Support from Across the State of New York
Leading business, academic, and government officials - including Gov. Paterson - are supporting Attorney General Cuomo’s reform initiative. Read what they have to say:
Governor David Paterson
“We need to help our working families by doing everything we can to lower the cost of government,” said Governor David Paterson. “We cannot achieve real, sustainable property tax relief without addressing local government efficiency. That is why earlier this year we created the New York State Commission on Local Government Efficiency and Competitiveness. I applaud Attorney General Cuomo for addressing the root cause of these inefficiencies; layers of bureaucracy that duplicate service and drive up costs to residents.”
Main Sponsors of Attorney General Cuomo’s Law
Senator Betty Little (R-C-IP-45th District), ranking Republican on the Senate Local Government Committee, said, “Having chaired the Senate Local Government Committee for several years, I know how needlessly confusing our municipal laws are. This complexity helps no one and, instead, makes it difficult for local governments and the taxpayers they serve to adapt to hanging times. Attorney General Cuomo’s bill is a smart and long overdue streamlining of many of these laws. It removes cumbersome barriers and encourages efficiency with the goal of better, less costly government. Simply put, it’s about saving taxpayer dollars.”
Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver said, “With more than 10,000 local government entities operating in the state, New York’s system of local government can be expensive, and at times confusing, inefficient and susceptible to waste, fraud and abuse. This measure is a step to eliminating levels of unnecessary bureaucracy and duplication through reorganization, which should provide relief toward taxpayers.”
Assembly Minority Leader Brian Kolb said, “Today’s bi-partisan passage of the ‘New NY Government Reorganization and Citizen Empowerment Act’ marks an important step toward a less costly, more efficient and streamlined government that New Yorkers deserve. This bill begins the long overdue process of providing a mechanism to help reduce the staggering costs of government and its crushing burden on taxpayers.”
Assemblyman Sam Hoyt (D-Buffalo), chair of the Assembly Committee on Local Governments, said, “Today's passage of the 'New N.Y. Government Reorganization and Citizen Empowerment Act' by the Assembly moves New York one giant step closer to reducing the highest local tax burden in the nation. This is one of the most significant reforms the state has seen in decades and it will soon make the nearly impossible process of consolidating local governments possible. I commend Speaker Silver for his leadership and thank Attorney General Cuomo for his commonsense proposal and tireless push for change and reform in Albany and across the state.”
New York State Senate
Senator Tom Libous said, “I’ve heard from taxpayers who are frustrated with every level of government efficiency. This legislation empowers taxpayers by updating governmental process and making it easier for their voices to be heard.”
Senator William Stachowski said, “I commend Attorney General Cuomo’s initiative to help empower the citizens of New York by making the consolidation process more uniform and simplified. Efficient government, at all levels, is beneficial to every New Yorker.”
New York State Senator Joe Robach said, “Anything that we can do during these challenging times to make good policy that will provide local governments the opportunities and tools to deliver services more efficiently and in a more cost effective manner with a benefit to the taxpayers is always good. I’d like to thank Attorney General Andrew Cuomo for his work on producing legislation that will streamline existing processes and eliminate inane inconsistencies in the law, thereby making it easier for governmental entities to consider additional consolidation measures.”
Senator Dale Volker said, “I've spent my career fighting for ways to save taxpayer dollars. We all realize that we are in the midst of a great economic crisis and now is not the time to sugarcoat the challenges that we face. Rather, we have the opportunity to structurally change the way New York State operates and create real savings for the taxpayers of our state. I have in the past worked with Attorney General Cuomo on several crime fighting initiatives, including legislation that protects our children from sexual predators. Today's announcement to empower citizens in organizing their local government will go a long way in saving tax dollars, and I look forward to working with him on this issue to achieve real results for our taxpayers.”
Senator Michael H. Ranzenhofer said, “I very strongly support the initiative and referendum process which would give citizens the right to place important issues on the ballot and allow the voters an opportunity to vote yes or no on the ballot proposition.”
Senator John J. Flanagan said, “I’ve long fought to reduce the ever-growing burdens on taxpayers. That’s why I’m happy to work with the Attorney General to make sure that we empower citizens and local governments to fundamentally reorganize and reduce duplicative layers of government so that taxpayers can get some relief.”
