Guiding True Political Reform in the State of New York
22 May
Here are some reactions to Tom’s decision to move to Florida.
American Issues Project says it comes down to a simple question: are you entitled to the money you earned. Read that HERE. Other takes on Monroe Rising HERE and on the Lonely Conservative HERE.
The Watertown Times says other people will follow HERE while the Retail Alliance says it’s an important statement here.
Other takes from Albany Insanity HERE and Buffalo Pundit HERE.
What’s your reaction? Tell us in the comments section.
31 Responses for "Some Reaction"
Hopefully we can all work together and take on Albany. Join us at Http://TeaNewYork.com
Stachowski must resign, Antionne Thompson is next.
Hello Tom:
I hope you will stay and run for Governor. We need a replacement for Mr. Patterson.
I am not critical of Mr. Patterson’s physical disability. It is not his fault. I am however, critical of his political dumbness, deafness and blindness to the issues that the people of New York deserve to have addressed in a positive and meaningful manner.
At age 74 I am frightened for my children and their children if the State and Federal Democrat socialistic policies of tax, spend, and grow government continue.
I am next to the youngest of 16 children who were raised on principles of truth, honesty, respect, hard work and service to country (4 brothers and I served in the military). The corruption in our present Congress,
Administration (especially the Cabinet), and Judiciary is destroying our country and I fear we will end up like Mexico, Russia and the long list of other corrupt governments around the world. We need to replace these thugs in 3–Piece suits before it is too late.
Tom, please stay and help us who desperately need your vision for a better New York and United States of America.
Thanks,
Dave
Tom, what more can we say that you have not already said? Just when do our Govt Officials do their job they were hired to do and not inundate us with babble anymore. They overspend and run govt not like we working class have to run our businesses. What other job can you go into and simply raise taxes, akin to putting a gun to the taxpayers heads? School budgets out of control, property taxes killing us all and wages in NY sliding down every day. There is little room to exist in this State any longer. Our local Govt’ has shown us just how to be ineffective and have a set of you know what to stand up to the Federal Govt and get our share of tax money. They push downtown to no end and then complain when people do not share their poor vision. This is the worst State next to California which is overtaxed as well.
There is no future in Rochester or the State for upcoming talent from our local colleges. The City’s thought of business in Rochester is another Nail Shop, Barber Shop or Bodega. How pathetic is that?
Get out Tom while you can and don’t look back.
Good riddance, Mr. Golisano! I want the level of service that I share with my fellow New Yorkers. I am also willing to pay for it.
I have no quarrel with fighting to reduce wasted spending and unecessary pork-barrel projects. I am all for trimming down the bureaucracy and forcing elected officials to work together.
I don’t even mind the conditions that allow you and others like you to accumulate riches beyond the imagination of other New Yorkers.
So, flee with your billions to your imaginary utopia! Whine about your terrible mistreatment at the hands of others, but do it somewhere else.
Like every other New Yorker, you had one vote! And now that you are leaving us, you don’t even have that!
Sorry–if you loved NY, you’d stay and do something about it all.
I don’t blame you at all. Your talking about a tremendous amount of money this state is costing you. They will eventually force everyones hand and the ones that can will move. I have 10 years before retirement and this state will be in my rear view mirror when that time comes. It is not going to get better.
As for the comment regarding services provided to us New Yorkers that is not the issue. The issue is the excessive cost.
Ask yourself. Why is everything so much more expensive in this state compared to others? Just take a look at some of the facts in Mr. Golisano’s letter. We are way above the averages. Not even close. WHY WHY WHY!!!
I am in a different situation. I left NY years ago, always with the thought that upon retirement I would return to spend summers at my boyhood home in the Finger Lakes.
I started my own business, was reasonably successful (not as successful as Tom ) but did well, much better than I ever could have done in the anti-business climate that is prevalant in NY.
Now, as retirement approaches, I find that there are a number of places, including Florida, where I can retire and lead a much more comfortable life without the high taxes and the high cost of living at my boyhood home.
The liberals and the unions have just made it too damn expensive.
no matter how much you love new york it is impossible to stop the spending and when I retire I to will leave the state I was raised in because of the unfair taxes I look at $500.00 of my monthly retirement going to pay property taxes who can afford that
I think Tom’s move to Fla was an important and patriotic step. If we don’t stop the insanity in the near future there will be more than 50% of the people living in the state dependent on NYS and federal government…game set, match!
