Over the last few days we have confirmation of what we already knew, in New York we have the best politicians money can buy. A billionaire comes to town, secret meetings and low and behold we have an attempted take over of the New York State senate. Does it really surprise anyone that these kinds of games take place in Albany at the tax payer’s expense? When are the people that live here, work here and try to raise a family here going to wake up? The leaders of this state from both political parties are running this once great state into the ground. When are the real issues that could return this state to its former economic prosperity going to be addressed? The lifetime politicians have done nothing to advance this state's prosperity in decades. The tax and spend philosophy has done nothing but create a downward spiral of taxes raised, companies leave and people leave. To fix the problem taxes are raised for those of us that are still here, more fees and taxes levied on the remaining business. The result is companies leave and people leave. It does not take a genius to realize that this cycle has to end! Don't believe the Albany insiders that will tell you how complicated the states business is and that the regular people like you and me just don't understand what is going on. Here are a few ideas that could really get this state back on its feet:
Limit terms on all elected officials to two terms in one office. If you want to be in run for a different position that's fine but we can not allow politicians to spend most of their time and resources on getting re-elected over and over again.
All elected and appointed officials get paid a salary and benefits while they serve but do not qualify for retirement or medical benefits when they are out of office. Remember, these people are all well connected and are not going to be on the unemployment line after serving their term. The founding fathers of this country would roll over in their graves to think that people would actually be politicians for there entire working life All state employees need to pay the same taxes on their retirement benefits as the rest of us do. What makes them so special that they don't have to pay state taxes on retirement that we paid for? Does anyone realize how many billions we have lost from this policy alone?
Create incentives for business to remain in and relocate to this state. Why don't we have super cheap electricity for business? Niagara Falls is one of the largest and cleanest power-producing facilities in the country. Want to solve the medical insurance problem? Why not give businesses that pay for employee’s health insurance a $1.25 credit off their state tax bill for every $1.00 they spend. You catch more flies with honey than vinegar.
These simple steps could be a tremendous start to turning this state around but it will only happen if the people demand it! Pass these ideas around to friends and colleagues. Keep alert to what is going on and don't let anyone try to feed you the same old lies. I would not want to leave this area. It is my home, my family's home and a great place to live. Let’s keep our eyes open and make the people in charge do the right thing.