Senator Brian X. Foley said, “Working families on Long Island and throughout the state are doing more with less. It’s time government does its part by recognizing the need to reduce costs and save taxpayer dollars. I commend Attorney General Cuomo for bringing this important issue to the forefront and look forward to considering all possible avenues to cut waste and put money back in taxpayers’ pockets.”
New York State Assembly
Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo (D-Endwell) said, “Broome County has been at the forefront of consolidation and shared services. I applaud Attorney General Andrew Cuomo’s efforts to give our municipalities and citizens the tools to reorganize local government. These reforms will help reduce the cost of government, while continuing to provide necessary services.”
Assemblyman Al Stirpe (D-North Syracuse) said: “I was happy to support Attorney General Cuomo’s government consolidation effort. While there has been a lot of talk about consolidation over the years, I think this legislation will truly energize different levels of government to think of new ways of consolidating services. This is a good first step in eliminating duplication and waste and in the end saving taxpayer dollars.”
New York State Assemblyman Joseph D. Morelle said, “Our hard-working families, faced with financial uncertainty and job insecurity at levels not seen in generations, are finding ways to save money and adjust their lifestyles to these new economic realities. Governments at every level should do the same. Attorney General Cuomo’s initiative is a bold step toward making long overdue and critical changes to the way we do business in New York State.”
New York State Assemblyman David Koon said, “New York has more governing entities than all of the countries in Europe. We need to look at consolidations in all levels to save taxpayer dollars in our state.”
New York State Assemblyperson Joan K. Christensen said, “Consolidation can remove, layers of redundant bureaucracy which oppress our over -taxed constituents with excessive pressures during these difficult fiscal times. The ability for informed and empowered government bodies and citizens to initiate the process must be available if our state is to weather this storm and plan for the future. A reorganization of government bodies may be essential to keep New York viable for generations to come.”
Assemblywoman Francine DelMonte said, “New York’s archaic rules and regulations regarding local government and school district structures do more to inhibit change than encourage it. I encourage shared services among local governments, and believe simplifying Western New York’s governmental system will save working families money.”
Assemblyman Mark Schroeder said, “In order to stay competitive in a global environment and offer governmental services efficiently and effectively, New York State needs to rethink the way its local governments operate. We need a local government system that faces the challenges and realities of the 21st Century. I applaud Attorney General Cuomo and his comprehensive plan to allow the citizens of New York State to restructure their local governments by breaking down the barriers that stand between our current system and real reform.”
Assemblyman Steve Hawley said, “During these days of fiscal austerity I strongly encourage all municipalities at every level of government to become actively involved in this process, with the end result of the citizens right to choose at the polls.”
Assemblyman Joe Giglio said, "I applaud Attorney General Andrew Cuomo for taking this significant step toward reforming the local government system and saving taxpayers in the State of New York thousands of dollars. Local governments deserve to see the system reformed and simplified in order to provide them ample opportunity to take full advantage of all cost-saving measures. Further, taxpayers should have every option available to them to be active and willing participants in their local governments and to provide their local government officials with advice and opinions on ways to save them money. I look forward to providing this information to municipalities throughout my Assembly District."
Assemblymember Sandy Galef said,"During this challenging crossroads in our economy, our best investment is one that overhauls how we do business so we can streamline our operations and provide excellent service at a lower cost. Consolidation is something that is much harder to approach when budgets are flush. Now we have an opportunity to cultivate grassroots public support to address inefficiencies, overlap, and laxity in our government and make significant changes that can benefit taxpayers and our state as a whole. It is truly a time to pull counties, municipalities and school districts together to take bold steps towards economizing. I thank the Attorney General for championing this government reform."
Assemblymember Bob Sweeney said, “Attorney General Cuomo’s bill is just what New Yorkers need right now to make government more efficient and to cut unnecessary taxes. I support this bill and look forward to working with the Attorney General to ensure its swift passage.”
