and nothing is being done in Albany

Jonathan Miller

.....and how many millions of our tax dollars were paid to Medicaid recipients who were NOT eligible and this went on for how many years before it was discovered???...drug testing for welfare recipients AND stop giving benefits to new arrivals who come here to jump on the welfare bandwagon!

Bette Hayes

I don't think the animosity is direct specifically at Teachers as they do provide an outstanding service to our community. However I believe it is towards the Unions and the Administrators for the State of New York. The Boards that oversee the teachers the Unions that have out stayed their welcome and have only become a burden on their members and the Public. They had a place one in our Society but they are dinosaurs and have outlived their usefulness, and the Teachers and Medical personnel have become their cash cows. With a diminishing tax base all over New York State the necessary reductions to keep and maintain fiscal responsibility are simply not being maintained. School District Superintendants in the State of NY 659! With salaries and benefits that far exceed more than $100,000.00. The entire state of Florida has 44, the entire State of Maryland 24. Quite simply put the system is clearly broken and needs to be stopped. \

New York City. Another HUGE problem and is over looked time and time again. It's a district in itself and should have been charted that way a long time ago! It should be maintained as a District of New York State much like Washington D.C. This would provide fiscal relief to the rest of New York State. I re-call several years back when an additional Tax was added at Recreational Vehicles. At the Buffalo office of the DMV the clerks had notes posted on all their windows that pointed out that every dime collected for this tax was going to be sent down state to New York City to fund a program there and not one penny would stay in Western New York.

So it's not just Buffalo and western New York that end up being milked of tax money. It's Central New York, North Eastern New York, it's all over New York State. To help restore us to a financially stable position redistricting NYC should be a priority and I hope it is considered as an option soon.

I am a New York State employee. A member of CSEA, and a hard working citizen of this state. I'm so tired of downstate deciding what we need in our state government, and taking most of our taxes. We pay more to support NYC than ourselves.

Let's give business incentives to stay in NY and come to NY. BUT don't make them exempt from property taxes. It's time to put most of the "Authorities" out of business. We don't need a thruway authority a port authority and so on and on and on.

Ralph Butler

Term limits

Cathy Mannuci

New government

Antonio Cepeda

It's about time UPSATE RUNS DOWNSTATE, Let us here in the upstate region get our fair share to help our communities prosper and expand and live a better life, free from the weighted hand of government.

Dewitt Forbes

Start out with pay cuts! remove them from office if they can't do their job. let them use their own cars and pay for their own gas! And make them work a full 40 or more hr work week! and someone needs to do something about the price of gas. dose any one understand NY state has more vehicles on the road we are paying for not only our own cars but the states as well!

Would like to see more issues put on ballot

Rev. Donald Work

State parks across NY are being closed. As we learn from history, those who forget our history, are doomed to repeat it. That being the case, please explain to me why Fort Ontario in Oswego, the only place in the US that helped displaced Jewish people during WWII, is on the list of places that are being closed?? The funds to keep our parks open, our land clean and safe for future generations... all this is secondary to making roads and an extra buck for fat cats to look good in their executive offices? This is unacceptable...

Adam Murphy

I think New York is made up of two tpyes of people the north and south. The southern NYers treat us like were morons that we aren't qualified in making our own decisions. We need term limits, salary caps for the NY state politicians. remove the unions out of government agencies, and slash the budget and cut taxes in half. Then and only then will we really say I LOVE NY

Michael Lettiere Jr

Moving up here with my family two years ago i wasnt able to find any work and have ended up back in school only to hit another dwindling job market. I never considered moving out of New York till now. We need less restrictions on business and have to find a way to compensate for a poorly structured bill.

Ryan Coon

Terrified of wine in grocery as a small liquor store owner

Sharon Wilsey O'Donnell

I've lived in new york all my life and am fed up with the political mess we have. we have to change everything about New york politics and unionized government workers who just keep growing in ranks as the private sector is waning. Dont they realize this is unsustainable? if new york is going to have a future, they have to sacrifice as well. they cannont continue to shift the burden to the already overtaxed hard working citizens of this state. The insanity has to end and it will end one way or the other. I feel New york and the country itself are moving toward a conservative revolution and I would like to help in taking our state back. we will not go quietly into the night and watch them destroy this great state and country

Jeff Sharman

NY FORCED MY WHOLE FAMILY TO MOVE SOUTH,I'M NEXT!

SCOTT SHEPHERD

The business that I manage is near the NYS Thruway. We decided to change the sign on our building to include our telephone and website and move the old one to the other end of the building so people knew where our business was. Three months later we get a letter from NYS Thruway Authority telling us that we can't have that information on the sign and that we had to pay $50 or $100 per sign/yr because you can see it (barely) on the thruway! You can't put a sign on your business with a telephone #? It would be awful if we got more business to employ more people from a little sign! Welcome to NY

Paul Grimshaw

New York voters have become so apathetic they see no hope. The major rust-belt cities on (and west of) I-81 are have given up on a silver-bullet cure. The solution to the loss of private sector jobs eludes everyone.

The only solution seems to be an "unshackle downstate" partner. That's where the money is.

Who's going to lead the startup of an "unshackle downstate"?

We must join forces with those east of I-81.

David Lum

I support you in this long-haul, political fight, political being the key word. Changing the politics and politicians in Albany is the key I believe. I also worry about the effect of the federal govt's mandate agenda on NYS exacerbating our problems and making your agenda even more difficult.

All politicians, both state and federal are permitted to serve a term of office of no more than 12 years, maximum. While in office, they are subject to the same laws and requirements as are the taxpayers (ie social security). At the conclusion of their time of public service, they return to their home and jobs and live under the laws they enacted. I doubt anything else will get them to enact legislation the rest of us can live with unless and until they must, also

Paul Miller

As long as the majority of the power is in the hands of the few, this state is doomed

Ron Posato Sr

term limits and complete elimination of lifetime perks for politicians.

