WAMC: Senate Stalemate Continues, Officials and Activists Alike Voice Outrage (2009-06-19)

WAMC New York News

Senate Stalemate Continues, Officials and Activists Alike Voice Outrage

Mark Scott and Sarah Tanbakuchi (2009-06-19)

courtesy of senate.gov

BUFFALO, NY (WBFO) - Talks between Democrats and Republicans in the State Senate yesterday afternoon did not result in any agreement to end their nearly two week dispute over who controls the chamber. Following the meeting, the Democrats declined comment, other than to say negotiations are continuing. Meanwhile, Democratic senators have launched a public relations campaign that calls on Republicans to remove dissident Democrat Pedro Espada from his leadership position in their coalition. Espada says the Democrats' attacks are racially motivated.

County executives from across New York held a news conference Thursday to express their outrage at gridlock in Albany. Chautauqua County Executive Greg Edwards says local governments like his are being hurt.

Officials of the State County Executives Association say 2010 will be a year of chaos for county governments across New York if the Senate dispute drags on.

In Buffalo, meantime, an anti-tax group released a ten point plan of what it calls "real reform" for New York State at a press conference in Niagara Square. Free New York President Jim Ostrowski says his group is pushing for less government spending and increased personal freedom.

Ostrowski criticized what he called the "fake reform" in Albany.