Suozzi Commission Calls for Property Tax Cap

Meanwhile, while he doesn’t appear to be openly campaigning, Tom Suozzi spent yesterday in Albany addressing one of the top issues, if not the top issue, facing Upstate New Yorkers—property taxes. The Nassau County Executive, who has served as Chair of the Governors Commission on Property Tax Relief, presented Governor Paterson with the commission’s recommendations.

“The report contains 32 recommendations, including a property tax cap and several additional proposals designed to rein in school districts’ costs, therefore addressing the root causes of high property taxes. Included in those recommendations are consolidation measures, mandate relief, mayoral control of school districts in the “Big Four” cities, and a STAR “circuit breaker," according to the Gov's release.

Mr. Suozzi has successfully brought the issue of property taxes to the forefront of the public debate in this state…the main reason for the creation of this blog…if he can bring a resolution to the issue—if he can bring about a cap or somehow lead legislators to address property taxes—than he will be adopted by our Upstate communities that have been screaming about property taxes since before George Pataki came into office. Yes…I go back that far…and I was part of the call for change. Unfortunately it never came and we continue to look to Albany and Washington for help. Suozzi has been looking to fix Albany and a presence in Washington will give him the platform he needs to get us the help we need.

Bring on the property tax cap and then send Mr. Suozzi to Washington. We need a Senator who will carry our cause to the Capitol.

Clinton Nomination Clears Way for Rampant Speculation

With President-Elect Barack Obama’s nomination of Hillary Clinton as Secretary of State now formally announced, we can expect the speculation of who will replace her in the Senate to increase.

Here are some names I’ve seen and heard in the last 36 hours: Bill Clinton…yes, that’s right...Bill Clinton; Carolyn Kennedy; and Robert Kennedy Jr. Friends of Robert Kennedy have launched a group on facebook.

Nita Lowey says she doesn’t want it. Steve Israel does….as does Carolyn Maloney. Kirsten Gillibrand did not respond either way when asked. Nydia Valezquez is in the mix, as is Gregory Meeks. Brian Higgins, from Western New York is as well. Tom Suozzi and Andrew Cuomo are often mentioned together. Who did I miss?

A day after the nomination and speculation is running high. The question is will we have to wait another 49 days to know?

Statement from Governor Paterson on Clinton's Appointment

“Since the founding of our nation, New York has often sent our best leaders to Washington where they confronted the great challenges of their day. We are proud that Senator Clinton will join that venerable tradition as Secretary of State. She is the leader we need to partner with President-Elect Obama to confront the international challenges we face today. I can think of no one more qualified for the position at this critical moment in our history.

“New York will lose a powerful voice in the Senate. But the nation will gain a powerful voice in the world. Senator Clinton's wisdom and record of leadership will make her a strong advocate for the cause of liberty, human rights, and the rule of law. Her courage and experience will give our nation a tested warrior in the fight against terrorism and extremism.

“On behalf of all New Yorkers, I want to thank Senator Clinton for her service to this State. I look forward to continuing to work with her in her new capacity.

“In order to appoint the best possible candidate to replace Senator Clinton, I am consulting with a wide variety of individuals from all across New York State. I expect to announce Senator Clinton’s replacement when the position becomes officially vacant.”

The clock is now ticking...the Inauguration is on January 20, 2009...50 days.