Ask yourself "What is the right thing to do" use this as you govern. Eliminate waste involve your voters they truly will steer you in the right girection.

Peter Del Cotto

vote out the incumbents. every last one. unless there is a good reason not to.

I recently moved from one city in WNY that was highly tzxed to one that is not taxed as much. But I believe that NYC should become its' own state.

Albany is NOT business friendly. Too much paper work and regulations. Their taxes need to be lowered so the businesses can afford to hire more people.

One of the largest expenses is Welfare. The welfare system pays out so will that people come from all over the country just to collect our welfare checks.

Paul Swanson

Public Officials salaries should be tied to cost of living, their health care options should be tied to public options. Wages need to be reduced to minimum wage plus number of constituents they represent. (formula needs to be found) Why should the costs and salaries consistently go up when the constituents are going down. No extra money should be given outside travel expense at federal rates for appearances. They are representatives of the people not selfishness of extra income. They have forgotten they represent the people not themselves. Make public office employment pertaining to people voices not self satisfaction and greed. Changes in government should be effective within 90 days not 10 yrs when it will be out of date again. They need to work for their money as the average citizen does. No more back door politics. The people cannot afford this anymore. Primary objective: reduce costs, create jobs to keep people in state. The more people they represent is the basis for increases in their pay scale thus representing people not greed.

Janet Rider

Lower taxes and let people pay for a home not big Government. How can the Government of NY attract opportunity for our state when it's so busy chasing after taxes.

Martin Steck

Fed up with pushy and intrusive government..AND TAXES

Don Schlonski

Smaller Government, Less taxes.

Christopher Ilchuk

A 30% increase in welfare benefits? When was the last time an honest ,tax paying New Yorker got a 30% raise at their job? Welfare reform is a must. Don't make it so easy to receive benefits. Perhaps we take on some of the ideas of other states.Maybe a "work-first" model. Put the people on welfare to work, maybe they could work in the state parks so the state can keep them open. Or maybe emphasize education and job training while on welfare. Meaning you could receive welfare benefits ONLY while you attend a college or are enrolled in other job training courses.It certainly won't fix the economic situation we're in, but it's a step in the right direction.

Tired of supporting all of the lazy, bloodsuckers from NYC who like to exist on my taxes instead of working for themselves. It's like we have no say in Upstate NY. Those in NYC decide everything for us.

Sandy Castor

Reduce the budget by 15% by reducing all state employees wages by 15%. reduce the state services by 15% Give the 15% back to the tax payer of New York State. reduce all mandates by 15%. any state emplyee making more then 100,000 dollars reduce their salary by 25% and any one making more then 150,000 by 50%. I call that Redistribution back to the Tax Payer.

I am a member of Citizens for a Better Broome inc.

Andrew Harrison

I have recently requested the overtime figures, for the last several years, for both the police and fire departments here in Oneida, NY. The 2010 benefits, which I have already obtained, range as high as 55.42%, over and above the base pay and 2009 overtime runs as high as $16,900 in the Police Department and up to $15,500 in the Fire Department. The top Police income for 2010, using the 2009 overtime, would amount to $115,758 (four are over $100,000) and the top 2010 income for the Fire Department is $104,273 (ten being over $90,000), using the 2009 overtime figures.

Donald Kingsley

There's a little more to 'bring business and everyone prospers' than we may realize. Support the businesses that are already here; quit trying to recruit ones that are going to bail whenever their tax subsidy expires. Upstate, we've been so lucky that we haven't been paved over by the morally bankrupt. Let's take the reins of the new economy.

It's time that legislators started making decisions as if they a.) cared about upstate NY and b.)had some sort of familiarity with the communities and people they represent.

Steven Garrett

We need people running our state who have common sense, not people who need a lot of support staff to advise them on what they should do!!!

Christopher Shults

NYS law maker lowering the DOT allowable Divisible Load permit formula, without taking consideration for each individual vehicle allowed by the formula prior to 2009. This is putting great stress on the owner/operator in NYS. All of our neighboring states allow a much higher GVWR putting us at a disadvantage.

Frank Musso

We are getting taxed to death.When does it stop? When the whole state is on welfare?

Thomas Thompson

We need to stop the exodus of our young people. Our kids have left for Cinn and Indy for work. Our reps must act instead of talk about cutting costs. I wonder what line of work they will pursue after the Nov elections.

Richard Dillon

State government needs to do the will of the people; not big unions and other special interests. We need 1. TERM LIMITS, 2. REAL CAMPAIGN FINANCE REFORM 3. REAL PENALTIES (PRISON)FOR CORRUPT POLITICANS in order to change this CULTURE/CLIMATE OF CORRUPTION.

Todd Haggerty

Tax relief is essential to making our great community compete in a worldwide marketplace

Ira Korn

I don't want to work for the state!!! Many politicians lack the backbone to say no to tax increases and more state programs, we need people that will make the hard decisions and stand by them and we need to support them!!!

Joe Walker

My family has lived in Western N.Y. since 1969. First in Rochester and since 1972 in the community of Le Roy N.Y. sad to say I'm counting the days till my kids graduate so I can sell my house and get the heck out of this state.. seriously Albany; this will be your legacy, driving lifetime residence of your state away from the embarrassment N.Y. has become.

Brad McVicker

Mr. Silver must be nuts! Proposing to borrow additional money to reinstate cuts is insane. I have to live within my means and sometimes it means going without. That will also work for schools and state parks and any other place where cuts have been identified.

Anetta Oppelt

Why is the State of New York cutting all funding to ORDA which actually brings money in to our state, but not cutting $800,000.00 from the budget for trailers for conjugal visits for prisoners?

