Mayor Rich David releases statement on 2020 City of Binghamton Budget Legislation

Republican Mayor Richard C. David released the following statement Thursday, signing into law the 2020 Budget Legislation following its approval from Binghamton City Council:

“The 2020 Budget is a responsible financial plan for the City’s future that includes our largest property tax cut to date and reflects the enduring priorities of this administration. From public safety and infrastructure to community development and flood mitigation, we’re fulfilling our commitments to residents and continuing to turn difficult challenges into significant opportunities.

I thank City Council for their bipartisan support of this budget. It’s a road map for not just delivering essential government services but also tackling the tough challenges residents expect us to take on.”

Bijoy Datta Unanimously Re-Elected As Broome County Republican Chairman

(Binghamton, NY) Bijoy Datta was unanimously re-elected tonight to a fourth term as Broome County Republican Chairman in a vote by local Republican Committee Members. Chairman Datta was nominated by Binghamton Mayor Rich David and seconded by Senator Fred Akshar, Broome County Legislature Chairman Dan Reynolds and Endicott Mayoral candidate Linda Jackson.

“It’s an honor to be re-elected to a fourth term as Republican Chairman,” said Datta. “Throughout my six years as Chairman and 20+ years of being involved with local Republican politics, I’m proud that through thick and thin we’ve worked together cooperatively to build a strong team and win elections.”

“Looking ahead to this fall, 2020 and beyond, we’ll keep working hard to recruit great candidates, run aggressive campaigns, and elect Republicans to office who are focused on keeping taxes down and reducing the size of government.”

Also elected tonight were First Vice Chair Chris Dziedzic, Secretary Benjamin Federman, and Treasurer Laurie Gialanella of Vestal. The Committee also formally nominated Mark Smith to serve as the new Republican Election Commissioner to replace Oliver Blaise III, who recently resigned from the position as he runs for State Supreme Court Justice.

Chairman Datta and the Committee also took time at tonight’s meeting to recognize Paul VanSavage, who is retiring from Party Leadership after serving as First Vice Chair for the past six years. Mr. VanSavage also served as Party Chairman for several years in the 1980s.

More information about the Broome County Republican Committee can be found at www.Facebook.com/BroomeRepublicans and www.BroomeRepublicans.com.

Statement from Broome County Legislature Chairman Daniel J. Reynolds on Jason Garnar's misleading comments regarding the County's financial condition

(Binghamton, NY) - "Unfortunately, the County Executive continues to make misleading public comments regarding the County's financial condition," said Chairman Dan J. Reynolds. "For anyone to imply that the County was nearing bankruptcy in 2016 shows a clear lack of understanding of Government finance. At the end of 2016, far from these bankruptcy claims:

• Broome County has an average daily amount of $80 to $90 Million in cash on-hand at any given time.
• Broome County had over $540 Million available in borrowing power.
• Broome County government owned nearly 1/2 billion dollars in assets.
• Broome County departments had over $10 million in unrestricted funds that could have been accessed in an emergency.

The fact is that the Legislature restored the Fair Share 50/50 sales tax revenue split to our partner municipalities, over the objections of the then incoming County Executive, as part of the normal budget process. The County Executive's recent politically motivated comments are reckless and damaging to the County's overall fiscal health and potential economic development possibilities. The residents of Broome County deserve better."

Broome County Clerk Joseph Mihalko Issues Fraud Alert to Help Residents Avoid Scammers

(Binghamton, NY) This morning, Republican Broome County Clerk Joseph Mihalko issued a fraud alert, warning individuals and businesses of potential email scams. Some concerned citizens have reported emails about alleged traffic violations that can only be paid online with a credit card. The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles does not accept payments for local traffic violations. Instead, they are handled at the local municipal level.

“It’s unfortunate that fraudsters are posing as local and New York State DMV personnel to scam innocent people of money over email. These emails and the links within them may contain viruses and other malware,” said County Clerk Joe Mihalko.

“If you had a traffic violation, you would get an official document through the mail from a local court or municipality. Citizens should be cautious about emails claiming to be from local or NYS DMV, and to take the time to research. If you receive a suspicious email asking you to pay money online for alleged traffic violations, do not hesitate to contact the Clerk’s Office at clerkinfo@co.broome.ny.us and we can let you know whether or not it is legitimate.”

Broome Republicans Seek Candidates To Fill Soon-To-Be Vacant City Council Seat

(Binghamton, NY) The Broome County Republican Committee today announced that it is seeking candidates for the soon-to-be-vacant 2^nd District Binghamton City Council seat. The vacancy will take effect at the end of the year with current City Councilman Joe Mihalko set to be sworn in as Broome County Clerk on January 1^st. He was elected in the General Election earlier this month.

The 2^nd District encompasses portions of the West Side of Binghamton. A full map of the District is available at http://www.bcgis.com/website/gisweb/maps/CCD2.pdf).

