State Leaders: New Governor Could Bring Needed Change

With Gov. Andrew Cuomo officially sworn in as the state's 56th governor this past weekend, he begins to take the first steps in dealing with the many pressing issues facing New York. Topping that list is a $9 billion budget deficit, continuing concerns about tax rates and shrinking state aid to local schools.

During his inaugural address in Albany on Saturday, Cuomo said there is a lot of disappointment with the government and that there is a lot of suffering with the economy. He also specifically mentioned the challenges being faced by homeowners on Long Island related to high property taxes and shrinking home values.

State Sen. Owen Johnson (R, Babylon) and State Assem. Phil Boyle (R, East Islip) offered their thoughts on the governor's inaugural address.

PATCH: What were your overall thoughts on the governor's inaugural address?

OWEN JOHNSON: I think the governor is dealing with reality and says he wants to make changes and that will be helpful. We've seen what the past two years have brought in spending by the Democrats and (Republicans) tried as minority to make amendments on everything to control it, so maybe we can start making some changes

PHIL BOYLE: I was very excited about the governor's inaugural address and what he's been saying about focusing on reduce spending, lowering property taxes and bringing ethics reform to Albany. 

PATCH: What were the topics you were glad he touched upon?

JOHNSON: As politicians, it is our goal to do what is right and I am optimistic that Cuomo can help bring about change. He said in his speech he wants to reach across the aisle and work together and I hope that means he will be willing to help fight against further spending.

BOYLE: I was happy to hear him talk about a tax cap. He specifically mentioned Long Island where people are imprisoned in their homes and I completely agree. Many people in West Islip and other communities that I represent are imprisoned in their homes due to high property taxes. I would go a little further and say some people are imprisoned in their homes and some are taxed out of their homes. And I know many people over the course of the years who had to sell their homes because of the property taxes.

PATCH: What topics would you have liked the governor to have addressed?

BOYLE: I've always said that the biggest issues on Long Island are the taxes, government spending and ethics in government. If he can focus on those three things — there are other issues obviously that we need to deal with in the legislature in this session — however, getting something done on those three issues are the most important.

PATCH: Do you feel the new governor will be able to end the dysfunctional nature that has plagued Albany for years? What will it take to do this?

JOHNSON: The last few years with the Democrats in charge has been a total disaster but I think Cuomo is on board with making things better. If he is willing to reach across the aisle then we are willing to talk.

BOYLE: Gov. Cuomo has had a long history in Albany and he knows how to get things accomplished. Unlike some of his recent predecessors, who basically went to war with the legislature, I think Andrew Cuomo will have the ability to work with the legislature to finally end the dysfunction.