H Dolan

I have yet to see one thing Albany has done to aid northern NY We see our taxes go up, our pay checks go down and they are still looking for more revenue streams like our pockets are deep well that they can keep dipping into until they enslave us. Vote them all out of office think of the money would save then.

John Lamb

We want Upstate NY to be a viable and growing part of this state.

Mary Oberdorf

Legislators who do nothing except criticize their opponents without offering any constructive alternatives.

John Appleman

I don't think it is fair that not everyone contributes equally to our economy. Massena Central School district recently spent a ton of money on an artificial turf football field. Everyone voted on that, not just the people paying school taxes. Now they want to lay off 20-40 people. Not very smart! The government should reduce the property and school taxes on property owners and increase the sales tax. That way, at least, everyone who buys anything from a car to a pack of gum, will contribute to taxes and really have a vested interest in what's going on around them. It's way too easy to to vote to approve something when you don't have to pay for it!

Daniel O'Keefe

Hard choices have to made. This begins at the grassroots. We as parents have to teach our children you can not play now and pay later without serious consequences. Then we have to practice what we preach. Finally we have to speak up and make sure those who are representing us in government understand that we want fiscal responsibility. We are paying the piper for too many years of unwise choices where we looked the other way and trusted it would all work out. If this is a governement of the people, by the people and for the people then the people need to be involved and let it be known it is time to get back to the basics and we will no longer accept status quo.

Deborah Fenn

What would happen if all of us stopped paying our NYS withholding or paid our property taxes 4 months late? Would that get their attention.

Andrew Gray

Cut government employee jobs and benefits at all levels.

Kathy Keslick

Its time to consolidate government. Too many overlaps.

Michael James

Remove the mandate that all public bids must be submitted under the Prevailing Wage labor laws opening the market to true competition at greatly reduced costs.

Ron Bolt

Our elected officials should not be entitled to special benefits beyond those of rank and file employees throughout the state - no special health insurance, no special pensions. They should have 401(k)'s and health insurance options just like NY businesses throughout the state. And pay raises should be subject to voter approval.

Don Waltzer

I am a business owner. We have to adopt the priciple with politicians that "when in doubt throw them out".

As a long time business owner I am very concerned about the decreased population and out of balance business climate.

Guy Clark

Tax rates and fees on everthing...I will be a Florida resident starting next year,,,but I will vote in NY this year!

Richard Huxley

Its time to take action!! VOTE OUT the incumbents in November...see what happened to Kennedys old seat in MA?? We CAN do the same here...take action!!!!

Dave Lyon

Lower taxes.

Kenneth Harris

I agree with all of the comments but we cannot ignore the non-compromising unions that hold our state and many states hostage.

High taxes and budget deficits. No cost controls and a State Assemby and Senate that takes no action.

Michael Betrus

As a small business it is becoming more difficult to stay in business. Rising health care, taxes are keeping us from making any money.

We need reform NOW!!!

Skip Sprague

Concern: no MORE taxes...AND incentives for small (micro) businesses that actually CREATE jobs...reduce costs of doing business in NYS

Cathy Bashaw

Stop all unecessary spending. If it doesn't create jobs, don't do it!Retain and attract business to upstate by making the business climate friendly. It is the private sector that can grow and stimulate the economy and employ the masses. Wake Up Already!

Jeff Collier

Keep pushing!

William Morgan

Public employees regardless of the job they do cannot continue to have benefits that are out of line with the public sector. It's time for all of us to demand that the people in Albany seriously cut spending and stop the stupid over regulating of business in NY State. Even though NYS faces a huge deficit those in Albany continue to spend. Why? Because it's not their money, it's ours. Time for us to have new representation in Albany and Washington.

John Shipley

Meet the federal mandates and stop there. There is no need to pay more than that. If people cannot make it on that they can move or adjust. Why do pay people that have not paid into the system? That needs to stop.

Progressives id not curbed will have us gone before we can repair the mess. We are moving towards Socialism at an alarming rate and if we don't unelect these career politicians then it just gets worst. They are taking our money, taxing the equity in our homes, and ruining this country for our kids.

Patrick O'Brien

This election year is critical for New York State.

Joe Burke

The actions of our elected officials have driven and continue to drive jobs out of New York State.

John Schmits

Lets tackle the crime and poverty by growing business and entrepreneurship, not wellfare handouts. When businesses thrive, everybody benefits.

Jonathan LaRue

Consolidate,consolidate,consolidate!

Richard Maguire

I am concerned like everyone about the reckless way the state is run and how it handles OUR finances not to mention the corruption that's plagued our state with countless unethical, fraudulent and dubious behavior from our politicians

Salvator Vigliotti

Entitlement Programs in New York State need to be Cut! Not Just Education and Parks.

Jeff Craner

I read General John Batiste's essay on the workings of our representatives in Albany. Shame on our Legislators! To read the General's comments, go to http://www.democratandchronicle.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=20102210354

Bill Magee

I plan to inform ordinary people whom I know about the Unshackle Army in hopes that the "word will spread even more. I am a native of NYS--,"The Empire State, which always made me proud-----Bah! Humbug!!

How do address real change in Albany, when it is likely the issue will fall back on Upstate vs. Downstate? Albany is run by downstate-leaning politics and we need to change that.

Erich Zimmerman

Instead of increasing taxes on the weathly, New York should have the lowest tax rate in order to keep the wealthiest citizens as residents. 25% of a lot is more than 30% of nothing if they move out of state...

Our SCHOOL TAXES are killing us! What can be done?

Thomas Fallon

No more tax increases

Bill Schmieder

Term limits.

