In the September 9th Journal News, my opponent, Sandy Galef, said, "I think this is the year for change."
I agree with her. It is time for a change, a change we can believe in. She also noted her leadership in the movement to consolidate and merge local governments, as well as placing limits on property-tax increases. However, as a constituent, I have not seen any change. All that I have seen is taxpayer funded forums, conversations and press releases with no action toward real reform.
People are hurting, in New York, more than they have since the great depression. I commend her for the time that she has been in the legislature but, it's time for a new voice.
You be the judge:
" Sandy Galef has been in the New York State Assembly since 1992.
" Under her watch as the chairperson of the Assembly Committee on Real Property Taxation, Westchester County went from having the 3rd highest property taxes in the nation to the highest. Putnam County ranks #10.
" Sandy Galef has voted for billions in unfunded mandates to local municipalities. Any elected official outside of the state legislature will tell you that unfunded mandates are strangling their communities.
" As a result of her votes for economically crippling measures, more residents have left NYS between April 1, 2000 & July 1, 2009, versus the rest of the nation.
" During her time as an Assemblywoman, NY has become the 2nd worst state in the nation in burdening owners with an unfair business climate. Businesses create jobs and investments, not increased government. The high cost of doing business is discouraging new enterprises from emerging and driving current businesses away.
" Sandy Galef has spent $97,630 on Taxpayer Funded Mailings from October 2008 - September 2009, leading the lower Hudson Valley, while Assemblyman Gary Prelow spent only $1,000.
New Yorkers cannot expect the same legislators who got us into our current situation to get us out. The only way real change can occur is for the voters to demand it.
Bill Gouldman is the endorsed Republican candidate seeking to represent the the 90th NYS Assembly District.
