Statement from Senator George Winner

Elmira, N.Y., February 26—State Senator George Winner (R-C-I, Elmira) released today the following statement in response to New York Governor David Paterson’s announcement that he will not seek election in November, but will remain in office until the end of his current term:

“It’s not clear to me how Governor Paterson will be able to govern in any effective or productive way.

“We’re less than five weeks from the start of a new state fiscal year, and Governor Paterson and the Democratic leaders of the Legislature haven’t taken a single step toward reaching agreement on a new state budget. 

“New York’s in dire straits and, above all else, New York’s leaders need to be entirely focused on developing the right response to an economic crisis, not on addressing another scandal or fighting the next political firestorm.

“ It’s an enormous distraction, and I don’t see how Governor Paterson can engage his fellow Democratic leaders in an effective, responsible, or sensible long-term response to what’s facing our taxpayers, communities, workers, and families.

“The Senate Republican conference will continue to offer constructive solutions.  We’re more than ready to get to work on serious proposals for a new Jobs Plan and property tax relief, to cut government waste and streamline state agencies, and to establish a permanent cap on state spending.”

 
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