My husband and I collectively have ONE HUNDRED AND THREE YEARS in the work force in NY.. Yes, that’s right, l03 years !!! We are both working part time jobs to try and keep the beautiful home we’ve built and hope to SOMEDAY retire in…Property taxes are ridiculous in this state and NO ONE is listening. We don’t blame Tom Galisono AT ALL….more power (and money) to him, he deserves it and he’s done WONDERFUL things for our beautiful (expensive) state of NY.. GOD bless you sir and best of luck.
Tom,
I agree with everything that you have documented. It makes me sad that you will be moving due to this situation, yet it is truly understandable. There is no reason for you or anyone to be taxed (punished) for being successful. You have touched the lives of every individual in upstate NY in some way. It may be their “Paychex” or their children at the Golisano Children’s Hospital. You have given so much of yourself to the community, thank you.
I believe that many NYers want to see changes in the government but do not know what to do to make a difference. It all seems so big and overwhelming “what would one little voice do?”
This reminds me of a dysfunctional family. The family members that get along with the parents get exactly what they want, where the members who do not agree with the parents are not heard, or worse yet ignored. I feel there is a huge number of individuals who honestly do not know how to make their voices heard.
Our school taxes are going up yet our education goes down. I am not sure that I can point a finger at the teachers unions. I believe that the education of our students is a combined effort with the parents. I find that the parents are so focused on making a living that they don’t have time for their children. I see an underlying sense of “I want, I deserve, and you should provide this for me!” attitude from not only the adult’s but from the children.
I grew up in the era of “give the man a fish he eats for a day, give the man a way to fish feed him for a lifetime”
I want people to think….about what they do, how they do it, the effects on those around them….be responsible.
Rebecca
I wish I could join you but don’t have the $$ to make the move right now. I love this state but the politics are rotten and we need to start voting the long time incumbents out. Actions speak louder than words.
Good luck Tom.
Little pockets of disharmony aren’t going to stop the shenanigans in Albany - its going to take a statewide effort and must have enough durability and focus to get the attention of the legislative body in Albany. The feeble backlash from the population in upstate NY state does nothing but make them stronger and more confident in ignoring the constituency of the state.
Golisano leaving means nothing to them - except possibly another detractor leaving the state.
Modern politicians will go down in history as the ones that ruined a great way of life with their greed and ineptness.
Mr. Golisano,
I voted for you and would again. I believe anyone in NYS who is even slightly aware sees the good you do in every sector of our lives (health, education, business, etc.). They would be grateful for your unselfish attempt to heal this totally dysfunctional State. However, there are too many special interest groups who have strong political ties. They care nothing for the well being of our State nor the residents who struggle to support it. We get so little for our tax money and people are so discouraged and have so little faith that change can happen that they choose not to vote. If a school budget is voted down, it is voted on a month later, so few even bother. Our schools, our public education is pathetic. This is our future and we can’t buy an education for our children; I think our taxes and our graduation rate have proven that.
You have done more for this State and certainly for this community than anyone. It is very sad that you are forced to leave and those who keep destroying our financial life stay indefinitely. I’m sure they will never have to leave because their public pensions and benefits keep growing inspite of the financial shape of this State.
Thank you for all you have done. God be with you and God help us!
Hi Tom, You have said it all and I totally agree! The bureaucracy is so big and corrupt that I don’t know how anyone could ever change it. I don’t blame you for leaving. Thank you for all the giving you have done in Monroe county. Best wishes and good luck.
I too have thought about leaving the state, but my family is mostly here. My brother left 20 years ago and is glad he did. My best friend left 15 years ago as is glad he did. What services do we have here that they don’t have in Florida? Oh yeah, snow removal….
In respnse to Tom’s announcement of departing to Florida….
I was sadened, and felt like he sort of let us down. I initially got involved with this site because i finally thought that we finally had a strong leader, who i had complete admiration, and respect for.
I think we all know that approx. 69% of New York residence would leave tomorrow, If we could onlly sell our homes. We would all like to follow Tom to Florida, however we are stuck here till we can sell our homes.
Sorry Tom, but that’s how i feel…..guy
Hi Tom:
Sorry you are leaving, If I had your money I would take
my wife, kids and grand kids and leave this tax burdened state as soon as possible. But I don’t and will stay here and keep fighting the system. Maybe a tax revolution is in the making.
Don’t believe everything that he has written. My family (husband and 2 grown sons) moved to SW Florida 7 years ago. I’d move back in a heart beat if the winter weather didn’ t exist, can’t take the cold! All that we stay for is the SUNSHINE, and great winters. We have jobs we like, and that isn’t easy down here! Both our bosses are transplanted northerner’s! New York’s health insurance was LESS expensive and better coverage. We pay $140 PER WEEK for my insurance alone, there is no longer a Dr. office co-oay, you pay the whole shot, there is a $2500 deductible before the insurance kicks in for major tests, hospitalization, etc. The property/school taxes have doubled in the 7 years, homeowners insurance is an average of $3000-4000 per year. Many people don’t carry insurance because they cannot afford it! Insurance for the Mobile/Manufactured home community is hard to obtain!