Gary VanGraafeiland

We need legislative courage to serve the people of NY, not their own re-election efforts

Alan Ziegler

Thank you for leading this up, action is far overdue.

Jim Baker

Each year hundreds of millions of tax dollars are used to fund research and development, primarily at public and private colleges and universities, and research institutes. Some substantial cost goes into the government infrastructure that supports the grant review, award, and oversight process. Patents that result from this work and their financial benefits stay with the universities and other assignees. The taxpayers do not derive direct benefit from royalty streams or sales of intellectual property. I'd be interested to learn how much the grant award system costs taxpayers. Could a fraction of the patent royalties and IP revenues be diverted to cover some of these grant award costs? It seems that there are grant recipients who get rich from the sale and use of patents that were funded by tax payers -- but the tax payers are left out of the loop. This is happening on a federal level and on a NYS level.

Laura Weller-Brophy

147 years ago one of our greatest presidents stated "government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth". No where did he say the government of the Democrats or the government of the Republicans. Politicans today at the state and federal level are more concerned about walking the party line than they are about walking the people line.

Greg Tellex

Taxes are too high in this state.

Michael Nolder

At all levels of government (City, State, & Federal), they're more worried about protecting their own agenda's as opposed to doing what's right for the majority.

Chris Stawarski

Both parties in Albany need to work together to pass a budget that starts to address the deficit.

Mike Clarq

We have to start over. The state government is too complicated with too many programs and workers. Compare our state government with other states. They get the job done and provide service to the public with less than half of the people we employ. It will hurt our economy. But hopefully the people who get laid off from state government could start business or find a job in the private sector. So much private sector business depends on the state government also. So were in a predicament. Those businesses will be affected also. It will turn around but we have to cut the whole state government big time. Programs, employees, benefits, pensions, mandates. HUGE!!!

Create Business Card that say "How Have You Spent MY MONEY Today?" Then give one to all our politicians: from the local town supervisor all the way up to the State Governor.

Deborah Najarro

NYS small business owner being taxed to death while I see the gov. spending (my earned money) freely.

Theresa Croce

Effective Tax Increment Financing (TIF) reform is needed now!

Ken Kamlet

Reduce the size of government in NY State!!

Paul Wischerath

Vote against any incumbent. They are the main part of the problem

Bruce Knowles

Too much spending, too many bills. We need to have a state where business loves the profit possibilities and our workers then remain here. Taxes have been the exit plan for many businesses. Also NYC needs to pay for itself and not drain the rest of the state. Our cities need to jump into the next 30 years and become a tourist attraction and exciting. I couldn't believe how dull Albany was. Each city in NY, outside NYC, does not hold a candle to the Toronto excitement.

Bring in a major basketball team to upstate NY. Build up a casino heaven in mid state that rivals Las Vegas. A major amusement park like Darian lake or a giant water park should be located right off the thruway between Rochester and Syracuse. Renaissance festival should be rebuilt off the Thruway in mid NY and expanded on as a destination. Hershey Park was built around candy and we have Kodak for a theme park. Pictures and movies are in the web of American life. Ideas, companies that bring money into the state from around the world.

And a welfare state? What I liked when I was stationed in Germany was their welfare citizens had to work for the three days a week and look for jobs two days a week in order to receive a check. Kept people from milking the system for nothing. New York has some great attractions. It's still my home state

Bob Farrell

Small businesses in NYS are struggling to keep afloat

Michelle Ashby

Municipal unions should not be allowed to contribute to elected state officials. It is the equivalent of bribing your boss for a pay raise.

Rick Cannon

New York is just too expensive and too business unfriendly. We need to do more to project a better image. The days when we could lay back on the advantages that Mother Nature had given us through water power and the passage through the mountains that made the Erie Canal possible, as well as other transportation corridors are over. Now ocean liners can take the Seaway directly to the Great Lakes, bypassing the barge traffic. Electrical power means you no longer need to be near the source. The Interstate Highway System has made a mockery of the mountains, constructing the highway system right through them. New York is not the natural resource leader that can do and charge what it wants. It needs to wean itself from Thruway tolls. It needs to wean itself from high taxes. It needs to wean itself from expensive business fees and needless red tape. Yes we need environmental regulation, but what we don't need is rems of paper to generate permits. Let the engineers and other professionals of the departments do their jobs, and get the lawyers out of the way. Time for real regulatory reform that can still have high standards, but can be predictable, fair and streamlined. If we can do that, then businesses will want to come to New York again. Because after all, there is much natural beauty here.

Thomas LaBombard

Too many taxes. Help small businesses.....

Sue Brink

As a Grass roots organization the strongest message we can send to both Albany and Washington is BYE BYE, You're Fired, join the unemployment ranks. That is the only message the criminals understand.

Mike Masiello

Property taxes are bankrupting New York State. Compare your PT's to investing 500k in a 1year CD at 4%. At the end of the year you made 20k interest but the CD provider takes a 20K fee. It doesn't make sense to pay so much. Re-apply tax on Public workers pensions, in fact, set it at 30%. Open the gates on private schools to compete with public. Limit State pensions to average wage in the State. Cap prpoerty taxes to 1% of worth, which is National average. Have public workers pay ALL benefit and pension cost out of wages.

Alex Razzano

I am embarrassed and disappointed in our elected officials who may go in with good intentions then their egos take over, did they forget who put them in office? They don't set a very good example for our children/grandchildren. Term limit reform should be a priority.

Gary Muisus

Will the last person to leave upstate NY please turn off the lights? Upstate is such a great place to live. It's too bad that our leadership in Albany does not work for the people, but rather to keep their jobs while our jobs disappear.

We should hold a rally in Albany. If tens of thousands of New Yorkers showed up on the capitol steps in Albany, the reality of our message might finally get noticed.

