Judgment Day for NYS Legislature is today

Seems like every day another poll comes out telling us who is ahead or behind in one of the upcoming races for New York governor or state Legislator. For some, it might be tempting to view the polls and assume these races are decided, and your vote doesn't matter.

I'm here to tell you that's not true. Your vote very much matters this year, perhaps more than ever.

In less than a week, all registered voters will have the opportunity to make their choices for governor, attorney general and comptroller. In addition, key decisions will be made in races for the NYS Senate and Assembly. Brian Sampson, the executive director of Unshackle Upstate, has referred to it "the big enchilada of elections for our state.'

Why? Because of what's at stake. Plain and simple: your job, your family's future.

Our state is teetering on a precipice - one little push will send us over the edge into further economic despair. New York continues to shed private sector jobs. Yet the legislative majorities, almost unanimously, voted to increase state controlled spending by 12 percent. And the same group balanced the budget with more than $9B in new or increased taxes, fees and assessments. Is that really what we want for New York?

According to the Empire Center, as of July, New York's private firms employed 122,000 fewer people than they had in July 2000, and 247,900 fewer than in 2008. More taxes and fees combined with greater state spending will only force more private sector jobs to be lost. Is that really what we want for New York?

It is imperative that each of us - as a residents of the State of New York, get out and vote. We must choose to elect officials who understand that we cannot and will not tolerate more spending and more taxes.

If you're not certain who that is, I refer you to the Rochester Business Alliance's PAC endorsements and Unshackle Upstate's Legislative Scorecards. Each will give you a clear indication of which candidates support the pro-taxpayer/pro-business agenda needed to revitalize our economy, create and retain jobs.

It is time for the taxpayers of New York to send a very clear message to those seeking office: "You must reduce the size and scope of the state budget. You must reduce the size of state government. You must make the tough choices that have been ignored over the past decade. We demand that you be more accountable to us."

Demonstrate your commitment to changing politics in New York by voting on Judgment Day, Nov. 2. Tell our elected officials what we want for New York - less state spending, lower taxes and an increase in private sector job creation.

Thank you.

Sandra A. Parker
President and CEO, Rochester Business Alliance