Assemblymember Fred Thiele said, “New York State is facing the greatest financial challenge of our generation. Now is the time for bold and progressive innovations that will make our government work better and cost less. Attorney General Cuomo’s bill provides exactly the direction we need to achieve a stronger, streamlined government in New York.”
Assemblymember Patricia Eddington said, “Thoughtful and sensible plans like Attorney General Cuomo’s proposed legislation to empower citizens to reorganize their layers of local governments in order to find efficiencies and taxpayer savings, while still providing them with the services they need, will go a long way to help New Yorkers through this economic crisis and beyond.”
Assemblymember Michael Fitzpatrick said, “Consolidating antiquated and inefficient layers of government will benefit all New Yorkers. I applaud Attorney General Cuomo for developing this proposal and bringing this bill and will fight vigorously to make sure it gets enacted into law.”
Assemblymember Phil Ramos said, “I applaud the Attorney General’s bill that empowers citizens and government to modernize local municipalities in order to save taxpayer dollars. I look forward to working with Attorney General Cuomo to make sure the bill becomes law. Taxpayers deserve no less.”
Assemblymember Phil Boyle said, “New Yorkers deserve a government that responds to their calls for reform. Attorney General Cuomo’s bill empowers citizens of New York to bring about the change they need in their government. Working together in a bipartisan fashion, we can help save taxpayer dollars.”
County Officials
Broome County Executive Barbara Fiala said, “The bottom line is there are simply too many local governing bodies throughout the state, and there is substantial savings to be had by sharing services, or through consolidation or dissolution. Attorney General Cuomo's historic measure gives citizens the power to initiate change in their communities. We are proud to welcome Attorney General Cuomo back to Broome County, and look forward to seeing this important law put to use.”
Jerry F. Marinich, Minority Leader of the Broome County Legislature, said, “Attorney General Cuomo is to be commended for helping address an issue that has been talked about and studied for decades: government consolidation. This new law gives citizens across the state the power to make decisions on how their government should operate.”
Onondaga County Legislator David Stott said, “The Attorney General’s new law can help overburdened taxpayers throughout Central New York save money. For far too long, the process of government consolidation has been too complicated and prohibitive. However, the measure Attorney General Cuomo introduced earlier this year removes those arduous complications and makes it easier for citizens to change the way their governments operate. This is a great new law that empowers local communities and I congratulate my colleagues and Attorney General Cuomo for helping make it a reality.”
Stephen Acquario, Director of the New York State Association of Counties said, "Counties support reforms that enable and encourage a more modern and efficient local government structure. Counties embrace New York State's Home Rule principals, which provide local governments the autonomy to respond to the unique needs of their communities. We recognize and commend Attorney General Andrew Cuomo for the reform initiatives announced today. These initiatives are critical, especially in today's economy, and will help streamline these statutes to authorize localities to govern more effectively."
Albany County Executive Mike Breslin said, “Over the years, many attempts to institute more efficient methods of governing through shared municipal services have been halted due to New York's arcane legal barriers. Attorney General Cuomo's proposed legislation provides a process that takes down those road blocks and gives communities an opportunity to institute reform."
Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks said, “As public officials, our number one priority is to protect the taxpayers of New York State and ensure that their dollars are being spent as efficiently as possible. I support Attorney General Cuomo's plan to empower taxpayers to make their own decisions regarding the size and scope of their local government entities. This intelligent and unique approach will allow municipalities to consider consolidating government services, potentially saving taxpayers millions of dollars.”
Onondaga County Executive Joanne M. Mahoney said, “I commend Attorney General Cuomo for presenting a comprehensive plan that allows governments to reorganize and consolidate in a way that is now almost impossible to achieve. This legislation will help communities and public officials overcome the arcane structure and laws that are preventing modernization in government.”
Westchester County Clerk Timothy Idoni said, “I am always looking for new and innovative ways to work with my partners in government to reform the system. As countless New York families work to trim their expenses in this worsening economic climate, governments must do the same. Attorney General Cuomo’s plan rightly puts the power in the hands of the people by letting communities decide what is truly necessary and what can be streamlined or eliminated. I support this reform wholeheartedly and look forward to working with the Attorney General to ensure it is adopted.”