Leonard Schantz

Keep our upstate parks and historical sites open. Raise the necessary funds by adding a fee of 40 cents per subway ride for New York City folks. At five days, twice a day, one year would only cost them $104. We pay more than that monthly in gas taxes. Add more by dumping the useless and unproductive "ballistic fingerprinting" boondoggle.

Bert Mayne

What has been and still is the biggest growth industry in NY? Sadly it's government. While the rest of us are shrinking, state and local governments are still seeing rapid growth.

This past year our health insurance premium went up by 20%. Most of this was due to a new health insurance tax on the carriers serving the self employed. There are taxes on everything; most are hidden like this one.

Bob Barton

No one seems to want their particular interest affected by a cut in financial support by the state. It seems to me that a percentage cut across the board, one that would bring in a reasonable budget, is a way of removing personal objections.

Walter Horylev

High taxes, oppressive guns laws and cadillac health care benefits that exceed common sense.

Gerald Grabowski

The stress of trying to live life day by day is overwhelming especially when you feel like there is nothing you can do about it.

We are a daily newspaper representing the Adirondack Park. Brian Sampson spoke this week at the Saranac Lake Chamber meeting.

Catherine Moore

I am very concerned about the direction this State is heading. the amount of debt and spending is out of control. all NY State politicians care about is giving more to the poor or less fortunate by taking more from the more fortunate (or those who prefer working over sitting on the A_ _ ! I am fed up with working harder and harder just to pay more and more in taxes...to support those who choose to do nothing. I did not choose to become a successful Professional so I could support everyone else in NY State that could care less about being successful themselves.

Jerry Hall

Like many, I've had enough with the cronic dysfunctionn in Albany. We need to realize efficiencies through the consolidation of government services. Goverment at all levels across NYS need to learn to do more with less, not less with less. We must also bring public employee benefits in line with the private sector including health care and retirement. In this modern era, the CSEA and Teacher's Union are unncessary vestiges of a bygone era and do not serve the interests of taxpayers. Our elected (and appointed officials) should not be crimminals and if found to be so, must be fired immediately and banned from holding future office. Lastly, there should be term limites for all. Public service is an noble endeavor when done for the right reasons. It was never intended to be a career unto itself.

Robert Petrovich

I have many. Most importantly, reducing our social service agenda! It is ridiculous and must be minimized immediately. New York should not be the state that other states send their indigent. It should be illegal to collect assistance if you have not been a resident for at least ten years. EBT cards should be abolished. If you cannot afford food, you should receive a box of supplies monthly, put together by others on assistance for NO salary, and produced in factories by recipients for NO salary. I could go on forever. Get me involved!

Doug Hammond

Tort reform is required before we close more businesses and lose more jobs overlawsuits that target businesses to pay for unsupported claims wherein the businesses sued had little if anything to do with claims being made,ie., asbestos litigation.

Ronald Golumbeck

Government has to realize that government is the biggest problem. There is no accountability and there is no real way to change it because it is to corrupt. Once elected officials realize how good they have it and don not want to rock the boat, and if they do, they are ganged up upon by all the other politicians. Unilt this is fixed, nothing else will be.

Until ALL government officials realize that decisions must be made to cut back government, it will go on and on getting worse.

Barry Smith

Tired of all the complete disregard for small businesses & lack of economic responsibilty shown by our "career politicians & leaders.

James Hakes

Too much state government.

Far far too many high paid officials at or near the top in each state agency.

Too many idiotic, unnecessary regulations etc.

Too many reporting requirements. One excellent example is the current rolling program to "revalidate' sales tax collection authority. OK maybe to verify once in a while, but the only real reason for this is to charge a fee to tell NYS what they already know. A perfect example of government out of control. I could go on and on. Perhaps given the opportunity thru this outlet, I will continue to do just that.

A core issue is structural, and is all about POWER. The State of NY has created a system with inappropriate levels of power placed in too few individuals. As such, it doesn't matter who you vote in - power corrupts. To fix the issue requires a re-distribution of power (via a Constitutional Convention). Case in point:

1) State Comptroller has SOLE SIGNATURE authority to invest the millions of $ in the State Pension Fund. As such, he personally enriches himself.

2) Three men in a room decide the Budget

3) Majority of the Senate gets to decide what legislation is introduced to the Senate - one person decides what is discussed for legislation.

4) NYS Troopers appear to be a Private Security force at the beckon call to the Governor, and Majority of the Legislature.

The current scandal involving yet another Governor shows us that these problems will persist regardless of who holds the office.

The problem is structural. The resolution is a re-distribution of Power - back to the people.

Steve Mowers

Upstate is at the mercy of downstaters who have no idea how low earning power is up state!

L. Bruce Erickson

Time to tell the truth and get nasty with legislators with low scores.

Joe Klein

I'm 35 years old. I started paying attention to NYS politics around the age of 16 and from that time, right up to this very day, all I have seen are businesses moving out of NYS; upstate in particular. The reasoning given for the exodus and the lack of replacement by new firms has been the same story for the past 20 years that I have been paying attention: NYS is not business friendly, taxes are too high(business and private) and regulations are too steep. For 19 years this is all I have heard! Sometimes I ask myself: "Am I the only one who hears this?" "Am I the only one who sees what the exodus of business and subsequently people is doing to our Upstate cities?" Do our representatives in Albany not see the business exodus? Do they not see the population following? Are they the only ones who can't read the reports that say NYS is the highest taxed state in the nation and as a result on the bottom of the economic development barrell? Do they not see that states with low taxes and business friendly polices are booming? Does Albany not see any of this???? It's only been in their faces for 30 years...maybe more. What boggles my mind even more is the fact that I know Albany is aware and yet, nothing changes. How can you have a disease, know the cure, see the benefits of being cured (states that are booming) but refuse to take the medicine? 19 years of my life I've been hearing this and for 19 years, nothing changes. The taxes keep going up, the businesses keep leaving, people keep leaving and Albany does nothing to change it. I hate to be cliche, but I know it was said that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. I think this defines our elected officials in Albany over the past several decades. They see the bleeding, they have been told that taxes and other unfriendly policies are driving everyone away, yet they think that more of the same will bring business and people back. I'm so frustrated and confused by these actions. Thanks to Unshackle Upstate for fighting the fight and giving us a voice.

