In government, as in tires, it’s where the rubber meets the road that really makes the difference. The tumultuous, chaotic week we have just experienced will mean far less six months from now to homeowners calculating their school taxes, Upstaters in need of community and economic development action, and college students and their families as they grapple with the cost of a college education.

Although I welcome Governor David A. Paterson as a congenial, respectful, and honorable official, I recognize that the State Budget we are in the throes of developing is of critical importance to the people of the 47th District. I believe that based on the bipartisan spirit our new governor showed while presiding over the Senate, we have an opportunity to achieve that which is paramount for those who elected us – results.

Although the new governor and I are very different philosophically, I am confident that he will be supportive of essential budget items such as:

• School aid that meets the unique needs of Upstate districts facing
• Economic and community development investment to promote regional priorities such as Marcy Nanotech, Downtown Utica, Griffiss Park.
• An end to mandated costs that shift the burden of state programs onto the backs of counties and county taxpayers.
• The fullest possible funding for the state’s critically important tuition assistance program, its SUNY system (including its essential system of community colleges), and necessary support to the outstanding network of private colleges that helps make New York a state of great potential for emerging economic growth.

I believe we need to adopt a budget on time to show the people of New York that we will not be deflected from our purposes of providing good government. New Yorkers are tired of excuses and explanations. We all want and need results, and as I return to Albany, I am going to do everything in my power to achieve those results.

Budget adopting does not end our challenges. Reform measures that remain necessary to bolster ethics laws and promote open government must move forward.

Once the major task of adopting a budget is completed, I look forward to helping Gov. Paterson continue his travels in my district to see first-hand the needs of the Utica-Rome area and the great potential that exists here – if the state steps up and assumes its historic leadership role in economic development and community development projects. Public safety, the development of a state energy policy, and the development of an informed, aggressive state role in resolving Indian land and taxation issues are all major regional issues our new governor will need to address.

This week’s transition in Albany changes the leadership of New York. It does not change the issues facing everyday Upstaters, nor does it change my commitment to achieve the results that the people of Upstate New York want and need.