Ulster County Executive Mike Hein said, “All of us in government work for the same taxpayers and it is our obligation to provide services as efficiently as possible. Having the tools to more easily share municipal services is critical, especially during this economic crisis. I applaud Attorney General Cuomo’s leadership and look forward to state government passing the measure and helping ease the local tax burden.”
Chemung County Executive Tom Santulli said, “The announcement today by Attorney General Cuomo moves New York one step closer to reforming the way our local governments operate. Doing so is critical in order to ensure relief for taxpayers and to institute efficient and effective governing moving forward.”
Nassau County Comptroller Howard Weitzman said, "One of the reasons for our high taxes is that we have too much government in New York. If taxpayers want to downsize government then we should remove any obstacles in their way. That's why I support the Attorney General's proposed reforms."
Erie County Comptroller Mark Poloncarz said, “My office is in favor of any effort that makes it easier for local officials to eliminate the duplication of services that currently burden the New York state taxpayers. My office last year showed we can save in Erie County anywhere from $2.6 to $4.4 million per year through the consolidation of all local assessment units into one regional countywide system. I applaud the Attorney General for understanding the issues that burden the taxpayers and for coming up with a solution that will benefit us in the long run.”
Erie County Legislator Tim Kennedy said, “Time and time again, Attorney General Andrew Cuomo has demonstrated his ability to achieve proven results when he takes on an issue. I look forward to working side by side with him to reform a system that has become somewhat stagnant and inefficient. I applaud him in his efforts to reform government and give the voice of government back to the people where is rightfully belongs.”
Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy said, “I am happy to work with Attorney General Cuomo towards consolidating special districts. In a similar vein, over the last few years in Suffolk, I have worked with municipalities and school districts towards consolidating functions and sharing common services to also save taxpayer dollars.”
Town/City and other Local Officials
Fredonia Mayor Mike Sullivan said, “The issue of consolidation is not a partisan issue. Local elected officials need to work with citizens to bring about change to improve the way we provide services in New York. The same old way of doing business has not been working very well and the changes which the Attorney General drafted and has now succeeded in getting adopted in New York will open the door for citizens to lead their local officials toward necessary change.”
Brighton Town Supervisor Sandy Frankel said, “For decades, the issue of government consolidation has been studied and examined, but the layers upon layers of local governments still persisted. As a member of the Lundine Commission, my colleagues and I explored several methods to consolidate or dissolve overlapping taxing entities and municipal functions in order to reduce government costs and/or improve services, mindful that one size doesn’t fit all. Now, thanks to Attorney General Cuomo’s hard work, we have a measure to make it easier for citizens across the state to consider reforms that they want. The Attorney General’s law removes the barriers that have existed for far too long, and gives us real control over our governments.”
Town Supervisor of Clay Damian Ulatowski said, “As the Attorney General has pointed out, there are simply too many local governing bodies throughout the state, and people need to be able initiate change. Attorney General Cuomo’s bill is an important step in giving citizens and local officials the power to consolidate or dissolve multiple layers of government.”
Oneonta Town Supervisor Robert T. Wood said, “Attorney General Cuomo should be commended for proposing legislation that encourages shared municipal services to save taxpayer dollars. As an elected official I am very concerned that we do all we can to provide services economically and efficiently. By removing barriers to shared services he will make it easier for local government to initiate cost saving measures.”
Mayor of the Village of Pike Lyman R. Granger, Jr., said, “Any decision affecting a community’s vitality should be in the hands of the people. In my experience as a village mayor, the key component is ensuring the information regarding any change in governmental structure is made completely available to the public. Attorney General Cuomo’s measure would do just that - make sure that the decision lies with the people who would be affected the most.”
Rochester Mayor Robert Duffy said, “The reason people are leaving New York State and not moving here is high property taxes and its the multiple layers of government that are primarily driving those taxes. We need to shrink government down to its right size. I applaud Attorney General Andrew Cuomo's efforts to accomplish this goal.”
