Politics
New York Positioned to Lose Two House Seats
Preliminary studies reveal that New York is positioned to lose two seats in the House of Representatives when Census 2010 is complete. House of Representative seats are based on population.
Balance Needed on Ballast Issue to Protect Jobs
This past week I was invited to attend a press conference at the Oswego Port Authority to discuss a Department of Environmental Conservation action intended to eliminate invasive species, but which instead threatens to shut down shipping through the St. Lawrence Seaway and into the Great Lakes.
Education, Awareness Can Work to Offset Suicide Rate
Approximately 1,300 New Yorkers take their own lives each year, and it is estimated that for every suicide death, there are anywhere from 8-25 suicide attempts.
Creating Jobs Requires Trusting Each Other to Work Together
Over the past 20 years, manufacturing jobs have declined, but with the right policies we can retain what we have and create new jobs for our future.
Study Reveals New York Ranks Sixth in Manufacturing Employment
From some time, we have heard from economists and scholars that the manufacturing sector of New York’s economy is dying. However a recent study published by the newly created Manufacturing Research Institute reveals that the prognosis is inaccurate and that manufacturing is on the upswing.
Working Together We Get Things Done
Putting people ahead of politics should be the mission of every lawmaker and elected official. After all, good ideas are not the exclusive property of one party or another. A good idea is simply a good idea.
New York Ranks One of Five Safest States
The Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) recently reported some good news: New York remains the safest large state in the nation and the fifth safest state overall.
Agriculture Vital to Our Future
Agriculture is the foundation of our economy. It’s on our farms, where wealth is generated and economic viability begins. It’s on our farms where we see hard work produces a commodity that is sold to feed our families.
State Needs Mandate Reform
Our state has the bad habit of mandating that programs and services and their associated costs be covered by local municipalities. While this has enabled the state to keep the costs of these programs from impacting the state budget, they put substantial stress on property owners who have to pay property taxes to pay for these mandated programs.