Political Roundup: Schumer’s busy year on the road

Jan. 05--Say what you want about U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer.

And as he's the Senate minority leader, people do have plenty good -- mostly Democrats -- and bad -- many Republicans, including Pres. Donald Trump -- to say about his stances on various issues affecting the country.

But he sure does get around New York.

His office Thursday sent out his annual 62 County Memo for 2017, which details in lengthy fashion accomplishments national, regional and legislative accomplishments for the year during his visits to each of the state's counties for the year.

What follows is just a sampling of the topics that he talked about and/or helped secure funding for in the Rochester-Finger Lakes region: Lake Ontario shoreline flooding, malt barley insurance coverage for craft brewers, winter storm Stella-induced small business tax deadline extensions, attacks of invasive species -- in particular, hydrilla -- and surplus Concord grape juice purchasing, to name a few.

Of course, a big one close to home is that he "removed bureaucratic obstacles to green-light" the start of the $141 million Canandaigua VA Medical Center modernization. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers approved and released bids in the fall, with a plan of hiring a contractor by next month, for the project. That includes renovating existing buildings and creating new ones, such as an 84,200-square-foot outpatient clinic.

And he didn't even mention visits he made last year to homes in Victor and Canandaigua to talk about property tax exemptions.

Another item worth noting, even though it's out Auburn way.

Schumer said that shortly after being elected to the U.S. Senate in 1998, he authored and passed legislation requiring the federal government to explore how to best preserve the legacy of Harriet Tubman, the abolitionist and civil rights hero who spend her latter days in the Cayuga County city.

A year ago this month, the federal government signed documents establishing the Harriet Tubman National Historic Park, "not only solidifying Tubman's legacy for future generations, but also creating a tourism boon for Auburn and the surrounding area," the memo notes.

What's on tap for 2018? Perhaps the end of the memo provides a clue.

"See you next year, New York!"

Political Roundup, a clearinghouse of announcements and developments in local politics, runs on Fridays in the Daily Messenger. To submit an item for consideration, email senior reporter Julie Sherwood at [email protected].

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