Policy Experts/Citizen Organizations
Patricia Podrazil, Director of Citizens for a Better Broome, said, “We are delighted that Attorney General Cuomo has come to Binghamton to demonstrate how ordinary citizens can truly reform their government. His local government consolidation measure will help empower more New Yorkers to take an active role in determining how their tax dollars are spent and create a more informed electorate.”
Lou Jean Fleron, Co-Director of the Partnership for the Public Good, said, “The premise of our organization is that in order to revitalize the Greater-Buffalo community, we do not need to start from scratch or chase silver bullets. We do need smart leadership, and Attorney General Cuomo has delivered that with this new law. It has a tremendous upside for both the business community and local taxpayers. We commend the Attorney General for coming back to Western New York to inform local citizens on how this law works, and we hope people quickly take advantage of its potential for reforming local government.”
Vito Sciscioli, Executive Director of 20/20, said, “For decades, we have witnessed all levels of government in New York get bigger, more bloated, and more inefficient – all at the expense of the taxpayers. I believe Attorney General Andrew Cuomo’s new law is a common sense approach to this problem. On behalf of all our members, we thank Attorney General Cuomo for conceiving and championing this important new law, and for coming back to Onondaga County to show us how to take advantage of it.”
Laura Mallay, Executive Director of Residents for Efficient Special Districts said, “ I fully support Attorney General Andrew Cuomo's initiatives to improve the process of consolidating special districts. Special taxing districts have become an overlapping mess that encourages unaccountability and confusion for taxpayers. This reform is vital to returning power to taxpayers and lowering the heavy burden of high property taxes in New York. This is a tool that will finally make local control a possibility.
Richard Nathan, Executive Director of the Nelson A. Rockefeller Institute of Government said, “The Attorney General is brave to select local government as a reform target. It has eluded too many past efforts. It is a perfect example of an issue on which radical restructuring is needed now in these challenging times. Hopefully the current fiscal exigencies will create an opportunity for real, profound, and much needed change.”
Gerald Benjamin, distinguished professor of political science at SUNY New Paltz and former member of the Lundine Commission on Local Government Efficiency and Competitiveness said, “I’m delighted the Attorney General is taking up leadership in local government reform. The crisis we face is frightening but also provides a unique opportunity to take some of the steps that have long been needed to bring economy, efficiency and effectiveness to local governments in New York. This is historically a difficult task and it demands the best efforts of the best interested people in the state.”
Russ Haven, Legislative Counsel for the New York Public Interest Research Group (NYPIRG), said, “The layers of local government installed over time in many cases have become a Rube Goldberg contraption bound together by the Gordian Knot of statutes and legal requirements. The Attorney General’s proposal would create incentives, eliminate impediments and provide tools—not mandates—for severing the knot that prevents citizens and local governments from having smarter local government.”
Director of the Intergovernmental Studies Program at Rockefeller College Sydney Cresswell said, “Streamlined government that meets the demands and realities of the 21st Century is long overdue. Attorney General Cuomo has brought forth a plan that cuts out the red tape and standardizes the often complex and varying procedures it takes to actually remove a layer of government. And the best part is this plan leaves the decision to consolidate up to the communities themselves. I applaud the Attorney General for his innovation and leadership on the issue of government consolidation.”
E.J. McMahon, Director of the Empire Center for New York State Policy, said, "Attorney General Cuomo's proposal to streamline New York's Home Rule statutes would clear the way for locally initiated reforms without imposing a top-down, one-size-fits-all solution. The attorney general has struck an appropriate balance between promoting efficiency and preserving self-determination on the local level. His timing certainly couldn't be better. This is pro-taxpayer package that deserves favorable consideration by the Legislature."
Kent Gardner, Ph.D., President & Chief Economist, Center for Governmental Research, said, "The structure of local government in NYS is badly in need of an overhaul--yet current law make it extraordinarily difficult for citizens and community leaders to take charge of their destiny. CGR's experience with dozens of communities throughout NYS reinforces the need for the kind of common sense citizen empowerment envisioned in the Attorney General's proposals."
Barbara Bartoletti of the League of Woman Voters said, “In this new economic reality we applaud the Attorney General for addressing an issue that will provide for the possibility of a leaner, more efficient government and we look forward to working with his office as this process moves forward.”