Gary Wereszynski II

Less taxes and more concern about jobs in upstate NY

Jack Farnsworth

Stop cutting necessary programs.... To curb spending they must cut Govt. PAYROLL and pensions. This means we must take on the UNIONS, but so be it. Let them strike.... this must be done now... Should have been 20 years ago, but better late than never.

I have owned and run businesses for 40 years, and the first thing we do when cash is tight is to REDUCE PAYROLL......

I guarantee there are 2 to 3 employees for every job needed. They work at a union mandated pace... Good Lord

Rob Carlson

I chose to live here after recently graduating college, bought a home, and made an investment in this state. Let's throw our own tea party if things don't change soon, I'm sick and tired of the sob stories that are told by school districts every budget year, deal with the cuts like the rest of us have done in our own lives.

Bill Lang

Taxes in NY State are ridiculous. Has anyone figured out that the States in the worst economic shape are those states with heavy tax burdens and heavy entitlements - Michigan, California, NY? Do a study of the thriving states – i.e. Texas, Oklahoma, Tennessee - and understand what they protect in terms of keeping government small and taxes low. Tax law needs to incent the proper behavior - business enterprise and the creation of free-market jobs not entitlement government bureaucracy jobs or reward people for living off of welfare. Further, eliminate the welfare system for anyone that is able bodied but refuses to work after two years of benefits.(Massachusetts reformed their welfare system this way and lost their nickname "Taxachusetts" as a result.) Eliminate the automatic increase in benefits for additional children born to a "family" while on welfare. In other words, two years of benefits and that is it, grandfather in the number of kids you have when you go on welfare, that is the maximum benefit you will get, no matter how many additional children you have while collecting benefits, a two-year limit on benefits if you are able- bodied. Exception would be until kids reach school age. But again, grandfather this as well so "families" can not just keep having kids. Massachusetts did all this and it improved the entire economic outlook for that state. Also, require that all families receiving welfare must have their kids attend and graduate from high school as a requirement for keeping their benefits. You will see how fast the graduation rate goes up. Kid not in school - no check. Right now the welfare and tax laws in NY incent all the wrong behaviors. Only truly disabled people should be entitled to lifelong benefits, not able-bodied.

Does anyone really want to control the costs in NYS or is it all talk?

Richard Dillon

NY must become more business friendly...they must be made to see that increasing taxes will ultimately REDUCE their revenue! They must also look at each and every item they spend money on and cut out ALL but the essentials. WE, the people, can no longer afford anybody's pet project.

Sil Johnson

If all a person can do is cry, "it's not fair!", then they barely have a voice. However, if someone can cry, "This issue goes against this principle which in turn goes against this amendment!" then that person has a voice, a voice of reason. We need the citizens of New York State to become familiar with the US Constitution and NY's Constitution. That is the only way we can begin to hold ourselves accountable and, in turn, hold those we elect accountable.

I and a strong handful of my friends in CNY are accomplishing that goal and would like to continue to share with others how to do the same.

Jennifer Bernstone

The school districts in this state are hiding tax payer dollars. Some even have two years of tax dollars. Why are property taxes still increasing, while the quality of our students graduating is decreasing. The school administrators are telling teachers they must pass even if they do not have the grade.

Yet our taxes go up.

We need to be able to cut gov't employee benefits and salary increases.

Judy Hardie

Let's make NYS more attractive to business

Larry Luber

1) Stop political positioning with our money 2) Stop over regulating- keep it simple. 3) Ban commercial lobbyists

Sam Miller

Taxes and over regulation of business!

Gary Grote

I am so sick of the same game played every time the patronage jobs and the politians favorite fringe programs are threatened. Close the parks! Chop funding to schools! Lay off state troopers! Cut anything that people feel and won't do without. Then tell us that it's either that or raise our taxes.

George Fritz

Giving a hard slap in the face to its citizens, New York may hold back tax refund checks in an attempt to help the state from going broke before the end of the fiscal year on April 1.

Steven Vogt

During the past year my business has made difficult decisions to cut wages of principals, not issue salary increases and cut spending in order to survive. I hear on a daily basis similar stories from other business owners across all sectors. We need the legislators and Governor to make those same difficult decisions and cut the out of control spending by NYS. In the long term without spending cuts and reduction in taxes and fees at all levels, NYS will not be in a position to compete for jobs and existing businesses and their employees will not be able to survive the increasing cost of living and working in NYS. The Governor and the legislators need to protect the jobs for all NYS employees not a select few.

Damian Vanetti

Albany does not represent the people. Why do they have to meet continually to pass more laws that continue to bleed honest tax payers to the point of extinction. There will no middle class left in NY in 20 years. Just those barely able to survive and those that don't give a shit if they do. we are a stat that's lost all direction with too many departments and to much government in place to move quickly and effectively to improve the lives of all it's citizens. we need a leader with a clear message, straight talk and all business, not bullshit that can deliver true change with in the unbelievable New York civil system and it's multiple lawyers of lard ,legess, larceny and lunacy.

