Candidates looking to replace George Pataki as governor are ramping up talk about reforming state government, changing the status quo.
They say it’s necessary to bring down local tax bills and improve upstate’s dismal job creation record.
Now . . . let’s juxtapose this rhetoric with a big dose of Albany reality – the one that says, “stick your neck out a bit and you’ll get slapped back.”
This realistic message comes courtesy of the state’s public employees unions.
The Buffalo News had a column on Thursday that suggests the candidates for governor need to have a more expansive discussion about local property taxes and tax cuts.
My colleague at the Center for Governmental Research, Erika Rosenberg, wrote that gubernatorial hopefuls are fixating on the STAR (School Relief Tax) program and the expense of other issues that could play a more direct role in bringing down local property taxes.
Also, as Monroe County’s sales tax issue makes it’s way into the courtroom (it is scheduled for Friday, June 23), have a listen as I talk with WXXI Morning Edition host Bud Lowell about getting that sales tax discussion into the meeting room. Have a listen right here (just click on the MP3 button).
The Brooks sales tax solution is headed to a courtroom.
But perhaps where it ought to be is in a meeting room.
You know the court story by now. Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks announced a two-part sales tax solution to a projected county budget shortfall. First, the county would embrace a trade-off with the state, giving up sales tax proceeds to New York while also giving up the local share of Medicaid. This is called the “sales tax intercept.” The second part would be a sales tax increase of three-quarters of a penny.
Apathy.
It’s like the unruly kid that has the run of the house. The house, in this case, being New York State.
Can’t we put him to bed without any supper for six months or so? Say, until after the November election.
Many New Yorkers won’t. But a few do give it a try. You can see a couple of examples from – of all places – those on the campaign trail.
This isn’t where Steve Minarik wanted to go.
And state Republicans would like to stop from arriving there.
But maybe the state GOP should give a second thought before saying no to… Destination “Primary.”
You already know the story about John Faso gaining the designation of the state GOP faithful this week, grabbing more of the weighted vote than William Weld, the former Massachusetts governor. (Listen to Karen DeWitt’s fine wrap up here for a refresher.)