Susan Lerner, executive director of Common Cause/New York, said, “Common Cause/NY commends AG Cuomo for sponsoring this long overdue proposal to facilitate streamlining NY's local governments. For way too long the difficult and arcane procedures in our laws have discouraged those who want to promote efficient, well-ordered government. We strongly support its passage and hope that there will be other such forward thinking initiatives to improve government efficiency at all levels.
Lisa Tyson, Director of the Long Island Progressive Coalition, said, “Attorney General Cuomo is to be applauded for showing exceptional leadership in putting forward this bill. Upon receipt of the Governor's signature, it will vastly simplify the process by which concerned citizens can work towards the consolidation, streamlining and reform of Special Taxing Districts.”
Business Leaders
Lou Santoni, President and CEO of the Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce said, “For several years the Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce has called for consolidation and shared services in order to increase efficiency and to reduce costs. We all know that the high cost of government drives businesses and private sector jobs out of our State. We therefore applaud Attorney General Cuomo for advancing a measure that allows voters the opportunity to drive the process of change and make New York state more affordable.”
Andrew J. Rudnick, president and CEO of the Buffalo Niagara Partnership said, “Taxpayers are rightfully fed up with the inefficient use of their hard-earned, and harder to come by, money. Consolidation must occur throughout this state. Attorney General Cuomo's leadership on this issue has brought it to the public's attention, and to the Capitol for real action. The next act of leadership must come from local government officials, who need to accept this challenge and do what's best for the people they represent.”
Sandra Yeater, President of the Rotary Club of Buffalo said, “Everyone is aware that New York state businesses endure one of the highest tax burdens in the country. We need a measure that aims to reduce this stranglehold. On behalf of all our members, we thank Attorney General Cuomo for conceiving and championing this important new law, and for coming to Western New York to show us how to take advantage of it.”
Brian Sampson, executive director of Unshackle Upstate, a coalition of 45,000 businesses with 1.5 million employees said, “There is no question that consolidation is one way that local governments can help reverse the state’s long history of its shameful treatment of taxpayers and employers. There are far too many layers of government, which has resulted in an overly burdensome tax structure. The Lundine Commission, Attorney General Cuomo and Governor Paterson are to be applauded for their positive steps to achieve reform.”
Christopher P. Wiest, vice president of public policy for the Rochester Business Alliance, the regional chamber of commerce said, “Consolidation of some of New York's multiple layers of government is essential to reducing the state’s crushing tax burden and making New York a more affordable place to work, live and run a business. Attorney General Cuomo’s law empowers the citizens, the taxpayers of our state, and gives them a much-needed voice in the process.”
Kenneth Adams, president and CEO of the Business Council of New York State said, “Consolidating governments, where it makes sense to do so, will help reduce the crushing tax burden that stymies growth in this state. When businesses both large and small thrive, it is good for workers, their families, and all of our communities. The Business Council supports the Attorney General's proposal and its implementation.”
Thomas Golisano said, “I have been a strong proponent of government reform in New York for many years. We have outgrown our current structure of government, which has made New York too expensive for families and businesses alike. Attorney General Cuomo’s plan is precisely what we need right now. It is an innovative proposal that will help reduce the overbearing tax burden in this state, and I endorse it. Now, we need to see his plan enacted into law and Responsible New York will work to make that happen.”
Long Island Association President Matthew T. Crosson said, “Long Island has over 900 taxing jurisdictions, more than 700 of them special districts. Their cost adds to the Island’s property tax burden, which is among the highest in the nation. The LIA agrees with Attorney General Cuomo that the voters should be empowered to decide whether to keep special districts as they currently exist or consolidate them to reduce taxes. We look forward to continuing to work with the Attorney General to make this important reform in the region’s and the state’s governmental structure.”
Association for a Better Long Island Executive Director Desmond Ryan said, “With over 10,000 layers of government in New York State, the tax burden that rests on New Yorkers can stifle growth and limit business development. By streamlining government, we can help citizens and the businesses in Long Island and throughout the state. The Association for a Better Long Island supports Attorney General Cuomo’s legislation and urges its passage.”