In the wake of yesterday's unveiling of the state budget by Gov. Eliot Sptizer my in-box (both the internet one on my computerized desktop and the physical one for paper on my actual desktop) have been overflowing with press releases from various politicians, mostly Republicans, voicing their unhappiness with the proposed budget. Of course, I followed the story of the potential loss of VLT revenue for the city for tomorrow's print edition, but I now still find myself faced with a rather large collection of press releases full of interesting statements that I didn't included in my story for tomorrow.

So, in the interest of keeping the public informed about what their representatives are up to these days, I present to you here a collection of these press releases. As always, please let me know what you think. (These are presented to you in the order in which they landed in my inbox, and completed unedited except for formatting.)

NUMBER 1:
McDONALD: GOVERNOR’S COMMISSION ON PROPERTY TAX DESTINED FOR FAILURE
Assemblyman Disappointed With Appointments To Commission

Assemblyman Roy McDonald (R,I,C – Saratoga) today announced that he is extremely disappointed with the makeup of the Governor’s new commission responsible for coming up with a solution to the state's ever-mounting property tax problem.

“The most obvious problem with this commission is that all of the appointments have one thing in common,” said McDonald. “They are all extremely wealthy individuals who have no problem paying their property taxes.”

The commission members include: Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi; Former Republican Onondaga County Executive Nicholas Pirro; Former Democratic Buffalo-area Assemblyman Paul Tokasz (now a lobbyist working with Pat Lynch); Former state Secretary of State/former Sen. Basil Paterson (father of LG David Paterson); Merryl Tisch, a member of the state Board of Regents; Shirley Strum Kenny, SUNY Stony Brook president; Michael Solomon, director of Merrill Lynch & Co.

“It simply defies logic to establish a group of people who have little or no practical experience in dealing with local property taxes,” added McDonald. “Especially, when there are a number of local officials from across the states that have been dealing with this issue for a number of years. Take Saratoga County, for example, the lowest taxed county in the state since 1986, yet nobody has approached the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors for advice or input.”

Prior to being Assemblyman, McDonald served as the Town and County Supervisor from the Town of Wilton where his policies led to the total elimination of local town property taxes (both general and highway funds) for more than twenty-three straight years.

“The second largest problem with this commission is that half of the individuals are from the New York City metropolitan area,” concluded McDonald. “Astronomical property taxes are predominantly an upstate issue; however there is not an adequate amount of representation from the upstate or rural communities. Let’s be honest and call it for what it is. New York City’s assessment policies are suspect at best, so while they continue to give away the store with rent control and corruption, we upstaters continue to pay higher taxes.

“The bottom line is that real working middle class taxpayers are not represented by this list. Although I am certain these individuals are well meaning and good people, this group is simply too elitist, too out of touch with ordinary people and quite simply lacks the experience necessary to make any significant impact on this problem.”



NUMBER 2:

JOHNSON BLASTS GOVERNOR FOR TAKING AWAY VLT MONEY
*Vows to work with Bruno, Legislature to get revenue back*

Scott Johnson, Mayor of Saratoga Springs, today criticized Governor Spitzer for his plan to cut the VLT revenue for Saratoga Springs over the next few years, eventually reducing the payout to nothing by 2010.  Johnson had predicted this over the past few months, even bringing up the issue during his campaign and stating that the City can no longer rely heavily on the VLT funding.  However, Johnson knows that Saratoga Springs deserves it and will fight for it.

"Governor Spitzer's assertion that Saratoga Springs does not deserve its rightful share of the VLT funding is simply wrong," said Johnson.  "It is pretty clear to me that he is playing political games with his foes, specifically, Senator Bruno.  However, he is really playing games with the residents of Saratoga Springs.  For years, the Senator has been an asset to our community and it was his hard work last year that restored the funding when Spitzer previously tried to take it away.  With concerted effort this year, I'm optimistic we'll maintain our entitlement."

Thankfully, Spitzer's budget is merely a starting point and the State Legislature will have a chance to weigh in.   Johnson pledged not to stop until Saratoga Springs received its share of VLT funding.  He is prepared to meet with officials from the Governor's office, as well as members of the State Legislature, until he is successful.

"Saratoga Springs is lucky to be represented by three of the best Legislators in the state; Senator Bruno, Senator Farley and Assemblyman Tedsico," added Johnson.  "However, it is also my job to advocate for our City and I look forward to working with them.  We all have the same goal of getting Saratoga Springs what it needs."

Johnson felt that Spitzer has underestimated costs that are incurred by having VLTs in Saratoga Springs.  He cited infrastructure issues and increased public safety concerns as the main reasons the funding was necessary to the City's operations. He also maintains the City's share of $3.7 Million is reasonable, given the Racino has grossed over $135 Million in 2007 and expects to exceed $150 Million in 2008, all resulting in payments to New York State of over $82 Million in 2007 and $91 Million
projected in 2008.  An additional 10% of the gross revenue is paid to the State Lottery.  Johnson concluded that Saratoga Springs should not lose its rightful revenue due to the inability and inefficiency of New York State to balance its budget.

NUMBER 3:
McDONALD NAMED TO JOINT LOCAL GOVERNMENT CONFERENCE COMMITTEE
Assemblyman To Attend Public Hearings On Budget

Assemblyman Roy McDonald (R,I,C – Saratoga) today announced that he was named to the Local Government Officials/General Government Joint Conference Committee.

The Senate Finance and Assembly Ways and Means Committees announced the Joint Legislative Hearing Schedule on the 2008-2009 Executive Budget submitted to the Legislature by Governor Eliot Spitzer.

The schedule will begin on January 28, 2008, with the Local Government Officials/General Government Hearing, at which local government officials and representatives of local governments are invited to provide testimony on the proposed budget.

“It is certainly a privilege to be asked to participate in this cooperative process with my Assembly and Senate colleagues,” said McDonald. “I am very pleased to receive an assignment which I believe I am well suited for.”

Prior to the Assembly, McDonald had a distinguished record for 23 years as the elected Town and County Supervisor from the Town of Wilton. He also served as Chairman of the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors.

McDonald will also continue to sit on the Assembly Committees on Labor, Racing & Wagering, and Veteran’s Affairs, as well as Ways & Means. Along with his standing committee assignments, the Assemblyman remains an active member of the Assembly Minority Task Force on Agriculture, Tourism and Outdoor Recreation.

“I am proud to serve on each of these committees and feel that each subject area is important to my constituents in Rensselaer, Saratoga and Washington Counties,” added McDonald. “I have had the opportunity to review the Executive Budget proposed by the Governor and look forward to raising a few questions regarding some of the shortcomings I have found.”

END

OK, I guess three isn't as many as it seemed when I walked into the office at 3 p.m. today, and there was a big announcement about an indictment in a 5-year-old murder across the street, and McDonald called in such a rage that you would think I was responsible for threatening VLT revenue, all while I was trying to keep my phone line clear in anticipation of a call from Congresswoman Gillibrand, which never came. Anyhow, it has been a busy day. I hope you enjoy these press releases in lieu of anything new or creative from me. Apologies... have a great evening!