Stephen Ball

We need Albany to support the SUNY Empowerment and Innovation Act

Michael Pietkiewicz

It is simply inconceivable that any elected official in this state would even consider increasing spending and taxes. Here is my pledge, I will work with you to vote out ANY elected official that votes for a budget that adds spending and taxes. I'll tell everyone I know to get behind your efforts. We need to band together to beat back those that wish to infringe upon our way of life. Hail to the taxpayers of NY! We will be victorious.

John Silver

As a business owner, this state is becoming more and more unattractive. Never before have I had so many thoughts about just moving my business to a more friendly state.

Andrew Johnson

Let's make NYS more attractive to business

Larry Luber

Politicians should not receive their annual money after they retire

Thomas Minor

We need a seriously organized and publicized tea party rally specifically for upstate. The rowdier, the better.

Brad Whitford

My property taxes are OUTRAGEOUS!!!!!!!!!!!

Philip Whitford

We need to hold Albany accountable and quickly dump anyone who refuses to listen to the average working person in N.Y.S. These working people and small business owners are the reason that Albany exists. Pass the word and get people signed up to join this cause.

Jeffrey Moran

Do you know what it's like to attempt to take care of one's home in NYS, or to even buy a new one? Taxes in Monroe Country and Erie County are insane. A $500,000 home can be taxed anywhere from $10,000 to $18,000. That's a second job, people. Do you, Mr or Ms Representative have any idea what your taxes have done to the small business man in Western NY? They've left NY for places like Tennessee because they can't afford to do business in this state. Stop thinking I work to support you in Albany. I am not on your payroll. Stay out of my wallet!!!!

Non-homestead tax!!!! Select property owners with larger parcells usually retired and on a fixed income. have had their property taxes go up as much as 200%. This is in a rural area's where there are no town services such as garbage pick up, water or sewer. and a town acessors who's philosophy is if you don't like it sell and move. So much for green space and habitate.

Getting boxes now.

Less revenues should help. Less children in the school should help. Future generations are not going to live in NY and the poor cannot help others.

I would like a regular updated list of people that need to be voted out.

Rick Arnold

Unshackle downstate too! These guys are awful.

C O U R A G E to say NO! to special interest groups, to additional tax increases that are discriminatory...to face the FACTS & not turn tale & run or burying ur head in the sand, hoping the problem will go away....

What if New York State followed the lead of businesses that need to compete in a global marketplace? When the budget says there is a need to cut costs businesses can't ignore it or jump to "what services do we eliminate?". Instead they creatively squeeze waste out of their processes ... using techniques such as Lean production. There are lessons to be learned in a tragic comedy about setting up an LLC in NYS: http://bit.ly/get-lean-article

Jerry Runser

I've lived in many states during my adult life, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Florida, California, Washington, Illinois and a few others. And in every state people complain about real estate taxes and school tax and every other tax. But hands down New York is the clear winner for the most ridiculous real estate taxes imaginable. I make a very good salary but I refuse to buy a house until the real estate taxes are cut in a HUUUUGE way. Why should I purchase a house for $250,000 in Clay NY only to pay $10,000 or more in taxes per year. What is that for? To pay for educating people to leave the state because they can't find jobs because the taxes are too high. The taxes need cut cut cut cut cut. What are we doing?

Steven Homoki

I am a provider in Early Intervention in upstate NY. The fees that the Gov is proposing for families of children with special needs that participate in EI are absurd. Many of our families can barely afford food and rent. If the choice is between that or services for their child, we all know what that choice will be. Maybe benefits for government employees should be reduced, such as pensions and health care costs, instead of further damaging our future generations!

Sherry Brill NameError

I think the current spending proposal from the Governor is a complete tragedy for the taxpayers of NY. Just the proposed cuts to the school districts along will raise our property taxes. Every new fee and tax proposal will nickle and dime us across the board. Where are the cuts to the bloated state payroll? Closing a few prisons will not do it. Where are the incentives for businesses to come to NY ? Where are the incentives for businesses to add jobs. There is no clear thinking in Albany. They are putting out a fire with a cup of water.

Burt Parks

We must cherish our heritage. When you visit cities like Boston you notice how clean and well kept it is. When I visited Niagra Falls the outlying towns are a shame. We need to reinvest in our upstate towns and villages. Stop taxing us to death! Make New York an environment where businesses want to relocate to and where its people can stay when they retire.

Rick Montes

Our NY state government is like the alcoholic that must 'bottom out' before taking action to get better. One can only hope that New York is close to the bottom.

It is time to clean house and either replace the state government with competent people who have succeeded in the private sector, or simply dissolve state government. They are in the way of returning this once great state to a position of pre-eminence.

Read McNamara

Property tax reform is most needed. This is the most immoral and regressive tax going. Threatening a person's home with a government taking is despicable. The reason for these high tax rates comes down to state and federal mandates for schools and public employee pensions. So the entire system needs reform. School districts should be able to choose what they spend their money on. Parents should be able to choose where they send their children public or private. Educational success allows schools to continue as schools those who fail must close.

James Mcculley

Here's an easy one that doesn't impact tax revenues but improves the business climate: Cut regulations and burdensome state mandates... Abolish the Wicks law and allow non-union companies to bid on state work. Get rid of Taylor laws so municipal unions can't hold us hostage and drive up labor costs. Cut the red tape in Workers Compensation. Oh, and cut some of the political patronage posts where Shelly Silver and crew hide their political hacks.

Chris Greene

Upstate was, at its peak ('50's & mid-'60's?) the base to innumerable home-grown companies: IBM, Carrier, GE, etc. etc. etc. It would seem to me one aspect of any resurgence would be to encourage the graduates of the many colleges and universities to explore the possibility of starting or expanding any business they have started or manage in the Upstate area. Taxes do have to come down to a level where businesses and individuals can compete, and enjoy a certain level of necessary government services.