Those are just a few-there are many hidden taxes on things in Florida, higher fees on drivers licenses, auto registration, tires, and so on.
With the economy the way it is here, stay in New York, the grass isn’t really greener here and it isn’t soft like New York’s. Hang in there with New York!!
I Love New York State, just can’t take the winters.
Florida Politians are no better than New York, they have made many, many promises they have NOT kept, and probibly had no intention of doing so, they just wanted to get elected! Stick with what you know in New York State, and work to make it better. FYI-education down here is awful, children are rude (yes they are), the parents are in denial about it. Don’t get sucked in to the “dream” it isn’t better here, just sunnier.
I am very disapointed. I thought we finally had someone with clout to fight for whats right. I thought if anyone can help us you could. Now those of us who can not leave right now are right back where we started from. I’m happy for you that you have those kind of options. wish we all did.
Good for you, Tom! You have inspired me to follow your lead. I already have a condo down in Florida. Now that New York has done away with the STAR rebates, there’s no point left at all to being a NY resident. Albany obviously couldn’t care less about the way upstaters vote. We will *always* be trumped by the hordes from NYC. The only vote they understand is the one you cast with your feet.
So to Stephen Karnisky, of the “I want the level of service that I share with my fellow New Yorkers. I am also willing to pay for it.”, I say be my guest. Have fun sending all your cash to Albany. I’m through playing that game.
Best Wishes to you and your future projects in Florida.
I’m in the process of reducing my property taxes of $9,800 to $934 - South Carolina here I come.
I don’t blame Tom for moving this state is out of control with rising taxes, and other things. Soon all of the NY people will have to move or sell there homes because we can’t afford to pay the taxes and take care of them. Tom has done such wonderful things for NY and now we are making him move. Get rid of goveror Patterson, he’s just hurting all of the people in NY. We need someone who will fight for us not hurt us
Well, school budget time and I am thinking thank goodness it is only a .04 increase , but WAIT, we just recieved a new assessment with a 25% increase ($40,000). Hmmmm, we have no public water, no sewer, our road is in disrepair and now I am paying even more school and county taxes, as I face retirement and our savings that has taken a beating. I love this area, and it is depressing to think that we will probably have to leave. I’m just afraid we won’t be able to sell!
Can’t blame you one bit tom. I just wish my family and friends and I could just up and leave. You are in a great position and you earned it.
I hope you will continue your good work and charitable deeds in the Rochester area.
Please don’t give up on trying to change New York.
We need people like you..
Good Luck in Florida Tom and please continue to help us in New York!!!!! It is a very sad that nobody in Albany listens at all to us but it is our fault also because we keep electing the same politicians. I am glad Brian Kolb like you keeps fighting for us and has a good head on his shoulders and understands what has to happen for things to get better in NY but he is in a minority position like you and that is impossible spot to be in. We also have to take up the fight and let Albany know how unhappy we are and I know that takes effort but if we do not do it nobody will. As New Yorkers we need to start fighting because we have lost Tom and he was one of our biggest assets. Come on New York lets make our voices heard before we loose more Tom’s which we can not afford to do.
The best thing about Tom going to Fla is the publicity it has generated.
Good for you Tom, it is a bold stand, but people ultimately vote with their feet.
I love the critics claiming they are willing to pay for the services our taxes provide, but what they dont realize is what we are paying for that has nothing to do services.
Find me just one of these people that would send in taxes at the highest tax rate voluntarily (if it is such a good idea send in more…that would be patriotic and fair)
Soon, more will do what Tom did and all we will have left is takers not givers.
It’s too bad everyone doesn’t have the means to join you. As soon as retirement gets here I’m gone. I have been hounding the every law maker possible and none seem to care. It’s give me your money and shut up. The governor is blind in more ways than one and I resent him more everyday. He does not have a clue what the hell he’s doing. I asked our state senators about the impeachment process but didn’t get any reply, as expected.
Tom:: The smarter people have allready left.
left rochester/ , and new york to live in florida in 2003;it’s not perfect, but at least I can afford to live, and not just keep giving all my hard money to a bloated governemnt, who just don’t seem to get it !
We are contemplating leaving our beloved home in NY because of taxation. Thanks for all you’ve done. Don’t give up!
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