“We’re looking to fill this seat with a service-minded individual who wants to make a difference and give something back to our community,” said Broome County Republican Chairman Bijoy Datta. “We look forward to reviewing candidates to carry on the good work of the Mayor Rich David and the Republican Majority Caucus.”

Any registered Republican that resides in District 2 and is interested in being considered may send a cover letter and resume to Bijoy@BroomeRepublicans.com or: Bijoy Datta, Broome County Republican Committee, 59 Court Street, Room 707, Binghamton, NY 13901.

In order to be considered, requests must be received by December 10, 2017.

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Bijoy Datta Unanimously Re-Elected as Broome Republican Chairman

For immediate release:  Monday, September 18, 2017

For more information contact: Bijoy Datta, 607-768-7088, bijoy@broomerepublicans.com

(BINGHAMTON, N.Y.) — Bijoy Datta was re-elected tonight to a a third term as Broome County Republican Chairman in a unanimous vote by local Republican Committee Members. Chairman Datta was nominated by Broome County Legislature Chairman Dan Reynolds and seconded by Senator Fred Akshar.

“It’s an honor to be re-elected to a third term as Republican Chairman,” said Datta. “I’m proud that we’ve worked together to build a strong team over the last several years and developed a powerful ground game and media operation.”

“Looking ahead to this fall, 2018 and beyond, we’ll keep working hard to recruit great candidates, run aggressive campaigns, and elect Republicans to office who are focused on keeping taxes down and reducing the size of government.”

Also elected tonight were First Vice Chair Paul VanSavage of the Town of Binghamton, Secretary Chris Dziedzic of the City of Binghamton, and Treasurer Laurie Gialanella of Vestal.

More information about the Broome County Republican Committee can be found at www.Facebook.com/BroomeRepublicans and www.BroomeRepublicans.com.

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Broome County Clerk Candidate Joe Mihalko Calls on Albany to Keep Local Tax Dollars Local

(BINGHAMTON, NY) — Broome County Clerk candidate Joe Mihalko joined local leaders on Thursday to call on Albany to repeal and reform state unfunded mandates keep to more local tax dollars in the community. 

Currently, more than half of all Broome County property taxes collected go to unfunded mandates from Albany and 87.5% of all locally DMV fees collected leave the community.

“Our residents pay some of the highest property taxes and fees in the nation,” said Mihalko. “Too often, they see their hard-earned money go to Albany and never return. We need leaders who will stand up for our community, demand our fair share and pass the savings on to the people we serve.”

Mihalko identified five pieces of legislation to address this problem and called on leaders in Albany to act immediately to reduce the burden on taxpayers and local government.

1. Five-Year Medicaid Takeover for Small Cities (S.1251, Akshar) - Medicaid accounts for 52% of the Broome property taxes. This bill calls for a five-year state takeover of local Medicaid expenses for cities with a population of one million or less. The bill also provides that savings passed along to property tax payers by reducing the allowable levy under the tax cap.

2. Increasing the Local Share of DMV Fees (S.1908, Ritchie/A.3397, Brindisi) - As one of the many shared services local municipalities provide, Broome County is mandated to collect DMV fees and process transactions for the state. The state keeps 87.5% of these fees. This bill would increase the local share from 12.5% to 25% without raising fees for local residents. 

3. Public Defense Mandate Relief Act (S.8114, DeFrancisco/A.10706, Fahy) - Requires state reimbursement to counties the full amount of expenditures for indigent legal services and alleviate another unfunded mandate. Passed by both houses, vetoed by the Governor.

4. Reimbursement for DA Salaries Increases (S.519, Young/A.751, Gunther) - Requires the state to reimburse counties for state-mandated salary increases to District Attorneys.

5. Broad State Mandate Relief (S.2323, Griffo/A.2922, Brindisi) - Requires any state mandated program imposed on municipalities and school districts to be funded by the state. 

Leaders from various levels of local government welcome potential relief from the many unfunded mandates imposed upon municipalities in Broome County.

"I agree with Senator Akshar and County Clerk candidate Joe Mihalko that these unfunded state mandates have to stop. I'm proud that the Broome County Legislature passed a set of four resolutions at our March legislation session calling on the state government to address these issues in the ongoing budget discussions," said Broome County Legislative Chairman Daniel J. Reynolds. "Fred Akshar and Joe Mihalko are fighting for local taxpayers, and this is crucial."

Senator Fred Akshar said he's listened to the concerns of local leaders and has signed on as sponsor and cosponsor of the bills outlined by Mihalko.

“I'm proud to represent leaders willing to stand up and demand fair treatment,” said Akshar. “Albany needs to wake up and realize that the current model of crippling unfunded mandates is unsustainable for school districts, municipalities and the hardworking taxpayers.

As County Clerk, Mihalko pledged to continue to strongly advocate for these reforms.

“Unfunded mandates have repeatedly gutted the budgets of our local governments and school districts, forcing them to do more with less,” said Mihalko. “The State needs take some responsibility and reduce these unfair burdens on our communities.”


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