Chris Murphy

I think that politicians should be held criminally responsible if they promise one thing and get into office and do the exact opposite. You or I can't lie on a job application. Why can they????

Travis Isham

Reduce the size of government by starting at the top....cut the size of the legislature in half, reduce the salaries and perks for those remaining, eliminate the Albany bureaucracy completely. I would rather have local government than the state government; it is much more responsible to us voters.

Bruce Anderson

I am most concerned about the short memory we all have. I for one vow to vote out every incumbent I can. There's not a NYS politician that deserves to stay.

Chris McKean

Elected officials need to know, either work for us or your out in 2010.

Bernard Darmstedter

ENOUGH

James Russell

Please publish our state and federal elected official's voting records in an easily retrievable format

Terry Webb

NYS reform is mandatory, for some of the most hardworking taxpayers who want to stay in NYS.

Steve Crescente

Sometimes when I see what is going on I think what New York could be if it were more business friendly. We have so much potential here; great universities, motivated and well trained people, and environmental resources. This potential is unfortunately not maximized because of High Taxes that scare of new investment and onerous laws that drive away existing businesses. When I see a great business leader and New York advocate like Tom Golisano leave the state that he loves I know that something is seriously amiss. I am looking to the Unshackle Army to advocate for a healthy business environment, legislative reform and stronger New York.

Sig VanDamme

We have created a totally unsustainable cost of government in New York State. The sheer number of employees, pay scale and unbelievable benefits package is rendering us totally uncompetitive with other States and the world. Our families and friends are voting with their feet and simply leaving for more opportunity in States that aren't burdened by excessive regulation and taxes. At one time we really were "The Empire State". Not any more, but the spending continues with no recognition of economic reality.

Ted Kinder

High unemployment, higher taxes

Stop corruption and special interest lobbying in NY

We The Taxpayer need to get rid of all the DEAD weight in Albany and put someone in office that cares about the Outrageous taxes we pay instead of feathering their own nest!

Richard Maguir

It's time for the "People" to get back involved in OUR government and change the status quo away from it's current "Government of the People, by the Lobbyists, for the Incumbents"

Jeff Pangburn

Please push harder to revise the NY state pension plans

Chuck Gannon

First, I would like to commend the governor for taking some action on cutting costs to close the budget deficit. Second, I will say that more must be done to significantly reduce the cost to run this state. There are so many areas that are ripe for cost reductions: health care, state workers pay, and infrastructure. If our elected officials cannot step up to the plate and take the necessary actions to make our state to enable us to become more competitive...then we MUST replace those elected officials with people that WILL.

Robert Rock

My marketing business boomed for the first 12 years, but since 2007, my client base dwindled due to natural paring, competitive buyouts, retirement, death and cutbacks caused by the faltering local economy. I began investigating prospects to launch a new green industry that will replace 25 billion single-use cardboard pizza boxes that go to landfills each year with a reusable, recyclable Re-Pizza™ Platter.

Victimized by state tax audits, high energy costs and the chilly, cloud-covered terra firma, I studied current statistics for all states based on start-up business success rates, small business taxation and environmental friendliness. New York State was third worst, while Colorado was third-best for green industry start-ups. In trying to obtain information from county, state, academic and legislative authorities in New York, I could not even get return calls. It is as though New York doesn't even try to keep or create jobs. By leaving New York, my business will immediately realize tax savings of at least 14 percent. While it is difficult to leave friends and family in New York, it does not make sense to stay.

Kerry T. Gleason

Downstate also needs to be unshackled and included in this movement rather than excluded. Maybe an upstate and downstate chapter?

My concern? the state of NY.

In 2009 Grady Associates looked to buy several large multi-family properties in the Rochester area. Property taxes killed six deals. If we had taxes similar to those in Texas, those deals would have worked and my investors would have put their money in NYS. Instead we are investing in Texas.

Dale B. Grady

Unshackle Upstate has become a loud voice for small business in New York, bringing the hope of real change in the business environment in NYS a reality.

Jim Lewis
Piaker & Lyons PC

As a business owner that develops real estate across NY I am interested in seeing the legislature make structural changes to state government that reduces taxes, fees and local government mandates which have been holding back economic growth, particularly in upstate areas. NY has many resources to offer including fresh water, transportation network, and power generation that are overshadowed by the highest taxes in the nation and archaic laws that drive business and jobs away. We need the leadership of NY to turn NY back into the Empire State.

Damian Vanetti

The single biggest problem we New Yorkers, along with ALL Americans face, is the power union leaders have in Albany and also in Washington, D.C.

A perfect example of this is the legislation Gov. Paterson tried to get through requiring prevailing wage (union wage) on all IDA funded work. It has been proven that this would increase the cost of these projects by a minimum of 27 percent. This practice would only help union workers or about 15 percent of the upstate work force and force new businesses to look elsewhere to build their new facility. Unshackle Upstate came out against this legislation. There is a saying : "If you're not part of the solution you are part of the problem." We need more people to step up and help Unshackle Upstate, become part of the solution to bring back the EMPIRE STATE.

Floyd Rayburn, F.G. Rayburn Mason Contractors, Inc.
http://www.fgrmasonry.com

As New York State's government, often described as "the most dysfunctional in the country" continues to lead the state into a proverbial financial abyss, Unshackle Upstate is emerging as the leading voice of sanity and a provider of at least a ray of hope. Businesses and private citizens alike, all of whom continue to deal with mounting frustration and feelings of futility, have increasingly embraced Unshackle Upstate as a hugely important and, in fact, the primary vehicle of change to improve things for all New Yorkers. The widespread support for Unshackle Upstate proves that a business/private citizen coalition will energetically rally behind what has become the best if not the only game in town as a critical advocate for positive change for New York State.

Terry Wood
President/CEO
Willow Run Foods