Seward unveils ‘Real Solutions’ legislative agenda

Jan. 18--HERKIMER -- State Sen. James Seward, R-Oneonta, proposed an upstate summit with Gov. Andrew Cuomo during his visit to Herkimer County on Thursday while listing his legislative agenda and listening to the concerns of local representatives and community members.

Seward said the summit would focus on "concerns that are unique to upstate," noting the governor has attended other summits on other topics, including yogurt, beverages and tourism.

"I will be making a formal request in a few days to convene in such a summit," said Seward to Herkimer County legislators and community members who attended the event in the Legislature chambers. "I'm hoping he will agree with me."

Seward said, however, if Cuomo doesn't come through, "[I will] work with my colleagues to get the job done one way or another."

Seward, who recently was sworn in to his 17th term after being re-elected, is now in the minority party in the Senate -- which came as a result of the 2018 general election. The Democratic state Legislature has made way for Cuomo to move forward with a more progressive agenda.

On Thursday, Seward spoke about the "Real Solutions" budget plan that he wants to see included as part of the state budget. It includes balancing the budget without any new taxes or fees and providing relief to taxpayers; fixing the state's affordability crisis to help middle-class taxpayers and revitalizing the state's economy so families will stay in the area.

Some of the elements of the plan are: forcefully reject any new taxes or fees; fight to impose a state spending cap; make the property tax cap permanent and fight to cut property taxes.

"Next week, we start budget hearings," Seward said, noting he is the ranking Republican on the Senate finance committee. "... We'll be delving into the details and begin deliberations."

Seward was asked how optimistic he was about his proposal being accepted by the Democratic state Legislature and what sort of bipartisanship he can expect.

"Time will tell," he said. "... I'm used to reaching across the aisle."

Seward's visit to Herkimer County on Thursday was part of his annual senatorial district tour at the start of the new senate season.

Herkimer County Legislature Vice Chairman Vincent Bono brought up several items in Cuomo's budget that he had concerns about, including changes to the primary and general elections, the legalization of marijuana, gun control and late-term abortions.

Bono said accidents have gone up in states that have legalized marijuana, along with the insurance rates and health problems.

"I'm not in favor of legalizing recreational marijuana," said Seward, noting concerns he has heard from law enforcement officials and other professionals. He said as far as fighting tobacco and opioids, but legalizing marijuana, "I think it sends the wrong signal."

"I want to concur [with Bono]," said county Legislator Raymond Smith during the question portion of the presentation.

Smith said this includes Bono's concerns about the changes to voting, among them, that volunteers will need to collect signatures in February, when the weather is usually cold and snowy.

"Most of the committee is elderly. It's going to be hard for them," he said.

County Legislator Frederick Shaw said after the presentation that he agreed with what his colleagues said about Cuomo's proposals.

"After the vote in Albany, we'll see if they have morals or if they have dropped their standards," he said.

Other concerns brought to Seward's attention included gun control laws, finding employment for residents age 16 to 24, support for community colleges and funding to help the village of Ilion as it works to improve its water supply and infrastructure.

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