A Response to Brooks’ State of The County
Saturday’s D&C has County Leg Dem minority leader Harry Bronson’s response to Maggie Brooks’ address:
However, as we celebrate these success stories, the county’s fiscal condition continues to deteriorate. Of all 62 counties in our state, Monroe ranks at the bottom in credit ratings, a key indicator of fiscal well-being. The “chronic” $30 million to $40 million budget deficit has become a permanent fixture. “Borrow and spend” budget planning, one-shot cash infusions and back-door tax increases continue to be the mainstays of Republicans’ fiscal strategy. One-shot budget fixes, including taking future revenues to pay for today’s expenses, have led to an alarming decline in the county’s net assets — about $400 million over the past six years. If Monroe County were a business, it would be out of business. The State of the County address lacked any mention of how to address these financial problems.
The worst credit rating of all 62 NY counties? I did not know that. Maybe that’s what happens when you mis-use county labor, and make closed-door sweetheart $13 Million deals with corrupt companies.
He goes on, talking about Ren Square:
For all the talk of being a collaborator, Brooks chose a confrontational tone by saying to the community “get on board or get out of the way” regarding her Renaissance Square project. We demanded change after eight years of a similar “Bush-style” mantra and we need change here in Monroe County.
Democrats support a collaborative style of leadership. We believe in working as partners to tackle fiscal matters, including coming up with ways to shift to a pay-as you-go approach. Raising property taxes is not an option, as it only shifts the county’s financial burden to already overstretched, overtaxed citizens
Monroe County is in a tough position because the same tried and failed top down “solutions” continue to be recycled and passed of as GOP policy. Dem amendments and legislation are regularly shut down before they even get out of committee, and so the GOP basically has run the county single handedly for many years. How’s that working out for us?
It’s funny how Brooks often gets credit for “bipartisan spirit” yet doesn’t really implement it. Think about the unFAIR plan, Public Defender selection, etc. But it’s still going on– consider the recent parks and recreation crap - dropping a board member because she opposed the plan. Again, how is that working out for us?
It isn’t just Maggie - is is the Monroe County GOP governing culture. Do as I say.
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